Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 John A. Ryan Arena 1 Paramount Place Watertown, MA 02742 Bentley Falcons hockey website John A. Ryan Arena website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 1,250 Hockey in the JAR-o The John A. Ryan Arena, or JAR as it is known locally, is a public skating arena located in the Boston suburb of Watertown, MA. In addition to serving as the home of the Bentley University Falcons, the JAR is home for several local high school teams and local youth hockey teams. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small snack bar located near the entrance to the Ryan Arena. Only your basic items are available here, with the menu consisting of pizza slices ($2.50), nachos ($4.00), and hot dogs ($2.75). Fans looking for snacks will be happy to find pretzels ($3.50), cotton candy ($3.00), candy bars ($1.50), and fried dough ($4.00) available. Cans of Coca-Cola products ($1.50) are available for purchase, but most fans choose coffee or hot chocolate ($2.00) to help deal with the very cold temperatures inside the JAR. Many fans in attendance opted to bring in their own hot drinks from the local Dunkin’ Donuts. As you might expect from a small snack bar, the food offerings are chosen for their value, not their quality. Atmosphere 1 The atmosphere inside the JAR is about what you would expect when you attend a game at a local rink. Standard arena rock plays over a tinny PA system during play stoppages, not one, but two mascots roam around, and there is a decent turnout from the student body. Unfortunately, for the most part, students do not sit in an organized section, gathering in small groups to watch the game. As a result, their cheers and taunts tend to be disorganized, and fall flat. For most of the game, the crowd is rather quiet, making for a lifeless experience. In fact, despite the fact that I was seated three sections away, I could clearly hear Bentley’s play-by-play commentator describing the action on the ice. Neighborhood 3 The town of Watertown may be best known today as the site of the gunfight and apprehension of the Boston Marathon bombers that effectively shut down greater Boston for the better part of 24 hours in April 2013. When not in the news, Watertown is a working class suburb known for its quiet neighborhoods, diverse population, and good public schools. The JAR is located in a commercial area in downtown Watertown. Within a short distance are several grocery stores, shops, and places to stop and grab a bite to eat. While Watertown is hardly considered a destination city, there is more than enough to keep local fans happy and occupied. Given Watertown’s proximity to Boston, most fans from out of town should choose to explore the nearby city rather than remain in Watertown. Fans 2 Crowds for Bentley hockey games average somewhere in the range of 400-600 per game. Shuttle busses are available to bring students to the JAR from the nearby campus, and there is usually a decent turnout from the student body. The student section at the JAR is known as the “Falcons’ Nest”, but unfortunately most students seat themselves in small groups throughout the seating area. As a result, there is no cohesive voice coming from the stands. What chants and taunts that students do try and muster up end up disorganized and flat. There does not seem to be a lot of representation from the greater Boston hockey community at Bentley games, as crowds lag greatly behind other area programs. For the most part, Falcon crowds appear to be of the “friends and family”variety. Access 3 While the Bentley University campus is located in Waltham, MA, the Ryan Skating Arena is located in the neighboring town of Watertown, MA, a short ten minute drive from the Bentley campus. The town of Watertown is located six miles outside of Boston on the northern bank of the Charles River. Being this close to Boston, Watertown has several public transportation options. While the Boston subway system, known locally as the “T”, does not serve Watertown directly, Falcon fans looking to use public transportation to get to Ryan Arena will find several MBTA bus lines serving the area around the arena. In fact, Bus 558 has a stop at the corner of Paramount Place, just a short block away from the Ryan Arena. Other busses are available to transport people to and from downtown Boston. Fans driving to the arena (which is not recommended in the narrow, congested streets of most Boston suburbs) will take Interstate 90, also known as the Mass Pike. Exit 17 will deposit you about a mile from the arena. Return on Investment 3 A trip to the Ryan Arena will certainly not break the bank. Free parking is available in the small lot adjacent to the rink. Be sure that you actually park in the Ryan Arena lot, as several other lots near the rink belong to local businesses, and they advertise an aggressive towing policy. Tickets to Bentley games are affordably priced at $7 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. Concessions are reasonably priced, and fans have the option to bring in their own beverages if they choose. Extras 0 The hockey experience at the JAR is as bare bones as you will find anywhere in Division One. Final Thoughts Given the amount of top-notch college and professional hockey available in the greater Boston area, Bentley has a hard time attracting a whole lot of attention for their program. Fans who travel to the Boston area with limited time and resources would be well advised to concentrate their efforts at the other wonderful arenas in the area. Those fans who enjoy traveling to many different arenas will find the Ryan Arena a serviceable, no-frills facility. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 John F. Savage Arena 2801 W Bancroft St Toledo, OH 43606 Toledo Rockets website John F. Savage Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 7,300 Rocket Men In November 2008, Toledo University unveiled the work of $30 million in renovations to Savage Arena, as well as the new Sullivan Athletic Complex. What emerged was an arena with a new scoreboard, new playing floor, suites, loge seats, new sound system and lighting, and a glass-enclosed lounge serving dinner for up to 200 spectators during a game. The Sullivan Athletics Complex includes the Varsity T Hall of Fame, the Rocket Shop, as well as a new ticket office. The end result is a beautiful facility which makes for a great day of college basketball. Savage Arena is home to both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the Rocket volleyball team. The venue seats 7,300. Food & Beverage 4 It’s a fairly typical concession array for a college basketball arena with one notable exception. Savage Arena is unlike the vast majority of collegiate venues in that they serve beer. This includes Budweiser, Bud Light, Yuengling, Coors Light, LaBatt Blue, and Mike’s Hard Lemonade ($6 for a 16-ounce cup). Wine is available as well. Outside of that aberration, you’ll find brats ($4.50), hot dogs ($3.50), soft pretzel ($3.25), popcorn ($3.50), chicken tenders ($5.50), grilled chicken ($5.50), and pizza ($4). None of these are exceptionally good or bad, and the prices seem to be on par with other similarly-sized facilities. They occasionally also offer BBQ beef sandwiches ($5.50) on a limited basis. Atmosphere 4 They’ve really done a good job with the renovations at Savage Arena. You enter the building and are greeted with the Varsity T Hall of Fame, with images of the many great athletes that have worn the midnight blue and gold over the years. The basketball team has made only four appearances in the NCAA Tournament, but I take some personal pride in seeing my first cousin, Jimmy Swaney among the Hall of Fame honorees. Swaney guided the Rockets to back-to-back tournament appearances in 1979 and 1980, including their only Sweet Sixteen appearance (1979). You’ll also find a life-size photo of Jimmy and all his afro glory in the concourse. That one concourse wraps around the arena, winding behind the seating area along the sidelines and within view of the court along the baselines. You’ll notice many banners hanging in the arena, with the vast majority being gold and belonging to the women’s basketball team (including the 2011 WNIT Championship). Blue banners hang for the men’s accomplishments. The scoreboard is center-hung with four-sided video, and player stats. It is the perfect size for this arena, and gives fans everything they would need to add to the enjoyment of the game. There’s one other small scoreboard above the Toledo student section on the end nearest the Toledo bench. The student section is bleacher seating, while every other seat offers a chairback with above average leg room, but no cup holder. Loge seats and the front row of courtside do offer cup holders for your drink. One additional unique touch is the Joe Grogan Room, a restaurant/club area that is available for fans with club seats, loge seats, or suite access. The pep band is very good, and should be given more opportunity to play. There is also a nice team shop, Rocky’s Locker, near the athletics hall of fame that is worth your while to visit if you are looking for a souvenir from your visit. Neighborhood 3 As you approach the University of Toledo campus, you’ll find plenty of chain restaurants, and hotels, including the Ramada Toledo Hotel and Conference Center. There are several bars and restaurants that are more unique to the area, but they are more likely places you would drive to rather than walk. Jed’s on Campus offers great wings, along with burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. Fans 3 The student section is interesting in that it is segregated between the two ends of the court. On one end, nearest the opponent bench, the fans stand the entire game and cheer adamantly supporting their Rockets. On the other end, closer to the Toledo bench, the students seem more indifferent, some stand and some sit, and their enthusiasm is based on how the game is going. The remainder of the arena is engaged as you might expect. Even with a lot more luxury seating options, the arena can get loud when the Rockets go on a run or need a defensive stop. Access 4 Parking is a breeze. As you enter campus, you will be given the option to either park on your left in the nearby parking garage, or drive forward toward a lot. Both options are $5, but you will want to choose the parking garage on your left. Primarily this is so you won’t have to be delayed by pedestrians when exiting the lot. In either case, parking and exiting is pretty painless. You can expect to be on your way within five minutes of reaching your car. Inside the arena, the concourse is wide and easy to move around. Bathrooms are large and clean. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are very affordable with seats going for $7 for an adult seat, or $3.50 for a child. This is a great place to take the family for an athletic event. There is a pesky $1.50 “web fee” for each seat when ordering tickets online that I find mildly annoying, but the overall price is hard to argue with. When you add in parking and concessions, a family of four can easily see a game for around $50. Extras 3 One extra point for the floor being named Bob Nichols Court. Nichols coached the Rockets for 22 years, including the golden era of Toledo basketball in the 70’s and early 80’s. He passed away in 2013, and the tribute of naming the floor after him is well deserved. Another extra point for the cool rocket design that is part of the main seating area, adding a great aesthetic component to the arena before the game. One final extra point for the competitiveness of MAC basketball. There always seems to be great balance in this conference, and it produces great games. Final Thoughts I have personally attended a game at nearly every basketball arena in the MAC, and Savage Arena is one of my favorites. The renovations really turned out well and have produced an excellent home for the Toledo Rockets and their supporters.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Olympia Ice Center 125 Capital Dr, West Springfield, MA American International College hockey website Olympia Ice Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,200 AIC at the OIC American International College is a small liberal arts college of with an enrollment of just over 2100 located in Springfield, MA. AIC’s sports teams are known as the Yellow Jackets and compete in NCAA Division II, with the exception of the men’s ice hockey team, which competes at the sport’s highest level. The Yellow Jackets are members of the Atlantic Hockey Conference, which features teams throughout the northeast, and play their home games at the Olympia Ice Center, located in West Springfield, MA. The Olympia Ice Center houses three NHL-sized rinks, and hosts several local high school teams as well as American International, local youth hockey, and senior leagues. Over 100 high school games are played at the rink each year, as well as the Massachusetts State Interscholastic playoffs. Food and Beverage 3 The Olympia Ice Center boasts a single snack bar in the main lobby. The snack bar boasts a decent menu, featuring items such as pizza slices ($2.95), nachos ($3.00), hot dogs ($2.25), and chicken tenders ($3.95). Since the OIC hosts games at all hours of the day and night, breakfast items such as bagels with cream cheese ($2.00), donuts ($1.15), and breakfast sandwiches ($3.95) are offered. Fans looking for snack items will be pleased to find pretzels ($2.00), French fries ($2.50), curly fries ($2.75), fried dough ($2.95), and assorted sizes of popcorn ($1.50/$2.00/$2.50). A wide variety of Pepsi products ($2.00), coffee ($1.90), tea ($1.65) and hot chocolate ($2.00) are also sold here. It’s an impressive menu, quality is decent, and lines move quickly. One thing that the Olympia Ice Center offers that sets it apart from other arenas of its size is the Top Shelf Lounge, located upstairs off the main lobby. The top shelf is a full service bar and a great place for weary parents and hockey fans to hide from the action taking place below. The Top Shelf overlooks one of the three rinks at the AIC. Unfortunately, it does not overlook the main rink, which is where the Yellow Jackets play. There is, however, access at the top of the grandstand of the main rink directly into the Top Shelf Lounge. Atmosphere 1 The Olympia Ice Center and the American International Yellow Jackets offer a no-frills, no-distraction game day experience. There are no in-game promotions or extraneous game day activities going on here. In fact, the only “extras” you will hear at an AIC game is PA announcements of game events (scoring plays and penalties), and music played during play stoppages. The sound system is excellent, and it is a shame that it is not utilized more often. The main arena at the Olympia Ice Arena is surprisingly spacious, with seating located on both sides of the arena. On the near side are several sections raised about eight feet over the ice surface featuring individual seating. The far side of the rink features concrete bleachers with plastic benches for seating that run for the entirety of the hockey rink. Given that the arena can sit over 2,000 for hockey games, and crowds generally hover in the range of 200-300, the OIC can seem very empty and quiet. As is the case with many other small schools that play their home games off campus, AIC offers busses to get students to their games. Unfortunately, few students seem to take advantage of this offer. Neighborhood 3 Nearby Riverdale St. is the main drag in West Springfield, and contains numerous chain restaurants. Within walking distance of the OIC are several restaurants, most notably Five Guys Burgers for those traveling with the family, and Hooters for those not traveling with the family. Fans looking to sample more local cuisine will have to search among the chains, but there are options to be found. Downtown Springfield is a short ten minute drive up Interstate 91 across the Connecticut River. Unfortunately, options for dining do not improve dramatically on the river’s eastern bank. A short drive from the Olympia Ice Arena is the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, a must see attraction for any sports fan. Located directly across the street from the Olympia Ice Arena is the Comfort Inn and Suites. Fans travelling from out of town can’t get any closer to the action than a stay here. However, with the amount of youth tournament hockey being held at the OIC regularly, the guess here is that you will be fighting for elbow room with swarms of traveling youth hockey players at most local hotels. Fans 1 Crowds at the Olympia Ice Center can best be described as “friends and family”. Announced attendance averages in the 200-300 range, with capacity of the arena set at 2200. The result is that the crowd often appears even smaller than it actually is. Despite the presence of busses to shuttle students to the arena from the downtown Springfield campus, turnout from the student body is minimal at best. Given AIC’s centralized location within the Atlantic Hockey Conference, it is not unusual to see visiting fans turn out in numbers rivaling the home fans. Access 4 Olympia Ice Center is located six miles from the American International College campus. Getting to the OIC is easy, as it is located just off of Interstate 91. Fans arriving to Springfield from the east or west will take Interstate 90 to I-91, and fans traveling from the north or south will follow I-91 to exit 13. The Olympia Ice Arena is located less than a mile off of the exit. The city of Springfield dubs itself as “the crossroads of New England”, and they may just be right. Located at the intersections of interstates 91 and 90, Springfield is only a 90 minutes’ drive west of Boston, a half mile north of Hartford, and 90 minutes east of Albany. New York City is a mere 2 and one half hour drive away. Bradley International Airport is located only 18 miles away across the Connecticut state line and is served by all major airlines. The headquarters of Peter Pan Buses is nearby, as well as Springfield’s Amtrak station. West Springfield is located a short five minute drive from downtown Springfield. Despite the ease in arriving in Springfield by alternate methods of transportation, the OIC is not served by any of these methods, and travel by car is pretty much the only way to get here. The interior of the OIC is modern and bright. Those fans needing accessible seating will find many options along the boards of the main arena and will have no problems getting around the facility. Bathrooms are plentiful, large, and clean. There are no lines, even during intermission. Return on Investment 4 A night at an American International hockey game is an affordable option to the many professional sporting events in the area. Parking is free in the large lot surrounding the OIC, and tickets are only $5 for adults, and $3 for seniors and students. Factor in inexpensive snacks at the concession stand, and it is possible to enjoy a night of competition at college hockey’s top level for under ten dollars. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the extras to be found throughout the Olympia Ice Center. There is a video arcade located just off the main lobby, which turned out to be a favorite location not only for the youth hockey players present, but of the college students as well. An extra favored by the adults in the crowd is the Top Shelf Lounge overlooking the second rink. If it overlooked the main rink it would be a prime vantage point to be sure. Final Thoughts The Olympia Ice Center is an impressive facility that hosts teams from throughout Massachusetts and beyond. With its three NHL sized rinks, it is not unusual to see several games going on simultaneously. This makes for a busy and festive atmosphere at the Center. Unfortunately, the AIC Yellow Jackets have not been able to capitalize fully on the hockey momentum going on here. Fans looking for the creature comforts and in-game entertainment offered elsewhere will not find that kind of atmosphere present here. Fans looking to watch college hockey played at its top level at an inexpensive price will undoubtedly enjoy their time at the Olympia Ice Center. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 ANZ Stadium Edwin Flack Ave Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 Australia Sydney Thunder website ANZ Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 82,500 Thunder Sticks ANZ Stadium was opened in 1999 as Stadium Australia and was built to serve as the main stadium for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The capacity was originally 110,000 however after renovations following the Games the stadium now seats a maximum of 82,500 people (oval configuration). Located at Sydney Olympic Park, ANZ Stadium is arguably the premier sporting venue in NSW particularly when it comes to the various football codes, hosting events such as the NRL Grand Final, NRL State of Origin, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, and rugby union test matches. The venue also features retractable seating allowing the playing surface to be configured as either rectangular or an oval. While the Sydney Cricket Ground remains the stadium of choice for major cricket games in the harbour city, ANZ Stadium has played host to a Twenty20 International. In addition to representative sporting events, ANZ also sees numerous tenants play regular or semi-regular games including Greater Western Sydney Giants (AFL), Sydney Swans (AFL), Canterbury Bulldogs (NRL), South Sydney Rabbitohs (NRL), Wests Tigers (NRL) and the NSW Waratahs (Super Rugby). The Sydney Thunder was formed in 2011 as one of two Sydney based teams for the new Big Bash League (BBL), Australia’s domestic Twenty20 cricket competition. This league is played over a six week period during the height of summer to maximise exposure to families enjoying the traditional holiday period. The Thunder represents Western Sydney and regional areas of NSW. They have yet to experience much on-field success and have generally been overshadowed by their more glamorous cross-town rivals, the Sydney Sixers. In fact, at the time of the match attended for this review, the Thunder had lost their past 16 games. Twenty20 cricket has taken off in recent years and is a shortened version of the game designed to maximise excitement and entertainment. While many traditionalists have found T20 difficult to accept, it is clear that it is attractive to a whole new market who finds a dynamic three hour game much more interesting than the rigours of a five day test match. Domestic cricket in Australia has traditionally been state-based, however the BBL was restructured around cities to conform to the international norm. All eight BBL teams are therefore brand new identities. The league is still experimenting with how to maximise the performance of its product. The 2012-13 season saw a downturn in crowd attendance with many critics blaming scheduling, however this looks to have been reversed for the 2013-14 season. Food & Beverage 3 ANZ Stadium is well equipped to deal with large crowds, meaning an abundance of food and beverage outlets, although not all are open during Thunder games. The offerings are fairly standard for a venue of this nature, and are quite pricey. Hot food includes burgers ($8.70), pies ($5.20), sausage rolls ($4.80), hot dogs ($5.80) and hot chips ($5.70). Also available are assorted sandwiches ($7), baguette sandwiches ($10), Caesar salad ($12.50) and fruit salad ($8.90). Soft drinks (600ml) are provided by Coca-Cola ($5.20) and bottled water is $4.60. Crisps and other small confectionery items such as ice creams and chocolates can also be purchased. Several combos are on offer and include a sausage roll, pie, hot dog or burger, with hot chips and a drink for between $14 and $17.50. There is also a sushi / water combo for $14. Alcohol is served at several bars with fairly standard options including beer (Toohey’s New $7 or Light $6.50) and wine $7.20. Note that a disposable carry tray is an additional $1. While the bars do a steady trade, many patrons seem to shun the food on offer at the stadium, instead opting to bring their own snacks or meals from the many takeaway options located nearby. The easy conclusion to draw is that while the variety is reasonable for a venue of this size, it is expensive. Atmosphere 3 ANZ is a great venue for sport, no doubt about it. Many amazing moments have occurred here during a relatively short period of time. However, there really is no escaping the fact that this stadium is much better suited to football these days. The pitch faces across the oval to allow for more seats to be situated at either end which makes sense, but is a bit awkward. Also, because so many different sports and teams use the venue, there is little that can be done to create much of an atmosphere that is specific to the Thunder. There is a mascot and cheerleaders, but in such a large stadium the crowd can’t really connect with them. The atmosphere is also not very intimate as crowds average around 10,000. Most of the seating is limited to lower bowl in an attempt to combat this, but it still feels like a cricket game is being played in a large football stadium. Neighborhood 4 ANZ Stadium is the centrepiece of Sydney Olympic Park. Many of the venues used during the Sydney 2000 Olympics are on site including Allphones Arena and the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre – both legitimate venues and attractions in their own right. Over 5,000 events are held within the precinct each year. There are also numerous hotels, bars, and restaurants within the park. My recommendation is certainly to take advantage of this prior to the game, particularly in relation to food. As well as fast food there are options covering Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, and modern Australian cuisine. Personally I like to enjoy a great steak at Ribs and Rumps (8 Dawn Fraser Ave). It is worth mentioning that Sydney Olympic Park is big and you need to be prepared to walk a bit to find your preferred restaurant as well as from the parking station if you choose to drive. Fans 3 The Thunder fans are really committed to their team. They’re engaged in the game and decked out in Thunder-green merchandise. However, crowds only average 10,000 per game which is the lowest of any BBL team. Lack of on-field success is obviously a factor here, but parent body Cricket NSW must be concerned regardless. Western Sydney should be an ideal location for a BBL franchise with a large population including many people with Indian and Sri Lankan heritage who are normally heavily attracted to cricket. There is no doubting the difficulty in establishing a brand new sporting identity from the ground up, however the Thunder have yet to hit the mark in attracting fans. Access 4 While SOP hosts many events, not many seem to coincide with Thunder games. However, this is worth checking when deciding to attend a game. If there aren’t any clashes, parking and getting around the precinct is quite easy. Casual parking is $4 an hour or $20 per day. The P1 parking station is probably your best bet. Public transport is also easily accessible with the train station only a short walk away. Given the size of the venue compared to the size of crowd, moving around the stadium is easy and bathrooms are plentiful. While ushers will check tickets before entering any reserved seating areas, once past this point you can probably choose your seat without too many hassles. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are reasonable. Reserved seating is $30 for adults with reductions for juniors and concessions, along with family deals. I recommend this option because you are seated at either end of the pitch; in my opinion the best place from which to watch cricket. General admission is very reasonably priced at $20 for adults and $5 for children 15 or under. The Thunder has also created a section called “The Beach” which has been built on one side of the stadium adjacent to the playing surface. This is the most expensive place to sit with adults paying $40 for a seat here. Despite the novelty, given the location, I don’t think this would be worth it. Overall, the return on investment is average. Hopefully the Thunder can attract more fans and create a better atmosphere which would make for a more exciting event. Extras 3 The Thunder receives three extra points. The first is because they play trial games in the lead up to the BBL at suburban grounds in their catchment areas including Blacktown, Western Sydney, and Wollongong in regional NSW. The second extra point is for the practice nets located outside the stadium on the side near P1 – get here early and see the players warming up. The third extra point is for the Thunder attracting Mike Hussey to their team for the 2013-2014 season. Hussey is one of Australia’s best cricketers of recent times and although he has now retired from international cricket, still has incredible ability. He has been largely responsible for keeping the Thunder competitive recently. Final Thoughts The Thunder does a lot of things right. They are very active on social media and connect well with their fans across their catchment area. Their fans are committed and have bought into the Thunder identity. ANZ Stadium is also a great sporting stadium, however whether it will truly be accepted as a cricket venue remains to be seen. Hopefully the Thunder can start to win and attract more people to games which will certainly help.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Freitas Ice Forum 509 Stadium Road Storrs, CT UConn men's hockey website Freitas Ice Forum website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000 Freitas Ice Forum The Mark E. Freitas Ice Forum, named after Husky hockey player, benefactor, and class of 1981 alumnus Mark Freitas, opened in 1998 to replace the outdoor UConn Ice Arena and coincided with UConn hockey’s elevation to Division One status. Food & Beverage 2 There is a snack bar located in the lobby, which is staffed by a local non-profit group raising funds for their charity. It’s not an uncommon practice in arenas and stadiums across the country, but I was surprised to see it in such a small venue as the Freitas Forum. There are two registers present to serve the entire crowd, and these two are plenty on most nights. Short lines do form during intermission, but there is plenty of time to get your food and return to your seat before the next period begins. The menu here is basic, consisting of hot dogs ($4), nachos ($4/$6.50), pretzels ($4), peanuts ($4), popcorn ($3.50/$5.50), and assorted snacks. Coca-Cola products are featured ($3.50/$4.50/$6.00), with bottled water ($4) also available. Since the arena is often a very chilly place to be, coffee and hot chocolate are also offered ($3). Alcoholic beverages are not sold at the Freitas Forum, per NCAA regulations. As you might expect for an operation of this size, the quality of the food items is not the greatest. Atmosphere 2 Upon entering the Freitas Forum, it appears to be the type of standard local rink you would find in any town or city. The walls are aluminum, as are the bleachers. Credit should be given to the game day operations staff at UConn for taking what could be a boring, plain backdrop and attempting to infuse some life into the game day experience. You will find your typical hard-rock music during play stoppages, some giveaways and promotions during intermissions, and a great deal of staff around for a venue of this size. Too much intrusion from the PA announcer or DJ would certainly feel out of place in such a small venue as the Freitas Forum, so kudos to the staff here for striking a nice balance. Neighborhood 3 The tiny town of Storrs, Connecticut is dominated by the university. Storrs’ population of 10,000 is overshadowed by UConn’s undergraduate enrollment of 16,000, with an additional 5,000 enrolled in graduate programs. The university is located over a sprawling 4,000 acres, and is largely self-contained, which is a necessity given Storrs’ rural location. Fans looking to stay in Storrs will find their choices limited. Most fans who come to the area will do so as a day trip, moving on after the game to the larger cities of Hartford, 45 minutes away or Boston, located 90 minutes from the UConn campus. The twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located a short 45 minute drive from Storrs. Fans 2 Fans at UConn, as in much of the rest of New England, know their hockey and are into the action throughout the game. Rules need not be explained, and heaven help the referee who isn’t calling the game well. The stands were full of families, alumni, and good old hockey folk. It says a lot about the support a team has when an arena can be half filled for a Saturday afternoon game during the winter semester break. There were not many students to be found on this afternoon, but again, that is entirely due to the fact that classes were not in session. Access 2 The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, Connecticut, a village in the town of Mansfield. The campus is a 45 minute drive from Hartford, the capital and largest city in the state. Fans wishing to drive to the UConn campus will be well served in knowing that no highway serves Storrs directly, and a drive through the scenic eastern Connecticut countryside is necessary no matter what direction one is coming from. The closest interstate is route 84, which runs in a north-south direction connecting Hartford with the Massachusetts Turnpike. From I-84, fans will have to navigate local highways to the UConn campus. For fans traveling by train or bus to UConn, be aware that there are no stations in the town of Storrs. However, the Union Station Shuttle transports round trip from the Storrs campus to Union Station in Hartford. The closest airport to the UConn campus is Bradley International Airport just north of Hartford. Shuttles are available to the airport from the university. The Freitas Forum is located on the southwest edge of the University of Connecticut campus in eastern Connecticut. Adjacent to the hockey rink are several other athletic fields and buildings, as well as the impressive Shenkman training center and Gampel Pavilion, the largest on-campus basketball arena in New England. For fans requiring special seating once at the Freitas Forum, access to much of the rink is not available to you. The seating areas are only accessible by climbing a set of stairs to reach the seats. However, fans requiring special seating will be pleased to know that the handicapped seating is located directly on the glass at the end of rink. There are one set of bathrooms located in the main lobby. The restrooms are surprisingly large for a venue of this size. There were no lines to be found, even during intermission. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a UConn hockey game are very inexpensive for collegiate hockey at this level, with reserved seats going for a mere $8. Reserved tickets will get you a seat on the larger side of the arena, where there are nine rows of metal bleachers. The last row of the bleachers has seatbacks, while the other rows consist of only benches. The remainder of the arena consists of general admission seating, which cost $7. There are six rows of bleachers on the far end of the arena, also consisting of metal benches without seatbacks, with the exception again being the last row, which has seatbacks. There are five rows of bleachers on either end of the rink. Seniors can attend a UConn game for $4, and tickets will cost students a mere $3. Parking is free in the spacious lot adjacent to the Freitas Forum. The lot is large enough that there is no backup after the game, and fans can be on their way home quickly. The prices at UConn rank them as one of the most affordable options in all of college hockey. Extras 1 The Freitas Forum does not contain a lot of the bells and whistles one would find in many athletic venues these days. There are a few trophy cases scattered around the spacious lobby that showcase mementos from UConn hockey’s short history. Final Thoughts At UConn, hoops are king (and queen), and football is gaining quickly in popularity. Hockey, in many regards, seems to be nothing more than an afterthought. The Huskies have only been playing at the Division One level since 1998, and have not enjoyed a winning season since 2000. The hockey program does not offer scholarships, and it is difficult to maintain a winning program with such a restriction. Granted, the basketball teams cast an enormous shadow over the rest of the athletic program, but the hockey team cannot escape this large shadow with the restrictions currently in place. The Freitas Forum, while perfectly serviceable, does not match up with the top-notch facilities enjoyed by many other athletic programs at the university. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Androscoggin Bank Colisee 190 Birch St Lewiston, ME 04240 Androscoggin Bank Colisee website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 4,000 Temporary Home for the Pirates The Androscoggin Bank Colisee, formerly known as the Central Maine Youth Center, is perhaps best known as the site of one of sport’s most iconic photographs, that of Muhammad Ali (at the time known as Cassius Clay) standing over Sonny Liston, taunting Liston after knocking him down during their heavyweight championship boxing match on May 25, 1965. Although the Colisee is located in the small city of Lewiston, it has hosted its share of notable teams and events. The Maine Nordiques of the long-defunct North American Hockey League called the Colisee home from 1973 to 1977, and the Lewiston Maineiacs of the Quebec Major Junior League played here from 2003-2011. In addition, the Colisee has hosted the NCAA Division III Frozen Four and annually hosts the Maine High School State Championships. The Boston Celtics would regularly play exhibition games here during the 1960’s. As mentioned before, the Heavyweight Championship of the world was decided here in 1965. The Portland Pirates came to the Colisee as an interim tenant while their home rink, the Cumberland County Civic Center, was renovated following the 2013 American Hockey League playoffs. Renovations were to be so extensive as to make the rink unavailable until well into the 2013-2014 season. Originally, the Pirates were to begin the season with a road-heavy schedule, playing their first 13 home games in Lewiston. However, a contact dispute between the Pirates’ ownership and the CCCC board of trustees over concession revenues forced the team to look for a temporary home for the remainder of the 2013-2014 season. In stepped the Colisee, providing the Pirates with a consistent home in the Portland area for the entire season. As of this writing of this review in December, no resolution to the contract dispute has been reached, leaving the future of the Pirates very much in doubt. Food & Beverage 3 For an arena of its size, the Colisee has more variety in its concessions than one might expect. Still, the menu does not vary too far from standard arena fare. Recent renovations included the addition of the new Tim Horton Food Court, where the hungry hockey fan can purchase hot dogs ($3), chicken nuggets ($5), hamburgers ($3.50), pizza slices ($3.50), as well as various sides and snacks. Pepsi products are featured here, with 16 ounce bottles selling for $2. For fans seeking adult beverages can find pony-sized cans of Miller Lite ($4), Sam Adams ($5), and Labatt Blue ($7) at the pizza stand. Other stands sell Dippin’ Dots and pretzels for fans looking for snacks. There is a small souvenir stand near the entrance to the arena, selling a nice variety of Pirates gear. Atmosphere 3 The Colisee does not offer anything out of the ordinary as far as game presentation goes. The typical arena rock music blares from the speakers during play stoppages, and there is an emcee roaming the arena giving away items to fans and chatting with players during intermissions. The Pirates hold 50/50 and jersey raffles during each game. The mascot, Salty Pete, is available throughout the game for photo ops with young fans. For the most part, fans here are quiet and respectful. It is possible to hear the players barking out instructions to each other throughout the game, as it is very quiet in the Colisee during game play. Unfortunately, the game atmosphere at the Colisee lacks much of the passion and edge that was present at the CCCC. An interesting aspect of the Colisee’s physical layout is the fact that the locker rooms are quite small, especially by today’s standards. This requires the visiting team to spill out past the constraints of the locker room into the hallway under the stands for their exercise bikes, glove racks, skate sharpeners, and other equipment. Fans walking in this area are likely to run into several members of the visiting squad going through their pre-game routines. While this is a charming, old-school type of quirk, it can only be viewed as a nuisance for the players. The Pirates are a team in limbo for the 2013-2014 season. As a result, the front office is in the unenviable position of trying to market the team to what is potentially a lame-duck market while trying not to alienate their traditional fan base. While attending a Pirates game at the Colisee, it is clearly evident that all references to the city of Portland have been removed from uniforms, team gear, literature, and in-game announcements. Neighborhood 2 Lewiston is the second largest city in Maine, located 45 minutes northwest of Portland. Its twin city, Auburn is located across the Androscoggin River, and the two cities are usually linked together as a single entity. The combined population of Lewiston/Auburn is roughly 60,000, making it one of the smaller cities in the American Hockey League. The Colisee is located on the outskirts of the downtown area of Lewiston, a former industrial city on the Androscoggin River. Like many similar cities in the northeast, the downtown area suffered from neglect once the economy faded and businesses closed. The area around the arena is mostly residential, with businesses concentrated along the riverfront. Fans looking for dining options or lodging in the immediate vicinity of the Colisee will be disappointed, as there is nothing to be found right next to the arena. With Bates College located less than a mile away, the lack of any eateries was fairly surprising. Fans willing to take a short drive to the riverfront in Lewiston or across the river into Auburn will be rewarded by several dining options. In particular, the area around the Auburn mall features several national chain restaurants and hotel chains for the out of town hockey fan. Most fans will opt to stay in Portland, where the options are much more plentiful. Fans 2 It is a difficult task to assess and grade Pirates fans at this point. Even though the Pirates have committed to play the entire 2013-2014 season in Lewiston, their immediate future is still very much in limbo. Lewiston is located only a 45 minute drive from the Pirates’ fan base in Portland, yet very few of the fans make the drive north on I-95 on a regular basis. Likewise, fans in Lewiston have been slow to embrace the Pirates, as they are most likely only a temporary stop for the team. The Pirates have averaged only 2500 fans per game through the first three months of the season, ranking the team only 29th out of the 30 AHL teams. The Pirates had a relatively small season ticket holder base while playing in Portland, and less than half of these season ticket holders have renewed their plans for the year in Lewiston. Access 2 Interstate 95 runs through Lewiston, connecting travelers to Bangor, located two hours to the north, Portland, 45 minutes to the south, and points beyond. The city of Boston is only a two hour drive from Lewiston. The Oak Street Bus Station offers routes to Bangor and Boston, at which point travelers can connect to other destinations. Although there is a small airport in Auburn, most travelers will choose to fly out of the nearby Portland International Jetport. The Colisee is located at the edge of the downtown district, and the traveling hockey fan will need to wind through the city streets for approximately a mile before coming to the arena. There are three small lots adjacent to the Colisee for events, and they are more than adequate for a typical Pirate crowd. In addition, there is on-street parking available in the immediate vicinity of the arena, and many locals choose this parking option. The Box Office is located in an enclosed area at the entrance to the arena. Once inside, fans climb a narrow stairway to enter the newly renovated concourse/food court area. This area contains the majority of the food stands, a small pro shop, and a skate shop. Fans can access the seating area by passing through two vomitories, one on either side of the rink. There is a walkway in the front of the seating bowl that runs around the entire rink. Seats in the first couple of rows can offer obstructed views due to fans passing directly in front of these seats. Luckily, Maine fans know their hockey etiquette and rarely move about during play. Seats consist of individual wooden seats, except for the four corner sections, which consist of metal bleachers without seat backs. The last two rows of the seating bowl are plastic benches which have been crammed into a small space in an attempt to increase capacity. Fans should avoid these seats whenever possible. Bathrooms are located underneath the seating bowl, accessible by narrow hallways which run parallel on both sides of the rink. There are a men’s and women’s room on each side of the arena. The bathrooms are cramped, but adequate for the size of the crowds at the Colisee. Fans requiring handicapped seating will be pleasantly surprised by their seating location at the Colisee. Due the the age and layout of the arena, handicapped seating is located directly on the glass! Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Pirates games cost $12 for adults, and $10 for children and seniors. Purchasing your ticket on game day will add an extra $2 to your price. Parking in the lots adjacent to the arena costs $3, although on-street parking is plentiful and free right next to the Colisee. Many locals choose this option rather than spend the extra cash. With inexpensive concessions, affordable ticket prices, and cheap parking, going to a Pirates game will not break the bank. Extras 2 For fans interested in the history of the Colisee, there is a reproduction of newspaper articles from the Heavyweight Championship fight held here in 1965. Included in this exhibit is the photograph of Muhammad Ali towering over a fallen Sonny Liston after knocking him out in the first round of their bout. It is one of the most iconic sports photographs of all time, and it is amazing to think the fight took place in an arena so far off the beaten path. This exhibit is worth a look for any sports fan. A second extra point is awarded for the old-timey feel of a game at the Colisee. It’s not often that fans can get as close to the players during their pregame routines as is possible here. With hockey players being the friendly and accommodating people they are, it is entirely possible for fans to get up close and personal and have conversations with their favorite players before they take the ice. Final Thoughts What’s next for the Pirates? In its current configuration, the Colisee does not measure up as a venue for this level of hockey, and cannot be considered to be a long-term home for the Pirates. As of this writing, there are several rumored potential future homes for Portland’s hockey team: The Pirates and the Cumberland County Civic Center work out a lease agreeable to both parties, and the Pirates move back into downtown Portland next season. Enter into a partnership with the Maine Red Claws of the NBA’s Developmental League on the long-awaited Thompson Point Project, allowing the Pirates to move back within Portland City Limits. The Pirates break ground on a new arena in suburban Saco, adjacent to their current practice facilities. The Androscoggin Bank Colisee undergoes extensive renovations which allow the Pirates to remain in Lewiston. The Pirates team with interests in neighboring Biddeford to build a casino/arena complex. All of these potential sites are located within Portland’s established territory, so Pirate fans need not fear that the Pirates will be moving out of Maine anytime soon. Still, you never know… Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Taylor, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Roy Stewart Stadium 1401 North State Route 121 Murray, KY 42071 Murray State Racers website Roy Stewart Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 16,800 The Track Roy Stewart Stadium, built in 1973 and named for the former long-time football coach and athletics director, is affectionately known as “The Track” to long-time fans and alumni. The Track holds a respectable 16,800 people. The largest crowd to see a game since 2000 is 11,276 on October 28, 2000 versus Tennessee Tech. The largest crowd to see a game at The Track is 16,600 on Halloween versus Eastern Kentucky in 1981 (Frank Beamer was Murray’s head coach). A couple of high-profile coaches have paced the sidelines of Roy Stewart Stadium before becoming the household names we know today. Houston Nutt was head coach at Murray State from 1993 through the 1996 season before leaving for Boise State for one year and heading to Arkansas in 1998. Frank Beamer began coaching the Racers in 1981 and left Murray State after the 1986 season to take over at his alma mater, Virginia Tech. In other words, Frank Beamer’s last job before taking over at Tech was Murray State. Sure, that was 26 years ago, but you see me working over here. The playing surface was AstroTurf from 1996 through the 2006 season. FieldTurf was installed in 2007, and continues to be the artificial grass of choice for the Racers. 2007 also brought a new surface for the track that surrounds the field, new play clocks, and new goal posts. The first year of football at Murray State was 1924 and the first game was played on September 15th of that year, with the Races eking out a 27-25 win over Western Carolina. The Racers have won eight OVC titles to go along with five NCAA playoff appearances. Food & Beverage 3 Concession prices are very affordable. Don’t expect to pay any less for concessions at The Track than you would at your local high school game. On the other hand, don’t expect to find a selection any greater than a high school game. I still say the low cost outweighs the lack of snacking options: Soda: $2.50 (Regular), $3 (Large) Hot Cocoa/Coffee: $2 Water/Gatorade: $2 Chips: $1 Candy: $1.50 Popcorn: $2 Nachos: $3 Racer Dog: $3 Hamburger: $4 Atmosphere 4 Considering the skyline from your seats consists of breathtaking views of Cracker Barrel, Goody’s, Home Depot, Qdoba, Subway, Radio Shack, Big Lots, among other great American franchises, the atmosphere still has the charm of a small college football town. Racer One, the official horse of Murray State football, running around the track after each Racers touchdown is unique and adds a great amount of pageantry to the afternoon. Another plus — some may call it a minus — is there is no replay board and/or Jumbotron anywhere in sight. Some may say it would resemble a high school atmosphere. In my opinion, it resembles what college football was 15 years ago, at even the highest level. There was no need for huge high-tech ribbon boards, high-def screens the size of a city block. The only thing needed for a great college atmosphere was a cloudless blue sky, colorful leaves falling on crunchy grass, and an air temperature that is neither too cold nor too hot. Speaking of beautiful leaves, I give yet another nod to Murray State for the path of trees along the back of one end zone that provides an autumn backdrop that assures you that the pageantry of college football is served well in Murray, Kentucky. Neighborhood 3 You won’t be deciding on where to eat with much excitement, but you won’t be relegated to just fast food, either. The Cracker Barrel across the street is probably not the worst place in the world to eat, but if you’re in the mood for something unique, you will have to drive about 40 miles to Paducah. If you are looking for the standard fare of chain restaurants, you are within walking distance to most. Qdoba, Captain D’s, Subway and Burger King are also available for a quick bite before or after the game. Murray State’s campus is safe, welcoming, and a nice place to take in a college football game. Again, you won’t be blown away by any hipster coffee shops or a strip brimming with nightlife, but you will find a college campus full of proud students and alumni who are ready to welcome you to a college football Saturday at The Track. Fans 3 The Track is far from a sold-out house, but the fans that come out to watch a game are there to actually watch the game, not to be seen. Nothing stands out as far as gameday traditions — not counting the horse, but this is about the fans and I don’t believe I’m allowed to count the horse — or mass amounts of tailgating, but the fans in attendance don’t let the surrounding empty seats keep them from cheering for their Racers. Access 5 The Track is right in the heart of Murray, Kentucky. Driving in the from the east, the stadium comes into view to the right at about the exact same time Kroger and Burger King become visible on your left. There’s a good chance you could watch the Racers in action on the field from one of the Hinkle Chair rocking chairs on the front porch of Cracker Barrel, as the only set of seats stands behind the north sideline. Return on Investment 4 If buying from Ticketmaster, the most expensive ticket is $25.50, with the cheapest ticket being $12.50. If you are traveling to see your team play at Murray, or if you are in the area and looking for a game to attend on a fall Saturday, you can do so without spending an arm and a leg. This isn’t an SEC Saturday atmosphere, but it does football Saturdays justice. Extras 4 I think the lack of extras give Murray State a few bonus points. Some people want the creature comforts of a modern stadium like the Jerry Dome in Dallas, while some people are Wrigley Field/Fenway Park types. Both types of stadiums are great in their own way, so long as you know what you’re getting into before you arrive at your venue of choice. It’s no different if you are visiting The Track on a given autumn Saturday. Final Thoughts If you are looking for the theme park shopping mall feel of a Cowboys Stadium, a Murray State game will leave you very disappointed at the end of the day. On the other hand, if you go to Murray, Kentucky expecting a campus and stadium overflowing with a throwback charm that has recently faded from the college game, you will be very pleased with your visit.

Photos by Rick Gillespie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Eccles Coliseum 99 S 1100 West Cedar City, UT 84720 Southern Utah Thunderbirds website Eccles Coliseum website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 8,500 Mountains, Thunder, and Football At an elevation of 5,600 feet and nestled in the heart of Utah’s Color Country, you would be hard-pressed to find a football stadium with a more picturesque setting than Eccles Coliseum on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. The facility has been home to Thunderbird football since 1967. The 8,500 seat stadium was renovated in 1997 and has since undergone several upgrades, the most recent coming in 2012 when the grass field was replaced with Hellas Matrix turf. Located on the extreme western edge of the campus and adjacent to Interstate 15, the Grecian-themed stadium is also home to SUU’s track & field teams and includes the Harris Center, the practice facility for the school’s nationally ranked gymnastics team. The stadium is also used for many community events, the largest of which is the opening ceremonies for the Utah Summer Games. It also plays host to the Special Olympics and many high school track & field meets. The Olympic Torch passed through the stadium on its way to Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympics. A large memorial to the event sits at the south end of the stadium. 2002 Winter Olympics Memorial, Photo by Rick Gillespie, Stadium Journey The Thunderbirds have enjoyed relative success over the years, but have been much more successful since head coach Ed Lamb joined the program in 2008. They won the Great West Conference championship in 2010 and have done well against conference teams since joining the Big Sky Conference in 2012. They earned their first FCS playoff berth in 2013, losing in the first round. If you want to see the Thunderbirds win at home your odds are decent as SUU has gone 18-11 on its home field since 2008 (through 2013). With a student body of around 7,000 and situated in a city of 25,000 people, the size of the stadium is proportionate to its audience. It’s a good place to catch some good college football action and what it lacks in size and variety, it makes up for in affordability. Food & Beverage 3 The offerings at the concessions stands are average. They offer the standard fare you would expect – hot dogs, hamburgers, etc., but also offer things like Polish sausages, pulled pork sandwiches, and barbequed chicken legs. Everything is priced between $3.75-$4.75. They also have popcorn and nachos for about $3. They serve Coke products from the fountain and have bottled water and hot chocolate available (this came in handy as the game I attended took place during a snow storm). They offer a drink called “Thor’s Nectar,” named after the team’s mascot Thor, which is essentially a mixture of sprite and fruit punch. As this is a highly conservative area, there is no alcohol allowed or served in the stadium. Attendees may not bring outside food or drink into the venue. There is a concession stand just inside the northwest entrance that is built in as part of the stadium. There are also concession booths near the two southern entrances that are each basically a pair of 10′ x 10′ portable canopies. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere is one of the best I’ve been to for several reasons. At the beginning of the football season the weather in most places is unbearably hot, but with late summer temperatures in the mid 80’s the first half of the season in Cedar City is optimal outdoor weather. Add the scenic red mountains that sit to the east and the view of the historic and beautiful campus in the foreground, and finding a nicer place to watch a game is hard to do. Late-season games can be subject to inclement weather as snow typically begins to fall between the end of October and the middle of November. There are no covered seats within the general admission area. The two south entrances are wheelchair accessible while the west and north entrances require the climbing of stairs. Handicapped seating is available around the main concourse of the stadium as well as in section E (the furthest north section on the west side of the field.) The home side of the field is divided into two sections. The top half has chair back seating while the bottom half consists of metal bleachers. The south end of the home side has cement bleachers that extend beyond the end of the grandstands to the south end zone. The student section is located in the middle section of the lower bleachers and is usually the most crowded part of the stadium. The visitors side is made up of eight rows of bleachers with handicapped seating at the top which is accessible from the main concourse. Because of the smaller size of the venue, fans can get a good view of the field from any seat. A large scoreboard behind the north end zone provides game coverage as well as replays so you can see the action no matter where you are. There are suites available but the prices and availability are not listed on the SUU website or at the ticket window. There is usually a pep band at each game except during bad weather. They assume the usual responsibilities but do not perform a halftime show. That privilege falls upon the SUU Waukeenyans, a troop of dancing girls who perform various routines. Halftime activities include eating contests and fan spotlights where the PR staff single out a pair of fans and put them on the scoreboard before giving them a prize. There are also cheerleaders at each game performing stunts and shooting T-shirts into the crowd. When I attended in late November the cold weather seemed to hamper their ability to get the crowd going. The Thunderbirds’ mascot Thor is also present but doesn’t do much and is rarely visible. The public address announcer is upbeat and does a good job of helping to give the crowd something to cheer about. Neighborhood 3 The stadium sits two block from the area of town known as “Hamburger Alley,” a busy street with many fast food chain restaurants. There is an IHOP and a Denny’s within walking distance, but if you want to eat at a nice restaurant you’re going to have to drive. A couple of miles to the south is the Providence Center where many chain eateries (Applebee’s, Chili’s, etc.) draw large crowds on weekends. About a mile to the east is historic Main Street which boasts several more dining options, many of which are unique to Cedar City. Should you choose to walk, the neighborhoods are clean and safe and will show you the small-town charm that exists here. When you’re not at the game there’s plenty to see and do in Cedar City and the surrounding areas. This is a huge performing arts community that has several theatres and festivals including the Utah Shakespeare Festival and the Neil Simon Festival. If you enjoy Shakespeare or other types of plays, you won’t have a problem finding something to do after the game. If the bar is more your style, sadly your options are limited. Most of the chain restaurants have bars in them but there are only two “bars” in Cedar City. Mike’s Tavern is a small bar not far from campus. It’s pretty low-key and not too crowded so it’s easy to stop in for a drink or grab a burger. If you’re looking for more of a party, Toadz is just a few blocks away. It’s a popular weekend hot spot that features a sports bar and a restaurant offering everything from burgers to chicken to fish tacos. Fans 4 The fans here are loyal, but not overbearing so visitors will always feel welcome. They are fairly knowledgeable of the rules of the game and will not hesitate to call out the refs if they disagree. As long as the team is doing well they stay pretty animated. Thunderbird Fans, Photo by Rick Gillespie, Stadium Journey Access 5 The stadium is easily accessible from Interstate 15 and is about two miles from the Cedar City Airport. There are parking lots on the east, west, and south sides of the venue and parking is free. The east and south lots enter onto the visitors side of the field. Restrooms are handicap accessible and are located near the southwest entrance and are kept nice and clean. There is no security check at the gate, but there are law enforcement personnel both on the field and throughout the concourse so attendees should feel safe. The games are broadcast on SUU’s radio station KSUU 91.1 FM. If you have online capabilities you can keep track of live game statistics at www.suu.statbroadcast.com. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $7 – $18 which makes going to a game pretty affordable. To be honest, the $7 seats have just as good a view of the field as the $18 seats and are much closer to the action. The only difference is the $18 seats have backs and armrests. Groups of 15 or more can get a group discount. Overall I would say the price of admission and food is worth the experience, but I would have a hard time paying much more. Extras 4 Gameday programs are available. Being a member of the local media I got mine for free, but with the quality of the publication and value added with discount coupons to local businesses I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one. Booths near the two south entrances also sell SUU apparel. The prices are what you would expect from a college retailer. Locals may want to consider signing their children up in the Thunderbird Kids Club. The cost is $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional child. This will allow them to attend all home games for half price. I’ll add something here that may pertain to the neighborhood but encompasses a larger area. Cedar City is located within a few hours of five national parks: Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Great Basin. If you’ve got a day or two to spend in the area these parks are a great way to spend your time. For just $25 you can get into all the parks for up to seven days and enjoy the natural beauty for which Utah is famous.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 WIN Entertainment Centre Cnr Crown St & Harbour St Wollongong, NSW 2500 Australia Illawarra Hawks website WIN Entertainment Centre website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,000 Basketball in the Gong The WIN Entertainment Centre (WEC) is located in the heart of Wollongong. It was opened in 1998 and has a capacity of approximately 6,000 for basketball. The Centre hosts numerous events and concerts in addition to basketball and sits in a picturesque location directly across from Wollongong’s City Beach. With WIN Stadium next door, the area is a focus for sport and entertainment. Recently there has been a push to revamp the WEC into a major convention centre. Wollongong, known colloquially as The Gong, is a coastal city just south of Sydney and the major centre of the Illawarra region. The Illawarra is a narrow strip of land with the coast on one side and an escarpment on the other, creating an attractive geographical setting. The area has a strong working class background in coal mining, steel, manufacturing, and stevedoring. However Wollongong is slowing moving towards a more service based economy, led by the University of Wollongong and a growing culture of innovation, particularly in IT. The Hawks entered Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) in 1979 and are the last remaining foundation club. Previously known as the Illawarra Hawks, the club has experienced moderate success over the years with a championship in 2001. The club is owned by the local community and has experienced several tough financial periods throughout its history. The Hawks are currently the only local team in a top-level national professional sporting league and as such traditionally receive strong local support. Food & Beverage 3 There are several food stands available around the WEC. Hot food items include nachos ($8.80), pulled beef roll ($8.70), chicken wings ($8.30), and hot chips. Sandwiches ($6.80) along with chips and chocolates are also available. Popcorn and ice cream stands are also located inside the arena. Drinks can be purchased from the bar with Pure Blonde ($7.30), Carlton ($6.80), Victoria Bitter ($6.50), wine by the glass ($4.10), Strongbow ($8.20), Smirnoff ($11.40), Jim Beam ($11.40) and Canadian Club ($11.40) among the options available. Soft drinks (Coke products), water, and coffee are also on offer. Be aware that while not all food stands are in operation, those that are sufficiently service the level of crowds that the Hawks currently attract. The food and beverage options are adequate, but if you are after something more substantial I suggest visiting one of the many local restaurants before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The Hawks have a proud history in the Illawarra. They set the scene well with activities set up around the entrance to the arena. It is a pleasant place to be with a buzz around the area and the beach across the road. Hawks games are generally family friendly with many children in attendance. The Hawks have retired five numbers and these are displayed, along with their Championship banner. There are video boards at either end of the arena that display scores and statistics. Throughout the game the crowd is kept engaged in the contest by enthusiastic announcers, the Hawks Cheer Girls and Junior Cheer Squad, and contests involving fans. The Hawks have two mascots; Moe Hawk and Tomma Hawk. I recommend getting to the game early to watch the warm up and walk around the arena before taking your seat. Both teams are introduced prior to tip off and enter with a “bang.” The Hawks also have a tradition whereby the crowd is encouraged to stand and clap until the away team scores a basket. All seats in the house are offering clear views with good opportunity to move around and take advantage of different viewpoints. The crowd does get quite rowdy at times, and are especially parochial. The WEC is an enjoyable and vibrant place to see a basketball game, especially when the Hawks are winning and they are drawing big crowds. However, during the 2013 season the Hawks are drawing just over 2,000 per game, which hurts the overall atmosphere somewhat. Neighborhood 5 Despite its working class origins, the CBD of Wollongong is undergoing a transformation with a growing trend towards small boutique bars, cafes and outdoor entertaining. Nearby Crown Street Mall is being renovated to make the major shopping centre in Wollongong a more vibrant and modern space. Options for dining and entertainment are plentiful. Corrimal St is home to many restaurants, cafes and pubs. Some of the newer hip destinations include Dagwood, and His Boy Elroy. The North Wollongong Hotel (the “North Gong”), a short drive away, is always a popular choice of pub for locals. The WEC complex itself also includes the Illawarra Brewery; a modern space with dining and bars offering a choice of nine handcrafted beers brewed on site. In addition, two new restaurants have opened beneath the new grandstand in the adjacent WIN Stadium; Chargoal (Mediterranean) and Char Char Bar & Grill (Modern Australian and South African). A couple of my personal local favourites include Gigi’s Restaurant and Bar (Italian), Ghedias (Indian), and Cold Rock Ice Creamery (desserts). For those travelling from out of town, Wollongong is a great destination. Two major hotels are located close by; the Chifley, and the Novotel at North Beach. The “Blue Mile,” which stretches from Flagstaff Hill to North Beach, highlights the stunning coastline. The area has numerous surf beaches as well as the sheltered Belmore Basin for those looking to enjoy the water. While the two major hotels in the area are the Chifley and the Novotel Northbeach, there are also numerous motels, rental apartments, and caravan parks offering accommodation. Fans 4 While Hawks fans are devoted and support their team well, there has been a decline in attendance in recent times. Although long-serving stalwarts Glen Saville and Mat Campbell have recently retired, fans still connect well with favourite players such as Larry Davidson and Tyson Demos. Wollongong is proud of the Hawks and the crowd is generally quite vocal in support of their town and team. This is especially the case when they play arch rival, the Sydney Kings. Additionally, many attendees sport Hawks merchandise. The crowd is generally well natured, and are loud. The fans know the players and follow the game intently. The Hawks would be hoping to improve their on-court performance to attract more of the locals back to their games. Access 4 The WEC is relatively easy to access given its central Wollongong location. Parking is adequate. Free parking in the CBD area fills very quickly although I’d suggest trying the Burelli St car park as you might get lucky. There are several paid parking options close by. The Stewart St car park charges $5 for events and is only a short walk away. Driving or walking is probably your best option although Wollongong Train Station is about a 15 minute walk away. The Illawarra is accessed via several major roads. If you are heading south from the M1 (F6) freeway, then it connects the region with Sydney. From Western Sydney the M7 links with the Hume Hwy (M31) and Appin Rd or Picton Rd. While in most cases the drive is quite easy, an accident or holiday traffic can cause massive delays. If you are driving from Sydney, allow some extra time just in case, and choose your game carefully. Once inside the venue it’s quite easy to move around both the exterior and interior of the arena. Restrooms are easy to locate, relatively large, and clean. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for adults range from $25 to $95, with discount opportunities for children, students, pensioners, and families. Pricing is reasonable and is comparable with other NBL venues. It’s great to be at floor level, but even if price is an issue, then the cheaper seats still provide a good view and allow you to experience the vibe of a Hawks game. Extras 3 The Hawks are very active in the local community and work hard to engage and energise the area, for which they deserve recognition. There is a well-stocked team store within the Centre with numerous items available for purchase. An extra point is also awarded for the stunning views around the area – particularly if you are travelling from outside the region in order to attend a game. It’s worth taking the time to stop at one of the lookouts above the escarpment which affords magnificent views of the Pacific coastline – pull over at Bulli Tops before you ascend down the Pass or Mt Ousley. Final Thoughts A Hawks game at WIN Entertainment Centre is always fun. They’re a community club and their game day experience reflects that passion that locals have for their club.

Photos Courtesy of AlcornSports.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Davey Whitney Complex Alcorn State University Lorman, MS 39096 Alcorn State Braves website Davey Whitney Complex website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 7,000 Home of the Braves Named after former basketball coach Davey Whitney, the Davey Whitney Complex has hosted Alcorn State basketball since the 1970s. Food & Beverage 3 If you come to a game at Alcorn State hungry, you have made a major mistake (see the neighborhood section below). That said, if you need a snack at the game, you can get the usual fare (popcorn, soda, hot dogs, etc.) at the game for reasonable prices. If you are looking for fancy gourmet, you will likely be disappointed, but there are enough options to keep you happy during the game. Perhaps more importantly, the concessions are at a reasonable enough price that you and the kids can stay full for around $20 to $30. Atmosphere 3 Walking into the Davey Whitney Complex feels a bit like walking into a larger high school basketball game. As far as the atmosphere at the games, it often depends on the crowd. If you catch the game with a hot crowd, it can be loads of fun, but if you catch a blowout with a dead crowd, staying the entire time can feel like a chore. The SWAC has its share of heated rivalry games, so pick the right night (perhaps against Jackson State) and enjoy your trip to Lorman. Neighborhood 4 If you are going to eat at one place in Lorman, make sure you swing by Mr. D’s Old Country Store. The outside might be a little scary, but the inside is amazing. The buffet has southern food at its finest, with fried chicken earning the spotlight. When Alton Brown of the Food Network says it is the best fried chicken in the world, it must be amazing. While it is not within walking distance, you need to make the fifteen-minute drive to dine here. A trip to Lorman, located in Jefferson County, one of the oldest counties in Mississippi, also provides the chance to step back in time a bit, so take advantage of the bed and breakfasts in the area, such as the Rosswood Plantation. Natchez, one of the first cities in Mississippi, is a close trip, as well. If you have time, it is worth a visit for the day or the weekend. If you head to Natchez, make sure to hit up Fat Mama’s Tamales. The tamales are great, and so are the margaritas. Fans 3 While the crowds may not always be large, the fans in attendance do support the Braves on the court. Any time fans can keep their energy level high through two basketball games, they should be commended. As far as seating in the venue, fans are going to have a good seat no matter where they choose. However, the best bet is to sit in the chair backs in the lower portion of the stadium. Most fans will be in this area, and you will have a more comfortable viewing experience than sitting on the bleacher seats. Access 3 Lorman, Mississippi, is somewhere you either intend to visit or get to by complete accident. That said, getting to Lorman is not too difficult of a process, and a trip to Lorman can provide a reason to take a trip on the Natchez Trace. The drive home can be a bit tricky at night due to winding roads, so use caution when traveling after the game. As mentioned above, there are some pretty solid places to visit within an hour of Lorman, so making a weekend trip to the area is well worth it. Return on Investment 3 One of the bonuses of going to a SWAC basketball game is that the women and men almost always play back-to-back games, giving fans two games to attend. For fans of basketball, this provides a chance to get twice the value for the ticket price. While the next NBA star probably will not be on the floor that night, several players who will go on to play professionally in other leagues will be playing. The overall value of the experience is pretty good. Extras 3 If you are looking to experience basketball off the beaten path, a trip to Alcorn State is well worth your time. You may not see big-time basketball, but you will see players who are playing hard trying to maximize the games left in their careers. While ticket prices continue to climb in the hotbeds of basketball, fans can get a near-courtside experience in Lorman, eat all they want, and leave without shelling out over one hundred bucks.

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Holt Arena 550 Memorial Dr Pocatello, ID 83209 Idaho State Bengals website Holt Arena website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 8,000 Basketball at Holt Arena While having attended an Idaho State University (ISU) football game and a rodeo in the Holt Arena, I fully expected this trip to Pocatello for an ISU men's basketball game to be equally as forgettable. However, this visit in Jan 2013, actually left me pleasantly surprised and I found myself questioning my past opinions of the arena. With only a very modest sized crowd, the Holt Arena was deafening and intimidating as the Bengals went on to beat Sacramento State 60-59. Opened in 1970, the Holt Arena is a half dome reminiscent of a large airplane hanger. Unassuming from the outside, the multipurpose arena offers several different seating arrangements that allow for different sports, concerts, and entertainment events. Logistically, hosting any event in the middle of a football stadium is crazy. The various courts and stages that are installed make up only a small fraction a football field square footage. Fortunately for Bengal basketball fans, ISU seems to have it down to a fine art. In order to not separate the crowd from the game and eliminate the home court advantage, the court is brought close to the permanent north bleachers and temporary bleachers surround the three sides of the court. Respectable for its size even with temporary bleachers, the arena boasts 8,000 seats during basketball games and a 12,000 (permanent) seating capacity for football games. Many of the dome's features are unavailable during the basketball game such as the video boards, or family friendly play place. Food & Beverage 1 Holt Arena offers just a very small number of food vendors, serving very limited and standard game time treats. During basketball games, the south side of the arena is closed, which further reduces the available options. The concession prices are surprisingly fair considering that there is no alcohol being sold to subsidize the prices. Atmosphere 2 The arena is adorned with trophies, plaques, and sports memorabilia from throughout the school's past, giving the facility a feeling of past sports legacy and special moments. However as the student body is virtually nonexistent, you're instantly struck with confusion wondering which is the home team. Luckily for this game, the hometown fans showed up in the second half. The heavy (ugly) insulated roof helped lend to the incredible noise that the small crowd produced. Neighborhood 3 Settled at the south end of Pocatello, Idaho State University is surrounded by older and well kept single-family homes, which slightly separates the school as the more active part of the town. Having learned from past experiences of trying to find original restaurants around the university, we talked to the other spectators and got two solid recommendations. Portneuff Brewery, a traditional polish brewery, and Butterburr's which is a family diner. As a winter storm was starting to settle in, we opted for Butterburr's, which was closer to our hotel. The large diner was filled to capacity, and the locals were really piling in. The soups are warm and homemade, and the pies hit the right spot. I will definitely be returning again for their Cheddar Broccoli soup. Fans 3 While I remain underwhelmed at the complete lack of a student section from ISU, I am extremely impressed with the amount of local hometown support the team seems to have. Families and local residents don the orange and black to support the Bengals. While the Bengals struggled to get things going during the first half, the fans didn't waiver. The second half was loud, intense, and actually kept my attention. Access 5 From the freeway, to parking, to the seats is less than 10 minutes. One unique feature that I noticed during this trip is Bengal tiger paw prints painted on the roads throughout town, all of which lead you to the Holt Arena. I have never waited in line at the box office, restrooms, or concessions. The small attendance reduces all congestion, and traffic flow before, during, and after the basketball game. Return on Investment 3 Even though the men's basketball games uses just a portion of Holt arena's potential, the $15 ticket I bought, allowed me to attend one of the best college games I have attended in quite some time. While I'm not a Bengals fan, I will absolutely be looking into attending again. Extras 0 Nothing that should be considered extra.

Photos by Taiyuan Banks-Tillman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Golden Lions Stadium 1200 University Dr Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions website Golden Lions Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 16,000 Football is Golden In 2000, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff opened their new 16,000-seat stadium known as Golden Lion Stadium. The team is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and took home the conference football championship in 2012. This may not be major destination for college football fans, but if you do make the trip to central Arkansas, you can expect to find a welcoming atmosphere, filled with southern hospitality. Food & Beverage 2 There are plenty of concession stands, but like many stadiums, there never seems to be enough at halftime. If you’re thinking about getting something to eat in the stadium, consider sneaking out to the concourse a little before halftime to avoid the lines. Better yet, eat before you go, or save your appetite for later. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere is always very welcoming. You really feel the southern hospitality. The school is doing a lot of things to enhance the campus, and if you have the time, it is worthwhile to walk around the campus a bit before the game. UAPB has a very strong alumni presence, and the school takes pride in making sure that new students are afforded opportunities to succeed. In the stadium, the view is amazing no matter where you sit. Most of the seating is bleachers, but there are also stadium seats available if you would like a more comfortable spit to watch the game. Neighborhood 2 The stadium is located near Lake Pine Bluff. For the most part, tailgating may be your best option for food before the game, although you can get fantastic BBQ turkey legs for just $5 from Markie D’s, or other street vendors around the stadium. About a mile and a half to the southeast of the stadium you can find the Tastesetter Eatery, and Colonial Steakhouse. The Tastesetter offers casual dining including a selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches. Colonial Steakhouse is the spot for carnivores, and they have an outstanding prime rib. Fans 3 The Golden Lion fans are welcoming to outsiders, and there is usually a good turnout for games. Access 3 Moving around the stadium is relatively easy. It can get a little congested at halftime as fans head for the concession or restroom, but overall, this is a very accessible facility. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are fairly expensive for this level of football. Bleacher seats go for $25 per game, while chairback seats go for $40. It isn’t a completely outrageous price, but feels just a little high for the overall experience. Extras 2 One extra point for UAPB being the home of defensive great L.C. Greenwood. One final extra point for the friendliness of fans and staff at UAPB.

Photos by Justin Sutton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium 1000 Alcorn Ave Lorman, MS 39097 Alcorn State Braves website Jack Spinks-Marino Casem Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 22,500 The Home of Alcorn State Football Located in one of the oldest parts of the Magnolia State, Alcorn State University sits in relative isolation when compared to many of the Division I universities around the country. However, when on campus, one will not feel that isolation, because Spinks-Casem Stadium, the home of the Alcorn State Braves, sits in the middle of the campus. Food & Beverage 2 If a fan is looking for a culinary experience at the stadium, they will walk away disappointed. That said, there are still pretty good deals to be had at an Alcorn State football game. Hot wings are available for six dollars, and turkey legs go for seven dollars. If someone is looking for a bit more, combo meals are available for six dollars. Hamburgers and pizza also come reasonably priced at the concession stand, and other items such as popcorn, nachos, and peanuts are sold, as well. The knock comes on the availability of the items. Perhaps it was because of the size of the crowd or the fact that the season was coming to a close when I visited, but none of the concessions stands had everything listed on the menu. Atmosphere 3 A trip to Spinks-Casem Stadium feels like a visit to a college football venue. With tailgates going on all around the stadium, the atmosphere is set for college football. When fans enter the stadium, they remain excited for the game about to take place. The stadium may not reach full capacity, but the crowd that attends keeps things lively during the contest, and the halftime shows almost always entertain. Neighborhood 2 To be honest, there is not much of a neighborhood to Alcorn State. The university just appears after a drive down Mississippi Highway 552. However, if you need to grab something before the game to eat, park in the general parking area. On the way into that parking area, there are three restaurants: The College Grill, Wingos, and Pattons. Also, this parking entrance is by the campus police station, which houses the only ATM on campus. However, fans who care about a culinary experience will make sure to hit up The Old Country Store on US 61 just about two miles south of the Highway 552 exit. The hours are limited (10am-5pm every day), so plan accordingly. If you do so, some of the best fried chicken in the world will be yours. Fans going to the game might be best served by making Natchez, a town located a little over an hour away, their base of operations for the weekend. Fans 3 Alcorn State fans care about their football team, and they expect to see a quality team on the field. Fans of all ages attend the games. It is not uncommon to see high school students and younger children at the game sitting next to much older fans. All of them stay very engaged in the game while enjoying the company of those around them. While the atmosphere is a bit more subdued than that of an SEC affair, it can still be fun. Access 2 There is no way around the fact that there is not an easy way to get to Alcorn State. Most will either travel north or south on US 61 or take the Natchez Trace (something that I would recommend for those not from the area) to get close to the stadium. Once there, parking can be a bit confusing, but it will be figured out. However, you will be on your own to figure it out, as there is not a large gameday operations staff helping with the situation after taking your money. Caution is advised coming home from night games at Alcorn State as deer love to dart across the highways in the area. Do not pay the $25 for VIP parking. It is not worth $20 more than the general admission parking. Return on Investment 3 Fans hoping to get into an Alcorn State game will look at paying $20 per ticket. Unless one has a rooting interest or a burning desire to see a game at Alcorn State, the price seems a bit too high. However, for a football game $20 is not that expensive of a ticket, so the price does work out to be fair, and if the right game is chosen, there can be NFL-caliber players in the contest. Extras 2 Steve McNair played his college ball at Alcorn State, and surprisingly, there does not appear to be anything celebrating this fact. Fans going to the game have no reason to not have Alcorn State attire. There are Barnes and Noble booths in the stadium, and many vendors set up temporarily along Highway 552 to sell their items.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kohl Center 601 W Dayton St. Madison, WI 53715 Wisconsin Badgers website Kohl Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 17,230 Basketball at Kohl Center Since opening in 1998, the Kohl Center has become one of college basketball’s most recognizable arenas. With a capacity over 17,000, it is larger than many professional arenas in the country. It has seen its fair share of memorable moments and Badger fans have created consistently great atmospheres at the Kohl Center. Food & Beverage 3 You’re not going to be disappointed by the selection of food at the Kohl Center, but you’ll by no means be blown away. They have everything they should, hot dogs, pretzels, all the basics. The most diverse item on any menu is going to be the specialty Johnsonville sausage. In walking around before the game, all the concession stands were also quite similar. No matter where you sit, you do not have to go very far to get whatever it is you want. Nothing is too expensive, either. As you might expect everything to eat is reasonably priced. Also, with it being a college building, there is no sale of beer. Coca-Cola is the beverage provider. Fountain drinks go for $3.50-$4.50, along with bottles of water ($4). Hot beverages are available including coffee, hot chocolate, and cappuccino ($3, or $6 in a travel mug). Atmosphere 4 For big games, the Kohl Center gets rocking. I was there when the Badgers were playing a 13-15 Purdue team on a Sunday afternoon, though, and it was quite a tame atmosphere. The last time I was at the Kohl Center was in December of 2011 when the Badgers took on in-state rivals Marquette. Obviously, there were Golden Eagles fans there as well, but the Kohl Center had a big-game feel to it. During my most recent visit in early 2013, a lot of the time it felt like more people were there just to hang out with friends and family. It was Senior Day, so I would have maybe expected a bit of a better atmosphere for the final home game of the season. Still, I know this was a bad day for the Kohl Center, so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. Neighborhood 5 Madison is a fantastic college town. While it may be bigger than most other ones, it is all about the Badgers and you’ll be hard-pressed to find somewhere you wouldn’t enjoy before or after a game. The Kohl Center is right on Wisconsin’s campus, making it easy to find somewhere to go before and after each game. Not only are you a couple blocks from the famous State Street (which has places like Gino’s, Hawk’s Bar and Grill, and local favorite Ian’s Pizza), but there are a few Madison favorites that you will have to choose from after a game. Badgerland Bar and Grill and the Nitty Gritty are the two closest places to go to from the Kohl Center, and both will likely be pretty crowded immediately following a game. They are both a five-minute walk from the arena. Whenever I have talked to people I know that go to Wisconsin about the popular bars in Madison, Wando’s always comes up. It may not be the nicest bar, but if you’re looking for an atmosphere after a Badger game I would be shocked if there weren’t a lot of people there. Chasers Bar and Grille on Gorham Street and the Blue Velvet Lounge on Gilman Street are also places that were recommended to me and when I was walking around after the game they both seemed pretty crowded, but not sloppy or anything like that. Fans 4 The student section was not nearly as raucous as I expected until the second half. On defensive possessions, there was pretty much no noise being made in the first half, and it was a bit disappointing. In fact, a group of Purdue students compiled three rows at the very top of the arena, and they were making a similar amount of noise when the Boilermakers were on defense. The crowd knows when to get behind their team, but don’t necessarily do so in a big way. I know against teams that are better than Purdue, the Kohl Center is a lot louder. Still, the fans could have been much more involved in the game in the first half. When the Badgers were down and trying to gain momentum, though, the Kohl Center got loud. They sensed when they needed to be on their feet and when their Badgers needed a little boost. I did ask someone just walking around a couple of questions about where to go for food and for a certain section, and the group of three stopped and helped me. The fans are nice enough where you can sit anywhere in the arena and be able to strike up a conversation about the game with whoever you’re next to. Something else that was underrated for me was the lack of movement during timeouts and the game. Fans are here to watch Badgers basketball and they focus on that. Even during media timeouts, there were not that many fans moving around to go to the bathroom or get food. One thing I did like and took note of at the Kohl Center was the organization of the fans. During some timeouts and songs played by the band and those played by the arena, fans were synchronized in their movements and also looked like they were always on the same page. For me, that’s what it should be like at a college basketball game. Wisconsin is a football school. Two friends of mine who recently graduated told me they would always do anything to go to a football game, but just going to a bar to watch the game on TV was sufficient for them for the men’s basketball team. That showed during my visit. Access 5 You will not have trouble finding parking around the Kohl Center, and you’re unlikely to have to pay more than $15. The lot I parked in was about two blocks from the arena, and I know there were plenty of other places to park within four or five blocks of the arena. Return on Investment 4 For a game against one of the lower teams of the Big Ten (one that is toward the bottom of the Big Ten standings) the cheapest ticket will be between $15 and $20. For bigger games, it may cost double that just to get into the arena. Still, you feel like part of a big family at the Kohl Center so it will be a unique experience and worth it. Extras 3 The Kohl Center really is a nice arena. It is built to keep all of the noise in the building and toward the court, and it is right in the middle of the campus. There may be not much to it as an arena, but the game presentation was good for me, as they had a lot of interaction with students for in-game contests and also focused on the band and cheerleaders. Once again, that’s refreshing for a college game. Through the front entrance, you find the Dale Chihuly glass sculptures, known as the Mendota Wall (representing nearby Lake Mendota). It’s a beautiful piece of art, even if you don’t know about Murano-style glass. Final Thoughts It’s a big arena to just host college basketball and hockey. When you are outside the Kohl Center, you probably think it’s the size of an NBA arena. While the capacity isn’t necessarily as high as a professional arena, the Kohl Center still is a large arena for college athletics. On the right day, it’s a great arena and a wonderful experience for any college basketball fan.

Photos by Brian Jones, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Theodore A. Wright Stadium 3219 College St Savannah, GA 31404 Savannah State Tigers website Ted Wright Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 8,500 The Wright Place For The Tigers Ted A. Wright Stadium has been the home of the Savannah State Tigers since 1967. However, Savannah State made major renovations in 2010-2011, which included improved locker rooms, ticket booths, concession areas and new FieldTurf. While the team has struggled to find wins over the years, Ted Wright Stadium is not a bad place to watch a college football game. It’s not a big stadium, and it looks more like it would be home to a big high school football team in Georgia. However, because of the fan support, which includes a lively student section and loyal alumni, the stadium is a fun place to take in football game in South Georgia. Food & Beverage 3 Because there are only two concession stands in the entire stadium, there isn’t a wide variety of food to choose from. That said, the food is not expensive, and that is never a bad thing. The most you will spend for an item is $5, which is the wings catered by Bojangles’. The stands also include hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and candy, all ranging from $2-$4. Another good thing about the concession stands is the wait is never too long, as there are numerous people working in each stand. Atmosphere 2 Ted Wright Stadium looks like a field for a large high school football team in Georgia. One reason is that there is a track circled around the stadium, which has been around since the stadium was originally built. The other reason is the scoreboard, which does not have a screen to watch any replays or the game itself. When you add the two concession stands, the stadium just doesn’t have that Division I college football feel that it should. Neighborhood 4 Savannah State is located near the center of Savannah, so there is always something to do. With the city of Savannah featuring some of the best restaurants in the country, you will never go hungry. Elizabeth on 37th is a highly recommended place, as well as Sweet Spice. Since Savannah is located off the coast, the beach is another option for visitors. South Beach has been a fan favorite for years because it’s clean and peaceful. If the beach is not for you, there are various museums to visit, as well as churches that have been around since almost the beginning of time. If you go to Savannah, go to River Street. There are numerous shops, bars and restaurants to keep patrons occupied all day. Fans 4 I have to give the fans credit. For as much as the team has struggled in recent years, they are as lively of a crowd as you will find, especially the students. They wear the school colors with pride, they get to the game on time and they even start their own chants. In fact, they even start to do the wave, which is unusual, because the bleachers don’t circle around the stadium. The home bleachers are located on one side, and the away bleachers are located on the opposite side. The one thing that stands out is the endless amounts of tents set up in front of the stadium for tailgating. As many games I’ve been to, I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s clear the fans love their team and will support them no matter what. Access 3 Parking at Ted Wright Stadium is accessible. as it only costs $10 to park on campus. Because the stadium is located near the end of the campus, there are buses to take fans to and from the stadium. Because the stadium is not like a normal college stadium, access from one side of the stadium to the other is not hard. With the stadium not being very big, getting to and from your seat is a breeze, and the concourse is not a maze like other college stadiums. Savannah State is located in one of the bigger cities in Georgia. If you want to drive or fly to watch a game, that is not an issue, since the university is located minutes from the airport, as well as Interstate 16. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for a game won’t cost you an arm and a leg. For a single-game ticket, it will cost around $20-$30, which is not bad, considering the team has not been a hot commodity in several years. The best place to sit is where the students sit, which is right near the middle of the home bleachers. They know how to have a good time, regardless of how the team is playing. Extras 3 Right near the home bleachers is a place where fans can get Savannah State gear. When I was there, fans were stocking up on the shirts and hats, and they were also getting free stuff like water bottles and seat cushions. The marching band is also a fun sight, as they keep it lively all game long. They played songs that ranged from TLC’s “Waterfalls” to Jay-Z “Holy Grail” on the day I visited. WHCJ is the radio station that broadcasts all the games for Savannah State. If fans want to listen to the game while they are in the stands, they have that option. Final Thoughts Ted Wright Stadium isn’t the best college stadium in Georgia, but it’s not a bad stadium either. From the loyal fans to the entertaining band, there is never a dull moment. If the team was in a better position in terms of success, the stadium would be a tremendous place for a game. Regardless, if you are in the Savannah area and want to take in some football on a Saturday afternoon, Ted Wright Stadium is a solid place to do just that.

Photo Courtesy of Stadiumconnection.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Rice–Totten Stadium 14000 Hwy 82 W Itta Bena, MS 38941 Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils website Rice–Totten Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 10,000 The Legacy of Jerry Rice If you are looking for a passionate fan base and a fun environment to watch a football game, Rice-Totten Stadium is definitely a good place to start. Itta Bena, Mississippi is what you may expect from a small southern town, and in many ways it protects a gem in the Delta Devils. With Jerry Rice and Deacon Jones as their most well-known athletic alumni, the Delta Devils bring a proud football tradition to the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Rice-Totten Stadium seats approximately 10,000 fans, and provides a fun small school feel. Food & Beverage 2 There is nothing wrong with the food and beverage choices offered in the stadium. In many ways, it is what you would expect for a small Southwestern Athletic Conference school. You are not going to pay a lot, and in return the variety is not all that great. The few tailgates set up around campus do have some unique food choices, and the fans are definitely friendly. Atmosphere 3 With numerous alumni in the National Football League, the Delta Devils fan base has high expectations for their team. They are passionate and interested in the game. They are also very proud of their team, no matter how it happens to be doing that Saturday. Overall it is an enjoyable venue to watch a football game. It is small enough to give you that personal feel, while still being at a college environment. Neighborhood 3 Itta Bena is a nice small southern town. It is proud of being home to the Delta Devils, and openly shows its pride. But Itta Bena is probably not a place where you are going to go to spend a weekend, as there is little to see besides the University. Greenwood is just about ten miles east on US-82, and there you will find a few hotels and a few chain restaurants. But visits to Memphis, Tennessee (two hours to the north) or Jackson, Mississippi (one hour and forty five minutes to the south) both provide plenty of entertainment if needed. The trip is definitely going to show you what the Mississippi countryside has to offer from either direction. Fans 3 The fans know their football, as they have seen some of the best in college and professional history play at Rice-Totten Stadium. The passion is definitely evident when you arrive and continues until you leave the campus. While not as large as some Southwestern Athletic Conference schools, Mississippi Valley State can definitely hold its own when it comes to loyalty amongst its fan base. Access 2 Once on campus, finding parking is not difficult, nor is finding the stadium. The drive in is a bit of a drain, with few close places to stay. The best bets are either Memphis, TN or Jackson, MS if you are looking to spend time in a larger city, both which leave long drives in on game day. The drive is definitely worth the experience overall. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices run $20-$35 on game days, with a discount for buying them early. The food is affordable, and the fans are passionate. Plus any place that has hosted Jerry Rice has to be worth the trip. On this, the Delta Devils do not disappoint. Extras 1 The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils and Itta Bena, Mississippi provide a fun and worthwhile journey into the small town south. Any fan of college football, or of greats like Jerry Rice and Deacon Jones definitely need to make the trip to Itta Bena. The fans will welcome you with open arms, and at the end of the drive, you will be glad you went on the journey.

Photos by Andy Pregler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Schoellkopf Field 513 Campus Rd Ithaca, NY 14853 Cornell Big Red football website Schoellkopf Field website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 25,597 Big Red Review of Schoellkopf Field Nestled in the rolling hills of Central New York is Cornell, a school known just as much for its academics as the beautiful plot of land the campus occupies. Tucked away on this historic campus is also a historic football stadium. Schoellkopf Field has been the home of the Big Red since opening in 1915. Now in its 98th season, the field has one of the most unique architectural features of a stadium that you'll find. The eastern stands are a huge sloping arch (aptly named "The Crescent) that from the outside, model a coliseum. The Crescent was added in 1924 as one of the eight main renovations the stadium has undergone. The largest crowd recorded at Schoellkopf Field was 35,300 when the Big Red defeated the Michigan Wolverines in 1951. Since 1970, the largest crowd Schoellkopf Field has seen was 23,000 when Cornell defeated Columbia in 1971. Cornell has five National Championships with the last coming in 1939. The Big Red also has three Ivy League championships with the last coming in 1990. Food & Beverage 3 The food offerings here are comparable to almost any other stadium across the country. The key is knowing what side of the stadium to go to. On the west stands beneath the press box, there are just two concession stands (in reality just one that is divided into two) that features the bare minimum of offerings: peanuts, candy, popcorn, pretzels, sodas, hot coffee, chocolate and teas. Ironically enough, these are the stands where most of the visiting fans and band sit! Under The Crescent is where to satisfy your in-game cravings. There are three large concession areas all with many more offerings. These include burgers, hot dogs, sausage, chili, chili dogs, cheese dogs, chicken fingers, fries and slushies along with the same offerings from the west stands. All of the food is priced fairly between $2-$7 dollars. Since Schoellkopf Field is an in-campus facility, no beer or alcohol is available on campus. Atmosphere 2 When you drive into Ithaca, you can't help but smile at just how beautiful and tranquil the area is. It brings you back to small town USA. This is similar to how I would describe the football game atmosphere. Before the action started, I found one small tailgate in the lot adjacent to the east stands near the band building. The marching band performs for the fans before marching into the stadium. As I wandered the stadium, it felt as if most of the fans for both sides were families of the players or families from the area looking for a way to create new young fans of the game of football. Talking to ushers, you immediately comprehend that they know most of the fans on a first name basis. The bands for Brown (visiting team) and Cornell were both active instead of the usual hard rock/pop music over a sound system. The stadium's scoreboard is located in south end zone and while it doesn't have all of the extra bells and whistles of jumbotrons, it does show a high quality video of the action on the field. And I'll give the cheerleaders for Cornell credit; they are loud and into the game even if the fans they are cheering to are not. Neighborhood 4 The area immediately around the Cornell campus will only keep you in the area longer. It's a built up area intended to cater to the students at the school and thus offers many choices when it comes to food and drink. I made a venture into the College Town area with a friend who goes to the school. It's a few (admittedly crammed) streets full of restaurants, coffee shops and student apartments just a five minute drive/fifteen minute walk from the stadium. If you like Greek/Mediterranean food, Aladdin's has fantastic authentic food at a good price with a nice selection of bottled beers and wines. If that's not your scene, Agava is a Mexican restaurant on the other side of campus that serves upscale Mexican food. If you venture into downtown Ithaca, multiple people have recommended the Ithaca Ale House. It's a place with great pub food and local beers and TV's for all sporting events. Fans 2 As seen in many of the pictures above, there were not great numbers when Cornell took on Brown in Oct, 2013. In fairness, it was the first weekend that Central New York was hit with "football weather," the trademarked cool temperatures with biting winds. Most of the seats taken are in between the thirty yard lines in the center part of The Crescent, which offer the best view of the entire field. However, almost no one was at the lowest section, leading many high schoolers to stand over the railing for a time. The cheerleaders are positioned in front of the band for most of the game as there is no discernible student section to be found. At this game, those who did brave the cold knew their football and were incredibly friendly and familiar with Cornell football. Some of the most unique views and seats are found as you walk the upper-most concourse on that east set of stands; there are folding chairs set up to watch from on top of The Crescent and have a bird's eye view of the action. Access 3 It is not my attempt at creative writing, when I say that Ithaca is nestled in the hills of Central New York. You exit I-81 at Cortland and proceed to take the New York State routes through Cortland and the winding hills and towns between the highway and Ithaca. It the fall, this drive is absolutely gorgeous with the changing leaves which perfectly coincide with football weather. It's best to find your way to Hoy Road as this will lead you to the campus entrance closest to Schoellkopf Field. After you've navigated your way to Cornell's campus, there is plenty of free parking just off the campus. However, on campus parking is cheap and available at lots scattered throughout the school or in the Hoy Garage. If you can nab a metered parking spot in the Garage, both the baseball field and Schoellkopf Field are adjacent to the garage. The garage will bring you to the northwest corner of the stadium, where you can find the visiting team's fan section and bleacher seating. Just walk around the north end zone and you'll be over at the west stands where most of the Cornell faithful will be and where I discovered the small tailgate with the band. Return on Investment 4 With adult admission seating at just $10, Schoellkopf Field offers tremendous value. You can grab great seats for your whole family for under $40 with their children rates, and food won't break the bank either. Factor in the wonderful neighborhood, the scenic drive and sights around the area and the relatively workable prices of food in the area and that weekend trip to Ithaca can be complimented with a quick swing to Schoellkopf to see some D1 football action. Extras 3 When you grab your seat at Schoellkopf Field, you'll notice a brick building in the north end zone modeled after an older style mansion but clearly much newer. This is the Schoellkopf Memorial Football Building where the offices of all of the coaches and staff are found as well as the teams locker rooms. The bottom level is where you'll find the band room and locker rooms and are off limits to the public. However, the top level is where you'll find the offices and a Hall of Fame area, commemorating legends of Cornell football. There is also a dining area for "select fans" with seating available on the terrace for these fans. Final Thoughts There is a special charm to Ithaca, NY and the Cornell campus. While it isn't an area that screams passion for football, Schoellkopf Field is a historic stadium with character that offers a family friendly atmosphere to watch a collegiate football game with all of the extras that make collegiate football different from anything else. Couple this with the friendly staff and fans and there is no reason not to swing by and watch the Big Red play if you're in the area for a weekend.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Amarillo Civic Center 401 S. Buchanan Amarillo, TX 79101 Amarillo Civic Center website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 4,912 The Newest Amarillo Hockey Team Editors Note: The Amarillo Bulls were replaced by the Amarillo Wranglers in the 2021–22 season and moved down the block to the Amarillo Ice Ranch. --- The Amarillo Bulls (NAHL – North American Hockey League) play in what’s known as the Budweiser Bull Center (the Coliseum) of the Amarillo Civic Center located in the Texas Panhandle. The Amarillo Civic Center contains a variety of multipurpose areas including a 4,870 fixed seat coliseum (4,912 total capacity) and a separate auditorium with 2,324 seats. Two exhibit halls, two ballrooms, and meeting rooms are designed to meet a wide variety of needs including business meetings, banquets, dances, conventions, and trade shows. The stadium is owned by the city. Other hockey teams that have played at the Civic Center are the Amarillo Gorillas (CHL – 2002 – 2010), and the Amarillo Wranglers (CHL – 1968 – 1971). The Amarillo Venom, champions of the 2013 LSFL (Lone Star Football League) play indoor football at the Civic Center. On the day I visited in Oct 2013, one could attend a gun show, a gem and mineral show, a choir concert, and/or a Christmas craft fair during the day, then see the Amarillo Bulls play hockey in the evening at this venue. There was also a ballet being performed at the same time of the hockey game. It’s a pretty happening Civic Center. The Amarillo Bulls won the Robertson Championship Cup (the oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States) in the 2012-2013 season. The Amarillo Bulls continue to be a winning team in the NAHL in the 2013-2014 season and the fans are supportive and appreciative of their effort. Food & Beverage 3 There are several fixed concession stands as well as unique specialty stands at the Civic Center. Fixed stands include the traditional hamburger, hot dog, polish sausage, Philly sub sandwiches, nachos, Frito pies, and the like ranging from $4 – $7. Unique specialty stands include Mexican burritos and super nachos ($6.25 – $8.50), cupcakes ($3.50), Groovy pop (gourmet popcorn), and a chocolate banana, cotton candy, and caramel apple stand. Pizza on a cardboard plate is also offered. Between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm there are 12 oz pre-game $2 beer specials (Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light). When the game starts, 16 oz beers (same choices) are $5. Those are the only beer choices I saw so don’t expect to see any local brews here. Coke is the soda of choice with Sprite, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper available ranging from $2.50 – $3.75. There are minimal lines at the concession stands between periods to get your food/drink options. Atmosphere 4 Temperature inside rink is perfect. No need to bundle up or bring a blanket. A sweat shirt or hockey jersey will be fine. It did get a bit cooler in the third period so a light jacket is also recommended for those who tend to get chilly. Recommended seating – center ice, above the glass, facing the bench is section 108, row Q (handicapped), row P will be fine too. If you like being closer to the ice action, then rows A – F will suit you. The penalty boxes are between the player benches. There are no luxury suites, just one level of seating. The second level is used for broadcasting and cameras. The concourse width is perfect (not too crowded) and one can circle it in its entirety. The arena is bright and colorful with red, green, orange, and blue catwalks above the seating area. There is no center scoreboard which is refreshing. Instead, two panels and screens hang at each end of the ice behind the goals and show the scoring and live game action. There is a four person percussion band/group that provides live music and entertainment throughout the game. It is a very nice touch when visiting a Bulls game. I understood about 15% of what the PA Announcer was stating so this may be an area of improvement. The Amarillo Bulls team saluted the fans after the game by circling the center ice mark and raising their sticks to the fans. Nicely done. Neighborhood 3 The Civic Center is downtown near several government buildings. The downtown area is very walk-able and safe. Adjacent to the Civic Center is a small park called Amarillo Centennial Plaza that displays plaques, bricks, water arrangements, and a globe all which recognize the Amarillo history. It is worth taking a stroll through the park. All of the paths are wheelchair accessible in this plaza. For places to stay the Courtyard Marriott is the closest and it is only ½ mile from the arena. There are several other hotels 1- 2 miles from the arena including a LaQuinta Inn. Most of those are one exit east on I-40. When traversing downtown Amarillo (and other parts of Amarillo, as well), you will notice many painted horse statues. The Painted Horse exhibit is worth visiting. Make it a scavenger hunt when you visit the area with your family. Another tourist spot in Amarillo is the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum. This venue is “a great place to bring Panhandle visitors where they can experience a piece of the West; it’s a place for horse lovers of all ages to learn more about the breed; and it’s a quiet sanctuary in which to appreciate some outstanding artwork.” Restaurants within a ½ mile of the Civic Center include Acapulco Mexican Restaurant & Bar (can sit outside in the sun on a fine fall afternoon), highly recommended Eddie’s Napoli’s (Italian), and the Burger Bar (they offer hand spun shakes). Night clubs in the area are Rain Premier Sushi Bar & Lounge and Wild Cards, both within walking distance of the Civic Center and near the Marriott. Fans 4 No electronic noise makers are allowed in the coliseum. That doesn’t stop the fans. Cowbells, manual air horns, glass banging, and good old shouting and applauding abounded during this Amarillo Bulls 4-0 win against the Corpus Christi Ice Rays. There are your traditional hockey chats against the visiting goal tender as well as expressed anger at the referees for giving a game ejection to one of the Bulls players for instigating a fight. The fans throw rubber balls on the ice after each goal which is something unique. When I attended a game here in 2004 for the Amarillo Gorillas, the fans threw out plastic yellow bananas. It seems to be a tradition here in Amarillo and one well accepted. Fans for the most part, know their hockey etiquette and do not go down to seats while puck is in play. It’s kind of funny that the individuals wearing Amarillo jerseys are not the ones paying much attention to that etiquette (at least at the game I attended). Access 2 Amarillo International Airport is about 10 miles from the Civic Center. The Civic Center is walk-able from other destinations in downtown Amarillo including the Courtyard Marriott. Plenty of parking free of charge is available at the Civic Center. I did not see public transportation options to the arena. There is no bag check upon entering the arena, a nice surprise. Just don’t bring in outside food or beverages. There are wide concourses with just a little congestion between periods where most of the concession area is housed. Bathrooms are plenty. They are small, clean and serve the crowd well. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $12 – $22. I went with the $15 ticket and it was fine. You can move about the arena as you wish to get different perspectives and take photos. There is no parking fee and food is reasonably priced. And, you get a good hockey game and witness some fantastic Amarillo hockey fans in a bright and colorful arena. Check the Amarillo Bulls website for special ticket deals and events. One example includes “The Budweiser Party Zone.” For $300 dollars you get 30 tickets and 30 beverages with exclusive seating at ice level. Get your buddies and their significant others and kids out and enjoy a Bulls game this season. Extras 3 Be sure to get your game day notes and handout available at the customer guest relations desk. This includes game day rosters and other recent noteworthy news in the NAHL. There is a merchandise table with shirts, jerseys, pennants, caps but no lapel pins. There are banners displayed in the arena for the Bulls championships including the 2013 Robertson Championship as well as other teams who have played in the Civic Center, e.g., IFL Dusters. Listen to the Amarillo Bulls on Sports Radio 1440. Other points of note include the four person percussion group (nicely done) and a stuffed piggy that slides across the rink after a Bulls goal with a wee-wee-wee sound in the background. A massage school in Amarillo offered massages during the game I attended. Final Thoughts If you like the minor league/junior league hockey atmosphere and you’re in or traveling through Amarillo, do take the time to visit the Amarillo Bulls. If they’re not in town, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of other things to see at the Amarillo Civic Center.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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