Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Strong Stadium 1499 Chapin St Beloit, WI 53511 Beloit Buccaneers website Strong Stadium website Year Opened: 1934 Capacity: 3,000 Don’t Give up the Ship The Beloit Buccaneers football team competes in the NCAA’s Division III, and while their home facility, Strong Stadium, is dated, their fans are as loud and vocal as can be. The small contingent in the stands under the press box screams wildly on every positive play for the Buccaneers. There is also no cost for admission, no cost to park, and cheap concessions. Food & Beverage 2 Strong Stadium has a Kona Ice food truck on the north side of the stadium, as well as a small concessions stand in the athletics building located under the grandstand. The stand sells hot dogs, chips, candy, soda, and bottled water, with nothing costing more than $3. During my most recent visit, there was also a table set up by Wisco Votes, a non-profit movement aimed at getting students to the polls in November, which was giving away free hot dogs and bottled water. Atmosphere 1 Strong Stadium is a bit dated, with only a digital scoreboard and metal bleachers to sit on, with a few cracks and potholes in the cement walkway used to get to your seats. There is no mascot, no band, no cheerleaders, and not much going on except the game itself. The stands are all on one side of the field, under the press box, with the student section on the north side and the visitors on the south end. Neighborhood 3 Beloit, WI, sits near the border of Illinois, close enough that on a good day, you could probably throw a rock across the state line. There are several restaurants in the area, most of them to the west of the stadium along Rock River, as well as a couple of hotels. There is an anthropology museum in town that looks like an old church, with its Gothic Revival architecture, as well as a couple of art museums. Or, if you prefer to immerse yourself in more sports, you can see the Beloit Sky Carp at ABC Supply Stadium, as long as you plan your visit early in the football season. Fans 5 The stands at Strong Stadium will probably not be full, but the fans who are there are INTENSE. If you sit in the center section (the non-student home side), you will find yourself surrounded by a couple dozen absolute diehards, screaming their heads off for most of the game, cheering on their beloved Buccaneers. I assume these individuals are friends or family members of the players, given how enthusiastic they are, but I don’t know that for sure. The students are a little more subdued, but the crowd in the center section more than makes up for it. Access 2 Finding Strong Stadium is a little tricky – once you get to Beloit, it is a little off the beaten path, but your GPS should be able to get you close enough to see the facility. Once you arrive, there is free parking in the grass next to the venue, a short walk from the grandstand. The weird part is the grandstand itself. A couple of tunnels look like they might take you to your seats, or down into the building under the stands, but most of them either dead-end or lead to locked gates. Your best bet is to walk in front of the seats until you get about halfway down, then use the ramp to enter the athletics building; that will take you to the concessions and bathrooms. You can also walk around the back side of the athletics center, behind the grandstand where the grass parking is, and use the double doors to get inside. On the plus side, there is enough room to sit anywhere in the grandstand you want, either higher up to get a better view or lower down to get closer to the action. Return on Investment 3 There is no cost to get in, no cost for parking, and concessions are super cheap. The facilities aren’t the best, but the crowd is intense, so you might find it very enjoyable. At this level of college football, games are usually over in about two and a half hours, or at most two hours and 45 minutes, so the lack of amenities is less of a problem than it would be during longer contests. Extras 2 There is an inflatable football tossing game next to the Kona Ice truck, as well as trophies and plaques next to and above the concessions, so you can take a walk through Beloit’s athletic successes during a break in the action.

Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Tropicana Field 1 Tropicana Dr St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Tampa Bay Rays website Tropicana Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 31,042 Swinging with the Rays Tropicana Field opened to the public on March 3, 1990, and was originally named the Florida Suncoast Dome. It was built to lure an existing or expansion major league baseball team, but it was not until 1998 that the then-named Tampa Bay Devil Rays took the field at the newly renamed Tropicana Field. ​The stadium is affectionately known as “The Trop” and is located in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was built before Camden Yards and Chase Field, but its slanted roof was designed to reduce the interior volume, reduce cooling effects, and protect from hurricanes. ​However, on October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton tore through the roof and ripped it to shreds, causing the ball club to relocate to the New York Yankees spring training home, Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, for the 2025 season. The roof had outlasted its service by more than a decade. A new $55 million roof was installed, and the Rays returned for their first game in April 2026 ​Tropicana Field continues to make improvements for the betterment of the game and fan experience. It is worth the flight or drive to see a Major League Baseball game at “the Trop”. Food & Beverage 4 From the every fan to the foodie, there is something for everyone at Tropicana Field, offering fans far more than your standard ballpark fare. They have ballpark favorites, signature items, and savory specials throughout the stadium. The Budweiser Porch has many creative offerings, including the Flamin' Hot Corn Dog and the indulgent Pig + Potato from Haute Potato. Cuban sandwiches, Cubano dogs, and footlong pretzel dogs are also available. The Pretz-Strami Reuben and Short Rib Grilled Cheese are creative sandwiches. The 1B and 3B Food Halls offer more options that include chicken parmesan heroes, buffalo chicken tenders and sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak nachos, tacos, loaded nachos, and garlic fries. The Hall of Fame Bar & Grill, home to the Smokin' Rays Burger and more Loaded Nachos. This is also one of two spots where you can grab a Souvenir Daiquiri Bat—a frozen treat that doubles as a plastic baseball bat. The Pacific Counter is home to banh mi sandwiches, sushi rice bowls, egg rolls, and edamame. The Trop features domestic and local beer, including options from Cigar City and Coopertail Brewing Company. Many of them can be purchased from the multiple Grab N’ Go sections. The stadium also serves many wines, spirits, cocktails, and hard seltzers. Atmosphere 4 It’s a traditional and unique baseball stadium under a fixed dome with enthusiastic fans throughout. It is the only fixed-dome or roofed stadium in Major League Baseball, and a throwback to other domed stadiums like the Astrodome or the Metrodome. It sets the mood for the entire experience. ​The changes hope to create the mood, along with a team that usually battles for the division title. When the Rays returned to and updated the ballpark that featured new premium seating, all-inclusive areas with new graphics, LED lighting and interior murals, upgraded premium spaces, and the installation of new turf.​ The Rays Tank was overhauled and is located in right-center field just beyond the outfield wall. The tank is full of rays that are safe to touch and are great for small children. Fans can stay anywhere around the tank and watch the game. ​The Budweiser Deck was also reconfigured for a better fan experience. The MaintenX SkyDeck, above left field, was refreshed with new graphics, LED lighting, and a new interior mural celebrating Tampa Bay. ​There are other fan-oriented areas at the stadium that aim to create a positive vibe at games. Ballpark and Rec is a social space with arcade games, pinball machines, and tailgating activities. The Budweiser Porch is where you will find grab-and-go food and drink in an open-air-style viewing patio. Neighborhood 3 There is no walkable neighborhood immediately surrounding the stadium; however, it is located in St. Petersburg. A short car or bus ride from the stadium will bring you to many interesting shops and restaurants. Downtown St. Pete offers a mix of casual and upscale dining, wonderful museums, shops, and plenty of accommodations within a laid-back atmosphere. The Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center features a permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly's unique glass artwork, while The Dali Museum houses an impressive collection of Salvador Dali's works spanning his life and career. The Museum of Fine Arts showcases collections of ancient antiquities, photography, and sculpture. If the weather permits, a walk through North Straub Park along the basin is time well spent while in town. ​Stillwaters Tavern is an American restaurant; BellaBrava features water views, Parkshore Grill serves up dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere, and The Wooden Roosters is a quaint little place for crepes and coffee. Fans 3 Unfortunately, Tropicana Field draws relatively low crowds for a Major League Baseball stadium. So don’t expect a booming fan base and packed house; however, the ones that do come are as energized as any other. Out in left field, you have Randy Land, where a group of diehard Rays fans resides, named for outfielder Randy Arozarena; you can spot them with their unique club T-shirts. When weather permits, you will see fans tailgating, which is part of the Rays Up. Fans will begin tailgating at Fergs Sports Bar and make their way to the stadium. Access 3 Conveniently located off Interstate 175, there are several parking lots, from premium parking to general parking off of 1st and 5th Avenue. You can also travel by bus and ride-share, which will drop you off near gates 3 and 4 behind home plate. This would be a good place to also meet up with family and friends. There is a convenient mass transit option, the SunRunner, a rapid bus transit route with a stop on the north side of the Tropicana. The SunRunner runs every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 8 p.m. to midnight. A great way to get in and out of this area with ease. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket, depending on the opponent, begins around $10 for an adult. Games against the Yankees and Red Sox can double in price, especially for tickets closer to the field. Parking for games in city and private lots will run between $15 and $30. The recent improvements, upgrades, and food expansions, which are reasonably priced, do make it worth the out-of-pocket expense. Extras 3 The dome is uniquely tilted and lights up orange after any Rays victory. It also provides much-needed AC during the muggy summer days and nights. The rotunda resembles the former Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York. The Ray Tank might be one of the more interesting features at a major league baseball stadium. There is a Tropicana Field tour that you can schedule that is worth taking (this is not free; tickets for adults are $15 & kids 14 & under are $12.) It is done when the crowds are gone and, keep this in mind, the air conditioning is off. During the tour, you can really appreciate this structure from a different perspective. Final Thoughts Tropicana Field is an aging but unique structure that has many features to be enjoyed. It is definitely worth going for the experience, not just as a fan of baseball but also of architecture, engineering, and new experiences. The new roof, new lighting, and food options upgrade the ballpark atmosphere and experience.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Mohegan Sun Arena 255 Highland Park Blvd Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins website Mohegan Sun Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 8,350 Twenty Years of Hockey in Wilkes-Barre For a facility that has been in existence for only twenty years, the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza has gone through a number of name changes. Initially named The Northeastern Pennsylvania Civic Arena and Convention Center, the building has also been called The First Union Center at Casey Plaza and The Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza before entering into a 10 year naming rights deal with the nearby Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs racetrack and casino. The Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins are the primary tenant of the facility. The team has enjoyed quite a bit of success in their time in the American Hockey League, qualifying for the playoffs in 18 of their 20 seasons in the American Hockey League, including every season since 2002. The Penguins have reached the Calder Cup finals three times in their history. Food & Beverage 4 The Mohegan Sun Arena offers an impressive menu for a mid-sized arena. Fans attending Penguins games can choose from several stands, each offering unique menu items. Stands operated by local favorites Chickie & Pete’s and Revello’s Pizza headline the offerings. Other options include Center Ice Grill, Brewski’s & Brats and Power Play Pizza. In addition, portable carts offer a wide variety of snack foods to round out the culinary experience. Chickie’s and Pete’s Stand at Mohegan Sun Arena, Photo by Pauk Baker, Stadium Journey Craft beers from local breweries Lion Brewery, Troegs and Dogfish are sold throughout the facility. Fans seeking non-alcoholic beverages can choose from a variety of Coca-Cola products. The Stix Sports Bar, located behind section 119, features seating that overlooks the arena floor. This sports bar features several high-definition televisions, and sells craft beers and mixed drinks. Puck’s Craft Vodka Bar offers specialty drinks for thirsty Penguin fans. Mohegan Sun Arena offers several signature items for the adventurous eater. The Roast Beast, sold at the Lion’s Den concession stand, contains 8 ounces of Roast Beef in au jus, cheese sauce with bacon, horseradish sauce and crispy onion straws on a Kaiser roll. It comes with a bucket of house-made kettle cooked chips seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning. Other fans may head to Glazed & Confused, where they can order a “Sticky Pig,” a pulled pork sandwich topped with an onion ring on a donut shell, or a “Beef of Burden,” a sandwich with beef brisket on a donut shell topped with an onion ring. A detailed description of Mohegan Sun Arena’s concessions can be found here. Atmosphere 3 The Penguins offer your standard minor league hockey experience, complete with loud music, in-game giveaways, and between period shenanigans. If you are at a Penguins game, you will certainly be entertained by Tux, the Penguins’ mascot. Tux has a wide repertoire of gags and skits to keep fans entertained, and is one of the better mascots in the AHL circuit. Many a visiting fan has left Mohegan Sun smelling like popcorn after getting a bucket of the stuff dumped over their heads by Tux. Tux, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Despite Wilkes Barre’s location close to both Philadelphia and New York City, this city seems to have fully embraced the Penguins. The crowd is a sea of black and gold, and the fans in this corner of Pennsylvania know their hockey. The crowd here can get really loud when the building is full, and it gives the Penguins a definite home-ice advantage. Be ready for the obnoxiously loud goal horn whenever the Penguins score. Neighborhood 4 The area around the Mohegan Sun Arena has been built up significantly since the opening of the facility in 1999. There are several hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers within a short distance of the arena. Unfortunately, the area is not an organic neighborhood that can be accessed by foot, or where you can simply park your car and explore. The neighborhood is a hodge-podge of strip malls and developments that have gone up piecemeal over the years. Thus, while there is a ton of activity around the Mohegan Sun Arena, this is not a cohesive neighborhood that would earn higher marks. Most of the eateries here are national chains, which may make the area a bit less attractive to foodies. Still, some local favorites can be found among the clutter. Lucky’s Sportshouse is a popular gathering spot for Penguins fans, and Stations Grill is a highly rated sandwich shop and deli. The Wyoming Valley Mall is less than a block away from the arena. Fans looking for a little more action locally will undoubtedly flock to the nearby Mohegan Sun Casino at Pocono Downs. Fans 3 Attendance for Penguins games has declined steadily over recent seasons. The team enjoyed a sellout streak of 54 games from 2000-2002, which was followed by another sellout streak of 90 games from 2002-2004. From 2000-2007 the Penguins averaged over 8,000 fans every season. Those days seem like a distant memory now. The team is averaging just over 5,000 fans per game in 2018-2019, good for the middle of the pack in the AHL. The fans who come to Mohegan Sun Arena are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the arena can get loud when the Penguins get on a roll. Wilkes-Barre fans have a reputation around the AHL as one of the more unwelcoming groups in the league, but these concerns are overstated. As is the case in most minor league facilities, the Penguins are marketed as family friendly entertainment, and visiting fans are treated well in northeast Pennsylvania (with the possible exception of Hershey Bear fans). Access 3 The Mohegan Sun Arena couldn’t be easier to get to. Visible from Interstate 81, the arena is located just feet from exit 168. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the facility that does not charge for parking. Unfortunately, this is where the good news ends. Mohegan Sun Arena does not have an entry lobby, resulting in fans entering directly onto the concourse from outside the building. As a result, fans are required to wait outside while they pass through security. If you are attending a Penguins game on a cold, rainy night, the long lines that form are a most unwelcome nuisance. Once inside the arena, fans enter into a cramped concourse that is much too small for the crowds that come to Penguins games. Concession stands line the inner wall of the concourse, and many portable carts line the outer wall. Lines from these stands often spill out, making navigating the concourse even more problematic. The concourse is horseshoe shaped, with a small walkway behind the sections 123-126. This walkway is only wide enough for two people, making getting around in this area even more difficult. The seating bowl does not share the same cramped feeling as the concourse. Seats are divided into two levels, each featuring individual padded blue seats. These seats are wide and comfortable, even for fans of larger stature. All seats feature excellent sight lines. Avoid the seats in the 200 sections on the end, as they consist of uncomfortable folding chairs with poor views of the action. Unfortunately, once you leave the seating bowl and exit the arena, traffic problems rear their ugly head once again. There are only two ways out of the parking lot, making exiting a slow process. It can take up to a half hour to get out of the lot on certain nights. Return on Investment 4 Lower level tickets at Mohegan Sun Arena range in price from $25-$36, and upper level tickets range from $18-$28. This puts the Penguins in the same range as other minor league hockey teams in the area. Concession stand prices are also in line with other venues at this level of hockey. Where the Mohegan Sun Arena shines is that they offer free parking in the lot adjacent to the facility. Seeing how it is the only option for parking here, it would be easy to charge a fee and collect some extra money from every fan coming to see a game. The fact that the Penguins don’t charge for parking more than makes up for the slow egress in leaving the lots after a game. Extras 3 In the far corner of the arena behind section 126 is an open area where the team has set up display cases to display the many bobbleheads that the team has given away over the years. Also set up here is the WBS Penguins Hall of Fame, Kids Club and Booster Club. Banners hang from the rafters of the Mohegan Sun Arena honoring the many division and conference championships won by the Penguins over their history. Also hanging are large banners featuring pictures of Pens alumni who currently play in Pittsburgh. A final extra point is awarded for the nice variety of Penguins merchandise available at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Pens logo, which features a muscular Penguin (they don’t drug test logos, but there’s got to be some doubt about steroid use here), is one of the more popular in minor league hockey. In addition, a small kiosk on the concourse offers discontinued items at a discount price. Final Thoughts Thanks to the success of the baby Pens, northeastern Pennsylvania has become Penguins country even though it is located closer to Philadelphia and New York. The arena may not pack in the fans like it used to, and may not stack up when compared to other minor league arenas in nearby Hershey and Allentown, but it remains a solid place to take in a game. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Carson Park 100 Carson Park Dr. Eau Claire, WI 54703 UW-Eau Claire Blugolds website Carson Park website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 6,500 Our Name is our Colors The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team is nicknamed the Blugolds, a creative play on their team colors. The team plays its home games off campus, but still in the city of Eau Claire, at community-owned Carson Park, nestled behind the baseball and softball fields sharing the same facility name. The Blugold band is ginormous, boasting 400-475 members, which is about half the size of the school’s total student-athlete population. The field is a bit hard to access, and the band members tend to have more energy than the rest of the crowd. Food & Beverage 2 Carson Park has a concessions building behind the main grandstand, which doesn’t boast a lot of options. Hot dogs and brats are the only main dishes (brats are a must in Wisconsin), accompanied by popcorn, chips, ice cream, candy, and beverages such as soda, bottled water, hot chocolate, coffee, and cappuccino. Most items are under $2, but the quality of the food is not the best. There is also a beer garden behind the opposite grandstand (beer is also a must in Wisconsin); no alcohol is allowed inside the stadium except within the beer garden itself. Atmosphere 3 The Blugold band is very lively and brings a lot of energy to the experience, with their constant playing, chanting, and (gentle) harassment of the other team. The band is so large they practically stretch from end zone to end zone when performing before the game and during halftime, and as you might expect, they are quite loud, given how many instruments it includes. The halftime performance seems to be the highlight of the day, with many fans recording it on their cell phones; the football game itself doesn’t generate quite as much excitement (more on this later). The band also competes at times with the PA system, which plays upbeat music that gets a few fans grooving rather than letting the band play those types of songs. Occasionally, the band picks up where the PA system leaves off; for example, when the PA system started playing “Jeopardy!” music during a replay review, the band jumped in, prompting the PA system to stop. It was unclear whether this was intentional. Neighborhood 3 There is a lot to do in Eau Claire, with plenty of restaurants, nature trails, and even a zoo. Carson Park itself, though, is separated from the rest of the city by being on a peninsula, almost an island, which juts into Halfmoon Lake. This peninsula includes a train-themed amusement park ride, a local museum, and the Wisconsin Logging Center, which shares a parking lot with the football, baseball, and softball fields. I recommend stopping at Roadside Ice Cream & Diner (at the tip of the peninsula) for a “Legend” (soft-serve ice cream mixer) before or after your Blugolds game. Fans 2 The Blugold fans at Carson Park are not very lively; they are totally overshadowed by the noise of the band. The only cheering after big plays seems to come from the south side of the field, where the band sits, in their very own triple set of bleachers. The student section on the east side of the field also completely emptied out by the end of the third quarter, even during a tight game. Access 3 Getting to Eau Claire is simple enough; the city is located on I-94, which you can take east from the Twin Cities or west from Madison or Milwaukee. Getting to Carson Park itself, however, is a little tricky as it sits in the middle of Halfmoon Lake, with only two roads going in or out. Parking is also very haphazard; there are parking lots next to the field, but the football stadium is blocked from view by the baseball and softball diamonds, so it is hard to tell where you’re supposed to go. A lot of people just park on the grass or under trees along the road that winds its way toward the facility. Some of the gates are also locked, so you may have to walk around the property a little to actually get inside to see the game. Return on Investment 2 I’m not sure I’d recommend making the trip to see Blugold football. Don’t get me wrong; there is no cost to get in, no cost for parking, and the concessions are dirt cheap, so this would make a great low-cost (practically free) outing for friends or family. However, there did seem to be a lot more interest in watching the band than watching the team; the concessions weren’t great, and getting in and out was a bit confusing. Extras 2 There is a team gear stand next to the concessions, and the staff brings in boxes and boxes of stuff to ensure they don’t run out of anything. I did not see a mascot on site, and the scoreboard is static, not video, but the beer garden is a plus (many college stadiums at this level do not permit alcohol). No cost to enter or park is also hard to beat.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 7 17 Credit Union Park 300 South Main St Akron, OH 44308 Akron RubberDucks website 7 17 Credit Union Park website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 7,630 Baseball in QuAkron Akron, Ohio is often referred to as the rubber capital of the world. At one time Akron was the heart of manufacturing tires. It remains the corporate headquarters of Goodyear - and it has baseball. The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians and play in the Eastern League. The franchise originated as the Binghamton Triplets of the New York-Penn League. Since 1967, the team has been a part of the Eastern League. After a number of moves, they ended up in Akron in 1997 as the Aeros. With the explosion of unique brand names in Minor League Baseball, Akron rebranded as the RubberDucks in 2014, a humorous nod to the historical industrial focus of the city. Since moving to Akron in 1997, the team has won six Eastern League Championships, including 2016 and 2021 as the RubberDucks. The team is currently owned by the Prospector Baseball Group, who also own the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp of the International League. The franchise landing in Akron coincided with the opening of Canal Park. The name of the stadium derived from its location close to the Ohio and Erie Canal, which is behind left field. In 2025 the naming rights of the stadium were sold to 7 17 Credit Union. Food & Beverage 5 The concession scene at 7 17 Credit Union Park is among the best in Minor League Baseball. The concession stands are all unique, most of them with common items as well as some signatures. The Cleveland Browns themed Dog Pound highlights its menu with the Three Dog Night, a hot dog stuffed in a brat stuffed in a Kielbasa on a bun with sauerkraut. The brisket and pork belly sandwich known as the Smokestack is also at the Dog Pound. The Bier Garden has a variety of sandwiches known as dugouts as well as loaded pierogies. For the game that was reviewed, the RubberDucks played as their alternative brand, the Akron Cream Stick Donuts and a maple, cracker jack creamstick was the feature item. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice. There are also a number of premium beer options to go along with Budweiser and Miller Lite, including Modelo, Golden Road and Rhinegeist. Atmosphere 4 7 17 Credit Union Park is a bit of an inconspicuous ballpark, but definitely attractive. Field level is below street level and the exterior on Main Street is attractive brown brick. The end that is closest to home plate features a small clock tower. Inside the ballpark, the concourses are open, allowing for a constant view of the field. There are some team markings in the concourse including support beams with portraits of former Akron players who have made it to the majors. Unfortunately, the concourses are a horseshoe design and a full 360-degree path around the park is not available. Traditional seating dominates 7 17 Credit Union Park with suites above the lower level, behind the plate. The left field side has picnic seating and the right field side has some rail seating. The tiki bar beyond centerfield and the Duck Club bring the experience to the next level. 7 17 Credit Union Park offers two videoboards, the smaller of which in left center field offers the traditional baseball line score. One thing of note is the retired jersey number 23 for Akron native and NBA star LeBron James. The gameday production in Akron is solid with the in-game host keeping everything moving with a number of promotions on the field. There is no lack of mascots in Akron with Webster being the leader of the group of four. Neighborhood 4 7 17 Credit Union Park is located in Downtown Akron. There are a number of spots that are near for pre or post-game food and drink. Some options include Barley House, The Lockview, Cilantro, Diamond Deli, Insomnia Cookies and Missing Falls Brewers. The RubberDucks are not the only game in town, but there are not many others. The University of Akron fields a number of athletic teams including Akron Zips football, basketball and baseball. Other tourist options in Akron include the Akron Children’s Museum, Akron History Center, Akron Art Museum and Hower House Museum. For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Hilton and Courtyard are good options. Fans 3 Akron has a decent, but unspectacular following for the RubberDucks. In the 2026 season, at the time of writing, the RubberDucks averaged just under 4,000 fans per game, ranking them 6th in the 12-team Eastern League. In the 2025 season, they were around the 4,000 mark again and ranked 7th. At the game that was reviewed, an Akron Cream Stick Donuts game with a giveaway had a complete sellout. The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive of the team, but there is plenty of room to grow. Access 4 7 17 Credit Union Park is located in Downtown Akron on the north corner of Exchange and Main. It is ½ km south of Highway 59 and 2 km north of I-76, so a big drive through the city is not necessary. There are some surface lots and parking garages nearby, but pre-purchasing parking is a good plan, especially on a date where a big crowd is expected. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Main and Exchange. Rides are free to the RubberDuck games. Fans should consult the Akron Metro website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the ballpark is not too difficult, however, it should be noted that 7 17 Credit Union Park does not have a 360-degree path, so doubling back will be required along the route. The washroom facilities are good for the ballpark. Minor League Baseball security protocols are constantly changing. Stadium Journey recognizes this and strongly encourages consulting the Akron RubberDucks website before heading out for the most up to date security information including prohibited items and bag policy. Return on Investment 4 Akron RubberDucks tickets start at $8 for General Admission berm seating. Reserved seats go from $21 up to $31. Parking will cost a few dollars and concession prices are what one would expect. The experience at a RubberDucks game is solid and fans will enjoy themselves, although tickets are heading into expensive territory. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Akron RubberDucks’ alter ego, the Akron Cream Stick Donuts. An extra mark for the RubberDucks brand, a perfect fit for the city with a unique twist. An extra mark for the Ohio and Erie Canalway, just on the other side of left field. Final Thoughts When visiting the Rubber Capital of the World, taking in some baseball is not a bad idea. The Akron RubberDucks at 7 17 Credit Union Park will fill the void and have fans QuAkron with delight! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Parkview Field 1301 Ewing St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 Fort Wayne TinCaps website Parkview Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 9,266 Applesolutely Amazing One of the crown jewels of Minor League Baseball is found in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The franchise began as the Mattoon Indians in 1947 as part of the Illinois State League. The team moved around, including stops in Keokuk, Wisconsin Rapids, and Kenosha, before settling in Fort Wayne in 1993. Upon arriving in Indiana, they were known as the Wizards until 2008, when they rebranded as the TinCaps, a nod to John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed, who wore a tin cooking pot as a hat. It is believed that Chapman lived his final days in Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne has been an affiliate of the San Diego Padres since 1999 and a member of the Midwest League since 1993, where they won the league title in 2009, their debut season as the TinCaps. Home for the TinCaps is Parkview Field. A gem of a stadium built in 2009, it replaced Memorial Stadium, which was the home of the team from 1993 until 2008. It, like the TinCaps, is owned by Hardball Capital, a conglomerate that also includes the Columbia Fireflies and Chattanooga Lookouts as part of its portfolio. Parkview Field, surprisingly, has a naming rights deal with Parkview Health. The TinCaps have sent plenty of players to the majors, including Hunter Frenfroe, Fernando Tatis Jr., Trea Turner, Zach Ellin, Max Fried, Cal Quantrill, David Bednar, C.J. Abrams, and Jackson Merrill. Food & Beverage 5 Parkview Field has a fantastic array of concession options available. The expected burgers, fries, pretzels, hot dogs, and popcorn are all available. There are plenty of other options that are unique and worth trying. Manzana’s Mexican Grill has walking tacos and burrito bowls; Bases Loaded BBQ has pulled pork and brisket items, and The Hot Corner has cheesesteaks, both steak and chicken. Those with a sweet tooth will definitely be satisfied at Parkview Field. Ice cream, funnel cakes, and churros lead the way. However, The Apple Cart is the true star of the menu. Apple Pie, Apple Dumplings, Apple Pancakes and Apple Crisp are all available and a truly unique offering. A full lineup of concession options are available on the TinCaps website for those who like to plan out their culinary experience. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at Parkview Field, and there is a huge selection of craft beer. Some options include Angry Orchard, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, 1301 Brewing, and Bell’s Oberon. Seltzers, wines, and slushy drinks are also available. Atmosphere 5 Although Parkview Field is over fifteen years old, it still feels like new. The exterior is attractive with brown brick and light accents and pergolas for shade at the main, home plate entrance. Other entrances also feature brown brick and wrought iron gates. There are plenty of markings around the exterior of the park to ensure that passers-by know that it is the home of the TinCaps. Inside the ballpark, the concourses are spacious and open, with a view of the field. There is a full 360 degree path around the park with plenty of different seating options. Traditional stands are behind the plate and extend to both bases. Berm seating with some Adirondack chairs is found in the outfield. Table seating is on each side of the traditional seating. Rail seating is in the right field corner. Club 400 in centerfield is a large gathering area, perfect for group outings. Club seating and traditional luxury boxes are behind the plate and make up the second deck. Parkview Field also has its own version of rooftop seating beyond right field known as The Treetops. Just about any possible type of seating is found at Parkview Field. Around the concourses, a number of banners hang on lamp posts sharing key baseball figures in Indiana history, which will keep the history buffs interested. The batting cages used by the players are open for fans to watch the players prepare for the game in a similar fashion to bullpens being open to view. Inside the batting cages is where the championship flags for the TinCaps are found. The third base side has a fully stocked kid zone, including a climbing wall, and those hot days can be spent out beyond centerfield where a cooling splashpad and fountain can be found. It is obvious that the outfield area is designed more as a public park than a traditional ballpark. The gameday production at a TinCaps game is solid. The mascot, Johnny, maneuvers through the crowd, interacting with fans and taking part in on-field promotions. The Bad Apple Dancers, who double as the ground crew, perform a dance while cleaning up the field between innings. Post game fireworks are a staple in Fort Wayne. Neighborhood 4 Parkview Field is located in the West Central neighbourhood of Fort Wayne. There are a few spots for pre and post game food and drink in the area. Some options include Copper Spoon, Conner’s Kitchen, Proximo, Marquee at the Landing and Spoke & Ivy. There are not too many other sporting options in the area. Fort Wayne Komets hockey and Purdue Fort Wayne basketball are probably the best bet. Ruoff Mortgage Stadium, home to Fort Wayne FC, of USL League One is about a 15 minute drive from the ballpark off of I-69. Other tourist options in Fort Wayne include Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, The History Center, Fort Wayne Zoo and the Historic Old Fort. For fans wishing to stay close by the Hampton Inn, Courtyard and Hilton Fort Wayne are all within steps of the ballpark. Fans 5 The Fort Wayne TinCaps have enjoyed tremendous success at the turnstile. At the time of writing, the 2026 season, the TinCaps averaged over 4,600 fans per game. In 2025, the TinCaps averaged just over 5,000 fans per game. In both seasons, they ranked third in a very competitive Midwest League. Fans in attendance are loud and supportive of the team. Access 4 Parkview Field is located in the West Central neighbourhood of Fort Wayne. It is on the northeast corner of Ewing and Breckenridge, 7 km east of Interstate 69. Fans will require a bit of driving through the city, but traffic should not be a big issue. There are a few parking lots and garages in the area for those driving. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Ewing. Fans should consult the Fort Wayne Citi Link website for schedules, fares, and maps. Getting around Parkview Field is not difficult at all, and the concourse offers a full 360-degree route around the ballpark. Washroom facilities are good for the venue. Stadium Journey recognizes that security protocols for sporting events are constantly changing. Stadium Journey highly recommends checking the Fort Wayne TinCaps website for the most up to date security information, including prohibited items. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for a Fort Wayne TinCaps game are very affordable, starting at $9 for lawn seating and going up to $17 for seats behind the plate. Concessions prices are what one would expect and fans will pay a few dollars if parking is needed. Putting that all together and comparing it to the experience that the TinCaps put together, it is questionable how it could get much better. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Johnny Appleseed motif, including the bronze statue of John Chapman outside of the Hampton Inn, right behind the ballpark. An extra mark for Parkview Field operating as a public park, open to the public through the day. An extra mark for Parkview Field as the focal point of Downtown Fort Wayne. Final Thoughts For nearly two decades, Fort Wayne has been opening the eyes of baseball fans, as Parkview Field is one of the top venues in Minor League Baseball. The TinCaps experience is one that baseball fans from all over must experience. It is applesolutely fantastic! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads, and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Kinsman Arena @ Kitchener Memorial Auditorium 400 East Ave Kitchener, ON N2H 1Zy Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club website Kitchener Memorial Auditorium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 1,607 The Home of Brave Lacrosse In 1967, junior lacrosse was founded in Kitchener, Ontario. A hotbed for junior hockey, the Kitchener-Waterloo Braves took their place among the other lacrosse teams in Junior B. The Braves would win the Founders Cup as Junior B Champions in 1987 and 1988 and eventually move up a tier to Junior A in 1991. The rebrand of the league to become the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League in 2021 would pave the way for the modern Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club. The KW rebrand would take place in 2020 as teams across the sport would trend away from Indigenous names. The OJLL operates much like the Ontario Hockey League does, as a feeder system to professional box lacrosse leagues such as the National Lacrosse League. Box Lacrosse legends such as Colin Doyle, Dhane Smith, Aaron Wilson, Ryan Benesch and Steve “Chugger” Dietrich all played under the Braves moniker and cut their teeth in Kitchener-Waterloo. Home for the KW Lacrosse Club is the Kinsmen Arena. Part of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, the Kinsmen Arena offers a more intimate atmosphere with a modest capacity of just over 1,600 with some standing room availability. Although The Aud itself opened in 1950, the Kinsmen Arena is much newer and opened some time in the late eighties. Paired with the Kiwanis Arena and known locally as the “Twin Pads,” Kinsmen Arena draws its name from the local charity and part of the Kin Canada organization. Although the KW Lacrosse Club has bounced around over the years in different locations, Kinsmen offers a solid venue, the perfect size, for the local version of the fastest game on two feet. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at Kinsmen Arena are very simple. There is a cart present at games where fans can purchase light refreshments including soda, Gatorade, water and a few different varieties of canned beer. Chocolate bars are also available. Normal concessions that would service the Aud for bigger events are not usually running during the summer months when lacrosse is happening. However, having a licenced venue that serves alcoholic beverages was a surprise Atmosphere 2 Junior A lacrosse is a bit of a hidden gem. The KWLC play at the venerable Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, which is also the home to the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. Rather than playing in the iconic Dom Cardillo Arena, lacrosse is found at the Kinsmen Arena, a much newer and smaller arena in The Aud complex. The arena is not over the top and is fairly simple. Fans will enter the indoor portion of the complex from the Eugene George Way, side of the arena as opposed to the main arena off of East Avenue. The exterior of the building is attractive enough with light coloured brick and an LED ribbon to advertise events. The breezeway from this entrance leads past the main box office, which will be closed, past the memorial dedication plaque and Kraut Line display to the twin pads. Tickets for purchase are just inside the Kinsmen Arena doors at a temporary table. Home to hockey at various levels in the winter months, the ice comes out during lacrosse season and the KW Lacrosse Club finds a solid home for the summer. Kinsmen is located at the northeast portion for the complex buildings. It features a simple, low ceiling and light coloured walls, essentially lacking much in the way of colour. The floor surface runs from west to east, with all of the seating on the south side. Four sections of benches which surround a centre section of traditional arena seats make up the seating area and there is plenty of standing room in the east and west corners and behind the seating area. A simple hockey scoreboard is found hanging in the northeast corner of the arena. It would be beneficial if the Kinsmen Arena felt more like the home to the KWLC. The interior of the arena is as bland as the current branding for the team. The opportunity to showcase some of the history of the team would be great and give fans a better sense of the longevity of the team. The game differs a bit from what one would expect in the National Lacrosse League. The concrete floor, as opposed to green carpet, offers a different experience to the game. The squeaking sneakers, similar to that of a basketball game, creates a different feel and when players hit the ground, they tend to slide, unlike the game on the carpet. The gameplay also differs from the pros as music does not play throughout the play. This offers fans to hear the sounds of the game like the ball cracking off the goaltender’s pads or off of the boards, or the metal smashing of two sticks in combat. The smaller venue gives fans a closer perspective to the game and a better sense of just how fast and tough box lacrosse can really be. The gameday production is pretty simple with some basic music being played before the game and during intermissions as well as for goals. The PA announcer does a decent job of conveying information to the fans, however the PA system has much to be desired and most announcements are lost to poor speakers and poor acoustics. Neighbourhood 3 The Aud is located just east of Downtown Kitchener. For the most part, the Aud is a community arena. There are almost no pre and post game meal options within walking distance. Fans could hike up Ottawa Street to the Tim Horton's or Dairy Queen. Strykerz Kitchen and Bar in the same plaza may be an option, but it is pretty small. The best bet would be to head downtown or take the highway out to Sportsworld. Downtown, fans might want to try The Grand Trunk Saloon, TWH Social, Bobby O'Brien’s or McCabe’s. Out by Sportsworld you will definitely want to hit Moose Winooski's. For a truly genuine Kitchener experience, fans should look into eating a pre-game meal at the Concordia Club or The Metro. Kitchener celebrates the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany in Oktoberfest. The Friday buffet at the Concordia Club is a great way to experience Kitchener’s German heritage before a lacrosse game! Other sporting options locally would have to begin with the headline Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, who play in the Dom Cardillo Arena on the other side of the hall. When the nicer weather hits, then the Kitchener Panthers can be found on the other side of the parking lot at Jack Couch Stadium. Other options include hopping over to Kitchener’s twin city, Waterloo to catch some local university action. The Waterloo Warriors call the PAC home to basketball, Warrior Field home to football and Columbia IceField home to hockey. The Laurier Golden Hawks play their football games at Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium, their hockey games at Sun Life Financial Arena at Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, and their basketball games at WLU Athletic Complex. Downtown, fans may also want to check out The Museum. Fans who are staying in town overnight should head downtown. The Walper Hotel and Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo are good selections. Fans 3 Junior A lacrosse has a small, but hardcore following. Assessing fan support can be difficult as attendance figures for games are not published as part of the game sheets. That being said, there were a few hundred people in attendance at the game which was reviewed supporting both home and away squads. A large percentage of those are most likely friends and family, however, the fans in attendance were loud and definitely knew the game and the team. Access 5 The Aud is located in the Auditorium District, which is east of Downtown Kitchener. Getting to The Aud is not difficult. It is immediately west of Highway 7, which is the main artery through Kitchener. There is plenty of parking on both the north and south sides of the complex, which should be entered from Ottawa Street or Stirling Avenue. For fans wishing to take public transit to the lacrosse game, there are buses that travel both Ottawa and Weber Streets. The light rail Ion train is a fair hike from the nearest station, so that may not be the best option. Fans should check out the Grand River Transit website for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around the Kinsmen Arena is no issue at all as the building is not packed and there are not a ton of concession options. Fans with mobility issues are better served in the Kinsmen Arena than the Dom Cardillo Arena as there is not the main staircase to ascend in the Kinsmen. Return on Investment 4 With the rising cost of sports at all levels, finding affordable entertainment for the sporting dollar can be a real challenge. K-W Lacrosse is very affordable at just $10 a ticket. Students and seniors can get in for $5. There are not many places that offer this kind of value. Concessions, although limited, are reasonably priced and parking is free at The Aud. The product on the floor is definitely fast-paced and hard-hitting and fans of lacrosse will enjoy the Junior A level of lacrosse. Extras 2 An extra mark for the long history of the Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club, as one of the oldest clubs in the OJLL. An extra mark for the sensational alumni that have found their way through KW and moved on to stardom in the National Lacrosse League. Final Thoughts Lacrosse will not be taking over the top spot as the favourite sport in North America anytime soon. It remains very much a niche sport. However, the fastest game on two feet is a great way to see some top notch athletes in a way that fans may not be accustomed to. The Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club provides a window into the future of the sport, profiling the athletes who will one day be professionals in the NLL and it's very affordable! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

The Pecos League is an independent baseball league stretching across the desert and mountain regions of Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Stadium Journey has visited 10 of the league’s 14 ballparks; the Austin Weirdos operated as a traveling team in 2026, though we previously reviewed their former home stadium. We congratulate the Garden City Wind for capturing the 2026 championship. Though teams come and go in this league, currently, four parks remain on our to‑visit list: the Blackwell FlyCatchers, North Platte 80s, Pecos Bills, and the new Grand Junction Razorback Suckers. If you’re interested in contributing a review to Stadium Journey, we’d love to hear from you. Founded in 2011, the Pecos League has carved out a unique place in independent baseball, and for the first time, Stadium Journey is ranking its ballparks. Rankings are based on our patented FANFARE system, which evaluates food and beverage, game‑day atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the venue), return on investment, and a bonus category for anything that falls outside the standard criteria. When stadiums earn identical scores, the Stadium Journey Council of Elders steps in to break the tie. To read each full review, simply follow the link for the corresponding ballpark. 10. Fallon Field - Dublin Leprechauns - 1.71 Meg Minard - The cleverly named Dublin Leprechauns, founded in 2023, play their home games at Fallon Park, a premiere sports complex owned and operated by the City of Dublin, CA. The Leprechauns play in Ball Field G at the corner of Fallon Rd and Central Pkwy. 9. Sam Lynn Ballpark - Bakersfield Train Robbers – 2.57 Meg Minard - 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. 8. Fort Marcy Ballpark - Santa Fe Fuego – 2.57 Meg Minard - Baseball fans visiting Santa Fe should try to catch a Fuego game during the May - July stretch. The costs are low enough that most fans should find a Fuego game budget‑friendly. Just keep in mind that the ballpark can be tough to navigate if you use a wheelchair, walker, cane, or feel unsteady on your feet. 7. Parque Zaragoza - Austin Weirdos - 2.57 Marc Viquez - The traveling team in 2026, the Weirdos played their inaugural 2022 season at Parque Zaragoza. Management acknowledges this venue is not the ideal place for a game and want to make Austin its home for the foreseeable future. However, the team’s branding is on point with the city’s slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.” 6. Clint Lightner Field - Garden City Wind – 2.71 Meg Minard - Capturing their first-ever league title on August 8, 2026, the Wind provide an entertaining, affordable evening out. If you live in the area or happen to be visiting nearby, be sure to check out a game at Clint Lightner Field. 5. Central Park - Trinidad Triggers – 2.71 Meg Minard - The Triggers have established themselves well in Trinidad, CO and in the Pecos League, beginning with their debut in the 2012 season. The Triggers play at Central Park Field, a city park located one mile from downtown Trinidad, CO. The city of Trinidad made several improvements to the field and park for this team: updates to the bullpens, adding a cement backing/wall to the seating area, improvements to the grass seating areas and the field itself. 4. Joe Bauman Stadium - Roswell Invaders - 3.00 Meg Minard – Charter members of the league, an Invaders game provides a low-key, local, welcoming impression where the focus is still more on the game than other extra activities. If in Roswell, NM visiting UFO and alien-related items during June and July, make an effort to head to Joe Bauman Stadium to catch a relaxed, entertaining baseball game. 3. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium - Tucson Saguaros – 3.14 Watching a Tucson Saguaros game is an enjoyable, affordable way to spend an evening out. Tickets are only $10 general admission ($8 for seniors). Fans can sit wherever they choose, roam around, and switch seats as desired. Parking is free. The food is inexpensive for stadium fare. Even the t-shirts are only $20. Baseball fans get a pleasant, albeit warm, evening out. 2. Albert Park Field - San Rafael Pacifics – 3.14 Meg Minard - If you find yourself in the Bay Area, take a trip to San Rafael for an affordable, entertaining baseball game. The city of San Rafael and the Pacifics consistently make alterations and improvements to Albert Park for the betterment of the fans. Examples include a new scoreboard, upgraded restrooms, and new fencing along the ADA ramp and in front of the dugout. 1. Waterfront Park - Martinez Sturgeon – 3.29 Meg Minard - Visiting Martinez, CA and the Martinez Sturgeon is a delightful day trip or evening out during the summer months. Grab your family or friends, take a trip to this historic city, and catch a game. The fans are very welcoming to all visitors and are easy to strike up a conversation with.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey How many people know that the Las Vegas Raiders were once known by another name when they entered the American Football League in 1960? The franchise was originally named the Oakland Senors, but it was a decision that touched off a “unanimous and extremely vociferous disapproval” from almost everyone in town. Oakland was officially awarded a franchise in the AFL on January 31 of that year; by March 20, a Name Your Football Team contest was being held in conjunction with the Oakland Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Oakland Boosters in conjunction with the Oakland Tribune. Participants would clip out the official entry blank with their name suggestion and an explanation in 25 words or fewer of why they chose the name. All of the entries were judged on suitability, completeness, and originality. The winner would receive a trip to Acapulco, Mexico, plus two tickets to the first home game. The second-place winner would receive a trip for two to Oakland's game in Los Angeles, plus two tickets to the first home game. The third-place winner won a season pass for two to all home games that season. There were 10,000 entries submitted, including 1,777 different names. Many of them stood out and would be ideal for a current minor league club, including the following: Atom Smashers, Aristocrats, Bonecrushers, Bicarbonates, Electrons, Gringos, Iron Ponies, Litterbugs, Nutcrackers, Poison Oaks, Termites, Zodiacs, and Prune Pickers. A little more than two weeks later, on April 5, a five-man committee dwindled the suggestions to the Admirals, Lakers, Diablos, Seagulls, Metros, Gauchos, Nuggets, Senors, Dons, Coasters, Sequoias, Missiles, Knights, Redwoods, Jets, Clippers, Dolphins, and Grandees. In the end, the Senors were chosen as the victor. Helen Davis suggested the name, along with seven others, but her explanation of why the name would make a good fit for the football team was the deciding factor. She had entered contests before but had never won, even at bingo. She stated that she was “flabbergasted.” Davis stated that the name “symbolizes the history, strength, and solidarity of the Old World of California. The name personifies the original fighting spirit characteristic of the first settlers of California.” Davis added that she was not an “ardent fan” of football but that she would now be due to her name being selected for the team. Management chose the “Americanized” spelling of the name Señores, which translates to a gentleman in Spanish, and team colors of black and silver with gold trim. There appeared to be a leaning towards naming the team with a Spanish-influenced name. Members of the voting committee liked the name Dons, but that was already in use by the University of San Francisco. Also, it was suggested for fans early on in the voting process to look for inspiration from California's rich Spanish ancestry. However, by the next day, there were already questions about the new name. The City Council disapproved of the name 4-1. Mayor Clifford E. Richell said he had not come across anyone who liked the name. Councilman Robert L. Osborne quipped that he would sell his interest in the team due to displeasure with the name. The next day a petition appeared in the Oakland Tribune to change the name. It is listed that the new name is without force, impact, local significance, or color. The name will not hold up and will be subject to community ridicule. “If it can't be spelled correctly, don't use it because it is not dignified to misspell it. Miss Helen Davis had a very good idea, but somebody botched it up for her,” wrote Emily Castro in a letter to the editor Tribune. A few other letters to the paper pointed out the lack of a tilde over the "n", and the misspelling of the name has been deemed a source of confusion. A few more stated that it was a lack of foresight from a 3rd rate city and that it belongs on the pages of the comic strips. Then there were the voices who said they would no longer support the new club and remain fans of the San Francisco 49ers. It was business as usual for the Senors, who were signing players, looking for a suitable stable to call home, and setting ticket prices at $4.50 a person, the same as the 49ers across the bay at Kezar Stadium. Also, the Oakland City Council approved a $13,500,000 bond to build a new stadium for the team. Finally, on April 14, Oakland management bowed to public objection and changed the name to the now-familiar Raiders. The winner of the new name was Kendrick Martin, who also won a trip to Mexico. It was met with a universal appeal from the populace of the area. Martin and 26 other contestants submitted the name Raiders and won trips to Acapulco. However, he was selected as the winner based on his reasoning for why the club should adopt the name. “Our team of supporters must be fired and inspired by a fighting name. Raiders imply early sustained offense, carrying the fight to the opponent's camp.” The new name was met with almost universal appeal, Alan Ward wrote in his column for the Oakland Tribune, the following: "The switch from Senors to Raiders for the local grid team has been greeted with undisguised glee by the populace. Not in 100 years would football fans, and non-football fans, have been satisfied with the appellation Senors. It simply didn't fit. It had no meaning. It might have had meaning elsewhere, but not for an Oakland club. Raiders-now there's a solid name. It conjures images of Sir Frances Drake and Blackbeard. It's pithy, provocative, and fits easily into a newspaper headline." Tribune columnist Ray Haywood suggested in his column that if the club keeps changing names, there will be enough Oakland area fans in Acapulco to hold a Raiders pep rally. Miss Davis was not bitter about the name change and still planned on attending every home game, shouting “Ole!” after every first down. “Raiders is a nice name. I don't care that they discarded my name. I want everyone to be happy. I'm just sorry Senors caused so much satisfaction. I've been kidding so much since the contest, I'm actually relieved that they changed the name.” Perhaps the public would have learned to accept and love the Senors name; it could have been possible, but after a modest 6-8 maiden season, the club went 3-25 in their next two seasons playing out of three stadiums between San Francisco and Oakland. Crowds were no bigger than 13,000 per game, and a name change would have most likely arrived sometime soon. Raiders GM Chet Soda added the following statement after the end of the 10-day naming saga. “We certainly appreciate fans' interest in our club. Public sentiment disapproves of 'Senors’. We hope everyone will like Raiders as much as we do.” After 63 years, three Super Bowl championships, and legions of fans all over the country. I think many people liked the name Raiders. ------ 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: 2.43 Brockell Field One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901 Cecil College Seahawks website Brockell Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: n/a Baseball Seahawks Cecil College is a community college in Cecil County located just outside of the town of North East, Maryland. It was founded in 1968 and was known as Cecil Community College until 2007. The athletics programs at the college are known as the Seahawks. Nine sports teams on campus compete in Division II of NJCAA. The baseball stadium is named after former long-time baseball coach and 2019 Cecil College Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee, Charlie "Dick" Brockell. Food & Beverage 1 There are limited food options available at Brockell Field. There is a shared concession stand with the softball field but we do not know when it is open. We will award a 1, assuming that it is open on busy weekend games. 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 is a large and weird variety of seating options around the field. There is a couple of small three-row bleachers, a couple of garden benches, regular park benches, park picnic tables, and a raised stone seating area. You can also sit on the grass to bring your chair. The baseball field is located right next to some nice woods, that offer a nice view past the fences. Neighborhood 3 North East is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore and is simply named from its direction on the Maryland map. Downtown North East offers many great shopping opportunities as well as wonderful food. Woody's Crabs is a good choices for meals when in town. The college is located across I-95 from the town and there are some other food options as well. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 3 The college is located almost directly off of I-95, one of the busiest and most well-known highways in the country so getting to campus will not be difficult. Follow signs to the back of the campus and you will find the athletic field. There will be plenty of parking. We are dropping our rating down a bit as current construction might make your way back to the baseball field a bit of an adventure. 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 1 The unique variety of seating options is an extra on its own. Final Thoughts Brockell Field is a basic pleasant baseball field located in a nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a baseball fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Cecil College Gymnasium One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901 Cecil College Seahawks website Cecil College Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1970: Remodeled 2010 Capacity: 1,500 Basketball Seahawks Cecil College is a community college in Cecil County located just outside of the town of North East, Maryland. It was founded in 1968 and was known as Cecil Community College until 2007. The athletics programs at the college are known as the Seahawks. Nine sports teams on campus compete in Division II of NJCAA. The Seahawks won the NJCAA Division II national championship for basketball in 2006. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, The gymnasium is located on the first floor of the Physical Education building (Building E) on the North East campus. Food & Beverage 2 There are no real food options available at the arena. We are giving much credit to the vending options, which include a hot pizza vending machine. We attended after a major snowstorm and between semesters so the machine was not working, but we are hoping it is as awesome as it sounds. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level basketball game. There are some simple PA announcements and music played. There is only one grandstand in the gymnasium with nice comfortable seats. Technically there is also a small 4-row set of stands behind the benches but we think it is usually only used by the athletic trainers. Neighborhood 3 North East is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore and is named from its direction on the Maryland map. Downtown North East offers many great shopping opportunities as well as wonderful food. Woody's Crabs is a good choices for meals when in town. The college is located across I-95 from the town and there are some other food options as well. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games, as well as other local teams fans. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 3 The college is located almost directly off of I-95, one of the country's busiest and most well-known highways, so getting to campus will not be difficult. 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 building. You can enter from both sides of the gymnasium as there will be people charging for tickets at both entrances. Return on Investment 4 There is a simple $5 admission charge, paid in cash. That small price, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. Extras 1 Cecil has a good number of trophies and other things that show their past accomplishments throughout the arena and building. Look for the National Championship trophy. Final Thoughts The Cecil College Gymnasium is a simple affair but serves as a decent, albeit simple, venue for intercollegiate sports.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Turf Field One Seahawk Drive North East, MD 21901 Cecil College Seahawks website Turf Field website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: n/a Soccer Playing Seahawks Cecil College is a community college in Cecil County located just outside of the town of North East, Maryland. It was founded in 1968 and was known as Cecil Community College until 2007. The athletics programs at the college are known as the Seahawks. Nine sports teams on campus compete in Division II of NJCAA. The College dedicated its new synthetic turf field on June 13, 2023 Food & Beverage 1 There are limited food options available at Turf Field. There is a shared concession stand with the baseball and softball field but we do not know when it is open. We will award a 1, assuming that it is open on busy weekend games. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level softball match. There is very little atmosphere for Seahawks matches. There is a PA system but it plays at an extremely low volume. There is one small stand on the main side of the field and some various seating on the opposite side. A loose stone walking path surrounds the field Neighborhood 3 North East is located between Philadelphia and Baltimore and is simply named from its direction on the Maryland map. Downtown North East offers many great shopping opportunities as well as wonderful food. Woody's Crabs is a good choice for meals when in town. The college is located across I-95 from the town and there are some other food options as well. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. Access 4 The college is located almost directly off of I-95, one of the busiest and most well-known highways in the country so getting to campus will not be difficult. Follow signs to the back of the campus and you will find the athletic field. There will be plenty of parking. 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 1 The unique variety of seating options is an extra on its own. Final Thoughts Turf Field is a basic pleasant soccer pitch located in a nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a sports fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Victory Field 501 W Maryland St Indianapolis, IN 46225 Indianapolis Indians website Victory Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 15,500 Victory Field: The Perfect Ballpark for Indianapolis Baseball Victory Field in downtown Indianapolis remains one of the premier spots to enjoy a minor league baseball game in the country; its design, setting, minor improvements, and simplicity continue to attract fans throughout the season. The team has been an institution in town since 1902 and has a stadium that is synonymous with baseball in Indianapolis. The Tribe has been the top draw in minor league baseball over the past two seasons, averaging well over 9,000 fans per game. The secret to the team’s success might be the spacious ballpark that ages like fine wine and affordable tickets, or its downtown location near the zoo, White Water Amphitheater concert venue, restaurants, bars, bike paths, museums, and Lucas Oil Stadium. Then again, it may be just the perfect ballpark for the size of the city. The Indianapolis Indians of the International League have been playing baseball at the stadium since July 11, 1996. The 14,230-seat stadium replaced the aging Bush Stadium that had housed the Tribe since 1931. Ironically, Bush Stadium was known as Victory Field from 1942 to 1967 after World War II. Baseball itself has been played in the city since 1877, while the Indians franchise has called Indianapolis home since 1902. The team has made several renovations over the past two seasons that have included a new $2.4 million, 35-foot-by-50-foot HD video board in the right field, updated suites, and hallways that now include the team colors of red and white, along with pictures of former players, managers, championship seasons, and a franchise timeline of major league affiliates and historic moments. The lawn seats are popular for weekend games. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 Victory Field upgraded its food options to include fresh–never frozen–burgers, loaded tots, and other delights for the baseball visitor. There are always the staples that include the always tasty Victory Dog, loaded nachos at the salsa bar, and Sun King beer that includes the exclusively produced Indians Lager–a Vienna Lager only found at the ballpark. Indy Burger Kitchen offers the classic single or double burger along with tots at its concession stand behind the backstop. The meat is never frozen, and fans can load their tots with cheese, chili, peppers, or bacon for an additional $3. Many fans were walking around with boxes of pizza. The size serves 2 children or 1 person and comes topped with either sausage or pepperoni. There is also a shareable portion of tots with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and peppers and onions. The Chicken Tender and Love stand offers chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches with fries, along with a sauce bar just outside the concession area. A condiment bar offers an array of sauces from barbecue, buffalo, Carolina gold, and hot honey. Tenders Love Chicken is a popular meal at the ballpark. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. There are a couple of kiosks on the first baseline that serve Korean brisket, adobe chicken, and harissa cauliflower tacos with chips. The Eisenberg sausage stand offers Polish sausage, footlong hot dogs, and the Dog of the Homestand, a tribute to the visiting team. The version on sale was the Gwinnett Glizzy, topped with coleslaw, barbecue sauce, and grilled onions. In the beverage category, Coors, Leinenkugel, and Budweiser products are served on draft, while local craft brewery Sun King offers 16-ounce cans. Sun King provides a variety of beers, including Vienna Lager, Wee Mac Scottish-style Lager, and the popular Sunlight Cream Ale. Fans can also pick up varieties from King Jugg Brewing Company. The Rum Bar offers flavors of Malibu rum: margaritas, dreamsicles, and pina coladas. Other options include Tropical Sno, where fans can build their own and purchase a Rowdie's Cheery Bear Sno or a Shark Attack. Surfside cocktails. Cutwater and Nutrl hard seltzers are also available at Grab and Go sections on the first and third base side of the stadium. The Yuengling Landing offers eight cocktail drinks served in mini fish bowls that are as colorful as they are tasty. A few of the selections include Blue Hawaiian, wine slushies, vodka and pink lemonade, and pineapple mango mojito. You can also find vendors hawking soda, beers, cotton candy, and peanuts in the stands. On Tuesday, it is Dollar Menu Night featuring $1 hot dogs, sodas, popcorn, and peanuts at specific concession stands. This night is also extended to Thursday night for playoff games. Thursday nights, during the regular season, feature Thursdays, which include $2 Pepsi products and $3 draft beers. The food at Victory Field does not try to reinvent ballpark cuisine, but rather, makes it a little bit tastier. Atmosphere 5 When you have a ballpark situated downtown, the views are spectacular throughout the concourse. There are two-tier seating and a long, lush grass berm area that is perfect for lying out on a blanket or enjoying a few snacks from your cooler. The berm is a favorite gathering spot for both your baseball and non-baseball fans to enjoy the game in unison; it is also a great place to get a tan. A lot of other ballparks have grass seating in the outfield, but here it is spacious and perfectly sloped for comfort. The majority of visitors enter through the center field entrance under the arched signs of Victory Field into the PNC Plaza. This area offers the children’s play zone, access to lawn seats, and concession items. You will also find a few sellers offering a cold beer or cotton candy to everyone who walks through the entrance. Fans either walk to their seats, gaze at the surrounding views, or head to other concession areas of the stadium. Then again, you may have a ticket in The Yuengling Landing in the left-field corner. A ticket will cost you $30, but you will have table-top seating with wait service. The popular section can handle up to 150 people per game and is usually sold out from June to September. Victory Field Yuengling Landing, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It is a place for adults 21 or older to enjoy the game in a much more prestigious setting at the ballpark. The Elements Financial Club is $85 and includes food and drink. It is located in the suite area above the grandstand and offers a full-service bar, indoor seating, and outdoor seats. Rowdie is the official team mascot, and he can be seen throughout the game entertaining fans. If you are with children, the team offers carnival games behind the batter’s eye in the center field. Kids can test their pitching arms, win prizes at ball tossing, or enjoy t-ball hitting and water gun races. There is also a small team gear stand and a food stand in this area. The team’s official merchandise store is rather small, but there is a lot of great team swag for both men and women that pays tribute to the team’s long history. There is an additional store down the first baseline. Also, look out for tables offering discounted shirts and caps during select times throughout the season. The main concourse features heritage posters that pay homage to past greats, including Harmon Killebrew, Roger Maris, Randy Johnson, George Foster, and current star Andrew McCutchen. Many of the Indians’ former Hall of Famers, all-stars, and championships are on display on the exterior of the outfield entrance. Neighborhood 4 Victory Field is located in downtown Indianapolis, and there are many options, including hotels, bars, restaurants, and museums; although many of them are chains, there are a few places worth visiting before or after a game. A great destination after the game would be Mass Ave., where the vibrant streets offer an array of dining and late-night destinations. The Eagle has some of the finest fried chicken in the city; Bru Burger Bar is widely popular, but then again, so is the taco and tequila bar Bakersfield. If you are looking for music, cocktails, and a cool vibe, visit Union 50. The downtown scene features many local breweries, including Sun King and Metazoa. The Tap Beer House and The Yard House feature even more craft beer choices from around the Midwest and the country. If you are with the family, the Indianapolis Zoo and State Museum are within walking distance of the stadium, and for a place the kids will enjoy, The Children’s Museum is just a few short miles north. The Fountain Square neighborhood is worth visiting as well, with even more restaurants, shops, bars, and comedy clubs. Fans 5 There is a question that lingers over each visit made to Victory Field. Are the fans here to watch baseball, or are they here for a nice night out with friends or family? It is solely about enjoying time outside, having a lazy afternoon, or enjoying a night with a group of friends or colleagues. It is a quintessential minor league baseball experience where fans come out in droves on the weekends, during fireworks nights, and during promotional Sunday afternoon games. The city fills up the place consistently year after year, and there has rarely been a negative word said about Victory Field by any of its fans or first-time visitors. Access 4 Moving around the concourse at Victory Field is simple and easy; markers are located for bathrooms, seating areas, and exits. Ushers are available to assist with seat location, and there are very few barriers in anyone’s way inside the facility. Concession booths are set up nicely around the stadium, and there is free WiFi for patrons. After and before the game, local police do a great job of making congestion dissipate on the streets and sidewalks outside of the main outfield entrance. The best way off I-70 is to exit 79A S. West St. and proceed north until the stadium is on your left. However, during certain weekends or Holiday games, the crowds can swell to close to 15,000–plan to arrive early and look for concession lines down the third base side to reduce wait time. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for an Indians game will cost you between $13-$19 (add $2 if purchased the day of the game), depending on where you want to sit. This is the average price point compared to other International League teams. Tickets to Yuengling Landing are $32 and are near the foul pole in left field. Fans in the Landing have access to an exclusive menu, reserved tables and drink rails, a dedicated bar, and wait staff. The team offers its Dollar Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays, where beer and soda are $3. Victory Field parking is accessible by several city lots surrounding the stadium, including the Senate State Garage (a 15-minute walk) for $7 and the White River State Park and Government Center Garage ($10). Lucas Oil Stadium Lot 1 and Convention Center Lot A are both $7 for most home games. Parking in the neighboring lots should cost you no more than $7-$10; however, parking in the museum lot can run you $10. If you can find street parking, the prices are from $1.50-$1.75 an hour until 9 PM, or if taking in a Sunday afternoon game, the meters are free of charge. ; Extras 5 One extra point for the lawn seats in minor league baseball; the area is perfectly sloped and wraps around the entire outfield perimeter. Fans are also allowed to bring in a single-handed cooler no larger than 20 inches, sans non-alcoholic beverages and glass containers. An extra point for the victory bell that gets rung after every Indian victory. The collection of merchandise from the team’s illustrious history is worth an extra point. The team introduced a brand new look for the 2026 season. However, you can spot Cincinnati Reds-era caps, Montreal Expos pinwheel caps, powder blue shirts, and Chicago White Sox-era navy caps on fans throughout the ballpark. One final extra point for the video menu boards at almost all concessions and kiosks throughout the facility. More ballparks are catering to visual customers who eat with their eyes. Final Thoughts Victory Field is my minor league baseball headquarters. I have the opportunity to visit the spacious facility numerous times each year and see what is new. Certain nights and promotions are better than others, but it is a ballpark that feels new, clean, vibrant, and beautiful after 30 years. It’s not uncommon to have 12,000 fans at the stadium on a Friday Fireworks Night. If architects were to create a new ballpark for Indy, they would make it exactly like Victory Field. ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Warrior Field 220 Columbia Street West Waterloo, ON N2L 0A1 Waterloo Warriors football website Warrior Field website Stadium opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,700/5,700 Black and Yellow… Although the Waterloo Warriors have been playing Canadian university football since 1957, they are one of only six teams in the country that has not been to a Vanier Cup. The fight continues at Warrior Field. Although the Warriors have tasted some success, including Yates Cup Championships in 1997 and 1999, the Warriors have had strings where there has not been much winning on the field. They had a stretch where they failed to make the playoffs from 2004 to 2017 and last had a season with more than four wins in 1998. Even through the tenure of their only Hec Crighton Award winner, Tre Ford in 2021, the Warriors were unable to make it to the next level. At one time, the former Seagram Stadium, built in 1958, was owned by the University of Waterloo. It was given to the City of Waterloo in 1974 and remained home for the Warriors. In 1992 it was taken over by Wilfrid Laurier University and renovated. This left a less than desirable situation where Waterloo played at the home of their biggest rival. Coach Dennis McPhee pushed the university to build their own home, on campus. Warrior Field opened in 2009 giving Waterloo a home of its own. The latest renovation is the opening of the Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House, which towers over Warrior Field and adds to the atmosphere. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at Warrior Field are pretty restricted. University of Waterloo Food Services is on location and provides basic concession options including hot dogs, sausage and burgers. Vegetarian options are also available. Soda and water can also be found at the main tent. Domino’s Pizza also has a presence at the game. Warrior Field provides just enough to get by, however for fans looking for something more, looking elsewhere before or after the game would be the best idea. Atmosphere 3 Warrior Field provides a very simple structure in a wide open part of campus. Located as part of the Columbia IceField athletic complex, north of Columbia Street, Warrior Field is not an imposing structure. The turf field runs from east to west with a simple aluminum bleacher seating structure on the north side and berm seating on the south side. The most notable feature of the field would be the Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House, which towers over the field, with a large Warriors logo on the facade. The Field House provides washroom facilities and a ticketing office. The simple, digital scoreboard is at the west end of the field along with the flag poles. Warrior Field has a bit of a natural feel to it as it is surrounded by plenty of mature trees. The Columbia IceField, which is attached to the Field House, offers other athletic facilities as well as the football offices. Outside of the football office, fans can find the Warrior Football Ring of Honour, which includes such Warrior football greats as Mike Bradley, Tom Chartier, John Shoniker and Dave “Tuffy” Knight. It is unfortunate that these honours are hidden away from regular fans and it is not possible to see this on gameday. Also, it would be beneficial for the Warriors to erect flags or banners commemorating the 1997 and 1999 Yates Cup Championships that the Warriors earned. The Warriors have dedicated a rock near the players’ entrance to former Warrior Lam Diing who was fatally stabbed in 2018. The gameday presentation is fairly consistent with what fans would expect from any OUA football game. The Warriors enter the field from the northeast corner, running through an inflated Warrior helmet. The Waterloo mascot, King Warrior often joins the Warrior cheerleading team on the sidelines. Select games will also bring out the small, but committed Warrior Band to provide music at the east end of the grandstand. The sound system has seen some improvements and announcements by the PA announcer are now easier to hear. Neighbourhood 4 Two universities, University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, within the vicinity of Warrior Field make the surrounding neighbourhood very interesting. The University of Waterloo is an urban campus so there are many nearby options. For the most variety, head over to University Ave and select from a plethora of locales and cuisines. Some spots you may want to check out will include Mel’s Diner, Molly Bloom’s and Williams Fresh Cafe. The Bomber is within walking distance of Warrior Field and is the campus pub. The other option would be to head up to King Street where Morty’s Pub is the best among a list of options. If it is possible to see the Warriors play in the late fall, then celebrating Oktoberfest may be a possibility. The largest North American Bavarian festival brings thousands into town and is a highlight for many of the locals. There are a huge number of events for all ages and not something to miss. Otherwise, a Saturday afternoon Warriors game can lead into a great evening of jazz at The Jazz Room at the Huether Hotel, close to Uptown Waterloo. On the campus of Waterloo, the Physical Activities Complex plays host to the Warriors basketball team and Columbia IceField is home to the Warriors hockey team. A short walk across campus leads to the campus of Wilfrid Laurier. The former home of Warriors football is now Knight-Newbrough Field at University Stadium and is home to the Laurier Golden Hawks. The WLU Athletic Complex is home to Golden Hawks basketball and nearby Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is home to the Laurier hockey teams. Across town in Kitchener, visiting fans will most definitely want to catch a Kitchener Rangers hockey game at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. If you are looking for a place to stay in town, Delta Hotels Waterloo is a good option. Fans 3 USports is guilty of some sporadic attendance reporting. At the time of this review, the first game of 2026, the Warriors welcomed 812 fans to Warrior Field. This game was also before the students were due to arrive at campus for the fall semester. The previous season, the Warriors did not report any attendance results, however they averaged over 1,700 fans in 2024. Attendance is elastic and will change with special events like Homecoming or a home game against Wilfrid Laurier, and weather can have a significant impact. The fans in attendance provide decent support, but there is plenty of room for improvement. Access 4 Warrior Field is located at the north end of the campus of the University of Waterloo. It is southwest of Highway 85 and a pretty significant distance from the highway. To get to Warrior Field, fans will be required to drive through the city a bit. Warrior Field is on the same plot of land as the Columbia IceField. Driving through the main campus, between University Ave and Columbia Street, is not required. Public transit options will be left to the GRT buses, of which there are a few that travel in and around the University of Waterloo. The Ion light rail has two stations within a 20 minute walk of Warrior Field. Check the GRT website for schedules and maps. Parking is available around Warrior Field. There is a pay lot at the Columbia IceField and is predominantly reserved for season ticket holders and tailgate parties. Free parking is available on weekends behind the optometry building to the east of the Columbia IceField. There is more than enough parking if you give yourself a bit of time before kickoff. The Feridun Hamdullahpur Field House houses a permanent ticketing box office. Tickets may be purchased right at the stadium using cash or credit with relative ease and a small lineup. The Fieldhouse is open during the game to offer permanent washroom facilities. The portable washroom facilities are now much more limited, with one remaining on the south side of the field. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Warriors are very affordable with grandstand tickets going for $12 and tickets for the berm for $10. It is an extra dollar for each to purchase on gameday. Tickets drop to $8 for seniors and alumni and $5 for children. University of Waterloo students are free with proper identification. Parking can be found for free and concession prices are decent. The opportunity to see high quality football on a nice autumn afternoon is definitely worth the cost. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Warrior Band, which has been running from 1966 and is advertised as “One of the Bands in Canada.” There isn’t really anything like it in the rest of the league. An extra mark for the student-run nature of a Warrior game. The students run just about all of the aspects of the game, including radio and internet streaming broadcasts. An extra mark for the rivalry against the Laurier Golden Hawks across all athletic teams. The Battle of Waterloo is better than it has ever been. Final Thoughts The Waterloo Warriors continue to provide a good atmosphere for USports football. Hopefully, the Warriors will break through and get to that elusive Vanier Cup and make the Black and Yellow proud. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

No baseball fan needs to be told about the cost of seeing live baseball. According to Action Network, the average price for a family of four to attend an MLB game is $319.26, including tickets, parking, and concessions. But it doesn’t have to be. With a fair bit of planning, you can enjoy a beautiful day at the ballpark for much less than you’d expect. Through some research and planning, I recently took in a game at Fenway Park, one of the most expensive ballparks in baseball. For a ticket, transportation and food at the game, I paid under $50. So yes, it can be done. (You can read about how I did it here.) Below are some of the better money-saving tips for enjoying America’s pastime on a budget. Take Advantage of Team Ticket Offers Ticket deals are your biggest opportunity for savings on live baseball. My favorite tip for saving money on tickets is this: sign up for team email ticket alerts. (You will need an account on MLB.com). Every baseball team offers ticket deals, especially when they aren’t enjoying great success on the field. The Yankees, for example…a team you wouldn’t expect to make games affordable for fans…actually offer some very nice discounts. As this sentence was written, you can find $10 seats, half-price deals for MasterCard holders, and up to 80% discounts on single seats for games. There’s also ticket discounts for military members, teachers and seniors. Every team will make you aware of specials they’re offering in their email alerts. Beyond that, they’ll tell you about giveaway nights too, where you can score souvenirs, T-shirts, or kids’ activities without shelling out extra cash. If you don’t mind the extra notifications, it doesn’t hurt to get text alerts and follow teams on social media too. That said, buying tickets through the team isn’t always the cheapest route. There are third party ticket re-sellers too, like Gametime, SeatGeek, and StubHub among many others. It’s a great opportunity to find deals…if you play it right. Shop Around – And Be Flexible The more flexibility you have for which game to attend, the better your opportunities to find cheaper tickets, especially through third parties. Baseball ticket prices vary greatly by time of year, day of the week, and the team’s opponent. I’ll use Fenway Park and the Boston Red Sox as an example. A Saturday night game in July against the rival Yankees is going to cost far more than an Wednesday day game in April against the Athletics. That’s probably common sense, but the point is to choose something that is low demand. June, July and August games are the most popular for most teams, while April is usually the easiest time to find cheaper tickets. In April, the kids are still in school, the weather can still be chilly, and teams aren’t usually generating excitement with their performance yet. Low Demand Cubs Game, Photo by Kurt Smith, Stadium Journey Weekday games are less expensive than weekends, and games against popular rivals, especially teams that aren’t far away, will draw more fans. If a team is out of the playoff hunt by September, you can often find great deals on third party sites. Timing matters, too. If it’s not vital to see the game you want, try waiting until the last minute. It’s very possible that ticket prices will drop precipitously as fans get desperate to unload their unusable tickets. With today’s smartphones, you can be right at the gate of the ballpark when you buy. If you see something you can live with, though, don’t hesitate; jump on it right away. Finally, use the weather! If a blazing hot or excessively frigid day portends a less pleasant experience, you can sometimes find a deal. There‘re always ways to escape the elements during a game if you need to. Getting To The Game Cheaply Parking can sneak up on your budget, especially if you just show up without a reservation. Don’t do that, plan ahead. With a little research, you can cut this cost way down. Apps like SpotHero (my favorite) and ParkWhiz let you book in advance and save quite a bit of dough. If the ballpark is in a residential neighborhood or in the heart of the city, there will likely be plenty of parking options. People even sell their driveway spots. Recently I parked in a driveway about a five minute walk from Wrigley Field for $16 – which, for that distance, would cost around $50 in an official Cubs lot. Incidentally, at Wrigley you can even do better than that. The Cubs offer free parking at a remote lot for night games, from which you can hop on their free shuttle service. So it doesn’t hurt to check and see if teams offer such deals. You also don’t have to drive and sit in gas-guzzling traffic to get to most ballparks. There are almost always one or more money-saving public transit options, especially if a ballpark is in the heart of the city. Take the Train to Yankee Stadium, Photo by Kurt Smith, Stadium Journey Baltimore’s light rail is a great example. You can park in one of a number of lots for free outside the city, and hop on a streetcar that will drop you off right at the warehouse entrance of Camden Yards. The ride is just $4 round trip as I write this. One more tip for parking savings – in some cities, there are a few taverns and restaurants that will let you park there for free, and take you to the game in their shuttle if you order a meal or a drink there. Try doing a search for “ shuttles” and see what comes up. Save On Food And Drinks – Bring Your Own It’s less of a secret these days, but most all MLB teams will allow you to bring your own food and drinks into the ballpark. There are limits of course. You can’t bring in alcohol (anyone familiar with Ten Cent Beer Night in Cleveland knows that wouldn’t end well), in some ballparks you’re only allowed one bottle of water for a drink, and bottles must be plastic and sealed. Each team has different rules; you can do a search for “ bag policy” and usually find what they won’t let you do. Bringing your own, as you can imagine, is a huge money-saver over ballpark food prices. There will often be vendors outside selling soft pretzels, peanuts, drinks etc., but even that will cost significantly more than a short trip to the supermarket before the game. But if you like to get at least something at the game…like a hot dog…go for the “generic” stands that just sell the basics, as opposed to the fancy offerings. You can often find a meal deal, but if not, they’re still the places for the cheapest food items like basic hot dogs. Fenway's Budget Frank, Photo by Kurt Smith, Stadium Journey No one loves a beer at the game more than I do, but you can save mucho dinero avoiding alcoholic drinks inside the ballpark. Not only are the prices of drinks highly inflated, many teams offer a “designated driver” program, where they’ll give you a free soda for promising not to imbibe. Getting The Extras At A Discount It’s always fun to see the jerseys, tees, mugs, pennants and other team logo-adorned stuff in the ballpark’s team store, but you’ll pay top dollar for most anything there. If you’re liking that official team jersey, try this: go to MLBShop.com on your phone and look for it. See if the price is the same there or less. It might be the same, but the website could offer a discount code or some other deal. There’s also eBay, if you don’t mind that someone wore it once. At many ballparks, there will often be vendors and even stores selling team-related items cheaper than inside. Remember: outside vendors are often prone to haggling! When they tell you the price of a cap, offer to buy a second one at half price. After the game especially, these folks may be desperate to unload their extra stuff. Souvenirs Outside PNC Park, Photo by Kurt Smith, Stadium Journey Yankee Stadium is my favorite example of this; there are not only vendors everywhere, but also several stores right there with tons of great stuff for fans. But wherever you are, if you have time, wander around a bit after the game. Saving Money on MLB Games - It’s All About Planning + Knowing Hopefully this piece helps you enjoy live baseball for much less than you expect. It just takes some planning, timing, and maybe a little patience. When it comes to baseball tickets, transportation, food, and souvenirs, take advantage of the one tool that our grandparents didn’t have…the Internet. Because when it comes to enjoying live baseball, a little research goes a long way. Kurt Smith is the author of Ballpark E-Guides, the ultimate website for making the most of your game experience at 18 MLB ballparks, including Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium. You can find many more great ballpark tips at his website: https://ballparkeguides.com.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 O2 Arena Ocelářská 460/2, 190 00 Prague 9 – Libeň, Czech Republic Czechia National Hockey Team website O2 Arena website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 17,383 Hockey In The Heart Of Europe It’s only fitting that the Czech Republic’s national sport of hockey gets played at the second-largest hockey arena in all of Europe. With a capacity of 17,000, O2 Arena Prague is a venue that has hosted a fair share of marquee events as it is home of Sparta Prague HC, many shows, concerts, tennis, the 2024 IIHF World Championships, and Czechia’s National Hockey Team. We happened to be in attendance for Czechia vs Finland during the Swiss Ice Hockey games, serving as a competition to prelude the upcoming world championships. While the O2 may not be the most modern arena in the world, it continues to provide a memorable game day experience while standing the test of time. Food & Beverage 3 The selection of food and beverages is as expected in an arena. They offer all the basics that a stadium typically would. The menu you can prepare to find includes chicken tenders, fries, hot dogs, burgers, sausages, sandwiches, pizza, Coca-Cola products, Fuze Tea, wine, and beer. Food items will cost anywhere between $2-$6. The food quality is what you would expect from stadium food, nothing crazy, but nothing horrible. The only beer on tap is a Staropramen, but it is hard to complain about the lack of variety when it is priced at just under $3 a beer. Cards are accepted at every concession stand in the arena, and all food is priced at face value, meaning tax is not hidden. While the products themselves may not be flashy, they come at unheard-of value compared to stadium food in the United States. Atmosphere 4 Opening its doors in 2004, the O2 Arena in Prague continues to stand out as a top hockey venue in Europe. The arena’s concourse does not have the flashy amenities that the latest arenas have, but entering its 20th year, the O2 continues to provide an excellent game day experience. The stadium is built with four levels: the main bowl being the first, the two middle levels containing the hospitality seats and private boxes, and the upper bowl on the 400 level. At the game we attended, every seating level was open, but for Sparta Prague HC matches, it appears that the upper deck is closed off. I love a venue with a vertical interior, and the O2 provides just that, allowing the arena to be furnished with a louder and more intimate atmosphere even with its large capacity. This also entitles you to purchase 400-level seats without worrying about obstructed or inadequate sightlines, meaning the 400-level is my seating recommendation if you plan on attending a game here. Why pay more for tickets when you don’t have to? The seats themselves are not too wide, but they are padded and equipped with cupholders on both armrests. Plenty of merchandise windows are scattered throughout the lower concourse offering every type of apparel you would expect from a team. The video board must have been replaced since the opening of the arena as it is much more modern than you would expect when comparing it to the semi-old concourse. It is mammoth-like in size and does a solid job of providing stats, replays, and keeping the fans entertained during stoppages with promotions, music, etc. Much of the atmosphere provided during the game was delivered from the stands in the style of chants and songs. Two fans operate drums located in the sections behind the goal in the lower bowl, and these two take the lead when starting a song in the crowd. Once Czechia took the lead in the third period, the two fans who operated the drums kicked off a chant that resembled Wisconsin’s “jump around" tradition, and the entire area turned into a trampoline park. The O2 Arena truly delivers an outstanding hockey atmosphere, and I do not doubt that it will do so for the 2024 IIHF World Championships. Neighborhood 4 Prague is one of the most popular cities in the world when dealing with tourism, and it's for good reason. Beautiful mid-evil architecture, easily accessible public transit, excellent walkability, outstanding food, and cheap booze are just some things the city itself has to offer. Prague is divided into ten municipal districts and 22 administrative districts that are titled, Prague 1, 2, 3… and so on. The main tourist districts would be the city center, also known as Prague 1 and Prague 2. However, the O2 Area is situated in Prague 9, which does not have a ton going on. Outside of O2 Arena, Prague 9 offers a very new and sleek mall containing an assortment of stores and pregame food choices that a considerable number of fans visited before the gates opened. The Stages Hotel is adjacent to the arena for visitors who wish for accommodation close to the arena. It was not open for our visit, but the Czech Hockey Hall of Fame is also next to the arena, and even though we were not able to experience it, reviews suggest it is well worth the visit. We suggest you stay closer to the city center and take public transit to the arena. If you are a solo traveler many hostels can be found around the city center for as low as $10-$25 a night, and if you are traveling with others or a family you can find hotels for $50-$90 a night if you book in advance. This also puts you in the vicinity of the limitless attractions Prague has to offer like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, and the National Museum to mention a few. Staying in the main parts of the city will also give you a plethora of food and drink options as there is something for everyone. In terms of a couple of examples, Lokal Dlouhaaa is the best site for a traditional Czech meal for a low price and Johnny’s Pizza Bar is a superb pizza spot, for once again a low price. In terms of teams that call Prague home, they are as follows; Sparta Prague HC, AC Sparta Prague, Bohemians 1905, and Slavia Prague. Fans 4 Hockey is recognized as the national sport of Czechia, so needless to say the Czechs love their national team. Before the game, there was an induction ceremony from the Czech Hockey Hall of Fame, and the fans in attendance made sure they were in their seats early to pay their respect to Czech hockey greats. People from all over the Czech Republic made their way to Prague for this game as many teams from the Czech Domestic Hockey League, the Czech Extraliga, were represented in the crowd. The fans do a great job staying involved for the entirety of the match. The drums are constantly leading the chants, little air horns are going off, and the crowd reacts to every little thing that happens on the ice. One thing that I appreciated from the crowd was that the concourse was empty during the game, signifying that they remained in their seat when the game was on. They had O2 Arena rocking when they took a 2-1 lead in the third period, which was easily when the building was at its loudest. This also led to the whole arena jumping during a song from the drums, which was a great display from the fans to cap off a great showing by the crowd. Access 3 The public transport in Prague is nothing short of exceptional. It is fast, reliable, and covers the entirety of the city. The city has implemented four subway lines and 35 tram lines in addition to numerous bus lines that expand to areas not covered by the subway or trams. There are three forms of public transit tickets that you can purchase: a 30-minute ticket for $1.34, a 90-minute ticket for $1.79, a 24-hour ticket for $5.37, and a 72-hour ticket for $14.77. Whatever ticket you purchase is valid for all trams, subways, and buses. With that being said, the easiest way to get from the city center to O2 Arena is the yellow subway line, which drops you off right at the main gate to enter O2 Arena. If you are visiting Prague International Airport, I’d advise you to take the 119 bus to the subway taking you to the city center. Parking is available, which is generally used for locals or other Czechs driving in from out of town, but as a visitor who is most likely staying in the city, just take the train there. Gates open 1.5 hours before the event. The main gate is located on the north entrance facing the subway stop. This gate is the only main entrance to the arena, so the queue to enter can be quite long and cumbersome close to game time. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketportal.com, and you will need to print those tickets beforehand. Small purses are pretty much the only bags that are allowed in the arena, however, luggage storage is provided by the arena if you have to bring a large bag that will not be permitted entrance. The concourse is pretty basic and easy to navigate, as it's just a bowl on both levels with nothing crazy inside the concourse. There is not a prototypical team store, but the merchandise is sold within concession-like windows. All lines for concessions and restrooms move very quickly. English is also well-spoken by the staff. Return on Investment 5 Compared to American arenas and stadiums, there is nothing that even comes close to the value of the O2 Arena. Tickets to get into the game were $13 for the 400 level which provided unobstructed and good sightlines for upper-level seats. Lower bowl tickets started at about ten dollars more which is still of great value to see the national team compete. Now if you are in town for a Sparta Prague HC match, lower bowl tickets start at a whopping $12. Concessions are set by the great value standard that is set by the tickets. You are paying anywhere between $2-$7 for every food item and a stadium beer costs $2.50, which is unheard of for American visitors. And as we already covered earlier, public transit is very reasonable and reliable. I don't think many places or teams in the United States deliver that environment for that price level. Extras 2 Not too much in terms of extras from the stadium itself, but before the game we were in attendance for the Czech Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It was neat to see familiar NHL faces in that setting. Congratulations to the Czech greats who were acknowledged for their career accomplishments that night. Final Thoughts It would be an oddity to be in Prague while the National Team is playing unless you are making the trip for the IIHF World Championships. But if you are in Prague during hockey season, it is well worth the visit to see a hockey game whether that being the national team or Sparta Prague HC. O2 Arena offers a great hockey experience for a great price.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Weserstadion Franz-Böhmert-Str. 1 Bremen, Germany 28205 SV Werder Bremen website Weserstadion website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 42,354 The Weserstadion I love Bremen... but it didn’t start well. It’s a cold and grey winter day. I have just 24 hours to discover what makes the Weserstadion a German favourite and ascertain what this gritty north-western port city has to offer. As I arrived on my train from Hamburg, an impressive ‘up and coming’ city, Bremen refused to entice or court me with any obvious landmarks, style, or allure. Outside the Hauptbahnhof (central station), six lanes of tram tracks, buses, and cycle paths on the pavements each sought to end my visit to Bremen before it began. A less than salubrious onward walk plus a shifty looking ‘room-mate’ in my hostel and I’m considering surfing the net for an early flight home. At this point, I’m concluding that if a football team mirrors its city’s characteristics then Werder Bremen, or the ‘green-whites’ as they are known, will be an uncompromising and feared opponent. The first sight of their 40k-plus stadium, nestled on the north bank of the River Weser however reveals such an imposing and classy grandeur that it’s clear there’s far more to Bremen than first meets the eye. History suggests the same, whilst WB has struggled recently, with their better players poached by newest rivals Schalke, they’ve only once not been eating at the ‘Bundesliga top table.’ Their 4 league titles, 6 cups, and a 1992 European Cup Winners Cup win make them one of Germany’s top clubs. The Weserstadion, their home patch since 1909 is full for most games. Food & Beverage 3 Eating and drinking at the stadium is an intrinsic part of the German football experience. A ‘beer and bratwurst’ is mandatory. If you buy inside the ground remember to first acquire (and load with cash) a ‘Werder Card.’ Then use the card for all purchases at the various catering outlets. As a UK supporter, this seems an unnecessary additional transaction and another queue to ‘enjoy’ but it is normal across Europe and you can buy outside if it bothers you. Outside the ground, catering stalls can be found behind the north stand (Gates 4-8) and behind the west stand (Gate 11), providing the usual sustenance options. Back inside ‘Hunger & Durst’ catering outlets provide bratwurst (a mild smoked pork sausage) at 3.30 Euros, currywurst at 3.50 Euros, and krakauer (a smoked and cured sausage with garlic) at 3.30 Euros. You can get some brezel (a glazed brittle biscuit) for 2.50 Euros and for some matches, they also have some frikadelle im brotchen (Meatball rolls). Hunger & Durst also provides a variety of drink options: soft drinks come in at an expensive 4.20 Euros, coffee 2.50 Euros, and Becks and Haake Beck (a low alcohol version) are 4.30 Euros. In the south stand, drinks can also be purchased from a supporter’s bar that does a brisk business serving Becks into special club-branded containers which you can keep as a memento or return and get some cash back. If you’d like to avoid queuing for a werder card, then try offering a supporter 5 Euros cash at the bar and use their card, job is done. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at the stadium is positive, even when Werder is experiencing a tough season. With only a small ‘away’ allocation it is left to the home fans to make the majority of the noise. Weserstadion has hosted international football but was sadly overlooked as a venue for the 2006 World Cup. A recent interview with former player Sandro Wagner suggested playing at the Weserstadion “still makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.” The ground has been developed many times over the years; football was played here as far back as 1909. The most recent upgrades began in 2008 and have bequeathed an impressive stadium. A request to add a third tier however proved too costly. If that were to ever go ahead this really could be up with the best grounds in the world. A ground with no real ‘bad views,’ the playing surface was lowered during the last renovation which helps sight lines and gives a ‘close to the action’ feel, lacking when the ground had an athletics track in years past. Two LED video screens provide the information you need including ‘goal flashes’ from other Bundesliga games, this adds to the atmosphere as relegation rivals' goals are jeered and, when they concede, cheers. The unique features of the ground are the floodlights. Sixty-one metres high, peering down into the ground like ticketless schoolboys striving to get a view of the action. The other unique string in the Weserstadion is environmental; the stadium website explains best: “The centerpiece is a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system, which consists of a total of 200,000 solar cells and blends harmoniously into the construction concept. The system covers an area of ​​more than 2 football fields and generates up to one million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This efficient use of renewable energies significantly reduces CO2 emissions and thus relieves the burden on the environment." Neighborhood 4 The Weserstadion is southeast of central Bremen, however, it’s by no means an ‘out of town’ ground. The size of Bremen means that the use of the trams or buses isn’t necessary during a visit but of course, they’re available if needed. Location means a lot to football fans, being able to walk from your city centre to the ground and straight back afterward is an attractive component of a fan’s match day experience. Three main areas are recommended to be explored during a visit; Viertel, Schlachte, and Alstadt. Viertel is an upmarket area with bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. If you stay in central Bremen it’s on the way to the ground as well. Coffee Corner (on the corner of Vor dem Steintor & Am Dobben) does exactly what it says on the packet and is great for people watching too! Further east along Vor dem Steintor is Bellini’s, a great Italian restaurant that shows Sky Sports. Schlachte has several bars and restaurants overlooking the River Weser. With Beck’s factory on the opposite bank, seemingly looking over your shoulder, you’ll feel bad ordering anything else (nonalcoholic versions available). Red Rock bar provides a lively atmosphere and shows the Bundesliga Friday night match. You can visit the Beck’s factory by the way and of course, the tour involves a little sampling. Altstadt (old town) is impressive and by day you need to tick off the town hall and Roland statue, both UNESCO world heritage sites, and St Petri Dom (cathedral) in the market square. Seek out the Spitzen Gebelin bar in a side street adjacent to the square, a 14th Century gothic townhouse, badly damaged in World War II. A trail you could take heads from the Aldstadt to Viertel then on to the Weserstadion. Stroll from the marketplace through the delightful windy lanes of Schnoor, numerous craft shops and bars are well worth a visit. Then head to Tandour restaurant, highly recommended by the locals, before continuing along Am Wall for the Kunsthalle Bremen art gallery featuring Rembrandt and Rubens no less. Then it’s the Theatre am Goetheplatz (however if it’s theatre you want the Theaterschiff, a theatre on a boat moored on the River Weser is worth experiencing). Continue along Am Wall, it’s a road that also provides some interesting street art and graffiti. The road becomes Ostertorsteinweg and that’s where the Irish bar Hegarty’s can be found. Deceptively large, there is a great atmosphere with the standard Irish singer and his guitar. At this point on the walk you are back to Coffee Corner and the Viertel area, another recommended bar here is Bermuda, especially when it's happy hour. Then continue to the Taubenschlag to meet the fans. Accommodation-wise, Townside Hostel is more than adequate (just up the road from Coffee Corner), but the City Ibis at 60 Euros a night might be more to your liking. Worth noting the Bremen tourism website is excellent and a must-visit if you are going to come to Bremen. Fans 4 Werder has a passionate and knowledgeable fan base that is proud of its Hanseatic status. The numerous ultra-groups add spice of course, many of whom drink in the Taubenschlag and other nearby bars just up the Auf Dem Peterswerder from the ground. Rivals of old are the mighty Bayern Munich, local rivals are Hamburg, and the newest addition to the list of rivals is Schalke. Capacity at the Weser is 42,100 and Werder fans' regular support means they average over 40,000 per match each season. The fans behind the goal on the east side of the ground (Ostkurve) make most of the noise, choreographed by a new loud hailer. This area of the ground is standing and the chants keep coming, the most spine-tingling when they call out ‘Werder’ and the west stand replies with ‘Bremen,’ over and over again. Then add all the usual songs and tunes you’d expect. As a fan from England, it’s always great to hear the Germans singing ‘Football’s Coming hHome’ which they do heartily before the game begins. A goal for the home side is followed by the sound of a fog horn and then ‘The Proclaimers” are blasted out on the tannoy singing 500 Miles, random but brilliant. Access 4 The size of Bremen means you don’t necessarily need to use the trams or buses once during your visit, but of course, they are there and available to use if needed. There are various ways to get to the Weserstadion; Walk – One route to get to the stadium is to walk along the Weser River, just 1 kilometre from the Aldstadt. The ground gradually comes into view and for night games those impressive floodlights beckon you in. Boat - One better than that would be to arrive by boat, prices from as low as 3.50 Euros and you can board from various locations – more info on the Bremen Tourism website Tram - Better to be in a tram than under one, so you can take the number 3 to the Weserstadion stop. Car - Cars are restricted near the ground however beyond that try north of the ground or use one of the parks and rides. Train – It’s a 40-minute walk from Bremen Hauptbahnhof. Fly – Bremen airport is very close to the city center so that’s your plan a. If you fly into Hamburg airport, it’s a 20-minute train ride into Hamburg Hauptbahnhof followed by an hour train to Bremen. Tickets can be purchased online from the club website and if you are on the ball, they are no problem to purchase. Once in the concourse areas, toilets and catering facilities are all within easy reach. If you have specific access issues then contact the club before you visit. Return on Investment 3 Tickets range in price depending on the category of the game. For a category 2 game expect to pay between 30-50 Euros with terrace tickets even cheaper. Buy online from the club website which includes a print-at-home option. Overall a trip to Bremen is good value. The Bundesliga is still cheaper than the English Premier League and often the atmosphere eclipses its UK counterpart. The Proclaimers' song played after the Bremen goal is worth the admission fee alone. Of course, it’s not cheap. We all know that lower down the football ‘food chain’ there are grassroots clubs that provide a warm welcome at a tenth of the price. However, in its context and maybe with a match where there are a higher number of traveling fans, the Weserstadion will be rocking and you wouldn’t be worrying too much about the amount you spend. Extras 3 Museum – There is a club museum within the north stand. Make time to visit if you can. Tours – Similarly if you are in Bremen for a few days you can book a tour of the stadium. Programme – Full colour, A4, 36 pages, and surprisingly good for mainland Europe, which isn’t noted for its programme par excellence. Final Thoughts Bremen is an open-minded, honest, and traditional city, and the football stadium and the team share those features. After an enjoyable week in Hamburg, enemy territory for Bremen fans, followed by an inauspicious introduction to the city, I leave with a heavy heart. Why? Because this place gets under your skin. Yes, there are fewer ‘bright lights’ than in Hamburg, but gems like the Market Square, the Schnoor and the huge mural of an old couple looking out on the city from the corner of Auf Den Hafen and Eduard-Grunow Starbe are irresistible. Then there is the walk along the river Weser towards the stadium, which is hugely evocative. From almost a kilometre away you can see it’s special, but as you get closer and closer its imposing shape and positioning do impress. I met a proper Bremen fan too, humble, fun and so welcoming that I’m not leaving early, I’m left wishing I could stay a while longer, and you will too.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadium of Light Millennium Way Sunderland, England SR5 1SU Sunderland AFC website Stadium of Light website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 49,000 Sunderland 'Til I Die The Stadium of Light, one of England’s biggest stadiums, was built in 1997, providing a home for Sunderland A.F.C. The Black Cats moved here from their previous home, Rocker Park, Sunderland’s home for 99 years. The name “Stadium of Light” is a tribute to the former mining industry, which was a huge part of Sunderland’s history. Originally, the Stadium of Light was built as a 42,000 all-seater stadium, but in 2002, it was expanded to 49,000. This resulted in the North Stand being extended and now has a reputation for being a huge stand, much like Tyne-Wear Derby rival Newcastle United’s St James’ Park. As it is a simple design, the stadium can be further developed to a 63,000 all-seater ground, which would make it the third-largest soccer stadium in England. Not only are soccer matches played here, but it has played host to many concerts and has also been put forward as a venue for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Food & Beverage 3 English soccer stadiums aren’t renowned for the greatest of grub, and this falls in this category. Various pies but the price at £2.50, which is fairly reasonable, and sausage rolls and pasties will set you back £2. Beverage-wise, a pint is £3.60, which is very good for a soccer stadium, while a soft drink costs £2.00. Unlike many other stadiums, the Stadium of Light offers a variety of meal deals. For a child, the £5 meal deal includes a small chocolate bar, a packet of crisps (or chips if you’re American), a soft drink, and a sausage roll. Now, that is by far the best children’s meal deal I’ve seen at any other soccer stadium! The other meal deals include a pint, a packet of chips, and a sausage roll for £5.50, or you can change the sausage roll for a pie, which would be an additional 50p. Atmosphere 2 If I was basing this review on when Sunderland played Newcastle, I would possibly give it 6 stars, but I’m not. When Sunderland battle against Newcastle in the “Tyne-Wear Derby,” a fierce and crazy loud atmosphere is created. But as you may know, this only happens once a year at the Stadium of Light. As the team slowly declines, the negativity in the stadium rises. During the 2012-13 season, the Black Cats have been probably the most depressing and lifeless teams in the Premier League, and the fans just can’t get behind a team who have won only four times at home this season. A couple of years ago, because the Stadium of Light was a fortress and for an away team visiting, a draw would be a good result. Now, the hostile environment that the away players were used to just isn’t there, and anything less than a win is disappointing. No songs are sung by the home supporters anymore, and it seems like they just can’t be bothered, and I can’t blame them. It’s sad to see such a great stadium have so little noise. Neighbourhood 4 The surroundings of the stadium are pleasant, and there is nothing that can be faulted. On offer for the away fans is a pub and barbecue tent area, which proves extremely popular! The locals are very helpful if you are lost. Also located right outside the stadium is a fantastic aquatic complex. From an overnight point of view, just 0.2 miles away is a highly-rated hotel called “The Chase Guest House.” This is not from highly-rated experience scores, but from looking at reviews, it has a 9 out of 10 scores and is also not too expensive. If you’re wanting to make a weekend out of a trip to Sunderland, Europe’s largest shopping mall, The Metro Centre, is easily reached from the stadium. Fans 3 The team has been very poor over the last couple of years. This has resulted in a dip in crowd scores. However, that said, 40,000 people still turn up week in and week out, which is very creditable. The noise made by the fans can be deafening when they are on the counterattack, though understandably, boo their team more often than not. When Sunderland beat a major team (Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United), I have to admit that it’s something that you have to witness. The passion attendance shown by these supporters is unbelievable. Last year when Man City came to town, that exactly happened. Just watch this video and be amazed. Overall, the Black Cats fans are a friendly, loyal bunch who will stick with their team through thick and very thin. Access 5 Getting to the stadium is very easy. In and around the stadium is a lot of traffic, but is dealt with quickly and isn’t a problem at all. If quickly by train, you’re in luck. The train station is a stone’s throw away from the stadium, and that seems to be a popular choice of transport. Additionally, I recommend getting to the ground early and parking in the train station car park. I can’t remember exactly how much it is, but it is only a few pounds. From the station to the stadium, it’s about a quick five-minute walk. Otherwise, you can get a spot in the other car parks around the stadium or on the streets by the housing estate. Return on Investment 3 Although the team is pretty dismal, the ticket prices are very good. It seems like The Black Cats’ target audience is childrentravelingfive-minute because, for an Under 16, it’s only £12, which must be one of the cheapest tickets in the Premier League. For an adult, it starts at £27, which is fairly expensive for the quality of football you’re watching. The team has a lot of young, budding players, but at the moment, the excitement level is quite bad from the team. I would pay to watch Sunderland pay, just to get the experience of being at a Premier League game. Extras 4 Around the stadium are a few statues. The first one is of 1973 FA Cup-winning manager Bob Stokoe, which was unveiled in 2006. Located at the entrance, the other statue is of a Davy Lamp, a tribute to the mining industry. Also, a large “Red Wheel” is just outside the West Stand – something the miners used to use. On a game day, a couple of activity destinations are dotted around the stadium for the kids. One of them is a penalty shoot-out stall, and the other is a target shooting stall. I found this quite fun and the first I had seen at a Premier League ground. Also, a club shop is just outside the ground, and a programme is on sale for £3. It is a great read and has been regarded as among the best in the league throughout the years. Final Thoughts Visiting the Stadium of Light is something you should do. It’s a program ground, which at times can be very full of atmosphere. My only problem is that when you get there, you will be disappointed with the contest. However, overall I would recommend visiting this stadium, as it is reasonably priced to get in and has well-designed many-around all-around features that not many other stadiums have.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Finley Stadium 1826 Carter St Chattanooga, TN 37408 Chattanooga Mocs website Finley Stadium Davenport Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20,668 All Aboard for Mocs Football The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Mocs play at the FCS level of NCAA Division I competition. They are members of the Southern Conference, which includes nearby rivals East Tennessee State University, Western Carolina University, and Furman University. The Mocs have won seven Southern Conference football championships over the years. They have been to the FCS playoffs five times. The Mocs are the only NCAA program that has the mockingbird for its mascot. The mockingbird is the state bird of Tennessee. The athletic program chose to shorten the name to “Mocs”, explaining its choice of the bird as a mascot because “it is known for protecting its turf, while showing spirit and determination”. The Mocs also include train imagery in their athletic programs due to the school’s proximity to the world-famous Chattanooga Choo Choo. The home of Mocs football is Finley Stadium. It is named after W. Max Finley, the CEO of Rock Tenn, who was a UTC alum and a key backer in the building of the stadium. The stadium is located on land formerly occupied by a Rock Tenn plant. The field is named Davenport Field, in honor of Gordon L Davenport, another UTC alum and CEO of Chattanooga-based Krystal, who was also a major backer of Mocs athletics. The stadium is owned by the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage program at Finley Stadium offers a mix of stadium standards and Chattanooga favorites. There are seven permanent concession standards and a revolving set of food trucks to meet the dining needs of Mocs fans. Locally based concessions include Chestnut Bakes (pizza, popcorn, beer and sodas), Mac’s Subs and Fries (cheesesteaks, subs) and the MAX Grilleworks (hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, sodas, beer). Other local stands include Miller’s Lemonade, Kettlecorn Man, and Abuelita’s Seasons. The Fort Finley Market is a grab/go format stand that features snacks, sodas, and beer. All concession stands feature Coca-Cola brand sodas. Concessions prices are very reasonable, as the Mocs tend to try to keep gamedays affordable for the locals. Alcohol is available at Finley Stadium for fans over the age of 21. This includes more than 25 domestic and local craft beers, canned cocktails, and wine. Atmosphere 5 Finley Stadium offers a great gameday experience. It starts with all the tailgating experiences at the First Tennessee Pavilion, where you can be fed, fired up, and befriend other Mocs faithful. After the Mocs Walk and pep rally, it’s just a short walk to your seats in Finley Stadium. Once inside the stadium, you’ll enjoy great sightlines, as the stadium has a very intimate feel, despite its capacity of just over 20,000. During breaks in the action, head to one of the very convenient concession areas along the concourse and check out the Wall of Champions, which covers the Mocs' long history of success. Halftime allows you to take a break from the action and time to enjoy the performances of the Marching Mocs. You can complete your gameday experience by visiting many of the nearby attractions available in the Chattanooga area. It is a compact city, with a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, and nightspots located just a few miles from the stadium. Neighborhood 4 Finley Stadium is in the Southside neighborhood of downtown Chattanooga. This area offers plenty of entertainment options, several restaurants and some of Chattanooga’s top tourist attractions. Entertainment options include Southside Social, Chattanooga Brewing and Naked River Brewing. Restaurants nearby include The Flaming Rooster, Pizza Brothers Southside, and Feed Table & Tavern. Lodging near the stadium includes the Hotel Kinley and the Hyatt Chattanooga Southside. Chattanooga attractions near Finley Stadium include the Tennessee Aquarium and the Tennessee Riverwalk. Erlanger Park, the new home of the Chattanooga Lookouts, is just a few blocks away. Fans 4 The majority of the University’s fans live in Tennessee, making it very easy for them to attend Moc’s athletic events. Pregame activities are centered around the First Horizon Pavilion, a 55,000-square-foot covered space located just across Carter Street from the stadium. Although tailgating is allowed in any of the parking areas, the pavilion is considered the main area to congregate before games. The First Horizon Pavilion offers food vendors, entertainment, a children’s play area, and a team store. The Mocs football team arrives 2.5 hours before the kickoff and does a Mocs Walk through the pavilion to Finley Stadium. There is also a pregame pep rally featuring the Mocs cheerleading squad, the Marching Mocs band and the team mascot Scrappy. These groups lead the fans across Carter Street and into Finley Stadium in a parade 45 minutes prior to kickoff. The student body tends to gather down the street from the First Horizon Pavilion in a zone known as the “Moc Block”. Access 5 The home of the Mocs is easy to reach via I-24 or I-75, as they intersect in the Chattanooga area. From the south: Take I-75 north out of Georgia, then get on I-24 West. Take I-24 West to US 27 North. Take exit 1 (Main Street). Turn left on Main, then right on Carter Street. Finley Stadium will be straight ahead of you. From the north: Take I-24 East to US 27 North. Take Exit 1 (Main Street). Turn left on Main, then right on Carter. On game days, fans can also use the free Downtown CARTA Electric Shuttle to get to Finley Stadium. This shuttle stops at multiple locations throughout the downtown area. The shuttle will drop off/pickup fans at the corner of West Main and Chestnut, just a block from the stadium. Parking lots serving Finley Stadium open six hours before kickoff. There are 1,200 parking spaces in the Gold Lot, with four parking garages within a short walking distance of the stadium. Pregame activities at the First Horizon Pavilion get underway four hours before kickoff. There are six gates into Finley Stadium. Stadium gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices at Finley Stadium are in line with most FCS-level programs at General Admission prices of $22 Adults/ $11Children for General Admission seating. Padded Reserve Seating is $23 Adults/ $27 Children. Parking at stadium lots (Gold parking) is $15. Extras 3 Finley Stadium hosted the FCS National Championship Football Game from 1997 through 2009. Finley Stadium also serves as the home pitch for Chattanooga FC soccer matches. They play at the MLS NEXT Pro level of competition. Chattanooga offers a wide variety of attractions for a city of its size. Be sure to make your trip a long weekend to enjoy the many restaurants, nightspots, and other activities in the area. Final Thoughts A football weekend in Chattanooga should be on everyone’s bucket list. The game day experience is terrific, and there are loads of things to do both before and after the game. The scenery is lovely on a crisp fall afternoon. Best of all, Chattanooga offers a much more affordable experience than larger cities like Atlanta or Nashville.

Photos by Vinny Martin and Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field 615 Silver Lane East Hartford, CT 06118 Connecticut Huskies Football website Rentschler Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 38,006 Huskies Football at The Rent Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field is home of University of Connecticut Football. The stadium, built on the former site of the Pratt & Whitney Airfield in East Hartford Connecticut, opened in 2003 following rumors of a relocation of the New England Patriots to Hartford. While rumors are all they were, The Rent was built as a quality venue for Huskies football, albeit around 20 miles from the campus itself. The stadium is named after Frederick Rentschler, the founder of Pratt & Whitney and United Technologies. UConn Football has an interesting history. The Huskies, along with Notre Dame, are currently the only two “independent” (conference-less) teams in college football, after they left the American in 2019. Connecticut is undoubtedly a basketball school, with both men's and women's teams dominant since the turn of the century, but there has been renewed excitement for Husky football following a successful 2025 season. Food & Beverage 4 For one of the smaller FBS stadiums in the country, The Rent has a very impressive array of food options for Husky fans. You can find the typical stadium options such as hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, nachos, and pretzels, all at a fairly reasonable price. Premium offerings are available at a few Connecticut-based stands, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and Randy’s Wooster St Pizza. Chick-fil-A fans can also find their favorite spot right next to Gate C. There is no shortage of quality concessions at Rentschler Field. Thirsty fans will find Coca-Cola products at all stands, as well as a solid variety of beer. The Sam Adams Brewhouse features a variety of Sam Adams beers as well as Dogfish Head and Suncruiser vodka drinks. Tap & Twists and Tito’s Stillhouse have a good variety of draft beer and cocktails, as well as some unique food offerings, such as a Chicken Bacon Ranch wrap at the latter. Jesper Howard Memorial at Rentschler Field. Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 3 The design of Rentschler Field can be best described as basic and ordinary. It is a simple structure with plenty of exposed concrete, lacking in any unique features. Fans can find some history of Pratt & Whitney and Frederick Rentschler available in the stadium, as well as many banners commemorating past success of Husky football. The gameday presentation and experience is typical of a Division One college program. The talented UConn marching band plays prior to kickoff, at halftime, and at various points throughout the game. The sound of the victory bell can be heard throughout the game, as it is rung prior to kickoff, and after each Connecticut touchdown, which is a nice touch. A Connecticut local celebrity, “GameDay Connor”, serves as the in-game host. He can also be found at other UConn sporting events as well as Hartford Yard Goat games. Jonathan the Husky makes his way around the concourse during the game, and the live Husky mascot Jonathan XV can be spotted at games as well. The area behind the south endzone, called “Food Truck Row”, is the most happening place at The Rent. There are multiple food trucks located in a large standing room area which is the perfect place to hang out for fans looking to escape the bleachers. Neighborhood 2 The area immediately surrounding Rentschler consists of mainly parking lots. This means while there is a lack of things to do within walking distance, there is an impressive tailgating scene before games. The venue is located in East Hartford, Connecticut outside of the campus of Pratt & Whitney, but lies about 20 miles away from the UConn campus. Downtown Hartford is close by. UConn Men's and Women's basketball, as well as men's hockey, play a portion of their home schedule at PeoplesBank Arena, and Dunkin' Park, home of Minor League Baseball's AA-level Hartford Yard Goats, is close as well. The trendy Blue Back Square of West Hartford is also a short drive away with plenty of restaurants and bars for fans to flock to after games. UConn Cheerleaders Take the Field after a Huskies Score. Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Fans 2 As previously mentioned, Rentschler Field is located about 20 miles away from UConn’s campus. This creates an interesting dilemma regarding student and fan support. Connecticut is undoubtedly a basketball school, with both Men’s and Women’s seeing incredible success and corresponding fan support. The buzz for Husky football is trending up after a stretch of impressive seasons, but is still limited due to the venue's distance from campus. Still, the tailgating scene is solid and the student section, despite being small for college football, is typically full. However, the energy at The Rent cannot be compared to an experience at a power conference stadium. Access 4 Rentschler Field is located directly off of I-84, making it very easy to get to from anywhere in Central Connecticut. Getting in and out of the stadium is surprisingly simple, with parking being easy and traffic on the way out manageable. You can pay for parking in advance or at the gate, and both cash and card are accepted. There are 4 gates into The Rent, one at each corner. Almost all seats in the stadium are bleacher style, save for one section at midfield on each side with traditional seats. The concourses here are wide and easily navigable, and bathrooms are spacious and clean. Game Action at Rentschler Field. Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 4 A UConn football game is a fairly inexpensive way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Most tickets are available for under $50, with many deals on the secondary market being offered for less than $20. With the intimate size of the stadium, every seat offers a great view of the action, so even the cheapest tickets can offer a quality experience. Concession prices are average and reasonable, and parking will cost fans $20. In general, it is very likely you will have a fun time at The Rent without breaking the bank. Extras 3 One point here for the Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame, a nice area of recognition for coaching success at that level, located in the southwest concourse. Another point goes to the victory bell in the northeast corner of the stadium, which is rung by UConn band members at the start of games and after Husky touchdowns. A fantastic UConn tradition is Jonathan the Husky, a real dog that has been the face of the school since the first iteration in 1934. Named after Jonathan Trumbell, the first state governor of Connecticut, Jonathan can be found at UConn games at The Rent as well as other school events. The current Jonathan is the 15th and can be found greeting fans around the stadium. Rentschler Field Historical Marker. Photo by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Conclusion Connecticut football games at The Rent are an enjoyable experience. The stadium is nothing spectacular, and the atmosphere can fall flat at times, but what The Rent lacks in character, it makes up for in convenience and practicality. Despite recent success on the field, the potential of a UConn football experience may never be reached unless they move to a venue on campus. Follow Vinny’s stadium journeys on TikTok @vinnymartin_

Photos by Marc Viquez: Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Faught Stadium Grizzly Dr. Franklin, IN 46131 Franklin College Grizzlies Faught Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 1,000 The Vandy is Still Dandy in Franklin The Franklin Grizzlies play their games at Faught Stadium in Franklin Field. They are members of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference for NCAA Division III athletics. Their home stadium was rebuilt in 1999 through the sale of commemorative bricks at $ 100 apiece to help fund the construction of a new press box, grandstand, entrance, and iron and brick fencing. The venue was named in honor of long-time football coach Stewart “Red” Faught, who guided the Grizzlies to a 155-146-6 record from 1957-1988. The former name of the stadium was Goodell Field, but it was renamed during the 1988 homecoming ceremonies, An interesting fact about the football program is that they were the opponent in Indiana University’s first game in 1887, a 10-8 victory. The program has captured 11 HCAC titles throughout its history and shares a historic rivalry with Hanover College. The two teams compete for the Victory Bell, a tradition that dates back to 1898. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium has a concession stand with two windows adjacent to the main grandstand. There are quite a few items, including hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, BBQ beef sandwiches, nachos, popcorn, snacks, and Pepsi products. Their stand does not offer a menu board and is cashless. It tends to get busy at certain times, and most items are between $3 and $5. Atmosphere 4 Faught Stadium is not the typical Division-III football experience. The stadium is situated on the edge of campus and the residential streets of Franklin. The main street in front of the stadium is closed to vehicular traffic, and multiple tailgating areas are set up before the game. Many fans line up outside of the stadium’s fences and watch the game at their tailgating spots. Inside the stadium, the football field is not surrounded by a track. This allows fans to sit in the endzone and on the sidelines on their lawn chairs or blankets. There is plenty of room to spread out in these areas, as long as they don’t cross the line that is roped off for media and school personnel. The backdrop to all of this is the two-story press box and brick grandstand that has seating for 500 people. It features bleacher seating and is packed with Grizzlies fans who have an optimal view of the gridiron and surrounding neighborhood. The main brick entrance also adds a nice touch to the stadium’s aesthetics. Neighborhood 4 Downtown Franklin has been known for its quaint restaurants and locally owned shops since it was featured in the December 2, 1940, edition of Life magazine. That spirit remains intact 80-plus years later, with visitors finding everything from bars and casual and chef-driven restaurants to shops, bakeries, cafes, and breweries. Downtown is less than a mile from campus. The Historic Artcraft Theatre was built in 1922. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. Many buildings were constructed in the 1800s and now house local places for food and drink. Blue Cactus Tacos & Tequila Bar and Shale Creek Brewery are two such establishments, ideal spots before or after the game. The Artcraft Theater was built in 1922 and has been restored to its original look, offering second-run movies. Next door is The Willard, built in 1860. Today, it is a bar and restaurant. More options are listed on its official website. North and east of campus on US-31 or at the I-65 exit is an array of fast-food restaurants and regional chain eateries. There are also retail stores, supermarkets, and several other places of interest. It is ideal for a quick bite on the run or with the family. Fans 4 Franklin College has a large group of fans who support the football team. They tailgate four hours before the game, pack the grandstands, and set up shop around the end zones. The student body is also found celebrating near the stadium on Saturday afternoons. There isn’t a student section or designed cheers, but enough cheers from the fans inside the venue. Access 3 The stadium’s size makes it easy to move around during the game. There are parking lots near the stadium, including one a few steps from the stadium’s entrance. However, finding a spot might take some navigating and could become cumbersome during higher-attended games like homecoming and the annual Victory Bell game against Hanover. It is recommended to arrive a little earlier to secure a spot and also enjoy the festivities before the game. Return on Investment 4 The ticket price for an adult is $10.90 and must be purchased online. The price of a burger or a hot dog is $5, and popcorn and Pepsi products are $3. One option is to donate $5 to the Touchdown Club tent where fans can enjoy unlimited grilled burgers, hot dogs, side dishes, and sweets before the game. Extras 3 One point is the site where the football team marches into and out of the stadium across the street from the nearby arena. Fans can greet players, and they make their way onto the field before the game and when they leave at half-time. A second highlight is the field turf that was installed before the 2025 season. It is one of the better-looking fields in the conference and provides a comfortable, cushioned area for fans to watch the game from either end zone. A third highlight is the tailgating that takes place before the game in nearby parking lots and grassy areas around the entrance. The surrounding trees, blocked-off streets, and friendly banter among fans create a festive and lively atmosphere on Saturday afternoons. Final Thoughts Faught Stadium is a picturesque setting for a day of college football. Franklin, Indiana, is a destination worth exploring on its own, but pairing a visit with a Franklin Grizzlies game makes the trip even more memorable. For sports travelers looking to experience college football beyond the game itself, a Saturday in Franklin is well worth the journey. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Prospect League is a summer collegiate league with 20 teams spanning Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. The league completed its 2026 season a month ago and is already in the planning stages for next summer. More than 646,000 people attended games this summer, and Stadium Journey has all but two of the league's ballparks on our list. We rank all stadiums based on FANFARE: Food & Drink, Atmosphere, Neighborhood, Fans, Access, Return on Investment, and Extra. The system evaluates the complete fan experience across categories such as food and beverage options, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan engagement, accessibility, value for money, and unique features and amenities. The rankings do not include Jackson Rockabillys Stadium and Workman Family Baseball Field, home of the Decatur Bean Ballers. However, we will do our best to visit these two ballparks for a complete review in 2027. Until then, see where your favorite team’s home stadium ranked in our list. Below are our 2026 Prospect League Baseball ballpark rankings. 18. Lloyd Hopkins Field - Alton River Dragons 2.57 The Alton River Dragons home is the smallest in the loop and features a covered grandstand, dugout seating, and makeshift merchandise tables and concession stands. The stadium's setting in the local park, a few miles away from multiple bars and restaurants along the Mississippi River, makes for an inviting visit. 17. Carleton Davidson Stadium - Champion City Half Trax 2.57 The Half Trax call the charming little ballpark home in Springfield, Ohio. There is an old-school vibe, featuring grass-covered lots, merchandise tables, and plenty of concessions. It’s a place where you will more than likely bump into someone from the neighborhood. In other words: "everybody knows your name". 16. Bob Warn Field - Terre Haute Rex 3 The Rex returned organized summer baseball after many years, adopting a catchy name, like the former names of the Tots, Huts, and Stags. The college ballpark offers enough for everyone, and this year brought a championship appearance, providing winning baseball as well to the Wabash Valley. 15. QU Stadium - Quincy Doggy Paddlers 3.14 QU Stadium is a WPA stadium and was built from Iimerock blocks and concrete. It stands out in design and aesthetics, and fans who attend games enjoy the atmosphere, including on-field promotions, giveaways, and affordable prices. There is a lot of history at the old stadium. 14. The Corn Crib - Normal CornBelters 3.14 The Corn Crib might be one of the better names in the league. The massive stadium features corn stalks, corn-themed nights and food, and other popular promotions and giveaways. The CornBelters offer an escape from the summer blues each year. 13. Robin Roberts Stadium - Springfield Lucky Horseshoes 3.29 Baseball has been played on the site of Robin Roberts Stadium since 1925, but the current grandstand was constructed in 1977. The stadium features a "turtleback" field, where the infield is elevated with a steep downslope to the outfield. 12. Capaha Field - Cape Catfish 3.43 Baseball has been played at the site of Capaha Field since 1894. The current grandstand was built in 1939 and, since then, its main concourse has been a former road that houses picnic tables, concession stands, the main entrance, and other activities. The Catfish were league champions in 2026. 11. CarShield Field - O’Fallon Hoots 3.43 CarShield Field offers a wide-open concourse, food options, a friendly staff, and fun times during the summer months. The Hoots offer people in the St. Louis market a great option to enjoy an evening of baseball with friends and family. 10. Schweickert Stadium - Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp 3.43 You’ll never have to pay a dime for a ticket for a Pistol Shrimp game, because all games are free. The little ballpark has grown organically since the club relocated to the valley several years ago. It is a unique experience that is filled with strong community support, intimate views, and plenty of family-friendly fun. 9. VA Memorial Stadium - Chillicothe Paints 3.43 VA Memorial Stadium is a classic ballpark, built during a time when baseball was the main attraction and everything else took a back seat. The times have changed, but not the atmosphere for a Paints game. The ballclub has provided over 30-years of baseball to the community and looks to continue that for years to come. 8. Community Field - Burlington Bees 3.57 The community of Burlington, Illinois, sits along the Mississippi River, and its ballparks are an old favorite among baseball purists. The ballpark has been renovated over the years and features a look that stands out among others in the loop. The third base bar is a fun place to watch the game with friends and family. 7. Marion Stadium - Thrillville Thrillbillies 3.57 Marion Stadium is modern, sleek, comfortable, and well-designed for baseball fans. Thrillville brings tons of fun to games in Southern Illinois, with in-between innings entertainment, promotional giveaways, creative concession options, and a fun vibe. The Thrillbillies finished in second place with 63,920 in paid attendance this summer. 6. Danville Stadium - Danville Dans 3.71 Danville Stadium was built by Branch Rickey for a Brooklyn Dodgers affiliate in 1946; 80-years-later, it's still providing baseball excitement over the summer. The covered wooden grandstand takes fans back in town and the bare-bones approach to the game is greatly appreciated. 5. Kokomo Municipal Stadium - Kokomo Creek Chubs 3.71 Baseball returned to Kokomo after a one-year hiatus with a bang this past summer. The Creek Chubs unique name has its fans saying, “Go Chubs Go,” and the modern ballpark is large enough to house lawn seating, a massive kids' area, creative food, and a beer tent. 4. NelsonCorp Field - Clinton LumberKings 3.86 A classic covered grandstand welcomes visitors, while the small town along the Mississippi River adds to the charm of a LumberKings experience. The Kings led the league with 73,619 paid attendees. The former affiliated team has found a new home in the Prospect League, continuing to create lasting baseball memories for its fans. 3. Sargent's Stadium at The Point - Johnstown Mill Rats 3.86 There aren’t many ballparks that are a century old, but Sargent's Stadium at the Point in Johnstown is one of them. The Mill Rats offer some of the most affordable ticket prices in the loop in their massive venue, known for its giant outfield wall and natural beauty, with hills and rivers on the outside. 2. Loeb Stadium - Lafayette Aviators 3.86 One of the newest stadiums in the league has everything from open views, a wrap-around concourse, a beer garden, freshly popped popcorn, and a waterslide and old-fashioned ice cream shop on the outside. If you are looking for modern comfort, Loeb Stadium has you covered. It hosted the 2026 Prospect League All-Star Game. 1. League Stadium - DuBois County Bombers 4 This is where the motion picture “A League of Their Own” was filmed. The Bombers make the memories of the film come alive through vintage-style uniforms, performances, merchandise, and outfield ads. The cozy ballpark was built to look like a wartime stadium, and fans enjoy a trip back in time in the small-town community.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.716 Ottawa Stadium 300 Coventry Rd Ottawa, ON K1K 4P5 Ottawa Titans website Ottawa Stadium website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 10,332 Titans Rising Ottawa was once a phenomenal baseball town. The Ottawa Lynx joined the International League in 1993 and immediately took Minor League Baseball by storm, setting attendance records and raising expectations. However, the MLB baseball strike of 1994 and faltering of the parent Montréal Expos had the Lynx fall off significantly at the turnstile. By the time the Lynx left town for Allentown, becoming the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, their attendance was dead last in the International League for a few years. Over the next two decades it was a revolving door of different baseball teams in different leagues playing at what is now known as Ottawa Stadium. The Ottawa Rapids/Rapidz/Voyageurs took up residence in the CanAm league for three seasons and the Fat Cats tried what is now known as the Canadian Baseball League for a couple. Ottawa took another shot at the CanAm League with the Champions for five seasons. Finally, the solid ownership of OSEG, parent of the Ottawa 67’s and RedBlacks, and Winnipeg Goldeyes owner Sam Katz brought the Ottawa Titans to town in 2020. The Frontier League team has shown new signs of baseball life in Ottawa, bringing out some of the best crowds since the Lynx days. Food & Beverage 5 Ottawa Stadium has a surprisingly excellent set of concession options. Each concession stand has a unique menu. Lois & Firmas and Pudgyboy’s Donuts hit the sweet tooth with local donuts and ice cream. Gabriel Pizza is the local pizza option. ROOST has a unique variety of chicken wraps and poutines. Cappy’s Kitchen offers burgers, fries and hot dogs among traditional ballpark items. Junior and the Kid BBQ has a host of brisket, pulled pork and mac and cheese concoctions. Ottawa Stadium has an excellent selection of local craft beers. The best spot for alcoholic beverages is at the Hop Yard, behind the berm seating, where Beyond the Pale, Vimy and Stray Dog breweries have a selection of beers. Cottage Springs seltzers and coolers are available here as well as other spirits and wines. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at Ottawa Stadium and are found throughout. Atmosphere 3 Ottawa Stadium is a product of 90s Minor League Baseball. It is an adequate facility that is not uncomfortable, but will not wow the patrons. The exterior of the stadium is attractive with silver siding and light brown brick. The elevator tower gives the ballpark a distinct look. The “Switch Hitter” statue that is normally found in the square behind home plate on the exterior of the stadium was not present during the game that was reviewed. It is unclear as to the reason for this at the present and can be assumed that the artwork will be returning to its location. Inside Ottawa Stadium, the concourses have some minor markings for the Titans as well as a couple of cutouts for photo ops. Markings of note in the concourse are the two posters celebrating the 2022 and 2024 Frontier League Wild Card games, which Ottawa hosted and won. Also of note in the concourse is the team store, which is a decent size and well-stocked, comparable to MiLB teams. The seating bowl is a split-level, single tier that wraps around and goes past third and first, but not all the way to the outfield wall. The seats are blue, plastic stadium seats. There are two levels of suites, including the press box above the concourse, behind the seating area. Berm seating is available in the left field corner. There is no 360-degree path at Ottawa Stadium. Behind the fence there are plenty of mature trees, which do well to hide the shopping center that is beyond right field. A decent videoboard with dedicated baseball scoreboard is beyond right centre field. The gameday production at a Titans game seems to be at just the right amount of interaction. Typical promotions occur on the field and a 50/50 draw is held with volunteers canvasing the stands. The sound system at Ottawa Stadium is very good and the announcer is easy to understand. The Titans’ mascot, Cappy, is found on the field during the pre-game festivities and promotions and also interacts with fans in the stands. Neighbourhood 4 Ottawa Stadium is located in the Overbrook neighbourhood of Ottawa. Although it is a fairly retail and residential area, a short drive in the car or jaunt on public transit will bring fans to one of the top tourist cities in Canada. There are a few spots for pre and post game food and drink in the neighbourhood. Some options include The Bistro, O’Brien’s Roadhouse and Roger’s Italian Bistro. There are plenty of other sports options in Ottawa. Some will not line up with the Titans schedule, however. Ottawa is preeminently the home of the Senators of the NHL. Other options include the RedBlacks, 67’s, Charge, BlackJacks, and Atletico Ottawa. The Carleton Ravens field football, basketballand hockey teams and the Ottawa Gee-Gees also field football, basketball and hockey teams. One of the top sporting events in the city is the annual Panda Game, which pits the Carleton and Ottawa football teams against each other at TD Place Stadium. Ottawa is one of the top tourist cities in Canada. Heading towards downtown will provide a ton of options including Parliament of Canada, Royal Canadian Mint, Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of History, Rideau Hall and the Rideau Canal to scratch the surface. For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Hampton Inn Ottawa and Courtyard Ottawa East are within steps of Ottawa Stadium. Fans 4 The Ottawa Titans enjoy a solid fanbase that seems to have grown over the years. At the time of writing, late in the 2026 season, the Titans averaged over 2,400 fans per game. This ranks them fourth in the Frontier League. The game that was reviewed, a Tuesday evening, saw over 3,200 fans in attendance. In the 2026 season the Titans also set a Frontier League record, selling out their first game of the season at over 10,200 fans. The fans in attendance are supportive and loud at all the right times. Access 4 Ottawa Stadium is located in the Overbrook neighbourhood of Ottawa on the southeast corner of Coventry and Vanier Parkway. It is immediately north of Trans Canada Highway 417 with easy access from the highway. However, traffic in Ottawa, including the 417, can be challenging at times. There is plenty of parking on site for a cost on an app. Fans are warned not to park in the local shopping centre that is beyond right field. Fans wishing to take public transit to Ottawa Stadium have a number of options. South of Highway 417 there is a light rail station as well as a Via Rail station. There are also bus stops along Vanier. Fans should consult the OC Transpo website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around Ottawa Stadium is not difficult as the concourses are fairly wide. The ballpark does not have a 360 degrees path. The washroom facilities are decent for the venue. Return on Investment 4 Ottawa Titans baseball offers good value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Titans are $22 plus fees for most seats. The end sections on both the first and third base side offer tickets for $15 plus fees. Parking will be around $10 in the app and concession prices are decent. The game that was reviewed was $2 hot dog night. The product on the field is solid and the community seems to be coming out to support the team more and more. Overall, a solid return on investment. Extras 2 An extra mark for the seamless bilingual announcements at Ottawa Stadium. An extra mark for Ottawa Titans players, in uniform, handing out baseball cards to fans at the game that was reviewed. Final Thoughts Although the Ottawa baseball market is redeveloping after the phenomenon that was the rise and fall of the Ottawa Lynx, the Ottawa Titans are bringing in fans at a rate far superior to previous baseball teams. A trip to see the Titans is a great way to spend a summer evening in Canada’s capital, one of the best tourist cities in the country. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Highmark Stadium 10 Bills Plaza Orchard Park, NY 14127 Buffalo Bills website Highmark Stadium website Year Opened: 2026 Capacity: 60,108 A Stadium That Fits the Bill (s) In Every Way The Buffalo Bills opened their 2026 season in their first new stadium since 1973, as they took the field at the new $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium, which is just across Abbott Road from the original incarnation of Highmark Stadium. The new stadium was designed by the noted stadium architectural firm Populous. The former stadium had several weaknesses, which primarily had to do with the harsh winds and winter weather conditions coming off the nearby Lake Erie. The older stadium offered no protection from the wind or the snow in the seating areas, which often required fans to dig their seats out of the snow prior to the games. In addition, the field had no heating elements under the surface to keep the field from freezing, which would obscure the field markings, as well as lead to more player injuries. The new Highmark Stadium features a metal-clad exterior and a roof canopy that offers cover for more than 65% of the seating bowl. It is also outfitted with a snowmelt system to prevent any heavy accumulation of snow from forming. The canopy and exterior cladding also help to prevent the swirling winds of the old stadium that created havoc with both the passing and kicking games of the Bills. The concourses offer radiant heat to keep fans even more comfortable. The seats in the new Highmark Stadium are much closer to the action than in the Bills former home. This is because the stands have a much steeper pitch than the previous stadium. This, along with the added protection from the elements, makes for a much more enjoyable gameday experience for the fans. The former stadium’s artificial turf has been replaced by natural Kentucky Bluegrass, with heating elements buried below the playing surface. This keeps the grass alive well into the season and has cut down dramatically on injuries from playing on the former rock-hard surface. Food & Beverage 5 The Bills have a new food and beverage concessionaire as they moved into their new home. Legends Hospitality will now manage the food and beverage operations. They also have experience as the concessionaire for AT&T Stadium and SoFi Stadium. They are known for offering high-end specialty items, hyperlocal menus, and an extensive set of craft brews. In Buffalo, a hyperlocal menu includes such items as Beef on Weck, Hot Wings, chicken fingers, and BBQ brisket sandwiches, Buffalo chicken pizza and other local delicacies. It also means having Anchor Bar beers on your beverage list. In this regard, Highmark Stadium delivers! The concession areas are well planned, as they are organized by food zones in several plazas along the concourses in the stadium. The stadium also offers a game-by-game selection of foods based on the opponent that week. A Dolphins game would offer seafood, while a Chiefs game might feature some Kansas City-style BBQ. In this way, they cater to the tastes of both the home and visiting fans. Atmosphere 5 Gamedays at Bills games are wild and wooly… just like the buffalo featured on the team helmets. The Bills Mafia likes to party hard and long, win or lose. One unique Buffalo tradition is for fans to dive into the back of a truck onto a folding table, which promptly collapses. Rather than discouraging this tradition, the team celebrates the tradition with an art installation on the lower concourse of the stadium featuring a giant 20-foot-long smashed folding table. Two traditions… one longtime and one recent, have made the move to the new Highmark Stadium. Bills fans have celebrated touchdowns for years by singing the anthem “Shout!” The second is the playing of “Mr. Brightside” in the 4th Quarter to keep the team’s energy up as they hopefully bring in another home win. The design of the stadium also tends to trap the noise, while also offering protection from the elements. This results in visiting teams having a hard time calling plays and calling out snap counts due to the crowd’s efforts to drown them out. Neighborhood 3 The immediate “neighborhood” surrounding the new Highmark Stadium consists of a 242-acre site, which includes the stadium itself, as well as the parking lots and the Buffalo Bills Family Circle. The broader neighborhood is the town of Orchard Park, NY. Orchard Park is an incorporated city in Erie County and is located 14 miles southeast of downtown Buffalo via US 219. Other than the immediate area around the stadium, there is little else to do in Orchard Park. The lodging options are limited to a few mom-and-pop-sized motels, and there are few restaurants in the area. Fans 5 Buffalo’s fanbase is known as one of the most hardy and loudest fanbases in the NFL. They fill the stadium no matter how bad the weather is in the Buffalo area. They are broadly referred to as the “Bills Mafia” for their toughness and unquestioned loyalty to the team. The Bills also benefit from the fact that they are the most successful of the two professional sports franchises in the city, as the Buffalo Sabres have not made the NHL playoffs since 2012. Even though the stadium’s capacity is listed as 60,108, it can hold up to 63,000 by using a standing-room-only area behind the end zones. One of the priorities when building the new stadium was to identify a pregame gathering point for the fans to build up energy before the kickoff. The answer to that question is Buffalo Bills Family Circle. This area is easy to find, as it features a one-of-a-kind art installation known as “The Bison Family”. The installation features a trio of steel bison, with a 27-foot-tall bull, a 22-foot-tall cow, and a 12-foot-tall calf. The statues are bathed in lights in the red and blue colors of the Bills. The trio of buffalo even have smoke coming out of their nostrils, imitating the breath of the players on a frigid Buffalo winter’s day. Plaques celebrating the legendary Bills players of the past form the exterior of the Family Circle. This area has been an instant hit with the fans, as everyone clamors for a selfie with the newest addition to Bills imagery. A second pregame gathering point is the new Pregame Plaza between Gates C-D. It includes a mini-field, games, interactive experiences, music, and photo opportunities. Once inside the stadium, one of the venue’s new design elements becomes readily apparent. In addition to protecting the fans from the elements, the overhanging roof canopy over the stands concentrates the noise level inside the stadium much more efficiently than the old stadium. This makes it much more difficult for the visiting teams to call plays and hear the snap count. In addition, the seats are in much closer proximity to the field, which is great for the fans for viewing the game, as well as an intimidation factor for the visiting team to have to deal with. An unusually nice perk for general admission fans is a standing-room-only deck behind the north end zone. It is only 12. 5 feet above the playing surface. We were surprised by the small size of the videoboards at each end of the field. They seemed undersized compared to the monsters at the previous Highmark Stadium. Access 4 The Bills new home has also addressed many of the accessibility issues in their old stadium. The concourses are much wider and have improved the flow of the fans between their seats and the concession areas and restrooms. The concourses are also open towards the field for the full 360 degrees, so fans will not miss any of the action while in line at a concession stand. In addition, the new Highmark Stadium has five times more elevators and escalators than the old stadium, which has cut down dramatically on the time it takes for the fans to get from the entry gates to their seats. The parking lots surrounding the new Highmark Stadium open four hours before kickoff. The gates to the stadium open two hours before kickoff. Since everybody is experiencing the new stadium for the first time, it’s a good idea to enter as early as possible to find your seat location. One drawback in the stadium design is the large number of obstructed-view seats at Highmark Stadium. If you are purchasing your tickets online, we advise you to check out a site with the “view from my seat” feature so your view is not obstructed when you reach the stadium. While the new stadium has addressed many of the shortcomings of the original Highmark Stadium, the roads entering Orchard Park remain the same, creating lengthy traffic jams on game days. It simply does not make economic sense to create wider roads and bridges solely for the 8-10 days of the year that the stadium hosts events. Fortunately, the Bills Mafia like to come early and stay late on NFL gamedays. This spaces out the traffic flow somewhat. Return on Investment 3 The team’s name is the Bills, and you will be paying a steep price to go to a Buffalo home game, as the Bills fanbase is extremely loyal and willing to pay a high price to be in the new stadium. As a matter of fact, season ticket holders funded more than $263 million of the stadium’s construction through purchases of Personal Seat Licenses (PSL’s). They paid an average of $750 per seat in the 400 level of the stadium, and more than $50,000 for seats at the premium and club levels. The team sold out every seat in the stadium, meaning tickets available on the secondary market are extremely expensive. A sampling of costs for a non-conference game shows an average ticket price of $700 for a ticket in the 400 level of the stadium and $2,500 for a ticket in the lower level of the stadium. Parking is also at a premium. Lots closest to the stadium go $140-$230 per space, while spaces further away from the stadium are priced at $89-$133 per space. However, the locals are more than willing to sell spots in their yards within easy walking distance of the stadium for considerably less! If you are heading to the stadium from downtown Buffalo, you are in luck! The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority runs a gameday express service from several locations in the downtown Buffalo area to Highmark Stadium. The cost? $5.00 each way! For more information, go to NFTA - Metro. Rideshares pick up and deliver fans to the Erie Community College South lot adjacent to the stadium. You can expect to pay $25-$60 each way from Buffalo depending on surge pricing. Extras 5 The lead architect for the stadium’s design team at Populous was a former Buffalo Bills player. Scott Radecic knew firsthand the shortcomings of the original venue and worked closely with the Bills ownership to address these issues in the new building. The Bills are sporting a new look in the new stadium. They have introduced Nickel City alternate uniforms with a silver/gray base color and a dramatically different helmet from past years. Technology has come a long way since the original Highmark Stadium was built in 1973. The new stadium features one of the best sound systems in the NFL. The concourses are outfitted with radiant heat, giving fans a little respite from the late fall/early winter temperatures in the Buffalo area. Highmark Stadium is nearly double the height of the former stadium. On a clear day, you will be able to see Lake Erie as well as downtown Buffalo from the upper-level seats. Highmark is an affiliate of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield healthcare organization. As a part of the company’s commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles, a 1.7-mile Highmark walking/jogging Trail was installed for year-round use by the community, and it encircles the stadium exterior. Final Thoughts The design team for the new home of the Buffalo Bills was tasked by the ownership to create a stadium that was both intimate and intimidating. They have succeeded on a grand scale. It truly makes us “wanna shout!”

Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey I write for Stadium Journey. That means I attend various sporting events and write about and review that particular venue. The aim is to give future attendees an idea of what their own visit will be like. These official trips are not the end of my stadium “visits”. No matter where I go, it seems stadiums find me. Sometimes, I get to just be a fan, soaking in the spectacle without having to document every square inch of the concourse for a formal review. That was exactly the case this past weekend when I traveled to London for All Elite Wrestling's All In PPV at the magnificent Wembley Stadium. Even when my purpose is purely personal, stadium logistics always catch my eye. We decided to take the train into the Wembley Central overground station. Given the sheer magnitude of an event like this I was bracing myself for transit chaos. Instead, the experience was remarkably nice and easy. The crowd control from the station all the way to the stadium footprint was incredibly well-managed, keeping the eager masses moving smoothly. It was just as easy on the way out after the event. Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Before heading into the venue, we spent some time wandering around Wembley Park. The area offered some great shopping, as well as plenty of spots for drinks and food. To be honest, we didn't do much heavy lifting there. We mainly just sat and watched the colorful crowd of fans converge. It’s always fascinating to people-watch when a passionate global fanbase descends on one location. When it was time to head inside, I was struck by the architecture and crowd flow. Navigating a massive venue like Wembley can be daunting, but the entrance to the stadium was nicely designed for such a large crowd showing up all at the exact same time. The structural layout swallowed up the tens of thousands of fans with ease, getting everyone through the turnstiles and to their seats efficiently. As for the stadium food offerings, they were fairly basic, standard stadium fare, but still very good and tasty. Sometimes a simple, well-made hamburger and a cold drink are all you need to settle in for a long night of action. And what a night of action it was. The absolute highlight of the evening was seeing Will Ospreay win the title in front of his home country crowd. The roar that shook the iconic Wembley arch when he secured the victory was nothing short of amazing. Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Overall, it was just a really fun time. Standing there, soaking in the atmosphere of one of the biggest wrestling shows on earth, I couldn't help but smile at the irony. Even when my purpose was purely personal, a stadium was still at the heart of the experience. It just goes to show, whether I'm actively seeking them out for an article or simply enjoying a well-deserved weekend of wrestling, stadiums are an undeniable, ever-present part of my world.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 SECU Arena Auburn Drive Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website SECU Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,200 Tiger's Den Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. Their football team played in the 2013 Football Championship Subdivision National Championship, falling short to North Dakota State, and their basketball team has also had scattered success over the years, most notably in the early 1990s under coach Terry Truax. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. The Tigers play in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The volleyball team has been one of the dominant programs in the CAA recently. Towson has really stepped up recently in all sports with their athletic program. A major step forward was moving out of the depressing Towson Center and into the shiny new SECU Arena in 2013. I personally have many great memories of the Towson Center, as I worked there for a few years during college. It certainly had personality, but frankly, it was not a well-designed facility and was showing its age dramatically. During the last year of operation, one of the bleacher sections would not even fully expand. Towson Center is still technically around, as the new arena and the old building are merged, with locker rooms inside the old building. Food & Beverage 1 The SECU Arena really has subpar food offerings. There is a single concession stand open for volleyball matches offering no real variety and sometimes with a large line. Prices are not great, with $6.25 for a hot dog and $5.25 for a Pepsi. Pretzels are $4.50, and popcorn is $4.50. Please eat before coming to SECU Arena. Atmosphere 3 The lowered seating bowl of SECU Arena makes the sound seem to pop here. It can be pretty loud. It may take time, but this place can be a loud arena. The stands surround the court. The upper seating areas of SECU Arena are not open for volleyball matches. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and the old Towson Center Arena, there is nothing right by the arena. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. 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 3 Volleyball matches tend to get a small crowd made up of mostly friends and family. Students may show up, but expect you may not see any of them at the match. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn location of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, although the closest lots are reserved for those buying season passes for access to them. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $10 for special matches, but even the normal price makes for a good investment. Extras 2 Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages. Stop at the Tiger statue outside of the arena during pregame, as it is a great meeting spot. If you get a chance, you should stop into the old Towson Center to see how much better the new facility is than the one they left. Final Thoughts SECU Arena is a very nicely designed arena for a mid-major volleyball program. If the crowd were to come to support the team a bit more, the building could be an intimidating place for opponents to play.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pechanga Arena 3500 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego, CA 92110 Map It San Diego Seals website Pechanga Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 12,920 Seals Lax 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. In their five years of play (the NLL was cancelled during the pandemic), they have made it to the playoffs four times and to the second round twice. They have not yet made it to the finals. 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. There’s been talk of building a new arena on the same site as the existing one. The proposition also includes an entertainment district (shops, dining, urban parks, etc.) and affordable housing. We’ll keep our eyes open for any progress on this proposal. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has a decent number of concessions; many serve only adult beverages. Some are closed as the lacrosse team does not draw as many fans as the hockey team or concerts. Be sure to walk the entire concourse to find the open concession stands and carts that match your taste buds. Pizza Port slices (cheese, pepperoni, jalapeno pepperoni, BBQ chicken) run $9 - $9.75. Arena Grill serves hot dogs, hamburgers, vegan sausages and burgers, chicken baskets, nachos, fries, etc. Nicolosi’s (Italian) sells meatball mac and cheese, 6” meatball hero, vegan mac and cheese ($13 - $18), as well as traditional fare and beverages. Small kiosks include lemonade, mini donuts, hand-dipped corn dogs, caramel apples, yummy-looking frozen dipped bananas, and Dippin’ Dots. Bottled sodas (Coca-Cola brands), water, iced tea, Monster Energy, and Powerade cost $6 - $7. A Cutwater Cocktail Bar, Elysian Brewing Company, and Breitbard’s Tap Haus have vast selections of beers on tap and in cans (domestic and local craft). Local craft includes brews from Eppig, Golden Road, Karl Strauss, Kona, Pizza Port, Stone, and Elysian, and cost $18. Many stands have cocktails and wines ($16 - $18). Pechanga Arena Breitbard's Tap Haus, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The choices are suitable for a meal or a snack if you arrive hungry and thirsty. The Stella Artois Lounge is a premium entertainment area available for rent and/or membership and includes a posh bar and other VIP features. The arena is missing one thing - tables to eat any purchased food. Instead, fans have to bring their refreshments to their seats. Atmosphere 4 Although old, the arena serves the lacrosse team very well. Two levels of average-width cushioned seats (without cup holders) make up the seating. Fans enter the middle of the seating area and walk up or down to their seats. The second level is about 15 steps up. No handrails are available for the top nine rows on either level. Those uneasy with steps should get seats in row nine as that’s the top row when walking in. Handicapped and wheelchair seating is available along the inner walkway. Staff curtains off the second level behind both goal nets. Every seat has a decent view of the action on the court. Though the arena does not have suites, it offers premium seating along certain areas of the inner concourse, and Rady Children’s Cove premium field level seating choice behind one of the goals with partitioned tables and its own beverage station. Pechanga Arena Rady Children's Cove, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey It’s chilly inside. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and bring a sweatshirt and/or jacket. A suitably sized scoreboard hangs above center court. It shows the game action video, the score, shots on goal, time remaining, and quarter. Closed captioning is not available. At the game of this review, I noticed many delayed media timeouts, which annoyingly halted the flow of the game. The Seals have an impressive pyrotechnic opening and introduction. As with all box lacrosse contests, to pump the crowd, music plays constantly. When an opposing player goes to the penalty box (the sin bin), the announcer cleverly calls “[player’s name] makes the walk of shame…shame…shame…” The crowd is also entertained by a dance team (the Sirens) and a mascot dressed as a seal (Salty). Other in-game entertainment includes fan participative contests like a milk chug challenge, selfies, t-shirt tosses, a military hero of the game, and a junior lacrosse scrimmage during halftime. It is all very well executed and not over the top. Neighborhood 4 The area directly surrounding the rink is bustling with shopping centers, and within just one to three miles, plenty of choices for eating, drinking, and merriment are available. Ocean Beach Pier is just three miles from the venue and is where visitors can watch the surfers (or surf themselves), walk along the beach, swim, or sunbathe in the warmer months. Or stroll the neighborhood shops, restaurants, and brewpubs. It’s a great place to visit. Sea World San Diego is a little over two miles. Historic Old Town is just a mile away; both are worth visiting. A plethora of places to eat and drink are within a few miles. We recommend the Long Story Irish Pub (though finding parking may be difficult), Phil’s BBQ, and Cocino de Barrio (Mexican). Within walking distance of the arena are staples like Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, Chili’s, Broken Yolk, and Buffalo Wild Wings (though we do not recommend this Broken Yolk and BWW). For the hop head, the go-to brewery for Seals fans is Bay City Brewing, right across the parking lot. Plenty of other breweries are close by: Deft Brewing (European style brews), Stone Brewing (in Liberty Station – serves food), and if visiting Ocean Beach, check out Ocean Beach Brewery (serves food), Kilowatt Brewing, or Pizza Port (Brewpub). Many, many more are within five miles of the arena. A Wyndham Garden Inn is across the street from Pechanga Arena, and a Ramada Inn is a block and a half away. Many other hotels with varied prices are within just a mile or two of Pechanga Arena, so pick your preference. Sports fans can attend other games in the area during lacrosse season, including the AHL Gulls. The University of San Diego is two to three miles from the arena. You may be able to catch a Toreros baseball, basketball, football, or other athletic games. San Diego is a fantastic city to tour, so make a day or weekend of it when attending a Seals game! Fans 3 There’s an energy in the crowd, and you just can’t help getting excited when the Seals score a goal. Lots of families, kids, and school lacrosse teams are in attendance. Visitors see plenty of purple, yellow, and black (the Seals’ colors) in the crowd. The fans certainly don’t follow lacrosse etiquette as they leave and enter during play action. At the game of this review, the lower level was about 65% full. The average attendance is between 5,000 and 6,000 fans per game. This puts the team in the mid to bottom half of the NLL attendance ranking. Access 4 Getting to the arena is easy. It is right off the I-8 and I-5 Interstates in the Midway District of San Diego, a tad over a mile from Old Town San Diego and a little over three miles from the San Diego Airport. Plenty of parking is available in lots surrounding the venue for $15. The box office is on the north side of the building (Kurtz Street side). Public transportation is available and takes 30 – 45 minutes with multiple changes if coming from the airport. Check the San Diego MTS trip planner to see if this is an option from where you are. If not, Uber and Lyft drop-off and pickup are on the south side of the venue near the gas station and Chick-fil-A. It is easy and painless to get through security and scanning of the ticket. Clear 12” x 6” x 12” stadium sports bags are allowed. Fans can walk the entire concourse. Unfortunately, tickets are only available through AXS – an online ticket provider. Fans purchasing tickets at the box office must download the AXS app to their phone to get their tickets. The Seals do not offer hardcopy tickets. ADA seating is provided on the inner concourse surrounding the court. The arena has sufficient restrooms for a lacrosse game, but they are tight, with minimal room to maneuver (at least in the ladies). Return on Investment 3 Seals box lacrosse games are fun and worth your sports dollar investment. We recommend eating or drinking before heading to the game, as concession prices are the expected high stadium prices. Tickets run $21 - $80. A three-game ticket package offers a discount and is a good deal if planning on seeing more than one match a season. Groups of 10+ get a reduced rate, so corral your friends, work buddies, or social group members and come and enjoy an exciting evening out! Parking is $15. If time and your location permit, consider using public transportation. The stadium only accepts purchases via credit card, including parking. Every game has a special event, such as Heritage nights, Stick Up for a Cure night, Margaritaville nights, etc., and may include tailgating parties or giveaways. Extras 4 Photos on the concourse walls portray famous events and entertainers who performed at Pechanga Arena over the years. It is worth the effort to stroll the concourse perusing the historic concerts performed here. The team broadcasts a motivating video that energizes the crowd and gears them into a lacrosse frame of mind before the players take the court. When the announcer introduces the players, spectacular shooting flames, smoke, and hoopla abound. One retired jersey number hangs from the rafters, #17 Brodie Merrill. Pechanga Arena Brodie Merrill Retired Jersey, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Finally, praise to the crew who successfully transform the arena from a hockey rink to a lacrosse court in under 24 hours. Final Thoughts The venue has a lot of history on display and is a throwback to an earlier time when arenas were designed to be functional fan facilities. Box lacrosse is a fun, lively game to watch, and a San Diego Seals game delivers that sports enjoyment pleasure. Check out In Lacrosse We Trust for all lacrosse coverage.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Scotiabank Centre 1800 Argyle St Halifax, NS B3J 2V9 Halifax Thunderbirds website Scotiabank Centre website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 10,595 You’ve Been Thunderstruck Halifax, Nova Scotia has quickly become an enticing city for attracting professional sports franchises.​ Following the lead of the Halifax Hurricanes (National Basketball League of Canada) and HFX Wanderers (Canadian Premier League), along with rumors of the Atlantic Schooners (Canadian Football League) kicking off play in a few years, 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. What is a thunderbird? In Indigious cultures, a thunderbird is a mythical creature, and a symbol for strength and power. A fitting name for a team playing an indigious game on native lands. Originally opened as the Halifax Metro Centre in 1978, Scotiabank Centre has undergone multiple renovations to keep the venue up-to-date and attract major events. The most significant renovations came in 2015, inconsequentially, when the Scotiabank took over the naming rights. With the addition of the Thunderbirds, the arena is now home to three major tenants, including the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) and the Halifax Hurricanes. With a capacity of 10,500, Scotiabank Centre is amongst the smallest in the NLL. Food & Beverage 4 Scotiabank Centre offers an expansive variety of unique food options that rival venues with higher capacities. Canadian and Maritime classics such as Poutine (Cavendish fries, beef gravy and cheese curds) and Donairs (spiced beef shaved from a spit and served on a gyro with tomatoes, onions and donair sauce) are available ​a-la-cart ​ or in a combo with chips and a Pepsi product. Other unique offerings include: mac & cheese (with or without fried chicken), footlong hot dogs, $5 sandwiches, a butter chicken bowl and burrito bowls. Look for most of these concessions in the wide plaza area behind section nine. Traditional stadium food choices include: individual pizzas, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, nachos, popcorn and candy. Alcoholic beverages are $7.25 for a 14-ounce domestic draft (Bud, Bud Light & Alexander Keith’s), and $2 more for 20 ounces. Alexander Keith’s also has their own kiosk offering craft brews, including the Lunenburg Coffee Stout and Highland Pilsner starting at $8.25. Cocktails can be “shaken or stirred” at the bar located outside section eight. Vendors rarely walk the seating area, so you’ll likely need to visit a concession stand for a desired item. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the arena. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at one of the multiple water fountains available around the concourse. Overall, the concessions are well maintained and clean, with enough food and drink options to satisfy your cravings. Atmosphere 4 Largely due to its downtown location, with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby, the game day atmosphere outside Scotiabank Centre can prepare you for the thrilling action on the field. With the brick and glass bottom, concrete paneled top, and hints of the concrete seating area viewed from underneath, the arena is clearly distinguishable from Citadel Hill and Brunswick Street. Topography slopes down quickly around the sides of the building where the architecture is not as pronounced. However, large illuminated “Scotiabank Centre” signs were added to the blank facade, which can clearly be seen from Rogers Square, located a few blocks away down Grafton Street. Once inside Scotiabank Centre there is a “big-event” feel to the atmosphere. Walking around the concourse provides a variety of visual experiences. The side concourses are closed off from viewing the game; however, walk to the ends of the arena and suddenly you’re one with the crowd and have a full view of game action. The lower seating bowl offers great viewing angles to catch all the plays, without fans in front of you obstructing your view. The playing field is surrounded by 16 to 22 rows of seats; however, legroom is an issue no matter where you sit. If you consider yourself of average height or taller, avoid rows 19 thru 22. These rows were not part of the original arena design, but instead were squeezed in as part of a renovation years ago. This renovation closed off a walkway inside the seating bowl, resulting in more congestion on the concourse. Also, be aware of some obstructed view seats in sections 13 thru 17 (rows Q through S) due to metal posts supporting the skyboxes. An upper level is located on both sides of the playing field, consisting of 21 rows with decent viewing angles in the lower rows. Avoid seats next to the aisle in rows A thru G since the railing located at the bottom of the aisle may be right at your eye level. Also, stay clear of the top 16 rows (rows H thru W); hanging skyboxes diminish the game atmosphere and the scoreboard/video board over centre ice is not visible. A scoreboard and video board is projected on the backside of the skyboxes, but the acoustics are awkward and you feel distant from the action. Over forty skyboxes are located in a horseshoe style around the field of play. Handicap seating is available nearly all the way around the seating bowl at the concourse level. New seats were added as part of the 2015 renovations. They are larger, padded, comfortable, and are equipped with cup holders. The four-sided scoreboard hanging from the rafters is new as of 2019. This crisp, clear jumbotron is a welcome improvement and accentuates the atmosphere as exciting graphics are displayed after a big play. Scoreboard at Scotiabank Centre, Photo by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey The Thunderbirds have done a fantastic job celebrating the roots and culture of the Maritime region, not just through their name and logo, but also during the pre-game ceremony. Prior to the Thunderbirds taking the field, a high-tech video production introduces the players and creates a sense of what’s to come. Afterwards, bagpipers play and march from the concourse to the field where traditional Scottish dancers represent and help celebrate the Scottish roots of Nova Scotia. In-game promotions and entertainment keep you involved during breaks in the action. Free programs with information regarding both teams’ players and records are available on the concourse. The Thunderbirds’ dance team performs a few times prior to the game and during game breaks.The Thunderbird mascot, Bolt, roams the arena stopping for selfies and other fan interactions along the way. Arena acoustics are fairly good, unless you are seated in the back rows of the upper level. Upbeat music is played seemingly non-stop during play which is an NLL staple. The music helps keep the crowd’s energy up. The fans especially seem to respond well with loud rhythmic clapping whenever a classic Maritime song like “Barrett’s Privateers” (by Stan Rogers) plays over the loudspeaker. Neighborhood 5 Halifax has a rich history to learn and explore. As stated by the public address announcer prior to a game, Halifax lies on Indigenous lands belonging to the Mi’kmaq before the British settlers arrived and developed the area. For a few hundred years, Halifax was an important British army and navy base to help protect against potential French invaders. Halifax Harbour is naturally protected from the ocean, and is the second largest natural harbour in the world. Thousands of immigrants came to Halifax to find work in the fishing, shipping, and trading industry created by the protected harbour. In 1912, Halifax played an important role in rescue efforts following the sinking of the Titanic. In 1917, the city suffered a tragic event itself, when two ships collided in the harbour. One of those ships was full of ammunition, causing an enormous explosion that killed 2,000 people and destroyed a large part of the city. Check out the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to learn about these fascinating events. Downtown Halifax is located on a steep hill, which slopes from the Halifax Harbour to Citadel Hill. The arena is integrated into the hill, which makes the arena look smaller from the outside than it actually is. Downtown Halifax is evolving into a popular destination again after years of dormant construction throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s. If you want to grab a drink and a bite before or after the game, Argyle Street is a great area full of options with Antojo, Pint Public House & Gahan Restaurant all excellent choices. For a relaxed atmosphere during your stay, take a walk on the boardwalk along the Halifax Harbour; see some historic architecture, high-end restaurants, and the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market. All of these destinations are within a 5-15 minute walk from the arena, making it a great location for the season ticket holder or a tourist. The Hampton Inn by Hilton and the Prince George Hotel are both located less than a block away from the arena. Plenty of other hotel options are scattered around the city depending on your desired price range and location. Fans 3 The Thunderbirds first game in Halifax came less than a year after the relocation announcement in early 2019. So naturally the franchise needed to work hard to attract and develop a loyal local fan base. In such a short time, it’s obvious the marketing folks have done a great job promoting the sport and franchise to a wide range of demographics. Every home game has a promotional theme including First Nations Night, University Student Night, a Salute to Veterans Night, among others. Through the first few home games, Thunderbirds attendance has averaged 6,500 spectators. Though some markets draw over 10,000 patrons per game, Halifax attendance ranks a respectable 8th out of the 13 franchises. Thunderbirds attract fans of all ages, from young families, young adults on a date, and long-time friends. Fans tend to be pretty quiet and respectful outside of a home goal or a big hit. The crowd (with help from the public address announcer) could easily create some unique traditions or chants during the game, and there’s little doubt the scores have potential to improve as the loyal fan base continues to develop. Access 4 Direct flights to Halifax are available from most major Canadian cities, and a few American cities in the Eastern Time Zone. Though Halifax looks close to the United States on maps, a drive from Portland, Maine would take around ten hours due to a lack of a direct route. However, the drive is beautiful no matter where you are coming from. When you arrive downtown, you are only minutes from the arena. It is easy to get there by foot or car. Two parking garages are within a block of Scotiabank Centre for $8, and metered parking is free on weekends and after six pm on weekdays. Metro Transit is another great way to get to the game. Several routes from all over the municipality converge into downtown for $2.75. Halifax is known for wet and icy winter weather conditions. Fortunately pedestrians can stay dry and not risk slipping on ice by using the “Halifax Link” indoor path system. See ​Halifax Link’s map here. Though there is not a dedicated main entrance, the most popular entrance is on the low (east) side of the arena. Stairs or ramps take you into an atrium where the Box Office, Will Call, and entrance to the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame are located. However, prepare for a stair-hike if you enter the arena from this atrium. The entrances along Brunswick Street may be easier and less congested if you already have your ticket. The easiest wheelchair accessible entrance is from the Brunswick and Duke Street corner where the doors are level with the concourse. Once doors open, access around the arena is simple and straightforward. The concourse is a continuous 360 degrees around the field on an even level. Finding your seat should not be difficult, as plenty of helpful signs point you to the sections. The east side of the arena is open, wide and grand. Part of it was an alleyway that used to separate the arena and the former convention centre. This additional concourse space has a relaxed feel with tables to stand at and enjoy your drink and/or meal. Restrooms are clean and fairly large due to a 2015 renovation. Some restrooms are located on another level of the arena, so watch for signs. Return on Investment 3 Tickets can be purchased at the box office inside Scotiabank Centre or online through the team website. Ticket prices are more expensive than Halifax residents are used to for other local sports teams, and the “best seats” appear to be slightly higher than other NLL franchises in similar markets. An adult seat ranges from $28-$81 depending on your seat location preference. University student tickets range from $17.25-$23. Children 12 and under are a flat rate $23. And accessible seating is a flat $11.50 per ticket. Tickets for an applicable promotional night can save you around 50% on tickets. Purchasing group tickets saves money and includes incentives like field admission prior to the game. Other ticket buying options include discounts for fundraiser nights, senior citizens discount games, two-game rivalry pacts, season tickets, and “family section” tickets, which is a family season ticket in a dedicated area close to washrooms. Extras 2 An extra point for the incredible job the franchise does recognizing and celebrating the many historical and cultural aspects the Halifax region represents. Another for the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame. The entrance is through the atrium, and admission is free with a game ticket. The Sidney Crosby exhibit is a must see.” Final Thoughts Indoor lacrosse is one of the most high intensity and thrilling sports you can watch. The game has a long history, as it was first introduced by the First Nations and now is the official summer sport of Canada. For fans who have yet to witness an NLL game live, it’s well worth spending an evening with loved ones or great friends to take in the excitement. Hopefully the Thunderbird franchise will continue to develop fan experience to maintain and build the local fan base.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ball Arena 1000 Chopper Circle Denver, CO 80204 Colorado Mammoth website Ball Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 17,800 Get in the Box Note: The name of the venue changed from Pepsi Center to Ball Arena Oct, 2020. Founded in 2003, the Colorado Mammoth are celebrating their 15th season in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) this 2018/2019 season. They have made the playoffs in all but one of their years in existence. They captured the NLL championship in 2006 and won division titles in 2003, 2004, and 2007. It’s been a while since they’ve placed a banner on the rafters. Two professional lacrosse teams are located in Denver, CO. The Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Outlaws play at Broncos Stadium at Mile High and the Mammoth play at the Pepsi Center. The Pepsi Center is a multi-purpose venue in downtown Denver, CO. It is also home of the NBA Nuggets and the NHL Avalanche, as well as an event center for many concerts and conventions throughout the year. The team less featured in its souvenir shop, along the walls, and in advertisements is the NLL Mammoth. Food & Beverage 4 Some concession stands are closed during Mammoth games as the fan attendance is not as large as at an Avalanche or Nuggets game. Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the Pepsi Center. That said, the Pepsi Center still offers a wide range of options at expensive prices. Many more food and drink choices are on the first level than the third. If you have tickets for the third level, I recommend strolling around the first level before heading up. Tables are scattered throughout the concourse for consuming the food and drink, people watching, and soaking up the surroundings. Selections include the standard hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, candy, etc. Different or unique options are baked potatoes, chicken sandwiches, cheese steak sandwiches, chicken and waffles, mac and cheese balls, grilled cheese sandwiches, Go Nuts, bratwurst, Caesar salad, and onion rings. Pepsi varieties (of course) are the soda choice. The traditional domestic beer offerings like Coors, Coors Light, Bud, Bud Light, and Miller Lite are available. The venue offers local brews such as Colorado Native, Dales Pale Ale, Odells, Breckenridge (most of these are on the first level) and other beer offerings include Fat Tire, Stella, Shock Top, and Red Hook. Premium cocktails, vodka lemonade, Moscow mule and basically, anything you might want to drink is here. For those looking for a sit-down meal inside the arena, the Breckenridge Brewery Mountain House fits the bill. Its mountain lodge theme will transport you to the Rockies… while sparing you the frosty temperatures. Atmosphere 2 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. Several promotions are offered throughout the season such as Lacrosse Put Out Cancer, player autographs after game, and youth lacrosse games to name a few. Get in the Box posters and both teams’ line ups are handed out on entry to the Pepsi Center. An announcer/emcee for the Mammoth does a good job getting the fans to ring their cow bells, make noise, and is a fine source of entertainment and motivation at a game. The temperature of the venue is fine. Bring layers just in case it’s too warm or too cold. Two lines of closed captioning is offered in each of the four corners of the banner board section of the Pepsi Center and provide announcer comments and scoring and penalty results. Nice job to the Pepsi Center for providing that. More venues should do that. Closed Captioning at Ball Arena, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey At the game of this review, when entering the ticket box office area to purchase a ticket, a security rep stormed over and shouted “NO, you can’t come in here! We don’t open till 12 noon!” I would have left and never come back if I wasn’t doing a review for Stadium Journey. It’s a very poor way of welcoming Mammoth fans. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Denver is a happening place to be. Numerous restaurants, bars, and shopping are within four or five blocks of the arena. It is safe walking in and around the downtown area before or after a game. Denver is known for its craft brews. Be sure to take a brewery tour if you’re a connoisseur of the hops. I’d recommend Wynkoop’s at the corner of 18th St and Wynkoop St or Jagged Mountain (good IPAs) at the corner of 20th St and Lawrence St. The 16th Street Mall is just within a few blocks and is a pedestrian outdoor mall containing many of those shops and eateries. Free shuttle buses cruise the 1.25 mile strip and one can hop and off at most corners as desired. Check out recently renovated Union Station, a historic train station just a few blocks away. This houses a hotel, shops, bars, restaurants, and a public park atmosphere. A good place to eat pre or post game is the Thirsty Lion – it has a happy hour every day with a wide variety of beers and appetizers (enough for a meal) choices. Brooklyn’s (a sports bar) is in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center. Although convenient, this place is not recommended as the food is not great and the drinks are quite expensive. A better place worth checking out just two blocks from the Pepsi Center is Tivoli’s Brewery who serves their own beer and has really good food choices. The closest hotel is the Springhill Suites by Marriott and is only a 0.2 mile walk to the Pepsi Center and is walking distance to most of the downtown activities and venues. Fans 4 The Mammoth fans are pretty spectacular. As Mammoth player introductions are made, all fans stand, ring their cow bells and cheer. They boo the visiting team during their introduction. When the Mammoth score a goal, fans high-five their neighbors in celebration; doesn’t really matter if you’re a stranger. When an opposing team’s player gets a penalty, fans chant, “Hey #xx – Get-In-The-Box,” and stand up and point at the player as he walks toward the box. The last two minutes of the game all fans stand and applaud the players. Average attendance has declined a bit over the years and the arena is not as packed as it once was: In the 2000’s, the average attendance ranged from 16,000 – 17,000; that number has reduced slightly to 13,000 – 16,000 a game with 14,465 the average attendance in the 2017 season. Access 3 My recommendation for a Mammoth game (and any event/game at the Pepsi Center) is to take the RTD Light Rail and get off at the Pepsi Center/Elitch Gardens Station. An A Line train from DIA (Denver International Airport) travels direct to Union Station which is a short 0.5 mile walk to the Pepsi Center. Fans who want to visit a Mammoth game and downtown Denver won’t necessarily require a car anymore. If driving, take I-25 and get off at Auraria Parkway if coming from the south or Speer Blvd if coming from the north. Parking on the Pepsi Center grounds ranges from $15 – $30. The $30 is valet parking and is open to the general public. The nearby Auraria Campus, home of the University of Colorado Denver and Metro State University, has cheaper parking while only being a 5-10 minute walk to the arena. A designated Lyft/Uber area is just outside the venue. Getting through security is hit or miss. Sometimes the gate staff are courteous other times they appear to growl and roll their eyes in annoyance at fans entering the venue and security area. This needs to be improved as fans don’t always feel welcome. One must go through a security and metal detector just to purchase game day tickets which is asinine. Plenty of operational bathrooms are available with minimal or no wait. Hang out for a few minutes after the game and don’t leave immediately after the winning goal (but only just a few minutes otherwise you’ll be told to ‘Get Out’ about only 10 minutes after the end of the game; another un-fan friendly experience I’ve had at a Mammoth game). Players celebrate; shake hands with opponents like they do in the hockey playoffs and Stanley Cups finals. Players walk the entire court raising their sticks to the fans to show their appreciation. Sometimes there’s an interview with a player after the game; other times a post game autograph session is set up. Return on Investment 2 Tickets range from $10 (the $2 surcharge is not added when purchasing game day tickets this 2018/2019 season!) through $32 for fieldside VIP seats. Go to Happy Hour at the Thirsty Lion to lower food/drink expense and consider taking the light rail. Although ticket prices are extremely inexpensive compared to the other teams at the Pepsi Center, I just can’t give a high ROI rating at a sports team whose security team sternly tells me I’m not allowed in and I have to go through metal detectors just to purchase a ticket. Extras 3 Four retired Mammoth jerseys hang from the rafters: #22 Gary Gait (widely known as the best lacrosse player of all time), #6 Brian Langtry, #9 Gavin Prout, and #24 John Grant Jr. Colorado Mammoth Retired Numbers, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Kudos to those ‘conversion crews’ who convert a basketball court on a Fri evening to a hockey arena for the following Sat afternoon to a lacrosse venue that same Sat evening then back again for a Sun evening basketball game. For being able to take in a double header. Once or twice a year a fan can see an Avalanche and a Mammoth game at the Pepsi Center the same day. Final Thoughts The game of box lacrosse is an exciting, enjoyable, fantastic game to watch live. I’d recommend anyone who hasn’t seen a game yet to check it out. Customer service and being made to feel welcome each and every time needs to improve at Mammoth games at the Pepsi Center to make the entire experience worth coming back.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Coca-Cola Coliseum Exhibition Place 19 Nunavut Road Toronto, ON M6K 3C3 Toronto Tempo website Coca-Cola Coliseum website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 8,500 Turn Up the Tempo The explosion of the WNBA has brought expansion to the cities of Portland and Toronto for 2026. Toronto’s entry to the league, the Toronto Tempo, has been met in the city with excitement and optimism. Even better than that has been the reaction on the ticket sites, where Tempo tickets are increasingly difficult to come by. The team was founded by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment minority owner Larry Tanenbaum and a number of other investors including Serena Williams, former Raptors executive Masai Ujiri and Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. Tanenbaum reportedly attempted to get the Tempo to be part of the MLSE portfolio, but was blocked by some members of the board. In their inaugural season, the Tempo made a calculated free agent signing, bringing in Canadian Olympian and TSN analyst Kia Nurse to be part of the roster. The inaugural home for the Tempo is Coca-Cola Coliseum. Located on the grounds of Exhibition Place, it is most well-known for being the home of the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. The building was originally built for livestock shows as part of the Royal Winter Agricultural Fair in 1921. A massive renovation took place in the early 2000’s to convert the building into a hockey arena in an attempt to attract a professional hockey team. At a capacity of 8,500 for basketball, Coca-Cola Coliseum is the fourth smallest venue in the WNBA behind Atlanta, Washington and Dallas, and the Wings are moving to a larger venue in 2027. The Tempo are hedging their bets on the popularity of the new team with a few games at Scotiabank Arena as well as games in the big venues in Montréal and Vancouver. Food & Beverage 5 A number of recognizable brands are found throughout the Coliseum including Pizza Pizza, Smoke’s Poutinerie, Tim Horton’s and St. Patties. Traditional arena fare is found at the Food Junction stand, however some of the most unique items are also found here including Buffalo Chicken tenders, Korean Fried Chicken sandwiches, Beef Taco Loco Fries, Bacon Mac & Cheese eggrolls and Jerk Chicken Patty Sandwiches. Molson Canadian, Coors, Heineken and Steam Whistle are available beers. There are also a number of concession stands on the upper level. With the crowd size at the maximum, all concession stands were open. The Crown Royal bar has a number of spirits available as well as wine. Atmosphere 4 In the massive renovation that became Coca-Cola Coliseum, the exterior of the building was maintained. Although it is tightly wedged between the Enercare Centre and Horse Palace, there are still some exterior spots visible with very attractive yellow brick and curved architecture. It is one of the most unique looking arenas out there. Most fans will enter at the southwest corner of the building, however, entry for the CIBC Club is found at the north side near the public transit. Upon entering the concourses fans will find that the Tempo have made a strong effort to make the Coliseum look like their home. Many of the markings for the Toronto Marlies are covered with temporary banners for the Tempo. Framed historic photos remain uncovered including some throwback prints to some agricultural shows. The massive wooden doors at the south entrance are also a throwback to the agricultural days. The seating bowl is a single, split-level design with the court oriented from south to north. The best spot for a centre court logo photo is from the east. A four-sided video board with upper ring and lower rectangle screens hangs above centre court. Unfortunately, there are no videoboards dedicated to individual statistics, leaving the statistical side of the experience below some Canadian universities. Suites hang above the east and west sides. There are a number of permanent markings for the Marlies visible from the seating bowl including the Leaf crests for players who have played for the Marlies and moved up to the Leafs. The end result in the seating bowl is a feeling that the Tempo are still tenants in Coca-Cola Coliseum as opposed to residents. The gameday production at a Tempo game is not too complicated. A DJ booth is in the upper northwest corner, right beside the TSN crew who bring the pregame and halftime shows for television. The Rhythm Section, the Tempo dance team, performs during some pauses in the action. The Tempo also employ a pair of in-game hosts who help with the promotions. The more simplistic approach is a bit of a refreshing change compared to the NBA, which can be sensory overload. Neighbourhood 5 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is immediately south of Liberty Village, which is the closest neighbourhood for fans to get some pre- or post- game food. It is easily walkable. Some options in Liberty Village include Liberty Village Market & Cafe, Local Public Eatery, Brazen Head, Chiang Mai, NODO, and Fox And John’s. Coca-Cola Coliseum is shared with the Toronto Marlies and Toronto Sceptres. BMO Field is across the parking lot and is home to the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC. A few minutes east, and fans could take in the Toronto Blue Jays, Maple Leafs or Raptors. Toronto Metropolitan University is northeast and fields Bold hockey and basketball teams in the former Maple Leaf Gardens. The University of Toronto also fields a full complement of Varsity Blues athletic teams, including football, basketball and hockey. There are also a ton of other tourist options in Toronto. Medieval Times and RBC Amphitheatre are close. However, hockey fans must take in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fans wishing to stay near Exhibition Place can choose Hotel X, Radisson Blu, The Neptune or a host of other options nearby. Fans 4 It is difficult to assess fans of the Tempo at this point. At the time of writing, the Tempo played only their second home game. As expected, the first home game brought in over 8,200 fans. As compared to the previous WNBA season, the Tempo would have had the 11th best attendance in the league. The venue is a bit restrictive, but offers the opportunity for the team to possibly grow into a larger venue. Ticket sales have been very strong thus far so a favorable mark is given for fans with some room to grow with longevity. Fans in attendance are louder than the typical Ontario fans, who tend to be more reserved. Access 4 Coca-Cola Coliseum is located on the grounds of Exhibition Place in the Niagara neighbourhood of Toronto. It is on the south side of Manitoba Drive, and immediately south of the Gardiner Expressway. Although it has a very close proximity to the expressway and is easier to get to from the west than the rest of Downtown Toronto, it can still be a challenge, as Toronto traffic can be a significant issue. There is plenty of parking on site, which will require payment at a kiosk or on a parking app. Fans should be cognizant of what other activities are taking place at Exhibition Place, as this can drastically affect parking. At the time of writing, parking was limited due to the upcoming World Cup which has lots blocked off for fan fests and construction. For fans wishing to take public transit to the Tempo games, they have a couple of options. A GO Transit station is at the north end of Exhibition Place. There are also buses and streetcars that can be found at Exhibition Place. Fans should consult the GO Transit and TTC websites for fares, schedules, and maps. Getting around the Coca-Cola Coliseum is not too difficult; however, initially, the concourses can get congested during pregame. Once people start to utilize the upper concourse, it thins out a bit. The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Stadium Journey strongly suggests fans consult the Toronto Tempo and Coca-Cola Coliseum websites for the most up-to-date security information, including prohibited items and bag policy. Coca-Cola Coliseum is a cashless facility. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the Toronto Tempo start at $30 for limited games. Most games start at $56 for standing room. Seats for most games start at $137. Dynamic pricing makes face value difficult to determine, but the initial popularity of the Tempo have driven ticket prices up. Parking at the Ex can go for $18. Concession prices are about what one would expect. The gameday experience in Toronto is good, but the outlay seems to be high for an expansion experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Toronto Tempo ownership investing in the team right off the bat. Before their first game, the ownership group announced that the building of a multi-million-dollar practice facility was in the works at Exhibition Place, reportedly the cream of the crop in the WNBA. An extra mark for Brittney Sykes scoring the first points in Toronto Tempo history. An extra mark for the Tempo Impact outreach program with focus on not only developing players but coaches as well. Final Thoughts Right out of the gates the Toronto Tempo have acquired a solid following making tickets difficult to come by. The gameday atmosphere at Coca-Cola Coliseum is solid for the first season. It will be interesting to see if the Tempo can maintain their following and force themselves into a larger venue. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.