Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dunkin’ Park 1214 Main St. Hartford, CT 06103 Hartford Yard Goats website Dunkin’ Park website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 6,121 Slam “Dunk” Dunkin Park, home of the AA Eastern League Hartford Yard Goats, is often regarded as the gold standard for minor league ballparks in the northeast and around the country. Initially scheduled to open for the 2016 season in time for a rebrand of the former New Britain Rock Cats, the facility faced numerous construction delays, which pushed the opening back to 2017. Due to the uncertainty of their new ballpark, the rebranded Yard Goats played the entirety of their inaugural season on the road. Dunkin’ Park has a capacity (including standing room) of 6,850. The Yard Goats franchise has previously called Pittsfield, Pawtucket, Bristol, and New Britain home before settling in downtown Hartford. The team's quirky name originates from the railroad term for the switch engines or terminal tractors that move cars between different locomotives. The ballpark's close proximity to the Hartford Rail Yards creates satisfying continuity between the team branding and location. The team's unique blue and green color scheme is a nod to the former Hartford Whalers, who played their home games at the nearby Hartford Civic Center, now known as PeoplesBank Arena. Dunkin’ Park, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, has received numerous awards. The ballpark was the winner of the 2025 Newsweek Fans’ Choice Awards contest for best Double-A ballpark in 2025. This is coming after winning Ballpark Digest’s “Best Double-A Ballpark Award” in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. Dunkin' Park Entrance. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 4 Dunkin’ Park has an impressive variety of food and drink options ranging from your classic ballpark fare to a few unique offerings, with high-quality service. You will find many snack carts and concession stands lining the main concourse, featuring all of the ballpark staples, such as hot dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, ice cream, and Philly cheese steaks. There is much more to discover in the name of unique food offerings if that is your thing. The star of the show at Dunkin’ Park is Bears Smokehouse BBQ, located in a small courtyard in centerfield. Bears is a local, well-liked BBQ chain, with an abbreviated ballpark menu with a few unique items such as Bear Balls- deep fried pulled pork, mac & cheese, and cornbread bites. As you would expect, you can find Dunkin’ products at the park as well, including coffee and hot chocolate for colder days, and even bacon-wrapped Munchkins. The Aloha Chicken Sandwich, which consists of grilled chicken with sweet chili sauce, pineapple, and jalapenos, is recommended at a very affordable $10. Other unique offerings include deep-fried chocolate dumplings and a cinnamon bun burger. There is also a strong craft beer selection at Dunkin Park, headlined by the Alvarium Beer Hive located in the right field corner. Most domestic beer and other alcohol options are available throughout the ballpark as well. Dunkin’ Park features Coca-Cola products. Atmosphere 5 The game day atmosphere at Dunkin’ Park is outstanding and can definitely compete with some professional sports venues. It is a very aesthetically pleasing stadium, with unique features and multiple cool sightlines. The ballpark features a view of the Hartford skyline, but unfortunately, it is located beyond the right field corner, meaning you have to sit on the third base side of the park to see it. Sitting atop the double-decked right field wall puts fans right on top of the action, and also prime home run territory, with seats directly down the line being only 305 feet from home plate. There is a large Jumbotron in left field showing an array of stats and facts about the players. This may be one of the few professional baseball stadiums to show OPS as the primary stat next to the batter's name, as opposed to batting average. As is true for most minor league sporting events, there is always something going on pregame and in between innings at Dunkin’. The typical Dizzy Bat Races and T-shirt toss games are present, and commented on by the energetic in-game host “Gameday Connor.” The experience here is very clearly one catered to families, and they do that very well. Closed captioning and quiet rooms are available for those in need. There truly is no bad seat in the house at Dunkin’ Park. Every seat has a solid vantage point of the action, aside from the “lower level” of seating in the right field wall, which is all blocked by netting. Every seat is comfortable, with ample space and cupholders. There are also barstool seats with tables located around the entire ballpark, all with great views as well. Neighborhood 3 Dunkin’ Park is conveniently located in the middle of downtown Hartford, at the crossroads of two interstates, I-91 and I-84. The stadium is a part of a redevelopment project called “Downtown North” (DoNo), with upscale retail spaces, restaurants, and hotels slowly starting to be constructed around the ballpark. The attractions, museums, and restaurants of downtown Hartford are just minutes away, but the aforementioned I-84 separates the ballpark from the rest of the city, making it challenging to walk. PeoplesBank Arena, home of the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, and part-time home of both men’s and women’s UConn basketball teams, is also a few minutes down the road. Visitors can find nearby lodging at the Hartford Marriott Downtown and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown. While Hartford has struggled with its reputation, it is an interesting and historic city with many sights and restaurants to explore before or after the game. Nearby West Hartford, about 15 minutes away, has a charming downtown with a variety of restaurants and shops that is worth visiting. New Haven and Springfield are also worth a visit, located about 45 minutes away in either direction. Donut Swing at Dunkin' Park. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Fans 4 As is the case for most minor league teams, the Yard Goats have a strong mix of die-hards and casual fans just looking for an enjoyable night out. You will see your fair share of people really locked into the action at Dunkin’ Park, attentively watching the game and even keeping score. There was also an abundance of fans lined up at the gate thirty minutes before it opened. You will tend to see Dunkin’ moderately filled for mid-week games and sold out on the weekends. The fans are into the game and can get loud at times, but this is a more typical, relaxed minor league baseball experience. During this specific visit, there was an abundance of school and camp groups, which added to the chaotic atmosphere. Dunkin’ Park ranked third in the Eastern League in attendance in 2025, behind only Richmond and Reading. Access 4 As previously mentioned, Dunkin’ Park is located right off of I-91 and I-84, making this an easy trip from practically any major city in Southern New England. Traffic in and around Hartford, however, can be a nightmare, especially during rush hour, which is right before all mid-week games happen at Dunkin’, so plan accordingly for that. There are numerous parking options around the stadium (including on the street if you get there early enough), and all are in proximity and only charge $5. The main entrance to the stadium is uniquely located in the right field corner, headlined by a can’t-miss sign reading the stadium's name. This is where you can also find the box office. This entrance tends to get crammed before game time. It is recommended to utilize the lesser-known entrances in straightaway centerfield, or behind home plate, depending on where you parked. The concourse of Dunkin’ Park wraps completely around the stadium, but it can become tight on busier days, especially in the narrow walkway inside the right field wall. There is also little standing room available, as most of that space is taken up by barstools and table-style seating. Every seat, however, has an excellent view of the action. The restrooms here are well-maintained and handicap accessible. Return on Investment 4 Tickets at a Yard Goats game can range from $15 for standing room only to $25-$35 on average for general seats. Some tickets can get up to $50 depending on the day. These are fairly high prices for a MiLB game, but for an award-winning ballpark, it is a worthwhile experience. Parking is very affordable, $5, and you can find some good deals at concessions. Water is $4.75 throughout the ballpark, and bottled sodas will run you $6, on par with most venues in 2026. A lot of food items can be paired with a drink and chips to make a combo, which is a good deal. Overall, it is definitely not cheap to attend a Yard Goats game, but the high-quality experience creates a worthwhile return. Real Goats Watching the Yard Goats at Dunkin' Park. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Extras 4 One point is awarded for the quirky but awesome right field wall, with unique seating options both on top and inside the wall. The seating inside the right field wall offers a premium view directly down into the home bullpen. More points go to the excellent theming around the stadium. You know you are at a Yard Goats game when you are at Dunkin’ Park. There are goats on every wall, even on bathroom doors. Some concession stands are cleverly named after goats, and the best part is the live goats in centerfield. Another point goes to the giant baseball cards that show the daily lineup located right near the entrance, and historic banners alluding to Hartford’s baseball past scattered throughout the concourse. A final extra point goes to the fantastic in-game presentation and the creative ways to keep families and children entertained during the course of the game. Final Thoughts Dunkin’ Park is often regarded as the gold standard for minor league ballparks in New England, and for good reason. It is quirky and one of a kind, with an excellent variety of food and entertainment to satisfy hardcore fans or anyone looking for a fun night out. Despite the struggles to get the stadium built, the result is an excellent ballpark for Connecticut baseball fans to enjoy. Follow Vinny’s Stadium Journeys on TikTok at @vinnymartin_

With the Stanley Cup Finals just around the corner, we here at Stadium Journey decided to renew our rankings of the NHL’s arenas. It's one of our favorite traditions! Stadiums are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the stadium), return on investment and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more stadiums receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review, just click on the photo or the link of each venue. The results will undoubtedly provoke discussion and endless debate among you diehards. We’d also like to remind you that the views and opinions expressed by the individual correspondents do not reflect those of all correspondents involved and we at Stadium Journey are not responsible for any emotional outbursts that will occur. As a matter of fact we encourage you to express your thoughts and pleasures or displeasure on any of our social media channels through Facebook, Instagram, Threads, "X" (formerly known as Twitter), and BlueSky. It’s ok. We’re ready for it. 32. SAP Center - San Jose Sharks 2.86 David Hegler - The SAP Center is perfect for the Sharks as it represents the city’s culture while providing impeccable views in all corners of the arena. 31. Canada Life Centre - Winnipeg Jets 3.29 Greg Venuto - The building is the smallest arena in the league, with a seating capacity of 15,294, but its size can make for a loud building when the Jets ignite. 30. Canadian Tire Centre - Ottawa Senators 3.29 Greg Venuto - The Canadian Tire Centre is probably a mid-level NHL venue for atmosphere. It features solid sightlines and is a good place to take in a game with not as many amenities. The exterior of the CTC is impressive as the cylindrical structure is lit up and has nothing blocking its view. 29. Amerant Bank Arena - Florida Panthers 3.43 Lloyd Brown - Despite the large capacity of the arena, there really are no bad seats. Sightlines are excellent even in the 300 level. 28. Lenovo Center - Carolina Hurricanes 3.57 Joseph Oakes - Before each game, a local celebrity (such as an area college coach) will crank the hurricane siren to get fans pumped up. At various times throughout the game, “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by the Scorpions will crank up. The management does a great job of incorporating hurricane and storm-related graphics and activities into the game day experience. 27. Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary Flames 3.57 Jim Flannery - Action at the Scotiabank Saddledome has created some fantastic memories over the years…Although this arena’s days are numbered, going to the Saddledome to take in a Flames game is still always a good time. 26. Ball Arena - Colorado Avalanche 3.57 Greg Venuto - Ball Arena is a great place to visit while in Denver to take in a hockey game. The fans are enthusiastic and the team is usually at the top of the standings. 25. Little Caesars Arena - Detroit Red Wings 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Red Wings have a long and deep relationship with the Motor City. The Little Caesars Arena is a more than worthy successor to the team’s previous homes over the past century…. the Olympia and the Joe Louis Arena. 24. Xfinity Mobile Arena - Philadelphia Flyers 3.71 Greg Venuto - The crowd is enlivened by the Flyers hype video and the appearance of its mascot Gritty on the ice who plants the Flyers flag, then takes to center ice like a Rocky replica and knocks out a “player” wearing the opposing team’s jersey. 23. UBS Arena - New York Islanders 3.71 Greg Venuto - The Arena, right next to Belmont Park, has undergone minor tweaks and has established itself as a great place to take in a hockey game or any event it hosts. 22. Enterprise Center - St. Louis Blues 3.71 Greg Venuto - The arena seems a bit older than some of the modern buildings but a recent renovation has kept the arena relatively up to date. 21. Rogers Arena - Vancouver Canucks 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Rogers Arena has an attractive exterior, featuring silver paneling with blue highlights. It is really wedged into Downtown Vancouver with viaducts on both sides of the arena. 20. KeyBank Center - Buffalo Sabres 3.86 Dave Cottenie - KeyBank Center is a solid NHL facility, and a trip to the Sabrehood is worthwhile. Fans in attendance are pretty loud and the chant of “Let’s Go Buff-A-Lo” can be heard often. 19. Honda Center - Anaheim Ducks 3.86 Paul Baker - While hockey may not be the first thing on your mind as you wander around southern California during a warm winter day, a trip to the Honda Center provides a mighty good experience for any fan, whether you are coming from the frigid north or not. 18. T-Mobile Arena - Vegas Golden Knights 3.86 Lloyd Brown - When you are building a new venue in Las Vegas, a simple utilitarian building will just not do. The ownership’s expertise in entertainment, along with Populous’ expertise in venue design has created a great facility for hockey fans in Las Vegas. 17. Grand Casino Arena - Minnesota Wild 3.86 Greg Venuto - The State of Hockey theme is reinforced throughout the stadium. With enthusiastic fan support in a rabid hockey market, the Grand Casino Arena is clearly worthy of a Stadium Journey. 16. Nationwide Arena - Columbus Blue Jackets 4.00 Marc Viquez - The Nationwide Arena is a fine place to watch an NHL game. The sightlines, food and drink, and neighborhood provide the opportunity for a wonderful night watching hockey with friends and family. 15. Delta Center - Utah Mammoth 4.00 Lloyd Brown - The Delta Center has been around for nearly 35 years, but it has undergone several major renovations over the years to keep up with the changes in the sports facilities industry. 14. United Center - Chicago Blackhawks 4.00 Marc Viquez - The building is the largest in the United States by square footage, with a capacity of 19,717 and room for approximately 3,000 additional standing-room spectators. 13. TD Garden - Boston Bruins 4.00 Paul Baker - The Boston area features some of the most rabid fans in the league, and when the black and gold get on a roll, this is one of the loudest venues in the entire National Hockey League. 12. Prudential Center - New Jersey Devils 4.00 Steven Kee - The Prudential Center is a stunning facility, offering almost everything the hockey fan could ask for in the 21st century.” The Devils have been playing games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, lovingly known as “The Rock” since 2007. 11. American Airlines Arena - Dallas Stars 4.14 Eric Moreno - If you’re a hockey fan, The Hangar needs to be a stop on your bucket list, and if you’re a sports fan, add it as well. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed either way. 10. Climate Change Arena - Seattle Kraken 4.29 Greg Venuto - The Space Needle might be the most visited attraction in Seattle, but Climate Pledge Arena is quickly becoming a must-see venue for sports fans and concert devotees. 9. Scotiabank Arena - Toronto Maple Leafs 4.14 Dave Cottenie - Scotiabank Arena remains among the premier venues in the league and MLSE has done a spectacular job keeping the arena relevant for the last two decades and continuing to revamp and upgrade the experience. 8. Capital One Arena - Washington Capitals 4.29 Gregory Koch - The experience at a Washington Capitals game is top-notch. The crowds here are excellent, the product on the ice is outstanding, and the atmosphere is one of the best in the league. 7. PPG Paints Arena - Pittsburgh Penguins 4.29 Patricia Beninato - As far as NHL venues go, PPG Paints Arena gives hockey fans a top-of-the-line game experience. PPG Paints Arena holds 18,187 for hockey, with great views from every seat, which are all comfortable and well-spaced. 6. Madison Square Garden - New York Rangers 4.29 Greg Venuto - Madison Square Garden is special, from the lobby to the box office, the team store, and the exhibits that commemorate special events. MSG is always deserving of a Stadium Journey and not just for hockey. 5. Bell Centre - Montreal Canadians 4.29 Dave Cottenie - In Montréal, hockey is like theatre. Fans do not head for the exits during play or hang out in the concourses during the game. Hockey is paramount in Montréal and everything else is window dressing. 4. Bridgestone Arena - Nashville Predators 4.43 David Welch - Hockey in Nashville is an outstanding experience, from the in-game entertainment to the energy on the ice. What truly sets Bridgestone Arena apart, however, is the vibe of Broadway just steps from the front doors – the country music, party atmosphere that seamlessly carries inside and helps make Smashville one of the NHL’s most unique, fan-friendly destination. 3. Crypto.com Arena - Los Angeles Kings 4.43 Andrei Ojeda - With Crypto.com celebrating its [27th] season, the Kings have had their share of great moments, rewarding their loyal fanbase with a contending team during most seasons as well as their two Stanley Cup triumphs. 2. Rogers Place - Edmonton Oilers 4.47 Jim Flannery - It would be pretty easy to rest on your laurels if you run a well-liked facility like Rogers Place. But management has chosen not to do that, instead continuing to work on improving the fan experience for anyone who comes to the arena to see the Edmonton Oilers play. 1. Benchmark International Arena - Tampa Bay Lightning 4.57 Chris Green - The Tampa Bay Lightning have made game day a full experience. From the pre-game festivities and fan zone outside the arena’s main entrance, in an area dubbed Thunder Alley, you can easily see why fans flock to the arena for outdoor watch parties during the playoffs.

Clowns put on a show before the game. Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It was a joyous celebration in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Clowns return for the first time in decades to bring their style of baseball and entertainment to 15,000 fans at Victory Field. The new version of the Clowns is part of the Banana Ball Championship League, and they barnstorm the country with the likes of the Savannah Bananas. However, to many, this is the Clowns home, and the party started early. ​The parking lot of Victory Field was fenced off and turned into a huge block party. There was a stage with performances, multiple concession tent areas, and food vendors that got the party rolling well before the first pitch. There was even a makeshift entrance that featured players of the past on giant banners. It was not only a celebration but a history lesson. Some of the players featured on the banners included Sam Brinson, Samuel Hairston, Connie Morgan, Maimie Johnson, Toni Stone, and Hank Aaron. They all wore the team uniform from the heyday of the 1940s and 1950s. The highlight came when the current team walked through the plaza, high-fiving fans and making their way onto the stage for a song-and-dance routine. A few moments later, the gates opened, and everyone made their way into the stadium. Fans flock to the pre-game block party. The atmosphere felt a little different from the last time the Bananas played. Sure, there was plenty of fan engagement, but it appeared that the Clowns did their homework on what it would be like to entertain a crowd in the mid-1950s. The Clowns featured two on-field hosts, Brandon Bomer and Jarius Jones, in post-war era attire, who rapped and sang during the team introductions, paying tribute to the men and women who once played for the club. They were joined by former MLB player Jackie Bradley Jr. and Little League star Mo’ne Davis, while other players ran onto the field carrying flags displaying the numbers of former Clowns players. The presentation was both respectful and educational, giving fans unfamiliar with the original Indianapolis Clowns and their barnstorming history a meaningful look into the team’s legacy. ​Jesse Cole, CEO and creator of Banana Ball, told the Indianapolis Recorder that the Clowns were the pioneers of this form of baseball. ​“They were the first to do so many things in sports, first to sign women, first to bring the show and entertainment and fun to the games, and we want to present it and pay tribute to it and do it the right way and continue the story.” ​The respect was portrayed through black-and-white images on the stadium’s video board, graphics that mirrored the TV dials of a bulky Cathode Ray Tube, and a brass band that entertained the fans on the diamond before the game. There was a cavalcade of side attractions that included a man jumping through hoops, a stadium juggler, and a contortionist who grabbed and bent his body in various ways to pick up loose bats. The team even performed their version of "Shadow Ball", a famous routine that began with the original Clowns. Team members would pretend to throw a ball around the infield, then finish the performance in slow motion before erupting into dancing. Clowns manager and former NL MVP Ryan Howard signs autographs before the game. The homage to the late 1940s and early 1950s highlighted an era in Indianapolis baseball history. A time when the Clowns drew quite well at the old Victory Field, later renamed to Bush Stadium. The Indians former public address announcer, Norman Beplay, recanted those days to The Indianapolis Star in 1985. "In 1948, when we (the Indians) drew darn near 500,000, the Clowns drew 96,000 to 97,000 for about 20 games." ​Once the game began, things seemed normal. The ball game, with its unique rules, went smoothly and featured various trick plays, a few runs scored by the opposing Party Animals team, and a few more interesting characters. A player even somersaulted onto home plate after scoring a run. That changed quickly when trick Clowns pitcher Mat Wolf took the mound. The trained rodeo clown brought out a barrel, did a flip off the rim, and threw a pitch to the delight of thousands. A few innings later, the Clowns brought their mascot, Peanuts, to pitch to a batter, making him the first mascot to do so. Peanuts retired the only batter he faced. Peanuts, the Clowns mascot, pitches to a live batter during the game. “The people of Indianapolis were incredible this weekend,” said Media Relations Coordinator Maddie Warren. “A lot of work went into making that preshow reflect everything behind the 'why' of bringing the history of the Clowns into Banana Ball. I’m so glad that the impact was felt.” ​It should be noted that the original Clowns left Indianapolis after the 1949 season for Western New York, and returned for several games in town in the following years. They eventually went on a full barnstorming schedule a few years later and continued with the format until 1989. However, by the mid-1980s, the team was playing in front of crowds of 500 to 1,000, and they couldn't afford the rent at the old Bush Stadium. The Clowns last game in Indiana was against the semi-pro Jasper Reds on June 16, 1988. The team never got rid of the Indianapolis identifier because it became part of their brand, much like the Harlem Globetrotters, who never played in Harlem. The last known appearance by the Clowns in Indianapolis is said to have been on August 15, 1971, when they played the Indianapolis All-Stars. However, this version looks to be around for a very long time and possibly back for a few more times in the proceeding years. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and on his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Sam Lynn Ballpark 4009 Chester Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 Map It! Bakersfield Train Robbers website Sam Lynn Ballpark website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 3,500 Baseball in Bakersfield Baseball has been part of Bakersfield, CA for 85 years, and Sam Lynn Ballpark has welcomed generations of fans through its gates. Built in 1941, it hosted multiple California League clubs before the Bakersfield Train Robbers of the independent Pecos League made it their home in 2017. One unique aspect of Sam Lynn Ballpark is the sun sets behind center field, causing games to start much later (usually 7:45pm) than the traditional game time. It’s been known to have a few delays of game because of the sun in the batter’s and catcher’s eye. Calling Sam Lynn ‘historic’ is being kind as some spots are worn out, run down, or just not working, but the county has started breathing life back into the place. A $1.4 million renovation package is underway, with a freshly paved parking lot already finished. Over the past two years, the park has upgraded the press box, revamped the home and visitor locker rooms, renovated the snack bar, improved the restrooms, and extended the big blue batter’s eye slightly. The Bakersfield Train Robbers last won the Pecos League championship in 2018 and have made multiple division and championships appearances since. Food & Beverage 2 One concession stand is open selling basic ballpark fare at reasonable prices: hot dogs, nachos, Frito pies, peanuts, chips, soda, water, and beer. Prices range from $2 - $4; it’s easy on the wallet. Beers include Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, and Estrella ($5/can or $2 on Mondays). An attendant cooks the hot dogs fresh on the grill. It’s simple, but enough and inexpensive. Atmosphere 2 The ballpark has three main seating areas. Traditional green fold‑down stadium seats sit behind home plate and extend halfway down the third base line. A party‑style area with a tent sits behind the third base dugout. On the first base side, fans will find blue fold‑down stadium seats, while a set of bleachers runs down the right field line toward the foul pole. The seats are generally comfortable, some include cup holders, and leg room is about average. Two rows of seats are right behind the net; these fill up fast and are the best for those with mobility issues. The party area on the third base side blocks the left field views for some seats. Sit closer to home or on the first base side to avoid that. Seats are general admission so feel free to move around and get different perspectives. A medium think net hangs in front of the grand stand and first base seats; not the bleachers. The pregame music is terribly loud; forget about talking with friends while that’s going on. If that kind of noise bothers you, bringing noise‑canceling headphones is a smart move. Things do quiet down once the game actually starts. The Train Robbers mix in plenty of in‑game entertainment, including 50/50 raffles, trivia contests, the chicken dance, kids running the bases, YMCA, Sweet Caroline, and more. Center field features a massive batter’s eye, with trees lining the outfield walls. Lots of foul territory is behind the home plate area. The field is in rough shape; it looks like a rugby match has just ripped through it. The dot matrix scoreboard doesn’t work, so you don’t know balls, strikes, outs, etc. A Train Robber places runs after each half inning on a manual board in right field. It’d be better if the announcer called some of the game or summarized each half inning. Sam Lynn Ballpark - Manual Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Fans may need to bring a sweat shirt as it can get chilly after the sun sets in the early part of the season. Neighborhood 3 Sam Lynn Ballpark is two miles north of the downtown area, the closest destination for a pregame meal or place to spend the night. Some recommended eateries are: The 18hundred (American-inspired), Hon Ramen (Japanese), and Moo Scratch Kitchen (gourmet burgers and milkshakes). Bakersfield has several breweries to enjoy a cold one: Centro Cali, Lengthwise, and Tremblor, though most are not downtown. Several hotels are nearby (but not walking distance) and include Best Western, Holiday Inn, and Marriott brands. Visit or stay at The Padre Hotel, a historic boutique hotel built in 1928. The ballpark is adjacent to Kern County Museum (a historic museum with more than 56 historic buildings on 16 acres of grounds) and is worthy of a visit. For other sports in Bakersfield, you’re out of luck during the summer season. The winter season delivers the Bakersfield Condors and a first‑rate AHL arena. Fans 2 Train Robbers fans are a hardy bunch. You’ll hear cowbells ringing after big plays, and a healthy number of hecklers scattered throughout the crowd. There’s even a dedicated fan club. And the fans stay locked in on the action; they kind of have to, considering the scoreboard doesn’t work. Access 3 Traveling to San Lynn Ballpark is best by vehicle. Bakersfield does have bus service but the closest stop is still a mile from the park. Meadows Field Airport, a small regional airport serviced by American Airlines and United Airlines, is less than 15 minutes from the ballpark. Plenty of free parking is available on a newly paved lot. There’s no security check or bag rules which makes entering a breeze. The stands and concourses do not get congested. A good portion of the seating requires the ability to climb steps; be cognizant of that if you have mobility concerns. Updated restrooms are available. Return on Investment 3 A Train Robbers game is an affordable evening out. Admission is $10 (cash or credit), with $2 Mondays. Concessions are very reasonably priced. And, parking is free. Fans can purchase Train Robbers t-shirts, jerseys, and caps at the entry gate. Extras 3 It’s encouraging to see Kern County investing in much‑needed updates to the ballpark. $2 Mondays is a pretty good deal. The Train Robbers honor the memory of Nick Danbrowney who tragically died in a car accident in 2025 by retiring his #26 jersey. A scholarship fund is being introduced in his name. “The Bakersfield Train Robbers Fan Club has pledged to donate $500 each season to the scholarship fund his family plans to establish, ensuring Danbrowney’s legacy will continue to inspire future athletes.” Final Thoughts Attending a Train Robbers game won’t wow you but the fans are strong, the price is right, and it’s baseball.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 McBride Stadium 204 NW 13th St Richmond, IN 47374 Richmond Flying Mummies website McBride Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 3,000 Flying Mummies Bring Back Summer Ball to McBride Stadium The Richmond Flying Mummies are members of the Northwoods League, which returned baseball to Historic McBride Stadium in 2026. The ballpark had been absent from summer collegiate baseball for two seasons; however, Mummies ownership strives to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Baseball’s presence at John Cate Field at McBride Stadium dates back to August 1936. The site, once a gravel pit, was rapidly converted to replace Exhibition Park, which burned down the previous year. Originally named Municipal Stadium, it opened for legion ball with funding from the Works Progress Administration. ​The first professional team was the Richmond Roses, the Class D affiliate of the Boston Braves, which began play in 1946. The 1947 home opener saw the Roses notch a 4-1 victory in front of 1,559 fans in cool, windy Indiana springtime weather. The club compiled a 202-220 record over three seasons and attracted 58,039 fans during the 1948 season, the highest total of any affiliated club at the stadium. In 1949, the independent Richmond Robins were established but were soon replaced after one season by the Richmond Tigers of the Ohio-Indiana League. The Detroit affiliate featured future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning, who posted a 7-8 record in his first year of pro ball in 1950. ​ However, in December 1951, Detroit withdrew its affiliation, citing instability with the league and the scarcity of players due to the military draft. It would be 44 years before another professional minor league baseball club would return to the city. ​ McBride would continue to host American Legion and high school baseball during the next four decades, but the years of baseball took their toll on the diamond. The playing field was uneven and in bad shape; it was recrowned thanks to efforts by Richmond High School baseball coach John Cate. ​ Cate would later manage the Richmond Roosters of the Frontier League, the first professional baseball team at McBride in 43 years. The ballclub would capture two league championships in 2001 and 2002. ​ The Roosers relocated in 2006 and were replaced with the Richmond River Rats of the Prospect League in 2009. They would leave after 7 seasons and be replaced with the Richmond Jazz of the Great Lakes Collegiate Summer League from 2016 to 2023. The Flying Mummies name was chosen for two reasons. The Wright Brothers lived in Richmond from 1881 to 1884, with Wilbur graduating from Richmond High School. Richmond is also home to two mummies from Egypt. A 3,000-year-old mummy was purchased in 1929 and is housed in the Wayne County Historical Museum, and another one is on display at the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History on the campus of Earlham College. Food & Beverage 3 There is a main concession stand at the ballpark that includes food, snacks, and beverages. All purchases are cashless. The items include hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, fries, nachos, popcorn, and pretzel bites. ​ The beverages include domestic options of Miller and Coors products and craft specialties, including 5th Inning Amber Kolsch, which is produced by 5 Arch Brewing in nearby Centerville, Indiana. Cocktails and fountain drinks are also available. ​ The ballpark features tater tots and includes them in hot dog and burger combo packages. This is because Jon Gries, best known for playing Uncle Rico in the movie Napoleon Dynamite, is one of the owners of the Mummies. ​ Atmosphere 4 The 1,874-seat ballpark is highlighted by its classic wooden roof grandstand and has received a fresh makeover ahead of baseball’s return. New exterior signage and updated red-and-white paint reflect the colors of the Richmond High School Red Devils, adding to the stadium’s revitalized appearance. There are roughly 14 rows of wooden and plastic seating beneath the roof. A new press box was built at the top of the seating bowl. The wooden columns are a reminder of ballparks of the past, and the view of the game is vaguely interrupted by them. The stadium’s original lights are also part of the nostalgia at the old ballpark. ​ The small ticket window greets customers as they walk up the hill from the parking lot. The two window concession booths have almost the same menu, and the crowds are around the same in number. The team shop is open and sells team merchandise, including jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and posters. ​ Down the left field line is plenty of green grass for kids to run around. The sloped area extends all the way behind the left field wall. Mummies management hopes to include a new party deck area sometime in future seasons, along with chair back seating added to the seats under the grandstand. There is a first baseline porch that includes all-you-can-eat, plus a few drinks for one price. It provides a nice vantage point for the ballpark. Down below is a kids' area with inflatable rides and activities. Neighborhood 3 McBride is nestled into a residential community in Clear Creek Park, and it is adjacent to several Little League fields. It is a type of town where one can leave their doors unlocked or take a stroll at 3 a.m. without fear. It is also a reminder of what small towns might have felt like a few decades ago when minor league ballparks were almost everywhere to be found. ​ There are no dining options within proximity of the stadium, and one would need to drive a few miles to find a place to eat. Little Sheeba's offers great pizza and baked jalapeno poppers, and Galo's Italian Grill is another fine option. ​ There are quite a few national chains, but one local establishment off Interstate 70 called Fricker's has some of the best hot wings in the area. Roscoe's Coffee Bar and Tap Room has an extensive craft beer selection, on-site roasted coffee, and a spacious, relaxed atmosphere. Fans 4 The fans turned up 45 minutes before the gates opened for the Mummies first game. A line formed soon after that, signaling the return of summer ball to McBride. The lines featured fans wearing team jerseys, caps, and a few from years past. The first game featured one of the largest crowds in recent memory. Access 3 Even though Richmond is a small town, it is easy to get lost when trying to find McBride Stadium, as there are no road signs to the ballpark from either I-70 or SR-40. It is best to use GPS when arriving from I-70 or US-40. ​ There is a small grass parking lot and additional parking spots on the residential streets that surround the stadium. For busier games, the lines are long, so the concession stand will be long, but management stated that additional points of sale will be added in the future. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices start at $15 for grandstand seats. Mondays feature $1 hot dogs for the first hour after the gates open. Fridays feature fireworks after the game. Tuesday Nights feature a free appetizer for the first 500 fans at Texas Roadhouse. Thirsty Thursdays feature discounted beer prices. There is also a list of other promotional nights at the stadium. ​ Concession prices are reasonable and include $4 hot dogs, $3.50 fountain drinks, and $4.50 12-ounce domestic beers. Combo specials (fries, tots, and a soda are $10). Merchandise items include caps and t-shirts around $25 to $30. An official Flying Mummiers jersey is $40. Extras 3 McBride Stadium earns a point for its fresh new look, nostalgic vibes, and what the future holds. It is a small ballpark that captures what it was like post-war in the United States. The surrounding neighborhood and city park also add to its charm. ​ Final Thoughts The Flying Mummies ownership group is committed to making McBride Stadium the place to be during the summer months in Richmond. Gone are the days of mom and pop operations, and in return, what is hoped to be a mixture of excitement on and off the field. Fans looking for a vintage baseball atmosphere will find it at this 90-year-old ballpark. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Capital One Park 1600 Scotts Crossing Road McLean, VA 22102 Capital One Park website Georgetown Hoyas website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 300 Hoyas Baseball in Northern Virginia Located in Tysons, Virginia, bounded by elevated metro tracks and a highway interchange, Capital One Park is Northern Virginia's newest baseball stadium. Opened in 2023, the ballpark is located in Capital One Center, a mixed use development adjacent to Capital One Headquarters that also includes a hotel, a concert hall, shops, and restaurants. During the spring months, Capital One Park is the home of the Georgetown University Hoyas baseball team. The Hoyas have played in several different venues over the past few years, but beginning in 2024, they have played their home games at Capital One Park. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a window down the right field line at Capital One Park. Burgers, hot dogs, and assorted snacks and soft drinks are available. The prices are reasonable, and only credit cards are accepted so be prepared. Atmosphere 3 Capital One Park is a small, intimate ballpark, with 300 chairback seats located behind home plate. Some of the upper rows are in the shade. On a hot day late in the season, this will seem nice, but not so much on a chilly day in February or March. There is also a large set of bleachers down the left field line and some picnic tables down the right field line for groups. No matter where you sit, you will have a great view of the action. That being said, there is not much going on here other than the game itself. Music is played during breaks in the action, but that's about it. You'll have a good view of the action no matter where you sit, which is certainly a plus, but watching the game is about all you'll be doing when Georgetown is playing. Neighborhood 5 Although Capital One Park has a McLean address, the area surrounding the stadium is more properly classified as Tysons, one of the fastest growing business districts in the country in the heart of Fairfax County.. Tysons is regarded as a classic example of an edge city - an area of the suburbs that feels more comparable to the downtown area of a city. In fact, due to severe restrictions on heights of buildings in the District of Columbia, this feels more like a classic downtown than Downtown DC does. As mentioned above, the park is part of Capital One Center, which also contains a concert hall, several shops and restaurants, the Watermark Hotel, and Capital One headquarters itself. The Perch is located on the roof of Capital One Hall and features food trucks, a beer garden, a putt-putt course, a pizza place, a taqueria, and more open space to hang out. There are plenty of other places to hang out in Tysons as well. The area is famous for not one but two giant shopping malls, Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria, which offer a wide variety of shopping and dining including the original Apple Store. Founding Farmers is a popular American restaurant, and Fogo de Chao is a Brazilian steakhouse famous for its large salad bar. Whatever you want to do, you will probably find it in Tysons. Fans 2 Most of the fans are friends or family of the players on the Hoyas or their opponents, although there are some others who come to check out the team as well. The fans who do show up are knowledgeable about the team, as many of them come to most or all of the games. Access 4 How easy it is to get to Capital One Park depends on what time of day you are coming. Rush hour traffic in Northern Virginia is some of the worst in the country, and it is especially bad in Tysons, where numerous highways converge with not enough space to accommodate all movement between them. If you are coming any other time, traffic should probably be lighter, and you can take your choice of the Capital Beltway, State Route 267, or State Route 123, among others. We suggest using a GPS app such as Waze to take you around traffic and on the best possible route. Once you arrive, bear in mind the lot adjacent to the stadium is closed for construction as of 2026. You will need to park in one of the other lots in the Capital One complex, such as the one across the street from Wegman's on Capital One Drive South. If you take your parking ticket to the ticket booth, they will stamp it and you will only pay $5 when you exit the garage. The Silver Line of the Washington Metro runs right by the stadium, with the McLean station a short walk away. On a weekday, the lot may be used for parking by commuters using the Metro to head into DC, so plan accordingly. Restrooms are available, including a family restroom, and are of a sufficient size for the crowd, although the metal toilets and sinks are an odd touch that seems out of place here. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are just $10, with parking costing only $5 as long as you get it validated. This is an above average value considering how nice the stadium is. . Extras 2 Look on the concourse for the statue of Bruno the Bear, the official mascot of Capital One Park. Bruno is based on a real bear who made headlines in October 2022 after he was spotted roaming the streets of Tysons and the surrounding area. Also look for the giant statue of a melting blue popsicle. It is certainly an interesting choice architecturally, but a unique one as well. Final Thoughts Georgetown baseball has had many homes over recent years, playing in Maryland, DC, and now, in Virginia. Capital One Park is a gorgeous new stadium and Georgetown has managed to take full advantage of it since moving here.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Dignity Health Arena 1001 Truxtun Ave Bakersfield, CA 93301 Bakersfield Condors website Dignity Health Arena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 8,641 Depositing Fun at the Bank Editor's Note: The City of Bakersfield and Dignity Health announced that they were entering a naming rights agreement for the city's arena and convention center. The rebranding took place in March 2025. With an average of 273 days of sunshine annually, it’s tough to imagine anyone in Bakersfield spending an afternoon indoors, let alone with a large sheet of ice. Since the Condors of the ECHL flew into town, many Californians felt the weather was overrated in comparison to the excitement experienced inside Rabobank Arena. If you’ve been away from Bakersfield for a bit, both the names Rabobank Arena and the Condors may seem foreign to you. The arena opened as “Centennial Garden” and the team was formerly known as the Bakersfield Fog until 1998. The team was originally affiliated with the Anaheim Ducks, but began a partnership with the Minnesota Wild before the 2010-11 season. The 10,000 seat arena was constructed in 1998 at a cost of roughly $38 million. The naming rights were sold to Rabobank in 2005. The arena itself is owned by the city of Bakersfield. While hockey has been in club form since 1940, Bill Cosby has been roaming the earth since 1937 and was given the nod to open the arena on October 2, 1998 as the arena’s first performer. Editor’s Note: The venue name changed from Rabobank Arena to Mechanics Bank Arena after the two banking companies merged. Food & Beverage 4 On a Saturday afternoon in which the Condors were competing with the NFL playoffs for sports fan affection, I was pleased to see all of the concessions open and bustling. Some of the more common stadium fare included a hot dog ($4), nachos ($4.75), chicken buffalo ($6.50), chicken tender ($6.75), foot long corn dog ($4.50), fried chicken sandwich ($5), French fries ($3), garlic fries ($4), and kettle corn ($6). For those interested in Mexican fare, “Chili Peppers” offers a taco salad ($5.50), supreme nachos ($5.50), wild monster nachos ($9.75), chicken burrito ($4.75), taco plate ($4.50), fiesta fries ($4), chili cheese fries ($4), fried burrito ($2.75), or taquitos ($3.50). At “Franks A Lot,” the hot dog lover can get a foot long Chicago (chili dog or charro $7), foot long hot dog ($6.50), or frito boat ($2.75). Possibly named after the game the team was hosting this very year, the “All-Star Grill” had options such as cheeseburger ($5), pizza ($6.75 personal pie), big dog ($6.50), kicking chicken sandwich ($4.25), the cowboy burger ($6.50), kid’s meal ($3.50), ice cream cone ($4.25), or an ice cream cup ($4). The “City Deli” offers fare such as hot & cold turkey, ham, roast beef, and pastrami sandwiches ($6.50), green salad ($4.75), chicken Caesar salad ($5), peanuts ($3.25), candy ($3.50), or a chipper basket ($3). If the kids are clamoring for some of their favorite treats, try “The Kid’s Stop.” Cookies (2 for $2.50), large candy ($3.50), small candy ($2.50), pretzels ($2.75), chips ($2), churro ($2.50), and cracker jacks ($3) are all available. In beverage form, fans can have soda (kids $1.75, small $2, medium $3.50, large $4), bottled soda ($3.50), bottled water ($3.50), orange juice ($3.50), ICEE (medium $2.75 and large $3.50), or coffee ($2). Options for the older fans include bottled beer ($7), draft beer ($7.50), large Corona ($12), call drinks ($7.25), margarita ($8), or wine ($5.50). Some of the beer choices at the $7.50 size include Bud Light, Coors Light, Heineken, New Castle, Modelo, Tecate, and Firestone (local). Atmosphere 4 The afternoon started out with one of the more exciting player introduction pieces that I’ve seen in all of sports. A video montage appeared on the scoreboard, the lights dimmed, and the fog machine started spraying. After the montage, fans heard AC/DC’s “Thunderstuck,” which I know is a bit aged, but few songs do a better job of pumping up the fans. Even better was that the fans were cheering “Con-Dors” in lieu of “Thun-der” as the word “Condors” appeared in white lettering on the LED ribbon surrounding the arena. Fans would then be treated to “Welcome to the Jungle” before the first drop of the puck. The Condors offer two mascots, Colonel Claw’d and Baby Cal. Both spent a significant amount of time up and down the aisles at the arena. I was particularly impressed by Baby Cal, perching on many of the railings during the game, although I would be curious if OSHA would be so impressed. The two spend an equal amount of time antagonizing the fans from Ontario. During the final two minutes of the first period, the “McMuffin Madness” was announced and all fans would receive a free McDonald’s Egg McMuffin if a goal was scored. It was a interesting sequence as all fans were on their feet, reacting to every play in hopes of a goal. During breaks, members of the staff rode around on the ice in a golf cart with a slingshot attached to the back. This would quickly bring the fans to their feet as that very slingshot was delivering t-shirts to a few in the arena. My favorite segment was the “Chuck-A-Puck” contest where fans purchased pucks that I assume were made of foam because at one point during the night a helmet was placed at center ice and all fans tossed their pucks towards the helmet in hopes of being closest for a prize. Again, I assume OSHA was not in attendance because I would imagine a few of these pucks would inadvertently fly in a direction not intended and cause some problems. The only part of the entertainment that I wasn’t very impressed with was the “mascot races” segment that was shown on the video scoreboard. It received relatively little crowd reaction and wasn’t much more than the mascots running around. They should take some notes from “Bango” of the Milwaukee Bucks on how to make these segments entertaining. Neighborhood 3 While Bakersfield is a bit away from some of the major markets in California, it is still the 11th largest city in the state and has a variety of entertainment to enjoy. Probably the most notable site is Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace. After 5 PM, you can get dinner as well as check out the sights on the facility. You’ll see the Bakersfield Arch, bronze statues of country greats such as Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Elvis, and some vivid colors on the exterior of the facility. While you are in town, you may also want to check out the Fox Theater, Bright House Networks Amphitheater, Red Mill Park, or the sculpture at the Cancer Survivors Plaza. As far as food goes, my first recommendation would be to go straight to the Padre Hotel. Beyond observing the beauty of this historic hotel, there are food options for every palate. The Belvedere is clearly for the upscale customers while Brimstone offers hardwood floors, billiards, music, televisions and pub food. The Prairie Fire, which is a second floor rooftop bar, has firepits, cabanas, and a warm breeze for patrons to enjoy. Also on site is a coffee shop known as Farmacy and a lounge called Prospect, offering small plates and great drinks. Another popular spot is the Wool Growers Restaurant, one of the many places to get Basque food in Bakersfield. Here, you’ll start with the bottomless soup, bean, and salsa before getting treated to some of the favorites including the oxtail stew or beef tongue. KC Steakhouse is another local favorite for the carnivores, offering live jazz and blue music while you enjoy your meal. If you’re looking for some Mexican food, the Mexicali Restaurant offers some of the best around. They offer dishes such as Mexican pizza, tostadas, chicken flautas, but everyone seems to love the margaritas best. Goose Loonies has become a popular spot as they offer framboise, a very enticing fruit beer for the patrons. Some of their more popular food dishes include the pitas/hummus, Santa Fe chicken salad, suicide wings, gyros, and falafels. Lastly, I should mention Mama Roomba as it’s a popular Caribbean-style restaurant in downtown. The locals caution to make reservations before arriving as seating is tough to come by. Some of the favorites here include the tri-tip with chimichurri sauce, calamari, sweet potato fries, and tortilla soup. Fans 3 The fans were engaged from the beginning, likely because the Southern California rivals were in town. While the cowbell has become a cliche in sports, the Condors fans had them in large numbers and used them tastefully throughout the contest. The player fights certainly received the most fan engagement. When a fight had ended there was a roaring applause often provoked by a Condors player as Offspring’s “Smash” played over the PA system. After every goal, fans would jump to their feet and participate in singing the “Hey song” as the team celebrated. When they were not celebrating goals, you could hear them chanting “Let’s Go Con-Dors!” As the clock counted down for the final moments, it appeared that all fans were on their feet to show their support. Access 4 While Bakersfield is not quickly accessed from the Los Angeles or San Francisco markets, it’s not far from Interstate 5 and easily accessed from Routes 99 and 58. The arena itself sits downtown, but I experienced little traffic congestion going to or coming from the game. When you enter the arena, you’ll be greeted by a sizable concourse (only one) that leads down to the lower level seating to a staircase to the upper levels. The upper level has horseshoe shaped seating, broken up by a wall that hangs banners. It seems that they could have opened up the arena here (where the wall is situated) and allowed fans a view from the concourse. The lower level encircles the ice and is broken up by the Budweiser 5-Hole Suite immediately behind one of the goals. The arena has 11 upper level suites on the east end above all other seating and 15 suites on the lower level that surround the ice. The scoreboard is 4-sided with a video screen in middle. Aside from that, simply the penalty tracker, score, shots on goal, timeouts, and time remaining are shown. A video ribbon also surrounds the arena above the first level. The parking is plentiful south of the arena for $5 and has easy in and out access. If you are willing to walk a bit, you can probably find some free spaces. Separating the arena from the parking is a group of railroad tracks. There is a footbridge that crosses over the tracks, but many of the trains that passed that day seem to go by quicker than it’s worth to climb the stairs to cross the bridge and climb down the opposite end. The venue offers six restrooms, but unfortunately most are rather small for a newer arena. While they seemed to handle this day’s crowd just fine, I would assume they would quickly backup during any concert. Return on Investment 4 The inexpensive parking coupled with the reasonable ticket prices make this a very sound investment. Upper level seats run for $8-$11 and lower level seats go for $16-$24. There are price tiers depending on the day of the game, with admission being up to $3 higher for Friday and Saturday games. Other offers include the “Tickets and Grub” promotion where fans get two tickets, two hot dogs, and two sodas for $25 (or two turkey sandwiches for $3 more). On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday games, fans can purchase a $25 ticket to the “Red Riot Zone.” This gets fans a lower level seat in section 101, a hat, banner, and t-shirt. Any of these offers can be a great value as the Condors seem to be one of the best attractions in town! Extras 5 Rabobank fares very well in terms of extras as there are many things to observe in and around the arena on gamedays. In front of the arena, fans will find Centennial Plaza. On warmer days, a fountain will spurt jets of water into the air for children to enjoy. If nothing else, it’s a great photo if you are able to catch the water in mid-air. Also found here is a stage, engraved bricks commemorating the city’s centennial (1998), artwork, and sculptures in a large fountain. In the concourse, fans can find a variety of items to keep them entertained. The Condors Kids Club offers a bouncing castle, prize wheel, and miniature hockey rink. Throughout the concourse, fans could fill out applications to win seats on the glass. This was open to all fans and when the winner was announced, he was shown on the video board. When you enter the main entrance, to your immediate left is a beautiful glass atrium with views of the outside plaza. If you need to get away from the game, it’s a great place to hangout and check out the weather outside. There is also an area known as “The Space Between,” which appears to be a small pub removed from the hustle of the concourse. Another great place to get away and have a drink! Before you cross the railroad tracks, look up and take a gander at the street sign. With a green background and white text like a normal street sign, you’ll see KOЯN Way, complete with the backwards “R.” The band “KOЯN” is from Bakersfield and their 2006 World Tour began at Rabobank Arena. You’ll also find a plaque in front with images of the band members. At one end of the arena, you’ll find a wall with the Condor logo and retired numbers from the franchise. The players shown here include Paul Willett (16), Paul Rosebush (17), Glen Mears (26), Jamie Cooke (28), Steve Dowhy (74). Fans can spend a few minutes or even a half hour perusing the Bob Elias Kern County Hall of Fame. This display, which stretches seemingly 100 feet, honors athletes from all sports that have made their mark in Bakersfield. Roughly 180 plaques with photos and commentary are on display. The west concourse pays homage to some of Kern County’s founders and famous contributors including Charles Napier, Caesar Chavez, Buck Owens, and Kevin Harvick. Rabobank Arena hosted the 2011 ECHL All-Star Classic. Final Thoughts While Bakersfield continues to grow, the Condors remain one of the top entertainment options in central California. For a very reasonable price, you can check out the Condors and even the Division I basketball Cal State Bakersfield in the same day. My recommendation would be to try and catch a game against their Southern California rival, the Ontario Reign, but surely any game will leave fans fulfilled.

Photos by Richard Smith Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd. Towson, MD 21286 Baltimore Rhythm website Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 1,200 Home Of Rhythm Nation The Baltimore Rhythm plays in the 94x50 League, which is a professional minor league basketball organization operating nationwide. The team hosts its home matches at the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena, situated on the Goucher College campus in Towson, Maryland. The venue opened in 1991. The 1,200-seat arena was built as part of the expansion of the original Lillian Welsh Hall. Food & Beverage 2 There is no permanent food stand at the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena, but at the game we attended, there was a small table with snacks and slices of pizza for sale. The prices were low, but you should assume you'll only have a quick snack at the game, not a full meal. Atmosphere 2 The arena is very nice, but it is basically a high school-type setup. As you enter the arena, you will find wooden grandstands sitting along two sides of the court. The only thing I found interesting is how far away the grandstands sit from the actual basketball floor. They do offer floor-side seats for Rhythm games. Neighborhood 4 The Goucher College campus has been used for a few scenes in the Netflix series House of Cards, so expect to recognize the stone buildings from a few scenes there. Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Downtown Towson has many options for good food and drinks. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Fans 2 The only real fans who attend the games are friends and family of the players. Compared to the crowds that we have seen at other local 94x50 League teams, the fan attendance is quite low. Access 4 Goucher is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a busy area, and traffic can be bad at times. The college itself is pretty and quite suburban. You will find plenty of parking close to the arena, although a night game may mean that parking could get tight at times. Return on Investment 4 The games are under $20 to attend. So, although the level of play is quite low, the free parking and cheap admission make this a great value for sports fans. Extras 3 A DJ is playing music at the game, providing a loud yet enjoyable atmosphere. There is a small spirit squad and an on-court MC trying to get the small crowd engaged. Goucher College has a nice little athletics hall of fame located in the Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena lobby. Final Thoughts The Decker Sports & Recreation Center Arena is a pretty basic, low-level arena located in a nice suburban setting in Baltimore. Unfortunately, the Rhythm is not experiencing the higher crowd levels seen around the league.

Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Prudential Center 165 Mulberry St Newark, NJ 07102 New Jersey Devils website Prudential Center website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 17,625 The Devils are Rock Solid in New Jersey The New Jersey Devils have been playing games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, lovingly known as “The Rock” since 2007. It was a $375 million move from the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford and would give the three-time Stanley Cup champions a first-class building to call home. The Devils played at the Meadowlands for nearly 30 years. This move was to help revitalize the City of Newark. The Prudential Center was to be the cornerstone of this revitalization, which included the Newark Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium (since demolished) and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The arena has become a more viable and proven candidate to be the city’s symbol for that sign of revitalization. The arena is a sight to see and deliberately meant to draw your eyes’ focus to it with its red & black exterior and cylindrical glass corners three-story corners. Outside are statues that pay homage to hockey, and the GRAMMY Museum Experience is attached to the Prudential Center with a separate exterior entrance. Food & Beverage 5 The concessions at The Rock are top-notch and offer quite a bit of variety, along with local staples that set it apart from other buildings in the league. There is a little bit of everything to sample and taste. There are a few new stands: Street Taco Cantina (Sect 2, 12, 107, and 133), Piez Italian Eatery (Sect. 4, 16, and 130), Black Board Burgers (Sect 130), Sumo Dogs (Sect. 4), and Mighty Quinns barbecue (Sec. 4). The more adventurous eater may try the sumo dog, a foot-long dog topped with wasabi relish, togarashi cheese sauce, teriyaki sauce, jalapenos, and nori. NJ Steakhouse (Sect. 101), Bayonne Diner (Sect. 1), The Chicken Coop (Sect. 6, 101, and 111), Jersey Grind (Sect. 12 and 111), and Glatt’s Kosher (Sec. 4, 19, and 123) will offer more traditional arena food from steak sandwiches, burgers, chicken tender baskets, hot dogs, french fries, and pulled beef sandwiches. The local variety is also present and includes the Goya Ironbound (Sect. 4 and 118). The stand is influenced by the nearby Ironbound section of town and offers Portuguese cuisine. The Mojo Rotisserie Chicken Plate includes a mojito-marinated half-roasted chicken served with a side of white rice and black beans. You will also find a Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese sandwich, cheesesteaks, and zeppoles at The Taste of the Boardwalk. There are 100 varieties of beers, wines, and ciders at the arena, including local favorites such as Kane, Carton, Forgotten Boardwalk, 902, and Jersey Girl. The national favorites from Bud and Coors are also here, along with cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 4 The Prudential Center has created a fan-first culture that begins with greeters welcoming folks to the game as they exit the escalators. Outside the arena is Championship Plaza, a huge gathering space before the game that is home to a 22-foot, 6,000-pound stainless steel hockey player statue. On the other side of the building is the Martin Brodeur statue, which was dedicated in 2016. The future Hall of Famer and NHL leader in career wins, shutouts, and a host of other records weighs in at 1,000 pounds. It is a nice tribute to one of the game's best netminders. The Devils incorporate 3D graphics projected on the ice that move back and forth from the fire, ice, and other vivid images. It is home to the largest center-hung video digital scoreboard providing fans with information, replays, and highlights. The 89,000-pound scoreboard is almost four stories tall and was created to provide the ultimate live experience at the arena. The team’s official mascot N.J. Devil skates onto the ice waving a glowing pitchfork before the game. Later, he can be found throughout the building in the stands banging a drum, posing for photos with fans, and cheering on the Devils after every score. The team also employs a live organist Pete Cannarozzi who has his area for fans to pose for pictures on the lower mezzanine section. The team’s official goal song is “Howl” by Gaslight Anthem, the easy-going arena-rocker song popular with the home crowd. All of the seating provides vantage points of the ice and are not obstructed by the copious amounts of championship banners and retired numbers hanging on all four sides from the ceiling. The seats are plush and cozy, providing an ample amount of leg space. The atmosphere is heightened when the teams play against rivals New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. The building is cashless at the box office, team shop, and all concession stands. There are Reverse ATMs with zero fees available at multiple kiosks. 12”x14” bags are permitted, and anything larger, except child care or medical bags, isn’t permitted. There are also 6 family restrooms located on the main and upper concourse. There is also complimentary wheelchair access. Neighborhood 3 The Prudential Center is in a nice little pocket in Newark where fans can easily walk to great places to eat and get back and forth through mass transit. The Ironbound District is easily one of the state’s premier neighborhoods and worth a visit even after a night of hockey. The Ironbound neighborhood is a mixed-use of residential homes, retail, coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries, clubs, and parks located half a mile from the venue on Ferry Street. The predominantly Portuguese neighborhood is home to some of the best Spanish-Portuguese establishments in the metropolitan area. The Iberian Peninsula, Iberia, Spanish Tavern, and Mompou are just a few of the restaurants where one can enjoy flavorful and classic dishes from Spain, Portugal, and Brazil (rodizio). Redd’s Biergarten is home to the 5-Hour $5 Happy Hour six days a week from 2-7 pm. The German Beer Garden has an urban flare and provides guests with a gathering place featuring multiple bars, televisions, and long communal tables that encourage socializing. Mad For Chicken has wings, tenders, kimchi fries, fried dumplings, and kielbasa bites. A few other recommendations include Chateau of Spain, Ferry Street BBQ, and Hobby’s Deli. Fans 3 The fanbase is strong at home games, especially with the current season that sees the club fight for first place in the division. The Devil fan is hardcore, but many will point out their low attendance figures (close to 90 percent to capacity). They play in a market with two other NHL teams within an hour’s drive from one another, but with consistent winning seasons, you might see larger crowds at The Rock. Access 5 The Prudential Center is 2- blocks from Newark Penn Station, providing services to New York City and other points in New Jersey via Amtrak, PATH, NJ Transit, and Newark Light Rail. A PATH train ticket costs $2.75 (one-way) and stops at Greenwich Village, the 9/11 Memorial, and Brooklyn Bridge in New York City and Hoboken and Jersey City in New Jersey. The PATH will also take visitors to 33rd Street in Manhattan, several blocks from Times Square. The parking lots range from as low as $15 to as high as $30. One option is to park at the Iberia Restaurant for free in the Ironbound district–if you grab something to eat or drink–and walk the seven blocks to the arena. Various lots near the arena offer varying prices. Inside the building, the spacious concourses are separated into two sections offering fans easy access to seating assignments, concessions, bathrooms, and exits. Traffic inside moves freely during game action but will get crowded, like most other hockey arenas, during intermission. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket will depend on who the Devils are playing. A single-game ticket against its arch-rivals, New York Rangers, can fetch close to $100 and will more likely sell out closer to game time; tickets on the secondary market will sell for half the price. The two team’s buildings are separated by a short PATH Train ride and will sell out when the Blueshirts are in town. The Devil’s other rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers, will cost much less but are no less intense as they are hated as much as the Broadway Blues. Affordable options include visits from Toronto, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Ottawa, and Chicago that will cost under $30 in advance. The return on investment depends on your price point. The concession prices tend to be high but are in line with other NHL venues, and parking is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost at MetLife Stadium or venues in New York City. The modern building also provides comfortable views of the rink and easy access to all sections and concourse levels. Extras 4 The arena receives one point for the Jersey-inspired food, including Taylor ham, zeppoles, Italian hot dogs, and disco fries. These are items you won’t find at other NHL arenas and are inclusive. You can also wash it down with a local craft beer or cider. A second point is awarded towards the organization’s history dating back to 1982 when the club arrived from Denver. There are murals of former greats, trophy cases featuring the club's three Stanley Cups, and the Brodeur statue. The retired numbers of Hall of Famers Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, and Brodeur also make everyone know whose building this is. The arena also displays almost every high school hockey jersey in the state. The arena received a third point for being one of the first NHL buildings that partnered with KultureCity to provide sensory training to its staff for customers with autism. There are sensory rooms, social stores, and sensory bags for customers and parents with children on the spectrum. The Rock gains another point for the biggest video scoreboard in the league. The newly installed board provides an innovative way to connect fans to the game on the ice and through social media. Final Thoughts The Prudential Center is a stunning facility, offering almost everything the hockey fan could ask for in the 21st century. The arena is accessible via mass transit, close to great restaurants, and provides a variety of services and features throughout the game. With the Devils playing winning hockey, the experience will only improve at “The Rock.”

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Starlight Stadium 1089 Langford Pkwy Victoria, BC V9B 4B4 Canada BC Lions website Starlight Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,000 On the Road at Home The BC Lions of the Canadian Football League have been making the rounds of their province in the past couple of years, from Touchdown Pacific in Victoria in 2024 to games at Starlight Stadium in nearby Langford (since 2025), as well as games in Kelowna starting in 2026. While BC Place is still the team’s main home venue, their fans have responded well, and traveled, for games in these nearby cities. Starlight Stadium opened in 2009 and primarily serves as the home stadium for Canadian Premier League soccer’s Pacific FC. The venue is also used by Rugby Canada and by the Westshore Rebels, a junior Canadian football team. The color scheme trends toward purple and white, for Pacific FC, but does include signage showcasing all the teams that play here, including the BC Lions’ orange and black during CFL games here. The facility holds 6,000 fans and has seating along both sidelines, as well as behind one end zone. Food & Beverage 4 Perhaps not surprising given this is Canada, the beer and alcohol selection has a lot more variety than the food selection when it comes to concessions here, and the food choices are also a little spread out. For example, there is only one tiny concession stand under the press box (south) side, which boasts no main dishes except hot dogs. This almost led me to give a much lower rating for this section, until I found a much larger concession area nestled next to the endline (west) stands, which adds chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, poutine, cheeseburgers, and veggie burgers to the mix. Prices start at 8.50 CAD for the hot dog and go up past 17 CAD for chicken tenders with fries, but you can find chips and candy for around 4 to 5 CAD. Alcohol starts at 9 CAD. The opposite (north) side doesn’t have any fixed stands, but instead boasts several food trucks serving such items as burritos, gyros, and baked potatoes, with prices starting around 15 CAD for a meal. There is also a VIP area (Gate C at the “hidden” back side of the venue) which adds a few more options for fans who want to make their way to that side. Atmosphere 4 The VIP area is a lot of fun, with plenty of games for kids and adults; think cornhole, giant Jenga, giant Connect 4, samples from drink vendors, a well-stocked BC Lions team gear store, and even a working water feature. The staff also carries over a lot of traditions from their time at BC Place, including a sing-along, fan contests tossing touchdowns or kicking field goals, and the ever-popular, though no less weird, hot dog toss – these babies are dubbed “mustard powered meat missiles” by the in-game host. The BC Lions mascot is on hand for selfies and to toss a ball around with the kids, while the BC Lions cheerleaders are there to bring the crowd alive before the home team comes onto the field. The Lions even bring along their inflatable tunnel for the team to run through, flags waving – everything you have come to expect from a major sporting event. All the seats on the press box and endline sides are also covered, which is a major plus that you don’t see at most sports venues. Fans will be very grateful for this perk, especially during summer days with 2 pm start times, when the sun is already high in the sky, or last year when it rained during the Lions at Langford game. Neighborhood 4 Langford, BC boasts a population of just over 62K, a 12K increase in the past five years. As such there is plenty of shopping and dining to be found near Starlight Stadium, as well as great views of the water along the beautiful Vancouver Island coastline, only a few miles from the facility. That said, you really don’t have to drive anywhere at all if you are looking for things to do before or after a Lions game at Starlight Stadium – the venue is right next to Westhills Arena, and there are several restaurants within a few hundred feet of the stadium, as well as a city park, bowling alley, and even a rock-climbing center. The city park serves as sort of an anchor location for all these different entertainment options, making this part of the city a great place for the community to come together. Fans 4 Starlight Stadium only holds 6,000 fans, but the venue was almost entirely filled, and most fans were decked out in the bright orange of the BC Lions. Fans are there to have a great time, with the cornhole and other games in use throughout the whole game. The team gear stand seemed to do a brisk business as well, and there were lines at the concession stands for a big chunk of the game – the food trucks on the north side had the shortest lines, while the small stand under the press box had the longest lines, if that helps you make your decision. Access 3 The only potential downside of attending a BC Lions game at Starlight Stadium is getting here – Vancouver Island is exactly that, so the only way to get here is either to fly over, which can be pricey, or ferry over from the mainland if you don’t already live here. The airport is on the north end of the Sannich Peninsula, meaning maybe a 45-minute drive to get to the venue once you land, or a half hour drive from Victoria proper. Once you get to the facility there is free parking, but the lots closest to the stadium tend to fill up quickly, even if you get there an hour and a half early. The good news is there is additional parking just down the road past the city park, in a commercial shopping center – that area includes mostly non-retail businesses, so you should be able to find an empty space easily enough, and the walk is not far. Unfortunately you cannot walk freely around the entire venue (the east end is closed off), so if you park near the front of the facility like most people do, you will have to walk all the way around to get to the press box side, and if you want to enter at Gate C, you’ll have to walk up the hill and all the way around using a kind of hiking path along the street behind the stadium. The good news is that you only need Gate C to pick up a VIP pass; if you already have your ticket, you can enter at Gate A or B and get to the far side just by walking around inside the stadium. Return on Investment 5 Attending a BC Lions game at Starlight Stadium is absolutely worthwhile; tickets start at only $40 for reserved (covered) seats behind the west end zone or on the press box side. Concession prices are typical for sports venues, but that is balanced by the free parking. This quaint venue has great sightlines, you can get really close to the action, and there are all manner of free activities going on inside, what with the games and promotions, so you can absolutely have a great time here without breaking the bank. Extras 4 The BC Lions staff does a great job carrying over the traditions from BC Place to Starlight Stadium, so nothing feels like it is missing from the normal CFL game day experience. The smaller venue is also probably a little easier to navigate, so as long as you are willing to cross over the water, you can’t go wrong seeing your favorite team on the road, but really, still at home. Final thoughts Vancouver Island is a great place to visit, with great views of the water and fabulous seafood. But more importantly, it is also now home to football – what could be better than that trifecta?

The WHL found that they were settling into the reality of the NCAA eligibility changes in the 2025-26 season. Ready to host the Memorial Cup in Kelowna at the end of May, it was a big season in the WHL. At the beginning of the season it was reported that the expansion team set for Chilliwack, British Columbia would not begin in September of 2026 but rather 2027, leaving the new franchise as a bit of a question mark. Markus Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers led all players with 108 points while Cameron Schmidt of the Seattle Thunderbirds tallied a league leading 51 goals. Rookie Michal Orsulak of the Prince Albert Raiders had the top Goals Against Average with 2.22 and Joshua Ravensbergen of the Prince George Cougars posted a stellar .919 save percentage, earning him the Del Wilson Top Goaltender Award. The Four Broncos Memorial Trophy for the WHL Player of the Year was awarded to Bryce Pickford of Medicine Hat. The Edmonton Oil Kings once again had the best season at the turnstiles, averaging 7,645 fans per game. The Everett Silvertips were dominant during the regular season and playoffs posting a massive 117 points on the year. Everett rumbled through Portland, Kelowna, Penticton and Prince Albert to earn their first Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions, only losing 2 games in the process. The Silvertips will join the host Kelowna Rockets in the Memorial Cup at the end of May. The annual WHL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the hockey experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced. The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.61 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is just an amalgamation of a number of opinions, and may not be in agreement for all. Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets. How is your list different from ours? What do we have right? What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025-2026 Rankings of the Western Hockey League Experiences... N/R - Kamloops Blazers, Kelowna Rockets, Penticton Vees, Prince George Cougars, Spokane Chiefs, Wenatchee Wild Stadium Journey needs your help!! If you are interested in writing reviews for Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Prince George, Spokane or Wenatchee, contact Stadium Journey! 17. Assiniboine Credit Union Place - Brandon Wheat Kings - 2.86 Andrew Kulyk - Andrew Kulyk - Home for the Brandon Wheat Kings is Assiniboine Credit Union Place, a 6,000-seat arena built as part of a larger convention/exhibition complex called Keystone Centre. It was built in 1972 and has undergone numerous renovations. The franchise is the easternmost franchise in the Western Hockey League and ranks in the upper end of attendance in the league. 16. Accessso ShoWare Centre - Seattle Thunderbirds - 2.86 Josh Eastern - The Seattle Thunderbirds are a junior hockey league team that plays in the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League. They play in the ShoWare Center located in Kent, WA which is about 30 minutes south of Seattle. It was opened in January of 2009. The Thunderbirds played at Mercer Arena before moving to Key Arena. In 2009, the T-Birds moved south to the ShoWare Center. It is a multi-purpose arena that is mostly used for hockey. It is a great setting for hockey. 15. Brandt Centre - Regina Pats - 3.14 Andrew Kulyk - The Brandt Centre is a hockey arena located in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan. Opened in 1977, its primary tenant is the Regina Pats, a junior hockey team playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). The arena is part of a larger interconnected complex called Evraz Place, which offers exhibit space, curling venues and other public facilities. 14. Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary Hitmen - 3.43 Jim Flannery - The Calgary Hitmen entered the Western Hockey League in 1995, filling the junior hockey gap in Calgary caused by the departure of the Calgary Wranglers in 1987. Named after wrestling legend and team co-founder Brett “The Hitman” Hart, the Hitmen have gone on to enjoy a great deal of success, earning the best record in the WHL four times, and going all the way to the Memorial Cup twice. The Scotiabank Saddledome opened its doors in 1983 and is among the busiest arenas in the country as it is also the home of the Calgary Flames, Calgary Roughnecks and AHL’s Calgary Wranglers. 13. Angel of the Winds Arena - Everett Silvertips - 3.43 Dennis Morrell - Angel of the Winds Arena is nestled in the heart of downtown at 2000 Hewitt Avenue, the north edge of the block bordered by Oakes Avenue to the west and Broadway to the east. The corner of Hewitt and Oakes provides the facility’s most grand entrance. It is arguably the epicenter of activity in this quaint community. From the outside, the building does not look like much, but get inside and it has some character. It is intimate with sections close together and built nearly on top of the ice instead of spread back. 12. SaskTel Centre - Saskatoon Blades - 3.43 Andrew Kulyk - True story. Back in 1983, a Saskatoon-based investment group put together a deal to buy the NHL St. Louis Blues and move them to Saskatoon, a city that was off the grid for most hockey fans. Plans were put in place for a new arena to replace a dated historic downtown venue that had served the city well. Front office staffers were hired, and moving plans were put in place. And then it all derailed when the NHL Board of Governors refused to support the move. Lawsuits went flying from all sides, and in the end the Blues stayed put in St. Louis. Out of the disappointment of that debacle came a gleaming new arena and showplace for hockey in Saskatoon, an arena initially dubbed Saskatchewan Place. Fans who liked the old and creaky downtown barn weren’t happy with the move. But with numerous renovations, expansions, and now a showplace for some major events, the arena is now embraced within the community. 11. Co-Op Place - Medicine Hat Tigers - 3.57 Jim Flannery - Until the fall of 2015, the Medicine Hat Tigers spent the entire history of their franchise playing in the Medicine Hat Arena, located just east of the city’s downtown core. The Tigers relocated to a brand new arena at the start of the 2015-16 season; after 45 seasons in the Arena, it was time to move into a more modern facility. Originally called Canalta Centre, it was specifically designed to Memorial Cup specifications in the hopes of luring the CHL championship to Medicine Hat in the near future. Now called Co-op Place, it has room for 3,000 more fans than Medicine Hat Arena did, includes 22 luxury suites, 350 club seats on the south side between the blue lines, a lounge, and state of the art technology throughout. 10. Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Portland Winterhawks - 3.57 Paul Hilchen - Portland hockey dates back to the 1910’s with the Portland Rosebuds. The most recent team not named the Winterhawks was the Buckaroos, who played in the Coliseum from 1960-1975. The franchise has had much success during their tenure in the Rose City, including winning the 1998 Memorial Cup, and a current run of back to back to back to back Western Conference championships. Memorial Coliseum is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its architecture and glass walls that adorn the outside of the building. Some within Portland have questioned the practicality of having two buildings side by side that serve exactly the same purpose, while others have outwardly called for its demolition so a baseball stadium could be built on the site. Whatever side of the spectrum one finds themselves on, no one can deny the fact that the building has a great amount of history and character. 9. InnovationPlex - Swift Current Broncos - 3.71 Jim Flannery - In a small facility like the InnovationPlex, it doesn’t take a lot of people to get the energy up in the place. A couple thousand people, many with cowbells, can get the place rocking in no time at all. With the game viewable from standing room in the main lobby right at ice level, audience members downstairs almost feel like they’re right in the game, just inches from the play. And even the worst seats in the main viewing bowl are only 11 rows back from the ice, so there isn’t a bad seat in the house. 8. Temple Gardens Centre - Moose Jaw Warriors - 3.71 Jim Flannery - After a four-year stint in Winnipeg, the Western Hockey League’s Warriors moved to Moose Jaw in 1984. They played their games at the Moose Jaw Civic Centre, better known as the Crushed Can, for many years, but in 2011 the team moved to a brand new facility right downtown, known as Temple Gardens Centre. The $61 million arena seats 4,465 people, which is the equivalent of about 13 percent of the entire city population when the place is full. In addition to the rink area, it also features an eight-sheet curling club, a banquet room, and other meeting rooms. It has played host to a number of major events, including the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and concerts by A-list performers like Alice Cooper and Carrie Underwood. But the Moose Jaw Warriors are the centrepiece of entertainment in the building. 7. Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre - Victoria Royals - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Victoria Royals may seem a bit isolated, being located on Vancouver Island. However, Victoria is an excellent tourist destination, and the Victoria Royals can definitely be a part of the excitement. The Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre provides a solid junior hockey experience, and fans will definitely enjoy the experience. 6. Langley Events Centre - Vancouver Giants - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - In 2001, Vancouver, British Columbia, was granted an expansion team. The Vancouver Giants called the Pacific Coliseum home and enjoyed decent success there. The Giants took home the Ed Chynoweth Cup as Western Hockey League Champions in 2006 and eclipsed that feat with a Memorial Cup the following season. The Giants have produced several NHL players, including Cody Franson, Evander Kane, Brendan Gallagher, and Milan Lucic. In 2016, the Giants moved away from the oversized Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the Vancouver Canucks, to the Langley Events Centre. Built in 2009 and more appropriately sized for junior hockey, Langley Events Centre is a ways from central Vancouver, but serves the suburban cities. 5. VisitLethbridge.com Arena - Lethbridge Hurricanes - 3.86 Jim Flannery - VisitLethbridge.com Arena opened its doors in 1974, in anticipation of the 1975 Canada Winter Games. The Sportsplex (as it was then known) was designed for a multitude of purposes. The arena converts easily to a number of different applications for curling, concerts, hockey, basketball, banquets, etc. The Lethbridge Hurricanes ice hockey began their history as the Winnipeg Jets in 1967 and have been in operation ever since. They changed their name twice while in Winnipeg before moving to Calgary and becoming the Wranglers in 1977. They remained in Calgary until 1987 when they relocated to Lethbridge and were renamed once again, becoming the Hurricanes, a name they have stuck with now for more than 30 years. 4. Rogers Place - Edmonton Oil Kings - 4.00 Jim Flannery - The Oil Kings returned to Edmonton for the 2007-08 season and have been have found an audience. Owned and operated by the Katz Group, which also owns the NHL’s Oilers, the Oil Kings are drawing good crowds, and winning consistently. The Oil Kings spent most of their history playing at what is currently known as Rexall Place (formerly Northlands Coliseum). But starting in the fall of 2016, the Oil Kings have relocated to the new downtown arena, called Rogers Place. It is the newest, most modern arena in hockey and without a doubt the premier place to watch the WHL. 3. Art Hauser Centre - Prince Albert Raiders - 4.00 Jim Flannery - Playing at the Art Hauser Centre, the Prince Albert Raiders have been one of the more successful junior hockey teams in Saskatchewan. Between 1977-1982 the Raiders won four Tier II junior national championships in six years. After graduating up to the WHL for the 1982-83 season, the Raiders went on to win the Memorial Cup in 1985 as the top junior team in the country. The Raiders have produced 72 players who have made it to the NHL, including Brad McCrimmon, James Patrick, Wes Walz and Mike Modano. And all of them have paid their dues in this little arena in this little city. 2. Toyota Center - Tri-City Americans - 4.14 Andrew Kulyk - The Tri City Americans, representing the adjoining cities of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland in the State of Washington, are one of the flagship original franchises of the Western Hockey League. Its origins began in Calgary, before city hopping to several locations throughout British Columbia, with a 5-year stop in Billings, Montana along the way. They have been located in Tri Cities since 1988, and have played in the Toyota Center in the bedroom community of Kennewick since the arena opened that same year. The facility also doubles as a theatre, offering a season of Broadway musicals and other stage shows. 1. Marchant Crane Centrium - Red Deer Rebels - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - Nestled almost exactly halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta, the residents of Red Deer share a healthy split of allegiances between the two major Alberta cities’ NHL clubs. Both the Oilers and Flames are well represented in Red Deer, however, when it comes to Junior Hockey, there is no question as to who is king. The Red Deer Rebels have been members of the Western Hockey League since 1992. Founded by Terry and Wayne Simpson, the Rebels have seen quite a few future NHL players walk through the doors and also enjoyed some team successes. The ultimate team successes for the Rebels came in 2001 when the Rebels, led by future NHL players Jeff Woywitka and Colby Armstrong, saw Doug Lynch score the biggest goal in Rebels history, an overtime goal to defeat Val d’Or in the Memorial Cup Final.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Eddie Stanky Field 307 N University Blvd Mobile, AL 36608 South Alabama Jaguars website Eddie Stanky Field's website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 5,000 South Alabama Baseball Baseball has long been part of Mobile’s identity. Known as one of America’s richest baseball cities, the Port City has produced Hall of Famers such as Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Willie McCovey, Billy Williams, and Ozzie Smith – more Hall of Famers than any other city in the world besides New York and Los Angeles. But beyond those legendary names, Mobile’s baseball story also includes Eddie Stanky, the fiery former Major Leaguer who helped shape college baseball in Mobile. The Jaguars have built one of the Sun Belt’s proudest baseball programs, with 13 regular-season conference championships, 11 Sun Belt Tournament titles, and more than two dozen NCAA Regional appearances. Before becoming a coaching icon, Stanky enjoyed a successful 10-year big league career, earning four All-Star selections, appearing in three World Series, and playing alongside Jackie Robinson. After managing the Cardinals and White Sox, Stanky arrived at the University of South Alabama in 1968 and transformed the Jaguars into a Sun Belt powerhouse. Over 14 seasons he compiled a remarkable 490-195-2 record, and guided South Alabama to five NCAA Regionals, firmly establishing the program on the national stage. Stanky’s connection to Mobile proved stronger than professional baseball itself. In 1977, he famously accepted the Texas Rangers' managerial job, only to resign after one game and return to Mobile, where he felt most at home. When Eddie Stanky Field opened in 1980, he came out of retirement to coach four more seasons. Today, the stadium remains a lasting tribute to both Stanky’s legacy and South Alabama’s proud baseball tradition, one that includes 17 conference championships, 27 NCAA Tournament appearances, and more than 150 players drafted into professional baseball. Food and Beverage 3 There are two main concession stands at Eddie Stanky Field, located along the first and third base concourses. The menu sticks to classic ballpark staples, with options such as chicken tenders, hot dogs, Conecuh sausage, cheeseburgers, pretzel sticks, popcorn, and candy available throughout the game. Prices remain reasonable for a college venue, generally ranging from around $3 to $8 depending on the item. Fans can also purchase combo meals that include a souvenir Coca-Cola cup, with hot dog combos typically priced around $10, and cheeseburger combos priced around $11. Alcohol is also available throughout the stadium. Domestic options like Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Coors Light are sold in 16-ounce cans, while premium selections such as Michelob Ultra and White Claw are also offered. One unique local touch is the stadium’s signature beer, Spotted Tail Jaguar Ale, brewed by Mobile’s own Braided River Brewing Company specifically for South Alabama athletic events. This locally crafted ale adds a distinct Gulf Coast flavor to the game day experience here, serving as a cool nod to the city’s growing craft beer scene. Atmosphere 4 When you arrive at the ballpark, it’s hard to tell Eddie Stanky Field is almost 50 years old. The stadium’s exterior remains sharp and welcoming, anchored by a statue of Eddie Stanky at the main entrance, where the legendary coach still seems to greet fans arriving for another night of Jaguar baseball. Also, in a fitting nod to Mobile’s nickname as the Azalea City, vibrant azalea gardens surround the entrance area, giving the ballpark a distinctly Gulf Coast charm. Once inside, fans are welcomed by a spacious concourse that stretches beneath both sides of the grandstand, with concession stands, restrooms, and a pop-up team store offering a solid selection of South Alabama gear. The layout feels clean, accessible, and refreshingly modern for a venue that is now more than four decades old. South Alabama has done an impressive job preserving and showcasing its proud baseball tradition throughout the facility. Along the concourse walls, banners, pennants, and displays celebrate decades of Jaguars success, reminding visitors that this is one of the Sun Belt’s flagship programs. Down the third base line, the Baseball Ring of Honor serves as a centerpiece, featuring a bust of longtime coach Steve Kittrell alongside plaques honoring former Jaguar greats. Additional displays highlight South Alabama’s NCAA Regional appearances and the long list of MLB talent developed here. Over 50 players have advanced to the big leagues from South Alabama. The seating bowl itself maintains a classic, no-frills design with 15 rows of red bleacher seating wrapping around blue chairback seats behind home plate, while the two-story press box and Stadium Club suite add a touch of premium comfort. However, one of the biggest upgrades to the facility in recent years is the pristine new turf playing surface installed in 2025, which has injected fresh life into the stadium. The modern field not only enhances playability and durability, but also gives Eddie Stanky Field a polished, updated appearance that matches many newer collegiate venues. In addition, beyond the foul lines, a party deck in left field brings an energetic college atmosphere, often filled with alumni grilling and gathering throughout the game. The South Alabama soccer complex is visible beyond right field, and a somewhat dated scoreboard with a small videoboard is visible above left field. Neighborhood 4 Mobile offers plenty for travelers who want to experience more than a baseball game. Spread across a wide stretch of the Gulf Coast, Alabama’s Port City offers enough food, history, nightlife, and family attractions to easily fill an entire weekend. Around the University of South Alabama campus, visitors will find no shortage of dining options, from casual favorites like Mellow Mushroom and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop to local staples such as Foosackly’s for affordable chicken fingers. Dreamland Bar-B-Que, one of Alabama’s most iconic barbecue chains, is also nearby and remains a must-visit for first-time travelers wanting a true taste of the state. Airport Boulevard and Old Shell Road are also lined with countless restaurants, sports bars, and chain options, making the area around Stanky Field highly convenient for fans. A little bit further away, Dauphin Street, the heart of downtown nightlife, blends historic architecture with lively bars, music venues, and local restaurants in a setting often compared to a smaller, more relaxed Bourbon Street. Colonial Fort Condé provides a fascinating glimpse into Mobile’s French colonial roots through reconstructed fortifications and interactive exhibits, while the iconic USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park allows visitors to explore a World War II battleship, submarine, and extensive military aircraft displays. Families will also enjoy the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and IMAX Theatre, which feature hands-on science exhibits and immersive giant-screen experiences. Bellingrath Gardens and Home, located just outside the city, showcases breathtaking seasonal floral displays and one of the Gulf Coast’s most beautiful historic estates. For beachgoers, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are less than an hour away each, offering white sand beaches, fresh seafood, and classic coastal relaxation. Fans 3 South Alabama has long established itself as one of the Sun Belt’s premier baseball programs. With attendance regularly ranking among the nation’s better mid-major programs, South Alabama’s baseball culture is deeply ingrained within the university. More than any other sport on campus, Jaguars baseball has the most prestige, built on decades of championships, postseason appearances, and a pipeline of major league talent. When the crowd is engaged, Eddie Stanky Field offers a uniquely patriotic atmosphere, as South Alabama’s red, white, and blue color scheme gives the ballpark an almost Team USA-like energy. While attendance can fluctuate depending on the opponent and on team performance, marquee matchups consistently bring out some of the best crowds in the region. The stadium’s attendance record came in 2018 when 4,500 fans packed the venue for a showdown against Alabama, creating a standing-room-only environment. Rivalries against in-state powers like Alabama, Auburn, Troy, and regional foes such as Southern Miss routinely bring packed houses as well. Access 3 Getting to the University of South Alabama can take a little patience, especially on weekday afternoons when Mobile traffic begins to build. Located in northwest Mobile near the intersection of Old Shell Road and University Boulevard, the campus sits several miles away from Interstate 10, meaning visitors will likely encounter plenty of stoplights and steady traffic regardless of which direction they are arriving from. Travelers coming from out of town will typically use I-10 before connecting to I-65 north toward the Dauphin Street exit, followed by a straightforward drive west toward campus. While this route itself is simple enough, it is wise to allow extra travel time, particularly before first pitch on busy weekends, or on days when larger events are occurring around the city. Once fans arrive on campus, however, the experience becomes much easier. Ample parking is available around the nearby Mitchell Center lots just steps from Eddie Stanky Field, making gameday parking relatively stress-free compared to many larger college venues. Entry into the stadium is efficient, and the spacious concourse design allows fans to move comfortably throughout the ballpark without dealing with major congestion, even when there are larger crowds. Return on Investment 4 Eddie Stanky Field delivers one of the better values in college baseball, especially for fans looking to experience a program with deep tradition without spending a fortune. The best way to remember the ticket prices is that the red bleacher seats down the first and third baselines are $12, while the blue chairbacks behind home plate are $18. There are also five rows of chairback box seats located in front of the grandstands with tickets at $25 each. Even for bigger conference matchups, tickets to baseball games here are easy to find, making the experience accessible for both locals and traveling baseball fans. What truly makes the return on investment stand out, however, is the history attached to the program. South Alabama baseball carries a level of tradition and professional pedigree that many casual fans may not realize, and watching a game at Eddie Stanky Field feels like stepping into one of the Gulf South’s hidden baseball treasures. Between the intimate atmosphere, passionate fan base, and long list of MLB talent developed here, a trip to Mobile provides a quality college baseball experience that feels underrated on the national stage. Extras 4 One of the cooler touches around Eddie Stanky Field is how South Alabama continues to honor the players who helped build the program into a Sun Belt powerhouse. Down the left field line sits Jon Lieber Clubhouse, which opened in 2017 and is named after a former Jag pitcher who played at South Alabama in 1991 and 1992, before going on to a successful 15-year Major League career. Inside the clubhouse is David Freese Weight Room, named after another South Alabama baseball legend. Freese played for the Jaguars in 2005 and 2006 before spending 11 seasons in the majors and earning 2011 World Series MVP honors with the Cardinals. Also nearby is Luis Gonzalez Hitting Facility, named after the five-time MLB All-Star and 19-year veteran who played for South Alabama from 1986 through 1988. Gonzalez remains the only player in program history to have his baseball number retired by the Jaguars. Eddie Stanky Field has also played a major role in Sun Belt Conference baseball history, hosting the league tournament 12 times, more than any other venue, with the first tournament held here in 1980 and the most recent in 2014. Even before the current stadium opened, the 1978 Sun Belt Tournament was played on the original field that once occupied the same site. Over the years, the Jaguars have clinched five Sun Belt championships on their home field, adding even more history to the ballpark. The stadium also briefly served as the home of professional baseball in Mobile during the mid-1990s. The independent Mobile Bay Sharks of the Texas-Louisiana League played at Stanky Field in 1994 and 1995, bringing professional baseball back to the Port City for the first time in nearly a quarter century. The Bay Sharks proved wildly popular, drawing more than 100,000 fans per season during both years they played at the stadium. That success ultimately helped pave the way for affiliated baseball to return to Mobile in 1997, when the Double-A Mobile BayBears began play at newly constructed Hank Aaron Stadium. The BayBears would spend the next 23 seasons in Mobile before eventually relocating to North Alabama and becoming the Rocket City Trash Pandas. For baseball fans visiting Mobile, one attraction that absolutely deserves a stop is the Hall of Fame Walk located in downtown Mobile. The Port City is home to five National Baseball Hall of Famers – Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Billy Williams, Willie McCovey, and Ozzie Smith – more than any city in America outside of New York and Los Angeles. The Hall of Fame Walk celebrates Mobile’s incredible baseball legacy through plaques, monuments, and displays honoring each legend throughout the downtown waterfront area. Visiting the Hall of Fame Walk before a South Alabama baseball game makes for a great stop.

Photos by Paul Baker & David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Delta Dental Park @ Hadlock Field 271 Park Ave Portland, ME 04102 Portland Sea Dogs website Hadlock Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 6,868 Home of the Maine Monster The longtime home of the Portland Sea Dogs underwent a name change in 2024 when local medical insurance company Delta Dental entered into a multi-year naming rights agreement with the team. However, you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that uses the facility’s formal name. To almost everyone around, the home of Maine’s favorite ball team continues to be Hadlock Field. The ballpark is named for longtime Portland High School baseball coach and physics teacher Edson J. Hadlock Jr. The Sea Dogs began competing in the AA Eastern League in 1994 as the Florida Marlins’ affiliate. In 2003 the Sea Dogs switched affiliations to the nearby Boston Red Sox, which only strengthened the bonds between the city and team. When the city of Portland was awarded an Eastern League expansion team in 1992, the city renovated Hadlock Field, which was being used at the time as a high school field. To this day, Hadlock Field is used by both the Portland High and Deering High School baseball teams. Over their existence, the Sea Dogs have won one Eastern League title along with six division titles. The Red Sox-Sea Dogs affiliation shows no signs of slowing down, as the clubs are currently contracted to be affiliated through the 2030 season. Game Action at Hadlock Field. Photo by Paul Baker. Food & Beverage 4 At first glance, it wouldn’t seem like Hadlock Field would offer much more than a traditional concessions experience. Most of the stands, tucked away under the grandstand, have a real old-school feel to them. But a closer look shows a decent variety of food available and some local treasures hidden within the old menu boards of Hadlock Field. The main stands offer standard ballpark fare. In between the Fenway Franks, burgers, pizza slices, chicken tenders and the like are more unique items, such as full-sized batting helmets filled with french fries, buffalo chicken subs, and steak and cheese subs. A few uniquely Maine items are worth checking out: Red Snapper hot dogs and of course, lobster rolls. Be sure to bring your sweet tooth to a Sea Dogs game, as in addition to the usual fried dough, candy and ice cream are two local “must have” items. First is the Whoopie Pie, which is so ubiquitous to Maine that it is used as one of the team’s alternate identities. The other may be the most popular concession item at Hadlock Field, the Sea Dog biscuit. The biscuit is two chocolate chip cookies with a scoop of Gifford’s vanilla ice cream in between. Coca-Cola products are featured at Hadlock Field. As you would expect in a craft brewing hotspot like Portland, the microbrew game is impressive here. Local brews from Allegash, Geary’s, Sea Dog, Baxter, Red Hook, Shipyard, Harpoon, Sebego and Sam Adams can all be found at the microbrewery stand on the first base side of the stadium. Atmosphere 4 While Hadlock Field’s physical constraints limit what Sea Dog staff are able to do in many regards, the staff here pack every game with plenty of activity, distraction and noise designed to keep the younger and casual fans in attendance engaged and entertained. Theme nights and giveaways fill the schedule, and activities between every half inning take place on the field, meaning that whether you are visiting Portland for the baseball action or not, you will leave entertained. A statue of the Sea Dogs’ mascot, Slugger the seal greets fans at the entrance to Hadlock Field. This is a popular spot to meet before or after the game and to pose for a picture. The actual Slugger, a member of the Mascot Hall of Fame, is one of the more entertaining mascots in the minor leagues and is integral to the gameday presentation. Unique to Hadlock Field are the “Trash Monsters,” mascots who also serve as trash cans. Young fans line up to throw out their garbage into the mouths of the “monstahs” throughout the game. It can’t be fun to be the poor intern in that costume during the hot summer months. Anyone who has spent any time in Red Sox Nation can testify how dedicated and intense fans are in this part of the country. The Sea Dogs’ affiliation with the Red Sox guarantees that the fans in Portland know the players well and are invested in their success. Unfortunately, Sea Dog fans share some bad habits with their parent fans in Boston, in that they are always in motion, blocking views and distracting fans from the action going on down on the field. Hadlock Field Grandstand from Center Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 4 The city of Portland is often mentioned among the top destinations in all of minor league baseball. The city features a thriving arts scene and is a favorite amongst foodies. In particular, if you love seafood, you won’t find a city with a greater diversity and quality of restaurants than Portland. In addition, Portland has an active craft beer scene, with several fine breweries located in the immediate area. Shoppers will flock to nearby outlet malls in Kittery, just to the south of the city, or Freeport, just to the north. What keeps Hadlock Field from receiving a perfect score in this category is that it is located away from the city center near I-295. Most of the city’s attractions are a short drive away. For the best of what Portland has to offer, head down to the Old Port neighborhood. This historic district, known for its cobblestone streets, 19th-century brick buildings and fishing piers, is the tourist, culinary and cultural hub of the city. Some of the best seafood you’ll ever have is found in the Old Port, as food is practically taken right from the ocean and put on your plate. The boutiques, shops and bars that line the crooked, hilly streets and docks of the Old Port make this one of Maine’s top tourist destinations. Maine dubs itself “Vacationland,” and whether your idea of relaxing involves a sandy beach, an amusement park, a museum, a day on the bay or hiking through the woods, you’ll find what you need in and around Portland. Check out VisitMaine.com for more details. Fans 4 Even after two decades as the Red Sox AA Eastern League affiliate, the Sea Dogs continue to pack fans into Hadlock Field. In 2025 the team attracted over 5,800 fans per game, good for fourth in the league rankings. The team’s affiliation with the nearby Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park is 107 miles away) ensures that the fans in Maine are knowledgeable about the team and passionate about the action taking place down on the field. It’s a shame that more of them don’t sit down and watch the game for a while. Video Board at Hadlock Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4 Hadlock Field is easy to get to, located just a few blocks from Interstate 295. Simply take the Congress Street exit and follow the signs to the ballpark. Parking is available in surface lots around the ballpark, including at the adjacent Fitzpatrick Stadium. On-street parking is also available but pay attention to signs for hours and restrictions. Fans will enter Hadlock Field onto a concourse that stretches underneath the length of the seating bowl. The small but well-stocked team store will be immediately to your left, with concession stands lining the wall in front of you. The concourse can get crowded when the park is filled, but generally fans should have no issues getting around. Rest rooms are located on either side of the ballpark and are plenty big enough for a typical Sea Dog crowd. Due to the presence of the Portland Expo Center next to Hadlock Field, the seating bowl of the ballpark is irregular, running from about first base around to deep left field. Most of the seating consists of green folding plastic stadium seats, with some metal bleachers along the top of the seating bowl and in deep left field. An inner walkway runs along the length of the seating bowl, separating the box seats from the reserved and general admission seating. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Sea Dog games range in price from $15-$29. Children, seniors and members of the military receive a $1-$3 discount depending on the type of ticket purchased. Waiting until gameday to buy your tickets will add a two-dollar surcharge to them. For an extra three dollars, fans can purchase Assurance tickets, which allows for transfer of tickets to another home game should plans change. Parking in the many lots around Hadlock Field costs between ten and twenty dollars. Unfortunately, the ample free on-street parking that could be found around the ballpark is not available on most nights. Pay attention to parking signs in the area if looking for on-street parking. Extras 5 The Sea Dogs have a staggering number of alternate identities to honor local foods and notable Maine things. Of course, each identity comes with its own amazing set of gear. Check out the team store or site for your Whoopie Pie, Bean Suppah, Red Snappah, Lobstah Bake, and Candlepin swag. Hadlock Field is loaded with touches designed to evoke memories of the ballpark’s Maine location. Keep a look out for the lighthouse hidden beyond the centerfield fence which rises after every Sea Dog home run and victory. Hadlock Field has many features meant to mimic their parent club’s ballpark in Boston. In left field stands a 37-foot-tall replica of Fenway’s Green Monster, known here as the Maine Monster. Hadlock has its own version of Fenway’s Monster Seats, located high above the right field wall over the Sea Dogs bullpen. Located on the concourse is every Sea Dog team and award winner since the franchise’s inception in 1994, as well as the Sea Dog Hall of Fame. There is also a display listing every Sea Dog alumnus to make the major leagues. Each season, every Sea Dog alumnus to play for the Red Sox has his jersey displayed on the façade of the press box. Every season, the Sea Dogs end their season with their “Field of Dreams” game, in which the players emerge from a corn field in center field to play their finale. Final Thoughts Hadlock Field is often named among the top minor league ballparks in the nation. This may have more to do with where it is rather than what it is. Hadlock may not be the most modern minor league ballpark, but it is filled with enthusiastic, knowledgeable fans and plenty of kitschy touches. A day spent at Hadlock Field and the Old Port is one of the top Stadium Journeys you’ll ever experience! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

The 2025-26 Ontario Hockey League season seemed to bring as much drama off the ice as there was on the ice. At the beginning of January, the league was rocked with the news that longtime Commissioner of the OHL and President of the CHL, David Branch, had died. Rumours of expansion were abound with the belief that the USHL teams from Muskegon and Youngstown were headed to the OHL. This would turn out to be not the case as it is believed that USA Hockey blocked these moves. Expansion is still in the forefront for the league as some neutral site games were announced for Cornwall in the 2026-27 season. It was also announced that the Guelph Storm will be hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup. The Kitchener Rangers were the story of this season. The Brantford Bulldogs were the best team during the regular season with 106 points. The London Knights had the best attendance once again, averaging 9,051 fans per game. However, it was the Rangers running roughshod through the playoffs to take the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions, their fifth. The Rangers will be heading to Kelowna to represent the OHL in the Memorial Cup. Marek Vanaker of the Bulldogs scored 47 goals while the Saginaw Spirit’s Nikita Klepov tallied 97 points. Ryan Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s was the top goaltender with a 2.07 GAA and .923 save percentage, winning the Jim Rutherford Trophy as goaltender of the year. The Rid Tilson Trophy for the Most Outstanding Player went to Sam O’Reilly of the Kitchener Rangers. The annual OHL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the hockey experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighbourhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced. The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.59 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. This list is just an amalgamation of a number of opinions, and may not be in agreement for all. Please let Stadium Journey know your opinions on our various Social Media outlets. How is your list different from ours? What do we have right? What do we have wrong? Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2025-2026 Rankings of the Ontario Hockey League Experiences. 20. CAA Centre - Brampton Steelheads - 2.57 Dave Cottenie - The home for the Steelheads is CAA Centre. The city owned arena opened in 1998 and has a capacity of 5,000. It is an appropriate home for OHL hockey as it housed the Brampton Battalion from 1998 to 2013, before they moved to North Bay. A familiar story for OHL hockey in the GTA is once again brewing, low attendance and an uncertain future. 19. Dort Financial Center - Flint Firebirds - 2.86 Dave Cottenie - When Peter Karmanos sold the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League to the IMS Hockey Corporation and Rolf Nilsen there were a number of eyebrows raised. There are more than enough doubters when it comes to the Firebirds viability in Flint, but IMS is chugging along and they want everyone to get behind and Believe in Flint. 18. Dow Event Center - Saginaw Spirit - 3.00 Dave Cottenie - Saginaw provides a decent hockey experience for Junior Hockey. The Dow Event Center is one of the nicer OHL venues from the exterior. The Atrium can be found on the north side of Johnson Street and offers a warm, welcoming feeling for fans coming out of the cold, Central Michigan winter. Glassed in and spacious, the Atrium is a great place to meet friends before the game and also houses security and the ticketing windows. The upper rotunda features hanging banners of significant, former Saginaw Spirit players. These include Ryan McDonough, Jack Combs, Josh Shalla, Vince Trocheck, Dylan Sadowy, Brandon Saad, T.J. Brodie, Tom Pyatt, Eric Locke, Brad Walch, Patrick McNiell and Jake Paterson. 17. Harry Lumley Bashore Community Centre - Owen Sound Attack - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - On the banks of Georgian Bay sits the smallest market in the Ontario Hockey League. In 1989, the Guelph Platers, who had been in Guelph since 1968, made the move north to the Grey-Bruce area of Ontario. The Owen Sound Platers were to be sold to a businessman out of town which would require relocation. The “Super Six,” would come together to purchase the team and keep them in Owen Sound. Brian Johnson, Dr. Robert Severs, Fay Harshman, Frank Coulter, and Peter and Paul MacDermid, a group of local business owners, would keep that can-do attitude alive in Owen Sound and the Attack have remained viable and competitive in the Ontario Hockey League. The hard work culminated in the Attack’s 2011 J.Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions and a berth in the Memorial Cup. 16. TD Civic Centre - Brantford Bulldogs - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - When the Hamilton Bulldogs found they would be homeless for two years as the FirstOntario Centre undergoes renovations, owner Michael Andlauer found a landing spot in Brantford, Ontario, famously the childhood home of Wayne Gretzky, and signed a lease with the city for at least three years. The Bulldogs have since committed to Brantford with a new arena in the works and a long-term lease signed, leaving their time at the Civic Centre very limited. 15. WFCU Centre - Windsor Spitfires - 3.29 Marc Viquez - The WFCU Centre is the home of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. The building has a seating capacity of 6,450 for hockey and was built for $71 million. The new home to the Spitfires ensured that the club would remain in Windsor for the foreseeable future. The arena replaced the 84-year-old Windsor Arena that the Spitfires had called home since 1975. The new WFCU Centre was a much-needed replacement for the aging arena and resulted in the building hosting the 2017 Memorial Cup. 14. Sadlon Arena - Barrie Colts - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - In a mind-splitting thirteen months, the City of Barrie built the home for the Barrie Colts. Granted an expansion team for the 1995 season, work frantically began for what is now known as Sadlon Arena. Opening its doors in 1995, Sadlon Arena also became the home of the Colts, who have played nearly all of their home games just west of Highway 400. The Colts were originally a Junior B franchise established in 1946. The Colts have come a long way, earning a Hamilton Spectator Trophy for the best record in 2010 and a J. Ross Robertson Cup in 2000 as OHL Champions. Barrie was not foreign to top-level junior hockey either, as the Barrie Flyers took the ice from 1945 to 1960, earning a pair of Memorial Cups. The franchise line leads them to the current Sudbury Wolves. The Colts are currently owned by Howie Campbell and are also known as the final hockey stop for Hockey Hall of Fame member Dale Hawerchuk, who was the coach in Barrie before his tragic death in 2020 after battling stomach cancer. 13. Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens - North Bay Battalion - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - In 2013 the Ontario Hockey League made a triumphant return to North Bay, Ontario. After the North Bay Centennials had their run from 1982 to 2002, they left for Saginaw, Michigan under a cloud of mistrust and bad feelings. The hockey light would shine again in the Gateway to the North after the local fans provided next level support for the Nipissing Lakers, a newly formed university team. Brampton Battalion owner and Trivial Pursuit founder Scott Abott would bring his OHL team from outside of Toronto north to the banks of Lake Nipissing in search of greater fan support. Moving the team to a military city like North Bay made the team name and moniker suddenly make a whole lot more sense. 12. Progressive Auto Sales Arena - Sarnia Sting - 3.71 Marc Viquez - The Progressive Auto Sales Arena is home to the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. It has a seating capacity of 5,500 and sits on the campus of Lambton College. The building debuted in 1998, four seasons after the Sting arrived, and features 43 luxury suites, two full-size NHL rinks, and a full-service restaurant. 11. Peterborough Memorial Centre - Peterborough Petes - 3.71 Robbie Raskin - The small city of Peterborough sits at the southern entrance to Ontario’s vast ‘Cottage Country’ where farmland gives way to countless lakes and forests. Since 1956, it has been home to the maroon-and-white Petes, and the hockey club has been deeply tied to the city’s sense of identity ever since. The Petes’ alumni roll is a laundry list of great players and managers over the decades, including seven Hall of Famers. They’re the oldest continuously-operating team in the OHL and have won the league nine times and the national Memorial Cup championship once. Frustrating to their fans is that the only team with greater success are their hated rivals, the Oshawa Generals. 10. Erie Insurance Arena - Erie Otters - 3.71 Patricia Beninato - If you’re a hockey fan, an Erie Otters game is fun and relatively inexpensive, even if you throw in a hot dog, a beer, and a t-shirt. Maybe it’s not a destination arena, but if you’re in the area and want to see future NHL stars up close and hang out with some loyal hockey fans, you can do worse than Erie Insurance Arena. 9. Sudbury Community Arena - Sudbury Wolves - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - The Sudbury Community Arena, simply put, is an old-school hockey barn. The exterior of the Sudbury Arena has a classic red brick entrance that is true to its age. The arena is guarded by a bronze statue of singer Stompin’ Tom Connors, author, and performer of the famous “Hockey Song.” One of Connors’ big hits was “Sudbury Saturday Night” which is the reason for the commissioning of the statue. The southeast corner of the arena is where the most unique item in all hockey resides. In the rafters hangs a real taxidermy wolf. When Sudbury scores a goal, the wolf travels out over the ice towards the visiting team bench on a pulley system. It stops over the bench, shakes around a bit, and heads back to the southeast corner. There is nothing like this anywhere. It may be kitschy, but it is amazing. 8. Canada Life Place - London Knights - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - It is difficult to argue with the success that the London Knights have achieved on the ice. Since the Knights were purchased in 2000 by Mark and Dale Hunter and Basil McRae they have earned six J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions and three Memorial Cups and CHL champions. What is even more shocking is that not long before the Knights set the record for the greatest regular season in the entire Canadian Hockey League (59-7-2 in 2004-05, with a 31-game unbeaten streak), they set the record for the worst season in the league (3-60-3 in 1995-96).The Knights play in one of the premier venues in the OHL. The second-largest venue in the league, Canada Life Place, was built in 2002 and was key to the turnaround of the team. Originally known as the John Labatt Centre, the facility replaced the venerable London Gardens. In 2024, Canada Life purchased the naming rights. Canada Life Place has hosted the Memorial Cup on two occasions, in 2005 and 2014. 7. Tribute Communities Centre - Oshawa Generals - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - One of the cornerstone franchises of the Ontario Hockey League is the Oshawa Generals. For many years, Oshawa, Ontario was the Canadian incarnation of the Motor City, with General Motors having a massive presence in the city, including the Canadian headquarters. The Generals moniker, therefore, has no link to the military, but to the car manufacturer. The current home of the Generals was also originally named the General Motors Centre. With a lineage that goes back to Oshawa’s favourite adopted son, Bobby Orr, the Generals are one of the most successful teams to ever take the ice in Ontario. The Generals hold the record for most J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions, with 13. The Generals also boast an impressive five Memorial Cups, which is also more than any other current Canadian Hockey League franchise. The Generals were founded in 1937 and were forced to take a hiatus in the fifties when their home arena burned down. The Gens resurfaced in 1962 and are currently owned by Rocco Tullio. 6. Slush Puppie Place - Kingston Frontenacs - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - Although the Fronts have not enjoyed a ton of success on the ice, with only two East Division Championships to show for their efforts, the Frontenacs experience has improved significantly and remains a great option for sports fans. Slush Puppie Place offers an atmosphere for Frontenacs hockey that is among the best in the OHL. Outside of the arena, in the northwest corner sits actual ruins from the original Fort Frontenac. Across Ontario Street is the current Fort Frontenac, which is a Canadian Military venue. The exterior of Slush Puppie Place is attractive with light coloured brick. The south side of Slush Puppie Place is Tragically Hip Way, a portion of Barrack Street that Kingston City Council renamed in honour of the famous Kingston band. 5. Sleeman Centre - Guelph Storm - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The Sleeman Centre is a unique facility as it is built inside a shopping mall. As a result, the majority of fans will not enter through the main doors on Woolwich Street. Parking entrances off of Macdonell Street having fans enter through the south side or through the Old Quebec Shoppes, the remnants of the mall, is far more popular. That being said, the front exterior of the Sleeman Centre is attractive with light siding and tinted windows. It is not a hulking structure, and is almost inconspicuous from the front. 4. GFL Memorial Gardens - Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - 4.00 Dave Cottenie - The Greyhound name has been linked to hockey teams in Sault Ste. Marie since 1919. The name was selected as a jab to their rivals, the Sudbury Wolves as a “greyhound is much faster than a wolf.” The Senior A Greyhounds would win the Allan Cup in 1924. The current iteration of the team began as an NOJHL expansion team in 1962 which would transition to the OHA in 1972. The OHA would eventually become the Ontario Hockey League. The team is currently owned by medical executive Tim Lukenda. The Greyhounds achieved ultimate success in 1995 when they won the Memorial Cup as Canadian Hockey League Champions in front of a home crowd in Sault Ste Marie. The Greyhounds have also won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL Champions in 1985, 1991 and 1992. The importance of the Greyhounds and the 1995 Memorial Cup is immortalized on the sign coming into town where it is emblazoned with the home of astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar. 3. Meridian Centre - Niagara IceDogs - 4.14 Robbie Raskin - Meridian Centre is best described as clean, bright, spacious, and new-feeling, even though it’s now a decade old. It also manages to avoid the cookie-cutter bowl shape with many modern rinks; an asymmetrical layout keeps things interesting. The defining quirk of the arena is its topographical situation. The arena is located in a deep ravine, at the bottom of the high land upon which downtown St. Catharines is perched. In fact, the roofline of the arena is mostly even with street level of the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rising above it. Fans don’t enter at ground level and climb up to their seats, as usual. Here you actually enter from the roof and descend into the arena. 2. TD Place Arena - Ottawa 67’s - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - TD Place Arena is located at Lansdowne Park and is one of the most unique arenas in the OHL. The arena is located underneath the north grandstand of TD Place, the home of the Ottawa RedBlacks of the CFL. Entry to the arena is on the north side of the building at the east or west entrances. The massive, spider-legs-like I-beams give the arena a unique exterior look. Between the two main entrances, Lansdowne Park has a number of retail outlets, so the arena itself is actually kind of inconspicuous. 1. Kitchener Memorial Auditorium - Kitchener Rangers - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - In 1963 Kitchener businessman Eugene George facilitated the move of the Guelph Royals, affiliate of the New York Rangers, west to Kitchener. George purchased the team from the Rangers for $1 when their Rangers sponsorship ended in 1967 and turned them over to the season ticket subscribers in one of the most unique community-based, not for profit ownership models ever. The Rangers maintained the colours and identity of their former parent team and became one of the cornerstone franchises in the current Ontario Hockey League and greater Canadian Hockey League. The Rangers have pumped out a ton of NHL talent, including a number of Hockey Hall of Fame Members, and enjoyed the ultimate success in 1982 and 2003 as Memorial Cup Champions. Home for the Rangers is the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Built in 1951 as a “mini–Maple Leaf Gardens” The Aud has morphed over time to remain a viable and treasured venue with some of the best reviews for any arena in its class. Rumblings about replacing the Auditorium seem to have dissipated and it is set to become the oldest venue in the OHL very soon. The arena itself, now part of a larger sports complex, is named after longtime mayor of Kitchener, the late Dom Cardillo.

The Cotton Bowl in Dallas, during the Red River Rivalry (Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey) A new study found that Texas was home to four out of 10 of the stadiums in the US with the worst food quality. Claiming the worst spot was the historic Cotton Bowl in Dallas, home to the annual Red River Rivalry game between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners. The study analyzed Google reviews for nearly 200 stadiums in the US and examined how frequently visitors mentioned the food quality and whether or not those reviews were positive or negative. The Cotton Bowl came in with a staggering 74.7% negative reviews. Other Texas schools that made up the 10 worst were Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, home of the SMU Mustangs; the Alamodome in San Antonio, home of the UTSA Roadrunners; and Rice Stadium in Houston, home of the Rice Owls. Land-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, which is the largest sports and entertainment venue on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, came in as second-worst in the country with 72.09% negative reviews. The stadium plays host to two college football HBCU football classics and has played host to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the past. Third-worst was War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas, with 70.18% negative reviews. Currently home to minor league soccer and high school football, War Memorial Stadium traditionally hosts at least one game for the Arkansas Razorbacks each season. According to the findings, Major League Baseball stadiums generally outperformed football venues. Stadiums such as Petco Park in San Diego, home of the San Diego Padres, and Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, home of the Cincinnati Reds, had review ratings of just 11.4% and 21.1% negative, respectively.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 John Cropp Stadium 570 Wildcat Court Lexington, KY 40506 Kentucky Wildcats softball website John Cropp Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,417 ‘til the Battle is Won On a campus where basketball reigns supreme and the reach of “Big Blue Nation” touches nearly every corner of athletics, softball has still carved out a loyal following of its own at the University of Kentucky. The Wildcats first took the field in 1997 under founding head coach John Cropp, who built the program from the ground up and guided it through the 2018 season. During his tenure Kentucky developed into a consistent NCAA Tournament contender in the SEC, making multiple NCAA Regional and Super Regional appearances, while also reaching the Women’s College World Series for the first time in program history in 2014. When Kentucky opened its new softball facility in 2013, the venue was named John Cropp Stadium in recognition of his role in establishing and growing the Wildcats softball program into a nationally respected one. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at John Cropp Stadium are fairly standard and lack much creativity, offering the usual ballpark staples such as hot dogs, pizza, chicken tender baskets, and fries. A small collection of snacks including soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and Cracker Jack rounds out the permanent menu. What helps elevate the experience a bit are the food trucks parked beyond the right field corner. These rotating vendors provide more specialized options than the main stands, but also expand the dessert offerings with frozen lemonade, cotton candy, and Dippin’ Dots. Soft drinks come from the Coca-Cola family of beverages, while beer and seltzers are available throughout the stadium, though the alcohol selection mostly sticks to familiar domestic choices. Atmosphere 3 John Cropp Stadium blends Kentucky blue and gray with steel and aluminum accents to create a clean, modern appearance that mirrors the overall design used throughout Barnhart Athletic Complex. The main grandstand stretches from one cut of the outfield grass to the other, and features three central sections of chairback seating behind home plate, flanked by aluminum bleachers down each line. Beyond the outfield fence a terraced berm wraps from the right field foul pole into center field, giving fans another relaxed viewing option. A large videoboard in left field displays virtually every piece of information a fan could want during a game, including batting averages, detailed hitter and pitcher statistics, pitch speed, inning-by-inning scoring, and ball-strike-out counts. Smaller scoreboards mounted to the press box provide additional inning and score information throughout the game. Music clips and sound effects are used heavily during play, sometimes becoming a bit repetitive in the later innings, though the overall presentation is not much different than what is commonly found at a Minor League Baseball game. Between innings, the entertainment shifts to scoreboard features and occasional on-field contests. Neighborhood 4 John Cropp Stadium sits within Barnhart Family Athletic Complex, alongside Kentucky Proud Park and the Wendell & Vickie Bell Soccer Complex on the southern edge of campus. The complex borders residential neighborhoods and sits across the street from the State Arboretum of Kentucky. Elsewhere around Lexington, there is no shortage of sports and cultural attractions. The spring sports calendar overlaps with the schedule of Lexington SC of the USL Championship soccer season, while summer baseball brings the Lexington Legends into action. Visitors can also explore Kentucky Horse Park, tour the Mary Todd Lincoln House, or visit Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington. Bourbon tourism is also prominent, with the Distillery District featuring names such as James E. Pepper Distillery and Wild Turkey. Dining options around the city are plentiful as well. Local favorites include Tolly-Ho, Joe Bologna’s, Wallace Station, and Bourbon n’ Toulouse. Fans 3 Big Blue Nation supports Kentucky softball well, though the atmosphere can occasionally feel a bit reserved. Visiting fan bases with larger traveling contingents can sometimes create more noise than the home crowd itself. The Wildcats generally draw around 1,000 fans per game, with SEC conference series typically pushing attendance numbers a bit higher. Access 3 Lexington sits directly along Interstate 75, making the city relatively easy to reach from places such as Knoxville and Cincinnati. Even so, the University of Kentucky campus remains roughly 20 minutes from the interstate, and the drive into campus follows busy city thoroughfares that are prone to congestion and lengthy stoplights. Once at Barnhart Family Complex, parking is available near John Cropp Stadium, though many fans use the lots along College Way and walk a short distance to the gates. Entry into the facility flows through a spacious plaza area that helps alleviate congestion before games, although rivalry matchups can still create lengthy lines prior to first pitch. Inside the ballpark, concourses are wide enough to move comfortably, and the exterior walkway behind the seating bowl offers the easiest route to most sections. Access along the third base side is somewhat restricted, though it does not significantly impact seating access. During games with larger crowds, concession lines can spill out into the exterior concourse and create occasional bottlenecks. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets for conference games run around $14, while non-conference game tickets cost closer to $11. Reserved seating starts at approximately $17. Pricing feels fair overall, though it does stand out slightly in a conference where several programs still offer free admission. Concession pricing falls in line with what would be expected at a major college sporting event, and combo meals can save fans a small amount on larger orders. Extras 3 The plaza area outside the seating bowl includes several activities geared toward younger Wildcats fans, including inflatables, face painting, and craft stations. Kentucky’s mascots “The Wildcat” and the younger “Scratch” make regular appearances throughout games, frequently walking the concourse, interacting with fans, and posing for photos. The outfield wall also highlights Kentucky softball’s postseason accomplishments, including appearances in the NCAA Regionals, Super Regionals, and the Women’s College World Series. Final Thoughts As with most of the athletic programs at the University of Kentucky, softball takes a backseat to the love of basketball, but the latter is still a highly supported program that offers a highly fan-friendly and entertaining experience for attendees. John Cropp Stadium also provides multiple seating options, from traditional stadium seating to drink rails along the upper-level walkways, as well as tiered grassy seating in the outfield. The venue even allows visiting fans access to their own bullpen, which is a nice plus.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Houston Field House 1900 Peoples Ave. Troy, NY 12180 RPI Engineers men’s hockey website Houston Field House website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 4,780 Warehouse Hockey Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute played hockey as far back as 1901, but it was World War II that may have had the biggest influence on the NCAA hockey program. As part of the Veterans Educational Facilities Program where the United States military sold off various pieces of war surplus equipment and other assets, RPI would get in on the action. Led by RPI president Dr. Livingston Houston, the Troy, New York engineering school would purchase a Navy Warehouse located in Davisville, Rhode Island. The building was deconstructed and shipped to Troy and reassembled on campus. That warehouse became the Houston Field House, the current home of the RPI Engineers hockey program. The doors opened on the new facility in 1949 and the rest is history. At one point, the Houston Field House was the main civic arena for the Albany area and would even host the 1959 Frozen Four. RPI has a long history in college hockey. Playing in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), essentially the Ivy League of college hockey, RPI has enjoyed National Championships in 1954 and 1985 as well as graduated several players to the NHL including Hockey Hall of Fame member Adam Oates. RPI is similar to several other programs where the hockey team plays at Division I and the other programs play at Division III. A trip to see the Rensselaer Engineers will bring a smile to the face of fans who love the uniqueness and coziness of College Hockey. Food & Beverage 3 Houston Field House does not have an exemplary culinary scene. There is one simple concession that serves pretzels, chicken tenders, curly fries, hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, and popcorn. Soft drinks of choice are Pepsi products and bottled water and coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are also available. There is a Ben and Jerry’s stand on the opposite side of the arena for those wanting a little something extra, and several vending machines around the arena. A private club sits at the west end of the arena and it appears, food-wise anyway, membership has its privileges. Atmosphere 3 Considering the Houston Field House is a former military warehouse, the exterior of the arena is quite attractive. The main entrance is on the west side of the building and features a rounded entry with bay windows at the top that leads into a small atrium where the ticket windows can be found. Passing through the second set of doors in the atrium, fans are brought right into the concourse to the west side of the ice, behind the net. It is immediately noticeable that the floor is higher than the ice surface, which although may be trivial at best, does give the fan a feeling that there is something slightly different here. With an interior very much like the North Bay Memorial Gardens, the Houston Field House feels long and compact and the aesthetics of the concourses are a secondary concern at best. The east side of the arena is open and houses the Zambonis and other maintenance items for the arena. Although there is a long, blue curtain on the east side, little effort is done to hide these items. With no seats behind the east glass behind the net, a long “Engineers” sign is on the glass. A unique feature. RPI does what it can to make the Houston Field House as homey as possible. Several murals depict great Engineer moments in hockey as well as large team pictures of the 1954 and 1985 National Championship teams. The exterior of the private club boasts a huge number of photos of former Engineers who have gone on to play professional hockey including Brad Tapper, Marty Dahlman, Darren Puppa, and Kevin Constantine to name a few. In the rafters, above the ice, banners proudly hang for NCAA tournament appearances, ECAC Championships, and the 1954 and 1985 National Championship banners. At the east end of the arena banners honoring players and coaches who have provided a significant contribution to the program hang. These include Joe Juneau, Frank Chiarelli, Bob Brinkworth, John Carter, Jerry Knightley, Adam Oates, and coaches Ned Harkness and Garry Kearns. The video board that hangs at centre ice does the job but will not blow fans away. The seating area is fairly straightforward and the higher fans sit, the more likely the massive beams running east to west will interfere with the view. The west end looks to have been renovated at some point as the corners are rounded in the seating area. The east end of the north and south side seats are not great for the view and should be avoided. Pillars in each of the four corners hold up the large beams and should be considered when choosing seats. Many of the red or blue seats in the Houston Field House are wooden and a definite throwback to a past era. Fans who want the perfect center ice picture with the logo should sit on the north side of the arena. The gameday production at RPI is what one would expect for college hockey. The pep band is great and they play throughout the game from the top of the northeast corner of the arena. Students in attendance are normally found around the band. The Rensselaer mascot, Puckman, can be found traversing the crowd throughout. On an Engineers goal, a member of the band runs the entire perimeter of the arena carrying an RPI flag and getting high fives from all who are passed. Neighborhood 3 The Houston Field House is located on the east side of the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute near the rest of the school’s athletic facilities. The immediate neighborhood of the arena does not offer much in the way of pre and post-game libations. Heading west, towards the Hudson River to downtown Troy is a much better option. Their fans can find several good options including Brown's Brewing Company, the Whistling Kettle, The Ruck, Nighthawk, Sea Smoke, and the Stadium Journey favorite, Dinosaur BBQ. As far as other sports go, the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Frontier League is also located in Troy. However, nearby Schenectady and Albany offer other options. The Union Dutchman are rivals of the Engineers and they play at Achilles Center in Schenectady. The Albany Firewolves of the National Lacrosse League are found at MVP Arena and Siena Saints and Albany Great Danes basketball are also in the Tri-City area. Fans wishing to stay in Troy can try the Hilton or the Best Western Franklin Square. Fans 4 The Engineers enjoy a solid fanbase in the ECAC. For the 2022-2023 season, RPI has averaged over 2,000 fans per game. Compared to other programs, that is in the top 4 in the conference. Still, under 50 percent capacity, there is plenty of room to grow. The fans that are in attendance are loud and engaged and bring that college hockey atmosphere to the game. The band leads the students in fan participation and RPI fans declare how each player “sucks” from the opponent when they are introduced. A humorous tradition at RPI comes during an opponent’s penalty where the fans belt out that the offending player “sucks” and is receiving two minutes for “sucking.” Access 3 RPI is located on the east side of Troy. It is easily accessible from Highway 7 from the north and Highway 4 from the east. There is parking available in the general area of the athletic facilities, but the terrain is not overly flat, and getting from Houston Field House to where parking is in the east can be a trek. For those fans wanting to take public transit to the game, some buses run on Peoples Dr to the south and Burdett Ave to the west. Fans should check out the Capital District Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Houston Field House can be tight. The concourses that run under the grandstands are not very wide and the arena is not accessible for the entire 360 degrees. The seating is fairly old, with wooden seats, however, they are plenty wide enough. The washroom facilities are good for a small crowd but would be taxed with a big group. Return on Investment 4 NCAA hockey has tremendous value. Tickets for the Engineers go for $15 each with discounts for kids and seniors. There is a $3 surcharge for games that are considered premium. Concession prices are good and parking can be found for free. As for the product on the ice, RPI provides a decent team. The gameday atmosphere is excellent and a whole lot of fun when combined with the band, students, and the uniqueness that is NCAA hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Big Red Freakout. It is the biggest game of the year and essentially part event and part reunion. Students camp out to get tickets and it has put RPI on the hockey map. An extra mark for the part of the Harlem Shake video being recorded at Houston Field House. An extra mark for the tremendously unique history of the Houston Field House and its origins as a military warehouse. Final Thoughts There seems to be something special about a Division III school that plays Division I hockey and the Rensselaer Engineers fit the bill. The Houston Field House is a unique facility, with a tremendous history that hockey fans should take in. Troy is the place to be for some Saturday night RPI hockey! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram.

Photo by Brian O'Sullivan, Stadium Journey While they are currently surging in the NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks were recently crowned as the most expensive professional team to support in all of sports. A study from Foresight Sports found that major sports ticket prices have risen over 25% in the past three years. This factored into their determination that the NBA’s Knicks cost their fans the most – over $4,000 annually – to support each season. Foresight’s research examined the yearly expenses that fans can incur over the cost of a season, including streaming fees, ticket costs, food and beverages in the stadium, and jerseys. “Tickets are going up in price almost every season,” a spokesperson with Foresight said of the report. “And if you don’t buy them on time, the resale rates are unbelievable lately. Even if you decide to watch at home, you have to buy streaming services these days. Before, you'd buy cable and catch most games. Now you need separate subscriptions for different leagues, plus local networks, plus playoff coverage.” These costs were all combined to show the annual price of being a sports fan. The Knicks were the runaway winners as being the most expensive team to follow in the world, with ticket costs averaging $3,195 and in-stadium food and drinks $390. “An average Knicks fan spends nearly $4,300 every year to support their favorite team, more than what people pay to follow any NFL or soccer franchise,” the report says. “Tickets alone cost them $3,195 for the season, as watching 15 home games at Madison Square Garden runs over $200 per seat.” Surprisingly, the second most expensive team on the list is the NFL’s Detroit Lions, which cost fans an annual average of $4,011. The leading culprit? Ticket costs for the Lions average $3,088 for fans, and streaming costs for the NFL are higher than for other leagues. “NFL fans spend nearly $600 on streaming subscriptions alone, nearly triple what soccer supporters pay,” the report said. The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors join the Knicks as some of the highest-cost NBA teams to follow, while the NHL’s lone representative in the top 10 is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Findings courtesy of Foresight Sports

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 CAA Centre 7575 Kennedy Road Brampton, Ontario L6W 4T2 Canada Brampton Honey Badgers website CAA Centre website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,000 A Honey of an Experience When the Canadian Elite Basketball League was established out of the National Basketball League of Canada in 2018, one of the founding franchises was the Hamilton Honey Badgers. Fast forward to 2022 when the City of Hamilton announced a multi-million dollar renovation of the FirstOntario Centre would close the arena for a few years. The response of the CEBL was to permanently move the Honey Badgers north to Brampton. Beginning their new era in 2023 at CAA Centre, the Brampton Honey Badgers have attempted to carve out an existence in what is one of the most unique markets in Ontario. With over 52% of Brampton residents identifying themselves as South Asian, Brampton is far from a traditional Ontario market. In 2025, former CanWest CEO Leonard Asper purchased the Brampton franchise from the CEBL. The Honey Badgers continued to make news in 2026 with the announcement that former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was joining the Honey Badgers ownership group. CAA Centre is most identifiable as the home of the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL. Built in 1998 for the OHL expansion Brampton Battalion, CAA Centre has become part of a greater Brampton Sports Park which includes another community ice pad, a number of soccer and rugby fields, baseball diamonds and the TD Cricket Arena. CAA Centre has a capacity of 5,000 for basketball. Food & Beverage 3 CAA Centre has a decent concession selection. Concession stands are found in the concourse only on the north side. The main concession has all of the typical arena items including hot dogs, burgers, chicken nuggets, fries, popcorn and pizza. For Honey Badger games some other concession providers are also present and have selections that are favourable to the Brampton demographic. Shelby’s offers shawarma and mango chunks. Rick’s Good Eats offers samosas, chicken sandwiches and butter chicken loaded fries. Pepsi products are the soft drinks of choice at CAA Centre. The Coors Light stand offers a small selection of beer. Atmosphere 3 CAA Centre has a fairly non-descript exterior with light siding with blue highlights. It is easy to see which part is the main arena and where the community arena is found. There is no real main entry at CAA Centre, but there are some Brampton Honey Badgers markings on the outside to go along with Brampton Steelheads markings. A curious feature is the large rock at the northwest corner of the arena inscribed as “Joey’s Rock.” It was presented to the City of Brampton from the City of St. John’s, Newfoundland to memorialize former Newfoundland Premier, Joey Smallwood. It is not evident what the connection is between Brampton and St. John’s. After entering CAA Centre, fans will be brought into the main concourse. There is a decent balance of markings in the concourse as well between the Honey Badgers and Steelheads. A small merchandise table is set up near the concession stands. Fans can check out the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame kiosk in the concourse, a unique feature differing itself from other arenas of the same size. The seating bowl is a single level with all purple seats in a horseshoe configuration with the east end open. The court is west to east oriented with the centre logo best viewed from the south side. Suites are at the top of the seating bowl on the east and west sides. A foursided video board hangs above the court. Unfortunately, there are no videoboards or scoreboards dedicated to statistics, leaving the fan a little more in the dark then they should be. The 2022 CEBL Championship banner, won in Hamilton, hangs to the east along with a couple of hockey banners. With no changes in seat configuration for basketball that would be found in major league arenas, the floor level at both ends are open. A huge, inflatable Honey Badger stands on the floor in the west end and a club area is found on the floor in the east end. The gameday atmosphere at a Honey Badgers game is better than expected. The PA announcer is energetic and attempts to build crowd support. The same can be said for the two in-game hosts. Hammer, the team mascot, participates in pregame festivities and interacts with the crowd and the dance team performs a few times during stoppages. The Honey Badgers enter the court from the southeast corner, through an inflatable gate with lights and steam effects. Steam effects are also on both backboards and shoot off for every Brampton dunk and 3-point shot. The Honey Badgers gather in the south concourse after the game for autographs. The family friendly nature of the event is evident with the CEO of the Honey Badgers spending just about the entire game traveling through the crowd and interacting with fans. It would be remiss not to acknowledge the different scoring system used in the CEBL that adds to the experience. The CEBL employs the “Elam Ending” to complete games. With the final stoppage, less than four minutes remaining in the game, a target score is created using the score of the leading team, plus nine points. The winning team is the first team to reach that target score. This eliminates monotonous stoppages at the end and disincentivises fouling the opponent. The end result is a very exciting ending. Neighbourhood 3 CAA Centre is located adjacent to the County Court neighbourhood of Brampton. It is on the grounds of the larger Brampton Sports Park and as a result, there is little for pre or post game food and drink in the immediate area. A short drive in the car offers a few choices. There are a ton of Indian restaurants in the area. Pomodoro Italian Kitchen, Mount Vesuvio’s Ristorante, and Loco Kitchen & Bar are more unique options to go along with a number of large chain restaurants north of the arena on Steeles. As far as other sporting options in the area, the CAA Centre is also the home of the Brampton Steelheads of the OHL. The Brampton Excelsiors of the OJLL and MSL also play in the summer. The CAA Centre is a few short minutes from the town of Caledon East and their hockey teams, the Caledon Admirals and Golden Hawks. There are far more options for fans willing to expand their search into Mississauga or Toronto. Other tourist options in the area include the Peel Art Gallery and checking out Downtown Brampton. However, Brampton is very much part of the GTA and far more options can be found by heading to Toronto. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Fairfield Inn Brampton is not far away. Fans 2 The game that was reviewed was the first of the season and saw over 2,100 fans in attendance. The 2025 season was not a strong one for Brampton on the court or at the turnstile. The Honey Badgers averaged over 1,400 fans per game, which ranked them 10th in the 10 team league. The previous season they averaged 2,000 fans per game. The fans in attendance for the game reviewed were definitely into the action and louder than expected. If Brampton can get some traction and put together a strong season while retaining fans, this category could see some improvements. Access 3 The CAA Centre is located adjacent to the County Court neighbourhood of Brampton. It is at essentially the confluence of Highways 410 and 407, on Kennedy Road. Fans coming from out of province should beware that Highway 407 is a toll highway. Although it may seem that getting to the arena is not difficult, traffic in this area can be a real chore, especially on Highway 410 during the week. There is free parking on site. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are Brampton Transit bus stops on Kennedy Road. Fans should consult the Brampton Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. Inside the CAA Centre, the concourses are small and can get cramped. Considering the low number of fans in attendance, this is definitely a concern. It is not possible to walk a full 360 degree circle in the concourse and doubling back may be necessary. The washroom facilities are decent in the facility. Stadium Journey acknowledges that the security protocols in major sports are constantly changing. It is highly recommended that fans consult the Brampton Honey Baders and CAA Centre websites for prohibited items and safety procedures. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for most Honey Badger games start at $20, with some tickets going as high as $25. Seats are limited for sale, basically between the baselines, ensuring that fans have the best seat possible. Parking on site is free and concession prices are decent. The goal of family friendly, affordable entertainment is the goal of the Honey Badgers, one that is definitely achieved. Extras 3 An extra mark for the CEBL focusing on developing Canadian basketball talent. It is required that 70% of all rosters must be Canadian. An extra mark for the CEBL use of the target score and Elam Ending. Very exciting! An extra mark for a very enthusiastic Honey Badger volunteer who was seen attempting to rile up the crowd and performed cartwheels after Brampton 3-point shots. Final Thoughts The Brampton Honey Badgers are making a strong attempt to find their place in the Brampton sports market. By leaning into the city’s demographic and providing affordable, family fun, the Honey Badgers may have found the recipe for success. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

May and June mean college graduations, and if you’ve seen the NCAA commercials, you know most of those athletes won’t end up playing professionally. Across the US, between 70,000 and 80,000 college student-athletes are expected to graduate this year, and most of them will be far away from the lights and glitz of the NFL or NBA drafts. These are athletes such as Camylin E. R. Blake from Columbia University, the track and field sprinter and hurdler who is co-captain of her women's track team. As a Junior, Blake finished 2nd in the 60-meter hurdles at the DYC tri-meet, and as a First-Year took 3rd place in the same event at the TCNJ Lions Invitational. Her best outing as a Sophomore was 4th place in the 100-meter hurdles at the Ivy Heps Outdoor Championship. Exceptional off the track as well, Camylin majored in both Biology and Psychology, and was just awarded the James J. Valentini Prize upon her graduation from Columbia, given to the student who best demonstrates the qualities of Beginner’s Mind through their “true curiosity and desire to learn from different perspectives”. A couple of years ago, Blake also launched her mentorship program and passion project, Think Unlimited, a recruitment access clinic for prospective student-athletes; her goal is to provide a support system and pass her knowledge on to the next generation. For every game we watch and every box score we skim, there are hundreds of stories like Camylin’s happening quietly in the background – athletes who show up, put in the work, and don’t go pro, but grow into people who carry those lessons far beyond the track. This spring, as they trade uniforms for new beginnings, we honor the many student‑athletes whose impact will echo far beyond the stadium, the fieldhouse, the diamond, the arena, or the swimming pool.

There's something about college hockey that just hits different. Maybe it's the classic old barns that dot the landscape across the country. Maybe it's the rivalries, a century in the making. Maybe it's the student sections, packed with rowdy kids, armed with chants, songs and taunts for the opposition, some not so safe for repeating on a family site such as this. Maybe it's the bands, that give the atmosphere that certain something you just don't get anywhere else in North American sports. Whatever that secret sauce is, there's nothing like catching a game on a Friday or Saturday night in a cozy barn on your favorite campus. It's a feeling you can't get anywhere else. And of course, Stadium Journey is here to find the best of the best. The 2025-26 season was another great one, concluding with the 11th national title for the Denver Pioneers and the 9th women's title for the Wisconsin Badgers. Still, with all the highs came some lows. Before the season American International announced they were downgrading their program to Division Two. Tennessee State, which was due to start a varsity program this season, pushed their debut back to 2026-27. And at the conclusion of the season, Mercyhurst announced that they were terminating their men's hockey program. Out of the 61 Division One teams scattered across the nation, Stadium Journey has visited 56 of their arenas (we're sorry, Augustana, Bemidji State, Colgate, LIU and Alaska-Anchorage; we're on our way - we promise). While we missed out on five arenas, our writers did update our reviews of seven barns this year, including a final visit to Northeastern's famed Matthews Arena before it was torn down. We've ranked the top 25 game day experiences here according to our patented FANFARE rating system, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage experience, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. When two or more venues had the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders was called upon to break the tie. To see any of the reviews referenced here, simply click on the link above the photo. Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present our top 25 college hockey arenas for the 2025-2026 season. 25. M&T Bank Arena - Quinnipiac Bobcats 3.86 Paul Baker - One of the best sports stories of the last decade was the ascension of tiny Quinnipiac University to the top of the college hockey world. After a couple of down years, the Bobcats are back at the top of the polls and People’s United Center is filled with rabid Connecticut hockey fans. This hidden gem of an arena is a must-see for anyone who enjoys college pucks. 24. Cadet Ice Arena - Air Force Falcons 3.86 Matt Finnegan - The Air Force Academy is worth a visit for its beauty and tradition alone. A game at Cadet Ice Arena is a different and fun way to experience the school. The program is consistently competitive and, especially against Army or local rivals Colorado College and the University of Denver, things can get loud in Cadet Ice Arena. 23. Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center - Minnesota State Mavericks 3.86 Jared Townsend - Verizon Wireless Center isn’t as flashy as more modern hockey arenas, but the point is, it gets the job done. Whether it’s the game ticket ($16) or the concessions (all very affordable), you can have an enjoyable experience among the great fans at this arena without having to worry about spending too much. 22. Harold Alfond Arena - Maine Black Bears 3.86 David Welch - Hockey at Alfond Sports Arena had become a bit of an afterthought for the state since its glory days. While the fervor and passion from the students have been relatively consistent, interest from the community has ebbed and flowed with the ups and downs on the ice. The pendulum is now seemingly swinging back to the positive, however, which has revitalized Alfond Arena into one of the more special college hockey experiences in the country. 21. Pegula Ice Arena - Penn State Nittany Lions 3.86 Paul Baker - The Pegula Ice Arena is already mentioned as one of the marquee collegiate hockey venues in the nation. Penn State hockey has likewise enjoyed a meteoric rise to be considered one of the premier programs in the nation. When you step into Pegula Ice Arena for a Nittany Lion game, be ready for one of the best game day experiences in the nation. 20. Berry Events Center - Northern Michigan Wildcats 4.00 Paul Swaney - There is no doubt that college hockey fans should include a trip to Northern Michigan University as a spot to see great hockey. Whether you are following your team on the road or just looking for a new venue, you won’t be disappointed by what you find at the Berry Events Center. 19. Silvio O. Conte Forum - Boston College Eagles 4.00 Paul Baker - If you were to Google “what an arena looked like in the 1980s,” there’s a good chance Conte Forum would top the search results. With Boston College's history oozing from every corner of the facility, Conte Forum has a cozy, intimate feel to it. With the Eagles, a fixture at the top of the national rankings year in and year out, a trip to Chestnut Hill is a must for any hockey fan visiting Boston. 18. Mullett Arena - Arizona State Sun Devils 4.00 Lloyd Brown - While Mullett Arena has been panned as an NHL venue due to its small capacity and lack of NHL-level amenities, it shines as the college-level home of the Sun Devils. It offers a great gameday experience for both players and fans. The Inferno student section adds to the college vibe in the on-campus arena. I guess you could say I’m the (Sun) Devil’s advocate for this new venue! 17. Martire Family Arena - Sacred Heart Pioneers 4.00 Greg Venuto - Martire Arena is a great venue to take in a hockey game. Both families and local hockey fans should not pass up the chance to check out the impressive new facility and watch Sacred Heart as the program attempts to make its mark on New England hockey. 16. Gene Polisseni Center - RIT Tigers 4.00 Dave Cottenie - A trip to Henrietta to see the RIT Tigers is an excellent experience that college hockey fans should consider undertaking. Although probably not considered a bucket list venue, even among college hockey die-hards, the Gene Polisseni Center more than meets the expectations of the hockey fan and is easily competitive with other college hockey venues. 15. Mullins Center - UMass Minutemen 4.00 Paul Baker - The Mullins Center is an attractive on-campus facility that serves as a home for the UMass Minutemen basketball and hockey teams. Still going strong in its 30th season, the arena provides western Massachusetts hockey fans with a comfortable place to watch a recent national championship team do their thing. 14. Tsongas Center - UMass Lowell River Hawks 4.00 Paul Baker - It’s easy to be overshadowed in the crowded Boston hockey scene, but the Tsongas Center remains as one of the better hockey rinks in the area, even after a quarter century of use. While professional hockey is no longer in the cards for this cozy mid-sized arena, The UMass Lowell River Hawks have a home that measures up to any college arena in the country. 13. Centene Community Ice Center - Lindenwood Lions 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Lindenwood University men’s hockey program has finally leaped over NCAA Division I competition. Their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center will immediately become one of the top collegiate hockey venues in the Midwest. 12. John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena - Michigan Tech Huskies 4.14 Paul Swaney - A journey (and it is a journey) to Houghton, Michigan to see the Michigan Tech Huskies is well worth the trip. Whether you live in the area, are a major hockey fan, or are just following your team on the road, you will enjoy what you find at MacInnes Arena. 11. Lee and Penny Anderson Arena - St. Thomas Tommies - 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The opening of the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena is a major component of the University of St. Thomas’ Athletic Department’s move to the Division I level of NCAA sports. The arena serves as the home of the hockey and basketball programs for both the men’s and women’s teams. 10. Magness Arena - Denver Pioneers 4.14 Matt Finnegan - A game at Magness Arena allows fans to enjoy some of the nation’s top college hockey at a reasonable price. From families with children to rabid hockey fans, a Pioneer home game provides a great, overall experience for everyone. 9. Goggin Ice Center - Miami RedHawks 4.14 Marc Viquez - The Goggin Ice Center is the perfect venue for the Redhawks hockey team and provides an ideal canvas for its fans, students, and alumni to cheer on the club during the season. The program can hold its own against the best of them in the college hockey world and the Hawks fans won’t let you forget that when in attendance. 8. Agganis Arena - Boston University Terriers 4.14 Paul Baker - Boston is a hockey city at heart. And even though most of Boston bleeds the Bruins’ black and gold, there is a corner of the city along Commonwealth Avenue that proudly sports the red and white of the Terriers. In a city with no shortage of college hockey options, Agganis Arena offers an experience that may top them all. 7. Baxter Arena - Omaha Mavericks 4.29 Nolan Searl - A fan favorite, and unique UNO tradition, happens after the first Maverick goal of every game as a fish gets thrown onto the ice. What started as a rogue operation was eventually embraced by the university and the fans. Once the fish is on the ice, a guy driving a mini-Zamboni with a wheelie bar comes out and scoops it up in a net. It’s pretty hilarious. 6. Kohl Center - Wisconsin Badgers 4.43 Paul Swaney - Time a visit in November and you may be able to see two games on your trip to Madison depending on the basketball and football schedules. College hockey fans should come to a Wisconsin game- it’s one of the finest venues in college hockey. 5. Compton Family Ice Arena - Notre Dame Fighting Irish 4.43 Marc Viquez - There are many great college hockey facilities in the United States, some much better than others. The Compton Family Ice Area on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana might be in a league all by itself. It is a facility that is hard to describe unless you have been to a game, but once inside it is clear that this is truly a work of art in terms of experience. 4. AMSOIL Arena - Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs 4.43 Jared Townsend - AMSOIL is certainly one of the best college hockey game day experiences you’ll find in the state, if not the entire U.S. Midwest. It’s more than just getting your money’s worth, it’s an experience that’ll make you want to recommend attending a game here to others, even if they’re not UMD Bulldog fans. 3. 3M Arena at Mariucci - Minnesota Golden Gophers 4.43 Dennis Morrell - Get here to see a game, you will be talking about for weeks and months after your visit. Witnessing a game here is very special. While the fans make up a huge part of the experience make no mistake, the venue and the university add a great deal to creating a magnificent live hockey experience. 2. Ralph Engelstad Arena - North Dakota Fighting Hawks 4.43 Darren Skefte - The Ralph Engelstad Arena is unlike anything else in college hockey. The extreme detail that goes into every aspect is vibrant and outstanding. The excitement can quite literally be felt from a mile away, and regardless of the turn-out of the game, you will have a good time. The arena is truly the best in college hockey for several reasons. This should be a spot to see on everyone’s bucket list. 1. Yost Ice Arena - Michigan Wolverines 4.57 Sean MacDonald - Michigan is known for football, but if you are lucky, you might find a hockey game the night before the Wolverines take to the gridiron. With so much history here, a visit comes highly recommended. Get there early and get the most out of Yost.

The 2026 season marks 40 years since the founding of Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League, which would eventually become the National Lacrosse League. The league welcomed the Oshawa FireWolves for their first season after moving from Albany. Partway through the season the league received word that the ownership of the Philadelphia Wings would not continue to operate the franchise after the 2026 season. At the time of writing, no alternative location for the Wings had been revealed and it is possible the franchise will just be folded. Keegan Bal of the Vancouver Warriors led the league with 124 points while Tanner Cook of the Calgary Roughnecks led the league with 49 goals. Brett Dobson of the Georgia Swarm was the top goaltender with a 7.86 GAA and an 85% save percentage. Dobson brought home the awards for both Goaltender of the Year and NLL MVP. The Vancouver Warriors ended the regular season in first place with 13 wins. However, the Toronto Rock defeated the Halifax Thunderbirds two games to none to take home their 7th NLL Championship. Sam English of the Rock was named NLL Playoff MVP. The Rock are now tied with the Buffalo Bandits for most NLL Championships. Stadium Journey was in the front row this lacrosse season with updated reviews in Calgary and the newly renovated arena for the Rock. Brand new reviews were produced for Oshawa and Vancouver. The annual NLL rankings at Stadium Journey are based on the FANFARE metric used on the website, where a number of different writers assess the hockey experience based on the categories of Food, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment and any extras that the writers experienced. The stakes are high, with an average grading of 3.63 being earned out of a possible perfect 5.0. Without further ado, Stadium Journey is proud to present the 2026 Rankings of the National Lacrosse League Experiences. 14. Lee’s Family Forum - Las Vegas Desert Dogs - NR Stadium Journey needs your help! If you can help us with a review of the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, please contact Stadium Journey!! 13. TD Coliseum - Toronto Rock - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - After being the final event in the venerable Maple Leaf Gardens, the Toronto Rock moved south to join the Leafs and Raptors at what was then known as the Air Canada Centre. The Rock enjoyed great success in Downtown Toronto, but decided to make the move west, back to Hamilton in 2021. While maintaining the Toronto Rock brand, the team, under the ownership of Jamie Dawick, helped push the FirstOntario Centre to a much-needed renovation. After a year in Mississauga during construction, the Rock have returned to the newly christened TD Coliseum and are optimistic about the future in the Hammer. TD Coliseum opened in 1985 as Copps Coliseum to attract an NHL expansion franchise in the forefront. The shock of Ottawa gaining the Senators at the detriment of Hamilton still has not fully healed. The Coliseum has been home to a host of AHL franchises and the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs. In 2024, the City of Hamilton began a $300 million renovation on what would become TD Coliseum. 12. Ball Arena - Colorado Mammoth - 3.29 Meg Minard - The Mammoth put on a good show; it is all very well coordinated. The introduction includes motorcycles on the court and smoke and fire when the Mammoth players are announced. The young, pretty, athletic Wild Bunch dancers entertain the crowd during breaks in the game. And, a half time show includes various entertainment acts. 11. Canadian Tire Centre - Ottawa Black Bears - 3.29 Dave Cottenie - It was a somewhat surprising announcement that saw the rebirth of box lacrosse in Ottawa. GF Sports, the New York-based owner of the New York Riptide, announced the relocation of the National Lacrosse League franchise to the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. The circumstances surrounding the move were a little bit hazy, however, it is believed that the Riptide were evicted from their home, the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island, due to low attendance. The return of lacrosse to the Capital Region is a welcome one. The NLL left Ottawa as the Ottawa Rebel struggled at the gate, playing from 2001 to 2003. The Rebel would move to Edmonton and eventually become the current Saskatchewan Rush. 10. Tribute Communities Centre - Oshawa FireWolves - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - In 2021, the Toronto Rock moved westward from Toronto to the city of Hamilton. Among the most controversial issues surrounding this move, along with keeping the Toronto brand, was the greater distance that lacrosse fans on the east side of Toronto would now have to travel for the highest level of professional lacrosse. In 2025, a plan to help alleviate this issue was hatched with the relocation of the Albany FireWolves to Oshawa. Oshawa is 63 km east of downtown Toronto, about equidistant east of Hamilton is west. The FireWolves franchise lineage dates back to the original Philadelphia Wings, who were an original Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League, now the National Lacrosse League, team in 1987. The Wings moved to Connecticut in 2015 to become the New England Black Wolves, and Albany in 2021 to become the FireWolves. 9. SaskTel Centre - Saskatchewan Rush - 3.57 Jim Flannery - Until 2016 the province of Saskatchewan was home to just a single professional sports franchise: the Roughriders, playing in Regina as part of the Canadian Football League. That is no longer the case as the Saskatchewan Rush are now residing in Saskatoon. The Rush had a busy and exciting 2015. In their 10th year of operation in the National Lacrosse League, they won their division for the third straight season, went to the Champion’s Cup for the second time, and won their first championship. A few weeks later, the team announced that they were relocating from Edmonton to Saskatoon. As a result, folks in Saskatoon are not only getting their first pro sports franchise, but they’re getting to see it played at the highest level, with a top-ranked squad coming to town. The Rush now play indoor (aka ‘box’) lacrosse at SaskTel Centre. The arena has undergone a number of renovations, expansions and improvements since it opened its doors in 1988, with seating capacity more than doubled in that time, such that the facility can now hold more than 15,000 people. 8. Pechanga Arena - San Diego Seals - 3.57 Meg Minard - The San Diego Seals are members of the National Lacrosse League (NLL), beginning play in the 2018-2019 season. They have been successful, enjoying winning seasons since their inception. The Seals play their home games at Pechanga Arena in the Midway District of San Diego, CA. Pechanga Arena also hosts the San Diego Gulls (AHL hockey). It is also home to a variety of other entertainment such as concerts, Disney on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, and more. A busy and popular Kobey’s Swap Meet is held every weekend in the parking lot of the arena. Built in 1966, the arena is set up to be functional, not like the whiz-bang marvels built these days for sports facilities. It serves the Seals well from a fan perspective. 7. Gas South Arena - Georgia Swarm - 3.57 David Welch - Lacrosse has long been popular in the mid-Atlantic, northeastern states, and throughout Canada, but the sport’s popularity in the south has just started to blossom in the last decade. The growth of lacrosse in Georgia has been helped by the addition of the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League. The NLL is a 14-team indoor lacrosse league with teams throughout the United States and Canada, playing their inaugural season in 1987. Indoor lacrosse is a combination of field lacrosse, played within a hockey rink on sports turf, with the production level of professional basketball. 6. Scotiabank Centre - Halifax Thunderbirds - 3.71 Greg Johnston - Halifax, Nova Scotia has quickly become an enticing city for attracting professional sports franchises.​ Curt Styres pursued an opportunity to relocate his National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) franchise. ​The Halifax Thunderbirds commenced play at Scotiabank Centre in 2019 after twenty-five seasons competing in Rochester, New York. Formally known as the Knighthawks, the team celebrated much success on the field winning five championships (1997, 2007, 2012, 2013 & 2014) and ten division titles. In an unusual turn of events, the Knighthawks are still in existence, but now as an expansion team with new owners, players and logo. The records and championships belong to the Thunderbird franchise. 5. Xfinity Mobile Arena - Philadelphia Wings - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - RIP Philadelphia Wings 4. Rogers Arena - Vancouver Warriors - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - The National Lacrosse League has long been known as an everyman league, where the players are generally more accessible than those in other major leagues, and many are actually “weekend warriors” who have regular jobs during the week. In 2018, the Vancouver Stealth were sold to Francesco Aquilini and his Canucks Sports and Entertainment and moved from the Langley Events Centre in Langley, a significant distance from downtown Vancouver, to Rogers Arena. This was a huge moment for the newly minted Vancouver Warriors bringing NLL lacrosse back downtown for the first time since the days of the Vancouver Ravens in 2004. The Warriors franchise was originally the Albany Attack in 2000. The team moved to San Jose in 2004 to become the Stealth and then up to Everett, Washington in 2010. The move was made to Langley in 2014. 3. Scotiabank Saddledome - Calgary Roughnecks - 3.86 Jim Flannery - The Calgary Roughnecks (NLL) are one of the most successful franchises in Calgary sports history. Since they started playing in November, 2001, they have won three championships, in 2004, 2009, and 2019. Needless to say, their standards for performance are high and their fanbase are dedicated and enthusiastic. While the Saddledome was state-of-the-art when it opened for business, it is starting to be a little long in the tooth more than 30 years later. However, a new arena is now under construction just north of the Saddledome. It is slated to open in 2027, so the clock is officially ticking on when the Saddledome will close its doors. 2. Blue Cross Arena at The War Memorial - Rochester Knighthawks - 4.00 Meg Minard - The Rochester Knighthawks are a member of the NLL (National Lacrosse League), an action-packed game of box lacrosse. This is the second Knighthawk franchise to call the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial in Rochester, NY its home. The first was a very successful franchise that operated from 1995 to 2019. Its owner relocated the team to Nova Scotia and rebranded them as the Thunderbirds after the 2019 season. The NLL granted an expansion franchise to Pegula Sports and Entertainment (owners of four other professional sports teams in Western New York) to begin playing the 2019-2020 season. Pegula Sports purchased the Knighthawks name to keep that name and lacrosse in Rochester. The organization hired new players and staff and designed new logos and colors for the new team. All championship records of the former team moved with them to Nova Scotia. 1. KeyBank Center - Buffalo Bandits - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The year was 1992. The Buffalo Bandits were founded in what was then the Major Indoor Lacrosse League. The fledgling league was only five years into their existence and four from being the Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League. Of that group of seven teams from the 1992 season, only the Bandits remain, uninterrupted and undeterred. The Bandits even predate the current National Lacrosse League, which is what the MiLL would eventually become. Since then, the Buffalo Bandits have been the crown jewel of the league, which has seen plenty of change, strong years and lean years, and looks currently to be stronger than ever.

Photo courtesy of Empower Sports I wrote an article back in July of 2025 about the stadiums that I stumbled upon during a summer vacation in Europe. Quite a few of those were in Norway. Since that trip I have kept up on various soccer/football news coming from “The Land of the Midnight Sun,” so the following news about Bodø/Glimt and their new stadium came across my desk and interested me greatly. Also a favorite YouTuber of mine, Steve Marsh, posted a visit to the team's current stadium. That video will be embedded at the end of this news article. Today (May 20th), Bodø/Glimt officially broke ground on the "Arctic Arena." Scheduled for completion in 2027, the new 10,000-seat facility is specifically designed to meet UEFA requirements for international matches. For a club located north of the Arctic Circle, the project represents a massive infrastructural leap to match their recent on-pitch success. Photo courtesy of Empower Sports Video courtesy of Empower Sports The timing of the construction capitalizes on incredible momentum. The four-time Norwegian champions are coming off a historic UEFA Champions League campaign, reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in their history. The Arctic Arena will serve as a modern upgrade built for the next chapter of the club, ensuring they have a venue suitable for European soccer's biggest stages while acting as a catalyst for business and community growth in Northern Norway. Photo courtesy of Empower Sports Frode Thomassen, CEO of Bodø/Glimt, emphasized that the project is more than just a new pitch and grandstands. “It is a statement about who we are, what we have built together, and where we want to go,” Thomassen noted. “This arena will be the future home of Bodø/Glimt and a place that reflects the ambition, energy and unity that have driven this club’s remarkable journey.” Steve Marsh's Video:

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you are heading to the Indy 500 this Sunday and are a first-timer, here are a few reminders for a full day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The gates open at 6 am and include access to retail shops, food stands, and the Midway. This year’s race is sold out, so the earlier you arrive, the better your spot. There is a new retail shop at the Midway with items not sold outside the track. Also, note that the speedway is cashless. The traffic and parking can be a hassle. Passes for the areas around the IMS are sold out, and the residents of Speedway will charge a price for the right to park on their lawns. Some could ask as much as $50 to have their car sit on their lawn, while others will negotiate the price. This might be the only part of your trip where you might want to have some cash on you, but I am sure the business-minded folks might accept cash apps as well. If you can walk, there is parking for $10 in various lots, including churches to fraternal organizations (VFW, Knights of Columbus, or an American Legion post). The Amvets Post 99 at 2807 Merchants Drive, about a mile away, offers a free shuttle service. The leisurely walk among the thousands of others to the race is quite the experience in itself. You will see a collection of characters in great spirits, adding to the ambiance. However, the shuttle is a bit quicker and easier on your feet. Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Fans are allowed to bring in food and drink in appropriate-sized coolers that are no bigger than 8” x 15” x 15’ (hard or soft-sided coolers). Patrons can bring in food of their choice, aluminum cans of their favorite beverage, from soda pop to beer, and plastic bottles of ice-cold water. However, no glass bottles and no peanuts (they are considered bad luck at the track). Smoking tobacco is prohibited in any grandstand or seating area, but allowed 20 feet away from any buildings, seating entrances, and infield viewing mounds. This includes vapes and similar products. Once through the gates, look for your section and enjoy the next few hours of cars zipping by at over 200 miles per hour. The green flag will drop at 12:45 pm. Driver introductions take place at 11:47, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and “Back Home Again in Indiana”. The Indianapolis 500 is quite the spectacle and one of those sporting events that should be seen in person at least once in a lifetime. There are many ways to enjoy it, but knowing a few tips will ensure maximum enjoyment. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey For the first time, fans can bring home a literal slice of the action from the home of the Steelers and Panthers. Following a massive seat‑replacement project at Acrisure Stadium, MeiGray – the memorabilia specialist behind some of the sport’s most coveted collectibles – is offering approximately 22,000 refurbished seats for purchase. “There’s no way to get closer to the Steelers than to own a piece of the stadium in which so many great moments occurred,” says MeiGray President Barry Meisel. “It’s an exciting time for Steelers fans and hobby collectors.” The Steelers recently signed a multi‑year agreement with MeiGray, a company known for dealing in game‑used and game‑worn gear. The deal gives fans the exclusive chance to buy sustainably repurposed, authentically verified stadium seats, each bearing the distinct look and feel of the venue where legends have been forged. “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with MeiGray, giving fans the first opportunity to own a piece of the Steelers iconic home—sustainably repurposed and authenticated by a renowned game‑used sports memorabilia authenticator,” explains Ryan Huzjak, Senior Vice President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Steelers. What’s Available The current inventory comes from three areas of Acrisure Stadium. Fans can choose a single seat, a matching pair, just the back, or the bottom. A limited run of seat backs carries signatures from former Steelers greats, adding a personalized touch for collectors. Section Item Type Price Upper Level East, Single seat $399 Upper Level West, North Club Same sections Pair of seats $590 Same sections Seat back $199 Same sections Seat bottom $149 Selected seat backs (signed) *Signed seat back $299 (*Signed seat backs will be signed by James Harrison, Santonio Holmes, & Joey Porter, Sr. - others may be available in the future.) Acrisure Stadium has been the backdrop for countless iconic moments. Owning a seat from the Upper-Level East or West, or the plush North Club, lets fans relive the roar of the crowd each time they glance at the reclaimed stadium seats. The refurbishment process respects both preservation and sustainability. Each seat is thoroughly cleaned, repaired, and inspected before being assigned a unique authentication certificate, ensuring buyers receive a genuine piece of NFL history. The seat‑replacement initiative is still underway, meaning more sections will become available as the project progresses. Collectors who miss the current drop can keep an eye on future releases, as MeiGray plans to rotate inventory aligned with the stadium’s phased upgrades. How to Purchase Interested parties can visit the MeiGray online store or contact the company directly for bulk orders and corporate gifting options. Shipping is handled nationwide, with careful packaging to protect the memorabilia during transit. Whether you’re building a “fancave” shrine, looking for a unique gift, or want a tangible reminder of Steelers lore, these refurbished seats blend heritage, sustainability, and authenticity in a way no other NFL merchandise does.

The 2025-2026 Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League season has come to a close with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens winning their first championship since 1994. The Sags won their third Gilles-Courteau Trophy in six games over the Moncton Wildcats. Stadium Journey’s annual QMJHL venue rankings have been released. Using the site’s FANFARE rating system, our writers evaluated the full game day experience at arenas across the league, scoring categories such as food and beverage, atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and any unique extras encountered along the way. The league’s average score this season came in at 3.73 out of a possible 5.0. As always, these rankings reflect the combined perspectives of multiple Stadium Journey contributors and may not align with every fan’s personal list. We encourage readers to join the conversation on social media—how do your rankings compare? What did we get right, and where did we miss the mark? With that, Stadium Journey proudly presents the 2025-2026 QMJHL Rankings. 1. Centre Vidéotron - Québec Remparts - 4.57 Andrew Kulyk - Quebec invested in building a new, NHL- ready arena. Bold isn’t the word. This is a grand arena that not only swamps its peer venues in the Q for its stunning design, architecture, size, modern amenities, and fan-friendly spaces, but put this building into the NHL tomorrow, and it immediately rockets to a top six venue in that league. 2. Scotiabank Centre - Halifax Mooseheads - 4.43 Andrew Kulyk - Halifax in and of itself offers a superb vacation destination, albeit this region is more geared for tourism in the warmer months, and that means not so much during hockey season. Plenty of attractions, historic sites, a vibrant and bustling downtown, and this arena, which strays away from the mold of the quintessential rural “community rink”. 3. Avenir Centre - Moncton Wildcats - 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The Wildcats were founded as the expansion Moncton Alpines in 1995 and played out of the Moncton Coliseum. After one season, they were purchased by local industrialist Robert Irving and renamed the Moncton Wildcats. For the 2024-25 season, the Wildcats have lured USports hockey coaching legend Gardiner MacDougall to take the reins of the team. 4. Mary Brown’s Centre - Newfoundland Regiment - 4.14 Dave Cottenie - The newest member of the QMJHL has hockey fans talking. There are high hopes for the return of hockey to Newfoundland, and the results are being seen at the turnstile. Hopefully, the Newfoundland Regiment will have a long and successful reign at Mary Brown’s Centre despite the travel challenges it brings to the league. Hockey on the Rock is a necessity, and Junior Hockey is the perfect fit. 5. Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet - Sherbrooke Phoenix - 4 Dave Cottenie - This old arena, named after the founder of the Sher-Wood hockey stick company, is now one of the model arenas in the QMJHL, and an example of what can be done to modernize an aging arena. New paint gave a fresh face to the arena, and new luxury boxes gave a fresh source of revenue. 6. Centre Gervais Auto - Shawinigan Cataractes - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - If you want to see what Québécois hockey is all about, make a trip to see the bedrock of junior hockey in Quebec. The Shawinigan Cataractes are a fantastic entertainment experience and a must for all hockey gurus. When in Shawinigan, you will most definitely feel l’energie! 7. Centre Agnico Eagle - Val-d’Or Foreurs - 3.86 Dave Cottenie - When travelling to Northern Québec, fans should want to get the true feel of the Québécois culture in the north. A trip to see Les Foreurs de Val-d’Or is an absolute must. An old-school hockey experience in a gem of a building, the Foreurs will provide a great evening’s entertainment at a cost that will shock fans with how affordable it is. 8. Centre 200 - Cape Breton Eagles - 3.71 Andrew Kulyk - As a destination venue, Centre 200 in and of itself is not the kind of building that will make an indelible impression. It lacks some of the glitz that has become part of some of the newer arenas in the QMJHL. But what makes this a compelling and worthwhile travel experience is the totality of the destination itself. Sydney offers a lot to see and experience, even in the winter. Its location as a waterfront town provides a sense of wonder at the beauty of Nova Scotia. 9. Colisée Financière Sun Life - Rimouski Océanic - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - Having passed off the Rimouski Océanic to his grandson, Alexandre Tanguay, Maurice Tanguay must be proud of how his team has continued. The Océanic continues to be a solid franchise in the QMJHL and has continued to enjoy success on and off the ice. They are truly one of the best experiences in the league and were worth the trip to the south shore area. 10. Centre Georges-Vézina - Chicoutimi Saguenéens - 3.71 Dave Cottenie - A trip to see Centre Georges-Vézina and the Saguenéens is truly a trip to see the church of hockey. An old school hockey barn that bleeds history and is a throwback to days of old, a trip through the Q is not complete without Georges-Vézina. 11. Centre Slush Puppie - Gatineau Olympiques - 3.57 Sean MacDonald - The city of Gatineau awarded the non-profit organization Vision Multisports Outaouais (VMSO) the contract for the construction and management of a 4,000-seat arena, including three community ice rinks. The venue is now known as Centre Slush Puppie after naming rights were acquired by the maker of the “original non-carbonated frozen beverage treats enjoyed by millions of people worldwide.” 12. Aréna Glencore du Centre Dave-Keon - Rouyn-Noranda Huskies - 3.57 Dave Cottenie - The horns, oh the horns! They may not be the horns of justice or the horns of victory. They may only be made of plastic and cardboard, but the horns are a staple of Aréna Iamgold du Centre Dave-Keon. The building is as old school as they come and totally fits the Northern Québec area. If there is one thing that the hockey experience in this town should be known for, it is the horns. 13. TD Station - Saint John Sea Dogs - 3.43 Dave Cottenie - The Saint John Sea Dogs were founded in 2005. In 2011, they won their first Memorial Cup and, in so doing, became the first Atlantic Canada team to achieve the feat. The Sea Dogs would hang a Memorial Cup Championship again in 2022, as well as post the curious moniker “City of Champions” in the arena. It is undeniable that the Sea Dogs have enjoyed a great deal of success in New Brunswick. 14. Eastlink Centre - Charlottetown Islanders - 3.29 Andrew Kulyk - While this arena and the hockey game day experience will not blow you away, what makes a trip to see the Charlottetown Islanders is not the game itself, but immersing into a cultural and tour experience that embraces the community and the region. Prince Edward Island offers charm and beauty that is so palpable. 15. Centre Marcel-Dionne - Drummondville Voltigeurs - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - On the south shore of Quebec, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, lies the city of Drummondville. A trip through the QMJHL will find Drummondville as one of the solid francophone franchises. It’s worth the trip to see an arena that is from a different time and a great group of fans who know how to be loud. The air horn is a favorite of the Drummondville fan, and they use it liberally. The fans that we met were very friendly and accommodating. 16. Amphithéâtre Gilbert-Perreault @ Colisée Desjardins - Victoriaville Tigres - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - Travelling through Quebec can be a bit intimidating for any Anglophone, especially in the smaller cities, away from the tourist areas of Montreal and Quebec City. However, stadium travelers should attempt to see real grassroots hockey the way it was meant to be seen in Quebec. The passion is there, and the price is right. In Victoriaville, they have the tiger by the tail, and the Tigres will put on a show for you. Photo Courtesy of El Nomad 17. Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau - Blainville-Boisbriand Armada - 3.14 Dave Cottenie - You will not find a whole lot of bells and whistles at an Armada game. Simple. However, the product that they put on the ice is pretty good, and the atmosphere there is good as well. Don’t feel that Montreal is only about Les Habitants. Check out the Armada in the suburbs the next time you are there! N/A Baie-Comeau Drakkar - Centre Henry-Leonard Unfortunately, Stadium Journey does not yet have a review for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. If you are interested in writing a review for Stadium Journey, please contact us.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Jack Burch Park 100 North 7th St Cannon Falls, MN 55009 Cannon Falls Bears website John Burch Park website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 675 From a View to a Hill in Cannon Falls John Burch Field in the town of Cannon Falls, Minnesota is one of the most curious-looking ballparks. The grandstand is wedged into a hill and hovers ten feet above the playing field, while the left field borders against a river. The Cannon Falls Bears have been playing baseball on this site since 1938, but its current grandstand was constructed in 1984. The Cannon River runs behind left field creating a short distance of 293 feet from home plate; a 20-foot high fence is set up to ensure that cheap home runs don’t find themselves in the river behind the wall. Beyond that, copious amounts of trees plaster the area, while the town’s water tower and streets are downtown. The ballpark itself is named after a local legend who was at the center of baseball history in Cannon Falls for over half a century. John Burch began his town ball career in 1946 and retired after the 1961 season. In 1948, it was reported in the St. Paul Pioneer Press that he knocked the cover off a baseball during a game. The humble Burch would later say that the ball must have been manufactured wrong. When he retired he played softball, umpired games, and ran the concession stands. The town would honor him by renaming the baseball stadium in 2000 and creating a small museum featuring his old baseball uniforms and equipment. Even at an advanced age, he would ride his electric cart five blocks from the nursing home to attend games. Town ball has been played in Cannon Falls since 1887 and the Bears would make the tournament for the first time in 1949, a few seasons later the club would win 42 consecutive games (regular season and playoffs). The highlight was winning the Class A tournament championship over the Belle Plaine Tigers in 1952, their only state championship to date. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand near the entrance of the ballpark that offers basic concession items at very affordable prices. A hot dog is two bucks, hamburgers are a dollar more, and peanuts are a buck and a half. You can wash it all down with a pop for two bucks. The stadium offers combo platters with its hot dogs and hamburgers that come with chips and a drink for $5 to $6. Atmosphere 3 John Burch Field offers a typical townball experience. The fans in the stands are a majority of friends and fans, the play is high quality, and the ballpark becomes an area of socialization among the locals. The majority of the fans sit on the first base side that is shaded with trees and provides an area to spread out a blanket or two. The field has a unique design that keeps all of the seating areas well above the playing field and provides a nice view of the lush forestry that is behind the outfield walls near downtown. The covered grandstand features bleacher-style seating, a small press box, and protective netting. A simple, but lovely sign spells out the ballpark above the grandstand. Cannon Fall players, at least this year (2018), don light blue and white striped pullover tops, a look first made popular in the early 1980s but being rediscovered by today’s baseball clubs at all levels. Neighborhood 4 Cannons Falls has a population of 4,083 and features a historic downtown. The Cannon Valley Trail is recognized as one of the ten most beautiful rail-to-trails projects. It runs along the Cannon River and is used for skiing during the winter months. The Cannon River Winery is within a short walk that features both full-bodied reds and dry whites. A few places to eat include Nick’s Downtown Diner serving breakfast all day, specialty sandwiches, and homemade pies; Mill Street Tavern offering an urban atmosphere and casual dining, and Tilion Taproom is open from Wednesday to Sunday with ten beers on tap, including Lake Andrew unCommon–a California Common that is not found at many breweries. Fans 3 The small gathering of fans takes up residence on the hill on the first base side of the stadium overlooking the field. The fans spread out blankets and sit back to enjoy the game. The grandstand is often near empty but provides for a view of the stadium. This appears to be common at The Mini Met in Jordan and Tiger Field in Belle Plaine where most fans opted for open seating areas away from the grandstand. Access 3 Cannon Falls is about a 35 to 45-minute drive from the Twin Cities and Rochester. The entrance to the ballpark is on the first base side and top of the hill overlooking the baseball diamond. The grandstand is not full all the time since most fans covert a spot on the first base seating area underneath the trees. The facility has one concession stand (with a nice view of the playing field) and bathrooms. Parking is available next to the stadium or on the residential streets. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range between $2-$3, concession prices are all under $3 for single items. Downtown Cannon Falls is also enjoyable to visit for a few hours and with trails, a winery, and a brewery in town makes for an ideal location to visit with friends, a loved one, or solo. Extras 2 John Burch Field receives a point for having its grandstand hanging over the playing field and providing an interesting view of the diamond. John Burch Field gets a second point for the limestone seating area that also rises well above the playing field down the first base line Final Thoughts John Burch Field is among the most curious ballparks in Minnesota and is worth a visit if you happen to be nearby in Miesville, Rochester, or Red Wing. The experience is quite different but highly enjoyable. A bonus is that downtown is worth a visit any time of the year.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey In a baseball landscape increasingly dominated by billion-dollar stadiums and big-league spectacle, the heart of the game still beats strongest in places like Minnesota. Home of the Miesville Mudhens, this small-town ball club represents everything that makes Minnesota Town ball one of the most distinctive and enduring traditions in American sports. For Brian Meyers, Mudhens groundskeeper and vice president of the board, the connection to the team and the game runs deep. “I grew up just down the road from Miesville,” Meyers said. “I was going to games three days a week, just like most kids around here still do.” That lifelong bond is a common thread throughout town ball communities, where generations of families grow up around the local diamond. Meyers himself first attended games in the late 1980s and eventually realized a dream shared by many local kids, taking the field as a Mudhen. A Century of Town Ball Tradition Amateur baseball in Minnesota dates back to the early 1920s, with the first state tournament held in 1923. Over the decades, the sport has grown into a statewide institution, featuring 270 amateur teams across three classes. The Mudhens roots trace back to that same era, though like many early teams, they initially played in farmers’ fields. That changed in 1961, when 25 local families each contributed $100 to build what is now known as Jack Ruhr Field, still the centerpiece of baseball in Miesville today. The Mudhens have an impressive array of accolades: eight state championships, 35 state tournament appearances, and multiple opportunities to host the tournament itself. The town will welcome the state tournament again in 2028, sparking a new wave of improvements to the historic ballpark. Sponsorships line up the outfield fence at Jack Ruhr Field, Photo by Marc Viquez Built by the Community If there is one defining feature of the Mudhens organization, it is the overwhelming community support. From field maintenance to concessions to major construction projects, everything in Miesville is powered by volunteers and local partnerships. “We’ve usually got 15 to 20 people helping out regularly,” Meyers explained. “But when you include game day operations, events, and everything else, it’s well over 100 volunteers.” That number skyrocketed during the 2020 state tournament, when 318 volunteers came together to help host the event. Local businesses also play a vital role. The outfield fence is lined with sponsorship signs, and those same businesses are often called upon for construction, concessions, and other needs. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that keeps both the team and the town thriving. Even skilled labor often comes from within the fanbase. “If we need an electrician or a plumber, someone will just say, ‘Give me a call,’” Meyers said. “They’re already at the game having a hot dog and a beer.” Fans pack the grandstands on a rainy afternoon at Jack Ruhr Field, Photo by Marc Viquez The Ballpark Experience Jack Ruhr Field offers a quintessential town ball atmosphere, a small ballpark, a church, and a tavern. With seating for roughly 250–300 in the grandstands and additional grassy areas lining the baselines, the ballpark encourages fans to spread out, bring lawn chairs, and enjoy the game at their own pace. Kids roam freely, playing catch, chasing foul balls, or simply running around with friends. “This is a place where families feel safe,” Meyers said. “You’ll see kids everywhere playing in the outfield, the parking lot, wherever. That’s part of the experience.” Attendance continues to grow, with Sunday afternoon games drawing close to 500 fans, an impressive number for a town of its size. Admission is just $5 for adults, while anyone 18 and under gets in free. A family of four can enjoy an entire afternoon of baseball, food, and community for less than the price of parking at a Minnesota Twins game at Target Field. A Taste of Miesville No visit to a game is complete without a stop at the concession stand, perhaps one of the best in all of town ball. The star of the menu is the bratwurst, made exclusively for the team by Greg’s Meats in nearby Hampton. These coarse-ground brats are a closely guarded secret—you won’t find them anywhere else. “We get so many compliments on them,” Meyers said. “You can’t buy them in the store. They’re made just for Miesville.” In addition to brats, the menu features burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and a selection of affordable beverages, including local beer from Spiral Brewery in Hastings. At just $4 per beer, it’s another reminder that the Mudhens experience is built with fans in mind. The brats cook to perfection on the grill at Jack Ruhr Field. Photo by Marc Viquez More Than Just a Game While the on-field product is strong, the true appeal of Miesville lies in the atmosphere. The crack of the bat, the smell of grilled food, and the sound of local radio broadcasts create a setting that feels both timeless and uniquely Minnesotan. Games are broadcast on local radio station KDWA and livestreamed, extending the team's reach beyond the ballpark while keeping its small-town roots. For Meyers and the many volunteers who dedicate their time to the Mudhens, the reward comes in seeing. According to Meyes, fans walk through the gates and immediately feel at home. “You can see it on their faces. They walk in, hear the game, smell the food, and they just smile. That’s what makes it all worth it.” The Mudhens embody the spirit of Minnesota Town Ball, where community, tradition, and love of the game come together in their purest form. For fans seeking an authentic baseball experience far removed from the glitz of the major leagues, Jack Ruhr Field delivers something even better: a place where the game still belongs to the people. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter at @ballparkhunter and on his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gainbridge Fieldhouse 125 S Pennsylvania St Indianapolis, IN 46204 Indiana Fever website Gainbridge Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 17,923 Fever-Paced Basketball The Indiana Fever celebrated 25 seasons in Indianapolis. Caitlin Clark's presence in 2024 created a spike in attendance. The team has seen an increase in media coverage, season ticket sales, and merchandise sales. The upper balcony seating has been opened for home games in recent memory. All of this excitement has created a new interest in the team that hopes to translate to packed fans at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The home of the Fever was built in 1999 and is also home to the NBA Indiana Pacers. The arena just completed a three-phase $360 renovation plan that has transformed it to today’s standards. The building seats 18,165, and all of these seats will be available for Fever games during the summer season. The Fever arrived in town in 2000 and has qualified for the playoffs 13 times in its first 17 seasons. It included a championship in 2012 during the Tamika Cathigs era. However, the team has fallen on hard times with seven straight losing seasons, including a 5-31 season in 2022. With the arrival of Clark, along with previous number-one pick Aliyah Boston, the Fever began a new era of basketball in Indiana and hung another championship banner in the Gainbridge rafters. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage options have been updated at the fieldhouse and include new and familiar options. The Warehouse District BBQ and Three Point Taqueria are two options that offer fans something different at the game. The Indiana Kitchen offers lemon-pepper and honey-glazed chicken wings, short rib poutine, and maple bourbon sticks. If you are looking for familiar options, then Fieldhouse Favorites has you covered. Hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders, pizza, burgers, pretzels, and Pepsi products are available. A value menu offers $4 hot dogs, $3 popcorn, and $8 cans of PBR and Coors Banquet. A unique sweet treat is served at the Steak 'n Shake Milkshake Bar, which offers cotton candy, mega M&M, and crazy chocolate brownie flavors. Warehouse District BBQ options, Photo by Marc Viquez. The Fast Break Market sells grab-and-go beverages and snacks. A nacho cart offers an array of toppings, and Ben's Pretzels has long lines for freshly made baked pretzels. The Crossroads Eats sells gourmet hot dogs. The Yuengling Flight Deck and the Jim Beam Bar offer beers, wine, and cocktails. It also has various TV screens and views of the playing court. One of the more unique partnerships at the arena is with Cheez-It. Fans can find limited-edition Cheez-It boxes featuring the Fever logo in the team store, along with creative menu items at the concession stand. Options include a walking taco made with Cheez-It crackers and a barbecue mac and cheese dish topped with Cheez-It pieces at Warehouse District BBQ. For dessert, the Dough-Ver Load kiosk serves edible cookie dough bites in several flavors, including birthday cake, peanut butter, and chocolate chunk. Atmosphere 4 What a difference a season makes. A Fever game feels more aligned to an Indiana Pacers game. A variety of fans walk throughout the concourse and the seating bowl in support of their WNBA team. The Gainbridge Fieldhouse is ideal for accommodating the newfound fan base that has made their way downtown. Before the game, many fans gather in Bicentennial Unity Plaza, where kids can shoot hoops on the outdoor basketball court, while others take in the atmosphere around the plaza’s curved sculpture and video screen displaying graphics and team content. Inside, the main atrium feels bright and open thanks to the massive windows that let in plenty of natural light. Banners featuring current Fever players hang throughout the space, while a large round chandelier serves as the centerpiece above the sweeping staircase leading to the main concourse. The concourse has been revamped and features basketball-theme murals that are both popping with color and creativity, along with honoring past greats who have suited up for the Fever, Pacers, and high school teams of the state. The new art is a variety of murals, and the artwork varies in designs and colors. The fieldhouse includes a massive $4.3 million 20-foot by 52.5-foot video scoreboard, including underbelly panels for improving sightlines for fans sitting next to the court. It almost feels like it's floating when viewing it from the main concourse. There are also plenty of open views of the court from the concourse. Team banners of retired jerseys, league titles, and division championships hang from the rafters on each side. The Fever gift shop has an array of team merchandise, but it is a little cramped. However, a couple of stands and one station can personalize a jersey with your name on it on the main concourse. Neighborhood 5 The fieldhouse is in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and closer to retail and restaurants than Lucas Oil Stadium down the street. The only problem is choosing where to grab a drink or eat before or after the game. Located near the arena is the local favorite Kilroy’s Bar and Grill, which offers 40 flat-screen televisions, shuffleboard, video games, and their famous pepperoni-stuffed breadsticks. Another fan favorite, Brother’s Bar & Grill, is a short walk away and is another popular destination before or after the game. A few more favorite spots after the game include The District Tap, Mr. Tequila Street Cantina, and Pier 48 Fish House & Oyster Bar. There are many options for a drink before or after the game. Photo by Marc Viquez It is highly recommended to visit the neighborhoods of Mass Ave. and Fountain Square. The two areas offer live music, craft beer, fine dining, and a little shopping at local retail shops. Mass Ave. is also home to the Bottleworks District, the city's newest attraction. The Garage houses multiple food and drink vendors, offering an array of culinary treasures. Downtown Indy is also safe, clean, and easy to get around by car, foot, or mass transit. Local museums include The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indiana State Museum, and the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The Riverwalk Canal is a nice spot for a stroll on a warm spring day. Fans 4 The Fever attendance continues to rank near the top of the WNBA. The team averaged 4,000-plus fans two years ago, and so far this season, lead the league with an average of 16,560 per game. The Fever has opened up the balcony seats, which had been draped off in recent seasons. It has created a mixture of die-hard Fever fans along with new and bandwagon fans. The fanbase feels more like a Pacers game, and attendance is more of a priority than a curiosity. Access 4 The arena is easily accessible from the major interstates of 70, 65, and 465, with parking abundant downtown. After the game, exiting these facilities takes a little know-how of the one-way streets of Indianapolis, but signs and police help direct customers to their desired route back home. Traffic moves smoothly during this time as well. Return on Investment 5 Depending on the night and opponent, Fever tickets are as low as $10 on ticket sites such as TickPick. Imagine paying $2 for a professional sporting event these days. Tickets for games against the New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces, and Chicago Sky will cost upwards of $45-$57. However, check out the dates and times because tickets sell for under $15. Prices inside the venue are typical of many NBA arenas, and craft beer will cost $10 a can, much less than what we saw in Seattle last year. The cost to park across the street is $25, but meter parking is available at $1.75 an hour until 11 PM (Sundays and Holidays are free), and there are cheaper parking lot options around the arena for as low as $10. Extras 4 Bicentennial Unity Plaza is outside the building. According to its website, it is the focal point for gatherings, offering a space where all residents and visitors will be greeted by captivating landscapes & art installations and, of course, a basketball court for some friendly competition. The team offers a Game Night Special that consists of a specialty-made t-shirt on sale for $18. They sell out fast, and the team store is usually packed with fans in line to purchase one. Bicentennial Unity Plaza, Photo by Marc Viquez The Caitlin Clark effect can be seen all over the concourse. Fans wear her number 22 with pride, and many others bring in banners and signs to show support for the league’s newest star. Not as strong as it has been in the past, the fieldhouse still boasts an impressive collection of memorabilia showcasing the game of basketball in the state. There is an array of items from former professional clubs from the city, local high schools, and the major universities and colleges in the state. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 CCBC Catonsville Baseball Field 800 S. Rolling Road Baltimore, MD 21228 CCBC Catonsville Cardinals website CCBC Catonsville Baseball Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 250 Cardinals Baseball One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore County area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but previously operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Catonsville began in 1957, operating out of nearby Catonsville High School. The college is located on the site of the historic Knapp Estate. There is still the manor house of the estate, as well as ruins of various historic buildings scattered around the hilltop campus. The school mascot is the Cardinals and they play ten sports. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The baseball program runs out of the simply named "Baseball Field" which is next to the school's soccer and lacrosse field. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options at or near the baseball field. You are free to bring your own food. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO level baseball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. There are two simple metal bleachers around the main part of the field. They offer decent views of the game, although through chain link fencing. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Catonsville is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the high school and nearby University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Downtown Baltimore is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive down I-95. Catonsville's main street, Frederick Road, is filled with many food and drink options. Nearby Arbutus will also be a good source of options. We like Sorrentos in the downtown section of Arbutus for a good sub or cheesesteak before the game. Fans 3 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few local residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 4 The CCBC Catonsville campus is easy to access, as it is located off Route 166 / Exit 47B of I-95. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from the field. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. . Extras 2 Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of their electricity from solar. This 5.1-megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1-megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usage. There are many banners and plaques scattered around inside the nearby Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center displaying the various personal and team accomplishments of Cardinals athletes. Final Thoughts The CCBC Catonsville Baseball Stadium is a basic pleasant baseball field located in nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a baseball fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.