Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Riverside Stadium Shepherdson Way Middlesbrough, England TS3 6RS United Kingdom Middlesbrough FC website Riverside Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 35,100 Riverside Stadium The Riverside Stadium has opened in 1995 following Middlesbrough's relocation from their historic but outdated Ayresome Park home a little over a mile away. The Riverside was one of the first newly built larger stadiums within Britain at that time and now has an all-seated capacity of 35,100. The stadium has nearly reached its capacity on many occasions during Boro's time in the English Premier League but the stadium's record attendance is 35,000 for England's game against Slovakia in June 2003 whilst Wembley was being rebuilt. The stadium is completely enclosed with the West Stand being slightly larger than its counterparts. The old Ayresome Park gates are located directly outside the main entrance to the stadium keeping the clubs linked to the past. Food & Beverage 3 Once inside, the stadium is well populated with food and drink kiosks offering the normal range of stadium food. Hot drinks £3, pies £2.70, chips £2, and hot dogs £3 are a selection of what is on offer. Meal deals are also available to purchase. Atmosphere 2 Having been to Riverside on many occasions, it is a stadium that is lacking in the atmosphere since Boro's relegation from the top flight of English football. When full it rivals any other venue in Britain, but the club's poor form on the pitch since the heady days of signing famous international superstars and the hard economical climate within the northeast of England of late has seen thousands of seats remain empty on match days. Neighborhood 3 The approach to the stadium is well-populated with places to eat and drink. The retail park situated near the stadium has McDonald's, KFC, and Frankie & Bennies. Also near here is the Doctor Browns Public House which is a pre-match drinking venue for many fans. The Town Centre is a mere ten-minute walk from the stadium and the normal range of Coffee Houses and Restaurants can be found here. Although Middlesbrough has the major high street shops, it is a drab town centre and not one to rush to unless you have other reasons to be there. Middlesbrough's most famous landmark is its Transporter Bridge and although the town is not a tourist attraction, its surrounding countryside and market towns certainly are. The closure of the steelworks has hit the town hard and various regeneration projects are on the go, however, despite this, Middlesbrough folk are a friendly bunch and guarantee you a friendly welcome. Fans 3 Like most clubs, Boro has their hard-core loyal supporters and it was these that got the club through in the late eighties when the club fell on hard times and even had the gates to Ayresome Park locked by the Administrator, meaning that the club had to play a few games at the ground of nearby Hartlepool United. Local rivals are Sunderland and Newcastle United and games against these clubs are often heated affairs both on and off the pitch. Access 3 If traveling by car, take the A66 from the A1 or A19 major trunk roads towards the Town Centre. The stadium is well-signposted. Although there are no public car parks at the stadium there is free park just on the other side of the railway line by the Retail Park. There are also plenty of other Town Centre car parks within a ten-minute walk. If arriving by rail then the station is situated in the Town Centre on Albert Road. Return on Investment 3 Boro's prices are the norm for Championship football in England and the club does its best to keep prices down, being mindful of the high unemployment rate in the area following the closure of the Steel Works. Prices start at £25 but are aware the club does operate a match grading system where prices are higher for some games. Extras 4 Stadium tours are available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday and are good value at £6. Betting facilities are available inside the stadium and a match day programme is produced for each game priced at £3. There are also various Fanzines for sale on the approach to the stadium. The club's large megastore at the stadium also sells a wide range of merchandise.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Weavers Park Windmill Rd Drogheda, County Louth Ireland Drogheda United website Weavers Park website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,000 Drogheda Delight Note: In 2023, the name of the park changed from United Park to Weavers Park. The famous town of Drogheda is situated on Ireland’s east coast between Dublin and Dundalk, which is in the Boyne Valley between County Louth and County Meath. The local professional football team is Drogheda United, based just outside the town centre at the small, but homely United Park, also referred to as Hunky Dorys Park through a former sponsorship deal. The club have been here since 1979, following the merger of Drogheda FC and the original Drogheda United who were formed in 1919, and are currently playing in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Division 1. At one point the ground had a capacity in the region of 5,000, but presently has a maximum of 2,000, with 1,500 of that figure seated in both covered and uncovered areas. Known as ‘The Drogs’ or ‘Super Drogs,’ the club’s main rivals are neighbours Dundalk and share a link with Turkish side Trabzonspor, due to their club crest and claret/blue colour similarities. Since their formation, the club have regularly found themselves flirting with promotion to the top flight and relegation back to the second tier. Early in the millennium the club went full time and reaped the rewards, with accolades achieved including a Premier League title, FAI Cup and Setanta Cup wins, which also brought qualification for the old UEFA Cup (now known as the Europa League) and a fleeting couple of rounds in the Champions League qualifiers. By the end of that decade, and coinciding with the financial crisis in Ireland, the club found themselves in administration, or as the Irish call it, examinership. Full time football is no more and Drogheda primarily now focus on providing a platform to young players to develop in the first team and potentially move on for financial gain. Food & Beverage 3 Standard offerings are sold from a small hatch at the side of the Main Stand. The menu consists of crisps, bars of chocolate, bottled soft drinks, and tea and coffee sold in small polystyrene cups. There may not be a lot, but it’s enough to get you through the match if you’re feeling peckish. Atmosphere 3 With United Park being a narrow and tight venue, it has the potential to have a decent atmosphere depending on the opposition. The club have their own ‘ultras’ group of maybe 50-100, mainly younger lads who congregate in the seated terrace across from the Main Stand. They have their own flags and banners, and start up most, if not all of the chants. Along with having their own drum, it adds to the atmosphere and tends to get a reaction from the opposition support. United Park is an intriguing, but lovable mis-match of stands and terracing, situated on the corner of a busy road, next to a housing estate, a GAA venue and across from a local hospital. There are two entrances to the ground, at the top of Windmill Road and a slightly longer walk round the other side to Cross Lane. At the former it gives you access to the Main Stand (home fans) and to the covered away terrace. The latter is for the seated terrace which is for home fans only. Outside the Main Stand there is VERY limited parking and with local housing next to it, it’s mainly permit holders only. So if you are driving, expect to park a reasonable distance away from the ground. There is a small ticket office situated next to the turnstiles and this area is well stewarded. Once through, you are able to sit in the small Main Stand on your right and if you are a member, you can access the social club on your left. There is a 10-15 foot gap between the Main Stand and a small covered standing terrace which is where the away fans are allocated. In this area is where the food and drink bar is situated. Behind both goals there is a large net to catch any stray footballs during the game and this is due to the houses and main road situated behind both respectively. The seated terrace is partly uncovered at either side, but doesn’t prove to be a problem on a regular match day as it is not always full in this area. Perched on the roof, in the centre of this stand, there is a small television gantry. Due to the limited space behind each goal there is also limited movement round United Park. With only two entry options, whatever side you access, this is the only area you will be able to stand or sit in unfortunately. Half time entertainment is provided by a quick match between two local boys club teams and also the club’s raffle ticket draw, which is a small but worthwhile fundraising initiative. All areas of the ground have supporting pillars of some sort, so regardless where you choose to watch a match from, your view will be slightly obscured. Sitting too far to the right of the Main Stand means you will be looking through a metal mesh fence and won’t be able to see the goal on that side. All things considered, the best view is likely from the centre of the covered terrace at the Cross Lane end, which is also the most atmospheric in any case. Neighborhood 4 Drogheda is a busy, friendly town and offers a variety of good options to stay, visit, eat and drink. The views from high up at Millmount Tower are phenomenal, especially on a clear day, and you will also be well educated on some Irish history from very knowledgeable tour guides. Pubs near United Park that are recommended include Mother Hughes which is five minutes walk away, Windmill House which is next door to the ground, and Gleesons which is between the ground and the town centre. In town, The Grey Goose and JB’s Bar on West Street are very friendly, with a good variety of beers and spirits. Fans 3 With Drogheda United currently in the second tier, crowds have dropped slightly, so the attendances will vary depending on the opposition. A typical match will attract somewhere between 500-1,100 fans. Access 3 The ground is a 15 minute walk from town. If coming from MacBride train station it is potentially a further 15 minutes onto the journey. There are taxis regularly going to and from the station and town. With the ground only having two sides, movement is limited. Any request to get to the other side may be blocked by over officious stewards. Return on Investment 4 Seating on the Windmill Road side costs €15 for adults, €12 OAP/students, and €10 for children under the age of 14. If you choose to sit in the Home Terrace – Cross Lane end, then tickets will cost €12 for adults, €10 for OAP/students, and €5 for children under the age of 14. You can also purchase a ‘family ticket,’ which includes two adult and two children passes for €22. Overall, United Park provides a good value for the cost of a ticket, and is currently priced right. Extras 3 United Park was the site for some of the matches for the 1994 UEFA Under-16 football championships. It has also hosted several Under-21 Irish national team matches. The emblem for the Drogheda United club is adapted from the town’s coat of arms. The star and crescent are symbolic of the support that Ireland received from the Ottoman Empire during the Great Famine during the mid 19th century in Ireland. Final Thoughts If you have any interest in football and particularly Irish history, then Drogheda is a fine destination to visit.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 The Showgrounds Church Hill, Knappagh Beg Sligo, County Sligo Ireland Sligo Rovers website The Showgrounds website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 5,500 The Bit O’ Red Set in the northwest of Ireland is the scenic town of Sligo, a popular tourist area and home to Sligo Rovers FC, who currently play in the League of Ireland Premier division. Known as ‘The Bit O’Red,’ the club have played at The Showgrounds stadium since their formation in 1928, when two local junior teams Sligo Town and Blues merged. The club are unique in that they have been fan owned by the local people of the town since 1968 and that they have only ever played at The Showgrounds throughout their history. They have no direct neighbours to share a derby fixture with, but enjoy jousts against the two northern clubs – Finn Harps from Donegal and Derry City. Sligo Rovers are very much a community club and you will see advertisements for home matches and kids’ training camps in a lot of the local shops. Walking around town there are people of all ages wearing the team’s colours, whether it be home kits, jackets, or stickers in windows and cars. The club’s halcyon days are oddly recent having come in the last decade and under the stewardship of two English managers in Paul Cook and Ian Baraclough. Since 2010, Sligo Rovers have won the League Cup, the FAI Cup three times and the Premier League title in 2012. This gave the club an opportunity of some European competition, though their forays in both Europa League and Champions League qualifying were short lived, with early exits on each occasion. With more disposable income generated through these successes, along with the backing of local sponsor Connolly’s Volkswagen, Sligo made some alterations to The Showgrounds, some of which were compulsory to comply with UEFA regulations. These included some new seating, a new club shop location and the waste land where the old ‘Shed End’ behind the goal at the Church Hill side getting a modern tarmac surface. The Church Hill End was an old enclosure area and was demolished in 2006. It now has a neat, open space that includes a large club shop, ticket office, food outlet, toilets and an annex type building which acts as the club offices. The Main Stand, rebuilt in 2001, runs the length of the pitch and has a capacity of 1,800. It has a floodlight pylon either side of it, has no supporting pillars and has the players tunnel and dugouts in the centre. The Jinks Avenue Stand is the oldest part of The Showgrounds, also running the length of the pitch and has seating for around 850 spectators. It has a low, narrow roof, four floodlights and a couple of supporting pillars. In the centre it has a television gantry with the club’s name emblazoned on it. The last upgrade here was in 2009 and this was to ensure the club met the minimum seating requirements for participation in the Europa League. Food & Beverage 3 There is no alcohol sold in the ground, but there are plenty of options for hot and cold drinks, with a variety of food too. A large portion of chips, either on their own, with curry sauce or cheese, will cost between €3 and €5. Fish is €5, burgers and cheeseburgers are €3, chicken burgers are €4 and jumbo hot dogs are €3. Confectionary is available from €1-€2, while soft drinks, tea and coffee are €2. Atmosphere 3 Both home and away supporters occupy the segregated Jinks Avenue Stand and this is where most of the atmosphere is generated. There is a good vibe generated at The Showgrounds in general, but throughout the ninety minutes most of the singing and drumming emanates from this end, orchestrated by the colourful, flag waving ‘Forza Rovers’ group, as both sets of fans try and make the most noise. Some away contingents are larger than others and this only adds to the occasion. Three stands are seated; the Main Stand, the Jinks Avenue Stand, while the Railway End has uncovered seating. The Church Hill side is open and has a standing area, though the view is somewhat limited from behind the goal. The Railway End was an old open terrace which was upgraded in 2012 with new elevated seating, and resembles a terrace similar to that of St. Patrick’s Athletic and Longford Town. The seating is comfortable and you can get a good unobscured view of the pitch regardless whereabouts you sit in this area, though it is still uncovered. There is also plenty of space at either side of this area, which is ideal for moving round the ground and for wheelchair access. With nothing to obscure your view, the best place to watch the action is from the Main Stand. However, it is very popular and fills up a good twenty minutes or so before kick off, so you would need to be in early to get a good seat near the centre. Neighborhood 4 The Showgrounds is located up on a hill in among some modern and modest looking housing, a mere ten minute walk from the town centre. Sligo is a very active, scenic town, with a river running through the centre, and plenty of shops, cafes and bars. The Great Southern Hotel is five minutes walk from the Showgrounds and the floodlights are visible from the lounge. They also do food and drink at very reasonable prices. Fans 3 Sligo fans are vocal, colourful and supportive of the team, singing for the majority of the game. Locals of all ages come out to support the club and it has a welcoming feel, with helpful, friendly staff and stewards. Away fans are searched thoroughly for missiles on entry. Tickets for some games are sold at the gate, while other matches are all ticket events. Sligo play to crowds of anything between 1,500 to 2,500 depending on both how the club are doing in the league and the opposition. Access 4 Sligo train and bus stations are located next to each other just a few yards down from The Great Southern Hotel. The train station is on the main line to and from Dublin with regular stops throughout the day. From here to The Showgrounds it is less than ten minutes’ walk up the hill. Parking is difficult due to the housing surrounding the ground, but can be found a few streets back. Once inside the ground you have access to just about every end. The only part you cannot access is through the Jinks Avenue Stand past the away fans to the Railway End. Return on Investment 3 The price scheme for The Showgrounds is similar to other Premier league clubs, with tickets sold at the competitive rate of €15 for adults, €10 for concessions and €5 for children. The improved facilities make a visit more comfortable than before, with the added bonus of greater recent success on the pitch leading to a higher standard of opposition. Extras 1 Much as the camaraderie from the staff and the local people in the town make a visit to Sligo highly recommended, match days don’t offer a great deal of enhanced experience for fans. Final Thoughts Sligo is accessible travelling down on the bus from Derry and Donegal, or the train from Dublin in the east, due to the good transport links in place. On a sunny day, sitting outside a cafe or having a beer outside is a very relaxed, pleasant experience. Getting a good game of football into the bargain is a bonus!

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Kindrick Field 1300 N Ewing St Helena, MT 59601 Kindrick Field website Year Opened: 1932 Capacity: 2,100 Baseball under the Big Sky Kindrick Legion Field exemplifies all the positive qualities of Montana, and then some. Nestled under Montana’s famous Big Sky, the stadium is encapsulated by the picture perfect landscape that is Montana. While in attendance, a fan gets a glimpse of the glorious northern side of Mount Helena, a mountain that overlooks the southern side of the Queen City. Located in the heart of the capital city of Helena, Montana, Kindrick Legion Field is home to the Helena Brewers, the Rookie affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The stadium is complemented by Memorial Park, a quaint place featuring a dome amphitheater, waterpark, and a recently renovated playground. If the fences of Kindrick could talk, they would tell the stories of former (and current) MLB and Brewer greats such as Ryne Sandberg, George Bell, Darren Daulton, Ricky Jordan, Gary Sheffield, Greg Vaughn, Dave Nilsson, Jeff Cirillo, Mike Matheny, and most recently Milwaukee’s National League MVP Ryan Braun. Built in 1932, the park holds approximately 2,000 people. While the stadium does not typically reach capacity, the crowd it does accommodate is always a passionate, friendly and respectful group. Food & Beverage 4 There are not any chain or corporate food stands around here, so hey independent consumer, Kindrick Legion is right for you! There are a plethora of eats available at the two concessions stationed inside of the stadium (a third concession area is reserved for private parties). Some of the treats for your liking are hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken burgers, brats, polish and cheddar dogs, kids, corn, jumbo and chili cheese dogs, chili cheese fries, nachos, super nachos with chili, large pretzels, pulled pork sandwiches, chips, and peanuts. Prices are typical, ranging from $2.75 for smaller items (kids dog) up to $7.50 for larger food (steak or pulled pork sandwich). Overall, it still beats your local movie theater. Drink-wise, you’re looking at 12, 16, and 24 ounce domestic beers ranging $3.75 to $6.75. The park also serves micro-brews from one of the local breweries, Lewis & Clark Brewing Company. Hey hey ladies, don’t feel left out, there are Twisted Tea and Bacardi available for $3.75. For the underage crowd, or if alcohol is not your forte, there are 22 and 32 oz. soda available for $3.50 and $4.50, respectively. Coffee and hot cocoa run $2, Powerade is $3.25 and a can of Red Bull costs $4.00. There is also an assortment of ice cream delicacies available; frozen goodies ranging from ice cream sandwiches to popsicles to ice cream sundaes with prices starting at $2 and going up to $4.50. Atmosphere 3 Atmosphere is jovial and welcoming – most of which can be attributed to the hospitable people Montana is known for. In Helena, everybody knows everybody, and if you’re visiting from afar, be prepared to meet some of the most pleasant people around. The atmosphere is not the richest in terms of history, but the scenic view of Mount Helena, under the flawless skies of Montana, makes Kindrick Legion a beautiful place to enjoy America’s pastime. The ushers and concession attendants are personable and timely with service. Neighborhood 3 Memorial Park lies due west of the park, and makes for an even greater family environment. As far as restaurants and bars go, the nearest venue is the aforementioned Lewis & Clark Brewing Company, which is about .5 miles away from the stadium. The tap room is a historical and classical looking building that makes for a great environment to check out before the game (tap room closes at 8). Other than that, the options for meandering around outside the stadium are limited. Fans 5 Easily the best part of your Helena, Montana visit will be the fans. Although their attendance figures might not be awe-inspiring, Brewers fans genuinely know what’s going on with their team and even early in the season are familiar with players’ strengths and weaknesses – a testament to the word fanatic. If you’re unaware what a 6-4-3 double play is, you won’t be uneducated for long. Seemingly every fan has grown up around the game. Montana is a traditional sports state, which makes for some of the more knowledgeable fans you’ll find anywhere. Despite the score, the Brewers faithful always maintained a positive attitude, and implored their hometown team for victory. Access 4 Parking is free, and spots seem endless all around the stadium. No problems here. Restrooms never have lines and are easily accessible to anyone. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are priced at $9 for box reserved seats, $7 for grand stand and $6 for general admission. Overall, the Helena Brewers experience is one worth having. Extras 0 There are no additional unique features worth noting.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Richmond Park 125 Emmet Rd Inchicore, Dublin 8 Ireland St Patrick’s Athletic FC website Richmond Park website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 5,340 Revel At Richmond Richmond Park is located in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore, a brisk 20 minute walk from the city centre, encompassing the historic landmarks of The Guinness brewery, Heuston train station and Kilmainham jail. The land was a former British Army facility, which lay derelict for three years following the war of independence, before being used by local side Brideville FC for a year. They moved out in 1930 to let St Patrick’s Athletic in and despite a couple of relocation ideas mentioned by the club’s board of directors over the last 20 years, including an unpopular suggestion of a ground share with Shamrock Rovers, it remains home to the ‘Saints’ or ‘Pats.’ The present capacity is 5,340, with 2,800 of that figure seated. The club are the current EA Sports Cup holders and play in the League of Ireland Premier Division. For a stranger, it isn’t the easiest venue to find, with the offices and main entrance gates set in among terraced housing on a busy main road. When all the gates are open on a match day it leads you down a gentle slope into both the Main Stand and further along into the turnstiles. It is a homely stadium which has signs of both old and modern alterations, offering covered and open seating, along with traditional terracing areas. Behind the left hand goal, known as the Inchicore End, is an industrial unit and behind the other goal, the Shed End, are some modern day apartment flats. Across from the Main Stand, the River Camac runs behind an open terracing, which also has trees overhanging. As the League of Ireland matches are played through the summer months you might find your enjoyment of a match is interrupted by swatting insects away should you watch from this area of the ground. Food & Beverage 3 Standard fast food is available with a variety of options and side orders. You can have a variety of burgers, on its own, with cheese or bacon and these are 4 or 5 Euros. The same with fries, you can have them on their own or cheesy or garlic fries which are 3 or 4 Euros. A sausage and fries is 5 Euros, chicken burger is 4 Euros, jumbo hot dog is 4.50. There is a basic offering of soft drinks, with a couple of hot options like tea and coffee at 2 or 3 Euros each. Atmosphere 3 Once in through the turnstiles there is a walkway which has a handful of entrances into the Main Stand. The players and officials emerge from the tunnel in the centre and the dugouts are situated here too. Facing you on entry there are two portakabins perched on top of each other and this is where you will find the club shop. Going slightly to the left past the shop as you enter allows you to sit behind the goal or access to the terrace across. This area is one of the modern additions to comply with UEFA regulations for European ties. The Saints are regularly in European competition through both their league and cup finishes. The club were fined previously when part of the old wooden structure gave way, but this has since been replaced with a more robust frame. In between both these areas is where you will find the toilet facilities situated. In the centre of the terrace there is a small elevated television gantry. Both sitting and standing in these areas provide a good view of the pitch, but both are uncovered, so are weather permitting. The Shed End is used sparingly and normally for large away followings and it has an old roof which covers most of what is an old terrace area. The Main Stand is the busiest area of Richmond Park and if you’re not in early enough, the only seats available are down near the front. You may find your view obstructed by both the dugouts, the four floodlight pylons and four supporting pillars. On a decent night going behind the goal at the Inchicore seated area is a good vantage point to see a match. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is near the main motorway through Dublin, so is a busy suburb to get in and out the city. There are plenty of shops and pub options that cater to both football fans and local residents. If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Hilton Dublin Kilmainham is a good option and near the ground. Attractions worth visiting include the Kilmainham Gaol (jail), Irish Museum of Modern Art, or take a stroll through the Irish National War Memorial Garden. Of course, no trip to Dublin is complete without a trip to St James’s Gate and the Guinness Storehouse. Restaurant recommendations include McDowells and the Patriots Inn. Fans 3 Depending on the competition and opposition, Saints will get crowds ranging from 800-2,000 for the average home match. The away fans congregate to the right of the Main Stand and despite relatively low numbers they make a bit of noise, which encourages the home fans. At the opposite end of the same stand, the Saints fans have their own group who sing and have a drum, generating a good atmosphere throughout the majority of a home match. Access 4 There is a bus route literally outside Richmond Park with the number 13 and 40 buses running approximately every 10 minutes to and from the city centre. The Luas tram and Heuston train station have stops which are about a 10-15 minutes walk away. If driving by car you would have to park some distance away as the traffic and supporters milling around on a match day slows Emmet Road down to a crawl. Moving around the stadium poses no problem, with the only area restricted by stewards being the covered terrace at the (away) Shed End. Return on Investment 4 The Saints provide average league pricing and good value for the different family categories. Ticketing is on par with other League of Ireland clubs and offers good value with Adults (€15), Students and concessions (€10), and children under the age of 12 with an adult (€5). You can purchase a ticket in advance of the match or get one from the club offices and a steward then scans you in on entry. Extras 2 Transport options are very good, the club shop offers a variety of souvenirs from; kits, jackets, accessories and DVDs which are priced from high (clothing) to €5 (key rings and cup win DVD). Final Thoughts Richmond Park is another intriguing League of Ireland venue, fulfilling some of the basic needs that fans want; homely, scenic and friendly. The club are one of the bigger Irish sides in terms of stature, resources, and success. This is definitely a good ground to tick off the list.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 St. George’s Cricket Club 56 Wellington Slip Rd St. George’s GE 02, GE 02 Bermuda Bermuda Cricket Cup Match website St. George’s Cricket Club website Year Opened: 1892 Capacity: 15,000 Happy Cup Match! If only Bermuda were located 1,200 miles (1,931 km) or so to the southwest, cricket would probably look a lot different here. Instead of being isolated in the middle of the Atlantic, our hypothetical geography would place Bermuda smack in the middle of the Caribbean. It would put Bermuda inside the home turf of the multi-national, international West Indies Cricket Board. And, in our imaginary world, Bermudian cricket would be on the world cricket radar. But it’s not to be. So, instead of being one of the small islands permitted to join forces to compete as a single national team, tiny Bermuda must compete alone in international cricket. And Bermuda’s tiny population means that it just can’t muster the manpower to take on an India or an Australia. Bermuda is doomed to be a minnow in international cricket. For two days every summer, though, it doesn’t matter. With Bermuda relegated to the sidelines of international cricket, it looks inward and nurtures a thriving domestic scene. Every summer, the island’s two biggest clubs, St. George’s and Somerset, face off for Cup Match, a two-day event that is a legal holiday with its own holiday greeting: “Happy Cup Match!” For these two days, the island shuts down for a celebration of all things cricket and all things Bermuda. We attended the 2015 event and came away extremely impressed with St. George’s biannual hosting effort. Food & Beverage 5 Many Bermudian friends and families rent out space for “camps” at Cup Match. These are box seats in the truest sense: fans rent out a box and do with it what they like–including self-catering. Bermudian fans know the drill, and it wouldn’t be unheard of for visitors to the island to score an invite into a camp, but most outsiders will hit the concession stands. Food choices are nearly unlimited, as many families self-cater their own camps. Concession stands are temporary pop-ups along the lines of what you might find at a carnival. Fish dishes are by far the most popular here in the middle of the North Atlantic. As in any one-off annual event, vendors and quality can change from year to year, but overall quality is high. Prices are similar to what one would find at major events on the US mainland. Just as food options are limited only by what people bring in, so are the drinks. Given that Cup Match is just as much of a celebration of Bermuda as it is a sporting event, Bermuda’s trademark cocktails, the Dark and Stormy and the Rum Swizzle are popular beverage choices. Of course, plenty of soft drinks are also available. Fans visiting from off the island should keep their eyes peeled for the Visitors Camp run by the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Although not as large as in previous years, the BTA treated visiting fans to free drinks of their choice. Atmosphere 5 Cup Match is simply one of the most unique events a fan will come across on his or her stadium journey. While Bermuda is a rich territory by all definitions, the stadium at St. George doesn’t hint at this. In fact, the ramshackle semi-temporary structure has a distinct developing-world feel. But that’s part of the fun. Bermuda is a small island with a small population, and a stadium like this is only needed two days per year. So that’s what the stadium is built for. Don’t come here looking for luxury; come here for a chance to experience cricket’s Burning Man. It’s here until it disappears, only to reappear again. And take the opportunity to wander around, because everything about the place changes from one area to the next. The fans brings their own excitement here. The main draw is socializing and simply experiencing Cup Match. Cricket plays second fiddle to many, and perhaps most Cup Match attendees. Mascots, music, and promotions are not even on the radar here. Fans looking for something a bit different can head to one of the Crown and Anchor tents, where Bermuda’s national dice game is played legally and for real money during the only days when it’s legal. Neighborhood 2 St. George’s Cricket Club sits in a quiet residential neighborhood a little over a kilometer (or a little under a mile) southwest of downtown St. George, Bermuda’s second city. Cup Match is a national holiday, and it is no exaggeration to say that the island virtually shuts down for the event. In fact, tourism authorities and even hotels actively discourage visits to the island during Cup Match for those not planning to make cricket a centerpiece of their trip. There is simply nothing else going on. Generally, St. George’s is a high point on the tourist route. But during Cup Match, the neighborhood dies down as everyone and everything moves into the stadium. Fans 4 Cup Match is filled with Bermudians, Brits, Americans, and a handful of other nationalities all at the cricket ground to have a good time. Sports diehards might bristle at the fact that cricket is clearly an afterthought to a significant portion of the crowd here, but this can be a selling point to those who are always up for a party before a game. Cup Match is the sporting and social event of the year in Bermuda. Expect a big crowd and difficulty finding a seat if arriving late in the day. But don’t expect to be turned away. On our 2015 visit, fans were still patiently lining up to enter the venue even after the event ended! Hey, some care more about the party than the game. And frankly, considering that this is a significant step below international cricket in quality, the five-figure attendance numbers are even more impressive. Access 1 Sold on Cup Match? Good, you should be! Sadly, getting here is a hurdle. Even once you make it to this small, expensive, and isolated island, getting to the ground will be a challenge. Cup Match attendees may be best served by a taxi, since public transportation to St. George’s Cricket Club is limited to city bus service. Sadly and frustratingly, buses run on a Sunday schedule, due to Cup Match’s status as a holiday. Even worse, passengers can be left stranded if the bus fills up (and the buses do fill up.) If you are relying on the bus, consider going to the downtown Hamilton bus station to be among the first on as the bus starts its journey to St. George. After the match, physically fit fans might want to consider making the 25-minute walk to the downtown St. George bus stop to get on the bus before the stadium crowd boards a few stops later. For many Bermudians, a parking ticket is simply the price of parking at Cup Match. A small parking lot is available, but it fills up early in the day. Since non-residents of Bermuda are legally prohibited from driving a car on Bermuda, this isn’t a concern for tourists. Many tourists do choose to rent Vespa-style scooters. Parking these can also be a headache during Cup Match, but most riders will eventually find a spot. Made it to the stadium? Congratulations! Things get easier now. Not easy, but easier. Tickets are simply paper wrist bands that are purchased in cash (US or Bermudian dollars) at the entrance on the day of the event. Fans line up to buy a ticket, then proceed immediately to a security check. The line can be long and slow, but it does move–especially early in the day. Cricket is a game that requires patience, and relatively few fans want to get up early and endure the marathon of an eight-hour long session. But once lunchtime rolls around the crowd gets thicker and moving through a few choke points can get tricky for even the most physically-abled fan. Fans with limited mobility will struggle throughout the day. The concourse area is largely unpaved. Many surfaces are uneven. A complete lap of the ground requires moving through some narrow passageways, and entrance to the upper-level camps requires climbing steps that are somewhere between ordinary stairs and a construction ladder. For some, this is part of the charm. For others, these quirks make Cup Match an impossibility. And finally, remember that St. George’s Cricket Club only hosts Cup Match in odd-numbered years. If it’s an even-numbered year, you will have to head to Somerset and learn the unique quirks of that venue. Return on Investment 4 There is no getting around the fact that Bermuda is an expensive destination. In fact, its tourism industry has suffered from declining crowds, as more and more tourists opt for similar vacation experiences in lower-cost locales like Mexico and the Caribbean. But by Bermudian standards, or even by US or European standards, Cup Match isn’t a particularly expensive event. A full day at the cricket ground for Cup Match will cost an amount roughly equivalent to an afternoon at a high-level match in the US or Europe. Admittedly, Cup Match is not the pinnacle of cricket skill. But the quality is good, and this is the best that this territory has to offer. Extras 1 Cup Match in Bermuda is one of the most unique events in sports. Getting to Bermuda, getting to the ground, and getting around the stadium pose significant challenges to significant numbers of people. Many sports travel enthusiasts will find that the reward is absolutely worth the effort. Others will not. But attending Cup Match absolutely warrants consideration.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Volcanoes Stadium 6700 Field of Dreams Way Keizer, OR 97307 Salem-Keizer Volcanoes website Volcanoes Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 4,252 A Volcano in the Pacific Northwest Nicknamed "Oregon's Field Of Dreams," Volcanoes Stadium is the home of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, now part of the 4-team Mavericks Independent Baseball League. The team began operations in 1997, the same year the stadium opened. The organization was transferred from Bellingham and returned minor league baseball to Salem after an eight-year absence. The city's first professional team were the Salem Senators, who played from 1940-1965 under a few different names and affiliations. The stadium has a capacity of 4,252, which at first glance seems like a lot considering the seats only go as far as the end of the dugout on the third base side. The bullpens for each team are on the field, as they are at Wrigley Field in Chicago. It is not the most advanced stadium out there although there have been upgrades recently including a large video board just beyond the left-center field fence. In 1999, the American Institute of Architects honored the ball club with a design award for the stadium. The Volcanoes have been a very successful team since their inception, winning 5 NWL championships ('98, '01, '06, '07 & '08). The team also boasts several alumni that have reached the major leagues including Joe Nathan, Ryan Vogelsong, Pablo Sandoval, Tim Lincecum, and Buster Posey. Food & Beverage 4 The food selections at Volcanoes Stadium are relatively standard stadium fare. Overall, the menu items here are less expensive than other sports venues, which is a definite plus these days. Hot Dogs and Burgers ($3 - $4), Soda (Pepsi products) $3 - $4, Beer $5 - $6, and so on. There are a few non-traditional baseball items available such as a Chicken Rice Bowl at the Asian Wok for $8, and Eruption Burrito at Cafe Ole for $8, or an SW Chicken Wrap at The Healthy Hut, also for $8. In the left field corner, there is the Lava Lounge, which opens at the top of the 2nd inning, where you can get mixed drinks and beer. Atmosphere 4 A game at Volcanoes Stadium is baseball at its most basic level, which is a good thing. Most teams will run special gimmicks to get fans in the door, and there's nothing wrong with that. The stadium has a very cozy feeling to it that is very refreshing. As I walked around the stadium, it was my perception that most people there knew each other. Even though the Salem-Keizer area is a decent size, it feels like a small town ballpark. Neighborhood 3 Volcanoes Stadium is adjacent to Interstate 5 on the north side of the Salem-Keizer area. The stadium is in Keizer proper, tucked in behind Keizer Station, a sizable shopping area. If the menu at the stadium doesn't interest you that much, Keizer Station has an Outback Steakhouse and a Panera Bread that might fit the bill. Salem has many historical sites worth visiting while you're in the area. The State Capitol is a popular site to visit as well as the Willamette Heritage Center. The Willamette Heritage Center features a retrospective of the Mill that helped Salem thrive as well as a full history of the area. If you want an outdoor adventure, Detroit Lake is a popular spot about an hour southeast of Salem. The Oregon Coast is approximately an hour west, and Portland is about an hour north. Fans 4 There is a small-town cozy feeling to the stadium. The game I attended was mildly attended. Some might see that as a negative, but the fans that were in attendance were very in tune with the on-field activities. The crowd was fairly loud for its size. I did not see a lot of the unruly fans you would see at other venues. Many fans were building memories with their families and just enjoying themselves. It was clear to me these fans were here for the love of the game, which in my time reviewing stadiums, I can't say I've seen that often. Access 5 Volcanoes Stadium is off of I-5 at Keizer Station. You have to weave yourself through the area, but it's not bad at all. There is a large parking lot, capable of accommodating a capacity crowd and then some. Inside there is plenty of room to maneuver about. The main thoroughfare is wide and can handle many fans at once. The bathrooms have plenty of room for all. There are plenty of spots for handicapped fans at the top of the box seat section. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets range from $9 on the left field berm to $20 for the lower box seats. There are a couple of specialty seating sections, one being the 4Topps VIP seating. Four swivel seats with table, in-seat waiter service, and the best sightline in the stadium directly behind home plate for $120. The other is the Party Patio down the right field line. $900 will get you this area exclusive for large groups of up to 75 (additional tickets can be purchased for $12) with a private bartender. There is also an option to add a pregame meal. The stadium does have Skybox Suites. These are available on a 3-year lease and seat 12 in theater-style seating. I have to say that the value you get going to a Volcanoes game may or may not show it in dollars and cents, but the experience you get when attending makes it all worthwhile. Extras 3 Souvenirs are about what you would find at other stadiums. Caps $22-$30, Hoodies $30-$39, balls $5, shirts $13 and up. You can also get MLB balls and caps ($6, $20). On the night of this review, it was Don Larsen night. Fans had a chance to get an autograph from the only man to throw a perfect game in the World Series. There is a Kids Area behind the right-field bleachers that has a batting cage, batting tee, a play structure, and a bounce house. Parents should be cautious here because this area is not supervised. Crater, the Volcanoes mascot, invites the kids on the field for the 7th inning stretch to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," and also races kids around the bases in between an inning. The big attraction for the 2017 season will be Eclipsefest. On August 21, Keizer, Oregon will be sitting in the path of a once in a lifetime total solar eclipse. The start time on that day will be in the morning and be the first-ever "eclipse delay" in baseball history. Fans on that day will receive commemorative sunglasses to wear during the delay. Final Thoughts If you are a person that goes to a baseball game purely for the love of baseball, this is the place for you.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Dalymount Park Connaught St Phibsborough, Dublin 7 Ireland Bohemian FC website Dalymount Park website Year Opened: 1901 Capacity: 4,227 Friday Night Football In Dublin Dalymount Park is a famous north Dublin soccer ground in the Phibsborough district of the city that opened in 1901. Known locally and generally by football fans as ‘Dalyer,’ it is home to League of Ireland side, Bohemian FC. The team is often known by their nickname of ‘the Bohs’ or ‘the Gypsies.’ The stadium has hosted, among other things, Irish internationals, the first in 1904 versus Scotland and the last being a Friendly against Morocco in 1990. It has hosted a number of national domestic cup finals through the years, and has provided a neutral venue for other club’s fixtures. Famous names to have graced the Dalymount pitch out with any Irish stars include Gullit, Van Basten, Best, Pele, Zidane, to name but few. It is looking a bit run down internally, but homely and quite distinguished at the same time, with its four large floodlight pylons visible from some distance. The last upgrade the ground had was in 1999, when the current Main Stand was built. However, the club have major plans to redevelop Dalymount Park in conjunction with Dublin city council, after speculation in 2015 that it would be demolished, with Bohemians moving to a purpose built facility in a different location. The proposed venue will be used as a public amenity, which would suggest the possibility of an artificial pitch. Local rivals Shelbourne were rumoured to be part of a stadium ground share, but they are not part of the immediate plans. Food & Beverage 3 Food at Dalymount is served from a reasonably sized snack bar that has a variety of hot and cold drinks, with a slightly healthier menu in comparison to a lot of football grounds. They offer baguettes, chicken and cheese wraps, chips with cheese or curry sauce, and chicken burgers, instead of the standard pies and burgers. All items are priced from 4 or 5 Euros each. Soft drinks served in cartons or cups, hot drinks including tea and coffee are served in polystyrene cups. There are also two bars under the Main Stand selling a variety of beers, wines and spirits. Atmosphere 3 Entry to Dalymount is through two narrow lanes, one in the middle off the main North Circular Road, the other to the left around some local housing. Over recent years the capacity has been reduced to around 3,200 due to health and safety reasons. The crowds vary from 1,000-2,000 for home games, and occasionally more for bigger fixtures. There are two internal bars at either end of the Main (Jodi) Stand, the only licensed part for alcohol. For most games this is the only end that is opened. It has four supporting pillars, two of which may slightly obscure your view. The Des Kelly Carpets Stand behind the goal (on the left) is not used unless for a rival Dublin club like Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic or even Shelbourne. It has both an open area on the left and covered section on the other. Across from the Main Jodi Stand is car park space (on the left) from when half of this was demolished a few years ago. The other half is open air seating and is seldom used, if at all. There is a large sign here that declares; “Dalymount Park The Home of Irish Football.” On the halfway line there is a small tv gantry and both the dugouts are also situated in front of this area of the ground. Behind the other goal (to the right of the Main Stand) is open terracing known as the Tramway End which has been condemned for a number of years. A limited number of home fans are allowed to enter here before kickoff to hang their flags over the crush barriers. At half time there are a couple of local youth teams consisting of both boys and girls who come onto the pitch for a quick kick about. There are also some travel announcements for up and coming fixtures and the half time draw details disclosed where fans can win cash prizes. The Main Stand tends to be the only one open and your view will be slightly impeded by two of the four supporting pillars. Neighborhood 4 The ground is situated not far from the city centre, but it is still a very busy area, so allowing extra time for public transport or getting parked if you’re taking the car is strongly recommended. There is a busy street over the back of Dalymount, with a number of pubs and shops. This includes a large Tesco store, McDonald’s, chip shop, and a Chinese take away. If you are staying overnight, then you may consider the Charleville Lodge Hotel at 268-272 N Circular Rd, Phibsborough. The hotel is barely five minutes walk from Dalymount Park. Prices range from 75-100 Euros depending on room size and breakfast options. Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum is great for anyone interested in Irish history, and is situated ten minutes walk away. Fans 4 The club receives gates of 1,000-2,000 for home games with more for bigger fixtures against other Dublin rivals. Bohemian’s fans have a group known as the ‘Rude Boys’ and they have several flags tied to the crush barriers in the unused terrace behind the right hand goal. At certain points of the game, notably before kick off and after a goal, a section of the support get the atmosphere going with some singing. They will also react to any chants from the away fans. Access 4 The number 120 bus to Dalymount is regular from the city centre and a 20 minute walk if you fancy that. Drumcondra station is the closest train station and is a 10 minute walk away. There are a lot of local permit holders only, so parking slightly further away from the ground is advisable. All gates/turnstiles are accessed from the Jodi Main Stand. You hand over your cash and you are given a small match ticket for entry. With only the one stand open there is still reasonable room to get to the toilets, bar and food outlet, or if you fancy changing seats. Return on Investment 4 The match day prices are 15 Euros entry fee for adults, 10 Euros for concessions and students, and 5 Euros for children. The programme is 4 Euros and there are also half time draw tickets available to purchase to win cash prizes. The standard of the match can be questionable, but does provide some entertainment and value for money. Extras 2 The club shop is in a small cabin to the left of the Jodi Stand selling a variety of club shirts, jackets, jumpers and club merchandise including calendars, mugs and pens. The more than 100 years of history of this ground is also worth an extra point. Final Thoughts Dalymount Park is a very prestigious landmark and home to one of Ireland’s most well known clubs. The new investment will hopefully benefit not only the club, but the local community and the League of Ireland. Soccer in Ireland requires massive investment and often plays second fiddle due to competing against the very popular Gaelic football and hurling (GAA), not to mention the big interest in the English Premiership.

Photos Courtesy of Elizabeth Hensley Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 J.P. Riddle Stadium 2823 Legion Rd Fayetteville, NC 28306 J.P. Riddle Stadium website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 4,000 Exciting SwampDogs Baseball One of the multiple NC towns in the I-95 corridor, Fayetteville is a town most famous for its military base, Fort Bragg. Fayetteville is also home to the SwampDogs, a team from the Collegiate summer league, the Coastal Plain League. J.P. Riddle Stadium, or “The Swamp”, was originally built as a temporary stadium for the Fayetteville Generals, the Class-A affiliate for the Detroit Tigers. Talks of a new stadium ran around for years but nothing was ever finalized. Unfortunately, the team took a path similar to other teams in their league and folded in 1996. Now that the professional team was gone, this temporary stadium would become permanent. While it may never again house professional baseball, this stadium serves as an adequate home to the SwampDogs. The team has a favorite phrase around the ballpark: “Exciting SwampDogs Baseball”. While the game may not be exciting for everyone, there are plenty of promotions, games, and other fun things to do that will keep even non-baseball lovers in the game. Food & Beverage 4 There are hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and your other basic stadium foods available. It might not be much to write home about until you read the menu again and notice the unique offerings. You may not notice them the first time, but Riddle Stadium has some of the more unique offerings in the CPL. First is the Junkyard Dog which costs $9.50. This may seem a lot for a specialty dog, but the Junkyard Dog is TWO foot-long hot dogs topped with chili, cheese, peppers, onions, bacon, and fries. I’m assuming that it is meant to be shared, but this is still a monstrosity of a dish. There is also a nacho version of this which costs the same price. If toppings aren’t your thing, then you can always go for the big dog which is simply 1/3-lb. hot dog. As far as beverages, Riddle Stadium serves Pepsi products and offers refills for any size for just $1.50. For beer, the SwampDogs operate on the wristband system. You can obtain a wristband at the entrance that allows you to purchase alcohol. It’s a quicker way to ID fans for the purchase of drinks. With its variety and uniqueness, it’s safe to say that Riddle Stadium features some of the best concessions the CPL has to offer. Atmosphere 2 The stadium was simply not meant to last as long as it did. The portable metal bleachers accompanied by its metal-walled press box and its broken scoreboard seem to be begging for a new stadium. On the bright side, the SwampDogs really do a great job of engaging the fans. After every between inning contest, the announcer leads with “Now back to more…” and the contestant always answers with “exciting SwampDogs baseball!” While the on field product may not be as exciting as the kids keep telling you it is, the staff really knows how to make the ballpark experience exciting by getting those young fans involved. There are several promotional nights such as Duck Dynasty night as well as plenty of creative between inning games. The promotions are embraced by the staff in the outfits and sometimes the games are even themed for the night. You have two options for seating. One is an $8 “box” seat which is a “lower level” seat with a metal chair back and handles. On the other hand, you can spend $6 ($5 for kids) for an “upper level” seat on a metal bench. The two levels are separated by a small concourse and any seat has a decent view of the action. The atmosphere varies game to game. At its best, Riddle is packed with families who know appropriate times to cheer but are mostly there for a night out. At its worse, the stadium is nearly empty with a few locals just looking to watch a ball game. Either way, the atmosphere would be seriously lacking without the exceptional on field staff. Neighborhood 2 Unless you want fast food from a strip mall down the road, there is nothing in the area. There are plenty of places to hang around closer to the downtown area of Fayetteville, but that’s all about 10 minutes away. There just isn’t a lot going on the in general area of the ballpark. Fans 2 There is not a huge interest in the game from the fans. The attendance fluctuates game by game, but no matter how many fans are there, the diehards are few. Most families are just there for a day at the ballpark, which is fine, but it does not help in creating a baseball atmosphere. Most fans know when to cheer, the same as it is at many small ballparks. The difference is that there aren’t enough diehard fans to create any serious noise. Normally at these parks, you can find a small base of season ticket holders who know every player by name and can be easily heard. While it’s possible these fans exist, I have never found them during my visits to Riddle Stadium. Access 4 While the neighborhood isn’t the most exciting, at least finding your way to the park is quite easy. Roughly 15 minutes from I-95, Riddle Stadium isn’t hard to find and has plenty of free parking options right next to the stadium. On the way in to the stadium, you will notice that the only thing on the ground is the field and concessions. All the bleachers are elevated a considerable distance from the field. This can probably be contributed, again, to the fact that this stadium has lasted much longer than initially intended. Regardless of the reason, the number of stairs up to the seats can make transporting concessions a challenge. Return on Investment 3 $6 general admission tickets ($5 for students, soldiers, and seniors) along with adequate concession prices create yet another good value on the CPL circuit. While it isn’t the best value I’ve seen, this is yet another example of the CPL doing what it does best: creating a family baseball experience that is not hard on the wallet. Extras 3 I always make an attempt to recognize mascots because there is a certain element of creativity involved in creating one. The SwampDogs mascots are Fun-Go and Cookie, two costumed dogs that actively participate in the between inning games and are always around to greet kids. Fun-Go also has a “Homerun Haven” which features inflatable play houses. Let me again emphasize the amazing job done by the SwampDogs’ on-field staff. They really try to keep fans into the game in all kinds of creative ways. Finally, if mascots and children aren’t your thing, you can appreciate the CPL leaderboard posted at the entrance. Updated daily, it is very helpful to the fan who may not attend every game. Final Thoughts J.P. Riddle Stadium is a peculiar stadium. It was obviously meant to be improved but never has been. That being said, the SwampDogs use it to its fullest extent. They take the ballpark that they have, put in a catchy slogan and some between inning games, and it becomes a great place for a family night out at a baseball game.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 4 Pines Park Pittwater Rd Brookvale NSW 2100 Australia Manly Warringah Sea Eagles website 4 PInes Park website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 23,000 Eagle Rock at the Fortress Lottoland, formerly, Brookvale Oval, is located on the world-famous Northern Beaches of Sydney, and has served as the home of the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles NRL club since they were formed in 1947 – although the area land was designated Brookvale Park as early as 1911. Brookvale Oval has a capacity 23,000 and is managed by the local council – meaning it’s supposedly a public recreation space. The Sea Eagles have fought running battles against the council, as well as at other levels of government, to try and improve the maintenance standard of the current facility and to secure a commitment for a substantial upgrade. A junior league was first formed on the peninsula in 1932, a traditional rugby union stronghold. As such, the league was forced north from Manly itself to the nearby suburb of Brookvale. Having first requested to join the NSWRL as early as 1937, the Sea Eagles were eventually admitted to the 1947 competition along with Parramatta. They’ve since become one of the strongest and most consistent clubs in the NRL, with the distinction of never having ever finished last at the conclusion of a season. Manly are traditionally very strong at their home ground, which is often described as “The Fortress” or colloquially as “Brookie.” Note: Stadium name is now 4 Pines Park. Food & Beverage 3 The haphazard design of the stadium has resulted in a mismatch of concession stands placed around the ground, rather than permanent outlets. Given this is the case, the outlets are often placed where they can be fitted in rather than strategically incorporated into the general flow of the stadium. The food itself is of comparable quality to that of similar stadiums around Sydney and Australia, which of course means mass produced and therefore fairly average in taste yet quite expensive. A standard meal deal (main hot item plus chips and a drink) is costed at $15.50. The individual main items (pie/sausage roll / hot dog / nuggets / hot chips) at $5.50 have no price variation whatsoever, unusually so. There are several additional stands around the ground offering gourmet hot dogs ($7), pulled pork bun ($12) and donuts ($2). Several different beers are available at the bar for between $6 for a Hahn Premium Light and $8.10 for a James Squire 150 Lashes. Pre mixed spirits cost $10, cider is $7.80 and house wine $6.90. As always, if you need a carry tray you will need to fork out an additional $1. Atmosphere 3 Brookvale Oval offers a mix of seating options. The largest of the three grandstands runs the length of the western side of the playing field and is known as the Jane Try Stand in recognition of a land donation in the early 20th century. The stand offers one level of elevated seating and as it faces the east, is shaded. There’s also seating at ground level in front of the concourse. The player’s race runs through this concourse and on to the playing surface. In the south western corner lies the Ken Arthurson Stand, named after the long-time Manly Sea Eagles administrator. The Fulton-Menzies Stand sits at the southern end of the ground, and honours the Fulton family (former player and later coach Bob, and two of his sons who also played for Manly) and Steve Menzies, the highest try scorer in Sea Eagles history. The northern end and eastern side are dominated by several rows of bleacher style seating and a grass hill. Plenty of spectators take the opportunity to enjoy the sun and soak up the atmosphere in this area. There is a scoreboard that displays text only at the back of the northern hill. Neighbourhood 4 Brookvale is located towards the southern end of the northern beaches. The suburb has a large industrial presence but also boasts the largest shopping centre on the peninsula, Warringah Mall. The mall offers plenty in the way of retail as well as a large food court and several café / restaurants. Manly Leagues Club (563 Pittwater Rd) is just down the road from the stadium, providing standard bistro food and several bars. The other option close by is the Brookvale Hotel (511 Pittwater Rd). However, to get the most out of your visit to the area, you really need to travel away from Brookvale. The beaches themselves in this part of Sydney are amongst the very best Australia has to offer. The closest beach is North Curl Curl, but take your pick of any of the 21 patrolled beaches along this stretch of coastline. A few highlights to consider include Avalon (where an episode of the TV show Baywatch was filmed) and Palm Beach (where the Australian soap opera Home and Away is filmed) to the north; and Freshwater (look for the statue of Duke Kahanamoku who is said to have introduced surfing to Australia on the headland) and the world-famous Manly Beach to the south. Freshwater also offers the Harbord Diggers licensed club (80 Evans St) and Harbord Beach Hotel (29 Moore Rd). If you’re looking for an extended night out, head down to Manly. Here you will find an abundance of pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels spread along The Corso and North Steyne. Some of the more popular pubs include The Steyne (75 The Corso), nicknamed “The Drain” amongst locals, the Ivanhoe (27 The Corso) and Manly Wharf Bar (21 East Esplanade). I’d also recommend the Manly Skiff Club (Stuart St) as a great place to enjoy a cold beer with a sensational view overlooking Manly Cove. A little closer to Brookvale lies Dee Why where numerous cafes and restaurants line the beachfront, including my personal favourite, Sandbar (25 The Strand). In short, you’re in one of the best areas of Sydney but you will need transport to make the most of it. Fans 4 Manly fans are infamous for their reluctance to travel to away games, but their passion at Brookvale cannot be questioned. The Sea Eagles army show up in good numbers, mostly in Manly’s maroon colours. An average crowd is between 13,000 and 15,000 which will mean a fairly full and therefore loud stadium. Access 2 The northern beaches suffer from poor public transport, traffic and a lack of parking. The only public transport offering a direct service to Brookvale Oval is bus. If you are making a day of it and come via the city then the ferry is certainly a good option, providing great views of the harbour and showcasing Sydney as a whole. However, you will then need to get the bus up to Brookvale. Car parking in the surrounding streets is free however you’ll definitely need to be prepared for a walk – and keep in mind how steep Beacon Hill Rd is to the northwest if you park in that direction. Otherwise, $10 parking can be found in nearby Brookvale Public School. In terms of the facilities once inside, they are showing their age and the bathrooms appear not to be well cleaned with cobwebs abound. Return on Investment 2 General admission starts at around $29 for unreserved areas and up to $66 for reserved undercover grandstand seating. If the weather is nice then take your chance on the hill (although you’ll be looking into the sun for afternoon games) but be aware the entire stadium offers little in the way of covered areas. It is priced similar to other NRL venues, but to be fair the majority of them offer a more comfortable and modern fan experience. Extras 2 Additional points awarded in recognition of mascots (Egor and Ellie), cheerleaders and team store. Final Thoughts It appears as though plans are finally afoot to redevelop Brookvale, which will be a welcome relief. In the meantime, you’ll be treated to a traditionally strong team with plenty of fan support for the home team.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bradner Stadium 550 East State St Olean, NY 14760 Olean Oilers website Bradner Stadium website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 2,400 Olean's Bradner Stadium is Quite the Ballpark The Olean Oilers are members of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. They began to play in 2013 and have called Bradner Stadium home since 2015. The summer-collegiate club returned organized baseball to the historic stadium that served as home to the original Oilers from 1939 to 1962. The new Oilers hit the ground running, capturing the league championship in 2015 and then a record 24 games in a row the following year, en route to another title. The Oilers made it back to the championship series in 2018 but fell to Onondaga. The club would go on hiatus for two seasons but are back in 2022. The original Oilers were members of the New York-Penn League, and Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York League from 1939 to 1962; and affiliated with numerous major league teams, most notably the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1939 to 1948. Oiler clubs captured four championships (1939, 1940, 1951, and 1961). Food & Beverage 3 The traditional items of hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and nachos are served at the stadium. They are enough to keep fans satisfied for the duration of the game, and there are also plenty of cold drinks to wash it all down with during the hot summers in upstate New York. Atmosphere 3 Bradner is on the list of the country’s quirkiest venues for baseball. The venue is historic and has been the home to baseball for over 90 years, but it looks more like a football venue than one for baseball. However, that has not changed the fact that folks enjoy an Oilers game. Let’s look at some of its features. The grandstand is no more than 10 feet deep, and the last rows of seats on the first base side are even with the main street. You will also find a tunnel underneath the street that provides safe access from the parking lot to the ballpark. There is a raised press box is also in this area, instead of being behind home plate. There is also netting behind the seating bowl to protect motorists from a foul ball crashing into their car window while passing through. The third baseline has a field goal post even with third base and field-level dugouts with bus-stop-like coverings for the visiting players. The seating curves away at an angle in this area and is separated by a large concrete area. The distance to left field is not shortened as with other football stadiums that have served as baseball venues, since Bradner was built with extra room to accommodate baseball. Needless to say, the best seats are down the first side, and there are a lot of them to find throughout the 4,000-seat stadium, but listed as 2,400 for baseball games. The concourse is directly behind the last rows of seats and features a hub of activity from concession stands, merchandise tables, restrooms, and the main entrance to the stadium. Neighborhood 3 The small town of 13,437 is worth a visit before or after an Oilers game. There are a few local restaurants that are of interest to any visitor. Angee’s Restaurant serves Italian dishes, sandwiches, burgers, and beer. The Old Library Inn is in a class by itself that offers chops, seafood, and homemade pasta. The Prohibition Bar is worth a visit for its specialty cocktails. Mickey’s and Century Manor Grillhouse are ideal for steak, while the Spot 2 Be Restaurant and 3rd Base Bar & Grill are perfect for traditional pub food. Outside of the restaurants, visitors can visit Rock City Park for hiking the trails through the beautiful rock formations. The Cutco-Ka-Bar Visitors Center makes for a great visit to one of the most durable collections of knives in the business. Learn about the company and its tools that are also available for purchase. Four Mile Brewing is the town’s microbrewery with sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and flatbreads. Fans 3 During the week, crowds can be light at the game and total around 300-500; however, weekend games can attract crowds between 1,000 to 2,000 spectators. You will find the usual mix of supporters from ardent fans, casual onlookers, and host families. It’s a nice mix that also results in conversation throughout the 9-innings of play. Access 4 The ballpark is easy to spot from East State Street. A large parking lot at War Veterans Park provides ample space, while a tunnel leads fans directly into the stadium on the third-base side. There is plenty of room to move around, but when fireworks take place, it could get a lot more cumbersome. The large concourse on top of the stadium provides all the essentials from bathrooms, guest services, concessions, and merchandise sales. Return on Investment 4 The price of admission is dirt-cheap, with anyone under the age of 18 allowed free of charge. A season ticket package is only $35, but if anyone older than 18 wants to see a game, the cost is $5. Concession items are inexpensive, and parking is free. This might help when deciding to purchase a cap or t-shirt at the concession table. . Extras 3 Bradner Stadium earns a few points for its quirkiness, including the tunnel that leads into the seating bowl, the goal post behind the third-base bag, and its netting up above the grandstand. Another point is awarded for free admission to anyone 18 and under. Final Thoughts Bradner has a lot of quirks, and sometimes the focus is on the design and aesthetics of the structure. However, it is another spot for small-town baseball in New York state; the town of Olean is better for having the Oilers playing during the summer months. The town is not too far away from other ballpark destinations, and if you can fit it in during your traveling plans, you’ll enjoy some of those quirks as well. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter, and on Instagram.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 TD Ballpark 373 Douglas Ave Dunedin, FL 34698 Dunedin Blue Jays website TD Ballpark website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 5,509 Canada in Florida TD Ballpark opened in 1990. It is the home of the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. The ballpark is built on the site of Grant Field, which was the original home of the Jays. The city of Dunedin and this location are the only home that the Blue Jays have ever had since their inception as a franchise in 1977. While many teams have shifted spring training venues over the decades and in some cases moved back and forth between Florida and Arizona, Toronto’s relationship with Dunedin has been a constant and the Blue Jays are synonymous with this suburban bedroom community on the outskirts of St.Petersburg/Clearwater. In November 2019, the Jays announced that TD Bank had acquired naming rights for the renovated stadium, which would be renamed TD Ballpark Food & Beverage 3 The food choices are your basic minor league items including pizza ($4.75 for pepperoni less for cheese), hamburger ($5.75), hot dogs ($3), chicken strip with fries ($7.50), nachos ($4.75), and pulled pork sandwiches ($6.50). Coke products are $3-$5, and draft Budweisers are also $5.25. Additionally there are cans of Labatt, Corona, and Landshark available ($5.75). There are a few items that are interesting like frozen Minute Maid ($4.50) or a veggie burger ($5.50). What is also appreciated is the nod toward the team’s Canadian fans. There is poutine (fries covered with gravy and cheese) for $6.00, and maple/bacon flavored potato chips. Atmosphere 2 This ballpark is like many of the Florida League stadiums. It is rather bland. Nothing really stands out. But the place could use some renovations. The scoreboard is like a high school facility with no video. The seats are fixed, they don’t fold up/down and they face straight ahead and not turned toward the mound. The bullpens for both teams are way down the lines or in the outfield. It is very difficult to see who is warming up. One nice aspect of this ballpark is that there is plenty of cover for those sunny day games. There is nothing for the kids to do. The Jays should get a bouncy house or playground to help entertain the youngsters that have trouble sitting in a seat for nine innings. Neighborhood 4 TD Ballpark is located within a residential neighborhood and adjacent to the Jays’ spring training practice facility. There are a couple of bars within a couple of blocks of the stadium. The bars are typical neighborhood bars and not tourist traps. Approximately a mile away from the park is downtown Dunedin. This area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and bars. It is a very nice area and parking is easy too. Fans 2 The fans that show up and have a good time. You’ll find several fans with a scorebook intently watching the game and keeping track of every pitch. The fans know their team and are very friendly. Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough fans to create much of an atmosphere at the typical game. Access 5 Getting to the park is easy. It is located on Douglas Avenue about a mile west of US-19. The stadium is well served with easily drivable boulevards to get you in and out. Public transportation is not an option. Parking is available on the stadium grounds but there isn’t a lot of it. Parking on the grounds is free so that is a good thing. During spring training when the crowds are much larger, some of the homes surrounding the ballpark property sell spaces on their front lawns. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $7 and you are able to move all over the ballpark to view the game from different areas since there are no reserved seats. This place is for the old school baseball people. If you are looking for all the modern entertainment options found at many ballparks today, then this is not the place for you. Extras 3 The Canadian tilt that can be found at the ballpark is really enjoyable. Even the Canadian flag was next to the American Flag. Sadly though, they do not play O Canada before the game. During my visit, before the game they played Robin Sparkles-Let’s Go To The Mall (from the TV show How I Met Your Mother – Robin is from Canada and a former teen pop star). The distances on the fences are in feet and meters. Also, they play the Toronto Blue Jays’ anthem and fight song, “OK Blue Jays” during the 7th inning stretch. The “Canadian” food, poutine and the maple/bacon potato chips are a nice touch. Final Thoughts The ballpark could be better with just a few tweaks (sans any renovations). Have some Canadian beers, more Canadian foods or maybe some fresh fish options (they are in Florida) and step up the condiments, at least add hot peppers. Try some more between innings contests or entertainment or something in the concourse area. Also, maybe conduct some renovation to allow some seating / viewing from the outfield area since you can’t currently do this.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center 201 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745 Scripps National Spelling Bee website Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,300 Scripps National Spelling Bee at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center The Scripps National Spelling Bee has managed to carve out a place in America’s national consciousness. Beyond its impressive TV deal on ESPN, the Bee has managed to inspire Saturday Night live sketches (Mary Katherine Gallagher), a Broadway musical (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”), and even a major motion picture (2006’s “Akeelah and the Bee”). But beyond stage and screen, the National Spelling Bee is an often-overlooked spectator event as well. Every May, hundreds of young spellers and their families pack the ballroom of a resort hotel in suburban Washington, DC, to watch the final rounds live on a high-tech stage. A handful unaffiliated spelling enthusiasts also attend the final rounds. Almost all come away impressed by the high-quality production on the final night of this unique and drama-filled event. Food & Beverage 4 In 2011, the Scripps National Spelling Bee decamped from downtown Washington, DC, and set up shop in the planned suburban community of National Harbor, Maryland. Though the Bee based itself in hotels in both locales, the current setting is a true resort that wouldn’t be particularly out of place in Las Vegas. And neither would the food offerings. Half-a-dozen dining options exist at various price points within the Gaylord National Resort. Not much eating goes on in the ballroom during the final televised rounds of the Bee itself. Instead, given the sheer size of this massive complex, most fans will head out to eat well before the cameras roll on the final rounds. This is a tourist center in an expensive city, so food is pricey, but quality is good. Fans hoping to save a few bucks can head out of the hotel and take a short walk through the streets of downtown National Harbor. But the whole town caters largely to tourists and day-trippers, so true bargains are hard to find. Those in a real pinch won’t have any trouble carrying in a candy bar or two. Atmosphere 4 Bee sponsor and media conglomerate E.W. Scripps partners well with ESPN and the Gaylord National Resort to temporarily turn a hotel ballroom into a venue that feels special. The stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee vaguely resembles something you might see at a large auto show with sleek lighting, video boards, and its trademark beehive backdrop drawing you in. Seating is on banquet chairs that give a comfort that’s more common at a wedding reception than a stadium. Aisles are wide, and there is an abundance of legroom for everyone. High quality video display boards flank the stage and do a good job at keeping fans engaged. During competition, one screen displays information about the competition; the other shows the live video feed. Before and after commercial breaks, attendees see the same quirky video interstitials as fans watching at home. Out in the hallway, Bee sponsors create a mini Hall of Fame with historical displays and banners commemorating previous champions. A few sponsors set up booths that change a bit from year to year. Recent years have seen photo ops for fans to post on social media. Despite being a free event that draws very respectable crowds, you don’t need to arrive too early to get inside. Pairs of seats together are generally available throughout the Bee. Of course, early birds are more likely to have their choice. Parties of three or more should consider arriving at least 30 minutes early. Similarly, keep in mind that this is a ballroom, not a stadium. Everyone is seated at ground level. As such, the vertically challenged might also want to show up early to grab a spot closer to the front to avoid peering through a sea of heads. Neighborhood 5 The whole of National Harbor is new, and it’s immediately clear that the site for this planned community was well-thought out. This place feels like a destination, first when arriving in the waterfront town and again when entering the Gaylord Resort under its trademark glass atrium. Complaints that the neighborhood feels artificial aren’t entirely off-base, but it does a good job in creating a place that feels a little different from everyday life. It’s a good destination for an event kids will talk about for the rest of their lives. The Scripps National Spelling Bee actually lasts for several days–not just the two hours or so that make it onto TV. Families of the children competing will likely want to step out for some air at some point, and National Harbor is a good place to take a stroll and maybe find something to eat. Since this town was built as a place to spend a day or night out, there is no shortage of options. Elevation Burger (about a quarter mile from the Gaylord) and National Pastime Sports Bar and Grill (inside the hotel) offer higher-end versions of typical stadium fare, but an assortment of nicer options also exist for those looking for something a bit more memorable. Of course, with a hotel the size of the Gaylord, you never really need to go outside, even to spend the night. The Bee takes place just a short walk from the Gaylord’s hotel rooms. Other lodging options also exist in National Harbor. Those looking for something a bit more economical are likely to look across the river in Alexandria, Virginia. Surprising bargains can sometimes be found in downtown DC, though rarely the spring tourist season that corresponds with Bee week. Fans 4 Most of those in attendance at the Scripps National Spelling Bee are in some way part of the Bee community — families of spellers, past spellers, sponsors, or organizers. But more than a few people come out who are simply interested in checking out the event. One thing virtually all Bee attendees have in common is that they are there for the kids. Every speller gets applause, whether they’re correct or incorrect in their attempt. Fans are polite and engaged, but not overly-competitive in the way that youth sports are often stereotyped. In fact, a large portion of the crowd consists of the children who were eliminated at earlier stages of the competition. They circulate through the hall signing each other’s autograph books and cheering the other competitors. Access 4 In terms of access, National Harbor, Maryland manages to combine both the best and worst of a city with the best and worst of the suburbs. Traffic is a concern, but shouldn’t be too bad since the Bee mostly avoids DC’s notorious rush hour. Parking is available, but expensive. Public transportation is available, but inconvenient. Despite being located less than 10 miles from the White House, National Harbor is linked with the U.S. Capital’s extensive public transport system by only the twice-hourly NH1 Metrobus, which takes about 30 minutes to connect riders with Southern Avenue Station on Washington’s Metrorail (subway) Green Line. A water taxi service provides sporadic, but expensive service to various points around Washington. Hotel staff can provide up-to-date information on this service. Most people will find that driving (or Ubering) is the best way to get to National Harbor from other parts of the DC area. Free parking is virtually nonexistent, but lots and garages are always available. We paid $14 to park for the 2016 Bee. The Gaylord National Resort’s glass atrium is something of a tourist attraction, so people come and go freely from the hotel at all hours. To enter the ballroom that hosts the Bee itself, tickets are not required, but spectators do pass through a metal detector, and wands are used on those who set it off. Security is polite, and used to families packed with laptops and other things to keep busy for long competition days. Lines are non-existent at most times. Wide aisles and hallways make moving around the National Spelling Bee a breeze. Fans should have little difficulty when getting up to explore the Bee, grab a bite, or use the facilities. The restrooms are not only among the cleanest you’ll find anywhere, they’re also plentiful and stylish. Return on Investment 5 After years of charging for tickets (up to $40 as recently as 2013), the Scripps National Spelling Bee went free and ticket-free for 2014 and remains so as of 2016. In addition to a free night out, most years offer some sort of free souvenir in the form of a program or a promotional item. Extras 4 The Scripps National Spelling has become an American institution for a reason. TV viewers see an innocent but suspense-filled competition. But what you don’t see on TV is the experience that the Bee provides for its preteen contestants. Banners that would fit in at a pro sports Hall of Fame, a top notch souvenir program, a professional stage, press coverage, and a big crowd in a gorgeous setting combine to make this something that these young spellers will never forget. It also makes an extremely memorable visit for a spectator.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Brandywell Stadium Lone Moor Rd Derry, Northern Ireland BT48 9LA Derry City FC website Brandywell Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 7,700 The Sweet Town of Derry Derry City, known as ‘The Candystripes’ for their distinctive red and white striped shirts were formed in 1928 and have been playing at their Brandywell home since 1929. It is located in the southwest of Derry and is only 10-15 minutes walking distance from the city centre. It is set in the bottom of a valley, flanked by housing, with the (GAA) Gaelic Athletic Association’s Celtic Park adjacent, the city cemetery looming over it on one side and the famous city walls visible high up on the other. Its floodlights are visible from some distance and although the club are from Northern Ireland, they have been playing within the Republic of Ireland league structure since 1985, following a variety of safety and political issues dating back to civil unrest in the 1970s and 80s. The Brandywell’s current capacity is approximately 7,700. It is owned by the local council and is used by community teams of all ages. It has a very distinctive oval type shape to incorporate football and greyhound racing and displays a mixture of modern facilities with some older and traditional features. The club have been allocated funding with a programme of redevelopment works that will be completed in early 2017. The plans indicate a new synthetic pitch, purpose built stand, an upgrade to the perimeter track and car parking facilities around the venue. Food & Beverage 4 The club have a couple of external fast food vans along with a couple of their own outlets selling home made soup, tea, coffee, and confectionaries. Food is of similar standard for the average football ground, with the likes of burgers, chips and gravy proving very popular, along with chips and curry sauce. Drink options are varied with bottles of Coke for sale, along with small polystyrene cups of Coke and hot drinks like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and soup. Atmosphere 4 Walking up to the game, there is a good positive atmosphere. The fans are passionate and there is a healthy rivalry, more likely because the Dublin teams dominate the Premier League. There are a couple of areas which start songs and bang a drum, with the majority in the left corner near the scoreboard. There are also a small band of fans who congregate on the right hand terrace who are vocal at certain parts of the game. The current Main Stand was built in 1991. It is all seated in red with the stadium name outlined with black seats and runs the length of the pitch, taking it just into both the corners of that side. The away fans are housed in the right hand corner of this stand, with everywhere else designated for the home support. It has a low roof with no supporting pillars and provides possibly the best view of watching a game, despite there being some distance from the pitch due to the dog track and a grass verge. To the left of this stand there is an electric scoreboard which displays the team scores, clock, and relevant notices, with a burger van behind it. You are able to walk around most of the ground and behind the left goal is where there is a variety of activity and intrigue. This part is a standing area and is monitored by a number of stewards before kick off, half time and full time. Fans are not permitted to pass this area for a few minutes at each of those key times as the players and officials are escorted through a passageway that leads to a detached building that provides the changing room facilities. As you make your way around, the ‘Candy Stripes Store’ is located here, with Police control and First Aid huts in front of it. On the corner is the disabled section with two entrances and exits behind on Lone Moor Road. There is also a very small covered terrace on the far left corner which would shelter in the region of one hundred people. There used to be a small stand oddly located here, but this was demolished in 2004. Past this, there is an open terrace which has a mixture of crush barriers for fans who wish to stand and then a few hundred red seats which run four steps deep and covers most of that side of the ground. Despite some changes over the years, this area is still referred to by Derry City fans as ‘the Jungle.’ The dug outs are facing you if you are sitting low down in the middle of the open side across from the Main Stand, therefore you will miss quite a lot of the game if you choose to sit here for the entire 90 minutes. On the right hand corner there is an exit which is opened towards the end of a home match, and behind the right hand goal there is an open, limited standing space dominated by advertising hoardings. Having sat and stood at all parts of the ground throughout the game attended, the best view in my opinion is in the middle on either side of the half way line in the Main Stand. It provides a clear view of all areas of the pitch and you are sheltered from the Irish elements! Neighborhood 4 The ground is 10 minutes walk and five minutes drive from the city centre. There are a couple of small shops and pubs next to the ground, but for more variety you could easily eat and drink in the centre then leave plenty of time to head to the game. The Bentley Bar & Steakhouse in the city centre is a good choice. They have great food and drink options with excellent staff service. The Guildhall, Derry’s Walls, Peace Bridge, Tower Museum and the endless wall murals painted on the side of some of the houses are all worth a visit if you have the time. If you are staying in town, the Maldron Hotel is modern and has been recently upgraded with excellent rooms, bar and breakfast available with friendly accommodating staff. The Travelodge is one of the cheaper options and provides decent value and a good base, located in the centre of town. Fans 4 This is a community club who display patience with a young team. There are a good blend of ages with people attending alone, in small groups and encouragingly a lot of young families. Depending on the opposition and how the team are faring in the league, crowds can vary from 3,000-5,000 for home games. Access 5 The ground is situated a matter of minutes from the city centre if travelling on foot or from the Foyle bus station. Derry/Londonderry train station is slightly further out and will take a few more minutes longer to get to the Brandywell. Street parking is available in among some of the housing and there is an official car park at the back of the Lone Moor Road. The crowd disperses with relative ease and there is not much congestion when exiting. Inside the ground you can move freely around to access the toilets, change of area to watch the game, or to get food and drink. Return on Investment 5 The ticket pricing is very fair. For seating in the Main Stand, an adult it is £12, concessions will cost about £9, and Under 14s are £5. For standing areas, adults are £10, concessions are £8, and Under14s £2. The tickets for home games can be bought at the ground or from a variety of local shops. It is beneficial to get them before hand to avoid any queue congestion in the lead up to kick off. The club use Ticketmaster and each ticket is scanned with the barcode on it. Derry City are a well supported Premier League club and have pricing that is fair and affordable for the average fan, and for those who also wish to bring along friends, relatives and young kids. The standard of football is fair and provides a decent level of entertainment. Extras 4 This is an area steeped in history, good and bad over hundreds of years. The ground is surrounded by the cemetery, Derry’s walls, a large playing field and the imposing Celtic Park Gaelic stadium next door. Final Thoughts A very pleasant, entertaining and almost educational experience. I think any stadium enthusiast would enjoy taking in some of the sights, like the changing rooms set up which are not available at a lot of other grounds in Ireland or the U.K.

Photos by Daniel Armstrong, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kazan Arena pr. Khusaina Yamasheva, 115 Kazan, Russia 421001 Russia Rubin Kazan website Kazan Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 45,000 Kazan Arena Kazan Arena is the biggest stadium in Kazan, the largest city and capital of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan. The 45,000-seat arena was built in 2013 and is the home ground of Russian Premier League side FC Rubin Kazan. Food & Beverage 4 The price of food is a pleasant surprise for fans. Most snacks come in cheap combos such as pizza with tea/coffee for 100 rubles ($1.50). But, if you fancy embracing a little local culture, you can swap your pizza for Öçpoçmaq (pronounced Ech-poch-mak) – a popular minced beef and onion triangular Tatar pastry. A hot dog or sandwich with tea/coffee will set you back 200 rubles ($3), KitKats, chocolate nuts and a single cup of tea or coffee are all priced at 50 rubles (75 cents) and sparkling water will set you back 100 rubles. Atmosphere 4 The nature of Russian football dictates that the contemporary structure and layout of Kazan Arena do not compromise the atmosphere. The ultras (or ‘fanati’) stand in designated fan stand areas in the north and south stand, at the front of which they hang banners with chosen messages. Throughout the match fans illuminate the match with flares and test the acoustics with bare-chested chants, rhythmic jumping and even dancing in the aisles. Neighborhood 5 Due its central location, the neighbourhood around Kazan Arena is the centre of Kazan itself. Kazan is recognised as one of the most beautiful cities in Russia and boasts its own Kremlin (Russian for ‘citadel’) built in the 15th century. It also has strong Islamic origins, underlined emphatically by the 16th century Qolşärif Mosque within the Kremlin walls. There is an unmistakable pride in Tatar tradition. Although the Republic is unequivocally part of the Russian Federation it still clings tightly to its identity. The Republic is the only region in Russia to have a president other than Vladimir Putin. The Tatar language – spoken by 6.5 million native speakers – even forms part of the Turkic family as opposed to Russian’s East Slavic grouping. If you want to experience what life is like in one of Russia’s ethnic regions, there are few more colourful places to do it than Kazan. A great hotel/hostel is Loft project Etazhi on Ligovsky Prospekt. It’s a complex including art exhibition space, a cafe, a bar and a great roof view. Pubs, bars and restaurants can be found in abundance on Rubinsteiner Street just of Nevsky (Barcelona bar is a great shout). Those who prefer a more raw Russian night out can visit Dumskaya Ulitsa just adjacent to Kazanskiy sobor or the collection of bars on Ligovsky 50. Bar Griboyedova on Konstantina Zaslonova Ulitsa has a cool eatery and bar on a hill with a nightclub built into an old Soviet bunker too. Fans 4 Each set of ultras in the Kazan Arena fill ‘fan stands’ facing each other. The club has had decent success in recent years, but will only average around 12,000 fans per match, placing them near the middle in the Russian Premier League. Access 4 Kazan Arena is located on the banks of the Kazanka River in the east of central Kazan. It is largely accessible thanks to the Khusain Yamashev highway – named in honour of the Russian revolutionary and first Tatar Bolshevik – and a network of roads nearby. There are large car parks which, ironically do not work on matchdays. There are, however, apartment blocks opposite where it is possible to park. Disabled access is available but limited and fans must pass through two ticket checks including baggage inspection before entering. You can get to Kazan from Moscow by rail. Trains run every couple of hours daily and make the 800km journey in a handy 12 hours. The cheapest (platzkart) ticket costs around 2,000 ($30.30) and generously permits you to one space in a four-bed carriage. Return on Investment 4 Kazan Arena is one of the best stadiums in Russia and offers a glimpse of what Russia has to offer fans at the FIFA World Cup in 2018. The facilities are impressive and refreshments are cheap, although whether these prices will remain when the competition comes around is up for debate. Nevertheless return on investment is high even if it is just for the chance to see Kazan on a sunny day – if you’re lucky. Extras 3 As well as being the home stadium of Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan, the Kazan Arena doubles as the venue for the Russian Cup final held in early May. The stadium is also one of twelve stadiums to be used for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. The outside of the West Stand has a screen which is used to show advertisements, information and most importantly of all footage of the sporting event taking place inside.

Photo by Daniel Zepeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Crutcher Scott Field 555 Walnut St Abilene, TX 79601 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Crutcher Scott Field website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 4,000 Stadium Upgrades at The Crutch Lifts ACU Baseball After 24 years of baseball at Abilene Christian University, the Wildcats chose to upgrade their field to better suit the dry and unpredictable West Texas weather. In its third year of Division I play, ACU converted its once natural grass field into artificial turf prior to the 2016 season and brought AstroTurf to Crutcher Scott Field for the first time in 25 years. The Wildcats also upgraded several other facilities, such as their batting cages, dugouts and even added a home bullpen behind the right field wall. ACU brought in the wall all along the outfield and the new bullpen can be seen by fans through a coated chain link fence that will run the length of the bullpen, and a new pad will cover the rest of the new outfield. Crutcher Scott Field seats 4,000 fans and spectators and with the renovations, has become one of the best baseball facilities in the state. Located on ACU’s campus, students can get in for free after only a five to ten minute walk from anywhere on campus. When The Crutch officially opened in 1991, it marked the return of baseball to Abilene Christian after a 12 year hiatus. The Wildcats christened their new stadium with a 2-1 win in 10 innings in which students sat in the back of flatbed trucks in the outfield to watch. ACU added the Bonneau Family Indoor Hitting Facility to the complex, giving ACU an indoor facility to use on bad weather days. With weather conditions ranging from 100 degree heat to wind and snow, along with random Texas thunderstorms to dry conditions, Abilene does not make the ideal home of an all-natural field. The move to turf allows the program to spend less time preparing their field and more time practicing and putting work in. Food & Beverage 3 It’s a golden rule to always have hot dogs and peanuts at a baseball game. The Crutch allows for that and more. Hot dogs, peanuts, pretzels, candy, burgers and more can be found at the concession stand located near the main entrance gate. For drinks, soft drinks and bottled water are available. The prices won’t kill you either, usually averaging around $5-$7 per person for a full meal, but the food quality isn’t the best either. With quick service, lines are normally short which keeps fans in their seats where they really want to be. Atmosphere 3 A baseball game at ACU can be one of the most enjoyable things to do when in Abilene. With a solid following from students and the ACU community, seats are always available. Students also stay loud and proud with cheers and chants, allowing for few moments of quiet. It’s a great place to bring kids and families for a great night out. With that said, ACU baseball only averages around 200-250 fans per game. Even with the small stadium seating, the stadium still looks mostly empty for most games. When big programs come to play however, such as Texas Christian or Texas Tech, the fans come out in support. But in the dog days of Southland Conference play, it becomes a challenge to get anyone to show up. Neighborhood 4 With being on campus, safety is never an issue. There is limited parking in the immediate area, so finding a spot can become an issue. But, if you’re willing to do a little walking, it’s not a problem. Crutcher Scott Field is located on the north side of campus, near the softball and soccer fields and the soon-to-come on-campus football stadium. Fans 3 The fans that show up are engaged and steadily cheer on their purple and white Wildcats. With the resurgence of the ACU student’s section called Wildcat Reign, the students who come out often heckle opponents, but nothing along the lines of profanity or distasteful rhetoric. It is a Christian college after all. Access 3 With the stadium on campus, it’s a wonder why ACU baseball doesn’t have a steadier following for home games. The Crutch is only a few minutes walk from any location on campus and is free to all students who show a valid student university ID. The field is located off of Interstate 20 and one of the busiest roads in Abilene, North Judge Ely Boulevard. Parking can be problematic for highly-attended games, but normally isn’t an issue. Return on Investment 4 For non-students, ticket prices are marked at $8 for adults and $4 for kids. Students get in for free with their university ID. So even if you’re not a student, a family of four can spend $24 on tickets and then $20-$30 on food for everyone. That’s less than $60 compared to perhaps hundreds you can spend at some stadiums. Extras 3 The Crutch is one of the best stadiums when it comes to on-field facilities. If ACU could find a way to update some other parts of the stadium like seating and fan-interaction, they could have something special. Overall, catching a game at Crutcher Scott Field is usually a solid choice for baseball fans of all ages.

Photos by Steven Burke, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Dozer Park 730 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61605 Peoria Chiefs website Dozer Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 7,500 Baseball in the River City Dozer Park has been the home of the Peoria Chiefs since opening in 2002 as a replacement for their previous home Meinen Field. The stadium contains many of the amenities seen in modern day ballparks. The Converse Club, for instance, is located on the suite level and is equipped with flat screen televisions featuring live sporting events as well as an in-park video feed of the action taking place on the field. The Converse Club is open to all suite level ticket holders as well as full and half season ticket holders, featuring table service with full dining and bar menus providing a luxurious environment to experience game day. Dozer Park also features one of the largest high definition video boards in MiLB, measuring 30 feet by 42 feet. In addition to hosting the Chiefs, Dozer Park also serves as the home of the Bradley University baseball team. The name Dozer Park is reference to the Caterpillar company which is headquartered in Peoria and purchased the naming rights in 2013. Food & Beverage 3 Dozer Park has a good variety of the ballpark staple foods. Two of the best choices are the pork chop sandwich and the foot-long corndog. For something outside of the box, try the pulled pork nachos from the Mexican-inspired concession stand. They come with all of the expected nacho toppings with the added delicious bonus of pulled pork. The Chiefs make sure their ballpark is a place to enjoy a ballgame with quality ballpark food and great craft beer. As is the case in many ballparks in recent years Dozer Park does a good job emphasizing craft beer, the most notable location being the Good Hops stand. Good Hops is located on the concourse behind home plate and serves a wide variety of drafts, bottles, and cans of beer. All draft beers run will run you $7, while bottles and cans sell for $6 or $7. Atmosphere 3 Dozer Park is still a very nice facility, but is beginning to show its age slightly. Although to be fair, the issues that are visible may be more of a lack of maintenance and upkeep. The facade of the press box has countless amounts of dings and dents from foul balls, it appears no attempt has been made to repair or mask this damage. The Firehouse Team Store located on the concourse just to the left of home plate contains all the Chiefs merchandise you could ever need. The store is just to the left of the main gate as you enter the park. The Chiefs’ HD video board at Dozer Park is one of the largest in Minor League Baseball. The board measures 30’x42′ and displays promotions, replays, stats, and pitch speed. Neighborhood 4 One of the best options for a pregame meal within walking distance of Dozer Park is Sugar Wood Fired Bistro. Located in the warehouse district of Peoria, Sugar Wood Fired Bistro provides a comfortable atmosphere with an open kitchen and delicious food. One of the most unique and delicious pizza choices is the Smokey Pork Chipotle which features braised pork, smoked gouda, peaches, bacon, pineapple, and chipotle barbecue sauce. The warehouse district of Peoria appears to be an area ripe for gentrification, signs on buildings around Dozer Park indicate that more businesses will be opening in the near future. Fans 4 Fans at Dozer Park tend to consist of families from the local community. It is not unusual while walking the concourse to see people interacting with acquaintances they just happen to run into at the ballpark. The Chiefs do a great job of being an integral part of the community and a meeting place during the summer months in central Illinois. Access 4 Plenty of street parking is available in the warehouse district surrounding Dozer Park and free parking can easily be obtained. There are also plenty of small lots on the streets surrounding the ballpark where parking can be found for $5-$10. Dozer Park is located close to main roads and interstates so arriving and leaving traffic flows well. Return on Investment 4 The seating bowl at Dozer Park consists of folding plastic seats and are broken into Dugout Box and Field Box sections. Dugout Box seats cost $11 and range between the sections from dugout to dugout. Field Box seats cost $10 and are located past the dugouts down each foul line. Lawn seats are also available for $8. Dozer Park features party decks at the end of the concourse on both the first and third base side of the field. Additional group spaces are available in right field as well as left field. The entire seating bowl is close to the field providing a great view of the action from any seat in the house. As with many MiLB teams, the Chiefs offer promotional food specials throughout the week depending on which night you attend a game at Dozer Park. Wednesday home games are known as “Wins-Days” for the Chiefs with hot dogs, sodas, and ice cream sandwiches all priced at $1 and as an added bonus all fans in attendance receive a ticket to a future Monday-Wednesday home game if the Chiefs win. Dozer Park hosts “Thirsty Thursday” as well as “Taco Bell Live Mas Thursdays” during each Thursday home game. “Thirsty Thursday” features 16-ounce domestic draft beers as well as fountain drinks for $2; while “Taco Bell Live Mas Thursdays” provides buy one get one free ticket with the presentation of a Taco Bell receipt showing a purchase in the last 7 calendar days. Sunday home games feature specials for the rookie and veteran fans with “PNC Kids Sundays” as well as “Senior Sundays” as kids 12 and under and seniors 55 and over receive tickets for just $5 in addition to $1 ice cream sandwiches. Extras 2 Being located geographically between Chicago and St. Louis it is expected to have a split of Cubs and Cardinals fans and the Chiefs seem to do their best to retain the interest of both fan bases. Since 1985 the Chiefs have changed major league affiliates four times and that includes two stints each with the Cardinals and Cubs. From 1985-1994 and 2005-2012 the Chiefs were affiliated with the Cubs and 1995-2004 and 2013 until now the Cardinals have called Peoria the home of their Midwest League affiliate. Also worth note is that just inside the front gate of Dozer Park there is a statue of long-time Chiefs owner, Pete Vonachen. The late executive was known as “Peoria’s Mr. Baseball” and is credited with much of the organization’s success. Final Thoughts While Peoria is situated between Chicago and St. Louis geographically a visit to Dozer Park to see the Chiefs play is a great addition to a trip to either MLB destination city.

Photos by Bradlee Ross, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 Taft Stadium NW 27th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Oklahoma City Energy FC website Taft Stadium website Year Opened: 1934 Capacity: 7,500 Energy FC at Taft Stadium Owned by Oklahoma City Public Schools, Taft Stadium was built in 1934 as part of the New Deals programs introduced by Franklin Delano Roosevelt to combat the Great Depression. Its capacity was around 18,000 up until 2013, when renovations reduced the capacity to around 7,500. In addition to the OKC Energy of the USL (United Soccer League), Taft Stadium also hosts Northwest Classen High School and John Marshall High School teams. It has also played host to various other professional and semi-professional teams in the past, including the Oklahoma City Plainsmen of the Continental Football League in the 1960s. Oklahoma City Public Schools granted a lease on the stadium to Pro Soccer, LLC in 2013, and the Energy began playing there in 2015. Food & Beverage 3 Food options in Taft Stadium are not as varied in larger venues, but there is more offered here than one might suspect at first glance. There are two primary concession stands on each side of the stadium. These stands have the basics along with a few specialties that you will not find anywhere else. The prices here are reasonable, especially for the typical concession stand fare; specialty items cost extra. There are also a couple of food trucks at the north end of the stadium. One sells sno-cones, another Modelo beer. There is also one Mob Grill truck that sells the grilled items you’d find at any sporting event. A popsicle stand and a Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade stand are a fan’s only real options for any kind of dessert. The one food item you cannot miss is the Free Kick Nachos, which consist of BBQ pork, jalapeno, shredded cheese and diced red onion over chips. Pair it off with a beer and you’re good to go. Atmosphere 2 Taft Stadium has one of the most unique atmospheres you’ll find in Oklahoma. While it does appear catered to families, there is a large element of young adults as well. There’s a video screen at one end of the field that is easily seen, though the only scoreboard. The PA system plays some music, but it doesn’t really have any affect. There’s a lot of activity, both toward the action on the field and aside from it, but it is somewhat chaotic. It has the same sort of feel as high school football games do in the area. Neighborhood 1 There’s very little close to Taft Stadium that will get any prospective fan excited. The only food place within walking distance is a Taco Bell, and the neighborhood near Taft is not the safest in the Oklahoma City area (though certainly not the most dangerous either). A few other establishments fairly close by (within a few miles) are a Wendy’s, Patty Wagon Drive-In Restaurant and a public indoor karting place called Pole Position Raceway. For a much better neighborhood experience, make the drive to the Bricktown section of OKC, where you’ll find all kinds of restaurants, museums and further attractions. But to get there, you will have to drive 6 or 7 miles. Fans 2 The fans are made up of mostly young families and young adults. The stadium is usually at least three-quarters full. Most of the crowd is disinterested in the action on the field, but there is a hardcore fan section on one side of the stadium. However, this loudest section (which can be heard from any part of the stadium) is also extremely profane and is not a place where a fan with children will want to be. The rest of the crowd is loud at times, but very inconsistent. There also are many seemingly unaccompanied children running around during the matches. Access 2 The bathrooms are clear and spacious, which may surprise some given that the venue is over 80 years old. It is basically a large high school football stadium with bleacher seating only, no chair backs. The seating is pretty uncomfortable. It is fairly easy to get around, and one can walk under the stands which provides even more space for the crowds. There is also an old concrete track that runs around the field, which fans can walk around on to the other side of the stadium. Parking is extremely tough to find. The closer parking appears to be available for season ticket holders only. Free parking can be found, but be prepared for quite a walk. Return on Investment 2 Tickets to OKC Energy games are not expensive for most fans, and this is the only option for soccer fans in the OKC area. So in that sense, it is a decent return on the price. However, the Energy cannot escape comparison with their rivals to the north, the Tulsa Roughnecks, whose stadium experience outshines them in every way. All in all, going to see the OKC Energy at Taft Stadium provides a mediocre return on the ticket price, even considering the low cost of a ticket. Extras 1 There’s not much at this venue that you can’t find elsewhere. One extra point for the face painting stand at the north end of the stadium.

Photos by Jim Colyer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bannerwood Park 1790 Richards Rd Bellevue, WA 98005 Seattle Redhawks website Bannerwood Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 300 Seattle Redhawk Baseball at Bannerwood Park Baseball is our National Pastime. The implications in that title are many. As America’s game it should be played at a high level, be accessible to everyone and, above all, be enjoyable. The Seattle University venue at Bannerwood Park just outside Seattle provides all of these features and then some. The SU Redhawks play Division I collegiate baseball in the Western Athletic Conference made up of teams from CSU Bakersfield, Grand Canyon, Chicago State, UT Rio Grande Valley, Utah Valley, Missouri-Kansas City and New Mexico State. When you sprinkle in visits from Pac12 opponents University of Washington and Washington State University you have a very competitive schedule. Bannerwood is nicely situated in a cozy Bellevue neighborhood with a comfortable, quiet feel to it. It’s easy to get there and easy to get home. Finally, the venue is clean, fun and very relaxing. Fans will enjoy the game and may elect to stay after for a picnic. Food & Beverage 2 Seattle University offers good Division I college baseball. However, think of the concessions at Bannerwood Park on the high school level. While the hot dog is generous and quite tasty the selection of hot food is quite limited. Dogs, chip and Coca-Cola products are available on a cash only basis. The friendly, accommodating Seattle U students recommend The Special (hot dog, drink & chips) for $8. For fans who desire a more substantial meal, eat before you get to the park. Atmosphere 4 One word to describe Bannerwood Park? Immaculate. The seating is modern and well maintained. Seattleites’ reputation for being friendly is reinforced by the “No Seeds, Please” signs placed throughout the venue. In typical Northwest fashion recycling bins are readily accessible. The synthetic turf was newly installed in 2014 and is in perfect condition. Aluminum bleacher seats line the first and third base lines. While they put the fan close to the action the seats are low and the sight lines are not the best. For a more expansive view the 120 “red seats” behind home plate are a better option. They provide seat backs and an unobstructed view down the 325 foot left and right field lines as well as a clear view of the 402 foot left and right gaps and 395 feet down straight away center field. Neighborhood 4 Bannerwood is tucked neatly into trendy, tiny Bellevue, Washington (just a short boat ride south of Bill Gates’ home). The surrounding deciduous trees give an “if we build it, they will come” feeling. The neighborhood is composed of tastefully built townhouses and condominiums. Walking trails surround the park and a small park outside the third base wall is perfect for Frisbee tossers and dog walkers. A very family friendly environment. The area is surrounded by a good selection of restaurants. The Bellevue Square area, a few miles north offers diverse options for every budget and taste. Bellevue offers all the traditional hotel chain options within a couple miles of Bannerwood, along I-90 or I-405. Many are within walking distance. Fans 3 “Northwest Nice” best describes the knowledgeable, well-mannered Redhawk fans. They know their baseball here and fully engage in the game intelligently and courteously. Trips to the restrooms or concession stands happen between innings, not between strikes. Even questionable calls are only mildly criticized and the umpire’s ethnicity is never called into question. During a rival games against the University of Washington good plays made by Husky players are rewarded with polite golf tournament applause. Access 4 Easy in and easy out. Bannerwood Park is a short jaunt off of either Interstate 90 or 405. Even during rush hour the commute is very manageable. Parking is plentiful and free. There is one point of entrance to the park, but lines are short and the staff moves fans through the turnstiles efficiently. The tidy, tight little park is easy to navigate. Wheelchair and handicap seating and parking are available. Restrooms are clean, well maintained, well stocked and odor free. Return on Investment 3 Programs and parking are no cost. Adult admission is reasonable with discounts for seniors and students. While food selection is marginal prices are affordable. Extras 3 Sitting in the upper level of the “red seats,” fans immediately in front of the open air press box can take advantage of listening to Jake Eastwood; The Voice of the Redhawks. He is an objective announcer who calls the streaming broadcast and does an excellent job of calling the game. It’s obvious Jake does his homework. He comes to the game with solid background on the players, the teams and the league. Fans are rewarded for inning ending strike outs with half price popcorn. Final Thoughts Baseball in the Pacific Northwest can be a tentative proposition. Weather is unpredictable and travel can be a challenge. That said, the fan experience at Bannerwood Park is consistent and there is something to be said for predictability. Fans will enjoy the relaxing simplicity of Bannerwood while watching high quality NCAA D1 baseball. It’s a very pleasant way to spend a summer’s evening in a familiar “home town” ballpark. Remember to bring an umbrella because while many things can be guaranteed at Bannerwood, weather isn’t one of them….this is Seattle, after all.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Sydney Cricket Ground Driver Ave Moore Park NSW 2021 Australia Sydney Swans website Sydney Cricket Ground website Year Opened: 1848 Capacity: 48,000 Cheer, Cheer the Red and the White The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) may have only been home to the Sydney Swans since 1982 when South Melbourne relocated to the harbour city, but Australian Rules football was played on the hallowed turf as early as 1881. Indeed the historic Members Pavilion (1886) and Ladies Stand (1896) are visual representations of the venue’s iconic place in Australian and world sport. Given the name, the ground is obviously heavily used for cricket in the summer months. International, interstate and Big Bash League (Sydney Sixers) games are all played at the SCG. Prior to venues such as Allianz Stadium and ANZ Stadium being built, the rugby codes were also based here with a constant flow of grand finals and test matches up until the mid-1980s. Furthermore, the SCG was the main stadium when Sydney hosted the Empire Games, the precursor to the Commonwealth Games, in 1938. Modern renovations have kept the SCG at the forefront of stadiums around the world. Most recently the MA Noble, Don Bradman and Dally Messenger Stands were rebuilt incorporating new restaurant style dining and bar areas. The Swans have a long history, beginning life as a foundation club in the Victorian Football League (VFL), however experienced little success as South Melbourne. Their move to Sydney was considered their only hope of survival after a long period of financial instability and uncertainty. Rebirthed as the Sydney Swans, the club experienced a short period as a glamour club before several years in the doldrums, most notably punctuated by 26 losing games in a row. After a gradual rebuild the club finally broke through for their maiden premiership as the Sydney Swans in 2005. They are now consistently regarded as perennial contenders and one of the strongest clubs in the league. Food & Beverage 4 The new MA Noble and Bradman Stands have really helped set a new benchmark for food and beverage at Australian sporting venues; with gourmet burgers and sandwiches, barramundi, oysters and a good selection of craft beers and ciders by the Matilda Bay Brewing Co. Other sections of the stadium have to make do with the likes of hot dogs ($6), hot chicken roll ($10), meat pie ($7), and hot chips ($5.90). Snacks such as crisps ($5.90) and chocolate bars ($4.60) can be purchased from the same outlets. Coke variety soft drinks will cost you $5.60 while bottled water is $4.80. A number of outlets also offer tempura fish and chips ($10.50), salt and pepper squid with chips ($11.50), sushi ($10.50), wraps ($9.50) and sandwiches ($7.60). Domino’s Pizza is available at some points with individual pizzas (Meatosaurus, Hawaiian or Margarita) available. Depending which area of the stadium you are located, you may or may not have access to full strength beer. Nevertheless, prices include Crown Lager ($9), Peroni ($9), Pure Blonde ($8.90), Cascade Premium Light ($6.80), cider ($9), wine ($7.30), and mid strength spirits ($10.20). As you will note, prices across the board are high and continue to rise, however seasoned stadium travellers will know that this is fairly standard for major venues around the world. Atmosphere 5 The history and charm of the SCG cannot possibly be underestimated. It truly is a gem, celebrating historical significance with modern amenity and comfort. The various grandstands are mostly named after Australia’s cricketing legends; Sir Donald Bradman, Monty Noble, Bill O’Reilly and Victor Trumper, with an additional nod to rugby league’s Dally Messenger and Clive Churchill. The Trumper Stand features good views of the city skyline, including Sydney Tower. The Members Pavilion and Ladies Stand create a sensational backdrop – and is a wonderful place to sit if you’re lucky enough to have access to this area of the ground. Despite the obvious dominance of cricket and rugby league historically, the Swans have well and truly found a home at the SCG and are building a history of their own, with a full house at a Swans game a sea of cheering fans in red and white. In more recent years, with their future secured, the club has embraced their South Melbourne heritage. This has only helped build their identity and the majority of AFL fans in Sydney follow the Swans over their new crosstown rival, the GWS Giants. With Driver Ave closed off to traffic, there is always plenty of excitement out on the street as fans buy their tickets and mingle before entering the stadium. There are various stalls set up but if a big crowd is expected, and you’re in a general admission or non-reserved seating area, it’s best to arrive early and grab a good seat while you can. Neighbourhood 5 The Moore Park precinct is located just south of the Sydney CBD. With Allianz Stadium next door there is often an opportunity for an AFL – rugby union / rugby league double header, although be aware of the traffic implications if this is the case. On the other side of the stadium is the Entertainment Quarter / Fox Studios Australia which hosts a number of options for food and entertainment including a Bavarian Bier Café and PJ Gallagher’s, as well as numerous traditional cafés. The surrounding suburb also features impressive parklands including Centennial Park. Venture further afield and you will find a plethora of dining and drinking options in the nearby suburbs of Paddington and Surry Hills. Many of these old pubs have a great history and are worth a stop on your way to the ground. Of course, Sydney is one of the great cities of the world and if you are from out of town, definitely do sightseeing trips to see iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney is defined by water; the picturesque harbour and world famous beaches are quite accessible. Bondi Beach is close by or you can catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for the day. Fans 5 Sydneysiders have grown their knowledge of the game of AFL as the Swans themselves have grown. The Swans remain a popular sporting / entertainment option for fans of all ages. Crowd figures average over 30,000 with the vast majority proudly sporting red and white. Fans are knowledgeable, loud and constantly engaged in the game. The home crowd at the SCG is no doubt a strong advantage for the Swans who take extra delight in winning for their fans. The only negative quirk is that Sydneysiders are often late to any sporting event, and a Swans game is no exception. Access 4 The SCG is centrally located, just south of the CBD. Parking is available in the parklands over the road for $25, with additional spaces in Fox Studios. Like most venues that attract large crowds, access can be a problem. Allow plenty of time to arrive and park, especially if it’s a big game – there will be traffic, especially in the surrounding areas, if not on the major access roads en route. Public transport to Moore Park is quite good, save for the fact that the nearest train stations require a bus connection to the SCG. If you’re travelling from the north or west, you will likely alight at Central Station for the short bus trip. The SCG is walkable from Central, and although it is uphill, there are several nice pubs on the way if you’re so inclined. The east and south are well serviced by buses. In future years light rail will provide a welcome additional option from the south. Once inside, the concourses get quite crowded as people arrive and move towards their seats. Again, allow plenty of time and get there early. Ushers are plentiful and located at numerous checkpoints. Access around the venue is somewhat limited and you are mostly restricted to the general area in which your seat is located. Bathrooms are readily available and well maintained. Return on Investment 4 General Admission tickets for Adults start from around $32, while the highest value Category 1 tickets costing almost $80. There are discounts available for families, children and other eligible concessions. Be aware that if you choose to go the GA route only a small portion of the ground is dedicated for these tickets. Remember that parking, if applicable, and food, are also quite pricey, although fairly comparable to other major venues. In summary, a Swans game is expensive but don’t let that deter you. Extras 5 The SCG is a special place. Extra points are awarded for the Members Pavilion and Ladies Stands which are unique features in a major sporting venue and a constant reminder of the commitment the SCG Trust has to celebrating their history. The venue deserves credit for continuing to improve the spectator experience. The recent changes have also made the ground a better venue for AFL. There are numerous activities and stands throughout the venue for photo opportunities and fan engagement including access to the playing surface after the game. Final Thoughts A Swans game at the SCG is a must for any sports fan – an amazing atmosphere at one of the world’s great stadiums.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 McKethan Stadium 120 SW 13th St Gainesville, FL 32601 Florida Gators website McKethan Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Year Demolished: 2020 Capacity: 5,500 Stand and Sway at Alfred A. The Florida Gators baseball team is one of the most successful in the nation over the past decade, including four College World Series appearances since 2010. Playing out of Alfred A. McKethan Stadium at Perry Field, the Gators are a top draw during the Gainesville spring. The venue is named for two former alumni: McKethan contributed nearly $3 million towards the stadium’s construction and subsequent improvements, while Perry’s family donated the land on which the stadium was built. Opened in 1988, McKethan Stadium lies just to the west of the O’Connell Center and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Mac, as it is affectionately known by locals, holds 5,500 and attracts top recruits every year. There were six former Gators on MLB rosters at the start of 2016 season and 11 on 40-man rosters, the most in the SEC. Between its opening and the end of the 2015 season, the Gators have posted a 779-266 (.745) home record. The venue has hosted NCAA Regional action 11 times and Super Regional series six times. At many SEC schools, baseball is bigger than even men’s basketball, but this is not true at Florida, due mainly to the success of its hoops program under head coach Billy Donovan. Still, Gator fans take their hardball seriously. Food & Beverage 4 There are two main concession stands called Gator Refreshments that serve typical ballpark fare such as hot dogs ($4), nachos ($5), pretzel braids ($4.50), peanuts and cracker jack ($3), and popcorn ($3.5/$5). The more enticing options are found at the tents in the plaza. Gator Grill offers cheeseburgers, Italian sausages, Philly steaks, grilled chicken sandwiches, and jambalaya for $5 each, while chicken tenders are $7. Everglades Smoked in the Swamp stand features a Pulled Pork sandwich and BBQ Nachos ($7 each) and boiled peanuts for a fiver. Domino’s has a stand where a personal pizza is $8 and there are two dessert carts, one serving ice cream in cones and helmets and the other frozen chills ($5). As is the case for many college venues, no alcohol is sold. Pepsi is the soda provider with a 22-oz. cup costing $4.50 while the 32 ouncer will run you an extra dollar. Gatorade bottles are $4, while water is $2 for 12 ounces and $4 for 20 ounces, a pricing decision that makes no sense. Just buy two smaller bottles and get four free ounces! Atmosphere 4 Most fans will park in the garage next to the ballpark and use the entrance next to the main box office. You will walk down a long path that brings you into the plaza behind the seating bowl. The palm trees are a nice effect here, and this is where you should stock up on food and drink. Inside the seating bowl, you have box seats in the sections surrounding home plate, and bleachers with a seat back in the other areas. There are only two bleacher sections along first base, but six along the third base line. There are some seats that avoid the netting at the far end of this area. There is also a small section above the left field fence behind which you can see the O’Connell Center, while trees adorn the entire length of the outfield fence. There are occasional promotions, with the most obvious being the t-shirt tossed into the stand during the inning break after a visiting batter has struck out. Weather plays a large factor in the atmosphere at Gator baseball games. The season starts in February, where temperatures can get quite chilly, especially for night games. Late in the season, it can be very hot and there is no shade in the stadium, nor are umbrellas allowed. Fans routinely have to go into the concourse area between innings to get away from the hot sun. But sometimes, you get one of those very nice days where the sun is out, there is a nice little breeze, and it is absolutely gorgeous. It is a great setting for a baseball game. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood surrounding the ballpark is one of a large campus in a college town. There are restaurants and bars all around the ballpark. If you want to show up early and stay late you can get your drink on at The Swamp, the Reggae Shack or the Library Pub Grub Club. All of these places offer food as well, as does Burrito Brothers for Mexican food, or Leonardo’s for a great pizza. Further afield, next to I-75 along Archer Road, you can find a couple of good bars. First is the Gainesville Ale House, a sports bar with a varied food menu, while the Brass Tap lies across the street and offers a number of craft beers, though there is no kitchen. The WingHouse of Gainesville is also here, a chain pub known mostly for its scantily clad servers. Fans 3 Many other southern schools regularly sell out baseball stadiums much bigger than “The Mac,” yet the Gators seem to have trouble at times drawing a crowd. Perhaps this is because UF fans don’t get pumped about baseball until basketball is done. In 2015, the Gators averaged only 3,502 over their 31 home dates. Although those fans in attendance know their team and are supportive, heckling the opposition (I do enjoy the chant of “Left, Right, Left, Right, Step, Step, Siddown!” that follows every visiting strikeout as the player slowly trudges back to the dugout), far too many of them arrive late and leave early. By the 7th inning of the game the GA sections may be only half full; a shame considering the visitors are often top-ranked SEC team. This is really a class program from top to bottom and deserves a full crowd every time they play. Access 3 Florida’s campus is about four miles from the Archer Road exit off I-75, but traffic moves well in the town. On campus, be careful as pedestrians are everywhere, especially where there are other events taking place. The main parking lot is directly north of the O’Connell Center and includes a three-story garage. Parking is free on evenings and weekends. Note that getting out of here will require a wait after the game as there is only one small lane leading back to 2nd Avenue; some fans prefer to head west to Gale Lemerand Drive which is less crowded. Inside the seating bowl, a small walkway separates the few rows closest to the field (all box seats) with the larger sections above. There is no problem walking along here or in the large plaza behind the structure. Washrooms are adequate for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 The cheapest ticket is $4 for general admission, which comprises the top rows of the bleachers, mostly along third base. If you are there when gates open, this is the best option as you can snag a prime spot. Once the place fills up, you might have a bit of difficulty finding a pair of decent seats together. The $8 reserved seats are quite nice and take up the area behind home plate and a little bit down both baselines. There is no need to pay more than this, as the stadium is not that big and there are no bad seats in the place. There are also two great promotions that make a trip to Gainesville even more tempting: on Fridays, a family pack of four GA tickets, hot dogs, and sodas is only $20, while Sunday sees GA tickets, hot dogs, and popcorn all for a dollar. Coupled with the free parking and the fact that Florida is a perennial contender, and this is an incredible sports bargain and perhaps the best value in all of college baseball. Extras 3 Despite the recent history of success, there aren’t a lot of extras here. A point for the tradition of singing “We Are the Boys from Old Florida” while standing and swaying, something that is done at every Gator event. There are a couple of plaques on the walls of the breezeways honoring past coaches. It would be nice to add a few more displays honoring players who have made it to the bigs and more championship information like some other schools have done. Final Thoughts NCAA ballparks are generally functional facilities designed to provide student athletes with the tools to succeed rather than to attract fans, so a visit to McKethan should appeal to those who prefer to watch the game rather than be entertained by mascots and in-game hosts. Given the high quality of the Florida baseball program and the ridiculously cheap ticket prices, I cannot figure out why more Gator fans don’t turn out to support their team. But their absence means more room for you, and if you have yet to visit Alfred A. McKethan Stadium, you should do so at your next available opportunity.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jackie Robinson Stadium 100 Constitution Ave Los Angeles, CA 90095 UCLA Bruins website Jackie Robinson Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 1,820 Home to Jackie Robinson and the Sons of Westwood Jackie Robinson is a name known throughout baseball, but before becoming famous with the Dodgers, he was a four sport letter recipient at UCLA. Being the first to achieve this feat, it’s only appropriate that a UCLA facility be named for him. The baseball stadium opened in 1981 thanks to a private gift from Hoyt Pardee, a former classmate of Jackie Robinson. The new stadium would be UCLA’s sixth home field in its history and the famous Jackie Robinson statue was dedicated in 1985. The stadium is set on the grounds of the Veterans Health Administration. After some controversy, UCLA recently signed a $300,000 lease with the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to continue use of the stadium for many years to come, along with other provisions. Food & Beverage 3 Upon entering, most fans ascending the steps will be treated to the smell of hot dogs and onions being grilled just in front of the snack stand on the first base side. The menu is on par for a college baseball venue. A permanent concession stand on the first base concourse serves up hot links and cheeseburgers ($6), hamburgers ($5), hot dogs and veggie burgers ($4), pretzels and nachos ($3 – add .25 for a cheese cup), chips, peanuts and Cup o’ Noodles ($2), assorted candy, cookies and cracker jacks ($1). Other snacking and dining options are available on the third base concourse. A bag of freshly popped popcorn ($2) as well as Turkey and Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches are available from Jersey Mike’s ($9). Coke product beverages are available for $3 while bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate and hot tea are $2. Atmosphere 4 Despite being a stone’s throw from a major freeway and minutes from a large downtown area, the trees that surround the stadium provide a surprisingly suburban feel. Immediately upon climbing the steps to the main concourse, fans are treated to a table that will enhance their experience. There is a frequent fan card (offering a raffle ticket for each game attended during the season), scorecard, baseball bingo card, and opportunities to win free gifts. The baseball bingo card certainly does keep the crowd involved as fans mark off the appropriate boxes based on what the batters of the home team do when the ball is in play. The Bruins recent run of success, including their first ever National Championship in 2013 has certainly increased interest in the baseball program as is certainly noticed in the stands. Neighborhood 3 The surrounding area around Jackie Robinson Stadium really does not offer much in regards to dining and entertainment due to the fact that the stadium sits on the grounds of the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs. In spite of the fact the stadium is only a few minutes from campus, driving towards Westwood Village can still be a pain. If attending a weeknight game, you will definitely want to plan ahead as traffic within the surrounding areas can be, to put it kindly, brutal. I wish I could tell you otherwise, but unfortunately, there is no way around it. Should you opt to head toward the Village after the game, one way to expedite your journey would be to make a left on Sepulveda after exiting the lot and head north two lights toward Montana Ave. Make a right, head east through a residential neighborhood. As the street curves south it will change into Gayley Ave leading you directly into the Village. While I cannot guarantee that this will entirely alleviate your navigational nightmares through our notorious L.A. traffic, this is still your best option, particularly if it’s a weekend game as you will by all means want to avoid driving along Wilshire Blvd, one of L.A.’s major thoroughfares. For your dining, entertainment, and parking options just click on the link provided above. A good majority of the dining and entertainment options are open late. Fans 3 Bruin fans are easily some of the best when it comes to wearing their team colors. Though not as rabid as those at Pauley Pavilion, the crowd is at near capacity. The fans are a very diverse breed, ranging from a mix of older folks all the way to the little league groups. Access 3 The stadium is located just minutes off of the 405 freeway and can be accessed on foot from the UCLA campus. However, I can never stress enough the importance of early planning when dealing with the area traffic, so do plan accordingly. Once inside the stadium, fans will find bucket seating circling between the first and third base dugouts. Should the comfortable bucket seating overflow, there is also a set of bleachers above the concourse between third base and home plate that looks as if it has survived a nuclear war. Parking is listed on the UCLA website as $10, yet it was $8 when I arrived at the lot. I would assume the price varies depending on the magnitude of the game. There is only a single restroom area on site and the men’s room has only three stations. This can pose a problem during high attendance games as the line can back up. With increased interest in the baseball program and more fans attending as opposed to years past, perhaps it would help to alleviate backups if a few mobile unisex bathrooms could be added. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices are very reasonable, with adult ticket prices at $12 for seats behind home plate, $8 for adult general admission and $5 for youth general admission. The price of parking, at $10, is more than a general admission ticket. However, with few other options, the lot is your best bet. Extras 3 Easily the foremost attraction at the ballpark is the statue of Jackie Robinson along the first base line. The plaque below reads, “The Name. The Legend. The Man.” Alongside the statue is a recently added mural by artist Mike Sullivan depicting Jackie in his UCLA uniform, with references to his playing days as well as his time in the Army. Jackie was the first four letter athlete in UCLA history (football, basketball, baseball and track), and his presence is certainly felt throughout the stadium. All around the concourse, fans can view banners that show recent major league players that formerly appeared in a Bruins uniform. Some of the players that appear on these banners include Hector Embriz, Garrett Atkins, Todd Zeile, Eric Byrnes, Chase Utley, Trevor Bauer, Gerrit Cole, Dave Roberts, Troy Glaus, and Eric Karros. Just next to the ticket office, there is a large ProGrass logo with a patch of the synthetic grass. For fans that have never had a chance to walk on or feel FieldTurf, this presents a good opportunity. It’s funny that Jackie Robinson is largely credited with breaking the color barrier, yet he was not even the first black player on the UCLA baseball team. The man credited with being the first was Kenny Washington, and he would eventually have his number 13 retired. Today, fans can spot his number 13 in left field, honoring the man they called “Kingfish.” Lastly of note is the Jack and Rhodine Gifford hitting facility. Located beyond the right field fence, this area allows fans a peek at the practice facilities and a free view through the fence at the action on the field. Final Thoughts A recent run of success, a national championship, along with some notable enhancements throughout the stadium, including a new state of the art scoreboard with an analog clock reminiscent of old-time yards has added to the game day experience to a stadium that not long ago, was in need of some upgrades. With a recent national title added to the school’s vast trophy case, the interest in UCLA baseball is certainly evident. A visit to Steele Field at Jackie Robinson Stadium should definitely be on any baseball fan’s travel list. Also a must, especially if you are a true fan of historical significance, is the chance to snap some photos of you next to the Jackie Robinson displays along the first base concourse. Aside from showing them off on your social media site, these photos will make for great stories about a true icon that any baseball fan should share and pass down to other future baseball fans. Follow me @good_drei on Twitter & Instagram.

Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field W Dakota St Hammond, LA 70402 Southeastern Louisiana Lions website Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 2,500 Pat on the Back Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field, home to the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, is an under-the-radar college baseball mid-major gem. While other stadiums across the country might provide more modern features like wild concession items and minor league antics, The Pat provides a comfortable environment with the classic elements that provide a great neighborhood ballpark atmosphere. The ballpark is located in the city of Hammond on the southwest corner of the Southeastern Louisiana University campus. Since opening in 1992, Alumni Field has undergone several enhancements including brick wall fencing along both foul lines, installation of a new playing surface with natural Bermuda Tifway 419 sod, and decorative-perimeter fencing on the outside of the stadium. A new video scoreboard and party-deck-style box seats in the foul area along right field were installed in 2016 and have improved an already great environment. The playing field is named in honor of former long-time baseball coach, athletic director, and football coach for Southeastern Louisiana, Pat Kenelly, and was designated as such on February 19, 2006. The official capacity is listed as 2,500. Food & Beverage 2 The Pat provides the basic stadium staples you’d expect at a ballpark and also offers a couple of unique items like frozen daiquiris. The main concession stand and an ice cream cart are located under the grandstand and behind the home plate. Beyond the bleachers down the first baseline is a beer and daiquiri stand operated by Wise Guys Daiquiris (a local, independent vendor). While the variety of options is anything but unlimited, the basics are covered. Your main entree items will include a Chick-fil-A sandwich ($5), hamburger ($4), hot dog ($3), and nachos ($4). Snacks include popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), pickles ($1), and assorted candy ($1). Specials such as pulled pork sandwiches and jambalaya are available and vary from game to game. There’s also an ice cream stand (Captain’s Tasty Treats) across from the main concession stand which offers up ice cream sandwiches and bars. The ballpark serves bottled Coca-Cola products for $3. One of the most unique items offered at The Pat is an assortment of daiquiris served up at the Wise Guys stand out in the right field concourse. Beer is also available for purchase, which is somewhat unique for a college ballpark. Atmosphere 5 Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field provides a genuinely great neighborhood ballpark atmosphere. Situated at the corner of the campus where the university meets the residential area, your view around the ballpark includes neighborhood homes and Strawberry Stadium beyond the outfield wall. The brick foul line walls and iron outer fencing add to the cozy ambiance of the ballpark. The new video scoreboard has enhanced the overall experience. It’s pretty unique to see a mid-major program with its outfield bullpen (of such high quality), which is located inside the left field wall and was constructed in 2012. Some additional signage and displays provide a “home” feel around the ballpark. Both dugouts have signage that displays the field name. The area underneath the grandstand behind home plate pays homage to significant Lion baseball players and coaches with banners hanging from the rafters. A display can be found on the wall listing the different Lions baseball players who have gone pro including Kirk Bullinger and Wade Miley. Post-season accomplishments are displayed including TAAC Championships and NCAA Regional appearances in both 1992 and 1994 and a College World Series berth in 1975. The layout of the stadium is a strength with box seats available under the main grandstand and just behind home plate. A new “party deck” area was developed down the first base line in the right field. In the upper level, chair backs are provided in the center of the seating area with bleacher seating on both sides. The bleacher seating along the third baseline typically features the younger crowd, including SLU student groups. Fans of the opposing team often sit on the first baseline side of the upper deck grandstand, across from the visitor’s dugout. Neighborhood 3 The city of Hammond is your classic small college town. While there isn’t a long list of attractions in the area, Hammond is home to a few great independent restaurants and you’ll find enough entertainment to keep you satisfied during a trip in town. For extended stays, both Baton Rouge and New Orleans are within driving distance (approximately an hour's drive). While in town, be sure to stop at Mariner’s Inn in the historic downtown area. This pub-style restaurant offers a bar area, a couple of tasty chowders, and an amazing ‘Kickin’ Chicken’ sandwich. Tommy’s on Thomas is another great stop for pizza, Buffalo breadsticks, and drinks. Some additional options include Brady’s Restaurant (order the club sandwich), Trey Yen (try the sweet and sour pork), and La Carreta Mexican Restaurant (fajitas are great). When it comes to attractions, Hammond doesn’t have a plethora of options, however, you’ll find a few decent college town bars and some family entertainment in the area. Check out The Red, White & Brew, and Wise Guys Daiquiris for a pre or postgame drink. If you are traveling with small kids, the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center is a small, but fun break from the baseball action. If you have time for a 30-minute drive, the Global Wildlife Center offers a fun family safari adventure complete with feeding giraffes and other wildlife. There are several hotels in the Hammond area. If you’re looking for a bed & breakfast experience, check out the Historic Michabelle Inn & Restaurant. The Holiday Inn Hammond – Northshore offers a comfortable stay near I-12 and the Hammond Square Mall shopping center. Fans 4 The Southeastern Lions baseball fan base is continuing to grow with the success of the program. While fans are not the rowdiest you’ll encounter, most are friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable about baseball. The typical crowd for Southeastern baseball games ranges from about 900 to 1,200, depending on the match-up. It wasn’t long ago when the program struggled to bring in 250 consistently, but winning ways have Lion faithful feeling nostalgic about a program that had a successful run in the ’90s. Crowds will reach their peak against in-state rivals like Tulane, UL-Lafayette, and LSU, as well as in-state conference foes including Nicholls State, McNeese State, and Northwestern State. Lions fans get into the game during big plays and bad calls. The baseball program can be credited with starting the newest and most visible fan tradition at Southeastern, known as the “Lion Up.” Both hands make an L shape and are placed on both sides of the head. Access 4 Overall, access to Alumni Field is a breeze. There are a couple of pain points, but you shouldn’t experience many problems getting around the ballpark. Hammond is located at the intersection of two major interstates, I-55 and I-12. The ballpark is accessible from both, depending on the direction you’re arriving from. Your quickest route to the stadium is probably via I-55. Exit onto W. University Ave. and head east for about 1.75 miles until you reach the SLU campus. Turn right onto N. General Pershing St. and go about a half mile where you’ll then turn left on Western Ave. You’ll see the ballpark and parking garage connected to Strawberry Stadium. There are a few rows of ground-level parking behind the right field wall, but these spots will typically fill quickly and are in prime home run broken window territory. If you don’t mind a little longer walk, park on the first level of the parking garage or the ground lot around it (further out from the outfield wall). Parking is free and plentiful around the stadium. The ticket booth is located at the end of the first baseline in the right field. As crowds have increased, so has the line at the ticket window. Be prepared for as much as a 15-minute wait to purchase tickets. The main entrance gate is on the first base side of the home plate. As a smaller, neighborhood ballpark, The Pat is constrained some by the surrounding homes and facilities. The concourses are typically wide enough to move around comfortably but can get a little congested as the concession line grows. The restrooms usually don’t have any lines but are a bit small for the typical crowd size. The foul line bleachers along both the first and third baselines don’t have clear aisles, so for bigger crowds, it can sometimes be a challenge to get up and down to your seat in these sections. Return on Investment 5 Considering the overall experience and atmosphere, it’s hard to top the return on your investment at The Pat. General admission for adults is $8 and $5 for youth (3-12). Chairbacks are available for $12 and the lower box seats are for $15. Concession prices are reasonable and parking is free. Extras 4 There are a few “extra” items at The Pat which significantly enhance the overall game day atmosphere: SLU does an outstanding job memorializing past accomplishments and great players. Several banners are hanging in the main concourse which honor former players and championships. The ballpark also has a starting lineup display, as well as the current conference standings. It’s a nice benefit to fans in the main concourse. While more and more college baseball programs move towards a synthetic turf playing surface, it’s refreshing to watch a small college baseball game played on a beautiful, well-kept, authentic grass playing surface. The program keeps the playing field in excellent condition. The brick foul line walls and decorative iron fencing add to the overall ambiance of the stadium. Many recent improvements have helped establish a truly classic ballpark feel. Finding beer at college baseball venues isn’t easy, much less frozen daiquiris. It’s a nice bonus that doesn’t get out of hand.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 ANZ Stadium Edwin Flack Ave Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 Australia South Sydney Rabbitohs website ANZ Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 83,500 Glory, Glory to South Sydney If you know anything about the geography of the Sydney metropolitan area, the first thing you will notice about this review is that it is of a stadium in Western Sydney, for a team that represents an area just south of the city Central Business District. Indeed the spiritual home of the Rabbitohs is the highly urbanised suburb of Redfern, a mere 3km from the city centre. However, ANZ Stadium is located at Sydney Olympic Park which is at least a 30 minute drive west. The decision to go west was made for several reasons. Firstly, from 1988 Souths were sharing Allianz Stadium with the Sydney Roosters. While Allianz was a newer and larger venue than the small and undoubtedly outdated Redfern Oval, it was never a great fit for the Bunnies. Financially it also made sense to shift to ANZ, and as a club that is known as “the pride of the league,” the reality is that in modern times many fans live outside the original South Sydney district meaning Olympic Park is more accessible. South Sydney are one of the most historic and storied teams in the history of rugby league in Australia. They are very well supported both within celebrity circles and the general community all over the country. Despite this, the 1990s and early 2000s were not a happy time for Souths. A lack of on field success and financial instability led to the club being excluded from the NRL for a period of two years under a rationalisation process. They were reinstated after a high profile legal battle and in subsequent years began to rebuild, which included actor Russell Crowe buying into the club. The Rabbitohs finally broke through for a premiership victory in 2014, their first since 1971. ANZ Stadium was the main stadium of the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics and remains the largest venue in the harbour city. Several NRL clubs currently use ANZ Stadium for the regular season, either in full or in part; Canterbury, Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney. The majority of major finals and international games for both rugby league and rugby union are played at ANZ. Food & Beverage 3 This category can be easily summed up as follows; respectable quality and variety but very expensive. The most basic combo of a hot dog (or pie or sausage roll), hot chips and a drink will set you back over $16, a hefty price tag by any measure. Individual hot items include the aforementioned hot dogs ($6.20), sausage rolls ($5.20), meat pies ($5.60), and hot chips ($6.20), as well as pizza ($10.20), burritos ($10) and chicken burgers ($9.20). Also available are sushi ($14.50), sandwiches, baguettes, and salads. Beers aren’t cheap either, at $7.90 for a Hahn Super Dry, with wine available at a similar price. Pre mixed spirits are priced at $10.50. Atmosphere 4 ANZ Stadium is good venue for sport but probably suffers from being designed as multi-purpose. The gradient of ground level seating and the stands is quite gentle leading to the common complaint from fans that they are a long way from the playing field. It is also quite difficult to personalise the stadium for each team, however Souths have red and green in as many places as possible – along with posters of past and current greats. For all intents and purposes, it actually looks like the stadium is permanently there for the Rabbitohs. Lastly, the other downside is that with a capacity of in excess of 80,000, the stadium is unlikely to ever be filled for a regular season game. Neighborhood 4 Sydney Olympic Park is quite a large area that includes many other venues in addition to hotels, restaurants and bars. There’s plenty of food options before or after the game. As well as fast food there are options covering Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian and modern Australian. While that is the case, the precinct doesn’t tend to be buzzing except during major events. You should also check the schedule for the Greater Western Sydney Giants (AFL) for the possibility of a doubleheader. Fans 5 Souths fans are great. They are very knowledgeable, show up in good numbers (average crowds of around 20,000), are passionate and add to the experience. “The Burrow” group have flags, banners and sing numerous witty chants. One of the other things that was impressive on this recent visit was the number of fans on site to support the feeder teams in the curtain raiser. Most of the crowd arrives early or on time at worst, which is fairly unusual for Sydney teams. The atmosphere is also very family friendly, with people of all ages coming together to barrack for their Bunnies. Access 4 Sydney Olympic Park is located close to the geographic centre of Sydney, with good transport options. There is normally plenty of parking (P1 is probably the closest), although it is expensive. Also be mindful that if there is a large event(s) on, traffic into the precinct will be an issue. Best to check beforehand, otherwise strongly consider public transport. The train station is a short walk from the stadium. As a large stadium the venue handles crowds well and access inside is fairly smooth. Ushers are polite and helpful, and also realistic in not being too zealous when enforcing seating allocations. Concourses are wide and bathrooms are plentiful. It is a big stadium so it can be quite a walk if your entry point is on the far side! Return on Investment 4 A ticket to see the Bunnies at ANZ Stadium is priced comparatively to other clubs that utilise the same venue. Buy online to save some money, and also select your seat. Additional discounts apply for concessions and families. General admission (unreserved) is about $25 for an adult. The GA seats at ANZ are at either end, which is actually quite good quality when judged against most other venues. Just remember that parking and food will not be cheap if you choose to utilise those services. Extras 3 There was little happening outside the stadium when we attended which was a bit disappointing, but once inside the club used a number of smart initiatives to highlight the home team. Free Wi-Fi is always a bonus, plus the ushers are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Final Thoughts In coming years ANZ Stadium will receive a $780m transformation. Commencing in 2018, the stadium will likely become permanently rectangular which will definitely improve the experience – especially for club level football. In the meantime, a Bunnies game at ANZ Stadium offers a great day out.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hank Aaron Stadium 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd Mobile, AL 36606 Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 6,000 Getting By On The BayBear Necessities Mobile has a long and proud history with baseball, as five Baseball Hall of Famers (Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith and Billy Williams) were born and grew up in this Gulf Coast port city. The Mobile BayBears minor league franchise has sent more than 130 players to the major leagues in the 20-plus years of the franchise’s existence. These include such present-day stars as Justin Upton, Jason Bay, Jake Peavy and Max Scherzer. In 20 years, the BayBears have brought home four Southern League Championships and five Division Championships. There is no doubt Mobile is a great baseball town. The team annually puts a competitive team on the field at Hank Aaron Stadium. However, the stadium itself has become the weak link in the franchise’s operation. Built in 1997, the stadium has suffered from less than adequate maintenance, in some cases not meeting league standards (field lighting), while also losing more home dates to weather than any other Southern League field due to inadequate drainage. It also suffers in comparison to new Southern League stadiums in Biloxi, Pensacola and Birmingham. The attendance in the 6,000-seat stadium now averages 1,700 people per game, the league’s lowest average attendance. Hank Aaron Stadium is now the oldest stadium in the Southern League. The issue has become a tug of war between the franchise, which has not paid rent to the city for its usage of the city-owned stadium in several years, and the City of Mobile, which under the lease is committed to keeping the stadium in good shape. The real losers in this situation are the wonderful fans of Mobile, who are caught in the middle. Unfortunately the BayBears’ parent team, the Los Angeles Angels, has no say in the matter. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stands are numerous enough that you will not encounter any lines. A sampling of the baseball food menu includes hot dogs ($3.50), hamburgers ($5.50), cheeseburgers ($6), chicken tenders ($5), and corn dogs ($4). Drink selections include domestic beers ($4.50) and sodas ($4), and bottled water ($3.50). In addition to the normal baseball fare, some locally-produced items are also on the menu. These include Conecuh sausage dogs produced in Evergreen, Alabama, and they are available as a combo meal with a 20-ounce soda and chips or fries for $11. Fairhope Brewing Company, another local vendor, provides its brewing best for $5.75 for a 16-ounce draft. A new concessionaire manager has dramatically expanded the menu to highlight many of the culinary specialties of the Gulf Coast region. One game each month includes an Eat Alabama Seafood Show-Off, featuring local restaurants. Fans get to sample the various dishes, and the item voted the tastiest that night is added to the concession menu for the rest of the month. Categories include gumbo, shrimp, oysters and a Best of Seafood competition at the end of the season to determine which item will be permanently added to the concession menu. The partnership with Eat Alabama Seafood extends to the mascot race held at each ballgame, with the featured contestants being a fish, a shrimp and an oyster. The race is a fan favorite. Atmosphere 2 The first impression you have of Hank Aaron Stadium is the exterior, and that impression is “dated.” The entry area is constructed of low brick, which leads you into what appears to be a concrete seating bowl. Once through the gates, you enter a wide concourse, which contains the various concession stands. Also, the concession stands’ locations in the concourse do not allow for any view of the action on the field while you are in line. As you enter the seating area of the stadium, you will notice the seating areas are the reverse of what you what you would find in a typical stadium. The luxury suites are located at the field level, rather than atop the stadium. As a result, the front row of seats behind home plate is much further away from the field than in most stadiums. The closest seats to the field itself are located beyond the dugouts along the first and third baselines, which provide less than great angles to see the field of play. The stadium also has two seating levels, but not in the traditional upper and lower deck design. The level break is actually an inner concourse which circles the field. The problem is that this concourse constantly has people circulating through it, so if you are in the first 3-4 rows above it, your view is obstructed for much of the game. One suggestion concerning seat selection — if you are not utilizing one of the 24 air conditioned suites at field level, consider the grandstand/general admission level. In addition to saving you money, the seats in this section are covered by a roof to protect you from the heat of the summer sun or shield you from the frequent showers that pass through this area of the Gulf Coast. You will get somewhat of a retro feel when looking out on the field of play, as every inch of the outfield wall is covered with advertising from Mobile area merchants. There is some berm seating behind the outfield walls, but the nearest services (restrooms, etc.) will be found along the third base line in the BayBear Beach area. The beach area has activities for the kids, as well as some picnic tables for families/groups to sit together. Neighborhood 3 There is no neighborhood, so to speak, in the immediate vicinity of Hank Aaron Stadium, as it is located immediately off the I-65 interstate. However, the city of Mobile offers a wide variety of attractions, due to its location along the Gulf Coast and its historical beginnings going back to 1702. Among the most popular attractions are the USS Alabama, moored in Mobile Bay, the beautiful Bellingrath Gardens and Home, and its numerous historic districts. Mobile also claims the title of holding the first Mardi Gras celebration, dating back to 1703. Across Mobile Bay is the small town of Fairhope, which is noted for its arts community and its many antique stores. Mobile is also a foodie’s delight, with cuisine derived from Creole, Cajun, French, Spanish and African-American origins. Among the most popular restaurants to choose from are Mama’s on Dauphin, Wintzell’s Oyster House and Dreamland Bar-B-Que. For dessert, try a Mobile Moonpie in flavors and dishes you never dreamed of. There are numerous lodging selections within a two-mile radius of Hank Aaron Stadium along the I-65 corridor. These include the Homewood Suites by Hilton, the Hampton Inn I-65/Airport and the Mobile Marriott. Fans 3 The fans in Mobile are among the most loyal in the Southern League. For a majority of the 20 years the BayBears have existed, they have led the league in attendance. They are well aware that one of the BayBears of today may become the next Max Scherzer or Justin Upton in the big leagues. It is only in recent years that their numbers have dwindled due to issues with the stadium. For the past several years, the team has been last in attendance in the Southern League. Each night of the week features something special for the fans: Funday Sunday allows the kids to run the bases and throw the ball around at the game’s conclusion and is also Bark in the Park day. Monday Matters is a night where charitable giving is promoted, as fans bringing in donations of food, clothing or books receive free tickets. Two-for-One Tuesday offers half price on all tickets, and Thirsty Thursdays are set aside for half-price drinks for designated products. Fireworks Fridays round out each week with a bang. Access 4 Hank Aaron Stadium is easily accessed via the Government Avenue exit off of I-65. This is the first exit north of the I-10/I-65 interchange. Once you exit, you simply take Bolling Brothers Boulevard directly to the stadium. This is only a two-lane access road, so it does become congested at the end of the game. Once in the park, the stadium is easily navigated via wide concourses. There are adequate concession facilities and restrooms, so you should not encounter any major lines. Return on Investment 4 The BayBears offer an entertaining night of baseball at family friendly prices. Tickets are offered at the following levels: Field Level ($16), Club Level ($13), Center Box ($10), Baseline Box ($9) or Grandstand/General Admission ($8). Children under the ages of 12, seniors (60 years and older) and military members get a $2 discount on each price level. Parking at BayBears games is $3 (there are no alternate lots nearby). The concession prices are in line with the typical baseball fare offered, and the new Gulf Coast Seafood entrees are a big addition. Extras 3 The BayBears’ front office is doing an admirable job in providing the best possible experience for the fans, despite the stadium’s structural issues. They have done a great job in highlighting Mobile’s proud baseball heritage in a number of ways. The most obvious symbol of this heritage is the relocation and placement of Hank Aaron’s boyhood home in front of the stadium. In addition to its heritage status historically, its insides have been converted into a museum highlighting Hank Aaron’s career from the playgrounds of Mobile to a minor league stop in Eau Claire, then on to his major league career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, where he hit 755 home runs. The museum is open 9-5 Monday-Friday and all home game evenings. There is a $5 admission charge, but it is well worth it. Another extra is the placement of a plaque honoring the five Mobile natives who have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith and Billy Williams). BayBear Beach is a unique play/picnic area for families attending the games.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 The Palace of Auburn Hills 6 Championship Drive Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Detroit Pistons website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 21,231 Demolished: 2020 The Palace In 1988, the Detroit Pistons made the move from the Silverdome in Pontiac to the elaborately named Palace of Auburn Hills. Located in a far north suburb, the Palace is located just over 32 miles from Detroit’s city center, the longest distance between an NBA arena and the primary city it represents. The Pistons opened the new arena by winning back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990 behind the Bad Boys of Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, et al. Fifteen years later, the cast of Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, and Rip Hamilton brought home the franchise’s third NBA championship in 2004. Following the 2009 season, the Pistons found themselves in a state of constant disappointment, missing the playoffs in six consecutive season despite playing in a rather weak Eastern Conference. This resulted in the team ranking at or near the bottom of NBA attendance by percent of capacity. This in part can be attributed to having the largest arena in the NBA with a capacity of 21,231. No doubt that team performance had a significant impact, but the first rule in real estate is location, location, location. When all of those things converge (isolated location, poor quality on the floor, and an oversized building) it can take away from the overall experience. A berth in the 2016 NBA playoffs hopefully signals the start of better things again for men of Motown. This arena may be out of the way, but once you’ve arrived, it’s a great place to see an NBA game. Food & Beverage 4 The Palace offers up a good variety of food and drinks along their one single concourse which connects upper and lower level seats. There are plenty of local items, and that should be your focus, although prices seem a bit high overall. It’s a long walk all the way around the concourse, so it would be worthwhile to check the Palace concessions list before you make your visit. Specific recommendations include the Open Pit Pork Belly Sliders from Maplewood BBQ ($12) near section 123, Smoked Kielbasa from Dearborn Sausage Company at the Linkery ($10) also near section 123, or more typical items from Championship Grill near section 110. There is also a wide variety of beverages available throughout the area. Fans of local craft beers will be attracted to the Craft Brewhouse located near section 112. You’ll find selections from Michigan breweries like Bell’s, Arbor Brewing Company, Dark Horse, Founders, and New Holland ($9.50). Craft cocktails go for $13.50. Coca-Cola products are available in two sizes ($4.50 and $6.50 for a souvenir size). You can also find bottled water ($4), Monster energy drinks ($6), and Tim Hortons coffee ($2). Atmosphere 4 The Palace of Auburn Hills nails it when it comes to entertainment value. The combination of the announcer, dancers, scoreboard videos, promotions, and in-game entertainment are hard to beat. Seats are comfortable with slightly better than average legroom, but no cup holders. Even from the very back row of the upper seating section you have a good view of the action on the floor. The court design is classic bordered in red with the circular Pistons logo at center court. The center scoreboard is one of the best in the league, with large screens and angled screens so that you have a view of the replays, video montages, and statistics whether you are sitting courtside or behind the baselines. It’s large without being the monstrosity that is taking over at many sports venues these days. John Mason is a name you probably have never heard, but he is a master of the mic as the PA announcer at the Palace of Auburn Hills. His signature call of “Deeeee-troit Baaasket-balllll!” is perfect. He no doubt adds to the overall experience. The Pistons offer a rather good drumline and dance team and you will hear and see them throughout the game during breaks in the action. Hooper, the Pistons’ horse-themed mascot, is also present in the stands and on the court throughout the contest. Look for Hooper to man a t-shirt turret and shoot shirts into the stands. The Detroit Pistons also do a good job of attracting popular (or once popular) artists. In 2016, halftime performers included CeeLo Green, Young MC, The Four Tops, and Uncle Kracker. For seating options, shoot for sections 201 or 230 so you are in the upper section near center court with a view of both benches. These seats provide good value as well as a good perspective of everything happening on the floor below. Neighborhood 3 There’s no doubt that location is the biggest negative of attending a Pistons game, although there are a couple of options for pre or post game food or drinks. Ciccarelli’s 22 Sports Bar is located just across the street from the Palace, and has some of the biggest screens that you will encounter in a sports bar, including HD Theatre Projection screens. There are at least 40 screens in all, and they do a good job of ensuring that the day’s biggest games are up for your viewing pleasure. The food is good as well with sort of a Canadian-Italian undertone to the pub grub, including poutine and arancini mixed in with burgers, BBQ, pizza, and pasta. A mile or so down the road is another classic sports bar, Hoops. They’ve been a mainstay in the area for more than two decades. Go for the wings here, or one of their burgers or sandwiches. If you are looking for additional sports experiences while you’re in the area, check the schedule for the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies who put on a good show in nearby Rochester at the O’rena. Of course during the season there are also opportunities to find doubeheader opportunities with the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena, and to a lesser extent with the Lions at Ford Field or Tigers at Comerica Park. Auto enthusiasts should make a trip to the Walter P. Chrysler Museum. If you are looking for a hotel near the arena, then the Hawthorn Suites by Windham is your best bet. Fans 3 The Pistons have ranked at 25th or lower in average attendance in the NBA in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. In 2004, the team led the league in average attendance. Sure, that was a championship season, but the point is that the basketball fans in southeast Michigan have the wherewithal to make the trip to Auburn Hills when there is a quality team on the court. Now that the Pistons have once again returned to the playoffs, and have an exciting nucleus, it is time for Pistons fans to return and make an impact in the seats. In the meantime, the benefit of having 5,000 or so empty seats is that you should be able to move around almost anywhere in the upper section to choose your seat. Seat assignments are more strictly enforced in the lower sections. The fans that come to the Palace are knowledgeable of the sport and show good etiquette. You won’t see fans walking around very often while the ball is in play. Access 3 Getting to the Palace is not too difficult. It is located immediately east of I-75 and west of Highway 24. The local police and Palace officials do a terrific job of moving traffic out when the event is over. This is a huge bonus considering that arenas and stadiums that are in more rural areas tend to have more difficult times getting traffic moving slowly. During the week you can expect some rush hour traffic all around the Detroit metro area so plan accordingly and give yourself extra time. Parking will cost you $15 for Pistons games, and unfortunately you don’t have many options as there is no street parking to speak of, but there is plenty of room in the large lot surrounding the Palace. This price point is about average compared to the rest of the NBA. Given the low attendance, it may be wise to cut that cost down a bit to attract more fans. Inside The Palace, the abundance of stairs is a bit daunting. Sharing one concourse for both the upper and lower bowl increases traffic and the concourses are not that wide to begin with. Washroom facilities are adequate, although you will find lines for both men’s and women’s restrooms during peak periods. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Pistons games can often be found for as low as $8-$12 on ticket marketplaces. Parking is near league average at $15, and food and beverage prices are about right, maybe slightly on the high side. Overall, everything is priced at about what you would expect. Look for daily deals in the Pistons team shop as well, especially as the season winds down. Extras 4 An extra mark for PA announcer John Mason who brings so much to the Pistons experience. An extra mark for the Palace being the first major arena being built while being completely privately financed. An extra mark for Hooper and his slapstick routine that he plays with visiting players during the warmup. One final extra point for the three championship banners and many retired jerseys hanging from the rafters at the Palace. Final Thoughts The Detroit Pistons are a proud franchise that seems to be on a resurgence. While the location isn’t ideal, the facility and in-game entertainment more than make up for any hassle in making the drive up to Auburn Hills.

Photos by Joe Rogers, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Coca-Cola Park 1050 IronPigs Way Allentown, PA 18109 Lehigh Valley IronPigs website Coca-Cola Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 10,100 A Swine Time to be Had By All Built in 2007 at a cost of $50.25 million, making it one of the costliest minor league stadiums ever built, Coca-Cola Park opened its gates in 2008 to starving baseball enthusiasts in the northeastern corridor of the Keystone Commonwealth. Those fans have continued to turn out in droves to cheer on their beloved IronPigs (a nickname derived from the term “pig iron” which is used in the manufacturing of steel, for which this region of Pennsylvania is renowned). The stadium is equipped to handle these rhapsodic fans with 8,278 actual seats, but can accommodate an additional 1,900 of them with its popular center field berm seating area raising the total to 10,178. And if you don’t think they need them, guess again, as the Pigs have averaged a Minor League Baseball best 9,011 fans per contest and they have surpassed 600,000 fans annually since that inaugural season, which is the longest active streak in the minors and are currently on pace this season to keep it intact. In order to maintain this popularity, Lehigh Valley brass has been outstanding in remaining in front of the fans’ seating and hospitality demands, and so Coca-Cola Park has undergone a few significant seating additions over her last nine seasons. The organization introduced their most recent renovation in 2015, and titled it the “Pig Pen” – a very unique seating area located on the field level and in extraordinarily close proximity to the bullpen area in left field. Previously, in 2013, the club unveiled the extremely popular “Hot Corner,” rightfully dubbed due to its location behind third base, and the “Bacon Strip,” a bi-level seating area located along the right field wall featuring drink rail counter tops. Prior to that, the Red Robin Tiki Terrace & Oasis made its debut, and has continued to remain a very popular area to relax and enjoy a drink and baseball conversation. Keeping in line with the new generation of ballparks, but definitely going a step or two higher, there are plenty of luxury options at Coca-Cola Park. The park features four luxury suites (BSI Dugout Suites) directly behind home plate, and below field-grade level, offering an amazing view and perspective. There are a few other suite options and party porches for group outings, including the Coordinated Health Club Level suites located on the 300 level that features an oval shaped bar which is a social hub prior to, and during the game. Very visible on this level is the regions’ rich industrial and baseball history with beautiful reminders everywhere in the form of artwork and photos. It is with these seemingly subtle touches that Coca-Cola Park has been able to maintain her charm and great looks even though in today’s ballpark trends, she should be slowly approaching her mid-life crisis. Assisting in her beauty, perfectly situated in left-center field may actually be the park’s finest attribute-a striking nine-story scoreboard, reportedly the largest in Minor League Baseball, adorned by a tilted Coke bottle that pops its top spilling out fireworks following an IronPig home run. Food & Beverage 4 Following a visit to Coca-Cola Park, Peter King of Sports Illustrated and ESPN fame was once quoted as saying “Aw Shuck’s Roasted Corn out in right field. Now, I’ve been to many ballparks in my 52 years, and I’ve never seen a roasted corn concession at a ballpark. But this corn was … well, I’ll just say if I had my choice between a Kansas City Porterhouse or an Aw Shucks ear, I’d take the corn.” And yes, folks, it’s that delicious. Bathed in tasty butter and dressed with a secretive southwestern blend of spices and Parmesan cheese makes a trip to one of its two locations (behind Section 116 and in right field) mandatory. As one would assume, with a nickname like IronPigs, there are a significant number of food stands referencing the team’s moniker including: the Pig Stop, Pork & Chips and Hog Heaven to name just a few. Their delectable offerings of course include: a Bacon Funnel Cake, the Porker Grande, a Three Little Pigs Sandwich and practically anything you could cook-up related to swine. If pork is not your twist, and you are still searching for that perfect pairing for your ear of corn, there are still a plethora of alternatives at relatively reasonable prices. The Chicken Cordon Bleu Cheesesteak is one of these tasty options and can be found at one of the two Philly Grill locations along the concourse on either baseline. Once you find what you’re looking for to eat, head on out to the Bud Light Trough and grab a Fegley’s Amber Lager, brewed locally to help wash it down. Atmosphere 5 The ‘Hog Wild’ fan base creates a very lively atmosphere not found in a lot of ballparks at this level. Following a few very dismal years with not a lot to cheer about, the IronPigs are poised to make a run at an International League championship and the crowd’s enthusiasm is a reflection of this. Besides enjoying the play of a few future Phillies’ all-stars, there are a number of between inning on-field antics and contests to keep the fans entertained and on their feet including: t-shirt tosses, sling shot contests and the extremely popular Pork Race featuring: Chris P. Bacon, Diggity, Hambone, and Barbie Q., a few of the Ironpigs’ mascots, which usually takes place during the middle of the game and is always entertaining. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is situated in the eastern part of Allentown and in very close proximity to neighboring Bethlehem. Unfortunately, for everything this park has going for it before and during the game, there is a very limited number of worthwhile options following. Stahley’s, a friendly and fun little family restaurant and sports bar is one of your few options for a pre or post-game beer and is located just a 1.5 miles from the stadium. If you are looking for a little more action than what you witnessed on the field, head on over to Bethlehem following the game and visit the Sands Casino (10 minute drive). With the Lehigh Valley International Airport being only a few minutes away, there is no shortage of hotel options should you require one. The Renaissance Allentown Hotel is probably your best and is located just two miles from the park and if you’re looking to save a little, the Wingate by Wyndham is great option and one of the area’s better rated hotels, and also just a short commute to Coca-Cola Park. Fans 5 Since Coca-Cola Park opened its gates in 2008, fans donning a wide array of IronPigs jerseys and t-shirts have been revolving the turnstiles at a mind-boggling rate with every seat in the ballpark being sold for 393 of the 557 (70.6%) regular season contests prior to the start of the 2016 season. It is this passion, energy and enthusiasm that have earned them several distinctions over the past several seasons, including being named FoxNews.com’s “Best Fans in Minor League Baseball.” They seem like a knowledgeable group, in tune and attentive to the action on the field and will definitely share their feelings with an umpire should he miss a call. According to Steve Roche, the Director of MLB Business for Majestic Athletic, “The IronPigs are treated as the 31st club of Major League Baseball,” and this is evident as nearly every fan, young or old, is showing their team spirit with a jersey or t-shirt. Access 4 Allentown, and more specifically Coca-Cola Park, are fairly easy to access from all points off of major thoroughfares 476 and 78 and local state roads 22 and 22. It is an hour drive from Philadelphia and roughly a half hour more from Scranton, Harrisburg, Lancaster and New York City. There are three entry points for parking, with the Dauphin Street entrance recommended when traveling from downtown Allentown. In addition to the Dauphin Street entrance, entry to Coca-Cola Park can be gained off American Parkway and Union Boulevard. If you would prefer to have someone else do the driving, download Uber and use the code IRONPIGS to get up to $15 off your first trip to the ballpark. According to the IronPigs, there are 2,500 on-site parking spaces and the cost is $5 a vehicle and they are located within a very short walking distance to the entrance. Return on Investment 5 Let’s face it, the Phillies minor league system was absolutely one of the worst in baseball two or three seasons ago after mortgaging their future to maintain their winning ways in a chase for a second World Series title. After the departures of a few of its stars via trades bringing in an influx of fresh young talent, the same system is now one of the best in baseball and many of them can be seen at Lehigh Valley for a lot less than it will cost to see them play in a year or two at the big league level. This, coupled with the fact that the food is relatively easy on the wallet as you can grab a hot dog ($2) and a Mason Jar of beer ($7.50) for less than $10 makes your ROI very high. Ticket prices range from $25 for Iron Tickets, which include a $10 Field Level ticket as well as $20 of ballpark credit to nine dollars for Capital BlueCross Lawn seats. Lawn seats can be loaded with five dollars of ballpark credit for an additional three dollars. The vast majority of seats can be purchased for $20 or less. Extras 5 Coca-Cola Park is very family oriented and thus kid friendly which is evident here with the Red Robin Kid Zone located down the left field line. It features a free playground area; in addition, the little fans can take advantage of a number of games, including speed pitch, slides and more at a small cost. All-inclusive wristbands are available for $10 allowing unlimited play throughout the game. AT&T Plaza, located down the opposite line is an inviting area for adults and children alike. This area doubles as the social center of the park and its main entrance, and is a great place to sit down and enjoy a pre-game meal and beverage while enjoying a local act on their entertainment stage. Adjacent to the Plaza, the Majestic Clubhouse Store features a wide array of items, including official and replica IronPigs jerseys and claims to sell more merchandise than any other minor league club. The store mimics the industrial appearance that is present throughout Coca-Cola Park and features an open-grid ceiling along with hardwood and diamond plate steel flooring. Thanks to a partnering with nearby Majestic, the merchandise and the feel of this place is definitely Major League. The Pork Center, MILB’s first fan-interactive social media command center, is located down right field line as well and features a quad-screen set-up for social media tracking, game watching and more. There is an IronPigs employee stationed there who can assist you with uploading a “selfie” of you with your new Pigs gear and may even post it on the outfield video board. There is no jaw-dropping skyline beyond the outfield like you see in most modern day stadiums, unfortunately, the park’s location was not conducive to that element, and nothing seemingly too aesthetically pleasing, however, Populous, the sports design firm that is responsible for the new era of retro-like ballpark designs still managed to subtlety knock this one out of the park. Final Thoughts A night out at Coca-Cola Park is one of exceptional value and pleasure. As a fan, one can appreciate the great lengths in which Lehigh Valley brass and game day staff go in order to insure that their fans are continually pleased with their experiences at the park. I actually can’t wait to get back!

Photo Courtesy of North Carolina Central Eagles Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Durham Athletic Park 500 Corporation St Durham, NC 27701 North Carolina Central Eagles website Durham Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 5,000 College Baseball at Bull Durham Up until 1995, the Durham Athletic Park was one of the best parks in the minor leagues. It has since been replaced by the newer Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The Durham Athletic Park was then rarely used for more than 10 years before the NCCU Eagles moved in. If this park looks familiar to you, then you probably remember it from the movie Bull Durham. The DAP was the main setting for the movie and was the home of the real Durham Bulls until 1994. In 2007, NCCU expanded its athletic programs and included baseball. The DAP was a logical home field for the Eagles, who have played there ever since. Food & Beverage 2 The concession stand is located in the grass area on the first base side. The offerings are limited, with only hot dogs, Pepsi drinks, and basic snacks. Prices are about average for a stadium of this size. One upsetting point is that the stadium’s original concession stands are no longer in use. The stand-alone building is original, but those attached to the ballpark itself are not used. Atmosphere 3 Overall, this is just a great place to catch a game. The nine inning scoreboard overlooks what is a beautifully kept field. The Durham Bulls recently purchased the contract to maintain the DAP, and they do an amazing job. Free admission gives you access to anywhere in the park and there are many seating options. If you want to sit close, there are four rows of stadium seats that put you almost on the field. Behind those rows are benches, but they are not usually necessary. Finally, you can sit on either of the lawn areas on each side of the field. This atmosphere is only enhanced with the presence of a great announcer and good music selection. The announcer is in the game and excited from the pre-game to the final pitch. The music played is pretty good but made better by the themed songs, such as “Everybody Talks” during a manager argument. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits right in the heart of Durham, which is good news if you enjoy pre-game or post-game activities. Durham has become known in recent years for its large variety of restaurants, shops, and other interests. I’ll only be highlighting a few, but make sure to do your own research if you plan on visiting. For an extraordinary sports bar experience, check out Tobacco Road sports cafe. The Durham location is incredibly unique, because it overlooks Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The restaurant’s patio is a part of the Bulls’ left field monster. Along with the multiple TVs and great food, it is a sports fan’s heaven. Also worth mentioning is Dame’s Chicken and Waffles. Dame’s is a restaurant that in recent years has become so popular that reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. While the wait is usually around 30 minutes, a reservation will save you some time. Once in the restaurant, you have a variety of options for chicken and waffles. They also feature a kind of flavored butter called schmeres. Known for dressing up the chicken and waffle, this place is a can’t-miss for any lover of comfort food. Fans 3 It’s quite obvious that almost all of the fans are family and friends of the athletes. While not a bad thing, it doesn’t promote the same atmosphere as a ballpark filled with just fans. There are no catchy cheers or fan traditions. The fans are there simply to see a friend or family member play college baseball. That being said, don’t mistake these fans as quiet. They come early, stay late and know when to cheer. They know every player by name (some personally) and are always encouraging. Access 3 Durham itself is not hard to find. There are two major highways that lead to the city (I-85 and I-40), and getting in the city is usually not hard. The DAP however, is not close to either of the highways. It is deep into the city, making it tough for non-locals to find. A simple GPS should be enough to get you there. Once at the stadium, parking is usually easy to find, as the stadium’s lot is small but doesn’t fill up very fast. If needed, there is street parking and other parking options available, most for free. Return on Investment 4 If the best things in life are free, then a NCCU baseball game is one of them. There is no admission cost, and fans are free to sit wherever they like. With concession prices low, I suppose the only question is why not come to a game? Free tickets, free parking, and minimal concessions give even the casual fan a reason to come. Adding in the priceless cost of seeing the set of Bull Durham, the decision is a no-brainer. Extras 2 NCCU provides free streaming for all of its games. With many teams making fans pay for streaming access, this is a huge value. The Durham Athletic Park and the surrounding buildings were the setting for the famous movie Bull Durham. Since the park has changed very little since the movie was filmed, walking around the ballpark is almost surreal. Final Thoughts The city of Durham, the Bulls, and NCCU have partnered together to create a great mix of Hollywood, history, and the present day. The stadium looks the same as it does in the movie, which was a typical minor league ballpark for its time. Thankfully, the stadium has been slightly upgraded since then, and still presents a quality baseball experience. If you like the movie, history, or just free baseball, then a game at the DAP is for you.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Reagan Field Gilbert Graves Cir Murray, KY 42071 Murray State Racers website Reagan Field website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 800 A Stable Environment Murray State University is a four-year public university in the small town of Murray, Kentucky, which is located in western Kentucky, just seven miles north of the Tennessee state line. It opened in 1923, and presently has a student body of more than 11,000 students. Its major focuses academically are the School of Education, the School of Business and the College of Science, Technology and Engineering. For 25 straight years, MSU has been recognized as one of the top regional universities in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. The school’s athletic teams compete under the moniker of the ‘Racers,’ a salute to the Bluegrass State’s predominant position in the horse racing and breeding industries. The ‘racing colors’ of the university are a majestic navy and gold color scheme, and the university has two mascots – a live thoroughbred named Racer One and a costumed mascot named ‘Dunker’ (basketball is the predominant sport on campus, having gone to multiple NCAA regionals over the years). All of the Racer teams compete in the Ohio Valley Conference, which is filled with geographically close rivals, such as Austin Peay, the University of Tennessee-Martin, Tennessee Tech, Belmont University and Southeast Missouri State University. The Racer baseball program has been in existence since 1924, and has played over .500 baseball within that 92-year span. It has appeared in three NCAA regionals over the years. Home turf for the baseball team is Reagan Field. Named for Racers coaching legend Johnny Reagan, who won more than 700 games in his career with MSU, the field opened in 1989 and features seating for more than 500 fans. Its dimensions are 330 feet to the foul poles, 325 feet to the power alleys and 400 feet to straightaway center field. Fences are only eight feet in height, which leads to many jaw-dropping leaps to rob hitters of home runs from both sides. Reagan Field underwent major renovations in both 2014 and 2015 to improve the fan and player experience. A new grandstand was erected, which offers chair back seating. Improved lighting was installed, making it possible for the university to offer more doubleheaders and night games, and new dugouts were built for both teams, a major improvement over their predecessors. Additional upgrades include a brand new press box and scoreboard, and a totally new sod infield. The stadium did retain one feature of the original structure by popular demand — terraced seating down both the third and first base lines. Oddly enough, a majority of fans prefer this to the new seating provided. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions are sold out of a portable trailer brought in before each game. The beverages sold are all Pepsi products (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper, along with bottled water). All beverages come in a 16-ounce size only and cost $1. The food selections consist of hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs, which all go for $3. Candy (Reese’s, Hershey’s, M&M’s and 3 Musketeers) all sell for $1 each. The remainder of the menu includes popcorn, sunflowers, peanuts and chips, which all cost $1.00. While the choices are limited, they are offered at prices that cannot be beat. Atmosphere 2 Murray State’s Reagan Field is the first athletic facility you will see as you enter the campus, but it seems overwhelmed by the adjoining Roy Stewart Stadium, as well as the CFSB Center, home of the Murray State Racers basketball team. You are in Kentucky, and that means the basketball team gets the most attention. Even the school’s mascot, a horse named Dunker, wears a basketball outfit most of the time. The Racers basketball team deserves much of the attention, as it has won 24 OVC championships and appeared in 15 NCAA tournaments. Reagan Field has great sight lines, as both the bleachers and the terraced areas are elevated above the field, with a great view of the action. There are eight rows of stadium-style seats and eight rows of aluminum bench seating in the bleachers. Persons sitting in the terraced area either bring their lawn chairs or stretch out on beach towels. The stadium announcer stays fairly much on the game and adds related information on upcoming games during lulls in the action. The Racers have a very well-groomed natural turf field with dimensions of 330 to left, 400 to center and 330 to right. The scoreboard is in left-center and provides only the game line statistics. There are no graphics capabilities. Neighborhood 3 Reagan Field is in the on-campus athletic complex located at the intersection of Highways US 641 and Kentucky State Highway 121. Just across the highway is the business district of Murray. It is filled with big-box stores and every fast food restaurant you can imagine. There are three lodging options in Murray (Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and the Best Western University Inn). For dining; I would suggest Jasmine, Mugsy’s Hideout or The Keg. The Keg has a surprisingly varied menu, including barbecue, seafood and many Cajun options. (The owners originally hail from the Pelican State). These are all locally-owned businesses. Fans 2 The fan base of the Racers baseball program is basically the parents of the ballplayers, the girlfriends of the players and 10-20 students who are friends of the players. The visiting team on the day we attended, which came from a campus more than 100 miles from Murray State, actually brought more fans with them. Access 2 Murray State University is not the easiest location to get to, as it is located more than 30 miles from the nearest interstate (I-24), depending on which way you are coming from. The main road bringing you into Murray from whichever direction will be US 641. You will come to a red light at the Hwy 641/Hwy 121 intersection and turn into the entrance for Murray State University’s athletic complex. You will find free parking at the Roy Stewart Stadium parking lot adjacent to Reagan Field. Return on Investment 4 Reagan Field receives a high score in this section, not for an outstanding experience, but because it virtually costs nothing to attend a Racer game. There is no admission charged, and the seating options go from stadium seats to stretching out on a beach towel with a great view of the game. Parking is free and adjacent to the field, and the concession prices beat even a fast food restaurant. Extras 1 One of the best extras for Murray State is the route you take to get there from I-24. This route will take you through the Land Between the Lakes Nature and Recreation area. Most of the 30 miles between I-24 and Murray are included within this park. The two lakes combined, Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, have a combined shoreline of more than 3,000 miles. The land mass between them offers boating, fishing, a wildlife preserve for bison and elk and some terrific scenery.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Raymond C. Hand Park Drane St and Farris Dr Clarksville, TN 37040 Austin Peay Governors website Raymond C. Hand Park website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 777 We’re Number One…So Let’s Go Peay! Austin Peay State University is a liberal arts university located in Clarksville, Tennessee. It is affiliated with the Tennessee Board of Regents and has a student body of more than 10,600. The University was founded in 1927 and is named in honor of former Tennessee Governor Austin Peay, a native of Clarkesville. This explains the unique nickname and mascot for the school, the Governors. (Note: Please do not take offense at the title of the review. it is cheer that proudly erupts at all APSU sporting events and is on signage all over the campus!) The school was originally founded as a two-year normal school to train teachers, became a four-year college in 1941 and attained University status in 1967. APSU offers more than 50 majors, including arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, nursing and human services. Best of all, every Austin Peay graduate has the right to be addressed as a Governor! The Governor athletic programs are members of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), which includes teams such as Belmont, Murray State, Morehead State, Tennessee Tech, UT Martin, Eastern Kentucky and Jacksonville State . Their fiercest rival is nearby Murray State University. Austin Peay has fielded a baseball team since 1931, and has a near .500 record over its entire history. During this period, it has won 10 OVC season championships, six OVC tournament championships, and made six NCAA tournament appearances. Seven APSU baseball alums have reached Major League Baseball. The Governor’s ‘mansion’ for the baseball program is Raymond C. Hand Park. Built in 1970, it was originally named Governors Park, and then renamed for Mr. Hand in honor of his contribution to major upgrades to the park in 1993. These improvements included lighting for the field, as well as chair back and bleacher seating to replace the concrete seating of the original structure. Subsequent renovations have added wrought iron fencing at the gates, new signage reflecting the Governors’ baseball history and upgrades to the press box, restrooms and concession areas. Raymond Hand Park has a natural turf field and a permanent seating capacity of 777. Food & Beverage 2 Concession items are available at Peay!Nuts Grill, which is located on the concourse at the top of the stands on the third base side of the stadium. The menu consists of hot dogs ($2), hamburgers ($3), peay-nuts (that is how they spell it, folks!) ($3), popcorn ($3), nachos ($5), candy ($1.50) and chips ($1). Pepsi is available for $2, Gatorade for $3 and bottled water is $2. Food and beverage cannot be brought into Hand Park, so plan to eat before the game, or you may decide to set up a picnic on the hill behind the outfield walls to watch the action. APSU also has a souvenir stand on the first base side of the concourse with a good variety of Governors baseball gear. Atmosphere 3 The setting for Hand Park is quite attractive, in that it has a city park-like setting, with nice landscaping and trees surrounding the field. You will enter through one central wrought iron gate, which, of course, has the Governors’ likeness on it. The concourse is located at street level and includes the concessions, press box and restrooms. The stands and the field fill the natural bowl below you. The seating directly behind home plate is all stadium seats with cup holders. The next two aisles on both the left and right side of the stands are aluminum bleachers with seat backs. The seats closest to the dugouts on both ends are aluminum bench seating. One of the quirks in the shape of the field is a huge amount of open area behind home plate and in front of the dugouts. Even though all of this is in foul territory, this can play a significant part in a ball game. A wild pitch/passed ball may allow a runner to advance two bases, and runners on second can tag up on a popup into the first base foul territory, as it would take a long throw to get them out. The turnout for Governors games usually fills about two-thirds of the stadium, and the student body and Clarksville locals form a majority of the crowd. The stadium announcer pretty much sticks with the basics of the game, and the only fan participation activity is to play baseball bingo at the end of each inning. Neighborhood 4 APSU is located in the heart of downtown Clarksville, and is within easy walking distance of a majority of the town’s shopping, restaurants, museums and businesses. Clarksville has a population of more than 132,000 (the fifth-largest city in Tennessee), with APSU and nearby Fort Campbell being the main employers. This has insulated the area somewhat from the recent economic downturn, so you will not find many empty storefronts. Some of the more interesting sites in the area around the university include the Roxy Theatre and the L&N Train Station (the inspiration for the Monkees’ hit song “Last Train to Clarksville”). One of the more popular restaurants in downtown Clarksville is the Blackhorse Pub and Brewery. For the best view in town, stay at the Riverview Inn, located on a bluff with terrific views of the Cumberland River below. Clarksville has been the hometown to an amazing variety of famous people. They include Wilma Rudolph of Olympic fame, Tennessee basketball coaching legend Pat Summitt, golfer Mason Rudolph, poet Robert Penn Warren and General William Westmoreland. Fans 3 You will definitely be seeing red when you attend a game at Hand Park, as ASPU fans wear the team colors proudly. They love their Governors through thick and thin, and also travel well to the team’s away games. One of the great things about the Ohio Valley Conference is that half of the member institutions are in Tennessee or in southern Kentucky, which is just across the Cumberland River from Clarksville. This means a short drive to a majority of the school’s away games. The mix of fans you will see at an APSU ball game includes townspeople, students, a large turnout of soldiers from Ft. Campbell and an unusually large contingent from the visiting team that make the short drive over. This results in spirited cheering matches when either team puts on a rally. Offensive rallies are met with the cheer “let’s go Peay!,” while visiting rallies are greeted with chants of “Peay U!” Access 4 APSU is located just 40 miles north of Nashville, then six miles off I-24 via Wilma Rudolph Parkway. Though it is the fifth-largest city in Tennessee, Clarksville is very easy to navigate traffic-wise, and there is plenty of signage to guide you to the campus. Fans coming in from outside the state can fly into Nashville and rent a car, or take advantage of several shuttle services that run hourly between the airport and Clarksville. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Governors baseball games are priced at $5 for an adult ticket and $3 for a youth/senior ticket. (Youth tickets are for ages 2-18 and seniors are fans age 65 or older.) Members of the APSU student body and the military receive free admission upon presentation of their appropriate ID. The concessions are limited, but are priced well for the value. Free parking is located across the street in the football stadium parking lot. Unless you are traveling a great distance to see a game, an overnight stay is not required, as Nashville is less than a 45-minute drive away. If a stay is required, most hotels are in the $60 – $80 range, as their primary users are family visiting their loved ones at Ft. Campbell. Extras 4 For a town its size, Clarksville offers a surprisingly large number of extras. The Cumberland River Walk lines the banks of this large river on the north side of the city. It features a marina, scenic overlooks, an amphitheater for concerts and connections to the Clarksville Greenway for hiking/biking enthusiasts. The Customs House Museum has some great exhibits and is housed in one of the most architecturally stunning buildings in town. Those with a taste for the finer things in life may want to sample the Beachhaven Vineyard and Winery just outside of town. The third weekend in April hosts the River and Spires Festival, saluting the river on which Clarksville grew and the many spires found on the older businesses, churches and academic buildings in town. The festival offers concerts, a food midway, quilting exhibits and a salute to the military.