Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Marion Stadium 1000 Miners Drive Marion, IL 62959 Thrillville Thrillbillies website Marion Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,000 Take a Thrilling Ride in Thrillville, USA Marion Stadium is home to the Thrillville Thrillbillies of the summer collegiate Prospect League. The team returned to organized baseball to back Marion, Illinois, after the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League folded in 2021. The 7,000-seat ballpark is among the biggest in the summer league, but a new name and imagery hope to bring fans back to the ballpark. The stadium hoped to lure a Single-A Midwest League team by former mayor, but when that did not work, the town opted for the independent Frontier League. The Miners were a success during its inaugural season of 2007, attracting 259,392 fans, but after several years of declining attendance, the love affair appeared to be over. The original owners retired after the 2021 season, and baseball was gone. Enter the Thrillbillies, whose unique identity is inspired by the regional outdoor adventures of off-road driving and rock climbing. The club’s logo of a deer and rabbit riding an ATV and skydiving adheres to those outdoor adventures of Southern Illinois. The venue opened as Rent One Park but reverted to Mountain Dew Park in early 2023, but changed to Marion Stadium at the start of the T-Billies opening night. Besides summer collegiate baseball, the ballpark hosts the Colt World Series and the Great Lakes Valley Conference, and Ohio Valley Conference college baseball tournaments. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark introduced a whole new menu, including a few interesting items that hope to be signature items: the Thrillville Chicken Sandwich and Burger. There are also Mexican, barbecue, and sweet treats to appeal to most fans at the ballgame. The Thrillville Chicken Sandwich is fried in Flaming Hot Cheetos crumbs, doused with habanero sauce, and served between two Krispy Kreme donuts. The Thrillville Burger is topped with bacon and cheese sauce in between two crispy waffles as buns. They sell for $10; fans can make it a combo with chips and a drink for $3 extra. The main concession stand behind homeplate serves hot dogs (regular and foot long), ¼ pound cheeseburgers, grilled or breaded chicken sandwiches, and chicken strips. All sandwiches can be upgraded to a combo, fully loaded, or include extra heat if desired. The Catina is located down the third base end of the concourse and offers quesadillas with chips, three street tacos, and fully loaded nachos. The barbecue stand features pulled pork, smoked chicken, and brisket sandwiches. A kiosk behind the backstop offers brisket sloppy joes with barbecue chips. The colorful Lollywood concession stand serves sugary sweets, including ice cream, doughnuts in three different flavors, assorted candies, and cotton candy. Fans can also order cheese and pepperoni pizza slices, too. The alcoholic drinks are also behind the backstop and include Budweiser products from Bud, Bud Light, Mich Ultra, and seltzers from Nutrl and Cutwater. The cocktails available are a Mt. Dew Margarita, Sangria, and various mixed drinks. Atmosphere 3 Marion Stadium has a different look than other ballparks of its kind. Instead of a red brick and hunter-green canopy design, the structure’s colors are black, steel, and gray. The main concourse features exposed piping from the press box and suite area with open views of the playing field from anywhere in the stadium. Due to the transition of the stadium to the new ball club, there is evidence of the old Miners that include seat signage with a rock design in the former team’s colors and the removal of the Rent One Park logo outside the stadium’s main entrance. However, the Thrillbillies aura is presently painted on the walls of the Lollywood concession stand in a graffiti style. The Thrillbillies have a dance team that performs on the dugout innings, along with assisting the on-field promotions in between each inning of play. The team’s rabbit mascot can be seen on the field and in the stands entertaining fans of all ages. The team shop is stocked with club gear, from caps, t-shirts, and other trinkets. The stadium features 14 luxury suites and an events center up above the third base side that can accommodate up to 200 guests. The field uses Sportexe Turf, a synthetic surface that drains easier than natural grass and can be used for other events throughout the year. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is directly off I-57 and between regional restaurants and hotel chains. A few hotels are located in the same parking lot of the stadium and are ideal for easy access back and foot during a visit. However, many close around 10 pm Sunday to Wednesday, but if visiting on a weekend night, you will have a few options. 618 Tap House is within seconds by car from the ballpark and features pub food from chicken wings, burgers, and sandwiches. The draft list is impressive and ideal for a pint or two after the game with friends. 17th Street Barbecue has one of its locations in the neighborhood with pulled pork, brisket, and smoked chicken available until it’s gone. With the family, Applebee’s, Logan’s Roadhouse, or Buffalo Wild Wings are close to Marion Stadium. Fans 4 The fanbase is getting to know the T-Billies and averages over 2,000 fans per game. The crowds are respectable for the league. You will see folks wearing team colors and caps and supporting the ball club; hopefully, there will be something to cheer for years to come in Marion. Access 4 The stadium is at the intersection of I-57 and Illinois Route 13. There are three parking entry gates for guests to enter the parking area. Inside the ballpark, fans can get around and access the three main points of sale for concessions and the merchandise store near the main entrance. After the game, traffic moves smoothly out of the parking lot, but could be cumbersome on nights with larger crowds. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are $8 for a seat in the grandstand and $5 for lawn seating down the third baseline. The club does not charge for parking. Concession prices are as low as $4 for a hot dog and $10 for a Thrillville Burger or Chicken sandwich. Merchandise prices are in line with many other franchises in the league, with a cap selling for $30 and a t-shirt for $25. Extras 4 Marion Stadium earns a point for its Thrillville Burgers and Chicken Sandwich. It is awarded a second point for its distinctive design compared to other ballparks of its era. A third point is for the ticket prices which are only $5 and $8 a night. A final point is for the management to develop promotions that include the unique Tighty Bowl game. Final Thoughts The Thrillbillies have a distinct branding that hopes to bring fans back to the ballpark. The team looks to reach beyond the typical baseball promotions and help make a night at the game a “thrill” again in Southern Illinois. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 CCSU Softball Field 413 Ella Grasso Blvd New Britain, CT 06050 Central Connecticut State Blue Devils website CCSU Softball Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 250 CCSU Softball Field The CCSU Softball Field opened in 2010 when the school renovated both the Blue Devils’ baseball and softball fields. The field features state-of-the-art field turf as well as separate enclosed bullpens for both teams. Batting cages are located down the right field line, with seating for spectators located in several sections. Founded in 1849 as the State Normal School, CCSU is Connecticut’s oldest public university. Total enrollment at CCSU is almost 12,000 students, over half of whom live off campus. 96 percent of the student body hails from Connecticut. The Blue Devils compete in the Northeast Conference, where they have won two conference titles and qualified for six NCAA Tournaments. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions available at a Blue Devils softball game. There is a lovely little pavilion in between the baseball and softball fields, but it is utilized to prepare meals for the teams and not as a snack bar for fans. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks into CCSU Softball Field. Atmosphere 2 An afternoon at a Blue Devils softball game is as simple and laid-back as it gets. There is nothing to distract your attention from the action going on down on the field. No music is played at all during the game. No walk-up songs, no between innings tunes. The PA announcer does his job unobtrusively, adding to the old school presentation. A small scoreboard in centerfield displays only basic game information. If you enjoy being able to chat with your neighbors in the stands, hear the chatter of the fielders and coaches barking instructions to the players, then CCSU Softball Field is the place for you. If the schedules line up, you’ll be able to move about the athletic complex and take in several games at once. Neighborhood 3 Central Connecticut State University is located in a residential neighborhood on the northeastern edge of New Britain, a suburban city of 73,000 people located 12 miles southwest of Hartford. CCSU Softball Field is located on the eastern edge of campus, alongside the school’s other athletic facilities, including CCSU Baseball Field , Arute Field and Detrick Gymnasium . While the area around campus is bustling, there are not many attractions in the immediate vicinity for visiting fans. Fans wanting a unique experience before or after a CCSU game should check out the East Side Restaurant, a German-themed pub complete with staff in traditional Bavarian gear and all the bratwurst you could possibly desire. For a twist on a traditional American dish, visit Ted’s Steamed Hamburgers in nearby Meriden. Their method of cooking hamburgers in steam trays is unique to central Connecticut, and Ted’s has been featured on several travel shows such as Man vs. Food and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It’s a favorite spot for this writer. Fans looking for a place to stay near campus should check out the Courtyard by Marriott and the Extended Stay America, both in neighboring Farmington. Beyond the local options, Connecticut’s capital city of Hartford contains a plethora of dining, lodging and entertainment options. Sports fans may want to pair a CCSU game with a Hartford Yard Goats game at Dunkin’ Donuts Park or a Hartford Wolf Pack game at the XL Center . Fans 2 CCSU softball crowds can best be described as “friends and family.” Stadium Journey attended a Sunday afternoon game in late April with a crowd of about 50 present. This appears to be a typically sized crowd, as a scan of the 2022 box scores show crowds between 25-100 people. With the majority of the crowd enjoying a personal connection with the players down on the field, it’s not surprising that the fans here are really invested in the game and knowledgeable about the team. Still, this is a very laid-back, friendly crowd. With CCSU’s location near the geographic center of the Northeast Conference, it’s not unusual to see visiting fans in attendance on a nice spring afternoon. Access 4 The CCSU campus is located on the New Britain/Newington town line, about a 15-minute drive from Hartford. Route 9 passes directly to the east of campus, connecting to Interstates 84 and 91 nearby. Driving is the primary method for arriving at this suburban campus. For fans utilizing public transportation, several CT Transit busses access CCSU , with the 140 bus stopping right at Arute Field. Seating at CCSU Baseball Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in the small grandstand behind home plate. There are additional bleachers down the left field line, and some room for fans who wish to bring their own lawn chairs and set up shop. Netting and fencing obstructs views from all points in the ballpark. Parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the baseball field, a short walk from the softball field. Should this lot fill, and it may on a spring afternoon where there are several events taking place, additional parking is available in the large lot on the far side of Arute Field. Rest rooms are located in the Pavilion located beyond the center field fence. They are clean and plenty large enough for a typical Blue Devils crowd. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission or for parking at CCSU Softball Field. With no on-site concessions, you will not spend a single cent at a Blue Devils softball game. Extras 1 Banners honoring Blue Devils conference championships hang on the back façade of the visitors dugout, visible as you walk past. NCAA Tournament appearances are listed on the outfield wall. Final Thoughts In the northeast, most spring sports are not the big deal that they are in other parts of the country. The weather shortens the season greatly, and when the weather breaks, it doesn’t seem like people want to come take in a game. Still, small facilities like CCSU Softball Field are worth a look for any sports fan looking for some quality competition at a most affordable price.

Photos by Lloyd brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland, FL 33805 Detroit Tigers Spring Training website Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 9,000 The Eyes Are On The Tigers The Detroit Tigers have called Lakeland, Florida their Spring Training home since 1934, and since 1966 that home has been at Joker Marchant Stadium and Tigertown. The stadium is named for Marcus “Joker” Marchant, the city of Lakeland’s Parks and Recreation, who worked tirelessly at the beginning of the city’s relationship with the team. Today’s Joker Marchant Stadium looks very different than it did in 1966, as it has gone through major renovations in 1966, 2003 and 2016. These renovations have brought the stadium up to a capacity of 9,000 fans. The most recent renovations have been to increase fan comfort by creating more shade for the various seating arrangements around the playing field. One thing that has remained constant are the field dimensions of 340’ to left field, 420’ to deep center and 340’ to right field. Food and Beverage 4 There are six main concession stands located at Joker Marchant Stadium: Canteen: This stand is located on the first base concourse. It sells the usual ballpark standards, including hot dogs ($6), chicken tenders ($7), pretzels ( $6), popcorn ($5), Pepsi brand sodas ($8) and bottled water ($5.50). Mac and Tator: This stand is located along the third base concourse and features ballpark standards, as well as chilimac and tator, small mac and tator, an build your own mac and tator. Hot Corner: Also located on the third base concourse, this stand offers the same menu items as the Canteen stand. Hangar Grab and Go: This stand is located in the left field area of the ballpark. It features a convenience store self-serve format. In addition to sodas ($8), Gatorade ($6.50), canned beers ($11 – $12.25) and bottled water ($5.50), this stand offers garden salads ($8), sandwiches ($7) and chips ($3). Grand Slam Favorites: This stand offers BBQ nachos ($130, BBQ sandwiches ($11.50), Kettle corn ($8) and Carmel corn ($8). Little Caesars: There are several Little Caesars stands in the ballpark. This is the only brand of pizza sold at Joker Marchant, as the late owner of the Detroit Tigers, Mike Illich, was also the founder/CEO of Little Caesars. Pizzas can be purchased as a whole pizza ($22.50) or by the Super Slice ($7.50). Pizzas are available in cheese, pepperoni or sausage toppings. One additional item that is sold in season is strawberry shortcake. You may find that to be an odd menu item at a ballpark. However, the Lakeland/Plant City, Florida area is the strawberry capitol of Florida. It is a major part of the local economy… and is a wonderful addition to the ballpark’s food and beverage offerings! All concessions purchases are credit card only. Atmosphere 4 Joker Marchant Stadium is a very pleasant place to take in a Spring Training game. The grounds around the stadium are immaculate and the exterior of the stadium features the Spanish Mediterranean stucco that is very popular in this part of Florida. You’ll also learn a lot about the history of Tigertown and the stadium before you even go through the gates. Once inside the stadium, navigating the way to your seats is very easy, as the signage is excellent. If you have time, it is a good idea to look around the stadium before all the seats fill up. There might be an interesting angle for a photo that you might not be able to get later. Once at your seat, enjoy the game! However, there will be multiple pitchers in a preseason game, due to low pitch counts and the need for the coaching staff to evaluate multiple pitchers for the upcoming season. Take advantage of these breaks in the action to visit the team store, to check out a unique concession stand, or watch the minor league players on the adjoining practice field. One of the major improvements made at Joker Marchant Stadium as a part of the renovations involves the electronics package in the stadium. A brand new videoboard measuring 46’ X 26’ was installed atop the hill above the berm. A LED ribbon board was added to the facing on the outfield grandstand. The sound system was greatly improved as a part of the renovation process as well. Neighborhood 3 Lakeland is in farm country, more specifically strawberries. You will probably see plenty of groves and strawberry stands along the roads between downtown Lakeland and Joker Marchant Stadium. However, there is a lot more to enjoy in Lakeland than just strawberries. It is the home Florida Southern University, whose campus features the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright- designed buildings in the world. Tours are given at the University for those interested in learning more about Wright’s quirky building style. Speaking of building… Lakeland is also the home of LEGOLAND, and those traveling with their kids or grandkids will want to stop there for a visit. Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille is one of the more popular restaurants in the area to enjoy a postgame meal. The closest accommodations to the stadium are located at exit 33 on I-4. There are several hotel brands represented. This is approximately 2.5 miles from the stadium. It is important to book early as these locations fill quickly during the preseason for baseball. Fans 4 Tigertown has been the spring training home to the Detroit Tigers since 1934, and the first sign of spring is the number of Michigan license plates heading down I-75 to Lakeland. The Tigers fanbase is one of the most loyal in baseball, despite a dearth in championships in recent years. It is easy to convince Motor City residents to head south and escape the harsh winters in Michigan. Tiger fans are like one big family, and they value tradition. Many families head to the Tiger mosaic on the exterior of the stadium for a family photo each year, measuring their children’s growth by how close their heads are to the colorful backdrop. Joker Marchant Stadium and Tigertown have plenty of elements like that, as the complex is filled with the names of Tiger greats like Kaline, Horton, Lolich and McLain. There are also plaques to the legendary 1968 World Series Champion Tigers, and the retired numbers of the Tiger franchise are also prominently on display in the ballpark. Access 4 Joker Marchant is easily accessed via exit 33 on Interstate 4. After exiting the interstate, get on Highway 33 South. Go under the next overpass, then go to the right onto Lakeland Hills Boulevard headed west. The Tigertown complex and Joker Marchant Stadium will be on your left. Here you have two choices. There is a large parking area adjacent to the stadium that is controlled by the Tigers and Tigertown. Parking in this lot is $8 if you prepay for your space online or $10 the day of the event. The Lutheran Church across Lakeland Hills Parkway from Tigertown and the stadium has raised money for its outreach in the community programs by offering parking in its lot for $5. We mention this not to save a small bit of change, but to share that many fans feel it is much easier to get back on the road at the end of a game from the other side of the road from the stadium. We recommend the Tampa International Airport if your visit is limited to Tampa, Lakeland, Bradenton or Dunedin. It offers flights to nearly everywhere. The Orlando airport may seem to be the best choice, but the traffic around the airport and flights are hard to get due to Disney and all the other amusement parks. Like most stadiums in the Grapefruit League, gates at Marchant Stadium open two hours before the opening pitch. This should give you plenty of time for you to orient where your seats are in the stadium, as well as to visit the team store or get something at the concession stands. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Tiger games at Joker Marchant Stadium are available at several price points. All the seats on the lower level behind the plate and extending to first and third base are sold out. However, the upper-level seats in these areas are still available. Ticket prices range from $35 for seats in the 200 level, down to berm seating for $13. There are six pricing levels in between the $35 -$ 13 range. The good news is that after the recent renovations the number of seats that are in the shade at the stadium increased 42%. Parking at Tigertown or the Lutheran Church across the street costs $5- $10. We found the food prices at Tiger games was lower than other Spring Training parks. Extras 4 Fans traveling with kids or grandkids may want to take them to the play area near the top of the berm and next to the inflatable Tiger. This is a supervised area, and a great way for the kids to burn off all that in the car too long energy or the sugar high they may be on. The Tigers Spring Training Complex is relatively near the Spring Training complexes for the Pirates, the Blue Jays the Phillies and Yankees. Detroit plays very few night games, so check the night game schedule for the other teams and you might get in a day/night doubleheader. The mosaic tiger at the base of the tower outside Joker Marchant Stadium makes a great background for your selfie shot at a game. The starting lineups for each team are posted the walls in the main concourse. There is also a painted map of all the teams that participate in the Grapefruit League and where in Florida they are located. Final Thoughts The Tigers franchise has the longest relationship with one Florida city of any team in the Grapefruit League. The Tigertown complex has grown and evolved over the years, but has always maintained a strong relationship with the traditions of its past. Joker Marchant Stadium is always looking for ways to improve the fan experience after each spring training season, with plans getting underway for the next year, immediately after the team departs for Detroit to begin the regular season.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 InfoCision Stadium 375 E Exchange St Akron, OH 44304 Akron Zips website InfoCision Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 30,000 Rubber Zips Since fielding a team all the way back in 1891, the Akron Zips have not had the strongest of teams. However, Akron does enjoy a rich history and traces its lineage back to John Heisman … THE John Heisman of the famous Heisman Trophy awarded each year to the top NCAA Football player. In 1988, Akron joined the Mid-American Conference, one of the most stable conferences in the NCAA. Akron became the first program to move from Division I-AA up to Division I-A. The Zips have enjoyed a MAC Conference Championship once in 2005 and been to three post season bowls, winning one. With one of the most unique names in all of college sports, the Zips are a nod to the history of the City of Akron as the rubber capital of the world. The Zips are specifically named after rubber boots called Zippers that were manufactured by the B.F. Goodrich Company whose headquarters were in Akron. The home of the Zips from 1940 to 2008 was the Rubber Bowl. Replacement for the Rubber Bowl came in 2009 with InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field which signaled a return to campus for Akron. The naming rights of the stadium are shared by InfoCision Management Corporation and Summa Health System. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options at InfoCision Stadium are fairly limited. There are a number of concession stands under each of the two main grandstands. Typical concession items are what will be found here including hot dogs, brats, cheeseburgers, nachos, pretzels, popcorn and chicken tenders. Chick-fil-A sandwiches and Papa John’s pizza are also available being brought in from outside. The soft drinks available are Pepsi products and beer options include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and Stella Artois. Fans will not go hungry at InfoCision Stadium, but there isn’t much to grab the imagination. Atmosphere 3 InfoCision Stadium is a nice facility. It doesn’t have a deep history or anything that adds to the wow factor, but it is a solid stadium. InfoCision Stadium consists of two main grandstands on either side of the north-south oriented field. The entire stadium area is surrounded by attractive wraught iron fencing. The main grandstand, which also includes the press box and luxury boxes, is the west grandstand and the exterior is attractive brown brick and glass. The best place to enter InfoCision Stadium is at the south entrance, where fans are greeted with the bronze statue of former Akron head coach, John Heisman. The team store is also found at the south entrance. Just north of InfoCision Stadium is the fieldhouse and the Zips cross the road and enter the stadium from there. Inside InfoCision Stadium fans will notice that the concourses underneath the grandstands can be on the dark side. The concession and washrooms are easily accessed from this area. The highlights of the concourse are almost missed due to their proximity to the patron. High above the concession stands are large posters outlining the highlights of Akron Zips football. These include the history of the Wagon Wheel rivalry with Kent State, the 2005 MAC Conference Championship, Postseason History, Historic Coaches, Winningest Seasons and Jason Taylor. Both grandstands have two tiers and are composed of bleacher benches. Some reserved seating exists with plastic stadium seats. The brick wall past the north endzone highlights the most honoured Zips whose numbers are retired. These include Chris Angeloff, Charlie Frye and Jason Taylor. Their banners are joined by the Wall of Champions and honors for coaches Gordon Larson and Jim Dennison. The cannon is found in the southwest corner of the stadium at field level and is shot when the Zips score. The videoboard is good quality and is found past the south endzone. The gameday production for a Zips football game is about what one would expect from a mid-major football program. Ohio’s Pride, the Akron marching band, performs northwest of InfoCision Stadium at Coleman Commons before the game. They march down Spicer Street and play for the tailgaters in the lot south of the stadium before entering. The perform on the field at halftime and before the opening kick. The cheerleaders perform stunts on the sideline and move with the band before pregame. The Akron mascot, Zippy, a kangaroo, takes part in the pregame festivities and can be found on field level or interacting with fans during the game. Neighborhood 4 The University of Akron is located east of Downtown Akron. InfoCision Stadium is found at the east end of campus encircled by Vine, Spicer, Union and Exchange Streets. There are a few spots for pre or post game food or drink. Exchange Street has a number of options, most of which are fast food chains. Score Draft Room may be an option. There are more options the short drive to downtown including Canal Place, R. Shea Brewing, the Diamond Deli and the Spaghetti Warehouse. Depending on the scheduling of the Zips game, an Akron Zips basketball game at James A. Rhodes Arena, steps from InfoCision Stadium may be an additional sporting option, or possibly the Akron Rubberducks from the Double-A Eastern League at downtown’s Canal Park. Some non-sporting tourist options include the Akron Zoo and Stan Hywet Hall, or perhaps taking a look at the former site of the Rubber Bowl would be of interest. For fans wishing to stay near InfoCision Stadium, the Hilton and BLU-Tique Akron are both options. Fans 3 The combination of generally not being terribly competitive in the MAC and proximity to Cleveland leave InfoCision Stadium with more empty seats than full seats. Akron attracted an average of almost 11,200 fans per game in 2022. For the game that was reviewed, the paid attendance was just north of 5,400. With a stadium capacity of 30,000, this leaves an environment that could be better. Close to the bottom in the MAC, Akron needs to do more to bring the students into the stadium as a student section was not obvious. Access 5 Getting to InfoCision Stadium is very easy. InfoCision Stadium is located on campus, east of Downtown Akron. It is north of I-76 and west of highway 8, which gives campus easy access from the major highways of the area. There is parking on campus and north of campus with plenty of options. Tailgating usually occurs in the lot just at the south end of InfoCision Stadium. For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are Akron Metro bus stops that can be found on the streets surrounding campus. Fans should consult the Akron Metro website for schedules, maps and fares. Due to the capacity of InfoCision Stadium and the average number of fans in attendance, getting around the stadium is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are more than adequate. Stadium Journey recognizes that the security protocols for major sporting events are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Akron Zips website for the most up to date security information, including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Taking in an Akron Zips football game is very affordable. General Admission tickets can be had for $19 and reserved seating can be found for $31 to $38. The Zips do a good job with their gameday production and the college football feeling is there with the Zips. Concession prices are not terrible and parking will come with a cost as well. The output for a Zips game is not too high, however, if the Zips were more popular and found more fans in the stands, the return on the investment would be even better Extras 3 An extra mark for the rivalry games the Akron Zips partake in, specifically the Steel Tire against Youngstown State and the Wagon Wheel versus the Kent State Golden Flashes. An extra mark for being the first program to move from Division I-AA to Division I-A. An extra mark for the lone Akron Zip in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Jason Taylor. Final Thoughts A Saturday afternoon at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field with the Akron Zips is a good time. It would be an even better time if more people knew and more people showed up. When in Northern Ohio, taking in a Zips game is well worth it and the money required for it is not bad at all. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bill Davis Stadium 560 Borror Dr. Columbus, OH 43210 Ohio State Buckeyes website Bill Davis Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 4,450 Buckeyes Baseball Bill Davis Stadium at Nick Swisher Field is the largest outright college ballpark in the Big 10 and stands out among its contemporaries in design and features. Even Dorothy M. Davis, who donated $1.5 million towards the $4.7 million to construct the venue in memory of her stepson, was astonished by its size during the construction phase in the fall of 1996. At the time, Ohio State was in desperate need of a new baseball stadium. The Buckeyes had called Trautman Field home since 1966, but the 1,800-seat stadium was severely antiquated. The talks of a new baseball stadium picked up steam as the club was playing some of its best baseballs, making the NCAA tournament five times before the new ballpark opened. It was evident that the university needed a first-class baseball field and would begin constructing The Schottenstein Center , now Value City Arena , around the same time. The ballpark would open on March 14, 1997, and lighting would be installed later on in November. It was a venue that featured 500 lower bowl seats, 2,500 upper grandstand seats, and additional bleacher seating down the lines. An inner concourse separates the two sections, and the outer concourse houses a concession stand and Dugout Digs, a small spot for Buckeye merchandise. In 2011, alumni and former major league player Nick Swisher donated $500,000 towards the installation of field turf. The following season the stadium added Nick Swisher Field to its name. Baseball was the first athletic team founded at the school in 1881 and played in a series of locations around campus that included grounds near the Old North Dorms in 1892, the Baseball Diamond in 1925, and lowlands near Ohio Stadium in 1940. Trautman Field would open in April 1966, but it feels as if Bill Davis Stadium is the school’s first real ballpark. The Buckeyes have made four College World Series appearances, finishing runners-up in 1965 and champions in 1966. They have a total of 22 tournament appearances and 15 regular conference championships. They have also honored four individuals by retiring their numbers: Fred Taylor, Steve Arlin, Marty Karow, and Bobb Todd. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a large concession stand near the entrance of the stadium that offers up a wealth of ballpark cuisine that includes hot dogs, nachos, brats, pretzels, and candy. The ballpark serves hamburgers with chips and brats. If you have a sweet tooth, there is Italian ice and candy served at the concession stand as well. Coca-Cola products are offered from the fountain, and there is alcohol in the form of Bud, Bud Light, Blue Moon, Coors Light, and Fizzy Seltzer cans. The prices range from as low as $4 for a hot dog to $9 for a burger and chips. Soda is priced at $6, domestic beers are $8, and seltzers are $9. It should be noted that visitors bring credit cards or other forms of non-cash payment. The campus sports facilities do not accept cash. Atmosphere 3 Bill Davis Stadium would be akin to either a High or Low ballpark in the minor leagues. The seating bowl opens up to other campus facilities in the background, and there is plenty of room to move around and take in the game from different vantage points. The atmosphere at the game is typical of many other Big 10 ballparks in the area. At the game of this review, the collection of fans was not deterred by the gloomy clouds up above, and as the weather warmed up a bit, so did the atmosphere. OSU mascot Brutus was one of the main attractions posing for pictures with fans young and old. He did not seem to get a break during his walk around the inner concourse of the stadium. The field consists of a synthetic surface, a video scoreboard behind the right field area wall, and plenty of areas to grab a seat. The best bet for a better atmosphere would be against Big 10 rivals and ideal temperatures. However, if you enjoy the action on the field and baseball banter from the dugouts, this is the place to be for a few innings. Neighborhood 4 The Old North District is located just north of campus and is a popular destination for students. The streets are filled with restaurants, bars, and music venues, along with businesses that support the residents. It’s a pretty part of Columbus and worth visiting before or after a visit to Bill Davis Stadium. A few places worth visiting are Jack & Benny’s, Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, Condado Tacos, Mother Cluckers, and DiCarlo’s Pizza. There is also a multitude of breweries that include North High Brewing, BrewDog Short North, Seventh Son Brewing Company, and Zaftig Brew Pub. Brothers Drake Meadery and Dulce Vida Short North round out a few other places of interest in the neighborhood. Depending on the time of year, one could check out a Columbus Clippers, Bluejackets, or Crew game. All three teams play about 3 miles away in the Arena District, where Huntington Park , Nationwide Arena , and Lower.com Field are among the best in their leagues in terms of design, aesthetics, and experiences. Fans 3 Despite the overcast skies and two other sporting events taking place over the next four hours, a nice crowd was on hand for the ballgame. Ohio State was playing Rutgers, so everybody was decked on in a hue of red. The fans in attendance were family members, friends, a group of visiting students, and a few onlookers taking in the game. There was a lot of cheering for the Buckeyes to get a base hit or score a run, while a few visiting team fans made their brand noise for their club. Access 4 The ballpark features wide-open concourses that include easy access to all parts for fans. The seating bowl is split with an inner concourse, the concession stands have large windows for easy access, and the parking lot has plenty of spaces for cars. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices are as follows in the reserved section: $11 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for students. The cost of a general admission ticket is as follows: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for seniors. No matter your age - you will more than likely find a suitable price while attending a Buckeye game. The price of food ranges from $4 for a hot dog to $8 for a tall can of beer. There is no charge for parking. It is an inexpensive way to enjoy a baseball game. Extras 3 Bill Davis earns a point for the great deals on the retail rack outside the gift shop. The retired numbers and player information garner another point. Finally, the Italian ice earns another point. Final Thoughts Bill Davis Stadium is a good-looking place for baseball, perhaps somewhat large for its size but impressive. Interestingly, I never paid much attention to the ballpark until a few years ago, but it’s worth a visit when in town for the weekend or just a night out with family and friends. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 SECU Stadium 90 Stadium Dr. College Park, MD 20742 Maryland Terrapins football website SECU Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 51,802 Fear The Turtle The Maryland Terrapins play at SECU Stadium, formerly called Byrd Stadium; the name was changed by the Board of Regents in December 2015 to Maryland Stadium, as former coach and university president Harry Clifton “Curley” Byrd was a proponent of racial segregation. It was expected that the stadium’s name would be sold eventually, and most believed that Under Armour, founded by Maryland alumni Kevin Plank, would eventually have their name on the field. The sportswear manufacturer is already the main provider of athletic gear at the university. Instead, in 2022, the credit union known as SECU, signed a 10-year deal. The stadium opened in 1950 as a horseshoe-shaped bowl with a capacity of 34,680. In 1991, the five-story Tyser Tower added luxury suites and a larger press box. In 1995 an upper deck on the north side of the stadium was added. Various changes since have topped the seating capacity at 51,802. The University of Maryland has traditionally been known as a basketball school. The university has seen a great deal of basketball success under coaches such as Lefty Driesell and Gary Williams, even winning a national championship in 2002. The university has been playing football with some success since 1892 and received one official national championship in 1953. The 1951 team is generally seen as even better than the 1953 squad and has retroactively been considered the national champions by various systems such as the Sagarain Ranking System. Maryland has also been the home of many well-known coaches and players. Coaches include Jim Tatum, Lou Saban, Jerry Claiborne, Bobby Ross, Ralph Friedgen, Randy Edsall, and the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. Famous players include Erin & E.J. Henderson, Stan Jones, Randy White, Dick Modzelewski, Torrey Smith, Vernon Davis, Stefon Diggs, and Boomer Esiason. Primarily the home to Terps football and lacrosse, Maryland Stadium has been the scene of a few other events. In 1957 Queen Elizabeth II was on hand to watch the team upset North Carolina while the USFL Baltimore Stars called the stadium home during their 1985 championship season. Seen from the upper deck of Maryland Stadium are the Washington Monument, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Old Post Office Pavilion, the Washington National Cathedral, and the United States Capitol. Food & Beverage 4 There are many concession stands found around all parts of the complex. Concession prices are in the normal range and are reasonable for such a large venue. Crab fries found behind sections 14 and 205 are the best nod to local culture, although the addition of the “The Chessie,” a large 24-ounce hot soft pretzel smothered in backfin crab dip and melted cheddar cheese, then topped with a dusting of Old Bay, is a pretty unique offering. It is designed to be shared between four people. This stand also features some other cool local novelties. Chick-fil-A offerings can be found behind the Tyser Tower, while Ledo's Pizza can be found behind sections 13, 20, and 205. Otherwise, traditional food offerings of hot dogs, fries, hamburgers, and pit beef are generally seen around the stadium. The best food option at Maryland Stadium is the Maryland Dairy Ice Cream behind sections 3, 20, and 208. The ice cream is made on campus. There is a stand under the main videoboard offering healthier options as well. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is very much an old-school football stadium. This can be bad in terms of the aging infrastructure, but it also provides a nice platform for fan interaction. The stadium is still at its heart the horseshoe-shaped stadium that opened in 1950. The large press and luxury suite tower looks tacked on awkwardly, as does the massive upper decks on the north side of the stadium. The closed-end part of the horseshoe is where the band and students sit. Unfortunately, they are not closer to the field action as they both provide a great deal of sound and excitement. The large open-air concourse is a great meeting spot pre- and postgame. There are nice videoboards at both ends of the stadium. Maryland’s marching band is called The Mighty Sound of Maryland and is one of the most entertaining marching bands in college football. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood is a mixed bag. Maryland Stadium is in the middle of the campus so no businesses are directly nearby. The Terp Town area to the west of the stadium gives the fans entertainment and festivities to enjoy pregame. Also located nearby is the Stamp Union, where you will see many a fan enjoying a pregame meal or buying shirts at the campus bookstore. The Maryland Dairy Ice Cream store here is a nice place to go ahead of the game. The town of College Park is located directly south of the campus along U.S. Route 1. RJ Bentley’s Filling Station, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Jimmy John’s, Ledo’s Pizza, and Five Guys are all good options in this “downtown” area. Looney’s Pub is another great option and is located in The Varsity building (8150 Baltimore Ave) north of the downtown area and maybe even closer to the stadium if walking. The Hotel (yes, that is its name) is the best lodging choice and is within walking distance of the campus. You will always have the dizzying array of Washington DC options to choose from. The College Park Station of the Washington Metro is close by and is your best bet for getting to DC as the traffic and parking situation is not ideal. Fans 3 The student section at Maryland is noted for being loud and fairly rude. Expect to hear a few curse words during their chants. The students do enjoy the game and offers a festive atmosphere, although expect them to roll out in the second half. Other fans throughout the stadium do not always go to the same level as the students do. Fans in and near the Tyser Tower are pretty quiet. Overall the fans are passionate but may tend to be more the clap politely types. Access 2 The University of Maryland is not far from the Washington Beltway, but it is just far enough away that getting to the stadium is not too easy. U.S. 1 and University Boulevard are full of traffic lights and will be very full of traffic, even on non-game days. On-campus traffic is also a bit of a mess as a new Washington, DC light rail system is being constructed directly on the campus. The best bet is to pre-pay for a parking space through the university. The price tag seems way too high but at least you will know where you are going ahead of time. Pricing will range from $20 to $30, depending on the game and availability. A map of your space will be provided when you pre-purchase. The Terrapin Trail Garage is a personal favorite as it is relatively close to Maryland Stadium but still allows a quick way out of the area. The public garage in downtown College Park is always an option, as well. It is pretty well-priced, but a bit of a hike to the stadium. It will put you in a prime spot for postgame food and beverages. You will see some fans park for free on the sides of nearby University Boulevard, but this is not recommended. To do this you would need to get there very early and frankly, the road is too busy and dangerous to park there. If traveling to the game via the Washington Metro, get off at the College Park Station and take the shuttle directly to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Tickets can be had for a good value, depending on the opponent. Expect to pay more for the larger well-known opponents of the Big Ten. Parking prices weigh down the rating as they are far too high for the location. Extras 4 One should go to the Maryland Dairy Ice Cream, whether inside the stadium or at the Stamp Union, during your visit. Look for their special offerings as they rotate and change frequently. As noted above, there is a location within the stadium offering a simplified menu. The main video board that sits behind the closed end of the horseshoe is pretty interesting. It is the standard scoreboard seen in many places, but since it sits in an open area it is a good meeting spot. The Terps enter the stadium under a large turtle shell. There is plenty of history of past Maryland teams scattered in various sections of the stadium. Final Thoughts SECU Stadium is a pretty basic college football stadium. The long-standing horseshoe seating bowl doesn’t always mesh with the rest of the stadium, but a fan will still find a game enjoyable.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Hobey Baker Memorial Rink 200 Elm Drive Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers men’s hockey website Hobey Baker Memorial Rink website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 2,092 Making Hobey Proud Hobey Baker Rink on the campus of Princeton University is the second-oldest college hockey rink in existence today, having opened in 1923. Although it is over 100 years old, it is still a hockey barn worthy of its fame. Hobart Armory Hare "Hobey" Baker is a former Princeton hockey player and is widely regarded as the first ice hockey star. He was the best player of his day and has been inducted into both the US Hockey and College Football Halls of Fame. The 2,092 seat rink sits in an unassuming stone building on Princeton's campus. It is a hockey barn as they used to be built, without all the bells and whistles you see at newer arenas. They don't build them quite like this anymore, but Hobey Baker Rink is a classic college hockey venue. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand at the far end of Hobey Baker Rink which serves a basic menu. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and crispy chicken sandwiches are available. As are popcorn, candy, and other assorted snacks. Soda and water cans are available to drink. Prices are pretty reasonable. When Stadium Journey visited, the registers at the concession stand had major technical issues, causing the line to move extremely slowly. We suggest getting your food before the game, ideally as soon as you walk in the door, but even then, you may be waiting for a while or they may give you your food and tell you to come back later and pay. Atmosphere 4 Hobey Baker Rink is an old hockey barn, with a stone exterior and a low, wooden roof that traps the sound. The walls are lined with Princeton memorabilia and historic displays. The concourse is narrow, and walking through wooden doors will take you to the lower level seating area with only a few rows of seats. There is also an upper-level balcony behind one goal which has additional seating. A dot matrix scoreboard hangs over center ice. There is no videoboard. In terms of layout, this is a pretty basic arena. Every Tigers goal is accompanied by music over the PA system followed by a Tiger's growl. The crowd's chants are trapped by the low roof and captured for all to hear. Although not the fanciest arena, its design suits it well. There is a reason Tigers fans have been coming here for over 100 years. Neighborhood 4 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. but there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 4 Hobey Baker Rink only seats about 2,000 fans, but it is close to full most nights, especially when the Tigers are playing a fellow Ivy League opponent. The fans are rowdy, chanting and cheering for the Tigers, and the roof and small confines help trap the sound. Many arena builders today feel bigger is better, but Hobey Baker Rink shows that isn't always the case. It is the perfect sized arena for the crowds it draws. Fans range from older alumni and locals who have been coming here for decades, to younger fans with children who are coming to their first game and eager to join their first chant. In fact, it seems to be the kids here bringing the energy more than most fans. Princeton students also make their voices known in cheering on the school. Access 3 Hobey Baker Rink is a non-descript stone building, although signage has gotten better in recent years making it easier to find. The Theatre Drive Garage (formerly known as the West Garage, as it still appears in some GPS systems) is right next to the rink, making access even easier. For those arriving by train, the Princeton station on NJ Transit's Princeton Branch is located a short walk from the arena and if driving, you will likely pass it as you get on campus. The Princeton Branch, better known as The Dinky, is the shortest commuter rail line in America and connects Princeton's campus to Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. It consists of just those two stops, and the trip takes about five minutes. One you find your way to the arena, signs on the doors direct fans to enter through the proper side for their seats. Unfortunately, once you're in the stadium, getting around can be quite difficult. The old corridors are quite narrow and hard to get around with the large crowds. Especially problematic is the area behind the far goal, which features the concession stand and the restrooms. At intermission, the slow-moving lines for the concession stand merge with the lines for the restrooms and it can be extremely tight-packed and difficult to move around. The restrooms are not of a sufficient size for the crowds, although if you leave at the beginning of intermission, you should be back in your seat in time for the start of the next period. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Princeton hockey game is very affordable, with tickets costing just $15, or $12 for children. Concessions are affordable and parking is free. Hobey Baker Rink provides an excellent value for a trip to a classic hockey venue. Extras 3 One star for the photos on the concourse honoring Princeton players who have made it to the NHL. A second star for the historical displays throughout the rink. From photos of every Princeton team ever to play here to multiple trophy cases, this place is just full of history. A third and final star for the unique design of this rink. With wood doors leading to the seating area, stone walls inside and outside the rink, and a low-hanging wooden ceiling, Hobey Baker Rink feels like taking a step back in time to a simpler past. Final Thoughts Hobey Baker Rink is a throwback to the college hockey days of yore. While it lacks the fancy amenities of newer rinks, it is one of the classic venues of college hockey. A hockey barn with over a century of history, Hobey Baker Rink should be on the bucket list of every fan of the sport.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Gill Coliseum 660 SW 26th St Corvallis, OR 97331 Oregon State Beavers website Gill Coliseum website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 9,604 The Thrill of Gill On the campus of Oregon State University sits Gill Coliseum, named after the winningest coach in school history, Slatts Gill. The arena has been the home of Beaver basketball since 1949. It is the third oldest basketball arena in the Pac-12 behind Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion (University of Washington) and Haas Pavilion (California). In addition to basketball, Gill Coliseum is also the home for Beaver volleyball, gymnastics, and wrestling. The floor at the arena is named after Ralph Miller, the second-winningest coach in school history. Beaver basketball has a rich history, although its glory days are far from the past. The program accomplished eight Sweet 16, six Elite 8, and two Final Four appearances between 1947 and 1982, highlighting OSU's resume. Food & Beverage 3 There’s not a whole lot out of the ordinary on the menu here. Gill Coliseum features Pepsi products at $4-$5. You can also find hot dogs ($4-$5), pizza ($4), popcorn ($4), pretzels ($4), and so on. One menu item that is a little out of the ordinary is cookies. Cookies aren’t unusual, but here a cookie slice can be had for $1.50 or a whole cookie pie for $10. If you are looking for more variety, there are other options about a mile or so away. Atmosphere 4 Beaver athletics are the main attraction in Corvallis, and it shows. With the school’s rich athletic heritage, there are high expectations despite the Beavers lack of success in the past few years. There are banners saluting players and coaches of yesteryear including names like Gary Payton and A.C. Green. A trip to Gill Coliseum leaves no doubt in a fan’s mind that this is a major program working to regain its prominence. Neighborhood 4 Situated next door to Reser Stadium on the campus of Oregon State, Gill Coliseum is also close to the OSU dorms, which makes it easy for students to attend. The campus is very nice, with a mix of modern and classic buildings, and worth a trip around if you have the time. Corvallis has a population of around 55,000 people, and there is a small-town feel to the city. One has a very cozy, welcoming feeling when visiting there. If you are coming from out of town, there is a hotel just down the street. Most other lodging options are about a mile or so away. Big River Restaurant and Bar, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Nearly Normal’s Gonzo Cuisine (a vegetarian menu with global flavors) are just a few of the choices away from the arena for a bite to eat or a drink. Fans 4 OSU athletics is the only show in town. It’s like entering a part of the Twilight Zone where everything is orange and black. The Beavers have a rabid fan base. The “Beaver Believers” are an enthusiastic bunch. The student section, called “The Dam,” is as loud as any student section I’ve ever heard. The only negative here is attendance. Games are fairly well attended, but not what you’d expect. Even games against in-state rival Oregon do not always sell out – very disappointing for a class program like OSU. Access 3 Corvallis is a locale you have to want to get to. Approximately 20 minutes west of I-5, it’s off the beaten path. When you arrive, campus parking can be a little tricky. Most lots around are permit lots, but you can find a place to park with a bit of a walk. It’s a good idea to avoid parking at businesses that don’t have spots available for a fee. There is a parking garage across the street behind the Beaver Store. The level that supports the store is free but fills quickly. Inside the arena, the hallways are a little snug, but it’s not too bad. If your seat is on an upper level, be prepared for stairs. Handicapped seats are down on the floor. The section has a good view but is close to the action. Return on Investment 3 Bench seats are $15 and padded seats are $25. Visually, there is not a bad seat in the house. If you’re looking for comfort, the padded seats are the best value, as they have a decent amount of legroom. If you’re looking for something to remember your trip to Gill, the souvenir stand has basic items such as hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. If you need something more, the Beaver Store is direct across the street from the arena. Extras 3 During my most recent visit, it was Senior Night. Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle, instead of starting seniors (there weren’t any on the roster), started five native Oregonians walk-ons, a nice gesture for the players and something the fans enjoyed. During halftime, you can expect entertainment like student tractor races, a student shooting baskets for college savings plan up to $2,000, and/or a student scrimmage from The Dam (including blind refs). Around the outside hallway, each sport has a “Wall of Fame” near that program’s respective office. Wrestling, basketball, and volleyball have many pictures and accomplishments of their standouts. Taking a stroll around the arena hallway takes you on a trip through Beaver athletics history. There are quite a few names that most sports fans will recognize with Jacoby Ellsbury and Darwin Barney being two of many. Final Thoughts A game at Gill Coliseum is a very nice locale to spend an evening watching the Oregon State basketball team, or whatever sport is featured when you’re in the area.

Image courtesy of USA Gymnastics The 2024 rendition of the Summer Olympics  is upon us, with Paris, France serving as host country for the third time, and the first time in 100 years. As always there is a large US presence at this year’s games, with close to 600 athletes on Team USA aiming to take home gold. Some of the most high-profile athletes at the games this year are on Team USA. So, if you’re a fan looking to see the games and cheer on these superstars, what will it cost you? Sportscasting.com  has gathered and analyzed ticket prices for Team USA’s signature events this year – these include men’s basketball, headlined by a slew of future Hall of Famers like Steph Curry , Kevin Durant , and LeBron James, who will serve as Team USA’s flagbearer this year. Basketball games range from something on the affordable side, such as the contest against Puerto Rico, which will run you $165 per ticket. Men’s basketball also proves to be the most expensive ticket in Paris, with the Gold Medal game running $710 per ticket. The average ticket cost for USA basketball is $350 per person. Women’s gymnastics is also one of the perennial big-ticket events, and this year is no exception, especially in events where the G.O.A.T. Simone Biles is competing. Those events are up an astounding 18% from most men’s basketball games, with tickets for the qualifying rounds expected to fetch $271 per person, the team finals running $421, and the all-around finals coming in at $390. Men’s and women’s track and field events are also one of the premier events at the Olympic Games, and Team USA is loaded with stars on both teams this time around – these include world record holder Noah Lyles and superstar Sha’Carri Richardson . The early rounds of the men’s and women’s relay events prove to be the most affordable of all Team USA major events, with tickets for both set at $24. The most expensive event proves to be the men’s 200 meter at $151 per ticket, while on the women’s side, the 100-meter semis and finals are the most expensive at $133. The average ticket cost for the men’s versus women’s relay events is $88 and $96, respectively. Team USA’s full schedule of events can be found here .

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Lower.com Field 96 Columbus Crew Way Columbus, OH 43215 Columbus Crew website Lower.com Field website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 20,371 The House the Fans Built There was a time when the thought of the Columbus Crew relocating elsewhere was a reality, but after a campaign to keep the club in town and a new ownership group, the result would be the $314 million Lower.com Field for the club to call home. The 20,371-seat venue is located in the Arena District next to Huntington Park and a few blocks west of Nationwide Arena . The stadium offers a field with a hydroponic heater that can raise the field temperature by 20 degrees if needed and water can drain in less than 3 minutes. The Nordecke supporters section is the steepest and second-largest of its kind in the MLS while offering a beer garden on the concourse. Access has been improved with facilities a few steps away from the seating bowl and views of the pitch in a majority of the venue. The canopy roof directs the sound of the crowd directly back into the stadium, perfect for home matches for the Crew and the US Men’s National Team. The structure’s design will blend into the future 33-acre Astor Park neighborhood that will develop the underused land into a live, work, and play development over the next few years. The site will feature 404 residential apartments, a 2.5-acre riverfront park, outdoor pavilions, retail shops, and public art once completed. Lower.com Field replaced Historic Crew Stadium, the first soccer-specific facility in the MLS in 1999, located 4 miles away at the state fairgrounds. The team played its last game on June 18, 2021, and waved goodbye to an old friend that put the city on the map in terms of professional sports. However, let’s look at the future of soccer in the city and what the new venue has to offer fans in attendance. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage feature local establishments offering menu items throughout the stadium, almost 40 percent. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant, Preston’s: A Burger Joint, Dirty Frank’s, Dos Hermanos, Hot Chicken Takeover, Barrio Tacos, Crafter Culture Brewing, Legacy Smokehouse, and Donatos Pizza are among the choices for fans. The hot chicken sandwiches and pieces are plump and juicy, the brisket looks like it was smoked in Texas, the hot dogs and burgers are juicy, and the street tacos are served with roasted jalapenos. There is a healthy dose of local and national breweries that feature Land-Grant Brewing Company, Platform Beer Company, and Rhinegiest. A few highlights include the haystack from Pit Masters, which is mac and cheese with your choice of pulled pork or brisket and crushed corn chips. There is also the spicy Bahama Mama from Schmidt’s served al carte or with a side of German potato salad and sauerkraut. Also, be sure to save room for one of the company’s famous jumbo cream puffs. Dirty Frank’s has a Hot Frankie topped with coney sauce, cheddar cheese, sriracha cream cheese, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The options here are luxurious compared to other venues but also follow trends at many newer MLS grounds. Long lines form at the 42 numerous locations on the stadium’s concourse, along with a few grab-and-go spots for fans on the run. It should be noted that the prices are a tad higher for these local products, but you are also paying for the quality of the product. Atmosphere 4 Lower.com Field offers many vantage points throughout the 360º concourse, including rows 13 feet closer to the field. The stadium’s distinct feature is the large canopy roof that covers every seat in the house. The black steel design replaces the standard floodlights and features an angular pattern that connects to the club’s crest. It also helps reverberate noise back to the pitch for home-field advantage. Another mass area is the Nordecke supporter’s section which seats 3,364 people. The seating area features a rake of 34 to 37 degrees, about 70 percent steeper than the Crew old home. It is where the soul of the stadium is, with supporters waving flags, banging drums, and leading the stadium into their rendition of the Elvis classic “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” before every match. Underneath the Nordecke is a beer garden that is a spot where fans can sit down on bench tables and eat and drink their food before the game. The area features trees and is open to the public during the day when the Crew is not playing. It’s the first beer garden specifically designed for a supporters club in the league. The southwest plaza is home to pregame festivities that include concerts, games, children’s activities, and photo ops with the Crew official mascots – Crew Cat and S.C. The area is utilized on non-game days and house watch parties when applicable. The Crew House Pub and team shop are located in this corner of the stadium. The pub can hold anywhere between 250 to 300 people and opens before the game and non-game days. There are two scoreboards on the north and south ends of the stadium; the biggest is 24 feet tall and 104 feet wide. There are family spaces that include two sensory rooms, two nursery rooms, and a 1,000-square-foot playroom. Five premium areas include 34 suites on the west end of the stadium and 1,900 club suites. The Lower Lounge has 10 bunker-style luxury suites with seats at eye level to the pitch and an outdoor patio with fireplaces. Neighborhood 4 Lower.com Field is part of the Arena District that includes the home of the Columbus Clippers baseball team Huntington Park and the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey club Nationwide Arena . The district offers mixed-used plan development of residential and retail space. There are more than 22 different eateries and bars located within a few steps of the building that are hopping before and after the game. The R Bar is the official hockey watering hole that sits across a small pedestrian bridge offering 16 beers on tap and 32 bottles and cans. Goodwood Brewery and Restaurant and Whistle & Key are also in this area providing outdoor seating and plenty of people-watching. If with the kids, Boston’s Pizza and Ted’s Montana Grill are two nearby choices. The indoor and outdoor concert venue KEMBA Live! and A&R Music Bar is located next to the arena, which provides an ideal later-night atmosphere. The future 33-acre Astor Park neighborhood will develop the underused land into a live, work, and play development over the next few years. Once completed, the site will feature 404 residential apartments, a 2.5-acre riverfront park, outdoor pavilions, retail shops, and public art. Fans 4 The colors black and yellow are dominant with the majority of the fans at the game. The Crew supporters and fans proved their loyalty by saving the team from relocating to Austin a few years ago. It provides a great soundtrack to the stadium’s atmosphere, and the Nordeck supporters are at the center of the revelry. Check them out as they march down Nationwide Blvd. and blow off a little yellow smoke along the way, expect to see that after a goal. Access 4 Getting inside the stadium is becoming easier with facial recognition ticketing, turnstiles where fans can scan their phones to enter, and wands to check for metal objects in their pocket without going through a security checkpoint. The menu options include frictionless and touchless environments. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket on the secondary market averages close to $39 plus taxes and fees. It also depends on the opponent, with FC Cincinnati tickets commanding a $64 fee. There are 6,300 parking spaces within a 10-minute walk with prices between $20 and $25 per vehicle. The beer and drink prices are somewhat on the high side but on par with other MLS venues. Fans should not see a huge sticker shock on menu options inside the building for top-quality foods. Extras 5 Lower.com Field earns a point for the largest supporters section in the league, the Nordecke. The area is steep and comes in at a 34-degree rake, among the steepest in the MLS. Another point of the beer garden is for fans to have a seat and enjoy something to eat and drink. The Southeast Plaza is a fantastic spot for pre-game festivities, concerts, games, and a chance to get ready for the match. A final point is for the canopied seating that protects every fan in their seat. Final Thoughts The Columbus Crew has a fine-looking soccer facility that provides fantastic views of the pitch, quality food, a boisterous atmosphere, and a passionate fanbase. The neighborhood around the facility will blossom in the coming years, making it quite the experience for hometown fans and first-time visitors. The original club in the MLS is right where they belong. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter , and Instagram .

Photos by David Hawkins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tucker Stadium 1 William L Jones Dr Cookeville, TN 38501 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles website Tucker Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 16,500 The Nest of the Golden Eagles The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles play their home football games on Overall Field at Tucker Stadium in Cookeville, Tennessee. The Golden Eagles are members of the Ohio Valley Conference. The stadium is located on the Tennessee Technological University campus and holds 16,500 fans on Saturdays in the Fall. The Golden Eagles have played their home games at Tucker Stadium since 1966. The stadium underwent an extensive renovation in 2007. The stadium is named after former football coach Wilburn Tucker. Under the guidance of Tucker, who coached the team from 1954-1967, the Golden Eagles won five OVC titles including four straight from 1958-1961. Tucker Stadium has hosted the Tennessee high school football state championships since 2009. Food & Beverage 3 There are concession stands on both sides of the stadium with the visitor’s side offering more food and drink options than the home side. The food selections are very typical. The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, pizza, popcorn and candy. One somewhat interesting option is the BBQ pork. A few other options like cinnamon stix, chili dogs, and cheese bread can be found on the visitor’s side concession area. Drink options include Pepsi products, water, Gatorade, coffee, and hot chocolate. The concession stands accept cash as well as credit/debit cards. Atmosphere 3 Despite being over 50 years old, Tucker Stadium looks very well cared for and kept up. There is an older scoreboard at the south end of the stadium and a large sign at the north end of the stadium identifying the field. The stadium is open on both end zones and has 41 rows of metal bleacher seating on both the home (east) side and visitors (west) side. The stadium also has two-level press boxes on either side. The west side hosts the working press and the east side hosts the school’s president and their guests. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located right on the Tennessee Technological University campus and is adjacent to a quiet neighborhood filled with single family homes, apartments, churches and other commercial type structures. A few off campus dining options include Mamma Rosa’s Italian Restaurant located at 200 South Lowe Avenue and a student favorite Fuji Hibachi and Sushi located at 864 South Jefferson Avenue. Cookeville offers several hotel and motel options within a short distance of the stadium. A few non-chain options include the Key West Inn located at 663 South Willow Avenue and the Fall Creek Inn located at 1814 Salem Road. Both hotels offer rooms for less than $60 per night. If you have time before or after the game and want to see more of the area, the Burgess Falls State Park is approximately 12 miles away and offers a 136 foot waterfall. Another option is the Cookeville Railroad Depot which houses the Cookeville Depot Museum. The museum is less than 2 miles from Tucker Stadium. Fans 3 The fans are very supportive of their team. During our review in 2017, the Golden Eagles were 1-9 entering the game and the weather was very dark, cold and rainy. These factors may have been responsible for the attendance being less than 1,000 spectators. Those who were in attendance showed their enthusiasm for the home team. Access 4 Tucker Stadium is very easy to get to being just off of Route 40 at exit 286. After exiting, take 135 north to West 7th Street to either Stadium Drive or North Peachtree Avenue. There are several free parking lots and parking areas in and around the stadium. Return on Investment 3 All tickets are general admission and cost $10 for a single game. Season tickets (five home games) are available for $36 for adults and $25 for youth and senior citizens. A family season ticket plan (two adults and three children) is offered for $75. Free parking is offered very close to the stadium, and concessions are reasonably priced for a college sporting event. Extras 2 Tucker Stadium has an area where it displays awards and pictures of previous seasons, but it is not accessible during the games. There are small souvenir areas next to each concession stand selling several styles of hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. Final Thoughts Tennessee Technological University is a small school with a very limited football history. The school has produced a handful of former NFL players including Lonnie Warwick, Jim Youngblood, Frank Omiyale, Larry Schreiber and Elois Grooms. If you’re in the area and looking for some college football, or you want to follow your team on the road, then Tucker Stadium is an affordable and accessible sports venue.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Shoreline Field at Shoreline Park 800 Shoreline Dr Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Shoreline Field at Shoreline Park website Pensacola FC website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 500 Shoreline Soccer in the Breeze Pensacola Football Club was formed in 2013 as a soccer club in the National Premier Soccer League. The NPSL is a lower-level soccer league with 93 clubs as of the 2023 season. Pensacola FC competes as one of 6 teams in the Gulf Coast Division of the NPSL. The club has switched leagues several times throughout the years, swapping back and forth between the Gulf Coast Premier League and the NPSL, but in 2021 Pensacola FC exclusively joined the NPSL, while the club also has a women's team that competes in the GCPL's women's division. The GCPL is another lower-level soccer league with men's and women's teams competing in the Gulf Coast region. PFC is also affiliated with a local soccer academy, also called the Pensacola Football Club, where they train future players. The mascot for the PFC is a Pelican, and the club is sometimes referred to as the Pelicans. For the first 10 years the Pelicans played at Ashton Brosnahan Park, a soccer-specific complex on the north side of the city, but beginning in 2023 the club moved across the bay to the sleepy town of Gulf Breeze and took up residence at the brand-new Shoreline Field at Shoreline Park. Gulf Breeze is a small town separated by bridges that sit at the end of a peninsula, just across the bay from downtown Pensacola. To the north, you have the hustle and bustle of metro Pensacola, while to the south you have the popular resort town of Pensacola Beach. Gulf Breeze sits right in the middle of the two, providing an affluent suburban beach community with a small-town feel. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand located on the bleacher side of the field. Shoreline Field is part of a city-owned park, so expect the basic style setup like you would see at a local rec league baseball or soccer game. If you come hungry you can find the normal offerings of hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and candy, but not much else. The one plus is they will bring in two food trucks for select matches, although at the most recent game I was at they didn’t have any food trucks. Atmosphere 4 The City of Gulf Breeze has over 500 acres devoted to recreation in the city, with the centerpiece being Shoreline Park. Located right on the Santa Rosa Sound and overlooking the skyline of Pensacola Beach, the beautiful park takes up 133 acres of true coastal paradise. The park is separated into two distinct parks: Shoreline Park North and Shoreline Park South. Shoreline Park South consists of a boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic areas, and miles of hiking trails through the Florida wetlands, while to the north you have a beautiful state-of-the-art sports complex consisting of 10 lighted tennis courts, an 18-hole disc golf course, 2 beach volleyball courts, several outdoor basketball courts, a skate park, batting cages, a playground, 10 multi-purpose athletic fields, and a Community Center with meeting rooms and two indoor basketball courts. The sports complex, rec center, city hall, and library are also all located right next to each other, creating a tight-knit community. The newest addition to the Park and Rec's facilities is the opening of Shoreline Field, which opened in late 2022. The new field replaces an earlier field on the same property that was used to host the city's youth league football, soccer, and lacrosse games. The original field was damaged when Hurricane Sally struck the Gulf Coast in 2020. The new Shoreline Field was built using grant money and includes new metal bleaching seating, light upgrades, and a new, state-of-the-art artificial turf field lined for football, lacrosse, and soccer configurations. The Shoreline Field pitch runs east and west with metal bleacher seating on the south side and the team benches on the north side. The five sections of metal bleachers are 10 rows high, with three sets of bleachers designated for the home side and two sections for the away team. It is a small operation run by the staff during matches. The game day staff is run by academy students from the Pensacola Football Club. The staff does an excellent job at transforming a city youth field into the home of a minor league soccer club, however. About two hours before the match, I observed a couple of players and academy students hanging Pensacola FC banners on the bleachers and mounting flags all along the street leading up to Shoreline Field. In addition, the academy players took tickets, worked the concession stands, and even have a tent set up in front of the bleachers selling t-shirts and various merch. Neighborhood 4 The City of Gulf Breeze is a mostly residential community, located on a peninsula that separates Pensacola from Pensacola Beach. It is mostly a bedroom community with residents commuting to Pensacola, so there is not a lot here in terms of industry. Because of this, Gulf Breeze has a small-town feel where everybody knows everybody. There is also plenty to do in terms of recreation – around Shoreline Field you have the city's sportsplex, where there is plenty of activity going on in the summer months. Tennis, disc golf, skateboarding, a splash pad, batting cages, and basketball courts are just a few of the options people have. You also have the indoor rec center on the property, which hosts a wide range of activities such as basketball, pickleball, jazzercise, yoga, and a summer camp for kids. Across the street you have even more options; a boat ramp, fishing pier, two dog parks, a picnic pavilion, and miles of walking trails make up the property, with gorgeous views of the skyline and condos on Pensacola Beach in the distance. At all times of the day, you will see people launching boats and people fishing off the end of the pier. The walking trails are also popular for biking, jogging, and wildlife viewing, and provide two different trails through two distinct Florida ecosystems – you have the paved trail that goes through the Florida forest, and the brand-new elevated boardwalk that goes over the Florida wetlands, and empties to a small beach area. Live oaks, magnolia pines, and palm trees surround you as you walk down the covered pathway, which makes for a great place to stretch or get some shade before the match or during halftime. The city recently opened a new elevated boardwalk trail that traverses through the Florida wetlands, and you get to see how this area looked before development. Black Bears, alligators, exotic birds, beavers, and snakes are just some of the wildlife you may encounter on the trails at Shoreline Park South. For other outdoor attractions in Gulf Breeze, the Gulf Islands National Seashore has a 1,300-acre protected forest nearby that includes numerous trails, piers, and campgrounds with beach access, as well as an interactive learning center. Andrew Jackson Road, the first road in Florida, runs right through the seashore and includes an access point to Gulf Breeze Bluffs, a hidden spot known only by locals. The Bluffs include stunning views of Pensacola Bay from the north, and if you are brave enough, a 60-foot rope swing to the water below. Another popular spot to walk or ride a bike is Three Mile Bridge, which separates Gulf Breeze from downtown Pensacola – the lighted bridge just re-opened fully after years of repairs and makes for a popular evening stroll during the summer months. For restaurants in Gulf Breeze, you won't find much besides a few fast-food chains such as Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, and Whataburger, but just across the bridge in either direction, you have a ton of different restaurants. My recommendation would be to go out to Pensacola Beach where you have a ton of different seafood restaurants; you will find everything from five-star dining to local beachside restaurants, nightclubs, and hole-in-the-wall pubs – Pensacola Beach has it all. For hotels, Gulf Breeze has several chains just down the road, but for more a wider range of options, I'd recommend going to Pensacola or Pensacola Beach. Fans 3 Pensacola FC averages about 300-500 fans per home match and attracts a wide following of different people. When the women's team in the Gulf Coast Premiere League plays expect more fans than when the Pensacola FC men's team in the NPSL plays – this is because the Pensacola FC women's team is made up of a lot of local players, and the teams in the Gulf Coast Premiere League are within proximity, so matches often attract a large number of visiting fans. Gulf Breeze is also a very walkable city, so during the summer months, you will often find people out and about enjoying the Florida evening breeze. I found many people gathering around the field who just happened to be wandering by and stopped to check out the play going on. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for matches are $10 – because of the setup, it is possible to view the action from around the field without paying, which many people do. However, you cannot access the concessions or merchandise tent without paying for a ticket. I consider this a good return on investment, even though you aren’t likely to see any future World Cup players out on the pitch, but coming to Gulf Breeze is a cool hidden gem of a city to visit. Pensacola Beach is also just over the bridge, about five minutes away, so if you are looking for something to do in the summer months and like going to the beach, you can experience Florida outdoors and attend a sporting event in a coastal setting. I highly recommend visiting Gulf Breeze and attending a Pensacola FC match. Access 3 Getting to Gulf Breeze should be a breeze; coming from out of town shouldn't be an issue with the city located just over Three Mile Bridge from downtown Pensacola. Highway 98 is the main road that runs through the city, and the huge park sits directly behind Gulf Breeze Elementary and middle school, right off Highway 98 on the affectionately named Shoreline Drive. Unfortunately, the Pelicans play their matches during the summer months, so you will always be fighting beach traffic, as Highway 98 can back up substantially between the two bridges headed out to the beach; consider this if attending a Pelicans match. Extras 3 During the 2023 season, the Pelicans played a home match during a Blue Angels flight show on the beach – the famous jets have their summer training base at Pensacola Naval Air Station a few miles away. During the second week of July, tens of thousands of people congregate on Pensacola Beach to watch the Friday and Saturday shows, many of them camped out overnight and pay $50 to $100 just to park. Unless you leave early it is almost impossible to get out to the beach this weekend unless you have a boat, so instead of fighting beach traffic, you can watch the Blue Angels from Shoreline Park. The boat ramp and pier provide an underrated viewing area that only attracts a few hundred locals – during my visit, I was able to watch the famous fighter jets perform their maneuvers from Shoreline Park, and then I walked across the street to watch the soccer match. Another popular activity to do at Shoreline Park is UFO watching; Gulf Breeze achieved some fame in the 1980s when a local man claimed to encounter a UFO in his neighborhood. Maybe it was activity from nearby Pensacola Naval Station, but this stretch of the gulf has had hundreds of UFO sightings over the years, with many sightings at Shoreline Park. Local skywatchers often gather at the park at night in the hopes of a close encounter, so be looking up towards the sky if you take an evening stroll on the pier after a Pelicans match – you may even see a UFO. Gulf Breeze also has a large black bear population, so be on the lookout if walking along the Shoreline Park South trails during the evening, especially during the summer months. The bears typically do not pose a threat to humans, but I advise caution regardless, and you should never feed the bears. Another extra for all the world-class facilities and amenities that Gulf Breeze has provided the community over the years. The amenities are endless at Shoreline Park, with so much to offer you can't possibly experience everything in one day. For a small Florida town, the Gulf Breeze Parks and Rec Department run some of the finest indoor and outdoor recreation facilities in the entire state, so if you are in Pensacola and need a break from the beach for a day, then coming to Gulf Breeze and experiencing Shoreline Park and a Pensacola FC match makes for a great option.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Foster Pavilion 650 S University Parks Dr Baylor, TX 76701 Baylor Bears website Foster Pavilion website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 7,500 New Year brings New Venue for Baylor Basketball The 2023-24 basketball season for the Baylor University programs is historic, and a footprint to the future of Baylor basketball. The teams said good-bye to the Ferrell Center, the programs’ home for the last 35 years, on December 22, 2023. Two weeks later, on January 2, 2024, the program opened their new home, Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion, with a win versus Cornell. Foster Pavilion is a 223,547-square foot facility that has a seating of 7,000 with a standing room only area for another 500, bringing the venue’s capacity to 7,500. Foster Pavilion will be the first part of a multi-use development along the Brazos River in downtown Waco. The basketball arena cost $212.6 million and was designed by AECOM, and built by Austin Commercial, who also built Baylor’s McLane Stadium located across the interstate.   Food & Beverage   3 Foster Pavilion has an impressive food selection for their premium seating, but for the rest of the fans the food and drinks options are basic. This isn’t a bad thing, as college basketball fans spend less time in the arena compared to other sports. The basic food menu is perfect for a basketball game timeframe, and can be found at the Bear Fuel concessions located in the middle of the concourse on both sides of the arena. The food items available are double and single cheeseburgers, chicken tenders with a combo of French fries, sausage wraps, and snacks like popcorn, pretzels, nachos, peanuts, chips, and candy. In addition, Foster Pavilion has stands from outside vendor Chick-fil-A, chicken sandwiches and their well-known waffle potato fries, while Pizza Hut covers the fans craving pizza at the Bear Bistro concession. In terms of drinks, Foster Pavilion offers fans a choice of Pepsi and of course Dr Pepper products, as Waco is the birthplace of Dr Pepper. Upgrading to the souvenir soda is the way to go if you plan to have more than one soda, as the few dollars more becomes unlimited refills. The other drink choices are Gatorade and water; I did not see any alcohol options for the general seating area. The concession stands are in perfect locations, cashless, and top-of-the-line with technology, keeping the time needed to get food and drinks down to a minimum, which helps fans spend more time watching the game.   Atmosphere   5 Foster Pavilion was built on the concept of bringing fans closer to the court and giving Baylor a true-home court advantage – the first few games in the new building have done just that. The intimacy of Foster Pavilion has all the seats right on top of the court, providing a great view no matter where your seat is located. The 2 large videoboards above the upper baseline of the pavilion have advanced technology, as do the mid-level banner scoreboards, which offer everything a fan needs to assist in watching the game with the score, time, fouls, and video replays. The college basketball experience is largely relied on by the college students; Baylor has a great student section known as the Bear Den, located along the court behind the team benches and at the baseline end by the visiting team bench. This set up puts the Baylor students around the visiting team, with the Baylor band just on the far side – the band even keeps a tracker of how many foul shots the visiting team has missed since the pavilion opened. The Baylor spirit squad and the Bears mascots, Bruiser and Marigold, keep the crowd entertained during the game. The best way for me to describe the atmosphere in Foster Pavilion is a comment; an employee of the pavilion asked me when I arrived, “Do you have ear plugs?”.   Neighborhood   4 Foster Pavilion is along the Brazos River on the west side of Interstate 35, across from Baylor University’s campus in Waco, Texas. The arena is nestled in the corner of I-35, off the frontage road and South University Parks Drive behind the Clifton Robinson Tower, with a future stop along the Waco Riverwalk that will offer walking access to the Baylor University campus and downtown Waco. There are plenty of fast-food places within walking distance of the Pavilion. However, if you want more of a gathering place, Buzzard Billy’s Restaurant along the Brazos River is the closest restaurant to Foster Pavilion. However, Waco has numerous other restaurants to enjoy while attending a Baylor sporting event – one of the more popular is Vitek’s BBQ, which is on the south side of Baylor’s campus. Vitek’s BBQ is home of the Gut Pack, which includes brisket, sausage, Fritos, and beans; if you decide on this dish you won’t need to eat for the rest of the day, as it is heavy and filling, but delicious. You should plan on arriving early, however – Vitek’s does serve outside as well as inside, but the wait can be long no matter which one you choose. George’s Restaurant is also a popular place to meet before, during, or after the game. This restaurant has been serving Waco since 1930 and the crowds here are large, so be prepared to get there early. Or if you are a person looking for Tex-Mex, then Trujillo’s Comedor Y Cantina is my suggestion – Trujillo’s is located a few miles down the interstate on S. Valley Drive, at the circle just past Magnolia Table. Waco has so many wonderful restaurants that you’ll easily be able to find something that suits you. But if you want to do something in the neighborhood besides restaurants there is the Dr Pepper Museum, which is open on Saturdays. You’ll get to see how the popular Texas soft drink is produced, walk through its history, and even get your own Dr Pepper drink. Waco has also been popularized by Chip and Joanna Gaines thru their TV show – you can visit their Magnolia Market or stop at their restaurant.  Or if you want to stay closer to the arena, on campus you can visit the Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat, a habitat that is dedicated to black bears.   Fans   5 Baylor has a wonderful fan base, and Foster Pavilion will only enhance the fan support of Baylor basketball. The fans that attend games are energetic, fun, polite, respectful, and knowledgeable. Also, Baylor University being the centerpiece of Waco, the city is decked out in green and gold, with the local shops decorated to show support for the Bears. Foster Pavilion and the Baylor fans create a unique atmosphere and contribute to the pavilion being a tough place for any opponent visiting Waco.   Access   4 Foster Pavilion is located in Waco, Texas – Waco is located between the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and the Texas state capital city of Austin. Waco does have a Regional Airport about 15-20 minutes away, but it will probably be cheaper and have more flight options if you fly into DFW or the Austin airport and drive the 90 miles. Once in Waco, Foster Pavilion is easy to locate as the pavilion is just off Interstate 35. There are about 1,600 public parking spaces within walking distance of Foster Pavilion; the private parking for Bears Foundation members is on site at Robinson Tower, and there are also shuttles from the McLane Stadium parking lots. In addition there is parking around the neighborhood, with the rate around $15. Basketball fans are encouraged to utilize the free parking in Waco’s downtown parking lots, while for ride-share services the designated drop-off location is on Second Street between Jackson and Clay Avenues. There are also ADA-accessible shuttles at Heritage Square, at the 300 block of Austin Ave. For a better understanding of the parking situation, please plan ahead using Baylor’s website. Foster Pavilion has 3 entrances, however, most people will use the main entrance, as the others are only for students and those with premium seating. Once inside the pavilion there is plenty of room throughout the main concourse to get to your seat; the only issue to be aware of is the baseline seating – due to its closeness and the way it was designed, the baselines seating has a steep angle, so it may be harder for people with seats in that area to access.   Return on Investment   4 Foster Pavilion is one of the smallest basketball arenas in the Big 12; just a few hundred seats more than the Fertitta Center  in Houston. The return-on-investment score is a little difficult for me at this point, due to Baylor basketball tickets only being available through the resale market, such as SeatGeek. Those prices are close to $100 plus fees per ticket – instead you can try buying one of the standing room only tickets (500 sold per game) through Baylor University itself at $40 each. I don’t suggest the SRO area unless you happen to live near Waco and just want to see a game; this area is great if you are the first on the baselines, but the sideline area for these tickets makes it hard to see the game. However, if the cost of tickets is in your budget, then the ROI is well-worth seeing a game in state-of-the-art Foster Pavilion.   Extras   5 Foster Pavilion is a top-level basketball arena that can make any basketball fan want to return every game. The architecture allows outside light into the arena and brings back an old basketball feel, with the most updated technology available to date. Baylor connects its past history with murals around the concourse displaying Baylor success in both the men’s and women’s program, including their National Championship and Final Four banners in the rafters. The most important, however, is the continuing memory of Baylor’s Immortal 10 – the story, for those that are unfamiliar, is that in 1926 the Baylor basketball team was headed to Austin to play Texas. Heavy rain obscured the bus driver’s vision of an oncoming train, causing the bus and train to collide, killing 10 of the 21 student-athletes, coaches, and fans on the bus. For one game every year, the Baylor players wear these individuals’ names on the back of their jerseys, and the Baylor students wear t-shirts with the names as well.   Final Thoughts The Baylor basketball program, fans, and the City of Waco have a gem in Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. The pavilion will no doubt become a special basketball destination for fans, and in time it could be one of the top basketball arenas in the country. Although construction is still ongoing and the full vision has yet to be achieved, the details already inside (and the landscape outside) make Foster Pavilion already a venue that any basketball fan will truly enjoy.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Colonial Downs 10515 Colonial Downs Pkwy New Kent, VA 23124 Colonial Downs website Year Opened: 1997 Colonial Ponies Colonial Downs is located in New Kent, VA not far from Colonial Williamsburg, and re-opened for Thoroughbred racing in 2019 after a 5-year hiatus from the sport. The facility is part of the same complex as Rosie’s Gaming Emporium casino and offers both a dirt track as well as two turf courses. Horse racing is only available in the summer months (July through early September). Food & Beverage 5 There is plenty of food on offer at Colonial Downs, including full bars on each level of the clubhouse, a full-size restaurant called Rosie’s Kitchen inside the casino (ground level, featuring such items as burgers, flatbread pizzas, and chicken or fish sandwiches), a buffet on the third floor of the clubhouse (included as part of the ticket price for that level), food for purchase on the fourth floor of the clubhouse, and multiple options outside next to the track. The options outside include a smoked sausage stand, a fresh-squeezed lemonade stand, two bars, and a food truck serving up boozy ice cream drinks. There are also additional food options, sans any alcohol, available in the family zone section on the right-hand side facing the clubhouse. Atmosphere 5 The staff at Colonial Downs pull out all the stops even on days when there are no major stakes races – the amenities include a jet flyover following the National Anthem, a bouncy house and petting zoo with pony rides set up for the kids, free stuffed animal horses for the little ones, myriad betting stations so there is never a wait if you want to have a flyer, multiple horse statues on the grounds in case you want to take selfies, and almost every seat outside is undercover, to protect fans from the elements. There are also plenty of places to watch the races from; you can stand up close next to the rail or sit at one of the many picnic tables and watch while you eat. Or, of course, if you are willing to spend a little more on tickets you can sit in air-conditioned comfort on the third or fourth level of the clubhouse. Neighborhood 3 There is not much within close distance of Colonial Downs – there is a gas station with a Dairy Queen on the periphery of the property, but not much else. There is a golf course to the south of the track with lots of nice houses abutting it; in fact, the main entrance to the track is shared by those residents. There are some restaurants and hotels a few miles away if you want to stay near the track, but the big attraction of course is Colonial Williamsburg, about half an hour away. However, there are so many dining options at Colonial Downs itself that you likely won’t need anything else during your visit. Fans 3 Colonial Downs has pretty good attendance during most race days, and you will see plenty of people there with children. As with most horse racing courses, there is not much crowd noise except at the end of each race, when you will hear a few folks enthusiastically cheering on the horse of their choice. Access 4 Getting to Colonial Downs is pretty easy, as it is not far from I-64 and 1-95, the two main arteries taking people to the bigger cities north, south, and west. Once you get on the property there is free parking right next to the facility, but you may want to arrive early, as the closest spaces tend to fill up fast. There is a slight delay getting inside the clubhouse, as they do check IDs to make sure you are 21 – kids are allowed trackside, but you must be 21 or older to bet or to enter the casino and clubhouse. I didn’t see any kids inside, so it isn’t clear to me whether an adult has to go inside to buy tickets while the kids wait outside, or if there is a separate waiting area inside where children are allowed. Once at the track itself, there is plenty of room to move around and more than enough seating to accommodate the crowd size. There are chairback seats as well as chairback benches, depending on your preference, and there are escalators inside if you have tickets for the third or fourth level. Return on Investment 5 General admission seating is free at Colonial Downs, or you can pay a little extra for better seats outside ($5 to $40 each). Tickets inside the clubhouse are $75 each, but you must buy them in sets of at least four – food is included with tickets on the third level (buffet style), although you have to buy your drinks; only water is included in the base price. Tickets on the fourth level are also $75 each, again purchased in sets of at least four, and although the fourth floor has better seats, the food is not included there. However, since you can watch for free if you choose, seeing the races at Colonial Downs represents a great return on investment, given the free parking and all the great amenities. Extras 3 The horse statue in the main parking lot is of Secretariat, and there are other horse statues on the property as well. The facility also offers some great views, such as the fountain and pond in the infield, and is well kept up both outside and in. There is no gift shop on the property, however, so there isn’t a way to grab any souvenirs of your visit. Final Thoughts I would recommend a visit to Colonial Downs – this is a very upscale track without the upscale prices you may see at other tracks. In addition, the facility is very easy to get to for many people on the eastern seaboard, so it will be easy to plan a visit.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 MacKenzie Stadium 500 Beech St Holyoke, MA 01040 Valley Blue Sox website MacKenzie Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 4,100 Return to the Mack Not too many people may know that the city of Holyoke, located just north of Springfield, MA, is the birthplace of the sport of volleyball. Even fewer know that Holyoke is the home of quirky Mackenzie Stadium and the Valley (nee Holyoke) Blue Sox of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Named after Medal of Honor recipient John Mackenzie for his actions aboard the USS Remlick during World War I, Mackenzie Stadium served as the home of the Holyoke Millers of the AA Eastern League from 1977-1982. The field also hosted the Holyoke Giants of the New England Collegiate Baseball League from 2004-2007 before welcoming the Blue Sox in 2008. The Valley Blue Sox moved from Concord, NH to Holyoke in 2008. The Blue Sox won a pair of NECBL championships, in 2017 and 2018. Three Blue Sox alumni (Stephen Lombardozzi Jr., Trey Mancini, and Juan Perez) have played in the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 4 Mackenzie Stadium offers a pretty impressive menu of concession items for such a small facility. The different menu items are sold out of different buildings lined up along the third base side of the ballpark. All the ballpark basics can be found here, including hot dogs, burgers, pizza slices, and chicken fingers. In addition, items including nachos and French fries are available. An old trailer serves as a snack cart, serving up popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones. Cans of Coca-Cola products are sold at all the stands. In a rarity for this level of baseball, fans can purchase beer (at the ticket booth). Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Yuengling, Shock Top, Goose Island IPA, and Harpoon IPA can all be found here. Atmosphere 2 The Blue Sox put on a game-day presentation that is similar to many teams in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. It’s low-key and geared to the younger fans in attendance, with between-inning games such as the water balloon home run derby and the dizzy bat race. There’s a lot that feels familiar and comfortable here. Many of the fans in attendance are regulars and know each other, and even as a visitor, they are friendly and welcoming. Watching the younger fans in attendance chase foul balls around the facility never gets old. Fans who haven’t visited Mackenzie Field in a while may feel like there’s a lot less going on than in years past. This is mostly because the amount of activity on the third base midway has decreased greatly. There’s a large scoreboard in the left-center field that provides basic game information, including pitch counts, which are a big deal in summer college baseball. The biggest negative at Mackenzie Field is the sound system. It feels as if it needs replacing, as it is unclear and fuzzy in many areas of the ballpark. Couple that with music and PA announcements turned up way too loud, and it can be a great distraction. Also, there’s no need to play the same cowbell sound effect 100 times during a game. Neighborhood 2 Mackenzie Stadium is located in a mixed-use residential/commercial neighborhood, with little in the immediate area to attract visiting fans. Even though downtown Holyoke is only a couple of miles away, there’s not a whole lot going on to see or do here. The Volleyball Hall of Fame and the Holyoke Children’s Museum are located in the same building about a mile and a half away on the banks of the Connecticut River in downtown Holyoke. Pair this site with a visit to the Basketball Hall of Fame in nearby Springfield and you’ve got a sports history doubleheader lined right up. Other visitors to the area may be interested in exploring the trails of the Mount Tom State Reservation. The majority of fans looking for a place to eat or stay will likely find themselves in Springfield, a short ten-minute drive from Mackenzie Stadium. Fans 2 After years of residing at or near the top of the NECBL attendance rankings, post-pandemic seasons have not been kind to the Blue Sox. About two-thirds of the way through the 2022 season the team is averaging only 272 fans per game, placing the Blue Sox 13th out of the 14 teams in the circuit. It’s a far cry from the 2016 and 2017 seasons when the team averaged over 2,100 fans per game. The fans you will see at Mackenzie Stadium are a mix of die-hard fans who never miss a game and fans with a connection to the team, who either has host families or volunteers. As you would expect at this level of baseball, many families are filling the stands, taking advantage of an affordable night of entertainment. With the NECBL’s compact geographic footprint, it’s not unusual to see visiting fans at Mackenzie Stadium. Access 3 Mackenzie Stadium is located in Holyoke, MA, a city of nearly 40,000 residents located just north of Springfield in the western part of the state. One of the first planned industrial cities in the country, Holyoke once produced about 80% of all the paper used in the United States. Mackenzie Stadium is located on the north campus of Holyoke High School, less than a half mile from the terminus of Interstate 391. The area is well served by highways, as Interstates 90 and 91 both run a short distance from Holyoke. Parking is available on either side of Mackenzie Stadium, either in the High School parking lot or in a lot dedicated to the ballpark and adjoining softball and football fields. The first base entrance puts you at the top of the grandstand, while the third base entrance places you at field level near home plate. Seating consists mainly of a large grandstand that runs along the first base side of the field, with the press box located at the top. It is clear that Mackenzie Field once hosted football games with this setup. Smaller bleachers are set up on the third base side of the field and behind home plate. The old wooden bleachers behind home plate appear rickety but are a popular spot for long-time fans. There is plenty of room for fans who prefer to bring their chairs and set up shop at field level near home plate, deep in left field, or on the steep hill behind home plate. The views from many areas around Mackenzie Stadium are not the greatest and long-time fans have their favorite spots picked out. Nets and/or fencing obstruct views from all seating areas. The various concessions buildings are lined up on the third base side of the field, with small restrooms located in the furthest buildings down the line. Return on Investment 5 Admission to a Blue Sox game is very affordable, with general admission tickets priced at seven dollars. Youths, seniors, and active members of the military receive a two-dollar discount. Parking is free in either of the parking lots adjacent to the ballpark. Concession prices are also quite affordable, with most items priced at under five dollars. It all adds up to a very affordable night of entertainment for Pioneer Valley sports fans. Extras 1 In the past, the third base concourse felt like a carnival midway, with giveaways, numerous food options, and sponsors booths lining both sides of the walkway. While the concourse is much less crowded these days, it still retains that feel, complete with a food truck serving snow cones and a table hawking Blue Sox gear. All fans are given a free roster sheet. Final Thoughts It’s kind of hard to believe that a ballpark like Mackenzie Stadium once was able to host AA-level baseball. While this old field’s glory days are most likely in the past, this quirky place has found its niche with the presence of the summer collegiate Blue Sox. Here’s hoping that the fans return to Holyoke and the Blue Sox regain their familiar place near the top of the NECBL attendance rankings. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Lincoln Financial Field 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way Philadelphia, PA 19148 Temple Owls website Lincoln Financial Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 69,956 Temple in a Football Temple Temple Football is a big of a mixed bag for fan experience. On one hand the team enjoys the modern comforts that are afforded by playing in an NFL stadium near a big city. On the other hand, this very fact can be a detriment – lack of success on the field by the Owls in recent years has soured fans on attending games, meaning crowds tend to be smaller already, but there are also a wide variety of other sports here in Philadelphia to pluck fans away at the same time Temple is playing football, making the situation even worse. Food & Beverage 3 Most of the main concession stands at Lincoln Financial Field are open during Temple games. Here you can find the basic stadium fare (pizza $8-$14, soda $7-$10, pretzels $6, hot dogs $9, etc.), while local favorites such as Philly cheesesteak ($14-$16) and Chickie’s Crabfries ($14.75) are also available. Prices are generally high, however, and can easily exceed $20 a person for something simple to eat and drink. Atmosphere 3 This is where Temple football’s experience seems to be most conflicting – on one hand Lincoln Financial Field is a beautiful stadium. Home to the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles , the facility offers plentiful seating, easy access around the concourse, individual seats with backs and cup holders, and a giant video scoreboard. The team also does its best as well to make the stadium feel more like a Temple home stadium, including a “ring of honor” on the various LED video boards around the upper levels, and adding red tarps to cover the lower stadium walls near the field. Despite this, the size of the stadium is a detriment. Facing the same issues as teams like the University of Miami , USF , UNLV , and Pitt , even a solid crowd for Temple looks small when filling the stands at Lincoln Financial Field. Additionally, the Eagles logos are all over the stadium, and the overall green aesthetic permeates throughout; you know you’re playing in Eagles territory when you’re here. Neighborhood 3 Unlike other sports stadiums in major cities, Philadelphia’s stadiums are located outside the city itself, situated in an area devoid of the usual hotels, shopping, and dining. While a few sports bars are nearby, the overall area is mostly industrial in the immediate surroundings of the venue; the facility shares parking lots with Wells Fargo Center and Citizens Bank Park . A few miles away yields some hotels and shopping, as well as FDR Park for recreation. The Navy Yard is also just south of the stadium along the shores of the Delaware River – here you can see decommissioned Navy ships up close along various river walks. Fans 2 The fans for Temple Football have faded in attendance over the past few years. Tough seasons with poor results have left the locals sour on Temple’s state of affairs, and most games see low numbers unless a bigger team is visiting. As stated before, the crowd looks rather sparse thanks in part to the stadium’s large size, making even decent crowds seem thin. For the fans who do show up, tailgating in the parking lots is healthy and plentiful, with various alumni groups getting together on game day as well. Access 5 Lincoln Financial Field is located right between I-95 and I-76, making getting here a rather easy task. Additionally, Philadelphia International Airport is literally next door to the facility as well. Parking is also plentiful in the lots in and around the stadium, so getting in and out shouldn't be a problem. Return on Investment 3 Tickets range from $20 for the lower bowl to $56 for the middle levels of the stadium – this is rather respectable for FBS college football, especially in such a large modern facility. However, the cost of parking and concessions really drags down the overall value, coupled with the lack of fans at the game, which would be necessary to bring a really impressive college football atmosphere. Extras 3 The stadium includes various nods to football history in Philadelphia, including statues out front of the main entrances, as well as championship banners in the rafters for the Eagles . There’s also a kids play zone with bounce houses in the main concourse near the end zone, giving the younger fans a place to enjoy their time at the game. Finally, the team rings a large replica of the Liberty Bell whenever they score a touchdown, a nod to Philadelphia’s history. Final Thoughts Temple Football has a home many teams would be thankful for; a modern NFL stadium setup means that the program can enjoy the conveniences of a top-tier facility. However, in some ways this is a detriment to the Owls overall atmosphere and aesthetic. Temple has done the best with what they have, however, and the fans who do show up are diehard and passionate.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Recreation Field Baseball Drive Montpelier, VT 05602 Vermont Mountaineers website Recreation Field website Year Opened: 1940 Capacity: 1,200 Green Mountaineer Baseball Built in 1940 by the WPA, Montpelier Recreation Field served as home of the Montpelier Senators and Twin City Trojans of the long-extinct Northern League through the 1940’s and early 1950’s. Ten players from these teams went on to play major league baseball, including Hall of Famer Robin Roberts. When the Northern League folded in 1952, the picturesque little grandstand on Elm Street went without organized baseball for a half century until the Vermont Mountaineers were granted a franchise in the New England Collegiate Baseball League in 2003. The Mountaineers have won three championships during their time in the NECBL, most recently in 2015. Fifteen Mountaineer alumni have played in the Major Leagues Food & Beverage 4 For a small ballpark, Recreation Field offers a good variety of food and drink options for the hungry Mountaineer fan. A pair of concession stands underneath the grandstand sell assorted ice cream treats and pizza slices from Domino’s. For more variety, head down the right field line, where a food truck from Gus’ Catering serves up items ranging from typical ballpark fare to more unique items including BBQ pork sandwiches and since we’re close to the Canadian border, poutine. There is a beer garden located in deep left field which sells a variety of brews from Three Penny Taproom. Pepsi products are featured at Recreation Field. Be sure to try out the Mountaineer Root Beer, brewed by Hosmer Mountain Soda Company and sold only at Recreation Field. Look for it at Skip’s Souvenir Stand. Atmosphere 3 Baseball in the summer college leagues is generally a more laid-back experience than its minor league counterpart, and games at Recreation Field are no exception. The game is the main focus in Montpelier, but there is enough distraction around to make the casual or younger fan happy without upsetting the hard-core baseball fan. The team employs the obligatory mascot, Skip the woodchuck, who interacts with fans young and old alike. During the 2019 All-Star Game Skip even performed a perfect sky-dive into Recreation Field. The team runs a 50-50 raffle to help fund operations, along with a few giveaways and contests scattered throughout the game. An over the top game day presentation just would not feel right in this quaint setting. Neighborhood 3 Montpelier is the capital city of Vermont, and in terms of population, it is the smallest state capital in the country, with a population of under 8,000. Recreation Field is located in the northern part of the city, about two miles from the State House and downtown Montpelier. The downtown area may be small, but it’s very walkable and features a vibrant arts scene, along with several museums, shops, and restaurants. Three Penny Taproom and Sarducci’s are among the many great options in the area. Fans looking for recreational activities will be pleased with Montpelier’s many trails, bike paths, and parks. Burlington, located about 45 minutes away, is Vermont’s largest city and a popular tourist destination in its own right. Visiting fans will want to take a trip 15 miles up the road to nearby Waterbury, where the Ben and Jerry’s factory offers tours for the ice cream fanatic and Prohibition Pig serves up some of the best barbeque and craft beer you’ll find anywhere. Fans 4 The Mountaineers enjoy great support in the Green Mountain State, landing in the top five in terms of attendance every year since joining the New England Collegiate Baseball League. They average between 1,000-1,200 fans per game. A typical crowd at a Mountaineer game consists of families mixed in with your casual and die-hard baseball fan. While Vermont crowds are supportive of the home team, they are baseball fans first and foremost. Great plays by both teams are appreciated and applauded. Access 3 Recreation Field is located about two miles from downtown Montpelier, and is easy to get to from I-89. Take exit 8 off of 89, follow Route 2 (Memorial Drive) to Taylor Street, take a left over the bridge, take a right onto Elm St., and follow until you reach the ballpark on your right. Parking is available in lots next to the ballpark at the Vermont Community College and Turtle Island Children’s Center. The ballpark consists of a large, covered grandstand which was built in 1940. The Mountaineers have invested a lot of money and effort into improvements on many aspects of the park, such as the drainage, fencing, concession stands, the playing surface, and the grandstand. Their efforts show, as this ballpark is considered to be among the nicest in the NECBL, both from a player’s standpoint as well as a fan’s. Since the grandstand often fills up for Mountaineers games, overflow seating is available down the right field line in the form of several picnic tables. There is also room for many fans to sit or stand along the fences down either foul line, and many fans bring their own chairs to take advantage of these vantage points. Some fans choose to camp out beyond the outfield fence, where there is plenty of room for younger fans to run around. Fans requiring special accommodations should have no problem getting around Recreation Field. Rest rooms are located in a separate building behind the grandstand, and are adequate for a typical Mountaineers crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Mountaineer games cost six dollars for general admission seating. Parking is available in a very small lot next to the ballpark, or a very short walk away at the Vermont Community College or the Turtle Island Children’s Center for two dollars. With inexpensive concession prices, a Mountaineers game is an affordable entertainment option for central Vermont sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the display honoring Robin Roberts, who spent two summers in Montpelier pitching for the Twin Cities Trojans during his younger years. Also honored is Ray Fisher, a local man who pitched for ten years in the Major Leagues and was a member of the 1919 World Champion Yankees. A historic marker is located outside the ballpark on Route 12, which outlines the history of Recreation Park. A final extra point is awarded for the mountain backdrop at Recreation Field. Along with the 1940 wooden grandstand, it makes for a most picturesque setting for some small-town baseball. Final Thoughts Any baseball fan who enjoys travelling to different ballparks would do themselves a favor to consider a visit to Vermont. The ballparks in Montpelier and nearby Burlington have been around for a combined 180 years. These ballparks may be old, but they are still quite functional and contain enough modern amenities to satisfy any baseball fan. The NECBL boasts over 150 Major League alumni and has close to 100 players drafted every year. It is ranked by many insiders as one of the premier collegiate summer leagues in the nation. The action on the field in Montpelier can rival the beauty of its surroundings. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Toppa Field at Freebody Park Freebody St. Newport, RI 02840 Salve Regina Seahawks football website Toppa Field website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 2,000 Football by the Sea Toppa Field, a WPA project, is located within Freebody Park, a multi-use facility with multiple athletic fields and a playground. It was the original site of the Newport Folk Festival. Today, Salve Regina University uses the facility as home for their football, lacrosse, soccer and softball teams. The field is named for John Toppa, who coached in Newport at Rogers High School for 32 years, winning 11 state championships. Toppa also taught at the school and served as its athletic director for 25 years. Salve Regina University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Newport, RI. In Latin, Salve Regina translates to “Hail Queen,” which makes sense as the school began as a women’s college. Founded in 1934, the school is now coeducational, with an enrollment of 2,800 students enrolled in 40 majors. The school is best known for its nursing programs. Nestled amongst Newport’s famous Gilded Age mansions, it has been ranked among the nation’s most beautiful colleges by both Architectural Digest and Conde Nast Traveler. Salve Regina University fielded their first varsity football program in 1993. The Seahawks now play in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), a Division Three conference with schools located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Salve Regina has played in nine postseason games in its history but has yet to participate in the D-3 national tournament. Food & Beverage 4 There are no permanent concessions facilities at Toppa Field, so food trucks fill the void during Seahawk football games. Local favorite Little Fish provided the food during Stadium Journey’s visit, with a selection of fish, chicken and lobster tacos along with caviche, lobster covered nachos and lobster rolls. It’s not your typical football game fare, but totally appropriate in the seaside city of Newport. Little Fish food truck also sells Coca-Cola products and Liquid Death beers from local favorite Revival Brewing. Fans can also pick up a frozen lemonade from Rhode Island legend Del’s Lemonade. Fans looking for snacks will find a table operated by the Salve cheerleading squad which offers up cold drinks and candy. Atmosphere 2 A Seahawk football game features a pretty basic game day presentation. Fans who haven’t visited Toppa Field in a while will be surprised by the improvements in recent years. The newest addition to the facility is the brand-new scoreboard situated on the north side of the field, behind the visitors’ sideline. This basic scoreboard is so new that the crew hasn’t totally figured out how to use all its features yet. Longtime fans say it’s great to now know how much time is left in the game. Digital programs are available for all fans, and there is a playground near the park’s entrance where younger fans can let out some energy during the game. The Seahawk cheer squad provides some noise during the game while the PA announcer goes about his work in an unobtrusive manner. The sound system is not overwhelmingly loud, but the sound is of good quality. If you choose a seat near the top of the grandstand, the coaches will be sitting right behind you, barking out instructions to their sidelines via headsets. Neighborhood 5 Without a doubt, the biggest strength of Toppa Field is its location. Nestled in between Newport’s Gilded Age mansions and bustling Belleview Avenue, there is plenty to do and see before and after a Seahawks football game. Easton Beach and the famous Cliff Walk are less than a half mile from Toppa Field. A local’s tip: get to the area early and walk the Cliff Walk , a 3.5-mile path that runs behind many of Newport’s famous mansions atop a 70-foot shoreline cliff. Just to the west of Freebody Park is the Newport Casino, home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. After the game, head a half mile in the other direction to America’s Cup Avenue, where the Brick Marketplace contains numerous fine restaurants, pubs and shops. The area will be much less crowded during the fall months, but most of the businesses will still be open. Also located here is Cardines Field , one of the oldest ballparks still in use in the country. Other attractions in Newport include Fort Adams State Park, Touro Synagogue (the oldest synagogue in the country) and the Newport Art Museum. Fans visiting the area will have no shortage of choices for dining, shopping or lodging. More complete information can be found at DiscoverNewport.org . Fans 3 Salve Regina draws good crowds to Toppa Field. The Seahawks are the only college team on Aquidneck Island, so many locals turn out to see some football on fall weekends. Many of the fans in the stands enjoy relationships with the players on the field, so they are knowledgeable about the game and enthusiastic in their support. While there’s not an overwhelming presence from the student body, they do turn out in solid numbers to cheer on their classmates. Given the small size of Salve, they’d barely fill Toppa Field if everyone showed up, anyway. With the compact geographic footprint of the NEWMAC conference, there is usually a good turnout from visiting fans as well. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend a gorgeous fall Saturday in Newport? Access 2 Newport is a city of about 25,000 residents located at the southern tip of Aquidneck Island. Best known as a popular summer destination, this seaside town is famous for its Gilded Age mansions and sailing history. Located 33 miles south of Providence and 74 miles south of Boston, it is not easily accessed by any highways. The closest interstate to Newport is I-195, which runs from Providence to Cape Cod about 20 miles north of Newport. Route 24 runs from Fall River down through the upper half of Aquidneck Island. Once the highway ends visitors will navigate Route 114 into the city. Freebody Park is located in the northern section of Newport, just behind the Newport Casino and near the city’s famous Gilded Age mansions and beaches. This area is full of historic sites and a popular summer destination. While it may be a bit less crowded on fall football Saturdays, it’s still not the easiest area to navigate. Parking is available on the neighborhood streets, but it can be difficult to find spots really close to the park. Be prepared to walk a few blocks and be sure to pay attention to signs. Many streets are closed to parking at certain times. There is some public parking available near the Cliff Walk about a half mile away. Seating at Toppa Field consists of a single concrete grandstand on the southern edge of the facility. Seasoned fans will bring cushions to sit on during Seahawk games. There are a pair of small bathrooms underneath the grandstand, which are augmented with several port-a-johns scattered throughout the park. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to a Seahawks game are sold as general admission for ten dollars. On-street parking in the Freebody Park area is free. Some of the concession items are a bit on the pricey side, although not out of line for the type of food offered (lobster rolls aren’t cheap, after all). Overall, a Salve Regina football game is an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 1 The Salve Regina football game day presentation is a pretty basic one, with not much going on at Toppa Field that can be considered extra. We’ll award an extra point for the improvements that the university has put into the facility to improve the overall experience. The new turf and the new scoreboard are just two examples of such improvements to this classic stadium. Final Thoughts Toppa Field is a busy community recreation facility that just oozes history and provides a simple, but enjoyable game day experience. Located on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, a visit to a football game at Salve Regina will be just a small part of an incredible stadium journey. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 ECTB Stadium 1008 S Howard St. Allentown, PA 18103 Allentown Railers website ECTB Stadium website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 4,600 The Greatest Ballpark on Dirt There are a great collection of minor league baseball ballparks in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania that include Limeport Stadium , Coca-Cola Park and Quakertown Memorial Park . A visitor would have a nice little history lesson on ballpark construction if visiting for a few days; however, there is another ballpark that may strike your fancy while visiting the area – ECTB Stadium in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The stadium is home to the Allentown Railers of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League and brings a little life to the vapid facility during the summer months. ECTB Stadium, formerly known as Bicentennial Park when it opened in 1976, was built on the site of Fairview Field which had been home to various minor league teams in the city since 1930. It was also the home to the Allentown Ambassadors of the Northeast League (now the Can-Am League) from 1997-2003. The stadium has seen better days, but there are improvements currently underway that should breath a fresh new breath of life into the vapid facility. The 4,600 seat stadium is rather large for the league and features an all dirt, softball style infield. However, with the right attitude, this quirky little baseball facility might be worth watching a game in the near future – time will tell. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small stand located underneath the grandstand and facing out on the main concourse. There are only seven items on the rather crude cardboard menu cutout that adorns the windows – cheeseburgers, hot dogs, sunflower seeds, pretzels, sport drinks, soda and candy. The prices are inexpensive and the hot dogs taste quite good. The hot dogs are only $2 and cheeseburgers are $3. Atmosphere 2 Could the atmosphere be a little better at ECTB Stadium? Perhaps, but the ballpark is quite grandiose by ACBL standards. The largest stadium in the league looks like it would be be perfect fit in larger summer leagues such as the Northwoods or Prospect Leagues. The ballpark does feature a few intriguing quirks – perhaps its all dirt infield that would be akin to softball, because it was converted to a softball field during the country’s bicentennial. The seating is made of plastic and feature bucket seats behind the first few rows of the backstop and backless seating throughout the rest of the stadium. The seating is up close and personal to the action. If it was not for the large fence screen behind home plate, you could brush off the dirt from a player sliding into home. There is a lot of room to stretch out, catch a foul ball or simply reminisce about old school baseball. The outfield fence was renovated a few seasons ago and looks quite stunning, the center field light is in play and a simple electronic scoreboard resides in left field; however, it was not in operation when I attended the game (I was told that it needed to be repaired). A large net looms over the right field wall for protection of fly balls landing against the residential homes across the street. The setting in the south side of Allentown is also a nice nod to ballparks of the past. Incidentally, they have been playing baseball at this site for almost 85 years. There are no mascots, major announcements, promotions or gimmicks. There is a large collection of souvenirs with the Railers’ logo on it and some of it looks pretty good – its not the cheap stuff you find sometimes. The main grandstand use to have tarp wrapped around when the Ambassadors played minor league baseball here, but it has been removed and the seats are now exposed. This is not aesthetically pleasing and a dash of color or name of the stadium would do wonders to its image. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is situated in a residential neighborhood, not far from the I-78 exit where a few great places to eat exist. Queen City Diner is open 24-hours and offers generous portions at reasonable prices. If you are not from the area, diner food is a must to have after the game. Rodizio Grill is a Brazilian barbecue restaurant where one would have to come hungry and not expect to eat for a few days. Steak, chicken, pork and lamb are all brought out to your table. It is a nice experience to say the least. Fans 1 There were not a lot of them here at the game, in fact, there was not a lot of cheering from the ones who were in the grandstands at the day of this review. When your crowds are small in a vast ballpark, viewing the game can feel like a dirge, but the Railers have a great product and winning attitude. I am sure if there were few promotions here and there, a few more fans would find their way back to the stadium. Access 4 Arriving to the stadium is the best part – it is quick and easy. All you have to do is take exit 57 off of I-78 and proceed north on Lehigh Street for 1.5 miles and the stadium is on your left. The parking is free and plentiful in the stadium’s lot and access is easy to get in or out of after the game. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are $5 a person and kids 8 and under are admitted free of charge. This is a small price to pay to watch college kids hone their skills with the wooden bat during the months of June and July. Extras 1 The roofs of houses behind the right field wall adds a nice touch to this quirky little ball park that features high walls, a light tower in play in center field and seats close enough to tap the umpires back. If this was any other league, you may see some improvements with not only the stadium itself, but with the game day experience. Thankfully the public can still catch a game and perhaps the game day experience will improve in time; unfortunately, time will tell. Final Thoughts Lehigh Valley has a nice collection of ballparks to visit during the summer and ECTB has seen better days and the only allure might just be that it is still housing baseball in Allentown. Before Coca-Cola Field, this was where professional baseball was held, but the times have changed. If you have the time, it may be worth your pleasure to take in a game.

Photos by Lance Sutehall and Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Pete Maravich Assembly Center N Stadium Rd Baton Rouge, LA 70893 LSU Tigers website Pete Maravich Assembly Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 13,215 Geaux Tigers The LSU Tigers basketball program has called the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) home since 1972. In 1988 the then “LSU Assembly Center” was renamed in honor of LSU Tigers basketball legend Pete Maravich after Maravich passed away. The LSU Tigers men’s program is very competitive in the SEC having won a national championship in 1935, making four final fours, and having 24 NCAA tournament appearances. In addition to Pete Maravich, Shaquille O’Neal and Ben Simmons have played for the Tigers. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are for the most part the standard stadium fare. This is a disappointment for Louisiana standards since the state is known for Cajun cuisine. The sausage po’boy sandwich ($8) is the only concession that stood out as being unique. The concession stands are cashless. The generic fare includes Papa John’s pizza ($9), nachos ($5), hot dogs ($4), popcorn ($5), candy ($5), pretzels ($5.50), and Coca-Cola brand 22oz. sodas ($4.75), 32 oz. souvenir cup ($7.25), and bottled water ($3.50). Alcohol is sold at the arena. Budweiser products are sold for $9 while craft beers are sold for $10. If you wanted to you could also buy a bottle of wine for $50. Atmosphere 5 The relative disappointment in the concessions is washed away when you take in the atmosphere of the arena. Before you walk in you see Mike the Tiger’s habitat and his statue.  When you go sit down you will sit in one of the thousands of purple cushioned seats that surround the court. You won’t be able to miss one of the largest scoreboards in college basketball hanging over the basketball court.  If you keep looking up you will see banners recognizing LSU’s final four runs, its men’s national championship in 1935, and several retired jerseys honoring LSU legends including Pete Maravich and Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq has a statue in front of the Tigers practice facility. Neighborhood 3 LSU’s campus is located just south of downtown Baton Rouge. The arena is located right next to Tiger Stadium and the Bernie Moore track stadium. The campus borders the North Gate community which makes LSU students and faculty within walking distance of several restaurants, a CVS pharmacy, and coffee shops. If you are interested in a pregame/postgame meal or drink the Chimes bar is located in the North Gate community and Our Mom’s Restaurant & Bar is just a few miles south. Lodging options include the Cook Hotel on campus or Hampton, Courtyard, Hilton, Hotel Indigo, and Watermark in nearby downtown Baton Rouge. Fans 4 The Maravich Assembly Center has a large capacity for SEC standards because LSU fans show up for Tiger basketball. The fans show up dressed up in purple and gold while showing support for their Tigers the whole game. The Bengal Brass Basketball Band keeps the atmosphere up by playing during every break in basketball action. The LSU Tigers dance team and cheerleaders do their part to keep the crowd engaged. Access 3 Assuming you have a car the Pete Maravich Assembly Center is fairly easy to get to no matter which direction you are coming from.  From I110, take the Government Street exit to St. Philip Street. Turn left, and St. Philip Street becomes Nicholson Drive. Keep going down Nicholson Drive until you get to Stadium Drive.  From I10 Eastbound, turn off at exit 155A to Nicholson Drive. Keep going down Nicholson Drive until you get to Stadium Drive.  From I10 Westbound, turn off at 156B to Dalrymple Drive. Stay on Dalrymple until it turns to Field House Drive. Turn right onto Stadium Drive. If you want to park for free I recommend parking at the campus mounds lot by the Hill Memorial Library. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Library to the Maravich Center. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $10 for upper bowl seats in non-conference games. The prices go up a few dollars for SEC or major non-conference opponents. If you buy a cheap ticket, pay for parking,  grab a sausage po’boy sandwich, and purchase a souvenir cup you will spend about $40 by yourself, $70 for a date or hangout, and $130 for a family of four. I think that seems like a great deal for SEC basketball action. Extras 5 The LSU Women’s basketball team won the 2023 National Championship. Their banner hangs in the rafters and part of the court used during that final four is on display in the concourse.  After Hurricane Katrina hit the arena became the largest triage center in US history with over 800 beds. The Pelicans played a game at the arena due to being displaced by Hurricane Katrina.  The arena is a popular concert stop given that it’s the largest arena in Louisiana outside New Orleans. Final Thoughts LSU is known in several sports to be an intimidating program to play. Basketball is no exception. The fans do an excellent job of showing pride in their school and their teams. Baton Rouge is a must-stop for any college town tour.

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Washington-Grizzly Stadium 32 Campus Dr Missoula, MT 59801 Montana Grizzlies website Washington-Grizzly Stadium website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 25,217 A River Really Does Run Through It The history of football at the University of Montana is divided into two distinct eras – before Washington-Grizzly Stadium and after. Prior to the opening of the stadium in 1986 Griz football was an afterthought in Missoula and throughout Montana. Winning seasons were rare. After the stadium opened, the Montana Grizzlies quite rapidly became a national I-AA/FCS powerhouse, winning the Big Sky Conference Championship and appearing in the national playoffs in almost every season since the stadium opened, including two National Championships. The facility’s impact is so significant that the Big Sky Conference recognized the opening of Washington-Grizzly Stadium as the number one moment in conference history. The stadium is so-named for Missoula based construction and railroad mogul, Dennis Washington and his family, who made a large donation to get the project under construction. It started out as a 12,500 seat venue sunken into the ground with earthen berms on each end. Several expansions have occurred over the years filling in the end zones, adding small decks over the north end zone, and adding a deck over the east side stands. The official capacity now stands at 25,217, but crowds in excess of 26,000 are not out of the ordinary, giving the Griz one of the best home field advantages in all of college football. Since Washington-Grizzly Stadium opened, the Griz have won almost 90% of their home games. Not resting on their laurels, the university just announced that, thanks to another large Washington family donation, the new $14 million Washington-Grizzly Champions Center will be constructed on the south end of the stadium providing locker rooms and a weight room for football and all other UM sports. Food & Beverage 4 There’s plenty of concession stands inside the stadium and a lot of variety, but the real good stuff is outside at the hundreds of tailgate parties. The delicious odors of grilling waft all over campus on game day. Back inside, the prices aren’t extreme for all the standard items. A Griz Dog is $4, chili cheese nachos $4, 24oz. soda (Coke products) is $3, and hot chocolate or coffee, which is a necessity when it’s chilly is $3. Pizza Hut has a big presence below the north end zone, and there are numerous specialty stands throughout the stadium so before deciding, take a stroll along the concourse to see what’s available. As with most college venues, beer is not sold inside the stadium, but fans are allowed to leave and reenter with a hand stamp, so it’s no problem to grab an adult beverage at a tailgate party at halftime. Atmosphere 5 When one thinks of Montana one might think of wide open spaces. But Washington-Grizzly Stadium is wedged into the University of Montana campus at the junction of Mount Sentinel and the Clark Fork River with very little room to spare. The density of the stadium and campus generates an energy that transmits to the tailgate parties happening on almost every spare patch of grass creating a festive environment on game day in Missoula. Though having one of the largest seating capacities in FCS football, the inside of the stadium feels compact and intimate. There’s very little room beyond the sidelines and end zone which makes the opposing team feel just that much more uncomfortable. The stands, which are fully enclosed, are right on top of the field making Griz fans feel like they are truly part of the action instead of just observing the action. When they get it cranked up, which they often do, the fans really give their beloved Griz a huge boost. The grizzly bear mascot Monte gets the crowd going with his acrobatic antics before the team comes out of the tunnel and throughout the game the huge video board will show him dancing and carrying on from the sidelines, in the stands, or even crowd surfing. There’s not a bad seat in the house, even from the new upper deck on the east side called the Majestic Plaza. The view from the top offers a great offensive/defensive coordinator perspective. Most of the seating is basic metal bleachers. A seat cushion as an insulator between your rear-end and the seat is strongly recommended if the weather is cold. The Grizzly Marching Band, PA announcer, piped in music, and the video board are well coordinated and make a very professional presentation throughout the game. The PA guy does a good job of keeping the crowd informed of down and distance and delights the crowd with his signature sharp and loud “FIRST DOWN!” after which the entire crowd responds “MONTANA!” Neighborhood 5 The stadium and the Adams Center, which houses Dahlberg Arena , are seamlessly knitted into the campus. I highly recommend taking a stroll around the nearby academic buildings while you’re waiting for the burgers to cook at your tailgate party. There’s interesting architecture, statues, and pleasant views throughout this tree covered university. Downtown Missoula is just a few minutes walk from the stadium and campus across the Clark Fork on a beautiful pedestrian/bicycle bridge. It’s a lot of nature for such an urbanized area. Once downtown you’ll find all kinds of interesting shops, bars, and restaurants. The Press Box Sports Bar, right off the pedestrian bridge, is one of the most popular hangouts for Griz fans. A couple of personal favorites downtown are the Tamarack Brewing Company’s restaurant on Front Street and the Iron Horse Bar and Grill on North Higgins. Missoula has an outstanding brewing scene. It was recently proclaimed as one of 9 Small Beer Cities That Deserve National Attention. If you’re a fan of craft brews, you must try some of the local offerings. The Big Sky Brewing Company is nationally known for its Moose Drool among many others. And don’t leave town without trying one of my all-time favorite brews, Cold Smoke, from the Kettlehouse Brewery. There are several motels close to campus and downtown that are an easy walk to the stadium and many bars, breweries, and restaurants. You won’t need to worry about fighting traffic and paying for parking if you bring along a good pair of walking shoes and leave the car at the motel. Missoula is not your typical Montana cow town. The city definitely has more of a pacific northwest vibe – think Portland or Seattle. There are a ton of recreational activities available in and around Missoula including hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, canoeing, rafting, fly fishing, skiing, and much, much more. It’s hard to get out of shape in a place that has so many outdoor activities to offer. Fans 4 Travel to any corner of Montana and you will find people wearing the maroon and sliver school colors on hats, coats, and sweat shirts. Griz fans are everywhere in this state and they are loud and proud about their team. On a football Saturday, a parade of vehicles streams toward Missoula from farms, ranches, small towns and every large city in Montana. For many, many years now the University of Montana has led or been near the very top of FCS football attendance in numbers that would make many FBS programs jealous. Griz fans don’t limit their fan displays to just hats and t-shirts. There are busses, motorhomes, trailers, tents, and canopies all displaying the school colors and logos. Everything from new motorhomes to old motor coaches and retired city busses are all decorated up and parked along Campus Drive on game day. In the stadium they make their presence felt. The configuration of the stadium and the loyal fan base are a volatile mix to any opposing quarterback trying to call an audible. Washington-Grizzly stadium is loud and the Griz fans make it so. Access 4 Washington-Grizzly stadium might have ranked a perfect score in this category if Missoula still had passenger rail service, but most other forms of transportation, with the possible exception of horse and buggy are accommodated. When approaching Missoula from the east on I-90, Washington-Grizzly Stadium is pretty much the first major building you notice when exiting Hellgate Canyon and entering the city limits. Take the East Missoula exit (exit 107) or the Orange Street exit (exit 104). If approaching from the west just look for the big “M” on Mount Sentinel. The stadium is right at the base of the mountain. 'M' on Mountain, Photo by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey The Grizzly Athletics website GoGriz.com includes handy guides that give all the details on how to get to and from Washington-Grizzly Stadium including where to walk, bike, park, and shuttle. This information will be especially helpful for anyone with disabilities as there are some well thought out services provided. Most of Missoula, and especially the areas in and around campus are very pedestrian and bike friendly. The riverfront trail system connects the campus to downtown and areas to the west along both sides of the Clark Fork. The pedestrian/bike bridge brings people to and from downtown across the river and to and from the stadium without any conflicts with motor vehicles. For those who don’t want to fight traffic or walk, the Grizzly Shuttle provides rides to the game from many area bars and restaurants, downtown parking garages, south campus, and the East Broadway park and ride lot. Parking lots are scattered so it’s a good idea to check the maps and have a good idea where you are going before making the drive. The lots closest to the stadium are sold out to boosters. Other lots on campus are available with parking fees ranging from $5 to $15. If you don’t mind a pleasant walk, there is lots of free parking available across the river at the East Broadway public parking lot. When that gets full a lot of people park on dirt areas along the railroad tracks parallel to East Broadway. Inside the stadium the concourses and stairways are wide enough, though they get pretty congested at halftime as the crush of fans head back to the tailgates. Restrooms are clean and plentiful throughout but also crowded with long lines at halftime. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices ($32 to $42) are among the highest in the FCS, but for good reason. Season tickets are sold out with long waiting lists and tickets to individual games can be hard to come by for the biggest games and nearly impossible to get when Big Sky Conference rivals like the Eastern Washington Eagles and the Montana State Bobcats come to town. Concession stand prices seemed reasonable and in line with what one would expect at a college sports venue. A day out to Washington-Grizzly stadium is well worth the expense and effort to see the great game of college football played in such a fun and lively atmosphere. You won’t go away disappointed except of course if you’re a fan of the team the Griz are playing, because your team will most likely not be leaving with a win. Extras 5 Washington-Grizzly Stadium warrants full bonus points including (but not limited to) the following: Western Montana: The drive to Missoula from East, West, North, or South through Western Montana is beautiful. The North End Zone: One of the most imposing structures in the Big Sky Conference, the fans in the loud and crazy north end zone with its twin upper decks are a nightmare for opposing teams. Campus Drive: The road wraps around the east and north sides of the stadium and passes under a concrete support known as the Grizzly Gateway. It’s closed to through traffic on game day and becomes a tailgating main street lined with busses and motor homes. Hall of Champions: This corridor in the Adams Center right next door to the stadium is a very well put together museum to Grizzly Athletics’ history. It’s a must visit for any Griz fan and even if you’re not a Griz fan it’s still a nice place to get inside and warm up for a few minutes. Monte: The Grizzlies mascot Monte keeps the crowd entertained throughout, and whoever’s in the suit is one amazing athlete.

Yard Goats, PaddleHeads, RubberDucks, and Cannon Ballers? Do you like these names, or do you loathe them? Are the names a sign of what has become the norm in the out-of-the-box style or the minor leagues, and do they stray away from the traditions of the game? In the past several years, there has been a collection of unusual yet intriguing names for minor league baseball clubs. The Beloit Snappers of the Midwest League unveiled new potential names and are asking fans to place a vote online. A few of the names include the Supper Clubbers and Cheeseballs–not your run-of-the-mill baseball name. It could be said that it’s all part of a current fad in the minors that began several years ago, but that may not be quite accurate. Minor league baseball has a history of oddball names dating back to the 19th century. Like today, the names were generated from fan input, contests, and regional influences. A few lasted many decades, while some faded away quickly. After reviewing multiple newspaper clippings, I found that the role of naming a minor league ball club was just as important for proper branding and local recognition back then as it is now. We look at five different clubs that earned their name through various methods. Three teams formed before World War II, and two debuted soon after fighting was over in the Pacific Theater in 1946. However, one must look at each of these names and wonder how well they would fit with today’s minor league franchise branding.   Nazareth Cement Dusters The Nazareth Cement Dusters joined the North Atlantic League in 1946, and its name was decided through a fan vote. The winning entry was from Donald Kemmerer and Sam Aristidew, who both received a season pass to the home games at Nazareth Park Field. In total, there were 101 name suggestions for the new ball club, but Cement Dusters was the winning entry. There was no reason provided on why the name was submitted by both men, but one can surmise that it stems from the Lehigh Cement Company, which had been in operation since 1897. The city had been home to many other local cement companies even further back since 1866, which employed numerous area residents and was the prominent producer of bulk and bagged cement in North America. A Nazareth Cement Factory, Photo Courtesy of The Morning Call. Legend has it that the dust from the cement bagging plant would blow over across the street to the Nazareth Speedway and cover the all-dirt track. The cement dust would kick up during auto races and be visually noticeable to both drivers and fans. Perhaps the auto racing industry played a hand in naming the new ball club that played less than two miles from the factory and track. The Dusters averaged 553 fans per game and sported an impressive 78-40 record on the season. They lost in the first round of the playoffs four games to 1 to the Carbondale Pioneers. Unfortunately, by the following season, the name would be gone from the Lehigh Valley sports landscape. The team would attract the Detroit Tigers in 1947 and, due to its affiliation with them, changed its name to the Nazareth Tigers.  The following year, the club did not have a major league affiliation, and instead of reverting to the old Dusters’ name, opted for the Barons for the rest of its existence until the league ceased operations after the 1950 season.   Paris Red Peppers About 1,400 miles southwest of Nazareth is Paris, Texas, which was awarded a franchise in the East Texas League. The baseball club announced a name-the-team contest and, on February 10, 1946, chose the name Red Peppers. There were 100 suggestions sent to the club that was returning pro ball to town for the first time since 1934. Lee Johnson received two season passes for his suggestion and was selected out of 100 entries for being unusual. Emblems featuring red pepper pods were quickly designed and placed on home jerseys. The road jerseys were gray with the city name in block letters stretched across the front. A block P would be worn on a dark blue cap. Courtesy of Ebbets Field Flannels Like with the name Cement Dusters, there was no information on why Johnson chose the name Red Peppers. The local newspaper would often shorten the name to the “Pods” when covering the team throughout the season. Its home field was put together around the same time as the naming of the club and included an all-dirt infield and box seating for four that cost $75 per person.  The team would move to the Big State League the following year, and then things got interesting. Following that season, co-owner Fred Kirby bought out the ownership from John Barnes; with the change of ownership also came a new name, the Paris Rockets. There was no reason given, but the local paper indicated that perhaps it was “too hot of a name” for a baseball team. Perhaps Kirby was not in favor of the “peppery” name and, now that he had full ownership, decided to get rid of it as soon as possible. There was no word on if Johnson, who had named the club, was upset over his unique name being scrapped in favor of the generic-sounding Rockets. The Rocket’s name lasted one season before being changed to the Panthers in 1949, complete with a switch back to the East Texas League. The reason behind the name change was that four ex-players purchased the team for $2,500 and opted for a fresh name for the season.  The Panthers would cease operations on July 19, 1950, after the team and the city failed to raise $20,000 to take over and operate the club. It was a quick ending to the revival of baseball in town that attracted 3,500 fans for its first game and an average of 1,466 for games in 1948. That tally dwindled to 688 fans per game in 1950 before the club folded mid-season. Baseball would be back in Paris from 1952-1953 and then again from 1955-1957, but under the names of its major league affiliations in Cleveland and Baltimore. A creative name as the Red Peppers was never brought back and, for the most part, largely forgotten by the fans in the eastern Texas town.   Longview Cannibals Another East Texas League team had a very unusual name and one that would more than likely never be used today. The Longview Cannibals were given its nickname by Longview Times-Clarion reporter C.B. Cunningham after a game in 1896. Longview Cannibals newspaper ad Cunningham wrote that the “Longview Cannibals ate up the San Antonio Missionaries here today.” The locals loved the name, and it stuck, proceeding ball clubs in town would carry the Cannibal's name for the next 40-plus years. The handle would be used on and off in town until 1939, when new owner George Schepps asked fans to vote on a new name for the club. Cunningham wrote that the “Longview Cannibals ate up the San Antonio Missionaries here today.” The locals loved the name, and it stuck, proceeding ball clubs in town would carry the Cannibal's name for the next 40-plus years. The handle would be used on and off in town until 1939, when new owner George Schepps asked fans to vote on a new name for the club. They were voted on by a panel of three men from the local newspapers and radio station; after three weeks, the name Texans was selected from four individuals: R.C. Latchman, Rita Roark, Mrs. Bonner, and David Eubanks.  Sadly, the team would fold after the season and would not return until after the war in 1947. Schepps did put a lot of effort into renaming the club, and it must have been a shame that the club ceased operations after one year of using the new branding. The Texans would be gone for good from Longview after the 1950 campaign.   Appleton Papermakers In 1940, the Appleton baseball club opted for the handle Papermakers that had been used by pro ball clubs since the early 20th century. The name has been in use at Kimberly High School in nearby Buchanan, Wisconsin, which has a wasp in its logo.  Appleton had not had a pro club since 1914, when it joined the Wisconsin State League when it announced that it would use the name on April 12, a few weeks before the beginning of the season. The team would be a member of the league until 1953 except 1943-1945 due to World War II. Appleton Papermakers throwback uniforms in 2008, Photo by Chris Mehring. The paper industry was Wisconsin’s third-largest industry at the time and began in Milwaukee in 1848 when it was produced out of rags and straw. Three months after the first papermaking began in Wisconsin, President James K. Polk signed legislation to make Wisconsin a state. Today, there are a total of 35 pulp, paper, and paperboard mills with a total annual payroll of nearly $2.5 billion in the state. The club and league ceased operations after the 1953 season, and when minor league baseball returned in 1958, the team was dubbed the Fox Cities Foxes–switched to the Appleton Foxes in 1961 and again in 1967. When the club moved into a new stadium in 1995, it would rebrand as the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The Rattlers wore Papermakers throwback jerseys for a home game in 2008. The design featured a block letter A on the front chest of the white jersey and a Tuscan font “A” on a navy blue cap. However, don’t expect the branding to return anytime soon on the minor league diamond, according to Chris Mehring, Play-by-play Announcer/Director of Media Relations for the Rattlers. “Appleton was a center for the paper industry, and it made sense to name the team Papermakers at the time. To bring Papermakers back as a nickname is not an option for us, except for special Throwback Nights during any anniversary season. Especially since Kimberly High School has taken the Papermakers nickname and done great things with it.”   Green Bay Bluejays A few miles north in Green Bay, the pro ball was also marking its return to the Wisconsin State League in 1940. Professional baseball dates back to the 1890s and clubs were known as the Ancients (Green Bay is known as the Ancient City), Bays, and Flies before the end of World War I. During the mid-1920s, the Green Bay Green Sox began being used for the ball clubs in town and lasted shortly before the announcement of the new minor league club in 1940.  John Walter, the sports editor of the Green Bay Post Gazette, stated in his column that “the selection of a good name is important, and one deserving serious thought” and that “a colorful, lively name can help a lot in selling a new organization in Green Bay.” A contest took place to name the team, and the winning entry submitted by Glenn J. DuBois was Blue Jays, spelled Bluejays. Although the name is not uncanny, what was it spelled as one word? DuBois came up with the concept since the club’s first manager was Otto Bluege, pronounced BLUE-jee.   Bluege ‘s brother was Ossie, who just ended an 18-year career with the Washington Senators and would play 87 games with Green Bay that year. He would later discover a young Harmon Killebrew as Farming Director for the Senators. The homeage to Bluege would stick in town as clubs could be called the Bluejays, one year the Blue Sox, until 1959. The Jays created some beautiful-looking jerseys that featured a stitched emblem of the bluebird on its sleeve, upper right chest, and cap. The look was sharp, detailed, and eloquent for minor league baseball, and although not a very unusual name, thanks to Mr. DuBois’s suggestion, the town received an aesthetically pleasing home jersey.  Red Smith takes a sip of water, File Photo. The main difference between those teams of the 1940s is that the identities would change quite often from year to year. A ball club would announce a name for the team contest that included prize money and then opt for a new name two years later. Could you imagine the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Binghamton Rumble Ponies, or the Las Vegas Aviators scraping their names after less than a handful of years of usage? Yes, there is much more time and money invested in team branding, and I am sure the Paris Red Peppers or the Nazareth Cement Dusters never had a primary and secondary logo, along with five different uniforms and caps when they played.  It is not too hard to look at each of these five names and wonder just how well they would fit in with the likes of the Norwich Sea Unicorns, Rocket City Trash Pandas, or the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. As much as the game has changed over the years, it is nice to know that even in the 1940s, baseball fans were coming up with innovative ways to name their minor league ball clubs.   —– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter, YouTube , and Instagram . You can also contact him at Marc.Viquez@StadiumJourney.com .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey, & Ashvin Ladd. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium 2550 S Floyd St. Louisville, KY 40208 Louisville Cardinals website L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 65,000 Cardinal Football in Louisville L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, formerly Cardinal Stadium, was built in 1998 for the Louisville football program and, since that time, has produced almost 100 wins at home for the Cardinals. The program's success this century led to a recently completed $63 million renovation to expand the north end and close off the stadium. The unique diamond-shaped stands increased the capacity from 42,000 to 61,000. Many who attended a game enjoy the game-day atmosphere, easy access to concession stands, friendly staff services, and a passionate fan base that expects winning football on the gridiron. The excitement is abundant before each game. Before each game, the fans are encouraged to meet the team when the Cardinals arrive for Card March, approximately 2:15 hours before kickoff. The players and coaches will meet at the Denny Crum Overpass before making their way to the stadium through the crowd behind the marching band and cheerleaders. Food & Beverage 4 Visitors have a variety of menu options from the built-in concession stands and portable kiosks operated by independent owners. The stadium has an array of concessions from old standards to new favorites. The Gridiron Grill locations feature burgers, hot dogs, nachos, fries, chicken tenders, candy, and other favorites. A few local restaurants make their presence known during games. Barry’s Cheesesteaks should satisfy the appetites of many, Cheezy Does It offers mac and cheese bites, and a Fistful of Tacos serves a variety of tacos with flavorful toppings. The Cards even have their beer, Cardinale, a blonde ale that is brewed by nearby Gravely Brewing Company. The concourse is filled with stands and portable carts, including Floyd Central BBQ, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Moutoux Roasted Nuts, Ehrler’s Ice Cream, kettle corn, and the always-popular Ben’s Pretzels. Pepsi products are available, and alcohol from beer, wine, hard seltzers, and bourbon are offered in various points of the facility. The stadium features $4 beer options in select spaces, half-priced drinks from when the gates open until kickoff, and Grab & Go sections. Deep Eddy’s Bar, PNC Main Bar, Angel’s Envy North Bar, and the Railroad Bar are a few of the adult beverage spots. Atmosphere 4 Louisville enjoys a winner, and thankfully, there has been plenty to cheer for the past few seasons. Fortunately, they have a stadium that serves their needs and is accommodating with red chair-back seats and wide and open concourses. Well before kickoff, there are multiple campers, tents, and tables throughout the various parking lots, with fans tailgating. There are drinks, portable barbecues, generators, and the popular cornhole set. When it comes time for the game, many will walk towards the stadium in unison, sporting school colors red and black. Neighborhood 3 Louisville is a foodie town, and local restaurants are abundant. Royals Hot Chicken and Feast BBQ are both situated in the East Market District of the city. and offer affordable and delicious cuisine. Feast is known for its barbecue, but it also has excellent desserts (s’mores, chocolate chess pie, sides (vinegar slaw), and drinks (bourbon shakes). Another favorite in the neighborhood is the Garage Bar, housed in a former auto service garage, serving up ice-cold beer, Kentucky Bourbons, wood-fired pizzas, and Southern menu items. A great spot for a few rounds of cornhole or table tennis. If you are still looking for more options in the neighborhood, check out Grind Burger Kitchen and Akasha Brewing Company. The Louisville Slugger Museum, Churchill Downs, and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience are great options for tours in the city. You will be able to keep yourself busy in town before or after a baseball game. 4th Street Live is a one-stop destination for retail, dining, and entertainment. The pedestrian-only covered street has two levels of fantastic nightlife. Make a weekend out of the visit and enjoy what Louisville has to offer during your stay. Fans 4 As said previously, Louisville enjoys a winner, and that can result in packed houses at Cardinals Stadium. There are times when one has to wonder where everybody is, especially on a very sunny late October weekend, but there are many in attendance who bleed the school colors, cheer on the team to victory, and are in angst when the opposing team scores another touchdown. Access 4 Cardinal Stadium is a few blocks off Interstate 65 and visible from the interstate. If you arrive early enough, you will find your way to the many parking lots surrounding the stadium. Police do a fine job guiding motorists through the pedestrian traffic and traffic lights. There is a single main concourse that wraps around the field and offers everything from concession stands to bathrooms and access to upper seating levels. The simplicity of the structure is a win for the fan who enjoys walking from point A to point B. Return on Investment 4 Depending on who the Cardinals are playing, ticket prices on secondary market websites can be as low as $20 against North Carolina State but increase to $150 for the same ticket against bitter in-state rivals Kentucky. The Kentucky game will likely be a packed house and a festive atmosphere. You should also not pay more than $20 to park for a game, but if you enjoy saving a buck or two like me, there are $10 lots at the Kentucky Fairgrounds parking lot, a close 15-minute walk. The food prices are reasonable and include half-off domestic pints before opening kickoff--it pays to arrive early at the stadium. Extras 4 Cardinal Stadium receives one point for the party deck above the south end of the stands. The area provides views of the area of the baseball field, Patterson Stadium, and Churchill Downs. There is also a statue of Johnny Unitas that deserves a photo at the game. Cardinal Stadium receives a second point for having half-off alcoholic drinks before the opening kickoff. Arrive a little bit early if you want to save money. There are also $4 12-ounce cans during the game at select areas. The Alley features an expansive courtyard complete with turf greens for yard games, live entertainment, drink options, and food trucks. The Alley will open four hours before kickoff and is free and open to the public. Cardinal Stadium receives a third and final point for the unique chevron-shaped north-end stand that creates a focal point at the facility. Final Thoughts Cardinal Stadium is a sharp-looking football venue that shines when the Cardinals are winning. The price to attend a game here is of supreme value and gives the university another stellar sporting facility to watch university sports. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dylan McLean, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 NSC Super Rink 1850 105th Ave NE Blaine, MN 55449 NAHL website NSC Super Rink website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: N/A Super Rink In the 2000s, a change in recruiting practices swept across college hockey. This change saw the average age of NCAA Hockey playing freshmen shift from 18 to 19 or 20. With this shift came new opportunities for Junior hockey leagues, as the number of kids now needing to play a year or two of Junior hockey before moving on to the NCAA exploded. More than any other league, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) recognized this opportunity and took advantage by adding multiple expansion teams and expanding the league’s footprint in the South and East particularly. The crown jewel in the NAHL’s annual schedule of events is the NAHL Showcase, which it markets as the “Greatest Show on Ice.” Each year in late September, the Showcase kicks off the new NAHL season by drawing hundreds of scouts, thousands of fans, and all 35 of the league’s franchises to the Super Rink in Blaine, MN, part of the National Sports Center athletic complex, with each team competing in 3 regular season games over 5 days. In addition to all the Junior hockey games taking place there, the NAHL also utilizes this event to kick off the season for its dozens of affiliate clubs from around the country playing at the U16, U17, and U18 levels by bringing them to Blaine as well. With so many games happening in one location, it’s a hockey fan's dream. What makes having this many teams and this many games even possible, is the unique facility that the NAHL utilizes year after year to host this showcase: the Super Rink and its eight sheets of ice, all housed under the same roof. With 35 member clubs, the NAHL is the only Tier II Junior circuit in the USA, while the USHL and its 16 clubs are the only Tier 1 Junior circuit in the U.S. These two are the only Junior Hockey leagues in the U.S. that operate under a “free to play” model, meaning the players don’t pay any fees to play, and the club they play for covers all hockey-related expenses. Naturally, it’s these two leagues that tend to get the majority of high-level prospects and end up sending the largest number of players on to the NCAA hockey each year, and for the NAHL, that year begins with their 5-day Showcase at the NSC Super Rink. Food & Beverage 3 The Super Rink houses one large concession stand located in the main lobby near the rinks 1-4. The menu is made up of standard hockey arena fare, with some items priced at about what you’d expect and others that leave you asking what the extra few dollars were for. Candy and chips for $2 aren’t bad, Apple Cider, Hot Chocolate, or coffee will cost you $3, which is within reason. If you want something closer to a meal, though, it’s going to cost you. Paying $6 for a standard hot dog, a slice of pizza for $6.50, or a cheeseburger for $7.50 may have you wishing that you’d made time for a pre or post-game meal at a restaurant instead. There is a decent selection of options, and if the upcharges on items that you’ll typically find for less elsewhere don’t bother you, then go for it. After the thousands of dollars annually that hockey parents shell out each year for ice time, equipment costs, and travel, I’d guess most of them are fine going with old ice arena standards like coffee and popcorn and their prices. Atmosphere 5 Simply being in a facility that holds eight sheets of ice is a unique experience, given that it’s the only one in North America and possibly the world. As a fan, being able to walk from one rink to the next, or the next, or the next, and watch different games is about as good as it gets. In that respect, the Super Rink offers an experience that you literally can’t get anywhere else. When you consider the atmosphere at the NAHL Showcase, though, one must acknowledge the bigger picture, as the atmosphere is present throughout all eight ice sheets within the main lobby, even extending beyond the Super Rink’s frigid walls and spilling out to the arena’s exterior, primarily because of the facility’s unique location. The Super Rink is part of the larger National Sports Center complex in Blaine. In addition to the Super Rink and its eight sheets of ice and full dryland training facility, the NSC includes a golf course, outdoor stadium, sports hall, sports expo building, seven artificial turf soccer fields, and over 40 grass soccer fields. The U.S. Women’s National Hockey team regularly uses the Super Rink as their home training facility, and if you were to exit their designated rink and take only a few steps, you’d run directly into the home training facility and practice fields of the Minnesota United Loons of Major League Soccer. In addition to annually hosting the largest youth soccer tournament in North America, each Summer in the USA Cup, soccer, and hockey tournaments are happening at NSC nearly every weekend, and that was no different during the NAHL Showcase. When driving into the NSC complex and making your way toward the Super Rink, a definite buzz can be felt in the air, and action is all around as dozens of soccer games take place. As you pull into the already full Super Rink parking lot to begin the search for a parking spot, several buses adorned with team logos are parked up front, loading and unloading hockey players. Players and fans mill about outside of the main entrance talking, getting something to eat at one of the onsite food trucks, or simply warming up in the late September sun after spending the past few hours inside of a cold hockey rink. People flow in and out of the rink entrance while people in cars drive up and down the lanes of the parking lot, searching for that elusive open spot. The air is filled with the sound of whistles and the cheering of fans at the soccer games surrounding the complex. It is an incredibly unique and vibrant atmosphere, making it easy to see why the NAHL utilizes the Super Rink for this event year after year. So far, we’ve only looked at the atmosphere outside of the rink, though. To truly experience the NAHL Showcase, you need to go inside, past the ticket takers, and up the stairs into the “heart” of the facility, where you will experience the other half of what creates the unique atmosphere found at the NAHL Showcase: the people. The bulk of activity at the Showcase can be found within the Super Rink’s original main lobby housing rinks 1 through 4. Fans attending the Showcase certainly contribute to creating the overall atmosphere here, but since we’ll be covering them in their section further down, in this space, I want to address those whose presence truly creates the atmosphere that is felt over the 5-day event, and those are the players on the teams participating that can found around every corner. The players who make up the NAHL teams playing here are mostly all between the ages of 18 and 20, and they’re all dreaming of on-ice success that leads to a scholarship, allowing them to continue their hockey careers. With the Showcase occurring right at the start of a new season, many of these kids are new to Junior hockey and only recently earned their roster spot and became a part of their team. With memories of all the other players who were cut from tryouts still fresh in their minds, they arrive in Blaine, bursting with energy, pride, and enthusiasm, ready to prove themselves again after successfully navigating the first big step on the path toward realizing their ultimate goal. Everywhere you look, both inside the facility and outside, teenage hockey players roam. Players covered in post-game sweat and lugging a large bag of wet hockey gear on their shoulders spill out from locker rooms adorned in sweatshirts, hats, and various other team apparel and make their way toward the lobby to greet family and friends. Other players can be seen decked out in suits and team jackets, strolling between the various rinks and checking out different games, socializing, or grabbing food at the snack bar. With over 700 Junior hockey players filtering in and out of the complex during the 5 days of the event, it would be nearly impossible not to feel the energy and excitement they emit. Neighborhood 4 Blaine is a large suburb north of Minneapolis with nearly 80,000 residents. It’s pretty much what you’d expect, with large suburban homes, numerous chain restaurants, and endless options for shopping. The National Sports Center sits right in the middle of it all, taking up several acres of land and surrounded by heavily trafficked roads and highways on all sides. Were it not for the presence of the NSC , Blaine might be indistinguishable from many other suburbs, and that’s not a bad thing. Due to the amount of real estate required, a complex of this size could never exist in the city, and with Blaine lying only a few burbs’ away from the downtown core, it’s an ideal location. With strip malls and commerce of all types surrounding the NSC , there are multiple fast-food dining options available if you’re hoping to eat before or after your event. If you’re looking to meet up with other friends/parents for a pre or postgame drink or dinner, the selection is a bit thinner near the NSC. Within the shadow of the NSC, there are only a few bar & grill-type places, with the two closest being Clive’s Roadhouse and Invictus Brewing Co . Clive’s is a standard bar and restaurant with several locations in the Twin Cities and is known for having great food. Invictus is a local example of the craft beer/brewhouse-type establishments that have proliferated across the county in recent years. It’s an ideal meeting place for either before or after your event, where you can sample a few of the local brews or have a full meal. Many people were doing just that when I stopped in at each during the Showcase , as both were full of fans either heading to or coming from games at the S uper Rink. Fans 5 With the Showcase starting on a Wednesday and running through Sunday, I was afforded plenty of time to fit in a few trips out to the Super Rink over those 5 days. One thing that remained constant during each of my visits was the significant number of fans in attendance. The main lobby was filled pretty much all of the time, but most impressive was how many fans filled the seating area in each rink. Most of the games that I spent time watching had full seating areas, leaving anyone who arrived late to seek a spot down near the glass to watch. Among those watching in the stands, a decent number were certainly either parents or family members of players on the ice, but quite a few general hockey fans were making up those in attendance. Everyone that I encountered was well-behaved, knowledgeable about the game, and engaged in the action. It did not take much to see that the fans attending the NAHL Showcase were there either because they loved hockey or someone was on the ice. You cannot ask for more than that. Access 4 There are plenty of roads that will take you to the Super Rink, but the time of day you go will dictate whether it feels like a Sunday drive or an invitation to road rage. The highways that encompass the NSC are packed with commuters heading into Minneapolis or St. Paul on weekday mornings and back into Blaine and beyond in the afternoons. Highway 65 from Minneapolis will take you right into Blaine, then you take a right-hand turn on 105th Ave, and you’ll see the NSC complex and Super Rink on the right-hand side about half a mile down. This is the most commonly used route and has maddening traffic during rush hours. Another option if coming from the east is to take I-35 North to the exit for 95th Ave. Turn right at the top of the exit on 95th Ave., which turns into Radisson Rd. NE. Stay on Radisson until you reach 105th Ave. NE and turn left. The Super Rink will be visible on your left. Return on Investment 4 Depending on how much hockey you’re interested in seeing will dictate the best ticket option for you. Passes that give access to the entire tournament are available for $75 for Adults and $35 for Students, Military, Seniors, and First Responders. Children 8 and are free. If you’re only going for a single game, the Daily Pass is the way to go. The cost of a Daily Pass for Adults is $30, $15 for Students, Military, Seniors, and First Responders, and no charge for kids aged eight and under. Considering that it provides you access to 5 days of unlimited hockey games day and night, the full Tournament pass can be justified at $75. $30 is a significant amount if you’re only attending a single game, but you have the option to watch as many games as you want on that day, so a case can be made to justify the price. If you are a hockey fan, though, it is a minimal price to pay to have access to all the hockey games you could want. Extras 4 Interesting fact: In addition to the Showcase, the NAHL holds several other events at various locations each season, like their Top Prospects Tournament and Prospects Challenge. Their two biggest events, though, are the Showcase and Robertson Cup Championships are both held in Blaine, but at different venues. While the Showcase is held at the NSC Super Rink, for the past few years, the NAHL has crowned its champion at Fogarty Arena, which is only about a mile away on the other side of Hwy 65. Final Thoughts One fact that the NAHL consistently markets, and rightly so, is the number of NCAA hockey commitments that players in the league receive each season, with the bulk of these being to Division 1 programs. Scouts from NHL teams and nearly every D1 NCAA program can be seen everywhere throughout the tournament. They’re easy to identify with their clipboards in hand and usually sporting a shirt or sweatshirt with their organization’s logo on it. The NAHL Showcase has become somewhat of a kickoff point for the upcoming scouting season, often leading to NHL Draft rankings and college scholarships. The kids who play in this Showcase know that among the eyes watching them could be those of a scout who likes what he sees and, thus, begins a conversation that very well may lead to a dream fulfilled. Many unique and interesting aspects come together to make the NAHL Showcase the spectacle it has become, but the opportunity it provides for the players has to be the coolest, in my opinion. With so many scouts in attendance, the on-ice performances put on by some of these players could be the catalyst that leads to an entirely new journey in their lives. When you add this on top of the incredible atmosphere, the uniqueness of the facility that’s able to accommodate this event, and the fact that you can choose from among dozens of games per day to watch and never have to leave the same building, it’s fair to wonder if maybe the NAHL’s marketing team wasn’t exaggerating when they branded the Showcase as the “Greatest Show on Ice.”

Photos by Robbie Raskin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 TD Cricket Arena Brampton Sports Park 7605 Kennedy Rd S Brampton, ON L6W 4T2 Global T20 Tournament website TD Cricket Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,000 Sixes Return to the Six When you think Canadian sport, hockey is doubtless the one that comes to mind. Maybe lacrosse. But its cricket that was actually Canada's first national sport. Given Canada's history in the British Empire, this may not prove surprising. Canada’s cricketing history is a long one, dating back to at least 1785, when players in Montréal played the first recorded game in the country. Canadian cricket really took off in the early nineteenth-century in Toronto, when the prestigious Upper Canada College cricket team played the Toronto Cricket Club. The series is still contested today. In 1844, the Canadians took on the United States in an international cricket series, decades before the famous Ashes tournament began, and historians suggest the Canada-USA cricket fixture is the world’s oldest international sporting series! What's new is the late resurgence of cricket as Canada's fastest growing participation sport. By the late-20th century, though, the growth of baseball in the United States spread to Canada, and supplanted cricket, at least as a spectator sport. Although occasional cricket events drew well (including a North American record crowd of over 40,000 at Toronto’s Skydome in 1989), baseball became the dominant bat-and-ball game in Canada. Historic tournaments and infrequent international spectacles maintained interest, but no national league existed to capture the nation’s attention. Finally, in 2018, Canada became the focus of the international cricketing community with the launch of the GT20 Canada tournament. The first two seasons proved successful, bringing world class talent to Toronto in the summer. Covid threw the league's future into doubt, but the 2023 edition has returned to the Greater Toronto Area and the future looks bright as ever. The summer tournament is now based out of 'North America's Cricket Capital,' Brampton, in the expanded TD Cricket Arena. 2023's edition features six teams from across Canada and boasts a reputed 150 million television viewers worldwide, helped by the addition of marquee players from places like England, Pakistan, Australia, India, and the West Indies. Cricket's continued boom in Canada seems poised to continue as the GT20 league grows and evolves. Food & Beverage 5 Hospitality has become a real standout at TD Cricket Arena in terms of both variety and pricing. Food and drinks are largely based out of a beer garden setup with mobile food trucks and tents, with a wide range of multicultural cuisines on offer. Beer-wise, the options are from Moosehead, with tall cans on offer for a very reasonable $6. If you're after a more extravagant experience, bottle service with spirits is available; Johnny Walker Black Label is available for $175. Amongst the non-alc options, fresh pressed sugarcane juice can be had for $8. Some standouts from the extensive food offerings include oxtail poutine ($18), Amritsari-style fish and chips ($15), biryani ($10), or Korean short ribs ($27). The concessions area includes tented tables for fans not wishing to dine at their seats. There are also roving concessionaires with snack items in the seating terraces. Atmosphere 3 The first thing to note is that although the venue is a permanent cricket ground, most of the setup for the summer is temporary. The large seating terraces, tented hospitality areas, food, and massive logistical undertaking will all be packed up for the year when things are done. Plans are afoot to construct a permanent stadium but the current setup suits its purpose reasonably well. The stadium itself is on the grounds of the CAA Centre, a multisport complex anchored by a hockey arena (former home of the OHL's Brampton Battalion, current home of basketball's Brampton Honey Badgers, and recent host of the IIHf Womens' World Championships). For the duration of the cricket, lines and lines of fencing separate event zones, parking, and closed areas from parkland and the arena. Within the stadium itself, the cricket pitch is surrounded on one half by tented private suites and corporate hospitality zones, and by covered seating terraces on the other. Half of the seating is the more comfortable Gold tier, and half are Silver bench-style seats. Ample shade is provided, which is a blessing on a humid summer day. Entrance is through a box office tent, with a large fan shop on the inside. Access to the seating is quick and straightforward, and views are great throughout the ground. Neighbourhood 2 CAA Centre doesn't have much going for it nearby, unfortunately. The complex is situated on the edge of an industrial area, next to a golf course and a highway. There are a couple shopping and dining options within walking distance, but nothing standout, and the walk through the industrial complexes would be pretty dreary. Not too much further afield, though, Brampton's charming town centre offers up great dining, drinking, and entertainment. Anchored by the Rose Theatre and the relaxed Garden Square, the neighbourhood has excellent cafés, restaurants, and little pubs. It's worth making the short trip to the town centre when visiting. Of course, the myriad attractions of Toronto are a short distance away if visiting from out of town. Fans 3 Attendance through the early rounds has been decent, averaging half-full or better, with fewer in attendance during day games and better crowds on weekends. All of which is to be expected. Crowd sizes tend to increase as the tournament goes on, and sellout crowds will be all but guaranteed in the final rounds. VIP suites and hospitality zones are very well attended. The fans gathered represent both locals and visitors who've come in to see cricketing stars in Toronto. There tend to be certain clusters of supporters who are more boisterous and beer-fuelled, with other quieter patches throughout the stands. The mood is friendly and fairly energetic. Access 3 Getting around within the ground is easy, with ample space to manoeuvre. Raised decking along the main pathways is helpful if the grass surrounding the stadium is wet. Washroom facilities are in the form of outhouses, but they are plentiful and clean. Lineups for those were not an issue, nor were food or beer wait times. Getting into and out of the complex is a little more difficult; long queues of cars are the result of only one entry and exit for traffic. The issue is compounded by ongoing light rail construction on major roads leading to the complex. Police are stationed in the intersections, but the situation is not good when a match lets out. The aforementioned construction slows down buses in the area too, if arriving by transit. The complex is located along Kennedy Road South, which has frequent Brampton Transit bus service, every 15 minutes or better. It's not a long bus ride from the Bramalea GO Station, where frequent, fast trains link to Downtown Toronto and points further afield. In the future, a light rail line will traverse Hurontario Street nearby, but work is ongoing for now. Free parking for 800 cars is now offered on the property, which means fans arriving early shouldn't have a problem. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the earliest single matches started as low as $5, with single tickets to be had for select midday games from $10. This is exceptional value for any sporting event, let alone one where global superstars are involved. The average ticket range is between $20-$70, depending on seat selection and the match on offer. Day and weekend passes offer the best value, starting from $38 for midweek matchdays. Add in free parking, very reasonable beer and food prices, and of course the top-class action on the field, and GT20 tickets offer unbeatable value. Extras 5 Extra point for being the largest and highest-calibre cricket league in North America. Extra point for attracting marquee global superstars like Shahid Afridi, Colin Munro, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Alex Hales, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Tim Southee, and others. Extra point for bringing the tournament back after years lost to Covid. At one point during lockdowns, the tournament was played in Malaysia, then it was cancelled entirely, and now it has returned bigger than ever. Extra point for the work being done to cement Brampton's status as the cricket capital of North America, including legacy projects in the community in between league play. A final extra point for the enjoyment of being able to attend GT20 in its relative infancy, knowing this tournament could become a very big deal in the future, but is still young and energetic now. Final Thoughts GT20's return to Canada is a both welcome and critically important for the continued rise of cricket in Canada, where it remains the fastest growing participation sport. The chance to see global superstars in an intimate environment, at an accessible cost, on a summer's day... perfect for fans and anyone looking to dabble in the game. Cricket's renaissance in Canada seems well and truly underway and bright days are ahead for the game here.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 121 Financial Ballpark 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32202 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp website 121 Financial Ballpark website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 11,000 121 Financial Ballpark - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Following the reorganization of Minor League Baseball coming into the 2021 season, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp saw themselves receive a promotion from their parent club, the Miami Marlins . The Jumbo Shrimp would move from the Double-A Southern League to the Triple-A International League. At a capacity of 11,000 fans, 121 Financial Ballpark was the largest AA ballpark, and it seemed to be too large of a stadium for the level, so a move from Double-A to Triple-A only made sense. No matter the classification, the Jumbo Shrimp have long been known as one of the most innovative organizations in Minor League Baseball, providing an entertaining evening at the ballpark. Food & Beverage 5 All the typical baseball favorites are available at each of the concession stands around the stadium. Hot dogs, burgers, pizza slices, and a litany of fried foods. Soft drinks come from the Pepsi family of beverages. When looking for specialty menu options, each concessions stand around the concourse has its own theme and featured items – for example the All American Jax has the Duval Heavy Hitter, consisting of six chicken tenders, fries, nacho cheese, bacon bits, topped with green onions served in a batting helmet. Alternatively, Southern Fried Freebird has a multitude of fried foods, including several offerings featuring fried shrimp, while Sweet Tea-Bows unexpectedly offers baked cheese ravioli and BBQ pulled pork pizza as their featured items. Hand grilled sausages can be found at the Sausage Fest-Duuuuuval cart, a play on the Duval County which is a common call and response from Jacksonville Jaguar fans. For a bit more of an adult experience at the game, the Wheel House Lounge on the suite level, and Tiki Terrace in left field, provides fans with fully stocked bars and views of the game. Along with the usual suspects of Bud and Miller beers, the Jumbo Shrimp have their own branded Kolsch style beer from the nearby Intuition Ale Works. The Craft Cave also provides an extensive selection of adult beverage options; brews from Sun King Brewery, the aforementioned Intuition Ale Works, Voodoo Ranger, Sierra Nevada, Dogfish Head, Aardwolf Brewing, Fishweir, and Veterans United Craft Brewers are all available at the Craft Cave, under the third base side of the grandstand. Seltzers, canned mixed drinks, wines, and Twisted Tea are also available for non-beer drinkers. Overall the Jumbo Shrimp provide a wide selection with their food and beverage options, from a slew of specialty food items to a deep selection of craft beers and drinks. Atmosphere 4 Fans enter at field level, then climb stairs to the main concourse. The concourse extends from just off the cut of the infield grass on the third base side around to right center. Stairs from the right center bleachers lead down to the kids’ inflatables section, around to the grassy seating areas in left field and Tiki Terrace, before heading back to the grandstand. The picnic and grassy areas along the third baseline, around to the Adirondack chairs behind the chain link fence in left center field, is a very popular area to watch the game from. There is not a lot of space for kids to get out and move around in the grandstand, but this area provides some relief from the confines of the ticketed seats. The outfield wall configuration is a bit of a throwback to the days when stadiums were built to fit the city block they were on. With a low right field wall reminiscent of that at Fenway Park , at just 317’ home runs feel like just a bloop away. To compensate for short fences to right and left field, centerfield is a deep 420’. The confines of the playing area create opportunities for home runs and balls into the far reaches of the gaps. When choosing the ideal seats, keep in mind that the sun sets behind the third base side of the stadium, so the right field bleachers can be a bit challenging to deal with until the sun sets. The berm areas, down the left field line and around to left field, are popular with families, but can get a bit crowded. If just wanting to have a seat to watch the game from and not have to worry about moving at any point, then anything on the third base line is a good option. If moving is not much of a problem, however, then the outfield bleacher tickets would be perfect. The Jumbo Shrimp have long been known for the fan friendly atmosphere they create – their gate giveaways and theme nights are typically held in the highest regard by their MiLB peers, for their originality and fun nature. Neighborhood 4 121 Financial Ballpark is in the sports complex area of Jacksonville, sandwiched between TIAA Bank Field , home of the Jacksonville Jaguars , and VyStar Veterans Memorial Stadium , which the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL), Jacksonville Sharks (National Arena League), and Jacksonville Giants (American Basketball Association) all call home. The stadium is just a few feet from the baseball club’s former home, Wolfson Park, that was razed to make room for the Jags’ outdoor practice field. The area has a very sporty feel to it with the surrounding stadiums and the handful of pre and postgame entertainment options; That Sports Bar at the Arena, Intuition Ale Works, and Tap Room are all just steps from the ballpark. Fans 3 After one season in AAA, Jacksonville ranks in the middle third of teams in attendance, averaging just a tick under 5,000 fans per game. This is consistent with their draw while they were AA members of the Southern League. Weekend games typically draw over 8,000 fans, which creates a distinctive vibe throughout the stadium as you pass around the concourse. Many fans come showing their support for the Jumbo Shrimp decked out in the team’s shirts, jerseys, or any of the several gate giveaway items. Overall, most fans seem to be engaged in the game and are supportive of the Jumbo Shrimp. Access 3 121 Financial Ballpark is not directly off any of the major interstates that pass through the Jacksonville area, but downtown Jacksonville does not seem to be extremely congested with traffic on weekends. Arriving early makes parking easier when accessing the lots around the stadium. Parking is readily available around the ballpark. A multi-level parking deck sits directly across the street from the front entrance of 121 Financial Ballpark, while the back side of the stadium has several parking lots that are part of the TIAA Bank Stadium complex. There is enough parking close to the stadium to leave fans with just a short walk; golf carts also offer a shuttle for those who might need some assistance. The stadium’s main entry point is the home plate gate, but can get crowded in anticipation of gates opening. There are also secondary entry points on each side of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Standard general admission tickets start at $8 for advanced, in-person purchases, with a $2 service fee applied to online sales; tickets do jump to over $20 a ticket when moving to the grandstand. The general admission tickets offer both a reasonable price and, if sitting in the outfield bleachers, still provide an up-close vantage point for the action on the field. If purchased ahead of time, in person, the fees can be avoided. Jacksonville does have a significant Navy population, and offers discounted tickets for both active and retired service members. There are several options of tickets for differing game experiences, but if all you want is an affordable ticket to watch baseball, the general admission ticket will suit you fine. Extras 4 The Jumbo Shrimp do a lot in recognition of the baseball history of Jacksonville; support beams around the main concourse feature some of the stars who have made a stop in Jacksonville on their way to the majors. The field level concourse also honors the Legends of Jacksonville baseball through their Wall of Fame – the honor recognizes players, managers, and those who have significantly impacted the Jacksonville baseball landscape. Instantly recognizable names include Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan, and Randy Johnson, to name a few. The bar top at Tiki Terrace has a really cool feature in that it has used minor league baseball cards of the Jacksonville Expos, Suns, and early Jumbo Shrimp players to create the bar’s surface. AAA baseball is using the ABS Challenge system for their Friday, Saturday, and Sunday contests; ABS (Automatic Ball Strike) games allow players three challenges of umpire ball/strike calls throughout the game. If the call is overturned the team retains their challenge, while if they are wrong they lose one of the three. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday games use an automated strike zone. Given the layout of the ballpark and its proximity to the streets outside the stadium, those looking to channel their inner Zack Hample can try their luck chasing down baseballs during batting practice from outside the stadium. Final Thoughts The Jumbo Shrimp understand that at the origination level, their job is to entertain the fans, and it is their parent club who is responsible for the product put on the field each game. Jacksonville does an outstanding job making an evening at the ballpark well worth the experience no matter if you attend for the game on the field, the entertainment aspect of the atmosphere, or any combination of the two.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Trinity University Multi-Sport Stadium 637 Kings Court San Antonio, TX 78212 Trinity Tigers website Trinity Health Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 4,000 Trinity Tigers – Trinity University Multi-Sport Stadium Founded in 1869 in San Antonio, TX, Trinity University is a small liberal arts college that boasts a remarkably robust athletics program, especially on the gridiron. The Trinity Tigers first fielded a team in 1900, and moved into their new on-campus home, the Trinity University Multi-Sport Stadium, in 1972. Starting in the 1990s, the Tigers went on a run of unprecedented success, winning 13 straight conference championships from 1993 through 2005, and then four more in 2007, 2011, 2019, and 2021. In 2007 the Tigers participated in one of the most memorable plays in college football history against Millsaps College. It would be featured on countless SportsCenter clip shows and be named the top sports moment of the year by Time magazine. In 2018, Trinity began renovations on their home stadium – this included installing a new 28x48 foot video screen, renovating the home side stands, and a new field turf playing surface. Everything was completed by 2021, and it has proven a hit with the fans. Read on to learn more about the history and traditions of Trinity University. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions at Trinity Multi-Sport Stadium are limited to stands behind the home side. The Tiger Bites stand offers up a lot of traditional game day fare with a few interesting wrinkles – you can get hot dogs (plain or with chili and cheese), nachos (also offered up with chili, or chopped brisket), chopped brisket sandwiches, popcorn, chips, and assorted candies. In terms of beverages, there are bottled water, sports drinks, and soda options. No alcohol is allowed on campus at Trinity, and thus there is none sold or allowed during Tigers games, so bear that in mind when attending. Atmosphere 3 I was pleasantly surprised with the atmosphere at Trinity Stadium. While it is smaller than many high school stadiums in Texas, it is not without its appeal. Set amid the beautiful red-brick buildings of the Trinity University campus, the stadium stands out among the other sports facilities on-site. Revelers park in lawn chairs and under tents among the shade trees that grow out in front of the stadium; this seems to be Trinity’s version of tailgating. There is also a tent near the front entrance that sells Trinity merchandise. While it isn’t very big, it has pretty much everything fans could want for the game. The still relatively new video board is quite impressive and puts the stadium on another level compared to other Division III teams. It is a sight to see and takes the stadium up a notch from being just charming to a place football fans will want to visit. My one piece of advice would be to take in a game later in the season; this is mainly due to the weather. The early part of the season takes place in what are still some of the hottest days of the year on the South Texas calendar. If you come during the end of August or any time in September, more than likely it will be for a day game and it will be HOT. Neighborhood 5 Trinity University is located in one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in San Antonio, Monte Vista. Among the old homes and rolling hills, the setting is akin to those found in many small college towns. The campus and the stadium are also a short drive from San Antonio’s vibrant downtown – this area puts you at the literal and metaphorical center of the city, home to the Alamo , HemisFair Park , the River Walk , the Tower of the Americas , and so much more. Some of the city’s finest hotels and most celebrated restaurants are located here. Hotels and restaurants of all budgets can be found; the only limit is your budget. Simply put, this area is where you want to go when you visit the Alamo City. Trinity Multi-Sport Stadium is also located near the Alamodome , home of the UTSA Roadrunners, and Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium , home of the UIW Cardinals. Since all their seasons overlap, there is a good chance you can double up on games when you see the Trinity Tigers. Fans 3 This is purely anecdotal, but the crowd I experienced last time I was there was good. The home side stands are filled with the Tiger faithful; they come dressed in Trinity gear and are loud the entire game. The best part, which leans into the small-school atmosphere, is that every time the Tigers score a touchdown, the fans fire off confetti poppers. This was pretty fun for me but is fun for the younger fans in the crowd. Access 3 Located five minutes from downtown San Antonio and right off Interstate 37, Trinity University Multi-Sport Stadium is easy to find amidst the gorgeous buildings of the campus. It is a short nine-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport . Once on campus, parking is free in unmarked spots and the parking garage near the stadium. If you choose not to drive or use a rideshare service, San Antonio’s public transportation system, VIA Metropolitan Transit , offers bus rides to the campus from places all across the city. Return on Investment 4 This section is where the Trinity Tigers will give you your bang for your buck. Not only is parking free on Trinity’s campus but there is no cost for admission as well. So, for a team that has traditionally been one of the best in all of Division III football, you’re getting an incredible bargain. The savings are passed on again at the concession stands, as the cost for the items is more akin to what you would find at a high school stadium rather than a college one. Whether you’re going to the game solo or as a family, your wallet will thank you in the end. Extras 2 Like most of the college football world, the Trinity Tigers rely on some of the same tropes, traditions, and fanfare for their games. However, unlike in years past when I have gone to games, the latest version of the Tigers appears to be taking the field without a mascot or band. They do have cheerleaders patrolling the sidelines, and the Trinity Prowlers Dance Team entertains the crowd during halftimes. Other than that, there is not much else in the way of extras for fans. Final Thoughts I have always enjoyed my visits to Trinity. They are the oldest collegiate football team in San Antonio and they have a great tradition of winning – that culture permeates everything the Tigers do. Until now I hadn’t been back to Trinity Multi-Sport Stadium since the renovations, and I can tell the difference. While I wouldn’t mark this down as a bucket list stop, I think if you’re in town during the season, for the price you pay you’d be hard-pressed to find a better time than taking in a Trinity Tigers game. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Richmond Raceway 600 E. Labernum Ave Richmond, VA 23222 Richmond Raceway website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 51,000 Chaos at Every Corner The Richmond Raceway is a 0.75-mile D-shaped NASCAR track that currently hosts the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. It hosts a race for each series both in the spring and in the fall, and all the races are run at night. Though the track is often characterized as a “short track” since it is less than 1 mile, the D-shaped layout of the track allows drivers to reach high speeds to give it that superspeedway feel. Food & Beverage 3 Richmond Raceway offers standard concessions ranging from pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy. Beverages offered include bottled Coke products, Dasani water, and various alcoholic beverages. Prices are on par with many sporting events. Frankly, the concession availability is a little disappointing in the general grandstand seating areas. However, this is generally not a big deal since fans can bring in their own food and beverages. Our suggestion is to eat before you go to the race, or bring your own food and drink to enjoy during the race. Atmosphere 4 Seating at the Richmond Raceway is available along the front stretch, and in turns 1, 2, and 4. All seats are bench back except for those in the Commonwealth Mezzanine/Tower and in the Turn 4 party deck. Seating in the Commonwealth Mezzanine and Tower are chair back, and seating in the Turn 4 party deck is high top seating with tables. There is a walkway between the seating bowl and the track, which allows fans to walk all the way around the track during the race to take in the action from different vantage points. The first row of seats is elevated approximately 10 feet to give fans sitting in the lower rows better sight lines. At the center of the track is a large four-sided 38 x 24 foot video board, which shows live race action and highlights. The stem of the video board shows the running order; it always shows the top 5, then constantly rotates throughout the rest of the field. A NASCAR race is one of the few sports where the better seats are higher up, as it allows you to see the entire track. While there is not really a bad seat in the house due to the elevated seats, we recommend sitting along the front stretch near the start/finish line or near turn 1. Neighborhood 3 The Richmond Raceway is located on the northeast side of Richmond between Interstate 95 and Interstate 295. It is in the middle of a largely residential area, and some parts are a little “rougher” than others. There are no restaurants or hotels within walking distance of the track. In order to avoid a lot of congestion and traffic, your best bet is to eat and stay in nearby Mechanicsville along I-295. It will be a little bit of a drive, but there are many food and dining options in downtown Richmond and along Broad Street in the West End and near Short Pump. If you a looking for good Bar-B-Que before the race, be sure to check out The Salty Pig on US 301 in Mechanicsville or Buz and Ned’s on West Broad Street. There are many attractions in Richmond if visiting for the entire weekend. If you come for the spring race, check to see if the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A affiliate of the Giants) are in town. Other attractions in the area include many Civil War Battlefields, the birthplace of Patrick Henry, Monument Avenue, the Virginia State Capitol building, and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Fans 3 Fan attendance at NASCAR races has been steadily decreasing over the past 10 years. Despite action-packed short-track racing, Richmond Raceway has not been immune to this issue, as all of the seats along the back straightaway have been removed over recent years. During this time frame, seating capacity at Richmond Raceway has dropped from 110,000 to 51,000. With the lowered capacity, crowds are generally 30K-40K. Fans can generally spread out on the bench seating to make it look fairly full. Despite the decreased attendance, NASCAR fans are still a passionate bunch. The majority wear gear of their favorite driver and will often hold up the driver’s number as they pass by. There are also certain drivers that many fans loathe, so expect plenty booing of these drivers. Access 4 The Richmond Raceway is easily accessible from Interstate 295. The exits for either Mechanicsville Turnpike or Meadowbridge Road will take you directly to the track. Meadowbridge Road will take you to free general parking lot H, and there is a free tram that will take you directly to the track. Richmond International Airport is only a few miles south off of I-295 in Sandston. Since the track allows fans to bring coolers in, expect a slight delay at the gate as staff checks them. However, if you do not have a cooler, you can breeze right in. There is a concourse underneath the grandstands, that is easy to navigate. There is also a large walkway all the way around the track between the first row of seats and the fencing along the track. Both are easy to navigate to find your seat. Restrooms are located underneath the grandstands. They show their age, but are serviceable. ADA seating is located along the first row of seats at select points around the track. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the Monster Energy Cup Series at Richmond Raceway range from $35 to $120. A $35 dollar ticket will not get you the best of seats, but it will get you in the door, nonetheless. There is also the Chaos Corner in turn 4 where fans can purchase tickets for $20 in a general admission standing room only area. Throw in free parking and the ability to bring in your own food and drinks, and you have quite a bargain for a night race in NASCAR’s premier series. Extras 3 Richmond Raceway gets several extra points for their fan-friendly measures. The track allows fans to bring in coolers with food and beverages (no larger than 14x14x14 inches), backpacks, scanners, and headsets to listen to drivers communicate with the crew chief. There are also upgrades that fans can purchase such as the Fangrounds pass, which allows fans to walk through pre-race inspections, take part in driver intros, and pre-race ceremonies in the infield. The track gets another extra point for the open walkway all around the track between the grandstand and the fence, which lets fans view the action from anywhere they would like around the track. Final Thoughts While seats are being removed at many tracks across the county (including Richmond) and interest in NASCAR seems to be waning, a NASCAR race is still a great experience. If you have never been to a NASCAR race, we would certainly recommend a visit; and a visit to a “short-track” such as Richmond Raceway is as great a place as any.

Photos by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Lexington County Baseball Stadium 474 Ball Park Rd. Lexington, SC 29072 Lexington County Blowfish website Lexington County Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 3,000 Blowfish and Boiled P-Nuts Fans of the Coastal Plain League and residents of the Midlands region of South Carolina are quite familiar with the Blowfish franchise. The team first took the field in Columbia’s Capital City Stadium in 2006. The historic ballpark gradually reached the end of its usefulness, and amidst flooding problems on Assembly Street, land sales, and multiple closing dates at “The Cap,” the team finally saw its final downtown pitch in 2014. Before the last out was recorded, though, the Blowfish had already sealed the deal on a new home. The team moved about a half hour west to Lexington, becoming the star attraction in a brand new ballpark built by Lexington County for baseball, festivals, and other events. The roughly $25 million ballpark was constructed in roughly ten months, allowing the Blowfish to take the field in their new home digs to begin the 2015 season. Lexington County Baseball Stadium will join the new facility off Columbia’s Bull Street for the relocated Savannah Sand Gnats to form a formidable grouping of baseball options for fans in the Midlands. Food & Beverage 4 One would expect a variety of food and drink offerings in a new ballpark, and Lexington County Baseball Stadium fits that bill. Fans who attended Blowfish games in Capital City Stadium will find many of their old favorites, along with several unexpected selections. Food and drink are available pretty much everywhere along the main concourse, with the primary stand in the multi-purpose building behind the first base dugout. The choices are broken into candy ($2 for typical candies), specialty items ($3-$6 for fries, hot dogs, and sandwiches), and snacks ($2-$3 for pretzels, popcorn, and nachos). The specialty items include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and the locally-inspired “Blow-B-Que” barbecue sandwich ($4). The food is of typical ballpark quality but is very popular with those in attendance. Numerous satellite stands are lined around the concourse, including the Ballpark Village food court area behind third base. Coca-Cola is the facility’s bottler. Sodas are available in 16-ounce ($3), 20-ounce bottle ($3) and 32-ounce souvenir ($5) sizes. Bottled iced tea and Coke Zero are among the beverage choices, for those who prefer to avoid full-sugar sodas on muggy Midlands evenings. Powerade is also available for $4. If you’re craving a cold beer, those are also available. Budweiser (along with Bud Light and Bud Light Lime) and Corona/Corona Light are available for $4 apiece. Wine (Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio) can also be purchased, along with the Budweiser margarita flavors (strawberry and lime) for $4. The “definitive” item, however, is available from a small shed just inside the stadium’s entry gates. Boiled peanuts (or “p-nuts,” as they are commonly noted in South Carolina) are sold for $3 (small) or $5 (large), and are a favorite of nearly everyone in the Palmetto State. Vendors also wander through the stands selling the delicacy from time to time, should you not want to miss any game action. Atmosphere 3 For those familiar with Blowfish games at Capital City Stadium, the feel of a game in Lexington County is quite similar. From team mascot Blowie posing for photos on the concourse to “Sandstorm” blaring from the speakers late in the game, fans should find a lot of items that make them feel at home. The fourth-inning Mascot Chase (featuring Blowie and a buddy or two) even made the trip over from Columbia. The stadium borrows — in its own words — much of its architectural style. Part of the seating from the old Lexington High School football stadium (called “Wildcat Hollow”) is implemented as bleacher seating on the visiting (third base) side of the park. Elements from Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium and Yankee Stadium are included, according to the stadium’s architects . The grandstand seating accompanies fixed seats near the field, along with bleacher seating under an overhang behind the plate. A wide concourse features plenty of standing room and drink rails, for those who would prefer not to stay seated. If you want the best view of the action and don’t feel like standing for nine innings, pay the extra and get a fixed box seat. There is also an enclosed hospitality area down the right field line. Be careful when purchasing any seats under the overhang or in the general admission grandstand. The front row of overhang seating behind the plate — especially in section 206 — is largely obscured by a series of stair railings and support columns, making the seats a poor value. The seats are also reserved bleachers, making them very tight, in terms of pitch and width. A child seemed to be squeezed out of the row in which he was seated — he had to ask his mother, “is there room for me?” — and a woman behind me needed to ask an usher for a bandage after cutting her leg on a visible support screw from the bleachers. There are fans from the overhang to help keep those seated underneath somewhat cool on warm South Carolina nights, however, which is a nice touch. The grandstand seating behind third base encounters issues with the sun for the first few innings, as it sets behind the first base bag. The grandstand feels far from the action on the field, as there is a large play area for kids below the bleachers. These seats are also angled toward the outfield, not the plate. Further, the lower few rows of the grandstand are obscured by the dugout in front of them. The team also features a rendering of the stadium on their site that makes the seating behind the plate appear clear of railings or stairs. This is not the case. A basic scoreboard can be found beyond the right-center field fence. The scoreboard offers the pitch speed, ball/strike/out counts, the uniform number of the current batter, and the lines core. This scoreboard is passable — when it works. On the night we visited, the scoreboard began to display odd numbers in multiple categories. The pitch speed indicator also stopped working about halfway through the game. Lexington is two-and-a-half hours inland from Myrtle Beach and the “Redneck Riviera,” as it is affectionately called, but Lexington County Baseball Stadium has a distinctly coastal feel. A soundtrack of Carolina beach music wafts through the air between many innings, with other ballpark standards mixed in at alternating intervals. The stadium is largely free of silly sound effects, save for the occasional breaking glass sound effect and the public-address announcer reminding all fans to return foul balls to the press box for a free frosted lemonade from Chick-fil-A. This is referred to as a Chick-fil-A “fowl ball.” Neighborhood 2 One of the bigger attractions to moving the team to Lexington County is also one of the bigger drawbacks. Lexington County Baseball Stadium is back within a somewhat remote mixed-use development away from South Carolina Interstate 20, so there are virtually zero options for grabbing a quick bite before or after a game within walking distance of the park. Some fans do tailgate before Blowfish games, so this might be the most desirable choice. Luce Cucina Italiano is roughly two miles from the park on Augusta Road (US Highway 1), and is one of the only nearby dining options. All of the Italian food favorites can be found at quite reasonable prices at Luce. Be mindful, however, that the restaurant will likely be closed at the end of most game nights, so fill up on carbs before heading to the yard. There are several additional options for your dining pleasure near the Lexington exits off I-20 (exit 55/SC Highway 6, exit 58/US 1, and exit 61/US 378). Keep in mind, however, that these exits are anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes from the ballpark, depending on traffic and stop lights. Columbia is a half-hour or so to the east, while Augusta, Georgia, is an hour west. Fans 4 Baseball is a popular sport in the Midlands, as one might expect. Between South Carolina’s recent success, the new team in Columbia, and the Blowfish, there is lots of diamond action from which to choose. One of the reasons behind the club’s move to Lexington County was the stated desire to draw consistent support from a more “small-town” group of fans. This has certainly paid early dividends, as fans are coming out in droves to check out the new digs. The club opened the park with a string of consecutive sellouts. The fans who pack Lexington County Baseball Stadium love their Blowfish but are respectful of the opposing team. Cheering is hearty, but not over the top. Several fans, unfortunately, left early on the night we visited (though the game went extra innings, it was a weekend contest), but those who stayed until the final out certainly made themselves heard. Access 2 Lexington County Baseball Stadium is not the most convenient option for ballpark travelers, in terms of proximity to interstates. The ballpark is in a mostly residential area and is either accessed by a lengthy trip down a US highway or sparsely-populated country roads. South Carolina Interstate 20 is the main road one would use to access the ballpark from the east or west, and it is easily 15 minutes from the ballpark. US Highways 1 and 378 are the other primary options. Columbia (CAE) and Augusta (AGS) are the two best airport options, about a half hour and an hour, respectively, from the park. Charlotte (CLT) is also an option but is an hour and a half from the park. Parking is located in a paved lot across the street from the stadium entrance. Though revenue streams are at a premium for summer collegiate teams, the $3 price to park is less than optimal. Ingress backs up a bit, as traffic is trying to simultaneously turn left and right into the parking lot. Egress is a bit easier, as fans can either go left toward Barr Road or right toward US 1. The stadium entry gate is just to the right of the ticket booth, and traffic moves relatively quickly. The team offers an online ticketing system that allows for easy scanning; however, there is an additional $1 (per ticket) fee for buying online. The facility offers a wide concourse, but there are drawbacks to this setup. Numerous fans congregate on the concourse, leading to a bit of a slalom course-type feel in navigating to or from your seat. Concession lines can get a bit long, as many fans want items that can only be purchased at the main stand. Restrooms are near the main gate and offer ample facilities for fans. The other major drawback comes if you are sitting in the third base stands. To get from the concessions or bathrooms to your third base grandstand seat, you will need to navigate the entire concourse, then take the stairs down to field level and walk through what will inevitably be a large group of playing kids to return to your seat. This can become a bit of a hassle as the game wears on. Return on Investment 4 Coastal Plain League baseball is about as good of a baseball investment as one will find. Lexington County is no exception – assuming, of course, that you choose the right seats, or don’t mind standing. Box seats are $9 for a single game, with a dollar discount for seniors, students (with ID), military members, and children 12 and under. Children four and under are free with paid adult admission. Grandstand seats are $8, with the same discount. The third base seats are a reasonable $6. Keep in mind, again, that there is a $1 (per ticket) charge for online ticket purchases. If one were to purchase a box seat ($9), sandwich ($4), bottled soda ($3), program ($3), and parking ($3), that results in a reasonable $22 cash outlay. There are also several tiering options to lessen the cost. The club also offers several season ticket options. Box seats are $250 for 28 games ($224 with a VIP discount), with a half-season option available for $126 ($119 as a VIP member). General admission season tickets are as low as $150 for an entire season, with a 15-game general admission ticket package for $75. Extras 5 The team operates a merchandise stand next to the concession area. This is not a store, per se, but the gear is prominently displayed and decently priced. Many of the options — especially the hats — are popular with fans. A guest relations booth can be found between the entry gates and the concession area. The team conducts silent auctions, giveaway signups, and other business at the booth, and offers most services in which fans would be interested. Blowfish game day staff are easy to spot. The ushers and club staff wear Blowfish jerseys and name tags, so if you have any questions, just look for those Blowfish jerseys and ask away. The staff is friendly and eager to help. Though the Coastal Plain League offers online streaming of all of their games, the Blowfish take things a step further. The team’s games can be heard on Z93.1 FM in the Lexington area. The club also hosts a weekly talk show on the same station. We live in a mobile world, and one’s cell phone is rarely further than a few feet away. The Blowfish have their fans covered there, as well. The team offers a mobile app for Android and iPhone users. The team publishes its roster, schedule, updates, and other news via the app. This is a nice incentive for fans to stay connected with the team. There are two final extras — one easy to notice, with the other not so easy. There is a lineup board on display just inside the main entry gate, and I saw several fans jotting down the starters with the intent of keeping score. It is always a nice touch to see fans keeping score. We also mentioned above the parks from which Lexington County Baseball Stadium draws its influences, and these are on display on the dimension signs in left, center, and right (see the photo gallery for an example). Final Thoughts A night at a Blowfish game is always a fun experience. Nice people, great baseball, and a comfortable South Carolina feel are always featured at every contest. The club aims to treat fans as welcome guests in their home and succeeds in that endeavor. Their new home is a great start but still has room to grow. If you do some homework before you go — and the team can capitalize on the available opportunities with the ballpark — this will be a great night out in the South Carolina Midlands.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Commonwealth Stadium 11000 Stadium Rd Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7 Canada Edmonton Elks website Commonwealth Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 56,302 Edmonton's Mighty Elks The Edmonton Eskimos have won the CFL’s Grey Cup 13 times, the second-highest total in league history. Nine of those wins have come while the Eskimos have called Commonwealth Stadium their home, including an unprecedented five in a row from 1978-1982, the first five years that Commonwealth Stadium was in service. As a building that was constructed in the 1970s, one might expect it to be long in the tooth, worn out, and obsolete. In fact, The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium (as it is officially known since naming rights were sold to The Brick furniture stores) has undergone some major upgrades in the last decade. As a result, the place is looking fresh and new in many respects. There may come a day when this field is ready for retirement, but that day is not today. Note: In June 2021, the team name changed from the Eskimos to the Elks. Food & Beverage 4 There are tons of concessions at Commonwealth Stadium. In addition to the typical concession stands lining the outside of the main concourse, one of the key aspects of the recent renovations was adding large concessions areas off the east and west concourse areas, creating lots of extra space and providing the fans with more options than they might otherwise have. All the standard concessions choices are available, from hamburgers ($6.50) and foot-long hot dogs ($5.50) to potato chips ($1.50) and fountain drinks ($4 for a small). You can also find some specialty variations on those themes, such as the Green and Gold Hotdog ($7.50), which has mac and cheese, bacon, and jalapeno peppers on it. Additionally, you’ll find Boston Pizza stands in the side concourses, and Tiny Tim Mini Donuts in the main concourse. Molson Canadian is readily available on tap ($7 per glass), and there are a number of specialty beverage stands where you can get something more exotic. If you’re still looking for something more, you can pop into the Quarterback Club on the east side, or Jackie Parker’s on the west side for more of a lounge atmosphere. Finally, there is a “tailgate” area at the north end of the stands at field level, for folks who want to enjoy an adult beverage right next to the action. Atmosphere 4 With a team that has won as many Grey Cups as the Eskimos have, it should come as no surprise that there are numerous nods to the glory years. The south exterior wall is decorated with the list of championships, along with huge pictures of three of the most famous Eskimos of all time: Warren Moon, Norm Kwong, and Willie Pless. The Grey Cup list can be found on the walls of the main concessions areas as well. Out front of Commonwealth Stadium is a Fan Fest set-up. There are food trucks, displays, games, live music, and a fenced-off party area for fans wanting to get pumped up before entering the facility. The names of the Eskimos Hall of Fame players are proudly displayed along the leading edge of the lower deck of stands, and there are a lot of them, again echoing the proud football tradition in Edmonton. You’ll also find pictures of Eskimo greats on banners hanging above the main concourse ring. The brand-new green-and-gold seats are nice and wide, making sitting in the stands quite comfortable. They also all have cup holders, so less fumbling around when trying to sit down or get up, also a good thing. In the grand scheme of things, the Eskimos tend to have pretty good attendance, compared to the rest of the CFL. In 2016 they drew 30,998 fans per game, second-best in the league behind the Saskatchewan Roughriders. But in a stadium that holds more than 50,000, it still seems fairly empty, which negatively impacts the energy in the stands. The lower bowl is mostly full and has great energy, but the upper bowl is sparsely populated. Neighbourhood 2 The neighborhood around Commonwealth Stadium is pretty low on interesting places to spend your money. Most of the area is older residential with some industrial stuff mixed in. You’ll find the End Zone Pub & Grill across the street to the north, and a McDonald’s and a Subway a little further east along 112 Ave. but that’s about it in the immediate vicinity. Heading west a few blocks, you’ll find yourself in Edmonton’s Little Italy. A bit of wandering up and down 95th St. should get you to you a suitable place to grab a bite. Sorrentino’s Bistro-Bar is a solid restaurant chain with tasty food, but they are closed on Sunday, so don’t plan for that place unless you’re going to a weeknight or Saturday game. Other options include Santo’s Restaurant and Lounge or the Italian Centre Shop. Generally speaking though, if you’re looking for some pre- or post-game entertainment or dining, you’ll be much better off heading elsewhere. Fans 4 Eskimos fans are used to success. A steady string of superstars and championships has made this franchise one of the crown jewels of the CFL. However, poor seasons in 2010, 2012 and 2013 dropped attendance down from over 37,000 per game in 2008 to around 32,000 in 2013, and they’ve stayed at about that number since then. Putting over 30,000 people in the stands still means the Eskies are one of the best-attended teams in the CFL, so they have a huge core group of fans who will show up rain or shine, win or lose. As noted above, the crowd seems relatively sparse in a stadium as big as Commonwealth Stadium, but credit where credit is due, the crowd noise can jump to over 90 decibels wherever you sit in the stands when something exciting happens, as the fans are very enthusiastic and engaged. Many people in the crowd are proudly wearing their green-and-gold attire, and that means that the fans in attendance are true fans who are with their team through thick or thin. Access 4 Don’t bother bringing your vehicle to Commonwealth Stadium; you won’t have anywhere to put it – parking at the stadium is extremely limited. You can try to find a neighborhood street that doesn’t require a permit to park, but those are few and far between. If you do need to drive to the area you can park at Northlands Park, a couple kilometres north east of Commonwealth Stadium, for $16 ($10 if you’re a season-ticket holder). From there it’s just a single stop south on the Light Rail Transit system to get where you’re going. Your best option, far and away, is simply sticking with public transit. The Eskimos have a long-standing agreement with the Edmonton Transit System (ETS); anyone with a game ticket gets to ride for free before and after the game. There are a number of express buses from several malls around town, but your best bet remains the LRT system – the train has a stop right outside the east side of the stadium. Do be aware that only a few train stops have Park and Ride lots (as noted above, you can use Northlands as well), so if your plan is to do just that, you’ll want to be sure to hit one of the locations where you can actually drop off your wheels. For people who are planning to buy their tickets at the stadium, ETS fares are only $3.25 for adults, so your trip there will still have a pretty reasonable price tag. Bonus props to the stadium for seeming quite spacious once inside. With the offset concessions areas, the concourse never seems particularly crowded, even at half time and at the end of the game, as the fans were filing out en masse; definitely a plus, especially if big crowds make you a little antsy. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $35 to $117, with many seats significantly discounted for youths. You can also grab seats in the south-most sections, known as the Save-On-Foods Family Huddle, for $28.50 (these tickets are available at Edmonton Save-On-Foods stores). This is by no means the cheapest place to see a CFL game, but still quite reasonable to watch a professional sports team. Odds are that you will see an entertaining game in a comfortable, energetic place, so Commonwealth Stadium is a good investment. Extras 5 The Eskimos have their primary team store located adjacent to their offices at the south end of the stadium, but there are also two very well-appointed locations inside the concessions areas off the east and west concourses. There are also a number of other, smaller kiosks around the concourse (and outside as well), so there’s lots of access to all the green-and-gold stuff you could ever want. There is a massive video screen located on the north end of the stadium providing game info and replays. This is a recent upgrade from an almost-equally massive screen that had been there. Unfortunately, the screen is almost impossible to see from the north-most upper deck sections, so if you want a view of the screen, stay away from sections EE, FF, NN, and OO (to be fair, these sections are generally not open for regular season games, so it shouldn’t be a problem most of the time). As noted above, there is a great sense of team history around the stadium, with numerous reminders of great teams and great players from the Eskimos past – this is a definite bonus to see as you look around the facility. During breaks in the action, the Eskimos Cheer Team and mascots Punter and Nanook keep people entertained. The Cheer Team dance, cheer, and perform acrobatics between plays, and also have a couple full-blown routines per game out on the field during longer stoppages. Punter and Nanook make their way around the field and visit in the stands, entertaining the kids and helping out with giveaways and contests during the game. Another feature for families is Brickley’s Knothole Corner. With the purchase of special seat tickets in Knothole Corner area in the south west corner of the stadium, families have access to a variety of kid-friendly activities. There are recycling bins in a number of locations around Commonwealth Stadium, so fans can make sure their waste is diverted away from landfills whenever possible. Final Thoughts The Edmonton Eskimos are unquestionably one of the class organizations of the CFL, and a class organization deserves a quality home. The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium delivers as a great place to take in a football game.