Photo courtesy of Montana Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Dahlberg Arena 32 Campus Dr Missoula, MT 59803 Montana Grizzlies website Dahlberg Arena website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 7,000 Just the Right Amount of Claustrophobia The University of Montana has a knack for designing their major sports venues to maximize the energy and excitement generated by their fans. Dahlberg Arena is located immediately adjacent to Stadium Journey's top rated FCS experience at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. No doubt the basketball home of the Montana Grizzlies served as an inspiration to the famous football venue's designers. Like the newer stadium next door, fans are stacked right on top of the action. The arena's boxy configuration reminds me of an old English football ground, or an old baseball stadium like Ebbets Field. The exterior of the arena has been completely engulfed by multiple athletic facility additions collectively known as the Adams Center. It is located along the banks of the Clark Fork of the Columbia River on the University of Montana's tree covered campus. The arena is named after long time Griz player, coach, and administrator George 'Jiggs' Dahlberg. The Griz have been playing basketball inside Dahlberg Arena since 1953. It is the oldest primary home arena for a men's team in the Big Sky Conference. Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are located on either side the arena under the stands in the main concourses. There are also a couple of specialty stands including Pizza Hut where a personal pizza can be had for $6. Another stand sells ice cream sandwiches which is a necessary refreshment in the rather warm arena. The main concession stands have all the standard items including hamburgers ($5.50), Coke products ($4 for 32oz), a generous sized bag of popcorn ($4), and candy ($3) plus much more. Atmosphere 4 Over the years, the Montana Grizzlies and Lady Griz basketball teams have enjoyed a significant home court advantage inside the cozy confines of Dahlberg Arena. Both teams are regularly perched at or near the top of the Big Sky Conference standings. It's hard to believe that they used to pack over 9,000 fans into the space that can now hold just over 7,000 after a major renovation in 1998. All sections have chair back seats except the north end which are bleachers. The small lower bowl around the court is taken up by boosters on three sides with the students and band in the north bleachers. If you're an infrequent visitor to a Griz basketball game you'll probably be somewhere in the level above the mezzanine that holds the majority of the seats. Though it's up high, the view from the upper level offers good sight lines. With the compact size of the arena, no seat feels too far from the game. When the Griz need a boost, or a ref makes a call that goes against the home team, the crowd noise elevates rapidly and to a deafening level. Opposing players typically have trouble communicating with their coach and teammates and often get rattled in these situations. Just one small quibble: I don't know how it is for the players, but even with outside temperatures in the 30's, the seating areas in the upper sections got quite hot and stuffy. Certainly this is a consequence of packing many bodies into a relatively small space. Best to have a short sleeve layer on underneath your standard ball game going sweatshirt. Neighborhood 5 Missoula is Montana's second largest city, but with the proximity of the campus to downtown, it has a quaint college town vibe. There are plenty of typical chain restaurants around, but eating at one could almost be considered heresy with so many unique and quirky establishments to choose from. Baba's Burgers and Gyro's on East Broadway, just across the river from Dahlberg Arena, is a nice lunch stop find. Downtown on Front Street the Tamarack Brew Pub is a fun and delicious choice for pre or post game grub. The Iron Horse Bar and Grill on North Higgins is also a popular choice. If you're a craft brew fan, be sure to sample some of the numerous local offerings, such as a Moose Drool or Trout Slayer from Missoula's Big Sky Brewing Company, or my personal favorite, the delicious Cold Smoke Scotch Ale made by Missoula's own Kettlehouse Brewery. If you're in town, game time is a little ways off, and the weather is good, hike up the zig zag trail on Mt. Sentinel to the big M and take in the view. Or, if you don't have the energy to go uphill, take a stroll or a bike ride along the Clark Fork on one of the many paved trails. If Fido happens to come along, take advantage of one of the best dog parks anywhere, located between campus and the river on Jacob's Island. Fans 4 Griz fans are passionate about their team and play a role in making things go their way in Dahlberg Arena. Every whistle against the home team is roundly derided without exception. Even the most experienced of referees must find it a difficult environment to work in. With the crowd firmly behind them the Griz team can't help but bring up their game usually giving their adoring fans yet another victory. I would not hesitate to go to a Griz basketball game, even as a fan of the opposing team. Despite their passion during the game, the hometown faithful are mostly friendly to fans wearing the opponent's colors. Just know going in that it is unlikely that your team will find success. The Grizzly men's basketball team is always at the top of the Big Sky Conference in attendance along with the Weber State Wildcats, and the Lady Griz are a national leader in women's basketball attendance. Crowds at Dahlberg Arena aren't what they used to be in the 70's, 80's when players such as Michael Ray Richardson, Larry Krystkowiak, and Wayne Tinkle played for Montana, but there's still plenty of passion and energy in the building. Access 4 Dahlberg Arena is easy to locate on the east side of Missoula. Just look for the big M on the side of Mt. Sentinel. Washington-Grizzly Stadium is right at the base of that mountain and Dahlberg Arena is right next to the stadium. Most visitors to Missoula get there via I-90. Take exit 105-Van Buren Street and follow the signs to the University of Montana. Parking is available near the arena for $5. It will be fairly congested after the game so have patience when leaving. If staying over in Missoula, consider getting a motel along East Broadway. There are plenty of choices ranging from Motel 6 to the Double Tree and everything in between. The motels are an easy and pleasant walk across the pedestrian bridge and to the arena. Just follow the crowd of maroon clad fans-as many choose to go to the game on foot or by bicycle. If the weather isn't too cold and blustery (this is Montana in the winter after all), leave the car at the motel, walk downtown and grab a bite to eat, and then walk to the game. Once inside the building, you'll find a maze of narrow hallways leading to the seating areas. If you're not familiar with this arena it's a good idea to get there well before tip-off to navigate to your section. The walls of the hallways are adorned with pictures and plaques from past University of Montana championship teams. Restrooms are convenient to the seating areas, clean, and functional. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $8 to $21, with slightly higher prices when the cross-state rival Montana State Bobcats come to town. The general admission bleacher seats are a real bargain at only $8. Concession prices are reasonable and there's plenty of variety to choose from. Parking is $5, but that charge can be avoided completely if you don't mind walking. Extras 3 A bonus point for the Hall of Champions: This corridor leading to the upper level seating at the south end of the arena is a very well put together museum to Grizzly Athletics' history. A bonus point for Monte and Mo, the grizzly bear mascots that wander the arena and keep the fans entertained. They are a big hit with the fans, young and old alike. A bonus point for the Lady Griz, one of the most storied women's basketball programs in the nation led by head coach Robin Selvig. The legendary coach is approaching 40 years and 900 wins-all at the University of Montana. Final Thoughts Though perhaps lacking some of the comforts and flexibility of more modern venues, Dahlberg Arena has held up remarkably well in over 60 years of service. Where other arenas are multi-purpose and can host many different sports and events, Dahlberg exists first and foremost for basketball...and for the continued success of the Grizzly basketball, that's a really good thing.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Family Arena 2002 Arena Pkwy St. Charles, MO 63303 St. Louis Ambush website Family Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 9,643 Family Arena The St. Louis Ambush of Major Arena Soccer League is a resurrection of the former franchise that operated in the National Professional Soccer League, first in Tulsa in 1991, from 1992-2000. That organization appeared in four championship series while calling the Scottrade Center home, winning its lone title during the 1994-1995 campaign. In 2013, the name and colors of teal and black were once again revived for a new franchise to operate out of the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri, a 30-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. The Family Arena debuted on October 3, 1999, at a cost of $27 million in order to provide an alternative for sporting events and concerts in the St. Louis metro area. In 2013, there were over $800,000 into renovations to improve the facility; two large video boards and ribbon boards were added at each end of the seating bowl. The arena has seen its share of minor league hockey, indoor football, and concerts from Taylor Swift to Judas Priest. The arena’s capacity is officially 9,643 for indoor soccer games, but only the lower bowl is open for Ambush games. The arena itself is nestled close to the St. Charles River and a few miles away from the town’s historic downtown shops, bars, restaurants, and museums. The game of indoor soccer is fast pace and the club provides a nice little alternative to the sporting action that takes place in downtown St. Louis. Food & Beverage 3 The arena features the usual concession items such as hot dogs, brats, pizza, nachos, pretzels and popcorn at various permanent stands on the main concourse. A few of them are closed for games, but there is more than enough options to choose from at the game. A few of the more notable items include supreme nachos that are topped with chili and pulled pork and chicken tenders basket with fries. The options are basic and not over the top, but the prices are honest and on par with other venues of its caliber. The prices range between $4-$6 for most items, the supreme nachos are $8. There is a wide variety of beer and spirits that include Seagram’s wine coolers, Jack Daniel’s coolers, party bomb shots, wine, Lime-a-Rita, and wine slushies between $6 and $10 each. Draft beer sells for $6, mix drinks are $8, and double mix drinks are $14. If you are driving or do not drink, Coca-Cola products sell for $5 each. Atmosphere 3 The arena is broken up into two seating sections, with the concourse closed off to the public. The main seating bowl houses the majority of the fans, along with a high school band playing its own in-game music throughout the contest of the match. The field level seats are table tops and are located adjacent to the Ambush bench. Fans have an up close and personal view of the game and enjoy a buffet of deep-fried mini tacos and fried ravioli among other drinks and concession items. There is always active during stoppage of play including local high school cheerleaders and dancers, on-field contests for lucky fans, and various announcements. When there is in-game music piped through the speakers it’s a mix of house, remixes, and pop songs of the past 30-years. The Ambush even piped in “Midnight Express (The Chase)”, a 1980s staple at the Checkerdome during the old St. Louis Steamers days in the MISL Bushwacker is the team’s lively mascot dressed in team colors of teal and black; he is extremely active and greets fans young and old throughout the game. He even shows off some wicked dance moves when he introduced before the game. However, be careful of his mustache, its big. Halftime also provides various events and activities including a family soccer match, a bowling contest with soccer balls, a wedding proposal by an Ambush player, and a touching tribute to St. Louis legend and Indoor Soccer Hall of Famer Slobo Ilijevski whose family was on hand for bobblehead day in his honor. Neighborhood 4 The Family Arena is located a good 30-minutes from downtown St.Louis; however, the city does have a historic neighborhood along the St. Charles River that includes restaurants, shops, and bars. It is recommended to visit the picturesque little town. The options include Hendricks BBQ, 2865 Brewhouse, Amerisports Bar and Grill, and Big Woody’s BBQ. Sugarfire Smokehouse makes some of the best barbecue in the area and offer a wonderful Asian slaw and corn souffle as side options. The Old Mill Stream Inn has a fantastic patio to enjoy dinner or drinks during the warmer months of the year. A fun and relaxing way to get through town is to take the St. Charles Trolley which provides service with a 30-minute loop ride through the historic downtown. If you are looking to venture outside of downtown, the area is known for its many vineyards and wineries. Fans 4 The fans at the game enjoy themselves in various ways. They cheer on the Ambush in hope of a goal, talk with friends and families, or dance in their seats when certain music is played or when the camera is looking for fans to show on the two main screens at the arena. No matter what, the crowd is always in the mood for fun and show a lot of love towards the Ambush players. Access 4 Arriving at the arena is best by car off State Road 364; there is clear signage for the arena near the exit and it’s visible as you approach the parking lot entrance. Once inside, the main concourse wraps around the entire arena providing clearly marked signs for bathrooms and seating sections. The upper concourse hallways are draped off and the first 7 rows of seats from the bottom provide the best legroom for patrons. Return on Investment 3 The price for tickets begin at $15 for general admission tickets and top off at $47 for VIP seats on the field adjacent to the playing boards. The price of a ticket depends on your price point, but with the cost of parking set at $10, a night at an Ambush game is on par with a majority of other league franchises. However, if you are frugal like me, grab a $15 ticket, find your seat, and enjoy the game. Extras 4 1 star for the Northwest High School Pep Band that adds a college/high school atmosphere throughout the contest and also make for a nice change of pace from the dance and house music that is usually played at the arena. 2 stars for the various activities that take place during stoppage of play. There are ball tosses, free pizza to a lucky fan, and shirts thrown by staff into the stands between quarters of play. 3 stars for the table top VIP seats next to the Ambush bench. The fans are provided with food and beverage and have the best seats in the house. 4 stars for the variety of music played during the game. The in-game music is a staple of indoor soccer and what’s being played at the Family Arena is a collection of the various club, dance, and pop standards of the past few decades. Final Thoughts The St. Louis Ambush provide a wonderful experience at each home match for diehard fans and ones who are just there for a night out of fun. The music, on-field activities, concession prices, and interaction with players make it a hidden gem among the sporting events that take place in the St. Louis area.

Photo Courtesy of Wright State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Nutter Center 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway Dayton, OH 45435 Wright State Raiders website Nutter Center website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 11,000 Welcome to the Nutt House The Nutter Center, affectionately known to Wright State Raider fans as the “Nutt House” a term first coined by former radio color commentator Ron Coleman, opened in the fall of 1990 with a concert by the Boston Pops Orchestra, but soon became better known as the rocking home of the late coach Ralph Underhill’s running Raiders. That year they ran and pressed their way to 19 wins and averaged over 8,000 fans per game in just their fourth year in Division I. These days the Raiders are members of the Horizon League and usually only draw 8,000 or more for their big games like Butler, as they averaged around 5,500 fans per game over the last several years. But more often than not, when it counts, the fans come out and the Nutter Center is a loud, fun place to watch some good college basketball. Food & Beverage 4 The Nutter Center features a pretty good selection of tasty treats that include local vendors and common goodies that should please most fans who enter the building. The arena is a major concert venue in the Dayton area and you should expect to see many great items for sale at the many concession stands in the building. La Rosa’s pizza is a popular local option in the area and personal pizzas are available for purchase. Another popular local spot is Frickers and they have a full bar that overlooks the playing court with an excellent view. Fricker’s Above the Rim is known for its wings and various sauces. There is the Speedway Stand sponsored by Speedway Convenience stores and they feature typical arena food. By my count, there are seven different beers sold at the Nutter Center and if you are a beer drinker, there is probably one that you will like. Throughout the arena, fans will find Dip N Dots, and the traditional arena food like pretzels, hot dogs, nachos and popcorn along with Pepsi products. I think the variety is great, the quality is good and the prices just a tad on the high side, but not crazy high. If I could give it a 3.7 rating I would, but since I can’t it gets a four-star rating. This is not an arena where fans have to eat before arriving, there is plenty of food choices at the Nutter Center to keep most fans happy. Hot dogs: $3, A jumbo dog, that tastes good with a slight blend of sweet and salty spices that is made by Ball Park Franks and a warm, soft bun. Large popcorn: $2.50, Salty, warm, with a strong buttery taste. Nachos w/ cheese: $3, Great cheese, not too spicy. The chips are just average. Pepsi: 32 oz cup $4 Atmosphere 3 The Nutter Center is a pit design similar to what you would find at New Mexico, San Diego State, Iowa, and Utah State. Fans enter the venue on the concourse level and then walk down into the seating bowl. There are 18 corporate boxes also on the concourse level above the seating bowl. One unique feature of the Nutter Center that none of the other pit design arenas have, is on all four corners of the court on the concourse level there are over-looks where a fan can stand or grab a chair and watch the game, while their food and drink fit nicely on the ledge or table. One of the over-looks is Fricker’s Above The Rim. The scoreboard is huge and it is a state-of-the-art board with over-sized video screens and all the stats any fan would need to follow the action. The concourses are plenty wide and at the west end there is a Raider Athletic Hall of Fame and it features some pro athletes most sports fans will recognize. Throw in the band, the dance team, cheerleaders and a good sized student section dressed and painted appropriately and this is certainly a good college atmosphere. The ceiling of the Nutter Center is built well above the concourse level. There are huge exposed walls that Wright State has cleverly covered with huge banners/murals of past Raider greats and teams. Other than the two women players they stuck up on the banners that few fans remember, they did a great job of highlighting the history and past successes of the Raiders. Neighborhood 4 There is about every kind of kind of fast food and casual dining experience anyone could ask for within one mile of the Nutter Center. There are also plenty of hotels across the street for fans that wish to stay the night. Right across the street, within walking distance, there is One Eyed Jacks, a bar that features decent bar food and at night some live music. Just next door is Flying Pizza (in case you didn’t fill up on LaRosa’s Pizza) and it is good college pizza. Going west almost a mile down Colonial Glenn Highway, which means turning right from the top lot of the Nutter Center is W. O Wrights, a bar with some great food and a pretty good atmosphere. I am partial to the cheese fries. You can eat there for around $10. Going back across I-675 fans can find Cadillac Jack’s, a top-notch sports bar with good food and every game you would want to watch on TV. Most burgers and sandwiches are around $8-$10. There is also a rack of ribs coming in at just under $20. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of my all-time fav restaurants, Frisch’s Big Boy on Colonel Glenn across from Wright State’s main entrance. A Big Boy sandwich, onion rings, a hot fudge sundae, and a cherry Coke, all for about $11. Fans 3 The game I attended, there were 6,000 people in the Nutter Center and it was a pretty good atmosphere. There were over 1,000 students and they were making noise all game. The band, the dance team, and cheerleaders are exactly what you would expect from a good college program. Wright State just needs more fans for every game. They have this nice arena and most nights it is only half-full at best. Access 4 The Nutter Center is about as easy to get to as an arena. It is right off of I-675 at the Fairfield Road exit. Once fans turn north on Fairfield Road, in two blocks it runs right into the Nutter Center. Fans roll right in because parking is included in the price of the ticket, so no stopping to pay an attendant. There is no fast way to get out when the game is over, so hanging out in the arena for a few minutes would save some aggravation.There are plenty of large, clean restrooms on the concourse level, with a smaller restroom on the court level just outside the open end of the seating bowl. Return on Investment 5 Tickets range between $8-$28. For most games tickets are $8 and $18. They use flex pricing, so for several games, they charge more. Don’t go through Ticketmaster, they will crack you for another $7.25. Buy them in person at the Nutter Center Box Office or from someone trying to unload a ticket at less than face value on game day.The ticket prices are average, as previously mentioned there is no charge for parking and the food costs are not too bad. So you could get a ticket and eat well for under $30 for most games. Extras 3 I will award a star for the great design of the seating bowl in the Nutter Center. Another for the corner over-looks and finally a star for Fricker’s Above the Rim. Final Thoughts As a comfortable venue to watch college basketball, one that has good sightlines, competitive play on the court and most of the amenities of a very good college arena, Wright State is first class. They just need another 2,000-3,000 fans at each game to make it really come alive. The hardest part, the physical structure is certainly there, now they just need to win big, pack the arena and the Nutt House could be one of the top college basketball venues and fan destinations in the country similar to Xavier and Dayton.

Photos by Google Photos Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kenilworth Road 1 Maple Rd E. Luton, England LU4 8AW United Kingdom Luton Town FC website Kenilworth Road website Year Opened: 1905 Capacity: 10,356 Hatter For a Day Despite nearly three decades of plans and suggestions of a new stadium, Luton Town is still playing football at their spiritual home of Kenilworth Road. Situated not far from London, in densely populated housing, the ground is a place of fascination and intrigue for any interested ‘ground hopper’ or enthusiast. Known as the ‘Hatters’ due to the local hat-making industry of many years ago, both the club and the team are synonymous with a variety of notable incidents and achievements throughout their history. The club has fluctuated up and down the English leagues throughout its history, culminating in the ultimate low of being relegated from the football league to the (non-league) Conference in 2009. This compounded a period of severe instability on and off the pitch that saw the club in administration, docked points by the Football Association before some seasons had even got underway, which conspired to successive relegations down the leagues. You will see the fans’ flag which has ‘betrayed by the F.A’ emblazoned on it at most Luton matches. When you think of Luton Town in the 1980s, memories of their artificial Astro pitch, one of the first in England to install it, spring to mind along with household names of Sealy, Donaghy, Foster, Wilson, Hill, Preece, Harford, and Stein. There was crowd trouble in a cup tie versus Millwall which resulted in a ban of away supporters for many years and beating Arsenal at Wembley in the 1989 League Cup Final. The club had flirted with relegation from the top flight for many years, and as the club reinstated a grass pitch, they went down on the last day of the season after a defeat by Notts County, meaning they missed out on the finance generated by the newly formed Premier League. Food & Beverage 4 The club offers a variety of standard hot food (burgers, hot dogs, pies) and drinks from tea, and coffee to a variety of soft drinks. Alcohol is also available in certain parts of the ground but must be consumed in the concourses. Atmosphere 4 Since returning to the Football League, Luton has flirted with promotion to play-off places. The fans have shown patience and resilience with the team, offering encouragement throughout the 90 minutes. Kenilworth Road doesn’t have much room for further adaptation, hence the requirement to move to a purpose-built venue. The Main Stand is an older wooden two-tiered structure, with little leg room to manoeuvre. There are also several supporting pillars and roof supports which will slightly hinder your view depending on your seat location. In one corner, newer seating has been installed and has become the dedicated ‘family section.’ The opposite is a row of executive boxes, known locally as the ‘Bobbers Stand,’ which runs the length of the pitch and with it being for business class rather than the ordinary fan, it maybe reduces the atmosphere of this small venue. As long as you are not low down behind either goal, the view of the pitch will be decent from everywhere else. Behind the left-hand goal is the Oak Stand and this is predominantly for away supporters. Incredibly, as you enter through the turnstiles you cross over people’s back gardens before taking your seat! Across from that is a similar-sized stand that houses the home fans. This was an old terrace that saw a roof added to it in the 1980s, and then seats installed. Neighborhood 3 The ground is situated within two miles of the town centre, along Dunstable Road, which is a decent walk in good weather. There are many bars to visit, though the closer to the ground you get, the fewer options you have. There are some hotels in the town centre. One of the best value offerings is the Easy Hotel, which is part of the Easyjet franchise. Fans 4 Kenilworth Road is a relatively friendly place to visit, with passionate and dedicated supporters. The average home gate is between 8,000-9,500. The fans are very vociferous and get behind the team through the entire match. The chant of “Come on Luton” ad nauseam regularly reverberates around the ground during play. Access 5 Kenilworth Road is within walking distance from the town centre and is well served by both buses and trains situated en route to the ground. Once inside there is a limited movement within each stand as your match ticket will be for a designated area only. There are regular buses and trains which drop you off between two and five minutes walk from Kenilworth Road respectively. There is limited street and official car parking, which is due to a lot of the area being for permit holders for residents only. The disabled access is situated on the front stand concourse, with a handful of places in the Oak Stand for away fans. Return on Investment 4 The club runs three categories for home matches, and this is based on the popularity of the opposition and the demand from the opponents. For example, teams like Wycombe, Stevenage, Leyton Orient, Dagenham & Redbridge, AFC Wimbledon, and Crawley are all close by and will likely fall into a ‘category A’ match. The club also offers very competitive prices for students, the elderly, and kids, with the latter being as low as £3 a ticket, which is excellent value. Adults priced £18-£22 Young adults (ages 17-21) £13-£17 Seniors (over 65) £10-£17 Youths (ages 10-17) £6-10 Junior (under 10s) £3-£7 Extras 4 The club shop is next to the Main Stand in a large porta-cabin and stocks all the current home, away and goalkeeper kits. It also has a wide selection of training wear, books, and DVDs, all of which are very competitively priced. Similarly, there is a large club shop in Luton’s large shopping mall. Final Thoughts Visiting Kenilworth Road was fulfilling a childhood ambition! I was fascinated with their artificial surface in the 80s and how they always defied the odds to survive in the top flight! This is a very old ground, compact with very little room to manoeuvre due to the surrounding houses and busy roads, and a venue that all enthusiasts should visit.

Photo Courtesy of Jacob Oliveria Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Jerome Schottenstein Center 555 Borror Dr. Columbus, OH 43210 Ohio State Buckeyes website Jerome Schottenstein Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 19,500 The Schott for Buckeye Hoops When referencing “The Shot” in Columbus, Ohio, be prepared to talk about a kid from Loveland, Ohio named Matt Sylvester. Quite possibly the most famous moment in Buckeye hoops aside from their only National Title in 1960 is the three-pointer that knocked off undefeated Illinois in the final game of the 2005 regular season. This famous shot occurred in Value City Arena at the Schottenstein Center on the campus of the Ohio State University, which is the other Schott on campus. Though not full of historical moments, Buckeye basketball has made great strides in the ten years since Sylvester’s shot to put them among the elite in the Big Ten Conference. Most of the success of the program has occurred recently under the leadership of Thad Matta, with two trips to the Final Four (2007 and 2012) and at least a share of the Big Ten Title in 2006, 2007 and 2010-2012. The arena seats 18,809 for basketball. It is too large to be considered one of the great college basketball venues. The feeling of intimacy is nonexistent inside the arena and is too difficult to sell out games due to the large size. The Schott is a multipurpose facility used for other events such as concerts, which can be the downfall of big budget programs. The prospect of revenue with an arena of this size outweighs enhancing the stadium experience with a more intimate feel. The venue is also home of the Ohio State hockey team. Food & Beverage 4 The options in Value City Arena are solid and there are some vendors such as Donatos and Roosters that are favorites in the area. Pretzels, nachos, and popcorn will cost $4-$6. Sodas cost $4.50-$5.50. The Brutus Pretzel is served with sweet cream cheese and other items which make the $12 worth it. The pizza from Donatos is a great choice at $7 and the Turkey BLT Sub is another good option at $8. You must try the Rooster’s nest – crispy buffalo chicken tenders and fries topped with melted cheese, bacon and scallions. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. Also be sure to grab a Graeter’s ice cream cup ($6). This is the most famous ice cream in Ohio and it started in Columbus! Bottom line is you won’t be disappointed with the selection and taste of all of these items so be prepared to try some of them on game day. Atmosphere 4 The Buckeye Nuthouse is home to the Ohio State Student Section at each basketball game and they come to play themselves. Even though the overall atmosphere can’t compete with some of the top schools in the country, the students do their part to support the Buckeyes. Student leaders of the Nuthouse camp outside for every game to guarantee their spots in the front row. In 2010, the school eventually moved the student section from behind the baskets to behind the benches so the students would be shown on television broadcasts. It really has made all of the difference in creating a rowdy environment and is the number one reason for the good atmosphere at Ohio State basketball games. The band is also great, and you can really tell how much the fans love all of the songs by how much they participate. Fans outside the student section can get loud and exciting during a big matchup like Wisconsin or Michigan State but are completely taken out of the equation against less talented schools. A game against lesser talent could almost be considered boring. The arena is too large and there just isn’t enough energy on these days. Neighborhood 3 Value City Arena is located on the campus of the Ohio State University, one of the best places to visit for any fan of college sports. However, the area is too spread out from the Schott and requires a long walk to visit anything of interest. The main place to go off campus is a walk along High Street where you can find a great Buffalo Wild Wings (which began in Columbus). This is a great place to hang before the game for some drinks and good food. If you make the trip from out of town, be sure to check out Raising Canes Chicken Fingers, because it is the most popular spot to eat on campus. With the school’s location near the downtown area, the experience lacks a cozy small town feel like you’ll find at some of the state’s MAC schools (Bowling Green State University or Ohio University as examples). This is great for college football, but the combination of the large size of the basketball arena and city feel of the campus makes it seem more like a professional event. Fans 4 Buckeye fans are some of the craziest, loudest, loving, hating, passionate fan bases in all of sports. The city seems to cry the day after a football loss, riots break out in the street after beating that team up North or taking home a National Title and the Buckeyes are the best in every sport, every time. When it comes to basketball, these fans are still here but lack the obsessive nature of the football program. In any case, they are friendlier and more lenient of losses, which contributes to the lack of atmosphere on some days. This also makes these fans extremely approachable when visiting, so be sure get some accounts of Matt Sylvester’s shot in 2005, or the heartbreak of losing to Florida in the 2007 National Championship game (after losing to the same school in the football title game, not three months earlier). That was a tough year for Buckeye fans, and they’ll be happy to tell you about it. In the end, you’re going to hear some pretty great stories, especially from former students. Access 3 Value City Arena at The Schottenstein Center is located just off Ohio State Route 315. It’s really easy to find, but the traffic and commuting can become very difficult. Also, parking around the arena is not efficient due to the large amount of “passes only” spaces. The best thing to do is to find some parking further down Lane Avenue, away from the arena. You should be able to find a spot for $10, or you can park near High Street for free. Just make sure it’s not a tow away zone. Once inside the arena, the concourses are a little snug, but the seats are very comfortable and the staff is extremely friendly when helping to find a seat. Lines for concessions and restrooms can become unbearably long during breaks, and also make it very difficult to navigate through crowds at this time. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are too high for Buckeye basketball and are highly inflated for “prime” matchups. My advice is not to participate in Ticketmaster because of the extra fees added on to the ticket. The ticket office will help you find an affordable seat without the fees. Expect to pay at least $22 for a seat in the upper bowl and over $50 for anywhere else. On my latest trip for Senior Day, I ended up paying $37 for the upper bowl due to the big matchup versus conference-leading Wisconsin. Just call the OSU Ticket Office at (614) 292-2624 for details. Overall, a day watching Buckeye basketball will cost more money than you want to spend for the experience. Extras 3 One point for the Buckeye Nuthouse and one of the best student sections and student organizations in the country. Another point for “Hells Bells” before the game. The students lock their arms together and sway back and forth in alternate motions to create a great pregame tradition. This could turn into one of the best if there was more participation from the fans. One last point for the views of Ohio Stadium in the distance. One of the coolest parts of your trip will be driving right alongside this concrete beast, a beautiful sight for any college sports fan. Unfortunately, Value City Arena lacks even half the fervor. Final Thoughts Some people in Columbus say winning the National Championship in football in 2015 was the worst thing that could have happened to the basketball program. There is some truth to this. The environment for basketball games lost a lot of passion, but it is cyclical. If you can catch this program on a good year, it can be one of the best. As of right now, the arena is too big and can’t be filled for every game, giving some experiences an empty feeling. The former home of Buckeye Basketball, St. Johns Arena, would provide a better experience just for the sheer closeness of the stands. Having a professional feeling in a college environment takes away from the overall experience. When this happens, just glance over to The Buckeye Nuthouse, they’ll remind you where you are.

Photos by Paul Baker Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Tate Rink Lonesome Rd. West Point, NY 10996 Army West Point Golden Knights website Tate Rink website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 2,648 Hockey Knight in West Point “West Point is all about chills, goosebumps, and sentimentality. When you enter one of the Academy’s four gates, be prepared for a battle of the senses that is sure to be fought on several emotional levels. Army is power and strength, patriotism and pride, sad memories and hope-presented in a pastoral masterpiece.”–The Sporting News Located in the shadows of renowned Michie Stadium, Tate Rink was built to replace the gigantic ice surface at Smith Rink, which had been home to Army hockey since 1930. Tate Rink is named for Joseph S. Tate ’41 and Frederic H. S. Tate ’42, brothers and pilots who were both killed during combat in World War II. Tate Rink is part of the Holleder Center, which also houses Christl Arena and the Black Knights’ basketball team. The Holleder Center is named in honor of Major Donald W. Holleder ’56, an All-American football and basketball player who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1967. Hockey has been played at West Point since 1903. The Black Knights currently compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association. The team won one conference championship, in 2008. Army hockey has yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stands at Tate Rink are tucked away behind the stairs that bring fans up into the Holleder Center lobby. The menu is limited to your basic arena fare, including hot dogs and nachos. In addition, hungry Black Knight fans will find cotton candy, popcorn, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and assorted candy here. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Holleder Center. Many fans will choose the attractive souvenir mug for six dollars. Also located in this area are a Dippin’ Dots cart and a pretzel cart. Fans looking for something a little more substantial will head over to the secondary lobby, located past the Hall of Captains, where The Grill serves up additional items. Chicken tenders, french fries, sausage, pepper sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and burgers can be found here. Atmosphere 3 Fans who have been to Michie Stadium for an Army football game will be disappointed at the relative lack of pageantry and ceremony here. Still, there is something special about attending a game at one of the service academies. At Tate Rink, the game is the main focus. There aren’t a whole lot of extraneous features here at West Point. Unlike many other college hockey venues, there is no pep band or cheerleading squad to distract fans. Disappointingly, there is no student section filled with Cadets. The simple gameday presentation will undoubtedly please hockey purists. There is only a simple dot matrix scoreboard hanging at center ice, which displays basic game information. A large video board at the far end of the rink shows game highlights, advertisements, and graphics. If you come to a game against one of the Army’s big rivals or another service academy, expect a much livelier atmosphere at Tate Rink. Neighborhood 3 The town of West Point is a small, quaint town of under 7,000 residents. Located about an hour’s drive north of New York City, the town of West Point is dominated by the Military Academy. Fans traveling from out of town will find no shortage of places to stay in the towns surrounding the Academy. Beyond the Military Academy, the Hudson Valley area surrounding West Point is a favorite spot in the fall to take in some incredible foliage. Bear Mountain State Park is a destination for hiking and other outdoor activities, and tours of the West Point campus are popular with sports fans and history buffs alike. During the winter months of the hockey season, the ski lodges of the Adirondack Mountains are only a couple of hours away. With Tate Rink’s location on a military base, visitors will have to travel a short distance off-base before encountering any locations for lodging or dining. Fans 3 Army averages between 1,700-1,800 fans per game at Tate Rink, which places them in the bottom quarter of all the Division One teams nationwide. The Black Knights enjoy strong support from residents, who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support of the team. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be much support from the student body here. The support and antics of the Cadet section, which adds so much to the Army football experience, are sorely missed here. Access 3 When planning a trip to Tate Rink, keep in mind that this is an active military base, so give yourself a little extra time to arrive, as there is added security at the entrance to West Point. Located in the shadow of Michie Stadium, the Holleder Center is home to the Army hockey and basketball teams. With its gray concrete shell, it looks very much like a product of the 1980s. What Tate Rink lacks in warmth and creature comforts, it makes up for in tradition. Parking lots are located a short walk from the entrance to the Holleder Center. Fans must navigate several flights of stairs from the lot to the arena. Be warned, it’s a long walk back uphill to get to your car after the game, and the area is not well-lit. Watching the children in attendance try and scale the steep hillside is almost worth the cost of admission in itself. Fans will enter the Holleder Center into a small lobby, where the ticket offices are located. A pair of staircases take fans up to the main lobby, located between Tate Rink and the Cristal Center. A pair of hallways off this main lobby leads to the seating area. Seats at Tate Rink consist of a pair of grandstands that run the length of the rink. The seating area is a bit unusual in that the first row of seats is located eight feet above ice level. This elevated perch, along with the steep pitch of the grandstand, ensure that all seats have a great view of the ice. The first few rows of seats consist of black plastic folding stadium seats, with the upper-level seating consisting of metal bleachers. There is no seating at the ends of the rink. Return on Investment 4 The army utilizes flexible pricing for their games at Tate Rink. Depending on the game you attend, expect to pay between $10 and $20 for chairback seats and between $9 and $15 for bleacher seats. Detailed pricing information can be found on the Army hockey website. Parking is free in the lots next to the Holleder Center. Concession prices are in line with other arenas in the area. Extras 5 It is doubtful that there is a campus anywhere in the United States that can match the history that surrounds when you step foot on the West Point campus. Campus tours operate seven days a week, highlighting many of the campus’ prominent and noteworthy features. It is recommended that if visiting Tate Rink, you carve out some extra time to explore the campus. In the early fall months of the hockey season, the scenery around campus is breathtaking. The West Point Museum contains comprehensive displays on the history of the United States Military, the Academy, and a most impressive collection of old weaponry. Be sure to make time to take in as much of the history available here as you can. Once inside the Holleder Center, be sure to check out the Hall of Captains, where plaques commemorating every captain for every varsity sport in the history of West Point line the hallway. In addition, photos of every hockey team to represent West Point line the hallways at Tate Rink. Banners honoring legendary coach Jack Riley and his successor, his son Brian, hang from the rafters. Final Thoughts While Tate Rink lacks many of the creature comforts that dominate newer hockey rinks, there is an old-school sensibility here that makes taking in a game at West Point an enjoyable experience. Excellent sightlines and an intimate seating area only add to the enjoyment. Tate Rink’s location on one of the most historic campuses in the country only adds to its allure. It’s an arena that should be included on any hockey fan’s wish list. “Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory” –General Douglas MacArthur Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Jared Townsend , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 AMSOIL Arena 350 Harbor Dr. Duluth, MN 55802 Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs men’s hockey website AMSOIL Arena website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 6,726 Enjoying Bulldogs Hockey at AMSOIL Arena Drive on I-35 near downtown Duluth and it’s almost impossible to ignore AMSOIL Arena, the hockey venue that’s served as home to the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs since 2010. Set near the shoreline of Lake Superior with Duluth’s instantly recognizable Aerial Lift Bridge within the site, the stadium features a capacity of 6,726 and is part of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Complex. Every time the Bulldogs play at AMSOIL, the arena becomes the center of excitement in this quintessential Minnesota city. The passion for hockey in Duluth can’t be emphasized enough and in no way is it better represented in the state than by the fans who show up at AMSOIL to cheer on their Bulldogs every game. Food & Beverage 4 AMSOIL offers a wide variety of foods and beverages at relatively affordable costs. Your basics run for the following prices: hamburger ($7.25), cheeseburger ($8.00), french fries ($4.50), chicken tenders ($7.75), hot dog ($5.00), nachos ($5.50), pretzel ($4.00), popcorn ($4.00). Some of the more interesting items offered (and might I say likely fan favorites), include the smoked wild rice brat ($6.00), the Pulled Porketta Sandwich ($7.00), and the walleye fillet basket, the latter of which is priced a bit high at $12.00 (but it’s a fan favorite along with the Pulled Porketta Sandwich). You can also find pizza served by the slice elsewhere in the arena. In terms of beverages, you’ll find your basic Pepsi products such as Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, and Sierra Mist. But here’s where things get interesting: AMSOIL offers some amazingly unique beverages that are perfect for Duluth’s cold weather: french vanilla cappuccino ($2.75), hot chocolate ($2.50), hot apple cider ($2.75), and locally roasted ARCO Coffee ($2.25). Meanwhile, if you’re not in the mood for something to warm you up, you can always visit AMSOIL’s Cold Stone Creamery stand, something that’s always popular even during the coldest months. Atmosphere 5 Interestingly enough, the excitement of visiting AMSOIL doesn’t wait to hit you until you’ve entered the concourse or taken your seat it sets in much sooner. It begins with the lobby, probably one of the most impressive for a college arena …so much so that it gives professional arenas a run for their money. The lobby itself is highlighted by blue lighting that illuminates from the ceiling and down upon the artistic terrazzo flooring. Meanwhile, the wording “AMSOIL ARENA” in all caps adorns the gateway entrance. Like much of the lobby around it, it too is lit with blue. You can also catch a great view of downtown Duluth through the lobby window and it is especially beautiful when it’s seen lit up at night. The arena’s concourses are sufficiently sized and if you walk around you’re sure to see some history. One wall features pictures of all the UMD Men’s hockey players who’ve gone on to participate in the Olympics, while another wall features framed jerseys of those who have played at UMD in the past. And the biggest highlight, the seating bowl combined with the ice rink itself are surely the most impressive features of AMSOIL. The maroon and gold seats feature plenty of legroom and no matter where you sit within the venue, you’re sure to feel like you’re right down by the ice where all the action occurs. Meanwhile, the arena features an impressively large scoreboard that hangs over the center of the ice. It’s square and includes four sides. At the bottom is a circular screen that showcases the scores and the game periods. Neighborhood 5 Set near the heart of downtown Duluth right by Lake Superior, it’s hard to imagine a better place in town for this arena to be located. It’s within walking distance of many great restaurants and shops, all part of nearby Canal Park. Just some of the restaurants you’ll find in the area: Famous Dave’ (BBQ), Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe (sandwich shop & brunch), Green Mill Restaurant, Old Chicago (really good Italian), Canal Park Brewery (beer & pub food), and Red Lobster. One of my favorite shops in the area is the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory which has a wide variety of chocolate candies. My recommendation is to get one of their chocolate-covered apples. Meanwhile, Grandma’s Saloon & Grill is a fan favorite before and after the games and features some great homestyle takes on classic American dishes. Right across from AMSOIL sits none other than the Duluth Curling Club, a place to grab a beer and get some food, all while enjoying the sport of Curling. In addition to exploring the Canal Park area, you can also cross into downtown Duluth via the skyway over I-35. One of the cool places downtown are Dubh Linn Duluth Restaurant and Irish Brew Pub, a place where many Bulldog fans also assemble before and after the games. Display your game ticket stub to the staff, and they’ll offer you one free drink. Fans 5 The fans are energetic, follow the team closely, and appear to be having the time of their lives while watching the Bulldogs play. Attendance is relatively good, albeit there are some notably empty seats during gameplay; of course, part of this could be because people are wandering around. Since moving into AMSOIL back in 2010, the Bulldogs have generated an increased amount of excitement. The following year, they won the NCAA National Championship, and ever since the team has remained the talk of the town. The “Penalty Box” is AMSOIL’s student section. Out of anywhere in the stands, it’s where most of the excitement is generated …especially given the student section’s attempts to get into the heads of UMD opponents (in particular, the opposing team’s goalie). Attend a game at AMSOIL and you’ll hear fans shout their chants with enthusiasm and the whole display of excitement is quite fun to watch. Fans of opposing teams are, of course, treated with respect, it’s a Minnesota Nice thing, after all. Access 4 The arena is just off of I-35, so it’s super easy to find. If you’re driving by car, however, there’s one caveat. Parking directly by AMSOIL can be tricky and traffic around Canal Park can become congested. One idea is to park in one of the parking garages across I-35 and walk across to the Convention Center Complex via the skyway. If you take the tip, getting in and out is a breeze. Parking directly by the arena, however, is affordable and much cheaper than the parking you’ll find at other venues. Most lots in the area charge just around $5.00. Walking from wherever you parked and into the arena is easy. There’s nowhere that crowds can become congested. Important to note: Duluth winters can be extremely harsh, so make sure you’re dressed warmly. Meanwhile, the concourses are relatively wide and there are plenty of bathrooms in the arena. Return on Investment 5 Tickets typically cost anywhere from $20 to $30. However, you can expect to pay higher rates when they play a rival, such as the University of Minnesota. For what you pay, you get more than enough in return. Wherever you sit in the arena, it’s next to impossible to get stuck in what some would refer to as the “nosebleed” section. That said, the setting is what could be described as intimate and you’re sure to feel like you have a premium seat to all the action on the ice. Extras 3 AMSOIL features a lot of history in the concourses. From the wall that displays the UMD Olympians, all the way to the jerseys …you get a sense of school spirit and pride in the team. In addition, you’ll also find quotations from local heroes relevant to Duluth on the walls. You’ll also see plenty of banners proudly displayed above the rink – whether they’re commemorating the 2010 Championship, other storied seasons in UMD’s history, or the team’s 2 retired numbers – those belonging to Brett Hull (#29) and Keith Christiansen (#9). And one last thing that I thought was cool: Try to find the fireplace on the concourse. It’s especially neat to warm up if you’ve just arrived in the arena from the harsh cold of the outdoors. Final Thoughts Having just been opened in 2010, AMSOIL Arena is a relatively new venue. However, once you take in the entire experience, you’re sure to get a vibe that’s steeped deep within the University of Minnesota-Duluth tradition. Simply stated, you feel like you’re at an older arena, and that’s not a bad thing. AMSOIL is certainly one of the best college hockey game day experiences you’ll find in the state, if not the entire U.S. Midwest. It’s more than just getting your money’s worth, it’s an experience that’ll make you want to recommend attending a game here to others, even if they’re not UMD Bulldog fans.

Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Maverik Stadium 800 East 1400 North Logan, UT 84322 Utah State Aggies website Maverik Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 25,513 Fear The Ox! Utah State played its first game at then Romney Stadium in 1968. In 2015, the stadium got a new name and was ready for an upgrade. With funds from Maverik for the sponsorship rights and millions in donations, the stage was set for a new press box and more. The renovations were completed in September, 2016 and include new club suites, concession stands and more. Food & Beverage 4 With the new naming rights, there are now Maverik products that are sold on site, with items being sold out of the old concession stand. At the Bonfire Grill, there are personal pizzas available for $6, and are available in plain cheese, pepperoni or BBQ chicken. Other items include a Sugar Cookie for $2, various candies for $3 and Pixy Stix for $1. For drinks, there is Aquafina for $3, Fiji water for $4, Gatorade for $3 and various Pepsi products for $5. There are also several food stands inside the stadium on game day, ranging from Italian cuisine to Korean BBQ. Atmosphere 4 When plans were revealed for the renovations, one of the biggest items on the to-do list was to improve the game day atmosphere and the overall feel of the stadium. And the improvements have been noticed by fans, players and coaches alike. The most noticeable difference is the new West Stadium Center, complete with a new press box, club suites and reserved seating. There are also new video boards on both ends of the stadium, with the one in the north end zone now being the biggest in the Mountain West. And with the new video boards also came a brand-new sound system. The quality is much improved over the old speaker system and now everything is crystal clear, including the Aggie Marching Band. There is a fan-fest that takes place a couple of hours before the game, complete with booths that give away free food and usually have giveaways before or during the game. Another pre-game festivity includes a Harley ride, in which the Spirit Squad and Big Blue are brought in on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Neighborhood 3 Even though Logan is somewhat of a small town, there are plenty of restaurants in the city, and some are very new. There are also places to go hang out after the game. If you’re looking for something good either on game day or any other day of the week, there is the local favorite, Angie’s. It is a diner type restaurant, and there is plenty to eat depending on the appetite. But what Angie’s is known for is a “challenge” called Cleaning The Sink. Here, you have a replica sink filled with lots of ice cream, and a choice of toppings such as hot fudge, bananas and peanut butter cups. If the entire sink is “cleaned,” you get a bumper sticker that says “I Cleaned The Sink At Angie’s.” It is $12, so the more people you have the better. I have done it twice so far, and it is worth it. If you’re on a budget, there are cheaper options in town, including Pizza Pie Cafe and Texas Roadhouse, both of which are very good places to go if you’re looking for a hangout spot after the game. If you’re not after food, there are options for the outdoor enthusiast, including many hiking trails located just a few minutes up Logan Canyon. Fans 3 Even though this year was a rough year football wise, the fans are very loyal to the Aggie football team. The main student section here, known as The HURD, does a good job getting students to the game and they have a real impact during the game. Special events like in-state rivalry games and Whiteouts help bolster the crowd. You will always see them doing the Aggie fight song and a special song known as “The Scotsman.” Overall, The HURD is the best student section I’ve seen – you’ll definitely see their impact the next time you go to a game. This is the smallest of the FBS stadiums in Utah with a capacity just over 25,000. Depending on how the team is doing, you’ll either see some empty seats or a stadium at capacity. Either way, you always have the diehard fans at every game, which is very cool to see. Access 4 Parking definitely isn’t a problem if you’re coming to Logan. If you’re a parking pass holder, you’ll get a spot right in front of or directly adjacent to the stadium. But for those without passes, there are more parking areas on campus just a few blocks from the stadium for just $10. With the new renovations, there are now more entrances into the stadium. Instead of having to walk around to the north or south ends of the stadium to enter, there are now entrances on the west side of the stadium, which is nice for those who want to get their seats quicker. Not to mention there is now more room for foot traffic. The bathrooms on the east side are the same as they once were but the ones on the west side were updated with a more modern feel. They are also bigger than the ones on the east side, but there are plenty of bathrooms either way. Return on Investment 4 The price for general admission seats did go up a few dollars, but $19 is still a pretty good deal to go see a game. It is the same price for a seat in the south end zone, but it will cost you a few extra dollars if you want a chair back seat. And if you want one, plan ahead as they go fast. Extras 2 One point for the beautiful views from the stadium. If you sit on the east side, you get a beautiful view of the mountains that tower above the stadium. But when you enter or exit the same side, you get a great view of the entire Cache Valley. One point for the statue of Merlin Olsen outside the south entrance. It is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players in Aggie history. It is also part of a new student tradition in which the students touch the helmet before they enter the stadium. Final Thoughts Maverik Stadium is a decent little stadium to visit, and is very family friendly. It’s worth a visit if you are in the area, or if you want to see your team play on the road, and don’t want to fight the crowds at a large venue.

Photos by Jordan Fallconer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Canada Life Centre 300 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3C 5S4, Canada Manitoba Moose website Canada Life Centre website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 15,294 MTS Centre AHL Style The return of the Manitoba Moose to Winnipeg may not have been as heralded as the return of their parent club, the Winnipeg Jets, but is has been very warmly received. With the return of the NHL to Winnipeg, a lot of families have been squeezed out of the MTS Centre. The Moose provide a family-friendly, affordable and accessible hockey option. The Moose use only the lower bowl of the MTS Centre. Tickets are $20 or $25 with lots of mini-pack options. Utilizing MTS Centres lower bowl with a capacity of 8,260 the Moose have consistently drawn between 5,000 – 7,000 fans per game with an average approaching 7,000 per game. Mini-pack games see larger crowds and the popular New Year’s Eve game is likely to be a complete sell-out. The Moose will actually open the upper bowl for the New Year’s Eve game this month. Ticket sales are already over 10,000 for the late afternoon game. Fans heading to the game should not expect a minor-league experience. The in-game production is the same as the Jets – a benefit of sharing the arena. All the sound, lights, effects and promotions are available to and used by the Moose. The Moose use the MTS Centre’s new HD scoreboard and LED power boards throughout the game. In game promotions and giveaways appeal to families and there are ample opportunities for kids to see themselves on the scoreboard’s large HD screens. Fans can watch for themselves on the Fan Cam, the Flex Cam or the Kiss Cam. These three popular scoreboard features give folks the chance to have some fun. Attending a Moose game is inexpensive and many families have jumped at the chance to get the whole family to a professional hockey game in Winnipeg. The atmosphere in the MTS Centre is definitely family friendly and there are many kids in attendance so this review will reflect and focus on this. Note: In May, 2017 MTS Centre’s name changed to Bell MTS Place as a result of Bell’s acquisition of MTS. In 2021, the arena’s name changed from Bell MTS Place to Canada Life Centre. Food & Beverage 5 Once inside MTS Centre for the game, there are many options for those looking to grab some food and beverages. Food options range from regular arena fare (burgers, dogs, pretzels, pizza, fries, etc.) at several locations around the concourse to favourites like Pizza Pizza, Tim Hortons, Moxies, and Local 204 which features local products like Granny’s poultry products. New this year is the Wrap Around, which features wraps for $13 (including beverage). Fans can choose from pork souvlaki, chicken shawarma or falafel and fill their wrap with a variety of fixings. Options abound at MTS Centre and even the hungriest of fans will be able to fill up on good quality food. From carved beef, pulled pork, and poutine to the usual fare of burgers, dogs, smokies, and fries there are many options for even the hungriest of fans. If you are really hungry, try the Jumbo Jet Dog – an MTS Centre feature and fan favorite. The Jumbo Jet Dog is a very large hot dog that will run you $9.50 but will fill you up. You may want to share this one with a friend or the whole family! It is also available in a combo for $13.50. In addition to the regular toppings, additional toppings available are what make this a monster. Bacon bits, pierogie pieces, chili or nacho cheese are available for an extra $1.50 each. Try the pierogie pieces and if you are not worried about spilling on your jersey, go for the nacho cheese and chili! Most concessions will run you about $10 – $15 for an “arena meal.” Beverage prices range from $5 for bottled water, $5.50 for a bottled pop (fountain drinks are $5.25 and $5.75) while beer is $8.50 for a regular draft (12 oz) and $9.50 for a large draft (17 oz). Concession information is available on the MTS Centre website where you can open a document with maps of both concourses that details the concessions available. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at MTS Centre during a Moose game is family friendly. Parents should feel comfortable bringing their kids to the MTS Centre to see the Moose play. The Moose cater to families and provide enough entertainment to occupy the little ones’ attention. While this is not the same atmosphere that one experiences at a Jets game, the MTS Centre fans are still knowledgeable and inviting. Fans cheer loud and proud and the kids get right into it! Neighborhood 3 While options abound for the pre-gamers, the options for families are not as plentiful. MTS Centre’s central downtown location does make for easy access. Traffic before and after a game is never really an issue as there are many routes in and out of the downtown area. Family-friendly pre-game meal options are not as plentiful in the immediate area next to MTS Centre. Boston Pizza Cityplace and the food court at Cityplace provide the best options as they are close and the building also has a parkade and is attached to the MTS Centre. Other options might include dinner at the Forks Market before heading over to the game, Carbone Coal Fired Pizza, Ichi Ban Japanese Steakhouse (a more pricey option), Mitzi’s for their famous chicken fingers, or fast food options such as Subway and A&W. Families should consider dinner at home first or along the way to the MTS Centre rather than planning a stop in the vicinity. Fans 4 Moose fans are active and engaged in the game. Fans can be heard reacting to penalty calls, chanting the opposition goalie’s name and, of course, cheering on their team as loudly as they can. Mick E. Moose is always firing up a “Go! Moose! Go!” chant and fans are willing to join in. Fans are knowledgeable about their home team. The fans at MTS Centre create a one of a kind atmosphere making the overall experience for families a positive one. Fans will be decked out in their Moose jerseys and there will be lots in their Jets jerseys as well. Many fans wear their Moose gear from before the Moose left Winnipeg so don’t be confused by the different color schemed jerseys. If you are a fan who likes to cheer and get involved, grab some seats close to ice level or in the first row. The last rows of the 100 and 200 levels offer great views and there is nobody behind you if you want to stand and stretch your legs. Fans who want to socialize may find the Budweiser King Club, which includes its own bar area and places to stand and watch the game. Access 5 Access to MTS Centre is easy. Situated on Winnipeg’s famous Portage Avenue between Donald and Hargraeve, the MTS Centre is easy to get to and easy to get home from after a game as well. It’s a remarkable change for anyone who ever saw a game at the old Winnipeg Arena. One need not leave early from the game to beat the traffic. Fans can stick around to the last whistle and enjoy every moment of the game. MTS Centre is connected to Winnipeg’s extensive downtown indoor walkway system so fans can park, leave jackets in the car and wear only their jerseys to the game while walking indoors. Return on Investment 5 Prices at MTS Centre are what one would expect for an NHL arena. Families looking for AHL prices won’t find them here. Fans will pay more on site for food than elsewhere so a pre-game visit to your family’s restaurant of choice is a good option. The overall return on investment is excellent, however, due to the low cost of tickets. An evening at the game for two with food, beverage and parking can be under $100. A family of four can get great seats for $80. Add parking ($5 – $10) and some snacks and a family can have a night out for around $120 or less. The Moose have filled a void in the Winnipeg hockey market. With the return of the Jets it has been difficult and expensive for families to get tickets. The Moose provide an option that is both affordable and accessible as tickets are readily available. Extras 3 There are several bonus points at MTS Centre during a Moose game. The facility itself is well thought out. Now entering its second decade, the building looks remarkably new thanks to constant renovations and additions. The views are good no matter where you sit. The new large HD scoreboard scores bonus points for MTS Centre as well. It is easy to see from anywhere in the arena bowl. Be sure to get to your seat early enough to watch the Moose game day production team’s build up to puck drop. From game intro videos and highlights the features prior to the game are worth watching – especially on the large HD screens. The biggest bonus that MTS Centre provides fans is the family-friendly atmosphere during Moose games. There are plenty of opportunities for the kids to see themselves on the scoreboard and even to interact with Mick E. Moose, the team’s mascot. Fans will also note that there are often players available for autographs after the game. At a recent game, the entire team was available after for autographs and the giveaway included a team puzzle that fans could get signed.

Photos Courtesy of Siena College Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 MVP Arena 51 Pearl Street Albany, NY 12207 Siena Saints website MVP Arena website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 15,229 Good Times Siena has been recognized as one of the elite programs in the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) since the start of the 21st century. Former head coach Fran McCaffery, now at Iowa, led the Saints to a 77-26 record, including 46-8 in conference play, and three consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament between 2008-2010. The Saints currently play in one of college basketball’s most overlooked rivalries with the Great Danes from the University at Albany. Each season, the two teams battle it out for the Albany Cup before 10,000+ fans at the Times Union Center. Note: The arena name changed from Times Union Center to MVP Arena in Jan 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The options are never limited as locations to buy refreshments surround the area in-between the first and second levels. The typical arena favorites like pizza, chicken fingers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs are all available. However, like cross-town rival UAlbany’s SEFCU Arena, the Saints suffer from a major problem. There are a number of both fast food and sit-down restaurants nearby, but food and drink does not come cheap, such as $4.50 for a Gatorade or $5.50 for a box of cracker jacks. The options are in your favor; the prices are not. Atmosphere 4 By far the largest arena in the capital region, The Times Union Center is a great place to watch a basketball game. There is a major college basketball game experience at every game, complete with an enthusiastic student section and multiple tv cameras. The TU is great entertainment whenever the Saints are in town. Neighborhood 2 The Times Union Center is on South Pearl Street in downtown Albany. Surrounded by a handful of bars that are home to ever increasingly rowdy patrons, downtown Albany can be a dangerous place to visit. There is constant police presence on the weekends and bar owners are sometimes also called upon to take action. Fans 3 In the competition for bragging rights with cross-town rival Albany, Siena can check off a win in the fans department. More residents, and especially more students come out to Siena home games. The fact that capacity at the Times Union Center is more than twice what the capacity is at SEFCU Arena might play a factor, but the fact remains that the fans still make the effort to come out and support their Saints. Access 3 A parking garage is attached to the west end of the building, but it costs $8 to park there for the day. Street parking is typically available on nights and weekends, but the spots are almost always filled up with a far greater demand than there is supply, leaving those attending an event to park far from the building. Return on Investment 4 The Saints have made four NCAA Tournament appearances since 2002, and have upset national powerhouses Ohio State and Vanderbilt in two of those appearances. You can expect to see a good team, which is an important element. Tickets range from $10-$35, and the price is well worth it to see the Saints of Siena. Extras 2 The Saints do a decent job of keeping fans entertained during media timeouts, with games revolving around the “Minute to Win It” concept and the ever-famous kiss cam.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Credit Union of Texas Event Center 200 E Stacy Rd Allen, TX 75002 Allen Americans website Credit Union of Texas Event Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,275 Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Allen Americans The Allen Americans are a minor league ice hockey team currently playing in the ECHL (every coast hockey league – I made that up; it used to be the East Coast Hockey League but they rebranded to just the initials ECHL after the league expanded across North America). The Allen Americans began their play in 2009 as part of the now defunct CHL (Central Hockey League). When that league folded in 2014, the Americans transitioned to the ECHL. The Americans have a rich history of success in their short existence winning the Ray Miron Presidents Cup twice in the CHL and the Kelly Cup the two seasons they’ve been in the ECHL so far (both cups are comparable to the NHL’s Stanley Cup). They have always played in the Allen Event Center, in Allen, TX (30 or so miles north of Dallas, TX). The Allen Event Center also hosts indoor soccer Dallas Sidekicks as well as a variety of other concerts and entertainment shows. Editor’s Note: In Fall 2021, the arena name changed from Allen Event Center to Credit Union of Texas Event Center. Food & Beverage 4 The Allen Event Center provides a decent fare and then some. The concession stands each offer the basic snacks (hot dog, popcorn, pretzels, candy, peanuts, etc.) but each stand has different main entrees so be sure to walk the concourse and check them all out before ordering. One offers pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwiches, turkey leg, sausage on a stick, baked potato or a loaded spud ranging from $5 – $8. Another has Philly cheesesteak or chicken fried steak baskets, corn dogs and a variety of fries; and still another presents a diverse range of burgers and chicken sandwiches $6.50 – $7.75, and for $3 more add some fries. A CiCi’s Pizza provides slices, a whole pie, and garlic cheesy bread. Try the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or a Nestles Toll House cookie stand ($2.50 a cookie) for sweets. Even with all these choices, the recommended place is Savour Cantina serving delicious items such as fajita nacho grande, empanadas, crackling pork shank, taquitos, elote, and burritos ranging from $6.50 – $10. Across from the stand on the concourse, ambiance is provided with lights strung up and tables with red table cloths and chairs and umbrellas. Coca-Cola is the soda preference. Domestic draft beers go for $6/$8.25; a 24 ounce can is $9.25 and are sold at most concession stands. One beer stand (near Savour Cantina) has a variety of craft brews in a can. The souvenir/merchandise area is set up on tables on the concourse and has plenty of red hats, red shirts, red jerseys, some novelties like earrings and pucks but no hat pins or pennants. Atmosphere 3 The Allen Event Center is a fine facility to watch an ice hockey game; it has some nice features and others that can be improved upon. One level of seating is available with suites on a second level. It is a smaller arena so one can get a good view of the ice from all seats. Entering the seating area brings a visitor to row E or so, fans will walk up or down depending on their row level; the highest row is S. The steps are a tad steep but there are handrails for those who might have unsteady footage. To sit center ice facing the player benches, choose sections 116 (seat #’s 1 to 7) or 115 (seat #’s 11 – 18) or so to be within the blue lines. No center hung video board blocks the view of the other side (nice!); instead two huge flat screen displays are mounted above the seating areas on each side of the ice. Smaller score lines are located on the wall behind the goals. Pretty, young cheerleaders hand out game day rosters (the print is too small to read…) when entering the arena. To me, cheerleaders feel out of place at hockey games. Unless, they can ice dance, save them for basketball and football games. It is dark in the area so said rosters can’t be read. I, personally, don’t like the darkness but that’s a fans preference. It can get chilly at Allen Event Center for a hockey game (but not as bad as some ECHL arenas in the league). Bring extra layers if you’re one who tends to be cold. The music and announcements are way too loud to have any kind of conversation with neighbors between play of game. At the game of this review, one exceptionally nice between-period entertainment was displaying a full rendition of John Denver and his band actually performing ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ on the video boards interposed with fans in the stands. Neighborhood 3 If you or your significant other likes shopping, you will be a happy camper. Otherwise, there’s not a heck of a lot of things to do within walking distance of the venue. The arena is located within and close to three shopping outlets / malls. There are plenty of restaurants within the shopping mall closest to the Allen Event Center which include: BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Dodie’s Place Cajun Bar & Grill, Pane Vino, Pluckers Wing Bar and more. If a beer before or after the game is desired, Kelly’s at the Village Craft Tavern is recommended. It is steps from the arena and has a huge variety of beers on tap (30+) many local to Texas, as well as a complete menu. There’s seating inside and outside at Kelly’s. Both Kelly’s at the Village and Dodie’s Place Cajun Bar & Grill seem to be the most frequented by Allen American fans. For places to stay, a Courtyard Marriott is spitting distance from the entrance. A Hampton Inn is right under the highway (walking distance) but currently (Fall 2016) the sidewalks are closed due to road construction so walking from there is not an option. On a side note, the Hampton Inn is where the visiting team players stayed (during the weekend of this review). Fans 4 Fans are strong and ardent and show up in team jerseys and colors and are respective of the visiting fans and players. For the most part, no ‘make some noise’ prompts are needed. A select group of fans with drums sit behind one of the goals and get the fans cheering. The coolest tradition and chant the fans execute is when after an American goal, all fans stand up and pump their arms and shout Red! Red! Red! Red! at the appropriate time during the goal song, “Don’t Stop Living in the Red” by Andrew W.K. Average attendance is steady and near or above the 4,000 mark for both their CHL days and their current ECHL league. Allen American fans have a lot to be proud of. Access 3 Allen, TX is about a 40 minute drive from Dallas. And Dallas traffic is always horrific and roadways always seem to be under construction. Public transportation from Dallas Love Field Airport will take 3 – 4 hours depending on arrival time and day, so the Allen Event Center is not the easiest to get to for a sports stadium traveler. The arena is just east off of US-75 between McKinney and Plano, TX. Traffic is congested around the Event Center as it is in the midst of huge shopping centers/outdoor malls – The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview. Exiting the area after the game will take some time. The concourse is not overly crowded except at the two entrance areas. Not unique in minor league venues, one cannot walk the entire concourse but must circle back after a certain closed off area. It appears the only wheelchair accessible seating is on the glass level – this may or may not be a good thing depending on preference. Restrooms are plenty with no lines and are clean. Return on Investment 3 For a Saturday day game, tickets run $20 – $42 with an additional $2 – $8 charge when purchasing on game day. Ticket prices run a little less for weekday games (starting at $14). Parking is free; concession prices are not out of this world. There’s no need to purchase tickets beforehand (unless you’re particular about where you sit and/or want to save a few extra game day purchase fees). This recommendation could change when the Americans make it to the Kelly Cup playoffs in early spring. It’s a winning team and a decent facility so it’s worth the investment. Extras 3 If planned properly, a stadium journey traveler may find several doubleheader weekends of hockey/soccer at the Allen Event Center. The John Denver video delivery of ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ and the ‘Living in the Red’ goal celebration are worth an extra mention. Various jerseys the Allen Americans have sported are displayed on the walls behind the suites on the second level. Final Thoughts The Allen Event Center is a respectable venue in which to watch an ECHL game. It has above average food choices, is in the midst of an outdoor shopping mall and has hotels within walking distance. And the team wins. Check it out if in the area north of Dallas.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Retama Park 1 Retama Pkwy Selma, TX 78154 Retama Park website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 15,000 A Day at the Races There’s something special about a racetrack. The electricity of the crowd; the majestic beauty of a fine racehorse; the air of hope that permeates the atmosphere with each race as everyone with a ticket is sure they’ve got themselves a winner. Yes sir, there is something truly special about a racetrack. Just outside the San Antonio city limits, in the town of Selma lies Retama Park. Constructed to mimic the Spanish colonial style reminiscent of “old world” racing venues like Santa Anita and Del Mar in California, the 2016 season marks the 21st racing season at the track. Retama Park, which has turf and track surfacing, enters into its fourth under new ownership and management, it has repositioned itself as a must-visit attraction. Food & Beverage 4 Like most great sporting venues, Retama Park has a nice selection of all the traditional favorites including hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, sodas ($1.50), and domestic beer (starting at $5). There is also a specialty Tex-Mex stand on the turf level. Once you get through the main entrance, you are greeted by the wafting smells of grilling hamburgers (starting at $5) and hot dogs (starting at $2). The burgers are some of the best around. Also on hand is the tasty Pepito’s Italian Ice (in a variety of flavors for $5). This stand’s frozen, sweet treats are a perfect complement to a hot summer night at the track. Inside and upstairs, first on the Grandstand Level, that’s when the food options really start to expand. At the Terrace Level, you will find more of the traditional fare and also the Sports Bar. Chicken wings, grilled chicken salads, and specialty sandwiches are all on the menu. As the name would imply, a full complement of beer and alcoholic spirits are available. Be warned though, this is one of the most popular spots in the track and it fills up fast. On the Terrace Level and at the Private Suite Level, the fare gets even better. Both offer spectacular, all you can eat, carved prime rib dinners ($22.95 on the clubhouse level and $39.95 on the press box level). Both of these areas offer exclusive seating; once you have paid for your dinner, your table and unique view of the track is yours for the entire night. Atmosphere 5 Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper of horses or a first time visitor, you will enjoy your visit to Retama Park. Every weekend during the live-racing season (mid June until November), there are special events for patrons of the track. These range from a Comic Con Night to Family Nights (complete with a petting zoo and food and drink specials). These events feed into the overall atmosphere of the track. A highlight for visitors of all ages is a trip to the horse paddock. Before each race, the horses are brought into their stalls for a rub down before being walked to loosen them up. It’s a great chance to get up close and personal to these magnificent animals. Another unique offering of the track is the Fan Education area. For no cost aside from admission, you can sit in and listen as the track’s resident handicapper walks you through the betting process, answers your questions, and bets right alongside you (should you be so inclined). This free education eliminates one of the main barriers that some have for visiting the track. In 2015, a new merchandise stand was set up near the main entrance to purchase Retama Park related apparel and accessories. One of the best features of the track is the seating. Whether you sit outside in the open seating near the track, up against the fence, or in some of the clubhouse seating, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Neighborhood 3 Retama Park lies outside of San Antonio proper. It is built in a former industrial area and is set by itself on land adjacent to I-35. However, while it has no “immediate” neighbors, just up the highway is The Forum at Olympia Parkway, a very family friendly shopping center. The Forum is home to large chain stores such as Target, Kohl’s, Toys R Us, and Best Buy, among others. Similarly, a vast number of family-style eating establishments are available ranging from fast food places like Chick-fil-A and Subway, to sit down establishments like Red Robin, Chili’s Bar & Grill, and Chipotle Mexican Grill. Heading out the other direction from Retama Park, up Lookout Road, within 10 minutes you will be able to visit Rolling Oaks Mall, which is a mid-sized shopping mall complete with a number of national shopping and dining chains. With Retama Park being so close to I-35, you can hop on and head south and be at San Antonio’s lively downtown in 15-20 minutes or head north and visit the quaint German town of New Braunfels or even, ultimately, be in Austin within an hour. Fans 5 I think it is fair to say that the best part of the overall experience at Retama Park are the fans. The track is open 364 days out of the year (closed on Christmas Day) and there are a group of hardcore, serious racing enthusiasts who will be there waiting at the gate for the track to open all 364 of those days. You will see some “colorful” characters on the Track and Grandstand Levels, especially by the TV banks and near the betting windows. You will see men and women in their lucky shirts or hats, carrying their lucky charms, and engaging in “track banter.” The fans make the track truly something special. Access 4 There are two main access points to Retama Park: I-35 and Lookout Road. I-35 spans the entire city of San Antonio, from north to south and continues. It also connects to every major highway and loop in the city, so you can be virtually anywhere in San Antonio from Retama Park in 30 minutes. Lookout Road connects to another large thoroughfare, Nacogdoches Road. This road also travels a large portion of the city, north to south. One point of emphasis should be noted; the area of I-35 where Retama Park lies will experience larger than normal amounts of traffic at most times of the day. Loop 1604 intersects with I-35 just south of the track. This often causes traffic to stack up, so be prepared. Return on Investment 4 The cost for admittance to Retama Park, which opens every day 10:30am, is $5 during live racing season and $2 the rest of the year; children 12 and under get in free. Parking is free (or you can go big and valet your car for $8). A racing program, if you’re looking to gamble or if you just want a nice souvenir, is $3 and you can eat and drink very well on $10-$20 per person (or even cheaper on $1 nights, which run the entire summer). Where else can you spend as little as $5 for an event and walk away, conceivably, with thousands of dollars? Only at a good race track, and Retama is just that. Extras 4 The fans, the atmosphere, the relative affordability of every amenity, the excitement of the crowds, all of these make Retama a great venue to enjoy, either for a single person or a whole family. Getting the chance to see the majestic horses up close in the paddock or along the fence line, is sure to tug at the heartstrings of kids of any age. Couple these perks with the free fan education forum, the theme nights (Mardi Gras Night is particularly enjoyable), and the chance to mingle with a crowd of interesting people, and you’ve got a truly special sporting venue. As part of the upgrades that the new ownership (Pinnacle Entertainment) have brought in has been to fully integrate the venue with free wifi. A new pari-mutuel betting app is also available for those who have their lucky spot and don’t want to vacate it to visit a betting window. Final Thoughts For casual horse racing fans, first time visitors, or dyed-in-the-wool track folk, you are guaranteed to enjoy your day or evening at Retama Park. The classic old style look, the electricity of a close horse race, the food and drink options, and the beauty of the horses themselves all harken back to a time when horse racing was the sport of kings. You can capture that feeling-and maybe win a little walking around money-with a day or night at the races. If you’re in San Antonio or even Austin, do yourself a favor and plan a visit to Retama Park. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 LaVell Edwards Stadium 1700 N Canyon Rd Provo, UT 84604 BYU Cougars website LaVell Edwards Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 63,470 Independent (And it feels so good) The Brigham Young Cougars have been playing football since 1896, but have been independent since 2011. Since then, the stadium and the school have seen quality opponents come and go, but the excitement at games continues to remain and impress. And with a new head coach and coaching staff at the helm, there is even more excitement surrounding the program. The stadium was built in 1964, but with the near-constant sellouts, the upgrades to the stadium and the quality of the opponents, you probably wouldn’t think it is that old. But as one of the few independents in the nation, does the LaVell Edwards Stadium (LES) fit the bill? Food & Beverage 4 As the largest stadium in the state of Utah, there are plenty of food options to choose from, whether you want just a snack or a full fledged entree. There are even a few specialty items that will get your taste buds going. Some of the more popular items include “Cougar” Dogs ($4), Polish Sausages ($5), Popcorn ($4), Nachos ($4) and Candy ($4). The BYU Creamery is a big staple on campus and it is available on game day – you can get a pint of BYU Creamery ice cream for $4. The more unique items on the menu include Pulled Pork Sandwiches ($9) and a Bratwurst combo with chips and a drink ($7). As a Coke campus, all soft drinks served on game day are Coke – a regular sized soda will cost $4 while a souvenir cup costs $7 but you do get unlimited refills during the game. Minute Maid frozen lemonade is also available for $5 and is available in regular and strawberry flavors. The biggest note here is that as an LDS (Latter-day Saints) campus, there is no alcohol served during the game. The Creamery items and any of the sandwiches are definite must tries if you ever attend a game at the LES. No matter what you choose, you will not be disappointed. Atmosphere 4 With more high quality opponents on the schedule, LaVell Edwards Stadium has a bigger game day atmosphere than in years past. The stadium is a bowl-shaped stadium, so fans will have a great view of the field no matter where they sit. The biggest features are the two HD scoreboards on both the north and south ends of the stadium. The video boards are connected by a video ribbon that surrounds the entire edge of the stadium. The graphics are top notch, especially on replays, which shows the actual replay system officials use during the game. The sound system is pretty good, and music is played often in between downs and during game breaks such as TV timeouts and quarter breaks. Before the game, there is the ceremonial lighting of the “Y” and the pregame prayer, which take place before every home game. There are different “cams” that are interspersed throughout the game, including the Air Guitar Cam and the Dance Cam. The BYU Marching Band does a terrific job throughout the game keeping fans entertained while playing very good music as well. You will have a pretty good view of the field regardless of where you sit. But if you want a view that faces the mountains, you will want to sit closer to the west side of the stadium. As a reminder, if you come during the winter months, it will be a lot colder and the chances of snow increase – just keep in mind there are no umbrellas allowed in the stadium so plan ahead. Neighborhood 4 LaVell Edwards Stadium is located on the extreme northern end of campus and along University Parkway, which is the main road to get from Interstate 15 to the stadium. As an atypical college town, there are no bars around town – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t stuff to do. Even though there are no bars in town, there are plenty of places to eat within driving distance of the stadium. One of my favorites is Pizza Pie Cafe – where it is all you can eat Pizza, Pasta and Salad – for around $7 (drinks are a buck or two extra). They have several different kinds of pizza (including dessert pizza) and have 10 different kinds of pasta with six different kinds of sauce. For a more local feel, you can try Burgers Supreme which is just down the road. As a bacon fanatic, I recommend the Bacon Cheeseburger. There are a lot of shopping areas as you come down University Parkway, but not much in the way of attractions. If you’re craving a flick before the game, there is a Cinemark theater on the way to the stadium, which includes new Luxury Lounger seats that recline back. For LDS faithful, the Provo Temple is about a half-mile to a mile away. Coming into the stadium, I noticed a Super 8 that was just two blocks away and a Days Inn that wasn’t far behind that. If you’re coming from I-15 and using University Parkway to get to the stadium, you will pass anywhere between 7 to 10 hotels within driving distance. So if you’re coming from out of town, book in advance because rooms tend to fill up and it can be more expensive closer to game day. Fans 5 If there was one thing that made my visit to LaVell Edwards Stadium special, it would be the fans. They are about as passionate a fan base as I have seen so far. And the game I went to was homecoming, which made the night even more special. The capacity of the stadium is 63,470, which makes it the largest stadium in the state – and it was a near sellout with very few empty seats. It may be a little emptier during the winter months, but it looked just about full from where I was. Add to the fact they were playing an SEC opponent AND they’re getting opponents like these to come play there – I’m not at all surprised the stadium was near capacity. Up in the press box, it is still LOUD – glass vibrating and floor rumbling loud. The fans are in the game the whole time – the only time they get up is at halftime and quarter breaks. Both the student section (known as The ROC) and all other fans join in to the fight song “Rise and Shout, the Cougar is out!” and everyone gets loud on third and fourth down plays. It is an exciting fan base to say the least. Access 4 In terms of accessibility, the stadium has enough features and parking to make game day an enjoyable experience. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has buses and Trax lines that run near the stadium, but they fill up on game day, so make sure you give yourself extra time to get to the game. And if you’re coming in by plane, the nearest major airport is Salt Lake International, about a 45 minute drive north of the stadium. There are numerous lots around the stadium open to Cougar Club members or reserved parking – otherwise it will be a little of walk but should cost around $10 to park further away. Traffic wise – make sure to pack your patience. If a game is sold out or close to it, you could be looking at a 20 to 30 minute wait just to get out of your lot – but campus and city police do a nice job of directing traffic before and after the game. You can either pick up your ticket at will call or print it out at home and bring it to the game. When entering the stadium, as long as you don’t have any of the prohibited items with you, you will be just fine. Event staff are very friendly and they are there to help answer your questions. The upper concourse has a little less room than the lower, but it didn’t cause too many problems during the game. The restrooms are a little hard to find but look nicely kept at least during my experience. For those wanting to move between the upper and lower concourse, there are ramps located throughout the stadium for those that want to move around. Return on Investment 4 The stadium has done a great job of keeping everyone happy, so you really do get the bang for your buck. Seats in the upper bowl start at around $15 and lower bowl seats start at around $35 to $40 dollars, so depending on where you sit, you may be getting a good deal. The concession prices are right on par in regards to other stadiums in the country. And parking is not bad if you take public transit – you’ll also pay as little as $10 for parking. Extras 3 One point for the pregame rituals. The marching band spells out the word “Cougars” before the game, with the crowd getting into it. There is the Cougar Walk, where students line up outside the stadium and then rush in to take their seats. And starting something new this year (2016), the athletics program is inviting active service members to come and participate in the lighting of the “Y” prior to the game. One point to “Y” Mountain. It is well kept all throughout the year, and was lit up for the homecoming game, which I thought was a nice touch. One point for the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. With fall in full swing, you can see the colors changing on the trees. And with just the right sunset (which we had), the mountain gives off a beautiful glow that is remarkable. It truly is breathtaking to have that type of beauty within range of the stadium. Final Thoughts It may not be a bucket list experience quite yet, but it is certainly getting close. You may be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t attend at least one home game during a season. With quality opponents and a very devoted fan base, LaVell Edwards Stadium is a must visit the next time you’re in town for game day.

Photo Courtesy of Collegegridirons.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Faurot Field 600 E Stadium Blvd Columbia, MO 65201 Missouri Tigers website Faurot Field website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 67,124 Let’s cheer MIZZOU! Missouri football has been in existence since 1890 and has a long and illustrious history. Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium has been host to the football team since 1926. It has been expanded and renovated many times since it’s opening. In 1972, Memorial Stadium’s playing surface was named Faurot Field in honor of longtime coach Don Faurot. The seating bowl is horseshoe shaped with lawn seating in the end zone featuring a pile of painted rocks in the shape of a block M. Missouri football recently joined the SEC after a long run in the Big 12 and Big 8. Joining the SEC has seemed to rejuvenate the passion among the Tiger faithful. There is a new sense of pride being associated with the conference and their run of success in football. Food & Beverage 3 There are plenty of concession areas around the stadium with choices for everyone. The regular concession items such as hot dogs, hamburgers (fresh off the grill), and brats (tasty and well cooked) can be found at most stands. There are specialty stands offering larger varieties of cheesesteaks and barbecue sandwiches. Mizzou has also partnered with Levy Restaurants to include a few more specialty items like the popular mac and cheese burnt end sandwich, loaded crispy potatoes, parmesan garlic fries, and M Dawgs that puts boring hot dogs to shame. The Faurotious Dawg is topped with buffalo sauce and blue cheese slaw and the Big Zou Dawg is covered with baked beans, potato salad, cheddar cheese, and barbecue sauce. Coca-Cola products are available and are priced fairly with a large going for $5. Snacks can be found around the stadium such as popcorn, nachos, pretzels, and candy. The prices for these will run between $3-$5. Lines at the concession stands flow well and you should have little problem getting food and getting back to your seat in time. The basic stands have plenty of workers which is nice. The concourses are wide as well so fans can still walk by without having to dodge people waiting in line. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere here is electric, especially for night games. The stadium is set on campus which makes it perfect on a fall afternoon or evening. Before the game, fans can be seen tailgating in parking lots or in the residential neighborhoods near the stadium. Missouri football does a fantastic job with its pregame presentation, and the band does a wonderful job getting the crowd into it the game. Truman, the Tigers mascot, makes a lap around the perimeter of the playing field in a black and gold fire truck. After the National anthem, a hype video is displayed on a massive scoreboard in the north end zone showcasing Missouri highlights from years past. One feature that isn’t seen often at other places is the entire starting team (offense/defense/specialists) introductions on the big screen. The Missouri band has Big Mo, the world’s largest drum at nine feet tall in the south end zone. There is also a cannon that goes off when Missouri scores; it is loud so be prepared for it. Below the north concourse and above the north end zone is the stadium’s most historic and identifiable landmark-the large “M.” Measuring at 90-feet wide by 95-feet high, it’s made up of white washed rocks set in the grass berm where fans sit in general admission seating. It debuted October 1, 1927, and was built by students using leftover rocks from the original construction of Memorial Stadium. The rock “M” is whitewashed by incoming freshman prior to the first game. If Missouri ever encloses the lower seating bowl, I hope they find a way to keep this feature. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood around the stadium is athletic fields and structures. The campus is just to the north. To find most retail stores, bars or restaurants you have to go about a mile or so to the downtown area. Around the stadium there are tailgaters in parking lots along Stadium Road and about anywhere fans can find to set up their game day banquet. Amazingly, they pull their cars up on the grass along Stadium Road and park their cars. They break out their grills and the tailgating shifts into high gear. There is not a lot of entertainment options close to the stadium, but there is a sports bar at the Hampton Inn a couple blocks away on Stadium Road. On the other side of campus, north of the stadium, there are plenty of places to eat and drink in downtown. Some of these places include Booche’s, Addison’s, 9th Street Public House, and Flat Branch Pub and Brewery. Fans 4 Mizzou fans are loud and proud of their team. They are a passionate bunch who seem to be relishing the fact that they now support an SEC program. If you get there early you can experience the Tiger Walk. This is when the football team arrives at the Mizzou Athletic Training Complex and walks across the pedestrian bridge down the south tunnel to its locker room. At some point the students will yell “M-I-Z” and the alums will respond “Z-O-U.” This is similar to Ohio State fans that yell “O-H,” “I-O.” Legend is that Mizzou fans liked the Ohio State chant and adopted their own version of it. Access 4 Faurot Field is easily accessible from any direction around Columbia and is off of I-70 on Stadium Drive. The stadium area is set up well for incoming/outgoing traffic. You will have to fight some traffic after the game, but that’s par for the course at any stadium. Parking at the stadium will cost you $25 nearby or free along Stadium Drive if you get there early enough. Some residential spots charge a few bucks less to park in their driveways. There are a series of bus routes that will take you to and from the stadium as well. There is a bus from the Holiday Inn a few miles out near I-70 for three dollars round trip. This can save on parking or if you want to stop somewhere for a beer before the game. The area around the stadium is taxi/Uber/Lyft friendly as well. On another trip here, our Uber drivers pick up in the south lot of the stadium. Apparently, they can show a pass and they are let in and out easily. This can help alleviate traffic after the game and very helpful for to anyone using this service. Restrooms are large and spacious, and the lines go quick for the most part unless you want to use the bathroom at halftime. Return on Investment 3 Tickets here go for around $50, normal for SEC games. There are plenty of people selling tickets outside as well if you can’t get a ticket before the game. Food is priced right and the options for free parking make it a worthy experience and easy on the wallet. Extras 3 Faurot Field is a basic place to watch a college football game and that is not a bad thing at all. Fans are loud, sightlines are perfect, and the ingress/egress around the stadium is good for fans. The massive scoreboard has valuable information, stats, and scores from games around the country. Final Thoughts Attending a game at Mizzou is a great experience. Its campus setting is perfect for tailgating and catching up with friends old and new. Inclusion into the SEC has brought a great sense of pride and swagger among the fans and program. You will not regret seeing a game here.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Kroger Field 1540 University Dr Lexington, KY 40506 Kentucky Wildcats website Kroger Field website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 61,000 My New Kentucky Home Kroger Field (formerly Commonwealth Stadium) has served as the home of Kentucky Wildcat football since 1973. The 61,000-seat facility is the newest stadium in the SEC, as judged by date of original construction. However, the University has been very proactive in keeping the stadium state-of-the-art, and recently completed a multi-year renovation costing nearly $120 million. This has dramatically improved the fan experience at a Wildcats game and has caused many locals to refer to the facility as the “New Commonwealth Stadium”. The changes are both cosmetic and functional. The exterior of the stadium has been recovered with a limestone surface native to Kentucky. Once inside, fans will notice much wider concourses and renovated concession and restroom facilities. Seating comfort has been greatly enhanced with the addition of bench back seating on the lower levels and 2,000 new club-level seats. One major aspect of the renovation will have an impact on Kentucky football for years to come. Typically, Kentucky’s recruiting classes have been ranked in the 20s and 30s by Scout.com. The Kentucky program hopes to greatly improve this rating with the brand-new, multipurpose recruiting area in Kroger Field. This facility is a club-like facility above the end zone to entertain high school prospects and their families. It includes state-of-the-art technical facilities and will have graphics celebrating Kentucky’s football history. The facility also includes a patio to watch the game outside, and it will be located adjacent to the student section so recruits can get a feel for the college experience. Food & Beverage 3 In addition to the brick-and-mortar changes made to the stadium and the concession areas, the vendors at Kroger Field have added a number of Kentucky-centric items to the menu. These items include bourbon ice cream, Hot Brown nachos, chicken and waffle cones, beef and cheddar croissants and Twisted Tators. A sampling of food prices at the concession stands includes: barbecue pork sandwich ($9), Cat Tail (bratwurst on a maple glazed long john $5), chicken sandwich ($9.50), nachos ($4), popcorn ($8), and eight-inch Papa John’s pizza ($7.50). Drinks include large sodas ($5), Powerade ($4.50), and sweet or unsweet tea ($5). There is never a charge for water at Kentucky games. Atmosphere 4 While longtime season ticket holders and those who have attended Wildcat games frequently have seen these renovations occur gradually, someone who has been away from the program for a few years will feel like they are in a brand-new facility. In addition to the seating improvements, the field has been redone, a new press box has been erected and 20 more luxury suites have been added to the existing 40. The appearance of the stadium has also been enhanced to feature the UK brand more prominently. Instead of a bland functional silver bowl, there is now a blending of Kentucky’s dark blue color scheme into the stadium design, which fires up the Wildcat faithful even more. The previous video boards and message ribbons are still in place, but have been reconfigured to make them much more fan friendly to read. Neighborhood 4 The University of Kentucky is unique in the SEC (the other exception being Vanderbilt), in that it is not located in a strictly “college town.” Lexington has a population of more than 300,000 residents, and is the second-largest town in the state of Kentucky. It still maintains a small-town feel, but has the restaurants, attractions and nightlife found in bigger cities. The UK campus is located just south of the downtown area. Lexington and the Bluegrass Region surrounding it are known as the Horse Capital of the World for good reason. The city is surrounded by horse farms, and is home to two area horse racing tracks. Both Keeneland (thoroughbred racing) and the Red Mile (harness racing) offer racing schedules during October, so you can add a visit to the track to your sports agenda while in town for a game. One other equine-related attraction that is a “must-see” is the Kentucky Horse Park, located just east of the downtown area. Another claim to fame for Lexington is its leadership as the Birthplace of Bourbon. There are numerous distilleries offering tours (and samples) in the Distillery District. Numerous craft distilleries have also opened their doors recently, including the Barrel House and the Town Branch Distilleries. For those preferring a different adult beverage, take the Brewgrass Trail to craft beer locations, such as Blue Stallion, Country Boy and Ethereal Brewing. There are numerous restaurants of note within a short distance of Kroger Field. These include Crank and Boom, Sawyers and Joe Bologna’s Deli. The closest and most reasonably lodging near UK includes the Holiday Inn Express Downtown, the Hilton Lexington Downtown and the University Inn. Fans 3 Wildcat fans tend to gravitate to two main areas before a game. These are the Wildcat Walk and the Coca-Cola Fan Zone. The Wildcat Walk occurs approximately two hours before kickoff, and takes place between Nutter Field House and the brand-new Kentucky football training facility. The Fan Zone opens three hours before kickoff, and includes musical entertainment, a pep rally, visits with the cheerleaders and the Wildcat mascot, and autograph sessions with greats from Kentucky’s past. One new addition to the fan experience inside Kroger Field are several graphics walls featuring scenes associated with the university and its athletic teams. These will provide an excellent backdrop for fans wanting to get a photo of their family or for selfies. In this way, the stadium will play an active role in promoting the UK brand through social media. One of the goals of the renovation was to make the Wildcat football fans as fervent as their basketball brethren. This is a difficult challenge, as Kentucky has been a basketball school from the days of Adolph Rupp up to the current John Calipari era. Kentucky football averages around 56,000 fans at a game, but often times the crowd tends to thin out early if the game is out of reach on one side or the other. It is hoped that by providing a greatly enhanced fan experience, Kentucky fans will be tempted to give the “other” major sport on campus a closer look. Access 4 On football weekends the population of Lexington swells by more than 60,000 people. The main routes into town are via the Bluegrass Parkway, Broadway St and I-75. While the traffic is heavy once you are on city streets, the university has a well-conceived traffic control plan. Up-to-the-minute information is available at 1700 AM. As is true at most major college stadiums, the parking areas nearest the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders and major donors. For persons with single-game tickets, there are a number of parking options to choose from. Free, on-campus parking is available at lots #2 (near the WT Young Library), #3 (the Kentucky Clinic) or #6 (at the corner of Virginia and Press Avenues). There are also shuttles available from downtown Lexington from the Shops@ Civic Center (430 West Vine) and the Lextran Transit Center (150 East Vine) The shuttles cost $5 roundtrip from downtown or $2 from the on-campus locations. The on-campus locations are within walking distance of Kroger Field and allow you to see much of the beautiful UK campus. Once you reach the stadium, you will find it very easy to navigate. The recent renovations have greatly improved the gate entry process and the traffic flow on the concourses. Return on Investment 3 The Wildcats use a tiered system for single-game ticket prices The prices range from $45 for a non-conference opponent to $60 for games involving an SEC opponent. Parking is free in on-campus lots 2, 3 and 6. The concessions are very reasonably priced, and Lexington-area restaurants and hotels offer a wide range of price points to meet any budget. There are a number of excellent attractions located nearby for pre or post-game entertainment. A trip to Bluegrass Country and a Kentucky Wildcat game adds up to a wonderful fall weekend at reasonable prices. Extras 3 In this age, it is rare for anything to be provided free of charge. The University of Kentucky is to be commended for providing free game programs, free parking (in lots #2, 3 and 6) and free water at any concession stand in Kroger Field. These little touches make a big difference in providing an enjoyable fan experience. The Bluegrass Region offers a wide variety of horse-related activities, including race tracks, museums and tours of horse farms. While in Lexington, a visit to Rupp Arena is required for any basketball fan. It ranks right up with Duke and Kansas in the hierarchy of NCAA college basketball shrines.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Malone Stadium 500 Warhawk Way Monroe, LA 71203 Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks website Malone Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 30,427 Soaring in Monroe JPS Field at Malone Stadium opened in 1978, and is named after the winningest coach in ULM football history. The stadium originally held 20K fans, but has been expanded several times since its construction, and currently seats 30,427. The most recent renovation occurred in 2014, when JPS Aviation/JPS Equipment Rental paid for the installation of FieldTurf here, in exchange for naming rights of the field for 8 seasons. ULM’s athletic teams were previously known as the Indians, but due to NCAA policy, the university voted to change the mascot to the Warhawks in 2006. The new mascot honors Louisiana-raised Major General Claire Lee Chennault, who commanded the Flying Tigers squadron of P-40s in China during WWII. Though most of ULM’s mascot imagery is bird themed, the mascot’s name is actually Ace, and he “flies” a P-40 styled car onto the field during pre-game when the players come on. Food & Beverage 3 Malone Stadium’s concessions have about what you would expect from a football venue of this size, but the stands do sell alcohol, which is uncommon at college stadiums. Food options include hot dogs, frito pie, pizza, nachos, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, chips, Cracker Jack, Dippin’ Dots, and boxed candy, and the prices are on the low end; food items range from $2 up to $6. All food items are sold at the main stands, except pizza, which comes from specialty stands from Johnny’s Pizza House. Drink options at the main stands include bottled water, PowerAde, and Coke products in bottles, at a cost of between $3 and $4. Alcohol is available from separate stands, including beer and mixed drinks. Beer is only $4, and selections include Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra. Atmosphere 3 Malone Stadium has grandstands on both the east and west sides, with plazas and seating for alums and donors behind each end zone. The two grandstands are not really connected, so pay attention to where you are seated so you can park closer to the one you need – the east side has the student section, the west side has the reserved section, and both sides have general admission. Almost all of the seats in Malone Stadium are aluminum benches without backs, but there are some chair back seats on the west side in the first few rows of the upper deck, and in the upper middle section of the lower deck. The stadium doesn’t often get very full, so there isn’t always a ton of crowd noise, but there is some fun entertainment, and the field itself has some great décor. The playing surface is nicely done, with the Warhawks bird head logo in the center of the field and next to every yard marker. In addition, there are talons marking the kickoff spots on both ends of the field; this is a lot more on-field décor than most football stadiums bother with, and is a nice touch. The mascot “flies” a P-40 esque car onto the field when the team comes on, which is fun to watch (see the video below). In addition, the staff shows animated video throughout the game of a Warhawks plane “shooting down” the other teams in the conference; this bird vs. plane dual imagery for the mascot really creates a great contrast. The staff does the typical fan participation events during breaks in the action, such as the Dairy Queen race between fans dressed as a blizzard and an ice cream cone. Neighborhood 3 Malone Stadium is nestled inside the loops of the Bayou DeSiard waterway, and is not far from the Ouachita River, so there are plenty of Cajun-styled seafood restaurants nearby. The closest is Waterfront Grill, which is just across the DeSiard from the stadium, but there are also several a few miles away in the waterfront area next to the Ouachita, including Mohawk Seafood Tavern and Warehouse No 1. Any of these would be a great place to have a bite before or after the game. If you plan to be in town for the weekend, there are several hotels along I-20 to the south of the stadium. Courtyard and TownePlace Suites are the nicest ones, and have reasonable rates, but there are some cheaper ones in the same area if you are on a tighter budget. Fans 2 Unfortunately not a lot of fans come to games at Malone Stadium. On average the venue will draw between 12K and 13K, which is less than half full, and attendance tends to get lower as the season progresses. The best attendance tends to occur during games against in-state opponents (either FCS or FBS) at the beginning of the season, so if you have a choice try for one of those – attendance at games versus big-name opponents (think Power 5) seems to actually be lower than games against non-Power 5 schools. The fans that do come tend to wear team gear, and cheer loudly for their team, but the stadium also tends to clear out before the 4th quarter. Access 4 Malone Stadium is very easy to get to, being not far at all from I-20, and you can park very close to the venue for only $10. There are also plenty of bathrooms and concessions stands, so you will never see any lines. The stands on the east side are easier to get in and out of, because that side has several short sets of stairs spaced evenly along its length, while the west side only has long winding ramps, one on each end, which take a little time more to get up and down. On the plus side, those with special needs will have easy access, but should plan to sit on the west side only. The only potential downside is that the two grandstands are completely separated, so if you want to try and move around during the game it won’t be easy. Also note that the staff does monitor the stands very carefully, so you won’t be able to get into a section you don’t have a ticket for, even though the stadium will have a lot of empty seats. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games at Malone Stadium start at $26 for adult general admission (upper deck), and max out at $46 for chair backs in the lower level. Youth tickets are $13, and students get in free, but can buy guest tickets for non-student friends for only $11, so if you know any ULM students you could save some money that way. The above ticket prices are slightly on the high side for similarly-sized college football venues, but are reasonable given the experience, which includes some fun entertainment like the mascot’s P-40 car. Personally, I would not spend the extra money for lower-level seats, though, because at such a small venue it is actually easier to see the field from further away. Either way, considering the low cost concessions and cheap parking, this is a very good experience for the money. Extras 3 The dual bird/P-40 mascot is very cool, especially given the strong ties to WWII in Louisiana (the National WWII museum is actually down in New Orleans, in part due to the fact that factories there produced many of the landing craft used in the D-Day invasion). Another plus is the playing surface, which has some pops of color and decoration, unlike what you’ll see at most other venues. Final Thoughts As mentioned before, the best time to see a game at Malone Stadium is early in the season against an in-state opponent if possible. While it may not look quite as modern or have as much crowd noise as some of the other football stadiums in the area, it nevertheless offers some unique elements, and should be a fun time.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Cajun Field 201 Reinhardt Dr Lafayette, LA 70506 UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns website Cajun Field website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 31,000 Geaux Cajuns! The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette, for brevity's sake) is the second largest public university in the state of Louisiana, trailing only LSU. It was founded in 1901, but has only gone by the name of UL Lafayette since 1999. The 19,000 students attend school in the heart of Acadiana, a 22-parish area of the state whose ancestry can be linked back to the exile of the French-speaking Acadians from Nova Scotia. Lafayette is seen as the official cultural capital of Cajun Country, with its own language, music, customs and foods. The university's athletic teams have been known as the Ragin' Cajuns since 1962. The home field for the football program is Cajun Field, which opened in 1971. The 41,426-seat stadium is more popularly known as "The Swamp," a name usually associated with the University of Florida’s football stadium. For many reasons, UL Lafayette has a more legitimate claim, as 1) it is located two feet below sea level, 2) the geography of the area around Lafayette is dominated by bayous, wetlands and swamps, and 3) it is located less than 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Due to an often wet climate, the school installed Pro Grass synthetic turf to avoid the field becoming a quagmire. The Ragin' Cajuns are members of the Sun Belt Conference, and also have a history of scheduling top-20 teams for their non-conference games. Food & Beverage 5 If the team name did not give it away, the concessions menu at Cajun Field will make it clear you are in Cajun country. Of course, typical stadium food is available, but here it is with a decidedly Cajun twist. Among the items on the menu at Cajun Field are jambalaya ($8), Cajun crab patty burgers ($10), Cajun dogs and po'boy sandwiches ($9). Be sure to try the "Swamp Thing," a double po'boy with shrimp, boudin balls, fried green tomatoes and topped with crawfish cheese sauce! ($12). These delicacies can be found along Restaurant Row at Cajun Field in booths such as the Ragin' Cajun Kitchen, Minus 40 (ice cream and other frozen treats) and The Diner. Non Cajun-twist foods include pretzels ($4), popcorn ($3), nachos ($4), sodas ($4) and bottled water ($3). Because Cajun Field is not physically located on the university campus, you are able to enjoy adult beverages on the bayou. Beer ($7), red and white wines ($9) are available, as are margaritas ($8). Daiquiris include such flavors as Ragin' Cajun Strawberry Lemonade, Cajun Colada, and the Swamprita. The area's obsession for foods that are hot and spicy even carries over the to the school mascot, a hot pepper known as Cayenne. Atmosphere 3 After experiencing Cajun tailgating and the Ragin' March Parade, it's time to make your way into Cajun Field. The stadium is built as a seating bowl, so entry is at the top of the seating area. (There is an upper deck on the west side of the stadium.) For the most part, there is bleacher seating, but there are 2,577 chair back seats at the base of the west stands, At the south end of the field, you will find the very popular Restaurant Row food concessions, while the north end is open and features a grassy embankment which provides general admission seating (seating meaning a beach towel or blanket to sit on). This area also features a huge matrix board featuring HD graphics and a continuing stream of game-related information. Cajun Field played a major role in Louisiana football after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. With the Superdome out of commission, UL Lafayette hosted some Tulane games and the New Orleans Bowl. The Saints also used it as a practice facility during their season on the road. Neighborhood 4 The city of Lafayette revels in its title as the Capital City of Acadiana. It is apparent in the diversity of the population, which includes persons of Cajun, Creole and French heritage. The city also holds the title of "Happiest City" (Wall Street Journal Market Watch) and "Tastiest Town" (Southern Living magazine). These are in recognition of the Cajun creed of joie de vivre (joy in life) and the wonderful Cajun and seafood cuisine available in local restaurants. Among the restaurants you will want to check out are the Bon Temps Grill, Pop's Poboys, Broaddus Burgers, and for a sugar fix, Cajun Market Donut Company. Lafayette also has some great nightlife. The famous Blue Dog Café originated here, and other local favorites include the Jefferson Street Pub and Don's Seafood. The nearest hotels to Cajun Field are the Hilton Garden Inn (across the street), the Best Western and the Days Inn Lafayette-University A visit to Lafayette would not be complete without learning about the Acadian way of life. Two "must-sees" on the cultural front are the Acadian Memorial and the Acadian Village, a re-creation of Acadian life in the 1880s. The city also has murals on many of its downtown buildings depicting Cajun lore. If your football trip to Lafayette falls on the second weekend in October, you can take part in the citywide Festivals Acadians et Creoles. The merchants of Lafayette love to share their way of life with visitors - just beware, you'll often see a sign in local stores where you will be encouraged to "Bayou some stuff" while you are in town. Fans 4 Fans in Cajun Country see football games as a fall highlight, a family reunion and a reason to party all rolled up into one. Cajun Field is a five-time leader in the Sun Belt Conference in football game attendance. The fan experience starts long before the kickoff, as the Ragin' Cajuns have been recognized by ESPN.com as one of the top tailgate experiences. The fans are extremely friendly, and they will probably invite you to join them for a drink, some gumbo, jambalaya or grilled rabbit or gator. Once the game gets underway, they are all business, and show their support through standing much of the game, cheering very loudly and boisterously singing the fight song and ringing the Victory Bell after each Cajun touchdown. These fans are used to seeing well-played football in "The Swamp," as the team has a .600 winning percentage for home games. A stunning 48 players have gone on from this relatively small school to play in the NFL. Some of the more notable football alums are Jake Delhomme, Rafael Septien, Charles Tillman and Brian Stokley. Access 3 One of the ways Lafayette has been able to maintain its strong Cajun culture is its relatively isolated location in southwestern Louisiana. Getting there requires traveling some distance. It is located 137 miles from New Orleans, and 215 miles from both Houston and Shreveport. There is an airport in Lafayette, but fares are extremely expensive. It is much more economical to fly in through New Orleans and make the two-hour drive. Once you arrive in Lafayette, parking can be an issue, as the stadium is located 1.5 miles from the campus in UL Lafayette's Athletic complex, which requires football pass parking.. Your best bet is to park in one of the designated lots on campus and take one of the free shuttles over to the game. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $26 for reserved seating or $21 for General Admission, which includes the embankment in the northern end of Cajun Field. These prices reflect purchases made before the day of the game. The concession prices are quite reasonable, and lodging in the Lafayette area can run from $90 to $200 on a home game weekend. Extras 2 Residents of Louisiana are well known for their ability to put on a parade (think Mardi Gras). UL Lafayette is no different, as they hold a Ragin' March Parade one hour prior to the game, featuring the Pride of Acadiana band. The UL Lafayette campus actually has an on-campus swamp, complete with alligators and other animals native to a wetlands habitat.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Martin Stadium 1775 NE Stadium Way Pullman, WA 99164 Washington State Cougars website Martin Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 32,952 Cougar Pride in Pullman Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington is the home field of the Washington State Cougars football program, and currently has a capacity of 32,952, which is the smallest in the PAC-12 by far (over 10,000 less than either Reser Stadium or Rice-Eccles Stadium, home of Oregon State and Utah respectively). The venue opened in 1972, and is named after Washington former governor Clarence D. Martin. Martin Stadium has undergone multiple renovations in the past 10 years, including new concessions and restrooms, upgrades to the scoreboard, and construction of a public plaza outside the stadium, which houses an 11-foot tall bronze cougar statue. The most recent set of renovations were completed in 2014, and consisted of a new football operations center in the west end zone. Food & Beverage 5 Even though it is a relatively small venue, Martin Stadium has everything you could want from concessions and then some, including a wide range of both food and beverages at very reasonable prices. There are concession stands all over the stadium, most of which are on the upper concourse, but with a few closer to field level. Food options include German sausage, Italian sausage, hot dogs, pizza, beef brisket or smoked turkey sandwiches from the carvery, nachos, mac and cheese, chili, soup, soft pretzels, popcorn, kettle corn, peanuts, boxed candy, churros, caramel apples, cotton candy, ice cream sandwiches, and fresh-made mini donuts while you wait. These items range in cost from $3 up to $10, but the best deal is probably the 2 slices of pizza for $5. There is no alcohol available at Martin Stadium, but there is a wide selection of hot and cold beverages for sale. Beverage choices include Coke products in bottles or from the fountain, bottled water, PowerAde, frozen or fresh-squeezed lemonade, iced tea, coffee, and hot cocoa; drink prices range from $3 to $7. Atmosphere 3 Martin Stadium offers a typical game day experience, but with a few bells and whistles to make your visit more enjoyable. The venue is laid out in a U-shape, with the football complex in the west end zone. Most of the seats are along the sidelines, with only a short row of seats in the east end zone, above which sits the scoreboard. The scoreboard itself is pretty massive, and can be easily seen by most fans, except those in the east end zone (who are basically underneath it). For this reason sideline seats are your better option, or you can stand along the concourse in front of the football complex. The most distinguishing feature at Martin Stadium is probably the 11-foot bronze “Cougar Pride” statue in front of the ticket office; a lot of stadiums have statues out front, but this is one of the biggest I have seen. Besides the statue, though, the staff does a great job with pre-game entertainment, starting with the festivities out on the practice field before the game, followed by the band formations before the team comes on the field, especially the giant “W.” The pre-game festivities culminate when the players rush out, and this is definitely the most entertaining part of the night. Led by the mascot piloting his unique 3-wheeled car, the team runs onto the field through cones spurting fire, all accompanied by the pep squad trailing flags spelling the word C-O-U-G-S, complete with giant WSU banner. The latter display will be repeated after every WSU score, along with fireworks, which are always fun to watch. Neighborhood 2 Besides Washington State University, there is not a ton to do in Pullman, which is well off the beaten path, and far from any major cities. If you are going to be in town for the day or weekend, though, there are some hiking trails around, and your typical small town entertainment such as mini golf and an arcade, as well as a variety of restaurants. There are several fast food joints in Pullman, a couple of Asian restaurants, and a few upscale eateries, but not much in the way of your traditional sports bar that would make a good hangout for before or after the game. Your best bet on this score is Paradise Creek Brewery, a brewpub housed in the old post office. Paradise Creek features lots of beers on taps, as well as traditional pub fare such as burgers and nachos, plus some upscale options like seafood and pasta. If you are looking for something lower key, however, Stella’s Calzone & Pizza is also a good place to try. Located on Main Street not far from Martin Stadium, Stella’s has great food and a small beer selection, and even has a kid’s menu. Most of the hotels are on that side of town as well, including a Quality Inn and a Holiday Inn. Fans 4 Martin Stadium has a good crowd, typically bringing in 25-30K fans, which averages well over three-quarters full. About half of the games each year will be sell-outs, which isn’t surprising given the high quality opponents they see in the PAC-12. The biggest game every other year is of course the Apple Cup against in-state rival Washington, but even FCS match-ups will have a great draw, so the experience and crowd noise won’t vary much from game to game. That said, if you are planning to visit Martin Stadium, you may as well choose a less prestigious opponent, when tickets won’t cost quite as much or be so hard to come by. Access 2 Pullman is not easy to get to, and you will face a long, boring drive from nearby big cities like Spokane or Seattle, which are the closest major airports. Furthermore, Martin Stadium’s capacity is actually larger than the population of the town, so traffic on game day will be a little hairy, as the town is not really equipped to handle this many people on the regular. Once you get to the stadium, however, parking is easy enough to find, and at $20 is no more expensive than at most similarly-sized stadiums, but you can’t get very close unless you have a pass, and those are hard to come by. Most fans park on the south side of the stadium (along Olympia Ave), but there are also park and ride shuttles that go a lot further out; parking is much cheaper that way but a lot more of a hassle in my opinion, with the extra time to ride the shuttle back and forth. Once you get inside the stadium, though, moving around is easy enough. There are plenty of concessions stands and bathrooms, and the concessions stands are arranged in such a way to minimize congestion, with some along the sides and others in the middle of the concourse. There are also gates all around the stadium, so getting in and out is simple. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to games at Martin Stadium are $30 for end zone seats, and start at $50 for sideline seating. This is on the low end for college football, but whether it is a good value for the money or not depends on how far you are coming. The in-game experience here is really solid, but getting here can be a bit of a hassle with the potentially long drive, heavy traffic in town, and the parking situation. If you are looking for additional football options, there are several other venues nearby, such as the Kibbie Dome just across the river, or Roos Field closer to Spokane, both of which offer their own unique features and have less traffic, and may cost a little less to attend. There are also lots of other WSU sports right here in Pullman, which tend to have smaller crowds and lower prices at the gate. Extras 3 Being able to see great teams come through is a real plus, and the fact that any game will offer the same type of experience is a nice bonus, since that allows you a lot more flexibility in planning when to come. The pre-game festivities are also really impressive, especially all the fun taking place on the practice field right next to Martin Stadium. The cougar statue is also a great place to snap a few selfies. Final Thoughts A one to three sentence summary of the stadium and experience. Line spacing 1.5

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.86 Husky Stadium 3800 Montlake Blvd NE Seattle, WA 98105 Washington Huskies website Husky Stadium website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 70,083 Loud and Purple on the Lake Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium opened in 1920, and currently has a capacity of 70,083. The U-shaped stadium overlooks Lake Washington, and is one of a few college football stadiums that is accessible by water; the UW crew team even offers ferry service to “sailgaters” to get them from their boats to the game. The venue recently underwent a $280 million renovation, which included new seating, removal of the track that used to surround the field, and new concessions and bathrooms throughout. Husky Stadium is notable for several reasons, including hosting speeches for several US presidents, as well as hosting multiple NFL games. More impressively, the wave is said to have originated here back in the fall of 1981 (credit is shared between a former band director, yell leader, and trumpet player).But perhaps most important of all is that Husky Stadium is officially recognized as the loudest college football stadium in the nation, thanks in part to cantilevered metal roofs above each sideline that trap the noise inside. During a 1992 game versus Nebraska, ESPN recorded a noise level of 133.6 decibels, the highest ever recorded for college football. Food & Beverage 5 Husky Stadium offers lots of variety from its many concessions stands, including local favorites like fish ‘n chips. Each stand offers a different mix of items, so feel free to walk around until you see something that catches your eye; the lines are never long, and there are selections available for any price point. Main dishes include several types of hot dogs, including one with kielbasa as well as one that comes with Poutine toppings. Husky Stadium also has burgers, meatball subs, salads, hummus wraps and chicken wraps, fish ‘n chips, chicken strips, chowder, nachos, and something called Montlake Mess (akin to 7-layer dip but with only 4 layers). Other food selections offered are peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, Poutine, and fries (regular or garlic), plus Cracker Jack, boxed candy, cotton candy, 2 flavors of churros, kettle corn, cupcakes, and Dippin’ Dots. Food items range from $4 for the smallest items to around $11 for some of the combos. Drink options include all of the usual suspects, namely Coke products in bottles or from the fountain, bottled water, hot cocoa, fresh-squeezed or frozen lemonade, and Starbucks coffee. One other great feature though is that Husky Stadium has “Hydration Stations” all over the concourse, where fans can fill water bottles, so you don’t necessarily have to purchase any beverages while inside. Beer and wine is available inside the stadium, especially in “The Zone,” a beer garden on the east side of the stadium. Atmosphere 5 Husky Stadium is an amazing venue for college football. There is lots of energy, the setting is beautiful, and the facility has lots of great amenities. Husky Stadium has a lot of great Husky décor, including a Husky statue out front (west end zone), signage commemorating former players and coaches inside, intimidating images of Huskies looking you right in the eyes, and loads of purple. Perhaps the most stunning piece is the shimmering, glittering “W” under the stands as you enter from the south side; all of these great add-ons really enhance the experience here. The stadium has seating on all 4 sides, and all of the seats have chair backs; most of the seats are aluminum benches with chair back rails, but there are a small number of bucket-style (purple) seats in the center of the south sideline. One of the coolest features here, however, is that Husky Stadium actually sits on Lake Washington, and you can see the lake from inside the stadium, behind the east end zone. The lakeside setting creates a wonderful atmosphere, especially with all of the greenery here, and adds to an already enjoyable experience. See a view of the lake from inside the stadium here: The stands on both the north and south sides have overhangs, which help keep the noise trapped inside. This creates a lot of crowd energy, but the noise is not overwhelming, so you can feel all the excitement of college football without being deafened by it. And as a further bonus, the overhangs also mean that the upper deck seats on those sides are protected from rain, which Seattle has a lot of. The band and mascot at Husky Stadium really help add to the energy as well. The band sits near the front of the west end zone, and you can see the band members moving and gyrating throughout the game, while playing popular music as well as classic football songs. You will also see the mascot, usually near that same end zone, pumping his fists after a great play, or strutting back and forth, waving his paws to rev up the crowd. Neighborhood 5 Husky Stadium is located 3 or 4 miles northeast of downtown Seattle, so if you come in for the day or the weekend you won’t be far from everything the city has to offer. The most well-known attractions are of course the Space Needle and Pike Place Fish Market, both of which are worth visiting if you have time. Seattle also has plenty of great restaurants, but if you are looking for something closer to the stadium, try either Schultzy’s Bar & Grill or Big Time Brewery and Alehouse, both of which are next door to UW’s campus, less than a mile from the stadium. Known as Seattle’s “wurst” restaurant, Schultzy’s features house-made wurst plus burgers and cheesesteak, as well as 9 beers on tap that rotate daily, while Big Time is your more typical brewpub that offers pizza and subs, with lots of beers on tap, plus wine and several ciders. There are plenty of hotels in the Seattle area, but the ones downtown are of course on the pricier side. Ye College Inn is the closest to Husky Stadium, and has rates under $100 per night, but there are also 2 Staypineapple properties not much further away (University Inn and Watertown Hotel), which cost a little more but are a bit nicer. There is also a Travelodge not far from the stadium, which offers cheap rates with no frills. Fans 4 Fans at Husky Stadium are very loud, and this is enhanced even more by the overhangs on each sideline, which help trap the noise inside. You will see many, many fans wearing purple, and almost all wear caps, as one of their traditions (besides “woofing” a lot) is waving their caps in unison right before kickoff; seeing 70K+ fans waving their caps simultaneously is really a sight to behold. See the video below: Besides the cheering, another sound you will hear throughout the game are the fans “woofing;” not barking exactly, but more of a low “woof” intended to mimic the sound a real Husky would make. You will hear this sound during most of the game, usually following big plays on either offense or defense. The only disappointment from the fan perspective is that a lot of them leave early, even during a win. Early in the fourth quarter you may see the stands begin to empty, so by the end of the game they are only half to two-thirds full. On the plus side, if you want to get into the Husky spirit with some gear of your own, they have a full size team store inside Husky Stadium (west end zone) and small fan gear kiosks all over the stadium, so lines are never long. Access 4 There are so many ways to get to Husky Stadium – you can get here by car, bus, light rail, on foot, or even by water. There are light rail and bus stops right next to the stadium, and these are actually your best options; the stadium is surrounded by other UW athletic fields, so even the closest parking is many blocks away. Parking ranges from $10 to $40 depending on how close you want to get. There are plenty of concessions stands, as well as hydration stations and fan gear kiosks all over the place, so lines are never very long. There are also plenty of bathrooms, so it is very easy to find what you need. In addition, Husky Stadium has main gates on each of the three sides, so getting in and out is never a problem. The only downside in terms of access is the post-game traffic; local law enforcement does a great job moving people out after the game, but there are lots of cars, and the cops seem to block access going south, so if you are trying to get to the 520 bridge across the water, you’ll have to go all the way over to I-5 and double back. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Husky football games start around $60, which is in line with prices at other major college football venues, as are concessions prices. Parking is probably a little on the high side, unless you want to walk a long way, but then again you can come by train or bus and not even have to deal with traffic. That said, the experience here is definitely worth it.Being able to visit the loudest college football stadium in America, right on the lake, and take in all of the terrific amenities like the Husky décor, comfortable seats, and great crowd is an experience that should not be missed. Extras 5 The lakeside setting is a definite plus, as are the multiple ways to get here. It is also really cool to be in the stadium that ESPN says is officially the loudest one there is. The décor and signage all around the stadium is great to see, especially the Husky statue out front, which people seem to love to snap selfies with. And finally, seeing all of the caps waving in unison before every kickoff is awesome to behold, and even more fun to be a part of, so bring your lid! Final Thoughts There are lots of college football stadiums, but a trip to Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA should definitely be on every fan’s bucket list. It is hard to top the setting and the energy here, and since the Huskies play in the Pac-12, there are always some big name teams coming to town. Furthermore, the recent renovations have added all the bells and whistles you could possibly want, so you are guaranteed a great experience; make plans to visit Husky Stadium today.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Drake Stadium 2719 Forest Ave Des Moines, IA 50311 Drake Bulldogs website Drake Stadium website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 14,557 Drake Bulldogs Opened in 1925, Drake Stadium plays host to Drake Bulldogs football and hosts the annual Drake Relays, one of the biggest track and field events in the nation. The stadium underwent a significant renovation in 2005 where capacity was decreased from 18,000 to its current capacity of 14,557. At the conclusion of the Bulldogs season in 2015, the dated scoreboard was taken down and replaced with a more modern board. The new Daktronics video board measures 24 feet high by 38.5 feet wide and allows for far more freedom for the video team to show replays and various other graphics. The Drake Relays gather the greatest athletes from around the country on an annual basis. Among the competitors who have competed in the relays are: Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, and Gwen Torrence. Following the 2016 relays, a new track was installed and is constructed of the same material used for tracks in the Beijing and London Summer Olympic games. The football field is named after Johnny Bright, a Drake alum and member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. The Drake football team has won 13 conference championships. The team is also significant historically as being one of the participants in the first ever night game at Soldier Field (Chicago) in 1930 (against Oregon). The Bulldogs compete in the Pioneer League. Drake Stadium is the largest stadium in the league. Food & Beverage 2 There is certainly nothing elaborate on the menu, but the basics are covered and the prices are reasonable. Cheeseburgers, pulled pork, and brisket sandwiches ($6 each) are the best options. Popcorn, pretzels, candy, nachos, and hot dogs are also on the menu, ranging from $2-$4. Coke products are the beverage of choice here, with the best bet being the large souvenir cup for $5. The souvenir cup comes with $2 refills. Bottled water, Powerade, and coffee and also on the menu. Drake Stadium does not serve alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 2 The best way to get in the college football mood is to take in the tailgating. Although a smaller group than larger colleges, a spirited crowd gathers before every game enjoying food and drinks before kickoff. Once inside the stadium, there really isn’t much to get excited about. The football field sits in the middle of the track. As such, fans sitting in the front row are still far away from the action due to eight running lanes separating them from the sidelines. The stadium is large and combined with the small crowds, any excitement is minimal. The new scoreboard is located on the north side of the stadium. If you are looking for shade, your only option is sitting behind the south end zone. Don’t worry about requesting a seat there; everything is general admission and there are only smatterings of people that take advantage of the shade. The Drake band sits behind the south end zone while the cheerleaders entertain the crowd along the east sideline. Neighborhood 5 Drake Stadium is located a few miles away from downtown Des Moines. Downtown Des Moines has everything a visitor could want; plenty of great places to eat and drink, lodging options, and things to do with the family. Just down the street from the stadium is Jethro’s BBQ. Jethro’s is a Des Moines favorite, and has been featured on the Travel Channel numerous times offering up some great BBQ. Jethro’s offers patrons a chance to participate in the Emmenecker Challenge. Named after former Bulldog basketball great Adam Emmenecker, the massive sandwich (and a pound of fries) is free if taken down in 15 minutes. Just a few miles north is downtown Des Moines. If you are into “dives” and great food, look no further than the High Life Lounge. Complete with shag carpet and old neon signs, the High Life serves up some great food including broasted chicken and bacon wrapped tater tots. Fans of pizza should be sure to visit Fong’s Pizza. Set in an old Chinese restaurant, Fong’s has traditional pies in addition to unique combinations such as crab Rangoon pizza. Fong’s is a fun place for people of all ages. There are quite a few hotels in the area, including both higher and lower priced options. If visiting with a family, the Iowa Capitol building and State Historical Museum are both must-see options and are both free. Fans 2 I’m not in favor of giving fans a rating this low. The problem isn’t their lack of passion. The folks that show up are generally engaged in the game and cheering on the team. The problem is that the stadium is massive and so few fans actually show up. Drake fans generally sit in the same sections which makes it nice that there are four or so full sections. Unfortunately, that leaves the rest of the stadium (save 30-40 fans that come with the visiting team) completely empty. Access 3 Drake Stadium is located in a residential area on the edge of the Drake campus. Located just a few blocks off I-235, the stadium is easy to get to. There are paid parking lots around the stadium ($8) but if you are willing to walk just a few short blocks, plenty of free parking exists in the residential areas. Inside the stadium, concourses are open and easily maneuverable. Restrooms are clean and more than sufficient for the small football crowds. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are priced well at $12 for adults, $6 for kids 4-18, and children under 3 get in for free. If you save money by parking on the street, getting into the game and having something to eat and drink is a good deal. Extras 1 The south side of the stadium displays banners of bowl games and conference accomplishments that the football team has earned over the years. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, football is an afterthought at Drake. Drake Stadium is clearly all about track and field. If you find yourself in Des Moines during college football season and want to see a game, Drake Stadium provides it at a reasonable price. If you want a great college football atmosphere and stadium experience, this isn’t it.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Carlisle Grounds Quinnsboro’ Road Bray, County Wicklow Ireland Bray Wanderers website Carlisle Grounds website Year Opened: 1862 Capacity: 7,000 The Wicklow Wonder Forty minutes commute from Dublin is the coastal town of Bray and the Carlisle Grounds, home of Bray Wanderers FC. Set beside the sea in County Wicklow, ‘the Seagulls,’ as the club are known, are currently in the League of Ireland Premier Division and have been playing their home matches here since 1942, though as a venue it has been used for a variety of purposes dating as far back as 1862. It is a quaint venue set back a matter of yards from the train station, next to shops and a couple of pubs, basically the average ground hopper’s dream! The ground has had a few modern additions in the last decade with new seating installed in the main stand, and some wall/fence alterations due to a couple of alterations to the wall at the Railway End where the away fans are housed. Its most notable claim to fame is having the ground feature in the film “Michael Collins” which starred Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, and Alan Rickman. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are available from a fast food van on the right hand side as you gain entry to the ground. The menu includes chips (€3), chips & curry sauce (€4), hot dogs (€4), burgers (€5), chocolate bars (€1.50), and crisps (€1). Soft drinks are available in either bottles (€3), or cans (€2), Also available is Lucozade sport drink (€3), water (€2), tea, and coffee (€2 each). Chips and curry sauce hit the spot and are great value, and would be the recommended concession item if you need a snack to get through the match. Atmosphere 4 The home fans have a small band of youngsters in the main stand who have a drum and create a bit of atmosphere. Depending on the opposing team and the amount of supporters they bring, it can be quite a lively venue. Entering the Carlisle Grounds is by turnstiles on the corner of Quinsborough Road at the Railway End. Along from this are odd ticket booths that look like small hatches. The foot outlet is on the left and the club shop is on the right. There is a walkway that leads you to the away corner (to the right when you enter) which can also accommodate home fans. This is an all-seated open air end which has a small television gantry which is elevated right on the centre circle. Behind the goal is vacant land and there is a limited standing area here if the sun shines you won’t see much of the action on the pitch! On the corner are some basic toilet facilities and this leads to the covered ‘Main Stand’ on the Seymour Road end. It is all seated with a thick canvas type roof and runs the length of the pitch. It has a lot of thin metal supports which can obscure your view. The dug outs are situated in the centre of this stand. At the far end and behind the other goal there is limited standing, and interestingly there is an astro training pitch. This area is not specifically used and that’s likely because the players and officials changing area is situated here. The best unobscured view is in the open seating of the Railway End, providing an excellent view of both goals. The only down side would potentially be the weather, as you would be badly exposed in heavy rain. With the League of Ireland played predominantly through summer months, there will likely be more pleasant nights than not, making it more comfortable to watch a game. Neighborhood 5 The location for all the essentials is excellent. From the train station, football ground, pubs, restaurant/take away options, and hotels, all are in close proximity. One recommendation is the P We Ton Chinese Restaurant, located at 11 Quinsborough Rd. Stacks Sports Bar, The Boomerang Bar and Goldsmiths pubs are all welcoming places with televisions showing a variety of sports. The latter also has live music on late into the night. Fans 3 The capacity fluctuates depending on what source information is obtained. The Carlisle Grounds has just over 3,000 seats, but the average home fixture attracts anything between 700-1,500. The home fans are patient and supportive of a young team still finding their feet in the top flight. Access 5 The train is the prime source for travelling from north or south, but there is car parking available with a limited amount behind the Railway End goal and some side street parking slightly further away from the ground. The street parking is limited due to the permit holders for the main roads near the Carlisle Grounds and next to the shops. Moving around the ground no problem and I was able to stand and sit in three areas without any issues or confrontation, including getting past the away support. Return on Investment 5 The pricing is quite reasonable with tickets available for adults (€15), students (€10), and senior citizens and children (€7). The Carlisle Grounds is a good value at 22 euros for an adult with concession. Extras 3 It is a very pleasant, scenic journey travelling down to Bray from Dublin on the train and a good way to arrive for a match. It’s a quiet town, but friendly enough and it is pleasant to have a number of facilities all in close proximity. The club shop is currently selling a book on their history for 10 euros which is excellent and has a lot of good information and photos. They also sell a massive back catalogue of Bray Wanderers’ programmes and official Ireland International programmes. Also outside the ground to the left of the turnstiles there is a Celtic Cross memorial which is for those who died in the Irish Civil War of the 1920s, as well as from the second world war.

Photo Courtesy of Bison Illustrated Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Scheels Center 1600 University Dr N Fargo, ND 58102 North Dakota State Bison website Scheels Center website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 6,000 Bison Basketball Winters in Fargo, North Dakota are notoriously long, dark, cold, and brutally windy, but that doesn’t stop the devoted fans of NDSU from coming out to support their beloved Bison basketball team. Sporting their green and yellow, Bison fans escape the cold by staggering into the Scheels Center a multi-use sports complex outfitted for numerous sports including basketball and track. The arena first opened for the 1970-71 season, and despite a few technological upgrades, it has remained fairly unchanged. Many details throughout the arena make the age very noticeable, a fact that does not escape the attention of the NDSU athletic department staff. They are on the verge of securing $32 million in private donations in order to improve the Bison Sports Arena, among other athletic buildings around campus. Until the renovations are complete, Bison fans are left to cope with an arena that struggles to identify itself as a basketball arena, instead of a multi-use sports complex. Food & Beverage 2 The Scheels Center offers your normal concession food choices, and not much more. They offer hot dogs, popcorn, and candy as their mainstays. However they do offer brats in both regular and Cajun flavor. The Cajun brat was a little soggy and not overly spicy, but fairly tasty nonetheless. If you find your Cajun brat too spicy, the concession stand offers Pepsi products to alleviate the burn, however, no alcohol is served in the arena. Drinks, like the food options are all very inexpensive. Most items at the main concession stand are priced between $2 and $4. The crowd favorite appears to be the Dippin’ Dots stand that is set up right before tip-off. The lines swelled at their stand during halftime, so if you are craving some ice cream, get down there quickly. Atmosphere 2 Since the arena is a multi-sports complex, they struggle providing the intimate fan experience like some arenas can offer. With the indoor track encompassing the court, the building is much larger than need be for basketball. The staff has gone to great lengths to make the arena not feel as cavernous by shutting off the lights behind the bleachers. The staff also installed large banners that provide a better sense of a closed off feeling, but it is still hard to forget that you are inside an indoor track. The majority of seats throughout the arena are wooden bleachers; they do have some seats with backs. Among the sections with backs on the seats, some do have obstructed-views due to support beams. Most of the atmosphere in the building is provided by the school’s pep band. They are small in number but large in sound. NDSU also has a large contingent of cheerleaders that are involved throughout the entire game. Most of the technological features in the arena were updated in 2005. They have two video boards that face each side of the court, and two digital scoreboards that are located at each end of the court. The sound system however left much to be desired. It was quiet, hard to hear, and not very clear. Neighborhood 3 The Scheel Center is positioned right in the heart of the NDSU campus. The campus is located in a mostly residential section of Fargo; however there are several bars and restaurants around campus that you can visit before or after the game. The resounding favorite seems to be The Turf Restaurant & Bar located about a mile from the arena. At The Turf, you can pick up a huge 32 ounce tap beer for less than five dollars, which goes great when coupled with their jalapeno cheese nuggets. There are also many fast food restaurants around too, including McDonalds, Taco Bell, Subway and Jimmy Johns. Fans 4 The fans are very knowledgeable and friendly in Fargo. They are more than willing to help you out by providing advice on where to go, what to see, and what to do while in town. The fans are not overly loud while in their arena, but that could be due to the fact that there were very few students in attendance during my most recent visit because it was a holiday weekend. Bison fans do have a tradition of standing until their beloved Bison make their first basket which provides a strong sense of solidarity between the fans and their team. Access 4 There are a number of parking lots around the arena and few, if any, charge fees to park. Once inside the arena, there is plenty of space to walk around without bumping into people, so much space in fact that many kids are running around, and some even throw a football around. In the arena, there are only a couple restrooms, but they are well-kept, clean, and stay relatively empty except during halftime. Due to the fact that the concourse, restrooms, concessions, and playing surface are all on the same level, the arena is very handicap accessible and allows ease of movement throughout. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Bison basketball game will run you between $10-$15 for general admission adult’s ticket and $5 for youth tickets. When you combine the price of the ticket, free parking, and inexpensive concession stands, a family of four can go to a Bison basketball for about the same price, if not cheaper than, a trip to the movies. Taking in a Bison basketball game is a great way to spend a cold winter’s night in Fargo without breaking the bank. Extras 2 One hidden gem of the Scheels Center is the Bison Hall of Fame that is hidden underneath the bleachers. It hosts a number of the NDSU trophies that they have won throughout the years. The Bison Hall of Fame also houses old field turf from one of the endzones of the Fargodome, which is the home of the famed Bison football team. The hall of fame is a definite must-see if you visit the arena.

Photos Courtesy of Manhattan Jaspers Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Draddy Gymnasium 4513 Manhattan College Pkwy. Bronx, NY 10471 Manhattan Jaspers website Draddy Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,345 Who’s Your Draddy? There are several questions that you’ll ask yourself when attending a Manhattan Jaspers basketball game. The first question everyone asks: “What’s a Jasper?”. Well, the team nickname is derived from Brother Jasper, who was credited with bringing baseball to Manhattan College’s campus in the late 19th century. He served as the first baseball coach of the university, and according to campus lore, was the creator of the seventh inning stretch. The story goes something like this; Brother Jasper also served as the head of discipline for the University and would police the student fans in the stands at home games. He noticed during one game that the students were getting restless during the seventh inning of a close game . He called timeout and ordered the students to stand up and stretch in order to alleviate the tension. Since Manhattan played the New York Giants regularly at the Polo Grounds in New York City, the tradition stuck in the major leagues and continues to this day. The second question you might ask is “Why is Manhattan College located in the Bronx?”. The answer is the school started up in Manhattan in 1853, but outgrew its facilities there, and moved to the Riverdale section of the Bronx in 1922. The campus area feels more like a suburb instead of being in New York City. The Jaspers have a history of good basketball teams. Manhattan has made the NCAA Tournament six times, advancing to the second round twice; once in 1995 after beating Oklahoma and again in 2004 after beating Florida. The team currently plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and has local rivalries with Iona and Marist. Becoming the Jaspers head coach has been a good springboard to bigger jobs for several coaches. The school can count Bobby Gonzalez, Fran Fraschilla and Steve Lappas as coaches who advanced to a Big East head coaching position straight from Manhattan. The Jaspers are currently coached by Steve Masiello, who was Rick Pitino’s head assistant coach at Louisville. Draddy Gymnasium, the Jaspers home court, is named after Vincent dePaul Draddy, a college football hall of famer. He was a Manhattan graduate, and a trophy is given out yearly by the National Football Foundation in his honor to the college football player who has the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance. Let’s stretch out here, and take a closer look at Draddy Gymnasium, the home of the Jaspers. Food & Beverage 3 None of the concession offerings jump off the page, but the fare has some variety and the prices are low (you can get a bottle of Coke and a soft pretzel for $5, for example). In an effort to offer more healthy selections at a sporting event, you can buy an apple or a banana at the snack bar for $1. They’re labeled as “hand fruits”. If you feel like a sandwich, the school offers a variety of “grab and go” sandwiches for $5. Atmosphere 4 Draddy Gymnasium has a very intimate atmosphere, but is in a very large building. The gym seats 2,345 for basketball, but Draddy Gym itself has a full track, batting cages and a basketball arena all under the same roof. One of the coolest things about seeing a game there is when you’re walking in, the Jaspers cheerleaders are lined up behind the ticket-taker, and actually cheer you like a player when you’re walking in. The gym has bleacher seating behind both baskets, with the students and the pep band taking up one of those sections. Between the hoops, you have chair-backs seating on one side, with bleacher seating on the other. There is a center-hung scoreboard, and a crystal-clear replay screen on each side of the gym. When the Jaspers are playing in a rivalry game against a local opponent, the students come out in force and make it an exciting atmosphere. The Jaspers have a dance team that performs during timeouts and halftime. Neighborhood 4 The campus of Manhattan College is very colonial-looking and quite handsome. The neighborhood surrounding the campus has nice apartment buildings and single-family homes. The area around the subway station that services the campus does not share these same characteristics, however. There are a few fast food places around campus (Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King) and a good diner on Riverdale Avenue (The Riverdale Diner) that is open 24 hours. If you’re looking for a drink after the game, check out The Punch Bowl on 238th Street, a good Irish pub that won’t kill your wallet if you’re having more than one. If you like the microbrews, check out The Bronx Ale House, also on 238th Street. They have hundreds of beers and really good wings. Fans 4 The fans that come to Jaspers games are passionate about the home team. The crowd is a diverse mix of students, alumni, college basketball fans and, since most of the players are local, a good representation of family and friends. A Jaspers game is very much a PG atmosphere, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take a kid to a game. In fact, with all the area to run around inside of the gym, most kids are racing each other on the track or diving into the foam pit that the gymnastics team uses behind the bleachers. The students did storm the court after their win against local rival Iona, but it was a double-overtime game and it was nationally televised, so it wasn’t beyond reason for them to do so. Access 3 If you’re walking to Draddy Gymnasium from the subway stop on 242nd Street, bring an oxygen tank or a sherpa. You will have a long climb up several sets of stairs just to get to the front door of the gym. Even if you are in really good shape, you will likely be winded from that walk. The school could do a better job of marking where the gym is located when you enter campus. You sort of have to follow the crowd to know where you’re going. There is on-site parking, and I didn’t see them charging for it, but the lot is small and there did not appear to be a lot of nearby off-street parking. Return on Investment 5 It is typical to overpay for everything in New York City, but Jaspers tickets are quite a deal. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. There is usually a giveaway of some sort, so you might end up with a frisbee or a free t-shirt included. The Jaspers offer good Division 1 basketball, and a family of four gets in for $30. That’s cheaper than the movies, and a great way to spend a Friday night in New York City. The concessions won’t break the bank, either. $50 gets everyone a ticket, a soft pretzel and soda each. Extras 4 Four stars are given for the unique setup of the arena, the cheerleaders cheering you when you walk in, the very fair prices and the friendliness of everyone who works at Draddy Gym. Final Thoughts New York City may have better-known venues to watch basketball games, but a trip to Riverdale to watch the Jaspers is worth your time. It may be out of the way of the bright lights and big city, but it’s a beautiful campus and a special place to see really good basketball.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Turners Cross Curragh Road Cork, Co. Cork Ireland Cork City FC website Turners Cross website Year Opened: 1897 Capacity: 7,100 Cork City The city of Cork, known as ‘the rebel county,’ is synonymous with sport, from gaelic games to rugby and football. The professional football teams in Cork have had many guises over the generations, from Cork Hibs, Cork Celtic and even a post World War Two side called Cork City. However, the current football team were established in 1984 and are known as ‘the Rebels’ or ‘the Leesiders.’ Throughout their relatively short history, the club have had several homes, from Turners Cross, Flower Lodge (also known as Christy Ring Park), Bishopstown and then back to Turners Cross in 1996. The club also played a European tie against Bayern Munich in 1991 at the local rugby stadium, Musgrave Park, and utilised Shelbourne’s Tolka Park to fulfill a couple of league fixtures that same year too. Cork City have had notorious and high profile financial issues over the last thirty two years, which came to a head in 2008 as the country’s economic crash bit hard into the football clubs. Cork went into administration (referred to as examinership in Ireland) and were spared going out of business by a supporter-led takeover known as FORAS – Friends of The Rebel Army Society. Despite a temporary reprieve, it wasn’t enough to prevent a court battle which saw the club forced to start in the second tier of Irish football in 2010, but the recovery has been quick and the club now operate on a more sound and secure financial footing. Boasting some of the best facilities in the League of Ireland, they also play to one of the biggest average attendances. The last two years under manager John Caulfield, himself a former cult hero with the club, have seen the team challenge a dominant Dundalk side, finishing as runners up in the league and cup in 2015. With the current campaign reaching its conclusion they still have the opportunity to right the wrongs of last season. Turners Cross is situated just over a mile outside the city centre and is nestled in the midst of a modern housing estate. It has been used for both GAA games and football over its 120-plus years. From having mainly grass embankments with an old covered ‘shed,’ a two year modernisation programme was completed in 2009 and leaves it as one of only two stadia in the country with four fully covered all-seater ends, the other being the Aviva Stadium, which is used predominantly for international football and rugby. The stadium has held some youth fixtures and finals over the years, along with minor international matches. Most notable though is the full international played at Turners Cross in May 2016, as Ireland lost 2-1 to Belarus in a friendly prior to European Championship Finals in France. Food & Beverage 3 There are a couple of points within the stands for fans to buy food, both hot and cold. All are easily accessible, with reasonable sized queues, though it’s best to avoid going just before half time which is the busiest period. The popular food ranges from chips at €3, burger & cheeseburger at €4, jumbo hot dog at €4, chicken burger €4 and fish €3.50. Tea, coffee and other soft drink are priced at €2, with cans €1.50 and Lucozade €2.50. Atmosphere 4 With the four stands occupied, even half full, Turners Cross is a great venue to watch football. Like other League of Ireland clubs there is a very close-knit community link among the supporters. There is an expectancy for the team to deliver without it being a demand or arrogance among fans. There is an evident passion within the crowd, none more so than the ‘Commandos 84’ ultra group who congregate behind the Joe Delaney Stand in what is the most recently-built stand. The Donie Ford Main Stand is where the majority of the activity is, as this is where you will find the corporate area, media facilities, Police control box and more. It is a popular area with a lot of fans; indeed, it is the designated family section too. There is a small television gantry perched on top of the stand and the players dugouts are on this side. On the left is the St Anne’s Stand which predominantly houses the away supporters with an access turnstile area designated for them. The league sponsor SSE Airtricity run competitions with selected fans to try and kick the ball through a hole from distance, with prizes being match tickets to a future fixture. There are also youth sides playing four a side with small goals for around ten minutes of the interval. By and large sitting in any part of Turners Cross provides a decent view of the pitch. If you were to find yourself sitting in the front row of any one of the four stands means you will be at pitch level and maybe not ideal. If the sun is out, which is something of a novelty in Ireland, you may find yourself squinting if you are sitting in the Joe Delaney Stand! Neighborhood 3 Set among housing a mile from the city centre, there are shops and a couple of pubs literally outside the ground, mainly for home supporters. They are busy, but the service is good and you may be able to get a seat as well. It is a busy city, but laid back. There are a couple of shopping centres, plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants and some fast food options. The latter is always welcome after a few drinks and watching the football. Fans 4 Cork City have a passionate fan base, with a lot of flag bearers, singing, drums and occasional pyrotechnics! It can be a colourful and noisy experience and this is pretty much throughout the full ninety minutes. The club have been playing to an average home gate of just under 3,000, having nearly reached 5,000 for fixtures versus Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers and a near sell out for their Europa League Qualifier against KRC Genk of Belgium. Access 4 The stadium is very accessible in terms of getting to it and moving around inside it. The only end that you would struggle to get near would be next to the away fans. If for whatever reason you wanted to sit in a different area, by and large you could find seats in three of the four stands. The number 203 bus to Ballyphehane stops on Patrick’s Street at a cost of €1.80 and passes right by the ground, while Kent train station is five minutes’ walk from the city centre and there are a couple of taxi ranks en route. Taking the latter option would set you back no more than €10 to Turners Cross. There is street parking directly outside the ground and around the streets nearby. It can be busy, but the traffic flows away from it with ease. Tickets can be bought online from Ticketmaster.ie and from a couple of designated local shops in the lead up to any home fixture. You can also walk up on the night and buy from the cabins outside the Joe Delaney Stand. This area is well stewarded with minimum fuss trying to enter. Return on Investment 4 The club run a very fair ticketing policy with adults priced at €15, youths aged between 13-18 at €10 and under 13s and pensioners at €5, making it affordable for all age levels. From the admission cost, programme and prices of food and drink, Cork City offer a good return for your outlay. Extras 2 The match programme costs €4 and is full colour, great value, an informative read and overall very well produced. The club are also still selling a book about the 2008 collapse and subsequent take over in 2010, called “Death of a Football Club” and written by former player Neal Horgan. It is a very honest account of what was happening behind the scenes, told first hand by an employee affected by the whole situation. Final Thoughts As one of the biggest and best-supported clubs in the country, not to mention the fact it has a full complement of stands, Turners Cross is a recommended visit. The city itself is also steeped in history and a very popular tourist destination.

Photos by Andrew Maurins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Mackay Stadium 17th St. & E. Stadium Way Reno, NV 89501 Nevada Wolf Pack website Mackay Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 29,993 The Law of the Jungle The modern era of Nevada Wolf Pack football has had two constants for most of the last fifty years: Chris Ault and Mackay Stadium. From the very first game played there on October 1, 1966, when the young quarterback from San Bernardino guided Nevada to an upset of nationally ranked Santa Barbara, the two have been firmly intertwined. Ault went on to spend 41 years of his life at Nevada as a player, coach and administrator, nearly the entire lifespan of Mackay Stadium itself. In that time, both the stadium and the football program grew from humble beginnings further south on campus. Since moving into the “new” Mackay – named after mining magnate and university benefactor Clarence Mackay – the Pack has played in eight conferences across four divisions, winning eleven conference titles along the way. It’s even borne witness to two “miracles” with the Mackay name: the first in 1991, when Nevada overcame a 35-point deficit against Weber State to complete the biggest second-half comeback in NCAA history; and the second in 2010, when the #19 Wolf Pack came from behind to stun #3 Boise State in overtime. It even saw the birth of Ault’s famous “pistol offense” in 2005. Ault resigned in 2012, and the historic field on North Virginia Street he made his own was named after him the following year. In 2016, Nevada completed a slew of renovations to coincide with the facility’s 50th anniversary. These include a new club area, seven sections of chair back seats, loge boxes, patio areas, more ADA seats, a new video board and a new sound system. Even though the updates to the stadium lowered its capacity to around 26,000, it’s now much more in line with its peers in the Mountain West Conference. Food & Beverage 4 Mackay Stadium’s selection of food and beverages represent a good combination of quantity and quality, and are a few small complaints away from a perfect score. The attendants are friendly, and the stands all accept credit cards, but the lines can sometimes get long. Fixed concession stands in the two end zones have standard stadium fare like hot, jumbo and Polish dogs, nachos, pretzels, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, popcorn and candy ($4-$6), and the north end zone stands also offer a large cheeseburger with a bag of potato chips ($10), tortilla chips with either queso or salsa ($4.75) and a large burrito with your choice of meat ($10). The pop-up stands in the south end zone offer more varied choices, like six-inch sub sandwiches ($7.50), chili cups, loaded baked potatoes, French fries, cheese fries, sweet potato fries, deep-fried pickles, tater tots, potato wedges and potato skins ($6-$9), pulled pork or chicken sandwiches with kettle chips, barbecue nachos, rib tips, rib platters, a full slab of ribs and barbecue sides like coleslaw, beans and spicy mac and cheese ($4-$24). Two more stands in that area also have kid-sized hot dogs, nachos and pretzels ($3-$4), cotton candy ($5.50) and a “healthy choices” menu that includes fruit skewers, red pepper hummus, a chicken Caesar wrap, beef sliders, Asian chicken wings and pork tacos ($5-$8) as well as whole pieces of fruit ($2 each). Our recommendation is the pulled pork sandwich and spicy mac and cheese from the Famous Dave’s barbecue stand ($8). For drinks, the sodas (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mug Root Beer and Sierra Mist) are primarily served in 20 oz. bottles ($4.50), but are also available in cans ($3) and souvenir cups ($5). Bottled water is sold in 20 oz. ($4) or 1-liter bottles ($6), while alcoholic beverages like beer ($8 for Budweiser and Bud Lite, $8.50 for “premium” drafts like Shock Top, Red Hook and seasonals from Sam Adams and Alaskan) and margaritas ($12) are also available. Atmosphere 3 An outing at Mackay Stadium represents a mostly typical experience for a college football game outside the power conferences. Metal bleachers comprise the majority of the stadium’s seats in four non-symmetrical sections around the field and its accompanying track, pitched at a good enough angle that all but the lowest seats afford a good view. Those bleacher seats can feel cramped for games with bigger crowds or anyone on the taller end of the height spectrum. The newly added sections of padded chair back seats, however, are much roomier, and include their own cup holders. The ones in the club level on the west sideline have their own closed circuit viewing screens and outdoor heaters for cold games. General admission seats in the south end zone and student seating in the north end zone go right up to the field, but the closest sideline seats are separated by the track. Mackay’s 36 foot by 64 foot video board is believed to be the only one in college football with a 12-millimeter display, and it replays all of the action with terrific clarity. In-game promotions are similarly typical for mid-major college football experiences, with t-shirt tosses and several “text to win” drawings among others. The Wolf Pack’s costumed mascots and cheerleaders move around for some of the game, but primarily stick to the end zone sidelines. The Pride of the Sierra marching band plays a nice selection of contemporary and older tunes, and the stadium’s new sound system and PA announcer are both in the Goldilocks “just right” zone, but the referees often have a difficult time being heard. Section D on the west side affords you the “dead center” view of the middle of the field, but usually doesn’t have single game tickets available. If you can afford one, any of the chair back seats are a great way to take in a game, but a seat in the east side’s upper deck offers a more complete view of the whole game day scene at the cost of a bit of stair-climbing. In general, seats on the west side will be in the shade and colder for most games, while every other section – especially the east side – will be in the sun. All areas except the suites and the sliver of east side loge boxes are exposed to the notoriously unpredictable northern Nevada weather. Neighborhood 3 Originally built at a time when there was little else on the north end of campus, Mackay Stadium now sits near the hub of university-related activity. It’s bordered by parking lots to its north, a parking structure and intramural fields to its east and west, and the rest of campus to its south, with Interstate 80 and downtown beyond that. A five-minute stroll from the stadium across Virginia Street will take you to Red’s Little Waldorf Saloon, known as “the Wal” to locals, and catering to the pre and post-game crowd. About a mile south of the stadium on University Terrace is GourMelt, a sandwich joint specializing in upscale grilled cheese creations with a devoted following in town from its days as a food truck. The third floor of the student union next door also has several chain restaurants for a quick bite, while downtown offers a greater variety of cuisines and price ranges. Speaking of that area, the Riverwalk District of the city has enough shops, restaurants and bars to appeal to a wide variety of travelers, along with several nice, green spaces like Wingfield Park. The National Automobile Museum on Lake Street also has an impressive array of more than 200 cars from the personal collection of former casino magnate Bill Harrah. Being a casino town, Reno’s other entertainment options can include concerts and performances that change with the seasons. Broadening out to the greater Truckee Meadows area, day trips up to Lake Tahoe or Virginia City are also fun options. Lodging choices are as varied as your wallet and personal preferences allow, with most of the area’s hotels clustered downtown. The University Inn is across the street from Mackay, and can satisfy a budget traveler, but we suggest saving up more for either the Whitney Peak Hotel next to the famous Reno arch or the Peppermill south of downtown. Fans 3 Mackay Stadium fans are sufficiently passionate and engaged in their team’s fortunes, but would benefit from a string of great seasons in order to really give them a jolt. An average game day on North Virginia Street is in the neighborhood of around 21,000 fans, putting them in the middle third of the Mountain West and slightly below the conference average. The “big ticket” games against UNLV and Boise State tend to draw some of the only crowds that approach sellouts. On that note, the fans are appropriately responsive for big plays, get loud on defensive third downs, fill the air with “Packfetti” after each Nevada touchdown, and finish the PA announcer’s calls of “And that’s another Wolf Pack…” “FIRST DOWN!” One particular segment that needs work are the students, who seem disinterested even though their section of the stadium starts off mostly full. Fans in all areas of the stadium often leave late night games in noticeable numbers, even if the game is still close. Access 4 Getting to Mackay Stadium is not generally a hassle, but once you’re inside, a few problems crop up. A public transit option to consider is the Sierra Spirit bus, which has several stops throughout the downtown and university areas on a round that takes about half hour and charges 25 cents per person, and also has free WiFi on board. Reno-Tahoe International Airport provides commercial flights in and out of the area, and is fifteen minutes away by car. Parking in the surface lots near the stadium requires a permit with an accompanying season donation ranging from $100 to $700. If you don’t mind walking, there are free areas in the Whalen parking structure (our recommendation) and the lots behind Peccole Park and the School of Medicine, as well as the aforementioned bus line, which has stops near a few of downtown’s free parking structures. After games, cars parked north of the stadium get diverted to McCarran Boulevard, and those south of the stadium go down to Interstate 80. Any of Mackay Stadium’s entrances will give you a fairly similar experience getting in: a quick search of small bags for any prohibited items. There are no ticketless entry options at this time, but Nevada’s athletic department informed us they’re hoping this will change in the near future. Moving around the stadium is mostly easy with a few big exceptions. Since the majority of the concession stands are located in the north and south end zones, that’s naturally where fans have the most room to spread out and mingle. It’s at field level on the east and west sidelines that things get dicey, as the new ADA seating (of which there is now much more) has greatly reduced the amount of walk-able space to as little as five feet wide in some places. The upper concourses – now diverted into a parking structure on the west side – are better, but can still get crowded for bigger games. Bathroom lines for most games are reasonable, and ADA parking is easily reached on the first level of the West Stadium garage next door. Return on Investment 4 Even after its recent renovations, tickets to a game at Mackay Stadium are consistent with Nevada’s peers in the Mountain West, and offer a number of options for prospective fans. Single game tickets are typically $19 for the plaza reserved sections (3, 7, 8 and 9), $25 for the south end zone and family areas (section A), $39 for the field reserved sections (G, I, L, 4, 5 and 6), $90 for premium field sections B and F, and $115 for premium field sections J and K. Season tickets in the above areas range from $99 to $550, and do not include a Pack Educational Fund donation for some of the more expensive sections. All of those prices often go up for “big ticket” games like UNLV, Boise State and power conference opponents. Discounts of $9-$10 off per ticket are available for large groups of 20 or more people, military service members, senior citizens (65 and over) and youths (8th grade and under), as well as 3-game mini plans ($51-$105), a “Pup Club” for youths with an adult season ticket holder ($55 for access to all home, regular season football, volleyball, women’s soccer, women’s basketball, baseball and softball games and other perks), university staff members ($20 off per season ticket for up to two tickets), and employees of Washoe County School District, Nevada System of Higher Education and the State of Nevada ($396 for four season tickets in select sections). Lastly, a game program will run you $3. Extras 2 If you’re attending a night game at Mackay, consider getting a seat in the upper deck on the east side. Provided you’re not averse to climbing some stairs, you’ll enjoy a very pleasant view of the downtown Reno skyline to go along with the action on the field. Slightly unusual but nonetheless welcome for a college football stadium is the line of trees in the north end zone. If you’re having trouble finding your way around, there’s a group of volunteers wearing white polo shirts, blue vests and white baseball caps that will happily answer any questions you might have. We also like that there’s a children’s play area with bounce houses in the north end zone free of charge. Final Thoughts Ultimately, Mackay Stadium is a fine place to watch a college football game made better by its recent renovations. What separates it from truly great experiences elsewhere in the country is better fan support and more deeply ingrained traditions of excellence. Right now, it’s something fun to do at a certain time of year, but it’s not what one would call “the place to be” on fall Saturdays just yet. A few consecutive seasons of stellar play from the Wolf Pack would do wonders to increase the number of people at their games and, by extension, enhance the rest of the Mackay Stadium gameday experience.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Oriel Park Carrickmacross Road Dundalk, County Louth Ireland Dundalk FC website Oriel Park website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 4,500 Vibrant and Lively Venue in Dundalk Dundalk FC were founded in 1903, nicknamed ‘The Lilywhites’ for their predominantly white kit. The club have been playing at Oriel Park since 1936. The town of Dundalk is located in the east of the country, in County Louth which is close to the border with Northern Ireland. The club’s nearest rivals are Drogheda United. Oriel Park is an old fashioned stadium with a mixture of new and old features, with a capacity of 4,500. This includes a traditional Main Stand, a new covered enclosure opposite, standing areas behind both goals, and open area corner seating added at either side of the Main Stand. Under an experienced manager in Stephen Kenny, the club have won the league title in 2014 and 2015. This has ensured qualification for the Champions League Qualifiers, elevating the club’s profile, while providing extra income for the club, which in turn has enabled the club to make improvements both on and off the pitch. The club have been playing on a synthetic surface since 2005 and were the first to do so in Ireland. This also allows the Dundalk teams of all ages to train on it along with local teams getting to use it; again enhancing income streams. Food & Beverage 3 The refreshments options are very limited, with a couple of burger and ice cream type vans offering hot and cold drinks, burgers, and hot dogs. If that’s not what you are after, then you will have to wait until after the game and treat yourself at a local shop or a take away/fast food outlet. The majority, if not all clubs in the League of Ireland are part time, so the funds to improve specific areas like designated eating areas are limited. Bringing in third party companies and vans is convenient for them. That being the case, it may prove beneficial to bring in vans that offer more (dare I say) healthier options, for both hot and cold foods. I suppose from experience the people who run the vans will know what is popular, and know their market enough to make changes based on supply and demand. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Oriel Park is excellent and the locals really embrace the team. Walking around town you will see people wearing the kits, badges, stickers and pennants hanging in shops, cars, and house windows. For bigger fixtures like European games or derby matches against Drogheda there are organised marches from the town centre to the stadium. With flags, banners, drums, singing and pyros it certainly adds to the atmosphere, more so if you are visiting. Even throughout the game, the main area where the singing emanates from is the enclosure on the far side, which at certain points encourages others to join in and get involved. The stadium entry is down a lane off Carrickmacross Road which takes you down to the Main Stand. This is the main hub for office use, dressing rooms, and club shop with the turnstiles on the left and right hand side. The away fans are situated on the right and will get limited use of both covered and open seating areas. Behind the left hand goal is a slightly sloped grass embankment for standing, which is known as ‘the Town End’ and it is a popular area for league matches. Behind the other goal at the Carrick Road end, there is limited standing space due to a large green net to catch stray balls, and that’s due to there being nothing there apart from a narrow road and wasteland. The Main Stand is quite small and does not run the full length of the pitch. It has had a roof replacement in the last decade and has open seating on either side and this is to increase capacity due to the UEFA restrictions for European ties. Opposite is ‘The Shed’ which is an old small terrace that has had seats fitted and a roof to cover it in recent years. It also has open seating on either side of it, which isn’t ideal for the average winters day in Ireland. The best view is from the Main Stand as it is elevated from the rest of the ground, providing the best vantage point to see the action, though there are a couple of supporting pillars, but doesn’t impede your view too much. Neighborhood 4 The local people in the shops, pubs, and hotels, as well as club staff are very friendly and welcoming. They are often keen to ask why you are visiting and to tell you about Dundalk. The personal touch certainly adds to the experience and helps you embrace the town. There are a number of take away places for chips, pizza, Chinese, and Indian food which are on the main road and are within walking distance from the train station, Oriel Park, and The Imperial Hotel. Some of the local pubs will do food until 9pm. There are a few hotels in town, but the closest to the stadium and best value is at: The Imperial Hotel which is very friendly and comfortable, and only about a five minute walk from Oriel Park. A twin room costs 70 Euros which includes breakfast. Fans 5 The fans are very passionate, creating noise and singing their heart out before, during and after the match. Dundalk have one of the higher average attendances within the League of Ireland, with an average of 3,400 for home fixtures. The problem with higher profile games like a European tie, UEFA regulations mean the standing areas cannot be used which reduces the capacity. One song that tends to get all supporters involved is the tune of ‘When The Saints Go Marching In,’ when one section starts with “Oh when the whites,” and another replies “the Lilywhites,” both then join in singing “go marching in, oh when the whites go marching in!” Access 4 Entrance to all of the stadium is next to the Main Stand and the approach is from turning left, just off Carrickmacross Road. The area is well stewarded and the queues at the turnstiles move quickly. Oriel Park is ideally situated, a few minutes walk from the town centre, train station and is also on a regular bus route. For anyone taking the car, parking is limited at the ground, but street parking is available. It is busy on approach and may be worthwhile taking one of the side streets before it, as this will allow you an easier exit too. Tickets can only be bought directly from the club and the pricing is certainly fair enough. If you wish to sit in the Main Stand it is 20 Euros and 15 for a concession. For the rest of the areas within the ground it is 15 Euros for an adult, 10 Euros concession and 5 Euros for U12s. There is limited movement once you are inside the stadium as each designated area is monitored by stewards. I am assuming this is to prevent people paying the lower admission price from getting into the Main Stand. Return on Investment 4 Overall, Oriel Park offers a good return on your investment for sporting entertainment. With the hotel location in close proximity to the train station, stadium, pubs and food outlets, this is possibly one of the best venues you can get. With the price of juveniles being 5 Euros, it is exceptional value if any adult wished to take along their kids. Extras 4 The club shop offers the current kit and there are special deals on polo shirts, a book on the previous season’s title win and some stationery. The match programme is also well produced and good value at 4 Euros. Final Thoughts There are not many grounds or stadiums that will have a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with all you need merely minutes away as Oriel Park. The town is easily accessible by train or bus travelling from Dublin in the south or from Belfast in the north.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bishopsgate Strokestown Road Longford, Co. Longford Ireland Longford Town FC website Bishopsgate website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 6,800 Longford Town FC Note: In November 2019, the ground's name was renamed Bishopsgate after the club's new main sponsor. In the Irish midlands and ninety minutes from Dublin is the county of Longford. The football team, Longford Town, were established in 1924 and played in the local leagues up until they were elected to the League of Ireland in 1984. Situated three miles from the town centre, the club – nicknamed “de Town” – have always played at their current and somewhat remote stadium, known locally as Strokestown Road since their inception. Through sponsorship deals and grant funding, the stadium was renamed Flancare Park in 2001 and is still affectionately referred to by League of Ireland fans as ‘the Flan Siro,’ in reference to the famous San Siro stadium in Milan. Ironically the club colours are black and red stripes, but that’s where any similarities with the Italian side AC Milan end. In 2013 the club signed a sponsorship arrangement with the City Calling Group and since then the ground has been known as the City Calling Stadium. Longford Town were promoted to the League of Ireland Premier in 2001 and enjoyed a successful early millennium. This coincided with the club upgrading and modernising facilities within the ground, replacing old terracing with new seating and bringing it up to the present 6,800 all seated capacity. In 2014 the club invested more money in facilities at the City Calling Stadium, with an upgrade to dressing rooms, the physiotherapy room and club offices. Following promotion in 2001 up until 2007, the team went onto achieve a number of successes on the pitch, reaching no fewer than six cup finals, winning three and losing three. They won the FAI Cup in 2003 beating St. Patrick’s Athletic and in 2004 against Waterford United. Longford also claimed a cup double in 2004 when they beat Bohemians 2-1 at home, when it was known as Flancare Park. The club had three brief forays into the UEFA Cup (currently the Europa League), all ending in disappointing first round exits. Following relegation from the top flight in 2007, Longford had a pretty bleak spell, spending seven years in the second tier and despite promotion in 2014 it looks like another stint in the First Division beckons. Food & Beverage 3 Food and drink options are available from two locations within the ground: the clubhouse, which is within the Main Stand, and from a small cabin just outside it. On offer at both are the very basic (and mostly homemade) essentials, including tea, coffee, soup, various sandwiches, crisps, nuts, chocolate, cans and bottles of soft drink, and all very reasonably priced between €1 and €2.50. There is no alcohol sold at the City Calling Stadium and nothing outside for three miles, so you would need to be fed and watered in town before and after a fixture in Longford. Atmosphere 3 Longford Town don’t attract much of a crowd, which has an impact on any atmosphere generated, but despite the remoteness of its location it is a very likable, homely and pleasant venue to watch football from. The club’s supporters group is known as ‘Section O,’ but apart from a couple of flags laid out, there are no audible fan groups congregated in any part of the ground, though there are a very few passionate individuals in attendance. Once you enter the stadium through the single available entrance, you have the option to sit in the stand or walk round to the three other sides of the ground. These three areas have uncovered seating on an elevated deck consisting of seven rows, with a handful of entrance and exit walkways. The Main Stand itself is relatively small and central with twenty feet of space on the left, which has a small covered shelter that has a couple of seats designated for elderly and disabled fans. The dressing rooms and players’ tunnel are situated at the right of the stand with the dugouts also in this area. It has eight truss type supporting pillars which will partially obscure your view. The seats have LTFC printed in black against red. The majority of both teams’ fans tend to congregate here and behind the left hand side goal. Behind the goal on the right there is seating for around half that end, then there is a brick wall which is painted red and black. It is evident that this area is rarely used due to the discoloured seats, some of which are also broken. However it is an uncovered end and, providing the weather is dry, sitting around the halfway line across from the Main Stand provides an excellent, unimpeded view of the pitch. Neighborhood 1 In short, there is no neighborhood. The City Calling Stadium is located in farmland on the N5 Strokestown Road, which is three miles from the town centre. If it is the lively all-round package of a match day experience you’re after with local sightseeing, the City Calling Stadium is not for you unfortunately. Fans 2 It would be hard to criticise the Longford Town fans as there is some internal strife at the club, with a recent managerial change and the team bottom of the table. Their current predicament is reflected by the low attendances of late, making it difficult to gauge the regular support at the City Calling Stadium. The average home gate varies between 400-800 depending on the occasion, so the level of support can change dramatically. Access 4 Free parking is available outside the stadium and if this fills up there is roadside space too. There is no direct public transport link to the stadium, with all incoming bus and train transport options stopping in town. You could walk to it, but this is not advisable if it is dark; it would be better to take a local taxi which will set you back 7 euros. On the approach to the City Calling Stadium there is a very generous-sized car park which caters for the majority of fans attending. There is only one entrance for supporters, which is through a couple of turnstiles facing you as you walk towards it. Once through, the Main Stand is on the right and you find yourself in a busy juncture with a spacious walkway. From here you can easily access all four areas and find the facilities from the programme sellers and club lottery ticket sellers to food outlets and toilets. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets cost €15, while concessions and students are charged €10 and children pay just €5. This pricing structure is more than fair as it is in line with the rest of the league. The prices of food and drink are very manageable, making the all-in cost of a day out to watch Longford Town very affordable, with decent enough toilet facilities too. Extras 1 The remote setting was in line with the accoutrement of the main course on the pitch – nothing is laid on to present the occasion in a more entertaining light except the footballers themselves. If you are expecting a glamorous halftime show with fireworks and acrobats, you will leave sorely disappointed. Final Thoughts County Longford still shows signs of the recession over the last decade, but also shows signs of progress and recovery. It’s a friendly town and the club has friendly staff and stewards who are only too happy to sign post and advise. At the match of this review, the sky line at the City Calling Stadium as the sun was going down was stunning and was a pleasure to watch the game in such surroundings.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Lake Olmstead Stadium 78 Milledge Rd Augusta, GA 30904 Augusta GreenJackets website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 4,822 On the Green in Augusta Typically when you hear the words Augusta and green jacket, you immediately think of a very prestigious golf tournament that serves as one-quarter of golf’s Grand Slam. However, there is another sport in town that also goes by this moniker. The Augusta GreenJackets baseball franchise is the Class-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, and their mascot is a bee wearing the fabled green jacket awarded to the winner of each year’s Masters golf tournament. The history of baseball in Augusta actually goes back to 1885 and includes the Georgia Peach, Ty Cobb, as one of the players who wore the home team’s uniform. Augusta was one of the charter members of the South Atlantic League and is one of its most successful teams. Some of the modern-era players who have worn the GreenJackets uniform are Tim Wakefield, Moises Alou, Jason Kendall, Hanley Ramirez, Dustin Pedroia, Madison Bumgarner and Jon Lester. Home field for the GreenJackets is Lake Olmstead Stadium, a city-owned facility in Lake Olmstead Park. The stadium was built in 1995 and has a baseball seating capacity of over 4,800. Seating is broken down into 1,000 box seats, 800 reserved seats and 2,500 general admission seats. An additional group seating area along the right field line, the Sweetwater Draft House Party Deck, can hold up to 500 people. Food & Beverage 4 Since the stadium is located in a city park, there are no restaurants within walking distance of the stadium. Fortunately, the GreenJackets offer a good array of foods at reasonable prices. The following items are available at $3: cheeseburger, chicken tenders, nachos, pretzels and corn dog bites. Hot dogs and fries are available for $2.50. A few “Olmstead Only” offerings include the Auggie Doggie at $5.50 (a hot dog covered with pulled pork and coleslaw), the Auggie Burger at $9.50 (two hamburger patties with slaw, barbecue pork and pimento cheese) and loaded nachos at $6.50 or loaded fries at $5.75 (both include barbecue pork and cheese). We promise not to tell your cardiologist! Every Monday is a Feed Your Face night, which provides you an all-you-can-eat experience for a rotating set of menu items. Beverages include sodas, bottled water, and Powerade at $2.50.The beer offerings are fairly broad and include Bud Light, Miller Light, Yuengling, Kilian’s, Sweetwater Blue and Sweetwater 420. Prices are $3 for 16-ounce. and $5 for 32-ounce. Tuesdays are Brewsdays at Lake Olmstead, and you can buy a beer at 50% off. Atmosphere 3 Two nods to baseball’s past are components of Lake Olmstead’s structure: a roof extending out over most of the seating areas to protect the fans from the brutal heat of Georgia’s summers, and Ty Cobb, a Georgia native, spent time in Augusta before moving onto the big leagues. His lifetime batting average was .366. One of the outfield walls measures 366 feet from home plate. On the wall are the figure 366 and the name of Ty Cobb. Aside from these salutes to an earlier time in baseball, Lake Olmstead Stadium also celebrates more recent accomplishments. A large display of the team’s championship seasons is found on a wall on the concourse, as are banners saluting the many GreenJackets who have gone on to the major leagues. Additional amenities provided at Lake Olmstead Stadium are a children’s playground and the Cool Zone, a water misting area to cool off during the often hot and humid Georgia summers. A large group party area is located further down the right-field line. The Sweetwater Draft House features a 6,000-square foot party deck with numerous food and beverage packages, depending on the size of the group. The seating bowl wraps around the infield and includes both individual seating (in reserved or box areas) or aluminum bench seating (in general admission areas).There are no seats or berms behind the outfield fences. Because the roof is over a major portion of the seating area, there are some obstructed views due to support poles. Neighborhood 3 The area immediately surrounding the stadium is Lake Olmstead Park, a park owned and managed by the Augusta-Richmond County Parks Department. Its central feature is the namesake Lake Olmstead, a 113-acre lake located just down a steep embankment from the baseball stadium. The lake was created as a part of the Augusta Canal construction project in 1870 by Charles Olmstead, who also did major engineering work on the Erie Canal. In recognition of his work, the lake and park were named in his honor. The lake is used primarily for boating and fishing purposes, while the remainder of the park is dedicated to a disc golf course, hiking trails, picnic areas and, of course, the baseball stadium. You should plan to park in the immediate vicinity of Lake Olmstead Stadium and make sure to lock your car. There has been a crime problem in the vicinity. The broader neighborhood is the city of Augusta, Georgia’s second-largest city, with a population of over 400,000. The city sits on the western banks of the Savannah River, with the city of North Augusta, South Carolina, and the state of South Carolina forming on the eastern banks of the river. Augusta is primarily known for the Augusta National Golf Club and its Masters Golf Tournament, but the city is also a cultural center with its own ballet company, opera company, and symphony. The city also takes advantage of the Augusta Canal and the Savannah River to host a number of water-based sports events. One of the major developments in recent years is the Augusta Riverwalk, a park that hosts festivals, social events and 4th of July celebrations involving the whole city. Some of the popular restaurants in Augusta are Hildebrandt’s Deli (an Augusta staple since 1879!) and the Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweets. Fans 4 Due to its long history with baseball, Augusta GreenJacket fans are very loyal and very knowledgeable. They also come knowing that many of the players they are seeing have a very high likelihood of going to the majors, based on past history. The team has local ownership and is quite involved in the local community, working with many charities, promoting reading programs in the schools and visiting the many hospitals in the Augusta region. There is a real bond between the team and its fans that goes beyond just baseball. The demographics of the fan base in the Augusta region assure a solid future for the team. You are just as likely to see a seniors group at a game as a youth baseball team. Fort Gordon is a major employer in the area, and you will always see a good number of service members at each game. Augusta is also the hub city in the CSRA (Central Savannah Regional Area) which includes eastern portions of Georgia and several counties in South Carolina, which is just across the Savannah River from Augusta. Access 3 Augusta and Lake Olmstead Park are easily accessed via I-20, the main east/west interstate in Georgia. The city is located 150 miles east of Atlanta and 68 miles west of Columbia, South Carolina. Once departing the interstate at the Washington Road exit, you will go six miles south to reach the stadium. You will actually pass the Augusta National Golf Club, en route to the stadium. Once you arrive at Lake Olmstead Stadium, parking is readily available next to the park. There is only one ticket stand and entrance into the stadium itself, so you may want to buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid a long line. Pre-purchasing your tickets also provide cost savings for your wallet. The concourse area inside the gates is a large plaza and is home to multiple concession stands and The Hive Team Store. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are tiered at three levels at Lake Olmstead Stadium: Box seats are $12, reserved seats are $10 and general admission seats are $8. Seniors, children and military seating is priced at $6. (Fort Gordon is a large Army base just outside of Augusta, and frequent Military Appreciation nights are held during the season). A $1 discount is given for all online ticket purchases and all tickets purchased prior to the day of the game. The concessions at Lake Olmstead are of good quality and reasonably priced. Since Augusta is the second-largest city in Georgia, hotels are available at every price level. If Augusta has an afternoon game, many people simply drive over from Atlanta or Columbia and return home afterward. It is less than a two-hour drive from either city. Extras 3 The Augusta Riverwalk has become the entertainment and dining center for residents of, and visitors to, Augusta. In addition to the beauty of the beautiful gardens and brick plazas lining the river, you will be able to enjoy boating, concerts, and fireworks on special occasions. Singer James Brown was a native of Augusta, and you will find numerous historical markers about his life throughout the city. Obviously, the Masters is the biggest event in town. It is also an impossible ticket to get, as the waiting list is thousands of people long. However, it is possible to obtain a badge for one of the practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday before the tournament begins. The pro-am is especially fun, as the players are more relaxed, and you often will see a famous celebrity in several of the foursomes. Final Thoughts EDITOR’S NOTE: Since Stadium Journey’s visit, the GreenJackets have relocated to SRP Park in North Augusta. The team’s new home is part of the Riverside Village at Hammond’s Ferry overlooking the Savannah River featuring 280 new apartments, a senior living facility, office space, a luxury hotel, and a beer garden. The Jackets called Lake Olmstead Stadium home from 1995-2017 and the new stadium will seat 4,000 people-be on the lookout this season for our review of SRP Park.

Photos by Martin Mc Nelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Mazuma Stadium Christie Way, Westgate Morecambe, England LA4 4TB Morecambe FC website Mazuma Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 6,476 Turn Up the Feelgood Note: The venue name changed from Globe Arena to Mazuma Stadium in 2020. The Globe Arena is the home of Morecambe FC, located in a seaside town in Lancashire, England. They played non league football throughout their history until they gained promotion to League 2, the fourth tier in the English Football League in 2007, after defeating Exeter City in the Play off Final at Wembley Stadium. Their nickname is ‘the Shrimps’ due to their association to the fishing and shrimp industry in Morecambe Bay. The club moved to this purpose-built facility in 2010 after spending 89 years at their old ground, Christie Park. The Globe Arena has a very modern, welcoming entrance and facade and is named after the builders, Globe Construction. It comprises a large and impressive Main stand, covered terrace behind each goal and an open terrace where spectators can stand and watch the match. The Main, Peter McGuigan Stand is named after the current club chairman and is the main hub of the club’s activities, containing corporate hospitality facilities for both match day and external functions. It is also where the main entrance and reception is located for both sets of players, officials and directors. The dressing room, gymnasium and public bar and a busy club shop are also housed within here too. Across from the Main Stand is the open North terrace, which has four narrow steps with a safety barrier at the front. The view of the pitch from here is decent and is especially nice when the weather is good, otherwise you are exposed to all the UK elements. The entrance is located in the centre, with a small television gantry perched above it. Either side of this there are toilet and refreshments, though no alcohol is sold in this particular area of the ground. In the right hand corner there is a police control box which is discrete and outside it, there is a very basic scoreboard providing information like substitutions, messages and other scores from the division. The covered East terrace is to the right of the Main Stand and is for away fans, though this will depend on the opposition and the number of supporters they bring. Opposite this, the similarly structured West Terrace is also covered, and it is for the home supporters and where the majority of the atmosphere is generated. Food & Beverage 3 This part of northern England is associated with a variety of pies. It would be unfair to be overly critical as I was only able to access the refreshments in this particular area of the ground. With only one person serving, it isn’t overly busy and sells only basic hot and cold drinks with pies. Alcohol is sold within the Main Stand and like every other ground in England, it can only be consumed on the concourses and not in your seat. Atmosphere 4 The away fans are vocal throughout and the home fans behind the goal in the West terrace respond in turn, though they can be subdued in parts when the team is losing. The Omega Holidays Stand is your best bet for atmosphere at Globe Arena. The stand accommodates 2,234 standing spectators near the left end of the goal. The stand also features a bar and concession stands. The Shrimps have been in League Two for the past decade and crowd support has risen to above 2,000 fans per game the past season for the first time in seven seasons. There is plenty of cheering, chanting, and singing that makes a visit to the grounds an interesting day at the football grounds. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located near the coastline, a couple of miles from the town centre and train station, which in itself is approximately a twenty minute walk away. Outside it, the houses on the main road are modern and lavish. This is a good place to park as it is literally just a couple of minutes walk away from the stadium. There is also a holiday park with up to date looking chalets along the road which is popular with tourists. Within a one mile radius of either side of the stadium, there are a couple of fast food establishments, a couple of pubs and restaurants to give you some options depending on your preferences. There are a variety of hotels, travel lodges and bed and breakfasts located at either end of the town. The most prestigious establishment being the renovated Midland Hotel. Fans 3 The fans are both passionate and yet quiet at various times during the match. The club mascot ‘Christie’ goes round the perimeter of the home end doing high fives with fans and posing for pictures. Fans are courteous without being overly friendly. Morecambe’s average attendance is just under 2,000 a match. The home supporters retort with chants of their own when the away fans go through their own renditions and repertoires. When there isn’t a huge crowd on hand, it has a negative impact on the overall atmosphere of the stadium experience. Access 3 The stadium is set just off a busy main road and has a walkway in which you can see the ground ahead. It is spacious around every side of the stadium and you should expect to encounter no difficulty or restrictions walking round it, with both sets of supporters mingling freely and hassle free. The number 6 bus, which goes to and from town, is very regular along the main road, and the train station is located approximately 20-25 minutes walk from the stadium. Approaching Morecambe by car from the motorway you have two options. Taking the junction 34 exit will take you through the main part of town where the traffic is very slow and tedious due to the volume of cars passing through. Coming from the north, junction 35 takes you through Carnforth and along the more coastal part of Morecambe. I used this on the way out and found the traffic moved a lot quicker. There is limited parking at the stadium and a couple of areas charge £10 to leave your car there. On either side of the stadium there is adequate street parking and only a few minutes walk to the stadium entrance. You are very restricted to each individual end and I encountered a very officious steward when I asked to go into the West Terrace to take a photo! If there is no flexibility to move under cover when the rain comes on, you could be in for a very wet and uncomfortable 90 minutes. Return on Investment 4 The cost for admission, food, programme and items in the club shop is on a parallel with other clubs in the division. The uncovered North terrace end is the cheapest option for tickets at £16 and the other ends are a couple of pounds more, with the West Terrace behind the goal £17 and the Main Stand £21 for the family section or up to £26. The club have an impressive pricing system for other groups like concessions at £14 or £17, under 18s are £5 and anyone aged under 14 is admitted free, so it would be financially beneficial to bring the family with you! You could potentially buy a match ticket or cash for the premium seats in the Main Stand at £26 and bring say two children under the age of fourteen and still pay the same price. Alternatively if you are looking for maximum value, you could do the same and stand in the uncovered North terrace for £16. Extras 3 The Morecambe match programme is an impressive 68-page full colour publication, priced at £3. There are a number of features including current team stats for the season, past meetings between the clubs, upcoming local events, interviews with current and former players, the Academy players and in depth details on the opposition. Final Thoughts Given the club’s location and depending on weekend or midweek fixtures, not to mention the television schedule, you could potentially stay a couple of nights locally and take in a number of games with clubs located close by like Blackpool, Fleetwood and Preston North End.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Markets Field 22-, 34 Garryowen Road Limerick, Munster Ireland Limerick FC website Markets Field website Year Opened: 1886 Capacity: 5,000 Home of the Super Blues Football in the Irish county of Limerick has an interesting and chequered past, with name changes, boardroom fall outs, success, relegations, European football and the standard financial torments throughout their 79-year history. Formed in 1937, the club were challengers in the FAI Cup when they were twice-beaten semi finalists and also runners up in the league during the 1940s. The club won their first league title in 1960 and only replicated this once more, winning it again in 1980. Despite being in the province of Munster, a very sporting county overall, Limerick is very much a rugby city. As much as it is popular with local interest, football wrestles with this and the gaelic games. The club’s initial colours were red and white, changed in the 80s to green and yellow, but they are regularly recognised in Ireland as wearing blue, white and occasionally black. The club have gone by various names including Limerick City, United, and even Limerick 37 for the start of the 2007 season, after the FAI would not provide them with a licence to play in the league due to them not meeting their standard requirements. The current title of Limerick FC returned in 2009 and remains so to the present day. The club are a full-time entity, something which is rare in Ireland’s second football tier, and this is due to fresh financial investment which coincided with the return to their spiritual home of Markets Field in 2015. Limerick have always claimed that this is their natural home and returned here having left in 1984 after massive renovation works and an outright purchase by a local consortium. Originally built in the late 1800s it was mainly used for gaelic games and rugby. Limerick played football here when they were formed and played at a number of venues including the impressive Thomond Stadium, the home of Munster rugby, and amateur football grounds Jackman Park, Hogan Park and Pike Rovers’ Crossagalla. With a new Main Stand built on and around the original structure, it boasts new corporate, media and player facilities. There was also significant money spent on the pitch and the club were awarded the best playing surface in the League of Ireland for 2016. Food & Beverage 4 There are a few food and drink options available at Markets Field, served from an ice cream van, a small hut and a burger van. The ice cream van sells what you would expect; confectionary, crisps, juice and also some hot drink options of tea, coffee and hot chocolate. The hut sells sweets only at shop prices and is good value. The burger van also has a wide variety of options. All burgers (cheese, plain/regular, chicken) are priced between 3 – 4.50 euros, hot dogs and breakfast rolls are 4 euros, chicken goujons and nuggets are between 3-4 euros, chips come in large and regular portions priced 3-4 euros and you can have them with a curry, garlic or cheese dip for 3.50. All hot and cold drinks are excellently priced between 1.50 and 2 euros. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Markets Field is mainly generated by the club’s unofficial ultras group, ‘The Blue Army Loyalty Club.’ After a successful season on the pitch, the club have been lucky to have quite a vibrant crowd, mainly due to more local people attending home matches. They have had a couple of tifo displays, occasional pyro and numerous chants and songs in support of the team. Markets Field can be accessed at three turnstile entry points, two of them on Garryowen Road for home fans, the corner of this road and Markets Field Terrace being for both home and away fans. The Main Stand is relatively small, containing seating for around 1,400 spectators and doesn’t run the length of the pitch. It has corporate and media facilities on one side and standing area for fans on the other. It has modern toilet facilities underneath and disabled toilet access next to it. Across from this is what’s known as the ‘Popular Terrace End’ and has a distinctive large wall on the back with housing on the other side. It is also where the dugouts are situated and has a single perimeter barrier behind them for fans to stand round and watch the game. There is a grass embankment here too which runs the length of the pitch and is popular with supporters on match days when it is dry. There is also a small television gantry perched in the centre. The Rossa Avenue/West Terrace home end is where you will find a large walk way for fans going between ends, buying food and using the facilities. The food bars are situated here as is a portacabin which acts as the club shop. This end is busy, but with it being almost at pitch level you won’t see much of the play from here, more so with people regularly passing through. Opposite this and behind the other goal, the Marketsfield Terrace was similarly an open end terrace, but a small temporary stand containing seating for around three hundred fans has been erected in the last year. In front of this and on either side of it there are also designated standing areas. The half-time entertainment comes from local junior teams playing 4 a side games. There are also announcements about upcoming fixtures, travel and pick up times for supporters. There are pros and cons to the best area to watch the action on the pitch. As the Main Stand is elevated it provides shelter and a good angle, but there are seven thin supporting pillars which will partially obscure the view. Opposite here standing on the grass embankment also provides a very good view, but there is no cover and in poorer weather this would be thoroughly miserable. Neighborhood 4 From Colbert train station you are ten minutes walk from Markets Field stadium, and along the way there are various shops and bars. Limerick is distinctive for the amount of churches and cathedrals which can be seen from some distance, none more so than St John’s which is over the back of Garryowen Road and features heavily in photographs of Markets Field, professional or otherwise. Hospitality is warm, with Tait’s Bar & Grill, part of Pery’s Hotel, a comfortable, welcoming and homely option offering a wide selection of food and drink options. Fans 3 The Limerick fans have supported a very successful team on the pitch and can have no complaints with the season, so it is hard to establish what they are really like. As a result of their dominance of the First Division all comments and chanting are positive. The majority of the noise and atmosphere generated stems from the small group of ultras who congregate in a corner of the Main Stand. Access 4 The train station is ten minutes walk away while local buses pass regularly with the Dublin direct bus also stopping off a couple of times a day. There is no specifically designated car parking, but there are plenty of street parking options around the ground. Tickets can be bought outside the ground right up to kick off and there are a couple of designated shops in the city centre which sell them too. Once purchased they are barcoded by stewards to enter. Once inside you have the freedom of three ends, but the only area you can’t access is where the away fans are allocated. The majority of the facilities are in the West Terrace end behind the home goal and getting around poses no problems. Return on Investment 4 The ticket structure at Limerick is very fair, with Adults at 15 euros for the Main Stand and 12 for the Terraces. It is 10 euros for students and OAPs, and 5 euros for under 12s. The club offer individual match packages for families, ranging from 15 euros for one adult and one child under 12, up to two adults and two children under 12 at 35 euros. Extras 1 The family package deserves a point mainly because it helps entice more local fans and families to come out and support the team. Final Thoughts Markets Field is a decent venue to watch football and one a lot of ground hoppers may wish to visit as it only re-opened in June 2015 after the club spent more than three decades away from it. It is very laid back and I found the staff and stewards both friendly and helpful.