Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Cross Insurance Arena 1 Civic Center Square Portland, ME 04012 Maine Mariners website Cross Insurance Arena website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 6,200 Turn the Tide The southern Maine city of Portland has long been a year-round minor-league sports town, and was named by Sports Business Journal as the top minor league market of 2024. Through the spring and summer months the city’s sports attention is dominated by the Portland Sea Dogs (MiLB), but a lot of excitement also surrounds the start of professional soccer here in Spring 2024, with the Maine Hearts of Pine in USL One. In addition, from the fall and throughout the winter, fans seek safe harbor from Maine’s brutal winters at the Portland Exposition Building for Maine Celtics  (G League) basketball, as well as across town at Cross Insurance Arena for the Maine Mariners of the ECHL. The original Maine Mariners (AHL) began play in 1977 at the newly built (at the time) Cumberland County Civic Center, quickly capturing the attention of Maine’s largest city. As the top affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers , the Mariners wasted no time making their mark, winning the Calder Cup in their first two seasons (1977-78 and 1978-79) and adding a third championship in 1983-84. The Flyers sold the Mariners to the New Jersey Devils  the following year, but this partnership was brief, as the team was soon sold to the Boston Bruins , sparking excitement among local fans. However, the franchise moved to Providence  in 1992, leaving Portland without a hockey team for the 1992-93 season. AHL hockey returned to Portland in 1993 with the Portland Pirates – the Pirates, much like the Mariners, achieved instant success, winning the Calder Cup in their inaugural season (1993-94). Over the next 23 seasons, the Pirates cycled through various NHL affiliations. Despite their early success, however, the team struggled with declining attendance and a contentious lease dispute. Ultimately, the franchise was sold and relocated to Springfield, Massachusetts, becoming the Springfield Thunderbirds , leaving behind a storied hockey legacy in Portland. This would mark the end of AHL hockey in Portland, but the absence of professional hockey would last just one season – the void would be filled by a new incarnation of the Maine Mariners to the delight of many locals, who understood the connection with Portland’s hockey history.   Food & Beverage   3 The usual collection pizza slices, hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels are widely available throughout Cross Insurance Arena. Burgers and fries are also on the menu, as is the carnival favorite, fried dough with powdered sugar. In addition, the “Local Flavah Farmstand” does have a handful of locally sourced items which include a steak and cheese sandwich, honey chipotle bacon burger, and the area’s French-Canadian influenced tater-tot poutine that comes served in a miniature goalie mask. The Maine classic Whoopie pies come in both traditional chocolate and gluten free carrot cake, while beverages available include Gatorade, bottled water, and a full selection of bottled Pepsi products. Craft beer enthusiasts will be treated to an extensive menu of some of Maine’s finest – Portland brewer Lone Pine has created a Maine Mariners branded Sessions Ale. Also featured are crafts from Definitive Brewing, Orono Brewing Company, and Nonesuch River Brewing. Typical national brands are also available, but in large part are ignored. For those who are not fans of beer, there still is a large selection of vodka seltzers, pre-mixed cocktails, wine, and cider choices, as well as even a pair of signature cocktails in the main lobby area. For fans of craft beer, though, Cross Insurance Arena might be one of the top destinations at any level, with no less than thirteen different beers available. Food options are not nearly as impressive, but sufficient for basic arena food needs.   Atmosphere   3 Cross Insurance Arena is a cozy venue for hockey, small enough where just about any seat keep fans on top of the action on the ice, and with seats roomy enough that each fan has plenty of room. The building was built in the 1970s, when suites and luxury boxes were not a consideration, especially at the minor league level. As the arena aged and amenities became more of a necessity than a luxury, however, renovations saw three levels of suites built into the corners at one end of the arena – due to nearby support structures these do seem awkwardly placed. Both ends of the rink also have ice level lounges that add some premium seating options. Seats to be wary of are those along the aisles in the first few rows of the upper tier seating, and the handrails along the stair landings do significantly obstruct views of the ice. A four-sided scoreboard hangs over center ice and serves to stream the game and provide basic game information: time left in the period, shots on goal, score, and time left on power-plays. As has become the norm throughout much of in-game entertainment, an in-game host prompts fans with trivia contests, seat upgrades, and fan cams during stoppages in play. The first intermission is filled with junior hockey players scrimmaging at each end of the ice, while the second intermission features “Chuck-a-Puck”, where fans can purchase pucks to toss on the ice – if they land on the target the thrower can win prizes. Also, in what seemingly has become a de facto sports anthem in New England, fans sing “Sweet Caroline” to kick off the third period.   Neighborhood   5 Cross Insurance Arena is on the Portland peninsula, where the city’s arts district transitions to the Old Port, known for its shops, restaurants, nightlife, and high density of hotels. Portland is also known as one of the most beer friendly cities in the country – while Portland has over 20 breweries, the Old Port is highlighted by Shipyard Brewing and Gritty McDuff’s, both within walking distance. Alternatively, if finding nighttime entertainment following the game is more the goal, the bars of the Old Port are a popular stop. Maine winters definitely impact the overall frivolity of the neighborhood, however, moving much of the entertainment indoors. Though Portland is well known for high end dining , native Portlanders would likely point to better kept secrets for the real local tastes. One of the worst kept secrets in town is the breakfast menu at Becky’s Diner on Hobson’s Wharf, which commonly has lines out the door. In addition, though a bit touristy, DiMillo’s floating restaurant on Long Wharf has been a fixture of seafood dining in this area for nearly five decades. Or, if a quick bite on the go is more the need, Amato’s on India Street is the home of the “Real Italian” sandwich. Portland and the surrounding area are also rich in historic points of interest; within walking distance are Victoria Mansion and the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House, and across Portland Harbor in nearby Cape Elizabeth is the iconic Portland Headlight, which is the most photographed lighthouse in the world.   Fans   4 Portland is a city that gets behind their teams, and the Mariners’ affiliation with the Boston Bruins  helps draw out a bit more of the local interest and regional enthusiasm and pride. The Mariners typically find themselves in the middle of the pack when it comes to overall attendance, however, ranging from four to five thousand per game. Fans at Cross Insurance Arena are actively and organically engaged in the game, commonly starting up chants of “Let’s Go Mariners!” with no prompting. They are also cognizant of good hockey plays that might go unnoticed by less well-versed fans – big hits, clearing the zone during power plays, or simple hustle plays are commonly, and rightfully, applauded. No conversation of hockey fans in Portland would be complete without mentioning one of its most beloved hockey fans, Raymond “Switchboard” Dudley; anyone familiar with professional hockey in Portland surely has a memory of Switchboard. Dudley’s fandom earned him enshrinement as one of nineteen members of the Portland Pirates’ Hall of Fame, and upon his passing during the 2024 season, Switchboard’s seat was adorned with flowers, cards, and other trinkets in his memory. It is the dedication of fans like Dudley and those who recognize how his presence helps make the experience special, as well as the appreciation this fanbase as a whole has for their hometown team, that makes hockey at Cross Insurance Arena so special.   Access   4 Portland is a fairly easy city to navigate; not much is far away from one point to another. The city also has a serviceable bus system for those coming from areas outside of downtown, and with such a large concentration of hotels in downtown Portland, simply walking to the Cross Insurance Arena certainly could be a possibility for those visiting from out of town. For those driving, there is plenty of parking around the area, the most convenient being Spring Street garage which is practically attached to the arena. There is also a fair amount of street parking nearby; note that meters must be paid Mondays – Saturdays until 6 pm. Cross Insurance Arena has three entry points, one at the corner of Spring and Center Streets, plus a main lobby that is accessible from both Spring and Free Streets, which pass on each side of the arena – the lobby entry is a bit more popular as it provides shelter from the elements. However, once passing through security just inside the lobby, fans do tend to congregate as they wait for others; adding in a handful of promotional tables, as well as beer carts and concessions, the entry does become a bit congested. The concourses here are rather narrow, when considering the normal flow of fans and along with concession lines during pre-game and intermissions. For the most part, though, fans stay in their seats during play, which does help alleviate overly crowded walkways.   Return on Investment   4 Ticket prices do seem reasonable; seats in the far end where the Mariners will be on offense once start at $19, but what ends up being a downer are the Ticketmaster fees that are added on, making a $19 ticket quickly become $37. The secondary market does have a slightly less expensive base price, but there are still fees to consider. On the plus side Saturday night games can be purchased for just $8, and if you are able to get to the box office ahead of time, you can avoid the Ticketmaster fees. Parking in the adjacent garage runs $15, also a bit high, but the availability of street parking for early birds will just run the going meter rates, which currently are not more than $2.50 per hour. Inside the arena, concession prices are subject to typical stadium markups, so the high costs for food and drinks are not much of a surprise. There are opportunities to get into several games with highly discounted tickets, however.   Extras   3 Cross Insurance Arena pays tribute to the accomplishments of the AHL teams that previously played there – banners recognizing the four Calder Cups, three won by the original Mariners (‘78, ‘79, and ‘84) and the last by the Pirates (‘94), are proudly displayed from the rafters. The Mariners obviously consider the overall fan experience that accompanies the game; mascot Beacon, a puffin, makes its way through the stands stopping for photos and interacting with fans during stoppages in play. Also, during the first period players not dressed out sign autographs for fans in the main lobby. Just off the main lobby of Cross Insurance Arena is the Saco & Biddeford Savings Hall of Fame Lounge – this lounge recognizes Portland’s previous professional hockey teams and their division and league championships, along with major events to have come through the then civic center.   Final Thoughts Attempts to build a new arena in Portland in the early 2000s never came to fruition, as city and county officials were never able to come to a consensus on funding; the debate left the city with a facility that was quickly becoming obsolete. By the time the future of Cross Insurance Arena was decided, the only option was to renovate a facility which had limited options for significant expansion. For hockey, Cross Insurance Arena is fine – its limitations do not necessarily take away from the overall experience, so the facility and amenities create a cozy hockey atmosphere. While several arenas around the league might be much more impressive with their size, amenities, and overall awe factor, the atmosphere can easily get lost in a larger venues that might only be half full, even with larger crowds; Cross Insurance Arena’s smaller size helps to create more of an air of excitement, and an environment that easily engages fans.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Lucas Oil Stadium 500 S Capitol Ave Indianapolis, IN 46225 Indianapolis Colts website Lucas Oil Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 62,421 Good to the Last Drop Lucas Oil Stadium is considered one of the top destinations in the National Football League. Yes, other stadiums have been built across the league since its opening in 2008, but when it comes down to every metric, the home of the Indianapolis Colts is among the better gameday experiences in the league. It has a true downtown feel with bars, hotels, restaurants, and nightlife just a few steps from the main entrance. Its design also blends well with the surrounding area but stands out significantly within the city’s landscape. The 62,421-seat venue features a retractable roof that remains open unless inclement weather or lightning is within the stadium, the temperature drops below 40° F, or wind gusts are greater than 40 miles per hour. However, once closed, it cannot be opened during the game. The open roof provides a natural breeze throughout sections of the stadium and provides some great vantage points of downtown buildings. The streets are packed with fans, and nearby Georgia Street is open for pedestrians, allowing fans to openly carry alcoholic drinks in a cup. Touchdown Town is footsteps from the main entrance and provides live music, skills tests for kids, food samples, and more good times. Even if you are not a football fan, there is a lot of excitement to attract fans to the game. Food & Beverage 4 Lucas Oil Stadium has 59 permanent and 90 portable stands with more than 500 points of sale. Fans can enjoy various menu options without waiting too long in line. Fan favorites include hot dogs, brats, barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger baskets, chicken strip baskets, chicken strip baskets, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and Hot Box pizza. There are also value meals(a hot dog, popcorn, and soda) at the stadium. The specialty items include barbecue brisket and pulled pork sandwiches and nachos, cantina nachos, chicken diablo wraps, Cuban sandwiches, Polish sausages, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and nachos. Sausages and burgers can be loaded with additional toppings for four dollars extra. New items for the season include loaded mac and cheese fries, garlic cheese curds, spicy chicken sandwiches, and a footlong corn dog. A few more points of interest are the Inspo stand, where options include Wagyu Chicago hot dogs and sriracha mac and cheese. The Taste of Innova stand features chicken and cauliflower wings with four creative sauces, including African pepper and zest. Coca-Cola products and beer options from Budweiser, Coors, and Miller are available at multiple stands. Local craft beer options include Black Dog Brewing Good Vibrations, Elysian Space Dust, Mad Anthony Mosaic Moon, and Metazoa Trash Panda. Non-beer choices are hard seltzers and spiked iced tea. There is a wide variety of cocktails and hard liquor at the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The design of the stadium is neither modern nor chic, but it blends in nicely with existing buildings and nearby factories. At most stadiums, fans enter vast parking lots well before kickoff to set up chairs, tents, and grills and begin their festivities. However, the stadium is a few feet from vast bars and restaurants open early for Sunday afternoon home games. One of the first places you see near the stadium is Touchdown Town, which opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes just before the game starts at 12:30 p.m. For the duration of its two-and-a-half hours of operation, the area provides a perfect canvas for all fans. “Touchdown Town was created to offer fans of all ages a place to gather together to celebrate and build excitement for the upcoming game,” stated Larry Hall, Colts Vice-President of Ticket Operations and Guest Services. “Fans can enjoy a variety of activities including live music, football drills, giveaways, and food, and drink specials. Touchdown Town serves as the Colt's premier pre-game party location.” Once inside, there is not a bad seat in the house in the spacious building. The main entrance features a sound stage for pre-concerts that overlooks the football field. Fans line up around the stage or watch pre-game practice on the field. The wide-open area serves as a town meeting hall for fans, and you cannot help but look around in awe if you are a first-time patron. A sound stage for pre-game concerts overlooks the football field at the main entry plaza. Oversized collages of former Colts players and moments against the wall entitled “A House Built by Champions” feature an homage to the state’s car racing industry with various model cars on display in the area. Outside the stadium on South Street is the Peyton Manning statue. Manning was the most prolific player in the team’s Indianapolis history and one of the all-time greats. He put the team on the map and could be credited for the construction of the very building that stands behind him. Neighborhood 5 The stadium is within walking distance of 50 different places to eat, drink, and dance. There are ideal spots within blocks in the downtown area, along with a few more choices in other neighborhoods a little less than a mile or so from the stadium. The Slippery Noodle is a local institution and the oldest bar in the state; it offers music, food, and drinks and is across the street from the stadium. Kilroy’s Bar N’ Grill is a local establishment that has made its mark downtown and has plenty of room to accommodate fans before or after the game. If you are looking for a great steak dinner, St. Elmo’s or Harry and Izzy’s are two options. It is under the same ownership and known for its spicy shrimp cocktail sauce that will please the horseradish aficionado. The Fountain Square neighborhood is highly recommended and is bustling on the weekends. A few recommendations are Chili Water and Fountain Square Brewing, video games at Tapper’s, giant burgers at Kuma’s Corner, or duckpin bowling in a retro atmosphere. The Hotel Whiskey Tango Distillery makes specialty drinks and is a great place to talk with friends. Mass Ave is another vibrant area offering more dining and drinking options. A few recommendations include The Eagle for some of the best fried chicken in town, St. Joseph’s Brewery located in an old church, FortyFive Degrees for live music, and BRU Burger Bar for its fantastic homemade ketchup to dip into your fries. If you are with the family, downtown has an array of attractions, including the Indiana State Museum, the NCAA Hall of Champions, and The Canal Walk. However, one of the true hidden gems is the Indiana Experience at the Historical Society. Visitors can step into three-dimensional re-creations of historic photographs complete with characters. Fans 4 The Colts fanbase had been spoiled at the start of the century with only two losing seasons in a 15-year span. The state that historically favored basketball became a football town with the championship success of the team. The team also honors many of its season ticket holders with banners on the top level, and their impact can be felt each game. Access 5 Lucas Oil Stadium is a downtown venue easily accessible from the interstate. The imposing structure is visible off of I-70, and there are more than the city and private lots to choose from to park your car. These lots range from $30-$50, and if lucky, you may even find free street parking on Sundays. If you do more searching and feel like walking, there are less expensive options north of the stadium off of Meridian, Pennsylvania, and Capitol Streets. Downtown Indianapolis has an array of one-way streets, but many are reverted to direct traffic back onto the interstate after the game. The local police do an honorable job directing traffic after the game to ensure smooth sailing from the parking lots onto the city streets and local interstate. Inside the venue, the concourses are wide and spacious for easy access. There is plenty of signage, video screens, and open areas to help guide you through your visit. If you happen to get lost, ask a friendly staff member to help you find your way to a particular area of Lucas Oil Stadium. Return on Investment 4 The single price for a ticket ranges from game to game and depends on how well the Colts are doing on the season. In the past, tickets could be purchased online for as low as $20, but when the team is vying for a playoff spot, those prices will increase to around $60. However, when winning, the crowd noise is booming. Parking can be found around the stadium for around $30, but other spots within walking distance are much less. Extras 4 Lucas Oil Stadium earns several points, including Touchdown Town on Georgia Street before the game. The atmosphere includes concerts, lounge chairs, children’s activities, drinks, and outdoor games. The earlier the season, the better the weather will be in Indianapolis. A second point is for the Bud Light Zone, the perfect spot to hang out with friends and enjoy the game. The area is located on the upper concourse at the north end of the building and is a massive party in all four quarters. A third point is for the customer service counters that offer soundproof headphones and weighted blankets to help offset the loud atmosphere inside the building. There are picture menus at all permanent concession stands, and the team has also added a “ Social Story ” to its website, which provides helpful information and photos. The final point is for a downtown location that is accessible for traffic on foot as well as by car. A visitor can have a walk with a sea of blue towards the stadium before the game or enjoy a few tailgating spots if arriving earlier by car. Final Thoughts It is hard not to be impressed with the gameday experience at Lucas Oil Stadium for a Colts game. It is a stadium properly made for both the players and the fans. The pre-game festivities, friendly staff, frenzied environment, and location steps from some of the city’s best restaurants and bars make for a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. ______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channe l. Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club 4040 Central Florida Pkwy Orlando, FL 32837 PNC Championship website The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club website Year Opened: 2003 A Family Golf Celebration The PNC Championship is a quietly growing tradition in the world of professional golf. Held each year since 1995, the tournament features Pro-Am pairings with some of the PGA Tours legends and their family, often their children, playing alongside. The four-day event is split into two components, with Thursday and Friday played as de-facto practice rounds, while Saturday and Sunday count as a 36-hole tournament for the yearly crown. Held in Orlando at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, this affordable event is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed pro golf atmosphere.   Food & Beverage   5 There are numerous food vendors at the PNC Championship, with the majority of them located around the fan zone adjacent to the 18th green. Here, you can find everything from local food trucks and vendors (BBQ from $12-$19 and street tacos from $9-$14) to established chains (Chicken Salad Chick for $14 and Flipper’s Pizza from $13-$14). Tournament booths also offer food and drinks, including breakfast sandwiches ($10), beer ($9), hard seltzers ($7-$9 for single cans and $40-$50 for six-packs that include a banded cooler bag), wine ($14), and cocktails ($7-$15). In addition, around the course smaller vendors with snacks and drinks are located between Holes 5 and 6, as well as between Holes 14 and 15.   Atmosphere   4 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is a stunning facility for professional golf. Located in Orlando just minutes from the theme parks, this luxury resort features Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott resorts on property. The towers of these two resorts dominate the landscape, while lush green palms and pines remind you that you’re still in Florida. Played in December, the weather for the PNC Championship is almost guaranteed to be perfect year after year, thanks to Central Florida’s ideal climate in the winter. The course is large and spread out, meaning you may have a lot of walking to do during the event if you want to see multiple holes, however. Unfortunately, unlike most pro tournaments there are only two small grandstands on the course, located at the first tee box and at the 18th green. The tournament does offer complimentary tickets to all active duty and retired military for the weekend, and also features the Pepsi Patriot’s Pavilion on the 17th green. Here, military and their families can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks with their own dedicated seating area overlooking the penultimate hole on the course.   Neighborhood   4 The area around the course is a mix of residential and tourist. Not far from the course is International Drive, home to numerous shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions like Sea World and ICON Park. Hotels are plentiful as well, the two luxury resorts on property notwithstanding.   Fans   4 The fans at the PNC Championship are diehard golf fans. Tickets to the tournament are limited by the organizer to specifically reduce crowd sizes on the course, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, so you won’t find those signature massive oceans of fans following Tiger Woods or Vijay Singh from hole to hole like you would at other tournaments. Additionally, the event is incredibly family friendly, meaning you will see many young golf fans in attendance from day to day, thanks in part to the event’s affordability. Another plus is that the event is a no-autograph event, meaning the resellers and autograph hounds found at other tournaments are not to be found here, a welcome change for the casual fan.   Access   5 Parking at the PNC Championship is plentiful – free parking is available nearby at Sea World Aquatica water park, with free fan shuttles available to drive you back and forth from the lot to the main entrance. Paid parking is also available on site, with several lots open at the course itself. Getting to the course is also easy, thanks to its location on John Young Parkway, just a few minutes from Highway 417. The parking lot at Aquatica is also easy to access, with exits from both Highway 408 and I-4 leading you right to the parking lot. Once at the course, signage is plentiful for access around the course.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for the PNC Championship. Thursday and Friday single day grounds access passes cost just $36, with upgraded tickets available for $75; these include parking on site at the course itself, as well as access to the covered VIP viewing area on the 18th green. Saturday and Sunday tickets start at $45, with the same VIP upgraded tickets going for over $400 per day, thanks to the inclusion of premium parking, free food and drinks, and private restrooms.   Extras   3 The course features a pro shop that sells both course specific merchandise as well as hats, shirts, and flags featuring the PNC Championship flag. The fan zone also features several sponsor activations, including golf swing analysis, free giveaways, and merchandise vendors. Finally, fans can watch the players warm up at the putting green as well as on the driving range, both located right in the heart of the fan zone.   Final Thoughts The PNC Championship is a great event for golf fans to watch some of the greatest players in the game compete in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. Often competing alongside their children, this tournament is both competitive and relaxed. With incredibly affordable ticket options, free parking, and countless concessions, this may be the best professional golf tournament in Florida when it comes to per-dollar value and pure enjoyment of the game.

Photos by Richard Smith and Jennifer Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 M&T Bank Stadium 1101 Russell St Baltimore, MD 21230 Baltimore Ravens website M&T Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 70,745 Home of the Ravens The Baltimore Ravens gave the fans of “Charm City” a new beginning in 1996 when they started operation after the Cleveland Browns moved to the Maryland city. As part of a settlement between the league and the city of Cleveland, Art Modell was required to leave the Browns’ history and records in Cleveland for a replacement team. Since their “new beginning,” the Ravens have won two Super Bowl titles. The city of Baltimore has a history of winning teams. The Baltimore Colts won the NFL Championship game before the Super Bowl even existed, in 1958 and 1959, as well as the Super Bowl in 1971. The Baltimore Stars of the USFL were led by coach Jim Mora to that league’s championship in 1985, the final year of the league and team. And of course, the well-loved Canadian Football franchise, the Baltimore CFL Colts/Stallions won in 1995, before the Ravens came to town and prompted their move to Montreal to become the Alouettes. Those seven championships show that Baltimore is a hard-nosed football town with a history of success. After playing their first two years at the venerable old Memorial Stadium, the team has made what is now known as M&T Bank Stadium home. The 70,745-seat stadium has been renovated many times over the years. The team updates the stadium in many ways from year to year and the stadium always feels fresh and new. The Ravens announced a multi-year project (2024-2026) to enhance the Stadium with significant projects. The Ravens are using a projected $430 million of the $600 million of state funds allotted for stadium improvements. The funds came with the renewal of the Ravens' lease, which will keep them in M&T Bank Stadium through at least the 2037 season. As of the end of the 2024 season, many of the projects are halfway done with the following seasons seeing new, enhanced entrances and clubs. Food & Beverage 5 The Ravens have good-quality concession stands around the stadium. Many stands offering options such as beer, chili bowl, pizza, and hot dogs are all nice options. Stands have generic names, such as Goal Line Grill, Kickoff Classics, and the Chesapeake Market. There are also outposts of local favorites. There are also a few full-service bars scattered around offering top-shelf spirits and premium drinks. Several kiosks also sell a variety of domestic and craft beers. The stadium has followed the lead of Atlanta and has begun to offer many lower-priced, value options. This has made an already good food experience even better. Atmosphere 5 From the Ravenswalk area outside of the stadium to the purple seats and concourse lighting, the Ravens have set a fine stage for the enjoyment of NFL football. Expect the games to be loud inside the walls of the stadium. Every play, whether it be on defense or offense, will have the fans screaming at every detail. Even special team plays are paid attention to in great detail. The fans are knowledgeable about all aspects of the game. Ravenswalk leads the fans from downtown and Oriole Park towards M&T Bank Stadium. It has always been a good place for fans to enjoy pre-game activities. The team has increased the entertainment and food offerings in this area making it an even more enjoyable place to spend some time. Make sure to be in this area when the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band makes its way towards the game. One favorite here is the cocktail bar offering decent price drinks and a pretty impressive Bloody Mary bar. One should also stop by to see the text of the former facade from Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, which is on display between the two stadiums. The text was a memorial to those killed in the two World Wars. The main words of “TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS” remind visitors of those this nation lost in the past. The line is a quote from Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The large video boards, known as RavensVision, past both end zones, are amazing visual spectacles. The vertical screens in each corner enhance the game viewing options. The Ravens cheerleading squad and mascot Poe offer traditional cheering options. Note that the cheerleading squad has a male stunt squad, as well. The Poe mascot has now seen his brothers, Edgar and Allen, re-added to the mascot mix. In 2022, the brothers stood in for Poe when he went down with a devastating wing injury. The fans are happy to see all three at the game in 2023. The "MO" in Baltimore is colored different colors in the end zones from the rest of the city name. This to honor the late Mo Gaba, who passed in 2020 at the age of 14. Mo was a Baltimore super-fan, who although was battling cancer for most of his life, and later blindness, became a favorite of all Baltimore athletes. Gaba was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in July 2020 and in 2019 became the first person to announce an NFL draft pick written in Braille. The Ravens continue to honor Mo 3 years after his passing. The signage around the stadium is consistent, modern, and appropriate. Purple lighting effects are seen everywhere. The team is always adding new ways to enhance the purple-ness of the stadium. Signage, flashing LED lights, and screens make you see purple all over the place, just as they want. One major complaint of M&T Bank Stadium had been the lack of escalators to the upper deck. But a few years back they added escalators to this area, which means that fans do not have to hoof it up and down stairs or long ramps. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood is generally the same as Oriole Park at Camden Yards but does suffer a slight bit, as it is further away from downtown Baltimore. The newly opened Horseshoe Casino, located south of the stadium, has the potential to make this “other” side of the stadium more and more important to the Ravens’ social scene. Close to the stadium, and right across from Oriole Park, are Pickles Pub and Sliders Bar & Grille. The Federal Hill neighborhood is also close by. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro (1041 Marshall Street) is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Mother’s (1113 S Charles Street) and Magerks (1061 S Charles Street) are also good places for a pre or postgame meal. The Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination and is a short walk from M&T Bank Stadium. There is a movement by a local developer to redevelop the already famous Harborplace into a state-of-the-art living and working area. Currently, the existing pavilions are underused. Baltimore is home to many touristy attractions, such as Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is located on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, although its unique collection will not be for everyone. Baltimore is and has always been, an urban environment where you should make sure you are aware of your surroundings. Use common sense and all will be fine and you will have a great time. Fans 5 Baltimore is a football town. They love smash-mouthed football and have no problem if the defense wins the game by smothering their opponents. Even when there was no NFL team in town, they embraced football variations offered by the USFL and the CFL in ways that other cities may have a hard time following. The fans will still respect fans who wear the opposing team’s colors, but they still should not expect too much love. The fans are serious about the Ravens and defensive football. Just like at Oriole Park, the Ravens’ fans commemorate the local creation of the Star-Spangled Banner, and the love of the other big league team in town, by shouting a loud “O!!!!!!” during the appropriate spot in the anthem. In other places, this would seem to be disrespectful, but in Baltimore, it shows the love of the country and the team. If you hear that yell at other parks throughout the country, rest assured that there is a Baltimore fan in the house. Fans also love to chant along with the “Seven Nation Army” song by the White Stripes. Access 5 M&T Bank Stadium is right off I-95, with only a couple of turns putting you on the highway home. Parking garages can be found in all directions from the stadium. Street parking is not a great option. Parking near the Inner Harbor is a good option. Check the parking link on the Ravens’ website to find bargains that are a pretty close walk away. If you’re not driving to the game, the other primary mode of access is the MTA Light Rail. From points north and south of downtown Baltimore, you can take the train to the ballpark. The Light Rail is slow, so make sure you know that beforehand, and the crowds will be overwhelming after the game. Return on Investment 4 The cost of an NFL game is expensive. There is no way around it. You do get a good deal, because of the high entertainment value and the extremely high level of competition. The parking costs, if done correctly and cheaply, can alleviate some of the expenses. The Ravens make sure the fans know they are valued for spending their money on the team. Free programs are available for all games, and the pregame ritual of walking the Ravenswalk (located between the two Camden Yards stadiums) is a treat for all fans. Extras 5 The Johnny Unitas statue is usually located at the end of Ravenswalk and in front of the stadium is a gathering spot for pregame meetings, as well as a place to honor the Baltimore Colts legend. A Ray Lewis statue was later added to honor one of the other most important Baltimore football players. Ravenswalk is the place to be and watch the excitement of the game day grow to a fever pitch. Both statues are temporarily located on the south side of the stadium while the north plaza is renovated into a new experience. The only marching band in professional football, the Marching Ravens, plays at Ravenswalk as well at points in the game. This is the same band that was known as the Baltimore Colts’ Marching Band and was started in 1947. The newly spent renovations and additions have made the purple colors and signage seem consistent, and scream out RAVENS at all points. Final Thoughts M&T Bank Stadium shows that the Ravens have done an outstanding job with their franchise. The fans who attend will always have a memorable game day experience and get good value.

The FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) playoffs are now underway, with the National Championship game taking place on January 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. We are pleased to release our ratings for the Top 25 stadiums at FCS stadiums. These rankings utilized our FANFARE scoring system, which considers all the factors that encompass the gameday atmosphere: food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, return on investment, and extras (anything unique to that stadium.) We have several facilities where stadiums had identical scores. These ties were broken by a vote of our reviewers, breaking the deadlocks. We don’t expect you to agree with some of these rankings. We encourage you to have lively discussions with your fellow football fans. Feel free to share your thoughts on our social medias. 1. Washington-Grizzly Stadium - Montana Grizzlies 4.43 Jason Karp - Our top-rated stadium features spectacular natural surroundings, a lively fanbase, close up views of the action and an always competitive team year after year. 2. William B. Greene Stadium - East Tennessee State Buccaneers 4.43 Lloyd Brown - Greene Stadium takes our second spot, as its natural setting at the base of a mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the games. The mountain also tends to trap the noise generated by the fans, resulting in making communications for the visiting teams very difficult. 3. Harlen Hunter Stadium - Lindenwood Lions 4.29 Lloyd Brown - One of the most recent additions to the FCS level of football is Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. The on-campus Harlan Hunter Stadium features a sleek modern design and one of the largest videoboards in the FCS. The pregame programs and the Lion’s Pride activities create a lot of energy, resulting in a high score for fan support. 4. Johnson Hagood Stadium - The Citadel Bulldogs 4.29 Aaron Terry - The pageantry of a football game at a service academy is always very special. This is very true at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. The entire cadet corps marches from the campus to the off-campus Johnson-Haygood Stadium prior to each contest. Recent renovations to the stadium have increased the seating capacity, and the fieldhouse at one end of the stadium features a façade that mimics the architecture found throughout the Citadel campus. 5. Rhodes Stadium - Elon Phoenix 4.14 Will Halpern - The home of the Phoenix is rising in our ratings based on the great sight lines, terrific North Carolina BBQ being served at its concession stands, and the sounds coming from the Fire of the Carolinas Band. 6. Franklin Field - Penn Quakers 4.14 Gregory Koch - Like many other structures in Philadelphia, Penn Stadium has withstood the test of time. It is one of the oldest college football stadiums still in use in the United States. It has frequently served as the home of the iconic Army-Navy football game, the home of the Penn Quakers every year, and has frequently been the host for some Philadelphia Eagles games when there has been a scheduling conflict. 7. Truist Stadium - North Carolina A&T Aggies 4.14 Will Halpern - Our top HCBU stadium is Truist Stadium in Greensboro, NC. It features a dedicated fanbase, a terrific band, and a team that is always in the thick of the MEAC conference championship race. 8. Finley Stadium - Chattanooga Mocs 4.14 Lloyd Brown - All aboard for a fun gameday experience at the home of the Mocs. The party gets underway at the Pavilion across the street from Finley Stadium, with the Marching Mocs, the cheer squads performing at the tailgating event and the Mocs football team doing their pregame walk through the crowd on their way to the stadium. Once inside the stadium, there are food trucks serving a wide variety of foods. After the games end, Finley Stadium is just a short distance from the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium … two of the city’s top tourist attractions. 9. Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium - South Dakota State 4.00 Lloyd Brown - The Jackrabbits have Dykhouse Stadium hopping well before the opening kickoff. SDSU fans have a great reputation for their tailgating acumen, which always includes a stop at the campus dairy store for its famous ice cream. Low ticket prices, one of the largest videoboards in an FCS venue, wonderful sightlines and back-to-back FCS national championships all add up to some great Saturdays in Brookings. 10. Bobcat Stadium - Montana State Bobcats 4.00 Lloyd Brown - The Bobcat Nation has impressed us with their enthusiasm throughout the season. They are on their feet early, as the Stampede is one of the best team entry celebrations we’ve ever witnessed. 11. E. Claiborne Robins Stadium - Richmond Spiders 4.00 Joseph Oakes - Oh, what a wonderful web they weave! A lovely, wooded setting, great concession items, a fun zone for the kids, and capacity crowds add up to a number eleven ranking for this FCS stadium. 12. Lawrence A. Wien Stadium - Columbia Lions 4.00 Jon Hart - The home of the Lions features great views of the Manhattan River, some of the cheapest ticket prices for a sports event in the Big Apple, and the panache of an Ivy League school earns this stadium a good grade. 13. Fargodome - North Dakota State Bison 4.00 Lloyd Brown - As our top-rated indoor facility, the Fargodome also has the best tailgating scene outside of any FCS venue. Once inside, the noise created by the Bison faithful can be deafening. Most important, the Fargodome provides a refuge from the harsh winter weather that typically moves into the area around the end of the season. 14. Davidson College Stadium - Davidson Wildcats 3.86 Lloyd Brown - Davidson College’s new stadium makes its debut on our top 25 stadiums list. It replaces the 100-year-old Richardson Stadium, which will now be used for track and field events. The new venue offers a wide variety of concession items, a close-to-the-field seating experience, and an extensive electronics package that was not possible in its former home. 15. First Security Field At Estes Stadium - Central Arkansas Bears 3.86 Lloyd Brown - A unique playing surface (it’s purple and silver) creates an immediate strong impression for fans watching a Bears’ home game. The low-ticket prices and on-campus location also add to the gameday experience. 16.  Stewart Stadium - Weber State Wildcats 3.86 Connor Comeau - Mother Nature is one of the first things you will notice at a Weber State football game. Stewart Stadium is located at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains in Ogden Utah. The Wildcats typically schedule late afternoon games, which allows fans to experience a spectacular view of the sunsets the area enjoys. The stadium also features an affordable family experience for both locals and visiting fans. 17. Delaware Stadium - Delaware Blue Hens 3.86 Richard Smith - The Hen’s house is a worthy venue for the state’s lone major college. It is a simple facility that enjoys a team that always seems to be in the championship mix, which results in capacity crowds. The stadium also provides easy access via the interstate highway system in the area. 18. Powers Field At Princeton Stadium - Princeton Tigers 3.86 Matthew Collins - Our second Ivy League venue on this list, Powers Field, is a modern facility at a school known for its old, historic buildings. Tiger fans enjoy the many amenities made possible by the recent building of the stadium. It is very close to the central campus, which makes it very easy for the campus community to get to the games without needing a car. The Tiger statues just outside of the stadium make a great backdrop for selfies. 19. Dakota Dome - South Dakota Coyotes 3.86 Aaron Terry - Our second indoor stadium on this list, the Dakota Dome, provides a quality viewing experience. You don’t need to worry about the elements, your seats are very close to the action on the field and the crowds are loud and enthusiastic. You also get to experience one of the toughest intrastate rivalry games in the country when the Coyotes welcome the SDSU Jackrabbits at the Dakota Dome every two years. 20. Cooper Field - Georgetown Hoyas 3.86 Gregory Koch - While many people think of Georgetown University as a basketball school, it also has a football program. Cooper Field is one of the smallest venues on this list with a capacity of  3,750. However, it is located on the Georgetown campus, making it very convenient for the students to attend. It also is the only football program within the District of Columbia, which results in several high-level government representatives attending each contest. 21. Crocker Field At Bailey Memorial Stadium - Presbyterian Blue Hose 3.86 Aaron Terry - Crocker Field is located on the lovely Presbyterian College campus in Clinton, SC. It is a relatively small stadium compared to most of the other venues on this list. This results in an intimate experience for fans attending a Blue Hose game. The statue of the Scotsman in front of the stadium also serves as a great backdrop for a selfie. 22. Cowboy Stadium - McNeese Cowboys 3.86 Paul Donaldson - “The Hole” is the second HBCU stadium on our list. It offers low ticket prices, some uniquely Cajun concessions offerings and a great P.A. announcer. The Cowboys are known for their up-tempo offense, which tends to wear out the opposition late in the games. 23. Paladin Stadium - Furman Paladins 3.71 David welch - Paladin Stadium is located on the lovely Furman University campus, which is well worth a visit, even when there is no game. Tailgating is very popular here, as the Furman campus offers plenty of shade, which is important in the hot days at the beginning of the season. The stadium is also known for its well-manicured setting, making it a very pleasing site for a game. The Paladin mascot is a very popular subject for fan photos, as he is a knight who roams the sidelines astride a horse. 24. Walkup Skydome - Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Walkup Skydome is yet another indoor facility on our list of top FCS stadiums. Its domed roof is needed for the frequent heavy snowfalls in the mountainous area of Flagstaff, Arizona. The Lumberjacks know how to take advantage of the dome, as it amplifies the crowd noise, making it difficult for visiting teams to communicate on snap counts. The team lives up to its name, as the lumberjack mascot uses a chainsaw to cut up wood after each Northern Arizona score. 25. Wildcat Stadium - New Hampshire Wildcats 3.57 Aaron Terry - Our only representative from the New England region is the University of New Hampshire’s Wildcat Stadium. It is one of the oldest venues on this list, as it was built in 1936, and has gone through many renovations since. It is known for its lovely setting, especially during the fall leaf season.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you are making plans to visit Indiana this summer, cross Kokomo off your list. The Jackrabbits announced on social media that they will sit out the 2025 season. The Kokomo Jackrabbits are taking the 2025 season off. The Northwoods League club announced on social media that “due to various unforeseen circumstances” the team would be unable to compete this summer. The decision comes less than three months after a lawsuit between the city and club ownership. The city of Kokomo and Kokomo Baseball LLC, the limited liability company ROC Venture, claimed that it did not renew the lease of the stadium as recognized. According to an article in the Kokomo Tribune , The lease, according to the city’s complaint filed with Howard County Circuit Court, requires the owners of the Jackrabbits to give the city written notice no later than 90 days before the agreement ends if it wants to renew for another five years. The Jackrabbits claimed it had a verbal agreement for the next five years during a virtual meeting on May 17; however, the city argues that no written notice was given last season. Because of that, the team had to vacate Kokomo Municipal Stadium  by September 30, when the lease expired. Jackrabbits management added. “While this necessarily doesn’t mean the end of the Jackrabbits, however as it stands, the future holds more questions than answers right now.” The Jackrabbits were founded in 2014 as members of the Prospect League but moved to the Northwoods League in 2019.  It marked the first time an organized summer baseball team was in town in 53 years since the Midwest League’s Kokomo Dodgers. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo courtesy of Boston.com Recently, the University of Vermont (UVM) Catamounts surprised just about everyone but themselves by winning the NCAA men’s soccer national title, their first ever. While the Cats had never been to a Final Four before this season, they had made two Elite Eight appearances, most recently two years ago. For a majority of this season though, the Cats flew somewhat under the radar. However, they went on a magnificent post-season run, winning three road NCAA playoff games, including a cross country jaunt to U San Diego, before winning two games in Cary, North Carolina. Brian McLaughlin, the Catamounts play by play announcer, took a few minutes to discuss this historic season, as well as some other miscellaneous fun, including his experiences with Vermont Green FC. Here's Brian broadcasting the highlights of this year's America East championship game:    STADIUM JOURNEY:  How did the Cats pull this off? Not only did they win it all, but they did it, except for one game, on the road. Of course, they have great talent, but a lot of teams have great talent. BRIAN:  The core of players who had previous wins in the tournament were able to instill belief in the very talented newcomers. Leaders Zach Barrett and Adrian Schulze Solano were massive parts of that, but Mike Bleeker who transferred in from American, also became a big part of the leadership group. This was a team that felt they belonged on any field they showed up at. The tone setting center-back pairing of the hulking Max Murray and Barrett made sure that no opponent was ever comfortable with the ball. Then of course, they got such timely goal scoring. Yaniv Bazini was the star for much of the run, but when David Ismail, Marcell Papp and Max Kissell are chipping in with Barrett and Murray - both dangerous on set pieces – it’s a brutal attacking group to keep off the scoreboard for 90 minutes. And I haven’t even mentioned Sydney Wathuta who was maybe the best isolation winger in the country. Niklas Herceg was also fantastic during the tournament run and made countless important saves, which every championship soccer team needs.    STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for the Catamounts? They have a lot of talent graduating. Do you have any idea who's returning?  BRIAN :  Of course there's a chance players who still have eligibility remaining do not return, and they lose such a massive group of long-time contributors, so it will be a daunting task. But if the young guys do stick around a core of Herceg, Kissell, Ryan Zellefrow, Andrew Millar, Jeremy Tsang and Nick Lockerman is not a bad starting point. And others as well will be back who contributed to this run. These coaches have proven to be outstanding recruiters and have developed loads of talent over the last few seasons. I would anticipate more key additions both from the States and international talent pools to fill some of those gaps vacated by the longtime Catamounts.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Perhaps your most memorable call was for the Catamount  women's  soccer team, which is featured here: How does a broadcaster prepare to make a call for the ages? How do you find those words at that precise moment? Is this something they cover at Penn State? (Brian is a Penn State grad.) BRIAN:  I try not to script anything before the game even if I know there's a chance the game has a memorable ending. Sometimes you can’t help it like Dalen Cuff for this UVM national title. “Don’t Call them Cinderella! You can call them national champions” is almost definitely pre-planned in some way, but he still delivered it with authenticity, and it felt natural. He absolutely nailed it. It is most important to feel natural and not forced. That Basa call was honestly me just letting it rip in the moment and people really enjoyed the result. In my mind, I just want to make sure I know why this game matters and why this moment matters and try to use my voice to match the emotion of the moment. Whatever comes out is hopefully concise and clean. If I had to redo the Basa call, I probably wouldn’t scream her name for so long, but I think people really related to the emotion in my voice and felt I matched the moment well even if what I said wasn’t perfect. As for what they taught at Penn State, I think we definitely were always discussing what makes a great highlight call. You want authority in your voice. Connect the moment to what makes it meaningful. Try to have punch in your voice without a straight scream or a growl sound. And you don’t want to be too wordy, especially on tv. My approach is a bit different for radio. Luckily, I went to school with some people who were also broadcast nerds, and we would constantly be evaluating each other and announcers on TV. I still take notes on the best broadcasters in the game to try to implement things they do into my own skill set. As for big moments nobody is better at the moment than Ian Eagle who uses wit and humor mixed with a great vocabulary or Kevin Harlan who has such an awesome voice and delivery and a mastery for the language.  Photo courtesy of Brian McLaughlin   STADIUM JOURNEY: Vermont Green FC, which has a rabid following, has a special place in your heart. What makes this USL League Two squad such a special experience? Explain the magic. BRIAN:  Rabid following may be putting it lightly. There has been a lot made of the incredible fan support for UVM in Cary for the College Cup, and I think Vermont Green deserves some credit for helping grow this soccer crazed community. They have built such a distinct culture in Burlington during the summer. It’s an environment that you just want to be around - so many smiling faces at games, passionate community members who have a love for soccer. Or maybe many who don’t, but they relate to the broader message of creating climate justice through sports. The branding is bold and colorful. The games are loud and rowdy. The social media is engaging and feels down to earth. It’s fun for the players who also happen to play such a delightful brand of attacking soccer. They have great coaches who develop the on-field talent and invested leaders who care about every single detail of their organization. And UVM has only helped assist Vermont Green as a partner. It’s become a really special bond between the two, and they share a fanbase in many ways. They have built such a wonderful culture in such a short time, and it has transformed many locals into soccer fanatics. I do not think it’s a surprise that their explosion has coincided with Vermont’s national title.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So a fan wants to hit a soccer or basketball game in Burlington. What are a few spots you'd recommend for before and after the game? Hidden gems? BRIAN:  Well, it depends what time of year. Burlington feels like two different towns from winter to summer. If you are in town for a Vermont Green game over the summer, I love to find places on the waterfront by Lake Champlain. Foam Brewers is a great spot by the water with outdoor seating. You can’t go wrong with most of the breweries regardless of the time of year with Zero Gravity as a standout in my mind. Vivid Coffee is a phenomenal coffee shop that I love and sometimes has watch parties for games. For breakfast or lunch, Handy’s Lunch is an old school diner and is a must stop. Postgame downtown classics like Halvorson’s or Ken’s Pizza are solid as ever.    STADIUM JOURNEY: You mention that your time behind the mic in the Northwoods League and the Cape Cod League were pivotal in your development. What's it like to cover summer league baseball? Is it as good as it sounds? BRIAN:  Those summers were some of the best of my life. Far from glamorous and I will say I was an unpaid intern on both occasions, and I would really recommend any college student try to find a paid internship first. But calling 70 plus games in about 75 days in the Northwoods is still the time of my life where I think I took the biggest step as a broadcaster. Reps are so important. While I didn’t have such a wild schedule on Cape Cod, I met some outstanding friends and had the chance to watch some incredible baseball talent. Current Yankees catcher Austin Wells was the star of my Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox team, and he was just one of many future big leaguers. That is a very competitive league for broadcasters, and I was fortunate to get to meet many future stars in the broadcast industry, and it honestly forced me to grow and improve just so I could keep up. I also think I played about 200 rounds of mini golf at Pirates Cove over a 3-month internship.    Photo courtesy of Vermont Public STADIUM JOURNEY: So you've worked games all over the northeast and elsewhere. What are some venues that are worth visiting? BRIAN:  Well if you haven’t been to Gutterson Field House for a UVM hockey game that place is pretty special. I would also say that Centennial Field, home of the Vermont Lake Monsters, is a pretty neat and classic small baseball stadium. I have been fortunate to see so many basketball arenas around New England and Yale’s John J. Lee Amphitheater stands out in my mind. I will always refer to Providence’s Gym as “The Dunk,” and that place and those students have a well-earned reputation. Again, I will say any of the Cape Cod Baseball League has to be a bucket list item for sports fans. It really feels like a trip back in time to when things were simpler. All the fields are unique and have different dynamics to them.    STADIUM JOURNEY: How did you get into broadcasting? Did you play a lot of sports growing up or were you always on the sideline doing play by play? BRIAN:  It was probably when I was about 14 that I started to realize playing shortstop for the Chicago Cubs wasn’t very likely. I played sports my entire life and knew that I wanted to work in sports in some manner. I always liked the idea of broadcasting and paid close attention to the broadcasters probably without knowing it but because I was such a massive sports fan. I had the opportunity to shadow Penn State’s legendary radio broadcaster Steve Jones when I was in middle school. I went to Penn State knowing that I wanted to study journalism but wasn’t sure if I wanted to end up writing or broadcasting. But the moment I had my first broadcast of a State College High School soccer game I knew that I was drawn to being behind the mic. Things only took off from there and by the end of my freshman year of college, I was a full-on sports broadcaster nerd. I was fortunate to go to school that put me on the air right away so I could learn on the fly and work through growing pains. Many of my best friends in college were also involved in the broadcasts in some way, and I have had countless mentors who gave me advice on how to achieve my goals.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  What were some of your favorite calls? BRIAN:  I’ll start with anything from Ian Eagle or Kevin Harlan. Harlan’s “Goooooooood” is one I think about a lot in basketball. He always has the perfect emphasis and knows when to bring it out. Eagle is more creative and relies on his humor. He has had some really memorable moments: “He is not human!” or just a simple “Oh Yeah!” which I really love on TV. Joe Davis had some monster moments recently in the World Series. Jim Nantz just makes every moment feel big, especially on golf broadcasts. I’m not a Celtics fan but love Drew Carter’s work for the Celtics on television and have laughed really hard at some of his recent calls for Payton Pritchard: “Pitch Please” and “Where’s my money?” These are great examples of how to have fun in the booth while still providing a highlight worthy call.  And I have to mention Hall of Famer Pat Hughes on the radio for my Cubs' classic home run call: “It’s got a chaaaaaaance. Gone!” I imitated that so much growing up playing wiffle ball in my front yard.  Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Matthews Arena 238 St. Botolph St Boston, MA 02115 Northeastern Huskies men’s basketball website Matthews Arena website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 5,066 The Final Buzzer for Hoops at Matthews Arena   The city of Boston has a rich sports history, and its venues are some of the most revered in the nation- Fenway Park , Boston Garden, Harvard Stadium . But there is a facility that pre-dates them all that is still in use today - Matthews Arena on the Northeastern campus.   Originally named Boston Arena, the facility was renamed for George and Martha Matthews in 1982. Mr. Matthews, class of 1956, served as the Chairman of the Northeastern Board of Trustees for ten years.  He passed away on January 11, 2024 at the age of 93.   The arena was the original home of both the Boston Bruins in 1924 and the New England Whalers in 1972, as well as the site of the first home game for the Boston Celtics in 1946. Virtually every college hockey team in the area, including all four Beanpot schools, have called this arena home. In fact, Matthews Arena is the oldest indoor hockey rink in the world still in use today.   Muhammed Ali trained here, and many of boxing’s biggest names, including Gene Tunney, Joe Louis, Marvin Hagler and Jack Dempsey fought here. The Frozen Four was held at Matthews Arena in 1960, as was the original Beanpot hockey tournament. More recently, the World Junior Hockey Championships were held here in 1995.   Matthews Arena has always been more than just a sporting venue. Every president from Theodore Roosevelt to John Kennedy visited the site, as have Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart hosted events here. Concerts by artists as diverse as The Doors, Jerry Lee Lewis, Marvin Gaye, Ludacris, Bob Dylan, The Roots, Chuck Berry and Phish were held at Matthews Arena.   Today, Matthews Arena serves as home to Northeastern men’s basketball team, as well as the men’s and women’s hockey teams. Several area high-school hockey teams also call this old barn home.   The basketball Huskies play in the Colonial Athletic Association, and have appeared in the NCAA tournament nine times, most recently in 2019. Six players from Northeastern have played in the NBA. The Northeastern women’s basketball team, which plays at the Cabot Center on campus, has qualified for one NCAA tournament, in 1999.   In May 2024 Northeastern filed a letter of intent  to the Boston Planning and Development Agency to construct a new multi-purpose athletics venue, which included plans for the demolition of Matthews Arena. These plans came as concerns surrounding the structural integrity of the facility increased: scaffolding had been erected to support the east end of the arena earlier in 2024, parts of the arena had been closed off, and the foundation, which was built on reclaimed land that was once part of a wharf, was found to be sinking.   Food & Beverage 3   There is one concession stand in the lobby open for Husky hockey games. Hungry fans can choose from hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken fingers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Sides, including french fries, nachos, pretzels and popcorn are also available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Matthews Arena.   While the menu at Matthews Arena is not extensive, the prices are affordable, and the quality of food served is decent.   Atmosphere 3   When you have a crowd of 1,000 in a facility that seats 6,000, there’s not a whole lot of energy that can be generated. While Matthews Arena won’t be an overly loud place to watch a game, the staff here put on a first-rate, professional show.   Dominating the views at Matthews Arena is the facility’s video scoreboard. Measuring 50 feet long by 13.5 feet high, the scoreboard is put to good use throughout the game with replays, game stats and promotions. Fans with old-school sensibilities will not enjoy the intrusion of modern technology in the old barn, but Northeastern staff do a nice job integrating modern technology in this historic location.   The student body sits courtside at Matthews, but generally doesn’t make a whole lot of noise. Filling that role falls to the arena’s DJ, band, cheerleaders and dance squad. The school’s mascot, Paws, roams the facility interacting with fans and adding a little bit of shenanigans to the game. Kudos to the Northeastern PA announcer, who adds some energy to the proceedings while pulling double duty as the emcee for promotions during breaks in play. Boston Arena Entrance, photo courtesy of Boston Globe Neighborhood 5   Northeastern University is located on the edge of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, one of the city’s most popular tourist and shopping destinations. The Fens neighborhood and South End are also within walking distance of the University. Many of Boston’s major attractions are located close to Matthews Arena.   While there are many dining and lodging options near Matthews Arena, most of them will involve a short walk or drive from the facility, which may not be what you want to do on a chilly winter night in Boston. Fans visiting from out of town will want to check out the Prudential Center and Copley Place, located just a few blocks from Matthews Arena. Symphony Hall is just around the corner, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts is a short walk away. In addition, most of Boston’s attractions are easily accessed by a short subway ride. Both the Green and Orange lines have stops less than a block from Matthews Arena.   Fans 2   Basketball takes a back seat to the uber-popular hockey program, which also plays in Matthews Arena. While attendance for Huskies basketball can fluctuate quite a bit, the average settles in around 1,000 fans per game year in and year out.   Fans who have visited Matthews Arena for hockey will be surprised by the lack of support and enthusiasm from the student body. The Dog House, the student section located in the upper level of Matthews Arena, sits empty as the students in attendance sit courtside. While they fill their designated section, they aren’t really a big part of the atmosphere here, as they mostly sit quietly and take in the action.   Stadium Journey’s most recent visit took place on a Thursday night during semester break, so there were no students in attendance. The announced crowd of just over 600 fans felt fairly representative based on previous visits. Boston Arena Interior. Photo courtesy New York Times. Access 4   Matthews Arena is located on the eastern edge of Northeastern’s urban campus, near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Huntington Avenue. Despite the fact that Matthews Arena is easy to find, that doesn’t make it easy to get to. The ever-present Boston traffic, never-ending construction projects and streets that date back to colonial days, make Boston a tough city to drive in. If you must drive, it is best to bring a local along who is familiar with the city landscape. Directions to Matthews Arena can be found here .   Many local fans will choose to take public transportation to Matthews Arena. The MBTA, known locally as the “T”, drops fans off just a couple of blocks from the arena. The E-train of the Green line drops fans off at Symphony Hall, and the Orange Line has a stop on Massachusetts Avenue. At just $2.75 for a fare, the T is an affordable and convenient alternative for visiting Husky fans.   Fans visiting Matthews Arena will pass under an ornate entry arch into the main lobby. The ticket office, concession stands, and restrooms are all located here. The arena will be located to your right, accessible by a pair of walkways. Seats at Matthews Arena are separated into loge and balcony sections. All seats have excellent views of the action, although some lower level seats will have an obstructed view of the scoreboard and banners due to the overhang of the balcony.   Fans will have no problem navigating Matthews Arena during a typical game. If visiting during a game with a large crowd, expect lines and delays when accessing concessions or rest rooms.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Northeastern basketball games cost sixteen dollars for youth and 19 dollars for adults for all games. Parking can be had for no charge (yes, you read that right, free parking in Boston) at the Columbus Street Garage located a short walk from the Arena. Parking in the small lot adjacent to the arena or in the Gainsborough Garage across the street is $27 for games. There is limited on-street parking in the vicinity of the arena, but finding one of these spots is about as likely as spotting a unicorn.   Many fans will opt to skip the congestion and cost of driving in Boston, and simply take the T to Matthews Arena. Both the Orange and Green Lines pass within a few blocks of Matthews Arena, and a one-way fare is just $2.75. The Number One bus also has a stop at the arena.   If you don’t mind a short walk (less than 1/2 mile) from the Columbus Street Garage to Matthews Arena, a trip to a Northeastern basketball game is a most affordable option for Boston sports fans. Extras 3   They just don’t build arenas like this anymore, and that alone is worth an extra point. The exposed brick, the steel tresses, the entry arch that has greeted Boston sports fans for over a century, and the ornate lobby all harken to an earlier time.   The history of Matthews Arena is worth another point. It bears repeating that this is the oldest indoor rink still in use anywhere in the world. The Boston Bruins started here. The Carolina Hurricanes played their first games here (as the New England Whalers of the WHA). The Boston Celtics played here frequently. Presidents, dignitaries, as well as athletes and musicians have visited this site. There is a history here that just can’t be duplicated elsewhere.   Some of this history is on display at Matthews Arena. In addition to banners honoring the success achieved by Northeastern’s basketball and hockey teams, there are banners reminding fans of where the Celtics and Bruins got their starts. There is also a banner honoring Reggie Lewis, the local basketball star who studied at Northeastern and went on to become an All-Star and captain with the Celtics before passing away of a heart condition while still playing for the team. His funeral was held at Matthews Arena.   Final Thoughts   If you’re going to Matthews Arena for a Northeastern basketball game, do yourself a favor and don’t make any comparisons to the game day atmosphere at a Husky hockey game. Instead, enjoy the top-notch game day presentation and the fantastic way the school mixes modern entertainment within a legendary setting. You’ll also see some really good basketball.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Camping World Stadium 1 Citrus Bowl Pl Orlando, FL 32805 Pop-Tarts Bowl website Camping World Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 65,000 A Master Class in Bowl Sponsorship Marketing Previously known as the Camping World Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl features matchups between teams from the ACC and Big 12 – this usually provides for some solid games between fan bases that are loyal and passionate. Add this to the weather in Florida in December, and you have a great recipe for a perfect evening watching college football. While this would make a bowl game notable in its own right, the Pop-Tarts Bowl has taken things to another level; a masterful use of marketing genius, this bowl game has gone all-in with its Pop-Tarts sponsorship, ushering in a golden age of viral marketing that fans can experience in and around game day.   Food & Beverage   5 Finding food at Camping World Stadium is easy. For those in the suite levels, the food options are incredibly plentiful; the main suite on the recently renovated west side of the stadium features a full-service bar and buffet. From the majority of food vendors a quality hot dog will cost you $7; nachos are $7.50, popcorn is $5.50, and fries are $7. The best food option remains anything from the 4 Rivers BBQ booths, a local barbecue chain that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its quality meats and sauces. Offering both BBQ nachos and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for $16 each, this is a can’t miss option. Pizza from Little Caesar’s runs $12 for cheese or pepperoni, while for beverages, a domestic beer runs $11 and premium beer is $13. Bottled water runs $5.50, while a bottled soda will cost you $6.50. Premium seltzer runs $15, with cocktails ranging from $15 to $23. The Pop-Tarts Bowl even features two specialty cocktails, one for each team ($15 for a single, $23 for a double). However, the big star here is without a dou bt the Pop-Tarts and Cheez-It concessions that incorporate those items into various recipes – these unique creations are available during both the Pop-Tarts Bowl and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, thanks to the partnership between Levy Restaurants and Kellanova. Featured Pop-Tarts items include the Hot Fudge Pop-Tarts Waffle Bowl Sundae ($10), Boston Cream Pie Pop-Tarts Trifle ($10), Strawberry Pop-Tarts Trifle ($10), and even a PB&J Pop-Tarts Bavarian Pretzel. Cheez-It items include the Walking Cheez-It Nachos ($13), Mac and Cheez-It Nachos ($13), Loaded Chili Cheez-It Crunch Dog ($13), and the fan favorite Cheez-It Tender Dog. These items, along with several others, make up arguably one of the best and most unique concession menus in college sports.   Atmosphere   5 The game itself is almost assured to be a great matchup – pitting top-level teams from the ACC and Big 12, exciting matchups are part of the expectation at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. On top of that, the stadium itself is a great venue; the venue has seen continued improvements over the years, with the north end zone being filled in on the second level for stadium seating. While the beautiful view of the lake just beyond the stadium’s gates has now been blocked, the filled in bowl looks and feels more like a traditional stadium. Football in Florida in December means stellar weather, and Florida’s perfect winter climate is on full display here, with temperatures rarely lower than the 50s. The pre-game pageantry of the band performances, the exciting game action, and the feel of a bowl-game matchup all make the Pop-Tarts Bowl an exciting game to be a part of. There is also plenty of beautiful scenery, with downtown Orlando just to the east and lakes to the north and south of the stadium. The Pop-Tarts Bowl also features plenty of traditional college football experiences; the pre-game and halftime performances traditionally feature both of the schools’ bands, and there is also a pre-game fan fest that includes live music, photo opportunities with mascots, band performances, VIP tents, and interactive displays. Camping World Stadium is excellently decorated too, with bowl-game logos and sponsorship activations all over the stadium. The Fan Fest also features photo ops with the previous year’s edible mascot in shrine form, as well as the game’s trophy. Pop-Tarts giveaways are plentiful, and merchandise is sold at numerous tents all over the stadium’s concourses.   Neighborhood   5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? With Camping World Stadium within walking distance of downtown, fans can park in any of the various lots and garages downtown, then walk to and from the stadium along Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City  and the Orlando Pride , and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic , the City Beautiful loves sports. There are suburbs to the west of Camping World Stadium, with the downtown city center to the east. There are also tons of hotels nearby, and since the venue sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. If you want to stay somewhere nearby, Aloft Downtown Orlando and the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando are right in the middle of downtown. For food, the Orlando sports faithful flock to the numerous bars and eateries on South Street and Church Street in downtown. For attractions, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are both mere minutes south of the downtown area.   Fans   4 The fans at the Pop-Tarts Bowl are loyal and usually travel well. The lower bowl usually fills up for this game, meaning the sound level will get pretty high when the crowd gets into the game. For bigger matchups, upper level seating has also been opened up to accommodate fans. That said, while 2022’s FSU  vs. Oklahoma  matchup saw 61,000 fans pack into all levels of the stadium, the last two editions of the game only saw the lower two levels opened, with the entire upper deck empty. Access   5 Camping World Stadium sits just a stone’s throw from I-4, literally just off the 408 highway. Getting there is not difficult from the local roads either, as most are multi-lane, and signage is well placed for the parking areas. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find. For those without a parking pass, you can find parking in various nearby parking lots and from those selling parking in their front yards. Public transport is also available in the area, making getting to Camping World Stadium an easy process.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to the Pop-Tarts Bowl start at just $38 for middle-deck end zone seating, going all the way up to $48 for lower level end zone, $72 for corner seating, $109 for sideline seats, and $175 to $217 for club level seats. Parking is plentiful in numerous lots, both at the stadium and in private lots nearby. The thing that sets this game apart from the rest is the incredible marketing and sponsorship activations.   Extras   3 Fans can take photos next to numerous bronze statues around the property, which were donated by artists of note. Fans can also pick up numerous giveaways at the pre-game Fan Fest next to Camping World Stadium. During the game, Pop-Tarts merchandise and logos is visible all over the stadium, from the unique concessions to the branded on-field performances.   Final Thoughts This game is without a doubt one of the best examples of incorporating a sponsor into the bowl game’s identity. After years of rotating sponsors, the Pop-Tarts Bowl seems to have found a fantastic partner that has created a cult following around the game. From a trophy that features a working toaster to an edible mascot, it is hard to argue with the marketing genius of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. And if fan response is any indication, it is going to be hard to top it anywhere else.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Rock Rink @ Pyramid Recreation Centre 317 James St S St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6 St. Marys Lincolns website Pyramid Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 1,400 The Town Worth Living In St. Marys, Ontario is probably best known for being the home of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, however, the hockey tradition in St. Marys is solid as well.  The Junior B, St. Marys Lincolns were founded in 1956 and currently play in the GOJHL.  The Lincolns team name does not come from an assassinated President of the United States famous for wearing a stovepipe hat, but from the automobile.  To finance the entry fee into the Western Junior B Hockey League, a  Lincoln Continental was raffled off.  The Lincolns have enjoyed five league titles and two Sutherland Cups as the top Junior B team in Ontario.  Some of the Lincolns alumni include J.P. Parise, Terry Crisp, Don Luce, Bob Boughner, Dan Bylsma and Steve Shields. Home for the Lincolns is Rock Rink @ Pyramid Recreation Centre.  The Rock Rink has a capacity of 1,400, was originally built in 1977 as St. Marys Arena and a larger community centre was eventually built around it.  Rock Rink is named after the St. Marys Rock, who are the local minor hockey teams.  The Pyramid Recreation Centre offers a second ice surface, meeting rooms and aquatics centre. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession is found in the lobby of the Pyramid Recreation Centre.  Popcorn, caramel corn, candy, chocolat, chips, pizza, hot dogs, pretzels and nachos are on the menu.  Water, soda, iced tea, Powerade, slushies, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cappuccino are the soft drinks available.  The Blueline Club is located above the lobby at the east end and beer and other alcoholic beverages are available. Atmosphere 3 The St. Marys Arena was built in 1977 while the Pyramid Recreation Centre was built around the arena in 2008 creating a dichotomy that is not totally uncommon in lower level junior hockey in Ontario.  There are multiple entry points into the Rec Centre but the main one is probably on the east side of the building.  Light coloured brick gives the exterior a modern look to it.  Entry into the centre brings fans to temporary tables selling tickets in a large lobby.  The St. Marys Sports Wall of Fame is right there to greet fans and features former NHL player, Mark Bell.  Wooden plaques listing Lincoln players who have played in the NHL and Coaches and Management. Upstairs is the entry to the seating area in the arena.  The arena is definitely a throwback to seventies era arenas.  The ice is oriented from west to east and the main seating area is on the north side.  Eight rows of wooden benches comprise the seating with the middle sections featuring arena seas as well as three rows on the south side.  The north side seating area is elevated with the bottom row basically the same height as the glass.  Dark brown brick outlining the top perimeter of the arena drives the seventies vibe.  The rectangular arena has orange truss supports across the ice and a flat, silver insulated roof.  The south side wall is littered with minor hockey banners.  Lincolns banners, including the 1965 and 1976 Sutherland Cups, listed as Ontario Champions, hang to the left of the scoreclock on the west wall.  The Lincolns have further embraced their history with a number of retired number banners for Gerry Seguin, Paul Vanderspank, Glen Coghlin, John Rowland, Jeff Shipley, Tyler Bryson, Brett Petrie and Dan Schiedel.  The Blueline Club is found in a room looking out to the ice above the lobby on the east side of the arena. The gameday production at a Lincs game is fairly simple and not that different from other teams in the GOJHL.  The presentation is classic with a traditional announcer.  The team mascot, Linc, spends time at ice level greeting the players as they take the ice and interacting with ice level fans.  Promotions include a 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck.  One unique aspect of the Lincolns experience is the use of car horns to celebrate everything.  There is one that is part of the official productions and probably a couple brought by fans. Neighbourhood 3 St. Marys is a small town of just over 7,200 people.  The Pyramid Recreation Centre is located just south of city centre.  There are a few places fans can go to get pre and post game food and drink.  Sunset Diner, Grilly’s Public House and Social 31 are good options.  Fans should be aware that places like Tim Hortons and McDonald’s, which in most cities are open 24 hours, do close nightly in St. Marys.  The Lincolns are pretty much the only team in town, however they do have close rivalries with the Stratford Warriors  and London Nationals.  Taking a tour of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame  is a good idea.  Make sure to check when it is open, as regular hours are generally reserved for the summer. Other tourist options include the St. Marys Museum.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Westover Inn and Stone Willow Inn are options. Fans 5 The St. Marys Lincolns enjoy fan support that is near the top of the GOJHL.  For the 2023-2024 season the Lincolns averaged over 700 fans per game, which was the second best in the league.  At the time of writing, in the 2024-2025 season, the Lincs were averaging over 850 fans per game, again ranking second in the league.  The fans in attendance are loud and supportive of the Lincs, louder than many other fanbases in the league.   Access 4 The Pyramid Recreation Centre is located in St. Marys, south of city centre.  It is close to the intersection of Highway 7 and 119.  Getting to the arena from out of town will involve plenty of rural driving through Ontario’s snow belt, so caution on game night is a good plan.  There is plenty of parking on site.  For fans interested in public transit, there is a Perth County Connect route that joins Kitchener-Waterloo, Stratford and St. Marys, however, it may not help on gameday.  Fans should consult the Perth County Connect  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around Pyramid Recreation Centre is not difficult and the washroom facilities are adequate. Return on Investment 5 GOJHL hockey is amongst the most affordable sports experiences in Ontario.  Tickets for the Lincolns are $12 with $10 for students, seniors and children.  Cash, credit and debit are available and tickets are only sold at the door.  There is plenty of free parking on site and concession prices are decent.  The product on the ice is solid and the Lincolns are normally a competitive team.  The environment for hockey is excellent in a unique facility with a very strong fanbase.  A great return for the investment. Extras 4 An extra mark for the unique penalty boxes in St. Marys, which are just at the end of the bench, with a low divider wall for separation. An extra mark for the unique and historic Lincolns name. An extra mark for the Pyramid Recreation Centre as a community hub. An extra mark for the longevity of the Lincolns franchise. Final Thoughts The St. Marys Lincolns are amongst the best supported teams in the GOJHL and the Rock Rink is a unique throwback venue to the 1970s.  The Lincolns lean into their history and St. Marys celebrates their roots in the Pyramid Recreation Centre.  Taking in a Lincs game in “The Town Worth Living In” is a great plan. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium 1801 Fayetteville St. Durham, NC 27707 North Carolina Central Eagles website McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 3,116 Classic Gymnasium Basketball There is something to be said whenever college basketball is played in an old school gymnasium instead of a modern-day sports arena. Sure, you lose some of those creature comforts you have come to expect from newer facilities, but instead you gain a rich history and tradition that simply oozes from the very walls you walk past. This idyllic image is perpetuated through the game day experience at North Carolina Central University’s McDougald-McLendon Arena. For women’s basketball, a sport growing year after year, NCCU fans have come to appreciate the history mixed with athletic success. You get all of that here, thanks to an old college gymnasium that embraces that mantra and showcases its past for all to see.   Food & Beverage   2 The biggest downside to games at NC Central is the lack of concessions – only two concession stands exist inside the facility, with some games only having one open. On top of that, the menu is incredibly limited in scope. However, what may be lacking in variety certainly makes up for it in affordability. Chips or candy can be purchased for $3, while all drinks as well as fresh popcorn come in at $5.   Atmosphere   3 There is a lot of history to be respected in Durham when it comes to college basketball, and NC Central has played a big part in that. When wandering the halls of McDougald-McLendon Arena, nearly every inch of wall space is occupied by plaques and photographs honoring past school athletes from countless disciplines and decades. Several trophy cases show off the school’s haul of athletic hardware from nearly 100 years of college sports excellence, while large display cases in the hall corners show off historic photographs of everything from past presidents visiting the campus to sports highlights. In addition, a plethora of banners hang in the rafters above the court, honoring various national championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Retired numbers of both men’s and women’s basketball players are also visible. On top of all that, the arena itself is constructed with old materials that make 100 fans feel like 1,000 when it comes to noise levels. All the seats on the main and upper levels are painted wood, and the walls are old fashioned brick, while a vaulted ceiling gathers and returns the crowd’s cheers with great effect. The place has an aged look to it, from paint peeling in spots from the ceiling to the muted colors of the hardwood court – it’s everything true college basketball fans have come to love about the sport in its purest form. Perhaps the lone modern touch here is the live DJ that plays during game breaks and during pre-game warmups.   Neighborhood   4 The area around NC Central is mostly residential, but just beyond lies the greatness of the greater Raleigh-Durham area. Just a 20-minute drive from RDU airport, the campus lies within a short distance of countless dining and shopping areas. Hotels are also plentiful in the area, with downtown Durham just a few minutes away from NCCU’s campus.   Fans   3 Eagles fans are diehards; even on a weekday game during the depths of winter break, a solid contingent of loyal fans across all ages can be found at McDougald-McLendon Arena watching NC Central women’s basketball. Fellow student athletes are also frequently in attendance, and on top of that, the games always have a family friendly atmosphere. And thanks to the building itself, even a small crowd sounds loud and intimidating to visiting teams. While not every game is a sellout, every game has a segment of loyal fans, from current students to decade’s old graduates supporting their Alma Mater.   Access   5 For McDougald-McLendon Arena, exits on nearby Durham Highway 147, and the further away I-85 and I-885, can bring you straight to the campus gates. Once there, free parking for women’s basketball games is plentiful quite literally across the street in the Latham Parking Deck. Numerous other lots are available nearby as well. Once inside, ushers and security are available to help direct fans to their seats.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to NC Central women’s basketball games start at just $20 for general admission; those seats make up the majority of the seating at McDougald-McLendon Arena. Two sections in the upper level at mid-court are reserved seating, going for $30 a ticket, and that is it. In addition, with free parking and cheap snacks and drinks, a family can easily visit a game at McDougald-McLendon Arena without breaking the bank.   Extras   3 As before, countless memories flow through the halls at McDougald-McLendon Arena. For college sports fans both casual and diehard, a walk throughout the main concourse here is well worth the time, giving you an appreciation for the school’s long history of barrier-breaking achievements. During women’s basketball games, a fan is also selected to shoot a half-court shot to win a prize pack. Finally, the campus bookstore is located in the Latham Parking Deck across the street from the arena itself, giving fans the perfect chance to load up on Eagles gear before the game to show their support.   Final Thoughts If you’re looking for a unique and historic college basketball experience, look no further than McDougald-McLendon Arena. Located in the heart of college basketball territory, just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Durham, the NC Central women’s basketball team enjoys the gift of playing inside a historic site that showcases the school’s rich athletic history. What it lacks in creature comforts and modern touches, it makes up for in quality vibes.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 TU Arena Auburn Drive Towson, MD 21252 Towson Tigers website TU Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,200 Tiger’s Den Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. Their football team played for the 2013 Football Championship Subdivision National Championship, falling short to North Dakota State. The basketball team has also had scattered success over the years, most notably in the early 1990s under coach Terry Truax, with guards Kurk Lee and Devin Boyd in the old East Coast Conference. The Truax-led teams made it to two straight NCAA tournaments in 1990 and 1991. The Tigers play in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). In 2022, they played in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT) having been the CAA regular season champions. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. Towson has stepped up recently in all sports with their athletic program. A major step forward was moving out of the depressing Towson Center and into the shiny new SECU Arena in 2013. I have many great memories of the Towson Center, as I worked there for a few years during college. It certainly had personality, but frankly, it was not a well-designed facility and was showing its age dramatically. During the last year of operation, one of the bleacher sections would not even fully expand. Towson Center is still technically around, as the new arena and the old building are merged, with locker rooms inside the old building. There is still much speculation about what the university will do with the old arena section of the Towson Center. It seems to be used mainly as a practice gym currently. SECU Arena reverted to the TU Arena name in 2023, although two years later the signage still indicates the previous name. Food & Beverage 2 The TU Arena has subpar food offerings. There are a couple of concession stands offering no real variety. The concourse is open and has plenty of space for additional offerings if they wish. Prices are okay, but not great. The separate Ledo Pizza stand might offer the best value. There is a small area along the main concourse offering alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 3 The lowered seating bowl of TU Arena makes the sound seem to pop here. It can be pretty loud. It may take time, but this place can be a loud arena. The stands surround the court with an upper concourse along with three of the four sides. The Towson pep band also provides some of its atmosphere and adds to the loudness of the facility. The design is a classic basketball pit, so even the lightest crowd noise echoes and rumbles. The upper concourse section seems underused for many games. It would make you wonder if these fully utilized seats would make this place even louder and provide a better atmosphere. For this season one of the lower stands has been retracted and the area is used as a party zone for those giving money to the athletic program. Neighborhood 3 There is nothing right by the arena besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and the old Towson Center Arena. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Underground Pizza. Baltimore is also a quick drive away and there are many options around that area. Fans 3 For many years, Towson was known as a commuter school. But in the last couple of decades, there has been an increase in residence students. Students are starting to come to games in larger numbers helped by a free convenient shuttle to games. The consistent quality of play is also helping attendance. TU Arena, as well as neighboring Johnny Unitas Stadium, is located at the far south end of the campus, not near any of the residence halls, so it will take more years and increased awareness to get student attendance to a larger number. Luckily, TU Arena is a much more inviting place to go to a game than the older facility was. Access 4 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn locations of the sports complexes. Parking is free and plentiful, although the closest lots are reserved for those buying season passes to access them. There can be jam-ups at the main entrance as security lines, will-call lines, and ticket purchase lines tend to blend. Return on Investment 3 Tickets start at a decent $12-$20, depending on the opponent, for the upper concourse, but it may be worth the extra couple of bucks for end-line tickets in the lower concourse section. . Extras 3 The Towson Dance Team is nationally recognized and provides great entertainment during games. The cheerleaders and pom squad will likely add to the entertainment. In addition, Doc the Tiger is a good mascot, providing entertainment for all ages. Stop at the Tiger statue outside of the arena during pregame, as it is a great meeting spot. If you get a chance, you should stop into the old Towson Center to see how much better the new facility is than the one they left. Final Thoughts TU Arena is a very nicely designed arena for a mid-major basketball program. If the crowd were to come to support the team a bit more the building could be an intimidating place for opponents to play,

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Hagersville Memorial Arena 36 Sherring Street North Hagersville, Ontario Hagersville Hawks website Hagersville Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 500 __________________________________________________________________________________ Hagersville’s Gem Normally thought of as a hotbed for lacrosse, the community of Hagersville has a little hockey history as well. Hagersville is immediately south of the Mississaugas of the Credit Reservation and the famed Iroquois Lacrosse Arena has a Hagersville address, which explains the link to lacrosse. Hagersville is a community of around 3,100 in Haldimand County and is home to the Hagersville Hawks of the Junior C, PJHL Bloomfield Division. Hagersville is also known for being the birthplace of Jay Silverheels, Tonto from 1950s Lone Ranger TV show and Rush’s Neil Peart. Four-time Olympic Hockey Medalist Becky Kellar also calls Hagersville home and her accomplishments are celebrated outside the arena. The Hawks began in 1992 as a Junior D team where they were very successful. They moved to the Niagara Junior C Hockey League in 2013, which was eventually absorbed into the PJHL. The Hagersville Memorial Arena is a throwback arena, one of those arenas where patrons comment that they “don’t make them like this anymore.” The arena was built in 1956 and has a capacity of 500. It is a truly unique facility and a place that truly needs to be experienced. Food & Beverage 3 In the lobby of the Hagersville Arena there is Mel’s Snack Shop, a small concession. Hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, candy, chocolate, chips and cookies are on the menu. Coke and Pepsi products are available as well as coffee, tea, juice, energy drinks, Gatorade, water and slushies. Upstairs, beer and alcohol are available in the Blueline Club. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of Hagersville Arena features dark siding with a peaked roof and grey brick. It is clear that the lobby was an addition at one point. A sign displaying the accomplishments of Becky Kellar is right in front of the arena for all fans to see upon entry. Entering the arena, fans come to a small lobby and are met with temporary tables to facilitate ticket sales and the 50/50 draw. Trophy cases in the lobby have a number of interesting nuggets and artifacts. One case is specifically dedicated to the Hawks and houses all of the awards that the Hawks present annually. Past the lobby, into the arena fans are struck by the uniqueness of the facility. Wooden support beams meet at a high peak over the ice to support the roof with silver insulation. There is not a ton of space in this arena, but they definitely make the most of it in Hagersville. The ice surface is southeast to northwest oriented. To see the centre ice logo and get that perfect picture, fans will want to be on the short, northwest end, which is unique in and of itself. The Blueline Club is in a room above the lobby on the northwest end and has windows that look out to the ice. A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II hangs above the benches on the northeast side and further aids with that old school atmosphere. A small pressbox is found on the opposite side and welcomes everyone to the Hawks Nest. The walls are littered with minor hockey banners. Championship banners from the Junior D days hang on the southeast end along with a banner honouring the accomplishments of Becky Kellar. New scoreboards hang on each end below the wooden peaks and were funded by Hawks superfan Murray Johnson. The southeast scoreboard has his picture right beside it. The Blueline Club also has the Hagersville Wall of Fame and more artifacts from team's past. The seating in the arena consists of wooden bleachers with four rows in each section that are quite steep. The entirety of the bleacher sections are made of wood, not just the planks to sit on. The gameday production is pretty simple in Hagersville, but also a bit unique compared to other PJHL experiences. A 50/50 draw and program raffles are the promotions. The Hawks actually have two different announcers. A young girl announces the penalties and goals, while an older man does more of the hyping of the crowd. It provides an interesting dynamic that is unique. A red goal light and siren speakers sit atop the press box and signify a Hawks goal. Neighbourhood 2 Hagersville is located southeast of Brantford. It has the small town feel to it and there are a few options for pre or post game food or drink. Plank Road Taps & Grill, Rise n’ Shine Cafe, Rollins Smokehouse, Burger Barn and MJ’s Diner are all options. The Six Nations Arrows and Six Nations Chiefs, among other junior lacrosse teams, call the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena home, but play during the summer months. For other sporting options, heading to Paris or Brantford or taking in the rival Dundas Blues or Glanbrook Rangers would be the best idea. Chiefswood Historic Site and Bell Homestead are other tourist options. For fans wishing to stay in the area, Jays Motel and Restaurant is an option along with other B&B spots. Heading into Simcoe or Brantford would be the best idea for chain hotels. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess fans in the PJHL as many teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not compile the statistics for comparison. The Hagersville Hawks average around 200 fans per game. At the time of writing, in the 2024-25 season, the Hawks averaged 202 fans per game and 216 the previous season. The fans that are in attendance are generally loud and supportive of the team, a bit more than the average team. Access 4 Hagersville Memorial Arena is located in the community of Hagersville, part of Haldimand County. It is in the northeast corner of Sherring Street and Athens Street. Getting to the arena is not difficult. It is just east of Highway 6, which runs south from Hamilton. There is free parking on site. For fans wishing to take public transit, there is some limited transit that services Hagersville. Fans should consult the Southern Ontario Transit website for fares, schedules and maps. The age of Hagersville Memorial can make getting around a little bit of a challenge, but not too bad. Those with mobility issues may find the seating area a bit challenging. The washrooms are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Hagersville Hawks are $10 with students and seniors getting in for $8 and children only $3. Parking is free and concession prices are good. The product on the ice is decent in the PJHL, but experiencing a classic facility like Hagersville Arena puts the experience over the top and makes the return that much better. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Hagersville Memorial Arena as a classic, old-school hockey barn. An extra mark for the Hagersville Arena as a community hub and the Hawks as a team with a strong community feel to them. An extra mark for the rivalry Hagersville has with Glanbrook, Dundas and other members of the Bloomfield Division. Final Thoughts There is something to be said for getting to experience hockey in an old-school hockey barn like the Hagersville Memorial Arena while it is still possible. Taking in a Hagersville Hawks game offers a glimpse into the past when hockey was a simpler game. Fans will definitely love the arena and will make plans for a return! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Camping World Stadium 1 Citrus Bowl Pl Orlando, FL 32805 Cure Bowl website Camping World Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 65,000 10 Years of Cure Bowl Greatness Having played several years at Exploria Stadium  and a year UCF’s FBC Mortgage Stadium after that, the Cure Bowl returns home to Camping World Stadium in 2024. Home to the Citrus Bowl  and the Pop-Tarts Bowl , this facility already features everything needed for bowl-level college football game day experiences. Aside from that, the Cure Bowl continues to be the only bowl game each year to raise money for charity, donating profits to cancer research. With an upgrade in venue and continued growth, this bowl continues to impress after 10 years of exceptional football matchups.   Food & Beverage   4 Finding food at Camping World Stadium is easy. For those in the suite levels, the food options are incredibly plentiful – the main suite on the recently renovated west side of the stadium features a full-service bar and buffet. For the majority of food vendors, a quality hot dog will cost you $7; nachos are $7.50, popcorn is $5.50, and fries are $7. The best food option remains anything from the 4 Rivers BBQ booths, a local barbecue chain that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its quality meats and sauces. Offering both BBQ nachos and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for $16 each, this is a can’t miss option. Pizza from Little Caesars runs $12 for cheese or pepperoni, while for beverages, a domestic beer runs $11 and premium beer is $13. Bottled water runs $5.50, while a bottled soda will cost you $6.50. Premium seltzer runs $15, while cocktails range from $15 to $23.   Atmosphere   3 Football in Florida in December means stellar weather – Florida’s perfect winter climate is on full display at the Cure Bowl, with temperatures rarely lower than the 50s. In addition, the pre-game pageantry of the band performances, the exciting game action, and the feel of a bowl-game matchup all make the Cure Bowl an exciting game to be a part of. There is also plenty of beautiful scenery, with downtown Orlando just to the east and lakes to the north and south of Camping World Stadium. The Cure Bowl features plenty of traditional college football experiences; the pre-game and halftime performances traditionally feature both school bands, and there is also a pre-game fan fest that includes live music, photo opportunities with mascots, band performances, VIP tents, and interactive displays. Camping World Stadium has seen continued improvements over the years, with the north end zone being filled in on the second level for stadium seating. While the beautiful view of the lake just beyond the venue’s gates has now been blocked, the filled in bowl looks and feels more like a traditional football facility. The biggest downside of the Cure Bowl is that only the lower concourse level is open to fans, meaning access to the main concourse that encircles the stadium is blocked off. That said, it does help to condense the fans who are in attendance, making it feel fuller than it actually is.   Neighborhood   5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? With Camping World Stadium in walking distance of downtown, fans can park in any of the various lots and garages downtown, then walk to and from Camping World Stadium along Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City  and the Orlando Pride , and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic , the City Beautiful loves sports. There are suburbs to the west of Camping World Stadium, with the downtown city center to the east. There are also tons of hotels nearby, and since the venue sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. If you want to stay somewhere nearby, Aloft Downtown Orlando and Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando are right in the middle of downtown. For food, the Orlando sports faithful flock to Lion’s Pride, as well as Schumann’s Jager Haus. For attractions, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are both mere minutes south of the downtown area.   Fans   3 The atmosphere at the Cure Bowl is different from most, as all those in attendance are helping to contribute to a worthy cause. The crowd is smaller than some of those at bigger bowls – this is partially a result of the Cure Bowl tie-ins, which usually result in smaller schools from mid-level conferences being invited, with Ohio and Jax State  highlighting the most recent match-up.   Fans nonetheless can get a taste of the pageantry of bowl games. As with all bowl games, the fans who do travel are the most diehard for their respective schools, so even lower attendance games in large stadiums feel like a massive crowd is cheering with each play on the field. Additionally, the Cure Bowl is very family friendly, thanks to its cancer research focus. The game also invites cancer survivors to the game, celebrating their spirit during the matchup with an on-field presentation. Finally, the Cure Bowl also features the post-game trophy presentation that championship events are known for, completing the championship feel of the event for fans in the stands.   Access   5 Camping World Stadium sits just a stone’s throw from I-4 and is literally just off the 408 highway. Getting there is not difficult from the local roads either, as most are multi-lane, and signage is well placed for the parking areas. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find. For those without a parking pass, you can find parking in various nearby parking lots and from those selling parking in their front yards. Public transport is also available in the area, making getting to Camping World Stadium an easy process.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Cure Bowl start at just $35, with most of the stadium available for $50-$65. Parking is plentiful in numerous lots around the stadium as well as in various private lots nearby, running in the $20-$50 range depending on how close you prefer to park. For bowl tickets, this is relatively affordable, and given that the profits from the game go directly to cancer research, it is hard to find a better value for your buck in the bowl game world. The Cure Bowl also offers an official pre-game tailgate for $85 – this exclusive tailgate area inside the fan fest section of the stadium parking lot includes free drinks and food, as well as band performances from both schools.   Extras   3 Unique to the Cure Bowl is the survivors march, with fans and cancer survivors marching to Camping World Stadium with the school bands, akin to what you’d find at major soccer games. In addition, as fans enter the facility they can pick up signs that say “I Fight For ____” – the blank space is used to write the name(s) of loved ones they may know who have had cancer. There is also a silent auction with plenty of items up for bid from past games, with proceeds going to cancer research.   Final Thoughts The Cure Bowl is a great game that continues to build on a history of tradition in Central Florida, offering fans the chance to make a difference while watching their favorite team on the field. With the return to Camping World Stadium, you can be assured that the game day experience feels more like that of a big-time matchup in a proper football stadium.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Glanbrook Arena 4300 Binbrook Rd Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0 Glanbrook Rangers website Glanbrook Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 720 The Mystery of Glanbrook In 2001, amalgamation ballooned the City of Hamilton to include a number of small towns and villages.  Glanbrook can be found near the southern border of the current city limits, however, where the borders of Glanbrook can be found is a mystery.  The former town of Binbrook is found east of Glanbrook and the mailing address of Glanbrook Arena includes Binbrook as the town, but this only clears the fuzziness up just a bit.  Glanbrook is generally viewed as an agricultural area, probably between Mount Hope, another absorbed village into Hamilton, and Binbrook.  Former NHL goaltender Don Edwards called Glanbrook home. Playing in the Bloomfield Division of the PJHL, the Glanbrook Rangers have been around since 1975.  They have always been at the Junior C level, starting in the Niagara Junior C Hockey League.  The Rangers have seen success including three consecutive Schmalz Cups as the top Junior C team in Ontario.  The Glanbrook Arena opened in 1975, the same year the Rangers debuted. Food & Beverage 2 A small concession stand can be found in the outer lobby.  On the day of the review, the screen above the concession stand, assumed to be for the menu, was not working.  A simple selection of concessions can be found here including hot dogs, popcorn, chocolate and chips.  Coca-cola products, coffee, juice and Powerade are available.  A stand inside the inner lobby can be found selling beer, wine and coolers. Atmosphere 3 Glanbrook Arena has a simple exterior and is kind of inconspicuous, looking more like a school than an arena.  Brown brick and blue siding with accents and a low profile height is what fans will find from the outside.  Entry into the arena is on the east side and brings fans into a small outer lobby.  Concessions are found here along with some local artifacts in a trophy case.  Fans then pass into an inner lobby which has large windows on the north side that act as the glass of the south end of the arena.  Large wooden trophy cases are found in this room, including one dedicated to the Rangers.  A number of old photos and artifacts are found here.  This is the perfect room for fans who hope to watch the game in a warmer climate, or spend a little time warming up.  The climate change will be evident upon passing through the last set of doors into the main arena.  The ice is oriented from south to north with the seating on the east side of the arena.  Massive blue, low peak support beams cross over the ice with silver insulation over them.  The seating offers nine rows of blue wooden benches on concrete steps.  A simple scoreclock is on the north wall along with the three Schmalz Cup Championship banners from 1997, 1998 and 1999.  The centre ice logo pic is best seen from the seats on the east side. The arena is definitely cold, so finding a spot under one of the gas heaters that is working is a pretty good plan. The gameday production at a Rangers game is not unlike what one would find at the majority of the PJHL.  Merchandise sales, a 50/50 draw and program raffles are all part of the experience.  The PA system in Glanbrook Arena is pretty good and the PA announcer is good, but a little excitable.  The louder he gets, the more difficult his announcements are to understand. Neighbourhood 3 The address for Glanbrook Arena is in Binbrook, but the arena is fairly isolated in an agricultural area.  For fans wanting pre or post game food and drink, heading east into Binbrook or north into Hamilton will be necessary.  There are a couple of options in Binbrook including Binbrook Grill and Binbrook Pizza.  There are also of chain options including Tim Hortons.  For other sporting options, fans will need to head north to Hamilton where there are number of options.  The Dundas Blues  also play in the PJHL. The Hamilton Kilty B’s  play in the GOJHL.  Other Hamilton options include the Hamilton Tiger-Cats , McMaster Marauders basketball  and football  and the Hamilton Cardinals  and Forge FC  in the summer months.  Other tourist options include the nearby Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and Killman Zoo.  For fans wishing to stay near the area, there is a Super 8 in the nearby Mount Hope neighbourhood. Fans 2 It is difficult to assess fans in the PJHL as many teams do not publish attendance figures and the league does not compile the statistics for comparison.  The Glanbrook Rangers typically attract around 150 fans per game.  At the time of writing, the Rangers were averaging 145 fans per game for the 2024-25 season and there were 150 fans in attendance for the game that was attended.  The Glanbrook fans are pretty quiet and it was clear that the fans travelling to see the visiting team were the more vocal group.   Access 4 Getting to Glanbrook Arena is very easy.  It is located in Hamilton, south of the traditional city limits, west of the community of Binbrook.  It is 6 km east of Highway 6 and is located right on Binbrook Road, which is County Road 65.  Getting through Hamilton if coming from north of the city may be the biggest challenge as traffic can be an issue at times.  However, for a weekend game in Glanbrook, there should be no issues.  There is sufficient free parking on site.  For fans interested in public transit, there is very limited HSR service from Hamilton to Binbrook.  This may not accommodate Rangers game times.  Fans should consult the Hamilton Street Railway  website for fares, maps and schedules.  The age of the facility should be considered when considering moving around.  It is not too difficult, but the stands may be a consideration for those with mobility issues.  The washrooms in Glanbrook Arena are small, but the attendance at the game should not make this an issue. Return on Investment 4 Taking in a Glanbrook Rangers game is definitely affordable.  Tickets for the Rangers are $10 with Seniors getting in for $8 and Students get in for $5.  Parking is free and the concessions are affordable.  The hockey product on the ice is good and gameday atmosphere is simple.  In the end the return for the small investment a fan makes is very good. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Glanbrook Arena as a community hub for the area. An extra mark for the mysterious borders of Glanbrook within the big city of Hamilton. An extra mark for the history of the Rangers. Final Thoughts Regardless of the mystery as to where exactly Granbrook is, taking in a Glanbrook Rangers game is a great way to spend a winter afternoon or evening.  Glanbrook Arena is a good facility and fans will definitely enjoy their experience at the game. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Portland Exposition Building 239 Park Ave Portland, ME 04102 Maine Celtics website Portland Exposition Building website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 3,000 The Home of Crustacean Nation   The Portland Exposition Building, more commonly called “The Expo”, is part of a larger sports and convention center complex in Maine’s largest city. Built in 1914, it is the second oldest arena in continuous operation in the United States, behind only Matthews Arena in Boston. Over the years the facility has hosted Presidential speeches, trade shows and concerts by artists as diverse as Phish, Natalie Merchant, the Monkees, the Beach Boys, James Brown and Janis Joplin. The Expo also serves as home to Portland High School basketball teams.   The Maine Celtics are the NBA G-League affiliate of the Boston Celtics. The team has called the Expo home since their founding in 2009. Initially named the “Red Claws” in tribute to longtime Celtics’ coach and executive Arnold “Red” Auerbach and the local Maine lobster industry, the team was rebranded in 2021. The Red Claws have qualified for the G-League playoffs six times in their history, reaching the G-League Finals in 2024.   Food & Beverage 3   There is a single concession stand located immediately to your right as you enter the arena. It serves up arena basics, including hot dogs, burgers and pizza slices. Pretzels, fries, popcorn and nachos round out the menu. Of course, since this is Maine, you really should try a Whoopie Pie.   Coca-Cola products are featured at the Expo. An additional stand in the lobby sells adult beverages. Thirsty fans can choose from several brands of domestic beer, canned seltzers and wine. Since Portland has a strong craft beer scene, local brews from Bunker, Definitive, Bizzell Brothers and Orono Brewing are featured here as well.   Atmosphere 4   The Expo is the second-oldest gym in continuous use in the country, and in many ways, it looks every day of its 110 years of age. But the staff here do their best to put on a show with all the bells and whistles modern basketball fans expect when coming to a professional game. The results are, well, mixed.   There’s a DJ who handles the music duty and a PA announcer who goes about his job with typical hoops energy. The arena emcee handles promotional duties and the Hype Squad performs dance routines during intermissions. All the elements are in place for an energetic game day atmosphere to keep the younger and casual fans interested. The staff here use light, sound and video in much the same way as the big-time arenas do, despite not having the same technology at their disposal.   Perhaps it’s the Expo’s old-school limitations that holds back the Celtics game day presentation from being all it can be. Or perhaps these old-school charms add to the atmosphere. We’ll let you decide. There’s a scoreboard on either end of the gym, one of which contains what is, by today’s standards, a tiny video board. Celtics staff don’t let the screen’s size hold them back, as they utilize it for crowd shots, replays, graphics and hype videos.   The Celtics’ schedule is filled with promotions, and each game is filled with activities for younger and older fans in attendance. One of the more popular contests is the lobster toss, where fans thrown softee basketballs into a giant lobster pot placed at center court to win various sponsor prizes.  Neighborhood 4     The city of Portland is often mentioned among the top destinations in all of minor league sports. The city features a thriving arts scene and is a favorite amongst foodies. In particular, if you love seafood, you won’t find a city with a greater diversity and quality of restaurants than Portland. There is also an active craft beer scene here, with several fine breweries located throughout the city. If visiting from out of town, you’ll want to head downtown to the Old Port for the best dining, drinking, and entertainment options after the game. While there’s much to do in the city of Portland, there’s not a whole lot in the immediate vicinity of the Expo for visiting fans.   Shoppers will flock to nearby outlet malls in Kittery, just to the south of the city, or Freeport, just to the north. The Maine Mall, the largest shopping center in the state, is located just a few miles away in South Portland. Maine dubs itself “Vacationland,” and whether your idea of relaxing involves a sandy beach, an amusement park, a museum, a day on the bay, swooshing down the slopes or hiking through the woods, you’ll find what you need in and around Portland. Check out Visit Portland  for more details.   Fans 5   You wouldn’t think it, but basketball plays an important part in the Maine sporting scene. The Red Claws have been a massive hit since their arrival in 2009. Sports Business Journal named Portland as the top minor league market in the country in 2024, in no small part due to the support and success of the Celtics.   While actual attendance figures for the G-League can be difficult to access, the Expo is consistently filled to the brim with hoop fans. The fact that Portland is only 100 miles from Boston doesn’t hurt the passion shown by the fans in Maine. Despite playing in one of the G-League’s smallest markets, the Celtics are second in per-cap revenue and fourth in merchandise sales. The team has over 1,000 full-season ticket holders, meaning the Expo is almost half-filled with long-term fans before anyone else walks through the doors. The team sold out 15 games in 2023-24.   If you can make any criticism of the fans at the Expo, it’s that they are pretty quiet unless prompted to make some noise, and that they are in constant motion. When you purchase tickets to a Maine Celtics game, select your seats carefully, as many seats will be obstructed with passing traffic throughout the game.   Access 3   The Expo is easy to get to, located just off of Interstate 295. Also nearby are Hadlock Field , the Portland Ice Arena, and Fitzpatrick Stadium. Parking is available in several lots in and around the facilities, as well as in the Maine Medical Center Garage a couple of blocks away. There is plenty of on-street parking on the streets around the Expo, but pay attention to signs in the area, as there are restrictions.   Fans enter The Expo into a small lobby, where they must pass through a security checkpoint before proceeding to the arena. Also located in the lobby are the restrooms, a souvenir stand and a beer stand.   After passing through the lobby, fans will enter into the arena behind a set of bleachers. To get to all seats, you’ll walk courtside in front of the bleachers to your section. The constant flow of traffic along this walkway will obstruct your view if you sit in the first few rows, so selecting seats higher up is recommended. The center court sections feature individual seats, with the remainder of the seating consisting of molded bleachers.   The Expo has a real old-school feel to it. While this may trigger nostalgia in some fans, the tight quarters may be a nuisance to others. Be aware that this bandbox of a gym features tight quarters and long lines no matter where you are trying to go. Plan your trips to the concession stand and restrooms carefully.   Return on Investment 4   The Celtics utilize variable pricing for their games, with weekday tickets starting at about $20 per seat and increasing to a high of about $50 for a center court ticket for weekend games. Check the team website for particulars.   Parking is similarly variable in pricing. There are lots a short distance from the Expo which will charge you ten dollars to park. There is ample free on-street parking in the neighborhood, just pay attention to signage for restrictions.   Concessions are inexpensive, with no item priced at more than five dollars (alcoholic drinks not included). Overall, a night at a Maine Celtics game can be a very affordable entertainment option for southern Maine sports fans.   Extras 2                                                                                                 The Celtics display banners honoring every Red Claw/Celtic alumnus who has been called up to the NBA.   One point is subtracted for the decision to rebrand from the unique local nickname “Red Claws” to the parent club’s “Celtics.” One point is added for the decision to retain Crusher the lobster as the logo for the Maine Celtics, substituting for Lucky the Leprechaun and keeping some local flavor.   Another extra point is awarded for the historic Expo itself. The second-oldest gym in the country may have some issues with access, but the intimate setting makes it a great place to catch a game. A mural in the lobby highlights important events to take place in the building’s history, while another commemorates Union Station, which once stood near the Expo on St. John’s Street. The mural was completed in 1979. Final Thoughts   The NBA G-League is full of many unique arenas, and the Expo would certainly be near the top of that list. The second oldest gym still in use in the country may be cramped and show its age from time to time, but it’s packed most nights with Maine hoops fans who wouldn’t want to watch their basketball in any other place.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Co-op Place 2802 Box Springs Way NW Medicine Hat, AB T1C 0H3 Medicine Hat Tigers website Co-op Place website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 7,100 Den of Tigers Since the Medicine Hat Tigers’ inaugural season of 1970-71, they’ve won two Memorial Cups and five Western Hockey League titles, making them one of the most consistent performers in WHL history. Not surprisingly, they’ve produced a ton of talent, graduating 109 players to the NHL, including Jay Bouwmeester, Rob Niedermeyer, Chris Osgood, Lanny McDonald, and Kelly Hrudey.   Until the fall of 2015, the Tigers spent the entire history of their franchise playing in the Medicine Hat Arena, located just east of the city’s downtown core. The Tigers relocated to a brand new arena at the start of the 2015-16 season; after 45 seasons in the Arena, it was time to move into a more modern facility. Originally called Canalta Centre, it was specifically designed to Memorial Cup specifications in the hopes of luring the CHL championship to Medicine Hat in the near future.   Now called Co-op Place, it has room for 3,000 more fans than Medicine Hat Arena did, includes 22 luxury suites, 350 club seats on the south side between the blue lines, a lounge, and state of the art technology throughout. Food & Beverage 4 There are four main concession stands at Co-op Place, one in each corner of the arena. The north west and south east concessions, known as the Badlands Grill and the Gas City Grill, offer pretty standard fare. A plain burger with fries is a bargain at $10. Add cheese for $1 and bacon for $2 and it’s quite tasty. You can also find hot dogs ($8, also including fries), candy and chips, pop in a bottle or from the fountain.   There is also a selection of alcoholic drinks available at these concessions. You can get Molson Canadian, Coors Light, or Coors Original for $7, a selection of craft beer for $8, plus a few cocktails and other drinks.   The northeast and southwest concessions are Express locations where you can grab and go. The menu has the same beverage options, while the food is a little simpler—snacks, nachos, hot dogs (without the fries), and so on.   Additionally, there are several locations around the arena exclusively selling adult beverages, including the Molson Hockey House lounge area on the south side. Between periods the lounge fills up with fans looking to enjoy a cocktail and some conversation away from the ice.   On the east end, between the two main concession stands, are two smaller set-ups selling popcorn and little donuts. On the north side you’ll find The Blue Line, offering a more in-depth cocktail and beer menu. In the southwest corner of the main concession is the Grit City Caesar Bar, if you’re looking for that Great Canadian drink. They offer five different blends, including a non-alcoholic version.   Upstairs in the west concourse behind the upper seating is the Whiskey Bar, selling a variety of unique whiskey options as well as some other cocktails. This spot is only open for Tigers games on Fridays and Saturdays. If you head downstairs in the southwest corner, you’ll find one more concession stand, called The Tigers Den, serving up made-to-order pizza, if that’s what you’re looking for.   Food and drink pricing throughout Co-op Place is very good compared to many other venues. Definitely a plus. Atmosphere 3 Watching junior hockey around Alberta and Saskatchewan, you’ll find that the buildings tend to be fairly subdued for most of the game, but get much louder and more energetic as soon as something exciting happens in the game. At the Co-op Place things are much the same. You get the sense that the place is locked and loaded to erupt when the Tigers score, but that energy level does seem to come and go. It’s pleasant and friendly, but not quite edge-of-your-seat intense. Crowds tend to fill this venue to about half capacity for most games, so that also results in a little less energy in the stands.   The banners that used to decorate the Arena downtown are now located on the east end of Co-op Place. Lanny McDonald’s retired number is hanging from the rafters and the many, many championship banners the Tigers have earned over the years run the entire width of the roof at that end of the ice surface. All this history does a good job of helping make this place feel like the home of the Tigers. Medicine Hat Tigers Banners, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Neighbourhood 2 There was some controversy when the location of Co-op Place was originally announced. Located in the Box Springs Business Park, a developing industrial area on the west edge of Medicine Hat, the arena is about as far away from the city proper as it can get while still remaining in the city limits.   The area itself is largely empty prairie land, with a few warehouses and store fronts. Therefore, if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite before or after the game, your options are extremely limited.   In fact, there are really only four food options in the immediate area, and by “immediate area” we’re talking less than a 20-minute walk. The busiest spot is the Boston Pizza located at 2500 Box Springs Rd., a little more than a half kilometre away. A Keg franchise has opened right next to the Boston Pizza as of 2016. A little farther away you can also find El Super Taco (103 - 2201 Box Springs Blvd.) which specializes in authentic Mexican food. Finally, if you’re looking for something quick and simple, an A&W can be found in the Petro Canada gas station a little further west at 2900 Box Springs Blvd NW. And next door to that is a McDonald’s and a Subway.   On the upside, with a relatively small city like Medicine Hat, the drive to more dining and entertainment options is really only 10 minutes or so. But plan to make that 10-minute drive. Fans 4 The fans at Co-op Place are fairly relaxed for most of the game. However, they get loud when there’s a big hit, big save, or big goal. Looking around the seating bowl, people appear engaged on the game and, like other Canadian hockey crowds, they know their game.   Medicine Hat crowds have a reputation for being dedicated to their Tigers and seeing all the people proudly wearing their black and orange confirms it. Clearly these are fans who love their team and that’s always nice to see. Access 3 Getting to the arena is pretty easy, although it’s a bit of a drive for most people. There is ample free parking around the building and the parking lot is designed well enough to allow vehicles to get in easily and for the lot to empty in a reasonable amount of time after games.   The concourse appears at first glance to be quite wide and roomy, with plenty of space for the crowd. This is indeed the case at the ends of the rink. However, due to lineups for The Blue Line, community events tables, and the Molson Hockey House queuing into the corridors, both the north and south sides can logjam between periods, although this has improved in the last few years. Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets to see the Tigers cost $23.40 each for adults, $16.65 for youths (13-17 years old), and $12.65 for children 12 and under. That seems to be right in line with other teams in the league and a pretty good deal to check out the next generation of talent. Extras 5 The Tigers Store is located just inside the main entrance on the west end of the building. Here you’ll find all the shirts, hats, jerseys and stuffed toys you could want with the team logo and colours.   The Tigers mascot, Rroary, has an awesome name for a mascot tiger and spends the game in the stands pumping up the crowd and high-fiving the kids, providing some family friendly entertainment away from the ice.   It is always pleasing to see facilities that try to look out for the environment, so seeing recycling bins around Co-op Place is a definite positive. As a LEED-Silver certified building, it just makes sense that they’d place a priority on green practices.   One excellent feature is that there are glow-in-the-dark strips on the leading edge of the stairs in the stands, adding to fan safety without being overly distracting or intrusive. This is a great idea that other arenas could learn from.   The video screen over centre ice is huge and state-of-the-art, with high definition video that is clear from all areas of the arena and tack sharp.   As with most WHL arenas, the top of the lower bowl features standing room viewing locations around most of the rink, with the remainder of the area reserved for wheelchairs and mobility-challenged fans.   The north side of the concourse had several tables set up promoting several local causes and businesses. This helps keep a community focus at the event. Final Thoughts Co-op Place is still relatively new, clean, and fresh. It’s continuing to mature into an excellent venue for the Tigers. Although they have yet to host a Memorial Cup, they continue to work hard to earn that distinction somewhere in the not-too-distant future.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.84 Amon G. Carter Stadium 2850 Stadium Dr Fort Worth, TX 76129 Armed Forces Bowl website Amon G. Carter Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 45,000 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl They have been playing the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl  in Fort Worth, Texas, at historic Amon G. Carter Stadium on the campus of Texas Christian University (TCU)  since 2003. Formerly the Fort Worth Bowl, the game has featured numerous title sponsors and conference affiliations through the years, before settling on the current iteration. Since 2020, the game is now a contest between teams from the SEC and American Athletic Conference, and is sponsored by defense and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The 2024 rendition of the game pitted the Oklahoma Sooners , who were making their debut in the game, against the Navy Midshipmen  in their third appearance in Fort Worth. The game, held at one of the most historic stadiums in Texas, if not the country, has been a great boon to the city of Fort Worth, and has annually become one of the better bowl games on the calendar, both because of its matchups and also its cause. Celebrating the entirety of the nation’s military forces, spirits are always high at the contest no matter who wins.   Food & Beverage   4 The concession stands and kiosks at Amon G. Carter Stadium have pretty much everything you could want to consume at a football game – there are burgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn (both the regular and kettle varieties), pretzels, etc. If you are looking for something beyond the norm, you can find chopped barbecue sandwiches, funnel cake, pizza by the slice, beef and chicken fajita tacos, and chicken tenders courtesy of local favorite Chicken Express . There are also  specialty flavored popsicles, thanks to Frios Gourmet Pops , and ice cream by Dippin’ Dots . For drinks you can purchase fountain soda (regular, or large in a souvenir TCU cup), bottled water, and sports drinks, and beer at almost every stand. Specialty beer kiosks are also sprinkled throughout the main concourse.   Atmosphere   4 Bowl games bring their own unique atmosphere to the contests; they often pit foes with no real history against one another, so there is no real sense of rivalry between the two. This animosity is often the driving force of the atmosphere in college games. However, the Armed Forces Bowl, as mentioned, honors America’s armed forces (as implied by the name) and that elicits a whole host of emotions. Patriotism is front and center from the outset, with a flyover and giant flag spanning the field while the National Anthem is played. Halftime sees a new crop of recruits taking their oath of enlistment at the 50-yard line, while service members can be found all through the stands, dressed in their finest. It’s not the Army-Navy Game, but it does make you proud to be an American, especially when one of the service academies is one of the participants. The bowl also has two merchandise tents available for fans to get gear from the game and/or branded swag from each participating team. There is also a memorabilia auction table where you can bid on signed jerseys from some of each program’s all-time great players – little things like this make the game feel even bigger.   Neighborhood   4 Fort Worth is almost an anti-Dallas – though Fort Worth is in close proximity to Big D, Forth Worth doesn’t carry with it much of the flash and flair associated with Dallas. Fort Worth still maintains the big city size and amenities of its sister city, though. If you’re coming in for the game, the main point of interest in Fort Worth proper is the Fort Worth Stockyards . An experience in and of itself, the Stockyards have attractions like museums and honky tonks, as well as rodeos and restaurants – it is a living time capsule to Cow Town’s wild and wooly days. If you go, you have to stay for the cattle drive that happens twice a day. The stockyards are less than a 20-minute drive from Amon G. Carter Stadium. Quite honestly, this is going to be your best bet for attractions, eating, and lodging if you’re attending the Armed Forces Bowl. Amon G. Carter Stadium, and TCU  by extension, are in an interesting part of the city. The school and its athletics facilities are smack-dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood, and the streets that lead into and out of the area – complete with TCU purple signage – are all lined with homes. So with that in mind, you’re going to have to do a little driving to get to anywhere to eat or stay when attending this bowl. The nearest dining option is Enchiladas Ole’ , a Tex-Mex spot that has been a local favorite for years. As its name implies, enchiladas are on the menu, along with fajitas, tacos, margaritas, and more. In addition, just across the Trinity River is Woodshed Smokehouse , a legit barbecue spot where you can sample classic Texas brisket, ribs, and sausage. For lodging, unless you’re investing in a vacation rental, you’re not going to find anything within walking distance of Amon G. Carter Stadium. However, there are quite a few options that aren’t too long of a car ride away, including Hyatt Place Fort Worth/TCU  and The Rosen House Inn . As always, your budget is your only limit.   Fans   4 The 2024 rendition of the Armed Forces Bowl pitted the Oklahoma Sooners against the Navy Midshipmen . With Fort Worth being just under a three-hour drive from the Sooner State, it was anticipated to have a pretty good crowd; it turned out to be a sellout game with the stands awash in crimson and cream. This gave what could have been a fairly benign game against two teams that had only played each other once way back in 1965 some much-needed energy. The (decidedly pro- OU ) crowd was into the game the entire time, even when the outcome became well in-hand for the Mids . The 2024 game was one of the few recorded sellouts – and it ended up having the largest attendance in the game’s history – that have happened, but it always helps to have a) someone in close proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and b) a service academy.   Access   3 Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth is about a half hour drive from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. If you’re coming in from out of town, this is going to be your best bet to fly in. Driving to the stadium, the exit for TCU  is clearly marked off Interstate 20, but you will be driving through a neighborhood to get there, as mentioned earlier. Once on site, there are no fewer than 15 official parking lots for the stadium, which should offer you a good variety of options to choose from. I would recommend purchasing parking ahead of time, as lots do tend to fill up. During the Horned Frogs  season, some homes in the neighborhood do rent out their driveways and parking areas for games, but I did not see much of any of that for the bowl game. My one caveat is that these neighborhood streets were not designed to accommodate traffic and they do bottleneck pretty badly the closer you get to the stadium. I would use caution and give yourself plenty of time to get to the game during your visit.   Return on Investment   4 Prior to the game, I found tickets for the Armed Forces Bowl on several after-market sites for around $50 each. This seems like a pretty good bargain for the caliber of teams that you’re going to get in this game each year. The SEC is a conference full of big brand college football teams, and there are several teams on the rise in the AAC. Parking varies wildly, but the most affordable I was able to find was $25 at a satellite lot near the campus. Concessions were still at their TCU  pricing, so that’s not too bad. You can get a nice Chicken Express combo meal for around $10. I’ve seen costs way higher at other bowls, so this is not too bad of a bargain for fans.   Extras   4 Both teams almost brought their full assortment of game day pageantry with them, including their mascots and cheer and dance squads. Oklahoma  brought the full compliment of The Pride of Oklahoma Band  with them to the game, and they performed the halftime show. Navy  brought the equivalent of their pep band, and they performed from the stands during the game. The Armed Forces Bowl brought their own mascot, Freedom , to the game. The staff also went out of their way to make sure the breaks in the action were filled with patriotic events, such as honoring the wives of service members, playing the song of each branch of the military, and recognizing veterans in the stadium. It truly felt like the bowl game was bigger than what it was, and that is a good thing.   Final Thoughts I personally love all bowl games, and I knew I was going to enjoy myself at my first visit to the Armed Forces Bowl, no matter what, but this exceeded even my expectations. Amon G. Carter Stadium is in my top five favorite college stadiums in the country. I love its architecture and its history, and I even love how it was plopped down in the middle of a neighborhood. The game was great, which on paper it should not have been, but that’s the quirk of bowl season. The bowl organizers did a great job of presenting themselves and what they stood for. The Armed Forces Bowl will more than likely never equal the importance of those selected by the College Football Playoffs, but I think fans will enjoy it nonetheless. Add this one to your bucket list. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 XL Center 1 Civic Center Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Hartford Wolf Pack website XL Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 15,635 50 Years of Hockey in Hartford The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, was built in 1974 as part of a downtown project that included an adjacent mall, convention center, office space, hotel and parking garage. Some people still refer to the XL Center as “The Mall,” even though the mall portion of the complex was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a 36-story residential tower. The original hockey tenants of the facility were the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association, who were re-christened as the Hartford Whalers when the franchise joined the National Hockey League in 1979. When the Whalers left town in 1997 to become the Carolina Hurricanes, the New York Rangers placed their top farm team in Hartford. The Wolf Pack have won a single Calder Cup, in 2000. In addition to serving as home to the Wolf Pack, the XL Center serves as the occasional home of the UConn Huskies men’s and women’s basketball and men’s hockey teams . The Hartford Wolf Pack franchise is the oldest continuously operating minor league hockey team in North America. The Wolf Pack began its existence as the Providence Reds in 1926 as one of the charter members of the Canadian-American Hockey League. The Reds played in Providence until the 1976 season, when they moved to Binghamton, New York, where they played as the Dusters, Whalers, and Rangers. Among all professional teams in North America, only the National Hockey League’s Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins have been in existence longer. Food & Beverage 5 The XL Center boasts an impressive variety of concession stands. In addition to traditional arena fare, fans can find several local favorites among the choices. Stadium Journey recommends Ted’s Cheeseburgers, which features gourmet burgers cooked in a style unique to Central Connecticut: they are steamed. Steaming the burgers creates a very juicy burger with a unique flavor. Other notable stands include Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza (featured on Man vs. Food), the Portly Pig, Los Mariachis, and The Sausage Guy (the same one from Fenway Park). Chick-fil-A serves up their legendary chicken sandwiches. Portable carts serve up a variety of snacks, including Carvel ice cream. The XL Center features a great variety of beers, both from national brands and local breweries. Among the brews available are TwoConn Easy Ale from Two Roads Brewing and Husky Hops IPA from Kinsman Brewery. The new Sports Bar and Sportsbook features 80 TVs and a 100-foot video wall to keep track of all your bets. The attached Bar features over 40 different beers on tap. On Friday and Saturday nights the Wolf Pack offer “Hockey Happy Hour”, where fans can hang out in the Heritage Club for two hours before face off. For a ten-dollar fee, fans can enjoy an appetizer buffet and two-dollar beers. A complete guide to the XL Center’s concessions can be found here . Concession stands are cashless, so remember to bring your debit card. Atmosphere 3 The Wolf Pack offer the standard minor league hockey experience. This includes a sound system turned way up during play stoppages, a large video board put to good use throughout the game with fan shots, game highlights and sponsor opportunities, an MC roaming the crowd conducting giveaways and pumping up the crowd, and a mascot posing for pictures and signing autographs. Minor league staples, including Chuck-a-Puck, t-shirt tosses and a 50/50 raffle, are present in Hartford. Neighborhood 5 Hartford is rarely thought of as a destination city, but there is a lot to do in Connecticut’s capital city. The area around the arena features numerous restaurants and shops, and is filled with people, even on the weekends. Pratt Street, located directly across the street from the XL Center, is lined with many excellent pubs and restaurants, including Urban Lodge Brewery and Vaughan's Irish Public House. Black-Eyed Sally’s on Asylum Street features live music and excellent barbeque. Max Downtown, Sorella, Plan b Burger Bar and Bear's Barbeque highlight some of the diverse and popular options downtown. Hartford suffers from a bad reputation, but the area around the XL Center is safe and walkable. For fans interested in exploring the downtown area, there are some attractions nearby worth mentioning. The Old State House is located a few blocks from the XL Center, and contains exhibits on Hartford history. Tours are discounted for AAA members, and will cost history buffs a mere $3. The State Capitol and Bushnell Park are popular attractions located nearby. The Mark Twain House and Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are both located just a short drive from the downtown area. Check out Hartford.com for more information. Fans looking for other sporting options in Hartford can pair a WolfPack game with a UConn men’s or women’s basketball game  here. The Hartford Yard Goats  play a couple of blocks away at Dunkin’ Park. Hartford Athletic FC  plays at Trinity Health Stadium on the Connecticut River waterfront. Fans looking to venture outside the city a bit will find the UConn campus in Storrs just over a half hour away. Fans 3 The 2023-24 season was Hartford's most successful season at the turnstiles in well over a decade, with an average of almost 5,500 fans per game. However, the team still ranks below the AHL average in terms of attendance. The XL Center curtains off the upper levels of the arena to make the crowd look larger, but there are still large empty sections in the building. A Wolf Pack crowd will look very familiar to veteran minor league fans. It’s full of groups, families and youth hockey teams mixed in with the casual and hard core hockey fan. The state of Connecticut is a growing hockey market that has produced some noteworthy NHL stars. Fans here know their hockey, and Hartford’s proximity to New York ensures that the fans here follow the prospects closely. Access 3 The XL Center is located in downtown Hartford, and is easy to reach via either Interstate 84 or 91. The arena is only a few blocks away from either highway. Traffic in the city is often difficult to navigate, particularly for weekday games. Be sure to give yourself extra time to arrive, as both highways back up regularly around rush hour and beyond. There are close to 50 parking lots and garages in the downtown area, all within walking distance of the XL Center. If you want to plan ahead, the Wolf Pack’s website has a link to the downtown map here . In addition to these paid spots, on-street parking is readily available around the XL Center. Meters shut off at 6PM. Once inside the XL Center, fans will enter into a spacious lobby. This area was once part of Civic Center Mall, but is mostly empty space now. The Wolf Pack ticket office is located here, as well as access to the attached parking garage and the Coliseum Club on the second level. The Wolf Pack operate their main souvenir stand here. All seats in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum consist of folding stadium chairs. The seating bowl at the XL Center is very steeply pitched, ensuring great sight lines no matter where you sit. Tickets in the upper reaches of the 200 level are not sold, meaning that even when a big crowd is in attendance much of the arena is still empty. Despite numerous renovations over the years, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum retains its cramped and narrow concourses. Luckily, since the typical Wolf Pack crowd only fills a fraction of the XL Center, getting around is usually not too difficult. Restrooms are smallish, but are clean and adequate for the typical Wolf Pack crowd. Lines do form during intermission. Plan your trips wisely, particularly if there’s a big crowd in attendance. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Wolf Pack games are split into three levels. End Zone seats cost $25, attacking zone tickets cost $30 and center ice tickets $35. Youth tickets are discounted by ten dollars across the board. Premium seats right on the glass cost $55. The Wolf Pack offer several ticket packages to help defray costs. Parking in the garages around the XL Center ranges in price from $10-$20. Frugal fans can search the neighborhood for free on-street parking. Concessions, while on the high side, are in line with other venues in the area. Extras 3 If you like banners, you will love the XL Center. Banners honoring the University of Connecticut basketball champion teams, including the men’s 2023 and 2024 National titles, hang from rafters on one end of the arena. Not to be outdone, the Wolf Pack hang their 2000 Calder Cup and division title banners. Banners honoring basketball Hall of Famers Jim Calhoun and Gino Auriemma hang in the corners of the XL Center. The XL Center also celebrates its past as the home of the Hartford Whalers. Hanging from the rafters are Whaler retired number and division championship banners. The Howe family, who all played together in Hartford, are honored in banner form. The XL Center lobby contains a display of some of the highlights of Hartford’s professional hockey history and the Whalers Hall of Fame. Final Thoughts The XL Center has more than its share of critics, and opinions on the viability and future of the facility continue to spark much debate in Connecticut’s capital city. New plans for what to do with the facility seemingly pop up every few months. As a minor league hockey facility, the XL Center is a good place to catch a game, with excellent sight lines and plenty going on to satisfy both the casual and diehard fan. Unfortunately, the XL Center is just too big, too empty and too old for the Wolf Pack. Face it, Hartford, the Whalers aren’t coming back. Start running with the Pack! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 SoFi Stadium 1001 Stadium Dr Inglewood, CA 90301 Art of Sport LA Bowl website SoFi Stadium website Year Opened:  2020 Capacity:  70,240 The Art of Bowling Now in its 4th season since its inception, the LA Bowl has been hosted by late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel and currently hosted by four time Super Bowl Champion Rob Gronkowski. It features teams from a current or Pac-12 legacy school and the Mountain West Conference. The annual bowl game is held at SoFi Stadium, home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers .  Prior winners of the LA Bowl: 2021 Utah State 24-13 over Oregon State 2022 Fresno State 29-6 over Washington State 2023 UCLA 35-22 over Boise State Food & Beverage 4 The variety of food and beverages are vast, offering your usual stadium basics from hot dogs, burgers, soft pretzels to your basic boxed candy and bagged Frito Lays chips. Soda offerings are provided by Pepsi products  Domestic beer offerings from Modelo and Michelob are available as well as a vast choice of premium cocktails such as those from Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Crown Royal. Local favorites such as chicken/carne asada vampiros tacos, chicken/carne asada papa asadas and L.A. Street Dogs are offered. Other featured eats available range from pastrami dips to chopped cheese as well as kosher options offering the standard Kosher Dog, roast beef sandwich and turkey sandwich.  An LA Bowl exclusive provided by The Grill Dads   of The Food Network is The Gronk Smash, a smash burger named after the game’s host Rob Gronkowski.  Atmosphere 3 LA Bowl - Pride of the California Cal Band, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey The fun starts from the time the gates open as fans can partake in the pregame fanfest at the American Airlines Plaza where fans of both schools are revved up by the marching bands and spirit squads of both schools. Once inside the actual seating bowl the mood is somewhat muted due to the sparse crowd inside a huge NFL venue. This is to be expected when attending a lower tiered bowl. Neighborhood 3 SoFi Stadium Exterior, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Aside from being the neighbors to the Kia Forum and the newly opened Intuit Dome the surrounding area does not offer much in regards to pre or postgame activities. Along Century or Manchester Blvd you may find your usual chains such as McDonalds, Jack in the Box or Starbucks but not much else. Cosm Los Angeles  is also close by offering a high tech viewing experience of major sporting events giving fans the feel of being at a live event.  Fans 3 LA Bowl - The Star of Nevada UNLV Band, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey For a lower-tiered bowl game played before the Christmas holiday the fan turnout is what you would expect. Don’t expect much hoopla from either side that you would see from a major bowl or CFP (College Football Payoff) game. The percentage of fans representing each school are even with the most die-hard of these fans excited for the opportunity of attending any bowl game. Access 4 Due to its status as a lower tier bowl, getting around the venue should not be too difficult. However this being Los Angeles, depending what part of the L.A. area you will be arriving from, you will still want to allow yourself some extra time when driving out to SoFi Stadium. The major streets around SoFi, Century and Manchester Boulevards, both lead to either the 110 or 405 freeways while Prairie Avenue leads you to the 105 Freeway.  Because of the anticipated sparse crowd, only the first three levels are open, making navigating the seating bowl easier in spite of the venues massive size.  Parking is also plentiful however no pregame activities are permitted for this event.  Return on Investment 4 The nice thing about a lower tiered bowl game is the reasonable prices. Tickets for this game start as low as $31 with the most expensive being $275. Because only the first three levels are open, no matter your seating location you will never be far from the action. The reasonable affordability of this event should leave you some extra change should you want to explore the L.A. area and other sports and entertainment venues during your stay.   Extras 3 Aside from the pregame hoopla at the fan plaza, don't expect too many other bells and whistles throughout the game; this is the general expectation for a game like this. Fans looking to purchase gameday souvenirs can make their purchases at the various pop up stands located throughout each concourse rather than the main flagship store that is closed for this particular game.  Throughout the game fans are treated to holiday tunes as well as trivia contests involving both schools and L.A. themed landmarks giving fans a chance to guess the famous L.A. venue that is displayed on the stadium’s massive halo video board. Final Thoughts The Art of Sport LA Bowl is a good budget-friendly postseason bowl game for fans wanting to witness a bowl game in a major venue without putting a deeper hole in their pockets. If attending the LA Bowl, you can expect to be close to the action regardless of where your seat location is.  Catching one of these under-the-radar bowl games could also allow an opportunity to witness some under-the-radar talent as well who just may be on their way toward a nice Sunday payday.  2024 LA Bowl Champions - UNLV Rebels, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 XL Center 1 Civic Center Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Connecticut Huskies hockey website XL Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 14,750 Husky Hockey in Hartford   The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is the largest arena in the state of Connecticut. It was originally built in 1974 as part of a downtown project that included an adjacent mall, convention center, office space, hotel, and parking garage. Some people still refer to the XL Center as “The Mall,” even though the mall portion of the complex was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a 36-story residential tower.   The University of Connecticut has sponsored varsity hockey programs since 1960. They initially competed at the Division Three level in the ECAC conference. The team played at an outdoor rink near Memorial Stadium until 1998 when the school made the decision to upgrade to Division One. The Freitas Ice Forum was built to house the team and served as the Husky's home until the team joined the Hockey East Conference in 2014. At that time, the Huskies moved to downtown Hartford and the XL Center.   Despite the XL Center’s history as an NHL arena, it was never meant to be more than a temporary home for Huskies hockey, while a plan was developed for an on-campus arena. In 2021, UConn announced plans to build a new arena adjacent to the Freitas Ice Forum . The Toscano Family Ice Forum hosted its first women’s hockey game on January 13, 2023, and its first men’s hockey game on January 14, 2023. The school now plays the majority of its games on campus, scheduling only four games a year in Hartford.   The Huskies have yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Seven UConn alumni have played in the National Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 5    The XL Center offers a menu that balances traditional arena fare with local flavor. Depending on your appetite, you can visit Chicken Fry Fry (featuring chicken tenders and fries), Fresh Classics (sausage and pepper sandwiches and nachos), Grill Masters (burgers), or Hot Dog Nation (yep, hot dogs). Dunkin’ Donuts operates a pair of stands featuring their signature coffee and baked goods. Pepsi products are featured at the XL Center. A complete concessions guide can be found here .   Visiting fans looking for a bit of local flavor should seek out Ted’s Cheeseburgers, which features gourmet burgers cooked in a style unique to Central Connecticut: they are steamed. Other notable stands include Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza (featured on Man vs. Food), the Portly Pig, Los Mariachis, and The Sausage Guy (the same one from Fenway Park). Chick-fil-A serves up their legendary chicken sandwiches. Portable carts serve up a variety of snacks, including Carvel ice cream.   Fans looking for an adult beverage will be pleased to find stands dedicated specifically to alcohol sales. Several national beer brands, including Sam Adams, Budweiser, Coors Light, and Blue Moon, can be found throughout the XL Center. Local brewery Two Roads sells a UConn-branded specialty brew, TwoConn Easy Ale.   A new option at the XL Center is the new Sports Bar and Fanatics Sportsbook, where fans can watch games on the 80 televisions hung on its 100-foot-long video wall while placing bets on the action. The Sportsbook Lounge also offers a full-service bar and restaurant featuring a menu of arena favorites. Atmosphere 3   Fans who have visited the XL Center over the years can testify that the sheer size of the XL Center works to spread out the fans and dampen any noise produced by the crowd. For Huskies crowds, however, some life is breathed into the old building. Driven by the student section and pep band, there’s an energy here that the old barn doesn’t often see. With the XL Center’s location 27 miles from campus, the turnout from students can be pretty impressive.   Arena staff put on a nice presentation, with the large video board put to use with hype videos, ads, replays, and crowd shots. There are t-shirt tosses and other contests to keep fans engaged, and the Husky mascot, Jonathan, participates on the ice and interacts with the crowd throughout the game.   Neighborhood 5   Hartford is rarely thought of as a destination city, but there is a lot to do in Connecticut’s capital city. The area around the arena features numerous restaurants and shops, and is filled with people, even on the weekends. Pratt Street, located directly across the street from the XL Center, is lined with many excellent pubs and restaurants, including Urban Lodge Brewery and Vaughan's Irish Public House. Black-Eyed Sally’s on Asylum Street features live music and excellent barbeque. Max Downtown, Sorella, Plan b Burger Bar and Bear's Barbeque highlight some of the diverse and popular options downtown. Hartford suffers from a bad reputation, but the area around the XL Center is safe and walkable. For fans interested in exploring the downtown area, there are some attractions nearby worth mentioning. The Old State House is located a few blocks from the XL Center, and contains exhibits on Hartford history. Tours are discounted for AAA members, and will cost history buffs a mere $3. The State Capitol and Bushnell Park are popular attractions located nearby. The Mark Twain House and Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are both located just a short drive from the downtown area. Check out Hartford.com  for more information.   Fans looking for other sporting options in Hartford can pair a Huskies hockey game with a UConn men’s or women’s basketball game  here. The AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack  also calls the XL Center home, and the Hartford Yard Goats  play a couple of blocks away at Dunkin’ Park. Hartford Athletic FC  plays at Trinity Health Stadium on the Connecticut River waterfront. Of course, the Storrs campus is just over a half hour away.   Fans 3   Crowds for Huskies hockey can vary greatly depending on the time of year, opponent, and even the weather. Stadium Journey visited the XL Center on a beautiful October Saturday afternoon with an announced crowd of about 2,700 in attendance. While a decent crowd, the sheer size of the XL Center makes a decent crowd look tiny. Larger crowds can be expected later in the year after football season ends. UConn hockey generally lands in the middle of the pack in terms of national attendance, drawing around 3,000 fans per game.   Despite the XL Center’s location 21 miles from the UConn campus, a good turnout from the student body can be expected. Driven by the pep band, the students give the building some energy night after night. Locals, youth teams, and alumni help fill the XL Center.   Access 4   The XL Center is in downtown Hartford, easily reached via either Interstate 84 or 91. The arena is only a few blocks away from either highway. Traffic in the city is often difficult to navigate, particularly for weekday games. Be sure to give yourself extra time to arrive, as both highways back up regularly around rush hour and beyond.   There are almost 50 parking lots and garages in the downtown area, all within walking distance of the XL Center. If you want to plan, the XL Center website has a link to the downtown map here . In addition to these paid spots, on-street parking is readily available around the XL Center. Meters are not in operation on weekends.   Once inside the XL Center, fans will enter a spacious lobby. This area was once part of the Civic Center Mall but is mostly empty space now. The ticket office is located here, as well as access to the attached parking garage and the Coliseum Club on the second level. There is a nice display in this area featuring jerseys from every high school hockey program in Connecticut, as well as a display featuring photos from Hartford’s hockey history.   All seats in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum consist of folding stadium chairs. The seating bowl at the XL Center is very steeply pitched, ensuring great sight lines no matter where you sit. Upper-level seats are usually not sold. Since the typical Husky crowd only fills a fraction of the XL Center, getting around is usually not too difficult. The restrooms are clean and large enough for the typical Husky crowd.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Husky games at the XL Center are affordable. Center ice sections sell for $23, with end zone seating priced at $18.   Parking in the lots and garages surrounding the XL Center ranges in price from $10-20, with on-street parking available for fans wishing to search for it. On-street parking is free after 6 PM on weekdays and all day long on weekends.   Concession prices are a bit on the high side, particularly for premium items, but are not out of line with other venues in the area.   Extras 3                                                                                                 Banners honoring the 17 University of Connecticut National basketball champions (11 women’s, six men’s) hang from the rafters on one end of the arena. On the other end of the arena, the Huskies have hung their 2000 MAAC championship banner.   The XL Center doesn’t ignore its past as the home of the Hartford Whalers. Banners honoring Whalers division championships, retired numbers, and the Howe family, who all played together in Hartford, hang from the rafters. In addition, the lobby contains a large mural of some of the highlights of Hartford’s professional hockey history.   After every Husky goal, Brass Bonanza, the Whalers’ goal song, plays.     Final Thoughts   The XL Center has its share of critics, particularly those who feel that Hartford deserves another NHL team. While the XL Center is no longer an adequate facility for the NHL, it is an excellent venue for college hockey, even if it is a bit too large for the needs of UConn. With the building of the Toscano Family Ice Forum , the XL Center will host only a handful of games every year, handling those games deemed too big to be held on-campus.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Mabee Gymnasium 411 SW 24th St San Antonio, TX 78237 Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Saints website Mabee Gymnasium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 1,600 The Saints of OLLU Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) was founded in San Antonio in 1895 by the Sisters of Divine Providence from Lorraine, France. It is the oldest school offering degrees in Social Work in Texas. For much of OLLU’s history, it was strictly an academic institution, offering no organized athletics programs to speak of. That all changed in 2007, with the founding of the school’s volleyball and men’s soccer programs. In 2009, men’s and women’s basketball were also added, and the OLLU Saints  (formerly the Armadillos) began competing in the NAIA. Now members of the Red River Athletic Conference, the Saints are still relatively in their infancy as a program. They scored their first win over an NCAA Division I member in 2020, with an upset win over the Texas State Bobcats . They have also made appearances in the NAIA national tournament’s Sweet 16 in 2012 and 2015, and in the tournament’s Elite 8 in 2016 and 2018. For the entirety of the Saints existence, they’ve played their home games at Mabee Gymnasium. Located within the school health and fitness complex, the gymnasium is a classic small school court that is the perfect venue for a program like OLLU’s; the gym received a facelift in 2021 to keep it looking like it is brand new. Read on to learn more about this hidden gem in the Alamo City.   Food & Beverage   3 As one could expect with a venue the size of Mabee Gymnasium, there is only one concession stand for fans. The stand offers up a lot of traditional game day offerings, such as hot dogs (or chili dogs, if you prefer), nachos, popcorn, pretzels, candy, bottled sodas, water, and sports drinks. Patrons can also purchase pizza, either whole pies or by the slice. This is all good and it is all to be expected. What really impressed me though and pushed this score up, is the offering of fresh-made pan dulces – Mexican sweet breads. Baked goods such as conchas, orejas, and empanadas are brought in each game from a nearby neighborhood panadería. Not only are they delicious, but they’re a great reflection of OLLU’s community. However, if for whatever reason you aren’t into any of the foodstuffs they have for sale, fans are allowed to bring in food from outside the venue.   Atmosphere   3 Mabee Gymnasium reminds me of a classic small town, small high school gym – this is a good thing. The wooden bleachers and yellowed playing surface make it feel older than it really is, which all adds to the atmosphere. The school has decorated the walls of the gym with banners highlighting all their programs’ accomplishments; you’ll be instantly drawn to the massive NAIA national championship banner that the school’s softball team won in 2024, as well as to the Hall of Fame banners above the home team stands. One more bit of atmosphere to keep in mind regarding the gymnasium – fans on the home side of the court can sit virtually right on top of the action. A walking area of just about two feet is all that separates fans in the front row of bleachers from the action; this really is an experience that you rarely get as a spectator. My last point to make here is that, if you have time before you catch a Saints game, make time to stroll through the campus. The Gothic architecture is beautiful and the walking paths along the artificial lake on campus are a rare treat, especially in this part of Texas.   Neighborhood   2 OLLU’s campus is located deep inside San Antonio’s historic west side, amid one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in the city. It is about 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 is going to be your best bet if you’re looking for things to do before or after Saints games. One attraction that is not too far from OLLU’s campus is historic Woodlawn Lake Park ; with its celebrated lighthouse serving as a guardian for the lake, this 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 another local gem that most visitors to the Alamo City never get to see. In terms of dining, there are scores of mom-and-pop Mexican restaurants in the area. If you’re looking for a taste of something authentic and true, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a spot in the area that’s bad. A few highlights to look for are Ray’s Drive Inn ; a longtime favorite of mine and of the city as a whole since it opened in the 1950s – burgers, puffy tacos (read all about those here ), crispy dogs (and   read all about those here ), malts, and more are all on the menu at this timeless treasure. Another popular local landmark to look out for is Panifico Bake Shop ; while not a traditional sit-down restaurant, this bakery is home to and purveyor of those pan dulces I mentioned above in the Food & Beverage section. They’re delicious. For lodging, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything near the OLLU campus, so your best bet is staying downtown and driving in to your game.   Fans   3 Getting an accurate attendance count for OLLU Saints games at Mabee Gymnasium might be an impossible task for their athletics department; students and children under 12 can get into games free of charge, so there really isn’t any way to account for them. Regardless, the size of the gym – with a capacity of just 1,600 – allows for even a crowd of a couple hundred to look, feel, and sound enormous. While I didn’t see many folks wearing Saints apparel, the stands felt full. Also, the fans were loud and into the action for the entirety of the game. I can’t really speculate the size, but I can say it was a really good turnout for the most recent weeknight game I attended.   Access   3 Our Lady of the Lake University is roughly a 20-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. The campus is pretty far removed from the nearest highway access, so you’ll be driving through residential and commercial areas for much of your commute. If you choose not to drive, the city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , does offer routes that will drop you off at OLLU’s campus. If you do drive, parking is plentiful and free near the gymnasium; just be mindful of reserved spots.   Return on Investment   3 I have to say that I’m feeling generous with this score, and your experience might differ from mine. General admission tickets for OLLU Saints games are just $10 per person. The university brings in some bigger schools, but mostly the team here competes at home against fellow NAIA squads. However, from my perspective, this is basketball – and sports really – competed purely for the love of the game. If you’re not a huge fan of what’s happening in big-time college athletics these days, this will be a nice reminder of the good old days. Either way, with such a low ticket cost, free parking, and a concessions menu where I didn’t see a single item costing more than $6, you’re getting a good bargain taking in a Saints basketball game at Mabee Gymnasium.   Extras   2 One area where OLLU doesn’t have much beyond a few standard trappings of sports is in the Extras category; the OLLU spirit squad – made up of the cheerleading and dance teams – can be found performing on the baselines throughout home games and during breaks in the action (though not at halftime for some reason). Also, the OLLU drumline  plays during games as well, but that’s pretty much it.   Final Thoughts I had never been to OLLU for a basketball game, though I’ve lived in the city for more years than I care to count. It was an experience I will definitely take in again. The gym is definitely on the small side, but it also definitely suits the team, the school, and the conference they play in. If you’re in San Antonio and looking for an inexpensive way to catch some sports, head over to the west side, stroll the OLLU campus, and catch a Saints game at Mabee Gymnasium. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 William D. Mullins Center 200 Commonwealth Ave Amherst, MA 01003 UMass Minutemen men’s hockey website Mullins Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 8,387 This is NewMass The William D. Mullins Memorial Center was built on the campus of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1993 for $51 million. The arena was named after the local state representative who spearheaded the campaign to build a new facility to help grow the university’s athletic program and assist in the university’s overall growth. It currently serves as home to the Minutemen men’s and women’s basketball and hockey teams. Before the building of the Mullins Center, the hockey team at UMass had been downgraded to club status. The first organized hockey teams representing UMass started in 1909, playing on the outdoor pond in the center of campus. The team played outdoors on and off until 1979 when the team was discontinued due to the lack of a suitable home rink. When the Mullins Center was built, the hockey team was reborn. The Minutemen compete in the Hockey East conference with several other New England schools. Since their re-emergence, UMass has qualified for four NCAA tournaments, finishing as national runners-up in 2019 and national champions in 2021. 21 UMass alumni have played in the National Hockey League, including Jonathan Quick and Cale Makar. Food & Beverage 5 The Mullins Center has an impressive array of concessions for a mid-sized arena. Several stands line the inner edge of the concourse, each with a different theme and menu. All the arena standards such as hot dogs, burgers, pizza slices, and chicken tenders can be found here. \ Fans looking for something a little different can enjoy some BBQ with mac & cheese and cornbread or a slice of “pickle pizza.” Some items can be combined as combo meals to save a few dollars. Fans looking to satisfy a sweet tooth can choose from a variety of pastries or ice cream from Maple Valley Creamery at the Corner Café. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Mullins Center. A selection of beer is available, including Bud Light, Coors Light, Shock Top, and brews from local favorites Sam Adams, Wormtown, and Harpoon Breweries. Copa Wines and Spiked Seltzer are also sold. New to Mullins Center starting in late October is Massachusetts Lager, brewed specifically for UMass Athletics by local favorite Amherst Brewing. Atmosphere 4 At most college hockey games the student section and pep band are the engines that drive the gameday atmosphere. While the pep band performs throughout the game and the student section does its best to create noise and energy, their efforts are not as strong as they could be. Perhaps this is because even a crowd of 5,000 only fills up the Mullins Center halfway. Still, this can be a fun place to take in a game. The staff at UMass put on a good show. Contests are held during most play stoppages; t-shirts are tossed into the stands, fans shoot pucks at mascots and there are plenty of giveaways to be had. Sam the Minuteman can be found roaming the arena and interacting with fans. The Mullins Center would provide a significant home-ice advantage if it were filled. The centerpiece of the experience at the Mullins Center is the giant video board that was hung over center ice in 2018. There are additional video boards on either end of the arena that display game stats. With three large video boards inside this mid-sized arena, it almost feels like taking in a game at a sports bar. There’s a screen everywhere you look. Neighborhood 5 Amherst is consistently rated as one of the best college towns in the country. Amherst Center is about a mile and a half from the Mullins Center and is chock full of restaurants, shops, and museums. With five colleges located in and around Amherst, the options are many and varied. From quaint book shops to museums celebrating the works of Emily Dickinson and Eric Carle to art galleries and libraries, the area around UMass has something for everyone. Visiting fans looking for something to eat before or after a game will find no shortage of options along Main and Pleasant Streets. UMass students swear by Antonio’s, home of some legendary gourmet pizza slices. For a complete listing of things to do, places to eat and lodging options in Amherst visit AmherstDowntown.com Just up the road from Mullins Center is the town of Hadley, where many more dining and shopping choices are located. Most of the eateries in this area consist of chain restaurants and fast food options. The Hangar Bar and Grill, a popular campus hangout with numerous craft brews on tap, is located near McGuirk Stadium. There are lodging options near UMass in both Amherst and Hadley. With Springfield only a half hour away, you won’t have to travel too far to find a place to stay after the game. For those wishing to eliminate the commute after the game, the UMass Hotel and Conference Center is located at the center of campus and is run entirely by students in the hospitality and tourism management program. Fans 4 With the Minutemen enjoying much success recently, including a pair of conference championships and trips to the Frozen Four, UMass has ranked in the top 15 in the NCAA attendance rankings for the past several seasons. The team annually averages around 4,500 fans per game, with attendance breaking the 5,000-per-game mark thus far this season. The student body turns out in solid numbers for Minutemen hockey games. However, they can be choosy about which games they attend. While the students do come with an assortment of cheers, chants, and songs, they don’t create as boisterous an atmosphere as other student sections. In a full building, that would easily change. UMass’ location in rural western Massachusetts works against them in terms of consistently drawing large crowds. Still, with the recent success of the Minutemen, fans have been turning up in good numbers to catch UMass hockey. Mullins Center is a place where you can feel comfortable bringing the whole family. Access 4 The University of Massachusetts is located in rural western Massachusetts. There are no highways that directly serve the UMass campus, but Interstate 91 is only six miles away if traveling from the north, south, or west. If traveling from the east, the Mass Turnpike (Interstate 90) will bring you about 20 miles from campus. Take exit 63 (Palmer) off the turnpike and follow the signs along the winding country roads to downtown Amherst and the UMass campus. Although the drive from the Mass Pike to UMass takes about a half hour, the foliage during the early part of the hockey season is amazing and draws many tourists throughout the fall. It’s well worth it to take your time and enjoy the scenery. Springfield is located 16 miles south of Amherst, served by both Amtrak and the Peter Pan Bus Lines. The larger cities of Boston, Albany, and Hartford are all less than a two-hour drive from campus. The closest airport is Bradley Airport, just over the Connecticut state line. The ski resorts of Vermont’s Green Mountains are only a couple of hours to the north. Once you arrive at UMass, it’s not too difficult to get to Mullins Center. The arena is located on the western edge of campus near many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including McGuirk Stadium and Earl Lorden Field . There is only one road that serves the arena, but traffic moves pretty well into the adjacent parking lots. Most fans will enter Mullins Center on the north side of the facility and enter onto a concourse that completely encircles the ice. Concession stands and restrooms line the inner edge of the concourse. Lines do form during intermissions so plan your trips wisely. The ice is not visible from the concourse, as Mullins Center’s ’90s-era design does not include an open concourse. All seats consist of maroon padded stadium seats in a steeply pitched seating bowl, which feature excellent views of the action from all sections. Just be aware that railings may obstruct your view from some seats. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMass hockey games are quite affordable, priced at $16, $20, and $25. Parking is free in the lots located a short walk from the facility. Concession prices are a bit on the high side, particularly for specialty and premium items, but are not out of line with other venues in the area. Fans looking to save a few dollars on food can purchase a combo meal. For an additional $25 fans can purchase a pass to the Commonwealth Club, a premium hospitality area located at ice level at the north end of the Mullins Center. Included in the Commonwealth club are complimentary snacks and beverages, a cash bar, and rinkside tables with great views of the action. Extras 2 A pair of extra points are awarded for the sense of history around the Mullins Center. Photos of notable Minutemen hockey and basketball alumni line the concourse. Photos of notable recording artists to perform at Mullins Center, such as Elton John and B.B. King, are also featured. Inside the arena hang banners honoring Minutemen conference championship teams, tournament appearances, and Frozen Four teams. Additional banners honor the 2021 National Championship team, Hobey Baker Award winner Cale Makar and Patrick Keenan’s retired number 4. Final Thoughts The Mullins Center is an attractive on-campus facility that serves as a home for the UMass Minutemen basketball and hockey teams. Still going strong in its 30th season, the arena provides western Massachusetts hockey fans with a comfortable place to watch a recent national championship team do their thing. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 MassMutual Center 1277 Main St Springfield, MA 01103 Springfield Thunderbirds website MassMutual Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 6,800 Welcome to the Thunderdome   The MassMutual Center was built in 1972 as the Springfield Civic Center. Attached to the arena is the largest convention center in western Massachusetts, which was built in 2005. In addition to serving as the home to several minor league hockey teams over the years, this was the home of the Hartford Whalers for a few months in 1978 when a roof collapse at the Hartford Civic Center forced the Whalers to look for a temporary home.   The city of Springfield is a charter member of the American Hockey League, with a professional hockey history that goes back to 1926. Seven Calder Cup Championship teams have called Springfield home. The original AHL team here, the Indians (who were rebranded as the Kings from 1967-74), played in Springfield for 60 seasons before moving to Worcester in 1994.   Ex-Indian players Bruce Landon and Wayne LaChance secured an expansion franchise for the following season, but the team, named the Falcons, was plagued by inconsistent attendance and a revolving door of affiliations. After the 2015-16 season, it was announced that the Coyotes were purchasing the franchise and moving the team to Arizona and the Tucson Arena as part of the AHL’s westward expansion.   On May 4, 2016, a consortium of local business owners announced they were purchasing the Portland Pirates and relocating them to Springfield for the 2016-17 season. The name Thunderbirds was chosen to evoke not only images of the mythological bird but also to honor the Air Force's presence in the region. The T-Birds have qualified for the AHL playoffs once in their eight seasons, reaching the Calder Cup Finals in 2022.   Food & Beverage 5   For a long time, the concessions at MassMutual Center were little more than an afterthought, offering up only arena basics at the many stands that line the inner ring of the concourse. However, that has changed in recent years as new concessionaires have brought increased quality and signature items to Thunderbird games.   Highlighting the offerings is a stand run by Bear’s BBQ, where hungry fans can grab their popular Mac Attack bowls topped with brisket or pulled pork. Randy’s Wooster Street offers its specialty pizza slices and craft beer, and Nathan’s Hot Dogs sells their legendary dogs nearby. Fenway Park’s legendary Sausage Guy operates a cart on the concourse, and fans can also hit up the Chick-fil-A stand for a sandwich or the Casa del Sol Cantina for some loaded nachos. Stadium Journey recommends getting yours in a souvenir goalie helmet. Fans looking for a healthier alternative can head to the Jugitos stand, where assorted smoothies and acai bowls are sold.   Fans looking for a pub-type atmosphere can visit the Breakaway Lounge or the Center Grille, where a selection of drinks and arena classics are served up. If you have a sweet tooth that needs a fix, Crumble serves up their oversized gourmet cookies, and Dippin’ Dots sells assorted flavors and other snacks.     Pepsi products are featured at the MassMutual Center. Fans looking for adult beverages will find no shortage of options, headlined by the Wormtown State Street Taproom.   Atmosphere 4   After decades of sporadic crowds and a lackluster game day atmosphere in Springfield, the Thunderbirds front office has found the magic formula to attract fans and energy to the MassMutual Center.   The Thunderbirds staff put on a high-energy show with a lot of noise and distraction to keep the casual and younger fans interested. The team’s mascot, Boomer, is the center of attention from the moment he takes the ice riding an ATV for pregame introductions. Since there’s nowhere to hang ribbon boards at the MassMutual Center, they’ve taken a unique approach, with several ribbon strips lowered from the rafters to create a tunnel that the starters skate through as they are introduced.   There’s a large video board that is put to great use with replays, fan cams, advertisements, and graphics. T-shirts are tossed into the crowd at every opportunity (watch out for the t-shirt cannon rolled out during intermission), the sound system is fantastic, and the energy is high. On the concourse, fans can purchase tickets for the 50/50 or jersey raffle, and younger fans can head to the kid’s area at the back of the arena, where there are coloring stations, a video game screen, and a slap shot cage.   Neighborhood 4   The MassMutual Center is located in downtown Springfield, long considered an area to avoid, but that reputation is changing as the area goes through a metamorphosis. Central to the area’s rejuvenation is the MGM Springfield Casino, located just a block from the arena.   Despite the many new places going up around the casino, Stadium Journey recommends a trio of old dining options for visiting fans. First and foremost is Red Rose Pizzeria, located downtown since 1963, where diners can enjoy quality pizzas and enormous servings of Neapolitan fare. Also worth a look is The Student Prince Café and the Fort, where German-styled food and drink have been served since 1935. Finally, can head over to Theodore’s Blues, Booze, and BBQ, where local and national blues acts perform every Friday and Saturday while the staff serves up some of the area’s best BBQ.   Of course, Springfield’s biggest attraction may be the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, located a mile from the MassMutual Center. Also located nearby are the Springfield Armory and the Amazing World of Dr. Suess Museum. Located near the museum are several life-sized statues of Dr. Suess characters.   Fans 4   During the 2023-24 season, Springfield averaged over 6,300 fans per game, which ranked them 13th in the 32-team AHL. Stadium Journey visited the MassMutual center for the Thunderbird's opening game of the 2024-25 season, which featured a sellout crowd of 8.179 fans. The Thunderbirds have seen attendance increase every year since they arrived, from a low of 4,664 in 2017 to last year’s high water mark of 6,321.   So why have the Thunderbirds succeeded when the Falcons struggled to attract fans? The team has worked hard to integrate themselves into the fabric of the community, have attracted groups with ticket deals, and have enriched the game day experience with improvements to the facility.   Overall, a Thunderbirds crowd looks similar to many others across the minor league hockey landscape. You’ll find lots of families, groups, and diehard fans who’ve been coming downtown for hockey games for decades. There’s a lot of enthusiasm and noise in the crowd here, especially when fans from the nearby Bruins or Rangers farm teams descend on Springfield.   Access 2   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 the sub-par access score? Two reasons. First, the Civic Center parking garage across the street from the arena’s front entrance is being 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.   The other factor that brings down the overall score is the cramped quarters of the MassMutual Center. A happy consequence of the increased attendance is that the facility has a hard time handling crowds that large. There’s just not enough room for everyone on the concourse during intermissions, so time your trips to the concession stands and restrooms wisely.   Return on Investment 4   Prices for Thunderbird tickets start at $20, escalating to $40 for the most expensive seats. The team offers several ticket deals, including Sunday Fundays, where fans can purchase four tickets and food vouchers for $80; Deuces Wild Fridays, featuring $2 domestic drafts, hot dogs, and sodas, and Winning Wednesdays, where a T-Birds win gets you a ticket for another weekday game.   Parking will cost an additional $15-20 in local lots, with free parking on local streets for those patients enough to search for it. With concessions generally priced in line with other local venues, a night at a Thunderbirds game is an affordable entertainment option for Western Massachusetts sports fans.   Extras 3   Fans of hockey history will want to check out the Springfield Hockey Hall of Fame display, where significant persons in the area’s hockey heritage are honored. Among the familiar names you’ll find here are Eddie Shore and Willie O’Ree.   The Thunderbirds also honor the city’s hockey heritage with banners honoring all of Springfield’s Calder Cup champions and a display featuring numerous jerseys worn by the different teams to call Springfield home.   If you can, be sure to check out the tiny team store in the northwest corner of the arena. Throwback merchandise from the Indians and Falcons can be found here, as well as the popular Simpsons crossover merchandise featuring the Thunderbirds’ alternate identity, the “Ice-O-Topes.” Time your trips well, as lines can last throughout the game here.   Final Thoughts   Springfield is an original AHL city, but it looked like their time in the league was done when the Falcons left town. That all changed when a new team and new ownership arrived, reinvigorating interest in minor league hockey in the city. The MassMutual Center may have a definite 70s vibe to its design, but the game day experience here is all new. ----   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and  Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Journey got a chance recently to attend the inaugural Capital Hockey Classic on December 12, 2024. This was a college hockey double-header featuring a contest between Army and Navy’s club hockey teams, followed by a matchup between Army and Penn State’s Division I programs. This event took place in Downtown Washington, DC’s Capital One Arena two days be fore the Army-Navy rivalry football game took place at Northwest Stadium. Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) was quoted as saying “We are ecstatic to be able to welcome college hockey back to Capital One Arena,” and “It is an honor to host this college hockey showcase ahead of the iconic Army-Navy football game, giving fans a chance to witness this storied rivalry on the ice and then see two top Division I teams match up against each other. The military is an integral part of our community in the Washington, D.C. area and Monumental Sports & Entertainment has a long history of harnessing the power of sports to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who serve our country.” Capital One Arena, which previously hosted the 2009 NCAA Frozen Four, serves as the home venue for the NHL’s Washington Capitals. Alongside their ownership organization, MSE, the Capitals have remained committed to growing and improving the game of hockey from youth clinics and camps to community programming to talent development with their AHL affiliate team and 13-time Calder Cup Champions, the Hershey Bears. Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Hockey has long been a staple of athletics on the West Point campus of the United States Military Academy, with the hockey program originally forming in 1904. Since then, the program has become one of the most recognizable brands in college hockey with over 1,200 wins to its name across different levels of evolution in the college game. The Riley family has led the program since 1951 when legendary and 1960 gold-medal-winning USA Hockey Coach Jack Riley took the reins. From there, his son Rob featured as the head coach from 1986-2004 before Rob’s brother, Brian Riley, who now enters his 21st season as head coach, was appointed. Army was a founding member of the Atlantic Hockey Association which just ended its 21-year run at the Division I level and is set to begin a new era as ‘Atlantic Hockey America’ after merging with College Hockey America this summer. “We are excited to have the opportunity to play in the Capital Hockey Classic against Penn State,” said Army head coach Brian Riley. “We know that there are a lot of alumni and Army fans in that area so it will be a great opportunity to bring the Army Hockey Team to an area where we’ve never played. There will be a lot of energy with the Army-Navy Football Game on Saturday and this will be a great way to start the weekend with Army vs. Penn State on the ice.” Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Penn State enters its 13th season as a Division I program in 2024-25 after elevating to varsity status before the 2012-13 campaign. The Nittany Lions secured the 200th win in program history last season and have five 20+-win seasons over the last nine years leading to a pair of Big Ten Championships (2017, 2020) and three NCAA Tournament berths (2017, 2018, 2023). Before being elevated to Division I status, Penn State competed in the ACHA from 1971-2012 winning seven National Titles including a stretch of four straight from 2000-03. This marks the third meeting between Penn State and Army over the past four seasons and the second-straight year the teams will meet after the Nittany Lions erased a four-goal deficit for a thrilling 7-6 victory in Hockey Valley back in January. Penn State is 4-0-0 all-time against the Black Knights in the current era. The Nittany Lions are poised to make a return trip to Allentown and the NCAA Tournament when the puck drops in October after finishing the 2023-24 campaign at 15-18-3. “It’s truly an honor to be a part of the first-ever Capital Hockey Classic,” said Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky. “The Army-Navy football game is a yearly spectacle and to add a hockey component to this special weekend is an awesome opportunity. I’m excited we will be able to spread our Hockey Valley community to the DMV area, an area we haven’t been to yet in our short history, but one with a large alumni base. We know there will be a lot of Blue & White support in D.C.! We Are!” Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Navy Club Hockey competes in Division 1 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) as a member of the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association (ECHA). Navy won the ECHA Championship in 2022 and went undefeated in 2023, advancing to the ACHA National Tournament each year. Navy is coached by Kevin Rooney, who just completed his 8th season leading the Midshipmen. “The Navy Hockey Team is excited to continue the great legacy of the Army-Navy game,” said Rooney. “As the ‘best of the best’ student-athletes and leaders, the rivalry is historic and delivers an extreme level of competition that is only found in an event like this. In addition, it is an incredible opportunity to join with other hockey teams and Navy Football to be part of the entire Army-Navy legacy weekend. We will be ready to ‘Bring it on’ for this intense hockey weekend at the legendary home venue of the NHL’s Washington Capitals!” In the club hockey game, Army beat Navy by a score of 7-3. For the final game featuring the NCAA teams, Penn State beat Army 4-1. It was an amazing event to attend at the start of the Army/Navy weekend. Hopefully, it will indeed become a recurring event so that we can review it for Stadium Journey.

Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Old Forge, Pennsylvania, is also a short 5-minute drive from PNC Field  and the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza  in Northeast Pennsylvania. The town is also the self-proclaimed “Pizza Capital of the World." To the 8,000-plus residents, that is just about the right. It is a style of pizza that is probably not like anything you’ve had before. “If you go to Pittston (a few miles away, it is New York-style, but not in Old Forge,” said one customer who was ahead of me in line at Revello’s, one of the dozens of pizza cafes on Main Street. The type of pizza is as different in taste as the terminology. The styles are either red or white, a slice is a cut, and a pie is a tray. The pizza is cooked in metal pans that make the crust crisp on the edges and soft and chewy in the center. If you prefer, you can get a few places to cook your pizza a little longer to crisp it up. How did this type of pizza come into existence? It is believed that Ghigiarelli's was the first to originate this style of pizza in 1926. Grandma Ghigiarelli served the pizza to the local miners at the bar she owned with her husband. The rectangular cuts would be served to them while they played cards and became so popular that other restaurants began putting them on their menus. The cheese is also unique to other styles across the country. It is a blend of mozzarella, white cheddar, and white American. It melts a little differently and oozes out of the white pizza, a style that is its being. “No two places have the same cheese blend; there is always a different spin on it,” said another customer. “The same for the sauces, every place in town does something different.” The white pie has no tomato sauce and is covered with a top layer of dough. The top is buttered with a few seasonings, and the inside is usually served with either broccoli or spinach. If you are a fan of melted cheese, then this one might be for you-however-I dipped mine in tomato sauce, which might be sacrilegious around these parts. There are various spots along Main Street offering their spin on this style of pizza, and each one uses a slightly different cheese blend or spices in the tomato sauce. Also, most of the businesses offer more than just pizza, customers can dine in and enjoy ravioli, spaghetti, chicken wings, meatball and sausage sandwiches, and another local delight, pierogies. There is a strong camaraderie among the different pizza makers in town. They don’t compete with each other, and many owners and workers will eat at competing cafes after work. It is that strong bond resulting in the branding of the term “Pizza Capital of the World." Old Forge is a small town, but worth a visit to taste this style of pizza, which is quite different from other kinds in the area. If your plans allow you to visit Main Street, order by the cut or tray. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 HSR Classic 12 Hours website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 Pistons and Props in Sebring Far removed from the chaos of the annual IMSA race weekend in March , the HSR Classic 12 “Pistons and Props” event features a whole different atmosphere. Held each year in late fall, this race showcases Sebring’s history and mixes in a little bit of air show with race cars. Food & Beverage   4 There is no shortage of food vendors around the track at Sebring – from the main paddock and the ever-popular Track Shack (get The Beast for $15…it is probably the best item you can eat at the track and used to be only known on the secret menu at Sebring) to the various drink and snack stops around the track, you never have to go too far to get something to quench your thirst or ease the pain of hunger. The cost of everything is also what one may consider being moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack. The event also invites several food trucks to the event as well, which are set up near the paddock area.   Atmosphere   4 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. The HSR weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours , and everyone here seems to be there to have a great time. The track lacks many conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level race facility, but makes up for it with viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is also included all weekend, something not always open to smaller events. Perhaps the highlight of the event is the historic warbird fly-in on Friday night – vintage warplanes arrive from Sebring Airport and taxi down the track’s backstretch before being staged for the weekend in the pre-grid area. After this, fans are allowed into the grid to check out the planes up close until they leave Sunday morning. Neighborhood   3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half drive from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying the whole weekend.   Fans   3 The fans at HSR weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, including IMSA  and the SVRA & Trans-Am SpeedTour events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it.   Access   3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams help take you from parking lots farther away from the main grandstands and paddock to points of interest around the track. You never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to points of interest throughout the weekend. Also, any fan can come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars who are in attendance.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to the HSR event here are much less expensive than IMSA’s 12 Hours in March   – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of the race cars of yesteryear without breaking the bank. Without a doubt, this is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access is much more up close than traditional races you may go to. Single day tickets (Saturday $30, Sunday $20), 2-day tickets ($45), 3-day tickets ($55), and 4-day tickets ($65) are all available for purchase. Unreserved RV parking is also available for $100 for the full event.   Extras   4 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the race weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for one of the year's biggest races. Also, before the main event on Saturday, all the teams bring their cars out to the false grid before the race starts, so fans can come and see the cars and drivers up close, next to the vintage planes, before the racers head out onto the track. Final Thoughts The Pistons and Props event is a highlight of the Sebring calendar, and many local race fans show up to watch vintage racing at its best; the bonus of vintage warbirds only amplifies the value of this event. Like the HSR Classic 24 at Daytona , racecar fans of all ages can no doubt find something to get excited about here.

Photo Courtesy of Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3 A few regional food items are so obscure that they go unnoticed in the surrounding community. I encountered this when visiting two minor league ballparks in St. Louis, Missouri. The St. Paul sandwich is one secretive little regional food item. The sandwich is served at many Chinese restaurants throughout the metro area and even in a select few restaurants throughout the state. It is egg-foo young served crispy on white bread with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a dollop of mayonnaise. The egg-foo young either contains beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, or no meat. The sandwich costs between $2 and $3.50, making it a very inexpensive menu item. Like the hamburger and hot dog, the St. Paul sandwich's origins are somewhat disputed. One account has it created in the 1940s in St. Louis by a chef who named it after his hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota, while some have insisted that the sandwich was first served at logging camps in Denver, Colorado, in the early 20th century. The St. Paul sandwich seems to be a clear fusion of Chinese and American cooking. I enjoy having a food origin debate; however, if it was not created in St. Louis, why can it only be found in the city? The only other areas where the sandwich can be found are in other parts of the state in Columbia, Springfield, and Jefferson City. Good luck ordering this sandwich in Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, or St. Paul, Minnesota. The sandwich is not served at any of the two minor or summer league ballparks on the outskirts of the city CarShield Fiel d home of the River City Rascals in O’Fallon and GCS Ballpark home to the Gateway Grizzlies in Sauget, Illinois. Meanwhile, the home of the Grizzlies is known for its own interesting take on ballpark food that has gained national attention. The donut burger, deep-fried slider, cheesesteak nachos, and hot dogs with grilled onions, bacon, and nacho cheese are offered, or offered, at one time. However, the St. Paul sandwich is not one of them in the small Illinois town outside St. Louis. If you order it without meat, the St. Paul sandwich makes a great vegetarian option, and its price is extremely economical for tight budgets or a quick snack. There also does not seem to be an upscale version anywhere in the town. I am sure an egg foo young patty with lobster, served on a brioche bun, with garlic-lemon aioli is just around the corner. I have been told that the best St. Paul sandwiches have crispy edges, just like a great old-fashioned burger; however, many Chinese restaurants in the city do not serve the sandwich. You can still grab one at many locations in St. Louis, and perhaps this could be your new favorite bite to eat in a city that has its share of regional items. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey This yea r’s Pop-Tarts Bowl and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl will stand out from the rest when it comes to the game day experience. Showcased during a special tasting event, these two games will feature specialty concession items available only during the games at Camping World Stadium, each featuring either Pop-Tarts or Cheez-It as part of the ingredients. Already two of the top-draw bowls on the annual Bowl Season slate, fans at this year’s games can look forward to several unique creations. Chad-Jan Neuman, Senior Executive Chef at Camping World Stadium and Levy Restaurants says the menu is the result of long hours of hard work from all parties involved. “It’s been six hard months of work between Kellanova and Levy Restaurants, sharing information, sharing recipes, sharing ideas,” said Neuman. “We enjoyed it because [you] can see how everything was taking form.” During the tasting event we were able to sample several of these offerings – let’s take a dive into them and how they stack up: Pop Tarts Bowl PB&J Pop-Tarts Bavarian Pretzel - described as “a warm freshly baked pretzel topped with creamy peanut butter, strawberry jam sauce and Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts toaster pastry pieces,” this is by far one of the more unique items on the menu. Chef Neuman says perfecting this item took a lot of work to balance the flavors involved. “We had to make sure we had balance between the sweet and the sour,” said Neuman. “The pretzel is very salty, and we had to make sure we had the right amount of peanut butter and jelly, and the right amount of pop tarts, to make sure we do not overwhelm the product.” PB&J Pop-Tarts Bavarian Pretzel Boston Cream Pie Pop-Tarts Trifle - listed as “a decadent mix of new Frosted Brownie Crunch Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers, Chantilly cream, vanilla pudding, and chocolate sauce,” this desert item adds a touch of Pop-Tarts flavor to a classic desert that is sure to be a favorite among fans. “We had to make sure it was approachable, it was cool, and it was unique,” said Neuman of the desert menu items. "You want to make sure its approachable to everybody, not just to kids but also to adults.” Boston Cream Pie Pop-Tarts Trifle Game Time Snack Mix - this “sweet and salty snack mix featuring Cheez-It Original, Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers and Fudge Brownie Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers” offers the perfect game-day version for everyone’s favorite snack mix. The Pop-Tarts pieces add a sweet side to the salty mix, while the Cheez-It Original pieces round out the mix perfectly. Game Time Snack Mix Other items on the menu for fans to experience at this year’ s Pop Tarts Bowl in clude: Strawberry Pop-Tarts Trifle - a decadent mix of new Frosted Strawberry Crunch Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers, Chantilly cream, vanilla pudding, and strawberry sauce. Hot Fudge Pop-Tarts Waffle Cone Bowl Sundae - frosted Hot Fudge Sundae Pop-Tarts with vanilla ice cream, chocolate fudge sauce, whipped cream and sprinkles served in a waffle cone bowl.- End Zone Celebration Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts Cheesecake; New York-style cheesecake topped with Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts tidbits and dulce de leche. End Zone Celebration Strawberry Pop-Tarts Cheesecake - New York-style cheesecake topped with Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts tidbits and strawberry sauce. Cheez-It Citrus Bowl The items for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl featur e the ever popular Cheez-It snacks. Here, sweet and savory mix together for more unique flavors. Let’s take a look at some of the items we were able to sample: Cheez-It Tender Dog - this star item featuring “[a] chicken tender, beer cheese sauce, Cheez-It Crunched Foot Long Roll, [and] crispy fries” is topped with jalapeño slices and strawberry sauce drizzle. For Chef Neuman, this item instills the most pride. "The tender dog was the final one we finished,” said Neuman. "We didn’t want to just make a hot dog. We wanted to make something between a tender and a hot dog that was also loaded. You can really feel the flavor.” Cheez-It Tender Dog Walking Cheez-It Nachos - this “bed of Extra Crunchy Snap’d Cheez-It crackers, nacho cheese sauce, chuck wagon chili dip, [and] green onions” is a new take on a recent classic. Showcasing the flavor of Cheez-It crackers in a nacho form, this item will be sure to delight fans. Walking Cheez-It Nachos Mac and Cheez-It Nachos - this “Macaroni in a creamy extra sharp cheddar sauce with Extra Big Cheez-It crackers, queso, bacon and green onions” is another take on the above classic. Full of cheesy flavor, this one mixes the salty of the crackers perfectly with the savory of the pasta. Pimento Cheez-It Board - featuring “local cured meats, cheese, fruit, [and] vegetables,” this premium board features an excellent pimento cheese dip that compliments the Cheez-It crackers perfectly. Pimento Cheez-It Board Other items on the menu for fans to experience at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl incl ude: Swicy Cheez-It Bird Dog - this southern favorite consists of crispy chicken tenders topped with beer cheese sauce, jalapeños, Hot & Spicy Cheez-It crackers and roasted raspberry chipotle sauce served in a steak roll. Loaded Cheez-It Brisket Potato Skins - baked potato skins topped with overnight-braised tender beef, creamy extra sharp white cheddar cheese sauce and Cheez-It White Cheddar cracker crumb topping. Hot Honey & Cheez-It Pepperoni Pizza (“Kordeezy Cheezy Pizza”) - charred pepperoni with Mike’s Hot Honey, tomato sauce, mozzarella and a White Cheddar Cheez-It cracker garnish. Loaded Chili Cheez-It Crunch Dog - a foot-long all-beef frank topped with chunky chili, jalapeño cheese sauce, white onions and hand crushed Cheez-It Original crackers. Cheez-It Pimento Cheez & Bacon Burger - a char-grilled double patty, Cheez-It pimento cheese, Crunchy Original Cheddar Cheez-It Topping and smoked applewood bacon. For Chef Neuman, creating the above items meant collaborating with numerous people from both Levy Restaurants as well as Kellanova, and he looks forward to seeing the fan reactions at the game. “You can see it in their faces,” said Neuman. "You can see how they enjoy it when they take that first bite and then come back for the same product and certain items, and you can see it in their eyes. When they taste it, that’s the most exciting thing.”

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Flagler Credit Union Stadium 777 Glades Rd Boca Raton, FL 33431 Boca Raton Bowl website Flagler Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 29,419 Your Florida Bowl Alternative In a state where numerous bowl games take center stage, one could be forgiven for overlooking the Boca Raton Bowl – it isn’t held in a giant NFL stadium, but instead in a small market on-campus facility. One of many games played in Florida’s temperate winter climate every year, this game continues to move on with better and better matchups. For the teams who get this bowl berth, the warmth and proximity to the beaches is a welcome sight. For fans traveling to this game, its affordability is nearly unmatched, and with a newer stadium and solid choices for fans for food and beverage, you get a great option to catch some bowl season action.   Food & Beverage   4 The food options at the Boca Raton Bowl are actually quite impressive, and the prices are not that high compared to most major sporting events. Burgers ($8-$9), soda ($5), and fries ($8-$10) will cost less than at most stadiums you go to. What sets the Boca Raton Bowl apart is the wonderful bar on the main concourse, which makes up the Delray Hyundai Deck. This full-service bar features TV screens, a nice aesthetic, and other smaller food vendors next to it that make it easy to grab a beer ($7-$8), an arepa ($10-$12), and some fries, all in one area. Another plus is the convenience of the concession locations on the lower levels – you never have to walk too far to find somewhere to grab food, which can be an issue at other stadiums. The other side of Flagler Credit Union Stadium (formerly FAU Stadium), opposite the party deck, features a full-service Subway location, complete with restaurant-style seating inside an air-conditioned storefront ($8-$13 for subs). There is also the Chick-fil-A stand on the main concourse of the sun deck, featuring chicken sandwiches ($9), chocolate chip cookies ($4), and waffle chips ($4). If you want something for your sweet tooth, a Jeremiah’s Italian Ice booth is also open ($8).   Atmosphere   4 Yes, a college bowl game already comes with a base level of excitement – it is a bowl game, after all. However, when the two teams playing are from non-Power 4 conferences, it’s a little hard to get the energy rolling; most of the teams in these conferences are smaller programs in smaller cities, and therefore have smaller fan bases that are less willing to travel. In fact, in the Boca Raton Bowl’s first few years of existence, despite having a sellout the first year and a near-sellout the second, the actual butts-in-seats count is below that, leaving large open areas in Flagler Credit Union Stadium that look bad on television; this lack of fans means a much lower noise level. That doesn’t take away from the beauty of the stadium, however – the Atlantic Ocean is visible from the upper levels and suite boxes on the west side of the stadium. The warm ocean breeze is also there to greet fans all game long, and the swaying palm trees make for one great backdrop behind the southern end zone.   Neighborhood   4 Boca Raton is a beautiful part of Palm Beach County. In addition, FAU’s campus is clean, South Florida-esque in appearance, and visually appealing overall. Also, not far from the campus is a beautiful strip mall that plays host to PF Chang’s, J. Alexander’s, Shake Shack, Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, and more. Equidistant from the east of campus is the Atlantic Ocean, where you can find beautiful beaches, as well as the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, where visitors can get a look at some of coastal Florida’s natural habitats and inhabitants, thanks to boardwalks through the mangroves and natural butterfly gardens. Near the beach hotels are easy to find – the official hotel of the most recent game was Wyndham Boca Raton, just on the other side of I-95 from Florida Atlantic University’s campus. Another close place to stay is Renaissance Boca Raton right next door. What Boca Raton lacks in nightlife more commonly found in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the area more than makes up for in relaxation. In addition, Palm Beach International Airport isn’t far from Boca Raton, with airports in Fort Lauderdale and Miami less than an hour away as well.   Fans   3 The fans of the teams who play in the Boca Raton Bowl are usually sparse, leaving open areas in the seating areas. However, this is college football, and the passion of the fans is palpable. The Boca Raton Bowl has previously featured non-Power 4 teams, but that is starting to change. Regardless of what teams are playing, however, the fans who come to the game are very loyal and leave nothing to chance as to who they are there supporting. Access   5 Getting to Flagler Credit Union Stadium is easy to do – unlike several sports teams and colleges where the campus stadiums are miles away from the highway exits, the home of the Boca Raton Bowl is quite literally bordered by I-95 in Boca Raton. Also, just a few miles west is the Florida Turnpike. Once off the exit from I-95, the FAU campus is immediately visible. Parking is quite plentiful, and even if you get stuck in a lot or garage that is a little further from Flagler Credit Union Stadium, the walk is not very far and is through a beautiful campus. Parking on site is $20 per car. When you arrive at the stadium the entry is simple, as each ticket has a dedicated entry gate. Also, once inside the signage is well placed, showing fans where to go for seats. Return on Investment   4 As the game is one of the early bowl games and not as big of a spectacle, tickets are less expensive than usual, so it won’t break the bank to go see a college bowl game. End zone tickets cost $32, while sideline seats go for $57; suite and club seats go from $450 to $600. If you are a fan or alumni of one of the participating schools, there are various fan zones and alumni parties that take place on game day, giving you multiple options for celebrating with fellow die-hards, thanks to special ticket packages. In addition, if you want a family fun atmosphere the Boca Raton Bowl is perfect – not too long a drive to be within manageable driving distance of both South Florida and the Treasure Coast, the easy-going vibe at the game makes it perfect to bring the little ones to. Extras   4 The fan zones outside are chock-full of freebies – from giveaways to concerts, fans can get tons of swag from the various booths outside Flagler Credit Union Stadium. Another bonus is the addition of charging stations; Flagler Credit Union Stadium recently added mobile charging stations so you can recharge your phone or tablet at the game, making it very convenient to get a power boost for your device. And after you get that boost, take a photo and post it to Instagram, and it may show up on the big screen – the Boca Raton Bowl showcases fan photos throughout the game on Flagler Credit Union Stadium’s Jumbotron, giving you the chance to be famous for about 10 seconds. Fans can also grab a photo next to the statue of Howard Schnellenberger just inside one of the main entrances; this is a popular photo spot for fans of the famous coach, or just sports fans in general.   Final Thoughts If you are willing to drive the distance to Boca Raton, then you are in for an easy-going treat. No, the crowd may not have Flagler Credit Union Stadium bursting at the seams, and no, it may not be the biggest roar you’ve ever heard when one of the teams scores, as you sit in an open section of the stadium. But you will not often find a college bowl game with affordable food, tickets, and easy access that won’t stress you out.