Photos by Xander Loosvelt, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Phog Allen Fieldhouse 1651 Naismith Dr Lawrence, KS 66045 Kansas Jayhawks website Phog Allen Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 15,300 The Birthplace of Basketball One of the most iconic venues in college basketball, Allen Fieldhouse, also known as “The Phog,” provides one of the best home-court advantages in the entire sport. The stadium serves as the home of the Kansas Jayhawks men’s and women’s basketball teams, who are a part of the Big 12 Conference. Since its opening in 1955, the stadium has undergone major renovations across multiple eras to bring the building to its current design. It has played host to NCAA tournament games, concerts, NBA Exhibition games, presidents, senators, and more. The Phog is unique, intricate, well-designed, loud, and represents everything about college basketball from the hardwood to the nosebleeds. Food & Beverage 4 As a whole, the concessions experience at Allen Fieldhouse contains what you generally would expect to find at a basketball gam,e alongside a few special items. What gives it extra points is its quantity, as there are three levels to the concourse that all contain food. Outside the general stadium foods, specialty items include pulled pork sandwiches, a Philly Steak/Cheesesteak stand, Boba, Street Tacos, Empanadas, and more, with a mix of local and standard businesses. The quality is about what you’d expect from the stadium, while the prices are mostly fair all around, with stands only accepting cards. The dominating soda brand is Pepsi, and while general alcohol options are served, craft beer is generally not available. The street tacos and pulled pork sandwiches cost a little more than the others, but for good reason – they’re delicious. Those two are definitely items worth checking out when walking the concourse. Atmosphere 5 This is a bucket list experience. If you only ever see one college basketball game, let it be in the Phog. The stadium has seating completely around the arena with visible sight lines, no matter where you are. Though the arena mostly contains benches, there is chairback seating available in the upper sections of the lower bowl on either side. The classic yet modern scoreboard style hangs prominently above the court, visible on all sides, with constant replays that are especially prevalent for home team highlights and questionable calls. The band, spirit squads, and mascots are active and engaging the crowd throughout the game. The mascots will even go into the crowd to high-five and interact with the fans. The music is loud throughout the stadium and somehow manages to be heard over the roaring crowd. The stadium's sound quality is strong, and the architecture allows for the sound to bounce off the walls. The best part thought has to be the pregame scoreboard videos - absolute cinema that gives every person in the arena chills. The north side chairback seating is probably the optimal spot because it gives you access to all 3 concession levels, allows you to see the logo the right way, provides the most comfort, and puts you in the middle of everything. However, no matter where you sit, you’ll have a good view of the game and a great time watching thanks to the dynamic atmosphere created by all the little aspects coming together for an event to remember. Neighborhood 5 Allen Fieldhouse is located in the center of campus at the University of Kansas, which is not too far from most of the local restaurants, while also feeling separate from the busier areas in Lawrence. While there isn’t necessarily an array of options right next to the stadium, a short drive or Uber away from the stadium are several well-renowned local restaurants and breweries, including Jefferson’s, Limestone Pizza, and Free State Brewing. If none of those sound appetizing, plenty of other options still exist around the same area and throughout the city. Lawrence isn’t exactly known for its attractions, but when you take a closer look, you can find some smaller activities, such as an escape room place called Breakout Lawrence, or take a visit to the Dole Institute of Politics. If you're still in the sports mood, you can check out the newly renovated David Booth Memorial Stadium that serves as home for the football team, or even Rock Chalk Park, which houses the track, soccer, and softball teams. For the most enjoyable and accessible stay, The Oread and The Eldridge will be your go-to hotels that are closest to the heart of Lawrence, while the DoubleTree by Hilton is a viable option for a small commute while remaining slightly removed from the noise and business of the city. Overall, the food and lodging options are high in quantity with above-average quality, while the attractions are lower in quantity but still maintain an overall decent quality. Fans 5 Simply put, Allen Fieldhouse has one of, if not the best, fan bases in college basketball. The stadium is nearly always at capacity, if not exceeding it, and is near the top of the conference and the nation for fan attendance. The crowd is loud, routinely exceeding 120 DB of noise and staying engaged from 90 minutes before tip-off until the final buzzer. (In fact, Allen Fieldhouse holds the Guinness World Record for the Loudest Crowd Roar at an indoor sporting event.) The crowd stays involved and only gets louder when things start to go the other team’s way. Fans remain in their seats, rarely getting up even at halftime. The students will even stand the entire game while frowning upon sitters. There's a host of fan traditions, including waving the wheat, the pregame alma mater, Rock Chalk chants, distracting the other team at the free throw line, and more. Above all else, Jayhawks fans ensure that as long as they're in the arena, a dull moment will never be had. Access 4 As a whole, the Phog is a pretty accessible stadium, and its only glaring issue is the lack of parking around the arena. If you're flying in for the game, you’ll have to go through Kansas City International, and more than likely rent a car to make the 50-minute drive to Lawrence. Luckily, the airport is really easy to navigate when arriving or departing, and the hotels are all within walking distance or a very short drive from the stadium. The downside is the fact that parking surrounding the stadium is rather difficult, and with limited space, the best idea is to buy a pass ahead of time. Traffic exiting the arena and the city also isn’t great postgame, but it’s manageable overall. Walking into Allen Fieldhouse is pretty easy, as the security process is simple and the concourse can be easily navigated thanks to the plethora of signs. There’s enough room on the concourse’s three levels that rarely overflowing is a problem, but you can’t see the court unless you're actually in your seats. Handicapped seating is also available if needed. Return on Investment 3 With all prices you’ll have to pay considered, your return on investment is about what you’d expect for a men's college basketball game. The average ticket price range is between $90 and $300, and most will land around the $150-$200 inner range. Food and drink prices can vary, but let's overestimate and say you spend around $35 on concessions. Taking into account the potential of renting a car for a weekend trip, which can bring your total cost north of $300 but probably less than $400. It’s certainly not cheap, but the all-around experience in Allen Fieldhouse ensures that your money is well spent. Extras 5 So many things decorate the stadium and add to the experience, including the host of championship banners, retired numbers, and recognized players. The staff is friendly and helpful, you can find multiple places to buy team merchandise, and even a few kids' activities are present. In fact, there’s a whole hallway filled with player photos and team accomplishment banners. All this, and yet the most impressive part is far and away the Booth Family Hall of Athletics that serves as a hall of fame for Kansas athletes and sports, including a special emphasis on James Naismith, the inventor of basketball and KU’s first basketball coach, and Forrest C. “Phog” Allen. Final Thoughts Allen Fieldhouse is a special place for the sport of basketball because it's where basketball was invented and first played. It would be easy to let somewhere as historic as this speak for itself, but all the additions over the years to maintain a modern style and update the venue as the program’s history expands have only added to the experience. It may be a little on the expensive side for college sports, but it’s easy to see why the price of admission is high once you enter the building. It’s so easy to get immersed in the atmosphere, find yourself singing along with the fans during traditions, and feel a sense of pride in what Allen Fieldhouse represents as one of the original stepping stones to what college basketball has become.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena 25 Hester St. Hamilton, ON L9A 2Nc Hamilton Steel website Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 2,500 The Kilty Buzz Editor's Note: The Kilty B's will be rebranding as the Steel for the 2026-2027 season. On the Mountain in Hamilton, there is a little shrine to one of their favourite hockey sons. Dave Andreychuk was a star for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams. In his final season in the NHL, he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win their first Stanley Cup. Andreychuk is a product of his hometown Hamilton hockey system, and the Mountain Arena now also bears his name. A hockey hub for the “Mountain,” the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena was built in 1966 and boasts a capacity of 2,500.  Renovations have been completed on the arena over the years, including replacing the old wooden seats with plastic stadium seats salvaged from Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, former home of the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Blue Jays.  One of the additions includes a figure skating rink. The Junior B level of hockey in Ontario has a presence in Hamilton.  The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League has the Hamilton Kilty B’s, a traditional Hamilton hockey name, as part of the league.  The arena was also the home of the Hamilton Fincups and Hamilton Steelhawks of the OHL and Hamilton Red Wings of the OJHL.  The Red Wings began as a Junior B team in 1973 and played as the Kilty B’s from 1977 to 2002.  The current Kilty B’s organization began as the Junior C, Stoney Creek Warriors.  They earned four titles and moved up to Junior B in 1994 and were renamed the Stoney Creek Spirit.  After returning to the Warriors moniker, they moved to Ancaster in 2013 and then to Hamilton in 2015, just after the departure of the Hamilton Red Wings.  The Red Wings franchise held the rights to the historic Kilty B’s brand and was sold to the current owner to bring the buzz back to Hamilton. Food & Beverage 2 A small snack bar can be found on the south side of the arena, behind the seating bowl. Simple options include chips, chocolate bars, and popcorn. Coca-Cola products are available, as well as a small selection of mainstream domestic beer. Vending machines are also available in the halls at ice level.  Concession prices are very good as compared to major sporting venues. Atmosphere 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is a throwback from a different time with a few comfort upgrades. It is part of a larger complex with a figure skating ice surface.  The main entry for the arena is on the parking lot side behind Hester Street.  The exterior is low profile with tan brick with light accents.  Both the front and rear have Kilty B’s markings, alerting fans that this is the home of Hamilton’s Junior B squad. Upon entering the building from the east side, fans enter a small lobby that is a shrine to Dave Andreychuk.  The lobby is littered with pictures of Andreychuk from different teams, a collage outlining his journey to the Stanley Cup, and some of his career stats.  Another collage outlines his experience playing youth hockey in Hamilton, and a framed jersey from his number retirement by the Oshawa Generals is also prevalent.  Temporary tables welcome fans for purchasing tickets and 50/50 tickets.  Fans must ascend the stairs to reach the seating area, which is made up of up to seven rows of older blue stadium seats. The seats themselves have repurposed seats from the former Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, the former home of the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts. The repurposing is similar to what was done at Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto and the fields at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ontario. The ice surface runs from east to west, with the best spot for the center ice logo picture on the north side. The love for Dave Andreychuk continues inside the arena with his honored number 8 from Hamilton Youth Hockey, as well as highlights of his NHL career.  The west side of the arena features Kilty B’s logo and the 50th anniversary logo.  The arena has a low profile ceiling with trussed support beams across the building, painted black.  In each of the four corners, the top rows still have the original seats, and behind the wooden seats are small replica boards with class, perfect for playing mini-stick hockey on the other side.  Above centre ice is the skinniest four-sided score clock ever seen in a hockey rink, designed to minimize pucks hitting scoreboards.  The PA system is pretty good, and the announcements are clear to understand. The gameday production is fairly simple, but not unlike other Junior B teams.  The Kilty mascot, Stinger, traverses the crowd and attempts to lead some cheers with the aid of a small drum.  Kilty B’s goals are marked with a fog horn, similar to the one used by Andreychuk’s Buffalo Sabres.  Simple promotions like a 50/50 draw are part of the game. Neighbourhood 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon Neighbourhood on Hamilton’s Mountain.  It is south of Central Hamilton.  There are a few spots for food and drink in the immediate neighbourhood.  Some options include La Spaghett Pasta House, Charlie’s Chopsticks and Garden Kitchen. There are other sporting options in Hamilton, most notably the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.  The McMaster Marauders field football and basketball teams among others and the Hamilton Cardinals of IBL play in the summer months.  Hamilton’s main arena, FirstOntario Centre, is closed as of 2024 for a year or two for major renovations.  Other tourist options include Upper Chedoke Falls, Royal Botanical Gardens and Canadian Heritage Warplane Museum.  Mountain Arena is located in a fairly residential area.  Fans wanting to stay near the arena may select the Courtyard Hamilton. Fans 3 The Hamilton Kilty B’s have shown some improvement in fan support.  In the  2023-2024 season the Kilty B’s attracted an average of 470 fans per game.  This was an improvement from the previous year and the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs moving to Brantford may be a partial explanation for the increase.  The Kiltys ranked 7th in attendance in the 20 team OJHL.  Thursdays are typically Kiltys night.  However, with a building capacity of 2,500 it will take more than 400 fans to make a positive impact on the atmosphere.  The fans in attendance are pretty quiet and reserved, similar to most other Ontario fans.   Access 4 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon neighbourhood on the Hamilton Mountain.  It is less than 1 km north of the Lincoln Alexander Parkway and east of Highway 403.  It is on the north side of Hester Street between Upper James Street and Ronald Shay Avenue.  Getting to the arena is not too difficult, however, traffic on Highway 403 near Highway 6 can be busy during the post work hours.  There is plenty of parking onsite that is free.  For those fans interested in public transit, there are Hamilton Transit buses that travel Upper James. Fans should consult the Hamilton Transit website for maps, fares and schedules.  Getting around the arena comes with the challenges of any older venue and the washrooms are pretty small, although that should not be a big issue given the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment at a Hamilton Kilty B’s game is very high.  Adult tickets go for $10 each, cash at the door.  Students and seniors are only $5 and kids under 7 are free.  Concession prices are low and parking at the arena is free.  The on ice product is strong and fans will have a good time at the game, especially if they like Dave Andreychuk.  The history and old school feel of the venue is a bonus. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena as a shrine to this Hamilton hockey product. An extra mark for the repurposed seats from Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium. An extra mark for the ownership group rescuing the traditional Hamilton Kilty B’s brand. Final Thoughts Taking in some GOJHL hockey at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is not only a great opportunity to check out some history at a classic venue, but also getting to see a strong hockey program with a traditional brand.  It seems that the Hamilton Kilty B’s may just have the Steel City buzzing! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Advanced Capital Ice House Raven Road Ottawa, ON K1S 5R2 Carleton Ravens Ice Hockey website Advanced Capital Ice House website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 820 Quote the Raven Editor's Note: In October 2025 Carleton University announced they would be renaming their hockey facility in honor of Michael Hapke's $1 million donation to the school's athletic department. Hapke is the CEO of the Advanced Group of Companies. Ask any Canadian about the athletic teams of Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, inevitably the conversation will come to basketball.  The Carleton Ravens basketball team has enjoyed unprecedented success, achieving seventeen National Championships since 2003.  That success through basketball has invigorated the rest of the athletic department.  The return of Ravens football after a 15 year absence in 2013 signaled a change in the Ravens Athletic Department.  Hockey also returned in 2008 after being on hiatus since 1974.  The Ravens hockey team was originally founded in 1949 and played for six seasons before disbanding.  The second iteration of the team lasted from 1960 to 1974.  The Ravens have since appeared in the USports National Championship Tournament in 2014, 2016 and 2019. Home for the Ravens is the Carleton Ice House.  The arena was built in 1974 and features two NHL-sized ice surfaces.  The main rink has a capacity of 320 seats with space for 500 fans to stand. Food & Beverage 1 The concession options are extremely limited at the Carleton Ice House.  On the ground level there are a number of vending machines for drinks and snacks.  There are signs that there is a Tim Hortons and Subway in an adjoining Physical Education building, however, if their hours of operation coincided with hockey games is unknown.   Atmosphere 3 The Carleton Ice House is a fairly simplistic hockey venue.  The exterior is fairly attractive at the main entrance at the west with light brick and windows attached to a long building with rounded roof.  The main lobby has plenty of red and black with Ravens markings.  There is not much that is sport specific or even hockey specific, but the lobby is not unattractive.  Fans must ascend to the upper level for entry to the rink.  In the main rink there is a strong warehouse feel to the environment with the north wall covered in corrugated siding.  The ice is east-west oriented and there is only seating on the north side.  The seating area consists of 3 or 4 rows of older, red arena seats with plenty of standing room behind the seating.  The simple scoreclock hangs on the eastern wall along with a banner for the retired number 12.  Paul Correy played for Carleton before the program dissolved, but was integral in the return of hockey to the university in 2008 by leading the fundraising campaign and drumming up interest in the community.  He was enshrined in Carleton’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014 and has subsequently had his number 12 retired by the hockey team.  The south side of the arena features Ravens markings to give the rink a bit more of a home team feel to it.  The gameday production at a Ravens hockey game is extremely simple.  There are no promotions, which are common during USports hockey games.  The most irritating feature of the gameday experience at Carleton has to be the sound system, which is very poor, making announcements almost impossible to understand. Neighbourhood 4 Carleton Ice House is located on the campus of Carleton University, adjacent to the Old Ottawa South neighbourhood.  There are a few spots that are not too far from campus that are good choices for pre or post game food and drink.  Some possibilities include Hometown Sports Grill, Bergham, Local Public Eatery, Irene’s Pub and The Prescott.  Ottawa is a fantastic tourist spot and there are a number of other sporting options in the city.  Carleton is of course known for its basketball  team but also fields a football  team.  The Ravens’ closest rival is the cross-town Ottawa Gee-Gees, who also field football, hockey  and basketball teams.  Professional sports is available with the Ottawa Senators , Ottawa RedBlacks  and Ottawa Black Bears  and fans can get their Junior hockey fix with the Ottawa 67’s .  Ottawa has a plethora of things to do in the city, however, not in the neighbourhood where Carleton is.  Skating on the Rideau Canal, visiting Parliament or taking in one of the dozens of museums in the city are great tourist options.  For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Best Western and Residence Inn are good options. Fans 3 At the time of writing, for the 2024-2025 season, Carleton attracted an average of almost 240 fans per game.  The game that was reviewed saw 155 fans at the game, which seems to be low.  This ranks Carleton 8th in the conference in average attendance.  There is plenty of room for improvement, but they are not at the bottom of the conference.  The fans in attendance were knowledgeable and supportive.  It would be beneficial if Carleton could attract more students on a regular basis and not just for the big rivalry games.   Access 4 Carleton Ice House is located on the campus of Carleton University, adjacent to the Old Ottawa South neighbourhood of the city.  Getting to the arena is not that difficult.  It is located south of Highway 417 which provides fairly easy access.  However, traffic in Ottawa can be an issue, even on the highways.  There is parking on site, however, fans will need to pay, even on the weekends and in the evening.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the light rail station is west of University and there are buses on University also.  Fans should consult the Ottawa Carleton Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not difficult and the washroom facilities are adequate for the size of the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Carleton Ravens hockey offers good value for a small investment.  Tickets for the Ravens start at $15 with discounts for youth, alumni and students.  Fans will have to pay for parking and concessions are a bit of a pain with vending machines.  That being said, the product on the ice is good and fans will have a good time at a Ravens game Extras 3 An extra mark for the Colonel By Classic, the rivalry game with the Ottawa Gee-Gees that is played at TD Place Arena, home of the Ottawa 67’s, and is very well attended. An extra mark for the resurrection of the Ravens hockey program. An extra mark for the Ravens hanging in under the massive shadow of Carleton basketball. Final Thoughts When in Ottawa, taking in a Carleton Ravens hockey game is a great way to enjoy an evening of hockey for a low price.  The Carleton Ice House is a simple venue but is adequate for USports hockey.  Time will tell if some of the basketball Ravens success can rub off on the hockey team.  Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram  @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Langley Events Centre 7888 200th Street Langley, BC V2Y 3J4 Vancouver Giants website Langley Events Centre website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,276 They Might Be Giants In 2001, Vancouver, British Columbia, was granted an expansion team.  The Vancouver Giants called the Pacific Coliseum home and enjoyed decent success there.  The Giants took home the Ed Chynoweth Cup as Western Hockey League Champions in 2006 and eclipsed that feat with a Memorial Cup the following season.  The Giants have produced several NHL players, including Cody Franson, Evander Kane, Brendan Gallagher, and Milan Lucic. In 2016, the Giants moved away from the oversized Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the Vancouver Canucks, to the Langley Events Centre.  Built in 2009 and more appropriately sized for junior hockey, Langley Events Centre is a ways from central Vancouver, but serves the suburban cities.  It is also the former home of the Vancouver Stealth of the National Lacrosse League, who later moved west to Rogers Arena and were rebranded the Vancouver Warriors.  The Giants are currently owned by a consortium under the leadership of Ron Toigo, but have consistently boasted of celebrity ownership.  The Giants currently boast one half of the Property Brothers, Drew Scott, and singer Michael Bublé as part of their ownership group, but proudly also boast of hockey legends Pat Quinn and Gordie Howe as former owners. Food & Beverage 5 The food selection at Langley Events Centre is excellent.  Papa John’s Pizza, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, and Triple O’s (a top-notch British Columbia burger chain) are all present in Langley Events Centre.  Other food items include Grilled Cheese, nachos, Mike’s Ice Cream, Righteous Gelato, Nashville Chicken, and Macaroni and Cheese.  A pre-game buffet is also available and should be reserved beforehand.  The beer selection at Langley Events Centre is top-notch.  Molson Canadian and Coors are available at most stands.  However, there is an excellent, local craft beer selection available at The Barley Merchant.  Brands include Dead Frog, Trading Pool, Brookswood, Langley Loop, Camp Beer, Smuggler’s Trail, Five Roads, and Farm Country.  Fans who enjoy wine at the game are in luck as The Wine Bar has a strong selection of BC wines available.  Atmosphere 5 Langley Events Centre is one of the most attractive junior hockey venues in the country.  The LEC is located in Willoughby Community Park and has a host of sports facilities indoors, to go along with the plethora of outdoor sports fields in the area.  The LEC building is attractive with huge wooden beams that support a canopy over the entries that are found at the northwest and southwest corners of the building.  The western side, with the venue name above it, features wooden beams that form an outer structure, along with light siding and windows.  A green space with pine trees to the west adds to the forest/cabin motif, which seems to run through the arena. Upon entry at the northwest or southwest corners, fans must traverse a large staircase to bring them to the concourse level.  Above the staircases, fans will find attractive, local wooden art.  The arena features a main seating bowl consisting of 14 rows of blue, plastic arena seats.  Behind the seating bowl is an open concourse for travel around the arena.  Suites are found above the seating bowl in a horseshoe fashion.  The ice is west-east oriented, with the south side being the spot to be for the perfect centre ice logo picture.  Huge wooden beams support the rounded ceiling and continue the forest motif, providing a very attractive interior.  At the east end, at the top, hang banners honouring Pat Quinn and Gordie Howe as former owners of the Giants.  A mural with the two squaring off back in their playing days adorns the concourse below the banners.  Also hanging at the east end, below the Quinn and Howe banners, are banners for the Giants Ring of Honour.  Members include Scott Bonner, Mark Fistric, Gilbert Brule, Cody Franson, Andrej Meszaros, Brett Festerling, Milan Lucic, Evander Kane, Lance Bouma, Craig Cunningham, and Brendan Gallagher.  Above centre ice hangs a small, four-sided videoboard, which is used for ads and video.  Simple scoreboards on each of the four sides provide scores, time, and penalties.  On the south side of the videoboard, the Giants’ championship banners hang, including the 2006 WHL Championship and 2007 Memorial Cup.  At the west end is a Banquet Hall, which is used for the pre-game buffet and other functions. Gameday production at a Giants game is fairly unique.  The Giants have a dance team, the Jackettes, who perform on the ice between periods and cheer from the stairways in the stands.  The PA system is solid and makes easy-to-understand announcements.  The Giants have two mascots, Jack the Giant and Bucky Beaver, who partake in the pre-game introductions and festivities, and partake in promotions. Neighbourhood 3 Langley Events Centre is located in the sub-neighbourhood of Jericho, part of the Willoughby neighbourhood.  There are a number of spots for pre- or post-game food or drink that are not too far away.  Options include many national restaurant chains as well as Rio Brazilian, The Barley Merchant, The Bistro, Goldie’s Donuts, Brodeur’s Bistro, and S&L Kitchen.  The Trinity Western Spartans share the Langley Events Centre and also play hockey there, as well as basketball in the adjoining gym.  The Vancouver Bandits of the CEBL also call the LEC home.  Teams in Vancouver, including the Warriors, Canucks , Whitecaps ,, and BC Lions ,  are also not too far.  Other tourist options in the area include the Canadian Museum of Flight, Fort Langley, and a few other parks.  Also, the tourist options of Greater Vancouver are not far away, and the skiing in Whistler is worth a drive for those who enjoy the sport.  For fans wishing to stay near the arena, the Holiday Inn and Sandman are good options. Fans 3 At the time of writing, the 2025-26 season, the Vancouver Giants averaged over 3,600 fans per game.  This ranked them 15th in the 23-team WHL.  The previous season, they averaged about 100 more fans and had the same ranking.  There is definitely room to improve here; however, the sports landscape in Vancouver is competitive, and there are plenty of other sporting options.  Fans in attendance are supportive and knowledgeable.   Access 4 Langley Events Centre is located in the Willoughby community in Langley Township.  It is on the east side of 200th Street at 80th Avenue.  It is 2 km south of the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 1.  It is relatively easy to get to.  There is parking on site, which is free.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are buses available on 200th and 202nd.  Fans should consult the TransLink website for fares, maps, and schedules.  Getting around LEC is not difficult after the initial stair climb to get to the concourse level.  Concourses are wide enough, and the washroom facilities are good.  Langley Events Centre is a cashless facility. Although security protocols are minimal at Langley Events Centre, Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the LEC and Vancouver Giants  websites before heading out for the most up-to-date security information and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Vancouver Giants begin at $28.50 and go up to over $50.  This would be considered on the high side for the Canadian Hockey League.  Parking at the LEC is free, and concession prices are reasonable.  The product on the ice is solid, and the Giants put together a solid gameday production.  However, the visuals at Langley Events Centre push the experience up just a bit to offer a strong return on the investment. Extras 2 An extra mark for Langley Events Centre, doubling as a community hub with plenty of other sporting facilities and fields. An extra mark for the forest motif that runs through LEC. Final Thoughts The Vancouver Giants do not play in Downtown Vancouver and are a bit of a hike for those who dwell in the city.  However, the Giants do have one of the most attractive venues in the Canadian Hockey League and provide a solid gameday atmosphere, which should not be missed. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads ,, and Instagram @profan9.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Chicago White Sox could potentially make a move closer to downtown and reshape the future of the club while transforming one of the city’s most underdeveloped areas into a vibrant sports and entertainment destination.  Shore Capital Partners has confirmed it has a contract to purchase the Amtrak-owned land. The private equity firm is led by Justin Ishbia, who is in line to become the next majority owner of the White Sox. The 47-acre rail yard is located along the Chicago River, directly across from The 78, a 62-acre mega-development l ocated in the South Loop of Chicago. Sox leadership had previously explored the idea of building a stadium at this site, even releasing renderings of a potential ballpark and surrounding district two years ago. Plans tied to the rail yard acquisition suggest possibilities that include residential buildings, restaurants, entertainment venues, and even a medical facility potentially operated by Northwestern Medicine. White Sox Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Brooks Boyer emphasized that while the organization’s focus remains on The 78 site, any surrounding development could significantly enhance the fan experience. Adding to the momentum, the Chicago Fire are already constructing a new $750 million, privately funded soccer-specific stadium at The 78. That project, which recently broke ground, is expected to seat 22,000 fans and could catalyze further development in the area. One of the most significant factors in the project’s viability is funding. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has made it clear that he does not support the use of public tax dollars for new stadium construction. However, Justin Ishbia’s background in private equity could provide a solution. His involvement raises the possibility that a new White Sox ballpark could be privately financed, similar to the Chicago Fire’s stadium project. Ishbia is not expected to take full control of the White Sox until 2029 as part of a long-term ownership transition agreement with current owner Jerry Reinsdorf. Even so, Ishbia has publicly stated that he expects the White Sox to have a new stadium at some point during his lifetime. The 78 neighborhood is ultimately going to be redeveloped, but could be a bittersweet move for Sox fans who have been attending games at 35th Street since 1901. Rate Field has been the home for the team since 1991, but it is a venue that is past its prime in many areas.  The possibility of a new, downtown-adjacent ballpark represents both excitement and uncertainty.  The combination of land that combines riverfront views, access to mass transit, green space, and mixed-use retail and residential land that is close to downtown Chicago could create baseball’s next big gameday destination for visitors. Once a wistful idea, a new Sox ballpark at The 78 could become a reality by the end of the decade. If the White Sox ultimately make the move, the South Loop could emerge as one of the most dynamic sports districts in the United States. ------ 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: 3.86 Canada Life Place 99 Dundas St London, ON N6A 6K1 London Knights website Canada Life Place website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 9,036 These Knights Are Hunters It is difficult to argue with the success that the London Knights have achieved on the ice. Since the Knights were purchased in 2000 by Mark and Dale Hunter and Basil McRae they have earned six J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions and three Memorial Cups and CHL champions. What is even more shocking is that not long before the Knights set the record for the greatest regular season in the entire Canadian Hockey League (59-7-2 in 2004-05, with a 31-game unbeaten streak), they set the record for the worst season in the league (3-60-3 in 1995-96). The Knights play in one of the premier venues in the OHL. The second-largest venue in the league, Canada Life Place, was built in 2002 and was key to the turnaround of the team. Originally known as the John Labatt Centre, the facility replaced the venerable London Gardens.  In 2024, Canada Life purchased the naming rights.  Canada Life Place has hosted the Memorial Cup on two occasions, in 2005 and 2014. Food & Beverage 3 Canada Life Place has taken the deep dive into self-serve technology. The vast majority of concession points are self-serve points. This is great for quick pickups like soda or beer. Unfortunately, other food options tend to sit under heat lamps for a while. The expected concession menu items are available including pizza, fries, chicken fingers, hot dogs, sausage and pretzels.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice and Starbucks coffee is also available.  The beer selection is fairly average with Budweiser, Bud Light, Corona and Stella Artois headlining the options.  A spot to consider stopping at for alcoholic beverages is the cheekily named Dale’s Finest Penalty Box Bar. Atmosphere 4 The official address of Canada Life Place is on Dundas, however, the vast majority of people will enter the arena from Golden Jubilee Square on the King Street side.  The facade on the Dundas side was built to maintain the classic Dundas cityscape, which is depicted in a stone inlay in Golden Jubilee Square.  The exterior features light brick with a modern entrance on the south side, while the north side has classic peaked window outlets to maintain the cityscape.  Entering from the south, fans are brought immediately into the main concourse, which can get quite congested quickly.  The Armoury team store is one of the first stops many fans will make.  There is not much that catches the eye in the lower concourse, however, heading to the upper concourse will give fans the opportunity to check out the Don Brankley Knights Hall of Fame.  Banners of the honoured Knights hang on the wall, represented on smaller replicas of the banners that hang in the arena.  Honoured Knights include Rob Ramage, Dino Ciccarelli, Darryl Sittler, Brendan Shanahan, Brad Marsh, Rick Nash, Patrick Kane, Dave Bolland, Corey Perry and writer Pete James and Trainer Don Brankley.  There are also plaques for other Knights who are in the Knights Hall of Fame.  Some members include Dennis Maruk, Marc Methot, Dan Maloney, Rob Schremp and Pat Riggin.  Team photos of the championship Knights teams make shields as enshrined teams.  Inside the arena, fans will immediately be hit with the vast number of banners hanging above the ice surface.  Those honoured Knights mentioned above all have banners, along with the division and conference championships, Hamilton Spectator Trophies for the best regular season record, six J. Ross Robertson Trophies as OHL Champions and the 2005, 2016 and 2025 Memorial Cups.  The ice surface is oriented from west to east and the best spot to get a picture of the centre ice logo is from the south.  Hanging above centre ice is a state of the art, four-sided videoboard with an upper ring.  Canada Life Place is one of the few OHL arenas with a full lower bowl, supplemented with an upper deck.  The upper deck is a horseshoe with an open standing area at the west.  The upper deck fascia is covered with a full 360-degree, LED ribbon.  State of the art LED lights provide coloured illumination when needed. The gameday production at a Knights game is fairly simple.  The players enter the ice surface from the northwest corner, through an inflatable castle.  A school often sings the national anthems and a minor hockey game takes place during the intermission.  The 50/50 raffle is the main promotion.  The Knights’ mascot, Scorzey, takes part in the player introductions and mingles with the fans. Neighbourhood 4 Canada Life Place is located in Downtown London, right across the road from Covent Garden Market.  There are a number of spots for pre or post-game food and drink just steps away from the arena.  Some options include Bear & Frankies, Waldo’s on King, The Squire, Fitzroy’s, Thaifoon, The Chef’s Table, Milo’s Craft Beer Emporium, and Hunter & Co.  During the winter months, London Nationals  and Western Mustangs  also take the ice.  Western also fields a full complement of university sports teams including basketball  and football .  The London Majors  take to the diamond in the spring and play through the fall.  Other tourist options in London include Museum London, Eldon House, Royal Canadian Regiment Museum and Fanshawe Pioneer Village.  For fans wishing to stay in London the Doubletree and Delta are short walks from the arena. Fans 5 The London Knights enjoy some of the strongest support in the entire Canadian Hockey League.  At the time of writing, the 2025-26 season, the Knights averaged over 9,055 fans per game.  They averaged similar numbers in the most recent previous seasons, consistently ranking number one in the Ontario Hockey League.  They usually only trail the Quebec Remparts  and Edmonton Oil Kings  in the CHL, both who play in NHL sized arenas.  Fans tend to be on the quieter side, not uncommon for Southern Ontario.   Access 4 Canada Life Place is located in Downtown London on the south side of Dundas, north of King, between Ridout and Talbot.  It is 8 km north of Highway 401, so some traversing of the city will be necessary.  There are a number of parking garages and surface lots Downtown, which come at a cost.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there are buses that travel Ridaut.  Fans should consult the London Transit website for fares, schedules and maps.  The lower concourse can get a bit cramped and travelling during intermissions can be quite slow. Return on Investment 3 It is a little shocking to see the price tag on London Knight tickets. Tickets for the upper bowl begin at $33. Lower bowl seats go for a mind blowing $55. It is a fair assessment that this is the most expensive ticket in the Canadian Hockey League.   Tickets regularly make it to the secondary market and can be even more expensive. Concession prices are normal to the OHL and parking downtown will probably run $15.  Although the Knights experience is a good one, it is difficult to get past the cost as compared to the rest of the Canadian Hockey League. Extras 4 An extra mark for the return of the Spiderknight!  The iconic comic book style logo, which was synonymous with the worst Knights teams, has been brought back as a third jersey for the Knights with an update to reflect the current colour scheme. An extra mark for the unprecedented success the London Knights have enjoyed during the tenure of the Hunters. An extra mark for the serious turnaround on the ice the Knights have enjoyed since the Knightmare season of 1995-96. An extra mark for the London Knights as the gold standard of the Canadian Hockey League.  They were awarded the Team of the Century award. Final Thoughts The London Knights are the gold standard of franchise in the Ontario Hockey League and greater Canadian Hockey League.  Their home, Canada Life Place, is among the best in the league and taking in a Knights game will provide fans one of the best experiences in Junior Hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Image by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey During the 2026 FIFA World Cup games at MetLife Stadium  in East Rutherford, New Jersey, spectators can expect a significant shift in the usual game-day experience, particularly concerning parking and tailgating. Due to security measures and logistical arrangements tied to the World Cup, there will be no available parking on-site, which means fans will need to utilize public transportation or designated off-site parking areas.  Additionally, tailgating will be prohibited to maintain a safe and organized environment during these high-profile matches. This means fans will need to adapt to different pre-game rituals, focusing instead on the excitement of the event itself rather than the traditional social gatherings that typically accompany sporting events. Overview of Parking Restrictions Due to the anticipated influx of spectators, there will be no traditional parking at MetLife Stadium. Instead, parking availability will be directed towards the nearby American Dream mall , where fans can reserve spaces for a hefty fee. Reports indicate that parking at the American Dream for the World Cup can cost up to $225 per game. Dynamic Pricing Model FIFA will implement a dynamic pricing model based on demand, meaning parking prices could increase as the event dates approach. Opening match day parking could also fetch high prices in a similar range to those at the American Dream. American Dream Parking Details The American Dream Mall will serve as the primary parking facility for attendees of the World Cup. Here are the specifics regarding this option: Location:   Adjacent to MetLife Stadium, providing quick access. Cost: Starting at $225, with potential for increase. Facilities: Food courts, shops, and waiting areas for attendees. Booking: Reserved parking is recommended due to high demand. Transportation and Transit Options With the limitation on parking, mass transit will be highly encouraged for both match days and weekday commuters: NJ Transit   Rail Service: Trains will operate from Secaucus Junction, connecting directly to MetLife Stadium. Additional services will run on match days, facilitating easy access for fans. Buses may also be available, providing service from Secaucus if rail congestion occurs. Meadowlands Rail Line : Special trains will be arranged for match days, providing transport right to the stadium’s entrance. Only ticket holders will be allowed on this service, ensuring crowd management. Impact on Weekday Commuters The influx of fans and event-related activities will drastically affect the transit system on weekdays as well. Regular NJ Transit commuters should anticipate: Heavier traffic on key lines, especially around major transit hubs like Secaucus Junction and Newark Penn Station. Temporary schedule adjustments for rail and bus services to accommodate increased demand. Additional personnel and signage at stations to help manage the inflow of visitors. For commuters, the adjustment will mean a need for more patience and preparation during the tournament period. Plan Ahead As MetLife Stadium prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the focus on public transportation and the shift away from traditional parking present both challenges and opportunities for fans and commuters. Attendees are advised to plan, reserve parking at the American Dream mall, and explore nearby transit options to ensure a smooth experience during one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.

Created by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey The Continental Football League (CoFL)  is poised for a resurgence in Summer 2026, bringing back a unique brand of professional football that caters to smaller markets across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Originally launched in August 1965 (history highlights below), the CoFL made waves by featuring notable Hall of Famers like Bill Walsh, Steve Van Buren, and Doak Walker during its five-season run before folding in 1969. With a fresh structure and innovative approach, the league aims to capture the hearts of fans once again. 2026 CoFL Structure The upcoming iteration of the CoFL will emphasize community and localized interest. Mike Kelly has been appointed as the league commissioner, and operations will be based in Wheeling, West Virginia. The league plans to adopt a business model akin to minor league baseball and hockey, ensuring accessibility for fans and communities. The renewed CoFL will feature eight teams divided into two divisions: North Division: Ohio Valley Ironmen, Michigan Arrows, Cincinnati Dukes, and Indianapolis Capitols South Division: Texas Syndicate, San Antonio Toros, Tall City Black Gold, and a fourth team to be announced The playoff structure will see the top two teams from each division compete for the championship, with regular-season matchups being North vs. North and South vs. South—ensuring more focused regional competition. Courtesy of the COFL Innovative Gameplay Rules One of the most exciting features of the revamped CoFL is its hybrid rule system. For the first three quarters, the league will follow NFL rules, while the fourth quarter will introduce the innovative "Continental Shift." This unique adjustment will incorporate modified CFL rules, adapted to American football fields, allowing for a dynamic playstyle that reflects both traditions. This shift not only enhances game excitement but also offers CFL scouts a platform to evaluate players in a familiar context. Rising Talent and Coaching Staff With rosters starting to take shape, anticipation is growing for the CoFL. The league has made significant strides in recruiting notable coaches, with figures like Stan Bedwell, Raheem Blackshear, Jerry Glanville, and Steve Kazor leading the charge. Their involvement not only elevates the league’s credibility but also entices fans eager for competitive play. Teams are expected to target players with experience from the NFL, CFL, UFL, and overseas outdoor leagues to build strong rosters. Among the notable signings, former TCU and Kansas City Chiefs running back Emani Bailey has joined, alongside Giovanni Williams, brother of NFL players Quinnen and Quincy Williams, who previously trained with the New York Jets. A Community Connection The CoFL is uniquely positioned to offer fans not only affordable, competitive football but also the rare opportunity to own a professional sports team. With initiatives like fan ownership already being deployed through its flagship team, the Ohio Valley Ironmen, the league demonstrates its commitment to fostering strong community ties. By enabling fans to invest in their teams, the CoFL acknowledges that success in professional sports often hinges on community support and engagement.   History of the Continental Football League in the 1960s The Continental Football League (CoFL) was established in 1965 as a response to the growing popularity of professional football in the United States, aiming to provide a competitive alternative to the NFL. The league was initially formed by several teams from minor leagues and independent organizations. Key Years and Developments 1965: The CoFL was officially founded with eight teams, including the Canton Bulldogs, Hawaiians, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions. The league aimed to draw fans from areas untouched by the NFL. 1966: The CoFL expanded rapidly, adding teams like the San Antonio Wingmen and the Chicago Owls. This year also marked the league's first official season, promoting itself with a unique style of play and a focus on attracting diverse talent. 1967: The league gained traction, especially in markets that lacked NFL representation. However, challenges arose, including financial difficulties for several franchises. Notably, the Canton Bulldogs won the league championship, showcasing the competitive nature of the league. 1968: The CoFL reached its peak membership, boasting twelve teams, including notable franchises like the Birmingham Americans and Florida Blazers. The league started using television broadcasts to widen its audience. Financial strains continued, leading to instability among teams. 1969: Amidst various challenges, including competition from the NFL and an inability to attract significant investments, the league began to decline. The CoFL's championship game that year faced challenges with attendance and visibility compared to its predecessor years. Teams and Notable Changes The Western Conference teams included the Hawaiians and California Suns, while the Eastern Conference was home to the New York Jets and Chicago Owls. New franchises entered and exited throughout the decade, highlighting both the successes and struggles of the league. By the end of the 1960s, the Continental Football League struggled with financial sustainability and competition, leading to its eventual dissolution. However, it laid the groundwork for the eventual emergence of other leagues and the broader landscape of professional football in the U.S. What’s Old is New Again Whether you're a longtime football aficionado or a newcomer excited about alternative leagues, the return of the Continental Football League represents a thrilling chapter in the evolution of professional sports. The league combines innovative gameplay, notable talent, and community involvement to create a truly inclusive experience.

Image courtesy of Aloha Hālawa District Partners The development of the new Aloha Stadium  in Honolulu promises to redefine the sports and entertainment landscape in Hawai’i . With a projected cost of $4 billion, this ambitious project aims to not only house athletic events but also become a vibrant community hub. Why a New Aloha Stadium? The Aloha Stadium , located in Halawa, Hawai’i , was opened in 1975 and was initially built to accommodate the growing demand for sports and entertainment venues in the region. It served as the home field for the University of Hawai’i football team and hosted numerous events, including concerts and international games. However, due to structural issues and the need for modernization, the stadium closed in 2019. The demolition of Aloha Stadium officially began on December 18, 2025; however, in March 2026, it was full-steam-ahead. Initial work started with utility cuts and the removal of hazardous materials before the structural dismantling commenced. It is estimated that the entire demolition process will take approximately 10 months. Plans for a new Aloha Stadium have been underway to develop a more modern facility that meets current safety and technological standards while preserving the iconic spirit of its predecessor. The design aims to create a multi-purpose venue that will serve the community for years to come. Image courtesy of Aloha Hālawa District Partners Project Overview The new Aloha Stadium is part of the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED). It is a public-private partnership expected to unfold over the next two decades. The current timeline indicates that the new stadium will open in August 2029, with the construction process having already commenced through the demolition of the existing structure. Seating Capacity: The stadium will initially accommodate 31,000 seats, with plans to expand to nearly 40,000, making it suitable for larger events. Modern Amenities: Plans for the stadium include club-level seating, luxury boxes, and a variety of new fan experiences that enhance the event atmosphere. Surrounding District: The project encompasses 4,100 housing units, three hotel towers, and retail spaces, aiming to create a bustling environment around the stadium. Financial Breakdown The funding model for NASED includes: $350 million from the State of Hawai’i Capital Improvement Project funds and $49.5 million in operating funds, appropriated in 2022. The State and Aloha Hālawa District Partners are working together to address additional development costs above the allocated $350 million. This funding will support amenities and infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area. State officials are committed to community benefits and strong project management to stay within budgets. Current Aloha Stadium Courtesy of AlohaStadium.Hawaii.gov Lawmakers Response to Renderings Unveiled The lawmakers eagerly gathered to witness the renderings of the new Aloha Stadium , a project poised to revitalize not just the venue itself but also the surrounding community. As they examined the designs, Senate President Ron Kouchi remarked, "This stadium will not only enhance our sporting events but also serve as a cultural hub for our residents." Former Representative Saiki added, "We must ensure this facility reflects the community's needs, promoting accessibility and sustainability."  Their discussions centered on the stadium’s potential to host various events, from sports to concerts, while bolstering local tourism and economic growth. Engaging actively in this initiative, the lawmakers emphasized their commitment to making the new Aloha Stadium a centerpiece that enhances the cultural and recreational landscape of Hawai’i. Editor's Note: This article was updated on March 18, 2026, to include the latest statistics provided by Bennet Group Strategic Communications.

Photos by Paul Baker and Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Total Mortgage Arena 600 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06604 Bridgeport Islanders website Total Mortgage Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 8,412 Land’s End   The Bridgeport Islanders have played at the Total Mortgage Arena since their inception in 2001. Through team rebrands (the franchise was originally named the Sound Tigers) and arena naming rights changes (the arena was originally the Arena at Harbor Yard, then Webster Bank Arena), the team has been affiliated with the parent New York Islanders. The Sound Tigers reached the Calder Cup Finals in their inaugural season of 2001-2002 but have only won two playoff series outside of that season in their 25 years of play.   Since the arena’s opening in 2001, the Fairfield Stags men’s and women’s basketball teams, the Sacred Heart Pioneers men’s hockey team and the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G-League have called the arena home in the past.   While at the time of this writing nothing has been officially announced, it is widely reported that the team will be moving to Hamilton, Ontario and the newly remodeled TD Coliseum for the 2026-2027 season. Faceoff at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food and Beverage 5    A strength of the gameday experience at Total Mortgage Arena is the quality and variety of concessions available.   Several concessions stands line the inner edge of the concourse. All the arena basics can be found at these stands, including hot dogs, pizza slices, chicken tenders and burgers. Fans looking for a unique side may want to choose some loaded tater tots. Snacks including ice cream treats, pretzels, nachos, candy, and even baked goods can be found at the concession stands. Portable carts lined up around the outer edge of the concourse expand the menu with the presence of Isles Eats (Ice Cream), Spuds N’ Suds (Loaded Baked Potatoes, Walking Tacos) and The Sound Shack (footlong chili dogs, meatball subs, sausage subs).   Coca-Cola products are featured at Total Mortgage Arena. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a nice variety of beers, highlighted by local favorite Two Roads Brewing Company, which operates a portable stand near the main entrance. Their collaboration with the team, Storm the Rink Lager, is featured throughout the arena.   Fanatics Sportsbook has taken up residence in the bar area near the entrance of the arena. Visiting fans can enjoy food and beverages while placing wagers via the betting kiosks and watching the action on the numerous televisions around the bar. If you are looking for a less crowded alternative, seek out Mason’s Bar on the third floor above section 102, featuring a full beer and spirit menu, several televisions, and a view of the ice.   Atmosphere 3   Veteran minor league hockey fans will find the gameday experience at Total Mortgage Arena a familiar one. All the typical elements are here, including an in-arena emcee presiding over various contests and giveaways, loud music over the speakers during play stoppages, a mascot roaming the stands (Storm the Sound Tiger survived the rebrand), and hockey games by peewees during intermissions.   The most prominent feature of Total Mortgage Arena is the giant video board that hangs over the ice, stretching from blue line to blue line. It’s used to good effect here, showing game highlights, fan cams and some contests during play stoppages.   Younger fans will gravitate to the inflatable games on the concourse, including a giant connect four game and shooting cage. Older fans will visit the booster club table for 50/50 raffles and chuck a pucks.   Even with the smaller crowds at Bridgeport, be ready for your view of the game to be disturbed throughout the night. Even though the arena advertised a “wait for the whistle” movement policy, it is not enforced, and the crowd is in constant movement. Even after 25 years of play, Bridgeport fans need a serious lesson in hockey etiquette. Cornhole at the Kids' Zone at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 3   Downtown Bridgeport has suffered from a really bad reputation, and in the past it may have been a deserved one. However, like many other cities in the region, the city’s leaders have worked hard to revitalize the downtown area. The building of The Ballpark at Harbor Yard  (since converted to an outdoor concert venue, the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater) and hockey arena were to be the anchors of this revitalization when they opened in 1998 and 2001, respectively. Unfortunately, the development of the Harbor Yard area never happened. The lots that were ticketed for development of a retail center next door to the sports complex remain empty to this day. They are presently used for parking at game events. While this development has not occurred as hoped for, the downtown area does have some things going for it.   Downtown Bridgeport proper is located on the other side of Interstate 95. The area is home to many of the city's arts, entertainment and cultural offerings including the Bijou Theatre, the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, and the Housatonic Museum of Art. Visiting hockey fans looking for a pre or postgame spot to eat may want to check out Ralph N Rich’s for some fine Italian fare or Brewport, a brew pub serving up quality craft beers and brick oven pizzas.   Meanwhile, on the other side of Bridgeport Harbor, the long-awaited Steelpointe Harbor development project is finally taking shape. Sharing space in the area will eventually be commercial and retail space, a marina, a hotel, residential space and an aviation center.   Fans 3   Even though average attendance is up in Bridgeport for the 2025-2026 season, the Islanders have taken their usual spot in the bottom third of the AHL attendance rankings. With an average of just under 4,300 fans per game, the Islanders are currently 24 th in the 32-team circuit in terms of attendance.   Those fans who do frequent Total Mortgage Arena are hockey fanatics. Hockey fans in the Greater New York area know their stuff, are dedicated, and contrary to their reputation, are friendly and welcoming to visiting fans. As is the case at most minor league hockey games, much of the crowd consists of families and youth groups. National Anthem at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 5   Arenas don’t get any easier to find than Total Mortgage Arena. Located directly off Interstate 95, all one has to do to get to the rink is take exit 27 (whether traveling northbound or southbound), follow the signs for a block, and you are there. Parking is available in a surface lot across the street from the arena or in a parking garage next to the arena. Those looking for free parking can find on-street parking within a short walk of the arena. Despite downtown Bridgeport’s less than sparkling reputation, the area around the arena is safe.   Getting to Bridgeport is a snap, as Interstate 95 passes directly through downtown. The city is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, an hour’s drive south of Hartford, and 20 minutes from New Haven. Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains pass directly behind the arena, with the station only a couple of city blocks from the arena.   Total Mortgage Arena’s concourse is on street level, and fans walk up from ice level to their seats in the seating bowl. This setup means that handicapped seats are located right on the glass. All seats at Total Mortgage Arena are blue folding stadium seats. With the sparse crowds present at Total Mortgage Arena, it is possible to move around and spread out if you wish. Likewise, lines to concession stands and restrooms never get very long, and the concourse is easy to navigate, even during intermissions.   Return on Investment 3   Tickets for Islanders games start at $23 for end zone seats and max out at $60 for glass seats at center ice. The majority of tickets can be found for $40 or less. With the small crowds present at Total Mortgage Arena, it’s possible to spread out and move around a bit. Parking costs $18 in the garage adjacent to the arena and the lot a block away. There is free on-street parking available for those who wish to search for it. Concessions are a bit on the high side, but in line with other venues in the New York City area.   Fans wishing to save a few dollars can purchase a family four pack, which consist of four meals, chips, drinks and tickets for between $89-109. Warmups at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 1   Total Mortgage Arena is a very attractive and clean facility. Banners honoring the Sound Tigers division and conference titles hang on the west end of the arena.     Final Thoughts   The Islanders/Sound Tigers were never a huge success during their time in the American Hockey League, either on the ice (in 25 years, they won only five playoff series) or at the gate (they never ranked higher than 21 st  in the league in attendance). But Total Mortgage Arena is a fine facility, and the south coast of Connecticut is a coveted, growing market. It would not be a surprise to see another team take the ice in Bridgeport someday.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

The Crestwood Baseball League continues to grow as it prepares for its 2026 season. Founded by Rocco Mossuto just a few years ago, the league has expanded from six teams to 13 (11 full-time, two part-time), in the southern suburbs of Chicago, carving out a unique niche in the crowded summer collegiate landscape. “We’re part of a changing landscape in college summer baseball, and we’re defining our own niche,” Mossuto says. Unlike traditional, ticket-driven models such as the Northwoods League and Prospect League, Crestwood prioritizes player development and quality of life. Games run Monday through Thursday at 5 or 7 p.m., leaving weekends free for work, family, and summer fun. “We want players to relish their summer experiences,” Mossuto explains. “Winning isn’t my priority; what matters is that every player has the chance to hit the field.” Community accessibility is central to the league’s identity. Except for the new Whiting expansion club at Oil City Stadium , games are free to attend, reinforcing the league’s welcoming atmosphere. The league will also stage an all-star game and playoff series at the home of the Windy City Thunderbolts, Ozinga Field , free of charge. “What sets us apart is the varied competition,” Mossuto says. “By avoiding repeated matchups, we maintain excitement throughout the summer.” Teams rotate among 12 area fields—including Trinity Christian College, Chicago Christian, and De La Salle—creating variety for players and fans alike. The league’s flexible structure also accommodates part-time teams, helping avoid the repetitive rematches that often challenge regional circuits. Two of those clubs are the Chicago Clout and the Palos Coyotes. Player accessibility remains a hallmark. Without host housing, the league draws talent from across the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana, generally within a 30- to 40-minute drive. Players cover only uniform costs, and Mossuto reinvests league revenue back into operations. “I handle all logistics,” Rocco states. “From scheduling games to arranging umpires and coordinating field rentals, it’s a lot of work. The league operates on a unique financial model: I charge player fees and team fees based on game costs. I don’t take a salary; any funds generated are reinvested into the league." Rocco anticipates some losses as he invested his own money to launch the loop. However, there's optimism with sponsors like PYT Sports and Beggars’ Pizza that are designed to keep player costs low. “I’m grateful for the support of great people in baseball. Given reasonable field rental fees, I keep player fees manageable,” Rocco explains. “Many coaches and players express their appreciation of how affordable things are.” Rocco would like to create a two-division league with teams in Indiana and Illinois to create a mix of intra-division and crossover games. “I truly believe in this model for today’s college players,” he says. “We want guys who appreciate their summer free time and still love to compete.” At its core, the Crestwood Baseball League offers a balanced alternative in summer baseball—competitive play, local talent, and a schedule that lets players enjoy their summer as much as the game itself. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Clemson Tiger's Cheer Squad, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey ==> Review Years 1990 - 2008 <== The day in 2007 the student body's passionate roars  put Memorial Stadium in the Guinness Book of World Records showed the incredible devotion and hunger Tigers fans still had, despite their recent lack of major success. These fervent Clemson fans deserved a program that could match their passion with wins. Then the Clemson Tigers hired Dabo Swinney. Dabo Swinney’s Bringing Clemson and Memorial Stadium into the Modern Day! Swinney’s tenure didn’t start with an instant return to the top of the ACC. But he gave the program something it had been severely lacking for decades: consistency. He strung together multiple bowl game appearances in a row and even ended the 2009 season ranked in the top 25. But of course, the Clemson brass wanted far more, so they began an ambitious plan to return to the top rank of college football, continuing renovations to its infamous Memorial Stadium. They ended 2009 ranked, in part, because they started the second phase of the WestZone project that year.   The project transferred many of the resources from the McFadden Building (an athletics administration building), like all the football offices and team meeting rooms .  It added dedicated football training and strength conditioning facilities, and increased the spectator capacity to 86,000, making that Death Valley crowd that much more intimidating to any conference foe or all-time rival who had to step foot in Memorial Stadium. 2010 would also give the now long-standing stadium a new momentum that honored the legacy of the stadium and those Clemson heroes after whom the stadium was named. Built in 1942, in the middle of WW2, Memorial Stadium was named in honor of "all Clemson men who have made the supreme sacrifice for their country." And in 2010, the program would honor those fallen heroes with the Scroll of Honor . A memorial to 498 known men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country, showing incredible bravery and honor in the face of ultimate adversity. It was dedicated by The Clemson Corps,  on April 22, 2010. A fly past of two T-34B Mentors concluded the ceremonies.  "We found documentation in the archives at The Strom Thurmond Institute, yet there was no manifestation of that purpose anywhere around the stadium," Rhodes, co-chairman of the committee that has overseen the memorial, said. "So it was natural for us to pick that location. What greater way than to honor the supreme sacrifice and have that memorial across the street.” "That's prime property, as you can well imagine. But we got the full support of the athletic department, full support of the alumni association, the campus planning office, and the administrative council because they saw that tremendous link between the location and the purpose for naming the stadium." Clemson University's Scroll of Honor Memorial, Photo Courtesy of Brig Spearman With Clemson now closer to tradition and bonded together, bolstered by those who went through tragedy to keep the stadium and the school still standing, the university went all in on blistering the program to higher heights than it’s ever been, spending every penny they had to do so. On January 14, 2011, Clemson University announced its plans for a $50 million athletic building plan, which would include the completion of the WestZone project and a brand-new indoor practice facility. It was designed to stand out as one of the nation's best. State-of-the-art resources like a regulation-size artificial turf football field, a coach's tower, and video platforms, costs $15 million bucks to make Clemson a national power again. “The indoor practice facility will be a highly significant addition for Clemson, not only for football but also for other sports to use,” Phillips said. They also added the oculus which serves as the entrance to the WestZone and features a four-level museum. Following the completion of the northwest concourse WestZone expansion, Clemson made their first major bowl game in decades, the 2012 Orange Bowl to face West Virginia. And while the 70-33 loss is not a happy memory for any Clemson fan, it was the start of greater things to come, for both the program and the stadium. In their return to the Orange Bowl, Clemson would be redeemed by beating Ohio State 40-35. And two seasons later, Dabo Swinney would win his second ACC title as Clemson’s head coach, and that same 2015 season almost returned Clemson to the top rank of college football. They made the national championship game for the first time in the modern era! It would end in another heartbreaker as they lost 45-40, but they’d redeem themselves again two years later. The Clemson Tigers took on the evil empire of Alabama once again in the National Championship game in another nail-biter of a game. But this time it would be Clemson winning by four points, 35-31, clinching their first National Championship since 1981. Surprisingly, during this time, not a lot of work was done on Memorial Stadium, allowing Death Valley stand proudly on its own as it took part in many of the most-watched college football games of the year. But in Clemson’s usual spirit of innovation, that wasn’t going to last long. In 2016, Clemson approved a brand-new football complex right by the practice facility and Memorial Stadium, and construction began in 2017. The $55 million project included a 140,000-square-foot building containing meeting rooms, new areas for students to hang out, and for players to visit after practices and games. With an indoor replica of the Hill and Howard’s Rock, the facility includes a career development and leadership center, a players’ lounge, locker rooms, training/rehab facility, weight room, nutrition center and dining facility, meeting rooms, coaches’ offices, and a recruiting war room.   “We are very excited and appreciative about this new day-to-day home of our program,” said Coach Dabo Swinney. “This complex will be one of the best in the nation and will allow us to continue our pursuit to be among the best programs in the country. We look forward to it being the home of Clemson football for a very long time.” Coach Swinney describes the new complex as the “epitome of Clemson: fun, special, and the best in the country.” “This project will be a huge step forward not only for our football program but for each of our sports,” Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said. “We’ve begun studies on how best to utilize the WestZone to most effectively impact each of our student-athletes, and we sincerely appreciate the support of IPTAY and all of our donors who will make this new complex a reality.” There was still more to come for both Death Valley and the Clemson Tigers football team. In 2017, Clemson won its third straight ACC championship on its way to clinching a playoff spot and a trip to the Sugar Bowl. There, they lost to rivals Alabama 6-24, but as they have a tendency to do, the next year they came back with vigor. Winning a fourth straight ACC title en route to making the playoffs. They defeated Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl to earn another trip to the National Championship game to face their worst enemies, Alabama, yet again. Responding to their 2018 blowout with a more emphatic blowout of their own, they defeated the Crimson Tide 44-16. With a third National title came more renovations to Memorial Stadium, approved by the board of trustees. The $60 - $70 million project was aimed to be completed by 2021. It encompassed an upgraded state-of-the-art 50+ ft expanded video board, new lighting and sound systems, a West Concourse Club addition, and a Field Level Club. A new campus-facing entry, with additional seating in the east part of this brand-new entrance. The parking was reconfigured, and the locker rooms were expanded. Accessible seating was doubled in the lower deck, while 130 new seats were added. This marked the first major upgrade to the stadium since the launch of the WestZone project in 2006, and the Tigers delivered in a big way. They rewarded the fan base and community with their fifth straight ACC championship and Dabo Swinney’s sixth overall. They followed it up with a Fiesta Bowl victory before falling in another National Championship matchup, this time to the legendary 2019 LSU team led by Joe Burrow in the clash of the Tigers. This is where the National Championships begin to dry up for now, but despite that, Clemson is still dominating the ACC, and the Memorial Stadium is still being approved upon with the completion of the 126-foot Dabotron .  Named after the most successful coach in Clemson’s history, this jumbotron has high-quality LED field lighting, which displays high-quality special effects. Other upgrades include 688 premium seats for a new master club on the west concourse level and a new field-level club on the west side. They updated the Tiger Walk  (a pregame tradition where fans line up to cheer on the football team as they arrive at Memorial Stadium) with brand-new landscaping and lighting for use all year. Memorial Stadium Tiger Walk, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Memorial Stadium has become much more adaptable over the years. In 2025, Memorial Stadium played host to the Savannah Bananas baseball team. That required 50-foot-high netting and field changes, which operations crews set up and rolled back with little trouble.  Memorial Stadium has hosted several major concerts over the years, including the Rolling Stones’ 1989 stop on the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour, with Living Colour serving as the opening act. It hosted Pink Floyd in 1994 for The Division Bell Tour and Elton John with Billy Joel in 1995 for the Face to Face 1995 tour.  The Eagles played there in 1996, and in 1997, the stadium welcomed U2, with Rage Against the Machine, for the PopMart Tour. Chiddy Bang even had a Clemson University homecoming event shut down by the police. Since their last trip to the National Championship, Clemson football has added three more ACC titles - 2020, 2022, and 2024 - with Dabo Swinney still in charge. The Tigers is far from the heights it reached less than a decade ago, the program remains strong. Memorial Stadium Honors its National Championships, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Clemson’s investment in football, and the sport’s importance to the identity of the university, all but guarantees that any downturn is temporary. Nowhere is that commitment more visible than at Memorial Stadium.   Millions of dollars have gone into keeping Death Valley one of the most intimidating environments in college football. With a 76 percent all‑time win rate and one of the largest stadiums in the country, Memorial Stadium is built for great moments - and many more are still to come.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bernard and Jolane Solomon Court at Godfrey K. Cabot Physical Education Cente r 400 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02115 Northeastern Men's Basketball website Cabot Center website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 1,500 The Temporary Doghouse   When Northeastern found out that Matthews Arena , their longtime hockey and men’s basketball home, was falling over and had to be torn down, they had to find a new place for the teams to play – and fast!   While the hockey teams were forced to turn into nomads, playing all over the Greater Boston area and beyond wherever they can find ice (seriously, they’ve already played a home game in Maine); for the men’s basketball team, the choice was much easier. Northeastern basketball teams have been playing games at the Cabot Center since the opening of the facility in 1954. It is currently the home of the women’s basketball and volleyball teams, so moving the men’s hoop team there was a no-brainer.   The corner of Huntington Ave. and Forsythe St. itself holds a special place in Boston sports lore, as the Cabot Center stands on the former site of the Huntington Avenue Grounds, where the first World Series was played between Boston and Pittsburgh.   The facility was built in 1954 and named in honor of patron Godfrey Lowell Cabot in 1957. Cabot was an industrialist who founded the Cabot Corporation. He was also a benefactor for several of Boston’s colleges and universities. The basketball court at the center is named in honor of Northeastern’s number one fan, Bernard “Bunny” Solomon, who led fundraising for a $2 million restoration of the facility in 2000.   The Huskies have been members of the Coastal Athletic Association since 2005. Northeastern has qualified for nine NCAA tournaments, most recently in 2019. While members of Division Two, the Huskies reached the Sweet Sixteen in consecutive years from 1962-1964. Five Northeastern alumni have played in the NBA, most notably J.J. Barea and Reggie Lewis. The women’s basketball team has qualified for one NCAA tournament, in 1999. One Husky alum, Katasha Artis, played in the WNBA. Cabot Center Entrance. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 1   There is a small snack table by the entrance to Solomon Court. Bottles of Coca-Cola products and assorted candy bars can be purchased here. It’s not much, but it will hold you over if you need a snack during the game.   Atmosphere 3   The Northeastern staff put on a good show at the Cabot Center. The video board at the far end of the court is put to use throughout the game with graphics, stats, replays, hype videos, fan cams and more. The gym has an excellent sound system, and music plays during play stoppages. The PA announcer, who does not possess the typical deep baritone of so many of his peers, still does an excellent job keeping fans informed of game information and delivering sponsor messages. The cheerleading and dance teams perform throughout the game, delivering excellent routines and adding energy to the proceedings. It’s easy to see how the Cabot Center could provide a great home court advantage if the Huskies could fill the place. Cheerleaders Perform at Cabot Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 4   Cabot Center is located just ¼ mile from the site of Matthews Arena, the longtime home of Northeastern hockey and basketball. Northeastern University is located on the edge of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, one of the city’s most popular tourist and shopping destinations. The Fens neighborhood and South End are also within walking distance of the university. Surprisingly, there aren’t too many dining options directly adjacent to campus on Huntington or Massachusetts Avenues. However, if you expand your search just a little, many of Boston’s major attractions, as well as hundreds of dining and lodging options are located nearby.   While there are many dining and lodging options near Northeastern, most of them will involve a short walk or drive from campus, which may not be what you want to do on a chilly winter night in Boston. Fans visiting from out of town will certainly want to check out the Prudential Center and Copley Place, located just a few blocks from Northeastern. Symphony Hall and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts are both only a couple of blocks from the Cabot Center. In addition, most of Boston’s attractions are easily accessed by a short subway ride. Both the Green and Orange lines have stops adjacent to the Northeastern campus, as does the Commuter Rail and several bus routes.    Fans 1   Since moving to the Cabot Center, Northeastern has announced crowds ranging in size from 800-1,000 for men’s basketball games. This compares pretty favorably to attendance in previous seasons at Matthews Arena, where the team generally averaged in the neighborhood of 1,000 fans per game. The difference is, in the larger Matthews Arena, 1,000 fans looked very sparse, whereas in the Cabot Center, a similarly sized crowd would fill the place nicely.   Stadium Journey visited Northeastern basketball for the team’s final game of the 2025-26 season, which occurred on a Tuesday night during a pretty nasty winter storm. The conditions greatly hindered attendance, which this writer would estimate at about 200 fans. Due to the weather, it’s not likely this crowd is representative.   There was a meager turnout from the student body. The entirety of the crowd appeared to be family members and a smattering of diehard Husky fans. The fans here were quiet and reserved. Not that you’d expect a lot of noise from 200 people. Basketball has never been the marquee winter sport at Northeastern, so the smaller crowds are pretty standard here, unfortunately.   Game Action at Cabot Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 4   Cabot Center is centrally located within Northeastern’s urban campus at the intersection of Massachusetts and Huntington Avenues. Despite the fact that the Cabot Center is easy to find, that doesn’t make it easy to get to. The ever-present Boston traffic, never-ending construction projects and streets that date back to colonial days make Boston a tough city to drive in. If you must drive, it is best to bring a local along who is familiar with the city landscape. Directions to Cabot Center can be found here .   Many local fans will choose to take public transportation to Cabot Center. The MBTA, known locally as the “T”, drops fans off right across the street from the gym. At just $2.40 for a fare, the T beats the hassle of fighting traffic and finding parking. The Commuter Rail coming in from the western suburbs of Boston also stops on Huntington Avenue, as do several bus routes. Metered parking is available on the streets in the surrounding neighborhood, and there are numerous parking garages in the area. Free parking is available for visiting fans in the Columbus Avenue Garage, a short walk from the Cabot Center.   Fans will enter the Cabot Center on the north side of the gym. A set of stairs lead to the lobby, where the Northeastern Athletics Hall of Fame display and restrooms are located. The gym will be directly in front of you. The snack bar is tucked right inside the entrance. Lines are not an issue anywhere in this cozy facility.   Seats are located on all four sides of the court, consisting of individual stadium seats on either side of the court and plastic bleachers on the end lines. With only seven rows of seats, you’ll be right on top of the action no matter where you sit.    Return on Investment 5   Men’s basketball games are a very affordable sporting option for Boston sports fans. Tickets to Huskies games range from $16-$19 for seats on the gym’s sidelines. As mentioned before, you’ll have a great view of the action no matter where you sit. If you park at the Columbus Avenue Garage, you won’t have to pay at all for parking (this is unheard of in Boston). With only a limited menu available at the snack bar, and no item priced over five dollars, a night at the Cabot Center is a sporting bargain.   Extras 3   Reminders of the site’s historic past as the site of the first World Series game surround the Cabot Center. Just outside the building, on World Series Way, are a statue of Cy Young and a commemorative home plate. Cy Young stands on the spot where the original Huntington Avenue Grounds pitchers mound was located. On an exterior wall of the Cabot Center on Huntington Avenue is a plaque commemorating the site as the location of the first World Series. It’s worth walking around the building to check out these sites before heading inside for some hoops.   Banners commemorating conference championships and tournament appearances for Northeastern’s basketball and volleyball teams hang on the walls of the Cabot Center. Also hanging here are retired number banners for Reggie Lewis and Tesha Tinsley.   The Northeastern Athletics Hall of Fame is located in the lobby of the Cabot Center. The interactive touch screen contains a great deal of information on Husky sports history.   Final Thoughts   The Cabot Center is by no means a suitable permanent home for the Husky basketball teams. But compare this facility to other small gyms in the area, and it doesn’t really come up short. As Northeastern’s new athletics home is built , the sturdy Cabot Center will ably hold down the fort for the next two or three seasons.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Kuzniewski Field 1 College St. Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross men's lacrosse website Kuzniewski Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 Holy La-Crosse   Kuzniewski Field (known around Holy Cross as Father K Field) opened in 2009 as the new home of the Holy Cross men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. It is also used by the Crusaders football team as their primary practice facility. The field was officially dedicated in 2016 in honor of Rev. Anthony Kuzniewski, S.J., who has served as the chaplain for the athletics department since the mid-1990s.   The first lacrosse team at Holy Cross competed in 1958. For much of the team’s history, they have struggled, posting only 14 winning seasons over their 64 years of competition. Holy Cross has won less than a third of its games all-time. The Crusaders have been a member of the Patriot League since its inception in 1991 and have yet to win a conference title. The Crusaders have yet to qualify for the NCAA tournament. The women's lacrosse team, which began play in 1980, has won two Patriot League titles and has played in two NCAA tournaments, in 2006 and 2007.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available at Kuzniewski Field. Most fans bring their own drinks and snacks to Crusader lacrosse games. Veteran Crusader fans will come to games well-stocked with food and drink to enjoy in the parking lots before or after the game. You’re very likely to see lots of hot beverages at Kuzniewski Field, particularly during the frigid early months of the season.   There are vending machines in the Hart Center, should you come unprepared and want to take the long walk to get a drink or snack. The Crusaders Line Up for the National Anthem at Kuzniewski Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Atmosphere 2   Compared to many of the other Division One lacrosse stadiums in the area, Kuzniewski Field is a rather plain and basic facility. While the Holy Cross staff does a nice job with the tools at hand, the Crusader gameday experience is not a fancy one. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Here at Father K Field, the game is the focus.   There’s a simple scoreboard in the southeast end zone that displays basic game information. The sound system is decent, but hardly overwhelming. A rotating cast of PA announcers fills the chair throughout the season, giving fans game information without being too over the top. In a place like Kuzniewski Field, a loud and bombastic gameday would just be out of place.   One thing that Holy Cross fans have in common with other college lax fans around the country is their unwavering support of the home team. As a rule, lacrosse fans seem just a little more into the game and a little more demonstrative than the typical fan at other sports. It’s no different here in Worcester. Most of the noise you’ll hear here comes from the grandstand.   There is plenty of room all around the facility for younger fans to run around and blow off some steam, and you will see lots of games of catch going on over on the adjacent field. This is a pleasant and comfortable place to take in some quality lacrosse.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second-largest city in all of New England, but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops,s and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park , is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain  is located just ten miles outside the city limits. Faceoff at Kuzniewski Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Fans 2   Holy Cross doesn’t draw as well as the bigger-name Division One programs across the country. This isn’t really surprising when you consider the lack of success that the Crusaders have had over the years, and the fact that much of the lacrosse season takes place when the weather in Worcester is less than ideal.   Crowds at Kuzniewski Field generally run between 250-500 fans. Crowd size depends on several factors, including the day of the week of the game, the opponent, and the weather. As you would expect, crowd size increases over the course of the season as the weather warms.   Lacrosse fans as a whole are loud and supportive of the home team, and the regulars here at Holy Cross are no different. With the bulk of the Crusaders’ schedule consisting of local teams, you’re likely to see a good turnout by visiting fans as well.   Access 3   The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Kuzniewski Field is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, behind the Luth Complex (home of the Crusaders basketball and hockey venues) and adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. Complete driving directions to the Holy Cross campus can be found here .   Parking is available in the lots surrounding the Luth Complex and on the access road that circles the facility. Restrooms are located inside the Hart Center as well. There are no concessions or restroom facilities outside at Kuzniewski Field. If you need to use the facilities, plan ahead. It's a long walk back to the bathrooms. A really long walk.   Kuzniewski Field is somewhat isolated from the other athletic facilities at Holy Cross. To get to the field, fans will need to park near the Luth Center and walk through (or around) the Hart Center and the Hart Track and Field Center to get to the lacrosse venue. Once there, there’s a bluff overlooking the northwest end zone that provides excellent views of the field, and a set of bleachers along the southwest side of the field. There is plenty of standing room around the field, and the bleachers are fully accessible for those with mobility concerns. Game Action at Kuzniewski Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge for admission to Holy Cross lacrosse games. Parking is also free in the lots surrounding the Luth Center. With no concessions available, you won’t need to reach for your wallet even once when visiting Worcester.   Extras 0   There’s not much going on at a Crusaders lacrosse game that can be considered extra. The experience here is a pretty bare bones one.   Final Thoughts   Kuzniewski Field is a basic facility where you can catch some quality lacrosse without spending a ton of money.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bentley Arena 440 Beaver St Waltham, MA 02452 Bentley Falcons men’s hockey website Bentley Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 1,917 Taking Flight at Bentley   Bentley University is a private university with an enrollment of 4,500 undergrads located in suburban Waltham, Massachusetts, about ten miles from downtown Boston. Founded in 1917 as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, the school was located on Boylston Street in Boston until it became a four-year college in 1968. Today Bentley is best known for its business programs and is annually ranked among the nation’s best by Bloomberg Businessweek and U.S. News & World Report. Bentley’s sports teams all compete in Division Two, except for its hockey team, which competes at the sport’s highest level.   The Bentley Arena, which cost $45 million to build, is part of the university’s comprehensive 10-year capital plan to modernize and expand the campus. Designed to be a “living lab”, the arena provides hands-on experience for students across many majors, with the gameday presentation run almost entirely by Bentley students.   Hockey began at Bentley in the mid-1960s as a club team, gaining varsity status in 1977. The team won consecutive ECAC3 Titles in 1980 and 1981. In 1998, Bentley moved up to Division One, becoming an inaugural member of the Atlantic Hockey Conference in 2003. The Falcons have qualified for one NCAA Tournament in 2025.   Food & Beverage 3   There is a small concession stand at the east end of the arena. The menu isn’t the most extensive you’ll come across, but all the bases are covered here.   Anchoring the menu at Bentley Arena are hot dogs, burgers, and chicken tenders. A good variety of snacks and sides are available, including pretzels, popcorn (served in a souvenir Bentley cup), assorted candy and chips. Fans looking for a healthier option can choose from Caesar salads, gluten-free sandwiches and fruit cups. Fans looking to avoid the lines at the main stand can head towards a cart in the southwest corner of the arena, which serves snacks and drinks.   Coca-Cola products are featured at the Bentley Arena. Hot coffee and tea are sold, which are welcome additions to the menu in cold winter months. Fans looking for an adult beverage can head to the Bar cart in the northwest corner of the arena, where a selection of beer and wine is sold, highlighted by Cloud Candy IPA from local favorite Mighty Squirrel Brewing.   The arena’s VIP area, “The Cube,” is open to passholders and season ticket holders during hockey games. This private lounge features a cash bar and premium food offerings.   Atmosphere 3   Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Bentley Arena occurred during the semifinals of the 2026 AHA tournament, which coincided with spring break, so the crowd may not have been fully representative of the Falcon experience. Still, the Bentley staff put on an entertaining show for visiting fans.   The gameday experience here at the Bentley Arena is a pretty standard one for fans who frequent college hockey arenas. Without the student section in attendance, the rink was a bit quiet on this night, even though it was conference tournament time and the game went into overtime. Bentley Arena is filled with local fans, who are fairly reserved in their support of the home team.   All the standard features fans have come to expect at a college hockey game are present here at Bentley. An excellent sound system is put to good use throughout the game. The 90s alt-rock playlist was a refreshing change from the normal noise played at arenas. The PA announcer goes about his business with a theatrical style that is sure to elicit a response from visiting fans. The video board at center ice is put to good use with graphics, replays, hype videos, and more. The Bentley mascot, Flex, and staff participate in t-shirt tosses, games and giveaways to keep the younger and more casual fans engaged. Bentley Arena Entrance. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 4   Waltham is a city of just over 65,000 located 10 miles northwest of downtown Boston and three miles from Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. The city was a leader in the American Industrial Revolution and a prototype for early industrial city planning. It’s a decidedly blue-collar community surrounded by affluent, white-collar towns.   Given Bentley’s location in a residential neighborhood, visiting fans will not find much to do in the immediate vicinity of campus. Fortunately, there are several dining and lodging options located just a couple of miles away on Main Street near Interstate 95. Mighty Squirrel Brewing is located just a mile from the arena. With downtown Boston located a short drive from the Bentley campus, many out-of-town fans will likely want to head in that direction while visiting Waltham.   Fans 3   The building of Bentley Arena has elevated the program from an afterthought in the Boston hockey scene to a popular destination for local hockey fans. From the old days of the JAR, when attendance could be counted on fingers, Bentley has seen increased attendance and attention since the opening of their on-campus arena. Attendance has settled in consistently between 1,400 and 1,500 fans per game over the past several seasons.   Turnout from the student body is generally strong, and the building is filled with suburban hockey fans night after night. One notable characteristic of a Bentley hockey crowd is that it seems to skew younger than other local schools. Perhaps this is due to the school’s location outside of the city, where it is more accessible to families. Faceoff at Bentley Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4   Greater Boston isn’t the easiest area for motorists to get around. Traffic jams, construction projects and detours are a way of life in this part of the country. The Bentley campus is located just a few miles from the intersection of Interstate-90 (the Mass Pike) and I-95 (also known as Route 128). Detailed driving directions to Bentley Arena can be found here . Boston’s subway system does not serve Waltham, but the MBTA 554 bus reaches the Bentley campus.   The arena’s 1,917 seats (a number chosen to represent the year the college was founded) are blue, black and gray plastic stadium seats. With the small size of Bentley Arena, all seats have excellent views of the action. There is ample room in between rows to stretch out, and you will not feel cramped while at a Falcon hockey game.   An open concourse encircles the rink, containing in-demand standing room views of the action. Lining the concourse are the concession stand, history displays, murals of Bentley students and staff, and The Cube. Take a peek into the operations center, staffed entirely by students learning the trade. Lines at the concession stand can get long during intermission, but move pretty quickly. Restrooms are new, clean, and ample for a typical Bentley hockey crowd.   Parking near the arena can be an issue. There is a lot for prepaid and handicapped parking right across the street from the arena, but if you want the convenience of this lot, reserve your spot early. Otherwise, you will have to scramble for limited spots around the school’s other athletic facilities, on Access Road, or on the main campus. Bentley provides shuttles for fans parked further from the arena. More parking information can be found here .   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Bentley hockey games are priced at 23 and 16 dollars. Stadium Journey’s most recent visit took place during the AHA tournament, so these ticket prices may not reflect regular-season prices. Parking in the lot across the street from the arena must be purchased in advance and will cost you another ten dollars. Otherwise, parking is available at no charge along Access Road and in lots on campus. Concessions are very affordable, with most menu items priced under seven dollars. Flex Taunts the Opposing Goalie at Bentley Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 3                                                                                                 An extra point is awarded for the Bentley hockey history display. Located on the north side of the concourse, several panels chronicle important persons and events in Bentley’s 50 years of hockey. Banners honoring Bentley’s 2025 AHA championship and NCAA Tournament appearance hang from the rafters.   Another extra point is awarded for Bentley’s efforts at sustainability and environmental friendliness. Bentley Arena is the first standalone arena in the United States to receive LEED Platinum certification. The arena has 1,400 solar panels on its roof, which produce 40% of the energy used by the facility. In addition, high-efficiency LED lighting and water-saving fixtures ensure that the arena uses half the power and water that similarly sized buildings would use.   A statue of Bentley’s legendary baseball coach, Robert DeFelice stands in the entry plaza to the arena. The statue was erected to honor DeFelice’s 50 th  season as coach of the baseball team. The statue depicts “Coach” gazing in the direction of DeFelice Field, located across the street from the arena.   Final Thoughts   The term “bandbox” is often used to describe small ballparks, but not hockey rinks. If we were to co-opt the term to use for hockey, it would describe The Bentley Arena perfectly. This cozy facility with its eco-friendly design is a hidden gem in the crowded Boston hockey scene.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Lucas Oil Stadium 500 S Capitol Ave Indianapolis, IN 46225 Indianapolis Colts website Lucas Oil Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 62,421 A Gold Standard for the NFL Gameday Experience Lucas Oil Stadium is considered one of the top destinations in the National Football League. Yes, other stadiums have been built across the league since its opening in 2008, but when it comes down to every metric, the home of the Indianapolis Colts is among the better gameday experiences in the league. It has a true downtown feel with bars, hotels, restaurants, and nightlife just a few steps from the main entrance. Its design also blends well with the surrounding area but stands out significantly within the city’s landscape. The 62,421-seat venue features a retractable roof that remains open unless inclement weather or lightning is within the stadium, the temperature drops below 40° F, or wind gusts are greater than 40 miles per hour. However, once closed, it cannot be opened during the game. The open roof provides a natural breeze throughout sections of the stadium and provides some great vantage points of downtown buildings. The streets are packed with fans, and nearby Georgia Street is open for pedestrians, allowing fans to openly carry alcoholic drinks in a cup. Touchdown Town is footsteps from the main entrance and provides live music, skills tests for kids, food samples, and more good times. Even if you are not a football fan, there is a lot of excitement to attract fans to the game. Food & Beverage 5 Lucas Oil Stadium features 59 permanent concession stands and 90 portable locations, offering more than 500 points of sale throughout the venue. With so many options available, fans can enjoy a wide variety of menu items without spending excessive time waiting in line. Popular offerings include hot dogs, brats, barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger baskets, chicken strip baskets, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and Hot Box pizza. The stadium also offers value meals—featuring a hot dog, popcorn, and soda—for fans looking for a budget-friendly option. The Funny Car Café, easily spotted on the stadium’s main level thanks to its glowing neon signage, delivers classic ballpark fare with a value-friendly twist. Fans can grab a combo meal featuring a hot dog, popcorn, and soda, alongside brats, chili cheese dogs, and nachos. One standout item, aptly named For the Fans , layers pulled pork and kimchi atop either a hot dog or a bed of nachos. The Lucas Oil Grill expands the menu with a wider range of options, including cheeseburgers, chicken tender baskets, veggie burgers, and garlic cheese curds—an especially popular value at just $5.50. For barbecue lovers, the Smokehouse serves up brisket and pulled pork, both of which can also be piled onto hot dogs or nachos for a hearty upgrade. Local flavor comes courtesy of Hot Box Pizza, a hometown favorite offering cheese, sausage, and pepperoni slices during games. Clutch Kitchen leans into bold flavors with Asian sticky wings, smoked wings, bacon jam–loaded tots, single and double smash burgers, fried or grilled chicken sandwiches, and a classic Chicago dog. Additional kiosks throughout the stadium provide even more variety, including cheesesteaks, pulled pork brisket nachos, assorted sandwiches, and the ever-popular Nacho Grande. Chef Tony’s Test Kitchen rounds out the experience with wing baskets, churros, and tater rings, as well as Cuban and steak sandwiches—the latter topped with bacon, crispy onions, pickles, and barbecue sauce. The beverage selection includes beer, wine, cocktails, hard seltzers, and a featured “cocktail of the game.” The Big Cat Bourbon blends bourbon with lime juice and passion fruit juice for a refreshing option. Budweiser aluminum bottles are available in both small and large sizes, while imported and local craft beers are offered at a slightly higher price during games. Coca-Cola products serve as the stadium’s primary soft drink options. Atmosphere 5 The design of the stadium is neither modern nor chic, but it blends in nicely with existing buildings and nearby factories. At most stadiums, fans enter vast parking lots well before kickoff to set up chairs, tents, and grills and begin their festivities. However, the stadium is a few feet from vast bars and restaurants open early for Sunday afternoon home games. One of the first places you see near the stadium is Touchdown Town, which opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes just before the game starts at 12:30 p.m. For the duration of its two-and-a-half hours of operation, the area provides a perfect canvas for all fans. “Touchdown Town was created to offer fans of all ages a place to gather together to celebrate and build excitement for the upcoming game,” stated Larry Hall, Colts Vice-President of Ticket Operations and Guest Services. “Fans can enjoy a variety of activities, including live music, football drills, giveaways, food, and drink specials. Touchdown Town serves as the Colts premier pre-game party location.” Once inside, there is not a bad seat in the house in the spacious building. The main entrance features a sound stage for pre-concerts that overlooks the football field. Fans line up around the stage or watch pre-game practice on the field. The wide-open area serves as a town meeting hall for fans, and you cannot help but look around in awe if you are a first-time patron. A sound stage for pre-game concerts overlooks the football field at the main entry plaza. Oversized collages of former Colts players and moments against the wall, entitled “A House Built by Champions,” feature an homage to the state’s car racing industry with various model cars on display in the area. Outside the stadium on South Street is the Peyton Manning statue. Manning was the most prolific player in the team’s Indianapolis history and one of the all-time greats. He put the team on the map and could be credited for the construction of the very building that stands behind him. Neighborhood 5 The stadium is within walking distance of 50 different places to eat, drink, and dance. There are ideal spots within blocks in the downtown area, along with a few more choices in other neighborhoods, a little less than a mile or so from the stadium. The Slippery Noodle is a local institution and the oldest bar in the state; it offers music, food, and drinks, and is across the street from the stadium. Kilroy’s Bar N’ Grill is a local establishment that has made its mark downtown and has plenty of room to accommodate fans before or after the game. If you are looking for a great steak dinner, St. Elmo’s or Harry and Izzy’s are two options. It is under the same ownership and known for its spicy shrimp cocktail sauce that will please the horseradish aficionado. The Fountain Square neighborhood is highly recommended and is bustling on the weekends. A few recommendations are Chili Water Brewing Company and Fountain Square Brewing , video games at Tappers , giant burgers at Kuma’s Corner , or duckpin bowling in a retro atmosphere. The Hotel Whiskey Tango Distillery makes specialty drinks and is a great place to talk with friends. Mass Ave is another vibrant area offering more dining and drinking options. A few recommendations include The Eagle for some of the best fried chicken in town, St. Joseph’s Brewery , located in an old church, FortyFive Degrees for live music, and BRU Burger Bar for its fantastic homemade ketchup to dip into your fries. If you are with the family, downtown has an array of attractions, including the Indiana State Museum , the NCAA Hall of Champions , and The Canal Walk . However, one of the true hidden gems is the Indiana Experience at the Historical Society . Visitors can step into three-dimensional re-creations of historic photographs, complete with characters. Fans 4 The Colts fanbase had been spoiled at the start of the century, with only two losing seasons in 15 years. The state that historically favored basketball became a football town with the championship success of the team. The team also honors many of its season ticket holders with banners on the top level, and their impact can be felt each game. Access 5 Lucas Oil Stadium is a downtown venue easily accessible from the interstate. The imposing structure is visible off of I-70, and there are more than the city and private lots to choose from to park your car. These lots range from $30-$50, and if you're lucky, you may even find free street parking on Sundays. If you do more searching and feel like walking, there are less expensive options north of the stadium off of Meridian, Pennsylvania, and Capitol Streets. Downtown Indianapolis has an array of one-way streets, but many are reverted to direct traffic back onto the interstate after the game. The local police do an honorable job directing traffic after the game to ensure smooth sailing from the parking lots onto the city streets and the local interstate. Inside the venue, the concourses are wide and spacious for easy access. There is plenty of signage, video screens, and open areas to help guide you through your visit. If you happen to get lost, ask a friendly staff member to help you find your way to a particular area of Lucas Oil Stadium. Return on Investment 4 The single price for a ticket ranges from game to game and depends on how well the Colts are doing in the season. In the past, tickets could be purchased online for as low as $20, but when the team is vying for a playoff spot, those prices will increase to around $60. However, when winning, the crowd noise is booming. Parking can be found around the stadium for between $30 to $50, but other spots are much less and require a bit of walking. There is also free street parking in the Fountain Square neighborhood, about a mile away from the stadium. Extras 4 Lucas Oil Stadium earns several points, including Touchdown Town on Georgia Street before the game. The atmosphere includes concerts, lounge chairs, children’s activities, drinks, and outdoor games. The earlier the season, the better the weather will be in Indianapolis. A second point is for the Bud Light Zone, the perfect spot to hang out with friends and enjoy the game. The area is located on the upper concourse at the north end of the building and is a massive party in all four quarters. A third point is for the customer service counters that offer soundproof headphones and weighted blankets to help offset the loud atmosphere inside the building. There are picture menus at all permanent concession stands, and the team has also added a “ Social Story ” to its website, which provides helpful information and photos. The final point is for a downtown location that is accessible by foot as well as by car. A visitor can have a walk with a sea of blue towards the stadium before the game or enjoy a few tailgating spots if arriving earlier by car. Final Thoughts It is hard not to be impressed with the gameday experience at Lucas Oil Stadium for a Colts game. It is a stadium properly made for both the players and the fans. The pre-game festivities, friendly staff, frenzied environment, and location steps from some of the city’s best restaurants and bars make for a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. ______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channe l. Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com

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 Great Views, Cheap Seats, and Baseball Fun in Indy 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. 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. Fans enjoy a few slices of pizza along with a beer bat at the game, 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, from Pachunga Mexican-style Lager, Wee Mac Scottish-style Lager, and the popular Sunlight Cream Ale. 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. 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. Victory Field Yuengling Landing, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey 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, Metazoa, and Ellison. The Tap 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. 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 over 25 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 Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Rate Field 333 W 35th St Chicago, IL 60616 Chicago White Sox website Rate Field website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 40,615 Rate Field Review – White Sox Ballpark Experience Rate Field debuted as Comiskey Park II in 1991 and, for the past 30-plus years, has seen multiple names and plenty of changes to the White Sox ballpark. Often considered one of the least favorite baseball stadiums in the major leagues, team management has worked hard to ensure that fans will have an enjoyable experience at Rate Field during the baseball season. The facility was the last of its kind built before the opening of Camden Yards the next season. It stands as a symbol of a bygone era. Still, extensive renovations at the stadium this century have altered the exterior and interior to improve the ambiance, keep up with modern technology, and meet the standards expected of today’s fans. The renovations have included the removal of 6,600 seats from the upper deck section of the ballpark, the repainting of every seat from blue to hunter green, the addition of party decks and restaurants, the inclusion of a kids' play area, the addition of bronze statues, and a 25-ton statue honoring the 2005 World Series team outside Gate 4 at the main entrance. If you haven’t been to a Sox game for some time, chances are that it looks a little bit different from your last visit. However, have the myriad of changes created a better ballpark? Food & Beverage 5 Rate Field offers a variety of food, from Chicago favorites to items made for the ballpark. There are numerous kiosks, eating areas, social spots, and the newly named Leinenkugel Craft Lodge and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina. It's advisable to walk around first before making a selection. The standards are still here, including Comiskey dogs and burgers, Cuban sandwiches, Italian beef, tavern-style pizza slices, street tacos, brats, tamales, and nachos. Sweet treats include ice cream, Italian ice, and churros. The best spot for a slice or two is at the Beggar’s Pizza area in the outfield, which features tables and views of the game. The new items for this season include the Fuku stands , which sell Korean fried chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, and the Lucky's stand, which offers bubble waffles with fried chicken and other fillings. Other new items include the Sonoran and the pineapple dogs, beef and spinach empanadas, and the specialty milkshakes. that are served in specialty glasses with marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham cracker crumbs. The Polish & Colombian kiosk has salchipapas on the menu: french fries topped with kelbasi and slaw. The Miller Lite Landing in right field, which includes premium seating, a repurposed CTA car with 12 taps, and cascading water down the concourse, is still there. Up in the 500-level are new outdoor bars with premium seating that were added a few seasons ago. The viral milkshakes are available at the Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina The Leinenkugel Craft Lodge is located on the ground level behind the visitor’s bullpen, offering a full-service wait staff and 75 beers from 46 different area breweries. Fans can pick them out of the refrigerators and enjoy them in the full-service restaurant. However, tables are packed with fans enjoying craft-made burgers and sandwiches. The Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina (formerly the Vizzy Bar) has been scaled back a bit compared to other years. The area still provides patio views of the game, plus different food items inside the air-conditioned tap room. The Old No. 7 Bar, sponsored by Jack Daniel's, offers various drinks, hard liquor, and other libations with TVs and tabletop seating. Atmosphere 4 Two hours before the start of the game, fans line up in the parking lots next to the stadium to tailgate. The area includes bags tossed in the air, the smell of smoke from the barbecue, and a few drinks between Sox fans before the first pitch. Closer to the start of the game is Championship Plaza, featuring a life-sized white bronze and granite sculpture celebrating the 2005 World Series championship team and a historical timeline of the franchise along the diamond’s base paths. Legacy Bricks are inscribed with a personalized message on the plaza. Once inside, the main concourse from the first to third baseline is somewhat narrow, but the outfield concourse opens up to a wealth of excitement that makes it one of the best areas in baseball. The wide-open area houses an array of fun areas for fans of all ages. White Sox Legends Sculpture Plaza is the highlight of the center-field concourse, featuring life-size statues of all-time greats. There are nine statues featuring Frank Thomas, Harold Baines, Luis Aparicio, and Carlton Fisk, where fans can pose and take pictures during the game. A fan cools down underneath the shower, which has been a tradition since 1976. The CIBC Fan Deck is available at times for single-season ticket holders and offers a panoramic view of the playing field on the two-tiered deck atop the center-field concession stands. However, most of the time, it is rented out to large groups. Just below the deck is an ivy-covered batter's eye. The Xfinity Kidz Zone is above the left-center concourse, overlooking the playing field that provides instruction on the game. Kids 12 and under can utilize the plaza with a youth-sized Wiffle ball diamond, along with batting and pitching cages accessible from the 100, 300, and 500 levels. The best part about it is that it’s free of charge. Also located above the concourse is the center-field video board that’s slightly larger than 8,000 square feet, measuring 60 feet high and 134 feet wide. It shoots off fireworks after every Sox home run or victory, provides Sox Facts of the Day, displays the Buono Italian Beef race (where lucky fans have the opportunity to redeem a ticket for a free Italian beef the next day at one of its locations), and provides interactive activities in between innings. The 500 section of the ballpark features a nod to old Comiskey Park. The canopy is painted dark gray, and colorful murals of former White Sox players, All-Star programs, paintings, and yearbooks are on display on the brick walls. It should be noted that fans are limited to this area during games, but there are times when that rule is lax later in the game. An old CTA train is now a bar in the Miller Lite landing in right field. The Chicago Sports Depot is the team’s official two-story team shop offering much more than Chisox gear. Before the game, the ChiSox Bar & Grill offers a full-service bar with food and drink, with outside patio seating. If you arrive a little earlier and aren't tailgating, this might be the spot for you to get into the mood before the first pitch. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is bordered by the Dan Ryan Expressway and the working-class residential Bridgeport neighborhood . The area is not littered with bars, comedy clubs, and restaurants, but it is safe to walk around after the game if you happen to frequent a few places nearby. The best bet would be to hop on the L and head towards the city if searching for better entertainment options. The Chisox Bar & Grill is located across the street from the main entrance and features 65 flat-screen TVs and a large open patio that opens three hours before the game. The menu highlights include chopped brisket tacos and smoked corn on the cob with sweet maple bourbon butter. A few blocks away from the stadium is Buffalo Wings and Rings, which offers free shuttle service to and from the stadium. All management asks is that you purchase a drink or other menu options. A few feet down is the Bridgeport Restaurant, which is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, featuring breakfast specials, three-tier sandwiches, and house specialties. Antique Taco is home to traditional tacos, plus fried chicken burritos and creamed elote (Mexican Street Corn). The Duck Inn offers its signature rotisserie duck, as well as duck fat dog and duck wings. About a mile away from the stadium is Ricobene’s , which is a must-go after the game; the breaded steak sandwich, deep-dish pizza slices, and Italian beef are highly recommended. The atmosphere is lively, and there is plenty of free parking across the street from the restaurant’s covered lot. Chicago's Chinatown is a tad north of the ballpark, offering a collection of restaurants and businesses catering to the Chinese population of the city. From barbecue, dumplings, noodles, and Sichuan, popular restaurants include B.B.Q. King House, Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings, Mala Temptations, and Slurp Slurp Noodles. Fans 4 The White Sox fan base is a dedicated group of people who enjoy watching baseball but, more importantly, want a consistent winner on the Southside. They are among the savviest in baseball and provided stories of the season’s past. At the game, they are focused on the field and hope that, by the beginning of the next decade, they will be able to play. Access 4 The stadium is easily accessible via public transit or by car. If driving, the stadium is directly off the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) at the exit for 36th and 37th Streets. There are six lots for cars surrounding the stadium. Purchasing a parking pass before the game will get you to your spot faster. The CTA Red Line drops you off at the Sox/35th Station and the CTA Green Line at the 35th-Bronzeville Station. The bus stops near the stadium include stops 24, 35, and 44. The ballpark’s main concourse wraps around the stadium and provides proper access to the various concession and merchandise areas of the stadium. The facility also features a series of ramps that take fans to the upper concourse and provide access to the Chicago Sports Depot and Craft Lodge. Return on Investment 4 The price of a single-game ticket in the 500 section averages around $10 for many games, though it can vary by date, opponent, and secondary market. The most affordable days are Coca-Cola Family Sundays, where tickets begin at $10, and parking is $20. Parking is $25 in advance, but $27 on the day of the game for every other day of the week. Other options include the Bleacher & Brews ticket, where fans can purchase a ticket and two beers starting at $27 for a bleacher ticket. Southside Mondays offer special tickets that include up to $20 in concession credit added to fans' mobile tickets. Family 4 Packs include a ticket, a hot dog, a drink, and a bag of chips for $19 per person. If you are looking to save money on parking, Buffalo Wings and Rings offers free parking and shuttle service to and from the game from 7 blocks away--just purchase a menu item or a drink while you are at the restaurant. Tuesday night games are worth visiting if you are on a budget. Except for the Crosstown Classic with the Cubbies, select food items are $5. They include 16-ounce drafts of Modelo and Miller Lite, Vienna Beef hot dogs and Polish sausages, buckets of popcorn, Coca-Cola products, nachos, and Beggar's pizza slices. Check out Sunday Family Days, including $20 parking, tickets starting at $10 in the 500-level concourse, and kids running the bases after the game. Even if you are not with the kids at the game, a $10 ticket is a great price to enjoy a major league game. Extras 4 The White Sox earns a point for 75 varieties of craft beers located throughout the concourse, with a majority of them in the Kraft Cave. Around the Bend, Pipeworks, Pollyanna, Lagunitas, 18th Street, 3 Floyds, Half Acre, and 2 Brothers are among the local breweries featured by the can in the cooler. One of the many statues in the outfield of former Sox greats The Sox earn a fourth point for the statues of former team greats from Luis Aparicio to Frank Thomas; a total of 9 figures provide fans a chance to pose for pictures and learn about these all-time greats. The South Siders earn a final point for the Plumbers 911.com Shower, a carryover from old Comiskey Park, and a fan favorite originally installed by owner Bill Veeck in 1976. It is near Section 160 in the outfield concourse. The shower works, and on a hot day, it might be the best way to cool off. Final Thoughts The White Sox continue to provide great value and entertainment at Rate Field. The ball club's recent struggles on the field have hindered a few, but there is plenty to do when attending a Sox game on the Southside. The inexpensive tickets, easy access, food selection, and various places to enjoy the game inside the ballpark make for a great time at the game. ------ 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 Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Kauffman Stadium 1 Royals Way Kansas City, MO 64129 Kansas City Royals website Kauffman Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 37,903 Fountains, Views, and Brews at "The K" Kauffman Stadium was built in 1973 when most facilities of the era housed both football and baseball. These multi-purpose doughnut-shaped stadiums lacked aesthetics, were devoid of character, and were fabulously vapid. The home of the Kansas City Royals is a ballpark- and ballpark only- if its NFL counterpart, the Kansas City Chiefs, wanted to play, it did so across the parking lot in its facility, Arrowhead Stadium. Thank goodness for the forward thinkers of architect Charles Deaton and Chiefs general manager; it would be almost two decades later until another one of its kind was built from scratch when Camden Yards opened in 1992. If Kauffman and Arrowhead were constructed as one multi-purpose stadium, like Three Rivers in Pittsburgh, The Vet in Philadelphia, or Shea Stadium in Queens, they would not exist today. The dominant features of the ballpark include a 322-foot wide water spectacular beyond the outfield walls and a massive chevron-shaped scoreboard in center field. Until 2009, there was no access beyond this part of the ballpark. A total of $250 million in renovations turned the facility into a wraparound concourse to include an impressive children’s play area, a team hall of fame and museum, a social gathering spot behind the fountains, and a few more eateries to enjoy some of that Kansas City-style barbecue. The K is 50-plus years old and regarded as one of the finest examples of a modern baseball stadium; that tradition continues with the 37,903-seat facility offering beautiful views of the outfield, plenty of areas to socialize, and high-quality food that today's customers expect when they purchase a ticket.  Food & Beverage 4 Kaufman Stadium offers a wide variety of food, from the basic standards to local favorites such as barbecue. There is also a value menu with items priced at $5 or less, as well as restaurants and social spaces with beautiful views of the field and the outfield fountains. The new items this year include Joe’s KC Bar-B-Que in right field near the outfield experience. The featured item is the Z-Man sandwich, a beef brisket sandwich with smoked provolone and crispy onion rings on a toasted roll. There is also a Chicken Z-Man sandwich with smoked mayonnaise. The barbecue favorites include SMOAK Craft BBQ, which offers chopped brisket or pulled pork plates and sandwiches, along with a selection of sliders. A few more local favorites are Pasquantinos in section 208. The Vinnie Beef Paswich is their take on Italian Beef, featuring provolone, bacon, hash browns, and Giardiniera. Buffalo State Pizza in sections 234 and 252 and the Italian Sausage Company in Section 224 provide locally sourced ingredients. The Grinder’s stand in the outfield area offers cheesesteaks right before your eyes. A few more interesting spots are the Chickie & Pete’s stand offering crab fries and boneless wings, Polcana serving deep-fried Oreos and churros, Andy’s Frozen Custard with a variety of flavors, and Tender Love & Chicken (three locations) for fried chicken tenders and more.  If you are looking for something to drink, the stadium features a beer garden with six varieties of Boulevard beer (Space Camper IPA, Boulevard Light, Easy Orange, and the original Pale Ale) and hard seltzer lines of Quirk (blueberry slam and lemonade tea). Fans can also enjoy Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Blue Moon at the beer garden and pub. There is also a Quirk and Boulevard-dedicated stand in the outfield behind the fountains. Atmosphere 4 Hours before the first pitch, the massive parking lot is brimming with people tailgating, a scene that occurs at a few baseball stadiums across the country. Once inside, the majority of the seating offers majestic views of the diamond, and the massive 12-story chevron-shaped scoreboard is large and bright enough to provide stats, playback, and player profiles for all to notice from their seats. The main attraction of the stadium is the 322-foot water spectacular, a series of 10-foot high waterfalls that extend from the left to right field of the outfield wall. The waterfalls are the largest privately funded fountains in the world and rise after a Royals home run or in between innings. They also change colors at certain times during the game or when the game moves into the night. The Outfield Experience is a perfect place for children and opens 90 minutes before the game.  Kids can test their pitching arm on the base paths, play on a mini-baseball diamond, play mini-golf, and run on the base paths. There is also a carousel and playground slides to keep the kids entertained for long periods. On Wednesday nights, the area offers concerts before the game. There are six social spaces at the game, including spectacular views of the game from different vantage points of the stadium. The Brew and View is atop the 401 and 402 section on the third base side and includes a $20 voucher for a 24-ounce domestic can of bottled water. Craft & Draft is located at the end of the 301 and 302 sections and includes an in-house menu of smoked chicken wings, quick-fire pizza, and barbecue poutine. Each ticket comes with $20 of loaded value for food and drink. One of the social areas open to the public during our visit was the Rival Sports Bar, located behind the left-field wall and the visitor's bullpen. It is a great place to hang out for food and drinks with friends and family near the fountains. A separate menu includes garlic street fries, a Reuben sandwich, and $20 of loaded value with each ticket. The outfield also houses the Royals Hall of Fame, which is open to the fans for free during the game. The impressive museum features a wonderful collection of paraphernalia, accolades, and many memories of the franchise dating back to its first season in 1969. If you want more history, bronze statues of George Brett, Frank White, and Dick Howser reside in the right field area of the ballpark. Neighborhood 3 The stadium was built in a sports complex outside of downtown just off I-70, but that was the popular choice in the early 1970s.  Downtown Kansas City has changed dramatically since then; however, you are never too far by car to take in some great places to eat and visit in town. The city is famous for its barbecue scene, with standout spots like Gates, Arthur Bryant’s, Joe’s Kansas City, Q39, Char Bar, and LQ's. No matter which one you choose, you’re in for some seriously good barbecue. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has various locations, but its original spot in a gas station just across the border in Kansas City, Kansas, is quite the experience. Q39 is located downtown and has quite a reputation among the people in KC. The burnt-end burger, pork belly, and sausage corn dog are highlights. Slap’s BBQ sells barbecue until it is out. The burnt ends are tender, the ribs fall off the bone, and cheesy corn is a nice alternative to mac and cheese. Two places to enjoy a beverage after the game include beer from the Boulevard Beer Hall, a two-story building featuring 30 beers on tap, outside patio seating, and couches for a great place to relax. The other place is J. Rieger & Co., a distillery located in a historic building in the Electric Park district. Visitors can enjoy a mixed cocktail, take a self-guided tour of exhibits, and exit the second floor via an indoor slide. The World War I Museum and Memorial is a comprehensive collection of First World War materials that is informative and detailed, shedding light on a somewhat forgotten part of history. Just down the hill is Union Station, which features exhibits, a planetarium, and the Science Center in the historic train Center. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a comprehensive look at the men and women who shaped baseball, featuring stories about all-time greats, uniforms, and a timeline of the various Negro Leagues. Fans 3 The Royals boast a passionate fanbase that continues to support the team through every season. In 2024, fans were rewarded with an exciting playoff appearance, fueled by the dynamic play of one of the league's top stars, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Die-hard supporters filled the stands with energy, while many others enjoyed the stadium's ambiance.  Access 4 Kauffman Stadium is off I-70 in the Truman Sports Complex, eight miles east of downtown Kansas City. There are six different entrances directing motorists to the parking lots, and it is advised to get there earlier for weekend games and promotional events. Once inside the stadium, the wraparound concourse takes fans to all parts of the facility. An older method of exiting fans from the stadium, but effective. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices can start at $5 for standing-room-only seating and increase based on seating and game day. On average, they’re among the most affordable in Major League Baseball, with slightly higher prices on weekends. Concession costs are moderate and comparable to those at other MLB stadiums. It’s best to buy tickets in advance through the MLB mobile app, where general parking is $21 and reserved parking is $31—both offering a $10 discount compared to gate prices. Fans can find ballpark favorites for $5 or less, including beer, soda, hot dogs, pretzels, and popcorn. They are available in sections 120, 135, 201, 213, 242, 405, 417, and 422. Fans with SRO tickets can enjoy the game from behind the waterfalls or in the outfield ball and lounge areas. Extras 4 Kauffman Stadium receives its first point for the beautiful waterfall display in the Outfield. When you think of the home of the Kansas City Royals, you think of those beautiful waterfalls, and it makes perfect sense to play in the City of Fountains. Kauffman Stadium gets a second point for the children's area in the Outfield Experience section. The impressive playground area is more than enough to entertain kids and keep them busy well into extra innings. Kauffman Stadium receives a third point for being an outlier when baseball stadiums were quite vapid and dual-purpose. It allowed easy modification when renovations took place years later, turning one of the true ballparks into something for fans to enjoy. Kauffman receives a final point for the 12-story scoreboard shaped like the Royals logo. The chevron-shaped scoreboard has been a staple at the stadium since its opening in 1973 and is probably the second most dominant feature. Final Thoughts There's a reason Kauffman Stadium is regarded as one of the class jewels of Major League Baseball for well over 45 years. It is a baseball facility that offers tantalizing views of waterfalls and great menu items for everyone who visits. It continues to reinvent itself, making it a nice place for a stadium journey during the baseball season.  ------ 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 Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 The Doghouse 1850 S 900 W. Lapel, IN 46051 Lapel High School Bulldogs The Doghouse Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,051 Welcome to Lapel's Doghouse The Lapel High School Bulldogs play at The Doghouse. A giant and modern gymnasium that has a capacity of 3,051 and offers well-lit exteriors, plenty of leg room, wide concourses, and plenty of room between the seating and court. Lapel High School has played basketball for more than a century, since 1905. In 1912, the first gymnasium was constructed for the basketball team. In 1924, a new gymnasium was built. The Bulldogs would call the venue home until November 1954, when the school opened a 2,600-capacity gymnasium that featured a stage and lighted parking for 1,000 vehicles. They would play here until the new school and gym officially opened on January 7, 2008. The old Lapel gym is now the home to the middle school, and people tell me it is almost identical to Frankton High School's The Eagle Nest. The Bulldogs have had a successful program throughout the years, capturing six sectional, three regional, and two state championships. The state championships were won in 2005 (that also snapped a 62-year sectional drought) and 2016 on the 2A level. The 1940 Bulldogs team made a Cinderella run to the state finals before losing in the semi-final game against Hammond Tech. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand items are what you would expect in a high school basketball gymnasium; however, the school has implemented a system to manage traffic flow during busy game periods. The concession stand sells hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, nachos, and candy. Fans can also purchase loaded nachos with meat.  Chick-fil-A sandwiches are available through a fundraising program and are served until sold out . Pepsi products are served in bottles and pulled from the refrigerator cases by customers . Local favorite Glover’s Ice Cream is served at games in ten varieties. Fans can choose from basic chocolate and vanilla, as well as peppermint candy, blue moon, and cookies and cream.  Atmosphere 3 The Doghouse is very spacious, modern, clean, and well-lit. It serves as the home of the Lapel PE program during the school day, and as a result, it feels somewhat aesthetically vapid . There is a single section of beige plastic seats that rises 25 rows. There is also a small section of seating behind each baseline for the pep band and student cheer blocks. It is a nice setup, placing students almost underneath the basket. The walls are decorated with multiple banners celebrating athletic team accomplishments, including a wraparound banner around the perimeter of the gymnasium. There are also championship banners from the basketball program hovering above the baseline bleacher seating. There is about a 20-foot distance between the last row of seats and the end lines of the court. This is great for moving around effortlessly during the game. In other schools, fans are much closer to the action, but in Lapel, they are further away from all points of seating. The top sections make one feel they might be sitting on the upper deck or at Rate Field in Chicago. The restrooms and concession stand are outside in the school’s hallway, and there appear to be a couple of entrances into the gymnasium. Traffic moves freely, and there are championship accolades in the glass trophy cases. Neighborhood 3 Lapel has a population of 1,800 plus and offers easy access from I-69. The small town seems far away from the big city life of Indianapolis and its surrounding communities, providing a nice escape from the mainstream on a weekend night. The town offers several curious eateries to try before the basketball game. Smoky’s Concession Stand is a family-friendly restaurant in town offering barbecue, pizza, and pub food. Besides ribs and pulled pork, customers can order Italian beef and Reubens, along with fried bologna sandwiches, smoked wings, and chicken parmesan. The place has something for everyone. Pax Verum Brewing Company is an interesting part of town. The old 20th-century building offers 15 drafts plus 6 cans for pouring at the location. If you enjoy a variety of craft beers, Pax Verum makes it an imperative stop in Lapel. A few other places to eat in town are Woody’s and Azul Agave. Fans 3 The Lapel fans show a wealth of support for the home team. They show up in droves during the JV game just to secure an ideal spot for the varsity game. The place can turn on huge crowds during rival games against the Frankton Eagles, but expect a decent-sized crowd for most winter nights. Access 3 The Doghouse is a giant superstore of a high school basketball gym, making it easy to. get around. There is plenty of room to move around between the court and the first rows of seating, and all concession areas are outside in the main building. The seating is spread out, and the top rows seem a bit further than they should be for a high school gymnasium of this kind. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket is $6 plus fees at the game if paying online. A great value in an age where other high school basketball tickets have gone up in price. The concession items are also inexpensive, with hot dogs costing $3.50. Extras 3 The Doghouse is well-lit and provides enough space to move around during a game. The championship banners hang from behind one end of the floor behind the nets, providing a nice aesthetic to the building. There is an interactive touch screen visual board in the lobby that allows fans to view different championship-winning teams from Lapel's history. Final Thoughts The Doghouse is a spatial, giant building for high school basketball. It serves its purpose as a vessel for hoops, but lacks the charm and ambiance of its predecessor. However, when the place is filled, the building is quite entertaining and an ideal place to be during the cold winter nights in Indiana.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4 Impact Field 9850 Balmoral Ave Rosemont, IL 60018 Chicago Dogs website Impact Stadium website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 6,300 Chicago Baseball with All the Mustard The Chicago Dogs are members of the American Association and play at Impact Field, one of the slickest ballparks in independent baseball. It was designed to entertain all ticket holders and to host a baseball game. The spacious ballpark seats 6,300 and opened on May 25, 2018. The $60-million facility is the newest addition to the list of independent ballparks in the Chicago area and stands out for its color, design, and creativity. Fans will most likely not have to be reminded where they are with motorists on I-294 whizzing by in the distance, the giant Impact Field sign across the parking deck in right field, and a view of the fashion outlet stores behind the outfield walls. However, let’s find out what makes the ballpark one of the better-looking designs in recent years. Food & Beverage 3 The price of concessions is also on par with other independent clubs in the metro area. The menu items are not super electric, but they are what one would expect while enjoying nine innings of baseball. The main concession stand offers jumbo hot dogs, Chicago hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken tender baskets, nachos, and soft pretzels. The prices range from $5 to $9. These nachos could feed 1-3 people per order. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. The stadium features The Weiner’s Circle, a much tamer version than the one downtown. It sells its style of char dogs, brats, Polish sausages, and french fries. There is also Salsa, which offers Mexican options, including street tacos and nachos topped with carnitas and chicken. The nachos are large enough for two small kids and are well worth the $10 price. Coca-Cola products are available, and beer options include Miller-Coors brands. A cocktail cart behind the home plate offers mixed drinks of gin, tequila, whiskey, and vodka. Atmosphere 4 Impact Field has a design that is unlike many others in baseball. It features four separate buildings that make up the upper-level suites, party decks, and press box. The colors of metallic black, red, and steel gray offer an amazing combination not found at most baseball stadiums. However, the colors make it stand out from older facilities in the area. Fans enter through the right-field corner of the stadium, which also houses the main ticket booth and official team shop. The team store has plenty of merchandise, from jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and stuffed dolls of the club’s mascots, Squeeze and Ketchup. Squeeze is a bottle of mustard with a big nose and fur; his nemesis, Ketchup, is a bottle of ketchup with an evil smirk in a trench coat. What is shocking is the number of young fans who gather around them waiting for an autograph after they are introduced in the second inning. Squeeze gets the most attention, because mustard, not ketchup, belongs on a hot dog for anyone after the age of 10 years old. Squeeze is a fan favorite at games. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. There are many wonderful aspects of a Dogs game, including a double-sided video board that can be seen by up to 70 million motorists on I-294 on an annual basis. The left-field foul pole is 312 feet from home plate, a nod to the Chicago area code. The right field foul pole is 294 feet from home plate, a nod to the nearby interstate number. The giant car deck serves as a spot for left-handed hitters to bounce homeruns off of it. The ballpark’s name is emblazoned across this area, but there is not too much happening below this area in the right field to the center field concourse. The ballpark also offers high-top tables and chairs in many areas of the concourse, bleacher seating behind the right-field wall, and rail seating above the left-field wall. However, the ample space of Impact Field feels a little bit underutilized at times. Many areas of the ballpark are void of kiosks, party decks, or grass lawn seating. Neighborhood 4 Impact Field is directly across the interstate from the Fashion Outlets of Chicago and a host of other entertainment options before or after the ballgame. The shopping mall features 130 designer outlets that are walkable from the ballpark, but one can also drive and park in the mall’s multi-level parking deck. The area also houses Hofbrauhaus Chicago for liters of beer and German food, Park Tavern, which offers pub food including Cuban sandwiches and hand-cut fries, and Bub City for barbecue. Dave & Buster's is also nearby for video games, large-screen televisions, and pub food options. The Rosemont entertainment district offers a variety of options that include concerts, Zanies Comedy Club, iFLY (skydiving simulator), and the Big Ten interactive experience. Rivers Casino is a few miles north of the district for additional entertainment options. A few local spots south of the ballpark and perhaps a little cheaper on your pockets are Short Fuse Brewing Company, Frannie’s Beef, and Gene and Jude’s. The latter establishment is a local institution that serves depression dogs, loaded with hand-cut fries. You will have to stand up to eat them or enjoy them in your car. Fans 4 The fans at a Dogs game are typical of what you would see at many other ballparks of this kind. They are out to enjoy a night out with friends, family, and co-workers for an inexpensive night out. However, I bumped into one fan who has season tickets with her husband and dresses like a hot dog. She was more than happy to explain her allegiance to the ball club and how she rarely misses a game. Access 5 Impact Field is accessible by both automobile and mass transit. It is located minutes away from O’Hare International Airport. Public transportation includes the CTA Blue Line and the Metra commuter train that stop at the Rosemont station. A free trolley is provided by the Rosemont Entertainment Circulator Trolley that can take you to the ballpark. If traveling by car, the stadium is visible off of I-294, and its exit is just south of the venue. A parking garage is behind the right field and charges $4 a car, but is free if driving a Hyundai. There is additional parking that I have been told is free of charge across the street, but that hasn’t been confirmed. Once inside, the wrap-around concourse provides easy access to all points of the ballpark, and the large outfield terrace area is void of the usual kiosks, seating, and party decks found at other stadiums. Games do not attract near-capacity crowds for most games, and fans can get around efficiently. The main entrance is at the right-field corner of the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a ticket will be anywhere from $10 to $17 per game. The bleacher section seating in the right field is an ideal way to enjoy the game for $10. The outfield reserve seats down each baseline are $13, and the infield box seats behind home plate are $17. These prices are on par with a few other independent clubs in Chicagoland. Parking in the garage adjacent to Impact Field is $3 per vehicle (limited availability). Additional parking is available in the Rosemont Entertainment District for a higher fee. The Dogs offer several weekly promotions that include Weiner Wednesday, where hot dogs are a dollar and draft beers are $2.50, Thirsty Thursdays featuring 12-ounce cans for $2, Happy Hour Fridays with live music, and Family Sundays, which offer bottomless popcorn and fountain drinks for $3. Saturday nights are theme nights and conclude with fireworks. Extras 4 The Dogs earn a point for the stadium design that is not from your typical blueprint. It’s sleek, a bit futuristic, and possibly the class of the American Association. The second point is for the two mascots that are almost as popular as the players on the field. Squeeze and Ketchup barely have time to roam around the concourse due to young fans asking for an autograph. The Dog Squad is a group of staff members in red shirts that entertain the fans in between innings, assist fans with on-field promotions, and allow fans to blow a giant air horn from a lifeguard chair behind the backstop on the main concourse. The final point is the $3 parking lot that borders the outfield wall. Final Thoughts Impact Field is a fantastic-looking stadium and pushes the boundary for stadium design and aesthetics. The Chicagoland is a crowd with both major league and MLB partner league ballparks, and the Dogs provide a lot of fun and excitement with their branding, ticket pricing, and promotional nights. It has the potential to be one of the best in the MLB Partner Leagues. ——— 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 Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Eagles Nest 610 East Clyde St. Frankton, IN 46044 Frankton Eagles website The Eagles Next website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 2,500 A Hidden Gem in the Hoosier State Frankton Jr./Sr. High School is home to a 2,500-seat basketball gymnasium affectionately known as The Eagles Nest. The gymnasium was built along with the school for the 1959-1960 academic year. The project cost $940,000, and the first game was played on November 2, 1959, with a crowd of nearly 3,000 who saw Frankton defeat Lapel 64-49. There have been many changes inside the gym, from the 49-star US flag to renovations to part of the bleacher seating, but much has remained the same. Visiting the gym is a trip back in time on Friday nights during the cold winter months. That small-school feeling still exists in games against nearby rivals Lapel and Elwood. In December 2025, the gymnasium co-hosted the inaugural Central Indiana Holiday Classic with Elwood High School for the first time. The two-day event features 18 teams from across the state, with six games at each building running from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM , culminating in championship games the next day. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stand is located at the gym entrance and under the grandstand. The long, narrow stand efficiently moves people in and out during the game, offering a handful of menu items that should satisfy every patron. The items include hot dogs, pizza slices, popcorn, nachos, candy, and Pepsi products. Prices range from $2 for a hot dog to $5 for nachos. However, more is served during the Holiday Classic, which serves as a fundraiser for Frankton High students. Dirty Sodas are available in seven flavors, including Dr. Pepper with vanilla creamer and lime, and Sprite with cherry syrup, cherries, and glitter. They cost $4 each. Chick-fil-A sandwiches are also available for $7, and locally made ice cream from The Depot is served in a variety of flavors for $5 per scoop. However, Rex’s Chili is a must-have at the game. The homemade recipe has been served since 1990 and is available frozen by the quart at all home games; it is served piping hot during the tournament games. Atmosphere 4 The Eagles Nest is a classic bandbox gym with out-of-bounds lines inches from spectators' feet, foul lines rubbing against the stage and stands, and a low-hanging ceiling. It is a callback to another time in Indiana high school basketball. It is a gym with many quirks. Three sides of the gymnasium have seating, but one side has newer plastic bleachers that can be folded up to create more room for gym programs during the school day. There is a corner of the seating bowl with railings that separate it from the rest of the bowl. The cinderblock walls are covered with multiple conference championships from the school's numerous sports programs. The stage is bordered in brick and features a red curtain. The stage area includes a few tables and chairs for media and tournament personnel. There is also a photographer hanging off the stage to capture pictures for the school. The stage is also used for additional seating during higher-attendance games, most notably against the rival Lapel High School. On each side of the stage are banners from school championships, an American flag, a conference banner, and a list of advertisers. Neighborhood 2 Frankton, Indiana, has a population of around 1,800 and is over an hour from downtown Indianapolis and 45 minutes from Fishers, where the Fishers Event Center hosts the Indy Fuel hockey  and the Indy Ignite volleyball teams . There are a few places to visit while in town, including MJ’s Scoops and Moore, The Depot Ice Cream & More, Bernie’s Bar, and Maranatha Coffee Co. Fans 3 During the Holiday Classic, a small group of fans made their way to the gym to cheer their favorite team. When Frankton showed up for the later game, the gym began to fill with locals, parents, and a small student section. They cheered, roared, and clapped throughout the game. Access 4 The Eagles Nest is easy to navigate, with concession stands underneath the grandstand and restrooms at the entrance. Additional concession stands are in the main lobby, and service is relatively quick. The 2,500-seat gymnasium is easy to find a seat, but it can become crowded during packed games. Return on Investment 4 A ticket to the Holiday Classic is $15 for the entire session at Frankton and nearby Elwood High School. This allows fans to watch 6 games while spending $2 for a hot dog and $5 for nachos. It is an affordable way to spend the day during the Holiday season. A ticket to a regular Frankton game is $6 per person.  Extras 3 The Eagles Nest earns a point for its stage at one end, which also serves as space for media and officials. It is framed in brick and features championship banners above it. It creates a nice centerpiece for the venue. The gymnasium earns another point for its concession stand underneath the grandstand. The long, narrow area features the old Frankton center court logo and a team photo from the 1934/1935 season. An additional point is earned for the additional concession items of chili, dirty soda, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches in the main lobby. Each purchase of these items funds school programs and scholarship opportunities. Final Thoughts There are newer, more spacious high school basketball gyms in the area. However, many of them lack the atmosphere that is The Eagles Nest. When the gym is packed, the roar of the crowd can be deafening. A true small-school hidden gym in the state that does high school hoops the best . ------ 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 Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Hauser High School Gymnasium 9423 N State Rd. 9 Hope, IN 47246 Hauser High School Jets website Hauser High School Gym website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 1,573 A Small Gym That Packs a Punch While the Hauser Gymnasium may not be one of the largest in the state, it ranks highly among the many small-town gyms that dot the map of Indiana. The 1,573-seat venue features an innovative upper-deck design that offers a vantage point not found in many other facilities. The Hauser Jets have made the gym a tough place to play the past few years, posting a winning home record. The town of Hope has a population of only 2,158. Still, on many nights, the majority of its residents make their way to the high school to watch Jets basketball during the cold winter months, since both the school and the gymnasium opened in the fall of 1966. Basketball has been played in town for well over a century, and the Hope High School Red Devils were the original team in town. In 1957, the school merged with Clifford High School and adopted the name Hauser in honor of the town's founder, Martin Hauser. The Student Council would also choose the modern name, Jets, as its new nickname, along with the colors of black and white. The basketball team would play at the old gym until 1966. The old Hope Gym stood for many years and was considered a filming location for the movie Hoosiers, potentially serving as the home court of the Hickory Huskers. Ultimately, however, producers chose the Knightstown Gym instead. The building was later purchased by the Community Center of Hope and continued to host volleyball games, league basketball, fundraisers, and other special events. In April 2022, a fire destroyed most of the historic structure. The Hauser Gymnasium is a gem in Indiana's small-town sports scene. With a seating capacity of 1,573, this venue boasts an innovative upper deck design, offering unique views unmatched by many larger facilities. Home to the spirited Hauser Jets, the gym has become a fortress for its basketball team, showcasing a remarkable winning record in recent years Food & Beverage 4 The gym features two concession areas—one focused on classic game-day favorites and the other dedicated to sweet treats. In the main lobby, fans can choose from a wide variety of options, including hot dogs, steak burgers, BBQ sandwiches, nachos, pretzels, and cheesy breadsticks. Combo meals are available, allowing guests to bundle a main item with a drink and candy for added value. The Coca-Cola Company products are proudly served as the beverage of choice at Hauser Gym. A separate table highlights “dirty sodas,” a fun and popular fundraiser supporting school programs. These specialty drinks blend soda with flavored syrups and coffee creamers to create unique combinations like peaches and cream, tropical twist, and cherry limeade. The second concession stand specializes in snacks and desserts, offering freshly popped popcorn, warm cookies, Nutella treats, and a variety of drinks. A portion of the proceeds from these sales benefits the school’s music boosters. Food Options at the Gym, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 Upon entering, the unique upstairs seating immediately catches the eye, with balconies encircling the gym's perimeter. This upper seating area overlooks the court, offering a perspective that is rare in many other facilities across the state. Staircases at each of the four corners lead patrons to the second level, and once seated, you'll enjoy some of the finest views in the building. The student section is dubbed the Danger Zone, and the small group of 50 students dress up in theme outfits, stand, stomp, and cheer throughout the game in support of their Jets. They are small in size but are deafeningly loud to cause havoc to any would-be opponent attempting a free throw. During halftime and after the game, the student group continues the celebrations with more cheering and dancing around the court. Student Section at Hauser Jets, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The players take the court with the sounds of jet engines blasting in the background, and an enthusiastic public address announcer pumps even more energy and excitement into the stands. The sound system works quite well, and it’s hard not to get excited about the opening tip-off. Fans stand and clap during the playing of the school fight song. Multiple black and white school championship banners hang against the walls of the upper deck seating area. The railings of the upper level are adorned with mini-painted silver jets, conference opponent banners hang at the center railing, and the school’s 2006 state championship banner is front and center from the rafters. Neighborhood 2 Hope is a small town of just about over 2,000 people located 20 miles between the towns of Columbus and Shelbyville, Indiana. Access to the town is through S.R. 9, where the school is located. Like many Indiana towns, there is a square that features a few restaurants on Main Street, including El Jefe Mexican Restaurant and The Corner Cafe. However, your best bet might be heading south to Columbus to enjoy some of the great breweries and restaurants that the city has to offer, including 450 North Brewery , or a few miles north in Shelbyville, to enjoy food and beverages at Capone's Speakeasy. The Hauser Gym is close to a few other basketball gyms and a minor league hockey arena. The Columbus North Bulldogs and Columbus East Olympians play in distinct gymnasiums, and the Shelbyville Bruins play at the William L. Garrett Memorial Gymnasium. The Indiana Sentinels of the FHPL also play in Columbus at the Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena. Fans 5 During our visit, the gym was filled with enthusiastic fans. The Jets have been having a fantastic basketball season, and it was senior night. The attendance accounted for 50% of the town's population. The school's athletic director mentioned that this was typical for a weekend game, and he anticipated even higher turnout in the future. The crowd proudly sported their school colors, engaged in conversations about the team's performance, and reminisced about watching some of the seniors play in junior basketball. Access 3 The small gym is very easy to navigate, with concession stands and restrooms located in the main lobby, along with staircases leading to the upper deck. Despite the potential for large crowds, movement remains comfortable and unobstructed. Conveniently situated on State Road 9, the gym offers ample parking for visitors. Return on Investment 3 The Hauser Gym is somewhat located off the beaten path, but being able to drive through the small towns of the state on small roads is somewhat appealing to many individuals. The price of admission is $6 for adults, the parking is free, and the concessions are no more than $5 per item. You also get to enjoy basketball in one of the most eclectic-looking facilities, perhaps in the area; to me, that’s worth the price of admission. Extras 4 A star is awarded to the Danger Zone, the section made up of 50 high-energy students who provide an atmosphere just as energetic as larger high school facilities and some soccer pitches. The second star is awarded to the mini silver-painted jets that adorn the top rails of the facility. A nice nod to the school’s nickname and a simple way to give the place a little home cooking. A third star goes to the upper deck seating, which is one of the quirkiest in the state. This area offers a unique perspective of the game, providing an enjoyable viewing experience that's also spacious and comfortable. A final star is awarded to the home announcer who adds a level of boisterous frenzy to the pregame warmups, player introductions, and the rest of the game. Final Thoughts While the state is known for hosting some of the largest high school basketball gymnasiums in the world, it also boasts many smaller venues that offer equally enjoyable experiences for watching high school hoops. Hauser Gymnasium comes alive on a chilly winter night; if you can plan a visit, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3. 29 FedExPark Avron Fogleman Field 974 Getwell Rd. Memphis, TN 38111 Memphis Tigers website FedExPark Avron Fogleman Field website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 2,000 From Nat Buring Stadium to FedExPark A new era of Memphis Tigers baseball began in 2010 when the program unveiled a dramatically renovated home ballpark. After spending 36 seasons at Nat Buring Stadium, the Tigers opened the newly transformed FedExPark, a modernized facility that reflected the university’s renewed investment in its baseball program. The transformation was made possible through a $3 million gift from Memphis-based FedEx Corp. The funding allowed the university to completely overhaul the stadium that had served as the team’s home since 1972. In the fall of 2022, a $3.5 million renovation project was made possible through the generosity of Memphis businessman and philanthropist Avron Fogelman, along with stadium namesake FedEx. Fogleman was the former owner of the Memphis Chicks Double-A baseball team from 1978 to 1988. The project introduced a state-of-the-art artificial turf playing surface along with a new videoboard to enhance the fan experience. Additional improvements included upgraded seating areas, new fan safety netting, and a brick exterior wall that gives the ballpark a more polished, welcoming appearance. Fans also benefit from several upgrades included in the redesign. The grandstand area features an expanded press box with dedicated radio and television broadcast booths as well as workspace for media and event staff. New restrooms and concession areas were added to improve game-day comfort. A grand entrance on the left-field side of the stadium welcomes fans arriving from the parking lots and creates an inviting gateway to the ballpark. Food & Beverage 3 Their concession items are simple, but what you would expect to see at a ballpark of this size. The menu options include hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, popcorn, candy, and soda. There is a grill that serves up burgers and brats during the game.  However, one must not overlook the barbecue nachos, a regional delicacy in Memphis. The university also offers its own beer, “Tiger Tail,” exclusively brewed by Grind City Brewing Company . It is a craft malt liquor that is slightly sweet and aged on toasted American oak for a light, smooth taste. Photo Courtesy of David Hill Atmosphere 4 FedExPark is a small ballpark, measuring 318 feet down the left-field line, 317 feet down the right-field line, 360 feet to the power alleys, and 379 feet to center field.  It is a simple design that features 9-10 rows of seating in a brick grandstand. Each seat is made of a blue back seat for added comfort.  However, the park often plays differently depending on the wind. When breezes blow in from left field, pitchers tend to have the advantage. When the wind shifts and blows out toward the left, the ballpark can quickly become more favorable to hitters. The backstop features retired numbers of past baseball greats. There are 12 in total, including Stan Bronson, Jr., who was a batboy from 1958-2014 and is regarded as the "Most Durable Batboy" per Guinness World Records . Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is surrounded by a mixture of commercial and residential housing on the University of Memphis Park South Campus. It is a few miles north of I-240 and near the main intersection of Getwell Road and Park Ave. You are not going to find a lot within driving distance. Downtown Memphis is 8 miles west of campus and about a 20-30 minute drive from the ballpark. Beale Street is a popular tourist destination for live music, famous eateries, and places for drinks. Dyer’s Burgers have been cooked in the same grease since 1912, Bill Sweet’s Sugar Shack specializes in homemade fudge, King’s Palace Cafe serves Cajun-Cuisine and live Blues music, and Rendezvous is your place for Memphis-style barbecue. Within just a few blocks of the arena, visitors will find several of Memphis’ most notable attractions. The National Civil Rights Museum and the Blues Hall of Fame both sit nearby, offering powerful looks into the city’s cultural and musical heritage. A short walk toward the river brings fans to Mud Island, located along the Mississippi Riverfront, where exhibits highlight the history and importance of the mighty river as it flows past downtown Memphis. Fans 4 The fanbase was really into the game despite the Tigers losing record at the time of the visit. There appear to be many regulars who make their voices heard throughout the grandstand and field of play. They bring a much-added punch to the proceedings that is quite welcoming at a ballpark of this size. Access 4 The entrance to the ballpark is in the left field corner, and fans make their way to the grandstand along an inner concourse. There are plenty of areas to move around inside the seating bowl. The best way to access the stadium is by car. Parking is available behind the left field wall. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket to the game is $9 for standing room only or $11 for general admission. The price of concessions is reasonable, and it's a comfortable place to enjoy a game during the springtime in town. The Tigers offer multiple promotional days, including $2 Tuesdays, where tickets and hot dogs are just $2. Friday Happy Hour: $2 beer is available 15 minutes before the first pitch and 45 minutes after. Sunday Fundays, where kids are allowed to run the bases and select players are available to sign autographs. There is also Bark in the Park on select nights. Photo Courtesy of David Wolf Extras 2 The ballpark has a nice entrance way in the leftfield corner that makes it easy for fans to park their cars at the game. It includes a small tiger statue at the gate. The food quality is better than expected, including barbecue nachos. Final Thoughts FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field blends modern amenities with decades of tradition. With continued investment in both player development and the fan experience, the ballpark remains a central part of Memphis Tigers baseball and its future growth.

Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 US Bank Stadium 401 Chicago Ave Minneapolis, MN 55415 Minnesota Golden Gophers website US Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 66,655 The Minnesota Golden Gophers baseball team calls Siebert Stadium  its home field, but also has a second home in the U.S. Bank Stadium . The home of the NFL Minnesota Vikings, which seats 73,000 for football games, might be somewhat too massive for a college baseball game. However, the indoor facility makes it ideal for games in the early months of the Minnesota winter. The indoor venue enables the baseball program to host additional home games rather than travel for early-season contests. The team plays 40% of its games at the football stadium, a tradition that began with the Vikings predecessor, the Metrodome. The Metrodome served as home to the Gophers during the early portions of the season from 1985 to 2010 and for two more years in 2012 and 2013. Playing indoors allows the Gophers to begin the season at home earlier than other Big Ten opponents. The Gophers usually begin their season at Siebert Stadium in late March. The artistically engaging décor features random Viking logos throughout the stadium, giving it a local touch while fans enjoy a dramatically different baseball experience. However, there are plenty of Golden Gophers banners across the stadium seats behind the left field wall. The stadium also hosts the Cambria Classic . A weekend event that features six different universities from the area. Spectators enter through the Lower Pentair Gate, and seating is available in Sections 126-130 for the event. Backpacks and purses will be permitted for this event. Larger bags, including duffel bags and suitcases, will not be permitted. The unique atmosphere offered a delightful twist on America's pastime, combining the thrill of football with the charm of a baseball game. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand open for baseball games, and that is more than enough given the attendance figures.  Fans can choose from chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, brats, hot dogs, and fries during the game. The snacks include popcorn, pretzels, nachos, and candy. All drinks are Pepsi products, and alcoholic beverages consist of domestic and craft beer, along with hard seltzers and batch cocktails. The menu options that are available at baseball games. Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG Atmosphere 3 The home plate is positioned in the southwest corner, providing a beautiful backdrop of sunshine and the Minneapolis skyline. One of the most striking features of this setup is the massive scoreboard. Concession stands are available, offering classic ballpark favorites, which is a must when enjoying a hot dog amidst the excitement—especially under the warmth of the stadium’s glass roof. The dugouts, made from repurposed shipping containers, add an element of quirkiness and charm. A foul ball bouncing off the top provides an unexpected thrill, aligning perfectly with the playful spirit of the event. The dimensions of the field are unusual, with a right-field line measuring just 300 feet but reaching 34 feet high. Instead of a traditional wall, it features a massive black sheet that absorbs the impact of foul balls rather than deflecting them. Left field, measuring 328 feet, has its quirks as well, including spots where the play clock for NFL games resides. There is also plenty of natural lighting that shines through the glass walls and roof. It may be cold on the Minneapolis streets, but it is comfortable inside for players and fans. The wide open concourse offers opportunities for fans. Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG Neighborhood 4 US Bank Stadium is located just a stone's throw from downtown Minneapolis, though it has a slightly secluded feel. To the west, you’ll find the Target Center,   Target Field , Nicollet Mall , and, for fans of Prince, the iconic First Avenue  nightclub. Across the Mississippi River to the east lies the University of Minnesota. Both areas are rich in fine and casual dining options, accommodations, and unique shopping experiences. Lobster rolls are a specialty at many local eateries, with 1029Bar offering a classic version. Day Block Brewery and Restaurant offers scratch-made pizzas, burgers, and several taps, including Vikingberry Sour, Stadium Blonde, and Cactus Hard Seltzer. The Mill Ruins Park offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s milling history and is situated right along the river in Mill City Park. For stunning views of the city, the Foshay Museum and Observation Deck  is available for just $10 to $18. The Mill Ruins Park sits along the Minneapolis skyline. Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez Fans 3 Baseball fans do their best to generate some life inside the cavernous confines of the NFL-sized stadium. Even with the large seating bowl and high ceilings of U.S. Bank Stadium, the Gophers faithful bring plenty of enthusiasm, cheering on big hits and strikeouts while trying to shrink the massive space with their energy.  When the stadium hosts only a Golden Gophers game, the college atmosphere is much more apparent. The familiar sounds of college baseball, chants from the crowd, the buzz of the student section, and the crack of the bat echoing through the building help give the venue a lively, distinctly collegiate feel despite its pro-scale surroundings.  Access 4 Accessing the stadium is streamlined through a single entry point through the Lower Pentair Gate. Fans are required to navigate around the concourse, which can feel more like a maze than a typical baseball venue. Seating is available only in Sections 126-130.  US Bank Stadium is accessible via car, bike, and train. The METRO Light Rail (Blue/Green Lines) all-day passes cost $4 for adults ($2 for seniors/youth/disabilities) and provide unlimited rides on trains and local buses until 2 a.m. the following day.  The light rail system links all of the major stadiums and arenas in the Twin Cities. Fans can visit Target Field , Target Center , CHS Field , Huntington Bank Stadium , Allianz Field,  and the Grand Casino Arena . Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets is $19. The cost of a hot dog is $6.50, and a 16-ounce domestic can of beer is $11.75. The return on investment depends on what the customer is willing to pay. However, watching baseball in Minneapolis in early March, instead of freezing out in the cold at Siebert Field, may up the ante for baseball fans eagerly waiting for springtime baseball.  Extras 3 The main point is the ability to watch baseball at a venue that hosts the sport for only 10 days a year. US Bank Stadium is ideal for Vikings football games, but also nice for a few games of Golden Gophers baseball during the season as well. The stadium also houses other area colleges, university, and high school programs during this time of the year, from St. Cloud Technical Community College to Itasca Community College and St. Cloud State. Attending a game might provide throwback vibes from when the Gophers and Twins played games at the Metrodome. Indoor baseball used to be quite popular and one gets the old-time feelings attending games at US Bank Stadium, sans a Kirby Puckett home run. The glass roof and walls provide plenty of sunshine and views of the Minneapolis skyline. Homeplate is well-positioned, allowing fans to feel as if they are part of the outside world. The dugouts are constructed out of shipping containers. Photos Courtesy of @baseballtravels/IG Final Thoughts The combination of an active NFL stadium reveals that the U.S. Bank Stadium is a versatile venue capable of hosting various events. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just enjoying an afternoon with friends, this unique experience is one to remember, blurring the lines between sports and entertainment.

The Long Beach Coast is an expansion franchise in the Pioneer League, preparing for its inaugural season in 2026 at Historic Blair Field. The ball club has received an overwhelmingly positive response from the community and hopes to connect with the city's diverse population. Team President Ena Patel provided insights into how the Coast is establishing its brand, enhancing the ballpark experience, and fostering a connection with a city eager for the return of professional baseball. Crafting the Long Beach Name While “Coast” has emerged as the primary brand, a deep sense of nostalgia has surfaced. Many fan submissions reference former Long Beach teams, including the Armada, Riptide, and Breakers. Notably, one of the Coast’s assistant coaches has ties to the Armada, creating a direct link between the past and present. Patel has indicated that future throwback nights and clever tributes to these former teams are in the works, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to honoring local baseball history, including starting ticket prices in the single digits.  The team is also embracing a dual identity. Alongside the primary “Coast” branding is an alternate identity: the Regulators. The name is from the 1994 Warren G song “Regulate” that famously opens up with the shout out of “Regulators! Mount up.” The song peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 that summer. “We can be both,” Patel explained. “The 11-mile continuous coast is what really unites the city geographically, and the regulator's name represents the people and the culture. We thought that having both really united the Long Beach community.” Creating the Long Beach Look The team’s look was crafted with intention. Local graphic designer Francisco Reyes, Jr., developed the “LBC” hat logo. Reyes, also known as Never Made, has done partnerships with Manchester City and Los Angeles FC. In much of his work, he likes to hide Easter Eggs. He designed the C to resemble a crashing wave and made the words flow like water. He even created the swatch on the team’s wordmark to look like the city’s 11 miles of shoreline.  The color palette reflects the city’s personality: off-white tones inspired by the sand, teal for a coastal vibe, and dark gray rather than black for a modern, urban feel. The result is a fashionable cap and wordmark that resonates with fans beyond traditional baseball enthusiasts. The initial “Tidal Wave” limited-edition hat — named after one of the creative naming contest submissions — sold out quickly. Additional limited-edition colorways are planned, many inspired by other fan-submitted names. The team is still working on team jerseys and will include a nod to Long Beach's diverse community. Patel added that they are working with Reyes and their uniform provider to create a class and modern versions of home and away uniforms.  Calling Blair Field Home The Coast will share Blair Field with the Long Beach State Dirtbags, creating an immediate partnership with California State University, Long Beach. While Blair Field is a historic venue, improvements are underway. Both the university and the Coast ownership group are investing in upgrades. One major addition required by the Pioneer League: a permanent batter’s eye — something the facility has surprisingly lacked. The installation will benefit both the Coast and the Dirtbags. The Coast is working to ensure the ballpark feels like its own during the Pioneer League season. With only a slight overlap between the college and pro schedules, there will be time to transition the stadium into a fully Coast-branded environment. Travelling to a weeknight MLB game can be an ordeal for fans. From Long Beach, a trip to Dodger Stadium can approach two hours in rush hour traffic, even though it’s less than 30 miles. Even a drive to Angel Stadium often runs 30–45 minutes — not including parking fees and premium concession prices. A Team without Restrictions As an independent league team, the Coast is not bound by MLB commercial restrictions. That opens the door for creative promotions and direct fan interaction. Patel pointed to examples around independent baseball where players sign autographs en masse after games and kids leave with signed baseballs — experiences rarely possible in MLB parks. With 51 home games planned, the Coast is actively building its operational team. Internships and summer jobs are in development, particularly through partnerships with Cal State Long Beach students. Roles could span baseball operations, analytics, concessions, retail, and game-day management. The Long Beach Coast isn’t simply launching a team; they’re building a community-driven brand rooted in local pride, coastal culture, and accessibility. In a crowded Southern California sports landscape, that authenticity may prove to be their biggest competitive advantage. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Miami University is preparing to turn the page on one of its most recognizable athletic venues. The university’s Board of Trustees has approved a resolution to construct a new multipurpose arena that will eventually replace Millet Hall . This nearly 60-year-old facility has been home to RedHawks basketball and volleyball since the late 1960s. The new building, projected to cost $242 million and authorized to cover construction and related expenses of $281 million , will be built on the current Cook Field intramural sports site and is expected to usher in a new era for Miami athletics. University officials said at least $175 million would be required to renovate and add onto Millett Hall. The new arena is estimated to cost $242 million; the board will authorize $281 million to cover construction  and related costs.  Millett Hall   is the home to men’s basketball. Volleyball and women’s basketball have played at the venue since 1974. The men’s basketball team concluded a 31-0 season while the women’s team finished with a 25-6 record. Trustees approved the resolution for the new facility in February, and it will be built on Cook Field, which is currently used  for intramural sports. The Cook Field site was chosen because it offers greater convenience and support for concurrent, student-centered activities such as  commencements, concerts, and university events. Photo Courtesy of Miami (OH) University The new multipurpose arena aims to resolve the space constraints and persistent operational and maintenance challenges at Millett Hall,  according to its website .  Additionally, it will enable the university to host multiple events concurrently, including commencements, concerts, creative arts performances, and career fairs. Miami athletic director David Sayler told trustees the project is critical to the university’s long-term future, according to the statement. “We are in a unique and dynamic time for Miami University athletics,” Sayler said. “It is time to innovate, invest, and inspire. A new arena benefits all of Miami and will serve as a gateway and beacon for the university.” University officials said the new arena would create additional revenue-generating opportunities that are not possible in the current facility.  Millett Hall cost $7.4 million to construct and opened on December 2, 1968. Construction of the new arena is expected to begin in September, with completion in the fall of 2028. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Horizon League has announced that its men’s and women’s basketball championship tournament will move to The Arena at Innovation Mile in Noblesville, Indiana, in 2027. The agreement runs through at least 2031, bringing postseason excitement and thousands of fans to the fast-growing northern Indianapolis suburb. City leaders in Noblesville spent more than a year and a half pursuing the opportunity through a competitive bid process. Their efforts paid off when the Horizon League selected the 3,500-seat arena as the future home for the league’s second rounds, semifinals, and championship games. The Horizon League tournament has been held at Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the past seven years, and league officials emphasized that they were not looking at leaving the area. However, when evaluating potential options within the region, the league found that Noblesville’s new basketball-focused venue offered a unique opportunity. The Arena at Innovation Mile is designed for basketball, creating a more intimate environment for postseason play. For student-athletes, that means competing in a venue where every seat feels close to the action, and the atmosphere can quickly become electric. The Horizon League currently features 11 member schools across six states, with plans to expand.  League officials believe the move to Noblesville will showcase the sport in a state that lives and breathes basketball. Sadly, this is another event or tenant that has left the Corteva Coliseum in the past two years. The Indy Fuel relocated to the Fishers Event Center,  only eight miles south of The Arena in Fishers, and the IU-Indianapolis moved back to campus with plans to open up the  4,500-seat James T. Morris Arena this fall. The league has held its basketball tournament in Indianapolis since 2020. The Corteva Coliseum, then known as the Indiana Farmers Coliseum, went through $53 million in renovations between 2012 and 2014 to welcome professional hockey back to the city. With today's announcement, there will be one less sporting event taking place. The venue is hosting the HBCU All-Star Game on April 5. In the booming Hamilton County market, local leaders expect a major economic boost as teams, fans, and families travel to the area each March. Visitors will fill hotel rooms, dine in local restaurants, and explore entertainment options throughout Noblesville and the broader Indianapolis region. Sports tourism officials estimate that events such as the Horizon League Championships generate millions of dollars in economic impact for host communities. With thousands of athletes, coaches, and fans arriving over multiple days of competition, the tournament is expected to become a significant annual event for the region. The partnership also reflects Hamilton County's continued growth as a sports destination. With new facilities, expanding infrastructure, and proximity to Indianapolis, the county is positioning itself to host more regional and national events in the coming years. Once completed, the Arena at Innovation Mile will serve as a centerpiece of Noblesville’s developing Innovation Mile district. The building opened this past November and is home to the Indiana Pacers G-League affiliate, the Noblesville Boom. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Chattanooga Football Club (CFC) has announced a new multi-year partnership with Food City that names the company as the official presenting partner of the Grass Hill at Finley Stadium. A popular spot for matches for fans, the Food City Grass Hill has served as a relaxed, family-friendly viewing area at CFC matches since the club’s early days. It’s situated on the east side of Finley Stadium  along Chestnut Street. In 2024, the club formalized the section as a low-cost, ticketed seating option to make matchdays even more accessible for supporters. “Food City is the official naming rights partner for our Grass Hill spectator section, which has been an open-air, family-friendly space for years,” said Hayes Creech, CFC Communications Director. “It's the perfect area for kids to run around and burn energy, with yard games, sweet treats, and vendors on site.” Food City is a regional supermarket chain founded in 1918. The company operates 137 stores in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia. There are 10 locations in the Chattanooga area. “Food City is proud to expand our long-time partnership with Chattanooga Football Club by sponsoring the Grass Hill at Finley Stadium,” said Misty Deskins, Senior Director of Marketing for Food City. “The Grass Hill has become a beloved tradition that offers affordable, fun-filled entertainment for fans of all ages.” Creech added that at this  moment in time, there are no further development plans for additional seating in that area. Ticket prices in the Food City Grass Hill cost between $11.79 to $15.26 for single-game tickets. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Cassell Coliseum 675 Washington Street, SW Blacksburg, VA 24061 Virginia Tech Hokies website Cassell Coliseum website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 9,275 The Hokies “Cassell” Virginia Tech first started playing basketball at Cassell Coliseum in 1962. The arena, located on the VT campus in Blacksburg, seats around 10,000 fans and is known for being an intimidating place for opposing teams to play. Cassell has undergone several renovations over the years, and despite the harsh concrete exterior, it feels like a much newer arena on the inside. Food & Beverage 5 Virginia Tech offers a wide range of concessions for sale at Cassell Coliseum that are sure to satisfy every fan. The traditional options like hot dogs, burgers, and chicken tenders are available, but so are many other, more unique options. Macaroni and cheese, pulled pork quesadillas, and much more are available at the various stands on the concourse that surrounds the seating bowl. Because of the layout of the arena, it shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes to walk around the entire concourse and check out every stand before you decide what to order. Beer is also available to fans 21 or older. Atmosphere 5 Cassell Coliseum has a harsh concrete exterior that somewhat resembles a UFO with spider-like legs, but this contrasts sharply with the modern concourse you will encounter as you enter. From here, you will enter your section and walk up or down stairs to get to your seat. The stairs are steep, which provides great views of the action and amplifies the crowd noise, with fans so close to each other and the court. This seating layout creates the appearance of a large wall of Hokie fans. Large videoboards are located at each end of the court, but banners for fans in the upper rows of the arena may partially obstruct their view. Before each game, the Hokies' starting lineup is introduced as fans use the flashlights on their cell phones along with a team-provided app to create a light show. Spotlights also shine on the court. Once the lineup is announced and the game is about to begin, "Enter Sandman" plays over the PA system as the crowd cheers and the student section jumps up and down to the music. At the final line, "Exit light/Enter night/Take my hand/We're off to never-never-land," the crowd sings along. The Hokies have a pep band, dance team, and cheerleaders. The pep band is raucous and works with the student section to energize the rest of the crowd. One unique promotion the Hokies offer is Bricks for Bacon. If an opposing player misses both free throws on a trip to the foul line in the second half or overtime, every fan wins free Smithfield bacon. When the bacon is on the line, expect the crowd to be even more raucous than usual. Neighborhood 4 Cassell Arena is located in the heart of the Virginia Tech campus, in the college town of Blacksburg, Virginia. Nearby Main Street offers many options, including the Hokie House restaurant and bar, P.K.'s Bar and Grill, and cuisines from Japanese to Mexican to Nepalese. Blacksburg may be in a remote location, but it is a fine college town. Most of the businesses cater to students or others associated with the university, given the population in this area. Fans 5 Cassell Coliseum has earned its reputation as a tough place for visiting teams to play due to the raucous atmosphere the fans create. Most games sell out or come close, and the crowd is right on top of the action due to the steep seating bowl. The student section, known as the Cassell Guard, is located behind one basket and stands and cheers for the Hokies for the entire game. They are some of the rowdiest students in basketball and go wild from start to finish. At the start of the second half, they unveil a giant "Let's Go Hokies" banner across the student section. Of course, the non-students can be loud as well. With a sold-out crowd in a small, tightly packed arena, it can get extremely loud at times. From singing along to "Enter Sandman" at the start of the game to the moment the final buzzer sounds, Hokies fans are loud and involved. Access 3 The Virginia Tech campus is located about 10 miles off I-81 via US 460. Just follow the signs for the Virginia Tech campus. Once you arrive, you will find that the lots closest to Cassell Coliseum are reserved for donors and season ticket holders. You will need to park in the lots on the other side of the football stadium, about a ten-minute walk away. Parking is free in these lots. A clear bag policy is in effect at Cassell Coliseum, which is far too common nowadays. The steep seating bowl certainly adds to the atmosphere, but it can make it challenging to walk to the top rows of your section. Restrooms are located around the concourse and are sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Most tickets at Cassell Coliseum, especially for ACC conference games, are reserved for season ticket holders and donors. If you do manage to buy tickets through the team, it will cost you around $35 for seats in the high rows of the corner sections, though the exact cost and availability will depend on the opponent. Better seats are unlikely to be available except on the secondary market, especially for conference games. The cost on the secondary market varies depending on the opponent. Non-conference games usually go for face value or below. Conference games, especially those on weekends or against big opponents, could go for significantly more, although the cost may come down closer to gameday. The free parking is a plus for this level, and the 10-minute walk from there isn't too bad. Overall, a Virginia Tech basketball game is a good value, especially if you manage to snag tickets through the team instead of resale. Extras 4 Free roster cards are available as you enter your section. Check out the banners in the rafters honoring the accomplishments of all the teams that call Cassell Coliseum home - men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. The Virginia Tech Athletics Hall of Fame is located on the concourse and features plaques honoring Hokie greats. The pregame lightshow and "Enter Sandman" are also worthy of a star here. Final Thoughts Cassell Coliseum is an old arena, but it is still going strong after over 60 years. With raucous fans, especially the Cassell Guard student section, and an electrifying atmosphere from pregame until the final buzzer, a Virginia Tech basketball game is a top-notch fan experience.