Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Capital One Arena 601 F St NW Washington, DC 20004 Washington International Horse Show website Capital One Arena website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 14,000 What a Difference Some Hay Makes Pumpkin spice lattes, light sweaters, crunchy leaves on the ground, and the smell of fresh manure in downtown DC. When fall is in the air, it’s time for the Washington International Horse Show. And just as the hot summer transforms into the crisp, cool autumn, the Verizon Center radically transforms itself for its annual equestrian extravaganza. The Verizon Center is best known as the home of the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards. Fans in the nation’s capital who have attended basketball and hockey games and concerts here can vouch for the venue’s capability of handling multiple set-ups. While certainly nothing to be ashamed of, basketball-to-concert-to-hockey changeovers are par for the course for modern indoor arenas. To truly show off their versatility, today’s arenas need the opportunity to host something a little different. Some venues get unique, one-off events like the X-Games or political conventions. The Verizon Center has the annual Washington International Horse Show. The WIHS called the DC Armory home from its birth in 1958 until it moved to the suburban Capital Center in Landover, Maryland, in 1978. The Armory still sees the occasional event, but the Capital Center is no more. When the Verizon Center (originally the MCI Center) opened in 1997, the horses followed the lead of the hockey and basketball teams and trotted back downtown. Like clockwork, the WIHS shows up every fall. The show’s week of star-filled evening performances, sparsely-attended afternoon sessions, and theme nights are fall staples on the Verizon Center’s calendar, just as the circus is in the spring. Equine enthusiasts know this is a can’t-miss event, and others should take notice. The Washington International Horse Show shows off the Verizon Center’s versatility in a way any stadium traveler would likely enjoy. Editor’s Note: in Aug, 2017, Capital One purchased the naming rights of the venue and the name changed from Verizon Center to Capital One Arena. Food & Beverage 3 The Washington International Horse Show hosts some of the world’s finest horsemen and women, as well as showcasing the Verizon Center’s adaptability. But the WIHS itself is a fairly incongruous animal. Some of its sessions are big, Olympian-filled affairs. Others showcase children from local riding clubs in front of a few hundred spectators. For the larger sessions, expect services from most of the same concessionaires that you would find for an NBA or NHL game. Expect everything from gourmet tacos to a kosher sausage stand to craft brews. For the smaller daytime events, fewer stands open. Hot dogs and pretzels are always an option, meaning you’re unlikely to go hungry. Atmosphere 4 The Washington International Horse Show doesn’t need to advertise much since the makeshift outdoor barn in the heart of the nation’s capital announces the show’s presence to the thousands who pass by the arena every day. If you’re heading inside to catch a session, the stables outside the main entrance do a good job of setting the mood. Once inside, dozens of vendors transform the Verizon Center’s main concourse into fun, temporary equine market. Before even reaching their seats, fans have the opportunity to grab free horse magazines and shop for saddles, boots, or maybe just some handmade fudge. Upon entering the seating bowl, the fan can’t help but be struck by several things. This a big, nice, modern arena, and it has really put its best foot forward for this event. Decorations seamlessly meld the idyllic setting of a horse pasture with the iconic sights of Washington’s National Mall. As far as the atmosphere delivered by fans, well, that depends on which session you choose to attend. High-priced evening sessions deliver large crowds and Olympians. Daytime sessions offer lower prices, smaller crowds, and general admission seating that offers fans the ability to move around the venue and probably find space in the first few rows. While individual sessions have different atmospheres, the event as a whole differentiates itself from the Verizon Center’s more mainstream events in a very enjoyable way. Neighborhood 4 The Verizon Center sits in Washington’s downtown Chinatown neighborhood. What the area has lost in its Asian roots over the past decades it has gained in popularity. Some have compared Chinatown to New York’s Times Square. While that’s not really an accurate comparison, this is the closest DC comes to Manhattan. The Verizon Center sits directly over three of DC’s six Metro (subway) lines, and just blocks from the other three. A major bus stop sits just around the corner. You can walk to the heart of the tourist areas on the National Mall in about 20 minutes, and you’re also within walking distance of many of downtown’s offices. This is the ultimate central location. As such, the area around the Verizon Center has evolved into a busy commercial strip that caters to the tastes of the very diverse groups who pass through here. Virtually every age, race, religion, and economic group imaginable is represented in front of the Verizon Center 24/7, and they all have their choice of fast-casual restaurants. McDonald’s, Fuddruckers, Hooters, Walgreen’s, three burrito chains, an upscale bowling alley, and a movie theater are just a few of the shops within a one-block radius. For a little more sophistication without the walk to the National Mall, check out the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery just across the street. Fans 2 Horses have a reputation of being an expensive hobby, and while the well-heeled are indeed well-represented at the WIHS, the stereotypical old-money crowd is thankfully not the only demographic present. Fans show up in riding gear, tee-shirts, and everything in between to cheer on both famous and unknown riders. While Olympic riders are indeed the marquee draw, some of the lower-level events are well supported. Children’s Shetland Pony racing is a newfound fan favorite. Access 4 The Verizon Center is about as central as you can get. The “Gallery Place-Chinatown” station on DC’s subway system, Metro, sits directly below the arena, and provides safe, regular, and inexpensive service within the District as well as to suburbs in Virginia and Maryland. Parking is expensive in the immediate neighborhood, but between metered spaces and private garages, fans should be able to find a place to park. In the evening, free parking may be available on the National Mall, about a 20-minute walk south of the venue. Since the horses need a place to sleep, F Street NW in front of the Verizon Center is closed to vehicular traffic for the duration the Washington International Horse Show. If it weren’t for the fact that F St NW is frequently closed before and after Verizon Center events, this could be a headache. But this part of DC is built on a grid, and it’s easy to find an alternate route. Inside, the Verizon Center is roomy. The horse show’s numerous temporary vending stalls do take up concourse real estate, but fans still have enough room to circulate freely. Seats are cushioned and comfortable, and numerous restrooms are clean and well-stocked. Return on Investment 3 The 2014 edition of the Washington International Horse Show saw things get noticeably more expensive. The addition of a service charge for tickets bought at the box office and the removal of the discount for showing a public transportation card meant that general admission to even the least popular sessions ran $15. The more popular evening sessions start at more than double that. The value in this event, like any, is in the eye of the beholder. Equestrian competition at this level is in relatively short supply, so fans may be happy to pay to see some of the country’s best riders in person. Fans merely curious about the sport might balk at the prices. Extras 2 Every fall, fans in Washington have the opportunity to see a known venue in an entirely new way, and to see a relatively unknown sport. In both respects professional presentation pays off. The Washington International Horse Show has lasted more than a half-century for a reason, and is worth seeing.

Photo Courtesy of First National Bank Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 First National Bank Arena 217 Olympic Dr Jonesboro, AR 72401 Arkansas State Red Wolves website First National Bank Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 10,038 Howling For Hoops It’s been said that sport makes for great theater. A game at the Convocation Center at Arkansas State University reaffirms that statement perhaps more than any other arena in Division I college basketball. The set-up of the arena, which has been affectionately known as The Convo since it opened in 1987 as a multi-purpose facility in the truest sense, looks like the byproduct of having the seating from four theaters welded together with a stage area in the middle, with its lighted seating leading the way to rows of red seats. The movie theater effect was enhanced in 2012 when the original scoreboard in the middle of the building was replaced with four large HD video boards in each corner. “I think I like the way it is now. It takes a little bit getting used to, but I like it better,” said longtime ASU alumnus Rick Gillette of the four screens. Gillette spoke of the building’s flexibility when it comes to catering to the entertainment needs of the community. “Anything from a rodeo to tractor pulls to basketball games to track meets. You name it,” he said. “It’s served it all.” In addition to the four video boards, the other thing that sets The Convo apart is its quadrant system. The arena has no concourse that connects around the outside of the seating area. Instead it features four pod/quadrants (red, blue, yellow and green) that each consists of a set of bathrooms, a concession stand and then one specialty stand (either additional concession stands or souvenir stands). The layout makes it really simple to find a bathroom or a food stand, but perhaps the most difficult arena to find a quiet moment to sneak away to talk on the cell phone. In Oct, 2017, the name of the venue was changed to First National Bank Arena after that company contributed $5 million to the Red Wolves Foundation. Food & Beverage 3 The Convo has two traditional concession stands that feature items such as hot dogs ($3), Polish sausages ($3.25), hamburgers ($3.75), cheeseburgers ($4) and nachos ($3.50) – along with Coke products. Leading up to halftime a long line forms near the Lewis BBQ stand in the blue quadrant where selections include regular BBQ sandwiches ($5.25 regular / jumbo $6.50), BBQ bologna sandwiches ($5.25) and BBQ nachos ($5.25). Another popular halftime destination is the yellow quadrant that features Lil Orbits donut stand (most popular items are the $5 powdered donuts) and a snow cone display, where the most requested flavor is homemade ice cream ($4). Atmosphere 3 The building mirrors the light tan brick of the entire university (all athletic facilities do as well). Most fans enter through the red quadrant, which is the closest one from the free general parking area. Those who wish to see the large “A State” logo facing them on the court should sit on the eastern side of the center, although there really is not a bad seat to be found. Even the highest seats in the corner offer a decent view – and all seats feature seat backs that are moderately comfortable. The four video screens are fairly easy to read when on scoreboard mode, but the numbers could stand to be a little larger. The mascot, a large red wolf named Howl, does a good job of firing up the crowd in the first half and then interacting with audience members in the second. Neighborhood 3 Jonesboro is located inside of a dry county, but there are still several options to grab libations inside of bars “clubs” throughout the city, but I didn’t spot any bars within close range of the ASU campus. The most popular of these are located downtown on a three-block area on Main Street, such as Cregeen’s Irish Pub and Skinny J’s. Another regular destination is Fat City Grill on Caraway Road. When it comes to lodging, there is a large cluster of hotels near the intersection of Red Wolf Boulevard and U.S. 63, including Fairview Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, and Hilton Garden Inn. Fans 3 Not many people wear the school colors, which adds to the movie theater feel. On a related note, the souvenir stand – for whatever reason – was not open on the most recent game I attended, even though it was Senior Night. The fans, who are all very friendly and cordial, will raise some noise when the Red Wolves are beginning to mount a run and will even let out a howl or two when asked to do so by the PA announcer. The school band is a very spirited bunch that starts getting the fans into the game with an array of songs well before tipoff. Next to the band, the student section consists of an enthusiastic group who waves big signs and tries to do their best to distract the other team. Although the biggest distraction could be found behind the other hoop where a fan, who was dressed as a referee wearing sunglasses would interchangeably hold up posters of Kate Upton in a bikini and Justin Bieber to dissuade the opposing team from making its free throws. Access 3 Parking is a pretty easy process. All parking near the lot is for those who make considerable donations to the university’s Red Wolves Foundation, but parking is free across Olympic Drive by the baseball team’s J.A. Tomlinson Stadium-Kell Field. There are four known bathroom stations in the entire building (one in each quadrant). The men’s bathrooms are entirely too small to handle the needs of an entire section if the arena is actually full. I presume that the women’s bathroom is of comparable size. In addition, the lack of an outer concourse that orbits the building restricts access. The pathway between the upper and lower seats offer plenty of room to roam, but it still feels awkward walking in front of everyone just to move around the building. Note: Avoid any seats that are close to the beginning of the upper section to avoid passers-by. Return on Investment 4 When it comes to Division I college basketball, an Arkansas State game is a great deal. With free parking next to the baseball stadium, free programs and tickets that range from $8-$25, a family can easily enjoy a night out at the game without coming close to breaking the bank. Extras 2 One point is rewarded for the band getting the fans fired up with spirited renditions of hit songs beginning 40 minutes before the game. One point is rewarded for the free programs and masks bearing the visage of head coach John Brady. Final Thoughts For those who live in the area or are thinking about following their favorite team to a game in Jonesboro, a trip to The Convo is recommended. For one, it’s a low-priced bargain. For another, the four screen, four quadrant set-up is very unique – whether you love it or hate it.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.42 Athletics Center O’rena 2200 N Squirrel Rd Rochester, MI 48309 Oakland Golden Grizzlies website Athletics Center O’rena website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 4,005 The O Factor In 1998, Oakland University joined the Mid-Continent Conference and the ranks of Division I basketball. The conference has since changed its name to the Summit League, and the Golden Grizzlies are beginning to establish themselves as the league’s top program. Part of the reason for this growing success has to go to their home court, known as the O’rena. Like many arenas in the Summit League, the setting is small, but Oakland is doing a lot of things just right, making this a really good (and relatively unknown) college basketball experience. Food & Beverage 3 It’s an interesting set up for concessions at the O’rena. Since the concourse circles above the seats, you never lose your view of the action when you’re up and about. The same goes for the two concessions stands. This is a real benefit, especially because lines tend to get long during the game. If you’re hungry, try to grab your grub early. The prices are reasonable, but the selection is a bit lacking. I would recommend going for the kielbasa sausage ($2) over the hotdog ($2) or Hungry Howie’s pizza slice ($3.50). Snacks include popcorn ($2), pretzel ($2.50), and nachos ($3). They also have a great ice cream selection of either Ben & Jerry’s or Starbuck’s brand ice cream bars ($3). Pepsi is the soda of choice ($2). Atmosphere 4 The determination of where to place the student section and pep band is an absolutely critical component to creating the right basketball atmosphere. Oakland does a great job of placing their students directly behind the opponent’s bench, and the pep band blasting them from the side. It’s a fantastic one-two punch. That 50-member pep band is active starting as early as 45 minutes before the tip-off, and they are the only music you’ll hear throughout the game (with the exception of the video montage during introductions). You’ve got to love the jubilance that comes from a college pep band. There’s no overhead scoreboard. Instead, there are four very basic scoreboards in each corner, and one large HD screen on the south end of the facility, providing highlights and the detailed statistics. It’s a great modern touch. Black plastic bleachers can be found under each basket, and they are relatively comfortable. On the east side (behind the team benches) there are permanent chairback seats and drink holders. The opposite side is a foldable stand with seats that are without cupholders, and less than adequate leg room. The seats face straight ahead, so the view is a little awkward if you’re away from center court. My recommendation is to sit in section E4, where you get the best seating situation as well as the best view. One area for improvement is definitely with the mascot, who seemed pretty invisible throughout the contest. With the size of the arena, he should be making his way around the concourse and through the stands as much as possible. Neighborhood 3 Oakland University is found in Rochester, Michigan, close to Auburn Hills, former home of the Detroit Pistons. It can make for a convenient NCAA/NBA doubleheader when the schedule allows. Most of the options for bars or restaurants in the immediate vicinity are uninspiring chains. I’m a big fan of Jet’s Pizza, just a couple of blocks away. Other predictable choices include BD’s Mongolian Bar-B-Que, T.G.I. Friday’s, Applebee’s, or Romano’s Macaroni Grill. Fans 4 The student section is good but still needs a little more energy and bodies before they can be great. For the game that I attended, they were pretty late. Known as the “Grizz Gang,” this assembly needs to come earlier and in greater numbers, but in the meantime, they are a pretty imposing little group. Access 4 There is one primary parking lot near the O’rena, which is mostly taken by donors. Parking is free throughout the campus, so just find one of the nearby lots and take the short walk through campus. You’re only a couple of miles away from I-75, a major north/south thoroughfare. The size of the crowd is small enough that you should have no trouble getting in or out. Return on Investment 4 Tickets cost either $15 or $10. I would recommend paying $15 only if you can find seats in section E4, otherwise, go for the cheaper option as you’ll have a fine view in most cases. With free parking and very reasonable concession prices, you’ll find your money to be well invested in this experience. Extras 2 The murals on the walls of the concourse are a nice touch, with pictures of generations of athletes and coaches proudly displayed. Another bonus point for the University for the smart arrangement of the student section and pep band. Final Thoughts The more college basketball I see, the more I appreciate these small arenas that are focused on the basketball and beautiful college atmosphere. This is definitely one for you to see if you are living in the Detroit area, or are in town when the Golden Grizzlies play.

Photo Courtesy of Bob E / Yelp Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Spanos Center 1178 Larry Heller Dr. Stockton, CA 95211 Pacific Tigers website Spanos Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 6,150 A Team in Transition The Pacific Tigers basketball team is in the midst of a major transition. Bob Thomason, the team’s basketball coach for 25 years, retired in 2013. Thomason left as the team moved to the West Coast Conference (WCC) the same year. This move placed Pacific in a conference with all private schools and better teams such as Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s. One constant during this transition has been the Spanos Center. The arena has been largely unchanged since it opened in 1981 and has seen five Tigers squads make the NCAA Tournament during that time. From 1981 to the opening of Stockton Arena in 2005, the Spanos Center was the premier entertainment destination in Stockton as the facility is expandable to accommodate 8,000 people. Food & Beverage 2 There are two main snack bars in opposite corners of the venue as well as a smaller one beyond one end line. There should be enough to satisfy your hunger albeit without getting too creative. Hot dogs ($3.50), polish sausages ($4.50), and personal pizzas ($6.50) are the main dishes. However chili plays a big role; chili dogs ($4), chili cheese dogs ($4.50), chili cheese nachos ($4.50-$5.50) or a plain old cup of chili ($2.50) are all available. Pepsi products ($2.50-$3) and an array of candy and ice cream accompany the main courses. Atmosphere 3 Though the Spanos Center holds over 6,000 fans, 3,000 mostly chair-backed seats make up most of the seating area. The upper levels are rarely used and the lower levels provide a great view. The upper levels are entirely made up of bleacher seating. There are scoreboards in three of the four corners, one of which has video capabilities. Unfortunately, it is used predominantly for advertisements. My favorite feature is the nicely designed ceiling, centered over the middle of the court. Orange and black banners close in the action and the excellent public address announcer work in concert for a great experience. This is a great place to watch college basketball. Neighborhood 2 Stockton is consistently considered one of the most dangerous or miserable or depressing cities in the nation. In 2013 they filed Chapter 9 bankruptcy after they were hit hard by the housing crisis. All that being said, Stockton is slowly coming back a bit. Though Stockton is known (at times, rightfully so) to being a dangerous city, UOP is located in an upscale residential neighborhood. Safety should not be a major concern. Nearby Pacific Avenue is a great place to grab a bite to eat prior to a game. One of my favorite spots is Abbey Trappist Pub which has the best tap/bottle list in town. The tap list tends to skew local while the bottle list covers the best nation and worldwide. Empresso Coffeehouse is probably the most noteworthy place on Pacific Ave. The excellent coffeehouse is in an old movie theater where they have events such as concerts and art shows. It’s a very unique coffeehouse experience. Though there are nice places nearby, Spanos Center can’t take advantage of the beauty of the waterfront, unlike Stockton Arena or Banner Island Ballpark. Fans 2 While I’d like to believe there is excitement with the school moving to the WCC, it is not reflected in the seats. Even if you only consider the lower level as capacity, the seats are only a quarter full. The student section wasn’t too rowdy and the fans subdued. They certainly understand and appreciate the game but it wasn’t your typical college basketball experience. I feel like Pacific has an opportunity to be a destination for college basketball fans. They are the only Division I program in the immediate area. The Bay Area and Sacramento schools are at least an hour away and Fresno is two hours south. Access 4 Spanos Center is located just a few blocks from Highway 5 and two miles from 99. Getting from the freeways is easy through safe city blocks. Take main drags Pershing or Alpine to the convenient (and on this night, spacious) parking lot. Parking in the designated lot costs $5 but there is easy street parking nearby as well. You can enter the arena from two of the four corner entrances. You enter the Spanos Center at the top of the first level and the bottom of the second level. Restrooms and concession stands are at every other corner when you make your way around the court. Return on Investment 4 A night at Spanos Center is a great buy with general admission going for $10 and assigned seating for $14. The assigned seats are in chair-backed seats. Premium games jump out to $14 and $20 respectively. Considering the increased level of competition and affordable parking and concessions, this is an easy, fun night out. Extras 2 I love the feel in Spanos Center; I just wish there were more fans there. The banners on one end of the court honor the league championships from every sport for men and women in Pacific history. Below these banners are retired jerseys from all the programs as well. Most notable of which is former number one overall pick, Michael Olowokandi. At the other end of the court are banners signifying accomplishments at the national collegiate level; for example, NCAA tournament appearances by the basketball and swimming teams. Most dominating amongst these are the two National Championships for women’s volleyball from the 1980s.

Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Hardy M. Graham Stadium 15 Mount Pelia Rd Martin, TN 38238 Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks website Hardy M. Graham Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 7,500 Skyhawk Football at Graham Stadium There’s a women’s basketball coach who attended and played some hoops at this little school in Martin, Tennessee. Patricia Sue Head went on to accomplish enough in her profession to garner a street sign welcoming you to the college home of the eight-time national champions. That sign bears the name of legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt. She wasn’t born in Martin, but the game of women’s college basketball, as we know it today, was conceived here. Summitt has never been shy about her love for Martin and after a visit to this beautiful campus, you’ll understand why. Residents of the Volunteer State will tell you that every town’s geographic location can be described as sitting between two of the state’s biggest cities. Martin fits this to a “T” (pun not intended, but credit accepted). Martin sits between Nashville and Memphis. So if you are from Martin and you meet Bob from Chicago, Illinois, you tell Bob, “I’m from Martin, Tennessee.” Before the blank stare can form on Bob’s face, you add, “It’s about halfway between Memphis and Nashville.” Then Bob from Chicago gives you an affirming nod and he now knows exactly where in the state of Tennessee you live. A bounce pass away from where Pat Head played half-court basketball is the home of the Skyhawks football field. Hardy M. Graham Stadium, named for the longtime fan and donor of over a $1 million, opened in 1964 and accommodates 7,500 fans. Your first impression upon arrival may be of your high school football stadium with a few upgrades. That’s not intended to come off as negative or snarky in any way whatsoever. The simplicity in style is a highlight. The berms in either end zone give the stadium an overall natural and organic look that blends in rather well with the beautifully manicured campus. It’s no surprise that anything planted or sown in the ground looks great on campus. UT Martin is to horticulture as law is to Harvard. The entire campus has beautiful scenery and landscaping. The playing surface inside the Graham is FieldTurf that was installed in 2008. Each end zone is painted in the UT Martin school colors with the base color being orange and a navy “SKYHAWKS” in one end zone and “UT MARTIN” in the other. To follow the paragraph regarding the great horticulture with a blurb on a stadium that uses FieldTurf seems wrong and in a way it is. Although it looks as good in November as it does in September and low maintenance equals cost-effective, the fact that this school does not have a grass field is downright shameful. In fairness, Graham Stadium photographs very well because of the consistent and colorful appearance of the turf. However, when campus is crawling with future Directors of Athletic Grounds and Facilities at universities and professional sports stadiums across the country, it seems like a disservice to the students. When it comes history and tradition, Skyhawks football has seen its share of not-so-great seasons, but they did win a share of the OVC Championship in 2006. To put that in perspective, UT Martin has won one conference championship in the OVC’s 66-year history. Food & Beverage 2 Concession selection is scant, but so are the prices so take the positive here and see the $2 soda cup as half-full. You won’t get specialty foods as if you’re at an NFL game, but honestly, why do you want to go to a football game? Do you go to watch it and soak in the atmosphere or do you go to taste foods you can order at a restaurant? You get nachos ($3.50), hot dogs ($2.50), chips ($1.50), popcorn ($1.50), and soda. It’s affordable and practical. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Atmosphere 3 The backdrop of color-changing leaves is not hidden by one stadium expansion after another in the tiring arms race between NFL, Jr. programs. Many of the larger schools have expanded their stadiums to the point of erasing any identifying characteristics of the campus and surrounding area. It’s one set of bleachers and skyboxes after another rising to the sky and covering up any backdrop. UT Martin does a great job of allowing the game to be the show. For some it’s vanilla and boring. For others, it’s perfect and pure. One is not above the other. The only wrong is if there’s only one from which to choose. Thanks to schools like UT Martin, we will always have a place to go to enjoy a football game not surrounded by non-descript bleachers, skybox windows, and ribbon boards. Neighborhood 3 Depending on your tastes, Martin, Tennessee is either very charming or equally boring. I fall in the former category of tastes as the quaint and Mayberry-type town is a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon in the Fall. Ask locals at the game their thoughts on the following Martin dining options — Sammies, Olivia’s Opera House, or Addie Bea’s Seafood Restaurant. There may even be a few hidden gems that a kind fan may disclose. Towns like Martin are great for finding good local food. Following the game and good meal, park your car on the side of one of the neighborhood streets (legally, of course) and take yourself on a walk around the town sidewalks. Feel what it’s like to live in a community where you can feel assured that your children can walk safely to school. Imagine the joy residents must feel when they can just walk out their door and enjoy a quiet stroll through the neighborhood. Fans 3 Martin is a small school in a small town with a small alumni base, which, in turn, leads to small crowds at football games. Although the crowds may not be enormous, the fans are not sleepy and disinterested. Those clad in orange and blue can get vocal and boisterous and the football IQ is high, what with this school lying in the valley of the mountainous SEC. Access 4 Graham Stadium is a 2.5-hour drive from either Memphis or Nashville putting this school in place many call, “the middle of nowhere.” Once in Martin, you will have no problem getting to the stadium. There is parking to be had near Graham Stadium, so you shouldn’t have to walk too far to get to the game. There are police officers close to the stadium to direct traffic which is always taken for granted until they aren’t there and you are left to navigate the choppy waters of game day traffic alone. Inside the stadium, access to your seat is similar to that of a high school football stadium on steroids. With capacity of 7,500, you won’t be hiking up flights of stairs unless you are sitting at the very top. Getting out of your seat and to the stairs/aisle is not impossible like it can be at many stadiums. The bleachers don’t trap or lock you in once you sit down so you don’t have to avoid that third soda with your nachos. Trust me. You’ll make it to the restroom easily. Speaking of restrooms, they are easily accessible as well. There is only one concourse on each end of the stadium and its width is sufficient enough to keep you from rubbing elbows with people you don’t know or with whom you would not want to rub said elbows. Return on Investment 4 A ticket to get inside is $18. Many schools of similar size and stature may charge in upwards of $30 for a single game ticket, so this price is very good in the current market. More importantly, kids age four and under get in free. UTM students are also given free admission with a valid student ID. Go online (UTMsports.com) to check prices for games in the event a school uses a tier system for pricing dependent on the team they are playing. Extras 1 Venues like Graham Stadium are fantastic “Farm System Venues” for young kids. Don’t take your three year old to an NFL game. It’s a huge waste of money and you’ll both be extremely miserable. Take them to a venue like Graham Stadium. They have room to run around and it’s not sensory overload for a little one like an NFL or SEC-game day experience would be. It’s a great venue to introduce them to the excitement of the entire game day experience — the smells, the sounds, the “everything” that makes football what it is in the South. Oh, and children ages four and under get in free which solidifies the fact that UTM is a premier Farm Venue. Final Thoughts Overall Graham Stadium is a good place to see a football game if you are in the area or your team/school is playing on the road. You may not want to make the 2.5-hour drive from Nashville or Memphis solely for a football game. It will not do justice to the entire area. You can spend a part of your day in Martin for a game, take a walk around campus, have a good meal, and then a walk around one of the neighborhood streets. Martin is very close to Reelfoot Lake and the Tennessee River so it would not be a horrible idea to take in these Tennessee landmarks as an anchor to your weekend. Better yet, an extended weekend where you take a Friday and/or a Monday off from work would be ideal to avoid being rushed while trying to take in this beautiful region of the state. At the end of the day, it’s easy to conclude that Martin is a beautiful area of the South that is so much more than just a town that sits between Nashville and Memphis.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Punjab Stadium Ferozpur Road Lahore, Punjab Pakistan Pakistan National Football website Punjab Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 10,000 The Friendliest of Friendlies Lahore, Pakistan’s second city, has long been heralded as a cultural capital. Living up to its reputation, Lahore boasts an impressive array of parks, museums, universities, and yes, even sports venues. While an active athletic community keeps the city’s sports fields busy, the stands usually sit empty. Historically, Pakistan is a country where the culture of spectator sports begins and nearly ends with international cricket. Sadly, a 2009 terror attack on the visiting Sri Lankan cricket team not only scared off visiting international cricket teams, it all but guaranteed that Pakistan wouldn’t be able to participate in the worldwide revival of interest in the domestic version of the game. Pakistan’s sports associations, though, are not content with the status quo, and efforts to boost domestic leagues and lure back foreign teams are beginning to show results in a variety of sports. We were lucky enough to be in Lahore for a planned two-game friendly football series against Palestine, which is considered a full-fledged country by FIFA. Although the series was shortened to a single game at a lackluster venue, we were impressed by the professional production of the match. We left optimistic about the future of Pakistani football and sports in general. Food & Beverage 2 Punjab Stadium lacks any permanent space for vendors. Three or four street vendors did circulate in the crowd selling what they could carry, but the options were slim. A fist-sized portion of fried daal (lentils) in a cone of newspaper cost 10 rupees (10 US cents, or 8 Euro cents). Slices of coconut were also available at similarly low prices, equivalent to what one would pay outside of the stadium. Fans seated in the VIP area (sponsors, football officials, several Westerners, and affluent-looking fans who were escorted to the area after appearing as though they belonged there) were treated to free bottled water, Coca-Cola, and 7-Up. While we didn’t see anyone attempt to bring in outside food, it seems unlikely that it would be prohibited. Smoking is allowed in the stands. Atmosphere 3 By October, daytime temperatures in Lahore begin to drop into the “comfortable” range, but most fans still took shelter from the sun under the roof at midfield along the western sideline. In addition to the shade, the western grandstand offers the majority of the venue’s seating, as well as a view that Stadium Journey fans would enjoy. From here, fans can easily spot two neighboring major sport venues: National Hockey Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium. The midfield area directly under the roof is reserved for VIPs and features padded restaurant-style chairs. These chairs continue past the VIP fence to just beyond the neighboring Palestinian fan section. Beyond that, the remainder of seating is on concreted steps. An athletics track means that the regions behind the goals are far removed from the action and best avoided. For the Palestine friendly, the stadium was under 20% of capacity, and fans were free to roam and find their preferred place. If this venue ever attracts a near-capacity crowd, caution should be used in deciding whether to attend. The first row of seating at Punjab Stadium sits about 10 feet above field level, and there are surprisingly few exits from the seating bowl to ground level. This layout creates the potential for a dangerous crowd dynamic in a full stadium. For smaller crowds, though, this poses no real danger. Public address announcements were adequately audible and made in English. A manual scoreboard was updated when goals were scored, but no match clock is visible. Organizers did an admirable job of decorating the venue with Pakistani and Palestinian flags, as well as signage specific for the match. Given the few attempts the Pakistan Football Federation has had at staging international friendlies in recent years, they succeeded in making the match feel like an event. Neighborhood 5 Three major stadiums, a noteworthy regional cricket ground, a few smaller sports fields, and an arts and culture center make up this complex. On those all-too-frequent days when none of the venues are attracting a crowd, this complex could be a black hole in the center of the city. Thankfully, it’s not, as Lahore has succeeded in doing something that many US city planners promise, but struggle to deliver: turning the stadium district into a year-round destination that sees plenty of life even on non-event days. Gaddafi Stadium is the center of the complex’s everyday use. Restaurants, a banquet hall, and a book store are among the commercial establishments built underneath the cricket venue’s stands. With direct access from the stadium’s exterior, these establishments draw enough everyday traffic to keep the complex lively despite the dearth of event dates. Lahore’s well-known, moderately-priced Liberty Market provides an alternative shopping, dining, and lodging destination within a long-ish walk from the stadium. Given Lahore’s spread-out, decentralized and car-centric nature, most would choose to drive. Posh MM Alam Road is not much farther. All of these areas are safe and pleasant places to walk around. Fans 2 Given Pakistan’s historic ambivalence to football, the lack of a truly engaged crowd is not entirely unexpected. Despite free admission, less than two thousand turned out on a pleasant Sunday afternoon. Some wore Pakistan cricket jerseys. The crowd was well-behaved and cheered politely at the appropriate times, but was far from passionate. Next to the VIP area, a contingent of travelling Palestinian fans set up a small visiting supporters section that was livelier than the local crowd. The drum beats and rhythms were the same as one hears at football matches around the world. The words to the chants, though, were changed to reflect the unique geopolitical challenges of the visitors, as well as the close relationship between the competing teams. “Meri zameen, meri zameen?” (“My land, my land?”) “Filasteen, Filasteen!” (“Palestine, Palestine!”) “Meri jaan, meri jaan?” (My beloved, my beloved?”) “Pakistan, Pakistan!” Between this chant and “Long live Palestine! Long live Pakistan! Death to Israel!” it felt as though fans were supporting both teams. Indeed, no one in attendance seemed disappointed by Pakistan’s eventual 2-0 loss. The crowd took the idea of a friendly match to a new level. The crowd for this particular match was more than 99% male. While men dominate public life in much of Pakistan, women are generally far from invisible in Lahore. There were no signs that women were mistreated or unwelcome; in fact, a female security guard was available to screen women upon entry. Still, single women might feel more comfortable attending events here in a group. Access 4 For the match, parking at Gaddafi Stadium was doubled from its non-event rate of 20 rupees. Even at 40 rupees (USD 39 cents), parking is a bargain in a global context. For very large matches, the stadium’s own parking areas could easily fill up. However, large crowds anywhere in this complex are unheard of since 2009. All taxi or auto rickshaw drivers in Lahore will be familiar with either this venue or the neighboring Gaddafi Stadium. The venue is centrally located, but central Lahore’s unpredictable traffic adds guesswork to travel time. This particular event produced no real traffic. Punjab Stadium can also be reached from the Gaddafi Stadium stop on Lahore’s new Metro Bus BRT system. Upon arrival at the stadium, all fans go through several layers of security checks. While such checks often feel annoying at sports events, they are truly necessary here. Checks are professional, moderately thorough, and non-invasive. Men are checked more thoroughly than women. Bags and seat cushions are allowed in without any trouble after inspection. A female officer is available to inspect women and their belongings. Upon entry, fans need to ascend a set of stairs to reach the seating bowl, from where they can begin moving around the stadium. Between this and the lack of restrooms, fans with special needs may have difficulty at this venue. For most, though, attending a game here is a breeze. Return on Investment 5 A full international match for free is the best value you’ll find anywhere. In a country where international matches of any type are a less-than-annual occurrence, the value is even greater. Extras 3 The attack on the Sri Lankan team occurred just over half a mile, or just under one kilometer, from Punjab Stadium. Since then Palestine has made two trips to this complex for football, and China has made a visit for field hockey. Sports, it seems, soldier on. The fact that these events are able to be staged at all is a triumph for Pakistan. Pulling them off with such professionalism is an even greater victory.

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Washington-Grizzly Stadium 32 Campus Dr Missoula, MT 59801 Montana Grizzlies website Washington-Grizzly Stadium website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 25,217 A River Really Does Run Through It The history of football at the University of Montana is divided into two distinct eras – before Washington-Grizzly Stadium and after. Prior to the opening of the stadium in 1986 Griz football was an afterthought in Missoula and throughout Montana. Winning seasons were rare. After the stadium opened, the Montana Grizzlies quite rapidly became a national I-AA/FCS powerhouse, winning the Big Sky Conference Championship and appearing in the national playoffs in almost every season since the stadium opened, including two National Championships. The facility’s impact is so significant that the Big Sky Conference recognized the opening of Washington-Grizzly Stadium as the number one moment in conference history. The stadium is so-named for Missoula based construction and railroad mogul, Dennis Washington and his family, who made a large donation to get the project under construction. It started out as a 12,500 seat venue sunken into the ground with earthen berms on each end. Several expansions have occurred over the years filling in the end zones, adding small decks over the north end zone, and adding a deck over the east side stands. The official capacity now stands at 25,217, but crowds in excess of 26,000 are not out of the ordinary, giving the Griz one of the best home field advantages in all of college football. Since Washington-Grizzly Stadium opened, the Griz have won almost 90% of their home games. Not resting on their laurels, the university just announced that, thanks to another large Washington family donation, the new $14 million Washington-Grizzly Champions Center will be constructed on the south end of the stadium providing locker rooms and a weight room for football and all other UM sports. Food & Beverage 4 There’s plenty of concession stands inside the stadium and a lot of variety, but the real good stuff is outside at the hundreds of tailgate parties. The delicious odors of grilling waft all over campus on game day. Back inside, the prices aren’t extreme for all the standard items. A Griz Dog is $4, chili cheese nachos $4, 24oz. soda (Coke products) is $3, and hot chocolate or coffee, which is a necessity when it’s chilly is $3. Pizza Hut has a big presence below the north end zone, and there are numerous specialty stands throughout the stadium so before deciding, take a stroll along the concourse to see what’s available. As with most college venues, beer is not sold inside the stadium, but fans are allowed to leave and reenter with a hand stamp, so it’s no problem to grab an adult beverage at a tailgate party at halftime. Atmosphere 5 When one thinks of Montana one might think of wide open spaces. But Washington-Grizzly Stadium is wedged into the University of Montana campus at the junction of Mount Sentinel and the Clark Fork River with very little room to spare. The density of the stadium and campus generates an energy that transmits to the tailgate parties happening on almost every spare patch of grass creating a festive environment on game day in Missoula. Though having one of the largest seating capacities in FCS football, the inside of the stadium feels compact and intimate. There’s very little room beyond the sidelines and end zone which makes the opposing team feel just that much more uncomfortable. The stands, which are fully enclosed, are right on top of the field making Griz fans feel like they are truly part of the action instead of just observing the action. When they get it cranked up, which they often do, the fans really give their beloved Griz a huge boost. The grizzly bear mascot Monte gets the crowd going with his acrobatic antics before the team comes out of the tunnel and throughout the game the huge video board will show him dancing and carrying on from the sidelines, in the stands, or even crowd surfing. There’s not a bad seat in the house, even from the new upper deck on the east side called the Majestic Plaza. The view from the top offers a great offensive/defensive coordinator perspective. Most of the seating is basic metal bleachers. A seat cushion as an insulator between your rear-end and the seat is strongly recommended if the weather is cold. The Grizzly Marching Band, PA announcer, piped in music, and the video board are well coordinated and make a very professional presentation throughout the game. The PA guy does a good job of keeping the crowd informed of down and distance and delights the crowd with his signature sharp and loud “FIRST DOWN!” after which the entire crowd responds “MONTANA!” Neighborhood 5 The stadium and the Adams Center, which houses Dahlberg Arena, are seamlessly knitted into the campus. I highly recommend taking a stroll around the nearby academic buildings while you’re waiting for the burgers to cook at your tailgate party. There’s interesting architecture, statues, and pleasant views throughout this tree covered university. Downtown Missoula is just a few minutes walk from the stadium and campus across the Clark Fork on a beautiful pedestrian/bicycle bridge. It’s a lot of nature for such an urbanized area. Once downtown you’ll find all kinds of interesting shops, bars, and restaurants. The Press Box Sports Bar, right off the pedestrian bridge, is one of the most popular hangouts for Griz fans. A couple of personal favorites downtown are the Tamarack Brewing Company’s restaurant on Front Street and the Iron Horse Bar and Grill on North Higgins. Missoula has an outstanding brewing scene. It was recently proclaimed as one of 9 Small Beer Cities That Deserve National Attention. If you’re a fan of craft brews, you must try some of the local offerings. The Big Sky Brewing Company is nationally known for its Moose Drool among many others. And don’t leave town without trying one of my all-time favorite brews, Cold Smoke, from the Kettlehouse Brewery. There are several motels close to campus and downtown that are an easy walk to the stadium and many bars, breweries, and restaurants. You won’t need to worry about fighting traffic and paying for parking if you bring along a good pair of walking shoes and leave the car at the motel. Missoula is not your typical Montana cow town. The city definitely has more of a pacific northwest vibe – think Portland or Seattle. There are a ton of recreational activities available in and around Missoula including hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, canoeing, rafting, fly fishing, skiing, and much, much more. It’s hard to get out of shape in a place that has so many outdoor activities to offer. Fans 4 Travel to any corner of Montana and you will find people wearing the maroon and sliver school colors on hats, coats, and sweat shirts. Griz fans are everywhere in this state and they are loud and proud about their team. On a football Saturday, a parade of vehicles streams toward Missoula from farms, ranches, small towns and every large city in Montana. For many, many years now the University of Montana has led or been near the very top of FCS football attendance in numbers that would make many FBS programs jealous. Griz fans don’t limit their fan displays to just hats and t-shirts. There are busses, motorhomes, trailers, tents, and canopies all displaying the school colors and logos. Everything from new motorhomes to old motor coaches and retired city busses are all decorated up and parked along Campus Drive on game day. In the stadium they make their presence felt. The configuration of the stadium and the loyal fan base are a volatile mix to any opposing quarterback trying to call an audible. Washington-Grizzly stadium is loud and the Griz fans make it so. Access 4 Washington-Grizzly stadium might have ranked a perfect score in this category if Missoula still had passenger rail service, but most other forms of transportation, with the possible exception of horse and buggy are accommodated. When approaching Missoula from the east on I-90, Washington-Grizzly Stadium is pretty much the first major building you notice when exiting Hellgate Canyon and entering the city limits. Take the East Missoula exit (exit 107) or the Orange Street exit (exit 104). If approaching from the west just look for the big “M” on Mount Sentinel. The stadium is right at the base of the mountain. 'M' on Mountain, Photo by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey The Grizzly Athletics website GoGriz.com includes handy guides that give all the details on how to get to and from Washington-Grizzly Stadium including where to walk, bike, park, and shuttle. This information will be especially helpful for anyone with disabilities as there are some well thought out services provided. Most of Missoula, and especially the areas in and around campus are very pedestrian and bike friendly. The riverfront trail system connects the campus to downtown and areas to the west along both sides of the Clark Fork. The pedestrian/bike bridge brings people to and from downtown across the river and to and from the stadium without any conflicts with motor vehicles. For those who don’t want to fight traffic or walk, the Grizzly Shuttle provides rides to the game from many area bars and restaurants, downtown parking garages, south campus, and the East Broadway park and ride lot. Parking lots are scattered so it’s a good idea to check the maps and have a good idea where you are going before making the drive. The lots closest to the stadium are sold out to boosters. Other lots on campus are available with parking fees ranging from $5 to $15. If you don’t mind a pleasant walk, there is lots of free parking available across the river at the East Broadway public parking lot. When that gets full a lot of people park on dirt areas along the railroad tracks parallel to East Broadway. Inside the stadium the concourses and stairways are wide enough, though they get pretty congested at halftime as the crush of fans head back to the tailgates. Restrooms are clean and plentiful throughout but also crowded with long lines at halftime. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices ($32 to $42) are among the highest in the FCS, but for good reason. Season tickets are sold out with long waiting lists and tickets to individual games can be hard to come by for the biggest games and nearly impossible to get when Big Sky Conference rivals like the Eastern Washington Eagles and the Montana State Bobcats come to town. Concession stand prices seemed reasonable and in line with what one would expect at a college sports venue. A day out to Washington-Grizzly stadium is well worth the expense and effort to see the great game of college football played in such a fun and lively atmosphere. You won’t go away disappointed except of course if you’re a fan of the team the Griz are playing, because your team will most likely not be leaving with a win. Extras 5 Washington-Grizzly Stadium warrants full bonus points including (but not limited to) the following: Western Montana: The drive to Missoula from East, West, North, or South through Western Montana is beautiful. The North End Zone: One of the most imposing structures in the Big Sky Conference, the fans in the loud and crazy north end zone with its twin upper decks are a nightmare for opposing teams. Campus Drive: The road wraps around the east and north sides of the stadium and passes under a concrete support known as the Grizzly Gateway. It’s closed to through traffic on game day and becomes a tailgating main street lined with busses and motor homes. Hall of Champions: This corridor in the Adams Center right next door to the stadium is a very well put together museum to Grizzly Athletics’ history. It’s a must visit for any Griz fan and even if you’re not a Griz fan it’s still a nice place to get inside and warm up for a few minutes. Monte: The Grizzlies mascot Monte keeps the crowd entertained throughout, and whoever’s in the suit is one amazing athlete.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium Al Istiqlal St and Al Markhiya St Doha, Qatar Qatar SC website Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 15,000 Built for Growth No, Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium is not part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup bid. What it is, though, is an example of what makes Qatar, Qatar. Just a stone’s throw from Doha’s waterfront, the venue also known as Qatar SC Stadium is clean, comfortable, and modern. Thanks to a renovation, it feels new. It is also relatively overbuilt and/or underutilized, as it sits ready and waiting for the opportunity to show itself off to the world. This 15,000-seat stadium, opened in 1984, hosts Qatar SC of the Qatar Stars League, high-level international athletics competitions, and various matches in the lower levels of the Qatari football pyramid. During a 22 hour flight layover, we had the opportunity to leave the airport and attend a match in the Qatargas League. Although we were nearly unable to attend due to incorrect scheduling information being distributed on the league’s English website, we came away impressed by both the 2nd-level of Qatari soccer as well as the venue and the professionalism of the league. Food & Beverage 1 Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium boasts no permanent food stands, leaving us to guess what options, if any, might exist for higher-profile matches. For the Qatargas League, no vendors were on site. Those connected to the players were able to receive bottled water from team officials, while the average fan was left looking elsewhere. Fortunately, a commercial plaza just steps from the stadium’s entrance offers up U.S. chains Burger King, Quizno’s, and Applebee’s (or, in Arabic, “Abblebee’s.”), all with prices comparable to what one would find in the U.S. and cheaper than in much of Europe. In the same complex, Italian coffee shop Caffe Vergnano was busier than the stadium. For this Qatargas League match, fans were free to bring their own food and beverage into the stadium. Atmosphere 3 Mercifully, matches are played at night. Evening matches mean that it’s possible to forget about the blazing sun and take a seat anywhere in the stadium, even in the uncovered seats, which constitute the majority of the stadium. (For the rare daytime match, you absolutely want to sit under cover). Still, you might want to find a seat under the roof anyway. The undercover section contains an open VIP terrace area that is relatively uncommon in Western stadia, plus it offers a pleasant view of some of Doha’s well-lit skyscrapers. While the most dramatic elements of the Doha skyline are not visible from the stadium, the city view offered is still impressive. This stadium is regularly home to track and field events. As such, it sports the athletics track that many football fans dread. Indeed, the track makes the end zone sections into true “curvas” that sit quite far back from the action. Coupled with the fact that the scoreboard sits above the end zone, most fans will want to sit along the sidelines. Of course, when the crowd numbers in the dozens, fans can wander. Try both the molded-plastic seats and the folding seats, and see which you prefer. Even with a small crowd, the scoreboard was turned on and displayed relevant graphics. A female public address announcer made game announcements in Arabic and English, and advertising banners were displayed. Security ringed the pitch, and training staff had access to a golf cart for injuries. Everything about the match screamed “professional” even if the crowd size screamed “amateur.” The extremely bright LED light towers are visible from much of the Doha waterfront. In our case, it was these lights that alerted us to the match, as the league’s website clearly indicated an off day. Neighborhood 3 Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium is located in Doha’s Al Khuwair district (though some may confuse this part of town with the neighboring Al Dafna district). For sports fans, it sits comfortably close to the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex and the offices of the Qatar Handball Federation. The location is quite central, and the entire city (in fact, the entire country) is within easy driving distance. If you don’t feel like getting into the car, the retail complex immediately outside of the stadium provides reasonable, if generic, Western dining options. Across a busy street and acres of parking, the Abdul Wahhab Mosque is worth a look. Beyond the immediate surroundings, the stadium is relatively walkable from most of Doha, including from many tourist sites. However, Doha as a city is not particularly well-suited for walking. The scorching Arabian sun makes even the idea of a walk a non-starter during daylight hours. At night, crime is not much of a concern, but fast-moving traffic and inconsistent pedestrian facilities make the idea a bit risky. With better crosswalks, a stroll to or from the stadium along Doha’s famous Gulf-side Corniche would make for a very pleasant pre or post game activity. As is, this walk is possible, but we can’t recommend it. We greatly enjoyed our walk to the game along the waterfront, but after a close-call crossing the street, we decided to take a taxi back to the hotel after the game. Fans 2 For the second-tier Qatargas League, expect little more than a small friends-and-family type crowd. That said, the few dozen in attendance were engaged in the match, even breaking into song at a few points. Like in most of Doha, English and Arabic were heard spoken by fans, and neither Western nor Arab clothes stood out. A very small number wore team gear which, sadly, was not available for sale. Access 3 Approximately 88% of people in Qatar are foreigners, and nearly all of them arrive at the airport. A new airport opened just next to the old one in April 2014. If you’re in a rush, and if there’s no traffic, you can make a beeline from the stadium to the airport in 20 minutes. Qatar Sports Club is a planned stop on the Doha Metro set to open between 2019 and 2026. Until then, bus service is available on Route 102. But chances are that you’ll be coming to the game by car. For 2nd tier Qatargas League matches, parking is readily available at the stadium with no charge. While we have no direct experience in attending larger matches at this venue, the nearby tennis complex and mosque may be options should the stadium’s own medium-sized lots fill up. Taxi prices in Doha are very reasonable, but finding one can sometimes be difficult at peak times. You may want to call ahead to book, especially when leaving the match. With a small crowd on hand, few entrances were open, and there was no security screening upon entry. Inside the venue, you’ll have no trouble moving around or finding a place to park yourself. For the Qatargas League, seating is general admission, and the low crowds mean wide-open concourses. Even for matches in the first-tier Qatar Stars League, a full house is rare. Despite already-low ticket prices, league sponsors have introduced a rewards program in an attempt to increase attendance at top-tier matches. Interestingly, no restrooms are visible in the public areas of the stadium. In the absence of a large crowd, fans might have luck using the facilities inside of the Qatar Sports Club clubhouse. Return on Investment 5 Pro soccer in a first-rate venue for free. For the soccer fan, a Qatargas League match is among the best entertainment values in the entire Middle East. Extras 3 The Qatargas League deserves praise for putting on such a high-quality, professional presentation for such a sparsely-attended match. The high-quality scoreboard and informative, bilingual public address announcer made no differentiation between a small crowd and a full house. Similarly, facilities were good for the players. Team players have access to full, professional training staffs, and a lush, green field to play on, even in the desert. The venue also deserves praise for its less-public areas, which are pleasantly open to all. The stadium is also known as “Qatar Sports Club” stadium because, logically enough, it’s home to one of this country’s largest and most successful sports organizations. We were able to exit through the clubhouse and admire the hardware the club had acquired over the years. Finally, the State of Qatar deserves recognition from sports fans for placing sports at the forefront of its development strategy. It is truly remarkable for such a small country to be awarded the 2006 Asian Games, the 2015 World Handball Championship, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Criticisms of these bids may indeed be valid and worthy of discussion on legal, moral, and human rights grounds. But from a strictly fan-experience point of view, we came away extremely impressed by Qatar’s professionalism and capabilities.

Photos by Benjamin Evensen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 ASUI Kibbie Dome 1000 Stadium Dr Moscow, ID 83844 Idaho Vandals website ASUI Kibbie Dome website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 16,000 All Quiet in the Dome Nestled in the Palouse region of northern Idaho, the William H. Kibbie-ASUI Activity Center sits on the campus of the University of Idaho. The Kibbie Dome, as it is referred to by most, is one of the first things you see when coming into Moscow from Pullman, WA and the Pullman-Moscow Airport. It may be one of the most interesting facilities in college football. Starting as an outdoor stadium in 1971, the dome was added in 1975 to make it a completely indoor facility. Today the Kibbie Dome is home to not just football, but also basketball as it converts into the Cowan Spectrum, and indoor track and field. The Idaho Vandals were at their best in the late 80’s to early 90’s playing in the Big Sky Conference. From the 1985 season to the 1995 season, the Vandals made the FCS playoffs every year except 1991. Twice they came a win away from the FCS Championship, but fell in 1988 to Furman and 1993 to Youngstown State. Throughout this time the Kibbie Dome was rocking, and was known as a very loud venue. There was a lot to cheer about, as coaches like Dennis Erickson and John L. Smith, players like Mark Schlereth were in Moscow. In addition, two Walter Payton Award winners John Friesz and Doug Nussmeier were slinging passes for Idaho. In 1996, the Vandals made the jump to FBS play to join the Big West Conference, leaving behind the years of history (9 Big Sky Championships) and rivalries in the Big Sky. 18 years later, the change has not been pretty for Idaho. After the Big West stopped sponsoring football, Idaho was not invited to the geographically-fit Western Athletic Conference, and the Vandals joined the Sun Belt for football while remaining in the Big West for other sports. After some conference realignment, the Vandals finally found a spot in the WAC in 2005, but it was short lived as the WAC dropped football in 2012. Idaho spent the 2013 season as an Independent before joining the Sun Belt in 2014 again as a football-only member. Throughout this time, the Vandals football field fell off from what they were at the FCS level. From 1998 till now, Idaho has only three winning records and two bowl appearances, both wins, in 1998 and 2009. With the lack of winning in Moscow, Idaho, the fans have lost interest and the dome sits empty most games. When the WAC dropped football, Idaho desperately tried to find a conference to call home as its former WAC foes found new homes in the Conference USA and Mountain West. After being denied admission to the Mountain West, Idaho was given a “trial membership” in the Sun Belt. As for the 2016-17 season the conference will decide if Idaho should stay. Unfortunately another big reason for Idaho’s troubles finding a home is the Kibbie Dome. Seating only 16,000 it is the smallest FBS stadium in the country and the age is apparent when sitting in the dome. While plans have been discussed to improve the dome drastically, including adding seating to get over 20,000, the team needs to start winning and fans need to start coming for the renovations. For now though, Idaho plays in the Kibbie Dome just trying to survive in the world of FBS football. Food & Beverage 2 There just isn’t much when it comes to food in the Kibbie Dome. The basic food is available like pizza, hot dogs, candy, and Pepsi products. But that pretty much is it. The prices are fair, but it lacks anything unique or memorable. You will come away satisfied, but may be wishing there was more available to eat. Atmosphere 2 When Idaho is winning, the Vandals have a loyal fan base that packs the dome and creates a very loud, intimate atmosphere for opponents. But those days are far in the past, and with years and years of struggling to win more than four games a year, the Kibbie Dome is lucky to be half full. The seats are bleacher style with only a select section on one side of the stadium having back rests. The good news is that the dome protects you from the elements and the harsh Idaho winters. The dome actually becomes quite warm with all the people in it, and it is a nice place to go to get out of the cold. The Idaho Marching Band is very good too, and their halftime show is worth catching. A giant new video screen was installed in 2013 and is a nice addition to the Kibbie Dome. There is only seating on either sideline; behind the end zones are just padded walls. But with how small the stadium is, every seat is a good seat at the Kibbie Dome. The dome shows its age and that’s what keeps the rating down, along with very little fans at the game and not much excitement. That being said, playing or watching a game in the interesting venue like the Kibbie Dome still has something special to it. Neighborhood 4 While the Kibbie Dome is on the other side of campus from the downtown area of Moscow, going to the restaurants and bars in Moscow on game day is a good idea. There are many Vandal fans out, and if you don’t have tickets, watching the game at a sports bar is a fun idea too. The University of Idaho campus is small but has many historic brick buildings. The Arboretum has walking trails around beautiful trees and the Palouse fields. Many people tailgate outside the Kibbie Dome on game days, and many fans hang around there before the game. If you have time and the kickoff times sync-up, catching a Washington State game at Martin Stadium in nearby Pullman, WA is a fun idea too. Just 8 miles away, the campus of Washington State and the city of Pullman are fun places to visit. The town of Moscow and the area of the Palouse are very scenic, and finding something to do shouldn’t be much of a problem. Fans 2 The fans that do come to the games usually are into the game and will be quick to voice their happiness or frustration at their team. But the dome has been barren these past couple years, and you can’t blame Vandal fans too much for that with how bad the team has been. When the team is good, fans will come and fill the place like they have in the past, creating a big home field advantage. But till those days come again, only two stars can be awarded here. Access 3 Getting to the Palouse in the winter can be tough, and roads are known to be dangerous in the rough winters in the area. Moscow is not near really anything besides Pullman, which is just as isolated. Spokane is about two hours away, but driving there in winter is very tough. The Pullman-Moscow Airport is accessible from SeaTac airport in Seattle and the airport in Spokane, so if you are coming from somewhere else expect a connecting flight. Once you are in the area, getting to the stadium is a breeze. The roads through campus flow nicely to the Kibbie Dome, and parking is plentiful around campus. Parking prices are more than fair, and there should be no worries about having to walk more than 15 minutes to the stadium from a parking spot. Return on Investment 1 While the stadium is interesting to see, and the ticket prices are not bad at all, for now going to games at the Kibbie Dome just lack any sort of excitement. The feelings of success are long gone, and the only reminder about what Vandal football used to be are in the rafters. When the team starts winning that can change, but for now there is no real return on investment other than getting to watch a Sun Belt football game. Extras 2 There are some extras for Vandal fans, but not much. The rafters hold banners for all Vandal conference championships in all sports, as well as banners for the 1998 and 2009 Humanitarian Bowl Championships. Retired numbers of a few Vandal legends hang too. The Vandal store has booths on both sides of the stadium to get Vandal gear. One interesting note is that the Kibbie Dome’s arched roof is made entirely of wood, and has won awards as it is the only arched dome in the country made of wood. Final Thoughts The Vandals fell a long way from their Big Sky days, and still today haven’t quite recovered. Through years of coaching changes, conference changes, and losing seasons, the program has struggled, and fans have lost interest. The days of success can come back even at the FBS level, and in his second year head coach Paul Petrino has showed promise of getting Idaho to be competitive. To get there, changes must be made to the outdated Kibbie Dome to give it a more modern feel and a larger seating capacity. To get there, the team must do the simple task of winning games. Until then, the Kibbie Dome remains small and outdated, but is still an interesting and unique venue.

Photos by Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Crown Field at Andy Kerr Stadium 500 College St Hamilton, NY 13346 Colgate Raiders website Crown Field at Andy Kerr Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 10,221 Dandy Andy Sitting pretty much smack dab in the middle of New York State is the tiny village of Hamilton, and it is here that you will find Colgate University. This small, private school boasts a lot of recognition and notoriety for its academics, while on the athletic side, the Raiders quietly compete away from the nation’s spotlight in the Patriot League. In 2003, Colgate football made noise across the country by turning in an undefeated season and by becoming the first (and only) conference member to reach the FCS (then Division I-AA) championship game. Digging deeper into the history books, this storied program dates back to the 1800s, and perhaps the 1932 “undefeated, untied, unscored upon and uninvited team” is the most significant chapter. Home games are played at Andy Kerr Stadium, and this seemingly secluded part of the country boasts a very nice setting for football on a fall Saturday afternoon. Food & Beverage 2 Behind the main seating, a concession stand at each end offers the same menu. While the listings and variety are limited, enough is there for some choices at halftime. No item costs more than $7, and the Raiders Double Burger ($6.25) is perhaps the most filling. Also included is Colgate’s version of the Philly cheese steak, sausage & peppers ($5.25), hot dogs ($3) and chili ($3.50). There are some snacks, too, while for beverages, choices come down to soda, water, coffee or cocoa (all for $3 or less). Atmosphere 3 Andy Kerr Stadium features two stands of seating on each sideline, while the end zones are left open. The primary section that seats several thousand is on the east side, and this makes up the general look of the stadium. There’s nothing special to note, as the bleacher seats include a middle section where maroon metal seats include backs. A track puts the stands a little further back from the field, but it is better to sit higher up here. The surrounding view is bucolic, and beyond the football field are rolling hills that light up with color during the month of October. On the other side, the visitor’s bleacher seating is much smaller and it is also the location of the press box. The background view of note from this location is the stone field house in the corner. Andy Kerr Stadium Corner View, Photo by Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey A large scoreboard is behind the north end zone, and despite the impressive size, the abundance of ads and grainy video deter from what could be a valuable asset. Cheerleaders and a small pep band are included in the college experience; however, I did not hear the band play once during the game and instead music was piped in to the sound system during breaks in play. Keep in mind there is no cover inside the stadium, and the weather during football season in Central New York can be an issue. There is usually plenty of open seating space to bring an umbrella and not disturb others watching the game. Neighborhood 3 Hamilton is only home to about 4,000 people, so the makeup of the village is quite small. However, there is a very nice and historic center of town where many of the main roads meet. This section is a good spot to stroll, and it includes the Colgate Bookstore, along with a handful of decent places to eat. For the sports crowd, Rusch’s, along with Good Nature Brewing offer both a food and bar scene that is worthy for a stop after the game. For a nice meal, the Colgate Inn has been in the same place for nearly 90 years, and the restaurant is excellent. Saturdays also feature a small farmers’ market on the Village Green. The University is just a mile south of the central part of town, and while it does have an art gallery along with an anthropology museum, the restaurants are the main attraction for fans and family coming in for a football game. Fans 3 Before the game, gatherings of friends and family can be seen with small tailgates, and the charm of the Patriot League is that you will also see the visitors convening as well, with road trips within driving distance. The Colgate fans are not able to fill up Andy Kerr Stadium, as most often it is less than half full, but it is important to keep in mind that the stadium capacity is well more than the village population and student body combined. Homecoming games are most popular, especially if it coincides with nearby rival Cornell as the opponent. During the event, fans are reserved but supportive, with the level of applause depending on the impact of the play. A few will get on their feet during touchdowns. Overall, the crowd has a very personal and close-knit feel, with many knowing one and another, making for an enjoyable outing. Access 2 A trip to Colgate means a journey through plenty of rural areas and country roads. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Hamilton from I-90 (NYS Thruway) and nearly 45 minutes if coming from the north or south via I-81. Along with utilizing GPS, expect to look at a map beforehand, just to get your bearings on the route and the roads needed. Once in town, campus is just to the south and the stadium is off of College Street. General Parking is in the grassy field off of this street and behind the stadium. Another mention of the weather is needed here, as the parking situation is not ideal in bad weather and either mud or snow cover will force the school to use other campus lots. It gets a little strange entering the stadium, as the ticket booth is a somewhat hidden spot at the front of the parking lot for Maroon Council members. It is also at this booth that you essentially ‘enter’ the stadium, as someone is there to check your ticket. You can also enter the premises by walking across the practice field towards the south end zone. Nonetheless, the whole entrance into the facility is a little awkward. To get to each sideline, fans have to walk around the entire perimeter, instead of walking on the track and cutting through, like what is allowed at several other FCS stadiums. All of the amenities are behind the east side stands, and this includes the lone bathroom, which is serviceable for the crowd size. Return on Investment 4 Tickets go for $10 in the general seating sections, and with $5 parking, this is an affordable event and priced appropriately for the level and sport. Extras 2 Many of Colgate’s campus buildings are stone, and the continuation of that appeasing design element is seen on the athletic side, as well. That is certainly evident at the Sanford Field House, which the players use as a locker room, and the stone design can also be seen in the lower walls of Andy Kerr Stadium. More should be done in the display department, as the school has a storied football history that is barely recognized throughout the venue. At least the 2003 team that reached the championship game is noted by the marker at the bottom of the scoreboard. Final Thoughts While Hamilton may not be the most convenient or vibrant place to visit, it is a pleasant little small village worth a trip. There are a few nice spots to eat right in town, and the University is almost a walk away. The stadium experience at Andy Kerr is indeed bare-bones; however, taking in football at Colgate with limited media interruptions and in a pleasant setting is a very refreshing and recommended way of watching the college game. Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Stadium and Arena Visits.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 The Hawthorns Birmingham Rd West Bromwich, West Midlands B71 4LF United Kingdom West Bromwich Albion FC website The Hawthorns website Year Opened: 1900 Capacity: 26,586 The Hawthorns The Hawthorns has been the home of West Bromwich Albion football club since 1900. It has a capacity of 27,000. It is the sixth ground used by the club. In 1949 the ground installed the first-ever electronic turnstile aggregator, to automatically calculate attendance. Following the Taylor Report, the ground became all-seated with first the Smethwick End and then the Birmingham Road End terraces being demolished and replaced by all-seater stands, giving it a capacity of more than 25,000. In 2001 the Rainbow Stand was replaced by the new larger East Stand. In 2002 the club was the first to install big screens in the widescreen format. Later that year they hosted the first-ever Premier League match at the stadium, a 1-3 defeat to Leeds United. The stadium is located in West Bromwich, Sandwell, just outside the major city of Birmingham. Food & Beverage 3 The Hawthorns has one of the better selections I have come across at football grounds in England. Burgers and hot dogs cost £3.30, pizza and pies cost £3.00, chips cost £2.50 and assorted snacks cost £1.20. Hot and soft drinks come for £2.00, and water is £1.80. Lager and different ciders cost £3.60, a spirit with mixer costs £4.00 and wine costs £3.30. The Balti Pie (curried chicken) is recommended and meal deals are available too. Be prepared to queue though as lines can get very long, either leave a few minutes before the end of the half or go at a different time. Food and soft drinks can be taken back into the ground but alcoholic drinks must be consumed in the concourse. Atmosphere 3 In the stadium, there is plenty of noise from the home and away ends. Two big screens show replays as well. Leg space is slightly cramped especially if you are tall. Concourses are narrow so can be quite cramped at halftime or pregame. Views of the game are great from any seat and you are never far away from the action. There are electronic ticket scanners at the turnstiles when entering the ground resulting in quick queue times. Neighborhood 2 Near the ground, there is very little on offer. A Mcdonald's is across the road from the ground but apart from that, you are a bit stuck if you want pre-match food or drinks. However, with Birmingham so close, it’s recommended to go into the city before or after a game and visit its many pubs, restaurants, and shops. Fans 3 The West Brom fans usually fill the stadium and are close to selling out each game. They also make plenty of noise. The acoustics in the stadium helps this and with a good away following at a game the atmosphere can be electric. The fans from the Black Country can be very friendly as well, joking about poor results, and are willing to help a fellow fan with any information that is needed. Access 4 As the Hawthorns is located just outside of Birmingham there are plenty of transport links to the ground. A train station, ‘Hawthorns,’ is just a five-minute walk away from the ground and can be reached from Moor Street or Snow Hill stations which are in the middle of Birmingham and easy to get to. Trains take less than 10 minutes. The stadium is situated just off the motorway, leave the M5 at junction 1 and take the sign for the A41 East. You should end up at the stadium. There is plenty of parking around the ground and costs around £5. I would advise getting there early though to avoid missing out on a space. Toilets are clean and there is also plenty of help and access for disabled people as well. One warning though, the return train can be hard to catch and waiting times are very long as the station is small. Check timetables on the National Rail website. Return on Investment 3 There are two categories for ticket prices. Games against smaller opposition cost £25 which is very reasonable for a Premier League game. Ticket prices for category ‘A’ games though which are against the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Liverpool cost a high £40. Concession tickets for children, seniors, and students bring these prices down. All info on when tickets go on sale to the general public and further prices can be found on the club website. Extras 3 There is a fan shop that sells all the normal merchandise one would find in a club shop. There are also plenty of VIP boxes if you want a higher level of experience. You can also buy a program from inside or outside the ground and these cost £3.

Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium 1605 Avenue Of The Champions Bowling Green, KY 42101 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers website Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 22,113 Topping The Hill As you exit the interstate and/or parkway and make the drive toward campus, it becomes overwhelmingly apparent that Western Kentucky University sits atop a hill in Bowling Green, Kentucky, as you can see the tip-top of campus buildings on the horizon for about three miles until you finally reach the beautiful campus. Western has always had a classic collegiate and university aesthetic and theme as you walk around campus, but with the renovations made over the past 10 years, that look is even more timeless than before. While most schools renovate with architecture that might as well have the year written on it or a design that is so non-descript that the absence of character is overbearing, WKU has a penchant for getting the college experience right. President Gary Ransdell once jumped from a plane and did a drop-in for the 2014 game versus Army. At that game, WKU announced that they became the first university to have a chair reserved for a POW/MIA/KIA. The chair remains empty at both L.T. Smith Field and Diddle Arena for every game. Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium holds 22,113 and opened in 1968. The most major renovations in its history were completed in 2008, the most recognizable of which was adding stands to the west sideline. The renovations put the Hilltoppers’ football home at its current capacity, which qualified the school for a move to FBS in 2009. The field moved from natural grass to Astroplay in 2002, and WKU installed FieldTurf in 2009. Houchens Industries — a huge grocery chain headquartered in Bowling Green– made a $5 million donation/gift to get the renovation rolling. Because of the gift, the Houchens Industries name was added to the name of the renovated stadium. L.T. Smith spent 49 years coaching the Hilltoppers football team (1920-1968). The stadium was originally named for him in 1968 when it opened. Food & Beverage 4 For some of you, all you need to read is the first item on the list and you will vote this stadium best in the NCAA. Beer is sold on-campus at WKU. The food prices are fair, considering you have a somewhat upgraded list of options compared to stadiums of similar stature. And with a product named the SUPER Nachos, you can’t lose. The options are also realistic to enjoy at your seat and practical for a football game. Sometimes you can offer too much and it becomes impractical. L.T. Smith Stadium gets it right. The cost for a bottled soft drink is on the pricey side, but not astronomical ($3.50). Atmosphere 4 The quality of the sound system inside the stadium is apparent, as the booming voice and blaring music can be heard on the stroll from your car to the entry gate. Once inside, you will be given a healthy dose of that audio that sounded so good from outside the stadium. It may hit some ears with a little more zest than others. The video/scoreboard is a relatively good size by today’s standards. It’s utilized well for game presentation between plays, but there are times when you just want to hear the bands play and not be bothered with a random uncomfortably screaming for the fans to get up and get loud on third down. My age is much closer to 40 than 20, so I understand that many of the sights and sounds that I find too stimulating to the senses may be exactly what a 20 year old student/player expects in a game day. My generation’s parents probably thought a scoreboard that showed replays and ads was over-the-top and unnecessary, so I get that and I get “it.” At the end of the day, the college football game is still recognizable in sight and sound. Marching bands are still visible and audible. Cheerleaders and yell leaders remain visible and audible. The “it” remains visible and audible. The west side of the stadium was added during the 2008 renovations. Club level and skyboxes line the west side, while the east side still holds the press box and the largest section of seating. Big Red is one of the premier mascots in all of college athletics. It’s not hyperbole to say Big Red has put WKU in the national conscience. They’ve always had a history with NCAA basketball diehards, but he’s put the school on the national and international map — literally. A perennial nominee for the Capital One Mascot Challenge each year, Big Red gives the school a great identity, although his is still debated across the Ohio Valley. He supposedly embodies the spirit of all the fans in one large red “blot” and does a great job of it. The Grass Berm (Sonic Zone) is great in the north end zone. The fan zone is great in the south end zone. These two features tie the east and west side stands together nicely, so there are fans around the entire stadium, although seating is pretty much limited to the east and west stands. The train behind the north end zone reminds you that the outside world still exists and will be there waiting for you when you exit Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Neighborhood 4 There are many places in Bowling Green to eat, but Mariah’s in the historic downtown district delivers a great dining experience that is not white-tablecloth, but not sports bar dive. The dishes are delicious, and the salads even have black-eyed peas in them. Sounds crazy, but you have to try it. This restaurant has been serving Bowling Green residents since 1980 ,and should be doing so for generations to come. WKU is a true college town. So many pieces of the city cater to the university. Bowling Green is not too big to swallow the campus whole, but not so small that campus is the only civilization around. There aren’t many cities better in the Western Kentucky/Middle Tennessee area when looking for a great area to take in a college football game where options for entertainment are available prior to or following the game. Fans 5 WKU’s alumni base is strong, and the fans are very knowledgeable. There are schools within an hour’s drive that would kill for the alumni pride and support that WKU possesses. There’s nothing else to say other than this school’s fans, for the most part, cheer for their school over the big state school in Lexington. The previous sentence will make a ton of sense if you’ve ever visited or know anyone that has any connection to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Access 4 The walk to the stadium is beautiful. There’s a reason this team is called the Hilltoppers. If you park near Cherry Hall, you will have the pleasure of walking down a very steep hill toward L.T. Smith Stadium. The walk back will be one you can tell your grandchildren about. It’s a walk that every student and alumnus talks about with the passion and emotion of a soldier telling war stories or a grandparent telling kids about walking to school uphill both ways in the snow. It’s steep and it’s nasty. I don’t think there’s a t-shirt at the top that you get for saying you climbed it, but it’s not a bad idea to see if that business model would have legs. Even if you attended college 10 states away and this is your first trip to campus, you will always be a Hilltopper once you’ve hiked the hill. The stadium’s flow is similar to that of a larger venue, without the long hikes to the bathroom or concessions. You may have a rather lengthy and steep walk to the top of the east side stands if you decide to sit that high in the sky, but otherwise, access to everything is rather simple inside or outside the stadium. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are $35 for seats on the west side, $25 on the east side, $15 for youth tickets and student guests. Western Kentucky students get free entry with their student ID. With the above prices, you can really take part in a fantastic experience, though tickets can be pricey if you sit on the newly-renovated west side stands (much smaller section than the sprawling stands on the east sideline and every seat is close to the action). Although the ROI may not be a tangible one — unless you gamble, is any return from sports tangible? — the product on the field and game presentation go so nicely with the entire atmosphere surrounding the campus. Extras 1 The east side of the stadium carries atmosphere with it 365 days of the year. When facing the east stands, you can read the school’s nickname spelled out in large script letters across every section of the upper deck — H I L L T O P P E R S. Final Thoughts Go see a game in this stadium if you are in the area. The fans are fun, the seats are good and the view is great. The charm of campus rolls right downhill into the historic areas of downtown. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant like Mariah’s after the game. There’s no rush to get out of town, so sit down and relax. Work will be waiting for you when you get back on Monday. It’s Saturday. Let Bowling Green take care of you for the weekend.

Photos by Chuck Utech, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Smart Araneta Coliseum Araneta Center, Cubao Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines 0810 Far Eastern University Tamaraws website Smart Araneta Coliseum website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 16,500 College Basketball in the Far East What do you get when you combine equal parts of fan fervor, a league of rich history, the most popular sport in the country, and a venue that has hosted everything from John Cougar Mellencamp concerts to Papal visits from Pope John Paul II to arguably the most famous boxing fight in history? You get a basketball game between Ataneo De Manila University (ADMU) vs. Far Eastern University (FEU) in The Philippines. The University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is a sports association home to eight universities: Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, National University, University of the East, University of the Philippines, and the University of Santo Tomas. Established in 1938, it is one of the oldest athletic conferences in the country and has emerged to be the most popular inter-university sports association today. The eight member universities compete in three divisions (Seniors, Juniors, and Women’s) in fourteen sports. Basketball, by far the most popular of the sports offered, begins the action each season. The UAAP plays its basketball games at both Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Mall of Asia Arena rather than on site at the respective universities. Since its establishment in 1928 by founder Dr. Nicanor Reyes, Sr., FEU has been recognized as one of the leading universities in the Philippines. The mascot is a tamaraw. A tamaraw is a hooved mammal similar to a water buffalo that is an endangered species. Smart Araneta Coliseum is located in the Cubao district of Quezon City, the largest city by area in Metro Manila, and the most populous in the country. While known for hosting the “Thrilla in Manila,” “The Big Dome” as it is also known, is host to scores of concerts, sporting events and culturally significant events annually. Food & Beverage 4 Once inside the venue, concessions are abundant. There are plenty of options for those wanting standard American fare. Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Krispy Kreme, and Pizza Hut all have stands on various levels. For a more local feel, try a Jamaican Pattie for 60 PHP ($1.40 US). There are vendors for all of the establishments that make rounds during the game in case one does not wish to leave their seat. There are no alcohol sales at this event, but water, soda, tea and juice are available throughout the coliseum. Atmosphere 5 Entry is gained through the main gate at the west side of the arena. Tickets can be purchased online or at the main ticket booth. These events are very popular and buying tickets early is recommended. There are scalpers (locally they are called fixers), but purchasing through them is highly discouraged. Seating runs from 100PHP ($2.65 US) for bleacher seating at the outer reaches of the dome to 300PHP ($8 US). I have been fortunate to attend sporting events in America of all four major sports including Game One of the 2013 Stanley Cup (triple overtime). I have been to many major college basketball games in venues known specifically for being the most raucous. Without question, this is the loudest sporting event I have ever attended. The crowd started roaring at the beginning of introductions; it did not cease until the final buzzer. Aiding in the delirium of the fans are rival drum corps that play constantly during game action. Both squads have cheer squads that would bring comparison to the cheerleaders of the first half of the 1900s. While sitting amongst the FEU faithful, cheers are led by guys emphatically yelling “DE-Fense!” and “Go Tamaraws!” during play. At halftime, both cheer squads give individual performances court side. The score is posted on a large overhead scoreboard above mid-court. Due to the high decibel levels, the PA announcer is not always clear. This did lead to a touch of confusion when a review late in the contest resulted in the addition of one point and although an explanation was given, the roar of the crowd was overwhelmed. Lighting is superb. Sight lines of the entire arena are generally unobstructed. Neighborhood 3 Located in the Cubao district, the Big Dome is surrounded by three shopping complexes. Farmer’s Plaza, Gateway, and Ali Mall are all within one block of the coliseum. In addition there is a market (Farmer’s Market) just west that offers fresh produce, additional shopping and a dampa, which is a fresh fish market. One simply points to the seafood they wish to purchase and it is cooked to specification. Within two blocks of the arena itself there are probably 100 eating establishments to choose from featuring flavors of the world. Cubao is not considered the safest of areas within Metro Manila and one should be cognizant of their surroundings, especially after dark. Walking outside of the immediate area is not recommended. That being said, there is a high level of security at the shopping areas and the arena itself. Fans 5 The crowd is quite knowledgeable, which is to be expected as basketball is the country’s favorite sport. They are also quite friendly. The local fans make visitors feel right at home. The fans shriek at every turnover and three pointer. The crash of the drums is a constant heartbeat for the crowd as they enthusiastically follow each bounce of the ball. Access 3 Depending on where one is arriving from, Smart Araneta is easy to get to, whether by taxi, bus, or jeepney. A 30 minute taxi ride is approximately 175 PHP. There are jeepney stops nearby and the bus terminal is located one block south, across from Ali Mall. For visitors unfamiliar with the area, a taxi is recommended. It can drop off immediately outside the arena. In addition, it has been found easier to tell the taxi driver “Cubao, Farmer’s.” This limits any confusion and allows for a drop which is close to the main entrance and ticket booth. There are public parking ramps nearby for those brave enough to drive. Inside, the venue is very handicap accessible. Elevators bring patrons to their correct level and the concourses are fan friendly. There are plenty of security guards and attendants to ensure a pleasant experience. Smoking? One is allowed to leave and re-enter by showing a hand stamp. Return on Investment 5 An event ticket, food, beverage and roundtrip fares can be had for a total of around 500 PHP ($11 US). One can indulge in some shopping or some fine dining nearby and still not expect to break the bank. Extras 3 Although there are no concessions or programs, the local schools do have merchandise booths with a decent selection of team gear for purchase. Restrooms are easy to access and are clean. The staff is numerous and handles a large crowd well. Final Thoughts This was the most raucous event I have ever attended. It is well recommended for anyone who wants to take in an event that combines a historically significant venue, the national pastime of the Philippines, and the passion of a large fan base for not a large sum of money.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Dwyer Stadium 299 Bank St Batavia, NY 14020 Batavia Muckdogs website Dwyer Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 2,600 Muck in Name Only Dwyer Stadium (named for Edward D. Dwyer, a long-time president of the Batavia ball club) encompasses a field that has been used for professional baseball in Batavia, New York since 1939. The current 2,600 seat incarnation was erected in 1996 and is primarily the home of the NY-Penn League Batavia Muckdogs, the only in-place charter franchise of the league, and owner of one of the most memorable monikers in minor league baseball. In addition to giving a home to the Muckdogs (for the last two years the short-season, single A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, after long affiliations with the Cardinals and Phillies), the park also hosts games for Genesee Community College teams, as well as local high schools. While the neighborhood is strictly small town New York State and the park is showing its age in places, Dwyer Stadium serves up a good, affordable baseball experience for families and baseball fans alike. Food & Beverage 3 Dwyer Stadium has a good selection of food and drink, especially for a short season A-ball field. The main concession area is located in the home plate plaza by the main entrance, along with a beer concession, a small treats concession by the kids area, and a beer-and-peanuts stand under the third base bleachers. The main concessions deliver standard ballpark and regional fare, including Zweigles’ red and white hot sausages, burgers, fries, pizza, and chicken. The choice of the grub has got to be the Muckdog Signature Dog (red or white hot with “Muckdog Sauce” and onions for a reasonable $3.50). Or–how can you resist?–“Muckdog Chow,” a red hot, white hot, burger, or cheeseburger, served on top of macaroni salad and homefries, smothered in Muckdog Sauce, and served in a big plastic dog bowl, all for $5.75. Small and large Budweisers are available at most concessions for $4 or $5.50 respectively, and the specialty beer concessions serve up Southern Tier Farmers Tan, Rohrbach’s Muckdog Red Ale, Rohrbach’s Highland, Genny Light, and Brooklyn Summer Ale for $4.75 for a small and $6.50 for a large. The beer booths also deliver 16-oz cans for $5, and 25 ounces for $7. You’re at their park, so you might as well give the fine Muckdog Red Ale a try. Atmosphere 3 Dwyer Stadium has one main entrance to the right of the ticket booth. It opens out into an entrance plaza behind home plate on the first base side in a wide walkway that runs from outfield to outfield outside of the seating area, with two openings at first and third base. Both walkways end in tented picnic areas just before the home and visitor bullpens and clubhouses, in left and right field respectively. The only cover in the park (besides those tents) is the seats under the grandstand behind home plate, which is topped with the press box. The gates open an hour before game time, and home team fans can seek autographs at the dugout on the third base side. Wherever you’re sitting, you’ll have a good view of the field and the open sky beyond the outfield walls. Mascot Homer, the dog, and the fan relations crew run the between-inning entertainment, which includes the minor league standard races, quizzes, and contests. One unique event during my most recent visit was a lucky young fan getting to hit the owner in the face with a shaving cream pie, which showed the good-natured relationship between the team management and the community. All that said, there are signs of wear around the park that need addressing. The scoreboard has seen better days and is missing some lights; the visitors’ clubhouse in right is missing an “I” in its sign, rendering it “Vistor” and the sound system in the bleacher seats is reminiscent of the NYC subway speakers in the 80s; nearly unintelligible. Neighborhood 2 The park is located as part of a neighborhood Little League complex, which gives you an idea of the surrounding area. It is very much in a small town in Western New York, and perhaps the best you can say for Batavia is that it is under an hour drive to both Rochester and Buffalo. In town, there are a couple of standard small-town historical attractions, the Batavia Downs Racetrack, and the Darien Lake Amusement Park is a short drive out of town. Meat-lovers are in luck, as there are quite a few steakhouses and BBQ places in town, including Larry’s Steakhouse, T.F. Brown’s, Center Street Smokehouse, and Alex’s Place. Bar stops include Tully’s, O’Lacys, and City Slickers. For those with kids (or kids at heart), Oliver’s Candies (with hand-made chocolates, candies, and ice cream) is a must-visit downtown. A surprising amount of chain hotels are mostly right off the NY Thruway, including Best Western, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, Quality Inn, Super 8, Days Inn, Clarion, and Red Roof Inn. Fans 3 A regional holdout from when seemingly every little burg in Western NY was home to a NY-Penn League franchise, Batavia still seems to have a good deal of local enthusiasm for its team. “Muckdogs Home Tonight” lawn signs are regularly seen while driving around town, and they still put in a respectable showing in the park. The fans are mostly local families and not baseball purists, to be sure, but they are involved with the game and show support for their local pride and joy as you might expect. Access 4 Batavia is an easy exit off the NY Thruway (I-90), as well as state roads 98, 63, 33, and 5. A large, free parking lot is right next to the stadium, and additional parking is also free in the adjacent parks. It is under an hour to both Rochester and Buffalo, and Batavia is about 2.5 hours to Toronto, and four hours to Albany or Pittsburgh. Those not driving can take the Batavia Bus Service Route 2 or 3 from downtown to the UMMC Station ($1), and a small regional airport (Genesee County) is north of town. In the park, an inner walkway in the seating area splits the box seats below from the general admission seats above, and a wide outer concourse runs from outfield to outfield around the diamond to get people where they need to be. Return on Investment 4 The strength of minor league ball is its value for the dollar, and the Muckdogs are no different. Box seats are $7.50, and general admission seats are $6.50, so there’s no sticker-shock there. Coupon books of eight games are available for both kinds of seats and bring the cost per game down to $5.75 and $4.75 respectively for box or GA seats. Group rates for 20 or more get the price down to $5.50 per person, and all-you-can eat seats are available on the Hot Corner picnic area for $15 or $17.50 per person, with slightly expanded menu choices for the higher amount. Nearly all the food items (even the special items) are under $5. Small beers go for $4, and 20 oz cans go for $7, and the large specialty beers don’t top $6.50. It is just an affordable experience all around. Extras 3 For a low minor league park, Dwyer Stadium has a more than average amount of extras. In addition to the standard stadium commemorative plaques (on the outside of the park by the ticket window), there is a revamped Batavia Wall of Fame and three plaques dedicated to Batavia as the birthplace of the NY-Penn League, Gene Baker (first black manager in professional baseball), and Whitey Loos (local baseball star in the 40’s and WWII casualty) on the main concession building. A boosters’ plaque is by the main entrance, and a small art installation called “I Am Someone in the Crowd” is located on the back of the home third base bleachers. The press box behind home is dedicated to Wayne H. Fuller (long-time PA announcer). A small shed by the main entrance houses the team store and fan relations booth, and a modest kids area is located down the right field line. Booths sell programs in the main entrance plaza, and in a nice tip of the hat to scorers, a slanted resting shelf is located underneath the game lineups to make it easier to prepare your scorecard. Final Thoughts Dwyer Stadium is full of little surprises for the visitor and provides a straight-forward, cost-conscious evening of baseball for all comers.

Photo Courtesy of Carolyn Stapleton Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Farris Center 201 Donaghey Ave. Conway, AR 72035 Central Arkansas Bears website Farris Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,500 Farris Assessment The Farris Center is the home of the University of Central Arkansas Bears basketball program. The arena opened in January 1972 and seats 6,000. Nestled in the typical college town of Conway, Arkansas, the Farris Center is a multi-purpose arena that also houses many classrooms. As with any arena of its age renovations took place in 2010 that included new scoreboards and signage. Two years later a new floor was added to the building. The school’s only NCAA Tournament appearance took place in 2005 at the Division II level. However, its most famous alumni is 6-time NBA champion and Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen. Food & Beverage 2 The Farris Center is a small venue, and as a result the concession selections are sparse to say the least. Sadly, most high school facilities will have better concessions. The selection is extremely limited, and I could only find one concession area the entire time I was there. The few stands the Farris Center does have carry soft drinks (Pepsi products), popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, and candy. Atmosphere 2 This gym is a very small one, although that is not necessarily a bad thing. The atmosphere in the Farris Center is lively despite its size. While it is not the most fun atmosphere you will find, it is great for families who want an inexpensive college basketball experience. The PA announcer was a plus in this category, as he did a good job of keeping the crowd engaged in the activity on the court. The classrooms in the hallways around the gym area also add a sort of academic feel to the setting, reminding us something we often forget: That colleges are for more than just sports. Neighborhood 2 The Central Arkansas campus is very pleasing to the eye. It is obvious that the school, like many others across the country, has made campus beautification a priority. However, there is also very little on campus for non-students to do. Conway is a traditional college town though, so you will not have to go far to find something to do. It has many of your chain restaurants, but also some nice local places like Mike’s Place and Stromboli’s. Woolly Hollow State Park is nearby for those who enjoy the outdoors, and the Faulkner County Museum for those who would like to learn the history of the area is also worth checking out. Fans 3 The crowd was bigger than one might expect given the size of the facility and the town. The fans were also very invested in the game, which is always nice to see at smaller venues. The fans were particularly when you consider how many of them were there. The stands were less than half full and the top level of seating was actually blocked off. While the fans in the stands were invested in the game, many others were in the hallways socializing. It was an interesting, unique aspect of the experience. It sounds like a negative, but it did not feel like one. Access 3 Parking can be found pretty close and cheaply. As with many venues, the farther you are willing to walk, the more likely you can find free parking. The seating is a bit uncomfortable, and I found it difficult to stay in my seat for extended periods without stretching my legs. The lobby and hallways around the gym were a bit awkward, and it took a little exploring to get from the lobby to the actually seating in the arena. This is not a huge problem though, because it is a very short exploration. The restrooms are extremely old-fashioned, but they were also extremely clean and well-kept. Return on Investment 5 From what you have already read, you might be thinking that a trip to the Farris Center is not worth your time. However, the return on investment is strong when you consider that a general admission ticket costs just $2. Courtside tickets were only $8. You will not find any other venue where a family of five can get in for $10. Say what you want about the size of the Farris Center, but its value is one of the best out there. Extras 2 One extra point goes to the Farris Center for allowing local elementary school students perform at halftime. These students danced their hearts out for everyone, and the crowd was just as enthused for them as they were for the game. It is important for college basketball programs to be involved in the community. Another extra point is for Scottie Pippen’s jerseys, which hang in the hallways of the Farris Center where he played college ball. The fact that Pippen came out of a place as small as Central Arkansas just proves that greatness can come from anywhere. His Team USA, Chicago Bulls and Central Arkansas Bears jerseys hanging in that hallway add a neat bit of history to this arena experience.

Photos by Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 PK Park 2760 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Eugene, OR 97401 Eugene Emeralds website PK Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 4,000 A New Chapter in Ems Baseball The city of Eugene may be best recognized for two things: The University of Oregon and a storied track and field history. Little known outside of the Pacific Northwest is the lone professional franchise in the city, the Eugene Emeralds. Dating back to 1955, the Ems have had a storied history, much of it spent in the single-A Northwest League. A true relic in the ballpark world, Eugene played in Civic Stadium, a WPA facility that was configured for baseball only in the late 1960s. Since then, the venerable wooden ballpark would be home to summer baseball in the Emerald City, and the rare structure was admired by old-timers and ballpark enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the place started deteriorating quickly, and the Ems made a controversial decision. With the University of Oregon restarting their baseball program at a new on-campus facility, Eugene sadly moved away from its long time home after the 2009 season. Civic Stadium still stands (barely) and a grass-roots campaign, Friends of Civic Stadium, is trying to keep the place alive. In the meantime, the Emeralds are looking for their first league title since 1980, as they have now spent the last several years across town in PK Park. While the Ems are clearly a second tenant with the stadium’s focus and visuals centered on the Ducks, it is still a beautiful park in which to watch baseball. Food & Beverage 4 While there is only one main concession stand at PK, there are several side carts with decent options and a somewhat hidden spot featuring many choices. Down at field level near the picnic area known as “Levi’s Landing,” the nearby stand is open to all fans and not just reserved for those at the landing. The lines are much shorter and the offerings are the same, with a few bonus items like a grilled BBQ chicken sandwich ($7.75) or an avocado turkey burger ($8.00). Playing up the Sasquatch theme, a few Jack Link’s jerky choices are available, too. For the best value on these generally high food prices, head to the Ems Shack, where $8 is enough for a meal, as both the Thai ginger chicken wrap and the Southwestern wrap are very good (they are available in a bowl, too). As for beer, you are in Oregon, where it is nearly a crime not to drink a local craft brew. Eugene has an abundance of great breweries to try, as draft products from OakShire, Ninkasi and GoodLife are all on tap. Despite being in the confines of a single-A ballpark, be sure to have lots of cash on hand, with a small craft beer costing $7 and the large premium running $9. Atmosphere 4 At PK Park, it is blatantly obvious who this ballpark caters to: the University of Oregon. Logos and wordmarks from the well-funded university are splashed all over the stadium, and while aesthetically it looks good, the Emeralds have been relegated to a second tenant. A few touches try to change that (like the Sasquatch peering from outside the women’s bathroom), but in the end, there is a real shadow from Autzen Stadium in the distance. With that being said, PK Park is a really nice baseball stadium and a great place to watch the Emeralds. Instead of spreading out the seating bowl, all of the forest green chairbacks are located between the bases in a steeply pitched set-up that features excellent sightlines. Adding to the ambiance is a nice looking wooden roof that covers most of the seats. While the Emeralds play baseball in the dry season, there are still some nights this roof comes in handy. The outfield does not have much of a visual; however, the scoreboard sits on a pair of snazzy lightpoles that are incorporated into the design. For games starting in the early evening, it is hard to see the numbers on those boards, as the setting sun shines directly upon them. The baseball atmosphere in the park is decent with the frequent (almost too frequent) playing of an old-school organ. The highlight of attending an Emeralds game is their hilarious green mascot, Sluggo. For the good mascots, they are able to entertain the young ones during the game. Sluggo, does well to entertain everybody, and I found myself laughing several times at his antics. Just search YouTube for some of his best work, but the move of the night for me was seeing him throw water balloons into the visiting team’s dugout. Neighborhood 3 Oregon’s second largest city is located in the southern end of the Willamette Valley. Similar to the rest of the state, Eugene is full of people who love the outdoors, and opportunities are plentiful with many biking paths, along with spots to run, hike, raft or climb. The Emerald City is also very green and environmentally-conscious. Walking around town, you are sure to see some interesting people, as this is a quirky and eccentric place to visit. With the nearby University, the center of Eugene has a large college town feel, and there are several places to enjoy a drink or bite to eat. On the other side of the Willamette River, PK Park can be found in a separate university athletic complex. In the Barlow neighborhood, this section consists of Autzen Stadium, Pape Field and pavement, lots and lots of pavement. Parking lots for the football stadium make up much of the area, and this leaves PK Park a little soul-less in terms of the neighborhood. With downtown a few miles away, this side of the river contains Alton Baker Park, which includes a children’s museum. For food, check out the O Bar and Grill. Fans 3 Similar to other Northwest League teams, the Emeralds only average a few thousand fans, and on the night I attended, about half of the park was full. Ducks apparel outnumbers those wearing hats or shirts with the Emeralds logo on them. Despite what seems like a generic approach to the Ems, the crowd is quite lively and they are into the game. Along with good support, little things like clapping at the result of a helpful second strike gives the perception that these fans care about their players and the game. Access 3 I-5 is the north-south highway that connects the major cities in Western Oregon, and this interstate leads right into Eugene. While getting to the ballpark from downtown is simple, it is a little awkward coming from the north, as drivers have to backtrack a bit after getting on I-105. The best directions are to just follow the well laid-out signs and arrows for Autzen Stadium, and that will lead you right to PK Park. Because of the football stadium, parking is abundant, but I was surprised at how far the actual lots are from the ballpark. I did not expect having to walk 5-10 minutes for a stadium with so much parking. Instead, the new soccer stadium gets the luxury of being next to the main lot. Another gripe is driving through the uneven and bumpy gravel lot. Inside, concourses are open and wide, with plenty of room to walk around. Though there is just one set of bathrooms, the space is quite large. In fact, women often comment how incredibly large the bathroom is. Just watch out for that Sasquatch! Return on Investment 4 Prices for the most part are reasonable for this level of baseball and the location. Most tickets cost $10, while the parking is a $3 charge. The exception is the aforementioned concession prices, which are surprisingly high, and I didn’t appreciate the little charges (like $1 for a cheese cup or $3 for a pickle). Otherwise, there is certainly value to an Emeralds game, and a visit to PK Park is well worth it. Extras 1 A few years ago, the Emeralds brought on the excellent design company Brandiose to re-brand the team. What followed was a terrific new logo and scheme that focused on Eugene’s eccentricities, along with their nature as an outdoor city. The green coloring and Sasquatch-based logo really spoke to the Emeralds and the team has run with this change, continuing to execute great ideas and promotions. This is not necessarily worth a bonus point, but it should be noted that PK Park has FieldTurf. While, the surface is important for a rough climate like in the Pacific Northwest, it just seems strange to watch players slide on fake grass and fake dirt. Final Thoughts While the most authentic experience at PK Park may be an Oregon Ducks baseball game, the Eugene Emeralds have done their best to set up shop at their relatively new home. With one of the best mascots in baseball and a terrific modern field, the Ems continue to produce a good experience for fans during the summer.

Photos by Chuck Utech, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mall of Asia Arena Mall of Asia Complex Bay City, Pasay City 1309 The Philippines Barangay Ginebra San Miguel website Mall of Asia Arena website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 20,000 Mall of Basketball If you like your basketball to be one part rugby, one part three point shooting, and one part rock concert, then the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is for you. Here is a quick primer. The PBA played its first game in 1975 and is the first professional basketball league in Asia, and second oldest in the world, behind the NBA. The PBA features 10 teams. Rules are a mix of NBA and international. A season is comprised of three “conferences” called the Philippine Cup, Commissioner’s Cup, and Governors’ Cup. Winning all conferences in a given season is called a “Grand Slam.” Each conference has particular roster requirements and ends in playoff with a champion. The Philippine Cup rosters are comprised of players of Filipino descent. This Cup is widely thought of as the most prestigious of the three. For the Commissioner’s Cup, the ninth and tenth place teams from the previous conference are allowed one import no taller than 6′ 11”. The remaining teams have a 6′ 9″ restriction. In Governors’ Cup play, the rule is 6′ 5″ for all teams. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (Ginebra) has been a member of the PBA since 1979, beginning as Gilbey’s Gin. They are by far the most popular professional team in the Philippines. They have won eight championships. Unlike basketball in the United States, there are no home arenas. There are two main facilities that host PBA games, the Smart Araneta Coliseum (site of the Thrilla in Manilla) and the Mall of Asia Arena (MOA). In times where Smart Araneta and MOA are busy, Philsports Arena and Cuneta Astrodome are used instead. MOA is the crown jewel of venues in the Philippines. In addition to a regular PBA slate, it is the home of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and served as the main venue for the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship. In 2013, the NBA played a preseason game to a capacity crowd featuring the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers. In just two short years it has also hosted concerts of international acts such as Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Aerosmith, and the Jonas Brothers. Boosted by a nearby first class shopping experience and excellent atmosphere, a trip to MOA is highly recommended if you’re looking for a sporting event in Manila. Food & Beverage 5 Food and beverage of all types is available and easily accessible from a plethora of concession stands at Mall of Asia Arena. The main concessions popular with the local crowd feature standard arena food. Tubs of popcorn are 70 and 95 PHP (standard conversion is about 43 PHP to 1 USD). A bacon cheeseburger is 100 PHP while a hot dog wrapped in bacon served on a bun is 80 PHP. Local beer San Mig Light and San Mig Pale Pilsen is served in a 12 ounce cup for 65 PHP. Looking for something different? Try Kobe Kroquette. These are deep fried mashed potatoes with panko coating. They come in different varieties. I sampled a mix and match 3 pack for 75 PHP. I asked for the most popular and was given ham and cheese, crabstick, and seaweed, which are served with tonkatsu sauce. They are quite enjoyable. Searching for a different type of ethnic cuisine? Next down the line is Jamrock Patty Cafe and their famous Jamaican patties. These are a beef-stuffed delicacy with a pastry crust. A regular patty is 65 PHP or with cheese is 75 PHP. In addition, there are stands for pizza, tacos, chicken sandwiches and ice cream. Starbucks and Krispy Kreme also have booths. Cost is very affordable. Want a mixed drink? Tanduay Rhum has a booth and a rum and Coke is only 100 PHP. Atmosphere 5 One main gate on the south side of the complex allows inside access. There is a huge line, but security is quite efficient in moving everyone inside. There are essentially five levels for seating: Patron, lower box, suites, upper box and gallery. Patron seating includes courtside and is on the main floor. Escalators escort fans to their desired section. I recommend sitting in the box seats. The gallery seating does allow for the lowest price at 125 PHP, but is also in the 500 level. Lower box seats are 550 PHP and allow for a great view and crowd experience. Mall of Asia Arena features a large, state of the art center court hanging video board. Live action is shown as well as game statistics. Music during a regular season game is a standard instrumental beat that is usually played at all venues in The Philippines. During the playoffs, both teams have drum lines that sit on each side of the gallery and duel all game, replacing the instrumental beat. Popular music is played during breaks and intermissions. Because the PBA does not play more than a doubleheader in any night, the crew for all venues is mainly the same. Both teams are announced as “Your” team. Inside, the announcer is very well understood. He speaks English nearly throughout except when asking for everyone to rise for the National Anthem. Although fan support may be lopsided, the announcer does a great job of hyping big plays for both teams. “Japeth Aguilar for THREEEEE!” Also the voice is quite discernible for explanations such as “technical foul on the bench for disrespecting a game official.” Sound is distributed well in MOA, which is excellent, because even during roars from the crowd, the announcer can make his call. During intermissions a team of three guys appear on the court and shoot t-shirts into the crowd with a slingshot. I appreciate that they shoot those high into the cheap seats. At halftime, one of those fellas sports a harness with backboard on hoop on top and they pass around a small ball to fans to shoot. Made baskets win a prize… a two day supply of Vitamin C. In addition, they have a game where two contestants are at mid court, attached to a bungee cord. The goal is to advance to their respective hoop, dragging the other along, and make a basket. That is very entertaining. Want to challenge a friend at a three point shooting contest? On the second level is a regulation hoop and three point arc. Free of charge, one can hoist as many jumpers as they can. Two staffers grab rebounds and send balls back on a rack for continued shooting. Neighborhood 4 Located two blocks from Manila Bay, MOA sits in a shopper’s paradise. Across the street is the spacious Mall of Asia. The mall is currently the 10th largest in the world. It is estimated that 200,000 people visit the mall daily. Nearby are hotels, casinos and a business district. Fans 4 I really do not know if I have enough superlatives to describe the PBA fans. They are supportive, smart, and quite vocal. The fan experience alone is well worth the price of admission. It is very enjoyable. There are two main chants one can expect to hear at a Ginebra game. “D-Fense!” and “Ginebra!” (EE-NEH-BRAH!). When a team makes a big shot, fans from that squad will hold up a jersey or handmade banner (ranging from poster board and magic marker to a fancy, stitched felt sign) of the player. Same with a great steal or block. Most of the “super” fans are behind the respective hoops. They are quite mindful to not keep the sign up too long and impede the view of the spectator behind them. Access 3 MOA is easy to get to, whether by taxi, bus, or jeepney, but it is located on the Western side of Metro Manila. A 45-60 minute taxi ride is approximately 300 PHP. There are bus and jeepney stops as well as a railway nearby. For visitors unfamiliar with the area or travel, I recommend a taxi. There is plenty of parking outside the arena and across the street at a mammoth parking ramp. Outside parking allows for tailgating. Again, there is a long line for getting in the gate, but it moves briskly. Outside food, drink and items like strollers and umbrellas are not allowed inside. They can be checked at the entrance. Inside the arena it is very handicap accessible. There are plenty of guards and security as well as assistants to make sure getting to a seat is a breeze. The concourses are wide and also afford views of the bay and surrounding area. Smoking? The second floor has a large smoker’s lounge which also serves beer and soda. The arena and mall both feature taxi bays for a quick exit. Return on Investment 4 A PBA game at MOA is a joy. One can sit in a box seat, enjoy a variety food, drink and spend less than 1000 PHP. The entertainment level is high for the cost. Since there are hotels as well as casinos fairly close by so one staying in that district could go to a game for a significantly lower price. Extras 3 It is disappointing that there are no programs for PBA games. The tickets are generic. There is however, merchandise available. T-shirts and jerseys of the teams are available ranging from 300-650 PHP. In addition, Team Philippines hats are available for 395 PHP. Goods are still on sale from the 2013 preseason NBA game as well at a reduced cost. Restrooms in MOA are easy to access, large and sparkling clean. Views from the arena of the area are special, and even more so after dark. The environment is supportive, family-friendly and fun. Viewing a game at MOA is a definite must.

Photos by Chuck Utech, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Cuneta Astrodome Roxas Blvd Manila, The Philippines 1300 San Mig Super Coffee Mixers website Cuneta Astrodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 12,000 Basketball Mix Editor’s Note: No surprise, the team name has changed three times since this review. They are now (2020) known as the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots. If you like aggressive, physical basketball, The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is for you. Here is a quick primer. The PBA played its first game in 1975 and is the first professional basketball league in Asia, and second oldest in the world, behind the NBA. The PBA features 10 teams currently. Rules are a mix of NBA and international. A season is comprised of three “conferences” called the Philippine Cup, Commissioner’s Cup, and Governors’ Cup. Winning all conferences in a given season is called a “Grand Slam.” Each conference has particular roster requirements and ends in a play-off with a champion. The Philippine Cup rosters are comprised of players of Filipino descent. This Cup is widely thought of as the most prestigious of the three. For the Commissioner’s Cup, the ninth and tenth place teams from the previous conference are allowed one import no taller than 6′ 11”. The remaining teams have a 6′ 9″ restriction. In Governors’ Cup play, the rule is 6 ‘5″ for all teams. The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers began play in 1988 as the Purefoods Hotdogs. Twelve championships and 12 name changes later, they are arguably the second most popular team in the PBA behind Barangay Ginebra (which owns San Mig and the San Miguel Beermen also). The Mixers are coached by Tim Cone, who is the all-time leader in championships among coaches. The Mixers have won the last three conferences and are seeking a Grand Slam. Unlike basketball in the United States, there are no home arenas. There are two main facilities that host PBA games, the Smart Araneta Coliseum (site of the Thrilla in Manilla) and The Mall of Asia Arena (MOA). In times where Smart Araneta and MOA are busy, PhilSports Arena and Cuneta Astrodome are used instead. With a groundbreaking in 1991 and completion in 1993, the Cuneta Astrodome (named after past public official Enrique Cuneta) regularly hosted PBA games from 1993-1998 and ever since 2000. Although it is a substitute facility, it has a proud history and has held events such as WWE, political and evangelical gatherings, musical concerts, and has served as a venue for the Southeast Asia Games. It underwent a renovation in 2006. Cuneta is showing some wear and tear over the last 20 plus years, but it still is a solid venue for an event. Food & Beverage 2 Traditional concession stands do not exist. Instead, vendors seek you out peddling hot dogs, popcorn, chips, bottles of soda, and bottled water. It is easy to know where the vendors are– instead of a traditional bellowing of “Hot dogs! Pop Corn! Coca-Cola!” they simply make a noise with their mouths almost like a duck call. It’s a very effective technique. The cost is reasonable. A hot dog served with customary mayonnaise and ketchup is 50 PHP, a large tub of cheese popcorn is 75 PHP. A large bag of chips is 50 PHP as is a 16 ounce bottle of Coca-Cola. A 12 ounce bottle of water is 25 PHP. Currently the exchange rate is around 43 PHP to the USD. Prices are fine, especially when factoring in the convenience of so many vendors eager to assist. The menu is limited, but the hot dog is very good. There are no beer sales inside. Walking in, signs are posted prohibiting bringing in outside beverage or food. Atmosphere 3 Two main gates allow access into the Astrodome. It essentially has three levels for seating: Patron, Box, and Gallery. Each gate is then divided to be level specific and there isn’t easy access in between the levels. The Patron seats include VIP and lower box seats. Box seats were part of the 2006 renovation and are fairly comfortable. They are a little small, especially with the drink holders, but okay. When buying tickets there on the day of the game, the agent does not allow for choice of seat. They just ask what level and give the appropriate ticket for the level requested. I recommend sitting in the box seats. The gallery seating does allow for the lowest price at 110 PHP, but the view from the first few rows of bleachers are obstructed somewhat by a metal fence that separates the box seats from the gallery. The Cuneta Astrodome does have a central, overhanging scoreboard along with projection screens up in the gallery that display the game action. The main scoreboard has a rather manual, antiquated system of displaying the numbers of the participants. It then uses a colored light to denote if they are in the game, and a different color to denote how many fouls they have. Music during the game is a standard instrumental beat that is played at all venues in The Philippines. Popular music is played during breaks and intermissions. Because the PBA does not play more than a doubleheader in any night, the crew for all venues is mainly the same. Both teams are announced as “Your” team. Inside Cuneta, the announcer is very well understood. He speaks English nearly throughout except when asking for everyone to rise for the National Anthem. Although fan support may be lopsided, the announcer does a great job of hyping big plays for both teams. “Henry Walker for THREEEEE!” Sound is distributed well in the Cuneta Astrodome, which is good, because even during roars from the crowd, the announcer can make his call. During intermissions a team of three guys appear on the court and shoot t-shirts into the crowd with a slingshot. I appreciate that they shoot those high into the cheap seats. At halftime, one of those fellas sports a harness with backboard on hoop on top and they pass around a small ball to fans to shoot. Made baskets win a prize… a two day supply of Vitamin C. In addition, they have a game where two contestants are at mid court, attached to a bungee cord. The goal is to advance to their respective hoop, dragging the other along, and make a basket. That is very entertaining. Neighborhood 2 Located near Manila Bay, Cuneta Astrodome sits in a commercial district. It is about a mile south of the American Embassy, also located on Roxas Blvd. I don’t recommend much travel around the area on foot, especially by yourself. Visitors should be mindful as there are a plethora of panhandlers, mainly women and children, who are not shy to ask for handouts. Although it is called the Cuneta Astrodome, it is not a dome. It is a rectangular three-story building that looks more like a warehouse than a venue that hosts world class events. When you arrive, you may have no idea that you are actually there as the name cannot be seen from Roxas Blvd. On the outside of the dome, there is a post office, and a few restaurants. They feature cheeseburgers for 35 PHP (buy one get one free) as well as chicken and hot dogs. There are about a dozen street vendors immediately outside. They have a wide variety. Dimsum, chips, sweet corn and barbecue, are joined by local delicacies like quail eggs and balut. Balut is a developing duck embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell. Many locals grab a balut egg before entering the dome for the protein they need to get through the game. Fans 5 I really do not know if I have enough superlatives to describe the PBA fans. They are supportive, smart, and quite vocal. The fan experience alone is well worth the price of admission. It is very enjoyable. There are two main chants. “D-Fense!” and “Laban San Mig!” that the fans use as a go San Mig type of cheer. When a team makes a big shot, fans from that squad will hold up a jersey or handmade banner (ranging from poster board and magic marker to a fancy, stitched felt sign) of the player. Same with a great steal or block. Most of the “super” fans are behind the respective hoops. They are quite mindful to not keep the sign up too long and impede the view of the spectator behind them. Even from outside the area, you’ll have no problem hearing the loud cheers ebbing and flowing with each play. Access 2 Cuneta Astrodome is easy to get to, whether by taxi, bus, or jeepney, but it is located on the western side of Metro Manila. A 45-60 minute taxi ride is approximately 300 PHP. There are bus and jeepney stops as well as a railway nearby. For visitors unfamiliar with the area or travel, I recommend a taxi. There is essentially no local street parking. Inside the arena is somewhat handicap accessible. There are plenty of guards and security as well as assistants to make sure getting to a seat is easy. After the game, there is not a traditional taxi stand. Using a taxi app is recommended; I got the attention of a gentleman who saw I wanted a taxi. He flagged me one immediately and got me off and on my way before a throng of people closed in. Return on Investment 5 A PBA game at Cuneta is enjoyable. I sat in the middle price range of seats (410 PHP for a doubleheader) and the cost of a ticket, taxi to and from, a couple hot dogs and waters was just over 1000 PHP. The entertainment level is high for the cost. There are hotels as well as casinos fairly close by so one staying in that district could go to a game for a significantly lower price. Extras 1 It is disappointing that there are no programs for PBA games. Also, there are no merchandise sales at the dome. The tickets are generic. The extra star goes to the friendly staff and security. The environment is supportive, family-friendly and fun.

Photos by Chuck Utech, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 PhilSports Arena University of Life St Pasig, The Philippines NLEX Road Warriors website PhilSports Arena website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 10,000 Rare Air Editor’s Note: Since publishing this review, the team Air21 Express were sold and renamed the NLEX Road Warriors. Welcome to basketball in the Philippines! The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) played its first game in 1975 and is the first professional basketball league in Asia, and second oldest in the world, behind the NBA. The PBA features 10 teams. Rules are a mix of NBA and international. A season is comprised of three “conferences” called the Philippine Cup, Commissioner’s Cup, and Governors’ Cup. Winning all conferences in a given season is called a “Grand Slam.” Each conference has particular roster requirements and ends in a play-off with a champion. The Philippine Cup rosters are comprised of players of Filipino descent. This Cup is widely thought of as the most prestigious of the three. For the Commissioner’s Cup, the ninth and tenth place teams from the previous conference are allowed one import no taller than 6′ 11”. The remaining teams have a 6′ 9″ restriction. In Governors’ Cup play, the rule is 6′ 5″ for all teams. FIBA (International Basketball Federation will crown a World Champion in August, and then current teams draft and prepare for the next three conferences. The Air21 Express joined the PBA in 2011 and are led by 41 year old Asi Taulava, considered an all-time PBA great. He has had a very high profile career in the PBA dating back to 1999, and has been a member of several Philippine Nation squads. Taulava can easily be identified as he is one of the larger players in the league, and sports a blonde mohawk. The Express won their first play-off series in team history last conference in 2014, before being eliminated by the Super Coffee Mixers. Unlike basketball in the United States, there are no home arenas. There are two main facilities that host PBA games, the Smart Araneta Coliseum (site of the Thrilla in Manilla) and The Mall of Asia Arena (MOA). In times where Smart Araneta and MOA are busy, Philsports Arena and Cuneta Astrodome are used in their place. Built in 1981, PhilSports (also known as The Ultra, and the PSC) regularly hosted PBA games from 1985-1992 and 1999-2007. Now it is relegated to a role as a substitute facility. The stadium is showing age, but as a venue needed to pinch hit from time to time, it does suffice. In 2014 it did host the deciding Game Four in the finals. Food & Beverage 2 There are essentially no traditional concession stands inside PhilSports Arena. Instead, there are scores of vendors scouring the seats to sell hot dogs, popcorn, chips, bottles of soda and bottled water. The cost is reasonable. A hot dog with customary mayonnaise and ketchup is 50 PHP (about $1.15 in US dollars), a large tub of cheese popcorn is 75 PHP. A large bag of chips is 50 PHP as is a 16 ounce bottle of Coca-Cola. A 12 ounce bottle of water is 25 PHP. Price is not an issue, especially with the convenience of so many vendors eager to assist fans. While the menu is limited, the hot dog is tasty. There are no beer sales inside. Walking in, signs are posted prohibiting bringing outside beverage or food into the building. Atmosphere 3 Three main gates allow access into PhilSports. The arena essentially has three levels for seating: Patron, Box, and Gallery. Each gate is level specific and there isn’t easy access in between. The Patron seats include VIP and lower box seats. The courtside VIP seats are blue, plastic lawn chairs. The Box seats are a hard colored material that is akin to a seat used on a third grade schoolhouse desk. There are no drink holders and seats are fairly uncomfortable. The Gallery is first come, first served, bench seating. I would recommend that for a first time visitor or family. Seats in the Gallery are 125 PHP (about $2.87 US dollars). Unlike more modern arenas, PhilSports Arena does not have a central, overhanging scoreboard. It does feature two small score indicators in opposite corners and projection screens that display the game action. Those are located in the Gallery behind each basket. Music during the game is a standard instrumental beat. Popular music is played during breaks and intermissions. Both teams are announced as “Your” team. The announcer is very well understood. He speaks English nearly throughout except when asking for everyone to rise for the National Anthem. He also gives great explanations of referee calls (“Warning on coach Ryan Gregorio for resentment to a call”.) Another good explanation was given when a player was assessed a Flagrant Foul One. PBA rules state he must sit for three minutes of play. Sound is very good in the PSC. During intermissions a team of three guys come out on the court and shoot t shirts into the crowd with a slingshot. I appreciate that they shoot those high into the cheap seats. At halftime, one of those fellas sports a harness with backboard on hoop on top and they pass around a small ball to fans to shoot. Made baskets win a prize… a two day supply of Vitamin C. Neighborhood 1 Located in the heart of Metro Manila, PhilSports Arena sits in a fairly residential district. I would not recommend much travel around the area on foot, especially if you are by yourself. Across the street, there is a restaurant named Dinky’s that serves local barbecue. There is essentially no local street parking and no tailgating. Outside there is a vendor selling dim sum, but they were not set up to sell anything except bottles of water at the time I was there. Fans 5 The fans are supportive, loud and knowledgeable. The fan experience is well worth the price of admission. They cheer their team, refrain from excessive abuse, and engage in friendly back and forth with the opposing squad. It is quite enjoyable. A chant of “D-Fense” is very common. When a team makes a big shot, fans from that team will hold up a jersey or handmade banner (ranging from poster board and magic marker to a fancy, stitched felt sign) of the player. The same thing happens with a great steal or block. Most of the “super” fans are behind the respective hoops. When buying tickets, fans are advised as to what side each team will be sitting on so they can plan accordingly. Officiating in the PBA can be sketchy. I appreciate how the fans let the coaches do the majority of the complaining. They focus on supporting their team. They are very loud and very proud all game long. Access 2 PhilSports Arena is easy to get to, whether by taxi, bus, or jeepney and is more centrally located to allow a faster experience. A 20-30 minute taxi ride is approximately 200 PHP. There are bus and jeepney stops nearby. Jeepney is essentially a crowded public transportation system in The Philippines. For visitors unfamiliar with the area or travel, I recommend a taxi. Inside the arena is not handicapped accessible. There is a lack of ramps for anything outside the courtside. Security is prevalent. One thing that is disconcerting, however, is that in the upper Gallery, there are only two main doors, located behind each hoop. The others are chained off. When I was there in a full house for the finals, leaving would have been difficult in a time of panic. Return on Investment 5 A PBA game at PhilSports Arena is still enjoyable. I sat in the middle price range of seats (350 PHP for a doubleheader) and the cost of tickets, taxi to and from, a couple hot dogs and waters was well under 1000 PHP (about $23 US dollars). The entertainment level is high for the cost. Extras 1 Unfortunately, there are no programs for PBA games. Also, there are no merchandise sales. The tickets are generic. The extra star goes to the friendly staff and security. It is a family friendly environment inside and the staff takes great pride in the game day presentation.

Photo Courtesy of Erin Ju Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Big Rock Stadium 2714 Mayberry Loop Rd. Morehead City, NC 28557 Morehead City Marlins website Big Rock Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 1,800 Catch a Big One at “The Rock” Established in 2010, the Morehead City Marlins are still the new kids on the block in the Coastal Plain League. Big Rock Stadium was also built in 2010, and has a distinctly different look from other CPL stadiums. Most CPL stadiums are former minor league stadiums, but Big Rock was built primarily for the Marlins. The field itself was built for the local American Legion team, but the local Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament provided the money to build the stadium portion once the CPL expansion was announced. In the few short years that Big Rock Stadium has been in operation, it has become a favorite night out for vacationers in Morehead City and other neighboring beach towns. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession stand directly behind the home plate seats. There are a few other stands, but more on that later. At this stand, you will find your most common food for reasonable prices: burgers ($4), hot dogs ($2.50), and even Chick-fil-A sandwiches ($4). You can also get sunflower seeds, Cracker Jacks, and other snacks here. Big Rock is a Pepsi stadium, and drinks are sold by the bottle or in souvenir cups. The other options at Big Rock include a kettle corn stand, a frozen yogurt bar, and a snack bar. Both the yogurt and the snack bar are located in the picnic area/beer garden in left field. The snack bar looks similar to the main concession stand, but only has snacks and drinks. This is so people can get snacks without having to leave the picnic area. The frozen yogurt bar is right next to the snack bar and features cups of frozen yogurt, along with a toppings bar. With frozen yogurt (Froyo) being all the rage right now (2013), it’s a wonder more stadiums don’t try this. There is a picnic area in left field that appears to double as a beer garden. There is a beer stand there, along with a bar along the field wall. Beer is $3-$4, a good price for a stadium. It is worth noting that Big Rock operates on the wristband system, where anyone buying alcohol must have a wristband. Be sure to pick up yours over near the main concession stand if you plan to drink. Atmosphere 3 Being a new ballpark, Big Rock Stadium doesn’t have the feel of some older CPL parks. There is no wooden grandstand or larger wooden beams around the park. It is just a simple stadium with metal bleachers and a great picnic area. Simply put, there is not a bad seat in the stadium. There are three sections of metal bleachers with backs. The outer two are general admission, and the center is for season ticket holders. There is a walkway in front of all the seats, and thankfully, an accompanying sign that tells fans not to stand in that walkway. The stadium is very busy, which is good for non-baseball fans and kids. As soon as you walk through the gate, you see the visitor bullpen and large marlin as part of an ad for a local outdoors store. The staff is all very friendly and welcoming to both in-town fans and visitors. Personally, I love hand-operated scoreboards. Even though it’s a new stadium, Big Rock has a classic hand-operated scoreboard. There is one video board, but it mostly displays a welcome message to the night’s group or sponsor. Neighborhood 4 While Big Rock Stadium is in a residential area, the surrounding neighborhood is full of both chain and local restaurants. US-70 is only minutes from the stadium, and is most likely the road you are taking to the game. West of the stadium, US-70 is full of national chains, such as Buffalo Wild Wings or Olive Garden. East of the stadium, US-70 is the gateway to local seafood. There are two iconic seafood places in Morehead City: The Sanitary and Captain Bill’s. Both have waterfront seating, but each has something just a bit different, and everyone has a favorite. The Sanitary is a restaurant as well as a fish market. It is slightly more expensive than its counterpart. Their signature dish is the deluxe shore dinner. The first course is a choice of soup or shrimp cocktail. The main course is a fried seafood platter, which includes fried fish (chef’s choice), fried shrimp, fried oysters, fried scallops and soft-shell crab. This is more than enough for a meal and is a great way to sample the local fare. Captain Bill’s is a more casual restaurant for those who still want great local seafood. Their sampler includes your choice of clam strips, popcorn shrimp or fried trout with two sides and hush puppies. As an added bonus, Captain Bill’s serves alcohol (the Sanitary does not). If you continue east down US-70, you will enter the town of Beaufort (pronounced Bo-fort – there is a SC town spelled the same, but pronounced Byu-fort). Beaufort is filled with several other waterfront restaurants and other unique dining options. If you arrive in the area early, go for a walk around Beaufort. Fans 3 The single reason that the CPL can operate a team in a beach town is because they only play in the summer months. Most of the fans are families on vacation who are looking for an inexpensive night out. Some families are more into the game than others, but this isn’t exactly a rabid fan base. Like most CPL teams, most fans are just there taking in a baseball game or having a family night out. Access 4 US-70 runs straight through Morehead City and most of North Carolina. Despite what GPS directions will tell you, N 20th Street is the best way into the park. Do not let a computer tell you different. Being just minutes from a major highway, the access is pretty easy from almost anywhere. Big Rock Stadium is a new stadium, so the restrooms are clean, as expected. Parking is free, but be sure to get to the game early. The fans will often come early. I arrived 30 minutes before first pitch, and I barely found a spot. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets are $7, while kids are $5. This is pretty much on par with the rest of the league, which is known for being a great value. Concessions are much cheaper than most sporting events. $7 for admission and $2.50 for a hot dog is a steal in the world of sports. Along with the great location of the beach, this is a great value. Extras 3 Fin the Marlin is the mascot. Fin mostly hangs out in the picnic area but occasionally visits other parts of the park. Fin also participates in on-field games, as most mascots do. The PA announcer was good, but he seemed to have a long list of product placements to read after what seemed like every pitch. Every foul ball is brought to you by an insurance agency, every inning features several local businesses, and every game has a chicken batter. The chicken batter is a batter that is chosen pre-game and, if he strikes out, someone in the audience gets a coupon for free chicken. This is a clever promotion, because it makes the fans root for this batter to strike out every time he comes to bat. Again, Morehead City is a great place for a team. The ballpark is perfectly placed away from all the craziness of the beach, but close enough to reach the people there and allow the fans options for after the game. Final Thoughts The Marlins have a great concept. They offer a night out, at the beach, for a great price. You can’t go wrong with those three together. If your travels take you to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, be sure to enjoy a game at Big Rock Stadium.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 The Ballpark E. Emerson Cummings Boulevard Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 The Ballpark website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,500 Second Act at The Ballpark The Ballpark was built in 1984 to be the home for the AAA Maine Guides, which lasted only five seasons before moving to Moosic, PA. The park was unable to attract another baseball team, and was utilized as a summer concert venue as it sat mostly dormant. Over the years, the ballpark sat neglected, overgrown with brush, and was falling apart. It became a popular spot for drug use, fires, and vandalism. A lightning strike at the site caused a significant amount of fire damage in 2007. The town of Old Orchard Beach considered plans to sell the land for development, and it was a mainstay on Ballpark Digest’s endangered ballparks list. The tide turned for The Ballpark in 2008, when a volunteer group called the Ball Park Group began to clean up and renovate the ballpark for special events and ballgames. The Raging Tide moved to Maine and began calling The Ballpark home in 2011. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at The Ballpark, and it offers a very limited menu consisting of hot dogs ($3), burgers ($4/$4.50), French fries ($3), and nachos ($2.75). Fans looking to snack can choose from cotton candy ($2), popcorn ($1.50), chips ($0.75), or candy bars ($0.75). Bottles of Pepsi products can be bought for $2. Ice cream novelties are available for $2.50. Fans looking for a more adult alternative can choose from several varieties of beer and wine. The beer garden at The Ballpark has bottles of Coors Light ($4), Corona, Guinness, and Heineken for $5. Angry Orchard Cider and glasses of wine are available for $5, and Cayman Margarita can be had for $6. Fans looking to purchase Raging Tide gear will be happy with the selection of t-shirts, hats, and novelties available at the souvenir stand. Atmosphere 1 Try as you may, there is just no way to create a festive atmosphere when a couple hundred people are scattered in a 5,000 seat concrete stadium. To their credit, the Raging Tide staff do try, with music, games, and promotions throughout the game. The staff are very friendly and genuinely grateful to see the fans that do show up. Unfortunately, there is only so much they can do, and their efforts generally fall flat. Add to the mix one of the saddest looking mascots in creation, and the atmosphere at a Raging Tide game is not the most electric you will ever come across. Neighborhood 5 The Ballpark is located in a secluded, wooden area adjacent to the Old Orchard Beach High School and behind the Old Orchard Beach Police and Fire Departments. There is little to see or do in the immediate vicinity of The Ballpark, but that changes in a hurry as you head towards the ocean. About a mile away from the ballpark is the Palace Playland, the Pier, and other Old Orchard Beach attractions. The area, once one of the largest tourist destinations on the east coast, has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to hurricanes, fires, and blizzards. The current incarnation of the beachfront is significantly smaller than past versions, but still attracts a great deal of tourist traffic during the summer, particularly from Quebec. It is not uncommon to hear conversations taking place in French during the summer months. The year-round population of Old Orchard Beach is under 9,000, but swells to almost 75,000 during the summer. Interestingly enough, Old Orchard Beach is the closest oceanfront beach to Montreal, explaining the lure of the area to French Canadian tourists. In fact, most shops in the area have signs in their windows proclaiming “ici nous parlons Francais” (we speak French here). The Futures League season begins in June, when the tourist industry is just getting started. If you venture to the area later in the year, you may be dealing with an entirely different crowd. Fans 2 Crowds at The Ballpark can vary wildly from night to night. In their three seasons in Old Orchard Beach, attendance has averaged in the 500 range. On weekend nights the Tide can attract close to 1,000 fans, and crowds less than 100 have also been reported. The fans that do show up are knowledgeable about the team, and enthusiastic about their efforts. Access 3 Old Orchard Beach is easily accessible via Interstate 95 (Maine Turnpike). Simply take the Interstate 195 exit, which will quickly turn into route 5. The Ballpark is located just off of Route 5 behind the Police and Fire Stations. Fans seeking alternate methods of transportation to the seaside town will be pleased to know that Amtrak’s Downeaster train stops just feet from the beach during the summer months. From there, The Ballpark is a short cab ride away. Once inside The Ballpark, there is more than enough room to spread out. With a capacity of 5,500, The Ballpark is the largest facility in the Futures League. The concourse is located underneath the grandstand, and is more than large enough to accommodate even the largest Raging Tide crowd. One major drawback of the concourse area is that it isn’t paved or landscaped, so fans with unsteady gait should step carefully. Also, if you can help it, don’t look up. The underside of the seating bowl is not the most attractive view one will come across at a ballpark. Despite the great efforts of the volunteers who have tirelessly worked at renovating The Ballpark, it still has an unfinished feel to it. The concession stands and locker rooms at The Ballpark are built to resemble the pine cabins typically seen in lodges and campgrounds in this area. The bathrooms are new, clean, and more than large enough for any Raging Tide crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets at The Ballpark cost $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children aged 7-12. Children under 7 are admitted for free, as are active members of the military. Free parking is available in the large parking lot adjacent to The Ballpark. Food will not cost you an arm and a leg either, so a night at a Raging Tide game is a very affordable alternative to many other activities in the area. Extras 2 The experience at The Ballpark is a bare bones one, to be sure. The staff are friendly and helpful, which goes a long way towards covering up the shortcomings of the ballpark. Still, ballpark aficionados will undoubtedly enjoy visiting this once endangered field. The locker rooms here are located in a separate building located behind and underneath the seating bowl, meaning that the players have to walk the concourse through the crowd after the game to get to their lockers. It was an autograph hound’s nirvana back in the day, and that tradition continues today. The Raging Tide players were more than accommodating to any children wanting their items signed. Final Thoughts After spending a day at The Ballpark many fans will marvel over the fact that this ballpark was ever considered adequate for AAA baseball. It’s even more unbelievable that Sports Illustrated once called The Ballpark the best ballpark in minor league baseball. It’s entirely made of concrete, it’s cold, and it’s ugly. It was only used for five seasons before the Guides moved on to the greener pastures of Moosic, PA and the equally unattractive Lackawanna County Stadium. Still, it’s a monumental achievement that it is still standing and in usable condition. Kudos to the volunteers who gave their time, energy, and money to preserve a ballpark that would have easily faded away into history. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

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

Photo Courtesy of The State Hornet Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 John Smith Field College Town Drive and Sinclair Road Sacramento, CA 95819 Sacramento State Hornets website John Smith Field website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 1,200 College Ball in Sacramento The Sacramento State Hornets baseball team plays at John Smith Field, an on-campus facility in California’s capital city. It was dedicated to the former manager in 2010 after 32 years at the helm of the Hornets program. Though most of the Sac State programs play in the Big Sky Conference, the baseball team is the only one that plays in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The Hornets appeared in two Division II College World Series in 1986 and 1988. They made their first ever appearance in the D-I NCAA Tournament in 2014 after winning that year’s WAC Tournament. The appearance was short-lived as they beat Arizona State before ultimately falling to hosts Cal Poly in the regional stage. Food & Beverage 1 It’s the bare minimum at John Smith Field. Hot dogs, nachos, bottled soda and a variety of candy are served out of a trailer. A less than appealing prospect on a hot day. Most weekday games start at 3pm, fortunately between meals. Though not encouraged, I’m sure you can bring in water and small snacks as well. Atmosphere 2 There is nothing particularly unique about the Hornets’ home, although it is a clean, updated stadium and a fine place to catch a game. Seating stretches from 3rd to 1st base and is mostly metal bleachers. With no covering, the seats can get extremely hot in the Sacramento sun. There are two rows in front of the bleachers that are reserved seats with flip down chairs. Most of the fans sat in general admission. One added feature is the parking garage beyond the left field fence where some fans park at the top and watch from their lawn chairs. Unfortunately this is not the garage/lot that is free on game days. The sagging “Sacramento State Hornets” banner in right-center field is just sad. The walk up music is loud and clear but is such a contrast to the dead silence of the crowd. Neighborhood 4 The baseball field is a part of the greater sports complex, very near the football, softball and soccer fields. The closest bar is Stingers. It is your typical college bar that serves up food all day long and is within walkable distance to John Smith Field. My favorite nearby bar is the Capitol Beer and & Tap Room, just across the American River. Just a few miles away is my favorite brewery in Sacramento, Track Seven. They have 8 or 10 taps that are constantly changing. They don’t serve food but do have food trucks that rotate; sometimes burgers, sometimes tacos. There are plenty of restaurants nearby serving the college community. Hot City Pizza is the spot for pizza while Evan’s Kitchen is ideal for brunch. Cafe Rolle serves up French-style sandwiches and other cafe foods and Bandera is Capitol Beer’s neighbor, great for a date night. Though you can imbibe nearby the venue, if you have time, a trip downtown might be in order. You can visit the California State Capital, just five miles from the university as well as enjoy the rest of the downtown Sacramento area. As the sixth-largest city in California, Sacramento has nearly half a million residents so it follows that there will be historical and social value in your surroundings. Fans 1 There are plenty of seats available at John Smith Field. The crowd consisted of less than 50 people, most of which were family members of either team. Fans though were engaged throughout even during a hot day. I have to wonder if the 3pm start time negatively affects attendance due to students still in class. Access 4 From Highway 50, exit at Howe Ave/Power Inn and from 80, exit at J Street. The surface streets off of the freeways are easy to navigate. Parking is free in Lot 10 (6-8 minute walk) which is across the street from Hornet Stadium, for games Monday through Thursday. For games held on Friday through Sunday, parking is free on the top level of Parking Structure I (the one right beyond the left field wall). There is one entrance located behind the 3rd base dugout where you can also purchase your tickets. Once inside, getting to your seat is a breeze as there are few fans and plenty of access. The restroom option is a strange one. It looks like a small trailer and is less than appealing. In fact, it was rather spacious and more than served the fans in attendance. The nearest light rail station is the Power Inn station. The light rail serves most of Sacramento and can get you to downtown or Midtown easily. The nearest Amtrak station is downtown at the corner of 5th St and H St. Return on Investment 3 ROI is good considering the free parking and the $8 general admission ticket. Concession prices are reasonable but I’d avoid buying food if possible. With the Hornets being one of the better teams in the WAC, you’d certainly be in for some quality baseball. Extras 1 There are two things of note that create an extra point for me. There is a wall of accomplishments underneath the bleacher seating, complete with pictures and stats of recent conference acknowledgements. Another cool thing is being able to sit right next to the play-by-play announcer as his table is set up near the home dugout.

Photos by Dennis Morrell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Angel of the Winds Arena 2000 Hewitt Ave Everett, WA 98201 Everett Silvertips website Angel of the Winds Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 8,149 Everett Tips *Editor’s Note-This review originally appeared on Stadium Journey in 2014. Since that time, the Silvertips’ home arena has been renamed Angel of the Winds Arena. At the time of this review, the arena was named Comcast Arena, and will be referred to by that name throughout this review. Just 30 miles north of Seattle, a burgeoning community sits just off the eastern shore of Possession Sound. With a population of 105,000, Everett supports both an AquaSox baseball team (class A short season) and Silvertips major junior hockey club, members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), part of the top major junior circuit in the world. While the Silvertips continue to garner strong support, attendance has slipped since their first six season where figures topped 6,000 per game regularly. For the 2013-14 season, the team is averaging 4,664 a game, still good for 8th in the 22-team league. Comcast Arena is the home of the Silvertips and offers an experience worthy of a visit. The intimate setting and sightlines provide for an enjoyable outing and having a competitive team helps bring the entire package together. Food & Beverage 3 There are a few neat treats to enjoy at Comcast Arena, but most everything you would expect to consume at a sporting event is here. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice with fountain variety at $4 for regular size and $4.50 for a large size. For just $8, though, you can get an All-You-Can-Drink cup. Bottled soda, water, and Monster Energy drinks are $4. For beer lovers, Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, Molson Canadian for common selections and some local brews such as Kokanee and Scuttlebutt Power Play Ale are on hand. Draft beer is $8 while regular bottled beer is $7 and large bottled beer is $11. Even more beer options can be found at the Ice Box Lounge behind section 113. I had an oversized hot dog at $5.50, which was not as tasty as anticipated. Regular sized hot dogs are $4 with a kiddie dog for $2. Regular nachos are $4.25 while nachos grande are $5.75. A large soft pretzel is $3.75 and an accompanying cup of cheese is $1.50. Pizza slices are $6.50 and $7 depending upon the type. Near section 118, there is a concession area featuring seafood and Mexican food. Make sure you take a peek at the menu here. Among the offerings are a pulled pork sandwich or salmon burger (both served with fries) or fish & chips, each of the three at $10. A bowl of clam chowder is just $6. Burritos and quesadillas are $9 while a taco salad and three tacos are $10. There are a few additional special items which caught my attention. They include Fruit-on-a-stick for $6-$7, Mini Donuts (18 of them) for $5.50, a caramel apple for $5, and stir fry for $10. Most food and drink stands only accept cash (such as fruit-on-a-stick). Generally, concession prices are a little higher than expected for a minor league hockey venue. The Ice Box Lounge, located behind section 113 on the other side of the concourse, provides plenty of standing areas and high tables to accommodate at least 100 patrons. As for finer dining choices inside the arena, there are two options. The Arena Grill is a table-service venue located near sections 205 and 206 and available exclusively to suite holders and those with club seats. Reservations can be made at (425) 322-2726 or online. The Octane Lounge provides a contemporary bar atmosphere with full cocktail service. It is located at the 200-level at the southeast corner of the arena near section 210 and 211. It is available to the public 90 minutes before game time (unless being rented for the night). Atmosphere 4 The arena is nestled in the heart of downtown at 2000 Hewitt Avenue, the north edge of the block bordered by Oakes Avenue to the west and Broadway to the east. The corner of Hewitt and Oakes provides the facility’s most grand entrance. It is arguably the epicenter of activity in this quaint community. From the outside, the building does not look like much, but get inside and it has some character. It is intimate with sections close together and built nearly on top of the ice instead of spread back. This is likely due to the small footprint the building has in a city block. Built into part of a steeply-graded hill, of which you will see several throughout downtown, Comcast Arena’s main entrance is on the northwest side of the arena at Hewitt Avenue and Oakes Avenue. There is a bit of a downward grade with steps from the street to get you to the front door. A secondary entrance is along the south side of the arena along Wall Street. Inside the main entrance and to the right is the pro shop, across from section 105. The main box office is to the left of the entrance. There are two bowls of seating, the 100 level and the 200 level. The main concourse feeds to both with entrances to the sections leading to steps which take you to the 100 level seats and stairwells which take you up to the 200 level seats. The 100 level has approximately 15 rows while the upper level has about 18 rows on average. If you are sitting in the 200 level near the top, there are walkways behind the last row which include restrooms. This nice feature prevents the need to descend down the stairwell and then back up wasting time and energy. The main concourse is appropriately marked and not too cluttered with signage. Directional signs are clean and simple and guide you to where you want to go. Elevators are available in several areas to take patrons who need them to the upper levels. If you are concerned about missing the game while in the concourse, know there are a few televisions above and within some concession stands. These are not plentiful though. As for choosing where to sit, consider the following layout as if you were sitting at the center red line, across from the team benches and behind the penalty boxes. You would be sitting in section 108. These tickets are known as the lower club and are $29 for regular games, $34 for premium games (not for every one of the games against the following opponents, but mostly for games when the Silvertips face Seattle, Portland, Spokane, Moose Jaw, and Victoria). Check the website to see the premium game schedule. More on sections and pricing can be found at the end of this section. While sitting in section 108, look to your left behind the goal. Section 103 is found there, the end where the Silvertips shoot twice. The sections at this end surround the glass rising upward to a high 200 level and a full second level of seats. Look to your right behind the goal and section 100 is where you can sit directly behind the net where the opponent shoots twice. While there is a full 100 level with multiple sections of seats, the concourse is at the top of the 100 level and is the only area of the concourse where you can view the ice and the action on it. Across the concourse in this area is The Ice Box Lounge, a place to stand and talk to other fans while listening to the game. This area also provides a view (separated by glass floor to ceiling) of the activity at the adjacent community rink. Both benches are in front of section 118 with the home team bench adjacent to section 117 while the away bench is adjacent to section 119. Penalty boxes are in front of 108 for both teams. Regular single ticket prices for Silvertips games range in price from $10-$29 for regular opponents and increase to a range of $10-$34 for premium games. 200 level, upper bowl seats on the corners and ends are $10 and $14 respectively for all games regardless of a premium night or not. The only exception is the upper club level in part of section 205 and all of section 206. These two areas are $22/$24 and are in the upper corner across from the benches and closest to the penalty boxes, both of which are to the ticket holder’s right. The benefit to these seats involves access to the Arena Grill during the game, it has food and drink service and slightly wider and more comfortable seats than the majority of the sections. The real benefit for these seats probably comes by being a season ticket holder with parking pass, team merchandise discounts and ticket exchange benefits. The red seats are the three sections on each side of the ice in the upper level parallel with the side boards. I believe these are the best seats for the money at $16/$19, particularly like section 208 as the best section to view a game. Consider getting a first row seat in this section as the sightlines over the ice are best from this spot. The remaining price levels are all 100 level, lower bowl seats. Most of the seats are green seats surrounding the rink at $19/$22 with two exceptions. The first row of seats around the glass are silver seats priced at $24/$29 with just two sections reserved for lower club and all seats including the first row price at $29/$34. Sections 108 (behind the penalty boxes) and 118 (behind the team benches) are lower club or blue seats. There is excellent pitch in the rows on both levels, but there are particularly better views from the upper level where you can see more of the ice without feeling too removed from the action. Aisles are wide and seats are comfortably padded with cup holders down below and in front of each seat. Concourse width is narrower than expected at the longer sides of the rink, but opens up nicely in the corner and on the end behind section 113. Keep in mind, before the game when fans are entering, the entrances are jammed full of people trying to decide which way they want to go. Once the game begins, things are less cluttered. Once in your seat, you will notice an appropriately-sized scoreboard with video capabilities for live action and replays. A loud foghorn lets you know a home goal has been scored. Banners recognizing team accomplishments are hung above the goals on both ends of the ice denoting the team’s regular season and playoff accomplishments. During the game you will enjoy the nice mix of popular canned music and organ music with an appropriate volume level. There is something to be said for the right level of music and the Comcast Center does a good job of maintaining this. Along where you might expect to find messages boards and game information there are static advertising signs throughout, almost overwhelming above what one might expect. I get the team looks for as many revenue streams and opportunities as possible. Seems this element is a little overdone at Comcast Arena. As with most venues, promotions to generate interest in fans showing up early and engaged during the game are plentiful. There seems to be some sort of promotion at every game. Neighborhood 4 Comcast Arena is in the heart of downtown Everett, just a few miles east of Possession Sound. There are many options for shopping and eating near the arena. For the eats and drinks, consider the following choices: The Austin Bar & Grill for great steaks and burgers, Port Gardner Bay Winery for wine tasting beginning at 4:30 Tuesday through Saturday, or Sidekicks for burgers, sandwiches and a variety of brew choices. Also worth visiting is Cask & Vine, featuring beer and wine accompanied by food pairings, Brooklyn Brothers Pizzeria for excellent pizza selections, Ynot Sports Pub & Grub for great burgers and an upscale pub atmosphere, and Fish Tale Brew Pub for great seafood choices. Fans 3 Fans are proud and supportive of their team and it is shown both in how they dress for the game adorned in their favorite Silvertips jersey or hat and in the volume with which they express their support. Access 3 Like most downtown arenas, street and garage parking are plentiful, but at a price. You can park for $5 at a garage just across and down the street from Comcast Arena along Oakes. The closer to game time, the deeper into the underground structure you will need to drive for your spot. There is a smattering of surface lots within walking distance, some as much as $10. Street parking is available and is free after 6 PM during the week and all day on the weekends. If you have to get there early on a weeknight game, you will pay $2 for up to two hours of street parking or $5 for up to four hours of street parking. Streets are in good condition and provide access to the wonderful shops, restaurants, and bars surrounding the arena in areas north and west of the arena. As for bathrooms, there are a total of eleven (11) and they seem to be congested far more than they should be. Lines extend well outside the restrooms at intermission, but far more problematic and for a longer period of time. It seems they have a shortage of facilities and have not managed the queue well as it inhibits those fans walking the concourse at intermission. Line queues at concession stands also contribute to the congestion. The message is consider this when determining when to go to the restroom or getting food or drink. You might have to miss some of the game to do either in order to avoid long waits. The area behind section 113 at The Ice Box Lounge is particularly crowded during breaks. Return on Investment 3 The food and drink prices are a little high in many cases, but there are some reasonably priced options. If spending money on food and drink is a staple of your evening at a hockey game, consider promotions with special pricing. Tickets are also a little on the high side. In being one of the top draws in the WHL, getting tickets in advance through the team website will cost you in ticket processing fees. Merchandise is on the fair to high side with many items being under $10, but authentic jerseys at $225 with personalization for another $60. Extras 4 Game Program: For $3, fans can pick up a game program on the way in the arena at the entrances or at the team shop. This is a must buy for information on the match and a cheap souvenir to take home with you to remember the evening. Mascot: The Silvertips mascot, Lincoln, plays a major role in each event and is integral in getting fans up for the game ten minutes prior to puck drop. About ten minutes before puck drop, the arena goes dark and Lincoln orchestrates a rumbling cheer. He initiates a sequence which gets one side of the arena yelling “GO” while the other side then yells “TIPS”. It may not sound like much, but it was pretty impressive to hear the crowd-coordinated chant build to a loud crescendo leading up to the home team stepping onto the ice. His antics throughout the game involve shooting t-shirts into the crowd, participating in on-ice contests, and riding along the “Fanboni” between periods with groups of Silvertips supporters. He is entertaining. Merchandise: The range of prices and variety of options is plentiful and in this jam-packed store most if not all of the inventory displayed makes the store incredibly small. It is to the point it is uncomfortable to walk around without brushing into the clothing racks and displays. Maybe it is a lack of a stock room or perhaps they choose to display so much to show they have plenty of stock, but it is uncomfortable and cluttered. The team could do a better job of merchandising appropriately instead of showcasing just about every item they have including back stock. Pucks are available for under $5, cowbells for $9.20, adult t-shirts from $15-$29, replica jerseys for $70-$100. While there are some good price points, there are some prices which are way out of line. Website: The Silvertip website is pretty comprehensive which is good in many ways, but it can be a little overwhelming at the home page. Still, you will find good information there including details on the special nights where ticket prices are a little higher for premium opponents and dates, views of the each from each section and the array of merchandise available at the game. Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame: Behind section 115 and 116 along the main concourse is this tribute to local amateur and professional sports figures. Even though football coach Dennis Erickson was the only inductee I recognized, the number of artifacts and stories accompanying the exhibit was enjoyable to visit. Consider at least a walk-by before the game.

Photos by Chris Patton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Dozer Park 730 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61605 Bradley Braves website Dozer Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 7,500 Bradley Braves Baseball The Bradley Braves baseball team shares Dozer Park with the St. Louis Cardinals Class A affiliate, the Peoria Chiefs. The stadium opened in May 2002, and Bradley’s first game in the facility was on March 26, 2003. Originally known as O’Brien Field, Caterpillar purchased naming rights in 2013. The current name refers to Caterpillar’s bulldozers. Dozer Park has 7,500 chair back seats, along with grass seating down the left and right field lines and behind the left field wall. There are also multiple picnic tables around the concourse. The Braves play in the Missouri Valley Conference. The most notable player in Bradley history is MLB Hall of Famer, Kirby Puckett. The late Minnesota Twin played in Peoria in 1981. Puckett’s opponent in the 1987 World Series, former Cardinals first baseman/outfielder Jim Lindeman, donned the Bradley red and white as well, from 1981-83. Food & Beverage 3 While only one of the many concession stands in Dozer Park is open for Bradley games, they do serve the entire menu. Yes, the entire menu does include alcohol, a rarity at college baseball games. Draft beer options are Bud Light, Miller Lite and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy (each $6). During the cooler portion of the college baseball season, $5.50 spiked coffee or hot chocolate might hit the spot more than a cold beer. A large Pepsi product in a souvenir cup is $5. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, turkey burgers, pork chop sandwiches, chicken tenders, and corn dogs all sell for $6 or less. Combo meals featuring one of the above items, French fries and a soft drink are all $9 or less, a nice deal for ballpark food. Atmosphere 3 Dozer Park is just over ten years old and a nice facility. Unfortunately, the most recent game I attended included an hour long rain delay. By first pitch, the stands were practically deserted and most of the remaining fans watched the game from the cover of the concourse. With the eerie quiet, it felt like the game was being played in the middle of the night. Inside the main entrance to Dozer Park is a merchandise stand and marketing table. The small stand features Bradley gear for sale, including t-shirts with the new school mascot, Kaboom the Gargoyle. The Chiefs merchandise store is not open during Bradley games. The marketing table contains picture schedules, posters and laminated cards for baseball bingo. The bingo winner receives a coupon for free pizza. The 7,500 green seats feature cup holders. Seats in rows 20 and 21 are under an overhang from the press box and suite level. These seats remain nice and dry in the event of a rain shower. Legroom is ample. The field at Dozer Park features grass and clay. The Bradley players and coaches are in charge of getting the tarp on and off the field. Dimensions are 310 feet down the lines, 375 feet to the power alleys and 400 feet to straightaway center field. The Braves use the Dozer Park video board, a luxury not available to most mid-major, college baseball programs. The screen features information about the players and airs videos for between inning contests. Neighborhood 4 Kelleher’s Irish Pub and Eatery is located on the historic riverfront, two blocks away from the park. The restaurant is housed in an old warehouse. They feature traditional Irish fare, along with American bar food. Kelleher’s touts their 20 micro or import drafts and 90 different bottled beers. The stadium is on the eastern edge of Peoria’s downtown. Peoria features a wide variety of nightlife for fans looking for a late night on the town. Just across the river in East Peoria, the recently developed area features nearly every dining and shopping chain possible. Fans 2 The trade off of playing in a shiny, off-campus facility is that students have to travel to attend games. They can’t just spill out of the dorms and into the game. The team needs to be winning and playing an exciting brand of ball to ensure lively, invested crowds. In all fairness to the Bradley student body, I attended a weeknight, non-conference game that featured an hour-long rain delay before the first pitch. Once the game started, there were only a handful of students in attendance who weren’t working at the game. Parents of the players make up the majority of the crowd. Access 5 Free parking is available on multiple streets around the ballpark. There are also nearby office lots that might be available for use, depending on the day and time of your visit to Dozer Park. Check the signs on the streets and the lots to make sure you won’t come out of the game to find a ticket on your windshield. Unlike the concession stands, all of the concourse bathrooms are open. The facilities are clean and spacious. Return on Investment 2 Admission is $6, which seems high, when many competing programs offer free admission. Free parking helps to make up for the admission charge. A pretzel and Pepsi in a souvenir cup totals $8.50. The souvenir cup features the Peoria Chiefs instead of Bradley. The cup is a leftover from seasons ago because it still shows the Chiefs as a Cubs affiliate. The Chiefs have been a Cardinals affiliate since 2013. It might be in your best interest to wait until the summer and visit Dozer Park for a Chiefs game to get the most entertainment for your dollar at this ballpark. Extras 2 While most everything in the park references the summer tenant, the Braves have two prominent areas where their history is on display. On the third base side of the concourse, there are two, wall-length posters featuring photos, names and records of great players in Bradley baseball history. Down the right field line, next to the retired Chiefs numbers, are the names and numbers retired by the Braves. Along with Puckett’s number 14, Bradley has retired the numbers of former pitcher Mike Dunne (#11) and longtime coach Leo Schrall (#2). Final Thoughts Dozer Park is a comfortable and fan-friendly stadium with a view of the downtown Peoria skyline. It is well worth checking out on a sunny day or a clear night. Unfortunately, it feels like Bradley is an afterthought at their own home field.

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

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hanson Field Stadium Dr Macomb, IL 61455 Western Illinois Leathernecks website Hanson Field website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 17,168 Go Necks! In 1903, Western Illinois fielded their first ever football team. The team’s mascot is a bulldog, but the team is nicknamed the Fighting Leathernecks. Western Illinois is the only public school in the United States to be granted permission to use Fighting Leathernecks, which is commonly associated with the United States Marine Corps. The home of the Fighting Leathernecks has been Hanson Field since 1950. The venue currently has a capacity of 17,168. The stadium is named for former football head coach and athletic director, Rock Hanson, who was a member of the Marines. The Western Illinois Bulldog also takes its name from Hanson, and is usually referred to as Colonel Rock. The field is surrounded by a track and a sidewalk surrounds the track, providing an opportunity to stand along the fence for a good view, but also having the effect of making the action on the field seem far away from the stands. The school competes in the Missouri Valley Conference, joining in 1985. Western Illinois has won five conference championships (1988, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2002). Food & Beverage 3 There aren’t many options on the concessions menu, but there is some meat. The ribeye sandwich ($5) is very good, and well worth the price. Other options include the butterfly pork chop sandwich ($4), grilled brat ($3), and grilled hot dog ($2). Pizza is available with pepperoni, sausage or plain cheese ($3 a slice). Popcorn and candy is also available ($2). Coca-Cola is the soda provider. Bottled water and Powerade are also on hand ($2 per bottle). Hot chocolate is also available and very good on a cold night or autumn afternoon. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere for Western Illinois football begins as you park your car and make your way through the tailgating. This is one destination where you definitely want to pack up the car and be ready to spend some quality time with purple and gold clad fans. You’ll find enough tailgaters to make you think you may be at an FBS-level football game. Be sure to arrive at least an hour early to the stadium if you would like to see the marching band perform in front of the student union building on the southwest side of the stadium. This may also be a good meeting point if you’re not tailgating. Once inside the stadium, consider taking a lap once around the track. In the northwest corner you’ll find the statue dedicated to former track & field coach, and two-time Olympic gold medalist Lee Calhoun. Calhoun won the 110m hurdles at the 1956 (Melbourne) and 1960 (Rome) Summer Olympics. The marching band plays a short show before the game and also at halftime. They also have some of the best seats for any marching band in the country, situated at the 50 yard line on the east stands, behind the visiting team’s bench. The student section is just one section over, helping to provide a loud and intimidating environment for the opponents. Seating is almost entirely metal bleachers (and some wood bleachers), with the exception of one section beneath the press box on the west side stand (Section D). Here you’ll find purple chairbacks, although the leg room is less than average. If you have a bad back you may shoot for these seats, but long-legged fans should stick with the bleachers. The school does offer chair rentals if you want something sit on in the bleachers for just $5. The stadium is dedicated to soldiers who fought in World War I and World War II, with the names of those from Western Illinois who died listed on a plaque on the southwest side of the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Macomb, Illinois is located just 41 miles from the Iowa border, about an hour and a half southwest of Peoria, Illinois. Hanson Field is located on the Western Illinois Campus, near the basketball arena, Waste Management Court at Western Hall. If it’s a nice day, consider taking the walk south of the stadium and taking a stroll through the Main Building, erected in 1899. There is a small, but inviting downtown area, about a mile away where you can find some bars and restaurants. Aurelio’s serves good pizza and Italian food. I really liked Pag’s Pizza. It is a modest place, serving only pizza, pasta, and soda, but the thin crust pizza is very well done. Chicks on the Square has four television screens if you want to stay up on what’s happening elsewhere in the sports world. They are famous for their “chicken lips,” which are essentially large chicken tenders served in a Buffalo-style sauce. They were pretty busy on my most recent visit, so be prepared for a possible wait here on gameday. Fans 3 The student section is known as the Purple Haze and is located next to the marching band on the east side of the stadium. There are a few hard core fans among them, but overall it is an underwhelming congregation with many of the crew leaving at halftime during my most recent visit. The alumni tend to sit on the west side of the stadium, behind the WIU bench. You will likely hear a few cowbells being rung in this section, and they tend to be very friendly, including to visiting fans. This group cares about their team, but also will not overwhelm you with the noise they are able to produce. The best fans in the house definitely are the band members, who cheer loudly and also contribute their musical interludes. Access 5 There is plenty of parking on the north side of the stadium, and it is free. There are attendants present to ask if you want a tailgate spot or regular spot. There is no charge regardless, it just depends on whether you plan to lay out a spread. Inside the stadium, the concourse that encircles the track is roomy. In most cases, you will have to climb some stairs to reach your seat. If you need assistance, then the southwest gate would be your best entrance point. Restrooms are large and clean, and can be found in the northeast and southeast corners of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets will cost you just $10, and reserved chairbacks will cost you $15. There is a $5 increase for homecoming and family weekend. Parking is plentiful and free. Concessions are reasonably priced. A program will cost you $2. Overall, there is good value if you are attending a game at Western Illinois, and well worth the overall cost. Extras 2 One extra point for the unique and deserved statue of track & field star Lee Calhoun. Statues always provide a unique experience when visiting a new stadium, and this one certainly adds something of interest. One additional extra point for the unique Leatherneck nickname, combined with both a live bulldog mascot, and the more traditional bulldog mascot suit. Final Thoughts If you find yourself in the western part of central Illinois, or southeast Iowa or northeast Missouri, then consider making the trip to Macomb to seeing the Fighting Leathernecks on a Saturday. It may be an unspectacular gameday experience, but there is good value in a visit to this FCS stadium.

Photo by Ed Pelle, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 University Blvd Hofstra Blvd Hempstead, NY 11550 Hofstra Pride website University Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 400 The Lions of Long Island If you should ever find yourself roaming the fertile central plains of Nassau County, consider visiting Hofstra University, a private institution that has played baseball since 1938, although the program had a three year hiatus due to World War II. The University was built upon a large former estate that was owned by a Dutchman. This led to Hofstra adopting the nickname of Flying Dutchmen until 2004 when they officially became the Hofstra Pride. Despite the name change, the university hasn't completely divorced itself from its previous incarnation. In several locations around campus you will see the words "Home of the Flying Dutchmen, House of the Hofstra Pride." Hofstra plays its baseball at University Field which has recently undergone some renovations and is located north of Fulton Street near the Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex main entrance. Hofstra's most well-known baseball alumnus is former New York Mets, Montreal Expos and Baltimore Orioles player Ken Singleton. New York metro area fans are probably more familiar with his current work as New York Yankees broadcaster for the YES Network. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverage offered to fans at Hofstra home games and there aren't any other options within close walking distance. Some people will bring food for the players, but eating it is off limits to the general public. Atmosphere 2 University Field has a bit of a disjointed feel to it, as if its individual parts were thrown together in some haphazard way. The first feature you might notice is its irregular field dimensions. The playing surface is 322 feet down the left field line, 337 feet down the right field line and 380 feet in center field. In left center field there looms a 30 foot high chain link "monster" that renders it virtually impossible to hit a home run in that area. The infield playing surface is artificial turf while the outfield is natural grass. A very noticeable line where the surfaces meet at the edge of the infield not only looks odd aesthetically, but it can affect game play. In 2010 the Pride constructed a new seating area behind home plate with 400 individual seats. This is the ballpark's best feature and makes it comfortable to watch a game. Some fans will congregate down the third base line, but that's about the only other option for seating. Down the first base line and in right field are trees that obstruct the viewing area. In the far corner of right field there is an unsightly area where the gardening and road maintenance equipment supplies are kept. Neighborhood 3 The area surrounding Hofstra University is a tale of two cities with Hofstra being the dividing line. To the south and west are areas considered "rougher" by most Long Islanders. Most visitors to Hofstra or the Nassau Coliseum will head east on Hempstead Turnpike toward East Meadow or north toward Museum Row and Roosevelt Field Mall when looking for post or pre game attractions. For people traveling with children, the Long Island Children's Museum is located just one block west of Nassau Coliseum on Museum Row and is well worth the $12 general admission. It has two large floors filled with interactive exhibits. The museum sits next to Nunley's Carousel which costs a mere ($2) per ride. The carousel has been relocated here from its prior home in nearby Baldwin where it had been operated for 55 years. Most native Long Islanders have ridden the carousel at some point during their life. For older visitors, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, which contains a planetarium, might be a better option at $14. One of Charles Lindbergh's plane is on display here as well as a lunar module that was produced on Long Island. The street on which these attractions are located is dubbed Charles Lindbergh Boulevard because he took off from nearby Roosevelt Field which was then an airfield on his world famous transatlantic flight in 1927. For post game food or drinks one doesn't have to venture far from Hofstra to find a great place. Located a mere 15 feet from Shuart Stadium's north end on Hempstead Turnpike is the Social Sports Lounge and Kitchen a bar and restaurant. Owned by Wayne Chrebet, this bar offers top shelf drinks and gourmet versions of sports bar classics. Some examples include marinated skirt steak ($13.95), bacon stuffed burger ($11.95), rigatoni alla vodka ($13.95), Cap'n Crunch crusted chicken fingers ($8.95), soy Thai calamari ($10.95) and shrimp dumplings ($8.95). Fans 1 The fans that come out to these games are generally of the friends and family variety. While there is nothing wrong with that, developing a fan base that extends beyond this is essential to the health of the program. College baseball teams that are in the Northeast generally tend to have difficulty with drawing as the weather can be rough during the early months of the season. I like to think of this category as a work in progress for Hofstra. Access 3 Getting to Hofstra is relatively easy. The university is located just off of Hempstead Turnpike, which is one of the major roadways that cut across Nassau County East-West. If you head north on Uniondale Avenue from Hempstead Turnpike you will reach the parking area to your left at the first available turn. Parking is free for baseball games. Conveniently, the Meadowbrook Parkway is located less than a half mile away and has exits that intersect with Hempstead Turnpike. Use exit M4 and head west toward Hofstra if using this method of travel. Public transportation is an option as there are five NICE (Nassau InterCounty Express) bus lines with stops at Hofstra University. These routes are the 43, 45, 70, 71, and 72. You could also take the Long Island Railroad to Hempstead if you didn't mind a brisk 20 minute walk, or take one of the above buses east toward Hofstra University from the area near the train station. Return on Investment 5 Hofstra does not charge admission for baseball games or any kind of parking fee. While there might not be any food available to purchase, the only costs for the consumer would be those associated with travel to and from the game. Extras 2 If you should travel anywhere on Hofstra's campus other than the baseball field, you will be in for a pleasant walk on a neatly manicured backdrop filled with interesting architecture and dozens of statues and plaques. Due to its location in what feels like the nexus of Long Island, there seemingly is always something else going on nearby. Final Thoughts Since the decision to disband its football team, Hofstra University has struggled to find another popular sport to help fill that void. The men's basketball team was anticipated to be the leader in this regard, but has fallen on hard times for a variety of reasons. Could baseball be the sport that energizes the alumni base and brings the Pride back to the forefront of the local sports scene? There is some work to be done here before that can occur, but it is not entirely inconceivable.

Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Nick Denes Field Avenue of Champions Bowling Green, KY 42101 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers website Nick Denes Field website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 1,500 Welcome to Western Just a few hundred feet from the watchful eye of Pearce-Ford Tower sits yet another athletic facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky on the campus of Western Kentucky University that offers up a large dose of the college/university look and feel. The Pearce-Ford Tower is the 13th tallest building in Kentucky standing 130 feet and 27 stories tall that serves as a female dormitory known as PFT to students and Bowling Green locals. Western Kentucky offers up this college/university look and feel about as well as any school in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Football (Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium) and basketball (E.A. Diddle Arena) are represented well on campus with great structures that lack pretentious and ostentatious personalities while simultaneously providing fans with architecture that is rich in both charm and tradition. Baseball's Nick Denes Field's understated beauty does nothing but strengthen the above claims about Western Kentucky's athletics facilities. With brick wrapped around the entire outside facade of the ballpark, the Nick pays homage to what a baseball field should be. The one game that can be directly affected by the architecture of the stadium is baseball and the Nick takes this position seriously. The walls are tall, the grass is as green as envy, and the shadows fall on the field in the middle of a late afternoon game as if God Himself felt the need to put a finishing touch on the atmosphere that can't be designed in blueprint or AutoCAD. Food & Beverage 4 A bratwurst, nacho and souvenir soda will run you $13. You could eat the bratwurst OR the nachos, but then again, you could use soap in the shower OR just let the water run over you. Do us all a favor in either situation and have both. The price tag for concessions is a little high, but you get a good selection of food and with the price of admission hovering at a very affordable $3 for youth/$5 for adults, it is easily a fair trade. There is nothing you can order that is exclusive to Nick Denes Field, but the food is good and worth paying the prices to get a taste of the ballpark. PRICE LIST: Souvenir Soda ($4.50), Bottled Soda ($3.50), Small Soda ($2), Bratwurst ($4.25), Large Popcorn ($4.25), Nachos ($4), Hot Dog ($3.50), Candy ($2.50), and Sunflower Seeds ($2.50). There's a good selection with no exclusive WKU flavor, and the 21-and-up decks on each baseline that the student journalism guys in the press box agreed we would call the Cold Beers Deck bumps up the overall food and beverage. Basically, it's a place for anyone who enjoys an adult beverage at a college baseball game to do so in his or her own designated area. According to a Bowling Green Daily News article from March of 2012, these Cold Beers Decks accommodate 100-125 people. There is a grill and beer is sold in this area. Anyone inside Nick Denes Field has access to this deck, but there is someone there to check your ID before entering, so if you are 14 years old and are thinking of sneaking up there, don't try it. Atmosphere 4 With Big Red running around shaking his hula hoop tire gut to the beat of every hip hop and country song that plays while a player makes his way to the plate, it's tough not to give this facility and surrounding presence a high rating. The sound system is no glorified boom box either. The sound is fantastic which keeps Big Red shaking his money maker the entire game. The Cold Beers Deck is a pretty cool idea for those who like to have a beer at a game, and adds to the overall atmosphere. Western Kentucky sells beer at football games at well, so the skill of sneaking in a beer to a game is not needed. If you are like me and don't drink and are not a fan of dealing with drunk people at a sporting event, don't you fret. You can have a great time anywhere you sit. The Cold Beers Deck is very laid back and relaxed so you can count on a great atmosphere to sit back and take in a game. WKU junior Josh Holland has total control behind the public address microphone. It's as if the day he was born, rather than cry, he just bellowed, "Pleeeeeeeease welcome to the worrrrrrld... YOURRRRR.... JOOSSSSSSH. HOLLLLLLLAND!!!!" From the moment you step inside Nick Denes Field from Big Red Way's left field entrance you can smell and hear baseball. You can even hear and smell it before looking to your left to take in the lush grass, the tall green walls and the large 25-foot wall in center field that also acts as the batter's eye 400 feet from home plate. The walls grow taller from left-to-right field, crowning in dead center, then slowly becoming shorter as you make your way to the right field foul pole. The net behind home plate extends a little wider than most ballparks to cover most any seat not in the Cold Beers Deck. The netting removes the stress of losing teeth from a screaming foul ball. So go ahead and buy that second bratwurst and nachos. You won't need a free hand to snag any errant foul balls. Neighborhood 4 Western Kentucky has a great campus and the ballpark sits right on the edge of it. Not so far away from campus that you can't tell you are on campus, but not too deep in the center that traffic is nightmare on game days. A short 0.7 of a mile from Big Red Way is a great local restaurant in the downtown area on East 8th Avenue called Mariah's. I can tell you first hand that the pork chops are great, the burgers are fantastic and the atmosphere is wonderful. It's not a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. The salads have cold black eyed peas in them and yes, even this is delicious, but in the event you shiver at the thought of this, by all means, just order your salad sans peas. Fans 4 The fans really bring energy and understand the game. A good Thursday evening crowd after the students have already headed home for the summer shows there's good backing from the locals. Access 5 There's really nothing negative to say about the access. Parking can be a bit of a challenge, but not terribly so. Access to restrooms is easy, there are no steep mountains to climb to get to your seats, and food is only a few steps away. Return on Investment 5 Two words that will warm my heart until the day I die: cheap tickets. There is really no way around a great return on investment when you place "affordable for the family" and "baseball" in one sentence. The concession prices are little high, but when you can get a family of four less than $20, it's a win for all involved. You may be out a few bucks on concessions, but that's an issue you can plan for before you get to the ballpark. A ticket price is what it is. If you want in, you pay the price, but you don't HAVE to buy a hot dog. You won't be sorry if you do get the hot dog or the nachos, but it's not a prerequisite to enjoying the game. Extras 1 Western Kentucky has everything a baseball game needs with no extras. I'm going to give one extra star because the Cold Beers Deck is something unique to the college baseball experience in this region, so one bonus star for the Hilltoppers. Final Thoughts Western Kentucky has always had a firm grasp on the perfect college appearance. From nearly every administrative and academic building standing on campus to the athletic facilities, Western gets it right every time. Very little on campus has a dated appearance and the athletic facilities follow suit. Western Kentucky falls in the mid-major category, but the facilities are a major bright spot for the city of Bowling Green. The architecture of Nick Denes Field serves the game of baseball well. The architecture of a baseball field needs to be well thought out and submissive to the game that relies so much on the blueprint of the field. Nick Denes Field does just that.

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