Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Cardinal Stadium 4900 Bates Rd NE Washington, DC 20011 Catholic Cardinals website Cardinal Stadium website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 3,500 Fear the Catholic Cardinals Located in Washington, DC, the Catholic University of America is the only pontifical university in the United States. For those who are unaware, a pontifical university is a college established by the Vatican and dedicated to the purpose of religious studies. The CUA's athletic programs are known as the Cardinals and compete at the Division III level in the Landmark Conference. Catholic's football team plays its home games at Cardinal Stadium, a 3,500-seat field that opened in 1985. Cardinal Stadium was also previously home to Major League Rugby club Old Glory DC for the COVID-shortened 2020 season, but they now play their home games at the Maryland SoccerPlex . Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a food cart to the right of the bleachers (as you are sitting in the stands) and are, except for some snacks, provided by Chick-fil-A. Meal options include the regular chicken sandwich, the spicy chicken sandwich, and the chicken wrap. For added value, you can get a combo with chips and a bottled drink. Assorted candy and other snacks are also available. Prices are reasonable - snacks and drinks cost $2-$3 by themselves, and the price for a sandwich or combo is about what you would pay at an actual Chick-fil-A. Atmosphere 3 There is one large set of metal bleachers at Cardinal Stadium, which is separated from the field by a track, meaning you are set back a good distance from the field. A scoreboard behind the left end zone shows other basic information as well, such as the down and distance. As for the gameday atmosphere, they do go beyond the basics here, which is not something you see at every Division III school. A costume named Red, who is a cardinal of the avian rather than religious variety, roams the stands interacting with fans. A small pep band plays on the field at halftime but is otherwise mostly inactive. There is also a cheerleading squad that is not afraid to make themselves heard. Overall, the experience here is nothing too fancy but has just about everything you'd expect a college football game to have. Neighborhood 4 Catholic University is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood is sometimes called "Little Rome" due to the large number of Catholic institutions. In addition to CUA, there are several other Catholic high schools, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are certainly other places to go in Brookland as well. Busboys and Poets is a popular bookstore, coffee shop, and restaurant located across Michigan Avenue from the south side of campus. The Brookland Pint is a popular bar serving beer and burgers. The Brookland Grill on 12th Street is a more affordable option. Fans 4 While the Catholic University football team may not draw the largest crowds, the bleachers here will be mostly full for a typical game. They can get quite loud at times after touchdowns or other big plays. However, by and large, they are polite fans - there is no booing the refs or the players here if they perceive they are not doing well. The crowd runs the gamut from longtime fans and alumni to families with small children checking out a college football game for what may be the first time. While many of the fans have some connection to the program or the school, others just happen to live in the Brookland neighborhood and make the short trip over here to check out a game. Access 4 There are many options for arriving at Cardinal Stadium. If you plan on tailgating before the game, you will need to purchase a space in the tailgate lot (or tailgate with someone who does.) The tailgating space costs $50 but also includes up to four tickets to the game for people in the car that is driving into the lot. This ticket must be purchased in advance through the HomeTown ticketing app. If not tailgating, several free parking options are available, a rarity in this city. The closest lot is at the DuFour Center, which is very convenient as this is where you will enter the stadium. If that fills up, you can park at the University Garage at 3598 John McCormack Road and walk across campus to the stadium. If entering the tailgate lot, you will do so off Hawaii Avenue - staff will direct you behind the scoreboard to a space. From there, it is pretty easy to walk into the stadium. If not tailgating, you will walk through the main doors of the DuFour Center, where there will be a table for you to scan your ticket. It is best to purchase the ticket in advance via the HomeTown app, but if you are not tailgating, you can purchase tickets the day of the game by scanning a QR code at the entrance. There is no option to pay with cash or a card at the gate. Once you scan your ticket, take the stairs or elevator to the second floor and follow the signs out the door for the athletic fields. If wanting to use public transit, you can also take Metro's Red or Green Line to Fort Totten or the Red Line to Brookland-CUA. Both are about a 15 to 20-minute walk from Cardinal Stadium. Restrooms are available in the lobby of the DuFour Center and are generally a sufficient size for the crowds. However, they are a bit of a walk from the bleachers, so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Catholic University football games is $12 for a standard ticket purchased in advance via the HomeTown ticketing app. Seniors and military personnel get in for $8, and children under 12 for $6. The tailgating lot is $50 but also includes four tickets to the game, so the value is not bad if that is your thing. If you have four adults in your car, you are essentially paying $2 for a spot in the tailgating lot on top of the price of your tickets. If you have two adults and two kids, it's essentially $14. You can do the math for other combinations, but it isn't as expensive as it seems. If not tailgating, parking is free, tickets are still reasonable, and concessions are reasonably priced as well. Overall, a Catholic University football game can be a good value. Extras 2 One extra star for the merch tent set up behind the end zone. Look for the trophy case and Catholic University Athletics Hall of Fame in the DuFour Center. You will walk by many displays on your way through the building to get to the game. Final Thoughts A Catholic University Cardinals football game is everything you'd expect a college football game to be. This is the Division III level, so set your expectations appropriately, but a game at Cardinal Stadium can be an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the fall watching football.

If it is fall, that means that its time for College Football and what better way to celebrate than with one of the oldest teams in one of the oldest stadiums in the country! Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views is off to the land of beer and brats with special guest Andrew Bauhs of College Football Tour. Grab a beer and Jump Around! You can find Stadium Journey's review of Camp Randall Stadium and the Wisconsin Badgers football game day experience here.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Oriole Park at Camden Yards West Camden St Baltimore, MD 21230 Baltimore Orioles website Oriole Park at Camden Yards website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 48,876 “O” Say Can You See Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened in 1992 and has been considered one of the best Major League Baseball stadiums in the league. Before its opening the landscape of professional baseball was littered with boring, multipurpose bowl stadiums. Now nearly every team has a great baseball stadium. Luckily Oriole Park has kept up with the experiences. Out were lackluster parks and in were fan-friendly stadiums that were designed for the optimum fan experience. If Baltimore had built a standard, boring facility, baseball may not look and feel the way it does now. The current Baltimore Orioles began in 1954 when the St. Louis Browns moved to town. The Orioles had a very successful run at the well-loved Memorial Stadium. When it was obvious that Memorial was ending its usable life the current ballpark came into focus. The Orioles have been world champions three times (1966, 1970, and 1983) and have won the AL pennants seven times. Famous players have included the likes of Roberto Alomar, Luis Aparicio, Reggie Jackson, Eddie Murray, Jim Palmer, Cal Ripken, Jr., Brooks Robinson, and Frank Robinson while Earl Weaver may always be the most beloved manager in team history. Food & Beverage 4 There is quite a variety of food offerings at Oriole Park, although it seems more limited than in previous years. There was a change of food companies in 2023 and some people have complained about the offerings not being as good as in the past. We didn't see the quality being lowered but it is something to think about and we will also update if we discover more on this front. Prices are not cheap, but not entirely unreasonable either. Hot dogs are an example of this. The basic dog available throughout the park is around $6. Spend just a few cents more than that and get a beer-soaked bratwurst. Boog’s BBQ is the biggest draw. Located on the iconic Eutaw Street section of the ballpark, the stand is run by Orioles legend Boog Powell. You get a good amount for the price. If you are lucky Boog himself will be on hand to serve up your meal. Dempsey’s Brewpub which was located inside the warehouse itself has been replaced by the Superbook Bar. Prices do need to get lower to stay with the current trend of lowered concession prices. Atmosphere 4 The only real major problem with the park is that the concourse is not within sight of the field. It has a more traditional concourse located behind the stands. When you start trends, you do expect that some things will have been tweaked by the ones to come after. It is still a great area for wandering and you never seem out of the game experience due to ever-present television monitors and game play-by-play announcements. The Star-Spangled Banner was written very close to where the stadium is located. The Orioles fans commemorate this and their love of the home team by shouting a loud “O!!!!!!” during the appropriate spot during the anthem. In other places, this would seem to be disrespectful, but in Baltimore, it shows the love of the country and the team. If you hear that yell at other parks throughout the country rest assured that there is a Baltimore fan in the house. A very unique Baltimore tradition is the playing of John Denver’s 1974 classic song, “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” during the seventh-inning stretch. It all started a couple of years after it was released when the Orioles were trying to add pop music into the lineup. For some reason, the song stuck. Even when then-owner Eli Jacobs tried to change songs during the late 1980s, the fans demanded it back. The traditional “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” is played as a warmup to ‘Country Boy.’ Many a local fan still talks about Denver’s surprise September 1997 visit when he appeared on top of the dugout mouthing the song’s lyrics. He was in town for a concert at the nearby Baltimore Arena and decided to pop over. Sadly he died in a plane crash less than a month later. The expanded Kids Zone is becoming a nice, popular feature. Neighborhood 3 The ratings should be higher here, but the city has some issues that fans need to keep in mind before heading to the game. Baltimore is and has always been, an urban environment where you should make sure you are aware of your surroundings. Use common sense and all will be fine and you will have a great time. There are party-like options are across from the stadium. It might be better to find other options in the Harbor East neighborhood for a more relaxed experience. The Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination and is a short walk from Camden Yards. There are numerous options here but it will be expensive and more touristy. Another option is nearby Federal Hill. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Another choice is just south of Oriole Park, the Horseshoe Casino. If you are the gambling type, this Harrah owned gaming establishment has a nice variety of dining and drinking spots. There is even a large parking garage offering deals for game day parking as well. Baltimore is home to many touristy attractions, such as Harborplace, Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is located on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, although its unique collection will not be for everyone. Fans looking to get a taste of Baltimore sports history should also take time to visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace. Fans 3 The team has been faring better and the atmosphere is lively and fun again. The fans have always been strong but a string of mediocre management has not helped with consistency. The ownership situation is still a mess but as long as the management stays as is, expect the fans to respond with positivity. There is a very knowledgeable fan base at an Orioles game. People tend to make the game a family outing. But that does not mean these are not active fans. It is the kind of place where you will see a parent training their young children on the ins and outs of the game, as well as the history of Robinson, Robinson, Palmer, and Ripken. Fans cheer when they need to and support at all the right times. It is not a place where you will see a lot of booing, although at a Yankees game you just never know. Access 5 Oriole Park is extremely close to I-95, with only a couple of turns putting you on the highway home. Parking garages can be found in all directions from the stadium. Street parking is not a great option. Parking near the Inner Harbor is a good option. Check websites and apps such as SpotHero to find bargains that are a pretty close walk away. If you’re not driving to the game, the other primary mode of access is the MTA Light Rail. From points north and south of downtown Baltimore, you can take the train to the ballpark. The Light Rail is slow, so make sure you know that beforehand. Return on Investment 5 Prices are generally pretty reasonable, although they do vary by the opponent. The ticket aftermarket is always a good bet here. Prices can be found at a very reasonable rate for almost all games, except for maybe the Red Sox and Yankees. Extras 5 Babe Ruth was born here in Baltimore and his childhood home is mere blocks away. He attended school at St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys nearby and actually spent time on the very spot of Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The B&O Warehouse is not an architectural creation just for the stadium. It opened in 1899 and served as merchandise storage and a distribution center for the nearby railroad. Camden Station is also adjacent and is one of the longest continuously operated train terminals in the United States. The Orioles in recent years rearranged the center field fan experience and added a statue garden of Oriole greats. This area also makes it easier for fans to walk entirely around the whole stadium. Eutaw Street itself offers a great experience for fans. Not just great food options, but it offers great people-watching, retail experiences, and great field views from the flag court, located above the right field scoreboard. A cool feature can be seen in some of the open stairwells. Lyrics to Orioles songs such as “Orioles Magic” and the aforementioned “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” can be found on the walls. Final Thoughts Oriole Park is still one of the most beautiful stadiums in Major League Baseball and does not show much age.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Gregory Kock, and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 FirstEnergy Stadium 1900 Centre Ave Reading, PA 19605 Reading Fightin Phils website FirstEnergy Stadium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity : 10,000 The Carnival at Baseballtown Reading is just different.  Baseball in Reading, Pennsylvania dates back to 1858 with the Reading Athletic Club playing other local teams.  The organization of baseball in 1874 saw the birth of the Reading Actives.  Baseball continued in Reading over the years as the monikers changed.  In 1933, Reading joined the Eastern League as the Reading Red Sox, which was short-lived.  In 1952 Reading returned to the Eastern League as the Reading Indians, which was significant in the minor league careers of such stars as Rocky Colavito and Roger Maris.  The current iteration of Reading baseball launched in 1967 as they began an affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Reading Phillies have been a cornerstone Double-A franchise ever since.  They officially became known as the Fightin Phils in 2012. Home for the Fightins, as they are sometimes locally known, is the historic and unique FirstEnergy Stadium.  Opened in 1951 as Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium and dedicated to military personnel who died while serving, FirstEnergy Stadium provides one of the most unique experiences in Minor League Baseball.  It is referred to as “America’s Classic Ballpark” borrows from the Detroit Red Wings and refers to itself as “Baseballtown.”  The mix is truly unique with the experience having three distinct parts: one part baseball; one part museum; and one part carnival. Food & Beverage 5 The culinary experience at FirstEnergy Stadium is the cornerstone of the carnival atmosphere at the game.  The Diamond Credit Union Plaza, informally the Boardwalk, opens before the seating area at FirstEnergy Stadium and the plaza offers carnival food for fans to enjoy before the game begins.  Big Straw Milkshakes with their cookie sandwiches, ice cream, and funnel cakes Plaza Favourites with their varieties of chicken and hot dogs and mac and cheese, and Grand Slam Grill with their burgers, and hot dogs offer fans a top-notch culinary listing before fans are even able to get to their seats.  Yuengling products, Suburban Brewing, and Miller Lite headline the beer options.  Hard slushies and seltzers are also available. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice.  Once the concourse opens, there are another set of concession options including Manny’s Fries and The Lil’ O’s Pizza.  Overall, there is not much a fan could be wanting for at FirstEnergy Stadium. Atmosphere 5 FirstEnergy Stadium offers one of the most unique atmospheres in baseball.  The exterior of the park is smart with brown brick, blue accents, and embedded concrete “Reading Phillies” name.    Right away, it is apparent that the stadium is hiding its true age.  Although classic, the exterior does not look like a seventy-plus-year-old facility.  A nod back to the original Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium is in the giant military dog tag sculpture in front of the stadium, dedicated to the veterans of the community.  When getting closer to the ballpark, fans will find that the Fightins waste almost no space and celebrate their history perhaps more than any other team.  It begins with the bricks on the main exterior plaza behind the home plate.  Fans will find marble bricks in the ground for each year of the Reading Baseball Hall of Fame and the retired numbers of Ryne Sandberg, Mike Schmidt, Robin Roberts, Scott Rolen, and Jim Bunning. The gates to the Plaza on the first base side open earlier than the rest of the stadium.  The Diamond Credit Union Plaza creates that carnival atmosphere with some concession stands, an open plaza with picnic tables, and a stage for live, pregame music.  Pregame activities such as mini golf, inflatable slide, speed pitch, mascot photos, and autographs are great options for some pregame fun.  The plaza is protected by overhead netting making it viable for use during the game also.  The plaza also has huge murals of former Reading greats and a full accounting of the Baseballtown Hall of Fame.  Two murals of the group stand out.  First the large picture of Max Patkin, the “Clown Prince of Baseball” gives the area an old-time feel.  Secondly, a large mural in honor of Taylor Swift from nearby Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, depicts the megastar’s long and significant relationship with the Phils and FirstEnergy Stadium.  Once the concourses open, fans are again taken back in time as there is practically no space on the walls.  A trip through Reading baseball history removes the claustrophobic nature of the concourses.  Murals and trophy cases could keep a treasure hunter occupied for the duration of the game.  Special attention is given to those Phillies who came through Reading on their way to winning the 2008 World Series. The main grandstand runs between first and third bases with some overhead coverage.  Fixed plastic and metal seats are not the most comfortable and fans are reminded of the age of the facility.   Disjointed stands on both the third base and first base sides help bring the capacity up.  New to the park is the Redner’s Event Center, which offers a variety of group seating options and houses events during and after the baseball season.  On the facade, along with some local, static ads, are the five retired numbers for the Phils.  An underused train motif can be found in right centerfield with a smoking train sign with flashing lights that fire up on Fightin home runs.  Right field also features a very popular Pool Pavilion, perfect for hot days. The gameday atmosphere at Reading is quintessential Minor League Baseball with activities and promotions happening at a near-constant pace.  The Phils feature a full band of mascots and the ingame host is constantly busy.  To sum up the atmosphere, the Phils do everything within their power to make fans forget that the ballpark is not the greatest structure when fans are sitting in their seats, a significant task that the team does to perfection. Neighborhood 2 FirstEnergy Stadium is located at the north end of Reading.  It is not the greatest neighborhood and taking the car somewhere is probably going to be necessary.  There are several spots available for pre or post-game fare.  These include Mike’s Tavern, B2 Bistro Bar, and The Farmhouse Kitchen.  Reading is perfectly located to facilitate a baseball road trip being pretty much equidistant from Allentown, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia.  Other sporting options in Reading include the ECHL’s Reading Royals .  Other tourist options include the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum and Reading Public Museum.  The SureStay and Red Roof Inns are available for fans who wish to stay near the ballpark. Fans 5 The Fightins enjoy solid fan support.  In the 2023 season, the Fightin Phils welcomed an average of over 5,900 fans per game.  This ranks as a respectable 21st in Minor League Baseball and 4th in the Eastern League and Double-A.  The fans in attendance of the game that was reviewed were into the game and supportive of the Phils.   Access 4 FirstEnergy Stadium is located at the north end of the City of Reading.  It is just south of Highway 12 and west of Highway 61, or Centre Street.  Getting to FirstEnergy Stadium is not too difficult and there are parking lots to the west of the stadium, some of which are free.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, some buses travel both Centre Street and 5th St.  Fans should consult the Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority  for fares, schedules, and maps.  Getting around FirstEnergy Stadium can be a bit of a challenge as would be expected for a stadium built in the fifties.  Concourses can be crowded and this stadium would be a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. Return on Investment 5 There is tremendous value in a Reading Fightin Phils game.  Box seats run $18 apiece while General Admission tickets, which are for the left field or right field grandstands, are only $12 each.  Parking can be free with a little luck but reserved parking is only $9.  Concession prices are about what one would expect for a Minor League Baseball game. The gameday atmosphere in Reading is amongst the best in MiLB and it is truly a unique experience.  Overall this equates to an experience that is affordable and perfect for the entire family. Extras 4 An extra mark for the fresh and unique approach to baseball that the Fightins take making FirstEnergy Stadium unlike anything else in MiLB. An extra mark for the long history of baseball in Reading. An extra mark for the brilliance of opening the Plaza early before games for fans to congregate and enjoy, and truly taking that unique experience to the next level. An extra mark for the massive and thorough Baseballtown Hall of Fame Final Thoughts Baseball fans who feel that they have experienced it all and have not been to see the Reading Fightin Phils are fooling themselves.  The atmosphere at FirstEnergy Stadium is truly unique and a trip to see the Fightins will not disappoint.  One part museum, one part ballpark, and one part carnival.  Does it get better than this? Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Steven Burke, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Camp Randall Stadium 1440 Monroe St Madison, WI 53711 Wisconsin Badgers website Camp Randall Stadium website Year Opened: 1917 Capacity: 80,321 How Wisconsin does College Football College football possesses a pride and nostalgia unrivaled by many other sports featuring venues that have stood the test of time and serve as cathedrals to the game. One of those venues can be found at the University of Wisconsin. Camp Randall Stadium began its life of historical relevance during the Civil War as a training camp for Union soldiers. In 1895 the Badgers began to call the location home for football games and through expansions and renovations it has remained that way ever since. Today the stadium possesses a campus feel within an urban setting and as an 80,000+ seat facility it is one of the gems of the Big Ten. Food & Beverage 4 The usual concession stands selections can be found throughout many sections of the stadium with favorites including pizza slices $7.50, hot dog $4.50, and brats $5.75. Snacks include popcorn $4, nachos $5, and jumbo pretzels with cheese for $6.50. Pepsi products are also available for $5.75 with bottled water for $4. Some of the specialty food stands placed around the stadium provide expanded choices such as beef sandwiches $9.50, cheese curds for $8.75, Cousins Subs combos for $9, and a Buckingham Burgers for $11 which provide a build your own option of sauces and toppings. If you need some extra caffeine, check out the Just Coffee Cooperative stand which provides all of your coffee shop essentials. Atmosphere 4 When a college football program has the support of the surrounding community, a lively student section, and success on the field the atmosphere is sure to be top notch. Fans of all ages are interested in the game and knowledgeable of the action on the field. The location of the stadium adds to the atmosphere; the urban setting and involvement of the Madison community add a sense of importance and seriousness to the product on the field. You can’t address the atmosphere at Camp Randall without bringing up the wonderful “jump around” tradition which began in 1998. Between the 3rd and 4th quarters all of the fans in the stadium yell, dance, and sing along to the House of Pain song “Jump Around.” Neighborhood 5 Madison epitomizes a college football town, it rivals the best experiences in college football around the country. When the Badgers have a home game everybody in town becomes a part of it; it can be seen in the local bars and restaurants as well as the mixture of students and families proudly wearing their team colors. Fraternity houses are located on the west side of the stadium and they tend to add to the pregame atmosphere. Jordan’s Big 10 Pub on Regent Street offers a huge lot for tailgaters and a massive Badgers scoreboard over the lot. Lucky’s Bar is another Regent Street venue that turns its parking lot into a makeshift beer garden for tailgaters. State Street Brats is known for one of the best places on earth for a brat and is located on the pedestrian-only State Street. They also are known for a wide variety of daily specials. A bit further down the road, near the Wisconsin State Capitol Square, you’ll find a couple of great spots. The Coopers Tavern has 28 beers on tap as well as good food. Try the Sconnie egg, essentially a scotch egg covered in bratwurst. Capital Brewery and Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company are two fine examples of locally made beer. Fans 5 The way in which the people and families of Madison embrace the Badger football team is wonderful. They are knowledgeable, passionate and involved in the game. And, as is the case in much of Wisconsin, they are friendly. It is routine for them to ask where you are from and offer postgame suggestions once they find out you aren’t a local. The symbiotic relationship between the fans and the student section is wonderful. Expect friendliness, camaraderie, and passion as you take in the sites at Camp Randall Access 3 Arriving at your chosen parking spot early is essential for Badgers game day. This isn’t meant to be conveyed as a negative, just a necessity. As is the case with many college towns through the south, the normal population of the town is drastically increased on game day by those taking in the festivities. Patience is required during egress as many of the surrounding roads are two or at most four lanes wide. As long as you aren’t in a hurry and are open to enjoying the environment a bit longer it really isn’t that big of a deal. Local police will direct traffic however with so many intersections and parking lots emptying at the same time patience and hospitality are needed. Moving around the stadium itself is pretty easy. Stairways can get a bit clogged, but overall the concourses are wide and easy to navigate. Restrooms are hit and miss, as they’ve added the portable kind to the stadium to supplement the existing restrooms. And game day apparel or souvenir needs can be addressed at Bucky’s Locker Room on the concourse as well. Return on Investment 5 As is becoming commonplace across college and professional sports the ticket prices vary based upon the opponent. For the current 2018 season, the lowest single-game ticket price of $57 applies to Western Kentucky and New Mexico games while the highest single-game ticket prices of $100 apply to the Nebraska game. Of course, you should plan to buy your tickets early, because Camp Randall tends to sell out. Tickets can be found in the secondary market as well, just do your research and prepare in advance. Extras 2 Madison alone warrants extra points. As a college football traditionalist, the feel of nostalgic football settings mixed with modern passion, and Wisconsin is wonderful. For a student experience, it doesn’t get better than living next to the stadium in older student housing and going to the game as a part of the massive and organized student section. Points also get awarded for the outstanding traditions on the field and in the stands. The marching band, Jump Around, and the 5th Quarter is all worthy of special recognition. Final Thoughts Overall, Madison on game day definitely makes the list of great college football experiences and I would strongly recommend paying a visit. I think you will find it rivals the atmosphere found anywhere.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Desert Financial Arena 634 E Veterans Way Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona State Sun Devils website Desert Financial Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 14,198 Forks Up Volleyball Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils volleyball began play in 1973.  The team has made 20 NCAA appearances, the last in 2023.  They play in the NCAA D1 Big XII conference. The Sun Devils play volleyball at both Desert Financial Arena and the recently built Mullett Arena, depending on schedules and other activities on campus.  Desert Financial Arena is home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams.  It serves as the home arena for the ASU wrestling and gymnastics teams, as well.  Concerts, graduations, and shows also fill the stands at the venue. Food & Beverage 2 A few concession stands serving traditional stadium food dot the concourse at Desert Financial Arena.  Be sure to walk the concourse as each stand sells different meals and snacks. Fare includes loaded cheese fries, regular fries, chicken tenders, cheesesteak, value dog, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, and peanuts.  Prices run from $6 up to $13.50.  Coca-Cola is the soda provider ($6/$8).  Cans of beer (Coors Light, Lagunitas IPA, Dos Equis, Hard Seltzer, and Spiked Lemonade) cost $15. It’s nothing out of the ordinary but enough to satisfy a hungry fan.  Visitors can bring in a bottled water.  The venue has water fountains designed for easy bottle refill. Atmosphere 3 The arena provides two levels of seating with a walkway between the two.  The upper level is closed for volleyball matches.  The lower seating extends up to 20 – 22 rows. Twenty-two is closest to the concourse.  The venue does not have handrails for climbing up and down. Handicapped seating lines the walkway with banquet-type chairs and extra room for wheelchairs and walkers.  The interior highlights maroon-colored seats accented with gold walls and facade facing, portraying the ASU school colors well. Desert Financial Arena, ASU Sun Devils Volleyball, Photo by Meg Minard Customer service is excellent, with friendly, helpful staff.  They play the music loud, sometimes painf ully loud, and drown out th e prematch PA announcements.  They do not play music while the sets are in process but during time-outs and stoppages.  The volume is lower then, but still too loud to talk with your neighbor without yelling.  If you’re sensitive to loud music, bring earplugs. Game day operations turn the lights off during the Sun Devils’ introductions.  Fans cannot see the players as they are introduced.   This baffles me. The temperature in the arena is comfortable.  Not too cold, not too hot.  Bring a long- sleeved shirt if air conditioning chills you.  It’s an enjoyable few hours out and pleasantly different if you’re more used to watching the traditional Big Four U.S. sports.. Neighborhood 5 Desert Financial Arena is near Arizona State University’s other sports venues in Tempe, AZ, and has plenty of places to eat, drink, and sleep.  Downtown Tempe  is just a short walk away and is the place to go pretty much all the time when you’re at ASU, especially on match days. Whatever kind of food, atmosphere, or price is desired, downtown Tempe has it. It’s one of those places where one could go to a different restaurant or bar before every ASU volleyball match and still not see everything by the end of the season. Snooze an AM Eatery is always a good place for breakfast/brunch, as is Chompie’s Restaurant. A Buffalo Wild Wings is close by. Devil’s Advocate Sports Grill is certainly one of the more popular options among ASU fans. Less than a mile away (or one light rail stop) is Mill Ave, home to all varieties of restaurants and bars. Four Peaks Brewing, The Beer Shop, Hundred Mile Brewery (women-owned), and Pedal Haus Brewery are 1 ½ – 2 miles from the arena. About a mile northeast of Desert Financial Arena is Tempe Marketplace , which has even more restaurants and shops, plus a movie theater. Hotels within walking distance of the arena include Hyatt Place Tempe / Phoenix / University (right across the street), Residence Inn by Marriott Tempe Downtown/University, or Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. There’re plenty more to choose from, just a light rail stop or two away. Other things to see or do in Tempe include the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Gardens, and the Arizona State University Art Museum. Other sports to enjoy during volleyball season in Tempe include Sun Devil football, basketball, and ice hockey. A little farther away, basketball fans can visit Footprint Center to watch the Phoenix Suns  or the Phoenix Mercury or catch an MLB Arizona Diamondbacks game at Chase Field.  Just a tad north, visit Grand Canyon University Antelopes volleyball at Grand Canyon University Arena.  Fans 3 Sun Devils fans always root their teams on well, including volleyball.  The volleyball fans are welcoming and supportive of both teams on the court.  Some fans bring banners and all cheer for good plays and long volleys.  At the match of this review, fans initiated several crowd waves during the sets. Access 5 The arena’s East, West, and South doors are open for ASU Volleyball matches.  Getting to and around Desert Financial Arena is relatively easy and it is close to the interchange of Loop 101 and Loop 202. Take the Rural/Scottsdale exit on Loop 202. A parking garage and parking lot are off Packard Dr (northeast side of the arena). An excellent option is to take the Valley Metro Light Rail  ($4 for an all-day pass/$2 for seniors) and get off at the Veterans Way/College Ave stop. Walk three blocks east past Sun Devil Stadium to the arena. An Uber/Lyft drop off and pick up is at the west entrance on E Veterans Way, the same side as the light rail. The City of Tempe offers free rides via their Orbit Shuttle  or FLASH service with stops near Desert Financial Arena.  The nearest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, about a 15-minute drive to Desert Financial Arena. Fans can take the Valley Metro Light Rail directly from the airport to the arena and downtown Tempe. Concourses are plenty wide and do not get congested during sets.  Clean restrooms are on the north and south sides of the concourse, with a family restroom on the southwest side near sections W and V. Security requires adherence to the clear bag policy  at all ASU sports facilities. Return on Investment 3 I paid $15 for a single match at Desert Financial Arena, which seems high.  It looks like some matches are $10.  Fans purchase tickets via a stand-alone kios k, and the kiosk sends tickets via text to your phone.  The traditional ticket booths are used for will-call only.  Parking is free; concessions prices are decent.  Desert Financial Arena Ticket Kiosk, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Extras 1 Arizona State University Sports Hall of Fame – Photos are affixed to the concourse walls honoring all ASU athletes who made a difference. Trophy cases adorn parts of the concourse featuring the many accolades of the ASU sports teams. Final Thoughts Fans at ASU volleyball matches are engrossed in the action and cheer the team on enthusiastically.  Although reaching its 50th anniversary, Desert Financial Arena still offers a good game day event. Sun Devils Logo on Desert Financial Arena Court, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey

With MLB playoffs underway, it's time for us at Stadium Journey to once again rank the game-day experience at all 30 Major League Baseball Ballparks.   Will this year’s ranking be the last one the Oakland Coliseum is listed?  The next few months will tell. Stadium Journey ranks arenas based on their unique FANFARE rating scale, which incorporates a venue’s food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fans, accessibility, value, and other factors to create an overall score.  When two or more venues are tied, Stadium Journey consults its Council of Elders to break the tie.  It’s a different way of looking at venues and produces some variability in our lists that you don’t see elsewhere. As usual, we predict that this list will garner a great deal of debate. We welcome your input by joining discussions on our Facebook and Twitter pages.  We’re sure your MLB Stadium ranking list differs from ours, and isn’t that what makes these lists so appealing? 1.       Petco Park - San Diego Padres 4.71 Andrei Ojeda - Celebrating its 20th year, Petco Park continues to play a huge role in the revitalization of the local area throughout the East Village. With a vibrant neighborhood and enthusiastic fans coming in droves along with one of the more picturesque parks among the 30, it’s no wonder Petco Park continually ranks high in any ballpark rankings. 2.       Progressive Field - Cleveland Guardians 4.71 Chris Green - Progressive Field has become a shining example of how to maintain a beautiful baseball stadium over the years, altering the seating in the upper deck, incorporating local food and beverage providers, and maintaining a modern look in a facility that is nearing its 30th year in operation. 3.       PNC Park - Pittsburgh Pirates 4.57 Lloyd Brown - For any fan of baseball, a trip to see the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park is an absolute must. With some improved play on the field, hopefully, more fans will embrace the experience and flood the park on the banks of the Allegheny. 4.       Oracle Park - San Francisco Giants 4.57 Andrei Ojeda - Since its opening in 2000, Oracle Park has featured some of the busiest turnstiles in all of baseball. From the views beyond the bay to the nightly breeze, Oracle Park, with its gorgeous surroundings anchored by the bay, has done more than its share to bring baseball fans to its gem. 5.       Busch Stadium - St Louis Cardinals 4.57 Chris Green – Rising in place of its former namesake, Busch Stadium features stellar food options, a scenic skyline for a backdrop, welcoming and kind fans and staff, and an excellent stadium design for optimum viewing from all angles. 6.       Citi Field - New York Mets 4.43 Richard Smith - Citi Field is located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, specifically the Willets Point neighborhood. The neighborhood near the Flushing River has been known for years for its automobile shops and junkyards. Changes do appear to be happening. 7.       Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox 4.29 Paul Baker - How old is Fenway Park? It opened the same week that the Titanic sank. While other cities are building billion-dollar complexes to replace ballparks that are only 20 years old, Boston they are simply finding new ways to put modern touches on this classic diamond. 8.       Target Field - Minnesota Twins 4.29 Gregory Koch – From the Minnie and Paul sign to the unique concession items to all the other extras here, a trip to Target Field for a Twins game should be on every fan’s bucket list. 9.       Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati Reds 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The Cincinnati Reds have grasped a hold of their history and celebrate it better and stronger than any other team in Major League Baseball. Great American Ball Park captures that feeling and offers a fantastic baseball experience. If the Reds are doing well, it is that much better and must be considered among the elite of MLB. 10.   American Family Field - Milwaukee Brewers 4.29 Marc Viquez - American Family Field is one of those major league ballparks that might not stand out to most, but after a visit, you might want to reconsider. It is known for its tailgating, loyal fans, great food, and racing sausages. 11.   Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore Orioles 4.14 Richard Smith - Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened in 1992 and has been considered one of the best Major League Baseball stadiums in the league. Before its opening, the landscape of professional baseball was littered with boring, multipurpose bowl stadiums. 12.   Coors Field - Colorado Rockies 4.14 Michael Davis - Coors Field ranks among the best with its beautiful structure, downtown location, and picturesque views. A trip to Coors Field is more than watching a baseball game; Coors Field is a place that signifies the beauty of Colorado. Any sports fan should put Coors Field high on their list of places to visit. 13.   Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks 4.14 Meg Minard - The D-Backs play their home games at Chase Field, formerly known as Bank One Ballpark. It is one of eight major league baseball stadiums with a dome or retractable roof, definitely needed for the scorching hot summers in Phoenix, AZ. 14.   Minute Maid Park - Houston Astros 4.14 Eric Moreno - The Astros and Minute Maid Park continue to find ways to make game days feel like big-time events each season. A lot of this is due to the massive amount of success the ball club has experienced in the last decade-plus. From the moment you walk up to the Juice Box, everything becomes a celebration of baseball and the Astros. 15.   Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles Dodgers 4.14 Andrei Ojeda - Recent enhancements throughout the third oldest yard in the Majors have made the Dodger Stadium experience much more accessible for fans wanting to experience as much of the historic venue and have assured us that Dodger Stadium will be the home to Dodger Baseball for many more years to come. 16.   T-Mobile Park - Seattle Mariners 4.00 Marc Viquez - T-Mobile Park provides everything traditional and non-traditional fans would ever need at a ballpark. The assortment of food, beverages, and value options is impressive, along with its location to public transportation.  The views of the city and The Sound are the real highlights of the ballpark.   17.   Comerica Park - Detroit Tigers 4.00 Marc Viquez - Comerica Park doesn't get a lot of the attention that other major league ballparks do, but it stands out among many of its contemporaries. When you walk around the concourse and visit certain areas, you know you are at a ballpark in Detroit. The accessibility, surrounding neighborhood, and unique touches make a Tiger game worth your time in the Motor City. 18.   Yankee Stadium - New York Yankees 4.00 Greg Venuto - Yankee Stadium does a good job of blending old and new. Yankee Stadium's frieze is a classic piece of architecture. It lined the roof of the original Yankee Stadium from 1923 to 2008 and has been carried over to the latest version. Monument Park and the Museum are impressive, as well as the bars in the left and right centers, where young people enjoy congregating. 19.   Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia Phillies 4.00 Dave Cottenie - With a deep history as one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies offer an excellent experience that all baseball fans should put as a must-do.  Citizens Bank Park is an attractive and fun facility, especially if the Phillies are winning and, at the end of the game, they ring the bell! 20.   Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs 3.86 Lloyd Brown - There are very few major league ballparks that can be described as “classic.” Wrigley Field fills that description. Wrigley Field opened as Weeghman Park in 1914, making it the second oldest ballpark still in use, trailing only Boston’s Fenway Park, which opened in 1912. While the ballpark has gone through several renovations over the years, it has retained many elements of the stadium’s original design. 21.   Guaranteed Rate Field - Chicago White Sox 3.86 Marc Viquez - The Chicago White Sox have been working very hard to improve the amenities at the stadium. The past few seasons have seen renovations to the concourse concerning food and beverage service, social areas for fans, a brand-new scoreboard, and fan-friendly pricing on game day tickets. 22.   Globe Life Field - Texas Rangers 3.86 Michael Davis - The third and current home of the Texas Rangers is Globe Life Field, a retractable roof stadium that opened in 2020 with a seating capacity of just over 40,000; the new ballpark is just across the street from the Ranger's former home. 23.   Angel Stadium - Los Angeles Angels 3.71 Andrei Ojeda - Opened for service in 1966, Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest active baseball yard. Still nicknamed The Big A, the moniker came about due to the A-shaped scoreboard topped with a “halo” that was originally placed behind the left field fence.   24.   Truist Park - Atlanta Braves 3.57 Lloyd Brown - Truist Park is everything fans could ask for in a baseball experience. The overall experience at Truist Park is top-notch when factoring in The Battery and the excitement of the product on the field. 25.   Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals 3.57 David Welch-Kauffman Stadium is a comfortable place to watch baseball; the Royals have done well to keep an aging stadium from feeling run down.  Give the Royals a lot of credit for not just maintaining the stadium but continuously tailoring it for the desired experience of different fans. 26.   Nationals Park - Washington Nationals 3.57 Gregory Koch - In 2005, the Nationals came to town, and in 2008, they got a brand-new stadium. Since then, the excitement has worn off, and the crowds have steadily declined, especially as the Nationals’ performance on the field has gone downhill. That said, Nationals Park is still a nice stadium for fans to take in a Major League Baseball game. 27.   Rogers Centre - Toronto Blue Jays 3.57 Dave Cottenie - The Toronto Blue Jays joined MLB as an expansion team in 1977. Currently owned by Rogers Communications, which also owns Rogers Centre, the Jays have carved themselves a rather large niche as “Canada’s” baseball team. The height of their popularity culminated in the 1992 and 1993 World Series Championships. 28.   loanDepot park - Miami Marlins 3.57 Richard Smith - loanDepot park may never make the top of MLB baseball stadium lists, but it is still an enjoyable place to watch a game in an atmosphere that feels very true to its environment. 29.   Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays 3.00 Lloyd Brown - It is no secret that the home of the Rays is seen as the ugly duckling of MLB stadiums. Its exterior has no appeal, and its support system of wires and beams has resulted in a set of ground rules to cover plays where the ball has hit a beam or support wire. On the other hand, the Rays are a very talented team and frequently go to the playoffs.   30.   Oakland Coliseum - Oakland Athletics 2.57 Andrei Ojeda - The Oakland Coliseum, along with the city of Oakland, has taken a beating. From the highly publicized crime rates to the more recent scandal surrounding Oakland's mayor and soon the loss of their beloved baseball team, when all is said and done, the city in the East Bay will have lost all three of their major professional teams, among other wounds dealt to the city.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Tavistock & District Recreation Centre 1 Adam Street Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0 Tavistock Braves website Tavistock & District Recreation Centre website What exactly is Crokinole? Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 600 Hockey in the Capital of Crokinole Small-town hockey is just a little different.  Tavistock, Ontario is less than a kilometre from Sebastopol.  Sebastopol probably holds no significance to anyone outside of the immediate area, and even most Ontarians are unfamiliar with the conjunction of Line 29 and Oxford Road 59.  Sebastopol was the home of Eckhardt Wettlaufer, who was the maker of the earliest known Crokinole Board. For those not in the know, Crokinole is a disc-flicking game of dexterity combining elements of shuffleboard and curling scaled down to table-top size. Tavistock is the nearest village and annually hosts the World Crokinole Championship.  Part of the rural township of East-Zorra Tavistock, the village is also home to the Tavistock Braves, a Junior C hockey team part of the Provincial Junior Hockey League.  The Braves have been part of the fabric of the community since 1970, when they began as a Junior D team.  When the Ontario Hockey Association reorganized in 2012 and eliminated the Junior D level, the Braves moved up to Junior C and became part of the PJHL in 2016 with the amalgamation of Junior C hockey in Ontario. Servicing the community of just over 7,000, the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre has been a part of the community since opening in 1996.  At a capacity of 600, the facility is home to the Braves, the senior Tavistock Royals, and also houses the Tavistock Curling Club.  Food & Beverage 2 For the game that was reviewed, concession options were very limited.  What appeared to be a concession window on the main floor was not open during the game.  There were vending machines with Pepsi products and small snacks.  The Blueline Club, above the lobby on the west side of the arena, sells a very limited selection of domestic beer and spirits.  Alcoholic beverages must be consumed in the Blueline Club and may not be brought into the stands.  There are windows from the club that look out to the ice, so fans will not miss any of the action. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is very simple.  Light-coloured brick and siding with red accents in a simple rectangular-shaped building is what fans will find upon arrival.  The parking lot is shared with the Memorial Hall, and in both cases, fans must drive through the fantastic Queen’s Park Stone Gates.  The gate was restored in 2016 and is a nod back to a time long past.  Fans will notice the feed mill to the north, a reminder that Tavistock is a rural community surrounded by farming.  Inside the Recreation Centre, fans are welcomed by temporary tables selling tickets, 50/50 tickets, and Chuck-A-Pucks.  The lobby has several trophy cases dedicated to minor hockey teams, along with championship team pictures posted above the windows.  Of note in one of the trophy cases is a display with pictures of a training session held in Tavistock by Canadian Ice Dancing Olympians Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.  Retired jerseys of Brent Loggan and Keith MacMillan, former Tavistock Braves who passed away at 18, are memorialized in the lobby also.  Beside the wooden benches in the lobby is a crokinole board, a reminder that this is the home of the World Crokinole Championships every June. Inside the arena, the ice surface runs from east to west, with the seating all on the north side.  The seating consists of two sections of wooden benches with five rows and two sections with four rows of plastic arena seats. The standing room section is behind the seating.  Behind the seating, there are trophy cases for the various Tavistock teams, including the Braves.  The Braves display has an impressive array of artifacts and championship team pictures.  The rafters are littered with minor hockey championship banners, and the east side wall is where fans will find the Braves championship banners from both the Junior D and Junior C levels.  The banners all feature the former logo of the Chicago Blackhawks, which has since been retired.  The simple score clock also hangs on the east wall.  A curious aspect of the Tavistock Rec Centre is that there are no ads on the boards at all, and the top and bottom trim, which is normally yellow, is blue in Tavistock.  Don’t be mistaken. There are plenty of local ads here.  They just hang above the benches on the south side or are on the southeast glass, where there are no spectators to worry about. The gameday production in Tavistock is very simple.  The Rec Centre has a good PA system, and announcements are easily understood.  Simple promotions, including a 50-50 draw and Chuck-A-Puck, are present also. Neighbourhood 3 Tavistock is a village located between Stratford and Kitchener.  For a small community, there are a surprising number of food options.  Quehl’s, D&D Homestyle Cafe, Double D’s Roadhouse, and Madmash Brewery are all a short walk from the arena.  The Rec Centre is also home to the Tavistock Royals of the OEHL, which is a Senior level of hockey.  Neighbouring towns of New Hamburg and Woodstock also have PJHL teams and are a short drive away.  As far as other tourist type options, the Tavistock Fall Fair and World Crokinole Championships have annual spots on the calendar that probably won’t cross with the hockey season.  For accommodations, heading out of town is probably necessary heading west to the Shakespeare Inn or east to the Newburg Inn. Fans 3 Fan support is difficult to assess in the PJHL as attendance statistics are not consistent across the league and not readily consolidated.  That being said it seems that Tavistock readily draws between 150 and 225 fans per game.  The game that was reviewed saw 250 fans in attendance, no doubt due to the Braves hosting the rival New Hamburg Firebirds.  This probably puts the Braves in the middle of the league.  Fans in attendance are supportive but not over the top, not unlike most Ontario fans.   Access 4 Getting to the Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is not difficult.  Tavistock is 15 km southeast of Stratford and 38 km west of Kitchener.  The village is very small, just 2.25 km2, so there is not much of the village to get through.  The Rec Centre is located at the end of Adam Street.  There is free parking available at the Rec Centre.  There is some public transit that links the villages of East-Zorra Tavistock, but timing will probably be an issue for hockey.  Interested fans should consult the EZTransit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Getting around the Rec Centre is not terribly difficult and, of course, there are a number of stairs, which is to be expected.  The washrooms in the facility are fairly small, but should not be a huge issue. Return on Investment 4 There is tremendous value in PJHL hockey.  Tickets for the Tavistock Braves are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.  Youth are $4 or free with a paying adult.  Tickets must be purchased at the door.  Drinks in the Blueline Club will go for $7 and parking is free.  The product on the ice is good and fans will have an enjoyable evening of hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Tavistock Braves being part of the fabric of the community and the Recreation Centre as an East-Zorra Tavistock community hub. An extra mark for Tavistock as the Crokinole capital of the world. An extra mark for the Tavistock Braves giving fans actual physical tickets, something that is nearly extinct. Final Thoughts There is a lot to be said for hockey in the Crokinole capital.  The Tavistock Braves provide a good product and fans will enjoy themselves in a small town atmosphere.  The Tavistock and District Recreation Centre is a good facility and acts as a hub for the village.  Overall, an experience worth taking in. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Milton Memorial Arena 77 Thompson Road Milton, ON L9T 6H7 Milton Menace website Milton Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 500 A Junior Hockey Menace The Milton Merchants were founded in 1966 and began as a Junior C team.  Eventually, they moved up to Junior A and were very successful, winning championships in 1997 and 1998.  The Merchants franchise continues today in the OJHL as the King Rebellion, however, the Merchants carved out a niche for Junior hockey in Milton.  Jason Tryfon purchased the Newmarket Hurricanes franchise in 2019 and moved them to the Milton Memorial Arena to become the Milton Menace. Located between Guelph and Toronto, Milton has been traditionally viewed as a commuter town.  Today, the city boasts a population of over 132,000.  The Menace calls the Milton Memorial Arena home.  A classic hockey barn, the Memorial Arena opened in 1974 and has seating for 500, with more for those who want to stand.  Although limited by some old bones, the Milton Menace has done just about everything possible to make it the best OJHL experience that the arena can provide. Food & Beverage 3 The Milton Memorial Arena has a simple snack bar-style concession area.  On the menu, fans can find hot dogs, nachos, pizza, chips, chicken wraps and popcorn.  Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Gatorade, water, and soda are the beverage options.  Coca-Cola products are the featured soda.  Concession prices are very reasonable.  A limited selection of beer is also available.  On the day of the game that was reviewed, tallboys were available for $5. Atmosphere 3 The Milton Memorial Arena has a very non-descript exterior.  Fans should know where they are heading, as it would not be difficult to pass the arena and not know.  The exterior features light brown brick and tan siding, and there is no sign on the building itself.  A sign can be seen from the street and shared with the Lions Club Hall and Lions Sports Park, with four lines of manually changeable messages. Inside the arena, fans are met with a small lobby on the southwest side of the arena.  Temporary tables welcome fans with sales for tickets and the 50/50 draw.  A small trophy case in the lobby is filled with Milton Menace merchandise and acts as a display.  Past the lobby and into the arena area, it is immediately obvious that this is the home of the Milton Menace.   The outer side of the boards and the entire southwest end are painted black and gold with Menace markings.  The ice is oriented from northeast to southwest, with the seating on the northwest side.  The seating is made of eleven rows of wooden benches that are painted black.  The arena interior has low profile support beams, painted a light colour, with silver insulation on the ceiling.  Banners from the Milton Merchants championships, including Junior B titles from 1992 and Junior A championships from 1997 and 1998, hang at the northeast end of the rink.  A memorial banner from the Humboldt Broncos from 2018 also hangs on the northeast side.  The Broncos played in a Junior A league that is a part of the CJHL, of which the OJHL is also a part.  Although Humboldt, Saskatchewan, is far from Milton, the banner is a reminder of the kinship that binds Junior hockey franchises.  A modern division banner from 2022 hangs above the Menace bench.  A simple digital score clock also hangs at the northeast end. The Menace offers a solid gameday experience.  The experience starts with the Menace flag being skated around the ice by a local minor hockey player.  There are plenty of on-ice promotions, probably more than other OJHL teams.  A favourite promotion is Mr. Glizzy’s Hot Dog Toss.  It’s just like it sounds.  The PA system at the Milton Memorial Arena is very good, and the Menace takes advantage of it with a variety of music being used during stoppages.  The Menace also has a strong social media presence and makes use of electronic programs and gameday emails.  They are a step ahead of other OJHL franchises. Neighbourhood 3 Milton Memorial Arena is located in the Clarke neighbourhood of Milton.  Right across the road is a large outdoor mall with a number of spots for food or drink.  Most are national chains including East Side Mario’s, Hero Certified Burgers, Mary Brown’s and Shoeless Joes.  Some more original options include Main Street Donuts, Milton Fish and Chips and Emma’s Kitchen.  As far as other sporting options, the Menace are pretty much the only game in town.  However, it is central to other OJHL teams including the Georgetown Raiders, Mississauga Chargers, Oakville Blades and Burlington Cougars.  Other tourist options include the FirstOntario Arts Centre, which is right across the parking lot from the arena, and Lions Park.  For fans wishing to stay near the arena, the Holiday Inn is not too far away. Fans 4 For the 2023 and 2024 seasons the Menace averaged around 370 fans per game.  In 2023 that ranked them 6th in the OJHL, easily in the top third.  Considering a small capacity of 500 at the Milton Memorial Arena, this is a pretty solid show of support.  The fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive.  At the game that was reviewed, it appeared that a Menace game is a bit of a teen hangout, which is not necessarily a positive.  They definitely were notches on the turnstile, however, they were definitely not into the game and at times were disruptive to other fans.   Access 4 Milton Memorial Arena is located in the Clarke neighbourhood of Milton south of Highway 401.  Along with Lions Park, the arena is found between Thompson Road South and Main Street East.  It is less than 2 km from Highway 401, the main artery through Southern Ontario.  Traffic on the 401 can be an issue, so extra time should be given when coming from out of town.  Parking on site is free.  For those wishing to take public transit, there are Milton Transit buses that travel Thompson Road.  Fans should consult the Milton Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  The Milton Memorial Arena is an older building so traversing it for people with mobility issues may be a bit of a challenge.  The washroom facilities are also on the small side. Return on Investment 5 Taking in a Menace game offers a terrific return on investment.  Tickets for the Menace are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door.  Seniors and children can get a ticket for $5 each and children seven and under are free.  The Menace offer pretty much the cheapest ticket prices in the OJHL.  Parking is free and concession prices are very good.  In the end, the Menace is one of the most economical sporting options that fans could find and the product on the ice and gameday atmosphere are both solid. Extras 3 An extra mark for the strong social media presence that the Menace have. An extra mark for the Milton Menace making the most of their home rink, despite the limitations it offers. An extra mark for the Menace branding with a cool logo and excellent black and gold colour scheme. Final Thoughts There is a lot that the Milton Menace are doing right.  The Menace offer the best possible experience with the limitations of their older arena.  A trip to the Milton Memorial Arena for some OJHL hockey will satisfy the sports fan while not denting the pocketbook. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 SRO America website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 SRO’s Florida Visit The race season at Sebring may be more well known for the annual IMSA 12 Hours , but another event is slowly starting to garner the attention of fans. The annual SRO America weekend, featuring no less than five race series on track, showcases sportscar racing’s best machines on this historic circuit. Running the former WWII B-17 airfield course, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action.   Food & Beverage   4 There is no shortage of food vendors around the track at Sebring. From the main paddock and the ever-popular Track Shack (get The Beast…it is probably the best item you can eat at the track and is only known on the secret menu at Sebring) to the various drink and snack stops around the track, you never have to go too far to get something to quench your thirst, or ease the pain of hunger. The cost of everything is also what one may consider moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. The event also invites several food trucks to the event as well, which are set up near the paddock area.   Atmosphere   4 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. SRO America’s race weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours , and everyone seems to be here to have a great time. This track lacks many of the conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level racetrack, but makes up for it with its viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is included all weekend, something not always open to smaller events, and fans can also watch from the main tower second level viewing platforms, an area roped off during IMSA weekend for suite guests.   Neighborhood   3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half drive from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying there the whole weekend.   Fans   4 The fans at SRO America weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, including IMSA, SCCA, and HSR events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it. Without a doubt, Saturday is the best day to attend, with the most racing action on track happening that day, as well as car shows and fan access to several grid walks on pit road throughout the event.   Access   3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams are available to help take you from the further parking lots to various points of interest around the track. At Sebring International Raceway, you never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to key points of interest throughout the weekend. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars that are in attendance.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to SRO America weekend here are much less expensive than the IMSA  event in March – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of similar race cars and drivers without breaking the bank. Without a doubt, SRO weekend is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access during this event is much more up close than at traditional races you may go to.   Extras   3 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for racing on the historic circuit. Also, before the main event on Sunday all the teams bring their cars out to the pit lane before the race starts, where fans can come to see the cars and drivers up close.   Final Thoughts The annual SRO America weekend is a great place to watch some racing action on one of America’s most historic race circuits. Filled with exciting action, this weekend is a must-go for all the fans who don’t want the craziness of the IMSA 12 Hour  weekend, and instead are looking for a family friendly race day. And with a gradually increasing fan base thanks to the hard work of SRO America staff, the crowds will only continue to flock to this race weekend on the calendar.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kansas Speedway 400 Speedway Boulevard Kansas City, KS 66111 Kansas Speedway website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 48,000 Speedin’ in Kansas Kansas Speedway broke ground in 1999 and officially opened on June 2, 2001, with an ARCA race won by Jason Jarrett. Since its’ beginnings, Kansas Speedway has grown and hosts 2 NASCAR Cup Series races, including a playoff race. With the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois largely dormant, Kansas is the only NASCAR track being used in the Midwest other than the Michigan International Speedway west of Detroit and as of 2024, the Iowa Speedway in Newton. With an initial cost of $287 million, the speedway is a 1.5-mile tri-oval track. While NASCAR is the primary tenant currently, the track has hosted both IMSA and IndyCar Series races in the past. The track once had a capacity of 82,000 at its peak, but the current setup is for 48,000. Hollywood Casino is located adjacent to the track and sponsors the playoff race in September. Food & Beverage 4 The Speedway certainly has a fan friendly food and drink policy. Each attendee can bring one bag and cooler (14x14x14 or smaller) in with them. The coolers can have drinks and prepackaged food in them. The only drinks you cannot bring in understandably are anything in glass. If you do not bring in anything, the speedway has you covered. There is a solid selection of choices from the typical burgers and hot dogs to Philly cheesesteak, pizza, and some BBQ options. Another choice comes from Iowa. Chuckie’s Iowa famous pork tenderloin has a trailer and is highly recommended. Other typical sports fare such as popcorn, candy, etc. is also available. The lines are generally reasonable although ice cream does yield some wait since it is one item that is difficult to bring in. A unique soda choice limits your options to RC, 7 Up and A&W Root Beer. There are plenty of adult beverages available from numerous types of beer to wine to mixed drinks. All prices are in line with what you would pay at most sporting events. Atmosphere 4 The speedway experience begins before you even enter it. Prior to entering the gates are all the merchandise trucks where you can buy all sorts of items to represent your favorite team or driver. Once inside, the gates you will find all the concession areas and restrooms which run under the seating area. There is a smattering of vendors that have displays and NASCAR also has an area with some cars and trophies on display and hosts some Q&A sessions with drivers. Entering the seating area opens you up to seeing the entire track. There really are not any bad seats although I would recommend sitting higher up as it is easier to see the far side of the track as well as having a better angle when the cars come by as the wall does block some view of the cars as they pass, especially in the lowest seats. I’ve been to the race four years in a row. Despite being at roughly the same time of year (I attend the playoff race in September), the weather seems different every year. If you prefer shade, your best option is to purchase tickets up near the suites and press box area as you will be in the shade most, if not all the race. Neighborhood 4 The racetrack is located just off I-70 and I-435. The area has some cool stuff above and beyond the track if you are a sports fan. Located right next to the track is Children’s Mercy Park , home of Sporting KC of Major League Soccer. Next to the soccer stadium is Legends Field , home of the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association. Plenty of retail stores dot the area around the track. The one thing missing form the area is places to eat or drink within walking distance. There is a Famous Dave’s BBQ and Hollywood Casino is also quite close if you are a gambler. A few blocks north, there are numerous other eating options. There are plenty of lodging options in the area. The Hampton Inn is across State Ave and a good spot for the cost. A Best Western along with the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park are also in the same area. Fans 4 NASCAR fans are typically a passionate bunch and the fans here are no different. They make it well known what drivers they do (or do not) like. A good percentage of fans are wearing some sort of NASCAR merchandise that represents their favorite team or driver. The fans are largely engaged from start to finish save a couple breaks between the stages for a quick run to the restroom or do grab some food or drinks. Access 4 The track is located just off I-435 near I-70. Getting into the parking lot generally yields a very small wait although it obviously gets busier closer to race time. Once inside the track, getting around is easy. Getting food and using the restroom has its ebbs and flows. I would not recommend waiting to use the restroom until the ends of stages 1 and 2 as everyone else is doing the same. If you head to the concession area while the race is going, the wait time is generally minimal. Like any large sporting event, getting out after the race will be clunky and have a wait time involved. Return on Investment 4 The Speedway offers a great value. You can get into the spring race for $79 and up to around $150. The fall (playoff) race runs from around $100 up to $180. With the policy of bringing in your own food and drinks coupled with the fact that parking is free (you can pay $35 if you want to park up close), the track gives you a great bang for your buck. Extras 4 The Hollywood Casino sits right next to the track and you can eat in an area overlooking the track. A very unique experience for sure. You can purchase a pre-race ticket and go down on the track. You can walk up to pit road for an up-close view of the cars, sign the start/finish line, and be up close for the driver introductions. It’s not something I’d recommend doing every time but it is fun to experience at least once. The playoff race weekend in the fall has four races (ARCA, Craftsman Series, Xfinity, and Cup as of 2024), so there is a lot crammed in to a few days. Combine the races with numerous other activities for fans of all ages over the weekend and you have got a jam-packed weekend of fun. An extra point for the ability to bring in free food and drinks. Wish this was done more often at other sporing venues. Final Thoughts NASCAR fans in the Midwest do not have many options. There’s Michigan Speedway, Iowa Speedway as of 2024, and Kansas. Kansas has a lot to offer racing fans. Most importantly, you can take in a great day or days of racing at a nice venue for a great price.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Carlini Field 4900 Bates Rd NE Washington, DC 20011 Catholic Cardinals website Carlini Field website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 1,000 (estimated) Fear the Catholic Cardinals Located in Washington, DC, the Catholic University of America is the only pontifical university in the United States. For those who are unaware, a pontifical university is a college established by the Vatican and dedicated to the purpose of religious studies. The CUA's athletic programs are known as the Cardinals and compete at the Division III level in the Landmark Conference. Catholic's men's and women's soccer teams have called Carlini Field home since 2019. The stadium features an artificial turf field and is named after alumni Joe and Christine Carlini. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Carlini Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 3 There are several places at Carlini Field where fans can watch the game. Entering the stadium from the parking lot will put you on a plaza of sorts, with various patio-like furniture fans can sit on and watch the game. You will have to arrive early if you want to sit here, as it is first-come, first-served. You can also walk down the steps from the plaza to a path, then walk down the path and up to a more conventional seating area. The middle section here consists of plastic chairbacks, while the two outer sections are metal bleachers. These seats will put you up close to the action. A scoreboard on the far side shows only the most basic information. There is space for it to show shots, but this was not working when we visited. It can be hard to read the scoreboard in bright light. There is not much going on here other than the game itself. A Catholic University soccer game is a pretty basic experience, but the unique layout of the stadium brings this score up a bit. Neighborhood 4 Catholic University is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood is sometimes called "Little Rome" due to the large number of Catholic institutions. In addition to CUA, there are several other Catholic high schools, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are certainly other places to go in Brookland as well. Busboys and Poets is a popular bookstore, coffee shop, and restaurant located across Michigan Avenue from the south side of campus. The Brookland Pint is a popular bar serving beer and burgers. The Brookland Grill on 12th Street is a more affordable option. Fans 3 Catholic University will draw about a hundred fans to a typical home game, sometimes more, sometimes less. A few games will get two to three hundred fans, while some will get only a few dozen. Most of the fans are friends and family of the players on the field, either on Catholic or the other team. They are knowledgeable about the players, team, and school and can get loud at times, although at other times, they are barely audible. The regular fans all seem to know each other but are welcoming of others who show up. With people spread throughout the many areas of the stadium, it can seem less full here than it is. Access 5 There are many options for arriving at Carlini Field. There is a lot next to the stadium with free parking, and if that fills up, fans can park in the much larger DuFour Center lot. However, this is unlikely to be necessary. Fans can also take Metro's Red or Green Line to Fort Totten or the Red like to Brookland-CUA. Both are about a 20-minute walk from Carlini Field. Despite having CUA in the name, the Brookland station is slightly further from Carlini Field. Although the Brookland station is closer to the center of campus, Carlini Field is on the northern edge, putting it closer to Fort Totten to the north than Brookland to the south. That being said, the difference is so marginal that riding the extra stop on the Red Line to Fort Totten (if you are coming from that direction) would take longer. Restrooms are available on the plaza by the entrance - the men's room is on one side of the building, and the women's room is on the other. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Catholic University soccer games is free. Parking is free - a rarity in this city - and you won't pay anything for concessions because there aren't any. Overall, a Catholic Cardinals soccer game is a great value. Extras 2 One extra star for the many vantage points from which to watch a game. Look for the banners on the plaza honoring Catholic's soccer championships. Final Thoughts A Catholic University soccer game at Carlini Field is a pretty basic experience. Still, the stadium is nicer than most Division III soccer venues (and indeed, nicer than some Division I soccer venues), so there is tremendous potential for Catholic to take advantage of that. A visit to a soccer game here is an enjoyable and underrated way to spend a fall afternoon.

Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Crusader Stadium 1040 Oradell Ave. Oradell, NJ 07649 Bergen Catholic Crusaders football website Crusader Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 2,000 Home of the Crusader Crazies Texas A & M has the 12th Man, Duke has the Cameron Crazies, and the Bergen Catholic, BC for short, the legendary New Jersey high school, has the Crusader Crazies. They arrive hours before the game, paint their bodies and enthusiastically cheer on their brethren. As far as student body cheering sections, they’re one of the best. Often, the Crusader Crazies have something to celebrate. Located in the shadow of New York City, BC is a perennial powerhouse, winning the state championship in 2017. Not surprisingly, every season, Bergen’s roster has a slew of D1 talent and even some future professionals, notably, former Houston Texan Brian Cushing. Crusader Stadium is an intimate arena, encircled by magnificent, tall trees. The capacity is 2,000 and usually has close to capacity crowds for each home game. In short, it’s a taste of Friday Night Lights – except the pizza and bagels are way better. Lastly, tickets are $5. Food & Beverage 4 Burgers and chicken kabob are cooked on an outdoor grill by the friendly BC staff. Nachos, as well as drinks (Gatorade and water) are also on the menu. Everything is very reasonable ($5 for burgers) and a notch above what you’d find at a typical professional venue. For dining outside the venue, check out the Neighborhood section. Atmosphere 5 The Crazies are very passionate, as are most of the fans in attendance. However, BC is a victim of its own success. If you come late, especially for an important game, don’t expect a general admission bleacher seat. For big games, BC brings in extra bleachers. Sometimes, it’s still not enough. However, there’s plenty of standing room, which can go two or three deep. While exact attendance figures are hard to come by, it’s not unusual for BC to draw 7,000 plus fans. As far as restrooms, BC utilizes Porta Potties. Recently, BC announced plans for a stadium renovation, so help is on the way. Neighborhood 4 It’s suburban with a slice of rural. Deer sightings are not uncommon. BC plays in the middle of a quiet, residential neighborhood. The Oradell train station, and Oradell’s cuisine offerings are just over a mile away, within walking distance. Schreibers Delicatessen , offers classic deli offerings. For something a bit more upscale, fancy-casual Andiamo Restaurant, in nearby Haworth, is an amazing Italian restaurant. Fans 5 When the Crusader Crazies are done tailgating, they march together through the woods and then the quiet, residential streets of Oradell. The Crazies are passionate, fun and not mean-spirited. And the same can be said for the non-Crazie, clothed BC fans. Check out the Crusader Crazies in action here: Access 4 A parking lot where the Crazies tailgate is a short walk away. You can also shoot for a space on the street. BC is accessible via public transportation, either by bus or train. It’s a 45-minute train from Penn Station and everything NYC offers. Return on Investment 5 You can’t beat $5 tickets for an afternoon of top notch high school football and spirit. The Crusader Crazies alone are worth this fee. Extras 5 The Cameron Crazies stand for the entire game and keep the chants and cheers coming. There’s no band, but BC pipes in the AC/DC and other standards. The cheerleaders bring it. Don’t expect to be bored. Final Thoughts In this overpriced professional sports universe, Crusader Stadium is a refreshing taste of Americana. Norman Rockwell would feel right at home in Oradell. The football is elite for a very modest price. The atmosphere is equal intense and cozy. And the Crusader Crazies are some of the best football fans anywhere. North Jersey’s Bergen Catholic offers a Friday Nights Lights experience – though it’s often on Saturday afternoon. Jon Hart is @ManversusBall

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Bobby Dodd Stadium 155 North Ave NW Atlanta, GA 30332 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets website Bobby Dodd Stadium website Year Opened: 1913 Capacity: 55,000 Welcome to the Flats When considering historically significant college football programs, schools like Rutgers , Army , Navy , Princeton , Harvard , or Yale  may come to mind, or possibly more modern legendary programs such as Alabama , Georgia , Michigan , Notre Dame , and Ohio State . However, one name often overlooked in these discussions is that of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. On what had been dubbed “The Flats”, when it was simply a graded field on the edge of campus in 1905, the stadium around the field would not take shape until 1913. The construction of a grandstand led to the name Grant Field, in honor of Hugh Inman Grant, the eldest son of John and Annie – Hugh died at the age of 10 from peritonitis following surgery for appendicitis. In 1988, Coach Bobby Dodd’s name was added to the stadium in recognition of his over 30 years of service to Tech athletics, as a football and baseball coach and athletic director. In 2023, however, the stadium dropped Grant’s name from the field in favor of corporate naming rights given to Hyundai; a plaque at the southeast end of the stadium commemorates the Grant family’s contributions. Bobby Dodd Stadium is the oldest on-campus Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football stadium still in use today. Throughout its history, Georgia Tech has played as an independent program on several occasions, and as members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Southern Conference, Southeastern Conference, and currently the Atlantic Coast Conference, of which they have been members since 1979. In their history the Yellow Jackets have captured sixteen conference titles and claimed four National Championships (1917, 1928, 1952, and 1990).   Food & Beverage   4 Bobby Dodd Stadium offers an impressive range of concessions, going well beyond the standard stadium fare – the general concession stands here offer chicken tenders, burgers, hot dogs, and pretzels, along with a variety of snacks and sweets. The concession stands are fairly evenly distributed around the stadium, though the east and west stands both have some items that are specific to their side of the facility. The eastern side, with more limited space, has converted part of Techwood Drive into a food court with food trucks, beer carts, and snack vendors; the west side does not have food trucks, but does have some of its own specific concessions. A bit out of place in Atlanta, but still amazing nonetheless, is the Nola Style Nacho Shop – nacho options include Cajun pot roast, blackened chicken, Cajun hot sausage, shrimp creole, and vegetarian red beans and rice. The menu also includes dessert options, such as Cajun boiled peanuts and bread pudding a la mode. Other notable vendors include Chicken Salad Chick and Williamson Bros. barbecue, which both have limited, but delicious, menus. With Coca-Cola’s headquarters less than a block from Bobby Dodd Stadium, it only makes sense that Coke is the beverage of choice at Georgia Tech athletic events. Georgia Tech has also partnered with New Realm Brewing Company to create two Georgia Tech-branded craft beers, Helluvienna Lager and Ale of an Engineer. There is also New Realm’s Hazy IPA, along with their Cherry Limeade cocktail, and similar cocktails from Wild Leap Brewing Co. Wines. Hard seltzers are also offered. On the whole, Bobby Dodd Stadium food and drink choices go above and beyond average stadium offerings.   Atmosphere   4 Though it is the oldest on-campus FBS football venue in the country, Bobby Dodd Stadium has undergone several renovations, but the use of brick and iron gates has helped to maintain its classic charm. From well before kickoff there is plenty of excitement surrounding game day here. Beloved mascot Buzz is a consistent presence during the game itself and during pregame festivities; it is Buzz who leads the Yellow Jacket Marching Band onto the field for their pregame performance. The cheer squad then leads the team onto the field with a flurry of flags spelling “JACKETS”, and riding out on the Georgia Tech “Ramblin’ Wreck”, a 1930 Ford Model A. Tech’s in-game presentation makes use of campus’ industrial steam whistle to signify first downs, the need for 3rd down stops, and to celebrate scoring plays. It is also a featured part of stadium concession signage – the whistle that is believed to date back to 1896 is a big part of the game day experience. What does seem a bit odd is adding the use of what could best be described as minor league baseball-like audio drops following plays; it is definitely not unheard of, but with a band as much a part of the game as Tech’s is, and as responsive as the fans here are to big plays, the latter audio drops just don’t seem to add much to the game presentation. Prior to the 2024 season, construction began on the Thomas A. Fanning Student-Athlete Performance Center, set to open in 2026. For the next few seasons, the northeastern corner of the stadium will have an “in-progress” feel due to this project.   Neighborhood   5 Located on the western edge of Midtown Atlanta, Georgia Tech serves as a buffer between Atlanta’s high rises, which provide a breathtaking backdrop for the stadium, as do the city’s historic railroad and warehouse district. The area surrounding Georgia Tech is full of restaurants and entertainment options. One of the pregame traditions of attending a Georgia Tech football game is grabbing a meal and an F.O. (Frozen Orange) at the iconic Varsity, just a block east on North Avenue. Visitors to town might also look to pair a football game at Tech with a trip to the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, which is less than 2 miles to the south, just off Centennial Olympic Park. In some places Bobby Dodd Stadium sits just feet from academic buildings – it is definitely part of Georgia Tech’s campus community. However, with its metropolitan location in the heart of one of the country’s largest cities, there is no mistaking Georgia Tech’s location as that of a “college town”.   Fans   3 Recent years have been tough on Georgia Tech fans, with only three winning seasons in the last decade. The national prominence of their in-state rival has further impacted fan enthusiasm – at times, visiting fans from teams like Clemson , Notre Dame , or Georgia  can heavily influence the atmosphere at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The interest in Georgia Tech football has ebbed and flowed with the level of the Yellow Jackets on-field success. A recent coaching change points to an uptick in the on-field success, however, and the start of more local interest from alumni, students, and college football fans in the region.   Access   3 With Bobby Dodd Stadium’s location just off one of the most congested interstate junctions in the nation, it is no surprise that traffic around Georgia Tech’s campus can get significantly backed up. For those simply looking to get to campus, using MARTA, Atlanta’s rail system, could be an option. Make sure to park at the Doraville station to take the Gold Line; the northbound Red Line has limited late night service on weekends. Stadium access points are spaced into each corner of the stadium, with entries at each end of the expanded concourse on the facility’s eastern side. Entry is rather smooth, but backups can be expected – they are no worse here, though, than at most major sporting events. The east concourse has extremely tight quarters, not much more than 4-feet wide in some places; the western concourse is a bit wider, but can still be a bit tight given this is where the highest concentration of seating is located.   Return on Investment   4 Declining fan support has inversely affected ticket prices. Entering the 2023 season, Georgia Tech significantly dropped ticket prices and donation requirements for season tickets, meaning tickets for non-conference or less prominent conference opponents are typically available right up to kickoff, and start at only around $30-$40. Georgia Tech suggests purchasing parking ahead of time through Park Mobile  – parking can run as low as $13, but that level leaves quite a walk from the north side of campus. Parking closer to the stadium can run in excess of $50, but does sell out quickly, so planning well in advance is a must. Concessions tend to be consistent with what would be expected at most sports venues. Items from the outside vendors do tend to be a bit more expensive, but are higher quality than the run of the mill concession options.   Extras   4 On game day mornings, North Avenue between Luckie Street and Techwood Drive is closed off to host “Helluva Block Party”, leading up to kickoff. This area is full of vendors with promotional giveaways, a live pregame radio broadcast, and live music. Georgia Tech recognizes the history of its program both inside and outside of the stadium. The inner concourse pays tribute to Tech’s 20 College Football Hall of Fame inductees, as does the facade of the eastern stands, while the north stands honor Tech’s NFL Hall of Famers, and the facing of the western upper deck memorializes Clint Castleberry, whose B-26 went missing during World War II. Outside the facility, statues of former coaches recognize the contributions of Bobby Dodd and John Heisman, along with former Athletic Director Homer Rice. The north end also has a series of displays sharing the history of Georgia Tech’s football facilities – it is disappointing that the display is behind barriers, and thus not completely accessible. In addition, large Georgia Tech-branded logos are also placed around the stadium, providing fans with fun photo ops. Lastly, make sure to stick around after the game is over for the Georgia Tech band’s performance of The Horse . As the song plays, band members, cheerleaders, the spirit squad, staffers, and fans bob forward and back, and slide side-to-side as the band plays. Then, at the first musical break, everyone scatters throughout the stands to finish the performance – it is traditions like this that make college athletics such a special experience.   Final Thoughts While Georgia Tech is still a competitive college football program, recent inconsistencies that have lasted the better part of a decade have put a dent in the weekly turnout of support. This does adversely impact the overall game experience; it typically takes a high- profile opponent to fill Bobby Dodd Stadium nowadays. During its history, Georgia Tech has shown it can be a major player, both in the ACC and on the national college football scene, but right now is simply searching for the consistency it had when the Yellow Jackets were a ranked program on a regular basis. Signs point to the program moving in the right direction, but time will tell if the turnaround is an upward trajectory, or just another brief sign of a turnaround before heading back into the recent inconsistencies and mediocre game day experience.

The Stadium Journey 2024 MLB Ballpark Rankings will be released soon with yours truly having had the opportunity to once again visit all 5 of California’s MLB yards. For a preview of what to expect when the Stadium Journey’s rankings of all 30 yards are released, here are the scores of the 5 California MLB parks visited on a scale of 1 through 5 stars. The scores are based on several factors such as Atmosphere, Access, Return On Investment, Food & Beverage, Neighborhood and Extras. 5. Oakland Coliseum - Oakland Athletics 2.57 The Coliseum has seen happier times.  From four World Champion teams and big names such as Reggie Jackson, Rickey Henderson, Catfish Hunter, Dennis Eckersley and the Bash Brothers Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco,   Baseball's Last Dive Bar  has had its share of historical moments that will forever remain deeply   Rooted In Oakland . It’s days as an MLB park are nearing the bitter end. Or is it?   4. Angel Stadium - Los Angeles Angels 3.71   The 4th oldest active park in the bigs, one could make a case that the Big A, as some locals still refer to it, holds as much historical significance as Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium. While the   City of Anaheim and the Angels  continue to work out their differences and a   state audit is looming ,  for the time being, the Angels will remain through at least 2029 with opt-out options through 2038. 3. Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles Dodgers 4.14  The mere presence of Shohei Ohtani has brought a level of excitement that you may say has matched the level that Fernando Valenzuela brought during the days of Fernandomania. Like Fernando and even Hideo Nomo during the mid to late 90’s, the fandom that Shohei brings to The Ravine come from all various walks of life. Recent enhancements throughout the third oldest yard in the Majors have made the Dodger Stadium experience much more accessible for fans wanting to experience as much of the historic venue and have assured us that Dodger Stadium will be the home to Dodger Baseball for many more years to come. 2. Oracle Park - San Francisco Giants 4.57   Upon completion of its 25th season, Oracle Park continues to shine as a Bay Area landmark that every baseball fan should pay a visit. With its picturesque views of the bay providing cool nightly summer breezes, it’s no coincidence why Oracle Park consistently ranks among the top MLB parks every year.   If visiting The City for the first time, it is a good idea to pack some warm clothing and a sizable budget. San Francisco can be surprisingly chilly for the first-time visitor expecting some warm California weather. Oracle Park is as iconic to San Francisco as its Golden Gate Bridge.  1. PETCO Park - San Diego Padres 4.71   The recently renovated   Gallagher Square , located beyond the outfield seating area is a good way for the casual fan to spend a day at Petco Park. The recent $20 million renovations to Gallagher Square presents fans with more room to maneuver, as well as an updated video board along the Sycuan concert stage, leveled tiered lawn seating and a vastly improved kids play area that features the world’s largest climbable bat and an off-leash dog park.  Celebrating its 20th year Petco Park continues to play a huge role in the revitalization of the local area throughout the East Village. With a vibrant neighborhood and enthusiastic fans coming in droves along with one of the more picturesque parks among the 30, it’s no wonder Petco Park continually ranks high in our   MLB Ballpark Rankings  and   other ballpark rankings . So these are my rankings of the 5 MLB parks traveled throughout the Great State of California. How will these parks rank overall when our 2024 Stadium Journey MLB Ballpark Rankings are released? Will PETCO Park retain its top spot? Stay tuned.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Garth Young Arena @ Mayfield Recreation Complex 12087 Bramalea Road Caledon East, Ontario Caledon Admirals website Mayfield Recreation Complex Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 350 The Admirals are the Head of the Arsenault Table In 1980, the Henry Carr Crusaders were founded.  Like many junior hockey teams of a previous era, the Crusaders were affiliated with a school, in this case, Father Henry Carr Catholic Secondary School in Toronto.  The Crusaders played at the Junior B level in the Metro Junior B Hockey League.  In 1991, the MJBHL declared itself as a Junior A League and became the MetJAHL.  At this point, the Crusaders were made independent and played in the same arena as the Weston Dukes.  In 1993, the Dukes franchise folded and was moved to Thornhill, Ontario.  David Arsenault came on the scene to rescue the flailing franchise, partnering them with Villanova College in Toronto to become the Villanova Knights. After a few stops along the way, the team would land in the OJHL and eventually the town of Caledon, where they would become the Caledon Admirals.  Along with the Junior B Caledon Bombers and the Junior C Caledon Golden Hawks, the Arsenault Hockey Group and David Arsenault can offer a unique linear affiliate system where all three teams play in the same building and support each other. Home for the Admirals since 2021 has been the Garth Young Arena @ Mayfield Recreation Complex.  Built in 1971, the complex is a community hub with a pool and other community rooms between the Town of Caledon and the City of Brampton.  The arena is named after Garth Young, a Caledon Parks and Recreation employee who worked tirelessly for 38 years. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small snack bar in the Garth Young Arena called The Crossbar.  Hot dogs, chocolate bars, popcorn, soup, pasta cups, and mini-donuts are available.  Gatorade, soda, water, coffee, and tea are the beverage options with Coca-Cola products featured.  There is enough here to get by, but no options will blow anyone away.  Team swag is also sold at The Crossbar. Atmosphere 2 The Mayfield Recreation Complex has a simple exterior with grey brick and blue siding.  It is clear from the outside how the complex is divided into two main parts, the arena and the pool, with the arena on the right upon entering.  Fans are welcomed to a bright, clean, modern lobby before making a right turn to the Garth Young Arena.  Temporary tables for ticket sales and the 50/50 draw will welcome fans before entering the inner lobby.  The inner lobby is climate-controlled and has windows that look into the arena, as well as The Crossbar concession window and trophy cases with minor hockey accolades.  The temperature change is significant upon entering the arena.  The ice runs from north to south, with the seating on the west side.  Above the benches on the east side are banners for the Arsenault Hockey Group, as well as minor hockey championship banners.  A simple score clock is found at the south end of the arena.  The seating area consists of four sections of three to five rows of plastic-covered benches.  The middle sections are raised above ice level to offer better sightlines. However, one of the sections is essentially taken up by the broadcast team and camera.  The arena does have the common gas heaters above the seating, which were not on for the game that was reviewed, which is not uncommon for arenas this size.  The area has a very low ceiling painted white with white siding to make it a bright facility.  Capacity is small, with room for 275 seated fans and 75 standing behind the benches. The gameday production at Admirals games is very simple.  The PA system in the Garth Young Arena is pretty terrible, and it is difficult to understand the announcements.  The microphone feedback was pretty bad, also.  Promotions are simple and centre around the 50/50 draw. Neighbourhood 3 The Mayfield Recreation Complex is located between the Town of Caledon East, proper and the City of Brampton.  It is in a fairly rural area between a secondary school and elementary school, so for pre or post game food and drinks, fans will have to hop in the car.  Heading south to Brampton will be the best bet to find chain and fast food restaurants.  Heading north to Caledon East will offer a few original options, including Tom’s Family Restaurant, Gabe’s Country Bake Shoppe and Gusto Resto Bar.  For fans looking for other sporting options, there are some options.  The Garth Young Arena is also the home to the Caledon Bombers and Caledon Golden Hawks, Junior B, and Junior C hockey teams respectively.  The Mississauga Steelheads of the OHL are relocating to Brampton for the beginning of the 2024-25 season.  The Brampton Honey Badgers of the CEBL also play during the summer months.  For those interested in golf, there are many courses in the area, including Mayfield and Banty’s Roost, which would be options very early in the hockey season.  Also worth consideration is driving north on Bramalea Road and taking a gander at the mansions and estates.  For those wishing to stay in the area, there are several hotels available in Brampton, including the Hyatt and Holiday Inn. Fans 2 The Caledon Admirals attract around 100 fans per game.  This ranks them in the bottom third of the OJHL.  As a barometer for the league, the top teams attract over 700 fans per game and the bottom is 60.  There is some room for improvement here, however, competing with the Bombers and Golden Hawks can’t help.  If the Admirals are playing a team from a close location the attendance will be higher.  Fans in the stands are relatively laid back, not uncommon for Ontario.   Access 3 Mayfield Recreation Complex is located in a rural area between the Town of Caledon East and the City of Brampton.  The complex is much closer to the northern edge of Brampton than Caledon East.  Getting to the arena is not too difficult.  It is 2 km northeast of Highway 410, which is the main artery from Highway 401.  However, Brampton and Greater Toronto Area traffic can be a real issue and the 410 can be quite slow.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit, Brampton Transit has buses that stop at Mayfield Secondary School.  The schedule might not work for hockey, however.  Fans should consult the Brampton Transit  website for schedules, maps, and fares.  Getting around the arena is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for the size of the facility. Return on Investment 3 Admirals tickets go for $15 with discounts for seniors, students and youth.  Parking at the Mayfield Recreation Complex is free and concession prices are good.  Although there are some difficulties with the PA system, the product on the ice is strong and fans should enjoy the experience overall.  It is hockey in a simpler form. Extras 3 An extra mark for naming the arena after long-time employee Garth Young. An extra mark for the vertical affiliation created by the Arsenault Hockey Group with the Admirals, Bombers, and Golden Hawks.  A unique situation in the OHA. An extra mark for the history of the Admirals and their time affiliated with Secondary Schools. Final Thoughts For fans looking for a simpler brand of hockey, the OJHL may be the ticket.  A Junior “A” league across the GTA and surrounding area, the OJHL provides a high level of hockey on the ice.  A trip to the Caledon Admirals at the Garth Young Arena @ Mayfield Recreation Complex offers cheap entertainment and allows fans to get their hockey fix in. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 W.B. Mason StadiumBlessed Basil Moreau, DrNorth Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks football website W.B. Mason Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,400 The Sky’s The Limit Many who follow college sports in New England were surprised when tiny Stonehill College, a school with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,500 students, announced in April 2022 that they were elevating their athletic programs to the Division One level and becoming a member of the Northeast Conference. The private Catholic school is located in North Easton, Massachusetts, on the original estate of Frederick Lathrop Ames Jr. It was founded in 1948 by the Congregation of Holy Cross. W.B. Mason Stadium, located on campus, was built in 2005. W.B. Mason, a business supply company headquartered in neighboring Brockton, purchased the naming rights for the facility. The company, led by CEO and Stonehill alumnus Leo Meehan, pitched in $1.5 million of the $4 million construction cost of the stadium. The playing field is dedicated in honor of Tim “Cogs” Coughlin, a class of 1980 alumnus and member of the Stonehill football team, who lost his life in the attacks on the World Trade Center. In addition to serving as home to the Skyhawks football team, W.B. Mason also serves as home to Stonehill’s field hockey, lacrosse, and track and field teams. Stonehill has sponsored football teams since 1988, using the nickname “Chieftains” until 2005. Stonehill football competed in Division Three until 1996, when they moved up to Division Two, staying there until 2021. The Skyhawks joined the Football Championship Subdivision’s Northeast Conference for the 2022 season. During their first two seasons in FCS, Stonehill has posted a respectable 10-11 record. Food & Beverage 2 New Stonehill food service concessionaire Bon Appetite operates food tents located in the open area on the north side of the grandstand. A menu of standard stadium fare is offered here. Coca-Cola products are the featured beverage at W.B. Mason Stadium. In addition, Shovel Townbrewery operates a beer garden in the northwest corner of the facility. A good selection of their craft brews are featured here. Atmosphere 2 The fine folks at Stonehill College are still kind of new to this Division One thing, so you wouldn’t expect an over-the-top game day presentation at a small facility such as W.B. Mason Stadium. Now, that doesn’t mean that it’s a boring time at Stonehill. There are plenty of touches here that make a fall afternoon in North Easton a good time. One of the more surprising aspects of the game day experience at Stonehill is the very active tailgating scene. Fans arrive as early as 7 am in the lot adjacent to the McPhaidin Library and other open fields around the stadium to set up shop for the afternoon. Fans who regularly attend college football games will find plenty that is familiar here. Music and PA announcements play over a quality sound system throughout the game. The Stonehill cheerleading and dance squads set up on the sideline, performing for the fans. The Skyhawk mascot, Ace, roams the stands, posing for photos and interacting with fans. A simple scoreboard in the north end zone provides basic game information. Stonehill Cheerleaders, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Stonehill College’s sprawling, contained campus belies its location in a bustling area with many dining and lodging options for visiting fans. State routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both routes are pretty busy local roads, lined with strip malls filled with the usual national chains alongside a few local eateries in both directions. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill, Shovel Town Brewery, or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal. While you may not find many attractions near Stonehill, Boston is located just a half hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options closer to school should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott right by Route 24. Fans looking for other sporting options in the immediate area may be able to pair a Skyhawks game with a New England Knockouts game at nearby Campanelli Stadium or may wish to return to campus and visit Merkert Gymnasium for a basketball game. The baseball team plays next door to W.B. Mason Stadium at Lou Gorman Field . Stonehill's hockey teams play off-campus at the nearby Bridgewater Ice Arena . More information about local accommodations, restaurants, and attractions can be found here . Fans 3 Even with W.B. Mason Stadium’s rather small capacity, the facility could fit the entire undergraduate enrollment inside. Looking through that lens makes Stonehill's average 2023 attendance of just over 1,800 fans per game pretty impressive. Every Saturday, W.B. Mason Stadium is filled to 75 percent of capacity. Stadium Journey's most recent visit to Stonehill occurred on a rainy September Saturday. Two thousand four hundred fans braved some lousy weather to witness the Seahawks' 2023 home opener. There’s a decent, if not overwhelming, turnout by the student body. The majority of the fans in attendance appear to be locals, many of whom have a connection to the players down on the field. With the Northeast Conference’s compact geographic footprint, you’ll be sure to see a good number of visiting fans in the stands. An interesting characteristic of a Stonehill crowd is that they are late arriving. Tailgating is allowed in the parking lot right across the street from the stadium right up until kickoff, and it seems that a good percentage of the fans in attendance keep the party going until the last possible minute. It’s pretty interesting to see the foot traffic increase along Blessed Basil Moreau Drive as kickoff time nears. Access 4 Stonehill College is located in suburban North Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from W.B. Mason Stadium. The stadium is located on the western edge of campus, adjacent to some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including Lou Gorman Field and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex. Fans will find ample parking in the lot in front of the McPhaidin Library, located a short walk from the stadium. The entrance to W.B. Mason Stadium is located on the southeast corner of the facility, with the grandstand on the opposite west side of the stadium. Seating consists of a single grandstand that runs the length of the field. The center sections contain individual molded plastic seats, with the rest of the seating consisting of metal bleachers without backs. This new grandstand is fully ADA-compliant and easily accessible for all fans. Fans looking for an alternate viewpoint can take advantage of the standing room along the southern edge of the field. Unfortunately, the presence of a track surrounding the football field pushes the seats a bit further from the action. This is a common feature of the multi-purpose fields that are found at smaller schools. Restrooms are located in the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex, with additional port-a-johns available behind the grandstand. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Skyhawks games are sold as general admission, with tickets priced at $12. Seniors 65+ and students can purchase tickets for $7. Children 12 and under are admitted at no charge. Waiting until game day to buy your tickets increases the price by three dollars. Parking is free in the lot near the stadium. With inexpensive concessions, an afternoon at a Stonehill football game is a very affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1 As the Stonehill program continues to adjust to life in Division One, the Athletic Department continues to upgrade the game day experience for fans. Some examples of upgrades to the football experience include a new sound system at W.B. Mason Stadium, new concessions, and the Shovel Town beer garden. More improvements are in the works. Final Thoughts W.B. Mason Stadium is a nice, smaller facility that compares well to its peer facilities in the Northeast Conference. While the fans and staff at Stonehill are adjusting to life in the FCS, they promise that bigger and better things are on the horizon, both on and off the field. The addition of Division One sports is a welcome addition to the southeastern Massachusetts athletic scene and a Stadium Journey well worth taking. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Red Bull Arena 600 Cape May St Harrison, NJ 07029 NJ/NY Gotham FC website Red Bull Arena website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 25,189 Gotham Is In New Jersey NJ/NY Gotham FC are members of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) representing the New York/New Jersey market. The club started in 2009 as Sly Blue FC in the Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) and later joined the NWSL for its inaugural season in 2013. The team’s former home was Yurcak Field on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey home. In April 2021, Sky Blue FC officially changed its name to NJ/NY Gotham FC. The owner of the team is Phil Murphy, who is also the current Governor of New Jersey. WNBA player Sue Bird, NBA player Kevin Durant, and NFL great Eli Manning are members of the ownership group along with former Sky Blue / NJ/NY Gotham player Carli Lloyd. In 2023 Gotham FC won the NWSL Championship. Red Bull Arena opened in 2010 after a lot of political activity and is now the home to the Red Bulls. Located in Harrison, New Jersey, just on the other side of the Passaic River from Newark, Red Bull Arena seats 25,000 seats and is owned by the Hudson County Improvement Authority and operated by Red Bull GmbH, which also owns the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS), the stadium’s main tenant. The stadium has also been home to other events such as the Premier Lacrosse League, local commencements, and many concerts. Food & Beverage 4 Red Bull Arena offers a variety of food options at a variety of concession locations. You will find that only about half of the stands are open for Gotham FC matches but you will still find plenty of food options. Soft Drinks can be found at most stands and you can fill and refill your drinks fairly easily on your own for $8.50. A season-long free refill cup can be purchased. Red Bull Energy Drinks are also found throughout the stadium and are sold at the same general price as outside of the stadium. There is a wide variety of beer available at Red Bull Arena. Atmosphere 3 Red Bull Arena offers a great atmosphere for fans. The enclosed nature of the stadium offers decent protection from the weather for fans, as well as keeping the sound loud and enclosed. Gotham FC only uses the lower bowl of Red Bull Arena and the atmosphere is not quite as loud and rowdy as at a Red Bull match but is still a great place to watch soccer action. On the west side of the arena before the gates open, there is a place for kids to get their energy out. There are stairs that will immediately take you up to the tight concourse as soon as you enter. There are elevators also available, but not escalators. There is a great deal of Red Bulls and MetroStars team history displayed along that concourse, but little of Gotham FC. There is still a lively supporter section that keeps the sounds loud. Neighborhood 3 The area of Harrison that Red Bull Arena is located within used to be solely an industrial area, but it has become better over the years. That is partially due to the stadium, but also due to its proximity to Newark as well as a nice, new PATH train station that can get you to New York City in minutes. In the local area, there is a Five Guys Burger and a good Korean taco restaurant, named Takorea, that are worth a stop before or after the match. There are a few other restaurants in the area, as well as an Element Hotel. Newark is also a quick walk away via a bridge. You could even park there at a place like Iberia Tavern & Restaurant and walk over after enjoying a nice meal. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and the Prudential Center are also close by. Fans 3 Gotham FC has a nice following and has decent attendance at Red Bull Arena. The main supporter group is called Cloud Nine, which is a leftover name from when the team was Sky Blue FC. Access 4 This writer was expecting the worse in regards to accessing the Harrison area, but it was better than expected. Parking in Harrison is pretty easy if you follow to this exact address on your GPS: 890 S 3rd St, Harrison, NJ 07029. This will take you to the back way into the Harrison Parking Center where parking is a decent $15. Walking from the garage to the stadium is a little funky due to construction but it will be easy to figure out. There are closer lots for $20 but expect to wait in them as traffic is worse closer to Red Bull Arena. There is one cash lot and one cashless lot with good signage getting you to the right spot. The PATH train station is located between Red Bull Arena and the Harrison Parking Center and is a great option to get to the stadium. The construction in the area is mainly because of the updated PATH station but it looks like that will all be worth it when finished. As mentioned before, parking in Newark at one of the many public lots or the Iberia Tavern & Restaurant lot is an option. We would recommend you check the Prudential Center or NJPAC calendar of events before doing so. The game we attended at Red Bull Arena was when the MTV Video Music Awards were being held that same night at the Prudential Center, so downtown Newark was a bit of a mess. Return on Investment 4 Tickets can be had for under $40 making Gotham FC a great value. With parking for as little as $15, this is shockingly a great value for a sports event in the New Jersey/New York area. There are more expensive seats, depending on the experience you desire from the Red Bull Arena experience. Extras 3 The supporter section, Cloud Nine, while small was very active and loud. Gotham FC has been around for a while in the league and has a great amount of history that hopefully, the team will be able to add to the Red Bull Arena experience. Watching Harrison, NJ change to a different city is a bit fascinating on its own. Final Thoughts A trip to Red Bull Arena for an NJ/NY Gotham FC is a great way for a sports fan to see high-level teams at a decent value.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 KSU Convocation Center 590 Cobb Ave Kennesaw, GA 30144 Kennesaw State Owls website KSU Convocation Center website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,800 Hooty Hoo Kennesaw State University, located in the northwest Atlanta suburb of Kennesaw, was once primarily known as a commuter school, but after significant investments in on-campus housing in the early 2000s, the university has experienced substantial growth in both its student population and its presence in college athletics. Since moving to NCAA Division I in 2009, Kennesaw State has competed as a member of the Big South and Atlantic Sun conferences. In 2024, the Owls will begin their inaugural season as members of Conference USA.   Food & Beverage   2 The concession menu at KSU Convocation Center offers a range of basic options to satisfy your hunger, though it lacks notable specialty items. Featured items include hot dogs, nachos, and pretzels, along with popcorn, candy, and chip options. Beverage choices come from the Coca-Cola family, Powerade, and Dasani water. For adult beverages, the selection includes common domestic beers, craft beers, Emergency Drinking Beer, and Sweetwater 420, as well as White Claw seltzer and Long Drink spirits.   Atmosphere   3 Built in 2005, the Kennesaw State University Convocation Center has maintained a modern feel despite it being nearly 20 years old. In addition to hosting KSU volleyball, it also serves as the home for the Owls men’s and women’s basketball programs. The front entrance welcomes fans with a wall of windows that open into a shallow but spacious two-level lobby – entrances on either side lead to a walkway above court level. Upon first sight of the competition area, the school-specific black and yellow seats stand out as players warm up on the court below. A large, digital video board at the far end of the arena displays not only advertisements but set scores, a live feed of the game, and individual player and team stats. Volleyball, by nature, has a positive and festive nature to it. Owls points are celebrated by dual percussionists stationed courtside, while cheerleaders cheer along. During breaks in the action, the cheerleaders engage fans by throwing t-shirts into the crowd, mostly targeted to the younger or the most enthusiastic of fans. Seating is general admission, allowing fans to choose their preferred experience. Some may opt to sit close to the court for the appreciation of the speed and power of the game up close, while those choosing a higher vantage point have a better view of point rotations.   Neighborhood   3 Kennesaw State University is situated in the Atlanta suburb of Kennesaw, where residential neighborhoods transition into college apartments and shopping centers. While the area may lack the typical college town atmosphere, its proximity to shopping and dining makes it convenient for grabbing a bite before or after the match. Downtown Kennesaw is just 2.5 miles from campus, offering a small selection of restaurants and two popular tap houses, School House Brewing and Horned Owl Brewing. The area also features the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History Museum, which highlights the Civil War era ‘Great Locomotive Chase’ that began in Kennesaw. For those seeking outdoor activities, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is just a 10-minute drive from campus and has miles of trails for visitors to explore, along with an amazing view of the area from atop the mountain’s summit.   Fans   3 The Owls do a good job drawing fans out in support of the volleyball program, typically around 400 fans per match. While there does not seem to be a formal student support group, students are scattered throughout the stands. The strongest support, however, comes from local youth volleyball players, who show up in large numbers to cheer on the Owls. The metro Atlanta area has a strong youth volleyball system, and this is reflected in the enthusiasm and support that the next generation of players shows for both collegiate and professional volleyball in the area.   Access   3 Kennesaw State University is centrally located in Kennesaw, just west of Interstate 75. During rush hour traffic, the area often becomes extremely congested, especially for those traveling north from Atlanta. However, once past the highway traffic, accessing the KSU Convocation Center is very direct. Free parking is available in the East Deck behind the arena. However, there is only one entrance to the Kennesaw State University C onvocation Center, requiring fans to walk around the building for access. On the plus side, there is usually not much of a wait to enter the arena.   Return on Investment   5 Kennesaw State volleyball offers a great opportunity for families or youth volleyball teams to enjoy a match at little to no cost. Both parking in the adjacent garage and admission are free, with concessions as the only expense, but those are also reasonably priced.   Extras   3 The action on the court is paired nicely with in-house music that is accompanied by a drum duo to celebrate points, as well as to entertain fans before the match gets underway and in between sets. Scrappy, Kennesaw State’s owl mascot, is a constant presence, engaging with fans and taking photos with them throughout the arena. Following each Friday night match, the team invites fans onto the court for a post-match autograph session and meet-and-greet.   Final Thoughts Kennesaw State Volleyball does a good job of providing an entertaining platform for the university to showcase volleyball for both the student body and the local community. It would be nice to see more of an organized student support group in place, but it seems like the local community and youth volleyball programs do a good job of filling that void. In turn, the KSU volleyball program and its players go above and beyond to serve as role models for volleyball’s next generation.

There is no place quite like FirstEnergy Stadium and no MiLB experience quite like the Reading Fightin Phils. It is usually one of the favorites. Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave and find out why! You can find Stadium Journey's review of FirstEnergy Stadium and the Reading Fightin' Phils gameday experience here.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222 Indianapolis Motor Speedway website IMSA Weekend website Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 257,325 IMSA’s Indy Endurance Return While Indianapolis is synonymous with racing in America, North America’s premier sportscar series hadn’t run there since the early 2010s. While events like the SRO Indy 8 Hours and the SCCA Runoffs have been held here in recent years, IMSA’s return in 2023 was heralded as a return to the promised land. With new infield camping being offered for the first time in the track’s history, options for fans were plentiful for this new race weekend. New for 2024, the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series increased the length of its race, from the standard two and a half hours to a six-hour endurance race.   Food & Beverage   3 The standard fare is available throughout the infield thanks to various concession stands. The basics like burgers ($9.50-$10.25), chicken fingers ($12), and pork tenderloin baskets ($12.50) are all available, as well as soda ($5-$7), water ($5), and beer ($8.25-$9.25). Fans can also expect a variety of food trucks and independent vendors in the infield Pagoda Plaza.   Atmosphere   5 Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history – this in itself should be enough to elevate the track’s profile. However, thanks to the recent purchase of the facility by Roger Penske, various upgrades and renovations have made the track even better than it was before. A new LED display behind the Pagoda and other smaller displays around the track offers fans a chance to see the action no matter where they are. Renovated bathrooms and common areas are also featured in the latest upgrades as well. The stadium effect of seats on both sides of the track down the front stretch adds to the roar of the engines, and with the addition of the endurance race to the weekend, the feeling in the air is also more electric. IMSA fans love the endurance aspect of sportscar racing, and bringing one to Indy adds to the history of this racetrack.   Neighborhood   3 Speedway, Indiana is a unique setting, as you will see both the past and future of the area all within a few blocks. Located literally in the middle of a neighborhood, the IMS facility is massive, rising above the rooftops of the nearby homes. Across the street from the southwest corner of the track is Main Street; here various restaurants and shopping destinations mix with newly constructed apartments and several IndyCar race team HQs. Thursday night before race weekend begins, a fan festival is held here with various race cars on display, driver autographs and Q&A sessions, and live music taking place. In addition, a mile west of the track along Crawfordsville Road are more shopping and dining options. Hotels are plentiful and nearby as well, with downtown Indy just a short drive east, and multiple hotels just west of I-465 and the track.   Fans   4 The fans at Indy are among the most sport-knowledgeable in racing; you would be hard-pressed to find any others in the US who can top this. Many fans have been going to Indy for various races for decades. The pre-race fan walk during this year’s IMSA weekend was packed full of attendees, and infield camping was more prevalent than it was the year before. No doubt, fans showed up in large numbers this year, adding to the promise of future years here.   Access   4 To get to the track you can just follow the signs, literally – there is no shortage of signage on the way to the track. The nearest highway is I-465, with I-74 meeting up with it just north of the track’s exit. Parking on-site is plentiful both inside and outside the facility, though many of the lots require pre-purchased parking passes. With that said, various homes in the area also offer up their driveways for paid parking, as do some of the businesses nearby.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to IMSA weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are relatively well priced; general admission tickets are incredibly low, starting at $20 for Friday, $45 for Saturday, and $55 for Sunday, with a 3-day general admission ticket costing $105. Reserved seating tickets range from $100 for Friday only in the Hullman Terrace Club to $465 for the full weekend – compared to prices you will see at the Indy 500, this is an absolute steal. Every ticket also includes infield access as well as access to the paddock and pre-race fan walk. Parking starts at $10-$25 for Friday, and goes up to $25-$75 on the weekend days. Camping at the track ranges from $70-$145 outside the track in Lot 2, to $600-$1,500 for various infield Oval Turn 4 spaces.   Extras   4 Several autograph sessions are held throughout the weekend, including all the IMSA WeatherTech Series teams. The track also has several event stores set up throughout the facility, where you can purchase merchandise from the event and the track, as well as from the drivers. Before the main races on Saturday and Sunday, fans can come walk on pit road during the grid walk, as well as watch pit stop demos and meet the drivers and teams before the green flag falls. Finally, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located onsite in the infield, and is open during race days – fans of the sport will no doubt enjoy looking into the past and enjoying the history of the sport of racing.   Final Thoughts Fans still flock to the track no matter what is racing here, and IMSA weekend is incredibly affordable compared to other events. Couple that with the nostalgia factor that Indy injects directly into your soul, and it is hard to skip this now annual stop on the IMSA calendar. Sportscar fans will have plenty to watch throughout the weekend, with no less than four racing series taking to the speedway during the event.

Author:   Dan Mansfield   Publisher:   Pavilion Books Company Ltd   Copyright 2022 Over the years, quite a number of books have been written about baseball stadiums and  parks.  Some discuss their history, others explain the business of stadium construction including public funds and taxes to pay for them.  I was surprised that I have more than ten such books on my bookshelves.   A good friend gifted me Remarkable Ballparks ; it is part of the Remarkable series which includes Remarkable Cricket Grounds , Remarkable Golf Courses , Remarkable Racecourses , Remarkable Road Trips , Remarkable Football Grounds, and Remarkable Bicycle Rides . Remarkable Ballparks - Pavilion site ( pavilionbooks.com ) The vivid photos are well chosen, offering unique perspectives of the stadiums.  Many are credited to Alamy, Unsplash, and Getty Images.   While the photos are excellent, the most interesting content is author Dan Mansfield’s selection of stadiums around the world and the story he writes about each one.  They are presented alphabetically from American Family Field to Yankee Stadium. MLB parks, of course, but he has selected great historical parks such as Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL; Warren Ballpark in Bisbee, AZ; Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, MA; Simmons Field in Kenosha, WI; North Meadow Ballfields in New York City, NY; and McCormick Field in Asheville, NC and their evolution. The author chose to include a number of parks with incredible scenic backdrops such as Blue Wahoos Stadium in Pensacola, FL on Pensacola Bay; Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY; Field of Dreams in Dyersville, IA, etc.   His discussions of stadium architecture are highly informative.  Opened in 2019, the unique design of Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu in Mexico City, home of the Los Diablos Rojos, is spectacular.    Mansfield chose 67 ballparks around the world for this book, including locations in Mexico, China, Taiwan, Japan, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Korea, and England.   Some people might think of this as a “coffee table” book with its beautiful photographs but Mansfield’s writing makes it so much more.    After reading Remarkable Ballparks , it just might be time for a few more road trips!

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey For over a century, the Historic Mooresville Gymnasium has provided a home for basketball. No longer a home for high school hoops, the building is now home to members of the Mooresville Junior Basketball League. In an area where buildings over the after 40 years are abandoned and left to deteriorate, times have not been a foe to one of Indiana’s oldest basketball arenas. The genesis of the gymnasium began when a railway conductor, Virgil Self would talk constantly with city passengers about the need for a home for basketball in town. The idea took off in the summer of 1920 when 94 residents and merchants loaned $100 each to the Mooresville High School Athletic Association. Construction began in the fall and the building would be dedicated on New Year’s Eve. Communications Director, Mooresville Schools, Susan Haynes took me on a tour of the building and share its history with me. “The Mooresville Gymnasium began its life as a community center built with donations from the townspeople and it has held that special place in our community’s heart for a century. Those who’ve lived here know that our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents all have great memories in that building.” The crowd that took in the inaugural ceremonies watched an array of events from an orchestra, a tug-of-war contest, and four basketball games. The portions of the proceeds were used to pay off the debts from the loans and all families that had loaned money were given free passes to attend the home basketball games for the coming season. That would turn into free passes for life for many individuals instead of being paid back for their initial loans. The building would house the Mooresville High School basketball team until the 1959 season and then serve as the home arena for the middle school program until 1965. It was then used primarily for the junior basketball league which would take sole possession of the property in 1993. By this time, the building needed major renovations, and that is when school administrators, civic leaders, and junior basketball league officers took action. The Save Newby Gym Committee was formed in 1996 and worked until renovations were completed in the fall of 1999. A grant from the Lilly Endowment for $77,150, along with funds raised by the committee through their efforts was enough to complete the much-needed renovations to the aging gym. Due to their hard work, the renovations included improving the structural integrity of the north wall, building and painting the bleachers, replacing all of the windows, adding a new basketball court, and the installation of handicap accessible bathrooms and seating. The improvement also included evicting numerous bats from the building. The gym was dedicated on September 11, 1999. A historical marker sits outside the building along the main road into town and the place has never looked so good. The place has a few donated items from past graduation classes that include the former game clock and scoreboard, curtains for the stage, and an encased monogram M from the classes of 1954, 1955, and 1956. “When I walk on that stage, I know my grandmother walked across it for her graduation and my mother was there for elementary school and junior high plays, programs, and more,” Haynes added. Those memories and that legacy are worth preserving for generations to come.” The gym now has a capacity of 500 people and the upstairs balcony, one home to additional seating, is now a small concession area with a few tables that perhaps provide the best seats in the house overlooking the east end of the building. The simple block M is the court’s center logo.  However, the gymnasium is much more than a place for basketball. It has served the town in many facets throughout its over 100 years of life. To an Indiana high school basketball fan, there is enough appeal to visit the gymnasium, but to someone from out-of-state, the gym is a tourist destination, explains Haynes. “I think to a non-Hoosier you might say it’s just an old gym, but this building was the home of high school plays, graduations, concerts, and sports throughout the 1950s; junior high and elementary plays, programs, and more through the 1980s; and community youth sports into the 2020s. The Mooresville Gymnasium doesn’t just have an amazing basketball legacy, it has an amazing community legacy as well.” ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of the Thetford Blue Sox Some sports teams move out of a city and a stadium but can a whole stadium move out of the city? In some cases, this has happened, and one of them is Stade des Caisses Desjardins in Thetford Mines, Quebec, which was once part of Autostade in Montreal, perhaps one of the most infamous stadiums in Canadian Football League history. Thetford Mines is located 141 miles northwest of Montreal and is known mostly as the asbestos capital of Canada but for some time it was home to minor league baseball in both the Provincial and Eastern Leagues from 1953 to 1975. However, within a few years, the old wooden stadium would be razed and a CFL stadium in Montreal would be disassembled with parts sent to town to form a new baseball stadium home to softball and amateur baseball. Autostade opened in 1966 and was composed of 19 identical prefabricated seating stands. It was constructed using prestressed columns and beams. The grandstand had wide gaps between each seating section, which not only separated fans but allowed for chilly winds to sweep through the facility during late fall games. The Alouettes became the primary tenants in 1968 after moving from Percival Molson Stadium. Due to its distance from downtown Montreal and the frigid winds of the nearby St. Lawrence River, crowds were fleeting at the mod facility. The club would average around 18,000 fans per game during its eight-season tenure.  File Photo The 33,000 seats sloped towards the field level promising great views anywhere in the stadium. Unfortunately, its oval design seemed better suited for Australian Rules Football than the Canadian version. Two-thirds of the stadium's seating was located behind the goal line, and the venue was accessible only by car. Its biggest moment might have been the 1969 Grey Cup where a record of 33,172 watched the country’s biggest football game. The game was played under truculent conditions due to ongoing concerns over the FLQ separatist terrorist bombing activities in Quebec. Police officers in full riot gear secured the stadium and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau participated in the ceremonial opening kickoff without incident. During the Als seven seasons at the stadium, attendance would range from an average of 12,169 per game in 1969 to close to 25,000 during the team’s 1970 Grey Cup championship campaign in what Glen Cole of the Canadian Press referred to as “one of the worst football stadiums in North America.”     Attendance was bleak enough that team owner Sam Berger relocated the Larks back to their original home in 1972. The plan soon proved disappointing with attendance dropping by 60,000; the team would return to Autostade the following season.  “The worst place I ever played in all my years of football. It was always windy, usually colder than most places in the fall, and just plain ugly,” said late Ottawa Rough Rider and CFL Hall of Famer Moe Racine in his memoir “Never My Dream”. Photo Courtesy of Bill Dutfied ( billd@acm.org ) In 1975, nearly half of the seats at the stadium were discounted in hopes of increasing attendance; it was the third time in three years that prices were lowered and attendance increased by 26 percent. The next year the Als would play the first professional event at the brand new Olympic Stadium in front of a record crowd of 68,505, and many including  Montreal Gazette journalist Earl McRae would not miss the vapid facility. “...the miserable, mournful stadium on a desolate section along the St. Lawrence. Rats scurried brazenly throughout the structure, mousetraps were scattered by the hundreds to catch them, lousy food was served by concessions, and rainwater poured through the ceiling of team offices..” Interestingly, Autostade was almost home to the National League expansion Montreal Expos in 1969. The plan was for the stadium to serve as a temporary venue for the club before a $35 million, 55,000-seat domed stadium would open in time for the 1971 season.  The plan was also to expand the seating from 25,000 to 40,000 and cover it with a domed roof. Initial costs were estimated to be $5 million but quickly swelled to $7 million, a pricey sum for a temporary ballpark that included a paved track around the field. The choice was then made for the Expos to convert Jarry Park into a temporary major league ballpark and would use it for the next 9 seasons. The dimensions and location close to downtown made it the most logical choice for the baseball club. By 1977, football and baseball were attracting huge crowds to Olympic Stadium, leading to the eventual closure of Autostade. Around the same time minor league baseball in Thetford Mines was coming to an end after two seasons. The old wooden ballpark was home to the Thedford Mines Miners from 1953-1956 in the Provincial League but had been absent for almost two decades until the Pittsburgh Pirates placed an Eastern League franchise in the city in 1974.  The placement was temporary but the club captured the league championship and featured future All-Stars Willie Randolph and Tony Armas. Randolph, who had played in sunny Charleston, South Carolina, the year before was shocked by conditions in Thetford Mines as he recalled in Yankee Magazine in 2016. " It was kind of a makeshift situation because the team wasn't planning to play there, but they were forced to. It was really cold, and the ballpark we were playing in didn't even have clubhouses. We had to get dressed at a hockey rink and walk over to the ballpark. Randolph added that the field was so bad that the team manager Tim Murtaugh--who  said in the book Beating the Bushes that “an empty lot was cleared, a canvas backdrop was tossed up and someone hollered, "Play ball!"--  would not allow his players out on the field. He would recant in 1989 to the Los Angeles Times "It was so bad they had to condemn it. There had been a lot of rain, and they had these big steamrollers on the field. Well, in short, center field, one of the steamrollers sank down about 10 feet, leaving a big crater. The Bucs drew a season crowd of 22,516 for an average of 322 fans and would leave town at the end of the year. The Milwaukee Brewers replaced them but attracted a dismal 16,000 fans for the final season. Soon, the old ballpark was razed and just an empty grass field remained. The city, needing a new ballpark, went the unconventional route--they bought themselves pieces of a football stadium. They then reassembled into what would be used as a 5,000-seat baseball stadium that included three sections and a press box from what was once Autostade. In February of 1978, the City of Thetford Mines handed a memorandum to the Minister of Urban Affairs to purchase five sections of Autostade to replace the old stadium park and revive the land. Five months later, the sections were purchased and construction began in August 1979. A cost of $350,000 was made to acquire, transfer, and reconstruct the bleachers to its new home.  The park would be home to softball for the next 33 years, hosting the 1982 Senior Men's Canadian Fastpitch Championships that attracted large attendance figures. Then in 2010, Francois Lécuyer, a local businessman, brought baseball to the stadium with the Thetford Blue Sox, a semi-professional team in the Ligue de Baseball Senior Élite du Québec.  Photo Courtesy of the Thetford Blue Sox To prepare for baseball, fences were reinstalled, locker rooms were built, and team headquarters were established beneath the stands. Since 2012, the Sox have won six league championships and draw between 500 and 1,000 fans per game. Professional baseball returned in 2014 for one game when the city hosted the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am League for an exhibition game, and 5,000 spectators filled the stands on Canada Day. Baseball is thriving once again during the summer months in Thetford Mines, but one has to scratch their heads and wonder why its existence appears to be an enigma to most people. It appears to many that the remnants of Autostade make up Stade des Caisses Desjardins but perhaps there is a reason for it. There was little fanfare in Montreal when the CFL stadium was torn down; the stadium was in service for a decade and was quickly put out of mind once Olympic Stadium opened. Also, the ballpark was never to be converted into a temporary baseball facility for the Expos. This could have thrust the venue’s attention to major league cities and with copious video footage and former players' testimonies, might have left a little more resonance on the public's attention in Montreal. Photo Courtesy of Google Sure, it looked decorative for visitors during Expo ‘67; however, there was not too much time for anyone to reminisce or become teary-eyed about the place, especially when the Alouettes averaged over 54,000 fans per game during the first two seasons at Olympic Stadium.  Today, Stade des Caisses Desjardins is the home of amateur baseball during the summer months in Thetford Mines. When fans take in a Blue Sox game, they are sitting in stands that were once created to watch professional football in Montreal more than 55 years ago. Who knew the legacy of Autostade is still alive and well in Quebec? --- Follow Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The great part about taking in games in different parts of this great country of ours is – in addition to the on-field, on-court, on-ice, on-track, etc., action – the chance to partake in some truly unique regional dishes.   I have endeavored to do this in each and every one of my travels; I like to call it having the “food of the place” and it is a ritual that has proven to be both beneficial in enriching my outlook on life and detrimental to my waistline.   My beloved hometown of San Antonio, Texas, has rightfully earned a reputation as being a great food town over the years. Whenever someone makes a visit to the Alamo City, I feel it is my duty to show them some of the dishes that make us truly unique. To wit, this piece on a unique innovation in our Tex-Mex arsenal the puffy taco.   There are dueling stories of how the puffy taco was invented. Both Ray's Drive Inn  and Henry's Puffy Tacos  lay claim to the creation of the puffy taco, which dates back to the late 1960s or early 1970s, depending on who you listen to.   Regardless of the “controversy," one bite of a puffy taco and you'll get why a) San Antonians love them and b) why the restauranteurs are so protective of this dish.   So, what's a puffy taco you ask? Well, let's start with the “puffy” part. You take an uncooked corn tortilla and in lieu of heating it up on a flattop stove, you toss that bad boy ball of goodness into hot oil. Once the masa comes into contact with the frying medium, they almost immediately begin to expand or become puffy.   At that point, depending on where you get them, there are about a dozen different permutations – just like a “regular” taco. This infinitely Instagramable dish has proven to be a hit with just about anyone and everyone who's had the good fortune of throwing one down since day one.   The go-to version is the traditional picadillo (pee-kah-dee-yo) taco, which is seasoned ground beef, potatoes, tomatoes, and spices. This is more akin to what you would think of in a traditional taco and is quite great. If you're lucky though, you can find beef and/or chicken fajita versions, bean and cheese, shredded chicken, and guacamole. They almost always come topped with the traditional “salad” of shredded lettuce, cheese, and diced tomatoes; it's up to you to add any hot sauce or salsa .   A forewarning though, the integrity of your puffy taco “shell” depends wholly upon your filling. Your more sauce laden varieties will probably mean you're gonna have a split right down the middle so be sure you either give it a good haunch over your plate to catch the spillage or wear an outfit you don't mind littering with taco.   The main sporting venue that sells this delicious San Antonio staple is Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium , home of the San Antonio Missions.   Not only does Henry's Puffy Tacos has a scaled-down stand at the ball park, but they also supply one of the team's mascots, Henry the Puffy Taco , naturally. Just like his namesake dish, the Taco has also grown a cult following in the city. Henry the Puffy Taco of the San Antonio Missions If you're a taco “purist,” the puffy version might seem like a gimmicky, novelty item. However, if you just like good eating, this is something you need to have.   On your next visit to San Antonio, do yourself a favor and not only take in a game at the Wolff, but skip the hot dog line and go for something that is truly a taste of the region. Have a puffy taco or two – heck, have three if you've got the room – and get a taste of what San Antonio is all about.

Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey More than a decade ago, the US Open Qualifying round played the week before the US Main draw begins the last full week of August, was more of an afterthought. Despite still being free admission, the low-key competition has blown up into a big event named US Fan Week (debuted in 2017) by the US Tennis Association with special events, contests, daily giveaways, and plenty of food and beverages available for sale. This year Fan Week ran from Tuesday, August 22nd through Sunday, August 28th at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadow, Corona Park, Queens, New York. The actual matches began Tuesday and continued until Friday, but this year it was not completed until Saturday due to rain. The US Open is one of the four major Grand Slam Tournaments along with the Australian and French Open and Wimbledon. At the qualifiers, 128 men and women battled for the final 32 spots (16 men and 16 women) in the main singles draw. Almost every court is used and the matches start at 11 am. and sometimes do not end until 11 pm. Qualifiers need to win three matches to make the tournament. In addition to free admission, free parking is available in Flushing Meadow Park. The best way to experience the day is to bring a small soft cooler with food, water and snacks to offset the exorbitant prices. All bags are subject to search and must not be larger than 12”W x 12”H x 16”L. Since fans can enter and exit as they please food, ice cream and drinks can be purchased outside the grounds and brought in once clearing the security screening. This year the USTA offered a free fan access pass downloaded to your mobile device and then used to attend player practice sessions in Arthur Ashe Stadium and qualify for daily prize drawings. The most coveted prize was a Wilson Junior Racquet. In celebration of 45 years of partnership, Wilson donated 10,000 junior racquets to be given away during Fan Week. By the main entrance is the Fan Week Center Stage programmed throughout the day with live tennis content, surprise player appearances, coaches, Q&As, and autograph signings. For food choices the options are limitless. New to this year’s tournament are Chef Melba Wilson of Harlem, N.Y.-based Melba’s and James Kent of the Michelin-starred restaurant Crown Shy. Visit Melba’s for comfort food and unique items like mac & cheese, a po’boy, spring rolls, and red velvet cake, and check out Crown Shy for chicken sandwiches, tomato and peach salad, and sticky toffee pudding. Many of the food options are found in the Food Village near Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadium. Some of the choices include Pat LaFrieda Meat Co., San Matteo NYC, Hill Country BBQ, Korilla BBQ and Poke Yachty, Fuku, Nourish Spot, Taqueria Nixtamal, Eataly, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, and Crabby Shack. The signature drink of the US Open is the Honey Deuce ($22 for on the rocks or frozen). The cocktail, which debuted in 2006, is a mix of grey goose vodka, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur with two honeydew melon balls as a garnish. As for the tennis, there is so much to see as the 2 out of 3 set matches just keep on coming, and the side courts which are never more than half capacity offer close views. With no assigned seating, it’s easy to find yourself in the first or second row and immersed in the sights and sounds of some excellent players and matches. The only disadvantage might be a lack of shade but there are shady seats in the grandstand and more shade for matches post 4 pm. Another advantage is being able to walk the grounds without the crowds that engulf the walkways on Opening Day and not let up for the two weeks of play. The US Open began Monday, August 28, and ends Sunday, September 10. The grounds are easy to access by car coming in from Long Island or over the Whitestone Bridge from the Bronx, Westchester, and Connecticut. The No. 7 subway and the Long Island Railroad stop at Mets-Willetts Point station which is about a 10-minute walk along the boardwalk to the South Gate. The main gate (East Gate) is accessed through the park and leads directly into Ashe Stadium.

With the surge of WNBA popularity, record-breaking attendance records this 2024 season, and the playoffs underway, it’s time for Stadium Journey to release its ranking for WNBA arenas.  While some arenas are shared with brethren NBA, G-League, or NHL teams, others are shared with college teams or played in an arena hosting various concerts and other entertainment events throughout the year. Stadium Journey ranks arenas based on their unique FANFARE rating scale, which incorporates a venue’s food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fans, accessibility, value, and other factors to create an overall score.  When two or more venues are tied, Stadium Journey consults its Council of Elders to break the tie.  The NBA competition was fierce this season and many games were sellouts!   Enjoy our list and be sure to share your favorite(s) on our Facebook and Twitter (X) pages. 1.     Climate Pledge Arena – Seattle Storm 4.29 Marc Viquez - Climate Pledge Arena is a building that stands out among the rest of the WNBA and the nation. The interaction with fans and the team provides an ideal atmosphere for a first-time visitor, and the neighborhood is worth spending a few hours at before or after the game. When you add free mass transportation to the game, visiting the building is a must in Seattle. 2.     Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indiana Fever 4.29 Marc Viquez - The fieldhouse still boasts an impressive collection of memorabilia showcasing the game of basketball in the state. There is an array of items from former professional clubs from the city, local high schools, and the major universities and colleges in the state. 3.     Target Center – Minnesota Lynx 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The stands fill as quickly as the Target Center doors open, as fans do not even want to miss the warmups. Be sure to look up at all the various championship banners the Lynx have earned at the Target Center over the years. It is a great way to get fired up before the game even starts. 4.     Footprint Center – Phoenix Mercury 4.00 Meg Minard - Attending a Mercury basketball game is an enjoyable afternoon/evening out. If you haven’t been to the arena in a while, come check out some summer hoops at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.   5.      Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles Sparks 4.00 Andrei Ojeda - L.A. Sparks basketball is the type of entertainment that is perfect for that type of fan who wants to see some great basketball action live without leaving a huge hole on the wallet.  They provide quite an entertaining professional basketball experience.   6.     Michelob Ultra Arena – Las Vegas Aces 3.86 Lloyd Brown - You are going to have a great time at a Las Vegas Aces game at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. Terrific basketball, Vegas-style entertainment during the breaks, and easy access to food, drink, and gambling add up to a very entertaining evening! 7.     Mohegan Sun Arena – Connecticut Sun 3.86 Paul Baker - While a casino in the woods of eastern Connecticut may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of where to bring the family for an evening of sporting fun, the Mohegan Sun Arena is an excellent facility. There is something for everyone at Mohegan Sun, even the younger fans. 8.     Entertainment and Sports Arena – Washington Mystics 3.86 Gregory Koch - The Washington Mystics are drawing sellout crowds to the Entertainment & Sports Arena nearly every game and seem to be outgrowing their home there very quickly. Someday soon, they may move back to Capital One Arena, but for now, a Mystics game at the ESA is a great experience. 9.     Wintrust Arena – Chicago Sky 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Wintrust Arena is a worthy home court for a championship team. It has excellent views of the game action from any of its seating areas, and features a wonderful audiovisual package, with a huge center-hung video board. It has easy access for fans, as it is located on multiple bus and train routes in a city that lives on public transit. 10.   Barclays Center – New York Liberty 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Liberty organization does a great job of maintaining a high energy level throughout the games. Ellie, the team’s elephant mascot, roams the stands, leading the cheers and posing with fans for selfies along the way. The team has a fan participation activity on the court during breaks in the action. 11.   Gateway Center Arena at College Park – Atlanta Dream 3.29 Lloyd Brown - The Atlanta Dream finally has a home of its own for the first time in its 15 years of existence. It is working closely with its neighbors to make professional sports more accessible to communities on the Southside of Atlanta. 12.   College Park Center – Dallas Wings 3.14 Lloyd Brown - The Wings home at the College Park Center is easy to get to from almost anywhere in the Dallas metroplex. It provides the team with an arena that is right-sized for the average WNBA crowd. There is little or no evidence that the arena primarily serves as a college sports venue, as the team’s blue and green color scheme is carried throughout the facility for their home games.

When many fans think of football (soccer) in England, typically the Premier League and its 20 clubs come to mind. In fact, there are over 1800 football clubs at numerous levels in England. For fans of Welcome to Wrexham, it has been discussed how confusing it is. For the unfamiliar, here is a quick primer: ·       5th Level – The National League consisting of 24 clubs ·       4th Level – EFL League Two consisting of 24 clubs ·       3rd Level – EFL League One consisting of 24 clubs ·       2nd Level – EFL Championship consisting of 24 clubs ·       Top Level – Premier League Additionally, there are multiple other levels with regional teams all fighting to break through to the sport’s top levels. Teams move up through promotion or down through relegation on a seasonal basis. This does not occur for any sports in the states, but imagine the Chicago White Sox becoming a AAA team next year. That is English football in a nutshell. On a recent trip to England, the family and I were scheduled for a tour of Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC of the Premier League. Prior to our scheduled tour, we received an email from the team letting us know they had to cancel the tour due to a game on the same day. Ah yes, one other thing I learned about English football…there are A LOT of different tournaments throughout the season (you Welcome to Wrexham fans also know this). So, our tour was bumped due to UEFA Conference League Qualifying. Fortunately, we had another football tour scheduled. Full disclosure, I’m a recent football fan. I’d watch the U.S. teams compete in the Olympics but that was about it until a few years ago. I cannot recall why I started watching football, but I did and it stuck. I needed to pick a team of course. Not knowing much about football, I simply guessed. I’m a big fan of tennis. Wimbledon had a football team. That is the story. With that, we showed up for our tour of Cherry Red Records Stadium, home of AFC Wimbledon. For those keeping score at home, AFC Wimbledon currently plays in League Two. Our tour consisted of a small group of about 10-12 folks and our tour guide has been a Wimbledon season ticket holder for upwards of 30 years. He began with asking us how much he needed to speak about the team who should not be mentioned. I knew very little about this, but here is the incredibly short version as I’ve since found out. Wimbledon Football Club was formed in 1889. The team was called The Dons, The Wombles, and even The Crazy Gang for a short time. Over time, the team rose through the ranks, reaching the First Division (this is prior to the formation of the Premier League) in 1986. The team was relegated in 2000 and in 2001, the club announced it was moving to Milton Keynes. This incredibly unpopular decision led to supporters forming AFC Wimbledon. To further muddy the waters between the two teams, the new Milton Keynes team also has the name, The Dons. From the outside looking in, there are clearly a lot of hard feelings these 20+ years later. So, back to the tour. Cherry Red Records Stadium, which opened in 2020, has a capacity of 9,215. The stadium is a charming place that seems like it would provide a great atmosphere for matches. The tour began with a visit to the stadium suites that are largely like suites in any other stadium and provided a great view of the pitch. Next stop was the locker rooms. There was very little difference between the home and visitors locker rooms and the tour guide pointed out that many teams say this is the best visitor’s locker room in League Two. Both locker rooms lead into an area that has the entrance to the pitch. This being the first professional football pitch I’ve ever been on (or right next to anyway, we didn’t step inside the lines) I have nothing to compare it to. Suffice to say that with a stadium full of fans, I can imagine it would be an amazing experience to play a match here. For the fans, there appeared to be no bad seats anywhere in the stadium. We next visited the south stands. The south stands are for the most hardcore of AFC Wimbledon fans and the section includes a safe standing area. In between the rows are sturdy metal rails making it near impossible to fall forward. This became a requirement after an incident is 1989 in which ninety-seven Liverpool fans died after a crush of fans during an FA Cup match. As we headed into the concourse, it was impossible to miss some rusty blue metal gates. The gates were from the original Plough Lane, former home of Wimbledon. When Plough Lane closed, someone spray painted “Womble Til I Die” on the gate. The gate sat in a metal scrap yard for many years, and someone tried to clean up the yellow spray paint. The team was able to restore the gate to some extent and it recently became a permanent fixture inside the concourse. The final stop was the museum. The museum is a small room within the team shop. There is a lot of team history crammed into the small room and it is well worth taking the time to look around. One of the featured displays is the greatest performance in the history of the club, the 1988 FA Cup. In 1988 Wimbledon played Liverpool in the final. Called one of, if not the biggest upset in the history of the FA Cup, Wimbledon won 1-0 on a goal by Lawrie Sanchez in a match played in front of almost 100,000 fans at Wimbley Stadium. Hopefully as the team is able to do more around the grounds, there can be a larger area dedicated to all the historical items they have. Those items seem a bit compacted in such a small area. The tour took about an hour and was well worth the cost of 15 pounds for adults and 5 for kids. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but very much enjoyed the tour guide’s stories about the club and some of the players that have passed through Wimbledon over the years. The team is very much tied to the community. In fact, ownership is a trust that involves all the members with a one-member, one-vote system. Unfortunately, the team wasn’t home for a match while we were in London, but given how much I enjoyed the tour and the story behind the team, I’ll be back for a match or two.

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey If you ever attend a sporting event at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, you can walk down the street and find another piece of sports history in town, namely a tribute to one of the greatest racehorses of all time, Secretariat. To celebrate the birthday of the horse known as Big Red, March 30, 2024 was proclaimed as Secretariat Day, and a plaza honoring the Triple Crown-winning equine was dedicated. The ‘Racing into History’ monument, created by Jocelyn Russell, includes a statue of Secretariat racing at full speed, as well as brick facades on two sides showcasing the horse’s successes. The monument is located at the corner of Railroad Avenue and England Street in downtown Ashland, about 10 miles from Meadow Stable, where Secretariat was born in 1970. Penny Chenery, Secretariat’s owner and manager of his racing career, operated Meadow Stable at the time, and with the help of her father, Chris, bred the horse through a match between the 1957 Horse of the Year Bold Ruler, and the 1973 Kentucky Broodmare of the Year Somethingroyal. Chris Chenery grew up in Ashland, attended Randolph-Macon College, and later founded Meadow Stable. The operation was sold in 1973 after Chris passed away, but visitors are still welcome to tour the historic barns and pastures – the site is now known as Meadow Event Park, and also hosts the annual State Fair of Virginia. Secretariat won 16 races out of 21 starts in his career, including most famously all three races in the 1973 Triple Crown – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont. Secretariat was the first horse ever to run the Derby in under 2 minutes, a feat that has only been accomplished once since. More impressively, however, his records in all 3 races still stand today, over 50 years later – Secretariat’s largest margin of victory was winning the Belmont by 31 lengths. Secretariat was retired to stud at the end of his three-year old year, and his name now appears in the pedigrees of many modern champions, and he has also sired many leading broodmares. The great horse passed away in 1989 from laminitis, but thanks to the efforts of his fans, Secretariat’s memory can now live on forever in Ashland.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey This past Labour Day weekend in Canada marked the CFL’s first ever visit to Vancouver Island, when the Ottawa RedBlacks took on the BC Lions at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria. Touchdown Pacific follows past successes with Touchdown Atlantic, the CFL pre-season and regular season exhibition games held in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, which have occurred every few years since 2005. The CFL game in Victoria follows a recent trend of different leagues scheduling their football contests in faraway locations, for example the NFL hosting games in England, Germany, and Brazil in the past few years, and United States college football hosting games recently in Australia and Ireland. Touchdown Pacific, presented by WestJet, was more than just a football game, and included 3 days of fun for the whole family – the festivities included a BC Lions open practice, the Touchdown Pacific Festival at Ship Point Inner Harbour on Thursday and Friday, and of course the game itself on Saturday, August 31st. The game itself, won by the Lions 38-12, broke a 5-game losing streak for BC, who came into the game 5-6; the game served as a sort of revenge for BC, who lost by 7 to the same RedBlacks one week earlier in Ottawa. The Lions dominated in all phases of the game during Touchdown Pacific, outgaining the RedBlacks by almost 200 yards, and going into halftime with a 31-6 lead. The RedBlacks came into the game 7-2, 2nd in their division behind Montreal, while the Lions came in tied for 1st place in their division with Winnipeg. The game in Victoria was covered by TSN and had a reported attendance of 14,727. It is not yet known whether there will be additional Touchdown Pacific games in the future.