Photos by Stephen Schmidt , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Houck Field 1117 Broadway St Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Southeast Missouri Redhawks website Houck Field website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 11,126 A Neighborly Nest Chris Crockett speaks from experience. As an avid Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks fan, he and his wife have traveled to every fellow Ohio Valley Conference stadium — and anywhere else their beloved Skyhawks have played over the past seasons. “The best atmosphere in the conference,” Crockett says while standing near the sidelines of Southeast Missouri State University’s Houck Stadium, “and we go everywhere.” The venue opened back in 1930 at a cost of a whopping $150,000. It was built on top of rock quarry and named after Louis Houck, a philanthropic railroad pioneer known as the “Father of Southeast Missouri”. Its only downside, according to Crockett, was the difficulty of actually getting into it. That’s largely due to the fact that most SEMO fans are not extremely interested in entering the stadium, which has the official name of Missouri National Guard Field at Houck Stadium. Not with free beer to be consumed (see below) and an overall communal tailgating experience taking part right outside its gates. The pre-game scene reflects the region’s congruence of Midwestern politeness and Southern hospitality. Food & Beverage 3 There’s nothing highly exotic to write about here. The stadium offers the standard fare (hamburgers for $4, cheeseburgers for $4.50, nachos for $3.50, hot dogs for $3, pretzels for $2.15) with Pepsi products to help wash them down. Other popular items are cheese-stuffed Bosco Sticks for $5. The stands do offer Culver’s frozen custard for $4 for those warm games in the early part of the season. No food or drink is allowed into the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere can best be described as intimate — both before and during the game. Picture a large high school stadium carved into a hillside neighborhood with a large tailgating party right outside. From the file under “Something you don’t see everyday,” fans with a ticket to the game can wait in line and receive two small pink raffle-type tickets that are good for two cups of beer as a promotion with local distributors. This has been going on for years as a way to help foster discretion among those of age. On this night in fall 2013, cups of Coors Light were on the house as fans walked around a portion of Bellevue Street that was closed off to vehicles. A carnival-like scene unfurled with various vendors setting up shop next to a large tent featuring live music and lots of friendly fans scattering in between with free beer in hand. “This is Family Weekend, so we’re a little more chill,” said one female student, who added that the atmosphere can be much more rowdy for homecoming. Her advice to an out-of-towner? “Just come and be outgoing.” Wearing black and red wouldn’t hurt either. Although the Bellevue Block Party is just a few feet from the stadium, the party does not stop for a few lucky boosters who don’t mind spending $1,000 and more for the right to tailgate in the stadium’s eastern end zone. “It used to be first-come, first-served and it got a little out of control, so we had to put some parameters on it,” said one SEMO representative. Fans have the option to sit a few feet from the back of the end zone, separated by a concrete curb. Before FieldTurf was installed in 2010, though, fans were able to sit even closer as the grass went right up to the edge of the field — but the arrangement was a little dangerous when it came to players accidentally colliding into fans. Those gathered by the grills and tents are still really close to the action. “Now you’ll have to let us know if you run into any next-to-field tailgating anywhere else in the country. I’ve got to imagine this is really unique,” said another school representative. Pat Ruopp, a SEMO alumnus and a long-time fan, stood just a few feet from the goal post next to a table loaded with picnic food. “We’re all just here to just to have a good time and to have fun…people like football here. They enjoy football and this makes a great opportunity for people to come together.” Neighborhood 4 The stadium is a short walk from Broadway Street, which offers a good array of restaurants and bars. Two popular eateries are Burrito-Ville for those looking for a quick Mexican bite or Pagliai’s Pizza & Pasta (try the Meat Extravaganza) for Italian enthusiasts. Right next door to Pagliai’s is a sports bar called D’Ladium’s — or “D’Lads” by the locals — that features relics of SEMO’s athletic history. Further down the street is Broadway Biergarten, a popular place to down a stein or two, and The Last Call, which has an expansive outdoor patio area. Those who are little more adventurous can walk 10 minutes down the road and take a right onto Main Street, where a number of other options can be found including two live music venues, Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine and Rude Dog Pub. Cape Girardeau is a charming town that has stretches of streets that mirror its riverboat roots. In fact, it’s so charming that at the time of my visit in October 2013, a major studio film, Gone Girl based off a best-selling suspense novel and starring the likes of Ben Affleck, Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry, had recently started using the town as its primary filming location. The film should be released in 2015. Fans 4 On the night of my most recent visit, there was a late arriving crowd, but it’s hard to blame them given that there was free beer, live music, and beautiful weather. A large walk-up crowd snaked around the front gates well into the meat of the first quarter, but the main southern side eventually filled up and grew very loud when the Redhawks did anything remotely positive with the football. There are plenty of seating options on the smaller northern side where the SEMO students are situated. It should be noted that the northwest corner of the northern side is the one part of the stadium where one cannot see the only scoreboard in the facility, so if you want to keep up with game, avoid these seats. The fans are very friendly and approachable. Access 3 Parking is a tad difficult given that are no large parking lots nearby. There is ample free street parking nearby on surrounding streets, which feel completely safe. I parked a couple of blocks from the stadium just 30 minutes before kickoff. There are only two men’s and two women’s restrooms in the venue — one on each side. The main men’s room is large enough with a good-old trough arrangement, making it easy to get in and get out. The bathroom on the north side is underneath the stands near the east end zone, which makes it a bit of pain to access if you’re coming from the other side of the stands. Return on Investment 4 Two words: Free beer. That aspect alone creates a high ROI. Furthermore, ticket prices are very reasonable with $10 for reserved seats and $8 for general admission. Throw in the fact that food costs are very reasonable and street parking is free, and a Redhawks football game becomes a great entertainment value. Extras 3 One point is awarded for a having very friendly and accommodating staff and the overall communal affability of the entire experience. Two points are awarded for the two free beer tickets (one for each ticket).

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Halifax Metro Centre 1800 Argyle St Halifax, NS B3J 3N8 Halifax Mooseheads website Scotiabank Centre website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 10,595 Moose Country Pioneers Driving on the Trans-Canada Highway through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the last thing one would want to see is a moose-head. That all changes once you reach Halifax. The QMJHL has long been focused on the province of Quebec. In 1993, Moosehead Breweries Limited convinced the league that expansion into the Canadian Maritimes was a good idea. Among great concern and skepticism, the league awarded an expansion team to Halifax and the brewery. The 1994 season saw the birth of the Halifax Mooseheads, and hockey in Canada's East got a much needed shot in the arm. The Mooseheads ironically were named after, and originally owned by a Saint John, New Brunswick brewery, which remains Canada's oldest independent brewery. Eventually, the Mooseheads were sold to former Minnesota North Star and Montreal Canadien legend Bobby Smith, who still owns the team today. Halifax is the biggest city in the Canadian maritimes, and therefore is the cultural centre of the East. Even though Halifax is not an overly large city, events at the Metro Centre have that big event feel to them. Moose Country is front and centre in the Halifax sporting scene. The Metro Centre, which is owned by the City of Halifax, and managed by Trade Centre Limited, offers a big event feel to it, and attracts the largest indoor events in the area. Food & Beverage 4 You can find all all of the usual suspects at the Metro Centre when it comes to concessions. Hot Dogs, popcorn, soda, burgers and nachos are all available. Prices are pretty decent. In what is a bit of a curious situation, but kind of understandable, Moosehead beer is not available here. Local brewer Alexander Keith is quite popular and available here. I understand why the local beer is here and not Moosehead, however there is something sacrilegious about goin4g to a Mooseheads game and not being able to get a Moosehead beer. A bump in the food scoring goes to the Citadel Fries stand. FRESH fries and poutine are available at this stand, and they are fantastic!! You may also want to check out the candy stands and get a large cupcake. Atmosphere 5 As I mentioned previously, being the cultural centre of the Maritimes gives the Metro Centre a big event feel to it. That begins with the exterior. Around the outside of the building, there are large banners for players of both the Mooseheads and the Halifax Rainmen of the NBL-Canada, much like you would find at a Major League Baseball stadium. Once inside you will find the large atrium. On the day of this review, they had a Q&A; session with an executive of the visiting PEI Rocket. The carpeted area features some concession stands and a large area for congregating. On the floor immediately below the atrium, you will find the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame, which honours many local sports icons. Once inside the seating bowl, you will immediately notice the very large seating capacity. It is much larger than the vast majority of arenas in the QMJHL. There is a ton of railing space for standing room, which is a staple in junior hockey. The long sides of the arena have a second level, behind a 360 degree walkway around the entire arena. The sight-lines are good from just about anywhere. If you are in the second level, the view of the scoreboard will be obstructed by the hanging suites. However, the Mooseheads do a great job of making up for this. There are small scoreboards on the back of the suites, and there are 7 projectors that show the videoboard images on the back of the suites. This is actually better than seeing the centre-ice videoboard. In the rafters you will see Mooseheads banners for various division and conference championships, as well as 3 retired numbers. The Mooseheads have honoured the numbers of Alex Tanguay (18), Jody Shelley (25), and Jean-Sebastian Giguere (47). They also have a banner for broadcaster Pat Connolly who retired after 16 seasons with the Mooseheads. The Mooseheads also have a series of banners on display for the "Fans 15." The Fans 15 are the 15 most popular Mooseheads of all time, as voted by the Halifax fans. Neighborhood 4 The Metro Centre is located right in downtown Halifax. Right across the road from the Metro Centre is The Citadel. This Halifax landmark, is a historic fort, which was a key strategic point throughout Canadian History. It is well worth the tour, although possibly earlier in the season when the weather may be nicer. There are also a ton of eating establishments downtown, so finding a spot will only be difficult if you have trouble choosing. Being on the East Coast, you should most definitely look for some seafood. The Five Fishermen is a great choice, among numerous others. If you are a bit out of the centre, you may want to check out The Armview, which is a great pub and restaurant! Fans 4 The Mooseheads have been a solid attendance draw in the QMJHL. For the last few years they have been the second best draw of all franchises. Moose Country features plastic horns throughout the game, and has a bit of a feel like a soccer game. They are very loud for a home goal, and insanely silent for an opposing goal. They are also intelligent and very friendly. Access 3 Located in downtown Halifax makes access a bit of an issue. Downtown is in an extremely hilly territory. Parking is found throughout the downtown, and many of the locals scramble for street parking. Not being a fan of street parking, I did find parking at the local pool for a $5 donation to the local minor sports authority. Getting in and out and around becomes more difficult because of the hills. Inside, the washroom facilities are adequate, and traveling throughout the arena is not too difficult. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for adults are between $14-$16, with discounts for seniors, students and children. Parking can be found on the street if you are really cheap, or in a surface lot for a small fee. Concession prices are also pretty good. This all adds up to a great evening of entertainment without dropping the kids' college fund. The fast pace of the QMJHL and the opportunity to see some future stars makes the return on investment very high. Extras 5 An extra point for the Mooseheads wearing jerseys of a local minor hockey team, the Cole Harbour Wings. This was a great salute to local minor hockey. Cole Harbour is a northern suburb of Halifax, and Mooseheads centre Nathan MacKinnon is a product of the Cole Harbour minor hockey system. Two extra points for the link to CIS basketball. The Metro Centre annually plays host to the AUAA (Atlantic Conference) Basketball tournament, and numerous times has played host to the CIS National Championships. Halifax features Dalhousie University and St. Mary's University that play in the CIS. The Metro Centre features numerous banners honouring Atlantic Canadian universities that have won basketball titles. An extra point for that big event feel that you get in Halifax, even though it is a relatively small city. An extra point for the pioneer nature of the Mooseheads, bringing major junior hockey to Atlantic Canada. Final Thoughts In Moose Country you will find a great experience and a must-see team if you are interested in junior hockey. The beautiful city of Halifax makes for a great vacation destination, and there are tons of things to do and see. Hopefully, the only Mooseheads you see are in the Metro Centre!

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Ewood Park Nuttall St. Blackburn, England BB2 4JF United Kingdom Blackburn Rovers website Ewood Park website Year Opened: 1882 Capacity: 31,367 The State of Depression Ewood Park is home to the Northern English club Blackburn Rovers. The stadium itself was opened way back in 1882, but the Rovers moved there in 1890, and now has a capacity of 31,367. In 1992, plans were approved by the local council to improve the stadium into one of the best in England (at the time). By 1994, all the new developments were completed and, as a result, saw the Blackburn and Darwen End transformed into new two-tier stands. Recently, it’s been a complete and utter mess at Blackburn, all because of new owners, the Venky’s. When they took over in 2010, Rovers were a mediocre Premier League club, looking to move forward. It was seen as a great move by most fans having the Venky’s as owners hoping to excel the club forward. However, they soon changed their tune. No huge signings were made by the Venky’s, and as a result, the team ended an eleven-year stay in the top flight. During the 2012/13 season, three managers were sacked within the space of six months, which nearly resulted in relegation to League One. In the last twenty years, Blackburn has arguably seen their most successful period. They are one of only five teams to have won the Premier League when they did so back in 1995. In addition to this, they won the League Cup in 2002, and have had good cup runs in the FA Cup, being semi-finalists in 2005 and 2007. Food & Beverage 3 Don’t expect a wide range of continental cuisine when visiting Ewood Park. Like all other English football stadiums, the quality is decent, but the prices are high. The traditional stadium burger is priced at £3 ($4.60), and you pay the same for a stadium hot dog. As for the other options, pies and pastries are all priced at £2.30 ($3.50), which isn’t that bad. You can buy beer inside the stadium, and (depending on what you buy) the prices range from £3.40 to £3.80 ($5.20 to $5.80) for a pint, which is very expensive. However, a pie ‘n’ pint offer is available for £5.50 ($8.40). Atmosphere 2 All the noise – of what is made – is very negative and weirdly depressing. The fans are always having a punt at their players and very rarely do you hear songs cheering the team on. The chants that are normally sung are pre/post-game about how much they hate the owners or the latest manager. Ewood Park just isn’t a fortress. It’s extremely rare to see the stadium full, and it’s come to a point where it’s unusual to see the stadium half full. As a result of this, no noise is generated. As an away supporter at the game, you just never feel timid, and the traveling supporters (nine times out of ten) will make all the noise. A drum is constantly played by one Blackburn fan and it just annoys every supporter in the stadium. It just drowns out through the game and creates no suspense in the game whatsoever. The only time I have seen Ewood Park “rocking” was when they beat Chelsea a few years ago. Even when local rivals Bolton and big teams like Manchester United (when they were in the Premier League) come to town, the atmosphere is as flat as a pancake. Neighborhood 1 I’m being brutally honest when I say this, but Blackburn is one of the roughest towns in England. It’s one of those away trips where you think, “Let’s make a weekend of this…not.” Outside the stadium, there are two main car parks, some terrace housing, and just some desolate green. When you arrive and see the stadium, it’s just grim. As an away fan, you do not feel at all welcome. When you see the ground, you don’t get that pre-match buzz, and that just isn’t right as a football fan. Fans 2 The only reason why I have not given the fans one star is because of the current situation at the club. When the club was in the Premier League, fans just didn’t come in recognizable numbers – even when the top four were in town! However, the fans turn up in great numbers when there is a protest about how badly run the club is. Let’s not forget the club, not so long ago, was a force in the Premier League. As I mentioned earlier, the fans don’t get behind their team enough, which is what the players need to push toward victory. When I visited Ewood Park, it shocked me at how little the fans cheered for a good tackle, corner, or anything like that. During the 2012-13 campaign, Rovers came third-worst in the Championship attendance table for the percentage of stadium full, with 47.7%. But let’s be honest, the standard of football in that season was pretty shocking, so you have to feel sorry for the fans that turn up week in and week out. Access 2 Getting to Blackburn is fine, though the stadium is signposted and, as a result, we got lost. When traveling to Ewood Park, set off with plenty of time in advance, because the roads around the stadium shut thirty minutes before the game. Parking-wise, though, it’s fine. A couple of official car parks are just outside the ground, and there are a lot of private ones, mostly priced at £5.00 ($7.60). If traveling by train, the nearest station is Mill Hill, and from there it’s a fifteen-minute walk to the ground. Return on Investment 3 Although the team isn’t very successful at the moment, there are a few top-quality youngsters who are very exciting to watch. The owners have aspirations of reaching the Premier League next season, so expect to see a few very good players on show. In addition to this, the high-paced, tough tackling quality of Championship football is very high and can arguably be more exciting than the Premier League at times. Let’s not forget that Blackburn was recently a top-flight club and still has that quality inside them. When they finally have a stable manager, it will be entertaining to go and watch Blackburn play. For league games, an adult is £25 ($38.20), a senior £15 ($22.90), and a junior £7 ($10.70), though these prices will differ for cup games. The prices are reasonable, but I’m still not sure if you get your money’s worth. Extras 3 As always, the club has a programme on sale for £3 ($4.60) at every home game. History is also a key extra. Why? Because it’s one of the oldest grounds in the country, you can say that you have been to the home of former Premier League champions. However, the main feature at Ewood Park is the statue of Jack Walker. Walker was a former, “fans’ favourite” chairman at the club. He was the man who pushed the stadium developments forward and made Rovers Premier League giants during the early 1990s. Finally, Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes is a fine talent and goal-scoring machine – like that former legend Alan Shearer. He is a bright spark in a mediocre Blackburn side, and he is worth watching. Final Thoughts The club is a complete mess at the moment. There are a lot of things that need improving at the club. A good manager needs to be given time to work with his players, and the fans need to be more supportive of their team. Oh, and the Venky’s need to get a grip. Once this is all done, Blackburn may return to the Premier League and hopefully, the stadium experience will improve.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Kyocera Dome Osaka Naka 3-2-1, Chiyozaki Nishi-ku, Osaka City 550-0023 Japan Orix Buffaloes website Kyocera Dome Osaka website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 50,000 Dome Away From Home In 1997, the Kintetsu Buffaloes moved from their old and decaying stadium at Fujidera to a brand new dome in the city of Osaka. Using the typical Japanese penchant for creativity in naming, the stadium was dubbed Osaka Dome. Known more for its resemblance to a silver spaceship in the middle of the city than an actual functioning ballpark, the dome took on naming rights from electronics concern Kyocera in 2006, and has retained the name Kyocera Dome Osaka since. The Buffaloes merged with the Orix Blue Wave two years before that, and the resulting team (Orix Buffaloes) made the dome their regular home ballpark, much to the chagrin of their faithful based in Kobe, where the Blue Wave played. This choice has left the Dome empty much of the time, as it can be difficult to get to from Kobe, and hence the true fans are often left at home. The dome is also used as the temporary home stadium for the Hanshin Tigers when Koshien Stadium is reserved for the high school tournament, and it is likely a far livelier spot for these games than when the Buffaloes are at home. (Note that the exchange rates are as of the time of this posting, August 2013.) Food & Beverage 2 A good variety of food greets you here, but unfortunately, the items I had were less than appetizing. A spicy fried chicken (¥400/$4.10) looked good but turned out to be bland, with no spice whatsoever. I also had some chicken sticks (¥400/$4.10) that were hard and flavorless. Other options include crepes at ¥700 ($7.20), beefsteak rice bowl (¥650/$6.70) and takoyaki (fried octopus balls, ¥400/$4.10, and a Kansai staple). As usual, I recommend that you wander the concourse before the game and look at all the options that are available. There are 22 different concession stands each with something unique; hopefully, you will have better luck than I did on my most recent visit. On the beverage side, there are plenty of beer girls with kegs on their back who will serve your favorite variety of draught throughout the game; just wave one down, and you will have a cold brew delivered to your seat. Atmosphere 2 This place is too big to have a great atmosphere, and it is made worse by the fact that so few fans show up. There are a couple of mascots that try to get fans excited, and an energetic group of cheerleaders who perform outside the stadium prior to the game and also dance on the field at various breaks in the action. Still, this is probably the least interesting place to watch a Japanese baseball game, as the cavernous surroundings kill any real noise or excitement. Neighborhood 4 Although the stadium itself is located in a less-than-inspiring part of the city, there are two shopping malls right next door that allow you to cool off before entering the ballpark itself. Meanwhile, the bustling nightlife district of Namba is nearby, just 2 stops away on the Hanshin Namba line. There are hundreds of clubs and bars here that will keep you awake until the early morning hours if you are still suffering from jet lag. Club PURE is the most recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday when you can drink all you want for just ¥3,000 ($30.75). Fans 2 The Buffaloes fans have been through a lot, what with their team being merged and all. Regardless, the logistics make it so that they are unable to show up in numbers, leaving vast tracts of the dome empty on a weeknight. At the game I saw, the visiting Lotte fans were much louder and energetic and for this, the Buffaloes’ fans must be punished. Access 4 There is a subway stop right in front of the dome on the Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi line, as well the Hanshin Railway has a stop on the Namba line. Both of these are just seconds away from the dome itself, while the Hanshin line has the advantage of being just two stops away from the Namba neighborhood mentioned above. Outside, you can walk around the entire venue, but there is little to see with three propane tanks the dubious highlight. Once inside, concourses are wide enough and you can walk around to the outfield area, where as usual in Japanese ballparks, you are stopped by fencing. This is the only fault here and hence the lost point (for what it’s worth, no NPB park scores a perfect 5 in this category because of this). Getting in and out is not a problem since the stadium is only about a third full. Note that gates open here just an hour before first pitch, unlike most parks here which give you two hours to explore. Return on Investment 4 Tickets vary widely in price, and I quote the day of game price for the average Joe here, although you can save a bit if you buy in advance or if you are a member of the team’s fan club. The most expensive seats are those on the field, known as the MobaPro seats after an online baseball card game, which go for ¥8,000 ($82) for those near the bases, and ¥6,500 ($66.60) for those a bit further down the line. My recommendation is to spend ¥3,000 ($30.75) on the B seats, which are near the corners and still in the lower deck. These are generally quite empty and you can move around to get some space. The upper deck seats in the infield are unreserved and go for ¥2,400 ($24.60) if you like to sit higher up. For an extra ¥100 ($1), certain seats allow you to enter three hours before game time to watch batting practice; you are then kicked out of the stadium and readmitted when gates open just one hour before first pitch, forcing you to wander the area for 75 minutes, and thus not a highly useful choice. Extras 3 There was a T-Rex sculpture out front advertising a show that was taking place in the Sky Hall, which is an event center on the 9F of the dome and might be worth a visit if you have time. Outside the stadium, there is Bs Park (the Buffaloes refer to themselves as Bs and I will refrain from making any wisecracks), which is a small area with a few food options and a cheerleader performance before the game. Although it is not recommended, the option to watch batting practice is a creative approach and nets another point here. Final Thoughts A bizarre design might be the highlight of the Osaka Dome, because once you are inside, you will not see this as much different than the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Sure, the food is slightly better and more varied, but the fact that this team is unable to generate significant fan support makes it a poor choice to experience your first Japanese ballgame. You are much better served in visiting nearby Koshien, home of the Tigers, which is the best Japanese baseball experience to be had.

Photos by Dennis Morrell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 BC Place 777 Pacific Blvd Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8 Canada Vancouver Whitecaps FC website BC Place website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 21,000 Waves of Excitement Fuel the Whitecaps What was once a necessary and simple building located in downtown Vancouver for Canadian football has been transformed over the last few years into one of the crown jewels among international sports venues. Thanks to an ambitious plan to attract the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver’s BC Lions football team and the Whitecaps soccer club remain chief beneficiaries in the Games’ aftermath. As interest in Major League Soccer grew throughout the United States, interest from Canadian fans followed. In 2007, Toronto began play as the first MLS franchise outside the United States. Vancouver joined the League in 2011 and it was soon joined by Montreal in 2012. Like Toronto, the Whitecaps needed a plan for an acceptable venue to host MLS matches before a franchise would be awarded. Vancouver fans were satisfied upon learning BC Place, home of the Canadian Football League’s Lions, would be further renovated after the Olympics with completion set for September 2011. Until it was complete, though, the Whitecaps played most of their inaugural campaign in a makeshift venue on the site of the former Empire Stadium, the longtime home of the NASL Whitecaps from 1974-1983. They closed out play at this site on September 21st with a 3-1 loss to Seattle Sounders FC. On October 2nd of their first season, they opened their new, renovated home with a 1-0 defeat to the hands of their Cascadia rivals, the Portland Timbers. Since the last month of their maiden season, the Whitecaps have been able to proudly call their home a magnificent venue, the details of which are sprinkled throughout this review. Modernized for pro soccer in ways which are truly clever, the Bell Pitch at BC Place, as it is known on game-day, possesses an intimate feel leaving new visitors awestruck the first time they see the venue from the outside, especially at night, and of course once they step inside the seating area. In terms of history, BC Place served as the Olympic Stadium for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. It has hosted eight CFL Grey Cup Championship games. Touting such a rich history, the BC Sports Hall of Fame is located within the stadium just inside Gate A. This is worth a visit, best made on non-game days, but still open on game days from 10 AM to 5 PM. As for the future, team ownership originally hoped to build a soccer-specific venue known as Waterfront Stadium in nearby Gastown for the 2016 season. Due to public opposition to the plan, the club is committed to BC Place through at least the 2015 season. Who knows if this will remain their home after 2015? If you can make it there to see a game, you are in for a unique treat as BC Place is among the best MLS venues. Food & Beverage 5 While fans have certain minimum expectations for food and beverage offerings you can find anywhere, the concessionaire at BC Place has taken a different approach. In the 2013 season fans are seeing an upgrade not just regarding the type of offerings, but the quality of what you would expect. There are four special things worth eating. Made famous more so in French Canada than Vancouver, the made-to-order Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich served with kettle chips and kosher pickle for $9.75 is one of the best I have ever had and is offered at a fair price. Cooked just right with a generous portion of overlapping slices within a hearty ciabatta bun, this needs to be your first stop. In the main concourse, you can only get it at one place, a portable unit just across from the entrance to section 218. Ask for Jordan who oversees this area. He set things up nicely. A little further down the concourse, try the bratwurst on a pretzel bun served with kettle chips at $10.50. A bacon-wrapped hot dog on a regular bun served with kettle chips is also available for $9.50. Beer battered fish (two-piece) with kettle chips is $11.50. While tasty, the latter seemed a little overpriced for the amount of food provided. Lastly are the poutine fries (French fries with cheese curds and gravy poured over them). The regular version is $7 with a short-rib version for $8.50. As for the regular items, prices are a little higher than expected, but relatively in line with what you would expect for sports venues. As for soft drinks, Pepsi products dominate with Dole, Dr. Pepper, Orange Crush and 7-Up also available. A 24oz. soft drink is $4.50 while a 32oz. drink in a collector’s cup is $6.50. Bottled sodas and water are $4.50 while coffee and hot chocolate are $3.50. Beer and wine are plentiful in a variety of forms with 12 oz. Budweiser draught at $7.75 and both Premium (Stella Artois, Beck’s, Alexander Keiths, and Stanley Park Brewery) draught and Belgian White draught are $8.25 each. Budweiser cans are $8.50 and Premium cans are $9. Specialty drinks such as Mike’s Hard Cider, Okanagan Premium cider and Palm Bay Coolers are $9.50. Sonora Desert Ranch Pinot Grigio and Merlot are $8.50 per serving. For regular eats, a hot dog is $5.50 while converting it to a combo with drink and chips is $10.50. Nachos with cheese are $6 while a house recipe chili bowl is $6.50. Chicken fingers with fries are $10.50, a cheeseburger is $8 and French fries are $5.50. A burger combo with fries and a drink are $16, a $2 savings off the individual purchase price. Texas-Style pulled pork, known as Southsliders, is $9.50. As for snacks, one of the more unique items comes from Cin City Donuts, a portable kiosk on the main concourse. They offer bags of mini donuts for just $5.50 (cash only). Other more traditional items are bags of peanuts at $4 and Cracker Jacks at $6. An 85 oz. popcorn bucket is $5.50 while a 130 oz. refillable bucket is $9.50. Assorted candy is $4.50. Various ice creams and frozen treats at portable units range in price from $3 to $6. Atmosphere 5 It is pretty difficult to convert a 55,000-seat, multi-purpose stadium into an intimate 21,000-seat soccer pitch on game-day, but BC Place does a great job of achieving this very unique atmosphere. Uniquely created with nearly 50 large white heavy-duty fabric pieces, these visual elements are hung from a cable which mirrors the encircling area which ends up being quite a bit smaller than the perimeter of the upper deck. These large pieces are draped and connected to the first row railing of the upper deck. The upper deck is pretty much put out of sight and mind in this process and interestingly is reminiscent of the upper awning commonly found as the top rim of many MLS soccer-specific stadiums. In addition, perhaps the most significant renovation element involves the largest cable-supported retractable roof in the world. When opened, the opening measures 110 by 93 yards, nearly the same size as the field below. Even when opened, the seating area is covered by the permanent portion of the roof. Taking 20 minutes to open or close, the fabric roof retracts into a pod and is hidden in the center of the opening which is suspended above the videoboard. Speaking of the videoboard, it is the second largest center-hung high definition scoreboard in North America, the largest being the one at AT&T Stadium (formerly Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas). This remarkable piece of technology measures 68 feet wide by 38 feet high and runs along the sideline and with slightly smaller screens attached and facing each goal. Live action and replays dominate with just a small area in the lower-right corner of each screen reserved for the score and running time. Just as remarkable is the renovation work which helps to infuse natural light into the building. This is best enjoyed during afternoon matches. Even when the roof is closed, the space between the top of the upper deck and the permanent roof has been changed from the building’s original brown glass to clear glazing with a subtle blue tint. This improves the outer appearance of the building while allowing a brighter more natural environment in ramps, concourses, seating areas and the playing field. The new glazing also helps to reduce the amount of energy used to light the concourses during the daytime. The lower edge facing of the upper deck features a brightly displayed electronic ribbon board and is effective in cueing fans to cheer, announce substitutions and, of course, advertising. Just above sections 249 and 222, the time into the match and score are displayed, the only place other than the lower-right corner of the videoboard this information is shown. The playing field is polytan artificial turf measuring 117 yards by 75 yards. The pitch is certified by FIFA, the international soccer governing body, with a 2-star rating, the highest rating possible. You can enter BC Place as early as one hour before kick-off. When entering the facility, fans enter at the street level concourse known as Level 3. If deciding on which gate to enter, consider Gate A as it leads you right to the BC Sports Hall of Fame, open 10-5 and admission is half off with ticket to a game from two weeks prior. Regular adult price is $15 so that is quite a nice savings at $7.50. Upon entry, you will travel down a wide ramp to Level 2 and reach the main concourse. Unless you have tickets to the special lower level club seats, this will be familiar territory for you on this day. The entire concourse is carefully filled with the right mix of permanent and temporary concession stands, tastefully erected merchandise areas for game-day only, restrooms and entrances to the seating area. In understanding the seating arrangement for the sections, consider the appearance of the overhead seating signs, a sample image which is shown in the photo gallery of this review as section 218. Pay close attention to how the seats are conveyed on the sign and how they are arranged within a row. It is a little different than most venues and that is why I point out the details below. As you can see, the section is clearly listed, but when entering the seating area of a section, you can see rows to the right are seats 1-17 while rows to the left are seats 101-117. The number of seats within a row can change by section, but the way these are laid out is the main point here. Regardless of which section you sit, as you face the field, the right of the aisle is seat #1, then seat #2 next to it and the numbers increase as the row extends to the right. To the left of the aisle, however, and still in the same section, seat #101 is the first seat, seat #102 next to it and so on as the row extends to the left. This is important so that you understand the layout and don’t, for instance, get a ticket for a seat on the aisle which is also in your line of view to see the field as people walking up and down all game might lessen the enjoyment of your attendance at the match. With this complicated part addressed, determine what section you want to sit. As a basis for determining your choice, consider viewing things as though you were sitting at the midfield line facing the benches. You would be sitting in section 242. Across the field, the Whitecaps bench is to your left in front of section 213 while the visiting team occupies the bench in front of section 215. Section 214 is on the center line directly across from you. To your right and between section 227 and 228 is the north or east goal. To your left and between section 201 and section 254 is directly behind the south or west goal and where the teams enter the pitch. This is also the end of the field where the Whitecaps two supporter groups stand and yell all game. From section 201-207 and section 249-254, all sections stand and chant. Unfortunately, many of the chants involve foul language causing me to question the intellect of these folks when they use some of these words, as they do not make sense in the first place. The lack of respect most fans in these sections have for those enjoying a match is a letdown. I expected better, especially having witnessed chanting at numerous MLS matches in the past which were certainly all above board. So it can be done right. The lesson is to avoid the south or west end if you do not want to stand during the match or hear foul language spewed in synchronicity. As for the seating bowl, the sections closest to midfield are set back off the sidelines more than those near the end lines or corners. The pitch in the rows seems average, nothing special. Premium seating occupies the sideline area of the field opposite the benches. Not sure why these sections are pushed back further away from the field in the first place given the longtime tenant in the Lions football team also plays on a rectangular surface. Wherever you sit, make sure it is lower than row “S” otherwise you might feel too suffocated by being too close to the artificial roof designed to make the venue intimate for soccer matches. Incidentally, the venue’s private boxes are the highest leveled area you can reach for the soccer layout and really cause you to feel removed from the event you came to enjoy. There is something to be said for being too close to the action. You might be too low to the field and the view might be obstructed with too much player traffic if you are below row “F”. Overall, I like section 231, row “O” and anywhere from seat 104 through 110 as the ideal spot to view a Whitecaps match. Here you can view the players entering the field pretty much straight on, there is a good view of the activity in the bench area, you get views of two videoboards and, depending upon which way you turn your head, a view down the nearest sideline to your left or a view from just behind the goal line to your right. The aisle to your right is pretty much out of play relative to obstructing your view. The club sells out nearly every match so buying tickets at the box office may be somewhat difficult to accomplish the day of a game. Should they be available, consider the seat mentioned above in section 231 (non-alcoholic zone) is $28.25 face value. Cross the aisle in 230 and you will be $38.25. A midfield seat in section 241 is $63.25. Neighborhood 4 Most of the activity is to the north of BC Place, a mix of eateries and places for a light snack before or after the game. I have several which should be considered and one that should be avoided. There is no shortage of places to enjoy a variety of good local beer and a few interesting foods. Back Forty at 118 Robson Street is just north and across the street from BC Place. It is a convenient and good choice for being close to the venue and offers great food. Consider the bucket of buttermilk fried chicken or the St. Louis Style Pork Ribs. Doolin’s Irish Pub at 654 Nelson Street at Glanville is just north and west of BC Place. You will enjoy the atmosphere with live music frequently, soccer on the tele and 23 beers on tap. To eat, choose Shepherd’s Pie or Guinness Beef Pie and don’t even look at the menu. Just pick one of those two choices. The Pint Public House & Sports Bar at 455 Abbott Street just a little north and east of BC Place is another fine choice. Any of their burgers or the Pale Ale Fish & Chips is worth ordering. I have enjoyed a visit to their downtown Edmonton location a few years back and the Vancouver location is equally worth visiting. You might want to avoid Rosie’s on Robson. There is something wrong when you order a simple appetizer with plenty of time to eat it, but then it takes 30 minutes to get it. I didn’t really get a warm feeling when I walked in there either. I left after the disrespect. Avoid this place as there are too many other options which clearly want your business more than Rosie’s. As for as things to do and see, my guess is most any trip to Vancouver will involve more than just soccer. So while you plan your trip to this magnificent city, consider visits to the following places in or around downtown Vancouver; Granville Island and Granville Market, Stanley Park and the seawall, Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, shopping and sightseeing in North Vancouver and West Vancouver and finally, Horseshoe Bay. Fans 4 There is a nice mix of fans at Whitecaps games as their following continues to grow in their third season. Soccer fans are passionate by nature and Whitecaps’ supporters follow suit. They come in all shapes and sizes from young to old as the club is making an effort to generate a family commitment among its fans. Each pre-game begins with a March to the Match beginning at the corner of Robson and Granville. Originated by the Southsiders, the longest serving supporters club, the group marches down Robson about a ½ mile toward BC Place. The march involves a chanting of songs, waving of flags and carrying of banners all the way to the game. Rain City Brigade is the newest of the two supporters groups having begun their organized support of the Whitecaps in 2010. Both supporter groups call the southwest end behind the goal as their home seating area. Access 4 Parking is available throughout the downtown area around BC Place, but you will pay a hefty price of $20-$30. I would avoid it at all costs, especially when you think of what the savings could buy you in the way of food and drink before or during the game. I chose a downtown hotel, Residence Inn by Marriott, and walked to the game. The next best option is to take light rail. If you choose Skytrain, Vancouver’s fully-automated light rail system, you will enjoy an easy, inexpensive option. Free from downtown traffic, there are three lines (Expo Line-navy, Millenium Line-yellow and Canada line-teal). Fares vary based upon distance travelled, but typically are $2.75 each way for reasonable distances. You will not pay more than $5.00 each way and that involves the furthest distances. The lines are laid out a little strangely so check the website for the details and map out your trip. From wherever you travel, the closest stations to BC Place are Stadium-Chinatown (Expo Line-navy and Millennium Line-yellow only), just two blocks northeast and Vancouver-City Centre Station (along the Canada line-teal only), just six “short” blocks northwest. Buses and streetcars run through the downtown area and are also a nice option to the game. If you are making it a full day of using mass transit, consider a day-pass which covers all travel on buses, street cars, Seabus and Skytrain for $9.75. Return on Investment 4 Vancouver tends to be a bit more expensive than most cities for anything, but all in all, the prices are decent for a Whitecaps game. Ticket prices in the upper tier of seating are a little over the top, but you can find a good seat for $30. Food and beverage prices are on par with most sports venues and while there are some which are over the top, there are also others that are better than expected. Mass transit is always the way to go, particularly if there is no tailgating involved. Extras 5 MASCOT – Spike the mascot is very active during games and even during the pre-game where he plays soccer with fans outside before the gates open. At the game I attended, he defended the northeast goal during a penalty-kick promotion (see image in photo gallery). Unlike some mascots, Spike is not an afterthought, but an integral part of the club branding strategy. MERCHANDISE – Despite the renovations, the facility relies on temporary merchandise kiosks spread through the main concourse. There is no main team store in the entire venue. Still, the club does a good job of merchandising a display of products in a wide range of price points. Although I found a stylish shirt to wear to the game while at Granville Island marketplace, prices are just slightly above what you would pay outside the facility. PROGRAM – Earlier in the 2013 season, the club provided the typical 5×7 size program filled with stories, rosters, statistics and all of the pertinent information soccer fans want to follow the match. On the date I attended and presumably beginning in early August, the team stopped producing the more content-based program in favor of inserts. Upon entry, I was handed the insert which served to promote a push for 2014 season ticket sales more than anything along with roster and statistics. No word on if the team will return to the traditional game program, but if they do, you can also find them in the Whitecaps website for download under the Match Programs tab below the Fans heading. To witness a match inside a venue like this is truly special. The view from the seats across the field with the gigantic videoboard hanging from the cleverly constructed roof structure and the hanging material which make the atmosphere spectacular are a real unique experience. The March to the Match led by the Southsiders supporters is a neat way to spark the excitement leading up to the match. An hour before game time, meet the group at Robson and Granville for the ½ mile March to the Match. This is a widely-embraced way to get ready for the match. An extra mark for the significant place that Vancouver has given Terry Fox. With the plaza named after him, and a fantastic bronze statue (four actually), Vancouver and BC Place has shown the importance of this Canadian icon, who arguably did more for cancer research than any other person, ever!

Photos by Sean MacDonald , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Koshien Stadium 1-82 Koshiencho Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663-8152 Japan Hanshin Tigers website Koshien Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 47,757 Earning Its Stripes Hanshin Koshien Stadium is Japan’s most famous stadium – not because the Hanshin Tigers play here, but because it hosts two high school baseball tournaments every year. Both tournaments are known simply as “Koshien,” and it is every Japanese boy’s dream to play a game at the stadium. The spring invitational tournament takes place in late March and early April, just as the Nippon Baseball League season kicks off, while the summer competition, which features a team from each prefecture, is played through the middle two weeks in August. The high school games take priority, so the Tigers have to play on the road during the tournaments (although some home games are scheduled for the Kyocera Dome in Osaka). In fact, the stadium was built in 1924, specifically to host the high school tournaments. This makes Koshien the oldest ballpark in the NPB, beating Jingu Stadium by two years, even though the Tigers didn’t start to use it until 1936. By the 2000s, though, it was in need of an overhaul, especially after the devastating earthquake in 1995. The last game I saw there in 2006 was painful since the seats were so cramped, having been designed for the average Japanese man in 1924. Thankfully, the powers that be recognized this and instituted a comprehensive renovation program between 2007 and 2010 that completely reshaped the inside of the park, while leaving the iconic ivy and arches untouched outside. Capacity dropped from 53,000 in 2003 to 47,757 and the new seats were slightly bigger and more comfortable. This change vaulted Koshien to the top of the NPB stadium rankings, since the fans and the atmosphere were already the best in the country. (Note: exchange rates are as of the time of this posting, August 2013.) Food & Beverage 5 Along each concourse are dozens of concessions that provided the biggest surprise for me. Not the number of concessions itself, but the variety and quality. In general, eating options at Japanese ballparks are much more diverse than what you get back home, and healthier as well, but often the food is just average. Not so at Koshien, where everything I tried was superb. I started with a kushiage shumai: that’s four Chinese dumplings fried and put on a skewer. With a touch of mustard, it was fantastic and a bargain at just ‎¥300 ($3.10). Then, I had a large mango kakigori, which is shaved ice covered with mango juice and even a few pieces of the fruit. It was perfect for such a hot and humid day, and it took me nearly half an hour to finish, well worth the ‎¥400 ($4.10). My main meal was a beef and kimchi (spiced cabbage) combo with a cold draft beer, and it was just ‎¥1,000 ($10.25) and surprisingly tasty. It would take the rest of the review to go through the entire list of food options, but the most popular were the jumbo yakitori sticks at ‎¥350 ($3.60) each. Some other choices include a Pizza-La Express stand if you are hankering for a few slices Japanese style (potato and mayonnaise are often toppings), and KFC if you need your American grease fix, but I strongly recommend you stay with the truly Japanese selections. One other thing at Koshien is that current and past players have a dish that they “sponsor”. Try Makoto Imaoka’s cold dipping noodles (much better than it sounds) or Matt Murton’s pork bowl with crab meat (again the English description does it no justice). Do take your time to wander throughout the concourse and study the offerings. Note that Japanese ballparks are always changing their menu, so what is here one year may be gone the next, but if my visit was any indication, you should come hungry when you visit Koshien. Atmosphere 5 Koshien has, without a doubt, the best atmosphere at any Japanese ballpark. The fans are jammed in, there is not an empty seat in the building, and the cheering is long and loud when the Tigers are at bat. Gates open 2 hours before game time, and you are advised to get there then, so as to fully enjoy the ambiance of the stadium. When you first enter and the ballpark is relatively empty, you will be amazed at the aesthetic perfection as the Kelly green seats combine the with dark, dirt infield and grass outfield to induce a feeling of complete serenity. This doesn’t last long though, as fans slowly surround you, and the buzz increases as first pitch approaches. Use this time to load up on food, as you want to be in your seat at the scheduled starting time, as Japanese baseball begins on the dot. The top half of the first is a prelude as the visiting fans are too few in number to make much noise, but when the Tigers take to the plate in the bottom of the first, their fans explode, and for the rest of the game, Koshien is a madhouse. To add to the proceedings, there are beer girls plying the aisles from well before game time, Although their constant shouts of “Beeru ikaga desu kaaaaaaaaa” (“How about a beer?”) resembles that of the cicadas that dominate Japanese gardens in the summer, their smiling persistence in performing such a difficult job in stifling hot weather is highly admirable. There are a couple of mascots, and songs are sung throughout the game. After the 5th inning, while the field is being cleaned, the mascot dance show entertains fans for those otherwise dull five minutes. In the 7th inning, fans release balloons as they do at nearly every Japanese ballpark, but elsewhere is not as amazing as it is here, where nearly every fan has at least two balloons. Imagine 80,000 noisy balloons rising through the air for just a few seconds, before giving up and spinning back to earth. If you want to participate, you can buy your own balloons at any team store. Neighborhood 4 Koshien is located in Nishinomiya City, which is actually in Hyogo Prefecture rather than Osaka. The immediate vicinity contains a McDonalds and a few other small restaurants, but you are better off returning to Osaka to party. There are literally tens of thousands of restaurants and bars, with Namba station being the center of it all, if you are looking for clubs and a late night. The Hanshin line (yes, the owner of the Tigers also owns a major railway) terminates in Umeda, which is slightly quieter, as it is more of a business district. One recommended spot is a wine and tapas bar called Tucusi. The bartender who served me told me he was a big Tigers fans, and they had some great shochu (colloquially referred to as a type of whisky, but entirely different), so it gets a mention here. It is a bit of a walk from Umeda station, but it will definitely provide a unique experience if you are visiting Japan. If you are looking for something less esoteric, try the Hub Pub chain, with branches throughout the city. Their attempt at being a true English pub is somewhat hit-and-miss, but prices are cheap, and you can usually chat up a local here. Fans 5 Tigers’ fans are notorious for their silly. and sometimes outrageous, behavior. When the team, a perennial loser, won the Japan series in 1985, fans gathered at a bridge over Dotonbori, the canal that runs through downtown Osaka. When each player’s name was yelled, a fan resembling that player jumped in the canal. When team star Randy Bass was announced, the fans kidnapped a statue of Colonel Sanders from a nearby KFC and threw it in Dotonbori in effigy, as both Bass and the colonel are bearded and non-Japanese. The statue was not found for over 20 years and the Tigers have not won the Japan Series since, leading many to believe in the “Curse of the Colonel”. I have always had a great time at Koshien, and being a foreigner helps, especially when one of the non-Japanese players hits a home run. Even if you are from America and the player is from Venezuela, you are both gaijins and the fans will clap you on the back as if you knocked the ball out of the park. Don’t take offense, as none is intended. Their passion is their team, and you have to respect it. The cheering section is also very loud, and the poor visiting fans are relegated to a small section in the top of left field, where their cheers die on the wind. The team is no longer the laughingstock of the Central League, but the fans have not become arrogant or annoying in any way. They love their Tigers, and after enjoying a game with them, you probably will too. Access 3 Koshien is easy to get to. The Hanshin main line goes straight from Umeda station, which is right in the center of the city. Avoid the local train, and take an express instead; the Koshien stop is just 12 minutes away. You can usually spot Tigers fans in their distinctive yellow and black paraphernalia, and following them to the correct train is a good bet. When you get to Koshien station, make sure to buy your return ticket on the way out, as the machines will be very crowded after the game. If you are staying in the Kansai area for a number of days, consider a transit card that can be used at any train line throughout the region; at ‎¥2,000 ($20.50), you will be able to use it for two or three days, depending on your itinerary, and you don’t have to queue repeatedly for single journey tickets. As you exit the train station, you might have a bit of trouble finding the stadium at first, as it is blocked by two highways that pass right in front of it. Only those distinctive arches are visible, but once you walk under the overpasses, you will see this beauty. After entering the stadium, you will notice the concourses are rather narrow, but this didn’t prove problematic, because there are three levels, and fans are guided to the best level for their seat. You can walk around the infield concourse without a problem, but you cannot get to the outfield from there or vice versa, which is a problem if you are looking to take photographs from all angles. As well, you can only enter the seating area through the proper aisle shown on your ticket. My aisle was 3-L, which meant the 3rd floor, aisle L. It’s not that hard to figure out. Seats are still a bit tight if you are a larger individual, and when there are drink holders attached to the arms, getting in and out can be a hassle for those in your row. Thankfully, most rows are just 8 seats long, so you won’t inconvenience too many when you need to go grab some grub. Return on Investment 5 There are just three types of seats available to the general public. The first are those located in the infield, known as Ivy Seats and costing ‎¥4000 ($41). These seats come with drink holders and seat backs and are a better option, considering the average Japanese baseball game takes well over 3 hours. I was fortunate to get a seat in row 23 just past third base, which was high enough to avoid the fencing and give me a clear view of home plate. The second group of seats is the Alps seats, so named for the steep incline. At ‎¥2,500 ($25.60), they are cheaper, but the seats have no back, and you are down in the corners. Finally, there are the outfield seats, which are ‎¥1,900 ($19.50). The experience of sitting in the outfield cannot be described; you will be surrounded by Tigers fans cheering all game long. I prefer the relative comfort of the Ivy Seats, which are closer to the action, but if you want a unique experience, try sitting in the outfield instead. These tickets are usually easier to get, as well. Although the price may be a bit higher than average in Japan, the experience is the best you can get, which is why this category gets full marks. It should be mentioned that when you buy your tickets at a convenience store in Japan, you are stuck with whatever the machine churns out. If you want to sit in a specific area, you can try ordering by phone if you speak Japanese. Another option is to visit a kinken shop that sells all sorts of tickets and is usually found around the larger train stations. They sometimes have the really good seats at a discount, but again, speaking Japanese would be helpful. Extras 5 There is a Koshien museum that is open before the game and costs a mere ‎¥500 ($5.10). Its focus is mainly on high school baseball, though, so it might not be the most interesting spot if you are a tourist, but you will certainly understand the passion the Japanese feel for the game. Stadium tours are also offered at certain times. There are several plaques on the outside walls that illustrate the history of the stadium. Take time to walk around the entire outside. Babe Ruth played here in 1934 on a barnstorming tour of Japan, and there is a plaque dedicated to that event, as well. The arches and Wrigley Field-inspired ivy that make the outside of this ballpark so unique deserve another point. There is a commemorative tower in front of the museum that notes the summer tournament has passed 90 years and the spring tournament 80. I received a free Tigers’ jersey upon entering, allowing me to fit in with the masses. Final Thoughts With the exception of a relatively quiet neighborhood (easily fixed by returning to Osaka) and some minor problems with access, this is a perfect place to see a baseball game in Japan. From the first time you enter and see the famous field until the final pitch, you will be captivated by all you see. All Japanese ballparks offer the novice some memories, but Hanshin is simply the best. Even if you are in town during one of the high school tournaments, check out this stadium, as it celebrates its 90th birthday in 2014.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Autodromo del Mugello Via Senni, 15 Scarperia, Tuscany 50038 Italy Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix website Autodromo del Mugello website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 45,000 Italy’s Most Famous Non-F1 Race Track The Mugello International Circuit is located in the town of Scarperia. It owes its name, “Mugello,” to the geographical area where it is located, which is a green valley in the northeast of Florence near the Apennines, the mountain range that separates Tuscany from Emilia Romagna. While road racing had been around the public streets of Mugello for over 60 years, the construction of the racing-specific track began in 1972. Two years later, on June 23, 1974, it was inaugurated with a Formula 5000 race. First managed by Automobilclub of Florence, the Mugello International Circuit has been owned by Ferrari since 1988. In May 2012, the facility has hosted the group test in Formula 1 — the teams that took to the track were Ferrari, Lotus, McLaren, Williams, Mercedes, Red Bull, Toro Rosso, Force India, Sauber, Caterham and Marussia — and it is home every year between June and July, to the Italian Grand Prix for the Moto World Championship. It was also twice the finishing stage of the Giro d’Italia cycling race. Outside of racing, over the years, its buildings have hosted conferences, university lectures, and other events. The Mugello International Circuit has received the “Best Prix” Award as the best circuit in the Moto World Championship five times. (All price equivalents are in U.S. dollars and accurate as of the time of this posting, July 2013.) Food & Beverage 3 We visited the Mugello International Circuit at the ACI/CSAI racing weekend on 6 and 7 July 2013. Before arriving at the circuit, we stopped in the center of Scarperia for breakfast: frothy cappuccino and croissant with cream for a total cost of €2 ($2.60). Once we arrived at the circuit, we had a cup of coffee at the restaurant located at the paddock’s entrance (€0.80, $1). We decided to return to the same refreshment point for lunch. We ate a small pizza and a bottle of water (0.5 liters) for a total cost of €5 ($6.60). The menu also offers sweet and salted snacks, various types of sandwiches, and ice cream. Also, if your tastes require it, there are some well-marked areas for barbecue. Atmosphere 5 The track of Mugello International Circuit extends for 5.245 meters and is situated 292 meters above sea level. The circuit features 15 curves, with 9 to the right (their names, in order: San Donato, Poggio Secco, Borgo San Lorenzo Casanova, Arrabbiata 1 and Arrabbiata 2, Scarperia, Correntaio, Biondetti 2), and 6 to the left (Luco, Materassi, Savelli Palagio, Biondetti 1, Bucine). Cars and motorcycles reach a top speed in the final stretch of the main straight before taking the San Donato curve. The roar of the cars that echo in the hills around the plant is an indescribable feeling and really exciting. Neighbourhood 4 The town of Scarperia dates from the 14th century. In the city, you can visit the Palazzo dei Vicari, a building similar in appearance to the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, inside of which is the Museum of Cutting Tools. Other buildings in the old town of Scarperia are the Church of Santi Jacopo and Filippo and the Oratorio della Madonna di Piazza. These two buildings date back to the first decades of the 14th century. In addition, during the year, Scarperia is home to some culinary festivals which are worth attending. For example, there is Sagra del Cinghiale (cinghiale is a wild boar), Sagra del Tortello (tortello is a large ravioli), and Sagra del Fungo Porcino (porcino is a mushroom). About 10 km from Scarperia is Lago di Bilancino. It is an artificial basin of about 5,000 square meters that includes various activities, from fishing to windsurfing. Fans 4 When we visited the circuit, there wasn’t the audience that crowded the facility during the Italian Grand Prix (record about 150,000 viewers), but the spectators present were competent and passionate. We spoke to some of them who told us the history of the facility and some curious aspects relating to races of the past. Access 4 Reaching the Mugello International Circuit is really easy. By car, use the A1 motorway and exit at Barberino di Mugello, then just follow the road signs. From the motorway exit, you have to drive about 15 km to the facility. By train, it can be accessed by either the Borgo San Lorenzo (about 5 km away from the track) or San Piero a Sieve (around 7 km away) stations. During the Italian Motorcycle Grand Prix, a free shuttle bus service will take you from either station, while during the rest of the year, you can still get to the circuit from Borgo San Lorenzo and San Piero a Sieve with regularly-scheduled public buses. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices at the ACI/CSAI racing weekend ranged from €5 to €15 ($6.60 to $19.80) and gave the opportunity to attend the “Prato,” “Tribuna Centrale” (the Main Grandstand), and “Terrazza Box” areas of the track. Also, for those under 18, women, and residents of the town of Scarperia, access was free. Please note that the entrance fee includes allowing you to park your cars and motorcycles inside the track, just behind the paddock. Extras 4 The Mugello International Circuit is open for 270 days a year (2013 calendar runs from March to November) and offers the ability to run on the track with private cars and motorcycles. On the circuit’s website, in the Events section, there is all the information you need to feel the emotion of being race car drivers for a day. Racing training is available for both cars and motorcycles, with the track offering to time your lap for you. Within the facility, there is also a kart and minibike circuit. As we can read on the website of the circuit, in the News section, Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso once said on Twitter, “I would love to race at Mugello. I know the track well, and it has everything you need, in every respect, to be part of the calendar.”

Photo Courtesy of Pacific Tigers Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Klein Family Field Pershing Avenue At Larry Heller Drive Stockton, CA 95204 Pacific Tigers website Klein Family Field website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 2,500 The Klein Family’s Gem Klein Family Field has been home to UOP (University of Pacific) baseball since 2006 when they moved from the longtime and former home of the Stockton Ports, Billy Hebert Field. The Ports played at Billy Hebert Field from 1953 until 2005 when they moved into their new home, Banner Island Ballpark. Bud Klein, the namesake of the Stanford Cardinal’s Klein Field at Sunken Diamond, is also a member the honored family in Stockton. His father, Sol Klein, began many Stockton youth leagues and the baseball club that would eventually be known as the Ports. Many members of the Klein family have been Tigers and their support continues with the donation of this beautiful new facility for the baseball program. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands, one serving the main items like hot dogs ($3), polish sausages ($4.50), baked potato ($4), burger ($4.50) and various sides like cookies ($1.50), peanuts ($2.50), bottled water and soda ($3), and malts ($3). The other concession stand only serves the side items. There is a third mini area that serves bottled beer and glasses of wine. It is in a section sort of separated from the rest of the seating area. It was unclear to me whether you needed a special ticket to enter this lounge area or some sort of wristband acknowledging you are of age. Atmosphere 4 Klein Family Field is a great place to watch a game. There are lots of seating options that you can choose from that include chair back seats, grass seating, high tops under canopies, and lounge chairs near a fireplace. Fans aren’t terribly loud but do have a good turnout. At this game, the energy level certainly dipped when Cal State Fullerton started the game by scoring 7 runs in the first 2 innings. The sight lines are great all around the park and there is plenty of room for the little ones to run around and keep themselves occupied. Klein Family Field and the surrounding scenery provides a top atmosphere for college baseball. Neighborhood 3 Klein Family Field is adjacent to the home of Pacific basketball, the Spanos Center. The area surrounding the ballpark is largely upscale residential, including parts of the UOP campus. There isn’t much in way of good hangouts in the immediate area but you can be sure you’re in a safe neighborhood, unlike the perception of other parts of Stockton. Though bars and restaurants within walking distance to and from the venue aren’t very available, downtown Stockton, as well as the Miracle Mile, is not far away. I’d recommend going to Valley Brewing Co about two miles away. They serve their own micro brews, good pub food, and you can take in sports memorabilia from all over Northern California as well as Stocktonians who made it to the big leagues. Lastly, the Stockton Ports play two and a half miles away on the Stockton waterfront. Fans 3 At the game of this review, much of the wind was taken out of the fans’ collective sail because of the onslaught by the visiting Titans. They were however engaged with the ballgame throughout. It certainly feels like a community of friends in the stands as I would imagine many of them go to all of the games together, much like the experience across the way at the Spanos Center. The Pacific Tigers also must compete with Stockton Ports and their new ballpark as well. On this particular day, baseball fans needed to choose between the two teams as the Ports were in town playing the Lancaster Jethawks. Access 4 Klein Family Field is located just a few blocks from highway 5 and two miles from 99. Getting from the freeways is easy through safe city blocks. Take main drags Pershing or Alpine to the convenient (and free on weekends) parking lot. You enter the ballpark between Klein Field and the Spanos Center where you’ll pass mementos of past donors to UOP athletics and through the charming gates to the field. Once inside, the promenades are plenty wide and the restrooms are clean and spacious enough for the field’s capacity. Return on Investment 4 General seating starts at just $6 for this 80 degree May afternoon. With parking free and concessions affordable and plentiful, Klein Family Field provides a great value to fans. Unfortunately Ed Sprague’s squad has struggled the last few years and is currently in last place in the Big West Conference. On the flip side, I got to see the top team in the conference in Cal State Fullerton, who has plenty of tradition beyond their successful 2012 season. Extras 2 The Spanos Center showcases all the banners for all sports at Pacific so there aren’t many acknowledgements of baseball successes at Klein Family Field. Extra points go to the array of seating you can choose from as well as the fireplace (yes, fireplace) down the right field line. The fireplace has lounge style chairs to kick back in. Final Thoughts I really enjoyed my trip to Stockton and would recommend a trip to Klein Family Field. I didn’t know what to expect as I had only been to the snazzy Banner Island Ballpark and couldn’t imagine that the UOP ballpark could measure. It measured up very nicely. Note: The University of Pacific will be joining the West Coast Conference (WCC) for the 2013-14 academic year.

Photo courtesy of CSU Bakersfield Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Hardt Field Roadrunner Dr Bakersfield, CA 93311 Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners website Hardt Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 900 Putting the Field in Bakersfield On the Stadium Journey website, fans can learn about programs with rich college baseball history, such as the USC Trojans and Cal State Fullerton Titans. Conversely of course, there are programs that are just opening the cover to the book of their history. The CSU Bakersfield program is an excellent example of building from the ground up. It started back in 2006 when after significant Division II success; the program began the transition to Division I. The goal was to begin play at the top level during the 2009 collegiate baseball season. Playing in a more significant Division required a more significant facility. In August of 2008, construction of the Roadrunner Baseball Complex would begin. The venue would be named Hardt Field, named after Tom and Barbara Hardt, who gave a generous $1 million of general contracting work to build the facility - the field would open on February 20, 2009 as team would begin play as an Independent, unaffiliated with any conference. The school was far from finished with the field. A new $120,000 scoreboard was purchased and in operation by February of 2012. A $560,000 installation of lights was ready by mid-March, allowing the team to play night games. The field today has 25 cypress trees making up the batter's eye in center field, an infield mixture of sand, silt, and clay (similar to what is used at Petco Park and Angel Stadium), a grass berm on both the first and third base sides, and several sets of temporary seating. The most exciting recent announcement was that after initially being turned down as an all-sports member of the WAC, the conference agreed to allow CSU Bakersfield in as a baseball-only member. In Feb, 2012, the Bakersfield Californian reported that the program is aiming to raise another $2 million to add the finishing touches to the venue. First will be to add permanent seating for roughly 1,200 fans, a press box for coverage of the growing program, and two suites that can generate future income for the program. Secondly would be a $600,000 cost to add field turf, as the program is spending $80,000 annually on maintenance, creating more sustainability for the program to grow. Lastly, while the facility is already new, adding on a videoboard to modernize the facility and potentially allow it to host NCAA regional games. The Roadrunners are hoping to implement these changes prior to the start of the 2013 season. The Roadrunners baseball program competes with Bakersfield basketball, D-League Bakersfield Jam, as well as minor league baseball (Bakersfield Blaze) and hockey (Bakersfield Condors). Food & Beverage 2 With temporary stands being the only option, there was not a lot of variety in the concessions. The options included the 10" Runner dog ($4), sandwiches ($4), nachos ($3), snacks ($3), and chips ($2). Unfortunately I'm unable to further elaborate on the sandwiches and snacks as they were hidden from view due to the wind. The beverages included soda, water, or Gatorade all for a price of $3. There was an additional temporary stand that specialized in coffees, smoothies, and other sorts of beverages commonly found in coffee shops. Atmosphere 3 There was certainly an atmosphere of hope at Hardt Field; seemingly that "we've come this far and we're going to continue to bring relevancy to this program." The resiliency was shown in the fans with most of them sticking it out through miserable weather to see the sport they clearly love. As with many baseball games at the college level, there was a calmer atmosphere with most fans sitting back and enjoying the game. They did play some music between innings and had some friendly competitions or opportunities to win which brought about some conversation and excitement within the games. Neighborhood 3 When fans look around the exterior of the field, they may not notice a lot outside of the ever growing CSU Bakersfield campus. Seemingly just a stone's throw away however is the Marketplace Shopping Center. The center has an Edwards Stadium 14 Cinema, Applebee's, Tahoe Joe's Famous Steakhouse, and all sorts of shopping. If the area in the shopping center is a bit overcrowded, fans can drive in either direction and find many other varieties such as the Elephant Bar, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, California Pizza Kitchen, Que Pasa Mexican, or Miyoshi Japanese Restaurant. Out of town visitors may want to take a drive towards downtown to check out the Buck Owens Crystal Palace, Kern County Museum, Mill Creek Park, or any of the other attractions Bakersfield offers. Fans 3 It is challenging to assess the fan base of the young program on a single evening's pass at it. There were certainly fans sporting the royal blue and gold, but with the temperature well below average most fans were bundled up in blankets. While there was not a strong showing, I would give all fans a perfect score just for sticking it out and cheering for their team during all nine innings during the cold, windy, and rainy evening. The fans did show their appreciation upon a big play, and there was one impressive heckler in the front row, but its tough to assess their night to night performance with such weather anomalies. Access 3 The new ballpark is not far from the 99 freeways, which connects to California's popular Interstate 5. Being one of the newer ballparks, it may not register in all GPS devices, so I would advise fans to find directions beforehand. The towering lights above the field give a visible cue to fans that pull onto campus where the field is located. While there are many lots that might look tempting to park in, the baseball lot is attached to the field and offers free parking on a first-come, first-served basis. There are two portable toilets on site for the fan's use, one with handicapped capabilities. This obviously is not the lap of luxury, but appears to get the job done with the current crowd size until further renovations are made. Return on Investment 3 The program definitely has a long way to go to make the experience at Hardt Field one of the better sports options in Bakersfield. The good news, however, is it is priced appropriately for its current phase of completion. The chair back seats behind home plate cost just $10 per contest while the bleacher/berm general admission areas are just $8 ($5 for youth). The general admission seemed to be the more popular option for this evening contest. There was also a season seat option for $185. The low priced tickets paired with free parking make it a nice little start to an evening out in Bakersfield. With a movie theater, shopping, and restaurants within walking distance, it's a reasonable add-in to any night out. Extras 1 Unfortunately with Hardt Field just being constructed and the program's recent soiree with Division I, few items of historical significance or uniqueness have been added. I did enjoy the large banners behind each dugout, one reading "Gold Plated" and the other "Field of Gold." This may be one of the few venues that fans could get hit by not only a foul ball, but also a tumbleweed. I noticed many of them sprawling around the concourse. Final Thoughts It's difficult to pass judgement on an experience that has grown so aggressively in the past five years. The area surrounding the field certainly shows that Hardt Field is very new and it will take some time to build up the aesthesis and create a following. With the move to the WAC conference, the Roadrunners should be able to develop some rivalries and ultimately increase the attention to the baseball program.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.26 Belluna Dome 2135 Kami-Yamaguchi Tokorozawa-City, Saitama 359-1153 Japan Seibu Lions website Belluna Dome website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 35,655 When is a Dome not a Dome NOTE: The name of the stadium has changed since this review was written. In 1979, the Seibu Lions moved to Tokorozawa, a city in Saitama Prefecture, just north of Tokyo. A new stadium was built for them and called Seibu Lions Stadium in a testament to originality. It was a typically pedestrian ballpark until 1997, when a roof was installed over a two year period and the stadium was renamed Seibu Dome, yet again a brilliant and unexpected decision. In 2009, the Lions took the $51.1 million posting fee they earned from Boston in the Daisuke Matsuzaka deal and renovated the dome with new concession stands, seating, a scoreboard and even toilets. Still, the overall feeling here is one of mediocrity, which is a shame as the Lions are the Pacific League’s most successful team, winning 13 out of 17 pennants between 1982 and 1998, and taking 8 Japanese titles in that time. Most recently the team won the 2008 Asian championship. There is no wall behind the stands, so it is not a true dome, and the elements are still part of the experience: not good in Japan’s hot and humid summer. The stadium is built into the side of a hill which requires you to walk up a fairly steep incline to get to the infield seats. On a 35 degree day, you will be sweating by the time you reach your seat, so bring a face towel to dry yourself and then grab a beer and enjoy the game. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium offers almost nothing intriguing once you are inside, but fortunately there are a number of concession stands outside. If you get there an hour or two before the game, take the time to wander around the area in front of the stadium and examine the various options. I tried a meat-covered onigiri (rice ball) for 400 yen which was OK. There are plenty of other choices though, and you can bring whatever you buy here into the stadium. KFC is the most famous name you will see, but I would suggest trying one of the other lesser-known stands, such as the kebab truck or creperie. Inside the park, there are dozens of small stands that dot the incline, but they mostly offer typical ballpark fare. There is a large three-level restaurant/team store called L’s that offers tables at which you can stand, but again the offerings are unappealing. Still, it might be worth stopping here as this area offers good views of the game, lying between home and first base. Drinks are served by the countless beer girls who spend the game running around with large kegs on their back, from which they dispense draft beer. Other vendors have different libations if beer is not your thing, just flag one down and you will be served with a smile. Atmosphere 2 The stadium has little in the way of a ballpark feel; the lack of a wall allows a lot of ambient noise to escape and the way the stadium is built into the hill makes the seats seem farther from the field. The best sections directly behind home plate are reserved for season seat holders and are filled with pairs of large chairs, which further reduces the feeling of being at a ballgame. The field is entirely ugly green turf except around the bases, the seats are an ugly uniform green, the fence another ugly green and even the outfield berm is really just concrete covered with yet a different ugly shade of green. Seibu Dome is not a pleasant sensory experience. There is a very large scoreboard but it is not used as well as it could be. The lineups are displayed next to a giant linescore, but they could do with more replays. Domes are generally lacking in a true baseball atmosphere and the Seibu Dome is no different. It is a decent ballpark but that is about it. Neighborhood 1 The stadium is in the middle of nowhere, taking over an hour to reach from Shinjuku. There is nothing in the immediate vicinity and there is no reason to explore before or after the game. The only thing nearby is an amusement park one train stop away and also run by Seibu. If you are with a family, this might be worth visiting before a night game. Fans 3 The Seibu fans are OK, cheering their team at the right time and waving towels when a run scores. But compared to the other fan groups in Japan, the Lions’ supporters are average, with little to separate them from a typical fan base. Access 3 The stadium is right next to Seibu Kyujo Mae train station, which is over an hour from Tokyo. There are many different ways to get here, the easiest being a direct train from Ikebukuro station on the Seibu Ikebukuro line. You enter the stadium behind the batters eye and move to the first or third base side depending on your seats. Lions’ fans sit on the third base side, a rarity in Japan, where the home team supporters sit on the first base side. If you are in the outfield cheering section, you will reach your seat almost immediately, but if you have reserved seats, you will make your way up the hill, passing through two more checkpoints where you need to show your ticket again. It is easy to move around the stadium and you can watch the game from the incline without being asked to move. This is helpful during a hot day as the hill is often blessed with a breeze that doesn’t reach the seats below. You cannot make your way between the first and third base sides – the area behind home plate is guarded as it houses the season ticket seats and the common man is not allowed in. As the stadium is perfectly symmetrical, that’s not much of an issue, although the concession stands might be slightly different from one side to the other. Return on Investment 3 The best thing about Seibu Dome is that tickets are reasonably priced and there are many options. The best are the field view seats, which are right on the field behind first and third base and go for 4,800 yen ($60) on game day. There are also the Bench Side seats, next to the dugout and close to home plate which are also 4,800 yen. These are often sold out, but there are always A and B reserved seats (3,500 and 3,000 yen respectively) available. Tickets are cheaper before game day and if you are a fan club member, even better discounts are to be had, but these are difficult for people visiting for a short time. I highly recommend that you avoid the outfield area – the views are not good from there as it is quite low, and after 3 hours sitting on the ground, you will be in pain. . Extras 2 The Lions’ minor league stadium is located next door and if you are extremely fortunate you might get a day-night doubleheader, so be sure to check the farm team’s schedule at the NPB home page. The Lions offer fans of different types a chance to experience being on the field. For example, Tuesday nights are catch-ball nights, where any fan can play catch on the field after the game, while Wednesday evening is ladies night, where women can try pitching or experience sitting in the Lions’ dugout among other activities. Final Thoughts Given the distance from Tokyo and the lack of anything particularly compelling here, a visit to Seibu Dome is not something that most baseball fans need put on their bucket list. If you want to see all 12 ballparks in the country, this is the one which will probably be the most annoying to get to and offer the least memorable experience.

Photo Courtesy of Lamar Cardinals Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Vincent-Beck Stadium Jim Gilligan Way Beaumont, TX 77705 Lamar Cardinals website Vincent-Beck Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 3,500 The Showcase of Southeast Texas: Vincent-Beck Stadium Where Texas and Louisiana meet at the Gulf Coast, you’ll find the oil-town city of Beaumont and the pride of Southeast Texas, Lamar University. Nicknamed the Golden Triangle, the area is known for high school football talent, but Cardinal baseball has built a reputation as a perennial Southland Conference front runner and is no stranger to NCAA Regionals with 13 appearances since 1976. The Cardinals call on-campus Vincent-Beck Stadium home and have since 1969. The ballpark boasts a seating capacity of 3,500. Food & Beverage 2 Vincent-Beck Stadium has your average baseball concession fare offerings. You can grab a hot dog with chili or cheese ($4.50), nachos ($4.75), or a BBQ sandwich ($4.50) as major items. The price is definitely high for the quality as the hot dogs and nachos are nothing special and the BBQ sandwich tastes like someone mixed Sloppy Joe mix with pre-packaged brisket (I was hoping for a little more from a BBQ labeled dish in Texas). Snack items include peanuts ($3), pretzels ($2.75), popcorn ($3), a pickle ($1.50), and assorted candy ($2). Drink options are Coca-Cola products ranging from $3-$4. Concessions are cash only. Being in an area with a unique blend of Cajun, BBQ, and Mexican cuisines, it would be nice to have a unique item like street tacos, jambalaya, or some authentic Texas BBQ. That’s probably asking for a little much from a mid-major program, but the Cardinals certainly have a fan base that could support an expanded concession menu. The stand does not accept credit cards so make sure to take some cash out prior to arriving to the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Vincent-Beck is what you’d expect at a classic small college baseball park. The stadium has undoubtedly enjoyed serving as home to a Lamar Cardinal baseball team which is regularly in the mix for a regional berth. The combination of strong teams and a dedicated fan base adds to the overall atmosphere. The ballpark is one of the largest for Southland Conference baseball and the sheer capacity of the facility is impressive. Chair back seats are available in the section immediately behind home plate and the remaining facility has bleacher style seating. At both ends of the stadium sits a unique strip of bleachers which are designed to allow for fans to plop down a fold-out styled chair and enjoy the game from their personal choice of seating. Just beyond the right field fence is the Lamar scoreboard with includes a small video board with replay capability. Lamar does a great job with honoring the past with large murals listing major accomplishments and another with pictures of Cardinals which have gone pro. There’s also plenty of picnic benches in the concourse which allow you to enjoy your concessions items without having to bring them to the stands. Though the ballpark is clearly one of the better in the Southland Conference, there are many enhancements which could be made to improve the environment. For one, the artificial turf infield just doesn’t sit well. Southeast Texas is a fertile region so the need for an artificial surface just really isn’t there. NCAA baseball seems to be leaning towards a trend of artificial surfaces, but you either need to go all in or stay out. The point where the artificial infield and the grass outfield meets is rather unsightly. Another sore spot is the outdated green painted wood which can be seen throughout the stadium. The press box is covered with it and the fence lines past the dugouts are made from it as well. Though it would take a little money, bricking in these areas would greatly enhance the atmosphere. There’s also a rather interesting trailer office just inside the gate. Though this obviously provides needed office space, it’s a trailer and no attempt is made to blend it in or fancy it up. Something that can’t be fixed is the huge electricity tower which dominates the right field skyline. Neighborhood 3 Beaumont, Texas is the home of Lamar University and the Lamar Cardinal baseball team. Vincent-Beck Stadium is located on the campus of Lamar University which is just south of downtown Beaumont. The locals will tell you that you can only experience the area by going a little off the map. In other words, don’t judge this book by its cover. Some great examples of this are the Big Thicket National Preserve and Neches River Adventures. If you’re into outdoor activities, this area will offer a great time with plenty of space for hunting, boating, fishing, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. A couple of nice attraction areas in-town are the McFaddin-Ward House and Gladys City Boomtown. If you don’t do your research before heading to Beaumont, you’ll be sorely disappointed in the mainstream restaurant options. The areas directly around the university and off the surrounding interstates don’t offer much quality. However, if you’re reading this review, you won’t have to worry about that. A great place for seafood in the Beaumont area is Larry’s French Market. Located about 20 minutes south of the Lamar campus, Larry’s is a Cajun inspired market/restaurant in the Groves area. Be sure to stop in and taste their BBQ crabs. Madison’s on Dowlen and Sugas Deep South Cuisine and Jazz Bar are both good dinner and nightlife options. Try the shrimp embrochette at Madison’s. No doubt the best lodging option in the area is the MCM Elegante Hotel. Fans 3 Vincent-Beck Stadium is one of the largest baseball stadiums in the Southland Conference and Lamar fans do a pretty decent job of showing up here to support their Cardinal baseball team. Attendance has waned a bit over the last few years with attendance figures averaging between 600 and 1,000, but that’s still pretty strong for the level of play. The fans in attendance are fairly knowledgeable about the game and supportive of their team. It’s fun to see fans stand and clap along to a Texas favorite “Deep in the Heart of Texas” during the seventh inning stretch. Access 3 Beaumont isn’t the easiest place to get to. The closest major airport is about 1.5 hours west of Beaumont in Houston, so if you’re flying in, expect to put in a decent drive to get the park. Granted, most of the visitors to Vincent-Beck are likely fans of fellow conference teams so driving in is the more likely mode of transportation. Beaumont is conveniently located off I-10. This strip of interstate is really hit or miss when it comes to seriously bogged down traffic. The greater Beaumont area is pretty well populated, but there doesn’t seem to be an intuitive reason for why they have traffic issues similar to a metropolis city. If you catch it at a good time though, the entry into town and down to the Lamar campus could be a breeze. Free parking is available beyond the outfield fence of the stadium. Ticket lines are usually very short and you’ll walk right in with no problems after that. The concourses are very spacious and the seating area aisles will give you enough room to move around. Access to the restrooms shouldn’t be a problem, but they could use an upgrade. Return on Investment 4 Individual tickets range from $5 (bleacher) to $7 (chair back). That’s an exceptional price for high quality Southland Conference baseball. Add to that free parking and the deal gets sweeter. The concession options and high prices that go along with it bring the ROI down a bit. If you’re a big fan of the aesthetics and landscape environment of the ballpark and surrounding area, this will no doubt be a bit of a negative with the massive power tower out in right field and a facility that is in need of a face lift. However, it’s hard to say $5 is a bad deal for top of the line college baseball action. Extras 3 Every great live sports experience is highlighted by certain ‘extra’ features which are unique compared to other venues or make the overall experience memorable. For Lamar baseball at Vincent-Beck Stadium, be sure to consider the following during your stadium experience: Be sure to take the trek south to the Groves to try Larry’s BBQ crabs. Lamar has a pretty strong baseball history. Expect a pretty entertaining game with quality opponents from the Southland Conference. You can also catch the occasional home game against larger programs like the University of Houston and Rice, who don’t mind making the 1.5 hour road trip east. If you are looking for a fairly inexpensive college baseball experience, this is a great option. If you avoid the concessions and apparel, you’re looking at $5 per person since parking is free. That’s a great deal.

Photo Courtesy of OSU Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Goss Stadium at Coleman Field 430 SW Langton Pl Corvalis, OR 97331 Oregon State Beavers website Goss Stadium at Coleman Field website Year Opened: 1907 Capacity: 3,248 Oregon State Baseball at Goss Stadium The Oregon State Beavers baseball team has seen ample success over the last half-decade, producing incredible MLB talent headlined by all-star Jacoby Ellsbury. Goss Stadium at Coleman Field has been the home for OSU baseball since 1907, and has seen two national champion teams (2006 and 2007). The stadium seats 3,248 after renovations in 1999 and 2009. The most recent renovation increased seating capacity nearly double, from 2,000 to 3,248, allowing more fans to enjoy the festivities. Watching a game, you can see the passion for Beavers baseball by the fans. OSU fans, students, and alumni do love their baseball. Goss Stadium is located directly on campus, giving a complete college feel. Food & Beverage 3 You’ll find popcorn, hot dogs, soda, burgers, and the typical concession food. Atmosphere 5 What makes Goss Stadium unique? The atmosphere. There are few places that can match the excitement at a Beavers’ baseball game. Since 2012, Goss Stadium has hosted five super regionals, proof of the prowess of the OSU program. Despite the age of the stadium, recent renovations keep it as a fine venue to catch a game. Being on campus gives it an extra special feel. Like Beavers’ football and basketball games, it’s nearly impossible to find a fan not wearing bright orange or black. Neighborhood 4 This is where a little debate can take place. Some fans like having ballparks a little secluded, but I love the fact that Goss Stadium is directly on campus. Being right next to the basketball and football stadiums gives it a collegiate feel that can’t really be put into words. Being near campus, fans can find a plethora of spots to find some grub for pregame. Three popular stopping grounds less than a mile away include Nearly Normals Gonzo Cuisine (NNGC), McMenamins and Interzone. At NNGC, you can find an assortment of burritos and local food. McMenamins is a great spot to grab a beer or grab a burger. Interzone is a coffee shop for early risers or visitors making a long drive home after a late game. Fans 4 OSU fans are passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated. It’s near impossible to find a fan not wearing school colors. Despite rival fans at games, Beaver fans remain civil and respectful. Of course, like all stadiums, you’ll find a fair share of idiots arguing every ball and strike, but there were very few at the game I attended. Access 2 The problem with access to Goss Stadium is a two-part issue. The first is the inconvenient location of Corvallis. It’s difficult to make it there unless you already have your sights set on it. Most major cities in Oregon are located off of I-5, the major interstate on the west coast. Corvallis is 10 miles west of I-5, and inconvenient to get to. The other issue is the lack of parking around campus. It’s almost impossible to find somewhere free to park. It’s best to just pay the $5 and avoid searching for a long time. Return on Investment 4 Reserved tickets go for $20, with outfield/GA seats $10. I would suggest going with general admission seats. The view does not really differ, and if you’re going with multiple people, the price difference can add up. Either way, you will be getting your money’s worth. I suggest eating beforehand at local restaurants. Prices per item with respect to food size make it far more practical to find your meal elsewhere. Extras 2 Another nice feature is the video board in the outfield. It isn’t up to par with the football team’s scoreboard, but that should be obvious. And with the incredible talent consistently be pumped through this program, odds are good that you’ll see good baseball.

Photo Courtesy of GoBearKats.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Don Sanders Stadium 620 Bowers Blvd Huntsville, TX 77340 Sam Houston State Bearkats website Don Sanders Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 1,163 Eat ‘Em Up Kats! Located about 70 miles north of Houston, the city of Huntsville is home to Sam Houston State University and Don Sanders Stadium. Bearkat baseball has called the stadium home since 2006. The facility is fairly new and offers a cozy atmosphere for college baseball. Visiting fans will generally enjoy their overall experience with very affordable prices and great matchups against Southland Conference opponents. Food & Beverage 2 Located in the concourse behind the press box, the concession stand at Don Sanders Stadium offers your ballpark favorites. Be sure to take some cash out before heading to the park because the concession stand is cash only. Your main options will include hot dogs ($3), sausage ($4), hamburgers/cheeseburgers ($5), nachos ($3.25) and super nachos ($5.25). I recommend keeping it simple and grabbing a burger, dog, or sausage. The super nachos are a decent option and come topped with chili, cheese, picante sauce, and sour cream with jalapenos optional. The stand lacks a signature item and it would be great to see a grill offering some Texas BBQ. Snacks include popcorn ($3-$4), pickles ($1.75), and assorted chips ($1.50) and candy ($2.25). Your drink options are headlined by Coca-Cola products served fountain style ($2.50-$3.50), bottled water ($3), bottled Powerade ($3.50) and coffee ($2.25, when available). Atmosphere 3 Don Sanders Stadium is a classic small college baseball stadium. Opened in 2006, the Don has a capacity of 1,163 and at a construction cost of approximately $5.5 million. Chair back seats are located between the backstop and press box with bleachers making up the rest of the seating areas on both the first and third baselines. Unofficial seating is located on a hill just beyond the right field fence looking back in. The playing surface features natural grass with a small strip of light green turf surrounding the home plate area. Artificial turf is nothing new in this area for many ballparks, but it’s a bit of an eyesore at the Don with the light color of the turf standing out and the Bearkat logo fading from wear. Though the natural grass is kept in pretty good shape, there are signs of wear visible with spots of dirt in the infield and some discoloring in the outfield. The backstop is covered by a green padding which matches the outfield wall. From dugout to outfield fence on both sides runs a line of green chain link fence. The top of both dugouts features the Bearkat logo and Don Sanders Field name. Beyond the left field fence sits the scoreboard. At the time of this review, the stadium did not feature video boards but a recent announcement was made that this will soon be a thing of the past. The field dimensions are as follows: left field foul line – 330 feet, left center – 375 feet, center field – 400 feet, right center – 375 feet, and right field foul line – 330 feet. The overall atmosphere is cozy and laid back. Fans are supportive but don’t generate a lot of noise except after big plays. The athletics department staff puts a good bit of effort into developing a fun atmosphere with several activities during breaks in play and the Bearkat Pride Patrol rewarding enthusiastic fans with prizes. A Texas favorite, Deep in the Heart of Texas, is played in the middle of the 5th inning. Neighborhood 2 Sam Houston State University and Don Sanders Stadium are located about 70 miles north of Houston in a small country city known as Huntsville. The city is best known in Texas for two things: Sam Houston State University and the Texas State Prison. If you’re looking for a vast variety of options while in town, you’ll be a bit disappointed but there are certainly enough stops to keep you busy while in town. For one, be sure to stop and say hello to the first president of Texas and the University’s namesake, Sam Houston. The 67 foot statue welcomes all visitors to the area just off I-45. Though an unexpected visit to the Texas State Prison isn’t advised, a trip to the Texas Prison Museum is. The campus is quite a sight with tall rolling hills and sharp architecture. Be sure to budget some time to take a stroll. There’s a few decent eats around town. A unique place not far from the stadium is Carbonero Rotisserie Charbroiled Chicken and Steak. It’s located in a small strip mall so it doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the food inside is great. Carbornero specializes in Salvadorian cuisine with other Latin American dishes. The #5 is absolutely wonderful with a serving of rotisserie chicken and tacos. Other solid options in the area are the Farmhouse Cafe and New Zion Missionary Baptist Park BBQ. For some additional options, check out our review of Bowers Stadium, home to Bearkat football. Fans 3 Bearkat fans are a loyal and passionate bunch. Though they don’t generate much noise from the stands, they are generally knowledgeable and supportive during big plays. The grand majority of folks in attendance are either long-time fans or families of baseball players. That makes for a pretty knowledgeable bunch. Average attendance for Bearkat baseball ranges around the 700 mark. The experience sure could benefit from a few more butts in the seats, especially students. Access 4 Huntsville is about an hour drive from downtown Houston. Depending on the timing and direction of your trip, it should be an easy drive into town. If you’re heading in from Houston, I-45 is a notoriously clogged interstate during rush hour on weekdays. Once in Huntsville, traffic is sparse and the city is easy to navigate. The university and stadium are just a couple miles from the interstate. Plenty of free parking is located close to Sanders Stadium. The ticket lines are short, if there are any at all. You’ll breeze through the gates and collect a free program on your way in. The concourse is perched at the top of the seating areas with the field level at the bottom of the hill. There’s plenty of room to move about and the seating aisles are spacious as well. The restrooms are very clean and modern and there’s plenty of room. Depending on your timing, you could hit a line at the concessions as they are slim-staffed. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Bearkat baseball game at the Don start as low as $6 and go up to $8 for a reserved chair back. That’s a great deal for high quality Southland Conference baseball. Your parking will be free as well as the game day program. Concessions are a bit overpriced but not excessive. Overall, the return on investment is very high. Extras 2 Every great live sports experience is highlighted by certain ‘extra’ features which are unique compared to other venues or make the overall experience memorable. For Sam Houston State baseball at Don Sanders Stadium, be sure to consider the following during your stadium experience: It’s hard to beat paying $6 for a good quality NCAA Division I baseball game. The new video scoreboard will be a welcomed addition and great compliment to the Bearkat baseball experience.

Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Strawberry Stadium 500 Western Ave Hammond, LA 70401 Southeastern Louisiana Lions website Strawberry Stadium website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 7,408 Lion Up in Hammond, America After an 18 year hiatus and several years struggling on the field since football returned to campus in 2003, the Southeastern Lions have emerged from the ashes to not only become a relevant DI-FCS program, but to also create a home field advantage at historic Strawberry Stadium. Back-to-back Southland Conference championships (2013, 2014) have breathed life into the game-day environment for Southeastern football. Strawberry Stadium was originally constructed in 1937, though recent upgrades have helped to preserve historic elements of the stadium while adding a modern touch. Some of the new elements at the stadium include a new press-box and suite structure on the west side, a parking garage with elevator access, and a new video replay screen added to the scoreboard. The official seating capacity for Strawberry Stadium is 7,408. Whether you are traveling with your favorite college football program or find yourself in the Louisiana Northshore region, be sure to check out a new-classic by grabbing a seat in Strawberry Stadium for an SLU Lion football game. Food & Beverage 3 Strawberry Stadium has your typical stadium favorites along with a few specialty items. Concession stands are located under the west side concourse and at a tent in the northeast corner. Under the west side, you’ll find two main concession stands built into parking garage side of the concourse. Your staple options include hot dogs ($3), hamburgers ($4), and nachos ($4) as well as snacks like popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), candy ($1), and pickles ($1). The same offerings are available in the northeast corner. The hot item here is the Ron Roberts Special which offers up a pulled-pork sandwich, a bag of chips and a drink for $6. While there’s nothing overly special about the combo, the price is definitely a winner. Outside of the primary stands, there are few specialty stands to checkout including Pizza Hut, Chickfila, Captain’s Tasty Treats (ice cream bars) and the Wise Guys Daiquiri tent in the north endzone. Drink options are headlined by bottled Coca-Cola products for $3, which includes Dasani Water and PowerAde drinks. Beer is available for purchase in Strawberry Stadium and includes popular domestics like Bud Light, Budweiser and Michelob Ultra in 16oz cups for $5 and a couple of craft options (Gnarley Barley) for $5. Also, fans can enjoy Wise Guys frozen daiquiris at the beer table under the west side or at the Wise Guys tent in the north end zone. Concessions at Strawberry Stadium are cash only, so be sure to visit the ATM before heading to the game. Atmosphere 3 Strawberry Stadium offers an improved atmosphere thanks to an established winning tradition. The stadium layout includes two separate grandstands, on the west and east sides. The press-box and suite structure sits above the west side. Sections D-G between the 30s on the west side offers chairback seating while the rest of the facility is bleacher back. Despite recent upgrades, the historic brick structure still remains on both grandstands. A unique aspect of Strawberry Stadium is that you are literally right on top of the action with only about five yards of sidelines separating the east and west grandstands from the field. Fans can cross over to each side via the area behind the north end zone. This is a very active area with some student groups sitting in temporary bleachers up against the end zone and a very large play area for kids with inflatables and games taking up the rest of the area. Section K in the southeast corner of the stadium is reserved for fans of the visiting team. You’ll probably want to sit at least half-way up here so you can get a good view of the field action. The student section takes up sections around the 50 yard-line and can sometimes bleed over towards the visitor seats. Along with the students, typically the younger alumni also sit on the east side. These two groups combined can get a little rowdy, but usually there aren’t any problems. For games that start before sun-down, you’ll want to take along some sunglasses if you sit on the east side due to the sun setting behind the west grandstand. The Spirit of the Southland Marching band is located on the north side of the east grandstand. They combine with the Lionettes dance team the cheer squads to help keep fans engaged throughout the game. Roomie the Lion is the team mascot and you’ll notice him constantly roaming the stands interacting with kids and posing for pictures. The field surface at Strawberry Stadium is synthetic UBU-Speed Series-S5-M turf. The scoreboard is located in the south end zone and is highlighted by the recent installation of a video replay board. Neighborhood 3 Strawberry Stadium is located on the southwest corner of the Southeastern Louisiana University campus. Pine trees and campus buildings dominate the landscape around the stadium. “Hammond, America” (as many in the region call it) is a charming small college town conveniently located between both Baton Rouge (to the west) and New Orleans (to the south). While the area is a little short on big-time attractions, you’ll fall in love a few of the restaurants in town. Whenever you visit Hammond, there are three restaurants you must make time for: Brady’s, Tommy’s, and Mariner’s. Brady’s offers a traditional American-style menu with some Cajun flavors blended in. They also have a nice selection of beers on tap. It’s a great place to meet-up before or after the game. Tommy’s on Thomas serves up a pizza and Italian-style menu with a signature sweet sauce and delicious Buffalo Breadsticks. They, too, have a great selection of drinks. The old classic, Mariner’s Inn, features the amazing Kickin’ Chicken sandwich and a laid-back atmosphere with a few pool tables and a bar inside. If you’re looking for drinks, check-out Wise Guys Daiquiris and the Red, White, & Brew. As mentioned, Hammond doesn’t have many attractions with a big draw. You’ll find plenty of college town bars and great restaurants, but not much unique to do outside of that. If you are traveling with small kids, the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center is a small, but fun break from sports action. If you have time for a drive outside of town, the Global Wildlife Center offers a fun family safari adventure complete with feeding giraffes and other wildlife. The Hammond Square area was recently converted from an old near empty indoor mall to a very active outdoor mall. There are also plenty of neat shops to browse in the historic downtown area. You shouldn’t have any problems finding lodging with several hotels in the area. For something a little off the radar, check out the Historic Michabelle Inn & Restaurant. For a good chain hotel stay, try the Holiday Inn Hammond – Northshore near I-12 and the Hammond Square Mall shopping center. Fans 2 Some wise SLU faithful once said that “winning cures all”, and they’ve certainly been proven correct. Though there is still plenty of room for growth in numbers, the Lion Nation fan base has been reenergized. While attendance has experienced an up-tick over the past two years, average crowds still lag behind peers in the Southland Conference. Sitting in the shadow of the LSU campus, which is just a 45 minute drive to the west, the Lions fight a never ending battle for recognition. Just a few years ago, crowds between 2,000 – 4,000 were fairly typical. Since the Lions have been on a roll, the numbers have grown closer to 5,000- 6,000 per game, but usually fall short of a modest 7,408 capacity. Fans get excited for big plays and scores, but struggle to maintain a noticeable level of noise outside of that. Though Lion Nation is still developing an identity, a new tradition has emerged. Fans and players “Lion Up” after big plays. Access 3 There are some highs and lows to the access in and around Strawberry Stadium. Located at the crossroads of two major interstates, I-55 and I-12, the campus is very accessible by car. If you’re flying in, the Hammond area is about a 45 minute drive up I-55 from the Louis P Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. Parking isn’t much of a challenge either with accessible on-campus lots north of the stadium. There is a parking garage attached to Strawberry Stadium, but this is typically reserved for those with passes. Where you’ll want to budget some extra time is the ticket booth and entrance gates. If possible, be sure to pick-up your tickets before game-day. The ticket booth is located outside the northeast corner of the stadium in a small building. Lines can get fairly long and there’s typically only 2-3 folks working inside the booth, which can slow things down. The flow into the stadium has improved some, but it isn’t unexpected to experience a delay at the entrance gates. The concourse underneath the stadium on the west side is fairly spacious. However, the concourse in the grandstands is located at the bottom of the seating area and can get a little congested at times, especially on the east side, due to being fairly narrow. Aisles getting up and down to your seats are adequate. Restrooms are accessible in both the east and west grandstands. Do keep in mind, however, that the restroom facilities for men on the west side are open stall only inside the stadium, but just across the concourse, the facilities built into the parking garage have closed stalls. Return on Investment 3 Overall, the return on investment for a Lions football game at Strawberry Stadium is strong. With wins increasing, so have prices. General admission is up from $15 to $17, which puts it near the top of the Southland conference in pricing. Chairbacks have held steady at $25. Youth tickets are $10 for kids aged 3-12. Personally, I recommend seats in the bleacher-back sections in C or H. Great view without increased cost of chairbacks. Campus parking lots are free on game day. You’ll want to look for lots north of Friendship Circle. Concessions and apparel are a little inflated, but fairly typically. Extras 4 There are a few “extra” features at Strawberry Stadium which help to enhance your overall game day experience: Tailgating in Friendship Circle continues to improve. While the numbers are still fairly small, comparatively speaking, the area provides a cozy and comfortable place to connect before the game. “Storm 30″ is a nice addition and seems to work. 30 minutes prior to kick-off, the band, Lionettes, and cheer teams march through Friendship Circle and into Strawberry Stadium alerting fans that it’s time to fill the seats. The Lions do a great job of honoring past legends under the west grandstand. The concourse is littered with pictures of former Lion greats. There is a neat mural for Robert Alford on the south side of the west concourse. Alford starred at the local Hammond High School, went on to dominate the secondary at Southeastern, and became the highest ever drafted Lion when selected by the Atlanta Falcons. In addition to the west concourse, you’ll also notice a banner under the scoreboard which lists Southeastern’s Southland Conference championships. The fencing behind the north end zone lists other accomplishments prior to the return of football in 2003. Despite the limited resources of an FCS program, the Lions do a great job of mixing up uniforms. While they may not compare to Oregon, you’ll see a variety of uniform combinations from straight gold, white, green, or black, to any combination of those colors on gameday. The players and younger crowd seem to appreciate this the most.

Photos by Jordan Baer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Braun Stadium 1800 Lincoln Ave Evansville, IN 47722 Evansville Purple Aces website Braun Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 1,200 Baseball Braun Built in 2002, Charles H. Braun Stadium is a brand new and shiny baseball only ballpark that serves as the home to the University of Evansville men’s baseball team. To the immediate south of the facility lies a smaller replica version of the ballpark known as James & Dorothy Cooper Stadium which serves as the home to the University of Evansville women’s softball team. Both facilities are located in the northwest corner on the University of Evansville campus and are within walking distance of all UE facilities. With an estimated capacity of 1,200 fans, Charles H. Braun Stadium pays tribute to baseball’s classic ballparks with a handful of obstructed view seats while providing Purples Aces fans with a clean and modern canopy to view top-notch Missouri Valley Conference action. The ballpark also has a grandstand press box named for Marv Bates and his wife Edie who were both supporters of UE athletics. Tragically, Marv lost his life on December 13th, 1977 while traveling with the UE men’s basketball team as a radio broadcaster aboard a plane that crashed shortly after leaving Evansville’s airport. Food & Beverage 1 There’s really only one word to describe the concession stand outside Braun Stadium – Terrible. Although you could make an argument that having the concession stand at nearby Arad McCutchan Stadium is a bad enough idea from the beginning, I personally didn’t have a problem with the location. In fact, I went to the top of McCutchan Stadium for a few minutes to get some great aerial views of Braun Stadium while I was waiting for a couple of people ahead of me to get their items from the concession stand. What really soured me on the Braun Stadium concession stand were both the selection and the availability of the limited selection. The selection of available products at the concession stand was very limited and plain, but nonetheless I picked out one hot dog, one cheeseburger, and one pack of skittles. Being that the game was on senior day and it was only the 4th inning, I really didn’t expect a mass shortage of items, but sure enough, all three of the items were either sold out or not available. Seeing that hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and skittles were all off the board, I decided to get a Mountain Dew and a Hershey candy bar. Southern Indiana is known for its limestone production. After eating my Hershey bar, I’m beginning to wonder if some of that limestone rock didn’t make its way into my candy bar. Surely, UE can do a better job with their concession stand! Atmosphere 3 Although I wouldn’t describe a UE baseball game as iconic or must see, I will say that I did enjoy my time at the ballpark. I had no problem finding a seat under the canopy part of the grandstand where I could stretch out, place my Mountain Dew in a perfectly sized cup holder, and enjoy a PA system that wasn’t too loud or too quiet like many other collegiate ballparks. One thing I wish could be changed is the fact that basically every seat in the ballpark is behind an enormous net no matter which side of the facility it was on. Usually I don’t like sitting directly behind the backstop due to the somewhat obstructed view from the mandatory nets. I know that UE would never be able to take down the net behind home plate but it would be nice if the seats farther down the first and third base lines weren’t behind the net. This is something I hope UE considers when the time comes to expand the canopy section of their grandstand into these sections. Overall, I enjoyed the ease I had finding a seat, walking around the complex, and being surrounded by a modern facility with a great PA system, a clean atmosphere, and a MVC caliber baseball team. Neighborhood 3 One of the best things about the neighborhood around Braun Stadium is the viewpoints. When you look beyond left field, you can see and watch the hustle and bustle of cars going down the Lloyd Expressway. Having the historic old National Guard Armory as well as Arad McCutchan Stadium and Cooper Stadium around the ballpark made me feel like I was in a great neighborhood for sports of all kinds. Hopefully, UE stays committed to keeping the old National Guard Armory standing as it was the first home to UE’s tradition rich basketball program. I also liked the fact that the ballpark was surrounded by student housing and UE’s campus in general. As the area progresses, I would like to see UE inject a little more life around the area. Yes, student housing around the sports complex area is great, but the area desperately needs entertainment, retail, and a little more green space around the ballpark for pregame gatherings. Fans 3 The fans had their moments. I literally saw some of them jumping up and down like it was the World Series when UE scored the tying run late in the game. On average, UE draws crowds roughly in the 100-300 range. The fact that over 200 people attended the game I went to, which was cold and rainy, shows how dedicated they are to UE’s baseball program. With that being said, there is one thing I would like to challenge the UE fans to improve. I would like to see more UE fans wear the purple, orange, and white colors of the Aces. As I looked around, I saw very little UE fan gear. It took me by surprise given that the fans were excited to be at the ballpark cheering on the Aces. Access 3 If you’re a local, getting to this game is easy as pie. If you’re an out-of-town Aces fan, getting to the ballpark may be a little confusing. Yes, you can see the ballpark right off the Lloyd Expressway, but once you take the Weinbach or US 41 exits, it becomes somewhat of a maze to get to the game. Here’s my advice: No matter what direction you’re coming from, get off the main roads and onto Lincoln Avenue. From there, the ballpark on Rotherwood is just a few blocks away. It’s much easier to find than it actually looks. One thing I do like about the access is the availability of free neighborhood parking as well as free parking in the old National Guard Armory’s parking lot. Although these spaces may dry up on days when the Aces are playing a quality opponent or a neighborhood event is taking place, you shouldn’t have a problem finding adequate parking within a few blocks. Return on Investment 3 I thought $7 for a general admission ticket to the game was a little high. I certainly wouldn’t be willing to pay that for several Aces games, but as a casual Aces fan it may not be so bad for the opportunity to see the team every once in a while. I certainly enjoyed my time at the ballpark, and I definitely would go back. I would also love to see UE work to improve the ballpark as well by surrounding it with a ballpark village. One of the things that Braun Stadium needs is more life around it. Although the ballpark is on campus, it is still isolated from all forms of entertainment, retail, and other activities. It is also completely isolated from campus housing (although this is getting better with Walnut Commons) and campus life. If UE wants to spark some energy into an ordinary Braun Stadium, they would certainly have to consider surrounding their ballpark with campus life and activities. Lastly, I didn’t see too many activities taking place at the ballpark other than the game itself. Yes, someone like me who is a fan of the game has no problem with that, but most fans aren’t like that. Most fans crave entertainment when they go to the ballpark. One of the most important yet simple improvements UE could make to Braun Stadium and the way they handle Aces baseball games is to surround the game with events and activities for fans of all ages. Extras 1 I give one point for UE naming the press box after Marv Bates and his wife Edie. Losing Marv in the 1977 Aces Men’s Basketball Team’s plane crash was certainly devastating. Even after the unspeakable tragedy, Edie continues to be active with UE sports as well as Evansville sports in general. Naming the press box after them was definitely a classy move by UE.

Photo Courtesy of SFA Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Jaycees Field 3715 Old Tyler Rd Nacogdoches, TX 75964 Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks website Jaycees Field website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 1,000 Axe ‘Em, Jacks! Way out in East Texas sits Nacogdoches, the state’s oldest city and home of Stephen F. Austin State University. The area is part of a greater region known as the Piney Woods, a name that will become obvious on your trek to Jaycees Field. The home of SFA Lumberjack baseball is situated in the middle of a heavily wooded area and is part of the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex. The partnership between the city and SFA provides not only a home to SFA baseball and softball but also several fields for youth and adult baseball/softball. The complex was originally dedicated in 1980, however, a recent face lift in 2009 allowed for the upgrade of Jaycees Field and for SFA baseball to begin play. The atmosphere isn’t one of the elite, but traveling fans will enjoy the condensed seating area that bring fans together and unifies the crowd noise. Food & Beverage 1 Jaycees Field offers just enough concessions items to get you through the game. A small trailer is located right outside the main entrance on the third baseline. To access, you’ll need to leave the ticketed area and step just outside the stadium. As you enter, you’ll get a stamp on your hand that the usher can use later to allow you easy access in and out. It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter a line as you approach the stand. Your major options include the ballpark staples: hot dogs ($2) and nachos ($2). Snack items include sunflower seeds ($1), popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), chips ($1), and candy ($2). Drink options are bottled Coca-Cola products and will cost $3. Bottle Dasani water is $2. Though the variety and quality of options is nothing to write home about, at least the pricing isn’t outrageous. The hot dog is about as plain as it gets, but it’s probably your best option at just $2. The popcorn isn’t that great since it’s prepared before the game and delivered to the stand. I’ve actually overheard fans complaining about how it’s bland, cold, and unsalted. Try a bag of peanuts or sunflower seeds instead. Make sure you bring cash to the park because the stand is cash only. Atmosphere 2 Jaycees Field is a part of the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex located a couple of miles away from the university campus. The complex includes several fields for youth baseball and adult softball, as well as the home field for SFA softball. The seating capacity is listed at 1,000 and all seating areas are together surrounding the home plate backstop. This allows the crowd noise to be concentrated and a bit louder than if the seats were spread out. The seating structure is made from aluminum and includes a shade covering above the chair back seats directly in front of the press box. The chair backs are made from a simple plastic and aren’t quite as comfortable as you’d hope. On both sides of the chair backs area are aluminum bleacher seats with no backing. Looking out towards the field, a thick foul ball netting covers all direction of field view. Though netting is a norm behind home plate, this particular style of netting is a bit to thick and detracts from the overall viewing experience. Beyond the left field line lies an unofficial seating area where about 10 or so fans sit just above the fence in fold-out chairs perched on a stand. A few folks even back their trucks up to the fence and take in the view. On a hot Texas day, the best seating option is the chair backs under the shaded covering. The backstop is made from a green padding and wraps from both dugouts. Down the right and left field lines is chain link fencing covered by a green wrapping which displays the team name on the right field side and the logos of Southland Conference teams on left. A green aluminum fence lines the outfield wall and a simple electronic scoreboard sits just above the fence in right center field. A heavily wooded area is visible beyond the outfield wall. The playing surface is a natural grass field which stays in a pretty decent condition. Lining the back of the home plate area is a small strip of artificial turf with “Lumberjacks” on it. The turf doesn’t match the grass color and is fading from excessive wear. The field dimensions are: left field – 330 feet, center field – 400 feet, and right field – 330 feet. The atmosphere for SFA baseball is traditional. There’s very few (if any) promotions or activities. Music is very limited and the announcer just provides the basic facts of game play. Traditionalists will love it, others would hope for a bit more. The version of Take Me Out To The Ballgame is the traditional organ song with no words. Neighborhood 2 The immediate area around Jaycees Field is void of any restaurants, attractions, or lodging. The field is located in country setting that is sparsely populated and heavily wooded. However, the greater Nacogdoches area offers some good restaurants and is just about 3 miles east of the stadium. One of the most popular stops in the area is The Jalapeno Tree which serves up Tex-Mex favorites and some American dishes. While in town, make sure to stop in for their complimentary chips and salsa (the green salsa is amazing) and their absolutely delicious Quail Kabobs. To compliment your meal, grab one of their select Mexican brews or a Coronita (Margarita with a Corona turned upside down inside). A couple of other good options are La Carreta and Clear Springs Restaurant. While in Nacogdoches, relive a piece of Texas history by visiting the Sterne Hoya House Museum. The house was originally built by Adolphus Sterne and is one of the oldest homes still standing in Texas, bringing visitors back to the time of the Texas Revolution. If you’re looking for a thrill ride, just outside of Nacogdoches is Nac Zip, which offers five different zip lines and hours of fun. On the SFA campus, check out the oldest university arboretum in the state. There are plenty of hotels in the area, but I recommend staying at the Jones House Bed & Breakfast. Fans 2 Fan support for SFA baseball at Jaycees field could certainly use a bump in attendance. Average crowds usually range between 200 – 300. Though the crowds are small, they are vocal and passionate. It’s hard to tell if its just simply a high level of crowd noise or if the noise is louder due to the condensed seating areas. Either way, you’ll definitely hear the fans during big plays. The fan makeup is largely family oriented with a few older life-long fans. Few students make the trek from the SFA campus to the ballpark. Access 2 The Stephen F. Austin State University campus and Jaycees Field are both located just off of Hwy 59 (future I-69 corridor). Be sure to map out the location of Jaycees Field before beginning your trip. Don’t wrongly assume that the ballpark is on the SFA campus. Jaycees Field is located about 3.5 miles west of the SFA campus in the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex. I usually trust my iPhone map to get me safely to my sports destinations, but Siri was a bit confused on this one. Searches for Jaycees Field came up empty and the address provided on the SFA website got me close, but not on target (I was hopeful the trailer park I arrived at wasn’t part of the stadium). Your best bet is to find it on Yahoo! or Google maps under the Nacogdoches City Baseball Complex search. As you arrive, the signage isn’t obvious and it’s easy to overlook. As you make it to the park, the parking can be a bit tight depending on the other activities going on in the complex. However, parking is free and you should be able to find a spot. It’s also not easy to tell where the entrance is to the complex. Once you finally find the small walkway leading in, you’ll eventually run into a restroom facility and the stadium becomes in view just beyond that. The ticket line will likely be short and you’ll quickly move through the gate. The concourse is a small walkway at the bottom of the seating areas and next to home plate. The seating areas have an adequate amount of aisles and they are spacious enough to move around comfortably. The restroom and concessions facilities are located outside the seating areas. The restrooms are pretty dingy, but at least you won’t have to hold it since there’s enough room to accommodate the average crowd. Return on Investment 4 You really can’t beat the overall cost of attending an SFA baseball game at Jaycees Field. Adult ticket prices range from $5 (bleacher) $8 (chair backs). SFA offers a very liberal interpretation of “kids” with the cost of admission at just $3 for those aged 9-18. Children 8 and under are free. Given the strong family crowds, this is great news to SFA supporters and traveling families. Parking is free and a game handout which lists team rosters is also free (no program for sale). Though the concession options are a bit sparse, the pricing isn’t outrageous. Overall, you’ll get to experience a great Southland Conference baseball game for very little cash out of your pocket. Extras 2 Every great live sports experience is highlighted by certain ‘extra’ features which are unique compared to other venues or make the overall experience memorable. For Stephen F. Austin State baseball at Jaycees Field, be sure to consider the following during your stadium experience: Though many fans would prefer to see athletic facilities on the university campus, it’s nice to see SFA working together with the City of Nacogdoches to provide a baseball complex for the community, as well as Lumberjack athletics. If you’re a baseball traditionalist, the atmosphere at Jaycees Field is very old-fashioned. You won’t notice blaring music, on the field promotions, or a video display. If you’re coming simply for the love of on the field baseball action, you won’t get easily distracted.

Photo courtesy of NCA&T Aggies Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 World War Memorial Stadium 510 Yanceyville St Greensboro, NC 27405 North Carolina A&T Aggies website World War Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 7,500 Faded Glory Baseball fans in North Carolina's Triad region have come to know and love NewBridge Bank Park, the home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the Florida Marlins' affiliate in the class-A South Atlantic League. The Grasshoppers are routinely at or near the top of the circuit in attendance, as the relatively-new downtown park continues to be a success. The true hub of baseball history in the Gate City, though, is just over a mile away, at the intersection of Lindsay and Yanceyville Streets. World War Memorial Stadium served as the host for Greensboro baseball for nearly 75 years, before the Bats relocated and became the Grasshoppers. Opened and dedicated in 1926, the ballpark serves to honor residents of Guilford County who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I. Plaques with the names of those who fell are just outside the entrance to the stadium. Astute fans may also notice the stadium's star turn as the origin of a road trip in the movie Bull Durham. World War Memorial Stadium is the oldest athletic facility still in operation in the Tar Heel State, and it is, unfortunately, really showing its age. The park is owned by the city's sports commission and rented to North Carolina A&T and Greensboro College, and it has, of late, somewhat fallen into a state of disrepair. A section of seating on the third base side now sits behind a fence, rumored to soon be demolished. Many of the girders around the park now sport a primary hue of rust, with peeling paint and overgrowth of vegetation common sights in many areas. Despite the obvious signs of age and neglect, this stadium still tells the story of the last 80-plus years of baseball in Greensboro, for all who are willing to listen. Food & Beverage 3 There is a rather solid selection of foods at an Aggie baseball game. Hot dogs ($2), pizza ($3), nachos ($3.50) and cheeseburgers ($3.50) highlight the "entree" choices. Pork chops were also being sold on the day I attended, with a grill being manned in the breezeway between the entry gate and the concession stand. This gave the feeling of being at a cookout with friends or family. Snacks include cheese crackers ($.50), candy ($1.25), chips ($.75), peanuts ($3), pickles ($1), popcorn ($1.50), sunflower seeds ($1), gum ($.05) and ice cream ($1.50). Candy bars, Skittles (three different flavors) and Air Heads are among the candy choices. Drinks are Pepsi products, with bottled soda and Gatorade available for $2. Water, coffee and hot chocolate are $1 each. Atmosphere 3 Though signs of decay are evident in many parts of the stadium, the playing surface shows none of these problems. The field is beautifully maintained, with bright green grass. This is one of the clear highlights of the facility, along with the covered seating behind the plate. This is great for shielding out the North Carolina elements. World War Memorial Stadium presents a truly comfortable environment in which to watch a game, at the very least. There is no concern whatsoever with leg room in any part of the seating bowl, as there is almost enough room between your seat and the seat in front of you to insert another row of seats. This is a tremendous feature for tall spectators like myself, allowing the luxury to stretch out and enjoy a game. Many of the seats in the lower portion of the seating bowl are fold-out stadium seats, with backless bleacher seating toward the top of the bowl. There is not likely to be a situation in which you cannot get a fold-out seat, but be sure to bring a wet cloth or two to clean the traditional North Carolina spring pollen off your seat before you sit down. There are a number of speakers hanging from the top of the backstop, but they are not in use for North Carolina A&T games. Two portable speakers are mounted on stands outside the press box, and they can be loud enough to drown out conversation. The musical selection between innings is lively and diverse, though there are quite a few sound effects played between pitches, much like at Grasshoppers games. The lack of quiet does help offer a feeling that the game is moving along at a swift pace, though, which is nice. The scoreboard is located in right-center field, and offers very little in terms of visual interest. The scoreboard is a basic structure with red numbers on a black background, flanked by "GUEST" and "HOME" and the game's line score. The number of the player at bat, a ball/strike/out count and a hit or error indicator compose the top row of the board. The red lights of the board can be a bit tough to read for afternoon games, but the public address announcer does a great job of recapping each half-inning's activity and current game score. Neighborhood 1 North Carolina A&T's campus is a short distance away from the stadium, and this already-beautiful campus is looking to expand. Unfortunately, this is the only real area of note to hang out before or after a game. Planned ballpark districts were not really a "thing" in the mid-1920s, as one might imagine. The ballpark is part of the historic Aycock neighborhood, but is largely residential, save for a farmers market across the street. Interestingly enough, most of the dining and entertainment options are in the vicinity of the downtown ballpark that replaced World War Memorial Stadium. These choices will likely require a car, though, as walking to the downtown area is not all that feasible, due to both distance and the condition of some of the areas between the park and downtown. Triad favorite Natty Greene's is a choice of the locals, and for those who like local beers, this is a great place to give one a try. Undercurrent and Fincastle's are two other choices that seem to resonate with fans at Grasshoppers games, though even a few choices in the vicinity of an A&T game would be preferable. Fans 3 Your chances of encountering a sellout crowd at an Aggie game are virtually nonexistent, but this does not mean that you will encounter a sleepy group of fans. Though small in numbers, those in attendance certainly love their Aggies. The crowd certainly sounds larger than it is, and some heckling (playful in nature, not personal) does occasionally take place. Some hearty fans had even made the long trip from Tallahassee-based Florida A&M on the day I took in a game. If you go to a North Carolina A&T game, expect to see a lot of blue and gold, along with "The Lock" (the interlocking "AT" logo). There was a contest during the game I attended that awarded a prize to the first fan to bring an A&T logo item to the press box, and a number of fans ran toward the press box almost as soon as the announcement was complete. Access 4 The stadium is in a reasonably advantageous position for travelers in and around Greensboro. The park is within minutes of US HIghways 29, 70 and 220, along with Interstates 40 and 85. Two parking lots directly surround the stadium, with a small surface lot directly outside the entrance and a blacktop lot beyond the right field fence. The parking is completely free, and the walk from either lot is rather short. As with many ballparks from this era, the main concourse is under the seating bowl. This makes the concourse area somewhat narrow and dark. The city also keeps a group of replacement seat pieces on the concourse, which serves to further clutter the area. The restrooms are rather old, as one would expect, but there are plenty of available stalls (I counted ten in the male restroom) and quasi-modern upgrades. You should never experience a line while waiting to use the restroom. Return on Investment 5 Free is an impossible price to beat, and admission to Aggie games will not cost you a dime. I was somewhat thrown by the presence of an unmanned ticket booth, only to be told -- by a very nice gentleman, I should add -- that admission was free. It is wise to have some cash with you just in case, especially considering the low concession prices. With the admission and parking charge -- or lack thereof -- you can see a game, park your car and get a hot dog and drink for $4. This is as good a value as you will find anywhere in college sports. Extras 2 A small program-like "document" is available at the concession stand. This document contains a team photo, rosters for both teams and a score sheet. This may not be a full program, but it certainly provides a good amount of information. The people of North Carolina A&T also deserve extra notice. Every stadium worker and fan with whom I came into contact was supremely nice, going out of their way to make those in attendance feel welcome. Customer service is the easiest thing to get right when hosting events, and A&T certainly does just that. Final Thoughts A trip to War Memorial Stadium is both enlightening and heartbreaking. If you are a fan of historic venues, this is an absolute must-see facility. The simple thought of all of the events that have taken place inside the stadium is enough to bring out the nostalgic side in anyone. At the same time, the knowledge of this venue's history makes the current state of the facility that much more upsetting. The stadium's run-down appearance is by no means the fault of those at North Carolina A&T -- it is important that this be stressed -- but it deserves a much better fate than that which has happened to it. There are talks in the city now about how to renovate the stadium as part of a larger revitalization project, and the hope is that this eventually comes to fruition. A few coats of paint and some care could easily restore this beauty to her former majesty.

Photo Courtesy of Southeast Missouri State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Capaha Field 1400 Broadway St Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Southeast Missouri State Redhawks website Capaha Field website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 2,000 Redhawks by the River Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is a state university on the banks of the Mississippi River. It was founded in 1873 and has a student body of more than 11,700 students. The university has nine schools and offers more than 150 academic programs. It is a liberal arts school with the largest program being the School of Education. The Redhawks baseball team calls Capaha Park its home base. In a unique town/gown arrangement, Southeast Missouri State partners in the ownership and management of all of its athletic facilities with the City of Cape Girardeau. This has proven to be economical for both parties. Capaha Field has a capacity of 2,000 seats and fans can also watch the games from the hillsides located behind the first base dugout and behind the left field wall. The dimensions of the field are 330 feet down the lines and 400 feet to straightaway center. The natural grass playing surface is kept in immaculate shape by the Cape Girardeau Parks Department. The Redhawks compete in the Ohio Valley Conference with schools such as Austin Peay, Jacksonville State, Tennessee Tech, Murray State and UT-Martin. The bleachers at Capaha Field are very unique and have quite a baseball history behind them. Wooden bleachers are available with 2/3 of the seats under a roof-like structure behind home plate and 1/3 exposed to the elements. Atop the structure is a press box built separately from the roof. During World War II severe gas rationing was in place and long distance travel was discouraged. The St. Louis Browns had usually had their spring training headquartered in Hot Springs, Arkansas which is quite a distance to travel. Due to gas rationing they had to look at other options. They met with the town leadership of Cape Girardeau, which is approximately 100 miles south of St. Louis. The business leadership got together and had the grandstand built at their own expense, and those bleachers are still in use today. Food & Beverage 2 A majority of people who attend SEMO games treat them as a picnic in the park and bring coolers, grills, tents and chairs with them. Therefore the concessions offered are very limited and there is no concession stand built into the grandstand structure. The university works with Jimmy John’s sandwich chain to provide sandwiches, chips and sodas at the same cost as a store bought item. In addition, since the park is off university property, beer is allowed to be sold at games. (It is Budweiser… we are near St. Louis after all!) Both concessions operate off folding tables at the top of the hill overlooking the field. Atmosphere 4 SEMO games hearken back to the origins of baseball where there are not lots of bells and whistles, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The community shows up in large numbers, sets up its seating and picnic, and watches the game in the comfort of a lawn chair or the bed of their pickup truck. It is a chance to catch up with your neighbors and have an excellent view of the ball game. This tradition is known as “fill the hill” and is truly a community gathering place. The bleachers hold 2,000 and I would estimate at least as many more fit on the hills along the first base line and beyond the outfield walls. Neighborhood 3 SEMO and Capaha Park are located in downtown Cape Girardeau, a college town on the banks of the Mississippi River. The local population is just over 38,000 with most people employed by either the university or the local healthcare system. There are a number of restaurants unique to “The Cape” that are worth a try. For breakfast, try Sands Pancake House on Kingshighway Street. Cafe Soupe has a great soup and sandwich combo for lunch and the Broadway Biergarten is a good choice for dinner. If you have any room left in your stomach, stop in at Cape’s Cream of the Crust Ice Cream and Fountain Soda Shop. Cape Girardeau is an antique shopper’s mecca with lots of great buys. The hotels in town are family friendly, but not five star. You will find the usual chains located along the interstate. Fans 4 SEMO fans come in all shapes, ages, and sizes and may or may not have a history with the university. For many people, SEMO is simply their town’s home team. Typically, you will find the grandstand populated by youth teams, moms with strollers and the older demographic. This is due to the shelter the grandstand provides as it keeps them out of the hot sun and protects them from the rains of early spring. The hillside fans are much more likely to be students, alumni and faculty from SEMO, along with many of the people who live in the residential neighborhood around the stadium and can simply walk down with their lawn chairs and catch a game for free. What both groups share is a passion for their Redhawks. It is a virtual sea of red from the top of the hill to the first row in the bleachers. Rowdy the Redhawk, the SEMO mascot is often on wing at the games to stir up the fans as well. Access 3 Cape Girardeau is located 115 miles southeast of St. Louis and 175 miles north of Memphis. I-55 connects the city to St. Louis and I -57 is just across the river in Illinois. Several flights a day connect to St. Louis from the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. Once you are in town, parking is readily available at Capaha Park, which is two blocks from the SEMO campus. A majority of the students simply walk to the games as it is faster and easier than finding parking within the park. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are not required for a Redhawks game and there is no charge for parking. The local restaurants are very reasonably priced as are the hotels. Where you need to watch your wallet are the wineries, which can be very pricey, and at the Isle Casino…. if you roll a bad streak. Extras 4 For a small town the size of Cape Girardeau, there are a surprising number of extras for you to enjoy during your visit. First, you are in the middle of Missouri wine country. There are no fewer than eight wineries in the area, with tastings scheduled every day of the week. Another unique aspect of the town are the many murals decorating the flood wall along the Mississippi River and the walls of area businesses. There are more than 40 murals to enjoy, with historic events, famous people, local landscapes and tales of the Mighty Mississippi depicted on the panels. The Isle Casino Cape Girardeau is available to those who like to play games of chance. Finally, this area of the state is very conservative, so you won’t be surprised to find out that Rush Limbaugh is a native of Cape Girardeau. Pick up a map of the Rush Limbaugh Hometown Driving Tour at the local visitor’s center which takes you around to the significant places of his youth… just make sure you stay on the right side of the road! Final Thoughts It is nice to see a community embrace a college team as its own. The town/gown relationship seems to work very well in Cape Girardeau.

Photo Courtesy of Blair C Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.26 Mabee Center 7777 S Lewis Ave. Tulsa, OK 74141 Oral Roberts Golden Eagles website Mabee Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 11,300 Mabee Worth Seeing The Mabee Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma is the home of Oral Roberts University’s Golden Eagles Men’s Basketball. Opening in 1972, the arena has a maximum capacity of 11,300 and was the largest arena in Eastern Oklahoma until the BOK Center was built in Tulsa. The Mabee Center, along with being the home of ORU basketball since its opening, has also played host to numerous NCAA tournaments and conference tournaments. Food & Beverage 2 The available concessions are nothing to get too excited about. They basically consist of the normal ball-game food, like hot dogs, popcorn and nachos. They did have a couple of Dippin’ Dots stands, which added a bit of variety and something sweet. Prices are pretty average. It’s still too expensive, but no more expensive than other venues. Same goes for quality of food. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere was family friendly to the highest degree. Oral Roberts is a Christian college so that part of it made sense. Overall, the atmosphere was still pretty fun. They had the normal halftime and time out games. My favorite was two people competing for a prize by trying to catch the most rubber chickens in a bag in a certain amount of time. Seating was comfortable and afforded plenty of space. The higher seats aren’t as bad as in other places, but if you can, you definitely want to sit as close to the court as possible. Neighborhood 2 The surrounding neighborhood isn’t great. There are a lot of chain restaurants nearby, most of which are fast food. There’s also a Walmart across the street in case you want to do any shopping. The biggest redeeming factor is the River Spirit Casino just down the road. It’s huge and will provide plenty of fun for anyone looking for a good time after the game. Fans 3 The fans were very supportive of the team. You can tell that ORU is trying to make itself a big option for families and children’s groups. The crowd was full of families and children which made the whole crowd much more excited. I was surprised at the size of the crowd. The arena was near full capacity. Apparently it was a promotional night, which probably accounted for the large crowd. The fanbase appears to be exuberant and very supportive of the home team. Access 2 I left feeling very conflicted in this area. The parking at the arena is fantastic. It is completely circular on the outside and the entire place is surrounded by acres and acres of parking. It’s the best parking I’ve ever seen. However, once you get inside the Mabee Center, there is just one entrance to the actual basketball arena. This led to massive congestion, and it took a long time to get in. To make matters worse, there were no lines or organized ways of getting to the entrance. It was a mere free-for-all, which led to pushing, cutting and a major lack of comfort. Another problem was the placement of the Dippin’ Dots vendors. They would often have them placed right by entryways into the seating and restrooms. This also caused major congestion. Other than those problems, the walkways were spacious enough, and the bathrooms were clean and plenty. Return on Investment 4 The return on investment was very good, simply because tickets are extremely cheap. The most expensive tickets I could find were only $25, which is very good for the seats they were for. This arena isn’t great, but the affordability makes it too good to pass up. Extras 0 There are no extras worth noting. The Mabee Center serves its purpose of hosting college basketball games, but there is little to set it apart.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Eddie Pellagrini Diamond at John Shea Field 2601 Beacon St Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 Boston College Eagles website Eddie Pellagrini Diamond at John Shea Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 1,000 Command Performance Pellagrini Diamond at Shea Field is located in the shadows of Alumni Stadium on the eastern edge of the Boston College campus in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The field is named after Commander John Shea, of the United States Navy, a BC football player and class of 1917 alumnus who was killed in action during World War II. The baseball diamond is named after Eddie Pellagrini, who served as the Eagles baseball coach for 31 years, amassing 359 wins and three College World Series appearances during that time. Shea Field is located on the edge of the Chestnut Hill reservoir, and offers views of the Boston skyline from certain vantage points around the ballpark. During football season, the baseball field serves as home to many tailgaters prior to Eagle football games. During baseball season fans utilize the top level of the Alumni Stadium parking garage as a location for their own tailgate parties. Food & Beverage 0 There are no places to get food or beverages at Shea Field. Seasoned Eagles fans will bring their own items to enjoy during the game. Also, many fans tailgate throughout the game up on the top level of the Alumni Stadium parking garage, which overlooks the field. Atmosphere 3 Overall, the game day experience at Commander Shea Field is a laid-back one. The park itself is situated in a small space behind Alumni Stadium, without a lot of the bells and whistles one might expect from a team that plays in the ACC. Crowds are generally small, and there is not a whole lot of seating available at Shea Field. Four rows of bleachers run down the third base side of the field beyond the dugout, and there are three rows of bleachers squeezed in behind home plate. There is no press box here, and the Eagles’ game day staff occupy the top row of bleachers behind the plate. Fans needing to use the restrooms can choose from several port-a-johns located around the ballpark, or they can walk into Alumni Stadium and use the facilities there. Unfortunately, no concession stands are open inside the football stadium. If you want to enjoy the most complete Shea Field experience, do what the majority of BC fans do. They line up along the ramps of the Alumni Stadium parking garage that run the length of the first base side of the field. This vantage point offers excellent views of the action, and is much preferred to the metal bleachers located on the other side of the field. Fans wanting more than just a good vantage point will park their cars on the top level of the parking garage and tailgate throughout the game. From this point fans can watch the game and enjoy the party at the same time. It’s definitely the place to be during an Eagles baseball game. Neighborhood 3 Boston College is located in the middle of a busy residential area. There are a few areas in Chestnut Hill where you can shop or eat, and they are all within walking distance of the campus. Your best bet is to head to Cleveland Circle, about a 15 minute walk from the BC campus, where you will find, among other places, Eagle’s Deli, which has been featured on several Travel Channel shows for its massive hamburger challenges. It’s no wonder that it remains a favorite of Boston College students. Streets in this area are frequently congested and busy, so be careful navigating this neighborhood and allow yourself extra time. Fans seeking a more scenic and leisurely pace should spend some time down at the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. It’s a favorite place for walkers or joggers, and there isn’t a better spot to be in the springtime. From the shores of the reservoir you get a fantastic view of downtown Boston in the distance. For those fans interested in a faster paced environment, head downtown towards those tall buildings, there is more than enough going on there to keep anyone busy. Fans 2 Boston College is perhaps the biggest college sports name in all of New England, but the Eagles baseball team lags far behind the football, hockey, and basketball teams in the hierarchy of BC sports. Just a quick look at the facilities surrounding Shea Field will reinforce this fact. Alumni Stadium, home of the football team, towers over the ballpark, and Conte Forum, a short walk from Shea Field, gets a great deal of love from the student body. It may be somewhat surprising that larger crowds don’t turn out for a baseball game at Boston College. A typical crowd at Shea Field runs between 100-250 fans, despite the party atmosphere possible here. There is not a large turnout from the student body either. The fans that do show up are die-hards, to be sure. Access 3 The Boston College campus is located in the Chestnut Hill section of the suburb of Newton, Massachusetts, about six miles west of downtown Boston. Newton is a very well-to-do town which frequently ranks near the top of any “best place to live in America” list. Despite its location in the suburbs, the neighborhood around Boston College shares many of the same access issues as does its big-city neighbors. Anyone who has tried to navigate the crowded, crooked streets of greater Boston by car can tell you how difficult driving in and around the area can be. If you are visiting from out of town, your best bet is to find a copilot who knows their way around town, or a trusty GPS. Most native Bostonians will tell you that your best bet is to take public transportation, known in these parts as the “T.” Like most locations in Greater Boston, the BC campus is most easily reached by subway. The Green Line’s B Branch terminus is located on Commonwealth Ave, right across the street from the Chestnut Hill campus. From here, it is a short walk to all points on campus. The Green Line’s C Branch stops at Cleveland Circle, a 15 minute walk from campus. For those who insist on driving, Boston College can be reached without actually entering the congestion of the city. If driving from the north or south, take Interstate 95 (also known as Rte. 128) to exit 24 (Rte. 30-Commonwealth Avenue). Follow this road about 5 miles, and you will find the Boston College campus on your right. If driving from the west, take Interstate 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) to exit 17. Follow Center Street to Commonwealth Avenue, and follow that for a mile and a half to the BC campus. The area around Boston College is quite scenic, with a suburban feel, but traffic can be very heavy at times. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at Shea Field will not break the bank. There is no charge for admission, and parking in the garage adjacent to the field is free. Since there are no concessions here, you will not spend any money while at Shea Field. It can’t get any less expensive than that. Extras 2 There are not a whole lot of extra bells and whistles mixed in with the game day experience at Shea Field. The team does give out a complimentary roster sheet, but there is not much else going on to merit extra points. However, extra points are awarded for the Eagles’ public address announcer, who announces upcoming batters and game highlights with a proper English accent. It’s quite unusual to hear such a voice at a baseball game, and I found myself enjoying listening to his announcements. Imagine John Houseman acting as the PA announcer at your local ballpark; that’s the best comparison I can make. Another extra point goes out to the tailgaters taking in the game from the top level of the Alumni Stadium parking garage. While the activity up there is not on the level of the Wrigley Field rooftops, it’s a great spot to catch a game from, and easily one of the best ways I can think of to spend a gorgeous spring afternoon in Boston. Final Thoughts At first sight, there is nothing overly special about Shea Field to separate it from the number of other Division I ballparks in New England. Typically, baseball in the northeast is not a big deal, as the schedule is at the mercy of the fickle weather of March and April. However, with proper planning, a day at Shea Field can be a great one. My suggestion is to pack your car with great food, your favorite beverages, and a bunch of friends, and head on up to the top level of the parking garage. From there, the action unfolds below as you enjoy the company of many other Eagles fans with the skyline of Boston in the distance. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Photo Courtesy of SMCGaels.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Louis Guisto Field 1928 Saint Mary’s Rd Moraga, CA 94556 Saint Mary’s Gaels website Louis Guisto Field website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 1,500 Baseball In Basketball Country When Saint Mary’s College moved their baseball stadium 400 feet down the right field line from their old stadium, they had big plans. These plans have been slow to materialize but one can definitely see progress. The new Louis Guisto Field is a facility under transition and part of the greater Athletics and Recreation Corridor which will include a gym, swimming pool, locker rooms and additional seating at the baseball stadium. Though they set out to add a 1,500 seat grandstand at Louis Guisto Field after the 2012 season, that hasn’t occurred yet. It’s clear that while the field is in perfect shape, the bleachers are decades old and from the old field. The portable building press box is clearly not yet the “state of the art” one they will have when renovation is complete. Since my last trip in 2012 they have demolished the old Louis Guisto Field to make way for the rest of the Athletics and Recreation Corridor. You can see an artist rendering of the corridor as well as an outline of the new facilities here. You can see that the baseball stadium is at the center of it, with the softball field Cottrell Field beyond its left field wall. The Gaels hope that upgrading the stadium and facilities that go along with it will help propel the program to the top of the WCC. In their brief tenure at the new Louis Guisto Field they have struggled and have been at the bottom of the standings. Food & Beverage 1 One folding table is for concessions and one for condiments. Hot dogs, peanuts, and nachos are the fare. Bottled soda and water as well as coffee, hot chocolate and Gatorade are the drink options. Atmosphere 3 Though the bleacher seating is clearly decades old, the field and surrounding areas are beautiful. The field lies beneath a tree-covered hillside in the quiet town of Moraga. The ping of the bats is the only sounds other than PA system playing walk-up music and announcing the next hitter. Cottrell Field, home of the Gaels’ softball team is just beyond the left field wall. Since I got there early, I caught a few innings of the Saint Mary’s vs Utah Valley game on the softball field. There are 3 seating areas. 2 sets of bleachers separated by the press box and a picnic area down the right field line. All of the bleacher seats have the foul ball netting in sight while the picnic area does not. There is a new scoreboard in right-center field that has basic stats as well as a video board that displays pictures of Saint Mary’s players when they are up to bat. One major problem while sitting in the bleachers is that the new dugouts are in the way of whichever outfielder’s line you are on. The dugout structures seem rather tall and interfere with sightings. If you want to sit in the bleachers, I recommend getting as close behind the plate as possible to minimize the issues with the dugout. Neighborhood 3 It’s tough to judge this neighborhood. Benefits include the closeness to the more happening places in the Bay Area and the beauty of the surrounding community, complete with hiking trails. Drawbacks include a lack of a vibrant, bustling community to take advantage of on game day. The diamond is located on the Saint Mary’s campus in the town of Moraga. Moraga has a population of less than 20,000 and is a quiet, but beautiful place. Rolling hills and tall redwoods allow for beautiful day hikes in the area. Being located on campus, though scenic, is not conducive to grabbing food or drink prior to or after a Gaels baseball game, it’s quite the drive. Your best options are in downtown Moraga or Rheem Valley. Here you can find area favorite Loard’s Ice Cream, Italian restaurant Amaroma, and Asia Palace (mostly Chinese food). Moraga is a mostly sleepy community where you can enjoy being outside, cruising the farmer’s market or catching a movie. You won’t find a row of sports bars where you can catch a game on a big screen. There are many hiking trails within 20 miles of the Saint Mary’s campus that allow beautiful views of the entire San Francisco Bay. Fans 2 Saint Mary’s fans were relaxed for this Saturday afternoon matchup in early 2013. There were a few dozen of them along with about a few dozen LMU fans. It was nearly 50/50 Gaels/Lions fans. It seemed the vast majority of those in attendance were parents and other family members plus a few students. I would have liked to see more students at the game considering it is free for them to attend but I believe it may have also been during spring break when I attended. Access 2 As mentioned above, Moraga is somewhat secluded from the rest of the Bay Area. The nearest freeways (13 and 24) are more than 5 miles away, accessible only by winding roads, with one lane going each direction. During rush hours, the Caldecott Tunnel really backs up as the lanes go down from 4 lanes to two. This tunnel connects most of the Bay Area to Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, etc. You are usually safe on weekends however. For many Bay Area residents avoiding traffic can be solved by taking a BART train. Unfortunately the nearest station is 5 miles away, so it is not walkable. Riding a bicycle is an option from the train station and would be a nice ride through the rolling hills, but isn’t advisable as there aren’t many street lights from the station into town. Parking is free and plentiful on the weekend but there may be a fee during the week. The parking lot is along the right field line but there is an additional one across the street from the right field wall, next to the soccer/rugby fields. The two grandstands are mirror images of each other and equally accessible. To access the nearest restroom you need to leave the baseball field and walk directly behind home plate about 50 yards and enter that classroom building. Restrooms are on the right hand side, just inside the entrance. Return on Investment 3 I thought tickets were a tad expensive since they were the same rate ($10) as the nationally recognized basketball program. It should be noted that seniors and children are $7 and SMC students are free with valid I.D. It is nice that you can move around to find your favorite spot to sit. Food is inexpensive and with parking free on the weekends you could get by on just a $10, which is well worth the experience. Extras 1 There isn’t much in the way of extras at Louis Guisto Field. I did however appreciate that I was able to catch a softball game on the same day. The Gaels have retired Tom Candiotti’s #49 and that is displayed on the left-center field wall. Unfortunately there aren’t any notes about SMC history beyond that. Lastly, there was an equal amount of merchandise for visiting LMU as there was for Saint Mary’s. I’m not sure if these schools have a unique relationship or if that is consistent across the WCC. Final Thoughts Once the seating area matches the field of play in terms of quality, a trip to Louis Guisto will jump several points on the FANFARE scale.

Photo courtesy of Elon Phoenix Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Walter C. Latham Park Bank of America Dr Elon, NC 27244 Elon Phoenix website Walter C. Lathan Park website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 2,000 There Can Only Be One As you are more than likely aware if you have read our reviews of Elon University's basketball and football facilities, growth is a constant among the Phoenix athletic programs. This Colonial Athletic Conference member school boasts an impressive collection of facilities, from the old to the new. It would be easy to look at the listing of NCAA regional appearances on the wall at Latham Park and think that Elon has only recently started to experience success on the diamond. This is far from the case, however. Elon's storied baseball history actually got its start at the beginning of the 20th century, facing off against Greensboro, North Carolina's Guilford College in the school's first-ever contest in any sport in 1900. Elon won a number of conference titles in the 1930s, and made numerous appearances in the NAIA World Series before finally moving on to NCAA Division I baseball. Elon's current baseball home opened as Newsome Field in 1978, and while the actual field retains this name, the facility has seen a number of improvements in 35-plus years, along with a new name, Walter C. Latham Park. Though Elon does not have an extensive history in NCAA Division I baseball or in the Colonial Athletic Conference, their facility certainly ranks near the top of their league. Food & Beverage 2 The one place where Latham Park lags a bit behind is in the concessions. Served from a trailer behind the third base stands, the concessions menu is fairly pedestrian. Hot dogs, peanuts and nachos ($3 each) are the "major" items on the board. The peanuts are actually a great deal, as the $3 price gets you a full-size bag similar to the ones you might see in a grocery store. Candy bars ($1), Cracker Jacks ($1.50), Blow Pops ($.50) and sunflower seeds ($.50) round out the available choices. Coca-Cola is the campus' bottler, with 20-ounce bottled sodas, bottled water and Powerade available for $3 each. Hot chocolate can also be purchased for $3, which is a nice touch at some of the cooler early-season contests in the North Carolina piedmont. Be careful when going to purchase concessions, though, as the trailer closed at random intervals on the day I attended. The stand closed and reopened at least twice, that I saw. The best suggestion is to plan ahead and buy any concessions you may need early in the contest. Atmosphere 3 Latham Park has experienced a number of upgrades in its time, and one of the largest upgrades is in the seating. All of the fixed seating between the dugouts is chair back seating, which is a nice perk for a school this size. The seats can get a bit uncomfortable after a while, as they are composed of hard plastic. The seat backs can also cause back pain, depending on your height. This may inspire you to head to the berm down the third base line. This was a rather popular area on the day I visited, with some fans standing and some sitting in lawn chairs. The playing surface (the infield is turf, with a grass outfield) is visible from any seat in the facility. Sight lines are not a large concern, except for the netting behind the plate, as with most parks. The bullpens are visible down each line, allowing you to keep up with any pitchers warming up to enter the game. There is a pond behind the left field wall that is visible from many of the seats in the park, and is a nice relaxing place to visit after a game. There is a scoreboard in left-center field that resembles those found in many ballparks. The scoreboard shows the number of the player at bat, the ball/strike/out count and the game's linescore. Player statistics appear on a single-line display above the game's linescore. There is also a rotating advertisement board below the score section. Neighborhood 3 Elon is a town built around the school, for the most part. The true attraction to the surrounding community is the beauty of the campus. Spring days often see students walking, throwing a frisbee or just enjoying the nice weather. The campus and town are a great place to explore. There are a few restaurants in Elon itself (the Town Table being the closest), but most of the activity is in neighboring Burlington. There are a number of chain restaurants in Burlington, along with shopping and entertainment. Many of the choices in Burlington are located just off exits 140 (University Drive) and 141 (Huffman Mill Road) on North Carolina Interstate 85. Fans 4 Latham Park may not see every seat filled for every game, but those who attend Elon games are certainly supportive of their Phoenix. Athletes from some of the other teams at Elon also come out to support the team, which is good to see. The day I attended in early 2013 was extremely cold, but a good number of fans from both Elon and visiting Furman made their way out to see the game. The crowd started to thin out a bit as the afternoon wore on, as the game went into extra innings and the cold got the better of some people. Elon also has its own playful "heckling" section. Granted, this section consists of three or four fans at the top of the seating on the first base side, but they are quite vocal and amusing. Furman's manager tripped over the turf coming back from a mound visit, which drew a smile from him and some playful annoyance from the fans, with their mentioning it wasn't any fun if he enjoyed it. Access 4 Elon is accessible via North Carolina Interstates 85 and 40. US 70 and North Carolina Highway 100 also serve the greater Elon/Burlington area. The campus is several miles away from the interstate, however, it make take a good 15-20 minute drive from the interstate on heavy traffic days. Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) is 25-30 minutes away from the campus in Greensboro, with Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) 45-50 minutes to the east in Morrisville, between Durham and Raleigh. Parking at Latham Park is an extremely easy affair. There are a number of spots between Latham Park and Rhodes Stadium (Elon's football facility), and they are all free and within steps of the park. If you are afraid of a foul ball "decorating" your car, there is ample parking at the new Hunt Softball Park across the street from Latham Park. The walk is not that long, particularly on a warm spring day, and this parking is also free. There are two bathrooms (one for each sex) underneath the seating bowl. The bathrooms are a bit small, though certainly of an appropriate size for most Elon crowds. The facilities are clean and well-kept. Return on Investment 5 Attending an Elon game is no great strain on the wallet. Tickets for most games (all seats are general admission) are $5, with some "premium" (East Carolina and NC State, for example) games priced at $7. Youth tickets are priced at $3. With free parking, this allows you to buy a non-premium game ticket, hot dog and soda for $11. Should you choose a premium game, this total only increases to $13. Elon has experienced a great deal of success in a short time at the Division I level, and seeing a consistent quality product for this price is absolutely worth your small investment. Extras 3 Programs are available at the ticket window as you enter the park. The programs are a nice touch, and they keep you from having to bury yourself in your smartphone to find out more about the Elon team. The university may want to publicize these programs a bit more, but just making them available is a solid start. There are three commemorative plaques in Latham Park. There is a plaque honoring the Bill Graham Baseball Scholarship, one for W. Bryan Latham, M.D.'s contributions to the upgrades in the facility and one outside telling the story of Walter C. Latham, the man for whom the park is named. Latham is enshrined in the Elon Sports Hall of Fame and played at the school. The stories behind the names of many facilities are left to the fans to research, so the explanation of Latham's story is an extremely nice touch. A banner on the bullpen wall in left field commemorates Elon's Southern Conference championships (2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011). There is a similar banner on the bullpen wall in right field to honor the university's NCAA regional appearances (2002, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010). As mentioned earlier, Elon has spent just over a decade at the Division I level, and this is a nice nod to the school's tremendous level of success in a short amount of time. Final Thoughts Elon baseball is rapidly becoming known as one of the top programs in the Carolinas and the southeastern United States, and they have a beautiful facility to match this success. The park is located next to Elon's football facility, Rhodes Stadium, as well as their continually-growing athletic complex. This makes for quite lively surroundings in and around Latham Park. If your travels lead you to north central North Carolina, you certainly owe it to yourself to see one of the elite programs in the Colonial Athletic Conference.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Indian Wells Tennis Garden 78200 Miles Ave Indian Wells, CA 92210 BNP Paribas Open website Indian Wells Tennis Garden website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 16,100 Playing in the Garden The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is the home to the annual BNP Paribas Open Professional Men's and Women's tennis tournament. Located in Indian Wells, California, about two hours east of Los Angeles, this 54-acre facility plays host to the top ATP and WTA players from around the world for two exciting weeks in March. The BNP Paribas Open is one of the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 and WTA Premier 5 events, one of only three of its kind in the United States along with Miami and Cincinnati. Backed by a small group of tennis and sports enthusiasts, this facility has quickly grown into the incredible event that it is today. The most eye-catching feature, by far, of this beautiful park, is the 16,100-seat Stadium Court 1, which is the second largest tennis specific stadium in the world, second only to Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open. In addition to the impressive capacity of Stadium Court 1, it also features 44 luxury suites, a full media workroom, and the players� locker rooms and restaurant. After Stadium Court 1, there are seven additional smaller temporary stadiums, which host the other tournament matches. Outside of watching tennis, there are a number of other great things to do around the grounds, ranging from eating and drinking, to demoing racquets, to shopping the boutiques, to even getting a free massage. Additionally, this is one of the most fan friendly events in the world with improved seating and visibility around the practice courts and mini soccer field, as well as the new updated digital practice schedule board located right outside of court 3. Food & Beverage 5 If you've never been to a tennis tournament you'll be in for quite a treat as the food offerings are quite different than one would expect at a baseball or football game. If you're expecting concession windows, ice cream carts, and beer guys patrolling the aisles, you may or may not be pleasantly surprised with the incredible variety and quality that is offered at professional tennis tournaments, especially at this one. Not that the typical stadium fare of hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, and nachos won't be found here, it's just that stadium food is taken to a whole new level. Depending on what you're in the mood for, you could have an authentic gyro, a footlong loaded with BBQ beef brisket, pizza, specialty bistro sandwiches, and even fish and chips, just to name a few of the unique food offerings found at the BNP Paribas Open. Once you've found something that tickles your fancy from the food court, find a place to get a refreshment, a little shade, and a spot to eat. There are two large beach-themed Corona bars, and a massive Don Julio bar with plenty of shaded tables and chairs at the center of the food court. If you're looking for a little more elbow room than your seat but don't want to miss a second of the action on the court, grab a couple of adirondack chairs in the Corona Plaza where the top three matches are being shown on the large video boards with stats and scores scrolling across the bottom. Atmosphere 5 As with food and beverage, the atmosphere at professional tennis tournaments is very unique. One moment you can be courtside engrossed in a fantastic third set match biting your fingernails, the next you can be socializing with friends in the food court. There are a number of different atmospheres within the grounds of the tournament depending on the setting. There are numerous massive murals of tennis players and images all around the buzzing and excited grounds. While it is important that you stay quiet while play is going on, don't underestimate the amount of excitement that shows at this big time tournament. Make sure to stake out some first or second row seats for an outer court match, so that you can get the up close and personal feel that is so special about these tournaments where you don't have to have a ticket to the outer courts. Additionally, in the evenings, live music, interviews, player autograph sessions, and trivia are available around the grounds. Neighborhood 5 While there isn't much to do in walking distance of the tournament, there are a ton of wonderful places to eat, drink, and things to do just a short drive away. There are two areas that I recommend, first is El Paseo where there are easily over a hundred places to visit. This upscale shopping and dining area is the perfect place to visit before or after going to the tournament or for a break in the action. There is something here for every budget and taste bud. Don't plan to do much shopping later in the evening as most of the stores close rather early while the restaurants stay open a little later, so shop first, eat second. If you like fresh seafood, make sure to eat at Pacifica. For unique specialty pizza, Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar. And for a steak, you have to go to Mastro's Steakhouse. This is typically the best area for player spotting so keep your eyes peeled for your favorite player getting a bite to eat. Lastly, even if you aren't a big art buff, make sure you stop in at one or two of the many art galleries in the area. If you're willing to drive just a bit further (15-20 minutes), I recommend visiting the North Palm Canyon shopping district. Similar to El Paseo, you will find a number of great shopping and dining options, however the things you will find here won't be nearly as upscale, but much more unique. Be sure to get an omelet for breakfast at Pinocchio in the Desert, have a burger at Hamburger Mary's for lunch, pick up some souvenirs at Just Fabulous, have some authentic chicken parmesan at Kalura Trattoria Italiana or authentic Mexican at Maracas, and get your picture taken with the giant statue of Marilyn Monroe. As you can see, there's a ton to do in the Palm Desert/Palm Springs area, so don't forget to plan an extra day or two just to be a tourist. When you're looking for a hotel, be sure to book early as rooms go fast with only a limited number of resorts available. There are some great options near both entertainment areas mentioned. The top recommendation in Palm Desert which not only has a tremendous tennis facility to get a work out during your stay, but also typically hosts player exhibitions and practice sessions while the tournament is in town, the La Quinta Resort. If you're interested in relaxing more away from the tournament crowds, the Renaissance in Palm Springs is highly recommended with a tremendous pool deck. Fans 5 Tennis fans are some of the best sports fans in the world. It's not uncommon to see fans travel all over the world to follow their favorite players. Since tournaments are played in so many places, it takes a lot of dedication to follow the sport, and tennis fans don't disappoint as they have showed up in record numbers. The 2013 BNP Paribas Open set a new tournament attendance record of 382,227 as well as new single day and night session records on the middle Saturday of the tournament. Access 4 Getting to the tournament from out of town, you have a few options. If traveling by air, the nearest airports available are Palm Springs International Airport (17mi), San Bernardino International Airport (70 mi), Ontario Airport (87mi), and Los Angeles International Airport (139mi). For the experience with the least hassle, Palm Springs International Airport would be the best choice. With shuttles and taxis available to transport you to your nearby hotel, this would be the best route. However, it will be without a doubt the most expensive and probably not the most convenient as far as flight times. If you decide to fly into one of the other airports, rent a car and drive yourself to the tournament. The key to saving yourself the most trouble is to make sure you arrive to the tournament early to avoid the troublesome traffic. With only a couple of roads leading to the tournament site, congestion is extremely likely and time consuming. The next issue is the long walk from the parking areas that is probable in delaying you further from entering the tournament. Parking right next to the tournament grounds in the official general parking is $15 per day. The biggest thing to keep in mind here is just to give yourself extra time to drive to the tournament and get into the grounds, as it can possibly be a long process. If possible, I highly recommend booking one of the nearby hotels, which offer a shuttle to and from the grounds for a much more stress free day. When it comes to the access inside the tournament grounds, it's important to keep in mind that with such large numbers in attendance, it is likely that restrooms will back up and form lines. Like at a basketball game, to beat the halftime restroom crowds, you head for the stands a few minutes before the half, it might be wise to try that strategy here. Also, I recommend avoiding the lines for the restrooms located in Stadium Court 1. Instead, search out the restroom stands located around the grounds. Lastly, it is important to be patient when trying to attend a match in one of the smaller stadium courts around the grounds, especially during a highly touted matchup as crowds will quickly form and congestion at the entrances is possible. Return on Investment 4 As with any professional tennis tournament, it has to be understood that there really aren't too many "economical" options. Plain and simple, it's expensive. Having said this, for the money, a ton of entertainment is provided. In comparison to other sporting events where you get to see the best in the world it is about on par if not a slightly better return on investment. Keeping in mind that a single ticket to any given day session will entitle you to see at least 3 matches and around 7 hours inside the gates, this is far superior to seeing one game of another sport for around the same price. The same concept goes for the food and beverage. While it can be expected that prices will be slightly higher, more variety and better products are also on hand when compared to a more mainstream sporting event. For tickets to the BNP Paribas Open, the cheapest and most convenient options are available directly through the tournament's ticket office. In addition to daily tickets, they also offer different kinds of mini packages for any number of people and days, as well as hotel packages. One of the great perks included in select packages is access to the VIP, air-conditioned, Emirates Club Lounge. Extras 5 This tournament is filled to the brim with extras that tennis fans just aren't used to. The spectacular views from any vantage point of palm trees, desert, and mountains are breathtaking. The official instant replay technology that's available on all eight match courts, the most of any tournament in the world. The unique mini soccer field and adjacent outdoor player-dining patio, perfect for spotting your favorite player having fun off the court. Along with the views outside of the grounds, the beautiful landscaping inside the grounds makes for a wonderful combination for the backdrop to the action on the court. Final Thoughts Top 5 things to make sure you do while at The BNP Paribas Open at The Indian Wells Tennis Garden: Smell the lemon trees Go to the top of the stands to get the best views of the desert Get autographs at the soccer field and practice courts Watch a match in every stadium court for a different atmosphere Shop the boutiques and exhibits Things to keep in mind when attending The BNP Paribas Open: Be sure to pack a small bag to take into the tournament to store your extra long sleeves and long pants since the weather varies and it will undoubtedly get cool in the evenings in the desert (small bags are allowed in the tournament after a brief inspection, of course) Bring a camera and autograph pen (necessities when your favorite player is on the practice courts) Since spring forward occurs during the middle weekend of the tournament, it is wise to attend the evening sessions during the second week (the tournament grounds are so beautiful that you'll want as much daylight as possible to be able to enjoy it)

Photo Courtesy of Gophersports.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Siebert Field 516 15th Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 Minnesota Golden Gophers website Siebert Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,420 Golden Gopher Baseball at Siebert Field Tucked behind the football team's practice facility with a view of TCF Bank Stadium off in a distance from right field sits Siebert Field. The home of the Golden Gopher baseball team isn't the most salient athletic facility at the University of Minnesota, but it is definitely worth a visit. Reconstructed in 2012, Siebert features an artificial turf field, state-of-the-art scoreboard and plenty of seating including grassy hills to watch the game. It is a wonderful experience for baseball fans, perfect for an afternoon out with family or friends without the hectic crowds of a big-time football game. In short, Minnesota Gopher baseball may be the most overlooked sporting event in the Twin Cities. Food & Beverage 3 There is nothing too special about the food offered at Siebert Field. Soda, hot dogs and hamburgers are offered for around $5.00. There is only a single stand, but there is never a line so you can feel free to meander over there and grab some food whenever you feel hungry. The lack of offerings is hardly a problem, however, as most games are played at 3:00 pm, in between meals. There are also plenty of other places to grab lunch or dinner in nearby Dinkytown or downtown Minneapolis. Atmosphere 4 There is a lot of off-campus housing behind the field, which gives students the ability to get home in time to finish studying or socialize immediately after the game. And because the other athletic facilities are near by, athletes from various sports will drop by before or after practice to support their fellow Gophers. With the mix of students and families, there is a great age range in the fan base, making it comfortable for just about anyone to fit in among the crowd. The scoreboard at Siebert Field offers a couple of clean, interesting graphics in right field as well as videos of staff members interviewing players on the team. It is a clear scoreboard that can easily be seen anywhere in the park. All the action is up close and personal. It is a great way to introduce someone to the game because they are not forced to squint in order to differentiate between a slider and a curveball and you can catch the interactions between the players and coaches. Neighborhood 3 For college students, the neighborhood is great. Dinkytown has plenty of places that college students love to eat at: McDonalds, Jimmy John's, Cane's Chicken, as well as bars and house parties to attend after the game. Unfortunately, for people that have already graduated, you have to get back on the freeway again and head downtown to get away from the college scene. College students almost exclusively occupy the two closest bars, The Library and Blarney's, as well as many of the nearby restaurants. Although it is not located in a "college town" like Madison or Columbus, the U of M does a good job giving Dinkytown a "college feel." While it may be charming to some people, others may be turned off because you have to drive a ways to find somewhere to eat or drink after the game. If you want a more formal meal in Minneapolis, the Keys Cafe in the Foshay Tower is centrally located and offers a good meal. For Italian, go to Pizza Luce, which is universally known as the best pizza in town. It's also worth checking out plays at the Guthrie or Orpheum Theatres, a standup routine at the Acme Comedy Club, or to listen to some live music at the First Avenue Club. For a more lively bar scene, Sneaky Pete's is a can't miss. Brothers or Bar 508, located right next door, will be more appealing if you want to sit down and relax. There is plenty of lodging off of the 11th Street exit from Highway 94, with the Hilton being an economic option and the Marquette as probably the best value. Fans 4 There is nowhere to watch the game in the outfield, but fans pack the hills on either side of the diamond and the seats behind home plate. For the most part, people talk among themselves for most of the game, occasionally stopping to cheer on a specific player. This is not to say that they are not engaged. During pivotal plays in the game, people get loud or express disappointment depending on what happens, but it is certainly more subdued throughout the game than it is at a professional contest. Depending on what you are looking for, this can be positive or negative. A professional contest has more displays to keep fans vocal through all nine innings, but the collegiate game is a relaxing way to spend a lazy afternoon. Access 3 Getting to the athletic facilities, which are all pretty much located in the same area, is not difficult. The University of Minnesota is located right off of 35W, the main freeway that runs north to south, and the entire campus is well marked. Unfortunately, actually finding Siebert Field can be difficult. It is not recognized on Google Maps and has two addresses on many places online. The address I used was 516 15th Ave. SE and it brought me to the right location, but the field is tucked behind the practice facility. The best way to find it is to look for the foul pole, which isn't that hard to see, but can be passed over if you're not looking for it. The streets in Dinkytown occasionally run one way, so you'll have to take one route in and another one out, but the main streets run parallel to each other and it's not hard to find the freeway on your way out. You do have to park along a dirt road on the side of the stadium, however, and may want to park a ways away to avoid having your sunroof shattered by a foul ball. The walk isn't that difficult, and parking is free, but it can be difficult to find the first time around. Also of note: Do not park by the apartment buildings. This can be tempting, because there are often open spots on the weekends, but you will get towed. Return on Investment 5 As long as you don't eat at the game, it's a pretty cheap ordeal all around. Tickets are about $5, parking is free and games usually do not interfere with mealtime. (There is a Dugout Club for people that want to support the university, the largest package goes for $1000, the smallest is $8.00, and you get your own seating area and bar-be-cue.) In general, because prices are so low and the quality of baseball along with the experience is pretty good, going to a Gopher baseball game is quite a bargain. Extras 3 There are not a lot of bells and whistles to be found at Siebert Field, but three things stand out to me that make the experience unique. For starters, the scoreboard display is well done. The graphics are fun and unique, it provides vital stats on players and can be easily seen from all over the field. There are cameramen that film various members of the crowd, which creates an interesting dynamic in such an intimate atmosphere. Secondly, Goldie the Gopher runs around, interacting with children. And the kids absolutely go nuts. In fact, I overheard one profess his love for the furry forest critter. That, in and of itself, was worth going to the game for. Finally, there are places to view the game from the roof of the nearby apartments. No, it's not Wrigley, but it is still fun to see that people in the surrounding area are so engaged by the action on the field that they're willing to scramble up a set of stairs to see the game from a long distance. Final Thoughts It's a little out of the way, a little quiet at times and a little less crowded than the average sporting event, but that's the joy of Gopher baseball. You can go and just watch the game. There are few distractions, the cost is pretty cheap and the quality of the players is pretty high. It's a nice little getaway right in the middle of everything, which is probably what makes it so special.

Photos by University of Phoenix Stadium Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 State Farm Stadium One Cardinals Drive Glendale, AZ 85305 Fiesta Bowl website State Farm Stadium website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 63,400 Fiesta! Note: The stadium name has changed from University of Phoenix Stadium to State Farm Stadium since Stadium Journey last visited the Fiesta Bowl. The University of Phoenix Stadium, used as the home for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and site of the Fiesta Bowl, opened in August of 2006 to seat 63,400 but can expand to seat 73,000. The stadium features a retractable roof, much needed for the hot desert of Phoenix. The stadium uses natural grass that grows in a retractable tray that can extend outside the stadium to ensure maximum exposure from the sun. But what really sets this stadium apart is its incredible design and clean look. With bright red and blue colored corners completing its sleek silver interior, University of Phoenix Stadium is a marvel of architectural design. The stadium is also host to other sporting events including soccer matches and more. Food & Beverage 3 This will really depend on when you choose to visit the stadium. For the Fiesta Bowl, you’ll get your standard popcorn, hot dog and soda for $4-$6, depending on what size you want. They also have churros and some more traditional cuisine of the region. Prices are expensive like all stadiums, which is to be expected. They also have booths with Subway if you’re a picky eater and want to go with something familiar. The best food is in the surrounding restaurants. I’ll go into further detail about this in the “Neighborhood” section. Atmosphere 5 This stadium is a sight to behold. Photos don’t do it justice. It feels so big, but all the seats are so close to the field. I attended the 2011 BCS National Championship between the Oregon Ducks and Auburn Tigers and was amazed how our 400 level seats were so good. I returned two years later for the 2013 BCS Fiesta Bowl and was surprised that I was still blown away how cool the stadium is. Fans from both teams show up, decked out, and excited from the long month of waiting. I’ve never been to a Cardinals game, but I imagine that the fans are passionate as well. Any time or event you attend there, it will be an incredible atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Glendale is probably a ghost town outside of the Fiesta Bowl and the eight days of Cardinals games. There are a few awesome restaurants right next to the stadium that almost certainly make 95% of their profits on nine days out of the year. My favorite place there was Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. I went there in 2011 and liked it so much I went back two years later. It’s 0.4 miles from the stadium and in the heart of the local eatery. The place has parrots and a complete tropical theme. There’s a balcony to go up and eat on. The sell typical American food; cheeseburgers, sirloin, chicken as well as quesadillas, tacos and more. It’s also available for minors. Other restaurants in the same vicinity are Saddle Ranch Chop House, McFadden’s Restaurant and more. There will be a variety to choose from. Fans 4 This one touches on the atmosphere section. If you go to the Fiesta Bowl, you’ll see an incredible spectrum of fanhood. The same is probably true for Arizona Cardinals games, but I can’t vouch for that. If you’re a college football fan and want to someday attend a bowl game, Phoenix is a good place to go. I just don’t recommend it being your first. It will make other stadiums pale in comparison. Access 3 There’s a lot of parking, but Glendale is in the middle of nowhere. It’s a pretty substantial drive from downtown Phoenix and not a place I’d recommend staying at if you want to go to the Fiesta Bowl. Getting out of the stadium, in both of my experiences, was pretty smooth and fast. It would be nice if it was closer to Phoenix. Return on Investment 5 I highly recommend you go see this stadium. If not even for the event, just to see this mastery of architectural design. You can try a Cardinals regular season or preseason game, Fiesta Bowl or another event. All seats are pretty great so you don’t have to put in a lot of money for a middle seat. I also recommend you go early to walk around and take in the environment. Extras 2 Security there is incredibly thorough. Fans were “wanded” before entering. Some might find that intrusive, but I think the little extra inspection is encouraging. There were plenty of restrooms and food booths. Lines were not that bad. Final Thoughts You really do have to see this place to believe it. Everything is so spacious, so modern and so clean. It is obvious that fan comfort was a top priority after the many years the franchise spent at Sun Devil Stadium. Every sports fan should make the trip to Glendale in the coming years to see University of Phoenix Stadium. It is a truly one-of-a-kind place. A modern marvel.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Dwyer Arena University Dr Lewiston, NY 14305 Niagara Purple Eagles men’s hockey website Dwyer Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 2,100 Purple Pride On Ice Lewiston, New York is a small town just on the other side of Queenston, Ontario, and north of Buffalo. It is a sleepy sort of town in the winter, and the seasonal businesses and closed boat launches give you the impression that it is very different in the summer than it is in the winter. What is there to do in the winter for the locals who want something of their own, and not having to head out to Buffalo? Enter Niagara University. Niagara is a small university of only around 5,000 students, that has received a bit more attention for its accomplishments on the basketball court, than its endeavors on the frozen pond. Make no mistake, however, this part of New York state has a strong affinity for ice hockey, and the Purple Eagles of Niagara fit the bill. Playing in a fairly non-descript arena, the Robert and Concetta Dwyer Arena, commonly known as the Dwyer Arena, the Niagara Purple Eagles have entertained students and college hockey fans since becoming a varsity team in 1996. In 2010, the Purple Eagles moved on to Atlantic Hockey, after being a charter member of the now-defunct College Hockey America. During their tenure, they have made appearances in the NCAA tournament four times, including now-defunct013. Purple Pride remains as strong on the ice as it is on the hardwood. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Dwyer Arena are pretty much what you would expect for a small college arena. However, don’t stray too far from what you would find at the nearby Gallagher Center, home of Purple Eagles basketball. They the immediate entrance, there is a small snack bar where you will find your basic concessions including soda, popcorn, pizza, and fries. There are also numerous vending machines around the lobby where you can find soda and candy bars. Inside the arena, there is also a small concession at the ice level. As with numerous NCAA venues, there is no alcohol for sale in the main concessions, however, there is a licensed club behind the goal. Atmosphere 3 Dwyer Arena does not blow you away at first glance. The exterior looks like any other local arena, surrounded by parking, and other parts of the complex. It is pretty non-descript, but not hard on the eyes. Upon entering the lobby, you will find the main concession as well as a small pro shop that sells some Purple Eagle merchandise. Having the concession in this area is an advantage as patrons can get something to eat before the doors to the main arena open. Upon progressing up the stairs to the main seating area you will hopefully notice the plaque dedicated to Robert and Concetta Dwyer, whom the arena is named for. The Dwyers provided a generous gift of $3 million to provide significant upgrades to the arena. The entrance is at the top of the seating level, which is a wide platform-like space. At the back end of the seats are raised platforms, of act as the press box. Seating is only on one side, and the far side of the arena roof is on a steep slope, similar to the home of the Ottawa 67’s. Possibly the worst feature of the arena is the metal benches used for seating. The center sections have backs, as does the last row. This is not normally an issue, however that the temperature in Dwyer Arena is more like a small arena rather than a big one, meaning it is darn cold. The coldness hits you when your butt hits the cold metal benches. The regulars bring cushions or blankets to sit on, so visitors would be wise to follow suit. The rest of the arena is fairly simple, with a basic scoreboard at one end to keep score. Unfortunately, the scoreboard does not keep track of shots. Above the ice level, there are 9 banners commemorating various tournament and conference championships, including 3 banners for tournament appearances. The far end of the area features large banner-sized team photos for the teams that made tournament appearances. The largest is for the 1999-2000 team that made it to the Elite Eight. Neighborhood 2 Lewiston is more of a summer town rather than a winter hot spot. There are some places down by the waterfront only open during the summer months. Combine this with the fact that Niagara University is pretty removed from the town of Lewiston, and you have a situation where finding interesting places to eat is difficult. Your best bet is to head into Buffalo for a plethora of choices. Another possibility, a little off the beaten path would be the Riverstone Grill on Grand Island. They have great food and were featured on the hit show Man vs. Food. Fans 4 Considering that the game reviewed was during a time when most of the students were not on campus, the crowd was surprisingly large. It became clear quickly that Niagara hockey has a strong attachment to the community of Lewiston, and is not just an outlet for the students. This is an especially good formula when you can fit nearly half of the student population in the stands. The N-Zone which houses the student fans was understandably sparse during my most recent visit in early 2013, but the rest of the crowd that was in attendance showed intelligence and was behind the Eagles one hundred percent. Access 4 Getting to Niagara is no problem at all. It is located between Robert Moses Parkway and I-190. There is plenty of parking in the lot surrounding the ice complex, and it is free. The large platform behind the seating area makes travel during the game easy as well. Washroom facilities are adequate. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Niagara hockey are ridiculously affordable. If you are willing to go without a back to your chair, then tickets can be found for just $12, while kids are a mere $7. Add an extra $5 if you feel that the backs are a necessity. Concession prices are what are to be expected. If you scour the schedule carefully, you can find a doubleheader, with the possibility of taking in a Purple Eagles basketball game at Gallagher Center as well. Extras 4 An extra mark for the connection with the community, beyond the student body, that you see in such a small town with such a small university. Two extra marks for the banner that hangs above the ice retiring the number 6 for Meghan Redenbach. Meghan was an honorary member of the Purple Eagles men’s ice hockey team after winning an essay contest. Meghan lost her battle with cancer at age 15 and has been an inspiration for the Purple Eagles ever since. An extra mark goes to the public address announcer at Dwyer Arena, who REALLY sounds like legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer. Too bad he never said, “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!!” Final Thoughts A trip to Niagara University to see the Purple Eagles play hockey is a great way to spend an afternoon or an evening. The price is right and the product is great. Being in a quaint, small town, on the campus of a very small university is just part of the atmosphere. If you’re not careful, you may just find yourself beaming with some purple pride yourself. -------- Follow Dave’s sporting journeys on Twitter @profan9.

Photo Courtesy of Cornell Big Red Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Newman Arena 512 Campus Road Ithica, NY 14853 Cornell Big Red men’s basketball website Newman Arena website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 4,473 The Home of Newman Nation With an Ivy League school, you would expect a deep athletic history and that is no exception with the Cornell Big Red. More than 100 years of generally mediocre basketball all changed with a remarkable class in the late 2000s as Ryan Wittman, Louis Dale and Jeff Foote helped to lead Cornell to three straight NCAA Tournaments. Their run culminated in 2010 with a trip to the Sweet 16. Since then, the Big Red have settled back to the pack in the Ivy as hockey remains the sport of preference at Cornell. Basketball is played at Newman Arena, a high school-like gym that at least features nice character and displays in the concourse. The rest of the experience however, leaves a lot to be desired. Food & Beverage 2 Food items are what you would expect at a small arena with snack varieties and small meals. From the grill, fans can grab a cheeseburger ($4.75), hot dog ($3.00) or sausage ($5.00). A cup of chili is a nice option on the typically cold Ithaca nights. One of the more unusual things being sold: Gum. I never thought at a game that I needed a piece of gum, but hey, it’s here if you want it. Beverage choices are from Pepsi. Atmosphere 2 Newman Arena is located within Bartels Hall, which houses a multitude of athletic facilities. A small ticket window is inside a small vestibule and then fans are greeted with a colorful entranceway that features plenty of Big Red displays. The basketball court is in Newman Arena and the set-up is reminiscent of a high school gym as two telescopic bleachers on the sidelines house most of the seating. These wooden bleachers are OK for watching the game, but a slightly better option are the chairback seats in the lower part of a couple middle sections. These cost a little more, though since they are hardly ever filled, it is not an issue to sneak into one a few minutes into the game. There are also a couple rows of bleacher behind each basket. An older scoreboard above center court displays only the most vital information as even “Timeouts Left” are missing. Neighborhood 4 The small city of Ithaca sits right at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, within the Finger Lakes region of New York State. This part of the country is quite beautiful as wineries, waterfalls and gorges make for a great outdoor excursion. However, given that Cornell basketball is a winter sport, the outdoors may be less desirable to explore. A visit to downtown Ithaca is a better way to spend the day and there are plenty of hot spots to check out. Beer lovers will find plenty of great establishments and the Ithaca Ale House is an excellent choice as craft beers abound. Near that same area around Ithaca Commons, several other places beckon for those looking to eat, drink or hang out. Before heading to the arena, be sure to walk around Cornell’s hilly campus as the diverse building architecture provides a classic Ivy feel. Fans 3 For most games, fans fill about a third of the gym and at only select games will more than a few thousand attend. Cornell and Ithaca have at least showed great support when the team is contending for the Ivy Title as numerous sellouts filled Newman Arena during the glory years of the late 2000s. The crowd does a nice job responding to the game and they have increases in energy as the game flows. Cornell’s pep band size depends on whether hockey is going on at the same time and regardless of numbers, they do a decent job. Access 3 Both Ithaca and Cornell can be challenging to reach from any direction and it certainly can be a nerve-wracking ride given the proficiency of snow in this part of the country. The closest interstate (I-81) is over 20 miles away, so country roads are needed. The most direct route is Exit 12 from I-81 as this leads to Route 79. Meanwhile, from the NY State Thruway (I-90) it takes almost 45 minutes of two-lane rural roads to reach Ithaca. Once on Cornell’s campus, the small streets and busy pedestrian traffic can make things a little confusing for visitors, but thankfully the athletic section is not far from the campus entrance. The Hoy Road parking deck a few buildings down from the arena is sufficient for fans attending the game. Bartels Hall provides enough space to move around before the game and at halftime, however there is a fairly small number of bathrooms available. Given the typically low attendance, this does not hinder access. Return on Investment 3 Cornell basketball is a very affordable event with free parking, tickets available for $8 and cheap concession items. The event is great for both families and passionate followers of the sport as the Ivy is a solid mid-major league with teams near the top of the conference that are usually pretty good. Extras 2 The displays throughout Bartels Hall do an excellent job highlighting the student-athletes at Cornell. Each sport receives a banner and murals throughout the area give the whole section character. I always love when a school displays their greatest athletic moments and Cornell does that quite well on the walls. Kudos to the Big Red Pep Band. Even though most members were at the hockey game simultaneously going on across the hall, those that were playing busted out a number of catchy tunes that made fans hum and sing along. Final Thoughts Cornell’s Newman Arena may have the feel of a high school gym, however the basketball and competition inside is well above that level. Big Red school spirit is splashed on the walls of the concourse before entering the gym and the intimate setting offers a decent look at the school’s basketball team. Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Stadium and Arena Visits.

Photos by Jason Bartel, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Sun Bowl Stadium Sun Bowl Dr El Paso, TX 79968 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl website Sun Bowl Stadium website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 51,500 Sun Bowl The Sun Bowl opened in 1963 with an original capacity of 30,000, but was expanded in 1982 to 52,000. It currently seats 51,500. The 2010 Sun Bowl between Notre Dame and Miami (FL) set the game’s attendance record when 54,021 people came to see the two storied programs. Food & Beverage 3 The Sun Bowl has concession stands all throughout the concourse, which have a very limited selection. As is the case with the basketball arena, Don Haskins Center, they only offer hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, soda and beer. All the food and soda are right around $4-$5, and the beer is $7-$10. UTEP offers Coca-Cola and Budweiser products at their sports facilities. Along the main concourse of the stadium, there are two areas where a variety of vendors have set up tents. There is Mexican food, turkey legs, Chick-fil-A, barbecue and a couple other things. One of the areas is behind the east stands, and the other is in the northwest corner of the stadium. Atmosphere 4 El Paso is definitely very cold on Sun Bowl day, but that doesn’t take away from any of the pregame festivities or the great visuals the Sun Bowl provides for fans. Walking towards the stadium from the parking lots, you pass by all sorts of tailgating. El Paso football fans have definitely figured out ways how to keep warm for the Sun Bowl, and the participating teams’ fans picked up pretty quickly on some of the tricks. The landscape around the Sun Bowl is absolutely incredible. If you look too far to the west and south, you do see Ciudad Juarez, which kind of takes away from everything else around. The stadium itself is built on a hill, with part of the hill butting right up against the stands. The surrounding area on campus also has some extremely nice buildings, adding to the rustic, southwestern feel to the stadium. The field itself is artificial, and obviously gets all the UTEP logos taken off and replaced with the corporate sponsor of the Sun Bowl, as the well as the TV network logos and the logos of the participating teams. All of the logos on the field face the west press box side. The stadium has one main concourse that goes completely around the perimeter, and two upper concourses, one running along each sideline. On the south end, the playing field is easily visible, so fans can choose to stand and watch the game from the south concourse if they so desire. Both scoreboards and the video board are located at the south end, which is good for about 90% of the fans because almost all of the seats face that direction. The unlucky couple of sections towards the south end must rely on a tiny little scoreboard behind the north goal post. The seating is definitely not optimized for fans though. There are no chair backs anywhere in the stadium. It is all benches. They do rent seat cushions that have chair backs at all of the stadium entrances though, and it may be a worthwhile purchase for most people. The bands were not really all that great – not too impressive on the field, anyway, but they were good in the stands, and each band definitely got their faithful pumped up. Neighborhood 4 As long as you stay on the Texas side of the border, you’re good to go. El Paso actually has a pretty good amount of options that are very close to the stadium. Before the game, there is plenty of tailgating going on in the parking lots surrounding the stadium, and on the lawns in front of UTEP buildings. Just a short drive south from the Sun Bowl takes you to downtown El Paso, which offers many museums, theatres, and restaurants, all within walking distance of each other. If you drive northeast on Sun Bowl Drive, it will take you to Mesa St., which has many bars and restaurants to choose from as well. Fans 4 PAC-12 fans generally travel well, plain and simple. In some years ACC fans are up to the challenge though, even though their schools tend to be much further away. Lots of fans show up in jerseys, especially of former players from their respective schools, such as Ronnie Lott, Troy Polamalu, Junior Seau, and Marcus Allen, just to name a few. Last year, the ACC fans were way more into the game than the PAC-12 fans. At the beginning of the year, the PAC-12 participant probably never dreamed that their postseason would be in El Paso, but the lack of their starting QB, and the cold weather, may have led to them not really caring about the game. The ACC team’s band got the wave started before the game, and in the second half, and their fans were definitely all into this game. The players gave them a lot of credit in the postgame press conferences for keeping up with the other team’s fans throughout the game and making their presence felt, especially in the second half. Access 3 The stadium itself is just east of I-10 near the Schuster Avenue exit. Since it is in between a whole bunch of hills, the walk to the stadium is not easy for everyone. There are a lot of steps and/or steep hills no matter which direction you are coming from. None of the general public parking areas are on the same elevation as the stadium. The best parking is the Sun Bowl Parking Garage, which was the permit number PG-1. The general parking was the Glory Road Parking Garage. All the other parking lots are specific tailgating and UTEP permits. The concourse isn’t very wide, so during halftime it was painful to try and get around the bathroom and concession lines. It also makes it inconvenient for people in the stands because there are lines of people that go into the aisles of the seating area. Return on Investment 2 Tickets for the Sun Bowl range anywhere from $20-$60. The less than ideal weather conditions not only affected fan comfort, but the quality of football was not very high either. If you are an ACC or a PAC-12 fan, it may have been better to sit this one out and watch it on TV. However, if you are into the history of college football or bowl games, the Sun Bowl is on the short list of games to go to. It is one of the longest-running bowl games right now, and the stadium is so different from most college football stadiums. Extras 2 The scenery surrounding the stadium makes up the extra points. The UTEP campus looks like an old Spanish Mission, and the hills surrounding the stadium add to the experience, and the noise level. Also, what other stadium can you look out and see another country? Final Thoughts Knowledgeable college football fans probably know the Sun Bowl as the home of a historic bowl game. All in all, El Paso is a nice place to see a college football game.

Photo Courtesy of City of Melbourne/Australian Open Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Melbourne Park Batman Ave Melbourne, Australia 3000 Australian Open website Melbourne Park website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 80,735 Grand Slam Down Under Tennis's Australian Open is nicknamed 'The Happy Slam' by the players and for most visitors who come as tourists from abroad. Nothing brings a smile to your face more than going from being stuck indoors in a freezing winter climate to kicking back in the warm sunshine while downing a local brew and watching two world class players slug it out below you. The venue is Melbourne Park, which not only sports 22 tennis courts, but also features nearby lawns and is adjacent to the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Yarra Park. It is right next to the Yarra River, where one of the tournament's former champions, Jim Courier, once dove in after his title run. While taking causal walks to the tennis site on the river side, you can see rowers from the various clubs practicing, little kids running down sandy pathways headed to a children's museum, joggers and cyclists on their daily workout, and people of all sorts sitting on benches and napping in the mild weather. The Australian Open is the most accessible of the four tennis Grand Slams from three perspectives: it's the closest to any of the city's central business districts so it is in walking distance of numerous good hotels, restaurants and bars; it isn't impossible to get a good, reasonably priced ticket to a secondary stadium and also take in few matches on outer courts without being totally squeezed out; and the people who work there aren't on occasion stuck up (which can be a problem in Paris or London for the French Open and Wimbledon) or rude (as in the case of some New Yorkers at the US Open). Like most Australians, people who work at the facility are genuinely nice and helpful. Even though it can get hot, the weather is usually very good and because Australians are so diligent about protecting their skin from burning due to the hole in the ozone layer above their continent, there is enough shade, weather and free sunscreen available. The center court, Rod Laver Arena, seats 15,000, and has a retractable roof. The second stadium, Hisense Arena, also has a retractable roof and seats 10,000. The third stadium, Margaret Court Arena, (which will also soon have a roof) seats 5,000, while Show Courts 2 and 3 seat 3,000 apiece. The other side courts range in number of seats, but if you don't try and enter a five-set classic too late, it�s quite possible to get on all of them. Perhaps most importantly, the sightlines on all the major courts are excellent so don't be concerned about obstructed views. Food & Beverage 3 The site has a broad selection of eating and drinking options, and the famous Aussie love of beer is in evidence all over the grounds. A number of food outlets are located in Laver Arena itself, as well as near the grassy garden square inside the south entrance. Prices are reasonable for a sporting event, with items ranging from about AU $5-$15. The typical stand offers burgers, chicken and hot dogs for at or under $10, while drinks, coffee, cookies and snacks are about $5. For typical Aussie fare, try a meat pie, also about $5. If you're hungry for a proper meal but don't want to pay too much, hidden away in the northeast corner of Rod Laver Arena is a booth offering Thai food -- it's a good choice, with chicken and rice for $15. There's also full dining available at a restaurant just off the side of the arena with main courses and pizzas for $20-$35. Atmosphere 4 The Australian Open is the most relaxed of the Grand Slams, with a friendly, holiday atmosphere and spectators out to have a good time. The two main stadiums are large but not oversized, and the third stadium, Margaret Court Arena, has a cozy feel. Multicultural Melbourne draws out lots of support for players from many nations, including particularly enthusiastic supporters for Chile, the Balkan countries and Poland. Costumed fans are also common around the grounds, and there's usually a crowd of people sunbathing and watching tennis in front of the big screens. It's hard not to join in the locals' enthusiasm for both the tennis and having a good time. Neighborhood 5 The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam where you can walk right into the heart of an attractive and fun city within 10 minutes. There are a variety of restaurants with every type of cuisine available. There are laid back cafes and coffee houses, swank bistros and rocking clubs and bars. There are hotels of all types from 1 star to 5 stars, but the cheaper ones tend to be further away from the tennis site, although everything is connected to public transport. There are museums, art galleries, theaters and there always seems to be festivals and community events going on. And of course there is plenty of shopping, from high-end boutiques and department stores, to small local shops, to the gigantic outdoor market - Queen Victoria. Fans 4 There is plenty of energy at the tournament, as fans come there expecting to eat, drink, be merry and cheer their lungs out. There is a pretty large international population of fans, which make it more enjoyable as you can travel court to court and hear Swedes, Serbians, Chinese and other nationalities cheering on their players or singing in their language in support of their national heroes. The Aussies do that plenty as well, and even have longstanding fan clubs (such as the famous "The Fanatics") who paint their faces, buy blocks of tickets and chant enthusiastically all match long. On occasion, certain groups of fans have become too unruly (some Serbian and Croatians who immigrated to Australia formed local fans clubs and have yet to put aside their age old hostilities and have actually battled on site), but security has tightened to the point where it's become extremely rare for any conflict to reach a tipping point. Access 5 Australia is far away from most parts of the world but once you're there the Australian Open is fairly easy to reach. There is one international airport at Melbourne, which is about a half an hour drive from the city. Flights from abroad are pricey, but flights inside the country are fairly inexpensive. The tournament grounds are close to town, about a 15-minute walk and 5-minute tram ride or taxi from the central Flinders Street Station, as well as the smaller Jolimont and Richmond stops. A free tram operates from the central business district to Melbourne Park, running until an hour after play ends. There are separate stops for Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena, which are at opposite ends of the grounds. Parking is available at two lots, but space is limited. Taxis stop at the south entrances, and there are drop-off points at this location for cars as well. In the grounds, line-ups for food and facilities are common, but tend to move quickly. Return on Investment 4 If you are looking for a super cheap ticket to watch pro tennis, the sport's four Grand Slams are not the place to go. There are plenty of events around the world where you can get a ticket for $20 and under: in fact, at the WTA Championships in Istanbul (the women's tour season ending event) you can buy a courtside seat for some nights for as little as $35. But the tennis majors do not have a price that far down in the major arenas, so courtside seats at Laver Arena can cost as much as $700 and that's face value without service charges. But here are affordable options if you don't want to attend the semifinals or finals and are willing to go during the first 8 days of the tournament. Single session tickets start from $80 (US) and ground passes from $32 (US). There are also package deals available which makes every ticket cheaper. Ground passes get fans access to Margaret Court Arena, as well as the Show Courts 2 and 3 and the back courts. There's also a good deal on a Family Grounds pass for about $100, which covers four people (at least 2 kids). At Rod Laver Arena, the cheapest single session ticket starts at $80 US for the first two days for the day or night session, jumps to $95 for Wednesday and Thursday, go up to $125 on Friday, and then to $150 from Saturday to the Monday of the second week. The middle weekend is by far the busiest time, so buy your tickets early. Pricing for Hisense Arena is the same for the first eight days of the tournament at $80 for the cheapest seats, which is a darn good price considering that many of the game's best players compete there and because there tend to be more competitive matches than they have on Laver the first five days, as Laver emphasizes the game's top 6 players or so, who often win in blowouts until the second week. There are family packages for four (at least 2 kids) at Hisense for around $190 US, a very good deal considering it gives you the option of big show court matches and everything else outside of Laver. Once the quarterfinals begin on the second Tuesday prepare to break the bank for Laver tickets, which start at $145 for the cheap seats and keep getting higher until the end of the event, when a bleacher seat for the women's final goes for $290 and the men's final goes for $420. None of the quoted prices include ticket agency charges. If you are thinking of going, realize this: after the first six days of the tournament, it's slim picking for singles matches on the outer courts so unless you love doubles and mixed doubles, don't buy a grounds pass after Saturday. Grand Slam tennis is not for the light of wallet, but if you can manage to get to the Australian Open during the first five days of the tournament before the crowds descend on Saturday and buy a grounds pass, take public transport, only have one meal, a snack and say a beer, then it's possible to leave there having spent around $75, not exactly like going to a Thursday afternoon baseball game between two bad teams where you might be able to get in and out for $40. But the Australian Open is not a run in the mill event: it's like attending a playoff game in any sport, so expect to come up with playoff seats money. If you want to attend the final, expect to come up with Super Bowl and World Cup final money. Extras 4 There is shopping and places to sit and relax on the grounds, and plenty to see nearby. Fans can gather in the Garden Square to watch the Rod Laver Arena action on a big screen, or head over to the new viewing bridge that is situated above the practice courts to watch their favorite players sweat. Live bands play daily, and there are kids courts as well. Final Thoughts If you get to the tournament early enough during the day time in the first week and are willing to stay until all the day time matches are complete, it's possible to watch 12 hours straight of high-level tennis from the world's best. For hardcore tennis fans, that's worth every penny, even if you buy an arena ticket, a T-shirt, eat two meals and shell out $200. That's still less than $20 per hour for entertainment, which can be less than you spend at a bar on a Saturday night. But if you buy a second week night session ticket for you and your partner for around $300, decide to dine at one of the onsite restaurants and drop another $100, buy two sweatshirts for $150, have a few cocktails for another $50 and unfortunately get treated to two garbage matches, the $600 won't seem worth it. However, if you dare to buy a ticket to the men's final and get treated to a historic match like the Novak Djokovic versus Rafael Nadal five-hour plus final in 2012, then you remember that match for the rest of your life and be able to fondly tell your grandchildren about it. Then, laying out $600 or so won't seem like a steep price. There is nothing like a Grand Slam environment whether you are a tennis lover, a marginal fan or a newcomer. Step inside the grounds and you will immediately feel the energy. The Aussies love their tennis, so if you live in Australia the experience is akin to attending a test match in cricket between Australia and top rival England. If you are from outside Australia, you'll remember your experience as fondly as you will your visit to the Great Barrier Reef.

Photos by Paul Derrick, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Montagne Center 4400 MLK Blvd Beaumont, TX 77710 Lamar Cardinals website Montagne Center website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 10,080 Cardinals Got Pep Located near the southeast coast of Texas you will find the city of Beaumont, which is well known for its place in the Texas Oil business. If you are ever in Beaumont look past the seaport and other huge business headquarters and take a look at a hidden gem, the Montagne Center, which is the home court of the Lamar Cardinals. Built in 1984 the Montagne Center seats just over 10,000 people for games. I’m not saying you’re going to see 10,000 people at a game but it is capable of seating that many people. Food & Beverage 2 There is absolutely nothing special to choose from on the food menu, but it is still a respectable selection considering the size of the venue. On the menu you have a choice of a hot dog, hot dog with cheese, hot dog with chili or hot dog with chili and cheese, not a lot of variety but all nicely priced. The snack stand also carries nachos, popcorn, candy, pickles and pretzels, also reasonably priced. The only variety items I found were a sausage link and boudain which is a pork rice dressing stuffed into a pork casing, very popular in the south. I found the boudain to be quite disappointing but was happy at the size for only $4.75. Your drink selections are limited to Pepsi products and are available for $3 for a small and $4 for a large. Overall I would eat before or after the game, but if you’re looking for a snack, something here should do it. Atmosphere 3 The overall atmosphere of the arena is not the best but not the worst I have seen. The arena concourse is nice and has plenty of photos and plaques to commemorate Cardinal players, new and old. Once I walked into the actual arena I was pleasantly surprised by the seating and size of the arena. One of the things that quickly caught my attention though was the pep band. I am going on record as saying the Cardinals have one of the best pep bands I have ever heard. Playing everything from great classics to new age hits, they kept the few fans there bobbing their heads and tapping their feet all night long. Big props to the music department and Lamar on this one. Neighborhood 2 Luckily Beaumont is only an hour and a half east of Houston because in my numerous trips to the city I have found fairly little to do. They do have the South Texas State Fair every year which is the 2nd largest fair in the state of Texas. The fair features a livestock show, commercial exhibition and a carnival. The Beaumont Jazz & Blues Fest is held every year in downtown Beaumont, for all the Jazz and Blues fans. As for great eating I will only recommend one place and that is Sugas Deep South Cuisine & Jazz Bar, absolutely great food and well worth the price. Fans 2 The 2,000 – 3,000 fans that were in attendance were mediocre at best but did know when to cheer on the Cardinals the most. The arena may be a tad too large for a team at this level right now. As the noise made by the fans is hardly heard at all at times due to the size of the arena. The fans do what they are supposed to do but nothing that will blow you away. Access 4 Access to and from the stadium is about as easy and good as it gets. Located just off I-10 you will have no problem spotting the Montagne Center. Parking is free and is in abundance, which is always a plus for me. It also makes for easy entrance and exit to and from the arena. The concourses are very wide which means you should have no trouble making your way around the arena. Bathrooms are plentiful. Return on Investment 3 With tickets ranging from $6-$12, and a meal costing you on average only about $7-$8, Lamar is making a trip to the arena worth the cost. The Southland conference may not be known for hailing any power house hoop squads, but they are growing. I think any basketball fan that enjoys watching some good college hoops will find this well worth the $20 investment. Extras 2 There are not a whole lot of great extras provided at Montagne. One thing I will say is a definite extra point goes to the pep band which in my eyes is one of the best in the land. Another extra point goes out to the beauty of the Montagne Center, by just looking at it you would have no idea it was pushing thirty years old. Final Thoughts The Lamar Cardinals definitely provide entertainment for the money. If you’re in or around Beaumont, it is definitely worth the money to catch the Cardinals in action at Montagne.