Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Homestead-Miami Speedway 1 Speedway Boulevard Homestead, FL 33035 Homestead-Miami Speedway website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 65,000 NASCAR’s Final Four Homestead-Miami Speedway prides itself on being one of the top speedway destinations in America. That has been reflected in the track’s facility upkeep, modernization, and overall fan satisfaction. It continues to be host to a variety of events outside of NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend as well, with club racing and various track day events taking place on the premises throughout the year. Food & Beverage 5 Homestead-Miami Speedway has some of the best food and drink selections when it comes to pro sports. Whether you want traditional sports fare like burgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc., or you’re looking for something more exotic (fresh-pressed Cuban sandwiches, Polish sausages, sweets, et al), Homestead-Miami Speedway has you covered with locations all over the facility. The track’s concessions stands are located around the track in various locations, making finding food easy. The food selection is still stellar and quite impressive when it comes to how much you can choose from. The prices are also still solid, despite going up a dollar or so. For example, hot dogs run from $5 to $9, depending on what kind you want. Atmosphere 4 As if the atmosphere in South Florida wasn’t enough to make this a must-attend event, the latest NASCAR points system change has brought the energy at Ford Championship Weekend to a fever pitch. Fans roaming the midway are buzzing all weekend about the latest qualifying or practice results and their respective predictions for who will take home NASCAR’s top prize. Indeed, the Chase has produced one of the single most electric feelings at a sporting event in the world. The track could use some updating in places (for example, most of the water fountains were green and moldy looking, if they work). Also, where restrooms used to be monitored by a cleaning staff, they are often left all weekend seemingly unchecked. The grandstands show their age, with many of them needing replacement or tightening, as they are loose and give a lot when leaned against. Homestead-Miami Speedway has made improvements to the track itself, but could use some sprucing up of the simple things, too. Sadly, in years past where sponsor displays took up every inch of real estate both inside the gates and outside, now just a few main displays remain, meaning there is a lot less to do between race sessions. Aside from that, the track action is among the best in all of racing. The fans in the stands erupt with each pass for the lead, and know exactly who they do and do not like. Neighborhood 4 Homestead-Miami Speedway was originally constructed in the middle of miles upon miles of palm tree farm fields, but you would never know that looking at it now. In the decade and a half since its construction, the immediate area has drastically changed. There are housing developments all around, with each one growing more expansive and beautiful with each passing day, giving the area a true “neighborhood” feel. Not far away from the track is the new state-of-the-art Homestead Hospital, as well as a shopping center off Florida’s Turnpike exit 2 that has a wonderful array of dining options, like Olive Garden, Chili’s, Sonic, Portofino Coal Fired Pizza, Red Lobster, Longhorn Steakhouse, Chipotle, and Panera Bread. Additionally, shopping options are there as well (Kohl’s, Publix Supermarket, etc.). That being said, South Beach and Miami are a mere 30 miles north, available for those who wish to visit the more vibrant side of South Florida. The Florida Keys are also nearby, just 15 miles south. Florida City, which is literally next to Homestead-Miami Speedway, is also booming with new shopping plazas popping up with food options, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Jimmy John’s, Applebee’s, Golden Coral, Cracker Barrel, Krispy Kreme, etc. Looking for a hotel isn’t as hard as it used to be either, with a Home2 Suites by Hilton popping up in Florida City, as well as a few new hotels having arrived near Florida Turnpike exit 2, such as Hampton Inn & Suites Homestead. For sights, the entrance to both Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park are just miles away. Fans 5 While recent years have seen the crowds at NASCAR races dwindle due to the economy, the new Chase format makes Homestead-Miami Speedway stand out from the rest – the 2015 Ford EcoBoost 400 sold out over a month before the race actually began. However, that trend has continued to go down as well, with the 2018 edition of the race only selling out the day before the big race. The fans packed the track for the Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series races as well, with the two series also having adopted a chase elimination style format. Indeed, NASCAR’s changes to the Chase have made the fan base that visits Homestead-Miami Speedway even greater than before. Access 5 While Homestead-Miami Speedway may not literally be off the exit ramp from Florida’s Turnpike, a few miles of rather direct traveling is all it takes to get there. Parking is extremely easy to find, while the signs are numerous and easy to read, as far as directing you to your destination. Traffic flow in and out is orchestrated by local police and security, as well as volunteers in the parking areas, so getting lost is very unlikely, and if it does happen it is not hard to find help. Entrances into the track itself are equally as numerous, and the lines to get in (bag checks are at every gate) are usually very quick moving. Pit passes for most events are easy to purchase, and grant fans arguably the closest and best access to drivers, teams, and garages in the world. Autographs are almost a certainty, either through a pit pass or via the multitude of driver appearances set up throughout the weekend. For road course races, not many tracks rival Homestead-Miami Speedway for how close you get to the action. All around the infield road course are bleachers set up for fans to watch the racing action at the closest battled corners of the track, all less than 25 feet from the track itself – it’s as if you’re sitting right on top of the action. Return on Investment 5 Homestead-Miami Speedway is NASCAR’s equivalent to the NCAA Final Four, the Super Bowl, and The Masters all rolled into one. For the price of a ticket to the race you get not just the event, but an experience. There are so many displays set up around the track during NASCAR weekend, and so many giveaways and contests as well, that one can easily go the entire weekend and likely miss something among all the fan areas! The fan experience at Homestead-Miami Speedway is made even greater by the pre-race festivities put on at the race itself. Prior to the 2018 Ford EcoBoost 400, for example, fans were treated to a pre-race concert by country music sensation Hunter Hayes, as well as driver introductions with UFC announcer Bruce Buffer. With the added knowledge that you WILL see a new champion crowned at the end of the Ford EcoBoost 400, you are also getting to witness history, and you certainly cannot put a price on that. Extras 3 For fans staying in Homestead-Miami Speedway’s camping grounds, the Homestead National Parks Trolley is there to take visitors to either Everglades National Park or Biscayne National Park for free. In addition, every year there is a charity fishing tournament, with the best in both pro fishing and racing taking part in the track’s infield lake. The various displays at Homestead-Miami Speedway also feature driver Q&As and autograph sessions during race weekends, though the number of displays has greatly diminished over the past few years to just a handful of sponsor setups. But ticket holders for all three races get post-race tickets to join the championship celebrations on the front stretch. Final Thoughts Homestead-Miami Speedway remains one of the top destinations for any sports fan to visit. History is made every year here, regardless of what happens – you will see a champion crowned, guaranteed; few other events in sports can say that. Despite its aging flaws, Homestead-Miami Speedway remains a must-stop for anyone looking to experience the best NASCAR has to offer.

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Van Andel Arena 130 W Fulton St Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Grand Rapids Griffins website Van Andel Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 10,834 As Good as it Gets in Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan is a true gem and it is getting even better. The home of the Detroit Red Wings’ AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins is an excellent place to enjoy hockey as well as many top name entertainers. Due to the close proximity to the parent club in Detroit, Griffin fans enjoy the chance to see future NHL players sharpening their skills and hoping to move 180 miles southeast to play in Little Caesars Arena. Considering the population of Grand Rapids (second largest city in Michigan – metropolitan population is over 1,000,000), the number of choices to eat and drink in the downtown area is amazing. A wide range of quality allows everyone to find their niche. The city has been named “Best Beer Town” by national publications, morphing from its former “Furniture City” designation. Thanks to Amway corporate leaders, the downtown has revitalized itself in recent years. It is a true destination location for travelers. Food & Beverage 4 Hockey fans can find copious food and drink options at Van Andel. On the lower level, the Intermission Restaurant and Bar is a full-service dining room open two hours before the puck drops. A wide range of concession stands offer the traditional options such as $4.50 hot dogs, $7.25 nachos, $5.50 cheeseburgers, $5 brats and combo baskets. One cost saver is the $10.50 refill cup with unlimited refills of soft drinks during the event. Pepsi products are offered along with national and craft beers from $7.25 to $9.25. Cocktails vary from $6.50 margaritas to $10 for the whiskey plum, while wine goes for $6.50 to $10. The Valley Cattle and Fry Co. stand provides burgers along with chicken wings and tenders. Peppino’s has a whole pizza for $25 and slices for $4.50. The Fulton Bar features Hudsonville Ice Cream options. Various Mexican food items are “custom made” as the customer chooses what goes into his/her burrito; I really enjoyed this opportunity. Atmosphere 4 Van Andel Arena opened in 1996 and has played a significant role in downtown revitalization. Sports, concerts, and plays are of high quality for all audiences. An HD video board on the south wall is a great addition as replays and lots of fan shots are shown. An LED lighting system was installed in 2016, along with free public Wi-Fi. There are apps available for the Griffins and Van Andel Arena that link the customer. The arena displays Calder Cup Championship banners honoring the 2013 and 2017 teams. The sight lines from the seats are quite good. However, the seats are relatively narrow by today’s standards that provide moderate leg room; all seats are padded and have cup holders. The seating areas and ceiling have a dark motif; the new lighting draws the fans’ eyes to the rink. Short stairways lead from the seats to the main concourse. Team mascot Griff the Griffin is a lively character who roars around the ice before the puck drops and meets/greets the fans. Neighborhood 5 The variety of choices available in downtown “GR” is great for hockey fans and event goers. Highly rated restaurants within easy walking distance include San Chez Bistro for all three meals serving small plates/tapas, Wheelhouse Kitchen for contemporary dining and the Bistro Bella Vista offers Italian fare. The Grand Rapids “BOB” (Big Old Building) has several dining and drinking alternatives in a lively atmosphere. Nearby downtown establishments I have enjoyed are the Butcher’s Union on Bridge Street and The Chop House on Monroe. Choosing a brewery in GR is a challenge: there are many high-quality options. Near the arena are Hop Cat and Grand Rapids Brewery Company. In the surrounding city areas, consider Founders Brewing, Mitten Brewing Company, Brewery Vivant, and Railtown Brewing Company. Attractions abound in and around GR: the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on the east side are excellent, the Gerald R. Ford Museum just west of downtown honors our 38th President, and the Public Museum and Art Museum are also great choices. Fans 4 Over the last five years, the Griffins’ average attendance is close to 8,000 which places them about #6 in the 31-team AHL. The team appears to do a very good job with group and family sales and they have added some suites. “The Corner Office” is a group area featuring food and drink along with luxury recliners. One great policy is the ushers holding up signs asking fans to wait until a stop in the action before returning to their seats – this should happen at all parks in my opinion. Fans are given a free “Griffitti” program when they enter. The fans are knowledgeable of the game and make noise for shots on goal, and the arena staff is very friendly and helpful as they welcome the fans. Access 5 Driving to Van Andel is quite convenient even though it is in the downtown area as two freeways have nearby exits. That said, fans should allow some time for parking and walking to the game. Parking lots/ramps are run by the city and cost $12 for events. Some metered street parking is available; if fans get to one of those spots at the right time, they could save some money. Fans enter the arena on the north side. Public transportation is widely available. The arena concourse is a good size, yet can get a little tight with large crowds. Handicapped fans are accommodated well with elevators and many seating locations available. Return on Investment 4 Tickets vary from $19-$40 at the gate; fans can save $3 per seat if purchased in advance. Check the team website and app for special offers; “4-pack” deals for family and the D-Zone are examples. The team offers lots of promotions/giveaways for most matches. Winning Wednesday events include free tickets if the team wins that night. Food and beverage pricing is typical for this level of play, and the variety is a plus. Extras 4 One point for the active downtown scene which can be enjoyed before and after the game. Another point for the excellent production provided by the Griffins staff throughout the game: excellent sound system and music; lively announcements; items dropped from the catwalks down to the fans (including a parachute drop with pizza boxes for free pizza). They make it an enjoyable experience. One point for excellent and friendly customer service. One point for the Grand Rapids Hall of Fame plaques throughout the entire concourse where they recognize players (including President Gerald Ford who played football at U of M), coaches and media favorites. Final Thoughts This is a great minor league hockey venue! Hockey fans might consider getting tickets for a weekend of fun: they offer a number of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday games on the schedule, so fans could stay downtown do it up right! Even casual fans will enjoy a match and families are very well served.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium 1600 Campus Court Abilene, TX 79699 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 12,000 History and Excitement Reside in Abilene Three division titles, 12 conference titles, two national titles – the history of Abilene Christian University football is long and storied. Currently playing in the Southland Conference in the FCS division of college football, the Wildcats have sent scores of players on to the NFL over the years, including Taylor Gabriel, Johnny Knox, and College Football Hall of Famer Wilbert Montgomery, as well as former WWE World Champion John Layfield. After sharing a stadium with local high schools for several years (the Wildcats have not played on campus since World War II), ACU unveiled their brand-new Wildcat Stadium in 2017. This $50 million facility features all the shiny bells and whistles associated with new facilities. The stadium also has one eye firmly rooted in the history and heritage of the Wildcats program, and looks to be the best of the past, present, and future. Food & Beverage 4 The food scene at Wildcat Stadium is – quite frankly – insane! There are all your traditional favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs ($4 each), Frito pie and nachos ($5 each), soft pretzels and popcorn ($5 and $3 respectively), all of which can be found at any of the five stands (three on the home side and two on the visitors side) in the stadium. However, there are two stands that go far above and far beyond the norm for most college facilities. At the Ultimate Tailgate stand options include a garlic and herb stuffed hamburger as well as a mozzarella and roasted red pepper stuffed hamburger. Wow. Need more? There is also a New England hot dog, Chicago style dog, and a brisket chili cheese hot dog. The burgers are just $6 (or $9 with fries) and the dogs are $5 (or $8 with fries). In addition, at the Wildcat Smokehouse you can also get the burger and hot dog options, plus such outstanding options as smoked candied bacon on a stick, smoked brisket or pulled pork sandwiches on cornbread buns, a pork riblet sandwich, and a Buffalo chicken sandwich. Crazy, right? With all of that said there are a couple of things to be aware of when getting your grub on at Wildcat Stadium. First, there is no alcohol sold at Wildcat Stadium; fountain drinks, bottled water, and sports drinks are available though. Second, the stands are open until the fourth quarter and do sell out of some of the most popular items quite fast. Atmosphere 3 History is everywhere at Wildcat Stadium. On the exterior of the building near Gates A and B, the facade is bedecked with large photos of some of the all-time greats in Wildcat history. In addition, a statue entitled “Lean on Me” greets visitors at the B Gate – depicting the late All-American Chuck Sitton and his lifelong friend David Halbert, the statue is another nod to the team and university’s storied past. Exterior of Wildcat Stadium, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The inviting brick facade soon gives way to the slick interior of Wildcat Stadium, where even more history can be found. Nearly every wall on the stadium level features photos and history of past Wildcat greats. A gently sloping hill sits under the massive Wessel Scoreboard in the north end zone. Decorated with the signage of several of the campuses Greek societies, the hill has become popular with fans – especially kids who can be seen tumbling down it repeatedly throughout games – as a comfy spot to enjoy the on-field action. Neighborhood 3 Located in the part of the state designated as West Central Texas, Abilene has a long history of being one of the preeminent cow towns in Western history. It is this tradition that the city has embraced fully, and you can see it fully on display at the impressive Frontier Texas! history museum located in downtown Abilene. Visitors get an immersive experience into Western history and the role Texas played in its development. This museum has consistently been ranked as one of the best museum experiences in the state, and should definitely be added to any to-do list when visiting Abilene. Another must-do is taking in the Abilene Zoo – a giraffe encounter, a miniature train that spans the whole zoo, and a pond with paddle boats are all on the table of activities to do when visiting. If you’re bringing young ones with you, this is a spot you have to take in. When it comes to eating either before or after Wildcats games, Abilene has got you covered. My personal favorite, after having made several trips to the city, is Belle’s Chicken Dinner House. This family style restaurant will flat out fill you up – fried chicken, chicken fried steak, catfish, chicken and dumplings …bring your appetite if you go to Belle’s. Or, if you’re looking for a little more upscale dining, Beehive Restaurant is one of the most highly recommended and highly rated in the area. This restaurant is billed as a classic West Texas steakhouse, so the beef is front and center. It is on the higher-end of the price scale, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on making a visit. Fans 4 Wildcat Stadium has done a tremendous job of boosting the attendance at ACU football. Last season the Wildcats averaged over 10,400 fans per game and sold out the stadium twice, which was a 60% increase over 2016’s attendance, and placed in the top 25 overall in the FCS. And at the most recent game I attended, it was clear that the honeymoon is far from over for fans at Wildcat Stadium. The east side stands are set aside for the student section and they are jam-packed! There are cowbells, towels waving, and there is purple everywhere. The stadium configuration doesn’t lend itself to being overly loud, but that does not take away at all from the fan experience. Access 3 Wildcat Stadium is located on the Abilene Christian University campus in the school’s athletic complex, within walking distance of the basketball arena and soccer, baseball, and softball fields, as well as the tennis courts. You can see the stadium from quite a distance away, and there is ample free parking for visitors. ACU has also jumped on the relatively new trend of allowing electric scooters on campus. There is a docking station near the Gate C entrance to Wildcat Stadium, and if you have the app, you can use these scooters to tour the neighborhood or just get to and from your car in the parking lot. It is not incredibly easy to get to the city of Abilene itself – the airport is not one that takes many commercial flights, so you’re pretty much going to have to drive here to get here. It is around a four-hour drive from San Antonio, three hours from Austin, and two and a half from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. So, unless you know someone willing to give you a flight, plan on being in the car for awhile. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for general admission seating at Wildcat Stadium start at $25 per person (reserved seating tickets are $50 per person). With parking being free and the relatively low cost for the (outstanding) concessions, you get a bargain at Wildcats games. Again, the only drawback is the access. But for what you get in terms of the competition and history at ACU, it’s a stop that college football fans shouldn’t miss. Extras 2 The extras at Wildcat Stadium – beyond the amazing history of the program – are all pretty standard in terms of college football. There are the cheerleaders, the mascot – Willie the Wildcat – and the marching band. The Big Purple Marching Band plays throughout the game in their section of the home team stands and – of course – at halftime. One highlight to be aware of is the t-shirt toss; between the third and fourth quarters, cheerleaders and student volunteers throw t-shirts into the crowd and fire off a t-shirt gun. Final Thoughts Wildcat Stadium is a great venue for college football – there are no bad seats in the building. Also, the food is exciting in its variety and is a bargain. Especially since it is still so brand new, you should definitely add Wildcat Stadium to your bucket list of venues to visit. Abilene, while a little tricky to get to, is also a great city in its own right. Make a visit when you can, you won’t be disappointed. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Raymond Field 550 Main St. Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 Acadia Axemen football website Raymond Field website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 3,000 Home of the Axemen Nestled between various vineyards and the Bay of Fundy in the scenic Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia is the town of Wolfville and Acadia University. With an enrollment of around 3,500 students, Acadia is one of the smaller schools in USports football. However, the football program fields a competitive team almost every season. Their greatest success came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the Axeman made four Vanier Cup appearances, winning two of them in 1979 & 1981. Since 2005, Acadia has reached the semi-finals five times, losing each match. Food & Beverage 2 There’s not much to get excited about with the food options at Raymond Field. Two concession stands are located underneath the main grandstand. Depending on what you’re craving, you may have to visit both stations. Follow your nose to the grill behind section 4, as scents of hamburgers and hotdogs draw you to the makeshift concession stand. The permanent concession stand has more traditional snack foods including popcorn, candy, and an array of soft drinks, juices, hot chocolate, and coffee, all under $4. For a frosty beverage, a beer garden is set up just beside the grandstand. The garden consists of picnic tables and standing room areas with full view of the game. Beer options are limited to cans of Budweiser, Bud Light, Alexander Keith’s and Okanagan Cider for around $6. Instead of settling for some of these traditional choices, enjoy the farmer’s market next door prior to kickoff. The market offers a variety of food options including breakfast feasts, ethnic favorites, and desserts. In addition, a number of eating and drinking establishments are located within walking distance of the stadium. Atmosphere 2 Raymond Field would be a great place to film a football movie based in the 1960s. The main grandstand is an “old-timer” concrete structure and wood bench seating, with an angled heavy-looking canopy cantilevering over all ten seating rows. The grandstand is only on the west side of the field and is not centered to the field markers. Despite the running track surrounding the field of play, you will be close to the action sitting in the grandstand, as row one is within arms reach of the first runners lane. Additional aluminum stands are located at the corners of the field, but feel isolated from the main atmosphere. No matter where you sit, you’ll have a view of the lone scoreboard. Try not to miss any of the action, no video boards can replay any great play call. Entertainment during lulls in game action is minimal, but still catches your eye. The public announcer has a great voice for the job, with exuberant excitement after a big play; the fight song also blares over the loudspeakers after an Acadia score. Cheerleaders and the mascot, named “Axeman,” attempt to increase the crowd’s energy throughout the game by chanting and throwing out t-shirts. Neighborhood 5 One of the best aspects of an Acadia University game day experience is exploring the town of Wolfville. Raymond Field is located on Main Street on the west side of town with plenty of restaurants and attractions nearby. The stadium is directly across the street from the picturesque campus, and literally next door to a charming downtown. Be sure to set time to stroll down Main Street and visit the many local shops and restaurants. The downtown is only a few blocks long and is easily walkable. Walk down to the visitor center at the east end of town and swing back along the “Rails to Trails” nature trail to learn about the history of the railroad in the valley. Enroute you’ll see an interesting example of adaptive reuse historic preservation, as the old train station now functions as the town’s library. Be sure to check out the delightful farmers market and the many historic homes throughout the town. Couple your stay with “Devour!” a food film festival in late October celebrating cinema, food, and wine culture. Wolfville is the place to be if you are a wine aficionado. Vineyards line Highway 1 offering wine tasting and tours. A wine bus may be the most effective (and safe) way to experience as many wines as you can handle. Annapolis Valley is also known for its apple and pumpkin farms. If attending a game in late October, be sure to check out the Pumpkin Regatta. This annual event is located in Windsor, a half-hour away, and features a parade of gigantic pumpkins decorated and hollowed out to be raced across Lake Pesaquid. Fans 3 Acadia may have small enrollment and is located far from a major city, but the hundreds of local fans have taken an obvious sense of pride in Acadia football. Section 4 is reserved seating for season ticket holders, which is nearly full for every game. Here, you’ll find the most knowledgeable and boisterous Axeman supporters who can be clearly heard all over the field making up chants or hollering at the referees. Crowd sizes range from 1,200 – 2,000 per regular season game. Homecoming can expect a crowd between 2,000-2,500. Access 4 Admire a gorgeous drive through the Annapolis Valley if you’re arriving from Halifax. Make the hour-and-a-half trip in mid October, when the leaves are vibrant in colour with reds, greens, and oranges covering the landscape like a painting. Be sure to keep eyes on the road and depart Highway 101 at the Grand Pre exit. Follow Highway 1 past a number of wineries and B&B’s and you will roll right into downtown. Just past the few blocks of local businesses you’ll clearly see Raymond Field’s goal post and grandstands on your right. Turn into the large free parking lot just past the grandstand. Transit is an option if you’re arriving from as far as Greenwood. Kings Transit provides a bus every two hours for $3.50. Navigating your way to your seats from the parking lot should be straight forward. Sidewalks lead uphill to the main entrance of the multi-functional Acadia Athletic Complex. This facility consists of the school’s fitness centre and hosts a number of Acadia sporting events, including basketball, hockey, track & field, and swimming. The box office greets you as you enter through the building’s atrium. After receiving your ticket, follow the crowd to the only patron entrance into Raymond Field. On the way you’ll pass a campus store and the Acadia Sports Hall-of-Fame before security checks bags and tickets are scanned. You likely have a general admission (GA) ticket, unless you’re a season ticket holder. A GA ticket allows you a seat in sections 1-3 in the permanent grandstand (close to concessions and the washrooms) or any of the temporary metal bleachers set up near the end zone. A barrier free ramp leads to the grandstand’s accessible seating row located on the first row behind the visitor’s bench. Early-bird fans gravitated to the last row of the grandstand which provides the best overview of the field, back support from the canopy structure, and wind protection. Return on Investment 3 Acadia keeps their fan experience very simple. You won’t find pyrotechnics or a live marching band here. But you will experience a comfortable place to watch a college football game. Single game tickets can be purchased at Raymond Field’s box office, by phone, or on-line. Season tickets are available for $35. Acadia football provides a good experience for an afternoon family outing. Since young, future Acadia football stars can sometimes lose focus on the game, a bouncing castle is set up at the corner of the endzone to expel excess energy while you continue to enjoy the action. Extras 2 An extra point for grilling their hot dogs and hamburgers on site. The smell of barbecued meat draws you in for a tasty bite! An extra point for Acadia Hall-of-Fame open to all ticket holders. The old photographs and trophies tell a rich history of Axeman Sports. Final Thoughts Spending a full day or weekend in Wolfville is well worth your time during late summer or early fall. A wide range of sights, sounds, and activities fulfill all the senses for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Implementing a football game at Raymond Field to your agenda will satisfy any sports fan knowing how consistently competitive the team is. Overall, the fan experience is simple, welcoming, enjoyable, and not at all overwhelming…just like the town of Wolfville.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 University of Charleston Stadium 1549 Piedmont Rd Charleston, WV 25311 University of Charleston Golden Eagles website University of Charleston Stadium website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 18,500 Country Roads, Take Me Home to D2 Football University of Charleston Stadium is located in Charleston, WV near the state capitol, and is owned by Kanawha County Schools. Due to lack of funds to maintain the venue, however, the county partnered with the University of Charleston, which provided $1.5M in 2003 for upgrades such as new turf, a new skybox, and new locker rooms, in exchange for access plus naming rights. The stadium is shared by the university’s lacrosse and football teams, and is also used by the local high school. The stadium was originally built in 1979, and currently holds 18,500 fans. Food & Beverage 3 University of Charleston Stadium has very low-cost concessions, including burgers, calzones, pizza, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches (separate stand), with nothing over $3.50; other options include packaged candy and popcorn for $1.50, or chips for 50 cents. However, if none of those options are to your liking, you can also pay $10 out in front of the stadium for an all-you-can-eat buffet sponsored by the alumni club, and enjoy barbecue, chicken, beans, coleslaw, dessert, canned soda, and bottled water. Once inside the stadium drink options include soda, Gatorade, bottled water, coffee, and hot cocoa for between $2 and $3 each. There are two concessions stands inside University of Charleston Stadium, one underneath each grandstand in the exact middle. Despite the low attendance at games, concessions lines can be pretty long, especially during halftime, so you may want to opt for the Chick-fil-A stand instead, which is a separate stand located close to the main entrance, outside the grandstand area itself. Atmosphere 3 The UC Golden Eagles at University of Charleston Stadium provide a decent atmosphere for football – on one hand the attendance is very sparse, so there is not much crowd noise at all, but on the other hand you can walk around pretty much wherever you want, so you can get really, really close to the action. In fact, you can even stand next to the field the whole time and the staff won’t bother you, as long as you don’t get on the turf itself. The field is surrounded by a track, and the cheerleaders perform in front of the home side all game long. There is no mascot, however, and there is no video board either, so you can’t watch any replays. Neighborhood 3 University of Charleston Stadium is in a pretty run-down part of town, but it is close to the state capitol, and there are a couple of restaurants and other attractions nearby if you happen to be in town for the day or weekend. The most popular tourist attractions are the Capitol itself and the Clay Center (sort of a children’s museum), and there are also a couple of decent restaurants within a mile or so of the facility, including Bluegrass Kitchen (featuring upscale comfort food) and Soho’s (an Italian bistro and bar). If you plan to be in Charleston overnight, there are plenty of hotels around depending on your preference and budget – the two closest are Residence Inn and Charleston Capitol Hotel. Fans 1 Very few fans come out to Golden Eagles games at University of Charleston Stadium, so the venue will generally be practically empty. Part of this is of course due to the weather, as it can get pretty darn cold in the Appalachian Mountains by October or November – the scenery here is nice, though, with the mountains clearly visible in the background as you watch the game. Access 4 Getting to University of Charleston Stadium could not be easier – the stadium is literally visible from the freeway (I-77/I-64 practically goes right over the top of it at Exit 99), and there is free parking on the other side of Elizabeth Street from the facility; you can park about 100 feet from the main entrance. While the venue itself is a little run-down, there are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the small crowd, so the only wait you might have it at the aforementioned concessions stands. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UC Charleston games at University of Charleston Stadium cost just $10, which is as cheap as you will probably ever see for college football. And while you will not find a ton of energy at this venue, being able to walk right up to the field makes it well worth it, and you can’t beat the free parking and cheap concessions. Extras 1 There is not much at University of Charleston Stadium besides the game itself, but you do get the nice scenery in the background, all the seats are chair back benches, and there are also UC painted school buses parked right on site, so that might be something to explore while you are at the game – selfie, anyone? Final Thoughts The closest FBS stadium to Charleston, WV is over in Huntington, or you can drive several hours north to see West Virginia play. But for the money and the ease of access, seeing a game at University of Charleston is not a bad way to spend an afternoon in the Mountaineer state.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George Williams Athletic Complex 1315 Oakwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27610 Saint Augustine’s Falcons website George Williams Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 2,500 HBCU Football in Raleigh In 2011 Saint Augustine’s University hosted its first ever on-campus football game at the then newly constructed George Williams Athletic Complex in Raleigh, NC – the venue holds 2,500 fans and cost $10M to build. The complex includes a field turf playing surface surrounded by a track, a scoreboard, and two main grandstands, plus a couple of much smaller grandstands behind the end zone. The press area is located in the top row on the home side, and is recognizable by the white tent above it. Food & Beverage 3 George Williams Athletic Complex offers pretty standard fare at its concessions stands for this level of football. The most popular items here come from a food truck near the scoreboard, and their specialty is fried fish, which comes in a really large portion for the money. You can choose either the fish basket with fries and hush puppies for $10, or the smaller-sized fish sandwich (which also includes fries and hush puppies) for $8. Other items available from the food truck are hot dogs, wings, canned soda, and bottled water – the wings are only available in a combo with fries, but hot dogs can be purchased either way. There is also a concessions table next to the home grandstand, which offers some of the same items as the food truck, namely wings, hot dogs, soda, and water, but also offers Polish sausage, candy, chips, and Gatorade, all at similar prices to the food truck. Between these two stands, you should find plenty to get you by for a couple hours while you take in the game. Atmosphere 3 George Williams Athletic Complex doesn’t pull in much of a crowd during St. Augustine football games, but the facility does provide a very intimate atmosphere – the fans who are there really enjoy it, and the band is very entertaining to watch, especially the drum majors. The stadium includes two main grandstands, one along each sideline, and also has a few very small grandstands underneath the scoreboard if you would rather watch from there. The home side has a mix of bucket-style chair back seats and metal benches, while the visitor’s side only has metal benches. However, all the tickets cost the same price, so you may as well sit in the chair backs, unless you want to be closer to the field (the chair backs start a few rows up from the bottom). Neighborhood 4 George Williams Athletic Complex is located near downtown Raleigh, and there are a ton of restaurants about a mile to the west (along Capital Boulevard). A few great options to mention are Brewery Bhavana, which features brews plus dim sum, or Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant, which specializes in country-style breakfasts. And of course, what trip to North Carolina would be complete without barbecue? The Pit Authentic Barbecue is a few blocks west of Big Ed’s, and is definitely worth a look if you want to grab a bite before or after the game. If you plan to be in town for the day or weekend, Raleigh offers plenty to do. A few good options downtown include the Museum of Natural Sciences and the Museum of Art, but there is also a kids’ museum (Marbles) as well as a couple of parks to visit. There are also plenty of hotels in the area depending on your preference and budget. Fans 2 Very few fans show up at Saint Augustine football games, perhaps only 1,000 or fewer at a typical contest. However, there is a surprising amount of crowd noise for the number of fans in attendance – the folks who are there really get into it. Given that the student population of the school is only about 1,500, it is not surprising there aren’t more fans at game. Access 3 Parking at George Williams Athletic Complex only costs $10, but the parking lot is literally right next to the grandstand, so you don’t have to walk very far. Unfortunately, however, the bathroom situation is not very good here, as only port-a-johns are available, and there is also no ticket office at the grandstand – for that you need to walk to the next building over (about a hundred yards away), which isn’t bad but is just not very convenient. Also, the lines at the ticket office are very slow, so it would be a good idea to arrive early to make sure you can get squared away in time for kickoff. Return on Investment 4 All tickets to Saint Augustine football games at George Williams Athletic Complex cost $16, regardless of whether you sit on the home or visiting side. This is about average for D2 football – some venues will be a little cheap, while others will charge a lot more. In addition, parking is reasonable and concessions are on the cheaper side as sports venues go, so you can find a pretty good return on your entertainment dollar watching a game here. Furthermore, you will spend a LOT less to see a football game here than at nearby Carter-Finley Stadium. Extras 1 Besides the football and the band, George Williams Athletic Complex doesn’t offer much in the way of entertainment during your visit (for example there is no mascot in sight). But the stadium is currently undergoing some construction, as evidenced by the fencing on the back side of the home stands, so the facility may feature some nice improvements in the near future. Final Thoughts While there aren’t too many frills here, George Williams Athletic Complex offers an intimate experience for fans of college football, without the high prices and traffic of other football stadiums nearby. Be aware that the lower cost comes with some tradeoffs, however, such as having to use port-a-johns instead of regular bathrooms. Nevertheless, if you can get past those you should have a perfectly fine time seeing a Saint Augustine Mighty Falcons game here.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fred Rust Arena 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Blue Hens website Fred Rust Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,500 Blue Hen Pride The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest in Delaware. They are a privately governed university that receives public funding. The school from which the university grew (Academy of Newark) was founded in 1743, making it one of the oldest in the nation. However, UD was not chartered as an institution of higher learning until 1833. U.S. News & World Report ranked UD’s undergraduate program 30th among public universities in its 2017 rankings. The university’s programs in engineering, science, business, hospitality management, chemical and biomolecular engineering, chemistry, and biochemistry have been highly ranked. Fred Rust Ice Arena was built in 1971. The complex also hosts the Gold Arena, which is an NHL-sized rink. The facility is home to the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens men’s and women’s ice hockey teams competing at the club level. The men’s team competes at the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I level in the Eastern States Collegiate Hockey League; while the women’s team competes at ACHA Women’s Division II level in the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference. It is also home to the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club and the University of Delaware Synchronized Skating Club. The Blue Hens men’s team won the 2012 ACHA Division 1 National Championship on March 7, 2012. Food & Beverage 3 There is a very small snack bar with an even smaller number of seats located in the right corner after the arena entrance. They have a simple menu but still some nice variety. Because of the ice skating groups and individuals who spend many hours at the arena for practice, they want to offer many food choices. It is a good option while attending a game. There are also snack and soda vending machines located near the visiting team side of the arena. Prices are cheap and they have good options here as well. I particularly like the coffee machine, which also sells chai tea. Atmosphere 3 The arena has a main grandstand along the home side of the rink. It is nothing fancy and is pretty much metal bleachers. The best seats are the ones with a blue-enhanced bottom cushion. It seems like nothing much but it does help the comfort level of the fans. Across the ice, the visiting team bleachers are just metal alone. The atmosphere is pretty simple. This is a place to watch a good level of college hockey and not much more. They do offer spaces for kids' birthday parties and other group events. There is a very good pro shop called Crystal Sports located in the lobby. It is a place to get your serious hockey and ice skating gear. They will also sell some Blue Hens merchandise inside. Other team merchandise will be sold on temporary tables inside the arena, next to the rink. Neighborhood 3 Newark (pronounced here as New Ark) is a great college town. Numerous food options on East Main Street will fill you up before or after a game. Parking on East Main Street is always a bit of a problem. There are many public lots, but note that they may be behind buildings and hard to find. Many restaurants offer validation for the public lots. If you do not want to fight for parking, head the opposite way from downtown Newark and towards the gigantic Christiana Mall area. Right before getting there is Border Cafe, designated only with a large “EAT” sign. Their large and varied menu offers great Tex-Mex & Cajun options at a pretty cheap price. Try the catfish fajitas with a side of jambalaya. Numerous dining and lodging options are prevalent around the Christiana Mall area, although if in search of lodging, one should look at the Embassy Suites located across from the baseball stadium. Around the corner from the stadium, behind Rust Arena, is the campus-run UDairy Creamery. Stopping for a pre or post-game ice cream cone is a must. Fans 4 The fans here are very knowledgeable. The Blue Hens teams have shown great success over the year so the fans expect to see quality hockey action. Some of the fans are family and friends of the players. There are also quite a few youth hockey clubs that attend the games. Access 5 Rust Arena is easy to reach and is only a couple miles off Interstate 95. You may have to pay some tolls, although locals will know how to avoid them as much as possible. Parking is free and plentiful in front of Delaware Stadium, the Bob Carpenter Center, and the arena. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are a reasonable $6 each. There are some options for group tickets and special events. Because of the fairly high quality and level of activity, the return on investment is quite high. Extras 3 Check out the banners and memorabilia for the various UD hockey teams. The teams have shown great success over the years, including winning the 2012 ACHA national championship. While you are looking at the banners, make sure to look at all the awards and information in regard to the various UD ice skating programs and their success. This is a facility that is known to be the spot where the best of the best come to practice. Speaking of “the best” you will also see items displaying the various high-level ice skating talent that trains there, beyond just the UD teams. World ice skating champion Kimmie Meissner is just one of the individuals that made the Rust and Gold arenas their home rinks. If you get there early or stay late after a game you may even see these talents in person. Final Thoughts The University of Delaware has some very serious hockey teams, not to mention a high-level ice skating program. The Fred Rust Ice Arena is not flashy but is a great place to watch a very good level of college hockey.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Javelinas Stadium 1200 N Armstrong St Kingsville, TX 78363 TAMU-Kingsville Javelinas website Javelinas Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 15,000 Home Field Advantage Means More at Javelina Stadium History and heritage have deep roots in the city of Kingsville, Texas. A tradition of farming and ranching built the community. It continues to grow thanks in large part to Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). Founded in 1925, the athletics department launched a football program shortly afterward in 1929. Since that time, the Javelinas have become one of the most dominant Division II programs in the country. As competitors in the NAIA, the Javelinas won seven National Championships. Since moving to the Lone Star Conference, they have won 22 conference titles and made 27 appearances in the playoffs. The school has also produced an incredible three members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Darrell Green, John Randle, and Gene Upshaw. Javelina Stadium has seen the vast majority of the program’s success. The team moved into the new on-campus facilitiy in 1950 and – according to the Javelinas Athletic Department – the home team has compiled a staggering 230-62-2 record at the facility. They have had 14 perfect seasons at home, and from 1967-1970 the Javelinas went a perfect 23-0 at Javelina Stadium; from 1974-1976 the Javs went 20-0. The stadium has become the heart and soul of the Kingsville community, and a must visit for college football fans in the state. Food & Beverage 3 Upon first glance, the food and beverage scene at Javelina Stadium might not strike you as being impressive; they play all the hits though. You’ve got your hot dogs and hamburgers ($3.25 and $3.75, respectively), your nachos ($3), and your popcorn and soft pretzels ($2.75 and $3, respectively). They also have fountain drinks and bottled water and sodas – no alcohol. However, if you dig a little farther, you’ll find a couple of pretty nifty non-traditional stadium items that fit right in. For $8, you can get the staple of fairs and festivals across the country: smoked turkey legs; these ginormous hunks of gobbler meat lend themselves perfectly to the on-field action. Another sneaky good item, churros – for a mere $2, you can get an order of three of these sweet treats. There is one main concessions stand near the home team entrance and a smaller cart selling most of the same items. They do take cash and credit cards, but tend to have long lines due to their locations, so keep that in mind when you make a grub run. Atmosphere 4 I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of atmosphere at Javelina Stadium – smaller schools like TAMUK can be hit or miss in this area; their success on the field directly translates to what is experienced in the stands and outside the stadium. Well, that is exactly what is happening in Kingsville. The tailgate scene outside Javelina Stadium is – in a word – insane! RVs and tents are stacked up for a solid block around the stadium. The crowds are awash in the blue and yellow of the home team and there is a palpable energy that buzzes from the parking lot to the stands for the entire game. There are also a couple of great additions to the game atmosphere that make the experience even more special, for example, the old-school howitzer cannon, manned by the TAMUK JROTC, that is fired off after every Javelinas score. In the south end zone, there are also bleachers and a play area set up for the young fans. There is also a VIP section in the north end zone where a wooden deck is set up with tables and lounge chairs, and a lucky group of fans is selected to watch the game from this area each game. What makes the atmosphere great though are the fans. Neighborhood 3 Kingsville is situated in what is classified as the Texas Gulf Coast Region – palm trees line the streets and seagulls fly overhead year-round. You can smell the salt air and you are instantly transported to a place that most would not associate with Texas. If you make the visit to Kingsville, keep in mind that you are only 30 minutes away from the beach at any given time. The main attraction of the city is the legendary King Ranch; at its peak, Captain Richard King’s sprawling monument to the cattle industry covered over one million acres and was larger than the state of Rhode Island. These days, it covers a “mere” 825,000 acres and spans six counties in the area. A visit to the King Ranch is like taking a trip in a time machine back to the era of cowboys and cattle drives – it is still a working ranch and offers daily guided tours. King Ranch is hands down the number one attraction in the city. Since Javelina Stadium is on the TAMUK campus, there aren’t many facilities nearby that aren’t associated with the school. However, there are a few pretty tasty options for dining close by – two in particular really play up the local cuisine of the region. Mariachi’s House of Burgers! is a popular spot with the student body; as its name implies, they serve up some tasty craft burgers that are a hit with locals. Another spot where you can get some good Tex-Mex, seafood, or chicken fried steak is South Texas Hole in the Wall. It’s a bit farther from the actual football stadium, but you can still get there pretty easily either before or after the game. Fans 4 Javelina Stadium has one of the highest attendance rates in the Lone Star Conference. The fans show out in force for Javs games as it is truly an impressive sight to see this spacious stadium jam-packed with rabid fans in blue and yellow. From the moment you walk up Armstrong Street and see the massive tailgate scene, you know this is going to be different from your typical small college scene. This is a rowdy, loud bunch but that makes the games just that much more exciting – unless you are a fan of the visiting team, of course. But in my opinion what makes the fans even more fanatical is that TAMUK is truly the only game in town. Kingsville has a population of just over 26,000; it’s not a big city but it’s also not a tiny town. Alum or not, this city loves its team and they show out at Javelina Stadium. Access 2 The city of Kingsville is just a shade over a two-hour drive from San Antonio, and just a little over half an hour from Corpus Christi. These are the two biggest cities in the area, and it is a pretty straightforward drive south on Interstate 37 (from San Antonio) or State Highway 77 (from Corpus Christi). Just FYI, as someone who has made this drive more times than I can count, it is not the most picturesque trip. At Javelina Stadium itself parking is a finite commodity. If you get there early you should be okay to find a spot, and parking in the stadium lot is $10. However, there are spots where you can park for a lesser fee (or even for free) in the neighboring area; you just have to be willing to look a little. Give yourself some time as Armstrong Street can become congested near game time. Return on Investment 4 To be quite honest, game tickets at Javelina Stadium are a pretty incredible bargain – you can get general admission seating tickets for $10 to $18 at most home games. This is a really good bargain when you consider the success that the team has had on the field. If you couple that with the low concessions costs and the potentially free parking, football fans should not miss an opportunity to take in a Javelinas game. Extras 5 Here we go – this is the area where Javelina Stadium really puts on the pomp and circumstance. The Javelinas check all the boxes in terms of traditional trappings of college football; they have their costumed mascots Porky and Baby, the Pride of South Texas Marching Band, and of course they have their cheerleaders and dance team. But there is more. A Ride with Porky, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Before you enter the stands there is a monument park complete with a statue of their legendary head coach Gil Steinke. Steinke led the Javs to 39 consecutive wins and six NAIA football national titles, including three in a row from 1974 to 1976. It is a popular spot for selfies for longtime Javelina fans. The Javs also boast a live version of Porky – Porky III. During games, he resides in a glass-walled caboose that is part of a kiddie train. The train is loaded up with kids from the south end zone who become part of Porky’s Pack; they ride the track that rings the field throughout the game. Personally, I don’t think you can beat having a live mascot as part of your tradition. It’s also great seeing young fans be able to see an animal like a big ole javelina up close for the first time. Leading the Javs out of the inflatable tunnel is the Javelina Chopper. This souped-up, TAMUK colored bike adds its roar to that of the home crowd and is a pretty great addition to the pageantry of the games. Final Thoughts I personally had a great experience at Javelina Stadium. It’s got a great old school aesthetic to it and the vibe is incredible. For this level of college football, I have a hard time envisioning a better venue to watch a game. It’s got all the look and physical feel of a high school stadium, but the atmosphere of big-time college ball. If you’re a football fan and are traveling in and around South Texas, add Javelina Stadium to your bucket list of game experiences. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Stanford Stadium 625 Nelson Rd Stanford, CA 94305 Stanford Cardinal website Stanford Stadium website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 50,000 Stanford Football Pride Stanford football is one of the most successful programs over the last few years in college football, especially within the PAC-12. The experience at Stanford Stadium on game day is also one of the best there is – the stadium’s location, fan base, and overall aesthetics make for a remarkable experience in a picturesque setting for fans to flock to. Food & Beverage 5 This isn’t your mom and dad’s football food – the Stanford food stands have great eating options, from giant and juicy burgers and chili dogs to Alaskan salmon burgers. However, perhaps the tastiest item on the menu is a bison burger called “The Big Game.” There are also great salads and healthy food options (black bean burgers are a popular choice). If you like BBQ, Niman Ranch has responsibly raised and chemical free ribs from heaven. The hot dogs and sausages are huge and range from standard sausage to bratwurst and Italian sausages. For drinks, you have a choice of your standard sodas in regular sized cups, or the 3-D Stanford Athletics-themed commemorative cups. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Stanford Stadium is that of a relaxing college football experience. While seemingly an oxymoronic statement, one minute in the stands helps you realize how true it is – the roar of the crowd fills the air during the game as the Stanford faithful cheer on their team. However, the view over the end zone grandstand shows a beautiful forest of trees to give a wonderful setting for football. At the top of the end zone is a flat grassy area for fans to relax, sit down, or even toss a football for fun. Additionally, the air quality in Stanford is clean, carrying the fragrance of the nearby pine trees with it. The weather is almost always perfect during football season; never too hot or too cold, a visit to Stanford will bring with it ideal conditions. The Stanford band is smaller than some, but no less entertaining. A loud train horn also sounds every time the Stanford Cardinal score a touchdown, and a cannon explodes after every scoring play. Neighborhood 5 Stanford is a short drive from San Jose, San Francisco, and the rest of the Bay Area, but immediately surrounding the stadium and the Stanford campus is a beautiful suburb of quaint homes. Stanford Stadium is located in Palo Alto, a wonderful melting pot of quality dining and shopping. In Palo Alto, fans can find various bars that are popular among the locals for before or after game entertainment. The Patio is one of the most recommended places by fans at the game, and Gott’s Roadside and Howie’s Artisan Pizza are also two popular food stops literally across the street from Stanford Stadium. There are also various choices for different kinds of food, ranging from Indian, Asian, Italian, and American restaurants. Being in California, there is also a quality vegan restaurant nearby. When looking for a place to stay near campus, Hotel Keen is a popular stop, as is the Garden Court Hotel. The campus itself is also picturesque and quite large, making for an enjoyable walk before game time. If you want to wander a bit, San Francisco isn’t far from Stanford’s campus, giving fans plenty to explore in one of the most beautiful cities in America. San Francisco is about a 45-minute drive north (sans traffic), and once you get there you can take a tour of Alcatraz or visit the Ghirardelli factory, meaning that one can never be bored in San Fran. Fans 4 The fans at Stanford are not like some of college football’s rowdy and rude bunches. Instead, loyal and high class is a better description – the crowd is loyal and loud, but never rude and crude. One fan, after learning I was from Florida while waiting in line for food, welcomed me and shook my hand while thanking me for coming all the way to take in a Stanford game; definitely a first for me at a sporting event. There is no question the fans here are diehard, as the tailgating scene at Stanford Stadium is top notch. Plenty of families come to games here, with several generations seen watching from the stands. These same families can also be seen in the various parking lots grilling out before the game, with some even bringing satellite dishes and televisions to watch other sports on TV both before and after the game is over. The student section, also known as the Red Zone, is nestled in the end zone near the southwest corner. Proudly displaying their “nerd nation” moniker on t-shirts while at the stadium, most students are kind, generous, and overall enjoyable to be around. Access 3 Stanford’s location is a bit away from the major highways, with the closest being the 101. Additionally, most of the roads around the stadium are one or two-lane thoroughfares that can become backed up quite easily on game day – the traffic is a bit of a nightmare if you aren’t used to California traffic. Parking on site at Stanford Stadium is widely available, with the closest lots used for those with special parking passes. General parking will run you about $20 per game, but the walk is not very long from there. Some lots are located on various athletic fields and parks immediately surrounding the stadium, but those who wish to save a little money can use the Caltrain. With stations just a 10 to 15-minute walk away from the facility, taking public transportation to a Stanford game can be a viable alternative for those who wish to avoid the potential gridlock around the venue. Getting around Stanford Stadium is easy as well, with several entrance tunnels and stairways to pick from to get you into the facility. And no matter where you are, there is always a stadium map nearby to help you find out where you are, and where you need to go. Return on Investment 4 Taking in a game at Stanford Stadium can require a hefty investment depending upon the game you wish to attend. As with most sports, rivalry games such as Oregon, Cal, or UCLA can mean high ticket prices, while in comparison tickets to a matchup with an early non-conference opponent bring more affordable prices. However, what would be a $40 ticket face value can be just $10 to $15 onsecondary market sites. Getting something to eat is also more expensive than some places, but the quality of what you get is high to say the least. But if you plan ahead and are willing to invest a little money, going to a Stanford football game is definitely worth the trip. . Extras 5 There are plenty of things to see at Stanford Stadium that you won’t see at other stadiums. First and most entertaining is the mascot – yes, it looks like a tree with lipstick, but let’s be honest…it’s pretty darn awesome. Next is the band, which puts on a highly thought-out halftime show that tends to tackle current events; one game in 2015 featured a “Musical Debate Club” for the presidential debates. And for those fans who are students of the game, the stadium features a wall of fame for Stanford Cardinal players who have been named as All-Americans. There is also a great fan interaction aspect on social media, as the stadium’s big screens show fan posts from Instagram at various points in the game during commercial breaks and in-between quarters. Finally, the sheer beauty of the stadium and its surroundings is deserving of a nature magazine cover, with trees planted all over Stanford Stadium’s grounds. Final Thoughts If you’re looking for a high quality, high class, high excitement, and high value college football experience, look no further than Stanford Stadium. It will be hard to find a more beautiful and relaxing site for which to catch college football, and Stanford’s fans make the event even more enjoyable. The weather is great, the team provides high excitement, and the venue is a beautiful scene to behold.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Mustang Stadium 11005 Owings Mills Blvd Owings Mills, MD 21117 Stevenson Mustangs website Mustang Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 3,500 A History of Horses There are times that something good can spring from something so horribly bad. Stevenson University and their wonderful athletic facilities are the good. The events of March 1984 was the bad, at least for the residents of Maryland. At 2am on March 29th of that year, fifteen Mayflower moving trucks arrived at the Baltimore Colts training facility in Owings Mills, a northwest suburb of Baltimore. Workers loaded all of the team’s belongings and the trucks left for Indianapolis arriving later that day to a massive welcome. The move happened in the dark since the Colt’s owner Bob Irsay feared the Maryland legislature would pass an eminent domain bill that would have legally barred the team from moving. The bill did indeed pass later that day but it was too late, as the locally beloved franchise was already gone. The former training facility had, in the early years after the Colts left, some of its lands sold off by then property owners Baltimore City. The main building and field also were used as a training center for local police officers. Football returned from 1994 to 1995 as the Baltimore Stallions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) used the training center. The Stallions were quite a success, easily the most successful of the United States CFL expansion teams, with strong attendance numbers and appearances in the CFL Grey Cup Championship Game in both years they were in town. In 1995 they even won that championship. But when the Cleveland Browns agreed to move to Maryland, the Stallions realized that they needed to move on. Move they did, back to Canada and they are still known today as the Montreal Alouettes. In 1996, the newly renamed Baltimore Ravens team took up residence in the Owings Mills facility. The team would move to a new center called the Under Armour Performance Center in 2004. That new facility is also referred to as “The Castle.” Villa Julie College has always been a bit of a quirky place. Originally located in the Greenspring Valley of Baltimore County and its Stevenson neighborhood, the college was an all-girls school until 1972 and did not even offer bachelor degrees until 1984. It also was entirely non-residential. But eventually the college desired to add housing and more of just about everything, so a new campus was added in Owings Mills. This expansion dramatically increased the college’s offerings and student population. In 2008, they decided they needed a new identity and changed their name to Stevenson University. The Owings Mills campus just happened to be right next door to the old Baltimore Colts training facility. Stevenson acquired the building and land and used it as the center of their athletic department. In 2006 it re-opened as the Caves Sports and Wellness Center. Some of the locker rooms and facilities are similar to the ones left behind by the Ravens, with necessary remodeling done. In addition, in 2010, the 38,000 square foot Owings Mills Gymnasium was added. In 2009 the university announced that a Division III football team would be in place by 2011 and would play at 3,500-seat Mustang Stadium, on the old practice fields of the Colts/Stallions/Ravens. The stadium is also home to the university’s soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey teams. Ed Hottle has been the coach at Stevenson since they started. A Frostburg State graduate, Hottle also began the football program at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Food & Beverage 4 There is one permanent food stand at Mustang Stadium. The prices are extremely fair, even if the menu is pretty limited. Hot dogs are $3, nachos $4.50, pretzels $2, and various candy is available for $1.50. Soda and water are on sale for $2. The best bargains are the Family Meal Deals which include three hot dogs, three drinks and three chips for $12 or one hot dog, one pretzel, three bottled waters, and an order of nachos for $10.50. If I was there with my family buying these deals would be a given. A temporary stand was also in place during my visit. Called “A Tribute to Maryland,” it had a crab cake sandwich for $12 and a pit beef or turkey sandwich for $7. Platters for either were $2 more. There is plenty of room on the concourse level if they wish to have other temporary food stands. Credit cards are accepted at the official food stand. Atmosphere 4 The impressive stadium has general admission seating for 3,000 along the west side of the playing field. There is also a large press box and club level with 440 club seats, patio and a President’s Suite. A large student fitness center is also in the press box building and overlooks nearby Owings Mill Boulevard. With no track at the stadium, the fans are afforded a pretty close view to the game action. Stevenson has a full marching band and cheerleaders to afford a very good game day experience. The university has also put good thought into the team introductions, as it is done at a high level. The concourse level also has a fully stocked team store if you decide to become a big Mustangs fan, or purchase a souvenir. The official campus store is located nearby, outside of the stadium, if you need additional options. Neighborhood 4 Owings Mills is a suburb of Baltimore, so there are plenty of shopping centers and restaurants in the area. A couple of well stocked places are within easy walking distance. The closest options for places to go for food are Edo Mae Sushi (10995 Owings Mills Blvd), Five Guys Burgers and Fries (10902 Boulevard Circle) and Courtney’s Bagel Cafe and Deli (11000 Owings Mills Blvd). The innovative Stone’s Cove Kitbar (10997 Owings Mills Blvd) is also quite close. What is a Kitbar? According to their website it “combines the design of a kitchen and a bar to create one large communal table that surrounds the restaurant’s kitchen, putting guests right in the middle of the action.” I just call it good. Their flatbreads, shrimp and grits, and lobster roll cone have to be tried. If you are legal drinking age one should also try out the Cucumber Basil Martini. The Owings Mills station of the Baltimore Metro subway system is located about a mile away from campus. Fans 4 The team has not been around long but fans are very into the game, and quite vocal for their team. If you didn’t know better, you would think this is a long-standing team and program. Access 4 Owings Mills Boulevard has an exit off of nearby Interstate 795. The stadium is a pretty quick one mile trip from the highway. I worried about traffic in an area that is pretty busy even on normal days, but the traffic was no problem. The university has plenty of parking in the area and there are no issues here. Parking is free. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are $7. If paying with cash or getting from will call, tickets are available at the stadium. If paying by credit card, you will need to visit the official campus store located across the driveway from the stadium. With free parking and cheap, quality concessions, Stevenson University football is a good value. Extras 2 The former home of three professional football teams, the Caves Sports and Wellness Center is worth a quick trip around the corner from Mustang Stadium. Try to remember 1984 and the pain and struggle that local football fans went through for years. Next to the stadium is a statue of a mustang, the university’s mascot. This is a good meet up spot and photo opportunity. Final Thoughts Besides being on historic ground, Stevenson University’s Mustang Stadium offers the fans a great value, as well as a wonderful place to watch a football game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Benjamin Humphreys McGee Field at Eugene O. Harris Stadium Florida Ave Sewanee, TN 37375 Sewanee Tigers website Benjamin Humphreys McGee Field at Eugene O. Harris Stadium website Year Opened: 1891 Capacity: 3,000 The South’s Oldest College Football Field Sewanee’s McGee Field is the South’s oldest college football field in its original location, and the fourth oldest in the nation. In the first game ever played there, with the field then called Hardee Field, on November 7, 1891, Sewanee lost to Vanderbilt, 22-0. In 1897, Sewanee held John Heisman’s Auburn Tigers to a scoreless tie on this spot. The most famous football team at Sewanee was the 1899 team. With just 13 players, the team known as the “Iron Men” had a six-day road trip with five shutout wins over Texas A&M, Texas, Tulane, LSU, and Ole Miss. Sports Writer Grantland Rice called the group “the most durable football team I ever saw.” McGee Field is the home of the Sewanee Tigers football and lacrosse teams and was dedicated with its current name during homecoming on October 22, 1977. Before then the stadium was known as Hardee Field, named for Lt. General William J. Hardee of the Confederate States of America. The stadium itself was named for Eugene O. Harris in November, 1957. Sewanee was a charter member of the Southeastern Conference upon its formation in 1932. Currently they participate at the Division III level in the Southern Athletic Association offering 11 varsity sports for men and 13 for women. Sewanee has produced 26 Rhodes Scholars, which puts them in the top four nationally among American liberal arts colleges. It is owned by 28 southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church. The full name of the school is Sewanee: The University of the South. Food & Beverage 4 There is a simple food stand behind the grandstand. The offerings are simple hot dogs and burgers, but the prices are cheap. There may also be a food truck in the same general area, such as the Shenanigan’s truck that was there when we attended the game. Their grilled cheese is an excellent sandwich. Atmosphere 3 The football team has not been great over the last few years but the school and its supporters have a great deal of school pride and offer a good small ball atmosphere. The stadium has a main grandstand along the home side that is made up of two newer metal bleachers, as well as a historic stone grandstand. There is also a small visitor stand on the opposite side of the field. You will see the “Yea Sewanee’s Right” slogan on the press box and may wonder what that is all about. You will also likely to hear some of the louder students chanting this as well as part of a longer team chant : “Rip `em up! Tear `em up! Leave `em in a lurch. Down with the heathen. Up with the Church. Yea, Sewanee’s Right!” Neighborhood 5 Sewanee, Tennessee is a small town with a population of 2,311. The town and the university is all the same place. U.S. Route 41A and Tennessee State Route 56 connects the community with Monteagle to the east. Monteagle is located along Interstate 24 between Chattanooga and Nashville. There are just a few restaurants in Sewanee as well as a few others in Monteagle. Fans 3 The fans tend to be either older alumni or the younger college students. The students do seem to be less interested in the game and more interested in looking forward to the next party. Of course, that may be the case at many schools, but it was very much evident during our visit. Access 4 Sewanee can feel pretty isolated as it is top of their mountain. But realistically it is not far from Nashville, Chattanooga or even northern Alabama. Parking is not going to be a major problem and traffic should be reasonably easy to navigate. Return on Investment 4 Games are now free, as they used to charge for attending the game, but have chosen to remove that from the experience. The school is now charging for close to the field parking, as well as using the nearby tailgate lots. Extras 3 The traditions of the University of the South, as represented by its long football history or the “Yea, Sewanee’s Right” chant is a great extra all on its own. Make sure to look at the stone markings acknowledging the 1899 team past the one end zone. Drive or walk around the very pretty campus before the game. The school has one of the best looking college campuses that you may ever encounter. All Saints’ Chapel is an amazingly beautiful building. Opened in 1910, the building also has some amazing stained glasses, including one that depicts a Volkswagen Beetle. Final Thoughts The football team at Sewanee may not be on the level of the 1899 team, but the traditions of the team, as well as the historic football grounds, make a visit here a must for any sports fan.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Cedar Rapids Ice Rink 1100 Rockford Rd SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders website Cedar Rapids Ice Rink website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 3,850 Welcome to Rider Town USA The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders are a tier 1 junior hockey team playing in the United States Hockey League. Their home ice is the Cedar Rapids Ice Rink which is affectionately known as The Stable. The arena has a capacity of 3,850 and shares the same property with the minor league baseball Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Riders arrived in town for the 1999/2000 season after playing its first sixteen seasons as the North Iowa Stars in Mason City, Iowa. The RoughRiders name was selected in a name-the-team contest won by a local teacher at Roosevelt Middle School in town as it was the school’s mascot. The excitement of the arena is propelled when both the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the Waterloo Blackhawks come into town. The two in-state rivals battle for the Dupaco Cowbell Cup which is awarded to the team with the best overall record between the three hockey clubs. When the arena is packed, the “clinging” and “clanging” of the cowbells by the fans brings the noise level to high decibels inside the low-ceiling arena. Earlier in 2018, the city approved an extension to keep the club in town for the next 24 years–with another 20-year extension automatically kicking in if the Rider ownership makes a minimum of $1 million in capital improvements to the building. Ownership would be responsible for areas that include a locker room, team offices, and audio/video components of the game day presentation. In return, the city will add a concession stand, party decks at each end of the rink, and the replacement of seating within the next four years. Video Courtesy of SAC Sports Adventures, YouTube Food & Beverage 3 The arena is heavily stocked with munchies ranging from value hot dogs for $2 to giant 32-ounce draft beers for $8.50. The highlight and the must-try, if you dare, is the Rider Dog–a double chili dog that will fill you up for $9.50. You can wash that down with PBR Tallboys or Busch Light cans for $4 each. Then again, the pork tenderloin sandwich ($7), foot-long hot dog ($8.50), and walking taco ($5.25) are also worth enjoying during the game. There is quite a bit of beer from local favorite Busch Light to local craft beers. The prices start at $5.75 for a domestic draft to $6 for craft cans. Big Grove Brewery and Breckenridge Vanilla Porter are for sale, along with wine for $7 and sodas for $4. The 32-ounce drafts are probably the best deal. The menu signs are big, bold, and loud–just the way it should be at a place like this. Atmosphere 3 Junior hockey is a curious little fix to the Rider Nation. They create a healthy dose of the atmosphere with cowbell in hand and plenty of revelries during the action on the ice. The low-ceiling home creates a noise level that can be quite menacing when in-state rivals from Dubuque and Waterloo come to town. The ambiance is appealing and the funky look of the colored walls, bold posters, and championship banners should put everyone with a ticket in the proper mood. The tickets are cheap, the food and beverage much cheaper, and the seats are close to players on the ice who are playing for attention to move on to a college scholarship or the next level of hockey. The ice rink is an ideal place to watch the kids play and one will be encouraged to cheer along with the crowd as they attempt to propel the Riders to victory. The large video board hangs above center ice and features customized-based videos that introduce players on the ice, produce stats, and engage fans during intermission or breaks in the action. The team’s official mascot is named Ricochet and he can be seen providing hugs, high-fives, and photo ops for fans of all ages. Neighborhood 3 The rink is located a few miles south of downtown Cedar Rapids and shares a parking lot with the home of the Cedar Rapids Kernels minor league baseball team Veterans Memorial Stadium. Conveniently located a few blocks from the rink is a small, simple looking Maid-Rite restaurant that serves an Iowa favorite loose meat sandwich. A loose meat sandwich is a sloppy joe without the sauce and if you have a few pieces of meat fall onto your wrapper, you scoop up the bits with a spoon. Downtown isn’t too far north by car and at times has the smell of freshly baked cookies from the nearby Quaker Oats mill . There are a few nice choices for food and drink including The Lost Cuban, Cobble Hill Restaurant, and Black Sheep Social Club. The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery is an Industrial, brick-walled brewpub offering classic arcade games, craft beer & wood-fired pizzas. The Czech and Slovak Museum, Museum of Art, African-American Museum, and Brucemore are all worth a visit. Fans 4 On an average night, the arena attracts around 2,000 people per game and they make their presence felt throughout the game. The Riders faithful have a connection with their Hometown team and give their league a group of admiring fans cheering on their favorites on the ice. The crowd is known to cling and clang their cowbells to give the arena a local feel. The crowd is hyped and near capacity when Dubuque and Waterloo play at the ice rink. Access 3 The arena features a main concourse wrapped around the rink that makes it very easy to get around during the game. All of the concessions and bathrooms are easily accessible and there is plenty of parking outside in the main lot. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are broken up into six different zones and range in price from $12.75 to $25. The crowds are usually around the 2,000 mark and are much larger when in-state rival Waterloo comes into town on the weekend. The price of food is extremely inexpensive and the parking is free in the main lot outside of the rink. On a cold Iowa night, it makes for a nice way to warm up a bit. Extras 3 The rink gets a point for its loud, bold, and giant menu items that hang throughout the building and main concourse. They are attention-getters and their prices are very reasonable. The rink gets a second point for the color combination of seating cream, blue, and purple; these are not the team’s colors, but give it a sense of being full when the crowds are small. The rink gets a final point for its value meal, fans can purchase a hot dog for $2, a PBR tallboy or a Busch Light can for $4. In Iowa, they love Busch Light–sort of the way Minnesotans love the Michelob Golden Draft Light. Final Thoughts USHL hockey features copious small areas that are very similar in size and aesthetics, but it’s the fans that create an ambiance that is unique in each building. The hockey is exciting, the prices are a deal, and the promotional department of each team gives it a feel that is similar at the minor league level. If you are somewhere in Iowa and its vicinity, take in a game during the wintertime .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Dakota Dome 414 E Clark St Vermillion, SD 57010 South Dakota Coyotes website Dakota Dome website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 10,000 At Home in the Black Hills The Dakota Dome (officially spelled as one word with no space) in Vermillion, South Dakota is home to the South Dakota Coyotes football team of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, a part of college football’s Division 1-AA, also known as FCS. The football field is in the same building as the Coyotes’ basketball arena, which you can walk over and see during the football game – the dome was built in 1979, and the football portion holds 10K fans. One thing to remember when you visit the Dakota Dome is that at the University of South Dakota, Coyote is actually pronounced kai-yoat (2 syllables) rather than the more common pronunciation kai-yo-tay (3 syllables). You should also remember to wear red (and howl intermittently) to support the home team. Food & Beverage 3 The Dakota Dome won’t give you everything you want in terms of food and beverage options at a football venue, but there are plenty of choices and the prices are very reasonable (read inexpensive). Also, there are a bunch of tables and chairs set up in the concourse between the football field and the basketball court, as well as lots of free-standing plush chairs, so you can eat out there if you want instead of in your regular seat. Food options include nachos, walking tacos, hot dogs, brats, burgers, Philly cheesesteak, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, caramel corn, packaged candy, and chips; drink selections include soda, bottled water, and Gatorade. All individual items cost between $1.50 and $5.50, with combos coming in at $7 to $8. No alcohol is sold inside the Dakota Dome (except in the club area), but you are welcome to BYOB and drink outside in the tailgate zone, which is crowded and raucous all game long. Atmosphere 5 Besides the really great tailgating, the Dakota Dome also has the benefit of being an indoor venue, which is a major plus on frigid days up north, especially in October and November after the temperatures have started to drop. The football portion of the Dakota Dome has about three-quarters of its seats on the home side beneath the press box, with the ones in the front and down the middle being bucket-style with chair backs, and the remainder being plastic-capped metal bleachers. The much smaller student section/seating for the band is on the opposite side of the field, and also consists of capped seats, which are much more comfortable than metal bleachers. All of the seats around the field are Coyote red, which creates a great look, and there is also plenty of other school décor around the field and in the concourse – the most prominent and intimidating being the mural-sized photo behind one end zone of a hungry-looking Coyote looking right into your eyes (note that there is no end zone seating here). The other really great feature about the Dakota Dome is that re-entry is allowed, so fans can practically come and go as they please. In fact, on my most recent visit I don’t remember a single staff member even looking at, much less scanning, my ticket, and all game long I saw fans traipsing outside and back in again, or walking down the hall to sit on the student side instead, with absolutely no interference nor comment from any staff member. Neighborhood 3 Vermillion, South Dakota has about as many residents as the Dakota Dome holds (about 10K), so there isn’t a ton to do in the area if you come for the day or weekend. However, there is a nice little downtown area just off campus that has a couple of restaurants, and it is easy enough to find a hotel nearby if you plan to spend the night. Fans 3 Given Vermillion’s small population, South Dakota Coyote fans deserve credit for coming out in force to support their team. At a typical game the Dakota Dome will be close to sold out, although note that about 25% of the fans seem to be supporting the visiting team. But the home fans that do show up are pretty loud, and they wear their own team gear to successfully outshine the large contingent of visitors. One interesting thing to note though is that even though the stadium will be close to sold out, you will see a lot of empty seats, and that is mainly because so many fans are outside tailgating. In fact, if the game goes south and USD is down big at the half, many of the home fans will simply go outside to drown their sorrows at the tailgates, but they won’t necessarily go home, so if the Coyotes manage to stage a comeback you could very well see a lot of home fans come back inside. Access 4 Getting to the Dakota Dome is very easy; the only downside is it might be pretty far away depending on where you’re coming from. But there is very little traffic in town, which is a huge plus, and if you don’t have a parking pass there is free parking on Alumni Drive to the west of the venue – this is a grass lot but has more than enough room for everyone. Once you get inside the Dakota Dome moving around is fairly easy, but the concessions and women’s restrooms may back up a little, because there are just not enough of them to accommodate even the modest capacity of 10K. Note that there are additional concessions and restrooms in another part of the building, but they are a little difficult to find and obviously not as convenient as the regular ones – part of the access issue here is there are no concessions nor restrooms on the student side, so all those fans have to come over and use the amenities on the home side. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to South Dakota Coyotes games at the Dakota Dome cost $40 no matter which seats you purchase, which is a little odd, and the venue is often nearly sold out, so if you buy from the box office only the “worst” section is available. However, you can buy from third-party resellers and save a little money, and if you happen to be a student you can get in for free. While these ticket prices are a bit on the high end for FCS, this is outweighed a little by the free parking and the cheap concessions, so if you are able to find tickets for a good price this can still be a fun outing that is kind on the wallet. Extras 5 Being able to come and go as you please is awesome, but being able to watch football indoors is even better. The Coyotes also have a great mascot who interacts with fans throughout the game, and the concourse has TVs all around the inside, including by the concessions, so you can still keep an eye on the game while you are moving to and fro. Final Thoughts While the South Dakota Coyotes may never be thought of as a hotbed for college football, especially given that they are FCS, a visit to the Dakota Dome in Vermillion, South Dakota is a great way to see college football. You can take in some great scenery, while also enjoying a game in comfort and style without having to brave the elements – that alone makes this a stadium worth journeying

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Harold Alfond Sports Stadium 50 Tunk Rd Orono, ME 04469 Maine Black Bears website Harold Alfond Sports Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 10,000 The Maine Event Morse Field at Harold Alfond Stadium is a 10,000 seat stadium located on the campus of the University of Maine at Orono. Constructed and designed almost entirely by Maine companies and financed entirely by private donations, Alfond Stadium cost $6.1 million to complete in 1998. The field was named in honor of Phillip and Susan Morse, class of 1964 alumni, who donated over two million dollars for the playing surface, scoreboard, and lights. The grandstand was built as a result of a donation of over three million dollars by longtime Maine athletic booster Harold Alfond. In 2008 the Morses again made a million dollar donation to the university to install Field-Turf at the stadium. The University of Maine hosted its first football team in 1892. The team has experienced their fair share of success over the years, winning twelve conference championships and appearing in the Tangerine Bowl in 1965. Longtime members of Division 1-AA/FCS, the Black Bears now compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. UMaine has appeared in the Division 1-AA/FCS playoffs seven times, advancing to the second round on three occasions. Their last appearance in the playoffs was their first ever post-season home game in 2013. Twenty-five Black Bear alumni have gone on to play in the National Football League. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Alfond Stadium cover the basics, and little more. There is a small concession stand located under the main grandstand, which offers your stadium basics. Hungry Black Bear fans can select hot dogs, pizza or nachos. Assorted snacks, including popcorn, pretzels and candy are available. A second portable stand by the main entrance offers hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken fingers along with french fries and onion rings. Coca-Cola products are featured here. Fans looking for adult beverages should head over to the beer garden located beyond the south end zone. Coors Light, Blue Moon, and brews from local favorites Shipyard and Sea Dog Breweries can be found here. You can also purchase a pulled pork sandwich, chili or nachos while in the beer garden. Hot chocolate and coffee are popular choices on chilly Maine fall days. Stadium Journey recommends the whoopie pies, which are made locally and will satisfy any sweet tooth. Atmosphere 3 College football in the northeast is generally not a big deal, featuring small crowds and a more laid-back atmosphere than what is generally found in other parts of the country. While Alfond Stadium attracts decent crowds, especially by New England standards, you will find a typical New England football experience here. The scene is laid-back and the fans are friendly and welcoming. It’s far from the life-and-death struggle that is big-time college football. There is an active, if relaxed, tailgating scene here at Alfond Stadium. Season ticket holders are given prime real estate right next to the south end zone, and all the lots near the stadium are filled with flags, fans and UMaine’s black and blue colors. Maine features a very large marching band and cheerleading squad, which are active throughout the game. The school’s mascot, Bananas the Bear, is entertaining but doesn’t leave the sideline. There is an excellent turnout by the student body, but their home is located on the opposite sideline from the main grandstand, which minimizes their effect on Alfond Stadium’s noise level. Neighborhood 2 The University of Maine campus is located in the small town of Orono, a town in central Maine about 15 miles north of Bangor. The campus is located on the banks of the Stillwater River, a couple of miles north of downtown. There isn’t much within walking distance of campus. Visiting fans can find a few chain restaurants out by Interstate 95, but if looking for dining or lodging options in town, you’ll want to head downtown by the confluence of the Stillwater and Penobscot Rivers. For a small town with a population of just over 11,000, Orono has some good dining options. The original location of Pat’s Pizza, a Maine pizza institution, can be found on Mill Street. The Family Dog is a favorite spot of the student body. Fans looking for a more traditional pub experience can check out the Orono Brewing Company, Woodman’s Bar and Grill, or Bear Brew Pub. Many visiting fans will choose to travel to nearby Bangor, Maine’s third largest city, where there are more options for dining, lodging and entertainment. Be sure to stop by the giant Paul Bunyan statue, right in front of the Cross Insurance Center, for a photo. Bangor’s most famous son, Stephen King, resides nearby, and his home is a popular spot for visitors and pictures. Fans 3 UMaine’s attendance can vary from year to year. You can expect to see a crowd anywhere in the range of 5,000-9,000 fans on any given day. In 2017 the team averaged about 7,000 fans per game, which is a bit below the Colonial Athletic Association average, but not bad for this part of the country. The fans that fill Alfond Stadium are a mix of alumni and locals, as this is truly the only game in town. The next closest Division One football team is over 200 miles away. As is typically the case in the northeast, fans are pretty reserved during the action. Even though the tailgating lots open three hours before kickoff, don’t expect a rowdy scene here at UMaine. Fans are certainly welcoming to visitors. There is a good turnout from the student body, who fill much of the bleachers on the far side of Alfond Stadium. Unfortunately, since they sit away from most of the crowd here, their effect of the atmosphere is diminished. Access 4 Besides the fact that the University of Maine is located over 200 miles from any other Division One football program, it is very easy to get to Alfond Stadium. Simply take exit 193 (Stillwater Ave / Old Town) off of Interstate 95, cross the river and take a right onto College Avenue. Alfond Stadium and the rest of UMaine’s athletic facilities will be on your left hand side about a half mile up the road. Alfond Stadium is located on the northern edge of the UMaine campus, in between Alfond Arena and Mahaney Diamond. Parking is available in several parking lots surrounding the facilities, as well as in lots throughout the campus. Seating at Alfond Stadium is located on either side of the field, with no seats beyond either end zone. The main grandstand consists of individual stadium seats and aluminum benches without backs depending on the level of ticket you have purchased. On the far side of the facility are additional bleacher seats where the students and band sit. Concessions and rest rooms are located underneath the main grandstand. Additional concessions are located near the southwest entrance, with the beer garden located adjacent to the south end zone. Lines form at halftime, so time your visits appropriately. Also, beware the giant stuffed black bear in the men’s room! Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMaine football games are sold at three price levels: individual stadium seats for $35, midfield bleacher seats for $25 and other bleacher seats for $15. Parking in the tailgating lots C and D adjacent to the stadium costs $20, while other nearby lots are free of charge. If heading up to UMaine for homecoming, more of the lots are opened for tailgating, but they will also incur a charge. Should you arrive late or if the lots are filled, free parking is available all over campus. With inexpensive concessions, an afternoon at Alfond Stadium offers an affordable entertainment option for Maine sports fans. Extras 2 If free swag is your thing, be sure to check out the local vendors who set up shop by the southwest entrance. UMaine branded gear, including rally towels, t-shirts, programs, posters and more are available to Black Bear fans in this area. The Bear Necessities Shop is open next door to Alfond Stadium inside the Alfond Arena. The arena is stocked with all kinds of Black Bear gear. You can even check out the home of the Maineiacs while you’re here. Final Thoughts UMaine’s location in the far northeastern corner of the country makes it a destination only for the most ardent college football travelers. If you do find yourself in Orono on a beautiful fall afternoon, be prepared for friendly, passionate fans enjoying some college football in a relaxed manner in a solid facility. Pair a visit to Alfond Stadium with a game next door at Alfond Arena to see Maine’s favorite sport, hockey, and you have yourself the makings of a great day in central Maine. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Spec Martin Stadium 260 E Euclid Ave DeLand, FL 32724 Stetson Hatters website Spec Martin Stadium website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 6,000 Stetson Football Fun The history of Stetson University Football is one that has a great span between its inception and its recent history, dotted with multiple stoppages in play. The most recent iteration of Stetson Hatters football features an enjoyable college football game day experience for fans with the beauty of a stadium situated in one of Florida’s quintessential small towns. Food & Beverage 3 There isn’t anything terribly exciting or different to eat at Stetson Football games, but nothing on the menu will cost you more than $5. At the top of that range is the $5 cheeseburger, with hot dogs or pizza slices running just $3. Drinks range from $2 to $3 for soda, water, and Powerade. Snacks including chips, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, and more range from $1 to $3. Beer also costs under $10, which is a steal for college football. Atmosphere 3 The facilities at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium are quite nice for a lower-division college football program. That said, the venue is missing some of the creature comforts of higher end stadiums. The majority of the seats are backed benches and not individual seats. However, Stetson makes up for this in overall presentation. The facilities are spotless from top to bottom, and the in-game experience is comfortable and extremely family friendly. The team’s band performs during the game and the cheerleaders are always present to perform and get the crowd going during breaks in the action. The team’s mascot roams the stadium throughout the game, taking photos with fans and interacting with kids. The south end zone features a pop-up team store as well. The Stetson Hatters have taken a bare-bones stadium and turned it into a comfortable and beautiful home for themselves with great ease. Stetson Hatter Band, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Spec Martin Memorial Stadium may not be located on the campus of Stetson University but it isn’t far, and the venue is literally across the street from Melching Field, home of Stetson baseball. The football stadium is located just blocks from the heart of downtown DeLand, Florida – DeLand is known for being one of the quintessential small towns in Central Florida, featuring the quietness one would expect from such an atmosphere. In addition, the town is just a short drive up I-4 from Daytona Beach, only an hour from Orlando, and is surrounded by several state parks and great nature areas. For those wanting to travel and see the sights, Blue Springs State Park is home to manatees upon manatees in the winter months. In addition, the NASCAR Racing Experience is not far away, located just north on I-4 in Daytona Beach. For hotels, Comfort Inn DeLand and Hampton Inn & Suites DeLand are the closest spots. For food, Shokudo 413 is a popular sushi stop just blocks away from Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, and Doug & Lil’s Potato Patch is a popular breakfast and brunch place near the venue. Fans 4 The fans pack in Spec Martin Memorial Stadium for every game – fans are loyal and cheer on their team with as much fervor as is to be expected from a top-quality college football experience. That said, while they may not exactly be as loud and crazy as some of their FBS counterparts, the fans at Stetson are no less supportive and fun to be around. They are sport and team knowledgeable and they certainly enjoy the game day experience, from tailgating to the in-game traditions. Most of all, the fans here are welcoming, making for a very family-friendly experience. Access 3 Getting to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium involves driving on some small-town roads; either exit 116 or 118 on I-4 will take you to DeLand. Once there, the facility is off US-17 and Euclid Ave. Parking is plentiful on site and across the street, making finding a spot easy. Most lots are no more than $10-$15, even for on-site parking. Getting around the stadium is also easy, thanks to plenty of signage around to help you figure out where your seats are. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Stetson football games start at $20 for general admission and go up to $50 for the premium backed seats at mid-field. This, combined with the low cost of parking and concessions, means you can take a family of four out to the game for around $120, which is something that cannot be said for a lot of other college football experiences in Florida. Considering that the game experience is also enjoyable, it is easy to see why the return on the investment here at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium is so high. Extras 3 Stetson’s stadium is constructed so that the upper level concourse runs from the two sideline grandstand’s upper levels around the north end zone, so the venue features great views of the playing field from all angles. The team also has a massive bell that they ring on the sidelines during pre-game intros, as well as every time the Stetson Hatters score a touchdown. Stetson Hatters Bell, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey In addition, before the game a large tailgating area called Hatter Village is set up in the parking lot outside Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, complete with food trucks and fan displays – this is easily the best place to be to experience everything Stetson football has to offer before the gates open. Final Thoughts Taking in a game at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium is extremely enjoyable, and is definitely something of a hidden gem in the college football world of Florida. While many folks in Central Florida would look to UCF, USF, or UF for a local college football experience, Stetson is not to be missed – their facility is comfortable, located in a great town with plenty of local flair, and is pretty equidistant from many places in Central Florida that are hot spots for tourism.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 William I. Jacobs Recreational Complex 4400 Massachusetts Ave Washington, DC 20016 American Eagles website William I. Jacobs Recreational Complex website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 500 Fly, Eagles, Fly The William I. Jacobs Recreational Complex is located on the campus of American University in Washington, D.C. and is home to the Eagles’ field hockey and women’s lacrosse teams. The stadium opened in 2005 and was renovated over the summer of 2018. Although field hockey doesn’t get as much attention as sports like basketball and football, it does have its fans, and those fans may find the Jacobs Complex an enjoyable experience. Food & Beverage 1 There is no food or beverage for sale at the Jacobs Complex. Officially, outside food and beverage are prohibited, but this is not generally enforced unless you are getting it on the turf. For those who desperately need something to eat or drink during the game, there are vending machines next door in the Watkins Building, but fans are best advised to eat before arriving or to bring something with them (just be neat if you choose the latter.) Atmosphere 3 The Jacobs Complex has four small sets of bleachers, all on one side of the stadium. The good news is you’re very close to the action – the stands are located right on the turf itself, separated from the players only by a barrier that stops balls from rolling into the seating area. The bad news is the bleachers are very uncomfortable. There are no backs, and not much legroom, especially for fans of above-average height. Many fans elect to stand on the turf area rather than sit in the bleachers. There is one scoreboard which shows shots, saves, and penalty time in addition to the score and game clock. There is also a small video board above it which mainly shows graphics, but these can be hard to read due to the small size. A PA announcer announces substitutions, goals, and cards, but can be difficult to hear as the sound system is not the greatest. Due to field hockey not being considered a major sport, there simply isn’t that much done to keep fans engaged. Music is played over the PA system before the game and at halftime, but beyond that, there simply isn’t much to offer other than the game itself. Neighborhood 5 American University is located in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This is several miles from the center of the city, but don’t let that discourage you from visiting. There are several restaurants nearby, including local favorites Z Burger and District Taco, and several chain restaurants. Tenleytown is a safe neighborhood to walk in, but due to its distance from downtown, you may be better off driving. Of course, this being the nation’s capital, plenty is going on elsewhere in the city as well, and the great thing is that most of it is free. The National Mall and all of its monuments and memorials are gorgeous on a November afternoon, and if you’re visiting later in the season and don’t want to deal with the cold, you can stop into one of the many museums. All government-run attractions are free of charge, though some privately-owned ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or the White House, you will need to schedule that in advance. Hotels are extremely expensive in DC itself, at least the ones of decent quality, so if you’re staying overnight, your best bet is to stay in the Virginia or Maryland suburbs and drive over. Fans 3 As with many minor sports, the fans in attendance are mainly friends and family of the student-athletes as well as some former players. Although the crowds aren’t large, the fans who do come cheer their team and stay until the end regardless of the score. The small bleachers are mostly full and create a better atmosphere than you’d get by spreading the same number of fans out over a larger area like you see at some places. Access 3 Although the Jacobs Complex is located in a major city, it’s far enough away from downtown to make driving relatively easy. For games on weekends, free parking is available in the garage above Bender Arena, which is about a five minute walk away. On weekdays, this garage requires a permit, so your options will be significantly more limited. (This is only the case until 5:00 PM, but as the Jacobs Complex has no lights, few if any games will start after that time.) If space is available, your best bet is to park in the School of International Service Garage, but this will cost you $2 per hour and is a slightly longer walk. Keep in mind that under the “Good Neighbor Policy,” visitors to the American University campus are prohibited from parking on public streets in the area. The nearest station on the Washington Metro is the Tenleytown-AU station on the Red Line, but this is about a 30 minute walk away. Restrooms are available in the Watkins Building and there is generally no line, even at halftime. After the game, you should have no issues getting out of either the stadium or the parking garage. Return on Investment 3 Admission is free, so it’s hard to argue with that, but there simply isn’t that much to offer here unless you’re a field hockey fan or a fan of one of the two schools. If you do visit, come on a weekend if possible to avoid paying for parking. Extras 2 One star for the free program. Although it’s basically just a sheet of paper containing rosters, standings, schedules, and game notes, it’s helpful to fans who may not be familiar with all the players. Just be sure to pick one up from the bin by the entrance, as there’s not always someone there to hand them out. A second star for the helpful gameday staff, who were available to answer any questions anyone had in a friendly manner. Final Thoughts The reality is that college field hockey is just not very popular among most sports fans. However, if you’re a fan of the sport, are a supporter of American University, or are one of those true sports fans who will to go any sport, anywhere, anytime, a visit to the William I. Jacobs Complex is well worth your time.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Armfield Athletic Center 5800 West Friendly Ave. Greensboro, NC 27410 Guilford Quakers Armfield Athletic Center Capacity: 2,200 D3 Football in Greensboro Armfield Athletic Center, home of the Guilford Quakers, is a great venue for what it is. The 2,200-seat facility doesn’t hold many fans, and doesn’t have a video scoreboard, but does provide an idyllic setting surrounded by trees, with lots of nice brickwork, and is a hassle-free way to take in an evening or afternoon of football. Armfield Athletic Center is named after members of the Armfield family, one of whom played on Guilford’s first football back in the late 1800s. The facility has been renovated several times in the last decades, including adding stadium lights and new visitor bleachers in 2007, and a new Field Turf surface in 2009. The Guilford Quakers currently compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference of D3 college football. Food & Beverage 2 Armfield Athletic Center has one concessions stand behind the north end zone (down a short walking path from the field, you can actually see the flames from the grills from your seat). Only 7 items are offered, namely burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and chips, as well as Gatorade, bottled Pepsi products, and bottled water. Burgers are the most expensive item at $5, with most of the other items coming in at $2 or $1. Atmosphere 3 Armfield Athletic Center is pretty basic, with the home stands and press box on the west side, and a much smaller set of visitor stands on the east side. There is a digital scoreboard (non-video) behind the south end zone, but no seating in either end zone. There are no cheerleaders or mascots, but you are very close to the action – almost too close in fact, your best bet is to sit in the last row of the bleachers so you can see the action better. But you can definitely hear the sound of pads smacking together, and you are close enough to easily read the names on the jerseys. Neighborhood 4 There are a couple of fast food restaurants within a half mile of Armfield Athletic Center such as McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A, but one of the most popular destinations in Greensboro is Natty Greene’s Pub & Brewing Co. on Elm Street downtown; this popular stop is named after Revolutionary War Hero Nathaniel Green. If you plan to be in town for the day, Greensboro, NC is not a huge city by any stretch, but there are plenty of historic sites and other attractions in the area. One of most well-known is the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, which commemorates the sit-ins that occurred in Greensboro during the 1960s – those sit-ins were actually some of the most influential and significant protests of the entire Civil Rights movement. You can also visit the Greensboro Science Center, which includes an aquarium, zoo, and hands-on activities for the kids. Or, if you are a military history buff (or aspire to be), you can visit Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, and learn about Nathaniel Greene’s actions during the Revolutionary War. Fans 2 Very few fans show up for Guilford football games, but the ones who are there are very supportive of the team, and many of them wear team gear. For such a small crowd you actually get a surprising amount of crowd noise, but the stands do look pretty empty. Access 4 Parking should be free at Armfield Athletic Center, and moving around is a cinch due to the small size. There is a very small parking lot right next to the venue, but you need a pass to park there, so most people park a few hundred feet away in other lots on campus. Once you get inside the venue, however, it is very easy to move around – there is a ticket tent next to the front entrance, and there is plenty of room. There is a walking path that connects the two grandstands (and also leads to the concessions stand), and since the venue likely will not be full, you should be able to move around and sit wherever you want. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Guilford Quakers football games start at only $7, which is a great deal for college football. The concessions are also very cheap, so even if you have a large group, this would be a great way to entertain yourself and support a local team without spending a fortune. Extras 1 Armfield Athletic Center is in a nice setting with lots of trees around it, and you are very close to the action. But this is really a no-frills sort of experience, so if you are just coming for the football, you should like it just fine.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 J. Richard Awalt Field at the Ridley Athletic Complex 2221 W. Cold Spring Lane Towson, MD 21209 Loyola Greyhounds website J. Richard Awalt Field at the Ridley Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 6,000 Greyhound Field Richard Awalt Field at the Ridley Athletic Complex is the home stadium for the Loyola University (Maryland) Greyhound soccer teams. It is also the home of the lacrosse and field hockey teams for the university. The 6,000-seat grandstand at Awalt Field opened in 2010. Lacrosse is the biggest sport at the university, with the men’s team winning the national championship in 2012, and the women’s team ranking fifth all-time among NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse teams, in terms of wins. Former Major League Soccer goalkeeper Zach Thornton is a Greyhound alumni. Thornton was the starting goalkeeper for the Chicago Fire when it won the MLS Cup in 1998, and won MLS Goalkeeper of the Year awards in 1998 and 2009. The Ridley Complex was named after Rev. Harold Ridley, S.J. at the request of an anonymous $5 million donor. J. Richard Awalt Field is named after a member of the Class of 1950 at what was known then as Loyola College, who also happened to be a big proponent of the new facility. The complex was also home to USL Premier Development League Baltimore Bohemians in 2013. Just south of Awalt Field is Sean Lugano Memorial Field. It is named in memory of the 1995 Loyola graduate and former captain of the university’s men’s rugby union team who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. It is the home of the Loyola rugby union club team and is used as a practice field by other sports. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single food stand in operation selling Chick-fil-A items. A chicken sandwich is $4.50, with the spicy option for $5. Bottled soft drinks are $3. The menu is rounded out by chocolate chip cookies ($1.25) and chips ($1). The prices are good, but the selection is just not good enough to award more points here. Atmosphere 3 The single grandstand is double-decked and goes along the length of the field. It is located only on the west side of the field, as the east side opens up to the Jones Falls Valley. You can see the main part of campus off in the distance. The busy Jones Falls Expressway is right next door, but is barely visible and offers no negative effects to the game time atmosphere. The two seating areas are separated by a wide concourse with concession and merchandise stands. Above the upper seats are a large press box and a few luxury suites. Since the player benches are on the same sideline as the grandstand, the seats are too high from the game play. You feel a bit removed from the action, and the atmosphere is not as strong as it could be. The field is also a synthetic surface, with many different line markings permanently displayed. Neighborhood 4 Baltimore is a great metropolitan city with many fun and exciting places to spend time both before and after a game. Relatively close to the stadium is the Mt. Washington neighborhood that straddles I-83 South (known as the Jones Falls Expressway, or the JFX, by locals). The Mt. Washington Tavern is an excellent restaurant with both a fine food and bar food type of menu. The place is large, and there always seems to be room for more. Parking is the biggest problem here, so it would be worth paying the nominal valet charges. Radisson Hotel at Cross Keys is the closest hotel, and has a new and exciting lobby restaurant that is another option. Right down the street is Miss Shirley’s Cafe on Cold Spring Lane. Their fried green tomatoes are quite tasty. They are also quite well-known for their breakfast offerings. Also close to Loyola is the Hampden neighborhood with its variety of quirky shops and restaurants. A favorite of mine is Ma Petite Shoe Cafe. Fans 3 The stadium does not fill up for soccer like it does for lacrosse. But there is a respectable crowd that seems to be quite knowledgeable about the game. Many of the fans are family and friends. Local youth soccer teams are also a big part of the crowd. Access 4 The entire complex is located off campus, behind the Northern District Station of the Baltimore City Police at the intersection of the Jones Falls Expressway and Coldspring Lane in the Woodberry neighborhood of Baltimore city. For ease of finding the stadium, the complex is also right behind TV Hill and directly underneath the iconic television antennas. Parking is free and plentiful for soccer games. It would be much more difficult if coming for the more high-profile lacrosse matches. The parking attendants are a bit aggressive and border on rude. Most of the parking is on cement lots, although there are grass overflows just west of the main stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children. That is probably a buck or two too high, but still a decent value. Coupled with the free parking, attending a Loyola soccer game is a decent value. Extras 2 One should make sure to stop back at the main part of campus to visit the Diane Geppi-Aikens Field. This is the former home to the men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse teams. Geppi-Aikens was a former star athlete and women’s lacrosse coach at Loyola who died of brain cancer in 2003. Located just outside of the Reitz Arena, the field is valuable space, so visit it while you can. Hopefully if they do remove the field, the university can still find a way to honor the beloved former coach. Stop by the table in the entrance plaza and pick up flyers, posters and other giveaway items for the various Loyola sports teams. Final Thoughts A decent value for visiting a soccer program with a strong history of success means that J. Richard Awalt Field at the Ridley Athletic Complex is worth a visit by the soccer fan.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Veterans Memorial Stadium 5000 Veterans Stadium Dr Troy, AL 36082 Troy Trojans website Veterans Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 30,000 The Trojan Wars Troy University was founded in 1887 and is the third largest university in the state of Alabama. It has more than 20,000 students and offers more than 110 undergraduate degrees and 50 graduate areas of study. The school has had a long tradition of offering classes in conjunction with the Fort Rucker Army Base located nearby to both the soldiers and the families who are based at the fort. This relationship with the military played a major role in “Trojans” being selected as the team name. The Trojans were known as fierce warriors who outsmarted their enemies. The school has a long and illustrious football history at three different levels. It began as an NAIA school and won a National Championship, then moved up to the NCAA Division II level and winning National Championships in 1984 and 1987. The program joined the FBS level of play in 2004 as a member of the Sun Belt Conference, where it has six conference championships. All total the Troy football program has won 20 conference championships and participated in six bowls since joining Division I. They have had winning records in 25 out of the last 27 seasons. Food & Beverage 3 There are five concession stands located within Veterans Memorial Stadium. Two are positioned on each side of the field at the concourse level and one is in the entry plaza area in the end zone. The concourse is open towards the field, so you will not miss any of the action while waiting for your food. The concession stands offer your typical stadium fare, including nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza slices. Pretzels, peanuts, chips and popcorn are all very reasonably priced snacks. Veterans Memorial Stadium sells Coca-Cola brand beverages at $4 for a medium drink and $3 for a bottled water. Beer is available at the stadium and sells for $8. Atmosphere 5 Troy University and Veterans Memorial Stadium can be a very intimidating place to play for opponents. First time visitors travel through town to get to the campus and see a sleepy southern town. When they reach the campus, their first view is the 30,000-seat stadium looming over them. Veterans Memorial Stadium is the largest stadium in the Sun Belt Conference, with two decks on each side of the field. Built in 1950, it has undergone multiple expansions over the past few years. Today it features a six-story press box with 27 sky boxes and a booster’s level than can handle more than 1,000 fans. It boasts an excellent electronics package, with a state-of-the-art sound system, a 1,250 square foot video board and ribbon board on both sides of the field. If that is not enough to impress the visitors, a wall at the entrance to the stadium lists all the Trojans championship seasons. Neighborhood 3 Troy, Alabama is a small southern town of 20,000 residents. Its main employers are Troy University and the nearby Ft. Rucker Army Base. Most of the activity in town revolves around the town square or along US Hwy 231. Three popular dining options in the area are Sips on the Square, Hooks BBQ and Sister’s Restaurant. The main attractions in Troy are the Johnson Center for the Arts and the Pioneer Museum of Alabama. All the lodging choices are found along US Hwy 231. These include the Quality Inn and the Best Western Troy. Troy University is located adjacent to the downtown area and features a well-manicured campus made up of several quad areas. The academic buildings are primarily red brick. Veterans Memorial Stadium is on the eastern edge of the Troy University campus. It is in the Athletics Complex, in between the Trojan Arena and Riddle-Pace Baseball Field . The Tailgate Terrace pregame area is just outside of the stadium. Fans 4 The fans play a crucial role in the Trojans success, as sellouts are commonplace. However, the game day experience starts well before the fans enter the stadium. The tents go up on Friday nights along the Touchdown Terrace just outside of the stadium gates. Everyone is decked out in their finest red and black outfit and the table decorating contest is as fierce as the football game. A few hours prior to the game, a parade begins on the main quad with the cheerleaders, the Sounds of the South Band and the drill team escorting the team through the crowd and into the stadium. Once inside the stadium it is a sea of red, with little space for the opposition. The student section and the Sounds of the South Band are strategically seated on the visitor’s side of the stadium. This guarantees the visiting team will have difficulty in communicating from the sideline out to the field. The band seems to have a different rift for nearly every situation that occurs in a game and the crowd willingly follows their lead. Access 3 The only drawback to Troy is if you aren’t from there… it is hard to get there. The town is located approximately 40 miles south of Montgomery in southeastern Alabama. From I-85: take the Taylor Road exit (exit 9) and go south on Taylor Road until it ends at US Highway 231. Take Highway 231 south for 40 miles towards Troy. Once you reach the city limits of Troy, turn right on George Wallace Street and Veterans Memorial Stadium will be impossible to miss on your right. You will turn right at the entrance to the campus before you reach the stadium. Friendly volunteers do a great job of pointing you to the appropriate parking area on campus. Shuttles will provide rides to the front of the stadium as the street immediately in front of the entrance is closed after 5pm the day before a game. Return on Investment 4 The Trojans will not plunder you budget-wise. Tickets are $24 for reserved seats or $15 for General Admission. Parking on the Troy University campus is free. The concession pricing is quite reasonable, and a hotel stay in the area is just under $100 a night. Extras 4 The Trojans are not afraid to play the big boys. In recent seasons they have defeated both LSU and Nebraska on the road. Nearly 60 Troy football players have gone on to the NFL. The best known are Demarcus Ware and Lawrence Tynes. The Sound of the South Marching Band has won numerous national honors over the years and deserves its own extra. There is always a large contingent of soldiers from Ft. Rucker at each game. Make sure you show your appreciation for their service during the game. Final Thoughts Alabama and Auburn may get all the attention, but the Troy Trojans are dangerous, especially when playing at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Like their fabled Trojan Horse, the enemy takes Troy lightly at their own peril.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Vanderbilt Stadium Jess Neely Dr Nashville, TN 37240 Vanderbilt Commodores website Vanderbilt Stadium website Year Opened: 1922 Capacity: 40,550 Setting Sail in the Music City Vanderbilt University began playing football in 1892 and since 1922 it has played at the corner 25th Avenue South and Jess Neely Drive. The stadium began as Dudley Field, a name it would carry until 1981. In 1981 the school basically rebuilt the stadium, with the 12,000 seats on each sideline raised 10 feet above the playing surface. The newly renovated stadium was designed to resemble a naval vessel in keeping with Vanderbilt’s maritime-themed mascot… the Commodore. Even the exterior of the stadium was painted battleship gray. The stadium’s name was changed to Vanderbilt Stadium, with the playing surface retaining the Dudley name. In 2008, a new set of renovations added a brick and iron perimeter to the stadium, along with a new gold color scheme on the walls. Vanderbilt added two fan pleasing features in 2012, with the installation of a visitor’s concourse at field level and a berm with a 500-fan capacity at the open end of the field. Today the stadium has a capacity of 40,550… the smallest stadium in the SEC. Food & Beverage 3 Vanderbilt Stadium has seven concession areas and two vending rooms. A majority of the concession areas are known as Commodore Classics and sell the typical stadium fare. Their menus include hot dogs ($7), chicken sandwiches ($9), pretzels ($5), peanuts ($4), cracker jacks ($4), Coca-Cola brand sodas ($5) and bottled water ($4). The locally owned Puckett’s BBQ seems to be very popular with the Vandy fans. They offer brisket nachos ($9), Piggy (pulled pork) N Mac ($9), Hillbilly Hot Dogs (hot dogs with pork covering it) ($9) and Red Neck Burritos ($9). Atmosphere 2 In recent years the school has added some elements to the stadium to build enthusiasm in the crowds. A new video board was added to show replay of exciting plays and provide updates on games from around the conference. A foghorn staffed by midshipmen from the school’s ROTC program goes off whenever Vandy takes the field, scores a touchdown or field goal or wins a game. What is missing in the atmosphere at Vanderbilt is the swagger and sense of optimism that you are in the hunt for either the SEC Division title or the SEC Conference title. This is not true of all Commodore sports, as the basketball and baseball teams are extremely competitive on an annual basis. Neighborhood 5 Everyone knows that Vanderbilt is in Nashville, the Home of Country Music. However, Vanderbilt’s neighborhood is known as the West End, several miles from the Grand Ole Opry. We will focus on the restaurants, lodging and attractions centered in and around the Vanderbilt campus. Feel free to check out our reviews of Nissan Stadium, First Tennessee Park and Bridgestone Arena for detailed information on the dining and entertainment options in downtown Nashville. The West End is a quieter, more residential section of Nashville. It is home to both Vanderbilt and Belmont University, a school renowned for its performing arts program. Just across West Avenue from Vanderbilt Stadium is Centennial Park and the Parthenon. The park has a bevy of activities available and the Parthenon is a to-scale replica of the ancient Greek Palace. On the lower level of the building is a wonderful art museum. Further out West End is a suburb called Belle Meade, home to Cheekwood Estates and Gardens. You’ll be passing the homes of many Nashville stars as you head out Forest Park Drive. For your game day breakfast, we encourage you to head to the Pancake Pantry, a Nashville tradition since 1961. It offers a wide variety of breakfast options, but they serve an unbelievable array of flapjacks! After the game check out the Redlands Grill, just a block from the stadium on West End Avenue. You can close your day by staying at either the Marriott or the Holiday Inn right at the entrance to Vanderbilt University. Fans 2 Vanderbilt fans are realistic about their chances against some of the SEC’s elite teams. As a result, Commodore games are as much a social event as they are an athletic event. Vandy fans know how to have a good time! The organized activities get underway three hours prior to kickoff with the opening of Vandyville at the corner of Jess Neely Drive and Natchez Trace. This is tailgating central for the Vanderbilt faithful. Activities include live bands, food trucks, a picnic zone and a kid zone with inflatables and face painting. One hour prior to kickoff the Commodore Star Walk begins. The team is led by the game captains carrying an anchor (there’s that maritime theme again!), as they walk through a tunnel formed by fans, the Marching Commodores Band and the cheerleaders. Once the game is about to start, the black and gold clad Vanderbilt fans form a V-U with their fingers and give the cheer Anchor Down! (This is their version of Hunker Down!) If the game is close Vanderbilt fans are loud and supportive. Once a game gets out of reach the stadium population drops quickly. Access 3 When you compare Vanderbilt Stadium’s service areas…. 4 entry gates, 7 concession areas and 10 sets of restrooms… to other SEC stadiums, you would think accessibility would be a major problem. However, the scale of everything is smaller at Vanderbilt than every other school in the conference. Vanderbilt has a student body of only 11,000 students and its stadium capacity is a fraction of other conference facilities. An average crowd at Vanderbilt games is 30,000 so in reality the number of service areas is just about right. It is only when an Alabama or Tennessee comes to town that this is a problem. Traffic and parking are an issue on campus, but Nashville’s transit system operates a shuttle system up and down Broadway to get fans to the games. Return on Investment 3 You will get a good return on your investment. Vanderbilt tickets are by far the cheapest in the SEC, and you can even buy a General Admission ticket. something unheard of at other conference schools. Once in the stadium you will find that there is not a bad seat in the house. One caveat… most of the seats are of the aluminum bench variety, so you may want to bring a seat cushion with you. The concession prices are expensive for the limited menu offered. Expect to pay $15-$20 for a close in parking space on campus. Cabs and public transit come right by the stadium on a regular basis, so you might want to use them as an option. Hotels in Nashville can vary greatly depending on where you stay. Generally, the prices are going to be higher downtown near all the tourist areas. The hotels immediately in front of Vanderbilt also tend to be pricey. There are many hotel brands along Broadway that would fall in the $125 a night range. Extras 4 Dudley Stadium was the first college stadium in the South specifically built for football. Whatever Vanderbilt lacks in athletics, it more than makes up for in academics. It ranks in the national Top 10 schools in the fields of medicine, law, education and business. It is ranked #3 for the Best Value in Private Education and #15 in the Best National University poll. Vanderbilt served as the first home of the Nashville Oilers/Tennessee Titans while an NFL stadium was being built in 1998-2000. The concourses feature signs honoring the Vanderbilt football great dating back to 1915 all the way up to the Jay Cutler era. Vanderbilt Stadium has hosted concerts by U2, Luke Bryan, the Dave Matthews Band, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones over the years. Final Thoughts While sports seem to rule at the SEC member schools, it is important to remember that first and foremost, these are academic institutions. Vanderbilt has never compromised on its high level of academic standards. This makes it difficult to recruit some of the better athletes, and the school’s small size relative to other conference schools is also a challenge. Even if Vandy fans grumble about the team’s record… they are even prouder of their Vanderbilt diploma. As the old saying goes… winning isn’t everything.

Photo Courtesy of Cody Beard Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Lawrence-Dumont Stadium 300 South Sycamore Street Wichita, KS 67213 Wichita Wingnuts website Year Opened: 1934 Year Demolished: 2018 Capacity: 6,400 Wichita Declares Independence from the Independents The Wichita Wingnuts joined the American Association and took up residence at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in 2008 when the affiliated Wichita Wranglers relocated to Springfield, Arkansas to become the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The ballpark which originally opened in 1934 received new life in the form of the Wingnuts who won 8 division championships in 11 seasons. The 2018 season, however, become the swan song for Lawrence-Dumont Stadium and for the Wingnuts as well. The City of Wichita has announced intentions to demolish the 84-year-old ballpark with plans to build a new state of the art facility on the same site along the banks of the Arkansas River. The new ballpark will bring with it a return of affiliated baseball as the Triple-A New Orleans Baby Cakes will relocate to Wichita for the 2020 season. The stadium’s most prolific tenant was the National Baseball Congress; it hosted the annual NBC World Series pitting the best semi-pro baseball teams in the country. In 1935 it welcomed one of the first integrated baseball teams – the Bismarck Churchills led by Hall of Famer Satchel Paige. The Churchill’s wound up winning the very first tournament and its accomplishments are still talked about till this day. In 1949 it was the last venue to host the College World Series before that moved to its permanent home in Omaha, Nebraska the next season. In 1978 it would be renamed Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in honor of sports promoter Ray “Hap” Dumont who was an influential figure in the Wichita sports scene throughout his career. Food & Beverage 3 Lawrence-Dumont Stadium presents the normal options one would expect at a ballpark, the main concession stand located behind home plate on the concourse houses the main food and beverage options. In this area, you will find hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, and other ballpark favorites. This stand also offers soft pretzels, fries, and a variety of other ballpark staples. This is also where you will find fountain sodas, basic draft beers, and bottled water. The gem of Lawrence-Dumont is found on the concourse down the first baseline, tucked away under an awning near the team office is a small bar with a wide variety of beverage. A craft beer enthusiast will be happiest here as many local options are available in bottles, cans, and on draft. Wichita Brewing Company WuShock Wheat is a delicious easy drinking option on game day. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Lawrence-Dumont is lacking. For a normal run of the mill game, the ballpark can feel cavernous due to a small crowd and the spacious layout of the seating bowl which extends almost all the way down each baseline. The spacious foul territory also detracts from the atmosphere, an aspect that was once common in ballparks is now so rare that it detracts from the intimacy of the game and is noticeable. Awkward bucket seats attached to the top of metal bleachers similar to those found at Pohlman Field in Beloit, Wisconsin, also detracts from the atmosphere and causes a hodgepodge impression to the ballpark. A positive is the large and spacious team store which is stocked with a wide variety of merchandise that is at times hard to come by at the independent level. The stadium houses an array of history of former minor league teams and NBC players who honed their skills in the last eight and a half decades. There are plaques of former greats on the concourse and a pavilion area that honors the likes of “Hap” DuMont and Satchel Paige for their commitments to the NBC World Series. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is situated along the banks of the Arkansas River and provides a picturesque view of downtown Wichita; one view from behind home plate and it is easy to see why the new ballpark will be constructed in the exact same spot. With a great view and easy access to everything, downtown Wichita has to offer the location could easily check every box on any checklist. There is one exception however and that is the immediate neighborhood behind the stadium. The issue is that it is a large residential area with single-family homes which means two-lane residential streets which could slow entering and exiting on busy game days. A nice find however close to the ballpark and situated on the same side of the river is Aero Plains Brewing. Here you will find tasty craft beer with a constant limited food menu. With a little research of the brewery website or social media however you can find a food truck schedule and plan accordingly. Old Town is where the action is in Wichita. The red brick streets house a bevy of options from restaurants, breweries, shops, music venues, and nightlife destinations. Emerson Biggin’s is a sports bar pub, GangNam Korean Bar & Grill is the only one of its kind in town, and Mort’s Martini and Cigar Bar offers 160 martinis. The district is also home to live music at Barleycorns and rooftop entertainment at Industry Rooftop. Fans 3 The baseball fans of Wichita enjoy and appreciate baseball; they typically average in the top half of independent baseball in attendance and know the game. These fans embraced and appreciated independent baseball and supported the Wingnuts for 11 seasons; they know the game and watch the action on the field closely. Access 4 Lawrence-Dumont is easily accessible and conveniently located in downtown Wichita. With ample parking this location is almost perfect, the only concern is the egress of the two-lane roads immediately surrounding the ballpark. This, however, is likely only an issue on large attraction games. Return on Investment 4 With tickets ranging in price from $8 for general admission up to $15 for lower box reserved prices are pretty in line with others across the American Association. The Wingnuts do have the dreaded day of game ticket premium so purchasing tickets in advance can save $2 per ticket in all sections. Where the real value comes in at Lawrence-Dumont is when everything else is taken into consideration. Many items in the concessions stand come in under $6 while good local craft beer options can be found for $5. Paired with reasonable priced items in the team store and the result is the real value being found at a Wingnuts game. Extras 3 The stadium receives the extra point for the history on display throughout the concourse and in the pavilion that wraps around the right field corner. The pavilion includes a large plaque dedicated to Satchel Paige and Hap Dumont, along with smaller plaques that extend to the concourse featuring Joe Carter, Roger Clemens, and Buck O’Neil. The stadium gets a second point for the Tecate Field Pass, a section of seats that puts fans right on the field of play in the left field foul territory. The stadium receives a final point for the possible haunting presence of “Hap” Dumont who succumbed to a heart attack at his office in the stadium in 1971. There have been times when staff members have heard his voice, seen shadows, and felt a presence before or after a ball game. One such time is when they were testing the microphones for the NBC World Series when an eerie voice told them to turn down the volume. Final Thoughts Baseball in Wichita will live on and some may even see it as a rebirth when the Triple-A franchise moves into a new state of the art facility in 2020. There is something to be said however for a classic facility offering an affordable family option while also providing a quality product on the field. Lawrence-Dumont Stadium is a grand old lady who has served her time well in the city, perhaps 80-some years from now, fans will be saying the same about the new facility getting ready to be constructed.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Bob Ford Field 1400 Washington Ave Albany, NY 12222 Albany Great Danes website Bob Ford Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 8,500 Highway to the Daneger Zone After a 46 year absence, football returned to the University of Albany in 1970 as a club sport. The school elevated the team to varsity status in 1973. The Great Danes competed in Division Three for over two decades, eventually moving to the FCS subdivision of Division One football in 1999. Throughout this time, the team was led by head coach Bob Ford, and played at the 10,000 seat University Field. The University opened a new 8,500 seat stadium in 2013, which they named for the only coach the Great Danes had ever known. After a $10 million gift from the Bernard and Millie Children’s Foundation in 2015, the name of the stadium was changed to Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium. It’s a mouthful, and you will hear the facility referred to as both Ford Field and Casey Stadium. The Great Danes have won six conference titles since beginning play in Division One. The team has appeared once in the FCS playoffs, losing their only game. Several UAlbany alumni have gone on to professional careers in the National Football and Canadian Football Leagues. Food & Beverage 3 While the concessions at Casey Stadium won’t blow you away, there is a decent variety of food available for hungry Great Dane fans. There are a pair of small concession stands on the concourse of Casey Stadium which offer your basic stadium fare. Options include Nathan’s hot dogs, chicken tenders, pizza slices and nachos. Some more unique offerings are the macaroni and cheese and beef brisket. A pair of portable tents from local favorite Nicos Café serve up gyros, pockets, souvlaki and humoli. Fans looking to satisfy a sweet tooth should head over to the Ben and Jerry’s tent. Pepsi products are featured at Casey Stadium. There is a beer garden in the south end zone, where fans can enjoy adult beverages, including Miller Lite and Labatt Blue. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere at Casey Stadium is similar to most of the smaller football stadiums that dot the northeast. There is a reserved tailgating scene before the game, where longtime dedicated fans meet up in the lots right outside the stadium week after week. The small marching band performs throughout the game, and the staff utilize their talent instead of piping in music during most play stoppages. There is a cheerleading squad and dance team who entertain the fans. While there are a decent amount of students roaming around Casey Stadium, there is no organized student section here. The large grassy berm beyond the north end zone is packed with kids and buzzes with activity throughout the game. T-shirts are tossed into the berm after every Albany score, and there are numerous contests and giveaways throughout the game to keep the casual fan interested. The berm is split in half by a ramp utilized by the Great Danes as they enter and exit the field. The team enters the field at the beginning of the game through a cloud of purple smoke. The $1.1 million, 39 foot by 22 foot Daktronics scoreboard located beyond the south end zone anchors the game day presentation at Casey Stadium. It’s put to great use throughout the game, with replays, fan cams and social media updates posted throughout the game. Neighborhood 4 The University of Albany is located away from the city’s downtown, out by the Albany International Airport on the northwestern edge of the city. Downtown Albany is located just a ten minute drive from campus. The area around campus is quite busy, with many dining and lodging options a short drive from campus. While Albany may not be known as a top foodie destination, there are many options throughout the city. City Line Bar and Grill is a popular gathering place for Great Dane fans. Fans looking for shopping options should head over to the nearby Crossgates Mall. Fans 3 Albany averages around 6,000 fans per game at Casey Stadium, which ranks them in the bottom third of the Colonial Athletic Association. Larger crowds are common for opening night and homecoming. Great Dane fans are pretty typical of northeast college football fans. While they are dedicated and knowledgeable, they are pretty laid back while taking in the action. You won’t find a rowdy scene here at Albany. Most of the buzz at Casey Stadium comes from the many children in attendance, who pack the berm with noise and activity throughout the game. Access 4 The University of Albany is located away from the city’s downtown, on the northwestern edge of New York’s capital city. Located at the junction of Interstates 90 and 87, the campus is easily accessed by car. Fans utilizing public transportation will be pleased to know that several routes of the CDTA (Capital District Transportation Authority) stop at or near campus. Check out the CDTA website for routes, fares and times. Casey Stadium is located on the southern edge of campus, near the university’s other athletic facilities, including SEFCU Arena and Varsity Field. A drawback to the stadium’s location is the lack of parking lots in the immediate vicinity, but there is ample parking a short walk from the facility. Shuttle busses run throughout the campus to transport fans to the stadium from more distant lots. There are two entrances to Casey Stadium, one on each end of the main concourse, which runs along the western edge of the field. Most of the seating is located on this side of the field, consisting mainly of metal bleachers without backs. There are 629 chair back seats clustered around the 50-yard line. Additional bleachers are located along the eastern side of the field. A large grassy berm rings the northern end zone, which is split in half by a ramp utilized by the Great Danes as they enter and exit the field. Party tents line field level along the southern end zone. The main concourse is quite narrow for a newer facility, and can get crowded during halftime. Restrooms are large and clean. Paved paths provide easy access to most parts of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 The University of Albany utilizes variable pricing for its football games, so ticket prices may vary for your selected game. Tickets to Great Dane football games range in price from $15 for berm seating to $40 for chair back seats, with the majority of the seating priced between $20 and $30. Fans wishing to splurge can purchase gold level seats for $100. Check out the UAlbany’s ticketing home page for more details. The Great Danes offer deals for selected games, including a 4 for $44 offer. Fans can take in the game from field level in the end zone for $30, which includes two drink tickets and access to the party tents located in the south end zone. Parking in the lots located throughout campus will cost an additional ten dollars. Shuttle busses are available for fans not wanting to take the walk from the lots to the stadium. Concession prices are in line with other facilities in the area. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the amount of giveaways available throughout the game. All fans can pick up stat sheets, rosters, posters and schedules upon entry to Casey Stadium. T-shirts are tossed into the stands throughout the game and after every Great Dane score. A second extra point is awarded for the recognition of Bob Ford, who took the Great Dane football program from club status in 1970 to the opening of their new home in 2013. More than 100 coaches who learned their trade under Ford went on to be high school, college or professional coaches. Final Thoughts As a rule, college football is not the big deal in the northeast that it is in other parts of the country. Most facilities reflect this lack of emphasis on the sport, but in Casey Stadium the University of Albany has a modern, attractive facility that is the perfect size for this program, and worth a visit from any college football fans visiting the Capital District. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Al Lang Stadium 180 2nd Ave SE St Petersburg, FL 33701 Tampa Bay Rowdies website Al Lang Stadium website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 7,227 Getting Rowdy in St. Pete Taking in a Tampa Bay Rowdies game can be a bit of a surreal experience. Here in the middle of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, sits a former Minor League Baseball stadium that has been transformed into the home of a professional soccer team, where fans tailgate and march through the city center before singing the entire game in support of their favorite team. This is definitely not something you would expect to see in the south, and yet, it stands out as an incredible game day experience. The fan support in St. Pete is high for the Rowdies, as proven by a referendum that was overwhelmingly approved by voters to renovate and fully transform Al Lang Stadium into a premiere MLS facility last year. While the team eventually fell short in their bid for an MLS franchise, the roots of the passion that could make the eventual move successful are easily visible here. Food & Beverage 4 The best thing about the food at Al Lang Stadium is its affordability. A beer ranges from just $6 to $9, with soda and bottled water averaging $4. A burger is just $6 and a hot dog just $4, making the Rowdies insanely affordable compared to most professional sports teams. There is even a concessions stand open in the kids zone just for your child, which features snow cones, cotton candy, and ice cream. The quality of the food is also top notch, with everything made fresh in front of you. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is electric, to say the least. The entire game is filled with the songs and chants from Ralph’s Mob as they keep the excitement going. The fans explode with a roar whenever the Rowdies score a goal. The surrounding area provides a beautiful backdrop for a night of soccer. And to make things even better, the fans are allowed onto the edge of the field after some games to get player autographs, take photos, and get an up-close look at the pitch at Al Lang Stadium. In addition, the stadium’s big-screen scoreboard provides great replays of each important moment on the pitch, as well as stats and information about what is happening throughout the rest of the league. For those who are into social media, there are even special Snapchat filters for the games, helping fans connect and express their support in a host of ways. The stadium itself is clean and easy to navigate, but the aged look of the stadium is hard to escape. Neighborhood 5 St. Petersburg is a growing city on the rise. It is a mix of vacationers, college students (USF has a campus literally steps away from the stadium), and professionals mixing with both city and suburban folks. The neighborhood around Al Lang Stadium is evolving into a high quality of life location that features some of the best hole-in-the-wall eateries you can imagine, with traditional shopping and dining (CVS, Publix, and others are there to help meet your shopping needs). Hotels and resorts vary from motels a few blocks away to the beautiful Hilton in the heart of downtown that puts you literally across the street from the main gate. Just steps away are a SpringHill Suites and a Hampton Inn for lodging options. In addition, situated right on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the beach is right next door to the city, just a few minutes’ drive away. Often rated among the greatest beaches in the country, relaxation under the sun is easier than ever. Not to be forgotten, the people are gracious, kind, and welcoming, making even the most travel-weary fan at the game feel like they’re right at home. For history buffs, a trip south to Fort De Soto State Park is a must. Fans 5 The mere fact that there are seats in some parts of the stadium is funny, as some fans never sit in them for the whole game. Ralph’s Mob, the team’s official supporters club, stands the whole match, singing away for their favorite team and giving the opponents a hard time all the while. It is what one would imagine proper football to feel like as a fan, with all the passion, while remaining family-friendly. Something you notice right away is the number of kids and families at the game. There are a ton of children watching the game with their parents, and it adds to the family-friendly atmosphere. Access 5 Getting to Al Lang Stadium is as easy as possible, with I-175 and I-375 branching off I-275, literally ending on the street in downtown St. Pete that leads to the main entrance. How much easier is it to find than that? Parking is easy with various lots around Al Lang Stadium charging anywhere from $5 to $10. The Rowdies have their own officially sanctioned parking lots and garages around town to help fans find the best place to park. The parking is also plentiful, regardless of how busy the game is going to be, which makes for an easier time finding a spot for those who aren’t familiar with the area. The stadium itself isn’t very big, so getting to your seat is also easy once you’re inside. Return on Investment 5 There are few sports experiences in Florida as rewarding and enjoyable as a Rowdies game. They really know how to put on a show, party it up, and have fun all at the same time. The price of tickets can be as low as $26 for a seat at Al Lang Stadium, and kids’ tickets are just $10. This makes for one of the most affordable professional soccer experiences in the country, let alone the state of Florida. Add to this the affordability of food and drinks at the game, and a family of four can go to a game and get food, while still having money left over for souvenirs. Extras 5 The Rowdies fan club, Ralph’s Mob, have a massive tailgate before each game, and then march down to the field. Their path takes them through the heart of St. Pete in a wide circle complete with drums, flags, and fans singing the songs of Rowdies nation. The team also has a special beer named after them – Big Storm Brewing Company brews Tampa Bay Rowdies Lager, which is available for purchase at Al Lang Stadium. Lucky fans can also win the “Best seats in the house” at Al Lang Stadium. These premium recliners are set up on a riser along the sideline, and offer an up-close view no other seat gives fans. Something else Al Lang Stadium has that few other venues have is one of the best views in sports. On one side, the grandstand provides a great view of the towering buildings of downtown St. Petersburg. On the other, a view of beautiful Tampa Bay greets fans – it is hard to argue with the aesthetics of the facility’s surroundings. Something few fans may realize is that Al Lang Stadium sits in the middle of the course layout for the annual IndyCar Series Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. During race weekend, the stadium doubles as a photographer’s stand during the race. When walking through the parking lot, you can see the rumble strips on the ground and the red lines painted on the roads around the stadium, that show where the barriers are laid out on race weekends. Finally, each Rowdies fan gets the chance to win $1,000 in a contest the team conducts. The game day programs each contain a new code, and each Tuesday after the game the winning code is announced, with the fan holding that code taking home a cool stack of cash. Final Thoughts Tampa Bay may not have an MLS team like they once did, but the Rowdies’ USL program certainly provides the same level of excitement and fun.In the meantime, whether you’re looking to take the whole family or just go solo for a night of sports, the Rowdies will provide a safe, fun, and enjoyable event in a great central location for young people and families alike, in one of the nation’s fastest growing cities.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Atlanta Motor Speedway 1500 Tara Place Hampton, GA 30228 Atlanta Motor Speedway website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 125,000 Real Racing… Real Fast Atlanta Motor Speedway opened its doors in 1960 as Atlanta International Raceway (AIR). It came in during an era as famous for fights between the drivers and banging bumpers as it was for racing skill by the likes of Cale Yarborough, Richard Petty and Fireball Roberts, the winner of the first race ever at the track. Today those names adorn the various grandstands at what is now Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS). The early years of AIR were financially lean, as the owners were racing enthusiasts, not businessmen. That all changed in 1990 when Speedway Motorsports purchased the facility. Speedway Motorsports operates some of NASCAR’s most successful tracks. They immediately began making the improvements necessary to bring Atlanta to the top echelon in stock car racing. Today, Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) is a 125,000-seat success story, with an 850-acre campus. The infield area alone is more than 120 acres. It is known as one of NASCAR’s fastest tracks, as it is one of only two tracks that does not require restrictor plates on the cars. The record for average lap speed during qualifying is 197 mph by Geoff Bodine and during a race the top average lap speed record is 158 mph by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. It is for these reasons that AMS uses “Real Racing… Real Fast” as its slogan. Food & Beverage 3 Ever hear of a professional sports facility that allows you to bring a cooler filled with food into the stands with you? Atlanta Motor Speedway allows coolers up to 14″ x 14″ x 14″ to enter the facility. The coolers must be soft-sided, and no glass bottles are allowed. If you decide against bringing your own food, the folks at AMS are more than happy to keep you well fed. They have 20 track-owned concession stands located strategically around the track that carry foods that you would expect at any sports venue including hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, pretzels, popcorn and pizza. Coca-Cola brand beverages, bottled water and a wide variety of beers are also available at these stands. It is important to note that AMS brand stands operate on a CASH ONLY basis. Don’t worry… there are plenty of ATM’s on property. In addition to the AMS owned food stands, there are plenty of stands managed by well-known national brands. These include Papa John’s Pizza, Sonny’s BBQ, Bojangles Chicken, Australian Bakery and Kona Ice. Any brands with a nationwide tie-in to NASCAR will also have locations throughout the facility. Atmosphere 4 Atlanta Motor Speedway is an electric place to watch a NASCAR race for the first, or the twentieth time. Its 1.5 mile oval is amongst the fastest of all the sport’s tracks. It features 24 degree turns and 5 degree straightaways. The track hosts three major races… the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 (NASCAR Cup Series), the Rinnai 250 (Xfinity Series) and the Active Pest Control 200 (Camping World Truck Series) in the early spring. These are typically the second races of the calendar year after the Daytona 500. The grandstands surrounding the track are both a history lesson about, and a salute to NASCAR’s past. The grandstands are named for some of the sport’s greatest stars… Earnhardt and Petty, while the concourses beneath the stands feature the history of AIR/AMS. (A nice touch has a checkered finish line running through the concourse at the precise location of the finish line on the track.) Neighborhood 3 Your immediate “neighborhood” for races at Atlanta Motor Speedway is its 850-acre campus. AMS will provide you with plenty of things to do and keep you occupied throughout the race weekend. One of the most popular spots in the neighborhood is the Fan Zone located just outside of Gate 13. This area is entertainment central as it functions as a concert venue, shopping mall and food court all rolled up into one. Vendors will be present from all of NASCAR’s major sponsors, driving simulators will give you an idea of what it feels like to drive at 150 mph, and there will be souvenir trucks filled with memorabilia featuring the team gear for almost all the top racing teams. In addition there is a Kid Zone with plenty of inflatables and costumed characters to keep your kids entertained. Bands will take the stage the morning of the race to get you energized for the afternoon activities. Your dining, lodging and attraction options if you decide to stay off AMS property will be in the charming small towns of McDonough, Georgia or Locust Grove, Georgia. Any options you may choose in either of these towns is no more than 9-11 miles from Atlanta Motor Speedway. The most direct route from any major interstate is via the Locust Grove exit # 212 off I-75.This exit links you with the Tanger Outlet Mall, as well as the Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary. This facility is especially popular with children and also serves as an animal rescue facility. Two restaurants at this exit that you might enjoy are Smashburger or Gabino’s Mexican Grill. There are several fast food options and lodging facilities at this exit as well. Fans 5 In the South, there are two organized sports religions… college football and NASCAR. More than just enjoying the sport, NASCAR fans often identify with a specific driver or racing team. This may determine where they sit, what color outfits they wear and who they sit with. It really is no different from sports like basketball, baseball and hockey in that regard. NASCAR and AMS do go much further in creating a personal experience between their fans and their heroes. Drivers in NASCAR are far more accessible than any other professional sport. They are happy to sign autographs at no charge. Fans are welcome to participate in a Q and A session with their favorite driver the day before a race. They can have their photos taken with a driver and their car very willingly. There is a unique relationship between NASCAR stars and their fans. Like many other sports, providing special fan experiences plays a central part of a facility’s marketing plan. At AMS, fans can obtain pre-race pit passes that are good right up through the driver introductions on race day. The cost for children 12 and under is $50 and for adults the cost is $125. A second fan experience option is to rent a Scanner/FanVision package . This allows the fan to hear the communications between the driver and their pit crew during the race and if the driver’s car is outfitted with a camera they can see the race live from the driver’s perspective (not all drivers cars are outfitted with the cameras). Access 4 Atlanta Motor Speedway is located approximately 20 miles south of downtown Atlanta along US Highways 19 and 41. In the old days taking Highways 19 and 41 meant a very long day just getting just to and from the track. This was due to the traffic volume and the dozens of red lights along that route. In 2005 that issue was greatly improved by the opening of GA Highway 20. This was a joint project of the Georgia DOT and AMS to provide the quickest route possible from an interstate (in this case I-75) to the track. It is a multilane thoroughfare with few red lights and direct access into the AMS parking lots. It is also designed to have all lanes reversable to make it possible for all lanes to head west prior to the race and east (towards the interstate) after the race. From I-75: take exit #212 (Hampton- Locust Grove Road). Go west on Hampton-Locust Grove Road, which quickly becomes Georgia 20 West. Stay on Highway 20 West until you reach your specified parking area. Once on the property you may feel that it is a long trek over to the track itself. Free trams continually circle the parking lots and will drop you at the gate your tickets specify. For fans who prefer not to drive, AMS partners with Rally Ride, a rideshare transportation service that will pick up persons from a pre-designated spot and provide round trip service at a very reasonable price. They utilize busses which are outfitted with bathrooms. If the bus can pick up a minimum of 25 persons (you do not have to recruit the 25 yourself) at a specific location the cost can’t be beaten. For example, from the northern suburbs of Atlanta to the track and back would be $35 roundtrip. This is nearly a 60 mile commute each way. To learn more about Rally Ride go to www.rallybus.net . Return on Investment 4 It’s no secret that attendance at NASCAR events has dropped off in recent years. This is primarily due to the aging out of NASCAR’s original fan base, which was America’s Greatest Generation or Baby Boomers. NASCAR is working very hard to bring younger generations to the races by making the events as affordable as possible. Prices for children 12 and under are $10, student tickets for teens over 12 years old are $19-$29 depending on what row you are sitting in. Adult prices range from $49-$119 depending on your row location. Here is the best news… you can bring in a small cooler with your own food for free. Parking other than for VIP areas or RV’s is free. The tram ride from your car to the track is free. Attending activities in the Fan or Kid Zones is free. What other sport offers so many free opportunities? Extras 5 Weather has created some major news stories involving AMS over the years. It frequently serves as an evacuation point for persons seeking shelter from hurricanes that affect Florida. This was particularly true with Hurricane Irma, as thousands of Floridians spent more than a week at the facility. In 2005, the speedway was struck by an F-2 tornado, resulting in millions of dollars in damage. However, in both cases, the track was ready for racing by the next scheduled event. Former President and Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter worked as a ticket taker at AIR back in the 1960’s. When he rose through his various elected positions, he did not forget his friends, as he hosted AIR staff reunions at both the Georgia Governor’s Mansion and the White House. Even in his 90’s, President Carter is a devoted NASCAR fan. Veteran AMS fans urge those who are attending a race for the first time to bring the following items with them 1) Earphones/Ear Plugs are a necessity… stock car racing is extremely loud, 2) Sunscreen is also very important, as you will be sitting in a facility with little or no shade for many hours, 3) Comfortable shoes are important as AMS is a huge facility with lots of interesting things to check out, 4) A small set of binoculars can help you keep up with your favorite driver. The backstretch of the track is a long distance from the grandstands. Atlanta Motor Speedway’s track had its first total repave in 20 years in 2018 following the spring races. This should result in even higher average speeds in the future. The all-time leader for wins at AMS is Dale Earnhardt with eight checkered flags. Following closely behind are Cale Yarborough and Bill Elliott with seven wins each. Final Thoughts Atlanta Motor Speedway has been a part of the NASCAR world since 1960. Today it remains one of the fastest tracks on the circuit, as it is one of only two tracks that does not require the use of restrictor plates.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 McDonald Jones Stadium 294 Turton Rd Broadmeadow NSW Australia Newcastle Knights website McDonald Jones Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 33,000 Knights of Newcastle McDonald Jones Stadium opened in 1970 as part of the Newcastle International Sports Centre, servicing the Hunter region, about two hours north of Sydney. Originally an oval-shaped playing field, the venue was converted into a rectangular stadium prior to the entry of the Knights into what is now the National Rugby League (NRL) in 1988. After numerous redevelopments commencing in 2003, the stadium has a current capacity of 33,000 and is considered an important component of NSW’s stadia network. McDonald Jones Stadium is home to both the Newcastle Knights and the Newcastle Jets (A-League), and has hosted internationals for rugby league, rugby union, and football (soccer). The stadium is managed by a state government body, Venues NSW. Despite some lean periods of late (particularly around the ill-fated ownership of mining magnate Nathan Tinkler), the Knights boast a solid record of success, particularly during the late 90s and early 2000s. While recent turmoil saw the club “win” the wooden spoon for finishing last for three successive years (2015-2017), after recruiting strongly the club has shown that their rebuild is progressing solidly. Food & Beverage 3 While by no means extravagant, the caterers at McDonald Jones Stadium offer a broader selection of food and beverage than expected – the basics are well provided for and include items such as pies, sausage rolls, hot dogs, and hot chips. Prices are high, but not exorbitant; expect to pay about $5.50 on average for each of the aforementioned items. There are also a few concessions stands offering specialty items including loaded hot chips (choose your seasoning and sauce), chiko rolls, pizza subs, fairy floss, Streets ice creams, and fairly uniquely for an Australian venue, churros. Non-alcoholic drinks such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and bottled water are on average $5, and the beer selection is quite good, with several options such as Iron Jack ($6.50), Little Creatures ($8.50), XXXX Gold ($6.20), and Hahn Premium Light ($5.80). If beer is not your choice of drink, wine is also available by the glass ($6), along with cider ($9) and pre-mixed spirits ($9.50). Atmosphere 4 McDonald Jones Stadium is a classic football design, with grandstands running the length of the playing field and hills at either end. The main entrance is on the western side of the stadium with the plaza serving as an activation zone. The best feature here is the try-scoring simulation, and additional entries are located in the northeast and northwest corners. The grandstands have three tiers, with the middle deck dedicated to corporate suites and function rooms. The seats are coloured red or blue in a nod to the playing strips of both the Knights and the Jets. With a steep grade, even the upper-deck seats feel close to the action, but all grandstand seats are reserved only. The eastern stand has been named in honour of local boy Andrew Johns, one of the greatest players in the history of rugby league and an Immortal – Johns played 249 games for the Knights between 1993 and 2007, in addition to representing NSW and Australia. The hills at either end are quite small and include a few rows of fixed seating adjacent to the playing field. As these areas are general admission, you’re advised to arrive early. There are also scoreboards behind each hill, but the video board at the northern end is significantly larger than that at the southern end, and was repurposed from the old Parramatta Stadium, which was demolished in 2017 to make way for the new Western Sydney Stadium. Neighborhood 4 Newcastle was first explored by European colonialists in the 18th century. In fact, the major geographical feature of the region, a 300km river that empties into the Pacific Ocean between Nobby’s Head and Stocktown, was named after the second governor of NSW, John Hunter. The broader Hunter region is best known for its wineries and coal mines, and the city of Newcastle is traditionally a working class area, and is the second most populated city in the state of NSW after Sydney. Known colloquially as “Newy,” the coastal city is blessed with an abundance of beaches. McDonald Jones Stadium itself is a part of a broader sporting centre including the adjacent hockey centre, harness racing track, nearby basketball stadium, and entertainment centre (arena). The immediate surrounding area is mostly suburban with the best bars and restaurants to the east in the CBD, although there are plans to develop the local area to include a hotel and entertainment precinct. If you are headed east, then consider detouring past Beaumont St, Hamilton – this strip is known for its Mediterranean restaurants. Feel free to explore but one worth mentioning by name is The Depot (104 Beaumont St) which has a large restaurant and also a bar with a solid beer selection. Barbecue fans should visit The Lucky (237 Hunter St) in the CBD, but you’ll want to make a reservation and check whether the opening times correspond well with the game time. Live music has also always been popular in Newcastle; the most well-known acts to come out of Newcastle are Silverchair and The Screaming Jets. You’ll definitely want to experience the coastal vistas around the city – the best views can be had at the Anzac Memorial Walk (Memorial Dr), but another great spot is the lighthouse at Nobby’s Head, where there is also a small kiosk where you can grab a coffee. Or if you have a few days to spare then you’re advised to explore the coast north of Newcastle around Port Stephens and Nelson Bay, as well as wine-country in the Hunter Valley. Lastly, the sole opportunity for a double-header during the NRL season is the Newcastle North Stars of the Australian Ice Hockey League, who play their games at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium located 10km from McDonald Jones Stadium at Warners Bay. Fans 4 Knights fans are amongst the most loyal and passionate in the league – Novocastrians take great pride in their team and show up en masse to support their team. More recently, the Knights’ average home crowd has hovered around the 15,000-18,000 mark, which ranks them in the top echelon throughout the NRL. While the atmosphere is largely family friendly, expect a vocal crowd. Access 3 Official parking lots are available only by pre-booking through the official ticket agent, and cost $10. If you plan on driving and want to play it safe, then be sure to book early as these lots are limited. Otherwise you’ll want to arrive up to two hours before the game to try to snag a park in the surrounding streets. Public transport is available by bus and train; several bus routes run past the stadium, stopping at the Young / Turton junction, while the nearest train station is 1.5km away at Broadmeadow. The Hunter is also serviced by a regional airport at Williamtown (about 15km north of Newcastle), and flights into Newcastle Airport are available from the major east coast cities. If you are driving to the stadium from Sydney, the major connecting road is the M1 Motorway, which starts at Wahroongah and links drivers to the Newcastle Link Rd. Moving around inside McDonald Jones Stadium is relatively smooth, and the stadium is also fitted with ramps and elevators to improve accessibility for less mobile people (see the stadium’s website for more information). Return on Investment 4 Adult ticket prices start at $26 for general admission and rise to $51 for reserved seats on the half-way line, and the usual discounts apply for pre-purchasing, children, and families. Secondary spend prices for food, drinks, and parking are fair, especially in comparison to other NRL stadiums. Extras 3 The fan experience is tailored towards children, with opportunities for face painting, skills, drills, and more at the western entry plaza. Additionally, there’s a jumping castle on the hill once you get inside. The south-eastern corner also features a “fortress” which is accessible to club members. Final Thoughts McDonald Jones Stadium is among the best of the “Tier Two” suburban stadiums in NSW. In addition, Newcastle is a great town to visit and is located only two hours north of Sydney, makes it a good choice for an NRL game.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Duncan Field 601 East South St Hastings, NE 68901 Hastings Sodbusters website Duncan Field website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 1,317 Historic Duncan Field Built as a public works project in 1940 and dedicated in 1941, Duncan Field is known for its massive outfield dimensions and its iconic red brick outfield wall. The baseball field was originally called Pershing Field and was renamed Duncan Field in 1948 after Robert Duncan, an avid Hastings baseball fan. Duncan Field was used by the class ‘D’ Nebraska State League (baseball) from 1956 – 1959. It hosted the American Legion National Baseball Championships in 1959, 1960, 1961, and 1969. Today, the field continues to host Legion baseball, Hastings College baseball, Hastings Senior High baseball, and Hastings St Cecilla football. 2018 sees a new tenant at Duncan Field – the Hastings Sodbusters of the Expedition League, a summer collegiate wood bat league. The first ever Expedition League All Star Game was held in 2018 at Duncan Field. The stadium will host the 2019 and 2020 American Legion Central Plains Regionals (baseball), the first regionals in the state since 2004. Watching a Sodbusters game at this classic venue is a family friendly, affordable way to spend a summer evening. Food & Beverage 3 Standard ballpark food is available for Sodbusters games with the one main concession stand just to the right of the entrance down the first base line. Offerings include hamburger, cheeseburger, hot dog, pulled pork sandwich, nachos, and pizza and are priced from $3 – $5 (quite affordable). Snacks consist of pretzels, cookies, candy bars, chips, seeds ($1 – $5). The concession stand is cash only. Drinks are $2 (Pepsi, Gatorade, bottled water, tea/sweet tea, and bottled lemonade). An adult beverage cart is to the left of the entrance that has Coors, Bud, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, Goose Island IPA, Goose Island 312, and Leinenkugel. It also serves mixed drinks such as vodka and lemonade, rum and Coke, whiskey or Jack Daniels and Coke, etc. All drinks are $5, cash only. For most Sodbuster games, a small snack-only concession stand is open on the upper third base seating level and sells salty popcorn, chips, and other goodies. Lines can, and do, form at the main concession stand so plan accordingly. Atmosphere 3 Seating runs from a tad beyond first base to a bit beyond third base. The reserved seating (from dugout to dugout) has wonderfully, enormous amounts of leg room and are the standard green, fold down stadium seats. There’s absolutely no leg room in the general admission / bleacher sections nor are their backs on the bleachers. Spend the extra $2 and get a reserved seat. The first base side gets the shade first during evening games. A kid’s covered play area beyond the first base line contains an elaborate, colorful jungle gym. A bouncy house for the young ones to enjoy is past the third base line. An electronic scoreboard is located in right-center field and provides basic game information: runs per inning, total runs, hits and errors, the balls, strikes, outs, and the # of the player at bat. Roster sheets are not provided. A train track runs just past the stadium and freight trains can be heard rumbling by throughout the game (as well as the trains’ loud whistle). The PA announcer does not articulate well; is difficult to understand what he’s trying to say; music is played while he’s talking which doesn’t help. “Noise” is broadcast/played after every pitch which is annoying to me but the crowd seems to like it. The staff works hard providing the innocent, between-inning entertainment which includes matrimony game, dizzy bat race, trivia contest, and more. Neighborhood 3 One of the great things about stadium journeying is the ability to visit many large and small towns across the country and the world that a traveler would not normally visit. Surrounded by corn fields, Hastings, NE is one of those small towns that provides an interesting mix of commerce and industry, restaurants and bars, and cultural and sports opportunities and it grows on you after spending some time there. Downtown Hastings is only about a mile from Duncan Field. Spend a couple hours visiting the Hastings Museum, which includes a planetarium that offers a several shows daily. Did you know Hastings is the birthplace of Kool-Aid? Visit the Farmer’s Market, take in the latest film at the historic Rivoli Theatre, stroll downtown and tour many of the locally-owned shops, or hike/bike the paved trails at Heartwell Park and feed the ducks. For delicious sandwiches, a Big Dally’s Deli is directly across the street from center field. Other recommended dining choices include Odyssey Downtown (casual and fine dining – considered the best dining experience in central Nebraska), Murphy’s Wagon Wheel (burgers, BBQ, and beer), and Bull Eye’s (a traditional bar that has good weekend breakfast choices). A most comfortable and welcoming brewery downtown is the First Street Brewing Company or stop by Steeple Brewing Co for other varieties of craft beer. Several hotels are within a few miles of Duncan Field, though none within walking distance. They include Super 8 by Wyndham Hastings, C3 Hotel & Convention Center, Comfort Inn and a few more. Most of these run between $60 and $80 a night. Fans 3 Locals are delighted there’s an additional form of entertainment in town. The Sodbusters are in the middle of the pack of attendance rankings in the Expedition League with an average of 641 fans per game during the 2018 season. The fans are versed in the rules of the game and applaud at all the appropriate times. They appreciate good plays made by not only the Sodbusters but the visiting team as well. The beer batter of the game (buy one; get one free Bud or Bud Light for the remainder of the inning if the identified batter gets a strike out) is an appreciated promotion. Access 3 Hastings is a little over 100 miles west of Lincoln, NE. The town is surrounded by farmland so one will be making a pleasant drive through the Heartland of America on their way to Duncan Field if coming from out of town. Once in town, it’s quite easy to find Duncan Field as it sits just off County Road 6, south of Hastings College on Elm Ave. Public transportation is not available for Sodbusters games. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are of service in the city. A small airport is in Hastings but no commercial flights arrive or depart from that air field. A paved parking lot is adjacent to the stadium (no charge for parking) and there is plenty of free parking along the neighborhood streets. The ticket booth is located down the first base line next to the only gate entrance. Ramps and wheelchair accessible spaces are plentiful. The concourse is really the entrance plaza, a small walkway is in front of the seating area (and behind the grandstand where the restrooms are located). Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $5 (student), $6 (general admission – bleachers), $8 (reserved – sections 101-102, 103-105), and $10 (premier – first three rows of 103-105 – right behind home plate). Concession prices are very affordable and parking is free. The team provides various fireworks and theme nights throughout the season. Every Tuesday is $2 Tuesday with deals at the already inexpensive concession stand. It’s a great affordable place to take the family, a date, or friends on a summer’s evening out. Extras 3 Duncan Field has several unique and interesting points. In addition to baseball, Hastings St Cecilla football is also played in the outfield (there’s a separate football-only scoreboard down the third base line). The original brick outfield wall built in the 1940’s still looks fabulous. No advertisements and no separate batter’s eye is in place as the dark red brick does the trick. It provides that ‘old time baseball feel’ when attending a game at Duncan Field. Kudo’s to the 2014 renovations and to all of those who donated to help keep this historic field state-of-the-art while maintaining its history. Final Thoughts If in town, I recommend conversation and a craft cold one at First Street Brewery, then head east a mile to Duncan Field and catch a Sodbusters baseball game for an enjoyable afternoon/evening out.

Photos by Meg Minard , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Security Service Field 4385 Tutt Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80922 Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 8,500 Looking Back … Looking Ahead Security Service Field (originally known as Sky Sox Stadium) is the highest professional baseball stadium in the U.S. at 6,531 feet above sea level (higher than Coors Field). It sits adjacent to Weidner Stadium where the USL Switchbacks play their soccer matches. The baseball team originated as the Hawaii Islanders in Honolulu, HI; but after that team fell into financial problems, the team moved to Colorado Springs in 1988 and became the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Throughout their existence the team has been the AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, and beginning in 2015, the Milwaukee Brewers. The end of the 2018 season brings closure to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox as the team will be moving to San Antonio beginning the 2019 season. The Brewers rookie league team will be relocating from Helena, MT to Colorado Springs the 2019 season and the team name rebranding is currently (summer 2018) under way. Food & Beverage 3 Enticing food and drink options, as well as all the traditional snacks and treats, are available at Security Service Field. The Sky Sox use some local concessionaires to help boost the Colorado Springs economy. Walking in to the stadium entrance, just to the right (first base side) is Zebulon’s Grill providing cheesesteaks, hamburgers, and other grilled favorites ($5 – $9). Specialties at the two other permanent stands include: Buffalo and/chicken tenders w/fries, red hot Chicago and/or chili cheese foot long dog, Wisconsin brat, Pikes Peak nachos, the mighty Colorado nacho plate, and hot and spicy sausages. Prices range from $5.50 to $9 depending on your choice. Snacks include peanuts, candy, churros, soft pretzel, cotton candy, popcorn, kettle corn, fries, etc. and range from $3 to $6.50. Fountain soft drinks are provided by Pepsi ($7) and bottled water is $4.25. Other refreshments include a Papa John’s pizza stand ($8 for a single serving pie), Chilly Willy’s ice cream ($5 – $7 / cash only) and a shaved ice stand. Beer choices at the permanent concession stands are Coors, Coors Light, Blue Moon, Killian’s, Miller Lite, Alaskan Amber, and Colorado Native. A large craft brew cart is down the third base concourse and offers up to eight different brews from local Bristol Brewing Company and Sierra Nevada (a California based brewery). Beers at this stand are $9 (cash only). A local moonshine distillery, 3 Hundred Days of Shine, provides moonshine cocktails (single $6.25 / double $12.50); cash only. Except for sealed soft plastic bottles of water, outside food and drink are not allowed. Atmosphere 3 The concourse runs on top of the seating bowl and spreads from the first baseline to the third baseline. Seating is not available in the outfield areas. Green plastic fold down chairs with cup holders are in the lower level of the seating area (closer to the field). A small pathway separates the upper level. The upper level has metal benches with backs but no cup holders. Both sections provide excellent sights of the game. As with most ballparks nowadays, the net extends down both baselines limiting the viewing pleasure of a ‘net free’ game. A Fun Zone with bounce houses and other kid’s attractions is down the third baseline just above a well-manicured grassy berm seating area. Visiting ballplayers walk across a short part of the concourse and down the third base side steps to get to the dugout, so there may be some autograph opportunities pre or postgame. A set of 18 luxury/club seats are above the press box and behind the home plate area. There is a hot tub down the first baseline that you and up to eleven of your friends can rent for a unique experience at a ball game. All seats (except the luxury/club seats) are in the sun (or other weather elements) and there are no shaded or covered areas except for the cramped concourse behind home plate. Come prepared with clothing layers or sunscreen. Both might be needed the same day. Recommendation: Check the weather before attending the game and always pack sunscreen and at least a long sleeve shirt. The PA announcer does a fine job and the music is even turned down when calling a relief pitcher and a double-switch so those keeping score can record the name properly on their scorecard. More importantly, the music isn’t played too loud and a fan can talk with their neighbor easily – an excellent thing. The scoreboard is viewable from all seats and displays the current score by inning including hits and errors, strikes, balls, and outs. A video board provides the names and current stats of the player at bat for both teams, as well as advertisements and in-game contests. Neighborhood 3 Security Service Field is not in downtown Colorado Springs. It is located in a neighborhood in the northeastern part of the city. The neighborhood has grown vastly over the last several years with more and more shopping and dining available within walking distance of the venue. Two sports bars to check out are Cleats Bar and Grill East (plenty of TVs and bar food) and Rhino’s Sport & Spirits. Both are walking distance from the stadium with Cleats a little closer; though Rhino’s is my preference. Countless chain restaurants are nearby including: On The Border, Egg & I, Pizza Hut, L&L Hawaiian BBQ, Zen Fusion Sushi, Noodle and Company, Rock Bottom, and the list goes on. Several craft breweries have popped up near the stadium. Peaks N Pines (offering a diverse selection of their own tasty brews and a welcoming, friendly environment) is across a field from the ballpark. One can walk across the field to the ballpark during an afternoon game, but I wouldn’t recommend it at night as there are no lights. Nano 108 Brewing is about two miles down Tutt Ave and may also be a good place for a beer pre or postgame. The closest hotel to the stadium is the Holiday Inn Express Colorado Springs – First and Main and is about one mile from the field. It is located near the Cinemark Theater and many shopping centers and restaurants. Several other hotels are near the airport. Although slightly more than five miles away, do visit the Air Force Academy when in town and check out the Visitor’s Center and the Air Force Chapel. It houses three distinct worship areas under a single roof and has been named a U.S. National Historic Landmark. It has received many architectural prizes since its construction in 1962. Note: The Air Force Chapel is expected to close late 2018 for major restoration work. Fans 3 The Sky Sox have generally been in the lower half in attendance in the Pacific Coast League. However, heard amongst the conversations in the stands are statements such as, “That player was the number one pick for the Brewers in 2014,” or “He’s been to Miller Park and is trying to get back there,” or ” Will he go for a bunt or try to hit it out?” So you know the fans attending the games have baseball savvy. Visiting fans are welcomed… it IS a minor league game and it is more about the baseball being played and other social activities than any rivalries within the minor league teams. We’ll have to wait till the 2019 season to see how the fans engage with the new team relocating here. Access 3 This is a mixed bag. There is a bus stop right outside the stadium and it looks like Route 23 – Tutt Blvd via Powers Blvd is the one to take, though be mindful of last pick up times. Most fans drive to the game. Check the Sky Sox website for directions. The directions indicate taking Woodmen Rd off I-25 if coming from the north. I’d recommend taking Interquest Pkwy instead, as it is less congested and has fewer traffic lights. Colorado Springs Airport is only six miles to Security Service Field. Denver International Airport is a bit farther – about an hour and 15 min drive. There are more flights to/from DIA and are probably lower in fare than Colorado Springs. Parking is $5. Be prepared to have a lot of patience when leaving the game from the main lot. I recommend, instead of turning on Tutt St (where the signage indicates to turn), continue straight on Barnes Rd till the next light and make a right. That will take you to the ‘back’ parking lot which is way easier to exit after the game. The signs will say it is season ticket parking but they do allow the general public to park there. Only the one gate is available for fans to enter and exit the stadium which funnels behind the home base area. Even with the smaller crowds, it can get so congested it is treacherous. My recommendation: Stay in your seat during the game or just meander on the concourse above the baseline on which you are sitting and remain in your seat for a bit after the game to avoid the mass exit and the crowds. Hopefully, there will never be the need for a quick evacuation of the stadium. The restrooms, one for each gender, are a bit dated but serve their purpose. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are reasonable for an AAA ball game: lower box ($15), upper level ($12), grass berm ($5). Military, seniors (60+), and kids under 12 get an additional $2 off. Add an additional $2 when purchased the day of the game. Food prices generally range from $5 – $9. Parking is $5. The Sky Sox organization provides a variety of promotions throughout the year: Sunday: 50¢ hot dogs Tuesday: Two for Tuesdays – $2 tickets; $2 parking, $2 Coors/Coors Light Thursday: $3 Microbrew Thursday Friday: Friday Fireworks Saturday: Select themed nights like Star Trek Night, Harry Potter Night, and more With all the promotions and perks, attending a Sky Sox game is well worth the investment. Extras 3 A few extra items are worth noting. Listen to Dan Karcher broadcast the Sky Sox games on AM 1300 or on their website. He calls the game without a lot of unnecessary chatter and provides just the perfect amount of passion. He calls the games with superb expertise. I hope he continues broadcasting when the new team arrives in 2019. Jim Thome is the first Sky Sox player to be inducted in the Hall of Fame. The power hitter played with the Sky Sox during the 1991 and 1992 seasons. A team store, called the Fox Den, offers all kinds of merchandise including clothing, hats, shot glasses, foam fingers, pennants, and just about any other collector’s item. Final Thoughts As part of the final hurrah and Sky Sox campaign, the organization has done a decent job at ‘looking back’ at the history of the Sky Sox with the players wearing different ‘team era’ jerseys each month. The organization is ‘looking ahead’ to a new name and a new league in 2019. Thanks for the memories, Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Utah Motorsports Campus 2091 N. Sheep Lane Tooele, UT 84074 Utah Motorsports Campus website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 8,000 Speed Between the Peaks of Utah “There is nothing in the desert, and no man needs nothing.” – Prince Feisal, Lawrence of Arabia Utah Motorsports Campus is unique in many ways. Opened as Miller Motorsports Park, it was the longest road course in North America until 2014 saw Thunderhill Raceway undergo a massive expansion. Utah Motorsports Campus sits at a high altitude, located just outside of Salt Lake City at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. There is also the intense heat that comes with being located in the middle of the desert. Yet, despite what some may feel are negatives, this track has the bones of a top-notch racing facility. Bought in 2015 by a Chinese company, Utah Motorsports Campus is now being used as a test-bed for how that company will build and operate raceways in China. From the great sound system to the fan access to the teams and drivers, few can argue with the brilliance of this course’s layout and design. However, the venue lacks a few touches that most other facilities would find useful, and would consider no-brainers. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions are by far the biggest downside to a race at Utah Motorsports Campus – if you find yourself hungry at some point during the day, your choices are limited. The track’s lone concessions stand no longer is open during major race weekends. However, in 2016 the Rodigio Grill opened on site, bringing high-quality (and somewhat high-priced) Brazilian food to the track. In addition, various food carts and food trucks also make their way to the track during race weekends. In 2018, the venue also featured a variety of food trucks that arrived on site during Sunday racing, giving fans another option for something to eat at the track. Atmosphere 4 The feeling you get at Utah Motorsports Campus isn’t one of intense competition that has all the drivers and teams feeling like they’re on a knife’s edge, but rather one of relaxed and laid-back fun. This is a good thing, however, as it adds to the overall enjoyment of the race day experience. Add to that the music that plays in the various grandstands around the course, and you can rock out to some quality tunes in between on-track sessions. There is also easy access for fans to get up close to the garages, where all their favorite drivers and cars are being worked on – this puts a smile on everyone’s face, no matter how hot or cold the weather may be. Neighborhood 3 Utah Motorsports Campus is quite literally in the middle of the desert. However, just a 20-minute drive east is Salt Lake City, and just five minutes southeast of the track is Tooele, where you can find numerous lodging options with affordable prices; the Tooele Comfort Inn & Suites is routinely rated as one of the best hotels in the chain’s arsenal around the country, as is the Hilton Garden Inn in Sandy, UT. Numerous new hotels are popping up right next to Salt Lake City International Airport as well. Tooele also has a wide variety of dining options – one of the favorites for fans and teams is a restaurant called the Bonneville Brewing Company, which is a multi-level restaurant and brewhouse with sports on TVs all over the place. Fans craving Brazilian food can also visit the Rodigio Grill on site at Utah Motorsports Campus. For those looking to explore some of the great outdoors, Utah Motorsports Campus is located just minutes away from the shores of Great Salt Lake State Park, and there are also several mountain trails and ski resorts nearby. In addition, fans can drive into Salt Lake City to see sights such as Temple Square and the Clark Planetarium. Fans 4 For being in the middle of nowhere, the locals sure do pack in the facility during race weekends. Noted as a favorite track among competitors, loyal fans turn out in droves for events at Utah Motorsports Campus, and for good reason – the on-track action is fast and furious, giving the fans a brilliant show to watch. Being in Utah also means that the people are kind and courteous, making for an at times overwhelmingly enjoyable and family-friendly atmosphere at the track. Access 3 Getting to Utah Motorsports Campus isn’t intrinsically hard to do, but the facility is a bit off the beaten path. After exiting US-80 towards Tooele, fans will find themselves driving past endless desert until suddenly a racetrack appears. Traffic can back up after a period of time, due to the small roads heading in and out of the raceway. Additionally, while parking on site is quite numerous, getting to your favorite spot may require a long walk. Thankfully, a fan shuttle is offered during races to get you from place to place along the nearly four-mile road course. There is also a ton of camping space available next to the track, giving guests who want to stay the full weekend a chance to “rough it” racing-style. Return on Investment 4 Utah Motorsports Campus is quite picturesque, despite its location. Mountains border the speedway on the east, west, and south, with the Great Salt Lake bordering on the north. Tickets are not generally expensive, and getting to see top-quality racing on the track is worth the price of admission – just bring your own food. Extras 5 The facility at Utah Motorsports Campus is host to a wide array of additional amenities for fans, starting with the go-kart track – not only is it large, it can be split into two separate tracks that can be run simultaneously. The Ford Museum is also on-site, which is home to some classic vintage cars from the Ford Motor Company; note that the museum is open during race weekends. Another giant thrill at Utah Motorsports Campus is the large zip line, and the autograph sessions held throughout the weekend are a fan favorite that give fans the best chance to meet their favorite drivers, and get an autograph to go with their other racing souvenirs. Another interesting aspect at Utah Motorsports Campus is the location of Victory Lane, quite literally tables away from the port-side seating for the track’s only concessions stand. In addition, the track offers a perfect chance for fans to see the cars up front and personal, with most drivers and teams willing to pose for photos during each race’s pre-grid set up. Final Thoughts Coming to Utah Motorsports Campus in the high desert heat of Utah can be challenging for some, but for many racing diehards, stopping at the facility is a surreal experience. The track is new, long, and fast, and is quickly becoming a favorite among drivers. As long as you stay hydrated and eat well before your day, Utah Motorsports Campus is destined to become a jewel of motor racing.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Municipal Stadium 274 E Memorial Blvd Hagerstown, MD 21740 Year Opened: 1931 Year Demolished: 2022 Capacity: 4,600 History in Hagerstown Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown is a classic baseball stadium that has seen its share of history. Opened in 1931, the facility has seen many great players of the past play the game here including Hack Wilson, Lefty Grove, Willie Mays, and Jim Palmer as well as current major league players such as Bryce Harper. In various leagues, teams such as the Hubs, Owls, Braves, and Packets played to the local crowds up until 1955. Numerous Negro League teams also played at Municipal Stadium over the years. In 1981, baseball returned in the form of the High A Level Carolina League and the Hagerstown Suns, who were affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles. In 1989 the Orioles moved their Carolina League to nearby Frederick, Maryland. Hagerstown then spent four seasons as the AA affiliate of the Orioles until that team moved to another new stadium in Bowie, MD. The city was never without baseball as the Toronto Blue Jays moved their Myrtle Beach, SC-based team to the Hub City. The franchise was a low A level, South Atlantic League team. The Blue Jays affiliation was also somewhat awkward at the time as the nearby Orioles were in a heated rivalry with the Canadian MLB team. The Giants and the Mets also were the Suns Major League affiliate at times in the early 2000s, also at the South Atlantic League level. But once again, none of these affiliations seemed to suit the local flavor. A move from Hagerstown seems inevitable. The team tried to move to the Fredericksburg, VA numerous times although funding and planning issues got in the way. It seems unlikely that Municipal Stadium can last. Hopefully organized baseball, either as the current Suns, or in some other form stays at this historic field. Food & Beverage 4 Food choices are not large in variety, with two basic food stands and a couple additional stands. But what is offered is cheap in price and of high quality. The Jersey Mike sub for $5 is a bargain with a meal deal for $3 more that includes chips, offering another value. Pretzels and sodas are $3. The BBQ Nacho that includes pulled pork, bbq, and cheese, will fill you up for $7. A pulled pork BBQ sandwich is also available. Beer and cider are sold at a couple of stands. The best place for beer is the Beer Garden down the left field line. Prices are decent, with beer starting at $6, but in a large glass. Atmosphere 4 This is an old stadium. There is no doubt about that. It does not have the bells and whistles of stadiums built in recent years. It does not even have the features of a stadium built in the 1950s such as the Reading Fightin Phils FirstEnergy Stadium. That Reading park is the goal for an older facility, such as Municipal Stadium, to strive for. Older can still be good. The atmosphere is still very good at a Suns game. If you’re a true baseball fan you will enjoy your experience here. The casual fan will also enjoy the extras such as good food and some fun diversions for the kids. There is also a good variety of seating choices. The covered grandstands offer relatively new individual seats with cup holders. There are also simple but renovated grandstands down both baselines, with a special Field Suite on the right field line that is angled for better viewing. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located close to downtown Hagerstown, but you may not even realize it. The ballpark is isolated from the town and feels like it is essentially in a residential area. There is a bar called Stadium Grill and Tavern located directly behind the stadium that can offer some pre and postgame meals. Also, make sure to stop by local used bookstore Wonder Book and Video located at 607 Dual Highway. They have been named one of the best used bookstores by USA Today. You may find yourself lost in their stacks for hours. Lodging options are varied. While there are some nearby hotels on Dual Highway, you may find it better to stay at a hotel such as Springhill Suites Hagerstown located in the Valley Mall parking lot. Fans 4 The fans in the grandstand, as well as those who stand during the entire game behind the dugout, are true hardcore baseball fans. You may never see a fan base that spends more time with their scorecards than you will see here in Hagerstown. They know and understand the game of baseball. The crowd can also get pretty loud. They are into the game and will root when needed and jeer when they need to jeer as well. A casual fan spending time on their cell phone will look like the odd man out here. It is a refreshing change when compared to fans at many modern stadiums who are not always actively engaged with the game action. Access 4 Although seemingly locked away in a housing neighborhood, Municipal Stadium is fairly easy to access. Signs will quickly direct you off of I-70 to Route 40 (Dual Highway) and then to Eastern Boulevard which takes you quickly to the parking lot. Parking is free and should be no problem for even the most crowded game. Be wary of parking too close to the first base grandstand as your car will be in a prime foul ball zone. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are a bargain at $9 for general admission and $12 for VIP. The Suns offer many other packages, special dates, group incentives that can make a game be an even greater value. With the free parking and the convenience of the stadium access, the baseball fan will find no better value around. Extras 3 The stadium is dripping with history. Knowing that Willie Mays took his first professional swings here is not to be forgotten, let alone the fact that Jim Palmer pitched from that mound. Or the fact that legendary teams of the Negro League such as the Indianapolis Clowns, Homestead Grays or the Pittsburgh Crawfords played games here. The plaques of the history of the stadium that are placed around the concourse drive that sense of history home even more. The nicely placed Beer Garden is a nice extra that allows a fan to enjoy a beverage and still see the game. The new seats in the covered grandstand take an old stadium and add some needed modern luxury. There is not a bad seat in the house. And now most of them are actually comfortable seats as well. One should also look at the sloped outfield. One of the reasons that major league baseball is not happy with this facility is this unusual “feature.” As a fan, baseball is all about the uniqueness and diversity of baseball fields. That feature, although unintentional, is certainly unique. Final Thoughts If you love the nostalgic history of baseball, then a game at Hagerstown should not be missed. The major leagues may want to move away from using Municipal Stadium as a home for organized baseball, but as a fan, you will love the true baseball experience on display here.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Mike Lansing Field 330 Kati Ln Casper, WY 82601 Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 2,500 Welcome to Casper Baseball Mike Lansing Field in Casper, Wyoming serves as the home for Casper American Legion Baseball and beginning in 2018, the Casper Horseheads. The Horseheads are members of the Expedition League, a new wood bat collegiate league. The team is cleverly titled as the moniker comes from the ‘head’ of an oil pumpjack; the oil industry has been a part of the Wyoming economy since the late 1800’s. Mike Lansing Field honors the former MLB infielder who played for the Expos, Rockies, and Red Sox. It is a small, intimate place to catch a collegiate baseball game, and watching the Casper Horseheads for nine innings at Mike Lansing Field is an enjoyable evening out. Food & Beverage 3 Refreshment offerings are exactly what you would expect at a stadium of this size with plenty of traditional stadium fare to satisfy a fan’s thirst and hunger. One concession area, under the main seating bowl, serves the basics. Meal Deals (hot dog, hamburger or pulled pork) combos include the sandwich, chips, and a drink ($8 – $10). Standard snacks of pretzel, popcorn, seeds, nachos, ice cream, PB&J, pickles, and more are offered for reasonable prices ($2 – $4). Soft drinks (Pepsi products) range from $3 – $4. A Bud Light beer truck is on the outer concourse and offers your standard domestic brews as well as a few craft selections, one from Black Tooth (a Wyoming brewery). Nothing noteworthy is on the menu but you won’t go hungry. Atmosphere 3 The ticket booth and entrance to Mike Lansing Field are down the left field line, unlike other ballparks where the entrances generally deposit fans behind the home plate area. A path down the third base side of the field leads to the team store, concession stand, and seating area. The walkway is paved and easily traversed. The seating area consists of three sections on the infield. Behind home plate, all chairs are of the green fold down variety with cup holders, the other two sections provide the same for the first three rows, then bleachers with backs (first seven rows), then bleachers with no backs are higher up. A decent amount of handrails is available for climbing the steps to the seating areas to the top – Row T. Leg room is average. The third base side gets the shade first. The music volume level is acceptable. Walk up songs are played for the Horseheads. Very fortunately, no music is played between pitches allowing fans just to enjoy the game, hear the PA announcer, and not have their senses bombarded. Games and contests between innings include: Sweetheart of the game (flowers), matrimony game, strikeout batter of the game (if a selected opposing team batter strikes out, fans get ½ price beer for the remainder of that inning), fastest hot dog eating contest, dizzy bat race, and more. All contest sponsors are local Casper businesses which keeps the community feel at the ballpark. A basic electronic scoreboard is in left field that shows the line score by inning, the balls, strikes, outs, and player number of who is at bat, and total hits, runs, and errors for the game. Even though Mike Lansing Field is more than 15 years old, it is still very clean and well kept. As you walk from the entrance to the stands, the souvenir shop is to the left before reaching the seating area. It has a few nice bits of team merchandise, mostly t-shirts, and caps. Neighborhood 4 Although not a bustling city as cities go across the U.S., there’s plenty to see and do within a few miles of the ballpark in Casper, WY. The ballpark is adjacent to the North Platte River Trail; one can hike or bike a paved trail along the picturesque river banks. The National Historic Trails Interpretive Center is worth a visit to learn of the pioneers who traveled through the area on their way West for a better life. Downtown Casper, a little over a mile from Mike Lansing Field, covers several blocks and provides shopping, a brewery and bars, places to eat, a park, historic buildings, art, and more. Check out Frontier Brewing Company and Taproom for a self-serving craft brew experience or visit The Office Bar and Grill for a bite to eat, happy hour, and plenty of sports on multiple screens. The Casper Planetarium is across the street from the ball field which provides various educational shows, suitable for both kids and adults. Or catch a live show or concert at the Casper Events Center, a mile from the ballpark. Other sports in the Casper area include the Casper Racetrack (the roar of the engines can be heard at the ballpark on select nights) or check out T-Birds basketball, volleyball, or rodeo at Casper Community College. Six hotels are within walking distance of Mike Lansing Field; the Hilton Garden Inn Casper, Ramkota, and La Quinta Inn Casper are good choices. Fans 3 Attendees are typical for this level of baseball. The mix includes families, a few baseball diehards, and the casual observer. An average of 780 people per game watched the Horseheads this first season (2018). Most applaud at appropriate times and express dismay quite vocally at an umpire’s call when it doesn’t go the Horseheads’ way. For the most part, fans bring their trash to receptacles when leaving the ballpark, an admirable gesture worth noting. Access 3 Though Casper is in the heart of Wyoming and not a quick drive or flight for many ballpark chasers, once in the city, the ball field is easy to reach, less than a ¼ mile off I-25. Delta and United Airlines serve Casper’s small airport, with flights to and from Denver and Salt Lake City. Public transportation is not available for attending a Horseheads game (the bus service ends at 6:30 pm; returning to your destination after a game via the bus is not an option for evening games as most games start at 6:35 pm). Plenty of free paved parking is available adjacent to the field. There’s some, but not an overabundance of spaces for wheelchairs. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Horseheads baseball game is an affordable evening of family entertainment. Tickets range from $7 – $12 with discounts given for groups, flex books, and season tickets. Children three and under get in for free. Concession prices are reasonable and parking is free. . Extras 2 Be sure to pick up a roster sheet and program at the souvenir shop. The offering of a local WY beer at the beer truck is worth an extra mention. Final Thoughts Sitting in the stands of Mike Lansing Field on a summer evening watching America’s pastime is a pleasant way to spend a few hours. The level of play at this wood bat league team is comparable to college baseball. If travels take you to Casper, WY in June or July, certainly make the effort to catch a Horseheads game.