Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Savanna Bananas will play in 79 stadiums across 74 cities in 3 countries next year. They will perform in minor and major league ballparks, as well as a few non-traditional venues converted into baseball diamonds. One of them may be the most peculiar setup they have ever played in. ​ Historic Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, will host the Bananas vs. Texas Tailgaters game on June 26, 2027. The 77,622-seat football stadium has hosted Notre Dame football since 1930 and will host its first baseball game in 'Banana 360,’ with two diamonds set up in each corner of the field. ​ The format will include a game on two fields, with the clubs swapping fields between innings. It is designed to ensure that everyone at the game has a prime view of the action in the massive football-only stadium. ​ The two-diamond field setup was Jesse Cole's idea, and he had been candid with the staff about what could be done with fans seated near or at the top of the larger stadiums on the Banana Ball Tour. ​ “We responded to fan feedback and observations on how to make the experience better for everyone attending a game at the college football stadiums,” Media Relations Coordinator Maddie Warren said. ​ Beyond teams swapping corners of the field every inning, the backstop and outfield netting may also move. The ‘Banana 360’ field setup will only be used at the Notre Dame game this summer, even though there will be games played at other football stadiums at Auburn, Louisiana State, and Baylor. ​ “The 360 model is a way of improving fan observations at the larger stadiums on the tour,” Warren added. “This year, we’re excited about the 360 model and will give it everything we have, with plans to make it feasible at other stadiums in the future. If you are a fan of traditional ballparks, the same two teams will play a game at Notre Dame’s baseball stadium, Frank Eck Stadium, on June 24. The stadium holds 2,500, and capacity will not be increased for the game. Warren said this was also based on fan feedback from people who enjoy watching Banana Ball in a small, intimate ballpark. ——— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 USG Arena at Blackhawks Ice Center 1801 W Jackson Blvd Chicago, IL 60612 Chicago Steel website USG Arena website Year Opened: 2026 Capacity: 2,000 USG Arena at the Blackhawks Ice Center The Chicago Steel have been a member of the United States Hockey League (USHL), a junior hockey league, since relocating to the Chicagoland area in 2000 from Fargo-Moorhead, where the franchise was known as the Ice Sharks. The organization called Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville home from 2000-2015 before moving its home games to Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva from 2015-2025. The move to Blackhawks Ice Center beginning the 2026-2027 season places the Steel in a newly expanded, state-of-the-art facility on Chicago’s West Side at 1801 W Jackson Boulevard near the Chicago Blackhawks / Chicago Bulls United Center. The facility is also the official Chicago Blackhawks training center. As one of the two new rinks added to the facility, the USG Arena may be the standard for Junior league hockey venues. With seating for up to 2,000 spectators (on opening night they announced a sellout of 1,600), the arena includes a center-hung video scoreboard, ribbon boards, NHL-quality lighting and audio, full broadcast capabilities, and premium party decks. The Chicago Blackhawks (Wirtz Corporation) bought the team from Larry Robbins in July 2023. Larry Robbins ownership erased their dismal playoff record, and the team has become a powerhouse in the USHL, winning championships in the 2016-2017 and 2020-2021 seasons. The Steel won more games than any other USHL team, won two postseason titles and two Anderson Cups as regular-season champions. They played in the final series three times and have seen 39 players with Steel ties selected in the NHL Draft, most notably 2021 No. 1 pick Owen Power, 2023 No. 3 pick Adam Fantilli, and 2024 No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini. With the move to the new home, the Steel updated their logo and uniforms. In my opinion, and many others, the new logo is not very good. It resembles the local Chicago Fire (Major League Soccer), and the colors are the same as the Dubuque Fighting Saints (another team in the league). Food & Beverage 4 The building is open daily for kids and adult hockey from 6 a.m. - 12 a.m. and has a couple of dining options. Raise the Cup Café This café complements the facility's premium dining options with a variety of pastries, including croissants ranging from $5 to $8 (plain, chocolate, almond, and ham & cheese), chocolate morning buns, and seasonal muffins. The menu also features freshly made sandwiches and wraps, such as an egg, bacon, and aged cheddar sandwich, grilled cheese ($10), Chicken Caesar wrap ($12), turkey sandwich ($14), cheeseburger with chips ($13), and hot dog with chips ($10). For a quick bite, visitors can choose from smoothies ($12) and snacks such as yogurt parfaits ($10), soft pretzels ($6), and popcorn buckets ($5). The stand also offers a full array of La Colombe coffee products, including lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew, and seasonal specialties. Of course, there are soft drinks. They serve Pepsi products from $3 to $4. Gatorade costs $4, and water is $3.50. There is plenty of seating in the area. Rocky’s Table & Tap The biggest dining area, Rocky’s Table & Tap, is on the second floor and is a tribute to the late Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz. The Blackhawks boast they elevate classic rink fare with restaurant-quality execution. The menu is anchored by Rocky’s iconic fried chicken bucket ($28 full bucket and $15 a half bucket), smash hamburger or cheeseburger with fries ($12 or $13), grilled cheese and fries ($10), a Chicken Caesar wrap ($12), a full pizza ($16 cheese and $18 pepperoni), fries ($7), and nachos ($12). The dining area has plenty of seating/booths to sit down and eat. I found it odd that you have to order at the bar and then pick up the food at the end of the bar. Alcohol is available in both dining areas. They have Labatt Blue ($6), Michelob Ultra, Goose Island 312 and Daisy Cutter Pale Ale ($8), Athletic (non-alcoholic beverage) and High Noon seltzers ($9), and Guinness ($10). Wines are $11 for a glass or $40 for a bottle. Rocky’s Table & Tap is a full bar. Mixed drinks are $12 or more depending on the drink. Rocky's Table & Tap, USG Arena, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Note: Outside food is not permitted while the concession stands are open. The workers are friendly and provide good service, but service was very slow for food on this particular night; the wait was about 10 minutes. But the game was sold out, and it was the first Steel game, so I am guessing there is a learning curve. Atmosphere 3 The venue features high-end upgrades usually reserved for NHL stadiums, including a 2-sided center-hung scoreboard and video ribbon boards on the ends of the arena. The problem with the scoreboard is if you are sitting at the ends of the arena, it can be difficult to see/read. The scoreboard shows fan interactions, out-of-town scores, player stats, and pregame videos featuring members of the team. There is also a giant-sized banner honoring the 2017 Clark Cup Championship. The facility's lobby has plenty of lounge area with tables, comfortable chairs, and dedicated quiet zones. With complimentary Wi‑Fi, abundant electrical outlets, and inviting furnishings throughout, the space provides a comfortable place to relax or meet with friends. The arena has NHL-quality arena lighting. For me, the arena is too bright. A suggestion is shutting off the row of LED lights over the stands; it would still be bright enough in the arena and on the ice. There is a lot going on at the Blackhawks Ice Center during a Steel game. The facility consists of four hockey rinks separated by the main lobby that is full of kids and parents from local hockey clubs. Speaking of the lobby, it’s very nicely decorated with the Chicago Blackhawks Championship banners. Note, I didn’t see a box office at the site. There is seating on both sides of the ice and no suites. There are two private “party” areas on each end of the rink that can be rented out. In addition, there is an ice-level party area too. The facility has a patio area that can be rented, which holds 150 people. This area offers a view of the Chicago skyline and a place for meet-ups and watch parties to corporate gatherings to team celebrations and family events. USG Arena Interior, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Rusty, a dog, is the official mascot of the team and can be seen throughout the building at certain times, offering hugs to fans of all ages. While there is no designated team store, there are a couple of areas that offer a collection of team gear that includes hats, T-shirts, jerseys, and other small items such as a Steel necklace and foam fingers. etc…. And it would not be a hockey game without the obligatory chuck-a-puck. Neighborhood 3 The area consists of Malcom X College, parking lots, some residential houses, and a highway. The Blackhawks Ice Center is just a couple of blocks south of United Center. If you are looking for a popular spot in all of Chicago, The Billy Goat on Madison is a 5-minute drive away from the Ice Center and is known for its “cheezborgers,” made popular by Saturday Night Live. The restaurant is also part of Chicago lore as being the architect of the Billy Goat Curse that saw the Chicago Cubs go 108 years between World Series victories. There is a Church’s Fried Chicken across the street on the east side of the facility. Fans 4 Historically, average crowds are around 1,000 with the exception of Blackhawks Night that usually packs the Arena to full capacity. So far this season, attendance hasn't changed with the move. Even though the place is not full, the fans there are really into the game and make watching the game fun. Many in the stands are dedicated fans who are invested in the game and are wearing Steel shirts and jerseys. Then there are a few others who travel quite a long distance to take in a contest. Mainly, the Steel appeals to a family crowd, as many of its promotions are designed to bring the little ones out. A Steel game is an ideal way to enjoy good hockey which is not too far from home. Access 5 There is an on-site parking lot. However, since the facility houses a few ice rinks, parking in the lot can be difficult. There is plenty of on-street parking. In addition, it appears they are building another parking lot to the west of the building. If you are taking public transportation: Train: Blue Line: Exit at the Illinois Medical District station, then walk a couple blocks north to the arena. Green and Pink Lines: Exit at the Ashland/Lake or Damen stations, then walk or transfer to a bus. Bus: #126 Jackson: Stops at the facility. #50 Damen: Stops directly adjacent to the arena. #20 Madison: Runs directly along Madison Street, dropping passengers off right at the United Center; then it is a couple of blocks' walk to the arena. Bathrooms are inside the arena and in the lobby. Also, plenty of staff members can be found to answer any questions that may be on your mind. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Steel games are available at three price points: $15, $22.50, and $30. These are close to the USHL average price. I found it strange that the last two rows of Sections1 and 5 on the penalty box side of the rink are bench seating while the rest of the seating is comfortable fold-down seating. The concession stands are reasonable, team merchandise ranges from about $20 for a T-shirt, $30 for a cap, and $90 for a replica jersey, and parking is free. While I did not see a box office on the night I was there, the website states you can buy tickets at the arena. Extras 2 The Blackhawks Ice Center / USG Arena receives one point for its high-definition video board that entertains the fans during stops in play and intermission. The second point is for the Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Fame / Centennial Hall located between the third rink and USG Arena area, which has memorabilia from the Blackhawks 100-year history. The Hall features rotating artifact cases and interactive storytelling of the franchise’s rich history. Admission to the Hall is free and open to the public during facility hours. The space celebrates defining eras, championship milestones, and Blackhawk personnel who shaped the team’s culture. Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Fame / Centennial Hall Memorabilia, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The third point goes to lobby that offers a comfortable place to relax and take a break. A point is deducted for not having banners for the former Steel players who have made it to the NHL. Final Thoughts Chicago loves hockey on any level, and the Chicago Steel management has done a great job of creating a professional and fun experience. The pricing is reasonable, and it's a great night out of the house in Chicago. The Steel represented the USHL and the United States in the 2015 Junior Club World Cup in Yekaterinburg, Russia, capturing the bronze medal while defeating host Russia twice during the five-game, eight-day tournament. During this tournament, the Steel wore two really nice jerseys. Sadly, they don’t wear or sell those replica jerseys anymore. These jerseys/logo would have been a better uniform than the current. Head out to USG Arena to see the stars of tomorrow. Many former Steel coaches and players have graduated to the AHL and NHL. Approximately 20 former Steel players have gone on to reach the NHL, including several first-round NHL Draft selections. In 2021 alone, three Steel players were selected in the first round.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Walter Brown Arena 285 Babcock St. Boston, MA 02215 Boston University Terriers women's hockey website Walter Brown Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 3,806 A Home of Their Own The Walter A. Brown Arena Memorial Skating Pavilion is named for the original owner of the Boston Celtics and former president of the Boston Bruins. The rink served as the home to the Boston University men’s hockey team from 1971 and the women’s hockey team since 2005. When the men’s team moved to Agganis Arena in 2005, the facility became one of the few on-campus hockey venues in the country dedicated solely to women’s hockey. Walter Brown Arena is part of the Harold Case Physical Education Center, which also includes Case Gymnasium directly above the hockey rink. The arena stands on the site of Braves Field, which served as home field of the Boston Braves of Major League Baseball before they moved to Milwaukee in 1953. The Case Athletic Center stands approximately where the left field pavilion stands once stood. The Terriers have qualified for 7 NCAA Tournaments and have played in a pair of Frozen Fours, finishing as national runners-up in 2011 and 2013. Dozens of Terrier alumni have dotted the rosters of NWHL, PHF and CWHL rosters over the years. Food & Beverage 2 A concession stand underneath the grandstand is open for certain Terrier games. A basic menu is served here, featuring hot dogs and pretzels along with various candy and chips. Pepsi products are sold at Walter Brown Arena. Augmenting the permanent stand are a pair of portable stands. The beer stand offers a few choices, including Corona, Miller and Allegash. The Dippin’ Dots stand sells bottled beverages, snacks and their ice cream-ish substance. You can even purchase your Dots in a souvenir BU hockey helmet. Unfortunately, the concessions are not always open for Terrier games, so a trip to the nearby Dunkin’ or convenience store may be necessary before your visit. The Boston University Band at Walter Brown Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 2 If you haven’t visited Walter Brown Arena in a while, you’ll be pleased with many of the improvements made recently. The entire place has received a much-needed paint job and new lighting, which has really brightened up the place and removed that dark 70s aesthetic. Hanging at center ice is a crisp new four-sided video board, which is put to great use with replays, graphics, hype videos and more. The sound system is excellent, as music blares throughout the rink all game long. Unfortunately, the PA announcements do not enjoy the same clarity, and the announcer is very difficult to understand. The band is present for some games, adding much to the atmosphere when they’re in the rink. There’s a small student section at all games, and they do their best to fill the old barn with noise. You might also see Rhett, the Terriers’ mascot. Neighborhood 5 Boston University is an urban campus, straddling Commonwealth Avenue for approximately a mile and a half on the Boston/Brookline border. Located right behind Walter Brown Arena is Nickerson Field, home to BU’s lacrosse and soccer teams. It is also known to baseball historians as Braves Field, which was home to the National League’s Boston Braves from 1915 to 1952. Agganis Arena, home of BU’s men’s hockey team and the NWHL’s Boston Fleet, is on the other side of Nickerson Field. Fans coming to the BU campus will find plenty of choices for dining in the area. If chains are your style, Raising Cane’s, Chipotle, Dunkin’ and Taco Bell are all within a few blocks of the arena. Otto’s Pizzeria, Sunset Cantina and El Jefe’s Taqueria are all favorites of the student body. The neighborhood features a diverse variety of food options, with excellent Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese eateries nearby. The Paradise Rock Club, known nationally for giving bands like U2 and REM their first area shows, is located a block away from Walter Brown Arena. It continues to host both local acts and up-and-coming national acts. Beyond Agganis Arena’s immediate neighborhood, Kenmore Square and Fenway Park are just over a mile away. Not far beyond that are the tourist destinations of Copley Square, Back Bay, Boston Common and Chinatown. All are easily accessed by the Green Line, which has stops up and down Commonwealth Avenue. Boston University Logo at the Entrance to Case Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Fans 4 The growth in women’s hockey nationwide has been mirrored with a growth in attendance at Boston University women’s hockey games in recent years. BU has ranked in the top ten annually in terms of attendance, and in 2025-26 finished fifth in the nation, drawing an average of over 900 fans per game to Walter Brown Arena. Stadium Journey’s most recent visit coincided with the 2026 Icebreakers Tournament, which drew over 800 fans on a Friday night for a Friday doubleheader. There was a good turnout by the student body, and as can be expected, a great turnout by friends and family of the teams involved. The students that show up at Walter Brown come prepared with props, signs and chants designed to distract opponents and pump up the home squad. Access 4 Walter Brown Arena might have one of the most unassuming and nondescript exteriors you will ever see at a facility with its history and status. Located at the end of a dead-end street, there is really nothing to inform you that you have arrived at your destination except for a giant BU logo on the sidewalk near the entrance. The marquee over the door advertises the venue as the “Case Center,” as the building also contains, among other things, Case Gymnasium, home of Boston University basketball. Driving in Boston is a difficult proposition for those not familiar with the city. Streets are narrow and crooked, traffic is seemingly always backed up, and there are construction projects everywhere to further gum up the works. Should you still wish to drive to a Boston University game, Walter Brown Arena is actually not very difficult to get to. The BU campus straddles Commonwealth Avenue, one of the major drags in the city. The rink is located at the end of Babcock Street, a dead-end street. Detailed directions can be found here. Parking is available in a covered lot located across Babcock St. underneath the New Balance Field or in the Langsam Garage at Agganis Arena. On street parking is also available in the area, just be aware of the times that meters are in operation. The best method for arriving at Walter Brown Arena, as well as most points in Boston, is to take public transportation, known as the MBTA, or “T”, for short. The Green Line’s B train has a stop on Babcock Street just steps from the front door of the arena. Walter Brown Arena is located on the ground floor of the Case Center, which houses both the hockey arena and Case Gymnasium. Fans enter the arena’s lobby from Babcock Street or the Nickerson Field entrance. The BU Athletic Hall of Fame is located here, as are the ticket booths. Recent renovations have redesigned and modernized the lobby. It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for a place. Fans will enter Walter Brown Arena at one end of the rink onto a platform that offers standing room views of the action. The concourse wraps under the seating area, with the press box and restrooms at the far end of the rink. It’s amazing to think that these tiny rest rooms served sellout crowds back in the arena’s heyday. Seats closest to the ice are individual folding seats, with molded bleachers at the upper levels. The seats a little further removed from the ice offer better views of the action. BU Terriers Huddle up Before the Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Terriers women’s hockey games cost six dollars, with discounts for youths and seniors. Group tickets cost a mere three dollars. Parking in the lot right across the street from Walter Brown Arena costs ten dollars. There is on-street parking available, but be aware of the hours of operation of the meters. Many fans avoid the cost of parking and aggravation of Boston driving by taking the T to Boston University. A one-way fare costs $2.65 and allows access to much of the city. Extras 3 Banners hang at Walter Brown Arena commemorating Terrier Hockey East titles, Beanpot wins, NCAA Tournament Appearances and Frozen Four appearances. There’s a banner at the far end of the rink honoring the figure skating team’s nine national titles. The Boston University Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the Case Center lobby. Electronic displays and trophy cases honor Terrier legends and championships. A final extra point is awarded for Walter Brown Arena’s historic location. Built on the site of Braves Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Boston Braves from 1915-1953. The Case Center is located about where the left field pavilion once stood. Come early and wander around Nickerson Field to check out the parts of Braves Field that are still in use. Terriers in the Olympics Display at Walter Brown Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Final Thoughts Walter Brown Arena holds a storied place in college hockey’s annals, and is worth a visit by any dedicated hockey fan. While the men’s program may have outgrown this facility, it is great to see this old barn live on as home to the women’s team. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Berglund Center 710 Williamson Rd NE Roanoke, VA 24016 Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs website Berglund Center website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 8,672 Skates and Sticks in Star City In 1971, three premier sports venues were constructed throughout Virginia, including the Norfolk Scope, Richmond Coliseum, and the Berglund Center in Roanoke. The latter, as the premier sports and entertainment venue in southwest Virginia, has hosted several hockey and basketball teams over the years. Today, Berglund is currently the home of the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs of the independent SPHL. It has a capacity of 8,562 fans for hockey and features eight restrooms and six concession stands at the arena. The building received $6.2 million in renovations that included a new heating system, an upgraded electrical system, and, the replacement of all of its seats. The building had hosted hockey in the past that included the Roanoke Express (ECHL) and the Roanoke Valley Vipers (UHL). The Yard Dawgs entered in 2016 and its nickname and logo pay tribute to the region’s railroad heritage. The city has a long history as a railroad hub and the arena is near the nearby Roanoke Shops and train lines operated by Norfolk Southern Railway. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of options at Dawgs games to satisfy a variety of appetites. Cheesy favorites seem to be the best-selling concession item, from mac & cheese ($4) to grilled cheese ($5) to fried cheesecake ($7). There’s also a cheesy hot dog, cheese curds, BBQ mac & cheese, and finally, cheese sticks. Of course, the classics are still up for grabs as well. They include pretzels ($5), popcorn buckets ($10), nachos ($5), Polish sausages ($5), jumbo hot dogs ($4), chips ($2), candy ($3), and sodas for $4.50 each. Bottled water is $4. Alcohol is also on tap, ranging from domestics for $7 to crafts for $9. The Big Lick Brewing Company, a local joint, has a special “Paws & Pucks” beer available for $7. Last but not least, stop by Gate 3 for a breakfast treat – you can get a delicious waffle loaded with the toppings of your choice for just $8. Atmosphere 3 A railroading town through and through, Roanoke is undoubtedly proud to have a hockey team that capitalizes on the city’s Steamtown lore. The Rail Yard Dawgs tend to put on a good show for their crowds, beginning with the blue smoke that pours into the seating bowl during the Dawgs’ entrance. Enter Sandman, whether an ode to nearby Virginia Tech or not, is still good listening and accompanies the team onto the ice. Speaking of the ice, it’s a bit swampy and watery – but what sheet in the South isn’t? Another potential detractor is the noise level of the PA announcer. No, he’s not too loud; rather, he’s much too quiet and is often drowned out by the crowd, the game, or both. But don’t let any of that stop you from getting up and getting loud when the home team scores – an electric diesel horn sounds when the Dawgs find the twine. It’s a very slick sound that’s apt for a locomotive-minded city such as Roanoke. Neighborhood 4 The Berglund Center is located near downtown Roanoke and all that the city has to offer. Two main attractions are located here and are worth a visit if you have time. Railroad geeks will want to stop at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, which only seems fitting if you’re also visiting for a Rail Yard Dawgs game. This large station contains over fifty pieces of rolling stock, including two Norfolk & Western Engines, along with many other steam and electric trains. There are also wings dedicated to both automobiles and the aviation industry in the state of Virginia. A few blocks from this gem is the Taubman Museum of Art, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2008 and contains ten galleries showcasing primarily 19th- and early 20th-century art. Downtown Roanoke is also home to a plethora of dining options, from laid-back burgers and barbecues to fancy steakhouses and fine dining establishments. It all depends on your tastes, but it’s rarely necessary to wander into the suburbs for a meal at a national chain. Fans 4 There aren’t many fans to pack Berglund Center during any given home game, but the loyalists who stick around are amongst the most engaged in the SPHL. From the typical “you suck!” chants to jeering the opposing players that find themselves in the penalty box…er,… dawg pound, there’s never really a dull moment on hockey night in the Star City. Access 3 Roanoke is the cultural and commercial hub of Southwest Virginia, nestled along Interstate 81 in the Roanoke Valley. I-81 begins at the Canadian border and passes through four states before stretching across western Virginia, ultimately terminating near Knoxville, TN. I-581 provides direct access from the interstate to the downtown core and the Berglund Center is conveniently located just off this spur. The center is surrounded by a massive parking lot, and there’s a $5 charge to park here. If the parking lot sells out (or if you’d just like to nab some free parking), you can park for no charge at a few downtown garages and take the complimentary shuttle bus to the arena. The arena itself is interesting to navigate. Fans aren’t able to walk around the concourse, as it’s closed off at Gates 1 and 12. This is because part of the concourse is used as a non-ticketed lobby of sorts, housing the box office and ticketing windows. Return on Investment 3 The cheapest seats in the coliseum start at $11 and go up to $24. It’s recommended to buy your tickets on the day of the game since they never sell out. By purchasing them online in advance, you’ll be subject to lots of additional fees. The Dawgs occasionally hold $7 discount days, which is an absolute bargain that you should take advantage of. Parking is $5; or, if you’re willing to walk or take the free shuttle from downtown, it can be free. Combined with concessions, a family of four is looking at spending approximately $150 for a hockey outing in Roanoke. Extras 2 The Star City’s most famous landmark, the Mill Mountain Star, is featured on the underside of the center-hung scoreboard – a simple, yet nice touch. The Dawgs have their very own mascot (or perhaps, conductor?) named Diesel, a loveable railyard dog. What else would he be? Final Thoughts It’s a bit pricey to see independent hockey in Roanoke, but if you love old barns and quality gameplay, then it might just be the place for you. Consider chugging on down to the Star City and stationing yourself at the Berglund Center.

Photos by Rodrigo Perez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Carver Arena 201 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61602 Peoria Rivermen website Carver Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 11,442 Peoria Rivermen Hockey Inside the Peoria Civic Center lies Carver Arena, and for over 40 years, it has been the home to the Peoria Rivermen, originally known as the Peoria Prancers. In downtown Peoria, the Rivermen grew up with Carver Arena, as both started back in 1982. Home to the 7th longest continually operating minor league franchise in North America, the Rivermen started in the International Hockey League and have since skipped around leagues. Since 2013, the Rivermen have been members of the SPHL. Since then, the Rivermen have won four league championships, with their latest coming after the 2022 season. Food & Beverage 3 Overall, the concession stand experience is pretty standard for most indoor arenas. There are various locations along the concourse, like the River City Kitchen, Nelson Bros, and Whiskey City Eats. With so many options, wait times are not an issue, as there are various smaller stands with a limited range of items throughout the concourse. With lots of different options and locations, the service is quick despite the lengthy lines. Along with the various eatery stands located throughout the concourse, Brewhaus Bros is the one dedicated alcohol stand that serves Domestic and Imported beers. From specially mixed cocktails to domestic and imported beer, Brewhaus serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, along with classic stadium snacks. Atmosphere 4 From concerts to collegiate Basketball, Carver Arena easily transforms into an ice palace for the Peoria Rivermen. With no shortage of entrances, Carver Arena remains well-lit throughout the game, making it a safe environment for everyone. Various tables surround the concourse area with information on 50/50 raffle tickets, season ticket information, and a wide variety of team merchandise. You can get as close to the action with only a few feet separating the front row and the glass. With a video board above the ice and multiple promotions, the action stays consistent even when there’s no action on the ice. Before the game, the Rivermen get introduced and run through a giant inflatable ship wheel. With the opening festivities finalized, the home team advantage is felt throughout the night. Neighborhood 4 Across the Illinois River, Carver Arena sits past the Bob Michel Bridge on W. Washington Street. With multiple parking and dining options around the vicinity of the arena, there are plenty of pre-game spots available. Kickback on Fulton, Kenny’s Westside Pub, and Ulrich’s Rebellion Room are some bars near the arena. All offer multiple food and beverage options and are just a few blocks away from Carver. In terms of eateries, Hoops Pub and Pizza, Craft309 Kitchen + Bar, Honey Sugar’s Cafe, and Roasting Company - Apollo are alternate ways to take for those just looking to grab a bite before the game. Fans 5 While the Rivermen faithful can get quiet at times, when there’s trouble, they always respond. Every goal or fiery moment on the ice is met with wild cheers from Rivermen fans as cowbells and horns blare across Carver. The Rivermen fanbase isn’t afraid to let the opposing team know that they're not welcome, with boos ringing loud and clear after an unfavorable call for the Rivermen. While Carver Arena usually doesn’t fill up, there are still plenty of fans in the stands for that home-field advantage. A special moment of the night is the call and response between the Rivermen PA announcer and the fans. After every goal, the PA announcer will ask how many goals the Rivermen have, and the crowd will respond, counting up to the number of goals that the Rivermen currently have. Access 4 There are multiple parking options, with the marquee lot being the most appealing option because of its proximity to the main entrance. When the marquee lot gets full, the Fulton lot has plenty of space in case of an overflow, which tends to happen with Rivermen games and because of the limited capacity of the marquee lot. There are also street options and parking decks around the Civic Center; parking shouldn’t be an issue. The Toyota gate entrance is the main entrance that gets you straight to the concourse. If you enter through any of the other entrances, be prepared to do some walking. Carver Arena and the Peoria Civic Center have a clear bag policy that only allows small to medium clear bags. Both hard tickets and the more modern method of mobile entry are available. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $14-26 dollars, depending on whether lower or upper bowl seating. Glass and premium tickets range from $21 to 26 dollars, while upper bowl and Pilothouse will usually go for $14-16 dollars. There is also the option of skipping the ticket fees by calling the ticket office and obtaining tickets two hours before the game. With parking costing $10, a Rivermen game is affordable and fun for any night. With multiple theme nights, they usually involve specialty jerseys that can be won via a raffle at the end of the game. Some theme nights, such as Sunday Family Fun Day, offer reduced ticket prices for children and discounted concession items. Extras 3 The Rivermen receive extra praise for their inventive activities and multiple theme nights with specialty jerseys. From the classic chuck-a-puck to the trucker cam, there is never a dull moment where something interesting isn’t happening. The great-looking landscape that can be seen from any seat earns another point. Multiple banners line up the walls of the arena that showcase the club's past accomplishments and provide nods to past players. The Rivermen landscape adds to the game-day atmosphere. The promotional nights are also worthy of praise as they make an effort to make the Rivermen experience accessible to all. With multiple dates that offer reduced tickets, concessions, and extra activities for kids, it's hard to not praise the effort. Final Thoughts While Carver Arena and the Peoria Civic Center host many thrills, the Rivermen provide a unique experience that's hard to find anywhere in Central Illinois. With passion and support that leaks onto the ice, the Rivermen family makes any game an exhilarating experience. Not every city has a minor-league hockey team, making it one of the most unique experiences in Peoria.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pensacola Bay Center 201 E Gregory St Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola Ice Flyers website Pensacola Bay Center website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 8,049 Welcome to the Hangar Hockey on the beaches of the Florida panhandle is something that might seem crazy to some. After all, the humid subtropical climate and year-round sunshine, combined with a location in the football-crazed south, might make hockey seem like something that wouldn't be a big draw. But for over 25 years hockey has thrived in the minor league loving sports city of Pensacola. Hockey was born on the Emerald Coast in 1996 with the ECHL's Pensacola Ice Pilots, who played until the 2007-08 season. Then after a season of no hockey, the Ice Flyers of the SPHL were founded in 2009 and have played ever since to great success. As of 2024, the Ice Flyers have made the playoffs 13 times and won the President's Cup four times (2012-13, 2013-14, 2015-16, and 2020-21). The team's nickname pays tribute to Pensacola's Naval history, which is only appropriate given the fact that Pensacola is home to one of the largest Navy bases in the country. However, the Navy base may best be known as home to the Blue Angels flight squadron, who perform all over the country throughout the year, but are based in Pensacola. The Ice Flyers play in downtown Pensacola at the Pensacola Bay Center. Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Hangar’, the 8,049-seat venue opened in 1985 and was known as the Pensacola Civic Center for a number of years. From the outside the venue cuts an impressive figure, sitting at the foot of I-110 and being the first thing most people see when driving into downtown Pensacola. Food & Beverage 3 There are four full-service concession stands in The Hangar, as well as several pop-up bars located throughout the facility – there are two concession stands each on the east and west side concourses. On the west side you can find Blue Reef Grill which sells hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, and pretzels, as well as Coop's Chicken Kitchen which sells chicken items such as tenders and sandwiches. On the east side you'll find Five Flags Filling Station, which sells the same items found at Blue Reef Grill, as well as Tarragona Taco Company, where you can get tacos and nachos. For drink selections Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of the Bay Center, while for alcohol local brewer Pensacola Bay Brewery has a stand set up on the west concourse offering all their signature beers (Napoleon IPA, Treasure Grove, Riptide Amber, Lighthouse Porter, Pensacola Premium, and Desoto). You will also find a full-service bar called Slap Shot Bar located in Section 124, on the open concourse on the south side of the building. Atmosphere 4 There's no denying who the main tenant is here when arriving at the Bay Center; signage of past players and championship banners take up the poles in the parking lot, as well as a giant ‘Home of the Ice Flyers’ signs sitting above the main entrance and box office, located on the west side of the building. Pensacola Bay Center has kind of a unique shape with its perfectly symmetrical square design and flat roof. Once inside the building there is one concourse on the second level, designed in a wraparound configuration, consisting of concession stands and a team store – the east and west sides do not offer views of the ice, but the north and south sides do. Pensacola Bay Center has received some renovations in recent years, the most notable being the high-definition LED scoreboard hanging at mid-ice that was installed in 2020. The new board replaced the very outdated dot matrix board from the 1990s, which was so old they couldn't get replacement parts for it. Also hanging from the rafters are the Ice Flyers two retired jersey numbers, as well as banners celebrating the teams’ four President’s Cups. During part of the season they will tarp off the upper decks, making for a much more intimate experience, but there are several $5 admission games throughout the season where they will remove the tarp, allowing fans to sit in the upper deck. The mascot is Maverick, a bald eagle dressed as a pilot, who is a constant presence at The Hangar during games. In addition, when the Ice Flyers score fans will move their fists up and down in unison; this has become sort of the unofficial cheer of the team, as almost 90% of the crowd will participate in this celebration. The Ice Flyers also do a tremendous job making sure every game has a different feel to it, with almost every night having a theme or having the Ice Flyers wear an alternate jersey. For example, this season the Ice Flyers wore jerseys modeled after Toy Story, the Cars movies, Peanuts, Ugly Sweaters, St. Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, and SpongeBob. Photo courtesy of the Pensacola Ice Flyers Neighborhood 4 The Hangar is located in downtown Pensacola, several blocks north of the famous Seville Quarter and all the bars and restaurants of Palafox Street. No trip to Pensacola would be complete without a trip to Rosie O'Grady's – famous for its dueling pianos and signature Hurricane cocktail drink, the place is located in the Seville Quarter, a one-block section of buildings that resemble those you would find in the French Quarter. These buildings, most of which were built in the 1800s, also feature numerous other bars and restaurants as well. Another popular place just down the street from Pensacola Bay Center is McGuire's – this place has been a fixture of Pensacola for over 40 years and gets pretty packed on weekends, with live music in over five bars. McGuire's makes for a great pregame and postgame hangout after Ice Flyers games, but you can also find plenty more bars and restaurants on Palafox Street, as well as tons lining the Pensacola Bay waterfront, about a mile south of the Bay Center. The beaches of Pensacola are located about 10 minutes away as well, where you can find plenty of restaurants and beach-related activities. With the year-round warm weather, it's also not uncommon to be able to go for a swim in the Gulf before an Ice Flyer game. In addition, plenty of lodging can be had, from cheaper hotels near the Interstate to more expensive hotels downtown. During the winter months you may find cheaper rates at some of the hotels on Pensacola Beach, should you want to stay out there. And of course, no trip to Pensacola would be complete without a trip to the National Naval Air Aviation Museum. Located on Pensacola’s navy base, this large museum has many exhibits and over 150 vintage aircraft, and is devoted to the history of naval aviation in the U.S. The famous Blue Angels are also stationed at Pensacola NAS for most of the year, but during the winter months are based in California – if you are lucky you may get to see the Blue Angels fly over while practicing. Fans 4 Year in and year out, the Ice Flyers are consistently one of the top teams in terms of attendance in the SPHL, never finishing below 4th in the League. The 2023-24 season set the record for most tickets sold in franchise history, and they also averaged 5,300 fans per game, also the most in franchise history. Many of the locals remember the days of the old Ice Pilots of the ECHL, part of hockey's I-10 corridor when there were eight ECHL teams from Jacksonville to Lafayette. The teams created fierce rivalries among themselves and brought packed houses to an unlikely hockey market; that fan support has carried over to the Ice Flyers days. The Pensacola area is also unique in that it attracts people from all over the country – with the beaches and year-round warm weather, the area attracts a lot of snowbirds from the north who flock to warmer climes in the winter. You'll encounter a lot of these people at The Hanger, and in addition, Ice Flyers games have a large military presence, with lots of people in attendance from all over the world who are stationed at Pensacola NAS. Access 4 Pensacola Bay Center is located at the southern end of I-1110, a north and south auxiliary road that connects Interstate 10 to downtown Pensacola. With the arena located about 10 miles south of I-10, the Bay Center is not hard to miss as it sits at the foot of the I-110 extension, and is the first thing most people will see upon entering downtown. There are many parking lots scattered around the arena, each charging about $10 to park. Unfortunately the free lots that used to be located about a block south, across from the cemetery, are now paid lots as well. Entering the building you can enter at ice level and walk up to your seats, or you can take the ramp up to the second level; personally I like the ice level entrance better. Once in Pensacola Bay Center everything runs smoothly, although the concession lines sometimes back up during intermissions. Return on Investment 3 Tickets in the east and west lower bowls will cost $19, while tickets in the north and south lower bowls will cost $15; you cannot find a better return on investment for minor league hockey in the south. The Ice Flyers do a great job keeping fans entertained with their constant promotions and theme nights – some of the promotions this season include wiener dog races and a Mardi Gras parade on the ice, so you don't even have to enjoy hockey to have fun at an Ice Flyers game. With the success of the Ice Flyers in Pensacola, hockey will be played here for many years to come. Extras 3 The Pensacola Bay Center is the largest indoor multi-purpose venue on the Florida panhandle, and the arena also receives the national spotlight each year as the host of the Sun Belt Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament, every year since 2021. March Madness takes over Pensacola during this week, and the Ice Flyers usually go on the road. Multiple concerts have also taken place here ever year – Michael Jackson even rented out the building for a few weeks to rehearse for his 1988 "Bad" World Tour; fans would camp out in the Bay Center parking lot every day hoping to catch a glimpse of the King of Pop. Kiss was the first event in the Bay Center when they opened the building in 1985.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Macon Coliseum 200 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31217 Macon Mayhem website Macon Coliseum website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 9,000 Macon Mayhem – Southern Professional Hockey League Montreal, Toronto, Boston, the entire state of Minnesota – these populations are often instantly associated with hockey. Macon, Georgia on the other hand, not so much. “The Heart of Georgia” has a modest, yet very passionate hockey fan base. The Macon Mayhem are the fourth organization to play at Macon Coliseum. Hockey at the Coliseum dates back to 1973 with the Macon Whoopees, and has been the home to two other hockey organizations, the similarly named Macon Whoopee and the Macon Trax. One thing to keep in mind – when it comes to a facility such has Macon Coliseum, the team is leasing the facility and does not have control over some aspects of the overall experience. Food & Beverage 3 Food at Macon Coliseum is not going to be one of the more memorable parts of the visit. It’s not that it would be classified as bad; it’s just what you’d get at any stadium event you’d go to (hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, popcorn, candy, nachos, and fountain drinks). These entrees can be combined with a drink and chips for a combo meal. Prices range from $13 for chicken tenders or bratwurst, $11 for a burger, or $9 for the hot dog combo meal. Cocktail stands are also located on the concourse; well drinks can be had for $10 while premium cocktails start at $15. Wine and 16 oz domestic beers are also available for $8. Local brewery Fall Line has a selection of their line of beers, but one of the most unique beer options is Dry County Brewing’s Macon Mayhem branded beer, Mayhem Lager. Atmosphere 4 From the outside the Coliseum has the appearance of a pyramid under construction. The main building looks similar to what it did when it was first built in 1968, but a more modern entryway was recently added, which uses a cradled M as part of the architecture. Once inside, the soaring roofline creates a very open feel to the arena. Within this vast openness an updated video scoreboard hangs over the playing surface where a much smaller one had previously been. The larger videoboard does a much better job at filling the void created by the very high roof. Seating is divided into rink side and an upper tier of seats. The far end of the arena provides for some group seating at ice level. The most popular seats appear to be toward the front of the second level of seating – these seats provide for a view with limited obstruction from the glass along the side boards. During the game the in-house MC does a good job engaging the crowd following penalties or other stoppages in play. He also provides commentary on the ebbs-and-flows of the action on the ice to help keep the fans energy up. Mac, the team mascot, is also very active throughout the game, either interacting with fans throughout the stands or riding his three-wheeler though the lobby area. While the Coliseum defiantly is not packed, there is a fun hockey atmosphere throughout the venue. Neighborhood 3 Macon Coliseum is located just across the Ocmulgee River from downtown Macon. Downtown Macon has several restaurants for many different tastes; just over a mile from the Coliseum is Cox Cafe. While the area is more industrial than a restaurant district, the food is undeniable. A bit closer to downtown is the locally renowned Rookery which is known for its burgers. Also, local brewery Fall Line Brewing Co. is just a 5-minute drive from the Coliseum. If looking to make a stay in Macon the most convenient location is the Macon Marriott at City Center. The hotel is located directly next to the coliseum and makes for a short walk. If proximity from the venue is not a priority, either the Hilton Garden Inn or Courtyard by Marriott adjacent to the Mercer campus would be good options. There is plenty to make a full sports experience from a visit to Macon. Mercer University is within a 10-15 minute drive, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame is just 5 minutes away, as is Luther Williams Field, the current home of the Coastal Plain League’s Macon Bacon. History buffs may find the Harriett Tubman Museum of interest, while music enthusiasts can find museums for local artists The Allman Brothers, Otis Redding, or Little Richard. Fans 4 Hockey is not typically associated with being massively popular in the southern states, and might even take a backseat to soccer. Despite the level of statewide interest in hockey, there is a very passionate fanbase for the Mayhem in Macon; many of fans come clad in game used Mayhem sweaters. Mayhem fans defiantly make their presence felt throughout the game. Many of them come equipped with cow bells that they rattle following each save from the goalie, or each time the team kills off a penalty. Even though the Mayhem’s attendance does rank toward the bottom of the league, it does not impact the overall excitement. While larger attendance numbers defiantly would increase the positive atmosphere, the current smaller crowd doesn’t create the feel of an arena lacking interest. Instead, the passion shown by the fanbase paired with the lower attendance numbers makes visitors feel as they are part of a special group of fans. Access 3 The coliseum is located directly off I-16, with just one turn to make within a quarter mile of the parking lot. The area is currently undergoing major construction, however, which can make navigating the highway a bit challenging. Making your way around the venue can be a bit of a challenge at times. The walkway is a bit narrow and can be a bit confusing to navigate once the game has started, since the handicap seating area gets blocked off. The arena is set up to encourage fans making their way around the arena to use the inner concourse, but this area does not provide views of the game. Return on Investment 4 Taking the family to a Macon Mayhem game is definitely an affordable event. Parking at $5 is comparable to what you’d pay for parking at most minor league sporting events. Most tickets range from $9 for upper-level seats to $14 for the lower level. Tickets against the glass are a bit more on the higher end at $34. Pricing is also dynamic, though, so it is all subject to change. Where affordability is lost is with the food prices – while prices are pretty much in line with what you’d expect to pay at most sporting events, the cost for what you’re getting just doesn’t seem to match the expense. This though is not on the Mayhem, as they are not the ones setting prices. Extras 3 It’s hard to put a finger on exactly what it is that makes a Macon Mayhem game such a good experience. The fans who would be considered regulars show a great deal of passion for the team and the game. Players fight tooth and nail, figuratively and literally, which goes a long way in sustaining the support and admiration from the regulars. The organization also has a great mix of entertainment to complement the game; all these factors combined create a feel for visitors that many organizations miss on. The Mayhem have specialty nights for each home game, so every visit should have a certain theme or special event associated with it. Also, over the course of the season there are 7 jersey auctions, which is part of what creates a great connection between fans and players. The Mayhem Lager adds a small, but special touch to the experience. While specialty branded beers have started to become more popular, there are not a lot of organizations who have their own brew like the Mayhem have with Dry County Brewing. One thing that seemed to be missing was any acknowledgement of the teams from the past. There are no banners to recognize any of the teams who had previously played and won championships. Part of this might have to do with recent ceiling renovations the venue underwent during the summer of 2022. Final Thoughts It’s understandable why some would be skeptical about hockey in Central Georgia. The reality though is it’s difficult to go to a Mayhem game and not have a good time. There might be some shortcomings as it relates to the arena, but the entertainment the Mayhem provide combines with the game and fan involvement, create a fun evening of hockey for all.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum 500 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. Knoxville, TN 37915 Knoxville Ice Bears website Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 6,500 Good ‘Ole Hockey Top When one mentions Knoxville, Tennessee, the first thing that comes to their mind probably isn’t hockey. Football, the Volunteer brand more likely than not, is what’s usually at the front of everyone’s brains. But hockey has a decent following in the region nonetheless, perhaps fueled by the success of the nearby Nashville Predators of the NHL. Two hours east of Music City, fans are coming out in droves to see the independent Knoxville Ice Bears tear through their league each night at the Civic Coliseum. The Ice Bears were founded in 2002 as one of the charter members of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League. They spent just one season before moving to the South East Hockey League for the 2003-04 campaign. After another single-season stint in the SEHL, the Ice Bears finally joined their present circuit, the SPHL, in 2004. During their tenure in the SPHL, Knoxville has become the league’s winningest team, securing four President’s Cups and an equal number of regular-season titles. For the entirety of their existence throughout three leagues, the Ice Bears have called the Knoxville Civic Coliseum their home, ripping through opponents here on a nightly basis. The multi-purpose arena was built in 1961 and has a capacity of 6,500. The building has hosted hockey since its opening from the Knoxville Knights (1961-1968), and Knoxville Cherokees (1988-1997), and since 1992 has been the partial home to the Tennessee Vols hockey club. Before the 2019-2020 season, the coliseum went through $11 million in renovations that included the replacement of the original ice floor, the installation of a center-hung scoreboard, remodeled restrooms, the LED sports lighting has been updated to reduce glare and shadows on the rink. Food & Beverage 5 There’s an unprecedented amount of variety present among the concessions at the Civic Coliseum, so you don’t ever have to worry about going hungry during Ice Bears games. Some of the main dishes available include cheesesteaks, ultimate nachos, chicken or beef tacos, barbecue sandwiches, Polish sausages, pizzas, and hot dogs, which no venue is considered well-rounded without. There are still other items from flatbread pizzas, smoked sausages, taco salads, grille chicken salads, taco salads in a tortilla bowl, and chicken tender baskets with fries. Snacks are also served at most of the counters, from peanuts and popcorn to pretzels and potato chips. Dippin’ Dots has a cart in the arena too, as does a local coffee shop called Pedal Java. The Hockey Top Sundae is a brownie topped with ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and peanuts. Alcohol is also prevalent throughout the building and includes beers, cocktails, and bottled beers from brands like Yuengling, Budweiser, Michelob, Miller Lite, Shock Top and Blue Moon are on tap for anywhere from $5-$15. Pepsi-branded sodas are $4.50 and bottled water is $4. Atmosphere 5 The Knoxville Civic Coliseum, while itself a dated venue, is a genuine old-timey barn that’s fantastic for hockey. Built-in 1961, the Coliseum had seen three franchises take the ice before the arrival of the Ice Bears in 2002. In general, the venue was already accustomed to the sport when the team made its debut. Entering the arena, you’ll be funneled into what’s called “Exhibition Hall.” This part of the building is non-ticketed, so you’ll need to get your hand stamped if you enter the seating bowl and wish to get back to the main lobby. There are a few concession options in Exhibition Hall, but there are also plenty of options in the two concourses located behind the sidelines. The Coliseum’s seating bowl consists of folding wooden seats, with enough space to hold 6,500 spectators. However, an entire end zone (sections FF through KK) has a partially obstructed view of the ice. Any fans sitting in these areas are unable to see part of the surface behind the goal line. Also, underneath this end zone is where you’ll find the venue’s restrooms. Wooden Seats at Civic Coliseum, Photo by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Whatever the Civic Coliseum lacks in flair, the Ice Bears have made up for in the area of the fan experience. The team has nailed their game day presentation, from the pre-game festivities to the in-game effects. One of the coolest bits comes during the ceremonial puck drop when orange lights flood the ice and Rocky Top is blasted over the sound system. This hit is instantly recognized by Tennessee Volunteers fans, as it’s popularly played at all Vols sporting events. It’s pretty great that the Ice Bears have adopted this tradition as well. During the game itself, the PA announcer and the sound effects work in tandem to create an amusing and fun atmosphere for everyone. One example where this is executed perfectly is when a fight breaks out on the ice: the PA guy declares the scuffle a “minor disturbance,” and the Beastie Boys’ Fight for Your Right to Party starts playing immediately. Neighborhood 4 The Civic Auditorium and Coliseum are located just east of downtown Knoxville off of the James White Parkway, a stone’s throw from Volunteer Landing on the Tennessee River. It’s a quick 3 or 4-block walk to Gay Street, the site of most of Knoxville’s happenings. Here, you’ll find the famous Tennessee Theatre, the popular shopping and dining spots of Market Square, and the retro excitement of the Sunsphere. A remnant leftover from the 1982 World’s Fair when it was held in the region, the Sunsphere is today the most recognizable structure on the Knoxville skyline. It’s worth the short elevator ride to the top to take in the commanding views of the downtown area. Additionally, sports fans must take the opportunity to visit the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame when in Knoxville. The Hall of Fame is the only facility of its kind dedicated solely to women’s basketball, and that’s thanks in part to legendary Lady Vols’ coach Pat Summit. This informative museum is also home to the world’s largest basketball, a fiberglass monstrosity that weighs approximately 10 tons. Fans 3 Although the crowd, in general, is pretty mellow, there are a few groups of fans that are die-hard Ice Bears fans. One particularly loud devotee chants “ICE. BEARS.” when the pre-game skate begins. The PA announcer, seemingly aware of his presence, gives pause to let the guy do his thing. A small group, cleverly named “Knocksville", is also parked behind the away team’s bench. During the game, they yell in chorus about how much the visiting team “sucks.” One fan even occasionally bangs on a drum to get the team, and the crowd, involved in the action. There’s never a dull moment during Ice Bears games, thanks to these supporters who never say die. Access 4 Knoxville is the heart of eastern Tennessee and is situated at the intersection of three major interstates. I-40, which runs west-east, provides access to Nashville and Asheville. I-75 goes to Kentucky in the north and Chattanooga in the south, while I-81 terminates just east of the city and winds in a northeasterly direction toward Virginia. The James White Parkway provides direct access to the Civic Coliseum from I-40, so the quick flow of traffic means getting to the game couldn’t be easier. Once you’re within spitting distance, you’ll find ample parking available at the venue’s lots and garages. The cost is $5, and only cash is accepted. Return on Investment 2 Ticket pricing is broken into four tiers: Silver, Gold, VIP, and Box for adults, seniors, and youths. Adult tickets range from $18-$36, seniors are $16-$36, and youth prices are $10-$36. Depending on your price points the choice is yours as to how much you want to pay for a ticket but with your prices as low as $10, it makes for an inexpensive night for a family of four. Parking is $5. Once at the game, you’ll find the food options to be fairly priced as far as sports venues go. Extras 2 The Knoxville Civic Coliseum earns a point for being able to maintain an old-timey feel while still offering modern amenities. The coliseum earns points for having just created a new mobile app, showing that the Ice Bears are committed to staying current and retaining relevance with their fan base. Final Thoughts Whatever the Civic Coliseum lacks in flair, the Ice Bears have made up for in the area of the fan experience. The team has nailed their game day presentation, from the pre-game festivities to the in-game effects. While it’s not the most glamorous hockey barn out there the Bears still offer a rewarding game day experience for fans of all ages. Anyone who enjoys the sport should find a way to get to a game on “good ‘ole Hockey Top.”

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Propst Arena At The Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW Huntsville, AL 35801 Huntsville Havoc website Propst Arena at The Von Braun Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 6,600 Havoc Rising The Huntsville Havoc is a professional ice hockey team in the SPHL. They play their home games at the Probst Arena of the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville, Alabama. The team began to play in the 2004–05 season, following the defunct Huntsville Channel Cats of the South East Hockey League. The Von Braun Center is a multi-purpose facility with many different venues under its massive roof. The Mark C. Smith Concert Hall, a continental-style venue that seats 1,955, is a performance hall that is great for Broadway, ballet, symphonies, and concerts. South Hall and East Hall are great for conventions and trade shows. North Hall is an elegant facility to host formal food functions and dinners. There’s also a small proscenium hall named the Playhouse. It seats from 303 to 502 depending on the event. A new music hall called the MARS Music Hall was just recently added as well and is where you will see many medium-sized rock and Americana-style touring groups. The arena opened on March 14, 1975, as the Von Braun Civic Center and has been the home to lower-level hockey teams that include the Huntsville Blast (ECHL) and the Channel Cats (SHL/CHL/ECHL). The Channel Cats captured two championships in 1999 and 2004. The Havoc has added three league titles to their resume in 2009, 2017, and 2019. Food & Beverage 4 There are many good concessions staples in the facility and the prices are reasonable and the options are all very good. The items are hot, fresh, and of good quality. The basics are here hot dogs, nachos, burgers, chicken baskets, and pizza slices. The arena also has an array of local beers from the area that include Yellowhammer, Blue Pants, Below the Radar, and Rocket Republic. Atmosphere 4 The Probst Arena is an older-style arena with a large upper concourse, a smaller lower concourse, as well as a series of seats right at ice level. The views of the action on the ice are very good and there are scoreboards at either end zone of the arena. The viewing experience in the building has been improved with the addition of LED lighting and 12 new LED panels. Even though it is an older venue, Propst Arena boasts a surprisingly contemporary atmosphere. Upon entering, visitors pass through security and have their tickets scanned within a bright, glass-enclosed atrium. This welcoming entryway also serves as the central hub for the team's merchandise store and various pregame activities. Once inside the bowl, the seating arrangement is split into three main tiers. Down by the glass, the ice-level suites feature standalone high-top tables and chairs, sitting just in front of five rows of padded vinyl seats located below the inner walkway. Above this concourse sits the primary seating section along both sides, sweeping upward in a distinct bell-curve shape. The energy ramps up right away, however, with an engaging pregame light presentation and hype video cast directly onto the rink. Whenever the whistle blows, the breaks in action feature a highly entertaining, minor-league vibe, complete with fans in soda can costumes racing across the ice, a promo team chucking Styrofoam pucks into the stands, and the usual mix of jumbotron games and dance cams. The intermissions keep the momentum going with more on-ice competitions and rides on the popular "fanboni." Neighborhood 4 Huntsville is now the largest city in Alabama with a population of over 215,000 people. Downtown Huntsville is also becoming a nice quaint place for a stroll. There will be a few food and drink options down there as well. The area is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command nearby at the Redstone Arsenal, and the state-owned US Space & Rocket Center. The replica Saturn V at the center can be seen quite aways away, especially on the nearby UAH campus. The Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment complex is an old factory and mill that houses numerous small artist studios as well as food and drink from options like the Piper & Leaf Artisan Tea Company. Fans 5 A sign near the ice proudly proclaims Huntsville as “The Hockey Capital of the South”, a well-earned moniker. The Havoc has great fans who know the game well and support the program nicely. The team leads the league in attendance with close to 5,000 per game. This number would be impressive in most minor and independent leagues and it is hard not to applaud the fans for their support of hockey here in the south. Access 4 Huntsville is served by several U.S. highways, including 72, 231, 431, and an Interstate highway spur, I-565, that links the two cities of Huntsville and Decatur to I-65. There is a parking garage across from the arena, as well as a few other paid lots in the immediate area. One can also often park for free at downtown parking meters after 5 pm if you are willing to walk a bit further. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Havoc game start around $20 and go up depending on what level of seating you desire. With the higher-cost seating, you get the unique experience of watching the game from your café table with ushers taking your food and drink orders, something that is rare in other minor league arenas and greatly appreciated by even non-hockey fans. The concessions are reasonably priced and offer a diversity of foods not typically found in a smaller market. Parking is generally around $5 as the lots around the Von Braun Center are owned by the city, not the team. The parking is cheap compared to venues in bigger cities. Extras 4 The Von Braun Center is a great extra all on its own. There are often multiple events going on at the same time. It is worth looking at their schedule to see what other events are happening. One should also stop at the Saturn V rocket that sits outside the U.S. Space & Rocket Center on the outskirts of downtown. Downtown Huntsville is becoming a destination all on its own. Make sure to get to the game early and wander around Courthouse Square or Big Spring Park. Fans can scan a QR code on their way into the arena to be part of the pregame light show during player introductions. Final Thoughts Huntsville, Alabama may not be what you would consider a good hockey town, but the Huntsville Havoc of the SPHL makes this a great hockey destination.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Crown Coliseum 1960 Coliseum Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28306 Fayetteville Marksmen website Crown Coliseum website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 8,500 Making its Mark in Fayetteville While not built specifically for hockey, the Crown Coliseum has been home to minor league hockey since it first opened its doors in 1997. Until 2001, the Fayetteville Force kept the Coliseum full and the fans made it loud. Unfortunately, the novelty of hockey wore off with the locals, and the team folded along with many when the CHL condensed. The next year, the FireAntz came to town and several years later, the team continues to rank in the upper half of SPHL attendance. The club acquired its current nickname after the 2016-2017 season when new ownership changed the name of the FireAntz to the Fayetteville Marksmen. The change reflects the city of relationship with the local United States Army post, Fort Bragg, as well as the native Carolina red fox. “The fox identifies with the Marksmen, as it is indigenous to the area, but is also wild, cagy, and ferocious characteristics showcased on the ice. And, much like the team, the fox exhibits a softer, cuddly side for kids, school events, and non-profit atmospheres,” team President Jeff Longo said. “With the community involvement, our mascot will be a role model for kids in Fayetteville, help bring attention to fundraising initiatives and provide entertainment at every game.” Food & Beverage 4 Crown Coliseum has an impressive spread of concessions. Just about anything you would want to find at a sporting event, the Coliseum is bound to have it. There is a huge, open area that the staff affectionately calls “the food court.” The food court features four different stands along with numerous carts. Coca-Cola is the beverage choice. Outside of the usual concessions, there are nuts, pastries, smoothies, and BBQ sandwiches. If you can’t find something you like at Crown Coliseum, you probably aren’t looking hard enough. Atmosphere 4 Even when the fans are into it, the Coliseum is bigger than most minor league arenas and it tends to drown out some of the energy. The Marksmen bring in an above-average amount of fans, yet it feels like less because the Coliseum is so big. The emptiness aside, the club knows how to make fans happy. There are theme nights, promotions galore, and many other ways for fans to get involved. The theme nights are all listed on the team’s website. There is scout night, military appreciation night, star wars night, and kids night, which is when I attended. For kids' night, each kid that bought a horn is invited to come onto the ice at intermission and blow as loud as they can. The promotions and games are generic (chuck-a-puck, dance-off, etc.). One issue the Coliseum has is the lack of multiple cameras. During games that focus on individual fans, it is hard to see them due to the lack of cameras. The Marksmen only have one camera, and it cannot focus on any one fan. In 2013, the Marksmen added an area for fans that is called “The Pub.” A simple idea, an open spot on the club level features a bar, a TV, and several tables. This offers fans a different perspective on the game at no extra charge to them. Neighborhood 1 The coliseum itself is part of a much larger complex called the Crown Center. Much like the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, the Crown Center has a small arena, ballroom, expo center, theatre, and the coliseum itself. The only problem with the Crown Center is the lack of business around it. The area offers ample parking, but few options for post-game festivities. The team tries to combat this by organizing post-game hangouts at Carolina Ale House, located not too far from the Crown Center. Fans 4 Although you may not believe it at first, these fans know a thing or two about hockey. They are loud and behave like some of the best puck heads around. The only problem is that there aren’t enough fans to fill the Coliseum. The fans that do come are excellent, banging on the boards, starting their cheers, and wearing the team’s jerseys. The only thing that detracts is the fact that the fans don’t fill the Coliseum. The Marksmen rank near the top of attendance numbers in the SPHL, yet the Crown Coliseum makes this rather large fan base look relatively small. Access 3 Fayetteville, North Carolina is part of the state’s I-95 corridor, making it an easy city to visit from anywhere on the east coast. The Crown Coliseum is only about 15 minutes off of the highway, an overall easy drive. Once inside the complex, the availability of parking is subject to what else is happening at the Crown Center. The night I attended, Bill Cosby was performing at the theatre making parking a little challenging. When the team is the only event of the night, parking is much easier. It may be a good idea to check schedules and see what else may be going on before you head out to a Marksmen game. Return on Investment 3 Even though it’s about on par, I can’t help but feel like $14 is a bit much for an upper-level ticket to a minor-league hockey game (a lower-level league as well). The story is the same with concessions. While not much more expensive than the average concessions, it just feels like you’re paying for more than what you are getting in return. Extras 3 The management goes to great lengths to try and get the town involved. These events happen about once a month and are simple ways that the team interacts with the city. There are post-game hangouts at the local Carolina Ale House, pre-game pep rallies at Hooters, meet and greets at Fazoli’s, and post-game on-ice meet and greets. One thing that amazes me about the Marksmen fans is the number of jerseys in the crowd. Normally, you expect to see a few of the team’s jerseys, but many other professional teams mixed in (especially with the Carolina Hurricanes being so close in Raleigh at PNC Arena). I don’t think I saw a single jersey that wasn’t a Marksmen one. I felt almost out of place not wearing one. The Marksmen name and logo tie in well with the local area and is a very sharp-looking design in the world of minor league hockey, When other clubs in the SPHL offer hokey and goofy designs, Fayetteville makes its “mark” with its jerseys and logos. Final Thoughts The Fayetteville Marksmen are an example of what minor league sports should be about. With a pro team only an hour away, the team knows that they have to be different from them. They embrace the city of Fayetteville and in turn, it seems the city has embraced the team. No minor league arena (or major league arena for that matter) is without its flaws, but the Crown Coliseum is an overall great place to see hockey, even if it’s not in a typical hockey market. The Crown Coliseum may not be the greatest hockey venue, but it is certainly one of the SPHL’s best.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ford Center 5600 Division St. Evansville, IN 47715 Ford Center website Evansville Thunderbolts website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 9,000 A Bolt of Thunder in Evansville It was officially announced in March 2016 that the ECHL Evansville Icemen would relocate their operations to Owensboro, Kentucky after the conclusion of the season. The team also announced that it would be on hiatus and resume play for the 2017-2018 season at the renovated Owensboro Sportscenter in hopes of building a new facility somewhere down the road. However, those plans fell through and the club wound up moving to Jacksonville, Florida. Enter the SPHL and placed an expansion franchise in town for the 2016-2017 season. The club was nicknamed the Thunderbolts after the WWII Fighter plane that was manufactured in the town. The Evansville plant produced 6,000 P-47 Thunderbolt planes and helped save the town during the war. The Ford Center is beautiful, modern, and perfect for minor league hockey with a seating capacity of 9,000 people. The $127.5 million indoor facility opened in 2009 and has been home to hockey since 2010. The cutting-edge design featuring a gorgeous interior and exterior design does not try to represent buildings of the past but set the tone for the future. The design should look as sharp now as it will 30 years from now. Food & Beverage 3 There are various concession areas throughout the main concourse that offer hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken tenders, pizza, mini corn dogs, French fries, popcorn, pretzels, and nachos. The prices are reasonable, and there is something for everyone. The more unique options are highlighted by chipotle cheddar burgers, loaded nachos with chicken or beef, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and grilled chicken sandwiches. The nachos are big enough to share for two and are a bargain at $8. If you are with the kids, they will enjoy chicken tender baskets and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. There is also a kiosk that serves falafel and baklava. Bud and Bud Light cans sell for $7.25 a can and local Carson’s Red Dawn and Tin Man Rivet are on tap for $8. Wine and well drinks are also available costing between $7.25-$8. Atmosphere 3 The game-time atmosphere at the Ford Center is somewhat peculiar. There is a lot of action taking place in the main lobby where fans enter and are greeted by staff personnel, the official team mascot, and Iceman cheerleaders. There is usually something that is given away for free and I can’t think of a better way to start your evening of hockey. Fans then hop on the escalator and move up to the main concourse toward their seats. This is where they will find the official team merchandise table, ticket information, and the Chuck-a-Puck table. It is also where they would find the majority of the concession menu items of the arena. There is a lot of synergy taking place on these two levels and one feels very energized before the game. Ford Center Escalators, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Once fans enter the seating area and get a view of the ice, which was decorated in pink graffiti for Breast Cancer Awareness Night, they might take a look around the venue to see where everyone is at. They must be patient since fans arrive at the game right before the faceoff. However, looking around one might get the feeling that hockey takes a back seat to the Evansville Purple Aces basketball program; a collection of championship banners, retired jerseys, a memorial, and memorabilia in the front lobby adorn the building. Deservingly, the Aces have been the main sporting event in town for many years. Neighborhood 3 The Ford Center is in a nice part of downtown that appears to be up and coming. Fans walking the streets before and after the game are within a stone’s throw away from the Backstage Bar and Grill, Milano Italian Cuisine, and the Children’s Museum. Less than two miles away is Franklin Street which offers a few additional great restaurants including Lamasco Bar, Gerst Haus, and Bru Burger in a renovated Greyhound bus terminal. Carson’s Brewery is an ideal spot for craft beer, especially Carson’s where one can sample 25 different beers including Vanilla Cow, Sweet Leaf, and Red Hot Harlot, a cinnamon-infused honey blonde ale. Tami will serve you quite well in the room. Tip her well. There are plenty of lodging options in Evansville. They include the Fairfield Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, and Baymont Inn & Suites. The only decision is price and location, but you’re sure to find a nice price somewhere in town. Fans 4 The team has averaged between 2,000 to 2,300 fans during its time in the SPHL. The Evansville hockey supporter has been through a lot during the last decade. They welcomed the Icemen into ECHL in 2010, only to lose them to Owensboro in a public fiasco with its owner, and then quickly welcomed in an SPHL team. This could be quite irksome to any fanbase, but they have shown respectable support for minor league hockey in the River City. Another interesting note is the copious amounts of different jerseys worn by the fans during the game. There must have been at least 12 different styles during my final visit to see the Icemen in Evansville. Access 4 Being a downtown location you would think it would be difficult to find a parking spot. However, that is not the case for the Ford Center. There is free parking a couple of blocks away from the arena in vast lots. Many locals complain about the distance, but the walk does not seem to be that much of a problem. Inside the arena, there are plenty of restrooms that serve men, women, and families. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Bolts games start at $13 for upper deck seats and top out at $32 for glass seats. This is common with the other teams in the league and affordable with other minor league operations. You have your choice of ticket prices and the arena has more than enough tickets on most occasions. The parking is free and concession prices are varied and reasonable. Extras 3 The Ford Center provides great views of the ice from your seats and there is not a bad seat in the house. It is a great size for a minor league hockey arena and features a wraparound concourse for easy access. One final point for the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) for finally connecting Evansville to Indianapolis with the nearing completion of I-69. Instead of a 3-plus hour drive through multiple state roads and downtown squares, a motorist can drive a two-lane highway in much less time. Final Thoughts The Thunderbolts have created a new piece of history for the sport in the River City. Evansville’s history in minor league hockey is much younger compared with other teams in the league but they might just play in the best arena in the SPHL. The Ford Center is a fabulous state-of-the-art indoor venue for minor league hockey. The fanbase is strong, supportive, and knowledgeable; just give them a good product, and they will be back.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Pelham Civic Complex 500 Amphitheater Road Pelham, AL 35124 Birmingham Bulls website Pelham Civic Complex website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 4,100 Pelham Civic Complex – Birmingham Bulls Approximately 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabama is the suburban city of Pelham, home of Pelham Civic Complex and the Birmingham Bulls. There has been some form of hockey under the name Birmingham Bulls off and on since 1976, with teams playing in the World Hockey Association (1976-79), the Central Hockey League (1979-81), the ECHL (1997–2001). These versions of the Bulls would play at the now Legacy Arena. Hockey would make just a one-year return to the Birmingham area for the 2003-04 season, this time in Pelham with the Alabama Slammers of the World Hockey Association 2. Following a thirteen-year hockey hiatus the current incarnation of the Birmingham Bulls would come to fruition in the SPHL at Pelham Civic Complex in 2017. Food & Beverage 5 The food available at Pelham Civic Complex might be the deepest in all minor league sports, and quite possibly could stand up against just about any major league franchise. From burgers to dogs and sausages, to wings and pizza, entrée options are almost endless. Snacks include the usual chips and candy, but dive deep into fried pickles, fried okra, hush puppies, and even mini corn dogs. Combo meals including catfish nuggets, BBQ sandwiches, or a Cuban sandwich. Beer and liquor are plentiful as well, but beer options are more centered around domestic brands, with not much of a craft beer selection. Also, having three primary concession stands and four bars spaced around the arena helps keep lines and wait times down. Atmosphere 3 With its low roof line, it’s hard to picture a four thousand seat hockey arena inside Pelham Civic Complex. Within the playing area black seats encircle the rink, but do not make the playing area feel too small, but rather give it more of a cozy feel. The size of the arena is just about the perfect size for the Bulls and their fans. A four-sided scoreboard hangs above center ice, but given the low roof, the panels on each side are shorter than most scoreboards, even those in smaller arenas. During play the scoreboard shows a live feed of the action on the ice, and gives time, score, and shots-on-goal totals, along with any time remaining on power plays. During breaks in the action it is also used for hype videos and advertisements. There is plenty to keep fans entertained throughout the game, including fan cams, on-ice contests, and engaging music to keep fans entertained during stoppages in play. Also the team mascot, Toro, makes appearances around the arena and on ice. There is not a bad seat in the house – when choosing a seat, sitting at the top of the sections help eliminate a semi-distorted view created by a portion of the ice having glass in front of it, as the rest is unobstructed. Fans with accessibility needs have a section dedicated to providing them with a full-length view of the ice, rather than sitting mostly below the sideboards. Neighborhood 3 Pelham Civic Complex is tucked behind a row of gas stations, hotels, and regional and national chain restaurants that connect I-65 and Pelham Parkway. However, the arena has such a wide variety of choices on its concessions menu that a pre-game meal might not be necessary. If you are still looking to grab a bite before or after the game, though, nearby Creekside BBQ would be a good choice. Beer enthusiasts might also enjoy a visit to The Beer Hog with its two-hundred craft beers and sixty-five taps. Nature lovers might enjoy exploring the nearby Oak Mountain State Park with its various outdoor activities. The arena is also neighbored by Oak Mountain Amphitheater, and sits across the street from a still in-progress, mixed-use development that will feature restaurants, retail shops, and apartments. Fans 4 Fans start piling up at the arena’s metal detectors about an hour before the doors open. The inadvertent clatter of cowbells also rattles up and down the line in anticipation of being allowed in. A group of rather rambunctious fans pick the seats at the far end of the rink, right behind the visiting goalie. They have dubbed themselves the “10H8 Rowdy Bunch” – this bunch is quick to heckle anyone on the ice who is not in a Bulls sweater, by comparing their performance to that of a vacuum. Fans work themselves into a frenzy at the announcement of a power play. This is when the previously clattered cowbells are now paired with the sound of a vuvuzela, as the fans stomp and clap in hopes the Bulls are able to muster a power play goal. Access 3 Pelham Civic Complex is located less than a mile off Interstate-65 heading into Birmingham. With Birmingham being the junction of four major interstate highways (I-20, I-22, I-59, and I-65), the area is accessible from several of the metropolitan areas in the southeast. Once at the arena, most parking is to the right side of the building, and is just a short walk to the front entrance, which is the only entry point for non-season ticket holders. Season ticket holders have a VIP entrance on the main parking lot side of the building. The main lobby fills quickly as fans file in to purchase apparel, Chuck-a-Puck opportunities, jersey raffles, and 50/50 tickets. It can take a bit of work to get through the lobby at first, but as fans start moving toward their seats the lobby empties out. There are four main entry points into the rink – two doorways enter directly to a small area of seats on either side of the near end of the arena, while two other entry points are used to access seats on each side of the ice. To the left of the main entrance, fans will walk upstairs to an inner walkway that wraps two-thirds around the rink, and make their way down to their seats from there. To the right fans, walk below the stands and come through tunnels to get to the seating area; either side of the rink is easily accessible. Return on Investment 3 Prices for tickets are not substantially expensive, but they might be a tick higher than expected for minor league hockey. Typical general admission tickets run $15 plus another $5 for parking, so fans are $20 in before walking through the doors. Inside the arena, well-priced concessions do a good job balancing out the ticket and parking rates. Most snacks of substance are $6-$7, while baskets, such as entrées with fries, are $10. Extras 2 The Birmingham Bulls app allows fans to take part in interactive in-game contests, as well as check game stats in real time. In the SPHL, almost every night seemingly has a theme, gate giveaway, or jersey auction – there always seems to be something special going on at each game. Final Thoughts When you move away from the bright lights and thousands upon thousands of seats at the highest levels of professional hockey, you tend to find some of the most passionate fan bases in all sports. These levels allow fans to make personal connections with players and vice versa. Fans in these arenas care deeply about their teams, and that feeling bleeds through to the enjoyment of attending a Bulls hockey game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Emmy Smith, and Jennifer Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 M&T Bank Stadium 1101 Russell St Baltimore, MD 21230 Baltimore Ravens website M&T Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 70,745 Home of the Ravens The Baltimore Ravens gave the fans of “Charm City” a new beginning in 1996 when they started operations after the Cleveland Browns moved to the Maryland city. As part of a settlement between the league and the city of Cleveland, Art Modell was required to leave the Browns’ history and records in Cleveland for a replacement team. Since their “new beginning,” the Ravens have won two Super Bowl titles. The city of Baltimore has a history of winning teams. The Baltimore Colts won the NFL Championship game before the Super Bowl even existed, in 1958 and 1959, as well as the Super Bowl in 1971. The Baltimore Stars of the USFL were led by coach Jim Mora to that league’s championship in 1985, the final year of the league and team. And of course, the well-loved Canadian Football franchise, the Baltimore CFL Colts/Stallions, won in 1995, before the Ravens came to town and prompted their move to Montreal, where they became the Alouettes. Those seven championships show that Baltimore is a hard-nosed football town with a history of success. After playing their first two years at the venerable old Memorial Stadium, the team has made what is now known as M&T Bank Stadium home. The 70,745-seat stadium has undergone numerous renovations over the years. The team continually updates the stadium in many ways each year, and it always feels fresh and new. The Ravens announced a multi-year project (2024-2026) to enhance the Stadium with significant projects. The Ravens are using a projected $430 million of the $600 million of state funds allotted for stadium improvements. The funds came with the renewal of the Ravens' lease, which will keep them in M&T Bank Stadium through at least the 2037 season. Most of the projects are now done, leaving the stadium feeling fresh as new. Food & Beverage 5 The Ravens have good-quality concession stands around the stadium. Many stands offer options such as beer, chili bowls, pizza, and hot dogs. Stands have generic names, such as Goal Line Grill, Kickoff Classics, and the Chesapeake Market. There are also outposts of local favorites, as well as Shake Shack. There are also a few full-service bars scattered around offering top-shelf spirits and premium drinks. Several kiosks also sell a variety of domestic and craft beers. The stadium has followed Atlanta's lead and begun offering many lower-priced, value options. This has made an already good food experience even better. Atmosphere 5 From the Ravenswalk area outside the stadium to the purple seats and concourse lighting, the Ravens have set a fine stage for enjoying NFL football. Expect the games to be loud inside the stadium. Every play, whether on defense or offense, will have fans screaming at every detail. Even memorable team plays are carefully reviewed. The fans are knowledgeable about all aspects of the game. Ravenswalk leads the fans from downtown and Oriole Park towards M&T Bank Stadium. It has always been a good place for fans to enjoy pre-game activities. The team has increased the entertainment and food offerings in this area, making it an even more enjoyable place to spend some time. Make sure to be in this area when the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band makes its way towards the game. One favorite here is the cocktail bar, which offers decent-priced drinks and a pretty impressive Bloody Mary bar. One should also stop by to see the text of the former facade from Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, which is on display between the two stadiums. The text was a memorial to those killed in the two World Wars. The main words of “TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS” remind visitors of those this nation lost in the past. The line is a quote from Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The large video boards, known as RavensVision, past both end zones, are amazing visual spectacles. The vertical screens in each corner enhance the game viewing options. The Ravens cheerleading squad and mascot Poe offer traditional cheering options. Note that the cheerleading squad has a male stunt squad, as well. The Poe mascot has now seen his brothers, Edgar and Allen, re-added to the mascot mix. In 2022, the brothers stood in for Poe when he went down with a devastating wing injury. The fans are happy to see all three at the game in 2023. The "MO" in Baltimore is colored differently in the end zones from the rest of the city name. This is to honor the late Mo Gaba, who passed in 2020 at the age of 14. Mo was a Baltimore super-fan who, despite battling cancer for most of his life and later losing his sight, became a favorite of all Baltimore athletes. Gaba was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in July 2020 and, in 2019, became the first person to announce an NFL draft pick written in Braille. The Ravens continue to honor Mo 3 years after his passing. The stadium signage is consistent, modern, and appropriate. Purple lighting effects are seen everywhere. The team is constantly adding new ways to enhance the purple-ness of the stadium. Signage, flashing LED lights, and screens make you see purple everywhere, just as they want. One major complaint of M&T Bank Stadium had been the lack of escalators to the upper deck. But a few years back, they added escalators to this area, so fans no longer have to hoof it up and down stairs or long ramps. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood is generally the same as Oriole Park at Camden Yards, but it does suffer a bit because it is farther from downtown Baltimore. The newly opened Horseshoe Casino, located south of the stadium, has the potential to make this “other” side of the stadium more and more critical to the Ravens’ social scene. Close to the stadium, and right across from Oriole Park, are Pickles Pub and Sliders Bar & Grille. The Federal Hill neighborhood is also close by. The Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination and is a short walk from M&T Bank Stadium. There is a movement by a local developer to redevelop the already famous Harborplace into a state-of-the-art living and working area. Currently, the existing pavilions are closed. Baltimore is home to many touristy attractions, such as Fells Point and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, though its unique collection may not be for everyone. Baltimore is, and has always been, an urban environment where you should stay aware of your surroundings. Use common sense, and everything will be fine, you will have a great time. Fans 5 Baltimore is a football town. They love smash-mouth football and have no problem if the defense wins the game by smothering their opponents. Even when there was no NFL team in the city, they embraced football variations offered by the USFL and the CFL in ways other cities may struggle to match. Fans will still respect fans who wear the opposing team’s colors, but they should not expect too much love. The fans are serious about the Ravens and defensive football. Just like at Oriole Park, the Ravens’ fans commemorate the local creation of the Star-Spangled Banner, and the love of the other big league team in town, by shouting a loud “O!!!!!!” during the appropriate spot in the anthem. In other places, this would seem disrespectful, but in Baltimore, it shows the love for the country and the team. If you hear that yell at different parks throughout the country, rest assured that there is a Baltimore fan in the house. Fans also love to chant along to “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes. Access 5 M&T Bank Stadium is right off I-95, with only a couple of turns putting you on the highway home. Parking garages are located in all directions from the stadium. Street parking is not a great option. Parking near the Inner Harbor is a good option. Check the parking link on the Ravens’ website to find bargains that are a pretty close walk away. If you’re not driving to the game, the other primary mode of access is the MTA Light Rail. From points north and south of downtown Baltimore, you can take the train to the ballpark. The Light Rail is slow, so make sure you know that beforehand. The crowds will be overwhelming after the game. Return on Investment 4 An NFL game is expensive. There is no way around it. You do get a good deal because of the high entertainment value and the extremely high level of competition. Parking costs, if done correctly and cheaply, can help alleviate some expenses. The Ravens make sure the fans know they are valued for spending their money on the team. Free programs are available for all games, and the pregame ritual of walking the Ravenswalk (located between the two Camden Yards stadiums) is a treat for all fans. Extras 5 The Johnny Unitas statue is located at the end of Ravenswalk, in front of the stadium, it is a gathering spot for pregame meetings and a place to honor the Baltimore Colts legend. A Ray Lewis statue was later added to celebrate one of the other most important Baltimore football players. Ravenswalk is the place to be and watch the excitement of the game day grow to a fever pitch. One of the few marching bands in professional football, the Marching Ravens plays at Ravenswalk and at various points during the game. This is the same band that was known as the Baltimore Colts’ Marching Band and was started in 1947. The newly spent renovations and additions have made the purple colors and signage seem consistent and scream out RAVENS at every turn. Final Thoughts M&T Bank Stadium shows that the Ravens have done an outstanding job with their franchise. The fans who attend will always have a memorable game day experience and get good value.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stouffville Arena 12483 Ninth Line Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario L4A 1C2 Strouffville Spirit website Stouffville Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 335 Smells Like Hockey Spirit The Stouffville Spirit were founded in 1995 as the Stouffville Clippers in the OPJHL. They were sold before the completion of their first season to Ed Hakonson. The Clippers moniker was a nod back to the previous Stouffville Clippers who played at the Junior C level from 1970 to 1984. After being sold in that first season, the Clippers rebranded as the Stouffville Spirit and have been members of what is now the Junior A OJHL ever since. They have had modest success but had playoff issues until they took home the Buckland Cup as OJHL Champions in 2012. Chris Tanev is included among their alumni. The Spirit are currently owned by Chris Tambos, Zeev Werek, and Kenny Burrows. Home for the Spirit is the Stouffville Arena. Located in the former town of Stouffville, now part of the larger Whitchurch-Stouffville town, north of the City of Toronto, part of the Greater Toronto Area, Stouffville Arena offers a pair of ice pads and community rooms. Stouffville Arena is owned by the Town of Stouffville. Food & Beverage 3 A single snack bar concession is found in the lobby. Hot dogs, fries, chicken fingers, poutine, nachos, and popcorn are all available. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice, and coffee, tea, hot chocolate and Slush Puppies round out the beverages. There is nothing terribly original at the concession, but they won’t go hungry either. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of Stouffville Arena is straight out of the eighties. A corrugated, concrete exterior with a brown top accent is functional but not terribly attractive. Inside, the lobby also gives off those eighties vibes with plenty of dark, brown brick. There are some locally framed photos and displays that are definitely worth a look. A tribute to Stouffville’s “Mr. Hockey” Bob McNeil is one of the highlights. A collage dedicated to local product Keith Acton and a framed photo of hockey Olympian Gillian Apps boast about the local hockey scene. Inside the arena, the ice is south-north oriented with the seating on the east side. Seating consists of 11 rows of wooden benches with a steep incline for good sightlines. Seating goes right up to the top of the low-profile ceiling, such that fans can touch the support beams from the top row. Protective netting is found only at the ends. There is some indoor seating at the north end, which also houses a number of trophy cases with plenty of Stouffville hockey artifacts. Above the indoor seating are some markings delineating Stouffville Arena as the home of the Spirit. Championship banners hang at the north end, including the 2012 Buckland Cup. There are also banners honouring five-year players J.D. Smithson and Randy Johnston and Coach Pat Madigan, who died suddenly in 2008. The gameday production at a Spirit game is very simple. It is clear that the sound system is not the best, but the PA announcer does his best to make sure that announcements are as clear as possible by not yelling into the microphone. Typical promotion,s including the 50/50 draw, are present for games. Neighbourhood 3 Stouffville Arena is located in Stouffville, part of the town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. There are a few dining options for fans in the area. The best plan is to head south to Main Street. Some options include Clock Tower Grill, Saints on Main, The King’s Landing Bar & Grill, Captain Hooks Bar & Grill, and the Junction. The Stouffville Spirit are pretty much the only game in town. Stouffville is close to Newmarket, Markham, Pickering and Aurora, so OJHL rivalry games are not far away at all. Other tourist options fans may want to consider while in the area include Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park, Treetop Trekking and Canada’s Wonderland. Stouffville is not terribly far from Toronto, which has a whole host of tourist options. For fans interested in staying in the area, there is a Days Inn in Stouffville. Other options in other towns are not too far. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the OJHL can be difficult as there are no centrally published attendance figures and many teams do not publish game-day attendance statistics on game sheets. That being said, Stouffville normally attracts between 250 and 300 fans per game and ranks in the top third of the OJHL. The small capacity at Stouffville Arena makes a moderate attendance seem like a full house. Fans are supportive, and the location of Stouffville makes it a good stop for many travelling fans. Access 4 Stouffville Arena is located in the Stouffville community of the town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, approximately at the southeast corner of 9th Line and Millard. It is about 2 km east of Highway 48 and 12 km north of Highway 407, so a bit of a drive through town will be necessary. There is free parking on site; however, other minor sports on the local fields there may cause parking to fill up. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are York Region Transit bus stops on Millard. Fans should consult the York Region Transit website for maps, fares, and schedules. Getting around inside Stouffville Arena is not too difficult. Entry into the arena from the lobby is at ice level, so getting to the seating will require some traversing of stairs. The washroom facilities are good for this venue. Return on Investment 5 Stouffville Spirit tickets are sold for $15 with discounts for students and seniors. Children under 5 years old are free. Tickets are available at the door and can be purchased with cash or card. Parking is free, and the concession prices are not too bad. The product on the ice is solid, and fans will have a good time at the game. Extras 2 An extra mark for the number 19 banner that hangs behind the Stouffville bench in honour of Mike Robinson. Robinson was a former member of the Spirit who was tragically shot on a golf course in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, in 2025. An extra mark for Stouffville Arena as a community hub, complete with a pair of ice pads, community rooms, and a number of outdoor sports fields. Final Thoughts Taking in a Stouffville Spirit game is a great way to spend a fall or winter evening. Stouffville is a decent arena for the OJHL and has a cozy feel to it in a community that loves its hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Snapdragon Stadium 2101 Stadium Way San Diego, CA 92108 San Diego FC website Snapdragon Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 35,000 A Snapshot of San Diego Soccer San Diego Football Club is an expansion team in Major League Soccer, named the 30th MLS team back in 2023. They began play in 2025 and share their home venue with the San Diego State Aztecs college football team. San Diego’s aspirations to join MLS go back to the 1990s. Despite several team entries in various soccer leagues over that time, the market lacked a suitable stadium to house the franchise. Qualcomm Stadium, then home to the NFL Chargers and MLB Padres, was too big for MLS. Balboa Stadium was considered but was deemed too old and did not have appropriate facilities for top-flight soccer. All this changed when Qualcomm Stadium was demolished to make way for a new home for college football. Snapdragon Stadium, built on the very site of the old ‘Murph, was exactly the configuration and capacity a team would need to match up with peer venues in Major League Soccer. Food & Beverage 4 Snapdragon Stadium has no shortage of concession choices, with vending carts all over the concourses, which are mostly outdoors between the grandstand and structures located along the outdoor periphery of the venue. Prices are on the high side… Bottled water is $5, canned beer $15-$17.50, with Michelob and Budweiser products the mainstay; go for the local Cutwater brew at $15.50, Dos Equis Mexican beer ($15.50-$21), and frozen margaritas are $21. Pepsi products are $7, but for $9.50 you can buy a refillable fountain soda. The local staples include hamburgers ($13.50), cheeseburgers ($14.50), all-beef hot dog ($7), Fries ($6.50), Chicken Tenders ($14.50), Popcorn ($9), Soft pretzel or cotton candy ($7.50). For the sweet tooth, there is a vending cart called Batch Box with fresh-baked cookies ($12). Some examples of specialty items include a shawarma stand with pitas to order ($17-$21), Cali BBQ offering brisket or pulled pork sandwiches ($17.50-$18.50), barbecue nachos ($17). There is a cheesesteak stand ($15-$17), and that’s where you find a true California signature item, garlic fries ($10.50). Atmosphere 3 One of the coolest spectacles to watch and take part in is the parade of fans from the supporters' section, marching into the stadium singing and chanting, waving flags, and banging on their instruments. In fact, a special gate swings wide open on one end of the venue to allow access, and the parade continues right into the concourse. That being said, the energy and panorama of that end zone supporters' section is a bit muted during the match itself, adding little to the noise and buzz in the building. San Diego Mural at Snapdragon Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 At the moment, Snapdragon Stadium is pretty much surrounded by vast oceans of parking lots. That is about to change, however, as construction is already underway for a master planned housing, mixed use, and transit-oriented development called SDSU Mission Valley, which will include 621 apartments, 30,000 square feet of retail space, and a supermarket. Further plans include tech and research space tied into San Diego State’s academic programs, parks and green space, and more housing and hotels. The first phase should open in 2028. Fans 5 San Diego FC has enjoyed incredible success at the box office, selling over 18,000 season tickets, selling out premium seats, and setting attendance records for playoff games. Yes, they made the playoffs in their inaugural 2025 season, also placing 4th in attendance in the 30-team league, trailing only the three MLS franchises that play in larger NFL-capacity venues. They continue to be a massive draw in their second season of play. San Diego FC Supporter Section at Snapdragon Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Access 4 There are two ways to access Snapdragon Stadium: by car or by light rail. The MTS Green Line trolley station is just a long penalty kick away from the stadium doors. Trains run regularly, and the fare is a reasonable $3. Prices for parking range from $25 to $50, and prepaying for a parking pass is a strong recommendation, as with the construction going on around the stadium, lots fill up quickly. There are no reasonable free parking options nearby, as the stadium property is surrounded by expressways, hilly terrain, and no adjacent residential streets or commercial properties, so either way you have to pay. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices for San Diego FC matches are listed between $50 and $100, but secondary market opportunities for resale tickets can score you some better deals depending on the opponent. The pricey concessions and parking costs rapidly bring up the fan experience cost, so be prepared. Pregame Festivities at Snapdragon Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Extras 4 Worth a huge mention here is the stadium itself. Snapdragon Stadium was erected on the site of the old Jack Murphy Stadium, later renamed Qualcomm Stadium. The NFL San Diego Chargers played here. The San Diego Padres played here. Murals, photos, memorabilia, and markers depicting the great players and the great moments that happened right here can be found throughout the stadium. MLB Hall of Fame Tony Gwynn is immortalized here. All of this is a testament to San Diego sports and is done in an exceptional way. Final thoughts A sports road trip to San Diego is always an easy choice… perfect weather year-round, plenty to do and see in the region, the Mexico border and nearby Tijuana beckon for the more adventurous, and the downtown Gaslamp Quarter is a joy in itself with endless food and entertainment options and, of course, the MLB San Diego Padres. San Diego FC is a great addition to make this yet another destination of choice.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Musselman Stadium 300 N. Washington St. Gettysburg, PA 17325 Gettysburg Bullets website Musselman Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 6,176 Gettysburg’s Football Address Gettysburg College is a private, four-year liberal arts college founded in 1832. From its founding until 1921 it was known as Pennsylvania College. Author Jerry Spinelli, Carson Kressley from Bravo TV’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” and former Congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul are graduates of the college. The area is more known for the July 1st through 3rd, 1863 military engagements, as well as Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The area is very busy nearly all times of the year as tourists flock to the battlefields, as well as the commercial endeavors that surround the area. Sports teams at the college are known as the Bullets, and there are 24 NCAA Division III men’s and women’s teams. The Gettysburg College women’s lacrosse team won the Division III National Championship in 2011. The Bullets play in the Centennial Conference. The 1964 football team won the University Division of the Middle Atlantic Conference championship with a 7–2 record for the first and only time in school history. The 1966 football team also played in the MAC University Division and captured the coveted Lambert Cup, emblematic of northeastern collegiate supremacy, again for the first and only time in school history. Both teams have been inducted into the Gettysburg College Hall of Athletic Honor as Teams of Distinction. Their stadium, Shirk Field at Musselman Stadium, is also home to the school’s field hockey, lacrosse, and men’s and women’s outdoor track & field. It was dedicated in September 1965 with a ceremony attended by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Food & Beverage 2 There is no permanent food stand at Shirk Field at Musselman Stadium. That is a bit shocking because of the relatively large-sized facility. There is a temporary stand at the north end selling cheap food and drinks, and it is usually manned by another of the college’s sports teams. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is quite large. That can make the atmosphere seem a bit more subdued than needed, except when a large crowd is in attendance. The field is also surrounded by a track, which means fans will be a bit further from the action. There are two grandstands. The west stands are permanent. They are pretty simple concrete stands, with simple metal bleachers attached to them. Neighborhood 5 Gettysburg is a great small town. There is almost always traffic in the town as tourists flock to the area all year. In the summer months, it can be almost unbearable to drive through the area, so make note of that. Because so many people travel in the area, expect to see numerous food options. But not all of them are good, so make sure to check reviews so that you do not waste time in tourist traps. My favorite restaurant choice is The Garryowen Irish Pub. A couple of home-style options are Hoss’s Steaks and the Lincoln Diner. You can’t go wrong with their simple but tasty offerings There is also a very good outlet mall right outside of town called The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg. With no taxes on clothing in Pennsylvania, it is a popular attraction on its own. Fans 3 The football program is not always the best lately, but the fans still turn out fairly heavily for home games. The fans are decent and seem to be involved in the game action. Access 3 Gettysburg is close to many things. Washington, DC, is 75 miles away, and Baltimore is 55 miles away. The main east-west road through Gettysburg is U.S. Route 30, and U.S. Route 15 runs south towards Frederick, MD, and Washington, DC, as well as north to Harrisburg, PA. The only real problem is the traffic in the area. The college is located in a small neighborhood north of downtown, and it won’t be very hard to get to the college, but expect to venture on many small roads to get there. Parking is usually pretty OK, but the larger the event, the more likely it is that parking will be at a premium. You can always park downtown and walk to campus. Return on Investment 5 Football games are generally free, although they could charge for some larger games. Parking is also free unless you have to park downtown. Either way, the value and return on investment are very good here at Gettysburg College. Extras 5 There is a nice veterans’ memorial just outside of Musselman Stadium. Stop in and think of those who gave all to this nation before seeing a game here. It will be well worth the visit. The architecture of the college is worth noting. Make sure to wander around and see the marvelous buildings on campus. The John F. Jaeger Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Fitness is a pretty spectacular architectural building with its unique glass tower. There is a nice hall of fame and historical exhibits of the Gettysburg College athletic program located here. The Gettysburg Battlefield and all that surrounds it are worth a couple of stars themselves. Yes, it is a tourist attraction, but one must stop in and see it. There is a multitude of historical markings, statues, and attractions in the area. Besides being on hand at this stadium’s opening, Dwight D. Eisenhower is a popular name on the campus and in the region. He retired to his working farm adjacent to the local battlefield. The Eisenhower Institute is also a part of the college and develops and sponsors civic discourse on significant issues of domestic and international public policy. Final Thoughts Shirk Field at Musselman Stadium is quite a nice facility. It is much larger than one would expect from a Division III program, but it is a great place to see high-quality sports teams.

Photos by Lehigh Valley IronPigs and Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Jefferson Park 1050 IronPigs Way Allentown, PA 18109 Lehigh Valley IronPigs website Jefferson Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 10,100 10,000,000 Million Fans Can’t Be Wrong Editor's Note: In Sept, 2026, the IronPigs announced the ballpark will be renamed Jefferson Park, reflecting a new partnership with Jefferson, the Pennsylvania-based health care and higher education system that operates Lehigh Valley Health Network. When you think about Triple-A ballparks in some parts of the country, the LeighValley IronPigs come to mind. They have entertained the folks of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton since 2008, when the Philadelphia Phillies placed their top farm club less than 90 minutes away from Citizens Bank Park. The fanbase responded positively, leading all minor league baseball in attendance the last two seasons. Coca-Cola Park cost $50.75 million and has seating for 10,178 people, including a grass berm, 19 suites, numerous VIP sections, and one of the first standing-room-only social areas in baseball. The attention to these areas has made it the hub of excitement in an area without affiliated baseball since 1956. Improvements to the stadium have resulted in a new diamond warning track, a new drainage system, and regrading the infield before last season. Upgrades the year before included expanded clubhouses, male and female locker rooms, training facilities, hydro space, and a new center field entrance. The IronPig name comes from a nickname derived from the term “pig iron” used in manufacturing steel in the Lehigh Valley. There are also nods to the history of baseball on the concourse, with photos and art of past teams and players. All of it adds to a Triple-A ballpark known for its “Hog Wild” fan base. Food & Beverage 5 There are around 38 points of sales for food and beverages at the ballpark, ranging from the simple to the extreme. There is something for everyone to try and much more to enjoy during the baseball season. If you like bacon, this is the ballpark to visit. The club has an array of bacon-theme dishes, including bacon slices, chocolate-covered bacon, candied bacon, sandwiches, and bacon topped on pierogies and brownie sundaes. Traditional hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, chicken tenders, french fries, soft pretzels, brats, and popcorn are also featured. The ballpark also serves bacon mac and cheese, brisket bowls with cornbread in a waffle bowl, pulled pork poutine, and pierogies with caramelized onions. The sweet treats include churros, funnel cake, brownies, sundaes, deep-fried Oreo cookies, fried cheesecake rolls, funnel cake fries, and several varieties of ice cream. Highlights include The Pork Racer (bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with pulled pork and candied jalapenos), the Taco Dog (hot dog topped with taco meat, cheese, salsa, sour cream, and shredded lettuce), Coqui Street Dog (chili, sauteed onions, sauerkraut, cheese, and potato sticks), and a pork parfait (bbq pulled pork, layered with mashed potatoes, and caramelized bacon toppings). Atmosphere 5 Coca-Cola Park offers a lot to take in for baseball enthusiasts. AT&T Plaza is a pleasant area for adults and children. It doubles as the social center of the ballpark, and its main entrance is a great place to sit down and enjoy a local act on its entertainment stage. Once inside, the clubhouse store along the right field sells an assortment of team merchandise. The Kidz Zone is behind the picnic patio in the left-field corner and offers games and a playground to keep the little ones entertained. The beer garden is worth visiting for specialty microbrews. The IronPigs wear specialty jerseys on the weekends that include a gold standard on Friday, a Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired jersey on Saturdays, and a Phillies-themed jersey on Sundays that looks like it came from 1979. It does not include other specialty nights throughout the season that include a Mummers-inspired look based on the New Year’s Day parade in Philadelphia. The specialty areas include The Bacon Strip, a lone aisle of seating behind the right field wall, the Pig Pen behind the bullpen in left field, and the Capital Blue Tiki Terrace & Oasis, which is a popular spot to relax and talk with friends and family in left field. The in-between activities offer t-shirt tossing, slingshot contests, and the “Pork Race.” Chris B. Bacon, Diggety, Barbie Q, Ribbie, and Hambone fight towards the finish line. Speaking of mascots, FeRROUS and FeFe are the primary mascots of the team and entertain fans of all ages throughout the game. Fans 5 The IronPigs were ranked number one in attendance in all of minor league baseball for the second year in a row and have never finished lower than 8th in attendance in their history. There were 32 sellouts this past season, and the team attracted 1,000,000 people home and away. The club will welcome its 10-millionth fan in 2025. The fans proudly wear the IronPig colors and various alternate theme caps and shirts during games. It also helps when you are affiliated with the nearby Philadelphia Phillies, but there are more reasons why people come out to games. The food, promotions, fireworks, and value are many reasons the Pigs rank number one in minor-league baseball. Access 4 Coca-Cola Park is in Allentown, Pennsylvania, accessible from all major interstates and state routes of I-476, I-78, and US-22. It is a 90-minute drive from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City. The parking lots ($5 charge, credit card only) are separated into six different lots, named after Coca-Cola products. Coke Zero, Cherry Coke, and Powerade are closest to the main gates along IronPig Way. Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and Sprite are a little further away, between Long Drive. The parking lots open 2 1/2 hours before game time and close 1 hour after the game's conclusion. The ballpark offers a wraparound concourse with plenty of areas to move around and enjoy the game. The crowd can become dense on certain nights, but traffic flows smoothly before and after the game. Neighborhood 3 Coca-Cola Park is located 3 miles from downtown Allentown in a residential and commercial neighborhood. There is nowhere to walk to before or after the game, and it is recommended to arrive by car. However, the area offers places to visit with the kids during the summertime, including Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, the Crayola Experience in Easton, Grim’s Orchard & Family Farm, and movies in the park. A place to visit is Yocco’s, a hot dog spot that has been in business for 100 years. They have a specialty made frank with a secret chili sauce. Pair them up with deep-fried pierogies and a glass of birch beer. Sports fans can enjoy more baseball at nearby ECTB Stadium and Limeport Stadium. The latter was built in 1933 and is home to the Limeport Bulls and Dodgers of the amateur Blue Mountain League. The PPL Center houses the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the American Hockey League. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $9, parking is $5, and the hot dogs are $1 (Tuesdays and Thursdays). The team shop features several clearance items if you are looking to save a few more dollars. Attending an IronPigs game provides a lot of bang for your buck. The IronPigs offer 32 Giveaway Nights and 7 Special Nights, including appearances, alternative jerseys, fireworks, and community nights. There is Tail Waggin’ Tuesdays, where fans can bring their dogs and enjoy $1 hot dogs. Tacos & Tallboys Wednesdays feature $2 tacos and $5 16-ounce cans. Thursday's Happy Hour is between 5 to 7 PM, with select beers on sale. Extras 5 If you like bacon, this is the ballpark to visit. The club has an array of bacon-theme dishes, including bacon slices, chocolate-covered bacon, candied bacon, sandwiches, and bacon topped on pierogies and brownie sundaes. The titled Coke bottle sits atop the scoreboard that shakes, illuminates, and shoots fireworks after an IronPigs home run. AT&T Plaza is a pleasant area for adults and children. It doubles as the social center of the ballpark, and its main entrance is a great place to sit down and enjoy a local act on its entertainment stage. The IronPigs gift shop has an abundance of merchandise, from caps, shirts, jerseys, and gifts for the children. There are numerous clearance items, alternate-theme jerseys, and caps on sale at times. A highlight of the game is the IronPigs pork racers. Chris B. Bacon, Diggety, Barbie Q, Ribbie, and Hambone fight towards the finish line each game in the famous “Pork Race.” Final Thoughts Attending a Lehigh Valley IronPigs game at Coca-Cola Park is a joyous experience and continues to shine brightly year after year. The ball club offers fantastic promotions and unique food options while creating a fun experience for everyone who enters the ballpark.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Paul Scherer Memorial Stadium 7920 FM 723 Richmond, Texas 77406 Terry Rangers website Paul Scherer Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 2026 Capacity: 4,500 Brand New Digs for Local High Schools Paul Scherer Memorial Stadium in Richmond, TX opened on August 27, 2026, and serves as a home field for local high school football programs, including the Terry Rangers. The facility was built right next to Gene Tomas High School, and allows the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (LCISD) to split games between the new venue and Traylor Memorial Stadium. Previously Traylor was required to host all 7 teams for all their games, which complicated scheduling. The facility is also used by local non-football athletic teams, such as school bands, cheerleaders, and drill teams. The facility holds around 4,500 fans at full capacity. Food & Beverage 2 The facility doesn’t offer a ton of concession options, but there is plenty to get you through a few hours of game time. The stands on the concourse (under the grandstand) offer pizza, hot dogs, and nachos, as well as candy, popcorn, pickles, chips, and bottled water and soda. Most items are under $3, with hot dogs costing $4 and nachos costing $6. Atmosphere 4 It is great to sit in a brand-new facility; the venue is clean and modern with very comfortable seats. And while the grandstand has bleachers seats throughout, there is generous row spacing due to the innovative double bench system, giving fans a dedicated bench for sitting and a separate lower bench to use as a footrest. This means you don’t have to sit on a bench someone else walked on, and it also means you don’t have to squeeze by people as you make your way to the concessions. Something else I noticed which I hadn’t seen before is that both teams use their tunnels to come onto the field for the second half as well as the first half (usually the tunnels are only used in the first half). I am not sure if this is common for Texas high school football or specific to LCISD, but I thought it was a great way to help rev up fans for the second half. Neighborhood 3 Paul Scherer Memorial Stadium is surrounded by two newly built schools, including the aforementioned Gene Tomas High School, as well as by planned communities of single-family homes. As a result there aren’t many restaurants within walking distance, but there are some nearby of the pizza, wings, and Mexican variety. The closest hotels are about 10 minutes away, including budget-friendly chains such as Home2 Suites and La Quinta. If you are looking for something to do in town before the game or over the weekend, Fort Bend Museum in downtown Richmond chronicles the history of early Texas settlers, while George Ranch Historical Park is a 23,000-acre working ranch where you can see historic homes, eat traditional meals, and watch cowboys and blacksmiths at work. Fans 3 The fans at Paul Scherer Memorial Stadium are a decent crowd, but since this is a shared stadium where most of the teams are local, you will likely see as many “away” as home fans. There should be plenty of crowd noise on both sides of the field, and you will see team gear stands selling merch in support of both teams. Access 4 Paul Scherer Memorial Stadium sits about equidistant from I-10 to the north and I-69 to the southeast, about an hour south/southwest of Houston. This means you will have to take some local roads to get here, but once you arrive there is free parking right in front of the venue. Moving around the concourse is very easy as well, as there is plenty of room to accommodate the typical crowd. As mentioned above it is easy to get to and from your seat thanks to the wide row spacing, and there should be minimal lines for the concessions as well. Return on Investment 5 Tickets cost $6 if you buy in advance, or $8 at the door, regardless of what teams are playing that day. As mentioned above concessions are also very inexpensive, and parking is free, so all in all this is a wonderful bargain for a high school football game in a brand-new facility. You will also enjoy some great entertainment from both of the participating schools’ bands, and see some great graphics on the large videoboard. Extras 3 Being so close to the action is a real plus, and there are also logos on the field repping all the teams that play here. The Terry Rangers specifically have a really great western-themed dance team, who are a lot of fun to watch along the sideline during the game, and they give a great performance during halftime as well. Final Thoughts If you are in the area I would definitely recommend taking in a game at Paul Scherer Memorial Stadium – this facility and crowd energy are exactly what Texas High School football is all about.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Allen County War Memorial Coliseum 4000 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46805 Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons website Allen County War Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 10,500 College Basketball at the Memorial Coliseum Purdue Fort Wayne began its men’s basketball program during the 1973 -74 season and was known as Indiana University – Purdue University (IPFW) up until the 2017-2018 academic school year. The Mastodons compete in the Summit League and split its home games at the Hilliard Gates Sports Center on campus and in the much larger Allen County War Memorial Coliseum about half a mile away. The Dons made their only NCAA tournament appearance in 1993 at the Division II level but capture the Summit League regular-season title in 2016. Later that year a capacity crowd watched the team defeat Indiana University at the Coliseum in overtime. It was the school’s first victory over an AP Top 25-ranked program in history. PFW has also qualified for the CIT four times since 2014 and has posted six straight winning seasons as of this writing. The Mastodons play 10 out of its 15 home games at the Memorial Coliseum and the building is no stranger to hoops being home of the Ft. Wayne Pistons from 1952 and 1957 and also hosting Ft. Wayne Mad Ants games in the NBA G League since 2007. The Ft. Wayne Fury of the Continental Basketball Association called the Coliseum home from 1991-2001. Food & Beverage 3 Many of the Coliseum’s concession stands are closed and only two areas that serve food are open. They offer a nice variety of menu items consisting of hot dogs, burgers, nachos, and giant tenderloin sandwiches. It’s more than enough for the typical crowd at basketball games and fans can also enjoy watching the team play while drinking a frosty beer. Atmosphere 2 The facility is blocked off with giant black curtains that limit the seating during basketball games. This creates a nice intimate vibe in the building with crowds usually hovering around the 1,000 mark for games played off-campus. A similar setup is used for Mad Ants games and the curtains also hide the disassembled hockey rink structure. The Mastodons feature a band that plays at one end of the court and a few shouts and jabs at the opposing players can be heard due to the size and small crowd in the building. The team’s mascot makes his way around the court and stands to greet fans and poses for pictures. However, fans can get close to the action on the court and can hear everything echo from the squeak of the players’ shoes, the bounce of the ball, and the emotion from players on the bench rising from their seats after a three-point or hard-fought shot is made. The atmosphere is at its best against Summit League rivals South Dakota State. Neighborhood 4 The Coliseum is located near an abundance of chain restaurants, retail outlets, and berries lodging options. There is almost everything you could want within a couple of miles from the building including coney dogs, barbecue, craft beer, and Tim Horton’s coffee. Mister Coney has been a mainstay for over 50 years and offers their take on the coney dog that is a bit meatier in texture than what you would find downtown. Mission BBQ is a Maryland-based chain that provides an array of smoked meats and 8 varieties of barbecue with portions of their proceeds going back to first responders. 2Toms Brewing Company brews a nice range of beer and offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for games of all ages. Glenbrooke Square Mall is one of the largest in the area and is surrounded by familiar chain restaurants and shops. Tim Horton’s has a location here featuring its coffee that is widely consumed up north in Canada. There is also the practice rink for the Ft. Wayne Komets and if you happen to be in town for a doubleheader between hockey and a basketball game, you should be able to find enough to keep you busy in between games at the Coliseum. Fans 2 The Mastodons average crowds of a little over 1,000 per game and the ones in their seats do a nice job of cheering on their team on the court. However, the Dons could use a few more faithful in the building for home games. Access 4 The seating arrangement on the court is among the best pricing options for pro or college basketball in the state. There is also the opportunity to watch college basketball up close and personal where you can hear everything take place from the players to the coaching staff. The Coliseum has gone through multiple renovations this century that has modernized it for greater access for all guests and patrons. These new features include escalators and elevators and provide access for fans to multiple areas of the arena. There is parking for 5,000 cars in the lot and it’s only a 1.5-half-mile drive from the I-69 exit or a 4-mile drive to downtown Ft. Wayne. Return on Investment 3 A cost of a ticket for all PFW games is $23 in the 200 level of the building. The price to park your car is $6 per vehicle and concession prices are reasonable. The $23 price tag is not a bad deal to watch college basketball but would be enhanced with a better game day atmosphere, Extras 2 The team has an impressive-looking Mastodon mascot that parades around and greets fans during the game. He does not look like one character you want to mess with. The school band also does a good share of ribbing against the opposing players with a little humor and passion throughout the game. Final Thoughts Although there is much to like about the basketball being played at the Coliseum the overall experience suffers from the size of the building and the small number of fans in the stands. In a state where capacity crowds are the norm at Butler, Purdue, and Indiana, Purdue Ft. Wayne hopes to include itself among these prominent programs.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum 1964 Bobby K. Marks Dr. Huntsville, TX 77340 Sam Houston State Bearkats Website Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum Website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 6,110 East Texas Bearkats Nestled among the lush greenery of the foothills of the Piney Woods area of East Texas is the city of Huntsville, Texas, home of Sam Houston State University. The university bears the name of one of the great heroes in Texas history. The school’s athletic programs, the Bearkats, have seen an extraordinary amount of success since they began. The men’s basketball program began in 1917 and would go 43–11 during their first five seasons, including an unblemished 24–0 record during the first three. They have 14 regular season conference titles, five postseason conference tournament appearances, and made the NCAA Tournament twice since becoming Division I participants (in 2003 and 2010) as members of the Southland Conference. The team is currently a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and has seen runs recently to the NIT (in 2019) and to the CIT. Sam Houston State moved into their current home in 1976. Originally known as University Coliseum, it was remodeled in time for the 1986-1987 season and rechristened the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum after an honored member of the school’s Board of Regents. It is also home to both the Bearkats women’s basketball and volleyball teams. The classically designed coliseum has a devoted following among the Bearkats faithful. Read on to learn what makes it special. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Johnson Coliseum are pretty much what you’d expect to find at a mid-major collegiate program. There are three main stands that you can find near the entrance areas, and they all serve the same items. The three stands allow fans to get their food and beverage pretty quickly, and not miss much of the on-court action. The items the stands offer include hot dogs (regular for $4 and Bearkat, a.k.a. jumbo, for $4.50), nachos ($7), bottled and fountain drinks ($3.50 and $4), and Domino’s pizza, either cheese or pepperoni by the slice or as a whole medium pizza ($3.50 per slice or $14 for the whole deal). The stands also offer candy and popcorn. The one caveat to be aware of is that Sam Houston State does not sell any beer or alcoholic beverages at their games at Johnson Coliseum – keep this in mind if that’s something you traditionally like to imbibe during games. Atmosphere 3 The architectural design of the Johnson Coliseum is a great throwback to old-school round arenas, which you don’t see much of anymore. The walls are decorated with the banners of all the Bearkats tournament appearances, championships, and conference titles. Sam Houston State also completed their latest round of renovations to the coliseum in 2016, where they installed a 31-foot videoboard and upgraded the seats in the lower courtside level. Outside the coliseum near the main sign there is a marble statue of the team’s namesake bearcat, as well as a life-sized statue of the mascot, Sammy Bearkat. Another point of interest to be on the lookout for is the team store – this is located near the box office entrance and sells the traditional team paraphernalia if you’re interested in stocking up on Sam Houston State gear for the game. Neighborhood 3 Johnson Coliseum is located right in the middle of the Sam Houston State University campus. It also shares a parking lot with Bowers Stadium, home to the Bearkats championship-winning football team. It’s a typical college town, with one notable exception. For the sake of transparency, the city is the headquarters of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (it has been since Texas was founded as a Republic in 1836) and there are several prisons throughout the area. If you travel into Huntsville on Interstate 45, the prisons are unavoidable. However, as you move into the city and towards the university, there are no reminders of that part of the city at all. In terms of attractions, Huntsville has a lot to offer visitors looking to do something before or after Bearkats games. For history buffs make sure to visit the Sam Houston Memorial Museum; this 15-acre complex is located on the site of the former homestead of Sam Houston, and is dedicated to telling the story of the first President of the Republic of Texas. Not too far from the museum you can also visit the Sam Houston Statue and Visitors Center. At 67-feet tall, it is the largest statue in the world of an American hero. For outdoor enthusiasts, Huntsville State Park has all the amenities you could hope for. Again, the city is the gateway of the Piney Woods region of the state, and the park is a perfect example of this type of environment. Covered by a canopy of Texas pine trees it offers a year-round mild climate that is perfect for hiking, biking, and camping. There is also canoeing, fishing, and swimming allowed in certain areas of Lake Raven; check their website for hours and camping site availability. When it comes to dining there are also a lot of great options, many of which are close to campus. One I would highly recommend is Farmhouse Café & Bakery – offering blue plate specials, specialty sandwiches (the double-decker BLT is a fave), and homemade baked good and desserts (I couldn’t stop eating the broccoli cheddar cornbread), the Farmhouse is a favorite among locals, visitors, and Bearkat students. Or, for something off the proverbial beaten path, Carbonero Rotisserie Charbroiled Chicken & Steak serves up a unique taste of El Salvadoran cuisine. Diners can get rotisserie-style chicken quarters, steaks, or tacos, all served Salvadoran style. When it comes to lodging, you are more than likely only going to be able to find a place to stay at a lower-level hotel or a motel, as that’s all that’s available in the city outside of an Airbnb. The two spots closest to Johnson Coliseum are the Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville and Super 8 by Wyndham Huntsville; both are less than a 10-minute drive to the coliseum. If you don’t want to stay in Huntsville proper, Houston is an hour’s drive away. Fans 2 One thing you notice immediately about Johnson Coliseum is how big it feels on the inside. Being a circular coliseum, you feel how enormous it is once you find your way to your seat; it is also very noticeable when you take in the crowd size. On most game nights, the Bearkats average less than 1,000 fans in the stands. In all fairness, those who do show up are passionate about their team – it is just hard to ignore how empty much of stands are. Access 3 As mentioned, Huntsville is just about an hour-long drive from Houston and just a shade under four hours from San Antonio or Austin. From the Dallas/Fort Worth area, it is about two and a half hours. Once you get on site, parking is ample and free, which is always appreciated. Huntsville doesn’t currently have anything in the way public transportation. So, unless you plan on utilizing a rideshare service, you’re pretty much locked in on driving to and from games at Johnson Coliseum. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for Bearkats games at Johnson Coliseum range from $8-$15. This is a good bargain right now, but it’s not clear if this will hold up after the team’s move to Conference USA in time for the 2023 season. However, for now this is highly affordable – with concessions on the low end of the scale and free parking, you get a pretty good bargain at Sam Houston State games. Extras 3 Sam Houston State brings a lot of pomp and circumstance to their basketball games at Johnson Coliseum. The Bearkat Marching Band sits in the stands beneath the giant videoboard, and leads the crowd in the school fight song, raising the bearcat hand sign, and razzing the opposing players. Also on hand are the Bearkats’ cheerleaders, Orange Pride dance squad (who perform at half time), and the costumed mascot Sammy Bearkat. Fans can count on seeing Sammy patrolling the stands and sidelines, leading in cheers, tossing out t-shirts, and being around for random photo ops. All in all, these combine for a great college atmosphere that helps ramp up the crowd energy. Final Thoughts All in all I had a fun experience at Johnson Coliseum taking in Bearkats basketball. Fan attendance aside, the energy from those who are in the stands makes up for that. The coliseum itself is a good experience; it is a bit of a throwback to the way basketball arenas used to be made and I appreciated its aesthetics. For college hoops fans, I think you’ll enjoy the experience. For sports fans, it’s an inexpensive way to catch a basketball game in a fun setting in a really nice college town. It’s not a bucket list stop, but if you find yourself in Huntsville, you should make a visit. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr New Orleans, LA 70112 New Orleans Saints website Caesars Superdome website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 73,208 Who Dat Nation at Home in the Dome Few stadiums in America have experienced as much history as Caesars Superdome. Since opening in 1975, the massive building in the CBD of New Orleans has hosted Super Bowls, college football national championships, Final Fours, NBA teams, MLB games, concerts, professional wrestling, the X-Games, and just about every other major event imaginable. The Superdome opened on August 3, 1975, becoming the new home of the New Orleans Saints, who previously played Uptown at Tulane Stadium. At the time it was considered one of the most advanced sports facilities in the world, featuring a massive unobstructed interior capable of accommodating everything from football and basketball to baseball and concerts. Some of the most memorable moments in sports history have taken place under its gold roof. In 1977 "Pistol" Pete Maravich dropped 68 points against the Knicks. In 1978, Muhammad Ali defeated Leon Spinks to become the first three-time world heavyweight champion. In 1982, Michael Jordan hit the game-winning shot against Georgetown to give North Carolina the NCAA basketball championship. Twenty years later, Tom Brady led the New England Patriots to their first Super Bowl victory. The Superdome also hosted a Rolling Stones concert attended by approximately 87,500 fans in 1981, Pope John Paul II's visit in 1987, two WrestlemManias, Pele, the Savannah Bananas, and many more. Today, the building remains a major entertainment destination, hosting the annual Essence Festival and some of the biggest concerts in the country. Of course, the Superdome's history hasn't always been about celebrations. In August 2005 the facility became a shelter of last resort for thousands of residents during Hurricane Katrina. The images of people stranded inside the damaged building became some of the most unforgettable scenes of the disaster. Just over a year later, on September 25, 2006, the Saints returned to the Superdome for a Monday Night Football game against the Atlanta Falcons. Steve Gleason's blocked punt helped spark a Saints victory in one of the most emotional nights in NFL history. The game became a symbol of New Orleans' recovery, and three seasons later, the Saints captured their first Super Bowl championship. This year the Saints are celebrating their 60th season and the 20th anniversary of their return to the Dome. The franchise is also honoring Drew Brees' induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; the team inducted him into the Superdome’s Ring of Honor in 2026. The venue also recently underwent a massive renovation ahead of February 2025’s Super Bowl LIX – the enhancements included wider concourses, new escalators, upgraded concessions, new premium spaces, and improved amenities throughout the building. For a stadium that opened over 50 years ago, the Superdome has aged remarkably well. More than half a century later, it remains one of New Orleans' most recognizable landmarks and an important part of the city's sports, music, and cultural history. Food and Beverage 4 When you're in New Orleans you can expect to find good food, and thankfully, the Superdome has plenty of it. And new for this season, the Saints have made some noticeable changes to the concession lineup. In celebration of the franchise's 60th season, the Saints and Legends Global introduced a $6 value menu featuring hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, bottled water, and select draft beer; the return of $6 Dome Foam is especially welcome, considering how expensive beer has gotten at most NFL stadiums. Fans can find the value stands on every level, with locations listed in the Saints app. The Dome continues to offer plenty of Louisiana favorites, including jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and rice, po' boys, seafood nachos, Cochon de lait, and alligator sausage. One of the newer additions is a pork-and-alligator burger, while loaded stadium nachos are served in a souvenir container shaped like the Superdome. Several local businesses also have a presence inside the building. Mrs. Wheat's serves its famous meat pies and crawfish pies, while King Creole offers stuffed pockets. Sweet Soulfood brings vegan and vegetarian options, and other Louisiana favorites include Hubig's Pies, Haydel's Bakery, Blue Bell, and products featuring TABASCO. Beer drinkers will also find a wider selection of local craft beers and more affordable canned options. Or for something different, the Dome has introduced specialty cocktails developed with Jewel of the South, one of New Orleans' acclaimed cocktail bars. There are still the usual stadium staples, including pizza, barbecue, burgers, and grab-and-go markets. Concessions and merchandise are cashless, although cash-to-debit conversion stations are available. The biggest improvement this season is the value. You can still spend plenty of money on premium food and drinks, but the $6 options make it possible to eat and drink at an NFL game without spending a fortune – this is something I wish more stadiums would do. Atmosphere 5 New Orleans is the ultimate party city, and Saints game days are no exception. The celebration starts long before kickoff, and if you've never experienced a Sunday around the Superdome, you're missing out on one of the NFL's best pregame atmospheres. Outside the Dome, Champions Square comes alive as thousands of fans pour into the plaza on the venue’s south side. Live jazz, brass bands, zydeco, and New Orleans funk provide the soundtrack, while fans dressed in black and gold dance, drink, and socialize before heading inside. Champions Square opens two hours before kickoff and serves as the official pregame gathering place, although you must have a ticket to get into the square. The plaza includes food and beverage vendors, live entertainment, and plenty of places to hang out. Club XLVI also provides an indoor gathering spot for fans looking for a different pregame experience. You can also walk the outside concourse of the Superdome and check out the Rebirth Steve Gleason blocked punt statue, as well as the Tom Benson statue. The first thing you'll notice when approaching the Dome is just how massive it is. I've always thought the building looks like a giant UFO or spaceship sitting in the middle of New Orleans. Its round, sloping walls and gold exterior make it unlike any other stadium in the country. The Superdome recently completed a multi-year renovation project costing hundreds of millions of dollars, with major work finishing before Super Bowl LIX in 2025. The improvements are noticeable as soon as you walk inside. For a venue more than 50 years old, the building feels remarkably modern. The concourses are wide, bright, and easy to navigate. Gone are many of the cramped areas that once made moving around the facility difficult. New bars, concession stands, premium seating areas, and gathering spaces have transformed the interior. One of the biggest improvements is the addition of massive escalators connecting different levels. Fans heading to the upper deck can now reach their seats without navigating endless ramps. The ride up to the 600 level also gives you a pretty good perspective of just how enormous the building is. The stadium includes public seating on the 100, 200, 500, and 600 levels, while the 300 and 400 levels feature suites and premium seating areas. Standing room gathering areas near the upper end zones provide some interesting views of the field. Another highlight is the 40-Yard Bar concept, which gives fans more space to socialize and enjoy the game away from their seats. The main team store near Gate A offers a massive selection of Saints merchandise, while WWL Radio broadcasts its pregame coverage near Gate B, often featuring former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert and other familiar voices. Also new this season is the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame, also located at Gate A. This year the Saints have also introduced several new fan experiences as part of their 60th season celebration, including a Kids Combine, interactive photo opportunities, personalized trading cards, and historical displays celebrating six decades of Saints football. Special commemorative merchandise, player tributes, and historical decorations have also been added throughout the season. Once you get to your seat, however, the atmosphere only gets better. There are few sights in the NFL quite like looking across the Superdome, where more than 70,000 fans are dressed in black and gold. The stadium's enclosed design traps the noise, and when the Saints are playing well, the building can become unbelievably loud. The team also does an excellent job incorporating New Orleans culture into its game day presentation. Brass bands, Mardi Gras music, local performers, and the Saints’ Cheer Krewe are all part of the experience. And when the Saints score, the building erupts to the sounds of "When the Saints Go Marching In" and the Ying Yang Twins' "Stand Up and Get Crunk!" During one of my previous visits, the Ying Yang Twins even performed live at halftime. Most games also feature an elaborate halftime show – one week you’ll find a brass band or a local rapper like Juvenile, and then during the next you may have Shaq performing a set as DJ Diesel. You just never know what you’re going to get. I've been to plenty of football stadiums, but there aren't many places where the entertainment surrounding the game is just as memorable as the game itself; this is what makes the Superdome different. Neighborhood 5 The Superdome sits right in the middle of New Orleans, within walking distance of some of the city's best restaurants, bars, hotels, and attractions. The facility is located in the Central Business District, just off Poydras Street and Interstate 10. While the immediate surroundings consist mostly of office buildings, parking garages, and hotels, you're never more than a few blocks away from something interesting. Right next door is Smoothie King Center, home of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans. Depending on the schedule, it's possible to catch a Saints game and a Pelicans game during the same weekend. Champions Square, located between the two venues, serves as the center of the pregame festivities and is one of the better gathering places in the NFL. The Superdome is also surrounded by several popular sports bars and restaurants. Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux and Dave and Buster’s on Poydras Street are favorites among Saints fans, while nearby downtown establishments offer everything from traditional Louisiana cooking to upscale dining. The surrounding Warehouse District has lately become one of the city's more popular dining and entertainment areas, with restaurants, breweries, museums, and art galleries scattered throughout the neighborhood. Julia Street Arts District, a couple of blocks away from the Superdome, is also a very underrated area where you can find upscale restaurants and art shops. About a mile from the venue is the National WWII Museum, one of the most impressive museums in the country. Even if you're not particularly interested in military history, the museum is worth a visit. You could easily spend an entire afternoon exploring its exhibits. Other nearby attractions include the Saenger Theatre, the historic Roosevelt Hotel (a must visit during Christmas), Riverwalk Outlets, and Caesars casino near the Mississippi River. Of course, most visitors coming to New Orleans are going to spend some time in the French Quarter. Depending on where you're headed, the Quarter is approximately a 15- to 25-minute walk from the Superdome. Bourbon Street is the obvious destination for tourists, but I recommend exploring beyond the bars and souvenir shops. Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Royal Street, and the French Market offer a much better look at the city's history and culture. The Quarter is also filled with historic buildings, art galleries, street performers, and restaurants that have been serving New Orleans cuisine for generations. Cafe du Monde is practically a required stop for first-time visitors, while Pat O'Brien's remains one of the city's most recognizable bars. However, some of my favorite places to eat in New Orleans are the smaller neighborhood restaurants and corner stores that don't necessarily appear in every tourist guide. Sometimes the best po' boy you'll find comes from a little neighborhood grocery rather than from a famous eatery. If you're visiting for the entire weekend, I'd highly recommend getting away from downtown and exploring some of New Orleans' other neighborhoods. Uptown and the Garden District are filled with historic homes, oak-lined streets, and beautiful architecture. The St. Charles Avenue streetcar is one of the best ways to explore this part of the city, passing both Loyola and Tulane, Audubon Park, and some of New Orleans' most recognizable neighborhoods. Magazine Street is another favorite, with miles of local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and neighborhood bars. For live music it's hard to beat Tipitina's or the Maple Leaf Bar. Both are legendary New Orleans music venues that have hosted generations of local musicians. If you're lucky enough to catch a show at either one after a Saints game, you'll get a much better understanding of the city's music culture than you would spending the entire night on Bourbon Street. Frenchmen Street in the Marigny is another excellent destination, especially for visitors interested in jazz, funk, and brass band music. Clubs such as the Spotted Cat Music Club, d.b.a., and Snug Harbor regularly feature local musicians, and the street has a completely different atmosphere from the French Quarter's more tourist-heavy entertainment district. Families visiting New Orleans will also find plenty to do. The Audubon Aquarium is located along the Mississippi River, while Audubon Zoo is farther Uptown near Audubon Park. City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden are also worth exploring if you have an extra day. New Orleans is also one of the few cities where simply walking around can be an attraction itself. Between the historic cemeteries, unusual architecture, neighborhood festivals, and street musicians, there's always something interesting around the next corner. The Superdome is within walking distance of downtown hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, while the rest of the city is only a short streetcar, rideshare, or car trip away. There aren't many NFL stadiums where you can spend the morning eating beignets in the French Quarter, watch a football game in one of the country's most historic venues, and finish the night listening to live New Orleans music. That's a big part of what makes attending a Saints game here special. Fans 5 There aren't many fan bases in professional sports quite like Who Dat Nation. Saints fans are loud, passionate, colorful, and sometimes downright crazy, but that's part of what makes attending a game at the Superdome so much fun. The Saints have one of the most loyal followings in the NFL, with fans traveling from throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle to spend their Sundays in New Orleans. Despite the team's recent struggles, the Saints announced another season-ticket sellout this year, extending their streak to 21 consecutive seasons since 2006. Saints fans have also certainly experienced their share of losing football. For much of the franchise's early history the team was among the worst in the NFL, with fans famously wearing paper bags over their heads and referring to the team as the "Aints." It took until 1987 for the Saints to record their first winning season, but even through all those difficult years, the fans kept coming back. Everything changed following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. When the Saints returned to the Superdome on September 25, 2006, Steve Gleason's blocked punt against the Atlanta Falcons became one of the most emotional moments in NFL history. The Saints eventually reached the top of the NFL following the 2009 season, defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. But what really separates Saints fans from other NFL crowds is their personality. Every game feels a little like Halloween, with fans dressed in elaborate costumes and outfits that have become part of the team's identity. You'll see characters like Darth Saint, Elvis Saint, Moses the Saint, Signature Saint, and the Whistle Monsta, along with fans wearing everything from black-and-gold suits to homemade costumes covered in fleur-de-lis symbols. Some of these superfans have become celebrities in their own right – Signature Saint has his entire body tattooed with over 150 former and current Saints’ players autographs. The fans are also extremely knowledgeable about football. When the Saints are playing well, the Superdome can be one of the loudest buildings in the NFL, with more than 70,000 fans creating an almost deafening atmosphere. Of course, the past few seasons haven't given Saints fans nearly as much to cheer about as they enjoyed during the Drew Brees and Sean Payton era. The franchise has struggled to find its footing. But the passion hasn't disappeared, even if fans are quick to voice their frustrations when things aren't going well. One of my favorite things about Saints fans, however, is how the celebration extends beyond the stadium. Before games you'll find fans dancing to brass bands outside the Dome, hanging out in Champions Square, and gathering at bars throughout downtown. After a victory, the party often continues into the surrounding streets with music, dancing, and plenty of people yelling "Who Dat!" It's hard to imagine another NFL team fitting its city quite as perfectly as the Saints fit New Orleans. Whether the team is winning or losing, there's still something special about hearing the entire Superdome erupt into the familiar chant of "Who Dat! Who Dat! Who Dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints!" Access 3 Getting to Caesars Superdome is relatively easy, no matter which direction you're coming from, as the massive gold dome is one of the first landmarks you'll notice when approaching downtown New Orleans. Interstate 10 provides the primary access to the facility, with several exits leading into the Central Business District. If coming from the west, Exit 234A toward Claiborne Avenue is an option, while visitors approaching from the east can use the Canal Street exit at Exit 235B. Once downtown, however, navigating New Orleans' one-way streets, aggressive drivers, and sometimes poorly maintained roads can be a headache, especially on game days. Traffic around Poydras Street and the Superdome can get congested several hours before kickoff, so I recommend arriving early. There are seven parking garages and two surface lots surrounding the Superdome and neighboring Smoothie King Center, providing approximately 7,000 parking spaces. Expect to pay around $50 or more to park close to the stadium, depending on the game, although cheaper garages and surface lots can be found throughout the Central Business District if you don't mind walking several blocks. For visitors staying downtown, walking is probably the easiest way to get to the game. The Superdome is within walking distance of numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions, while rideshare services provide another option. The designated Uber and Lyft pickup and drop-off area is located along Poydras Street between Clara Street and Loyola Avenue. Stadium gates open two hours before kickoff, while Champions Square opens two hours before the game. The great thing about coming to the Superdome is you are free to come and go between Champions Square and the facility. Once inside, getting around the Superdome is surprisingly easy considering its massive size. The recent renovations have widened the concourses, improved pedestrian flow, and added new escalators connecting the various levels. During my most recent visit I actually timed myself walking around the building, and was able to make a complete trip from one side of the Superdome to the other in about 17 minutes. The only major congestion I encountered was during halftime, when the concession stands and restrooms became crowded. Leaving after the game can also be frustrating, particularly if you're parked in one of the stadium garages, as thousands of vehicles attempt to exit downtown at the same time. Overall, the Superdome is fairly accessible for a downtown NFL stadium, and the recent improvements have made navigating the facility much easier. However, expensive parking, congested streets, and postgame traffic keep this category from receiving a higher score. Return on Investment 4 The Saints have been in rebuilding mode since the Drew Brees and Sean Payton era ended, and the past few seasons haven't exactly given fans much to cheer about. The good news is that the team's struggles have made tickets relatively affordable compared to many other NFL stadiums, especially if you're willing to sit in the upper deck. Ticket prices fluctuate depending on the opponent, the team's record, and the day of the week. For more attractive matchups, expect to pay around $50 to $70 or more for upper-deck seats, while lower-level tickets can easily run into the hundreds. However, during one of my previous visits, when the Saints weren't doing particularly well, I was able to find upper-deck tickets on the secondary market for less than $20. That's a pretty good deal to watch an NFL game in one of the most iconic stadiums in the country. One of the biggest improvements this year is the Superdome's new concessions pricing. In celebration of the Saints' 60th season, the team introduced a $6 value menu featuring hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, bottled water, and select draft beer. That means you can grab a hot dog and a 12-ounce Dome Foam for just $12 before tax, which is practically unheard of at most NFL stadiums these days. The expanded selection of local food vendors also gives fans more options without having to settle for typical stadium food. Parking remains one of the biggest expenses. Expect to pay a premium for the garages immediately surrounding the Superdome, although cheaper parking can usually be found several blocks away in the Central Business District. If you're staying downtown, walking to the game can save you quite a bit of money and eliminate the headache of sitting in postgame traffic. But the real value of attending a Saints game goes beyond the price of admission. The Saints do an excellent job capturing the spirit and culture of New Orleans, from the brass and funk bands playing in Champions Square to the second-line music and costumed superfans wandering around the stadium. The pregame festivities alone are worth arriving several hours early for, and there's no shortage of entertainment before or after the game. You also have the advantage of being in one of the most interesting cities in America. The French Quarter, Warehouse District, and numerous restaurants and music venues are all within walking distance or a short ride from the facility. You can easily turn a Saints game into an entire weekend exploring New Orleans. The Superdome's recent renovations have also improved the overall experience, with wider concourses, new escalators, upgraded concessions, and more comfortable gathering areas. For a stadium that opened in 1975, the building has aged remarkably well. Even if the Saints aren't winning, I still consider a game at Caesars Superdome one of the better values in the NFL, especially when affordable tickets are available on the secondary market. There aren't many places where you can experience professional football, live New Orleans music, passionate fans, and one of the country's most historic sports venues all in the same afternoon. For football fans visiting New Orleans, it's an experience I highly recommend. Extras 5 One extra point for the Superdome sitting next door to the Smoothie King Center, home of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans. Depending on the schedule, it's possible to catch a Saints game and a Pelicans game during the same weekend, making New Orleans one of the better destinations for sports fans looking to attend multiple events in one trip. Another extra for the incredible amount of history this building has witnessed over the past 51 years. The Superdome has hosted eight Super Bowls, including Super Bowl LIX in February 2025, along with numerous college football national championships, Final Fours, and some of the biggest sporting events in American history. The Dome is also home to the annual Bayou Classic between Grambling State and Southern University, the Sugar Bowl, the New Orleans Bowl, and Louisiana's high school football state championships. Tulane played its home football games here until moving into Yulman Stadium in 2014, while the building has also housed the NBA's New Orleans Jazz and two arena football franchises. Some of the more unusual events in the Dome's history include MLB and college baseball games, a short-lived minor league baseball team in 1977, a 1976 soccer exhibition featuring Pele and the New York Cosmos against the Dallas Tornado, and the NBA’s New Orleans Jazz from 1975-79. The facility also hosted WrestleMania 30 and 34, numerous WCW events, and concerts by everyone from the Rolling Stones and Garth Brooks to Taylor Swift. Another extra for Champions Square, the massive outdoor tailgating area on the south side of the stadium. The plaza does an excellent job capturing the spirit of New Orleans, with live music, food, drinks, and thousands of Saints fans gathering before kickoff. Champions Square also hosts concerts throughout the year as well. Surrounding the square are large banners highlighting memorable moments in Saints and Superdome history, including Drew Brees holding the Lombardi Trophy, Louisiana basketball legend “Pistol” Pete Maravich, Muhammad Ali's famous fight here, and longtime Saints owner Tom Benson. A bronze statue of Benson holding the Lombardi Trophy is another popular photo opportunity. This year the Saints are also celebrating their 60th season with commemorative decorations, historical tributes, and special events throughout the year. The celebration includes 60th-season banners along Poydras Street and special lighting on the Superdome's gold exterior before home games. Drew Brees also received one of the franchise's highest honors in 2026. Following his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Brees became the ninth member of the Saints Ring of Honor during an October 11 halftime ceremony against the Minnesota Vikings. His Hall of Fame bust was also displayed inside the Superdome as part of the celebration. And of course, you can't talk about the Superdome without mentioning Hurricane Katrina and the building's remarkable recovery following the storm. It's difficult to imagine what this place looked like in August 2005, when thousands of residents sought shelter inside the damaged stadium as New Orleans experienced one of the worst disasters in American history. Just over a year later, on September 25, 2006, the Saints returned to the Superdome for a Monday Night Football matchup against the Falcons. Early in the first quarter, Steve Gleason blocked a punt that Curtis Deloatch recovered for a touchdown, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The Saints won 23-3, but the game represented something much bigger than football for a city still rebuilding. That moment is captured in the bronze Rebirth statue located outside the stadium on the southeast side. The statue depicts Gleason diving to block the punt and remains one of the most meaningful sports monuments in New Orleans. It's a must-see for anyone attending a Saints game, especially those interested in the city's history. Few stadiums in America have experienced as many historic moments as Caesars Superdome. From Super Bowls and national championships to Hurricane Katrina and the Saints' emotional return, the building has become much more than a place to watch football. More than half a century after opening, it remains one of the most important landmarks in New Orleans and one of the most recognizable stadiums in the world.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 TD Arena 301 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401 College of Charleston website TD Arena website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,100 The Cougars Court The College of Charleston is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the country, as it was founded in 1770 and chartered in 1785. It is the oldest college south of Virginia and the 13th oldest school in the U.S. Today it is a thriving downtown Charleston mainstay, with a student body of 11,500. The basketball program’s history at the College of Charleston is also lengthy, as the game has been played at the school since 1898. Today the Cougars are members of the Colonial Athletic Association and are one of the more successful small colleges in Division I basketball. Since 1983 they have had 20 seasons with 20 wins or more. They have made five NCAA appearances and five NIT appearances. Most recently the team won the Colonial Athletic League championship in 2018. The team has been blessed with some terrific coaches over the years, including John Kresse and former Georgia Tech coach Bobby Cremins. The home of the Cougars is the TD Arena on Charleston’s famous Meeting Street. It opened in 2008 and seats 5,100 in its basketball configuration. It serves as the home for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs and the volleyball program as well. The arena’s exterior is constructed of brick and conforms to the very strict building appearance codes enforced by the Charleston Architectural Design Commission. It fits in very well with the surrounding structures on Meeting Street. Food & Beverage 4 The TD Arena is serviced by four concession stands. These include Chick-fil-A, Home Team BBQ, and two general concession stands. Home Team BBQ offers pulled pork sandwiches ($8), beef brisket ($10), and six-piece wings ($8). They also sell premium beers ($6), domestic beers ($5), and wine ($7). Chick-Fil-A offers grilled chicken sandwiches ($5) and iced tea ($4). The general concession stand has the broadest selection as they offer pizza ($5), nachos ($6), hot dogs ($4), hamburgers ($5), pretzels ($4), popcorn ($3), chips ($2) and cotton candy ($3). Beverages include Coca-Cola brand products ($3), water ($4), and coffee ($3). Atmosphere 5 The exterior may conform to the Charleston Historic District standards, but once inside you will immediately notice how contemporary the facility is. The entry lobby is two stories tall and serves as both a reception area and a ticketing area. Once upstairs, you will notice the arena offers a two-level seating bowl with all concourses open to the court. The arena features seat-back seating throughout the facility. Before you head to your seats, check out the full-sized team store just inside the seating bowl area. It is the size of a store you would expect to see in a mall. As you circle the concourse you will see full-sized displays covering every sport played at the College of Charleston. Looking up, you will notice the many championship banners hanging from the rafters. The playing surface features the maroon block “C” logo of the College of Charleston and the name of John Kresse on the court. Coach Kresse was the basketball coach at the college for 18 years and has the most wins of any coach at the school. The arena features video boards/scoreboards in each corner of the seating bowl. It is readily apparent that basketball is the favorite sport at the school, as it has no football team and nearly every game is a sellout. Neighborhood 5 The TD Arena and the College of Charleston are located within the Charleston Historic District. This is ground zero for a great visit to one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The arena is just a few blocks from popular attractions such as the Old City Market, the South Carolina Aquarium, and the Battery. Marion Square is always hosting festivals and is home to a weekend farmer’s market in season. Foodies have their choice of Carolina Ale House, Star Rooftop, and Halls Chophouse to sample some of Charleston’s finest dishes. These are several lodging options near the TD Arena, which can save you the cost and hassle of parking at the games. Fans 4 The Cougars extraordinary successful record on the court has earned them a very large and supportive fan base. Many of Charleston’s top business leaders attended C of C and you will see them courtside before the game. The student body always turns out in large numbers, as the facility is on-campus and their admission is free with their student activity fee. The student body sits behind one of the baskets at the end of the court and does everything it can to disrupt the opposition. Leading their cheers is a large squad of cheerleaders and dance squad members, in addition to the pep band. Clyde the Cougar can be seen making the rounds of the gym and keeping everyone energized throughout the game. Helping to keep the fans energized is the school’s pep band, known as the Chucktown Sound, and Clyde the Cougar, the school’s mascot. Access 3 Finding your way to the TD Arena is relatively simple, as Meeting Street is one of the main thoroughfares in downtown Charleston. It can easily be accessed via Highway 17 or I-26. From I-26: Take I-26 East until it ends in downtown Charleston. Take exit 221-B and follow the signs to Meeting Street. Bear right on Meeting Street. TD Arena will be on your right just after the Calhoun Street intersection. From Highway 17: Cross the Ashley River Bridge into Charleston. Bear right on Lockwood Boulevard, staying in the left-hand lane. At the first light, you will turn left onto Calhoun Street. TD Arena is at the corner of Calhoun and Meeting Street. Once you are at the arena comes the hard part. Parking in downtown Charleston is at a premium. There are several parking garages located nearby, but most likely they will be charging special event prices on the nights there are home games. Our advice is to go into Charleston during the day and enjoy the many historical homes and sights of the city. Charleston is a foodie city, so have dinner at one of the fine eateries located in the downtown area. Park in a lot that offers a low early bird rate and makes a day of it. Charleston is a very walkable city and TD Arena is very easy to get to from anywhere in the downtown area. Return on Investment 3 Seating prices at the TD Arena are determined by the location of your seats. Lower-level courtside seats are $40, lower-level end zone seats go for $20, upper-level side court seats are $20 and upper-level end zone seats are priced at $15. Concessions offer a broad set of foods at reasonable prices. The costliest element of attending a Cougars game is the parking. Being in the Historic District means you are competing with tourists for a parking space. As a result, expect to pay $20 or more to park near the arena on game nights. Extras 3 The court at TD Arena is named for John Kresse, the winningest coach in College of Charleston history. He won 560 games at the school and led the Cougars to 4 NCAA Tournaments and 3 NIT appearances. The TD Arena hosted the memorial service for the victims of the Emanuel AME church shootings. The church is located just a few blocks from the arena. The campus of the College of Charleston looks like no other campus you have seen. It primarily consists of houses that have been repurposed into academic buildings. The campus stretches for several blocks in downtown Charleston, with a brick-paved plaza replacing what used to be streets and tying the campus together. The school has been recognized both locally and nationally for its historic preservation efforts. There are self-guided, and student-led tours of the campus daily. Final Thoughts The College of Charleston has a long and storied history of success in basketball. As a result, it plays in one of the finest arenas you will find at a small school at the Division I level. TD Arena is first-class in every way, and it is easy to see why players being recruited by the school are blown away when they see the facilities. This bodes well for a continuation of the 20-plus wins seasons the school has enjoyed for many years.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex 414 Deacon Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Twin City Thunderbirds website Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 4,000 Editor's Note: In Sept 2025, the team adopted a new name, the Twin City Thunderbirds and they remain in the FPHL. Federal in Flight The Federal Prospects Hockey League is an independent professional league composed of 10 teams scattered across the Eastern seaboard. In 2017, the Carolina Thunderbirds joined the fray as an expansion franchise in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Named after a former ECHL team that played in Winston, the Thunderbirds have made their nest at the city’s Fairgrounds Annex. Completed in 1989, the Annex has hosted hockey on and off since its inception, staging teams in various independent and affiliated leagues. Food & Beverage 4 For such a small venue, the Annex has some amazing food options. You'll find a variety of items in the main lobby, including hot coffee, Orangeade, popcorn, Dippin' Dots, shaved ice, many different types of beers, and even fresh pork skins. Polish sausage is the one fairly unique option and is available for $7. There's also a Farm Made Ice Cream stand that scoops out rotating flavors into a cup or cone for $5. Labatt Blue Beer and Bud Light are the primary alcoholic beverages on tap, but a local brewery called Fiddlin' Fish also has a stand where they offer up some of their craft beer. The national beers are available for $7.50 in cans or bottles. Pepsi is served throughout the complex. You can even grab some Chick-fil-A at the rink, as popular menu selections such as the Original Chicken Sandwich are available for $6.25. Atmosphere 3 "The prescription" is prevalent at the Fairgrounds, as it is in most hockey arenas in the South, meaning you'll be hearing more cowbell all night long. You’ll also likely hear the Thunderbirds' goal horn a lot; it sounds similar to a loud diesel engine, echoing throughout the rink. Overall, most of the game day atmosphere is created by the fans in the stands. The environment that the Thunderbirds organization tries to create just seems stale. The PA announcer is more casual than at most arenas, acting more like a radio broadcaster than anything else. The music played during stoppages in play appears to be picked at random and is generally poorly timed, ending a dozen seconds or so after puck drop. If these small annoyances can be ignored, you’ll have a great time watching quality hockey. The Fairgrounds Annex itself is a decent barn with an overtly ‘80s feel. The building resembles a local skating rink and the aging facility looks like it belongs at a middle school. The main concourse in particular appears to have not changed since it was built in 1989. If the Thunderbirds, as a winning franchise on the ice, want to remain in Winston-Salem long-term, the Annex might need some upgrades. Neighborhood 2 The Annex is located in an athletic complex that’s home to three of Wake Forest University’s stadiums. Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, home to Demon Deacons basketball, is next door. BB&T Field, Wake’s football venue, is diagonally from the Annex, while Couch Ballpark, home to the Deacs’ baseball program, is right across the road. Outside of the athletic facilities nearby, there isn’t anything in the area worth seeing. In fact, the surrounding neighborhoods are fairly run-down. Anything of interest is going to be several miles away in either downtown Winston-Salem or the suburban retail spots. Fans 4 The Thunderbirds have produced a very good brand of hockey since joining the league, culminating in a Commissioner's Cup win during the 2018-19 season. In addition to being crowned champions of the league, Carolina also set a lofty league record of 24 consecutive wins that season. This success has translated to the gate, where the T-Birds have set multiple single-game and single-season attendance records. The team continues to pack The Annex each home game, resulting in an electric game day atmosphere. In addition to horns and cowbells, fans in Winston were quick to adopt the famous “you suck!” chants made popular by some NHL fan bases. All told, a night at the Fairgrounds is going to be crowded and LOUD. Access 4 The Fairgrounds Annex is located near the athletic facilities of Wake Forest University on Deacon Boulevard just north of downtown Winston-Salem. The city is reachable from the east and west off of Interstate 40 and its business spur, though the latter has been closed in many spots for construction. Avoid this road if you can. Interstate 74 is also expected to pass through the area once it's completed in the near future. US-52 is the proposed path of I-74 and will likely be your main pathway to the Fairgrounds if you’re coming from the north or south. There’s ample parking in the massive lots next to the Annex and the adjoining LJVM Coliseum. For the 2019-20 season, parking is free. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for Thunderbirds home games start at $9. They can be purchased in advance on Ticketmaster, but you’ll wind up forking over another $6 in fees. Your best bet is to just get your tickets on game day at the box office to avoid extra charges. Parking is free and the food items at The Annex are fairly priced. Game programs are $5, which is pretty steep for an independent hockey team. If you’re not a program collector, skip them entirely. A family of four could easily enjoy a hockey night in Winston for around $80. Extras 3 The Annex has a little merchandise stand in the corner of the main lobby, a nice touch. The hallways of the concourse are also adorned with Winston-Salem hockey history, dating as far back as the sport’s beginnings in the region in 1973. Finally, the team’s mascot (appropriately named Winston) is frequently seen roaming the concourse and stands. Final Thoughts While The Annex isn’t the most desirable place to watch a game, the product on display each and every night outweighs the venue’s shortcomings. If you like hockey, you’ll like hockey in Winston-Salem.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Meltzer Center 4400 Massachussetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 American Eagles website Meltzer Center website Year Opened: 2026 Capacity: 750 Fly, Eagles, Fly Located in Northwest Washington, American University is one of five federally chartered private colleges in the District of Columbia. The school's athletic programs, known as the Eagles, compete in the Patriot League of the NCAA. American volleyball previously competed at Bender Arena, which it shared with the basketball program, but in 2026, it moved into its own arena, the newly opened Meltzer Center. Formally known as the Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance, the building also contains practice and training facilities for many of American's programs. The volleyball team plays in a 750-seat gym that is also capable of hosting basketball games, although none are scheduled there. Food & Beverage 2 The concession window at the Meltzer Center is located in the lobby of the building and features a basic menu. Hot dogs, nachos, and chicken tenders are the main options, and the tenders come with chips. You will also find popcorn, candy, chips, soft pretzels, and other assorted miscellaneous snacks To drink, Gatorade, soda, and bottled water are available. Beer and wine are available for fans of age as well. The chicken tenders are the most expensive the thing on the menu at $14, but at least they come with chips. Alcohol ranges from $8-$10 and nothing else is more then $7. Atmosphere 4 The Meltzer Center seats just 750 fans in only a few rows of chairback seats along both sidelines, so you will have an outstanding view of the action wherever you sit. All seats are general admission except a few reserved seats at courtside, but the building rarely fills up so you should be able to sit wherever you want. Before the match starts, the arena lights go down and red, white, and blue spotlights shine on the court as the Eagles lineup is introduced. A hype video plays on the videoboard as well to get the crowd excited. The lobby of the Meltzer Center is covered in American athletic logos, eagles, and other gorgeous murals. Compared to that, the gym itself seems pretty sterile, with a lot of blank walls. However, the arena just opened, so perhaps that will change later. Neighborhood 5 American University is located in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This is several miles from the center of the city, but don’t let that discourage you from visiting. There are a number of restaurants nearby, including local favorites Z Burger, District Taco, and, of course, a number of chain restaurants. Tenleytown is a safe neighborhood to walk in, but due to its distance from downtown, you may be better off driving. Of course, this being the nation’s capital, there is plenty going on elsewhere in the city as well, and the great thing is that most of it’s free. The National Mall and all of its monuments and memorials are absolutely gorgeous on a fall afternoon, and if it’s a rainy day, you can stop into one of the many museums. All government-run attractions are free of charge, though some privately-owned ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to schedule that in advance. Hotels are extremely expensive in DC itself, at least the ones of decent quality, so if you’re staying overnight, your best bet is to stay in the Virginia or Maryland suburbs and drive over. Fans 3 American will typically draw a few hundred fans to volleyball games, filling the Meltzer Center to about half capacity. The fans will cheer after big rallies and can get excited when one goes on for a long time, but overall they are fairly quiet. American is much better off playing their home games in the Meltzer Center than they were in the much larger Bender Arena. The place seems a lot fuller, even if it isn't, because the capacity is so much smaller. Access 4 Parking at Meltzer is simple - just use the garage near Bender Arena. This will cost you $10 regardless of when you visit, which is disappointing as it was free until this year. The parking garage has some very tight spaces, which may be difficult for large vehicles to maneuver. Take the elevator down to the lobby of Bender and follow the signs to Meltzer Center, about a five-minute walk away. Once you enter the building, if you do not already have tickets, you will need to buy them at the ticket window. If you do, turn right and show them at the table then walk into the arena. There is a large all-gender restroom featuring stalls with floor-to-ceiling walls and doors. It is very clean and is more than sufficiently large for the crowds. Even in between sets, when a lot of people go there at once, there is no wait. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets to American University volleyball games are $10, with youth and seniors getting in for $7. Courtside seats are $15. Keep in mind that if you wait until gameday to buy, it will cost an extra $5 (or an extra $10 for courtside.) Parking will cost you an additional $10. While this isn't expensive by any means, many teams at this level do not charge at all for volleyball tickets. Throw in the cost of parking and the value here is merely average. Extras 2 Look for the banners in the Meltzer Center gym honoring the conference championships and postseason appearances of not only American volleyball but the other athletic teams that use the Meltzer Center for practice. The player intros featuring red, white, and blue spotlights are also worthy of an extra here. Final Thoughts The Meltzer Center is a fine new home for American Eagles volleyball. Although it is a significant downsizing compared to Bender Arena, that is actually a good thing as it is a much more appropriate size. Giving the volleyball team its own home has other benefits as well, as this feels like a volleyball arena, not a basketball arena where the volleyball team are second class citizens. While this will never have the atmosphere of some power conference schools, if you are a fan of volleyball in the D.C. area, you will want to check out American Eagles volleyball at the Meltzer Center.

Photos by Dave Cottenie , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 First Horizon Park 19 Junior Gilliam Way Nashville, TN 37219 Nashville Sounds website First Horizon Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 8,500 Music in Hit City Nashville, Tennessee has a long history with baseball. The Music City has been home to several minor league and Negro League teams. The current Nashville Sounds were founded in 1978 as an expansion team in the Double-A Southern League. The popularity of baseball in Nashville was obvious from the start, as the expansion team led the entire Minor Leagues in attendance in its first year. By 1985, they advanced to the Triple-A American Association. The dissolution of this league in 1998 had the Sounds bump over to the Pacific Coast League and eventually the International League in 2021. The Sounds have won league titles in 1979, 1982, and 2005 and have been the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers since 2021. First Horizon Park is the home of the Sounds and is one of the newest ballparks at the Triple-A level, opening in 2015. It replaced Herschel Greer Stadium, which was home to the Sounds for 36 years. First Horizon Park is built on the location of historic Sulphur Dell, a minor league park that was used from 1885 to 1963. First Horizon Park is one of the premier Triple-A ballparks and definitely adds to the argument that Nashville should be considered for an expansion Major League Baseball team. Food & Beverage 4 First Horizon Park has a strong concession experience with a variety of locations and menu items. A number of the concession stands make use of giant iPads for ordering, similar to what is found in many McDonald’s locations. On the date of this review, the system seemed to work well, and concession lines moved quickly. Some of the concession highlights included Sulpher Dell Slices, Music City Grill. Smokehouse BBQ and Hot or Not Chicken. Along with all of the expected ballpark food items, local items fans may want to consider include the Nashville Hot Chicken and Pork Chop Sandwiches. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at the park. First Horizon Park also has a terrific selection of local craft beer as well as domestics and other alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 5 First Horizon Park is one of the best ballparks in all of Minor League Baseball. Not only does it offer an easy 360-degree path around the park on the inside, but there is also an easy path on the outside. The centerfield gate, right by the parking garage, offers a bronze statue of Track and Field Coach Ed Temple, who coached 23 Olympic medalists and 40 Olympians. Placards outlining the history of baseball in Nashville can be found along the path as well as the archeological history of the site of the former Sulphur Dell. The home plate gate is the main entry and is found at Junior Gilliam Way. The exterior is smart-looking with silver paneling surrounding a black and white sign. The entry is surrounded by light colored brick. Upon entry into the concourse, fans will find some different Nashville Sounds or Hit City markings. Immediately beside the main entry are profiles for the players of the four retired numbers, Jackie Robinson, Skeeter Barnes, Tim Dillard and Don Mattingly. Signage for other significant Nashville players like Junior Gilliam and Dusty Rhodes is found hanging throughout the concourse. The concourse is open concept, and it is possible to walk just about the entire 360 degrees of the park and not miss any of the action. A variety of seating options are available. The main seating area is two-tiered with plenty of 100 level seats under the overhang of the 200 level, providing lots of shade. There are patio tables beyond right field, berm seating perfect for catching home runs, and Adirondack chairs around the edge of the berms. The Band Box is beyond centerfield and is good for events. First Horizon Park also has plenty of spots to see the game from outside of the stadium, including the Third and Home terrace and the neighboring apartments. Of course, the most iconic item in the ballpark is the massive, guitar-shaped videoboard. First Horizon Park has its own cistern system, wiffleball park, and even a mini-golf course. The gameday production at a Sounds game is solid. The mascot, Booster the Rooster, a Nashville Hot Chicken, takes part in promotions on the field along with the in-game host. Also, the mascot race is uniquely Nashville with The Man in Black, Dolly, and Reba rushing to the finish line. Neighborhood 5 First Horizon Park is located in the North Capitol neighborhood of Nashville, part of downtown. There are several spots within walking distance for fans to go to get pre- or post-game food or drink. Some options include Geist Bar & Restaurant, TailGate, Von Elrod’s Beer Hall, Jonathan’s Grille, and numerous options in the Nashville Farmers Market. Germantown is just to the north and also has several options. Heading to Broadway will provide a whole host of other options. There are a few other sporting options in Nashville. These include Nashville SC, Nashville Predators, and Tennessee Titans. Nashville also has many college options. These include Belmont Bruins, Lipscomb Bisons, and Tennessee State Golden Tigers, and Vanderbilt Commodores football, basketball, and baseball. Nashville is one of the best tourist destinations in the country. Known as Music City, Nashville has a ton of country music-centric tourist options. These include the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and The Grand Ole Opry, to name a few. There is always live music in one of the establishments on Broadway. The Gaylord Opryland is also something that should be seen. There are also many tourist options within walking distance of the park, including the Tennessee State Capitol, Tennessee State Museum, Nashville Farmers Market and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. There are a ton of hotels within walking distance of the park also. TownPlace, The Capitol Hotel, and DoubleTree are a few options. Fans 5 The Nashville Sounds have a solid fan base. For the 2026 season, at the time of writing, the Sounds averaged over 6,500 fans per game. They ranked 3rd in the International League in attendance. In the previous season, the Sounds averaged over 6,700 fans per game and ranked 4th. The fans in the stands are knowledgeable and loud at all the right times. Access 4 First Horizon Park is located in the North Capitol neighborhood of Nashville. It is on the south side of Junior Gilliam Way between John Lewis and 3rd Ave. It is just over 1 km east of I-65/I-40 and 2 blocks west of the Cumberland River. Getting to the park is not too difficult, being so close to the interstate. There are a few local parking garages and lots. Preplanning parking is a great plan. For those wishing to take public transit to the ballpark, there are bus stops along 2nd Ave, east of First Horizon Park. Fans should consult the WeGo Transit website for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the ballpark is very easy as the concourses are wide and there is a full, 360-degree path. The washroom facilities in the ballpark are good. Stadium Journey recognizes that the security protocols for major sporting events are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Nashville Sounds and First Horizon Park websites for the latest security procedures, including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 5 Nashville Sounds tickets start at $11.75 for General Admission, berm seating. Seats start at $17.65 and go up to $41 for club seats. Day-of-game purchases will cost an extra couple of bucks. Concession prices are not too bad at First Horizon Park, and parking will cost a few dollars. The product on the field in Nashville is solid, and the overall experience is great. Fans will leave the park having been fully entertained and not out a mortgage payment or more! Extras 3 An extra mark for Junior Gilliam Way, the street behind home plate. Junior Gilliam was a local product who had a 27-year major league career that started in the Negro Leagues. He was the 1953 Rookie of the Year for the Brooklyn Dodgers. An extra mark for the Sounds embracing the full history of Nashville baseball and putting it on display. An extra mark for a very well-stocked team store. Final Thoughts Time will tell if Major League Baseball decides to descend on Nashville as an expansion destination. Until that time, the Nashville Sounds are more than filling the baseball void in Music City, in one of the best parks in Minor League Baseball. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Bridgewater Ice Arena 20 Bedford Park Bridgewater, MA 02324 Stonehill Skyhawks women's hockey website Bridgewater Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 500 A Hawks Nest - For Now Stonehill began sponsoring women’s hockey in the 2022-23 season. The Skyhawks are members of the New England Women’s Hockey Alliance, a conference consisting of eight mostly former members of Division Two’s Northeast-10 Conference. The conference competes at the Division One level since the NCAA does not recognize D-2 hockey. The Skyhawks won the NEWHA conference tournament in 2024. When Stonehill began competing at the D-1 level, both their men and women’s teams played their home games at the off-campus Bridgewater Ice Arena. This public rink, located 12 miles from the Stonehill campus, features two NHL-sized rinks, a full-service café and seating for 500. The complex also plays host to numerous high school teams as well as the Bridgewater Bandits of the USPHL. In 2024 the men’s team began playing a portion of their schedule at Warrior Ice Arena in Boston, and now plays their entire schedule there. The women’s team will play an occasional big game at Warrior, such as their game against Boston College to open the 2026-27 season. Stonehill, which used the nickname “Chieftains” for decades, changed their mascot to the Skyhawks in 2005 to honor the type of planes used by the Navy at the airfield located on campus until 1955. On May 28, 2025 Stonehill College announced that due to a record $15 million donation from Tom (class of ’72) and Kathleen Bogan, planning has begun on a new hockey and basketball arena on campus. In recognition of their philanthropy, the arena will be known as the Tom and Kathleen Bogan Arena. There is currently no timeline for construction of the arena. Food & Beverage 2 There is a snack bar located at the back end of the lobby. The menu here isn’t as extensive as other snack bars you’ll find in community rinks, but there are enough choices here to keep all fans satisfied. A combination of breakfast and lunch foods are available here. Breakfast sandwiches, wraps and prepackaged salads can be purchased here. If you’re just looking for a snack, an assortment of muffins, candy, popcorn and pop tarts are available for purchase. Pepsi products are featured, with hot chocolate and coffee popular choices in this chilly rink. Many fans bring their own beverages in, with lots of Dunkin’ coffee observed in the stands. There are also vending machines in the lobby should the snack bar not be open during your visit. Atmosphere 1 The game day atmosphere at a Stonehill hockey game is a bare bones one to be sure. With the facility’s physical limitations, you wouldn’t really expect anything more. A simple scoreboard at the far end displays basic game information, and the sound system is in serious need of some TLC. The PA announcer goes about his business in an understated manner, but can be difficult to understand given the sound system on hand. There are no promos or contests during the game to distract and there is little to no noise from the sparse crowd in attendance. There is little here to even show fans that a Division One hockey team plays here. The USPHL’s Bridgewater Bandits take precedence here, with a sign signifying that they are the main tenant here posted on Bedford Street. Banners along the side of the rink honor all the youth teams that call BIA home. The pro shop here sells Bandits and Northeast Generals gear, but no Stonehill swag. The only mention that the Skyhawks even play here are a pair of banners hung on a far corner of the rink. At least the Skyhawks have their logo painted at center ice. Faceoff at Bridgewater Ice Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 2 Given Bridgewater Ice Arena’s location in an industrial park, you wouldn’t expect any attractions or lodging options in the immediate vicinity of the rink. However, there are places to be found a short drive away. Downtown Bridgewater is about two and a half miles away to the north, with Route 44, a local route which connects Providence with Plymouth, passing by three and a half miles to the south. Numerous dining and lodging options can be found in either direction. Barrett’s Alehouse and Fireside Grille are local favorites located close to Bridgewater Ice Arena. Visitors to Stonehill looking to explore more than just the immediate neighborhood may gravitate to Boston, a 45-minute ride north or Cape Cod, a 30-minute ride to the southeast. A half-hour drive can also bring you to the historic seaside towns of Plymouth or New Bedford. Visitors to the area will find plenty to do in any of these locations, even during the winter months of the hockey season. Fans 2 Stonehill’s reported attendance is approximately 150 fans per game about a month in to the 2026-27 season. We’ll take this figure as reliable, as Stadium Journey visited the BIA on an Friday evening with a crowd of about 100 fans in attendance. This makes the crowds at Stonehill pretty comparable in size to other women’s programs in the area. This is what we at Stadium Journey like to call a “friends and family” crowd. Most of the fans in attendance appear to have a connection with the players on the ice. With the BIA located a dozen miles from campus, there is little to no representation from the student body at games. Game Action at Bridgewater Ice Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Bridgewater Ice Arena is located 12 miles from the Stonehill campus in suburban Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Situated in a small industrial park just off Route 18, it is very easy to get to from any direction. Interstate 495 passes just a few miles to the south of the rink. Directions to the rink can be found here. There is plenty of free parking in the lot adjacent to the facility. The Skyhawks play in the east rink, one of two rinks in the facility, which will be on your right as you enter the lobby. Seating consists of metal bleachers that run along the length of once side of the rink. There is some standing room at the near end of the ice. Nets are hung at both offensive zones, but the center sections are free from obstruction. Rest rooms are located just off the lobby and are more than large enough for a typical Stonehill hockey crowd. Be warned that the rink is very chilly, so dress appropriately. You’ll see lots of hot beverages, blankets and winter coats at the BIA. Fans will often head for the lobby (or even outside) during intermission to warm up. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge to watch a Skyhawks hockey game. Parking is also free in the arena parking lot. It’s entirely possible to go to a Division One hockey game without spending a cent. Even if you decide to get a snack while at the game, you certainly won’t be breaking the bank. Banners at Bridgewater Ice Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 There isn’t a whole lot going on at a Skyhawks hockey game that can be considered extra. At the far end of the rink are some banners honoring the Skyhawks’ conference titles since their inception in 2022. Final Thoughts Bridgewater Ice Arena turned out to be too small for the growing men’s hockey program, but for now, it’s the right size for the fledgling women’s Skyhawks. A bigger nest is planned for them to move into soon, but for now, the BIA suits these hawks just fine. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Gary Noll, born Deaf in a New Jersey Deaf household, is a huge New Jersey/New York Sports fan who received the 2019 New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award, the 2024 New Jersey State Governor’s Volunteerism Award (as a “Community Pillar”) and a 2024 Russ Berrie Unsung Hero Award. He proposes and raises awareness of Deaf and ASL (American Sign Language) sports events. Gary is an advocate of accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion, including promoting captioning and ASL communication technology during NJ/NY metropolitan sporting events. Gary has already discussed sports venues in New Jersey and New York with Stadium Journey and is excited to share the latest news about future Deaf or ASL awareness events. Please stay tuned for game announcements! The sports teams will be posting notices about the events online. Gary Noll at 2026 US Open 1. Madison Square Garden (MSG), New York City Unfortunately, there won’t be a New York Knicks American Sign Language (ASL) group event this season or in 2027. We hope we see it happen sometime in the future. This is because the team is limiting ticket availability, ticket costs have increased, and the NY Knicks have restructured their staff since winning the NBA championship in June 2026. We’re now focusing on hosting what could be their first-ever NY Rangers ASL group event in 2027 and beyond (keep your fingers crossed). Gary has already asked to include Deaf ASL anthem performers during some future NY Knicks and NY Rangers games. 2. Yankee Stadium, The Bronx, New York Yankee Stadium Closed Captioning, Photo by Gary Noll The NY Yankees baseball team is planning to host its fourth annual Deaf Awareness Event in 2026, but they’ve decided to hold it next year. Please keep an eye out for it. They’ve already reached out to schools and others, but they’re not ready to make a commitment at this time due to their new leadership. The New York Yankees still have plans for Deaf Awareness Events in the future. 3. Citi Field, Queens, New York Partnering with Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, the New York Mets hosted a dedicated Deaf Awareness event in May 2026, held during their home game against the Cincinnati Reds. The Mets are considering hosting either a Deaf Awareness Day or a special Deaf group event by partnering with one of the best Deaf schools in NYC and Long Island for future seasons. This 2026 season, you’ll notice the Mets already have an ASL anthem performer for some or most of their games, which is a thoughtful way to promote inclusivity. 4. US Open Tennis, Queens, New York Closed Captioning at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Photo by Gary Noll The US Open Tennis at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (August 23 to September 13, 2026) will feature Deaf ASL anthem performers for the opening night and the men’s and women’s championship matches, which will be broadcast on TV again for the third consecutive year. 5. Met Life Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey We haven’t had a chance to chat with the NY Jets and NY Giants about an ASL group event yet. We’d love for them to consider having a Deaf ASL anthem performer during one of their games! If FIFA decides to award NJ/NY the 2031 FIFA World Cup women’s soccer matches, we’d be thrilled to have a Deaf ASL performance. You can read more about this idea in this article. 6. UBS Arena, Belmont Park, New York Deaf Awareness Night at NY Islanders, Photo by Gary Noll After having a successful Deaf Awareness Night in 2023, the NY Islanders have not yet duplicated that event. The team is still considering whether to host another Deaf Awareness Night or a first-time ASL night in future seasons. If this happens, we expect to have live ASL interpreters broadcasting on the Jumbotron. 7. Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey Prudential Center ASL on Videoboard, Photo by Gary Noll The New Jersey Devils hockey team is planning to host its 8th annual ASL night this 2026 - 2027 season on Oct 20, 2026. They’re hoping to feature a Deaf ASL anthem performer and a group performance. To help ASL fans, there will be ASL interpreters throughout the stadium, and they’ll use them to include trivia and other activities on the Jumbotron. Plus, they’ll continue to offer NJ Devils ASL T-shirts for those who buy tickets to the ASL event. 8. Sports Illustrated Arena, (formerly Red Bull Arena), Harrison, New Jersey There’s been talk about a Gotham FC, pro women’s soccer (NWSL) Deaf Awareness Event at the Sports Illustrated Arena, but it hasn’t happened yet. We haven’t discussed hosting a Red Bulls (MLS) pro men’s soccer ASL event there, but we should think about it in the future. 9. Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York We’ve already pitched the idea of hosting the first-ever WNBA New York Liberty and NBA Brooklyn Nets ASL nights at the Barclays Center to the BSE Global team (the ownership company). They’re still not ready for an ASL event yet, but we’re not giving up! We’ll keep trying every year. Oct, 2026 Update: Barclays Center now has four or more live captioning boards in the corners, which might give the Brooklyn Nets and NY Liberty a great chance to kick off ASL events. Closed Captioning at Barclay's Center, Photo by Gary Noll 10. Etihad Park, Queens, New York It would be great to have live captioning at the new Etihad Park, which will be the home of NYCFC’s men’s soccer team in Major League Soccer (MLS) and will welcome Gotham FC women’s soccer in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) starting in 2028. We’re also hoping to have a Deaf ASL anthem performer during the first soccer match! 11. Office of the Big East Conference, NCAA, New York City Gary Noll at Big East Championship, MSG They plan to feature ASL anthem performances at both the men’s and women’s basketball championship games at Madison Square Garden in New York City and Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, marking the fourth consecutive season of this tradition. They’re also aiming to broadcast it on TV for the first time next March 2027.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Powers Field at Princeton Stadium 500 Ivy Lane Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers football website Powers Field at Princeton Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 27,800 Ivy League Roars Powers Field at Princeton Stadium opened on September 19, 1998, with a win over Cornell. The new stadium replaced the old facility, Palmer Stadium, which had served the Princeton Tigers’ football team for 82 years. In all, the Ivy League Tigers have been playing football on this same site since 1914. Two very unique features of Princeton Stadium are, first, the 32-foot-high climbing wall built into the structural supports in the southeast corner of the venue. The climbing wall is 66 feet across and is used for rock climbing classes at Princeton, as well as for recreational climbing by students and faculty. The second unique feature is even more impressive, however – following the last home football game of each year, a climate-controlled inflatable dome is set up within the walls of the stadium, allowing the field to be used for sports during the brutal 5 or 6-month New Jersey winter. Teams such as lacrosse, soccer, rugby, and flag football use the turf inside the bubble, with nets separating different sections so multiple groups can use it at the same time. Food & Beverage 4 Princeton Stadium has a ton of different concession options at reasonable prices, ranging from hot dogs, pizza, brisket sandwiches, and walking tacos to burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. These items start at around $5 for a hot dog and go up to $12 for the brisket. The stands here even offer a vegetarian burger option, black bean. For snacks, you can find items such as pretzels, popcorn, packaged candy, chips, and cotton candy running from $3 to $6, while drinks include Powerade, canned water, fountain soda, coffee, and hot cocoa, with all beverages under $4. Offering coffee and hot cocoa is a major plus during cold weather football games up here in the north. Note that different stands offer different items, but all options are sold on both sides of the facility. Atmosphere 4 Even though the crowd may not be very big, Princeton puts on a great show here at Powers Field. There are giveaways and a bouncy house out on the lawn between the parking garage and the field, which make the day a little more fun, especially if you have little ones. There are also a pair of shiny metal tiger statues outside the stadium, which are fun to take a picture of or a selfie with, and the tiger stripe decor all around the venue really pops. While the Princeton band is not very large (barely a dozen), there is a mascot on hand to entertain the crowd, and the staff plays a lot of fun music during breaks in the action to get fans up and moving. Neighborhood 3 Princeton is a small town of just over 30,000 residents who are packed into a small geographic footprint, so the area is highly walkable. The restaurant scene here is a mix of historic taverns and fast-casual eateries that cater to students; the latter offer fare such as burgers, Mexican, and pizza. There are also a few sports bar-type options in the area such as Alchemist & Barrister, although these tend to be more boutique eateries located inside historic buildings than your typical chain restaurants with neon signs on the walls. There are a couple of hotels in the immediate vicinity of Princeton Stadium, though these tend to be high-end and more costly. More modest lodging options can be found outside of town about 3 to 5 miles from the stadium, for example out along Route 1. The attractions here tend to be historic in nature, for example, touring the former home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Fans 3 There will not be a ton of fans here during a typical game – you’ll see a large crowd in the lower-level sections just beneath the press box, but mostly an empty stadium everywhere else, including on the visitor side. Still, the fans who show up do make some noise, cheer at the right times, and seem very engaged. The crowd does appear to be mostly alums of the school, without much of a student presence. Access 4 Traffic in the vicinity can be pretty brutal depending on where you are coming from, with New York City and Philadelphia both about equidistant from Princeton. However, the immediate area around Princeton Stadium is not very crowded, as it is a couple of miles off the main roads, and there will not be big crowds to contend with as you come and go. Once you get to the facility, the best place to park is in the Stadium Parking Garage, where it won’t take much time to exit after the game since there aren’t very many cars here. From there, it is a little bit of a walk to the football stadium, past some other athletic fields, but once you get inside Princeton Stadium, you should have smooth sailing. There are plenty of bathrooms, and each concession stand is set up like a grab-and-go, with two cashiers assigned to each so the lines move fast. The concourse is also virtually empty. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Princeton football games are $20, and I think that is a perfectly reasonable cost. The venue feels clean and modern despite being almost 30 years old, and the crowd is very polite. There is enough decor and activity during breaks in the action to keep fans entertained, and there are small scoreboards on each of the interior walls, so no matter where you are sitting, you should easily be able to read one. The mascot is fun to watch, and even though the band is tiny, they put on a good show before the game and at halftime. Extras 3 Princeton football does some interesting things to add a bit of flair to the experience, for example, bringing in a guy with an electric guitar to play the National Anthem. I thought that was a great take on what is usually a solemn moment in the game, both fun and unique. Final Thoughts I would definitely recommend a visit to Powers Field at Princeton Stadium to see a Tigers football game. It is a great experience with no crowds to fight, and pretty easy on the wallet as well. Make time to see these Ivy League Tigers when you can!

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Ron Roberts Field at the Banta Bowl 1201 E John St Appleton, WI 54915 Lawrence Vikings website The Banta Bowl website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 3,634 The Name Behind the Gift Originally known as the Lawrence Bowl when it opened in 1965, the Banta Bowl was made possible by an anonymous gift from George Banta Jr. ’10, an alumnus of Lawrence College. The name behind the donation was only revealed upon his death in 1978, at which point the name was changed in his honor. The field itself is named after Ron Roberts, who coached the Vikings for 30 years – Roberts brought the team to back-to-back league titles in the 1960s, and then added three more in a row from 1979-1981, winning six Midwest Conference championships in total. The Banta Bowl is nestled comfortably in one of the ravines that are common in the Appleton, Wisconsin area. The 3,634-seat facility has grandstands on both sides of the field, along with the Gilboy Athletic Center behind the north end zone. The athletic building houses the football locker room, concessions, restrooms, and the ticket office. Food & Beverage 4 The Banta Bowl has food trucks at the main entrance, including local favorite Cousins Subs as well as Mexican and Asian cuisine. There is also a regular concession stand attached to the Gilboy Athletic Center which sells burgers, hot dogs, chips, candy, and bottled soda and water. The quality of the food is high – the prices are higher at the food trucks, but so are the portion sizes and quality. At the main stand, hot dogs and burgers (both with actual grill marks) cost $4 and $5 respectively, while drinks and snacks are only $2 to $3. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere is not over the top at the Banta Bowl, but you should have a great time. There is shade on the south end of the home side, especially as the afternoon wears on, thanks to trees at that end which slightly overhang the seats. The Vikings also have a great mascot, an antelope wearing a Viking helmet; the college’s crest features an antelope, but the Vikings name won a 1926 contest to rename the old 'Blues' nickname. As a result, Lawrence’s current athletic branding incorporates both traditions. Photo courtesy of Tabitha Lee In addition to operating a small team gear stand attached to the Gilboy Athletic Center, the staff also hands out stickers, pom poms, and buttons as fans enter, which is a nice touch. Neighborhood 3 The Banta Bowl sits on the banks of the Fox River in Appleton, WI. The surrounding trees provide a wonderful setting, and there are also walking and biking trails along the river that pass right by the stadium, so fans can take a pleasant stroll before or after the game. There are several great restaurants on the riverfront, but if you want to catch some other football action before or after the Vikings game, check out Mill City Public House, loaded with massive TVs and loud audio. Stone Arch Brewpub is another option with more of a live music and trivia vibe, but it does offer its own microbrews. There are several hotels in the area, the most well-known probably being Hilton Appleton Paper Valley attached to the conference center. And if you happen to want to check out any historic sites, look no further than Hearthstone Historic House Museum, the first home in the world powered by a Thomas Edison hydroelectric station. Fans 4 There may not be very many fans at the Banta Bowl during a typical game – aim for homecoming weekend if you want the best vibe – but the fans who are there are ALL IN! The fans are loud and raucous, constantly catcalling the referees and letting the coaches have it after a bad play. You will likely see a few fraternity members standing at the railing leading this charge, as well as a solid student section near the middle of the home side. Access 5 The Banta Bowl is not far from I-41, so it's pretty easy to get to no matter whether you are coming from the north, south, east, or west. And once you get to the stadium, you can park for free a mere few hundred feet from the stadium, even on a busy day like the homecoming matchup. Moving around the stadium is pretty easy as well – you can walk across the plaza behind the north end zone to get to either grandstand, and there are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the crowd. There are also no lines at the concessions, even during the busiest games. Return on Investment 5 For only $5 per person admission, attending a Lawrence Vikings football game at the Banta Bowl is well worth it – you really can’t go wrong. Concessions are also super cheap, especially if you visit the main stand instead of the food trucks; the burgers and hot dogs are top-notch and very filling. Parking is also free. Extras 3 The scoreboard is the basic no-video kind, but the giveaways they have at the main entrance are a nice touch, and the staff plays some really great music during breaks in the action, the kind that makes you want to get up and dance. And while the stands are all metal bleachers without chairbacks, being able to find shade under the trees without having to truck in your own lawn chair is amazing. Final Thoughts If you are in the area, you should definitely go over and check out the Banta Bowl. It is a wonderful stadium on the D3 scene, which you won’t regret checking out. Go Vikings!

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium 1 Cunningham Square Providence, RI 02908 Providence College men's soccer website Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 1,500 Defend the Chap Anderson Stadium is home to the Providence College soccer and lacrosse teams. Located next to Schneider Arena, the Stadium is part of the overall upgrade and consolidation of the school’s athletic facilities. Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium is named in honor of Mike and Maura Chapey, class of 1986, who donated one million dollars, and Board of Trustees member Karl and Kerri Anderson, class of 1988, who donated $1.5 million towards the construction of the facility. Providence College started fielding soccer teams in 1968. The Friars have qualified for 11 NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 2024. They reached the national semifinals in 2014. The women’s soccer team has qualified for three NCAA tournaments (1993, 2021 & 2023). Food & Beverage 2 Local favorite Saugy Franks operates a shack on the Anderson Stadium concourse. There’s a very basic menu available here, with hot dogs, pretzels, chips and drinks comprising all the available options. On the plus side, no items costs more than five dollars. No alcohol is permitted at Providence College soccer games. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks into Anderson Stadium. On cold fall Rhode Island days, you can expect to see a bunch of hot Dunkin’ beverages in the stands. Atmosphere 3 If you’re coming to a Friar soccer game expecting a rowdy time like you’d see at a European game or maybe even a North American professional game, you’re going to be disappointed. A college soccer game is usually a much more laid-back experience. There are no supporter sections here, and no student sections to be found, either. There’s not a lot of room for a college game day operations crew to insert themselves into a soccer game, especially when you compare it to other sports played on campus. That’s not to say that a college soccer game is a boring experience, it’s just different than other college sports. There’s a large video scoreboard in the northeast corner of the pitch at Anderson Stadium. It’s put to good use with graphics and videos throughout the game, although if you happen to be attending an afternoon game, it may be a bit difficult to see. The sound system is excellent, and music is played before the game and at halftime. The PA announcer keeps fans informed of substitutions and other game information in a workmanlike manner. Many fans in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the field and are knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support. If you want to feel the real energy at Anderson Stadium, head to the berm on the south side of the pitch. That’s where many of the younger fans in attendance hang out, running around and making noise throughout the game. They may not always be paying attention to the game, but hey, they’re having a blast! You may even see some of these youngsters on the field at halftime playing soccer or taking shots on Providence’s legendary mascot, Friar Dom. Game Action at Anderson Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Anderson Stadium is part of a sprawling complex on the northern edge of the Providence College campus which houses most of the college’s athletic, fitness and social facilities. Located nearby are many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Schneider Arena, Lennon Family Field, Ray Tracey Track and Alumni Hall. The Elmhurst neighborhood where Providence College is located is a residential, working-class neighborhood, so visiting fans will need to venture out a bit to find some of the city’s excellent dining, entertainment and lodging options. Luckily, downtown Providence is only about two miles from the PC campus. In addition to all the city’s attractions, the Amica Mutual Pavilion, home of the Friars’ basketball team, is located here. The loss of the Bradley Café, a popular student hangout, in March of 2026 was a huge blow to the PC community, but the owners have vowed to rebuild. For fans looking for a place to eat near campus, Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and selection of 92 draft beers and LaSalle Bakery, where some of Providence’s finest baked goods can be found. Otherwise, we recommend you head downtown towards Federal Hill, Providence’s version of Little Italy, for more great dining options. Fans 3 The Friars draw decent crowds to Anderson Stadium. Crowds can vary in size depending on opponent, time of year and day of week, but you’re guaranteed to get a dedicated group of fans no matter what the size. With a good portion of the Friars’ schedule consisting of local opponents, you’ll often see a decent turnout by fans of the opposing team. As mentioned before, many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the pitch and are enthusiastic with their support. There’s a significant presence from local youth teams at Anderson Stadium, and the youngsters bring their own energy to the game. While there’s decent support from the student body, there’s no organized student section at Anderson Stadium. National Anthem at Anderson Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 3 Providence College is located in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, about a mile from Route 146 and Interstate 95. To reach Anderson Stadium, fans will need to do some driving through the city, but the campus is still pretty easy to reach. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s number 55 bus has a stop right next to Schneider Arena, adjacent to Anderson Stadium. With the majority of fans driving to Friar soccer games, parking is at a premium. Luckily, there is plenty of parking in the area. There is a two-level parking garage attached to the west grandstand of Anderson Stadium, as well as lots within walking distance of the facility. Many fans will opt for the on-street parking available on Huxley and Admiral Streets. Seating at Anderson Stadium consists of metal bleachers in the grandstands on either side of the pitch, with some individual stadium seats around midfield of the main (west) grandstand. There is a berm on the south side of the field. The younger fans in attendance keep this area buzzing with activity throughout the game. Fans are able to walk completely around the stadium, with views of the pitch and standing room available at all points. Restrooms are located in Schneider Arena next door to Anderson Stadium. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Friar soccer games is free, as is parking in the garage adjacent to Anderson Stadium. No items on Saugy’s regular menu cost more than five dollars. Fans are able to bring their own snacks into the game with them. As the season progresses through the fall months and the weather turns colder, it’s common to see lots of Dunkin’ coffee in the stands. Anderson Stadium Scoreboard. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 Providence College’s conference championship seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances for both the men’s and women’s teams are honored on the wall of the east grandstand. Fans wishing to see the Friars’ NCAA hockey championship trophy will find it in the lobby of Schneider Arena next door to Anderson Stadium. Final Thoughts Providence College is a small school with a big history in intercollegiate sports. They have been working hard to improve their on-campus facilities, and Anderson Stadium is a worthy result of these efforts. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.