Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 Scott Park Field Nebraska Ave and Parkside Blvd Toledo, OH 43607 Toledo Rockets website Scott Park Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 1,000 (Not So) Great Scott The Toledo Rockets baseball team plays at Scott Park Field. Located on Scott Park campus, and named for Jesup W. Scott who donated the land in 1872, the Rockets have played here since 1992. Like many small college baseball programs, there is little to capture your attention or imagination other than the game itself. The Rockets are a part of the Mid-American Conference. The program has never made an appearance in the College World Series, and they have never won a MAC championship. In a town with a strong baseball tradition, it is a shame that the Rockets haven’t been able to become a part of that fabric. The Toledo Mud Hens have a fantastic ballpark in Fifth Third Field, but you’ll find that Scott Park Field is just the basics. Food & Beverage 1 There is one small concession stand which services both the baseball field and nearby softball field. The options are very limited. Hot dogs ($3), cracker jack ($3), candy ($3), and chips ($1.50) make up the whole of your food selections. Pepsi products are available ($3), as is coffee and hot chocolate ($2) for those colder April days. Atmosphere 2 Find a spot on the cold metal bleachers that make up the seating area which stretches from dugout to dugout. There are no nets here, but instead, a large metal backstop to prevent foul balls from traveling into the seating area. Programs for the day are available in the bleachers behind home plate along the fence, so you can find your stats and player names. The playing field itself has a symmetrical outfield with dimensions of 330-370-400-370-300 from left to right. You’ll hear pop music played between innings and the occasional announcement from the PA announcer. By and large, though, this is baseball in its simplest form, with little to distinguish the experience. Neighborhood 1 There is nothing within walking distance from the field and little within an immediate drive. I would recommend heading to downtown Toledo if you are spending some time in town and need something to eat. The Toledo Zoo is a short drive away and could be a good place to spend a few hours, but I was surprised to find a $14 entrance fee. I drove in quite a while trying to find something to eat before the game. Passing by fast food chains like Wendy’s and Church’s Chicken, I ended up visiting South End Pizza. There I found a slice for 99 cents to get me through the game. Fans 2 Few fans other than family braved the elements for a game with temperatures in the 30’s and the occasional snow flurry, and it was hard to blame them. The cold bleachers made the experience that much more frigid, so this may be a good place to bring a seat cushion or blanket to help keep warm during an April game. The location away from the other man athletic facilities of the Glass Bowl and Savage Arena make this a less than ideal setting for students to help bolster attendance. Access 4 Parking is free just outside the Findlay building. It is a lot that has signs indicating that a pass is necessary, but that did not seem to be the case during my visit as there are plenty of spaces available. The restrooms are small, clean, and best of all, warm. I made two trips to the restroom just to get a break from the cold winds that swept through the complex. Return on Investment 2 It is difficult to complain about free parking and a $5 admission fee, but for what you’re getting, it really should be free to enter. Kids can get in for just $1, and I was glad to see that discount, but once you get down to $1 admission, what’s the point? I would like to see the Toledo Rockets change this to free admission, and try to earn some revenue through an improved concession selection and perhaps some merchandise within the complex. For now, this is an experience that is not even worth the small cost associated with it. Extras 1 I appreciated that there were programs available so you could have the names of the players on both sides as well as updated stats. Otherwise, there was nothing unique or particularly exciting about the experience of attending a Toledo Rockets baseball game at Scott Park Field.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 bet365 Stadium Stanley Matthews Way Stoke-on-Trent, England ST4 4EG United Kingdom Stoke City FC website bet365 Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 28,383 Make Your Best Bet Bet365 Stadium is home to English Premier League Stoke City and was opened in 1997 following the club’s relocation from its historic Victoria Ground less than a mile away. The stadium’s name is taken from its sponsors and has an all-seated capacity of 27,598. The venue is a multi-purpose arena with banqueting suites and Delilah’s bar. It has hosted the likes of Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, and Elton John concerts. The stadium consists of four cantilever stands with the L-shaped Boothen and East stands being of a separate structure from the rest of the stadium. The main West stand, consisting of two tiers, houses the club's corporate and media facilities. The legendary Sir Stanley Mathews who officially opened the stadium had his ashes buried under the stadium’s centre circle following his death in 2000. Statues outside the stadium show his career at different stages. Food & Beverage 4 If you are feeling peckish on your approach to the stadium, the extra ten-minute wait until you are inside will be worth it. Sports stadium food in Britain often leaves a lot to be desired. This is not the case at the Britannia. The club now offers alternatives to the traditional food on offer within its new food courts. Separate kiosks are selling different ranges of burgers, hot dogs, pie, mash, peas and gravy, and curry and rice pots in addition to the normal range of food. These are all reasonably priced with meal deals on offer at £6.50 with a soft drink or £8.50 with a pint of beer or cider. The food is piping hot and of good quality. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere generated at the Britannia is renowned for being one of the best in England’s top flight and has often been the 13th man when Stoke has beaten some of the country’s biggest clubs at the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Made up of six separate towns, Stoke on Trent is the home of the Pottery Industry and the area is commonly known as the Potteries. There are many museums to mark the city’s pottery and coal mining industry. Festival Park houses the water park and Trentham Gardens with its Monkey World and is a mere five minutes drive from the stadium. The Potteries Shopping Centre in Hanley has all the major stores with a good selection of Theatres and Cinemas also near. The Alton Towers Theme Park Resort is the area’s best-known attraction and this is a thirty-minute drive away near the town of Uttoxeter. Port Vale is the city’s other football team located in Burslem and plays in League Two of the English Football League. Although there is a Holiday Inn and Harvester by the ground there is little to do in the vicinity of the stadium. Fans 4 The club is once again established in the top flight of English football. Stoke has hard-core support and gates held at 15,000 even when the club sunk to the third tier of English football. Stoke supporters have been officially recognized by the football authorities as the noisiest supporters in the Premier League. Access 3 The stadium is located at the Junction of the A500 and A50 which is within a five-minute drive of the M6 Junction 15. Stoke-on-Trent railway station is also well-served by trains between London and Manchester. There is plenty of parking on adjacent roads and the stadium also has plenty of parking, although delays after the game are commonplace. Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham airports are all within a one-hour drive of the city. Return on Investment 3 Like all Premiership clubs, ticket prices are high and range between £35 and £45 for league games with discounts for children and O.A.P. F.A. Cup, League Cup, and Europa League games are often cheaper depending on the opposition. Big games tend to sell out early but, if planned, getting into the stadium should not be a problem. Extras 4 There is a club superstore next to the ticket office selling a wide range of merchandise. Betting Shops are also located on the stadium concourse in the vicinity of the fast food outlets. Stadium tours are available on request and programmes and fanzines are printed for each game.

Photos by Nate Voge Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Dee Glen Smith Spectrum 800 East 1000 North Logan, UT 84332 Utah State Aggies website Dee Glen Smith Spectrum website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,270 Welcome to Aggie Land I have been to nearly 100 games over the past years to the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The 10,270-seat arena, which gives the aesthetic sensation of viewing a fall-time vista, fills with Aggie Blue several winter nights of the year. It may not be the largest arena in Utah, but it has been recognized by several as the loudest and best venue to watch a college basketball game west of the Mississippi. Food & Beverage 5 The concessions selection has evolved over the years with a few traditional mainstays. There is a selection for everyone from normal concessions, local restaurants and vendors to national chains. The normal fare is very affordable and includes nachos ($4), pretzels ($3), hot dogs ($3), Churros ($4). There are two concession areas located along the concourse dedicated to the regular fare, while two others add pizza, bbq pork sandwiches, and World Famous Aggie Ice Cream. Local vendors include stands with kettle korn and roasted almonds, while there are two sandwich shops located to the side of the concession areas. Paun Island serves up Suka Chicken and Kalula Pork sandwiches ranging from $5-$10 depending on size, while Frank’s offers chicken, beef or turkey subs ranging from $8-$20. USU is a Coca-Cola sponsored university and only carries Coca-Cola products at events. Powerade, Smartwater and other sodas range from $3-$4. The chain restaurants include a Utah original in Costa Vida. The chain opened in 2003 and its fresh mexican food made its way to the Spectrum very soon after. A newer addition and sponsor of Aggie athletics is Chick-fil-A. The restaurant opened in Logan during 2011 and now sells its chicken sandwiches at the Spectrum. Atmosphere 5 The 2011-2012 season has been somewhat of a down year for the USU men’s basketball team, and there was also an issue between the students and university administration during the first home game of the season. Those two factors have made for a down year in attendance in the student section, but during Senior Night against the Idaho Vandals, the Spectrum was in the form that has made it famous nationwide. The doors open one hour before tipoff and for some games, the students have been waiting in line for hours — sometimes all day. The student section, which constitutes half of the stadium, fills up fast and all the way to the brim. There is a buzz from the moment the doors open and the famous chants and heckling intended for opposing teams, begins much before tipoff. There is also a great community feel during and after the game. Aggie men’s basketball is something the connects Cache Valley and appeals to all ages. Neighborhood 3 The Spectrum is surrounded by student housing and lacks in proximity to restaurants. Fredrico’s Pizza, a Cache Valley establishment, has been a local favorite for several years and Aggie Ice Cream is sure to please. However, this is where the buck stops when it comes to close restaurants. What is unique about Logan, is there are several post and pre game hang out spots and several restaurants have touted themselves as the place to hang out post game. Angie’s Restaurant, known as “Where the Locals Eat” is the hole-in-the-wall diner of Cache Valley and a local treasure. The prices are reasonable and selection is nothing short on variety. Fans 5 The Aggie student body is quite frankly what makes the Spectrum a premier venue for college basketball. It is the most ruthless, relentless and organized group of students I have ever seen. Most say it only compares to the Cameron Crazies at Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. If you haven’t attended an Aggie men’s basketball game, go search it on YouTube and enjoy a small fraction of what goes on at the Spectrum. The student body never varies from tradition. Although, two chants in particular have been implemented in the past three years and have made the student body that much more famous. One minute before tipoff, the students begin the, “I Believe That We Will Win,” chant. During the starting lineups, each player is assigned a motion with or phrase that each student repeats during the announcement of that players name. The students always give an emphatic, “Stew!” when his name is announced across the PA. Each time the opposing team fouls a prompt shout of, “You, you, you, you, you, you, Suck!” ensues. During the first half, the opposing team shoots toward the basket not facing the student section. This doesn’t discourage the students from rabid attempts to distract free-throw shooters. A confident shout of, “You will miss it!” begins as a soft slow chant and increases speed and volume rapidly during the first shot. If the free-throw shooter misses the shot a self-affirming, “We were right, we were right!” follows. If the shooter makes the free-throw, the heckling continues in the form of, “You still suck!” With the quality of officiating which often reigns in the WAC, “Take his whistle” chants happen almost on a nightly basis. When the Aggies get momentum, the Spectrum becomes increasingly louder and with each crowd pleasing play — a dunk, a shot and the foul or a long 3-pointer — sends the student body into a frenzy bordering on psychotic. There have been several occasions where I am pretty sure I lost my hearing, both in the student section and sitting on press row. The Aggies tend to be a second-half team and there is no question that the student body plays a huge factor as the opposing team shoots toward the basket under Section F. Section F hosts the most ruthless and faithful of the student body — including the “Shirtless Wonder” “Wild Bill” Sproat. To add to the distraction factor of Wild Bill, Section F composes the most unified distraction tactics I have ever seen. The Aggie student body is so loud and ruthless that a certain team in Utah took a hiatus from the Spectrum before returning this season, and another altogether gave up on trying to win inside the Spectrum. Access 5 Parking at any sporting event is rarely pleasant, but parking for Aggie men’s basketball games is very reasonable. At one time, there used to be several places one could park for free and walk a small distance, but the university has put the clamps down and free parking at a reasonable walking distance is difficult to find. However, $5 per vehicle at several nearby parking areas including a free shuttle from some areas. Return on Investment 5 The price to attend an Aggie men’s basketball game is beyond reasonable compared to other premier venues and the Aggies boast one of the best home records in the nation. Disappointment is unlikely to follow after a night in the Spectrum. Extras 3 One extra point goes to “Wild Bill” Sproat. The superfan brought huge popularity to and exposure to an already popular student body. He made several ESPN appearances and trended on twitter during several games. One more point goes to the innovative idea of the Aggie Shack. The retail store sits on the concourse adjacent to the main entrance to the Spectrum. The Aggie apparel is somewhat overpriced, but in those urgent situations when one forgot to wear blue, it is a great resource to have. One more extra point goes to the PA announcer Rob Flygare. Although his phrases cause occasional head scratching, his intonation and enthusiasm tends to send the fans into that much more of a frenzy. Final Thoughts Attending a game at the Spectrum is something that should be on the bucket list of every sports fan. Although the venue is nestled in a location very much out of the way for non-locals, it is well worth the trip.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ravens’ Nest 9376 University Drive Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Carleton Ravens basketball website Ravens’ Nest website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 1,500 The Definition of Dynasty Eight conference titles since 2000. Nine national championships since 2000, specifically 9 of the last 11 years including a streak of five in a row. This is a resume that Duke or Kansas or any other big-time NCAA school can not claim. This resume belongs to the Carleton Ravens of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). Carleton’s nine championships puts them atop the CIS for most ever, which is shocking considering their short run. The Ravens’ run can be directly linked to the arrival of head coach Dave Smart, who joined the team in 1997 as an assistant and 1999 as the head coach. Located in Ottawa, Ontario, Carleton University has formed a bit of a renaissance in athletics. What was formerly looked at as a program with nothing much going on, and heading in the wrong direction, Carleton has rebuilt its athletics portfolio on the back of men’s basketball. In the last decade, Carleton has christened hockey teams, which have seen recent success. In 2013, the Ravens fielded a varsity football team for the first time since 1998 when the program was dropped. Carleton has also sponsored the CIS Final 8 Basketball National Championship four times at what is currently known as the Canadian Tire Centre, and will host again in 2014. CIS Basketball does not have the flash or buzz that their counterparts south of the border provide with the NCAA, but there is quite a story brewing at Carleton, and even as a travelling fan you would be remiss if you passed by an opportunity to catch some Ravens basketball. Food & Beverage 2 There are many things that you would go to Carleton for, but the culinary experience is not one of them. The Ravens’ Nest features the most basic of food offerings; basically what you would expect in a local arena snack bar or vending machine. The south end of the gym is where you would find the concession stand which features soda, popcorn, chips and candy. What gives the concessions a slight bump up is that there is a licensed area roped off where you may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. You can’t take your drink to your seat, but for those fans that have to have their beer, it is a small price to pay. Atmosphere 4 Almost all CIS venues are multipurpose and designed more for physical education and kinesiology classes first, and hosting sporting events second. The Ravens’ Nest is one of the best facilities for watching a CIS basketball game in Ontario. Both the east and west sides of the gym feature bleachers with either benches or seat backs. You can actually reserve seating in the Nest if you wish, rather than taking your chances with general admission. With such a small capacity, sightlines are no issue at all and you are right up close and almost in the action. You get all of the sounds of the game that you will not get in a big facility without having to sell your children to pay for the tickets! The north side of the gym features the OUA banners that the Ravens’ have won as conference champions, and the east side features the nine CIS banners as National Champions for the Ravens. Also in the north side, beyond the basket and end bleachers is the kid zone, which is a great spot to stash your child with a short attention span so you can catch the game. The kid zone features games and activities put on by the Carleton students for the children of spectators. At the southeast side of the gym the Carleton Conspiracy Pep Band sets up shop, which is a nice touch and not common for CIS athletics. The Ravens’ Nest even features a decent media area behind the stands on the west side. This is not a big deal for most people, but it does keep the gym looking neat and organized and overall, more professional. The scoreboard is very simple and shows the basics. It would be nice to see some player stats including points and fouls, which is not unheard of at this level. Where the Ravens’ Nest really has it over many competing schools is upon the entrance to the Ravens’ Nest. The concourse in the main athletics building is sparkling and Carleton has done a fantastic job of showing off their recent basketball history. Neighborhood 3 The Ravens’ Nest is located on the campus of Carleton University. The campus is south of the Trans-Canada Highway and south of downtown Ottawa and the Parliament buildings. There is not much in the immediate area of the campus in the way of pre and post game meals, but you are not too far from a ton of interesting places. One must stop on your Ottawa journey is to head north and check out the Elgin Street Diner, which is open 24 hours a day and has some ridiculously good poutine, as well as other options. There are numerous museums all over Ottawa as well as Parliament Hill. If you are there in the winter, then make sure you bring your blades and take a little skate on the Rideau Canal which is very close to Carleton, just to the north. Fans 3 CIS basketball is not measured in tens of thousands of fans, or even thousands of fans for that matter. Many times the box scores will reveal no attendance figures at all. It is fair to say that the attendance for Ravens games is quite strong as compared to their compatriots. Carleton routinely attracts over 500 fans per game and announced a crowd of 600 for the game that was reviewed. When the Ravens play their crosstown rivals from the University of Ottawa, they frequently play at the Canadian Tire Centre and attract a larger crowd. The crowd at the game in the Ravens’ Nest is knowledgeable and energetic, making for a fun experience. Access 4 Getting to the Ravens’ Nest is not that difficult. Carleton is located south of the Trans Canada Highway and the Rideau Canal. Bronson Avenue will get you to campus from either the north or the south. The Athletics building can be accessed from University Drive and is close to other athletic facilities including Keith Harris Stadium and the Carleton Ice House. There are public transit options available including the O-Train and public buses. The concourse is large and easy to get around, and the washroom facilities are solid. Return on Investment 4 CIS basketball is a great investment with a huge return. Reserved seating can be had for $17 at the door with discounts available when you purchase online or for students, seniors, alumni and staff. Tickets for children five and under are free. Parking in the lot by the athletics building is only a couple of bucks and the concession prices are very reasonable. Match that with the opportunity to see history in the making and a legendary streak of success and you can’t go wrong when you take in a Ravens game. Extras 3 An extra mark for the impact that Carleton basketball has had on the rest of the athletic programs and the creating of new teams in hockey and football. Two extra marks for the legendary run of success that the Ravens have shown on the court. Final Thoughts It is not often that you can say that you were there or that you saw something legendary. In Ottawa, the basketball dynasty is well under way at Carleton. The Ravens are proving to be one of the greatest basketball programs ever put together and you should make sure you get to see it in person. Any trip to Ottawa would be more than complete with a trip to see the defending (2013) CIS National Champion Carleton Ravens. Follow all of Dave’s sports journeys on twitter @profan9.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McMahon Stadium 1817 Crowchild Trail NW Calgary, AB T2M 4R6 Calgary Dinos football website McMahon Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 35,650 Dino Might Since the University of Calgary came into being in the 1960s, the Dinos football program has been one of the most consistent performers in Canada. The Dinos have been to the Vanier Cup eight times and won Canada’s university championship game on four occasions. They’ve won the Canada West division 11 times. The program has also sent more than 60 players to the CFL as well as one to the NFL (Defensive Lineman Dan Federkeil played three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, winning a Super Bowl along the way). Needless to say, if you go to watch the U of C football team, you’re going to be watching a group of guys who expect to win. Throughout their history, the Dinos have made their home at McMahon Stadium, on the south end of the university campus. McMahon is also shared with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, who have had plenty of U of C alumni in their ranks. McMahon is over 50 years old now and is starting to show its age in some respects. But as a facility housing a Canadian Interuniversity Sports football program, it is more than adequate for the task. Food & Beverage 2 The food options at the concession stands are typically priced but relatively limited. The smokie ($4.50) and french fries ($3.75) we had prior to the game were tepid, at best, which was a little disappointing. The freshly grilled Angus beef cheeseburger with fresh sauteed onions ($6.75) is always very good, however. The typical popcorn/peanuts/chips options are about all there is on the rest of the menu. Adult beverage options are also fairly typically priced, at $6.50 per beer or $7 for a Smirnoff Ice and your beer choices are limited to either Molson Canadian or Coors Light. While the items presented on this menu are exactly the same fare available at Stampeders games, I think a little more thought put towards modifying the menu to appeal to a university crowd might encourage more students to come out. Atmosphere 3 The good news, as with any Canadian football game, is that the game itself is superior to the American version. The nature of the game lends itself to more creative play-calling and more scoring, so you’ll likely be entertained. The not-so-good news is that university football north of the border is not the huge phenomenon that it is in the States. In fact, the U of C only opens half of McMahon when the Dinos are playing because half the stadium is more than enough stands for the 2,000-5,000 fans they’ll typically get. As a result, getting a strong, fired-up atmosphere in the stands is challenging. Having the crowd spread out around the lower seating section just doesn’t create the same raucous energy that one might get if that same crowd were tucked in tight in a facility that only holds 5,000 people. The net result is a subdued, laid-back atmosphere more typical of a baseball game than a football game. On the upside, you have nothing but great seats to choose from when you go looking for a spot to watch the game. It’s all rush seating at Dinos games and the comfy spots in the first 40 rows all have an excellent view of the field. One of the real challenges to the atmosphere at McMahon is Calgary’s thin, northern air. As the weather turns cold in the fall (or even in some breezy evenings), McMahon can be downright frigid to sit in. Again on the upside, though, the Dinos only make use of the east stands which keep the audience in the sun for as long as possible during day games, helping to protect the fans from any cold weather. Neighborhood 4 McMahon is located well away from the traditional party venues in Calgary, so on first blush it might seem like the neighborhood might not be so great for pre- or post-game fun. However, look a little closer and you’ll see that there are plenty of options at your disposal. Directly east across Crowchild Trail from McMahon is a strip mall called the Hilltop Plaza with several restaurants. Big T’s BBQ and Smokehouse is one of my favorite restaurants in Calgary. Big T’s serves up New Orleans style barbecue and blues music is piped over the sound system. Come for the brisket; stay for the fried dill pickles. Also in Hilltop Plaza you’ll find a Dairy Queen, a Joey’s Only, Saigon Y2K for Vietnamese food and there are a couple take-out options as well. A block north of the Hilltop Plaza, you’ll find a local institution, Nick’s Steakhouse and Pizza. Nick’s has won Consumer’s Choice Awards for seven consecutive years and the bar is always lively. The Hilltop Plaza is in the northwest corner of what is locally known as Motel Village, a collection of motels directly across from McMahon. Several more restaurants can be found among the motels, including a Denny’s, a Boston Pizza, a McDonald’s, a Phil’s, and a Red Lobster. Heading west a block from the stadium, you’ll find the Stadium Shopping Mall and even more restaurants. Moose McGuire’s Bar is a popular option for local residents and university students alike. The Keg and the Redwater Rustic Grille will both provide you with more upscale dining experience. Between The Keg and Redwater you’ll also find a Wendy’s if you have a craving for a Baconater. Since the crowd at a Dinos game is typically only a couple thousand, there should be plenty of room at any of the many options available locally. Fans 3 The crowd at a Dinos game is typically a blend of students and alumni, with a smattering of fans from the visiting school as well. The crowd tends to be very good natured, and being a fairly small group, it seems like there are lots of people who know everyone else. Cheers come up at the right times, so the people there are definitely engaged in the game. Indeed, with as small a crowd as is in attendance, you can count on it that these are Dinos fans to the core. So, while there isn’t a lot of wild and crazy football fan antics in the stands, it is quite pleasant. Access 4 Parking around McMahon for Dinos games is excellent. At Stampeders games the lot surrounding the stadium is reserved exclusively for season ticket holders. But the University of Calgary allows free parking at the venue for Dinos games and there is more than enough space there for the number of people. No need to go looking elsewhere for other parking options as is the case for the Stamps. Your other option is Calgary’s Light Rail Transit system. The C-Train has a station a block away to the east, alongside Motel Village, and there’s a big pedestrian overpass to get you across Crowchild Trail. The train can get you around town fairly quickly and easily, although it gets pretty crowded in the post-game rush. At $2.75 for an adult fare, it’s a pretty good option. Return on Investment 5 The University of Calgary Dinos are ranked No. 2 in the nation at the time of this 2012 review, so you’re going to see some quality football if you take in a game. Tickets at the door are $12 per person for adults, $8 for youths and seniors. And if you’re a U of C student, you get into any and every regular season game for every sport on campus for free. Free! Children under 6 are also free admission. You really can’t do better than that price with that quality of entertainment. Extras 3 McMahon Stadium and the Dinos have a couple little extra touches to make the experience a little more interesting. The Olympic Cauldron is on display in the northeast corner of the stadium. The opening and closing ceremonies of the 1988 Olympics were held at McMahon and anyone wanting to relive the memories of those days is welcome to check it out. Rex, the Dinos mascot spends most of the game in the stands amusing the kids. Music at the game I attended was courtesy of a DJ located down by the Dinos’ bench and kept things bumping in between plays. Final Thoughts Dinos football is a great and inexpensive way to spend an evening. You’ll get a great game in a great seat. And more people in the seats can’t help but make it a better experience for everyone.

Photos by Ed Pelle, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Thomas Assembly Center Stadium Blvd Ruston, LA 71272 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs website Thomas Assembly Center website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 8,000 No Doubting Thomas Assembly Center Louisiana Tech is most well-known athletically as the football powerhouse that NFL great Terry Bradshaw led to three Division II National Titles. Although Northern Louisiana would be considered football country, the area has produced some great basketball talent over the years. All-time greats such as Joe Dumars, Elvin Hayes, Willis Reed, Robert Parish, and Karl Malone for whom the basketball court is named at Louisiana Tech University, have all called this part of the state home. It is also home to arguably the greatest basketball player of all time: Bill Russell (my apologies to King James). Located across the street from Joe Aillet Stadium, home of Louisiana Tech football, the Thomas Assembly Center has been home to men’s and women’s basketball since opening in 1982. It is also the home of women’s volleyball with a seating capacity of 8,000. The Lady Techsters women’s basketball team has a long history of excellence at this facility. They have won three National Titles since 1981 and have been National Runners-up four times. They also have the distinction of hosting the largest crowd at the Thomas Assembly Center for a game in 1985. The men’s basketball team has also had some success. They have qualified for the NCAA Tournament on five separate occasions. The program has produced recent notable NBA players P.J. Brown and Paul Millsap, and three Bulldog greats have banners hanging in the arena. Jackie Moreland was the first All-American to play at Louisiana Tech, playing from 1957 to 1960 before moving on to the NBA. Ruston native Leon Barmore led the Bulldogs to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1967 and later became the coach of the Lady Techsters. His winning percentage as women’s basketball Head Coach is the highest ever in Division I basketball. NBA Hall of Famer Karl Malone also played here during his college days and is still active at the University, having donated both time and money. After spending 12 seasons in the Western Athletic Conference the Bulldogs joined Conference USA as a member starting in the 2013-2014 season. Food & Beverage 2 There are three concession stands located around the concourse which serve rather standard fare for an arena of this size. Some of these items are hot dogs ($3), nachos ($4), chili cheese nachos ($5), popcorn ($2), chips ($2), peanuts ($2), and candy ($2). Pepsi products are sold here ($3 per bottle) and coffee is offered as well ($2). Interestingly some of the items listed for sale on the concession stands billboards other than what I mentioned above are no longer offered or have outdated prices. Atmosphere 3 Thomas Assembly Center has a perfectly circular construction with one main concourse. The seats have a steep pitch to them, so all the seats in the arena have a good view in this intimate environment. The main scoreboard does a great job of getting the crowd into the action with little vignettes featuring the players or mascots. There are two smaller scoreboards that are located behind the baskets at ground level. These scoreboards keep track of the players’ points and fouls but are obscured constantly throughout the game by the placement of the cheerleaders and dance squads directly in front of them. Though it is only a minor issue, a repositioning of the boards or cheerleaders would help improve the experience. The Bulldogs have two mascots. Champ is a traditional mascot in the sense that it is a dog costumed person trying to excite the crowd during breaks in the game. Tech XXI is an animal mascot that sits with his handlers overlooking the game from one of the gates. He seems calm and is used to the attention he gets from Tech fans. The Bulldogs do a great job at preserving their past accomplishments with major displays to the left and right of the main entry gate on the main concourse. The women’s basketball National Titles are in a case to the left of the entryway. Neighborhood 3 Ruston is a quaint southern town that just happens to be home to a world class university. It’s hard to recommend doing anything other than tailgating with some of the best fans around, but if you feel more comfortable leaving the campus to eat at perhaps a more relaxed setting, then I have a few suggestions. When looking for a place to eat before or after the game, do what the students do and follow them to Griff’s Burgers located on the southern edge of campus. Griff’s has a few other locations in the Southern United States. For a more traditional sports bar, visit the Dawg House Sports Grill. They have several beers on tap and serve a large menu in a Bulldog-themed setting. They have an extensive menu but I have listed some of the regional dishes that you might not find in other locales: Fried Corn ($5.75), Fried Pickles ($4.75), Fried Mushrooms ($5.75), Crawfish Bread ($8.49), Chicken Fried Steak ($11.49), Shrimp Po-Boy ($11.25), Steak Fingers ($8.25), Crawfish Etouffee ($11.49), and Southern Smothered Tilapia ($11.49). While in town be sure to drive the one mile or so west to the campus of Grambling State University which has a long and celebrated sports history. Visit the Eddie Robinson Museum and check to see if the Grambling State Tigers are in town for a possible sports doubleheader. Fans 4 One of the great things in college sports is the smaller towns across the United States that rally around a local team. While Ruston, Louisiana might not be that large in terms of population, its fans are very passionate about all happenings at the University. The parking lot surrounding the arena begins to fill up early because some fans here will actually tailgate the basketball game, a practice unheard of in more northerly climes. Often the total attendance is only around 5,000, even on weeknights or against early season inferior opponents. The fans here are knowledgeable and keep coming back in droves. Access 3 Parking around the Thomas Assembly Center is free, although the spaces closest to the main gate are reserved for those with a parking pass, such as season ticket holders or donors. This area won’t increase your walk by much if you should not have a parking pass. Getting to the campus is easy from Interstate 20. Take exit 84 south for about a mile and you will be driving past the athletic facilities. Getting to Ruston from a farther destination is a bit more complicated. By air the nearest commercial airport is located 32 miles east in Monroe, Louisiana. You would then have to rent a car and drive over. Further out there are regional airports in Jackson, Mississippi and Shreveport, Louisiana. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices run from $10 up to $28 for the closest seats in the house. I would recommend the cheaper seats here because they are still going to be fairly close to the action at a good angle to see every play. With no parking fees and reasonable food prices, a family of four could easily have an inexpensive night of quality entertainment at the Thomas Assembly Center. Extras 3 I have to give a point to the excellent speaker system which keeps you tuned into the play by play when you leave the seating area, even in the bathroom. Also be sure to check out the Charles Wyly Athletic Center located at the southeastern base of Aillet Stadium, which has a museum dedicated to 100 years of Louisiana Tech football. Be sure to stop at the souvenir stand on the main concourse which has close to a hundred separate items for sale. Final Thoughts These are exciting times at Louisiana Tech as things look to be on the upswing for men’s basketball. The program has a new, more nationally known conference for the team to showcase their great on-court product. A deep run in the NCAA Tournament could be in the near future. I would highly recommend checking a game out here as it is easily the best basketball experience in the northern half of the state of Louisiana.

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 UCCU Center 800 W University Pkwy Orem, UT 84058 Utah Valley Wolverines website UCCU Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 8,500 Wolverine Valley Located on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, the UCCU Center is a microcosm of UVU itself. The school was known as Utah Valley State College until 2008, when it achieved four-year university status. A year later, UVU became a full Division I member after a seven-year provisional wait. The rapid rise of the program culminated with a naming rights deal for the former David O. McKay Events Center with Utah Community Credit Union in August 2010. Food & Beverage 3 There is a lot of space designated for concessions, but only one window was open for this game. Even so, you can get a lot in just one place. Entree-wise, you have pizza or a teriyaki chicken bowl on the high end ($5.50) followed by a $5 burger combo, a $3.50 BBQ pork sandwich and $3 for a “Chicago Dog.” Snack options include “Nachos Supreme” ($3.50; 50 cents more for extra cheese), not-as-supreme nachos ($3), popcorn, churros, pretzels or a jumbo candy bag (all $2.50) and a candy bar ($1.50). For drinks, you have Pepsi products ($2.50 reg., $3 jumbo), bottled juice, Gatorade or Exude, a locally-made sports drink ($2.50), a can of Rockstar ($2.50), bottled water ($2), milk ($1.50) or coffee ($1). Atmosphere 3 Attending a game at the UCCU Center has nearly all the elements of a quality college basketball experience; a small but supportive crowd, an army of enthusiastic cheerleaders, an interactive mascot in Willy the Wolverine and just the right amount of promotional tie-ins. For whatever reason, though, I felt like there was still something lacking. One is a pep band; the fight song is played over the loudspeaker, which diminishes the collegiate experience. The other, I believe, is beyond UVU’s control: its conference affiliation in the Great West. For starters, the schools are so spaced out (from UVU to the New Jersey Institute of Technology) that there are no natural in-conference rivals for fans to get excited over. Second, NCAA bylaws dictate that the Great West as presently constituted must wait until 2020 to qualify for an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. (The GWC tournament champion does get an automatic bid to the CIT tournament.) Without something more glamorous to play for, the games feel somewhat hollow. Neighborhood 2 UVU is the quintessential commuter college, bordered on the west by Interstate 15 and surrounded by major roadways. That limits, however, the ability to find good, unique eats close by. Unless, that is, you come to a Friday game. In that case, you can eat at Greg’s Restaurant, located in the UCCU Center’s lower level. Greg’s is where UVU’s culinary arts students put their skills to the test with a different cuisine style each week. Be aware that you can only get into Greg’s by reservation. Any other night, you’ll have to travel up the hill on University Parkway for pre or post-game grub. One unique sandwich shop is The Italian Place (1086 S. State; 2.3 miles away). It prides itself on its Philly cheesesteaks in either half, full or “Monster” sizes. You can either get just “Steak ‘n’ Cheese” or go with the “Steak ‘n’ Everything” with mushrooms, green peppers, onions and tomatoes. If you don’t want steak, they also have pastrami, turkey and ham sandwiches available. You can also get your steak or turkey in a salad, if you wish. Fans 3 As with any college team, the fan critique begins with the student section. UVU’s is named the MAWL (Mighty Athletic Wolverine League). You can’t miss them thanks to the giant MAWL banner overhead and the MAWL logo on the court in front of them. About 15 students were in place at tip-off, a number which about doubled midway through the first half. Almost each one was decked out in his or her green MAWL t-shirt, a positive sign the students were engaging themselves. I was surprised, though, that the MAWL didn’t make noise when the opponent had the ball until cued by the cheerleaders. The rest of the 1,313 in attendance did the right things at the right times, but UVU’s game-long domination kept things mostly mellow. One fan behind me seemed determined to be the loudest person in the arena on foul shots. Most of the time he had no competition, instead garnering looks and laughs from most of his fellow fans. Access 4 The lot closest to the UCCU Center costs $3 to get into. There are a vast number of student parking spaces nearby, but the hours of enforcement aren’t clearly marked, so park in those at your own risk depending on game day and time. Each end of the concourse has a set of perhaps the largest bathrooms I’ve seen in an arena. Even at full capacity, you have plenty of width to maneuver your way through without any hassle. Return on Investment 3 All of the components of a quality game experience were in place, but the feeling surrounding the program (and, thus, its home) isn’t as energized as it could be if UVU were in a different league. UVU has done well throughout its time in the Great West, but I believe a change of scenery would bring more life in the program. As a result, the UCCU Center experience would become more valuable and worthwhile to both the casual and rabid Wolverine fan. Extras 1 One point for UVU’s “lights out” player introductions. Even though it’s a “small-time” program, adding this special touch makes players and fans get that much more excited. Just one small step from small-time to big-time. Final Thoughts As UVU continues to carve out its niche in the Utah sports scene, the UCCU Center has the potential to become a consistently exciting venue. The best-case scenario is if UVU becomes a member of an established conference such as the WAC (as has been rumored) and establishes significant natural rivalries. That combination would significantly elevate both the program and its home. In other words, a good experience now is on the brink of becoming great soon. Editors Note: Utah Valley Wolverines have since moved to the WAC (Western Athletic Conference).

Photo by Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Jack Kaiser Stadium 8000 Utopia Pkwy Jamaica, NY 11439 St. John's Red Storm website Jack Kaiser Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 3,500 The Home of St. John's Baseball When the name St.John’s comes up, the immediate thought in the sports world turns to basketball. But there is another sport in which the school has historically seen success. The Northeast US is not exactly a hot spot for college baseball, so it is surprising to some that the Johnnies have made the NCAA Tournament 34 times, with six of those appearances ending in a trip to the College World Series. Their home field is relatively new, as it was built in 2000 and originally known as The Ballpark at St.John’s. The school honored former athlete, coach and longtime AD, Jack Kaiser, with a renaming ceremony in 2007. The all-bleacher facility seats 3,500, which is unusually large for the region. Despite the size and young age, the word stadium should be used loosely, as there are several aspects missing from a standard ballpark. Food & Beverage 0 Without counting the lonely vending machine for drinks, the most notable omission is food, as not a single area features concession goods for fans. At the game I attended, there was a campus event next to the stadium that had food tents, thus satisfying my hunger. Otherwise, fans should prepare to bring in food if they want to eat during the game. Atmosphere 2 Jack Kaiser Stadium can be looked at in a few different ways. Within the Northeast region and the Big East Conference, the ballpark is relatively large and features more variety than the norm. On the other hand, it is a very basic stadium that does not offer all that much more in comfort or design. Made up of entirely bleachers, seating is set up behind home plate and then down the first base line. These metal seats also include a red back. Down the third base side, a separate and more temporary set of stand-alone bleachers can be found. The outfield view is pedestrian, with a mix of trees and neighborhood housing. There is a scoreboard on the left field wall that at first glance seems simple enough with a box score. Between batters and during breaks, a nice video graphics package will run through various animations. Neighborhood 3 Queens is the easternmost borough of the five that make up New York City, and it is full of many smaller neighborhoods. St. John’s University is right on the imaginary border between Jamaica and Hillside, though most people associate the school with Jamaica. While the immediate surroundings aren’t bad (it’s almost even briefly suburban if arriving from the west on Union Turnpike), there is nothing that entices the visitor to stick around before or after the game. Along the main nearby road, a classic city neighborhood includes a row of adjoining stores and restaurants. For those looking to dine, the Sly Fox Inn and Turnpike Cafe are a few stops worth looking into. Outside of the immediate area, Queens is known for Flushing Meadows Corona Park, about a 15-minute drive away. In addition to being home to Citi Field and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the grounds include an Art Museum, Science Hall and the interesting remains of the 1964 World’s Fair. Fans 1 Each game features a couple hundred fans, and I counted close to 300 in attendance for the Saturday game I saw. The crowd is mixed between locals and students, and it is nice to see some of the kids supporting their school. A quiet atmosphere can be expected, with most of the cheers coming from the dugout and nearby families of those playing. Access 3 Getting to Jack Kaiser Stadium by car is surprisingly easy, thanks to a plethora of expressways and highways that reach the area. While the Grand Central Parkway is closest, I found coming from the Clearview Expressway (I-295) easiest, as Exit 2 leads right to Union Turnpike and St. John’s is just a mile or so down the road on the left. After entering either Gate 3 or Gate 4, a large parking lot can be seen in the athletic complex near the ballpark. Traffic at times is an issue, but weekend games are easier to drive to than during a weekday. Surprisingly for a city that relies heavily on mass transit, arriving by train or subway is not as simple. The closest station is about a 20-30 minute walk to the ballpark. Via subway, the end of the F train runs to Hillside Ave, while commuters via the Long Island Rail Road can stop at the Jamaica station. Neither are optimal choices, so driving to the game is best, if possible. Another confounding aspect of the stadium is the near complete lack of bathrooms. Only one single port-a-potty is available; tucked around a corner at the end of the seating. Not only is there just one bathroom, but the players also use it! You certainly don’t want to get caught in the way of a ballplayer scrambling for the facility in between innings. Return on Investment 3 St.John’s is one of only two Big East schools to charge admission for baseball, but the Johnnies also play in the second-largest conference ballpark. Tickets run $6 and parking is free. While this is not an ideal place for college baseball, it is at least a Division I game. . Extras 2 While the exterior design of the ballpark is nothing more than the guts of the bleachers, the front entrance is at least nicely decorated. Two large baseballs are incorporated into the sidewalk, and as the season turns to spring, red tulips bloom in many of the landscaped areas. There is also a nice entrance that includes an arched sign reading “Jack Kaiser Stadium. Another point for using the catchy song “New York Groove” after each run scored. Final Thoughts Jack Kaiser Stadium may be a bare-bones facility, but it is one of the larger college ballparks in the Northeast, and it is home to a perennially good St.John’s squad. A visit to the stadium offers a simple baseball experience, but be sure to eat and use the bathroom before arriving.

Photo Courtesy of SFA Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Jaycees Field 3715 Old Tyler Rd Nacogdoches, TX 75964 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks website Jaycees Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 Axe ‘Em, Jacks! Way out in East Texas sits Nacogdoches, the state’s oldest city and home of Stephen F. Austin State University. The area is part of a greater region known as the Piney Woods, a name that will become obvious on your trek to Jaycees Field. The home of SFA Lumberjack baseball is situated in the middle of a heavily wooded area and is part of the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex. The partnership between the city and SFA provides not only a home to SFA baseball and softball but also several fields for youth and adult baseball/softball. The complex was originally dedicated in 1980, however, a recent face lift in 2009 allowed for the upgrade of Jaycees Field and for SFA baseball to begin play. The atmosphere isn’t one of the elite, but traveling fans will enjoy the condensed seating area that bring fans together and unifies the crowd noise. Food & Beverage 1 Jaycees Field offers just enough concessions items to get you through the game. A small trailer is located right outside the main entrance on the third baseline. To access, you’ll need to leave the ticketed area and step just outside the stadium. As you enter, you’ll get a stamp on your hand that the usher can use later to allow you easy access in and out. It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter a line as you approach the stand. Your major options include the ballpark staples: hot dogs ($2) and nachos ($2). Snack items include sunflower seeds ($1), popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), chips ($1), and candy ($2). Drink options are bottled Coca-Cola products and will cost $3. Bottle Dasani water is $2. Though the variety and quality of options is nothing to write home about, at least the pricing isn’t outrageous. The hot dog is about as plain as it gets, but it’s probably your best option at just $2. The popcorn isn’t that great since it’s prepared before the game and delivered to the stand. I’ve actually overheard fans complaining about how it’s bland, cold, and unsalted. Try a bag of peanuts or sunflower seeds instead. Make sure you bring cash to the park because the stand is cash only. Atmosphere 2 Jaycees Field is a part of the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex located a couple of miles away from the university campus. The complex includes several fields for youth baseball and adult softball, as well as the home field for SFA softball. The seating capacity is listed at 1,000 and all seating areas are together surrounding the home plate backstop. This allows the crowd noise to be concentrated and a bit louder than if the seats were spread out. The seating structure is made from aluminum and includes a shade covering above the chair back seats directly in front of the press box. The chair backs are made from a simple plastic and aren’t quite as comfortable as you’d hope. On both sides of the chair backs area are aluminum bleacher seats with no backing. Looking out towards the field, a thick foul ball netting covers all direction of field view. Though netting is a norm behind home plate, this particular style of netting is a bit to thick and detracts from the overall viewing experience. Beyond the left field line lies an unofficial seating area where about 10 or so fans sit just above the fence in fold-out chairs perched on a stand. A few folks even back their trucks up to the fence and take in the view. On a hot Texas day, the best seating option is the chair backs under the shaded covering. The backstop is made from a green padding and wraps from both dugouts. Down the right and left field lines is chain link fencing covered by a green wrapping which displays the team name on the right field side and the logos of Southland Conference teams on left. A green aluminum fence lines the outfield wall and a simple electronic scoreboard sits just above the fence in right center field. A heavily wooded area is visible beyond the outfield wall. The playing surface is a natural grass field which stays in a pretty decent condition. Lining the back of the home plate area is a small strip of artificial turf with “Lumberjacks” on it. The turf doesn’t match the grass color and is fading from excessive wear. The field dimensions are: left field – 330 feet, center field – 400 feet, and right field – 330 feet. The atmosphere for SFA baseball is traditional. There’s very few (if any) promotions or activities. Music is very limited and the announcer just provides the basic facts of game play. Traditionalists will love it, others would hope for a bit more. The version of Take Me Out To The Ballgame is the traditional organ song with no words. Neighborhood 2 The immediate area around Jaycees Field is void of any restaurants, attractions, or lodging. The field is located in country setting that is sparsely populated and heavily wooded. However, the greater Nacogdoches area offers some good restaurants and is just about 3 miles east of the stadium. One of the most popular stops in the area is The Jalapeno Tree which serves up Tex-Mex favorites and some American dishes. While in town, make sure to stop in for their complimentary chips and salsa (the green salsa is amazing) and their absolutely delicious Quail Kabobs. To compliment your meal, grab one of their select Mexican brews or a Coronita (Margarita with a Corona turned upside down inside). A couple of other good options are La Carreta and Clear Springs Restaurant. While in Nacogdoches, relive a piece of Texas history by visiting the Sterne Hoya House Museum. The house was originally built by Adolphus Sterne and is one of the oldest homes still standing in Texas, bringing visitors back to the time of the Texas Revolution. If you’re looking for a thrill ride, just outside of Nacogdoches is Nac Zip, which offers five different zip lines and hours of fun. On the SFA campus, check out the oldest university arboretum in the state. There are plenty of hotels in the area, but I recommend staying at the Jones House Bed & Breakfast. Fans 2 Fan support for SFA baseball at Jaycees field could certainly use a bump in attendance. Average crowds usually range between 200 – 300. Though the crowds are small, they are vocal and passionate. It’s hard to tell if its just simply a high level of crowd noise or if the noise is louder due to the condensed seating areas. Either way, you’ll definitely hear the fans during big plays. The fan makeup is largely family oriented with a few older life-long fans. Few students make the trek from the SFA campus to the ballpark. Access 2 The Stephen F. Austin State University campus and Jaycees Field are both located just off of Hwy 59 (future I-69 corridor). Be sure to map out the location of Jaycees Field before beginning your trip. Don’t wrongly assume that the ballpark is on the SFA campus. Jaycees Field is located about 3.5 miles west of the SFA campus in the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex. I usually trust my iPhone map to get me safely to my sports destinations, but Siri was a bit confused on this one. Searches for Jaycees Field came up empty and the address provided on the SFA website got me close, but not on target (I was hopeful the trailer park I arrived at wasn’t part of the stadium). Your best bet is to find it on Yahoo! or Google maps under the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex search. As you arrive, the signage isn’t obvious and it’s easy to overlook. As you make it to the park, the parking can be a bit tight depending on the other activities going on in the complex. However, parking is free and you should be able to find a spot. It’s also not easy to tell where the entrance is to the complex. Once you finally find the small walkway leading in, you’ll eventually run into a restroom facility and the stadium becomes in view just beyond that. The ticket line will likely be short and you’ll quickly move through the gate. The concourse is a small walkway at the bottom of the seating areas and next to home plate. The seating areas have an adequate amount of aisles and they are spacious enough to move around comfortably. The restroom and concessions facilities are located outside the seating areas. The restrooms are pretty dingy, but at least you won’t have to hold it since there’s enough room to accommodate the average crowd. Return on Investment 4 You really can’t beat the overall cost of attending an SFA baseball game at Jaycees Field. Adult ticket prices range from $5 (bleacher) $8 (chair backs). SFA offers a very liberal interpretation of “kids” with the cost of admission at just $3 for those aged 9-18. Children 8 and under are free. Given the strong family crowds, this is great news to SFA supporters and traveling families. Parking is free and a game handout which lists team rosters is also free (no program for sale). Though the concession options are a bit sparse, the pricing isn’t outrageous. Overall, you’ll get to experience a great Southland Conference baseball game for very little cash out of your pocket. Extras 2 Every great live sports experience is highlighted by certain ‘extra’ features which are unique compared to other venues or make the overall experience memorable. For Stephen F. Austin State baseball at Jaycees Field, be sure to consider the following during your stadium experience: Though many fans would prefer to see athletic facilities on the university campus, it’s nice to see SFA working together with the City of Nacogdoches to provide a baseball complex for the community, as well as Lumberjack athletics. If you’re a baseball traditionalist, the atmosphere at Jaycees Field is very old-fashioned. You won’t notice blaring music, on the field promotions, or a video display. If you’re coming simply for the love of on the field baseball action, you won’t get easily distracted.

Photo courtesy David Wilson, UNCG Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 UNCG Baseball Stadium Kenilworth St & Theta St Greensboro, NC 27412 UNC Greensboro Spartans website UNCG Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,500 No Spartan Accommodations When most people hear of the University of North Carolina, their minds immediately turn to Chapel Hill. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, though, was founded in 1891, and is quite the successful academic and athletic institution in its own right. Though the school served for over 70 years as an all-female institution, the student body has been co-educational for five decades. UNCG has also seen its share of success on the athletic fields. The Spartan baseball team defeated in-state foe (and then-number one) North Carolina several years ago in front of the home fans in Greensboro. UNCG has also seen considerable success in soccer and basketball, both within the Southern Conference and on a national level. The baseball victory over North Carolina took place — as do all the Spartan home games — at UNCG Baseball Stadium. This on-campus facility saw its first pitch in 1999, and has earned acclaim from numerous sources. The stadium’s facade seems a bit nondescript upon approach, and there are only approximately 900 fixed seats, but the ballpark is beautiful and spacious. Food & Beverage 3 The lone concession stand is on the concourse behind the plate, and the offerings sold from the stand are what one would expect from a “mid-major” program. The lone entree choice is a hot dog, priced at $2. Snacks compose the remainder of the menu, with peanuts and popcorn (both $2), sunflower seeds, Cracker Jacks, chips and candy (all $1) helping to get fans through the game. The chips and candy do at least offer some variety, with four different candy brands and four different types of chips. Pepsi serves as the campus’ bottler, with 20-ounce bottled sodas and water available for $2. A cup of ice (should you require one) is $1, with hot chocolate also served for $1. Atmosphere 4 UNCG Baseball Stadium is near the entrance to the campus, so most of the view beyond the wall is that of trees and campus buildings. There is also a large parking deck beyond the wall in right field. This may not sound picturesque to most, but it looks a lot better than it sounds. The lone price fans pay for the nice view and the spacious concourse comes from an overall lack of shade in the park. There are small pockets of shade near the press box, restrooms and concessions building, along with a few areas shaded by the field house building down the right field line. A number of fans brought umbrellas to provide shade on the afternoon I visited, and despite the stadium’s policies outlawing umbrellas, no one gave those fans any problems. If you choose to bring an umbrella for an afternoon game, though, be aware that you may be asked to put it down. UNCG Baseball Stadium seats 3,500 fans, though just 889 of those fans have fixed seats. This did not appear to trouble many in attendance when I visited, however, as fans brought blankets to enjoy the berm areas or folding chairs to grab a seat on the concourse. The berm area is incredibly maintained, as is the playing surface. If sitting on grass is not a problem for you, this is one of the better parks I’ve seen in which to grab a spot on the berm. The UNCG dugout is on the first base side, if this helps your decision process. The scoreboard is located in right-center field, with a video and informational screen at the top. The screen displays a photo of the current batter or pitcher, along with updated season and in-game stats. The game’s line score, ball/strike/out indicators, number of the current batter and the current time are all on display in the portion below the video screen. The board can be a bit tough to see from some of the seats, depending on the angle of the sun. There is also a net in front of the scoreboard, which can obscure the board a bit if you are looking from the right field side. Neighborhood 4 UNC Greensboro is located near most of the action in the Gate City, just blocks from one of the main thoroughfares in the city (Lee Street) and the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. The school and stadium’s proximity to NewBridge Bank Park allows visitors to utilize many of the same downtown attractions and eateries. Most of these places are a mile or so from the park, so a car may be in order if you would rather not make the trek on foot. Jack’s Corner Mediterranean Deli is just across the street from the campus, and is a favorite of many locals. An interesting combination of Greek and American deli fare is offered, including gyros, kabobs, wraps and hoagies. Prices are quite reasonable, and the restaurant goes out of its way to fit into the university district. If a night on the town is not your speed, this is a great place to keep your evening relaxed and casual. The Atlantic Coast Conference and Greensboro go hand-in-hand, and though UNC Greensboro participates in the Southern Conference, a trip to the ACC Hall of Champions is certainly a nice way to spend a few hours. The Hall of Champions is located in the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, and features uniforms, photos and other items from the conference’s past. Fans of the region are sure to enjoy some of the conference’s great moments as vividly as they did when they first saw them take place. Admission is quite inexpensive, at $5 for adults and $3 for children (through age 12) or groups of four or more. Fans 3 Attendance was a bit sparse at the beginning of the game I attended, as the game’s start time was moved up two hours in anticipation of rain in the Triad region (which actually never arrived). As the game continued, though, fans started to arrive in greater numbers, eventually making for a fairly solid crowd. It is unlikely that UNCG would ever “sell out” (more on the reason for the quotation marks later) unless an opponent such as North Carolina visited, but those who do show up love their Spartans. The noise is not deafening, by any means, but there is enough blue and gold in the seats producing cheers at the appropriate times to let you know which is the home side. The level of support is about what one would expect and hope for at this level, though more fans in the stands would always be a nice thing. The quality of the facility is certainly worthy of a full house every night. Access 5 Lee Street is quite close to the university. Lee, US Highways 29, 70, 220 and 421 and North Carolina Interstates 40 and 85 all travel within a couple of miles of the campus, making for relatively easy ingress and egress. Most GPS systems find the stadium with little difficulty, though it is often labeled as simply “Baseball Stadium”. The intersections of Walker and Aycock (front entrance) or Kenilworth and Theta (rear entrance) will help you find the park with no problem. Parking is plentiful at the front entrance of the stadium, and there is no charge. Just as with any game on a college campus, though, be careful to pay attention to signs indicating the requirement of a permit, as well as dodging foul balls. If you have a stroller or other requirement for a ramp, use the rear (right field) entrance to the ballpark, as the front entrance features a large stairway. UNCG is also accessible via bus. The Greensboro Transit Authority operates bus service through the area and the city. Bus route 1 serves the campus, with the stop just outside the stadium’s gates at Walker and Aycock. The concourse is very wide — in fact, as wide as almost any you will find — and allows for plenty of room to walk, stand or sit. The entire area is open to the field, as well, which means the only time you miss any of the action is if you need to use the restroom. Regarding the restrooms, they are near the concession areas, with clean and updated facilities. Lines should be no problem, as there is enough room for most between-innings rushes. Return on Investment 5 I almost hesitate to mention this next detail, for fear it may change. There is no admission fee for UNCG games. It seems impossible with a facility this nice and well-maintained that there is no charge for a ticket, but this is certainly a nice surprise. With free parking, our usual test of a game ticket, parking, a hot dog and a soda comes in at just $4. This allows families of four to take a $20 bill to a game and come away with change. Any Division I baseball — especially baseball in the highly competitive Southern Conference — at this price point is well worth a visit. . Extras 3 UNCG has a marketing table set up along the concourse behind the plate. A small “program” is available at the table, including photos of the UNCG players and rosters of both teams. There is not much to the program, but it is free. Fans can also sign up to participate in the in-game promotions at the table. The back of the press box features a sculpture that is visible throughout the concourse. This artwork features several different scenes of players in action. The sculpture is called “Play at the Plate”, and was designed by Brad Spencer. There is also a field house down the first base line, which houses locker room and hitting areas for players, as well as offices for coaches. The advantage this provides to the fans is that there is a window through which fans can look and see the program’s trophy cases. It would be ideal if the university could provide a way to go inside and see these items, but the view through the window is at least somewhat unique. Final Thoughts UNCG Baseball Stadium is a relaxed facility, in more ways than one. There is plenty of room to stretch out, relax and enjoy the game without feeling cramped. There are also minimal intrusions from wacky sound effects and excess crowd noise. If you’re looking for a nicely-maintained facility that allows you to appreciate the outdoors and the national pastime, make a note to add a UNCG game to your travel itinerary.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Yokohama Stadium Yokohama Koen Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0022 Japan Yokohama BayStars website Yokohama Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 30,000 Baseball in the City by the Bay (Stars) Yokohama is famous for being the port where Matthew Perry (the admiral, not the actor) landed in 1854 in what turned out to be a successful attempt to open Japan to the world. A century and a half later, the most important American export continues to thrive here, as the Yokohama BayStars do battle in the Central League, one of two circuits that comprise Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Before delving into the local stadium, a bit of background on Japanese baseball is warranted. There are some similarities to the structure of the American game such as having two leagues (6 teams in each, Pacific with the DH, Central without), interleague play, and three playoff rounds. But there are just as many differences: tie games are called after 12 innings, there is no minor league development system (each team has just one junior squad), and teams have at least one day off per week. In comparing fans, you might find the most obvious contrasts. In Japan, fans segregate themselves, with the home team fans sitting on the first base side of the stadium while the visitors sit on the third base side. Each team has its own vocal cheering section, called “oendan,” which occupies the unreserved outfield seating area, singing songs and cheering loudly while their team bats. Each player has his own cheer tune and you have to learn them to fit in. Most fans bring some sort of noise maker and even a boring game will be loud from the first pitch to the last. There are countless other differences that are best left to be discovered when you pay a visit to a Japanese ballpark. And a good place to start would be none other than Yokohama Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 Perhaps the best thing about Japanese ballyards is that you can bring your own food and drink in. Even alcohol is allowed, as long as you empty the can into a cup upon entering. As such, when rating the food at a stadium, the outside offerings must be considered along with the concession stands inside. Yokohama Stadium has more than enough variety, particularly with an excellent selection of food items outside the stadium. A must-try is the Kachi Hosshey (Winning Star), a baked good shaped like a star with lemon icing that was very tasty. This was just one of many items in the Hometown Festival area, a large collection of food and souvenir stands on the north side of the ballpark, which is only set up during weekend and holiday games. Among the many options inside the stadium is Mikan Kori, which is shaved ice topped with mandarin oranges – very refreshing on a humid afternoon. For those with less adventurous taste buds, there’s a McDonalds in the first base concourse and a KFC along the third base side. A good place to grab a bite while sitting down is the Victory Court restaurant inside the stadium. Located on the second level of the concourse behind home plate, this is a cafeteria style eatery where you grab a tray and place your order before carrying it to your seat. Menu items include recipes that are recommended by the players (I tried a beef bowl designed by pitcher Daisuke Miura which was rather unappetizing, hence the penalty point here) as well as your standard stadium fare such as hot dogs (known as the “Bay Dog” here).One clever promotion here is the Harper soda, a combination of I.W.Harper whiskey and soda water.Yokohama currently has Brett Harper on their squad and when he hits a homer, the Harper soda is half price for the rest of the game. If you are in your seat, you may notice vendors walking by with large boxes. These are bento, which come with a variety of small snacks (sushi, chicken nuggets, vegetables are just a few examples) and rice. There are nine different types being paraded around the park, plus a few more available at the concession stands. These can act as complete meals and are reasonably priced. If you want to try something truly offbeat, there is the unagi sushi bento which is steamed eel smothered in a special sauce – a real Japanese delicacy. Finally, Yokohama is famous as the site of Japan’s largest Chinatown, and you can pick up some prepackaged shumai and other Chinese delights that are quite tasty and make for perfect pre-game snacks. In other words, when you come to Yokohama, come hungry. Atmosphere 3 The team doesn’t draw very well. On the absolutely perfect Saturday afternoon I visited, there were only 17,502 in the 30,000-seat stadium. Due to ticket prices being quite high for the good seats, most people sit well down the lines, and with the majority of fans rooting for the home team, the first base side is crowded while the third base seats are relatively empty. I always find this disconcerting, and it adversely affects the atmosphere of the stadium in my opinion. It’s not just Yokohama that suffers from this, but on the day I was there, I really didn’t get a feeling that I was at a pro game. That’s not to say all is bad. There are nice views of the Landmark Tower, an iconic Yokohama building, beyond the left field fence and the staff here are helpful and friendly. If they could squeeze another few thousand people in here, it would greatly improve the overall experience. Neighborhood 5 Yokohama is one of Japan’s best cities and has far more tourist attractions than Tokyo. Chief among them is Chinatown, which is just 400 meters from the stadium. Motomachi, where foreigners first settled, is close by and well worth a look. A few minutes more and you reach Yokohama Port, which includes the Akarenga, or Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Originally a customs house, it is a long, red brick building that houses a shopping mall, restaurants, and event facilities. If you want to enjoy the outdoors, try Yamashita Koen, a narrow park that borders the water and can be quite refreshing on a hot day. All of these attractions are within a mile of the ballpark and close to each other, so if you are taking in a night game, be sure to spend the afternoon here. Closer to the stadium, there is Certe, a Japanese-style shopping mall. It’s easily reached by a pedestrian bridge just outside the north exit of Kannai station and has two spots inside you might want to visit. The first is the BayStars’ team shop, which is on the second floor and hard to miss as you enter the mall from the pedestrian bridge. Team shops here have far more variety than you will find back in the United States, and are great places for souvenirs, and not just of the baseball variety. For example, you can buy chopsticks that are made out of broken bats. The second place that might be worth visiting is Yankees, a sports cafe located on the 6th floor of the building. Don’t be fooled by the name, the friendly owners are unabashed BayStars’ supporters and have a large TV for the live games, with recordings of past games (only Yokohama victories naturally) when the team isn’t playing. The food offerings should appeal to the western palate and there’s plenty of selection, as well as drinks for post-game parties. Just a couple of blocks away from the stadium is BayStars Dori, a small street that contains a commemorative display honoring the team’s 1998 Nippon Series title, the only one in the franchise’s more than 30 years in Yokohama. There are hand prints from each player on team (Bobby Rose and Kazuhiro Sasaki are two names you might recognize) and an etching showing the squad throwing their manager in the air in the traditional Japanese celebration. Fans still flock here before the game to remember the good times. I’ll stop here, but could go on much longer. If you are coming to Japan, make sure to spend at least a full day in Yokohama, one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. Fans 3 Despite having the worst team in the Central League (CL), the fans here enjoy themselves. I went to a Saturday afternoon game and was amazed at how many families were there. I wish there were more of them though. The low attendance was disappointing and the cheering section wasn’t that impressive. To their credit, they handed out the cheer songs for each player so you can participate with even rudimentary Japanese. It may have been the surprisingly hot weather or the fact that their team was shutout, but the fans were pretty quiet except for one promotion, a dance contest. After the 5th inning, the camera scans the crowd and the more outgoing fans dance up a storm, trying to win audience approval and tickets to a future game. This was the most energetic I’d seen them and gets them a bonus point. Access 4 In Japan, fans don’t drive to baseball games, they take trains, so parking is not an issue. Yokohama Stadium has the best access of any stadium in the Kanto area, being just three minutes from Kannai station on the Negishi line. The Yokohama Subway also has a Kannai station just 5 minutes away, while the Minato Mirai line’s Nihon Odori station is just 3 minutes north. There are three ticket windows and each sells tickets for a specific area. If you want to sit on the first base side, use the box office next to gate 2, while visiting fans would use the one by gate 6 to get seats on the third base side. Those who prefer the noisier outfield must use the ticket window between gates 7 and 8. Just behind here is a quiet tree-covered park where you can relax before entering the ballpark, as well as the Hometown Festival mentioned previously. Make sure to enter the gate printed on your ticket. Within the stadium, moving from one seating area to another is not allowed and tickets are checked upon entering the seating bowl, so you will be limited in your wanderings. In particular, you cannot move from the outfield seats to the infield or vice versa. This is common in Japanese stadiums though and doesn’t affect the rating. There are excellent wheelchair seating locations just a few rows from the field but still behind the protective netting. As an aside, Japanese ballparks generally use far too much netting, but Yokohama gets it right, with a full net behind the plate and then a triangle of netting to the dugouts that protects those down low but allows fans in the higher seats a clear view. You can re-enter the stadium should you need to leave by getting a stamp on your hand. On the concourse near home plate, there’s a small kids park for toddlers and their parents who can’t sit through 3 hours of baseball. I saw several families relaxing here and it’s a smart idea that should be taken up elsewhere. At each end of the concourse there is a small raised area reached by a staircase that offers benches in front of TVs. Many people escape the elements and watch a few innings here. The main problem with access is the cramped concourse, particularly on the first base side with all the home fans. Restrooms are also limited and there are lines for the men’s, so a point is docked for these two minor annoyances. Return on Investment 3 There is only one seating bowl here with nine seating options that are mostly described by letters. SS seats are the best, following by S, FA (field level A), FB, A and B; the other three options are unreserved infield and outfield seats and well as two sections of reserved seats in the outfield. The structure of the stadium is unique, with the field level seats being quite flat and facing second base rather than home plate, but the other seats in the infield rise very steeply and offer great views of the field and beyond. Tickets here can be expensive, going as high as 6,500 yen ($80) for the SS seats, which are the dark blue box seats that come complete with drink holders. These seats provide an excellent visual contrast from the old and uncomfortable orange chairs that make up the rest of the seating bowl, but they are a bit much for a Japanese baseball game. The remaining seats range from 5,500 yen for the field level seats between home plate and the bases down to 1,800 yen for the unreserved outfield seats. The best value in my mind are the 3,500 yen B seats, which are the upper level between home and the bases. On a hot day, a breeze blows through that doesn’t reach the lower parts of the bowl but keeps you refreshed if you are sitting up high. The field is artificial turf, except for the areas around home plate and the bases, which are dirt. The infield area is colored brown but the underlying material is the same, so there are no funny bounces. The scoreboard is rather old and has a simple video screen along with the linescore and lineups. There are ads on fences that line the top of the seating bowl as well as on the fence, although this is typical in Japanese parks. Extras 5 This is where Yokohama Stadium and the BayStars really excel. There are so many interesting features that you need to show up well before the game to explore the area. First Yokohama is the only team in the country that doesn’t use a corporate name in their moniker. Other teams are known primarily by their owners, such as the Yomiuri Giants, who are run by a large newspaper conglomerate. Despite trying to change this perception by adding regional names (Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters or Tokyo Yakult Swallows), the business name usually dominates. Yokohama manages to avoid this trap and seem to have a more loyal, local following because of it. Outside gate 3 is YY Park, a small area where the mascots and cheer girls congregate before the game. The dance team instructs fans on cheering and then puts on a 15-minute show to get fans ready. When season ticket holders enter the stadium, they can try their luck on the Hero Photo lottery. A small bingo-like device dispenses a ball and if a special colored ball emerges, you are allowed to take a photo with the game hero afterwards. This only happens if Yokohama wins, so I wasn’t able to see it. Another unique extra is the lights, which are shaped like the letter Y, standing for Yokohama of course. I thought this was a brilliant touch. The scoreboard has a cool app called Sta-Pri, which is short for Stadium Print, as in a photograph. If you are captured on the scoreboard, you are asked to pose and a picture is taken. You can pick up this picture later to keep as an excellent souvenir. There are many other little touches that really make being a fan here special. The BayStars know how to create a fun environment for all types of fans and I hope that they can convince more locals to enjoy the unique experience of BayStars baseball. Final Thoughts This is the first review for a Japanese stadium and it can be difficult to communicate just how different the overall experience is here. I’d like to compare these venues to each other rather than to their counterparts in North America. Certainly most Japanese ballparks are lacking when compared to the newfangled stadiums that dot the MLB landscape, but when looking within Japan, there is no doubt that Yokohama Stadium is an excellent place to get acquainted with the game that arrived on these shores so long ago.

Photos by Stephen Schmidt, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Gary Hogan Field 2400 South Harrison St Little Rock, AR 72204 Little Rock Trojans website Gary Hogan Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,550 The House that Hogan Built Upon asking about the history of Gary Hogan Field, Hogan himself leads you to a large photo. It is a picture of the stadium that would become his namesake, taken on the July day in 1985 when he began his 11-season tenure as the head coach of the University of Arkansas-Little Rock baseball team. It rests on one of the walls of the venue’s Legends Room as a reminder of the team’s humble — and dusty — roots. Back then, the field had no infield grass and looked no better than a sandlot encased by rickety chain-link fencing. “I have that same picture, the original picture, in my office. When I have a bad day, I look at that picture and go – Nothing can ever be as bad that,” said Hogan, who currently serves as the school’s associate athletic director. He still attends a majority of the Trojans’ home games, helping out with various tasks in the press box. The exact date of the field’s construction is unknown, but the Trojans first started playing on it in 1978. Its infamous playing conditions forced the Trojans in the early ’80s to play some of their games at Ray Winder Field and Fort Roots Field in North Little Rock. Under Hogan’s guidance and fundraising ability, the park has steadily made an assortment of improvements — including most recently the addition of polyurethane turf in the infield in place of standard AstroTurf in the field in 2011 — to allow UALR to stay competitive in the Sun Belt Conference. In 2004, the school received an offer for its biggest donation to date for $1.6 million — provided that Curran Conway Field got a name change. “Does it feel strange to see my name out there?” Hogan said of looking out to see the scoreboard with his name on it. “Yes… Always strange.” Food & Beverage 3 There is only one concession stand that sells the standard fare. The most popular items are hot dogs for $2. Fans can also get a combo meal with chips and drink (Pepsi products) for $4 with a hamburger or $5 with a cheeseburger. Other items include nachos for $2 and an assortment of candy for $1.25. In addition, team wristbands are also available next to the candy for $3 each. Fans are allowed to bring in coolers, something that caters to the crowd taking advantage of the wide concourses by lining the top of the stands with collapsible chairs. Beer is permitted, too, as long as it’s in a cup. Atmosphere 3 The backdrop certainly puts the park in ballpark as the outfield wall butts up against a thick range of towering trees that create quite the scenic view, interspersed with rooftops from the surrounding Oak Forest neighborhood. The stadium is located inside Curran Conway Park and this is evident as soon as you drive into the parking lot that is almost entirely shaded due to the massive trees. The stadium’s overhang covers at least half of the venues seating area. There is only one gate to enter. Instead of a ticket booth, fans will find someone sitting at a table selling general admission tickets for $5 each that resemble those given out for a raffle at a church picnic. The grandstand features approximately 500 green chair back seats that are surrounded by rows of bleacher seats. Four large poles hold it up, but none are overly distracting. Still, it is best to avoid the perimeter of the chair backs if you want a clear view of the first and third base paths. Grandstand at Gary Hogan Field, Photo by Stephen Schmidt, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 1 Although the stadium and park have a certain rustic beauty about them, they are in a less-than-ideal locale. There are no surrounding bars, restaurants or places of interests, besides the UALR campus itself, within an easy walk or drive from the stadium. The area is highly residential — in an area that has a bad reputation for crime. There have been documented instances of cars getting broken into in the parking lot in the past. One off-duty police officer, who has patrolled a majority of the UALR games, said he only had one occurrence happen on his watch this season. There is not a nearby traditional UALR sports bar loaded with Trojan gear, but members of the college community love to flock to Senior Tequila at 2000 S. University Ave. for good fajitas and margaritas — and mariachi band music on Sunday night. For nightlife, most everyone in town heads to the River Market area in downtown Little Rock, which is a 10-minute drive away with no traffic. Fans 3 The fans are knowledgeable. In spite of their small numbers, they could certainly generate a lot of noise whenever the Trojans made a noteworthy play. Many used giveaway plastic rattlers to create noise at opportune times. It should be noted that the game I attended was taking place during the school’s finals, so it’s hard to fault a low student turnout. Access 2 There are plenty of places to park and it’s free. Curran Conway Park and the stadium are not very well marked, noted only by a couple of small brown signs. An out-of-towner might find it a little difficult to navigate there. There is only one set of restrooms. The men’s facilities are small (one toilet, two urinals) and could use a fresh coat of paint — among other enhancements. That being said, there is never a line to get inside. The stadium does have a wheelchair ramp to allow easy access to disabled visitors and plenty of space for them to perch at the top of the concourse and enjoy the game. Return on Investment 4 In spite of the surrounding neighborhood, a game at Gary Hogan Field remains a high value — especially for baseball purists who are mainly interested in watching Division I baseball for $5 a ticket to sit anywhere. It would be hard to imagine a more idyllic scene at other college baseball venues in Arkansas than watching the sun setting for an evening game amidst the lush trees. The fact that anyone can bring in coolers and outside food adds to the overall value. Extras 3 One point is awarded for the wooden deck in left field that offers great views on the third base side and great opportunity for fans to eat and drink next to a table surface. One point is given for the wide concourses that allow for good views all the way around. In addition the top of the grandstands feature fans to help cool down visitors when the weather heats up. One final point is awarded for the surrounding greenery in the outfield — especially if you saw how the backdrop looked in the early 80s before Hogan took over the ship.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.26 Belluna Dome 2135 Kami-Yamaguchi Tokorozawa-City, Saitama 359-1153 Japan Seibu Lions website Belluna Dome website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 35,655 When is a Dome not a Dome NOTE: The name of the stadium has changed since this review was written. In 1979, the Seibu Lions moved to Tokorozawa, a city in Saitama Prefecture, just north of Tokyo. A new stadium was built for them and called Seibu Lions Stadium in a testament to originality. It was a typically pedestrian ballpark until 1997, when a roof was installed over a two year period and the stadium was renamed Seibu Dome, yet again a brilliant and unexpected decision. In 2009, the Lions took the $51.1 million posting fee they earned from Boston in the Daisuke Matsuzaka deal and renovated the dome with new concession stands, seating, a scoreboard and even toilets. Still, the overall feeling here is one of mediocrity, which is a shame as the Lions are the Pacific League’s most successful team, winning 13 out of 17 pennants between 1982 and 1998, and taking 8 Japanese titles in that time. Most recently the team won the 2008 Asian championship. There is no wall behind the stands, so it is not a true dome, and the elements are still part of the experience: not good in Japan’s hot and humid summer. The stadium is built into the side of a hill which requires you to walk up a fairly steep incline to get to the infield seats. On a 35 degree day, you will be sweating by the time you reach your seat, so bring a face towel to dry yourself and then grab a beer and enjoy the game. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium offers almost nothing intriguing once you are inside, but fortunately there are a number of concession stands outside. If you get there an hour or two before the game, take the time to wander around the area in front of the stadium and examine the various options. I tried a meat-covered onigiri (rice ball) for 400 yen which was OK. There are plenty of other choices though, and you can bring whatever you buy here into the stadium. KFC is the most famous name you will see, but I would suggest trying one of the other lesser-known stands, such as the kebab truck or creperie. Inside the park, there are dozens of small stands that dot the incline, but they mostly offer typical ballpark fare. There is a large three-level restaurant/team store called L’s that offers tables at which you can stand, but again the offerings are unappealing. Still, it might be worth stopping here as this area offers good views of the game, lying between home and first base. Drinks are served by the countless beer girls who spend the game running around with large kegs on their back, from which they dispense draft beer. Other vendors have different libations if beer is not your thing, just flag one down and you will be served with a smile. Atmosphere 2 The stadium has little in the way of a ballpark feel; the lack of a wall allows a lot of ambient noise to escape and the way the stadium is built into the hill makes the seats seem farther from the field. The best sections directly behind home plate are reserved for season seat holders and are filled with pairs of large chairs, which further reduces the feeling of being at a ballgame. The field is entirely ugly green turf except around the bases, the seats are an ugly uniform green, the fence another ugly green and even the outfield berm is really just concrete covered with yet a different ugly shade of green. Seibu Dome is not a pleasant sensory experience. There is a very large scoreboard but it is not used as well as it could be. The lineups are displayed next to a giant linescore, but they could do with more replays. Domes are generally lacking in a true baseball atmosphere and the Seibu Dome is no different. It is a decent ballpark but that is about it. Neighborhood 1 The stadium is in the middle of nowhere, taking over an hour to reach from Shinjuku. There is nothing in the immediate vicinity and there is no reason to explore before or after the game. The only thing nearby is an amusement park one train stop away and also run by Seibu. If you are with a family, this might be worth visiting before a night game. Fans 3 The Seibu fans are OK, cheering their team at the right time and waving towels when a run scores. But compared to the other fan groups in Japan, the Lions’ supporters are average, with little to separate them from a typical fan base. Access 3 The stadium is right next to Seibu Kyujo Mae train station, which is over an hour from Tokyo. There are many different ways to get here, the easiest being a direct train from Ikebukuro station on the Seibu Ikebukuro line. You enter the stadium behind the batters eye and move to the first or third base side depending on your seats. Lions’ fans sit on the third base side, a rarity in Japan, where the home team supporters sit on the first base side. If you are in the outfield cheering section, you will reach your seat almost immediately, but if you have reserved seats, you will make your way up the hill, passing through two more checkpoints where you need to show your ticket again. It is easy to move around the stadium and you can watch the game from the incline without being asked to move. This is helpful during a hot day as the hill is often blessed with a breeze that doesn’t reach the seats below. You cannot make your way between the first and third base sides – the area behind home plate is guarded as it houses the season ticket seats and the common man is not allowed in. As the stadium is perfectly symmetrical, that’s not much of an issue, although the concession stands might be slightly different from one side to the other. Return on Investment 3 The best thing about Seibu Dome is that tickets are reasonably priced and there are many options. The best are the field view seats, which are right on the field behind first and third base and go for 4,800 yen ($60) on game day. There are also the Bench Side seats, next to the dugout and close to home plate which are also 4,800 yen. These are often sold out, but there are always A and B reserved seats (3,500 and 3,000 yen respectively) available. Tickets are cheaper before game day and if you are a fan club member, even better discounts are to be had, but these are difficult for people visiting for a short time. I highly recommend that you avoid the outfield area – the views are not good from there as it is quite low, and after 3 hours sitting on the ground, you will be in pain. . Extras 2 The Lions’ minor league stadium is located next door and if you are extremely fortunate you might get a day-night doubleheader, so be sure to check the farm team’s schedule at the NPB home page. The Lions offer fans of different types a chance to experience being on the field. For example, Tuesday nights are catch-ball nights, where any fan can play catch on the field after the game, while Wednesday evening is ladies night, where women can try pitching or experience sitting in the Lions’ dugout among other activities. Final Thoughts Given the distance from Tokyo and the lack of anything particularly compelling here, a visit to Seibu Dome is not something that most baseball fans need put on their bucket list. If you want to see all 12 ballparks in the country, this is the one which will probably be the most annoying to get to and offer the least memorable experience.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Binghamton University Events Center 4400 Vestal Parkway East Vestal, NY 13902 Binghamton Bearcats website Binghamton University Events Center website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 5,142 Binghamton Bearcats Basketball When you notice that the name of the arena is something very generic like “Events Center” you fear the worst, a non-descript building with little charm. Fortunately, that feeling largely disappears when you step foot into Binghamton’s Events Center for a Bearcats basketball game. Get over the name and you actually have a pretty good facility to see college basketball. Opened in 2004, the Binghamton University Events Center hosts the basketball program which has only been a Division I program since 2001. The program played in its lone NCAA basketball tournament in 2009. It’s an attractive facility both inside and out, and despite being a multi-use facility, in really pulls off the basketball game experience well. Food & Beverage 3 Food and beverage selections are pretty standard, with one notable exception. First, the basics include hot dogs ($2.25), candy ($2.50), popcorn ($2.75-$3.50), nachos ($3.50), and soft pretzels ($3). Drinks include bottled water ($2.75), coffee, and hot chocolate ($2). Soft drinks are provided by Coke. The one unique and locally-inspired item is a “spiedie”. A spiedie is a sandwich of marinated cubes of meat (in this case chicken, but it could be pork, beef, venison, or lamb). The sandwich is served on a garlic roll, and topped with ranch sauce. It’s very good and well worth the $4.50 price tag. It’s always nice to have something local when you go to a game. Atmosphere 3 The amount of cheerleaders and dance teams is rather overwhelming. I counted 52 during my visit. When the cheerleaders outnumber the players and the pep band combined, then you may have too many. They do a good job and stay involved at all junctures, but how many cheerleaders do you really need? There’s also a Bearcat mascot, named Baxter. Baxter makes his rounds both in the stands and under the opponent's basket where he’ll try to distract the opponents during their free throws. All of the seating within the Events Center is retractable. Sideline seats are all green plastic chairbacks, which are somewhat flimsy, but comfortable and provide better-than-average legroom. There are no cupholders in these seats. Each baseline features green plastic bleacher seats. The student section and pep band are on the end of the floor nearest the opponent's bench. Speaking of the pep band, it is a small, but talented ensemble. The 12 members belt out current hits whenever they have the opportunity. There is one lone scoreboard, which is four-sided and center-hung. The scoreboard has no video capabilities, instead cycling three ads throughout the entire game. The score, time, time outs left, team fouls, and period are on display. During my visit, one fan had an opportunity to win a car by sinking a half-court shot, and he failed dismally, but it was still fun to see the high-stakes contest. Neighborhood 3 Binghamton’s athletic facilities, including the Events Center, are located just off of Vestal Parkway, and there are plenty of chain restaurants that line this busy thoroughfare. Just name your favorite chain, and you’ll likely find it here. If you are a beer lover, then the Ale House is probably the place that you’ll want to visit before or after the game. The good news is that they have 36 beers on tap, and all of them are interesting. They also have excellent pizza. The bad news is that the service, at least during my visit, leaves a lot to be desired. I was ignored before finally receiving service, mostly because the bartender and another staff member were busy flirting with each other. It’s too bad because this is a nice little bar. Don’t let the hole in the wall look fool you. If you are more patient than I am, then you’ll likely enjoy this spot. Fans 3 My visit coincided with senior night, which is always a special event, regardless of what school or sport you visit. The fans gave standing ovations to the four seniors who were honored, most notably Jimmy Gray, the team’s leading scorer and a local product from Binghamton. The student section, located behind the basket nearest the opponent's bench, was as lifeless as a corpse, unfortunately. The school has an enrollment of about 12,000 undergrads, so the student turnout was really disappointing. What’s worse is that at halftime, the students banded together to do a little dance number, showing that they clearly have the energy to be a force during the game, but simply choose not to. To their credit, the fans came alive in the last portion of the second half, which helped the overall atmosphere, but once again made their inability to make their presence known earlier in the game that much more frustrating. Other fans are in the game, but unfortunately, it’s not enough to make up for the lackluster students, an essential element of truly great college basketball. Access 4 Parking is free and the campus can be found just off of Route 17 which is just a couple of miles from I-81. When you enter the campus, there is a sign asking visitors to stop by the information booth. I did, and the person working there seemed perplexed why I would stop, so my advice is to skip this and just proceed into the campus, keeping to the right for the Events Center. The main concourse in the arena is above the seating sections with only one concession stand open during my visit. The restrooms are clean and modern, although not too large. You may expect lines if it is a full house. Also, be careful when washing your hands as the sinks spray excessively hard. Depending on your height, you may be left with a wet middle section. Return on Investment 4 Chairback seats will cost you $12, and all other seats are only $8. This is a fantastic bargain, but when you factor in free parking along with a spiedie and drink, you’re under $20 per person. This is well worth it to get to see some Division I basketball, even if the America East Conference is not the highest level of competition. If the students would turn out in greater numbers, then the return would be even greater. Extras 3 One extra point for the pep band, which has a greater presence than their numbers would indicate. I have seen plenty of other programs with small pep bands that are nowhere close to the talent of this group. Also, an extra point for making this multi-purpose arena feel like a basketball arena. This is not always an easy feat, but Binghamton is successful in this endeavor, making for a much better fan experience than I originally expected. The dance team is also very good and does a good job of performing synchronized dance routines during the breaks. Final Thoughts I understand that not everyone is as big of a college basketball junkie as I am, so Binghamton is not going to be a sought after destination for many travelers. However, if you love the game and are anywhere in central New York, it is well worth your time to check the Bearcats schedule and see if you can’t go see a basketball game at the Events Center.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Centre Marcel Dionne 300 rue Cockburn Drummondville, QC J2C 4L6 Drummondville Voltigeurs website Centre Marcel Dionne website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 4,000 Allez Voltigeurs! On the south shore of Quebec, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, lies the city of Drummondville. With a modest population of 70,000, Drummondville captures the essence of Quebec hockey. The pride of Drummondville includes their junior hockey team, the Voltigueurs, and their favorite son, Marcel Dionne. Dionne was both infamous and the second most-famous Los Angeles King (behind only Wayne Gretzky), and arguably the player that gave the most to the franchise. As part of the Triple Crown Line, Dionne was a staple of the Kings, and regularly finds time to return to his hometown of Drummondville. The Voltigeurs are the second incarnation of major junior hockey in Drummondville. An expansion team in 1982, the Voltigeurs are named after a Quebec-based regiment that fought the Americans in the War of 1812. They followed the original QMJHL team, the Drummondville Rangers, which played from 1969 to 1974. Currently owned by Jean-Guy Rene, Roger Dubois, and Michel Parizeau, the Voltigeurs have enjoyed moderate success, making it to the Memorial Cup 3 times, and winning the President’s Trophy as the top team in the QMJHL in 2009. Their most famous alumni include NHL greats Steve Duschene and Daniel Briere. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at the Centre Marcel Dionne are very ordinary. You are only going to find staple products that you would find in any arena, including hot dogs, popcorn, soda and nachos. There are only a couple of concession stands, and there are numerous vending machines to compliment those stands. The featured sodas are Pepsi products, and the beer available is Molson Export and Coors Light. Prices are decent, but a lack of variety is evident. Atmosphere 4 Centre Marcel Dionne is one of those arenas that sends you back in time. It has the feel of a community arena where your own kids would play house league hockey. The exterior is nothing spectacular, and could easily be driven right past without even noticing it. Once inside that community feel takes over. There is not much standing room where the ticket windows are. There is an opportunity to visit with the local early-birds or check out the various displays, including the large Marcel Dionne display. Once inside, the seating bowl looks like it is from another time. The seating bowl is small and steep, offering fantastic sightlines. The arena features wooden seats, which although are not the most comfortable, are terribly historic. The scoreboard is simple with a 4 sided projected video screen. Above the ice surface you will find the retired numbers of great Voltigeurs of the past including Steve Duschene, Ian Laperriere, Denis Gauthier, Steve Chartrand, Rene Corbet and Daniel Briere. At the far end of the arena you will find the modest banners from successful Voltigeur seasons, including the 2009 President’s Trophy banners. Throughout the arena there are various photos showcasing the hometown team. One of the more unique features of Centre Marcel Dionne is the giant Voltiguer banner which drops and shakes at key moments. Very simple, yet very unique. Neighborhood 2 The Centre Marcel Dionne is a community arena, located in a suburban area. There are not a ton of options in the immediate area for pre and post-game fare. Within a couple of minutes in the car you will find some recognizable chains, including Boston Pizza, East Side Marios and Quebec rotisserie chicken chain, St.Hubert. Fans 4 The Noise!! Drummondville fans are extremely loud! This is probably the only place that I have been that has not banned air horns. The air horn is a favourite of the Drummondville fan, and they use them liberally! The fans that we met were very friendly and accommodating. They were willing to talk about their beloved hometown team and the prospects that the Voltigeurs would have in the upcoming playoffs. The attendance at Voltigeur games is a bit of a disappointment, as they average just under 2,500 for the season, putting them in the bottom third of the league. Access 3 Getting to the arena is not too difficult as it is located just north of Boul St.Joseph, a couple of kilometres from the Trans Canada Highway. There is some parking on site that is free of charge if you are early enough. Once inside, however the concourses around the outside of the seating bowl do not encircle the arena, and are extremely narrow. Washroom facilities are also not the greatest. Return on Investment 5 It is ridiculous what a great deal a Voltigeurs game is. Top level junior hockey combined with free parking, good concession prices and unreal ticket prices equals great value. This is absolutely family entertainment. Voltigeur tickets go for $15 each, with seats for children going for a ridiculous $6. Unbelievable! Extras 2 An extra mark for the waving banner. Very unique! An extra mark for that hometown feel to a Voltigeurs game. Final Thoughts A trip through the QMJHL will find Drummondville as one of the solid francophone franchises. It’s worth the trip to see an arena that is from a different time, and a great group of fans who know how to be loud.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Stadio Armando Picchi Piazzale Montello, 14 Livorno, Tuscany 5726 Italy AS Livorno Calcio website Stadio Armando Picchi website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 19,238 Livorno Legacy The Stadio Comunale Picchi is the main facility for football in Livorno city. The building houses the home matches of AS Livorno Calcio, a club that has existed for over 100 years, founded in 1915. Since 1990, the stadium is dedicated to Armando Picchi, born in Livorno and defender of the “Grande Inter” with which he won three national championships, two European titles, and two world titles for the club. Armando Picchi died prematurely at the age of 36, and he took his first steps as a professional football player wearing the shirt of Livorno. In the city, there is also a football team called Armando Picchi. The structure was designed and built for the return of AS Livorno in the Italian Serie A league, 1933/1934, and was originally named Stadio Comunale Edda Ciano Mussolini. The official inauguration took place on the occasion of Italian B vs Austria B match on March 24,1935. However, the first game played by the home team was Livorno vs Fiorentina, October 8, 1933, and finished with a score of 3-0. Turchi, on a free kick, was the first player to score a goal in the new stadium. During the end of World War II, American military troops in Italy (still not far from the city there is the American military “Camp Darby”) used the facility for football and baseball and called this venue Yankee Stadium. Since 2013, a part of the stadium, the staircase, is dedicated to Piermario Morosini, a player for AS Livorno Calcio who died in April 14, 2012, during the match against Pescara in Serie B. The stadium was designed by Raffaello Brizzi, head of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Florence, and it is the first public work built in reinforced concrete in Livorno. At the beginning of the 1980s, Torre di Maratona was demolished. Measures have been taken over the last decade to improve the safety and capacity of the system. Today, the total capacity of the Armando Picchi stadium is 19,238 spectators. Food & Beverage 3 Each sector of the Armando Picchi stadium has its own food court (including the reserved area for the visiting fans). Look for many of the offerings under the Tribuna Centrale. The menu offers everything from coffee to beer, from liqueurs (try the Ponce alla livornese, beverage derived from the punch) to Coke products. Then there are sandwiches, a variety of cakes, ice cream, and snacks. Atmosphere 3 Stadio Armando Picchi has a ring shape. The seating sections are divided into: Tribuna Vip, Tribuna Coperta, Tribuna Laterale, Curva Nord, Curva Sud, Gradinata, Tribunette di Gradinata, and Settore Ospiti. A glass fence runs all around the field, dividing the public from the players, but it does not restrict the view. Between the field and the stands is the old track for athletics built in 1987. The teams’ entrance takes place by a tunnel that opens between the playing field and the athletics track. The distance between the two stands and the field is about 10 meters. The distance between the two curves and the field is about 25 meters. The presence of old photos on the walls of AS Livorno Calcio and pennants of other teams that have played here help to create a nostalgic atmosphere under the Tribuna Centrale. Some of the preliminary soccer matches for the 1960 Rome Olympics were held in this venue, adding to the historic significance (Yugoslavia won the gold medal for football for these games). Neighborhood 3 The stadium is not far from the city center, about 20 minutes when walking. I recommend that you eat a typical dish while in Livorno, the cacciucco for example, after the match. Cacciucco is a soup with different types of fish, and is a staple of Livorno. Stadio Comunale Armando Picchi is in the Ardenza neighborhood, the southern suburbs of the city and the area where the major sports facilities of Livorno (including the Ippodromo Caprilli and the Palasport Macchia) are located. The area is characterized by numerous elegant villas with two or three floors above which stand out the unmistakable towers for stadium lighting. At about 500 meters from the stadium there is the Naval Academy, a school founded in 1881 where the officers of the Italian Navy are educated. In the neighborhood, there are many restaurants and pizzerias. Wander around and find a spot that suits you after the match. Fans 4 The most passionate fans of AS Livorno Calcio follow the matches from the Curva Nord. In this sector, you’ll find amaranth banners, flags, and scarves dominating the colorscape. Throughout the match, fans incite their favorites with chants and songs. The roar that the teams receive when they emerge from the tunnel before the match is tremendous. The stadium announcer gives the name of the home team goal-scorer, and that name is repeated in unison by the fans. The most strongly felt match is the Derby of Tirreno between Livorno and Pisa. Other rivalries exist with Roma, Lazio, and Milan. Access 4 Getting to Stadio Armando Picchi is quite simple. By car, coming to Livorno from the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno (FiPiLi) motorway or from the A12 (Genova-Roma), just follow the signs for Variante Aurelia and go toward Livorno Sud. There is no shortage of space to park the car from Viale Italia to Via Salvator Allende. Parking for Settore Ospiti is in Via dei Pensieri, located in the La Rosa neighborhood La Rosa. By public transport, buses leave to Ardenza from the Livorno Central Station. Return on Investment 4 In the city, there are seven official retailers from AS Livorno Calcio, but you can also buy tickets for Stadio Armando Picchi online. Ticket prices range from a minimum of €9 for Curva Nord, up to a maximum of €85 Euros for Tribuna Vip. Before each match, it is useful to check the club’s website to see if there are any reductions in pricing or special promotions. Extras 3 Livorno is one of the youngest cities in Tuscany, but there are places and buildings of interest. All of these sites help to make a trip to Livorno special. They are: – The Fortezza Vecchia, site of numerous cultural and musical events, and the Fortezza Nuova, with its public park. – The La Venezia neighborhood, built during the 17th Century, is crossed by canals to mimic the appearance of Venice. – The Terrazza Mascagni, with its checkered floor consisting of about 35,000 black and white tiles overlooking the sea, is well worth a visit for tourists, as well.

Photos by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Wilson Field 202 Martin Court Dr Davidson, NC 28036 Davidson Wildcats website Wilson Field website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 700 Wilson’s Wildcats Most people who are familiar with Davidson College know them for their success on the hardwood. Davidson basketball has made a name for itself on the national stage over the last few years, led mainly by Stephen Curry’s magical run a few years ago. The Wildcats have maintained that momentum, making themselves perennial NCAA Tournament participants. Davidson baseball has not experienced the same success as their hoops brethren, but they still put a competitive product on the field each season. The Wildcats call Wilson Field their home, and this on-campus facility recently celebrated 45 years of service. The ballpark, named for Davidson graduate and multi-sport star T. Henry Wilson, Jr., got its start in March 1967, though under a different name (Wildcat Park). Though Wilson Field’s age is certainly evident if you look hard enough, it provides a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in which to take in a game. Food & Beverage 4 It is not likely that the Food Network will ever visit a Davidson game to partake in their unique delicacies, but you certainly won’t go hungry at Wilson Field. There are several hot options from which to choose, including hamburgers and cheeseburgers ($4 for a single, $6 for a double), hot dogs ($2) and chicken sandwiches ($4). One item of note is that there is a grill just outside the concession stand, on which the burgers and dogs are cooked. It is highly unusual to see a grill at this level of baseball, so that is a nice touch. Additional snack options include candy ($1), popcorn ($1), Blow Pops ($.25), gum ($.05) and sunflower seeds ($1). Sunflower seeds and baseball seem to go hand-in-hand, so this is a good item to add to the menu. Coca-Cola products are available at the lone stand behind the third base dugout, with Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite for $1 each. If you prefer drinks of the non-carbonated variety, Gatorade is $2, with water available for $1. Coffee and hot chocolate are also $1 each. These were both popular selections on the rather cool day I visited Wilson Field, and they will help keep you warm early in the season. There is also one special note about Wilson Field’s concessions. All of the proceeds go to the Davidson volleyball team, and team members staff the stands. It is great to see teams supporting each other at the college level, particularly in sports where money is at a premium. Atmosphere 3 The real draw to Wilson Field is what you see on the outside of the park. The park is directly in the center of campus, surrounded by residences on one side and athletic facilities on another. As you approach the park, there is a staircase up to the park, with an arched entryway. The campus is beautiful, and the exterior of Wilson Field is an appropriate fit. The fixed seating in the park is all bleachers, and as is usually the case with bleachers, gets a bit uncomfortable after a while. If you take a cushion along, though, the seats are decently roomy — as bleachers go, anyway. The fixed seats behind the plate start to feel a bit like watching baseball in a cage after a while, though, as the backstop is topped by an excessively high net. If a less obscured view is what you desire, bring a lawn chair and head down the third base line. There is a wooded walkway where a number of fans tend to stand or sit and watch the game. The bonus of this area is that it is shaded, which is nice once it starts getting warm in North Carolina. There is not much inside the park to distract you from the experience of just watching baseball. A standard musical soundtrack plays between innings, and there are no cartoonish sound effects or overdone radio voices to be heard. The scoreboard is even quite utilitarian, offering just a basic “Guests” and “Home” linescore listing (a “Wildcats” tag may be good here), along with the number of the current batter, ball/strike/out counts and a hit or error indicator. The scoreboard can be a bit difficult to see during afternoon games, as the sun shines directly on the board. Neighborhood 4 Davidson is a small northern suburb of Charlotte, and there is a certain small-town feel throughout the area. There are a number of parks and walking areas within a short distance of the campus — assuming, of course, that you want to walk somewhere other than the scenic campus. There are also a number of dining options nearby, a lot of which are chronicled in our review of Richardson Stadium, Davidson’s football facility. North Carolina micro-chain Char Grill is between the campus and North Carolina Interstate 77, offering char-grilled burgers, fries, milkshakes and a number of additional post-game choices. Lake Norman is minutes from the campus, and in most cases, if you are attending a Davidson game, it is warm enough to go boating or get on your jet ski after the final pitch. If you would prefer to stay on the shore, there are fine restaurants near the lake for your evening meal. The communities of Huntersville and Mooresville are also within minutes, and center-city Charlotte or the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord are only 20 minutes away. Fans 2 A decent amount of fans attend Davidson games, and a lot of them come out wearing their Wildcat gear. The only issue with the fans is that there is not a lot of noise going on during the course of the game. At times, the stands were eerily quiet on the day I visited in early 2013. Wilson Field only seats 700 fans, so one should never expect ear-splitting sound, but the feeling much of the time is as though someone pressed the mute button on the crowd. There is a group of students that sits on the hill behind the right field fence, and they are somewhat rowdy. There is also a sign in front of their seating area that says “Welcome to Right Field,” along with another that sports a bullseye. Unfortunately, if you want to hear these fans, you will most likely need to venture out near where they are seated. They are in safe heckling distance of the right fielder, but are not easily heard elsewhere. Access 3 There is good and bad to the parking situation at Wilson Field. The good is that parking is free, which is always a nice touch. The bad is that there is very little parking nearby, leading to a potentially confusing situation. There is one very small lot in front of the stadium, and it is both usually full and highly susceptible to foul balls. Several cars were plunked with foul balls on the day I visited, much to the delight of the kids in the stands. The better suggestion is to park along the road near the campus golf center. This will result in a considerably longer walk, but will save you both the aggravation of looking for a parking place and the dollars on your comprehensive insurance deductible. If the golf center is not in use after the game, you can walk across the course to return to your car. Keep in mind, however, that the parking is in the grass, so this may be a problem if it starts raining. Davidson is served by Charlotte International Airport (CLT), which is approximately 25 miles southwest of the campus. Interstate 77 is less than 10 minutes away from the campus, serving cities to the north and south of Davidson. US Highway 21 and North Carolina Highways 73, 115 and 150 are also located within minutes. The bathrooms inside the park are reasonably small, but they are adequate to serve the crowds that usually attend Davidson games. The facilities are reasonably clean and appropriately maintained. Return on Investment 5 Davidson offers one of the best perks possible: free admission. No ticket is required. All you need to do is walk through the gate and pick a seat. This alone is enough to provide a tremendous return on investment. Because of the free admission and parking, you can get into the game, get a hot dog and soda and park your car for $3. It seems virtually impossible to see a Division I baseball game, eat and park for $3. You can, however, accomplish all of this in a day at Davidson. Extras 3 Free stat sheets are available in a bin along the front row of the bleachers at Wildcat games. This is not a program, per se, but it does provide you with the statistics of the home and visiting players. This, in conjunction with your smartphone (wi-fi is intermittently available) should give you all the information you require. The walk from your car will likely lead you by the Davidson indoor practice facility. The facility, located down the first base line, features a number of indoor batting cages, and provides plenty of room for Davidson’s players to take some swings between innings or anytime the weather outside prevents them from hitting on the field. The facility is extremely attractive for a school Davidson’s size, and if you can take a glance inside, it is recommended to do so. A dedication plaque rests at the entrance to Wilson Field. This plaque honors T. Henry Wilson, Jr., for whom the field is named. The plaque is mounted atop a brick column, and lists the date of dedication (March 19, 2005). Final Thoughts There are not many of the trappings of some of the so-called “cathedrals” at Wilson Field. The baseball experience is very straightforward, and is almost akin to a throwback when baseball was just baseball, and not dizzy bat races, kiss cams and wacky mascots. For those who like baseball — just baseball — and the warm North Carolina sunshine, Wilson Field is certainly worth a visit.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Indian Wells Tennis Garden 78200 Miles Ave Indian Wells, CA 92210 BNP Paribas Open website Indian Wells Tennis Garden website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 16,100 Playing in the Garden The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is the home to the annual BNP Paribas Open Professional Men's and Women's tennis tournament. Located in Indian Wells, California, about two hours east of Los Angeles, this 54-acre facility plays host to the top ATP and WTA players from around the world for two exciting weeks in March. The BNP Paribas Open is one of the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 and WTA Premier 5 events, one of only three of its kind in the United States along with Miami and Cincinnati. Backed by a small group of tennis and sports enthusiasts, this facility has quickly grown into the incredible event that it is today. The most eye-catching feature, by far, of this beautiful park, is the 16,100-seat Stadium Court 1, which is the second largest tennis specific stadium in the world, second only to Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open. In addition to the impressive capacity of Stadium Court 1, it also features 44 luxury suites, a full media workroom, and the players� locker rooms and restaurant. After Stadium Court 1, there are seven additional smaller temporary stadiums, which host the other tournament matches. Outside of watching tennis, there are a number of other great things to do around the grounds, ranging from eating and drinking, to demoing racquets, to shopping the boutiques, to even getting a free massage. Additionally, this is one of the most fan friendly events in the world with improved seating and visibility around the practice courts and mini soccer field, as well as the new updated digital practice schedule board located right outside of court 3. Food & Beverage 5 If you've never been to a tennis tournament you'll be in for quite a treat as the food offerings are quite different than one would expect at a baseball or football game. If you're expecting concession windows, ice cream carts, and beer guys patrolling the aisles, you may or may not be pleasantly surprised with the incredible variety and quality that is offered at professional tennis tournaments, especially at this one. Not that the typical stadium fare of hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, and nachos won't be found here, it's just that stadium food is taken to a whole new level. Depending on what you're in the mood for, you could have an authentic gyro, a footlong loaded with BBQ beef brisket, pizza, specialty bistro sandwiches, and even fish and chips, just to name a few of the unique food offerings found at the BNP Paribas Open. Once you've found something that tickles your fancy from the food court, find a place to get a refreshment, a little shade, and a spot to eat. There are two large beach-themed Corona bars, and a massive Don Julio bar with plenty of shaded tables and chairs at the center of the food court. If you're looking for a little more elbow room than your seat but don't want to miss a second of the action on the court, grab a couple of adirondack chairs in the Corona Plaza where the top three matches are being shown on the large video boards with stats and scores scrolling across the bottom. Atmosphere 5 As with food and beverage, the atmosphere at professional tennis tournaments is very unique. One moment you can be courtside engrossed in a fantastic third set match biting your fingernails, the next you can be socializing with friends in the food court. There are a number of different atmospheres within the grounds of the tournament depending on the setting. There are numerous massive murals of tennis players and images all around the buzzing and excited grounds. While it is important that you stay quiet while play is going on, don't underestimate the amount of excitement that shows at this big time tournament. Make sure to stake out some first or second row seats for an outer court match, so that you can get the up close and personal feel that is so special about these tournaments where you don't have to have a ticket to the outer courts. Additionally, in the evenings, live music, interviews, player autograph sessions, and trivia are available around the grounds. Neighborhood 5 While there isn't much to do in walking distance of the tournament, there are a ton of wonderful places to eat, drink, and things to do just a short drive away. There are two areas that I recommend, first is El Paseo where there are easily over a hundred places to visit. This upscale shopping and dining area is the perfect place to visit before or after going to the tournament or for a break in the action. There is something here for every budget and taste bud. Don't plan to do much shopping later in the evening as most of the stores close rather early while the restaurants stay open a little later, so shop first, eat second. If you like fresh seafood, make sure to eat at Pacifica. For unique specialty pizza, Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar. And for a steak, you have to go to Mastro's Steakhouse. This is typically the best area for player spotting so keep your eyes peeled for your favorite player getting a bite to eat. Lastly, even if you aren't a big art buff, make sure you stop in at one or two of the many art galleries in the area. If you're willing to drive just a bit further (15-20 minutes), I recommend visiting the North Palm Canyon shopping district. Similar to El Paseo, you will find a number of great shopping and dining options, however the things you will find here won't be nearly as upscale, but much more unique. Be sure to get an omelet for breakfast at Pinocchio in the Desert, have a burger at Hamburger Mary's for lunch, pick up some souvenirs at Just Fabulous, have some authentic chicken parmesan at Kalura Trattoria Italiana or authentic Mexican at Maracas, and get your picture taken with the giant statue of Marilyn Monroe. As you can see, there's a ton to do in the Palm Desert/Palm Springs area, so don't forget to plan an extra day or two just to be a tourist. When you're looking for a hotel, be sure to book early as rooms go fast with only a limited number of resorts available. There are some great options near both entertainment areas mentioned. The top recommendation in Palm Desert which not only has a tremendous tennis facility to get a work out during your stay, but also typically hosts player exhibitions and practice sessions while the tournament is in town, the La Quinta Resort. If you're interested in relaxing more away from the tournament crowds, the Renaissance in Palm Springs is highly recommended with a tremendous pool deck. Fans 5 Tennis fans are some of the best sports fans in the world. It's not uncommon to see fans travel all over the world to follow their favorite players. Since tournaments are played in so many places, it takes a lot of dedication to follow the sport, and tennis fans don't disappoint as they have showed up in record numbers. The 2013 BNP Paribas Open set a new tournament attendance record of 382,227 as well as new single day and night session records on the middle Saturday of the tournament. Access 4 Getting to the tournament from out of town, you have a few options. If traveling by air, the nearest airports available are Palm Springs International Airport (17mi), San Bernardino International Airport (70 mi), Ontario Airport (87mi), and Los Angeles International Airport (139mi). For the experience with the least hassle, Palm Springs International Airport would be the best choice. With shuttles and taxis available to transport you to your nearby hotel, this would be the best route. However, it will be without a doubt the most expensive and probably not the most convenient as far as flight times. If you decide to fly into one of the other airports, rent a car and drive yourself to the tournament. The key to saving yourself the most trouble is to make sure you arrive to the tournament early to avoid the troublesome traffic. With only a couple of roads leading to the tournament site, congestion is extremely likely and time consuming. The next issue is the long walk from the parking areas that is probable in delaying you further from entering the tournament. Parking right next to the tournament grounds in the official general parking is $15 per day. The biggest thing to keep in mind here is just to give yourself extra time to drive to the tournament and get into the grounds, as it can possibly be a long process. If possible, I highly recommend booking one of the nearby hotels, which offer a shuttle to and from the grounds for a much more stress free day. When it comes to the access inside the tournament grounds, it's important to keep in mind that with such large numbers in attendance, it is likely that restrooms will back up and form lines. Like at a basketball game, to beat the halftime restroom crowds, you head for the stands a few minutes before the half, it might be wise to try that strategy here. Also, I recommend avoiding the lines for the restrooms located in Stadium Court 1. Instead, search out the restroom stands located around the grounds. Lastly, it is important to be patient when trying to attend a match in one of the smaller stadium courts around the grounds, especially during a highly touted matchup as crowds will quickly form and congestion at the entrances is possible. Return on Investment 4 As with any professional tennis tournament, it has to be understood that there really aren't too many "economical" options. Plain and simple, it's expensive. Having said this, for the money, a ton of entertainment is provided. In comparison to other sporting events where you get to see the best in the world it is about on par if not a slightly better return on investment. Keeping in mind that a single ticket to any given day session will entitle you to see at least 3 matches and around 7 hours inside the gates, this is far superior to seeing one game of another sport for around the same price. The same concept goes for the food and beverage. While it can be expected that prices will be slightly higher, more variety and better products are also on hand when compared to a more mainstream sporting event. For tickets to the BNP Paribas Open, the cheapest and most convenient options are available directly through the tournament's ticket office. In addition to daily tickets, they also offer different kinds of mini packages for any number of people and days, as well as hotel packages. One of the great perks included in select packages is access to the VIP, air-conditioned, Emirates Club Lounge. Extras 5 This tournament is filled to the brim with extras that tennis fans just aren't used to. The spectacular views from any vantage point of palm trees, desert, and mountains are breathtaking. The official instant replay technology that's available on all eight match courts, the most of any tournament in the world. The unique mini soccer field and adjacent outdoor player-dining patio, perfect for spotting your favorite player having fun off the court. Along with the views outside of the grounds, the beautiful landscaping inside the grounds makes for a wonderful combination for the backdrop to the action on the court. Final Thoughts Top 5 things to make sure you do while at The BNP Paribas Open at The Indian Wells Tennis Garden: Smell the lemon trees Go to the top of the stands to get the best views of the desert Get autographs at the soccer field and practice courts Watch a match in every stadium court for a different atmosphere Shop the boutiques and exhibits Things to keep in mind when attending The BNP Paribas Open: Be sure to pack a small bag to take into the tournament to store your extra long sleeves and long pants since the weather varies and it will undoubtedly get cool in the evenings in the desert (small bags are allowed in the tournament after a brief inspection, of course) Bring a camera and autograph pen (necessities when your favorite player is on the practice courts) Since spring forward occurs during the middle weekend of the tournament, it is wise to attend the evening sessions during the second week (the tournament grounds are so beautiful that you'll want as much daylight as possible to be able to enjoy it)

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium JouCrney Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Stade Roland Garros 2 Avenue Gordon Bennett Paris, France 75016 French Open website Stade Roland Garros website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 28,708 Allez Roland Garros! Bonjour! Roland Garros, also commonly referred to as The French Open, is the second Grand Slam of the tennis calendar year, held during the last week in May and continuing a week into June. It is preceded by the Australian Open in January, and succeeded by Wimbledon just two weeks after the completion of the French, and the final Slam of the year, the US Open in September. The Roland Garros venue features three large individually ticketed stadiums: Court Phillipe Chatrier which holds 15,059, Court Suzanne Lenglen with a capacity of 10,076, and Court 1 or The Bull Ring, with seating for 3,805. Of the four Grand Slams, Roland Garros was the third to be established: Wimbledon in 1877, The US Open in 1881, Roland Garros in 1891, and The Australian Open in 1905. Roland Garros began as The French Open because it was initially reserved only for play of those French players. The tournament officially renamed to Roland Garros and was opened up to players of all nationalities in 1925. The tournament bears the name Roland Garros as a memorial to the French aviator who was shot down in aerial combat in October 1918 at age 30. The current site where the tournament stands today was first built in 1928 to host an important Davis Cup match where the famous French Four Musketeers could handle the large crowds that were expected. Later, only after the previous sites of the tournament outgrew their land, did it relocate to the stadium built for the Davis Cup as it stands at Porte d�Auteuil. The deal set by the Stade Fran�ais was that the seven acres of land would be donated on the condition that it would be named after Roland Garros. In 1928, only five courts stood on this land. Most notably was the small stadium, Centre Court, which would eventually evolve and upgrade to what we see today as Court Phillipe Chatrier. Not until 1975 did the tournament begin to really see growth. As a very small portion of land was acquired, four additional courts were built, and Centre Court underwent its first renovations as offices were added. In 1979, the grounds saw its most noticeable expansions as roughly $6.4 million was invested to enlarge the grandstand around Centre Court, construct Court 1 which would hold a capacity of 4,500 at the time, the construction of three covered underground courts, and expanded to fill 10 acres. In 1984, the venue underwent its second sizable renovation and expansion, with costs estimated around $10.3 million to upgrade player facilities, and build a sound barrier bordering the Avenue de la Porte d�Auteuil. This included the addition of four acres given to the French Federation of Tennis (FFT) by the City of Paris where six new courts would be constructed, and spectator areas around outer courts were improved. By the end of this phase in 1986, the venue consisted of 15 acres and 19 courts. Since 1991 there have been renovations to keep the tournament at the forefront of major tennis tournaments. During that time period, the venue has expanded to 20 courts on about 21 acres, and has upgraded nearly everything along the way including the additions of Susanne Lenglen Court, the small stadiums, Courts 2 and 3. The cost of modernization to the grounds over that time period has totaled nearly $158 million. During the 2013 event, the FFT announced its largest continued modernization plans, which will aim to provide solutions to the biggest problems, identified by the FFT, most notably, adding a retractable roof to Court Phillipe Chatrier to ensure continuous play during inclement weather. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage selection at Roland Garros is very interesting and probably not what most would expect. The most common areas to fill up on food and drinks are the concession stands located all over the grounds, which feature only one similar American stadium type treat, which is the hot dog. Options at the concession stand include: hot dog, dessert, and can of pop for $13.75, ham and cheese sandwich, dessert, and can of pop for $13, and for an additional $7 one can add a salad or an additional hot dog and chips. Believe it or not, this is the most affordable way to eat while at the tournament. In addition to the typical concession stands, there are a number of other specialty concessions and carts around the grounds with a selection of sandwiches, burgers, salads, wraps, coffee, waffles, and one in particular featuring Haagen Dazs ice cream. Additionally, there is a small self-service grocery called L'Epicerie located on the south esplanade of Court Suzanne Lenglen. My biggest food recommendation is the macaron variety pack, pricey, but very tasty! For the more upscale dining experience at Roland Garros, be sure to visit La Brasserie overlooking outer court number 11 and near Gate W. This Mediterranean themed area features three different distinct experiences. The first part is the bar and lounge called The Macarons & Cocktails Bar which is the only public spot inside the grounds where alcohol can be purchased. While this may sound blasphemous as a spots traveler, it's my recommendation to stay away from the beer offered and instead try some of the wine available; after all, it is France! Drinks are definitely pricey and will range from $12-$20. The next part of this area is Le Buffet, but don't be fooled, this is no typical American buffet, everything is a la carte! If you're extra hungry and still want to try the buffet, be sure to load up on the rolls as they're pretty cheap and still filling. If nothing is found appealing in the buffet area either go back the next day as the menu changes daily, or head just next door to the last part of La Brasserie. This part is a sit down gourmet restaurant with waiters and a menu. Obviously, this is the most expensive area on the grounds to eat, but is also the nicest. Overall, the food and beverage selection is a bit disappointing when compared to other events of this magnitude. Atmosphere 5 One of the things that Roland Garros does exceptionally well is creating a wonderful atmosphere. Upon entering the gates, one will consistently be reminded of where they are by the Roland Garros logos and vibrant color scheme apparent all over the grounds and buildings. Retail vendors are out in the walkways yelling and singing as boisterous Parisians. Each day there are different types of entertainment typically found near the Place des Mousquetaires ranging from local musical acts to street performers. In general, the Place des Mousquetaires is certainly a must visit area inside the grounds at the tournament. In addition to being a great place to soak up some of the history of the tournament and the great players of French past, it's also a wonderful area for fans that are interested in watching matches on the video board in which their ticket may not allow them to enjoy firsthand. Similarly to the video boards on the facade of Court Suzanne Lenglen, large groups of people will congregate to gaze at exciting matches, particularly when a French player is involved. Scoreboards, ad displays, and PA announcers inside and around the grounds are all done beautifully and without obstruction. When looking at the seating, while the legroom and absence of cup holders is noticeable to American sports fans, this is not an uncommon practice in European sports or tennis events in general. Neighborhood 4 There's a wonderful little bar and restaurant district just a safe ten minute walk from Gate W. Once exiting the tournament grounds via Gate W, take a right heading East on the Avenue de la Porte d'Auteuil following the crowds which will typically head that direction for post-match indulgences, or for the Metro station. The desired area is called the Place de la Porte d'Auteuil where there are a number of bars and restaurants of all kinds. TSE is an interesting trendy and upscale French take on traditional Thai food. The cuisine is excellent, but is very pricey for small portions. This is a great choice when you're ready to relax after a long day at the tournament and you're looking for a light meal. If a traditional French experience is desired, the Le Beaujolais d'Auteuil is highly recommended. Be sure to request a seat on the patio if it's a nice evening for some of the best people watching in the world. While these are my top two recommendations, there are a dozen great choices within the Place de la Porte d'Auteuil. As with any restaurant you experience during your stay in Paris, it is recommended that you request an English version of the menu as most restaurants do keep these on hand. Lastly, don't be surprised to really shell out the money for dining experiences, especially if you want a drink or two with your meal, as that's really what gouges you. When looking at lodging options, keep in mind that Parisian hotel rooms are very small and typically pretty expensive. If you are content with going that route, there are tons of options all over Paris with convenient access to the tournament from all over the city. The option that I strongly recommend for the more adventurous traveler is to rent an apartment or house depending on the number of travelers accompanying you. In almost every case you'll be able to save a substantial amount of money and get more space by renting as opposed to staying in a hotel. A great resource to keep in mind is a website called Home Away. Paris has some of the most well-known tourist attractions in the world, but there is a ton to see. Be sure to leave a few days to see the sights outside of days planned at the tournament. Attractions that I absolutely recommend include: visiting the Eiffel Tower and views from the Trocadero, visiting the Arc de Triomphe and walking the shops along the Champs de Elysee leading to it, visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, riding a boat tour down the Seine River, visiting the Sacre Coeur Cathedral and walking through the accompanying artisan square, visiting the Louvre and nearby gardens, and countless other museums, gardens, shops, and beautiful architecture. Fans 5 Tennis fans are some of the best fans in the world. Although there are different types of tennis fans, all appreciate and respect the basic rules of being present at live tennis matches. Each sport has times where the crowd is expected to get especially loud or especially quiet. Tennis is unique in that most of the time the crowd is expected to be silent, however, there are exceptions to this rule when there has been a great point played or when there is a native player playing in front of their home crowd. The French crowds take this instance to a much higher level than at most other events. While the US Open crowds have done their best to improve in this aspect in support of their native players, it's nothing in comparison to the French supporters. While I have a tough time understanding French, there is one distinct word that you're forced to learn no matter what language you speak-"Allez!" The French fans have turned a simple word with an English translation of "Go Ahead," into an interjection at any stop in play to will on a player. This phenomenon has gotten so out of hand that it's common that the player on the opposing side of the chants will go on to complain about the French fans' enthusiasm in post-match press conferences. It's also common that while watching matches on TV that one will hear the chants in the background. Access 4 While the access getting to the tournament itself may sound daunting at first, especially for those who may not be very familiar with the French language, don't stress too much, we are here to help. First off, the best airport option when flying into Paris is Charles de Gaulle. The airport is a bit dated and confusing, but it's important that you follow the signs very carefully depending on your next mode of transport. The most inexpensive mode of transport from the airport is by far the Metro system (the underground/above ground subway/train system). If traveling by the Metro, proceed to the airport tram, which will transport you to the RER B line, which is the direct train into the heart of Paris. The one-way ticket into the city will cost approximately $12. From there you will transfer trains depending on where exactly you're headed from the airport. Keep in mind that when purchasing train tickets with an American credit card, you will need to skip the automatic ticket machines and proceed to the ticket window where a representative will assist you (they speak English). If heading to the tournament directly you will exit the RER B train at the St Michel Notre Dame stop, transfer by foot to the Cluny La Sorbonne, and ride line 10 to the Porte d'Auteuil stop. Once above ground it will be easy to follow the crowds or Official Roland Garros logoed footprints on the sidewalks to the front gates. It is important to consult and print the Paris Metro Maps before heading the tournament. If you're interested in other modes of transport to and from the tournament, below is the pertinent info: Car Parking Getting to Roland Garros Once inside the tournament grounds, you will surely feel right at home. Despite there being large crowds that will inevitably form between big matches in the walkways and restrooms, the walkways are large and spacious, and restrooms are clean. For stadium accessibility, handicap guide, first aid, emergency, boutiques, and restaurants, consult the Around the Grounds. One of the many great things about Roland Garros that isn't often found is the cloakroom that is in three different locations around the outside of the venue. The cloakrooms are storage areas that will accept the items that you didn't mean to bring that aren't allowed in. The cloakroom is willing to accept bags as large as an airplane carry on. One last thing to keep in mind about the access to the tournament is the e-ticket system that the tournament utilizes. In an effort to cut down on the amount of black market ticket sales, tickets are reserved using a name at the time of purchase. While the tickets can be transferred to different people in advance, this is a very secure ticketing system. The biggest drawback is the conversion system that takes place at the gate. Each e-ticket needs to be confirmed by the tournament staff by scanning the printed e-ticket, verifying ownership by checking the registered name against your passport (a passport or laminated copy is the only accepted form of ID), and then converting the e-ticket to the entry pass, which is then printed on the spot before entering. Clearly, this process slows the entry procedure, so it's recommended that you plan an extra 15-30 minutes when traveling to the tournament grounds, and absolutely, do not forget your passport or laminated copy. Return on Investment 4 Overall, the return on investment at Roland Garros is good, but not great. When taking into consideration ticket prices, concessions, and souvenirs against the experience, each category is slightly on the expensive side. It's to be expected that an international event such as this would be slightly overpriced, but that doesn't change the fact that it isn't quite worth the total expense. Individual tickets for the 2013 event ranged from $30 to $200 during the two-week period. As the tournament progresses into the later rounds the tickets obviously increase in price. Additionally, separate tickets are sold for each of the three match courts (Court Phillipe Chatrier, Court Suzanne Lenglen, and Court 1), as well as general admission grounds passes, also known as annexes, which only allow access into the grounds and first come first serve seating for courts 2 through 18. Court Phillipe Chatrier gets the highest ranked players, followed by Court Suzanne Lenglen, followed by Court 1, thus making these the most expensive ticket choices. These are my recommendations over the grounds passes due to the large number of grounds passes sold and the limited space available. Please note that the prices listed above are face value and are typically only purchased for those prices well in advance and through the Official Roland Garros Ticket Distribution. If you are planning your trip to Roland Garros a little later and the opportunity to buy tickets through the tournament directly has passed, I recommend getting tickets through Vivid Seats. Extras 5 Roland Garros fully deserves full marks when it comes to extras as the tournament goes above and beyond to satisfy international tennis fans. Let's start with the RG lab featuring free access to the Babolab, where the Official Stringers are located, a special History of Lacoste exhibit, and games and activities for kids. Just as the city of Paris has unbelievable architecture, the tournament has found a way to stay up to date while keeping its beautiful historical feel. Final Thoughts Top 5 things to make sure you do while at The French Open: Visit the Place des Mousquetaires to see the statues Watch a match in as many outer courts as possible for different experiences and atmospheres Get drinks and a meal at La Brasserie above court 11 Watch a match on the big video boards just outside of Court Suzanne Lenglen Shop and visit the boutiques and exhibits, especially the RG Lab Things to keep in mind when attending The French Open: Pack a small bag to take into the tournament to store your extra long sleeves, long pants, and small retractable umbrella since the weather varies (small bags are allowed in the tournament after a brief inspection, of course) Bring a camera and autograph pen (necessities when your favorite player is on the practice courts) Overall, Roland Garros is a pricey endeavor. However, for a sports fan, it's certainly one of the best experiences in the world. Planning this trip is not to be taken lightly as it can be a little tricky with the language barrier and the hiccups along the way, but if you take some of our recommendations, you'll be well on your way to a wonderful trip. Au revoir!

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Atlantic Station 1380 Atlantic Dr NW Atlanta, GA 30363 Atlanta Open website Atlantic Station website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 3,728 Tennis in Atlanta The Atlanta Open is one of 41 ATP World Tour Level 250 Men’s Professional Tennis Tournaments. Held in mid-July, it is the first stop on the American hard court swing for the men’s ATP Tour. It’s also the first event on the Emirates Airlines US Open Series (EAUSOS) calendar leading up to the US Open in New York City in September. Other events superseding the Atlanta Open on the EAUSOS calendar include the Western & Southern Open, and the Winston-Salem Open. Though the tournament has long roots in the city of Atlanta, it’s only been played in its current condition since 2010 when the tournament was purchased by the USTA Southern from Indianapolis, where the failing RCA Championships tournament was held for a number of years. Since the start of the Atlanta Open in 2010, the tournament has been held at three different locations including The Racquet Club of the South, The Atlanta Athletic Club, and now, where the tournament is guaranteed to be held at least until 2016, Atlantic Station. Atlantic Station is an outdoor entertainment district chock-full of great shopping, bars, restaurants, and activities for all ages. The tournament facilities have been uniquely nestled right above the parking garages next to the shopping areas. The facility includes a total of six Deco-Turf hard courts, three of which are official match courts, and the other three are used for practice. Stadium Court is the largest and typically features the highest ranked players; it holds a total of 3,728, including 10 hospitality suites. The other two match courts: The AJC Grandstand Court, and Court 1, have a nice bank of bleacher seating and have a much cozier, up-close feel. Tickets purchased for the tournament ensure a seat in Stadium Court, and all other areas of the tournament, which are general admission, first come, and first served. Food & Beverage 4 One of the unique things about going to tennis tournaments is the food court that is created. Instead of being forced to risk getting food all over your shirt in the seats, you have the option at tennis tournaments to enjoy your food without missing any of the action on the big video board provided. This option is no different in Atlanta as there is a wonderful little food court available with some great culinary options. Let's start with the drinks, as with all of the tournament stops on the ATP World Tour calendar, it's ensured that you will have the choice to enjoy a Corona or Modelo product, as they are the official beer partners of the ATP Tour. The beauty of it though, is the amount of perks that come with it: the delightful signature Corona beach house bar, the number of Corona beer carts and stands, the Corona Adirondack chairs and misting stations, and the Corona corn hole and table tennis areas. Corona surely goes all out to make it a great overall experience. A refreshing can of Corona or Modelo with lime is $5, Clos du Bois wine by the glass for $7.50, Coke products and water are available for $3, and if you're really looking to have fun, the Svedka bar serves vodka drinks that come in small buckets (see pictures) for $12 and come with a spin on their prize wheel. This is my recommendation, but pace yourself as it gets hot and one or two can catch up to you quickly. Cheers! Once you've found a drink that tickles your fancy, make your way over to the concession stand, which offers a great variety for most any taste or diet. Warning: This is not your typical stadium concession. Options include a shrimp po-boy basket, chicken Caésar salad wrap, smoked chicken salad wrap, smoked turkey club sandwich, BBQ pulled pork/chicken sandwich, chicken tender basket, BBQ pork nachos, and of course what would a concession stand be without a hot dog, cheeseburger, and French fries? Each of the dishes mentioned come as a combo including a side of fries or chips, and a signature southern sweet tea ranging from $10-$12. Additionally, the concession stand offers a very unique dessert, the homemade chocolate peanut butter trifle ($5) which is to die for. While there may only be a handful of bars and one concession stand on site, there are plenty of quality options to keep you satisfied even if you attend the tournament on numerous days. Atmosphere 4 The Atlanta Open may be a young tournament at a fairly new location, but they have done a fantastic job creating a fun and exciting tennis atmosphere. The buildings all around Atlantic Station have banners, signs, and images of players to really create that excitement when approaching the tournament site, as well as once you are inside the grounds. Additionally, the sponsors have done a fantastic job in aiding to the overall atmosphere, namely Corona, Lexus, and the USTA Southern with their displays and activities including miniature court tennis for kids and "big" kids, video games, photo booth, and prize giveaways. No matter what your age, you'll surely leave with a few goodies to add to your collection. Generally, when considering where to sit within a tennis stadium, I always recommend corner seating, if it fits in your budget of course. There's nothing worse than a long day of moving your head back and forth tracking the ball if you're seated at center court. I also think that for pure tennis fans and critics, that seating behind the baseline, also considered end zone seating, is one of the best places to really see points develop and learn about the movement of players and shot placement. My recommendation is to sit in one of the sections between 108-112 as those sections are in the northeast corner, and not only have the best view of the court, but also of the Atlanta skyline in the background. Keep in mind that your ticket to Stadium Court also entitles you to access all other courts of the tournament including the practice courts which are on the other side of Atlantic Station. Generally, the seats are comfortable, until the finals weekend approaches and the stands become more crowded which make the seats feel tighter. The majority of the stadium seats are bleachers with built in seat backs, which do provide some amount of reserved real estate, but they still get a little squished when the crowds pack in. The first two rows from the court are the Lexus Inner Circle seats, which are padded and are the most expensive seats besides the suites. These seats also entitle you access to the exclusive Lexus VIP lounge which is a great amenity, especially on hot or rainy days or when you just need to get away from the action for a few minutes. Neighborhood 5 One of the fantastic things about the tournament being located in an outdoor restaurant and shopping district is the proximity to entertainment outside of the sporting event itself. Fans, players, and tournament and tour representatives all seem to agree that time spent outside of the tournament is well spent around Atlantic Station. Be sure to visit either Yard House or Rosa Mexicano for dinner and drinks after the matches. The best place to stay is the Twelve Hotel located within walking distance of Atlantic Station. All walking around Atlantic Station is very safe and secure. Within a short drive or MARTA train ride you can visit the World of Coca-Cola or visit the beautiful Centennial Olympic Park, the site of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games. Fans 5 While the general sports fans of Atlanta get a lot of criticism for not being as loyal or diehard as other large market sports cities, it couldn't be more opposite when it comes to tennis. The tennis community in Atlanta loves this sport and it shows with the fan turnout. The United States Tennis Association has reported that over a quarter of all of their membership is based in the USTA Southern region. That stat makes it very clear why the tournament is able to receive the amount of support that it does. International players beware, as it can be very hard to play against one of the many Americans in the tournament each year with the amount of fan following that they receive. Just look at who's won the championship in each of the first four years, all Americans! Atlanta tennis fans are a very knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming group of people who unconditionally love tennis. I was even lucky enough to be a part of the wave during my visit in 2013! Access 4 Overall, The Atlanta Open tournament has pretty good access, but not without a few abstract speed bumps along the way. The first being traffic, as at any time of the day it seems to be an issue around downtown Atlanta. It is smart to factor in some extra time when traveling to the tournament by car. The tournament is located right off of I-75/I-85, and parking is just a couple of blocks off of the exit. Signs will direct you to your designated lot, but it may be wise to familiarize yourself with the tournament directions and parking ahead of time. If traveling to Atlanta by air, you will want to plan your trip through Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, which is one of the largest in the world. Another great mode of transportation option to get to the tournament is MARTA, the public transit system of Atlanta. Depending on where you are coming from, transfer to either the Red or Yellow line, exit at the "Arts Center" stop, and board the tournament shuttle which takes you directly to Atlantic Station. While there is a cost to MARTA and the shuttle, it may be well worth it when compared to gas prices and the traffic situation. Be sure to consult the MARTA Map. Once you have arrived at Atlantic Station you will find the grounds to be very pleasant and easily accessible. Restrooms are located on the west side of Stadium Court in temporary buildings and as expected get very crowded between matches, so it is recommended to visit them on changeovers before the matches are over if your bladder permits. The tournament is handicap accessible, with the designated elevator and seating located at the top of the west stands. Return on Investment 5 When taking everything into consideration, this tournament ensures fans a great bang for their buck. Bearing in mind that the tournament annually plays host to multiple top 30 players in the world, and that the prices for this experience are relatively low in all categories (tickets, concessions, souvenirs, and parking). While tickets do have a very wide range in pricing, it is possible to get in the gates for under $10 during certain sessions. As with all tournaments, the prices gradually increase as the tournament continues on towards the championships. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time, or on the day of at the box office. Extras 3 The Atlanta Open definitely deserves a few extra credit points. Certainly the most important extra point is given due to the fantastic location at Atlantic Station. Not enough praise can be given for the great setting that the area provides for the tournament. Other extraordinary aspects of the tournament include outstanding customer service by representatives located around the grounds, tremendous sightlines, and the wonderful stadium, as most tournaments at this level aren't nearly as nice. Final Thoughts While the Atlanta Open may not be an international tennis destination such as the Grand Slams, it's without a doubt a wonderful little tennis getaway with brilliant on-court action, tasty food and drinks, a relaxed but exciting atmosphere, with a ton of friendly and welcoming people. Top 5 things to make sure you do while at the Atlanta Open at Atlantic Station: • Visit the exhibits around Atlantic Station including the USTA Family Zone • Go to the top of the stands to get the best views of the stadium court and the city in the backdrop • Get autographs after the matches and at the practice courts • Watch a match in each stadium court for a different atmosphere Things to keep in mind when attending the Atlanta Open: • Be sure to pack a small bag to take into the tournament to store your extra-long sleeves, sunscreen (aerosol sunscreen cans are prohibited), and hat since the weather varies (small bags are allowed in the tournament after a brief inspection, of course) • Bring a camera and autograph pen (necessities when your favorite player is on the practice courts)

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Autodromo del Mugello Via Senni, 15 Scarperia, Tuscany 50038 Italy Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix website Autodromo del Mugello website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 45,000 Italy’s Most Famous Non-F1 Race Track The Mugello International Circuit is located in the town of Scarperia. It owes its name, “Mugello,” to the geographical area where it is located, which is a green valley in the northeast of Florence near the Apennines, the mountain range that separates Tuscany from Emilia Romagna. While road racing had been around the public streets of Mugello for over 60 years, the construction of the racing-specific track began in 1972. Two years later, on June 23, 1974, it was inaugurated with a Formula 5000 race. First managed by Automobilclub of Florence, the Mugello International Circuit has been owned by Ferrari since 1988. In May 2012, the facility has hosted the group test in Formula 1 — the teams that took to the track were Ferrari, Lotus, McLaren, Williams, Mercedes, Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Force India, Sauber, Caterham and Marussia — and it is home every year between June and July, to the Italian Grand Prix for the Moto World Championship. It was also twice the finishing stage of the Giro d’Italia cycling race. Outside of racing, over the years, its buildings have hosted conferences, university lectures, and other events. The Mugello International Circuit has received the “Best Prix” Award as the best circuit in the Moto World Championship five times. (All price equivalents are in U.S. dollars and accurate as of the time of this posting, July 2013.) Food & Beverage 3 We visited the Mugello International Circuit at the ACI/CSAI racing weekend on 6 and 7 July 2013. Before arriving at the circuit, we stopped in the center of Scarperia for breakfast: frothy cappuccino and croissant with cream for a total cost of €2 ($2.60). Once we arrived at the circuit, we had a cup of coffee at the restaurant located at the paddock’s entrance (€0.80, $1). We decided to return to the same refreshment point for lunch. We ate a small pizza and a bottle of water (0.5 liters) for a total cost of €5 ($6.60). The menu also offers sweet and salted snacks, various types of sandwiches, and ice cream. Also, if your tastes require it, there are some well-marked areas for barbecue. Atmosphere 5 The track of Mugello International Circuit extends for 5.245 meters and is situated 292 meters above sea level. The circuit features 15 curves, with 9 to the right (their names, in order: San Donato, Poggio Secco, Borgo San Lorenzo Casanova, Arrabbiata 1 and Arrabbiata 2, Scarperia, Correntaio, Biondetti 2), and 6 to the left (Luco, Materassi, Savelli Palagio, Biondetti 1, Bucine). Cars and motorcycles reach a top speed in the final stretch of the main straight before taking the San Donato curve. The roar of the cars that echo in the hills around the plant is an indescribable feeling and really exciting. Neighbourhood 4 The town of Scarperia dates from the 14th century. In the city, you can visit the Palazzo dei Vicari, a building similar in appearance to the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, inside of which is the Museum of Cutting Tools. Other buildings in the old town of Scarperia are the Church of Santi Jacopo and Filippo and the Oratorio della Madonna di Piazza. These two buildings date back to the first decades of the 14th century. In addition, during the year, Scarperia is home to some culinary festivals which are worth attending. For example, there is Sagra del Cinghiale (cinghiale is a wild boar), Sagra del Tortello (tortello is a large ravioli), and Sagra del Fungo Porcino (porcino is a mushroom). About 10 km from Scarperia is Lago di Bilancino. It is an artificial basin of about 5,000 square meters that includes various activities, from fishing to windsurfing. Fans 4 When we visited the circuit, there wasn’t the audience that crowded the facility during the Italian Grand Prix (record about 150,000 viewers), but the spectators present were competent and passionate. We spoke to some of them who told us the history of the facility and some curious aspects relating to races of the past. Access 4 Reaching the Mugello International Circuit is really easy. By car, use the A1 motorway and exit at Barberino di Mugello, then just follow the road signs. From the motorway exit, you have to drive about 15 km to the facility. By train, it can be accessed by either the Borgo San Lorenzo (about 5 km away from the track) or San Piero a Sieve (around 7 km away) stations. During the Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix, a free shuttle bus service will take you from either station, while during the rest of the year, you can still get to the circuit from Borgo San Lorenzo and San Piero a Sieve with regularly-scheduled public buses. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices at the ACI/CSAI racing weekend ranged from €5 to €15 ($6.60 to $19.80) and gave the opportunity to attend the “Prato,” “Tribuna Centrale” (the Main Grandstand), and “Terrazza Box” areas of the track. Also, for those under 18, women, and residents of the town of Scarperia, access was free. Please note that the entrance fee includes allowing you to park your cars and motorcycles inside the track, just behind the paddock. Extras 4 The Mugello International Circuit is open for 270 days a year (2013 calendar runs from March to November) and offers the ability to run on the track with private cars and motorcycles. On the circuit’s website, in the Events section, there is all the information you need to feel the emotion of being race car drivers for a day. Racing training is available for both cars and motorcycles, with the track offering to time your lap for you. Within the facility, there is also a kart and minibike circuit. As we can read on the website of the circuit, in the News section, Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso once said on Twitter, “I would love to race at Mugello. I know the track well, and it has everything you need, in every respect, to be part of the calendar.”

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Palais des Sports Leopold Drolet 360 Rue Cegep Sherbrooke, QC J1E 2J9 Sherbrooke Phoenix website Palais des Sports Leopold Drolet website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 3,646 Renaetre de ses Cendres des Castors In 2012 the Phoenix rose once again. The folding of the Lewiston Maineiacs brought the opportunity for expansion once again in the QMJHL, and a return to the Quebec town of Sherbrooke. Famous for being the home of the Sher-Wood hockey stick company, Sherbrooke had a few opportunities in the QMJHL on previous occasions. Ironically enough, the Sherbrooke Castors left Quebec for the greener pastures of Lewiston, Maine. The original Castors were founded in 1969, and left Sherbrooke in 1982 and would eventually become the Rimouski Oceanic. The Castors would return to Sherbrooke in 1998, coming from Trois-Rivieres, and making that stop in Lewiston before finally rising back in Sherbrooke. The group that brought hockey back to Sherbrooke was led by former NHL goaltender, and former Sherbrooke Faucon, Jocelyn Thibault. However, the new Phoenix would not be satisfied to play in the old Palais des Sports. The City of Sherbrooke and Government of Quebec agreed to a huge renovation of the Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet. This old arena, named after the founder of Sher-Wood, is now one of the model arenas in the QMJHL, and an example of what can be done to modernize an aging arena. New paint gave a fresh face to the arena, and new luxury boxes gave a fresh source of revenue. In the end, what is exciting to see is that, in what may be the final opportunity for junior hockey in Sherbrooke, the fans have realized what they have been missing, and embraced the Phoenix with open arms, showing their support. Food & Beverage 4 Concession options were not too bad, but if you speak only English you will have to manage through the menu which was in French. You will find what you would expect plus a few Quebec staples. Beer is sold in tall-boys and sell for $5.50. They are actually sold in the stands, a la baseball, which was a bit of a surprise. There are four main concession stands; one in each corner of the concourse. Two feature fries, poutine, onion rings and other fried offerings, and the other two feature salads and sandwiches. Subs and smoked meat are on the menu, as well as maple butter. The prices are not too bad, and are what you would expect from a junior hockey venue. The local flavour gives the concessions a bit of a bump up, and you will be satisfied if you choose to eat at the game. Atmosphere 4 As mentioned above, the Palais des Sports is an older arena that has undergone a significant renovation. The Palais is part of a greater sporting complex that is on the campus of Cegep de Sherbrooke, a kind of junior college that is part of the Quebec education system. Upon arriving at the Palais, there is nothing that will blow you away about the exterior. It is a pretty plain building, that has been decorated with some photo murals in the windows that make it a bit more homey for the Phoenix. There is a small monument outside dedicated to local speed skater Sylvie Daigle, who earned medals in the Albertville and Lillehammer Winter Olympics. Stepping inside, there is a small atrium which offers access to the ticket office (Billetterie) and the team store. There is also some local team decor, which makes it feel a little better for the home team. In the seating bowl, the concourses travelling around the arena are above the seating bowl, similar to many other arenas in junior hockey, and the opportunity for standing room is available at the ends as well. Both sides are lined with luxury boxes, and the concourses travel behind them, with access to the seats available through small doorways. The seats themselves are a bit of a disappointment. They are the classic wooden seats, that have been given a wonderful Phoenix-navy blue paint job, but the novelty of sitting in the wooden seats wears off after a while, right around the time your butt goes numb. Other key additions to the Palais are the crystal clear video board at centre ice and the ribbon boards on either side of the arena. There is also a traditional scoreboard at one end of the arena. The videoboard does not boast a scoreboard attached to it, so another traditional scoreboard may be on the menu for future developments. They do use graphics on the board to show the score and time among other things, but the traditional board is far better for this. The ceilings in the Palais are low, so a larger videoboard, with a scoreboard attached is probably not an option. The in-game production is fairly strong, and that is obvious from the participation of the crowd. Music is a mix of modern pop/rock and traditional hockey organ music. The PA announcer, although speaking far more in French than English, gets a great reaction from the crowd. There are a group of young people who act as cheerleaders on ice-level and get the crowd involved, as well as the in-game emcee, who is far less annoying than in many cases. They all travel with Onyx, the Phoenix mascot, who does a great job engaging the crowd. Overall, whether you are English-speaking or French-speaking, you will enjoy the game in Sherbrooke, even if it is a blowout (as was the game for this review). You may even want to step out of your comfort zone and buy a Moitie-Moitie billet (50-50 ticket). The one thing that was really missing, was any sort of recognition of the past Sherbrooke hockey teams. There were no banners or recognized players that I could find. The Castors did have some success as they made it to the Memorial Cup in 1982. Neighborhood 3 Being part of a larger sporting complex, the neighbourhood surrounding the Palais does not immediately jump out with numerous options for pre or post game meals. If you head down to Rue King, you may find a couple of options. Mike’s Restaurants are an Italian chain in Quebec that you may want to try, or possibly you could try Louis’ Luncheonette, which has a reputation for great poutine. What pumps up the neighbourhood mark is that there are some decent ski destinations in this region. You may want to add a Phoenix game to a little recreational skiing if you are in this region of Quebec. Fans 5 During the 2013 season, the Phoenix welcomed over 108,000 fans to the Palais for hockey. This was a record for an expansion team in Quebec, which is impressive considering that the capacity for the Palais is not very high, under 4,000. At this particular game, the Phoenix welcomed 3,800 patrons to the Palais. What jumps out about the Sherbrooke fans is that they are loud! When gameplay is on, the fans treat the game with intensity, focusing on the play. However, between plays and at key moments, the noise level in the Palais is really high! What makes the Phoenix a feel-good story in the QMJHL is that the fans seem to understand what they have lost in the past, and both the Sherbrooke fans and the management of the Phoenix are not going to let another team leave Sherbrooke. Access 3 Getting to the Palais is not that difficult. Not being a huge city, navigating to the Palais from the Autoroute in Sherbrooke is no problem. There is plenty of parking in the general vicinity, around the complex, and there is no charge for it. If public transit is your option, there are a number of bus stops just outside of the doors of the Palais. Inside the Palais is where the building shows its age. Getting around the concourses can be a real problem. The atrium was not that full, but the weather was beautiful. On a cold day, before the game, the atrium is more than likely packed. Also, people tend to stand and visit in the concourses, which makes travel even more difficult. The washrooms are below the seating bowl, and are not easily accessible. Return on Investment 5 Tickets in the QMJHL are a fantastic value. Adult tickets for the Phoenix go for $16, while children’s tickets go for a ridiculous $6! You get a high quality product for an excellent entry fee, in a great atmosphere with fantastic fans. Add to that, free parking and some decent concession prices, and the opportunity for an outing with the family for a good price is not to be missed. Extras 4 Two extra marks for the pre-game ceremony. Being the final game of the 2013 regular season, the Phoenix put on a great show for those players who would be “graduating” from the QMJHL as over-age players. It could be considered like a senior day at a university sporting event. A great job by the Phoenix, who not only honoured each player individually, but also put together a short video highlight reel for each player. An extra mark for the first intermission entertainment, which was a lovely young lady who did an amazing rendition of “Skyfall.” An extra mark for the fans of Sherbrooke who have embraced the Phoenix, and are making sure they have a long future in Sherbrooke. Final Thoughts We are in an era where teams are beginning to return to markets that had previously lost them. We have seen examples in the Winnipeg Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and most recently, the Sherbrooke Phoenix. This will continue in the future as Ottawa will receive a new CFL team, and the North Bay Battalion will begin playing in the OHL. In all cases, what is most important, is that the fans embrace the team, and create a situation where the fans make it almost impossible for the new team to leave. This is what is happening in Sherbrooke, where the Phoenix have risen from the ashes of the Castors. If you have the opportunity, a trip to Sherbrooke will not be disappointing, and watching the Phoenix rise again will bring you to your feet! Follow Dave’s sporting adventures on twitter @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Colisee Desjardins 400 Boul Jutras Est Victoriaville, QC G6P 3Z4 Victoriaville Tigres website Colisee Desjardins website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 3,420 Ils Ont le Tigre Par la Queue The Victoriaville Tigres are one of those stalwart franchises of the QMJHL. They have been a part of the league since 1987, when they moved from the Montreal suburb of Longueuil, to the city known for producing the famous Victoriaville hockey sticks. The Tigres have gone on to see some success in the QMJHL, winning the President’s Cup in 2002 and making an appearance in the Memorial Cup. The Tigres have also produced a number of solid NHL hockey players including Mathieu Garon, Stephane Fiset, and Matthew Barnaby. Perhaps the most famous Tigre is also one of the biggest busts in NHL history, Alexandre Daigle, who was drafted first overall by the Ottawa Senators. The Tigres play in the city owned Colisee Desjardins, an older arena which has had a few upgrades over the years. The inner arena is named the Amphitheatre Gilbert-Perreault, after the legendary, Victoriaville native, captain of the Buffalo Sabres. The Quebec bank, Desjardins, purchased the naming rights to the entire building. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few main concession stands in the upper walkway. They serve pretty much what you would expect at a snack bar in Quebec. The added French staples of poutine and Montreal smoked meat are available here, which may be common for Quebec arenas, but not others. Budweiser and Molson Canadian are available for $4.50 for a regular sized can. Coca-Cola products are the soda of choice in Victoriaville. The concession prices are not too bad, and are what you would expect from a junior hockey venue. Atmosphere 3 The Colisee Desjardins is an older arena, built in the early 1980’s. It lacks the natural light and large concourses that seem to be staples in newer buildings. Upon approaching the Colisee, you will notice that it is a pretty nondescript building, featuring siding on the exterior. There is not much of an atrium inside, but there is a bit of a waiting area you may choose to wait in before going into the Amphitheatre, either upstairs or downstairs. Inside the Amphitheatre, you will notice that there have been some upgrades to the arena over time. The seating area is a single bowl, with walkways above the seats. Three-quarters of the walkways have luxury boxes hanging above them. The seats have been updated in the entire arena, and no longer are the wooden seats featured in the Amphitheatre. They have been replaced by plastic seats. The seats are more comfortable than the wooden ones, but are narrower than you would expect. Chairs are black, with some select yellow seats in certain sections that spell Tigres. Above the walkways on the north and south there are very small videoboards. It is a bit challenging to use the videoboard when it is in a non-traditional spot. The low ceilings of the Colisee make this probably the best option though. There is a simple scoreboard above the ice surface. The east end of the arena features a small team store to buy Tigres merchandise. Just left of that you will find the Tigres’ honoured players and the championship banners. These are posted on the wall of the walkway, instead of hanging over the arena. Featured players include P.J. Stock, Mathieu Garon, Stephane Fiset, Reggie Savage, Carl Mallette, Matthew Lombardi, and Yves Racine. It is a little surprising that Alexandre Daigle is not among this group. There are also banners for the 2002 President’s Cup and a couple of division banners as well as a montage of team pictures. The in-game presentation is simple yet effective. There is a mix of music including modern, modern-French, and traditional organ. They make a big deal every time the Tigres head to the ice, even for warm-ups. The emcee does a decent job and the mascot shows great enthusiasm and gets the kids involved. Neighborhood 3 Located on Boul Jutras E, the Colisee Desjardins is pretty easy to get to. There is plenty of parking, especially with the mall across the street. There are a couple of options for before and after the game. You could give Valentine a try, which is a French fast food chain, or if you are looking for something more original, you could try Restaurant Plus. Fans 3 Attendance for the Tigres ends up averaging between 2,500 and 3,200 per game. This average puts the Tigres smack dab in the middle of the QMJHL. The fans in Victoriaville are a bit more subdued and quiet for Quebecois fans, but they are hearty and follow their team with more than a passing interest. It was extremely disappointing, however, to hear and see hundreds of fans engaging in conversations during the national anthems. Definitely a lack of respect. Access 2 Getting to the Colisee is not too difficult as it is located on Boul. Jutras E. As mentioned above, there is some free parking in the complex, and there is a mall across the street. Getting in and out of the area is not the problem. The problem is getting around once you are inside the Colisee. The walkways are very small and crowded. Many people enjoy the standing room behind the seating area, which further complicates manoeuvring around the arena. Outside of the Amphitheatre, there is little in the way of space as well. The washroom facilities inside the Amphitheatre are less than adequate, with washrooms so small that you can see inside from the walkway. Add to this that the team store and concessions are in that same general area, and you will find it more than just a minor challenge to get around during intermission. Return on Investment 5 In general, QMJHL hockey offers the best value for your dollar anywhere, and Victoriaville is no different. Adult tickets go for $15 each, and children are a mere $8. It appears to be a common theme in the QMJHL that the children are key, and they should be targeted. A great family environment is provided. Concession prices are reasonable, and parking should be free, so you are in for a great day of great hockey for a price that will not break the bank. Extras 3 An extra mark for the display of local favourite Gilbert Perreault outside of the Amphitheatre. An extra mark for the original idea of naming the sections after other local heroes. Section 4 is named after Jean Beliveau and Section 2 is named after Gilles Marotte. An extra mark for the old school quarter vending machines, which were once found in every minor hockey rink in every town, and are still prevalent in Victoriaville. Final Thoughts Travelling through Quebec can be a bit intimidating for any Anglophone, especially in the smaller cities, away from the tourist areas of Montreal and Quebec City. However, stadium travellers should attempt to see real grassroots hockey the way it was meant to be seen in Quebec. The passion is there, and the price is right. This is as applicable in Victoriaville as anywhere else in La belle province. In Victoriaville, they have the tiger by the tail, and the Tigres will put on a show for you! Follow Dave’s sporting journeys on Twitter @profan9.

Photos by Drew Cieszynski Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Earl E. Wilson Stadium Swenson St Paradise, NV 89154 UNLV Rebels website Earl E. Wilson Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 3,000 Hustlin’ Rebels Many programs claim to play baseball in paradise, but only one can claim it in a literal sense. With Paradise, NV being home to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels, this is one ballpark that fans from all over the country will gladly travel to. The Rebels home field is known as Earl E. Wilson Stadium, named for Hazel and Earl Wilson. The Wilson estate donated $6.5 million to the University, $1.2 of which was used for the construction of the baseball stadium. Beyond just location, the facility is easily one of the most reputable in college baseball. Able to accommodate 3,000 fans, this venue has experienced a rather consistent stream of improvements every few years. The program started the Hustlin’ Rebel tradition in 1973, playing at Rebel Field. Later, in 1980, it was renamed Roger Barnson Field for the University’s previous Athletic Director. In 1993, construction of the current stadium began on the site of the previous stadium. When it was dedicated in January of 1994 as Earl E. Wilson Stadium, it was decided that the Roger Barnson namesake would remain on the field. Food & Beverage 2 If fans have any stomach room left after the all-you-can-eat buffets on the strip, they will find a single concession stand behind home plate. Fans should note, however, the concession stand is cash only. The food options are limited to pretzels ($3), popcorn ($2), nachos ($3), Rebel Dog ($4), caterpillars or gummy bears candy ($3), Twizzlers ($6 – not a typo), sunflower seeds ($2), or a sliders and chips combo ($6). The beverage options include bottled water ($3), Powerade ($3), and bottled Coke or Sprite soda ($3). Being one of the few schools to offer alcohol options on campus, fans can get Bud, Coors, or Miller beers for $6, coffee or hot chocolate with Bailey’s Irish Cream for $5, and lastly wine for $6. Atmosphere 3 Attending a Rebels game while in Las Vegas is a great change of pace from the strip or even downtown. The stadium is indeed a beautiful one and while you can see the towering hotels in the distance, there are not a lot of diversions detracting from the game at hand. The public address announcer is easily one of the best in the Southwest United States and gives the venue a major-league feel. Neighborhood 5 If you’ve never visited the campus of UNLV, you would be surprised by its proximity to the strip. Before or after the game, fans have access to some of the best entertainment and food options in the world. Lodging is never an issue as there are likely more hotel rooms within a 10-minute radius than at any other venue in the world. Of course, not every fan wants to deal with the intensity of the strip, so there are many more low-key options in the immediate area. Roy’s Hawaiian, Buca di Beppo for Italian, the Hoffbrau House, Capriotti’s Subs, Red Lobster, Origin India Restaurant, Johnny Rockets, and Kaizen Fusion Roll & Sushi are all just minutes away. Fans 3 The turnout of the fan base was a bit surprising considering the success of the program, but the school was on spring break during the game, so many students may have been away. There appeared to be many locals at the game who would have little or no interest in the nearby entertainment and simply were there to cheer on the home team, as they do every game. Earl E Wilson certainly draws more opposing fans than any other venue due to the nearby entertainment options and marketing of the city. This can create some interesting atmospheres with the bantering among fans. Access 5 Access is possibly the best feature of this stadium. During the game, many airplanes will fly overhead as the venue is just minutes from the airport. If fans are driving rather than flying, the campus is just moments off of the 15 freeway. Lastly, if fans are staying on the strip, it is even feasible to walk to the venue. Parking is available just outside the main gate, but spots do appear to be limited. There does not seem to be an attendant on hand, so my parking was free on game day, although I would caution that vehicles do require the hourly permit during school hours. Once inside the stadium, you’ll notice a rather spacious concourse and easy-to-find restrooms. There are two restrooms per gender, all located behind the main grandstand. In the men’s room, fans are greeted by a sea of red paint and have six stations for use. The seating area has mostly fold-down seats, rather spacious, but lacking cup holders. There are some bleacher seats a bit higher, but with a capacity of 3,000, they are seldom used. Return on Investment 5 With many items in Las Vegas at exorbitant prices, this is easily one of the best entertainment values. Fans get to witness one of the best stadiums in college baseball, one of the more successful programs in the sport, and often gorgeous weather for reasonable prices. A regular ticket is a mere $8, with seniors at $6, kids admitted for free, and a “Student Buddy” for just $4. Even more impressive is that creative promotions are often offered to save fans even more. Some of the promotions that I took note of included “wear green on St. Patrick’s day” or bring your NCAA conference tournament stub for half-price tickets. Extras 5 While many of the extras are not immediately apparent upon walking through the gates, Earl E. Wilson does have many extra touches that enhance the experience. First are the many benches both outside and inside of the stadium. Not just everyday benches, some are made of granite and other materials to memorialize those that have contributed to the program. Benches for Charles & Selma Knauss are found outside of the stadium, while inside both James A Kelly and Blair L. Woofter are honored. Unfortunately, not everyone is rather engaged in a baseball contest. Whether consciously or not, during the design of the stadium a large grass area was placed along the third base side. During the game, many children were taking advantage of this area for their imaginative sports. Upon entering the stadium, the plaza that greets fans has a large flowerbed that spells “UNLV” as well as a plaque honoring Earl E. Wilson. The prominent red facade of the stadium reinforces the school colors and once fans get to the top of the plaza steps, they’ll find the starting lineup for the Rebels displayed prominently. The retired numbers from the programs are found on the large 12-foot outfield wall. The players immortalized in Rebel baseball include Ryan Ludwick (18), Matt Williams (15), and coach Fred Dallimore (13). The UNLV bullpen is both elevated to see the playing field and shaded from the hot sun. The opposing bullpen is simply an aluminum bench. Nothing more needs to be said except “home-field advantage.” Lastly, the “335 Club” needs to be mentioned. Named for their position beyond the 335-foot marker of the outfield wall, this section is reserved for the most passionate Rebel fans. These fans seem to start tailgating hours before the game, are always spotted in red, and have an exclusive view of the playing field. Final Thoughts Baseball fans cannot deny Earl E. Wilson Stadium as one of the best in the sport. There is probably no venue that can compete in the slightest in the “Neighborhood” category with significant points in the Access, ROI, and Extras categories. A few of the changes I would love to see at the ballpark include cup holders on the seats, additional concession options and the acceptance of credit cards, and an awning of some sort that could shield fans from the hot desert sun. All in all, however, a visit to see the Hustlin’ Rebels is time well spent!

Photos by Jordan Baer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Braun Stadium 1800 Lincoln Ave Evansville, IN 47722 Evansville Purple Aces website Braun Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 1,200 Baseball Braun Built in 2002, Charles H. Braun Stadium is a brand new and shiny baseball only ballpark that serves as the home to the University of Evansville men’s baseball team. To the immediate south of the facility lies a smaller replica version of the ballpark known as James & Dorothy Cooper Stadium which serves as the home to the University of Evansville women’s softball team. Both facilities are located in the northwest corner on the University of Evansville campus and are within walking distance of all UE facilities. With an estimated capacity of 1,200 fans, Charles H. Braun Stadium pays tribute to baseball’s classic ballparks with a handful of obstructed view seats while providing Purples Aces fans with a clean and modern canopy to view top-notch Missouri Valley Conference action. The ballpark also has a grandstand press box named for Marv Bates and his wife Edie who were both supporters of UE athletics. Tragically, Marv lost his life on December 13th, 1977 while traveling with the UE men’s basketball team as a radio broadcaster aboard a plane that crashed shortly after leaving Evansville’s airport. Food & Beverage 1 There’s really only one word to describe the concession stand outside Braun Stadium – Terrible. Although you could make an argument that having the concession stand at nearby Arad McCutchan Stadium is a bad enough idea from the beginning, I personally didn’t have a problem with the location. In fact, I went to the top of McCutchan Stadium for a few minutes to get some great aerial views of Braun Stadium while I was waiting for a couple of people ahead of me to get their items from the concession stand. What really soured me on the Braun Stadium concession stand were both the selection and the availability of the limited selection. The selection of available products at the concession stand was very limited and plain, but nonetheless I picked out one hot dog, one cheeseburger, and one pack of skittles. Being that the game was on senior day and it was only the 4th inning, I really didn’t expect a mass shortage of items, but sure enough, all three of the items were either sold out or not available. Seeing that hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and skittles were all off the board, I decided to get a Mountain Dew and a Hershey candy bar. Southern Indiana is known for its limestone production. After eating my Hershey bar, I’m beginning to wonder if some of that limestone rock didn’t make its way into my candy bar. Surely, UE can do a better job with their concession stand! Atmosphere 3 Although I wouldn’t describe a UE baseball game as iconic or must see, I will say that I did enjoy my time at the ballpark. I had no problem finding a seat under the canopy part of the grandstand where I could stretch out, place my Mountain Dew in a perfectly sized cup holder, and enjoy a PA system that wasn’t too loud or too quiet like many other collegiate ballparks. One thing I wish could be changed is the fact that basically every seat in the ballpark is behind an enormous net no matter which side of the facility it was on. Usually I don’t like sitting directly behind the backstop due to the somewhat obstructed view from the mandatory nets. I know that UE would never be able to take down the net behind home plate but it would be nice if the seats farther down the first and third base lines weren’t behind the net. This is something I hope UE considers when the time comes to expand the canopy section of their grandstand into these sections. Overall, I enjoyed the ease I had finding a seat, walking around the complex, and being surrounded by a modern facility with a great PA system, a clean atmosphere, and a MVC caliber baseball team. Neighborhood 3 One of the best things about the neighborhood around Braun Stadium is the viewpoints. When you look beyond left field, you can see and watch the hustle and bustle of cars going down the Lloyd Expressway. Having the historic old National Guard Armory as well as Arad McCutchan Stadium and Cooper Stadium around the ballpark made me feel like I was in a great neighborhood for sports of all kinds. Hopefully, UE stays committed to keeping the old National Guard Armory standing as it was the first home to UE’s tradition rich basketball program. I also liked the fact that the ballpark was surrounded by student housing and UE’s campus in general. As the area progresses, I would like to see UE inject a little more life around the area. Yes, student housing around the sports complex area is great, but the area desperately needs entertainment, retail, and a little more green space around the ballpark for pregame gatherings. Fans 3 The fans had their moments. I literally saw some of them jumping up and down like it was the World Series when UE scored the tying run late in the game. On average, UE draws crowds roughly in the 100-300 range. The fact that over 200 people attended the game I went to, which was cold and rainy, shows how dedicated they are to UE’s baseball program. With that being said, there is one thing I would like to challenge the UE fans to improve. I would like to see more UE fans wear the purple, orange, and white colors of the Aces. As I looked around, I saw very little UE fan gear. It took me by surprise given that the fans were excited to be at the ballpark cheering on the Aces. Access 3 If you’re a local, getting to this game is easy as pie. If you’re an out-of-town Aces fan, getting to the ballpark may be a little confusing. Yes, you can see the ballpark right off the Lloyd Expressway, but once you take the Weinbach or US 41 exits, it becomes somewhat of a maze to get to the game. Here’s my advice: No matter what direction you’re coming from, get off the main roads and onto Lincoln Avenue. From there, the ballpark on Rotherwood is just a few blocks away. It’s much easier to find than it actually looks. One thing I do like about the access is the availability of free neighborhood parking as well as free parking in the old National Guard Armory’s parking lot. Although these spaces may dry up on days when the Aces are playing a quality opponent or a neighborhood event is taking place, you shouldn’t have a problem finding adequate parking within a few blocks. Return on Investment 3 I thought $7 for a general admission ticket to the game was a little high. I certainly wouldn’t be willing to pay that for several Aces games, but as a casual Aces fan it may not be so bad for the opportunity to see the team every once in a while. I certainly enjoyed my time at the ballpark, and I definitely would go back. I would also love to see UE work to improve the ballpark as well by surrounding it with a ballpark village. One of the things that Braun Stadium needs is more life around it. Although the ballpark is on campus, it is still isolated from all forms of entertainment, retail, and other activities. It is also completely isolated from campus housing (although this is getting better with Walnut Commons) and campus life. If UE wants to spark some energy into an ordinary Braun Stadium, they would certainly have to consider surrounding their ballpark with campus life and activities. Lastly, I didn’t see too many activities taking place at the ballpark other than the game itself. Yes, someone like me who is a fan of the game has no problem with that, but most fans aren’t like that. Most fans crave entertainment when they go to the ballpark. One of the most important yet simple improvements UE could make to Braun Stadium and the way they handle Aces baseball games is to surround the game with events and activities for fans of all ages. Extras 1 I give one point for UE naming the press box after Marv Bates and his wife Edie. Losing Marv in the 1977 Aces Men’s Basketball Team’s plane crash was certainly devastating. Even after the unspeakable tragedy, Edie continues to be active with UE sports as well as Evansville sports in general. Naming the press box after them was definitely a classy move by UE.

Photos by Chris Patton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Coaches Stadium at Monier Field 1905 4th St Charleston, IL 61920 Eastern Illinois Panthers website Coaches Stadium at Monier Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 500 14 Pillars of Coaches The facility formerly known as Monier Field underwent a renovation in 2002 and reopened as Coaches Stadium at Monier Field. The Eastern Illinois Panthers baseball team has played on this site since it began competing in NCAA Division I in 1982. The stadium features 14 brick pillars, each honoring a previous Panthers head coach. The seating area is made up of 500 blue chair back seats in five sections behind the backstop. There is also room for fans to stretch out down the first and third baselines. Eastern Illinois baseball is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. The Panthers have participated in different levels of the sport throughout the years: NAIA, NCAA College Division, and NCAA Division II. EIU has made two trips to the NCAA Division I Tournament, first in 1999 and most recently in 2008. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concession stand on the back side of the seating structure. The limited offerings available are hot dogs ($2.75), a 32 oz. cup of popcorn ($2) and assorted candy ($1.25). Pepsi products, Gatorade, and water (all $2) come in 20 oz. bottles. Alcohol is prohibited in the stadium. Atmosphere 3 One of the highlights of a game at Coaches Stadium is the amount of work put in by the Sports Information and Marketing students. Contests begin the second you walk through the gates. The baseball bingo cards contain a $5 off coupon to Buffalo Wild Wings in nearby Mattoon, so even if you are not the winner, you still have a prize. Staffers walk up to attendees asking them to pick who will score the first EIU run, with the winner taking home a gift certificate to a local pub. Between-inning activities may include things like a pie-eating contest and an inflatable horse race. As with most Midwestern college baseball stadiums, the atmosphere depends on the weather. If the weather is nice, expect to see a large turnout from the student body. If it’s cold and wet, family and close friends will make up the bulk of the crowd. The playing surface is dirt and grass, with the only artificial turf being a ring right behind home plate with “PANTHERS” spelled out. The dimensions are 340 feet down the lines, 360 to the power alleys, and 380 to the straightaway center. Behind the left field wall is your garden variety scoreboard, with no video board. Fans entering the park are offered two full pages worth of game notes, similar to what you would see in the press box. While the sheets do not include a scorecard, they do include rosters and statistics for both teams, along with Ohio Valley Conference standings and an EIU schedule. Neighborhood 3 Coaches Stadium, along with the rest of Eastern Illinois’ athletic facilities, is located on the west side of campus between 4th Street and Grant Avenue. The diamond is just a couple blocks away from Charleston’s main road, Lincoln Avenue. If the weather is nice, you will see folks drinking at Marty’s, just across 4th Street from Lantz Arena. Marty’s might be more of the college scene than you want if you’re not an Eastern alum looking to relive your glory days. Dirty’s Bar and Grill is right off of Lincoln Avenue and features an extensive food and drink menu. Dirty’s promotes its six homemade sauces (Buffalo, Apple Q, Kansas City Style Q, Yum Yum, Sweet Chili, and Honey Mustard) and its 20 specialty martinis. An order of ten chicken wings (tossed in one of the homemade sauces) is $8 and the specialty martinis start at $6. If you are in a hurry and need something fast and reliable, why not get a sandwich in the town where the Jimmy John’s sandwich chain started in 1983? The Charleston store is no longer in the original building, but the sign identifies the location as “Store #00001.” If I’m in Charleston, though, I’d consider heading a few miles out of the way to nearby Mattoon, Illinois, and visiting Burger King. The Mattoon Burger King is not related to the chain and has been in operation since 1957. The family-owned restaurant features a variety of sandwiches and ice cream treats but is best known for its burgers. A double cheeseburger, small fries, and extra large drink costs less than $7 and is delicious. Fans 3 The majority of the crowd is clearly family and close friends of the players and coaches. There are also a good number of students who walk over from nearby on-campus housing to enjoy the game. While the crowd isn’t huge, they are vocally behind their team. Access 3 Most game attendees park in the lot between Lantz Arena and Coaches Stadium and player families also tailgate in this lot. Pay special attention to signage in the lot if you attend a game during the week. The spots are far enough back from the stadium so you should not have to worry about your car getting hit by a foul ball. Another option for parking is the O’Brien Field lot. EIU’s football stadium is also close enough to park and walk to Coaches Stadium without having to worry about dents to your vehicle. You should be able to utilize this lot during both weekday and weekend games. The stadium has a few port-a-potties down the third base line, next to the visitor’s dugout. O’Brien Field will also be open on baseball game days and features indoor plumbing. Return on Investment 4 Parking and admission are free and the most expensive thing at the concession stand will run you $2.75. You won’t be able to find much better value in Division I sports, especially if you attend a game on a sunny weekend day after a cold, Midwestern winter. Extras 3 On the left field wall, there are banners honoring two players who have had their numbers retired and another banner honoring a fallen Panther, whose name might be familiar to football fans. Former All-Star pitcher Marty Pattin had his #19 retired in 2009, while long-time, big league infielder Kevin Seitzer had his #2 retired in 2012. Former NFL offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who succumbed to cancer in 2011, played center field (and wide receiver) for the Panthers in the early 1970s and is remembered via a banner on the fence. Before you enter the stadium, you will notice 14 brick pillars, with each honoring a previous Eastern Illinois head coach. The pillars list the coaches’ names and their years of service. The outer wall also features plaques honoring the Eastern Illinois squads that reached the NCAA Division II College World Series, first in 1978 and again in 1981. The plaques list the teams’ overall records and the scores of their College World Series games, along with the names of the players and coaching staff. Final Thoughts The history and tradition of the Eastern Illinois baseball program are alive and well at Coaches Stadium. The facility is comfortable and the game presentation rivals that are found at many minor league stadiums.

Photos by Harrison Huntley, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Clark-LeClair Stadium 4427 Charles Blvd Greenville, NC 27858 East Carolina Pirates website Clark-LeClair Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 5,000 The Jolly Roger Flag Over One of College Baseball’s Best Stadiums Clark-LeClair Stadium carries a reputation as one of the best in the nation and does not disappoint. Sparked by the team’s recent success, the school and donors have made much needed stadium updates, and it shows. The stadium has all the modern amenities and even rivals some minor league ballparks. Players and fans alike rave about their stadium and after you visit, I have no doubt you will too. Food & Beverage 4 Clark-LeClair features one of the most expansive concession stands in college baseball. Pizza, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, and much more. To make it even better, nothing on the menu is more than $6. Four hot dogs and four drinks will only cost you $32. Drinks are by Coca-Cola and are $4 for a small and $5 for a large. In addition to the fountain drinks, you can purchase sweet tea for $3.50. Despite its popularity in the south, this is the first I’ve seen it at a ball game. Atmosphere 5 The exterior’s brick facade opens to a large concourse with a large concession stand along with a smaller merchandise stand. Tickets for some games are $6, while premium games are $10. The lower level seats and those directly in front of the press box and they are plastic stadium seats. Other second level seats are metal benches. Usually, the box office only sells the metal bleacher seats. The field itself was totally renovated in 2004, and a new video board along with new press boxes, dugouts, and many other aesthetic upgrades were added and make the stadium better than some minor league parks. Even with the netting that stretches around the stadium, fans can sit right on top of the action. There are lower level sections on either end that stretch out even further into the field to the point where you can even see into the dugout. Neighborhood 4 Greenville, North Carolina is the epitome of a college town. Everything around campus is tailored to the school. Greenville Blvd is home to just about any chain restaurant you could ask for, but you would be deprived if you go to a college town and not visit the local favorites. B’s Barbecue is about 10 minutes from campus and is worth the drive just to see this place operate. B’s has no telephone, no cash register, and no kitchen. They serve nothing but Eastern North Carolina, vinegar-based BBQ made outside in a smokehouse. It may not have all the modern amenities of other restaurants, but it makes up for it with good food and local fans. To make B’s even more unique, there is no official closing time. Make sure you come early because once they have sold all of the day’s food, they close. Another local favorite is Cubbie’s. This place is famous for its burgers and its shrimp. It is also a great place for a person on a budget. Plates are available with your choice of sandwich, side, and drink for $6.25 ($7.95 for shrimp). Fans 4 While they may not sell out every game, the fans that come make themselves known. All around the stadium, the fans of all ages have a reaction to every play. If there is a good play or a close call goes for the Pirates, the fans erupt in cheering and applause. If a close call goes against the Pirates however, the fans are very quick to voice their displeasure. Simply put, the fans are among college baseball’s best for their loyalty and volume. Access 4 US 264 was built with Greenville and ECU in mind. It runs from Raleigh and intersects with I-95 on its way into the town. Once you exit off of 264, it is only a short drive to Clark-LeClair and the athletic complex. Parking is free and easy as there are two lots across the street from the stadium. Return on Investment 5 Considering the quality of the stadium, fans, and overall game experience, $6-$10 admission is a steal. For that price, you can sit very close to the action and enjoy a nationally famous stadium for less than most minor league teams. Extras 4 Taco Bell sponsors a promotion where if a player hits their outfield sign, everyone in the park can get a free taco at the store. Along with this, the first three returned foul balls become coupons for free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. Food related promotions are always popular among hungry college students. Williams Jungle is a fan section in left field that has evolved over the years. What started as fans just watching the game for free from the outfield has turned into a super fan section that loves to try and strike up conversation with the left fielder. College baseball is a sport that is too often devoid of mascots. Thankfully, ECU brings its Pee Dee Pirate out to all the games. Pee Dee is named for the river that runs through North Carolina and South Carolina. Finally, whoever runs the music at Clark-LeClair does a fantastic job. The playlist is a good mix of country, classic rock, and pop and there was never just dead air. Final Thoughts Since the completion of renovations, Clark-LeClair has been talked about in many circles as among the best in the country. Having visited now, I can see why. Everything from the ticket prices to the seating arrangement was built with the common fan in mind and because of that, the stadium provides a great stadium experience. Overall, this stadium is one that fans of college baseball must add to their bucket lists.

Photos by Brandon Gee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bob Wren Stadium 150 S Shafer St Athens, OH 45701 Ohio Bobcats website Bob Wren Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000 Bobcat Baseball Named in honor of Bob Wren, a longtime coach of the program (1949-1975) who took the Bobcats to the College World Series in 1970, Bob Wren Stadium opened in 1998. Wren Stadium gives the baseball team a solid facility amongst the picturesque campus, near the banks of the Hocking River along with the school’s other athletic venues (including the Convocation Center and Peden Stadium). Food & Beverage 3 It’s a small menu with the traditional stadium fare. The grill items (hot dogs, brats, burgers, etc.) benefit greatly by actually being grilled across from the concession stand. Thirty-two-ounce souvenir sodas are $4, and they serve root beer or orange floats for $5. Atmosphere 3 Ohio Bobcats baseball is more tranquil than raucous. The stadium’s setting along the Hocking River on the edge of campus makes for a pleasant setting and the small crowds are relaxed but engaged in the game. This is just a nice way to spend an afternoon, watching a game in this stadium, surrounded by trees, the river, and the rolling hillside. Neighborhood 5 Wren Stadium sits in the school’s athletic mall, situated between the western edge of campus and the Hocking River. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, a 21-mile route, follows the path of the river north to Nelsonville, Ohio, and is a popular route for bicyclists in the area. Across the river from the stadium are The Ridges. Buildings that were once part of a psychiatric hospital have been turned into various uses like the school’s Kennedy Museum of Art and other performance spaces along with other buildings for the university’s function. Heading east up Richland Avenue will run you into Court Street. Take a left and you’re in downtown Athens. If you’re looking for a sandwich and some awesome baked goods, then Fluff Bakery (8 N. Court) is the place for you. But there are plenty of options like wings at Buffalo Wild Wings (23 W. Union). Right across the street from there is Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery (24 W. Union), a craft operation that is becoming quite well-known throughout the region. Check AthensOhio.com for more information on the town. Fans 2 Bobcat baseball just isn’t a big draw for fans. The Bobcats consistently average only a few hundred fans a game. With that said, those who do come out are supportive of the team. Access 4 Athens sits on the Appalachian Highway (Ohio State Route 32). Take Exit 17(OH-682 N) and you’ll drive into a roundabout. Stay in the right lane and you’re directed onto eastbound Richland Avenue. You’ll drive over the river and come into the Athletic Mall area of campus. Make a left at the first light onto South Shafer Street. You can park in the lot closest to the Softball stadium, but be aware that you are not in an area marked for special designations (faculty or restricted hours). Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $5 each. If there happens to be a softball game going on at the same time, you can walk between the stadiums for only one charge. Food prices are decent with nothing over $5 and parking is free. Unfortunately, it’s been many years since the Bobcats have contended in the Mid-American Conference. The team’s last .500 season was in 2011 and their last postseason appearance was a MAC tourney championship and NCAA tournament appearance in 1997. Extras 1 One point for the campus surroundings. The stadium offers some great views of the Hocking River area as well as some of Ohio University’s campus architecture. Even Wren Stadium keeps with the architectural theme. Final Thoughts So maybe Ohio isn’t lighting the baseball world on fire. Most northern schools have the same struggle with trying to engage students and locals in the sport. Still, Bobcats baseball at Bob Wren Stadium is a pleasant way to spend a spring day in Athens, Ohio. The people who come out enjoy it and the surroundings of the campus are wonderful.

Photos Courtesy of Mosharrof Hossain, Bob Shallenberger, & Paul Chancey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Itchy Jones Stadium Saluki Dr. Carbondale, IL 62901 Southern Illinois Salukis website Itchy Jones Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 2,000 Scratch Your Baseball Itch After competing at Abe Martin Field since 1964, the Southern Illinois University Salukis baseball team moved into the brand new Richard ‘Itchy’ Jones Stadium in 2014. Built on the site of Abe Martin Field, Itchy Jones Stadium is named after SIU’s all-time winningest baseball coach. Jones took the Salukis to 10 NCAA Tournaments and three College World Series in his 21 years in charge. Jones also was an integral part of the campaign for the stadium renovation. The playing surface continues to be named after Martin, who spent 33 years in Carbondale, including 19 years as head baseball coach. As part of the new facility, the clubhouse was named after the late Dan Callahan, SIU’s second-winningest coach with 442 triumphs over 16 seasons. The seating area consists of five rows of maroon chair back seats directly behind home plate and three to five rows of bleachers with backs to the end of the dugouts. The concourse down the lines features several picnic tables. The Salukis play in the Missouri Valley Conference and have a rich history. Affectionately known as The Dawgs, SIU has won eight MVC titles, made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, and has reached the College World Series on five occasions. SIU has sent over two dozen players to the majors, including familiar names like Dave Stieb, Steve Finley, and Jerry Hairston. Food & Beverage 4 Before the new stadium was built, Saluki baseball fans did not have access to a concession stand. Now, the fans have several, affordable options at the one stand on the concourse. Hot dogs, brats, and corn dogs. Chili dogs, chili nachos, brisket, and pulled chicken sandwiches all sell for reasonable prices. Snacks like popcorn, cookies, candy, peanuts, and chips. One of the largest (and tastiest) stadium pretzels I have ever found is $4. As is the case in many college facilities, alcohol is not available. Soft drinks are $3 for a regular and $4 for a sturdy, souvenir cup that features SIU logos throughout the decades. Bottles of water and Gatorade are $3. One of the more popular items, especially among the younger fans, is Dippin’ Dots. A small dish of the frozen treat is $4 and a large one is $7 (the most expensive item on the menu). Atmosphere 4 Dating back to the program’s success in the 1970s, Saluki baseball games have been a major part of spring in southern Illinois. Abe Martin Field was a bare-bones facility and the patrons always had fun. Even though the program has not seen much on-field success lately, the fans are still having fun at their shiny new facility. Along with brand new light towers, allowing the program to host night games for the first time in school history, Itchy Jones Stadium features a well-working speaker system. The PA announcements and music between innings might bother those with sensitive ears. The chair back seats and bleachers provide an up-close view of the game. If you would rather stretch out, the concourse offers perfect views for anybody who wants to sit at the picnic tables or stand. Outside the gates to the concourse, down the first base line, is “The Hill.” Fans can bring their chairs and set up shop on the grassy knoll. Some fans bring coolers, bean bag toss, and volleyballs and watch the game from this unique location. The playing surface features two different types of artificial grass. The pitcher's mound is a traditional dirt surface, while the baselines and warning track are also artificial. The outfield fence features 8 advertisements and a marker that says “CAL.” This marker, like the clubhouse, honors former coach Callahan. Neighborhood 3 Itchy Jones Stadium is located near the other Southern Illinois athletic facilities, including SIU Arena and Saluki Stadium. If you aren’t a student living on campus, chances are you will be driving to the game. Nothing in Carbondale is that far apart, so you will only be a few minutes away from the dining and drinking options of the close-to-campus “Strip,” or the chain restaurants and stores on the eastern edge of town along Route 13. I had hoped to stop in at Italian Village Pizza and Pasta, a place I remembered from the last time I was in Carbondale many years ago. On the corner of Elm and Washington, Italian Village has been open for over 50 years. Unfortunately, their location and a few other places I drove past had lines out the door due to graduation. Just down the road in Marion, before I got on Interstate 57, I stopped in at 17th Street BBQ. The restaurant has been featured on the Food Network and Travel Channel and is very close to Marion Ballpark, home of the Thrillville Thrillbillies of the Prospect League. 17th Street BBQ’s menu features plenty of appetizers, sandwiches, and platters. The pulled pork sandwich is big and filling and hush puppies are a welcome sight as a side item. The bar features several local selections from Big Muddy Brewing out of Murphysboro, Illinois. Fans 3 While SIU baseball is not bringing out fans in numbers reminiscent of four decades ago, the crowd is still knowledgeable and supportive of the home team. The antics and size of “The Hillside Gang” are legendary in southern Illinois. It’s estimated that 2,000-3,000 students would take over the grassy hillside and give a lot of grief to the opposing teams. The size of the gang on The Hill has decreased, but they continue to make themselves heard by umpires and the visiting dugout. Access 4 There is plenty of parking available in the SIU athletic complex. I attended a game while graduation ceremonies were being held at SIU Arena. Since the facilities share parking, I was a little concerned I might have a hike to the diamond. That was not the case as there is more than enough parking for a big turnout. The stadium features handicapped parking adjacent to the left-field line. Men’s and women’s restrooms flank the concession stand. The facilities are new, clean, and spacious enough that no one has to wait. Return on Investment 4 Admission is $5 and while it’s hard to charge to get in while other state programs have free admission, it is clear that your entrance fee is helping to fund this beautiful new facility. Parking is free and concession prices are comparable to those of other stadiums, especially when you consider the wide variety of options available. Extras 3 Southern Illinois went all out to honor the history of its program by naming the stadium, field, and clubhouse after former coaches. The Salukis even named the press box after their longtime broadcaster Mike Reis. The new press box features a plaque describing what Reis has meant to the program. Other plaques on the walls of the press box and concession stand include ones honoring 1st team All-Americans, players in the pros, MVC championship teams, and NCAA Tournament teams. Another nice touch is a plaque honoring stadium donors. Final Thoughts Itchy Jones Stadium is a glowing tribute to the history of the Southern Illinois University baseball program and a tool to help them possibly reach that level of success again. This venue is a nice reflection on a part of the state of Illinois that loves the game of baseball.

Photos by Google Photos Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Cardiff City Stadium Leckwith Rd. Cardiff, Wales CF11 8AZ Cardiff City FC website Cardiff City Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 26,828 You Won’t be Blue in Cardiff City The Cardiff City Stadium was built in 2009 on the site of what was previously the Leckwith Athletics Stadium. This venue had also hosted UEFA Cup soccer having once been the home of Inter Cardiff. To compensate for the loss of the Leckwith Stadium, a similar venue was built across the road from the new development that in addition to athletics also serves as the home of Cardiff City's Academy team and Welsh Junior side Cardiff Grange Harlequins. Cardiff City's former stadium, Ninian Park, was adjacent to the new stadium and has now been demolished to make way for new housing development. The stadium is shared with Cardiff's Rugby Union club Cardiff Blues and the city's most famous venue the Millennium Stadium is also within a ten-minute walk report on this and the Sophia Gardens Cricket Stadium will follow in the future. Food & Beverage 3 Outside the stadium and before kickoff fans can enjoy burgers and hot dogs from #BurgerBar and a pint from the Tap and Hammer. Inside fans can enjoy a few interesting varieties of hot dogs that include the New York Dog (grated cheese, onions, and a choice of sauce), the Dallas Dog (chili, fried onions, and grated cheese), the Boston Dog (bacon and fried onions), and the American Dog (fried onions and a choice of sauce). Each hot dog sells for between £4.5 to £6. Other options inside the stadium include tea & coffee (£1.60), Coke products(£2), beer (£3.50), and pies (£3.10). The Grazing Shed is home to their "super tidy burgers" and is located at USW Stand and the Ninian Stand in Kiosk 111. The burgers are made from locally sourced Welsh ingredients on homemade buns baked fresh daily. The Bunga Bunga features blue cheese fondue, smoked bacon, cajun mayo, red onion confit, ketchup, and lettuce. The El Toro is topped with honey-glazed goat’s cheese, chorizo, mayo, hot chili, and lettuce. Atmosphere 3 In terms of facilities, the new stadium cannot be faulted, and when full one would imagine the atmosphere to be intimidating. This particularly would be the case when Cardiff hosts their arch enemies Swansea city. However, as with most new British Stadiums, the atmosphere never lives up to that of a club's previous home, which is mainly due to the lack of old-fashioned British terraces. The Bluebirds stadium is comprised of the following four sections: The Canton Stand (North), The Ninian Stand (East), The Grange Stand (South), and The Grandstand (West). Away supporters are tucked in the corner of the stadium between the Grange and Ninian stand. Inside The overall experience is common to what one would expect at a modern stadium. The seating is comfortable the views are great on the pitch, and the facilities are spacious and easy to get around. The stadium is spacious and offers pre-game entertainment and live music, and fans' supporters will cheer before the match and throughout the 90-plus minutes of football. There are two video screens on opposite ends of the pitch and various signs to visit Asian countries of the Philippines, Vietnam, and Singapore are evident on the upper level of the building. Neighborhood 4 The Capital City of Wales offers everything that a Soccer, Rugby, or Cricket supporter could wish for. Excellent sporting facilities, excellent Bars and Restaurants, excellent shopping, River Walks, and a Castle are all within twenty minutes walk of each other. The city also offers plenty of choices of both budget and executive hotels. Outside of the city, the valleys and coastline of Wales are well worth exploring, making a sporting visit to the city ideal for combining into a vacation. The neighborhood surrounding the stadium is a mixture of old and new development with the Retail Park being ideal for whiling away an hour before kick-off. However, most visitors tend to head for the City Centre or Cardiff Bay. Cardiff Bay is the regenerated area of the Docks previously named Tiger Bay, the area of Cardiff where a young Shirley Bassey was raised and one which gains a mention in the Ian Dury song "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" This area of the city has museums, small shops, and bars and is popular amongst locals and visitors. The new shopping retail park development next to the stadium offers plenty of variety for food and drink. Greggs Bakery, Subway, Mcdonald's, KFC, and Costa Coffee offer plenty in the fast food range. If you are looking for pub food then Toby Carvery provides the traditional British Sunday roast for £3.99. Cardiff City Centre a mere fifteen minutes' walk away is well populated with Bars and Restaurants offering food to serve all nationalities. Fans 3 During the 70s and 80s, Cardiff City had a reputation for having some of the most notorious hooligans in the British game. Although a small element of this remains, the club has been successful in re-branding its trouble-free image over the past ten years. A game day now normally goes off trouble-free with only the local derby game against Swansea City having the potential for crowd trouble. These fixtures are normally moved to a Sunday Noon kick-off with heavy travel restrictions in place. Access 3 The stadium is easily reached by a kick-off car exiting Junction 33 of the M4 motorway which runs between Swansea and London. Take the A4232 towards Cardiff and exit for the B4267 and the stadium is immediately on the side. Parking is available at the stadium for £5 or in any of the City Centre car parks and nearby side streets. Please be aware that parking in the Retail Park is limited to ninety minutes and heavy clamping fees apply if you exceed this. Cardiff Central Railway Station is approximately twenty minutes walk although local branch lines from this station will take you to Ninian Park Halt which is a mere five-minute walk. Return on Investment 3 Unless Cardiff is playing Swansea then tickets can be easily purchased over the internet using the club's website or on the day of the game from the stadium ticket office located by the main entrance to the stadium. Tickets will be more difficult to purchase if the club is promoted to the Premier League. Tickets are priced as low as £9 up to £30 and are £2 cheaper if purchased in advance. In today's climate, this is good value for your money but again I suspect there would be a big price hike if the club gains promotion. Extras 4 There is a large superstore situated by the main entrance to the stadium selling a wide range of both Cardiff City and Cardiff Blues souvenirs. As normal with most British Football Clubs, a match day program is available which provides plenty of pre-match reading and is a good value for £3. Cardiff is one of the few Championship and Premier League clubs that let smokers depart the stadium at halftime into a controlled area for their fix. Final Thoughts Cardiff City Stadium comes alive on match day with local pubs and restaurants near the grounds packed with fans. Once inside the stadium, the crowd becomes electric against bigger opponents but halftime takes for a fine day of footy on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.