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

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 ANZ Stadium Edwin Flack Ave Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 Australia Sydney Thunder website ANZ Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 82,500 Thunder Sticks ANZ Stadium was opened in 1999 as Stadium Australia and was built to serve as the main stadium for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The capacity was originally 110,000 however after renovations following the Games the stadium now seats a maximum of 82,500 people (oval configuration). Located at Sydney Olympic Park, ANZ Stadium is arguably the premier sporting venue in NSW particularly when it comes to the various football codes, hosting events such as the NRL Grand Final, NRL State of Origin, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, and rugby union test matches. The venue also features retractable seating allowing the playing surface to be configured as either rectangular or an oval. While the Sydney Cricket Ground remains the stadium of choice for major cricket games in the harbour city, ANZ Stadium has played host to a Twenty20 International. In addition to representative sporting events, ANZ also sees numerous tenants play regular or semi-regular games including Greater Western Sydney Giants (AFL), Sydney Swans (AFL), Canterbury Bulldogs (NRL), South Sydney Rabbitohs (NRL), Wests Tigers (NRL) and the NSW Waratahs (Super Rugby). The Sydney Thunder was formed in 2011 as one of two Sydney based teams for the new Big Bash League (BBL), Australia’s domestic Twenty20 cricket competition. This league is played over a six week period during the height of summer to maximise exposure to families enjoying the traditional holiday period. The Thunder represents Western Sydney and regional areas of NSW. They have yet to experience much on-field success and have generally been overshadowed by their more glamorous cross-town rivals, the Sydney Sixers. In fact, at the time of the match attended for this review, the Thunder had lost their past 16 games. Twenty20 cricket has taken off in recent years and is a shortened version of the game designed to maximise excitement and entertainment. While many traditionalists have found T20 difficult to accept, it is clear that it is attractive to a whole new market who finds a dynamic three hour game much more interesting than the rigours of a five day test match. Domestic cricket in Australia has traditionally been state-based, however the BBL was restructured around cities to conform to the international norm. All eight BBL teams are therefore brand new identities. The league is still experimenting with how to maximise the performance of its product. The 2012-13 season saw a downturn in crowd attendance with many critics blaming scheduling, however this looks to have been reversed for the 2013-14 season. Food & Beverage 3 ANZ Stadium is well equipped to deal with large crowds, meaning an abundance of food and beverage outlets, although not all are open during Thunder games. The offerings are fairly standard for a venue of this nature, and are quite pricey. Hot food includes burgers ($8.70), pies ($5.20), sausage rolls ($4.80), hot dogs ($5.80) and hot chips ($5.70). Also available are assorted sandwiches ($7), baguette sandwiches ($10), Caesar salad ($12.50) and fruit salad ($8.90). Soft drinks (600ml) are provided by Coca-Cola ($5.20) and bottled water is $4.60. Crisps and other small confectionery items such as ice creams and chocolates can also be purchased. Several combos are on offer and include a sausage roll, pie, hot dog or burger, with hot chips and a drink for between $14 and $17.50. There is also a sushi / water combo for $14. Alcohol is served at several bars with fairly standard options including beer (Toohey’s New $7 or Light $6.50) and wine $7.20. Note that a disposable carry tray is an additional $1. While the bars do a steady trade, many patrons seem to shun the food on offer at the stadium, instead opting to bring their own snacks or meals from the many takeaway options located nearby. The easy conclusion to draw is that while the variety is reasonable for a venue of this size, it is expensive. Atmosphere 3 ANZ is a great venue for sport, no doubt about it. Many amazing moments have occurred here during a relatively short period of time. However, there really is no escaping the fact that this stadium is much better suited to football these days. The pitch faces across the oval to allow for more seats to be situated at either end which makes sense, but is a bit awkward. Also, because so many different sports and teams use the venue, there is little that can be done to create much of an atmosphere that is specific to the Thunder. There is a mascot and cheerleaders, but in such a large stadium the crowd can’t really connect with them. The atmosphere is also not very intimate as crowds average around 10,000. Most of the seating is limited to lower bowl in an attempt to combat this, but it still feels like a cricket game is being played in a large football stadium. Neighborhood 4 ANZ Stadium is the centrepiece of Sydney Olympic Park. Many of the venues used during the Sydney 2000 Olympics are on site including Allphones Arena and the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre – both legitimate venues and attractions in their own right. Over 5,000 events are held within the precinct each year. There are also numerous hotels, bars, and restaurants within the park. My recommendation is certainly to take advantage of this prior to the game, particularly in relation to food. As well as fast food there are options covering Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, and modern Australian cuisine. Personally I like to enjoy a great steak at Ribs and Rumps (8 Dawn Fraser Ave). It is worth mentioning that Sydney Olympic Park is big and you need to be prepared to walk a bit to find your preferred restaurant as well as from the parking station if you choose to drive. Fans 3 The Thunder fans are really committed to their team. They’re engaged in the game and decked out in Thunder-green merchandise. However, crowds only average 10,000 per game which is the lowest of any BBL team. Lack of on-field success is obviously a factor here, but parent body Cricket NSW must be concerned regardless. Western Sydney should be an ideal location for a BBL franchise with a large population including many people with Indian and Sri Lankan heritage who are normally heavily attracted to cricket. There is no doubting the difficulty in establishing a brand new sporting identity from the ground up, however the Thunder have yet to hit the mark in attracting fans. Access 4 While SOP hosts many events, not many seem to coincide with Thunder games. However, this is worth checking when deciding to attend a game. If there aren’t any clashes, parking and getting around the precinct is quite easy. Casual parking is $4 an hour or $20 per day. The P1 parking station is probably your best bet. Public transport is also easily accessible with the train station only a short walk away. Given the size of the venue compared to the size of crowd, moving around the stadium is easy and bathrooms are plentiful. While ushers will check tickets before entering any reserved seating areas, once past this point you can probably choose your seat without too many hassles. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are reasonable. Reserved seating is $30 for adults with reductions for juniors and concessions, along with family deals. I recommend this option because you are seated at either end of the pitch; in my opinion the best place from which to watch cricket. General admission is very reasonably priced at $20 for adults and $5 for children 15 or under. The Thunder has also created a section called “The Beach” which has been built on one side of the stadium adjacent to the playing surface. This is the most expensive place to sit with adults paying $40 for a seat here. Despite the novelty, given the location, I don’t think this would be worth it. Overall, the return on investment is average. Hopefully the Thunder can attract more fans and create a better atmosphere which would make for a more exciting event. Extras 3 The Thunder receives three extra points. The first is because they play trial games in the lead up to the BBL at suburban grounds in their catchment areas including Blacktown, Western Sydney, and Wollongong in regional NSW. The second extra point is for the practice nets located outside the stadium on the side near P1 – get here early and see the players warming up. The third extra point is for the Thunder attracting Mike Hussey to their team for the 2013-2014 season. Hussey is one of Australia’s best cricketers of recent times and although he has now retired from international cricket, still has incredible ability. He has been largely responsible for keeping the Thunder competitive recently. Final Thoughts The Thunder does a lot of things right. They are very active on social media and connect well with their fans across their catchment area. Their fans are committed and have bought into the Thunder identity. ANZ Stadium is also a great sporting stadium, however whether it will truly be accepted as a cricket venue remains to be seen. Hopefully the Thunder can start to win and attract more people to games which will certainly help.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Dwyer Arena University Dr Lewiston, NY 14305 Niagara Purple Eagles men’s hockey website Dwyer Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 2,100 Purple Pride On Ice Lewiston, New York is a small town just on the other side of Queenston, Ontario, and north of Buffalo. It is a sleepy sort of town in the winter, and the seasonal businesses and closed boat launches give you the impression that it is very different in the summer than it is in the winter. What is there to do in the winter for the locals who want something of their own, and not having to head out to Buffalo? Enter Niagara University. Niagara is a small university of only around 5,000 students, that has received a bit more attention for its accomplishments on the basketball court, than its endeavors on the frozen pond. Make no mistake, however, this part of New York state has a strong affinity for ice hockey, and the Purple Eagles of Niagara fit the bill. Playing in a fairly non-descript arena, the Robert and Concetta Dwyer Arena, commonly known as the Dwyer Arena, the Niagara Purple Eagles have entertained students and college hockey fans since becoming a varsity team in 1996. In 2010, the Purple Eagles moved on to Atlantic Hockey, after being a charter member of the now-defunct College Hockey America. During their tenure, they have made appearances in the NCAA tournament four times, including now-defunct013. Purple Pride remains as strong on the ice as it is on the hardwood. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Dwyer Arena are pretty much what you would expect for a small college arena. However, don’t stray too far from what you would find at the nearby Gallagher Center, home of Purple Eagles basketball. They the immediate entrance, there is a small snack bar where you will find your basic concessions including soda, popcorn, pizza, and fries. There are also numerous vending machines around the lobby where you can find soda and candy bars. Inside the arena, there is also a small concession at the ice level. As with numerous NCAA venues, there is no alcohol for sale in the main concessions, however, there is a licensed club behind the goal. Atmosphere 3 Dwyer Arena does not blow you away at first glance. The exterior looks like any other local arena, surrounded by parking, and other parts of the complex. It is pretty non-descript, but not hard on the eyes. Upon entering the lobby, you will find the main concession as well as a small pro shop that sells some Purple Eagle merchandise. Having the concession in this area is an advantage as patrons can get something to eat before the doors to the main arena open. Upon progressing up the stairs to the main seating area you will hopefully notice the plaque dedicated to Robert and Concetta Dwyer, whom the arena is named for. The Dwyers provided a generous gift of $3 million to provide significant upgrades to the arena. The entrance is at the top of the seating level, which is a wide platform-like space. At the back end of the seats are raised platforms, of act as the press box. Seating is only on one side, and the far side of the arena roof is on a steep slope, similar to the home of the Ottawa 67’s. Possibly the worst feature of the arena is the metal benches used for seating. The center sections have backs, as does the last row. This is not normally an issue, however that the temperature in Dwyer Arena is more like a small arena rather than a big one, meaning it is darn cold. The coldness hits you when your butt hits the cold metal benches. The regulars bring cushions or blankets to sit on, so visitors would be wise to follow suit. The rest of the arena is fairly simple, with a basic scoreboard at one end to keep score. Unfortunately, the scoreboard does not keep track of shots. Above the ice level, there are 9 banners commemorating various tournament and conference championships, including 3 banners for tournament appearances. The far end of the area features large banner-sized team photos for the teams that made tournament appearances. The largest is for the 1999-2000 team that made it to the Elite Eight. Neighborhood 2 Lewiston is more of a summer town rather than a winter hot spot. There are some places down by the waterfront only open during the summer months. Combine this with the fact that Niagara University is pretty removed from the town of Lewiston, and you have a situation where finding interesting places to eat is difficult. Your best bet is to head into Buffalo for a plethora of choices. Another possibility, a little off the beaten path would be the Riverstone Grill on Grand Island. They have great food and were featured on the hit show Man vs. Food. Fans 4 Considering that the game reviewed was during a time when most of the students were not on campus, the crowd was surprisingly large. It became clear quickly that Niagara hockey has a strong attachment to the community of Lewiston, and is not just an outlet for the students. This is an especially good formula when you can fit nearly half of the student population in the stands. The N-Zone which houses the student fans was understandably sparse during my most recent visit in early 2013, but the rest of the crowd that was in attendance showed intelligence and was behind the Eagles one hundred percent. Access 4 Getting to Niagara is no problem at all. It is located between Robert Moses Parkway and I-190. There is plenty of parking in the lot surrounding the ice complex, and it is free. The large platform behind the seating area makes travel during the game easy as well. Washroom facilities are adequate. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Niagara hockey are ridiculously affordable. If you are willing to go without a back to your chair, then tickets can be found for just $12, while kids are a mere $7. Add an extra $5 if you feel that the backs are a necessity. Concession prices are what are to be expected. If you scour the schedule carefully, you can find a doubleheader, with the possibility of taking in a Purple Eagles basketball game at Gallagher Center as well. Extras 4 An extra mark for the connection with the community, beyond the student body, that you see in such a small town with such a small university. Two extra marks for the banner that hangs above the ice retiring the number 6 for Meghan Redenbach. Meghan was an honorary member of the Purple Eagles men’s ice hockey team after winning an essay contest. Meghan lost her battle with cancer at age 15 and has been an inspiration for the Purple Eagles ever since. An extra mark goes to the public address announcer at Dwyer Arena, who REALLY sounds like legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer. Too bad he never said, “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!!” Final Thoughts A trip to Niagara University to see the Purple Eagles play hockey is a great way to spend an afternoon or an evening. The price is right and the product is great. Being in a quaint, small town, on the campus of a very small university is just part of the atmosphere. If you’re not careful, you may just find yourself beaming with some purple pride yourself. -------- Follow Dave’s sporting journeys on Twitter @profan9.

Photos by Dave Mortimer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Smith’s Ballpark 77 West 1300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84115 Utah Utes website Smith’s Ballpark website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 15,411 Smith’s Ballpark-Utes Style The Pac-12’s newest baseball program also boasts the conference’s largest baseball venue, though it isn’t the primary tenant. The Utah Utes play at Smith’s Ballpark, also home to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. Though it’s probably unfair to compare the game day experiences of these two clubs, certain elements make it just about unavoidable. Food & Beverage 3 Only one food stand is open for Utah games: the Grand Slam Grill. The featured items here are what you’d expect from somewhere with “Grill” in the name: chicken tender or cheeseburger baskets ($7.25), corn dog baskets ($6), chicken tender sandwiches ($6.25) burgers ($5.75), hot dogs ($3.25 regular, $4.25 jumbo), corn dogs ($3.50), garlic or cheese fries ($4.25, $3.75 for plain fries), chips ($2) and peanuts ($4.25). Drinks include Coke products (regular $3.25, large $4) and various bottled drinks ($3.75-$4.25). Atmosphere 2 For as much fun as Bees games are in this park, Utah games are alarmingly sedate by comparison. I went to two Utah baseball games in a month, both against in-state rivals: BYU and Southern Utah. During the BYU game, the video board on the scoreboard was turned off, outfield fence advertising was non-existent, and entry to the grass berm beyond the outfield was blocked (somewhat unsuccessfully) by caution tape. The Southern Utah game, meanwhile, was the opposite. The video board was used for player bios, the Bees standard outfield ads were present, and the berm was open. While this helped make the game less drab, the tiny crowd did not. Even ball and t-shirt tosses were done with minimal enthusiasm by those who tossed and received. Both games featured something else lacking: the Ute logo. Signs on the stadium’s exterior tout Spring Mobile as “Home of Utah Baseball.” Inside, however, only a couple of promotion tables and a handful of Utah/Pac-12 flags tied to steel gratings display the traditional drum and feather. There is only so much branding the school can do because they’re sharing the park. Even so, there’s no debating the pride instilled by fans and alumni seeing logos and wordmarks in as many spots as possible. Otherwise, it just feels plain. Neighborhood 3 New developments nearby have helped spruce up this section of Salt Lake City, but it’s still somewhat warehouse-heavy. Going a couple of blocks east to State Street gives you plenty of eating options. On the way to State Street, you’ll run into Big Kahuna Pizza. Its website touts itself as the “Best Pan Pizza In Town.” That’s obviously up for debate, but the uniqueness of many of their pies is not. Two specialty pies worth a try are the “Kanaka” (Kalua pork with BBQ sauce) and the “Pake” (sweet and sour stir-fried chicken). If a pub’s more your style, Piper Down is the place for you. “Utah’s Premier Irish Pub” prides itself on being not just a great place to eat and drink, but to make new friends. There are plenty of choices on the menu. If you’re feeling Irish, you may like the Irish Nachos, which replace corn chips with fried potatoes and have corned beef as the protein. You can build your cheesesteak for just $7. For info on other nearby food choices, including the great dive bar Lucky 13, check out the Salt Lake Bees review. Fans 2 Heading into the game against BYU, I figured there would be a heightened atmosphere, even on a Tuesday night. The crowd, announced as 900, was decent for a college game here, but was about one-third to one-half pro-BYU. Overall, the crowd seemed smaller given the inescapably large number of empty seats around them. My second visit, pitting the Utes against Southern Utah, was even smaller. The box score says 425 fans showed up, a figure I would call more than generous. Many of the fans wore Ute red and were somewhat engaged, but were often matched or exceeded in enthusiasm by fans of each visiting team, particularly during the BYU game. College baseball has long been a hard sell in Utah. A season that starts in February prevents local teams from playing at home for at least a month, stifling crowd momentum. A look at UtahUtes.com shows a concerted effort to get fans out to the games. Most notable are coupons for up to six free tickets in exchange for basic contact information. Some are tied to specific events (Youth Day, Father/Son Day, etc.) but others appear to be valid for any game. This helped bring my family to the park, but also lessened the sting of having to leave early when my son got the sniffles. Access 5 Normally $6 for Bees games, the official lot across the street from the park is free when the Utes play. You won’t find parking attendants in this lot during college games but it’s still the best, safest spot around by a wide margin. The TRAX light-rail system also has a stop nearby, if you’re OK with public transportation. While perhaps diminishing the park’s atmosphere, the smaller crowds make restrooms and concourses even more serviceable than they already are. Return on Investment 4 Simply put, you can’t beat free. Easily accessible free admission and parking, not to mention plenty of free souvenirs (schedule posters, etc.) make for a thrifty family outing. The lack of additional frills and a merely moderate energy level keep me from giving a full 5. But if a more mellow baseball experience is your thing, you’ll love it here. Extras 1 One point of view. No matter what is (or isn’t) going on inside the park, the view beyond the outfield is stupendous, highlighted by Mount Olympus beyond the dead center. Utah fans also get a glimpse of the Block U on Mount Van Cott beyond left field. Final Thoughts Even with a massive fundraising effort underway by the Utah athletic department, it appears baseball is far down the priority list for the school with the smallest athletic budget in the Pac-12. Having been blessed with a more-than-adequate option in Smith’s Ballpark, the onus is on the school to make the in-game experience more compelling. Being consistent in the use of the video board, keeping the berm open regularly, and doing all they can to apply the school brand within the park are small tweaks that can help.

Photo courtesy of Elon Phoenix Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Walter C. Latham Park Bank of America Dr Elon, NC 27244 Elon Phoenix website Walter C. Lathan Park website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 2,000 There Can Only Be One As you are more than likely aware if you have read our reviews of Elon University's basketball and football facilities, growth is a constant among the Phoenix athletic programs. This Colonial Athletic Conference member school boasts an impressive collection of facilities, from the old to the new. It would be easy to look at the listing of NCAA regional appearances on the wall at Latham Park and think that Elon has only recently started to experience success on the diamond. This is far from the case, however. Elon's storied baseball history actually got its start at the beginning of the 20th century, facing off against Greensboro, North Carolina's Guilford College in the school's first-ever contest in any sport in 1900. Elon won a number of conference titles in the 1930s, and made numerous appearances in the NAIA World Series before finally moving on to NCAA Division I baseball. Elon's current baseball home opened as Newsome Field in 1978, and while the actual field retains this name, the facility has seen a number of improvements in 35-plus years, along with a new name, Walter C. Latham Park. Though Elon does not have an extensive history in NCAA Division I baseball or in the Colonial Athletic Conference, their facility certainly ranks near the top of their league. Food & Beverage 2 The one place where Latham Park lags a bit behind is in the concessions. Served from a trailer behind the third base stands, the concessions menu is fairly pedestrian. Hot dogs, peanuts and nachos ($3 each) are the "major" items on the board. The peanuts are actually a great deal, as the $3 price gets you a full-size bag similar to the ones you might see in a grocery store. Candy bars ($1), Cracker Jacks ($1.50), Blow Pops ($.50) and sunflower seeds ($.50) round out the available choices. Coca-Cola is the campus' bottler, with 20-ounce bottled sodas, bottled water and Powerade available for $3 each. Hot chocolate can also be purchased for $3, which is a nice touch at some of the cooler early-season contests in the North Carolina piedmont. Be careful when going to purchase concessions, though, as the trailer closed at random intervals on the day I attended. The stand closed and reopened at least twice, that I saw. The best suggestion is to plan ahead and buy any concessions you may need early in the contest. Atmosphere 3 Latham Park has experienced a number of upgrades in its time, and one of the largest upgrades is in the seating. All of the fixed seating between the dugouts is chair back seating, which is a nice perk for a school this size. The seats can get a bit uncomfortable after a while, as they are composed of hard plastic. The seat backs can also cause back pain, depending on your height. This may inspire you to head to the berm down the third base line. This was a rather popular area on the day I visited, with some fans standing and some sitting in lawn chairs. The playing surface (the infield is turf, with a grass outfield) is visible from any seat in the facility. Sight lines are not a large concern, except for the netting behind the plate, as with most parks. The bullpens are visible down each line, allowing you to keep up with any pitchers warming up to enter the game. There is a pond behind the left field wall that is visible from many of the seats in the park, and is a nice relaxing place to visit after a game. There is a scoreboard in left-center field that resembles those found in many ballparks. The scoreboard shows the number of the player at bat, the ball/strike/out count and the game's linescore. Player statistics appear on a single-line display above the game's linescore. There is also a rotating advertisement board below the score section. Neighborhood 3 Elon is a town built around the school, for the most part. The true attraction to the surrounding community is the beauty of the campus. Spring days often see students walking, throwing a frisbee or just enjoying the nice weather. The campus and town are a great place to explore. There are a few restaurants in Elon itself (the Town Table being the closest), but most of the activity is in neighboring Burlington. There are a number of chain restaurants in Burlington, along with shopping and entertainment. Many of the choices in Burlington are located just off exits 140 (University Drive) and 141 (Huffman Mill Road) on North Carolina Interstate 85. Fans 4 Latham Park may not see every seat filled for every game, but those who attend Elon games are certainly supportive of their Phoenix. Athletes from some of the other teams at Elon also come out to support the team, which is good to see. The day I attended in early 2013 was extremely cold, but a good number of fans from both Elon and visiting Furman made their way out to see the game. The crowd started to thin out a bit as the afternoon wore on, as the game went into extra innings and the cold got the better of some people. Elon also has its own playful "heckling" section. Granted, this section consists of three or four fans at the top of the seating on the first base side, but they are quite vocal and amusing. Furman's manager tripped over the turf coming back from a mound visit, which drew a smile from him and some playful annoyance from the fans, with their mentioning it wasn't any fun if he enjoyed it. Access 4 Elon is accessible via North Carolina Interstates 85 and 40. US 70 and North Carolina Highway 100 also serve the greater Elon/Burlington area. The campus is several miles away from the interstate, however, it make take a good 15-20 minute drive from the interstate on heavy traffic days. Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) is 25-30 minutes away from the campus in Greensboro, with Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) 45-50 minutes to the east in Morrisville, between Durham and Raleigh. Parking at Latham Park is an extremely easy affair. There are a number of spots between Latham Park and Rhodes Stadium (Elon's football facility), and they are all free and within steps of the park. If you are afraid of a foul ball "decorating" your car, there is ample parking at the new Hunt Softball Park across the street from Latham Park. The walk is not that long, particularly on a warm spring day, and this parking is also free. There are two bathrooms (one for each sex) underneath the seating bowl. The bathrooms are a bit small, though certainly of an appropriate size for most Elon crowds. The facilities are clean and well-kept. Return on Investment 5 Attending an Elon game is no great strain on the wallet. Tickets for most games (all seats are general admission) are $5, with some "premium" (East Carolina and NC State, for example) games priced at $7. Youth tickets are priced at $3. With free parking, this allows you to buy a non-premium game ticket, hot dog and soda for $11. Should you choose a premium game, this total only increases to $13. Elon has experienced a great deal of success in a short time at the Division I level, and seeing a consistent quality product for this price is absolutely worth your small investment. Extras 3 Programs are available at the ticket window as you enter the park. The programs are a nice touch, and they keep you from having to bury yourself in your smartphone to find out more about the Elon team. The university may want to publicize these programs a bit more, but just making them available is a solid start. There are three commemorative plaques in Latham Park. There is a plaque honoring the Bill Graham Baseball Scholarship, one for W. Bryan Latham, M.D.'s contributions to the upgrades in the facility and one outside telling the story of Walter C. Latham, the man for whom the park is named. Latham is enshrined in the Elon Sports Hall of Fame and played at the school. The stories behind the names of many facilities are left to the fans to research, so the explanation of Latham's story is an extremely nice touch. A banner on the bullpen wall in left field commemorates Elon's Southern Conference championships (2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011). There is a similar banner on the bullpen wall in right field to honor the university's NCAA regional appearances (2002, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010). As mentioned earlier, Elon has spent just over a decade at the Division I level, and this is a nice nod to the school's tremendous level of success in a short amount of time. Final Thoughts Elon baseball is rapidly becoming known as one of the top programs in the Carolinas and the southeastern United States, and they have a beautiful facility to match this success. The park is located next to Elon's football facility, Rhodes Stadium, as well as their continually-growing athletic complex. This makes for quite lively surroundings in and around Latham Park. If your travels lead you to north central North Carolina, you certainly owe it to yourself to see one of the elite programs in the Colonial Athletic Conference.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Liberty Stadium Landore Swansea, Wales SA1 2FA United Kingdom Swansea City AFC website Liberty Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 22,500 The Power in the Gower Swansea City’s rise through the English football leagues from near extinction in 2003 to establishing themselves in the Premiership, winning the League Cup in 2013, and playing in Europe is one of the most gratifying stories in recent years. At the same time, they have left their cozy, but rundown former home of the Vetch Field to move to the purpose-built, council-owned 22,500 Liberty Stadium that they share with the local rugby team The Ospreys. Despite being the smallest capacity in the Premier League, it is a compact, comfortable, and clean stadium that more than suits the needs of the highest-place supporter-owned club in the English League pyramid. Food & Beverage 4 The Liberty Stadium supplies the usual standard grub of beer, soda, hot dogs, meat pies, chocolate, and chips; combinations of the above come in special £5 ($8) combo deals. For something more exotic a few curry outlets are providing a tasty and not-too-spicy chicken curry and rice for £6 ($9). Atmosphere 5 Swansea’s rise through the leagues has been built on a possession-based passing game. Despite changing managers during their rise, their owners have insisted on maintaining the quick passing style that has won them friends and plaudits galore and brought comparisons to Spain and Barcelona’s tikka-tikka style. As such, the fans demand good football and respond vocally when it occurs. The Liberty fills up quickly and thanks to clever ticketing policies it is rare that the attendance isn’t close to capacity. As such, there is usually a rollicking good atmosphere, with the very best coming when their South Wales rivals Cardiff City make the short trip along the coast. Neighborhood 3 Across the road from the stadium is where the real action takes place; Rossi’s Fish and Chip Bar. The family-run business was already well-known in the area but bought new premises in 2005. A few weeks later the new stadium opened across the road and business has boomed ever since. A good-sized piece of fish and all the chips you can eat to take away will set you back £7 ($11), though it is slightly more to eat in at the 48-seat restaurant. For more sophisticated dining try La Parrilla down at the restored Swansea Bay Docks selling all manner of Mediterranean-inspired dishes; a main with starter or dessert plus wine will work out at about £25 ($41) per head. For post-match festivities head to Wind Street in the Mediterranean-inspired center of town which is jam-packed with pubs and nightclubs that stay open late into the night and do a roaring trade on Friday and Saturday nights. As with most new-built stadiums, there isn’t a great deal to do around the stadium apart from the odd shop and fast food restaurant. While it is neither salubrious nor dangerous, it is just lacking any real options for something to do. Much better to jump in a taxi (£7, $11) or catch a bus and head back into town to find something going on; on a good day the seafront provides a great option to stretch the legs or go for the dip, or there is the well-known picturesque village of Mumbles a few miles round the coast to enjoy. Fans 4 Swansea City fans are appreciative of the good football that they play and are well aware of how close to going over the edge they came. As such, they are very friendly and always up for some good-natured banter with opposing fans, though Cardiff City is the one set of supporters that can stir their ire. Furthermore, as a supporter-run club, they are looked after by their own and as such their needs and wants are listened to by those in power and acted upon. In all, it makes up for a very good fan experience. Access 3 Swansea train station is on the main west line out of London and a 10-minute ride in a taxi from there to the Liberty Stadium will set you back about £7 ($11). Trains from London take about three hours and return costs around £60 ($98), but make sure you book up early as prices rise steeply. Numerous buses also run from the city center, with the 4, 120, 125, and X20 the best options. If driving, Swansea is off junction 45 of the M4 motorway that runs west from London and takes about three and a half hours on a good day. Once off the motorway, follow the A4067 towards the city center and then follow the signs. Parking is available but limited both in the stadium car parks at £6 ($9) and on the nearby streets. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are about average for the Premier League and come in two bands. Category A matches are priced at £45 ($73) for adults and £22.50 ($38) for concessions (over-60s, U16son, and students). They include fixtures against Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, adults, and Tottenham Hotspur. Category B games come priced at £35 ($57) for adults and £17.50 ($28). Extras 3 The local rugby team, The Ospreys, competes in the Heineken European Cup and the Pro 12, a league featuring clubs from Ireland, Italycompetes, and Scotland. They feature, several Welsh internationals and have a reputation for entertaining rugby; tickets cost £28 ($46) for adults and £20 ($32) for concessions. As ever there is a club shop that features all the usual paraphernalia of both Swansea City and the Ospreys. Keep an eye out for the discount rail where last season’s gear has been knocked down to more affordable prices. There are also tours available of the Liberty Stadium, check the website for details. Final Thoughts Swansea City fans have known what it has been like to suffer through lean years and also know what it’s like to revel in glory seasons. You can’t break the heart and souls of its fans and supporters. Liberty Stadium is providing a fitting symbol for their continuing rise.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena Viale dei Mille, 3 Siena, Italy 53100 Italy Robur Siena website Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 15,373 Siena Soccer The Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium is the main facility for football in the city of Siena. The stadium is the scene of the home matches of Robur Siena. It was built in the late 1930’s and was inaugurated on December 8, 1938 with a friendly match between Siena and Empoli. A few days later, on December 11, the stadium hosted Siena vs Pisa, a match for the Serie B championship, the second national division in Italy. The stadium was expanded in the second half of the twentieth century: the discovery tribune was made in 1955, the lighting system was added at the football season 1969/1970, the curve Jolly (or Robur), and the curve San Domenico were built between the end of 1980’s and the end of 1990’s, and finally, the promotion of Siena in Serie B, 1999/2000, and then in Serie A 2002/2003, required other extension works. Today, the total capacity of the Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium is 15,373 spectators. Since 1986, the facility has been named after Artemio Franchi, a Siena citizen and president of the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) from 1973 to 1983. Food & Beverage 3 In the tribune “Danilo Nannini” there is a bar with the following options: coffee € 1; sandwiches from € 2.50 to € 3; pizza and cakes € 2, pasta € 4. Between the first and second half of match Siena vs Sampdoria we bought a cake and a glass of tea, costing us € 3.5. There is another bar in the area reserved for the supporters side. Before going to the stadium we had lunch in a local restaurant with typical dishes of Tuscan cuisine (mixed cured meats, cheese, croutons and “pici”, special handmade spaghetti) at € 17. This would be my recommendation if you’re taking in a match at Siena. The concessions are about average for Italian football, but while in Tuscany, you are much better served when trying some of the authentic cuisine at any of the nearby restaurants. Atmosphere 3 The tribune “Danilo Nannini” is the only covered seating in the stadium and has a capacity of 1,264 spectators. The staircase “Paolo De Luca” and the curves “Robur” and “Vittorio Beneforti” are without coverage, so keep that in mind when purchasing tickets. “Curva Ospiti” (3,000 seats) is reserved for supporters accompanying the guest team. Between the playing field and the stands are still visible parts of the old athletics track. The most anticipated match is against Fiorentina. The match between Siena and Fiorentina are called “Derby Guelfi-Ghibellini.” Many fans are also present for the games against Juventus, Inter, Milan, Napoli, Roma and Lazio. Neighborhood 4 The city of Siena is divided in different “Terzi”: “Terzo di Camollia”, “Terzo di Città”, “Terzo di San Martino”. The Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium is located in the “Terzo di Camollia,” in the north of the city. In this area of Siena are also numerous attractions including the “Fortezza Medicea,” the house shrine of “Santa Caterina” and the “Rocca Salimbeni.” Give yourself plenty of time to explore the many treasures of this city. According to Roman legend, the city was founded by Senius, who was the son of Remus. The city itself is at least 2,400 years old. Fans 2 The most passionate fans of Robur Siena follow matches from curve “Robur.” If you are choosing only one game to attend, then you will want to see one of the derby matches against Fiorentina. Siena’s supporters base is smaller than many of the more well-known teams in Serie A, but the small and intimate setting helps to elevate the overall fan experience. Access 3 To reach the Artemio Franchi – Montepaschi Arena stadium from northern Italy (Florence, Bologna, Milan), you can take the A1 highway at “Firenze Certosa” and then take the “Firenze-Siena” motorway. However, if you are coming from the south (Rome, Naples), then the best route is the A1 highway at “Valdichiana” and then take the road “Bettolle-Siena.” Once you arrive in town just follow the signs for “Stadio.” There is ample parking, with some areas reserved for visiting fans. Return on Investment 4 In the 2012-2013 Serie A season, ticket prices range between a minimum of € 10 for the two curves, “Robur” and “Beneforti,” with discounts for students, to a maximum of € 45 for the staircase “Paolo De Luca.” Tickets for the covered tribune “Danilo Nannini” are more difficult to find and will likely be sold out for most matches, so if you plan to sit here, then be sure to get tickets well in advance. Extras 4 The historic center of Siena has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. “Fortezza Medicea” is the seat of “Enoteca Italiana” where you can learn and taste the best Italian wines. There are many local culinary products that deserve a taste. Finally, not far from Siena, there are many spas where visitors can relax in the hot water.

Photos by Drew Cieszynski, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Les Murakami Stadium 1337 Lower Campus Rd Honolulu, HI 96822 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors website Les Murakami Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 4,312 Les Gives Hawaii More One of the more popular collegiate baseball programs today resides at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, calling Les Murakami Stadium its home. Initially known as Rainbow Stadium after head coach Les Murakami led the efforts for the new stadium, it had to be built quickly as it would sit on the same grounds as the previous home, the University of Hawaii Stadium. It was constructed in roughly nine months at an initial cost of $11.2 million and opened in February of 1984. The University would soon get a return on the stadium with greater attendance, as the capacity increased from 2,500 at the old stadium to over 4,000 at the new. With all of green in the Hawaii landscape, it's no surprise that the initial surface was natural grass. Appropriately enough, the base paths were a mix of sand and crushed lava rock. Unfortunately, initial plans did not work out as hoped and an additional $1 million in costs were added (bringing total cost to $12.2 million) for a roof over the seating area and switching the playing surface to Astro Turf. Renovations have since occurred (speakers, roofing, scoreboard), but most welcomed by the players was the switch from Astro Turf to Domo Turf in 2008. The new turf is polyethylene 'grass' blades with rubber infill granules, which has significantly reduced player injuries. The batter's box and pitching mound are the only areas of the field that appear to have real dirt. It was around this same time that the seats were changed from the unappealing red, orange, and blue colors to green in an effort to improve the aesthetics of the stadium to align with the school's colors of green. Today, Les Murakami Stadium sits with a capacity of 4,312 and has three WAC titles to its name. Of the total seats, over 85% of them are covered to protect fans from the Manoa Mist' that frequently makes appearances. In 2001, the University renamed the stadium after the man who led the baseball program for 31 years, changing the name to Les Murakami Stadium. Some fans even affectionately call it 'the house that Les built' for the man that was not only the school's first Division I coach, but also led Hawaii to the College World Series in 1980. Food & Beverage 3 While the food and beverage options are not as extensive as they are at the Stan Sheriff Center, the value is still one of the best in collegiate sports. Fans can get a whole meal for the same cost as a single box of chocolate covered pineapples at the nearby Dole plantation. Larger items included sub sandwiches ($5), Eisenberg All Beef Hot Dogs ($2.50), Warrior dog ($4.75, add $1 for chili), chili frank plate ($5), cheese nachos ($2.50 or add chili for 50 cents), pizza slice ($3.75), chili bowl ($2.25), or saimin, a Hawaiian noodle soup ($2.25). The two "combo" options included the teriyaki burger with fries ($4.25) and chicken strips with fries ($3.75). Smaller side items included the churro or pretzel ($2), french fries ($2.25), Enjoy-brand snacks ($2.50), assorted candy ($1), Italian ice ($4), popcorn ($1.75), and peanuts ($2.50). A popular snack item is the roasted macadamia nuts. Fans could receive a small bag of these or chocolate covered raisins, pecans, or almonds for $4 or two for $7. The beverage options included bottled water ($2.75), Pepsi products (20 oz for $2 or 32 oz for $2.50), coffee ($1.75), hot tea or cocoa ($1.25), bottled soda ($2.75), Gatorade ($3), Sobe Life Water ($2.75), lemonade ($3.50), and Rockstar energy drink ($3.50). Finally, in what I would deem the best value in all of sports was the price of beer at the ballpark. The value price of beer translated to many fans lining up for a purchase throughout the game (yet, surprisingly all remained well-behaved). The mass Domestic drafts were offered in either a 16 oz for $5 or a 32 oz for $7. The more premium names such as Heineken and Gordon Biersch had a 16 oz option for $6 and 32 oz for $8. The non-alcoholic O'Douls was also on hand for a mere $2.50 and those interested in wine could have a glass for $5. Atmosphere 5 In all of my college and minor league baseball visits, Les Murakami Stadium hands down provided the best atmosphere. Interestingly enough, there were few promotions between innings. The aura seems to create itself with the quality team on the field. As is the case with all Hawai'i events, it starts off with not only the National Anthem, but also the playing of Hawai'i Pono'ī, which is the former national anthem of the state from when it was a territory. Certainly, there were a few levers pulled to get the fans engaged including a "casual" t-shirt toss, but everyone seemed to be most interested in the live play. Fans were reacting to every at-bat and as I walked the concourse I often mistook a routine ground out for a home run by the boisterous applause in the seating areas. There's a nice ambiance to the stadium, with the tall trees outlining the outfield wall, the school's green colors on all seats, and a nice Under Armour sign next to the dugout with the Hawai'i logo that reads, "Protect This House." The organ was used heavily and the crowd would clap along at any opportunity. I have never witnessed a crowd that was so into the action without being cued in any specific way. These fans love their baseball team and it certainly created a both fun and entertaining atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Outsiders who visit Honolulu may be amazed by how close the campus is to a robust downtown area and Waikiki Beach. I would argue that few campuses nationwide offer such a diverse number of restaurants in the general vicinity of campus. Many of the nearby establishments offer sushi, fast food, Indian, Korean, Hawaiian BBQ, Thai, and even Vietnamese. The baseball and basketball venues sit on campus, as opposed to Aloha Stadium (home of the Hawaii Warriors football team). Stan Sheriff is still in the vicinity of Pearl Harbor (and USS Arizona Memorial), the Diamond Head Crater, and the Punchbowl National Cemetery. Two establishments that I tried after the game due to cues from local television commercials included Mac 24/7 and Zippy's. Mac 24/7 is a bar/restaurant that really made its claim to fame with its Man vs Food exposure. The Mac Daddy Pancake Challenge offers 5 different options of three 14" pancakes that need to be eaten in 90 minutes. If you complete, you will be awarded as a "Mac Daddy," get your meal free of charge and get a photo on the Wall of Fame. Zippy's is a well-known casual fast food chain on the islands of Oahu and Maui. This 24 hour establishment does not limit itself to any one cuisine type, offering a mix of American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Hawaiian. While chili is their claim to fame, they also take pride in their locally grown meats, coming from ranches on the islands of Hawaii. Fans 5 It is difficult to challenge the devotion of the Hawaii fans. Despite living in what many describe as paradise with numerous entertainment options, over 2.5 million fans have attended Hawaii baseball games since 1984. The team has led the NCAA in attendance on two occasions. The first was in 1986 when the stadium averaged 2,599 fans and again in 1992 where they experienced their best year of 4,433. Not to dwell on the past, as recently as 2011, the team was 17th in attendance across all of Division I baseball with 3,320 fans per game. While it seemed to take them a bit to arrive, the stands were mostly full by the end of the third inning. The fans here did not rely on the PA system to get them involved as they seemed to be hanging on every play. Noticeable groans were present after a Hawaii player struck out or hit a foul ball. When the Hawaii players made a great offensive or defensive play, the crowd would show its appreciation in such a way that it could probably be heard on the shores of Waikiki Beach. The fans also took every opportunity to distract the opposing players. When the visiting team reached first base, several fans sitting on that side began to jeer the base runner. When the opposing pitcher began to struggle, the PA system played Queen's "We Will Rock You," and the fans went nuts in an attempt to further shake the pitcher. Even though there is not permanent seating in the outfield, even the opposing center fielder faced some jeers as fans set up temporary seats on a hill beyond the outfield face, allowing them to peer into the action. Access 3 Fans driving on the H1 freeway can spot the lights of Les Murakami Stadium and it is just a few turns off of the exit. Like any metropolitan area, there can be quite a bit of traffic congestion, and fans should be advised to allow plenty of time to get to the stadium. Parking required a permit that ran at a cost of $6 daily, which is on par with most mainland collegiate and minor league programs. The restrooms were small, but they did manage to cram quite a few stations inside and the crowds came and went rather quickly. Despite a large attendance on this evening, I did not notice any backups at any of the restrooms despite the 32 ounce beers. The concourse was spacious, and the steps were not at all challenging to get to the second level. The scoreboard would probably be improved, and it appeared that the video board was not in operation on this evening. Return on Investment 5 Having participated in many of the attractions on the island of Oahu, I cannot suggest a better value than Rainbow baseball. Ticket prices at $9 for lower level seating at an upper echelon Division I program still stuns me. The upper level still provides great, unobstructed views at $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for students. I would consider these prices to be a great value at any Division I school, let alone one with a great stadium and tremendous atmosphere. Parking is a reasonable $6 and I consider the concessions to provide the best value pricing that I have ever witnessed at a college event. Pairing these together provides my most convincing Return on Investment score to date. I would challenge anyone to come forward with a better entertainment value (for all ages) on any of the islands of Hawaii. Extras 3 The first thing that caught my attention in making the simple climb to the upper concourse was the spectacular view of the tip of Diamond Head Crater just before sunset. Fans can hike the Diamond Crater free of charge and if they make it to the top, they can look down at the University of Hawaii campus. Embracing the program's history, fans can spot the retired numbers of Derek Tatsuno (16) and Les Murakami (11) in the left field corner. On the lowest level, fans will find framed photos of recent 2010 and 2011 WAC Championship teams. There are also display cases filled with historic items from years past. The Bud Light Bullpen is found in right field and is a popular spot for large groups that want to check out a Rainbows game. Les Murakami Stadium has also been the home of the minor league Hawai'i Islanders in 1986, the Hawai'i Winter Baseball League, and the Hawai'i Island Movers summer baseball club has called the facility home for more than two decades. Final Thoughts In all of my reviews for Stadium Journey, Les Murakami Stadium was easily my most pleasant surprise. Not only were the aesthesis of the stadium beyond expectations, the fan support puts this venue over the top. Oahu is a popular vacation spot for many sports fans, and the sun does occasionally go down, so do yourself a favor and spend a few hours with one of the best programs in college baseball.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Kyocera Dome Osaka Naka 3-2-1, Chiyozaki Nishi-ku, Osaka City 550-0023 Japan Orix Buffaloes website Kyocera Dome Osaka website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 50,000 Dome Away From Home In 1997, the Kintetsu Buffaloes moved from their old and decaying stadium at Fujidera to a brand new dome in the city of Osaka. Using the typical Japanese penchant for creativity in naming, the stadium was dubbed Osaka Dome. Known more for its resemblance to a silver spaceship in the middle of the city than an actual functioning ballpark, the dome took on naming rights from electronics concern Kyocera in 2006, and has retained the name Kyocera Dome Osaka since. The Buffaloes merged with the Orix Blue Wave two years before that, and the resulting team (Orix Buffaloes) made the dome their regular home ballpark, much to the chagrin of their faithful based in Kobe, where the Blue Wave played. This choice has left the Dome empty much of the time, as it can be difficult to get to from Kobe, and hence the true fans are often left at home. The dome is also used as the temporary home stadium for the Hanshin Tigers when Koshien Stadium is reserved for the high school tournament, and it is likely a far livelier spot for these games than when the Buffaloes are at home. (Note that the exchange rates are as of the time of this posting, August 2013.) Food & Beverage 2 A good variety of food greets you here, but unfortunately, the items I had were less than appetizing. A spicy fried chicken (¥400/$4.10) looked good but turned out to be bland, with no spice whatsoever. I also had some chicken sticks (¥400/$4.10) that were hard and flavorless. Other options include crepes at ¥700 ($7.20), beefsteak rice bowl (¥650/$6.70) and takoyaki (fried octopus balls, ¥400/$4.10, and a Kansai staple). As usual, I recommend that you wander the concourse before the game and look at all the options that are available. There are 22 different concession stands each with something unique; hopefully, you will have better luck than I did on my most recent visit. On the beverage side, there are plenty of beer girls with kegs on their back who will serve your favorite variety of draught throughout the game; just wave one down, and you will have a cold brew delivered to your seat. Atmosphere 2 This place is too big to have a great atmosphere, and it is made worse by the fact that so few fans show up. There are a couple of mascots that try to get fans excited, and an energetic group of cheerleaders who perform outside the stadium prior to the game and also dance on the field at various breaks in the action. Still, this is probably the least interesting place to watch a Japanese baseball game, as the cavernous surroundings kill any real noise or excitement. Neighborhood 4 Although the stadium itself is located in a less-than-inspiring part of the city, there are two shopping malls right next door that allow you to cool off before entering the ballpark itself. Meanwhile, the bustling nightlife district of Namba is nearby, just 2 stops away on the Hanshin Namba line. There are hundreds of clubs and bars here that will keep you awake until the early morning hours if you are still suffering from jet lag. Club PURE is the most recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday when you can drink all you want for just ¥3,000 ($30.75). Fans 2 The Buffaloes fans have been through a lot, what with their team being merged and all. Regardless, the logistics make it so that they are unable to show up in numbers, leaving vast tracts of the dome empty on a weeknight. At the game I saw, the visiting Lotte fans were much louder and energetic and for this, the Buffaloes’ fans must be punished. Access 4 There is a subway stop right in front of the dome on the Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi line, as well the Hanshin Railway has a stop on the Namba line. Both of these are just seconds away from the dome itself, while the Hanshin line has the advantage of being just two stops away from the Namba neighborhood mentioned above. Outside, you can walk around the entire venue, but there is little to see with three propane tanks the dubious highlight. Once inside, concourses are wide enough and you can walk around to the outfield area, where as usual in Japanese ballparks, you are stopped by fencing. This is the only fault here and hence the lost point (for what it’s worth, no NPB park scores a perfect 5 in this category because of this). Getting in and out is not a problem since the stadium is only about a third full. Note that gates open here just an hour before first pitch, unlike most parks here which give you two hours to explore. Return on Investment 4 Tickets vary widely in price, and I quote the day of game price for the average Joe here, although you can save a bit if you buy in advance or if you are a member of the team’s fan club. The most expensive seats are those on the field, known as the MobaPro seats after an online baseball card game, which go for ¥8,000 ($82) for those near the bases, and ¥6,500 ($66.60) for those a bit further down the line. My recommendation is to spend ¥3,000 ($30.75) on the B seats, which are near the corners and still in the lower deck. These are generally quite empty and you can move around to get some space. The upper deck seats in the infield are unreserved and go for ¥2,400 ($24.60) if you like to sit higher up. For an extra ¥100 ($1), certain seats allow you to enter three hours before game time to watch batting practice; you are then kicked out of the stadium and readmitted when gates open just one hour before first pitch, forcing you to wander the area for 75 minutes, and thus not a highly useful choice. Extras 3 There was a T-Rex sculpture out front advertising a show that was taking place in the Sky Hall, which is an event center on the 9F of the dome and might be worth a visit if you have time. Outside the stadium, there is Bs Park (the Buffaloes refer to themselves as Bs and I will refrain from making any wisecracks), which is a small area with a few food options and a cheerleader performance before the game. Although it is not recommended, the option to watch batting practice is a creative approach and nets another point here. Final Thoughts A bizarre design might be the highlight of the Osaka Dome, because once you are inside, you will not see this as much different than the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Sure, the food is slightly better and more varied, but the fact that this team is unable to generate significant fan support makes it a poor choice to experience your first Japanese ballgame. You are much better served in visiting nearby Koshien, home of the Tigers, which is the best Japanese baseball experience to be had.

Photos by Daniel Armstrong, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Sam M. Vadalabene Center Strasen Road & Pin Oak Rd Edwardsville, IL 62025 SIU-Edwardsville Cougars men's basketball website Sam M. Vadalabene Center website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 4,200 The Road to Edwardsville Moving along I-55 towards Saint Louis you will see the sign for the ramp to Edwardsville. Most people won’t give that sign a second look. That may just be their mistake, because in the heart of that city lies the campus of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and more importantly for me the Vadalabene Center. The arena has been the home of Cougar basketball since 1982. Food & Beverage 3 The food is certainly not overpriced. It is one of the most reasonably priced venues I have ever visited. It’s just that there is nothing out of the ordinary, possibly even less than would be expected. The only thing that was worth mentioning is a personal pizza from Domino’s, which was slightly overpriced at $5. The other menu items are a 20 oz. drink for $2, hot dog ($2.50), popcorn ($1.50), and candy ($1). Access to the concession stands is also less than ideal. They are all located in the east lobby, so if your seats are on the other side, you have to walk all the way around. There are three windows, but during my visit, only one was open so the line circled the entire lobby making navigation difficult. They did open a second window, but there still was a line until around the ten-minute mark of the second half. If you ask me it is not worth the wait. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere was the high point of the visit. The arena is smaller than many Division I basketball arenas, and that can be a good thing. It resembles a large high school gym and one thing about high school basketball is the atmosphere is far more intimate than seeing a game at a bigger venue. Even with the renovation of the building before the move to Division I, this is more of a gym, rather than an arena. The atmosphere wasn’t what I would call electric, but it was cozy and you can’t say that about many basketball experiences these days. One high point would be that the building has a nice echo so it can get very loud and exciting after a big play. Neighborhood 2 This was another low point of the visit, being stuffed in the middle of the campus there are not many surrounding restaurants close by. I did notice a few places just out of walking distance but they all appeared closed by the time the game was over. My recommendation would be to go to the center of town where there are a lot of places to grab something to eat. Fans 2 The fans filled two-thirds of the 4,000-seat arena, and probably half of them were the opposing team's fans who were more into the game. I was almost mystified by the fan situation. They were there and all seemed to be paying attention to the game, but they rarely clapped or cheered except for about 25 die-hard fans. After a big play or when the other team called a time they would get up and cheer and clap, but the rest of the time it was like they were in a trance watching the players run up and down the court. One high point would be the previously mentioned echo, as it made those die-hard fans a lot louder and added to the atmosphere. It also worked the other way though making the SEMO fans almost sound like the home crowd. Access 3 The arena itself is easy to find, but hard to get to. It is tucked away in the center of campus surrounded by a maze of one-way streets. For a local, I am sure it would be far easier and I need to factor in my malfunctioning GPS, but it took me 10 minutes to get to the lot. The parking situation is excellent as there are two large lots directly across from the arena both with free parking. Once inside you may have some trouble finding bathrooms. When you do find them, they are large and you shouldn’t expect a wait, but they are in the lobbies on the East and West sides of the arena so you may have to go around. There are also bathrooms in the season ticket club which would be my recommendation for fans in the upper bleachers. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are a little high, but still well within reason with 100-level seats for $15 and 200-level general admission bleachers for $9. The sight lines are good throughout and the bleachers are comfortable. I think they are the best value. The concessions are cheap – so with free parking, a hot dog and a drink, and the price of the ticket – the total comes to about $15 which is about perfect for the experience you will find. Extras 3 I liked the overall feel of the place, it was just something that you seldom find anymore. Eddie the mascot did an excellent job of going around and greeting the kids all around the arena. The cheerleaders and band did a good job of keeping the energy up even with the Cougars being down by quite a bit in the game.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Oestrike Stadium 2051 N Huron River Dr Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Eastern Michigan Eagles website Oestrike Stadium website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,500 Strike Out to Oestrike Stadium For more than 40 years, the Eastern Michigan Eagles have played their home baseball games at Oestrike Stadium. Like many collegiate venues, the stadium was named for a former coach, Ron Oestrike, who led the team from 1965-1987. The facility has undergone a series of renovations dating back to 2000 when lights were installed thanks to a donation from the William G. Clark Family. The Eagles won their inaugural night game against local rival Michigan on a walk-off home run by Nick Soliz. In 2007, the infield was replaced by Pro Grass, a synthetic surface that cuts down on the maintenance cost for the university, but also takes away from part of the splendor of baseball, most notably when someone silently slides into a base. In 2012, the stadium is getting a new brick exterior, which should add to the overall aesthetics of Oestrike Stadium. The stadium could also use a new scoreboard and some upgrades to the outfield wall. There were no dimensions posted on the wall, and nothing to brand the stadium in Eastern Michigan style. I have seen pictures in the past where they have hung banners for former greats like Bob Welch and Chris Hoiles, so that would be a good touch to bring back. All and all, this is a pleasant little facility to see a game, with a covered grandstand, and a team that is typically in competition for a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship. Food & Beverage 2 There is a lone concession cart on the first base side of Oestrike Stadium. Here you can find some basics to keep you sustained during the game. They have brats ($3), hot dogs ($2), popcorn ($2), candy ($1), and chips ($1). The popcorn was actually better than expected, and the brat was as well. For cold early season contests you can grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate ($1 each). Bottles of Pepsi products, Gatorade, and water are on hand as well ($2). Atmosphere 3 I started off a little disappointed with my visit as I arrived about 10 minutes before the scheduled starting time of 5pm, only to find out that the game had been pushed back an hour. I checked the team’s website that afternoon, so some better work by the EMU athletic department would have saved me an hour of sitting around unnecessarily, especially since I rushed through an early dinner in order to be at the game on time. Hopefully this is a rare occurrence and not the norm. All of the seating at Oestrike Stadium is metal bleachers, which are under a covered grand stand. It reminded me of a newer version of the classic Bosse Field in Evansville, Indiana. There were also several fans standing along the right field line against the fence, a good view if you prefer to be on your feet. Screens completely cover the seating area, so I found myself among the standing fans down the line for much of the game. It’s an odd field with the synthetic surface on the infield, and real outfield grass juxtaposed. The pitching mound is also real dirt, but the home plate area is not. It is funny to see the batters dig in at the plate out of habit, but to no avail. The team has had success at times, with nine MAC Championships (most recently in 2008) and four MAC tournament championships. The sound system is decent, and there is an interesting quirk as the radio play-by-play announcer apparently doesn’t fit inside the press box, so you can hear much of his call during the game action, something I rather enjoyed. Neighborhood 3 Depot Town, located just a couple of miles away, is definitely the place to go for something to eat before or after a game. I have two favorites that I highly recommend. First is Sidetrack Bar & Grill, which has 26 beers on tap, including many local options. They also have very good burgers and sandwiches, salads, and your typical pub food. This is the more kid-friendly option of my two recommendations. My second recommendation is just across the street, Aubree’s. They have an outstanding selection of draft beers, including several local options. They have plenty of activities to keep you entertained including a pool table and trivia game. The food is decent, but nothing special. I tried their pizza as well, it has a buttery crust and a comforting greasy quality. Fans 2 There weren’t many people in attendance (maybe 100 people or so), and with the exception of one local and supportive fan sitting behind the home team dugout, they tended to be pretty quiet. In fact, the opposing fans outnumbered the home fans in attendance by my estimation. You’ll hear an eagle screech when the team scores, which is a rather irritating sound, but it seemed to be popular with those in attendance. Access 3 Parking is free, and can be found just across the street in the same lot used for football games at Rynearson Stadium. Restrooms unfortunately are in the form of two outhouse port-a-potties found behind home plate – not very appealing at all. I ended up not buying a bottle of water, just so I could avoid that experience. Return on Investment 4 There was no admission charge, and no charge for parking. It is very hard to argue with that. Concessions, while far from spectacular, were reasonably priced. You could easily bring a family of four to a game and pay under $20 even with a snack and drink for everyone. Extras 2 One extra point goes to what seems to be a tradition for the EMU Eagles baseball team. As the head coach (Jay Alexander) meets with the umpires and opposing coach to exchange lineups, the team assembles, almost as if they are going to take a team picture. When the coach is through, he runs over to the team and jumps into a collective chest bump. It was a lot of fun to see, and the Eagles do it on the road as well, as I had the opportunity to see them several times during the 2012 season. I’ll give another extra point to the efforts by the donors, alumni, and university to improve this facility. There are still more renovations to be done, but it is nice to see them invest in the baseball program. I am looking forward to making return visits to see Oestrike Stadium continue to evolve. Final Thoughts The experience of attending an Eastern Michigan University Eagles baseball game at Oestrike Stadium is unlikely to be something that will be particularly memorable, but fans of college baseball should make the stop when they can to this convenient and improving little ballpark.

Photos by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George S. Erath Field at Coy O. Williams Baseball Stadium 1013 N College Dr High Point, NC 27262 High Point Panthers website George S. Erath Field at Coy O. Williard Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 550 Choose To Be Extraordinary North Carolina is a state loaded with collegiate baseball history. Though no Tar Heel State team has raised the trophy in Omaha since Wake Forest accomplished the feat in 1955, North Carolina has played for two titles. NC State and Duke have also enjoyed success on the diamond, and many other schools across the state have participated in the NCAA regionals in recent years. High Point University has spent fewer than two decades at the Division I level, but has already placed a player in Major League Baseball (reliever Cody Allen) and hosted the Big South Conference baseball tournament. The Panthers’ home, Williard Baseball Stadium, is part of a vibrant athletic complex that continues to enjoy significant growth. If you want to catch a North Carolina program on the rise in a comfortable setting, High Point may just be your place. Food & Beverage 3 One should not expect a large amount of offerings at a High Point game. There are, however, enough choices to enjoy a small meal or in-game snack from the lone concession stand behind home plate. The school offers four hot items as part of the menu. Domino’s pizza slices ($2), hot dogs ($2), nachos and cheese ($2.75) and warm pretzels ($2.75) serve as the “entrees.” For those seeking a snack, candy and bagged chips are available for $1.50 per item. Coca-Cola serves as the Panthers’ bottler, with bottled sodas, Powerade and water available for $2. If you attend a weekday game, you might be able to enjoy an even more inexpensive night out. The school sells hot dogs for $1 apiece during in-week games. Atmosphere 3 Williard Stadium is just steps from the university’s expanding track and field sports facility, and the Millis Center — along with numerous additional campus buildings — is visible beyond the outfield fence. The view reinforces the integration of the facility into the fabric of the campus. There are also a few interestingly-hued houses (green, red, blue, et al) visible beyond the outfield wall. One of the more interesting atmospheric touches in the ballpark is also a considerable drawback. There is a bit of a “wide-open” feel in the seating bowl, as there is no overhanging structure. While this allows views of most of the action on the field from almost anywhere inside the confines of the park, this also means that there are no shaded seating areas. Therefore, day games make sunscreen a requirement. If you are visiting for an evening game and sitting on the third base (visiting) side, consider a good pair of sunglasses and a hat to block out the setting sun. The sun will remain in your eyes for at least the first half of most evening contests. All of the seats in the seating bowl are fixed, eliminating the highly uncomfortable spring option of bleachers. There is a reasonable amount of leg room for each seat, though the considerable amount of distance between the plate and backstop separates the seats from the field a bit. A standard nine-inning scoreboard can be found beyond the wall in right-center field. The board contains the normal options one would expect to see when attending a game, along with a digital clock and LED board. The board is not used for video options, but does display statistical information about the current batter and the first three batters due up in the next inning. Advertisements are also occasionally shown on the board, with each shutout inning by the homestanding Panthers sponsored — for whatever reason — by a local real estate agent. Neighborhood 2 Williard Stadium is located in a largely residential neighborhood, near the intersection of Lexington and College. There are just a couple of options — along with a Food Lion grocery store — within a reasonable distance of the park. A small group of fans tailgate in a nearby parking lot before the game, so if you feel outgoing and adventurous, it may be worth trying to introduce yourself and joining the tailgate. Many dining options can be found along North Main Street and Eastchester Drive (North Carolina Highway 68), though these options are well outside walking distance from the campus. Gianno’s, the official caterer of High Point athletics, is located on Eastchester Drive. Fans 2 A fairly sizeable crowd can be found in the seats at most Panther games. The night I attended featured a crowd of 522 (capacity is 550), with numerous others gathered outside of the gates to watch. The number of fans in attendance is comparable with a number of Big South schools. The true concern comes when analyzing the crowd itself. Attending games at High Point seems to be more of a social affair, with fans appearing more interested in hanging out with friends and catching up on the latest social news, versus making their support of the home team heard. The atmosphere can get a bit quiet at times, with the ability to hear the players on the field louder than the fans nearby in the stands. The crowd woke up a bit toward the end of the game I attended, though one might have expected more of a response throughout what ended up being a one-run game. Access 3 For fans looking to access High Point by air, the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) is located about 20 minutes north of the university in Greensboro. This is easy enough. However, the numerous interstate highways in the Triad tend not to visit the High Point campus. Interstate 74 (co-signed with US Highway 311) is the nearest interstate, and is some ten minutes from the campus. North Carolina Highway 68 (Eastchester Drive) eventually connects the campus to the airport, though there are a number of stoplights along the route. Upon your arrival to campus, parking is a bit of a challenge. There is a small lot behind the track, though it quickly fills. Therefore, it is probably best to park along the street on West College Drive (behind the track) or East Farris Avenue (between the stadium and the main campus guard house). Though this parking is free, it is not among the most convenient possible options. Either option will leave you with about a five-minute walk. There is a tiny concourse inside the ballpark, and the concession stand and restrooms are located on the concourse. The restrooms are clean and well-kept, satisfying the needs of any crowd that may attend a game at Williard Stadium. Return on Investment 4 In a world where it seems as though there is more demand for the entertainment dollar than ever, High Point offers a tremendous entertainment value for fans looking to enjoy a night out. The Big South is one of the better “non-power” baseball conferences in America, and it is almost a guarantee that, no matter the game, a great opponent will be on the field to take on the Panthers. Using the standard test we often apply, a fan can get a seat ($5 for any seat in the park), a hot dog ($2) and a soda ($2) for just nine dollars, meaning a family of four can almost assuredly attend a game for under $40. Parking is also free, removing one of the usual headaches at a game. Value such as this is hard to argue. . Extras 3 High Point has a sports marketing table just inside the entrance to the stadium. The table features free roster sheets and other helpful documentation. For those who love to keep score at a game — and who doesn’t? — score sheets can also be found at this table. If sitting in a regular ballpark seat bores you, the school furnishes rocking chairs along the top of the concourse. These chairs fill up early, so it is best to arrive early to guarantee a shot at one of these comfortable chairs. Rocking chairs are a long-time part of Southern lore, and these chairs give the park a sense of identity. If you are a “knothole” viewer who chooses to watch the game from outside the interior of the park, there is a large hill behind the first base dugout on which fans can stand or sit. This area also contains one of the only sections of shade in the vicinity of the park. There is also a section beyond the center field wall called the Panther’s Den, in which fans tend to gather to watch the game. This area contains picnic tables and standing room. While these areas allow you to get a glimpse of the game without buying a ticket, you are also not afforded the options of concessions and restrooms offered within the gates. Keep this in mind when making your decision. Final Thoughts Sure, the park could be a bit louder and more lively, but — surprisingly — this may dim some of its charm. If a comfortable, inexpensive baseball experience is what you seek, come pull up a rocking chair at Williard Stadium. You’ll be treated to great people, beautiful weather and a relaxing night at the ballpark.

Photo Courtesy of ragincajuns.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Cajundome 444 Cajundome Blvd Lafayette, LA 70506 UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns website Cajundome website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 12,068 Cajuns Ragin’ in the Dome When your campus is filled with a bunch of ragin’ Cajuns the best place to put them is in a dome for basketball events and that’s just what the University of Louisiana at Lafayette did. The school plays its basketball and volleyball games in the Cajun Dome, which is located about two miles away from the campus. The Cajun Dome was built by the State of Louisiana, funded by the City of Lafayette, and is owned by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This multi-purpose facility is the place to be for any event including many major concerts in the region. Its capacity can max out at 13,500 and Ragin’ Cajuns aren’t the only fans who fill the place. The Dome is also home to the Louisiana Ice Gators hockey team. Food & Beverage 4 When you have a facility that is known for hosting big events, the smaller events benefit greatly, especially at the concession stands. At the Cajun Dome you can find a large draft beer for $6.50, a jumbo draft beer for $8.50, and for other bottled drinks it costs $4. For the foods there is a W.O.W (World of Wings) wing stand with a variety of foods that range from fries that costs $5 to wings with fries for $8, a pizza stand by the slice that costs $5.50 for each (pepperoni or cheese), and a nacho bar that offers a large nacho for $8 and for a small $5. The best bet would be to just wait until after the game to eat to find a local Cajun restaurant where you can find the best hometown foods, but what it is on offer is solid in the arena as well. Atmosphere 3 The Ragin’ Cajuns fans have to be amongst the best in the Sun Belt Conference. There were fans of all kinds who attended. What really impressed me was this group of five older men who dressed in right and white striped overalls. Usually you see a group of frat boys doing something similar in the student section, but these guys were not quite that exactly. Let’s just say they reminded me of a group of Boss Hogs, from the sitcom The Dukes of Hazzard. As far as the game goes, ULL provides a strong introduction for its athletes, which gives the feeling of an NBA game with the strobe lights and introduction videos on the video board. I was really surprised by the atmosphere, but then I remembered the city of Lafayette and not just the school itself funded the facility. That makes a big difference in terms of paying for the advanced technology in the dome. Neighborhood 2 The area that the Cajun Dome sets in is away from the university. However, across from it is Cajun Field, where the school plays football. There is also a Hilton Garden Inn, for those fans who may want to stay in the area overnight. By having that hotel there, it makes staying accommodations for tourists and fans from far out to come and enjoy the culture the Ragin’ Cajuns have to share. A few blocks down there is a shopping strip and some fast food restaurants. The only negative is that the athletic facilities are set away by themselves, so there isn’t much neighborhood to it. The downtown area is about three to five miles from the athletic areas and is closer to the school’s campus itself. If you get there then you are in for a treat as Lafayette has an impressive downtown district. Fans 3 The Boss Hogs fans are really into supporting their Ragin’ Cajun athletics. The cutest thing I saw was a dad who brought his daughter to the game and while dad would stress over a few bad calls by the referees the daughter would pat him on the back and continue to hold up her Ragin’ Cajun sign. Of course the pep band was there and because you’re in the south you better believe they play the second line music that is popular in the South Louisiana. When the tubas hit the first note, it seem like the fans already were up on their feet dancing. Access 2 The stadium is located on Cajundome Boulevard, but it isn’t as easily accessed. It’s pretty far off of the interstate and trying to find parking to get in the game is a nightmare. Once you get in the stadium things are laid out pretty easily. Much like an NBA Arena actually, except a bit smaller. If you want to get to the upper level there are escalators and I was very pleased with that. Return on Investment 3 To get in the game would cost you about $8 to sit at the third level, which is what I paid. Eventually I moved down closer to an empty seat. For the first and second level seating the prices jump up to $15, which still isn’t too bad for the quality of the atmosphere and arena. Extras 3 The Cajun Dome has its extras. I always give a point for free parking because it isn’t the case everywhere. The second point goes to the escalators inside to go to the upper level. The third goes to the give-a-ways. Upon walking in the game I received two free shirts and a key chain saying I support breast cancer. All that just for showing up, I must say is a huge plus. Final Thoughts ULL did a great job containing the Ragin’ Cajuns and keeping them satisfied in the Cajun Dome. After all I don’t think anyone wants a bunch hot Cajuns after them, especially if they are as spicy as their food.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Sapporo Dome Hitsujigaoka 1, Toyohira-ku Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0045 Japan Nippon Ham Fighters website Sapporo Dome website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 40,476 Fighting for Respect The Nippon Ham Fighters were formed in 1948 and spent 55 years in Tokyo, where they were always a distant second in popularity to the Yomiuri Giants. Fighters games often saw the Tokyo Dome nearly empty and the team could never win anything, save a Nippon Series in 1962. The club was widely ridiculed and the corporate owners realized that their brand might be suffering as a result. Fortunately, there was a savior. In 2001, the Sapporo Dome was built as one of the many stadiums that would be used in the 2002 World Cup. Based in the biggest city on the northern island of Hokkaido, it wanted a pro baseball team for the 2003 season, when it needed to fill up all those summer nights. Having had enough of being second fiddle in the capital, Nippon Ham were more than receptive to the proposal and decided to move the Fighters up north, re-branding the club in the process. The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters were born to overjoyed northerners who could finally call a ball team as their own. The players responded in turn, winning the Nippon Series in 2006 and making it back again as Pacific League champions in 2007 and 2009. The move to Hokkaido was unquestionably the best thing to happen to this club; the question now is how does the Sapporo Dome measure up against the Fighters’ former digs in Tokyo? Food & Beverage 5 Once you enter through your assigned gate, you will find yourself on the main concourse (1F), which is spacious and very clean. Most of the concessions are located here, although there are a few on the second floor as well. My recommendation is the Prince Hotel stand which had a good variety of smaller snacks that looked better than the KFC or Subway next to it. The fried chicken with black vinegar sauce was very nice, although it won’t come close to filling you up. As usual in Japan, it pays to walk around and check all the different options as there are about 20 different vendors each with multiple locations and each offering something unique. For example, one had a cucumber on a stick for those trying to stay healthy, while another boasted a very appetizing Hokkaido Steak Donburi. The Luna Creperie on the second floor seemed like a popular choice if you had a sweet tooth. There is a hot dog stand on the third floor behind center field but I had a look and the product was not tempting in the least. Stay on the first floor and you will be fine. One difference here is that you are not allowed to bring outside food in, so there are no vendors along the streets as you see in most other stadiums in Japan. I initially thought this to be a bad choice, but after sampling the reasonably priced fare inside, I can say it won’t make a difference. Beer is served continuously by vendors running up and down the aisles, and at 600 yen is somewhat cheaper here than elsewhere. If you want to sit down at a restaurant, Sports Stadium Sapporo is a full-service restaurant offering passable Hokkaido fare at reasonable prices. It also has a lot of memorabilia from international players that have visited and dozens of TV screens. Atmosphere 2 This is a cavernous place, the second largest dome in the country (behind only the Fukuoka Dome) and it was perhaps 35% filled at the most recent game I attended. As such, the atmosphere really suffered, there were your usual cheering sections, but they struggled to make much of a difference. There is a dance squad that performed a couple of times, including the Fighters’ traditional YMCA dance during the 5th inning break, but they couldn’t really get things going. The Fighters have an interesting balloon operation running here. Fans are given both blue and gold balloons. The blue ones are released in the 7th inning as is tradition, while the gold ones are saved for when the team wins. With a 3-1 lead, I saw many fans inflating their balloons, which I thought was a bit of a jinx move, but the Fighters prevailed. After the win there were a few fireworks as well, which sent fans home with some semblance of having had fun, but overall this place needs to be full to be exciting. Neighborhood 2 The dome is located about 10 minutes on foot south of Fukuzumi Station on the Toho subway line, which is itself about 15 minutes from downtown Sapporo. There are a couple of izakayas and a family restaurant on the way, but in reality this is one area you will be leaving immediately after the game. You’ll likely head to Susukino, Sapporo’s nightlife district with plenty of bars and clubs here to keep you busy. Hosui-Susukino is the nearest station and it is only five stops away from Fukuzumi. There is a small cafe near here called Hippies that offers a “dinch” menu after 5 pm. It is a quiet place that might make a good place to start before heading out on the town. Two bars of note are Rad Brothers, which caters to the foreign crowd although its reputation is that a spot for said crowd to meet the locals; and Locotonte, which has an all-you-can-drink night on Friday for just 2,000 yen. Fans 2 I expected more than just 15,000 to make it out to an early-season game, particularly with the lower priced tickets for this one, but looking at past seasons, it seems like the visiting Buffaloes are not a big draw, particular on a cold weekday evening. Still, those that did make it were particularly annoying, at least in my immediate vicinity. There were three women sitting two rows in front who kept chatting and moving around, blocking my view, the parents with their terribly agitated child who couldn’t sit still and kept kicking me, the dork with the tripod at the end of the row who forced people to climb over seats, and the old guy who came in the 5th inning and sat next to me before proceeding to suck on a toothpick for the rest of the evening. Finally, there was the know-it-all a few rows back whose taunts to the home players got increasingly loud and obnoxious as the game and his beer consumption went on. It’s unfair to punish the entirety of Fighters’ fandom (of which I am one from their days in Tokyo) due to a few bad apples, but I’m doing it anyway. They need more fans to go and actually watch the game! Access 4 Walking from the station is easy enough; you have to go over a bridge to cross the final street at which point you walk up some stairs and find yourself at the entrance to the North Gate. There are three gates in total, with the West and South Gates also open. Ticket windows, the fan club area, and the aforementioned Sports Stadium Sapporo restaurant are all inside the North Gate, which is open to the elements when you are waiting in line. The South Gate is also outdoors, but has nothing else of note. On the other hand, the West Gate is completely covered, so it makes sense to wait here if the doors to the stadium have yet to open, which they do 90 minutes before game time. Given that Sapporo can still be cold in April, they should really open gates 2 hours prior. This stadium is rare in Japan in that you can walk the entire way around without losing view of the field, but still you need to show your ticket before entering your particular aisle. Rows are numbered from field level to the top, with 76 being the highest. It is a long hike to the top so you better be in reasonable shape if that’s where you like to sit. The second floor (2F) is where you enter the seating area, which is marked by 118 aisles starting from center field and going clockwise. Some of these aisles are only accessible by bridges which provide a view of the main concourse below. After the game, there is a rush back to the subway station, but I found that it moved well and the train wasn’t that crowded. There are also shuttle buses to various other locations in the area, so if you are not staying downtown, you might want to check these out. Return on Investment 4 When you first lay eyes on the Sapporo Dome, you are likely to think that the city has been invaded by aliens. It is a large, silver, beetle-shaped structure with what appears to be a protruding nose (that’s the observation deck, which is not open during the game). Based atop a small hill, it is quite the arresting sight. After entering, I was heartened to see that there was no protective netting running down the lines. I hate obstructed views at sporting events and every other ballpark I’ve been to in Japan has some sort of screen that usually extends past the bases. I was sitting midway between home and first just three rows from the field and had an unobstructed view of the game. The only problem here is that this section is very moderately sloped, so my view was often blocked. The rest of the seating is very steep and you don’t have to worry about that sort of thing. The Fighters have three game categories and I was fortunate to see a Value Game with my SS seat only costing 3,500 yen. The same seat would have been 5,000 yen for a Regular game and 6,500 for Platinum, which is a bit much in my mind. My recommendation would be to stick with the SS category for the cheapest games, but try the A seats (or even C) for the other types. I never saw anyone checking tickets once you were inside the seating area, so it is possible you can sit where you want once the game has started, at least when it is so empty. The field seats are the most expensive but well down the line and protected by a screen and therefore should be avoided. Another seating area that is not for most is the “Cinderella seats,” which are the small pink section in some of the photos in the gallery. These are for women only, the catch being that they buy two seats for just slightly more than the price of one, the second seat to be used for their oversized bag. The scoreboard is average at best, and doesn’t have the typical layout that you see at other parks. It’s all electronic and rather cramped. With food and drink being reasonably priced and the Fighters being a competitive and likable team, as well as the great access here, the ROI gets 4 points. Extras 4 The West Gate has a number of interesting displays on the history of the Dome, including memorabilia from the 2002 World Cup, the Fighters and Consadole teams over the years, other sporting events that have been held there and even concert performers. Definitely stop by to take a look before you go in, because it is not accessible once you have entered the venue proper. If you bring gym clothes, you can work out at the Training Room, a full gym that costs only 500 yen per entry and is at one end of the West Gate. There is also a third floor above center field where the Kids Plaza is located. Anyone can walk up and take a look out, it is an impressive venue from this angle. The observatory is 53 meters above field level and is mildly interesting, but it is not open during the game. You can visit it during off-days or before noon if there is a night game, but at 500 yen, it is a bit much, especially as it costs about 500 yen in train fare to get there and back. If you are a stadium collector though, I recommend that you take the combination tour/observatory package for 1,200 yen (the tour alone is 1,000 yen), at least if you can understand Japanese. You get taken around the venue and can see the locker rooms and bullpen which is not visible from the seating area. Final Thoughts The Sapporo Dome is a unique venue in Japan as it can host both baseball and soccer on two different surfaces. Baseball games are played on artificial turf, while soccer uses a grass pitch that slides into and out of the stadium. This in itself is not unknown elsewhere; the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale also features a sliding surface. The conversion process takes about 8 hours from baseball to soccer and 13 hours in reverse, when the entire baseball turn must be re-laid. It is a technological marvel to watch this process in fast forward. After the baseball field is removed piece-by-piece and stored, the seats at one end fold into themselves as part of a moving wall. This wall is eventually opened and the soccer stage, which is the pitch resting on air, is slowly moved inside. Then the entire lower bowl is rotated 90 degrees to complete the switch. Due to the elimination of field level seats, the dome has a capacity of only 40,476 for baseball games compared to 41,484 for soccer. Unfortunately, it is unlikely you will see this process live, but the tour shows the 8-hour process in a 3- minute video. There are so many good things about the Sapporo Dome that I’d have to say it is the best domed stadium I have seen. That’s not damning with faint praise as you might think, this place really should be visited by any fan. The lack of fans and my poor luck in choosing a seating section will hurt the score here, but this place is really brilliantly designed and makes Sapporo a great sports destination. **Follow all of Sean MacDonald’s journeys at Sports Road Trips.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Fukuoka PayPay Dome 2-2-2 Jigyohama Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-8660 Japan Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks website Fukuoka PayPay Dome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 38,561 Ad Hawks Corporate ownership is the norm in Japanese baseball, with franchises merely considered an asset among many in the large conglomerates that control them. As such, when a company falls on hard times, it often looks to sell the team as they are often money-losing operations that provide little more than publicity. Such was the case in the 1980s when Nankai Electric Railway, based in Osaka, found their overall business hampered by their terrible ball team known as the Hawks. The board wanted to sell, but the chairman prevented it as he was an ardent supporter of the team. When he died in 1988, the last obstacle disappeared and Nankai sold the Hawks to Daiei, a retail business with supermarkets throughout Japan. Daiei moved the team to Fukuoka, the largest city on the southern island of Kyushu, where they became the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks. The team played four seasons in Heiwadai Stadium, a relic from 1928, and the new owners realized they needed a modern venue to show off their shiny new possession. In 1993, they opened the Fukuoka Dome, Japan’s first stadium with a retractable roof and the Hawks have stayed there ever since. Of course, Daiei themselves fell into bankruptcy and in 2005, they were forced to sell the team to mobile phone operator SoftBank who renamed the team Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. That same year, they sold the naming rights to the dome to Yahoo! Japan, and the venue is now known as the Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome, or Yahoo Dome for short. The dome is now known as the Fukuoka Yahuoku! Japan Dome It is the biggest dome in Japan, which has six of these monstrosities in the NPB, a necessity due to the rainy season that slams the country in late spring. The roof is made of titanium and is so valuable that in 2004, Tom Barrack, a billionaire real-estate mogul, bought the dome simply because the roof alone was worth the purchase price. All that is well and good, but the key question is how does the Fukuoka Dome measure up in the important aspects of the fan experience? Food & Beverage 3 Food options are not as good as at some other parks in Japan and I struggled to find something unique. This is not to say that the offerings are limited, but that they are generally things you can find at other stadiums or cheap restaurants on the outside. I settled on a chicken burger in a focaccia bun, which came with a soft drink for 780 yen. Not exactly cheap eats. Interestingly, you fill up your own drink here, something I’ve not seen at other ballparks – the clerk puts a lot of ice in an empty cup and you fill the cup much like at fast food restaurants. Speaking of fast-food, KFC and Subway are two of the American brands here, each with several stands around the main concourse. Mos Burger, a smaller, tastier hamburger is also present, but I would recommend the DomDom Burger stand instead, simply because it is not widely available. Another popular spot was Umakamon Street with yakitori, various types of yakisoba (fried noodles) and crepes for dessert. If you want something unusual, the fried squid should fit the bill. As usual, explore all the options and you should find something to enjoy. Alcoholic beverages are plentiful with all the Japanese staples widely available, beer being the most popular choice. The beer servers moved up and down the aisles pretty much up to the end of the game. Atmosphere 1 Japanese baseball games are loud due to the two cheering sections in the outfield, but the Hawks take things to the extreme and it can be painful if you prefer a quieter atmosphere. To begin, there is an MC named Max, an overly hyper DJ from Chicago who started working here in 2007. He first appears before the game to get things going with lots of rah-rah (in both English and Japanese) and then becomes more and more irritating with between-inning appearances (called Max Time!) where he interviews fans. You probably have to live in Japan for a while to appreciate just how bloody awful this is; foreigners acting goofy is a staple of Japanese TV and seeing it brought to the ballpark was depressing and really brought down the experience, at least for me. Tourists may think differently though and so I’m not docking more than 2 points for the constant bombardment of noise. There was a dance team and at least six mascots to keep fans entertained and the size of the dome keeps the cheering sections relatively quiet when you are sitting near home plate. In fact, I would say it was quieter while the game was being played and only became noisy during the inning breaks, a change from the usual pattern here. Neighborhood 2 The dome is a 10-minute walk from Tojinmachi subway station, which is itself just 15 minutes from downtown Fukuoka, so it is easy to get to. The venue is part of a larger complex called “Hawks Town” which consists of a mall, several restaurants including a Hard Rock Cafe, and a Hilton hotel (called the Sea Hawk in keeping with the theme). The surrounding area is next to the waterfront and there is a beach just on the other side of the highway, although I didn’t immediately see how to access it. If you have time and the weather is nice, it is worth exploring this area before the game but afterwards, you’ll probably want to take the subway back to Tenjin, the main nightspot in Fukuoka. If you are staying around Tojinmachi, a new izakaya recently opened right next to exit 2. Nipachi is a chain restaurant where all items are just 280 yen. There are other branches throughout the city that provide a simple and affordable post-game dining experience. Fans 4 Hawks fans are excellent, usually showing up in large numbers and staying active throughout the game. Nearly everyone participated in the balloon release during the lucky 7th inning and after the team won, most stayed for the celebrations. For about 30 minutes there were hero interviews, singing of the team song, fireworks, and more balloons being released and few left to beat the traffic. I must say that the fans seemed to really enjoy themselves here and although the atmosphere is not something I particularly like, having such good supporters around me made a big difference. I find that fans here have been friendly whenever I’ve attended a game and this time was no different as I chatted with a couple of ladies who were kind enough to show me around town after the game. Access 3 Despite being much larger than the Tokyo Dome in terms of its actual footprint, Fukuoka Dome only has a single seating bowl with 32 aisles that provide access from the main concourse. You can walk around the entire concourse, but it gets busy when a crowd of 35,000 fans is on hand. Don’t try to enter the good seats without a ticket; each aisle is manned by an eager usher who will not let you pass unless you are ticketed for that specific aisle. Once in the seating area, you are again limited to how far you can go as plastic fencing blocks you from moving to a different section of seats. Not good if you are trying to get pictures, but you can enter the outfield sections at any time as they are the least expensive, so no ticket check is required. Washrooms are not sufficient; I noticed large lines both during and after the game. Return on Investment 2 The Hawks have been one of the NPB’s most successful teams in recent year, and are the defending Japan Series champions. As such, they are charging much more for tickets than the other clubs, with seats behind the plate going for as much as 10,000 yen. The seats are the big and comfy type, but $120 is way too much for a baseball game in my mind. If you like to be close to the action, the S reserved seats are 5,500 yen, still a bit overpriced. The best bet might be the outfield reserved seats listed at 1,800 yen but marked down to 1,000 yen at the game I attended. If you are not interested in getting inside the stadium proper, you can try the museum experience. Above the outfield seats is a museum dedicated to Sadaharu Oh, the world record holder with 868 home runs. For just 1,400 yen, you can visit this and see the game. This used to be a restaurant (similar to Windows in Rogers Centre) and I sat here a few years ago and found it strange, as you can’t hear the sounds of the game. Perhaps the Hawks thought the same as they created a museum to honor Oh, who managed the team for several years and is now the chairman. The museum is open before the game as well, so try to get there early and pay it a visit. There are three video boards above the outfield seats but two of them are used exclusively for advertising. These were given the names “Left Wing Vision” and “Right Wing Vision” in an obvious attempt to show that regardless of political bent, commercialization is the key to happiness. In fact, that was the main theme I took away from my visit here – spend, spend, spend. Things are expensive here, and I found myself inundated with commercials, right from when I walked through Hawks Mall on the way to the stadium. There are logos everywhere around and even Max got into the act, interviewing a couple of young ladies in English, sponsored by a local language school. The combination of an overpriced product and the non-stop solicitation to spend even more money really makes this the least cost-effective stadium in the NPB. Extras 4 There are a few displays worth noting as you wander around. First, at every gate there are “V” shaped pillars that commemorate each of the Hawks’ 15 Pacific League titles as well as the two championships they won in the Japanese Baseball League. There is a Material Wall that simulates a pitchers mound and home plate, exactly 18m44 apart (that’s 60’6″ for those who don’t know metric). There are pictures of every member of the entire Hawks’ roster, including those on their minor league team, shown under their place of origin. Most importantly is the Oh museum, located near gate 9 and open during non-game days as well. You can also take a tour here but I did not have time to do so on this occasion. Final Thoughts The Fukuoka Dome is an impressive structure and well worth visiting just for that. The game experience is a different matter though. For me, I found much of it to be excessive, from pricing to noise to advertising and that put a damper on what should otherwise have been a fun evening. The Hawks have a great team and should spend less time distracting their fans from the product on the field. Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Sports Road Trips.

Photos by Ed Pelle, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Joe Nathan Field Circle Rd Stony Brook, NY 11794 Stony Brook Seawolves website Joe Nathan Field website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 1,000 Shock the World Stony Brook University officially began competition in NCAA Division I athletics in 1999 with little to no fanfare. In the years that followed several of the programs made strides in adapting to the new, more difficult level of competition, but the athletics department lacked a singular defining win that would make news on a national level. The men's soccer team did qualify for the NCAA Tournament three times prior to 2012, as did the men's lacrosse team, with a 2010 run to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. The Stony Brook baseball team had also been a successful program with three conference titles prior to 2012, but the culmination of the 2012 baseball season saw the Seawolves make an improbable run to the College World Series in Omaha as the lowest seeded team remaining in the field. No team from the Northeast had accomplished this feat in 26 years and even Big Ten power conference commissioner Jim Delaney had previously complained that teams from the north would not be able to compete with their rivals from the South, demanding changes to the NCAA structure of college baseball. The team adopted the simple mantra of "shock the world" and won on the road at a regional in Miami, Florida and then again at a Super Regional at LSU. After defeating LSU on the road some fans of the prohibitive favorite from Louisiana even began to display "Geaux Seawolves" signs at the College World Series in a gesture of respect. The run to the College World Series is to date the most well-known accomplishment of Stony Brook Athletics and made the program known to more casual fans who resided outside of the Long Island area. Stony Brook baseball plays its games at Joe Nathan Field, which is dedicated to former MLB player and the most prominent baseball figure in the program's history after a large donation by Nathan to upgrade the facilities. The renovations were completed prior to the 2011 season. The current configuration of the field seats 1,000 and has a full FieldTurf playing area. Although Joe Nathan is known for his career as a relief pitcher for several MLB organizations, he began his professional career as a shortstop and was converted to the position despite protesting against the switch. Food & Beverage 1 As is usually customary in the Northeast where there are usually no concessions, supporters bring food for the team. What is unusual at Seawolves games is that supporters tend to bring food for everyone in attendance. The phrase "you can't complain if it is free" seems apt here, though incoming athletic director Shawn Heilbron has stated in interviews that he would like to address this issue by adding better seating and amenities for baseball. Atmosphere 3 Located at the northern most corner of campus adjacent to the softball field, Joe Nathan Field is a symmetrical playing surface 330 feet long down the foul lines and 390 feet from home plate to dead center. There is a bullpen along the third base side and a bullpen behind right field. If you were to circumnavigate the park you would not be able to watch the action from the outfield area as it is fenced off. Fans tend to cluster in the stands behind home plate, though some will prefer to stand along the foul lines. Along the third base line bullpen are large signs highlighting each victory stage in the 2012 post season run. The field of play is entirely artificial which is a significantly better approach than those baseball fields which only have an infield diamond artificially installed. The seating provided for the fans is of the aluminum bench variety with a small press box at the top of the stands behind home plate. Neighborhood 3 Located on the north shore of Long Island, Stony Brook is a quiet town that is very close to the Long Island Sound. Historically the north shore of Long Island had been home to some of the most influential aristocrats and many of these historic estates are still in existence. One such estate belonging William Vanderbilt has been turned into a museum in nearby Centerport. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for children under 12 years of age. There is also a planetarium that Suffolk County, who oversees the property, built there in 1970. For pre or post game libations there are two great sports bars within walking distance of Joe Nathan Field on the other side of the train tracks. The Bench Bar and Grill has several large televisions placed throughout the establishment with sports programming always on. They have 25 beers on tap daily and a full menu of lunch and dinner dishes. Some highlights are steak and mushrooms ($19.99), St. Louis BBQ ($18.99), bourbon glazed pork chops ($16.99), seared tuna ($17.99) and rigatoni chicken alfredo ($15.99). Jake Starr Cafe is located one block east and has a similar set up with sports themed television programming, a full bar and an extensive menu. I would highly recommend a deluxe burger platter here with several combinations at starting at $11.75. Fans 3 Interest in all things Stony Brook has been on the upswing in the last few years. Since the 2012 post season run, baseball fans have turned out in larger numbers than ever. Often visitors to campus on other business will ask if the baseball team is in, and the location of the field hoping to see the Seawolves play while they are in town. Access 3 One of the great things about the Joe Nathan Field is its proximity to a Long Island Railroad terminal. It is very easy to walk from the station to the game. Most people in attendance will drive in headed north on Nicolls Road. Once you make a left on North Boundary Road right before the train trestle you are looking at the center field fence of Joe Nathan Field. Parking is available right next to the field without charge. You could even travel to, or from Southern Connecticut easily on the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson auto ferry which is a sponsor of Stony Brook Athletics. The terminal is only four miles away in neighboring Port Jefferson. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for baseball games and parking adjacent to the field is also free. The only costs here would be transportation to and from the venue. The opportunity to see high level NCAA Baseball up close for free cannot be understated. Extras 2 Behind the grandstand is a tree with two flat large rocks next to it. This shady outpost is constantly one of the most popular spots to watch the action from, though it may not have even been placed there by design. Stony Brook has a very large, interesting campus filled with modern buildings, large outdoor art pieces and a hospital on the eastern side of campus. Taking one of the free campus buses through the University would give you a sense of just how much is going on here. Final Thoughts After the post season run in 2012 the pressing question was, could this success be the product of a team that had all its parts magically come together at the right time or was this run the dividend of many years of hard work by the people involved with Seawolves athletics. As a few seasons have passed since 2012 it seems apparent that a consistent high level of play is the new benchmark for the baseball team. The future seems bright as the University has taken a renewed interest in providing a better experience for the fans in every athletic program.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Flushing Meadows Corona Park Flushing Meadows, NY 11368 US Open website Billie Jean King National Tennis Center website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 46,900 Aces in the Big Apple The US Open is exactly what it's cracked up to be: the biggest matches on the biggest stage, loud, massive hype, long lines, and best of all, drama under the lights! While steroids in the game of tennis may be illegal, tennis itself is all jacked up on steroids in New York City. In more ways than one, the Open fits in very well with the persona and lifestyle of the city in which it resides. The United States Open is one of four prestigious ATP and WTA Grand Slam events where the winner is awarded 2,000 points towards their overall world ranking. The event is held at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, a spectacular tennis facility, which includes a grand total of 28 hard courts, nuzzled right into Flushing Meadows Park. The heart of the property is Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis specific stadium in the world with a capacity of 23,700. Previous center court, Louis Armstrong Stadium, is just to the east of Ashe and it seats 10,200, with the lower bowl reserved for individual ticket sales. Literally in the shadows of Armstrong, Grandstand Court offers the coziest feel where a fan can seemingly be right in the action. The fourth largest stadium and newest, court 17, will boast the ability to host big matches in a very small area. Grandstand and court 17 have capacities of 6,000 and 3,000 respectively. Most impressively, the facility offers 4 additional small 1,000-seat stadium courts which accommodate good crowds for matches all over the grounds. Food & Beverage 4 There is absolutely no way that a person would have trouble finding a number of delicious options for any meal or time of the day. The selection and variety of food is absolutely spectacular. As you would anticipate, the only issue is the price. One should expect to pay a minimum of $15 per meal, and it can go as high as you can imagine depending on hunger, atmosphere, and classiness. The list of places to eat is never-ending, including: a deli, Chinese, a burger stand, Mexican, a franks stand, seafood, Italian, BBQ, crepes, and ice cream stands everywhere. In addition, they offer public and private, indoor and outdoor, dining plazas, which offer a range of menus. Not sure that you can go thirsty either, with a unique bar, lounge, or patio at every turn, serving unique cocktails only found at the tournament, along with the traditional sodas, water, beer, wine, and even flutes of champagne. Atmosphere 4 Overall, the atmosphere was exactly what I expected except for the monstrosity of the facility. Photos and site maps give you no idea of what it feels like when you're walking the grounds or sitting atop of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Every detail of the tournament is supersized and is given the utmost attention. Even during week two, one will hear uproars of fans from outer match courts where the next big star is battling their way through a dramatic fifth set. This creates a feel of excitement, energy, and everlasting memories. Fans will be hard-pressed to match the paramount of vitality found on the grounds of the US Open. Neighborhood 2 When looking at what directly surrounds the tournament, one will find things very sparse. There is virtually nothing in the direct surroundings of the tournament site other than Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. With that being said, the good news is that the tournament is only a short cab ride outside of Manhattan, New York City, home to thousands of brilliant opportunities to eat, drink, relax, dance, mingle, or to just awe at the aura that is New York life. Fans 5 It can't be expressed enough, this is the most populated sporting event of all sports for a reason. Ultimately, as the players would admit, the fans make this event all that it is. People from every walk of life and nationality come together to dress up, paint signs, scream at the top of their lungs and pump their fist in unison with their favorite player after a huge forehand winner up the line. Giant tennis balls, markers, and autograph frenzies are the highlight of a lifetime even for the biggest kids in attendance. Access 4 The three airports in which you have to choose from are John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, and the closest and most convenient to the tournament, LaGuardia. The access into the park is relatively easy no matter which part of the city you are coming from. If you plan to fly, try to book your flight to New York City as early as possible for cheap flights. The Long Island Rail Road and the Metro 7 are the most cost efficient modes of travel right to the doorstep. Be sure to confirm whether or not your hotel offers a tournament shuttle, extremely convenient. One should be very wary of their surroundings as they travel to and from the facility itself. While the public transit is very safe and monitored, it is important that one does not get too comfortable with those around them. The last option, and least appealing, is driving to the tournament. To put it lightly, driving throughout NYC is not the easiest or relaxing task in the world, however, if you're determined, the parking near the site is respectable. The best options that I would recommend are lot H, lots 1-7, and when there isn't a Mets game, the Citi Field parking areas (all around $20). With the Citi Field option you are able to walk to the East gate very easily, public lots 1-7 have shuttles to the East Gate, and lot H to the South Gate. Here's the link to the Parking Map. The biggest thing that will stand out to the ordinary sports fan once they are ready to find their seat inside Arthur Ashe Stadium is the difficult initial access into the stadium. No matter where your seat is, you will enter through one main gate on the south end of the stadium. From there you will want to figure out just how high you will be taking the escalators. Once you reach your appropriate deck you will look for your gate, which may still be a decent walk depending on which end you are sitting. When it comes to restrooms, be prepared to stand in line (what's new?), but there must be a very large deficit in number of restrooms compared to the number of fans on site. This becomes extremely inconvenient and this is where the deduction comes from. Bottom line, if you are expecting to get from your hotel to your seat in time for the match give yourself a minimum of an hour and a half or more, especially on your first journey to the facility (you'll want plenty of time for trial and error, moments to stop and say "WOW", explore, get food and drinks, enter the stadium, and most of all to wait in lines at every step). Return on Investment 3 Even though tennis fans have come to expect high prices overall for the sport, I'm not sure if you're getting the most for your money here. The cheapest ticket to get you in the gate is a grounds pass for $60, which doesn't get you into Arthur Ashe Stadium. However, for only an extra $10-$20, you can sit in the upper decks of Ashe and still get access to all of the other courts on site. The last option to the general public is a ticket to Louis Armstrong Stadium in the lower bowl for around $100. This has pros and cons. While it's more expensive than a nosebleed seat in Ashe, it does get you a reserved seat very close to the top action, but it's also substantially pricier than a grounds pass, which gives you similar access. The biggest problem of all with paying the big bucks for tickets to Armstrong is that since it's such a dated facility, the access is tough with large crowds, and the legroom at the seats is very difficult with long legs. It's all about preference and which court your favorites are playing on during each session. Food and beverage prices inside the grounds of the tournament reflect those of similar products in NYC, very high. Depending on how long you plan to spend at the tournament each day may impact which meals you plan to eat in advance. However, the tournament offers excellent cuisine, I recommend giving it a try. Similarly to everything else, the souvenirs are very pricey. Having said that, the selection of retail outlets within the grounds is unbelievable. In addition to the official tournament souvenir booths, there are at least 30 more individual vendors scattered about. It all depends on what you're looking for and what you're willing to spend, you'll find more than you can afford for sure! Bottom line here: if you plan to spend a few days at the tournament, budget your funds wisely, and be sure to spend at least one session in Ashe, you won't regret it. Extras 5 Unlike similar Grand Slam events, tickets are fairly easy to obtain in advance through multiple outlets online and at the ticket office. The Smash Zone presented by the USTA is an air-conditioned indoor facility designed specifically to promote tennis and entertainment to kids of all ages. The facility includes a half court, table tennis, photo opportunities, tennis video games, and contests and giveaways of all sorts. The inner-kid is sure to come out in anyone upon entering this wonderful area. The Court of Champions and Avenue of Aces are the two phenomenal main entryways in which you have the opportunity to observe as you enter and exit the park. Each celebrates examples of the deep history that this tournament has to offer. It's worth spending a few minutes to learn a thing or two. In addition to the food village there are numerous shaded courtside patios where one can enjoy a cold cocktail and some tennis. These make for a very unique tennis experience, unlike any other. Final Thoughts Whether you're a tennis enthusiast, a club player, or you can only name a few of the top players, you will get goose bumps and gain an even higher appreciation for the sport after attending a match in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Overall, the US Open is a spectacular event and a definite addition to your bucket list.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Wake Forest Tennis Center 100 W 32nd St Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Winston-Salem Open website Wake Forest Tennis Center website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 3,400 Tennis Tailgating In the many years that I've followed tennis I never would have thought I'd see people tailgating before a tennis tournament. I couldn't believe my eyes! However, this was the first of many indications that the people of North Carolina love their tennis. In a span of just under a year, the vision of a pro tennis tournament came to fruition this August in the inaugural Winston-Salem Open, ATP World Tour 250 Professional Tennis Tournament. The brand new Wake Forest Tennis Center facility includes a nice stadium with a capacity of 3,400, 4 additional match courts, and 8 practice courts, totaling 13 courts located on the beautiful campus of Wake Forest University. The new facility will be utilized by the Wake Forest Men's and Women's Varsity Tennis programs for the rest of the year. Food & Beverage 4 The deduction of one point goes solely to the lack of variety. The food that was offered was exceptional, and very classy. Specialty drinks included: strawberry lemonade and southern sweet tea priced at $5, and a range of beer and wine were available from $6-$8. In addition to the classic stadium treats, one could get a chicken or salmon salad ($8), a pulled pork sandwich ($8), or even a whole BBQ turkey leg ($6). Great desserts were on hand ranging from Dippin' Dots and ice cream bars to fresh gelato from $4- $6. With the addition of outstanding customer service and a nice food court with live music, the overall food and beverage experience was excellent. Atmosphere 4 Generally, the atmosphere was wonderful. The facility was very nicely decorated and had a fresh and classy tennis feel. It has a very cozy and quaint feel that larger tournaments could never offer, which I really appreciated. The closeness to the action is incredible. They offered plenty of activities for kids of all ages and some creative promotional events. One included a contest in which fans are encouraged to throw tennis balls from the stands towards trashcans, placed on the courts, and one lucky individual who made it won a prize. In addition, each session included the opportunity for fans to win unique prizes from a raffle. Everyone seemed to really enjoy their time at the tournament. Overall it was a very relaxed but excited crowd of people; clearly amped to have this event in their backyard. Neighborhood 3 While it's not fair to be too hard on the tournament, there is room for improvement in this category. Even though there are some exceptional choices for pre and post match food and drink, there's nothing very close. It is, however, very worth the short ten-minute drive to downtown Winston-Salem where there is a long list of great one-of-a-kind traditional southern style restaurants located. Unfortunately for me, I was only lucky enough to spend one evening in town so I was only able to experience a few of these. A great little spot called 6th and Vine Wine Bar and Cafe offers a very unique atmosphere and a menu loaded with a range of delicious options. In addition to a great menu, they also offered a very extensive wine selection both by the glass and bottle. The best thing about this local favorite is the outdoor back patio, which featured a neat bar and tons of tables to have dinner under the stars. Every weekend the restaurant hosts great local bands with all kinds of southern flavor. Meals range from $9-$26. If you are able to stay for a few days you are encouraged to try other gems located in the downtown Winston-Salem Arts District such as: Finnigan's Wake (Irish), Hutch &Harris; (Continental), Mellow Mushroom (Pizza), Sweet Potatoes (American), Twin City Chop House (Steakhouse), Downtown Thai & Sushi (Thai), or The West End Cafe (American). If you still have some energy after tennis and dinner and would like to catch a bit of the unique W-S nightlife there are a couple of nearby pubs that have a neat feel. Tate's and Noma are two great places to grab a drink and check out the city. All of these options are located in very close proximity to two of the tournament hotels: The Marriott downtown and the Embassy Suites directly across the street; both being exceptional places to stay. There is a Marriott Courtyard within 5 minutes of the tournament site, however, you would miss out on being so close to all of the added entertainment that W-S has to offer. There are three reasonably close airports if you are flying in for the tournament including Piedmont Triad International Airport (33 miles away), Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (87 miles), or Raleigh-Durham International Airport (100 miles). Fans 5 When this tournament was in the early stages of planning, the biggest thing that was mentioned was that the tennis fans in Winston-Salem are like no other, and they deserve an event like this because of their love of the game; I couldn't agree more. During the finals of the event you could hear chants of the crowd's favorite player from miles away. I've never seen an entire stadium pulling for one player as much as I did during this match. People made custom shirts, cried out for him to win, and even professed their love aloud in front of everyone; quite a spectacle. I would have to consider these fans to be some of the best I've ever seen in tennis. Access 5 The access deserves a full score based on proximity and creativity. The construction of the facility was brilliantly placed in the shadows of BB&T; Field, The Wake Forest football stadium. Since the football season and week of the tournament do not coincide, the tournament is able to fully utilize the amenities in which the football stadium offers including: parking, restrooms, ticket office, concession stands, and hospitality areas. Although I found the parking to be a bit steep at first ($10), but later realized that it was more than worth it when you consider the proximity to the facility. The restrooms are first class all around; extremely clean and festively decorated. Return on Investment 5 Surprisingly the only way to buy tickets in advance is through their website and then print it out yourself. If you're old school like me and love the feel of a real ticket as opposed to the print out you won't enjoy this. But, it's the only way to go if you want to attend. I would especially appreciate a real card stock ticket for the price of admission (ranges depending on day of the week: $10-58 for grandstand level and $575-625 for lower level box seats only sold in week long increments). Also I didn't really appreciate paying $58 for upper level finals tickets which are tight benches. For most tennis tournaments you get spoiled and expect permanent seats. Maybe for next year they will install something more comfortable. Food and drinks, however, were priced very similarly to other ATP World Tour events of its kind, which is very common. Other souvenirs such as programs ($5), t-shirts ($25), and jackets ($45) were reasonably priced for the quality you receive. Extras 3 All staff and volunteer members were extraordinarily helpful, professional, and outgoing; everyone from the ticket-takers to the concessionaires to the ball kids to even the tournament director taking the time to stand out front and thank visitors for coming. Overall, the event is tremendously fan oriented and it shows in every aspect. Final Thoughts Whether you're from the Triad, NC area or hundreds of miles away, I would highly suggest visiting this beauty of an event for a relaxed but exciting getaway. The city of Winston-Salem clearly takes great pride in the event and you will undoubtedly notice the effort and have a great tennis experience.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Lindner Family Tennis Center 5460 Courseview Dr Mason, OH 45040 W&S Open website Lindner Family Tennis Center website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 11,435 Tennis in the Midwest The Lindner Family Tennis Center is the home of The Western and Southern Open: ATP Masters 1000 and WTA Tier 5 combined event, located in the quaint northern Cincinnati suburb of Mason, Ohio. The event is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States, which is still being played in its original city. This historic tennis tournament occupies the middle two weeks of August each year on the ATP and WTA Tour calendars. The grounds of the tournament, which are located just a stones throw off of Interstate 71, now feature 5 tennis dedicated permanent stadiums, which is the only non-grand slam event with more than 3 permanent tennis stadiums. In addition to the impressive stadiums on site, the property also includes 5 other match courts, 6 practice courts, a full food court, 18 luxury suites, 6 corporate chalets, a grand shopping plaza, a full service private restaurant, a full upper level bar and lounge, a brand new ticket office and front entrance complex and 4 large designated on-site parking areas. Center court, the largest stadium in the facility, which has been renovated numerous times throughout the history of the tournament, features 11,400-ticketed seats. The second largest stadium in the complex, grandstand court, seats 5,000 with about three quarters of the seats being public seating. Next, the brand new court 3 comfortably seats 3,500. Courts 4 and 9 are also small stadiums on site, which seat 2,500 and 2,000 respectively. Lastly, court 10 seats just over 1,000. This tournament has successfully transformed itself from a wonderful small and personal professional tournament to an impressive miniature grand slam event located in a small city setting. Read on to find out what goes into making this an astonishing event. Food & Beverage 5 It has been said that one can find literally anything to eat or drink that tickles their fancy; from my experiences, that statement is completely accurate. The food village at the event features 14 unique local and national chain restaurants from every style of food from around the world. Additionally, there are three concession stands conveniently located in the corners on the ground floor of center court. These stands feature the expected stadium fare found at ordinary sporting events, and are top notch. If one is looking to grab a quick snack and drink during a break in play, their best bet would be to get a quick fire-grilled pretzel and homemade lemonade from the carts spread out all over the grounds, these are a personal recommendation. When you're ready for an alcoholic drink, there are numerous unique places, which come highly recommended, each for a slightly different experience. The first being the Corona Beach House, located in the center of the food plaza, is ideal to grab an ice cold beer and enjoy the festivities. Another is a secluded bar, located on the exterior second level in the southeast corner of center court. This is a wonderful shaded full bar and lounge with a large area to relax and meet up with friends. Each year, creative specialty mixed drinks are crafted to please the tastes of tennis fans. One would be hard pressed not to find lots of tasty food and drinks all over the grounds. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at this tournament is spectacular year after year. Fans travel from all over the world to support their favorite players, which creates a very unique experience. One will find the best atmosphere in some of the smaller match courts, where highly seeded players will draw large crowds to the small, romantic courts for an up close and personal view of the game's biggest stars in action. Most of the sessions of the two-week tournament will sell out, therefore creating a wonderful atmosphere of loud but respectful tennis fans. Be sure to get your tickets early. One thing that always creates a fun buzz is the speed serve booth. For a nominal fee fans get the chance to test out their serving skills against a speedometer for a daily and weekly prize for the best in each age category. There are sure to be great crowds that gather to see some future tennis stars in action. Neighborhood 4 While there aren't a ton of great local joints nearby for a bite before or after the action on the tennis courts, there is lots of other nearby entertainment. If you haven't gotten your fill of Skyline Chili at the tournament, take a right out of the tournament and grab a Cheese Coney and watch some baseball at the local favorite right around the corner. Just opposite the tournament site on the other side of I-71 is Kings Island Amusement Park. This is a regionally renowned park, which features some of the fastest, highest, and scariest rides around. Often, tournament players are spotted on the ground of Kings Island as well. If you're in town on a hot day, you may prefer to visit the Beach Waterpark, which is easily spotted just off of the highway at the same exit as well. Just adjacent to Kings Island and the Beach are two highly recommended hotels: The Kings Island Resort and The Great Wolf Lodge. These are the two most convenient lodging options. Additionally, just a mile south of the tournament site on I-71, the Fields Ertel exit provides numerous chain restaurants as well as plenty of hotel options. This would be the recommended area to stay or eat due to more reasonable pricing. Fans 4 As mentioned before, the fans who turn out for the tournament each year are extremely enthusiastic international tennis aficionados. It is not uncommon to see plenty of creative costumes and outfits to publically show their support for their favorite players no matter their origin. Flags, signs, and large autograph tennis balls have become the norm of the tennis fanatics. In addition to the tennis obsessives, there are plenty of affluent recreational tennis players who enjoy some of the amenities that the tournament offers. Access 5 The access in and out of the tournament is completely and flawlessly planned out to the last detail. The parking committee does a fantastic job of keeping traffic moving in and out of the respective lots. There are four lots located on the golf course, which surrounds the tennis complex. Lot A and B require special permits as well as the Volunteer lot. Lot C is a free lot, open to the general public. When exiting the highway, be sure to keep a lookout for signs directing traffic to the respective parking lots. The brand new ticket office, located on the north end of the complex provides a refreshingly easy in and out of a previously inconvenient ticketing experience. Once inside the tournament grounds, one will find it to be an extremely enjoyable and easy complex to move around in. Additionally, while restrooms are plentiful, between matches it's not uncommon for lines to form, but this is to be expected and doesn't deserve a reduction in score. Return on Investment 4 Typically when looking at ticket prices and their value for general sporting events one will see a pretty strict scale or range depending on the game and which visiting team is in town. With tennis, tickets get pricier not only as the seat gets better, but also as the week progresses towards the finals weekend, thus putting value on different aspects of the week. A personal favorite is to get the lower end tickets at the beginning of the tournament in order to see all of the lower ranked players as well as the higher, as all players are in action. For less avid tennis fans, the second week action may be a little more attractive because the chance to see two highly ranked opponents square off is much greater. Overall, tickets are priced fairly and competitively, and one will enjoy the experience for the amount paid. Likewise with food and drink; nourishment at sporting events is always pricier than what you can find in a grocery store, but this is what you come to expect; you won't go broke after a day on the grounds of the Western & Southern Open. Extras 5 The entertainment options outside of the tournament even in a rural small town deserve an extra point. Being a non grand slam, this tournament has a very impressive collection of match and practice courts. One thing that fans will never find at the grand slams, especially not at the US Open, is that players will often walk around the grounds with their coaches on their way to and from the courts and locker room, which makes for perfect times to get a picture or autograph from one's favorite player. These opportunities are rarely found at the grand slam. Because the complex is surrounded by a golf course, there is ample parking for fans to drive to the tournament unlike others, which require public transportation to the immediate grounds of the tournament. The brand new grand entrance plaza, court 3, and fantastic world-class food court are additions to the facility that give it full marks in this category.

Photos by Jeremy Inson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Stadio Olimpico Viale dei Gladiatori Rome, Lazio 00135 Italy SS Lazio website Stadio Olimpico website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 73,000 SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico Società Sportiva Lazio (SS Lazio) has been in existence since the turn of the 20th century. Known commonly as Lazio, the club is a member of the Italian Serie A, the top tier professional soccer league in Italy. With a capacity of 73,000 Rome’s Stadio Olimpico is Italy’s highest profile and most modern stadium. It is the only stadium in the country with a five star ranking from UEFA, European football’s governing body and therefore the only one capable of hosting major finals. It was named for the 1960 Olympic Games, had a roof added for the 1990 FIFA World Cup where it hosted the final, and then upgraded to meet UEFA’s specifications in 2008. The city was rewarded for the upgrades when it hosted the 2009 Champions League final, in which Barcelona ran riot against Manchester United to win 2-0. It was the fourth time European soccer’s premier club final took place there after the stadium hosted finals in 1977, 1984 and 1996. Most of the time Stadio Olimpico plays host to cross town rivals SS Lazio and AS Roma, who enjoy the ups and downs of life in Serie A. It also hosts the national soccer team’s most important fixtures and a Diamond League track and field meet every June, while Italy’s rugby union team have now begun playing their matches there as well. Food & Beverage 3 Like most stadiums in Italy, the best food is available from the various concession stands and food trucks outside the stadium. Hot sandwiches or pizza slices are the most popular choices and most serve chips, chocolate and candy as well. Alcohol is available from outside the stadium, but once inside the sale of alcohol is prohibited. There are some food counters in the stadium, which sell overly-expensive sandwiches, coffee and soft drinks, but in truth it is better to suffer the hunger pangs, then get back to the city centre and enjoy some of the best food around. Atmosphere 4 There are few matches around with a better atmosphere than a Rome derby between Lazio and Roma. Talk occupies the city for weeks before and the whole stadium is a vast cauldron of boiling hot emotions. Fireworks, flares, mega-banners and non-stop singing ensure that the Rome derby is one of the most passionate matches in the football world. There are few other domestic or European games that can match its intensity. The visits of Inter and AC Milan and Juventus will also push the attendance towards capacity and have a similar atmosphere. Lazio average gates of about 35,000, though for matches with some of the smaller teams in Serie A the atmosphere can be decidedly flat. Neighborhood 2 The Stadio Olimpico is the centrepiece of the Foro Italico sports complex north-west of the city, which also houses the swimming centre that hosted the 2009 FINA World Swimming Championships and the tennis centre where the Italian Masters takes place each May. It was built in the 1930’s at the behest of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and while it boasts an impressive array of neo-fascist architecture and design, there is precious little else in the area and with the centre of the Eternal City less than 30 minutes away, it is better to head back there to sample its charms. One place to avoid, especially for night games, is the nearby bridge Ponte Milvio. The bridge has often been the scene of soccer hooliganism and knife attacks between rival fans, most notably when English teams are in town. Fans 4 Lazio fans occupy the curva nord, and their supporters pride themselves on being some of the most passionate around. Politically Lazio fans are considered some of the most notoriously far-right leaning supporters and so have little compunction in showing their admiration for Mussolini. Either way Lazio’s supporters make a huge amount of noise, despite the fact that they stand in the part of the stadium with the worst views, behind the goals and across the running track. It means that a match at the Stadio Olimpico is rarely a dull affair. Access 3 Reaching the stadium on public transport means at least one change and the main two routes involve jumping on the A metro line. Fans can either alight at Flaminio and catch the number 2 tram, which drops fans a short walk from the stadium. The alternative is to get off at Ottaviano and take the number 32 bus that drops fans off across the road from the stadium. If arriving by car from outside the city drivers need to take the ring road exit sign-posted Flaminia and then follow signs for the stadium. From inside the city, the stadium and Foro Italico complex are both well signposted. Drivers be warned though, battling traffic in Rome isn’t for the faint hearted and there isn’t great deal of parking nearby. Once at the stadium entry points and turnstiles are well signposted though. Return on Investment 4 Much depends on who it is you go and see and where you sit. While fans may be happy to put up with watching over the running track against one of the big teams, they may be less so if they have to watch from afar as Lazio takes on the likes of Cesena or Catania. Still the noise and the singing will always be there to some extent and the side like to play exciting, attacking football. Lazio are also blessed by being located in one of the most stunning cities in the world, with its array of world famous sites. As such a match at the Stadio Olimpico is the perfect accompaniment to a trip to the Eternal City. Extras 3 Such is the size of the stadium that tickets are fairly easy to obtain, except for the derby when fans will sell their own mother to land one. Tobacconists around the city have them for sale and Lazio have shops in the city centre and the main train station (Stazione Termini) where fans can buy tickets. Expect to pay from about €25 ($33) to €90 ($120) for a ticket. Supporters should have a photo id on them when they buy tickets and at the match. If you can’t get to a game, Lazio have a number of supporters’ clubs’ in the suburbs, predominantly north of the city. Visitors may have to pay a small fee to become members, but once inside drinks are cheaper than the city bars and you will meet some of the most dedicated and passionate supporters about.

Photos by Tyler Huskinson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 UCCU Ballpark 800 W University Parkway Orem, UT 84058 Utah Valley Wolverines website UCCU Ballpark website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,500 Wolverines At Brent Brown The Utah Valley Wolverine baseball team made its debut at home on March 24, 2005, but it wasn’t until June 13, 2007, that the venue was officially named Brent Brown Ballpark. The stadium holds 2,500 seats and can accommodate an additional 2,500 spectators on the grassy berm along the third baseline and in left field. Brent Brown Ballpark is not hitter friendly by any stretch. It is 305 feet and 312 feet to the left and right foul poles respectively, however, both ends have short fences. It is a long 408 feet to dead center with a high fence, and the state-of-the-art scoreboard sits in a right-center field with a high fence as well. College baseball isn’t something that draws much interest or excitement in Northern Utah. While Brent Brown Ballpark is a venue worth visiting, I would recommend visiting when the Rookie League Orem Owlz is playing and not for the UVU Wolverines. Food & Beverage 4 Brent Brown Ballpark offers the regular stadium fare with hot dogs, pretzels, candy, and soft drinks and the prices are reasonable. The concession stands also offer more unique items such as the Philly Cheesesteak and Mixed Fried Vegetables. Beer is not offered at this venue which is most likely due to the fact that the ballpark is located in Utah County which is quite possibly one of the most conservative counties in the nation. There weren’t many spectators at the games, so the concession lines were never very long. The ballpark has eight concession booths and only two of them were open during the entire game. At the only entrance to Brent Brown Ballpark, a sign warns spectators that absolutely no food and drink are allowed. Atmosphere 3 There are a total of three baseball parks along the Wasatch Front which host college and/or minor league teams, and all of them have been constructed so that spectators may enjoy a view of a section of the Rocky Mountains. The first base side contains the most seating possibilities to avoid the sun. The grassy berm along the third base side and left field get the most sun and exposure to other elements. Shade can also be found along the very top rows of the stadium in every section. The concourse allowed for plenty of space for the crowd I observed. If the stadium experienced a sell-out crowd, the concourse could become very crowded. The seats are hard plastic with cup holders for convenience and the pitch of the seats allows for unobstructed views from any spot in the stadium. The playing field is well-manicured grass, with the only con being a short warning track. Spectators are right on top of the playing field and with the exception of preference for exposure to the elements, there really isn’t a bad seat in the stadium. The home dugout is on the third base side, and the visitor dugout is on the first base side. The team’s bullpens are on corresponding sides and they are uncovered from the field of play with very easy spectator access. The scoreboard is high quality for a college baseball stadium, and the fact that the stadium is also home to the Owlz doesn’t hurt. The scoreboard displays the home photo roster, score inning by inning, pitch count, and whether the result of a batter on base is ruled as a hit or error. Willy the Wolverine is an involved and energetic mascot. I have seen him at UVU basketball games and he does a good job there as well. The home team walk-up music is personalized and the music selections between innings are current and/or relevant. The marketing department strategically waits until the first three full innings are over before doing promotions in the middle of the innings, which I thought was a very smart thing to do considering the size of the crowd. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark and the main UVU campus are located right off Exit 269 on I-15 and because of the location, there aren’t any points of interest or restaurants I would recommend walking to from the ballpark. However, because the ballpark is located right off a main thoroughfare connecting Orem and Provo, there are several dining options within a short five-minute drive. Some examples of the offerings are Smashburger and Carraba’s Italian Grill. Walking to the stadium is very safe and there is free parking on campus. Fans 2 The crowd knowledge seems to be pretty good. There is actually quite a large fan base for baseball in Utah. There weren’t too many visiting fans since the visiting team was from New York. There weren’t any particular chants or habits of note. The one saving grace was the crowd and its half-hearted attempt at, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” during the seventh-inning stretch. Access 5 The UVU campus and ballpark are located right off I-15. It can literally be seen from the freeway. There is an airport in Utah County but is not a major airport. Salt Lake International Airport is a 90-minute drive depending on traffic. The concourse is more than adequate for the crowd I observed, but could get crowded during a sell-out. The restrooms are very clean and there is plenty for the crowd on hand. The stadium has several areas to accommodate those with handicap accessibility needs. Not that it was a concern to me, but there was no security check at the only gate entrance. Return on Investment 4 All tickets to UVU baseball games are $5 and for those looking for a cheap outing during a warm spring day, it’s a great place to go watch baseball without much hassle. There isn’t a bad place to sit in the stadium and it’s a nice place to watch a baseball game. I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to attend another UVU baseball game, but I wouldn’t be against going again either. Extras 3 One extra point is awarded for the fact there is a team store on the concourse. Even though it isn’t much bigger than an average family room, it still exists and provides fans an opportunity to purchase merchandise. One extra point goes to the playground located just outside the concourse along the third base side of the stadium. One more extra point goes to the player banners along the concourse, the larger-than-life lineup card, and the banner displaying the team achievements.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Steller Field N Mercer Rd & E Merry Ave Bowling Green, OH 43402 Bowling Green State Falcons website Steller Field website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 1,100 A Falcon’s Field Like many college baseball facilities, the home of the Bowling Green Falcons is named after a long-time and successful coach. In this case, Steller Field is named for Warren E. Steller who guided the Falcons for more than 30 seasons (1928-1959). The field hosted its first game in 1964, and it was officially dedicated as Warren E Steller Field the next season. The venue has a capacity for 1,100 fans, and is a basic, but comfortable place to watch Mid-American Conference baseball games. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession cart serving the ballpark with a very basic menu. The totality of food includes hot dogs ($3), peanuts ($3), sunflower seeds ($3), soft pretzels ($4), popcorn ($1), and candy ($2). Drinks include bottled Coca-Cola products ($3) and bottled water ($2). Since Bowling Green has a decent array of restaurants in the downtown area, your best bet is to head into town for lunch before the game, and dinner afterwards. You can also bring your own food or drink with you to the ballpark. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is small, but functional. There are 15 rows of metal bleachers with pretty good legroom. Seat cushions would be a good idea to bring along if you plan to sit in the bleachers. Sitting in the back row of the bleachers allows you to lean your back up against the press box, and also as an added bonus, you can hear the play by play of the home or visiting team. There isn’t much seating with any shade, so the press box can also be helpful in that regard in a late season, warm game. Alternatively, many fans choose to bring their own chairs and sit along the fence stretching down the right field line. A speaker system perched atop the press box blares out announcements as well as a mix of classic rock and current pop hits. You’ll hear walk-up music for batters on the home side, but not the visitors. The Falcons are situated in the first base side dugout, while the visitors take the third base side. If you have a rooting interest in the game you may want to venture more in one direction, but it really makes little difference here in this intimate seating structure. There are no lights at this ballpark, so you’ll be attending a day game, probably starting no later than 3pm should you make the trip to Steller Field. The scoreboard is the basic line score, with no video capabilities. Just sit back and keep your attention on the game, and you’ll have a nice spring baseball experience. Neighborhood 4 Steller Field is located near the other Bowling Green athletic facilities including the Stroh Center and Doyt Perry Stadium. It is nearest to the hockey arena, BGSU Ice Arena. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding the ballpark. It’s about a mile and a half to downtown Bowling Green from the ballpark, so you could walk if you want the exercise, but it is probably best to drive. There are several good bars or restaurants in the small downtown. Reverend’s Tavern is a favorite for their selection of beers and slightly eclectic menu. Trotters is open for dinner, and has a very cozy atmosphere. This comfortable little pub offers good food, a cozy atmosphere, and friendly service. I love most places with Scotch eggs on their appetizer menu, and theirs is certainly good. Open for lunch is Beckett’s Burger Bar. You can guess what is on offer here. They also have a pool table and several TVs for sports fans to stay on top of what’s happening. Fans 3 The fans at a Bowling Green baseball game are mild-mannered and friendly. You can easily wear gear for the opposing team with no animosity whatsoever from the home crowd. Folks tend to just sit back and enjoy the game, applauding for good plays made on either side, while rooting for their team. If you’re able to catch a foul ball, they’ll ask you to return it, although you can trade in your temporary souvenir for a box of candy. Access 4 Parking is available in the lot near the hockey arena. Signs say it is designated for commuters until 6pm, but you’ll be fine parking your car there during the baseball game. It’s free to park, and just across the street from the ballpark, but also out of range of foul balls. Restrooms at the ballpark are unfortunately the port-a-potty variety. You can also try the hockey arena, which may be open during baseball games. During my most recent visit, the Alumni Lounge was open, located on the side of the hockey arena nearest the ballpark. This is a much better restroom option, but may not always be accessible. All of the Bowling Green athletic facilities are very close to I-75, and you’ll have no trouble quickly leaving the ballpark and getting on your way to wherever you may be going. Return on Investment 4 There is no entry fee to go and see a game at Steller Field, and parking is free as well. Concessions are unspectacular, but reasonably priced. Overall, the price is right if you want to see some college baseball and you’re in the area in northwest Ohio. Extras 2 The Bowling Green Falcons have claimed MAC championships in 1995, 2002, 2008, and 2009. The team has made appearances in the NCAA Regionals in 1972, 1998, 1999, and 2013. All of these successful seasons are commemorated on the outfield walls. In an age of more and more turf fields, especially in the Midwest, it’s nice to see that the Falcons have a natural grass and dirt field. It’s a symmetrical ballpark running 345 down the lines, 375 in the alleys, and 400 feet to straightaway center field. Final Thoughts It may be a basic ballpark, but it suits the purposes of the Bowling Green Falcons, and is worth the trip to see if you’re in the area for business or following your team on the road. Sometimes it’s the basic ballparks like Steller Field that allow you to just sit back and enjoy this pastoral game.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 OceanFirst Bank Center 400 Cedar Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764 Monmouth Hawks website OceanFirst Bank Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 4,100 College Basketball at the Jersey Shore Monmouth University is a small private institution located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, just a mile from the Jersey Shore. Although their men’s soccer team has achieved some moderate success recently, their basketball squad has only four tournament appearances, winning a single play-in game over Hampton in 2006. The school was a member of the Northeast Conference until 2013 when all but football moved to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). With their arena being named the rather uninventive Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC), you could say they play in the MAAC MAC. [Editor’s Note: The arena is now called OceanFirst Center]. Don’t let the boring name or my stupid joke turn you off though; the MAC is a surprisingly enjoyable place to watch college basketball. Opened in 2009 to replace the aging Boylan Gymnasium, the MAC holds 4,100 fans and includes a 200-meter indoor track above which some of the seats are temporarily installed during basketball games. It’s new, clean, and has a few ways to keep you entertained during all the media timeouts. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands here that do brisk business throughout the game. The main stand is right inside the entrance, while the other is in the far corner. Offerings are slim, but there are some items you won’t see at other small schools. First, the typical offerings of hot dogs ($3), a pizza ($6), and popcorn and pretzels ($2 each) are inexpensive. Candy is also $2 and homemade chips are $3. The specialty items include three types of sandwiches (Buffalo Chicken, Meatball Parm, and Chicken Parm) at $5 apiece and Chile Cheese Nachos at $6. Add chips to any sandwich for just a dollar and another buck gets you a fountain beverage, normally $2 by itself. I had a Chicken Parm sandwich and it was decent and filling, but what you would expect from something made an hour or two before and left on a heating stand. One thing you will avoid here is the nachos, as there is a local taco restaurant offering free tacos and nachos about 30 seconds away from the main concession stand. A few other sponsors provide free samples too, which enhances the overall food and beverage score a bit. Atmosphere 4 With a capacity of 4,100, the MAC is the largest on-campus basketball facility in the conference. There are two seating levels along three sides of the court with the single-level student section in one end zone. Above the student section is a standing area, which is generally filled with students chatting with friends and families allowing their youngsters to take advantage of the room to run around. When the seats are nearly filled, there is a great buzz during the game as fans are chatting and make noise. As in all college basketball games, there are eight media timeouts, and here at Monmouth, they have a plan for each one to keep you in the game. There are the usual cheerleader and dance team performances, a three-point shooting contest, a t-shirt toss, and a Happy Birthday sing-a-long among others. The MC goes by the name Showboat and he can be a bit annoying at times with his over-the-top demeanor, acting like it is minor-league baseball instead of low-level college hoops. Regardless, the overall atmosphere is healthy and fun and you should enjoy your time here. Neighborhood 2 The campus is about four miles from the Garden State Parkway, quite small, and surrounded by quiet residential areas. Midway between the highway and the campus lies the Monmouth Mall, the largest shopping center in the area, and there are several family restaurants such as Chili’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Applebee around there but I did not notice any establishments worth stopping for. The northern edges of the Jersey Shore are just a mile east. There are several bars and restaurants that cater to Monmouth students, and although they are probably not hopping in the winter, they seem to be the only places worth checking out if you are looking for something to do before or after the game. Fans 3 Even when the arena is 95% full many fans don’t seem particularly interested in the game itself. A large number of the student section had cleared out at halftime during my most recent visit (I believe many belonged to the football team, there for Miles Austin’s jersey retirement ceremony), but even the fans in the areas I sat were having more fun playing pranks on each other than taking in the action. Seating arrangements are haphazard in some places and I was forced to take a spot up top, not a problem in a small arena such as this but something that could be annoying if you had a good seat, to begin with. Overall, the fans don’t seem to care if the team wins or loses. Access 4 If you are living in or visiting New York City and want to get out to Monmouth, transit is probably your best option if you don’t have a car. New Jersey Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line takes just over 90 minutes to the Long Branch station, with some trains requiring a transfer at Newark Penn Station. From Long Branch, you can try the two-mile walk to the MAC or take a bus. Check Google Maps or NJ Transit for details. Fares are not cheap, with an off-peak one-way ride going for $15. Elberon is the other nearby station, but that is about 1.5 miles from the MAC so you might save a few minutes if your train stops there. If you decide to drive, use Google Map’s avoid tolls option to plan the cheapest route, which will take about 90 minutes from Manhattan including traffic. More than likely though, you will be driving through the area, which is the preferred option. Monmouth is about four miles east of the Garden State Parkway, exit 105 onto Route 36 then right onto Route 71. The Parkway is a toll road, but not ridiculously overpriced like some. Parking is free on campus and there are two lots right next to the entrance off Larchwood Avenue. Inside the arena, there is plenty of room to move around. The Leon Hess Champions Hall has TVs along the walls that are tuned to the game and other sports channels, which make a nice halftime distraction. The seats have small chair backs that fold up, and are comfortable enough, although you might be a bit cramped if your row is full. Washrooms are next to the main concession stand and are more than enough for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 Standing at the northwest corner of campus, the MAC is a good-looking building with a white roof over beige bricks. Visiting at night I was unable to capture it properly with a photo, but it still has that new venue feel. The box office is right next to the entrance, and tickets are $12 at the window for center-court seats in the upper section. The court is not big, so there are no bad vantage points here. You may prefer to stand behind the end zone here as it gives you a better view of the play developing and leaves you closer to the concession stand, as well as giving you room to move around and take pictures from different angles. Although the team was terrible in the 2013-2014 campaign, the overall atmosphere, free parking, good food options, and cheap tickets make this an unexpectedly good road trip destination. Extras 3 The sculpture of a large hawk out front of the MAC is quite nice and worth a point. A point for the TVs showing the game above the concession stands, as well as those in the Leon Hess Champions Hall, which were tuned to other college basketball games that evening. Finally, a point for all the free stuff being given out by sponsors throughout the complex. Final Thoughts Monmouth is not a school that most people know about and certainly only true college hoopheads would be adding this one to their bucket list. But if you enjoy live sports and are in Northern New Jersey at some point, you should consider a visit to the MAC. This is one place where you can’t judge the book by its cover; the Multipurpose Activity Center offers a lot more than you would expect from a small college program like Monmouth and is worth a look for any stadium traveler.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Marvel Stadium 740 Bourke St Docklands, VIC 3008 Australia Carlton Blues website Marvel Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 53,359 The Blues at Etihad Stadium Etihad Stadium opened in the year 2000 and is home to five AFL clubs (Carlton, Essendon, North Melbourne, St Kilda and Western Bulldogs), as well as the Melbourne Victory of the A-League and the Melbourne Renegades cricket team of the Big Bash League. Etihad has a capacity of 53,359 and features a retractable roof; the only such venue currently used by the AFL. Although technically a multipurpose venue, Etihad was built primarily for AFL and effectively replaced Waverly (VFL) Park. The stadium has been used for international one-day cricket, international rugby league, NRL, and international rugby union (including the 2003 Rugby World Cup and 2006 Commonwealth Games 7s). Currently privately owned, the AFL is set to assume ownership in 2025. In September 2018, the stadium was renamed for a fourth time, to Marvel Stadium. Carlton was founded in 1864 and is arguably one of the most successful clubs in AFL history, having won a record equalling 16 premierships, the most recent in 1995. The Blues were a powerhouse through the 1990s, fielding a side chock-full of stars and coached by four-time premiership coach, David Parkin. Pulling on the famous navy blue jumper in this era were players such as Stephen Kernahan, Greg Williams, Stephen Silvagni, Anthony Koutoufidies and Craig Bradley, to name just a few. The first decade of the 2000’s was a pretty lean time for Carlton with off-field dramas as much to blame as on-field performances. Shrewd recruitment and greater stability in management saw some improvement in more recent times, with three successive finals appearances between 2009 and 2011. Carlton had a long and storied 109-year history at Princes Park before moving to Etihad in 2005. Some home games are also played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to accommodate larger crowds. Food & Beverage 3 The overarching feature of the food and beverage at Etihad Stadium are the exorbitant prices. Unfortunately this is a major complaint of AFL fans in Melbourne as the cost of taking a family to the football continues to rise. A basic pie or sausage roll costs $4.80, a hot dog $6, hot chips $6.60, and wedges $8.50. It only gets worse from here with a cheeseburger priced at $9, bacon and cheeseburger $10.50, and fish and chips $11.50. Add drinks and the pain in your hip pocket continues to grow. Soft drinks cost $5.20 while the cheapest full strength beer is Carlton Draught at $7.20, which is apparently only available for day games. There are more options on the ground level so if your seats are on the second or third levels, consider getting your food before you head up the stairs or ramps. Probably the only deal worth mentioning in terms of value is the Locker Room Bar and Cafe (much more a bar than a cafe) which has express lines offering four Carlton Draughts for $28. Atmosphere 3 Hosting five different clubs makes it difficult to create a unique atmosphere for the Blues; indeed at the entrance there are plaques detailing each of the clubs that calls Etihad home. There is little in the way of Carlton paraphernalia either inside the stadium or in the area surrounding the venue. The venue does provide a slight nod to AFL history with the northern end known as the “Lockett End,” recognising the AFL’s greatest ever goal scorer, Tony Lockett, and the southern end the “Coventry End,” named for Gordon Coventry, the man Lockett passed to gain the record. The western side of the ground is adjacent to the Yarra River and West Gate Bridge, with nice views from behind the level three seats. The seats themselves are quite small and cramped, and are an irritant if people need to get in and out of your row. The higher levels provide a good view but you should be prepared for quite a climb up either the stairs or ramps. The ground level rows towards the back of the seating bowl are impacted by the level two overhangs. It won’t really affect your view of the game but will be in your sight line. Video screens are located in opposite corners. Neighborhood 3 The Docklands area of Melbourne is an urban renewal project by the Victorian Government. Historically linked with maritime usage, the government hopes the area will become a tourist mecca for the city. So far this hasn’t quite materialised. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area but appear to mainly rely on game day traffic. Etihad is close enough to the Central Business District that heading back into the city is most likely your best option after the game where you can experience all that Melbourne has to offer. Fans 3 Given their history of success over the years Carlton has built a solid fan base and attracts a crowd on average of between 35,000-45,000 spectators. However, the game I attended most recently the fans seemed to only really get loud as they built a lead on the scoreboard. As with most AFL clubs, the fans proudly display their colours. There’s no doubting the commitment of Carlton fans but as a crowd they do not make for a particularly boisterous sporting event. Access 4 There are several options for parking nearby although as they are provided by commercial parking operators, expect to pay $20. The closest train station is Southern Cross which is only a short walk from the ground. Etihad is also walkable from the city meaning you’ve got several easy options to get to your game. The stadium is quite easy to move around however it is worth reinforcing that it is somewhat of a chore to climb up to level three. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to see Carlton play at Etihad don’t come cheaply. Prices range between $25 and $62 with the average around $45. Add to this the price of food and you’re looking at an expensive game of AFL. Extras 3 Carlton at Etihad receives three extra points. Worth noting are the aisle numbers which are particularly effective in helping you find your seat, the overall ease of entry into the stadium and the junior games at halftime. There are also a few promotional activities during the breaks. Final Thoughts Etihad is a modern stadium that receives plenty of use throughout the year. Given it is one of only two AFL venues in the city of Melbourne it is worth a visit but make sure to budget accordingly.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Melbourne Cricket Ground Brunton Ave Richmond, VIC 3002 Australia Richmond Tigers website Melbourne Cricket Ground website Year Opened: 1853 Capacity: 100,024 Historic Melbourne Cricket Ground The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is one of the greatest sporting venues in the world. Known to locals simply as, The ‘G, the venue opened in 1853. With a capacity of 100,024, it is the largest stadium in Australia. Owned by the Victorian State Government and managed by the Melbourne Cricket Club, the stadium is home to numerous cricket (Victorian Bushrangers and Melbourne Stars) and AFL teams (Richmond, Collingwood, Melbourne and Hawthorn). The MCG plays host to three of the biggest sporting events in the land; the traditional Boxing Day cricket test match, the AFL Grand Final and the AFL Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon. Not only that, the MCG was the main stadium for the 1956 Summer Olympic Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games. The final of the 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup between Pakistan and England was also played at the MCG, as will the final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. The venue has also hosted international soccer (football) and rugby union. Regular upgrades have kept the MCG at the forefront of modern stadium trends. Most recently, this has included the opening of the Great Southern Stand in 1992 and the rebuilding of the Members, Olympic, and Ponsford Stands in the early 2000s. AFL has been played regularly at the MCG since the formation of the Victorian Football Association in 1879. The MCG has almost exclusively hosted the AFL Grand Final since 1901. Numerous clubs have called the MCG home over the years, ensuring a regular stream of football at The ‘G. Richmond FC was formed in 1885 and joined the VFL, precursor to the AFL, in 1908. The Tigers most successful period was the late 1960s and early 1970s during which time they won four premierships. Since then they have experienced only sporadic success, with a sole finals appearance in 2013 their best effort over the past 10 years. After many years at nearby Punt Road Oval, Richmond has now called the MCG their home ground since 1965. Food & Beverage 3 The ‘G offers all the standard food and beverage offerings, along with some additional offerings. Also, don’t discount the food stands outside the ground. As with most stadiums in this day and age, items are priced at a premium. In most cases expect to pay around $10 for your food and an average of $8 for a beer. There is a reasonable amount of variety on hand, including outlets for Crust Pizza and Red Rooster. The menu is limited but the quality is good and with a pretty quick turnover, freshness is relatively good. In my opinion value for money is best with these two options. This is in contrast to some of the stands selling wraps, baguettes and pastries which didn’t look they were moving at all. The baguette, with smoked leg ham, tasty cheese, Dijonnaise and lettuce, appeared to be little more than a glorified ham and cheese roll for the hefty sum of $9.50. Soft drinks and bottled water are priced at $5 with coffee and hot chocolate $4.90 for a large that in most instances would be a small or a medium at best. Atmosphere 5 As you enter and move through the stadium you can feel the history. Statues of past greats dot the concourse surrounding the venues. There are numerous exhibits on display inside the venue adding to the sense of occasion and atmosphere. Indeed the National Sports Museum is located within the MCG. Entry is included in the price of your ticket. On game day the museum opens two hours prior to the first bounce and closes at game time. While the ‘G itself is a marvellous venue with its own sense of atmosphere, there is not a lot to personalise the experience to the Tigers. The AFL has pursued a centralised stadium policy which has resulted in the nine Melbourne based clubs sharing only two stadiums; the MCG and Etihad Stadium. While this ensures a good quality of venue with larger capacities, obviously there are less unique features to be experienced. Get to the game early, visit the museum and enjoy exploring this great venue. Once in your seat, enjoy seeing the warm up and the two teams enter the arena through their personalised banners. Richmond attracts good crowds; in most cases expect around 40,000 fans. The stadium and playing surface are especially large, meaning that you’ll often be some distance from the action, particularly if you’re seated at ground level. In these cases you’ll likely need to take advantage of the large video screens at either end. If you are at ground level in the vicinity of the goal posts there is some netting up during warm up, but this is removed prior to game time. Neighborhood 5 The MCG sits adjacent to the Melbourne city centre, creating a multitude of options for pre or post game activities. The MCG itself is located within Yarra Park with a number of other sporting and entertainment arenas in the surrounding precinct; Melbourne Park Tennis Centre (Australian Open), Hisense Arena (ANZ Championship Netball), AAMI Park (NRL and Super Rugby) and the Myer Music Bowl. There are often opportunities for sporting double headers within the precinct. Most areas of the city are within easy walking distance. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in the nearby suburbs of Richmond and East Melbourne. Further back are Flinders Street and Southbank, both of which offer quite trendy establishments which should cater to most tastes. The Crown Casino is about a 20 minute walk away. Melbourne is a trendy city; well known for quality coffee and good shopping. Further afield are South Melbourne which has some nice cafes and St Kilda which is home to numerous attractions. Fans 4 Richmond is one of the better supported clubs in Melbourne. Their crowd is knowledgeable, good humoured, passionate and engaged throughout the game. Club gear is always on show, if not jerseys, then certainly beanies and scarves. There is plenty of banter between Tigers fans and opposition fans without it turning into genuine animosity. The crowd is mostly family friendly with any negative comments largely profanity free. Access 4 The MCG is conveniently located close to the Melbourne Central Business District with easy access via train or tram. Walking is also an easy option if you’re close by. Indeed the walk along the Yarra River is quite pleasant if approaching from the west. If driving, car parking is available in Yarra Park for $10. The venue itself can obviously cater to large numbers of people. However, various areas will still be quite congested if you’re moving about between quarters. There are plenty of ushers and security staff who are quite visible although if you’re early enough you should still be able to get a decent look at the ground from different vantage points. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Richmond games vary between $25 for general admission through to $60 for category one seats. Most seats offer a good experience although in such a large stadium the nosebleed seats are a long way up. Overall, the stadium and Tigers offer good value for money. The venue itself is unique within Australia and the Tigers crowd makes for a great AFL experience. Extras 3 The MCG is specifically awarded extra points for the long history of the ground and the celebration of the history of sport. The National Sports Museum definitely deserves a visit. The museum has numerous exhibits over two levels in the Olympic Stand and is also the home of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. If not on game day, make the museum a part of your trip to Melbourne. If you choose this option then also take a tour of the venue. Final Thoughts The MCG is a must-visit venue in Australian sport. If you’re in town during the AFL season, then a Richmond home game presents a great opportunity to experience this special stadium.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Allianz Stadium Driver Avenue Moore Park, NSW 2021 Australia NSW Waratahs website Allianz Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 44,000 Waratah Experience Continues to Improve at Allianz Stadium Allianz Stadium is home to the Waratahs, who have been the NSW state rugby representative team since 1882. When Super Rugby began in 1996, the ‘Tahs commenced operation as a professional franchise. Super Rugby has grown to include 15 teams across three conferences, with 5 teams each from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The competition will expand again to 18 teams in 2016 with the addition of another South African team plus franchises based in Argentina and Japan. Previously known as perennial underachievers, the ‘Tahs broke through to win their first Super Rugby championship in 2014. The stadium, originally known as the Sydney Football Stadium (SFS), opened in 1988 and is situated next door to the Sydney Cricket Ground. The SFS was built as Sydney’s main rectangular stadium to replace the old Sydney Sports Ground, a multi-purpose venue which served as the home of the Eastern Suburbs Roosters rugby league club. The Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust, a NSW State Government entity, manages both venues. Current tenants include the Waratahs, Sydney FC and the Sydney Roosters (NRL). After ANZ Stadium opened in 1999, many major events have shifted west, although Allianz Stadium also still hosts occasional NRL finals games, club rugby union finals and other one-off events. These have included Sydney 2000 Olympic football, Rugby World Cup 2003 and Rugby League World Cup 2008. Up until then Allianz Stadium hosted many major footballing events including rugby league grand finals, rugby union tests and football internationals. Despite a relatively short history, its high usage has meant Allianz has been home to many historic moments across each of the football codes. One of the most storied moments in Australian rugby occurred at Allianz in 1994 when a last-minute George Gregan tackle on All Black flyer Jeff Wilson ensured Australia retained the Bledisloe Cup. 2015 sees the beginning of some welcome upgrades for Allianz. For starters, new video screens are being installed at either end. At 27m by 10m, these so-called ‘super screens’ are said to be the largest in Australia for the sports of rugby union, rugby league and football. Further upgrades said to be on the way include upgraded seating, improved food outlets and a clear membrane roof. The Waratahs recently signed a deal that will see them based at Allianz for a long time to come. Food & Beverage 3 The area of the stadium most in need of improvement is the food and beverage. The current offerings are of average quality and high prices that continue to rise and simply can’t be justified. Hot items available include hot dogs ($5.90), meat pies ($5.30), chicken souvlaki ($10), beef burger ($8.80), sausage rolls ($4.80), hot chips ($5.80), and tempura fish and chips ($10.50). Under the “healthier choice” maxim are sushi pack ($10), wraps ($10) and sandwiches ($7.60). Single serving pizzas are available from Domino’s for $9, with Meatosaurus, Hawaiian and Margherita options. There is also a gourmet sausage outlet, with prices set at $10. Snacks include crisps ($5.20), chocolate bars ($4.20) and ice creams (from $3.60). Drinks are via Coca-Cola and include 600ml soft drinks ($5.40) and water ($4.70). The various bars serve draught beer ($7.40), light beer ($6.60), house wine ($7.30), pre mixed spirits ($10), and cider ($7.50). Note that a carry tray will cost an additional $1. Be sure not to leave your decision to purchase food too late as once the halftime rush is over the various outlets will begin to close. Atmosphere 4 When it first opened, Allianz Stadium was described by commentators as “space-age” due to its unique curved roof design. Most punters will only have access to the lower seating bowl as the upper deck is normally reserved for members and corporates. Most seats still offer a good view, although the general admission sections at either end are fairly average. The new video screens will be a good addition once installed (March 2015) as the previous screens were quite small. The player’s tunnel is on the western side of the ground and as the television coverage is from that side, the sponsor’s logos on the playing surface face in that direction. The light towers and MA Noble and Don Bradman Stands of the SCG are visible from your seat as you look south. The eastern stand is named the Nick Shehadie Stand, after Sir Nicholas Shehadie; former Lord Mayor of Sydney, Wallaby, Chairman of the NSW Rugby Union and President of the Australian Rugby Union. While the venue will not be filled for a Waratahs match (average crowd is around 20,000), the stadium still provides a good experience with plenty of noise and a fun atmosphere. Neighborhood 5 During the later years of the amateur era, NSW Rugby called Concord Oval home. Concord was often decried for its location in Sydney’s inner west, particularly the lack of atmosphere surrounding the ground. One of NSW and Australian rugby’s great warriors, Simon Poidevin, once said that the allure of playing at Concord which backed onto Parramatta Road opposite the Burwood Bus Depot could never compete with the pubs of Paddington surrounding Moore Park. Indeed, “Poido” was right. Allianz Stadium is centrally located minutes from the Sydney CBD, right next door to the Sydney Cricket Ground and Fox Studios / EQ. Within the EQ are many cafes, restaurants, and bars. PJ Gallagher’s is a popular option. The surrounding suburb also features impressive parklands including Centennial Park. Venture further afield and you will find a plethora of dining and drinking options in the nearby suburbs of Paddington and Surry Hills. Of course, Sydney is one of the great cities of the world and if you are from out of town you will definitely be doing sightseeing trips to see iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney has world famous beaches. Bondi Beach is close by or catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for the day. Fans 4 Sydney is a notoriously difficult sporting market to crack. The casual fan is fickle and attaches themselves to a winning team, yet happily jumps ship should the team’s on-field fortunes nose dive. However, the ‘Tahs have a solid base of supporters who focus their attention on the game rather than being distracted by any kitschy attempts at crowd engagement. The noise is in fact louder than expected, but there is no pointless chanting to be experienced here. Access 3 Accessing the Moore Park venues can certainly be a headache. Without a direct train line, many from the northern and western suburbs are reluctant to utilise public transport. If you do, the walk from Central Station is 20 minutes (uphill), however, on the positive side, there any many good pubs to stop at on the way. Many fans choose to drive. Traffic is always an issue so plan accordingly, especially if there are other events in the precinct. Parking is available across the road in the parklands or in Fox Studios for $25. Entering the stadium is easy with a pleasant concourse. A number of the SCG Trust Walk of Honour statues are here, as well as a team store selling merchandise for the Waratahs, Roosters, and Swans. There are no issues with moving around inside the stadium. Bathrooms are big but many need upgrading. Ushers guard the rows leading down to the more expensive reserved seats for the entire game. Return on Investment 3 A Waratahs game at Allianz is certainly not a cheap day out. General admission for adults is located at either end of the ground and will cost $22. Reserved seating in the corners is classified as the Silver category and will set you back $35. The somewhat mislabelled Gold category is basically sideline within the in goals and is priced at $50. The majority of sideline seating is classified as Premium and priced at $70. There are discounts for children and pensioners, with family passes also available. Sure the product is good, but once you throw in parking and food, you’re up for plenty. Extras 4 With Allianz Stadium right next door to the Sydney Cricket Ground, there is often the potential for a double header with the Sydney Swans – or even maybe cricket early in the season. Programs are available at the entrance for $5. The Waratahs have a mascot known as ‘Tah Man. There will often be a guard of honour as the two teams run out comprised of junior clubs from around the state. Also, there is likely to be a short game or activity at half time to keep you entertained during the break. Final Thoughts The Waratahs seemingly turned the corner in 2014, putting to bed the old Horror-Tahs tag. Playing an exciting brand of rugby won the team many admirers. Fans can only hope the team can recapture that form for 2015 (they didn’t start well). We’re also interested to see whether further improvements to the stadium infrastructure improve the game day experience.

Photos by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McCrary Park 138 Southway Rd. Asheboro, NC 27205 Asheboro Zookeepers website McCrary Park website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 1,400 Union of the Snakes It is a reasonably safe bet that anyone reading this piece — even those who have been to North Carolina multiple times — may have missed Asheboro. This long-time mill town rests a half-hour south of the better-known Greensboro, in the Uwharrie Mountains of Randolph County. The town is known to many as the home of the North Carolina Zoological Park. The NC Zoo opened in 1976 and is one of the more popular travel destinations in the southeastern United States. It is that mill history, however, that helps to tell the baseball story of Asheboro. McCrary Park was built in 1946, and it served as the home for the city’s entry into the tile leagues of the period. The Acme-McCrary mill played a considerable role in the building of this park (there is still a large red sign in the park commemorating the sock-making company), and the company still owns the park to this day, providing use of the facility to the city at a reduced monthly rate. The facility is still used by the local high school, American Legion teams, and the Asheboro Copperheads, who joined the Coastal Plain League as an “expansion” team in 1999. The Southeast Regional tournament for American Legion baseball is also played in the park. Note: The team name changed from Asheboro Copperhead to Asheboro ZooKeepers in 2022. Food & Beverage 3 This is very much a small-town park staffed by friendly, small-town folks, so you will not find endless concession offerings served from the large brick building on the first base side. Many of the things one would normally expect at the park are here, with popcorn, peanuts, hot dogs, corn dogs ($2.50 for hot dogs, $2 for corn dogs), cheeseburgers, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches gracing the menu. Domino’s Pizza slices and Zaxby’s chicken tenders are also among the more easily recognizable choices. Nachos are available, and the cheese and jalapenos one might ordinarily expect on those chips are also available for your hot dog. On the sweet side, lollipops, candy, and ice cream are available. All of this can be washed down with a bottled Pepsi product, Gatorade, or water. There is also a beer garden down the right field line called the Snake Pit that seems to be quite popular with the locals. The club offers several different beverage choices in the Snake Pit, along with the requisite Thirsty Thursday discounts for Thursday home games. There is a television in the Snake Pit area, and plenty of seating both in the pit and along the adjoining hill. Atmosphere 3 The third base bleachers are a bit closer to the action, but the view of the field is somewhat obstructed by a fence that extends down the line from the dugout area. It is recommended to sit a little higher up in the bleachers on this side to give yourself a better view of the action. The left field bullpen is, unfortunately, blocked from view from almost everywhere in the park, and the aforementioned interesting angles allow for a vast expanse of foul territory on both sides of the field. Most of the between-innings entertainment that awaits you in Asheboro is the same you see in many other places – the dizzy bat race, the tire roll, kids putting on team uniforms, and such – but it is not what truly “makes” this experience. Asheboro is not a baseball tourist destination, as it were, so the people sitting near you in the stands are families, multiple generations of baseball fans, and – most importantly – friends. Most of them know each other, and they treat you as though they know you, too. This makes for a tremendous community event. The rhythm of the game is rarely broken, and the focus is largely on the action on the field. There is a small-town PA announcer on the microphone, and he is both funny and unobtrusive. The Copperheads employ a mascot named Fang, who largely oversees the between-innings entertainment. He also wanders through the stands to hang out with the fans and be a part of the hometown group. There are, oddly enough, two scoreboards in McCrary Park. There is an electronic scoreboard in the right-center that displays all of the standard game information (line score, balls, strikes, outs, and the like). There is also an old manual scoreboard in left-center, which, though no longer used, is a nice reminder of days past in Asheboro. One minor note — one of the speakers down the third baseline was blown on the night of our visit, so it sounded at times as though the announcements were being made in a drive-thru. This may be repaired with time, but you may need to strain to hear some of the announcements at times if you are sitting on the third base side of the field. Neighborhood 2 McCrary Park is in a residential area just off US Route 220 and Interstates 73 and 74. There is next to nothing within walking distance – or even a short drive – of the field. Most of the so-called action is off US 64, near the NC Zoo. This is all nearly five miles from the park, however. Should you decide to eat in Asheboro, Something Different Restaurant seems to be a popular choice among those who call this central North Carolina burg home. Something Different offers a reasonably upscale menu that — to fit the name of the establishment — is reasonably unexpected in a town this size. Pasta, kebabs, Greek food, and finer beverages line the menu. If you’re more in the mood for a sports bar-type atmosphere — or just want something closer to the park — The Flying Pig is just two miles or so from the park. All of the usual sports bar favorites can be found at the Flying Pig. A lot of the other establishments in town are chain fare, so if you want something without a drive-thru window, these might be a decent fit. Fans 3 The local nine do not play in front of capacity crowds every night, but that doesn’t seem to damper the spirit of those who do pass through the gates. Copperhead baseball is one of the few shows in town during the summer, and those in Asheboro love the guys who make up the team each year. The fans have their favorites, but they support each player wearing the home colors, whether he’s 4-for-4 or 0-for-4. Asheboro draws a respectful, friendly bunch who pays attention and supports their team. They do this while enjoying conversation with friends and sharing the game they love. Access 4 It could be easy to panic when approaching McCrary Park. There are cars parked along both sides of the street approaching, with a small entrance to the parking lot just past the main ticket building. There is no need for you to worry, though, as there is more than enough parking for any game that may take place at this facility. The parking area is grass with a gravel-based navigation path and is somewhat banked, but there is no real trouble with traction or muddy places on rainy nights, should one occur. Parking is free, which is always a welcome sight, but be careful where you place your car. The lot is close to the stadium, which is great for saving you a long walk, but might be detrimental to the health of your car’s windshield. The concourse area is very wide, and though there are some strange angles in trying to see the field on your walk to the concession stand or restrooms, there is no problem with feeling cramped. The restrooms are on either side of the concession stand, and despite their being somewhat spartan, they are clean and a short walk from your seat. Return on Investment 5 The Coastal Plain League is one of the most affordable entertainment values in the sport, and Asheboro is no exception. Tickets are a very reasonable $6 for reserved seats under the roof behind the plate. General admission is $5, and this can get you a bleacher seat or a spot on the lawn for your lawn chair. Bring a cushion if you choose the bleachers, however, because they can be tough on your backside after a while. If seniors or children are part of your party, they can gain entry for just $4. It’s pretty tough to beat a ticket, a pizza slice, and a drink for under $10, which illustrates the value offered by the Copperheads. Extras 4 There is something about a small-town ballpark experience that trumps the sparkling downtown facilities, and Asheboro is loaded with super nice people. From ticket, staff assuring you that they were giving you the winning raffle ticket for the evening’s giveaways — which came true, astonishingly — to the concession workers, and everyone in between, going to a game in Asheboro will give you a feeling of being at home. That level of comfort is more than enough to keep you even warmer inside than the hot North Carolina summers can achieve. Speaking (somewhat) of the elements, the typical Carolina pop-up storms are far less of a worry in McCrary Park than in most facilities. The park received some upgrades in 2010, and one of those upgrades is a turf infield. When storms do arrive, the only tarps necessary are over the bullpen areas and the pitcher’s mound. Storms frequently pop up in the Uwharrie region, but the turf infield and grass outfield make for resumption after a delay of as few as 15 minutes. Though rain delays are far from ideal, the field helps speed along the process. If you are sitting in the reserved seats, there are two nice added features you will notice. First, the seats have been set up to allow for larger rows than usual, which allows some much-appreciated legroom for taller fans like myself. There are also very large, powerful ceiling fans like those you would see in affiliated ballparks like Lake Olmstead Stadium in Augusta. There is not an abundance of day baseball in Asheboro, but the summers do get extremely warm, and this is a nice touch. The team has sponsor nights instead of promotions, and the sponsors usually donate some kind of giveaway item for those nights. The team publishes a list of its sponsor and giveaway nights on its website. As an example, Di’Lishi Frozen Yogurt gave away some prizes on the night we visited. This is a nice little added touch from a summer collegiate team. Final Thoughts There are a few things to know about the seats at McCrary Park before your visit. The bleachers on the first base side are designated as the Family Section, and they are situated somewhat above the action on the field. These bleachers and the hill down the right field line make for some interesting angles while watching the game. One of the true beauties of baseball, particularly baseball in this part of the United States, is the small towns in which it is played. Sure, there are teams in larger markets, but baseball is a community experience in some of the smaller markets. This is no exception in Asheboro, and what you miss in luxury boxes, you make up for in the luxury of a comfortable baseball experience among friends. No amount of money you can pay in a larger town will buy you that type of enjoyment for nine innings.

Photos by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Finch Field 7003 Ball Park Rd. Thomasville, NC 27360 Thomasville HiToms website Finch Field website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 2,000 No Doubting Thomas Much like its North Carolina neighbor to the southeast, the town of Thomasville has a long history with manufacturing. While Asheboro made its name in textiles, Thomasville is a world-famous name in furniture. The town even features a nod to this history in The Big Chair, a ninety-year-old statue (since reworked) in the city center. There is more to this Piedmont town than just furniture, though, as baseball here dates back to the 1937 Chair Makers of the North Carolina State League. Five championships made their way to the city between 1937 and 1969, including the 1949 HiToms (named for the neighboring towns of High Point and Thomasville), who went 90-34 while featuring future Hall of Fame third baseman Eddie Mathews. Legendary big leaguer Curt Flood was a HiTom in 1956, while “Trader” Jack McKeon led the co-op HiToms to the Carolina League crown in 1968. The championship tradition did not stop there, however, as the collegiate wood-bat HiToms joined the Coastal Plain League in 1999 and brought home three consecutive titles from 2006-08. There is also a successful American Legion franchise in Thomasville, along with the Junior HiToms program that hosts a summer league and fall league. Wil Myers of the Royals chain is a graduate of this program, as well as over forty major college players. Food & Beverage 4 There are two points of sale in Finch Field. The primary concession area is on the concourse behind the seating bowl and features a lot of what one might expect at a game. Nachos are $3 ($3.25 with chili) and are decent, despite coming out of a bag. The nachos are assembled for you at Finch, as compared to the “build-it-yourself” model in Asheboro. Hot dogs ($3.25), the “Finch Dog” ($3.50), the all-beef “Tommies Dog” ($3), the “Home Run Dog” ($3.50), popcorn ($3), peanuts ($3), pretzels ($3), chips ($1 for Lay’s plain or barbecue), and Pizza Hut pizza ($4) are the food options at this stand, with bottled water ($2.25), bottled soda/Gatorade ($2.75 for Pepsi products), or a cup from the fountain ($2.25) to drink. Sno-cones and ice cream ($3 each) will help satisfy your sweet tooth. There is also a fairly large stand down the third-base line. This stand did not have a sign with its prices listed when I first arrived, as the worker told me to state what I wanted, and I would be told how much it would cost. A sign eventually appeared, and I noticed that there were a lot more options at this stand. Aside from the items that could also be purchased at the other stand, there were hamburgers ($3), cheeseburgers ($3.50), sausage dogs ($3.25), chicken fingers ($3), chicken sandwiches ($3), french fries ($2.50, $3 with cheese or $3.50 with chili and cheese), and barbecue ($4) to be found here, with the added benefit of being able to see the action taking place on the field from this stand. There is another sweet option at this stand with a $4 shake. For those looking to imbibe, this stand certainly has you covered. Bud Light ($3) and Shock Top ($4) are poured in 16-ounce drafts, with $3 cans of Bud, Bud Light, Natural Light, Michelob Light, and Michelob Ultra. Corona Extra, Corona Light, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade are available in bottles for $4. There are numerous picnic tables with umbrellas in the “garden” area, as well as a sheltered picnic section for you to enjoy your food and beverage purchases, should you not want to wander back to your seats. Atmosphere 3 As one might gather from the manual scoreboard in left-center, the focus is mostly on the baseball at Finch Field. Since this is the case, there is very little in terms of between-innings promotions. There was one interesting promotion where a truck drove around the field and fans tried to toss specially-marked rubber baseballs into the bed of the truck for the chance of winning a prize. The truck got so close to the stands that it was not a challenge for many to get their ball in the bed. I was thankful for the lack of between-innings intrusions, silly dances to “YMCA”, and the like aside. The team also employs a mascot, Tommy. He did very little in the evening but seemed to be a favorite of the kids. The real problem with the atmosphere in Thomasville is the same one that exists at First National Bank Field in Greensboro, less than a half-hour away. There are so many different sound effects – seemingly at least one after every pitch – that it starts to wear on you after a while. To the team’s credit (or, perhaps to their detriment), they do not repeat a lot of the effects, except for the variations of “woo woo!” that also seem to take place in perpetuity in Greensboro. The fan is still, however, left with the feeling of having every spare second filled with some wacky clip. This is a great place to watch a game, but some selective deletions from the soundboard would further increase the level of enjoyment. Neighborhood 3 The park itself is just off the business loop of Interstate 85 (co-signed as U.S. Routes 29 and 70), and very little is directly beside the premises. The safer bet is to travel north on North Carolina Highway 68 (National Highway). There are chain restaurants (Burger King and Subway), Asian restaurants, Italian dining (Sicily’s Pizza and Milo’s), and a sports bar (Last Call) all under a mile north along National Highway. North Carolina is also famous for its barbecue, and Tommy’s Bar-B-Que is a couple of miles south on National. Tommy’s provided the post-game meals for the players on the night I attended. If Thomasville is not exactly your speed, High Point is just a few short minutes away along NC 68 or the I-85 business loop. Main Street in High Point has eateries of every stripe, as well as some options for nightlife. Greensboro is less than a half-hour away, with the famous Greensboro Coliseum routinely hosting sporting events and concerts. Fans 3 Finch Field draws a group of loyalists through its gates, and they love their HiToms. The stands were not full on the night I visited, as a storm came through just before the game, causing a delay. A reasonable number filled the seats, though, and those seats stayed full throughout the contest. There were a couple of fans that stood out among the crowd, though. The HiToms frequently acknowledge their biggest fan, Warren, over the public address system. He also joins the team’s staff in leading between-inning dances, singing during the seventh-inning stretch, and conducting cheers. We will discuss Warren – and another fan – a little more during the Extras portion of this review. Access 3 Finch Field’s proximity to the I-85 business loop and several other major US routes and interstates in the Triad region makes it an easy travel destination for fans. There are multiple entrances to the park, but the parking itself is a bit choppy. There is a lot that begins down the left-field line and circles around behind the plate. There is an arched entryway from this lot that brings you into the park near the beer and food concession down the third-base line. There is also a lot behind the first base dugout that runs between the HiToms’ offices and a house behind the park. This lot allows an easy exit after the game from the first base side. Keep in mind, however, that the ticket office is behind the plate, so there is a bit of a walk from either parking area. The parking is free at Finch Field, but the lots are gravel. The concourses are nice and wide with plenty of room, as they have been recently renovated. The bathrooms are alongside the concession stand behind the plate, so they are easy to reach from your seat. Though the bathrooms are also recently renovated, the brick surroundings are a bit stark, and there were cobwebs in some of the corners. Return on Investment 3 Thomasville’s pricing is on par with a lot of the minor league facilities in the state, despite not being the cheapest on this circuit. Box seats are $7, with general admission seats a dollar cheaper at $6. Children (11 and under) are $4. The Coastal Plain League presents a good product, both on and off the field. The concessions are a reasonable value, depending on what you purchase. Some of the portions can be a bit small, and the prices a little high, but a night out at Finch Field will never break your wallet into pieces. The free parking is a nice benefit, though it seems to be more the rule than the exception in the league. Extras 4 The days of the manual scoreboard in ballparks are fading fast, but one is still in operation at Finch Field. This is a nice nod to the ballpark’s history and an interesting bridge between the park of old and the renovated facility in its current place. Every scoreless inning by the visiting team results in an appearance by a goose named Gertie, controlled by the scoreboard operator. Gertie does dances and various other silly things atop the visitors’ portion of the scoreboard, and the zero is there to serve as one of Gertie’s eggs. The scoreboard sits atop the banked outfield area, which takes the place of a warning track. I mentioned two fans earlier, and they deserve extra mention here. You already know about Warren, the team’s biggest fan. He spent the evening hanging cardboard “K” cutouts on the press box, though some of them were not for strikeouts. I began to lose track of what exactly each K meant. The HiToms take care of Warren, as I have seen him in the dugout in uniform at a HiToms road game this year. They also involved him in a lot of the promotions and activities in the evening, and it is always good to see a team that honors its fans. While the HiToms took care of Warren, another of their fans took care of me by making the best of a pretty upsetting situation. I was told before arriving at Finch Field that the team takes credit cards at the box office, which is quite a help when the team does not offer online ticketing. I tried to use my credit card at the ticket office when I arrived, only to be told that the machine occasionally malfunctions when it rains. Of course, I was not aware of this beforehand, and I managed to capture one of the “lucky” times that this happened. An unknown fan saved the day, though, and offered me a ticket. I thanked him in person for this gesture, but I’ll thank him again here, should he ever read this piece. Thomasville, as with the rest of the Carolinas, is loaded with great people, and this was no exception. The night I attended was Back to School Night at Thomasville, and the team was giving away backpacks to fans as they entered. With the ever-increasing cost of school supplies, giveaways such as this could be a help to families attending HiToms games. The final – and to me, most important – extra happens before each game. Before the anthem is performed, the team pauses for a moment of silence to honor the United States military at home and abroad. North Carolina is a state with a heavy military presence, and the HiToms’ willingness to honor those who serve is to be commended. Final Thoughts North Carolina is known for the presence of the elements in the summer, and Finch Field has you covered – literally – should the elements present themselves during your trip. Every fixed seat in the park, both reserved and general admission, is covered by a roof. This is a great help as far as keeping out the sun and the rain, but be sure to temper your celebration about this feature of Finch Field. Numerous support beams are holding up the roof, some placed quite close together. This can result in obstructed views from a lot of the seats, so choose wisely. The open areas down each line provide a fairly intimate view of the field, and they seem to be popular with fans enjoying a beer, a lawn chair, or some company. If you want to enjoy the game of baseball the way it is played now while being surrounded by reminders of how it used to be, Finch Field is a preferred destination. The park, like the town, is reasonably small and unassuming, but there is a lot to be found in both. The short trip off the main road is worth it for all involved parties.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena MacInnes Drive Houghton, MI 49931 Michigan Tech Huskies men’s hockey website MacInnes Student Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 4,128 Huskie Hockey in Houghton When you enter John MacInnes Student Ice Arena you are bound to be excited about the hockey contest you are about to see. If you’re not, then just wait until about 25 minutes before the puck drops when the pep band enters the arena, led by the drum corps, and marches (or maybe saunters) to their perch in the far corner of the arena. Pilgrimage may be too strong a word when making the trip to Houghton, Michigan to see Michigan Tech Huskies hockey given the religious connotations that come with the word, but at the very least you will have made quite a journey to reach the copper country of the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. The Huskies are three-time NCAA Champions (1962, 1965, and 1975). They play in the John MacInnes Student Ice Center, named for the former head coach of the Michigan Tech hockey program who served in that role from 1956-1982, leading the team to each of its three NCAA championships. A trip to Houghton for Michigan Tech hockey is well worth the long and snowy drive. Food & Beverage 3 At first glance, the food and drink selection is well below average. However, the hot dogs ($3.25) are some of the best that I have had. They are much more like a kielbasa, with that smoky goodness than like any hot dog. Also in the main concourse, you can find fantastic ice cream, with flavors ranging from Mackinac Island Fudge to Blue Moon to the irresistible Yooper Mud Slide. Other selections include nachos ($3.50), nacho cheese dog ($3.75), and popcorn ($2). Pepsi products are the fountain soda of choice with small ($1.50) and large sizes ($2.50). Hot beverages include coffee ($1.50), hot chocolate ($1.75), and cappuccino ($1.75). It may be a basic menu, but what they have is very good. Atmosphere 4 For more than 40 years, MacInnes Arena has been the home of Michigan Tech hockey. The band certainly sets the tone for early energy, but the student section is immense and active as well. What’s more, the seats (black and gold plastic chairbacks) are comfortable and roomy with better than average legroom, but no cupholders. There’s also good pitch between the rows, so you shouldn’t have to worry about a large-headed soul in front of you blocking your view. Almost all of the seating is on either the north or south side, with a few bleachers and handicap seating on the east side behind the goal where the Huskies shoot twice. The game presentation itself is pretty basic. The scoreboard is standard with no video replay capabilities, and you can expect the typical intermission contests like chuck-a-puck or some other race of some kind. The mascot, a huskie named Blizzard, does a good job of being a part of the presentation both on the ice and in the stands. I really can’t speak enough though about the band. They make this arena experience special. Dressed in black and gold striped overalls, they are the non-stop entertainment, keeping fans engaged during breaks and intermissions. Neighborhood 4 Houghton, Michigan is a small town in the western part of the Upper Peninsula. Michigan Tech is the primary employer in Houghton, so this is very much a college town through and through. The main downtown strip along Shelden Avenue is where you want to be either before or after the game. The Library Restaurant and Brew Pub is a great choice to spend some time with, located on Isle Royale Street. They have terrific burgers, sandwiches, and eight locally-made beers. There are also a couple of TVs to stay on top of the recent sporting events. Just down the road, if you enjoy microbrews, stop into the Keweenaw Brewing Company for one of their home-crafted ales. At only $2.50 per pint, it is an inexpensive way to experience the great beers in this town. If you’re in town for breakfast, then a stop at Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant would be a wise destination. The Finnish French Toast will be easily finished. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Let’s just say it’s delicious. Finally, if you are looking for some good seafood, then Joey’s Seafood & Grill is the place for you. If you’re just looking for a good place to get your drink on, then try the Downtowner. Whatever you’re looking for, you should be able to find it in the pleasant downtown area of Houghton. Fans 5 The student section at Michigan Tech is one of the best that you will find in the NCAA. They take up almost an entire side of the arena, and they stand and cheer and chant and dance for the entire game. They wave flags, and just generally wreak havoc. You could sit and watch this crew the entire game and get your money’s worth. The rest of the fans are not slouches either. They know their hockey and love their team, and that is evident from beginning to end. Access 4 Parking will cost you $5, and you still have to walk just a little bit as you will be outside of the Gates Tennis Center. It isn’t an exorbitant price, but it is a little more when compared to the other Division I teams in the Upper Peninsula. You should be able to get in and out of the arena without a lengthy delay, and the arena is easy enough to find, just south of M-41 on MacInnes Drive. The concourses are easy to navigate inside the arena, even during intermissions, and the restrooms are of adequate size and cleanliness. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at just $5 for standing-room tickets, and there is plenty of railing to grab a standing spot along the east side of the arena. The top ticket price is $20 for reserved seats. When you add in the cost of parking, a hot dog, and a drink, then it will cost you somewhere between $15-$30 to see a Michigan Tech hockey game. This is well worth the cost for what may be one of the better atmospheres in all of collegiate hockey. Extras 4 I love being in an arena with national championship banners. Even though it has been since 1975 since Michigan Tech last won an NCAA title, and 1976 since they won a conference title, this is still a proud and historic hockey program. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan loves its hockey, and of the three Division-I- I programs in this part of the state, the experience to be had at MacInnes Arena is the best. The pep band and student sections are each top-notch, and well worth another extra point. Final Thoughts A journey (and it is a journey) to Houghton, Michigan to see the Michigan Tech Huskies is well worth the trip. Whether you live in the area, are a major hockey fan, or you are just following your team on the road, you will enjoy what you find at MacInnes Arena.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 H.O. Clemmons Arena 1500 L.A. Prexy Davis Dr Pine Bluff, AR 71611 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions website H.O. Clemmons Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 4,500 Fine Stuff at Pine Bluff In 2010, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions won the opening game in the NCAA Tournament, the last time it was played before the First Four was introduced. The Lions went on to lose their first round match to eventual champion Duke and returned to relative obscurity in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), widely considered to be the worst of the 32 conferences in Division I basketball. That doesn’t mean they should be ignored though, and although we at Stadium Journey left them as one of our last college basketball venues to review, they are definitely not the least. The Golden Lions play in H.O. Clemmons Arena, part of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Complex on campus. Built in 1982 and renovated in 2006, the arena is named for Hubert O. Clemmons, who served in the university’s athletic department in various capacities for 56 years. He coached the basketball team from 1957-77 and was responsible for bringing them back into the SWAC in 1997 after a 20-year absence. Although Clemmons Arena is a typical campus facility, it offers the dedicated sports traveler a unique experience and is worth a visit for those who might be in the area. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single concession stand with a plastic menu listing standard options. The most expensive items are $4, including all-beef hot dogs, Polish sausage, Frito pies, and small nachos with cheese. Judging from what I saw, the nachos should be avoided, as they do not seem to be filling, but the other choices are acceptable. I tried a hot dog and found it to be better than average. Add chili to any order for $1. Other snacks include pickles for a dollar, popcorn and jumbo cookies for $2, chips for $1.50, or peanuts for 75 cents. Being a campus venue, no alcohol is for sale, but you can have bottled water or bottled soda for $3. Atmosphere 3 The court has large stands on both sides that are set back about 15 feet from the sideline, so seats slightly off the floor are a better option. One side has about eight rows of dark seats with chair backs, which seemed to be reserved, while the rest are general admission benches. The most important thing is to sit on the side closest to the main entrance as the speakers from the scorer’s table across the court are pointed in that direction and if you sit on the other side, you will not be able to hear the announcements very well. During the media timeouts the 80-member band that takes up the baseline benches will often strike up a tune and there are dancers on the benches next to them who have an interesting routine. There are also your typical cheerleaders, some of whom can do about 15 consecutive backflips in what is an impressive display. One thing I like is that the P.A. announcer gives updates on other UAPB athletic events as well as SWAC basketball games taking place. It’s a verbal out-of-town scoreboard if you will. Neighborhood 2 Pine Bluff is a rural community about 40 miles south of Little Rock. There is not much near campus, which is surrounded by a residential area and several churches. The closest attraction is the Arkansas Railroad Museum, which is open from 9 am to 2 pm from Monday to Saturday. In terms of eateries, the Colonial Steak House is just two miles south of campus and gets very good reviews, while Gino’s Pizzeria seems more suitable for those on a budget. If you are visiting on a weekend, make sure to get your beer on Saturday, as Arkansas doesn’t allow alcohol sales on Sunday. Fans 3 There was a crowd of over 4,300 at the game I attended, a great turnout for a school with an enrollment of about 3,300 students. Many of the fans are long-time supporters who know each other and there is camaraderie apparent as many fans greet friends throughout the game. The student body is well represented, but not particularly interested in the game itself. Early in the second half a sizable group left after some angry words were shared. Many others followed anticipating some fisticuffs perhaps, only to return minutes later disappointed as “nothing happened.” Not something I have seen before or want to see again. Access 4 UAPB’s campus is just north of downtown along University Drive, with the HPER building on the west side along L.A. “Prexy” Davis Drive. Do not use the 1200 University Drive address that you might find online, that is the general university address. Parking is free and there is a lot right next to the arena, and another, more open one at the corner of Watson and Davis. You can ignore the warning signs threatening you with a towing, as the lots are not checked during the evening. Inside there are two entrances to the gymnasium with one right next to the main entrance and the other hidden in an opposite corner. As mentioned, use the first one and sit on that side to hear the speaker. Should you prefer muffled sounds, you should not cross to the other side inside the gymnasium but exit the gym and find your way to the second entrance. Return on Investment 3 Tickets were listed at $15, quite high for this level, although that included two games as the Lady Lions played before their male counterparts and I was charged only $10 for the men’s game, typical for low-level Division I college hoops. Of course, the SWAC is not great basketball, but it is still Division I and you won’t regret your outlay here. Extras 2 I’m giving a point for the band which had 80 members and kept the crowd entertained during the breaks as well as the eight dancers next to the band who were very energetic in their sparkling silver uniforms. As well, a point for the banner celebrating the 2010 opening game win which is the largest in the entire gymnasium. Final Thoughts H.O. Clemmons Arena is not a place that most sports fans are going to put on their list of must-see venues, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. The crowd is lively and the game is probably the most interesting thing going on in Pine Bluff. If you are in Central Arkansas and the Golden Lions are at home, consider a visit and back the SWAC.