Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Daniel S. Horgan Arena 403 Oxford St. Auburn, MA 01501   Anna Maria men’s hockey website Daniel Horgan Arena website   Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 1,500 AMCATS MIH   Anna Maria College is a private Catholic college located in Paxton, Massachusetts. Founded as a women’s college in 1946, it became coeducational in 1973. Today the school boasts an enrollment of 1,500 students who study in six graduate and undergraduate schools.   Anna Maria’s athletic teams are known as the AMCATS, which is an acronym derived from “Anna Maria College Athletic Team Sports.” The school started sponsoring men’s and women’s hockey in 2018. Beginning in the 2024-25 season, the Amcats hockey teams joined the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Association. Neither team has appeared in the NCAA D-3 Tournament yet. Both teams play off campus: the men’s team plays at the Horgan Arena in Auburn, and the women’s team plays at Buffone Arena in Worcester.   In the 1970s Bobby Orr and the Big, Bad Bruins were taking Massachusetts and New England by storm. The demand for ice skating rinks all over the region skyrocketed. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) responded to this demand by building dozens of rinks all over the state. One of these rinks was Horgan Arena in Auburn, a town in central Massachusetts located just to the south of Worcester.   Daniel S. Horgan served as the chief engineer for the Massachusetts Department of Public Works. He settled in Auburn and served as the President of the Auburn Rotary Club. Mr. Horgan passed away in 1973, before the completion of the hockey rink. In recognition of his service to the community, the rink was named in his honor.   Food & Beverage 2    There is a small snack bar in the lobby that serves up a variety of snacks for visiting fans. In this chilly rink, hot coffee, hot chocolate, and tea are the most popular items. If you’re in the mood for something cooler, a variety of slushies are available. Also on the menu are pizza slices, hot dogs, and an assortment of breakfast sandwiches. Fans looking for snacks can grab some nachos, popcorn, pretzel bites, cookies, or ice cream treats. If you’re looking for a soda, candy, or chips, the vending machines in the lobby have you covered. Pepsi products are featured at Horgan Arena.   Atmosphere 2   Community rinks like Horgan Arena don’t have much in the way of amenities that are conducive to creating a lively game-day atmosphere. The Anna Maria staff do their best with the limited resources they have. The DJ does double duty as the PA announcer, filling the rink with noise during play stoppages and doing a nice job keeping fans up to date on game information from his post behind the penalty boxes. If sitting near the temporary speakers set up here, be warned that it will be loud. The DJ here plays more hip-hop music than you may be used to hearing at a hockey game. As someone who is not a fan of the genre, his selection of music is outstanding, if a bit out of place at a hockey game.   There’s a basic scoreboard on the west end of the rink that displays score and time. Some banners are hanging around the facility recognizing the different teams that call Horgan Arena home, but little to identify this as the home of the Amcats besides a small sign under the scoreboard.   Neighborhood 2   Horgan Arena is part of the Auburn Recreational Complex, which also includes a baseball field, softball field, tennis court, basketball courts, dog park, and track. Much of the surrounding area near the Complex is residential, but with two interstates cutting through the area, there is also a significant commercial presence in the area.   The Auburn Mall is a short drive away for fans looking to do a little shopping. Routes 12 and 20 contain the majority of the businesses in town, and fans will find all the typical chain options as they drive through Auburn. Fans looking for some local flavor should check out J. Anthony’s Bar and Grill, Bar One and Sushi, and the Bentley Pub. There is a Comfort Inn and a Holiday Inn Express and Suites near the arena should you be looking to stay in the area after the game.   Fans 1   As you would expect, a crowd at an Anna Maria hockey game is what we at Stadium Journey would call a “friends and family” crowd. Stadium Journey visited Horgan Arena on a snowy Saturday night during semester break, and the crowd in attendance numbered about 50 hardy fans. Everyone in the stands appeared to have some sort of connection with the players on the ice and were enthusiastic in their support of the home team. With the Amcats’ schedule consisting entirely of New England teams, chances are you’ll see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. With the Anna Maria campus located 11 miles away in neighboring Paxton, there’s not a big turnout from the student body. Access 4   Horgan Arena is located in the center of Auburn, MA, a town of about 17,000 residents located just to the southwest of Worcester. Interstates 90 (the Mass Pike) and 290 intersect right near the rink, making it easily accessible from all points in Massachusetts and beyond. The rink itself is located in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood, which will give visiting hockey fans a few options for things to do before or after an Amcats game.   If anyone has ever been to any of the DCR rinks in Massachusetts, you will notice that they all have an identical design. If you have ever been to a UMass Dartmouth game at Hetland Arena in New Bedford , you’ll be sure to feel a case of déjà vu.   There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. Fans will enter a small lobby where the skate shop, vending machines, and snack bar are located. The visiting locker room is also here. It’s also the place to be during intermission, as it’s the only place in the building with heat.   As you enter the rink, seating on the near side consists of molded bleachers while seating on the far side consists of wooden bleachers. There is a standing room available at either end of the rink. Bathrooms are located to your left as you enter. You will be sharing the restrooms with the home team (well, the men’s room). Nets obstruct views of the ice from all points in the facility.   Return on Investment 4   Admission to an Anna Maria hockey game is seven dollars for general admission seating. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the rink. Concession prices are reasonable, and visiting an Amcats game is an affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1   While nothing is going on at an Amcats game that can be considered extra, an extra point is awarded for the team’s name itself. The acronym is a most clever alternative to the typical Wildcats and such.   Final Thoughts   With the great availability of rinks in the greater Worcester area, it’s kind of surprising that the Anna Maria men’s hockey team has chosen to play so far from campus. Perhaps as the program becomes more established, they will move to a facility closer to home. For now, Horgan Arena serves as an adequate, if unspectacular, home for the Amcats. ----   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Daskalakis Athletic Center 3333 Market St Philadelphia, PA 19104 Drexel Dragons website Daskalakis Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,509 The Power of the Penn Right down the street from the University of Pennsylvania’s amazing Palestra is another Division I basketball arena that gets much less fanfare. The Daskalakis Athletic Center that the Drexel Dragons play in is literally within walking distance from basketball greatness, and although a nice arena, it seems far from the Palestra on the basketball royalty scale. Drexel is the “other” Division I school in the Philadelphia area. It used not to be a part of the Big 5 which consisted of the University of Pennsylvania, La Salle University, Saint Joseph’s University, Temple University, and Villanova University. It was instead part of the “City 6,” which is all of the Philadelphia Big 5 schools along with Drexel. At the start of the 2023–24 season, the Big 5 expanded to include Drexel University. Drexel University is a private research university founded in 1891. Its founder is its namesake, financier, and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel. Its original name was the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry. The Dragon has been the mascot of the school since around the mid-1920s. Before becoming known as the Dragons, the athletic teams were known by names such as the Blue & Gold, the Engineers, and the Drexelites. Drexel's mascot, “Mario the Magnificent,” is named in honor of alumnus and Board of Trustees member Mario V. Mascioli. The Daskalakis Athletic Center, which opened in 1975, is home to multiple Drexel University Dragons sports teams including basketball and wrestling. The overall building houses gyms, a natatorium, a rock climbing wall, and a squash canter although the “DAC” generally refers solely to the basketball arena. Since 2012 there have been many renovations and changes to the seating sections of the arena. Food & Beverage 3 The food options at the DAC are pretty basic. A concession stand sits outside the entrance to the arena. Do not expect anything besides the usual simple offerings. Hot dogs and pretzels are the best bet. There are also nachos, funnel cake, pizza, and churros. Atmosphere 4 Four sets of stands surround the basketball court. Each stand section is made up a little bit differently from the others. All of the seats are close to the action. The student section is located on the south stands. They tend to stand the whole game and provide a pretty good and loud atmosphere for games. Depending on the game, the stands in this area may be full or fairly empty. I get a sense it is not very consistent. There is also a very good pep band, as well as cheerleaders and a dance squad to enhance the surroundings. Drexel’s mascot Mario the Magnificent is also around to delight kids. Neighborhood 5 The Daskalakis Athletic Center is located in a unique section of Philadelphia called University City. It is not just the Drexel University located here, but the University of Pennsylvania is right next door. It is quite a sight to see two Division I schools separated by just a street. Penn has a massive campus and the Ivy League school is worth a walk around to see the many historical buildings (check out Locust Walk for the best tour). If you want to touch upon your inner Ivy, stop by the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, which is right near both The Palestra and Franklin Field on the east side of campus. University City also provides a decent mix of bars and restaurants and the best ones are found along a trendy row of brick buildings on Sansom Street. The New Deck Tavern is a fun, Irish-style pub, while the White Dog Café is a little more upscale with incredibly delicious food using a menu featuring only local ingredients. If you’re in the mood for Asian, University City has plenty of options with many different countries represented. Just a mile or two down the street is the center of Philadelphia, where there is plenty to check out. Independence National Park includes the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, and Independence Hall. Other great museums surround the Park, while in the heart of the city, it is worth seeing City Hall and JFK Plaza, where the famous “LOVE” sign is located. Fans 3 The student section even when not filling their section is still pretty loud. The arena is pretty small so the sound fills it up pretty nicely. The arena does not fill often, but it is small enough that you might want to plan for some big games, especially if it is a CAA rival or Big 5 team matchup. Access 2 University City is not difficult to get to; however, parking can be an issue in the area. The best option is the parking garage at Chestnut and 34th Street. Finding a spot on the nearby streets is a possibility too, depending on game time and day. The Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) is the best way to arrive at campus and to reach the garage get off I-76 at Exit 345. This brings drivers onto Drexel’s adjoining campus, and it is fairly easy to get to the garage from there. The other option to arrive at Penn is by using SEPTA, the mass transit system around Philly. There is a subway line (MFL) that stops right at 34th Street, which is within walking distance of the arena. Return on Investment 3 Generally, tickets are around $20-$25 each. That is slightly pricey, except the arena is located in a large metropolitan city. If you have to pay for parking expect your outlay to be a bit more. Extras 2 The CAA is a very good basketball conference with some very good basketball rivals. So expect to see a high caliber of play consistently throughout the schedule. Also, make sure to visit the Drexel Dragon Hall Of Fame in the lobby entrance that runs from Market Street towards the back of the Daskalakis Athletic Center. Final Thoughts The Daskalakis Athletic Center is a nice arena, but being so close to the Palestra makes the facility seem a bit of a letdown. Fans will still see some great action in this small, loud arena.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Field House 2600 S. Neal Street Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website The Field House website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,055 East Texas A&M University Men’s Basketball East Texas A&M University, formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the fifth-oldest state college or university in Texas, having been founded in 1889. The school opened under the name East Texas Normal College as a training school for teachers in Cooper, Texas. After a fire destroyed the original campus, the school was relocated to its present-day location; the name was changed to East Texas State Normal College when it received full state funding in 1917. In 1923, the school again changed its name, this time to East Texas State Teachers College.   The school voted to remove the word Teachers from its name in 1957, then added university instead of college in 1965, becoming East Texas State University. In 1996, the school was voted into the Texas A&M system, thus becoming Texas A&M-Commerce – this name was used until November 2024, when the school became East Texas A&M to better connect with the region where most of its traditional students reside.   With an enrollment of 11,500 in 2023, this is the third-largest university in the Texas A&M University System. Located in Commerce, which is on the northeast corner of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and only 60 miles from downtown Dallas, most of the current student body hails from either the metroplex or one of many small towns in northeast Texas.   ETAMU’s mascot is the Lions, and the school sponsors twelve varsity sports, which have competed since 2022-23 at the NCAA Division I level in the Southland Conference; previously the sports teams had been members of the Lone Star Conference for most of their history. The men’s basketball team was formed in 1916 and won the first of over 20 conference championships in 1931 – they won the NAIA National title in the 1954-55 season and have made the national tournament 19 times.   The home of Lion basketball is The Field House. Built in 1950, The Field House is designed in the shape of an airplane hangar and covers over 69,000 square feet, most of which is continuous hardwood flooring set up to accommodate multiple basketball and volleyball courts. The Quonset-shaped building is quite a contrast to the rest of campus, which is mostly an expanse of new, modern buildings made of brick, lots of glass, and state-of-the-art architecture. With moveable stands, the massive open space and 58’ 58-foot ceilings in The Field House can host five full-court basketball games at the same time. Rumor has it this is the largest non-stop hardwood floor west of the Mississippi River; it is unique and a peek back into a time long past.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions in The Field House are unspectacular but do offer many of the basic items you have come to expect – food choices include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, assorted chips, and candy, while drinks include Powerade, water, Coca-Cola products, and Dr Pepper. Alcoholic beverages available include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, White Claw, Beatbox Wine, Dallas Blonde, and local lager Tupp’s Bold Gold.   There is only one concession window with one or two workers, but that is sufficient. The only time there may be a wait longer than one or two people in line is during half-time. Prices are a little higher than what is expected for this level of play, with drinks costing between $4.75 and $7 and snacks costing between $3 and $6, except for nachos which are $7.50, and Beatbox Wine which is $8.   Atmosphere   4 Basketball games inside The Field House are entertaining for all ages. Because the school is located in a smaller community, the NCAA D-I athletics contests are consistently the top entertainment option around here. The Lions are supported by a cheer squad, a dance team, a pep band, and fans of all ages from Commerce and the surrounding towns.   On one end of the gymnasium, there are two large inflatables for children to play on before and during games – the inflatables are within eyesight of the visitor stands and one end of the home stands. When I asked if these were set up at all home games, the gentleman from the inflatables company stated that they were, and said this allows their kids to play so the adults can enjoy the game.   There are crowd participation games that take place during long stoppages of play, and there is also half-time entertainment – at the game I most recently attended there was a game of “basketball” musical chairs involving several children, followed by a scrimmage involving a couple youth basketball teams. All the activities planned created an environment where there was very little downtime when there was no action on the court.   Neighborhood   3 East Texas A&M is located in the northeast Texas community of Commerce. Commerce has a population of approximately 10,000, one of the smallest university towns in the state of Texas. Being in such a small town the college is the center of activity, as well as the largest employer and biggest attraction in the region.   If driving into town from the Dallas area via Highway 24, the main entrance to campus greets you as you enter town. Most of the buildings seen from the road are new and built using sustainable techniques that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.   The area across Highway 24 from the university consists of convenience stores, fast food restaurants, and major chain stores that reside in Commerce. The neighborhoods that surround ETAMU include a mixture of apartment complexes and modest single-family homes, as well as small duplexes and other rental properties. Within a half mile of campus sit historic, century-old houses that were original to the city. At games during Christmas break, before the start of the spring semester, there is not much life on or around the campus.   If looking for a meal before or after the game, there are a few restaurant choices in town – Luigi’s Italian Restaurant and Lone Star Eatery Grill & Bar are both across the street from campus, while Lulu’s Burgers  and Mariscos del Golfo  are both just a few minutes’ drive away. Fast food establishments across the street from ETAMU include Braum’s, Chicken Express, Sonic, McDonald’s, and Domino's.   For a small town, Commerce has just a few viable hotel options, which include Magnuson Hotel , Lion’s Den Extended Stay , and The Yellow Rose of Texas . Hotels in Greenville, a short 20-minute drive away along Interstate 30, include Hampton Inn & Suites , Best Western Plus Monica Royale , and Comfort Inn & Suites , among others. Sulphur Springs is 30 minutes away along I-30 as well and also has multiple hotel options. In addition, if you are coming from the north Paris and Sherman are both within an hour’s drive, and both have plenty of accommodations to choose from.   Fans   4 Lions fans are a loyal and supportive group; this loyalty is displayed by cheering during the game, led mainly by the pep band, cheerleaders, and the student section. The support led by these three groups goes deeper than just simple cheering, however, as there are also organized chants for specific actions by the opponents. For example, after an opponent substitution, the crowd will count the steps of the player heading to the bench until he is seated, at which time they all yell at top volume, “SIT DOWN!”. Also among the fans are groups of youth basketball teams from surrounding areas, as well as older adults – at a recent game I attended there were three different youth basketball teams in attendance.   Access   3 The Field House at East Texas A&M is easily accessible, sitting on the north end of campus just one block east of TX-24. It sits behind Memorial Stadium, easily visible – just look for the enormous maroon Quonset hut-style building that looks like an airplane hangar. Parking is plentiful, with a large lot extending from the football stadium past the gym, allowing fans to park within a short walk of the entrance. There is no charge for parking, which is an added benefit.   Return On Investment   3 All tickets inside The Field House are general admission, costing $10 or $15 depending on how high in the stands you prefer to sit. A limited number of courtside seats are also available for $30. In addition, once conference games begin in late December, there is at least one men’s and women’s doubleheader against the same opponent for one ticket price.   Concession prices are slightly more here than at most comparable-sized schools, but this is offset by free parking and the no-cost children’s play area.   Extras   3 Free parking within steps of The Field House is worth extra recognition; most schools have prioritized and monetized prime parking spots, so the sacrifice of this income for general public parking is well appreciated.   The unique, historic building that is The Field House provides a memorable game experience – while void of many modern amenities, the gym is a step back in time and a reminder that this is not professional basketball, but a game being played by college students.   What the pep band adds to the atmosphere during the game is worth an extra shout-out; the choreographed chants directed at the opposing team are entertaining, and also help to give some home-court advantage to the Lions.   Final Thoughts East Texas A&M Lion basketball, as a member of the Southland Conference, provides a quality game experience. The game day activities are sure to entertain fans of all ages. Considering The Field House is a venerable edifice, an afternoon or evening spent on the campus of ETAMU is well worth the time invested.   Though there are no current plans in place that I am aware of, I would suggest putting a trip to the northeast Texas campus near the top of my basketball bucket list, to avoid missing a game in the historic Field House.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 E.B. Henderson Sports Complex 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008 UDC Firebirds website E.B. Henderson Sports Complex website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 1,500 Firebirds of Fury The University of the District of Columbia, known as UDC for short, is a historically black college (HBCU) and the only public university in the District of Columbia. The school was founded in 1851 and is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington. The school's athletic teams are known as the Firebirds and compete in Division II of the NCAA, in the East Coast Conference. The Firebirds' basketball team plays their home games at the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex on the UDC campus. Known by the generic name Building 47 until 2022, about its number on the campus map, the arena was renamed after UDC alumnus Edwin Bancroft Henderson. Although few know his name, Henderson's contributions to the game of basketball were immense, He taught physical education in D.C.'s public schools in the early 1900s, teaching Black children at a time when the schools, and society in general, were still segregated. He is credited for introducing the game of basketball to the Black community in the Washington region, and later elsewhere in the country, at a time when Black people were forbidden from even attending games involving white players, let alone playing in them. He has been called the Father of Black Basketball for all his work behind the scenes. Food & Beverage 1 The lobby at the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex contains what appears to be a concession stand, but when Stadium Journey visited, it was closed and blocked off by yellow caution tape. It may be open for some games but was not on this occasion. There are vending machines in the lobby that sell soft drinks and bottled water, so it does get one star here. Atmosphere 4 Walking through the front doors of the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex will put you in a lobby with a trophy case, restrooms, and vending machines. Turn right to get to the arena doors, then walk through them to get into the arena itself. There are two sets of plastic bleachers, one on each side of the court. Although this is larger than many Division II gyms, you will still have a great view of the action wherever you sit. There are video boards on both baselines that also show player stats, a rarity at this level. The player stats scroll through player by player, which can be confusing until you figure out what it is showing. After a violation by UDC's opponent (traveling, double dribble, etc.) the PA announcer will often shout "You can't do that!" before declaring that UDC now has possession of the ball. There is a dance team at UDC games, but they mainly stay in the stands to do their routines rather than come out onto the court. Neighborhood 4 The UDC campus is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington D.C. You will find many places to eat or drink nearby, including Sfoglina Italian and Pho 14. The Tenleytown neighborhood is about a 15-20 minute walk away heading west on Van Ness Street and offers even more options. Fans 2 UDC averages a couple hundred fans a game if that. Those who do attend are quiet for the most part but can get worked up over bad calls by the refs or bad plays by the Firebirds. They do cheer good plays as well when they occur. There does not appear to be a large student turnout at Firebirds games - it is mostly friends and family of the players plus some locals. Access 5 Getting to the UDC campus is very easy, whether you are driving or taking public transit. The Van Ness-UDC Metro stop on the Red Line is located right next to campus, an easy walk from the arena. You can also park in the campus garage a short walk away, entering off Van Ness Street. Parking in the garage is officially $8 for 1-3 hours and $12 for 3-6 hours, so depending on how early you get there and whether you are attending a doubleheader with the men's and women's teams, expect to pay somewhere in this range. That being said, when Stadium Journey visited, the parking pay machines were down and the gate was up, allowing us to park for free, so you may get similarly lucky. Restrooms are available to the left of the front doors of the building and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds that turn up for basketball games. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $15, which is on the high end for Division II, but certainly won't break the bank. There may be a substantial charge for parking as well. All of this means a UDC Firebirds game is merely an average value, no more, no less. Extras 5 Look for the firebird statue outside the doors to the E.B. Henderson Sports Complex, referencing UDC's unique mascot. A second star for the statue of E.B. Henderson himself nearby, honoring his significant contributions to the sport. Once you get into the lobby, look for the trophy case honoring UDC athletic achievements. Finally, when you are in the arena itself, check out the 1982 National Championship Banner and the jersey honoring former Firebird and Harlem Globetrotter Charles "Choo Choo" Smith. Rather than display a replica of his college jersey, they display a replica of his Globetrotters one. Final Thoughts UDC doesn't get nearly the attention of the Division I basketball schools in the DC area, nor is the experience comparable. Still, hoops fans in the area may want to check out a Firebirds game. Considering the men's and women's teams often play doubleheaders, it can be a fun way to spend an entire afternoon watching basketball.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Mullett Arena 411 S Packard Dr Tempe, AZ 85281 Map It Valley Suns website Mu llett Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 5,000 Valley of the Suns Beginning operation in the fall of 2024, the Valley Suns are the newest member of the G League, an NBA developmental lea gue.  The NBA Development League (NBA D-League) was renamed the NBA G League as part of a multiyear expanded partnership between the NBA and Gatorade in 2017-18.  The Valley Suns are an affiliate of the Phoenix Suns , the last NBA team to own or operate a G League team. The Valley Suns play in Mullett Arena on the Arizona State University (ASU) campus in Tempe, AZ.  The arena is better kn own as the home of  ASU Sun Devils ice hockey and was home to the Arizona Coyotes for two years before they moved to Utah in 2024.  Mullett Arena also hosts ASU women’s basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and concerts.  The venue displays some, but not much, Valley Suns signage; it’s still undeniably an ASU facility. While the team is still new and fans have not quite come out in droves to watch them, it is gaining some traction for basketball fans in the Phoenix Metro area.  And for good reaso n, as a ttending a Valley Suns game is an immensely enjoyable few hours of sports entertainment. Food & Beverage 2 Three concessions stations were open to the general public on the day of this vis it: a  Wetzel’s Pretzels, a grab-n-go Marketplace, and a Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers stand.  A Venezia’s Pizza stand is sometimes open, so look for that near section 108.  The Wetzel’s and Marketplace are near the entrance; the cheeseburger and pizza selections are on the upper level.  A Coors Light Club Chill with tables and chairs is also on the upper level, but only fans with special tickets can get food there.  Mullett Arena Coors Light Club Chill, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The Marketplace has packaged snacks ($3 - $10) and canned and bottled drinks ($5 water; $17 premium bomber/seltzer).  Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers, an Arizona sports bar chain, sells burgers ($16/$17) and slider and chicken baskets ($15/$16). Soft drinks are Coca-Cola brands.  Fans can bring in one sealed bottle of water.  The food choices and selections are enough for a Valley Suns game.  The prices are on the high side.  We recommend getting a snack, if needed, and then heading  to one of many restaurants and eateries in the nearby Tempe area. Atmosphere 4 Fans have a pleasurable and fun few hours w atching good basketball at a Valley Suns game at Mullett Arena.  It’s a college arena holding 5,000 seats, so every seat has a decen t view of the court.  Sitting at c enter court is probably the best view but even the corner seats have decent sights.  Plastic fold-down seats surround the court with rows running A – P with P being the highest row.  Courtside seats line the hardwood floor.   Cement bleachers (student section used during ASU hockey games) situated behind one of the baskets remain empty during a Valley Suns game.  A drink rail surrounds the upper level where some fans socialize for parts of the game. The venue also has loge boxes and suites; they are not used during Valley Suns games (at least the game we attended). The arena has a vividly crisp center-hung video scoreboard that shows gameplay, score, players on the court and their stats, time outs left, and time.  Two smaller dot matrix boards are attached to the second-level seating façade.  The team conveniently posts live closed captioning on the ends of the ribbon boards so fans can read the announcer’s calls. The pre-game music is painfully loud; fans are unable to converse during that time.  Bring earplugs or noise-canceling headsets if you or your family are sensitive to deafening noises. Thankfully, the volume is lowered during game time and is not played during game action , only d uring pre-game and stoppages. Game day operations turn off the lights during the National Anthem and player introductions.  Many fans turn their phone flashlight on and wave it during the pre-game which is always a fantastic thing to see and participate in. The temperature in the arena is perfect.  A long-sleeved shirt is sufficient for most fans. The mascot, named Ray, is a furry orange blob who participates in activities such as fan contests and t-shirt tosses.  He/she is seen roaming the court and by the stands, ready for a picture and some fun and mascot antics. Ray, the Valley Suns Mascot, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey In-game promotions include a t-shirt toss, a hi-lo card game sponsored by a casino, name as many specific topic items as you can, a dance cam and funny face cam, a scream for courtside tickets, and more.  And even better, it’s not done to the extreme.  It’s a very enjoyable game day vi sit,  and we find ourselves wanting to go back.  Neighborhood 4 Mullett Arena sits on the ASU (Arizona State University) Tempe campus between Mountain West Stadium and the Track Field grounds near Desert Financial Arena.   Tempe is a vibrant, active community and college town.  Numerous restaurants and bars are open within a mile of the arena for a bite to eat or drink before or after a Valley Suns game. Eureka is the closest, serving craft beers, cocktails, and a delicious selection of house-made fare.  Cornish Pasty Co, Snooze (breakfast), Postino Annex, and Alter Ego (breakfast, lunch, and dinner – Asian inspired) are j ust several of the many other nearby eateries to choose from.   Several breweries are a short distance away (less than 2 miles):  Hundred Mile Brewing, Four Peaks Brewing, Pedal Haus, and The Shop Beer Co. all serve their delicious craft beers.  Other things to see and do when visiting Tempe include Rio Salado Park (river park for hiking and birding), ASU Art Museum, Tempe Marketplace (shopping), Papago Park, Phoenix Zoo, and the Desert Botanical Gardens.  A plethora of other sports are in session at the same time as the Valley Suns:  ASU football , basketball (men’s and women’s), volleyball , and ice hockey. February and March bring Cubs spring training at nearby Sloan Park , and ASU baseball at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The Hyatt House Tempe is .2 miles from Mullett Arena, so quite walkable.  Ten or more other hotels are in Tempe but a little further.  Lodging is pricey downtown.  A Holiday Inn Express and a Comfort Inn are a little over a mile from the arena and may be less costly.  It’s a bustling downtown and city; one worth checking out when in the area.  Fans 3 The Valley Suns are new and still establishing themselves in the Valley.  Attendance averages between 400 – 600 fans per game, with attendance increasing as the season progresses. The fans haven’t yet learned to wait for stoppages of play to head to or from their seats. However, they are extremely engaged.  Most stand until the team gets its first basket. They cheer on the players wholeheartedly throughout the game.  Phoenix Suns gear is seen in the crowd, with a trickle of Valley Suns jerseys and shirts in the mix.  Those will come with time. Access 4 Getting to Mullett Arena is pretty easy with parking and public transportation available.  It is a mile south of the Loop 202/Scottsdale Rd exit.  A four-story parking garage is adjacent to the arena, though, at $20 to park, it’s pricey.   The arena is five miles from Sky Harbor Airport. The ASU campus and the city of Tempe have plenty of public transportation.  Fans can take the Valley Metro train to the Veterans/College Ave stop and either walk to Mullett Arena (a little over ½ mile) or hop on the 48 bus which drops you off right in front of the venue.  Check Valley Metro  for schedules, fares, and maps. Fans painlessly enter through a security che ck before even getting to the ticket booth (outside).   Gates open an hour before the scheduled tip-off.   Clear 12” x 12” x 6” bags an d small clutches are allowed.  The concourses are small though not crowded with the fan base at a Valley Suns game.  Steps go upstairs to the higher rows with one elevator available between sections 104 - 105 (it’s gated o ff; you have to ask to use it).  Otherwise, fans access the seats by ascending a short flight of stairs through portals or onto the court directly between sections 106 and 107. The restrooms are new and sparkling cl ean. Return on Investment 4 Except for the parking, the price for Valley Suns games is quite reasonable.  They start at only $15 ($19.50 with fees and taxes) and go to $150 (floor seats).  The team offers season and partial-season tickets.  Student Rush tickets are $10 (check their website for details).   Mullett Arena only offers e-tickets (the staff texts you with a link). The game day experience is immensely enjoyable, so very worth your sports dollar expenditure. The $20 to park in the garage is too much.  Use Valley Metro for a more affordable choice to get to the arena.  The concession prices are also high, but you don’t need to eat during a two-hour contest. Extras 3 Having live closed captioning during a Valley Suns game is worth an extra mention.  Mullett Arena Closed Captioning, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The game day staff at Mullett Arena and a Valley Suns game are tremendously helpful, friendly, and polite and make you feel remarkedly welcomed.  A merchandise area near the entrance has slick-looking t-shirts, sweatshirts, and trinkets (even hat pins)!  Final Thoughts A Valley Suns basketball game provides a family-friendly atmosphere.  Bo th young and old fans will enjoy the back-and-forth action on the court, the pleasant staff, and the activities and contests.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Harry A. Gampel Pavilion FANFARE Score: 3.86 Harry A. Gampel Pavilion 2095 Hillside Rd Storrs, CT 06269 Connecticut Huskies website Harry A. Gampel Pavilion website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 10,299 The Basketball Capital of the World   The University of Connecticut bills itself as “The Basketball Capital of the World.” While fans from certain corners of the country may take issue with this self-designation, a solid argument can be made for its veracity. Not only was the game of basketball invented just a few miles up the road in Springfield, MA, but since 1995 UConn has brought home a combined 17 national titles. The men’s team is reigning back-to-back champions and has won six titles. Their success pales compared to the uber-successful UConn women’s team, which has brought an incredible 11 trophies home to Storrs.   Home for Huskies basketball is the on-campus Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Built-in 1990, the venue is named after the UConn class of 1943 alumnus who donated one million dollars towards the arena’s completion. The facility serves as home to the men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams. The Huskies play a portion of their schedule every season in downtown Hartford at the XL Center,  which has a larger capacity.   Both Husky basketball teams boast impressive resumes. In addition to their six national titles, the UConn men’s team has qualified for 37 NCAA Tournaments and has reached 7 Final Fours. 41 Husky alumni have played in the NBA, including Naismith Hall of Famer Ray Allen.   The women’s team has won 11 national titles, qualified for 35 NCAA Tournaments, and has reached 23 Final Fours. 20 UConn players have been selected in the first round of the WNBA draft, with five of them being the first pick overall. 49 Husky alumni have played in the WNBA, including Naismith Hall of Famers Rebecca Lobo and Swin Cash. Food & Beverage 4   There’s not a whole lot of room at Gampel Pavilion for concession stands. There are cramped concession areas tucked into the four corners of the gym. Stands run by UConn dining offer stadium basics, such as Husky Dogs, burgers, calzones, and mini chicken tacos. Fans looking to save a few dollars can grab a combo meal. There’s a decent variety of snack foods here, too, so hungry Husky fans can pick up some pretzels, nachos, fried dough, popcorn, or even mozzarella sticks.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Gampel Pavilion. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a selection of beer, wine, and mixed drinks at the main stands as well as stands set up specifically for alcohol sales. UConn has partnered with local breweries to make some specialty beers for UConn fans, including Husky Hops by Kinsman Brewing, TwoConn Easy Ale by Two Roads, and UConn Territory by Urban Lodge.   Fans looking for some more unique menu items will find what they’re looking for at stands operated by local favorites Bear BBQ and The Family Brick Oven Pizza. Stadium Journey recommends the Bear Attack, a tray of mac and cheese and cornbread crumbles topped with your choice of brisket or pulled pork.   Atmosphere 5   When you visit Storrs, be ready for a professional show and a raucous atmosphere. Recent renovations have modernized the look and feel of the gym, and the staff here have kept pace. The sound system is top-notch, and the proceedings are moved along with an emcee who keeps the volume and energy level up throughout the game. His counterpoint is the professional PA announcer, who will add the appropriate energy level to the proceedings while keeping the fans informed of the goings on.   The new video boards on either end of the gym are put to good use throughout the game with hype videos, replays, crowd cams, and more. There are giveaways, t-shirt tosses, and other contests to keep the casual fan involved. A student hit a half-court shot during Stadium Journey’s visit to win a $2,000 scholarship.   The student section is packed with rowdy students who come complete with their chants, songs, and routines designed to distract the opponent and entertain themselves. The pep band plays during stoppages and the cheerleaders perform and participate in the promotions. Johnathan the Husky roams the arena interacting with fans. Not content to let the students have all the fun, some UConn superfans get involved in the fun, leading cheers at designated times during the game. Neighborhood 3   The University of Connecticut is located in the village of Storrs, part of the town of Mansfield. Downtown Storrs is located just outside the entrance to campus. Storrs has a population of just over 15,000 residents, which pales in comparison to UConn’s enrollment of 32,000. It’s no surprise that the 4,000-acre UConn campus dominates this small town.   Visitors to Storrs can still find some solid dining options in town. After the game, head to the Mansfield Town Square, where Blaze Pizza, Dog Lane Café, and MOOYAH Burgers are located. Visitors looking for lodging options in town may want to look at the Graduate by Hilton or Spring Hill Inn. If you want more information about things to do in Storrs, check out DowntownStorrs.com .    Since there aren’t a ton of options near UConn, many fans coming to the area will move on to Hartford, located about a 30-minute drive to the west, or the twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, located about 45 minutes to the southeast.    Fans 5   As you might imagine, demand for tickets for the two-time defending champions is high. For the 2023-24 season, the Huskies sold out 13 home games and boasted their highest average attendance since the 2005-06 season. Stadium Journey visited Storrs on a Saturday afternoon near the end of semester break and Gampel was filled to the rafters with crazed Husky fans. Even the student sections were packed, even though school was not yet back in session.   UConn basketball is the hottest ticket in the state, and fans are proud to call the Husky hoops teams their own. Fans are into the action in a big way, and Gampel can get loud when the Huskies are on a roll. You’ll be sure to find a mix of students, diehard UConn fans, alumni, and locals when you visit Storrs. Despite how hardcore the fanbase is here, this is a place where you can feel comfortable sporting the opposition colors.   Reported attendance for every game thus far in the 2024-25 season has been a sellout of 10,299, even for the so-called “lesser” games that generally drew smaller crowds in the past. Access 3   The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, a small village located about a half-hour drive east of Hartford. Storrs is not directly served by any highways, so fans visiting Gampel Pavilion will have to navigate some country roads to reach campus. Interstate 84 runs about seven miles north of UConn. Complete driving directions to Gampel Pavilion can be found here .   Gampel Pavilion is located on the southwest edge of campus alongside UConn’s other athletic venues, including Tuscano Family Ice Forum , Elliot Ballpark ,  Marrone Stadium, and Burrell Field. Fans who have not been on campus in a while may be surprised by the changes in the area, as the baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and hockey teams all have received new venues in recent years.    There is plenty of parking within a short distance of Gampel Pavilion for fans arriving by car. The South Garage is located right across the street from the arena, with several surface lots, and the larger North Garage is located about a five-minute walk down the street. Just be ready for a slow egress after the game.   Fans enter Gampel Pavilion through one of four entrances at each corner of the facility. Located near these entrances are concession stands and restrooms. There is a single small walkway located halfway up the seating bowl that circles the court. Fans can watch the action while moving around Gampel, but there is no room to stop and loiter here.   Lower-level seats at Gampel are individual blue folding stadium seats. One side of the upper-level seating consists of these same stadium seats, while the rest is made up of molded bleachers without backs. With Gampel’s small size, all seats are right on top of the action and offer excellent views of the court.   Getting around Gampel Pavilion can be difficult, particularly at halftime. Plan your trips around the arena carefully.   Return on Investment 2   With the high demand for UConn tickets and the smallish capacity at Gampel Pavilion, tickets can be difficult to come by. A quick scan of the UConn website shows ticket prices starting at $69 but with only single tickets available as of this writing in mid-January. A look at secondary ticket sites shows even the cheapest tickets starting at $90 and above. It looks like your best bet is to get tickets early on in the season.   Parking in the South Garage right across the street from Gampel Pavilion costs $20. We’ll assume the North Garage is priced similarly. Concessions prices at Husky hoops games are also a bit on the high side, especially when compared to other venues in the area. Extras 5                                                                                                 Gampel Pavilion is split evenly in half, with each side of the facility dedicated to one team. It’s refreshing (and only fair) to see the tremendous women’s program receiving its due here.   Recent renovations to the Gampel Pavilion have removed some of the clutter in the place and have modernized the displays of Husky hoop success. Check out the banners honoring national titles, Hall of Famers, UConn Ring of Honor members, and more.   J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum is located just a few minutes from Gampel Pavilion. It is billed as the ultimate destination for Husky fans. Click here  for more information.   UConn Bookstore – While there are no souvenir stands inside Gampel Pavilion (where would you put them?), the UConn Bookstore is right across the street. They have an extensive selection of Husky merchandise, with specials available every game day.   Stadium Journey’s top recommendation for any trip to Storrs is a visit to the UConn Dairy Bar. The Dairy Bar, operated entirely by students, has been in operation since 1953. All products are made fresh on-site. While enjoying your ice cream you can see the cows grazing in the adjacent fields.    Final Thoughts   For some reason, it feels like UConn and Gampel Pavilion get overlooked when people talk about the best college programs and venues in the country. Maybe it’s because no one thinks about New England as a college hoops hotbed. But if you’re planning a basketball Stadium Journey, Gampel should be on your shortlist. Gampel Pavilion combines the best of big-time college basketball with the best of small-town college life. ____   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Ben Alkaly Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Great Southern Bank Arena 685 S John Q. Hammons Pkwy Springfield, MO 65897 Missouri State Bears website Great Southern Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 11,000 Big-Time Arena in a Small City Springfield, MO, serves as the gateway to the scenic Ozarks of southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas. Still, there are a few reasons to stop in town instead of just passing through on the way to natural wonders … One of them being college basketball in a pro-style venue.  The Missouri State Bears of the Missouri Valley Conference (moving to Conference USA in mid-2025 as the school steps up to FBS status) ply their trade in Great Southern Bank Arena, an 11,000-seat gem opened in 2008 in the northwest corner of campus. True to Springfield’s roots straddling the Midwest and South, in 2024 the venue also became home to the Missouri Thunder of the Pro Bull Riders Team Series. The venue also hosts a robust concert calendar. Make no mistake, however, college hoops are king – and queen – in these parts. Most of the Bears’ success in men’s basketball came when the program was named Southwest Missouri State before a 2005 rebranding. The Bears were four-time NCAA tournament runners-up at the Division 2 level (1959, 1967, 1969, and 1974), and have been to the Big Dance six times since moving up to D1, the last being a magical run to the Sweet 16 as a No. 12 seed in 1999. Winston Garland is the most accomplished Mizzou State pro, enjoying a nine-year NBA career after being drafted in the second round in 1987. His is one of five men’s hoops jerseys hanging in the rafters. However, the name most synonymous with Missouri State Basketball is Jackie Stiles, who scored a then-NCAA women’s basketball record 3,393 career points from 1997 to 2001, which stood for 16 years. Stiles led the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four and won the Wade Trophy as the nation’s top player before becoming the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2002. The Missouri State also reached the 1991 Final Four. Display Honoring the Missouri State Bears Women's Basketball, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Until 2022, the home of the Bears and Lady Bears was named for the late John Q. Hammond, who among many gifts to his alma mater donated $30 million for the venue’s construction. Great Southern Bank secured naming rights for $5.5M. Food & Beverage 4 This is one arena where you won’t go hungry, or be uninspired by the food options. Several concession stands offer the standards – burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and tenders, fries, nachos, popcorn, etc. – with entrees a bit on the pricy side ($13- $15). Then there are specialty stations; Pizza Ranch, a local chain, does whole pizzas for $35 and slices for $7. On the opposite side of the arena, the Cantina has three tacos for $14, premium nachos for $13, and a rather rare menu item for college hoops, elote (corn smothered in cream, lime juice, and cheese). To satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s an outpost of the local frozen yogurt chain Orange Leaf. For some reason, beers are one dollar cheaper ($9) at Pizza Ranch than other outlets, but all options are identical: Miller, Coors, Bud Light, Budweiser Ultra, Yuengling, plus White Claw for the seltzer fans. There’s a selection of Bacardi and Cutwater canned cocktails for $12 (the mai tai packs a punch!), however, it was explained to me that the full bar only opens for concerts. Wine is $8 a glass, while fountain drinks run $6 and bottled water $5.  For somebody like me who is often struck by menu paralysis, I suggest doing a lap around the concourse to see what strikes your fancy. Atmosphere 4 That trademark Southern (Midwest) hospitality revealed itself the second I stepped inside Great Southern Bank Arena. With my visit falling during the holiday season, cheerleaders in Santa hats were handing out festive Missouri State-branded mugs, with free game programs strewn about the table. Missouri State Bears Guest Services, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Walking from concourse to seats is when one realizes this ain’t your average mid-major college basketball arena. Separating the lower and upper chairback seating sections ringing the court are 22 private suites. Adding to the big-time feel of Great Southern Bank Arena is the PRIME Overtime Club, included with all higher-priced season ticket packages or to all-season ticket holders for an additional $100 membership. This 4,500-square-foot social space just off the concourse, with views of the court, offers elevated food and drink and is where the Bears coaches’ shows are recorded. The concourse is also home to the Missouri State Athletics Hall of Fame, with museum-caliber displays of great Bear athletes and teams. If that doesn’t get your school spirit flowing, a large team shop is located just to the right of the main entrance. Large TV monitors throughout ensure fans don’t miss any of the court action while shopping. Neighborhood 3 Located amid campus buildings and student apartment complexes, there’s not much near Great Southern Bank Arena to hold one’s pregame interest. Thankfully, downtown Springfield’s bars, eateries, and shopping options are just a mile away, making for a short drive or invigorating walk if the weather is cooperating. Nonna’s  is a delicious, traditional Italian trattoria, while a former Springfield resident recommended Black Sheep Burgers  as well as Café Cusco  for Peruvian food on the north side of town. South of campus, along E. Sunshine St., one will find every fast food establishment imaginable. At the corner of Sunshine and Campbell is the Holy Grail for outdoors enthusiasts … The original Bass Pro Shops is an attraction even for those who prefer creature comforts. When in town, sports fans may be able to catch an early season Missouri State baseball game at Hammons Field , just a half mile away. Fans 2 While there is a dedicated courtside student section in sections F through I behind the basket, it was not discernable from the rest of the crowd during the late-December holiday break. The Bears can use all the support they can get, as performances in recent years have seen Great Northern Bank crowds dwindle to a fraction of capacity. With a reversal of fortunes and an engaged student body, the arena is a sleeping giant ready to rock again. Game production is polished but not over-the-top. The lights dim for player intros, cheerleaders and the dance team work to keep the energy high at timeouts, but some of the more modern elements like an in-arena DJ are missing. The four-sided square scoreboard and video board also feel a bit past its prime. Access 4 A Bear statue and glass-strewn atrium welcome guests to Great Southern Bank Arena. The metal detectors were visible (but not set up) during my visit, and fans are limited to one bag sized no bigger than 11x8.5”. General public parking can be found in Bear-Park North at 725 E Cherry St, a four-story structure with 1,241 spaces about a five-minute walk from the arena. Prices vary. Springfield is a remarkably easy city to navigate, as streets generally follow a grid pattern and are hemmed in by four highways. The Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) is located in the northwest corner of town, with non-stops to major hubs throughout the Midwest and South, and flights as far afield as Los Angeles. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices at Great Southern Bank Arena range from $10 in the upper deck and behind the basket, to seats priced at either $26 or $40 along the sidelines. There may be family packs or other promotions available. Ticket prices are in line with a facility of this stature, while concession prices are on the high side given the Heartland location. During these inflationary times, lowering the cost of food and drink may entice more families to the arena. Extras 2 Attached to the aforementioned Bass Pro Shops is Johnny Morris’ Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium.  Opened in 2017 and named for Bass Pro’s founder, it has routinely been voted America’s top aquarium. About 45 minutes south of Springfield in the heart of the Ozarks is Branson known for its theme parks and concert halls that attract top country music acts. Final Thoughts With just over 170,000 residents, Springfield straddles the line between a small city and a big town. However, if you were to close your eyes upon entering city limits and open them only after entering Great Southern Bank Arena, you’d think you were in a major metropolis. Here’s hoping to high-caliber Bear (and Lady Bear) hoops shortly, drawing crowds that are befitting of this stellar venue.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Swinney Recreation Center 5030 Holmes Street Kansas City, MO 64110 Kansas City Roos website Swinney Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1941 Capacity: 1,600 Roo-Roo-Roo(t) for the Home Team You have to love a team that’s comfortable in its own skin. The Kansas City Chiefs are omnipresent in the City of Fountains, and had a noon home game the day I visited University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) for a 1 p.m. men’s basketball tipoff. Confused as to why the athletic department would want to go head-to-head with the defending NFL champs, it quickly became apparent that the Roos march (punch?) to the beat of their own drummer.   And why shouldn’t they? Opened in 1933 as the University of Kansas City, the local university predates the local NFL team by 27 years. The Kangaroo became its mascot in 1937, a nod to the Kansas City Zoo's acquisition of two baby kangaroos. In 2019 – prior to the school’s sports team moving from the WAC to the Summit League – that name was shortened to Roos (no apostrophe) and the athletics department rebranded to Kansas City Athletics.   The PA announcer at my late December game even leaned into the Roos’ friendly rivalry with other area sportsmen, introducing them as “Kansas City’s tallest team!”   1954 was the first year of men’s basketball in these parts, competing at the NAIA level before transitioning to NCAA Division I in 1987. The Roos have hopped around to a number of Kansas City home courts over their six decades, including Municipal Auditorium, Kemper Arena, Hale Arena, and the Independence Events Center before a move back to the on-campus Swinney Recreation Center in 2019-20 as part of the aforementioned brand refresh. Opened in 1941, the venue has undergone numerous renovations and now accommodates up to 1,600 fans. What fans will immediately notice upon entering Swinney is the yellow court with dramatic blue silhouette of the KC skyline along the south sideline. Looking up, no real estate is wasted as two large videoboards flank the baskets at both ends. Swinney Recreation Center Full Court, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey A true multi-purpose facility, under one roof Swinney Recreation Center holds weight rooms, five multipurpose courts (one visible behind the west stands), racquetball and squash courts, three fitness studios, and a 25-yard indoor lap pool. An indoor track “runs” above the court, within touching distance of the top of the east stands. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Swinney are impossible to miss, located on the left wall of the venue’s entry lobby; there are no other entrance points. Menu offerings are fairly robust for an arena of this size, including hot dogs ($6.25), hamburgers ($6.25 or $6.75 with cheese), nachos ($6.25), Dippin’ Dots ($5.25), assorted chips and candy ($3.25 each), and popcorn ($3.75), or an option to upgrade to something called Velvet Crème Popcorn in a variety of flavors ($6). On the beverage side there’s bottled water ($3.25), Coca-Cola soft drinks and iced tea ($3.50), domestic beers ($6.75), local offerings from Boulevard Beers and Quirk Seltzer ($7.75 each), and red or white wine ($6.25). Atmosphere 3 You know you’re at a college basketball game the moment you step foot inside Swinney, with floor-to-ceiling window panels separating the lobby from the court just beyond. In front of the glass is where you can find the spirit table – where a friendly staffer was handing out free gameday posters – and a merchandise area featuring several types of Roos-branded scarves, a nod to Kansas City’s recent prowess in college soccer.   The Athletic Department really packs a lot into this relatively small lobby, including a blue wall with “Kansas City Athletics Points of Pride,” a coloring and crafts station for kids, and another with bios of the three head coaches currently prowling the sidelines in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball.   To get to their seats, fans either head right for the east grandstand or left for the west. A hard left from the west entrance leads you to the restrooms, which are in a unique configuration; the men’s room has two doors, one at each end of a “U” configuration, and since the women’s restroom doors are immediately next to those, I have to assume they form an even wider, surrounding “U.”   Fans moved freely pregame and at halftime, although with just two doors leading to seats, I could see this getting bottlenecked a bit if approaching capacity.   One facility enhancement suggestion is to curtain off the small windows that run above the length of the east bleachers. Being a day game, I found the light pouring in from them to be a distraction while sitting on the west side. Neighborhood 4 UMKC is located just to the east of Country Club Plaza, designed in the 1920s as the first planned suburban shopping center designed for automobile access. The area certainly feels historic, with European-style apartment buildings interspersed with businesses, fountains, and waterways.   In the Plaza you’ll find a branch of the legendary Jack Stack Barbeque , while other famous names in KC BBQ include Arthur Bryant’s , Gates , and Joe’s . That said, don’t overlook modern, craft barbeque establishments like Q39  or Wolfepack which serve mean cocktails as well as burnt ends.   Just southeast of campus, along Troost Ave., are a couple spots that work well for a pregame bite and beverage: Tiki Taco  and Gaels Public House & Sports . Combine a Roos' game with a visit to   The College Basketball Experience , located inside downtown Kansas City's T-Mobile Center arena. The top floor is chock-full of interactive hoops stations where you can work up a sweat, while downstairs hosts the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for children. Fans 3 Given its intimate confines, there is no bad seat in Swinney, with the top row being just 12 rows above the court. And despite going head-to-head with the beloved Chiefs, and Roo students being on holiday break, the stands filled in respectably. Only a few red-and-gold shirts with the trademark arrowhead logo and/or faces buried in phones were spotted among the Roo faithful.   The designated Rowdy Roo student section is in the corner of the east stands, but was indistinguishable from other seating areas on my visit due to the university break. The furry KC Roo mascot makes the rounds and tries to hype up the crowd on the court, as do cheer and dance teams. Access 4 Swinney Recreation Center is located less than 10 minutes south of Kansas City’s downtown core, and about 30 minutes south of MCI airport, which recently opened a gleaming new central terminal. Take I-25 south until it becomes U.S. 71, then exit at Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and hang a left. Another left at Rockhill Road will lead you onto campus. Swinney Recreation Center is atop the hill next to the Student Success Center. Free parking is available on levels 5 and 6 of the Cherry Street Parking Garage (50th and Cherry Street, just off Rockhill). With my game falling on a Saturday and Roo students on a holiday break, parking was also free in the lot facing the Student Success Center. Public transportation aficionados should check RideKC or Google Maps, for optimal routes to campus. Swinney’s ticket booth is just to the left of the entrance doors, and there is no security screening to pass through. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices at Swinney Recreation Center are as follows: Sideline reserved seats: $17 Courtside seats: $50 (includes access to the Boulevard Courtside Club  which includes two drink tickets, a pregame buffet and chalk talk with an assistant coach, and halftime snacks, located in an area of tables behind the west bleachers.) Free Parking in the Cherry Street Garage – with closer options in lots 38 and 4 for $6 – coupled with fairly reasonable ticket and concession prices means a visit to Swinney won’t break the bank. . Extras 3 Swinney Recreation Center is named after a Kansas City banker who raised $250,000 to build a recreational facility for students.   Flocks of Canadian Geese can be found on campus during the winter, especially near the intersection of Locust and Cherry Streets. UMKC Geese, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Combine a Roos’ game with a fun, educational experience; the highly-rated National Museum of Toys and Miniatures  is located in the southwest corner of the UMKC campus, accessible from Oak Street. Final Thoughts Limited to a 1,600-seat arena embedded within a larger recreational facility, the Kansas City Roos certainly “do more with less” when it comes to the gameday basketball experience. From the efficient use of lobby space with respectable concessions to the unique blue and yellow court design with large screens flanking the basket to the VIP experience available for just $50, there’s a definite fan-first approach. After all, the Roos are competing for butts-in-seats with the sports behemoth in town. Swinney Recreation Center Court Graphics, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dickey-Stephens Park 400 W Broadway North Little Rock, AR 72114 Arkansas Travelers website Dickey-Stephens Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,300 All Aboard Travs Baseball Baseball in the Little Rock area has been around since 1887 with the Little Rock Travelers. Named from the folk song, “The Arkansas Traveler” the team from Little Rock enjoyed two titles and fielded a team until 1961. Baseball royalty including Pat Gillick and Cal Ripken Sr. saw their careers run through the Arkansas capital. The modern Arkansas Travelers were established in the International League in 1963. After one year, Arkansas traveled to the Pacific Coast League for two seasons before settling in at the Double-A level and the Texas League. The Travelers spent the bulk of their existence as the affiliate for the St. Louis Cardinals (1966-2000), but as of 2017 have been the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. Since moving to the Texas League, success has not been a stranger to the Travs as they have enjoyed eight league titles (1966, 1971, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1989, 2001, 2008). In 1960, Arkansas baseball legend Ray Winder led a public stock drive purchased the New Orleans baseball franchise, and moved it to Little Rock. The modern Travs have been a publicly owned company ever since Arkansas Travelers Baseball Inc. The home for the Travs is Dickey-Stephens Park. Located across the river from Little Rock, in North Little Rock, Dickey-Stephens Park was named after two sets of brothers, Major Leaguers Bill and George Dickey, and businessmen George and Jackson Stephens, and is located near the Union Pacific Railyard. The City of North Little Rock-owned park takes the railroad motif and rolls with it since opening in 2007, and provides a terrific backdrop for Minor League Baseball. Food & Beverage 5 Concession options at Dickey-Stephens Park are excellent. Several concession stands offer a wide variety of ballpark options and options well beyond the expected ballpark fare. For those who love hot dogs, Nathan’s are the dog of choice at the park, and Seattle, Chicago, Detroit, and Texas Dogs can be found at the Fielder’s Choice stand. Frito Chili Pie, BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Jalapeno Cheese Stuffed Pretzels, Cheese Curds, and regular and Deep Fried Pickles are among the best choices. Carnival fare such as corn dogs, deep-fried Oreos and deep-fried PB&J take the options to the next level. There is a huge selection of beer that can be found at Brewski Junction for those interested in a brew on a baseball evening. There’s something for everyone at Dickey-Stephens. Atmosphere 4 Overall, Dickey-Stephens Park is a nice park with a classic feel that needs a bit of a paint job. Dickey-Stephens Park takes a train station motif and weaves it throughout the ballpark. The exterior is brown brick and is built to look like an old-time train station, complete with a clock tower. Outside of the main gate hang four bronze plaques immortalizing the two sets of brothers, the Dickeys and the Stephens, who are the fathers of baseball in North Little Rock. Also outside of the main gate is a sculpture of a batter, which adds to the ambiance. Inside the main gate, the train motif continues with an old-school wooden ticket booth which serves as an information booth and customer service. The 360 concourse is behind all of the seating and beneath the luxury boxes. The luxury box and press box level features unique forest green siding under a shingle roof. The seating area is split with five rows of green stadium seats in the lower section and twelve rows in the upper level. Berm seating is found past the right and left field fences. The beer garden is at field level past the first base dugout. A nice view of the Broadway Street Bridge can be seen from the third base side of the ballpark. The team store keeps the train theme going as the Travelers Crossing; berm seating areas are The Platform and The Yard; and concession stands are named The Box Car, Border Stop, and Doubleday’s Depot. The Travelers Museum is found in the concourse behind home plate, but unfortunately was closed on the day of this review. Past right field, a train can be found to give kids rides and Otey’s Splash Pad and kids area give the little ones a place to let loose and keep cool. For a team with such a significant history as the Travelers, there is very little history on display. Plaques for baseball dignitaries Ray Winder, Jim Elder, and Max Moses are found in the concourse, but there were not any obvious indicators of the eight league titles that the Travelers have earned or the obligatory displays of MiLB players who have gone on to the Majors. The gameday production at a Travelers game is fairly simple. One of the main features is the old-school organist, who is quite young and plays from the concourse behind the plate. The video board stands past left field and features a clock and faux flags at the top. It is assumed that mascots Ace and Otey are found during most games, however, the game that was reviewed featured very high temperatures, making it understandable that the mascots were nowhere to be found. Neighborhood 4 Dickey-Stephens Park is located right along the river in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Just North of the Arkansas River and Arkansas Capital, North Little Rock does offer some spots for pre or post-game food and drink. Flyway Brewing, Brood and Barley, Diamond Bear Brewing, Skinny J’s, and Diamond Bear Brewing are all options worth considering. As far as other sporting options go, Little Rock is fairly limited. Heading south, across the river is the best plan, and taking in some Little Rock Trojans NCAA Basketball may be the best plan, however, the seasons do not readily cross. Trojans baseball may be a better plan. As far as other tourist options go, the Northshore Riverwalk Park is mere steps from the Ballpark and the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is a couple blocks away near the fairgrounds. Otherwise, heading south to Little Rock offers more options including the Historic Arkansas Museum, Clinton Library & Museum, and Gateway Bridge Trail. For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Wyndham Riverfront can be seen from the park. Fans 4 The Travs have enjoyed strong support at the box office for a long time. In 2023, the Arkansas Travelers averaged over 4,800 fans per game, up over 400 fans per game from the previous season. This puts them in 43rd place in all of Minor League Baseball and 4th in the Texas League. Although the attendance wasn’t up to average on the game that was attended, probably due to the three-figure temperature at first pitch, the Travs did enjoy a supportive crowd and into the game. Access 4 Getting to Dickey-Stephens Park is not too difficult. Located in North Little Rock, on the north shore of the Arkansas River, the park is west of I-30 and there is easy access from the highway. The main parking lot is to the west of the park and there is easy access with a convenient tunnel underneath the road leading to the park. For fans wanting to take public transit to the game, some buses travel along Maple Street and Broadway and the trolley travels a block east on Main Street. Ticket windows are located outside, on the north side of the ballpark. Getting around the park is not too difficult and the washroom facilities are good. The washrooms do lack any air conditioning or fans making them pretty rough on a hot day. Return on Investment 5 The Arkansas Travelers offer terrific value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Travs begin at $7 for berm seating and go up to $15. Parking is under $10 and concession prices are what one would expect for a minor-league park. The park is a great venue for Minor League Baseball and the product on the field is strong. Overall, it is a great opportunity to get the family out to a game and not break the bank in the process. Extras 2 An extra mark for the railway motif, which is found throughout Dickey-Stephens Park and offers a unique experience among minor league parks. An extra mark for the history of the Travelers. The Travs boast the third-longest nickname duration in MiLB behind the Buffalo Bisons and Indianapolis Indians. Final Thoughts A trip to Dickey-Stephens Park to see the Arkansas Travelers is a great way to spend a summer evening or weekend afternoon. The Travs offer great value in a unique setting at a family-friendly price. A must for all baseball fans. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Would you travel to a farmers/flea market for pizza, especially in the middle of New Jersey? Yes, some parts of the state are in the middle of nowhere, but if you find yourself close to the Columbus Farmers Market you will find a variety of pizza worth searching. In Columbus, New Jersey, two pizzerias are serving a style of pizza so regional that it isn’t served anywhere else in the country. Kate and Al’s and Pete’s Pizza have been cooking their brand of pizza in cast iron square pans for as long as their customers can remember and it is something that is not quite anything else you have had before. Is it a tomato pie that they serve in nearby Trenton or like they do 30 minutes away in Philadelphia? No, the Trenton pies look more like a New York-style pizza, and the Philly pies are served at room temperature with no mozzarella cheese. Then what the hell is this type of pizza? Pete’s slices feature a light and airy crust that tasted somewhat buttery to me at times. The sauce was dominant on this slice and slightly sweet to my taste buds, and the extra sauce seemed to skim around my plate. There was a little bit of a crunch from the edge of my crust and cheese was not the main attraction, but that sweet amount of tomato sauce that layered on the pizza slice. Kate and Al’s have a similar pizza and the one I had was cruncher and thinner. There also seemed to be more cheese on this slice and still a heavy amount of sauce. The crust was denser and brought back some memories of some square pizzas I had growing up, but this version was far superior. Both places have their legions of fans and many have stated that they have never eaten at the other location; I felt somewhat odd having slices from each location, but that is not the case for patrons who will only eat pizza at either Pete’s or Kate and Al’s. One gentleman had his son with him who was trying Pete’s for the very first time. He said the pizza was not greasy and had a slight crunch from the burnt cheese that he loved. A few more customers said they only eat at Pete’s, because this was the first place they had pizza at as a kid. Over at Kate and Al’s boxes were stacked on top of one another waiting to pick up, a line of customers waited around the take out area for their slices. There are a few tables on the inside and outside of the building, but over at Pete’s the countertop is a perfect way to enjoy your pizza and talk to others who all seem to have been brought up on this style of pie. Then there is the red cream soda that a few say compliments the taste of the pizza. It is the number one soda sold at Pete’s and after 10 minutes, about five customers requested the red soda. A local vendor produces the syrup and only a few places offer it at their restaurants.   Fans pick up pies to take home for football games, Fridays during lent, and any other day of the week. The pizza is different from what you would find in the state, but think about it as a saucy Detroit-style pizza without the crispy edges. Whatever it is, it’s quite delicious. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at   Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Surprise...  Nary a Pork Roll in sight, ‪ Marc  and ‪ Dan  return to discuss the latest twist in the new Sixers arena.  They are here to stay.  What happens to the Market Street location and will the Wells Fargo Center still stand? _________________________________________________________________________________ Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Memorial Gym 18 Gym Drive Orono, ME 04473 Maine Black Bears website Memorial Gym website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 3,100 Shout ‘Til the Rafters Ring When discussing college basketball’s oldest venues, Memorial Gym on the campus of the University of Maine – Orono is often left out of the conversation. Built in 1933, Memorial Gym, lovingly referred to as “The Pit”, is one of the ten oldest Division-I basketball venues in use today. The Black Bears men’s basketball team played at “The Pit” for 50 years, however, the growing popularity of the women’s basketball team created a need for a larger venue than the 1,300-seat capacity of Memorial Gym. As a result, both teams moved to Alfond Arena , located across the parking lot and originally built as the home of UMaine hockey. Alfond would be the UMaine basketball home until 2011 when the Black Bears started bouncing between Alfond Arena  and Memorial Gym. Upon the opening of Cross Insurance Center in neighboring Bangor in 2013, however, the Black Bears would move almost exclusively off campus for its basketball games. Memorial Gym then underwent extensive renovations to update the facility, expanding its capacity to 3,100 fans, including being brought up to date with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Maine would continue splitting time between Cross Insurance Center  and Memorial Gym until the 2023-24 season, where except for the border battle with the University of New Hampshire , basketball would be exclusively played on campus. Then in January 2024, an $80 million gift from the Harold Alfond Foundation  was announced, which includes funding to construct Morse Arena, the future home of UMaine’s men’s and women’s basketball teams – the new facility is slated to be completed in time for the 2028 season. Currently members of the America East Conference, the Black Bears had previously been a part of the Yankee Conference dating back to 1947.   Food & Beverage   1 To say concessions are basic at Memorial Gym might be a bit generous – there are no hot food options; just popcorn, candy, cookies, and Maine Whoopie pie. Beverages include bottled soft drinks from the Pepsi line of products, along with Gatorade and Aquafina. In the name of transparency, this review was conducted over winter break, and signs did reference a second concession stand available inside the adjoining New Balance Maine Field House, but there was no sign of it being open.   Atmosphere   2 Memorial Gym is a relic when it comes to college basketball arenas, a true time capsule that brings back memories of the era of cagers.  At the time it was built, not a lot of thought was given to obstructed views created by steel beams that frame the center court section of seating. The historic nature of the building also creates some unique features – there are not many college basketball venues that still have wooden seats throughout, and still have a wood plank ceiling. A large HD video board is attached to the far end wall and provides a video feed of the game, cues for fans to get loud, and advertisements during breaks in the action. It also keeps track of individual player points and foul totals. In addition, smaller, more traditional scoreboards with basic time and score information hang from the wall on each end of the floor at the court level.  Timeouts are commonly filled with various fan cams that are popular with younger Black Bear fans, and while students are on campus, the pep band and cheerleaders fill the second tier of seating, which certainly adds to the overall college basketball experience. Memorial Gym is everything that basketball in Maine is – a small gym that can get packed and warm during the cold Maine winters. Despite upgrades to become a bit more modern and accessible, Memorial Gym still comes with limitations that make the environment a bit of a challenge when considering the overall comfort of the facility.   Neighborhood   4 Orono is a vibrant, small college town that, despite its somewhat remote location, gives visitors just enough food and beverage options in town to make it worthwhile to arrive a few hours before tip-off. The UMaine campus is separated from the Orono neighborhood of Marsh Island by the Stillwater River. Marsh Island is just over a mile from the athletics facilities and is home to a handful of bars, restaurants, and breweries. One popular spot, Pat’s Pizza on Mill Street, has been an Orono staple since 1931. Orono has a small town center but does pack a lot into that area’s relatively small size. One of the more popular pregame establishments is Orono Brewing Company – while their craft brews are their most popular attraction, there is also a strong food menu. The town of Orono also neighbors the better-known and more populous Bangor, which might be the best option if you are looking for lodging or entertainment to fill the time before or after a UMaine basketball game. On campus, Memorial Gym is clustered with the other UMaine athletic facilities – just across the parking lot is the aforementioned Alfond Arena , as well as Harold Alfond Sports Stadium , which hosts Maine Black Bears football, field hockey, and track & field.   Fans   2 Attendance at Black Bears men’s basketball tends to be a bit inconsistent at Memorial Gym, though in a bit of an oddity, on-campus games during school breaks tend to have larger attendance numbers than those that occur when students are on campus. The Orono community also does a decent job filling the seats at The Pit as part of weekend family plans- weekend games routinely draw over 1,200 fans, whereas typical crowds with students on campus have 500 to 700. While many of these are weekday games, with an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 10,000 the small attendance figures are a bit disappointing.   Access   2 The University of Maine campus, in the central Maine town of Orono, is a bit secluded from most of the population in the rest of the state. The main artery of travel up the eastern seaboard, Interstate 95, does pass through Orono, however, so it does at least provide a direct route to town. The UMaine athletic facilities are easily accessible from the interstate, and parking is directly in front of the main entry to Memorial Gym. Memorial Gym only has one entry point that is used to access the court, which is fine for early arrivers, but the closer to tip-off the more the long, narrow entry point can become backed up. The age of Memorial Gym also definitely creates some issues when it comes to simply accessing the gym’s seating areas – the floor seats have a direct route from the entrance, but navigating between the seating along the sideline and baseline requires going down one set of stairs and coming back up another set. There is an elevator to access the upper-level seating across from the team benches, but there does not seem to be the same access on the other side. The setup of Memorial Gym is a bit unfortunate in that the entire front of the building is used for visiting team access and is not accessible to fans. On the plus side, the lobby of the building is home to the University of Maine Athletics Hall of Fame, with photos and bios of its inductees.   Return on Investment   4 Balcony seating starts at $15 when purchased at the door, which seems consistent with schools at similar levels. However, even adding a flat fee of $2.25 per ticket, purchasing online is less expensive than waiting to buy a ticket at the door – the same $15 balcony ticket purchased at the door is just $12.25 when purchased online. Floor-level seats are available for under $25. There is no cost for parking, and prices at the limited concessions seem fair. In all, UMaine basketball is an extremely affordable entertainment option.   Extras   2 If you can access the main lobby at court level following the game, the University of Maine Athletics Hall of Fame shows the history of UMaine’s brightest stars throughout the school’s more than 140-year history of athletics in Orono – the Hall of Fame is a nice look at the athletes who have written the story of Black Bear athletics. Following weekend games, players are made available for an on-court autograph session; this is a nice way for the team to make connections with the community, as well as inspire the next generation of Maine hoopsters.   Final Thoughts Some of the inconsistencies with men’s basketball attendance could be tied to not just the struggles the Black Bears have had putting wins in the win column, but also that they have not had a consistent facility to call home for quite some time. Between playing at Alfond Arena , which was not designed for basketball, and traveling to Bangor, the Black Bears have not established a true home court in quite some time. The future does show promise, with facility upgrades on the way and an increased focus on drawing some of the top high school talent in the state to Orono. The coming years could see the Black Bears head back to Bangor for part of their schedule if crowd sizes spike as they are anticipated to over the next few seasons. If given the opportunity before Morse Arena is completed, taking in a game at The Pit might be a priority, while the historic venue is still accessible.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.84 Gerald J. Ford Stadium 5800 Ownby Dr University Park, TX 75205 First Responder Bowl website Gerald J. Ford Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 32,000 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl In the landscape of college football bowl games, the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is a relative newcomer - it began with the name Ticket City Bowl in 2011, changed its name to the Heart of Dallas bowl in 2013, before settling in with the current name in 2018. It was originally played in the venerable Cotton Bowl located in historic Fair Park before moving to its current location on the SMU campus, in the more upscale University Park neighborhood of Dallas. Gerald J. Ford Stadium opened on the SMU campus in 2000, on the site of former Ownby Stadium. Named after alum and donor Gerald J. Ford, the stadium was built in the collegiate-Georgian architectural style that is prevalent on campus. As part of its 32,000 seats, expandable if needed, there are over 2,100 club level seats plus 2,000 seats in 41 luxury suites. There is a giant HD video screen perched at each end of the stadium – all fans, regardless of their location, are able to see one of the scoreboards easily to view replays, advertisements, and up-close pictures of on field special recognitions. The sound system is clear, and can even be heard one block away at the parking garage. Seating for the stadium is in a horseshoe, with the south end zone open; this latter end zone houses the newest addition to Ford Stadium, the $100 million Garry Weber End Zone Complex and Armstrong Football Center. Built in 2022, largely through generous donations from donors Garry Weber, Bill Armstrong, and Liz Martin Armstrong, the three-story complex houses SMU’s football performance facilities, coach’s and administrative offices, hospitality and recruiting areas, and Letterman’s Lounge. In addition, there are 1,200 exclusive suite level seats inside.   Food & Beverage   4 Concession stands and kiosks serving general foods are plentiful – there are 10 full-service concession stands plus at least 10 more drink only portable stands and walk-thru lines. Bagged snacks, such as chips and peanuts, are also available at the walk-thrus to take some of the traffic out of the full-service lines. Most foods you would expect are available in the general concession stands – the all-beef hot dogs and nachos are the heartiest items, costing $7 each. Giant pretzels ($7), giant popcorn ($8), peanuts ($6), cookies ($5), candy ($5), and chips ($4) are all options, while a couple of unique offerings include Takis ($5) or a cup of melted cheese ($1). In addition to regular snack bar items, there are some Dallas centric choices available; Mi Cocina offers MiCoRitas frozen margaritas, while Ferris Wheelers  and Rudy’s  both serve barbecue items, and Nutty Bavarian Nuts  has a stand for their snacks. Coca-Cola products are offered in 32 ounce souvenir cups, which cost $7. Other drinks include Powerade ($6), Dasani water ($5), Smart water ($7), and domestic beers ($11). Beer options included Coors light, Miller light, Modelo, and Michelob Ultra, as well as a local brew, Pony Pils. Pony Pils is an American Golden Lager brewed by local brewer, Lakewood Brewing, specifically for SMU. Lakewood donates $1 per case to a scholarship fund to be used for a STEM scholarship given to future brewers. SMU has posted numerous concession maps on the walls in the concourse for fans to reference. For the First Responder Bowl, this map proved very helpful but not 100% accurate – there were some specialty offerings listed on the map that were unavailable during the bowl game.   Atmosphere   5 The two teams playing in the game go a long way in determining the overall atmosphere. Since moving from the spacious Cotton Bowl, which seats well over 90,000, to Ford Stadium, the game atmosphere has been improved with crowds ranging from 10,000-28,000. The First Responder Bowl Committee strives to invite at least one team that is either a service academy or located in Texas to ensure local fan interest. Teams chosen to play since the move to SMU have included North Texas , Texas State , UTSA , Rice , and Air Force . Directly across Ownby Drive from the west side of the stadium, in the parking lot of the Meadows Museum, there is a free public tailgating area set up. Here, fans are offered free food and drink with donations being accepted for nonprofit agencies that are represented. In addition to the food and drinks, there are also children’s games and other giveaway items available for fans to take home as souvenirs. At the most recent game I attended, two Texas teams played and the crowd was electric, even though both teams had records that were barely above .500. Split almost evenly, half the crowd roared after each play while the remaining fans groaned. Both schools were able to bring full bands, dance teams, and cheer squads to support their team as well. With such large numbers of alumni in attendance, each school hosted large tailgates on The Boulevard, 50 yards apart from one another. This made for a great scene as the tree-lined street was filled with green and white on one end and maroon and gold on the other. Upbeat dance music pumped from both locations, and laughter and conversation could be heard between drum beats as the smell of the grills wafted through the oaks.   Neighborhood   4 Ford Stadium is located on the campus of SMU, which is in the University Park neighborhood of Dallas. University Park is a stable, upper-middle class neighborhood with numerous restaurants and shopping areas along Interstate 75. There are also many food choices along Hillcrest Avenue, which forms the western edge of campus – restaurant options range from Jimmy John’s and Bubba’s Cooks Country  to Kyoto Sushi , Torchy’s Tacos , Desperado’s Mexican , and Campisi’s Egyptian Italian ; this list only represents a small number of the numerous options available within a short walk of the stadium. Hotel accommodations are plentiful within 2 miles of the SMU campus. There are several luxury choices including The Lumen  and The Beeman . Other options that are less expensive but still highly rated include DoubleTree by Hilton-Campbell Centre , Hyatt House/Lincoln Park , and La Quinta Inn-Uptown .   Fans   4 Crowds for the First Responder Bowl are dependent on the teams playing and the weather. Usually scheduled for the first week of January, Texas weather can be fickle. With average high temperatures in North Texas normally in the mid-50s and a 60% chance of sunshine on the typical winter afternoon, fans consider this ideal football weather. With good weather, regionally relevant schools, and the intimate setting that Gerald J. Ford Stadium provides, the crowd is typically engaged and involved in the game. The most recent game I was able to witness seemed more like a long-running rivalry game than a year end bowl experience, based on the fan reactions. Both fan bases were out in force and cheered their respective teams on as heartily as possible.   Access   3 The Southern Methodist campus is easily accessible using the Mockingbird exit off I-75 (North Central Expressway). It is a short drive from either major airport, only 20 minutes from Dallas Love Field and 30 minutes from DFW International Airport. However, if taking public transportation is your preference, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light rail Red, Orange, and Blue lines all stop at SMU/Mockingbird Station, which is within an easy half mile walk of the stadium. Traffic flow is marked with signage, which assists fans to find parking and entrances to the stadium. Prepaid parking passes are available for $20, which is a normal parking charge for parking in the DFW metro area. The neighborhood around SMU’s campus is fairly flat and well-marked which is beneficial for walking. Once inside the stadium there are many signs posted and friendly ushers available to help direct you to your seat, or assist with other issues if needed. There are also QR codes posted throughout the concourse with emergency access contact information should additional help be needed.  After dark, there is plenty of lighting in all public areas for safety.   Return On Investment   3 Tickets to the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl range in price from $33 to $177, but first responders can get up to 4 free tickets in appreciation for their service to their communities. Concession prices here are average for high-level college games such as this – light snacks and a drink can be taken care of for between $10 and $15, while heartier choices will cost more. Parking passes cost $20 if paid online prior to game day, increasing to $25 or more on game day. There is free parking available if you are willing to walk a few minutes, however, and public transportation has a stop within a half mile of the Gerald J. Ford Stadium. I would consider the cost of attending this event to be average for NCAA FBS college football, especially considering this is a bowl game in a Power 5 football stadium.                                                                                                                                                                                                           Extras   4 Thanks to generous sponsors, all first responders are eligible for up to four free general admission tickets to the game. During the game, first responders are also recognized and celebrated for their sacrifices and support of their communities. Special recognition, namely national honors, for individual first responders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty is an added bonus during the event. Having over twenty stations to purchase drinks and packaged snacks, including beer, water, and soft drinks is an extremely efficient usage of concourse space; this limits time in line and cuts down on time missing the action. The most recent SERVPRO First Responder Bowl I attended pitted two Texas Group of Five universities against one another – the battle that ensued created a rivalry-style game, which proved to be entertaining both on the scoreboard and for fans in the stands.   Final Thoughts The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is a great game to attend, even for the casual sports fan – it checks the box for sports travelers who want to experience different festivities in the sports landscape. Taking place in a newly renovated college stadium, Gerald J. Ford also presents an intimate venue for the action. With the express emphasis to recognize and celebrate first responders, this game’s mission is evident from the coin toss to the final whistle blowing. Community helpers who are in attendance feel appreciated by being personally being applauded, and many of their peers are recognized on the field with state and national honors. I believe the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is a game that should be on your bucket list. With unlimited activities available in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area to add to a multiday trip, this game becomes a great destination for a January weekend.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Cross Insurance Center 515 Main St Bangor, ME 04401 Maine Black Bears men’s basketball website Cross Insurance Center website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,800 A New Den for the Black Bears For decades, the University of Maine Black Bears played their home games at the on-campus Memorial Gym, affectionately known as “The Pit”. Unfortunately, the team outgrew this 1,800 seat home, which required almost a total makeover to bring it up to building and safety codes. From 1988 to 1992 the team played their home games at the old 6,000 seat Bangor Auditorium. In 1992 the team moved back to campus to play their games at Alfond Arena, the home of the school’s hockey teams. That move proved to be a difficult one for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as four teams had to share the facility, and the hockey teams were given preferential treatment. With the completion of the $65 million Cross Insurance Arena in Bangor, the Black Bears basketball teams moved once more, this time back to downtown Bangor, 12 miles from the Orono campus on the site of the old Bangor Auditorium. The new arena aims to have the feel of a big-time basketball arena while being sized appropriately for the small central Maine market. A member of the America East Conference, the Black Bears have yet to appear in the NCAA Tournament. Jeff Cross, who played 21 games with the Clippers in 1984, is the only UMaine alumnus to play in the National Basketball Association. Food & Beverage 4 The Cross Insurance Center boasts a good array of concession choices for an arena of its size. There are several stands scattered around the concourse, which may or may not be open depending on the size of the crowd. Many of the stands feature local names and themes, including Queen City Gourmet, Blue Ox Grill, Tapas on the Penobscot, The Q Barbeque. Papa John’s Pizza also operates a stand here. Pepsi products are featured at the Cross Insurance Center. Alcohol is not sold at UMaine games. All the typical arena foods are present and accounted for here at the Cross Insurance Center, but some items stand out from the crowd. If you feel particularly hungry, try the Penobscot Pounder, a ½ pound angus hamburger topped with poutine (for those not familiar, poutine is a Canadian delicacy featuring French fries topped with cheese curds and other toppings) and homemade bacon. Several variations on the typical French fry are available here, such as sweet potato fries, poutine, crab fries, and pickle fries. Should you run out of popcorn at any time during a game, bring your bag back to the concession stand and refill it for only two dollars. My personal recommendation for a true central Maine experience is to try a W.A. Bean and Sons Red Snapper hot dog and a whoopee pie. Atmosphere 2 With the average crowd at a Black Bears game only filling about a quarter of the arena, the atmosphere at a UMaine game is understandably laid-back. While some fans will enjoy the understated experience, fans who are looking for a loud and lively gameday presentation should look elsewhere. All the typical college touches are here, including a (sometimes) rowdy student section, a pep band, cheerleaders and mascot. Videos are shown on the scoreboard located on the north end of the arena, with stats displayed on ribbon boards located at the top of the arena along either sideline. Fans who have visited the UMaine campus for a hockey game at Alfond Arena may be surprised and disappointed at the difference in atmosphere here. Neighborhood 4 The city of Bangor is located in central Maine, boasting a population of just over 33,000. This makes Bangor the third largest city in the state. Located 12 miles from the University of Maine’s campus in Orono, the city got its start as a lumber town (explaining the 31 foot tall statue of Paul Bunyan in front of the arena). Downtown Bangor has experienced a revival in recent years, with several small shops, businesses and restaurants taking up residence in what had become an abandoned downtown area. Today, the Hollywood casino is located right across the street from the Cross Insurance Center. Also, Bangor resident Steven King’s house is located not far from the arena, and is a popular stop for out-of-towners. Fans 2 Maine averages just over 1,400 fans per game for their home games in Bangor. Despite the Cross Insurance Center’s location 12 miles from the Orono campus, there is a decent turnout by the student body on most nights. As you would probably expect from basketball fans from Maine, those in attendance are, for the most part, laid back, although they can make their presence known when the Black Bears start rolling. Access 4 Bangor may be quite out of the way for any team traveling to the most northeastern corner of the United States for a game, but the Cross Insurance Center is very easy to get to. It is located just off of Interstate 395, which is a spur off of I-95. Located a block off the highway on Main Street, ample parking is located behind the facility. Most fans will enter the building via the Southwest Entry Plaza, which deposits fans right onto the main concourse. There is another entry plaza on the southeast corner of the building, which accesses the arena at the floor level. The building features wide, clean concourses and restrooms which are more than adequate for the typical Black Bear crowd. The concourse runs along the top of the seating bowl, which features individual red folding seats with cup holders. The seating bowl is laid out in a horseshoe fashion, with luxury boxes lining the top of the arena. All seats are close to the court and offer fantastic sight lines of the action. Return on Investment 4 Maine Black Bears games are very affordably priced. Reserved tickets (sections 104-105 and 115-116) can be purchased for $13, with general admission seating (all other seats) priced at $11. Seniors and youths are admitted for only $6. If you attend a Black Bears game with a group of 20 or more, your tickets will cost just $5 per person. Season tickets can be purchased for either the men’s or women’s teams for $120, or for both teams for $200 per seat. Parking in the lot directly behind the Cross Insurance Center costs $5, with the lots a little further away free of charge. On many chilly Maine winter nights, the five-dollar charge may be money well spent. With affordable concessions, a night of UMaine basketball is an affordable entertainment option for central Maine sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the UMaine women’s basketball teams, which are treated on an even playing field here, and generally draw bigger crowds than does the men’s teams. An extra point is awarded for the giant statue of Paul Bunyan located in the front lawn of the Cross Insurance Center. It provides a most unique approach to the venue, as well as providing a great photo opportunity before the game. A final extra point is awarded for the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame, located on the arena’s concourse. You may not think it, but basketball plays an integral part in the state of Maine’s sporting culture. The Cross Insurance Center hosts the Maine High School Basketball playoffs every year, and exhibits from Maine’s basketball history are displayed here. Final Thoughts Maine will never be thought of as a basketball hotbed, and the campus’ location in the far northeastern corner of the country hardly makes it a popular destination for traveling basketball fans, but the Cross Insurance Center is a solid, modern facility in which to take in Division One basketball. It’s worth a visit by any dedicated basketball fanatic.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 American Family Field One Brewers Way Milwaukee, WI 53214 Milwaukee Brewers website American Family Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 41,900 Baseball, Beer, & Brats at the Brewers Game American Family Field is the home field of the Milwaukee Brewers. Originally known as Miller Park when it opened in 2001, the ballpark is known for its tailgating before the game, its ballpark food of Wisconsin treats, and strong fan support. It houses a fan-shaped retractable roof that opens or closes in 10 minutes.  The ballpark received $500,000 worth of public funds to renovate the stadium. It resulted in a 12,077 square feet video board in center field, a 2,840 square foot board in right field, LED displays, and the creation of the 3rd Street Market Hall with 4 new restaurants in the right field loge level. Before moving into American Family Field, the Brew Crew called County Stadium home from 1970-2000. The ballpark is gone, but the field is now the site of a Little League baseball park, Helfaer Field. It is located near the AAF and it provides the opportunity for kids to run on the field before a Brewers game. The renovations will guarantee the Brewers will stay in town until 2050 (the club’s 80th anniversary since moving from Seattle) and enhance what many considered a ballpark to visit during the season.  Food & Beverage 5 American Family Field was named t he second-best MLB stadium for food by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. This year includes the addition of four new eateries that are located in the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex in the right field loge level and include the following establishments: Kompali Tacos:  Steak tacos, Chicken tacos, Vegetarian Tacos, and Chips and Guacamole. Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ: Texan Sandwich, Pork Shoulder Sandwich, The Smokey Bird Sandwich, and Smoked Meat Nachos. KAWA (Asian fusion) : Crab Rangoon (3 pieces), Spring Roll (4 pieces), Godzilla Roll, and Chicken Fried Rice. Anytime Arepa (Venezuelan):  Brisket and Cheddar Arepa, Chicken and Cheddar Arepa, Black Bean and Cheddar Arepa, Mini Empanadas (3-piece basket – Chicken, Ground Beef, and Cheese) and Tostones and Mild Salsa.  The J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard (Loge area in right field) is a restaurant and experience overlooking the field. It features a three-barrel brewing system and brewmaster. The restaurant is opened all-year-round and offers a full menu of steak dishes, chicken wings, Wisconsin cheese boards, cheese soup, and a Wurst platter. Fans enjoy a patio view of the game on the concourse with a wait staff. However, more options specialize in Wisconsin favorites of sausages, burgers, brats, hot dogs, and sausages. A few highlights include the peppered brandy burger with melted Swiss cheese, bacon, and caramelized brandy onions; the Tipsy Polish with caramelized brandy onions, fries, pickled peppers, and Bavarian sprinkles; and the Top of the North hot dog with kraut, jalapeno mayonnaise, bacon, brown mustard, and Super Secret Stadium sauce. The options do not end here; the concession stands serve pizza slices, chicken parmesan sandwiches, giant helmet nachos, Vienna beef hot dogs, chicken tender baskets with fries, and fried cheese curds. The highlight of the beer selection includes the Local Brews bar, located on the lower level near section 207. It serves 24 beers from numerous Wisconsin breweries, including Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewery, Ninja Dust from One Barrel Brewing Company, and GumbSkull Sea Salt & Lime Lager from PetSkull Brewing Company. Atmosphere 5 Everything begins about 3 hours before the game in the ballpark parking lots. The birth of tailgating was born here when the Braves came to town from Boston, and the tradition continues today with multiple tables, tents, and grills serving up some of the best foods in the major leagues. The stadium is separated into four different levels. Fans enter through the field level (100), and the wrap-around concourse houses an abundance of food and merchandise options. There are also island bars allowing fans to enjoy the game from all four sides of the structure. There are also open views from many parts of the concourse, allowing fans not to miss the action on the diamond. The Loge level (200) is where you will find a few interesting sections that enhance the game day experience. As mentioned earlier, the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex was recently added. The Miller Lite Landing offers sweeping views of the field from above the left-field wall. The area also has a wait staff, drink rails, charging stations, and TV sets. When the roof is open, the view is ideal for pictures from this vantage point. The 300 level is where you will find club-level suites with a wait staff. A few more suite and all-inclusive areas include the Vizzy Loft, Johnsonville Party Deck, and the Association Bank Power Alley. X-Golf is located on the Loge level and features seven state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator bays over two floors – with three bays that offer expansive views of the playing field. Reservations are required. The Terrace level (400) offers some of the better views of the entire stadium.  The ballpark is known for several unique features: Famous Racing Sausages, Bernie’s Chalet, and the Bob Uecker seats in the last row of the stadium in the 400 level. The sausages race between the 6 inning, and featured five different sausage and mini sausage mascots racing from the left field corner to the first baseline. The team’s mascot, Bernie Brewer, will slide down from his chalet after every Brewer home run. The Aurora Health Care® Kids Zone is a special kids' interactive playground located on the Terrace Level behind home plate. The area offers slides, areas to test kid’s speed, pitching, and face painting. Fans can also look around the walls of the ballpark to see team logos, sayings, and murals honoring the Brewers history in the town. Neighborhood 3 American Family Field is 4.3 miles from downtown Milwaukee. It should not be surprising since it was built next to the team’s former home County Stadium. When County Stadium opened in 1953, it was designed with the motorist in mind and was the first major league ballpark constructed outside the city limits. It is best to drive to the game and visit downtown Milwaukee afterward. The Milwaukee Riverwalk is worth a visit on a warm summer day and is accessible to the Milwaukee Public Market which is located in the Historic Third Ward where cobblestone streets line up next to restaurants, shops, and bars. The city is home to the Harley-Davidson Museum and a few brewery tours that include Miller, Lakefront, and Specher. If craving more baseball, the Milwaukee Milkmen  and Lake Country Dockhounds  of the American Association play 15 and 30 minutes respectively from the stadium. Still, the Lakeshore Chinooks of the Northwoods League play less than 20 minutes north along the shoreline at Kapco Park . Fans 5 The Brewers are known for having some of the best fans in the major leagues. The club averages well above 15 other major league teams, and fans are decked in team gear from the powder blue shirts of the 1980s to the current navy blue jerseys. They support their ball club regardless of record on the field. Access 4 Being set outside of downtown, the ballpark is easy to access with multiple lots to choose from before the game. There are 8 preferred parking lots and 3 larger general parking lots that are a little further walk. Once inside, the main concourse is the hub of activities with escalators and elevators available to take you to your proper section. The Molitor Lot is the furthest parking lot but provides the quickest access to I-94. Several restaurants offer shuttle service from downtown Milwaukee, including Brewski's Sports Club, Paulie's Pup & Eatery, Jack's American Pub, and Who's on Third. Return on Investment 4 Brewers tickets are among the cheapest tickets in the major leagues. Based on the   website TickPick , tickets are as low as $5 during the week and as high as $20 during the weekend or giveaway nights. If the Chicago Cubs are in town, the price will be higher, and it's advised to purchase parking passes in advance for a steep discount. General parking Monday through Friday is $13, compared to $15. A preferred parking ticket for a weekend game will cost $20, compared to $40. The Brewers concession prices are in line with many major league ballparks. They are a tad on the high side; however, “The 414 Menu” offers four items a la carte for just $4 each – a junior hot dog, junior nachos, Cracker Jack, and 16 oz. soda is ideal for folks with little kids or on a budget. Extras 4 First, tailgating is among the best in baseball and is a tradition. Take time to arrive early to check out the scene or bring something to eat or drink. The Famous Sausage Race is a must-see at the game and among the team’s favorite traditions, along with Bernie Brewer sliding down his chalet after every Brewers home run. Another extra is when the roof is open, the best part of the ballpark might be the Miller Lite Landing, offering sweeping views of the field from above the left-field wall. Final Thoughts American Family Field is one of those major league ballparks that might not stand out to most, but after a visit, you might want to reconsider. It is known for its tailgating, loyal fans, great food, and racing sausages. Also, ticket prices are among the least expensive in the league, making it affordable for anyone looking to enjoy a game at a major league ballpark during the season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

On July 3, 1974, Ralph Legeman passed away a day after he turned 70 years old. The Evansville-based architect had designed general buildings since 1922 but would later innovate a new direction of building basketball gymnasiums throughout Indiana and Illinois. His contributions to the high school basketball game go unnoticed, but the facilities thankfully do not. If you ever attended a high school basketball game at New Castle, Boonville, Connersville, Indiana, or Jacksonville, Murphysboro, Herrin, Illinois, you are sitting in one of the 37 Legeman gymnasiums. A design that was implemented in many small-town high schools that were revolutionary at the time of their construction. We call them the sunken gym design today, back then, they were called 'underground bowl gyms' or, as a few school officials referred, "wing-dings". However, after initial hesitation by school officials, Legeman was able to convince schools that his innovative basketball gym would be the way to go in basketball-starved towns of Indiana and Illinois. Three-fourths of a century later, it's not hard to find them. I never met Legeman, nor has there been an array of articles honoring his dedication to the game of basketball, but when you sit in one of his designed structures, it's easy to see why they became popular. They were inexpensive, provided unobstructed views, the main concourse allowed additional seating and a running track during school hours, plus multiple exits through the various doors after the game. His concept was used first in Herrin, Illinois, where school officials were looking for a cost-effective gym to hold a high capacity of fans to replace its aging gymnasium. In 1946, Legeman woke up in the middle of the night during a thunderstorm and copied down his thoughts on a piece of paper. The next day, staff at his architectural firm came up with the blueprint that would soon be tested at the high school. His design would allow fans to enter at street level, not interrupt the action on the court below, players entered through a tunnel at courtside from an adjoining building not to run into people. In case of an emergency, fans walk up the aisle through copious exit doors - much more efficiently than hurrying down aisles to the exits. A 6,000-seat building could be emptied within 7 minutes. The president of the Herrin school board was a civil engineer, saw the possibilities that the gym could have on his school, and agreed to have the radical new gym built. The gymnasium opened in November 1949 with 10- rows of bleacher seating in an octagon pattern; soon, other school officials began asking Legeman to consult and design a similar venue. By next year, four more would be constructed in Owensville, Indiana; Norris City and Murphysboro, Illinois; and an additional gym for Herrin Junior High School. "It's something that we're really proud of," said Herrin basketball coach Sayler Shurtz on a podcast for Clubhouse Athletics. "When they built the new school, the gym was so important that they built the school around it." The Owensboro Bowl was the first in Indiana, with a capacity for 2,000 people. The venue helped the school wrangle the sectionals away from other schools and attracted 12,228 fans for five games in 1951. The gym would be the host site for the tournament for five seasons before the games moved to Princeton in 1955. Huntington Memorial Fieldhouse still houses the Southridge Raiders, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. His second gym in Indiana would be the Huntingburg Memorial Fieldhouse, dedicated in November 1951. It is the largest of its kind, with a capacity of 6,002 and 17 rows of seating. The cost was between $250,000 to $350,000 to build. In comparison, the Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium cost $680,000 in 1949. “Without a doubt, this new Memorial Gymnasium is the latest thing in modern design and is the most outstanding building in this area. It must be seen to be fully appreciated,” a local sports writer stated at the time. “Without a doubt, this new Memorial Gymnasium is the latest thing in modern design and is the most outstanding building in this area. It must be seen to be fully appreciated,” a local sports writer stated at the time. The in-the-ground design allowed the bleacher seating to be built directly onto the sloping dirt side of the excavation, saving money on building stands for the bleachers and making them impossible to collapse because they rest on the ground.  The new gyms were also a source of pride within their community. Many high schools were moving away from the “cracker box” style of gyms that would overflow with people during the basketball season. New Castle moved from the tiny Church Street Gym that held 1,800, built in 1924, to the New Castle Fieldhouse that sat 9,352 people, making it the largest high school basketball gym in the world. Orleans High School was proud of its new building that opened on Valentine's Day in 1958. A description of the gym is as follows from that year’s yearbook.  “Comfortable bleachers provided seats for 2,000 persons in the 130 by 154 room. Above them, temporary bleachers can be set on the broad concrete walkway. Vision obstructed by a post is a thing of the past as the view of the floor is completely unobstructed. A good P.A. system, tiled dressing room, attractive public restrooms, concession booths, and the tunnel ramp, which ends the need for players or officials to mingle with spectators--all these and much more-- add up a gym that should be adequate for years to come.” Legeman patented his stadium construction design in 1956, and by the end of the decade, 28 gymnasiums would be constructed using his blueprint. The majority of the designs were from schools in Southern Illinois from east to west in Indianapolis and south in Indiana.  A new court for the JHS Bowl, Photo Courtesy of Jacksonville High School The JHS Bowl in Jacksonville, Illinois, continues to be used with pride for the Jacksonville Crimson. It was funded through $188,00 in public funds and opened in November 1952. It is considered one of the most prominent buildings and one of the most distinguished in the Midwest.  It has hosted a myriad of events, from professional wrestling and boxing matches to MMA fights, and is home to the Class 1A Super-Sectional tournament. “Our guys love playing at The Bowl,” said former head coach J.R. Dugan. “The history of the teams that have played here and all the different events that have gone on here has always made the place exciting. I feel like we have one of the best gyms in the state, not a bad seat.”  Legeman’s last gym in Illinois was the Duff-Kingston Gym in Eldorado. The 4,850-capacity facility opened on February 15, 1958, and was later renamed in honor of basketball standouts Mike Duff and Kevin Kingston. They were members of the Evansville basketball team tragically killed in a plane crash on December 13, 1977. The annual Eldorado Holiday Tournament has taken place since 1964. The influx of people is an economic boom to the town that, in three days, becomes the center of basketball in southeastern Illinois. A total of 26 games are held during the tournament, featuring 16 teams with crowds of up to 4,000 for the championship tilt. “Duff-Kingston Gymnasium is a proud focal point of our town,” stated school AD Greg Goodley, who added that the tournament is a must to attend every year. “It is one of a kind in high school sports, with the ability to allow 5,000 people to view a game and for everyone to have a great seat or even have a great view standing round the top of the gym.” Warm-ups at the Duff-Kingston Gymnasium, Photo Courtesy of Eldorado High School Booneville Stadium in Indiana has become a mainstay in the community since its construction in 1958. The 5,650-seat gym pried away sectional games from Lynnville High School, which had its sunken gym constructed in February 1952. Booneville attracted 8,255 people to sectional games in 1959, while Lynville attracted 6,822 to the same amount of games the year before.  High School Athletic Director Kevin Davis said the building is a community icon. It has hosted the Harlem Globetrotters, and President Bill Clinton; it is a great place for shooting baskets. However, its sunken court design does lead to some fine tutelage when it comes to the maintenance of the gym, like screwing in a light bulb. “We can't easily get a lift or equipment down on the floor to fix lights or redo the floor. The gym is shut down for a couple of days if we want to do any bulb replacement or fix a light fixture. People do not realize how much manpower and work it is to fix a bulb.” Sadly, Loogootee, now known as the Jack Butcher Sports Arena, would be the final facility designed after Legeman's vision in 1968. A new kind of gym would become the rage heading into the 1970s called the “box gym” that would feature two levels of seating with roll-out bleachers and stair-cases allowing fans to move to the upper level from an exterior concourse. Many of these gyms still hold a lot of passion for people years after they stopped operating. The old North High School Gym in Evansville was dedicated in 1957 and would be home to the Huskies until the new school opened 9 miles north in 2012. The move also included a new gymnasium with a capacity of 3,457. The Academy for Innovation Studies Diamond Branch would move into the old campus and use the gym for storage.  The former Owensville Bowl is now a museum of sorts, Photo Courtesy of the REH Center The Owensville Bowl would host basketball until 1974 after the school merged with three others to form Southern Gibson. The building was saved from the wrecking ball in 1992 and turned into the REH Center a year later. It is the oldest of its kind in Indiana and is busy from November 1 to the end of March hosting church basketball leagues, pick-up games, senior walkers, sale auctions, town meetings, volleyball, and parties. The gym is also a museum, and its walls are plastered with a collection of memories from the old high school. It includes old varsity jackets hanging on the walls, photographs, game day programs, yearbooks, newspaper clippers, and trophies. For a gym that is no longer in use, it still provides a service to its community.  The West Gym at Center Grove High School is almost 70-years-old and was replaced by the Vandermeer Gym in January 1996. The gym was constructed along with a new school in 1956 and held 4,000 people in a community, which at the time had a population of 5,000. The West Gym was saved as an auxiliary gym and is used for volleyball and freshman basketball games. Occasionally, it returns as the home of the varsity team when scheduling conflicts or during county tournament games. The annual. throwback game draws a big crowd to the West Gym at Center Grove, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. The gyms sold themselves due to low cost and it allowed many small communities the opportunity to afford them for civic pride, to attract more players to basketball, and to host sectional and regional tournaments. Many of the gymnasiums were larger than the communities they were built in according to L.V. Phillips, Indiana High School Athletic Director in 1956. "Indiana basketball didn't need a shot in the arm, but these fine new gyms in communities that have been able to afford them have done it anyway. Basketball all over the state already feels like a stimuating effect. We thought that nothing new could be added, but it has been." Many are still in use, and only two have been razed: Roberts Stadium, the former home of the University of Evansville basketball program, and Ridgway, Illinois. The gym in Lynnville, Indiana appears to have been turned into apartments or storage as of this writing. The Racer Arena on the campus of Murray State has been the home to its volleyball team and the second-largest of its kind in college sports. He must have been proud of his design since in 1965 he similarly designed his home in Evansville. The house is still standing and has the trademark trusses on the exterior of the structure. An image exists through Google . Ralph Legeman passed away almost 50 years ago, and he is somewhat of an unknown man, but his buildings are not. It is hard to tell the story of high school basketball in both states without mentioning his sunken gym courts. How many folks know that they are a result of one man's dream? They are his legacy for many basketball communities in the two states. His first innovative gym design will celebrate 75 years of celebration next November, and even if you don’t remember his name, you won’t forget his basketball gyms. Not bad for his 'wing-dings'. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel.   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Wells Fargo Center 3601 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia 76ers website Wells Fargo Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 20,318 Trust The Process Wells Fargo Center was built in 1996 and is part of the Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District that consists of Wells Fargo Center home of the 76ers NBA & Flyers NHL, Lincoln Financial Field home of the Eagles NFL & Temple Owls NCAA, Citizens Bank Park home of the Phillies MLB and Xfinity Live! (A mega hang-out spot for before, during, and after any game). Wells Fargo Center is the current home of the Philadelphia 76ers and houses the legacy of three past won NBA championships, nine past won Eastern Conference titles, five past won Atlantic Division titles, and the potential of future glory from trusting in a process. Wells Fargo Center is not the first home of the 76ers. Although the 76ers played in a few different arenas from 1964 -1967 the majority of their games were played in the Philadelphia Arena and the Civic Center-Convention Hall. Civic Center-Convention Hall is credited as being the first home of the 76ers in Philadelphia 1964 – 1967 and was the site of an NBA All-Star game in 1960. The 76er's next home was the Spectrum 1967 from 1996. The Spectrum concerning the NBA was distinguished with being the 1970 and 1976 NBA All-Star games host. The next home for the 76ers was their current arena in 1996. The arena held the name of Spectrum 2 in 1996 and changed its name due to naming rights four more times through the years. CoreStates Center from 1996 to 1998, First Union Center from 1998 to 2003, Wachovia Center from 2003 to 2010, and finally its current name Wells Fargo Center from 2010 to the present. The 76ers started their NBA journey known as the Syracuse Nationals in 1946 and didn’t take on the name of Philadelphia 76ers until an ownership change, a franchise move to Philadelphia, and a contest to name the team in 1964. Walter Stalberg basketball fan and contestant in naming the 76ers won the name the team contest for his submission of the Philadelphia 76ers. The name Philadelphia 76ers is a nod to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia. The 76ers have a history of cultivating some of the NBA’s most talented and/or exciting players and have many well-known NBA stars as 76er alumni. In no particular order – Darryl Dawkins, Andre Iguodala, Charles Barkley, Moses Malone, Allen Iverson, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, and last but not least the new talent Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. The 76ers haven’t won an NBA Championship title in over thirty-five years. In recent history, the 76ers organization refocused itself and pushed a strategy to obtain as many high draft picks as possible to find young NBA stars and have assets to trade for high-quality established players. The strategy became known as “Trust The Process”. From 2013 – 2017 the 76er organization lost games purposely to get higher draft picks, traded for quality players, and promised future draft picks to build a winning team. In the 2016/2017 NBA season, the 76ers had a team with two rising stars Joel Embiid (aka The Process), and Ben Simmons, and a roster of talented role players that put the 76ers in a position to win it all. Trusting the Process just might work. Food & Beverage 4 The food quality at Wells Fargo Center is standard NBA arena excellence. The venue is clean, the staff is friendly and hardworking and the arena accepts cash, credit, and debit cards. Wells Fargo Center offers all your favorite arena foods like hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, popcorn, and all the other usual arena foods at reasonable arena pricing . Wells Fargo Center has a member’s only high-end chop-house-styled menu restaurant called Cadillac Grille. If you want it there’s a good chance that Wells Fargo Center has it. From The Coca-Cola products fountain sodas to a bevy of adult beverages. Souvenir cups will run you $8.75 while a 24oz can of domestic Beer will run you $13. It is recommended to try a giant slice of pizza from Lorenzo and Sons Pizza for $9 and a cup of fries from Chickie’s & Pete’s for $10. You won’t be sorry, as both foods are delicious. Atmosphere 4 Wells Fargo Center has a massive outside footprint with lots of parking surrounding the arena but the interior while very nice is a little underwhelming and not what you expect after viewing the exterior. Wells Fargo Center is more of a general arena than a bucket list venue. Wells Fargo Center provides comfortable padded seats with cup holders attached to the seat in front of you. The seat legroom and spacing are average for an NBA arena. The location of the lower Club Boxes gives those who can afford them a premium view being located within all the action but still private. The lower Club Boxes are located at the top of the lower sections. Many NBA arenas have Club Boxes located just under the highest level giving the Club Box viewers privacy but giving the viewers the same view as the first few rows of the cheapest seats, this is not the case at Wells Fargo Center. The scoreboard is the world’s first Kinetic 4K scoreboard. In layman’s terms, Kinetic 4K means that the scoreboard is big, bright, and detailed. The arena music was played loud (not overly loud) and frequently. The 76ers organization keeps the fans engaged throughout the NBA experience. Some of the latest pop music is played by a DJ on the Wells Fargo Center's incredible sound system. Franklin, the team mascot, can be found throughout the arena, taking pictures and playing with the fans. The Sixers Dancers, now integrated with male dancers, keep the spirits of the fans high with dance routines during time outs, and the Sixers Dunk Squad excites the fans with their acrobatic dunking. Most important to most fans, the members of the fan interaction team (mascot, cheerleaders, and dunk squad) all participate in the T-Shirt / Ball toss that occurs frequently at a 76ers game. The modern, spacious arena offers fabulous views from the seating bowl and access to various points of interest along the main concourse. It is spacious, offering great sightline views of the game from the seating bowl. There are a few open views of the court from the main concourse where the cannon and pre-game show. Some of the best seating is located in lower premium sections 112,113,114,102,101,124. The lower premium sections give you a wonderful center-court view. Sitting in section 124 will put you directly behind the visiting team’s bench and section 102 will put you directly behind the 76ers bench. Sitting right behind your favorite NBA stars is fun and you might end up on TV but be warned that T-Shirt and Balls will very rarely be tossed over the player benches. Sections 112,113,114 face the floor logo and are the absolute best sections to sit in for a view of the game and entertainment as well as the T-shirt / Ball tosses. Neighborhood 5 Philadelphia is a historic city with a few bucket list places to visit. Wells Fargo Center is not located within reasonable walking distance to any entertainment other than its fellow members of the Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District. The Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District consists of Wells Fargo Center (76ers NBA & Flyers NHL), Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles NFL & Temple Owls NCAA), Citizens Bank Park (Phillies MLB), and Xfinity Live! (A mega hang-out spot for before, during, and after any game). I suggest staying in or close to the city center where food and fun are close at hand and using rideshares to get to and from the sports venues. If the team scheduling aligns just right and you find yourself in Philadelphia a three-day weekend of fun could look like this: Get into town on Friday afternoon and see a 76ers game at Wells Fargo Center, get up early on Saturday morning, and get a Go Philadelphia Pass or a Big Bus Pass and tour some of the historic sites that Philadelphia has to offer until later that evening when you could go back to the Wells Fargo Center and take in a Flyers game, get up Sunday morning and tailgate before heading into Lincoln Financial Field for a Eagles game. I recommend doing the total tourist thing and comparing sandwiches from the overrated cheesesteak rivals Geno’s Steaks & Pat’s King of Steaks. Geno’s and Pats are 2.5 miles away from the arena and are within eyesight of each other. There are much better cheesesteaks to be had but you know you want to see what the fuss is all about for yourself. Philadelphia is a historic and modern city with many once-in-a-lifetime must-visit sites that are mostly not within walking distance or under 5 miles away from Wells Fargo Center. I recommend purchasing a Go Philadelphia Pass. The Go Philadelphia Pass gives you prepaid major discounts on most of Philadelphia’s tourist sites and gives you access to the hop-on / hop-off tour busses. I highly recommend getting at least a tour bus pass to enjoy the many attractions that Philadelphia has to offer. There are many hotels and Airbnb from expensive high-end to cheap sketchy mom-and-pop spots that can be found within five miles of Wells Fargo Center. Your choice of lodging is totally up to how much money you are willing to spend. There is only one hotel less than a mile from Wells Fargo Center. Courtyard Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard is the only major chain hotel less than a mile away from Wells Fargo Center. Fans 5 Philadelphia 76er fans are not your average fans. 76er fans are proud of their city and their team. The 76ers have a history of winning three NBA Championships (1955, 1967, and 1983) and being a one-time home to NBA legends Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, and Allen Iverson. The 76ers past and having two young rising NBA stars in Joel Embiid & Ben Simmons gives the 76er fan base something to be loud and proud about. According to the Philadelphia 76ers 19/20 Media guide, there was an average of 20,453 fans in attendance at home games during the 18/19 season. ESPN ranked the 76ers #1 in home fan attendance for the 18/19 NBA season. 76ers fans are involved and stay involved the entire game. The 76er fans are up and down the whole game getting snacks and drinks but will stop no matter where they are to heckle the opposing team or a referee. 76er fans chant “SUCKS” at the introduction of each opposing team starting player's name. When a referee makes a questionable call the 76er fans chant “Ref you SUCK” as loud and passionately as they can. Access 4 In general, driving will be needed to get to the arena. Once inside the arena the walkways are open and all fans including those fans who need a little help or extra room will be able to navigate without any problems. Wells Fargo Center can be affordable and easy to come and go from. Please review Wells Fargo Centers Public Transportation Options to map out how you can get to and from a game using public transport. The 76er organization recommends using Park with SpotHero and parking at one of the 6,100 lots available on-site for $29. Traffic is heavy but moves along due to the multiple exits. There are multiple entrances and ticket handlers. Ticket handlers accept paper and digital tickets. Security is standard and quick. Please review the Wells Fargo Center Security Policy . Wells Fargo Center is a modern arena with a wide concourse and easy-flowing foot traffic. Most concession lines were long but moved very fast. Very clean bathrooms are located throughout the concourse. Fans needing assistance won’t have any problems making their way through Wells Fargo Center. There are friendly and helpful staff everywhere actively looking for that occasional fan who looks like they need a helping hand. Return on Investment 5 Going to a 76ers game vs an equally matched team like the Boston Celtics is well worth the cost. The 76ers organization puts on a show and the team competes at a high level. The 76ers ticket prices fluctuate depending on the game. Marquee matchups and holiday games will be much more than when one of the losing teams in the league comes into play. For more information concerning ticket cost, I recommend reviewing a past article on Stadium Journey, How to Get the Best Seats for Your Budget. Extras 4 One point for fan participation as Philadelphia fans have a reputation for being crazy about their teams and the fans truly are passionate about letting the other team know just how much they want them to be beaten by the 76ers. Super loud and fun fans. One point for all the giveaways. Many teams skimp on the T-shirt / Ball toss and fan games for prizes; this is not the case with the 76ers organization. One point for extra clean bathrooms. The men’s rooms visited were very well maintained and clean. One point for the Rage Room. The rage room is housed in the Wells Fargo Center and at this time is only used for fans at the NHL Flyers games but the possibility of the 76ers fans being able to pay $30 and smash things for fun in this first-of-its-kind pro sports room is amazing. Final Thoughts Wells Fargo Center is a well-maintained arena with plenty of overpriced arena snacks that are too good to pass up and a team that is a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. What makes the time you will spend at Wells Fargo Center amazing is the fans. The 76ers fans love to band together show the 76ers love just as much as they love to give the opposing team a hard time. Trust the Process and enjoy your time at Wells Fargo Center.

Photos of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Highland Fieldhouse 9135 Erie St. Highland, IN 46322 Highland High School Trojans website Highland Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 2,200 Highland High's Home Dome Highland High School is home to the Trojans basketball program. It is located in Highland, Indiana, in an area of the state known as “The Region” outside Chicago. Its home building has a distinctive circular dome roof that is separate from the rest of the school. The gym opened in 1970 with a seating capacity of 3,200 and has a similar design similar to other facilities at Benton Central , Greencastle,  and nearby rival Munster High Schools .  The fieldhouse construction began in 1968 and forced the Trojans to play home games at the middle school. This was due to the old high school gym being converted into an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Tons of steel and wooden frames towered over the construction site as students awaited completion. A carpenter’s strike forced construction to be delayed a few months until its grand opening in November 1970. In 2019, the gymnasium received $12 million in renovations to improve the court, seating, locker rooms, and offices. The Trojans are part of the Northwest Crossroads Conference. The boys have won five conference and four sectional championships, while the girls have had better success, winning 15 conferences and four sectional titles.  Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand serves a familiar selection, including hot dogs, popcorn, chips, soft pretzels, nachos, and soda pop. However, different items are worth mentioning. Visitors can order Polish sausage, walking tacos, spicy chicken sandwiches, nacho supreme, and street tacos. The price range starts at $2 for chips and $6 for a nacho supreme. Atmosphere 2 The Highland Holiday Hoopfest is an annual event held after Christmas. Eight high schools compete in the three-day event. However, with that being said, some of the charm of a regular high school game is missing. There are no cheerleaders, the sounds of the band, and the cheer sections at the event. There is also a lack of a crowd that definitely could add a nice backdrop to the atmosphere. The gym has an aura from its exterior; it is a dome facility that is easy to spot off the main road. Once you walk inside the lobby, you are practically inside the gym and staring at its wooden ceiling. A digital four-sided scoreboard breaks away from the standard electronic kinds, which are still popular in many parts of the state.  The school colors of blue and gold are everywhere, along with banners of multiple team championships against the walls. There is bleacher seating on all three sides, with one end opened up with a few rows of handicapped seating. Additional seating can be pulled out to accommodate larger crowds, perhaps games against rival Munster High School, but the open space is a welcome attraction to the spacious gymnasium. Neighborhood 4 The high school is in a residential area of Highland, Indiana, and a few miles away from the busy US-41, where many shops and retail chains exist. The average fan will find almost everything they want in these various spots.  Sophia's Pancake House, Kui Korean BBQ, Theo's Steak & Seafood, and Highland Gyros are on US-41, AKA Indianapolis Blvd. The Blue Top Drive-In is a throwback to the early 1960s, featuring burgers, fries, shakes, and a few muscle cars. It is a great spot for families.  The Highland Grove Shopping Plaza offers a variety of regional chains, including Chipotle, Panda Express, Dave's Hot Chicken, Noodles & Company, Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery, and Naf Naf Grill. Lou Malnati's is home to Chicago-style deep-dish and thin-crust pizza. About a mile north of the high school is a collection of restaurants in downtown Highland. Fuzzyline Brewing Company offers great craft beer, homemade burgers, and smashed potatoes with curry ketchup. Dan’s Perogies is a Polish restaurant that serves stuffed cabbage dinners, sandwiches, blintzes, and homemade soup. Fans 2 It is hard to judge the fan score based on the Holiday Hoopfest. It was not a typical Trojans game, and some holiday tournaments don't bring out a large number of fans. Many of the schools are within the area, but it is during the break when most kids are not thinking about anything school-related.  Access 4 The high school is within a few miles of US-41, the main road that connects to I-65. GPS is the best way to arrive at the school, but the gym is noticeable from Erie Street. There is plenty of parking for the game, and once inside, there is more room to move around to enjoy the view.  Return on Investment 3 The ticket price is $7 per person, and concession items are around $3 to $4 apiece. One can enjoy a night watching Hoosier High School hoops, and it can be a nice detour from the family functions taking place during this time of year.  Extras 2 The Polish sausage is hot and tasty, along with the walking tacos. The food is enough to keep fans more than satisfied until after the game. The gym’s domed ceiling gives the place its charm and adds to its character.  Final Thoughts In a state where there are plenty of great gyms to visit for high school basketball, Highland High might get overlooked. However, it's worth checking out when in the area, especially for a regular season game. It has all the charm and design to make it worth your time when in “The Region". ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at   Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Nationwide Arena 200 W Nationwide Blvd Columbus, OH 43215 Columbus Blue Jackets Website Nationwide Arena Website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 18,103 Nationwide is the Place To Be in Columbus The Nationwide Arena is the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League. The $175 million multi-purpose building seats 18,500 people and debuted for the 2000-2001 season. Its construction returned the NHL to Ohio for the first time in 22 years with the creation of the expansion franchise. The arena is of a brick design and is the centerpiece of The Arena district that was redeveloped with funding from Nationwide Reality Investors, The Columbus Dispatch Printing Company, private investors, and the city of Columbus. It includes office, retail, and living space in downtown Columbus. The district later included the home of the Columbus Clippers  Huntington Park  and Columbus Crew SC   Lower.com Field .  The building is named after the original minority owner, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, whose world headquarters are across the street. Nationwide purchased the naming rights to Nationwide Arena in 2011 for $28 million. The deal is the only NHL sponsorship without an expiration date.  Food & Beverage 4 The game has many options, including standard food, local favorites, and specialty items to satisfy your taste buds. Schmidt’s Sausage stand offers its iconic Bahama Mamas, Fat Daddie’s, bratwursts, garlic knockwursts, and frankfurters. A few favorites from Cincinnati include Montgomery Inn which serves pulled pork mixed with its signature barbecue sauce, served with macaroni and cheese and homemade potato chips. The girl also serves burgers, cheese fries, and chicken tenders. Skyline Chili has a portable stand with coneys and nachos, and Whit’s Frozen Custard is an idea for your sweet tooth. Bacon on a stick sells out quickly at The Arena, grab one when you can. There are multiple Eastside Diner locations, offering cheesesteaks, and the building’s most iconic item is the giant slab of bacon on a stick. They sell out fast, so get them while you are there before the game. Jet’s Pizza and Bento Box at the Stix Cart in section 102 are a few more options. The box comes with chicken, beef, veggie meatballs, soba noodle salad, or rice and is served with a marinated egg, house-made pickles, and kohlrabi slaw. The drink options include the Wild Turkey Hat Trick Bar, which features tables and chairs in a relaxed atmosphere with a full-service bar. Popular beer choices include  Labatt Blue, Left Hand Milk South, Brew Dog Elvis Juice, Goose Island Haze Bear Hug, Rhinegeist Truth, and Columbus Brewing Company’s Bodhi IPA. Braxton’s Garage Beers come in a Light Lager (also in Lime) has been recently added. Atmosphere 4 Blue Jacket games on most nights have a boisterous atmosphere in the NHL. The local bars and restaurants are crowded before the game, and fans are decked out in Blue Jackets gear. Once inside the arena, the main concourse is alive, with sights and sounds of great food and activities for everyone to enjoy. The building is modern and spacious, offering great sightline views of the game from the seating bowl. There are a few open views of the ice from the main concourse where the cannon and pre-game show take place.  The club-level section of the arena provides some of the best views of the ice from the concourse. The Fan Zone is located at section 118, overlooking the OhioHealth Ice Haus, the team’s official practice facility. The tech-forward experience offers an eSports Lounge modeled after the club’s locker room. Fans can take shots on goal and block pucks virtually, while others can play NHL25 on Xbox gaming stations. Check out the blast from the cannon after every Blue Jackets goal Fans can take photos with a replica of an 1857 Napoleon cannon that is fired when the team takes the ice, scores a goal, or wins the game. The cannon pays homage to the ones used during the American Civil War and is as loud as a jet flyover at 1,000 feet. Nationwide Arena has a "no bag" policy, which prohibits all bags larger than 8”x 5”x 1” except diapers and medical bags. All children over the age of 2 are expected to have a ticket. Sensory packs are available and can be picked up at guest services at any time throughout the night if needed.  The official team shop gets crowded with fans during intermission, but a few satellite locations offer more room to pick up a jersey, shirt, or cap. Numerous hockey jerseys are hanging from the walls of every high school program in Ohio.  Neighborhood 4 The Arena District DORA is activated three hours before the start of every event or game taking place at all events. The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area allows for alcoholic beverages to go from 12 different establishments in the area, including Boston Pizza, Nada, Betty’s Bar, Whistle & Keg, and the R Bar. On certain nights, Party on the Plaza takes place with music, vendors, and other activities along Battelle Plaza. The dining options include Se Señor Peruvian Sandwiches, Creole 2 Geaux, Ted’s Montana Grill, and Agave & Rye, where fun decor, creative tacos, and a giant whiskey and tequila section take center place. Post-game options for a drink include Fanatics Sportsbook, Moran’s Bar & Grille, and the R Bar Arena. The R Bar is where the Blue Jackets fans go after the game, but don’t be surprised to talk with a few visiting fans over a couple of Labatt Blue cans. The R Bar Arena is within walking distance of the arena and a favorite spot after the game. The North Market is a dining hall near the district that houses numerous places to eat and shop. Visitors can choose from sinfully dedicated ice cream at Jen’s Splendid Ice Cream, succulent barbecue at Barrel & Boar, fried chicken at Hot Chicken Takeover, and perogies and stuffed cabbage at Hubert’s Polish Deli. The Barrel and Bottle is a full-service bar serving Ohio craft beer, cider, Belgian specialty beers, and wines from around the world. Fans 4 Blue Jacket fans have supported their team for the past 25 seasons and made Central Ohio the home of NHL hockey. Most games are sold out at around 82 percent and will sell out when certain big visitors from Chicago, Detroit, or Pittsburgh. Fans will chant “LEO!” when the PA announcer introduces Leo Welsh to sing the National Anthem. Access 4 The Nationwide Arena is easily accessible inside and outside of the main concourse. Two main concourses are empty to the seating bowl with staircases, escalators, and elevator access. The main concourse is vast, while the upper one is narrower. However, proper signage throughout the arena makes it easy to find your seat. Arriving at the game is easy for a downtown venue. There are around 18,000 parking spots within distance of the Arena. Prepaid parking makes it simple to get into a garage or lot for the game, and traffic flows steadily when the game lets out. Return on Investment 5 The ticket prices depend on the opponent but can be as low as $15 or as high as $50. Parking can range in price a few blocks away from $10 to $20 nearer the arena. There are options for free street parking when available. Depending on other NHL venues, a game at the Blue Jackets is one of the best values in the league. The price of food and beverage is slightly less than in other NHL arenas, while merchandise prices are on par with other teams.  Extras 4 The Blue Jackets earn extra points for the following: the 1857 replica Napoleon cannon, the interactive Fan Zone overlooking the practice rink, and the DORA beverages to-go before the game. These three extra points give Lastly, the memorial for Johnny Gaudreau, who was tragically killed with his brother in August of 2023 while riding his bike near his home in New Jersey by a drunk driver. His two years in Columbus were short, but his legacy will impact many others for a long time.  Final Thoughts The Nationwide Arena is a fine place to watch an NHL game. The sightlines, food and drink, and neighborhood provide the opportunity for a wonderful night watching hockey with friends and family. The easy access by car, foot, and mass transit makes this a must for any sports traveler. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos courtesy of Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bill Greehey Arena 1 Camino Santa Maria San Antonio, TX 78228 St. Mary's Rattlers website Bill Greehey Arena website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 3,800 St. Mary Serpents Founded by the Society of Mary in 1852, St. Mary’s University is a private Catholic institution of higher learning that has the distinction of being the oldest Catholic university in both Texas and the U.S. Southwest. When the university achieved senior college status in 1925, they began their formal athletics programs. The school was an all-male college until admitting its first female students in 1963. The St. Mary’s Rattlers – named in honor of the many serpents that were removed when clearing the way for their athletics fields – first fielded a basketball team in 1926. They achieved a great deal of success under legendary Head Coach Buddy Meyer while members of the NAIA. The Rattlers would make the leap in time for the 1999-2000 season to NCAA Division II. As members of the Heartland Conference, they would win conference titles in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2015. Now, members of the Lone Star Conference, St. Mary’s are looking to repeat that success. Since 2000, in time for the school’s big leap up in divisions, the Rattlers have played at their on-campus gym, Bill Greehey Arena.   Food & Beverage   3 Bill Greehey Arena boasts two concession stands in the main lobby; however, during the last game I attended, only one was open. The offerings are your standard hot dogs (plain or with chili and cheese), nachos (regular or with chili), popcorn (honestly some of the best I’ve had outside a big-time pro sports venue), chips, candy, bottled sodas, sports drinks, and water. The one fun outlier I found at the stands was being able to buy Pop-Tarts if I so chose – I like Pop-Tarts, and it wasn’t something I was expecting. By and large, this is pretty much the standard that you’d expect for a program the size of St. Mary’s. Nothing is outstanding, but it will get the job done while you’re watching a Rattlers game.   Atmosphere   3 By and large, the atmosphere at Bill Greehey Arena is pretty good – the facilities look fantastic for being a quarter of a century old. There isn’t a bad sightline in the building, and most of the seats are chairbacks and not bleachers, which is always a plus. The walls are adorned with championship banners from every sport ranging from golf to baseball. In addition, the rafters behind the goals are filled with the retired jersey numbers of great Rattlers of the past. Furthermore, in the lobby, you can find trophy cases with the school’s athletics hall of fame. My one gripe, if it can be called that, is that there isn’t anywhere in the gym that sells St. Mary’s merchandise; that would add a little more to the atmosphere and allow fans to purchase a souvenir.   Neighborhood   4 The St. Mary’s University campus is situated in the inner city of San Antonio, on its historic west side. It is close to a 15-minute drive from the city’s vibrant downtown area, which is where most visitors to the city go, as that area is home to the Alamo , HemisFair Park , Tower of the Americas , and the San Antonio River Walk . This area is going to be your best bet if you’re looking for things to do before or after Rattlers games at Bill Greehey Arena. As discussed in a previous review of Our Lady of the Lake Saints , the St. Mary’s campus is also near one of San Antonio’s hidden gems: Woodlawn Lake Park . Known for its distinctive lighthouse, the park has been a favorite for residents for over a century. Loaded with walking and biking trails and docks for boating and fishing, it is also celebrated for its fireworks displays during the New Year’s and Independence Day holidays. When looking for spots to eat either before or after your Rattlers game, you’re in luck – just a short drive from campus is the satellite location of Henry’s Puffy Tacos . One of the claimants to the throne of the originator of the puffy taco (read all about those here ), this spot is a local institution and should be visited by everyone. Also nearby is La Sorrentina Italian Restaurant ; if you’re in the mood for Italian comfort food – spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, etc. – it doesn’t get much better than La Sorrentina. In terms of lodging, you’ll need to drive a little further away from the campus to find something. Unless you’re booking a vacation rental, finding something near downtown is your best option.   Fans   2 This was a puzzling one for me to rate. I came early to the gym to catch a little of the game that the women’s team had before the men’s. While the crowd wasn’t enormous, maybe 100 to 125 or so in the stands, they were loud and energetic, and they only got more so as the game went into overtime. Almost as soon as that game was over, that crowd exited. Those who stayed or came for the men’s game displayed only a fraction of the energy. This made a difference in how empty the gym felt. It kind of sucked the life out of the game. I also noted just a sparse number of fans wearing the yellow and blue of the Rattlers. This could tie back to the lack of a merchandise area. I don’t want to be too overly critical, however. I’m sure the time of year I last attended a game here played greatly into the attendance numbers.   Access   4 The St. Mary’s University campus and Bill Greehey Arena are located in the inner city of San Antonio, but not too far from Interstate 10, if you choose to drive in. It is just under a 20-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. Once there, as mentioned earlier, the parking is ample and free. If you choose not to drive, VIA Metropolitan Transit, the city’s public transportation option, offers routes to the campus. My one caveat when going to games here is that you’re going to be going through multiple residential neighborhoods, which means you’ll be hitting lots of stop signs and stoplights on your trip. Plan accordingly if you want to ensure you’re in your seat by tipoff.   Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets for Rattlers games at Bill Greehey Arena can be had for as low as $10 per person for general admission seating. Parking is plentiful and free in the area around the athletics complex, and I didn’t see anything on the concessions menu that cost more than $3.50. While the Rattlers rarely bring in any big-name opponents to their home court, this is still a very affordable way to catch a college basketball game. The Rattlers have a tradition of winning, so this is a great way to see some hoops without putting too big a dent in your wallet.   Extras   2 There is not much to write about in terms of Extras – there are no cheer nor dance teams, and the school’s mascot appears at baseball games only these days. There is also no band to listen to. The only thing keeping this score from being lower was the ball boy/floor sweeper/unofficial flag waver. That young man was working hard throughout the game ensuring the court was dry, and he would also carry a St. Mary’s flag the length of the court during breaks, as well as waving it furiously during halftime.   Final Thoughts While I was a little disappointed by the atmosphere – the energy of the fans – and the lack of Extras, I still enjoyed myself in what was my first visit to a Rattlers game; it’s basketball at a purer level. If you’re a hoops fan, you’re going to enjoy yourself, and if you’re looking for a way to spend a free afternoon or evening in San Antonio, you can’t beat the price. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by David Hegler and Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 SAP Center 525 W Santa Clara St San Jose, CA 95113 San Jose Sharks website SAP Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 17,562 The Shark Tank Ever since the San Jose Sharks were founded in 1991 and moved into the newly-built San Jose Arena two years later, their hometown has wholeheartedly embraced them. By the time the playoffs roll around, the vast city of San Jose, California is very much a Hockey Town.  The SAP Center is perfect for the Sharks as it represents the city’s culture while providing impeccable views in all corners of the arena. Of course, the arena hosts much more than Sharks hockey. In the past, it has hosted the Golden State Warriors, the Arena Football League’s Sabercats, and the Indoor Football League’s Bay Area Panthers as well as a plethora of concerts. As a result of its history, the SAP Center is a staple in the San Jose community. Food & Beverage 4 San Jose is a melting pot of all sorts of nationalities and cultures, most of which are represented in SAP Center’s food court. It has virtually everything from the Smoking Pig BBQ, The Hula Truck, Umai Sushi, and Launch Test Kitchen. The only culture that the arena doesn’t embrace is the rich Indian culture that has richly enhanced the city’s eatery landscape.  If you’re looking for something sweet, then Sweet Treat just might be for you. They offer ice cream sundaes topped with sugary cereal such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch. There is a wide variety of alcoholic beverages available. Coors Light and Modelo are the main beers available throughout. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks available at the arena. Atmosphere 3 As of this writing, the Sharks sit near the bottom of the NHL. You wouldn’t know it if you saw their entrance. As the players run through the giant shark head and onto the ice, the crowd roars its approval, no matter the record.   Their guest service representatives do a fantastic job of inspiring positive energy throughout the game. All through the game, the video board shows employees giving gifts to lucky winners throughout the arena, keeping the audience engaged. Neighborhood 3 In general San Jose is a pretty safe place to visit and the same can be said about the surrounding neighborhood of the SAP Center. It’s a relatively unique setting with residential neighborhoods directly surrounding the arena and various restaurants outlining the general area.  If you’re willing to walk a couple of blocks, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Mexico Lindo Y Cantina, La Cuevelas Restaurant and Five Guys are all to the right of SAP Center on the Alameda. The closest eatery to the arena is the Botanero Bar & Grill, which is directly across Julian St.  The closest hotels are right down W. Santa Clara St., the Hotel De Anza: A Destination by Hyatt and AC Hotel San Jose Downtown, both four stars. If you’d like to catch a minor league hockey or college football game, both the San Jose Barracuda hockey and San Jose State football teams are less than three miles from the SAP Arena. Fans 2 The fans know that good things are just around the corner for their team. All through the game, they cheer and groan as loud as possible, living through each moment of the contest. Still, the empty aisles are noticeable. At a glance, the arena was 65% full at the game of this review, which was fuller than expected. Access 3 Located just four miles south of the San Jose-Mineta Airport, there are several viable options to getting to SAP Arena. Both Uber and Lyft are popular options in this part of town and bus stops are all along the Alameda and W. Santa Clara Street (they’re the same street but change names at the arena).  Fans should check out the Valley Transportation Authority  website for fares, maps and schedules. There is also parking at the arena, which goes for between $25 and $35.  Security is pretty standard for a pro sports facility, with a bag check and bomb sniffing dogs, but it’s not congested. Return on Investment 3 The neat thing about teams that are stuck at the bottom of the league is that the tickets tend to be cheaper. I sat in the second to last row of general admission and paid just $41 with a good bird’s eye view. The more expensive seats in the lower bowl go for $90 to $320. Despite being so far from the action, I could still hear the pop of the pads and always had a clear view of the action. This is an arena where there is no bad spot to watch the action. Extras 2 You may have noticed numerous lights that seem to be flashing onto the ice in one of the pictures. Those lights are not fans. Instead, the arena has fitted each seat with a set of lights that flash three different colors throughout the game. I’m sure other arenas throughout America have this feature, it’s just my first time seeing it firsthand.  Another interesting feature in the arena is the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame. All along the arena’s walls, you can see plaques depicting the greatest athletes and sports figures that have hailed from San Jose. It’s always neat to have a free history lesson.  SAP Center Sports Hall of Fame, Photo by Dave Hegler, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts San Jose loves its hockey. Whether it’s through the trauma of another playoff exit or the joy of finally winning a game, the city’s love for the sport has been forged through fire. It’s a passion that you can’t truly understand unless you go to a game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders hockey website Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,600 The Hart of Holy Cross Hockey The Reverend Francis J. Hart Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “Woostah” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John E. and Joanne Chouinard-Luth donated $32.5 million to the College to help finance major renovations to the facility in 2016. The Hart Center houses not only the Holy Cross hockey rink, but a 3,600-seat basketball arena , a six-lane swimming pool with a separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, and the college’s strength and conditioning facilities. Hockey has been played at Holy Cross since 1966. Today the Crusaders compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association, where they have won three conference championships. Holy Cross has qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice, most recently in 2006. That year, the Crusaders pulled off what is considered to be one of the biggest upsets in tournament history by beating Minnesota 4-3 in overtime. It was the first time a number 15 or 16 seed had beaten a number one or two seed. Two Holy Cross alumni (Pat Rissmiller and Jim Stewart) played in the NHL.   Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand in the main lobby of the Hart Center. A very basic menu is available here, with hot dogs and chicken tenders the anchors of the menu. In a refreshing change, tater tots are sold here rather than french fries. Pretzels, nachos, and popcorn are among the offerings should you just be looking for a snack.   Pepsi products are featured at the concession stand. Fans looking for an adult beverage will be pleased to find brews from local craft brewery Greater Good sold at this small stand, as well as Harpoon Rec League, Blue Moon, Coors Light, White Claw, and Angry Orchard.   Atmosphere 2   If you haven’t visited the Hart Center recently, the pair of large video boards that were installed at the rink in 2021 will certainly catch your attention. These boards, one at each end of the ice surface, are put to great use with replays, graphics, and game information. In a nice touch, Holy Cross plays videos of local first responders dancing after each Crusader goal.   The Hart Center Rink enjoys a nice sound system, which is put to good use throughout the game, but oddly, the PA announcer sounds much quieter and his voice murkier than the music.   Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Holy Cross occurred during the semester break, so there was no representation from the student body on this night. Based on several previous visits, there’s generally not a huge turnout by the Holy Cross students, anyway.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   Holy Cross is located in southwestern Worcester about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops, and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park , is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain  is located just ten miles outside of city limits.   Fans 2     Holy Cross annually ranks near the bottom of the nationwide attendance rankings for Division One hockey teams. About halfway through the 2023-2024 season, the Crusaders are reporting an average attendance of just over 800 fans per game. While this figure marks a significant increase over the previous few years, it still places Holy Cross in the bottom ten nationally.   As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey attended a Crusader game during the semester break. Still, there was a representative crowd on hand on a snowy Saturday night. Consisting of many family members, close friends, and die-hard Holy Cross fans, this crowd was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team on the ice. A quick scan of games during the school year did not reveal a huge increase in attendance figures, leading to the assumption that not a lot of students show up for Crusader hockey games.   Access 3    The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. The Luth Complex is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’ location gives it spectacular views of the city below.   2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby that houses the ticket booths. The basketball arena and hockey rink share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands, restrooms, and Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame. Long gone are the 70’s style carpeting, trophy cases, and stained-glass windows of the old Hart Center.   The hockey rink is located to your right as you enter the facility. Fans enter the rink at the Hart Center on the near side of the rink, and all the seating is located on the far side of the ice. All seating is metal bleachers, with center sections containing cushioned seating. Standing room is available atop the seating area as well as at ice level. The steeply pitched seating area ensures excellent views of the action from virtually all points. There is minimal netting here to obstruct views.   With the small crowds present at the Hart Center, lines at the concession stand or restrooms are not an issue.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Holy Cross hockey games are very affordable, priced at $15 for reserved center ice sections and $10 for general admission seating. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the facility.   Concessions are reasonably priced, with most items costing six dollars or less. Even the craft beers sold here will only cost you nine dollars. It’s tough to find a similar value at a game these days.   Extras 2   Holy Cross was a national power in the sporting world for a significant portion of the 20th century. While their glory days are far behind them, Holy Cross honors its athletic past at the Luth Complex. The Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the building’s lobby. Several notable names can be found among the honorees, including Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn. Speaking of Cousy, there’s a statue of him just outside the entrance to the Luth Center.   Plaques in the Hart Rink commemorate significant individuals in Crusader hockey history and banners hang in the rink honoring conference titles and tournament appearances.   Final Thoughts   Many smaller schools in NCAA’s Division One have built shiny new arenas for their hockey teams. Meanwhile, Holy Cross soldiers on in the Hart Center. While not as flashy or modern as many area rinks, it’s a solid place for the Crusaders to call home.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Toyota Stadium 9200 World Cup Way Frisco, TX 75034 Frisco Bowl Website Toyota Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 20,500 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is one of the earliest college football bowl games of the post-season. The game is played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, home of the Major League Soccer team, FC Dallas . The bowl game started in December 2017 and has been hosted by a few corporate sponsors; DXL was the original sponsor in 2017, followed by Tropical Smoothie Café, before moving to the current sponsor, Scooter’s Coffee. Toyota Stadium has a capacity of only 20,500, which is plenty, as the bowl attendance is well under the capacity. The highest attendance for the Frisco Bowl is 15,801, achieved in 2021 when the University of Texas-San Antonio  defeated San Diego State 38-24.   Food & Beverage   3 The concessions at the Frisco Bowl are decent – Toyota Stadium has a good variety of options at its concession stands, including alcohol selections, but at major sports-level prices. The main stands offer most of your typical stadium fare, such as hot dogs, nachos, burgers, brats, chicken tenders, pretzels, peanuts, packaged candy, and cinnamon-glazed nuts, but they also throw in a bunch of less commonly found items, such as chicken tinga nachos, buffalo cauliflower bowls, hot garlic sausage, and a brisket hot dog. The stadium’s drink selection provides Coke products throughout the Frisco Bowl. The alcohol selection is also abundant, due to the stadium being a major sports venue, with plenty of choices throughout the stadium at the concession stands or from the mobile carts – you can find alcohol ranging from both canned and draft beer to wine and high-end specialty cocktails. Just be prepared to pay high prices for alcoholic drinks.   Atmosphere   3 The atmospheres at smaller bowl games are usually similar to each other, as the teams are traveling to a venue outside their familiar pre-game set-ups. Therefore, the team’s traditional entrance into the stadium, as well as the tailgating on weekday evenings, is less common. At the most recent game, for example, West Virginia  just held a small pep rally with fans in the parking lot. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl has plenty of seating, as attendance is historically small with this bowl. Toyota Stadium only has seating along the two sidelines – the north end zone has a bare stage, while the team bands are seated behind the south end, where the National Soccer Hall of Fame is located. During the most recent version, both participating schools brought their bands, along with their mascots and spirit squads – for this Frisco Bowl a large shout-out goes to the University of Memphis band. Their high energy throughout the night kept the atmosphere going, as the play on the field was lackluster until late in the game.   Neighborhood   4 Toyota Stadium is located about 30 miles north of Dallas in Frisco, Texas. Outside the stadium is a small, quaint area of restaurants and shops, but the city of Frisco is much bigger with an approximate population of 165K. Some fans may recognize the Frisco name as having one of the nicest minor league baseball stadiums; nearby Riders Field  is home to the Frisco Roughriders. The restaurants outside Toyota Stadium are plentiful – a couple of great options close to the stadium include Green Gator and Blue Goose Cantina. Others are within a short drive; for BBQ you can’t go wrong with Hutchins, and there is also Babe’s Chicken for a unique family-style dining experience. There are a few things to do and see while you are in Frisco, helping to keep your trip local. Toyota Stadium is home to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which can be entered by using the Main Street side of the stadium. Frisco is also home to the National Videogame Museum, which features a huge collection of game consoles, all of which are playable, including a classic video game arcade. In addition, a few miles south on the tollway in Dallas is The Star, namely the headquarters, practice fields, and home of the Dallas Cowboys . This facility can be toured daily and has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. There are three hotels close to Toyota Stadium: Courtyard Dallas, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Suites, but other options are abundant within driving distance.   Fans   3 The fact that fans travel to watch their team play bowl games that don’t matter outside the college football playoff says a lot about them. The loyalty, dedication, and love of the fans are what truly make the bowl games special. The Frisco Bowl is usually played on a weeknight and is one of the first bowls of the bowl season. The fans in attendance at the most recent game were solid, which is expected when it comes to bowl games – very loud and engaged in the game.   Access   3 There are two airports, Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field, which are both about the same distance (25 miles) from Toyota Stadium in Frisco. The city is a city of about 225,000 in population, about 30 miles north of Dallas, and part of the DFW Metroplex. That said, there is no direct public transportation from either airport, so you will likely have to drive to get to Frisco and Toyota Stadium. The best plan is to stay up in the Frisco area, as the Frisco Bowl is played at 7 pm on a weeknight; coming from outside the Frisco area in the early evening can be time-consuming for travelers. Toyota Stadium is not far from the Dallas Tollway, and the stadium and parking have plenty of signage, so the ingress and egress are fast once you get there. Due to the small attendance, walking around the stadium to restrooms and concessions takes little time away from your seat. However, the stadium’s security does cut off the National Soccer Hall of Fame end zone from other ticketholders, so most fans don’t have full access to the stadium. Return on Investment   3 The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is at a perfect venue – if your team is one of the participants, then the investment may be worthwhile. Otherwise, it is a little high in cost for the casual local fan who doesn’t care about either school. Tickets range from $30 for the end zones to $65 for midfield and $55 for sideline seating (there is an ESPN Zone VIP ticket that starts at $149, but I don’t know what that entitles a fan to experience). The cost of VIP parking is $20; otherwise, parking is free. The cost of concessions is really where the ROI hits a negative. However, this is a bowl game and most people have spent a lot of money to travel here, so the Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is on par with other ESPN bowls in terms of return on investment.   Extras   2 The Frisco Bowl is played in a top sports venue and makes good use of the facility – holding the FCS National Championship here, as well as various high school football games, helps the operations team prepare to make this event almost perfect. The Frisco area also has a lot to offer, without fans feeling the need to spend time in the larger city of Dallas. Final Thoughts The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is part of ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, which owns and operates a portfolio of 34 collegiate sporting events nationwide, flooding the college football scene with college bowl games that the majority of football fans don’t care about, let alone would get excited by. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl may be wonderful for the teams/fans that participate, and a wonderful boost to Frisco’s economy, but a must-see bowl game it is not. Disclosure: Due to the renovations of Toyota Stadium for the MLS tenant, FC Dallas , the FCS National Championship will move away from Frisco in 2025; how this will affect the 2025 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl remains to be seen.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Raymond James Stadium 4201 North Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33607 ReliaQuest Bowl website Raymond James Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 69,218 The Security of a New Year's Bowl One of the second-tier College Football Bowl Games that traditionally takes place on New Year's Day, the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida, is a sneaky good destination for college football fans.  The first bowl game in Tampa took place in 1986 at the “Big Sombrero”, Tampa Stadium, and was called the Hall of Fame Bowl.  The Cigar Bowl was played in Tampa in the late 1940s into the 1950s but featured smaller colleges.  In 1995 the game took on a corporate sponsor when the Tampa restaurant chain, Outback Steakhouse became the title sponsor of the Outback Bowl.  Unfortunately, this started the trend where the name of the bowl game also featured the name of the sponsor.  After 27 entries, the title sponsor of the game shifted to cyber security company, ReliaQuest to become the ReliaQuest Bowl. Currently, the ReliaQuest Bowl features teams from the Big Ten Conference and Southeastern Conference squaring off. Since 1999, the home of the Outback Bowl and ReliaQuest Bowl has been Raymond James Stadium.  Built in 1998, Raymond James Stadium was built in the shadow of Tampa Stadium and has a current capacity of over 69,000.  Raymond James Stadium has also been the host of the Super Bowl on three occasions. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Raymond James Stadium are solid with plenty of variety for fans.  All of the typical stadium options can be found at the stadium.  Burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels can be found at many stands.  The Little Caesars stands offer pizza options and the PDQ Chicken stands offer excellent chicken fingers and waffle fries.  Some more unique options include pulled pork sandwiches, burnt-end sandwiches, burnt-end mac and cheese, BBQ Bacon dogs, and citrus chicken nachos.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice.  There are several spots all over to purchase a variety of alcoholic beverages including the north and south ends. Atmosphere 4 Raymond James Stadium is of a nineties vintage and fairly simplistic in its design.  The exterior of the stadium is fairly simple but not unattractive.  There is plenty of concrete on the exterior, but plenty of markings for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making it clear who is the main tenant.  Although there is no main entrance, one would consider the south entrance as the one most fans will want to enter.  The south entrance features Bucs Beach, a large gathering area complete with beach complements such as sandy areas, decorative surfboards, Adirondack chairs, and a lifeguard tower.  This is the location of the Pregame Bowl Bash, a pregame party with food trucks, music, and promo tables. Upon entering the gates, fans will need to ascend to the main concourse which is behind the lower bowl seating.  The concourses are wide and fairly simple with plenty of concession stands and some Bucs markings.  Large gathering areas at the north and south are out of the concourses and open to the field.  The north end has a large picnic area with umbrellas and tables for fans to meet at.  The south end offers a bit more and is the signature area of the stadium.  A large pirate ship is at the south end but is roped off and not used as part of the game.  The concession stands at the south end also have facades to make them look like an old port town that seems to be right out of Pirates of the Caribbean.  Massive video boards are at both the north and south ends, with secondary boards in the four corners of the stadium that offer more in the way of ads and stats during the game.  The upper decks are separated into east and west sides and give the stadium an open feel.  There are no coverings over the upper seating areas.  The east side offers the best picture for the 50-yard line logo; however, both the east and west sides are typically sold specifically for each participating team. The gameday production for the ReliaQuest Bowl is typical of a college bowl game.  Pregame tailgates in different parking areas offer a preshow by the band and a gathering area for supporters and alumni.  The pregame production offers the opportunity for each team’s band to perform.  Both bands also perform at halftime as well as a halftime show with more than 2,000 performers and a mass high school band.  Cheerleaders and flags, typical of college games, are also part of the production.  Bands play from opposite corners of the stadium during stoppages. The ReliaQuest Bowl also offers several other events as part of the game.  Busch Gardens hosts the Battle of the Bands the day before and a pep rally in the Ybor City District happens in the evening before. Neighborhood 3 Raymond James Stadium is located in the Drew Park neighborhood of Tampa.  The stadium is a bit isolated and surrounded with parking options, making it a good spot for tailgating.  There are a few options for pre or post game fair that are not too far including Kona Grill, Miller’s Ale House, La Teresita and Armature Works.  There are some other sporting options in the area.  Raymond James Stadium is mainly the home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers .  The Gasparilla Bowl is also held at the stadium and it is also the home of the South Florida Bulls  until their new on campus stadium is built.  Across the parking lot from Raymond James Stadium is George Steinbrenner Field, home of the Tampa Tarpons  and the New York Yankees Spring Training .  For at least the 2025 season, it will also be home to the Tampa Bay Rays .  Other sports options include the Tampa Bay Lightning  and USF Bulls  basketball.  There are a ton of other Tampa tourist options including Busch Gardens , Zoo Tampa , Florida Aquarium and Tampa Riverwalk.  Hotels near the stadium include the Country Inn and Suites and Holiday Inn. Fans 4 As with most second-tier bowl games, fan support is driven by the teams that are signed to the game.  The game reviewed, the 2024 edition, welcomed over 51,000 fans, nearly 20,000 fans more than the previous season.  The 2024 edition, which is the one reviewed, benefitted from a huge Michigan and Alabama matchup.  Each team’s fans typically congregate on a specific side, helping create a better atmosphere.   Access 4 Raymond James Stadium is located in the Drew Park neighbourhood of Tampa, northwest of downtown, east of the airport.  It is surrounded by North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa Bay Blvd., and North Hines Ave.  It is 3 km north of I-275 and south of US Highway 92 and not terribly difficult to get to.  There are plenty of parking lots surrounding the stadium, perfect for fans who make tailgating a part of their football experience.  The negative side of the tailgating parking lot coin is that getting out of those parking lots can be difficult and take a significant amount of time.  The city does a good job of controlling the flow of traffic once out of the stadium, however, getting to the street could take the most time.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are HART buses that travel Himes Ave.  Fans should consult the Hillsborough Transit Authority  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Inside Raymond James Stadium, it is not terribly difficult to get around, however, fans with seats in the upper decks need to be aware that the decks are completely separate and it is impossible to get from one side to the other without going down to the main concourse.  Raymond James Stadium is also a cashless facility so bringing some plastic is a necessity.  The washroom facilities are decent for the stadium and closed captioned announcements are printed on the corner videobaords.  The security protocols to get into Raymond James Stadium are significant and should be reviewed before heading to the game.  Stadium Journey encourages fans to consult the Raymond James Stadium  and ReliaQuest Bowl  websites before heading out for the latest security protocols including bag policies and prohibited items list. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the ReliaQuest Bowl are $80 with club seats being sold for $170.  The ticket prices are pretty steep.  The secondary market can definitely help in the right scenario for fans who are patient enough to wait for ticket prices to fall.  Concession prices are consistent with NFL teams, expensive, and parking will go for at least $35.  The return for the investment is strong, especially if fans benefit from a good matchup with teams that travel well. Extras 3 An extra mark for the charity arm of the ReliaQuest Bowl, which claims to have donated over $4 million since 2016. An extra mark for the extra importance of a bowl game on or right before New Years Day. An extra mark for the strong matchups of the ReliaQuest Bowl with the Big Ten and SEC facing off. Final Thoughts As far as the second tier of college football's Bowl Games, the ReliaQuest Bowl is a solid entry.  A great location combined with the possibility of a great matchup at a great time is an equation that offers a great time for those fans in attendance.  When in the area, making the ReliaQuest Bowl part of the Christmas vacation plans is a great idea. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Hetland Arena 310 Hathaway Blvd New Bedford, MA 02740 UMass Dartmouth Corsairs ice hockey website Hetland Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 1,500 Walk a Frozen Plank The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (better known as UMass Dartmouth) is one of five campuses in the University of Massachusetts system. It is located on the South Coast of Massachusetts, in between the cities of Fall River and New Bedford. The university has an enrollment of over 9,000 students, about half of whom live on campus. The school offers 61 undergraduate programs and 32 graduate programs. Hetland Arena is a public skating facility located in New Bedford, MA. Operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, it has been the home of the UMass Dartmouth Corsairs hockey team since the mid-70’s. The rink was dedicated in memory of Steven Hetland, a local youth who played peewee hockey there during the 1970s. The UMass Dartmouth Corsairs compete in Division III’s Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) with other schools in and around the state of Massachusetts. The Corsairs have been a regional hockey power through the years, winning 12 league championships and appearing in four NCAA tournaments, reaching the national quarterfinals in 2006 and 2007. Food & Beverage 1 A lot of times community rinks like Hetland Arena have great variety and surprising quality in their concession stand menus. Unfortunately, the snack bar here is not always open for Corsair hockey games. When it is open, the menu can vary from snack bar standards like hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders and pizza slices to a simpler menu of snack foods, candy and pretzels. Hot drinks, Pepsi products and slushies are featured here. While the food served here is decent and the prices are affordable, the uncertainty and variability of the snack bar keeps this score low. Fans are welcome to bring in their own snacks at a Corsairs game, and in this chilly rink, hot beverages from the local Dunkin’ Donuts are a popular choice. If you happen to visit Hetland Arena on a night when the snack bar is closed, there are several vending machines in the lobby. Atmosphere 2 At a small community rink you wouldn’t expect an over the top game day presentation, and you won’t get one here at Hetland Arena. The UMass Dartmouth staff does do their best to put on a good show for the fans that do show up. Classic rock blares out of a portable speaker set up on the far side of the rink during play stoppages. For big games the pep band will show up and fill this tiny arena with music, which automatically elevates the game day atmosphere (hey, I don't make the rules, it's just a fact). A small scoreboard on the north end of the rink provides basic game information, and the PA announcer does a good job keeping fans informed on the goings on down on the ice. Neighborhood 2 Hetland Arena is located next door to New Bedford High School, close to Paul Walsh Field , the former home of the New Bedford Bay Sox of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Hetland Arena is located in a residential area, without a whole lot of businesses or attractions in the immediate area. Visiting fans can find a few eateries on nearby Route 6, but to get the best bang for your buck while visiting New Bedford, head downtown, a few short miles away from the rink. New Bedford is another New England city which has suffered through some hard times and is struggling to rebuild both their infrastructure and their reputation. Thanks to a great deal of investment from civic leaders and local businesses, downtown New Bedford has a great National Historic Park, a number of museums, shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. It’s a nice place to visit, and improving all the time. New Bedford isn’t really considered to be a destination city, especially with popular tourist spots such as Cape Cod, Newport and Providence all close by. Still, New Bedford is not the dangerous wasteland it is sometimes made out to be. Check it out, you will be pleasantly surprised. Fans 2 UMass Dartmouth draws between 100-200 fans per game at Hetland Arena. A Corsair crowd can accurately be described as a “friends and family” crowd, as most of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players competing on the ice. With UMass Dartmouth’s schedule made up almost entirely of local teams, it’s not unusual to find many supporters of the visiting teams in the stands as well. Unfortunately, even though Hetland Arena is only four miles from the UMass Dartmouth campus, there’s not much of a turnout by the student body. Access 4 Hetland Arena is located on the campus of New Bedford High School, four miles from the UMass Dartmouth campus, near the intersections of Interstate 195 and Route 140. It is easily accessible by car, which is the preferred method to arrive at a Corsairs game. There is ample parking in the lot adjacent to the rink. Fans will enter Hetland Arena on the west (Hathaway Boulevard) side of the building. There is a small lobby fans will pass through on their way to the rink. This is a popular spot for fans to hang out during intermissions as an escape from the chilly rink. Seating at Hetland Arena consists entirely of wooden bleachers on either side of the rink. Netting runs the length of the rink on both sides, obscuring views from all points. Restrooms are located on the north corners of the rink, and are large enough to handle a typical Corsair crowd. Return on Investment 4 Admission to a UMass Dartmouth hockey game costs seven dollars, with free parking in the lot adjacent to the rink. Should the concession stand be open, food is reasonably priced. An evening at a Corsairs hockey game is an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 1 There’s not a whole lot at a community rink like Hetland Arena that can be considered extra. There are banners hanging around the rink representing all the local teams that use Hetland Arena. And for UMass Dartmouth games, there is a free digital program for all fans containing lineups and stats. Final Thoughts Hetland Arena can hardly be considered a destination location, particularly in a part of the country like Massachusetts, which has no shortage of notable hockey venues. Still, hockey fans looking for quality hockey at an affordable price can do much worse than a visit to New Bedford for a UMass Dartmouth Corsairs game. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Bridgewater Ice Arena 20 Bedford Park Bridgewater, MA 02324 Stonehill Skyhawks men's hockey website Bridgewater Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 500 Stonehill Hockey On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division I level, effective in the fall of 2022. Prior to 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division II. The hockey team would begin life in Division I as an independent, as Stonehill’s new home, the Northeast Conference, does not support hockey. While in D-II, Stonehill won three NE-10 conference championships Both the men’s and women’s hockey teams play their home games at the off-campus Bridgewater Ice Arena. This public rink, located 12 miles from the Stonehill campus, features two NHL-sized rinks, a full-service café and seating for 500. The complex also plays host to numerous high school teams as well as the Bridgewater Bandits of the USPHL. Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2002 the school decided to change its nickname. After considering several options, Stonehill officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks in 2005. This name has no connection to a bird or animal but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954–1995. Food & Beverage 3 There is a snack bar located at the back end of the lobby. The menu here isn’t as extensive as other snack bars you’ll find in community rinks, but there are enough choices here to keep all fans satisfied. A combination of breakfast and lunch foods are available here. Breakfast sandwiches, burgers, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese sandwiches and meatball subs can be purchased here. If you’re just looking for a snack, an assortment of muffins, candy, popcorn and pop tarts are available. Pepsi products are featured, with hot chocolate and coffee popular choices in this chilly rink. Many fans bring their own beverages in, with lots of Dunkin’ coffee observed in the stands. There are also vending machines in the lobby should the snack bar not be open during your visit. Atmosphere 1 The game day atmosphere at a Stonehill hockey game is a bare bones one to be sure. With the facility’s physical limitations, you wouldn’t really expect anything more. A simple scoreboard at the far end displays basic game information, while a surprisingly good sound system plays music during play stoppages. The PA announcer goes about his business in an understated manner. There are no promos or contests during the game to distract and there is little to no noise from the sparse crowd in attendance. There is little evidence at Bridgewater Ice Arena that a Division One hockey team even plays here. The USPHL’s Bridgewater Bandits are the primary tenant, with a sign advertising their presence on Bedford Street along with a large banner hanging at center ice. The pro shop here sells Bandits gear, but no Stonehill swag. The only mention that the Skyhawks even play here are a pair of banners hung in a far corner of the rink. Neighborhood 2 Given Bridgewater Ice Arena’s location in an industrial park, you wouldn’t expect any attractions or lodging options in the immediate vicinity of the rink. However, there are places to be found a short drive away. Downtown Bridgewater is about two and a half miles away to the north, with Route 44, a local route connecting Providence and Plymouth, passing by three and a half miles to the south. Numerous dining and lodging options can be found in either direction. Barrett’s Alehouse and Fireside Grille are local favorites located close to Bridgewater Ice Arena. Visitors to Stonehill looking to explore more than just the immediate neighborhood may gravitate to Boston, a 45-minute ride north or Cape Cod, a 30-minute ride to the southeast. A half-hour drive can also bring you to the historic seaside towns of Plymouth or New Bedford. Visitors to the area will find plenty to do in any of these locations, even during the winter months of the hockey season. Fans 1 It’s early on in Stonehill’s Division One tenure (Stadium Journey attended the Skyhawks’ third ever home game at BIA). An individual associated with the team stated that crowds so far have numbered between 75-100 fans. These numbers appear to be accurate, which places the Skyhawks firmly at the bottom of the NCAA attendance rankings. Hopefully the team will be able to create a following as the program continues to grow. Most of the fans in attendance appear to have a connection with the players on the ice. With the BIA located a dozen miles from campus, there is little to no representation from the student body at games. The women’s team, which began play this season, has been enjoying slightly larger crowds in their inaugural season. Access 4 Bridgewater Ice Arena is located 12 miles from the Stonehill campus in suburban Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Situated in a small industrial park just off Route 18, it is very easy to get to from any direction. Interstate 495 passes just a few miles to the south of the rink. Directions to the rink can be found here . There is plenty of free parking in the lot adjacent to the facility. The Skyhawks play in the east rink, one of two rinks in the facility, which will be on your right as you enter the lobby. Seating consists of metal bleachers that run along the length of one side of the rink. There is some standing room at the near end of the ice. Nets are hung at both offensive zones, but the center sections are free from obstruction. Rest rooms are located just off the lobby and are more than large enough for a typical Stonehill hockey crowd. Be warned that the rink is very chilly, so dress appropriately. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge to watch a Skyhawks hockey game. Parking is also free in the arena parking lot. It’s entirely possible to go to a Division One hockey game without spending a cent. Even if you decide to get a snack while at the game, you certainly won’t be breaking the bank. Extras 0 There isn’t a whole lot going on at a Skyhawks hockey game that can be considered extra. This experience is about as bare bones as it gets. Final Thoughts The trend in Division One hockey in recent years has been for the smaller schools to move out of community rinks and into new rinks built on campus. As tiny Stonehill College begins competition at the sport’s top level, they find themselves at one of these community rinks. It’s proving to be an inauspicious beginning for the Skyhawks. Here’s a guess that the Bridgewater Ice Arena won’t be a long-term home for Stonehill. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 MassMutual Center 1277 Main St. Springfield, MA 01103 American International College hockey website MassMutual Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 6,800 Done With D-One   American International College was founded in 1885 by Calvin E. Amaron to provide a place for local French-Canadian residents to pursue higher education. Today, AIC boasts an enrollment of around 2,200 students in 37 undergraduate and postgraduate programs.   AIC’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Yellow Jackets and compete in Division Two’s Northeast-10 Conference alongside other small colleges in New England. AIC’s hockey team has competed in Division One since 1998. One AIC alumnus, Dave Forbes, has played in the National Hockey League.   The first hockey team to represent AIC played in 1948. For many years, the school competed in ECAC Division Two, moving down to Division Three when D-2 hockey dissolved in 1984. In 1998 the MAAC started sponsoring hockey, and AIC joined as an associate member, elevating their program to Division One. The Yellow Jackets were a fixture at the bottom of the conference, losing 20 games or more in 18 out of 19 seasons beginning in 1999.   A new era for AIC hockey began in 2016 with the hiring of Eric Lang as head coach. The Yellow Jackets won their first conference championship and qualified for their first NCAA tournament in 2019. They upset top-seeded St. Cloud in the opening round, considered one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. AIC won their conference title for four consecutive seasons from 2019-2022, qualifying for three NCAA tournaments during this time (the 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic).   In November 2024 American International announced that they would be moving the hockey program back to Division Two for the 2025-26 season as part of their “Pathways to Progress” plan, which addresses budgetary and enrollment concerns at the school. The hockey team will join the Northeast-10 Conference alongside the other Yellow Jacket squads.   The MassMutual Center has served as the home of AIC hockey since 2016. The arena, built in 1972, was originally named the Springfield Civic Center. It served as home to the NHL’s Hartford Whalers in 1978 when the Hartford Civic Center’s roof collapsed. As part of 2005 renovations to the facility, the largest convention center in western Massachusetts was built adjacent to the arena. Located just a mile away from the AIC campus, the facility also serves as home to the Springfield Thunderbirds  of the American Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 2   Only one concession stand is open for AIC hockey games at the MassMutual Center. The Hot Dog Nation stand sells Nathan’s hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and assorted snacks. Pepsi products are featured at the MassMutual Center.   Fans looking for an adult beverage can step next door to the Sam Adams stand, where a selection of brews from the local craft beer giant are available, as well as Coors Light drafts. An assortment of canned mixed drinks and wine can also be purchased here.    Atmosphere 2   No matter how hard you try, a crowd of 200 or so in a 7,000-seat arena is not going to make a ton of noise. The giant video board hanging at center ice is put to good use with replays, crowd shots and sponsor ads. Music plays over the arena’s solid sound system and the PA announcer adds a bit of energy to the proceedings. Unfortunately, there’s little else going on to add to the game day experience at the MassMutual Center. Neighborhood 4   While downtown Springfield has long had a reputation as a less than desirable place to be, that has begun to change in recent years. With the construction of the MGM Springfield Casino across the street from the arena and convention center, the number of options for visitors to downtown Springfield is constantly increasing.   Fans looking for places to eat will now find several choices near the MassMutual Center. Locals flock to the nearby Red Rose Pizzeria, a Springfield institution that has been in business since 1963. The Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant offers traditional German fare, and Theodore’s Blues, Booze and BBQ offers great examples of what they advertise in their name. There are additional options in the casino, including the Chandler Steakhouse, TAP Sports Bar and Cal Mare.   Likewise, there is no lack of places to stay downtown. The Springfield Marriott, Holiday Inn Express and Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place are within walking distance of the arena. Of course, the casino has plenty of rooms from which visiting fans can choose.   Springfield’s biggest attraction is located just a mile away from the MassMutual Center across Route 91. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is open year-round and has more than enough basketball memorabilia on site to satisfy even the most rabid hoop fan.   The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is located a short walk from the MassMutual Center. While there you can see bronze statues of the Cat in the Hat, Horton the elephant, and many other favorites. Also located in this complex are the Dr. Suess Museum, the Springfield Science Museum and the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts.   Fans 1   As you might expect, attendance has really bottomed out at AIC hockey games since the announcement that the team was leaving D-1. While attendance numbers were never exactly strong at AIC to begin with, average has dropped to around 250 fans per game at the end of 2024, ranking them next-to-last in all of Division One. Only Stonehill draws fewer fans. A Yellow Jacket crowd is what we at Stadium Journey call a “friends and family” crowd, which is very unusual to see at this level of the sport.   Stadium Journey visited Springfield on a Saturday afternoon during the semester break, so there were no students in attendance for this game. There were under 200 fans in the building. Even though the MassMutual Center is only a mile from campus, there has never been a strong turnout from the student body. The Yellow Jackets’ quirky schedule, with many afternoon and weekday games, has never done the team any favors. Access 3 The MassMutual Center is located in downtown Springfield, MA, a city of over 155,000 residents. Springfield is the third largest city in Massachusetts and the fourth largest city in all of New England. The MassMutual Center is easy to get to, as it is just a few blocks from Interstate 91. Interstates 291 and 90 (the Mass Pike) run just a few miles away. Springfield refers to itself as “The Crossroads of New England.”   Springfield’s Union Station , with hubs for Greyhound, Peter Pan and Pioneer Valley Transit bus lines as well as Amtrak and CT Rail trains, is located only a half mile from the arena. Several Pioneer Valley Transit bus routes stop at Court Square, right across the street from MassMutual Center. Plentiful parking can be found at the MGM Casino garage, in surface lots in the area, or on-street for fans who want to search for it.   So, why only an average access score? The Civic Center parking garage across the street from the arena’s front entrance is being totally rebuilt. The $35 million project, which began in 2022, is expected to be completed sometime during the 2024-25 season. The new garage will feature retail and restaurant space at ground level, an outdoor plaza, and parking for 800-900 cars. But for now, construction has shut down Bruce Landon Way, altering traffic and entry patterns for visitors. If you don’t know the area well, your easiest option is to park at the MGM Casino and walk to the arena.   With the tiny crowds at AIC games, getting around the facility is not an issue. All fans are seated on the south side of the rink. You’ll have plenty of room to spread out, and lines won’t be an issue at concession stands or in the restrooms.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Yellow Jackets games are sold as General Admission for twelve dollars. There is ample on-street parking in the vicinity of the arena, which is free on nights and weekends, just pay attention to the hours that meters are in operation. Free parking is also available at the MGM Springfield Casino garage a short walk from the arena. Extras 2   American International has recognized their recent success by hanging banners honoring the team’s Atlantic Conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.   While the move to the south side grandstand has eliminated access to the Springfield Hockey Hall of Fame plaques, the banners honoring Indians, Kings, Falcons and Thunderbirds champions are still visible to fans, and the banners honoring luminaries including Willie O’Ree, Eddie Shore, Bruce Landon and more are visible during AIC games.   Final Thoughts   American International College was the feel-good story of college hockey just a few years ago. But the changing economics of the sport has claimed its first victim in this tiny western Massachusetts school. AIC will not return to the MassMutual Center for the 2025-2026 season, but they have not announced where they will play. A return to the Olympia Ice Arena  in West Springfield, their home from 1998-2016, is likely.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

LAST DANCE! The New York Jets have been in the desert for over half a century. They won their one and only Super Bowl in 1968 and haven’t been back since. But back in the 80s, they were legitimate contenders. The centerpiece of those teams was its fierce defensive line. While Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam wreaked havoc on opposing offenses, they bickered amongst themselves like Axl and Slash. Now, ESPN has documented their contentious history in its latest 30 for 30 documentary, “The New York Sack Exchange,” which is the foursome’s nickname. At just under an hour, it’s a quick, compelling watch, especially if you’re a football fan. Back then, the Jets’ home was a dated baseball stadium, Shea Stadium. It was football in an incinerator. Because of the dirt infield, the playing surface was usually a dust bowl or a mosh pit. The portable end zone seats felt on the verge of collapse when fans jumped up and down. Fireman Ed didn’t exist. However, there was a lunatic in the end zone upper deck who mooned the faithful after he led them in the J-E-T-S chant. Concussion protocol? Take two Tylenol. After the Jets drafted Gastineau and Lyons in 1979, the Sack Exchange had its motley line-up. If it weren’t for football, Klecko, a pit bull of a man, says he would’ve been a truck driver. Lyons, the only Sack Exchanger out of a blue blood football power, Alabama, became the philanthropist, raising millions for kids in need. And then there was Gastineau, who came out of nowhere - East Central Oklahoma State. Gastineau was the showman. After sacks, Gastineau would break out into a raucous war dance as Shea played “The Safety Dance” to the delight of the Shea rowdies, many of whom were inebriated on terrible tap beer. Klecko and Lyons wanted Gastineau to stop, deeming the dance poor sportsmanship. But Gastineau persisted, arguing that he just wanted to be himself. With neither side budging, Abdul Salaam, which means soldier of peace, kept the factions at bay. The Sack Exchange couldn’t live together, but they could play together, and their friction made them bring out the best in one another. However, Rams offensive tackle Jackie Slater refused to endure Gastineau’s theatrics. As Gastineau danced, Slater shoved him, inciting a massive brawl. Gastineau seemed to take on half the Rams team. It’s wonderful footage. Meanwhile, the Jets flirted with greatness. However, they always came up short in devastating fashion. First, there was the wildcard loss to Buffalo in the Shea slime, and then they lost “The Mud Bowl,” an AFC championship game, to the Dolphins at the Orange Bowl. In controversial fashion, Miami coach Don Shula didn’t cover the field with a tarp,  negating the Jets’ supposed speed advantage. Following this fiasco, Jets coach Walt Michaels stepped down, Salaam was traded and the Jets wound up in another swamp, this time in Jersey: Giants Stadium. Mooning was no more, however, MetLife did host the infamous butt fumble years later. The Jets did manage one more run, but they collapsed in Cleveland. During this catastrophe, Gastineau was tagged as the goat for a pivotal late quarterback hit. Soon after, the Sack Exchange was history. Klecko, who had battled injuries for years, was released and wound up in Indianapolis. Abruptly, Gastineau, who was injury free, quit. At the time, he cited his girlfriend’s ovarian cancer. Gastineau was dating Sylvester’s Stallone’s ex, actress Brigitte Nielsen. In the doc, Gastineau offers additional reasons for his exit, and he also discusses his turbulent childhood, including his experiences as a rape victim. It's painful viewing. The Sack Exchange were reunited, however briefly, for the doc. It’s the fourth quarter now for these old gladiators. Forgiveness is discussed, and tears are shed. However, old rivalries die hard. For one, Klecko was inducted into the Hall of Fame, but Gastineau hasn’t, something that distresses him. It’s understandable, but considering the recent, too-soon passing of Adbul Salaam, it seems relatively petty. The doc’s ending is funeral somber, but it left me wanting at least one more dance. Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fishers Event Center 11000 Stockdale St. Fishers, IN 46037 Indy Fuel website   Fishers Event Center website Year Opened:  2024 Capacity:  7,500 Indy's New Home for Hockey in Fishers In November 2024, the Indy Fuel opened a new home, the Fishers Event Center. The $170 arena has a capacity of 7,500 for hockey. It is part of a $650 million project that features apartments, office space, a hotel and restaurant, and retail space in the northwest suburb of Fishers, Indiana, 12 miles from the team’s former home at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  The Fuel began operations in the ECHL in 2014 at the renovated Indiana Farmers Coliseum, formerly the Pepsi Coliseum. The first professional hockey teams debuted in 1939 at the old barn and, up until November 2022, saw various clubs in the International and American Hockey Leagues. With the construction of the Fishers Event Center, a new era of hockey began in the Indianapolis market that should have a lasting impact for years. Food & Beverage 4 The Fishers Event Center offers multiple food and beverage spots on the first and second floors. The Fuel Zone locations offer fans grab-and-go options for food and beverages. Customers pick up their items and pay for them with their credit card. There are a few kiosks where cheesesteaks and supreme nachos are prepared to order. The arena’s food court is divided into two sections: District Eats for quick bites like freshly made burgers and pizza held individually under warmers, and District Drinks for refreshing beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Other items include giant-sized brats, barbecue pork sandwiches, ham and cheese kolaches, burgers, and hot dogs. Kickin’ Chicken prepares fried chicken and pork tenderloin sandwiches in front of customers for their sandwiches. There is plenty to wash down all the food with Coke products, beer, wine, hard seltzers and ciders, and mixed cocktails. The historic railyard of the town inspires the Railyard Pub. The elevated bar offers packaged beers and signature cocktails: Kentucky lemonade, margaritas, and Moscow mules. The local beers include Full Day Ray, Sun King, and King Jugg varieties, within 3 miles of the arena. King Jugg makes the official Black Dog Indy Fuel Ale. All of the beer comes by the can and is available in the grab-and-go from the refrigerators.  Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at The FEC for Fuel game is lively and engaging. Fans have an open view from a majority of the second level above the seating bowl. It is phenomenal, noting that games are enjoyable even for those who may not typically follow hockey.  The sleek and modern design of the building, most notably its sound system and wide open concourses, is impressive. The seating bowl is near capacity, the aisles are packed during intermission, and when a goal is scored, the entire building cheers in unison. The venue features a standard four-screen scoreboard that is basic compared to others across the ECHL. Nitro, the team’s official mascot, walks around the concourse, providing photo opportunities to all fans, young and old. The Garage Team Shop on the first floor for merchandising needs. The arena features a premium club and suites on the west side and large club seating on the southeast corner of the upper concourse. There are also two bars on opposite ends of the arena: The North Club Market and the Nickle Plate Market. Fans enjoy a drink or two during intermission or take a break from the action during the game. The bag policy includes clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. It does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. Bags cannot be tinted with color or include oversized content that prevents visibility into the clear bag. Only non-clear bags that are smaller than 4.5” x 6.5” will be permitted into the stadium. Any type of non-clear bag exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size will not be allowed. Overall, attending an Indy Fuel game at the Fishers Event Center promises an exciting and memorable experience with a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to both dedicated hockey fans and newcomers. Neighborhood 4 The FEC is in Fishers, Indiana, off of I-69. The arena is within a 15-minute walk to   The Yard at Fishers District,   which features a variety of restaurants and bars. They include quick bites such as Shake Shack, Chicken Salad Chick, Torchy’s Tacos, and Bibibop Asian Grill. However, if desiring a little more ambiance, the 1933 Lounge, The HC Tavern and Kitchen, and Sangiovese Ristorante are fine choices. Sun King Brewery is located at The Yard and includes The Fishers Test Kitchen, local chef-inspired cuisine, and rotating test concepts. A few blocks across the interstate are a few more choices, including Full Day Ray Restaurant and Brewery, Parks Place Pub, and King Jugg Brewery. Indiana’s only IKEA and Top Golf locations are within eye-sight of the arena, along with Portillo’s, a spot for iconic Chicago food: Italian beef, Vienna beef hot dogs, sandwiches, and ribs. Fans 5 The arena has had three sell-outs at the time of this writing, and the building is much louder than its predecessor at The Fairgrounds. Fans pay attention to the action on the ice, cheer at the right time, and celebrate every goal scored by moving their arms up and down in unison.  Access 4 Like its predecessor, fans cannot walk around the upper concourse, as the premium club and suites take up the majority of the western portion of the building. Fans enter from the ground floor and access staircases to the upper concourse. There is enough room to walk around, but it narrows out at the North Club Market bar area. There are a few standing-room-only spots towards the northern part of the concourse that have slightly obstructed views of the ice. The parking situation is interesting, guests have the option to prepay online or pay during the event, eliminating the need for gates and minimizing traffic congestion. There is signage where fans can scan a code to access the website and pay $10 or $20 depending on location. Most of the concession stands are grab-n-go that provide easy access in and out for customers. When purchasing a beer, staff members open up your cans at the point of purchase. The longest lines are for the cheesesteak and nacho kiosks, where items are made in order. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices begin at $24 on the team’s website, while parking is $10 in the general admission lot and $20 in the VIP lots closer to the arena's entrance. Menu prices include $6 for a hot dog to $13 for a chicken sandwich with a fry basket. Macro beers are $10, and microbrews are $13. The team shop offers plenty of merchandise: jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and hockey pucks.  Ticket prices are slightly higher compared to division rivals in Toledo and Fort Wayne but on par with Cincinnati. Weekend games will produce larger crowds and more bang for your buck in the atmosphere, while weekday evening games will have a smaller, yet still boisterous, crowd. Extras 3 The FEC earns a point for convenience with its parking fees, freshly made chicken sandwiches at the Kickin’ Chicken stand, and sensory kits for fans with sensory sensitivities.  Final Thoughts The Fishers Event Center is an ideal palace for watching hockey. The open views, easy access to food and beverage, and modern comforts provide a close-to-perfect experience for hockey and non-hockey fans. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Wisdom Gym 1333 W. Washington Stephenville, TX 76401 Tarleton State Texans website Wisdom Gym website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 3,000 Tarleton State University Women’s Basketball Stephenville is a city of approximately 20,000 people located in north central Texas. Known affectionately as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Stephenville is home to numerous world-renowned horse trainers and top-level professional rodeo athletes, most notably Ty Murray. Murray is a nine-time PRCA world champion cowboy and co-founder of the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR). In 2023, no less than 42 (31%) qualifiers for the National Finals Rodeo came from the Stephenville metro area. In addition to professional level cowboys, Tarleton State University sponsors championship level rodeo, stock horse, and animal judging teams to solidify the town’s claim to the western-themed title. Not just a one-horse town, however, Tarleton State University also provides NCAA Division I athletic competition in multiple sports as well. Women’s basketball is such a sport, competing in the Western Athletic Conference since moving up from Division II in 2020. The Tarleton State Texans women’s basketball team has 14 conference championships and multiple regional tournament appearances in their history – their best national finish was reaching the NAIA finals in 1991-92. Tarleton plays its home games in venerable Wisdom Gym, which opened in 1970 as a multisport facility; the gym seats 3,000 including pull-out seats on each side of the gym. The seating in the lower section has been updated with seatback chairs on the home side of the court, but the upper seating is the original wooden pull-out bleachers, which takes fans on a trip down memory lane. With a modern video scoreboard and a live DJ pumping music, the setting is upbeat and energetic. This season will be the last for basketball in Wisdom Gym, however, as it will become a volleyball-only facility in the future, with basketball moving to a new facility.   Food & Beverage   3 All the normal concession stand fare is available at Wisdom gym, but there are no specialty items. Snacks include candy, chips, popcorn, and pretzels, while the drinks are Pepsi products, including Pepsi, Dr Pepper, Starry, and Tropicana Lemonade. Heartier food choices include hog dogs, nachos and pulled pork sandwiches. At the game I last attended, pretzels with a side of cheese were very popular – I personally chose a pulled pork sandwich, which was above average.   Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere for Tarleton Women’s basketball is well above what you might expect – the presence of a live DJ, DJ Quan, playing before the game and during dead ball periods give the game an NBA feel. There is also an emcee, as well as games between quarters that include fan participants, keeping the crowd involved and helping avoid dead time. In addition, groups attending games get special recognition, and also can participate in some of the on-court games and other activities; all of these fan-friendly activities create an environment where fans enjoy themselves and want to come back again. Even though the most recent game I witnessed was an early fall Saturday non-conference game, there was a mixture of fans that included a preteen birthday party, a high school basketball team, several Tarleton students, and a healthy section of older adults. The crowd was active and involved with the game.   Neighborhood   4 Tarleton is set in the center of Stephenville, which is a small town of approximately 20,000 people. The area around campus is mostly residential with many restaurants and fast food choices within a few minutes’ drive. The best options nearby include Hard 8 BBQ , Grumps Burgers , Don Nico’s Mexican Food , Newton's Saddlerack , and Caam’s Pizza . Or should you prefer an old school diner experience, Jake and Dorothy’s is a locally owned joint that dates back to 1948, the place waffle cut fries were invented and where chicken fried steak is their calling card – just carry cash as they do not accept credit or debit. There are plenty of hotels to choose from in town; some of the more highly rated choices include Hampton Inn and Suites , La Quinta Inn and Suites , and Best Western Plus among others. If you prefer short term rental options, there are several small houses and cabins available in and around Stephenville. On busy weekends, availability can be an issue, however.   Fans   5 Tarleton fans are loud and loyal. They show up early and support their team without negatively cheering against the opponent. Students are also loyal and support the team loudly. The Texans are also supported by their cheerleaders and a mascot, the Texan Rider, who is fully adorned in Cowboy attire including leather chaps, silk cravat and black hat. Other student groups at Tarleton include the Plowboys, as well as the state's oldest spirit organization, The Purple Poo. The Purple Poo is a secret society of males and females who are charged with keeping the spirit of John Tarleton and Oscar P alive. This special group posts signs of support weekly on campus and shows up at most events involving Tarleton teams. When they arrive, they lead the crowd in a special cheer for Oscar P and the Texans. Charged to wear disguises in public throughout their entire time on campus, the identity of each member of “The Poos” is only revealed at the end of their senior year. At the game last I attended there was a large crowd – the student section was nearly full, while the reserved sections were over fifty percent capacity. For a football Saturday morning, such a large crowd is evidence that the basketball program is well supported by fans of all ages.   Access   4 Stephenville is approximately three and a half hours north of San Antonio via US-281, and three hours from Austin via Interstate 35. From the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex it is only a little over an hour’s drive. Once in town, the university is easily accessible and ample parking near the gym is available. There is no commercial air travel into town, however, and public transportation is rideshare only, which is limited at best. The best option if flying into the region is to fly to DFW, Love Field-Dallas, Austin-Bergstrom, or San Antonio airport and rent a vehicle to drive from there.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets are $10, and a full meal can be purchased for less than $10, so the ROI of a basketball game at Wisdom Gym is well worth the trip. With the assurance of a quality team, strong crowd support and entertainment during timeouts, the game experience is a bargain in my mind.   Extras   4 The presence of the live DJ takes the atmosphere to a high level, completely unexpected upon entering the gym – hype music is one thing, but with DJ Quan in the stands, the desire to dance during timeouts is greatly enhanced. In addition, the live, in-game emcee and crowd involvement greatly enhances the experience, and help the game not drag. Time goes by fast since there is very little down time during the game. Lastly, the old school feel of the entrance and upper section of the building, combined with the upgraded seating and amenities, create a feeling of nostalgia without losing any of the comforts fans have come to expect in today’s game experiences.   Final Thoughts Seeing a Tarleton Texan women’s basketball game is a quality entertainment option, and Wisdom Gym is a classic setting for such a positive experience. However, this year is the last chance to see a game in this facility, as Tarleton is currently constructing a new multipurpose facility, which will open in time for next season, so get to Wisdom Gym while you can.