Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Waterfront Park 1204 Joe DiMaggio Dr Martinez, CA  94553 Map It Martinez Sturgeon website Waterfront Park website Year Opened: Unknown Renovated: 2018 Capacity: 360 Go Fish Marinez, CA, the birthplace of the late New York Yankee Joe DiMaggio, hosts the independent Pecos League of Professional Baseball team Martinez Sturgeon.  The team formed just a few seasons ago, beginning play in 2021.  Its inaugural season was supposed to be 2020, but the pandemic halted that. The Sturgeon won the Pacific Division Semifinals in 2021 but lost in the conference championship.  Two former major league pitchers (Ron Witmeyer and Manny Corpus) were team managers. The Sturgeon play their home games on Field Three at the city’s popular Waterfront Park. ­­­­ The park hosted the 2024 Pecos League Pacific Division All-Star Game.  It is also a favorite spot for other sports with horseshoe pits, softball fields, bocce ball courts, soccer fields, and a skate park.  Families can picnic here and go fishing. The Martinez Clippers of the Pacific Association of Baseball played at Waterfront Park in 2018.  The city of Martinez canceled the Clippers lease because of the team's ownerships fraudulent investment schemes. Food & Beverage 2 One concession stand is open during Sturgeon games.  The park has a shaded picnic area in front of the concession stand.  The menu offers hot dogs, nachos, and brats $5 - $7.  It sells snacks of candy, popcorn, peanuts, pistachios, cookies, and chips for $2 - $3.  Drinks include water, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Gatorade, and Orange Soda ($2).  Canned beers offered are Michelob Ultra, Stella, 805, Five Suns, Del Cielo, and White Claw ($5 - $7).  Not every listing on the menu is available for every game, so choices are limited.   Atmosphere 3 The Martinez Sturgeon offers a pleasant game day experience.  The City of Martinez renovated Field Three at Waterfront Park in 2017 for the Martinez Clippers of the Pacific Association. The seats consist mostly of metal bleachers with no backs.  Bring a cushion.  The venue has three rows of green chairbacks behind home plate that look to be reserved for season ticket holders.  The seating is wheelchair accessible with an easy-to-maneuver ramp up to the first base side bleachers.  The seats behind home plate and the third base side get the shade.  The first base side is in the sun but has a better view beyond the ballpark.  Additional bleachers extend beyond the first base stand with no net overhead.  A netting protects fans in front and above the seating areas.    Waterfront Park Reserved Seats, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Sit in the first base stands (if the temperature is not too hot) to see ships pass beyond left field, and for a view of the Benicia Bridge over center and right fields. Right field has the US flag and the scoreboard, just to the left of the foul pole.  The scoreboard is a basic dot matrix with the line score.  It is not easy to read in the early innings with the sun. A female announcer calls the game well.  Unfortunately, the music person plays tunes while she’s announcing, so you can’t always hear what is said.   The team holds a 50/50 contest.  If a fan gets a foul ball, they can return it and get candy.  The entire fan base sang Happy Birthday to another fan who just turned 92 at the game I attended.  One feels a sense of strong community ties at these games. Neighborhood 4 Martinez, CA, is near the San Francisco Bay area, about a 40-minute drive northeast.   Waterfront Park is a half mile from Martinez’s vibrant downtown, where visitors can find all kinds of food, shopping, and drinking.  Recommended places to eat:  Breakfast or lunch:  Sal’s Family Kitchen, Copper Skillet Courtyard Lunch or dinner: Lemongrass Bistro (Asian), Roxx on Main, Vic’s, Luigi's Deli (sandwiches) Local breweries:  Five Suns Brewery and Del Cielo, though the city has plenty of other bars and places for adult drinks.  Click here for a more complete list.  Other tourist choices include the John Muir National Historic Site, the Martinez Museum, the Viano Winery, and the California Magic Dinner Theatre.  If you’re there on a Sunday, visit the Farmer’s Market downtown for local produce, goods, and people-watching. Downtown Martinez does not have any lodging.  A few miles away is a Best Western Jon Muir (I stayed here; it is comfortable, safe, and reasonable), a Motel 6, and a Super 8.  A little further away (6+ miles), you’ll find plenty of hotels off I-680.  Sports fans can enjoy the SF Giants or Oakland Athletics (at least till the end of 2024), the Oakland Ballers, and other Pecos League teams in Vallejo , San Rafael , and Dublin . Fans 3 The fans are a hardy group, paying attention to the game and staying to the end.  They cheer all well-executed plays. Fans appear to know each other.  Visitors often hear snippets of conversation like: “How’s your husband?” or “Did you get the invitation to Brad’s party?”  Attendees are retired folks, middle-aged supporters, and parents; it’s generally an older crowd.  Many fans have cowbells, lots of them!! Throughout the game, led by the PA announcer, you’ll hear chants of One! Two! Three! “Go Fish!” Access 4 Getting to Waterfront Park is relatively easy.  It’s only a half mile from downtown, so you can easily walk there.  It’s less than two miles off I-680, just south of the Benicia-Martinez Bridge.  If driving, park on the left side before reaching the tree-lined walkway to the field.  A golf cart picks fans up at the parking area and drives them to the field if desired. Map Courtesy of Google The closest airport is the San Francisco Oakland International Airport (37 miles away).  An Amtrak station is just outside Waterfront Park.  Bay area fans can also get to Martinez via BART and the Capital Corridor bus service. The ballpark does not have any bag rules.  It has restrooms behind the concession stand.  It is recognizably handicapped accessible.  Kudos to the city and the team for going the extra mile for those who experience mobility difficulties. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Martinez Sturgeon game is an affordable evening out.  Tickets are $10 for general admission; sit where you want and move around as desired.   Group tickets and season tickets are available for purchase.  Parking is free.  Concession prices are very reasonable. It’s a fun time here, and I encourage any baseball fan to visit Martinez and watch a game. . Extras 3 The fans are very welcoming to all visitors and are easy to strike up a conversation with.   The views beyond the outfield from the first base stands are worth mentioning again.  And the team having a golf cart to bring fans from their cars to the stands (and back) deserves extra notice. Final Thoughts Visiting Martinez, CA and the Martinez Sturgeon is a delightful day trip or evening out during the summer months.  Grab your family or friends, take a trip to this historic city, and catch a game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Clean Harbors Stadium 101 Academy Drive Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 Mass Maritime Buccaneers football website Clean Harbors Stadium website Capacity: 2,300 Football With a View The Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public university located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts which was founded in 1891. It is the second oldest maritime academy in the United States. Originally established to train deck and engineering officers for the Merchant Marines, graduates today often go on to serve in branches of the United States armed forces. The academy operates a training ship, the USTS Kennedy. Football has been played at Mass Maritime Academy since 1973. The team competes in the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC), a Division Three conference consisting of schools throughout the state of Massachusetts. The football Buccaneers have won two conference championships, most recently in 1983. Clean Harbors, Inc. is a provider of industrial and environmental services, including hazardous waste removal. It was founded in nearby Brockton, MA in 1980. The company purchased naming rights for the football stadium and adjoining athletic center in 2009 for $1.5 million. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small trailer located behind the grandstand which sells a limited menu. Hot dogs, bags of chips, cans of Pepsi products and bottles of water can be purchased here. For the 2022 season, the school’s baseball team operates the stand, and all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the team. While the menu is far from extensive, prices are reasonable. No item costs more than three dollars. Fans are able to bring their own snacks in if they so choose. Alcohol is not permitted at this on-campus facility. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere at Clean Harbor Stadium will be familiar to anyone who has attended a game at a smaller school. It’s a simple, basic presentation without a ton of extra bells and whistles. When you factor in that Mass Maritime is an “academy,” the understated atmosphere makes perfect sense. There is a pep band that plays sporadically throughout the game, a scoreboard which displays basic game information in the western end zone and a small stand behind the grandstand which sells Mass Maritime hats, shirts and even jerseys. Free roster sheets are provided for all fans in attendance. Of course, there’s a cannon on the far side of the field which fires after every Buccaneers score. The crowd in attendance enjoy close relationships with the players on the field, consisting mainly of family members. With many of the other teams in the MASCAC located a short drive from Buzzards Bay, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout by visiting fans. Neighborhood 3 With the location of Mass Maritime Academy on the end of a peninsula jutting out into Buzzards Bay, there is nothing in the immediate vicinity of Clean Harbors Stadium. However, Route 6, the main commercial thoroughfare in the area, is located just a half mile from campus. Along this road are numerous restaurants and other places of interest in the area. While some local attractions are closed during the fall football season, many businesses in the area are open year-round. As you might expect in a town located on the coast like Buzzards Bay, seafood restaurants are excellent and numerous. Stadium Journey recommends Lindsey’s Restaurant and the Lobster Trap, both a short drive from Mass Maritime. Lodging options are plentiful in the area and are priced more affordably during fall football season than in the summer tourist months. For fans looking to venture beyond the immediate area, Cape Cod is just a few minutes away over the Bourne Bridge. Many attractions will still be open, especially early in the football season, and the summer crowds will be long gone. The whaling city of New Bedford is located a half hour to the west, and Boston is an hour to the north. Fans 3 Mass Maritime averages roughly 1,500 fans per game at Clean Harbors Stadium. This places them just above the MASCAC average. Without a huge turnout by the student body (with a total enrollment of only 1,400 students, the entire student body wouldn’t even fill the grandstand), the typical crowd is made up with many family members of the players on the field. Fans are into the action on the field, but at a small school, sportsmanship does rule the day, even during heated conference matchups. Access 3 The Mass Maritime Academy is located in the village of Buzzards Bay, MA, located on the mainland side of the Cape Cod Canal at its southern mouth. The Mass Maritime campus is easily accessible by car, with the junction of Interstates 195 and 495 located just a few miles away. Route 25 passes just north of campus as it approaches Cape Cod, and route 6, the main business thoroughfare along Massachusetts’ south coast, located just a half mile north of campus. For fans utilizing public transportation, the Buzzards Bay train station and Greyhound Bus Station are located right on Academy Drive. Fans will find ample parking along Academy Drive right across the street from the stadium as well as in the parking lot for Clean Harbors Athletic Center. There are two entrances on the north side of the facility, which lead to a walkway that crosses behind the grandstand. All seating is located on the north side of the facility, with rest rooms located in the adjacent Athletic Center. Seating consists of metal bleachers without backs. Center sections consist of individual molded plastic seats. All seating is located on one side of the stadium, as the soccer field is located adjacent to the football field on the far side. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Buccaneers games are sold as general admission for just five dollars. Parking is free of charge on Academy Drive or in the parking lot on the other side of Clean Harbors Athletic Center. With no concession item costing more than three dollars, taking in a football game at Mass Maritime Academy is a very affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1 The waterfront location of Clean Harbors Field is worth another point. It’s not often that you can witness a splashdown field goal attempt, but it’s an absolute possibility here. Final Thoughts Baseball parks are often known for their views, but you don’t often talk about the view at a football stadium. From the waterfront location right at the mouth of the Cape Cod Canal to the view of the Canal Railroad Bridge and Bourne Bridge in the distance and even the wind turbine behind the west end zone, there is no shortage of things to look at here at Clean Harbors Stadium. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Bert Ogden Arena 4900 S, I-69C Edinburg, TX 78539 Rio Grande Valley Vipers website Bert Ogden Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 7,688 Bert Ogden Arena - The Rio Grande Valley Vipers Nest The 2019-20 season marks the 13th that the Rio Grande Valley Vipers have played as members of the NBA G League. As affiliates of the NBA’s Houston Rockets , the Vipers have had a pretty good run of success down in the southern-most part of Texas. Since their founding, the Vipers have captured five Conference titles, three Division titles, and three G League Championships. Since 2018, the Vipers have called Bert Ogden Arena their home. Located in Edinburg, Texas, the arena is state-of-the-art and is the crown jewel of sports venues in the Rio Grande Valley. With seating of nearly 7,700 (though it can be expanded to 9,000 for certain events), the arena sports a 40-foot-by-20-foot LED video scoreboard, which is the largest in South Texas. When not in use by the Vipers, the arena plays host to some of the biggest acts to tour in this part of the country, including musical stars Jennifer Lopez, Cher, and Marc Anthony, as well as events such as WWE and the Harlem Globetrotters. The community has embraced the Vipers and are – understandably – incredibly proud of Bert Ogden Arena. After my visit, I can easily understand why. Food & Beverage 4 One of the things you will notice on your visit to take in a Vipers game is that all the concessions areas are on the main concourse. All the standard stands offer your traditional stadium fare: popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, soda, bottled water, etc. They also offer the unique combo menus that their parent club, the Houston Rockets , offer. The all-in-one combo cups feature a large souvenir cup topped with a bowl filled with either nachos (try the Valley favorite topped with Hot Cheetos), a hot dog, French fries, or hot wings for $11-$15 depending on your order. Fuddrucker’s Burgers also offers a pared-down menu including a two-foot Monster Dog ($15) and the World’s Greatest Hamburger ($8). There are also deep-fried Oreos ($5), a Hot Cheeto-topped burger ($8), loaded tater tots ($6), deep-fried corn on the cob ($5), and a souvenir, bottomless bucket of popcorn ($18) offered at these stands. In terms of local favorites, there are stands for Taco Palenque (I highly recommend the pirata taco – a beef fajita taco topped with shredded cheese and refried beans at $5), Il Forno (pizza), and Kumori (sushi). For thirsty adults, the Budlight Zone, Buddy V’s Cadillac Bar, and Viper’s Den are all open throughout the game and offer bottled and draft beers as well as cocktails and well drinks. Drink costs range from $3 bottled waters to $20 for double shots of liquor; a 16-ounce beer will run you $6 and a frozen margarita is $5. One pretty neat innovation to keep in mind is the Fanfood app that visitors can download to their mobile devices. This app allows attendees to order their food from their seats and have it ready for pickup at designated windows on the main concourse. This has helped cut down on wait times at concessions windows, and helps fans cut down on missed game action. Atmosphere 3 You can still feel the newness at Bert Ogden Arena; it still has that new stadium vibe and feel to it and that’s a good thing. The arena is configured into a traditional horseshoe shape, with fan seating on the lower bowl, main concourse level, and second floor. The third is reserved for suites. The baseline opposite the main entrance is set up for table-style seating and is known as the Baseline Zone. It is complete with table-side service and offers great views of the action on the court. The lower deck, as befitting of a seat in that area, offers plush, leather-like stadium chairs and unobstructed views of the court along both sideline areas. These are very nice seats and I would recommend them if you’re planning a visit. The Vipers feature both a dance team, the Snake Charmers , and an entertainment crew, the Venom Hype Squad. They perform during breaks in the game and also at halftime. The Vipers also have their mascot, Fang, patrolling the arena and interacting with fans. Also adding to the atmosphere are the three championship banners the Vipers proudly hang from the rafters. This is a proud franchise in a proud community, and it shows in every detail in Bert Ogden Arena. Neighborhood 2 The McAllen-Edinburg-Pharr-Mission metropolitan area is the fifth-largest such area in Texas and is by far its southern-most. It is also made up of nearly two dozen communities spread out over much of Hidalgo County, with Edinburg being the second-largest behind McAllen. Bert Ogden Arena is located right alongside Interstate 69 C, which makes it very convenient to visitors. This, however, is both a plus and a minus, as it is convenient to drive to, but in no way should anyway try to walk there. Also, being alongside the highway precludes it from being a part of any real neighborhood, and also limits what you can do immediately before and after Rio Grande Valley Vipers games. In terms of dining options, there are tons all up and down the highway in the immediate vicinity of the arena. If you’re looking for the familiar, IHOP, Subway, and Burger King are all within eyesight of the parking lot. However, if you want to try some of the true local flavor, that means Mexican food and Treviños Retaurant and Delia’s Tamales – street tacos at Treviños and, naturally, the tamales at Delia’s are true fan favorites and draw diners from miles around. If you’re in town for a game during the later part of spring, the Vipers schedule usually overlaps with another of the Valley’s pro sports teams, the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros of the United Soccer League. HEB Park , home of the Toros , is a short six-minute drive from Bert Ogden Arena, so if you stay in the area, you might get the chance to catch two games in Edinburg. If you’re looking for something different, I recommend taking in some culture at the Museum of South Texas History . This museum truly digs deeply into the rich history of the region, going back to prehistoric times and up until now with its complex geopolitical landscape exhibit. It is open Tuesday through Sunday until 5 pm, and at $9 a person for adults and $5 for kids under 12 it is a real bargain. Being along a major interstate highway does have its ups and downs. In terms of places to stay, there are truly a lot of options that are all within a short distance of Bert Ogden Arena, but none are truly within safe walking distance. Your closest option is going to be TownePlace Suites by Marriott McAllen Edinburg , which is just five minutes away. If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, Tru by Hilton Edinburg is also five minutes away. Fans 4 The Rio Grande Valley Vipers are consistently ranked among the highest attended teams in all of the G League. Being basically the only game in town has helped make the club truly the “thing to do” in the Valley, and fans have embraced their club with open arms. Anecdotally speaking, at the game I most recently attended, fans were already at the arena hours before the game and virtually everyone was decked out in red Vipers gear of some kind. The crowd was truly on the verge of being deafening at points in the game. While the concourse is always busy with fans running out to get refreshments and grub, there wasn’t a point where I felt the stadium was empty – these are good fans and they really love their team. Access 3 Getting to Bert Ogden Arena by car is no trouble at all. It can be seen from quite a distance away on the highway, and there is really good signage marking how to get there. Once on site, parking is ample and free. Navigating around the facility itself is also really simple. There is only the one main concourse to walk around and stairs take you up and down inside the bowls to the seats (there are private escalators and elevators taking guests up to their suites on the third floor, however). Where the drawbacks do come into play is in the area of public transportation, as the bus service in the city does not make a stop at Bert Ogden Arena. There are Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxi options though, if you choose to go that route. In terms of actually getting to Edinburg, that can be a task. The McAllen-Edinburg-Pharr-Mission area is roughly a four-hour drive from San Antonio, which is the nearest large city nearby to speak of. However, the McAllen International Airport does feature daily flights to and from Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Mexico City. With that in mind, you should be able to take a connecting flight from anywhere else in the country to visit the area. Return on Investment 3 From my experience, what fans can expect when they take in a Rio Grande Valley Vipers game at Bert Ogden Arena is pretty typical of what they will find at other G League games and facilities in terms of cost. Tickets for games range from $12 to $55, depending on where you want to sit, and concessions are pretty much on par with other stadiums at this level of pro sports. Extras 3 Aside from its aesthetics and the bonus of free parking, Bert Ogden Arena offers pretty much the standard in terms of Extras for minor league sports. The main concourse is littered with vendors and games where fans can win free swag and sign up for new services. The main draw in terms of Extras has to be the Lil’ Dribblers Zone located behind the Baseline Zone. This kids only area has tables for young ones to color and draw, face painting, and inflatable play areas for young ones to keep them occupied from opening tipoff to the start of the fourth quarter. It is completely supervised, but parents and guardians are allowed to be back there while their kids take a break from the on-court action. Final Thoughts I was truly impressed with the facilities that the Rio Grande Valley Vipers have to offer their fans. While I wouldn’t count Bert Ogden Arena as a bucket list stop, I would put it at the top of the list of things people visiting the RGV should do on their visit – it has the look, feel, and vibe of a big-time basketball arena. I think anyone who takes in a game at Bert Ogden Arena will feel exactly the same. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way Knoxville, TN 37916 Tennessee Volunteers website Thompson-Boling Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 21,678 Good Ol’ Rocky Top...Woooooo!..Rocky Top Tennessee About a full court’s heave from the banks of the Tennessee River, Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center has served as the home court of the Tennessee Volunteers men’s and women’s basketball programs since 1987, replacing the Stokley Athletic Center. With a capacity of 21,678, Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center is the fourth-largest college basketball arena in the country. 2007 would see major renovations that added a wall of suites and club seating to the arena, decreasing the capacity from over 24,000 to the current 21,000+. The venue is named in honor of B. Ray Thompson, a key benefactor in the arena’s construction, and Dr. Ed Boling, former UT president and pioneer in raising the profile of women’s athletics at the University of Tennessee. In 2023 the arena added Food City Center to the moniker, as the supermarket chain secured a 10-year naming-rights agreement. Since joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 1932, the Volunteers have established themselves as one of the more successful programs in the conference, winning 11 regular seasons championships, tied for the second most in SEC history, and 5 conference tournament titles.   Food & Beverage   5 Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center does well to provide fans with a wide selection of concessions choices, from stadium favorites to regional and national chains. Choices from eastern Tennessee’s Calhoun's include their BBQ brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, burgers, and beer cheese dip. Another Tennessee chain, Petro’s Chili & Chips, offers up their “Original Petro”, which is essentially a walking taco in a cup. Another stand is dedicated to hot sandwiches and sausages, including various forms of cheesesteak, hoagies, and Italian or Polish sausages. Limited choices from national chains Moe’s Southwest Grill and Papa John’s are also options. Carts around the concourse offer up everything from popcorn and pork rinds to Italian ice and chocolate-dipped cheesecake. Beverages include those from the Coca-Cola family, Powerade, and Dasani bottled water. 24-ounce cans of several domestic beers are also sold, along with Truly and Bud Lite Premium Seltzers, as well as Twisted Tea. The lone craft style beer is from Sweet Water Brewing. Lines do get rather backed up at concessions stands, even during play, so trying to get food before the game starts might be your best bet, as not to spend a lot of time waiting in line.   Atmosphere   5 When Tennessee builds stadiums, they tend to go big. Neighboring Neyland Stadium holds more than 101,000 football fans, making it the 6th largest college football stadium in the county. The trend of massively large stadiums continues with basketball at Tennessee, as Thompson-Boling is the 4th largest arena in college basketball, holding 21,678 fans. From the outside, the hulking, elongated octagonal Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center seems to be a bit out of date with what appears to be beige, corrugated aluminum siding, but once through the doors the arena offers a spacious, modern vibe for visitors. Dual levels of black seating nicely complement the orange and white colors of the Vols. The upper seating bowl is broken up by three levels of premium seats and suites. The pregame festivities foreshadow the excitement that entertains fans throughout the game – either from the in-house DJ who plays the hits from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and today, to the Tennessee pep band who reigns supreme as they belt out rounds of one of the most recognizable fight songs in the nation, “Rocky Top”. As festivities move from pregame entertainment to pyrotechnics, a light show amps fans up leading to player introductions and the opening tip. As players are introduced, the house spotlights randomly twirl around the seating bowl while Tennessee mascot, Smokey the Bluetick Coonhound, dances upon a fog machine as flames and sparks shoot high into the air around him; Tennessee basketball puts on one impressive show even before the ball is thrown up. Tennessee's use of their trademark orange and white checkerboard adds a distinctive touch to the game presentation. It is not uncommon for the arena’s seating sections to be checkered orange-and-white, whether through strategically placed T-shirts or glow sticks. Throughout the game, the entertainment does not stop. Two in-game hosts take fans through several segments to keep their excitement and passion for Big Orange at a high level, either by hosting on-court games, firing t-shirts from a rapid-fire cannon into the seats, or simply staying out of the way so the pep band and spirit squads can do their thing. Game information is seamlessly integrated throughout the arena, mainly via the center-hung scoreboard, consisting of eight individual rectangular screens, and two separate halo-ribbon boards. The television feed is available on the larger screens at the top of the scoreboard, while player statistics can be found on the smaller lower screens. Additional screens in the upper corners, as well as a ribbon board along the upper-level façade, provides additional game info, including more television feeds of the game, player scores, fouls, and "Hustle Stats" such as blocks, rebounds, steals, and assists.   Neighborhood   5 Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center is neighbored by the famed Neyland Stadium , home of the Tennessee Volunteers football team, and baseball’s Lindsey Nelson Stadium , all on the southern edge of campus. The Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League also play less than two miles down Neyland Drive at Knoxville Civic Coliseum. The University of Tennessee is a bit of a rarity in that it has a campus with a college town feel, despite being in a city of almost 200,000 people – UT is practically cordoned off from the rest of Knoxville by White Avenue to the north and the Tennessee River that horseshoes around the south of campus. One of the most iconic landmarks in the city, the Knoxville Sunsphere, is about a 1-mile walk from campus; this orange tinted globe rises 266-feet over Knoxville. The 1982 World’s Fair relic is even open for visitors to ride to the top of, to get a bird's eye-view of Knoxville.  Basketball fans might also enjoy a visit to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, which is a 5-minute drive from Tennessee’s campus. If looking for a bit of the college town experience, the bars along “The Strip” are just a short walk from the riverfront along Cumberland Avenue. Or, those looking for a bit more of a dining and drinking experience might head toward Gay Street with its higher concentration of restaurants, breweries, and night life. A touch further are Market Square and Knoxville’s Old City neighborhood, which are both highly populated with more shops, restaurants, and nightlife. In the coming years, Knoxville’s Old City neighborhood will be home to minor league baseball, as the Tennessee Smokies move back to Knoxville for the 2025 season.   Fans   4 The Volunteer faithful might be one of the most passionate fanbases in the nation – t heir pride in the Vols extends throughout the entirety of the sports programs at Tennessee. In fact, t he Volunteers men’s basketball program ranks in the top five in the nation in attendance, drawing more than 19,000 fans a night. The “Rocky Top Rowdies”, Tennessee’s student section, do bring a lot of energy and passion to the atmosphere. The intensity of the Vols student section cannot be underestimated, as the Rowdies tend to push the limits of rowdiness from time-to-time, albeit in line with what might be expected from a major college basketball experience. Students fill the sections at both ends of the floor, so there is no escaping the barrage of intensity brought on by the Rocky Top Rowdies toward the opponents. Although the arena is loud in response to plays, it lacks a constant buzz of energy found in similar types of arenas. It's not that Tennessee's fans lack enthusiasm; rather, they tend to be more reactive than proactive in generating noise.   Access   4 Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center is at the southernmost part of Tennessee's campus. It can easily be reached via I-40, which cuts through Knoxville from west to east, connecting to Highway 129 along the southern edge of the city. If flying in to see the Vols, the airport servicing Knoxville is about 10 miles south in Alcoa. Parking options , including lots and garages, are mainly on the northern side of the arena and in the G-10 garage to the east. If looking to save on parking there are free lots which offer shuttle service to and from the arena, while those using rideshare will find the drop-off/pickup lot beyond the right field fence of Lindsey Nelson Stadium , along Todd Helton Drive. Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) offers a free trolley line connecting the UT campus to downtown Knoxville, with the Circle Park stop on the Orange Line  being the closest to the basketball arena. To enter Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, most fans use entry ramps at the northwest and southwest corners. Security checks are done away from the arena’s entry points, creating a small plaza area. There are six sets of doors, three on each side of the venue, where tickets can be scanned before entering. Inside, a single concourse encircles the top of the lower seating bowl, with stairs leading to the upper level. The open design ensures a clear view of the court from almost any point around the arena. Return on Investment   3 In recent years, Tennessee has established itself as one of the top teams in college basketball. With this success comes a high demand for tickets. Tennessee utilizes Ticketmaster for sales, so be prepared for hefty markups on the face value of tickets. Typical secondary market prices will run from the $20 to $100 range for conference games, prior to fees being added – it is just hard to find value in the overall price of the ticket when it is marked up 33% to nearly 50%. If looking for the most reasonable ticket rates, either plan far enough in advance to avoid the secondary market, or look for a non-conference opponent over one of the two holiday breaks; these games might not have as high of a demand. Parking can also be a bit of an expense to consider. These are not the eye-popping rates that Tennessee football must have, but university lots run $20 for lots around the arena. However, there are also free lots that offer shuttles from the G-17 lot or the UT Veterinary Medical Center (see the parking link referenced above). Concessions see the typical sports arena markup, so inflated prices should not come as much of a shock.   Extras   5 The concourse serves as a journey through Tennessee basketball history, showcasing both the men’s and women’s programs. UT Olympians, NBA and WNBA players, and other notable individual and program achievements are also recognized. Tennessee frequently has some sort of special experience up their sleeves when it comes to setting the atmosphere for the game. Whether it is orange and white t-shirts or glow sticks laid out in the Vols trademark checkerboard pattern, a nod to the brickwork of Ayers Hall, or simply an amazing pregame light show, there is a lot going on to get the fans worked up before the game. The rafters of Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center are full of banners recognizing the team and individual successes of the Vols basketball programs – on the men’s side this includes Chris Lofton (5), Dale Ellis (14), Alan Houston (20), Ernie Grunfeld (22), Bernard King (53), and coaches Ray Mears and John Ward. Shortly after the final horn, the Tennessee pep band, along with the spirit squad, stretch across half-court to sing with alumni as the school’s alma mater is played. While Smokey mostly restricts his movements during the game to the Vols end of the floor, limiting the number of fans who get an opportunity to interact with him, after the game he stays to take picture after picture with the long line of fans waiting for that photo op.   Final Thoughts As of late 2023, the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved funding for the creation of a Neyland Entertainment District to feature a hotel, condos, shops, and restaurants. While the start of construction has not been pinpointed, the University of Tennessee Master Plan does project completion within the next five years. This will only complement the already top-notch basketball game day experience in Knoxville. Historically, the University of Tennessee has been one of the more successful college basketball programs in the SEC, and the success on the floor has translated to success at the gates. It would be easy for a facility as large as Thompson-Boiling Arena at Food City Center to have a lot of empty seats, but the Volunteer faithful do a good job filling it on a regular basis. Life in the SEC can be difficult for basketball programs to cut out their own niche, and stay out of the shadow of the university’s football  and sometimes even baseball  programs. However, Tennessee basketball has created their own spotlight to bask in. While basketball will likely never supplant football  as the featured program in Knoxville, they have established themselves as one of the top college basketball experiences in the county.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Lambeau Field 1265 Lombardi Ave Green Bay, WI 54304 Green Bay Packers website Lambeau Field website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 81,441 Home Of The Lambeau Leap When people talk about NFL dynasties, the first team people think of is the New England Patriots. That may be true in recent years, but no team has come close to the Green Bay Packers in the entire league history. The team of “Frozen Tundra” fame has won a stunning 13 championships in its history. This includes 9 NFL Championships, and four championships won during the Super Bowl era. All these championship seasons occurred in the team’s only home, Lambeau Field. Lambeau Field opened in 1957 and is the oldest stadium in continuous use in the NFL. (Soldier Field in Chicago is an older structure, but there have been breaks in its use when the Bears played at Wrigley Field and other locations during renovations). It also is one of the largest stadiums in terms of capacity, with an ability to hold 81,441 fans. It is the largest stadium in Wisconsin, with Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin coming in second. The stadium is named for Curly Lambeau, who was a team founder, player, and first coach of the Packers. Food & Beverage 4 Food is a very important element at all Green Bay home games. You can start working on your hunger pangs before you even enter the stadium by visiting the Johnsonville Tailgate Village in the east parking lot near the Oneida Gate a Lambeau Field. Johnsonville food products are widely available at the Village, which also features musical entertainment, games, giveaways, and 35 plasma TVs tuned to various NFL games around the country. Lambeau Field offers a wide variety of foods at its concession stands inside the stadium. They include everything from stadium standards to North Woods specialties. First, there is a full-service restaurant located in the Atrium at the stadium. The 1919 Kitchen and Tap offers a Northwoods menu of cheese curds, chicken wings, a beer cheese bisque, a beer cheese mac skillet, chicken pot pie, and several different specialty burgers. The Kitchen and Tap offers more than 40 different craft beers. Some of the more unique offerings at Lambeau concessions stands are meatloaf sandwiches, pot roast sandwiches, and Korean BBQ bowls. There are also stands that serve foods to knock the chill off at late-season games including chili, hot soups, and brat cheddar chowder. The Gridiron Grill serves up your typical stadium standards of burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas. One item you will have no problem finding at a Green Bay home game is brats. Lambeau Field has lots of brats, including Pack N Cheese Brats, brat eggrolls, brat frites, brats’ tots, and brat’s mac n cheese. Lambeau Field offers one of the most extensive sets of beer offerings we’ve seen in an NFL venue. Brands available include Miller, Badger State Brewski, Blue Moon, Coors, High Life, Hinterland, Leinie’s, and Terrapin. The workers at the concession stands are volunteers from various civic clubs who are raising funds for charitable organizations in the Green Bay area. Atmosphere 4 The franchise does a terrific job of preserving the history and aura of the Packers in several ways. This is accomplished in several ways. The Packers Hall of Fame is in the Atrium of Lambeau Field and is a must-see attraction for both Packer fans and visiting fans who love football history. It features exhibits on historic games in Packers history, videos of famous Packers players of the past, the 13 championships trophies won by the team, uniforms worn by the Packers over the years, and a replica of Coach Lombardi’s office. In total, there are 27 plasma screens, 77 exhibits, and 363 graphics that tell the history of the Packers franchise. Just outside of Lambeau Field, there are several statues of notable Packer figures. These include a statue of Curly Lambeau, a statue of Vince Lombardi, and a statue of a player doing the Lambeau Leap into the stands after a Green Bay touchdown. Neighborhood 4 In many ways, Lambeau Field is a neighborhood stadium, as there is a large residential neighborhood just across Lombardi Avenue from the stadium. The folks that live in this neighborhood don’t mind having the stadium next door, as they make lots of cash each fall selling parking in their driveways or yards to fans. The neighborhood south of Lombardi Avenue is a mix of retail, restaurants, and watering holes. The Taverne in the Sky is located just west of the stadium in the Lodge Kohler. The Turn restaurant offers a wide variety of bar food, chili, and soups, as well as tacos, cheesesteaks, and burgers. Head to the Hinterlands to quench your thirst after cheering all day at the game. They offer a wide variety of IPAs, drafts, and crafts in addition to cocktails and wines. Lodging is widely available around the stadium. The Lodge Kohler is a four-star hotel just west of Lambeau Field. Just east of the stadium are the Best Western Green Bay and the Quality Inn Stadium Area. As you can imagine there are several Packer-related attractions near Lambeau Field. These include the Oneida Nation Walk of Legends and the Packer Hall of Fame. The National Railroad Museum is also close by. Fans 4 Whether you had a great time or a lousy time at an establishment, you often want to offer your opinion to the management. At Lambeau Field, that person may be sitting to your left or your right. That’s because the citizens of Green Bay own stock in the team. Like other teams, the Packers have GMs, front-office staff, and coaches. However, in the early days of football, the locals were called on to provide the basics for the team including uniforms, footballs, and other supplies. That tradition carries through to the present, with elected representatives speaking for the stockholders. The Packer fans are a hardy bunch of folks. When the snow is high and the field ices over (even though there are thermal pipes located underneath the field to prevent that) the fans feel this is ideal weather for the home team, as they practice regularly in this type of weather. Green Bay fans all seem to be local historians as well, as they share a great deal of knowledge about the important sights around the town. They can recite from memory all the details of the Ice Bowl game between the Packers and the Cowboys back in the 1960s. Our experience is that most Packer fans are midwestern-friendly, unless you are wearing Chicago Bears gear, and cheering for the guys from Chicago. There is an intense rivalry between the two cities and teams. Access 3 One of the first things that visiting fans will face in attending a Packers game is simply getting to the town. Green Bay is one of the most remote cities in the NFL. It is located 116 miles north of Milwaukee and 206 miles north of Chicago. Green Bay does have an airport, but it can only handle commuter-sized planes and fares to Green Bay are quite expensive. At the stadium, your first task is finding parking in the area. The lots immediately outside of Lambeau Field are reserved for season ticket holders. Probably your closest option is to use the parking lot at Titletown, which is a relatively new development just across Lombardi Avenue from the stadium. Parking in this lot will be $50. While parking is allowed, tailgating is prohibited in these lots. On gamedays, Titletown offers music, food booths, and a Packer’s themed playground. The development includes a public park, a microbrewery, a skating rink and a regulation-sized artificial turf football field, where visitors can pass, kick, and punt as long as they want. (Bring your own gear, as Titletown does not provide footballs and other supplies.) The Titletown development includes a Lodge Kohler Hotel. Parking is free for hotel guests. It is 100 yards to the stadium from the hotel. If you come without a parking space, on-street parking is allowed in the neighborhoods that adjoin the stadium. There are a few alternate ways to get to Lambeau Field. Uber/Lyft can pick you up before the game and pick you up after the game. The drop-off and pick-up zone at Lambeau Field is located at the corner of Mike McCarthy Way and Holmgren Way. This is a much cheaper option than parking near the stadium. The local transportation system, Green Bay Metro, offers free shuttles to Lambeau from three different routes. These routes go by the names of Lambeau Leap, the QB Sneak, the Quick Slant, and the Cheesehead. Once at Lambeau Field, you can enter through one of the eight main gates. The stadium gates open two hours before kickoff. If you arrive very early, you can kill time in the Lambeau Field Atrium, which is adjacent to the stadium. The Atrium opens four hours before the kickoff for ticketed fans. This gives you time to visit the Packers Hall of Fame, shop at the Packers Pro Shop, or get a bite to eat at the 1919 Kitchen and Tap. The restaurant carries more than 40 craft beers. Return on Investment 3 Unless you live in the area, or say nearby in Milwaukee, you probably making the trek to Green Bay as a way of marking it off a bucket list involving sports venues. We say that as a way of saying that attending a Packers game at Lambeau Field can be an expensive proposition. Here is what you can expect: Parking at regulated lots starts at $50 and goes higher as get closer to the stadium. Tickets to individual games on the Packers website start at $132 for a seat at the top of the stadium and go much higher. Tickets on the secondary markets tend to go for premium prices. Lambeau Field is a cashless facility. Extras 3 Visiting fans can get a real feel for the history of the Green Bay franchise by visiting the Packer’s Heritage Trail in downtown Green Bay. The 4.5-mile trail can be done on foot or by a tourism shuttle. The trail has markers at 25 sites that played a significant role in the town’s starting of the Packer franchise. Among the sites are Vince Lombardi’s home, team founder Curly Lambeau’s house, and the site of the Packer's first practice field. Green Bay will be hosting the 2025 NFL Pro Draft event. The entire population of Green Bay could be seated in Lambeau Field at one time. Final Thoughts Lambeau Field is one of the most iconic venues in the NFL, as it has hosted some of the most historic games in the history of the NFL. It does not sit on this laurel though. Lambeau Field is constantly refining its gameday experience for fans making the trek to the NFL’s northernmost outpost.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Crypto.com Arena 1111 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 Los Angeles Lakers website Crypto.com Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,997 Land O’ Lakers The Staples Center is the center of the LA indoor sports universe, as it serves as the home of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA, the LA Kings of the NHL and the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. The arena opened in 1999 and has a seating capacity of 19,079 for basketball and 18,118 for hockey. Note: The Staples Center name changed to Crypto.com Arena in Dec, 2021. Food & Beverage 3 Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the country, and this is reflected in the Staples Center’s concessions offerings. Among the vendors in the arena are Blaze Pizza, BS Taqueria, Cooler by Budweiser, Dave’s Doghouse, EATS, Golden Road Brewhouse, Impact Sports Bar and Grill, Outtakes, Wetzel’s Pretzels and Smokehouse BBQ. One word of warning… while the food selection is of excellent quality, you may develop indigestion when you see the prices. They are amongst the highest in the NBA…nearly $7 for a hot dog. You may want to eat somewhere less expensive before or after the game, utilizing the Staples Center for just snacks and beverages. Atmosphere 5 As you would expect in Hollywood and the home of TV shows, the Staples Center excels in production quality. The sound system and lighting quality in the arena far exceeds what you will would find at other arenas. One of the reasons for this are the vast number of concerts held at the arena, featuring the top artists in the world, many of whom are local residents as well. They tend to be very demanding of the technical crews, and the Staples Center delivers. You’ll want to make sure to be in your seats prior to the National Anthem, as both the Lakers and the Clippers have very dramatic pregame introductions. The Lakers are definitely the aristocracy as far as indoor sports in Los Angeles. There are statues in the plaza of Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and even longtime announcer Chick Hearn. Kobe Bryant’s is sure to come soon. Once inside the arena, the sixteen banners for the championships the Lakers have won fill an entire well, while another wall carries all the retired numbers of the Laker immortals. Neighborhood 4 The Staples Center is located in the LA Live sports and entertainment district. LA Live has more than 20 restaurants, including Shaquille’s, Yard House and several of Wolfgang Puck’s brand of restaurants. Also included in the complex are a variety of night clubs, the GRAMMY Museum and even a bowling alley. There are several hotel brands represented in the area, which can save you the hassle of being in traffic trying to get to the arena. Fans 4 The fan base of the Lakers is very much like the fan base of the New York Knicks. The two teams are very popular with the celebrity set, who sit court side at many games. They range from TV/movie stars to stars from other sports and even national politicians. This adds a bit of fun for those who like to stargaze from some of the more economical seats. Lakers fans are more refined in their cheering for the team, as they expect a lot from the team, considering their past success. The team is currently transitioning from the Kobe Bryant teams of the past to the Lebron James years of the future. It has been a tough season for the team and the fans as it fell short of the playoffs for one of the few times in recent history. The two teams that will really raise the noise level at the Staples Center are the hated Boston Celtics and the team’s neighbor at the Staples Center, the LA Clippers. Access 3 Anyone who has ever driven in the Los Angeles area can tell you that LA stands for “lotta autos.” There is a vast network of interstates in the greater metropolitan area, but the two to keep in mind for the Staples Center are I-110 and I-10, as the arena is located just north of the 110/10 interchange. It is always important to leave yourself plenty of time to make it through traffic to a game. We suggest you download the Staples Center app, as it includes the WAZE app, which provides up to the minute information on accidents, road construction and alternate routes that may get you to the arena faster. Once you have reached the Staples Center, parking can become an issue. The Center owns 3,300 spaces, but there are more than 16,000 spaces within a 10-minute walk of the arena. If you plan to park in a Staples Center owned lot, you should pre-purchase your parking pass at AXS . Staple Center lots charge $30, but privately-owned lots in the area can be much cheaper. The Los Angeles Metro public transportation system can provide a less time consuming and less stressful method of reaching the Staples Center. The Metro Rail Pico Station will drop you off at the doorstep of the arena. We suggest you purchase a one-day pass for $7, which gives you unlimited rides within a 24-hour period of purchase and will allow you to visit the many other interesting sites in the Los Angeles area. Go to www.metro.net for detailed information on navigating the Metro system. The Staples Center itself provides excellent access to each of its seating levels. There are four main entry points for the general public, with many more set aside for season ticket holders and VIP’s. The concession stands are plentiful and typically the same stands have a location on each level of the seating bowl. The Staples Center has more than 60 restrooms. One word of warning if you are seated in the 300 level of the arena. Like many sports facilities, the Lakers utilize “stage lighting” to spotlight the action on the court. As a result, there is poor lighting in the upper level. This makes it difficult to identify the row you are sitting on or in finding your specific seat. The dim lighting also adds to the difficulty in ascending or descending the steeply inclined steps in this section Return on Investment 3 Like most major metropolitan areas, such as New York and Chicago, the cost of doing business is much higher. In addition, it is a very competitive market for both the tourists and local’s entertainment dollar. It is therefore not surprising that Los Angeles ranks only behind the Big Apple on the Fan’s Cost Index. Parking, concessions, tickets and traffic congestion can all add up in making a night out at a Lakers game an expensive proposition. However, this expense must be weighed against the high level of quality play the Lakers put out in most seasons. There will definitely be additional banners hung from the rafters of the Staple Center. Extras 4 The Staples Center has hosted three NBA All Star games, two NHL All Star games, eighteen Grammy Awards shows, four WTA Tennis Tour Championships, two NCAA Men’s West Regional Finals and eleven X Games competitions. The Los Angeles Lakers have won six NBA titles since moving to the Staples Center and sixteen NBA championships overall. The LA Clippers are still hunting for their first NBA title. If you are planning to go to multiple sports events at the Staples Center and purchase a souvenir at each game, you may want to check out the Team LA Store before going into the arena. The store is the licensed seller for goods for all the teams and has stores all over the city, including LA Live. By buying your merchandise before you go into the game, you can avoid lugging your goods up to your seats. You can also avoid paying the extra fee charged for a shopping bag inside the arena, as the Staples Center has adopted several “green” initiatives. Stargazing is another unique facet of attending a game at the Staples Center. It is not uncommon to see several of your favorite TV/movie stars sitting court side with their families Final Thoughts The Staples Center continues to serve as the premiere indoor sports facility in the Los Angeles area. Its mix of teams touch upon almost every demographic in a city known for being very diverse. Its location across the street from the LA Live music, restaurant and entertainment district makes it a very attractive place for a night on the town for your family and friends.

Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Bevilacqua Stadium 191 Stevens Ave Lancaster, PA 17602 Thaddeus Stevens Collese of Technology Battlin' Bulldogs website Bevilacqua Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 1,000 Small College At Work Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a two-year technical college located in Lancaster, PA. It was named for Thaddeus Stevens, a nineteenth-century politician, who was a fierce opponent of slavery and discrimination against African-Americans. The college is owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stevens offers associate degree programs in fields such as Cabinetmaking & Wood Technology, Computer Aided Drafting, Collision Repair, and Machine Tool and Computer Aided Manufacturing. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology was named one of 150 two-year colleges eligible to compete for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance in America’s two-year colleges. Stevens athletic teams are known as the Battlin’ Bulldogs. They compete with other two-year programs under the NJCAA banner and against the junior varsity programs of some four-year colleges. Bevilacqua Stadium is named for Richard V. Bevilacqua, a former coach and teacher at the school. Food & Beverage 3 There is a very simple concession stand located under the press box on the home side of the field. Although it is simple the food choices were good and the product of good quality. Hot dogs start at $2 and you can add choli as an option. Burgers were also available. Drinks were available for $2 as well. The concession stand had one of the better stocked condiments area I have seen for awhile. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to the stadium. Located at the rear of the Stevens campus the field looks like a typical small town high school football stadium. It may actually be smaller than many Pennsylvania high school stadiums. When you enter the stadium you need to walk down steps to the track level of the home side of the field. Weirdly enough there is no seating on the home side. You need to walk around either direction of the track to find the only seating structure. You are also free to stand and watch the game at any other location. The field itself was basic grass, but had a huge area that was just dirt. There are some picnic tables located near to the press box on the home side of the stadium. There are no other scheduled activities at the games. A local youth cheerleader program added some excitement. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located just east of downtown. There are some rough areas in the area, but overall the city has been making great strides. So make sure to walk around downtown before the game. You may not find too much right near the stadium worth walking around though. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlets area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 Fans seemed to be mainly friends and family of the students. There were quite a few obvious alumni at the game. It was pretty obvious by their alumni shirts. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the stadium is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about a half an hour to the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore, and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 4 The cost of the game is a mere $5 and the food prices were also very fair. It may not be highest level of college football but the return on investment is quite good. . Extras 1 Walk around the unique college campus before the game so you can get a sense of the unique programs offered at this college. Final Thoughts Bevilacqua Stadium at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is one of the lowest levels of college football one may find. But the games presented here are fun and it is certainly an experience that a true football fan should experience if in the area.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Southport Fieldhouse 971 E Banta Rd Indianapolis, IN 46227 Southport HS Cardinals website Southport Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 7,124 Southside Party is in the Cards for Basketball The Southport Fieldhouse falls in line with one of the copious historic and spacious palaces for high school basketball in the state of Indiana. The facility can hold a robust 7,124 spectators making it the 10th largest venue of its kind in the world. It is the home to the Southport High School Cardinals basketball programs. It is located 10 miles south of downtown Indianapolis, establishing the recognition of the largest high school gymnasium in the city. The first game played in this facility took place between the Cardinals and Indianapolis Tech Titans on November 29, 1958. A full-capacity crowd was on hand to usher in a new era of sports in the city. The fieldhouse hosted the Indiana High School Athletic basketball state semi-finals and regionals, wrestling state finals from 1960-1980, and was home to Indiana Central College (now U of Indy) basketball from 1958-1960 before it relocated to its current home, Nicoson Hall. There have even been Easter morning services held inside the venerable gymnasium. The colors of red and white dominate the venue; the outside hallways feature a wonderful array of memorabilia from the school’s history of sports. Old scoreboards, center court logos, nets, trophies, basketballs, and photographs outline the hallways near the main entrance to the arena. There is still a lot of pride in many of these massive and historical sites on the south side of Indianapolis. Food & Beverage 3 There are three concession stands located on the upper level of the seating concourse. All of the favorites are offered including hot dogs ($2), pizza ($2), walking tacos ($3), nachos ($3), popcorn ($2), breadsticks ($2), and chicken sandwiches from Chick-fil-A ($4). Pepsi products are served along with coffee and hot chocolate. One added treat is Dippin Dots ice cream served in a cart adjacent to the concession stand and offered in three sizes. Atmosphere 4 There is not a bad seat in the 7,300-seat arena, fans enter through doors on the floor of the playing court and embark on their seats that are separated into two sections consisting of 26 rows in an octagonal shape. The upper section consists of the original wooden bleacher seats that are still numbered from the days when reserved seats were sold at games. The lower section seating is made of modern plastic bleacher seats. The massive gymnasium also has a lot of charm in itself from banners of the 1990 Final Four team and the retired number of Basketball Hall of Famer Louie Dampier who starred with Southport from 1962-1964. Cheerleaders and the pep band do their best to liven up the crowd and many old-timers are game for a conversation about the history of the venue. There are also special theme nights scheduled that celebrate former players, teams, or anniversaries. During my most recent visit it was Indiana Pacer night and Boomer, the team’s mascot, made a special appearance and delighted the crowd with an aerial halftime show that had him dunk off a personalized-sized trampoline, shoot t-shirts into the stands, and engage a few youngsters to join him on the court. The Cardinals also have their mascot who is among the best-looking of the high schools in the area. He also interacts with fans and will pose for a picture or two if you ask him. Neighborhood 4 The Southport section is only a 15-minute south drive from the downtown Mass Ave and Fountain Square districts of Indianapolis. However, you are also a 10-minute drive from the southern Indy suburb of Greenwood. The large shopping district area features a few great restaurants to try when in the neighborhood. Bronzini Pizzeria serves New York-style pizza, upstate New York spiedies, and St. Louis-style fried ravioli. Shallo’s Antique Restaurant & Breehaus offers a wide selection of draft and bottled beers along with huge pork tenderloin sandwiches, Caribbean-flavored chicken varieties, and open-face hot brown sandwiches. Two reputable microbreweries are gaining notoriety in Central Indiana in nearby Greenwood: MashCraft Brewing Company and Planetary Brewing Company. Fans 4 There are a variety of spectators that attend games at the fieldhouse including alumni, students, and the casual spectator. They all share one thing in common and that is their love for the Cardinal basketball team. The student section is made up of around 70 plus kids who stand throughout the game and show their support through cheers, heckles, screams, and chants. The casual spectator is on the sideline either frustrated or delighted by what is going on on the court. When the contest is closed, the excitement can be heard at high-pitched levels. Access 4 The fieldhouse is located less than two miles offExitt 2A on I-465 and SR-31. Parking is free and plentiful for most games, but higher-attended games could be a different scene. Once inside it is easy to get around to your seats, to the bathroom, or concession stands. Return on Investment 4 All tickets for adults are $6, very common among all high schools in the state. It is well worth the price of admission for basketball in a historic building. There have been a few high school hoop stars who currently play in the NBA and have played in Southport and other fieldhouses in recent times. When you include the price of concessions and souvenirs at the gift table, it makes for quite an inexpensive night of sporting entertainment. Extras 3 Southport High School features an impressive-looking mascot. However, he would be better served if he was donning a jersey over the outfit for the proper look on the court. There is an excellent collection of paraphernalia in and around the building that is featured nicely and neatly on lobby walls. The Wall of Fame and championship team photos are also on display inside the fieldhouse. The hospitality room is an interesting little room located outside the gym in the main lobby. There are pictures, photos, and various pieces of Southport memorabilia set in a 1950’s diner backdrop. It is open only to media, coaches, referees, and staff, but a quick look and you will be taken back to another era. Final Thoughts The collection of high school facilities in Indiana is impressive in design, beauty, and nostalgia. Southport’s venue fits nicely into the collection. The proximity of the facility to Indianapolis makes it an easy stop for anyone who is in town visiting other sports events. Hinkle Fieldhouse and Gainbridge Fieldhouse might grab all of the attention and praise in the city, but the Southport Fieldhouse should not be overlooked. It has been standing proudly since 1958. _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chuck Uteck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kinnick Stadium 886 Stadium Dr Iowa City, IA 52242 Iowa Hawkeyes football website Kinnick Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 70,585 Riding the Wave The University of Iowa Hawkeyes football team plays their games at Kinnick Stadium, formerly known as Iowa Stadium. This 69,250 seat oval was changed in 1972 to honor Iowa’s only Heisman Trophy winner, Nile Kinnick. Greeting visitors at the south entrance is a Bronze statue of Kinnick, who died in 1942 during a training flight with the United States Navy. By capacity, Kinnick ranks 27th in largest college football stadiums. Over the last five years, attendance has it at 21st overall. In 2015, Kinnick set a national collegiate wrestling dual meet attendance record by packing in over 42,000. The stadium saw major renovations in 1956, 1983, 1990, 2006 and the last which began in 2017 and finished at the start of the 2019 season. The nearly 90 million dollar project included new concessions, restrooms, an upgraded concourse, box seating, outdoor club seating in the north end zone as well as a larger north end zone scoreboard. Food & Beverage 4 At an Iowa football game one can find both traditional sporting event fare as well as some non-traditional options. There are ample booths on the east and west sides as well as a couple on the north and south edges for fan convenience. Wimmers hot dogs are featured. A basic hot dog is $4.50; polish sausage $5.50. Peanuts, popcorn and nachos range from $5-$7, although a souvenir popcorn tub is $12 and includes one free return back for more. The B&G Burger stand provides for $7 Loaded Hawk Tots (bacon, sour cream, cheese and chives) as well as a 319 (local area code) Burger for $8.50. The Boulevard Grill on the northeast side offers cheeseburgers, pizza burgers, tenderloins, and chicken tenders all at $7.50. For a slightly different take—try the mac and cheese or BBQ pork nachos for $8.50. Coca-Cola products are served at $5 for a regular or $6.50 for a souvenir cup. Atmosphere 5 Tailgating begins early around Kinnick. Lots tend to fill up fairly fast and then the air is subsequently filled with the aroma of grills, the crackling sound of cold beers being opened and hoots and hollers from various tailgate games like bags (cornhole). Once inside, the fun continues. “The Swarm” is when players take the field as a tight group with everyone holding hands and moving at a slow pace prior to the game. This is accompanied by AC/DC’s “Back in Black” with the fans roaring. Following scoring plays, the stadium becomes 65,000 plus attended spelling bee. Only one word is on this list, IOWA. Chants of “I – O – W – A” start from one corner and work around the bricks of Kinnick. From time to time, a zealous fan will stand in a section and offer a mini version of that to get their local group fired up. In 2017, the latest and greatest tradition began at Kinnick. Following completion of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital that overlooks Kinnick, came “The Wave.” At the end of the first quarter, fans, players, coaches and staff turn to face the hospital and wave to the children and families. It is not easy to maintain a dry eye and yet smile as the legions of fans wave in unison and the children and families wave back. The Krause Family Plaza on the south side of the stadium is the place to gather pre and postgame. It has food trucks, vendor booths, and a large tent for Iowa merchandise. Players get off the bus at this area and enter the stadium. In addition, there are two stages for concerts as well as local broadcasts. There are multiple photo opportunities, including the Kinnick statue, an IOWA sign as well as the overall gathering. Just outside the plaza is a gathering area featuring a large combine. Once used as a way of life for farmers, now it’s a tailgate way of life on Saturdays. Iowa colors are black and gold. In the visiting locker room, however, is the color pink, chosen by former coach Hayden Fry. It was his thought that this would lead to a “passive mood.” Neighborhood 4 Kinnick Stadium is located between Iowa City and Coralville, Iowa. Coralville has some popular restaurants such as The Wig & Pen Pizza Pub and the Iowa River Power Co. Restaurant. For more traditional items, the Coralville Mall features various inexpensive to fine dining choices. In Iowa City, downtown has a plethora of choices, like the Airliner, The Dandy Lion, The Mill and The Bluebird Diner. A fun spot to visit is tiny John’s grocery. The legendary building that holds the over 70 year old neighborhood grocery has been a fire station, apartments, a saloon, a barbershop, and even a toiletry factory. It is a great visit before or after the game. In and around Iowa City is the Coralville Mall for a shopping experience. Just outside though are a couple gems. Twenty minutes to the west are the Amana colonies. Amana was settled in the 1850’s by Germans and is comprised of seven communities. During the year there are many festivals. During the football season, Oktoberfest is celebrated there and is a great getaway less than a half hour away from Kinnick. Fans 4 Hawkeye football saw a resurgence with the arrival of Hayden Fry. Under current coach Kirk Ferentz, fans also have enjoyed consistent winning seasons. They have come out in droves consistently for the past 40 years. The fans are knowledgeable and boisterous on game day. Check ahead for themes; certain games will be “Black Out” or Black and Gold in certain sections. “Iowa Nice” is in full affect with the fans and staff. Access 4 There is one main oval concourse where concessions, bathrooms, and exits are located. These areas can become busy during halftime but the recent renovations have helped with traffic flow. Arriving at the game can be a challenge but options are aplenty. Kinnick is situated in the middle of a neighborhood with hospitals, the Fieldhouse, Carver Hawkeye Arena and school buildings nearby. There are few lots for parking. Parking can be had in the neighborhoods for a price or depending on one’s wanting to walk for free. Before and after the game, staff and local police do a tremendous job with the throngs of spectators and keeping the traffic flowing. An outstanding option for those also wanting an exit close to I-80 is the Hawkeye Express. This train runs from just outside the mall to the stadium on game days. Cost is $15 for a roundtrip ticket. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices can vary depending on opponent. Early non-conference games average around $50 while highly sought after games like the Iowa State game (at Iowa every other year) can begin around $90. An average seat for a Big Ten game can be found a lot of times on secondary markets for $60-$70. Extras 3 The Wave is worth the price of admission. Kinnick also hosts an annual 5k in the fall that allows participants to finish on the field and wave to the hospital upon completion. The Kinnick Statue as well as his speech at the Heisman trophy ceremony are must see. Final Thoughts Kinnick Stadium is a great choice for a Saturday in the fall. Crisp air, football and 65,000 or so fans. Renovations, the Wave, and a winning football team bring a heightened level of excitement to the area. The thrill of Saturdays in the fall is captured at Kinnick Stadium.

Photos by Milwaukee Beavers Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Henry Aaron Field 4200 Green Bay Ave Milwaukee, WI 53212 Milwaukee Panthers website Henry Aaron Field website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 500 A Field Not Fit for a King If someone were to ask you to quickly guess where the only NCAA Division I baseball program in Wisconsin is located you would likely say in Madison, but you would be incorrect. The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is the correct answer and Henry Aaron Field is the home of the UW-Milwaukee Panthers. Henry Aaron Field looks more like a high school or even rec league field, located in the middle of a park with only small sections of old metal bleachers. This facility is no doubt past its usefulness as a college baseball facility. Many fans bring their own folding chairs for comfort and sit right behind the chain-link backstop. Perhaps the school administration has recognized the issues with Henry Aaron Field as recent news indicates the Panthers are in negotiations with MKE Sports & Entertainment LLC to build a new multi-use facility in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. I was also informed by a team representative the 2015 season will be the final season at Henry Aaron Field as the Panthers will play home games in 2016 at a facility known as The Rock. The Rock Sports Complex located in Franklin features amenities that Henry Aaron Field lacks such as concessions, grandstands, restrooms, and a turf field. While I was not informed which field at The Rock the Panthers will call home in 2016, I was able to find out that the complex features six fields each of which are modeled after the dimensions of MLB facilities in Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and of course Milwaukee. Food & Beverage 1 There is no food or beverage anywhere to be found, the only reason this section receives one star is because of the fact that you can bring your own cooler. The members of the crowd bring coolers with food and beverages. While the facility isn’t much, the ability to bring in a cooler is a huge money savings and adds a unique feeling taking a picnic to a baseball game. Atmosphere 2 The field isn’t within walking distance from campus, which is likely why the majority of the crowd consists of friends and family of the players. The positive aspects of bringing a cooler and folding chair and being able to enjoy a college baseball game so close to the action can’t be ignored however. It is a unique setting, even if it is a no frills atmosphere. Neighborhood 1 The neighborhood doesn’t contain much beyond residential housing. It isn’t a bad part of town, it just doesn’t contain much in the way of businesses. The campus is not nearby as it is 4 1/2 miles southeast of the field. It is a relatively quick drive however that can be done with both Interstate 43 or surface streets. Fans 2 The fans in attendance are very polite and friendly. They also have a great knowledge of the game. It is pretty obvious though that their passion and knowledge is because they are all friends or family members of either the home or away team players. All fans are cordial and anything they shout is positive in nature beyond the occasional obligatory “that pitch looked good to me blue!” Access 2 Driving to Henry Aaron Field is a fairly easy commute, easily accessible from Interstate 43 or from surface streets. Driving from campus provides several routes to ensure the drive should go smoothly regardless of time or day of the week. An additional huge plus is that parking is free. There is plenty of street parking along with a decent sized parking lot located down the third base line. Students can take a shuttle to the field if they desire from campus. Return on Investment 5 There are no tickets so admission is free, parking is free, you can bring your own cooler with food and beverages, and you are seeing a good competitive game of Division I baseball. This is a good investment on a game day by itself but may also be a great consideration for a day game if you are already in town for a Brewers game at Miller Park that evening. . Extras 2 The ability to see a game for free and to pack your own picnic has to be mentioned again. One extra star for each of these features. Final Thoughts The opportunities to see a game at Henry Aaron Field become fewer with every game day that passes. Recent news indicates the Panthers are in negotiations with MKE Sports & Entertainment LLC to build a new multi-use facility in Oak Creek, WI. Regardless if those plans come to fruition, a team representative told me that the 2015 season will be the final season at Henry Aaron Field as the Panthers will play home games in 2016 at a facility known as The Rock. Editors Note: Milwaukee baseball has called Franklin Field home since the 2021 season after 27 seasons at Henry Aaron Field at Lincoln Park. We hope to have a review of their new home available soon.

Photos by James Hilchen and Kaytlyn Drummond, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Durham Bulls Athletic Park 409 Blackwell St Durham, NC 27701 Durham Bulls website Durham Bulls Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 10,000 The Bull City Opened on April 6, 1995, Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) is home to the Durham Bulls of the Triple-A East – Southeast Division. The current ballpark replaced the iconic Durham Athletic Park, which was the primary setting for the movie “Bull Durham.” The designers of the stadium also designed Camden Yards in Baltimore, Jacobs Field in Cleveland, and Coors Field in Denver. The Bulls moved from Single-A to Triple-A in 1998, which made it necessary for the ballpark to add more seating. This seat expansion set the current capacity, which is 10,000. Numerous other renovations have occurred since the opening. For fans, the most important change was the addition of concession stands to the upper-level concourse, which helped alleviate long lines for food/drink. Additionally, the ballpark became a 360-degree ballpark, allowing fans the ability to walk all the way around the field. DBAP has hosted the 2012 Triple-A Championship, the 2014 Triple-A All-Star Game, multiple ACC tournaments, and some Duke Blue Devils baseball games. Food & Beverage 5 In 2021 the ballpark went cashless, so be sure and bring a card to pay. Among the areas that DBAP stands out, this is one of them. No matter what your taste, you can find something you will like to eat here. Whether you are gluten free, vegan, or allergic to tree nuts, there are still numerous offerings available. A bit unique to minor league concessions, Bull City Hospitality, a local company affiliated with the team, is the food and beverage provider at DBAP. All the typical ballpark fare is covered and the list is too numerous to mention, but you have your options of numerous types of burgers (including veggie and a gluten-free bun), hot dogs, pizza, wings, and much more. I had my first BBQ Carolina Que Dog and it wont be my last. It’s a footlong hot dog topped with pulled pork, slaw, and vinegar-based sauce. Folks with dietary restriction concerns will have to go to certain food stands, but the guest services booth was very helpful. Pepsi products are the soda of choice at DBAP and water, Gatorade, etc are also available. Additionally, there are plenty of craft beers (along with domestic) to be had. A neat feature of the ballpark is that it has its own brewery. Bull Durham Beer is brewed on the property and is highly recommended. Atmosphere 5 If I could go higher than 5 stars here, I would. DBAP is an absolutely fantastic spot to take in a ballgame and very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. There is a two-level seating area. All seats are extra-wide with more leg room than your typical stadium, which is great for fans that need the extra space. The ability to walk around the entire field is an opportunity well worth taking and it is apparent that there are no bad views in this ballpark. A roof covers about a quarter of the seats. On the day I attended, it was hot and humid. The roof has industrial sized ceiling fans attached to the bottom and it makes a world of difference. Even with the weather, there was a constant breeze in the seating bowl which made it so much more comfortable. Much like the iconic Green Monster and Fenway Park in Boston, DBAP has its own Blue Monster. The ballpark’s left field wall measures 32-feet high. It has both a manual scoreboard as well as the main video board for the stadium embedded in it. There is seating above the blue monster and many people take advantage of the opportunity of the unique view. Above the blue monster is the iconic snorting bull from “Bull Durham.” This is a copy as the original one was damaged, but you wouldn’t know it by just looking at it. Beyond the center field wall is homerun hill. This is a grass berm area where you can watch the ballgame while relaxing on the grass or blanket. On particularly hot/sunny days or if rain is expected, your best bet is to sit in sections 200-208, as those are covered from the elements, but there isn’t a bad seat in the house wherever you choose to sit. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is part of the American Tobacco Campus and is located in the middle of downtown Durham. This area has been part of a renovation effort and, as such, is home to many restaurants and bars within walking distance. One spot definitely worth checking out is the Tobacco Road Sports Café. The café overlooks DPAB and serves up plenty of different food options for every taste. From the country frizzled & drizzled chicken (chicken breasts w/ drizzled honey and country gravy along with red potatoes and roasted veggies), or the bison burger to the specialty southern sides of fried green tomatoes or collard greens, you cant go wrong here. Another option that was recommended was Pizzeria Toro if you are a fan of wood-fired pizza. Head a few blocks up to Main St and you will find a litany of restaurants and bard to choose from. If you want to stay in the area, there is a SpringHill Suites right across the Durham Freeway. There are some other hotels on Main St. You can also stay a bit farther away for a little less money on I-85 where there is a slew of options. The Durham Performing Arts Center is near the main parking garage, so if you are in the area for a game, check out the schedule here as you may be able to catch a performance in addition to a game. Fans 4 Obviously, the Bulls are one of the most famous minor league teams because of the movie. Attendance was down a bit in 2021 (and this isn’t specific just to Durham), but that can be attributed to the fact that not everyone is ready to be back in crowded stadiums with Covid still being a factor. The Bulls have quite a local following as well. Far more fans here seemed invested in the game, rather than being there for a social event. The reaction after a home-team home run is especially fun to see. The fans all look towards the bull sign to see the eyes light up and smoke come out of its nose. Access 4 The ballpark is located just off Durham Freeway and is very easy to get to. Public transportation is a good option if you don’t want to deal with some of the traffic congestion that comes with any ballpark. There are numerous parking decks around the stadium, some of which are used for businesses, so it can be somewhat confusing to know where to park. The good news is there are plenty of parking attendants that are around, and they are happy to point you in the right direction. The main gate sits at the corner of Blackwell Street and Jackie Robinson Drive. This can also get a bit congested on game days with big crowds but the traffic into the ballpark seems to flow pretty well and the waits are minimal. Once inside, the concourses generally flow well and there are plenty of restrooms and concessions areas. DBAP has a clear bag only policy, so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 5 For the experience you get at DBAP, they could charge more for tickets and it would still be worth the cost. Parking is $7 in a parking deck, and you can even find some free parking if you are willing to walk a little bit. Game tickets generally run about $10-$16, depending on where you want to sit. Concession costs are very typical to what you would pay in other minor league ballparks, so all things considered, you will get a tremendous return on your investment. Extras 5 Again, if I could go higher than 5 here, I would. I’ll start with a point for the ceiling fans underneath the roof. I can’t stress enough how much difference this makes, and I’ve never seen it in any other stadium. Another point goes to the snorting bull. Seeing it in person is a great experience. Add a point for The Blue Monster, which is another unique feature of this great ballpark. The fourth point is added for the team’s connection to the movie, Bull Durham. There are plenty of reminders of the movie around DBAP, but it isn’t overstated either, which makes it nice. A final point goes to the Bulls Team Store. They have a lot of great items, some of them very unique. Final Thoughts The Bulls have a long and storied history in North Carolina. As someone who has seen my share of minor league ballparks over the years, Durham Bulls Athletic Park just might be my favorite. Great scenery, food for every taste, and fun reminders of an iconic movie makes this a ballpark that should be on every baseball fan’s bucket list. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram : @stadiumjwriter

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bush Stadium at Averitt Express Baseball Complex 345 University Drive Cookeville, TN 38501 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles website Bush Stadium at Averitt Express Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 1,100 Wings Up The central Tennessee town of Cookeville is home to the Tennessee Tech University Golden Eagles. Located in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee, Cookeville was established as a mill, logging, and mining town, which prospered from the rail line that ran through the area. The University was founded in 1909 as Dixie College; the school was soon renamed Tennessee Polytechnic Institute, and then gained university status in the 1950s, again seeing a name change, this time to Tennessee Tech University. Tennessee Tech has been a member of the Ohio Valley Conference in all but the conference’s first year of existence, 1948. Since joining the league, the Golden Eagles have won 10 OVC regular season championships, 4 conference tournament titles, and have made 6 NCAA tournament appearances, advancing to the Regional Finals in 2018.   Food & Beverage   4 A small concessions trailer is situated up the first baseline, and has a bit of a limited menu, but does grill hot dogs and burgers on site. Hot dogs can have chili and/or cheese added, while burgers can add cheese, a second patty, or chili. A signature item here, “The Dexter”, is billed as a “burger, bacon cheese, beef hot dog, more bacon, more cheese”, and can definitely be a food challenge unto itself. A handful of snack items are also available, including the traditional baseball sunflower seeds, chips, candy, peanuts, popcorn, and Italian ice. Beverages include Pepsi products and bottled water. Beer is not sold at Bush Stadium. While the concessions trailer does not offer a lot in the way of spectacular options, the fact that they grill burgers and dogs by hand really makes the experience one that brings a bit of nostalgia, reminiscent of days gone by when the grill was a staple at youth baseball concession stands.   Atmosphere   3 Bush Stadium could best be described as a low thrills facility with not a lot in the way of extras; the scoreboard gives fans basic inning-by-inning scoring and ball-strike-out information, and the restrooms consist of a cinderblock building down the right field line. The small, aluminum grandstand runs dugout to dugout and is centrally topped with a modestly sized press box. The bleachers are bookended on either side by brick dugouts, which complement the brick clubhouse down the third base line. Seating is comprised of two side sections of individual, plastic molded seats, while the section directly behind home plate has bleacher seats with back support. The playing field is comprised of a synthetic surface, backed by a padded wall running a symmetrical 335’ down both lines, 365’ to each power alley, and 405’ to dead center. For purists of the game, baseball at Tennessee Tech might be a welcome relief from an onslaught of in-game ads, scoreboard games, and sound effects during seemingly every play. Tennessee Tech keeps the game the focal point of the day, and the lack of the aforementioned features doesn’t seem to bother home fans all that much. The sun moves from the first to third base side of the field, so without an overhang to produce shade for the whole grandstand, seats on the third base side do receive shade before the rest of the seating area does. However, during cold, early season games, the sun on the first base side might be a source of welcomed warmth.   Neighborhood   3 Bush Stadium is in the northwestern corner of Tennessee Tech’s campus, neighbored by basketball’s Elban Center  and some student housing – the Golden Eagles’ softball complex is just a deep bomb away over the right field fence. Within a mile of the stadium, fans looking for a bite to eat can pay a visit to Spankie’s (for typical American cuisine), House of Thai, or get a pre-game coffee on those chilly game days, from Crepe and Creme on the front edge of campus. For more options, downtown Cookeville is about a mile from Tech’s campus center. Also, a host of chain and other restaurants can be found along North Willow Avenue, which separates the athletic fields from the rest of campus. For those wanting to learn a bit about the history of Cookeville, they may want to visit the Cookeville History Museum, or the Cookeville Depot Museum, both in the downtown area.  Alternatively, visitors wanting to take in some of the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plateau can venture north of Cookeville to Cummins Falls State Park, or to Burgess Falls State Park to the south, both within 10 miles of campus.   Fans   3 The seating area at Bush Stadium does not lend itself to extremely large crowds, but fans are dedicated to showing up, even for early season matchups where the weather might be less than desirable. Tennessee Tech baseball fans do not seem to be an overly rowdy bunch, but do show a knowledge of the game, as well as a willingness to chirp at calls like any typical fanbase would – complaints from the bleachers are consistent about what most might consider borderline calls. What is a bit disappointing is the level of student support at games. While there are pockets of students spread around the seating area, they don’t appear to have an organized backing of the Golden Eagles.   Access   4 The Tennessee Tech campus is about 3 miles north of I-40, which runs between Knoxville and Nashville from eastern to middle Tennessee. Those traveling from anywhere along that route will have a straightforward trip to Cookeville, while those coming from the Chattanooga area will primarily use TN-111, which is a scenic highway through the eastern Tennessee mountains. Once at Bush Stadium, parking is readily available in the lot along University Drive, which is close to the front entrance. The seating area is accessible from both the home and visiting sides of the field; a single walkway runs in front of the bleacher seats, so fans in the front few rows may have their view of the game temporarily interrupted by others making their way to and from their seats.   Return on Investment   5 The return on investment goes beyond the fact that there is no admission charged for Golden Eagle baseball. Of course, getting in free is a breath of fresh air, but what is equally refreshing is that concessions don’t gouge extra dollars from visitors – concession prices are kept in check here, even though there is lack of revenue coming in from more traditional sources, such as ticket prices.   Extras   3 Pennants recognizing the conference championships of the Golden Eagles wave from the top of the grandstand; this adds a nice touch in recognizing the historical accomplishments of Golden Eagles baseball over the years. Just to the left of the entry point, a plaque honors Howell W. Bush, a former Golden Eagle baseball and basketball player, and the namesake of the stadium, in recognition of his funding the addition of lighting at the baseball stadium. Free rosters and scorecards are also available in the magazine boxes along the grandstand-walkway, behind home plate.   Final Thoughts Baseball at Tennessee Tech’s Bush Stadium is as straightforward a college baseball experience as can be found out there – it is refreshingly not overproduced to the point where attention is drawn away from the reason most are there, i.e. for the baseball. The experience does not come with a lot of extras, but is a good atmosphere for those who enjoy the simplicity of the game of baseball.

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

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Borussia Park Hennes-Weisweiler-Allee 1 Monchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia 41179 Germany Borussia Monchengladbach website Borussia Park website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 59,274 Bratwurst @ Borussia Park The Borussia Park stadium is the home of German Bundesliga football club Borussia Mönchengladbach. The stadium is the center of all the sports facilities located in the ‘Nordpark’ of the North Rhine-Westphalian city of Mönchengladbach. This area was used until 1996 as Ayrshire Barracks North by the British Rhine Army. It took just two years to build the Borussia Park. After the groundbreaking ceremony on March 15th, 2002, construction began on November 13th of that year. The total construction of the stadium cost 86.9 million euros, which is quite cheap for such a large size stadium. By the end of May 2004, Borussia Mönchengladbach left the outdated and much smaller Bökelbergstadion (capacity of 34.500 spectators). This stadium consisted of one double-tiered covered stand with only seats and three stands with all uncovered terraces. You can understand why it didn’t meet modern safety standards and international requirements anymore, so it was time to move. On July 30th, 2004, Borussia Park was ceremoniously opened with a small tournament, in which, apart from Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Bayern München and AS Monaco participated. During Bundesliga matches the stadium has a total capacity of 54,014 spectators. There are 37,869 covered seats and 16,145 covered standing places. Most of the standing places are in the lower tier of the north stand (also known as ‘Nord Kurve’). The most fanatic supporters are housed there. In this standing area, there are convertible seats available, so it is easy to make an all-seater from this stadium during international matches. The capacity is then limited to 46,287 spectators. The maximum permitted building capacity is 60,250 spectators, which is reached when the lower tier of the south curve is converted into standing places. The stadium has 45 business units with 684 seats and 1,758 business seats. There are also 194 press-related places in the stands. Food & Beverage 4 On the concourse of the stadium, you'll find plenty of counters where you can buy food and drinks. There is not that much choice, but it is sufficient and the prices are average. There are various sodas to choose from and you can buy half a litre of beer. When you visit a German stadium you should try a Bratwurst, this typical German sausage comes with a small sandwich. You can add sauce yourself. They also sell Krakauers (3.10 euro), pizza slices, fries, pretzels, and other snacks. Luckily you still can pay with cash here, which is different at the Veltins Arena from FC Schalke’04 which lies 50 miles ahead where you can only pay by card (Knappen-Karte). Atmosphere 5 Walking towards the stadium you see from the outside that the stadium is rather small, but that is because a part of the lower tier lies underneath ground level. While inside you'll find a large stadium with mainly light and dark grey seats. The stadium is very compact which gives you a good view of the action on the pitch. Experiencing the atmosphere in German stadia is unique. Most of the German teams have large supporter groups. On this occasion, there were 4.500 fans from SV Werder Bremen traveling to Mönchengladbach. Neighbourhood 2 This stadium is built where the former Ayrshire Barracks from the British Rhine Army was located. It’s on the outskirts of the city of Mönchengladbach. The stadium itself lies in a quiet, remote area with only some office buildings and other sports facilities. There are no restaurants or bars in the near area of the ground. Fans 4 Borussia Mönchengladbach's most fanatic supporters are housed in the lower tier of the Nord Kurve (North Stand), where more than 16,000 fans are packed in this standing area of the ground. In Germany, you can find only one larger standing area and that is at the Signal Iduna Park from German giants Borussia Dortmund - there 25,000 fans are packed together each match. The Borussia fans support their team all 90 minutes. Most of the fans when attending a match are dressed in a white (with green and black accents) home shirt. During the match, the vocal support is very good from both sides. Supporter groups are fired up by a ‘capo’ with a megaphone. Access 4 The access to Borussia Park is good. The stadium lies next to the motorway A61 which runs along the west side of the city. Take exit Holt and turn right onto the Aachener Strasse, try to find a parking place there. From there it takes you about 20 minutes by foot to get to the ground. When you are not going by car but prefer to go by train, there is a direct shuttle bus in operation from both the Mönchengladbach and Rheydt train stations. The shuttle bus takes less than 15 minutes to the ground. Return on Investment 5 With average prices for food and drinks, a delicious Bratwurst and a couple of beers, a ticket for a Bundesliga match at the cost of 27.50 euros for a seat in the lower tier behind the goal, a great atmosphere, a very attractive match with high-quality soccer and five goals (4-1), I couldn’t wish for more. Extras 4 If you want you can book a stadium tour and experience the Borussia Park in a completely different way. You can take a look behind the scenes with a guided tour that lasts some 90 minutes. This tour costs 9.00 euros for adults and 4.00 euros for children under 15 years of age. At Borussia Park, there is also a very large club shop where you can purchase the widest range of accessories and merchandise. Final Thoughts When you are in Germany and you want to visit a Bundesliga match, there are several Bundesliga clubs in the Ruhr-area to choose from. If you pick Borussia Mönchengladbach, you have picked a good option. Tickets for most matches are available online. I’m sure you will have a great football experience. Just don’t forget to try the Bratwurst!

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 SRP Park 187 Railroad Avenue North Augusta, SC 29841 Augusta GreenJackets website SRP Park website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,000 The GreenJackets Home Hive The Augusta GreenJackets are the Class Low A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. They play in the Carolina League. Their home hive is SRP Park in North Augusta, SC. It opened in 2018 and has a seating capacity of 4,782. The field dimensions are 330 LF, 395CF, and 318RF. The venue has 10 suites, with one suite available on a game-by-game basis. There is a long baseball tradition in the area, as the GreenJackets have been the farm team for the Atlanta Braves, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Boston Red Sox, and the San Francisco Giants. Among the 28 players who have played for the GreenJackets and gone on to the MLB are Adam Duvall, Sergio Romo, Kevin Youkilis, Jon Lester, Madison Bumgarner, Pablo Sandoval, and Tim Wakefield. Food & Beverage 4 There are four concession stands located around the SRP Park concourse. Each of the stands offers ballpark standards but also sells food items unique to that stand. Bee Sweet Ice Cream - This stand is located behind home plate. It offers all types of frozen treats and sweets. Back Nine Grill - Offers hot dogs, chicken fingers, nachos, fries, Carolina dogs (a beef hot dog served with pimento cheese, a spicy sauce and pulled pork). This stand also has pimento cheese sandwiches. The Bee-stro - Offers cheeseburgers, hot dogs and BBQ sandwiches. McGavins – Offers tacos and burritos. The Southbound Smokehouse offers sit-down service and a wide menu of BBQ items. The Sweetwater Beer Garden offers a wide range of craft beers. The park has Thirsty Thursday specials, with $2 beers and $4 soft drinks. Food can be ordered remotely by using the Appetize app. This saves you from getting in a lengthy line at the concession stand. All concession stands and the Hive Pro Shop operates on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 4 When you first see SRP Park, it is hard to believe it is a Low-Class A ballpark. It offers amenities typically found in AAA parks. First, you’ll notice the quality of the construction of the venue. It features a well-designed concourse that is wide and open towards the field. It features a grass berm down one baseline and a beer garden and terraced seating down the other baseline. Instead of one or two concession stands, it offers four stands that carry far beyond just the typical stadium fare. The seating bowl is so close to the field that you are never more than 15 rows from the action. The electronics package at SRP Park is also very impressive. It has a concert quality sound system and there is a huge videoboard in center field. All of this adds up to a quality experience for the family when you attend a GreenJacket baseball game. However, SRP also plays a significant role in the community. The stadium hosts charity events throughout the year, as well as concerts, the beginning of the school-year events, and other gatherings of interest to the community. In other words, the GreenJackets home hive has a heart for service to the community. Neighborhood 5 The home of the GreenJackets is the centerpiece of a planned community known as Riverside Village at Hammond Ferry. This live/work/play neighborhood lies along the Savannah River on the South Carolina side of the river. It includes apartments, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, office space, shops, and restaurants. There are three restaurants adjacent to the ballpark, including the Southbound Smokehouse, Brinkley’s Chop House, and the Rio Cantina. All three restaurants feature views into the ballpark. SRP Park also takes advantage of its proximity to the river with a unique feature just over the right field wall. The Taxslayer Terrace is an elevated platform that provides fans an overview of the baseball action if you look one way and a great view of the North Augusta Greenway, the Savannah River, and the city of Augusta, GA if you look the other way. Fans 4 Fans are feeling the love for both SRP Park and the GreenJacket team as attendance has increased more than 48% since the move from Lake Olmstead Park across the river to SRP Park. Season ticket sales continue to rise each succeeding season. Fans appreciate the much more comfortable seats as opposed to the former bleacher seating. The upgrades in the electronic package offered through the move have also been quite popular. The fans enjoy seeing themselves and their friends on the 22’ X 42’ videoboard in the outfield. Soldiers at the nearby Ft. Gordon Army installation are big fans of the GreenJackets. The team in turn offers tickets to soldiers in the area each Warrior Wednesday and honors a soldier each game with a Salute to a Soldier. The community is very appreciative of the team’s efforts away from the ballpark in visiting the area’s schools, nursing homes, and churches. Access 3 SRP Park is very easy to get to from either downtown Augusta, GA or via I-20. Parking is the Achilles heel of the stadium. There is a parking deck just outside SRP Ballpark on the left-field side of the complex. This parking area tends to fill very quickly. You then resort to using one of the offsite parking areas in downtown North Augusta, SC. It is best to consult the GreenJackets website , for a map of these remote locations. You will not have a long walk, as golf carts will transport you to and from the stadium. Once you arrive at SRP Park, you will find the stadium to be very accessible. Entry is available through any of the three gates into the stadium. Gates open one hour before the first pitch on weekdays and 90 minutes before the game on weekend games. All seats are located below the concourse, which runs 360 degrees around the field. The signage along the concourse is very clear and the marking for each aisle is easy to follow. Many people choose to watch at least part of the games from beyond the outfield walls in the ballpark. There are no seats in these areas, but drink rails are provided. This offers a unique view of the action on the field, and usually, it is not crowded. Return on Investment 4 SRP Park offers tickets at multiple price points. They include $15 for tickets behind home plate, $13 for seats behind the dugouts, $11 for seats along the right/left base lines and $10 for standing room only/general admission on the berm near the left field foul pole. Special discounts are offered to first responders on Tuesdays and military personnel on Wednesdays. Augusta is home to Fort Gordon, a major military base. Parking is $5 in the ballpark parking deck, or any of the remote locations in downtown North Augusta, SC. Golf cart shuttles will transport fans to and from the ballpark from these remote locations. Extras 3 SRP Park is built in the shape of the state of South Carolina. Augusta has a long-standing love affair with Pimento cheese sandwiches. This is because it is one of the most popular foods available at The Masters Golf Tournament. The GreenJackets serve Pimento cheese sandwiches throughout the baseball season. They also serve Pimento cheese hot dogs and Pimento cheese hamburgers. Each year the team changes into their alter ego of the Augusta Pimento Cheeses. They wear Pimento cheese-themed uniforms, which are auctioned for charity after the game. SRP Park received the Ballpark of the Year awards from both the Ballpark Digest and Ballparks.com when it opened in 2018. Final Thoughts SRP Park and the GreenJackets continue to generate buzz in the minor-league baseball community. The facility offers amenities that are not usually found in Low Class A level stadiums. These amenities include theatre-style seating, a 360-degree concourse, a top-of-the-line video board in the outfield, and terrific views of both the field and the Savannah River thanks to the TaxSlayer Terrace in right field.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Twenty Baseball Field 1701 N State St Jackson, MS 39202 Millsaps College Majors website Twenty Baseball Fields website Year Opened: 1913 Capacity: 500 Major League: Back to the Majors Millsaps College is a private Methodist college located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, in the Historic Belhaven Neighborhood. The small college of 700 students opened its doors in 1890 when Civil War veteran Major Reuben Webster Millsaps donated $550,000 and the land for the college, situated on 100 acres. Named after Major Millsaps, and nicknamed the Majors, the athletic teams here compete at the Division III level in the Southern Athletic Association. Millsaps is the only college in Mississippi that competes in the conference, and they are also the smallest school in the conference. Baseball is one of 18 sports fielded by Millsaps College, and is also the oldest sport here, with the first year of baseball taking place in 1913. The Majors originally competed in D1 during those early years, competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, a precursor to the SEC, and the Dixie Conference until 1954, before moving down to the D2 level. The Majors joined D3 in 1989, joining the Southern Collegiate Athletic Association (SCAC), but in 2013 Millsaps and seven other schools from the SCAC branched off and formed their own conference, the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) – in their first year in the SAA the Majors advanced to their first ever D3 College World Series. After 35 years of competing in D3 the Majors have won 8 SCAC conference championships and 1 SAA conference championship, the latter in 2013 and the same year they went to the D3 World Series. In addition, the Majors have been to the NCAA D3 Regionals 8 times, with the most recent regional appearance occurring in 2015. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concessions table set up down the first base line; the only items on the menu are popcorn, nachos, pretzels, chips, and canned coke products. Nothing particularly stands out on the menu other than food prices range from $2 to $3, with sodas at $1.50. Unless you absolutely have to get something to eat at the stadium, I'd recommend getting something to eat before or after the game instead – there are plenty of Jackson restaurants nearby to choose from. However, you are also allowed to bring your own food and drinks to the baseball games here, which I saw many people doing. Atmosphere 3 The Majors play on-campus at Historic Twenty Baseball Field; the field originally opened in the early 1900s but was re-dedicated in the mid-1980s as Twenty Baseball Field, named after the 20 individuals who donated a minimum of $20,000 each to the college. Twenty Baseball Field is a nice small ballpark nestled between all the rest of the Millsaps sports facilities on the north side of campus. The stadium's facade is a brick press box behind home plate, with a cinderblock grandstand that extends down the first and third base lines. Twenty Baseball Field holds seating for about 500 fans; a bronze plaque sits at the third base entrance with the names of the twenty individuals for whom the field is named, while another plaque pays tribute to former player Tait Hendrix (2006-09), who passed away in 2014 following a motorcycle accident. The grandstand features the typical metal bleachers that extend down the first and third base lines, while about 80 chairback seats sit behind home plate. A cool thing about the bleachers and chairback seats is that they are in the Majors colors of purple and black. The field faces northwest with dimensions of 365-390-365. Along the outfield wall are all the past achievements of the Millsaps Baseball team, including the 2013 College World Series banner that hangs next to the unusually tall batter’s eye in center field. Beyond the outfield wall the field is lined with about 10 15-foot-high pine trees like you would see in the south – the trees were planted in the past 20 years and are just tall enough to peek over the outfield fence, to add that Mississippi feel to the ballpark. The trees do not block the view from the small party deck, which sits in right field. The J. Con Maloney Practice Facility sits down the left field line, which houses locker rooms, weight rooms and indoor batting cages. Maloney, a former ballplayer at Millsaps in the 1960s, is an important man in the Jackson area. He is the founder of the Jackson-based appliance chain Cowboy Maloney's Electric City, as well as being a longtime owner of the Double A Jackson Mets (1975-90) and the Jackson Generals (1991-99). The Millsaps softball complex and tennis courts sit beyond the fence in right field, while the track and field complex sits behind center field, and historic campus buildings, as well as the football stadium, take up the view from behind home plate. The huge stadium that sits across the street and looms over the Millsaps campus is the historic 60,000-seat Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, home of the Jackson State Tigers Football team. Neighborhood 3 Jackson is a beautiful city, with plenty to do for all ages. Just north of campus is the Fondren District; located near the Ole Miss Med School, this is Jackson's nightlife area, and you will find numerous bars and restaurants on this one block strip. You will find lawyers, government officials, and college students hanging out at Fondren Public, a cool bar known for its wide selection of games inside and out in the courtyard, including bocce ball, shuffleboard, giant Jenga, and a multitude of board games to name just in a few. Other popular restaurants in the Fondren District include Pig & Pint BBQ, Walker's Drive In, Highball Lanes Bowling Alley, The Pearl, Saltine Oyster Bar, and Roosters, but another place I recommend checking out nearby is Brent's Drugs – from the outside it looks just like a regular pharmacy, and with its soda fountain it is very reminiscent of a 50s-style diner. However, in the back there is a speakeasy-style bar that was used during prohibition; this bar gets very packed at night. For other bars and restaurants near downtown there is Hal and Mals, known for its live music, Fenian's Pub, known for its Irish setting, the dive pub Old Tavern on George Street, or Underground 119, which is a cool little underground blues club located near the capital. In recent years Jackson has gained a reputation as a not so safe city, but as long as you are aware of your surroundings and don't venture too far away from downtown you should be fine. For those interested in the state's rich history you can visit the state’s Capitol Building, also located downtown. Also nearby is the Old Capitol Building (used until 1904), which has now been converted into a history museum. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum sits nearby as well, and I recommend checking it out as well. The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame also sits downtown and is a must visit as well. For outdoors lovers there is the popular Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs just north of Jackson – the beautiful, paved trail runs from Natchez to Nashville and is a beautiful spot to ride a bike. The Ross Barnett Reservoir is a huge lake nearby, popular for boating and fishing, and if you are interested in camping check out LaFleur's Bluff State Park, located just across the interstate from Millsaps campus. Fans 2 For weekday games the Majors average about 100-150 fans per game, while for weekend games expect about 250 fans per game. Many of the fans in the grandstand are family and friends of players, and most of these fans are laid back and relaxed. There are also some people who bring folding chairs and sit along the baselines as well. Many of the students hang out on the Right Field Party Deck, and there are a good number of students grilling out beyond the right field fence. When the Majors play Belhaven expect a few more people – Belhaven is another small D3 school located a block away from Millsaps campus; the two schools share a heated rivalry and meet up every year in the Cowboy Maloney's Electric City Cup every year. Access 3 Millsaps College is conveniently located right off I-55 in downtown Jackson; the campus is located north of the State Capitol and Business District in a mostly residential area of town, a couple of blocks away from Belhaven University. When coming to Millsaps, the Woodrow Wilson Drive exit off I-55 is your best bet – just take rush hour traffic into account, as the interstate tends to back up quickly, especially during weeknight games. The campus can be easy to miss as it is pretty small, but just follow Woodrow Wilson Drive until you get to the State Street intersection, and the campus is right there. There is a small parking lot at the main entrance right next to the ballpark. During school days this parking lot can fill up quickly, so I recommend parking at the parking garage located on campus. The college is really small, so walking from the parking garage to the ballpark won't take long. Once at Twenty Baseball Field you should have no problem getting around. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are free, parking is free, and you are getting to see a really nice ballpark for a D3 facility. In fact, all of Millsaps Athletic Facilities stick out for a small school, and it is possible to view each one of them before the baseball game. There is also a nice disc golf course that goes around all the athletic facilities, which makes for a great thing to do before the game. The odds are you aren't watching any future Major Leaguers on the field, but still this is Mississippi small college baseball at its finest. Extras 3 In baseball the Majors are coached by Jim Page; entering his 38th season as of 2023, Page is the fifth winningest head coach in Mississippi college baseball history. The Majors have had four players play in the MLB, and two players drafted. Perhaps the best player to come out of Millsaps is pitcher Claude Passeau, who played for the Pirates , Phillies , and Cubs between 1935 and 1947. The 5x All-Star and NL strikeout leader in 1939 played football, baseball and basketball for Millsaps from 1928-31, and later pitched for the Cubs in the 1945 World Series. Another famous Millsaps alum is former Yankees right fielder Sammy Vick, who was on the first Millsaps baseball team in 1913; Vick played for the Yankees from 1917-1920, and during that 1920 season he shared the outfield with Babe Ruth. There is a pretty impressive tribute to the baseball team on display in the Maurice Hall Activities Building next door to Twenty Baseball Field – if you have time to walk around before the game they have a nice display filled with old trophies and news clippings showing the history of all the Majors sports programs; they even had a signed Passeau card on display. Millsaps College has quite an impressive history for a small D3 college. The land the college was built on was the site of the Battle of Jackson during the Civil War; the entire campus is also lined with old buildings, historic statues, and cannons from the Civil War, and Major Millsaps is even buried on campus in a huge mausoleum honoring him and his wife. The College also played an important role during World War II, as the school was selected as a Navy training school, and a total of 873 officer candidates came through Millsaps during World War II. One of the notable graduates of the school during this time was late night host Johnny Carson. The College has also played host to Presidential campaigns, welcomed two presidents, and in 1953 welcomed Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin in concert on campus. The college has also played a crucial role in the state's sports history as well – the first golf course in Mississippi was built on Millsaps campus in 1901, although it has long been abandoned. The first night football game in Mississippi was also played on the Millsaps campus in 1931 against Mississippi A&M (now Mississippi State). In addition, the basketball team plays in the affectionately named "Hangar Dome", which is a former airplane hangar from World War II. In addition, from 2006-2008 the New Orleans Saints held training camp on the surrounding practice fields around the track and field complex beyond center field; it could be said that the Drew Brees-Sean Payton era began right here at Millsaps, as 2006 was the first year for both with the Saints .

Photos by Chris Patton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Coaches Stadium at Monier Field 1905 4th St Charleston, IL 61920 Eastern Illinois Panthers website Coaches Stadium at Monier Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 500 14 Pillars of Coaches The facility formerly known as Monier Field underwent a renovation in 2002 and reopened as Coaches Stadium at Monier Field. The Eastern Illinois Panthers baseball team has played on this site since it began competing in NCAA Division I in 1982. The stadium features 14 brick pillars, each honoring a previous Panthers head coach. The seating area is made up of 500 blue chair back seats in five sections behind the backstop. There is also room for fans to stretch out down the first and third baselines. Eastern Illinois baseball is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. The Panthers have participated in different levels of the sport throughout the years: NAIA, NCAA College Division, and NCAA Division II. EIU has made two trips to the NCAA Division I Tournament, first in 1999 and most recently in 2008. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concession stand on the back side of the seating structure. The limited offerings available are hot dogs ($2.75), a 32 oz. cup of popcorn ($2) and assorted candy ($1.25). Pepsi products, Gatorade, and water (all $2) come in 20 oz. bottles. Alcohol is prohibited in the stadium. Atmosphere 3 One of the highlights of a game at Coaches Stadium is the amount of work put in by the Sports Information and Marketing students. Contests begin the second you walk through the gates. The baseball bingo cards contain a $5 off coupon to Buffalo Wild Wings in nearby Mattoon, so even if you are not the winner, you still have a prize. Staffers walk up to attendees asking them to pick who will score the first EIU run, with the winner taking home a gift certificate to a local pub. Between-inning activities may include things like a pie-eating contest and an inflatable horse race. As with most Midwestern college baseball stadiums, the atmosphere depends on the weather. If the weather is nice, expect to see a large turnout from the student body. If it’s cold and wet, family and close friends will make up the bulk of the crowd. The playing surface is dirt and grass, with the only artificial turf being a ring right behind home plate with “PANTHERS” spelled out. The dimensions are 340 feet down the lines, 360 to the power alleys, and 380 to the straightaway center. Behind the left field wall is your garden variety scoreboard, with no video board. Fans entering the park are offered two full pages worth of game notes, similar to what you would see in the press box. While the sheets do not include a scorecard, they do include rosters and statistics for both teams, along with Ohio Valley Conference standings and an EIU schedule. Neighborhood 3 Coaches Stadium, along with the rest of Eastern Illinois’ athletic facilities, is located on the west side of campus between 4th Street and Grant Avenue. The diamond is just a couple blocks away from Charleston’s main road, Lincoln Avenue. If the weather is nice, you will see folks drinking at Marty’s, just across 4th Street from Lantz Arena. Marty’s might be more of the college scene than you want if you’re not an Eastern alum looking to relive your glory days. Dirty’s Bar and Grill is right off of Lincoln Avenue and features an extensive food and drink menu. Dirty’s promotes its six homemade sauces (Buffalo, Apple Q, Kansas City Style Q, Yum Yum, Sweet Chili, and Honey Mustard) and its 20 specialty martinis. An order of ten chicken wings (tossed in one of the homemade sauces) is $8 and the specialty martinis start at $6. If you are in a hurry and need something fast and reliable, why not get a sandwich in the town where the Jimmy John’s sandwich chain started in 1983? The Charleston store is no longer in the original building, but the sign identifies the location as “Store #00001.” If I’m in Charleston, though, I’d consider heading a few miles out of the way to nearby Mattoon, Illinois, and visiting Burger King. The Mattoon Burger King is not related to the chain and has been in operation since 1957. The family-owned restaurant features a variety of sandwiches and ice cream treats but is best known for its burgers. A double cheeseburger, small fries, and extra large drink costs less than $7 and is delicious. Fans 3 The majority of the crowd is clearly family and close friends of the players and coaches. There are also a good number of students who walk over from nearby on-campus housing to enjoy the game. While the crowd isn’t huge, they are vocally behind their team. Access 3 Most game attendees park in the lot between Lantz Arena and Coaches Stadium and player families also tailgate in this lot. Pay special attention to signage in the lot if you attend a game during the week. The spots are far enough back from the stadium so you should not have to worry about your car getting hit by a foul ball. Another option for parking is the O’Brien Field lot. EIU’s football stadium is also close enough to park and walk to Coaches Stadium without having to worry about dents to your vehicle. You should be able to utilize this lot during both weekday and weekend games. The stadium has a few port-a-potties down the third base line, next to the visitor’s dugout. O’Brien Field will also be open on baseball game days and features indoor plumbing. Return on Investment 4 Parking and admission are free and the most expensive thing at the concession stand will run you $2.75. You won’t be able to find much better value in Division I sports, especially if you attend a game on a sunny weekend day after a cold, Midwestern winter. Extras 3 On the left field wall, there are banners honoring two players who have had their numbers retired and another banner honoring a fallen Panther, whose name might be familiar to football fans. Former All-Star pitcher Marty Pattin had his #19 retired in 2009, while long-time, big league infielder Kevin Seitzer had his #2 retired in 2012. Former NFL offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who succumbed to cancer in 2011, played center field (and wide receiver) for the Panthers in the early 1970s and is remembered via a banner on the fence. Before you enter the stadium, you will notice 14 brick pillars, with each honoring a previous Eastern Illinois head coach. The pillars list the coaches’ names and their years of service. The outer wall also features plaques honoring the Eastern Illinois squads that reached the NCAA Division II College World Series, first in 1978 and again in 1981. The plaques list the teams’ overall records and the scores of their College World Series games, along with the names of the players and coaching staff. Final Thoughts The history and tradition of the Eastern Illinois baseball program are alive and well at Coaches Stadium. The facility is comfortable and the game presentation rivals that are found at many minor league stadiums.

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

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium 1396 Stadium Road Brookings, SD 57006 South Dakota State Jackrabbits website Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 19,340 The Jackrabbits’ Burrow on the Great Plains South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a land grant university founded in 1881. It is located in Brookings, SD. The school offers more than 220 majors and is most famous for its work in the agricultural field. More than 11,000 students attend SDSU. The athletic teams at SDSU are known as the Jackrabbits. The football program at SDSU got underway in 1889 and has played in every season since, except for the war years of 1918 and 1943. The current team plays at the FCS level of competition as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The team has been a powerhouse in the FCS under Coach John Stiegelmeier, as it has gone to the FCS playoffs 12 times and has gone to the playoffs for eleven consecutive seasons as of 2023. In 2022 the Jackrabbits won the FCS National Championship with a victory over North Dakota State University. Coach Steigelmeier retired after the 2022 season. The home of the Jackrabbits is the 19,340-seat Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. Dana J. Dykhouse is a former player for SDSU who made a major donation towards the stadium’s construction. The stadium replaced Coughlin-Alumni Stadium, which served the Jackrabbits for more than 50 years. The on-campus stadium opened in time for the 2016 season. Since moving into Dykhouse Stadium the Jackrabbits have a record of 71-22. Food & Beverage 3 The opening of Dykhouse Stadium has enhanced the food and beverage program at SDSU. There are now 56 points of sale in the six concession stands spread equally around the stadium. The concession stands are staffed by volunteers from local community organizations who get a portion of the stand’s proceeds to fund their missions. The stands offer your typical stadium standards of hot dogs, hamburgers, tacos, popcorn, and sodas. Beer can be sold inside the stadium. All persons wishing to purchase beer must show proof of age and receive a wristband upon entering the stadium before they will be served. Sales of beer are cut off at the end of the third quarter. Atmosphere 4 Jackrabbit fans and visitors alike are raving about the sightlines and amenities at Dykhouse Stadium. Most of the seats in the venue are seatback seating. The exception to this is the bleacher seating found at the south end of the stadium. This section is used for the SDSU student section, as well as The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band. Special amenities at Dykhouse Stadium include 150 loge seats that are protected from the elements, as well as 27 suites that can hold 15-20 people each. Other improvements include a soy-based turf field, a greatly expanded press box, and the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex behind the north end zone. This facility houses locker rooms, coach's offices, training facilities, and an indoor practice facility. By far the most obvious improvement in the fan experience is the 3,100 square-foot LED video board atop the south stands. The video board was built by Daktronics, whose world headquarters is just down the street from SDSU. The stadium also utilizes the yellow and blue school colors of SDSU throughout the venue, creating even more school spirit than a plain steel structure. Neighborhood 3 The immediate neighborhood surrounding Dykhouse Stadium is the SDSU campus. If the weather is nice, it is a beautiful campus with stunning architecture and lots of trees. One on-campus spot we heartily recommend is the SDSU Dairy Bar. It offers more than 100 ice cream flavors. The cookies and cream flavor was invented by the SDSU dairy program! The campus is in Brookings, SD, which is located 55 miles north of Sioux Falls, SD (which is the closest airport with commercial air traffic). It is just west of I-29 in the eastern portion of the state. It is a small town with lots of mom-and-pop stores. Most of the lodging in the Brookings area is concentrated at the I-29 interchange. However, the Comfort Suites University is located adjacent to the campus. We have several recommendations as far as restaurants and bars in the area. If you are on a budget or have kids with you, head to Nick’s Hamburgers in downtown Brookings. They’ve been in business since 1929 and offer a tasty burger with their special seasoning. After you’ve finished your burger, try one of their thick shakes or a slice of their delicious pies. For a more sophisticated meal, head to the Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge, which has been around since 1949. There are also two brewhouses in Brookings. Eponymous Brewing Company and Wooden Legs Brewing Company offer a variety of craft beers. There are several interesting attractions in Brookings. McCrory Gardens is adjacent to the SDSU campus and offers 25 acres of gardens and a 45-acre arboretum. The Agricultural Heritage Museum features the history of farming in South Dakota and has some great displays of farm equipment from past eras. Fans 4 The Jackrabbits have one of the most “rabbit” fanbases in the Missouri Valley Conference. The spirit groups at the school do a great job of getting the fans fired up for the game. The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band plays a great selection of music along with the fight song that is played after each Jackrabbit score. The student body is seated to the left and the right of the band and is known as the Rabbit Den. Many choose to wear a uniform of striped bib jeans featuring the school colors. They can get very creative with their cheers. Another aspect of the fan base at SDSU is the tailgaters. They arrive as early as five hours before kickoff to set up some impressive spreads of food. They also do a masterful job of decorating their tailgate in the school colors. One of the most cherished traditions for the tailgates is the Jackrabbit Team Walk before the game. This procession includes the cheerleaders and The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band. Access 4 It is relatively easy to get to Dykhouse Stadium from I-29. Take the US 29 exit off I-29 and head west on Sixth Street (US 29). Turn right onto Jackrabbit Avenue. Parking is available at the roundabout located at the intersection of Jackrabbit Avenue and University Boulevard. These are general public parking spaces, and they charge $10 in cash to park. The other lots are used by the season ticket holders or for the RV’s that travel to SDSU games. Once you head over to the stadium from your car, there are five large gates to the venue. Gates open 90 minutes before the kickoff, leaving you plenty of time to get to your seats. You will find the concourses to be much wider than they have been in the past, and signage to get you to your seats is excellent. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Jackrabbits game at Dykhouse Stadium will not burn a hole in your pocket. Tickets, food purchases, and parking are all quite reasonably priced when compared with other stadiums at the same level of competition. Single-game tickets for Jackrabbit games are surprisingly low priced considering SDSU’s success in the FCS playoffs in recent years. Ticket prices begin at $17 (seats along the goal line and in the 200 level of the stadium), then go up to $22 (seats along the 20's) and top out at $32 (seats along the 50-yard line. The concessions at Dykhouse Stadium are also very reasonably priced, as they compare favorably to the prices you would find at a grocery store. Parking at SDSU games is $10 cash. Extras 3 The Jackrabbits have sent more than 50 players on to play in professional football. Among the more familiar names are NFL Hall of Famer Jim Langer, Pete Retzlaff, Steve Heiden, Dallas Goedert and Adam Vinatieri. The Jackrabbits have several rivalry games each season against some of their regional opponents. The game against the University of South Dakota is part of the Showdown Series in which the schools compete in all sports, with the school with the most athletic wins in meetings between the schools winning the trophy for the next year. The Beef Bowl recognizes the Beef Industry as a major contributor to the South Dakota economy. There is a BBQ before the game, and a live steer is auctioned off during the halftime activities. The game against North Dakota State is the Dakota Marker game, with the winner taking home the Marker trophy for the next year. The Homecoming game is known as Hobo Day. It has been an SDSU tradition since 1912. Male students are encouraged not to shave in the week before the game so that they have a scruffy appearance and women are urged to let their hair go wild. At halftime, a Hobo King and Queen are chosen. Final Thoughts Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium at South Dakota State University provides a very enjoyable environment in which to enjoy a Jackrabbits football game. The stadium is relatively new compared with many of the other Missouri Valley Conference schools. The pregame experience gets you off to a great start, with some awesome tailgating. Once inside you’ll be able to keep up with the game with the assistance of the massive videoboard atop the end zone. Best of all, it will not cost you an arm and a leg to enjoy the game….so hop to it.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 The Diamond 3001 N Blvd Richmond, VA 23230 Richmond Flying Squirrels website The Diamond website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 9,560 When Will The Squirrels Get A New Home? When the Richmond Braves left Richmond for Gwinnett in 2008, the city was left without a team for the first time since 1965. The baseball hiatus in the capital was thankfully short-lived however, because in 2009 it was announced that the Double-A Connecticut Defenders would relocate to Richmond in 2010. The Richmond Flying Squirrels began playing at the Diamond in 2010 with the promise that a new ballpark would be built in a couple of years. However, thirteen years later, the Squirrels are still playing in the Diamond. A new stadium is supposed to be completed by 2026, which cannot come soon enough. The Diamond is old, unkept, dirty, and is just a dungy place to visit. The lack of upkeep outside the stadium and in the parking areas (trash everywhere, old pallets piled up in parking lot/sidewalks) just gives. Food & Beverage 3 The majority of food at the Diamond is standard ballpark food. Items range from hot dogs to chicken sandwiches to chicken tenders as main courses. Snack items include nachos, soft pretzels, peanuts, cracker jacks, fries, mozzarella sticks, etc. A couple of fan favorites are the MacBrisket Bowl and the Buffalo Drumsticks. Bottled Pepsi products are available, as well as coffee and hot chocolate. Domestic beer and craft beer are also available. Atmosphere 2 The Diamond is a huge chunk of concrete that resembles a cut-out of the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The stadium was built in 1985 and its age shows. It is a stadium whose time has passed. However, when the Flying Squirrels moved into the stadium in 2010, all 3,200 seats in the lower bowl were replaced. The lower bowl is the best place to sit as it is intimate and close to the action. The seats on the upper deck are old and dirty, and we do not recommend sitting there. Neighborhood 3 There is not much to do right around The Diamond, and it is in some uninteresting part of town. Across the street from the stadium is the Greyhound Bus Station, and on either side of the ballpark is the Arthur Ashe Athletic Center and Sports Backers Stadium, home of the VCU soccer team. There is nowhere to eat within walking distance. Your best bet is to drive, and in a couple-mile radius, there are several good options for eating and drinking: ZZQ Barbecue, En Su Boca, Boulevard Burger and Brew, and Hardy Park Craft Brewery. A couple miles away on Broad Street is Buz n Neds BBQ which is also a great spot. There is also a movie theater nearby, Movieland at Boulevard Square, which is housed in an old manufacturing warehouse. Also nearby are the Children’s Museum of Richmond and the Science Museum of Virginia. Fans 5 Despite not being rewarded with a new stadium, baseball fans across show up in force to see the Flying Squirrels. In 2023, the Squirrels were the Double-A attendance champions who had over 428,000 fans throughout the season, which is over 6,000 average attendance per game. Access 3 The Diamond is located just off Interstates 95 and 64 near downtown Richmond and is easy to get to from wherever you may be traveling from, including Richmond International Airport. There is plenty of parking around the Diamond for $5. However, if you park behind the outfield wall, where most of the parking is, you have to walk all the way around to the front gate as there are no outfield gates, and the side gates are not utilized. There are no direct sidewalks either, so you have to meander your way through cars and random barriers in the parking lot. Tickets can be bought at the ticket window near the main entrance, with both cash and card accepted, or online in advance. The concourse is small and can get cramped when there are big crowds. Restrooms are located on the first and third base lines and have diaper-changing stations. There is an elevator near the main entrance for the handicapped and to a large, handicapped seating area on the concourse level directly behind the home plate. Return on Investment 2 Squirrels ticket prices range from $10-$20 which is on par with most minor league teams. However, due to the poor condition of the Diamond, it is simply not worth it. Extras 2 One extra point for the free game program, and one extra point for the friendly mascots Nutzy and Nutasha who make their way around the ballpark to take pictures with kids and families. Final Thoughts While the Squirrels have been a competitive team of late and have drawn well, the condition of the ballpark makes the entire experience lacking. Hopefully, the city of Richmond will keep its word and have a new ballpark for the team by 2026, but until brick and mortar are present it is doubtful. The team and their fans certainly deserve it! Unless you are definitely keen on seeing the Squirrels play or a certain player, we would recommend waiting until a new ballpark is built to go to a Flying Squirrels game.

Photos by Paul Baker and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Cardines Field 20 America’s Cup Ave. Newport, RI 02840 Newport Gulls website Cardines Field website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 3,000 The Cozy Confines of Cardines Baseball has been played on the site of Cardines Field since the late 1800s. Once known as “The Basin,” this location was used as a source of water for steam locomotives serving Newport. The stagnant water drew the ire of local residents due to its odor, so it was allowed to dry out and was converted to use for baseball. A backstop was erected in 1908, but complaints from neighbors over broken windows halted the factory league that used the site. In 1919 the Sunset League, which still plays today, was founded. It’s the oldest amateur league in the United States. However, by 1936 the ballpark had fallen into disrepair and would become unusable after rainy days. Surrounded by dilapidated houses and broken fences, the ballpark was in danger of falling out of use. The city of Newport purchased the field from the railroad at this time and made massive improvements to the site through the WPA. Stone bleachers with wooden seats were constructed. Locker rooms and bathroom facilities were built, and billboards were erected to protect local houses and serve as the outfield wall. The distinctive curved grandstand was soon added, as were lights. As beloved as Cardines Field is within the local community today, it was in danger of demolition in the 1980s and 1990s. Plans were made to replace the field with a parking lot. Local groups were able to raise funds to renovate the ballpark and save it from extinction. Today the Friends of Cardines continue to make improvements to the facility. Over the years, legendary names such as Jimmy Foxx, Larry Doby and Satchel Paige have played at Cardines. The Newport Gulls arrived in Newport in 2001 after playing for three seasons in Cranston, Rhode Island. They have quickly become the flagship team of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, winning six league championships and eleven division titles. 30 former Gulls have reached the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand down the right field line that serves a decent variety of food for a small stand. Typical ballpark fare, including hot dogs, burgers and French fries anchor the menu. There is a wide selection of snack items available, including soft-serve ice cream. Cans of Coca-Cola beverages are sold here. No alcohol is sold at Cardines Field. For many years, one of the more unique and popular features of Cardines Field was the tavern attached to the ballpark which featured a patio overlooking the field. The facility has been converted to an event space which can be rented out for meetings, parties and the like. The signature patio is still available for rental. Atmosphere 4 At an older facility like Cardines, you would expect a more traditional gameday presentation. This is not necessarily the case here in Newport. There are many decidedly small-town touches here, and the connection between the team and the community is strong, but there is a lot going on here in the cozy confines of Cardines. With a great percentage of the crowd made up of younger fans, much of what goes on at a Gulls game is geared towards them. There are many between-inning contests and distractions to be had, from the donut eating contest and base race to the “Tag the Mascot” race. The winners bring home gift certificates from local merchants. For the adults, there is a 50/50 raffle. With so many fans jammed into a small facility, there’s a definite buzz in the stands for a Gulls game. Adding to the atmosphere is the Gulls long-time Public Address announcer, Dan O’Hanley, who delivers lineup and sponsor announcements with a mix of small-town, old-timey style and dry wit. He offers a marked contrast to the chaos going on all around him. Neighborhood 5 Cardines Field is located at the northern edge of the Brick Market, an area full of shops, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. From local pubs to five-star restaurants, there is something for everyone just steps from Cardines Field. Of course, in a seaside resort city like Newport, you would expect incredible seafood to highlight the local menus, and the eateries of Newport will not disappoint. Just two blocks from the ballpark is The White Horse Tavern, which is one of the oldest restaurants in the nation, in operation since 1673. The city of Newport offers much to do beyond the immediate vicinity of Cardines Field. Among the many attractions of this oceanside city are the Newport Art Museum, Fort Adams, the Gilded Age Mansions, the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Touro Synagogue. Newport also offers several wonderful white-sand beaches and spectacular ocean views at Brenton Point State Park. Visitors to Newport should be sure to check out Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile-long trail which offers incredible views of the beaches and mansions along Belleview Avenue. Fans 5 Newport is annually among the tops of the national attendance rankings for all summer collegiate baseball teams. The Gulls annually average over 2,300 fans per game, leading the NECBL by a wide margin and good for the top ten in the nation. In Newport you’ll find fans that have been supporting the team since day one in their usual spots, an impressive feat in a place without reserved seats. You’ll see families enjoying an affordable night out in Newport (not an easy thing to do), young adults here to catch a game before heading out to the nearby clubs, and casual fans here to soak up the unique energy of Cardines Field. Even though there’s not a whole lot of room to roam, you’ll find the kids in attendance manage to stay in constant motion, helping to bring a ton of energy to the old yard. Access 2 Newport is a small city of approximately 25,000 residents located on the southern edge of Aquidneck Island. Located about 35 miles south of Providence, Newport is not served directly by any highways, meaning that you’ll have to give yourself some time to arrive in town. Once in Newport, the crush of summer tourists and narrow colonial-era streets mean that getting around the city can be difficult. When you’re talking about a century-old ballpark without any real modern conveniences, access is once again going to be an issue. The ballpark is made up of a hodge-podge of five different grandstands, built at different stages of the ballpark’s history. A walkway at the front of the seating area connects sections and is constantly clogged with fans moving around the facility. Some fans will actually leave the facility on one side and walk around the outside of the ballpark to re-enter on the other side. Believe it or not, this is the easiest way to get around Cardines Field. By going around Cardines Field. Cardines Field features recently renovated, if smallish, rest rooms on the third base side of the field. The concession stand is located at the end of the right field stands. A small souvenir stand is located outside the ballpark on the first base side. With the great amount of movement at the ballpark, it is recommended that you avoid the first couple of rows of seating. The old wooden bleachers can be difficult to climb, but the reward of the views of the field from the top rows and the breeze off the nearby ocean is worth the effort. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are sold as general admission seats priced at five dollars, with seniors (55+), members of the military and students admitted for two dollars and children twelve and under admitted for just one dollar. Parking in Newport can be quite expensive, but Gulls fans can park across the street from Cardines Field at the Newport Visitor’s Center for just two dollars with your ticket stub. There is some on-street parking available on neighborhood streets, but spots are hard to come by. Pay attention to street signs as many streets in the area are reserved for residents only. Extras 4 The physical layout of Cardines Field is such that there are many ground rules unique to this ballpark. Both dugouts are on the same side of the field. The two teams share a bullpen and on-deck circle (which are incredibly close to the batter). The outfield fence juts in and out at strange angles due to the presence of homes beyond the outfield. The height of the outfield fence varies due to tree branches that hang over the fence (any ball hitting the trees is an automatic home run). The right field foul line is a warehouse. There is a light pole that is in play out in right field. Fans in attendance are warned throughout the game that the chasing of foul balls is not allowed at Cardines Field. With the busy city streets surrounding the field, a foul ball is a risky proposition. Any fan chasing a foul ball on the streets will not be readmitted. As a result of the cozy confines of Cardines Field, you can expect to see a lot of doubles and home runs here at a Gulls game. The total lack of foul territory means no extra outs will be had, wild pitches are at a minimum, and offensive opportunities are plentiful. If you like high-scoring games, you’ll love Cardines Field. Final Thoughts They certainly don’t build them like Cardines Field anymore. This historic ballpark, filled with features not seen anywhere else, is a relic from another time. Cardines Field is frequently mentioned as one of the top places in the country to watch summer wood-bat baseball. Located in a seaside city with great restaurants, attractions and lodging options, a trip to Newport should be on the short list for any ballpark chaser. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Dodd Stadium 14 Stott Ave Norwich, CT 06360 Norwich Sea Unicorns website Dodd Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 6,270 A Future for Dodd Stadium Senator Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium was built in the eastern Connecticut city of Norwich in 1995. Senator Dodd was a Norwich native who served two terms in both the House of Representatives and the Senate between 1952 and 1964. Dodd may be best known as part of the prosecution team at the Nuremburg Trials. Several teams have called Dodd Stadium over its history. The Norwich Navigators, the AA Eastern League affiliate of the New York Yankees, called Dodd home through 2003, when they moved their affiliation to Trenton, New Jersey. The San Francisco Giants then set up shop in Norwich, rebranding the team as the Connecticut Defenders in 2006. Facing steadily declining attendance, the team moved to Richmond, Virginia for the 2010 season. Filling the vacuum immediately was the New York-Penn League, which was looking to move out of their traditional footprint into more modern ballparks. The Connecticut Tigers were born and spent ten seasons in Norwich. The Tigers and the city of Norwich were victims of Minor League Baseball’s reorganization in the winter of 2021. The Tigers, who had rebranded as the Norwich Sea Unicorns for the canceled 2020 season, were eliminated along with the rest of the New York-Penn League. It was a particularly cruel blow when you consider the team and city had partnered to make almost one million dollars in improvements to the ballpark after the 2019 season. Filling the void was the summer collegiate wood-bat Futures League, which is made up mostly of teams playing in former minor league ballparks around New England. You may be asking yourself, “What is a Sea Unicorn?” A sea unicorn is a colorful term for a narwal. The team’s logo shows a narwal decked out in a jacket and captain’s hat in tribute to Norwich’s seafaring history. It also serves as a nod to the nearby Naval Submarine Base in Groton and the Coast Guard Academy in New London, both located just a short drive from Dodd Stadium. The Sea Unicorn in the logo sports a rose tattoo, an homage to Norwich’s nickname, the Rose City. Food & Beverage 5 Even though it seems everything at Dodd Stadium has been downsized, the concessions remain a strong point of the game day experience here. Most of the concession stands remain open for Sea Unicorn games, and they remain well-staffed. All the ballpark basics can be found here, including hot dogs, burgers, nachos, sausage and pepper sandwiches, chicken tenders and fries. Upgrade your dog with some chili or add some cheese to your fries for an extra dollar. A kid’s meal with a hot dog, fries and bottle of water is only $8. Coca-Cola products are featured at Dodd Stadium. In a strange twist unique to all Connecticut venues, all drinks are sold in bottles only. No fountain drinks are available. Visiting fans looking for snacks will be pleased to find pretzels, peanuts and popcorn among the offerings. The Hole in the Wall Pub sells several brands of draft beer, as well as cans for those who prefer their beverage wrapped in aluminum. The Port Side Pours stand features a variety of brews from Gray Sail Brewing, including the "Beer to be Named Later." Atmosphere 3 With only a few hundred people in a 6,200-seat ballpark, the atmosphere is going to suffer. The Sea Unicorns try, with between-inning promotions and nightly specials, but there’s only so far that these efforts can go. Fans who enjoy room to spread out and the ability to hear the sounds of the game will enjoy their time in Norwich. The PA announcer goes about his job in a professional, entertaining manner, and lineups are posted along with Futures League standings near the main entrance. Longtime visitors will undoubtedly notice that a few Dodd Stadium mainstays are missing. The Tator the Gator statue that has long stood guard at the front entrance has been moved to a hidden corner of the facility. Also, it’s strange to not see the dual major/minor league logos on the stadium façade. Younger fans will bemoan the fact that the arcade has been closed. Neighborhood 2 Dodd Stadium is located in an industrial park, and there is nothing of note within a few miles of the ballpark. Fans looking for places to stay in the area or places to eat will find a few options on Town Street on the way to the ballpark. Most fans visiting the area will not choose to stay in Norwich, opting instead to proceed to the two large casinos located nearby. Mohegan Sun is located a 15-minute drive from the ballpark, and Foxwoods is located a half hour drive from Dodd Stadium. Both casinos are renowned for their variety of shops, entertainment, and dining options, and of course, gaming choices. Families looking for a more family friendly environment will surely enjoy a visit to Mystic Seaport, located a 20-minute drive away on the Connecticut coastline. This summer attraction contains more than 60 historic buildings, museums, historic vessels, shops, and an aquarium. Fans 2 On the official Futures League site, the Sea Unicorns are listed as averaging almost 1,400 fans per game, which places them fifth in the league rankings. Stadium Journey visited Dodd Stadium on a postcard-perfect Sunday afternoon with an announced crowd of over 1,300 fans. In looking around, this figure appears to be greatly inflated. Fans at Sea Unicorn games are typical of most summer league games in the area, with die-hard fans mixed in with families. With small crowds in such a big facility, there is a ton of room for everyone to spread out and for the kids in attendance to chase down foul balls. Baseball purists will enjoy that you are able to hear all the chatter on the field. They may not enjoy having to listen to overserved fans try and heckle the players. Access 4 Dodd Stadium’s location in the Norwich Industrial Park ensures that it is easy to get to via car, but also that driving is the only method to arrive at the ballpark. Visitors to Norwich will simply take exit 14 off Interstate 395 and follow the signs to the ballpark. Dodd Stadium is located about three miles from the highway through the industrial park. Parking is in a large gravel lot adjacent to the ballpark. Seating at Dodd Stadium is available in three forms: gray folding plastic stadium chairs (premium seating), red molded bucket seats (reserved seating) and metal bleachers with backs (grandstand seating). A wide concourse runs atop the seating bowl and offers views of the field from all points except for directly behind home plate. Berms cap the end of the concourse on both sides, with a party deck located in left field and a gazebo in right field. Fans arriving early can stake a claim to the Adirondack chairs atop the right field berm. The rest rooms are clean and more than adequate for the typical Sea Unicorns crowd. Return on Investment 3 Premium tickets (gray folding stadium seats) for Sea Unicorns games cost $12, with reserved tickets (red molded bucket seats) priced at $11 and grandstand seats (bleachers) at $10. Seniors over 60 and students receive a one-dollar discount. Retired military personnel receive a $2 discount on all seats. Tickets in the lighthouse, located on the suite level, cost $20. Parking in the large lot adjacent to Dodd Stadium will cost visiting fans an additional five dollars. While concessions prices have increased in recent years, they are still comparable to other venues at this level of baseball, with many bargains to be found. Extras 1 Longtime Norwich baseball fans may want to check out the team store, where you can pick up not only some nice Sea Unicorns merchandise, but leftover swag from the Tigers and Navigators. If so inclined, there is even Lobster Roll merch for sale. Unfortunately, most of the old stuff is not marked down. Final Thoughts It’s been a long, slow decline for Dodd Stadium. Originally built to house AA-level baseball, over the years Norwich has downgraded to short season A-ball and now summer collegiate wood bat ball. We're certainly not saying that summer ball is a bad thing, but it remains to be seen if Eastern Connecticut fans will continue to show up. Dodd Stadium is a fine facility that is much too large for the needs of the Sea Unicorns. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Corn Crib Stadium 1000 W Raab Rd Normal, IL 617613 Normal Cornbelters website Corn Crib Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 7,000 The New Normal The Corn Crib opened in 2010. The baseball stadium still feels fairly new ten years later and is an intriguing place to watch a game of baseball. The Normal CornBelters share the stadium, which seats 7,000, with Heartland Community College. The Heartland Hawks play both their baseball and soccer on the stadium’s artificial turf surface. This arrangement makes for interesting field placement and a lot of foul ground. The Normal CornBelters began as a Frontier League team in 2010 but in 2019 moved to the Prospect League. However, due to the coronavirus in 2020 and the Prospect League canceling the season, the CornBelters started the “Kernels Collegiate League.” The “League” consists of mostly local players and includes four teams: the CornBelters, Gems, Bobcats, and Hoots, all playing at the Corn Crib. The stadium is located near the twin cities of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois which are the home of two universities, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Illinois State University. The stadium’s name is a result of an agreement between the CornBelters and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. Food & Beverage 3 The Corn Crib Cafe concession stand has mostly standard food such as hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburger/cheeseburger, chicken strips, nacho, and fries. Then they have some non-standard fare such as BBQ pork, BBQ pulled pork nachos, and corn nuggets. I highly suggest the BBQ pork and corn nuggets, but everything I have had is excellent. Across from the Corn Crib Café, there is another stand, however, this stand is only for people who buy a special ticket package. I am not sure if this is way all the time or just because of the coronavirus. Corny’s Sugar Shack sells sweet & frozen treats such as Slushies, ice cream sandwiches, sundae cups, popsicles, and a pickle sickle (frozen pickle juice). Unfortunately, this stand was closed on my visit due to the coronavirus. However, the same items are for sale at the Corn Crib Café. Huskers Bar features local DESTIHL Brewery beer such as Hawaii or Normal Pils and other craft beers like Goose Island 312 and Shock Top. In addition, they sell buckets (5 – 16 oz bottles beers) of domestic (Budweiser and Miller Lite products) beer for $22 or 16-ounce cans for $5. In addition, the bar has margaritas and mixed drinks, top-shelf mixed drinks, and well-drinks. The food prices for the amount you get are very reasonable. However, the lines are very long due to there only being two stands open. Atmosphere 2 The main entrance and ticket office are located in the outfield. An entrance is behind home plate too. A “corn” theme resonates throughout the stadium. Even the stairs near the office going up to the stadium have corn pictures on them. In addition, usually t, there are a couple of rows of corn in the right center planted in between the player’s clubhouse and their entrance upon the outfield (on this day there was not). The players enter the field of play walking through them, ala a “Field of Dreams.” Though on this day the players did not walk through the “field,” however the managers did. Seating around the stadium box seats and some bleachers, as well as large amounts of lawn seating in left and right fields. You cannot walk around the whole stadium as behind center field is not accessible. The playing surface itself is an artificial turf surface which many local independent league teams are doing so they can host other events and tut down on rainouts. The stadium is also used for soccer so there is a very large amount of foul territory as the seats are not close to the baseball field, especially down the first and third baselines. So sitting at the far end of the foul lines you will be a far distance away from the action. The usual scoreboard and video board are beyond the right-centerfield wall. The video board is pretty small and some of the statistics can be hard to read. On the concourse, one of the women’s room is billed as the “World’s Greatest Restroom.” It is sponsored by a local home improvement vendor so I wish I could see what it looks like. Though, the women I talked to didn’t say it was the “greatest.” About two years ago, an awning was added behind home plate that provides more shade and covering than the ballpark had when it originally opened. The kid's play area, which is located down the third baseline on the concourse, features a few inflatables and is free of charge. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in Normal which is the home of Illinois State University and near Illinois Wesleyan University, so there are plenty of “college bars” and fast food places. However, the college is located about one mile south of the stadium on Main Street. Surrounding the Corn Crib is Heartland Community College, a trailer park, and a golf course with some retail businesses. The City of Normal has an “upscale” area which is nice where there are plenty of food choices and shopping. If you do decide to go into town for food or drinks, you need to go to tub II and/or Maggie Miley’s which are good bars with excellent food. Elroy’s (a sports bar) and Maguire’s Bar & Grill are good places for a drink. One local favorite restaurant is Monical’s Pizza of Normal. An interesting fact is that Monical’s is in the first Steak ‘N Shake location. Fans 3 Like in other Prospect League stadiums, the fans are mostly families looking for a cheap night out or people who go out to socialize. The diehard fans sit right behind the plate and are knowledgeable about their team. Most everywhere else in the stadium, you see the more casual fan. The CornBelters left the Frontier League and joined the Prospect League due to attendance/cost issues. Being in the Prospect League makes it easier for the CornBelters to make money or break even. They are still hoping that attendance increases after the virus scare is over. The CornBelters have numerous promotional nights, such as 10¢ hot dogs or family days, etc…. but the fireworks nights or a popular giveaway item, like a bobblehead, usually gets a good attendance bump. Access 4 The stadium is very easy to get to. It is about ½ mile south of the intersection of I-55 and Business 51 off of Raab Rd. The ballpark is small, simple, and easy to move around. The crowds never get too busy, unless for promotional nights or fireworks. The bathrooms and exits are marked clearly for all customers. Return on Investment 4 Last year (2019) the tickets for the ornBelters game began at $5 for lawn seats, $8 for reserved bleacher seating, and $10 for reserved box seats and parking was $2. However, this year (2020), due to the coronavirus, tickets are either $5, $7, or $10 depending on the game and there is no charge for parking. The concession stand prices for food and beer are also inexpensive. A night at “The Crib” won’t break the bank and is kind to your wallet. Extras 3 The mascot, Corny, once again adds to the corn theme and is very accessible during the game. Kids, of course, love his antics and getting their pictures taken with him, as do many adults. The corn theme is carried throughout the ballpark. From the corn stalks outside the ballpark, the pictures on the stairs, and in center field to the random corn facts posted throughout the concourse to the old farming equipment on display. The CornBelters have a “Not Forgotten” seat to honor the men and women lost protecting our country while in military service behind home plate. This is a nice way to honor those who served. Final Thoughts The Corn Crib is a nice stadium and with the large foul ground kinda unusual. It is a place that I would recommend seeing but don’t count on getting a foul ball.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 John B. Schuerholz Park 7500 Osler Dr Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website John B. Schuerholz Park website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 500 Towson Tigers at Schuerholz Park Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. In 2014, the Towson football team played for the Football Championship Subdivision National Championship, falling short to North Dakota State. The basketball team has also had scattered success over the years, most notably in the early 1990s under coach Terry Truax, with guards Kurk Lee and Devin Boyd in the old East Coast Conference. The Truax-led teams made it to two straight NCAA tournaments in 1990 and 1991. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. Baseball has had some success over the years. But recently it has come close to being axed by the university. Only some last-minute donations and an agreement with the state kept the program alive. John B. Schuerholz Park is named after the 1962 graduate of what was then Towson State College. You may know the Baltimore native more as the former General Manager and President of the Atlanta Braves. Food & Beverage 2 There is a simple concession stand located at the base of Schuerholz Park. The menu is not very deep, but the value is decent. Fans can always bring their outside food as no one will stop them. Atmosphere 3 Baseball was played on this site before 2001. But the creation of Schuerholz Park made it official. The simple bleacher-laden grandstand extends between the dugouts, and behind the home plate area. Many fans also like to sit on the hill next to nearby Burdick Hall. You have a great view of the field from there and will not be obstructed by netting. There is also another unique place to watch a game. Towson University has beefed up the walking path towards the West Village part of the campus. West Village is where many residence halls exist, so there has been a need to make this path safer, including a wide footbridge across busy Osler Drive. The eastern end of this bridge sits right next to Schuerholz Park and it offers a raised platform to watch baseball games. There is a PA system and announcements and music are played. Free roster sheets are given out at the stadium. Former Orioles player Billy Hunter was at one time the Tiger's head coach and brought many game-day traditions over from the Baltimore club, so expect to experience some recognizable themes and music at the game. The stadium also sits right at the corner of Towsontown Boulevard and Osler Drive. The main view past the outfield wall is the traffic at that intersection. Luckily the general view is not all that unattractive as there are plenty of green trees there as well. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing right by the stadium, except for the University Union. Towson is a semi-urban environment with a large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill and Sushi Hana. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Fans 2 Fans at Schuerholz Park tend to primarily be family or friends of the players. What this means is that weekend and later afternoon games will be busier than early afternoon weekday games. In weekday games you will more likely get students stopping in and watching a game on their way to class or back to the dorm. It also means you will see an inconsistent level of fan interaction. The fans who do attend care about the game and are very knowledgeable. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Towsontown Boulevard location of the baseball field. There are a couple of large parking garages nearby, with the Union Garage right behind the stadium. Parking is plentiful, but expect an issue on weekday games. Return on Investment 4 The price, free, is certainly reasonable. And you will probably not have to pay for parking. So, the value is certainly good. The team plays Division I baseball in a very strong athletic conference (Coastal Athletic Association or CAA) so there is an opportunity to see some very strong baseball talent at a low cost. Extras 2 There are free programs at the stadium. There are no other extras at the stadium, but one should walk around the campus of Towson University and see the ever-growing campus. Just don’t forget the older parts of campus, especially the hidden outdoor gem called the Glen. Once hidden after many years of neglect, this wonderful outdoor area has picnic groves and interesting spaces for exploration. Final Thoughts John B. Schuerholz Park is a pretty simple baseball stadium. But the low cost of attendance at a game with a good level of talent means that this baseball stadium is a good value for the fan.

Photos by Justin Sutton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Ray E. Didier Field 906 E 1st St Thibodaux, LA 70301 Nicholls State Colonels website Ray E. Didier Field website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 3,200 Colonels Baseball: A Cajun Country Experience Taking in a Colonels baseball game at Ray E. Didier Field provides visiting fans with a traditional setting for small college baseball. While in town, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the best of Cajun culture, catch quality Southland Conference baseball, and enjoy a friendly atmosphere. Didier Field has served as the home ballpark for the Nicholls State Colonels for over 50 years, having been originally constructed in 1960. The stadium has a seating capacity of 1,800. The Colonels are a member of the Southland Conference in NCAA Division I. Food & Beverage 2 Ray E. Didier Field provides the basic ballpark staples to keep you satisfied through the game. The stand is a mobile trailer located behind the main grandstand. Quality and Variety of Food Options . Your main food options include hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), and hamburgers ($4). Extra chili and cheese are available for $1. Snack items include chips, pickles, and candy for $2 as well as popcorn for $3. An item that stands out as unique is “Da Cajun Bratwurst” for $5. This item includes a Cajun bratwurst topped with grilled onions and peppers. Variety of Drink Options . Didier Field features bottled Coca-Cola products for $3. Bottled Dasani water is available for $3 and also hot chocolate, when available during cold games. Beer is available for $4, which includes the major brands of Bud Light, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra. Recommendation . Da Cajun Bratwurst is pretty tasty and will keep you satisfied. Also, it’s hard to beat a hot dog while at the ballpark. Atmosphere 3 Ray E. Didier Field offers an atmosphere college baseball purists would love. Stadium Aesthetics . Opened originally in 1960, Ray E. Didier Field has stood the test of time as the home ballpark for Nicholls State baseball. While the stadium may lack in a unified grandstand, it is able to accommodate large crowds for big match-ups with a seating capacity of 1,800. Fans also have multiple different viewing areas to choose from around the playing surface. Didier Field features a natural grass playing surface and the outfield wall dimensions are 331-400-331. The scoreboard features a small video display underneath, otherwise, it’s a traditional board. There are two signs on both sides of the center field wall, one which lists postseason accomplishments and the other which lists former Colonels now playing professionally. In-Game Promotions and Entertainment. One of the favorite promotions at Didier Field is the Raising Cane’s Challenge. If the Colonels score three or more runs in the game, fans can pick up a voucher for a “buy a combo, get a combo free” deal at the local restaurant. Given the popularity of Raising Cane’s across Louisiana, this is a great deal. Didier Field also features piped in music between inning changes and various announcements from the PA. There’s an occasional trivia question as well. Don’t expect any minor league antics throughout the game. Seat Location Recommendations . Didier Field offers five sets of bleachers for fans to choose from. The main grandstand is located behind the backstop and features seat backs in center along with bleacher seating to the sides. Two smaller sets of bleachers are on both sides of the main grandstand. Two more sets are further out and feature chair back seating in the lower half. Members of the athletics association have special tailgate section located at the end of first baseline. Grab a general admission seat in the bleachers in the main grandstand for your best view. Neighborhood 2 While a lot of cities in Louisiana refer to their region as “Cajun Country,” Thibodaux defines that term as a city situated on the bayou in extreme south Louisiana. With a population of about 14,500, Thibodaux is a small college town which thrives off Nicholls State University. While the area isn’t filled with an endless supply of attractions and restaurants, there are a few quality options you should consider while in town. Also, keep in mind that you are within driving distance to New Orleans. Where to Eat . Be sure to make a visit to Fremin’s Restaurant. Located in an old drug store, Fremin’s offers an up-scale dining experience in downtown Thibodaux. Spahr’s Seafood is also a great stop for Cajun flavor. It’s always hard to resist Raising Cane’s in small town Louisiana. If you are looking for the bar/pub scene, be sure to check out Rene’s and Rox’s Bar. Attractions & Entertainment . The Bayou Country Children’s Museum is a nice stop for traveling families who need a break in the sports action. You can also check out the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center for history about the region. Where to Stay . For a comfortable stay while in Thibodaux, check-in at the Carmel Inn and Suites. Fans 2 Despite being in a small city where the sports headlines are dominated by bigger programs, there’s something about attending a Nicholls baseball game that feels like home. Many of the fans seems to know each other and share a passion for the university and program. Typical Attendance. For your typical weekend series, expect to see about 200 – 500 fans in attendance. When the Colonels are putting together a strong season, crowd sizes can increase to the 700 range. While stadium capacity can hold much more, these seats are usually filled when cross-state rivals like LSU, UL-Lafayette, or Tulane come to town. You can also expect bigger crowds when conference rivals UNO and Southeastern Louisiana pay Thibodaux a visit. Crowd Noise & Engagement . Fans stay into the game and are knowledgeable both about the team and the game of baseball. Expect big outbursts when a run is scored or a call is missed, but a low-key experience outside of those occurrences. Access 3 Unless you’re from the nearby coastal Louisiana region, getting to Thibodaux will be a bit of a trip. However, as soon as you reach the ballpark, getting through the gates and to your seats will be a breeze. Transit to and from Stadium . Thibodaux is located about 70 miles southwest of New Orleans and approximately the same distance south of Baton Rouge. If you’re traveling in from the New Orleans area, take I-10 West and exit onto I-310 South. After about 10 miles, you’ll exit onto Highway 90 South. You can then turn right onto LA 208 after about 13 miles and head towards Thibodaux. Parking . Ample parking is available just across the street from Didier Field in the Guidry Stadium parking lot. Ticketing & Gate Entry . The ticket booth is located behind the main grandstand. There isn’t usually a line and the staff are quick and friendly. You’ll get your tickets and go through the entrance gate without any hassle. Moving around the stadium . You shouldn’t encounter any issues moving around the ballpark. While the walkways behind the bleachers can be a little narrow at times, typically there aren’t a lot of others passing by at the same time you do. Restrooms are located down third baseline. While they are a little dated, the restroom size is adequate for the crowd. Each set of bleachers has wide walkways and aisles. Return on Investment 4 The overall return on investment at Didier Field is strong. General admission tickets start at as little as $7. Concession prices are reasonable and parking is free. The overall experience comes with a minimal out of pocket cost to baseball fans. Extras 3 A few “extra” components highlight the overall experience at Ray E. Didier Field. Nicholls Baseball flags post around the ballpark at the top of the bleachers add a nice touch to the stadium feel. There’s also a plaque honoring the late Tony Budreau in the walkway down first baseline. In the outfield there’s a sign which lists the Colonels’ postseason accomplishments and another which lists each former Colonel currently playing professionally.

Photos by Marc Viquez and Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium 501 W South St South Bend, IN 46601 South Bend Cubs website Four Winds Field website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 5,000 A Ballpark of Fun in South Bend Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium is the home of the South Bend Cubs, the Single-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, in the Midwest League. The facility saw major renovations before the 2013 season, two seasons later the club signed a player development agreement with the Cubs and adopted its moniker. The team had been known as the South Bend Silver Hawks and when it changed to the Cubs name, team merchandise increased to 600 percent in sales. Attendance also increased from 34 percent with 88,000 more customers attending games at “The Cove.” Further providing success has been the population growth in downtown South Bend as old building structures are being converted to work-eat-play living spaces. The most significant change has been the addition of Berlin Place at the Ivy behind center field Named after the owner, Andrew Berlin, it contains living, retail, and residential space. Much like Wrigley Field , this facility includes rooftop bleachers, providing a view not found at too many ballparks at this level. The venue was dedicated as Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium on August 25, 1987, and cost $9 million, 60 percent over the original budget, to build. The Chicago White Sox relocated their Midwest League affiliate to town the following season and attracted more than 171,000 fans. In 1994 the club changed its name to the Silver Hawks as an homage to the Studebaker Silver Hawk automobile, which was manufactured in the town. Stanley Coveleski is enshrined in Cooperstown and won 215 games between 1912 and 1928. He retired to South Bend to run a service station after his retirement and became a popular figure in the community until his death in 1984 at the age of 94. Food & Beverage 4 The majority of the concession stands are in the main concourse behind Sections 101 and 118. However, multiple kiosks are available down each baseline of the stadium. Here is what to expect when you get hungry at an SB-Cubs game. The Burgertopia grill, behind home plate, offers eight unique options; the burgers are cooked to order and include Pit Boss, The Grizzly, Jalapeno Bopper, and Mushroom, and Swiss. The Cubs is the most popular burger and is topped with bacon, barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, fried onions, lettuce, and tomato. Steakadelphia is a popular spot with items selling out before the final out of the game. The grill serves up two items: cheesesteak sandwiches and Philly nachos with peppers and onions. A few feet down is the Salsa cart, where customers can build their nachos or tacos with chicken, steak, or carnitas as the base. Smokey Joe’s Barbecue shack features brisket sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, and mac and cheese bowls. The Flash Point Grills offer pork tenderloin sandwiches, cheese curds, hot dogs, nachos, and soft drinks. If you are looking for dessert, try the Sweet Spot stand, where the menu options include funnel cake fries, ice cream, elephant ears sundaes, and fried churros. However, fans also lineup for the Dippin’ Dots. There are two craft beer sections at Sections 108, 116, and near Gate B, along with the Tiki Bar Hut, offering mixed drinks, sangria, slushies. Pepsi products are the beverages of choice at Four Winds Field. Atmosphere 5 The Cove offers an open concourse behind the grandstand seating section and a wrap-around concourse. The main entrance behind the center field concourse houses a majority of the festive atmosphere and provides an opening to the rest of the city. There is a lot of fun for the kids in the outfield area. The Splash Pad and playground near the right field foul pole offers hours of good times and a changing room. The Toyota Fun Zone that runs from left to center field offers inflatable rides for kids for a $6 wristband. Older fans can play bags AKA cornhole at the Beach House in center field. Plaques honoring South Bend’s citizens are behind home plate, and a bronze statue of Stanley Coveleski is located at the center field entrance. He relocated to town after his 14-year playing career and became a popular member of the community The team offers traditional entertainment between innings, and the on-field announcers are hilarious as they have fun interacting with the fans. A mascot race dubbed the “Produce Race” where Cauliflower, Mushroom, and Broccoli compete. A loud fog horn is set off when the team scores a run. The air-conditioned Cubs Den gift shop is a renovated synagogue that was built in 1901. It is a “must-see” with great architecture (check out the chandelier and stained glass windows) and an excellent selection of Cubs items. The grounds in front of the building are worth noticing; a very well done area of an existing building at any ballpark. The United Federal Credit Union Rooftop seats provide a vantage point, unlike any other High A ballpark. Separated from the stadium, fans can enjoy a mini Wrigley-like experience with bleacher seating, a bar, lounge seats, and tables, while enjoying a high-rise view of the baseball game. Neighborhood 3 There are no restaurants or bars adjacent to the park, and Berlin Place at the Ivy has yet to attract a restaurant or bar to its complex. There are places worth visiting that are within a 5-minute drive of the ballpark. Also, South Bend is home to Notre Dame University, a destination all to itself only 3 miles north of the ballpark Roselily is a low-key, family-owned restaurant that offers brunch and dinner. Nick’s Patio always has something good to eat on its menu, and where players visit after the game, and Corby’s Irish Pub has a college-vibe atmosphere if you are looking for a drink. A few breweries of choice include The Crooked Ewe Brewery and Ale House and the South Bend Brew Werks. Tourists can enjoy the Studebaker Museum, which is close to the park and offers the history of Studebaker automobiles. Next to the museum is the Tippecanoe Place Restaurant, located in a mansion built in 1888 and has a lot to look at from its creaky floors and historic photos; it also houses a brewery on the second floor. Fans 4 The extensive improvements made at Four Winds Field in the last few years are remarkable, and the fans approve. Attendance has continuously grown, averaging 4,770 in 2019, fifth in the Midwest League. Given the proximity to Chicago, about 100 miles to the east, the affiliation is another plus. On that rare occasion when a Notre Dame football game is being played, don’t be shocked to see most of the fans’ attention on the TV’s in the stadium on the Irish. Access 4 The park is southwest of downtown, and street signs around the city direct fans to it. A collection of parking lots are located north of the stadium. It does get a little congested on the main concourse roof, where most of the concession stands can be found. Visitors should be prepared to duck in and out on busy nights; however, the rest of the stadium blossoms into open spaces beyond this point. Physically challenged fans are also well served. The “South Bend Transpo” offers buses that stop near the park. For night games, fans should sit on the third base side to avoid the sun in their eyes. Return on Investment 4 Like many minor league teams, the Cubs charge $1 more for seats purchased the day of the game. Seats bought in advance are Field Box seats down the line for $11, the Dugout Box seats behind home plate are $13, and the Patio Porch (RF) Home Run Porch (LF) cost $15. Tickets are $40 for the United Federal Credit Union Rooftop and include a two-hour buffet of burgers, hot dogs, and sides. It also includes a cash bar and beautiful views of the game from high above the street. On Monday nights, fans enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, popcorn, and peanuts for an extra $8. Thirsty Thursdays features 16 oz. domestic draft beer and 24 oz. fountain sodas for just $2 all game long. A free game day program is given to all fans. Parking is $7 in various lots near the stadium, but other lots are free and offer free shuttle service. You can also find free parking in the city streets depending on when you arrive at the game. Extras 5 The ballpark offers a lot of features that give it extra marks. The team has two official mascots Stu and Swoop. Stu D. Baker is a bear, while Swoop is the former Silver Hawk mascot who made the transition and now dons the colors of red and blue. The lively characters wander the park to have fun with fans of all ages. The rooftop seats are another plus for the ballpark and are an option for fans. You get a one-of-a-kind view of the game and connect well with the other rooftops at Wrigleyville, except these are a bit cheaper. The Tiki Hut is behind left field and is for the 21 and up the crowd. The small bar offers flat-screen televisions, patio seating, tabletops and chairs, and another vantage point of the game. Fans can choose from beer, wine, mixed drinks, and alcoholic slushies from the menu board. The Cubs Den located in the former synagogue is another plus for the ballpark. The former place of worship is a unique option for a team apparel store, but it is just another dimension for the stadium experience. The final point is the triangular ceiling above the main concourse behind the backstop. One of the leftover designs of the original structure adds a different dimension with white ceiling lights hanging from the structure. Final Thoughts The transformation of Four Winds Field and Coveleski Stadium can be likened to a butterfly emerging from a cocoon or Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. The design was ahead of its time and made it possible to make the necessary renovations. The open concourse, seating behind the outfield wall, and downtown location resulted in the changes and not knocking it down in favor of another facility. The ballpark and the area around it have developed into a festive atmosphere with great food choices, areas for the kids to play, and great sightlines for the game on the field. It is a ballpark that stands out from the rest in the league, full of colorful places for the game. For comfort and style, this is one of the better ones to visit. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 William Hammond Stadium 14100 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy Fort Myers, FL 33912 Minnesota Twins Spring Training website William Hammond Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 9,300 A Twins Peek at Hammond Stadium Hammond Stadium has been the Minnesota Twins spring training home since 1991. It is located at the Lee County Sports Complex in Ft. Myers. The complex has five practice fields adjacent to Hammond Stadium, as the Twins spring training facility is attached to the stadium. The ballpark went through renovations in 2014-2015 and now seats 8,730. It is named for Bill Hammond, a former county commissioner who played a key role in getting the stadium built. Food & Beverage 5 Hammond Stadium offers a good variety of food and drinks through its concessions program. It is made up of baseball standards and a number of foods that are unique to the palate of Twins fans. There are six concession stands serving Hammond Stadium, along with several portable carts. In addition to the concession stands, there is a beer garden at aisle 132 with a bevy of top brews as well as a broad selection of craft beers. Baseball standards available at Hammond Stadium include hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, nachos, pizza, and grilled chicken sandwiches. Drinks include bottled water, Pepsi brand sodas, and beer. The Nawty Hogg BBQ stand carries BBQ ribs, brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ chicken and a delicious BBQ sundae. Taco Bar and Grill offers beef and chicken tacos, and quesadillas ($8 - $9.25). The Lee County Grill serves up brats, chicken tenders, and corn dogs ($6.75 - $8.25). The Taste of Twins stand offers a menu specially designed to meet the needs of Minnesotans. It serves cheese curds ($7.25), pancake bacon burgers ($8.25), poutine ($10), and Killebrew root beer ($5.75). You can wash all that down with a Leinenkugel beer or a beer shake ($10) in several different flavors. Atmosphere 5 A day at a Twins spring training game is very enjoyable. You will notice this from the moment you arrive at a game. The parking lot is very convenient to the stadium, which features a Grand Floridian exterior, steeples and a large fountain in front of it. The grounds feature a set of palm trees, which frame your view of the ballpark as you depart the parking area. It makes for a wonderful photo of your visit. Once in the stadium, you’ll immediately see the large opening in the stadium concourse, which gives you an excellent view of the playing field. The concourse is filled with a variety of concession stands offering stadium staples and Minnesota specialties. It is hard to go wrong in your choice of seating, as all seats feature a great view of the action on the field. Most seats are on the 100 level of the stadium, but even the 200 level and the Terrace levels offer excellent viewing areas. There are a number of price levels and viewing areas for fans to choose from. Some of the most economical seats are in the outfield. These would include the berms in deep left field or the lawn seats near the first baseline. Many people like to socialize as much as watch the game, and they purchase the drink rail seats, which allow them to move around to different locations during the game. Hammond Stadium Berm Seating, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 We need to mention one thing before we talk about the area that Hammond Stadium is in. Hurricane Ian caused a massive amount of damage to the Ft. Myers area. Please call ahead to any restaurant or attraction in the area to make sure it is open. The locations mentioned in this section are open in spring 2023. The Boston Red Sox play their games at JetBlue Park , which is only six miles from Hammond Park. This is both a blessing and a curse. It is nice to have another Spring Training facility so close if you are trying to get in as many Grapefruit ballparks as you can during your visit. However, if the Twins and the Red Sox are both playing games at the same time traffic can be a nightmare. Allow plenty of lead time to get to the park. There is plenty to do in and around the park before and after a game. Both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford had winter homes in Ft. Myers. Their estate lines a beautiful river, and their homes are open to the public. They are well worth a visit, both for the beautiful homes and grounds, but also for a look at the inventions they both created, in addition to the cars and the light bulb they both are better known for. Sports fans will want to check out Fat Katz Sports Bistro for some great food before or after the game. The Fairfield Inn on Cypress Terrace is the closest hotel to Hammond Stadium and provides easy access to many of the other activities around Ft. Myers. Fans 5 The Minnesota Twins fan base is very loyal to the team, and you will see tons of Minnesota license plates in the parking lots at Hammond Stadium. This is partially loyalty to the team, and partially due to the desire to escape the bitter cold that Minnesota experiences in March. The Twins fans are well educated about baseball and the Twins history and can answer any trivia you ask about the team. The team’s payroll tends to bring in the big free agents, but the Twins have been able to make the playoffs on a frequent basis in the last few years. Another component of the crowds at Hammond Park are the ballpark chasers. These fans are intent on seeing games at as many ballparks as they can. Hammond Stadium is only 6 miles from the Red Sox spring training stadium, and the Braves and the Tigers facilities are also close by. Ft. Myers is a popular retirement location for many. Since the Twins have trained in the city for more than 30 years, many of the locals have adopted the team as their own. They often form the season ticket base for the team. Access 4 Getting to Hammond Stadium is easy to get to if driving from I-75. The parking lots at Hammond Stadium are in front of the stadium. Each lane for parking is named for a great player of the past for the Twins. Remember this name when you depart the stadium to find your car’s location more easily. Bicycle racks are available for locals. There are three entry gates at Hammond Stadium. Stadium gates open 90 minutes prior to the first pitch. Once inside the stadium, you will find the concourse to be very wide and easy to navigate. Signage at Hammond is excellent, and you should have no problem finding your seat. A concrete boardwalk encircles the stadium allowing 360 degree access for fans. The closest airport for those flying into Ft. Myers is Fort Meyers/Southwest Florida International Airport. It is serviced by all the major carriers. However flights into Ft. Myers tend to be more expensive than other Florida airports. Tampa International Airport is within 100 miles of the ballpark and it is a much more affordlable alternative to consider. Return on Investment 4 We found the price of attending a Twins game at Hammond Stadium to be lower than most Grapefruit League stadiums, as the ticket prices, concessions and parking are more affordable for families. All purchases at Hammond Stadium are credit card only. Hammond Stadium has a wide variety of seats available at many price points. The range runs from as low as $12 and as high as $32. We urge you to buy your seats in advance, rather than at the park. The Twins frequently sell out their games. Here is a listing of the price points for Twins tickets in 2023: Center Field Grandstand ($12) Left Field Berm ($13) Right Field Lawn ($15) Porch/Drink Rail ($16) Scoreboard Pavilion ($20) Bullpen Zone ($26) Home Plate View/ 200 level ($29) Diamond Box ($31) Terrace Level ($32) Parking is $10 at Hammond Stadium. Extras 3 The Twins have a special Minnesota Day celebration each season. The event starts early in the morning before an afternoon game. This is the only day fans are allowed to tailgate. Fans are urged to bring some type of decoration that represents their area of the state. Lots of cheese curds and beer abound. Hammond Stadium also serves as the home field of the Ft. Myers Mighty Mussels of the Florida State League. They are the Single A affiliate of the Twins. There are several good spots to get a selfie at Hammond Stadium. As you head towards the stadium, there is a pole showing distances from Hammond Stadium to the Twin Cities and each of the cities hosting a Twins farm club. A second spot to consider is the fountain in front of Hammond’s elegant Floridian exterior. The Twins mascot T.C. Bear visits a number of the stands each game. He is very willing to pose with you in a photo. Final Thoughts Hammond Stadium delivers a strong Midwestern vibe to fans attending a Twins game during spring training. The fans show the Midwest spirit in welcoming visitors to their Florida outpost. The concession stand menus are filled with items like cheese curds, corn dogs and brats… and beer shakes. They’ll even toast you with a Killebrew root beer! The Twins have one of the largest and most loyal fan bases in Florida each spring, and the team shows its appreciation by holding a Minnesota Day at the end of spring training, where fans are urged to represent their hometown by wearing the colors of their community’s school for the final game before the team heads back up to Target Field.

Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond Fair Grounds Field in Shreveport, Louisiana, is crumbling. It was the home of minor league baseball for decades but has been left filthy and coated with bat droppings. Last month, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux signed a contract to demolish the stadium, signaling the death knell for the 38-year-old stadium. According to the Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate , the cost to tear it down is $334,000, much less than any plans to revitalize the deteriorating structure. It would have been razed two years ago if not for a lawsuit filed by the Friends of Fair Grounds Field. They were concerned about the possibility of hazardous bat guano with nearby residents. A cauldron of bats made the ballpark home and covered it with droppings, creating dust that contains microscopic spores that can cause histoplasmosis. The not-for-profit group had plans to convert it to a year-round stadium for youth and community activities, but the plans were deemed too expensive by Arceneaux. It was a big risk to turn the former ballpark into a space for youth sports. There was also a plan with REV Entertainment to revitalize the entire fairgrounds property with an entertainment complex with a multipurpose stadium, restaurants, a hotel, and possible housing options. Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond Fair Grounds Field opened in 1986 as the home of the Shreveport Captains of the Texas League. The Captains were the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The ballpark held 5,300, and 183,560 people came through the turnstiles, including 7,213 people on opening night.  The design of the stadium was very much for its time, with two large concrete stands down each baseline and the press and covered luxury boxes directly behind home plate. Within a few years, this design of a baseball stadium would be obsolete in the minor leagues. The team changed its name to the Swamp Dragons in the final two seasons before being sold to Mandalay Entertainment and renamed the Frisco Rough Riders in 2003. They drew 59,316 and 24,560, respectively, in the last two years. Baseball continued with the Shreveport Sports of the independent Central Baseball League, later renamed the Shreveport-Bossier Captains in 2009. However, the second version of the Captains relocated to Laredo, Texas, after the 2011 season. Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond There were plans to bring a summer collegiate baseball team to the ballpark in 2012, but those plans never materialized. The ballpark was left to rot and fall in squalid conditions after plans floated around on what to do with the structure. However, like many other ballparks, the best option is to knock it down.  Many have splendid memories of attending games, and others are sad to see them go. There are no plans to build a modern ballpark or to bring a professional or summer collegiate baseball team to Shreveport in the foreseeable future.  Any opportunity to save Fair Grounds Field is now moot; it is quickly crumbling down by wreckage crews. Then again, it has slowly been crumbling down for over a decade. Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitte r @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Cory Sims, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Memorial Stadium 1017 W 11th St Lawrence, KS 66044 Kansas Jayhawks website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 50,071 Towering Toward the Blue Memorial Stadium at the University of Kansas is one of the oldest stadiums in the country, and is the third oldest college football stadium west of the Mississippi. Built in 1920 as a memorial to University of Kansas students who died in World War I, it has been the home to the Jayhawks football team for nearly 100 years. One amazing bit of history about the construction of Memorial Stadium is that John Wooden, future genius basketball coach at UCLA, briefly worked on the building crew during his journey west. Although the Jayhawks are not famed for their football prowess, NFL Hall of Fame players Gayle Sayers and John Riggins both suited up in the Crimson and Blue and played their homes games in Memorial Stadium. Though the school is proud of its stadium’s history, Jayhawks are not focused solely on the past. In recent years, new practice fields and workout facilities have been built just outside Memorial Stadium to keep KU football features on par with the other schools in the Big 12. Prior to the 2014 football season, the track around the field, long grumbled about by KU fans who thought it was an eye sore, was removed and replaced with green turf. This is the first bit of upcoming stadium renovations to take place in the next few years, the details of which are yet to be released. Until then, success-starved Jayhawk fans will just have to speculate what’s in store in the future, while enjoying a respectable stadium built long ago. Food & Beverage 3 My thought on food at college football games is that if you’re waiting to eat until you get inside the stadium, you’re doing it wrong. I promise that at almost every stadium in the country, there is better food being cooked by amateurs in the parking lot then there is at the long-lined concession shacks inside the gates. And this is certainly true when seeing a Jayhawks game at Memorial Stadium. That being said, Memorial Stadium has a lot of options for the fan who missed tailgating. Hot dogs, nachos, and pizza can be had at several spots in the concourse, but more importantly there are a lot of local restaurants that have set up shop within the arched walls of the stadium. Salty Iguana, a local Mexican food chain, serves several types of burritos and tacos. Biggs BBQ serves pulled pork sandwiches. You can even buy cookies and caramel apples from some mom-and-pop places in town. Memorial Stadium serves Coke products, and does not serve alcohol, except in suite seats. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at Memorial Stadium can best be described as pessimistic. This is a fan base that 5-6 years ago was watching a perennial bowl team, an Orange Bowl champion level team with a QB that was a dark horse candidate for the Heisman (seriously, Todd Reesing was amazing). Then, coach Mark Mangino was accused of player mistreatment, the AD at the time wanted someone new, and two bad hires and an interim coach later Kansas fans are saddled with a football team that’s won two conference games in four seasons. Even with a historically bad team, the area surrounding the stadium is festive. The unofficial slogan is, “Win or lose, we’ll still booze.” All the parking lots around the stadium are full of tailgaters hours before game time, although the absolute lack of RVs would be off-putting to any SEC fan. White tents are erected all the way up Campanile Hill, a green area on the south side of the stadium. The great thing about tailgating here is that one can see inside the open end of Memorial Stadium, and theoretically be able to watch the game from outside the stands. A larger HD screen now blocks much of the view, but on any given Saturday one can still find fans who spend the entirety of the game on the hill, enjoying the day with family and friends while their dogs chase rubber footballs on the lawn. Neighborhood 5 The stadium itself is set at the bottom of Campanile Hill, just off Jayhawk Boulevard, the main street of campus. Across the street from campus and the stadium are several blocks of old “student ghetto” houses that undergrads live and party in, especially on game days. I can say from first-hand experience that at many of these student tailgates five kegs can be drained before kickoff. The lawns of these homes are full of parked cars, their drivers having paid a entrepreneurial undergrad who undoubtedly puts that money into the keg fund. There are a few college bars within walking walking distance of the stadium, most notably The Wheel, which has been around for generations, and also The Nest, an outdoor bar on the top of The Oread hotel. From The Nest, patrons can watch the stands fill up at Memorial Stadium, although they rise so high it’s impossible to see the action on the field. About a mile east of Memorial Stadium is Massachusetts Street (“Mass Street”), the heart of downtown Lawrence, named for the origin of the abolitionist founders of the town. If it wasn’t already apparent, Mass Street makes it obvious that Lawrence is the perfect college town. Dozens of local restaurants (don’t miss The Burger Stand at The Casbah), bars (The Sandbar features an “indoor hurricane” a couple times a night), and boutique stores (get your KU gear at Jock’s Nitch) are nestled in between concert venues and independent theatres. On game days, the sidewalks are smothered in crimson and blue clad fans killing time before kickoff, but even on non-football days it’s a great place to spend a few hours shopping, dining, or, of course, drinking. Oh, try to get a reservation at Free State Brewing Company, the first legal brewery in the state of Kansas. Fans 3 This is a basketball-loving fan base, no ifs, ands or buts. However, they will support even a mediocre football team with sell-out crowds. The largest crowd in Memorial Stadium history was a season opening game against Northern Colorado in 2009, and that was following a year in which the team won the Insight Bowl, a game that doesn’t even exist anymore. Any little bit of success is appreciated, as evidenced by the goal post destruction following their win over 2-7 Iowa State. Laugh if you want, but these fans have (mostly) shown up to support a team that’s given them very little to cheer for. Average attendance is around 35,000, not bad for a stadium that holds roughly 50,000. If their next coach gives them a team to be proud of, expect these fans to be filling the house as early as the 2015 season. Access 4 Do not buy a ticket to a KU game prior to arriving, because more than likely you can find someone giving them away before game time. I have seen the athletics department offer tickets on Groupon for $15, which is still more than you should expect to pay. There is plenty of pay-parking in the front and back yards of houses near the stadium, but if you don’t mind walking you can likely find a street spot within half a mile, even if you arrive an hour or less before kick-off. Return on Investment 3 The investment is minimal, and the product is probably better than what you would expect. The stadium is cool, historic, and scenic. It’s right off campus and near enough to downtown that you could take a walk through both before the game and still have time to tailgate. The atmosphere around the stadium is not what you would expect for a historically bad team, but the crowd inside the game is. Fans of Oklahoma, or Baylor, or the other good teams in the Big 12 should certainly make it up for a game in Lawrence, because it will cost basically nothing and they can see their team whoop up on the dregs of the conference. And after the game there are plenty of fun bars and restaurants to visit, in one of the nation’s best college towns. Extras 4 People like to knock Kansas for being flatter than a pancake, tornadoes, and the Wizard of Oz, but a day in Lawrence at a KU football game should give any visitor something else to remember about the Sunflower State. Lawrence is anything but flat, and the views from the top of Mount Oread (the hill on which campus was built) down to Memorial Stadium, and northeast to Mass Street are really something. For an even better perch, don’t miss the vista from The Nest bar in the Oread Hotel. In the Fall, the weather is normally crisp and sunny, and thoughts of tornadoes will slip from your mind, pushed out by the gentle prairie winds. The only “ruby red slippers” you might see someone wearing are crimson cowboy boots with Jayhawks embroidered on them, and everyone knows the Wizard is men’s basketball coach, Bill Self. There’s a joke in there somewhere about the football team playing like a tin-man (no heart) or lion (cowardly), but the Memorial Stadium experience is about more than football. It’s about Kansans and guests taking a day of rest from their jobs in the fields or in an office, and spending that time together, socializing, empathizing, and fraternizing outside a coliseum that has stood for nearly a century, and will for many more decades to come.

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