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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos by Ryan Norris, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 UC Davis Health Stadium La Rue & Hutchison Davis, CA 95618 UC Davis Aggies website UC Davis Health Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 10,743 Football in Aggie Land Note: The stadium name changed from Aggie Stadium to UC Davis Health Stadium in 2019. After a string of Division II success, which included national championships in softball, men’s basketball, and men’s and women’s tennis, UC Davis began play as a Division I school in 2007. Corresponding with the move up the division ladder, Aggie Stadium opened up that same year with a capacity of 10,743. The UC system is very academically focused so the movement for a new stadium for the Aggies came as a bit of a surprise. As it is, only 3 of the 10 UC schools field a football team. I’d imagine the reason is two fold; one, the expensive nature of a football program and two, the lack of college football passion compared to schools in the Midwest or the South. While the other UC schools (Cal and UCLA) compete in the FBS’ PAC-12, the Aggies compete in the FCS subdivision. UC Davis competes in the Big Sky Conference with Causeway Classic rivals Sacramento State for football only. For most other sports they compete in the Big West Conference. The field is named after former head coach and College Football Hall of Famer Jim Sochor. Their current coach Bob Biggs will retire at the end of the 2012 season, his 20th as the head football coach. Food & Beverage 4 Aggie Stadium has two main concession stands, one above each sideline grandstand. At these stands you have a decent selection that includes: hot dogs ($4.50), Polish dogs ($5.50), hot links ($5.50), pretzel w/cheese ($4.75), nachos ($4.50), and burritos ($5.50) w/meat ($6.50). Snacks include churro, popcorn, and boxed candy ($3). Bottled water is $3 and a souvenir soda is $6, refills just $3. I ate at Star Ginger, a Vietnamese food truck, parked inside Aggie Stadium. They have a variety of rice bowls for $7 and Banh Mi, traditional Vietnamese sandwiches, for $6. I don’t know if Star Ginger is there every week or if others come and go in their stead but it’s clear that food trucks are wildly popular in California. There are food festivals dedicated solely to food trucks and I’ve seen them pop-up at sporting events, including San Jose Earthquakes and Stanford Cardinal games. Atmosphere 4 Aggie Stadium has simple, stream-lined seating for football games, each side a mirror image of the other. There are two bleacher sections on the sidelines. One side hosts the Aggie Band, the Aggie Pack, and the visiting fans. The other side consists of some general admission seats alongside the premium seats. All seating is accessible by going down to either your seat or a grassy area. Eventually the plan is to expand Aggie Stadium to 30,000 seats by filling in the grassy knolls and to add to upper deck seating. Personally, I love the look of the small, aesthetically pleasing stadium and wonder if they can really triple the size without having too many empty seats. Since there isn’t a grandstand to block your view, you can see the surrounding agriculture, as well as the UC Davis water tower. Neighborhood 4 The UC Davis campus butts up against the downtown Davis neighborhood. This area is a vibrant mix of students and families and visitors should take advantage of the atmosphere that the neighborhood provides. Popular restaurants downtown are Froggy’s Grill, Woodstock’s Pizza, and Burgers and Brew. The best place for a pregame beer is The Grad. It’s your typical college-town sports bar with plenty of TVs, 50 plus beers on tap, and a full kitchen. All this within staggering distance to the front gates. Microbrew enthusiasts take note that there is indeed a brewery in Davis serving up some suds. Sudwerk is a brewery that creates their own versions of traditional German-style beers while still providing some of the California staples like pale ales and IPAs. A farmer’s market is held year-round, rain or shine, on Saturdays at Central Park. Davis is a well-known bicycle paradise; heck, a bicycle is even in their town logo. Davis is also the home to the US Bicycling Hall of Fame and has plenty of bike lanes. There were over 1,000 bike parking spots outside Aggie Stadium, all of them in use. Fans 3 The Aggie faithful were certainly into the game throughout, albeit laid back. In my eyes, there were two strange things about the seating. First, and funny to me, was the huge crowds that chose to pass on their seats and sit in the shadow of the scoreboard on the hot day. The shadow was completely covered by fans. Second, was the empty seating section between the band and the student section, near midfield. These were the two most boisterous sections in the stadium and it was odd that they were separated from each other by an empty section. Kids are certainly welcome at Aggie Stadium as it was a very family-friendly feel. Many of the kids chose to roll down the hills over and over again, at either end of the stadium. There was no notable drinking or swearing and that would make any family feel welcome. Still, at 80 percent capacity, I wonder if their expansion plans make any sense. Granted, I’d imagine they would draw better against Cal Poly or Sacramento State than the Portland State Vikings, whom I saw. Access 5 The UC Davis campus is located conveniently off of highway 80, 15 miles west of Sacramento and 75 miles east of San Francisco. Getting there isn’t difficult but you should certainly expect significant traffic during peak hours after work. Downtown Davis is easy to get around for first-timers as many of the streets progress numerically and alphabetically, so you never feel like you’re unsure of your location. There is a local bus service, UniTrans, operated by UC Davis that services much of the city and all of the campus. Buses are driven by university students and cater to the inevitably odd schedules of college students. Beyond the local buses, there is also an Amtrak stop that stops downtown. This train goes through Sacramento with bus connections that can take passengers as far as Tahoe and Reno. Going the other direction, the “Capitol Corridor” train passes through Berkeley, Oakland, and San Jose, with connections to San Francisco. There’s one designated parking lot on a grass field outside the stadium but you can park at most of the UC Davis parking lots (don’t park in residential lots!) for free on weekends. Make sure to check for signs in case there is a dual event at the Mondavi Center. I parked at the UC Davis Health and Wellness Center for free (you must pay during the week) and walked the ten minutes to Aggie Stadium. Getting around once inside Aggie Stadium is a breeze. There are plenty of restrooms and the concession and merchandise stands are well staffed and lines move quickly. Getting to your seat is easy since the sections are a bit narrow, thus plenty of staircases to access. I appreciate that since you don’t have to walk over a bunch of people to get to your seat. They seem to be well set up to expand, whenever that may be. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets start at $15 and jump to $25 for premium general admission, closer to midfield. Concessions aren’t unreasonable and you can park for free if you look. Unfortunately, the UC Davis football team has been pretty poor during the 2012 season and the product on the field isn’t the best. That being said, a day game at Aggie Stadium is delightful. I’d love to make it back for a Causeway Classic matchup. Extras 1 The Tavernetti Bell is outside of the main gate to Aggie Stadium. It is named after Thomas Tavernetti and is rung after every Davis victory. Due to the newness of Aggie Stadium there isn’t much in the way of historical significance but they do have a wall listing all the top athletic donors and a UC Davis Fire Department fire truck in stadium, belonging to the Aggie Pack. A couple firefighters were atop the truck, checking out the game. Final Thoughts I have to believe that Aggie Stadium is one of the finer venues in the FCS and is certainly worth checking out.

Photos by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Lindner Family Tennis Center 5460 Courseview Dr Mason, OH 45040 W&S Open website Lindner Family Tennis Center website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 11,435 Tennis in the Midwest The Lindner Family Tennis Center is the home of The Western and Southern Open: ATP Masters 1000 and WTA Tier 5 combined event, located in the quaint northern Cincinnati suburb of Mason, Ohio. The event is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States, which is still being played in its original city. This historic tennis tournament occupies the middle two weeks of August each year on the ATP and WTA Tour calendars. The grounds of the tournament, which are located just a stones throw off of Interstate 71, now feature 5 tennis dedicated permanent stadiums, which is the only non-grand slam event with more than 3 permanent tennis stadiums. In addition to the impressive stadiums on site, the property also includes 5 other match courts, 6 practice courts, a full food court, 18 luxury suites, 6 corporate chalets, a grand shopping plaza, a full service private restaurant, a full upper level bar and lounge, a brand new ticket office and front entrance complex and 4 large designated on-site parking areas. Center court, the largest stadium in the facility, which has been renovated numerous times throughout the history of the tournament, features 11,400-ticketed seats. The second largest stadium in the complex, grandstand court, seats 5,000 with about three quarters of the seats being public seating. Next, the brand new court 3 comfortably seats 3,500. Courts 4 and 9 are also small stadiums on site, which seat 2,500 and 2,000 respectively. Lastly, court 10 seats just over 1,000. This tournament has successfully transformed itself from a wonderful small and personal professional tournament to an impressive miniature grand slam event located in a small city setting. Read on to find out what goes into making this an astonishing event. Food & Beverage 5 It has been said that one can find literally anything to eat or drink that tickles their fancy; from my experiences, that statement is completely accurate. The food village at the event features 14 unique local and national chain restaurants from every style of food from around the world. Additionally, there are three concession stands conveniently located in the corners on the ground floor of center court. These stands feature the expected stadium fare found at ordinary sporting events, and are top notch. If one is looking to grab a quick snack and drink during a break in play, their best bet would be to get a quick fire-grilled pretzel and homemade lemonade from the carts spread out all over the grounds, these are a personal recommendation. When you're ready for an alcoholic drink, there are numerous unique places, which come highly recommended, each for a slightly different experience. The first being the Corona Beach House, located in the center of the food plaza, is ideal to grab an ice cold beer and enjoy the festivities. Another is a secluded bar, located on the exterior second level in the southeast corner of center court. This is a wonderful shaded full bar and lounge with a large area to relax and meet up with friends. Each year, creative specialty mixed drinks are crafted to please the tastes of tennis fans. One would be hard pressed not to find lots of tasty food and drinks all over the grounds. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at this tournament is spectacular year after year. Fans travel from all over the world to support their favorite players, which creates a very unique experience. One will find the best atmosphere in some of the smaller match courts, where highly seeded players will draw large crowds to the small, romantic courts for an up close and personal view of the game's biggest stars in action. Most of the sessions of the two-week tournament will sell out, therefore creating a wonderful atmosphere of loud but respectful tennis fans. Be sure to get your tickets early. One thing that always creates a fun buzz is the speed serve booth. For a nominal fee fans get the chance to test out their serving skills against a speedometer for a daily and weekly prize for the best in each age category. There are sure to be great crowds that gather to see some future tennis stars in action. Neighborhood 4 While there aren't a ton of great local joints nearby for a bite before or after the action on the tennis courts, there is lots of other nearby entertainment. If you haven't gotten your fill of Skyline Chili at the tournament, take a right out of the tournament and grab a Cheese Coney and watch some baseball at the local favorite right around the corner. Just opposite the tournament site on the other side of I-71 is Kings Island Amusement Park. This is a regionally renowned park, which features some of the fastest, highest, and scariest rides around. Often, tournament players are spotted on the ground of Kings Island as well. If you're in town on a hot day, you may prefer to visit the Beach Waterpark, which is easily spotted just off of the highway at the same exit as well. Just adjacent to Kings Island and the Beach are two highly recommended hotels: The Kings Island Resort and The Great Wolf Lodge. These are the two most convenient lodging options. Additionally, just a mile south of the tournament site on I-71, the Fields Ertel exit provides numerous chain restaurants as well as plenty of hotel options. This would be the recommended area to stay or eat due to more reasonable pricing. Fans 4 As mentioned before, the fans who turn out for the tournament each year are extremely enthusiastic international tennis aficionados. It is not uncommon to see plenty of creative costumes and outfits to publically show their support for their favorite players no matter their origin. Flags, signs, and large autograph tennis balls have become the norm of the tennis fanatics. In addition to the tennis obsessives, there are plenty of affluent recreational tennis players who enjoy some of the amenities that the tournament offers. Access 5 The access in and out of the tournament is completely and flawlessly planned out to the last detail. The parking committee does a fantastic job of keeping traffic moving in and out of the respective lots. There are four lots located on the golf course, which surrounds the tennis complex. Lot A and B require special permits as well as the Volunteer lot. Lot C is a free lot, open to the general public. When exiting the highway, be sure to keep a lookout for signs directing traffic to the respective parking lots. The brand new ticket office, located on the north end of the complex provides a refreshingly easy in and out of a previously inconvenient ticketing experience. Once inside the tournament grounds, one will find it to be an extremely enjoyable and easy complex to move around in. Additionally, while restrooms are plentiful, between matches it's not uncommon for lines to form, but this is to be expected and doesn't deserve a reduction in score. Return on Investment 4 Typically when looking at ticket prices and their value for general sporting events one will see a pretty strict scale or range depending on the game and which visiting team is in town. With tennis, tickets get pricier not only as the seat gets better, but also as the week progresses towards the finals weekend, thus putting value on different aspects of the week. A personal favorite is to get the lower end tickets at the beginning of the tournament in order to see all of the lower ranked players as well as the higher, as all players are in action. For less avid tennis fans, the second week action may be a little more attractive because the chance to see two highly ranked opponents square off is much greater. Overall, tickets are priced fairly and competitively, and one will enjoy the experience for the amount paid. Likewise with food and drink; nourishment at sporting events is always pricier than what you can find in a grocery store, but this is what you come to expect; you won't go broke after a day on the grounds of the Western & Southern Open. Extras 5 The entertainment options outside of the tournament even in a rural small town deserve an extra point. Being a non grand slam, this tournament has a very impressive collection of match and practice courts. One thing that fans will never find at the grand slams, especially not at the US Open, is that players will often walk around the grounds with their coaches on their way to and from the courts and locker room, which makes for perfect times to get a picture or autograph from one's favorite player. These opportunities are rarely found at the grand slam. Because the complex is surrounded by a golf course, there is ample parking for fans to drive to the tournament unlike others, which require public transportation to the immediate grounds of the tournament. The brand new grand entrance plaza, court 3, and fantastic world-class food court are additions to the facility that give it full marks in this category.

Photo Courtesy of Northwestern State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Prather Coliseum 399 Caspari St. Natchitoches, LA 71497 Northwestern State Demons website Prather Coliseum website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 3,400 Demons Dunking in the Prather For a school that has only been in the NCAA tournament three times in its history– including the most recent appearance in the 2013 season – the fans know how to make some noise. With the conference title on the line, an opportunity for the team’s head coach to become the all-time leader in career collegiate wins in Louisiana, and in celebration of its centennial season, the Demons of Northwestern State rocked the Prather Coliseum with their fans there to witness. Eventually, all that was cheered for was awarded with the teams’ win and eventual Southland Conference Tournament title victory. The Prather Coliseum max capacity is 3,400, but for basketball games only about two-thirds of the coliseum is used for seating space. There is baseline seating at each end of the court and on one back end of the coliseum are smaller practice courts. The Prather looks like a hanger on the outside, and it hosted rodeos at one time. The Demons celebrated their centennial season for basketball in the 2012-2013 season. The first recorded games on campus took place 100 years ago in 1912. NSU was then known as Louisiana State Normal School and it’s believed basketball games were played outside, but there is no definitive documentation. Food & Beverage 3 The Prather has all of your basic food items covered at its lone concession stand. There is only one concession stand available though, so you can at times expect to stand in line if you hit the stand at the wrong time. The concession stand offers hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, candy, and popcorn. For drink options they have 20 oz. Coca-Cola products and water all for a reasonable $3. Overall there is not the best of selections, but the prices are more than fair so there is very little room to complain here. Atmosphere 4 The Demons have done a good job of providing a great atmosphere for college basketball. Interestingly enough, they place the student section behind the west basket, which is the one the visiting team uses in the second half. It’s a great placement for the students. The Prather is filled with Demon memorabilia and remnants of teams and players of the past. You can see the banners of the former Demon teams that have been conference champions hanging from the rafters. I was pleasantly surprised for a school this small to have such a great college basketball atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Natchitoches is a smaller city, but its downtown area is about a mile north of the campus and has a nice historic district. In the downtown, there is a red-brick road and there are a few bars that peer over the river. There are a few different options for places to eat or hang out, and there are always the fast-food chains as well. Fans 3 I’ll start with the student section which was a bit of a disappointment. The students showed up, but with silent chants and looking bored most of the game. As for the other fans in attendance, most were either older alumni or faculty but they kept the game alive. They were proud of their school and openly supported it by applauding when needed and joining in with the cheerleaders’ chants. Access 2 The access to the Prather is one of the hardest I’ve ever experienced at the college basketball level. I don’t know if my directions were bad, but my route to the coliseum was confusing. When I got to the campus I had to drive all the way through it to the athletic side and when I got there I wasn’t sure if I was at the right place. Let’s just say the Prather’s outer appearance doesn’t look like it’s still an occupied building – very antiquated. However, there is an open parking lot across from the arena and parking is free. The parking isn’t bad at all and the walk to the coliseum isn’t far. When you get in though, it’s an old laid back coliseum with a straightforward entrance; ticket scanned in lobby, walk into coliseum. The bathrooms were clean and I never noticed a line, even during halftime intermission. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $10 for adults to $9 for kids aged 3-15 for double-header games. All kids under the age of 2 are admitted free into the games. With food prices more than manageable and tickets prices as low as this, a trip to the Prather makes for a fun trip out in a historic city. The Demons are doing a great job of not only providing a great atmosphere for college basketball, but making it affordable for the whole family to go. Extras 3 One point automatically goes to free parking. In today’s economic world this is always a plus. Another point goes to the Demons’ success at 100 years and recognizing its players from the past. Head coach Mike McConathy gets an extra point for becoming the winningest coach in Louisiana. Final Thoughts You can’t help but root for the Demons, despite their devilish theme. Even if the Prather used to host rodeos or was a hanger, it goes down as one of my favorite places to visit for basketball.

Photos by Steve Bieniek, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Stambaugh Stadium 577 Fifth Ave Youngstown, OH 44555 Youngstown State Penguins website Stambaugh Stadium website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 20,630 Cold as Ice The Youngstown State Penguins are one of the premier teams in the FCS division of college football; the proof is in the four National Championships that the Penguins own. Youngstown is another rust belt city that is truly defined by the people that call it home, and this shows at YSU football games. The stadium itself is also a reflection of the city; perhaps it’s a little worn, but it can still get the job done on game day. Food & Beverage 3 Stambaugh Stadium concessions can be described in one simple word: standard. You won’t have any unique options, maybe outside of the grill concession on one end of the stadium. The grill offers some appetizing menu items and is the most expensive concession stand, but it still won’t kill your wallet. A chicken sandwich, bag of chips, and a drink will run you around $9.50. Other options include a personal UNO pizza ($4.50), Italian sausage ($5), bratwurst ($4), or a pulled pork sandwich ($5). The quality of the food itself in the stadium leaves a little to be desired. The nachos and cheese menu item included a very small bag of nachos and a small amount of cheese, and all of the pizzas looked a little overdone. The concession stand workers are mostly students as well, so if you order a pizza and it looks pretty bad, expect for the attendant to go ahead and give it to you anyway. The best quality is going to come from the grill. Also, there are no alcohol sales in the stadium. These aren’t the worst concessions ever seen, but there are much better aspects to this stadium. Atmosphere 3 Walking into Stambaugh Stadium gives you that “Saturday game day” feeling. Before you get to the stadium, you’ll see the YSU band playing in a courtyard, fans tailgating in one parking lot, and crowds of people gathered all around the stadium. Once in the stadium, be sure to visit the Hall of Gridiron Glory to see some of the great moments in YSU athletic history. At the end of the Hall there is a small shrine to Jim Tressel, so that should give you a little perspective of the YSU success, if you’re unfamiliar with the school’s football history. One unique feature at YSU games takes place as the band is playing. The announcer will actually start to rap over the microphone just before the team enters the stadium. If that doesn’t get you ready to bring out the team, the great school band and cheerleaders will put the mood over the top. Youngstown State is very much just a small scale version of an FBS game. In fact, the enthusiasm and atmosphere actually beats out some FBS schools in the region with ease. The one and only thing that may disrupt your personal atmosphere is that it seems as though a lot of people just sit wherever they want. Several different people could sit in front of and behind you throughout the game. If you go to the game with someone else, you may want to take separate turns going to and from the restroom or concession stand just to avoid any awkward moments with someone else taking your seats. I realize there are general admission sections, but it just seems as though the whole stadium acts as general admission. Neighborhood 4 The stadium sits right on the Youngstown State campus. You will more than likely park in a campus garage or parking lot. The walk to the stadium through the campus is a typical scenic and relaxing campus walk. Make sure to walk into the campus Rec Center to go through the great University Store, across from the Beeghley Physical Education Center. The store will definitely have any of the YSU gear that you desire. During game days there is one parking lot for tailgating; again giving you the feeling of a small scale FBS school. There is some tailgating, but not lines and lines of cars and tailgaters. Fans 4 Stambaugh Stadium is a fairly big stadium, holding over 20,000 people. It’s really great to see that the Penguins can fill up the stadium on a Saturday, even with Youngstown not being anything close to a big city, and big time college football only a few short hours away. The fans will show up in droves, some early and some pretty late. There is a small student section on the visitors’ side, which is inaccessible to fans on the home side. This is a typical small university crowd in that some fans seem very into the game, and some use it as simply a social event. One tip for the Youngstown faithful may be to make sure there are enough fans on the opposite side of the stadium before they start the “We Are……Youngstown” chant. Some students sit on the opposite side of the stadium, but not enough of them had shown up to carry the chant on their side when it started. As always, though, YSU deserves an A for effort. Access 2 There are several parking garages and lots around the campus. Most will have a $5 fee, and if you park too far away, a shuttle will be around to take you directly to the stadium. Even though the shuttle is available, it probably is not necessary. The one thing that is true for the parking garages, the stadium concession areas, and the stadium aisles is that everything seems to be shrunken by a few feet as compared to any other garage or stadium. The parking garages are small and if you sit on an aisle in the stadium, you’re sure to get bumped several times during a game. Also, getting around during halftime is almost impossible. By comparison, the bathrooms are huge and will easily accommodate the crowds. Getting in and out of the stadium should be easy enough for everyone. One very odd part of the stadium is the fact that you will either be on the home side or the visitors/student side and there is no possibility of walking over to the other side. It’s just a little awkward, so just make sure you go in on the correct side. The student section is on the opposite side of the home fans, so perhaps moving this section would help hype up some emotions for the home team. Return on Investment 4 A general admission ticket will run you $12, which is a steal, especially to watch a team that can compete with a lot of FBS schools. The history of one of the great FCS football teams makes a trip to Youngstown an exciting experience. You’re not going to get any extravagant amenities at Stambaugh Stadium, but good football is something that will be assured. There are a lot worse things you could do on a Saturday afternoon. Extras 1 The championship history of the Youngstown State Penguins football teams is worth an extra point. The team won FCS Championships in 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997. Final Thoughts To say that Stambaugh Stadium could use some updating is an understatement, but the people and team of Youngstown pull this stadium through with flying colors. The Penguins will be sure to offer an entertaining game, and as a result, this stadium offers everything a hardcore or casual football fan could need.

Photo Courtesy of Todd Floyd Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Cormell Field at Sparrow Stadium S Evander Dr. Florence, SC 29506 Cormell Field at Sparrow Stadium website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 2,300 Magic City Memories To those unfamiliar with the area, Florence is a nice place to stop for a stretch of the legs on South Carolina’s stretch of I-95, or the eastern terminus of I-20. Situated in the Pee Dee region of the state, Florence is flanked at reasonable distances by Savannah to the south, Columbia to the west and Fayetteville to the north. The city is also just over an hour from Myrtle Beach, which also draws a lot of traffic to the Magic City. Florence is a lot more than just a rest stop, though, as this former rail town has a pretty impressive story of its own. Sports in Florence hold a pretty impressive chapter in the city’s book, with Darlington Raceway just off US 52 and SC 151 a few miles west of the city. The yearly NASCAR race (now dubbed the Southern 500) has been responsible for some of the most exciting finishes in NASCAR’s storied history. The race dates back to 1957, seven years after the track opened. Darlington is also home to former MLB second baseman Orlando Hudson — as a sign will tell you as you enter the town — with former outfielder Reggie Sanders calling Florence his birthplace. Baseball in Florence dates back almost a century, with the Florence Blue Jays of the South Atlantic League calling American Legion Stadium in east Florence home from 1981-1986. Those Blue Jays teams featured talent such as Jimmy Key, Cecil Fielder and Fred McGriff. The club relocated to Coastal Carolina University near Myrtle Beach, with the Coastal Plain League’s Florence RedWolves coming to town in 1998. The RedWolves also left American Legion Stadium in 2012, but their trip was not as far, heading four miles away on US 76 to the then-virtually new Cormell Field at Sparrow Stadium on the campus of Francis Marion University. Food & Beverage 4 For a park this size (Francis Marion baseball competes at the Division II level, and the RedWolves are in the summer collegiate wood-bat Coastal Plain League), there is a lot of choice. The team offers hot dogs ($2.75, $4 for the “Big Daddy Dog”), hamburgers and cheeseburgers ($3.75), regional favorite boiled peanuts ($4), Philly cheese steaks ($6), the “Wolfburger” ($6.50) and the “Diablo dog” ($3.75). Corn dogs ($2), French fries ($2.50, $3.50 with chili and cheese), pretzels ($3), nachos ($4), pizza slices ($2), pizza slabs ($3) and Chick-fil-A sandwiches and nuggets ($4) round out the hot selections. The club also offers more of the “classic” ballpark snacks, such as chips ($1), Cracker Jacks ($1), sunflower seeds ($1), roasted peanuts ($2.50) and popcorn ($1.50). “Add-ons” are available for purchase on hot items for a quarter each, including chili, cheese, salsa, pickles, peppers and onions, chopped onions and jalapenos. Sparrow Stadium serves Coke products, with nine different bottled soda, water and tea options for $2.25 each. Four flavors of Powerade are also available for $2.25, which is a tremendous help on the extremely hot summer nights in the Pee Dee. If beer is more your speed, there is a separate side window in the main concession area from which beer and other drinks can be purchased, along with a stand on the concourse and the beer garden. 12-ounce cans of Bud products and bottles of such products as Shock Top and Fat Tire are $3. Five different wine selections are also available for $3 apiece. Atmosphere 4 Creating a unique atmosphere is quite difficult in a “shared” ballpark. Florence’s staff is very effective at “RedWolvesizing” the stadium, as they call it, however. The seats are all very close to the field, creating a rather intimate environment. There is also very limited netting to provide obstruction, as the netting only stretches between the dugouts. The backdrop is also quite serene all the way around the park. The stadium is part of Francis Marion’s Griffin Athletic Complex, which offers a small man-made lake near the home plate entrance. A bridge extends into the lake, allowing fans to walk out and listen to the fountains before the game. There is a cluster of trees that forms the batter’s eye, helping eliminate the noise of US Highways 76 and 301 just yards away. Most of the between-innings events are similar to what you will see in other parks, with the dizzy bat race and several other standards being featured. The Chicken Dance is also done, but with a bit of a twist. The interns, Homer (the team’s mascot, if he’s in attendance) and a group of hearty fans perform the dance. If someone dropped you in a seat without telling you otherwise, you would swear you were watching affiliated baseball, and not a summer collegiate league. The baseball-forward atmosphere carries over to the entire experience. There is a standard scoreboard beyond the wall in left-center, with an easily-read combination of red numbers and letters on a blue and black backdrop, along with a small collection of ads lining the wall. There are very few intrusive sound effects to disrupt the game, save for the occasional standard glass breaking during foul balls. Neighborhood 2 Sparrow Stadium is located on Francis Marion’s pastoral campus. The university is about all that is going on in the area, however. FMU is located just off US 76/301 in Florence, and aside from a Dunkin’ Donuts, a Wendy’s and a Pizza Hut, there is very little in close proximity to the university. Florence is a reasonably small town, so if the game ends late, there are few choices available to satisfy whatever hunger pangs did not get addressed with the ballpark concessions. Southern chain Fatz Cafe is two exits down I-95 on US 52, and is a recommended stop. There are a number of local establishments and chain restaurants within the city limits, but all are at least a few miles from the stadium. Fans 3 The listed physical seating capacity for the facility is 800, with additional berm seating for many more. The fans that turn out for RedWolves games, though, clearly love their team. The RedWolves’ fan base is involved and intelligent, though there are nights five-plus seasons into the team’s residence in the stadium where seats are still available. This was especially the case on the night we visited, as a heavy series of storms blew through just prior to the first pitch and caused a nearly three-hour delay. The seemingly recent epidemic of children chasing foul balls is also on display in Florence, and they have plenty of room to roam without needing to worry about traffic or needing to leave the park and re-enter. The easily accessible dugouts can create a bit of an issue, though, as memorabilia-seeking children can easily lean into the dugouts and ask players for broken bats or baseballs. It might be good to station an intern or other staffer near each end of the dugout to keep this from happening. A sign may even work. Access 5 The benefits of Sparrow Stadium essentially being in a park are readily on display. The restrooms are mere steps from any seat in the facility, as well as the concession area. Though the concession area and restrooms are outside of the seating bowl, this is really a minor drawback. The concourse and seating rows are as wide as possible, considering the seating arrangement. The parking at Sparrow Stadium is free and plentiful. The majority of the parking is beyond the outfield wall, which allows you to easily access the ticket windows at the entry to the complex. The club also offers online ticketing (with payment through PayPal), so if you have purchased your seats ahead of time, there is a will call tent set up just inside the gates. There is very little problem with exiting the parking areas, as officers will help guide you on really busy nights. The stadium is literally feet from US 76/301, so you can be on your way to I-95, I-20 or any other part of Florence in a matter of minutes after the last pitch is thrown. Return on Investment 5 One of the reasons to love the Coastal Plain League is the value you receive. Seeing the next minor and major leaguers just steps from you each summer is a really cool thing, and the RedWolves make it really easy on your wallet to do so. Box seats are just $7, and are no further than five rows from the field. Be careful, however, as these seats cannot be purchased online. General admission seats also can only be purchased before 4:00 on the day of the game. Speaking of general admission, the general admission seating is bleacher seats with backs, but this should not dissuade you from this option. These seats are also quite close to the action, and are a mere $6. Seniors and kids pay just $5, and military members with ID pay $4. Combine the ticket prices with the concessions and free parking, and this is an ideal place to take your entire family for an evening – or a season. Extras 5 The aesthetics of the complex are truly breathtaking, and there are fountains and a lake surrounding the baseball facility. The waterfront also contains a few plaques honoring those who have played a key role in Francis Marion’s history. This is a relaxing addition to the athletic complex. There is a wall board in the breezeway between the seats and concession stand that contains the night’s lineups and the current league standings. This is a good central location for information, especially considering the fact that the scoreboard does not have room to accommodate the data. Florence offers many promotions and one of them honors the “sweethearts” in attendance. Team employees bring flowers around to certain selected female fans, while the beach music classic “Carolina Girls” plays over the public address system. This is a nice touch to both call on the team’s southern hospitality and thank the female fans for coming to see the team. As with many Coastal Plain League cities, the RedWolves take time out at each game to honor active duty and retired military personnel in attendance. Since the seats are so close to the field throughout the park, players can be seen removing their caps and applauding those who served, and can be heard thanking them. This is a truly heartwarming touch, and fitting of the city in which the club resides. There are also several unique seating choices at Sparrow Stadium, including the berm areas down each line and the party decks atop the general admission seating on both sides of the park. The decks allow for the highest and most expansive views in the park, making them worth a visit on your next trip to a RedWolves game. Final Thoughts The summer heat and sunshine bring a lot of visitors to South Carolina’s Pee Dee and Grand Strand regions, as they actively seek tans, swimming pools, walks on the beach and coastal cuisine. Many of these travelers head right past this ballpark, and may not even realize they are doing so. Florence combines great people, a great product, and a jewel of a ballpark. If your summer travels lead you to Myrtle Beach or anywhere else in the region, you truly owe it to yourself to pay the RedWolves a visit. Their home is a true hidden gem, just like the league in which they play.

Photos by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McCrary Park 138 Southway Rd. Asheboro, NC 27205 Asheboro Zookeepers website McCrary Park website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 1,400 Union of the Snakes It is a reasonably safe bet that anyone reading this piece — even those who have been to North Carolina multiple times — may have missed Asheboro. This long-time mill town rests a half-hour south of the better-known Greensboro, in the Uwharrie Mountains of Randolph County. The town is known to many as the home of the North Carolina Zoological Park. The NC Zoo opened in 1976 and is one of the more popular travel destinations in the southeastern United States. It is that mill history, however, that helps to tell the baseball story of Asheboro. McCrary Park was built in 1946, and it served as the home for the city’s entry into the tile leagues of the period. The Acme-McCrary mill played a considerable role in the building of this park (there is still a large red sign in the park commemorating the sock-making company), and the company still owns the park to this day, providing use of the facility to the city at a reduced monthly rate. The facility is still used by the local high school, American Legion teams, and the Asheboro Copperheads, who joined the Coastal Plain League as an “expansion” team in 1999. The Southeast Regional tournament for American Legion baseball is also played in the park. Note: The team name changed from Asheboro Copperhead to Asheboro ZooKeepers in 2022. Food & Beverage 3 This is very much a small-town park staffed by friendly, small-town folks, so you will not find endless concession offerings served from the large brick building on the first base side. Many of the things one would normally expect at the park are here, with popcorn, peanuts, hot dogs, corn dogs ($2.50 for hot dogs, $2 for corn dogs), cheeseburgers, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches gracing the menu. Domino’s Pizza slices and Zaxby’s chicken tenders are also among the more easily recognizable choices. Nachos are available, and the cheese and jalapenos one might ordinarily expect on those chips are also available for your hot dog. On the sweet side, lollipops, candy, and ice cream are available. All of this can be washed down with a bottled Pepsi product, Gatorade, or water. There is also a beer garden down the right field line called the Snake Pit that seems to be quite popular with the locals. The club offers several different beverage choices in the Snake Pit, along with the requisite Thirsty Thursday discounts for Thursday home games. There is a television in the Snake Pit area, and plenty of seating both in the pit and along the adjoining hill. Atmosphere 3 The third base bleachers are a bit closer to the action, but the view of the field is somewhat obstructed by a fence that extends down the line from the dugout area. It is recommended to sit a little higher up in the bleachers on this side to give yourself a better view of the action. The left field bullpen is, unfortunately, blocked from view from almost everywhere in the park, and the aforementioned interesting angles allow for a vast expanse of foul territory on both sides of the field. Most of the between-innings entertainment that awaits you in Asheboro is the same you see in many other places – the dizzy bat race, the tire roll, kids putting on team uniforms, and such – but it is not what truly “makes” this experience. Asheboro is not a baseball tourist destination, as it were, so the people sitting near you in the stands are families, multiple generations of baseball fans, and – most importantly – friends. Most of them know each other, and they treat you as though they know you, too. This makes for a tremendous community event. The rhythm of the game is rarely broken, and the focus is largely on the action on the field. There is a small-town PA announcer on the microphone, and he is both funny and unobtrusive. The Copperheads employ a mascot named Fang, who largely oversees the between-innings entertainment. He also wanders through the stands to hang out with the fans and be a part of the hometown group. There are, oddly enough, two scoreboards in McCrary Park. There is an electronic scoreboard in the right-center that displays all of the standard game information (line score, balls, strikes, outs, and the like). There is also an old manual scoreboard in left-center, which, though no longer used, is a nice reminder of days past in Asheboro. One minor note — one of the speakers down the third baseline was blown on the night of our visit, so it sounded at times as though the announcements were being made in a drive-thru. This may be repaired with time, but you may need to strain to hear some of the announcements at times if you are sitting on the third base side of the field. Neighborhood 2 McCrary Park is in a residential area just off US Route 220 and Interstates 73 and 74. There is next to nothing within walking distance – or even a short drive – of the field. Most of the so-called action is off US 64, near the NC Zoo. This is all nearly five miles from the park, however. Should you decide to eat in Asheboro, Something Different Restaurant seems to be a popular choice among those who call this central North Carolina burg home. Something Different offers a reasonably upscale menu that — to fit the name of the establishment — is reasonably unexpected in a town this size. Pasta, kebabs, Greek food, and finer beverages line the menu. If you’re more in the mood for a sports bar-type atmosphere — or just want something closer to the park — The Flying Pig is just two miles or so from the park. All of the usual sports bar favorites can be found at the Flying Pig. A lot of the other establishments in town are chain fare, so if you want something without a drive-thru window, these might be a decent fit. Fans 3 The local nine do not play in front of capacity crowds every night, but that doesn’t seem to damper the spirit of those who do pass through the gates. Copperhead baseball is one of the few shows in town during the summer, and those in Asheboro love the guys who make up the team each year. The fans have their favorites, but they support each player wearing the home colors, whether he’s 4-for-4 or 0-for-4. Asheboro draws a respectful, friendly bunch who pays attention and supports their team. They do this while enjoying conversation with friends and sharing the game they love. Access 4 It could be easy to panic when approaching McCrary Park. There are cars parked along both sides of the street approaching, with a small entrance to the parking lot just past the main ticket building. There is no need for you to worry, though, as there is more than enough parking for any game that may take place at this facility. The parking area is grass with a gravel-based navigation path and is somewhat banked, but there is no real trouble with traction or muddy places on rainy nights, should one occur. Parking is free, which is always a welcome sight, but be careful where you place your car. The lot is close to the stadium, which is great for saving you a long walk, but might be detrimental to the health of your car’s windshield. The concourse area is very wide, and though there are some strange angles in trying to see the field on your walk to the concession stand or restrooms, there is no problem with feeling cramped. The restrooms are on either side of the concession stand, and despite their being somewhat spartan, they are clean and a short walk from your seat. Return on Investment 5 The Coastal Plain League is one of the most affordable entertainment values in the sport, and Asheboro is no exception. Tickets are a very reasonable $6 for reserved seats under the roof behind the plate. General admission is $5, and this can get you a bleacher seat or a spot on the lawn for your lawn chair. Bring a cushion if you choose the bleachers, however, because they can be tough on your backside after a while. If seniors or children are part of your party, they can gain entry for just $4. It’s pretty tough to beat a ticket, a pizza slice, and a drink for under $10, which illustrates the value offered by the Copperheads. Extras 4 There is something about a small-town ballpark experience that trumps the sparkling downtown facilities, and Asheboro is loaded with super nice people. From ticket, staff assuring you that they were giving you the winning raffle ticket for the evening’s giveaways — which came true, astonishingly — to the concession workers, and everyone in between, going to a game in Asheboro will give you a feeling of being at home. That level of comfort is more than enough to keep you even warmer inside than the hot North Carolina summers can achieve. Speaking (somewhat) of the elements, the typical Carolina pop-up storms are far less of a worry in McCrary Park than in most facilities. The park received some upgrades in 2010, and one of those upgrades is a turf infield. When storms do arrive, the only tarps necessary are over the bullpen areas and the pitcher’s mound. Storms frequently pop up in the Uwharrie region, but the turf infield and grass outfield make for resumption after a delay of as few as 15 minutes. Though rain delays are far from ideal, the field helps speed along the process. If you are sitting in the reserved seats, there are two nice added features you will notice. First, the seats have been set up to allow for larger rows than usual, which allows some much-appreciated legroom for taller fans like myself. There are also very large, powerful ceiling fans like those you would see in affiliated ballparks like Lake Olmstead Stadium in Augusta. There is not an abundance of day baseball in Asheboro, but the summers do get extremely warm, and this is a nice touch. The team has sponsor nights instead of promotions, and the sponsors usually donate some kind of giveaway item for those nights. The team publishes a list of its sponsor and giveaway nights on its website. As an example, Di’Lishi Frozen Yogurt gave away some prizes on the night we visited. This is a nice little added touch from a summer collegiate team. Final Thoughts There are a few things to know about the seats at McCrary Park before your visit. The bleachers on the first base side are designated as the Family Section, and they are situated somewhat above the action on the field. These bleachers and the hill down the right field line make for some interesting angles while watching the game. One of the true beauties of baseball, particularly baseball in this part of the United States, is the small towns in which it is played. Sure, there are teams in larger markets, but baseball is a community experience in some of the smaller markets. This is no exception in Asheboro, and what you miss in luxury boxes, you make up for in the luxury of a comfortable baseball experience among friends. No amount of money you can pay in a larger town will buy you that type of enjoyment for nine innings.

Photo Courtesy of Stanford University Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Klein Field at Sunken Diamond 151 Sam McDonald Mall Stanford, CA 94305 Stanford Cardinal website Klein Field at Sunken Diamond website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 4,000 Baseball On The Farm The Stanford Cardinal have won 116 National championships, 102 of which are of the NCAA variety, second most all-time (UCLA). Of those 102, 41 represent women’s sports, the most all-time. It’s clear that the Cardinal athletic program is prolific and the baseball team is just one piece of it. Winning back-to-back championships in 1987 and 1988, Stanford baseball is one of the elite programs in the country. They have won 20 conference championships (most recently in 2004), have had 29 NCAA Tournament appearances (most recently in 2011), and 16 College World Series appearances (most recently in 2008). In recent years the football program has experienced greater success with back-to-back BCS bowl game appearances. In 2011 they beat Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium and in 2012 they lost to Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Combine that with a NIT basketball championship in 2012 at Madison Square Garden by the Stanford men’s basketball team and a Final Four appearance at the Pepsi Center by the women’s team, and the Stanford baseball squad is experiencing raised expectations. The Cardinal baseball team have been playing at the Sunken Diamond adjacent from Stanford Stadium since 1931 and at a capacity of just 4,000, it provides a much more intimate atmosphere than its 50,000 seat counterpart. There is one level of seating that stretches around the backstop from first base to third base. Two sections of grass seating are located near the foul pole on both sides of the field where fans sprawl on picnic blankets and kids have the opportunity to run around a bit. The remodel in 2001 brought new seating, a three-tier press box, and new dugouts to Sunken Diamond. Food & Beverage 3 There are 6 main food items at the Sunken Diamond; the grilled colossal dog, cheeseburger, hamburger, grilled chicken sandwich and garden burger (all $6) and the cardinal dog ($5). The various sides include nachos ($5), french fries ($5), peanuts ($4), and licorice rope ($2). No alcoholic beverages are served at Klein Field however soda, frozen lemonade, hot chocolate and coffee were all available. The latter two items were particularly popular on this breezy, chilly night at Stanford. Atmosphere 5 The Sunken Diamond consistently ranks as one of the most beautiful venues in college baseball. This is due in part to the trees that hug the outer rim of the venue and the mountains in the background that make this a nearly perfect place to take in a baseball game. Keep in mind that the stadium is located at one of the most picturesque universities in the nation and be sure to check out the architecture viewable from inside and outside of the ballpark. There is a friendly vibe in the air at a Stanford baseball game. While there certainly is a family-friendly atmosphere at the Sunken Diamond, it certainly doesn’t lack a competitive nature. The game I went to pitted two top-end programs against each other as Stanford welcomed the Texas Longhorns to California. There were a good amount of Texas supporters as the game but they only enhanced the atmosphere. There was not a bit of mean-spirited nature in Stanford that night, yet the place was jacked the entire time, a great experience. Keeping with the theme of aesthetics, the Stanford baseball team satisfied with their classic uniform designs. One can picture the same uniforms being worn in 1931, complete with the high hosiery. On a silly note, you can almost assuredly bet for clear skies and pleasant whether at Stanford as they are neighbors to Redwood City, “Climate Best by Government Test.” Neighborhood 4 The university covers a lot of land and two zip codes and is separated from downtown Palo Alto by the El Camino Real. The downtown area is an affluent area with beautiful, safe streets. There is a bunch of shopping, bars and restaurants that are sure to meet anyone’s fancy. Right on the other side of El Camino Real is the Town and Country shopping center which includes a couple cafes, restaurants, a bookstore and a Trader Joe’s. Emerson Street and University Avenue is where most of the restaurants and hangouts are along. Wine bars and upscale dining dominate the scene in downtown Palo Alto with Vin Vino Wine, The Wine Room, Vino Locale, and Gravity Bar all serving the wine connoisseur. Other bars include Gordon Biersch, Scotty’s, The Old Pro, and Antonio’s Nut House. My choice would be Rudy’s Pub (corner of Alma and University) for a beer before the game, perhaps on my way from the Caltrain Station, which is right across the street. Dinner options in Palo Alto include: Pampas for steak, Tamarine for Vietnamese, Darbar for Indian, Garden Fresh for vegan, and Cafe Pro Bono for Italian. Most appealing may be the natural beauty you find yourself in. Seeing as most of the games are held during the day, a walk through campus may be the perfect way to start your college baseball game day. Fans 5 After going to a USF baseball game I didn’t have the highest expectations of the college baseball fan experience. However, Stanford fans really came out strong. The Sunken Diamond was packed. Granted, it was a Friday evening prior to the professional baseball teams nearby got going but I was still impressed. Families, students, and seniors were all engaged throughout and they were immediately rewarded with a lead-off homerun in the bottom of the first inning by the Cardinal. It was a very positive atmosphere and the fans had as much to do with that as anything. There was playful ribbing with the opposing fans as well as passionate support of their own squad. Though there was a lot of visiting amongst fans and wandering of kids, I never got the sense that the fans weren’t paying attention to what was going on on the field. Access 4 Stanford sits between two major freeways (101 and 280) and along the thoroughfare El Camino Real. This provides easy routes into and out of the university with ease unless it is rush hour. Palo Alto as with much of the vehicle-heavy peninsula is troubled by severe traffic after work hours. Your problem is solved if you take Caltrain which runs from San Francisco to San Jose. A ride from San Francisco to Palo Alto will run you $6.50. You can hop on the free Stanford shuttle from the train station if the 15 minute walking is daunting. Unlike during games at Maples Pavilion or Stanford Stadium, parking at the Sunken Diamond is free on game days. There may however be a fee if the game is played during normal school hours like there is at other parking lots on campus. For the game against Texas, the main lot filled out quickly so I was forced to park in a gravel lot adjacent from the main lot, a five minute walk. There is an upper and lower walkway that helps alleviate some foot traffic. The upper walkway allows access to the seats while the lower heads to the snack bar and restrooms. There is however only one set of restrooms, but they didn’t back up very bad and were quite clean. Return on Investment 4 Stanford baseball tickets are quite affordable as adult general admission tickets start at $7 and children start at $4. The most expensive ticket is $21 and that includes rivals such as California or UCLA. With parking being free, the most expensive part of the experience will undoubtedly be food. Though not overly expensive, it does seem a bit high in comparison to the ticket price. Even still, a hot dog, a ticket and parking will only run you $12. Can’t beat that. Extras 3 Though Klein Field at Sunken Diamond is a beautiful place to catch a game, it doesn’t provide an over-the-top “extras” though that’s fine for me. The Cardinal do display their two NCAA championship flags down in the right field corner near the entrance and the restrooms and there are plaques in the entryway. Also in the entryway is a plaque dedicated to Bud Klein by his family. Outside the entrance are three monuments representing Stanford world record holders, National Champions and Olympians. These monuments form a crescent shape and display the person being honored, the sport, and the year of accomplishment. The last bit of “extras” is the Stanford campus. Walk it; you likely won’t be able to see it all in one day. Final Thoughts Though the Bay Area has two professional baseball teams in the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants as well as the minor league San Jose Giants, the Stanford Cardinal provide an atmosphere on par, albeit smaller, than any of the above. It is my favorite of the three main venues on the Stanford campus.

Photo Courtesy of Santa Clara Broncos Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Stephen Schott Stadium El Camino Real at Campbell Ave Santa Clara, CA 95053 Santa Clara Broncos website Stephen Schott Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 1,500 Bronco Baseball The Santa Clara University Broncos have played at Stephen Schott Stadium since it opened in 2005 at a construction cost of $8.6 million. $4 million of the total was donated by former SCU baseball player and Oakland Athletics owner Stephen Schott. You enter the stadium from behind home plate and make your way past the snack bar to the main rotunda that stretches from third base, behind home plate, to first base. From this walkway, you can go down to the lower level, complete with chair back seats or to the upper-level bleachers. As one of the newer facilities in the conference, Schott Stadium certainly is a nice place to watch a game. The sight lines are great, the stadium clean, and all parts of it accessible. The SCU Broncos currently play in the West Coast Conference, typically known for their basketball powerhouses of Gonzaga, Saint Mary’s and BYU. However the WCC also has formidable baseball programs with Loyola Marymount and Pepperdine both making appearances in the College World Series. The Broncos made their only appearance in 1962 as runners-up to the University of Michigan. The Broncos most recent NCAA Tournament appearance came in 1997. Food & Beverage 3 There’s nothing that sticks out as particularly special at Schott Stadium, though the prices are quite reasonable compared to other venues around the Bay Area. The main courses include a grilled chicken sandwich ($6), cheeseburger ($6), garden burger ($5) hot dog ($4) and nachos ($7). The peripheral items are pretzels, churros, nachos, popcorn (all $3), candy ($2) and whole fruit ($3). You can get a 16 oz soda for $2 or a 32 oz soda for $3. The most popular items of the evening were definitely hot chocolates and coffee ($2 each) as it was a bitingly brisk evening. Atmosphere 3 The stadium itself is quite aesthetically pleasing as it is clean and has great sight lines. I also liked that there are condos beyond the right field fence which made it feel a bit like a big league park. It is also beneficial to get close to the action as there are only 1,500 seats at Schott Stadium. I feel like the experience suffered a bit from the cold. About a third of those in attendance gathered behind home plate in front of the press box and luxury suite to use the brick facade as a wind-blocker, steaming coffee and chocolate in tow. The main detraction in my eyes beside the sparsely attended game itself was that there were very few indicators of where you were and who you were watching, etc. There were few banners and insignia displayed around Schott Stadium. Neighborhood 3 Santa Clara University is located in a suburban neighborhood outside of San Jose. The immediate neighborhood is college-centric with good bars and restaurants nearby where you can grub with a group or spend a night with a date. There are places to stop by for a sandwich or a slice of pizza in the neighborhood as these options may be cheaper (and sometimes better) than the ones in the venue. You can grab beer on nearby Franklin Street at The Hut or a bite at Mondo Burrito. Aside from the options available the neighborhood is clean, safe and beautiful. This student-focused, somewhat upscale neighborhood is a nice place to explore before or after the game. It’s a little bit of a sleepy town with most of the nightlife happening in San Jose. Schott Stadium is located directly across El Camino Real from the main SCU campus, a rock’s throw from Buck Shaw Stadium and Leavey Center. The university is not far from where the San Francisco 49ers are building their new stadium. Fans 2 We just can’t handle the cold in California and the seats showed that. To compound the problem for the home team, more than half of those in attendance were supporters from the visiting team Cal Poly, from San Luis Obispo, 200 miles south. I could be wrong but it seemed there wasn’t much of a connection between the fans and their team. The fans there were certainly engaged with the game and paying attention, I just didn’t sense much passion. Much like the basketball game experience, many of the lively fans were in the luxury suite near the press box. Access 5 The campus is located between three major freeways: 101, 880 and 280. All of these allow easy access to surface roads leading to campus. These surface roads are well maintained and easy to navigate, even if it’s your first time in the area. The major parking lot for Schott Stadium is located right off the El Camino Real and are easy to get in and out of. Trying to avoid paying for parking? Street parking is just as easy, just watch for signs. Getting around the stadium is easy because of the wide walkways and I don’t think it would change much when the game is sold to capacity. There is one set of bathrooms behind the press box near the equally accessible snack bar. The nearest Caltrain station is about a half mile away which services the Peninsula from San Jose to San Francisco. Return on Investment 3 Tickets (starting at $7 for adults) and concessions are very reasonable considering the fine facility the Broncos play in. However, if my experience is the norm I’m not sure the return can be much greater than a three. Schott Stadium surely is a good place to watch a game but it has a ways to go to match the experience of the nearby Sunken Diamond. Extras 1 Schott Stadium does not do a good job of honoring their past, in my opinion. While the Leavey Center has retired numbers and championship banners displayed, Schott Stadium had neither. Like I said before, there isn’t much in the way of insignia anywhere at the stadium. This did make for a nice clean look and feel and perhaps that is what they were going for.

Photos by Joshua Guiher, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Medlar Field at Lubrano Park 701 Porter Rd University Park, PA 16802 Penn State Nittany Lions website Medlar Field at Lubrano Park website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,406 Nittany Lion Baseball Penn State baseball is the oldest varsity sport at the University, dating back to 1875. In fact, the school nickname came from a player on the team. Harrison Mason declared the local 'Nittany Lion' more ferocious than a tiger during a game against Princeton in 1904. The story soon spread around campus and the Nittany Lion was adopted as the Penn State mascot. Longevity is great, but what is a game like at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, home of the Penn State baseball team that is traditionally mediocre? Food & Beverage 1 Penn State baseball plays in a stadium on campus, but it is shared with a local minor league team, the State College Spikes. The Spikes are known for their high prices, especially when compared to other area teams such as the Altoona Curve and Williamsport Crosscutters. This includes the stadium concession stand prices, which are not lowered for the Penn State games. In addition, the amount of fans at the Penn State game is usually so small that only one concession stand will be open. No all-you-can-eat seats, no wings, no cheesesteak stand, no cupcakes and no creamery ice cream to name a few of the missing options. You basically can get cracker jacks ($3.50), a hot dog ($3.50), a cheeseburger ($4.50), a soda ($3.50/$5.50), or a Gatorade ($4). Beer is not offered during Penn State games, although it is sold in the stadium by the Spikes. Atmosphere 1 There was no atmosphere. Less than 300 people at a game spread out in a 6,000 seat stadium will do that. Couple it with horrible in-game events and you get a stale environment. There was a mismanaged dizzy-bat game that had one contestant start well before the other, narrated over a microphone no one could hear. If that is the school's plan to build an atmosphere, they are always going to have attendance issues. The extra netting that stops foul balls from reaching the stands is also a major deterrent to the atmosphere. Kids want to catch foul balls. Instead, the nets run all the way down the lines to first and third base preventing balls from reaching the stands unless they roll off of the press box roof. Also, the kids' game area and the inflatable bounce toys used during the Spikes game were not in use for Penn State baseball. It was like the school purposefully wanted to keep kids away from the park. There was a baseball card giveaway, but no one was at the stand. The stacks of cards were just sitting on the customer service desk, but no employees were at the desk. Neighborhood 5 State College is one of the best college towns in America. The town is separated from the school by College Avenue, making it easy to walk along the town and find exactly what you are looking for. For a meal, try The Fraser Street Deli, where all of the sandwiches and salads are named after Penn State personalities. You can even get the Harrison Mason or Nittany Lion sandwiches. For dessert, since the cupcake stand is closed at Medlar Field, try *ndulge cupcakes, which is right around the corner from The Fraser Street Deli. They offer a huge selection of tasty cupcakes and also serve gelato. If you want a beer, try Cafe 210, the best bar in town, plus they are one of the few with good outdoor seating. Fans 1 As I mentioned in the atmosphere section, there were no fans. I counted a little less than 300, and over 50 of them were part of a local little league group. No chants, no cheers, no emotion. My seat might as well have been located in a soundproof booth. Access 5 Access was great with free parking, a beautiful new stadium, wide gates, even wider concourses, huge chair back seats and no one around you. It is hard to imagine that no one shows up to such a beautiful park. Well, hard to imagine until you realize how bad the atmosphere is. Return on Investment 4 I was able to attend both a Lady Lion softball game and the baseball game for the same $5 ticket. Softball had a doubleheader so I was actually able to watch the first game, walk over to the baseball park and watch the game there, then go back and watch the last two innings of the second softball game all for $5, a great value. If the baseball game atmosphere was as good as the softball game, I would have given it a five star rating. Extras 1 On the night of my visit, the Nittany Lion did make a guest appearance for a few innings before leaving. Unfortunately he didn't really interact with the fans; he just sat with two females who seemed to know him outside of work. Final Thoughts When you have a college baseball team that hasn't been to the College World Series since the early 1970's, you need to create an amazing atmosphere to attract fans. Instead, Penn State does everything possible to drive away fans, especially kids, which are the heart of any good baseball atmosphere. Until the atmosphere is corrected, the team will always struggle with fan support, even if they start winning.

Photo Courtesy of USA Today Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Albertsons Stadium 1400 Bronco Lane Boise, ID 83725 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl website Albertsons Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 36,387 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl matches a team from the Mountain West Conference (MWC) with a team from the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The bowl is televised nationally on one of the ESPN networks. The bowl (while previously under a different name) is the longest-running cold weather bowl game that is currently active. From 1997 to 2010, the bowl was known as the Humanitarian Bowl. The 2011 game was the inaugural Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. To date, 21 different teams have played in the bowl. At 4 appearances, Boise State has played in the bowl the most times. Cincinnati defeated Utah State, 35–19, in the inaugural Humanitarian Bowl in 1997. Coincidentally, in 2011, Ohio defeated the Utah State, 24–23, in a thriller. Food & Beverage 4 At the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl concession window, visitors will find traditional fare like pretzels, hot dogs, candy, and popcorn. The beverage selection includes Coke products, sports drinks, and water. Alcohol is not served or permitted inside the stadium. Vendors in the stadium also offer mini donuts with a variety of dipping sauces, roasted nuts, kettlekorn, and pizza. All items are reasonably priced for a sporting event. Atmosphere 3 Because of the title sponsor for the bowl has changed often over the years, there is some lack of identity for the bowl. As 2011 was the inaugural Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, even local fans who attend the bowl game regularly were not sure what to expect. Several activities were provided prior to the start of the game to keep fans entertained. There was a Battle of the Bands, a snowmobile jump exhibition sponsored by Monster, a flyover, and a balloon release. Neighborhood 3 There are a few establishments near the stadium for fans and visitors to stop in before, after, or even during the game. Some of them, like Suds and the End Zone, try to create a fun atmosphere for fans that can’t get tickets to the game, but still want to be near the action. Others, like Chili’s, Baja Fresh, The Ram, Pie Hole Pizzeria, Subway, Starbucks, and Burger King, provide traditional food and beverage options. Beyond the establishments in the area, fans are encouraged to tailgate. Fans 3 The stadium was fairly full for the first half of the game, but for reasons unknown, many did not return after half time. The game was close, the teams were evenly matched, the weather was beautiful, and the game started in mid-afternoon so the large number of deserting fans was curious. However, the fans that did stay for the complete game were very active and engaged. A large number of Utah State fans traveled to the game, due to the easy distance and the significance the game had for their program. Many Boise State fans attend the game annually to support the bowl, and often supporting the WAC opponent featured. Access 5 Bronco Stadium provides plenty of access to parking. Fans can park in parking lots and structures all over campus for reasonable prices, or even free in some areas. The school also arranges for shuttles to take fans between the more-distant lots and the stadium. There is also ample access to bathrooms both inside and outside the stadium. Port-a-potties are provided all around the parking lot surrounding the stadium for those fans tailgating on game days. Inside, there are several restrooms available on the upper and lower levels of the stadium. Return on Investment 2 Considering that this bowl features a WAC team against a MAC team, and is held in the cold weather in December, the pricing seems rather high. The majority of seats in the stadium, upper and lower level, were priced at $50. The corner seats were $30. End zone seats were $18 a piece. Extras 2 The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl trophy features a crystal bowl filled with real potatoes. As far as trophies go, that is pretty hard to top. The Idaho Grower Shippers Association donated three potatoes to The Idaho Foodbank for each fan that attended the game. More than 28,000 fans attended the game, which equates to more than 84,000 potatoes. Final Thoughts The game is worth going to for the blue turf alone, although the game action is often quite good.

Photo by Drew Cieszynski Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Riverside Sports Complex Center 900 University Ave Riverside, CA 92507 UC Riverside Highlanders website Riverside Sports Complex website Year Opened: ? Capacity: 2,500 State Parks Meet Baseball California is known for its many National and State Parks, often drawing visitors from far-reaches of the earth. The University of California, Riverside campus seems to embrace the state's culture with a variety of trees and flora surrounding the diamond. The UCR Highlanders play at the Riverside Sports Complex, one of the few stadiums in Division I that does not have a corporate name or named for a donor. While the stadium may seem a bit behind Division I standards, The Plex has hosted the Division II College World Series in the past. Former Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim player, Troy Percival, provided the means for renovations in 2007, including a home team locker room. Food & Beverage 1 Food is limited to a single concession stand near the first base foul pole. Fans sitting on the third base side have quite a walk to get to their food options. The menu is limited, offering pizza ($2.50), hot dogs ($2.50, or add chili for an additional $0.75), nachos ($2.50), pretzels ($2.50), candy ($1.50 - $2.50), chips ($1.50), sunflower seeds (42), and peanuts ($3). The beverage options include soda with free refills ($2.50), bottled water or Gatorade ($2.50), coffee ($1) and hot chocolate ($2). Atmosphere 4 While I would expect more of a rowdy atmosphere at a UCR basketball game, the serene setting at the ballpark seemed just fine. Upon walking through the front gates, fans can quickly notice that towering trees surround the concourse and outfield wall. The trees are such a presence that the outside traffic, campus, and surroundings seem muted. This really helps to immerse fans into the baseball game as distractions are limited. Neighborhood 3 Just outside campus is the University Village, which offers Quizno's, Del Taco, Denny's, Yoshinoya, and Rubio's among others. There is also a movie theater if fans have time to catch a flick before or after the game. Other nearby food options include Jason's Deli, Coco's, Marcello's Pizza & Pasta, Getaway Cafe, SubStation, Duke's Bar & Grill and Mediterranean Palace Grill. If time allows, fans should also be sure to check out downtown Riverside. Here, fans can be treated to the Tio's Tacos, the Mission Inn, and the California Citrus State Historic Park. Tio's Tacos may be one of the most interesting stops ever made, as Martin Sanchez built one of the greatest collections of folk art in the world. Fans 2 Just like the basketball venue, the crowd was lacking. Aside from the "Diamond Girls," seated behind home plate, the crowd was limited and very few wearing the UCR colors. While modifying a venue is not an easy fix, I can't help but think that perhaps the program could benefit from a smaller, more intimate venue similar to that of Cal State Northridge. The fan turnout is clearly the biggest opportunity for improvement at a UCR game. The venue and the team are both decent, so more of the local fans need to commit to come out and support the Highlanders. Access 3 The UCR Sports Complex can be a little tricky to find if you are not familiar with the area as it does not have a stand-out name that fans have become accustomed to with many baseball venues. Most fans will reach the area via the 91 Freeway and simply follow signs to baseball parking. Parking is $5 per vehicle, but fans may be able to find some free alternatives on the nearby streets if they are willing to walk a bit. The restrooms are a single set beyond the grandstand. The Men's room had 11 stations, which seemed to be more than enough for the venue. The restrooms were a bit run down, again reminding one of the restrooms that would be found in a state park. Seating inside the stadium is bleachers with seat-backs behind home plate and aged fold-down seats above the dugouts. Return on Investment 3 Fans can walk up and get their tickets for a relatively inexpensive price. Adult tickets go for $7, while youth and seniors can get a seat for just $5. Coupled with parking at $5 and some low-priced concessions, any fan can do the whole experience for under $20. While fans will not experience the frills that they may be accustomed to at other venues, attending a Highlander game is still a sound investment. Extras 2 Unfortunately the venue did not provide much in terms of extras. If I were to mention two items, the first would be the aforementioned paths behind the seating area. These paths are filled with colorful flowers and are lined with many towering trees. Next is the Highlander sculpture, witnessed immediately upon entering the venue. After fans hand their ticket to the attendant, they can spot a concrete sculpture that has the likeness of the school mascot. Final Thoughts Riverside may not be the first city mentioned in Southern California vacation destinations, but as mentioned in the Neighborhood section, certainly provides its fair share of entertainment. The same goes for the baseball team. While the Highlanders may not have the notoriety of local programs such as Cal State Fullerton, USC, or UC Irvine, the Riverside Sports Complex still proves to be a great place to catch a game. Fans could benefit from some upgrades to concessions and seating, but the experience should still be recommended to the average baseball fan.

Photos by Drew Cieszynski, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Les Murakami Stadium 1337 Lower Campus Rd Honolulu, HI 96822 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors website Les Murakami Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 4,312 Les Gives Hawaii More One of the more popular collegiate baseball programs today resides at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, calling Les Murakami Stadium its home. Initially known as Rainbow Stadium after head coach Les Murakami led the efforts for the new stadium, it had to be built quickly as it would sit on the same grounds as the previous home, the University of Hawaii Stadium. It was constructed in roughly nine months at an initial cost of $11.2 million and opened in February of 1984. The University would soon get a return on the stadium with greater attendance, as the capacity increased from 2,500 at the old stadium to over 4,000 at the new. With all of green in the Hawaii landscape, it's no surprise that the initial surface was natural grass. Appropriately enough, the base paths were a mix of sand and crushed lava rock. Unfortunately, initial plans did not work out as hoped and an additional $1 million in costs were added (bringing total cost to $12.2 million) for a roof over the seating area and switching the playing surface to Astro Turf. Renovations have since occurred (speakers, roofing, scoreboard), but most welcomed by the players was the switch from Astro Turf to Domo Turf in 2008. The new turf is polyethylene 'grass' blades with rubber infill granules, which has significantly reduced player injuries. The batter's box and pitching mound are the only areas of the field that appear to have real dirt. It was around this same time that the seats were changed from the unappealing red, orange, and blue colors to green in an effort to improve the aesthetics of the stadium to align with the school's colors of green. Today, Les Murakami Stadium sits with a capacity of 4,312 and has three WAC titles to its name. Of the total seats, over 85% of them are covered to protect fans from the Manoa Mist' that frequently makes appearances. In 2001, the University renamed the stadium after the man who led the baseball program for 31 years, changing the name to Les Murakami Stadium. Some fans even affectionately call it 'the house that Les built' for the man that was not only the school's first Division I coach, but also led Hawaii to the College World Series in 1980. Food & Beverage 3 While the food and beverage options are not as extensive as they are at the Stan Sheriff Center, the value is still one of the best in collegiate sports. Fans can get a whole meal for the same cost as a single box of chocolate covered pineapples at the nearby Dole plantation. Larger items included sub sandwiches ($5), Eisenberg All Beef Hot Dogs ($2.50), Warrior dog ($4.75, add $1 for chili), chili frank plate ($5), cheese nachos ($2.50 or add chili for 50 cents), pizza slice ($3.75), chili bowl ($2.25), or saimin, a Hawaiian noodle soup ($2.25). The two "combo" options included the teriyaki burger with fries ($4.25) and chicken strips with fries ($3.75). Smaller side items included the churro or pretzel ($2), french fries ($2.25), Enjoy-brand snacks ($2.50), assorted candy ($1), Italian ice ($4), popcorn ($1.75), and peanuts ($2.50). A popular snack item is the roasted macadamia nuts. Fans could receive a small bag of these or chocolate covered raisins, pecans, or almonds for $4 or two for $7. The beverage options included bottled water ($2.75), Pepsi products (20 oz for $2 or 32 oz for $2.50), coffee ($1.75), hot tea or cocoa ($1.25), bottled soda ($2.75), Gatorade ($3), Sobe Life Water ($2.75), lemonade ($3.50), and Rockstar energy drink ($3.50). Finally, in what I would deem the best value in all of sports was the price of beer at the ballpark. The value price of beer translated to many fans lining up for a purchase throughout the game (yet, surprisingly all remained well-behaved). The mass Domestic drafts were offered in either a 16 oz for $5 or a 32 oz for $7. The more premium names such as Heineken and Gordon Biersch had a 16 oz option for $6 and 32 oz for $8. The non-alcoholic O'Douls was also on hand for a mere $2.50 and those interested in wine could have a glass for $5. Atmosphere 5 In all of my college and minor league baseball visits, Les Murakami Stadium hands down provided the best atmosphere. Interestingly enough, there were few promotions between innings. The aura seems to create itself with the quality team on the field. As is the case with all Hawai'i events, it starts off with not only the National Anthem, but also the playing of Hawai'i Pono'ī, which is the former national anthem of the state from when it was a territory. Certainly, there were a few levers pulled to get the fans engaged including a "casual" t-shirt toss, but everyone seemed to be most interested in the live play. Fans were reacting to every at-bat and as I walked the concourse I often mistook a routine ground out for a home run by the boisterous applause in the seating areas. There's a nice ambiance to the stadium, with the tall trees outlining the outfield wall, the school's green colors on all seats, and a nice Under Armour sign next to the dugout with the Hawai'i logo that reads, "Protect This House." The organ was used heavily and the crowd would clap along at any opportunity. I have never witnessed a crowd that was so into the action without being cued in any specific way. These fans love their baseball team and it certainly created a both fun and entertaining atmosphere. Neighborhood 3 Outsiders who visit Honolulu may be amazed by how close the campus is to a robust downtown area and Waikiki Beach. I would argue that few campuses nationwide offer such a diverse number of restaurants in the general vicinity of campus. Many of the nearby establishments offer sushi, fast food, Indian, Korean, Hawaiian BBQ, Thai, and even Vietnamese. The baseball and basketball venues sit on campus, as opposed to Aloha Stadium (home of the Hawaii Warriors football team). Stan Sheriff is still in the vicinity of Pearl Harbor (and USS Arizona Memorial), the Diamond Head Crater, and the Punchbowl National Cemetery. Two establishments that I tried after the game due to cues from local television commercials included Mac 24/7 and Zippy's. Mac 24/7 is a bar/restaurant that really made its claim to fame with its Man vs Food exposure. The Mac Daddy Pancake Challenge offers 5 different options of three 14" pancakes that need to be eaten in 90 minutes. If you complete, you will be awarded as a "Mac Daddy," get your meal free of charge and get a photo on the Wall of Fame. Zippy's is a well-known casual fast food chain on the islands of Oahu and Maui. This 24 hour establishment does not limit itself to any one cuisine type, offering a mix of American, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Hawaiian. While chili is their claim to fame, they also take pride in their locally grown meats, coming from ranches on the islands of Hawaii. Fans 5 It is difficult to challenge the devotion of the Hawaii fans. Despite living in what many describe as paradise with numerous entertainment options, over 2.5 million fans have attended Hawaii baseball games since 1984. The team has led the NCAA in attendance on two occasions. The first was in 1986 when the stadium averaged 2,599 fans and again in 1992 where they experienced their best year of 4,433. Not to dwell on the past, as recently as 2011, the team was 17th in attendance across all of Division I baseball with 3,320 fans per game. While it seemed to take them a bit to arrive, the stands were mostly full by the end of the third inning. The fans here did not rely on the PA system to get them involved as they seemed to be hanging on every play. Noticeable groans were present after a Hawaii player struck out or hit a foul ball. When the Hawaii players made a great offensive or defensive play, the crowd would show its appreciation in such a way that it could probably be heard on the shores of Waikiki Beach. The fans also took every opportunity to distract the opposing players. When the visiting team reached first base, several fans sitting on that side began to jeer the base runner. When the opposing pitcher began to struggle, the PA system played Queen's "We Will Rock You," and the fans went nuts in an attempt to further shake the pitcher. Even though there is not permanent seating in the outfield, even the opposing center fielder faced some jeers as fans set up temporary seats on a hill beyond the outfield face, allowing them to peer into the action. Access 3 Fans driving on the H1 freeway can spot the lights of Les Murakami Stadium and it is just a few turns off of the exit. Like any metropolitan area, there can be quite a bit of traffic congestion, and fans should be advised to allow plenty of time to get to the stadium. Parking required a permit that ran at a cost of $6 daily, which is on par with most mainland collegiate and minor league programs. The restrooms were small, but they did manage to cram quite a few stations inside and the crowds came and went rather quickly. Despite a large attendance on this evening, I did not notice any backups at any of the restrooms despite the 32 ounce beers. The concourse was spacious, and the steps were not at all challenging to get to the second level. The scoreboard would probably be improved, and it appeared that the video board was not in operation on this evening. Return on Investment 5 Having participated in many of the attractions on the island of Oahu, I cannot suggest a better value than Rainbow baseball. Ticket prices at $9 for lower level seating at an upper echelon Division I program still stuns me. The upper level still provides great, unobstructed views at $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for students. I would consider these prices to be a great value at any Division I school, let alone one with a great stadium and tremendous atmosphere. Parking is a reasonable $6 and I consider the concessions to provide the best value pricing that I have ever witnessed at a college event. Pairing these together provides my most convincing Return on Investment score to date. I would challenge anyone to come forward with a better entertainment value (for all ages) on any of the islands of Hawaii. Extras 3 The first thing that caught my attention in making the simple climb to the upper concourse was the spectacular view of the tip of Diamond Head Crater just before sunset. Fans can hike the Diamond Crater free of charge and if they make it to the top, they can look down at the University of Hawaii campus. Embracing the program's history, fans can spot the retired numbers of Derek Tatsuno (16) and Les Murakami (11) in the left field corner. On the lowest level, fans will find framed photos of recent 2010 and 2011 WAC Championship teams. There are also display cases filled with historic items from years past. The Bud Light Bullpen is found in right field and is a popular spot for large groups that want to check out a Rainbows game. Les Murakami Stadium has also been the home of the minor league Hawai'i Islanders in 1986, the Hawai'i Winter Baseball League, and the Hawai'i Island Movers summer baseball club has called the facility home for more than two decades. Final Thoughts In all of my reviews for Stadium Journey, Les Murakami Stadium was easily my most pleasant surprise. Not only were the aesthesis of the stadium beyond expectations, the fan support puts this venue over the top. Oahu is a popular vacation spot for many sports fans, and the sun does occasionally go down, so do yourself a favor and spend a few hours with one of the best programs in college baseball.

Photos by Brandon Gee , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Convocation Center 95 Richland Ave Athens, OH 45701 Ohio Bobcats website Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 13,080 Bobcats Basketball at the Convocation Center For an arena built in 1968, the Ohio University Convocation Center is a rather decent place to watch basketball. Renovations throughout the years have kept “The Convo” on par with Ohio’s competition and helped maintain a strong home atmosphere. It’s rare these days that arenas & stadiums are able to last over 40 years but the location of the Convocation Center is wonderful. There are definitely some cosmetic improvements that need to happen (e.g., some busted plastic chairbacks scattered throughout). I hope that the university goes further to renovate the arena and improve the game-watching experience. Food & Beverage 3 I gave the Convocation Center three stars only because the prices were decent. However, the food was not. The usual suspects are represented with hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, etc., but the hot dog ($3) had an “off” taste. My friend said that it tasted like there was cheese on it. Um, there was no cheese present. Kind of weird, and no, we didn’t get sick. To be fair, though I didn’t try it. There was a sausage stand that filled the concourse with a fantastic smell, and wasn’t too expensive, for arena food. Atmosphere 3 Now keep in mind it was a dreary, rainy afternoon on the day of the game I attended, but the attendance was a disappointment, about 7,500. The school was smart to rope off the top half of the upper deck and try to keep the fans closer together. I sat in the upper deck and it’s a great view no matter where you are. Also, there is a pretty relaxed atmosphere up there if you’re not in the mood to stand and scream, and would rather just sit back and watch. A couple bright spots were that the school puts its student section and band courtside, not in the end zones. The students were standing the whole time, chanting and yelling, really trying to create a hostile environment for the opposition. The pep band was great as well. Neighborhood 5 Within the immediate area surrounding the Convocation Center are the other sports facilities (including Peden Stadium), Campus Recreation Center and running trail. The trail runs along the campus’ border, the Hocking River. The facilities all sit in the old flood plain of the river, and it’s a nice change of pace to walk to an arena surrounded by lush grass, as opposed to concrete and parking lots. This makes for a really calm, picturesque environment to walk around in before and after the game. The campus is built in and around the hills and valleys, so there are a lot of bridges crossing from place to place, making for some great views of the campus architecture. The town of Athens is just up the road on the other side of the university, with all the restaurants, bars, and quirky shops college towns are usually known for. Fans 4 Now while the game I attended wasn’t that lively, looking back over Ohio’s attendance I saw a lot of sellout crowds, so I’m assuming my visit was the outlier. The fans, especially the students were into the game the whole time, and were knowledgeable about their opponents. It’s always interesting and fun to see a crowd tailor its taunts to an opponent. Access 5 Athens sits right on the Appalachian Highway, so with one exit onto 682, a turn at the first right, and you enter the Ohio campus right between the Convocation Center and Peden Stadium where the football team plays. Parking was close by and since it was a light crowd, it was a painless process. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for most seats are just $15, sight lines are good considering the place was built in 1968 and serves many other uses than just a basketball arena. I’d probably avoid the food next time (maybe check out some of the places i mentioned under the ‘Food & Drink’ tab). Ohio plays in the Mid-American Conference and has some strong rivalries which can help add to the atmosphere. Extras 3 The beautiful area the surrounds the Ohio University campus is a great place to just walk around and is worth an extra point. The student section being at courtside is wonderful. I hate to see the students get stuck in the nosebleeds, and they are put in a great position to be a factor in the games here at the Convocation Center. The additions of the Ohio Trainers Hall of Fame and the Ohio Athletics Hall of Fame on the arena concourse are worth a final extra point.