Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 INTRUST Bank Arena 500 E Waterman Wichita, KS 67202 Wichita Thunder website INTRUST Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 13,400 Thunder Nation INTRUST Bank Arena is a sport and entertainment venue in downtown Wichita, KS and is the home of the Wichita Thunder minor league ice hockey team. The Thunder have been a franchise since 1992 and played 21 years in the now disbanded CHL (Central Hockey League). Beginning the 2014 season the Thunder moved to the ECHL and the games just don’t seem as much fun as they used to be (though the level of play is higher). The Thunder began play in the Brett Brown Arena and moved to the comfortable state-of-the art INTRUST Bank Arena in the 2010 season. The arena celebrated its fifth season of operation in 2015. The arena has an interesting architecture. Near one of the entryways there is a structure shaped like an airplane fin. I’m assuming this is honoring the aviation in the area as Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the World. Food & Beverage 4 An expected variety of food options are available at INTRUST Bank Arena at traditional high stadium prices. Some of the option available are: Chisholms East near section 101 offers vegetarian dishes such as wraps, salads, hummus, etc. Gotcho Nachos for Mexican (chips, burritos, and signature margaritas) The Dog Shack has your hot dogs ($4.00 – $9.00) depending on selection and most are served with kettle chips Rub my Belly Mesquite Smoked Barbeque offers sliders, nachos, bbq sandwiches, and sampler dinner ($9.00 – $11.00) Papa Johns offers pizza and other traditional Italian dishes Midway Grill has fried and grilled philly steak and chicken choices including two unique items: deep fried pretzels and deep fried vegetables ($6.00) Most combo baskets range from $9.50 – $12.00. A kid’s hot dog combo (dog, fries, and 16 oz soda) is $6.00 and may be your most affordable choice if eating at the venue. Draft beer (mostly the domestic variety – Bud, Bud Light, Miller Light, Shock Top, etc) is $7.50. The Irish Pub concession offers Guinness, Harp, Angry Orchard Cider, and a Uinta’s IPA for a little more variety. A Budweiser Brew Pub and Grill is located near section 110 for additional adult beverages. Pepsi (and Dr Pepper) is the soda of choice. Nice to see they have Dr. Pepper but I didn’t notice a stand with a Diet Dr. Pepper option. Atmosphere 3 INTRUST Bank Arena is a newer ECHL venue and celebrated its fifth season in 2015. It is an okay arena in which to watch a hockey game; somewhat the same as other newer venues with a few unique characteristics. It is easy to purchase a ticket at the venue (though tickets are an additional $2 – $5 when purchased game day). One must travel an escalator up to section 100 – which is different but not bad, and the concourse is plenty wide. To sit center ice, facing the bench, above the glass choose section 102, above row M (103 would be better but it looks like that’s sold out for Thunder games). The second level of the arena is curtained off to enhance the feel of a full crowd. All seats are cushioned, comfortable, and have cup holders. Attendants are not quite as welcoming as when the Thunder were in the CHL. One example is now you have to get a wrist band to purchase alcohol (not uncommon at all). But they didn’t check ID’s (I know I’m old and don’t look under 21 but why bother with the wrist band if IDs aren’t checked)? And, the band HAD to be on the right wrist (not the left) with no explanation except that’s what they were told to do. The temperature in the arena is fine; not too cold. A sweater or jersey will suit most fans. Scarves or gloves are not needed. Plenty of giveaways and promotions occur between periods: t-shirts, frisbees, chuck-a-puck and at the Halloween game I attended lots of candy was being distributed. At the same game, special messages were painted in pink on the ice for Breast Cancer Awareness – Pink at the Rink. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Wichita is a great city to visit. It has several museums and many art galleries. A six block sculpture walking tour is in downtown as well as an art walking tour. When visiting a Thunder game, be sure to take a crisp autumn walk to Old Town, a historic brick-lined neighborhood with many of the old brick warehouses renovated into shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. I would recommend visiting River City Brewery (in Old Town) to pass time before the game. It’s in one of the historic converted brick warehouses and it has a fantastic atmosphere, great food (one of the better burger/fries I’ve tasted in quite some time), superior tasting beer (try the IPA and any of the seasonal beers they might be brewing at the time of your visit), and excellent service. It also has lots of clever quotes and sayings hanging on the walls. A newer brewery/restaurant well worth visiting is The Hungry Heart. It is right next door, outside the north side of the arena and is a very comfortable place to have a drink (excellent beer offerings) and a bite to eat. I am told they are going to start brewing their own beers late in 2015. And to get one of the best barbeque in Kansas, check out Bite Me BBQ just a few blocks from the arena. Be sure to visit the Botanical Gardens, the Old Cowtown Museum and take a visit to the Museums on the River. Take time to marvel at the Keeper of the Plains structure at the meeting of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers. Several hotels are in walking distance (1/2 mile) to the arena. I’d recommend the Hotel at Old Town located in a landmark 1906 warehouse building (don’t worry, all modern comforts are available). Some other hotels in the downtown area include Ambassador Hotel, Hyatt Regency, and Fairfield Inn and Suites. Downtown Wichita is a safe neighborhood in which to walk and I had no concerns walking back to the hotel after the game in the dark. Fans 3 Fans are into the game and the banter and they are vocal. The Thunder fans seem to like the fighting even more than the goals. Lots of cowbells can be heard. The one fan, Center Ice Steve, has been attending Thunder games since their inception. After every Thunder goal he yells “He Shoots!” and most of the fans yell back “He Scores!” It’s a nice tradition. Some of the die-hards notice a difference between the CHL and ECHL level of play; ECHL is faster. And, they are still getting use to the new teams in the ECHL and are glad to have some old rivalries back like the Colorado Eagles. The attendance for a Wichita Thunder game falls in the middle of the pack of other ECHL teams averaging 4,000 – 5,000 a game which is a tad lower than when they played in the CHL. Access 3 The security is not as easy as it used to be in the CHL days (or in the times we now live). After a thorough bag search each individual is wanded (outside the doors of the venue; not inside). It’s not a warm welcoming into the venue. Parking can cost up to $12 near the stadium. The Old Town area several blocks away has garages which are free to the public so those might be your best bet if walking up to a 1/2 mile is do-able for you. You may be able to find some free street parking south of the arena. Or, consider parking a distance away and riding the Q-Line. The Q-Line Trolley is a free trolley shuttle that can get you to the arena if staying at a hotel not within walking distance to the arena. Since it is such a new arena concourses are plenty wide, bright, clean, shiny, and people flow is smooth. Bathrooms are exceptional. The stalls are wide and contain a hook and a shelf, they’re automated and clean. There are plenty of them so there is no wait even between periods at a Thunder game Wichita Mid-Continent Airport is about 15 miles from the INTRUST Bank Arena. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices seem to be on par with other ECHL arenas. However, the up to $5 extra when purchasing a ticket game day is excessive. The price for parking is a bit high, though there are alternate methods for parking and access to attending a game in Wichita. Game day programs are $1 and are worth the investment. Food and drink prices also seem a bit high. Overall, the return is low to average based on the overall experience. Extras 3 Plenty of banners and retired numbers are hung from the rafters at INTRUST Bank Arena for when the Thunder were with the Central Hockey League (CHL). None yet for the ECHL as they are a new member of that league. Kudos to the Thunder and INTRUST Bank Arena for proudly displaying the hockey history of the team. Stop by and say hello to the friendly folks at the Wichita Thunder Storm Booster Club table on the concourse. Merchandise (mostly clothing) is available at a team store though no hat pins or pennants are available for purchase. Final Thoughts If travel takes you to Wichita in the fall or winter, or if you live in the area haven’t yet been and you like hockey, a visit to a Thunder game is a worthwhile entertainment choice. Downtown Wichita is a walk-able city and has several hotels, museums, restaurants, and a variety of other tourist attractions.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Joan C. Edwards Stadium 2001 3rd Ave Huntington, WV 25755 Marshall Thundering Herd website Joan C. Edwards Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 38,016 Fear The HERD! Joan C. Edwards Stadium was built in 1991, and is one of only two FBS stadiums named after women (the other is South Carolina's Williams-Brice). Originally constructed with a capacity of around 28K, several renovations later the venue now holds over 38K. Marshall's winning percentage at "The Joan" is well over 80 percent, one of the highest in the FBS. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stands at Joan C. Edwards Stadium offer lots of different snack items, including some unique fare, but only a couple of main dishes (hot dogs for $4 and grilled chicken sandwiches for $6). Snack options include nachos, peanuts, candy, popcorn, kettle corn, and several varieties of pretzels (regular, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate caramel). You can also find caramel apple chips - prices for these items range from $2.50 to $5. Drink options are almost as numerous, and include fresh-squeezed lemonade, frozen lemonade, coffee, cappuccino, hot cocoa, Gatorade, and Pepsi products in bottles or from the fountain ($3-$6 per item). No alcohol is served inside Joan C. Edwards Stadium. One interesting plus is that JCES allows re-entry during the game, unlike most venues, so you can grab something outside the stadium to eat (or drink) at halftime. The places right outside tend to get very crowded, though, so you may prefer to just stay inside. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Marshall football games is great - the fans are very passionate about their team, and honor the memory of those lost in the 1970 tragedy. For those who don't know the story (chronicled in the movie "We are Marshall"), a plane crash that year led to the loss of 75 football players and coaches. There is a memorial to these individuals on the outside of the stadium, and a fountain dedicated to them is located behind the student center - the fountain is turned off for games after November 14th, the anniversary of the tragedy. Like many mid-sized venues, Joan C. Edwards Stadium does not have a grandstand in the north end zone - the Shewey Athletic Building located there houses locker rooms and offices. There is continuous seating on the other three sides, most of which is metal bleachers, except for a few sections in the middle of the west side, which have chair backs. The stadium is compact enough that there isn't really a bad seat in the house. The most impressive entertainment at Joan C. Edwards Stadium is definitely the marching band - the white plumes on their hats contrast beautifully with their green uniforms, and the band does a lot of great formations, including a bison head, spelling out H-E-R-D, and the block "M." There is tons of green to be seen, and lots of tailgating before the game, and not just in front of the stadium, either - tents and fanatics spill out for blocks. Neighborhood 3 There isn't much in Huntington except for the university, but there are plenty of restaurants near the stadium, and the Marshall Memorial Fountain is definitely worth a visit. There is an Arby's and a McDonald's right behind the south end zone, and a pizza place and a Mexican restaurant right across the street from the north end zone. However, the best place to hang out before or after the game is at Fat Patty's on 3rd Avenue - Fat Patty's is a Huntington original that specializes in burgers, and is very popular with the locals, thanks to its casual dining experience, full bar, and large, flat-screen TVs. Fat Patty's has two happy hours (4-7pm and 10pm-1am), both of which feature drink specials and half-price apps. Fans 4 Marshall fans are proud supporters of their team - they show up well before the game, cheer with zeal, and stay until the end. The fans have adopted "We are Marshall" as their theme, and that spirit of unity is the driving force behind their loyalty. At a typical game, attendance ranges from 25K-27K, or about three-fourths capacity. The west stands (underneath the press box) tend to be the most full, and hence the loudest. Fans are loudest during opposing third downs, which is pretty typical, but the impressive thing is that here at Marshall, EVERYONE is on their feet for these downs, even the alums. And throughout the game, you will hear the fans on one side chanting "We are...," and being answered with a resounding "MARSHALL!" by fans on the other side. Access 4 Joan C. Edwards Stadium is easy to get to, only about 10 minutes from I-64, and near US Highway 60. Getting into the stadium is super easy, because they have gates all the way around, spaced only about 50-100 feet apart. Parking on stadium grounds requires a pass (which are hard to get), but you can park 3-5 blocks away for $5-$10. The concourses are plenty wide, and there are numerous bathrooms on the east and west side, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting around. And because they allow re-entry, a lot of fans leave during half-time, so the lines aren't too bad for the concessions or bathrooms. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Marshall football game is a great value - tickets start at $15 for end zone seats, and $35 for the sidelines. Parking is cheaper than most other venues, and concessions are reasonable. $15 is likely as cheap as you will ever see for a college football game, but since Joan C. Edwards Stadium rarely sells out, you may be able to find them cheaper on the secondary market. Also, if you really want to sit on the sideline, you could try buying the $15 tickets, and sneaking over the low wall that divides the east and west stands from the south side. Extras 3 Being able to leave and re-enter the stadium is a plus. A second point for the fountain and other displays commemorating the 1970 tragedy, which serves as a rallying point for fans. The bison-cycle ridden by the mascot, Marco, is also fun - it is trendy nowadays for mascots to ride motorcycles, but few of them are decked out to resemble the mascot. Final Thoughts Even though Marshall currently plays in Conference USA, possibly limiting the opportunities for top-tier teams to come to town, Joan C. Edwards Stadium is still worth a visit. Marshall is arguably one of the most well-known mid-major football programs in the country, thanks to the Hollywood connection, and "The Joan" is solid, thanks to its atmosphere, ease of access, and value for the experience.

Photo Courtesy of McNeese State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Cowboy Stadium 700 E. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70607 McNeese State Cowboys website Cowboy Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 17,610 Geaux Pokes! Cowboy Stadium is one of the premier venues in all of NCAA DI-FCS college football. While other stadiums may be bigger and feature more cutting edge amenities, “The Hole” offers a great family friendly atmosphere and regularly features a dominant on-field product. Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana and on the campus of McNeese State University, Cowboy Stadium serves as home field for McNeese State Cowboys football, a member of the Southland Conference. Constructed in 1965, Cowboy Stadium has received several major upgrades over the years, including the installation of the Sky Ranch, the three level suite and press box on the west side, and the Jack V. Doland Field House constructed in the north end zone. Cowboy Stadium is nicknamed The Hole because the playing field being built below the surface and surrounded on all sides. The stadium features a GeoMax2 artificial playing surface, a seating capacity of 17,410, and a video replay scoreboard. If you’re a fan of FCS level football or looking for family friendly sports entertainment, Cowboy Stadium is the place to be in Southwest Louisiana. Food & Beverage 3 Cowboy Stadium offers the expected stadium fare plus a few specialty items. For the typical stadium grub, Cowboy Stadium offers hot dogs ($3.50), hot links ($4.50), hamburgers ($4.50), and nachos ($3.50/$4.50). An assortment of snacks is offered as well including Cajun peanuts. Drink options are headlined by Coca-Cola products in a yellow souvenir style cup with the blue McNeese logo on it. Large drinks are $4.50 and small $2.50. Bottled Dasani water is $2.50. Be on the look out for the small red trailer inside both the west and east side concourses. This is where you’ll find our recommended concession item, a bowl of jambalaya for $4.50. They also offer a pulled pork sandwich. Other specialty stands feature fresh lemonade, Gatti’s pizza, and Kona Ice snow cones. Alcoholic beverages are not sold inside Cowboy Stadium and it is against stadium policy to bring in outside food or drinks. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Cowboy Stadium is a true strength of the overall experience. The stadium is known as “The Hole” because of its unique design where the field is built below the surface and bowled in with grandstands on the east and west, and grassy berm on the north and south sides. The addition of the Doland Field House in the north end zone has really made Cowboy Stadium a striking presence for fans once you settle into your seat. There’s no denying The Hole is one of the elite atmospheres in all of NCAA DI-FCS. The spirit squads and band add to the overall atmosphere. The Cowgirl Kickers, cheer team, and The Pride of McNeese band really help contribute to the overall college feel and do a great job with keeping fans engaged. Rowdy is very interactive, roaming the sidelines and mingling with fans along the grandstand wall. The student section, along with the home team sidelines, are located on the east side of the stadium. McNeese has several great game day traditions which make the overall atmosphere something really special for fans. Just before each game, the horse and rider statue in front of the Doland Field House ‘comes to life’ as a Mystery Rider, and his horse Moon Dancer, make the walk down Common Street and into Cowboy Stadium. The Lake Charles Buccaneers man the canon in the north end zone, which is fired after each score. The Mystery Rider makes a presence onto the field just before kick-off to rile Cowboy fans up. A few other traditions include the Parapokes, the strong tailgating tradition, and the cowbell. Neighborhood 3 Cowboy Stadium is situated on the south side of the McNeese State University campus adjacent to the Cowboy Diamond and Track & Field Complex. McNeese State is located in the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana in the southwestern corner of the state, near the border with Texas. Lake Charles is a mid-sized city which thrives on the oil and gas industry, the gambling scene, and wildlife & fishery. While some restaurants are within walking distance of Cowboy Stadium, be sure to venture out and take in all of what this region has to offer. There are several restaurants to recommend while in town. Located just north of Cowboy Stadium is Mr. Bill’s Seafood Express. Don’t be alarmed on approach, the exterior doesn’t do the place justice. Stop in for some amazing fried seafood (definitely try the shrimp). Keeping in theme with Cajun cuisine, Darrell’s is further north of the campus near I-210 and is a great stop for drinks and poboys. The Darrell’s Special is a must and includes ham, turkey, and roast beef smothered in a roast beef gravy. If you don’t get your fill of seafood at Mr. Bill’s, be sure to check out Steamboat Bill’s. There are two locations in the area, but I prefer the one on the lake. This is a bit more of a sit-down and dine restaurant as compared to Bill’s and there’s some great boiled seafood on the menu. The Frosty Factory is a great place for a drink before or after the game. It’s centrally located off Common Street across from the stadium. You’ll find plenty to do in the Lake Charles area, depending on your preferences. The casino scene is a big draw with the L’Auberge du lac, Isle of Capri and Golden Nugget. Just outside of town you’ll find the Delta Downs horse racetrack. If you are looking for a chance to get outdoors, you’re definitely in the right place. The Adventure Trail just west of town over in the Sulphur area provides plenty of real estate for hunting, fishing, crabbing, sight seeing, hiking, and swimming at the beach. Stop by their office for a fun indoor walk through some of the sights you can expect to see while on the trail…the kids will enjoy it. There’s also seven area golf courses to enjoy. Both the L’Auberge and Isle of Capri casinos are also a great place to stay while in town as each also offers hotel services. Fans 4 Though it may pale in comparison to the size of FBS giants, the McNeese State fan base is strong, loyal, and proud, especially for an FCS program. The Cowboys have established a winning tradition in Lake Charles, and though they’ve traversed through a handful of down years recently, the McNeese faithful still show up in blue and gold for Saturday nights in The Hole. While attendance can vary depending on record and weekend opponent, expect to see between 12,000 -16,000 on hand at Cowboy Stadium. Average attendance typically has Cowboy Stadium around the top ten, which is good overall in the FCS, and by far the tops when compared to other in-state FCS programs. Speaking of rivals, there’s no doubt next door neighbor UL-Lafayette (located an hour east of town) is the team Lake Charles most loves to hate, however, their FBS status makes a trip to Cowboy Stadium unlikely in the current scheduling climate. Just across the state border is another regional rival in the Lamar Cardinals. Having recently reinstated football, the Cardinals and Cowboys have picked back up the rivalry in full force. Games with Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana are the next best attended. Fans are knowledgeable and engaged throughout the game. One of my favorite college football traditions is the playing of Joli Blon after Cowboy scores. Fans clap and sway together to this Cajun classic. *Note: Video courtesy of McNeese Athletics And opponents learn to “Fear the Cowbell” as McNeese fans love to let their cowbells ring after scores or on big defensive stands. Access 4 Cowboy Stadium is easily accessible off I-210 via I-10. There are several streets you can take to get from I-210 down to the stadium. The most commonly taken route is to exit I-210 onto Ryan Street, then take a left onto E. McNeese Street towards Common Street and the stadium area. If you view the parking map provided on the website, keep in mind that these spots are reserved for season passes. You’ll find game day parking east of the Lot C in a grass lot. Plenty of fans also park on the McNeese State campus and make the half mile or so walk over to the stadium. If you arrive early enough, you may also find side street parking down Common Street next to the baseball field. To pick up or purchase tickets, head to the north side of the stadium to the Doland Field House. Will call tickets are available just inside the door and tickets can be purchased to the left of the doors at the ticket windows. Expect a quickly moving line in both areas. There are three primary entry points to Cowboy Stadium, the northwest gate, northeast gate and multiple smaller eastside gates centrally located under the east grandstand. Traffic moves smoothly regardless of which gate you choose, so grab the one closest to you. The concourses under both grandstands are wide enough to get around easily. You’ll notice a concourse inside the stadium that crosses each grandstand allowing fans to get up and down to their seats. The east and west sides are connected by a pathway in front of the Doland Field House. Restrooms are a little cramped, but you shouldn’t run into any major problems. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $20 for general admission to Cowboy Stadium, with $30 for reserved seats. Personally, I recommend the general admission seats since all seats are regular bleacher style. However, keep in mind that will place you in the corners of both grandstands. Kids 4-12 get $5 admission and 13-17 are $10. Concession prices are reasonable and free parking is available if you don’t mind a short walk. Overall, the McNeese State football experience at Cowboy Stadium offers great value for the cost. Extras 5 There are several “extra” items which really help to push the Cowboy experience over the top: – First and foremost, Cowboy football has an amazing tailgating scene for the size of the program and fan base. The RV lots on the west side are always jam-packed and there’s plenty of tailgating on the east side as well. Everywhere you look, you’ll see blue and gold McNeese tents and BBQ pits going. Cowboy fans are friendly and quick to invite visitors for a bite to eat. – One of the really neat traditions, among others, is the parachuting “McNeese Parapokes” during pregame. Since 2004, these rabid McNeese fans parachute onto the playing surface simply out of love for McNeese. It’s a great sight to see for the little ones in attendance, but really, fans of all ages enjoy watching the Parapokes descend onto the field. – The Buccaneers of Lake Charles are a local group which man the touchdown canon in the north end zone. While there seems to be somewhat of a mixed review on whether fans love or hate the canon, it is definitely one of those extra items that make the overall experience unique. The canon is loud (the video below doesn’t do the sound justice), so be sure to prepare yourself, and your kids, that it will be fired after every score, including extra points and field goals. – McNeese does a great job of memorializing past gridiron greats and championships. The concourse under both the east and west side are filled with pictures of former great Cowboy players. On the Doland Field House, you’ll notice a listing of McNeese’s many conference championships. – There’s plenty more to add here which has already been mentioned within the review. From the fans ringing their cowbells, to the Mystery Rider, and the playing of Joli Blon, the experience at Cowboy Stadium is much more than your typical FCS college football experience.

Photos by Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium 1 Stadium Rd Stony Brook, NY 11794 Stony Brook Seawolves website Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 8,300 Seawolves Making a Splash Stony Brook is a relative newcomer to the college football landscape as the program began play in 1983. Starting at the Division III level, the school has quickly worked its way up the ranks as they now compete in the FCS portion of Division I. In order to properly fit in with this division, a new stadium was completed in 2002 and named in honor of the state senator who pushed for the funding of the facility. LaValle Stadium is a decent place to take in a game, as the intimate seating set-up is combined with a growing fan base and student participation. The current school administration has grand visions for even more program growth, including controversial stadium expansions. At the moment, Stony Brook football is a nice fit for both FCS and their conference, the CAA as the stadium experience is generally good. Food & Beverage 2 For a relatively new stadium that looks to have a lot of room for concessions, there are surprisingly few options. Only two permanent stands exist and they offer the same general assortment of typical blah items including Soft Pretzels ($4), Nachos ($4.75) and Cheeseburgers ($6). Only the Wolfie Dog tries to spice things up with some Chili and Jalapenos on the hot dog. There are a pair of side carts that offer a little something different, one of them selling Oreo Churros, while the other features Mac & Cheese with a meat topping. Water, Gatorade and Bottled Soda is offered for close to $4. Fans are better off eating before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The event starts with a new feature in 2015: Seawolves Town. A section of the main parking lot is cornered off to create a carnival-like setting geared towards families. Activities include games, mini-golf, food trucks and inflatables. The set-up is a nice attempt to engage and welcome fans before the game. A typical amount of footballs can be seen flying around the parking lot during tailgates, while inside, the game day atmosphere is decent. The Stony Brook Marching Band kicks things off with a pre-game concert and then players rush out of the tunnel with fireworks set off behind the north end zone. The full band is quite good and it is worth remaining in place for the halftime show. Wolfie, the Seawolves’ mascot, keeps fans entertained as well and the furry animal is popular with the students too. LaValle Stadium has a seating set-up that offers excellent sightlines, enhanced by the absence of a track, which enables seats to be closer to the field. Three sides of the stadium feature a set of bleachers only 8-10 rows deep and then much of the seating can be found in the upper deck located on the east side of the stadium. It is up here where the view of the game is best and I recommend setting up shop in this area. There are some red reserved chairbacks towards the middle, though the majority of seating is metal bleacher. Students sit on the opposite sideline and if there is any overflow, they are placed behind the south end. On the opposite end is a terrific scoreboard that features a screen with very high quality video. The school does a good job displaying team colors, noted by the splashes of red on and around the field. However, there is some missing character as the lack of a Stony Brook feel is notable in the concourse and by the total absence of recognition for conference championships, NCAA appearances and former players. Neighborhood 3 Though Stony Brook is marketed as being close to New York City, it is actually a good distance away, about an hour to the east on Long Island. The small hamlet’s location on the North Shore is somewhat rural and while Stony Brook may not offer a quaint heart of town, there is a decent section to check out. Located a few minutes northwest of campus and the centrally located football stadium, the Long Island Museum features a multi-building arrangement displaying local history, art and a huge collection of carriages. For a pre-game meal, head a bit further down the road to the Stony Brook Village Center, an idyllic shopping center built in the 1940s that looks much newer. Fratelli’s offers a quick bite with decent deli sandwiches, while Latitude 121 provides a sit-down option in a nautical-themed restaurant. Finally, before heading to the game, walk down to the marshy, tidal harbor. Just a short walk around this area that leads into the Long Island Sound will explain why the university is so heavily invested in marine research. Fans 3 The Seawolves are capable of drawing a sellout crowd, but it requires a big event like homecoming or a playoff game. Otherwise, LaValle Stadium typically features a game where the stands are 50-75% full. The crowd is engaged quite well as the noise and vocal nature of the cheering is more evident than what is seen at a lot of other Northeastern FCS schools. “Let’s Go Seawolves” is a popular chant and home team touchdowns are met with enthusiasm. An encouraging sign is both increased student interest and yearly rises in attendance figures. It will be worth monitoring the progress to see if Stony Brook can achieve more of a consistent interest as they strive towards their major campaign of further growing the program. Access 3 Once on Long Island, which can be a chore to drive to as it involves crossing an NYC bridge, the university is pretty easy to get to. By using I-495 (better known as the LIE), commuters can get off at Exit 62 and take Route 92 North. After about 10 minutes on this pseudo highway, the campus entrance will show up on the left. Parking for those without a season pass can be found next to the basketball arena, however, this lot can fill up quickly. Alternative options include the elongated parking area along Circle Road, which is actually a better option for less traffic when leaving. A path then leads to the athletic facilities and the football stadium. This parking area is also used for those that ride the Long Island Rail Road. The Stony Brook station is on the Port Jefferson line and the train option provides a good means of public transportation. From midtown Manhattan, it is nearly a 2 hour ride with train transfers. Movement around the stadium is excellent as open corners and 360 degree walkways make all seating areas easily accessible. The only shelter from weather is on the east side of the stadium as the upper deck provides some cover from the elements. While stadium access is great, the bathroom situation is surprisingly poor as the few restrooms available have little room inside. Return on Investment 4 Tickets generally average around $15, with the chairbacks costing a little bit more. While Stony Brook promotes buying tickets early by offering a $3 discount, that is cancelled by $4 in online fees. Check the type of game and if you are not a local, it is best to just get a ticket at the stadium. For the 2015 season opener, parking was free and if that remains the case through the entire season, it would be a nice deal for fans as it cost $10 for cars the previous season. Overall, the price is right for FCS and CAA Football. Extras 2 Explicitly written near the entrance gate are items not allowed and one of those items is an umbrella. My feelings are mixed on this policy, but when it is abundantly obvious that the stadium is not close to full, they should be allowed. That is why I applaud security for this event in letting fans bring in their umbrellas on what became a very rainy night. It never caused an issue for other fans being able to see and it was much appreciated in an attempt to stay relatively dry. Another point goes to the Stony Brook Marching Band. For a school that lacks a long history of tradition, the band ignores that and makes it seem like they have been here forever. The sound is terrific and their performance is quite enjoyable. Final Thoughts What Stony Brook has built over the last few decades is impressive and their LaValle Stadium home is a decent one. Though the university looks to get even bigger, fans should take advantage of the program that they have now. Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Stadium and Arena Visits.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Spotless Stadium Grand Parade Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 Australia Greater Western Sydney Giants website Spotless Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 25,000 Giants of Sydney Spotless Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park was built to serve as the main baseball stadium for the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics and as the new Sydney Showground, home of the Royal Agricultural Society. This boutique stadium currently has a capacity of 25,000. A number of teams and sports have utilised Spotless Stadium over the years. The Bulldogs of the National Rugby League (NRL) called the Showground home for the 2001 season before moving across the boulevard to ANZ Stadium. For the summer of 2014/15 the Sydney Thunder, who had previously been based exclusively at ANZ Stadium, played several games at the venue, with the experiment likely to continue. The Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants entered the AFL in 2012. GWS represents Western Sydney, southern New South Wales and the ACT (each season they shift several home games to Canberra). With Western Sydney playing an increasingly large role in the national consciousness, it made sense to base the city’s second AFL club west of the Anzac Bridge. Initially the club had ties to the Blacktown area in the far western suburbs. They’re now based mostly at Homebush. Critics have been quick to jump on this, but the reality is that the Giants are still cementing their foothold in the region. They’ve got a significant battle on their hands too. Sydney is a notoriously fickle market, with rugby league and football (soccer) traditionally more popular than AFL. Plus they are competing with their popular crosstown rivals, the Sydney Swans. GWS predictably struggled through their first couple of years, but have gradually matured into a respectable force on the field with a pleasing game day stadium experience. Food & Beverage 5 Simply put, the food items at Spotless Stadium are streaks ahead of those normally found in Australian sporting venues. It’s a refreshing change to see such a wide variety of options, all of reasonable quality. The one thing that does meet pre-conceived ideas of stadium food at Spotless Stadium is the price, but the choices available make the dent in your wallet much easier to take. They say variety is the spice of life and that is true at Spotless Stadium. Take your pick of outlets including Mick’s Bakehouse (pies), Wally’s Hot Dogs (hot dogs), Jimmy’s Catch (fish and chips), Kebabish (kebabs), Bell’s Kitchen (burgers), Wok ‘n’ Bowl (Asian), and Subway. Quality is universally good, but expect to spend somewhere around $15+ per person for a decent meal and a drink. The Dessert Bar is also universally popular, yes, even at the footy in the winter. Any queues are well managed, with the longest wait likely to be for an ice cream. The offerings at the bar are fairly standard. Tap beer is Carlton Mid ($6), with Cascade Premium Light ($6). Red, white and sparkling wine are $6 while mixed drinks (Beam and Cola, CC and Dry, and Vodka) are $8.50. Soft drinks are priced at $4.50. The pies at Spotless Stadium are among the best you’ll experience at a sports stadium – there’s no soggy lukewarm pre-packaged pies here. Grab one on your way to your seat as a starter and then choose a main depending on what you feel like on the day. If you’ve got the kids with you then they’ll want dessert too. Atmosphere 3 The Giants as a club have worked very hard to create a memorable experience at Spotless Stadium. Expect plenty of opportunities for engagement and special events. Average crowds are still only around 10,000, but with on-field performances quickly improving, hopefully this number will grow. There’s generally a healthy smattering of opposition fans now living in Sydney who take the opportunity to see their team play live. The vast majority of the crowd at Spotless Stadium are currently accommodated within the seating bowl, with only a smattering in the stands. All the seats in this area are on a gentle slope and therefore are fairly close to the action while offering a good view of the entire playing surface. There’s a single large video screen at the northern end of the stadium and a small number of televisions behind the ground level seating on the eastern side. Both teams have their benches on the western side of the ground. Expect a pregame build up with interviews from the GWS media department, typical crowd engagement activities in between quarters, and junior AFL during halftime. These are fairly standard, however the Giants often have special promotions and post-match entertainment, and kick-to-kick on the ground after full time. The most recent match we attended saw Aussie rocker Shannon Noll performing at the main break and after the final hooter. The majority of home team fans are on the southern and western sides of the ground. As these areas have stands behind them they also hold the noise better. Sit here to make the most of the atmosphere, or if you want an afternoon in the sun, sit on the eastern side. If the kids are with you sit at the northern end where there is an interactive play zone under the scoreboard. Neighborhood 4 The Sydney Olympic Park precinct has over the years been transformed from simply a sports park to an entertainment destination. The park is a popular location for any number of social and family events, in addition to concerts and sporting contests. There are plenty of dining options nearby. There are restaurants covering fine dining, sushi, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian and modern Australian, along with numerous fast food chains. Personally I think the Ribs ‘n’ Rumps chain offers among the best steaks in the business, so if I’m looking to eat before or after a GWS game, that’s where I’d be headed. A large portion of the surrounding area is other sporting venues; ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Allphones Arena and more. The precinct hosts more than 5,000 events each year, which obviously means that there are often multiple events occurring on game day. This has positives and negatives. The big plus is that particularly when there are major events on, the Park will have more of a buzz about it. You may even have the option of seeing a GWS match before heading over to ANZ Stadium for a rugby league or rugby union game. The most recent day we attended, the NSW Waratahs were playing a night game at ANZ offering a great doubleheader opportunity. More generally, Sydney Olympic Park is located in the inner western suburbs of Sydney, 16km from the Central Business District. Hotels on site include (in decreasing star rating order) Pullman at Sydney Olympic Park, the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park, Quest Apartments, Hotel Ibis, and Ibis Budget Hotel. Dorm style accommodation is also available in The Lodge, managed by the YMCA. Fans 3 GSW has been slowly building their fan base as their identity grows. Thankfully they are starting to offer a more competitive and consistent product on the field, meaning they’re more likely to attract and retain casual fans. One negative we found was that lots of fans arrived late and were still getting to their seats for much of the first quarter which is a bit off-putting. Previously averaging around 10,000 per home game, this number appears to be rising as the Giants improve on the field and develop a lasting relationship with the community. An extra 5,000-7,000 fans per game would be an awesome prospect. The hardcore GWS fans can be found at the southern end of the ground with the opposition cheer squad at the northern end. The venue is very family friendly which bodes well for the future. The atmosphere amongst the fans has definitely improved in recent times. Access 3 Sydney Olympic Park is centrally located within Sydney, with several options for transport. Public transport to the area is good, with driving also possible. Access is possible by both train and bus. The Sydney Olympic Park train station is almost next door. The T7 line is accessible via Lidcombe station. If numerous events are on, then expect some congestion both within the major roads leading into the area and the various parking stations. Unfortunately there’s not really any escaping the $25 daily parking fee. The best advice is to arrive early and allow extra time if possible. Probably the easiest parking station to access for Spotless Stadium is the large P1 on Edwin Flack Ave, but all others are somewhat within walking distance. Either prepay online or before the game to avoid lengthy queues postgame. Once you’ve parked you’ll have a gentle level stroll towards the burnt-orange light towers of Spotless Stadium, with ANZ Stadium on your right and Allphones Arena on your left. All entry is through the southern end of the stadium with standard bag checks. Tickets are available online or at the gate. There’s plenty of ticket windows open with minimal wait if you haven’t elected to buy your tickets online. Once inside the stadium Spotless is easy to circumnavigate with plenty of options to stand and watch from different vantage points. The venue is wheelchair friendly and bathrooms are plentiful, clean and not at all busy. Return on Investment 4 A visit to Spotless Stadium is not cheap but compares well to other national level stadiums and sports when it comes to value for money. This venue is very pleasant and has been well maintained. Expect more once GWS builds a larger and more committed fan base. The cost of parking is the only realistic negative here. Cheapest Adult Ticket: $27 Parking: $25 Pie: $5 Drink: $4.50 TOTAL: $61.50 The big plus here is that it’s relatively economical to take children and there are great family ticket options. You’ll also find the obligatory Footy Record program for sale inside the entry for $5. Extras 3 The child friendly AFL Playground at the northern end of the ground is a fantastic idea. Plenty of families can be found in the area beneath the scoreboard having a kick, further reinforcing the concept of AFL football. Merchandise is available at several points around the venue, with plenty of the fan base decked out in Giants gear. Following the match we attended there was entertainment and an autograph session, plus the crowd was allowed to have a kick on the playing surface. Final Thoughts GWS at Spotless Stadium has always had the potential to be a great stadium journey. The giant improvements in consistency on the field sets the club up nicely for the future. Additional growth in fans will only solidify the experience that now exists.

Photo Credit Frank L Aymami III Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 UNO Lakefront Arena 6801 Franklin Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122 New Orleans Privateers website UNO Lakefront Arena website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 8,933 Let’s Hear It for UNO When most people think of New Orleans they think of things such as Jazz, Cajun food and Mardi Gras. However, there is a whole lot more than just that offered in the Big Easy. One item that few people outside of the city are aware of is the University of New Orleans Privateers basketball team. The Privateers have been around since the late 60’s and in 1976 made the jump from Division II to Division I. The Privateers originally started as a member of the Sun Belt Conference, but after hurricane Katrina they nearly stepped down to Division III due to a drop in enrollment. Instead they decided to remain in Division I and joined the Southland Conference, effective for the 2013-14 academic year. The Privateers play their home games at UNO Lakefront Arena, an arena built in 1983 with a capacity of 8,933. The arena has had its share of bumps and bruises due to hurricane seasons, with the worst being hurricane Katrina, which kept the arena closed for nearly three years due to substantial repairs. The arena is just the right size for the Privateers needs, but isn’t at the top of what the Southland Conference offers. Food & Beverage 3 The Privateers don’t shy away from giving fans plenty of options for food and drink. Since the arena is located off of campus you will have no problem finding a variety of alcoholic beverages. Some of the selections found on tap or in a bottle at Lakefront Arena include Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, Fat Tire, and my personal favorite Abita. Beer prices are right on par with your usual stadium and arena averages. UNO Lakefront Arena also has a nice variety of food selections. The arena carries all your normal snacks and munchies such as chips, candy, popcorn, and pretzels. You can also find some fulfilling items like cheeseburgers, pizza and my favorite smoked sausage. The Privateers give you a nice variety all while offering it at a reasonable price. Atmosphere 2 The Privateers have moved to the Southland Conference and unfortunately they left their fans and spirit in the Sun Belt. The crowds have been a bit sparse. The pep band is nice and energetic, and gets the crowd on their feet on occasion; however the game is more of a social gathering or get together for most in attendance. Neighborhood 4 The arena is located on the outskirts of New Orleans. The neighborhood around the arena is mostly filled with gas stations, supermarkets, and fast food restaurants so I would highly advise going into downtown New Orleans for any nice meal. New Orleans has something for absolutely everybody, from great food to great music to even better entertainment. Some of the best seafood and Cajun food can be found in New Orleans as well as some of the best jazz music in the entire world. If you’re looking to party or hang out for some drinks then Bourbon Street is a great option. If the Lakefront Arena didn’t offer enough for your sports appetite then check out the schedules of the Pelicans, Saints, or Green Wave and you are almost guaranteed that at least one will be in town. Fans 1 I have seen the majority of basketball venues in the Southland Conference and I have to say that the Privateers are definitely at the bottom when it comes to their fans. The student section is almost non existent and the crowd consists of mostly older alumni. The fans that I observed had no interest in the game and were using it as a social gathering to catch up on all the latest gab. When the Privateers get any kind of run or nice play there is little to no reaction from the fans other than a light cheer here and there. The pep band does their best to try and get the crowd into the game, but it seems like the Privateers following isn’t quite there yet. Access 3 Access to the stadium is easy once you figure out exactly where you need to be. Parking at Lakefront Arena is free and is readily available within mere footsteps to the arena. The concourses are wide enough to allow for easy traffic around the arena, but the bathroom stalls are very narrow. Stalls are also located on the urinals which is strange especially since they are extremely narrow, making for some uncomfortable moments, especially if you are standing next to someone. Return on Investment 2 Tickets for a Privateers game can be found anywhere from $10-$25 depending on where you would like to sit. Ten dollars is about the most I would pay for an additional experience to Lakefront Arena, as the atmosphere and fans just leave a lot to be desired. If you are in the area and just need something to kill some time as a sports fan, then the Privateers are a viable option. Extras 2 There are not a whole lot of extras or perks when it comes to Lakefront Arena. The biggest bonus is that the Privateers is located in one of the best cities in the United States. If you haven’t visited New Orleans before, then make an excuse to do so soon. The other point I award is for the free parking. It is always great to see an arena that offers free parking in today’s age.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 The Ballpark E. Emerson Cummings Boulevard Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 The Ballpark website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,500 Where The Ballpark Meets The Beach The Old Orchard Beach Surge are one of the four founding teams in the North Country Baseball League, an independent circuit with a backstory much more interesting and complex than most first year leagues can lay claim to. Originally proposed as the East Coast Baseball League, the circuit consisted of six teams, two in Canada, three in the United States, with a travel team to round out the league. Right before the season was to start, the Watertown team pulled out due to questionable finances and failed commitments from league management. The remaining U.S. teams followed suit, and reformed as the NCBL. Three weeks into the season the Newburgh Newts, who were playing their home games at Delano-Hitch Stadium, were evicted from their home park due to non-payment of rent. The Newts became a road team, leaving the NCBL with just two teams that had ballparks to call home. The league has persevered and will crown its first champion early in August of 2015. Several players from the NCBL have signed to higher-level independent leagues over the course of the season. The home of the Surge has a history equally as colorful as the league that calls it home. The Ballpark was built in 1984 to be the home for the AAA Maine Guides, which lasted only five seasons before moving to Moosic, PA. The park was unable to attract another baseball team, and was utilized occasionally as a summer concert venue as it sat mostly dormant. Over the years, the ballpark sat neglected, overgrown with brush, and was falling apart. It became a popular spot for drug use, fires, and vandalism. A lightning strike at the site caused a significant amount of fire damage in 2007. The town of Old Orchard Beach considered plans to sell the land for development, and it was a mainstay on Ballpark Digest’s endangered ballparks list. The tide turned for The Ballpark in 2008, when a volunteer group called the Ball Park Group began to clean up and renovate the ballpark for special events and ballgames. From 2011 to 2014 the Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide of the New England Collegiate Baseball League called The Ballpark home. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at The Ballpark, and it offers a limited menu consisting of hot dogs ($3), burgers ($4.25/$4.75), chicken sandwiches ($5), French fries ($3), and nachos ($3). Fans looking to snack can choose from pretzels ($3), cotton candy ($1), popcorn ($1.50), chips ($1), or candy bars ($1). Bottles of Pepsi products can be bought for $2. Ice cream novelties are available for $2 and $3.25. Really hungry Surge fans can purchase the “Big John” burger with double meat for $6. Fans looking for a more adult alternative can choose from several varieties of beer and wine. The beer garden at The Ballpark has bottles of Coors Light ($4), with bottles of Shipyard Ale going for $5. Glasses of wine are available for $5. Fans looking to purchase Surge gear will be find a limited selection of t-shirts and hats available at the souvenir stand. The Ballpark Concessions, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 1 Try as you may, there is just no way to create a festive atmosphere when a couple hundred people are scattered in a 5,000 seat concrete stadium. To their credit, the Surge staff do try, with music, games, and promotions throughout the game. The staff are very friendly and genuinely grateful to see the fans that do show up. Between innings games target the kids in the audience, and 50/50 raffles target the adults here. Neighborhood 5 The Ballpark is located in a secluded, wooden area adjacent to the Old Orchard Beach High School and behind the Old Orchard Beach Police and Fire Departments. There is little to see or do in the immediate vicinity of The Ballpark, but that changes in a hurry as you head towards the ocean. About a mile away from The Ballpark is the Palace Playland, the Pier, and other Old Orchard Beach attractions. The area, once one of the largest tourist destinations on the east coast, has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to hurricanes, fires, and blizzards. The current incarnation of the beachfront is significantly smaller than past versions, but still attracts a great deal of tourist traffic during the summer, particularly from Quebec. It is not uncommon to hear conversations taking place in French during the summer months. The year-round population of Old Orchard Beach is under 9,000, but swells to several times this size during the summer. Interestingly enough, Old Orchard Beach is the closest oceanfront beach to Montreal, explaining the lure of the area to French Canadian tourists. In fact, most shops in the area have signs in their windows proclaiming “ici nous parlons Francais” (we speak French here). Fans 1 Rumor has it that the average attendance for Surge games hovers in the 200-250 range. On the day this writer visited The Ballpark, the crowd totaled just over 100 fans. My visit was on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, perfect weather for the beach and for keeping people away from The Ballpark, so 250 fans per game sounds very reasonable. The team has already cultivated some dedicated superfans, who show up regularly to cheer on the Surge. Most of the crowd at a typical Surge home game consists of families and people with some connection to the team. It’s not a place the casual fan shows up at on a whim. Access 3 Old Orchard Beach is easily accessible via Interstate 95 (Maine Turnpike). Simply take the Interstate 195 exit, which will quickly turn into route 5. The Ballpark is located just off of Route 5 behind the Police and Fire Stations, and next to the high school. Fans seeking alternate methods of transportation to the seaside town will be pleased to know that Amtrak’s Downeaster train stops just feet from the beach during the summer months. From there, The Ballpark is a short cab ride away. Once inside The Ballpark, there is more than enough room to spread out. The concourse is located underneath the grandstand, and is more than large enough to accommodate even the largest Surge crowd. One major drawback of the concourse area is that it isn’t paved or landscaped, so fans with unsteady gait should step carefully. Also, if you can help it, don’t look up. The underside of the seating bowl is not the most attractive view one will come across at a ballpark. Despite the great efforts of the volunteers who have tirelessly worked at renovating The Ballpark, it still has an unfinished feel to it. The concession stands and locker rooms at The Ballpark are built to resemble the pine cabins typically seen in lodges and campgrounds in this area. The bathrooms are new, clean, and more than large enough for any Surge crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Surge games are sold as general admission, with lower bowl seats selling for $8 and upper bowl seats for $5. There is nary an usher in sight at The Ballpark, so fans sit wherever they please. There really isn’t a bad seat in the place. Parking is free in the large lot behind The Ballpark. Concessions are reasonably priced, so a night at The Ballpark will certainly not break the bank. Extras 2 The experience at The Ballpark is a bare bones one, to be sure. The staff are friendly and helpful, which goes a long way towards covering up the shortcomings of the ballpark. Still, ballpark aficionados will undoubtedly enjoy visiting this once endangered field. The locker rooms here are located in a separate building located behind and underneath the seating bowl, meaning that the players have to walk the concourse through the crowd after the game to get to their lockers. It was an autograph hound’s nirvana back in the day, and that tradition continues today. The Surge players were more than accommodating to any children wanting their items signed. Final Thoughts After spending a day at The Ballpark many fans will marvel over the fact that this ballpark was ever considered adequate for AAA baseball. It’s even more unbelievable that Sports Illustrated once called The Ballpark the best ballpark in minor league baseball. It was only used for five seasons before the Guides moved on to the greener pastures of Moosic, PA and the equally unattractive Lackawanna County Stadium. Still, it’s a monumental achievement that it is still standing and in usable condition. Kudos to the volunteers who gave their time, energy, and money to preserve a ballpark that would have easily faded away into history. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Leary Field 175 Parrott Ave. Portsmouth, NH 03801 Leary Field website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 1,000 Baseball on the Seacoast Baseball has been played at the site of Leary Field in downtown Portsmouth, NH since the late 1800’s. Originally named South Playground, the field was renamed after Portsmouth mayor John J. Leary in 1956. Leary Field is located in a residential neighborhood within walking distance of downtown Portsmouth. Named one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” by ForbesTraveler.com and ranked fourth in Outside Magazine’s “Top 20 Towns in America”, Portsmouth is nationally recognized as a top vacation destination. The Mavericks are a charter member of the Futures League, having previously played their home games at Bert George Field on the campus of Spaulding High School in neighboring Rochester. The club moved to downtown Portsmouth for the 2013 season, investing $50,000 in Leary Field to build new dugouts, seating areas, and other improvements to the facility. Now in their fifth season, the Mavericks have yet to reach the playoffs. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand located underneath the main grandstand, which offers your basic ballpark fare. Hot dogs ($2.50), pizza slices ($2.00/2.50), and nachos ($3.00) are the featured items. Local favorite Napoli Deli offers half-sandwiches ($3), and kids meals are sold here, served on a Mavericks Frisbee ($5). An extensive list of snacks are available, including popcorn ($1), peanuts ($2), caramel corn ($3), and cotton candy ($3). In addition, candy such as ring pops, freeze pops, and the like are sold, including the cheapest concession item this writer has ever seen at a ball game, a piece of double bubble gum sold for five cents. Thirsty Mavericks fans can choose from cans of Pepsi products ($1.50), Gatorade ($2), Red Bulls ($3), or bottled water ($1). Alcoholic beverages are not sold at Leary Field. Atmosphere 2 Fans used to the in your face, boisterous atmosphere present at most baseball games today will be surprised at the laid-back presentation at a Seacoast Mavericks game. The presence of the PA is limited to simple announcements of upcoming batters and lineup changes. Music is played between innings and batters, but unless you are sitting right near the PA announcer, you probably won’t even hear it. There is an emcee who handles what between innings contests are held for the children in attendance. Water balloon tosses and chase the mascot races are held, but distractions are held to a minimum here. Baseball purists will enjoy the atmosphere, but many fans will have to get used to the bare bones presentation. As is the case with most summer collegiate games, the crowd is made up primarily of families. Part of the fun at a Mavericks game is watching the children run around in the vast grassy areas of the first base side. Many of the children in attendance spend most of their day chasing foul balls around Leary Field, and can be as entertaining as the action taking place on the field. Neighborhood 5 Portsmouth is a small city of just over 21,000 residents located on the New Hampshire seacoast. This historic seaport and summer tourist destination is located about an hour north of Boston. Leary Field is located in a residential neighborhood just a short walk from downtown. This downtown area is loaded with restaurants, shops, and attractions. History buffs will enjoy attractions such as the USS Albacore Museum, which features one of the Navy’s first nuclear submarines, and Strawbery Banke, a historic museum featuring homes and exhibits from colonial times. Fans interested in culinary pursuits will undoubtedly enjoy downtown’s several eateries and brew pubs, with Portsmouth Brewery, among others, all located within a few city blocks. For visiting fans looking for a different kind of dining experience, The Friendly Toast features unique breakfast food all day long served in a kitschy setting. There are many lodging options downtown for fans wanting to stay in Portsmouth, but fans interested in saving a few dollars may opt for one of the hotels located away from downtown by the rotary. Kittery, Maine is located just across the Piscataqua River, and boasts many attractions of its own. Fans 1 Since moving downtown for the 2013 season, the Mavericks have averaged just shy of 400 fans per game, consistently ranking them near the bottom of the Futures League attendance rankings. Based on the crowd present for a Sunday afternoon game, these figures are greatly inflated. Access 2 Leary Field is located a couple of blocks from downtown Portsmouth, but can be difficult to find when driving. Most visitors to Portsmouth will arrive by Interstate 95. The Market Street exit will bring drivers downtown, where it will be necessary to navigate many of downtown’s narrow streets to find Leary Field. Portsmouth is a very walkable city, but can be tough to drive in for out of towners. Fans coming to Portsmouth for a Mavericks game can park on the streets that surround the field, or to better save your windshield, in the parking lot beyond the outfield next to the Library and Middle School. This lot is a short walk from the field, and also free of charge. Once inside Leary Field, fans can sit in the old covered grandstand, which sits close behind home plate and offers spectacular views of downtown in the distance. Fans not wishing to look through fencing often choose a set of metal bleachers on the third base side, which are not obstructed by any netting. There is plenty of room all around the field for fans to sit at one of many picnic tables on the first base side, or to spread out on their own blankets or lawn chairs. Fans should be warned that while the area behind the concourse is paved, access to much of the field requires navigating dirt paths or grassy areas. Fans with unsteady gait may wish to stay in the grandstand area. There is a pair of small bathrooms located behind the main grandstand. Return on Investment 4 The Mavericks charge $5 for admission, with seniors and children receiving a $2 discount. Children under age 6 are admitted for free. Parking is free either on the streets surrounding Leary Field (just be aware of time restrictions if parking on-street), or in the large lot next to the public library and middle school. With inexpensive concessions, a night at a Seacoast Mavericks game is a very affordable entertainment option for baseball fans in the Portsmouth area. Extras 1 There isn’t a whole lot going on at Leary Field that can be considered extra. The Mavericks deserve kudos for going the extra yard for young visitors who attend games. During birthday parties at Leary Field, a couple of Mavericks players take time out of their day to greet the young fans and play catch with the birthday boy or girl. It’s a genuine touch that you won’t ever see in bigger ballparks. Judging by the smile on the birthday boy’s face, it’s a memory he won’t ever forget. Final Thoughts Playing in a league full of old minor league parks, Leary Field simply doesn’t measure up in terms of amenities. If you enjoy old-school charms and proximity to one of the country’s best small downtown areas, then Leary Field is the place for you. The Futures League currently ranks behind their New England summer collegiate brethren in the Cape Cod and New England Leagues, but the play and caliber of talent is improving quickly. The league just celebrated their initial first round pick, and 30 Futures League alumni were selected in the 2015 Major League Baseball Entry Draft. Going to a Futures League game is an affordable, attractive alternative to minor league games in the area. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Brian Helberg , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium 4601 Ontario St Vancouver, BC V5V 3H4 Canada Vancouver Canadians website Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 5,132 Baseball Done Right North of the Border at The Nat Referred to locally as The Nat, Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium has been home to baseball fans in Vancouver, British Columbia since 1951. Originally named Capilano Stadium, the historic facility was rebranded following the death of Vancouver icon, Nat Bailey, in 1978. Bailey was a part owner of the former Vancouver Mounties baseball team, and was beloved in British Columbia for founding the White Spot restaurant chain. Scotiabank Field was added to the lengthy name in 2007. The Vancouver Canadians are the Short Season Single-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. They play in the Northwest League, and the C’s won the league for three consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2013. Vancouver was awarded with the prestigious John H. Johnson’s President’s Trophy in 2013. The award is handed out annually to the top Minor League franchise in baseball. The C’s were busy expanding Nat Bailey Stadium in the offseason prior to the 2015 season. They added nearly 1,000 seats to raise their capacity to 6,013. The Hey Y’all Porch in left field is brand new, as are the seats lining the left field baseline. You will not find a 64 year-old stadium in better shape than The Nat. Food & Beverage 5 Nat Bailey Stadium has a solid collection of food choices, sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The main eating area is located in the concourse behind home plate. Food stands line both sides of the wide walkway. The Canadians do a great job on the classic baseball cuisine. Hot dogs and hamburgers are aplenty, and they are tasty too. The C’s also have a wider array of food available, including sushi and pizza. The ‘Nooner’ burger is perfect for day games, as it is topped with egg, bacon, cheese and the patty. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure you stop by the mini donut stand. It is the last hut on the back wall as you head towards the first baseline on your way back to the grandstand. The tiny treats are topped with cinnamon and brown sugar. They may not be the fanciest donuts you will ever see, but they are undeniably delicious. The donuts are a favorite among Vancouverites, and are doled out generously by the friendly vendors. It’s hard to miss the Hey Y’all Porch in left field, and that’s lucky, because you are going to want to try their famous fried chicken and iced tea. The whole area is a new addition to the stadium, and is a hub of activity for fans looking to mingle during the game. If you are attending the game in a group of 30 or more, the Hard Rock Casino Barbeque Picnic in the Park is the perfect place to take in Canadians baseball. Fans get a seat at a table under an umbrella down the right field line, plus all you can eat barbeque for just $40 a person. The Vancouver area is home to many delectable craft beers, and naturally The Nat offers the best of the best. Named after the famed ski resort, the Whistler Brewing Company highlights the assortment of adult beverages. If the more traditional brews are more to your liking, you can find all the typical beers throughout the ballpark as well. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at The Nat is truly special. Fun is the goal, and the C’s have succeeded in this department. It is a beautiful stadium, highlighted by a view of the regal Queen Elizabeth Park. There is a wide range of ages working at the stadium, and everyone is extremely helpful and nice. It is very family friendly at the park. There are special sections designated as alcohol free that might be good for families with small children. There are always kids baseball teams in attendance, and thus the stands are filled with young people. A pair of kids sang the National anthems (and rather well I might add) the most recent night I was there. Also, the club let a few youngsters throw out the ceremonial first pitches. There are a few different kinds of seats. The grandstand area features wooden bleachers. The seats in the lower section behind home plate and the seats down the left field line are both made with a combination of plastic and metal. The C’s have a number of special events in between innings designed to entertain fans of all ages. At the end of the 4th inning is the sushi race. Every game, four sushi mascots race down the right field line, competing for pride and for mini donuts. The grounds crew is famous for their work on the diamond, and for their dance moves. At the end of the 5th inning, the crew trots out onto the field and dances along to a (usually embarrassing) song. The night I was there, the grounds crew left it all on the field dancing along to the New Kids on the Block hit, “Step by Step.” At the end of the 6th, the fans get a little exercise by doing the chicken dance. The Canadians’ DJ puts the chicken dance song on blast, and the whole crowd dances along in unison. Neighborhood 4 Nat Bailey Stadium is located in central Vancouver, essentially sandwiched in between Cambie St. and Main St. It is largely residential in the immediate proximity to the park. However, Cambie and Main are just a few blocks away, and both streets boast impressive lineups of restaurants and bars. While the walkability of the neighborhood may not be on the Major League level, it is more than adequate for a Single-A stadium. Queen Elizabeth Park is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque green spaces in the city. There is a lush floral conservatory, and plenty of walking trails. Seasons in the Park is a first class restaurant featuring breathtaking views and Northwest cuisine. Fans 5 The Canadians have dominated the Northwest League in recent seasons, and their fans have grown accustomed to winning. They are very knowledgeable and take great pride in their team. Even if the C’s go down big early, the crowd never loses their enthusiasm. There is a very balanced cross section of fans at Nat Bailey Stadium. There are equal numbers of families, young people, retirees and hardcore fans. There is a laid back feel for the most part, and rowdy spectators are not a concern. Fun is the reason most of these fans show up, and winning is just a bonus. Access 3 If you are a native Vancouverite, you will likely have little trouble getting yourself to Nat Bailey Stadium. If you are a visiting fan from out of town, you may find the area more difficult to navigate. If you are coming by car, prepare for plenty of traffic. Vancouver is famous for its congestion, and driving through the heart of the city during rush hour can lead to some white-knuckle moments. However, signs leading you to the stadium are easily spotted on Cambie and Main Street. Parking is reasonably priced at $7, and there are ample spots. The main lots are located behind home plate and in the outfield behind the right field fence. The stadium is just one level, and there is a chance your vehicle could take a direct hit if you park behind home plate. There are no stands in right field, and a home run ball could find your windshield if you choose to park in the outfield. Being that Nat Bailey Stadium is located in a residential neighborhood, street parking is extremely limited, so choose one of the lots, but don’t go too close to the stadium when choosing your spot. SkyTrain presents an intriguing option for fans. The SkyTrain is essentially a monorail system that runs through Vancouver. It may not be the most attractive transportation system, but it is a very efficient way to get around. The nearest SkyTrain station (King Edward) is located just over a kilometer away from the stadium. Another public transportation option is the bus. You can get to within 3 blocks if you take the buses that run along Main St. Taking the SkyTrain or bus will cost you between $2.75 and $5.50 depending on the time of day and distance you are traveling. Return on Investment 5 The C’s do an amazing job providing fans with bang for their buck. Tickets are very economical, ranging between $14 and $25. You can find great seats in the grandstand behind home plate for $14, or you can sit in box seats closer to the action for $18. Sitting in the WestJet Diamond Club will run you $25, but they are considered the best seats in the house. Seniors (55+) can sit in the grandstand area for $11, and disabled seating can be found along the left field line for $11. Food is a good deal for fans as well. You can pick up a hot dog for $5, and a foot long for $7. Burger’s cost $6.25, and pizza is reasonable at $6 for a large slice. Pretzels won’t break the bank at $5. Sugary treats are affordable, with mini donuts listed at $5 and ice cream at $4.50. Sushi is priced between $8 and $10 depending on the kind you want. Craft beer is currently $7.50 a glass. All told, you can take in a Canadians’ game for a fraction of the cost of attending one of the other major sports games in Vancouver. In fact, you can watch a professional baseball game in a very enjoyable setting for roughly the same price as going to the movies. It is hard to beat the C’s return on investment. Extras 5 The Canadians offer many promotions throughout the regular season. Every Sunday is an A&W Family Fun Sunday. Kids can take home anything from a batting helmet to a jersey on Sundays. There are also bobblehead giveaways featuring some of the more prominent players who have recently donned a Canadians uniform. The C’s occasionally provide fans with opportunities to meet some of their favorite ballplayers from the past. The 2015 season will feature appearances from Tommy John, Devon White, Pat Hentgen and Tony Fernandez. The highlight of the promotion schedule has to be the fireworks extravaganzas. The Canadians entertain fans with special post game fireworks after most Saturday night home games. In 2015 there are nine dates, and you don’t want to miss them. There are multiple places to buy C’s gear at Nat Bailey Stadium. The first hut is located outside the stadium by the main entrance, where you can purchase hats and tees. Inside you will find a larger team store area near the end of the concourse on the third baseline. You can buy the same merchandise as outside, but there are a few additional items (jerseys, memorabilia, etc.) up for sale too. There is a manually operated scoreboard in left-center field, and a giant video screen in center field shows replays. There is a storied history with the C’s in Vancouver, and the organization does a fantastic job educating the public inside the ballpark. Murals and showcases discussing the history of the club and the famous names that have made stops in Vancouver line the main concourse. You get a great sense of how the franchise got its start, and how they have evolved into the one of the top Minor League organizations today. There is a large kids play area in the left field corner that features an inflatable slide. The C’s offer fans the opportunity to sit in non-alcoholic sections. Most teams have these types of sections, but these particular seats are in prime locations behind home plate. Inebriated fans are not much of an issue at The Nat, but these seats would be perfect for families with young children. Perhaps my favorite extra is the special Canadians car that delivers pitchers into the game from the bullpen in left field. The car itself is a golf cart type of vehicle wearing a C’s hat for a roof. It drives the incoming hurler to the edge of the infield before heading back to the ‘pen. Final Thoughts While the actual baseball being played on the field may not be Major League quality, Nat Bailey Stadium offers a first class experience for fans of all ages. It is an enjoyable and affordable way to spend an evening in Vancouver. The people who work at the stadium are very polite and helpful. The fun factor cannot be beaten, and wandering around the stadium gives spectators a sense of childlike joy. I highly recommend you take in a game at The Nat if you are ever lucky enough to be in Vancouver, BC.

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.57 Joseph J. Jaroschak Field 200 Lincoln Hwy Jersey City, NJ 07306 Saint Peter’s Peacocks website Joseph J. Jaroschak Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 500 Nothing to Strut About Saint Peter’s baseball field is part of the Joseph J. Jaroschak Field “complex”, which is located in the southwest corner of Lincoln Park in Jersey City, NJ – the complex also includes the Saint Peter’s softball and soccer fields. Lincoln Park, opened in 1905, is a large urban park operated by Hudson County, and is divided into two sections, with multiple athletics fields on the east side (closer to the city), plus a golf course and Joseph J. Jaroschak Field on the west side (adjacent to the Hackensack River). Funds to build the complex were donated by Mary Lou Jaroschak in 1990, and the field was named after her late husband, a wealthy Hudson County resident. Food & Beverage 0 No food or beverages are sold at the stadium, so you will need to bring your own. Atmosphere 1 The baseball portion of Joseph J. Jaroschak Field is not much more than a community field, and what facilities they have are a bit dilapidated. There is no scoreboard and no stadium lighting, with just two small sets of quasi-temporary metal bleachers – one for the home fans and one for the visitors. The press box consists of a small wooden shack that can only fit two people, and the bathrooms consist of Port-A-Johns, which are shared with the soccer and softball fields. The field is natural grass, and the dugouts and press box are badly in need of paint and roof repairs – the dugouts also don’t seem to be large enough, so the coaches sit on folding chairs, and some of the players sit on empty buckets in front of the dugout during the game. Rumor has it both the baseball and softball fields used to have scoreboards, but they were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy – it is possible some of the other damage occurred then as well. For a quick tour of the venue see the video: Neighborhood 3 Joseph J. Jaroschak Field is bordered on the west side by the Hackensack River, with Highway 1/Highway 9 on the south side, and the rest of Lincoln Park on the east and north. The neighborhood near the park appears pretty sketchy, and does not feel very safe. However, if you are looking for something to do in the area, New York City is only 6 miles away, just across the river from Jersey City. There are also myriad hotels and restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the athletic complex, way too many to name, due to the urban sprawl around NYC – you can pretty much find any kind of food you want, but the traffic is of course terrible. On the plus side, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are on the same side of the Hudson River as Joseph J. Jaroschak Field, so should be easy to get to from here. Fans 2 Despite the super-high population in the area, the baseball stadium at Joseph J. Jaroschak Field does not draw a huge crowd (only 100-200 on average). This is probably due in part to the lack of facilities, but also the traffic and difficulty getting here. About half or more of the fans are here for the visitors; in fact one of the two sets of bleachers is practically reserved for them. The Peacock fans who do attend cheer pretty loudly when there is a great play, but are pretty blasé the rest of time; about one-third of them sport Saint Peter’s gear, which is not sold at the stadium. While most of the fans sit in the stands, there are a good number who stand along the fences, which are chain link all the way around, so you can watch from anywhere. Access 2 Joseph J. Jaroschak Field is inside Lincoln Park in Jersey City, NJ, and is a little hard to get to, first because of the very heavy traffic in the area, but also because of the bridges, which always add congestion – recall that Jersey City is flanked by the Hackensack River on the west and the Hudson River on the east. But Lincoln Park does have a couple major freeways that go by it, and the park has several entrances. Once you get to Lincoln Park, to find the baseball field just head toward the southwest corner of the park by following the one-way quasi-circular road that goes around it (depending on which website you use this curvy road could be called either Lincoln Park, Lookout, Lakeview, or Tennis Court Drive). Once you get to the blue track (the kind people run around), turn right and follow that road until it dead ends at a parking lot, then walk toward the river and you will see Joseph J. Jaroschak Field – the baseball portion is on the other side of the soccer and softball fields. On some websites this dead-end road will be called West Park Drive, but there is no sign actually posted. There are no standing restrooms, just Port-A-Johns, but at least parking is free, although you do have to walk a bit from the parking lot to get to the baseball field. Return on Investment 1 Even though it is free to attend Saint Peter’s baseball games, I cannot recommend it, due to the severe lack of facilities and the difficulty in getting here. There are several other schools nearby, so even if you want to see your team play on the road, I would suggest visiting one of those stadiums instead. Extras 2 If you do attend a Saint Peter’s baseball game, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are nearby and well worth a visit, so one point for those. Another point for New York City, which is just across the river with all its myriad attractions, so if you choose to stay the weekend, maybe take in a whole series, you will find plenty to do if you can handle the traffic. Final Thoughts Saint Peter’s is a very small school, so I can understand the lack of facilities due to the lack of budget. However, there are plenty of other options in the area if you want to see a baseball game – heck, there are even better baseball fields inside Lincoln Park itself.

Photo Courtesy of Coastal Carolina University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Springs Brooks Stadium 965 Landon Loop Conway, SC 29528 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers website Springs Brooks Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 2,500 The Real Teal Deal Supporters of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleer baseball program really have something to crow about, as the team has moved into the new $10.2 million Springs Brooks Stadium. The stadium has seats for 2,500, but will be able to hold up to 6,000 fans once an extensive system of berms down the baseline and a boardwalk spanning the areas behind the outfield walls are completed after the 2015 season. The new roost boasts a three-level layout, with locker rooms on the first level that connect directly to the dugouts, a second level dedicated to a majority of the seats, concession areas and merchandise sales and the top level dedicated to private covered verandas and luxury suites. These changes allow Coastal Carolina to move the NCAA Regionals it has hosted many times back on campus, instead of using the nearby Myrtle Beach Pelicans’ minor league stadium. An added bonus to the new construction is the addition of a new indoor training facility. The Coastal Carolina baseball program has been very successful over the years, taking part in 10 NCAA Regionals, two NCAA Super Regionals and nine Big South Conference Championships. 45 Chanticleer players have been drafted by Major League Baseball over the history of the program. In addition to its conference schedule, Coastal takes on baseball powers including Georgia Tech, FSU, Michigan, Clemson and North Carolina. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concessions stands in the stadium, with a much broader offering of foods than most college parks. Entrees include hot dogs ($3), grilled chicken sandwiches ($6), brats ($6), cheesesteaks ($6.75) and nachos ($4). In addition, they have waffle fries ($5), popcorn ($2), Cracker Jacks ($4), peanuts ($4), chicken tenders ($3) and pretzels ($3). Drink selections are sodas ($2 or $4 depending on size) and water at $2.50. You certainly will not go home hungry from this ballpark! Atmosphere 4 Springs Brooks Stadium can be very favorably compared with its sister stadium, TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark, in Myrtle Beach. The seating is what you would find in a major league or minor league park, as they have molded plastic seating with cup holders on the back (premium seats behind the plate even have a padded seat, which is easy on your bottom). In addition, the field has several corporate suites on the top level. There is a picnic area on the end of the third base concourse and a covered veranda on top of the stadium along the first base side. This is a really great place to watch a game on a hot, humid afternoon in South Carolina. The school also utilizes these areas to promote its great baseball pedigree, as pennants line the front facing of the upper levels for each of the Chanticleers’ conference championships or NCAA tournament appearances. The audio visual package for this stadium is also above what you typically see in a college stadium. The sound system is close to concert quality, and the scoreboard is entertaining, as well as informative. The whole package has been a huge hit with the fans, and there has been a large increase in attendance thus far. Neighborhood 4 Springs Brooks Stadium is located on the 620-acre Coastal Carolina campus. More than 9,000 students attend the school, mostly in Liberal Arts Studies. However, Coastal is also well known for its Marine Sciences and Wetland Biology curriculum. The campus is located in Conway, South Carolina, a suburb of Myrtle Beach, and has a population of 16,000. You are probably going to spend most of your time in Myrtle Beach (see the Myrtle Beach Pelicans stadium review referenced above for a list of things to do on the Strand) but you owe it to yourself to spend at least one evening in Conway. It has a much quieter, more laid-back feel compared to the “Beach.” As far as places to eat and drink, I recommend the Crafty Rooster, a restaurant with a broad menu and great selection of craft beers. For shopping, I suggest the old fashioned PaPa’s General Store, which stocks items you probably haven’t seen since your childhood. The Blackwater Market on Main Street offers both shopping and dining options in an old historic mansion. For a truly wonderful and peaceful night, the Cypress Inn B&B is hard to beat. It overlooks the Waccamaw River and is located very close to the marina, where you can take a two-hour river cruise or walk on Conway’s Riverwalk. Fans 4 Coastal Carolina fans love their sports, and why not? Both the basketball and baseball teams have a long history of success in the NCAA playoffs. Getting a ticket has not been easy in the past, as the Chanticleers have a large season ticket base between the students and the many retirees in the area. However, with the new stadium, the capacity has been increased threefold. You will also find that the alums and retirees prefer the reserved seats, while the student body gravitates toward the picnic area and the food counters that line the top of the concourse. You will hear lots of rooster calls during a rally or when Chauncey the Chanticleer gets up on top of the dugout to lead cheers. (Explanation: Coastal Carolina once was a division of the University of South Carolina… the Gamecocks. When Coastal Carolina gained its independence, it simply crossbred the Gamecock with a teal seabird and it resulted in a Chanticleer.) Access 3 Coastal Carolina University is located along the Grand Strand area of the South Carolina coast. It is located 15 miles from Myrtle Beach, 95 miles from Charleston, 150 miles from Columbia and 173 miles from Charlotte. The most scenic and direct way to reach the area is US Highway 17, also known as the Coastal Highway. You would then get on Highway 501, which will take you directly to Coastal Carolina University. Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is served by many airlines and is about 12 miles from the campus. The large increase in seating exceeds the parking area immediately surrounding the field. To remedy this situation, fans can park for free in the school’s commuter student lot and ride a free trolley, which circulates every 15 minutes between the stadium and the commuter lot. Once you reach Springs Brooks Stadium, you will immediately appreciate that being a new stadium, accessibility is a priority. The leg room is much more comfortable than in most stadiums and the concourse/boardwalk areas are wide enough to prevent gridlock. Elevators run from field level to the top of the stadium, and every section has seating for persons with disabilities on the concourse level. Return on Investment 3 As you can tell, Coastal Carolina has not cut any corners in constructing this beautiful stadium. However, this does come at a financial cost. The concession offerings are as varied as any college facility I have been to, but the prices are also higher than average. Ticket prices are tiered at $10-$20, which is also higher than most college parks, but most parks do not match the amenities that Springs Brooks has. The parking is free, and you will definitely see some well played baseball when the Chanticleers are at home. Extras 3 World famous Myrtle Beach is only 15 miles from the campus and offers numerous beach activities, great restaurants and its own Boardwalk. Coastal Carolina is also surrounded by more than a dozen golf courses within a 20-minute drive of the campus, so you can play a round in the morning and make the game in the afternoon. The weather is another great extra, as many teams from the Northeast play their early spring games in Myrtle Beach due to its very temperate climate, and their fans travel well to the area to escape winter’s wrath. Final Thoughts Coastal Carolina University is going to be a tough team to recruit against once college prospects see Springs Brooks Stadium. Add to that a great baseball heritage and an excellent academic tradition on a very modern campus with a beach less than 20 miles away, and it’s an offer that will be tough to refuse.

Photo Courtesy Fresno State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Pete Beiden Field 1620 East Bulldog Lane Fresno, CA 93740 Fresno State Bulldogs website Pete Beiden Field website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 5,757 Beiden’s Bulldogs The Fresno State Bulldogs of the Mountain West may not be the first team that comes to mind when you think of college baseball tradition, but that doesn’t mean the program isn’t lacking in this category. Pete Beiden Field’s namesake won 600 games over 21 seasons as head coach of the Bulldogs from 1948 to 1969. More recently, the Bulldogs are famous for their improbable run to the 2008 national title from a lowly 4 seed in an NCAA Regional. Basically, this is like a 13 seed or lower winning the NCAA basketball tournament. Overall, the team has over 30 NCAA tournament appearances making them one of the more successful long term baseball programs in D1 baseball. Pete Beiden Field opened in 1966 as Varsity Park, but that name was changed in 1972 to honor the recently retired legendary coach. The stadium seats an impressive 5,757 capacity, although it has never formally reached that attendance. The largest D1 baseball program in the San Joaquin Valley, the Bulldogs only true competition for fans in the area is the AAA minor league Fresno Grizzlies that play at downtown Chukchansi Park. Beiden Field offers a much different experience and feel than its downtown Fresno professional neighbor. Food & Beverage 3 Beiden Field doesn’t necessarily offer the widest food selection in baseball, but the open grill behind home plate fills the concourse with the smell of burgers and brats and adds a great touch to the venue. The best options are the grilled food items that run from $6-$8 and include burgers, brats, chicken sandwiches and hot links. Some of the other specialty items available include pulled pork nachos ($7.50), a bowl of Pardini’s Homemade Chili ($4.50) and Clam Chowder ($4.50). Other menu items include nachos ($6), hot dogs ($4.50), chili dogs ($5.50), soft pretzels ($3.50), pizza slices ($5) or even a whole pizza ($17). A variety of snacks are available too for under $5, including churros and gourmet popcorn. Pepsi products are available for anywhere from $3-$5 depending on size. Gatorade is available for $4 and coffee/hot chocolate is available for $3. There are no alcohol sales at Beiden Field. While the pork nachos are delicious and the clam chowder or chili are tempting, it’s hard to pass up the smells wafting from the grill. A freshly grilled brat or a double cheeseburger are ideal options for the game. Atmosphere 2 There’s nothing particularly intriguing about the atmosphere at Pete Beiden Field, mostly because it’s an older and somewhat bland ballpark with very little in terms of attendance. Short of some of the historical aspects of the park, there’s not a lot special here. The stadium itself is pretty plain in design, with one large grandstand bowl extending from beyond 3rd base around the infield and past 1st base. Because the stadium tends to be generally devoid of fans, seating is pretty cozy. You can definitely stretch out and put your feet up. Unfortunately, this means there’s not much in terms of energy in the park. The field itself looks nice enough, if not a bit thin in terms of grass. The nicest part of the park is the plaques, banners and statues all around honoring Fresno State tradition. Of particular note is the large statue of Pete Beiden on the 3rd base line. Unfortunately, the park seems dirty and old, and even the concourse display of famous players seems largely unkempt. There is very little in terms of promotion going on at a Bulldogs game. Occasional T-shirt tosses and are about as engaged as things get. Outside of the normal music and effects, nothing special happens here. There is no covered seating a Beiden Field, which can be difficult because the Fresno heat can get quite intense. You’ll have plenty of seating options available, as attendance is generally sparse. But most of the seats are pretty similar in view and there’s not really an upside for anywhere in particular. All seats have chairbacks, so this at least is more comfortable than bleachers. Neighborhood 3 Beiden Field is located right on campus in the middle of the Fresno State sports complex. Bulldog Stadium (football) is immediately adjacent and the softball stadium is across the street. The area itself is pretty bland, with streets laid out in a grid pattern filled with strip malls. There’s not a lot to do within immediate walking distance, so expect to drive to the game. There are several popular local restaurants that are worth checking out. Dog House Grill is only a few blocks away and is famous for its California tri-tip, but make sure you arrive early because it’s almost always packed. If you drive north into Clovis you’ll find Sequoia Brewing Company, which offers great craft beers and good food. The Tower District is not particularly far and is home to a variety of trending local bars and restaurants as well. If you’re in town for a long weekend, there’s quite a bit to do within a short drive. Yosemite National Park is a straight shot north and you can be there in a little over an hour. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are about 90 minutes southeast. Fresno is also home to the AAA Fresno Grizzlies, although it’s a pretty tame minor league baseball experience. Most of the local hotels are along Shaw Avenue just two blocks south. The closest option is the University Square Hotel, although it’s not the highest quality option. Just to the east under the Rt 168 bridge you’ll find a Holiday Inn Express and a Hilton Garden Inn, which may suit the picky traveler a bit better. Fans 2 Fresno State is a clear case of the stadium being too big for the fan base. The size of the venue itself makes the ballpark seem even more empty than it actually is. Fresno State actually ranked 42nd in attendance in D1 baseball in 2014. You wouldn’t be able to tell that by visiting the park. In general the stadium feels very empty and is oversized for their small base of loyal fans. The stadium has never truly reached capacity. At Pete Beiden Field you’ll clearly be able to identify the few that are passionate Bulldogs baseball fans, mostly because they will be the only few making any noise. For the most part, the smattering of fans are there to put their feet up and enjoy some ballpark food. It’s largely a quiet crowd with the occasional cheering or heckling of the opposing team. Access 4 Fresno State’s campus lies near a few major routes that cut through Fresno from Rt 99, which is the main corridor in and out of the city. Rt. 41 and Rt. 168 run north on either side of campus and provide quick access in and out of the city. Parking is free and easy and since the stadium is rarely crowded it’s generally pretty easy to get around. With free parking and easy access, there’s no reason to not drive to Beiden Field. Otherwise, a cab may be your best option to get around the city. Parking is free in a large lot just beyond the left field wall with the main entrance beyond 3rd base. It’s rarely crowded, so access to the lot is very simple. Generally, you’ll move in and out of the lot very freely. Baseball tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the main gate on the 3rd base line from what appears to be a shed. This is the only gate for ticket purchases, so it can be a bit of a choke point at times if there’s any sort of a crowd. Moving around the stadium is generally very easy. There’s not a large crowd and the concourse is wide. Restrooms are located on both the first and third base lines. They aren’t particularly clean, and this is a theme for the park as a whole. In general, the park is a bit dirty and old. Return on Investment 3 While a trip to Pete Beiden Field isn’t particularly expensive, you’re not getting a whole lot back in return. The result? This is all pretty much average. Free parking, a $10 ticket and about average food prices means it’s a pretty cheap night out. This would generally rate higher, but the venue doesn’t really warrant more than that cost. Extras 2 The primary extras you’ll find here are all built around team tradition. The large statue of Pete Beiden, the display of Fresno State greats in the concourse and the championship decals on the outfield wall all remind you that despite the humble surroundings, there’s a relatively rich history to this program. Final Thoughts Fresno State’s baseball program has had some success in the past. Unfortunately, the stadium doesn’t fully live up to expectations. This is one of those teams that would be better served with smaller, shinier venue. It’s a good enough place to kick up your feet and enjoy a game in the less than crowded grandstand, but the amenities and frills just aren’t really here.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 MetLife Stadium 1 MetLife Stadium Dr East Rutherford, NJ 07073 AMA Supercross-East Rutherford website MetLife Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 81,000 Motorcycles in the Meadowlands In the late 1980s and early 90s, New Jersey’s Giants Stadium was an annual stop on the AMA Supercross Tour. After a two-decade absence, the motorcycles returned to the Meadowlands in 2014. Things changed in 20 years. Bikes became more powerful, stadiums became bigger, and energy drinks became a thing. But at the end of the day, dirt bike racing is still pretty much the same. So, New York area racing fans were happy to see Supercross stop back in for the 2014 racing season, and were even happier to see the race continued through 2016 and possibly beyond. We attended the 2015 edition and came away impressed by the event, but just a little bit underwhelmed in an overwhelming venue. Food & Beverage 4 MetLife Stadium is, debatably, America’s most modern large outdoor stadium. For its $1.6 billion dollar price tag, it better be. Things here are bigger and perhaps better, including the food selection. Hot dogs, pizza, burgers, burritos, chicken fingers, sandwiches, all the way down to fried clams, it’s pretty much all available. Most options taste pretty good, and the walk around this gargantuan venue to find the stand that satisfies your craving might even burn off some of the calories that you’re bound to take in. Kosher stands are a welcomed sight to New York’s large Jewish and Muslim population. The 2015 edition of the race allowed all fans to bring in outside food in clear plastic bags. Each fan was also allowed one sealed bottle of a non-alcoholic beverage less than 20oz, but the size limit was not rigidly enforced. Pepsi products are readily available inside for $5-$9. Craft beers are available, but fans might need to hunt for them. Monster Energy drinks are the title sponsor of the race. We didn’t spot any inside, but we could have missed them. Variety is good. Prices aren’t terrible. Things taste good, but nothing is truly amazing. Atmosphere 3 The 2015 edition of AMA Supercross at MetLife Stadium was nationally live televised on FOX. TV viewers caught a few races, but they didn’t see the preliminary races that began at 9am, and they didn’t get much of a look at the pit area just outside the stadium. Truth be told, the pits are almost as much of a fanfest as they are a working pit facility. True moto-X fans can spend 8 hours here soaking in the ambiance, but most casual fans will turn up just before the bigger races begin in the mid afternoon. Riders thunder in with entrance music and fireworks as bikini-clad models cheer them on. In the stands, some fans cheer for their favorite riders, while other cheer on the spectacle. Holding this race in one of the United States’ flagship venues is both a blessing and a curse. The venue is comfortable: fans have lots of leg room, concourses are roomy, and video screens make sure that no one misses an important moment. But the roominess also means that fans are spread out. The sheer size of MetLife Stadium means that even a respectable crowd of 60,000 leaves the venue a quarter empty. Fans can hear the bikes, but do the bikers hear the fans? It’s hard to say. Overall, the atmosphere here is good, but not extraordinary. In fact, that’s an apt description of MetLife Stadium in general. Neighborhood 2 Rumor has it that legendary union boss Jimmy Hoffa was buried around here as the Meadowlands sports complex was being constructed in the mid-70s. The story is plausible: despite its proximity to Manhattan, there wasn’t much happening in New Jersey’s Meadowlands until this complex opened. Even now, with the Meadowlands experiencing its second life (MetLife replaces the original Giants Stadium, and the neighboring Izod Center arena is vacant), there isn’t much around despite the stadiums and their parking lots. A horse racing track still exists, while a mega-mall and indoor ski slope sit vacant in partially-complete development limbo. NYC Skyline Behind Acres of Parking, Photo by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey In spite of, or because of the remote location, MetLife boasts a respectable tailgating culture. Aside from this, there’s nothing to bring you to MetLife before or after your event. Hang out in nearby Manhattan, or maybe even Newark. Fans 3 Supercross flies under the radar of most sports fans, and even of many motorsports fans. It has a following, but not enough of one to have fan rivalries or any other unpleasantness. At the 2015 Monster Energy Supercross race at MetLife Stadium, a variety of riders brought fans, but the majority of those in attendance simply wanted to see a few good races. Fans cheered at the appropriate times, both with and without prompting from the video boards. Some turned up in team gear. The majority of the crowd, though, was as varied you’d expect at a non-mainstream event in a major market. Access 3 Parking started at $30 for the 2015 race. Knowing this in advance does little to cushion the blow as you pull into MetLife’s sea of parking. For the 2015 edition of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, the NJ Transit train to the Meadowlands from New York City did not run. Instead, direct bus service was available from Manhattan, or fans could take NJ Transit trains to Seacaucus Junction in New Jersey and transfer to bus there. For future editions of the race, fans relying on public transportation should inquire about specific transit operations. For those coming from New York, mass transit may be the better option, even if connections are necessary. In addition to the high price for parking, traffic congestion around the venue is an annoyance. MetLife tries to make life easy for all fans, but the sheer size of the venue makes that difficult. Handicapped parking is still a long walk from entrance gates. Once inside, accessible seating exists, but can still be a hike from entrance gates. Fans with no mobility issues can fully enjoy MetLife Stadium in all its enormity. Though the first two annual Supercross races saw large crowds, the stadium was not sold out, and fans had plenty of room to move around. Return on Investment 4 The AMA Supercross tour doesn’t show much love to the northeast. In the two decades between New York-area events, fans in the most populous part of the US were left out in the cold. With the return to New Jersey’s Meadowlands, Supercross fans in the northeast can now see their sport on their own turf. And with such a large venue, organizers are able to offer enough price points to entice fans from all walks of life. Additionally, 2015 saw Monster Energy offer fans free access to the pit areas in exchange for an empty Monster can. Extras 3 Perhaps more than anything else, the “Party in Pits” sets AMA Supercross apart from other events at MetLife Stadium. The opportunity to get a little closer to the riders is appreciated, especially at such a large stadium. The variety of Supercross rider gear at the souvenir stands is also impressive. Final Thoughts The return of AMA Supercross to MetLife Stadium is a blessing to dirt bike fans in the northeast United States, as well as the fan who likes seeing events that are just outside the mainstream. Though the event and stadium aren’t quite “can’t-miss,” those with an interest in checking out Supercross in person are likely to be satisfied.

Photos by Daniel Armstrong, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Duffy Bass Field Gregory St Normal, IL 61761 Illinois State Redbirds website Duffy Bass Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1,500 Redbird Renovation For more than 25 years the baseball program at Illinois State University has called Duffy Bass Field home. The original structure featured limited seating and was lacking in many modern amenities. In 2006, then-athletic director Dr. Sheahon Zenger unveiled the Redbird Renaissance Capital Campaign, the purpose of which was to propel Illinois State’s Athletic Complexes into the 21st century. Along with the renovation of the baseball diamond, a new softball stadium, a new east side grandstand at Hancock Stadium, and an upgrade to Redbird Arena were included in the master plan. The $3.2 million renovation saw Duffy Bass Field transform from what could have been considered a temporary structure into one of the premier venues in the Midwest. The new stadium features a gated complex with seating for over 1,500 spectators, fixed concession stands, restrooms, team dugouts, and a press box unparalleled in mid-major baseball. The stadium, which is nestled into the northwest corner of the Redbird’s athletic complex, was rededicated on May 9th 2009. The name was changed from Redbird Field to Duffy Bass Field in honor of long time ISU coach Duffy Bass, who coached the Redbirds for over 20 seasons and led them to capture the 1969 NCAA College Division National Championship. Since the project was completed in 2009 the stadium has received other upgrades including a new LED scoreboard in 2010 and a $360,000 Field Turf infield in 2013. The Redbirds have consistently finished in the top half of the Missouri Valley Conference since the renovation including a league championship and impressive playoff run in 2010. Duffy Bass Field has the honor of hosting the Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Tournament for the first time in its history in 2013. Food & Beverage 3 You won’t find anything other than typical ballpark fare at Duffy Bass Field. The selection includes hot dogs, hamburgers, Polish sausage, nachos, popcorn, candy, soft drinks (Pepsi), and hot chocolate. All items are reasonably priced and range from $1.50-$4.50. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is extremely visually appealing. The new Field Turf infield features a Redbird logo and is very classy looking. The natural grass outfield is very well manicured as well. In fact, before the installation of the artificial surface Illinois State was twice awarded the Professional Grounds Management Society’s Honor Award for excellence in playing surface. There is also a picturesque backdrop to the stadium with trees in left field; the towering new grandstand of Hancock Stadium in center; and Horton Fieldhouse, Redbird Arena, and a state of the art scoreboard in right field. There is a great view from every seat. The three sections directly behind home plate are plastic stadium seats and the rest of the fixed seating is backed metal bleachers. Grass along both baselines extends to the outfield fence and serve as overflow. The sound is good throughout the stadium. Although I was thoroughly irritated by the public address announcer by the end of the game. ISU has a great student following which adds tremendously to the atmosphere at any collegiate sporting event. It is just an overall great place to see a game. The only downside is that the surrounding terrain is rather flat so wind can be a problem during some contests so dress accordingly. Neighborhood 3 There are few options within comfortable walking distance, but there are plenty of options nearby if driving. My personal recommendation would be paying a visit to the Pub II. The Pub has been named one of the best college bars in America by Playboy magazine. You will find a large selection of food and beverages at a reasonable price. Order the cheese balls, you won’t regret it! Two other options would be either paying a visit to the Uptown Normal area which has a vast selection of dining choices and retail outlets, or a strip of bars along Beaufort Street which are catered to the students. Either way, visitors should be mindful of parking signs to avoid an unexpected ticket or the chance of being towed away. Fans 4 With its success in recent seasons, Illinois State’s baseball program has built up a faithful following. A half capacity crowd is typical for the Redbirds. All fans seem to be attentive to the action on the field, are knowledgeable about the game of baseball, and are interested in ensuring their team prevails in the contest. The visiting team often has a fairly large fan section which is located along the third baseline and they are treated in a respectful and welcoming manner. Access 4 Parking is no problem at ISU events. There is a large lot located directly outside the stadium and in the rare event that it fills up there are parking lots down Adelaide Street next to the soccer and softball stadiums. The concourse is wide and easily navigable and the entire experience is handicapped accessible. Restrooms are located past the concession stand on the first base side. They are very well maintained and large enough to accommodate the crowd without much of a line if any. Return on Investment 5 The experience is well worth the price of admission, in fact I would have gladly paid more. Illinois State Redbirds baseball is presented free of charge. Admission to every regular season Illinois State contest is free as is parking so the only place you can incur expense is through concessions. I enjoyed my visit and would have gladly paid something. Extras 2 I like the view of the athletics complex beyond the outfield. Overall this is a very appealing and high quality stadium. Illinois State did a fantastic job with this renovation. The new ballpark is a complete 180 from what they had before. Best of all, it’s FREE! As the cost of attending a live sporting event is rising in all leagues across the nation this is a very welcome surprise.

Photo Courtesy of FDUKnights.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Naimoli Family Baseball Complex 1000 River Rd Teaneck, NJ 07666 Fairleigh Dickinson Knights website Naimoli Family Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 500 A Curious Little Ballfield Fairleigh Dickinson University is New Jersey’s largest private institution, founded in 1942. As of 2015, it is the state’s largest private institution of higher education with approximately 11,619 students. There are two campuses in the state in Madison and Florham Park, as well as Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck and Hackensack outside New York City in Bergen County. The Metropolitan Campus is where the school competes in NCAA Division I athletics and are known as the Knights, while the Madison/Florham campus competes in NCAA Division III athletics and use the Devils nickname for its sports teams. The Knights baseball team have called the Naimoli Family Baseball Complex home since the spring of 2011. The field features both a synthetic infield and outfield playing surface, while further improvements will feature lighting, stands, and a press box. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverage served at the complex, and it is wise to either eat before your arrival or bring your own food to the game. A very common occurrence at many baseball fields across the copious college campuses in the country. However, there are many fast food choices nearby that are easily accessible to the ballpark that could help out in a pinch. Do not be surprised to see a few fans brown bagging it during the ballgame. Atmosphere 2 The baseball field is recognizable from Route 4, but it does feel somewhat hidden from the rest of the FDU campus. The ball field stands directly below the very busy state road that connects commuters to New York City via the George Washington Bridge. It is a very peculiar place for a baseball field, and there is not a lot of room for many things that are common at ballgames for the fans. The main issue is that there are very few spots to grab a seat at the game, with the exception of a couple of movable small wooden bleachers near home plate. The majority of the fans either stand, bring their own chairs, or will find a sporadic plastic chair to use to watch the game. This is not your most fan friendly baseball complex, but this is due more to its cramped spacing and proximity to the highway up above than anything else. A small scoreboard stands down the third baseline, while the entire field is heavily enclosed with netting to prevent foul balls from striking cars down the left field line on the highway. The backstop itself looks like it would be better off behind a t-ball field. The outfield walls are decorated with the name of the complex, and the all synthetic field is in immaculate condition featuring the college name and logo down the first and third baselines. Neighborhood 4 The FDU campus stretches between the cities of Teaneck and Hackensack. These two cities are a mix of residential and urban. The best part about attending a FDU game is that you are in close proximity of many places to eat and shop. The Shops of Riverside is a mall that features well known chain franchises including P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, Friday’s, Smashburger, and Houston’s. There is also a Hooters and several other local pizza parlors nearby, but the best place for a pie is at Brooklyn Pizza. It is a must before or after the game with their coal oven pizza and in-house mozzarella which give their pizza a one of kind taste at a low price. Also, try the fried ravioli, a somewhat rare treat in this part of the country. If you’re in the mood for more Italian food, then Donn Pomodoro is an excellent choice, especially for brunch on Sundays. Fans 1 There are not too many places for the fans to sit and cheer on their Knights baseball team, and perhaps this is why there are so few fans who attend the game. The ones who are in attendance, make sure they are heard loud and clear. Access 2 The baseball complex can be a bit of a hassle to access for the first time. There are not too many clear signs for drivers and one could get lost or frustrated trying to figure out where the baseball field is. Add rush hour traffic from the city into New Jersey, and you have the makings for a few headaches. The best way to reach the field is to drive past the campus, under the Route 4 bypass, and make a right into the field house parking. Once you are there, park your car, and take the tunnel to the ballpark – one of the most original ways to arrive to a baseball game and a little fun to take photos inside. Return on Investment 2 Even though there is no cost for admission, attending a game is definitely left up to the imagination. Without proper seating, concessions, and even bathrooms, returning for games in the future might be limited for an average customer. There are many other college ball fields that do not offer a lot of seating, but it is usually compensated with a large grassy hill or a small knoll to spread out a blanket to enjoy the game. Unfortunately, this does not exist here at FDU. Extras 3 One star for the quirkiness of the stadium’s location that includes a somewhat secret tunnel entrance. A second star for its all synthetic turf and lack of a dirt infield. For the type of weather that exists in New Jersey during the spring time, there is less of a chance for rain outs due to flooded fields. A third star is not baseball related. Just beyond the outfield walls is the university’s soccer field. A rather basic configuration, but one that should be noted as the first professional home to US Men’s National Team Goalkeeper and New Jersey native Tim Howard. In 1997, a then 18-year-old rookie began his professional career with the North Jersey Imperials of the United Soccer League posting a 0.99 GAA before moving up Major League Soccer and eventually the English Premier League. Final Thoughts The game that I attended most recently was quickly washed out due to a wintery mix of rain and snow. Unfortunately, few were in attendance due to the gunpowder skies and chance of precipitation. However, I am not sure how many more would have been at the game due to the limited and lack of seating. The university does have plans to add lighting, a press box, and more seating to the complex in the near future. Perhaps the much needed updates could be just what the baseball field needs to enhance the fan experience at the game.

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

Photo Courtesy of Spatms Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Maestri Field 6801 Franklin Ave New Orleans, LA 70122 New Orleans Privateers website Maestri Field website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,900 Home Sweet Home: UNO Baseball returns to Maestri Field There’s an old saying that you can’t go home again. After a couple of nomadic years between 2012 and 2014 where UNO baseball played off-campus between Zephyr Field (home to the MiLB’s New Orleans Zephyrs) and local Wesley Barrow Stadium, home is exactly where Privateer baseball has returned. During that time, Maestri Field underwent a near complete face lift which saw a new grandstand installed with 800 chair backs and a new press box with a private suite, among other upgrades. Not only did the Privateers return to a new stadium experience, but the program also emerged from flirtations with a transition to Division II and III after once having been a strong member of the Division I Sun Belt Conference. In 2014, UNO once again returned in full-force to Division I as a member of the largely Texas and Louisiana based Southland Conference. The road back home has been tough for many in New Orleans after the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. From a higher education perspective, this is seen clearly in the struggles UNO has faced both academically and athletically since then. Many in the community look to the multi-million dollar renovation to Maestri Field as a sign of promise for the future. Whether you’re an alum of UNO or a member of the greater New Orleans region, there’s something special about attending a game at Maestri Field. You get the feeling that you’re playing a small part in helping the university and community continue on the long road to normalcy. Doesn’t hurt that you’ll also get to take in a traditional college baseball atmosphere and quality Southland Conference baseball opponents as well. Food & Beverage 3 The upgraded concessions experience at Maestri Field covers the basics. While the concession offerings will satisfy you, it’s missing a greater variety of options and a signature item. Quality and Variety of Food Options. There is a single primary concession stand which offers up staple stadium food items including hot dogs ($3), nachos ($4), cheeseburgers ($5), popcorn ($2.50), peanuts ($2), and sunflower seeds ($1.50). While these items are anything but gourmet, they will satisfy your craving for ballpark grub. The most unique items on the menu are the bowl of jambalaya ($4) and grilled chicken sandwich ($4.50). Variety of Drink Options. Your soda/drink options include bottled Coca-Cola products ($2.50 – $3). Maestri Field offers up both domestic (160z) and import (12oz) beers for $5. Concessions Recommendation. When in Louisiana, it’s hard to pass-up a good bowl of jambalaya and we recommend you grab a bowl while at Maestri Field. If you’re looking for something more traditional, it’s hard to beat eating a hot dog at a baseball game. Atmosphere 3 Overall, Maestri Field provides a solid atmosphere for college baseball. Highlights include a new-stadium feel, outfield video board and a traditional baseball environment. Stadium Aesthetics. It’s clear upon the walk-up to Maestri Field that you’re stepping into a brand new facility. While the grandstand area is smaller in size, the modern look and feel add positively to the experience. Chair back seating in the main grandstand is comfortable, the field is beautiful, and the video scoreboard adds to the overall atmosphere at Maestri Field. In-Game Promotions and Entertainment. Don’t expect an over-the-top minor league atmosphere at Maestri Field. While the athletics department has the occasional promotion, you’ll get to enjoy a more traditional college baseball setting without the bells and whistles. There’s no dance team or mascot to block your view of the field. With that said, the experience fits well with baseball purists, but may leave families attending with little ones searching for ways to keep the kids entertained. Seat Location Recommendations. The chair back seating in the main grandstand will obviously be your most comfortable seat in the stadium along with the best view. The bleacher seating along left field foul line is also a good location for the younger crowd since this is where you’ll find most of the students who may be in attendance. Fans of the visiting team will likely find comfort in numbers in the bleacher seating along the right field foul line. Neighborhood 4 When you think about the neighborhood for UNO baseball, it’s definitely a mixed bag. The immediate area around UNO is known as the Lakefront and Gentilly neighborhoods. As primarily residential neighborhoods, there’s not exactly a ton of options in the immediate vicinity. If I were to rate the immediate area only, it would probably be closer to a score of 2 or 3. However, a major benefit for those coming to a UNO game from outside the New Orleans region is that the New Orleans French Quarter and CBD is only a couple of miles south of the campus and stadium. Since there’s tons of information available on what to do while in the more touristy parts of New Orleans, we’ll focus more on restaurant, entertainment and lodging options in the immediate area. Where to Eat. If you are planning to eat around the campus, there are a few quality restaurants popular with the locals in the university community. The Munch Factory (325 Elysian Fields) serves up some regionally inspired dishes like shrimp remoulade green fried tomatoes, gumbo, and buffalo oysters. East of Italy (6600 Franklin) is a quality stop for Italian food cravings. Deanie’s Seafood (1713 Lake) is a great stop for fried and boiled seafood. Though it’s not exactly in the immediate area, it’s a short drive to the nearby Bucktown neighborhood. Attractions and Entertainment. Located just a couple of minutes from UNO, there’s plenty to do at City Park. You could literally spend a whole day here and not see everything. Be sure to check out some of the more popular attractions at City Park like the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, City Putt, and Storyland (great options for traveling families). There’s also plenty of recreational options including the City Park golf course. Again, if you’re not from the New Orleans region, you’ll likely be budgeting some time in more popular areas like the French Quarter, the Garden District and CBD. You’ll find more than enough to keep you entertained in those areas. Where to Stay. New Orleans is one of the tourism capitals of the world and there’s an endless variety of hotels to choose from around the city. A unique option nearby UNO is Pontchartrain Landing. Located on a straight connecting to Lake Pontchartrain, this option is perfect for families traveling by RV, those with boating interests, or simply to rent out a comfortable stay in an on-site villa. Fans 2 The Privateers find themselves in a new home, a new conference, and a renewed opportunity to entice local, student, and alumni fan support. If UNO is able to put together a strong conference record, the community seems ripe for flocking to the field. Until then, however, fan support could use a shot in the arm. Typical Attendance Patterns. While UNO is certainly a traditional and integral part of New Orleans, the back and forth shift from life support to Southland Conference membership has certainly done some damage to the Privateer fan base. Being away from home during renovations have certainly left a mark. Expect a crowd which ranges from 200 – 500 for a typical game. Some of UNO’s conference rivals include Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana, so expect better than average attendances for these games. Also, when UNO is able to schedule a home game against regional powers like Tulane and LSU, attendance peaks. Crowd Noise & Engagement. Unfortunately, typically little engagement by UNO crowds. While there are certainly long-time die-hard supporters on hand, crowds can typically feel disengaged and border-line apathetic. Traditions & Chants. There’s not much going on at the ballpark in regards to chants or traditions. Hopefully as UNO begins to establish itself in a new ballpark and new home in the Southland Conference, fans will start creating a few new game day traditions. Access 4 One of the strengths of the UNO baseball experience at Maestri Field is the ease of access throughout the full experience. Whether it’s the quick and friendly service at the ticket office or spacious concourse, expect short lines and room to move around. Transit to and from the Stadium. Getting to Maestri Field is pretty easy. Though highways and interstates in major cities can always be a bit of an annoyance, Maestri Field’s location gives you access to the Gentilly area through both I-10 and I-610. Once off the interstate, the stadium and UNO’s campus is about a six mile drive. Parking.There’s plenty of available parking next to the stadium. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, be sure to check out a map before you begin the trek to the stadium. Situated near the Lakefront Arena, it can be easy to accidentally get caught up in parking for a special event. Enter at the intersection between Leon C. Simon Dr. and Press Dr. Parking is typically $5 on game day. Ticketing & Gate Entry. After you’ve parked, make your way over to the left side of main grandstand to find the ticket office and will call. You should be greeted by friendly staff and quickly be on your way to the gate without encountering much of a line. The same can be said for the main entrance gate, which is actually the only entrance, just behind home plate and the main grandstand. Moving Around the Stadium. There is plenty of room to move around the outer concourse. With only a single concession stand, you may encounter a bit of a line for well attended games. While the aisles within the seating areas aren’t especially spacious, they do allow adequate room to get up and down to your seat. The restrooms aren’t state-of-the-art by any means, but are large enough for typical crowds at Maestri Field. Return on Investment 5 While Southland Conference baseball typically flies under the radar of the casual college baseball fans, those who pay close attention understand that there’s some quality small park ball being played across Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The cost associated with attending a UNO baseball game is minimal, especially for the quality of play you’ll get to experience. Extras 2 The outfield video board is a nice touch for the level of play. It’s not often that you see a video board at many smaller ballparks like Maestri Field and it adds significantly to the overall experience. You won’t have to look far for Privateer apparel. There is a merchandise stand adjacent to the concessions stand immediately upon walking into the stadium. While there are several points of the experience which qualify as an “extra,” the atmosphere could be greatly enhanced with banners and plaques which memorialize past accomplishments and legends of Privateer baseball. There’s not currently much in this regard on site.

Photo Courtesy of Spatms Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Joe Miller Ballpark / Cowboy Diamond Common St and Contour Dr Lake Charles, LA 70607 McNeese State Cowboys website Cowboy Diamond website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 2,000 Cowboy Diamond, Home to MSU Cowboys Baseball The Cowboy Diamond offers a cozy atmosphere for small college baseball. Located in Lake Charles on the campus of McNeese State University, the ballpark is home field for MSU Cowboys baseball, a member of the Southland Conference and NCAA Division I. Though originally constructed in 1965, the stadium has seen several major upgrades in recent years including a new grandstand in 2008 which features chairback seating behind home plate. Cowboy Diamond has an official capacity of 2,000 but can easily accommodate overflow crowds. While the ballpark both literally and figuratively sits in the shadow of Cowboy Stadium, home to the pride and joy of MSU athletics, Cowboy football, MSU baseball seems poised for an increase in popularity both within the university community and the Lake Charles region. Whether you’re traveling in support of your favorite college ball club or just in town visiting Lake Charles, the Cowboy Diamond has a lot to offer fans of small college baseball in a traditional atmosphere. Food & Beverage 2 The Cowboy Diamond offers up the staple ballpark classics while also providing alcoholic beverages to fans in the Miller Lite Beer Garden. While the experiences lacks a signature item, you’ll likely find something to satisfy your hunger (or thirst) during the game. The main stand is located behind the main grandstand, in a separate facility, closer to the first baseline side. Your main entree options at Cowboy Diamond include hot dogs ($3.50), hot links ($4.50), hamburgers, ($4.50) and nachos ($3.50 for regular, $4.50 for nacho grande). Snack items range from popcorn and pretzels for $2, to Cajun peanuts ($4.50), sunflower seeds ($3), and more. Soda options at Cowboy Diamond are headlined by Coca-Cola products. Fountain sodas are available ranging from $2.50 for a small to $4.50 for a large souvenir cup size. Bottled Dasani water is available for $2.50. The Miller Lite Beer Garden is a neat seating area and pavilion located at the end of the third baseline. There’s a small little hut in this area which sells an assortment of beers and sodas as well. When it comes to recommended concession items, you’ll likely want to stay clear of the hot dog here, as it’s not the best of quality. However, try out the hot link, nacho grande, or keep it simple with a bag of Cajun peanuts. Atmosphere 3 The Cowboy Diamond provides a nice, cozy atmosphere both for families and those looking for a tailgate-style viewing experience. Seats in the main grandstand behind home plate provide shelter from the rain and heat thanks to an overhead awning. Featuring both chair back and bleacher seating, this area is where you’ll find most Cowboy fans. Netting wraps across the entire viewing area in front of the grandstand seats from ground to the top of the awning. Down the third baseline towards left field, you’ll find the Miller Lite Beer Garden and Boardwalk areas. The Boardwalk is a nice place to plop down a tailgate style chair along the foul line wall. Just behind is the Beer Garden area complete with a beer sales tiki hut and a small strip of bleachers. There’s also a pavilion in this area which is a great place for group events and parties. The field dimensions at Cowboy Diamond are 330 down the lines, 375 in the power alleys and 400 in center field. The infield features an artificial surface with a natural grass outfield. There is a traditional styled scoreboard beyond the left field wall. While the interior provides a nice atmosphere for fans, some work could be done to the exterior to make it stand out a little more. For example, the ballpark could have more of a presence if the stadium name was posted on the exterior behind the grandstand seats instead of just a blank white space. The game day staff ensures a traditional baseball atmosphere with a few promotions between innings. Expect to see some smaller on-field promotions like a kid base race. The music selection is appropriate for the typical crowd with a focus on country and rock classics, plus player selected walk-up music. Neighborhood 3 The Cowboy Diamond is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on the southern side of the McNeese State University campus. Adjacent to the ballpark is Cowboy Stadium, home to MSU football and the Track and Field Complex. Lake Charles is a medium-sized city in southwest Louisiana and thrives on the oil and gas industry as well as casinos and gaming. In Cajun country, expect to find a few great places to eat and unique entertainment. When it comes to eats, be sure to grab lunch (and a couple of local brews) at Darrell’s. The “Darrell’s Special” is a New Orleans style “poboy” which includes ham, turkey, and roast beef smothered in a roast beef gravy. Steamboat Bill’s serves up delicious seafood including boiled crawfish and a fried seafood platter. Raising Canes is a Louisiana college town staple, and there’s a location off Ryan Street near the ballpark. Considering that casinos aren’t allowed in Texas, Lake Charles benefits greatly by a large crowd making the trek over from the Houston area for a weekend of gambling fun. The Isle of Capri and L’Auberge du Lac are two of the more popular options, if you’re into the casino scene. If you time your visit right, you can catch the Mardi Gras season and a parade or two while in town. Just across from the Cowboy Diamond is the Frosty Factory. This is a great place to grab a local frozen daiquiri before or after the game. Both the L’Auberge and Isle of Capri casinos are also a great place to stay while in town as each also offer hotel services. Fans 2 In Lake Charles, Cowboy football is the unmatched king of the sports scene. Support for Cowboy baseball, however, seems to be on the rise. Cowboy Diamond is the perfect size not only for current baseball crowds, but reasonable growth in the future. For your typical weekend series, expect to see about 600 – 750 fans in attendance. The best attended games of the year will likely come when the Cowboys host in-state rivals like UL-Lafayette or LSU. Within the conference, expect nice crowds for cross-town rival Lamar, and in-state conference foes of Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State. Cowboy baseball crowds are engaged and interactive throughout the game. Expect outbursts during big plays and support for pitchers closing out games in the ninth inning. While there are certainly moments where the crowd is quiet, Cowboy fans know when to get into the game. Fans are active during the seventh inning stretch joining in with the classic “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and clapping along to a fan favorite song referred to as the Cajun National Anthem, “Joli Blon.” Access 4 Lake Charles is accessible from the west and east via I-10 and the I-210 loop. Take the Ryan Street exit off I-210 and head south towards the McNeese State campus. Turn left onto East McNeese Street and then take a right onto Common Street. The ballpark will be on your left on Common Street. Look for a grass parking lot at the corner of Common and Terrace Lane, just behind the left field wall. Parking here will be plentiful and free, plus provides a quick walk to the ticket booth and entrance. The ticket booth shouldn’t have much of a line. If you are purchasing your tickets, be sure to bring along cash as credit is not accepted (though it is accepted at concessions). You’ll quickly grab your tickets and breeze through the entrance, which is at the corner of left field and the third baseline. There’s plenty of room to move around the ballpark, with a courtyard wrapping from left field to the end of the grandstand by first base. The restrooms are old and not the cleanest, but are easily accessible. The main concourse is located at the bottom of the seating area in the grandstand and is wide enough for good traffic flow. Return on Investment 4 The return on investment for attending an MSU baseball game at Cowboy Diamond is pretty strong. With general admission tickets beginning at $8 ($5 for children), there’s very little out-of-pocket investment to get in the gate. In fact, a weekend pass can be purchased for just $20. Reserved chair backs run $15. Concessions aren’t cheap, but also not completely unreasonable. Parking is free. Extras 2 The Cowboy Diamond features a couple of “extra” components which enhance the fan experience at the ballpark. The Miller Lite Beer Garden and Boardwalk area is a neat spot for fans to take in the game in more of a tailgate style, laid back atmosphere. It is a nice overall addition for fans wanting to escape the traditional experience in the main grandstand. There’s a plaque and flower bed honoring the late Harry Chozen, a former McNeese legend. It’s always nice to see programs memorialize the past.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Estadio de Béisbol Beto Ávila SM 21, 21, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico Tigres de Quintana Roo website Estadio de Béisbol Beto Ávila website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 9,000 Baseball in Cancun Just a short drive, but a world away from Cancun’s famous beaches, AAA baseball thrives at Estadio de Béisbol Beto Ávila. The hometown Tigres (Tigers) are one of Mexico’s most storied teams, having amassed 11 championship banners over the course of their six-decade history. Though the Tigers have called three cities home in that time, the team has been settled into Cancun in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo since 2007. In that short time, the Tigres have brought two pennants to their Caribbean city, and locals, as well as the occasional tourist, have taken notice. Though oversized and perhaps just slightly drab, Avila Stadium is a unique and comfortable venue, and the Tigres de Quintana Roo run a very good operation here. Food & Beverage 5 One of the joys of attending sporting events in Mexico is the food. Not only is it good, but the variety and service are hard to beat. At Avila, as well in a variety of venues around Mexico, concession stands are rented out on an individual basis. This means that a walk around the concourse will give you your choice of international chain restaurants (Subway), generic stadium snacks (churros), or local cuisine prepared by mom-and-pop operations. Actually, you might not even need to take that walk, since a small army of vendors and waiters roam the stadium constantly. If you don’t like what a vendor is carrying, someone is certain to come along momentarily to take your order for something else. A few vendors carry menus in case you’re not sure what’s on offer, and some of these even include photos you can point to, si no habla español. Though prices are marked-up considerably from what you might pay at a local shop outside the stadium, food and drink are still far cheaper than what you would pay at a Minor League game in the U.S. or Canada, or at the resorts a short drive away that cater to those American and Canadian tourists. For the 2015 season, a Coke or bottle of water goes for 20 Mexican pesos (USD $1.30 or EUR 1.20, as of April 2015), while a small beer will run you MXN 25 (USD $1.63; EUR 1.50). If ordering from your seat, a small tip to the waiter is not required, but is appreciated. Unlike in more touristy spots in Cancun, US Dollars are generally not accepted here. Security checks at the entrance are minimal, and fans are unlikely to have much trouble smuggling in outside snacks. Considering the variety and quality available here, though, you should come with an appetite to try the local ballpark fare. Atmosphere 3 Most Tigers games in Cancun are played in the evening, which is sensible considering the merciless tropical sun throughout much of the season. As such, there is no roof to seek out, and the darkness means that you can’t complain about the lack of an interesting view. Instead, you’re free to focus on the game and stadium experience itself, all of which is pleasant. Views of the action are good. Aside from the cheapest outfield seats, everyone has a comfortable plastic bucket seat. Ushers will check your ticket multiple times to ensure that you’ve found your correct seat, but aren’t overzealous about ensuring that you stay there. Depending on your height, the first row in the upper level behind the plate may be obstructed by a railing, although we had no trouble moving two rows back. A nice, fairly-modern video board is well used, and sound is good in the ballpark. The mascot is entertaining, and the team’s cheerleaders are less visible than one might expect. Public wi-fi is not yet available here. The stadium itself is perhaps a bit more interesting in person than it appears in pictures. More like cricket and older soccer venues than most baseball stadiums, Estadio Avila actually has five separate seating structures linked only by a ground level concourse. The structures are entirely concrete, but the paint is fresh and colorful. Decorations, championship banners, and team signage prevent Avila from feeling bland. Except for the English line scoreboard in right center field and the occasional between-innings American pop song, everything at Estadio Avila is in Spanish. A little español will go a long way here, but Cancun was built on the tourist industry, so workers are patient and polite when dealing with gringos and others who lack even basic Spanish. Interestingly, the Mayan language can sometimes be heard being spoken around the stadium, and might be more useful than English here. The Mexican Baseball League (Liga Mexicana de Beisbol) is one of the handful of non-US leagues that, while members of Minor League baseball and thus with officially-assigned levels (in this case, AAA), lack direct Major League affiliations. The quality of play is good and you’ll even see the occasional familiar face. For example, former MLB superstar Miguel Tejada is kicking around the Mexican League as of 2015. Neighborhood 3 On the map, Estadio Beto Avila looks to be located right in the center of Cancun. But maps can be deceiving. Despite the geographically-central location, there isn’t a lot worth seeing within a short walk of the stadium. The neighborhood is safe, though, so the true Stadium Journeyman should make it a point to drop by the neighboring Estadio Olímpico Andrés Quintana Roo, home of soccer’s Atlante FC. A few local sports fields, including an American football field, are nearby. Aside from these, well, there’s a Costco. And a Home Depot. And a Walmart. Venture a little bit farther, though, and you’ll be able to keep busy. A very long walk or a short drive can bring you to the beach, to the glitz and glamour of Cancun’s nightclubs, or to authentic Mexican mercados in the more commercial parts of the city center. Fans 3 The Tigres fan base is similar to the fan base of most Minor League baseball teams: a mix of families, serious fans, the occasional tourist, and those simply looking for a night out. Many fans do arrive late, but we’ll blame that on parking and especially on the understaffed ticket window. Once inside, the crowd pays attention and cheers at the appropriate times, without over-reliance on the video board. The team sells noisemakers, but they are not popular enough to be annoying. Caps and jerseys are neither common nor rare. Fans are polite and mostly keep to themselves. Opening day and playoffs may come close to selling out, but in general, thousands of seats are available in this large building on game day. The Tigers raw attendance numbers aren’t bad, but this is simply a big venue in a medium-sized city. Thankfully, the concrete reflects the crowd noise, and the nearly-vacant outfield sections are painted a uniform blue that blends in with the outfield wall. Even at half of capacity, Estadio de Béisbol Beto Ávila doesn’t feel empty. Access 3 Estadio de Béisbol Beto Ávila is located in central Cancun. Though Cancun is a thriving medium-sized city with its share of downtown hotels and activities, most visitors choose to avoid the downtown and instead stay in the beachfront “Zona Hotelera,” or Hotel Zone. From the center of the city, you may be able to walk to the game, but most fans will arrive by car. If driving, roads are good, but the stadium is not well-signed. Between this and the fact that parking is tricky, newcomers to Cancun will find that driving to a Tigres game is a bit challenging, but not impossible. Still, give yourself plenty of time, or just take a cab. All taxi drivers should be familiar with the team and the stadium. Some taxi drivers speak English. Cabs in Cancun are plentiful and can be hailed on the street downtown or found in front of most large hotels. Rates are officially set and available on charts, though it is wise to confirm these directly with the driver at the very start of the trip. From downtown or the northern part of the Hotel Zone, taxi fares are reasonable. Fans staying in the southern part of the Zona Hotelera or closer to the airport (Mexico’s second-busiest) should prepare for a big fare. 350 pesos (USD $22.76) and beyond is possible for more distant locations within Cancun. Leaving the game, cabs line up at the taxi stand just outside the main entrance. Fans leaving immediately after the final out may be able to hop right into a cab. Those who hang around a bit might have a short wait, but will eventually find a ride home. The return trip should cost the same as the trip to the stadium. If coming from more distant places in Quintana Roo like the Mayan Riviera (Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, etc.), it might be wise to pre-arrange transportation or to spend the night in Cancun, unless you are familiar with night driving in the area and all that entails (namely dark roads and speed bumps). Public transportation in city busses and shared vans can also bring you close to the stadium. Though relatively few tourists take advantage of this form of local transport, prices are low, and this can be an option for the budget-conscious. Inquire locally, ideally in Spanish. There is no rail service in Cancun or in the entire Yucatan Peninsula, though projects are being discussed. Once you’ve arrived at Avila, prepare on a long line for tickets. Despite the fact that many fans buy tickets on game day, the Tigres open a small number of ticket windows. This is perhaps the team’s biggest failing. Inside the stadium, fans can move around comfortably. With waiters available, fans generally stay in their seats, and the flat and roomy concourse remains clear. Restrooms are among the worst smelling in Minor League Baseball, but work in a pinch. Fans with special needs will find their seating options limited, but probably sufficient. Return on Investment 5 By AAA baseball standards and by night-out-in-Cancun standards, the Tigres offer an exceptional value. By Mexican League standards, prices aren’t as shockingly low, but are still very affordable. For the 2015 season, tickets range from 20-150 Mexican pesos (USD $1.30-$9.75), but frequent promotions bring these already low prices down even further. Children under 120cm (about 4 feet tall) can sit in the two lower-cost seating areas for free and pay just 20 pesos in other areas. Ladies are free on Thursdays. Students get 2-for-1 ticket deals every day in certain sections. Some type of 2-for-1 or even 3-for-1 promo is available for almost every non-Sunday game. A family of four (or more) could attend certain games for USD $1.30. Keep in mind that this is officially just one level below Major League Baseball. The value is incredible. Extras 3 In a city full of international visitors, Estadio de Béisbol Beto Ávila and the Tigres de Quintana Roo score bonus points by providing up a truly local night of entertainment for the visitor who makes it to this off-the-beaten-path destination. For the local, the team’s proud display of its tradition and its assurance that games remain affordable for fans from all walks of like is commendable. Additionally, a quality (though not inexpensive) team shop and free line-up sheet also add value to the game day experience here. Final Thoughts All in all, the Quintana Roo Tigers offer up a well above-average experience that is worth a visit for the baseball fan in the Cancun area.

Photo Courtesy of Ragin’ Cajuns Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field 201 Reinhardt Dr Lafayette, LA 70506 UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns website M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 3,755 Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball at The Tigue When it comes to college baseball, it’s hard to beat the overall fan experience for a Ragin’ Cajuns game at M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field. The Tigue features a passionate fan base that regularly ranks near the top of Division I in attendance and was tenth overall in 2014. Adding to the game day environment is a quality on-field product. The UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns have captured seven Sun Belt Conference regular season titles and are a perennial noise maker in the NCAA Division I baseball postseason with 14 total regional appearances since 1988. Located on the campus of the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field has served as home field to the Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team since 1978. The ballpark features a newly installed synthetic turf system, a seating capacity of 3,755, and 71 foot scoreboard featuring video replay and graphics. If you consider yourself a college baseball fan, a visit to The Tigue in south Louisiana needs to be on your bucket list. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions experience at The Tigue comes through with quality items and a surprisingly good variety of options. Whether it’s craft beer, a fried catfish plate, or Dippin Dots, there should be a taste of something to meet just about everyone’s craving. Credit cards are accepted at most of the stands, which comes in handy if you’re short on cash. Quality and Variety of Food Options. Both the quality and variety of food options at The Tigue are strong. The primary stand is located behind the main grandstand in the courtyard as you come through the entrance gate. Here you’ll find your ballpark staples including hot dogs ($3), nachos ($4), and popcorn ($3). Also in the courtyard, you’ll find several cart vendors including Dippin’ Dots, Great American Cookie, a frozen lemonade stand, and a sno-cones stand. Down the left side of the main grandstand, some of your more unique food items will include a stand selling catfish plates and fried pickles, a roasted peanuts stand, and another which offers up poboys, ultimate nachos, ultimate tator tots, and chicken tender baskets. One of the fan favorites is the Deano’s Pizza cart which offers up personal sized pizzas for $7-$8 (try the Ragin’ Cajun). Get there quick since the pizza is known to sell-out as early as the third inning. Variety of Drink Options. The drink options at The Tigue are exceptional are headlined by a wide variety of craft beers (including local favorites like Abita Strawberry and Canebrake) which run between $6-$7. Soda options include fountain-style Coca-Cola products for $4 and bottled Dasani water for $3. Recommendation. While there are plenty of options to satisfy your craving, I recommend grabbing a bag of roasted peanuts and an Abita Strawberry draft brew to cool you on a warm Louisiana spring day. Atmosphere 4 The Tigue provides a strong college baseball atmosphere which features a historic venue with touches of modernity. Stadium Aesthetics. M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field has served as home field for the Ragin’ Cajuns for over 35 years. While the main grandstand shows some sign of wear, it’s complemented with a contrast of new bleacher seating along both baselines, a recently installed synthetic turf, and a beautiful scoreboard with video replay and graphics. UL-Lafayette does a good job of highlighting past accomplishments with a large board just inside the main entrance that lists conference championships and regional appearances. There is also a retired jersey pasted on the outfield wall honoring former Cajun great Ron Guidry. With so much history and success over the years, UL-Lafayette could do even more to feature these impressive accomplishments further. A couple of small changes could be made to improve the visual aesthetics of the stadium. The main grandstand could use a new coat of paint and chair back seating with cup holders could be added in. The athletics master plan calls for enhancements to the main grandstand and also connecting to the bleacher seating down both baselines. Work hasn’t started yet, but when these upgrades are completed, The Tigue would undoubtedly be one of the finest college baseball stadiums in America. Also, though the tree coverage outside the main entrance certainly adds to the natural look to the stadium, it makes it difficult to get a good view of the exterior through the leaves. In-Game Promotions and Entertainment. While there are a few on-field promotions and music played between innings, expect a more traditional college baseball atmosphere. Being in south Louisiana, the music selection played between innings is typically either Cajun or country in genre. For the seventh inning stretch, a neat tradition is the playing of John Fogerty’s “Center Field.” While this may be blasphemous to some baseball purists in place of “Take me Out to the Ballgame”, the fans all stand and sing along. When the music fades out near the end, the fans pick up volume and finish out the song with a loud “center field!” The fight song is traditionally played between the eighth and ninth innings. It would be nice to have the Ragin’ Cajun mascot “Cayenne” out interacting with fans during games, but he typically does not make appearances for baseball. The dance team is on hand selling raffle tickets, but not to perform. Seat Location Recommendations. Typically, the best view of the on-field action can be found in the seats behind home plate. These chair backs also offer up shade from an overhead awning (though the lower half of the seats may still be in sunlight). At The Tigue, the bleachers down first baseline will put you near the more rowdy, younger fans and the bleachers down third base line seem to be a little more family oriented. The patio box seats run down the outer baselines on both right and left field. This is a unique area where you can sit on fold-out chairs next to the baseline wall in groups of 4-6. Neighborhood 4 The Tigue is located on the campus of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette near several other athletics facilities including the Cajundome (home to UL-Lafayette basketball), Cajun Field (home to Ragin’ Cajun football), and between both the tennis and track complexes. As the capital of Cajun Country, Lafayette is home to some great restaurants and attractions which are a short drive from The Tigue. Where to Eat. There are plenty of great eats in the Lafayette area. One of the staples is Olde Tyme Grocery (218 W Saint Mary) which serves up classic poboys. I recommend ordering either the fried shrimp or the Olde Tyme Special (ham, turkey, roast beef, and swiss). While Lafayette isn’t famous for barbecue, Johnson’s Boucaniere (111 St. John’s) serves up a delicious pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwich as well as regionally popular hot boudin. Other recommended restaurants include Prejean’s (480 NE Evangeline), Blue Dog Cafe (1211 W Pinhook), and Bon Temps Grill (1312 Verot School). Attractions & Entertainment. As a mid-sized city, Lafayette has a good variety of options to keep fans entertained outside of the stadium experience. For traveling families, I recommend stops at both the Children’s Museum of Acadiana (201 E Congress) and the Lafayette Science Museum (433 Jefferson). Budget some time for a stroll through downtown Lafayette. There are several restaurants and shops in the area and also a nice park with a large “Lafayette” spelled out in block letters which is ripe for photo opportunities. Just outside of the city, you can catch tour of the swamp at Cajun Country Swamp Tours (1209 Rookery) in Breaux Bridge. The Blue Moon Saloon & Guesthouse (215 E Convent) offers up some live Zydeco music. Where to Stay. Just across the street from the Cajundome is Hilton Garden Inn – Lafayette/Cajundome (2350 W Congress). You could literally walk to the game from this location. Fans 5 Ragin’ Cajun baseball fans prove that you don’t need 90,000+ people in a stadium to have a great fan base. Fans at The Tigue show up in droves for the typical weekend baseball series, wear red, and remain engaged throughout the entire nine innings. Typical Attendance. If you were to review the NCAA DI baseball attendance rankings, you wouldn’t be surprised to notice handful of SEC, Big 12, and ACC teams dominating the top 10. Despite hailing from a smaller conference, the Sun Belt, the Ragin’ Cajuns rounded out the top ten in 2014 in average home field attendance with 3,671 fans per game. Each year, the Cajuns are typically in the conversation as one of the best attended college baseball venues in the country. Being located less than an hour’s drive from the perennial attendance dominator LSU makes this feat it even more impressive and shows just how passionate Ragin’ Cajun fans are. Crowd Noise & Engagement. UL-Lafayette fans don’t just show up, they are actively involved throughout the game. Expect to hear an antagonizing “ball four” chant every time the opposing pitcher gets behind 3-0 in a count. Fans don’t wait for the last out in the ninth inning to stand and clap. This will happen regularly throughout the game in key situations. When big plays happen, expect a big response from a typically at-capacity crowd. Traditions and Chants. You will pick-up on several traditions and chants throughout the game day experience. A fan favorite audio clip of Homer Simpson’s take on Rock and Roll (Gary Glitter’s “Hey!” song) is played routinely throughout the game. After it runs through, fans follow-up with a chant of “Ragin’,Cajuns, Go UL…woo-hoo!” An occasional back and forth chant will break out where one side of the stands yells “Ragin” and the other responds with “Cajuns!” As mentioned, there’s also the “ball four” chant and the sing along with “Center Field” during the seventh inning stretch. Access 3 Access throughout the Ragin’ Cajun baseball experience is a mixed bag. Getting to and from the stadium is relatively stress free, however, moving around inside the stadium can be a headache at times with long lines at small restrooms and tight aisles in the seating areas. Transit to and from Stadium. Located a few miles off I-10, the drive to The Tigue is a breeze. There can be a little congestion on the streets leading up the area at times, but not enough to cause frustration. As you are approaching the stadium, look for entrances to the parking lot on the west side of Cajun Field off either West Congress or Bertrand. Parking. Parking is free and plentiful around the stadium. Your best bet is to park in the lot on the west side of Cajun Field. You can also find parking on the east side the football stadium off Cajundome Boulevard and can make the short walk from there behind the south side of Cajun Field. Ticketing & Gate Entry. The primary entrance gate at The Tigue is located immediately behind home plate and the main grandstand. The lines here are typically short and the staff are very helpful. The will call / player list window is on the right side of the ticket booth and walk-up sales on the left. Since it’s a relatively small booth, you’ll figure this out pretty quickly, but it would be helpful if better signage was posted to make this clear. Once you have your ticket, you will breeze through the gate and baggage check, walking into a small courtyard where you’ll find the main concession stand, a fan information booth and several concession vendors. If you already have your ticket, there is also a smaller entrance about mid-way down the first baseline. Moving around the stadium. Where access can get a little frustrating is after you’ve entered the stadium. The concourse which wraps around behind the main grandstand is pretty narrow. This can cause the foot traffic to get congested at times. While concession lines are typically small, the restrooms in the main grandstand are completely inadequate for the size of the crowd. Expect to run into long lines for both the men’s and women’s stalls. If you don’t mind using a port-o-potty, you will find a row of three at the end of the concourse down both the first and third baselines which are typically immediately accessible. As you make your way to the seating areas, the walkways are tight, but adequate. The aisles between seats, however, are a little too tight making it difficult to get up and down from your seat location. Return on Investment 5 The cost of attending a Ragin’ Cajuns baseball game at The Tigue is an absolute steal when you consider the level of play and overall game day environment. Tickets start as low as $8 for general admission and are only $12 chair backs, box seats, and patio boxes. Free parking is a big bonus and concessions won’t break the bank. Getting a craft beer for $7 feels like a deal compared to what you’ll pay at other major sport facilities. Extras 4 There are several “extra” items which make the overall experience at The Tigue one of the best in college baseball. There is an indoor apparel shop built within the outer side of the main grandstand to the left of home plate. While many college baseball venues have an outdoor booth set-up, it’s nice to have an indoor shop, even if it’s small. UL-Lafayette pays homage to past accomplishments with a large display board as you enter the gate which lists championships and regional tournament appearances. There’s also a display down the third base wall. It’s always great to see former players memorialized in the stadium. On the outfield wall, there is a retired jersey for former Ragin’ Cajun pitcher Ron Guidry painted to the left of the stadium name. Guidry was born and raised in Lafayette, where he would go on to play for the hometown Cajuns on the way to a professional career where he helped the Yankees capture the World Series in 1977 and 1978. Immediately once you enter through the gate, you’ll be greeted by a fan information booth which is also selling programs. This is a nice place to check-in if you have any questions. Located at the end of the first baseline you’ll find an area reserved for the Cajun Cooking Club. This group of culinary Cajuns contribute to the baseball experience by preparing meals for the Cajun baseball team and also offering up meals to the visiting team after every home game. You’ll wish you were a member as you take in great smells and see good looking food while the club cooks throughout the game.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Falcon Field 2168 Field House Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80922 Air Force Falcons website Falcon Field website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 1,000 Academy Ball Founded in 1954, the Air Force Academy prepares more than 4,400 cadets a year for active duty as an officer in the Air Force. After 4 years of traditional classroom instruction, flight and survival training, lessons in military etiquette and tradition, and physical training, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants and with a Bachelor’s of Science from one of the top universities in the nation. One, of many, cadet requirements are mandatory participation in athletics, whether at the intramural or varsity level. While many facets of contemporary NCAA athletics are unsavory, the Academy uses athletics to boost physical fitness while also developing character and leadership skills, all important attributes for military officers. The Academy has 17 men’s and 10 women’s teams competing in NCAA Division 1, with the major sports belonging to the Mountain West Conference. The baseball team was founded in 1957, and while the Falcons themselves don’t have a lot of draftable talent, the Mountain West as a whole does, and this usually results in competitive games. The Falcons play at Falcon Field, a small field with a listed capacity of 1,000. The only official seating is a set of bleachers behind each dugout, but the grass ridges behind the bleachers offer a nice view with a chance to move around. The field is nestled between a football practice field, a rugby field, and various other athletic fields. Nearby is the Cadet Fieldhouse, which houses the Falcon basketball and ice hockey teams. The field itself is quite a throwback to the past compared to any modern major league stadium, but a good time can be had by any baseball fan. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small food trailer behind home plate serving hot dogs, brats, polish sausage, candy and soda. Here are the prices, as of the 2015 season: Hot Dog – $3 Brats – $5 Polish Sausage – $6 Chips – $1.50 Candy – $2.50 Soda (20 oz) – $3.50 Water (20 oz) – $3.50 Gatorade (20 oz) – $3.50 The hot dog and its sausage cousins are grilled ahead of time and kept warm in a water bath. The hot dog I had was a good size and quite tasty. The narrow selection combined with high drink prices only give this category one star. Atmosphere 4 The capacity is low – listed at 1,000, with turnouts much lower than that. The field has great views of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and the fans in attendance are attentive and very into the game. Seating is very close to the field, a welcome change if you don’t want to fork over a lot of cash at your local MLB park. The press box plays music between innings and walkup music for each Air Force hitter, something you wouldn’t expect walking up to the venue. The overall atmosphere is elevated by the setting in general – while the field opens up away from the foothills, there are breathtaking views looking back from home plate. The field (with the exception of the dirt mound) is FieldTurf, an unfortunate but pragmatic choice when accounting for the spring snowstorms that frequently occur along the Front Range. There isn’t a bad seat in the house – each bleacher runs from home plate to first/third base and are right on top of the action. The small grassy ridges behind the bleachers provide an area to sit with camping chairs or a picnic blanket. The bullpens are down each foul line, and fans can peer through the fence and be 10 feet away from pitchers warming up. There are no advertisements along the outfield wall, or anywhere close to Falcon Field. This is an unexpected benefit, and a welcome reprieve from the deluge of advertisements seen at virtually every stadium. One of my favorite things – there’s a banner past the left center field fence from the Commandant of Cadets (equivalent Dean of Students or Chancellor at a typical university). The banner promises a free weekend to any cadet who hits a home run off of the banner. Hopefully the NCAA does not rule a free weekend an impermissible benefit. The college baseball season happens in late winter/early spring, a turbulent time in Colorado weather. Conditions during the game will be a crap shoot – you could enjoy a gorgeous 70 degree game in late February, or have a game canceled by an early May snowstorm. Consult your weather forecast of choice the day of your trip to the Academy. Neighborhood 5 The Air Force Academy is about 10 minutes north of Colorado Springs and 45 minutes south of Denver. This makes the Academy relatively remote, and the enormous footprint of the Academy grounds mean there are no bars or restaurants in close proximity. If you are willing to travel a few miles on Interstate 25, there are restaurants and bars around the Briargate Road exit, as well as fast food and a brewery in Monument. The lack of immediate proximity to food and beverage is made up by the Academy itself and the numerous points of interest within the grounds. Continuing along the visitor road route past the field will bring you to the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center. Inside, you will find a gift shop, maps of the Academy, a theater showing a short film about cadet life, exhibits detailing the history of the Academy and the men and women who have passed through. Take a map – it will help guide you around the Academy, both to Falcon Field and various points of interest. Outside the Visitor Center is a short (about a third of a mile – takes about 10 minutes at a very leisurely pace) and beautiful trail that will lead you to the Cadet Chapel, the most recognizable landmark at the Academy. Completed in 1962, the Cadet Chapel soars more than 150 feet above the ground. The facility houses separate chapels for Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Buddhist services, all of which can occur simultaneously without interrupting the other services. There is also an All-Faiths room, which accommodates Muslims and cadets of other faiths. The chapel is very impressive and a must see for any trip to the Academy. There are a few aircraft replicas positioned along the roads through the Academy. I’d recommend stopping and taking pictures of at least the full size B-52 that is situated near the North Gate. Fans 3 While small in number, the fans that attend Air Force baseball games are very friendly and passionate about the game. Many friends and family of the players and cadets in the game are present. At the game I attended, the Air Force athletic director was mingling with fans behind home plate and having conversations about the future of the athletic department. The Air Force managers working the radar gun behind home plate are glad to talk baseball and give a decent scouting report on the other team. Access 1 This section is difficult – here at Stadium Journey, stadium access is typically graded based on the proximity of public transportation and price of parking. Based on this criteria, access is poor, but it’s not because of poor urban planning, or a greedy team owner building a publicly financed stadium in a remote suburb. The Air Force Academy is an active military installation and is subject to specific security-related restrictions that just don’t exist at other stadiums. At the time of my visit, all US military bases were under Force Protection Condition Bravo, an elevated level of security due to a credible terrorist threat. During past Air Force football and basketball games I’ve attended, guards waved cars through the security checkpoints. This visit was a little different. Because of the heightened security, the Academy was closed to individuals who did not possess an active Department of Defense ID. An exception was made for fans who were attending the baseball game. I was required to show a valid photo ID, and my car was searched before I was allowed to enter. The bottom line: due to external circumstances, access may be restricted, even on a game day. I’d advise checking the AFA website before scheduling a trip to ensure that the Academy is open. Even if security is relaxed to “normal” levels, I’d budget at least 30 minutes to get from Interstate 25 to your destination on the Academy grounds to account for possible security delays. I’d also recommend entering the Academy at the North Gate – it has more lanes for visitors. Once through the gate, it is an easy drive up towards the field. Some cars park along the roads that run parallel to the foul lines behind the bleachers – this is not recommended, as a few well-hit foul balls threaten windshields and headlights throughout the game. I parked in a small lot south of home plate and had no worries about possible baseball damage to my car. Due to location and the military nature of the base, there is no public transit to the Academy. The North Gate is located less than a half mile from Interstate 25 and is clearly marked on highway signage, so the entrance is not difficult to locate. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for entrance to the Academy, entrance to the baseball game, or to any of the visitor activity areas. Enjoying a baseball game, enjoying the stunning architecture of the Cadet Chapel, and walking through the AFA museum, all set among the foothills of the Rocky Mountains for free is a return on investment that can’t be beat. Extras 1 If you enjoy mascots roaming the aisles, thousands doing the wave, and T-shirt cannons, this may not be the venue for you. If you enjoy baseball at its purest, the Academy is a great place to watch a baseball game while enjoying the scenery and exploring the place where future officers in the Air Force are trained.

Photo Courtesy of Foursquare Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Roy E Lee Field at Simmons Baseball Complex Stadium Dr. Edwardsville, IL 62025 SIU-Edwardsville Cougars website Roy E Lee Field at Simmons Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 1,000 Cougar Town Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has played baseball at their current stadium site since 1972. Renovations were made to the facility in 2004, 2005 and 2010. With the 2005 renovations, the field was transformed into a stadium. The field is named after Roy E. Lee, the founder of the SIUE program and the coach who led the Cougars to three Division II College World Series appearances. The complex is named for John Simmons, who along with his law firm, contributed money for the renovations for the facility. Seating capacity for the stadium is 1,000, including three rows of chair seats that stretch between the two dugouts. Three sections of bleachers (with backs) are directly behind home plate and lead up to the press box. From 1968 through the 2008 season, the Cougars played at the Division II level. SIUE joined the Ohio Valley Conference as they transitioned to Division I in 2008. The 2012 season was the first year the Cougars played a full conference schedule, although they were not eligible for postseason play until 2013. While the transition to Division I hasn’t been kind to SIUE on the field, fans do not have to look far back to remember the program's success. Along with the three Division II CWS appearances under Lee, the school made five Division II CWS trips with longtime coach Gary Collins at the helm for 34 years. Food & Beverage 2 There is one small concession stand behind the seating area. The stand does not feature anything out of the ordinary. A sign is posted to the left of the window that features the stand’s fare. However, no prices are listed and some items are covered by masking tape to signify they are no longer available. During my most recent visit, by the time I made my way to the concession stand brats, soft pretzels and hot cocoa had been removed from the sign. Hot dogs and nachos are the two main items available. Bags of chips, candy bars and individual bags of microwave popcorn are available for snacking, and are a steal for just 50 cents. The 20-ounce bottled drink offerings include Pepsi products, Gatorade, and water ($2.50). Atmosphere 3 There are not a lot of frills involved in the game day presentation at Roy Lee Field. So, the atmosphere will most likely be determined by the weather and the game on the day you attend. There are four sections (with three rows each) of red stadium seats directly behind home plate. These sections are uncovered. These seats are very close to the action and are filled up by the families of the players and the diehard fans. If the home plate umpire is not on his game, he will hear from these folks. Behind an aisle are three more sections of bleachers with backs. These seats are covered by a metal roof canopy. Due to poles holding up the canopy, there are a few obstructed views, but plenty of room to spread out and see all the action. At the top of this section is the press box, along with some very loud speakers for the public address system. There are plenty of places to stand and stretch your legs while still seeing the action. Several folks stand behind the first three rows of seats in the areas where there aren’t bleachers directly behind them. Also, there is a grass area down the first base line by the visitor’s dugout. Beyond the left field fence and outside of the stadium is a small hill where students can sit and take in the game for free. It’s a small hill, so there isn’t room for too many people. The students bring bag chairs and grills for weekend games. The field features Astro Turf GameDay Grass with only dirt for the warning track. Dimensions are symmetrical with 330 feet down the lines, 375 to the power alleys and 390 to dead center. A game program is available, featuring rosters and stats for both teams, along with an SIUE schedule. The program features ads from businesses that support SIUE athletics. The ads for restaurants and bars help new visitors to the area figure out where to stop in for a bite to eat and a drink after the game. Neighborhood 3 The Simmons Baseball Complex is located on New Poag Road in the northwest corner of campus. The stadium is somewhat detached from the heart of campus, with the baseball field surrounded by corn and bean fields. It’s a short drive from campus to downtown Edwardsville, with plenty of eating and drinking options. I stopped after the game at Dewey’s Pizza in historic, downtown Edwardsville. Dewey’s has five St. Louis area locations, along with several stores throughout Ohio. The menu features several choices of salads, calzones and pizza, including seasonal choices. The seasonal pizza when I visited was Dewey’s delicious take on a taco pizza, named after former pro wrestler, Tito Santana. The bar also features seasonal choices and I went with a seasonal beer from St. Louis favorite, Schlafly. An 11-inch pizza and draft beer will run you about $20, but it’s totally worth the price. If you’re dining with kids, the kitchen area features a glass window, so the youngsters can line up and see the pizzas being made. Former St. Louis Cardinals player and long-time radio voice, Mike Shannon, opened up a restaurant in Edwardsville in 2013. Mike Shannon’s Grill is a more casual version of his steak and seafood restaurant that is a downtown St. Louis institution. If you’re looking for an upscale sports bar in the Metro East area, you can’t go wrong here. Fans 3 With a program struggling through the transition to Division I, it would be understandable if the fans stayed away until the team got on steadier footing. Instead the Cougars are supported by vocal family and friends. If the fans behind the plate disagree with the strike zone, they make it known. The students grilling out behind the left field wall add a nice touch not seen in bigger parks. Access 3 The Simmons Baseball Complex features a sizable parking lot that fills up due to the fact that the field is separated from campus and all attendees are driving to the game. If the lot fills, cars can park in the grass close to the road. The restroom facilities are a little different than at most stadiums. Instead of a men’s room and women’s room with multiple facilities, there are four restrooms at the complex: one men’s room, one women’s room and two unisex rooms. The bathrooms are more reminiscent of a gas station, but cleaner, than a baseball stadium. There might be a short wait, as the visiting team also utilizes these restrooms. Return on Investment 2 At $7, general admission is fairly steep for Division I baseball outside of say the SEC, Pac 12 or ACC. The drinks are also a little pricey, but snacks are affordable. Parking is free. Spending nearly $10 seems too high when conference foes with similar stadiums do not charge admission. Extras 2 Beyond the left field wall is a sign paying homage to the history of the Cougars baseball program. The sign features the names and numbers of four of the more successful players in SIUE history that have moved onto the big leagues. The names and retired numbers are Champ Summers (19), Dennis Werth (15), Aaron Rakers (35) and Clay Zavada (13). The sign also notes the years of the eight D-II College World Series appearances (’72, ’76, ’77, ’83, ’85, ’91, ’97, and ’01). Final Thoughts Roy Lee Field at the Simmons Baseball Complex is a nice facility for a program that is in a growth stage. As SIUE continues at the D-I level, the atmosphere should continue to grow as well.

Photo Courtesy of Niagara Purple Eagles Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 Bobo Field 5795 Lewiston Rd Lewiston, NY 14092 Niagara Purple Eagles website Bobo Field website Year Opened:1949 Capacity: Unknown Niagara Fails Niagara University is a small Catholic school located in Lewiston, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. The University has a student body of 4,200, with half the students living on campus and the other half attending on a commuter basis. It was founded as a seminary in 1856, and officially became Niagara University in 1883. Niagara is primarily a liberal arts school, but also has a College of Business and a College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Niagara’s Hospitality major is among the top six programs of its kind in the country, and has nearly a 100% placement rate for its graduates due to its proximity to Niagara Falls. The Niagara athletics program competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, with teams including St. Peter’s, Siena, Marist, Monmouth, Manhattan, Canisius and Quinnipiac. The sports teams go by the name of the Purple Eagles, and are very successful in basketball, hockey and soccer. Niagara University has two prominent baseball alums; Joe McCarthy, a seven-time winner of the World Series as a manager and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and Sal Maglie, a three-time All-Star as a Major League pitcher. The Purple Eagle baseball team currently calls the on-campus Bobo Field its home. For many years, the team played at Maglie Stadium, a community ballpark operated by the city of Niagara Falls. Due to tough financial times, the city chose to divest its ownership of the facility, as it was losing money and sold it to a private investor. The University and the investor could not come to terms on a contract, leading the team back to the campus. Unfortunately Bobo Field is a subpar facility in many ways. It offers none of the amenities even a basic baseball park on any college campus should offer. There are no lights at the field, no bathroom facilities (not even a port-a-potty), no parking access and very little in the way of seating. It is not a pleasant place to watch a baseball game, especially a doubleheader. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at Bobo Field, not even a water fountain. It is easy to pick up the local fans, as they tote in food and drink, as well as camp chairs for seating. Visiting fans must go more than two miles to the nearest convenience store for food or beverages. The only permanent seats are on the home side of the field, and consist of four rows of rusty bleachers. Atmosphere 1 The Niagara baseball team does put a good show on the field, but the conditions at Bobo Stadium do tend to dampen the enthusiasm quite a bit. The locals come prepared and show up in large numbers, despite the often cold and windy climate adjacent to the Niagara River. If you are a visitor and come unprepared, it can be a miserable viewing experience. Neighborhood 2 Niagara University is a self contained campus, with not many services right around it. It is located immediately beside the Niagara River Gorge, two miles north of the Falls. Technically, it is a part of the village of Lewiston. Some of the eateries located in the village include Carmelo’s Italian Restaurant, the Griffon Pub and the Village Bake Shop. The nearest accommodations to the University are in Niagara Falls, which, being an international tourist destination, has hundreds of accommodations at all price ranges available. Niagara Falls is approximately two miles south of the campus. The Hard Rock Cafe / Niagara Falls is very popular with the students. Fans 3 Niagara’s baseball fans do deserve a purple (school colors) star for their loyalty in cheering on the Purple Eagles. A majority of the fans are friends and family of the Niagara team members. In addition to cheering the team’s successes, they come prepared to deal with the shortcomings of the baseball facility, with coolers, blankets, food and drink and the knowledge of where the nearest bathrooms are, which is graciously shared with the opposing team and their fans. Many of the fans voiced a desire that an alternative site be found as soon as possible. Access 1 Niagara’s campus is located about 30 minutes north of downtown Buffalo, about midway between I-190 and the Robert Moses State Parkway. It can also be accessed via Highway 405 coming out of Canada, which becomes I-190 once it crosses the American border. Access becomes a problem once you reach the Niagara campus. Parking is free, but it is located nearly a half-mile from Bobo Field. The only paved surface to access the field is a hike/bike path that runs near the park; otherwise, you have to cross a large undeveloped field, which can be muddy after a rain. Also, it is wise to make a pit stop back on the main campus before heading out to the park, as no restroom facilities of any kind are available at the field. Return on Investment 1 There is no charge for anything at Bobo Field, and well…you get what you pay for. There are just too many other activities related to Niagara Falls that are going to provide you with more enjoyment (and indoor plumbing!) Extras 4 Obviously, the main extra to Niagara University is its close proximity to Niagara Falls. The campus is just north of the American and Horseshoe Halls along the Niagara River Gorge. On the other side of the gorge in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada are the beautiful Niagara Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory. Those wishing to make a long weekend out of their trip may choose to visit Toronto, which is about a 90-mile drive from Niagara via the QEW. History buffs may be interested in visiting nearby Fort Niagara or the Erie Canal Historical Park in Lockport. Shoppers have access to the 200-store Premium Outlet Mall located one exit south on I-190. Final Thoughts I really hope for the sake of the fans and players at Niagara University that some alternate facilities are identified in the near future. If not, I hope Niagara University will allocate funds to dramatically upgrade the existing field. The other athletic facilities on campus (tennis courts, ice rink, an artificial turf lacrosse/soccer field, sports arena) are in good shape and suggest that the University can do better for its baseball program.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau 3600 Boulevard Grande-Allee Boisbriand, QC J7H 1M9 Blainville-Boisbrand Armada website Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 3,100 A Simple Invasion by the Armada Hockey in Montreal has a long history. Of course, everyone knows of the legendary status of the Montreal Canadiens. Their history of over 100 years and 24 Stanley Cups remain part of the greatest dynasty in all of sport. What most do not know, is that Montreal has a long, but checkered, history in junior hockey. Since its inception in 1969, the QMJHL has seen numerous incarnations of junior hockey around Montreal. In some cases, they were found within Montreal. In many others they were found in Montreal suburbs like Laval, Longeuil, and Verdun. In 2005, the QMJHL expanded to St. John’s, Newfoundland. After a short tenure on the eastern-most tip of Canada, the Fog Devils moved to Verdun for a short life as the Montreal Junior. Now the Junior have found a new home in another Montreal suburb. For the 2011-12 season, QMJHL saw the birth of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. The Armada are now the only major junior team based in a Montreal suburb. The Junior were purchased by a group of investors led by French-language sports channel RDS analyist, and former NHL player, Joel Bouchard. Bouchard’s group includes media company Quebecor, which owns 70% of the team, and NHL players Jean-Sebastian Giguere, Ian Laperriere, and Daniel Briere. Upon moving to the suburbs north of Montreal, they were renamed the Armada and moved into the new Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau. The arena is named after Canadian hockey superstore named Pro Hockey Life in English, and was built and jointly owned by the municipalities of Blainville and Boisbriand. The Armada may have finally found their niche for junior hockey in Montreal. What they present is simple, yet inviting. Food & Beverage 2 The food selection is very simple here. There are only a few concession stands and they offer the same items across the board. The staple items that you would expect to find in any arena are here. Hot dogs can be found for a bargain at $2, and burgers are only $3.50. You can also find the French-Canadian staple, poutine, for $5.75. Coke products are available, and the beer is either Molson Export or Coors Light. Beer runs $5.50. The prices are very good, but the quality and selection is definitely not over the top. Atmosphere 3 Upon arriving at the Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau you will immediately notice how new it looks. The exterior, although not overly impressive, is nice looking, and is a step above many of the older buildings in junior hockey. Entering the building you will find that this building is more minor league than major league. In fact, it doesn’t seem to be completed yet. The entry is pretty cramped, and there is only one ticket window. At the south end of the arena is a concession area, and standing bar which seems pretty nice, however the entrance to the seating bowl is also in here. On the west side of the arena, under the stands is a Sports Rousseau store, which is possibly the biggest store focusing only on hockey equipment around. The seating bowl is very simple. The bowl has a horseshoe design with the concourse above the seating bowl. The west side has a balcony which currently houses the press, and looks like one day will house suites. The east side has no such balcony, and as a result, this small arena has a larger feel to it. The sight-lines are pretty good, and the interior of the arena is very bright. Since the Armada have no history whatsoever, the arena is pretty bland, with only advertising, a simple score-clock, and a couple of flags for Canada, Quebec, and the city. Being north of Montreal, you are more immersed in French culture, and you will hear a lot more French and have a harder time finding English speaking people. The public address announcer has a pretty good voice, and is definitely excitable. The Armada have taken to the military theme a bit. Joel Bouchard welcomed members of the Canadian military at centre ice, and there was a military band that sits in the south end of the stands and plays during breaks. This is most definitely unique for junior hockey. Neighborhood 3 The Armada play at the intersection of industrial, residential, and commercial. This area of the city of Boisbriand is going through a series of large construction projects, so it is difficult to say what it will look like in the future. There are not great opportunities for pre and post game dining in the immediate walking area, but there is a shopping district about a minute away that offers numerous North American chain restaurants to choose from. Although they may not be unique, if you are a little squeamish about the French-language, then one of these may be the best choice. Old favorites like Jack Astor’s and Baton Rouge are available, but if you are looking for something a little more unique, try the Aqua Restaurant Bar or Vinnie Gambini’s. Fans 4 The Armada are drawing just under 3,000 fans per game, which is 7th best in the QMJHL, and a few hundred above what they were drawing last year in Verdun, as the Montreal Junior. Their attendance has been growing throughout the year, and they are nearly averaging capacity crowds which is very positive. A combination of the aluminum roof and Quebecois fans leads to a very loud environment. The acoustics aren’t great for the P.A. announcer, but any goal for the Armada makes you remember that this is a French-Canadian, and therefore very boisterous, crowd. Fans are EXTREMELY knowledgeable about hockey and make themselves heard throughout the game. Access 2 The Centre d’Excellence Sports Rousseau is located in Boisbriand in a growing area. It is practically at the junction of the Trans Canada Highway and Highway 640. It is not too hard to get to. The parking there is free, but a gravel parking lot is what you will find. The mild weather produces one heck of a muddy mess! Once inside, maneuvering is a challenge due to the design and cramped quarters. The bathrooms are not too bad, but get really plugged up during intermissions. Return on Investment 4 Armada tickets go for $15 for adults and $11 for children, which is pretty good. Concession prices are good and parking is free. If you do the math, then you get a great night of entertainment for the whole family, in a great hockey culture, and a simple, yet inviting, environment. Great value, and a great idea. Extras 4 An extra point for the mini ice rink that can be found under the stands on the east side. Players use this to work on their shot during and before the warm-ups. An extra point for honouring the Canadian military, which has a strong presence in Quebec and a station at CFB Montreal. The military band was also a great touch. An extra point for the DEEP hockey culture found in Montreal and Quebec in general. An extra point for the RCMP Colour Guard in full dress uniforms presenting the Canadian and Quebec flag for the national anthem. Final Thoughts You will not find a whole lot of bells and whistles at an Armada game. Simple. However, the product that they put on the ice is pretty good, and the atmosphere there is good as well. Don’t feel that Montreal is only about Les Habitants. Check out the Armada in the suburbs the next time you are there!

Photo by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Ray Fisher Stadium 1114 S State St Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines website Ray Fisher website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 4,000 Hailing College Baseball Fans In 1923, Ray Fisher Stadium hosted its first game at the University of Michigan with the home Wolverines defeating rival Ohio State by a score of 3-2. Much has changed in the stadium's history, most notably a $9 million renovation that was completed in 2008. More recently, the school has replaced the natural grass and dirt field with an all turf surface for the 2014 season. The current facility offers a comfortable, if less than spectacular, venue to watch college baseball. Ray Fisher Stadium is part of the larger Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex which also houses Alumni Field, home to Michigan women's softball. Ray Fisher Stadium is next door to Yost Ice Arena, and fans can see the Crisler Center beyond center field, and Michigan Stadium beyond right field. The ballpark received its current name of Ray Fisher Stadium in 1967, dedicated to the former baseball coach who guided the Wolverine program from 1921-1958. Food & Beverage 3 There are two permanent concession stands inside Ray Fisher Stadium, although depending on the size of the crowd expected, there may only be one that is open. You'll find your usual ballpark snacks including hot dogs ($3.50), nachos ($5), soft pretzels ($4), popcorn ($5), sunflower seeds ($4), candy ($3), and Cracker Jack ($3). The prices are definitely on the high side compared to other venues in the region. For beverage choices you have bottled soda ($4), and bottled water ($3.50). What elevates the food and beverage selection is the 3rd Base Grill. Here you'll find Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches ($7), cheeseburgers ($6), Polish sausage ($6), spicy Cajun sausage ($6), and kosher dogs ($5). Again, the prices are a little on the high side, but the quality is pretty good. It's nice to see the selection at a college baseball ballpark in the Midwest. Atmosphere 4 This is a nice little park to see some baseball. Ray Fisher Stadium seats 4,000 when packed to the gills, and all of the seating fits from halfway up the first base line to halfway up the third base line. There are a few wheelchair accessible spots along the netting behind home plate. From there, ten rows of blue plastic bleachers extend past the concourse, followed by 9-10 rows of blue plastic chair back seats. The seats include a cup holder, and there is better than average leg room. Most parks would place the bleachers behind the chair backs, so it is good recognition by the school that the better seats are actually a bit further up, as you have a better view of the action on the field. You can expect the sun to be a factor in right center during the spring so be sure to wear a hat or sun glasses so you don't end up squinting the entire contest. If there is a little rain or you want to get out of the sun, then sections 1 (first base side) and 6 (third base side) are covered in the areas with stadium seating. The scoreboard has recently been updated with video replays offered alongside the line score and player stats. It really helps improve the game experience at Ray Fisher Stadium. I would suggest sitting on the 3rd base side so you can see the scoreboard without having to turn your body. The new turf field takes away a bit from the aesthetics for a baseball purist, but it is certainly much easier for the program to maintain. The large brick wall in left field adds some character to the venue. Neighborhood 5 Ann Arbor is one of best college towns in the United States, and all of their notable sports facilities are a little less than a mile from downtown, so the trek from Ray Fisher Stadium to downtown is certainly walkable. There are several places worth recommending. Ashley's is a wonderful bar with hundreds of beers available, and some tasty food as well. Grange is a great place for more adventurous foodies with mainly local ingredients, and some really amazing house made sausages. I like the Blue Tractor for its BBQ and locally made brews. If you have kids with you, then the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a great place to spend a couple of hours, and will be a winner with young ones. There are plenty of other great bars and restaurants worth visiting if you'll be in Ann Arbor for a weekend, so be sure you explore what the city has to offer. Fans 3 It's a tough thing to be a college baseball fan in the state of Michigan, as you can expect some pretty cold temperatures. Plan appropriately and dress in layers. The fans in attendance clearly care about the team and the university. It's mainly a friends, family, and dedicated alumni kind of crowd, and many of them will be season ticket holders. College baseball is a great place for families to take in a game, and this is no exception. You can expect the crowd to be at its best when Michigan scores a run and "Hail to the Victors" is played over the PA. Ray Fisher Stadium typically attracts just over 1,000 fans on average, so especially during the weekend you should see some decent sized crowds, but you will still be able to pretty much choose your seat. Access 4 There is a small lot with free parking right next to the stadium in the Athletic Lot (SC 20) and the Glick Lot from the State Street and Hoover Street entrances. Occasionally for bigger games this may become a pay lot, or it may fill up. If so, street parking is available and meters allow a 4 hour parking maximum, which should allow you to see an entire game ($1.40 an hour for the meters near Ray Fisher Stadium). Another option is to park near Crisler Center and walk the winding sidewalk toward the facility. If you plan on spending time downtown before or after the game (or both), then you can always park downtown, and walk to and from the game. There are several parking garages available at reasonable prices. The small ballpark is very easy to navigate, and certainly wheelchair accessible. Bathrooms are clean and warm (especially important during those March and April games), and concession stands have enough staff to handle the lines. Return on Investment 4 Chair back seats cost $8, and general admission tickets are just $2. Unless there is a large crowd, you should go for the GA ticket as you will be able to sit pretty much anywhere you like. Even if you end up in the bleachers they are reasonably comfortable with good leg room between rows. There are discounts for youth and senior citizens, and prices rise to $5/$10 for Big Ten games. It's still a relatively good value. Children under 5 receive free admission, and some weekday games against lesser opponents may be free admission as well, so if you're in the area, keep an eye out for these free games. Free or low cost street parking helps to balance out the concessions and higher prices there, so overall there's a pretty good return on your investment. Extras 3 Along the outfield wall in left center field you'll see the retired numbers of former Wolverine greats including Moby Benedict (#1), Bill Freehan (#11), Barry Larkin (#16), Jim Abbot (#31), Don Lund (#33), and Ray Fisher (#44). The stadium's namesake coached the baseball team from 1921-1958, winning a National Championship in 1953. The Wolverines have had a successful program with 35 Big Ten titles entering the 2015 season, and two National Championships (1953 & 1962). These accomplishments are commemorated on the outfield walls stretching from center to right field. College baseball is the first opportunity for Michiganders to get out and see a game, a clear sign that spring is here, regardless of what the thermometer may say. With its location in a great college town, Ray Fisher Stadium is a good place to get your baseball fix. Final Thoughts The Michigan athletic department has really invested in improving its athletic facilities in the past 5-10 years, and the subtle upgrades to Ray Fisher Stadium make it a fine place to watch college baseball.

Photo Courtesy of Northwestern State Demons Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Brown-Stroud Field Central Ave Natchitoches, LA 71457 Northwestern State Demons website Brown-Stroud Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 1,200 Brown-Stroud Field, Home of the Northwestern State Demons Attending a Northwestern State baseball game in Brown-Stroud Stadium affords baseball purists an opportunity to take in a traditional baseball atmosphere in a historic ballpark hosted in one of Louisiana’s most charming cities, Natchitoches. Located on the campus of the Northwestern State University, Brown-Stroud Stadium (nicknamed the BStro) has served as home to Demon baseball since 1939 and features a seating capacity of 1,200. Highlights of the stadium experience include grassy berm seating, shaded grandstand seating under an overhead awning, and a competitive Southland Conference baseball on-field product. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions experience at Brown-Stroud Stadium covers the basics and provides the expected ballpark staples for an affordable price. There is a single concession stand located on the hill behind the press box and main grandstand. Quality and Variety of Food Options. The concessions at the BStro offers up ballpark favorite entrees including hot dogs ($2), nachos ($3), and Frito pie ($3). Snacks include sunflower seeds ($1), peanuts ($2), and cracker jacks ($2), among other items. While there isn’t a popcorn machine, you can get a full bag of popcorn for $2 if you’ve got 3 minutes to spare for it to be popped in the microwave. The BStro features specials on various game days where you can get an off-menu item such as the Southern Slaw Dog (premium hot dog covered in coleslaw). While these specials help improve the concessions experience, it would be nice to see a BBQ pit fired up and serving some freshly grilled items like sausages and hamburgers. This could probably be done without much of a financial investment. Variety of Drink Options. The BStro concessions serve bottled Coca-Cola products. Soft drinks and water are just $1.50 and Powerade is $2.50. Coffee and hot chocolate are available for cold weather games. Recommendation. When there’s a game day special at the concessions stand, it might be worth checking out. Otherwise, I recommend a tray of nachos and a pack of sunflower seeds to hold you over until you get to one of the restaurants mentioned in the neighborhood section below. Atmosphere 2 Brown-Stroud Stadium provides an historic home for Northwestern State baseball in a traditional baseball atmosphere. If you love minor league antics, the BStro isn’t for you. If you are a college baseball purist that loves older venues, the Demon baseball atmosphere will be the perfect fit. Stadium Aesthetics. The BStro might not come with the bells and whistles of many newly constructed stadiums, but it does provide a traditional baseball setting with the major benefit of covered seating (which comes in handy on hot Louisiana days). Having served as home to Demon baseball for over 60 years, the ballpark honestly has aged well considering the many years of usage. There is a single grandstand which consists of both bleacher and chair back seating. There are two rows of chair back seating located just behind the backstop. The remaining seating under the awning is bleacher style. Grassy berm seating is available down both the first and third baselines. Be sure to throw a blanket at the top of the berm so the dugouts don’t block your view of the field. The playing surface provides a synthetic turf infield combined with a natural grass outfield. The scoreboard is located beyond the right field wall and features a small video panel that is utilized to display the name and number of the player at-bat. While the awning providing shade to the grandstand is certainly a plus, there are many additional features which could be added in to improve the overall experience. In-Game Promotions and Entertainment. In keeping with the traditional baseball atmosphere, there’s not much going on at the BStro outside of the on-field action. At the conclusion of the game, fans are allowed to run the bases (young and old). The music selection between innings ranges from country to oldies and sports stadium classics. The Northwestern State mascot, Vic the Demon, is typically not in attendance at baseball games nor any other student spirit groups. Seat Location Recommendations. It’s hard to beat shaded seating behind home plate, especially when general admission is only $8. If you prefer to soak in the sun, throw a blanket or bring a tailgate chair to the top of the grassy berm seating down third baseline. Neighborhood 4 Brown-Stroud Stadium is located on the campus of Northwestern State University in charming Natchitoches, Louisiana. While there isn’t an endless supply of attractions in the immediate area, you’ll fall in love with Louisiana’s oldest city and Bread & Breakfast Capital. Where to Eat. The unique regional dish of Natchitoches is the meat pie. While in town, you definitely have to try one. Your best bet for a great meat pie is Lasyone’s (622 2nd). However, like many things in Natchitoches, Lasyone’s has limited operating hours and is closed on Sunday, so be sure to plan ahead. The Pioneer Pub (812 Washington St) is a nice place to grab a local brew and pub fare. Try a glass of the Shreveport-based Great Raft while you’re there. And then there’s the unique pairing of Mama’s and Papa’s. The two restaurants are located next to each other on Front Street but have two separate menus and atmospheres. Check-out Mama’s for some good fried seafood. The French Market Express (5109 University) is a gas station and food market located on the route out of town that’s a nice last stop for meat pies as before you make the trek home. Attractions & Entertainment. I’m not usually one to talk about the beauty of a place, especially in a sports review, but the historic downtown area in Natchitoches is truly beautiful. Bring a blanket to picnic in the grassy area between Front Street and the Cane River. Take a stroll along the bricked walkway on Front Street which is lined with pots of tulips and assorted flowers, as well as ironed chair seating. If you are looking for a place to kick back and relax, Natchitoches is it. You can also enjoy your stay by taking a tour of one of the many historic plantation homes in the area. Other attractions in the area include the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (500 Front) and the Bayou Pierre Alligator Park (380 Old Bayou Pierre). Where to Stay. Known as the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Louisiana, skip the traditional hotel experience and book a stay at the Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast (320 Jefferson). This is the actual location where the famous Steel Magnolia’s movie was filmed. For a stay in the downtown strip, book a room in the historic Church Street Inn (120 Church St). Also, check-out the Best Western Natchitoches Inn on University near I-49. Fans 2 Demon baseball fans range from long-time supporters to families and friends of the ballplayers. Typical crowds are small and loyal. The overall Demon baseball experience at the BStro could certainly use a shot of energy from larger and more active crowds. Typical Attendance. Expect an average crowd of about 250 – 400 for the usual Southland Conference weekend series. While the Demons still regularly feature competitive teams, some luster has certainly worn off since the championship years of the 90’s and early 2000’s. Crowd Noise & Engagement. The regulars are engaged during the game and knowledgeable about the sport of baseball. Don’t expect much in terms of crowd noise or excitement. Outside of big plays and closing out the game in the ninth inning, the noise level is fairly low throughout the game. Traditions and Chants. Despite being in a historic city and ballpark, there’s not much in regards to fan traditions or chants. The fight song is played after the Demons score a run and the fans typically clap along. Access 4 One of the highlights of the Bstro experience is access to and from the stadium as well as inside the ballpark. Transit to and from Stadium. Located a few miles off I-49, you’ll quickly make your way to the Northwestern State University campus via University Parkway (unless you’re heading in from the east). There isn’t a specific address listed for Brown-Stroud Field, so you’ll want to aim to get behind the east side of Turpin Stadium (home to Demon football). From University Parkway, take Central Avenue onto the Northwestern State campus. Veer to the left to cross over Sam Sibley Drive and follow until you reach Prudhomme Hall and the Turpin / Brown-Stroud Stadium area. Parking. Parking is free around the stadium. Though there isn’t an obviously dedicated lot for baseball parking, you’ll notice a couple of spots you can park in nearby. There is a small lot between the east side of Turpin Stadium and Prudhomme Hall that’s a short walk down to the ballpark. A little further down, there’s also parking down the road to the right leading to the fieldhouse. Ticketing & Gate Entry. From Central Avenue, there is a main entrance and ticket booth located on the exterior of the ballpark. Look for a pair of bricked columns with a black iron cast sign overhead featuring the Northwestern State logo in the center. You shouldn’t run into any lines here and the stadium staff are both friendly and helpful on your way in. Moving Around the Stadium. There is plenty of room to get around the BStro. Walkways and aisles are wide. The main issue you’ll notice, however, is the extremely small restrooms. Both men’s and women’s restrooms can only fit two people max, which can certainly be an inconvenience between innings. Return on Investment 3 The cost of attending a Northwestern State baseball at Brown-Stroud Stadium is very affordable and similar to what you’ll find at other Southland Conference venues. Tickets start as low as $8 for general admission. Chair backs are available for $10. Knowing that you won’t have to pay for parking and that concessions will be reasonably priced is a plus as well. Northwestern State offers several ticket packages that can help make the experience even more affordable with Family Saturdays which provides 4 tickets, hot dogs and drinks for $26 and Vic’s Kids’ Club Sundays where children 12 and under can get in for $4 (a $2 discount). While the price is right, there are several upgrades needed to make the overall game day experience worth the investment. Extras 2 Each venue typically has a few “extras” which contribute to the overall game day experience. One such extra at Brown-Stroud Stadium is memorializing past accomplishments by listing conference championships and regional tournament appearances along the outfield wall. The Demons enjoyed a decade of impressive success through the 90’s and early 2000’s which is featured in the stadium. Another unique feature for the BStro is the grassy berm seating on both the first and third baselines. Whether you throw out a blanket and enjoying some family time or soak up the sun, the berm seating is definitely a plus.

Photo courtesy of La Tech Sports Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 J. C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park 1100 W Alabama Ave Ruston, LA 71270 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs website J. C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 3,000 The Love Shack, That's Where It's At Beautiful J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park is located on the campus of Louisiana Tech University in the northern section of Louisiana in the city of Ruston. Affectionately coined 'The Love Shack,' the ballpark is a little ole place where Bulldog fans can get together in support of their LA Tech Bulldog baseball team. Love Field at Patterson Park opened in 1971 and features a seating capacity of 3000. Louisiana Tech baseball might not be known as a perennial baseball powerhouse, but their home field ballpark provides a great atmosphere that's sure to please both college baseball fans and their families. Food & Beverage 3 Love Field provides the classic ballpark staples at a reasonable cost. The stand is located in the courtyard behind the main grandstand, build into the stadium. Quality and Variety of Food Options. The Love Shack food items are somewhat limited, but do provide enough to keep you satisfied during the game. Your classic items include hot dogs ($3, $4 with chili and/or cheese) and nachos ($4). Gourmet dogs are available including Cajun links and smoked sausage links ($4). Additional snack items include popcorn ($2), pretzels ($3), peanuts ($3), and sunflower seeds ($1), among others. Variety of Drink Options. The ballpark serves 20oz Pepsi products for $3. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at Love Field. Recommendation. While your options are anything but endless, the Cajun link is pretty tasty and pairs well with a Pepsi. Atmosphere 4 The Love Shack provides an outstanding atmosphere for college baseball. Whether it's the overhead awning casting shade on a hot day, the view of college dorms in left field or a train passing by beyond the right field wall, the overall atmosphere is a strength of the experience. Stadium Aesthetics. If you've never been to The Love Shack, you'll likely be surprised with how quickly you fall in love with the ballpark. The awning allows for a comfortable viewing experience in the shade. The natural grass field is well maintained and the views beyond the outfield are pretty neat. You'll notice a few students watching the game from their dorms in left field and some tailgaters on the berm in right field in front of the train track. Expect a couple of trains to pass by throughout the game. There is a fenced-in courtyard around the back of the stadium which offers green space, a couple of picnic tables, and a playground. The playground is a big bonus for families (unless you are the lucky parent assigned to miss the game and watch your kid run wild). In-Game Promotions and Entertainment. The promotions crew does an excellent job of ensuring there's no down-time between innings without going overboard. Expect to see a few entertaining on-field competitions. The music selection is appropriate for the crowd with primarily country and classic rock genres. Seat Location Recommendations. The main grandstand offers both chair back and bleacher seating. The lower half of the seats on the right and left sides are chair back while the upper seats are bleacher. The area directly behind home plate is entirely chair back. There really isn't a bad seat in the main grandstand under the awning, but the best seat will obviously be the chair backs directly behind home plate. If you are traveling with the visiting team, look for the dugout seats above the opponent dugout down first baseline. Neighborhood 3 Louisiana Tech University is located in the city of Ruston in north Louisiana. Love Field is situated on the northwest corner of the campus across from Joe Aillet Stadium. The neighborhood immediately around the ballpark is filled with dorms and college buildings. Ruston thrives around the university and is most decidedly a college town. You'll find enough to keep you busy for a weekend series, with additional options within driving range in both Monroe and Shreveport. Where to Eat. While there are a few good eats in Ruston, nothing screams Louisiana Tech like the Dawg House Sports Grill. With a great pub-style atmosphere, the venue is filled with pictures, memorabilia, and pride for the Bulldogs. Other recommended stops include the Log Cabin Mesquite Grill and Ponchatoulas. Attractions & Entertainment. The heartbeat of the city is based primarily around restaurants and LA Tech related events. There's not a plethora of options outside of that. Be sure to check-out the Louisiana Military Museum while in town. Grab a brew and enjoy a college bar atmosphere at 3 Docs Brewhouse. If you're traveling with little ones, the Idea Place is a good break from the sports scene. Where to Stay. The Hampton Inn on North Trenton Street is near the university and provides a comfortable stay. Fans 3 Louisiana Tech fans are loyal and supportive. Crowds vary in size, but Ruston loves their Bulldogs, regardless of sport. Typical Attendance. The typical crowd for Louisiana Tech baseball games averages around 500-650. For some special promotion games, such as Greek Day, you can expect crowds which are more robust, between 1,000 and at-capacity. Despite a great game day atmosphere, the crowd levels are a bit inconsistent, which can be attributed, in-part, to an inconsistent on-field product. Were the Bulldogs to put a solid post-season run together, the experience at The Love Shack has great potential to become an elite baseball atmosphere. Crowd Noise & Engagement. Louisiana Tech fans are engaged throughout the game. Expect to hear a clap-down late in the game in support of the Bulldog closer. Fans will cheer during big plays and jeer the umpire when calls don't go their way. The fan produced noise level varies throughout the game. Access 3 To quote a catchy B-52's song, "If you see a faded sign at the side of the road that says "15 miles to the Love Shack,", [You're] headin' down the [Louisiana] highway, Lookin' for the love getaway." One-hit wonders aside, access to the Love Shack has both ups and downs. While the ballpark is quickly accessible near the interstate, the ticket and concession lines can be a bit of a headache and the main concourse is a bit of a squeeze. Transit to and from Stadium. Ruston is accessible off I-20 if you're coming in from the east or west. Exit onto Cooktown Road (Hwy 544) and head south towards the Louisiana Tech campus. Cooktown turns into Tech Drive. The ballpark will be on your left, across from the softball field, track and field complex, and Joe Aillet Stadium. Parking. There are two primary lots which can fill quickly for well attended games. Across Tech Drive is a lot next to the Lady Techster softball field. There is also a lot adjacent to third baseline. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early so you can grab a spot in one of these free lots near the stadium. Ticketing & Gate Entry. The ticket booth and main entrance gate are located on the third baseline side of the stadium. You'll actually walk through the entrance gate and then take a slight right to the ticket window. The pathway between the fencing and ticket window is extremely small and lines can block your path. If possible, get your tickets ahead of time so you can avoid a headache (there's a small entrance behind home plate you can utilize). Moving around the Stadium. In addition to the tight walk-way by the ticket booth, the main concourse at the bottom of the grandstand allows two people, at most, in width. The concessions line moves well for typical crowd sizes, but can be a little long for well attended games. The restrooms are adequate for average crowds. Return on Investment 4 The overall return on investment for a Louisiana Tech game is especially strong. General admission runs $8 with the dugout seats selling for $12 each. Children admissions is $4 for ages 4-17. Concessions are reasonably priced and parking is free. The only thing holding back the ROI for now is a quality on-field product. If prices remain intact and the Bulldogs near a 40 win season, the investment will be well worth it for the overall experience. Extras 4 The Love Shack comes through with a few "extra" items that help to enhance the overall experience. Be on the look-out for the plaque and display which memorializes J.C. Love, the ballpark namesake, and the dedication of the stadium. The dugout seats are a neat idea for visiting team fans. You'll get to sit on-top of your favorite team's dugout. The playground area is a great benefit to families attending the game with little ones. The train passing by beyond right field and the dorms in view just beyond left field add a unique flavor to the overall experience.

Photo Courtesy of Long Beach State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Blair Field 4700 Deukmejian Dr Long Beach, CA 90804 Long Beach State Dirtbags website Blair Field website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 3,283 Dirtbag Diamond Though Long Beach State athletics are known as the 49ers, the locals, students, alumnus, and everyone involved with the baseball program affectionately refer to themselves as The Dirtbags. The moniker goes back to Coach Dave Snow's first team in 1989, when The Dirtbags would practice at a local all-dirt Pony Field. That same team would play in 3 different venues. In spite of not having a true home field advantage, that 1989 team would win their first 18 games and advance to their first College World Series appearance. Since then, being a Dirtbag has been looked at with high esteem. Food & Beverage 4 A good variety of dining selections are available. A Nathan's Hot Dog/Large Soda combo goes for $7.75, while the nachos and cheese/large soda or large popcorn/large soda combo go for $7.25. If you're not in the mood for the standard hot dog. Legends, a local favorite, serves up hamburgers ($7.50), cheeseburgers ($8.50), grilled bratwurst ($6.75) and a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw on top ($8.50). With the right amount of bbq sauce and the meat having the right amount of tenderness, I highly recommend the pulled pork sandwich. Bottled water and 12 ounce soft drinks go for $2, snacks, ranging from candy, peanuts, chips and sunflower seeds go from $2.50 to $4. Alcoholic beverages are also available, from $6 for 16 ounces of Bud or Bud Light to $7.50 for 20 ounces of draft Bud Light or Shock Top. Wine options are cabernet & chardonnay and are available for $5. Atmosphere 4 Blair Field, constructed in 1958, offers an old school charm that is more than proud to display its proud history. As you walk along the exterior concourse, banners of former Dirtbag greats are put on display. Also on display along the 3rd base tunnel toward the stands are Sports Illustrated and ESPN the Magazine covers of former Dirtbags currently playing in the Majors, notably Troy Tulowitzki and Evan Longoria. Paying tribute to former Dirtbags turned big leaguers gives that feel for the fans that the next potential developing big league star is playing right in front of them. The trees beyond the outfield fence from the local park also provide a nice, natural urban feel. Beyond the left field fence, a couple of fans could be spotted watching the game. Let's give some kudos to the Dirtbags for not preventing these fans from taking in the action beyond the stadium fences. Also, the sight of Prospector Pete, the Long Beach State mascot, adds another touch to the atmosphere. Though he isn't involved in much between-innings entertainment, he engages in plenty of interaction in the stands, taking photos with fans of all ages. Mascots, though usually not seen much during college events not as heavily attended as football or men's basketball, are always a welcome touch to any college game as they bring a great sense of school pride and spirit among the fans. Neighborhood 4 Blair Field sits right next to Recreation Park, a 210.9 acre park that makes for a great pre/postgame spot. The name Recreation Park pretty much says it all, with all sorts of recreational activity happening ranging from volleyball to two hand touch football to kids and parents doing a little pre and postgame catch, along with family picnics. Stroll through on a weekend and you can't help the smell of various forms of meat wafting through the grills as you get closer toward the ball yard. All this gives Blair Field an urban neighborhood field, blending in with the area very nicely. For entertainment and dining beyond Blair Field, Rainbow Harbor and Belmont Shore are not too far away, both being about a good 10 minute drive. Not far from Rainbow Harbor is The Queen Mary. Fans 4 With a near-capacity crowd, this may have been the most vocal group of fans I have witnessed at a college baseball venue. Throughout the game, chants of "LET'S GO DIRTBAGS" could be heard. It's interesting because while the term "Dirtbag " is looked upon in the negative sense, the fans, particularly the young ones, seem to be proud of the moniker, as if being a Dirtbag is a cool thing. Speak to many a Long Beach State alumnus and mention the term Dirtbag, chances are great you will have a friendly, engaging conversation. These folks take great pride in being a Dirtbag, as well they should. Access 4 Blair Field can be easily accessed from the 405 freeway as well as Pacific Coast Highway. Upon arriving to the yard you will be happy to know that parking is free, however, be warned that the closer you park toward the grandstand, the higher the risk your car will be struck by a foul ball, a fact not lost upon The Dirtbags as signs are posted throughout. Return on Investment 4 The majority of the seats are general admission grandstand seats. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for faculty/alumni, $8 youth ages 3-12, $6 for kids with jerseys ages 6-12. Super Box seats for those who want a reserved seat within the first two rows go for $26, while all other box seats go for $13. Since most seats are priced at $10 or below, this really is a great family value. You will also be glad to know that the parking is free, freeing up some cash for you to buy your kid, or even yourself, that replica Jared Weaver jersey t-shirt. Extras 4 Prior to entering the gates is a memorial dedicated to Bob Lemon. Once inside the gates, in front of the main concession stand is the Long Beach Baseball Hall of Fame. Any fan of baseball owes it to themselves to make a stop here either prior, during or after the game. Among those enshrined in the Long Beach Baseball HOF are Tony Gwynn, Bobby Grich and Ron Fairly. It's only a matter of time when Jared Weaver and Troy Tulowitzki are enshrined. Also, for those of you bringing kids to the yard, Sunday afternoon games allow kids to run the bases after the game, giving your young ones the chance to run the bases in the field of dreams that Tulo, Weaver and Longoria once ran. Final Thoughts There certainly is no shortage of history here. Walk along the concourse and you will see for yourself that this is one proud baseball program with the many banners and signs paying homage to past Dirtbags, many of who have made it on to the bigs. Slated for future renovations starting in summer 2015, some changes in the first phase will include bringing in the outfield fences, something the hitters should like, and possibly a grass berm in left field. Though the fan experience at Blair Field may offer that rustic old school charm, renovations are a necessity for any program these days if they are to stay competitive, especially when it comes to recruiting top talent. The renovations can only help the fan experience as well, blending a good mix of Blair Field's history with some much needed amenities.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Curtis Granderson Stadium 901 W Roosevelt Rd Chicago, IL 60608 UIC Flames website Curtis Granderson Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,784 A Grand Ballpark with a View One of the lasting memories of visiting a ballpark is the view it provides. I’m not referring to the view of the field, which no doubt is important. However the view I am referring to is the view from behind home plate looking out beyond the outfield wall. BB&T Ballpark provides a spectacular view of the skyline of downtown Charlotte. Oriole Park at Camden Yards has the memorable view of the warehouse beyond right field and the downtown skyline beyond center field. Campbell’s Field in Camden, New Jersey has the Benjamin Franklin Bridge connecting Philadelphia and Camden just beyond the outfield wall. A new ballpark in Chicago is one of the most recent additions to great views beyond the outfield wall. Curtis Granderson Stadium, home of the University of Illinois at Chicago, has a unique view that provides a campus feel important to a collegiate ballpark. Just behind the outfield wall are school buildings and residence halls and beyond that is a great view of the iconic Chicago skyline combining for one of the best views at any ballpark on any level. On February 6, 2013, the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames announced that they were retiring the number 28 in honor of former standout and Major Leaguer Curtis Granderson. During the retirement ceremony, Granderson also announced that he would make a significant donation to build a new baseball stadium for his alma mater. In all, Granderson pledged $5 million. Besides serving as the home of the UIC Flames baseball team, Granderson Stadium will also host youth games in partnership with MLB and Chicago Public Schools. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is located just inside the main entrance to the ballpark behind home plate and provides the regular assortment to choose from. A slice of pizza, nachos, or a hot dog and chips will run you $3, while a bratwurst is $4. Popcorn is $2 and candy or sunflower seeds are $1.50. Fountain drinks, bottled water, and Gatorade are all $2 while coffee and hot chocolate are $1. Everything at the concession stand is very reasonably priced. A large portion of the crowd carries in food and drinks. Atmosphere 3 There is ample seating that stretches from first base around the backstop to third base, and all seats are individual blue chair backs. The seats are comfortable and spacious, providing a very comfortable viewing experience. Since the seats are all located in the infield, all seats have good sight lines and don’t require any head turning to see the action on the field. There are 1,284 fixed seats with capacity for an additional 500 on the berm for a total capacity of 1,784 and is fully ADA accessible with designated space for up to 12 wheelchairs and companion seats as well. One thing that can detract from the atmosphere is the presence of netting from dugout to dugout; the only seating options that are not behind a net are the berm seats. The scoreboard located in left center between the bullpens and the batters eye is easy to read even in the bright daylight. Photos and the name of each batter appear on the scoreboard, a feature not available at many college ballparks. It makes following along and completing a score book a much easier task. Neighborhood 5 Just beyond the ballpark down the right field line is Halstead St. which is full of places to grab a meal before or after the game, or to grab something to take inside the ballpark with you. Joy Yee’s Noodles is an Asian fusion restaurant with a wide selection of dishes. Rosati’s Pizza is a great place to grab a slice or have a sit down meal. If you just want to grab a quick beverage before or after a game, then Jamba Juice, Peet’s Coffee and 7-Eleven are all within walking distance from the ballpark. Another good spot about a mile from campus is Haymarket Pub & Brewery, located on the other side of I-290 at 737 West Randolph Haymarket. It provides a wide variety of beers with both in house brews as well as other regional craft favorites. Haymarket has great pizza and sandwiches as well as a brunch menu if you are attending an early game on Saturday or Sunday. An additional great option is Moxee Restaurant & Mad Mouse Brewery, they combine a small batch brewery with a menu that includes southern inspired favorites such as shrimp & grits, steak tips, Po’ Boy sandwiches, and smoked BBQ. Fans 3 The fans at Granderson Stadium seem to consist mostly of family and friends of both teams, which isn’t a bad thing. While the crowds aren’t huge, they are engaged in the game and have knowledge of what is happening on the field. It is good to see fans discussing the hitter on deck or discussing the ground ball needed for a pitcher to get out of one out jam. These fans are knowledgeable and passionate and into every pitch for the entirety of the game. Access 2 The UIC campus is within easy access of major freeways in Chicago including I-290, I-90, and I-94. There is parking available on the street, and a parking garage and surface lots adjacent to the UIC pavilion is an easy walk. Parking in either location is only $5. Another great option is the CTA “L” train with easy accessibility from both the UIC-Halstead and Racine stops. The only negative is the Chicago traffic that can make your route difficult to navigate, especially for a weeknight game. Return on Investment 3 Admission to Granderson Stadium is $7 for an adult general admission seat with kids 18 and under receiving free admission. UIC students also receive free admission and groups of 15 or more receive tickets at $4 each. While the general admission adult ticket is on the high end in terms of other college baseball programs in the area, it isn’t unreasonable; and is worth the cost for the quality of the facility. Extras 2 One extra point for the fantastic view, one of the better views of a downtown skyline at any ballpark on any level. Another extra point for Curtis Granderson, his generosity and desire to help to improve the program he comes from is commendable. Final Thoughts UIC has a great ballpark that should be an asset to the baseball program but also to the community. This ballpark will contribute to that enjoyment well beyond the games played by the UIC baseball team. It is hard to imagine this ballpark not becoming a destination for area high school and youth tournaments. Just behind the outfield wall are school buildings and residence halls and beyond that is a great view of the iconic Chicago skyline combining for one of the best views at any ballpark on any level.

Photo Courtesy of Eastern Michigan Eagles Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George Gervin GameAbove Center 799 Hewitt Rd Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Eastern Michigan Eagles website George Gervin GameAbove Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 8,824 East of Ypsi Eastern Michigan’s Convocation Center opened in time for the 1998-1999 season, tipping off with a 23 point loss against the nearby Michigan Wolverines. The venue has a capacity of 8,824 and is a comfortable spot to watch Division I college basketball. The Convocation Center is the home of Eastern Michigan men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the volleyball team. The venue has also hosted numerous concerts from artists such as The Killers, Jay-Z, and Jason Mraz. Prior to the 2012-2013 season, EMU installed a new center hung video scoreboard. The screen is 15.7×11.5 feet and adds to the overall experience of an Eagles game. Eastern Michigan has been a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since 1972. The team has made four appearances in the NCAA Tournament (1988, 1991, 1996, and 1998) with their best finish coming in 1991 when they advanced to the Sweet 16 as a 12 seed under the leadership of coach Ben Braun. Note: The venue name changed in Dec 2021 from Convocation Center to George Gervin GameAbove Center. Food & Beverage 2 There’s not much of a selection, but enough to provide for a snack or a drink if needed. The small concession stands offer pizza ($3.50 a slice or $15 for a whole pie), Johnsonville brats ($4), and hot dogs ($3.25). Snacks include popcorn ($2.50), nachos ($3.25), or a pretzel ($2.75). The prices are below what you would normally see at an arena, but the selection is certainly disappointing. I’d recommend saving your money and having a bite before or after the contest. Pepsi is the soda provider of choice here. A small will cost you $2.50 and a large 32-ounce goes for $3. Hot chocolate or coffee are available as well on a cold winter Saturday ($2). Once again, the prices are a little lower than expected, but not very interesting. Atmosphere 2 There are some positives about seeing a game at the Convocation Center. Almost all of the seats in the arena have chairbacks, with the exception of the upper sections behind each basket, which are bleacher seating. The first seven rows are folding seats, and are a little less comfortable, so try to sit in the eighth row or higher. Tickets for the upper deck seats are not sold until the lower bowl is sold out, but you can move into the upper section if you prefer a better view of the flow of the game. Seats provide average leg room, but no cup holders. They also have a pep band, the “EMU Basketball Band” with 30 or so members, which is utilized throughout the game. Outside of those niceties, the atmosphere is pretty stale. The arena seems about the right size for the university and their conference affiliation (the MAC), but the reality is that emptiness is a hard thing to overcome. Specifically, the student section is severely lacking. They do the turn off the lights thing during pregame for the home team introductions, something that feels a little out of place when there isn’t much of a crowd. Neighborhood 3 There are several options within a short driving distance from the Convocation Center. For really good food and a terrific beer selection, then make the trip to the Wurst Bar before or after the game. In the neighborhood known as Depot Town, you’ll find Aubree’s Pizzeria & Tavern, a bar that has an outstanding selection of draft beers, including several local options. They have plenty of activities to keep you entertained including a pool table and trivia game. The food is decent, but nothing special. I tried their pizza as well, it has a buttery crust and a comforting greasy quality. This is a good place to go if you are looking for some fun either before or after the game. Across the street is Sidetrack Bar & Grill. This place is known for its outstanding burgers, and was once named as one of the top 20 burgers by GQ Magazine. The burgers are very good, as well as their deep-fried pickles, a huge basket of beer-battered spears. The beer selection offers 16 interesting beers on tap, including some good local options. This place is a little less sports-focused than Aubree’s, but the food is better. You may also want to check out the Hudson Automobile Museum or the Michigan Firehouse Museum, both located in Depot Town. Fans 2 The student section has gotten better in recent years, and works well with the pep band to provide some atmosphere. Otherwise, the crowd seems pretty ambivalent except for the occasional threat of catching a t-shirt thrown by a member of the cheerleading squad after a three point basket. The issue at Eastern Michigan comes down to a lack of attendance. The low point occurred when the team hosted a game for the College Insiders Tournament in 2014, and only 373 fans showed up. This was for a postseason home basketball game! The Eagles drew fewer than 1,000 fans for the 2013-2014 season, and similar unspectacular numbers in 2015. Access 5 Parking is free, and there is plenty of it. Concourses are wide and easily handicap accessible. Bathrooms are small, but there are plenty of them so you shouldn’t expect a line, even if they do get a crowd (which they probably won’t). Traffic shouldn’t be a problem, and you are within a couple of miles of both I-94 and M-23. Overall, this is a very accessible venue. Return on Investment 4 Eastern Michigan University is doing a good job of doing everything possible to attract fans to the Convocation Center. Parking is free, concession prices are very reasonable, and tickets are cost effective. Tickets are only $12 each, with youth (12 and under) only $7. The fact remains that the Eastern Michigan Eagles have not been in the NCAA Tournament since 1998, and have been consistently bad. However, while the experience is by no means memorable, it is worth the price you will pay. Extras 2 One extra point for the efforts that the school is making to attract fans, including a beautiful new scoreboard, free parking, and other reasonable price points. An additional point for the retired numbers for George “The Iceman” Gervin, Earl Boykins, and Grant Long. All had significant college and pro careers. Final Thoughts It’s a shame that more people don’t see games at Eastern Michigan’s Convocation Center. It is a fine, but empty facility. A winning team usually cures all. Hopefully the Eagles can find their way back to postseason success and fans can enjoy their basketball arena.