Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau 3600 Boulevard Grande-Allee Boisbriand, QC J7H 1M9 Blainville-Boisbrand Armada website Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 3,100 A Simple Invasion by the Armada Hockey in Montreal has a long history. Of course, everyone knows of the legendary status of the Montreal Canadiens. Their history of over 100 years and 24 Stanley Cups remain part of the greatest dynasty in all of sport. What most do not know, is that Montreal has a long, but checkered, history in junior hockey. Since its inception in 1969, the QMJHL has seen numerous incarnations of junior hockey around Montreal. In some cases, they were found within Montreal. In many others they were found in Montreal suburbs like Laval, Longeuil, and Verdun. In 2005, the QMJHL expanded to St. John’s, Newfoundland. After a short tenure on the eastern-most tip of Canada, the Fog Devils moved to Verdun for a short life as the Montreal Junior. Now the Junior have found a new home in another Montreal suburb. For the 2011-12 season, QMJHL saw the birth of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. The Armada are now the only major junior team based in a Montreal suburb. The Junior were purchased by a group of investors led by French-language sports channel RDS analyist, and former NHL player, Joel Bouchard. Bouchard’s group includes media company Quebecor, which owns 70% of the team, and NHL players Jean-Sebastian Giguere, Ian Laperriere, and Daniel Briere. Upon moving to the suburbs north of Montreal, they were renamed the Armada and moved into the new Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau. The arena is named after Canadian hockey superstore named Pro Hockey Life in English, and was built and jointly owned by the municipalities of Blainville and Boisbriand. The Armada may have finally found their niche for junior hockey in Montreal. What they present is simple, yet inviting. Food & Beverage 2 The food selection is very simple here. There are only a few concession stands and they offer the same items across the board. The staple items that you would expect to find in any arena are here. Hot dogs can be found for a bargain at $2, and burgers are only $3.50. You can also find the French-Canadian staple, poutine, for $5.75. Coke products are available, and the beer is either Molson Export or Coors Light. Beer runs $5.50. The prices are very good, but the quality and selection is definitely not over the top. Atmosphere 3 Upon arriving at the Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau you will immediately notice how new it looks. The exterior, although not overly impressive, is nice looking, and is a step above many of the older buildings in junior hockey. Entering the building you will find that this building is more minor league than major league. In fact, it doesn’t seem to be completed yet. The entry is pretty cramped, and there is only one ticket window. At the south end of the arena is a concession area, and standing bar which seems pretty nice, however the entrance to the seating bowl is also in here. On the west side of the arena, under the stands is a Sports Rousseau store, which is possibly the biggest store focusing only on hockey equipment around. The seating bowl is very simple. The bowl has a horseshoe design with the concourse above the seating bowl. The west side has a balcony which currently houses the press, and looks like one day will house suites. The east side has no such balcony, and as a result, this small arena has a larger feel to it. The sight-lines are pretty good, and the interior of the arena is very bright. Since the Armada have no history whatsoever, the arena is pretty bland, with only advertising, a simple score-clock, and a couple of flags for Canada, Quebec, and the city. Being north of Montreal, you are more immersed in French culture, and you will hear a lot more French and have a harder time finding English speaking people. The public address announcer has a pretty good voice, and is definitely excitable. The Armada have taken to the military theme a bit. Joel Bouchard welcomed members of the Canadian military at centre ice, and there was a military band that sits in the south end of the stands and plays during breaks. This is most definitely unique for junior hockey. Neighborhood 3 The Armada play at the intersection of industrial, residential, and commercial. This area of the city of Boisbriand is going through a series of large construction projects, so it is difficult to say what it will look like in the future. There are not great opportunities for pre and post game dining in the immediate walking area, but there is a shopping district about a minute away that offers numerous North American chain restaurants to choose from. Although they may not be unique, if you are a little squeamish about the French-language, then one of these may be the best choice. Old favorites like Jack Astor’s and Baton Rouge are available, but if you are looking for something a little more unique, try the Aqua Restaurant Bar or Vinnie Gambini’s. Fans 4 The Armada are drawing just under 3,000 fans per game, which is 7th best in the QMJHL, and a few hundred above what they were drawing last year in Verdun, as the Montreal Junior. Their attendance has been growing throughout the year, and they are nearly averaging capacity crowds which is very positive. A combination of the aluminum roof and Quebecois fans leads to a very loud environment. The acoustics aren’t great for the P.A. announcer, but any goal for the Armada makes you remember that this is a French-Canadian, and therefore very boisterous, crowd. Fans are EXTREMELY knowledgeable about hockey and make themselves heard throughout the game. Access 2 The Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau is located in Boisbriand in a growing area. It is practically at the junction of the Trans Canada Highway and Highway 640. It is not too hard to get to. The parking there is free, but a gravel parking lot is what you will find. The mild weather produces one heck of a muddy mess! Once inside, maneuvering is a challenge due to the design and cramped quarters. The bathrooms are not too bad, but get really plugged up during intermissions. Return on Investment 4 Armada tickets go for $15 for adults and $11 for children, which is pretty good. Concession prices are good and parking is free. If you do the math, then you get a great night of entertainment for the whole family, in a great hockey culture, and a simple, yet inviting, environment. Great value, and a great idea. Extras 4 An extra point for the mini ice rink that can be found under the stands on the east side. Players use this to work on their shot during and before the warm-ups. An extra point for honouring the Canadian military, which has a strong presence in Quebec and a station at CFB Montreal. The military band was also a great touch. An extra point for the DEEP hockey culture found in Montreal and Quebec in general. An extra point for the RCMP Colour Guard in full dress uniforms presenting the Canadian and Quebec flag for the national anthem. Final Thoughts You will not find a whole lot of bells and whistles at an Armada game. Simple. However, the product that they put on the ice is pretty good, and the atmosphere there is good as well. Don’t feel that Montreal is only about Les Habitants. Check out the Armada in the suburbs the next time you are there!

Photo by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Ray Fisher Stadium 1114 S State St Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines website Ray Fisher website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 4,000 Hailing College Baseball Fans In 1923, Ray Fisher Stadium hosted its first game at the University of Michigan with the home Wolverines defeating rival Ohio State by a score of 3-2. Much has changed in the stadium's history, most notably a $9 million renovation that was completed in 2008. More recently, the school has replaced the natural grass and dirt field with an all turf surface for the 2014 season. The current facility offers a comfortable, if less than spectacular, venue to watch college baseball. Ray Fisher Stadium is part of the larger Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex which also houses Alumni Field, home to Michigan women's softball. Ray Fisher Stadium is next door to Yost Ice Arena, and fans can see the Crisler Center beyond center field, and Michigan Stadium beyond right field. The ballpark received its current name of Ray Fisher Stadium in 1967, dedicated to the former baseball coach who guided the Wolverine program from 1921-1958. Food & Beverage 3 There are two permanent concession stands inside Ray Fisher Stadium, although depending on the size of the crowd expected, there may only be one that is open. You'll find your usual ballpark snacks including hot dogs ($3.50), nachos ($5), soft pretzels ($4), popcorn ($5), sunflower seeds ($4), candy ($3), and Cracker Jack ($3). The prices are definitely on the high side compared to other venues in the region. For beverage choices you have bottled soda ($4), and bottled water ($3.50). What elevates the food and beverage selection is the 3rd Base Grill. Here you'll find Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches ($7), cheeseburgers ($6), Polish sausage ($6), spicy Cajun sausage ($6), and kosher dogs ($5). Again, the prices are a little on the high side, but the quality is pretty good. It's nice to see the selection at a college baseball ballpark in the Midwest. Atmosphere 4 This is a nice little park to see some baseball. Ray Fisher Stadium seats 4,000 when packed to the gills, and all of the seating fits from halfway up the first base line to halfway up the third base line. There are a few wheelchair accessible spots along the netting behind home plate. From there, ten rows of blue plastic bleachers extend past the concourse, followed by 9-10 rows of blue plastic chair back seats. The seats include a cup holder, and there is better than average leg room. Most parks would place the bleachers behind the chair backs, so it is good recognition by the school that the better seats are actually a bit further up, as you have a better view of the action on the field. You can expect the sun to be a factor in right center during the spring so be sure to wear a hat or sun glasses so you don't end up squinting the entire contest. If there is a little rain or you want to get out of the sun, then sections 1 (first base side) and 6 (third base side) are covered in the areas with stadium seating. The scoreboard has recently been updated with video replays offered alongside the line score and player stats. It really helps improve the game experience at Ray Fisher Stadium. I would suggest sitting on the 3rd base side so you can see the scoreboard without having to turn your body. The new turf field takes away a bit from the aesthetics for a baseball purist, but it is certainly much easier for the program to maintain. The large brick wall in left field adds some character to the venue. Neighborhood 5 Ann Arbor is one of best college towns in the United States, and all of their notable sports facilities are a little less than a mile from downtown, so the trek from Ray Fisher Stadium to downtown is certainly walkable. There are several places worth recommending. Ashley's is a wonderful bar with hundreds of beers available, and some tasty food as well. Grange is a great place for more adventurous foodies with mainly local ingredients, and some really amazing house made sausages. I like the Blue Tractor for its BBQ and locally made brews. If you have kids with you, then the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a great place to spend a couple of hours, and will be a winner with young ones. There are plenty of other great bars and restaurants worth visiting if you'll be in Ann Arbor for a weekend, so be sure you explore what the city has to offer. Fans 3 It's a tough thing to be a college baseball fan in the state of Michigan, as you can expect some pretty cold temperatures. Plan appropriately and dress in layers. The fans in attendance clearly care about the team and the university. It's mainly a friends, family, and dedicated alumni kind of crowd, and many of them will be season ticket holders. College baseball is a great place for families to take in a game, and this is no exception. You can expect the crowd to be at its best when Michigan scores a run and "Hail to the Victors" is played over the PA. Ray Fisher Stadium typically attracts just over 1,000 fans on average, so especially during the weekend you should see some decent sized crowds, but you will still be able to pretty much choose your seat. Access 4 There is a small lot with free parking right next to the stadium in the Athletic Lot (SC 20) and the Glick Lot from the State Street and Hoover Street entrances. Occasionally for bigger games this may become a pay lot, or it may fill up. If so, street parking is available and meters allow a 4 hour parking maximum, which should allow you to see an entire game ($1.40 an hour for the meters near Ray Fisher Stadium). Another option is to park near Crisler Center and walk the winding sidewalk toward the facility. If you plan on spending time downtown before or after the game (or both), then you can always park downtown, and walk to and from the game. There are several parking garages available at reasonable prices. The small ballpark is very easy to navigate, and certainly wheelchair accessible. Bathrooms are clean and warm (especially important during those March and April games), and concession stands have enough staff to handle the lines. Return on Investment 4 Chair back seats cost $8, and general admission tickets are just $2. Unless there is a large crowd, you should go for the GA ticket as you will be able to sit pretty much anywhere you like. Even if you end up in the bleachers they are reasonably comfortable with good leg room between rows. There are discounts for youth and senior citizens, and prices rise to $5/$10 for Big Ten games. It's still a relatively good value. Children under 5 receive free admission, and some weekday games against lesser opponents may be free admission as well, so if you're in the area, keep an eye out for these free games. Free or low cost street parking helps to balance out the concessions and higher prices there, so overall there's a pretty good return on your investment. Extras 3 Along the outfield wall in left center field you'll see the retired numbers of former Wolverine greats including Moby Benedict (#1), Bill Freehan (#11), Barry Larkin (#16), Jim Abbot (#31), Don Lund (#33), and Ray Fisher (#44). The stadium's namesake coached the baseball team from 1921-1958, winning a National Championship in 1953. The Wolverines have had a successful program with 35 Big Ten titles entering the 2015 season, and two National Championships (1953 & 1962). These accomplishments are commemorated on the outfield walls stretching from center to right field. College baseball is the first opportunity for Michiganders to get out and see a game, a clear sign that spring is here, regardless of what the thermometer may say. With its location in a great college town, Ray Fisher Stadium is a good place to get your baseball fix. Final Thoughts The Michigan athletic department has really invested in improving its athletic facilities in the past 5-10 years, and the subtle upgrades to Ray Fisher Stadium make it a fine place to watch college baseball.

Photo Courtesy of Northwestern State Demons Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Brown-Stroud Field Central Ave Natchitoches, LA 71457 Northwestern State Demons website Brown-Stroud Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 1,200 Brown-Stroud Field, Home of the Northwestern State Demons Attending a Northwestern State baseball game in Brown-Stroud Stadium affords baseball purists an opportunity to take in a traditional baseball atmosphere in a historic ballpark hosted in one of Louisiana’s most charming cities, Natchitoches. Located on the campus of the Northwestern State University, Brown-Stroud Stadium (nicknamed the BStro) has served as home to Demon baseball since 1939 and features a seating capacity of 1,200. Highlights of the stadium experience include grassy berm seating, shaded grandstand seating under an overhead awning, and a competitive Southland Conference baseball on-field product. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions experience at Brown-Stroud Stadium covers the basics and provides the expected ballpark staples for an affordable price. There is a single concession stand located on the hill behind the press box and main grandstand. Quality and Variety of Food Options. The concessions at the BStro offers up ballpark favorite entrees including hot dogs ($2), nachos ($3), and Frito pie ($3). Snacks include sunflower seeds ($1), peanuts ($2), and cracker jacks ($2), among other items. While there isn’t a popcorn machine, you can get a full bag of popcorn for $2 if you’ve got 3 minutes to spare for it to be popped in the microwave. The BStro features specials on various game days where you can get an off-menu item such as the Southern Slaw Dog (premium hot dog covered in coleslaw). While these specials help improve the concessions experience, it would be nice to see a BBQ pit fired up and serving some freshly grilled items like sausages and hamburgers. This could probably be done without much of a financial investment. Variety of Drink Options. The BStro concessions serve bottled Coca-Cola products. Soft drinks and water are just $1.50 and Powerade is $2.50. Coffee and hot chocolate are available for cold weather games. Recommendation. When there’s a game day special at the concessions stand, it might be worth checking out. Otherwise, I recommend a tray of nachos and a pack of sunflower seeds to hold you over until you get to one of the restaurants mentioned in the neighborhood section below. Atmosphere 2 Brown-Stroud Stadium provides an historic home for Northwestern State baseball in a traditional baseball atmosphere. If you love minor league antics, the BStro isn’t for you. If you are a college baseball purist that loves older venues, the Demon baseball atmosphere will be the perfect fit. Stadium Aesthetics. The BStro might not come with the bells and whistles of many newly constructed stadiums, but it does provide a traditional baseball setting with the major benefit of covered seating (which comes in handy on hot Louisiana days). Having served as home to Demon baseball for over 60 years, the ballpark honestly has aged well considering the many years of usage. There is a single grandstand which consists of both bleacher and chair back seating. There are two rows of chair back seating located just behind the backstop. The remaining seating under the awning is bleacher style. Grassy berm seating is available down both the first and third baselines. Be sure to throw a blanket at the top of the berm so the dugouts don’t block your view of the field. The playing surface provides a synthetic turf infield combined with a natural grass outfield. The scoreboard is located beyond the right field wall and features a small video panel that is utilized to display the name and number of the player at-bat. While the awning providing shade to the grandstand is certainly a plus, there are many additional features which could be added in to improve the overall experience. In-Game Promotions and Entertainment. In keeping with the traditional baseball atmosphere, there’s not much going on at the BStro outside of the on-field action. At the conclusion of the game, fans are allowed to run the bases (young and old). The music selection between innings ranges from country to oldies and sports stadium classics. The Northwestern State mascot, Vic the Demon, is typically not in attendance at baseball games nor any other student spirit groups. Seat Location Recommendations. It’s hard to beat shaded seating behind home plate, especially when general admission is only $8. If you prefer to soak in the sun, throw a blanket or bring a tailgate chair to the top of the grassy berm seating down third baseline. Neighborhood 4 Brown-Stroud Stadium is located on the campus of Northwestern State University in charming Natchitoches, Louisiana. While there isn’t an endless supply of attractions in the immediate area, you’ll fall in love with Louisiana’s oldest city and Bread & Breakfast Capital. Where to Eat. The unique regional dish of Natchitoches is the meat pie. While in town, you definitely have to try one. Your best bet for a great meat pie is Lasyone’s (622 2nd). However, like many things in Natchitoches, Lasyone’s has limited operating hours and is closed on Sunday, so be sure to plan ahead. The Pioneer Pub (812 Washington St) is a nice place to grab a local brew and pub fare. Try a glass of the Shreveport-based Great Raft while you’re there. And then there’s the unique pairing of Mama’s and Papa’s. The two restaurants are located next to each other on Front Street but have two separate menus and atmospheres. Check-out Mama’s for some good fried seafood. The French Market Express (5109 University) is a gas station and food market located on the route out of town that’s a nice last stop for meat pies as before you make the trek home. Attractions & Entertainment. I’m not usually one to talk about the beauty of a place, especially in a sports review, but the historic downtown area in Natchitoches is truly beautiful. Bring a blanket to picnic in the grassy area between Front Street and the Cane River. Take a stroll along the bricked walkway on Front Street which is lined with pots of tulips and assorted flowers, as well as ironed chair seating. If you are looking for a place to kick back and relax, Natchitoches is it. You can also enjoy your stay by taking a tour of one of the many historic plantation homes in the area. Other attractions in the area include the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (500 Front) and the Bayou Pierre Alligator Park (380 Old Bayou Pierre). Where to Stay. Known as the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Louisiana, skip the traditional hotel experience and book a stay at the Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast (320 Jefferson). This is the actual location where the famous Steel Magnolia’s movie was filmed. For a stay in the downtown strip, book a room in the historic Church Street Inn (120 Church St). Also, check-out the Best Western Natchitoches Inn on University near I-49. Fans 2 Demon baseball fans range from long-time supporters to families and friends of the ballplayers. Typical crowds are small and loyal. The overall Demon baseball experience at the BStro could certainly use a shot of energy from larger and more active crowds. Typical Attendance. Expect an average crowd of about 250 – 400 for the usual Southland Conference weekend series. While the Demons still regularly feature competitive teams, some luster has certainly worn off since the championship years of the 90’s and early 2000’s. Crowd Noise & Engagement. The regulars are engaged during the game and knowledgeable about the sport of baseball. Don’t expect much in terms of crowd noise or excitement. Outside of big plays and closing out the game in the ninth inning, the noise level is fairly low throughout the game. Traditions and Chants. Despite being in a historic city and ballpark, there’s not much in regards to fan traditions or chants. The fight song is played after the Demons score a run and the fans typically clap along. Access 4 One of the highlights of the Bstro experience is access to and from the stadium as well as inside the ballpark. Transit to and from Stadium. Located a few miles off I-49, you’ll quickly make your way to the Northwestern State University campus via University Parkway (unless you’re heading in from the east). There isn’t a specific address listed for Brown-Stroud Field, so you’ll want to aim to get behind the east side of Turpin Stadium (home to Demon football). From University Parkway, take Central Avenue onto the Northwestern State campus. Veer to the left to cross over Sam Sibley Drive and follow until you reach Prudhomme Hall and the Turpin / Brown-Stroud Stadium area. Parking. Parking is free around the stadium. Though there isn’t an obviously dedicated lot for baseball parking, you’ll notice a couple of spots you can park in nearby. There is a small lot between the east side of Turpin Stadium and Prudhomme Hall that’s a short walk down to the ballpark. A little further down, there’s also parking down the road to the right leading to the fieldhouse. Ticketing & Gate Entry. From Central Avenue, there is a main entrance and ticket booth located on the exterior of the ballpark. Look for a pair of bricked columns with a black iron cast sign overhead featuring the Northwestern State logo in the center. You shouldn’t run into any lines here and the stadium staff are both friendly and helpful on your way in. Moving Around the Stadium. There is plenty of room to get around the BStro. Walkways and aisles are wide. The main issue you’ll notice, however, is the extremely small restrooms. Both men’s and women’s restrooms can only fit two people max, which can certainly be an inconvenience between innings. Return on Investment 3 The cost of attending a Northwestern State baseball at Brown-Stroud Stadium is very affordable and similar to what you’ll find at other Southland Conference venues. Tickets start as low as $8 for general admission. Chair backs are available for $10. Knowing that you won’t have to pay for parking and that concessions will be reasonably priced is a plus as well. Northwestern State offers several ticket packages that can help make the experience even more affordable with Family Saturdays which provides 4 tickets, hot dogs and drinks for $26 and Vic’s Kids’ Club Sundays where children 12 and under can get in for $4 (a $2 discount). While the price is right, there are several upgrades needed to make the overall game day experience worth the investment. Extras 2 Each venue typically has a few “extras” which contribute to the overall game day experience. One such extra at Brown-Stroud Stadium is memorializing past accomplishments by listing conference championships and regional tournament appearances along the outfield wall. The Demons enjoyed a decade of impressive success through the 90’s and early 2000’s which is featured in the stadium. Another unique feature for the BStro is the grassy berm seating on both the first and third baselines. Whether you throw out a blanket and enjoying some family time or soak up the sun, the berm seating is definitely a plus.

Photo courtesy of La Tech Sports Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 J. C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park 1100 W Alabama Ave Ruston, LA 71270 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs website J. C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 3,000 The Love Shack, That's Where It's At Beautiful J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park is located on the campus of Louisiana Tech University in the northern section of Louisiana in the city of Ruston. Affectionately coined 'The Love Shack,' the ballpark is a little ole place where Bulldog fans can get together in support of their LA Tech Bulldog baseball team. Love Field at Patterson Park opened in 1971 and features a seating capacity of 3000. Louisiana Tech baseball might not be known as a perennial baseball powerhouse, but their home field ballpark provides a great atmosphere that's sure to please both college baseball fans and their families. Food & Beverage 3 Love Field provides the classic ballpark staples at a reasonable cost. The stand is located in the courtyard behind the main grandstand, build into the stadium. Quality and Variety of Food Options. The Love Shack food items are somewhat limited, but do provide enough to keep you satisfied during the game. Your classic items include hot dogs ($3, $4 with chili and/or cheese) and nachos ($4). Gourmet dogs are available including Cajun links and smoked sausage links ($4). Additional snack items include popcorn ($2), pretzels ($3), peanuts ($3), and sunflower seeds ($1), among others. Variety of Drink Options. The ballpark serves 20oz Pepsi products for $3. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at Love Field. Recommendation. While your options are anything but endless, the Cajun link is pretty tasty and pairs well with a Pepsi. Atmosphere 4 The Love Shack provides an outstanding atmosphere for college baseball. Whether it's the overhead awning casting shade on a hot day, the view of college dorms in left field or a train passing by beyond the right field wall, the overall atmosphere is a strength of the experience. Stadium Aesthetics. If you've never been to The Love Shack, you'll likely be surprised with how quickly you fall in love with the ballpark. The awning allows for a comfortable viewing experience in the shade. The natural grass field is well maintained and the views beyond the outfield are pretty neat. You'll notice a few students watching the game from their dorms in left field and some tailgaters on the berm in right field in front of the train track. Expect a couple of trains to pass by throughout the game. There is a fenced-in courtyard around the back of the stadium which offers green space, a couple of picnic tables, and a playground. The playground is a big bonus for families (unless you are the lucky parent assigned to miss the game and watch your kid run wild). In-Game Promotions and Entertainment. The promotions crew does an excellent job of ensuring there's no down-time between innings without going overboard. Expect to see a few entertaining on-field competitions. The music selection is appropriate for the crowd with primarily country and classic rock genres. Seat Location Recommendations. The main grandstand offers both chair back and bleacher seating. The lower half of the seats on the right and left sides are chair back while the upper seats are bleacher. The area directly behind home plate is entirely chair back. There really isn't a bad seat in the main grandstand under the awning, but the best seat will obviously be the chair backs directly behind home plate. If you are traveling with the visiting team, look for the dugout seats above the opponent dugout down first baseline. Neighborhood 3 Louisiana Tech University is located in the city of Ruston in north Louisiana. Love Field is situated on the northwest corner of the campus across from Joe Aillet Stadium. The neighborhood immediately around the ballpark is filled with dorms and college buildings. Ruston thrives around the university and is most decidedly a college town. You'll find enough to keep you busy for a weekend series, with additional options within driving range in both Monroe and Shreveport. Where to Eat. While there are a few good eats in Ruston, nothing screams Louisiana Tech like the Dawg House Sports Grill. With a great pub-style atmosphere, the venue is filled with pictures, memorabilia, and pride for the Bulldogs. Other recommended stops include the Log Cabin Mesquite Grill and Ponchatoulas. Attractions & Entertainment. The heartbeat of the city is based primarily around restaurants and LA Tech related events. There's not a plethora of options outside of that. Be sure to check-out the Louisiana Military Museum while in town. Grab a brew and enjoy a college bar atmosphere at 3 Docs Brewhouse. If you're traveling with little ones, the Idea Place is a good break from the sports scene. Where to Stay. The Hampton Inn on North Trenton Street is near the university and provides a comfortable stay. Fans 3 Louisiana Tech fans are loyal and supportive. Crowds vary in size, but Ruston loves their Bulldogs, regardless of sport. Typical Attendance. The typical crowd for Louisiana Tech baseball games averages around 500-650. For some special promotion games, such as Greek Day, you can expect crowds which are more robust, between 1,000 and at-capacity. Despite a great game day atmosphere, the crowd levels are a bit inconsistent, which can be attributed, in-part, to an inconsistent on-field product. Were the Bulldogs to put a solid post-season run together, the experience at The Love Shack has great potential to become an elite baseball atmosphere. Crowd Noise & Engagement. Louisiana Tech fans are engaged throughout the game. Expect to hear a clap-down late in the game in support of the Bulldog closer. Fans will cheer during big plays and jeer the umpire when calls don't go their way. The fan produced noise level varies throughout the game. Access 3 To quote a catchy B-52's song, "If you see a faded sign at the side of the road that says "15 miles to the Love Shack,", [You're] headin' down the [Louisiana] highway, Lookin' for the love getaway." One-hit wonders aside, access to the Love Shack has both ups and downs. While the ballpark is quickly accessible near the interstate, the ticket and concession lines can be a bit of a headache and the main concourse is a bit of a squeeze. Transit to and from Stadium. Ruston is accessible off I-20 if you're coming in from the east or west. Exit onto Cooktown Road (Hwy 544) and head south towards the Louisiana Tech campus. Cooktown turns into Tech Drive. The ballpark will be on your left, across from the softball field, track and field complex, and Joe Aillet Stadium. Parking. There are two primary lots which can fill quickly for well attended games. Across Tech Drive is a lot next to the Lady Techster softball field. There is also a lot adjacent to third baseline. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early so you can grab a spot in one of these free lots near the stadium. Ticketing & Gate Entry. The ticket booth and main entrance gate are located on the third baseline side of the stadium. You'll actually walk through the entrance gate and then take a slight right to the ticket window. The pathway between the fencing and ticket window is extremely small and lines can block your path. If possible, get your tickets ahead of time so you can avoid a headache (there's a small entrance behind home plate you can utilize). Moving around the Stadium. In addition to the tight walk-way by the ticket booth, the main concourse at the bottom of the grandstand allows two people, at most, in width. The concessions line moves well for typical crowd sizes, but can be a little long for well attended games. The restrooms are adequate for average crowds. Return on Investment 4 The overall return on investment for a Louisiana Tech game is especially strong. General admission runs $8 with the dugout seats selling for $12 each. Children admissions is $4 for ages 4-17. Concessions are reasonably priced and parking is free. The only thing holding back the ROI for now is a quality on-field product. If prices remain intact and the Bulldogs near a 40 win season, the investment will be well worth it for the overall experience. Extras 4 The Love Shack comes through with a few "extra" items that help to enhance the overall experience. Be on the look-out for the plaque and display which memorializes J.C. Love, the ballpark namesake, and the dedication of the stadium. The dugout seats are a neat idea for visiting team fans. You'll get to sit on-top of your favorite team's dugout. The playground area is a great benefit to families attending the game with little ones. The train passing by beyond right field and the dorms in view just beyond left field add a unique flavor to the overall experience.

Photo Courtesy of Long Beach State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Blair Field 4700 Deukmejian Dr Long Beach, CA 90804 Long Beach State Dirtbags website Blair Field website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 3,283 Dirtbag Diamond Though Long Beach State athletics are known as the 49ers, the locals, students, alumnus, and everyone involved with the baseball program affectionately refer to themselves as The Dirtbags. The moniker goes back to Coach Dave Snow's first team in 1989, when The Dirtbags would practice at a local all-dirt Pony Field. That same team would play in 3 different venues. In spite of not having a true home field advantage, that 1989 team would win their first 18 games and advance to their first College World Series appearance. Since then, being a Dirtbag has been looked at with high esteem. Food & Beverage 4 A good variety of dining selections are available. A Nathan's Hot Dog/Large Soda combo goes for $7.75, while the nachos and cheese/large soda or large popcorn/large soda combo go for $7.25. If you're not in the mood for the standard hot dog. Legends, a local favorite, serves up hamburgers ($7.50), cheeseburgers ($8.50), grilled bratwurst ($6.75) and a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw on top ($8.50). With the right amount of bbq sauce and the meat having the right amount of tenderness, I highly recommend the pulled pork sandwich. Bottled water and 12 ounce soft drinks go for $2, snacks, ranging from candy, peanuts, chips and sunflower seeds go from $2.50 to $4. Alcoholic beverages are also available, from $6 for 16 ounces of Bud or Bud Light to $7.50 for 20 ounces of draft Bud Light or Shock Top. Wine options are cabernet & chardonnay and are available for $5. Atmosphere 4 Blair Field, constructed in 1958, offers an old school charm that is more than proud to display its proud history. As you walk along the exterior concourse, banners of former Dirtbag greats are put on display. Also on display along the 3rd base tunnel toward the stands are Sports Illustrated and ESPN the Magazine covers of former Dirtbags currently playing in the Majors, notably Troy Tulowitzki and Evan Longoria. Paying tribute to former Dirtbags turned big leaguers gives that feel for the fans that the next potential developing big league star is playing right in front of them. The trees beyond the outfield fence from the local park also provide a nice, natural urban feel. Beyond the left field fence, a couple of fans could be spotted watching the game. Let's give some kudos to the Dirtbags for not preventing these fans from taking in the action beyond the stadium fences. Also, the sight of Prospector Pete, the Long Beach State mascot, adds another touch to the atmosphere. Though he isn't involved in much between-innings entertainment, he engages in plenty of interaction in the stands, taking photos with fans of all ages. Mascots, though usually not seen much during college events not as heavily attended as football or men's basketball, are always a welcome touch to any college game as they bring a great sense of school pride and spirit among the fans. Neighborhood 4 Blair Field sits right next to Recreation Park, a 210.9 acre park that makes for a great pre/postgame spot. The name Recreation Park pretty much says it all, with all sorts of recreational activity happening ranging from volleyball to two hand touch football to kids and parents doing a little pre and postgame catch, along with family picnics. Stroll through on a weekend and you can't help the smell of various forms of meat wafting through the grills as you get closer toward the ball yard. All this gives Blair Field an urban neighborhood field, blending in with the area very nicely. For entertainment and dining beyond Blair Field, Rainbow Harbor and Belmont Shore are not too far away, both being about a good 10 minute drive. Not far from Rainbow Harbor is The Queen Mary. Fans 4 With a near-capacity crowd, this may have been the most vocal group of fans I have witnessed at a college baseball venue. Throughout the game, chants of "LET'S GO DIRTBAGS" could be heard. It's interesting because while the term "Dirtbag " is looked upon in the negative sense, the fans, particularly the young ones, seem to be proud of the moniker, as if being a Dirtbag is a cool thing. Speak to many a Long Beach State alumnus and mention the term Dirtbag, chances are great you will have a friendly, engaging conversation. These folks take great pride in being a Dirtbag, as well they should. Access 4 Blair Field can be easily accessed from the 405 freeway as well as Pacific Coast Highway. Upon arriving to the yard you will be happy to know that parking is free, however, be warned that the closer you park toward the grandstand, the higher the risk your car will be struck by a foul ball, a fact not lost upon The Dirtbags as signs are posted throughout. Return on Investment 4 The majority of the seats are general admission grandstand seats. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for faculty/alumni, $8 youth ages 3-12, $6 for kids with jerseys ages 6-12. Super Box seats for those who want a reserved seat within the first two rows go for $26, while all other box seats go for $13. Since most seats are priced at $10 or below, this really is a great family value. You will also be glad to know that the parking is free, freeing up some cash for you to buy your kid, or even yourself, that replica Jared Weaver jersey t-shirt. Extras 4 Prior to entering the gates is a memorial dedicated to Bob Lemon. Once inside the gates, in front of the main concession stand is the Long Beach Baseball Hall of Fame. Any fan of baseball owes it to themselves to make a stop here either prior, during or after the game. Among those enshrined in the Long Beach Baseball HOF are Tony Gwynn, Bobby Grich and Ron Fairly. It's only a matter of time when Jared Weaver and Troy Tulowitzki are enshrined. Also, for those of you bringing kids to the yard, Sunday afternoon games allow kids to run the bases after the game, giving your young ones the chance to run the bases in the field of dreams that Tulo, Weaver and Longoria once ran. Final Thoughts There certainly is no shortage of history here. Walk along the concourse and you will see for yourself that this is one proud baseball program with the many banners and signs paying homage to past Dirtbags, many of who have made it on to the bigs. Slated for future renovations starting in summer 2015, some changes in the first phase will include bringing in the outfield fences, something the hitters should like, and possibly a grass berm in left field. Though the fan experience at Blair Field may offer that rustic old school charm, renovations are a necessity for any program these days if they are to stay competitive, especially when it comes to recruiting top talent. The renovations can only help the fan experience as well, blending a good mix of Blair Field's history with some much needed amenities.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Curtis Granderson Stadium 901 W Roosevelt Rd Chicago, IL 60608 UIC Flames website Curtis Granderson Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,784 A Grand Ballpark with a View One of the lasting memories of visiting a ballpark is the view it provides. I’m not referring to the view of the field, which no doubt is important. However the view I am referring to is the view from behind home plate looking out beyond the outfield wall. BB&T Ballpark provides a spectacular view of the skyline of downtown Charlotte. Oriole Park at Camden Yards has the memorable view of the warehouse beyond right field and the downtown skyline beyond center field. Campbell’s Field in Camden, New Jersey has the Benjamin Franklin Bridge connecting Philadelphia and Camden just beyond the outfield wall. A new ballpark in Chicago is one of the most recent additions to great views beyond the outfield wall. Curtis Granderson Stadium, home of the University of Illinois at Chicago, has a unique view that provides a campus feel important to a collegiate ballpark. Just behind the outfield wall are school buildings and residence halls and beyond that is a great view of the iconic Chicago skyline combining for one of the best views at any ballpark on any level. On February 6, 2013, the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames announced that they were retiring the number 28 in honor of former standout and Major Leaguer Curtis Granderson. During the retirement ceremony, Granderson also announced that he would make a significant donation to build a new baseball stadium for his alma mater. In all, Granderson pledged $5 million. Besides serving as the home of the UIC Flames baseball team, Granderson Stadium will also host youth games in partnership with MLB and Chicago Public Schools. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is located just inside the main entrance to the ballpark behind home plate and provides the regular assortment to choose from. A slice of pizza, nachos, or a hot dog and chips will run you $3, while a bratwurst is $4. Popcorn is $2 and candy or sunflower seeds are $1.50. Fountain drinks, bottled water, and Gatorade are all $2 while coffee and hot chocolate are $1. Everything at the concession stand is very reasonably priced. A large portion of the crowd carries in food and drinks. Atmosphere 3 There is ample seating that stretches from first base around the backstop to third base, and all seats are individual blue chair backs. The seats are comfortable and spacious, providing a very comfortable viewing experience. Since the seats are all located in the infield, all seats have good sight lines and don’t require any head turning to see the action on the field. There are 1,284 fixed seats with capacity for an additional 500 on the berm for a total capacity of 1,784 and is fully ADA accessible with designated space for up to 12 wheelchairs and companion seats as well. One thing that can detract from the atmosphere is the presence of netting from dugout to dugout; the only seating options that are not behind a net are the berm seats. The scoreboard located in left center between the bullpens and the batters eye is easy to read even in the bright daylight. Photos and the name of each batter appear on the scoreboard, a feature not available at many college ballparks. It makes following along and completing a score book a much easier task. Neighborhood 5 Just beyond the ballpark down the right field line is Halstead St. which is full of places to grab a meal before or after the game, or to grab something to take inside the ballpark with you. Joy Yee’s Noodles is an Asian fusion restaurant with a wide selection of dishes. Rosati’s Pizza is a great place to grab a slice or have a sit down meal. If you just want to grab a quick beverage before or after a game, then Jamba Juice, Peet’s Coffee and 7-Eleven are all within walking distance from the ballpark. Another good spot about a mile from campus is Haymarket Pub & Brewery, located on the other side of I-290 at 737 West Randolph Haymarket. It provides a wide variety of beers with both in house brews as well as other regional craft favorites. Haymarket has great pizza and sandwiches as well as a brunch menu if you are attending an early game on Saturday or Sunday. An additional great option is Moxee Restaurant & Mad Mouse Brewery, they combine a small batch brewery with a menu that includes southern inspired favorites such as shrimp & grits, steak tips, Po’ Boy sandwiches, and smoked BBQ. Fans 3 The fans at Granderson Stadium seem to consist mostly of family and friends of both teams, which isn’t a bad thing. While the crowds aren’t huge, they are engaged in the game and have knowledge of what is happening on the field. It is good to see fans discussing the hitter on deck or discussing the ground ball needed for a pitcher to get out of one out jam. These fans are knowledgeable and passionate and into every pitch for the entirety of the game. Access 2 The UIC campus is within easy access of major freeways in Chicago including I-290, I-90, and I-94. There is parking available on the street, and a parking garage and surface lots adjacent to the UIC pavilion is an easy walk. Parking in either location is only $5. Another great option is the CTA “L” train with easy accessibility from both the UIC-Halstead and Racine stops. The only negative is the Chicago traffic that can make your route difficult to navigate, especially for a weeknight game. Return on Investment 3 Admission to Granderson Stadium is $7 for an adult general admission seat with kids 18 and under receiving free admission. UIC students also receive free admission and groups of 15 or more receive tickets at $4 each. While the general admission adult ticket is on the high end in terms of other college baseball programs in the area, it isn’t unreasonable; and is worth the cost for the quality of the facility. Extras 2 One extra point for the fantastic view, one of the better views of a downtown skyline at any ballpark on any level. Another extra point for Curtis Granderson, his generosity and desire to help to improve the program he comes from is commendable. Final Thoughts UIC has a great ballpark that should be an asset to the baseball program but also to the community. This ballpark will contribute to that enjoyment well beyond the games played by the UIC baseball team. It is hard to imagine this ballpark not becoming a destination for area high school and youth tournaments. Just behind the outfield wall are school buildings and residence halls and beyond that is a great view of the iconic Chicago skyline combining for one of the best views at any ballpark on any level.

Photo Courtesy of Eastern Michigan Eagles Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George Gervin GameAbove Center 799 Hewitt Rd Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Eastern Michigan Eagles website George Gervin GameAbove Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 8,824 East of Ypsi Eastern Michigan’s Convocation Center opened in time for the 1998-1999 season, tipping off with a 23 point loss against the nearby Michigan Wolverines. The venue has a capacity of 8,824 and is a comfortable spot to watch Division I college basketball. The Convocation Center is the home of Eastern Michigan men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the volleyball team. The venue has also hosted numerous concerts from artists such as The Killers, Jay-Z, and Jason Mraz. Prior to the 2012-2013 season, EMU installed a new center hung video scoreboard. The screen is 15.7×11.5 feet and adds to the overall experience of an Eagles game. Eastern Michigan has been a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since 1972. The team has made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament (1988, 1991, 1996, and 1998) with their best finish coming in 1991 when they advanced to the Sweet 16 as a 12 seed under the leadership of coach Ben Braun. Note: The venue name changed in Dec 2021 from Convocation Center to George Gervin GameAbove Center. Food & Beverage 2 There’s not much of a selection, but enough to provide for a snack or a drink if needed. The small concession stands offer pizza ($3.50 a slice or $15 for a whole pie), Johnsonville brats ($4), and hot dogs ($3.25). Snacks include popcorn ($2.50), nachos ($3.25), or a pretzel ($2.75). The prices are below what you would normally see at an arena, but the selection is certainly disappointing. I’d recommend saving your money and having a bite before or after the contest. Pepsi is the soda provider of choice here. A small will cost you $2.50 and a large 32-ounce goes for $3. Hot chocolate or coffee are available as well on a cold winter Saturday ($2). Once again, the prices are a little lower than expected, but not very interesting. Atmosphere 2 There are some positives about seeing a game at the Convocation Center. Almost all of the seats in the arena have chairbacks, with the exception of the upper sections behind each basket, which are bleacher seating. The first seven rows are folding seats, and are a little less comfortable, so try to sit in the eighth row or higher. Tickets for the upper deck seats are not sold until the lower bowl is sold out, but you can move into the upper section if you prefer a better view of the flow of the game. Seats provide average leg room, but no cup holders. They also have a pep band, the “EMU Basketball Band” with 30 or so members, which is utilized throughout the game. Outside of those niceties, the atmosphere is pretty stale. The arena seems about the right size for the university and their conference affiliation (the MAC), but the reality is that emptiness is a hard thing to overcome. Specifically, the student section is severely lacking. They do the turn off the lights thing during pregame for the home team introductions, something that feels a little out of place when there isn’t much of a crowd. Neighborhood 3 There are several options within a short driving distance from the Convocation Center. For really good food and a terrific beer selection, then make the trip to the Wurst Bar before or after the game. In the neighborhood known as Depot Town, you’ll find Aubree’s Pizzeria & Tavern, a bar that has 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. This is a good place to go if you are looking for some fun either before or after the game. Across the street is Sidetrack Bar & Grill. This place is known for its outstanding burgers, and was once named as one of the top 20 burgers by GQ Magazine. The burgers are very good, as well as their deep-fried pickles, a huge basket of beer-battered spears. The beer selection offers 16 interesting beers on tap, including some good local options. This place is a little less sports-focused than Aubree’s, but the food is better. You may also want to check out the Hudson Automobile Museum or the Michigan Firehouse Museum, both located in Depot Town. Fans 2 The student section has gotten better in recent years, and works well with the pep band to provide some atmosphere. Otherwise, the crowd seems pretty ambivalent except for the occasional threat of catching a t-shirt thrown by a member of the cheerleading squad after a three point basket. The issue at Eastern Michigan comes down to a lack of attendance. The low point occurred when the team hosted a game for the College Insiders Tournament in 2014, and only 373 fans showed up. This was for a postseason home basketball game! The Eagles drew fewer than 1,000 fans for the 2013-2014 season, and similar unspectacular numbers in 2015. Access 5 Parking is free, and there is plenty of it. Concourses are wide and easily handicap accessible. Bathrooms are small, but there are plenty of them so you shouldn’t expect a line, even if they do get a crowd (which they probably won’t). Traffic shouldn’t be a problem, and you are within a couple of miles of both I-94 and M-23. Overall, this is a very accessible venue. Return on Investment 4 Eastern Michigan University is doing a good job of doing everything possible to attract fans to the Convocation Center. Parking is free, concession prices are very reasonable, and tickets are cost effective. Tickets are only $12 each, with youth (12 and under) only $7. The fact remains that the Eastern Michigan Eagles have not been in the NCAA Tournament since 1998, and have been consistently bad. However, while the experience is by no means memorable, it is worth the price you will pay. Extras 2 One extra point for the efforts that the school is making to attract fans, including a beautiful new scoreboard, free parking, and other reasonable price points. An additional point for the retired numbers for George “The Iceman” Gervin, Earl Boykins, and Grant Long. All had significant college and pro careers. Final Thoughts It’s a shame that more people don’t see games at Eastern Michigan’s Convocation Center. It is a fine, but empty facility. A winning team usually cures all. Hopefully the Eagles can find their way back to postseason success and fans can enjoy their basketball arena.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 CC Amfi Kornsilovegen 54 2316 Hamar, Norway Storhamar Ishockey website CC Amfi website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 6,100 Olympic History in Hamar Lillehammer grabbed the glory of hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, but 38 miles (61 km) to the south, the town of Hamar shared in the fun. Two decades plus later, Norway’s 20th-largest city still keeps its two Olympic venues active, and both absolutely warrant a visit. Hamar OL-Amfi, also known as Nordlyshallen (Norwegian for “Hamar Olympic Amphitheater,” and “Northern Lights Hall,” respectively), hosted both the short track speed skating and figure skating events of the XVII Olympic Winter Games. Speed skating on the long track was held 2.5 miles (4km) away at the Vikingskipet. Though there was preliminary talk of possibly hosting ice hockey in Hamar, organizers eventually decided to keep hockey in Lillehammer. It was only after the Olympics when ice hockey finally moved into Hamar OL-Amfi, in the form of the Storhamar Dragons of Norway’s top level GET-ligaen. Nordlyshallen is an excellent home for its adopted sport. Note: Since this visit the stadium name changed from Hamar OL-Amfi to CC Amfi and the team name changed from Storhamar Dragons to Stormara Ishockey. Food & Beverage 3 Vaffler: Norwegian waffles. That’s really all you need. Grab a cup of coffee and a waffle (NOK 20 each, about $2.40 US, or EUR 2.32 as of early 2015), add a scoop of jelly and some sugar, and you’ll fit in with the Storhamar faithful. Truth be told, the waffles aren’t the best you’ll find. Concession workers bring them out fresh on large platters, and despite their popularity, sometimes the waffles get cold before a new batch comes out. But even a cold waffle is a treat. There’s a reason why these are the go-to game day snack in Norway. Your other options are sufficient (think hot dogs and Cokes), but nothing remarkable. If you want to bring in your own snacks, well, no one objected to our bottle of water. Atmosphere 5 Though not a giant rink by international standards, Nordlyshallen is the largest hockey arena in Norway’s top league by a significant margin. Sellout crowds are exceptionally rare, but even with a crowd of only half of capacity, the arena doesn’t feel empty. The crowds do their part, but most of the atmosphere is set by the building and the way the team uses it. Get here on time to take everything in. You’ll want to make sure you’re in your seat well before faceoff, and there’s a lot to see first. Walk around the brick and hardwood-lined concourse. Look at the photos, posters, and trophies lining the walls. Look out the windows and across Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake. Peek out to the ice surface and remember the violent rivalry between Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. Think back to Tonya Harding’s skate blade fiasco as she took to the ice for her Olympic Free Skate. Divine retribution or another case of bad luck? Either way, that happened here. As players prepare to take to the ice, a soloist belts out a live performance of “Storhamar, vårt Storhamar,” a team anthem that is both powerful and evocative, even if you don’t speak Norwegian. Then, colorful spotlights and a slick intro video cut to Green Day transports us out of the mid-90s to today as the players take to the ice. A modernish scoreboard at center ice shows us the video, while retro (are the mid-’90s retro?) dot-matrix displays leftover from the 1994 Olympics give us additional information. Seats are comfortable but not remarkable, unless you’re sitting in one of the sections originally designed for judges or international media back in 1994. In that case, you’ll have a desk! Sight lines are good from just about everywhere, and no views are obstructed. Neighborhood 4 The Dragons play in the residential Storhamar neighborhood of Hamar, from which they take their name. There are a handful of nearby sites that are worth seeing. A five-minute drive (or 25 minute walk) towards Lake Mjøsa’s waterfront will bring you to the Hedmarksmuseet, a large open-air museum that contains, among other attractions, the ruins of the old Hamar cathedral. Though most locals will have been many times and will see no need to make this a game day stop, the site is absolutely worth visiting for an out-of-towner. Originally completed around 1200 AD, the ruins now sit in a modern (and controversial) glass enclosure. Access to the park is free, while certain attractions inside have an entry fee. Even closer to the arena is Maxi Storsenter, a modern shopping mall where you can grab a bite to eat or do some shopping before the game. A true stadium journeyman will also make a point at popping into the smaller, older rink next door. Fans 3 When we saw the attendance, we couldn’t believe it. The fans made the crowd feel twice as large as it actually was. Not that they were particularly loud or rowdy, but something about this arena and the Storhamar Dragons fans means that a crowd of 3,000 in a 6,000-capacity rink just doesn’t feel too small. The area behind one goal is reserved for fans of the visiting team. Directly across the rink, the Storhamar Supporterunion fan club stands, sings, and supports the home team throughout the match. In a country where hockey isn’t the main sport, their passion and dedication is especially noteworthy. Access 3 By car, European route E 6 serves Hamar. For those taking advantage of Oslo’s growing role as a hub for low cost airlines like Norwegian Air Shuttle, quick and comfortable trains link Hamar hourly with central Oslo and the Oslo airport in Gardermoen. Should you want to relive the rest of the 1994 games, trains continue to (and arrive from) Lillehammer. Hamar OL-Amfi is located about 1.7 miles (2.7 km) from Hamar’s railway station. If it’s not too cold, an average walk from the station or the city center should take about 40 minutes, but be careful – sidewalks can be icy. City buses serve the arena; inquire locally for current routes and schedules. Local bus fares are more expensive than in many cities, weighing in at 33 NOK (USD 4.00, EUR 3.82 in early 2015), but still affordable by Nordic standards. A small number of taxis are available in Hamar, but fares are relatively steep. Parking is available immediately outside of the arena and is generally sufficient for local crowds. Once you’ve arrived at the venue, access is similarly good. Most fans will enter on the main concourse from ground level, though some may enter at ice level. Concourses are wide, flat, and adequately lit, making circulation simple. From the concourse, fans enter the middle part of the seating bowl and then move up or down to take their seats. Restrooms are plentiful and sufficiently clean. Security is present and visible at the arena, but hardly feels necessary in such a safe and peaceful town. Return on Investment 3 Though Norwegian ice hockey lacks the reputation of its Nordic neighbors Sweden and Finland, the country has a strong hockey tradition, a well run national league, and a higher level of play than many fans might expect. If that’s not enough, Oslo’s growing role as a hub for low cost international flights has made travel to this expensive region a bit more accessible. If you’ve ever wondered whether Norwegian hockey would be worth your time, the answer is simple: It is. Stavanger now claims Norway’s most modern rink, but Hamar’s Nordlyshallen deserves to be mentioned alongside of Oslo’s Jordal Amfi when discussing this country’s most interesting and most historic rinks. Prices here in Hamar are about average. You won’t get a bargain, but you will get a very good experience for your money. In fact, you’ll get possibly the best hockey experience Norway has to offer. Extras 4 In Olympic circles, the 1994 Winter Games are still regarded as one of the best. That history is still alive in this building. The vintage scoreboards, seats with desks for international media, and photos in the concourses make the visitor feel like these legendary games just happened yesterday. It’s rare that history feels so close. Final Thoughts We were disappointed by the Storhamar Dragon’s team shop. Beyond that, we only have positive things to say about our lone visit to this Olympic gem. While not quite a bucket list arena, Hamar OL-Amfi/Nordlyshallen is a comfortable rink in a beautiful location with a powerful Olympic history that is still palpable more than two decades on. The Dragons don’t just rest on this, though. A thoroughly modern, but not overdone, game presentation keeps fans firmly rooted in the 21st century. The quality of hockey on display is quite good, and better than many would expect from this often-overlooked league. A stop at Hamar OL-Amfi is absolutely worth the time for any hockey fan, Olympic fan, or anyone who simply likes nice arenas.

Photo Courtesy of Staten Island FerryHawks Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.43 Staten Island University Hospital Community Park 75 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301 Wagner Seahawks website Staten Island University Hospital Community Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 7,171 Wait Til Summer It is impossible to oversell the view of the Manhattan skyline from Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the Staten Island Yankees and Wagner College Seahawks. Located on New York Harbor at the mouth of the Hudson River, the stadium’s waterfront location makes the stadium an idyllic location to catch a ballgame on a warm summer night. The Staten Island Ferry terminal is adjacent to the ballpark, and fans can enjoy an unforgettable 25-minute boat ride, passing the Statue of Liberty with a full view of the Freedom Tower and the rest of lower Manhattan. Wagner College sits three miles from the park, boasting its own stunning view from its hilltop campus. The school’s baseball team plays its home games at RCB Ballpark. Though the baseball program is hardly a powerhouse, it boasts one notable Major League alum in the form of 2009 AL Rookie of the Year and two-time All Star Andrew Bailey. No review of the Wagner College baseball experience at RCB Ballpark would be complete without the disclaimer that this stadium’s primary tenant is the Staten Island Yankees, a short-season Single A affiliate of its namesake franchise whose schedule does not overlap with that of the Wagner squad. The majority of the stadium’s amenities, and even basic functions, were not in use on the day of this visit, a doubleheader comprising Wagner’s second and third home games of the 2015 schedule (originally scheduled as its sixth and seventh home games, as the first four contests were snowed out). Furthermore, it appeared no maintenance other than possibly playing surface upkeep had occurred since the past season. Note: In 2022, the stadium's name changed from Richmond County Bank Ballpark to Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. Food & Beverage 0 The stadium’s water had not yet been turned on for the season during our March visit and none of the stadium’s several concession stands were open. This was a strictly Bring Your Own Everything experience. Atmosphere 2 The beauty of the view from this ballpark cannot be overstated. It is an absolutely remarkable backdrop for any game. The view alone makes this an essential ballpark for any baseball or photography enthusiast, but it is the only thing that gives Wagner baseball an atmosphere. There is some history to the park, as photographs of New York Yankee players, most notably Robinson Cano and Brett Gardner, who both came through the Staten Island team, adorn the concourses. A Baseball Scouts “Wall of Fame” appears on the third base concourse, though it has not been updated since 2006. Just for good measure, photos of Babe Ruth (never part of the Yankee farm system) and other Yankee greats are also displayed on the concourse. None of these, however, pertain to Wagner. Aside from the players on the field, only a miniature video panel on the right field wall (showing a photo of the batter, along with his number and position) lets you know what team you are watching. The main video board was never turned on during my most recent visit, and the scoreboard displayed only the essential information, not even showing the names of either team. The PA announcer and walk-up music are played at too loud a volume for the small amount of people at the game. The stadium has three staircases to the upstairs suite level, two of which had locked gates at the top. The middle staircase was open, presumably to allow the PA announcer and any other necessary personnel into the press box. Though the lights were off on the upper concourse and each suite was empty, they were all unlocked and anyone could hang out in them and enjoy the view from a higher elevation if they were so inclined, but nobody did. Random baseballs and other objects could be found by strolling through the stands, and it was clear that the park had not been used much, if at all, since the previous season. Neighborhood 3 This neighborhood was not built for entertainment. Across the street from the ballpark stands a police station and a court house. There is a single deli nearby, but other than that, the best food and beverage options are a five minute walk away inside the Staten Island Ferry terminal, which contains a large sports bar, a Subway restaurant and a few other small snack shops. All this said, the Staten Island Ferry gives you a free 25-minute ride to Manhattan, where three subway lines run right by the Manhattan end of the ferry. If you made it to RCB Ballpark, you can find entertainment after the game. Beyond the left field foul pole is a small playground, and a walking path runs between the stadium and the waterfront. Staten Island’s September 11th Memorial, honoring the island’s residents lost that day, is just beyond left field. Fans 1 This is pretty clearly a crowd of friends and family, but not very many of either. The stands are almost completely empty and hardly anyone is paying attention to the game aside from the players themselves, who outnumber the spectators. A few people strolled in and out of the stadium, likely curious tourists who wandered over from the Ferry terminal (the Staten Island Ferry is a mandatory experience for tourists and can have up to a 30-minute turnaround time on weekends). Aside from two individuals at the gate handing out “tickets” (really just ticket-shaped pieces of paper with the Yankees logo and nothing else on them), there was no security for the game and spectators were spotted smoking cigars, drinking 24-ounce beers, and spitting tobacco onto the stadium’s cement floor. Nobody even bothered to track down foul balls in the stands, likely because nobody appeared to be younger than college age. Even then, few attendees appeared to be Wagner students. Access 2 The Staten Island Ferry delivers passengers from Manhattan almost directly to the ballpark, and Staten Island’s one subway line also ends at the ferry station. Inside the ferry terminal, there are signs directing visitors to the park and the walk from the ferry terminal to the park takes just over five minutes. There is no parking to speak of (the gate attendant said he did not know if there was a parking lot), and the lot just past the left field line was full of large pieces of metal machinery, leaving no empty spots. The stadium is wheelchair accessible via ramps outside, and the majority of the concourse (save for part of the first base line) is in direct view of the field. The elevators were out of service, as were the bathrooms (again, no running water). If anyone had to use the bathroom, they would have likely had to try the police station or use the facilities in the ferry terminal. One men’s room was left open, though it appeared as if nobody had been inside since the previous season and there were leaves all over the floor. Return on Investment 1 You simply do not see a view like this every day, and the game was free to attend, but the Wagner baseball experience is pretty bare bones. There is a baseball game, a bunch of seating, and that’s about it. Strangely, paying to go to RCB Ballpark would have been preferable, as attending a Staten Island Yankees game with the stadium fully-functional would have been a much more fulfilling experience. Extras 1 Again, the view is absolutely stunning. Other than that, however, the experience feels like going to a beach house in the winter. All the ingredients of a fun experience exist, it’s just not the right time of year and it feels like you might be trespassing. Due to the location and backdrop, this is a must-do park for baseball fans and stadium chasers, but if you are not related to a Wagner player or opponent, there is no reason not to wait a few months and go to a Staten Island Yankees game in warmer weather. You truly get what you pay for at RCB Ballpark.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Upplands Bilforum Arena Råbyvägen 71 Uppsala, Sweden 754 60 Almtuna IS website Upplands Bilforum Arena Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 2,800 Established 1932. Since 1948. Uppsala is planning a new arena. It could potentially open as soon as 2017. When it does, no one will be surprised if Almtuna IS becomes a force in Swedish ice hockey. For now though, hockey-mad Sweden’s 4th-largest city boasts only a 2nd-tier team playing in a third-rate arena. There’s nothing really wrong with any of this, but it is a bit shocking. You’d expect hockey to be a bigger deal here in Uppsala. Almtuna IS (AIS) formed as a multi-sport club in 1932 and added ice hockey a few years later, hence their confusing tagline, “Established 1932. Since 1948.” Almtuna has spent the past half-century bouncing around the middle-levels of Swedish ice hockey. These days, AIS plays in the HockeyAllsvenskan, the 2nd-level league one step below the SHL. 2012 was once rumored as a potential opening date for the new arena. That didn’t happen, but a new building does seem pretty much assured, even if the 2017 opening date is also looking questionable. Until then, Almtuna’s home is the A-hall of Metallåtervinning Arena (“Metal Recycling Arena”). Metallåtervinning is a complex of three rinks, all under separate roofs, which serves the community’s needs for hockey, skating, and bandy. It’s humble, but it’s doing an admirable job of punching above its weight class. Editor’s Note: Metallåtervinning Arena has since changed its name to Gränby Ishall and then to Upplands Bilforum Arena in 2020/2021. Food & Beverage 2 I once rented a VHS movie from “Dave’s video and tanning salon.” A few years later, I bought some loose tea from “Real-tea,” a mall kiosk that sold tea leaves and real estate. I was reminded of these unusual combos during the intermission at the Almtuna game. Metallåtervinning Arena is compact. Space is at a premium. So, concession stands do double-duty as merchandise counters. You can order a Coke and a cap. Selection of snacks and souvenirs is on the slim side, but that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. Just a glance at this unpretentious arena should let you know that this is a no-frills, utilitarian place. It doesn’t get your hopes up, so it doesn’t let you down. A traditional Swedish coffee and pastry is on offer, as are packaged snacks and bottled Coke products. A small bar gets packed to capacity during intermissions. If you only attended matches here, you wouldn’t get hungry, and it would probably never even occur to you that other arenas might offer more. Atmosphere 3 Can an arena be too small even if it’s not selling out? For the 2014-15 season, Uppsala is the third-largest city in the 14-team HockeyAllsvenskan, yet it has the second-smallest rink. Many of the teams Almtuna faces in the HockeyAllsvenskan have spent significant time in Sweden’s top league and boast big, modern arenas. That’s not the case here, where the most distant seats are nine rows from the ice. Everyone is right on top of the action. The proximity to the players is certainly a plus for the fans who make it to the games, but could it also be a minus? Despite the small capacity, games here rarely sell out. We have to wonder if the small-time venue makes people take the team less seriously, which discourages new fans from coming and which, as part of a vicious cycle, allows the team to drag out its tenure in its undersized home. Metallåtervinning Arena wouldn’t be out-of-place if it were home to a Junior B or Senior team in Canada, or even as home to a top-level team in a lesser hockey playing country like Denmark or France. For the second-highest level of professional hockey in a major hockey-playing nation, though, you’d expect fans and players alike to have just a little bit more. Metallåtervinning Arena doesn’t do anything wrong, but it just doesn’t feel right. Neighborhood 2 Thanks to its home in Uppsala’s northern Gränby neighborhood, Metal Recycling Arena was once known as “Gränbyhallen.” Gränby has a suburban and car-centric feeling, but the area is well-served by city buses. Bicyclists are also fairly common. Central Uppsala has much more to entertain visitors, but Gränby does have a pleasant park and “Gränby Centre,” a large shopping mall. Other than that, it’s mostly apartment buildings. Should you want to hoof it, these can all be reached on foot within 20 minutes or so. Most fans, though, will want to roll in shortly before the puck drops and head out shortly after the final whistle. Fans 3 Almtuna fans deserve a pat on the back. Numerous Swedish cities smaller than Uppsala host better hockey and better facilities. A few of these aren’t even that far away. Yet Almtuna has a small devoted following. Its main fan club, the Red Lions, stands on concrete steps behind the goal, waves flags, and cheers for the team non-stop. Fans of the opposing team have their own standing section on metal risers behind the far goal. They are protected by a team of more security guards than are really necessary. Access 3 If you’re in Stockholm and the home teams are out of town, a quick trip up to Uppsala is an easy way to scratch the hockey itch. Stockholm’s Arlanda airport is actually slightly closer to Uppsala than to the capital, and trains run frequently along this busy route. Walking to the arena from central Uppsala would take close to an hour, so most people come by car. The arena complex is easy to find along a main road. Given the arena’s small capacity, parking is adequate and traffic isn’t a major concern for most games. From Uppsala’s city center, you should be able to find a taxi to get you to the arena, but the ride won’t be cheap, and you probably won’t be able to find one on the street for the return trip. The bus might be a better option. City bus #3 towards Uppsala Östra Nybystop picks up at many stops, including just outside Uppsala’s main railway station, and drops off on the main road just outside of the arena. The bus runs about every 10 minutes, but you may want to re-confirm bus routes, timing, and frequencies locally. Most bus drivers speak English and accept (or even require) credit cards. At night, it can be easy to overlook the venue, so you might want to ask the driver to alert you at your stop. Uppsala is a university town, and students here like bicycles. You can park yours next to the rink, and most don’t even bother to lock up their bikes. After arriving, fans enter the arena from street level and buy their tickets indoors. While definitely a small building, nothing feels cramped. Lighting is adequate. From the hallways (we hesitate to use the term “concourses”) restrooms initially appear undersized but prove larger than you might expect. Aside from the seats, everything here is on ground level. Though you will have to make your way up some stairs to get to your seat, the small capacity means that you won’t have to climb too far. Wheelchair access is at ice level in the corners. As such, fans with special needs will have an exceptionally easy time here, and a good view of the action. Return on Investment 3 Value is in the eye of the beholder, and nowhere is this more apparent than Metallåtervinning Arena. On one hand, paying professional-level prices in such a small and bare bones arena just doesn’t feel right. Then again, relatively few venues in Sweden or elsewhere allow for such intimate access to high-level hockey. Maybe it’s a bargain. Maybe it’s a rip-off. Maybe our view is skewed since we lucked into a 50% off all merchandise sale, but we say the pros and cons balance, and the value is about average. Extras 3 Metallåtervinning Arena exudes low expectations. With such a basic building, it would be easy for Almtuna IS to slack off. After all, who would question why a team in a community rink wouldn’t have this or that? Almtuna, though, isn’t resting on its laurels until the new arena is built. Team photos line the walls. A small video board behind the net gives you the basics. And there are seat cushions. As you walk up the stairs to take your seat, there are piles of foam seat cushions for you to borrow. Frankly, the seats aren’t particularly uncomfortable without the cushions, nor do the cushions make them particularly comfortable. But they are there if you need them, and an usher comes around to collect them all after the game. The cushions seem like a lot of work for a miniscule payoff, but Almtuna gets points for expending the extra effort for its fans’ comfort. Also unique is the roof. White tiles with hardwood support beams do just enough to add some Nordic flavor while differentiating the place from other small buildings. Finally, there’s the fact that Metallåtervinning Arena is just different. Worldwide, there are very few remaining venues where you can watch high-level sports in such intimate settings. Almtuna is in line to join the 21st century trend of big, fancy arenas. Until then, we’ll give Almtuna IS and Metallåtervinning Arena bonus points for being different and not letting themselves become victims of circumstance. Final Thoughts Some arenas are greater than the sum of their parts. This review may not indicate it, but we actually really enjoyed our time here, and we’d have no hesitation about making a return trip. But it’s true that fans who like the feeling of big-time hockey will be disappointed. Fans who enjoy the more intimate hockey experience typically found at lower levels will love the intimacy that Metallåtervinning Arena provides. But even those who love the place will likely admit that this place just feels a little too small, and a little too insignificant for the Hockeyallsvenskan.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Modern ERP Arena Idrottsvägen 7 Gävle, Sweden 806 33 Brynäs IF website Modern ERP Arena website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 8,585 Of Straw Goats and Gävle Gävle, pronounced “Yeh-vluh,” is Sweden’s 13th largest city…more or less. Internationally, the town is probably best known for the giant straw goat that it builds every year at Christmastime and for the arsonists who subsequently make a sport of burning it down. But Gävle has a few other claims to fame: Läkerol lozenges and Ahlgrens Bilar (candy) are Swedish staples that originate here. And there’s the hockey team, Brynäs IF (BIF). Despite being a small market team, BIF is something of a powerhouse, with more than a dozen Swedish titles under its belt. Brynäs IF calls Gavlerinken Arena home. Confusingly located a short drive from the harborside neighborhood from which Brynäs IF takes its name, Gavlerinken Arena is an interesting and stylish mix of old and new. We were unlucky enough to catch an unusually boring game here, but we were still able to recognize an unusual, interesting, and above average facility. Editor’s Note: Gävlerinken Arena name was changed to ERP Monitor Arena in 2019. Food & Beverage 4 With multiple sit-down restaurants, a food court-style bistro, a bar, traditional concession stands, and vending machines, Gavlerinken Arena covers all the bases. Though striking us as a bit unusual in a ’60s-era arena, the table service restaurants provide decent views of the ice surface and are popular with local fans. Food prices around the arena aren’t too bad, either, with prices at the Bistro ranging from 79-149 SEK (USD $9.50-$17.90; EUR 8.50-16.00 as of 2015) for sandwiches, tacos, and the like. The Bistro is available to all fans, while other restaurants require a separate ticket. Vending machine fare is fairly standard, with chips and candies going for around 20 SEK (USD $2.40; EUR 2.14). Hometown Ahlgrens Bilar candies are available. The traditional concession stands are the only option that fans may find lacking. Concession stand fare is largely limited to hot dogs, popcorn, and packaged snacks. Candy is sold on convenience store-style display racks. Bottled soft drinks are available, and coffee is another popular option. If you need a place to sit while you eat, some concession stands offer tables. Atmosphere 3 Gavlerinken Arena probably deserves a better score than we’re giving it, but our sole visit to Gävle brought us a painfully boring game that sucked the energy out of an already small weekday crowd. Even still, our rating for atmosphere is hardly terrible. We’ll walk you through the experience. After arriving at the arena, you’ll make your way across the parking lot. Careful – you’re farther north than parts of Alaska and Greenland, so watch out for ice. Considering the ice and the fact that there are only a couple of ticket windows, all of which are outdoors, and your first impression might not be the best. That’s understandable. But from here on, there’s little to complain about. Before entering, take a step back and look at the arena’s façade. While not imposing, Gavlerinken Arena looks modern and important. Security on the way in is minimal, and not in a bad way. Your ticket is checked, and you step into a three-story glass atrium. The main lobby actually feels more like a shopping mall than an arena, but also not in a bad way. The concourses might be a bit bland, but Brynas makes up for this in other ways. You take the escalator up, and yep, it still feels like a mall. The lighting is dim, but it’s atmospheric, and it works. As you enter the seating bowl, you notice the sharp graphics on the retired number banners. You notice just how many championship banners there are. You even notice the wooden embellishments on the seats and remember that, yes, this is where IKEA comes from. It’s bigger than you expected. It’s bigger than anyone would expect from a city of this size. You’d love to see the place full and rocking. Sure, you can tell that this arena has been around for a while, but it still feels current. The seats are comfortable, except when you have to stand up, which is more often than usual. Why are the rows here so abnormally long and the aisles so abnormally few? Still, it’s a small complaint. Game presentation is mostly in Swedish, with a smattering of English thrown in every once in a while. The audio sounds good, even that weird, poppy “put your ass up in the air” song. The video board is helpful, but not overused. Your view is good, and it looks like everyone else’s should be, too. It’s nothing particularly remarkable, but you think you like it here. Neighborhood 2 Gävle is a small city to begin with, and Gävlerinken Arena sits just past the suburban developments at its northern edge. A harness racing horse track and an indoor tennis complex are Gävlerinken Arena’s only immediate neighbors. Then, beginning just steps behind the arena, is forest that continues more-or-less untouched until you run out of Scandinavia. This may be the quietest arena neighborhood you’ll ever find. There’s something legitimately peaceful about that, but unless you’re also into horse racing or are up for some tennis, there’s nothing to bring you here early or keep you here long past the final whistle. Fans 3 Gävle isn’t much of a tourist destination. When our hotel owner learned that we had come solely to see a match, she beamed. “You’ll love it! The whole town comes out!” In North American terms, Brynäs IF could be compared to the Green Bay Packers or the Hershey Bears; a small market powerhouse with a proud history and a loyal fan base. The only game in town, and a source of pride. Busses to the arena are standing room only as jersey-clad fans make their way to the arena. During the game, the team’s most ardent supporters take their traditional place behind the net where they stand and cheer for their team. Elsewhere, fans watch intently and occasionally chat with friends. Games here feel social and communal. Fans are friends, and everyone is devoted. The devotion, though, is calm and understated. There was no rowdiness during our visit, and we felt very calm and comfortable visiting. We felt welcome, but the fans’ enthusiasm wasn’t contagious. Walking in, we wondered if one game here might make us Brynäs fans. It didn’t. Access 2 You’re either going to drive here or take the bus. You could bicycle, but with dark roads and frequent snow and ice, that might not be a safe option. Since a single road is the only way into and out of the arena, prepare for traffic both pre and postmatch. If you’re driving, parking is adequate, which is good considering the relative remoteness of the rink. Public shuttle busses run between the rink and Central Gävle. Round-trip tickets will save you a tiny bit, and will also give you a souvenir: they are printed with a player photo. English isn’t as visible in Gävle as in other places in Sweden, simply because there’s relatively little to bring non-Swedes here. Don’t let that deter you if you need help. English is just as much understood in Gävle as in Stockholm, and most passers-by in this safe and friendly city will speak more than enough English to help you find your way around town. Once inside the arena, things continue pretty easily. There is little need for a strong security presence here, but officials are around in case you need anything. Lighting is good and walkways are flat and roomy. No problems with the restrooms, either. We saw a few fans with special needs moving around with relative ease. Return on Investment 3 Sweden’s reputation as an expensive country is deserved. There are plenty of places where foreigners may get sticker-shock all over Scandinavia, but Gavlerinken Arena is not one of them. While not inexpensive, ticket prices are comparable to other high level leagues in Western Europe and North America. A large and well-stocked souvenir shop has a large selection of team merchandise, including sale items. Snack prices are reasonable. Overall, Brynäs offers an average value. Extras 4 Gävlerinken Arena gets the details right. It’s clean. It’s stylish (perhaps surprising for a team whose logo is a difficult-to-read gold-on-white.) Not only are its seats and banners stylish, but so are the tickets, which have a black-and-white player photo. Even the kids get in on the style. Gävlerinken Arena boasts a swanky children’s lounge. “Lilla Gävlerinken” has life-size player photos, table hockey games, and hardwood floors. Looking like it came fresh out of a design catalog, “Lilla Gavlrinken” is one of the nicest looking children’s area you will come across at any stadium. It’s for the kids, but plenty of adults would love to have something like this for a man cave. Free Wi-Fi is also a nice bonus. You have to sign up for an account on the SHL’s webpage, but you can do this from the log in page inside the arena. Sign up is in Swedish only, but the form is easy enough to figure out. Final Thoughts Gävlerinken Arena isn’t unique enough to earn “can’t miss” status, but it is an example of an area that does just about everything right. We thoroughly enjoyed our sole visit here. While it’s unlikely that anything will bring us back to this small town anytime soon, we’d jump at the chance to make a return visit should the opportunity present itself. We have a hunch that a good game and a full house might be enough for us to fall in love with Brynäs IF and Gävlerinken Arena.

Photo Courtesy of UBBulls.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Alumni Arena 175 Alumni Arena Buffalo, NY 14260 Buffalo Bulls website Alumni Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 6,100 The Bulls of Buffalo Alumni Arena, a key piece of the State University of New York at Buffalo’s recreation and athletic complex, is located on the north campus of the university in suburban Amherst, New York. Built in 1982, the facility is part of a vast and sprawling campus which, incredibly, is almost perfectly designed for car travel – and that’s within the campus itself! Alumni Arena is primarily home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams, wrestling team and men’s volleyball team. An extensive renovation was performed in 2012, adding new chairback seating to reduce capacity to 6100, as well as additions of new lighting, video scoreboard, improved training facilities and a renovated concourse. Food & Beverage 4 Upgrades to the concession fare boost this score to a respectable four stars. The team has added numerous hot food items, including a personal pan pizza (cheese $4.75, pepperoni $5.00), the UB BBQ pulled pork sandwich ($4.75), Italian or Polish Sausage topped with kraut or peppers/onions ($4.25), and Buffalo’s famed Beef on Weck sandwich ($5.50). Combos come with soda pop and chips. Pepsi products are sold here ($2.75) as well as Tim Hortons coffee, hot chocolate, and cappuccino. ($2.75). No alcohol is served in this facility. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere here is a hit or miss sort of thing. Go during winter break when the students are away and the place can feel like a mausoleum. Catch a big game when the arena is full and things will be rocking. Unfortunately, the team has never been to the NCAA tournament since its promotion to Division One. The Bulls’ closest call came back in 2005, when in the MAC tournament finals UB held an 18 point lead against Ohio in the second half, only to see it evaporate, and Ohio won on a buzzer beater. An elusive MAC title and a trip to The Dance would undoubtedly elevate the program and its fan support. Neighborhood 2 The massive campus was built on a swamp as part of the larger master plan to transform this suburb into a huge planned community. That population explosion never happened, nor did a long promised Metrorail extension to ferry people from this campus to downtown Buffalo. Arriving by car is the preferred method for getting to the UB campus. Restaurant choices are abundant, but all are located some distance from campus, as even getting off the campus and into civilization can be a chore. Zetti’s Pizza on Maple Road is a good campus hangout. Duff’s famous wings on Sheridan/Millersport is a Buffalo institution. Just north up Millersport is Elmo’s, offering terrific pub fare. Go west about a mile on Maple Road, and you will happen upon Boulevard Mall. Casual dining eateries and national chains abound there, so take your pick. Fans 3 Another score upgrade is in order for the fans, who are embracing the team and the program in greater numbers, with the team enjoying another competitive season, and an arena which is warmer and friendlier on the eyes and contains more amenities. It is still a work in progress, however. More student support, drawing on a base of over 20,000 who attend here at UB, would be a huge step. Access 3 Hopefully one day we can report that the Amherst extension of the Metrorail has been funded and built, but for now driving is the best way to get to Alumni Arena. Once you follow the signs up Millersport and onto the ring road surrounding the campus’ academic spine, things get a bit dicey. There are massive parking lots, many of which are full on game night evenings, as the campus is in continuous use. Find a spot and then hoof it up to the arena, as there are few spots actually close to the building itself. Additionally, the Slee concert hall is right next door, and when there is a performance going on at the same time it adds to the congestion. Departing after the game can also be difficult to navigate, but once off campus and on the ring road or Millersport, things move quickly. Return on Investment 3 A 300 level ticket is priced at $15, and 100 and 200 level seats run $25. The ushers are pretty laid back here so upgrading from the nosebleeds is not a problem. Parking is free, and concession prices, while not dirt cheap, aren’t eye poppingly expensive either. Extras 2 Place a star for the Bulls Team Shop on the main concourse, which is a nicely appointed merchandise store. A second star is awarded for an amenity which has yet to be finished but is now underway- an interactive museum and Hall of Fame. Located in the arena lobby and concourse, the Hall of Fame is advertised via a huge banner in the lobby. Once completed, fans will be able to search inductees via a touch screen and view exhibits. Final Thoughts The building is hardly an architectural marvel, but a brutalist box shaped structure sitting amidst a campus which does not inspire the senses. UB Athletics has, however, taken great steps to improve the venue, soften the look and feel of public spaces and add amenities to enhance the game day experience. Find a weekend game, preferably one being televised on one of the ESPN’s, with something at stake, and you’ll happen upon a game night atmosphere worth checking out.

Photo Courtesy of Cal Poly Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Robin Baggett Stadium Sports Complex Rd San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 Cal Poly Mustangs website Robin Baggett Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 1,734 The Wizard's School San Luis Obispo is in a region that has a lot going for it. Wine, craft beer, beautiful beaches and wonderful restaurants are just a few of the things that make this city on the central coast special. But what doesn't come to mind when you think of the central coast is baseball. California is loaded with both major and minor league baseball teams, as well as some great college programs. Does that mean Cal Poly doesn't have a lot to offer in terms of baseball? Absolutely not. The program is still relatively new to the top level of college baseball. Prior to jumping to D1 in 1995 they won the DII World Series in 1989. In 2001, Baggett Stadium opened to the team knocking off #1 Stanford in 12 innings. Baggett Stadium has an official capacity of 1,734, but can be expanded to a capacity of 3,042. Average capacity has increased gradually to over 1,505, making it into the top 40 in the country at the end of 2014. All of that together means there is life in the baseball scene on California's central coast. Food & Beverage 3 For such a generally unknown venue, Robin Baggett stadium has a pretty strong offering of food options at great prices. Short of a $7 tri-tip sandwich, almost everything on the menu is under $5. Burgers, dogs, garlic fries, sweet potato fries, tacos, burritos and more are available for $3-$5 across the board. Wash it down with Coke products, hot coffee or cocoa or some local Jamba Juice again for under $4. The variety and the value make this a pretty solid selection, despite the small setting. Atmosphere 4 Eliminate the setting and measure the ballpark alone, and this is a pretty average college venue. Drop it in the middle of the mountains and add a loyal and knowledgeable fan base, and now you have Baggett Stadium. Surrounded by the Santa Lucia mountain range on the backside of the Cal Poly campus, focusing on the game here might be difficult. The San Luis Obispo community embraces the Mustangs in all sports and baseball is no exception. Attendance ranks particularly high at this park, and the fans know and love their team. Yet just across the street, you'll find cow pastures and green space. You'll even get to drive through the beautiful Cal Poly campus to arrive onsite. It's all a relaxing aura of grassroots west coast baseball. Adding to the atmosphere are two monuments to Cal Poly baseball history. The first is a marble paneled wall recognizing Cal Poly baseball greats and the history of the stadium and program. The second may take you a minute to recognize. A statue of a bearded legend stands just inside the main gate with the inscription "Osbourne Earl Smith." If you're a casual baseball fan, you may have to look at the face and back to the inscription a few times before you recognize Ozzie Smith. The baseball legend was a star at Cal Poly long before he was performing his wizardry at shortstop for the Padres and Cardinals. Neighborhood 4 If you've never been to the San Luis Obispo area, it's more than worth the visit. While other California cities get all the credit, the corridor from Pismo Beach through San Luis Obispo up to Paso Robles is an area rich in culture and scenery. Beaches to the south and wineries and rolling mountains to the north, all surrounded by wonderful restaurants, you can't really go wrong in this area. Downtown San Luis Obispo is an artsy college town full of food and drink options. High Street Market & Deli, Ciopinot, Novo, Big Sky Cafe and a smorgasbord of other options line the streets of San Luis Obispo. Central Coast Brewery, SLO Brewing Company, The Library, Black Sheep and Mother's Tavern serve up delicious local beverages to quench your thirst. Really, you can't go wrong by parking on the streets of San Luis Obispo and exploring the many options there. Fans 3 The fans may not be anywhere near that of elite college baseball programs around the country, but they are a pleasant surprise for such an off the beaten path venue. Constantly ranked in the top 50 in attendance, Baggett Stadium provides a surefire home field advantage for the Mustangs. The fans are knowledgeable, engaged and pleasant to visitors. Down the third base line there is an exclusive membership based clubhouse known as Krukow's Klubhouse. A large portion of the most loyal fans hang out here and call the players by first name. If you're looking to purchase local beer, you have to be a member of this prestigious club to have the option to buy it. But fans will be well distributed everywhere else in the bleachers as well. Overall, the fan base is a loyal and knowledgeable one. Access 3 Unless you live along the central coast, there's no quick way to get to San Luis Obispo. San Francisco, Los Angeles and Fresno lie hours away in all directions. Fortunately, any way you travel to San Luis Obispo is scenic. From San Francisco or Los Angeles you'll travel the beautiful California Route 101 or the famed Pacific Coast Highway. From Fresno you'll shoot straight down 41 to 101 through miles of farmland and mountains. The campus is located off of 101 and the ballpark is at the back of campus. You'll get a brief scenic drive through campus to the stadium lot. Parking is $6 and there aren't really any other non-campus lots to take advantage of. From the lot it's just a short walk to the stadium entrance. Once inside, the concourse is wide and comfortable. There won't be any congested areas anywhere in the park. One downside is that there is only one indoor bathroom at the end of the 3rd base line, but there are several portable toilets located in the club area. Overall, it's a pretty easy stadium to get around with just enough amenities to work. Return on Investment 4 Tickets fall at a very reasonable $8-$10 with seniors and children discounted down to $5. Prices can vary slightly based on the opponent, so plan accordingly. Parking is locked in at $6, but food is almost all under $5. Overall, this means $20-$25 covers everything you'll need for the day. For a D1 baseball program in such a wonderful setting, this is absolutely worth the price. Extras 3 The most memorable part of a trip to Robin Baggett Stadium is without a doubt the setting. Not many parks can claim to be surrounded by beautiful green mountains, and the Santa Lucias provide just that touch. It's hard to not be enthralled by the natural beauty around you while taking in a ballgame. The statue and tributes to 1974 through 1977 superstar Ozzie Smith add just the touch of history to the park. Not many programs can claim such a recognizable face as their own, and it adds quite a bit of legitimacy to the Mustangs brand. Couple that with the monument to the history of the program and large imagery on the back of the grandstand featuring Smith and other Cal Poly stars, and you get a sense of tradition when entering the park. Final Thoughts While Baggett Stadium certainly won't stand up to big time college baseball parks on a straight comparison, it's full of its own central coast charm. A summertime trip to the wine country of Paso Robles or to Pismo Beach could easily due with a detour to Robin Baggett Stadium to take in a Mustangs game.

Photo Courtesy of UW-Green Bay Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Resch Center 1901 S Oneida St Green Bay, WI 54304 Green Bay Phoenix website Resch Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 9,729 Phoenix Rising in Green Bay In 1994, head coach Dick Bennett and his son Tony led the UW-Green Bay Phoenix in an upset of Jason Kidd and the 5th-seeded California Golden Bears in the first round of the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament. Any Phoenix fan will tell you that this victory was UW-Green Bay “One Shining Moment”. At that time, the Phoenix played in the 5,000-seat Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena. By 2002, the Brown County Arena was severely outdated. Enter the Resch Center next door, a 10,000-seat, multi-purpose facility that UWGB has called home ever since. Dick Bennett is a coaching legend in Wisconsin, Tony Bennett’s #25 is the only retired number in Phoenix history, and Green Bay basketball continues its struggle to rise up to a position of significance in a football-crazed town. The Resch Center sits approximately nine miles from the UW-Green Bay campus, which appears to affect student attendance, as Green Bay lacks efficient public transportation to get young fans to and from campus Food & Beverage 2 One of the benefits of UW-Green Bay playing basketball off campus at the Resch Center is that a fan can enjoy a beer (or multiple beers) during the game. The Resch Center offers a modest choice of draft beers at its concession stands, but a “Bud Light Night” makes 24-ounce $2.00 Bud Lights the most popular choice among fans. Soft drinks are provided by 7-Up, RC Cola, Dr. Pepper, and Sun Drop and can be purchased in bottles or from the fountain. The food menu at the Resch Center is not spectacular. If you’re in town for the game, plan to take advantage of one of the numerous establishments that surround the Resch Center and Lambeau Field. Relying on what the Resch Center provides (pizza, brats, pretzels, and hot dogs) may leave you unsatisfied. DiGiorno personal pizzas are the signature items and will set you back $7.00. Atmosphere 3 Likely the best atmosphere in the Phoenix season will be a match-up against Wisconsin, Marquette, or UW. Games against conference rivals from the Horizon League are also typically well attended. For marquee games, expect nearly 5,000 to turn out. For weekend games with an 8:00PM tip-off and a promotion like “Bud Light Night,”, locals are encouraged to get out and support their team. The UWGB basketball game has a minor league feel to it. Home games often come along with advertised giveaways such as winter hats, sunglasses, youth jerseys, and trading cards. In addition, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers Festival Foods Family Games on a limited schedule where tickets are discounted, parking is free, and sodas and hot dogs are only $1.00. Breaks in the action are typically filled with promotional dance-offs, full court dashes to collect pizza boxes, and slinging rubber chickens into shopping carts. The ability to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two at the off-campus Resch Center is a nice perk and even on “Bud Light Night,” Phoenix fans appear to enjoy themselves responsibly. Even when the Phoenix host a season-high crowd, the Resch Center sits half full and often sits three-quarters empty, as the official capacity for basketball is listed as 9,729. The student section and the band are deserving of a lot of credit as a spirited group, but even their section will look half full. A few Phoenix alums confided that it’s difficult for students to get to the game, especially since shuttle services from campus were discontinued a few years ago. The Resch Center was obviously built for hockey. As a result, Sections 201, 202, and 203 keep you the furthest distance from the action despite providing the most affordable experience ($11.00 per ticket). $20.00 will provide the best viewing experience in Sections 207-210 and 220-223, alongside the court. The Resch Center website provides a helpful seating chart to illustrate premier seating locations. Neighborhood 4 The Resch Center literally sits in the shadow of Lambeau Field and is in the heart of the Stadium District in Green Bay. Consequently, there is no shortage of pre or postgame options for food and spirits. The D2 Sports Pub (attached to the Midway Best Western Hotel) is the closest establishment (maybe 20 feet) to the Resch Center. Other staples of the Stadium District within walking distance include The Stadium View Bar & Grille, Anduzzi’s Sports Club, The Bar, The Green Bay Distillery, Burkel’s One Block Over, and Badger State Brewing. Parking is abundant and the fee to do so is minimal, as the Lambeau Field parking lot serves as the official lot for the Resch and charges only $5.00. If interested in saving a few bucks, seek out the bars and restaurants around the Resch Center that offer free parking. Fans 3 Phoenix fans are knowledgeable and know when to get loud. During a well attended back-and-forth game against a conference rival, expect the Resch Center to get plenty loud during key defensive moments. UWGB alumni, casual basketball fans, and families enjoying an affordable night out are typically well represented. Students can be hit or miss, especially during the winter break when class is not in session. Regardless of when the game is played, UWGB needs to figure out a way to get more of its student body involved in order for Phoenix games to have that true college basketball atmosphere. Access 4 5,000 basketball fans descending upon the Resch Center compared to 70,000 Packers fans flocking to Lambeau Field are night and day comparisons. Parking near the Resch Center is abundant. The Lambeau Field parking lot is the official lot for Resch Center events and the charge is minimal. Parking at nearby establishments is free; they only hope that you’ll stop in for a beer and burger before or after the game. Fans enter the Resch Center through a lobby on the south side of the arena. Many people purchase tickets on site, which can overcrowd the lobby in a hurry. If you wish to avoid any crowds, purchase tickets ahead of time and head either left or right through the gates upon your arrival. Fans can access their 100 level courtside seats via the arena floor tunnels but most spectators head up a flight of stairs to the main concourse and 200 level sections. The second floor concourse provides adequate space, concession stands, and restrooms. The north end of the concourse is typically not accessible, as Sections 212 through 218 tend to be closed off for basketball games. Return on Investment 3 For local Northeast Wisconsin sports fans, a Green Bay Phoenix basketball game is a solid entertainment choice. The program has been near the top of the Horizon League standings in recent years and the product appeals to all demographics. In the world of mid-major college basketball, UW-Green Bay suffers from not being a destination for many Wisconsin college basketball fans. The Wisconsin Badgers have the state’s attention and affection during most winters, but anyone willing to make the trek to Titletown will have a positive experience. If specifically planning a trip to the Resch Center, look for Wisconsin, Marquette, and/or UW-Milwaukee on the schedule, as these opponents draw the largest crowds. Extras 3 If UW-Green Bay basketball brings you in town for a weekend, it might be worth looking into a women’s basketball game at the on-campus Kress Events Center. Over the past five years, UWGB women’s basketball has the third highest winning percentage in the NCAA. The women play at the 4,018-seat Kress Events Center, which is a seven year-old venue in the middle of the campus. The women average 2,000 fans a game, which fits better in the more intimate Kress Center. Considering its proximity to the Resch Center, Lambeau Field and everything that it offers (food, tours, shopping) is also a great way to spend a day prior to an evening Phoenix tip-off.

Photos courtesy of Dale Birdsley, Jessie Rice, Brad Lookhart, and Brady Griffith Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Brick Breeden Fieldhouse 1 Bobcat Circle Bozeman, MT 59717 Montana State Bobcats website Brick Breeden Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 4,500 The Brick The Brick Breeden Fieldhouse/Max Worthington Arena opened in 1956 and is the home court for the Montana State University men's and women's basketball teams. The versatile dome is also home to MSU indoor track and field and hosts the annual MSU spring rodeo along with concerts, trade shows, graduations, high school tournaments, and numerous other events. The building is named after John "Brick" Breeden who was a member of Montana State's 1929 national champion basketball team known as the Golden Bobcats. Breeden was also a long time basketball coach and athletic director at the school. The arena inside is named after Max Worthington, also a member of the Golden Bobcats, as well as the football team. He served the school for many years as a coach, teacher, and administrator. When it opened, the arena was a one of a kind structure, very ahead of its time. It was built at a time when Montana State was transitioning from a small land grant agricultural and engineering college into a major state university. The spacious building is good in a variety of different roles, but not ideal for one specific purpose. As with anything ahead of its time the building has certain quirks and limitations, but those have been smoothed over by renovations over the years. The most recent renovation completed in the summer of 2014, has attempted to make the arena more comfortable and intimate as a college basketball venue. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stands behind each mezzanine provide typical ballpark fare, with nothing unique or extraordinary. Combo meals, including chips and a 32 oz soda (Pepsi products) feature a brat ($6.50), hot dog ($6), or nachos ($5). There seems to be a little more variety on offer at the concession stands on the south side of the arena, including chicken strips. So if you're not in a hurry, check each one out before making any decisions. I like to snack on a Bobcat cookie ($2) which is an oatmeal and M&M monster cookie. The latest renovation brought in new chair back seats with cup holders to replace the bleachers on the lower level. Unfortunately, the 32 oz. drink that comes with every combo meal does not fit securely in said cup holders. Perhaps, MSU has to use up their inventory of wide based cups before they can order some in with a narrow base that will work with their new cup holders? As with most college owned venues, beer is not available. Atmosphere 3 Anyone with any interest in architecture or engineering will appreciate Worthington Arena's exposed ceiling. Graceful glulam beams arch up and connect to a compression ring at the center of the dome beyond a system of catwalks, lights, and apparatus. Buildings of this size rarely if ever use wooden structural members these days, but in 1956 it was state-of-the-art. The whole building is truly an architectural marvel. In the new configuration, the bleacher seating, which made up approximately half of the arena's capacity, has been replaced with chair back seats. The new lower level seating along both sidelines has armrests and cup holders. The bleachers on both baselines have been replaced with seats with no armrest or cup holders. The new seating gives the arena interior a more modern look. Capacity for Bobcat basketball games has been reduced from 7,250 to 4,500 through the use of large heavy black curtains dropped from the ceiling over much of the upper level seating. These curtains can be easily raised or lowered depending the seating capacity needed. Also, a row of windows around the perimeter of the arena has been covered to block out any natural light so now day games have the same look and feel as night games. A large four-sided video scoreboard hangs over the center of the court. It's become popular for fans to snap a selfie and text it to the video board. There's also the kiss cam, game stats, and other fun things posted on the video board from time to time to keep the fans interested. New lighting and sound system were installed with the recent renovations. Both are tremendous improvements over what was in place before. Worthington Arena has always had a comfortable, non-intimidating, laid back sort of vibe. It's not the most raucous atmosphere one could hope for, but does provide a comfortable place to get out of the house and take in game during Bozeman's chilly winters. Neighborhood 5 Bozeman is a classic university town. There's lots of interesting bars, restaurants, and shopping downtown on Main Street about a mile and a half from the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. Colombo's Pizza and Pasta and the world famous Pickle Barrel sandwich shop are a short walk across campus on College Street. There is also a small and growing business district right across 11th Street from the Fieldhouse including Spectators Sports Bar and Grill - a popular Bobcat hangout, the Storm Castle Cafe (breakfast and lunch), and I-Ho's Korean Grill. Bridger Brewing, a craft brewery that also serves gourmet pizzas, recently opened right across the street from the Brick. My favorite is the appropriately named Bobcat Brown Ale. If it's a night game, grab a brew and pizza before, Montana's brewery laws dictate that they stop serving after 8 PM. Bozeman is a winter wonderland with world class skiing close by. Bridger Bowl, frequented by MSU students, is just 16 miles from Bozeman. Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin are a scenic 50 mile drive away. There are also groomed cross-country ski trails right in the city limits. Ice climbing, back country skiing, and ice fishing are just minutes away from campus up Hyalite Canyon. Fans 3 Bobcat basketball is at a low ebb with a new coaching regime led by Brian Fish. But even in a season where wins have been incredibly rare, Bobcat fans turn out in respectable numbers that would fill the smaller Big Sky Conference venues to overflowing. The excitement picks up after Christmas break when the students, cheerleaders, and especially the band are back in attendance for the game. The Bobcat pep band, cheerleaders, and the mascot Champ do a great job of keeping things lively, even when events on the court don't always give Bobcat fans something to cheer about. As the team improves, the fan and student support should also improve and make the MSU home court more feared by opposing teams. Access 3 Bozeman has excellent airline access for a town of its size. The Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport is about 10 miles from campus and has daily direct flights from Salt Lake City, Denver, Seattle, and Minneapolis. Public transportation is limited, so if you're flying in it is best to rent a car, which will also allow you to explore the scenic and historic areas around Bozeman. The Brick Breeden Fieldhouse is easy to find. The big dome is visible for miles around. The most direct route is South 11th Avenue via West Main Street. All parking is free, and usually plentiful with lots on the north and south sides of the arena. The north lot, adjacent to Shroyer Gym and the building fills up first, but there is more parking available across 11th Avenue nearer to the high rise dorms. The larger south entrance is adjacent to a large parking lots. The spaces near the arena are reserved for boosters, but the recently paved spaces beyond are a huge improvement. There is a row of handicapped parking spaces near both the north and south entrances, but with basketball games attracting an older crowd these days, the spaces fill up fast so get there early if you need one. There are plenty of restrooms in the facility that are kept clean and functional. The closest restrooms to the seating areas are underneath the upper level of permanent seating. Return on Investment 4 An adult general admission ticket for a men's game is only $10 and parking is free, so Division I Bobcat basketball is a bargain. On select nights, MSU offers a popular $44 deal which gets a family of four tickets, hot dogs, drinks, and a program. Concessions are also reasonable for a college sporting event. If the team can start to string some wins together during this rebuilding process, the Brick should once again be the place to be in Bozeman. Extras 3 A few more items that help make a trip to the Brick worthwhile: The Bobcat pep band has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years and greatly enhances the entire experience of attending a Bobcat basketball game. The Golden Bobcats: The Montana State College men's basketball team from 1927 through 1929 had a 72-4 record and the 1928-29 team was declared national champions by the Helms Foundation (no NCAA tourney back then). The team averaged an astounding 63 points per game in an era where there was a center jump after every made basket and most teams scored in the 20's. They were one of the first teams in the country to employ a fast break. The Golden Bobcats memory is preserved in naming the building after two of its players, a photo and display about the team in the corridor leading to the north entrance/exit, and a national championship banner hanging from the west end of Worthington Arena. The architecture and history of "The Brick" lone make it a venue worth visiting. It was quite visionary to build such a building at a time when it could have easily seated every man, woman, and child living Bozeman with plenty of room left over. Final Thoughts It's hard to think about Bozeman and not imagine the iconic dome of the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. The building has had so many memorable moments, whether it be a Bobcat basketball game, national championship rodeo, high school state championship, or a four minute indoor mile, in over a half century of existence. If you're in Bozeman and looking for something to do, then check out what's happening at the Brick, because no doubt there's something going on. Whatever the event it's a fun and interesting place to visit.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 UNF Arena 1 UNF Drive Jacksonville, FL 32224 North Florida Ospreys website UNF Arena website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 5,800 Seabirds Shooting Hoops at the Seashore The University of North Florida is located in Jacksonville, Florida and is home to a student body of more than 16,000 students. It is a relatively young school, opening in 1972. A majority of its students are locals, with 42% coming from the Jacksonville/Duval County area. The largest schools within the university are the School of Arts and Sciences, followed by the Business School and the School of Health. More than 60% of the student body is female. The basketball team is even younger than the school, as athletics were not added at the University until 1992. The Ospreys (a hawk-like raptor native to coastal regions) call the UNF Arena home. This facility is located on the UNF campus and holds 5,800 in its basketball configuration. The Ospreys compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, which includes schools such as Stetson, Northern Kentucky, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, USC Upstate and Florida Gulf Coast University. Conference members do not field football teams, for the most part, so basketball is king at these schools. Some of UNF’s non-conference foes include Florida, FSU, Iowa, Purdue and Alabama. The Ospreys team members predominantly come from the South Georgia and North Florida region, so the players have a lot of local support from family and friends. Throughout their history the Ospreys have been a nearly-.500 team. This can probably be attributed to several factors: 1) a relatively young basketball program 2) UNF plays in a conference with several small conference basketball powerhouses 3) a tough non-conference schedule 4) a predominanty female student body (the Osprey women’s athletics programs have a much more successful history). Food & Beverage 4 The UNF concession stands offer a nice variety of foods at very reasonable prices. Domestic beers are available at $3.50, sodas at $4 and bottled water for $2. On the food front, hot dogs and pizza slices are $3, jumbo pretzels are $5 and a large popcorn is $5. Spirit merchandise is not sold within the UNF Arena, but the campus bookstore is located right next door, and has a wide variety of UNF spirit items available. The “4” rating is for decent food for a much more reasonable price than most facilities charge. Atmosphere 3 The vibe you get attending games at the UNF Arena is somewhat like a high school basketball game, but not due to the quality of play. The seating at the arena is fold-up bleachers, although on a much larger scale than a high school gymnasium. Add to that the fact that many times players on both college teams are often local products who may have been former teammates or hated rivals in their high school days. It is also not unusual to have fans/parents in the stands that also share a common link of where they attended high school. This creates a light-hearted atmosphere at the games with some good-natured trash talking thrown in. Neighborhood 3 The University of North Florida campus is very isolated, as a large portion of its acreage is dedicated as a nature preserve, so there is no development except University-related buildings. That being said, the campus is very modern, as greater than 50% of its buildings are less than ten years old. It is a beautiful campus, with nature trails, fountains and plenty of support facilities to provide for the needs of the portion of the student body that does live on campus. It has an excellent campus transportation system, which is a necessity, as the campus is extremely spread out. Fans 4 Since UNF does not have a football program, the Ospreys basketball program is the “big bird” on campus. Despite the team’s mediocre record over the years, the student body is very supportive of the program. The student activity fee allows all students to attend games at no charge, and they fill the UNF Arena on a regular basis. They are also the most into the game of any small school I have been to. Ospreys fans chant, jump up and down, sing and dance in coordination with a great pep band. Their energy is catching. The Atlantic Sun Conference has a number of neighboring Florida colleges as members, so there are actually many rivalries during the season, rather than one. None of these can match up to the rivalry between UNF and its crosstown foe, the Jacksonville University Dolphins. Known as the River Center Rumble, the two games these teams play each season have to be played in the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in downtown Jacksonville, which holds more than 14,000. Neither of the schools’ on-campus facilities could accommodate the number of fans wanting to attend the game. Two other factors for the Ospreys fan fervor are the antics of Ozzie, the team mascot, and the fact that Homecoming Week and all the enthusiasm it creates are focused on the basketball program. Access 3 As mentioned earlier, the UNF campus is located more than 10 miles from downtown Jacksonville. However, as long as you have a car, it is very easy to get to. The university is located just off I-295, the ring road which bypasses the I-95 corridor through downtown, which is under heavy construction. It is impossible to miss its exit, as it is listed as the University of North Florida/Town Center Parkway exit, and the entry gate for the school is just feet away. Once on campus, signs are very clear in directing you to the athletic facilities, and all buildings on campus are named and numbered. (The UNF Arena is #34 and the UNF Arena parking garage is #38) The parking deck is across the street from the arena, and is connected by a covered elevates walkway over the street. Return on Investment 4 The most expensive ticket for a UNF ball game is $15, and numerous discounts are given for seniors, military, children, faculty and students. Parking is free of charge at the UNF Arena Parking Garage located adjacent to the arena, and as mentioned before, concession prices are very reasonable. The on-campus feel of the facility also adds to a positive experience. All in all, the UNF basketball program provides an excellent ROI, especially for families with children. Extras 2 The St. John’s Town Center shopping area is located just a mile from the campus on the other side of I-295. This open-air mall is the major shopping destination in the Jacksonville area, as it features 150 stores ranging from Tiffany’s to Walmart. There are countless restaurants throughout the complex, including the Cheesecake Factory, Applebee’s, Longhorn Steaks, PF Chang’s and just about every fast food chain you can imagine. St. John’s Town Center is an excellent pre-game stop for dinner and shopping before you go to the game. The second extra is that the Atlantic Ocean and Jacksonville Beach are a five-minute drive from the campus. This allows you to enjoy some time at the beach before heading to the campus for a game, as Jacksonville has very moderate temperatures throughout the year.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Matadome Stadium 18111 Nordhoff St Northridge, CA 91330 Cal State Northridge Matadors website Matadome Stadium website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 1,600 Rockin’ the Red Though referred to by locals and students as The Matadome, it is anything but. With its flat roof and a capacity of 1,600, the energy inside The Matadome when packed with red clad fans can get really loud. The Matadome is one of the smaller college basketball venues for Division I play, guaranteeing that you will never be far from the action. Kinesiology classes are also housed inside The Matadome, which sits inside of Redwood Hall. A trivia note for you 80s movie buffs: The Matadome was where the all-valley karate tournament scenes from The Karate Kid were filmed, so yeah, feel free to go back in time and envision Daniel San doing his famed crane kick. Food & Beverage 2 The Matadome only offers a single concession stand, not far from the main entrance. Here, fans can get a Matadog, with the option of all beef, spicy or turkey ($3.50), chips ($2.50), candy ($2.50), popcorn ($2.50), nachos ($3), pretzels ($3, $1 for extra cheese). The beverage options include soda ($2), water ($2 or $3 for large), and Gatorade ($2.50). Should The Matadome be packed as it was on this evening, you may want to grab your treats during one of the breaks in the action to avoid having to stand in that long line. Atmosphere 4 On this Saturday night, the red clad locals were ready to raise the roof. The student section, known as the “Red Rally” was mostly involved throughout the game, often times yelling the popular soccer chant “Olé Olé Olé Olé,” finishing it with “C-SUN. C-SUN.” Also after each made free throw, the Red Rally would yell Tag Team’s “Whoomp! There it is!” Though Matty the Matador is present he isn’t really so engaged in any activity throughout the stands, though he exchanges high fives to those passing through to the lobby. Matty also takes part in mini basketball tosses to the stands in between breaks in the action. Also adding to the loud and high energy of the crowd is in-game DJ, DJ Malski. In addition to being the in-house DJ for CSUN basketball, DJ Malski has a show on local radio station 102.3 KJLH and also does in game entertainment for the L.A. Sparks and USC Trojans basketball. Neighborhood 3 Fast food options nearby include Micky D’s, Subway, Carl’s Jr., Panda Express, Chipotle, Wienerschnitzel, and Pieology. If you don’t mind driving 5 minutes west of campus, the Northridge Fashion Center is nearby as well and offers these sit down options: Bonefish Grill, Claim Jumper, Yard House, as well as a Buffalo Wild Wings, to name a few. Or should you choose to remain close to the gym, Cupids Hot Dogs, a San Fernando Valley staple serving nothing but chili dogs (I prefer to keep mine simple, chili and onions) is within walking distance. Fans 4 On this Saturday evening the red clad fans had the dome packed and rocking. Though the local five would fall behind early, it would not stop the fans from rallying behind their team as CSUN would stage a furious comeback in the 2nd half only to fall short in the end. In spite of the fans efforts to rally behind their team, I did not sense that the visiting team was all too intimidated. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm behind the home team certainly could not be questioned. Access 3 Access to CSUN is not far from three of L.A’s major freeways, the 405, 101 and 118. If you are coming from L.A., the drive time, pending traffic, can vary from 30 to 90 minutes. If traveling on a weeknight, it is highly recommended you allow yourself at least 2 hours travel time prior to tip off. Yes folks, L.A. traffic can be brutal. Once you have arrived on campus, you will want to park as close as possible to Zelzah Avenue and Plummer Street. The reason for this is because The Matadome is somewhat dwarfed by other buildings around, the dome gives no hint that you are approaching a sports venue. If you are not familiar with the campus, do not be surprised if you should find yourself asking around where The Matadome is. It really is that non-descript. Return on Investment 3 Single game ticket prices range from $8 general admission and $10 reserve, to $15 premier reserve. Because of the intimate size of this venue, if sitting smack dab at center court is not important to you, the $8 general admission offers a really great value. Extras 3 As you enter the lobby you will find some of the Matadors Big West trophies inside a glass case named Comprehensive Excellence. The Matador Hall of Fame is also here. Some of the more notable members of the Matador HOF are Jack Elway, father of NFL Hall of Fame QB John Elway. Jack coached football at CSUN from 1976-78. Another notable CSUN HOFer is former L.A. Angels/Dodgers player Adam Kennedy. As I have visited 3 Big West basketball venues, I can’t help but notice a pattern when it comes to the latest in the floor designs. CSUN has what they call The Blacktop, a nod to basketball played on the hard black playground surface we all played on as kids. Final Thoughts With a packed house inside a venue that you could say resembles your high school gym (you may even say there are high school gym’s with more up to date facilities), the energy inside The Matadome can be loud and rocking. Having said that, a Division 1 school in a major conference should have a facility that not only can accommodate at least, let’s say, over 3,000 fans but should have at least some of the up to date amenities that many of the other venues have today, a fact that has not been lost on the mind of former head coach Bobby Braswell. If CSUN were to have a new facility in the works somewhere in the future, perhaps an arena that stands out where you know what you’re approaching, would be nice. The Matadome is hidden among other buildings and it is quite easy for a first time visitor to get lost when searching for it. In spite of the fact that CSUN is behind in terms of a modern, or at least, up to date facility, this should not take away from the excitement you may have should you plan to pass through and catch a game here. When packed, the atmosphere can really be loud and electric.

Photo Courtesy of CSU Bakersfield Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Icardo Center 1500 Roadrunner Dr Bakersfield, CA 93311 CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners website Icardo Center website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 3,800 Route 99 Roadrunners Cal State University-Bakersfield is a California public university founded in 1965 in Bakersfield, CA. The Roadrunners athletics program was originally an NCAA Division II program, and had a very successful run at that level in basketball during the 90’s which included three National Championships. In 2006, the Roadrunners began their transition to Division 1. In July of 2013, the program joined the once prestigious Western Athletic Conference for most sports, including basketball. The Icardo Center is a 3,800 seat arena opened in 1989 that is used for several UCSB sports. Named for prominent UCSB Boosters Jimmie and Marjorie Icardo, the 44,000 square foot arena is best known for its unique blue floor. The new court went in with much fanfare during a major renovation in the fall of 2011. If nothing else, the blue court at the Icardo Center is what makes a Roadrunners game worth seeing. Food & Beverage 1 Basically, be sure you eat before you arrive. The concessions window is on your left when you enter the arena, and consists of only snack items. Candy bars, popcorn and soft drinks at vending machine prices make up your concession options inside the Icardo Center. On the occasion of my visit, there was barbeque being cooked outside the front doors for purchase, but by the second half they had packed up shop and left. So if you’re counting on catching dinner and a game, you’ll be disappointed. Atmosphere 2 The Icardo Center is in the heart of campus, so there is a turnout that’s not awful like some small D1 venues. You’ll have the option to choose from General Admission which consists of bleacher seats on either side of the court or Premium Seating which is assigned seat back seating at midcourt on the east side. There are Icardo Center employees monitoring very closely to ensure you don’t take a Premium Seat that’s not yours, so this is not a venue that you can buy General Admission and expect to get the “wanderer’s upgrade” to midcourt seats. As you enter, there are two doors that will take you into the court. Immediately on your left will be the student section that consists of a small but relatively mighty group of students including a small pep band. A decent number of supporters fill up the first ten to twenty rows of the arena, but the highlight for any traveler is the blue court. The floor is a very royal blue with a giant Roadrunner logo in the center, giving a very nice and new (if not slippery) view of the game. Scoreboards are on either end, but don’t expect to find a video board for those all important instant replays. Neighborhood 2 There’s not a lot to speak of in terms of the area. The Icardo Center is in the heart of a pretty average-in-every-way campus. You won’t find tree lined streets and old style architecture at CSUB, instead it’s a wide open campus of buildings that resemble an office park. It’s wholly distinguishable as a college campus only by the green areas and athletic fields in the surrounding area. CSUB is located about 20 minutes from downtown Bakersfield across Rte. 99, so it’s in strip mall suburbia. Chain restaurants like Tahoe Joe’s and the Elephant Bar are popular eateries in the immediate vicinity. Downtown Bakersfield is a bit of a drive, but offers some more options. The Padre Hotel is particularly popular as an upscale restaurant and bar scene. The Wool Growers Restaurant is another unique option in the area with some interesting cuisine. Overall, Bakersfield is a fairly large city (although it doesn’t really seem it), so there are plenty of options around town. Fans 2 There’s not a whole lot to talk about here. The presence of an organized student section with the pep band instantly makes this slightly better than a lot of small conference venues around the country. They even sport the Roadrunner logo (who wouldn’t?) pretty regularly. But if there was any organization or traditions from the Division II championship days they’ve long since gone. They’ll cheer for their team at the right times, but anything more than that is non-existent. Access 4 Bakersfield is off the beaten path in California just a bit, but Rte. 99 cuts right through the area. Campus is about a 10 minute drive along the Kern River away from 99. Be prepared in advance, because GPS does not seem to know where the Icardo Center is in campus and will just take you to the heart of CSUB. You’ll want to enter campus from the south on Roadrunner Drive, as all roads from the north won’t cut through. There is a large covered lot just south of the Icardo Center that is free for parking on game day, so it’s easy from there on out. Once you enter, the court is dead ahead through two doors. Restrooms are on your right and, while small, offer more than enough room for the small number of fans. Traffic is essentially non-existent, so there is no need to worry about getting in and out. Return on Investment 2 General Admission tickets for a Roadrunners game start at $12, which struck me as a bit pricey for such a not-in-demand sports experience. Reserved seats start at $16 with floor seats going for $50 (really? $50?). The good news is all kids get tickets for $5. Parking is free, but that’s to be expected at this level. And food, well, there isn’t really any food unless you call a Snickers bar dinner. Overall, other than paying to see a blue basketball court, prices aren’t in alignment with the product you’re getting. Extras 2 Some credit can be awarded here strictly for the blue court. It’s really the only thing that distinguishes CSUB basketball from hundreds of programs across the country. While the Roadrunner is cool, I couldn’t even get a T-shirt because there is no onsite store or item sales. Overall, it feels sort of like the Roadrunners expect people to come and pay ticket prices, but aren’t offering a whole lot of amenities back to the visiting fan.

Photo Courtesy of New Mexico State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Pan American Center S Triviz Dr & Payne St Las Cruces, NM 88003 New Mexico State Aggies website Pan American Center website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 8,994 Henson Court Hoops Built in 1968, the Pan American Center was part of a $22 million campus-wide construction project at New Mexico State. The Las Cruces arena itself cost $3.5 million, and was designed by W.C. Kruger and Associates. On February 9th, 2002, NMSU honored legendary coach Lou Henson by naming the court after him. Henson once attended New Mexico State before taking over as head basketball coach, and ended up winning a total of 779 games in college basketball as a head coach. The floor design that currently graces Pan Am Center was unveiled in the 2011-12 season. The capacity of 8,994 makes Pan American Center one of the largest college basketball arenas in the Rocky Mountain area. Even with that current capacity, the arena has hosted over 13,000 fans 24 times in its history. Food & Beverage 3 Pan American Center offers all of the food you would expect to find at a college basketball venue. Hot dogs, nachos and popcorn all cost $4.25, with Coca-Cola drinks being slightly more expensive than that. You can also get Pete’s Combo (hot dog, chips and drink) for $8, and a Kid’s Combo (hot dog, popcorn, small drink) for $6. Candy and peanuts cost $3.50. Other concession stands around the concourse offer a little more variety, including bratwurst, chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and corn dogs. These range in price from $3-$5. Alcohol is also available in Pan Am Center: 24 oz. cans of beer cost $8.50, and single-serving mimosas cost $7.50. Atmosphere 3 Fans can enter the Pan American Center through doors on any side of the building. The logos on the court face the west side (sections 6-12). Both teams enter the court through a tunnel in the southwest corner. The Aggies bench is located in the northeast corner, with the visitors in the southeast corner. The visiting fans section is located behind their bench in sections 21 and 121. ‘ Before the game, NMSU’s mascot Pistol Pete brings out a piñata of the opposing team and does terrible things to it at center court before having it tied to a rope and raised to the rafters. Pistol Pete is a very popular figure during the game as well, as he goes around the seating area taking pictures with fans and encouraging chants throughout. During pregame intros, a giant crazy arm wind thing is brought out, which is super-cheesy and extremely weird. And it also blocks a few sections’ view of the NMSU players when they are announced. Fans can literally sit at the courtside table, which is entertainment in itself when the ball goes to the west sidelines. Popcorn and beer everywhere! The school also encourages fans to move down when it is not very crowded, which seems unique, and makes the atmosphere a little bit more intimidating even when not a lot of people are in attendance. There are giveaways and various other things throughout the game. The big one is after every three-pointer made by NMSU, the cheerleaders throw out shirts to the fans. After wins, everyone in attendance gets a coupon for a free appetizer at St. Clair Winery and Bistro. There’s a main scoreboard that hangs above center court with four small video boards. Those video boards show live game action and instant replays of big plays throughout the game. On the scoreboard itself are individual stats of players on the court, as well as the other typical things you would expect to find. What makes NMSU sort of unique is what looks like an old football scoreboard that is found above the north end seating. Neighborhood 3 Some restaurants are nearby if you’re looking for somewhere to hang out before tip. Lorenzo’s Italian Restaurant is right across the street, and seems to be a popular place among the Aggie faithful. The Game Sports Bar and Grill looks like the best option for a more traditional sports bar feel. These are both located on University Ave., not too far from the stadium. University Ave. has several other options for fans as well. There are a few hotels located at the University exit on I-25. Hilton Garden Inn, Comfort Suites, and Sleep Inn are all right next to each other, and are walking distance from arena. If you’re flying to Las Cruces, your best bet is to fly into El Paso and drive from there. Also in the immediate area of Pan American Center are the other NMSU athletic facilities including Aggie Memorial Stadium, Presley Askew Field, and the school’s softball stadium. So you could try and pull a double header at certain points of the year depending on the schedules. And you wouldn’t have to drive anywhere to do it. Fans 3 Students sit on both the north and south ends of the building. The pep band, known as The Roadrunner Review, sits in the southeast corner next to the visiting bench. The NMSU cheerleaders stand at the front of the students in the south end. “The Panamaniacs” as they’re called, are definitely more rowdy in the south end. All of the fans are very polite at Pan American Center. During opposing team intros, they clap. When opposing players get hurt and get up, they clap. It’s a very courteous fan base. If you sit down next to the court, you can pick out individual people quietly giving refs and opposing players the business. There’s always something about quiet, very personal trash talk that feels more authentic than people screaming it from very far away. Access 3 The arena is located just off of I-25 at the University Ave. exit. It’s also only about a mile from I-10. The arena has plenty of parking lots on all sides of it. The parking lots that are located farthest east are all free, and there’s plenty of space even when the games are more crowded. Once inside, getting around the concourse is pretty easy unless it’s halftime. The concession stand lines definitely block the walkway, and the lines don’t move very fast, so it’s a problem through the first couple minutes of the second half as well. But there are plenty of bathrooms located throughout. The entrances to the concourse are high up in the seating area, so getting up and down the aisles is not exactly the best. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets range from $5-$30. You can see where those prices get you with NM State’s pricing map. That seems to be on the expensive side among schools of the same level of basketball as New Mexico State. But parking is free to make up for it. Unfortunately, the concession prices make a night at Pan American Center a little on the expensive side for the quality of basketball environment that you get. Extras 2 The best part about the Pan American Center to me is the university’s history honored at both ends. In both the north and south concourse, the NM State Athletics Hall of Fame has pictures of all the various people that are honored. Along the east concourse, there are smaller displays where you can find a little more info about some of the people. In the south end, former basketball coach Lou Henson’s 700th win is recognized. His 779 total wins are also recognized along with the retired jerseys in the northeast rafters. NMSU has not retired a jersey for a player in its men’s basketball program since John Williamson, who played in Las Cruces from 1971-73. Final Thoughts The New Mexico State basketball experience is a very basic one, but one that you should check out if you are in the area. However, it pales in comparison to other relatively nearby college basketball arenas like UTEP’s Don Haskins Center, New Mexico’s Pit, and Arizona’s McKale Center. But there are certainly some unique things that hardcore basketball fans will enjoy by spending an evening at Pan American Center.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Rice-Eccles Stadium 451 South 1400 East Salt Lake City, UT 84112 Utah Utes website Rice-Eccles Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 45,807 The Fuss About the MUSS Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah is one that Goldilocks might call “just right.” It is in that sweet spot between not too big and not too small – big enough that it doesn’t feel like a high school game, but small enough that getting in and out isn’t a chore, like at Michigan or Nebraska. More importantly, it is in a Power 5 conference. There are lots of mid-size stadiums around the country, but most are in the MAC, Sun Belt, or the like – not so with Utah. So when you visit RES, you can be assured of a high-power matchup with quality teams such as Pac-12 powers like Oregon or USC. Food & Beverage 3 At RES, you will find all of the standard fare at pretty reasonable prices; most items range from $4 to $7, including chicken tenders, burgers, Philly and BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, and fries. For those with a sweet tooth, RES offers ice cream and churros. A full menu of stadium fare can be found in the online fan guide, which has a listing of which selections are available at which concession stands, so bring your smartphone with you and you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for. Beverages at RES include Coke products and water – no alcohol is permitted in the stadium, legally anyway, probably because the stadium is on campus. One nice thing about RES though is that they let you bring bottled water from home, limited to one factory-sealed container of one liter or less per person. This is actually becoming more common in stadiums across the country, especially in the south, due to health concerns related to overheating and dehydration. Atmosphere 4 Simply put, RES is a great place to watch a football game, and there is plenty of excitement both inside and outside the stadium, including the Ute Walk and Olympic Cauldron Park. Fans who arrive at least 2 ½ hours early can watch the marching band lead the team down 500 South to the stadium, accompanied by the Spirit Team, a group of cheerleaders who hand out t-shirts and other souvenirs to their adoring fans during the walk. Olympic Cauldron Park is located directly south of the stadium, and houses the 2002 Olympic museum, in addition to the cauldron used in those games. There is concern about the future of the park, however, given the school’s plans to expand the stadium at some point. Nevertheless, RES provides a fun atmosphere in a beautiful setting, and Utah is a program that has been on the rise even before the school joined the Pac-12, thanks in part to former coach Urban Meyer. Kyle Whittingham has done a phenomenal job since taking the reins, and has managed to keep Utah competitive in a much tougher league. Neighborhood 4 The scenery around RES is stunning, especially in the daytime, when the mountains are at their most majestic (and most visible). The stadium is also located on campus, so there are a number of fraternity and sorority houses near the stadium, which is a fabulous plus on game days and adds to the atmosphere. As you walk to the stadium, you can’t help but soak up the excitement from these students as they gear up for the contest. In addition, there are plenty of great restaurants and bars near the stadium. Big Ed’s is probably the most popular – about four or five blocks from the stadium; it is the classic college dive bar with fabulous, cheap food, including breakfast items. The Gawd Awful should be at the top of your list. This delectable dish is a mess of hash browns loaded with chili, cheese, and onions, all topped with a fried egg. Fans 4 Knowledgeable and enthusiastic, the fans are a big factor in making this a great college football venue, especially the student section. Monikered the MUSS (Mighty Utah Student Section), they are loud, proud, and geared up with bright red shirts and banners a-flying. Founded in 2002, the MUSS is the university’s student fan club for football and other sports, and you actually have to register to join. In 2004, the MUSS was named one of the top five student sections in the country by ESPN, and the current group is not far from capturing that honor again. Outside the student section, the fans are not quite so riled up, but equally knowledgeable, and are not at all shy about screaming wildly (or booing mournfully) as the occasion requires. This is precisely why Utah broke five football attendance records during the 2014 season alone. Access 3 Since it is on campus, RES is difficult to get to, as many of the nearby roads are closed off, or dead-end at other campus buildings, and many of the parking lots are restricted to students and faculty. Traffic after the game is also pretty intense, and it could take you a while to get away. You may be better off parking further away and walking in so you can avoid some of it. Pedestrian traffic inside the stadium is much easier to manage; the concourse is wider than most and there are plenty of entrances. Given the relatively smaller crowd compared to some venues, bathrooms are easy to get to, and lines inside the stadium are not overly long, since there are multiple refreshment carts and concession stands scattered around inside. Return on Investment 4 If you buy directly from the school, tickets will run upwards of $50 or more, depending on the game. Third party vendors are not much better, since many of the games are marquee match-ups. However, parking is only $10, and food is not overly expensive, so that makes up for the ticket price. All in all, visiting RES is definitely a worthwhile experience for the money given the great atmosphere and all of the extras. Extras 5 The first extra point goes for Rice-Eccles Stadium being nestled in the Rockies; not many stadiums can make this claim and provide such a glorious backdrop. Another point for hosting the Olympics, and having the park to prove it – this will give your trip a nice bit of historical significance. A third point for the giant U on the mountain, which is certainly worth capturing on film. As an added bonus, when Utah wins the U is lit up in red, so even if you don’t love the Utes you just might want to root for them anyway, because it is an awesome sight to behold. Finally, the absolute, completely best thing about seeing a game at RES is that they let you go on the field after the game! How cool is that? It is a totally awesome experience, and definitely makes the trip worthwhile, so it gets two points. And I don’t mean only when they beat BYU or a top 10 team – you can do that after every game. It is an absolute blast, and a definite must; take a selfie on the logo or throw a ball around with your kids or your buddy on a real field. Going out onto the field is certainly a rarity in the world of college football today, and should be on any fan’s bucket list. Final Thoughts Visiting RES is well worth the trip, given the historic significance, the wonderful fan base, the vibrant atmosphere, the mountain scenery, and the opportunity to experience things like going on the field at the end of the game. This stadium will NOT disappoint.

Photos by Scott Bultman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Rose Bowl 1001 Rose Bowl Dr Pasadena, CA 91103 Rose Bowl game website Rose Bowl stadium website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 92,542 Rose Bowl The Rose Bowl is called "The Granddaddy of Them All" for its pomp and circumstance each year. From the parade each morning that is nationally televised to a big game in the afternoon, this is a must see for sports travelers and fans. Fans in and around the Rose Bowl last year were in for a treat as this would be the first ever playoff semifinal game under the newly formed college football playoff system. This game featured the #2 high flying Oregon Ducks vs the #3 unbeaten Florida State Seminoles. As if this game needed anything else special, it would showcase the previous two years' Heisman trophy winners taking each other on. This sidebar matchup between Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota would be only the third game in college football history featuring two Heisman trophy winners facing each other in a game. The site is a National Historic Landmark as even the United States has recognized it as an important part of this country's history. The stadium now has a capacity of over 92,000, and year after year those seats get filled (and then some) because the Rose Bowl Game is an experience like none other. Below is commentary on the 101st edition of the game in a Stadium Journey language. Food & Beverage 4 While the food and beverage vendors are not in typical form (all are on a single concourse with no sightlines of the action), there is plenty of room for temporary food vendors, similar to what you will find at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Many of these stands had televisions behind the counter, allowing fans to continue to watch the game while standing in line. The variety of food stands at the stadium was vast and anyone with a specific appetite could walk away happy. One stand offered Fan vs Food Italian Beef & Sausage Sandwich ($30 for a whole sandwich, $15 for a half, and $10 for a third), and beef or pork ultimate nachos ($10). Some of your more typical food items found at most permanent stands included hot dog ($5), french fries ($5, get them "Texas Pete" style for the same price) bratwurst ($8), cheese or pepperoni pizza ($5 slice), popcorn ($5), Red Vines licorice ($5), M&M's ($5), or peanuts ($5). Some of the more exciting food options included beer brats, tri-tip sandwich, garlic fries, sweet kettle popcorn, bacon cheeseburger, bacon & cheese dog, nachos, teriyaki chicken and rice, quesadillas, burrito, tacos, or the famous El Cholo bowl (chicken or beef, with mixed with rice, beans, onions, cilantro, and salsa). The normal fare that you will find at most stadiums was prevalent as well. I had a foot long hot dog and a pretzel for eleven dollars and it hit the spot. For dessert, you may want to try the frozen lemonade ($5) or Lindes glazed almonds (sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon). The almonds are delicious, but do come at a premium. Small packs started at $8. The beverage options included Coke products in a souvenir cup for $10 (or bottled option for $5), bottled water ($4 & $5 sizes for Sparkletts and $5 & $6 sizes for Fiji), coffee ($3), Rock Star energy drink ($4), and regular, strawberry, or cherry lemonade ($5). I am a collector of souvenir cups but was not willing to shell out ten dollars for one. Especially since I got some free cups outside the stadium from a sponsor. In a contrast from when the UCLA Bruins play their home games here, the Rose Bowl did serve alcohol, which consisted mostly of Budweiser products. Draft beers ran for the hefty price of $10 for a 16 oz. cup. Bottled beer was also available for $9, Wine (chardonnay, white zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon) was available for $10 and margaritas for $10. Atmosphere 5 Without even setting foot into the state of California, most college football fans understand how meaningful the Rose Bowl game is. Simply driving into the parking lot or walking around the stadium area is sure to give all of the fans the cliché excitement term: "goosebumps." Never have I seen so many people taking pictures of the stadium as was witnessed before and after the game. Seeing a sun kissed stadium on TV turn into a beautiful sunset over the San Gabriel Mountains has to be seen in person at least once. On this particular day, close to record cold temperatures did not put a damper on the festivities. Rarely will you see a more passionate outpouring of school support than at the Rose Bowl game as it seems almost every fan was wearing yellow, green, or maroon on this particular day. When the team buses arrive to the stadium, one would think that riots are beginning to occur as all fans rush to the barriers to scream their support and get photos of their favorite players entering the stadium. I was fortunate to catch the Oregon Ducks escort and what a sight it was to see the designs on the buses and fanfare rolling through. You'll want to pay close attention to the national anthem as shortly after completion, fireworks are set off from mid-field and a flyover occurs, this year being a stealth bomber. Neighborhood 4 As the Rose Bowl is often part of a larger trip, many fans stay in Los Angeles for the week leading up to or following the New Year's holiday. Fans can also knock off many other venues on their list as the Los Angeles Kings, Lakers, Clippers, and Anaheim Ducks are all likely to host a home game during the week. Before or after the game, you can visit the Hollywood Boulevard, any one of the studio tours, Griffith Park, the Getty Museum, Venice Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, the Orange County beaches, or any one of the other sites in Los Angeles. On most reviews, the neighborhood is characterized mostly by the local bars and restaurants, however for this venue; you must first consider the surrounding scenery. Just outside the stadium, you'll find two 18-hole golf courses nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. You'll find the typical Southern California palm trees as well as over 30 species of other trees surrounding the stadium. Once you arrive at the stadium, take a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and many of the beautiful homes constructed upon them. While in Pasadena, be sure to check out the magnificent structure that is City Hall, the neighborhood known as Bungalow Heaven with its small craftsman homes, or the Norton Simon Museum, complete with sculpture garden. If you are looking for some stops before or after the game, be sure to head down to Old Pasadena, or "Old Town." This revitalized area spans 21 blocks and has a variety of shopping, dining, and beverage options. If you are more concerned with just drinks and fun, perhaps you should check out the Old Towne Pub. You can expect to find live music here most nights of the week, so don't show up expecting to engage in conversation. Who could forget some of the classic beverage options such as "PBR" and their specialty shot, "the Loch Ness," for a rather inexpensive price. Lastly to be mentioned here is The 35er. This spot is located on the historic Route 66 and has a variety of fun beyond the beverage menu. Here, you'll find pool tables, a jukebox, and foosball in addition to approximately 20 beers on tap. This place is known to have some of the best specials in Pasadena and all-you-can-eat free popcorn. Weekends provide some extra fun as they have a DJ and dancing on the lower level. Fans 5 Both fan bases gave each other some good-natured ribbing but nothing seemed excessive or over the top. There seemed to be a 60-40 split in favor of Oregon supporters vs Seminoles faithful. Most of the chants and ribbing were directed at either Jameis Winston or the lack of national titles won by Oregon. Oregon fans populated the western and northern parts of the stadium while Florida State fans were in the eastern and southern portions of the stadium. My tickets were in the Florida State cheering section despite being a neutral fan. The marching bands for both schools were lively and kept the crowd enthused during the game. Due to the one sided game in the second half, many Florida State fans left at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Though they were disappointed on this day, they could take solace in the fact that they had won a national title the year before. Access 3 I was impressed with the transit options to and from the Rose Bowl. I took the metro gold line to Pasadena and took a free shuttle to the game. The wait times looked scary leaving the train station as everyone was going to the same place. However, the shuttle area was well marked and I was on a bus in under 15 minutes. Leaving the stadium and taking the shuttle is something I wouldn't recommend. The wait times were anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour. Take the mile and a half walk to the gold line station instead and skip the line. The area is well lit and there were police along the way to help with questions. I was able to get right onto a gold line train without waiting. Police and security at the train station help keep the lines and crowd flowing well both to and from Pasadena. My only quibble was the lack of signage on my walk to the station. Luckily, I followed the crowd and asked a friendly officer along the way. Getting there by car is not so easy. Located in Pasadena (found a little more than 15 minutes (13 miles) northeast of downtown Los Angeles), the city is easily accessible from the 110 or the 210 freeways. Unfortunately for the traffic flow, or fortunately for the scenery, the stadium is located in a mostly residential area with many small roads. There are limited entrances in and out of the Rose Bowl, so do provide yourself with at least an extra hour in advance of the desired arrival time. Rarely do you see traffic congestion as significant as you will see here. With well over 1 million individuals attending the Rose Parade, traffic from the parade route can cause a five minute trip to take well over an hour. As you approach the lots closest to the stadium, you can expect standstills of 10 minutes or more trying to get to your parking spot. Parking is a bit of a wildcard with spots going as low as $15 and as high as $80, with most spots somewhere in the middle. Many fans will park on residential lawns and walk down to the stadium to avoid the congestion getting out. While many of these spots are cheaper and offer easier exits, they are not sponsored by the Rose Bowl and there is no security in these lots. Some of the parking is immediately surrounding the stadium and other parking options are actually on a fairway of an 18-hole golf course. With so many vehicles on the property, there is staff on hand to help you locate your vehicle. If any given fan can still not locate their vehicle after the game, there are individuals nearby to help them locate it. There seems to be plenty of room at all spots for tailgating fun and there does not seem to be all of the severe restrictions that so many LA-based sporting events enforce. My most important piece of advice to anyone going into the game would be to begin making your trek to the stadium early and make sure you are headed to the appropriate gate number. As most fans begin to head to the gates 30 minutes before kickoff, it creates backlogs like many have never witnessed before. Depending on the integrity of the security guard checking bags, it can take 20 minutes or more from the time you get in line to the moment you step through those gates. Once inside the stadium, the single concourse seems to be fairly sizable and fans can get around rather quickly. Unfortunately, the small tunnels leading to the seating area often get very congested when trying to get to or leave your seats. Again, significant congestion will occur, preventing fans from quickly getting to seats. Speaking of seats, there are often 20 or more in a row, so those in the middle can expect a difficult journey to land in their bench seats. The aisles are pretty tight and not conducive to quick entry or exit. Most seats do not have cup holders and there is extremely limited space under your seats to place any belongings, so pack light. On many occasions, the beverage under my seat has spilled due to the limited space and curved concrete. There are three scoreboards in the stadium, but I found that all three left something to be desired in terms of the stats they provided. I did, however like the Rose Bowl highlight clips from games past during television timeouts. The restrooms are small, but there is a reasonable quantity and the lines do seem to move particularly fast. Due to the congestion of the seating aisles/tunnels, I would recommend heading for the restrooms at first thought as it could be a long journey. Return on Investment 5 During years where the new college football playoff games are at the Rose Bowl, $150 and up for a game ticket seems like a bargain compared to getting them online. In years where it will be host to a regular but major bowl game, the price may be a bit excessive. However, they have sold out every game since 1957. The atmosphere, a classic stadium, and a great warm weather setting make this a must see game at least once in your lifetime. For a major event, I thought tickets, food, and souvenirs were priced fairly. Some of the shirts were overpriced a bit but this writer needed one to proudly wear. As with any game, you can choose to indulge or be frugal so return on investment for a big event like this is what you make of it. If you factor in the price for a flight and hotel for out of town fans, the expenses add up quickly. Not driving and taking transit can save a lot of money. Indulging in free samples during the pregame tailgate can save you some on food costs inside the stadium. Most seats in the stadium are close to the action. Fans can live like kings in the new box seats which give you more leg room and an actual seatback. Or you can spend ten dollars for a nice souvenir seat cushion and sit in a regular seat. Extras 5 The Rose Bowl itself warrants some extra points. It is known affectionately as "The Granddaddy of Them All." With a nickname like that, you can't go wrong. It was the home of the first ever bowl game, played back in 1902. The Rose Bowl holds many prestigious records. The stadium set a record for attendance at a bowl game in 1973, when 106,869 saw USC and Ohio State play. Not bound to college, it holds the record for an NFL Superbowl at 103,985. This game was played in 1980 and featured the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Los Angeles Rams (Superbowl XIV). Since its inception, this venue has hosted 5 NFL Super Bowl games. It is now part of the college football playoff rotation. The parade prior to the game, beginning at 8 AM Pacific time, is seen by approximately 40 million individuals every year. Witnessing the parade and its floats made from flowers is just as much a part of the experience as the game itself. Be sure to make the parade part of your experience, but plan ahead as parking and a spot on the route is challenging to come by. Since its beginning, the Rose Bowl has hosted 19 Heisman Trophy winners (Reggie Bush also played here), 29 National Championship teams, and featured countless consensus All-Americans. The contest typically features the winners of the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) and Big 10 (with 12 teams) conferences. This agreement to feature these conferences began in 1947 and is currently the oldest intercollegiate postseason bowl agreement between two major conferences. During your visit, take a few moments to take in the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. Leading the way is a statue of an "anonymous" football player. The anonymity is an interesting touch, as there isn't one player who defines the venue and fans can wonder who is next to make their mark on the Rose Bowl. Behind the statue is a large wall that plays home to the Chrysler Corporation Court of Champions. Plaques from each year show the final score, the names of the head coaches, and the outstanding offensive/defensive players. Almost hidden in the bottom left corner of the wall is the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, where it lists the name and school from where the individual hails. Unfortunately all these Hall of Famers receive are small plaques with no real explanation of why these individuals are in the Hall of Fame. I imagine that there is somewhere else where the contributions of these individuals are a little more extravagantly noted? Final Thoughts Going to a Rose Bowl is big enough but the added bonus of the college football playoff semifinal made it a must see game. While it isn't in the rotation each year, the regular bowl game will always feature a great game involving two high ranking teams. The renovations to the stadium did not compromise the classic look or feel to the stadium. The experience, the parade, and the pomp and circumstance make it a must see for any sports fan.

Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Fortera Stadium 601 College St Clarksville, TN 37040 Austin Peay Governors website Fortera Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 10,000 Let’s Go Peay! Fortera Stadium, a multi-purpose facility — with football and track & field being the main tenants — resides smack dab in the heart of campus. The stadium is warm and welcoming, as it sits just above the banks of the picturesque Cumberland River and shaded by the charm and beauty of the nearby historic district. The increasing charm of campus architecture and landscape spread to Fortera Stadium in 2014, when a massive renovation replaced the west side grandstands with a new structure that includes a state-of-the-art locker room and lounge area for student-athletes and coaches. The fans now have access to skyboxes, club seating and box seats (seats with a back, as opposed to unforgiving metal bleachers). Each skybox has a sports bar feel to it, with stadium seating that will accommodate 22 per room. For those who like the amenities, but want to smell the football, there are sliding glass windows that will allow an open-air experience, as well as a button to allow the public address sound to be piped into the box. Want to keep up with the day’s big games? No need to worry, as you can keep one eye on the field and another on the two high-definition televisions hanging on the wall. Sports murals honoring former Austin Peay players and teams decorate the main concourses, and enhanced concessions provide a nice selection of food for the fans to sample. The field is comprised of FieldTurf XT, which is a brand under the umbrella of products manufactured by FieldTurf. The track around the outside of the field was installed by Sessions Paving in Nashville using a state-of-the-art composition of materials, and is host to the 2015 Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Sinkholes are as natural to the Clarksville, Tennessee area as a small tremor or earthquake is to Los Angeles residents. It’s a good thing Clarksville is familiar with handling such natural phenomena. A rather large portion of the renovation project was sucked into the ground of a sinkhole just feet from where the band and students sit in May of 2014, but the September kickoff and unveiling were not delayed one minute, as engineers (and other important folks way above my expertise required to correct and repair such an issue) made the necessary and timely adjustments. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions have improved from years past with the 2014 renovations, but the selection is relatively standard. Nothing negative to keep you from ordering something from the menu, but you will not find anything overly amusing or spectacular, either. Atmosphere 3 Fortera Stadium is an absolute beautiful place to watch FCS football. The renovated west side stands are beautiful. APSU did not do what some schools do and build bigger than they can afford. The sidelines have about three yards of turf before you are eating the track that runs around the field, if you are tackled running full-speed out of bounds. Neighborhood 3 Black Horse is a great restaurant option if you are in the area for a visit. Located in the historic downtown area, it’s a fine place to sit down and enjoy a pretty good pizza. The neighborhood surrounding the campus is not brilliant, but downtown and the Cumberland River Walk are within a stone’s throw. Fans 3 The upgraded facilities have enhanced the attendance for Governors football. With the improved facilities comes improved game experience. As are many fans in this region of the country, APSU fans are knowledgeable and passionate. You also are likely to sit beside someone who knows, is related to or has followed since high school one of the players on the field. APSU supporters are not there to see and be seen. They are football fans that want to see college football on a Saturday afternoon or night. You are never alone when you sit next to a football fan at a football game. Access 3 Parking is surprisingly easy. This is not always the case with on-campus facilities, but OVC schools with stadiums of this size — APSU holds 7,000 — seem to fit the campus very well. In other words, the crowd will never be too much too handle, because APSU officials built the stadium to blend in and compliment the campus, not become the primary eye-catching landmark of the university. Those of you that have visited SEC college towns the size of Clarksville understand that the crowd and traffic control struggle is real. Watching an SEC game from a city like Tuscaloosa on television is great. All the fans are loud and fantastic, but what the television doesn’t show is the ugly underbelly of getting to the game and leaving the game. The funny thing is that Tuscaloosa proper has about 40,000 fewer people than Clarksville, but there has been little — if any — change in city infrastructure to handle the increase in fans. With Austin Peay, you will not get an SEC game televised on CBS with Gary Danielson and Verne Lundquist or ESPN with Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit, but there are no pretenses from this campus to be anything but a great venue to watch football without destroying the integrity of the college campus. Return on Investment 4 For the price of one ticket to an SEC game versus a cupcake, you can own season tickets for Austin Peay football ($50 for adults, $30 for youths and seniors). Single-game tickets are just a few more dollars than a high school game ($15 for adults, $10 for youths and seniors), and concessions are not out of hand. If football is what you are looking to see with a small amount of money to spend, it doesn’t get much better than a home game at APSU. Extras 2 Austin Peay, like many smaller schools, will surprise you when you walk through the concourse and see familiar players and coaches that are part of Governors history. The new concourse on the inside of the stadium as well as the outside perimeter of the stadium allows you to see players and coaches that have contributed to Austin Peay’s football narrative and tradition. The souvenir shop is a nice touch that gives the stadium a finished look that resembles an NFL stadium. Final Thoughts Fortera Stadium is newly renovated as of 2014, but the entire campus has undergone a renovation that removes APSU from just another state school in the northern border of the state of Tennessee. From the moment you enter campus until you place your backside in your Fortera Stadium seat with as good a vantage point of campus as the view of the field, you’ll be surrounded by college life and surroundings. College football is as much a part of the southern college experience, and college football lives on proudly in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 St James’ Park Strawberry Pl Newcastle upon Tyne, England NE1 4ST United Kingdom Newcastle United FC website St James’ Park website Year Opened: 1880 Capacity: 52,387 A Day in the Park Newcastle United fans have long been starved for success, punished by eccentric owners, baffling decisions and under-achievement. However, they have never wanted for excellent shelter. St James’ Park first became home to Newcastle United in 1892 after two local clubs, Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End decided to merge, thus becoming “united.” St James’ Park has grown from a modest base to become a beacon of the North-East of England, dominating the skyline in a manner befitting of a town which is intoxicated by football. There were a series of renovations at St. James’ that increased capacity to 35,610 in 1995 and expansion took place on the Milburn and Leazes Stand at a cost of £42 million that increased capacity to 52,404. St James Park is comprised of four stands: The Leazes Stand (North), The East Stand, The Gallowgate Road End (South) and the Milburn Stand (West). Away supporters are housed in the Sir John Hall Stand where 3,000 tickets are allocated to the section that is somewhat far from the pitch in terms of proximity. Food & Beverage 3 This is a mark of standardised, pricey Premier League fare, with little space for originality. A pie and a drink will bring you little change from a £5 note. For something cheap but heart-warming you might want to indulge in a cup of Bovril – the quintessential half-time meal for the English football fan. Ingrained in the stadium complex, Shearer’s Bar (named after club legend and record goal scorer Alan Shearer) offers something a bit more up market. Pub grub, pool tables and various television screens are situated across a three-floor complex. Most main meals cost £5. A deal of two for £6.95 is also offered on select dishes. It’s perfectly situated for a pre-match refreshment. Luckily, as you will find out, many more exciting delights await outside the ground. Perhaps it is appropriate to enjoy a Newcastle Brown Ale, the club’s iconic sponsor. Atmosphere 5 Uniquely for such a prominent Premier League club, St James’ Park is the centrepiece of the city with everything else revolving around it. This makes for an excellent atmosphere as both the city and its one and only football team merge wonderfully. The club’s famous black and white stripes are ubiquitous. This is a city that seems to be either watching football or talking about it seven days a week. The sense of occasion is never dimmed. Once in the ground, the enormity of the place speaks for itself – few cheap thrills and gimmicks are required. By the time the teams emerge to Mark Knopfler’s “Local Hero,” the heart rate certainly rises by a few beats. Neighborhood 4 The stadium’s prominence in the city also means that you are only a short walk away from a smorgasbord of facilities. Adjacent to the ground is Stowell Street, better known as “China Town.” Here you will find a mind-blowing array of Chinese eateries. Otherwise, the city centre is five minutes away. Finding something not to your taste is nigh-on impossible. Newcastle really cannot be matched for its convenience. A few pubs to check out during matchday are A Head of Steam, O’Neill’s and The Lounge Fans 5 This is where Newcastle United Football Club is in its element. “Toon” fans have long been regarded as some of the most intransigent supporters in the country. In spite of a famine of success for decade after decade, support rarely shows any sign of declining. Away fans are placed in the Sir John Hall Stand. They have long spoken its unparalleled spaciousness which makes up for being seated in the Gods. Furthermore, Newcastle is one of the longest away trips generally, so you can often count on visiting support being at its most visceral, providing the edge that all great football matches need. Access 4 Few faults are to be found here. For long-distance fans, Newcastle airport is seven miles from the city centre. The train station is a ten minute walk from the ground. Perhaps your simplest bet for travelling around the city is the metro system. A “Daysaver” ticket can be purchased for £3.50 which gives you unlimited travel. Alight at Monument station when going to the ground. It is possible to park almost in the shadow of the stadium but you would be advised to find somewhere a little further out as the exiting masses will make driving near the stadium an unmitigated nightmare. You may want to consider the Park and Ride system – signposted as you enter Newcastle. This will allow you to deposit your car and take a metro service into the city centre, eliminating the pain. Newcastle University provides a consummate guide for travel of all dimensions. Once at the ground, do bear in mind that supporters in the top tiers will have to face football’s version of Everest with seemingly endless flights of stairs. It is balanced out however by the extraordinary sense of accomplishment once you have wheezed your way to the top. Return on Investment 4 Newcastle’s pricing is not out of touch with its contemporaries. A well-placed seat in the corner of the ground shouldn’t be more than £30. Bearing in mind the vibrancy and breadth of facilities to be found in the city, boredom should be the least thing on your mind. Newcastle should be high on your list when considering Premier League venues to visit. Extras 3 Programmes are available for £3, providing all the essential match-day information. Daily stadium tours are also offered at a price of £10 for adults and £7 for concessions. You will have to pay a little more if doing it on a matchday. Where things fall down is the lack of big screens in an otherwise modern football ground, save for a humble display of the allotted match time. Televisions are available on the concourses however, where you can watch the rest of the day’s results arrive.

Photos by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Save Mart Center 2650 East Shaw Ave Fresno, CA 93710 Fresno State Bulldogs website Save Mart Center website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 15,544 Bulldog Basketball The Fresno State Bulldogs basketball team is the biggest show in town in California’s Central Valley. In a state rich with college basketball teams, the Bulldogs are a pit stop halfway between the basketball rich markets of Southern California and the Bay Area. Members of the Mountain West since 2012, Fresno State were longtime members of the Western Athletic Conference prior to nationwide football related conference re-alignment. The program has a spotty history of success, with five NCAA Tournament appearances and one NIT title to its credit. Their last NCAA tournament appearance came in 2001 however, so this is a program mired in a long postseason success drought. The Save Mart Center opened in 2003 as the premier arena of any kind in the Central Valley. Capable of seating over 16,000 for some events, it’s the largest venue of its kind outside of the more populated hubs in California. The arena hosts all kinds of events, from basketball and hockey to concerts and rodeos and serves as a hotspot for Fresno culture. It is home to both men’s and women’s basketball for Fresno State. Food & Beverage 4 The Save Mart Center offers a surprisingly wide selection of concessions beyond your average arena food. Guadalajara Cantina is your destination for Mexican food that is so popular in the Fresno/Clovis area. Finnigan’s Grill is an Irish themed spot where you can get a ½ pound hot dog or spicy sausages. West coast pizza chain Me-N-Ed’s Pizza is also available in the concourse as well as the Bulldog Grill for your burger and chicken sandwich fix. Prices are just a tad on the high side for menu items around the arena, ranging from $5-$10. A unique feature of the Save Mart Center for college basketball games is the sale of alcohol. There is beer sold both at the standard concession stands as well as at alcohol specific vendors around the concourse. The latter offers some California craft beer, which is highly unexpected at a mid-major college basketball venue. There’s also a Fresno State Wines vendor where you can get local wine, something I really didn’t expect to find in a college basketball arena. If you care to enjoy these items, be prepared to spend upwards of $9 per drink. Atmosphere 3 The Save Mart Center is justifiably the best overall venue in the San Joaquin Valley for indoor sports. The large capacity arena is new looking and clean, boasting a very comfortable atmosphere. For college basketball, it’s not the most intimate setting as it has the feel of a larger multi-purpose venue. It’s prepared to be a great venue for 15,000 fans coming to cheer on their college basketball team, unfortunately Fresno State doesn’t draw anywhere near that well. For a middling program with a meager following at a football-first school, the cavernous arena tends to feel empty even with a reasonable amount of fans. The staff does a great job of running promotions and making the most of the fans they have to work with. On the occasion that I attended, they were running a toys-for-tots promotion that involved throwing stuffed animals onto the court. They also dropped snowflakes from the rafters with various prizes attached for the lucky recipients. This would have been easy to win with any effort, because unfortunately there weren’t that many fans in the stands. Here lies the problem with the venue. While it’s big and beautiful, the basketball program just isn’t good enough to fill it and it ends up just accentuating the lack of success of the program. Along with the ticket and parking prices, this gives me the feel that the program itself has an impression that it demands more attention than it actually does. Neighborhood 3 Just outside the Save Mart Center you’ll find Shaw Avenue, the main strip along Fresno State University. Unfortunately, there’s not quite the volume of options available at some other universities for those looking for a lively college atmosphere. You’ll find apartment complexes, strip malls and several restaurants that double as bars. The crown jewel of the area, the Dog House Grill, is right across the street. This is your destination for California tri-tip and sports on TV. Be warned, parking is limited and the lines are long. This is an indicator of the excellent food here, but it means some additional planning needs to be in place when attending. In the area you’ll also find BJ’s Brewhouse and BC’s Pizza and Wings, which are reasonable options for pregame. Relatively close to the arena is the Tower District, which is your hot spot for the more popular bars and restaurants. Hotels should be easy to find all up and down Shaw Avenue for whatever price range you’re looking for. I’d strongly recommend staying in the university area or Clovis and not in downtown Fresno. While a relatively large city, Fresno has fallen on economic hard times and is not the most visually appealing or safest of downtowns. Fans 2 Maybe it’s the recent lack of success of the team or maybe it’s the higher than expected ticket prices, but the fans just don’t really turn out for the games. There are definitely some die hard Bulldog fans that very obviously frequent the games, but the volume just isn’t there. To be fair, the stadium is larger than the majority of similar basketball programs which may make filling it a bit much to ask. In a smaller venue, the same crowd might have a considerably better impact on the game. There is student section entrance on the west side of the arena where students get in free with their IDs. The arena is right on the edge of campus, so perhaps the biggest disappointment here is the lack of student engagement. If the student section were louder, this would by default help the entire venue. They do what they can to get participation during the game, but the support isn’t large enough and the arena is too large to really maintain any consistent energy among the fans. Access 4 It really couldn’t be much easier to get to the arena from anywhere in the Central Valley. The Save Mart Center is literally just off the exit from 168 and not far up the road from 41. Both connect with 180 to the south which connects with 99, the major route through the Central Valley from either north or south. I would strongly recommend sticking to these four routes, because trying to take Shaw all the way to 99 can be an arduous journey fraught with stops at red lights. Parking is just as easy, with large lots surrounding the venue. Some fans choose to park for free across Shaw Avenue in the residential area, but be mindful that some of the restaurants have security to ensure that only patrons park there. Parking in the lots may be easier, but it comes at a $10 charge which is a bit surprising for a largely empty lot. If you didn’t buy a ticket in advance, you’ll want to proceed to the west side near the student entrance to purchase one. Ticket offices are not located at each entrance. Once inside the concourse it is easy to navigate and the lack of fans will make it easy to access seating anywhere in the arena. Return on Investment 3 Pricing seems to have risen drastically for the basketball games based on previous information at hand. Upper deck tickets (which aren’t always available) start at $10, which is about the price I would expect to pay in general for a program at the level of Fresno State. You can buy tickets behind either basket for $15, which is still within reason. But if you’re looking for tickets in reasonable viewing areas (particularly when the upper deck isn’t available) you’re going to end up paying $25 or more. The most shocking price to me is mid court tickets at $65! For a basketball program with minimal history and a dwindling fan base, charging premium ticket pricing seems like it could be contributing to the lack of support at the games. Understandably there are some ranked teams in the Mountain West, but $25 to watch a losing basketball team against a small conference foe seems out of whack with standard ticket pricing around the country. Parking is also steep for the level of basketball. It seems as though the $10 lot is the standard pricing for all events at the arena, so that’s more forgivable. But coupled with the ticket prices, it again seems like an expensive experience for a team with very little history of success. Overall, the arena itself makes it worth attending one time, but I’m not sure a return trip would be in the cards based on the price. Extras 2 While nice, the Save Mart Center doesn’t offer a lot of frills. It’s your typical high-end venue. The staff seems to do an excellent job with promotions at the game to get fan engagement based on what they have to work with. The potential is here for a spectacular college basketball experience, but with all the empty seats and lack of wins from the team it’s just not happening right now. Someday a winning team here may pack the large arena with ravenous fans, but right now it’s an expensive and relaxing night out.

Photos by Meg Minard Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Idaho Central Arena 233 South Capitol Blvd Boise, ID 83702 Idaho Steelheads website Idaho Central Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 5,002 Noisy in Boise The Idaho Steelheads play in the ECHL (formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League) at the CenturyLink Arena in beautiful downtown Boise, ID. The team name comes from the rainbow trout that provides fisher-people in Idaho ample angling activity late summer or fall in Idaho, if not most of the entire year. Note: The CenturyLink Arena was renamed Idaho Central Arena in Sept, 2020. The hockey Steelheads are an affiliate of the Dallas Stars NHL team. They began their history as part of the West Coast Hockey League in 1996 and transferred to the ECHL beginning the 2003-2004 season. They have been quite successful on the ice winning the Kelly Cup their first ECHL season and again in 2007 with additional division and conference championships in other years for both leagues. The CenturyLink Arena also hosts the Idaho Stampede (NBA Development League), as well as other entertainment events such as the Harlem Globetrotters, Front Street Fights, and concerts by Judas Priest, Godsmack, Luke Bryan, and more. It is part of a thriving downtown environment in Boise, ID and even the city itself is worth a visit if in or near the area. A hockey game just adds something extra. Food & Beverage 4 There’s a wide assortment of food and drink available at a Steelhead’s game. Papa Murphy’s pizza is open with slices going for $4.50 – $5 or you can get a two slice special for $8 or $9. Beer includes Bud Light and Coors Light $4 – $6 and wine is available $6.50 – $7.50 at the Papa Murphy’s stand. There’s a Double R Ranch concession stand open that provides burgers, fries, popcorn chicken with fries, chicken Caesar wraps, hot dogs, nachos (they call it chips and cheese), pretzels, and candy at prices from $3.50 – $8. There’s also a Mexican food stand that offers tacos, super nachos, burritos, fajita wrap, and churros ranging from $2 – $9. Another stand offers the basics: hot dogs – grilled ($4), nachos (chips and cheese) ($4.), pretzels ($3.), candy ($3.50), and popcorn ($2/$4). Beers on offer are Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, 90 Shilling, and an exceptional IPA called City of Trees IPA from local Boise brewery Woodland Empire. Beers price from $4 – $8 depending on size and offering. There’re also subs and salads available at another concession. CenturyLink Arena is a Pepsi venue and offers soda for around $3. For dessert, there’s a stand that has Dreyers ice cream selections with snacks, helmets, cones, and fizzes on offer from $4.50 – $6. Three cocktail stands are along the concourse serving beer, wine, and mixed drinks. My recommendation is to walk around the concourse first to see what’s available and then make your selection. Another recommendation – eat at any one of the fine pubs or restaurants within a couple blocks walk of CenturyLink Arena prior to attending a game. Atmosphere 3 There are two levels of seating at CenturyLink Arena with suites above the second level. There are no cup holders provided on the first level (those seats do not appear to be permanent as it is a multi-use arena). There is no concourse or restrooms on the second level, though cup holders are available in most of this area. There is low to average legroom in the seating areas. A new center hung video board was installed prior to the 2014-2015 season at CenturyLink Arena. It shows the play in action, replays, scoring. During breaks in action, tweets from fans are displayed. It is placed very high on the ceiling so it isn’t a distraction when watching the game. Those seated on the lower level may have to look up a bit to see what is being shown. The time, shots on goal and penalties are not displayed on the center hung board. Other scoring displays include a corner video board which is not very clear and two dot matrix boards on the upper level that show period, time, shots on goal, scoring, and penalty infractions (the # of the player and time left). One downside when the game is over, is they immediately shut down the scoreboards and matrix boards so you’re not able to get the final shots on goal and score, take a photo, etc. It’d be nice if they left those displayed for at least 5 – 10 minutes after the game. To sit center ice, above the glass, facing the players’ benches choose section 212 in the upper level. On the lower level shoot for section 113 for center ice and choose a higher row (above G or H) to be above the glass. On the concourse behind one of the goals near section 108 is a small souvenir area that offers jerseys, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and caps. No hat pins or pennants are for sale. There was a flurry of activity going on at the stand the game I attended. It did stifle some pedestrian traffic on the concourse. The souvenir area is gone at the end of the game so get your merchandise before or during the game. There is a wide array of banners for the Steelheads placed on one wall of the rink from both their days in the WCHL and now the ECHL. Two autographed retired numbers are displayed as well; # 22 Cal Ingraham (a leading scorer for the Steelheads and now the coach for the hockey club at Boise State) and # 4 Jeremy Mylymok (a three-time captain and defenseman of the Steelheads). The PA announcer’s voice is muffled and a fan who is not familiar with the players cannot understand who scored a goal or an assist. The music level is fine in this arena. They do turn the lights off pregame and between periods which is quite annoying, but not uncommon. The temperature in the venue is comfortably warm; not too cold. A heavy sweater, jersey, or sweatshirt should do the trick. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Boise is great! There are lots of restaurants, bars, coffee and tea shops, and the Capitol Building. There’s a Basque Museum, a couple breweries, a Trader Joe’s, and several hotels within walking distance. In the winter, it’s cold but if the sun is out, you’ll have a perfect afternoon to explore this delightful downtown. The sidewalks and roads can get icy so be careful where you step. The Grove Hotel (an upscale lodging) is attached to CenturyLink Arena. In fact, there’s an entranceway from the hotel into the arena. New glass doors were installed in 2014 so that one can see the hockey rink from the hotel lobby which is a nice treat. They do close those doors prior to the game. Two blocks from the arena is a Hampton Inn & Suites and four or so blocks away is a Safari Inn. Local breweries downtown Boise include: 10 Barrell Brewing (Good beer – try the Rye IPA – food is served at this location), Boise Brewing, and Woodland Empire Brewery (they specialize in IPA’s). A recommended place for a hearty breakfast is Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro (a few steps from the arena). For a pint and a bite before (or after) the game, check out Bittercreek Alehouse which offers local brews and delicious pub food, is just two blocks away, and service is excellent. The Piper Pub & Grill (a traditional pub atmosphere) may also suit your fancy and is .1 mile away from CenturyLink Arena. There are a wide variety of tea and coffee shops located in the downtown area. I tried the Dawson’s Downtown Coffee House and it offers a nice hot, bold cup of joe for a chilly morning stroll. For places to tour, there’s nothing better than visiting a state’s capitol building and Idaho’s is an impressive one. There are self guided tours as well as guided tours. Check out the Basque Museum located one block from the arena for some enriching history lessons of this culture. Around the winter solstice, the sun doesn’t begin rising in Boise until about 8am so if you’re an early bird, you’ll be taking your steps in the dark. Fans 4 The team has consistently averaged at least 4,000 fans per game and average 80% of capacity. All fans (except the lady in front of me at the game I attended) demonstrate hockey etiquette by remaining in their seats while the puck is in play. It’s mostly adults and couples; not a whole lot of kids, though the environment is quite family friendly. And, the fans stay till the end of the game. They are dedicated, vibrant, and very conversant with their players and the game of hockey. Access 4 Because the arena is located in the downtown area, there is plenty of parking available very close to the arena. Free parking, however, is pretty much non-existent. According to the City of Boise’s website, there are 3,500 parking spaces in the city-operated downtown parking garages. Visitors receive the first hour free in all garages except the Grove Street Garage, and each additional hour is $2.50. In addition, there are several privately owned surface parking lots available. Most of these lots charge a $5 flat fee for event parking. There is construction going on in front of the CenturyLink Arena and this will be a new public transportation/bus transit depot and is expected to be completed in 2016. Currently, there are a few bus stops close to CenturyLink Arena. Check the Valleyride site for current bus transportation information. The concourses can get a bit congested especially between periods. One point of note is the stadium doors only open 40 minutes prior to the first puck drop. Though it’s not a big arena, it doesn’t give stadium journeyers a whole lot of time to check out the arena and offerings. If flying in for a game, the closest airport is Boise Airport – BOI (it’s a nice airport) and is a 10 – 15 minute vehicle ride to the CenturyLink Arena. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $17 to $50 and they do tack on an additional convenience charge regardless of how/when they are purchased. The Steelheads do offer ticket promotions such as four tickets for $44 or a flex any day ticket plan. Concession prices are a bit less than other ECHL venues. They provide a roster sheet (though it’s really too small to read especially when the lights are turned off/down which is much of the time) and a ‘Hockey makes downtown come alive’ magazine both free of charge. For a day and evening of entertainment, a Steelhead game is worth the price especially being in downtown Boise. Extras 3 Having an arena right in a hotel is worth a visit. Having a winning team year in and year out makes being a Steelhead fan enjoyable and satisfying. I can’t say enough about downtown Boise and what a fantastic area it is to visit. Final Thoughts Do check out the delightful downtown Boise area for a fun filled day. The Steelheads put on a good show, provide valuable sports entertainment, and it’s a rewarding place to watch and enjoy an ice hockey game.

Photos Courtesy of Operation Sports Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Albertsons Stadium 1400 Bronco Lane Boise, ID 83725 Boise State Broncos website Albertsons Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 36,387 The Turf is Blue in Boise Albertsons Stadium (formerly known as Bronco Stadium), home of The Blue, is the third stadium in Boise State short history. The university has grown from a junior college with a thousand-seat field with wooden bleachers in the 1940’s, to the current incarnation, with a capacity of 36,387. The turf was upgraded in 2008 to the new FieldTurf surface. The Stueckle Sky Center was completed in 2012, with three levels of luxury boxes and a modern press box. A new football complex was completed with coach’s offices, state of the art weight room, locker room, and recruiting lounge in 2013. The stadium also houses the Allen Noble Hall of Fame, the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame and Larry and Marrianne Williams Plaza. Unique in all of football is The Blue, the world’s first blue AstroTurf field. First installed in 1986 basically as a way to make Boise State stand out during their days in Division 2, it has transformed into a rallying point for the Boise State team and fans. Between the talent on the field and Boise State loud and dedicated fans, the Broncos home field advantage is daunting, racking up a win percentage of 82.4% since the turf was installed. There are lots of myths about the turf itself–everything from birds dying in scores by diving headfirst onto the turf, to it being an unfair advantage for Boise State to play in their traditional all blue uniforms at home. The Blue is one of Boise’s most popular places to see. Not only does Boise State football play here, it is also home of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, a cold weather bowl played between the Mountain West Conference and the Mid-American Conference. Food & Beverage 4 Standard food and beverage options are available, soda, hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn, hotdogs. Also, stands for hand-dipped corn dogs, mini donuts, tacos, and warm candied almonds. Alcohol is prohibited inside Albertson’s Stadium, but is allowed in the parking lots and Stueckle Sky Center. Prices are reasonable for the high quality of options provided. The mini-donuts with caramel dipping sauce are a local favorite. Atmosphere 5 Albertsons Stadium is a very high-energy place to watch a football game. The noise level has been measured as high as 123 decibels during the 2014 season. Boise State’s marching band, The Blue Thunder adds traditional college football ambiance and entertainment. Of course, The Blue is deserving of its own mention, as the only non-green playing surface among FBS programs. Bronco players are led out of the tunnel at the beginning of the game by a horse and rider, with the first player out carrying The Hammer (awarded to the last game’s best special teams player or player with the biggest hit.) Bronco fans chant “Boise! State!” with opposite sides of the stadium answering each other. It’s bright, loud, and a very entertaining show. Neighborhood 3 The area around the stadium is mostly residential and student housing on the south side, with downtown to the north, but there are quite a few restaurants and bars in close proximity to the stadium itself. Lots of fast food options, plus Busters Sports Bar and Grill, Pie Hole Pizza, Cobby’s Sandwich Shop, The Ram Brewpub, and Suds. Tailgating happens in lots all around the stadium. Fans 4 Bronco fans are said to be among the nicest fans in college football. They are loud, but at the right times, and are generally friendly and knowledgeable about their team and the sport. There are chants to participate in, and the university is doing a great job of engaging fans in the stadium experience over social media. The student section is also loud and well organized. The only drawback is that fans are still adjusting to the recent trend of 8pm kickoffs, which while beautiful in September, can be rather chilly in late November. This often results in some folks filing out before the game is over to go home and warm up, especially if the team is up big or temperatures fall to single digits. Hard to blame them, especially those with children, but the stadium is a much different place in the 4th quarter vs. the 1st during the latter half of the season for the late evening starts. Access 5 Parking is fairly inexpensive in comparison with some other stadiums and shuttles run from downtown for hours surrounding game times. It is possible to find free parking on surrounding streets as well. There is plenty of access to restroom facilities, as well as elevator access to the upper areas of the stadium. The restrooms are cleaned often and even have heaters which can help immensely during cold weather games. Return on Investment 4 Increasing ticket prices and other fees have been a talking point inside Bronco Nation for several years, and ROI is debated at length, especially in recent years when the stadium has not quite been selling out for all home games. Upgrades to the stadium such as the video board and sound system have greatly improved the experience, as well as expansion of alcohol boundaries during tailgating. Ticket prices do seem to be slowly normalizing to the local economy more and more each season, and with such a unique atmosphere, $25 for the north end zone at the lowest is a screaming good deal for the level of football being played at Boise State. Extras 5 Albertsons Stadium is on the banks of the Boise River, nestled among the trees at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is a very picturesque setting for one of the most interesting college stadiums in the country. The Boise River Greenbelt also runs along the north side of campus, directly next to the Bleymeyer Football Complex, and the Cavens-Williams indoor practice facility. There is an outdoor, real grass practice facility nearby as well. The stadium is home to the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame, an award given internationally to athletes engaged in humanitarian efforts as well as excelling athletically. The Allen Noble Hall of Fame is a tribute to great Broncos who contributed to the winning traditions at Boise State. The Stueckle Sky Center, while also being the luxury option for watching the Broncos play, is a gorgeous venue in its own right with 240 degree views of downtown Boise, the river, and The Blue itself and is available to the public to reserve for events.

Photo Courtesy of Austin Peay University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Winfield Dunn Center Marion Street & Drane St Clarksville, TN 37040 Austin Peay Governors website Winfield Dunn Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 7,257 Nicely Dunn Austin Peay State University, named for former Tennessee Governor Austin Peay, who served from 1923-1927, was founded in 1927 and has a current undergraduate enrollment of nearly 10,000 students, with close to another 1,000 in post-graduate programs. APSU basketball has a history and tradition that’s rich enough to justify relatively high expectations. Legendary head coach Dave Loos has been in that position since 1990 and has led the Governors to three NCAA Tournament bids. The program has a total of six trips to the Big Dance. Dave Loos has been at Austin Peay so long that his signature is literally scribbled in large letters on the Dunn Center floor. The basketball court was named Dave Loos Court in the fall of 2007. The Governors won their 350th game at Dunn Center in a 93-57 victory over Dalton State College on December 30th, 2013. Three of the OVC’s all-time greatest players wore Austin Peay colors. James ‘Fly’ Williams (1972-73), Charles ‘Bubba’ Wells (1993-1997) and Trenton Hassell (1997-2001) help put this school in the national conscience, but no one player did more to make Austin Peay a nationally recognized school than Fly Williams. Williams’ immense success in two years in Clarksville is the reason behind the Dunn Center — The House That Fly Built. Austin Peay broke ground in 1973 and opened The House That Fly Built in 1975. The Dunn Center is a multi-purpose arena and seats 7,257. Most sports fans know it as the home of Governors basketball, but the Harlem Globetrotters have also played at Dunn Arena, visiting in early 2014. In 1976, Lynyrd Skynyrd brought their immensely popular Southern Rock show to Dunn Arena. Musical acts of all genres have played the Dunn Center since its 1975 opening, proving it’s a great concert venue, as well. Food & Beverage 3 Other than the option to purchase some of MC’s Sweet Roasted Nuts when you first enter the main atrium area of Dunn Arena, you will find the standard menu board of concession sustenance. I give a bonus star for the ability to buy two hot dogs and two sodas for well under $20. Atmosphere 4 The game presentation is traditional without being boring. It’s also creative, while at the same time paying homage to small-college basketball. Intimate, yet grand enough to be intimidating if the building is full. Sprawled across a white wall are big, block red letters spelling “HALL OF FAME,” and under those letters are plaques alongside glass cases containing jerseys and relics of ‘Peay legends James “Fly” Williams, Charles “Bubba” Wells and Trenton Hassell, who appear to motion you over to greet them upon entering the glass doors to the small front atrium of the Dunn Center. In this same small area you can order freshly roasted nuts from MC’s Sweet Roasted Nuts or stop off at the concessions for a hot dog and soda (or Coke, as us Southerners universally refer to any drink with a concoction of carbonation, caramel color and corn syrup) before entering a second set of glass doors to the lower level of the Dunn Center arena. Actually, if you have your head turned in conversation, you may walk right into the pep band and trip right onto the court under the basket within ten steps of walking inside the arena, so pay attention, will ya? If you are paying attention, a quick left once entering the Dunn Center will lead you to a set of stairs that will wind its way to the second level of the arena, providing great sight lines to enjoy the action. There are doors on either side of the Hall of Fame wall that lead to the arena, so if you choose the right side, heed the above advice, only take a right to hit the stairs to enjoy the second level views. The pep band is fun and entertaining. They slap the bass, pound the drums and blow the horns in perfectly loud harmony to remind you that you are at a college basketball game. There’s no sound quite like that of the pep band’s music and loud snare drum ricocheting off the walls of a basketball arena/gym. The creative side of the game presentation shows off for the first time when the visiting team’s lineup is announced and The Who’s “Who Are You” blares from the speakers. The pep band gets involved and yells sweet nothings at the innocent players dressed in the wrong color jerseys as each name is announced. The home team is announced with the house lights down and a number of spotlights shining brightly and dancing with the thumping beats of bass as the overhead scoreboard shows highlights of high-flying and rim-rattling jams from previous games. The student section really does a good job at filling its seating in the lower level bleachers on the left side of the arena (direction based on the description of entering from the Hall of Fame atrium). The students are noisy, but not offensive. That’s more than can be said for some boisterous student sections across the country. During the course of the game, the more veteran fans encourage each player by his first name like a parent, aunt or uncle that comes to every game to support their family member. The Dunn Center’s atmosphere has enough creativity to keep you entertained, but the entertainment of the non-game portions of the evening does not overwhelm the simplicity and tradition of the game, such as the thump of each dribble hitting the floor or the squeak of each player’s sneakers as they run up and down the floor. Oh, and the unofficial official cheer is “Let’s Go Peay!” So yes, this is the greatest cheer of all time and the makers of Flomax could really do some damage with a little creative product placement. Neighborhood 5 Clarksville, Tennessee has many faces. There’s the mall section of town right off Interstate 24’s Exit 4 on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard. There’s the car dealership portion of town at the end of Wilma Rudolph Boulevard and portions of Madison Street. There’s the more neighborhood-centric section of Clarksville arteries like 101st Airborne Division Highway. Clarksville is only a 15-minute drive to the northwest from the Fort Campbell military post, hence the road named for the 101st Airborne. There’s even a Riverside Drive which – you guessed it – rides parallel to the Cumberland River. My favorite part of Clarksville, however, is nestled in the heart of the city. This portion of town is shared by downtown Clarksville and Austin Peay University’s campus. You’d be hard-pressed to find a chain or franchise restaurant in this area. Two local treats you must absolutely taste when visiting are Blackhorse Pub & Brewery and Looking Glass Restaurant and Bakery. Blackhorse is in the downtown district, while Looking Glass is actually off of 101st Airborne Division Highway on Warfield. Both are relatively easy to find now that most folks have smart phones with navigation or a navigation system in their vehicles. Fans 3 Nothing stands out about the fans, but that’s okay. What I enjoyed most was the look and sound of disgust with the first half performance of the team. I walked back to the main atrium to take a closer look at the concessions and Hall of Fame when I heard fans complaining. “What are they doing out there?,” one guy asked his friend in frustration as they waited in line for something to eat. The first-half performance from the home team was not great and the fans were grumbling. They didn’t boo the players. They grumbled amongst themselves. Complaining fans indicate high expectations and high expectations indicate past success. The Govs have been to a total of six NCAA Tournaments, with three of those coming under head coach Dave Loos. The product on the floor is not great for the time being, so the excitement level is not high, and I give the fans that were in attendance credit for doing their part to affect the outcome of the game and cheer the Govs to victory. Unfortunately, in order to get a higher ranking, the energy of your fan base has to make it difficult to decipher if the team on the floor has a 15-0 or 0-15 record. Access 4 Clarksville is very easy to access off Exit 11 of Interstate 24 if you’re driving in from Nashville or Exit 4 if you’re coming in from the northwest. Once in Clarksville, you can follow the signs to campus with relative ease. Restrooms and concessions inside of Dunn Arena can be reached without much fuss, but you will have to walk down near the court to get to a restroom if you sit on the lower level. In other words, you feel like you’re in high school again when you would walk the entire length of the court to get to the restroom and it never failed that a thumping hip hop jam would be bumping from the P.A. which made you feel even dorkier, because you ended up walking to the beat and you were scared everyone was pointing at you saying, “Look at the dude headed to restroom. He’s really into this tune.” Maybe I was a little anxiety-ridden and was the only one that felt that, but if I’m not the only one, then you will want to sit on the side closest to the glass doors to the atrium, because you know the APSU game-presentation team would decide to crank out Nuthin’ But A Gangsta Party just to see how the crowd likes it. Return on Investment 5 The price of admission ($10 for adults, $8 for youths) versus the product on the court still makes for a great ROI, even with the team not reminding anyone of the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers. Extras 2 Blackhorse Pub & Brewery Per LocalEats.com review — Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, a welcoming restaurant and brewpub in historic downtown Clarksville, has weathered it all since opening in 1992, including a devastating 1999 tornado. Craft beer and gourmet pizzas are the calling cards, although the Blackhorse has a surprisingly diverse menu. Try the beer sampler on your first visit … or go straight for their signature Barnstormer Red Ale. ADDITIONAL DETAILS Full bar Serving lunch and dinner daily Open late on Friday and Saturday night Personal Endorsement and Recommendation – Any pizza on the menu. Pick one. It’s hard to mess it up. Looking Glass Restaurant and Gourmet Bakery Per LocalEats.com review — At the Looking Glass Restaurant and Gourmet Bakery, everything behind the doors belies its modern retail-center exterior. It’s whimsical, artsy and eclectic in atmosphere, complete with a Zen garden dining patio. It’s the only place in Clarksville where you can have lavishly prepared waffles and omelets for breakfast … and a romantic dinner at night. The dessert selection is nothing short of incredible, including Oh-My-Gosh Chocolate with Ganache icing. ADDITIONAL DETAILS Kids’ menu Beer and wine available Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday – Saturday Closed on Sunday Personal endorsement and recommendation — The cafe is as good as the food. They have a hot drink that somehow has the flavor of a Snickers bar without having to chew. It’s magical. It’s more of a dining experience than it is just a place to sit down and eat. Looking Glass is great for those who love an upscale and elegant dining experience without the intimidation and stuffiness of a white table cloth establishment. It’s where upscale and elegant meet warm and casual.

Photos Courtesy for Florida A&M University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Al Lawson Center 1835 Wahnish Way Tallahassee, FL 32307 Florida A&M Rattlers website Al Lawson Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 9,639 The Snake Pit Florida A&M University (FAMU) is one of the oldest and most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the country. Founded in 1887, the Tallahassee-based institution has a student body of more than 13,000. Among the top majors are Business Administration, Biology, Criminal Justice and Black Studies. A number of famous athletes are alumni of FAMU. These include Bob Hayes (football), Althea Gibson (tennis), and baseball’s Hal McRae, Vince Coleman, Marquis Grissom, and Andre Dawson. The FAMU athletic program is a member of the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) and is famed for its very distinctive team colors of orange and green and its unique team moniker of the Rattlers. The Rattlers basketball program has won four MEAC championships and appeared in four NCAA tournaments over the years. Their on-campus home is the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center, a 9,639-seat arena built in 2009. It is the second-largest basketball arena in Tallahassee, trailing only Florida State University’s Leon County Civic Center. Food & Beverage 2 The concession stands at the Lawson Center is located to the left as you enter the arena. It offers a very limited number of items: Pepsi-branded sodas ($3), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($4), candy ($2), chips ($1), popcorn ($2), fries ($3) and chicken tenders ($7). I would definitely encourage you to visit one of the many fast food locations along West Gaines Avenue or those listed in the Neighborhood section for more substantial food offerings. Atmosphere 3 You will know immediately that you are in the right place as you enter the Lawson Center, as it is hard to miss the orange and green seats surrounding the Rattler’s home court. There is also a huge Rattler graphic covering the mid-court area. More than likely, you will also hear the sounds of FAMU’s Band of 100 tuning up prior to the game for their non-stop performance throughout the contest. As the name of the facility suggests, the Lawson Multipurpose Center has a much broader role than just athletics. It also serves as a classroom building, a conference center and a place for the FAMU community as a whole to come together, whether for graduation ceremonies, special speakers or special observances. For this reason, it does not have some of the typical features found in a strictly athletic facility. Aside from a prominent display of the school’s members of the Athletic Hall of Fame, there are very few permanent items suggesting the use of the Lawson Center for sports. This is not meant as a criticism of the Lawson Center, as it is a very nice facility in which to hold basketball games. Rather, it is a statement that Florida A&M makes the most possible use out of its facilities within the limited budget the school has to work with. On game days, the building comes alive with the cheerleading squad, the Band of 100 and the Venom dance team all working together to cheer on the Rattlers. Neighborhood 3 The FAMU campus forms a majority of the neighborhood surrounding the Lawson Center. Visitors to the campus should definitely include the Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery, and the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum on their itineraries. The Archives Research Center is housed in the first Carnegie Library built at a black land-grant college. FAMU is located just south of downtown Tallahassee in a neighborhood known as College Town (FAMU and Florida State University are only blocks apart). The very popular Cascades Park and Amphitheater helps to tie the two campuses together via a 24-acre linear greenway. The park features running and biking trails, swimming facilities, a waterfall and the 2,000-seat Capital City Amphitheater for concerts. The funky Railroad Square Art Park also borders the campus, with an eclectic selection of art galleries and the very popular Proof Brewery. Three dining favorites located close to the FAMU campus are Cassandra’s, Leola’s Crab Shack and Gaines Street Pies, while Tomahawk’s and The Warehouse are favorite watering holes. Check out the Bradfordville Blues Club for some great blues and jazz music Fans 3 The alumni and students at FAMU are very proud to be Rattlers, and they show up for games in all manner of green and orange outfits. Unfortunately, much of the green and orange that you see at a Rattlers game comes in the form of empty seats, as attendance has been a problem. It is not unusual to see the Lawson Center only one-third full. Those who do show up are on their feet and cheering throughout the game. Typically, the makeup of a basketball crowd at FAMU includes members of the Greek community, relatives, and friends of the players and members of the surrounding neighborhood. There is usually a spike in attendance for the Bethune-Cookman game, as they are the other HBCU located in the state of Florida. Access 4 Getting to FAMU is very easy, as it is in the state capital of Tallahassee. It is about 15 miles south of I-10 and only six miles from the Tallahassee Regional Airport. The campus is directly south of the State Capitol Building on South Monroe Street. FAMU is served by both campus shuttles, as well as the StarMetro public transportation system. Due to its location in a state capital, and near one of the state’s largest universities, there are many lodging options to fit any price range nearby. These include the Residence Inn, the Comfort Suites and the Econo Lodge Tallahassee. Parking at FAMU games is available at no charge at the Wahmish Way parking deck or in the football stadium parking lot located next door to the Lawson Center. Once inside the facility, you will experience very little congestion, as the concourses are wide and open to the court so you will not miss any of the action. There are more than adequate restroom facilities for an arena this size. The only area of the Lawson Center where you can definitely expect a line is at the lone concession stand. Return on Investment 4 A night out at a FAMU basketball game will not break the bank. You will enjoy a night of MEAC basketball, enjoy some great music courtesy of the FAMU Band of 100 and pay very little for the refreshments. The tickets are $10 for general admission seats, and there is no charge for parking. Extras 3 FAMU’s Band of 100 is famous for its intricate formations, musical talent, and wild dance moves. Many people come for the band performance, rather than the athletic contest. No one leaves their seats at halftime, for fear of missing one of their performances. Like any state capital, there are many museums to choose from in Tallahassee. Two of interest to the FAMU community are the Museum of Black History, which is managed by the University, and the Black Archives Research Center. This is one of the few genealogical centers in the country equipped to trace the ancestry of visitors back to slave times and before. FAMU welcomes alumni, supporters, and members of the neighborhood to attend one game a month free of charge, and treats them to a barbecue meal and courtside seating during the game as a gesture of friendliness. They receive a red carpet welcome at the door and greetings from the Venom dance team. A majority of the neighborhood surrounding the campus is made up of elderly persons and they show their support by cheering on the Rattlers at athletic events.

Photo Courtesy of South Carolina State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center 200 Buckley St. Orangeburg, SC 29117 South Carolina State Bulldogs website Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 3,200 O-Burg’s Bulldogs On February 8, 1968, the South Carolina Highway Patrol shot and killed three local men who were among those protesting the segregation of a bowling alley in Orangeburg, South Carolina. What does this have to do with the South Carolina State Bulldogs college basketball team? Those killed were students Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond, and Delano Middleton, and they were shot on South Carolina State’s campus. Those three names are memorialized in the name and as plaques in the lobby of the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center, home of the South Carolina State Bulldogs basketball team. While most college basketball venues around the country are named for corporate sponsors, alumni or boosters…this stands out as one of the most notable and noble naming conventions you’re likely to find. The SHM Memorial Center opened in 1968, the same year as the shootings. While age hasn’t necessarily worn well on the building, that can both be a negative and positive, in terms of the overall experience. For the South Carolina State Bulldogs of Orangeburg, South Carolina, the SHM Memorial Center is very much home. Food & Beverage 1 There’s not a whole lot here to choose from, in terms of both food options and concession stands themselves. Don’t expect one of college basketball’s most exciting concessions experiences here. There’s only one open concession stand with food available in SHM, and that means the lines get extraordinarily long. You’ll want to be particularly strategic about when you choose to get food because you’re likely to find yourself missing some of the action in the cramped concourse. Once you reach your destination, food items available are the bare minimum. Hot dogs, nachos and popcorn make up a modest menu. The upside? These menu items are all under $5. There’s also Rita’s Italian Ice stand located in the concourse if you choose to just bypass meal options. But again, this line can get lengthy. On the occasion I attended, there was a barbecue food truck outside the arena. The problem with this was specifically that it’s OUTSIDE the venue. While there are drinks available at the concession stands, there are also soda machines in the concourse. So for half the price, you can avoid the lines. That fact alone sums up the food experience here. An honest recommendation that I rarely choose to make is eating before or after the game. It’s just easier at this venue, and the food options will likely be better. Atmosphere 4 The environment inside SHM Memorial Center is an interesting blend that truly makes for something unique, despite all of its obvious flaws due to the wear and tear that comes with age. When you pull up to the venue, you’re not going to be impressed. Let’s put that out there right away. From the outside, the building and even the parking lot look worn and old. The entrance seems ancient, with ticket windows where it’s hard to hear through thick glass. The concourse is merely a narrow hallway painted completely white. And even the gym itself is old. An ancient scoreboard hangs in the middle of the court dedicated by the “Class of 1962.” The bleachers and wooden chairback seating seem straight out of the 1960s (they actually are). Everything here seems older, and at first glance that can be a negative. But it all seems to come together to deliver the feeling of nostalgia and pride that not many venues offer. No one would argue that this is the most aesthetically pleasing venue, but it’s hard to argue against the character within those walls. And once you throw in the uniqueness of the experience, you really start adding value. The pep band is as enthusiastic and engaged as any pep band you’ll ever see. Personalized chants, hand movements, and music choices abound. This small section of students in the bleachers drives the unique energy around the arena. The cheerleader and dance teams offer up some of the most creative routines you’re likely to see, all without musical accompaniment. The announcer over the PA system yells a litany of fun slogans for turnovers, foul shots, and 3-pointers that add even more fun. Everything seems choreographed, yet natural in a way that blends together to make a truly fun experience. Character abounds here. The venue is small enough that you really can’t go wrong with seating anywhere in the building. You can pay a bit more for bleacher seating courtside, but from here, the pep band will be on your right and you’ll be facing a staging area across the court. General admission affords you the upper-tier seating (not an upper deck by any means). I would absolutely choose this option and get a bird’s-eye view of the action, the pep band and all of the proceedings. Neighborhood 2 Orangeburg is a small town located off of I-26 about 40 minutes southeast of Columbia. There’s really not a lot to do here, but if you look around a bit you can find some options. The vast majority of local restaurants in the area consist of southern chains like Bojangles’ or Cook Out. But there are some unique options to be found relatively close to campus. Mama’s Kountry Kooking is just south of campus and comes complete with checkerboard tablecloths while serving distinctly southern food options. There are a variety of barbecue options nearby, but Duke’s Bar-B-Que is the most local for your pork needs. Just be mindful, because Duke’s is only open Thursday through Saturday. None of these options will blow you away in terms of upscale dining, but they are distinctly small-town, southern options which come with a charm and flavor all their own. While Orangeburg definitely isn’t known as a prime vacation destination, it does come with at least one excellent attraction. The Edisto Memorial Gardens are widely known as an excellent botanical garden in the state. So if taking a stroll among the flowers suits you, this is the place to go. If you want to get particularly weirder with your visit, the UFO Welcome Center is located just a short drive down 178. That’s right — it’s a welcome center for aliens. Constructed by one man, this roadside attraction comes complete with a welcome sign painted on a fence and a self-constructed UFO. While it won’t blow you away for ambiance and budget, it’s an interesting stop, to say the least. While there are several budget hotels immediately near campus, the largest cluster of hotels that provide easier access in and out of town, as well as to restaurants and gas stations, are located along I-26. Here you’ll find a Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and a variety of other recognizable brands. Fans 3 Tied closely to the overall atmosphere, fan support at a Bulldogs game tends to be on the unique and highly interesting side. Attendance for these games isn’t always great, as noted by 2016’s average attendance of just 439. Even for a small gym, that average is considerably low. But the value here comes in the engagement of the fans throughout. The student section (nicknamed the Junkyard) follows the energetic leader of the pep band and cheerleaders creating quite a party atmosphere throughout the game. The unique chants, songs, and even choreographed dances seem to be contagious. There’s also a significant contingent of locals who seem to know each other at each of these games. There is a strong feeling of community at S.C. State, and this shows inside SHM Memorial Center. Even if the attendance numbers don’t blow you away, there’s still plenty of character to be found. Access 3 Orangeburg isn’t the most ideal tourist destination, and therefore is somewhat off the beaten path, from an access point of view. The nearest airport (and big city) is Columbia, which can be a drive of 40 minutes to an hour. There’s not any real public transit available, although the university lies not far from I-26. This means that from Charleston or Columbia, the drive is at least pretty straightforward. Once you get on campus, things get considerably easier. The parking lot around the stadium is free and offers plenty of spots. You won’t have to walk across campus at all here. Traffic moves pretty easily in and out, as most of the attendees are students and arrive on foot. The ticket situation can be a bit interesting. The windows are in a very small lobby area that can get congested and loud. I found it very hard to hear what the cashier was saying behind thick glass. But the lines aren’t long and the process should move fairly quickly. Once inside the venue, you’ll find that the concourses are surprisingly narrow, which is compounded by the few concession options that tend to completely clog them. However, it’s easy enough to move around through the traffic to any seating options in the arena. Once you reach the main gym area, you should have no real problems navigating to any seats you may choose. Restrooms are clean enough and are sufficient for the number of attendees at the game. Should Bulldog crowds ever grow in size, I imagine that all of the concourse congestion issues will get considerably more challenging. But for the time being, it’s easy enough to navigate. Return on Investment 4 If it’s a unique experience you’re after, you’re definitely going to get a return on your investment. If it’s the biggest and most beautiful venue you’re after, you’re not. It’s truly that simple. Parking is free and tickets will run you $10 for general admission. Should you choose to eat at the venue, expect to spend less than $5-$7. From a value perspective, that’s pretty solid. There’s currently a no good way to buy tickets besides walking up to the door, so plan to bring cash to make your transaction go smoothly. Extras 5 A unique experience full of character is what a South Carolina State game is all about. First off, I’d be completely remiss to not mention that history of the SHM Memorial Center name and the plaques hanging in the lobby. No stadium I can think of boasts such a proud name with such strong ties to the community. In the venue itself, everything feels like an extra. The pep band and cheerleaders create one of the most local and homegrown experiences in college basketball. They may not do it bigger, but they are doing it with an incredible amount of character. The fixtures around the stadium can be seen as old and outdated, but somehow it all comes together in a way that feels right. This historical feel is definitely unique in its own right. And add to that history the banners that hang throughout the stadium recognizing the program’s historical accomplishments (even if those accomplishments are also dated), and you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time on this stadium visit. Final Thoughts A South Carolina State Bulldogs game won’t blow you away with a shiny new venue, outstanding food selection or massive crowds full of screaming fans. But it will be an experience unlike any other you’re likely to find. It’s an experience that any basketball fan should try at least one time in their travels before returning to the comfortable homes of some of the larger programs.

Photo Courtesy of Bethune-Cookman University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Moore Gymnasium 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats website Moore Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1954 Capacity: 3,000 Daytona Beach Hoops The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats play their basketball games at Moore Gymnasium in beautiful Daytona Beach, Florida. There are quite a few points of interest around town, including Bethune-Cookman University. This basketball team is a proud member of the MEAC Conference, but have never been able to attain great success. They did have a bid to play in the NIT back in 2011, but were quickly eliminated by Virginia Tech. Moore Gymnasium was built in 1954 and only holds 3,000 fans, but provides a surprisingly loud punch to the face for opposing teams. Food & Beverage 2 The refreshments are similar to what you’ll find at your local high school basketball game. Every food item is under $4. The menu includes a pulled pork sandwich, hot dog, cheeseburger, boiled peanuts, and nachos. There is also a nice selection of shaved ice flavors. The concession window is easy to find, located to the left of the main entrance. The line is backed up at halftime, so I suggest purchasing your items before then. Atmosphere 3 The tiny size of the gymnasium coupled with 3,000 passionate fans creates a hectic, and enjoyable, stadium atmosphere. The cheers and whistles are so deafening, it’s difficult to speak to the person next to you. Not to say this is a bad thing. If you’re a fan of loud, raucous environments, this experience will be for you. Even the squeak of the sneakers will reverberate around this intimate space. You can only imagine the passion this venue would offer during a rivalry or championship game. You will be so close to the action you’ll feel like you can jump in and attempt a three-pointer yourself, especially depending on where you sit. The seats are open to everybody with the price of admission, so if you arrive early you can grab a seat right on the floor! The mascot is really interactive and has a lot of fun with his role in the game. The Wildcat will pose for pictures, join huddles with the players, and dance with the cheerleaders. The walk to Moore Gymnasium is a great part of the atmosphere. The venue is located in the heart of the campus and makes for a great walk on a beautiful Florida afternoon. The gymnasium blends in with the surrounding architecture, therefore it may be easy to miss. Walking into Moore Gymnasium will provide some rare nostalgia of a high school game, but offers the talent of Division I basketball. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood around Bethune-Cookman University doesn’t offer anything special during your visit. However, Daytona International Speedway is located about ten minutes down the road, right next to the Interstate. It is highly recommended to check out this iconic sports venue. The stands are massive and will leave you in awe when seen for the first time. Check out tour information here and be sure to schedule your visit anytime you can make it. It’s a must-see for any stadium traveler. The area surrounding Daytona International Speedway is full of chain restaurants and bars. It’s a great place to spend some time before or after the basketball game on campus. The only reason for the low rating is the attractions area is not located close to campus, so it is a bit of a drive but offers the best tourist experience in the city. Fans 3 The noise inside Moore Gymnasium is a testament to the small size of the venue, but the fans offer a good amount of support for the Wildcats. Even en route to a blowout win, fans loudly suggest advice for the players. The atmosphere generated by the crowd is a combination of different aspects, including whistles and player communication, but the fans are here for the game. It’s common to find small schools with little interest in the happenings of the court. These are mere social events as compared to an actual interest in the team, so credit is due at this small basketball school. The interest is here and you can hear it during the game. Access 2 The traffic for a Saturday afternoon game is nonexistent, even around the attractions area. The campus is fairly easy to find, located down the road from US-92. Moore Gymnasium is tricky to find within the campus. There are zero signs or indications of its location. If you know the general area and address, you will eventually pinpoint its location in the middle of campus. Due to its small size, it’s easy to overlook. Allow some extra time if you plan to make an opening tip. Parking is free with plenty of spots available in the main parking lot. Once inside Moore Gymnasium, you’ll find space is limited in the hallways near the court. The seats are uncomfortable bleachers with limited legroom, but the games don’t last very long due to limited commercial interruption. Return on Investment 4 Any seat in the house will only cost $10 and the parking is free. The game is entertaining and doesn’t take up too much of the day. Plus, the campus is situated near the race track and offers an entire day’s worth of events to attend. Not to mention the beautiful beaches to spend an afternoon. Overall, the experience is worth the cost and offers plenty of extra sights to check out on your visit. Extras 2 The attractions of Daytona Beach are rare in relation to a small school. There is usually a campus and a long drive home. Here, there is plenty to experience to complement the trip. Moore Gymnasium holds onto a historic feel that you won’t find with many other small arenas. Final Thoughts Daytona Beach is a premier tourist destination and for good reason. It’s a beautiful area with history and picturesque scenery. The Bethune-Cookman campus is a nice addition, but the sports experience doesn’t match the charm of other small schools. Usually, there is momentum and promise with a small school building towards a name, but the energy here is stagnant. There may never be necessary funds to provide a modern venue, and without it, the experience cannot improve.