Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Flagler Credit Union Stadium 777 Glades Rd Boca Raton, FL 33431 Florida Atlantic Owls website Flagler Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 29,419 Flying High in Boca Raton While Florida Atlantic University may be overlooked among FBS football schools, the stadium in which they play certainly doesn’t mirror the program’s easy to miss appearance. While most people pass FAU football off as an also-played program, the team has three conference titles and two bowl wins over the past five seasons. Do not let the second-tier status deter you from venturing to Palm Beach County for a quality afternoon of college football. Flagler Credit Union Stadium (formerly FAU Stadium) is beautiful, clean, impressive, comfortable, and family friendly in all respects, while remaining easy to access from major highways. Food & Beverage 4 The food options at Flagler Credit Union Stadium are actually quite impressive, and the prices are not that high compared to most major sporting events. A burger, soda, and fries will cost less than $15, which in stadium terms is a steal, especially at a televised bowl game. What sets Flagler Credit Union Stadium apart is the wonderful bar that is on the main concourse that 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, an arepa, and some fries, all in one area. Another plus is the convenience of the concessions 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 locations. The other side of Flagler Credit Union Stadium, opposite the party deck, features a full-service Subway location, complete with restaurant-style seating inside an air-conditioned storefront. In addition, last year saw the addition of a Chick-fil-A stand on the main concourse of the sun deck, as well as another Subway stand. Atmosphere 4 This stadium is one that many college programs wish they had on their own campus – it boasts a solid seating capacity, good sightlines from various seats, a multi-level tower for suites and VIP boxes, and a great on-campus location. The games, while popular of late, aren’t always 100% full on game day, however. That doesn’t take away from the beauty of the stadium though. 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 swaying palm trees make for one great backdrop in 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 overall visually appealing. Not far from campus is a beautiful strip mall that plays host to a PF Chang’s, J. Alexander’s, Shake Shack, Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, and more. Equidistant to the east of campus is the Atlantic Ocean. There, you can find a beautiful beach, 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 the 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 have begun to show up in numbers to FAU games in the last few years. Success brings attendance in South Florida, and the Owls are enjoying a run of bowl-eligible seasons with bright local talent on the field. Among the most family-friendly college fans in Florida, FAU features probably what is quietly becoming a great fan base in Florida. While some may still show up late to the game itself, the students nonetheless show up to support their Owls. Tailgating is also growing in the various parking lots around the stadium, making for a better college game day experience. 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, Flagler Credit Union Stadium 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. Return on Investment 4 FAU tickets aren’t generally massively expensive, ranging from $15 to $100. Food prices won’t burn your wallet into ash either. With that said, a trip to an FAU game provides a great return on investment, especially when considering you are getting to see Conference USA college football at a fraction of the price of other teams in the country. With the increased fan presence and the pre-game tailgating that has grown, you really do get the full college experience at Flagler Credit Union Stadium when you purchase a ticket for the Owls. Extras 5 FAU football features plenty of in-game entertainment such as t-shirt tosses and game hosts playing trivia with fans. Another neat aspect is the fan experience outside – multiple booths are set up on the outside concourse, as well as the concert stage that gets set up on the field between the stadium and the parking garage, making for a wonderful family-oriented fan experience before the game. 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 to recharge your phone or tablet at the game, making it very convenient to get a power boost for your device. Fans can also relax under the shade of the palm trees on beach lounge chairs before, during, or after the games. Finally, the fans can get a chance to meet one of the most distinct mascots in college football, Owlsley the Owl. A giant owl that roams the sidelines, fans always look to get a photo with FAU’s signature mascot. Final Thoughts FAU football delivers a quality stadium experience for FBS college football at an affordable price in one of the nicest neighborhoods South Florida has to offer. The view is second to none, the fans are kind, and the pre-game atmosphere is surprisingly pleasant. For sure, FAU is as good of an experience as its bigger neighbors to the south, and it can only continue to go up from here.

It's time for our annual Year in Review episode! The crew looks back at our favorite games, stadiums, cities and surprises for 2024. We even get some input from you, our loyal listeners! Also, will this be our last show? We wrap up seven years of memories. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Northwest Stadium 1600 Ring Road Landover, MD 20785 Army Navy Game website Northwest Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 85,000 America's Game The Army-Navy Game is one of the most iconic sporting events in the United States. The rivalry football game between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy has been going on since 1890, although has only been played annually since 1899. The game was not held in 1917 or 1918, due to World War I, and in 1929, when the two academies disagreed over player eligibility rules. Navy leads the series, which has had seven ties. The 2022 game was the first overtime game of the long series. Philadelphia is usually considered the main home to the game, although starting in 2008 a bidding process has now made the game likely to rotate to various venues. Philadelphia still holds the record for most games hosted, followed by New York City and Baltimore. The game has been held as far west as Chicago (1926) and at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA (1983). Northwest Stadium (formerly FedExField) is located in suburban Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. It replaced the Washington NFL team’s longtime home RFK Stadium in 1997. The late Jack Kent Cooke, former owner of the Washington Redskins, spent the early 1990s looking for a new stadium. Finally, a location was found in the town of Landover. The former owner died before truly enjoying his team playing at their new home. The team's location was also even known by the United States Postal Service as Raljon, Maryland to honor Cooke’s sons, Ralph and Jon, although it was always technically in the Landover area. Northwest Stadium has seen an amazing number of expansions and reductions in seating capacity in its short lifespan. Entire seating sections have been physically removed from the stadium to reduce capacity. Some seats have been removed to make standing-room-only “party” sections, while other seats have been covered by advertisements and tarps. There is talk every year about the Washington Commanders moving either back to the District of Columbia or to the Commonwealth of Virginia. At this point, there is no specific plan in place or motion. Food & Beverage 5 There are many decent concession stands around the stadium offering the usual stadium options. The prices are not cheap, but they are pretty much in line with most NFL venues. If you worry about high food costs, your best bet is to eat before game time. There have been changes to some options to make them cheaper. There is an increasing number of self-checkout, and grab-and-go food stations added around the concourse. The team has been adding many interesting food options and keeping choices fresh and interesting. Chicken Guy, a Guy Fieri chicken finger stand is very tasty. The team has done a good job of enhancing the food offerings at both the Club Level and the main concourse. The upper concourse options seem a bit sparer, although that is common with large stadiums. Atmosphere 5 The game atmosphere is amazing. There are activities both before and during the game to keep all of the fans engaged. There will be many options for Army-Navy game merchandise, but the usual Commanders' merchandise will be unavailable. The atmosphere is top-notch even with the limitations of this facility. Once inside the stadium, you may be less impressed with some aspects of the physical structure. Some areas are just poorly designed. The stadium is not aging well. The addition of a fan zone on the main concourse, which includes areas where the fans can gather and still be in sight of the on-field action, is a welcome addition to the stadium. The Commanders have brightened up much of the stadium and kept it consistent in theme. This is an improvement over our past visits to this stadium. The upper deck seems incredibly too high to enjoy the game. Some seating sections in the upper deck require your having to go both up AND down a set of stairs to find your seat. A former walkway has been filled in with three rows of seating. Doing so has created some navigational issues, in that fans may need to go up and then back down a small set of stairs just to move from one area to another. It is weird to see entire seating areas in the Club Level that are blocked off and covered up. The upper deck also still has some audio issues. There are areas there where the sound is nearly inaudible. In addition, the lower deck still has some obstructed view seats. They do often go for quite low of a price but it is still incredible that a stadium built just one year before Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium has the severe design flaws that it does. Many other parts of the seating bowl are just a bit weird here at Northwest Stadium. It opened with 80,000 seats. A few years later, the Redskins added many temporary and permanent seating areas to bring the total seating to over 91,000. Now the stadium is getting smaller, with many seats changed over to those standing-room-only areas and/or tarp-covered areas to bring the official capacity down. Cadets in Formation - Army/Navy Game Neighborhood 2 Suburban Landover is not the most exciting neighborhood. Northwest Stadium sits in an area surrounded by parking lots. That kind of setting can be good for tailgating but often means the area is lacking a bit. It would be nice if there could be food, drink, and entertainment options located in the area, such as at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Live complex. I would love to see something similar, even if they are temporary, game-only, locations. Currently, fans who are not tailgate types have very few pregame options. The closest thing really to the stadium is some newer housing developments. Luckily Washington D.C. is close by. If you are arriving by Metro, pregame activities are best spent there. The Foggy Bottom neighborhood is a good option in D.C. as there are still plenty of restaurants to choose from. Georgetown is another great option The choices there will astound you, but Martin’s Tavern will always be a good choice. Did I mention you are right near Washington, D.C.? The number of other attractions, museums, restaurants, and other sights is astounding. Spend some time pre or post-game seeing the many things around this great city. Fans 5 This game means the world to the teams and fans in attendance. Everyone has a side. “Go Army! Beat Navy!” and “Go Navy! Beat Army!” are chanted and shouted almost non-stop before and during the game. Even with the emotions of the game, there is a respectful tone. This is not a crowd that will fight over their emotions. These are respectful fans who take pride in their teams, as well as their nation. Access 3 Northwest Stadium’s location close to the Washington Beltway is not usually seen as a positive. This suburban location compounds the traffic nightmares in the area. The stadium is located far from public transportation and with limited parking alternatives, the stadium can be hard to get to. The opening of the Washington Metro’s Morgan Boulevard Station in 2004 gave attendees at least one public transportation option. It is slightly less than one mile away, and there are decent walkways between the station and the stadium. Sure, it could be closer, but at least it is an option. The Largo Town Center Station, also on the same Blue line as the Morgan Boulevard Station, is another walkable option but is far less convenient. There is plenty of parking available around the stadium. The problem has been that it is pricey. There are a few non-approved lots to the north of the stadium around Brightseat Road, but that is an exception. In the last few years, the stadium staff made major strides in improving the operations of their lots. Fans are required to enter their designated lots from specific access roads. The idea was to allow for a more efficient entry and exit from the stadium. It seems to have worked. Return on Investment 5 The Army-Navy game may not be the cheapest around. It is a much-desired ticket for many fans, so expect to pay a decent amount of money. That, coupled with pretty expensive parking, means the game will not be cheap. But for the experience you will get, the price seems fair and reasonable. Extras 5 It is the Army-Navy game, so that is probably extra-enough as it is. But there are other reasons to attend. Stay outside the stadium to witness the walk of the Cadets and Midshipmen into the stadium. Then get inside to watch the formations on the field. It is well worth attending just for this. The game will always have a good flyover pregame, whether it is Army helicopters or Navy jets that you prefer. The Navy and Army will also always have skydivers jumping into the opening ceremony. Both the Navy and Army have ships and other large equipment around town displaying their awesome firepower. Final Thoughts The Army-Navy game is one of the most special events a sports fan can ever attend. The overall pageantry of the event and the pure sports aspect of the contest make it a must-see for any real sports fan. We have often been critical of Northwest Stadium, and rightfully so, but the team has made the stadium as nice as they really can.

It's indisputable. Slap Shot , the hilarious '70s flick about minor league hockey, is one of the best sports movies ever. Author Jonathon Jackson loved the movie and spent years getting the skinny on it and how it all came together. Eventually, he published a comprehensive book, The Making of Slap Shot: Behind the Scenes of the Greatest Hockey Movie Ever Made , which was recently revised and updated. Watch the movie and then read the book, which you can buy here . Jackson took some time to answer a few questions. STADIUM JOURNEY: When and where did you first watch Slap Shot? Was it in a theater? VHS? DVD? Cable? Did you view it alone?  JONATHON JACKSON: I was 12 years old the first time I saw it, and it was an edited-for-television version. This was disappointing, because I had already read the very profane novelization. I don't remember if I saw it with anyone or not. I think my parents were there too, but I can't be certain. I was probably 13 or 14 the first time I saw the unedited version on VHS, but I don't remember those circumstances either. I've lost track of how many times I've seen it since, but it's easily in the hundreds. STADIUM JOURNEY: What about the film resonated so much with you? Was there a specific character? Did you have a favorite character? JONATHON JACKSON: I just loved hockey as a kid, so just the fact that there was a hockey movie was special. I didn't have any real awareness of who exactly Paul Newman was at the time, but as Reggie Dunlop was the main character, I was drawn to him more than anyone else. Maybe it was Newman's star quality! As I've gotten older, I can appreciate even more the sense of desperation in that character, underneath the humour. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your favorite quote from the movie? JONATHON JACKSON: I think my favourite quote is from Dickie Dunn, the sportswriter: "I was trying to capture the spirit of the thing." As a former sports writer myself, I can certainly relate to it because it's something I've always tried to do, whether consciously or otherwise. You always want to try to paint an accurate picture of whatever it is you're writing about. STADIUM JOURNEY: What prompted you to write the book? What made you finally take the plunge? JONATHON JACKSON: I was frustrated in my job as a sportswriter - the perils of being the  number two guy in a two-man department with no hope of moving up to number one - and I longed to do something that was more important and meaningful than I was doing. I had tried to write a book previously, because I always liked working on longform pieces, but it didn't work out. The Making of Slap Shot actually started out as an idea for a magazine article I thought I could pitch; it just snowballed from there. STADIUM JOURNEY: How long was the entire process? What's the first step that you take of this herculean endeavor? How do you begin? Who do you call? JONATHON JACKSON: It took four years, from start to finish. I didn't work on it consistently through that period as I was a single dad simply trying to raise my three sons and keep us all alive, so the book came together in spurts. It started with a charity golf tournament/cast reunion near Toronto in the summer of 2006. I just showed up, unannounced, and started talking to people with my tape recorder that I used every day on the job. After that, it meant a lot of time on the internet and especially on the phone. STADIUM JOURNEY: Who were the first subjects to step up and say 'I'll participate' and perhaps give you some momentum? JONATHON JACKSON: The first people who stepped up were the cast members I met at the golf tournament. I spoke with Yvon Barrette (Denis Lemieux), Paul D'Amato (Tim "Dr. Hook" McCracken), Chris Murney (Tommy Hanrahan), Ross Smith (Barclay Donaldson), and a couple of other people, including Ken Blake, who did the early work to track people down and organize the first few events, and who became a good friend. It was Paul D'Amato who actually encouraged me to consider taking the article I had in mind and expanding it into a book. After that weekend, though, I don't really remember how or where I started trying to track down other people. I think Ken may have put me in touch with Jerry Houser (Dave "Killer" Carlson) in California. I do remember that when I would reach someone on the phone, they would ask me who I had already talked to, and then usually they would suggest others that I should reach out to. It was very organic in that way, and I really appreciated it because it told me that if these people were interested enough to help me, others might be interested in it too - like people who could help me get the book published! But I really had no idea what I was doing; I had a publisher before I had an agent, which I found out later is the opposite of how it was supposed to work. STADIUM JOURNEY: How difficult was it to get Paul Newman to participate? How many hoops did you have to jump through? JONATHON JACKSON: That was a fun endeavour. I first tried his publicist, who was notorious for not letting people get to Newman, and he shot me down. Somehow, I got the idea to write a letter to Newman's Own, his food company. One morning I was woken up by a woman in his office who said Newman would agree to answer some questions if I typed them out and faxed them to his office. I did that, and his answers came to me by email a short time later. I felt pretty smug about having pulled a successful end-around on the publicist. I didn't get to talk with Newman on the phone, but I did interview his brother that way, and they sounded very much alike. So it felt sort of similar. STADIUM JOURNEY: Actor Michael Ontkean contributed the book's forward. Did he ever explain how got his long underwear over his skates in that unforgettable, final scene? JONATHON JACKSON: Ha! No, he did not reveal that secret to me. He's such an interesting, complex guy. I was familiar with Michael as an actor, but when I started this process, I had no idea that he had some serious hockey credentials and could easily have played professionally if he had stuck it out a few more years until the WHA and NHL expansion really took off starting in 1972. By then, though, he'd established himself on television. I've never gotten the sense that he regretted his decision to try his luck in Hollywood. STADIUM JOURNEY: Slap Shot , of course, is very male, but it's also very female with a lot of strong, wonderful female characters. It was written by a woman, Nancy Dowd. How did she feel about the book? Her brother, Ned, who worked on the film talked to you, but she didn't. What's Nancy's relationship with the movie?  JONATHON JACKSON: You are correct - Nancy would not talk to me. I don't know what she thought or thinks about the book, or if she thinks about it at all. At the time I talked with Ned, I thought perhaps he might be able to help me get to her, but he was very candid in saying they did not have a relationship. They may have since reconciled, but I have no way of knowing. I sense, and not just from my own experience but also from speaking with others, that she can be a difficult person to get along with. To be fair, I have friends who have met her, and they think she's great. About 15 years ago she was threatening to sue the Hanson Brothers for doing their schtick, claiming that she invented the characters and consequently they had no right to be doing what they were doing. They blew her off, and the threat went nowhere. It seems that Nancy was not treated very kindly by the film industry during the 1970s and 1980s, and I can't help but think that that has played a role in the way she has interacted with others. All I really know for sure is that she had no interest in meeting or talking with me. I'm thankful that I had access to archives that still allowed me to include her voice in the story, because of course the story wouldn't have been complete without her.  STADIUM JOURNEY: So let's say someone wants to go on a Slap Shot  arena tour. Which arenas would we have to go? Are they all still around? JONATHON JACKSON: Every arena shown in Slap Shot is still in existence and in most cases are still hosting high-level hockey. The main one, of course, is the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown, PA. It has been remodelled a few times over the years, but it's the same building. Johnstown's primary hockey team is the Tomahawks, who play in the North American Hockey League, a Tier II junior league. Scenes were also filmed at the arenas in Syracuse, the game against Hyannisport where the Chiefs invaded the stands, and Utica, the site of the pregame brawl against Peterborough, and at the Starr Rink on the campus of Colgate University, the Chiefs' first road game against Lancaster, where they find out the team is going to fold. Utica and Syracuse both have AHL teams at their arenas, and I believe the Starr Rink is now a practice site for Colgate's basketball teams. These three buildings are all fairly close together in upstate New York; it's about 30 miles from Utica to Colgate, and then another 40 miles from Colgate to Syracuse, so you could easily see all three in the same day. Johnstown is probably about 400 miles SW of Syracuse. STADIUM JOURNEY: Does the Slap Shot universe still exist? JONATHON JACKSON: Yes, it absolutely does. Any time cast members get together for an event, it's always well-attended by the public. Three and four generations of fans have grown up with this movie and its characters, and it's still relevant even though it's a total period piece. Hockey players and arenas no longer look like they did in 1976-77, and bench-clearing brawls are things of the past, but the dearth of good hockey movies means it continues to resonate. Thankfully, the people who made the movie and are still with us recognize this, and they are happy and willing to celebrate its legacy and their roles in it. You can purchase Jonathon Jackson's great book here . Jon Hart is  @manversusball All Photos from Paul Baker's personal collection

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Thomas M. Ryan Center 1 Lincoln Almond Plaza Kingston, RI 02881 Rhode Island Rams website Thomas M. Ryan Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 8,000 Raising a Ruckus The Thomas M. Ryan Center, named for the University of Rhode Island class of 1975 alumnus and primary benefactor of the arena, was built in 2002 to replace the aging and undersized Keaney Gymnasium. The building is located adjacent to Meade Stadium on the western edge of campus, with the football stadium’s visiting side bleachers built directly into the side of the basketball arena. The Rams have made the NCAA tournament ten times in their history, advancing as far as the Elite Eight in 1998. In addition, URI has played in the National Invitational Tournament 15 times, making the semi-finals on three occasions. 17 URI alumni have gone on to play in the NBA. Food & Beverage 3 There are a total of five concession stands that line the concourse of the Ryan Center. The menu doesn’t stray very far from arena basics, but visiting fans should be able to find something to ease any hunger pangs that arise during the game. But beware, some of the more unique items that used to highlight the menus are no longer offered. Each stand offers a slightly different menu, so you may have to do some searching to find your desired items. Hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches and personal pizzas anchor the menus. Of course, fans will find sides including nachos, fries, pretzels and popcorn at all the stands. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Ryan Center. Among the adult beverages sold here are brews from local favorites Narragansett and Shaidzon Beer as well as versions of the popular Chair 2 Light Beers. Woodbridge Wine is also available at all stands. For a little more local flavor, seek out the Del’s Lemonade cart. Nothing screams “Rhode Island” like a cup of Del’s. Atmosphere 4 Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Kingston happened during Thanksgiving break, but the absence of the student body did little to dampen the mood on this day. The cheerleading squad, dance team and mascot, Ruckus the Ram, were all out in full force to help create noise during play stoppages, and the dedicated Rams fans took it from there. Play stoppages are filled with contests, giveaways and more to keep the energy level up and the fans engaged. If you’re a fan of t-shirt tosses, dance cams and the like, you’re sure to have a good time at the Ryan Center. A large video board in one corner of the arena shows game stats, replays and other information. There’s an emcee who pops up from time to time to pump up the crowd with chants of “Rhody, Rhody, Rhody.” The student body generally shows up in strong numbers, as this is one of the rare schools in New England where basketball is top dog. Despite being overshadowed by Providence College in the local sports scene, the Rams have plenty of their own dedicated fans. Neighborhood 2 One area where the Ryan Center may come up short when compared to peer facilities is its location. Even though URI boasts an enrollment of over 18,000 students, there’s just not much to do in the area around campus. Providence is about 30 miles to the north. During the summer the nearby coastal towns of Narragansett and Newport are popular destinations, but not so much during basketball season. Visiting fans looking for somewhere to eat or stay during their visit to Kingston will have a bit of driving to do before finding something. Mews Tavern, featuring 69 beers on tap and an excellent pub menu, is a favorite of locals. Tavern on Main, also located in Wakefield, is another popular spot. Aside from a Holiday Inn on Route One, there’s not many lodging options near campus. History buffs may want to check out the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum located in Saunderstown. Otherwise, head to Providence or to the coast to find more options. Fans 4 Attendance at the Ryan Center has dipped over the past couple of seasons as the team has struggled, topping out at just over 5,000 fans per game. While a decrease, this still puts the Rams over the Atlantic-10 average. A typical URI crowd is made up of locals, alumni and families enjoying a night of entertainment in southern Rhode Island. While the lions’ share of the local media attention in the area goes to Providence College, the University of Rhode Island has their share of ardent supporters. Parents can feel comfortable bringing their children to a Rams game. The student section turns out in good numbers armed with props and chants designed to distract and annoy the opponent. Along with a solid pep band, cheer and dance squads, they help to create a festive atmosphere at the Ryan Center. Access 4 The Ryan Center is located on the western edge of the URI campus in rural Kinston, Rhode Island, adjacent to Meade Stadium and Bill Beck Field . Driving here from Providence will take about 40 minutes on a typical day. Getting to the T.F. Green Airport is a 20-minute drive, and the Kingston Amtrak station is just a mile and a half away. Complete directions to the Ryan Center can be found here . Parking lots are located on the north and south sides of the Ryan Center. Parking is free in these lots, but it can be a long walk to your car on a frigid Rhode Island night. Fans requiring handicapped parking or VIP treatment can inquire about parking in the Rhody Lot directly in front of the arena. There is a charge for this VIP parking. The Ryan Center practices a clear bag policy, with no other bags except for small clutches permitted, so make sure you leave anything else in your car. It might be a long walk back. There are entrances on either end of the arena. Fans will enter at ground level, with stairs leading up to the main concourse. The concourse, which is carpeted, encircles the entire arena and is open on one corner, where the video board is located. The concourse overlooks Meade Stadium on one side, and the Ryan Center is open during football games. Concession stands and rest rooms are plentiful enough for a typical Rams crowd, and lines are not an issue here. All seats are individual Rhody blue folding stadium seats. The upper level features a very steep pitch, which ensures excellent views of the action on the court from all points inside the Ryan Center. The furthest seat is only 74 feet from the basketball court. The intimate design of the Ryan Center means that the building can get very loud when the Rams are on a roll. Return on Investment 5 Rhode Island utilizes variable pricing for Rams games, with tickets to marquee games ranging in price from $20-$35, featured games ranging from $15-$30 and tickets to most other games priced from $12-$22. Even Club seats can be affordable. Purchasing tickets on game day will add $3-$5 to the price. Complete pricing information can be found here . Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the Ryan Center. Concession prices, while not inexpensive, are in line with other venues in the area. Extras 4 The University’s Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the Ryan Center. Plaques honoring the enshrined line the walls throughout the facility. Banners honoring URI championship and tournament teams hang from the rafters of the Ryan Center along with five honored numbers from distinguished alumni. Check out the trophy case displaying the Rams’ collection of hardware won over their history. It may seem like a meager haul for a team that’s as storied as the Rams, but it’s a nice display. Another extra point is awarded for the design of the Ryan Center, which is meant to evoke visions of nearby beaches. The stair towers are designed to resemble lighthouses, and the carpets on the concourse contain wave patterns on them, as well as shades of blue and tan found on the beach. It is a very pleasing venue to the eye. Final Thoughts The Ryan Center is an excellent venue that suffers in comparison to its peers primarily due to its location. Place this outstanding arena in a major city, and the rave reviews would roll in. Nevertheless, it is a great place to catch a basketball game, combining intimacy and convenience. It’s a worthy Stadium Journey for any hoops junkie visiting New England. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Cullen Field House 400 East Ave. Warwick, RI 02886 CC of Rhode Island Knights men's basketball website Vincent A. Cullen Field House website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 3,000 Knight Time in Rhode Island   The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is the only community college in the state of Rhode Island and the largest community college in New England. Founded in 1964 as Rhode Island Junior College, it moved out of its original home in Providence when land was donated to the school by the Knight Estate in the neighboring city of Warwick in 1972. Today the school’s 16,000 students study at six campuses throughout the state working towards five different Associate Degrees.   The school sponsors teams in three men’s sports and four women’s sports. The teams are called the Knights in honor of the Knight Estate. The basketball program has been a leader among local community college teams since the 60s. Today CCRI competes in NJCAA Division III along with several other schools throughout New England. Over their history, the men's teams have won 19 Regional Championships and appeared in 12 National Tournaments, reaching the championship game in 1991 and 2012. The women's teams have won 13 Regional Championships and appeared in 10 National Tournaments.   CCRI’s basketball teams play in the Vincent A. Cullen Field House, named for the school’s longtime professor, Director of Athletics and men’s basketball coach. During his tenure, Cullen compiled a record of 711-258. His teams qualified for the NJCAA tournament 13 times.    Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions to be found at Cullen Field House. Not even a vending machine in sight. Fans are able to bring in their own refreshments to enjoy during the game.   Atmosphere 2   The game day presentation is pretty much what you would expect it to be at this level of basketball. There’s not a lot of extra bells and whistles to be found at CCRI, but the staff do a good job putting on a representative show. Much of the noise in the gym comes from the bleachers, where friends and family of the players (from both teams) are into the game and cheer on their favorite players enthusiastically.   There is no cheerleading squad or pep band like you would see at most bigger schools, but that doesn’t mean Cullen Field House is quiet during a game. Music plays over a good sound system, and the PA announcer adds a bit of excitement to the proceedings while keeping the fans informed. Amusingly, the PA system uses different speakers than the music, so the noise comes from a different end of the gym depending on what sounds are playing. It’s not quite as trippy as listening to Pink Floyd with headphones on, but it was amusing, nonetheless. Brand new scoreboards were installed for the 2024-25 season and hang on both ends of the court. They display basic game information. Additional upgrades to the facility made in 2024 include new wall pads and plans for a new weight room.   Neighborhood 4   The area around CCRI is a busy commercial district, featuring two shopping malls and Warwick’s main business drag, Route 2. There are no shortage of dining and lodging options just a short drive from campus. Just be aware that this is not really a walkable neighborhood. Traffic is heavy and a car is needed to best move about the area.   Virtually every national chain restaurant you can think of can be found in the area. Fans looking for a bit of regional flavor close to CCRI will need to venture further out into Warwick to try Iron Works or the Tree House Tavern, as well as local chains Chelo’s and Iggy’s, famous for their clam cakes and chowder. Of course, Providence is known as one of the top mid-sized cities in the nation for culinary options, and it is located just a 15-minute drive from CCRI.   Visiting fans looking to stay near campus will find a Crowne Plaza hotel right up the street from CCRI, and with T.F. Green Rhode Island Airport located just four miles from the school, you'll find plenty of lodging options in the area.   The city of Warwick boasts a couple of nice state parks, Goddard and Rocky Point, the latter located on the site of the old amusement park. With Providence located just 15 minutes away, and the seaside towns of Newport and Narragansett located about a half hour’s drive away, CCRI is centrally located for anyone looking to explore the best of Rhode Island.   Fans 2   A CCRI crowd is definitely what we at Stadium Journey call a “friends and family” type of crowd. Colleges at this level generally don’t release attendance figures, but the crowd during Stadium Journey’s visit on a Saturday afternoon during semester break numbered about 100 people. Weekday games generally draw larger crowds, as students will head over to the Field House after classes end.    Everyone in the stands has a personal connection with the players on the court and are not shy about letting everyone know about who their favorite player is. It’s a very tight-knit crowd here at the Cullen Field House, as everyone seemed to know everyone else in the stands. Since the Knights’ schedule consists of other area community colleges, you’ll be sure to find a good representation of visiting fans in the stands as well.   Access 4   The Knight campus of the Community College of Rhode Island is located in Warwick, the third largest city in the state. Warwick boasts a population of about 83,000 residents and is located 12 miles south of Providence. CCRI is very easy to get to, as it is located right off Interstate 95 via exit 28. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s  13, 23 and 29 busses all serve the CCRI campus.   CCRI’s Knight campus consists of one hulking building, designed by the architecture firm of Perkins and Will in 1972 to house all the school’s academic, social and recreational facilities in a single building. The enormous structure varies in height from four to six stories. This building is a fine example of the brutalist architecture in vogue at the time (see also the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth ). This style of architecture has lost its appeal over time, and CCRI was named the eighth ugliest campus in the United States by the lifestyle website Complex in 2019.   A very large parking lot is located adjacent to CCRI’s main building. Given the school’s status as a commuter school, this is both expected and necessary. It’s another example of how the school was designed for function, not style. Spots in this lot are a bit of a walk from the Cullen Field House.   The Cullen Field House is located behind the main building. It’s pretty much the only structure on campus that is not part of the main building. There are numerous parking spots near the Field House, but they are marked as reserved. This might not be an issue when coming to CCRI for a basketball game at night or on the weekend, though.   Fans will enter Cullen Field House at the top floor of the building and descend a set of stairs to the basketball court. An elevator is located here for fans who requir it. There are nice views of the court from the stairway, but fans are discouraged from standing here. All seating is located on the west side of the court and consists of wooden bleachers. Two small rest rooms serve the gym. Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Knights basketball game. Parking is free as well in the gigantic parking lot at CCRI. With no concessions at Cullen Field House, you won’t reach for your wallet at all during your visit. As a bonus, most days, the women’s and men’s team play doubleheaders, meaning you’ll get to watch two games for the price of none!   Extras 2   Banners hang all over the Cullen Field House walls honoring CCRI District and regional champions from both the men’s and women’s teams. As part of recent improvements to the gym, new banners are being made and will be hung soon.   As you enter Cullen Field House and descend the stairs to the basketball court, you’ll pass through the CCRI Athletic Hall of Fame, which contains mementos from the school’s sporting history. Notable individuals are honored here as well. Final Thoughts   Junior college basketball may be overlooked by many when considering stadium journeys, but small gyms like the Cullen Field House combine quality play, affordability and an intimate setting to provide alternatives to the expense and crowds of big-time college hoops.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cotterell Court 201 Broad St. Hamilton, NY 13346 Colgate Raiders website Cotterell Court website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 1,750 Guardians of the Gate Cotterell Court is home to the Colgate University men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. It is part of the larger Reid Athletic Center, which contains both the basketball gym and the former J. Howard Starr Rink, which housed the Raiders hockey teams until 2016. The two facilities, built as twin Quonset Huts, are joined by a common lobby. Cotterell Court was dedicated in 1966 in honor of Wesley M. Cotterell, class of 1919, who was a two-time letterman and university trustee. Colgate competes in the Patriot League alongside nine other northeastern schools with high academic standards. The Raiders have qualified for four NCAA tournaments, losing in the first round each time. Four Colgate alumni have played in the NBA, including Ernie Vandeweghe and Adonal Foyle. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand in the main lobby which serves a limited menu. Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, cookie dough, and assorted candy comprise the entire menu. Prices are what you would expect to see in a venue of this size, and the quality is decent enough. Coca-Cola products are featured at Cotterell Court, served in both cans and fountain versions. Alcohol is not served in this on-campus facility. Atmosphere 3 When you step into this small, cozy gym without a ton of modern amenities, you shouldn’t expect an over-the-top game day experience. What you are going to get is an old-school presentation that gets energy from the fans and the action on the court. Anything else just wouldn’t feel right here. When Cotterell Court is filled, it’s a rowdy, electric place to be. Unfortunately, since the place is generally less than half-full, there’s usually a laid-back vibe here. There’s no video board to distract, so all the focus is on the court. Colgate’s cheerleading squad performs throughout the game, throwing t-shirts into the stands after every Colgate three-pointer. The student section is located under the west basket and can get pretty rowdy when it’s filled with undergrads. For the most part, the students are scattered throughout the facility. Cotterell Court isn’t the loudest gym you’ll ever visit, and the lousy PA system doesn’t help matters. Neighborhood 3 Hamilton is a small town (well, technically a village) of only 4,000, so don’t expect a bustling downtown area, even on game night. What the area lacks in size, it more than makes up for in quaintness and small-town feel. There is a small downtown about a mile from the gym with a historic feel that’s a great place to stroll on a nice fall day. If looking for dining options, the Colgate Inn is located in a 200-year-old building and has been serving up great food for almost 90 years. You can also stay there. It is an inn, after all. Sports fans will want to visit Rusch’s Bar and Grill, where 20 beers on tap highlight a menu full of burgers, sandwiches, and pub fare. Do yourself a favor while visiting Colgate and tour the incredible campus. It’s consistently rated as one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation with a picturesque hillside location and singular architectural language. Fans 2 Colgate averages about 700 fans per game, less than half the capacity of Cotterell Court. This figure is also less than half the Patriot League average. While the fans do turn up for the big games, there’s usually plenty of room to spread out here at Colgate. The fans who visit Cotterell Court are made up of locals and alumni with a decent turnout by the student body. It is said that the majority of the faculty of Colgate University lives within ten miles of campus, and it feels that the same can be said about the crowd at a basketball game. Since the Raiders are the only game in town, the fans who show up are dedicated and knowledgeable about the team down on the court. The student section is located on the north end of the gym, where a few rows of bleachers are located right under the basket. Stadium Journey visited Colgate for the semifinals of the Patriot League tournament, so the section was packed with rowdy students. Much of the student body chose to spread out throughout the gym, creating a festive environment. The crowd is much sparser throughout the regular season. Access 4 Colgate University is located in rural Hamilton, New York, a village of just over 4,000 residents located in the Leatherstocking region of New York state. It is almost equidistant to the cities of Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton. Hamilton is not a place you will stumble across accidentally. No highways serve the area directly, with Interstate 90 passing by about 30 minutes to the north and Interstate 88 about 40 minutes to the south. Cotterell Court is part of the Reid Athletic Center, a pair of Quonset Huts connected by a shared lobby. The Reid Center is located on the western edge of campus, adjacent to the school’s other athletic facilities, including the Class of 1965 Arena and Andy Kerr Stadium . Fans will enter the facility on the east (Broad Street) side into the main lobby. This small lobby is full of activity, with the concession stand, ticket booths, souvenir stand, and restrooms all scattered around. A giant Colgate “C” will be located directly in front of you, filled with Raider memorabilia. You will also see photos of all Colgate seniors posted around the lobby. There is plenty to see here before entering the gym, which is located to the right as you enter. Fans will enter Cotterell Court on the south side of the gym. You will enter just a few feet from the court, so you may have to dodge errant basketballs or players upon entry. Reserved seating will be located on your right and general admission on your left. All seats have excellent views of the court, if not a whole lot of legroom. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Colgate basketball games are very affordable, with reserved seating priced at $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children. A General Admission ticket will cost $10, with seniors and children admitted for only $5. Group pricing starts at only $4 per ticket. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the Reid Athletic Center. With inexpensive concessions, a trip to a Colgate basketball game is a very affordable entertainment option for central New York sports fans. Extras 3 Extra points are awarded for the sense of history at Cotterell Court and the Reid Athletic Center. From the time you step foot inside the facility, you are bombarded with Colgate athletic history. You could get lost checking out all the displays in the lobby, from the giant C-shaped trophy case located front and center to the smaller cases scattered throughout the lobby. Don’t get so distracted you forget to watch the game. Inside Cotterell Court, banners hang honoring the many championship teams to call the gym home. A final extra point is awarded for the beautiful Colgate campus. Do yourself a favor and get to Hamilton early and check out the campus’ architecture in this incredible setting. Final Thoughts A visit to the village of Hamilton may feel like a trip back in time, and that’s precisely part of the appeal of a visit to central New York. Classic architecture, an old-school barn, and a laid-back gameday presentation combine to make Colgate one of those Stadium Journeys that make traveling the D-1 landscape so worthwhile. ------ Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram

For their latest 30 for 30 documentary, "The New York Sack Exchange," ESPN tackles the often contentious chemistry of the one the greatest defensive fronts in NFL history. Daniel O'Connor, who was interviewed for the doc, came up with the fun moniker. O'Connor, a retired police officer and a multi-award winning author of crime and horror fiction, took a few moments to discuss the doc, the Sack Exchange - Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam - and his experiences as a New York Jets fan. You can find his work on his Amazon page. Still Photo from ESPN's 30 for 30 documentary, "The New York Sack Exhange" STADIUM JOURNEY:  So when did ESPN interview you for the doc? How long did they speak to you for? What was the process like? DAN O'CONNOR:  They interviewed me last February at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The NFL was in town for the Super Bowl. I was actually a bit surprised that they found me and reached out. A nice surprise. They were great and I was interviewed for about an hour. I knew that my screen time would be probably less than a minute because in the grand scheme of the New York Sack Exchange, I'm a miniscule part, but I was so honored to be included. The process was basically a two camera shoot with a crew of maybe 5 people. Very professional crew. Likeable people. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Were you pleased with the finished product? Was it what you expected? DAN O'CONNOR:  Very pleased. I love how maybe the world will get to see what a phenomenon those four guys were. I've met them a few times, including in 1981, a few days before that final regular season game when they mauled Lynn Dickey and the Green Bay Packers in a game to clinch a playoff spot. My family was also invited by the team to the game - and pregame festivities - in 2003 when they honored the Sack Exchange at halftime. That was special because there is a photo of our two young daughters with the players. STADIUM JOURNEY: What was it like to follow the Jets in 1980? Fondest memories? Worst?  DAN O'CONNOR :  You know, it was never easy being a Jets fan - which has somehow continued through today, despite the roster the current team has. The first year I ever watched sports - I was 8 or 9 years old - the Jets, Mets, and Knicks all won championships. I thought that might become a semi-regular occurrence. You live and learn. 1980 was the end of a dark spell for the team. They quickly improved to playoff level. By the way, yes it's a coincidence, but the 1981 Jets were 0-3 when the New York Sack Exchange nickname was officially announced in Jets Report magazine. They went 10-2-1 the rest of the way and made the playoffs. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Describe attending a football game at Shea Stadium. Best seats?  DAN O'CONNOR:  I never had great seats at a Shea Stadium football game. Back then I was lucky to just be able to afford any tickets. But it was fun wherever I sat. The first game I attended was in 1970. The mostly Joe Namath-less Jets weren't any good, but I lucked into seeing them defeat the playoff-bound Purple People Eater Minnesota Vikings, 20-10. That was the conclusion of a 3 game winning streak during which they also upset the Fearsome Foursome LA Rams on the road. The Jets won only four games that year, but three of them were consecutive. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Compared to what they offer at Citi Field, they didn't offer much as far as concessions at Shea. How'd you feel about the cuisine and beverages at Shea? DAN O'CONNOR:  I was thrilled to get a hot dog. I do know that later on, when I became a dad, my girls would love an ice cream sundae in a plastic Mets mini-helmet. So would I. O'Connor with Fireman Ed. Photo courtesy of Dan O'Connor STADIUM JOURNEY: Where did you do your Shea pre-game and post game, if at all? DAN O'CONNOR:  For me and my friends, it was all about a pregame barbeque in the parking lot. Sometimes postgame as well. STADIUM JOURNEY: Did any of the Sack Exchangers ever personally acknowledge you for coming with the moniker? DAN O"CONNOR:  All four members of the Sack Exchange have thanked me in person for the name, and also with autograph inscriptions. It's funny. They seem to sometimes remember that I gave them that name, and yet at other times, they get fuzzy about its origin. Here is the timeline of that name: August, 1981: The Jets Report announces the "Name The Front Four" contest. September 1981: I'm announced as the winner. A week or two after that announcement, fans hold up a "NY Sack Exchange" bedsheet banner at Shea Stadium. The TV broadcast picked up on it. Shortly after that, Jets trainer Pepper Burruss begins printing out a locker room spreadsheet, making the sacks appear to be Wall Street trades. The media picks up on that and begins to attribute the nickname to Burruss. He has since said to me, and to the media, that he did not create the nickname. He merely picked up on it and created the spreadsheet. There is still confusion about all of that, despite me having physical proof of all of it. There was never any mention of the term "New York Sack Exchange" before the Jets Report September issue announcing it, and me. I'm happy that NFL Films and ESPN took the time to get it right. Several books have also reported it correctly, including " Sack Exchange: The Definitive Oral History of the 1980s New York Jets " by Greg Prato. STADIUM JOURNEY: If you were there, what do you remember about the last Jets game at Shea? DAN O'CONNOR:  Wasn't there, but it was sad nonetheless.  STADIUM JOURNEY: How'd you feel about the move to the Meadowlands? Did you follow the team there? DAN O'CONNOR:  I want the Jets in New York, but I have attended games in New Jersey. The feel of Shea Stadium was much different and better. I remember reading that it had become a dump, but I didn't know any better and I loved it. STADIUM JOURNEY: There are rumours that Jets are returning to Queens. Is there any truth to this?  DAN O'CONNOR:  There have been rumors for so long. I'll believe it when I see it. Jon Hart is  @Manversusball

Photo courtesy of the City of San Antonio The year 2024 will go down as a monumental one in San Antonio and South Texas, especially in terms of the state of its sports venues. A once-in-a-lifetime confluence of circumstances – both planned and unforeseen – have created a moment in time that is going to impact four (and potentially five) of the city’s venues and three of its major sports teams: the San Antonio Spurs , San Antonio Missions , and UTSA Roadrunners . These factors include a looming deadline from Major League Baseball, the relocation of a university institution, and the accrual of public land all happening at the same time. Officials with the City of San Antonio unveiled a long-rumored master plan in November dubbed “ Project Marvel .” Should it come to fruition, it would create a new entertainment district that would reshape the city’s downtown area. The ultimate goal would be the construction of a new arena for the Spurs on a site currently occupied by UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures at HemisFair Park, a massively renovated Alamodome for the Roadrunners, and the two sites connected by a land bridge rising over the highway that currently divides them, allowing pedestrians access to both venues. The owners of the Missions have their own visions of a downtown stadium as well, and are currently in the middle of negotiations to acquire land parcels needed for the site. The new ballpark would meet MLB’s standards and allow the team to move away from Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium , and more importantly keep the club in the Alamo City. These are unprecedented times in the city, and it has taken a herculean effort to keep track of all of the moving pieces to these massive projects. Madison Iszler  is a business and real estate reporter for the San Antonio Express-News . She’s done a fantastic job covering these stories and I asked for her help to make sense of all the moving parts in these stories, as well as to share her insight on the forces behind them. I would recommend following her online on X here  for all the latest updates. Photo courtesy of Madison Iszler   EM:  We’ll just jump right in and do a broad overview to start with. What is ‘Project Marvel’ and what can you share about how it affects the sports teams in San Antonio? MI: Project Marvel , I think, should be transformational for all of downtown should all the pieces of it pan out. There are a couple of big facilities involved. There’s the Alamodome . We don’t know a lot about that yet, as far as what it entails and what other events the city would try to attract with that. Also, expansion of the [Henry B. González] Convention Center , which has been expanded before, and then the Spurs [arena] , which I think most folks are most excited about. There are some other minor projects like apartments, restaurants, parking, and the land bridge, which could potentially connect the Alamodome with the rest of downtown. So, there are a bunch of different things with a bunch of different timelines and probably costing a lot of money.   EM: Hypothetically, if there were no obstacles at all in the way, when would some of these plans ideally get started? MI:  The City Manager, Erik Walsh, has said they’re furthest along with the Convention Center piece. They laid out kind of a rough timeframe for everything when this was first unveiled to the City Council. It’ll take a while, but they are being aggressive with certain pieces. So, the Spurs arena , for example, said that construction could start in 2028, which is fairly soon. The Alamodome  would be the last piece of the puzzle, because they said they couldn’t start on [renovations] until the Final Four [which is scheduled to be held at the Alamodome in 2025].   EM:  Obviously, money and how things will be paid for is going to be a pretty major hurdle to overcome for this project. What are some other things that might be in the way that could disrupt Project Marvel? MI:  Yeah, the money is a big one. Where does it come from? What types of mechanisms will be used? Will voters be asked to pay for anything? That’s a big piece. There is also a lot of construction going on downtown right now. The Alamo Visitors Center and Museum , what’s going on at HemisFair . The Final Four is going to be a big deal downtown. There’s a bunch of stuff being built right now. So, I think just in terms of logistics, figuring out how that’s going to work. I was just working this week on a story on parking  and how the infrastructure aspect of Project Marvel will work. I think that’s another roadblock. City officials have said that’s part of all of this. They’re going to look at how they’re going to get people in and out of the area more easily and how much more parking they’re going to need. That is definitely a question I’ve been getting from our readers – “Where the heck am I going to park?”   EM:  One of the unique aspects of this, that I’m not sure many other big cities have to factor in with their major pro sports franchises, is how Bexar County – which San Antonio resides in – will have a say in the new Spurs arena. The Frost Bank Center site, rather infamously some might say, was built using County-owned land. So, the Spurs moving impacts the County greatly. Where are things currently with the County and their involvement in the project? MI:  [Bexar County Judge] Peter Sakai has said that he wants to see a plan for redeveloping the Frost Bank Center before he commits to anything, as far as funding. One of the potential financing sources city officials had raised [when presenting Project Marvel] to the council was maybe a county venue tax. Obviously, they would need the county on board for that. The Spurs lease [at the Frost Bank Center ] runs through 2032, so they could leave earlier than that. If the city is going to start construction in 2028, it’s not going to take that long to build, so the Spurs could definitely leave before 2032. It’s not clear right now if the county is going to be on board and it’s not clear what the plan around the Frost Bank Center would look like.   EM:  Shifting gears, I know there is a lot more that will need to happen before we see developments from Project Marvel, but let’s talk about the Missions . This seems to be a lot closer to getting moving than the other downtown venues. What can you tell me about where things are now? MI:  At this point, it seems that the holdup is a parking lot that [the San Antonio Independent School District] owns. It’s part of the footprint of where the ballpark would go. The owners of the Missions  have indicated that they need that as part of their plans. [The school district] hasn’t decided if they’re going to sell it. There’s been a lot of back and forth over the past couple weeks. The City and the County have signed off on financing for the ballpark. Weston Urban [owners of the Missions ] own the land around the area, but there’s this little, tiny hole that still needs to be filled. The school district came out with a list of demands that are conditions for them to sell. I don’t know what the city and the county and Weston Urban have been willing to budge on or not. It was quite a lengthy list of demands. [EDITOR’S NOTE: On Monday, December 16, all of the parties came together and agreed on a cost for the land in question .]   EM:  The Missions  are really motivated right now by what is essentially a ticking clock  from Major League Baseball. They have an urgency to get things done. What about everyone else involved in this process? MI:  That’s a good question and one that I’d like to get answered myself. Right now, the Missions  aren’t talking. They kept saying, as you referenced, that they’re under a deadline and they wanted to get a deal done so that they could communicate that to MLB. It’s unclear to me if that meant them just sending the most basic of documents and saying here is where we want to put it and the city and the county are okay with it and then MLB saying you’re good to go. Or does MLB want more details, like how are you going to pay for it? Do you have all the parcels of land you’ll need? I just don’t know, and the Missions  have not said. My impression at this point, given that the Missions  haven’t been yanked yet is that they’re fine. They got the city and the county to sign off, but I’m sure if the school district doesn’t sign off, then that’s another story. I don’t know what happens if they don’t approve.   EM:  I could go on and on with you about this for forever, but I’ll wrap up with the big question. I’ve heard some of these ideas and plans for more than a decade. Why now is all of this looking like it has momentum to happen? MI:  The City Manager has said that it’s kind of a mix of factors. He and other tourism folks have said that the city is losing out in terms of conventions. So, that part of Project Marvel is factored into that. UTSA also approached the city about what to do with the Institute of Texan Cultures site, so that’s part of it. Also, the Spurs lease runs out at the Frost Bank Center in 2032. That’s fairly soon. Also, downtown has been in a weird place since the pandemic. It’s been hotel and tourism dominated for a while. People that live in San Antonio don’t really go downtown, and it’s been quite clear for some time that companies don’t want to go there [for office space]. In cities like Dallas and Houston, they have a bunch of corporations in their downtowns, while we don’t have that. Also, the city has a ton of land in their control. It’s a huge footprint to work with. I’m definitely excited to keep writing about this and to see what happens with some of the pieces. ---------- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Snow Globe Stadium 1225 Holiday Lane North Pole, Top of the World www.hohoho.edu Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 150,000 (elves) The Stadium Claus(e) In a town known for making wishes come true, this is one that is too big for even Santa’s bag to hold. First, Snow Globe Stadium signed its first naming rights deal with Santa’s, Inc., a privately held company that has its home base at the North Pole. The signing was a key move, as it allowed for the construction of a new home stadium for the Saint Nick State University (SNSU) Saints. The stadium was ready in time for the 2023 football season. The new stadium’s construction cost was also funded by a huge new broadcasting deal with ESPN (Elves Sports Programming Network). The Saint's old stadium had been around “forever”, and was showing its age, as it lacked the amenities frozen fans have come to expect. In connection with the new stadium’s opening, The Saints moved up a wrung in the NCAA’s level of competition. They formerly played at the FCS (Father Christmas Status) level of play, and now will compete in the newly formed SAC (Santa Athletic Conference), which is legendary for its defensive style of play, as well as for delivering gifts under the tree. The new conference is a result of the recent fallout involving all the major football conferences. Teams in the new conference include LSU (Leave the Stockings Up), Sleigh State University, Austin Pay by Layaway, and Slippery Rock (because it’s icy, stupid!). The new Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium will offer many new features both on and off the field designed to maintain the Saint's 100% winning percentage in home games. First, new chillers have been installed to make it comfortable for the fans and hazardous for the visiting teams. In the past, the 100,000 elf boosters, students, and parents had complained about the former stadium’s gameday temps of 72 degrees. (have you ever smelled 100,000 sweaty elves?). A new frozen tundra turf has also been installed. It can be moved mid-game to wherever the visiting team is on offense… giving the Saints defense a big edge. We will discuss other new amenities in other sections of this review. The Saints will be bringing back most of their starting lineup, as they do every year (where else are you going to go when you live at the North Pole?) The Saint's offense has been upgraded by the arrival of stud running back Rudolf Reindeer through the transfer portal. Rudolph figures to “light up” the new videoboard/scoreboard frequently each season. Rudolph was attracted to SNSU by the huge NIL opportunities (Santa is a well-connected alum) at the school, which will bring him lots of cold cash. Food & Beverage 4 Snowbucks was brought in as the new manager for the upgraded food and beverage program at Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium. The stand offers chocolate chip cookies, peppermint bark, gingerbread, Christmas hams, cranberry sauce, candy canes, and sno cones. Beverages include hot cocoa, milk, egg nog, Red Reindeer energy drinks, RC (Really Cold) colas, frozen coffee, and Icee’s. Adult beverages are also available for the first time at Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium. It offers 2% beers (it doesn’t take much for the elves to get wasted), candy cane champagne, jingle juice punch, pumpkin spice toddies, and several Christmas ales. Water is not available, as it would freeze before you get back to your seat. The fruitcake stand has been dropped from the food offerings, as nobody seemed to want it. The remaining stock of fruitcakes was donated as building material to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. Atmosphere 5 As you can imagine, there’s always a festive atmosphere at a SNSU Saints game. The sleigh gating starts well before kickoff, with the elf families putting out an impressive set of holiday favorites for their pregame celebrations. Decorating your sleigh gate is also important, as there is a competition for the best use of lights and greenery for all of your settings. The stadium has also added a snowball-hole competition to the pregame activities. Once inside the stadium, it’s hard to miss the new 5,000-foot flat-screen TV videoboard that Santa, Inc. has delivered to the new venue. It features the top plays from the reindeer games throughout the league, as well as sideline reports from the frozen tundra. The Reindeer Rooter elves love to cheer when a referee throws a penalty lump of coal against the visiting teams, as it means they have been bad, so the elves have one less house to prepare gifts for delivery. Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium has also increased its seating for persons with special needs. They now realize that normal-sized people need much wider seating than their elfin fanbase, and have provided expanded seats as a result. Earphones are provided as well, as UN translators are brought in to announce the games in all the languages used by customers of Santa’s Inc. Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium has increased its premium options for its most loyal customers. The Presents Box offerings seating with the Boss himself. Typically, this includes toy manufacturing execs, luxury sleigh franchisees, and other fat cats. The Reindeer Rooter’s Party Suites offers participants an all-inclusive experience featuring food, beverages, entertainment, deluxe seating, and close-in parking for their sleighs. You don’t want to leave your seat at halftime, as the Marching Tin Soldiers put on a precision marching performance that is on par with that college band out of College Station, Texas. They also play Christmas favorites during breaks in the action. Their dance team is extraordinary, especially doing the kick line. The week of the Homecoming game is especially colorful at the North Pole. The entire town takes part in a Northern Lights competition, which also includes an ice sculpturing event as well. Neighborhood 5 Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium is located on the SNSU campus. It is surrounded by the major schools at SNSU, including the schools of Toy Technology, Presents Distribution Systems, and Bad/ Good Information Technology. For the most part, the North Pole is a company town, but there is plenty for visitors to do while they are in the area. The stadium’s spirit shop is open throughout the year. It looks like an FAO Swartz toy store and offers a wide selection of Santa, Inc. swag. Dining options in the area range from the Michelin List-rated Ruth’s Christmas Steak House and Wolfgang Ice Puck’s Spago to the moderately priced Chilly’s. Fans on a limited budget will find numerous outlets of the Mexican food chain Jingle Bell in the area. For a pre- or post-game drink check out local favorite Blitzen’s Bar and Grill, which offers a wide variety of Christmas craft brews. Lodging is restricted to Holiday Inn affiliates by local ordinance. They are plentiful, as you know who is the franchise owner in the area. Fans 4 The stands are filled with a sea of green and red-clad elves for every SNSU game, as most of Santa’s Inc. workforce are alumni of either SNSU or its sister campus, Toy Technology Tech. All employees are given the day off to attend the games, as they deserve a break from the hectic pace of the toy assembly line prior to Christmas. The elves are well-behaved and welcoming to visitors, as you know who’s in the owner’s box, looking out for who has been bad. You don’t want to be on the boss’ naughty list! When the Saints are doing well on the field, you can hardly hear the announcements. The fans here love to shake their jingle bells to support the home team. Think of it as a northern version of the Mississippi State cowbells. After the Saints score, the fans sing the theme from “Frozen”, the school’s fight song. Access 3 Despite all the new features at Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium, access is a major concern for visiting fans, as travel to the new venue is difficult. You’ll still need a snowmobile, a mush team of dogs, or a ride with the Ice Road Truckers to get around town. Air travel in and out of the North Pole is quite limited, especially for late-season games. This is because airspace around the North Pole is not controlled by the FAA. The North Pole International Airport (NPIA) runways are clogged with both Sledex and Amazon cargo flights throughout the year. In addition, NPIA airport has a much stricter security apparatus than the TSA…. if you’ve been bad… you are not getting in! If you do manage to get to the North Pole, just follow these easy directions: 1) Just keep heading north 2) Head over the river and through the woods to Snow Globe Stadium we go…...! Once at the stadium, you should not have to deal with emptying pockets or going through scanners at the gates. Security already knows if you’ve been bad or good… for goodness sake. We also had to grade down the new stadium due to issues involving the restrooms. Since 95% of the fans are elves, the urinals are all very low. Ask the usher in your seating section where the nearest “super-size” restrooms are. Return on Investment 2 A visit to the North Pole and Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium is obviously a “dream destination” for most fans. As we’ve mentioned earlier, airfares are very high due to the limited number of flights to the area. Ticket prices are also very high for visiting fans. This is due to the limited number of games played at home by the SNSU Saints. The Saints are not eligible for post-season play due to restrictions from their move up to the SAC, and the fact that everybody at the North Pole is busy getting ready for Christmas in December and handling returns and exchanges in January. Just remember all the happiness and goodwill you experienced during your visit…. until the bill comes in January! Extras 4 The new Snow Globe Stadium will not feature the low-altitude flyovers by Santa’s Sleigh, as it was found to cause cracks in the globe in the old stadium. Instead, the Good Boy and Girl blimp will fly over the action. During the off-season, Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium hosts the St. Elsewhere Film Festival, where every episode of the series is shown. The new Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium has also upgraded its safety and security elements. Snowballs can still be thrown in the stadium; however, rocks cannot form the interior of the snowball. Better marked sidewalks and crosswalks have been added outside of the stadium, after the tragic accident involving Grandma getting run over by a reindeer at the former stadium. Santa, Inc. has also been signed up as the stadium’s security provider. It has a world-class database of who is bad or good anywhere in the world. The elfin staff at Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium strives to provide a unique experience for every fan. There is a commitment from top management (you know who) to the ushers, snowmobile parking attendants, ticket takers, and concession workers to make sure you are happy. Final Thoughts Christmas came early to the North Pole this year, as the brand-new Santa’s Snow Globe Stadium opened in time for the 2023 football season. It offers many more premium experiences than its predecessor. Attending a Saint Nick State football game in person will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit!

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Westwood Arena 90 Woodbine Downs Blvd Etobicoke, ON M9W 5S6 Toronto Patriots website Westwood Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 1,800 Sound The Charge The Toronto Patriots were founded as the Quinte Hawks in Deseronto, Ontario, between Belleville and Kingston.  They were part of the now defunct Metro Jr A Hockey League.  They unfortunately counted disgraced NHL Player Agent, David Frost, among their coaching staff.  Frost was charged with a number of counts of sexual exploitation and was part of a bizarre murder-for-hire plot involving player Mike Danton with Frost as the target. In 1998 the league folded and the Hawks moved from Deseronto to Bancroft and what would eventually become the OJHL.  In 2008, fully distanced from the Quinte days, the team moved to Toronto and became affiliated with the exclusive Upper Canada College private school.  Eventually, they were purchased by Everest Academy and settled in Westwood Arena as the Toronto Patriots, where they have remained since 2014. The current home for the Patriots is the privately owned Westwood Arena.  Located in the Rexdale neighbourhood of what used to be Etobicoke in Toronto, Westwood Arena opened its doors in 1996 and is a hockey hub complete with five rinks and offices for a number of local travel teams.  The main rink has a capacity of 1,800.  Westwood Arena’s parent company, Buckingham Sports Properties counts a number of facilities in Toronto, Cambridge, London and Quebec. Food & Beverage 4 The main concession at Westwood Arena, The Snack Bar, has a decent variety of options.  Hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, fries, grilled cheese, bagels, muffins, pizza, popcorn, and onion rings are all on the menu.  Breakfast offerings also on the menu hint at the business of the facility.  Coca-Cola products are the main soft drink options, and water, Powerade, milk, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are also all available.  Right beside The Snack Bar is the Fuel Up Smoothie Bar, which offers a number of blender beverage options.  For those looking for something a little slower, or some alcoholic beverages, The Penalty Box is a full service bar and grill and is right in Westwood Arena, with some seating looking out on some of the smaller rinks. Atmosphere 3 The exterior of Westwood Arena does not show the true size and scope of the facility.  Light brick and siding with blue trim with a fairly pedestrian main entrance highlights the exterior.  Maintaining one of the themes throughout the building, a large banner for the Patriots hangs near the entrance letting everyone know that this is the home of the team. Entering the lobby shows how deceptively large the facility is.  There is no massive and spacious atrium, but a functional lobby that leads to the entrances to the various rinks and shows offices for a variety of youth hockey teams as well as the Patriots.  A simple touch of note in the lobby is the seemingly endless number of framed pictures of NHL players who have all come through the GTHL.  A treasure hunter could spend quite a while going through these pictures that includes the likes of Mike Palmateer, Peter Ing, Mark Osborne, Paul Coffey, Pat Flatley, Mike Liut and John Tavares, to name but a few.  The entry to the main rink is quite obvious to fans as there are markings for the Patriots all over including the doors, floor and above the doors.  The Patriots debuted a new logo in the 2024-2025 season and they are definitely making the most of it. Inside the main rink, fans will find a bright and clean facility with huge, low profile support beams that cross over the ice.  It looks as if everything in this rink has benefited from a fresh coat of paint.  The ice is oriented from east to west with seating only on the north side.  Seating consists of 11 rows of contoured plastic benches on concrete steps.  There are some minor hockey banners hanging on the east side, but no banners hang for the Patriots.  However, fans will definitely know this is the home of the Patriots as the entire south wall is painted with Patriot markings, showing off that new logo and the “Sound The Charge” hashtag being pushed by the team.  Although the Patriots won the Buckland Cup in 2014 and 2015 and won their division in 2012, there are no banners commemorating the successes of the team.  A simple scoreclock hangs on the west wall. The gameday production for the Toronto Patriots is very simple.  Fans are provided with a simple, one page, printed program.  There are no promotions happening of note.  The PA system is decent and the Patriots employ an excitable announcer, who at times is too loud making announcements inaudible.  The Patriots also provide a massively wide variety of music, side-stepping the cliche of the same old songs and mixing it up and keeping it fresh. Neighbourhood 4 Westwood Arena is located in the Rexdale neighbourhood of what was once Etobicoke and is not part of Toronto.  The arena is in a fairly industrial area, so food or drink outside of Westwood Arena will require a trip with the car.  Some options that are not too far include Smash Pit, Little Hut Bar and Grille and a number of chain restaurants south of the arena on Finch Street. Being Toronto, there are a huge number of other sporting options.  OJHL teams in Toronto include the Toronto Jr. Canadians, North York Rangers and Markham Royals.  The Toronto Maple Leafs , Toronto Marlies , York Lions , TMU Bold  and Toronto Varsity Blues  are all other hockey options at different levels, in other parts of the city.  The Toronto Raptors , Toronto Argonauts , Toronto Blue Jays  and Toronto FC  are major league franchises in other sports.  Toronto also has a near infinite number of tourist options.  Most will gravitate downtown and take in the Hockey Hall of Fame and CN Tower, however, in the same area as Westwood Arena is Woodbine Racetrack and the Casino at the Great Canadian.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Great Canadian is right there. Fans 2 Fan support for the Toronto Patriots is not the greatest.  OJHL attendance can be a bit of a challenge to assess as reporting by teams can be a bit spotty.  For the 2024-25 season, at the time of writing, the Toronto Patriots were averaging 119 fans per game.  They ranked 16th in the OJHL, which easily puts them in the bottom third of the league.  The previous season, they averaged 136 fans per game.  The crowd is mostly friends and family and are generally pretty reserved.   Access 4 Westwood Arena is located in the Rexdale neighbourhood of what used to be Etobicoke and is now Toronto.  The arena is between Highways 401 and 407 and 427 and 27.  It is located on Woodbine Downs Boulevard and north of Carrier Drive. Rexdale is probably one of the neighbourhoods of Toronto that is the most easily accessible coming from the west or north.  That being said, Toronto traffic, even though Rexdale is not downtown, is a real thing and can be frustrating depending on the time of the game.  Leave a little extra time for traffic if traveling to Westwood Arena by car.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  For fans wanting to take public transit to the game, there are TTC buses that run on Carrier Drive.  Fans should consult the Toronto Transit Commission  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around Westwood Arena is not too difficult, however, with five ice pads, it could get a bit crowded in the lobby if multiple games are beginning or ending at the same time.  Usually, the Patriots play during a bit of a slower time for the arena.  The washroom facilities at Westwood Arena are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 4 OJHL hockey is very affordable and the Toronto Patriots are no different.  A ticket for the Patriots runs $15 with discounts for students and seniors.  Tickets must be purchased at the box office and they only accept cash.  Patriots tickets are on the high side for the league, but are still more than affordable.  Parking is free and concession prices are not terrible.  The level of play on the ice is high and fans will enjoy the simple production. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Patriots embracing their new identity and doing everything they can to show patrons that Westwood Arena is the home of the Patriots. An extra mark for the full service bar and grill on site, The Penalty Box. An extra mark for Westwood Arena as a hockey hub for the west end of Toronto. Final Thoughts Taking in OJHL hockey is a low-cost endeavor and a great way to check out some high calibre hockey.  The Toronto Patriots offer a strong product on the ice in a facility that, being privately owned, is a little different than most other OJHL venues.  Westwood Arena is a great place to catch a game and grab a bite to eat.  After taking in the Patriots experience, fans will definitely Sound The Charge! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

If you follow lacrosse, you’ve probably come across writer Kyle Devitte’s work. He’s currently the managing editor of New England Lacrosse Journal, and he’s also the host of their fun podcast, Chasing The Goal , which is a must listen if you want to get inside the heads of high school and college coaches. While it’s informative, Kyle also makes it fun with his wonderful, often self-deprecating, sense of humor. Kyle also writes a newsletter called LacroCity, and he recently launched a recruiting and development consultation firm, Framework Lacrosse. If that weren’t enough, he’s the assistant varsity coach and head JV coach at Hopkinton High School in New Hampshire. Kyle took a few minutes away from his many duties to answer a few questions.    STADIUM JOURNEY: How'd you get into covering lacrosse? What was your career path? Who gave you a break?  KYLE DEVITTE: I went to a liberal arts school, and I loved to write. However, I wasn't the biggest fan of constantly writing about Victorian era novels and semiotics. I loved lacrosse, so I tried my hand at writing about the sport for a local publication in Worcester called The Pulse . They sort of let me go nuts with all sorts of subjects, but I remember writing this piece on another college team in the region that was struggling for numbers that struck a chord with me. After that, I started writing for a few now-defunct sites like LaxNation and AllLacrosseAmerica before I got the courage to ask to cover the 2006 MLL versus Team USA All Star game for Inside Lacrosse . They said, "sure, why not," and I managed to parlay that into being employed by the MLL while I was coaching lacrosse at Emerson College. Eventually, IL asked me to be full time a few years after that and now I'm very happy at New England Lacrosse Journal (NELJ).    STADIUM JOURNEY: What's the best career or life advice you got along the way? KYLE DEVITTE: Great is the enemy of good. I was obsessed with crafting long and meandering epics when I started, then I moved into more of a let's-entertain-the-reader style before settling in on a more concise style that I have now. Along the way, I could be stubborn about what I wanted each piece to be. But at NELJ, I didn't have time to be stubborn, there's too much churn, so I had to shift my focus to telling other people's stories their way instead of my own. That was a very powerful lesson. Writers wear the mask of arrogance to conceal our abject dread of being told we suck. The best way to combat that, for me, was to focus less on what I could do to put my spin on something - usually in the form of some sort of pithy quip or absurdist imagery - and look for a positive through line.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So you interview a lot of high school coaches, public and private. How much do high school coaches recruit? Are the private schools offering scholarships or defacto scholarships and just referring to it as financial aid? What's the deal? KYLE DEVITTE: Public school coaches can only recruit in their own school, so you're just trying to get kids from the baseball team to stop being bored. There is some financial incentive to go to a private school, but it's very, very rarely a full-ride situation, especially in lacrosse.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So how is a New England lacrosse player different from one in say Long Island, upstate New York or the Maryland area? KYLE DEVITTE: I talked about this on a recent podcast. New England players do not have the heritage, or even lineage, yet to get to the levels those other hotbeds are at. There are a lot of coaches in New England who are fundamentally awesome and qualified, but they're first or second-generation lacrosse players. Those other areas have guys who are third and maybe even fourth-generation players and coaches who fundamentally understand and teach the game on a different level. I do think New England is in the conversation as the next area that will adopt that sort of history and ability, but we are still a generation or two away from it.    STADIUM JOURNEY: You're a born and bred New Hampshire guy. How is the lacrosse scene there? What are the positives? Roadblocks? KYLE DEVITTE: Technically, I was born in Bloomington, Indiana, but I was raised in New Hampshire. This is my home. The funny thing is that I used to hate it here and did everything I could to leave when I was a teenager. But I've since come to appreciate the beauty, kindness and spaciousness of this state. The lacrosse scene is still very much developing. We are ahead of Vermont and Maine. Maybe even Rhode Island. But we are way behind Connecticut and Massachusetts. There just aren't enough quality coaches here. And I mean, across the board. We need kids who grew up playing here to come back and work with this next generation of kids so badly. It's really the only thing holding us back. Now that the NHIAA (New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association) recognizes us as a sport and way more kids are playing it, the last obstacle is coach volume. And maybe some more turf fields and/or fieldhouses that don't cost thousands of dollars to rent for town programs.   STADIUM JOURNEY: The University of Maine, UNH, URI and UConn do not field D-1 lacrosse teams.  Why is this? Is this going to change any time soon? I know that UNH used to have a team. KYLE DEVITTE: UNH cut lacrosse my senior year of high school to throw all their money into football. As a result, I legitimately hate UNH athletics. They didn't just cut lacrosse, they cut baseball and a bunch of other sports just to invest in hockey and football for the last 30 years. I have zero respect for that kind of thinking, and I don't blame title IX, either. I think those other schools either don't have the facilities, the budget, or the vision to have a competitive D-1 lacrosse program. UNH has no excuse, they have the America East right there, and they have a women's program as well. To say that it's a budget thing is a copout. Public universities have plenty of money, they just choose to invest it in other arenas. The one domino everyone has been expecting to fall is Boston College bringing back their men's program to D-1, but I'll believe it when I see it.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Since we're on the subject of New Hampshire, what are some places to hit, lacrosse-related or not? And something you've touched on in the podcast, how is New Hampshire different from Vermont? KYLE DEVITTE: Well, I think everyone would say that you have to visit the Tuscan Village in Salem. It's a new development with all sorts of shops and restaurants. A lot of it is outdoors and you can spend a whole day there at a firepit or an outdoor bar talking with friends, even when it's freezing outside. But, southern New Hampshire gets too much burn and it is currently infested with Massachusetts transplants, so I would also recommend a visit to Main Street in Concord. It's one of those rebuilt project main street small towns with restaurants, coffee shops, and little nick nack stores. Standouts for me are Hermanos, Revelstok Coffee, Brothers Cortado, and the Concord Co-op. I actually like Vermont. My first college was St. Michael's, and I really think that area of the state is special. Burlington is criminally underrated and worth a visit for anyone passing through to Canada or upstate New York. There's a lot to do downtown, but wear good sneakers. The cobblestones will break your ankles and then your face.    STADIUM JOURNEY: What's a must-visit lacrosse venue in New England? Why? KYLE DEVITTE: Okay, to be charitable, I'm going to split this up to places that I have actually been to. Public: My team won a state championship at Exeter in 2023, but we also lost a state championship in 2022. But I also enjoyed watching the MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) state championship at St. John's Prep, who play in the MIAA, a public classification - don't ask - in Danvers, Mass. Prep: Brewster's field literally overlooks Lake Winnipesaukee. Can't beat that.  D-1 College: Dartmouth is my favorite place to watch a game. I don't care that it's cold, I don't care that it's out of the way. I care that I don't have to deal with the hell that is Boston traffic to get there. And it's a very relaxing jaunt up I-89. D-2 College: It used to be Merrimack just because you could see a fight in the parking lot after a game, but now they're D-1 and have a much nicer set up. So I have to go with the only D-2 school with a big stadium set up with concessions - Southern New Hampshire University. It also happens to be an 8-minute drive from where I live, so that's an added value.   D-3 College: I have to say that it's Wesleyan for me. Watching a game in the "birdcage" as they call it is surreal. There is one big stand on one side of the field, and that is surrounded by a series of class buildings that look like concrete blocks that a giant placed there by hand. There is one entrance and one exit on the stadium side corner where both teams come in. It's really a lot of fun to see a rivalry game there.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Why is Clark University is so close to your heart? KYLE DEVITTE: Playing lacrosse at Clark taught me how to be a leader. Clark's classrooms taught me how to work. Let me tell you this: English Majors across the world are a much-maligned group. We did/do more work than you. Maybe the Bio and Chemistry people have 3 and 4 hour labs, but we have stacks and stacks of books that we have to read, retain and interpret into 20 page-plus papers every week. We can't fake our way through it. All of those books have to be read. They have to be understood. Then we have to try and spin our thoughts into a trivially different skew just to get a decent grade. Clark taught me that shortcuts - unless you make them yourself - will get you got. My professors never expected me to make a career in this space. I didn't take any journalism classes. But what I did was learn how to do written work with speed, efficiency and bite. I am forever in Clark University's debt. Literally and figuratively.      STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your book about and when can we expect it? KYLE DEVITTE: The book has gone through many iterations. Right now it's a treatise on the value and experience of D-3 lacrosse. I have a treatment, but I need to dedicate a lot of time to interviewing all the people who want their stories told, good and bad. I know that's vague, but it is intentionally so. I'll probably just drop it on Amazon one day without any warning. Related: I am bad at making money.    Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 NRG Stadium One NRG Park Houston, TX 77054 Houston Texans website NRG Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 72,000 Houston Texans – NRG Stadium In 1997 the Houston Oilers packed up shop, bid goodbye to the Astrodome and Space City, and moved to the Volunteer State, Tennessee. This left the fourth-largest city in America without professional football for the first time since 1960. The ensuing years would be frustrating for fans and the city alike, as Houston sought to reclaim admittance to the NFL. Businessman Bob McNair was granted the rights to a new Houston franchise in 1999, with the team set to take in 2002. The Houston Texans would take the field during the 2002-03 season with a great deal of promise and fanfare – they would take to the field that inaugural season from the only home stadium they’ve ever known, NRG Stadium. Built as a (giant) neighbor to the historic Astrodome, the now-named NRG Stadium (originally Reliant Stadium) became the latest in the league to feature a retractable roof, annually becoming one of the highest-attended stadiums in the league. This would especially be the case as the Texans fortunes on the field began to rise in the 2010s, as they claimed the AFC South Division championship in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019 (they also recently claimed the title in 2023 and 2024). This rise came from the stellar play of newly enshrined Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson  and future Canton enshrine J.J. Watt , among others. NRG Stadium is a reflection of everything that makes Houston a great city: it’s bold, it’s diverse, it’s energetic, and it’s very Texan, naturally.   Food & Beverage   5 One of the best things about NRG Stadium is its concession offerings – the offerings are quintessential H-Town, with a heavy focus on barbecue and Tex-Mex. You can find these offerings at the El Tiempo kiosks (street tacos, anyone?) and the Texas Smokehouse and Truth BBQ (brisket sandwiches, y’all) stands on the 100, 300, and 500 levels. Local favorites, such as Laurenzo’s (French dip sandwiches!) and Trill Burgers, are also well represented. There are also plenty of kiosks that offer regular gameday fare like hot dogs, nachos, pizza, chicken fingers and sandwiches, and popcorn (be on the lookout for the Cheeto’s popcorn carts). If you are feeling adventurous you can also try chicken wonton nachos, Asian infusion beef teriyaki tacos, and strawberry cheesecake dessert pretzels, which are new items on the menu this season. Adult beverages can also be found in multiple spots, including the Bud Light Lounge and Bud Light Cantina on the main concourse, as well as Crown Royal Saloon near the south end zone. These seating areas cater to grown-ups looking to take a break in the action, offering seating areas as well as an in-house DJ. These are fun experiences and I’d recommend making at least a pass through one of them on your visit to NRG Stadium. You won’t go hungry at NRG Stadium; my only caveat is these items are all at NFL prices, so just be prepared for a little bit of sticker shock when it comes time to pay.   Atmosphere   4 The Texans – like most of the NFL – do a great job of making game days at NRG Stadium feel like a very big deal. In addition to the regular accoutrements of the division championship banners hanging from the rafters and the Texans Ring of Honor underneath the press box, along with team merchandise stores around every corner on every level of the stadium, the Texans offer up multiple other events and activities that enhance the gameday atmosphere. Each week has a theme; for example, the most recent game I attended was Kids Day and featured junior cheerleaders taking the field before the game, contests (a baby race) throughout the day, and face painters, balloon artists, and games for kids in the concourse, as well as special “kids treats” available for purchase at some of the food stands – think marshmallow treats, cake pops, chocolate pretzel rods, etc. There is also usually a live music artist in and around the stadium on game days, and there is always something big planned at halftime. You’re going to have a good time at NRG Stadium – even if the team you’re rooting for is not winning.   Neighborhood   4 I’ve written numerous times in past reviews expounding on the virtues of Houston and all its numerous attractions. For sports fans, if you plan your visit right you might be able to catch a Houston Astros  game, or a Houston Rockets  game, or a Houston Dynamo  game when you take in a Texans game at NRG Stadium, as all their seasons converge with the Texans at certain times during the calendar year. H-Town is also home to attractions such as Space Center Houston , world-class facilities like the Downtown Aquarium  and Houston Zoo , fantastic urban green spaces like Hermann Park and Buffalo Bayou Park , not to mention the Houston Museum District  offering more things to see and do than anyone could do in a week. In short, there are plenty of things to do before and after Texans games for fans. In terms of dining, this is the one area that keeps the score for NRG Stadium from being even higher – the stadium is removed from Houston’s downtown area, so it’s kind of off by itself in the city. NRG Park is a massive complex and takes up a huge amount of real estate, and as such, there really aren’t any spots to eat at within walking distance of the facility. There are numerous food trucks along the roads leading toward the complex, however, and there are several restaurants that are within a five-minute drive – these include Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant  and Angelo’z Po Boys . There are plenty of other options across the city, though. For lodging, there are a few withing walking distance of NRG Stadium, including Staybridge Suites Houston - Medical Center  and Comfort Suites near Texas Medical Center . As with the dining options, there are plenty of other spots in Houston; the only limit is your budget.   Fans   4 This season the Houston Texans sat in 10th place in the league in terms of attendance. NRG Stadium averaged 71,300 fans per game, which is virtually a sellout each Sunday (or Thursday or Monday). During the last game I attended, I was heartened to see so many fans tailgating in the parking lots and decked out in Texans gear. The crowd was loud and energetic throughout the entirety of the game, which always makes for a better experience. My one point of contention is the sheer volume of opposing team fans in every corner of the stands. This may just be the state of pro football these days with easy access to tickets on the secondary market. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it is definitely something that is noticeable.   Access   4 As mentioned, NRG Stadium is sort of set off from a good chunk of the major metro area of Houston. While it’s not too far removed from Texas Loop 610, it’s just over a 40-minute drive from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Another item I’ve written extensively about in terms of Houston is its traffic – you’re going to be stuck in it no matter what time of day you drive into the city; it’s just an immutable fact. However, if you want to avoid the grind, the Houston METRO  mass transit is a good way to go. Both the light rail and city buses have routes that will drop you off at NRG Park. Once you get to the stadium, parking is plentiful. Depending on how far you want to walk, you can find some relatively affordable options.   Return on Investment   4 Single game tickets for the Houston Texans start at $50 per person, which is pretty on par for the NFL these days. With tickets looking like they’re going to be hard to come by outside of the secondary market, as the Texans enjoy another upswing on the field, costs could easily get higher. When looking at parking near NRG Stadium, I was able to find spots at some intrepid businesses in the area offering parking for the game as low as $20. However, the closer you get to the stadium, the closer the cost gets to triple digit costs. Concessions here match the scale of the overall prices. If you’re bringing a family to the game, you can expect to drop a pretty penny or two to cover everything. The one thing that makes the costs more palatable, however, is how the Texans are playing these days – with Burgeoning stars all over the field, you’re going to (mostly) get your money’s worth at NRG Stadium.   Extras   4 A lot of what the Texans do mirrors what the college game does in this area, and that’s a good thing. Costumed mascot? Meet Toro , one of the best in the league. Cheerleaders? Yep, the Texans Cheerleaders  can be found on both sidelines, performing throughout the game during breaks in the action. How about a band? You can find the Texans Deep Steel Thunder  drumline performing on the main concourse before the game starts, as well as during breaks in the action. Oh, and don’t forget the Texans Mariachis , as you’ll see them during player introductions and at halftime; all great stuff that goes above and beyond what you normally will find in the pro game.   Final Thoughts I’ve been to NFL games at NRG Stadium more than any other facility in the country – though it is now over two decades old, it still feels new somehow. There is also always a new wrinkle or a new amenity to make it feel fresh. Neither the stadium nor the Texans have the history or the championship pedigree that some of the great places in the NFL, such as your Superdome  in New Orleans, your Lambeau Field  in Green Bay, or your Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. However, I would put it right up there with any of the shiny new stadiums that have been built in the past decade or so. If you’re a football fan, I would definitely add NRG Stadium and Houston to your bucket list. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Madison Square Garden 4 Pennsylvania Plaza New York, NY 10001 New York Rangers website Madison Square Garden website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 18,006 Madison Square Garden Continues To Flourish Madison Square Garden, or MSG as the locals often call it, has finally completed its latest transformation. After the inside was refurbished from 2011-2013, the outside and main entrance were revived over the past 5 years. The 7th Avenue entrance is now majestic and grand and offers a little pedestrian courtyard with seating on 33rd Street. The Garden is home to the New York Rangers of the Metropolitan Division of the National Hockey League and the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association. Just to the right of the new entrance is a Los Tacos No. 1 and Anita Gelato and a modern gateway to the subway and Penn Station. Fun fact: How did Madison Square Garden get its name? Answer: The Garden was originally situated at Madison Square Park at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway at 23rd Street) and was named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. Two venues called Madison Square Garden were located just northeast of the square, the original Garden from 1879 to 1890, and the second Garden from 1890 to 1925. The third MSG moved to a new location from 1926 until 1968 on 8th Avenue between 49th and 50th streets. In 1969, the 4th and present location was born between 7th and 8th Avenue from 31st to 33rd Streets. Madison Square Garden is the last of the NBA and NHL arenas not to be named after a corporate sponsor. In recent years, there has been pressure on building owner Jim Dolan (who also owns the Rangers and Knicks) to relocate MSG and make way for a new, vibrant, and massive Pennsylvania Station that sits underneath the Garden. The city council approved a special permit of only five years in 2023 to allow Dolan to remain until 2028. The move attempts to have Dolan commit financially to the expanded train hall before granting a longer special permit to keep MSG at its present location. The Garden received a much-needed facelift from 2011-2013. The inside of the arena was upgraded to include new seats and bathrooms, wider concourses, new luxury suites closer to the ice, club seating areas with high-end food, and a Bridge Level with seats that provide a great aerial view and some bar stool seating. The West Balcony was also added which replaced the old skyboxes. There are six entry points - four on 8th Avenue and the main entrance on 7th Avenue which leads to the lobby and box office. There are also 2 VIP entrances. Food & Beverage 5 In addition to traditional fare, the lower bowl includes Lavo Meatballs, Avenue Cantina, Carnegie Deli, Mike’s Hot Honey (chicken), Fuku chicken sandwiches, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, Paulie Gee’s Pizza, Rock Lobster, and Tao Sushi. Other choices include Daily Burger, Garden Market, and Chicken and Things. On the 200 level, there is Dunkin Donuts, Bar at the Garden, Pat LaFrieda Prime Rib, Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, and 7th Street Burger. There are also vegan and gluten-free options. For beverages, there are craft beers on tap (Blue Point, Shock Top, and Goose Island) and mixed drinks. A 24-ounce draft beer is $16. Pepsi products are the beverage of choice. A 20oz soft drink is $20 and Aquafina is $5.50. Many of these options are on the 200 level with less of the high-end fare. The Bridge Level includes Daily Burger ($16 for a cheeseburger), Chicken & Things ($17 tenders and fries), Bar at the Garden, and Fratelli’s Pizza. Remember to have your Chase Card handy as a 20% discount is offered for fans who spend $30 or more. The lines get extremely long at the end of the period. Two tips: head to the concession stands before the horn sounds or if possible wait for the end of the second period as lines are not as long during the second intermission. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere and game day production are solid. The Rangers hype video leads into the intro of The Who classic Baba O’Riley and then the voice of PA Announcer Joe Tolleson blares “Here they are: The New York Rangers” and up comes the Who as the players hit the ice. Then operatic tenor John Brancy is sure to enliven the fans by singing the national anthem. Brancy does about half of the Rangers games. MSG Ceiling, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Madison Square Garden is special, from the lobby to the box office, the team store, and the exhibits that commemorate special events. The inside features the iconic ceiling with a cable-supported roof. The 28’ x 57’ scoreboard (which displays the names and numbers of all skaters on the ice throughout the game) over center ice is riveting and then your eyes are drawn to the Chase Bridges which cross the ice at the top of both sides of the upper bowl. A new banner 2023-2024 Regular Season Champions was added to the rafters to start this season but that will not impress most Rangers fans. Four banners commemorating the Rangers’ four Stanley Cup wins (yes only 4) also hang over the Club Lounge seats. The lower bowl is located on the 6th floor and the upper level is on the 7th floor. The lower concourse is fairly wide but gets jammed quickly right before the game and at intermissions. The upper concourse is extremely narrow in spots and lines back up for food and bathrooms causing sporadic traffic jams in between periods. Fans can take escalators to the seating areas but check with Guest Services and they will direct persons who need assistance to elevators and can call for a wheelchair if needed. The arena is divided into Sections 100 through 400 and in addition, there are 96 suites on the Club Level. The sightlines have been much improved since the more than $1 billion renovation that was completed a decade ago. On the negative side, legroom is at a minimum. The current building pays homage to the old Blue Seaters who were the raucous backbone of the Rangers in the 70s and 80s. The 400 Level features blue seats and is appropriately named ‘’The Blue Seats’’ for the former Garden faithful. Neighborhood 5 The area around MSG, located in midtown Manhattan, is busy and boisterous. Pedestrians, taxis, trucks, cars, and buses flood 7th and 8th Avenues and 34th Street even late at night. Penn Station is situated beneath the building and the new bold and beautiful Moynihan Train Station is directly adjacent to MSG on 8th Avenue. The building is 255,000 square feet, housing both Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road ticketing and waiting areas, the unrivaled design includes state-of-the-art security features and a contemporary, digital passenger experience. Macy’s, Empire State Building, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center are within walking distance. There is the Molly Wee Pub, Stout, and Mustang Harry’s for pre-gaming. For food there is Koreatown and NY Pizza Suprema (413 8th Avenue) is often rated one of the best pizza places in Manhattan. There is a bevy of lodging options including The New Yorker Hotel, Fairfield Inn and Suites, the Renaissance New York, and Courtyard New York Manhattan/Chelsea. Fans 4 New York Rangers fans are more reactive than proactive. The days of cheerleading and rallying the team when the home team is down in professional sports are over for the most part and fans tend to wait for something to happen to cheer. Prices have forced loyal fans to watch more games from home as MSG has catered to the rich and famous. Despite the outrageous ticket prices, the Rangers sell out almost every game and are averaging 17,975 so far this season. Blueshirts fans enjoy wearing their Rangers sweaters to the games and it’s common to see many women in the crowd. The Garden still erupts for goals by the home team as they break into the Goal Song (Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey!!) with the horn blaring and the red lights swirling under the Jumbotron. The song called Slapshot, which debuted in 1995, was written by Rangers organist Ray Castoldi. The favorite chant is the fans’ rallying cry “Let’s Go Rangers” and also ”Igor, Igor!” after a great save or saves to salute All-Star goalie Igor Shesterkin if he happens to be manning the net. The ultimate Rangers fan is Larry Goodman (aka Dancin Larry) who dances to Strike It Up at almost every game during the final TV timeout of the third period with the Rangers cheerleaders encouraging his act. Larry has been doing his thing since 1996. The Rangers are the only team in the league without a mascot. Maybe it’s time has come. The Garden does a good job of displaying plenty of crowd shots on the scoreboard during breaks in the action. MSG does three T Shirt Tosses which get the joint jumping and adds a few celebrity sightings. The sound system is clear and music is a mix of pop and organ and played at a good decibel level. Access 5 Access is a plus except for traffic around MSG. The Path Train from New Jersey, subway stations on 6th (B, D, F and M and N, Q, R, and W) and 8th Avenue (A, C and E and 1, 2 and 3), LIRR trains from Long Island and Queens underneath at Penn Station, and Grand Central Station (serving Westchester and Connecticut) is about a 15-20 minute walk. Driving to MSG can be problematic coming in from the West Side Highway or East River Drive. There are plenty of parking facilities nearby so check SpotHero or ParkWhiz to prepay for parking which runs about $30-$45. The doors open 90 minutes before the event and security scanning is fairly efficient. Return on Investment 2 The investment for one event at MSG is costly. If you can find a ticket for under $100 consider yourself lucky. The only time to get in for less is for early-season weeknight games in October and November or if the Rangers fall out of playoff contention. The lower bowl will run $150 or more for behind the goal (not including TicketMaster fees) and much more to sit at center ice ($350 and up). Food and beverages are pricey but much more options are available and the quality has improved. For the most part, steer clear of souvenirs and look for less costly options online or in local sporting goods stores. Extras 4 One point is for the Theater at Madison Square which features Annie presently starring Whoopi Goldberg. Another point is the diversity of MSG which offers in addition to the Knicks and St. John’s basketball, concerts, and comedy shows. Avril Lavigne, Mary J. Blig,e and Dua Lipa are three headliners set to perform in 2025. Billy Joel, who holds the record for the greatest number of appearances at the Garden with 150 shows stated that "Madison Square Garden is the center of the universe as far as I'm concerned.” A blue banner honoring Joel’s 150 hangs from the rafters. The third point is for tradition: the classic Rangers sweater has been in use since the franchise's birth in 1926, with several alterations along the way. Tex Rickard was the first owner of the Rangers, one of the Original Six teams that competed in the NHL before its 1967 expansion, along with the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The fourth and final point is for the impressive new main entrance on 7th Avenue. leading into the lobby. This area was covered by scaffolding for a few seasons and now is wide open with the marquee flashing upcoming events. This is an entrance worthy of its moniker “The World’s Most Famous Arena”. Final Thoughts MSG is always deserving of a Stadium Journey and not just for hockey. The Arena is vibrant and exciting but don’t forget the plastic. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Facebook

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 CAA Centre 7575 Kennedy Road Brampton, ON L6W 4T2 Brantford Steelheads website CAA Centre website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,000 Swimming 7 KM Upstream Major Junior hockey in the GTA has had a pretty difficult existence.  The Brampton Steelheads are new to the Ontario Hockey League in 2024.  The Steelheads moved 7 km north of their previous home in Mississauga .  With low attendance and a reported increase in rent, a move out of Mississauga became desirable.  The Steelheads were founded in 1996 as a school affiliated team, the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors.  Owner Eugene Melnyk, unable to find a more suitable home than the historic, yet drastically undersized St. Michael’s College School Arena, purchased the Mississauga IceDogs in 2007.  The intention was to get control of the lease in Mississauga, move the Majors there and sell the IceDogs.  The IceDogs would move to St. Catharines to become the Niagara IceDogs .  The Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors lasted until 2012 when they were sold to a group led by Elliott Kerr and rebranded the Mississauga Steelheads.  The home for the Steelheads is CAA Centre.  The city owned arena opened in 1998 and has a capacity of 5,000.  It is an appropriate home for OHL hockey as it housed the Brampton Battalion from 1998 to 2013, before they moved to North Bay .  A familiar story for OHL hockey in the GTA is once again brewing, low attendance and an uncertain future. Food & Beverage 3 CAA Centre has a moderate selection of concession options.  Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, pizza, fries, poutine, chicken nuggets, and popcorn are available.  Select stands offer ice cream options.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at CAA Centre.  Water, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are also available.  Some stands also offer limited beer options. Atmosphere 2 CAA Centre has a fairly pedestrian exterior.  Light coloured siding can be found around the exterior and CAA Centre offers no main or grand entrance.  One of the curiosities of CAA Centre is a large decorative rock honouring former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Joey Smallwood sits at the west entrance of the arena.  Entry into CAA Centre leads to a cramped concourse.  CAA Centre is a hub for the Brampton hockey community as it also has three other NHL sized rinks along with the main spectator arena.  Around the concourse there are some Steelheads markings.  It is clear that the Steelheads are embracing their Mississauga history.  Team photos from past Mississauga Steelheads teams are found in the concourse.  The most interesting part of the concourse is definitely the Brampton Sports Hall of Fame.  Fans can peruse the portraits of inducted members and include Cassie Campbell, Jamie Storr, Stan Butler and Rick Nash amongst others.  The concourse is a horseshoe design and does not offer a 360 degree path around the rink. Upon entering the seating bowl, fans will find the ice oriented from east to west with truss supports across the roof.  Fans should find themselves on the south side of the seating for the perfect centre ice logo picture.  The four-sided videoboard that hangs above the ice is unique in that it is essentially four screens over four small scoreclocks.  It is simple but effective.  The Steelheads bringing their history with them continues in the seating bowl as there are two Mississauga Steelheads banners for a 2017 Division and Conference Championship, hanging above the ice.  There is also a banner honouring former OHL Commissioner David Branch and his 45 years of service.  This banner can be found in all OHL buildings for the 2024-2025 season.  The seating consists of 15 rows of purple arena seats with some sections having padding.  There is no seating at the east end and a number of luxury boxes are found along the north and south sides, behind the general seating.  The CAA Centre itself is not that unique and is essentially the same design as the arenas in Mississauga, Sarnia  and others. The gameday production of a Steelheads game is fairly simple.  The game begins with a minor hockey player skating around the ice, carrying a Steelheads flag and then is joined by mascots Sauga and Rosie, both monikers that are unique to Mississauga, but have little relevance to Brmapton.  The 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck are also staples of a Steelheads game. Neighbourhood 3 CAA Centre is located adjacent to the County Court neighbourhood of Brampton.  It is on the grounds of the larger Brampton Sports Park and as a result, there is little for pre or post game food and drink in the immediate area.  A short drive in the car offers a few choices.  New China Garden and Pomodoro Italian Kitchen are more unique options to go along with a number of large chain restaurants north of the arena on Steeles. As far as other sporting options in the area, the CAA Centre is also the home of the Brampton Honey Badgers of the CEBL, but their schedule will not cross the Steelheads schedule.  The Brampton Excelsiors of the OJLL also play in the summer.  The CAA Centre is a few short minutes from the town of Caledon East and their three hockey teams, the Caledon Admirals, Bombers and Golden Hawks.  There are far more options for fans willing to expand their search into Mississauga or Toronto.  Other tourist options in the area include the Peel Art Gallery and checking out Downtown Brampton.  However, Brampton is very much part of the GTA and far more options can be found by heading to Toronto.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Fairfield Inn Brampton is not far away. Fans 2 A combination of increasing rent and poor attendance are the reasons the Steelheads jettisoned Mississauga in favour of Brampton.  However, as of this writing, the attendance has not made a huge increase since the move.  The 2023-2024 season saw the Mississauga Steelheads draw 2,400 fans per game, good for the basement of the OHL.  The Brampton Steelheads have not climbed any higher and as of this writing have attracted only 1,940 fans per game in the 2024-2025 season.  The fans that are in attendance don’t bring much excitement, and the experience ends up feeling rather depressing.   Access 3 The CAA Centre is located adjacent to the County Court neighbourhood of Brampton.  It is at essentially the confluence of Highways 410 and 407, on Kennedy Road.  Fans coming from out of province should beware that Highway 407 is a toll highway.  Although it may seem that getting to the arena is not difficult, traffic in this area can be a real chore, especially on Highway 410 during the week.  There is free parking on site, but beware that there are a number of spots that are reserved for season ticket holders.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are Brampton Transit  bus stops on Kennedy Road.  Fans should consult the Brampton Transit website for fares, maps and schedules.  Inside the CAA Centre, the concourses are small and can get cramped.  Considering the low number of fans in attendance, this is definitely a concern.  It is not possible to walk a full 360 degree circle in the concourse and doubling back may be necessary.  The washroom facilities are decent in the facility. Stadium Journey acknowledges that the security protocols in major sports are constantly changing.  It is highly recommended that fans consult the Brampton Steelheads  and CAA Centre  websites for prohibited items and safety procedures. Return on Investment 3 Brampton Steelhead tickets are on a tiered system with the lowest priced seats at $26 up to $31 for platinum.  Gallery seats are $50 and are at the top of the east end and offer in-seat service.  There are discounts also for youth and seniors.  Parking on site is free and concession prices are a bit on the expensive side.  The plus is that OHL hockey is among the best anywhere and in their first season the Brampton Steelheads have a strong team on the ice.  For an improved ROI, for fans in the stands to provide a better experience is necessary. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Brampton Steelheads embracing the Mississauga Steelheads history. An extra mark for the Steelheads focus on youth hockey and bringing out as many youth teams as they can. Final Thoughts It remains to be seen if the Steelheads can make a successful transition to Brampton.  At the time of writing it seems that the move from Mississauga was not necessarily a bad one, but Brampton has not provided a significant improvement for the team.  Even though it is only 7 km from their former home to the CAA Centre, the Steelheads are definitely swimming upstream! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

The Trans Am Series Presented by Pirelli weaves its way across North America each year, showcasing some of the best racing in all of motorsports. A mix of seasoned pros and young guns take to the track in fire-breathing racecars that thrill fans all over. This season saw a unique mix of circuits on the schedule, hitting some of the best tracks that fans have been flocking to for years. Tracks are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, race day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the track), return on investment, and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more tracks receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review for each track, just click on the link below the photos of each event. Let the thunder roll on the 2024 Trans Am Series rankings… (All reviews by Chris Green) 1. Road America 4.14 The summer of racing at Road America includes numerous events for the race fans to attend; a popular one for fans to attend is Trans Am weekend. Held over the past few years as a standalone event, this weekend features the likes of International GT, FRP, and PSSA. While not as popular as other track events at Road America, this one is no less worth a visit. 2. CTMP 3.71 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (also known as Mosport) is one of the best-known race courses in Canada, and indeed around the world. The return of the Trans Am series highlights the annual Labour Day Sprints weekend, which also features the NASCAR Pinty’s Series, FR and F4 Americas, Radical Cup Canada, and others. 3. Lime Rock 3.71 Despite the best efforts of the track’s neighbors, Lime Rock Park is a historic and popular racing facility hidden away in northwestern Connecticut. Nestled in a small valley and surrounded by stunning forests, this New England center of speed is small yet fierce, attracting race fans from around the globe to its secluded curves. After hosting the likes of IMSA and SRO World Challenge over the past few years, the classic Memorial Day race weekend now features SVRA vintage racing and Trans Am action. 4. Road Atlanta 3.71 Nestled an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta offers some iconic sights and non-stop racing action over four days in the fall. This track offers plenty of great viewing areas and camping, helping the Atlanta SpeedTour rise quickly as one of the best events of the year for fans in Trans Am and SVRA. 5. COTA 3.57 As if to cement the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas, Circuit of the Americas (often called COTA for short) in Austin provides no better example of this. Indeed, the site of the annual US Grand Prix for Formula One is also host to myriad other races throughout the year, including the Vintage Racing World Finals during the Trans-Am and SVRA SpeedTour race weekend. 6. Sebring 3.57 The start of the race season shows up early in Florida, and Sebring is a perfect place to celebrate that. The annual SpeedTour weekend, featuring SVRA, TransAm, and International GT, showcases sportscar racing’s past and future. Held each year in late February, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action. 7. Watkins Glen 3.43 Since they first began racing here in 1948, the speedway has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. Now, this history is celebrated yearly when SVRA, Trans-Am, and IGT take to the track. Sadly, 2024’s event saw increased ticket prices, an earlier date thanks to NASCAR’s shifting schedule taking over the September weekend previously used, and the annual vintage festival no longer happening on the same weekend. 8. VIR 3.00 The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. The annual SpeedTour weekend at the track features Trans-Am, SVRA’s vintage racing, and the FR and F4 series, showcasing open-wheel racing’s future talent. 9. NOLA 3.0 Touted as an un-tapped motorsports market for years, NOLA Motorsports Park is located outside of New Orleans near TPC Louisiana in Avondale. The one-time host of IndyCar racing has seen the likes of SRO America and others come and go over the years. However, the SVRA and Trans Am SpeedTour weekend has quietly become a staple on the schedule, giving fans something to help their racecar cravings. 10. Gateway 3.00 The sound of race cars is not an uncommon sound around World Wide Technology Raceway; the track hosts the likes of IndyCar, NHRA, and NASCAR every year. However, the Trans Am and SVRA SpeedTour weekend at the track is a new kind of race for the facility since its debut in 2023, as it features pro racing and sportscars on the track’s infield road course layout. This means a new kind of racing is available to fans in St. Louis that hasn’t been around for many years. 11. Pitt Race 2.86 Taking over and renovating an old racetrack into a modern facility is no easy task, yet the folks at Pitt Race have done exactly that. Formerly known as Beaver Run, Pittsburgh International Race Complex is a well-manicured racetrack just under 45 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh proper. The layout is challenging, featuring lots of elevation changes and technical corners. 12. Mid-Ohio 2.86 Mid-Ohio was known for being a top-level destination for car racing, but the quality at the facility has fallen off in recent years. The facility provides exciting racing and has loyal fans, but unfortunately that is where the positives end; the traffic issues getting in and out aren’t much help either. However, in 2024 ARCA joined Trans Am, SVRA, and F4/FR’s SpeedTour weekend for a Friday show, adding stock cars to the weekend slate.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey My beloved hometown of San Antonio is known the world over as a true food lovers’ paradise. We – and I almost exclusively use “we” when talking about the Alamo City – were the second city in the United States to be recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative City of Gastronomy . If you want it, we’ve got it. The Best  Tex-Mex in the state? Yep, that’s ours (come at me everyone else; this is the hill I will die on). Great barbecue? We’ve got that, too. The city is also home to a burgeoning food hall, world-class steakhouses, authentic Asian cuisine, and one of the oldest German restaurants  in the country. We are also home to some truly unique dishes that aren’t found outside of this pocket of the Great State of Texas – in a previous story I unveiled the puffy taco  to the wider world. This time around, I will shed light on an even more obscure, equally loved, and sadly vanishing dish: the crispy dog . The long and short of it is that a crispy dog is a plain hot dog stuffed with American cheese, then wrapped in a corn tortilla and deep fried to a nice golden brown. Served up with your dipping sauce of choice (I prefer straight up mustard, but that’s just me), this dish has always been an inexpensive, deeply satisfying way to fill a belly. Humble yet cherished. If you find someone who is from San Anto  of a certain age, they will probably have a story about a maternal member of their family – their mom, their tía , or their abuela  – making this dish for them. If you’ve got that memory deep inside of you, your first bite of a crispy dog is instant nostalgia doused with familial love. Once upon a time you could find the beloved crispy dog right alongside the puffy tacos, enchiladas, and chalupas, etc. These days, however, you will be hard-pressed to find them on any menu. However, the OG of crispy dogs is Ray’s Drive Inn . After more than a half century this place is still alive and well, and still serving up the best version of the crispy dog in Texas. Ray’s is also at least an early server of, and at best the originator of, the puffy taco. Restaurant founder Ray Lopez put the crispy dog on the menu beginning in 1956, and it has been a staple ever since. Ray’s Drive Inn’s crispy dogs come two to an order with the aforementioned side of mustard – the first bite is the best; crispy (naturally), gooey, and savory. It’s a dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its humble parts. My one bit of warning is that these are extremely addicting, so by the time you’re halfway through your second dog, you’re contemplating another order. While the crispy dog may be vanishing from most restaurants, if you can find a place that still offers them up, you’re in for a treat. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by James Hilchen and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 CHS Field 360 Broadway St St Paul, MN 55101 St. Paul Saints website CHS Field website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 7,210 A Saintly Good Time Opened on May 21, 2015, CHS Field is home to the Saint Paul Saints. The Saints were born in 2003 and were a member of the Northern League until 2005 when they became members of the American Association. 2021 marked a new beginning of sorts for the team as the Saints left the independent baseball world and became the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Between the beautiful ballpark, great food, unique promotions, and a very creative staff, CHS Field is one of the true gems in all of baseball. CHS Field replaced Midway Stadium as the home of the Saints. Midway Stadium, which had hosted the Saints since 2003 simply became outdated and too small to hold the fans of a franchise that has proven to be extremely successful over the years. Located in the Lowertown District of St. Paul, the $89 million ballpark played host to both the 2016 and 2019 American Association All-Star Games. Food & Beverage 5 If you can’t find anything you like to eat here, you probably aren’t trying very hard. The ballpark offers a litany of different foods along with an abundance of choices for beer drinkers. In addition to all the usual ballpark fare, CHS Field ups the ante on food choices. The poutine with smoked pork shoulder is a favorite among the fans. French fries with cheese curds and pork shoulder all smothered in brown gravy is a winning combination and highly recommended. Bacon-wrapped blueberry bratwurst, pork belly pops (pork belly on a stick dunked in coleslaw), chicken and waffles with maple syrup, bacon and sausage gravy, and smoked turkey ciabatta are among the other unique items offered up. On warmer days at the park, be prepared to stand in line for Snuffy’s Malt Shop. It may be a bit of a wait, but the shakes and malts are far superior to most ballpark shakes and you have a perfect view of the field action while waiting. If you are a craft beer fan, you will be happy. There are numerous options throughout the ballpark to go along with the more traditional domestic options. Head to the left field corner where over 30 craft beers are available. If alcohol isn’t your thing, give local Killebrew (yes, that Killebrew, we are in Minnesota Twins country) Root Beer or Cream Soda a try. Atmosphere 5 This is what the Saints are known for…crazy promotions and between innings entertainment. They certainly deliver and what else would you expect from a team that includes Bill Murray as one of its owners? Prior to entering the stadium, take a look to the left of the entrance area. There you will see plaques that celebrate the contributions of scouts that are in the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame. All inductees are honored by having their plaques displayed at three minor league and three independent club’s ballparks. You can walk around the entire ballpark and it is highly suggested. In the right field corner is the Treasure Island Terrace. You can’t miss the black and yellow pirate ship which is a multi-level space that can be rented to groups during games. Also towards the right field corner is the team shop. The team shop is well worth a look, but generally very popular and therefore busy, so be prepared for a bit of a line. There is a kids play area behind the center field wall and in left field are great views of both bullpens along with a grass berm that sits directly behind the bullpens. Down the third baseline is the must-see attraction at CHS Field. Between sections 118-120, is the City of Baseball Museum. Opened in May, 2019, the museum celebrates baseball in Saint Paul. Among the treasures in the museum are a Roy Campanella game-used bat, Rey Ordonez’ 1997 Gold Glove, a Toni Stone (first woman to play professional baseball for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League) autographed baseball, and so much more. Admission is free for fans during games and is also open during the team’s regular business hours of 9-6 Monday-Friday and 10-2 on Saturdays during the season. Behind home plate sits Monument Pork (an homage to Monument Park in Yankee Stadium). The inductees are all past live pigs who were team mascots. It won’t take much time to see that pork plays an important role is all-things Saints baseball. Neighborhood 4 Lowertown is a fun area that boasts a large array of food and drink options, many within a few blocks of the ballpark. The Ox Cart Arcade & Rooftop offers up some great food options (try the loaded tots sampler!). You can come in and watch a game on one of their televisions, play some arcade games, or simply relax before or after the game. Big River Pizza is a great option for pizza fans and is one block west of CHS Field. The Buttered Tin is a terrific bakery that also offers up breakfast and sandwiches. It’s a good choice for a day game (they are open from 7-3 daily). CHS Field sits a few blocks from the Mississippi River and there are plenty of walking areas right next to it. The Minnesota Children’s Museum and Minnesota Museum of American Art are also within a mile of the ballpark. Fans 5 The Saints have given fans every reason to turn out and they certainly do. The fact that the team meets the expectations of regular fans above and beyond fielding a decent team makes the fans even more loyal, especially now with the Twins affiliation. As such, they are always engaged in the game and promotions, which makes the atmosphere even better. Access 4 With a full ballpark, there are always going to be some areas where getting around is slower than one would like. The team has done a very good job at trying to space things out well, keep lines moving, mark sections and restrooms well, and there are plenty of friendly employees and ushers that will help as well. Return on Investment 5 You can get in the ballpark for as little as $5 for berm seating. $6 will get you a bleacher seat. For reserved seating, the outfield reserve is $15, with infield reserved and home plate reserved being $18. The Capital Box seats (directly behind home plate) are the most expensive at $30. I’d avoid the Capital Box simply because the views are so great from the other seats, you can save a few bucks for food/drinks and not miss out on anything. Parking is available directly across the street but is a bit pricey at $20. Parking in the Union Depot parking lots will save $10 and is right around the corner from the ballpark entrance. Parking farther away will be even cheaper if walking a few blocks isn’t an issue. Combine the ticket and parking prices along with average food and drink prices and you get a huge bang for your buck when attending a Saints game. Extras 5 First and foremost, the City of Baseball Museum alone is worth the 5 stars here. The on-field promotions are more unique than most ballparks and the cast of unique characters that interact with the fans throughout the game provides a fun experience. CHS Field is trying to go green as much as possible. They collect runoff water to help irrigate the field and flush toilets. 12% of the electricity used comes from solar panels in left field and there are various recycling bins clearly marked throughout the park. The entire staff couldn’t be friendlier. From the ticket takers to the ushers to the concessions folks, everyone seems genuinely interested in making sure the fans have a good time. CHS Field is a mere 12 miles from the home of the Minnesota Twins, Target Field . With the major league affiliate being so close, there are opportunities to take in two games in the same day which is a fun option. Final Thoughts Moving to affiliated baseball in 2021 hasn’t changed what has always made CHS Field such a great place. From the employees, to the food, to the entertainment, to the amazing museum, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Memorial Stadium 701 E 17th St Bloomington, IN 47408 Indiana Hoosiers website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 52,626 Never Daunted In the history of Indiana University athletics, football has been not much more than what people did until basketball season started – it might be “the other football” (men's soccer) and their eight national championships that many of those in south central Indiana were more gravitated toward. Though Indiana football has seen pockets of success, it has been difficult for the program to build on it and keep that momentum going. The football Hoosiers enjoyed the bulk of their success under Bill Mallory, who guided Indiana to six bowl games in nine seasons during his thirteen-year tenure in Bloomington. The historic futility of Indiana football has impacted the overall support the program has seen, which in-turn impacts the game experience. The winds of success do seem to be shifting in Bloomington, however – the hiring of Curt Cignetti as the Hoosier’s head coach has seen a nearly immediate 180-degree turn in the program’s trajectory. The recent success on the field has energized the Indiana University community, as well as supporters near and far.   Food & Beverage   5 Heading into this season, improving food options at Memorial Stadium was a priority for enhancing the fan experience. A new concessions vender expanded options and brought in no less than four local Bloomington restaurants, including Social Cantina which offers walking nachos and ground beef tacos, as well as Aver’s Pizza. In addition, Yogi’s Bar and Grill serves smash burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches, while Buffa Louie’s, a Bloomington favorite since 1987, brings its signature wings in three flavors, along with a vegetarian version, along with their Italian beef sandwich, mozzarella sticks, and breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. Beyond these local favorites, food trucks provide additional variety, ranging from Latin dishes and BBQ to Mediterranean fare and classic American plates. Dessert options include Bloomington’s beloved Chocolate Moose ice cream and fresh cookies from Baked!, a late-night favorite. Everbowl also offers healthier choices like açaí bowls. With Coca-Cola soft drinks on offer, along with the typical assortment from Coors’ line of beers, there is also a solid selection of Bloomington craft beers from Upland Brewery, with their Dragonfly IPA, Wheat Ale, and Indiana University branded Hoosier Game Day lager. Vizzy hard seltzers and Happy Tuesdays spiked fruit drinks are also on hand. Concessions at Memorial Stadium are an example of fans asking for improvements and the powers that be listening to what the fans were asking for.   Atmosphere   3 A common mantra of Indiana football fans has been, “we may have lost the game, but we won the tailgate.” And while the success of the Hoosiers on the field appears to be turning, and the tailgate is no longer the only highlight of the day, the lots on the northern side of campus do provide a top tier tailgating experience that rivals many of those at larger, more traditional football powers. The paved lots around the football stadium and neighboring Simon-Skjodt (pronounced: Scott) Assembly Hall  are typically home to more sophisticated alumni gatherings, while students and more festive visitors populate the fields along 17th Street. Indiana Hoosiers Football Tailgating, Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey Three hours before kickoff, fans gather west of Simon-Skjodt Assembly Hall  for a pep rally featuring the IU cheer squads, the Red Steppers dance team, and members of the Indiana University Marching Hundred, in anticipation of the arrival of the Hoosiers team buses for the “Walk to the Rock.” Architecturally, Memorial Stadium has a striking resemblance to Wake Forest’s Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium   and Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium . Since 2005, Memorial Stadium has seen significant improvements that enclosed the stadium, starting with weight training and staff facilities at the north end of the stadium, followed on the south end in 2018 with the completion of The Excellence Academy. However, the east and west stands still feel a bit bare, with exposed walkways on both sides. Like many other schools at this level, the Hoosiers have a well-orchestrated pregame show featuring the Marching Hundred, a slew of Indiana Hoosier flags waved by the Indiana cheer squad, pyrotechnics, and an occasional flyover. Throughout the game, timeout entertainment has shifted toward more modern features, such as scoreboard ads, an in-house DJ, on-field contests, and giveaways. The Marching Hundred still provides musical highlights throughout the game, and there are also t raditions such as the playing of “National Emblem” on 1st downs, as well as snippets of the beloved fight song, “Indiana, Our Indiana,” after big plays to keep fans engaged. One of the big points of contention for Memorial Stadium regulars is the stadium sound system does not necessarily meet Power 4 standards; the sound can seem distorted and difficult to hear clearly. With the recent on-the-field successes of Indiana football, the only thing keeping the experience from moving to the next level is its consistency. All signs point to a continuation of the upward trajectory the football program has seen throughout this season, however, which in turn bodes well for continued improvements to the overall game day experience at Indiana.   Neighborhood   5 Memorial Stadium sits on the northern side of Indiana University’s campus, surrounded by athletic facilities, dorms, and off-campus apartments. While dining options nearby are limited, a few restaurants are within walking distance. The real center of Bloomington’s social scene is centered on Kirkwood Avenue, which runs from the iconic Sample Gates to Bloomington Square. Kirkwood is home to many of Bloomington’s apparel shops, restaurants, and bars. The most well-known of the eateries, Nick’s English Hut, provides a bit more of a mature bar experience , while Kilroy’s is a bit more student-orientated, and Upstairs Pub is a bit of a happy medium. A secondary cluster of bars and restaurants in proximity to downtown Bloomington Square includes Kilroy’s Sports, Yogi’s Bar and Grill, music joint The Bluebird, and Video Saloon, which is a popular spot for many of Bloomington’s locals. For those with a bit of a finer palette, they might want to visit to Oliver Winery just north of town, or make reservations at Janko’s Little Zagreb, which is renowned for their steaks.   Fans   3 For years, Indiana football struggled not only to win games, but also to draw fans from tailgates into Memorial Stadium. In the mid-2000s policies were even introduced to clear tailgating areas of non-attendees. The 2024 hiring of Curt Cignetti marked a turning point, bringing new expectations for both the program and the fan base – Coach even called out fans for the passive interest they showed, even after a 5-0 start, saying: “We need you there for the opening kick. We need you there in the stands being loud in the first quarter…And, most importantly, in the fourth…The tailgates can wait. The parties can wait. If you need to study, that can wait too.” Time will tell if the Hoosier fans support of Indiana football is here to stay. If the success of year one under Cignetti is any indication of future fan support of Indiana football, however, the increased attendance numbers and fan involvement in the game will only serve to improve the overall game atmosphere at Memorial Stadium.   Access   3 The completion of Interstate 69 connecting Evansville to Indianapolis made accessing Bloomington much easier than when it was just State Road 37, a divided highway, connecting the two cities. Coming from the east can be a bit more challenging, though, as two-lane rural State Road 46 can be a bit slow going. When typical attendance numbers fought to scrape into the lower end of 40,000, the facilities here were adequate to accommodate the crowd without much difficulty. Now though, with the norm bringing in 50,000+ fans per game, there certainly are new obstacles to consider – lines for bathrooms and concessions get extremely backed up, impeding the flow of those simply trying to navigate the concourse. Another challenge is that the stands do not have any sort of hand railings in the seating area, which certainly creates difficulties in navigating the stairs, especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Indiana does all it can do to make getting to, around, and from the stadium as convenient as possible, but there definitely are some areas it could improve on. There has even been chatter about the possibility of expanding the stadium, which could help alleviate some of the backups, for example if the Easternmost confines of the stadium were pushed closer to the parking lots. At the moment, however, the long concession and bathroom lines, especially on the stadium’s eastern side, can create quite the hinderance for those simply trying to move about the stadium. On the plus side, though, recent trends indicate the Athletics department is listening to fans, and is focused on improving the overall fan experience at Memorial Stadium.   Return on Investment   4 This season, tickets for non-conference games start at $30, and go up to $45 for conference matchups. Time will tell if the Hoosiers recent success will see an increase in ticket prices going forward, but at the moment ticket prices do not seem exorbitant. Parking in lots around the stadium can get a bit pricey, but for early arrivers who are willing to walk, free parking is available in the Poplars Garage on the corner of 6th Street and N. Dunn Avenue. Shuttles to the stadium begin 2 hours prior to kick off and run 90 minutes following the game. With free parking on campus widely available, it adds another perk for savings that can be found in attending a football game at Indiana. Some value is lost however when it comes to concessions, specifically at the more traditional stands – paying $6 for a typical-sized hot dog does seem to be a bit much. The best food values seem to come from the local options; though they are a touch more expensive, the quality and portion sizes are worth the higher prices.   Extras   4 As legend goes, shortly after Terry Hoeppner was hired as head coach in 2005 he found a massive limestone boulder on campus; he had it moved and mounted at the north end of Memorial Stadium where the team would rub it for luck as they took the field. Hoeppner would pass away in 2007 and “The Rock” would take on a whole new meaning. Renamed “Hep’s Rock” in 2010, it would find a new home to start the 2024 season, just outside Memorial Stadium’s east entrance. This location makes “Hep’s Rock” accessible to all IU football fans, being located at the end of the Hoosiers “Walk to the Rock”, where they rub it for luck just before entering the stadium. Outside the north entrance of the facility is a statute of George Taliaferro, paying tribute to the first Black player drafted into the NFL. Memorial Stadium - George Taliaferro Statue, Photo by David Welch Between the stadium’s southern end and 17th Street, B-Town Boulevard is set up to give fans an area to play games, pose for photos, or listen to a rotating performance of musicians while grabbing a bite to eat and/or a drink from the nearby food trucks. The main level concourse around the north end of the stadium is home to the Hoosier Red Zone – during pregame this area is billed as a “family fun zone”, mainly geared towards children, to test their football, basketball, and soccer skills. Visitors can also get photos taken with an oversized IU football helmet or football, or with mannequins dressed in the complete collection of Indiana uniform styles. One of the interactive displays in this area is a partnership  between IU Sports Properties and Damar , a non-profit organization that supports people with Autism. The area includes color changing lights, textures, audio inputs, and noise canceling headphones, along with a 10,000-piece Lego wall to help fans who struggle with sensory overload and may need a bit of a reset.   Final Thoughts In what might have previously best been described as a morgue of college football, Memorial Stadium has seen a remarkable turnaround fueled simply by winning, as well as a new head coach who has expectations of excellence not just from players, but from the University’s community as well. If the current trend of success for Indiana football continues, expect the game atmosphere here to only continue to improve, with an extremely festive atmosphere fed by a long anticipated winning product on the field. On the other hand, if for whatever reason Hoosier football were to revert back to its historic inconsistencies, it certainly would be a major blow to the progress seen on the gridiron in Bloomington.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Sleeman Centre 50 Woolwich St Guelph, ON N1H 3V1 Guelph Storm website Sleeman Centre website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 4,715 Storm City Hat Tricks The Hat Trick was born in Guelph, Ontario.  In the 1940s, the Guelph entry in the OHA was sponsored by the Biltmore Hat Company of Guelph.  The team was known as the Guelph Biltmores, and eventually the Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters.  The Biltmore Hat Company rewarded any player scoring three or more goals in one game with their choice of hat from their factory and the term “Hat Trick” was born. Guelph was a hotbed for hockey with teams at the Junior A level, and eventually Major Junior, from the 1930s right through to 1989 when the Guelph Platers moved to Owen Sound.  The current Guelph Storm franchise was originally the Toronto Marlboros who were founded in 1904.  In 1989, the original Marlies moved to Hamilton for two horrible seasons as the Dukes before heading to Guelph to become the Storm in 1991.  Home for the Storm is the Sleeman Centre.  Opened in 2000 as the Guelph Sports and Entertainment Centre, the arena was deemed necessary after the departure of the Platers.  The former Guelph Eaton’s Centre was chosen as the location after the closuring of the anchor tennant Eaton’s department store.  The arena was built right where the store was located and remnants of the mall remain surrounding the arena.  In 2007, local purveyor of fine beer, Sleeman Breweries purchased the naming rights for the arena and are contracted to remain the title sponsor of the arena until 2030. Food & Beverage 4 There are a number of concession options in the Sleeman Centre.  Pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs and pizza are all on the menu.  Candy and ice cream can be found at a few of the stands also.  Some more unique choices include the authentic Roman Pizza at the Penalty Box or some of the huge selection of confections at the Candy Counter.  Coca-cola products are the soda of the Sleeman Centre and water, coffee, tea and hot chocolate are among the soft drinks available.  Sleeman products are available at the beer stands.  Draught Picks Tap House and Grill is a full service bar at the south side of the arena and is also an option for fans. Atmosphere 4 The Sleeman Centre is a unique facility as it is built inside a shopping mall.  As a result, the majority of fans will not enter through the main doors on Woolwich Street.   Parking entrances off of Macdonell Street having fans enter through the south side or through the Old Quebec Shoppes, the remnants of the mall, is far more popular.  That being said, the front exterior of the Sleeman Centre is attractive with light siding and tinted windows.  It is not a hulking structure, and is almost inconspicuous from the front.  Entering the front or through the mall will take fans to the main staircase, which is essentially under the arena.  Fans will pass by the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame  which offers a number of interesting entrants including George McPhee, Todd Hlushko, and John Cullen.  Guelph also has a history of providing officials to the NHL including Bill McCreary, Ray Scapinello, Terry Gregson and Ron Asselstine. Patrons will ascend the stairs to the second level, which is the main entry to the arena.  The concourse around the seating bowl is not very wide, so getting there early for some exploring is the best idea.  The ice at the Sleeman Centre is oriented from west to east with entry to the concourse coming from the south side.  The north side is going to provide the perfect centre-ice logo picture.  The concourses offer a few interesting tidbits worth checking out.  Each of the section numbers offers a list of players who wore that number for the Storm over the years.  For example, the sign for Section 105 offers a list of all Storm players who donned the number 5.  There are pillars in the concourse listing Storm players who have played for Canada or other countries in the World Junior Hockey Championships and the debut date and team for all former Storm players who played in the NHL.  These items were formerly listed on the second level, at the east end, which has been replaced by huge ads.  Also of note in the concourse are Storm team pictures over the years and the retired jersey of Paul Fendley, who died in 1972 and was a member of the Guelph CMC’s, a Junior A precursor to the Storm in Guelph.  Above the ice is a four-sided videoboard with top and bottom ribbon rings and a simple scoreclock.  The fascia of the second level, which is home to the club seats and luxury boxes, has a full, 360 degree ribbon board.  The rafters are littered with banners.  The retired numbers of Jeff O’Neill, Todd Bertuzzi and Ryan Callahan hang with that of Paul Fendley.  Among the many Division and Conference banners fans will find banners for the 1998, 2004, 2014 and 2019 J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL Champions and the 1952 Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters Memorial Cup Championship and 1986 Guelph Platers Memorial Cup Championship. The gameday production is not uncommon for an OHL franchise.  DJ KToss runs the music selection from the Storm Stage, at the east end on the second level and he also participates in promotions.  Mascots Spyke and Stormy aid in promotions and interact with the crowd.  Neighbourhood 4 The Sleeman Centre is located in Downtown Guelph.  There are a number of spots for pre and post game food and drink in the area.  Some choices include 1881 Steakhouse, McCabes, NV Kitchen, Royal Electric, La Cucina, Baker Street Station and The Wooly Pub.  Fans looking for more sports in the area may want to consider heading to the University of Guelph where the Gryphons play football at Alumni Stadium , hockey at Gryphon Centre Arena  and basketball at the Guelph Gryphons Athletic Centre .  During the summer, the Guelph Royals  compete in the IBL.  Non sporting options may include seeing something at the River Run Centre, on the opposite side of Woolwich Street, or taking a tour at the Sleeman Brewery in Guelph. For fans wishing to stay in Downtown Guelph, the Royal Inn and Suites and Western Hotel, may be of interest. Fans 4 The Guelph Storm have a very strong following.  At the time of writing, in the 2024-2025 season, the Storm are averaging over 4,500 fans per game.  The previous season they averaged over 4,700 fans per game, which is near capacity.  They normally rank 4th or 5th in the OHL in attendance.  Fans are knowledgeable and supportive of the team, although not overly boisterous, common for Southern Ontario sports fans.   Access 4 Getting to the Sleeman Centre is not terribly difficult.  The Sleeman Centre is located in Downtown Guelph between Woolwich Street and MaDonnell Street.  The confluence of Highways 6 and 7 is less than four kilometers from the arena, and getting there should not be too difficult.  Most fans are heading to the parking garages off of McDonnell Street, so the intersection of Woolwich and MacDonnell can be a challenge closer to puck drop.  There are a few parking garages downtown, so finding a spot should not be an issue.  For fans wishing to take public transit, the Guelph Transit Station is less than a block away.  Fans should check out the Guelph Transit  website for fares, maps and schedules.  Security and Covid restrictions are constantly changing in Ontario.  Stadium Journey encourages all fans to check with the Guelph Storm and Sleeman Centre websites for up to date security information. Getting around the Sleeman Centre can be a bit of a challenge as the concourses are not huge.  Intermission times are particularly bad and lines for the washrooms then can be long.  The stairs from the Old Quebec Street Mall may present issues for those with mobility issues. Stadium Journey acknowledges that security protocols are constantly changing.  Stadium Journey encourages fans to consult the Guelph Storm and Sleeman Centre  websites before heading out for the most up-to-date security protocols including prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Guelph Storm are $30 for a regular seat, with discounts for students, seniors and children.  Club seats are $37 and come with seat service.  Tickets are a little expensive compared to other teams in the OHL.  Parking in the garages on site will cost $5 and concession prices are what one would expect. The product on the ice is very high quality and fans will definitely enjoy their trip to the Sleeman Centre Extras 4 An extra mark for the Storm Chasers Booster Club. An extra mark for the City of Guelph and their excellent use of a downtown structure to incorporate OHL hockey.  An extra mark for the Guelph tradition of honouring players who score a hat trick with a Biltmore hat. An extra mark for the intense rivalry with the Kitchener Rangers. Final Thoughts The Guelph Storm are probably not the first team thought of when regaling others with tales of the Ontario Hockey League, however, the Storm have been a solid franchise throughout their duration and their home, the Sleeman Centre, is a solid hockey venue.  Storm City is worth checking out and fans should definitely consider a trip to Guelph for some OHL hockey and maybe even a hat trick. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dylan McLean, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Herb Brooks National Hockey Center One Herb Brooks Way St. Cloud, MN 56301 St. Cloud State Huskies website Herb Brooks National Hockey Center website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 5,159 Huskies Hockey For years, the state of Minnesota was home to only two Division 1 Men’s Hockey programs: the University of Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota-Duluth. For a state that had long been viewed as the heart of amateur hockey in the U.S., this didn’t seem right…Herb Brooks agreed. Just like his former coach at the University of Minnesota, and the “Godfather” of Minnesota hockey John Mariucci had done, Brooks strongly advocated for creating more opportunities for hockey players in his home state of Minnesota. In 1986, when he was only six years removed from leading the U.S. Olympic Hockey team to its Miracle gold medal, Brooks made the unusual decision to walk away from the myriad of professional coaching opportunities that his gold medal reputation afforded him, and accepted the position of head coach at Division II St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. St. Cloud had been very successful at the Div. II level and was looking to make the jump to Division 1, and after only one season at the helm of the SCSU hockey team, Brooks helped them cross the finish line. After that single season, Herb Brooks moved on to the NHL, and the St. Cloud State men’s hockey team moved up to the Division 1 level. Having a third D1 team in the state which, year after year produces the most D1 hockey players, provided exactly the opportunities that Brooks and Mariucci had envisioned. It didn’t take long for SCSU to establish itself as a viable alternative to the U of M and UMD in the minds of recruits. From its initial season at the D1 level, SCSU fielded competitive hockey teams that could hold their own against the heavyweight programs in the old WCHA. With the shift to the NCHC around a decade ago, it’s done nothing to lessen SCSU’s success on the ice, as they played in their first national title game in 2021. The National Hockey Center, as it was originally known upon opening in 1989, has been home ice for the SCSU Huskies since their move to Division 1. Considered as one of the top college hockey facilities in the country when it first opened, the university has spent significant money on upgrades in recent years to ensure that the facility keeps that reputation. In 2011, SCSU paid homage to the man whose impact on American hockey, and St. Cloud State’s program in particular, is still felt to this day, by renaming the NHC as the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. Food & Beverage 4 There are multiple concession stands within the narrow concourse of the Herb, with most offering common fare like chips for $3, water $4, meat and cheese tray $6, along with Domino’s Pizza slices for $4, and parmesan and cinna bites each for $6. I also took note of individual food stands selling Jupiter Moon ice cream cones, and Crumbl cookies. On one end of the arena concourse a room serves as the Warming House bar, serving alcoholic drinks and a few snacks. Miller Lite’s go for $7, White Claws for $9, or if you prefer wine, a glass of Cabernet, Chardonnay, or Moscato runs $7, or $9 if you want it in a commemorative SCSU glass. For a college hockey arena, the National Hockey Center has all the food and beverage options you’ll need, and a few you may not, to get you through the game. Atmosphere 4 Despite the massive changes that NIL has brought to the NCAA, there is one aspect of college athletics that all of the money in pro sports can never buy; atmosphere (sense of ownership fans have with the team). There’s something about a boisterous student section leading cheers against the opposition, while the student band breaks into song during tv timeouts or between periods, that separates college athletes from their counterparts in the pros. St. Cloud State has both, and they are fully engaged in the action on the ice from beginning to end. With Husky hockey being the premier entertainment option in St. Cloud, there appears to be a pretty solid base of season ticket holders judging by the amount of older fans, and families with kids throughout the stands. The SCSU student band was on hand to score the soundtrack for the evening, and from the national anthem until the final buzzer, their presence added that extra something that makes the atmosphere at college hockey games so unique. St. Cloud solidified itself as a college hockey town when the program moved to the Division 1 level, and after having success from day one, the fans have turned out year after year to support the Huskies and create one of the best atmospheres in college hockey. While Husky Hockey undoubtedly continues to be the hottest ticket in town, it must have cooled a bit prior to my recent visit since the game wasn’t a sellout. Having been to many games at “the Herb” over the years, I’ve experienced first-hand the charged up atmosphere created by thousands of Husky faithful cheering their team on, and I’d rate it Elite. With Boston College and it’s typical roster of future NHL stars making an extremely rare foray into central Minnesota for a weekend series with the Huskies, I was anticipating a full house, and for that same electric atmosphere to be pulsating throughout the Herb like I’ve felt before. I’d say it was about 85% of the way there on this night, and that’s the only reason I’m giving the Herb a 4 instead of a 5 for atmosphere. The several thousand fans who were at the game still did a great job at creating a fun and exciting atmosphere; but the empty seats on a night where there should have been none, is what kept it from being the elite atmosphere I’ve come to know. Neighborhood 3 It’s not that the neighborhood surrounding “the Herb” is bad, it’s just….forgettable. The arena is situated a few steps from what used to be the university’s football stadium, before dropping the program several years ago, which sits high on the banks of the Mississippi river. The rest of the area surrounding the Hockey Center is made up of numerous apartment buildings, single family homes, and not much else. Unless there’s a game happening, the neighborhood is quiet and residential. When the university was drawing up the plans for the National Hockey Center, It’s clear that pre and post-game entertainment options were not a consideration. The idea of utilizing arenas and stadiums as anchors for larger shopping and entertainment hubs, or neighborhood redevelopment, wasn’t yet in vogue in 1989 when the Herb was built, so you can’t necessarily fault them for it. Unless you live in the neighborhood, the only reason most people will have for being in the area is to attend a Huskies game, and that’s fine, as it’s a great place to see a game. Not far away from the Herb there are plenty of options for a pre-game meal, with MC’s Dugout Bar & Grill and the Pickled Loon being among my go-to places. If you’re looking for post-game action to celebrate a Huskies win, downtown St. Cloud has you covered. The Red Carpet Nightclub can be fun, but its clientele skews to the younger side, so if you’re like me and still think of 90’s alternative music as being “current,” then the Blue Goose or Beaudreau’s Bar might be more your style. Fans 4 Husky fans consistently turn out to watch their team, especially when teams like the Gophers or North Dakota come to town and it’s standing room only. The student section is always filled and ready to lead cheers and taunt opposing players. On this night though, despite playing a top 5 team in the nation in Boston College, the arena was around 80% full. I don’t believe that this was indicative of Husky fans lack of interest though, but more so because they were playing a Hockey East team that they had no ties to, and little history with. The rivalries between D1 hockey teams in the Midwest are intense and are circled on the calendar of every fan at the start of each season. The fans still come out by the thousands no matter who the opponent may be, and that was definitely the case on this night against Boston College. The fans who were there were treated to a tight game and were on the edge of their seats right up to the final buzzer, as St. Cloud fought to tie the game up. The bottom line is that St. Cloud State has established itself as a college hockey powerhouse, and that could not have happened without getting the consistent support from students and local hockey fans who continue to attend games year after year. Access 4 Coming from the Twin Cities, you’ll take I-94 all the way to St. Cloud where you’ll take Exit 171 and turn right onto County Rd. 75/Roosevelt Rd. Drive for 1.6 miles and turn right onto 33 rd St. S, where you’ll go 2 miles and then turn right onto 15 th St. S. Take a left on 3 rd Ave. S. and you’ll arrive at the Herb. There are several parking lots right in front of the arena, as well as on-street parking in the nearby neighborhood. Return on Investment 3 Standard bench seats cost $20, while the more expensive chairback seats are $35 to $45. Even when going with the cheaper seats, you can’t go wrong as there is not a bad seat in the house. The price of the chairback seats does get a bit out of the average college student’s budget, but those are typically bought up by corporations and well-to-do alumni anyways. When $20 gets you the opportunity to watch two of the top ranked college hockey teams in the country live and in person, it’s a pretty solid deal. One of the big draws to college hockey fans is the affordability factor. With a night at an NHL game easily costing several hundred dollars for you and a date, you can attend a college game with many of tomorrow's NHL players for under $100. Extras 3 An interesting fact about the Herb that most people attending Husky games don’t ever see, is that it has a second ice sheet within the building. If you’re able to look past where the Zamboni enters and exits the ice, you’ll see that it leads into a space that’s just big enough to fit another sheet of ice. SCSU uses this as a practice sheet, but also rents it out to the local youth hockey association. Final Thoughts St. Cloud is a hockey town and the Huskies are their team. The move to Division One back in the late 80’s put St. Cloud on the map in a sense. Instead of being just another Midwest college town, St. Cloud became a Midwest college town with a hockey team playing at the highest level, and a successful one at that. Over the years, SCSU has found a home in the upper echelon of college hockey teams, competing for top recruits and playoff glory year after year. The National Hockey Center was a beauty right from the start, but in recent years they’ve enhanced it even more as can be seen in the beautiful entryway that was added several years ago. Renaming the facility to honor the legendary Herb Brooks was a nice touch. It was so nice in fact, that even Gopher fans didn’t complain about it, despite Brooks only having been at SCSU for a single year and Minnesota for eight. St. Cloud State and hockey fit together perfectly, and the game has given just as much back to the town and university, as they’ve put in. The Herb is a beautiful facility with passionate fans, and their relationship shows no signs of faltering anytime soon.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Kaiser Permanente Arena 140 Front St Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Map It Santa Crus Warriors website Kaiser Permanente Arena website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 2,505 Sea Dubs Right down Highway 17 and near the Pacific Ocean in Santa Cruz, California resides an unassuming-looking metal barn. But don’t judge something by its outward appearance. Once you step inside, KP Arena (Kaiser Permanente Arena) is anything but unassuming.  Amazingly, it was built in just 78 days between September and December of 2012 for just $3.5 million, opening just two days before Christmas 2012 with a Santa Cruz Warriors win over the Bakersfield Jam. The arena proved to be an instant draw, cashing in on 39 sellouts in its first 53 games. The arena is used for much more than the Santa Cruz Warriors (who are locally known as the “Sea Dubs”). It also serves as the home arena for the UC Santa Cruz men’s and women’s basketball, has hosted team USA’s FIBA World Cup games and, due to the coronavirus causing wide ranging restrictions in Santa Clara County, was home to Stanford University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams for several games during the 2020-2021 season. Speaking of COVID-19, it even served as a vaccination hub in early 2021.  Still, what most endears fans to this simple arena is the Sea Dubs. To date, the Golden State Warriors G-League affiliate has just one championship under its belt, in 2015, but what it lacks in championships it makes up for in heart and community. Night after night, throngs of supporters pack KP Arena to capacity and applaud as their beloved Sea Dubs battle for supremacy while trying to prove themselves to the rest of the NBA. After all, every game is an audition for bigger and better things for each of these young men.  Food & Beverage 3 The arena serves all of the usuals as well as locally brewed craft beer. They ingeniously neglect to label the prices for the food mart, rightfully thinking that once a customer seizes the item and brings it to the cashier that their minds will have already been made up (or maybe that’s just the case for this particular writer!).  The food is pretty standard arena fare with warm pretzels and nachos. Interestingly, despite it being so close to the Pacific Ocean, none of their food is inspired by the sea. Atmosphere 3 From the outside, KP Arena looks like a metal barn. Inside is a different story as it’s filled with activity and vibrancy. Hired rooters romp, stomp and cajole the crowd to cheer louder and louder. It’s a special feeling knowing that you contributed to the outcome of a game just by stomping your feet on the bleachers. Three of the four sections that surround the court are plastic-covered bleachers (which is much better than unforgiving metal) with a smattering of fold-down seats in front. There is a good-sized video board that features each squad’s starting lineup. Interestingly, there are two disco balls that hang on either end of the court. Perhaps the operators of the facility want to be prepared for any schools that want to hold dances there? Neighborhood 3 While it can get crowded, this part of Santa Cruz is safe, friendly and scrumptious, with several well-regarded restaurants scattered throughout town. Just a little over a mile north of KP Arena and across the San Lorenzo River on 1020 Ocean Street is Marianne’s Ice Cream , long regarded as one of the best ice cream shops in Santa Cruz County and quite possibly all of Silicon Valley.   Marianne's Ice Cream, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Marianne’s is far from the only well-regarded restaurant in town. Just down Front Street from the arena is Pizza My Heart and Oswald Restaurant. If you’re in the mood for a quick tour of a museum, then the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (also on Front Street, just past Oswald Restaurant) just might be for you.  There are numerous hotels throughout the city, including two right on nearby Cowell Beach, the Sea & Sand Inn and the Dream Inn, each boasting a three-star rating. They are both within walking distance of the famed Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk . Fans 3 The arena is about 90% capacity on most nights, with the majority of fans sitting in their seats the whole game. All through the contest, hired rooters liven up the crowd, implying the fans to cheer louder and louder. It truly gives the arena an electricity that all teams hope for. Access 3 At $2 an hour, parking is very cheap near KP Arena. Most of the parking garages and parking lots roll with that price and are within half a mile from the arena. There are bus stops all along Front Street, including one right in front of the arena. There is a bag check and metal detector at the entrance. The concourse can get pretty crowded at halftime as the food is good enough to draw quite a crowd. There are handrails at the ready for those that need assistance getting to the top of their section. While the bathrooms are small, they are well lit, clean and all essentials are in good shape. Return on Investment 3 The bleachers behind the basket are just $35 and while they are not padded, the plastic covering is certainly better than the unforgiving metal that often greets guests at other venues. The most expensive seats in the arena come with armrests and they usually go for around $60. As they say, you get what you pay for and whether it’s $35 or $60, the overall experience pays for itself. With the Sea Dubs’ mascot, a giant turtle named Mav’Rik, roaming around the arena taking selfies with fans and riling up the crowd along with the hired rooters, it certainly feels like a family-friendly atmosphere. Extras 1 At the game of this review, there were not a lot of extras, but after the game, the organization allowed fans to stick around and attempt free throws. I’m not sure if this is a regular occurrence, but the lines were quite long, so obviously this was a popular extra. Final Thoughts All in all, this is a very good environment to watch a basketball game. With NBA tickets being so very expensive these days, the G-League offers an excellent source of excitement in the sport as each player on both squads gives their all to reach the bigger league.

Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The Chicago White Sox will no longer play at Guaranteed Rate Field but at the newly named Rate Field. The name change was made to coincide with the mortgage company Guaranteed Rate changing its name to Rate Field this past year. The team announced the name change on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday evening. The Southside ballpark had been called Guaranteed Rate Field since November 1, 2016, when the company purchased a 13-year naming deal. The ballpark was known as U.S. Cellular Field (AKA “The Cell”)  from January 2003 until November 2016 and Comiskey Park from 1991 until 2003, like its predecessor that stood across the street from 1910-1990. Meanwhile, the ball club is contemplating a relocation to a proposed new stadium in “The 78” development on the South Loop, a 62-acre parcel of land that offers stunning views of the city skyline and what hopes to be the 78th official community area of Chicago. Stadium Journey has visited the stadium on multiple occasions in the past few years and has provided favorable reviews of the home of the White Sox. The ballpark experience includes a wide selection of regional foods, over 100 craft beers, social areas, and tailgating space before the game. Read more about it here . ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo courtesy of Dave Campbell's Texas Football Growing up in Texas, many of us are introduced to two distinct versions of the “Bible” – there is the one revered worldwide across virtually all Christian religions, and there is the one found on the desks of every football coach from Amarillo to Brownsville, Beaumont to El Paso, and all points in between. The latter would be Dave Campbell’s Texas Football   (DCTF). For those who are completely unaware, football – especially high school football – is a pretty big deal here in Texas. DCTF is THE source for high school (and now college) football in the state; they are the official record keepers, the official ranking authorities, and the official scouting and recruiting gatekeepers. The magazine, the website, the podcasts, and the YouTube channel are all very big deals. Head Coaches, Sports Information Directors, and Athletics Directors at every level of competition understand what a mention by DCTF can mean for their schools, programs, and players. In the past decade or so, DCTF has really expanded its reach into college football. With Texas having the most Division I college teams of any state in the country, and with recruiting in the state becoming such a massive cultural touchpoint in sports media, DCTF brought on a dedicated college football writer to cover the state of Texas college football. Enter Mike Craven, current Senior Writer with DCTF and now at the tail end of his fourth season as the college football writer. Craven brings a strong background as a sportswriter for numerous newspapers in Texas, including the award-winning Austin American-Statesman . As the 2023-24 season approached, the state of Texas would be fielding a 13th FBS-level football program – far and away the most of any state in the nation. And with the college football season set to now have 13 weeks, the germ of an idea formed for Craven – from it, the Dave Campbell’s Guide to Texas College Football  was born. Craven pitched the idea to his bosses about traveling to the best game in the state each week for each team. He’d talk about the teams’ histories, the stadiums, what makes each city and town unique, and what makes this all unique to Texas. Photo courtesy of Mike Craven I spoke to Mike recently with the regular season all wrapped up, and the madness about to begin for 2024-25 postseason play.   EM:  Thanks for talking with me today, Mike. I’ve read your work for a long time now. For the readers who aren’t familiar with you or with DCTF, can you explain your role there and what it’s all about? MC:  My job is to cover the 13 FBS teams in the state of Texas, and kind of lead the direction of how we cover all 48 [college football] teams in the state of Texas. That’s writing, podcasting, we do some videos. I look at [it] as, for high school, we have our footing there as kind of the premiere high school site in Texas. My job is to raise the college coverage to that level.   EM:  Perfect. Let’s talk about the book. Where did the idea for it come from and how did you go about pitching this to your editors? MC:  I kind of look at everything within my job on if it’s cool. If I’m like ‘hey, do I want to write this story or go on this assignment.’ The first thing I ask myself is ‘is this cool?’ I’ve always just tried to follow stuff that I think is interesting and my job is then to take that thing and present in an interesting way to everyone else. When I realized that Sam Houston State  was moving up [from the FCS level to the FBS level], and there’s 13 weeks in a season, to be honest, I thought it was just a way for me to do something that was fun. That’s go to a different stadium every single week and be the first person to do that in the state of Texas, because there’s no way to have done that before. For me, it was just a way to check off a bucket list item and have a fun year. The way I thought I could pull that off was to pitch it as a coffee table book to commemorate [this first season with 13], while also making it a history of the programs across the state.   EM:  As someone who travels to stadiums across the state on just a part-time basis, I’m curious how you were able to pull the logistics of that season and do your full-time job with DCTF. How were you able to coordinate that kind of schedule? MC:  Luckily, I’ve been on the job for a couple of years and know all the [sports information directors], I know all the coaches, and I have what I consider to be great relationships with all these schools. So, I just made a spreadsheet of every single schedule. Put them all next to each other, week 1, week, 2, etc. Then I just isolated the six or seven games that I just had to go to. These were big times games, like Oregon at Texas Tech , Deion starting the season at TCU , those type of games. Also, Alabama at Texas A&M , those kinds of games were the ones I built the schedule around. Big games where the stadiums were full and that would provide the type of atmosphere to write about. I just came up with what I thought was a solid schedule. It was a lot of fun. It was tiring, but everybody accommodated me pretty well. No big hiccups along the way.   EM:  What surprised you on your visits? MC:  That’s a good question. I didn’t go anywhere that I hadn’t been. I’ve been to all of these stadiums before. I’ve talked to all of these coaches and been to all of these cities before. I guess the thing that continuously surprised me was, and I guess I already knew this, but this set it into stone, was that this state is humongous. What that leads to is a uniqueness and a certain culture in all of these pockets of the state that is hard to explain to outsiders. Being in El Paso and being in Huntsville is being on two different planets. Being in Houston and being in Lubbock is two different planets. Austin and Waco, they’re only an hour and a half away [and] are just different. It always fascinates me at just how different and unique the communities are within the state of Texas and that also holds true for the cities that are home to our biggest universities.   EM:  What about the atmosphere and the tailgating scenes? Who really stood out to you on your visits? MC:  I think A&M is the best place to go watch a football game. Their insistence on tradition is fun. I grew up going to Texas Longhorns  games because my grandfather was the rehab specialist for UT since Darrell K. Royal was there. If you go to a Texas game now compared to when I was a kid, it’s a completely different thing. None of the songs, except for the ones that are school oriented, are the same. The marching is different. Everything is different. At A&M, everything is the same. You feel like you could be experiencing something that your grandfather or great-grandfather could have experienced. They show up for New Mexico State the same way they show up for Alabama, and there’s something cool about that. I think Lubbock and Tech is probably the most underrated spot in the state, especially if you get to a big-time night game. And, El Paso is near and dear to my heart. The Sun Bowl  can’t be beat, and the food outside of UTEP football games is probably the best that I came across.   EM:  Great stuff, Mike. Where can people find the book? MC: Yeah, you can find it at texasfootball.com . We only published 3,000, so we’re kind of limited now. Come find me on Twitter  or my social media stuff and we’ll get you figured out.

Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond Fair Grounds Field in Shreveport, Louisiana, is crumbling. It was the home of minor league baseball for decades but has been left filthy and coated with bat droppings. Last month, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux signed a contract to demolish the stadium, signaling the death knell for the 38-year-old stadium. According to the Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate , the cost to tear it down is $334,000, much less than any plans to revitalize the deteriorating structure. It would have been razed two years ago if not for a lawsuit filed by the Friends of Fair Grounds Field. They were concerned about the possibility of hazardous bat guano with nearby residents. A cauldron of bats made the ballpark home and covered it with droppings, creating dust that contains microscopic spores that can cause histoplasmosis. The not-for-profit group had plans to convert it to a year-round stadium for youth and community activities, but the plans were deemed too expensive by Arceneaux. It was a big risk to turn the former ballpark into a space for youth sports. There was also a plan with REV Entertainment to revitalize the entire fairgrounds property with an entertainment complex with a multipurpose stadium, restaurants, a hotel, and possible housing options. Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond Fair Grounds Field opened in 1986 as the home of the Shreveport Captains of the Texas League. The Captains were the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The ballpark held 5,300, and 183,560 people came through the turnstiles, including 7,213 people on opening night.  The design of the stadium was very much for its time, with two large concrete stands down each baseline and the press and covered luxury boxes directly behind home plate. Within a few years, this design of a baseball stadium would be obsolete in the minor leagues. The team changed its name to the Swamp Dragons in the final two seasons before being sold to Mandalay Entertainment and renamed the Frisco Rough Riders in 2003. They drew 59,316 and 24,560, respectively, in the last two years. Baseball continued with the Shreveport Sports of the independent Central Baseball League, later renamed the Shreveport-Bossier Captains in 2009. However, the second version of the Captains relocated to Laredo, Texas, after the 2011 season. Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond There were plans to bring a summer collegiate baseball team to the ballpark in 2012, but those plans never materialized. The ballpark was left to rot and fall in squalid conditions after plans floated around on what to do with the structure. However, like many other ballparks, the best option is to knock it down.  Many have splendid memories of attending games, and others are sad to see them go. There are no plans to build a modern ballpark or to bring a professional or summer collegiate baseball team to Shreveport in the foreseeable future.  Any opportunity to save Fair Grounds Field is now moot; it is quickly crumbling down by wreckage crews. Then again, it has slowly been crumbling down for over a decade. Photos Courtesy of Stadium Vagabond ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitte r @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey You are not alone if you have never heard of a Spanish dog. The spicy, tangy sauce does not originate from Spain but was created somewhere in the United States. However, it has a strong connection with the city of Logansport, Indiana, making it possibly the “Spanish Dog Capital of the World.” Various locations serve a Spanish dog, from drive-in root beer stands to sit-down restaurants. All prepare their sauces daily and with secret recipes. The tomatoey sauce resembles a coney or chili sauce--but don’t dare call it that--it is Spanish sauce, and that is how it’s been as far as anyone remembers. Brenda Graham has been one of the owners of Brenda and Kim’s B&K West for almost 40 years and produces close to 40 pounds of the sauce. She has never known any other name for the meat sauce that is ladled over anywhere from 3,500 to 3,800 hot dogs on a busy day. “It was called that when I worked at B&K 40 years ago. I’m thinking the name comes from the fact that it doesn’t have beans; it’s not chili sauce. That is just speculation. I honestly have no idea why it is called that.” The Berry Bowl menu offers Spanish sauce on hot dogs and nachos. The uber-regional style of hot dogs can be traced back to 1935 to a Hastings, Nebraska, story in The Morning Spotlight where it mentioned that Spanish hot dogs were served following an American Red Cross meeting. The following year an advertisement in the Kokomo Tribune highlighted that it was “now in Kokomo for the first time” at an Izzy & Don restaurant on 1510 North Washington Street. The ad ended by telling readers: “They’re different. They’re good. Take a sack home.” The connection to Logansport started in 1937 with several ads in the Pharos-Tribune newspaper archives online. There are at least 38 different mentions of independent shops: long-lost establishments included, Ricci’s, Logan Double Dip Shop, Butch’s Bar-B-Que, Lenon’s, Klinck Drive Inn, and The Spanish Hot Dog Stand on Eighteenth and Market Streets. The hot dogs cost a nickel. The sauce was also sold at grocery stores to prepare at home with ground beef. They were then popular at various eateries 30 minutes away in Kokomo. After World War II, a popular root beer stand would popularize the Spanish dog in the Midwest. Melvin and Mary Bergerson launched the first B&K Root Beer Drive-In in Wabash, Indiana, in 1940. It soon expanded and reached a peak of 238 independently owned establishments in neighboring Michigan and Ohio. The locations were also known for homemade draft root beer served in a frosty mug. According to The Great American Hot Dog Book, Mary “devised the special B&K Spanish sauce recipe” that was a milder version of a coney sauce at the Wabash, Indiana, location. Many believed that Mary coined the name to describe its sweet, tangy, and somewhat spicy flavor profiles that may have included some of the B&K homemade root beer. However, the name had been used since at least 1937 in Logansport and sold well before the first B-K location opened in 1940. The Spanish sauce is not a sauce but a combination of hamburger meat and tomato sauce, or ketchup, along with spices and onions. An item called the Spanish burger was sold in parts of the country as early as 1912, and it is most likely that someone ladled it over a hot dog soon after, adopting the name. Due to the popularity of B-K stands, many other chains began developing their versions throughout the state during the 1950s and 1960s. However, in Logansport, it spread to other non-B-K stands that continue to sell them to this day. The Sycamore Drive-In is known for its ice cream creations but has its version of the Spanish sauce. The Sycamore Drive-In has been offering them on its menus for over 70 years; the restaurant is known for its homemade custard, along with attractive items named coffee whip and tally ho. “The name Spanish sauce has been around since the time we opened in 1948, and we have stuck with it since then,” stated owner Bailey Graham, his sauce is slightly different from other locations. “Just like certain regions of the U.S. people refer to Spanish dogs as coney dogs, we have always referred to them as Spanish dogs.” The Spanish dog is prevalent in Logansport, and one can choose from other locations: Mr. Happy Burger, Charr-Bett Drive-In, and the Bob-O Link Drive-In, a few miles north in Royal Center. The home of the Logansport High School basketball team, the Berry Bowl even has a homemade recipe that is uncommon for a high school concession stand. The volunteer staff stated that it’s one of its best sellers, but many come from out of town and ask about the sauce and its name. “Growing up, I just figured everyone said Spanish dogs,” added Logansport basketball coach Steve Isaacs.” We had two B&K stands in Logansport, and they called them that too. A lot of people here have their special recipes for Spanish sauce.” Is there a difference between coney sauce and Spanish sauce, since they are used interchangeably at many B-K locations? According to Titus Ruscitti, who runs his website Smokin’ Chokin’ and Chowing with the King, there is a difference. “Most Spanish sauces I’ve tried have more tomatoey than most coney sauces. It is the same thing with chili in the Midwest. It’s always very tomatoey. I would say they’re different. I’ve mostly only seen Spanish sauce in Indiana. I know there are spots in Ohio, but I see it regularly in the area a little north of Central Indiana but a little south of NW Indiana.” Gene's is located 75 miles southwest of Logansport in Anderson, Indiana, but uses the term Spanish Hot Dog. A handful of B&K locations are open from March to October in Muncie, Peru, Marion, Kokomo, Wabash, and Troy, Ohio, that feature either a Spanish or coney dog on its old-fashioned menu boards with a few exceptions. The Wabash location offers both sauces for its hot dogs, but according to staff members, it is the Spanish sauce that is more popular. The Rochester and Troy locations refer to the two sauces by the same name. The Kokomo location uses the term coney dogs. The name was not coined, but popularized at B-K locations after World War II; it became a popular item in various locations in the Midwest throughout the 1950s, while for some reason, it spread to other establishments in Logansport and became part of the populace lexicon, but no many other nearby towns. To most people, it has been the name used their entire lives. “Spanish sauce has a reputation here in Logansport,” added Graham, who uses the sauce to cover nachos, fries, and sausage sandwiches. “We have people come in from Kokomo, Lafayette, and even from Kentucky just to try a Spanish dog, just because they can’t get them where they live.” Is Logansport the “Spanish Dog Capital of the World”? Perhaps that might be a bold statement, but with at least five locations in the area spooning their homemade recipe over hot dogs and nachos, it may be somewhat hard to argue another town that deserves such a distinction. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Esbjornson Gymnasium North Campus Drive Glassboro, NJ 08028 Esbjornson Gymnasium website Rowan Profs website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 1,150 Glassboro Profs Rowan University is a public university in Glassboro, New Jersey. Founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School, it was formerly known as Glassboro State College from 1958 until 1992 and Rowan College of New Jersey from 1992 to 1997. The university has an enrollment of just less than 20,000. Rowan University has 18 sports teams. They are a member of the NCAA in Division III, competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The teams are named the Profs (short for Professors, a nod to the university's 1923 opening as a school to train educators), and the mascot is named Whoo RU. The most successful team at the school is the Profs football team, which is regularly a contender for the national title, having gone to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl five times (1999, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993) and the national semifinals in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2004, and 2005. Esbjornson Gymnasium, also known as "Esby Gym", is home to Profs' basketball, swimming and diving, and volleyball. The venue was named after Roland A. Esbjornson, a physical education professor, athletic director, and head coach of basketball and baseball at Glassboro State College. Opened in 1963, Esby Gym was updated with new bleachers in 2008. Food & Beverage 2 There is a nice concession stand in the gymnasium's lobby. Prices are incredibly cheap. You won’t want to make the limited options your main meal, but at the same time, your wallet will be happy. Atmosphere 3 The venue is a pretty basic small college gym with seats on both sides of the court. Many of the games, such as the one we attended, are doubleheaders with the women's teams so you may see many fans come and go. When students are in session, especially during weekday games, there will be much more of a student presence which will make for a better atmosphere. Neighborhood 4 Glassboro is a borough within Gloucester County, New Jersey. It is considered to be within the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Glassboro is crisscrossed by several major roads. These include County Route 553, Route 47. and Route 55, while U.S. Route 322 (much of which is also Mullica Hill Road) passes from east to west. There is no current passenger train service to Glassboro but the proposed Glassboro–Camden Line, an 18-mile (28.97 km) diesel multiple unit (DMU) light rail system is planned to stop nearby. Fans 3 The fans are about what you expect for a small college venue. The students can make it better at the games they attend. Rowan is a member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference which has all of its current full members are public universities in New Jersey (SUNY New Paltz will join the NJAC as a full member, becoming the NJAC's first-ever full member located outside of the state of New Jersey). This means that fans from other schools, and especially parents of the athletes, are very likely to be in attendance. Access 3 Rowan is easy to get to, but since it is a major university you should research ahead of time your best entrance to the campus. If attending a weeknight game during the semester give yourself a bit of time. We like to use the entrance near 500 Joseph L Bowe Blvd. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Rowan game is about on the same price level as high school athletics. Tickets can be had for $5 at the door. Parking is free but check on parking regulations, especially for weeknight, in-semester games. Extras 3 The lobby is filled with cases of all the awards for the various Profs teams. Rowan/s various sports fields are located right by the gymnasium and worth a visit to check out. There are cool owl-branded tables in the lobby next to the concession stand. Final Thoughts Rowan University plays a good level of basketball and the opponents of the NJAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 J. Thom Lawler Rink 315 Turnpike Rd. North Andover, MA 01845 Merrimack Warriors men’s hockey website Lawler Rink website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 2,549 Laying down the Law   Merrimack College is a private Augustinian college in the Boston suburb of North Andover. Founded in 1947 by the order of St. Augustine with the goal of educating soldiers returning from World War II, the school now boasts an enrollment of almost 5,500 students in 13 academic programs. Among Merrimack’s alumni is Charlie Day, best known for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.   Hockey has been played at Merrimack College since 1956. For almost three decades the team competed in Division II, winning a national championship in 1978 and finishing as national runners up in 1984. After this second-place finish the school made the leap to the Division One level, later joining the prestigious Hockey East Conference in 1989.   The Merrimack Warriors hockey team plays at the J. Thom Lawler Rink. The rink is named after J. Thom Lawler, one of the winningest coaches in school history. Mr. Lawler died in 1978 at the age of 44 just months after coaching the team to the inaugural Division II National Championship. Lawler Rink is part of the larger Merrimack Athletic Complex, which also contains Hammel Court , home of Merrimack’s basketball and volleyball teams.   In 2019 Merrimack transitioned all their athletic teams to the Division One level. The Warriors have qualified for the NCAA Tournament three times, most recently in 2023. Fifteen Merrimack alumni have played in the National Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 3   There is a single concession stand in the main lobby of the Volpe Complex which serves a limited menu. Hot dogs, crispy chicken sandwiches, nachos, assorted snacks and Dippin’ Dots are available here.   Pepsi products are featured at Lawler Rink. There is a stand in the lobby that serves beer and wine for fans wanting an adult beverage. Riverwalk Brewing features special edition brews made specifically for Merrimack Athletics, Mack Attack Light Lager and Together We Can IPA. Downeast Cider and assorted wines are sold here as well.   Stadium Journey was sad to discover that the old “secret” concession stand located in the Hammel Court lobby at the rear entrance to the facility is no longer open. With the long lines at the main concession stand, this was the place to go for a quick snack.   Atmosphere 3   The intimate size of Lawler Rink has created a significant home-ice advantage for the Warriors over the years. The low ceiling and capacity crowd both creates and holds the noise in and Merrimack teams have taken full advantage of this intimidating atmosphere over the years. Recent renovations have provided additional high-end and luxury spaces in the rink while modernizing the look of the facility.   The game day presentation is dominated by the huge video board located at the far end of the rink. This board displays game stats, replays, graphics and advertisements. During introductions and after goals Lawler Rink is bathed in blue and yellow light. The PA announcer does a nice job adding some energy to the proceedings. Music plays over a nice sound system during breaks.   Stadium Journey’s most recent visit occurred during semester break, so the students and pep band were not present. The Merrimack staff still did a nice job keeping the energy level up, even without the typical antics of the students. The addition of the Gallant Pavilion has displaced the student section to the far side of the arena, where they are now seated in the most remote sections, 1 and 13. Unfortunately, this places them on the sides of the rink rather than the end, and places them behind the home goalie for two periods, which is against hockey tradition. Merrimack is considering switching the goals to restore balance to the Warrior universe.   Neighborhood 3   Merrimack College is located in North Andover, Massachusetts, a town of almost 31,000 residents located 25 miles north of Boston. North Andover is your typical bedroom community, with plenty of shops and restaurants for locals, but nothing that would classify the town as a “must see” destination.   While there are many options for lodging or dining within a short distance of the Merrimack campus, out of town visitors will most likely head towards Boston after the game.  Fans looking to avoid the big city price tags will find numerous choices within a few miles of the Merrimack campus along nearby Interstate 495.   Among the highlights near campus is Burton’s Grill & Bar and The Friendly Toast, a brunch spot featuring adult drinks and a creative menu. There’s a Holiday Inn Express on I-495 just a couple of miles from campus.   Fans 4   Merrimack’s average attendance hovers around 2,500 fans annually, placing them just a bit below the national average for Division One hockey teams nationwide. While this figure may not look that impressive at first glance, consider this: Lawler Rink seats only 2.549 fans. The Warriors fill Lawler to over 90% capacity season after season. Warrior fans are not just butts in seats, either. Fans in this part of the country are crazy about hockey and more specifically, crazy about having a top-level team they can call their own.   The student section is regularly packed with crazed Merrimack students, with plenty of locals mixed in throughout Lawler Arena. Youth teams show up decked out in their jerseys adding to the noise and energy of this small barn. Access 4   The city of Boston dubs itself “The Hub of Hockey”, and when talking about college hockey, it’s hard to dispute this fact. There are 12 Division One hockey teams within an hour’s drive of Boston.   The Merrimack campus in North Andover is well within that radius, located 25 miles from the city just off of Interstate 495. Fans traveling from Boston can reach the Merrimack Campus by taking Interstate 93 to Route 125, or Interstate 495 to Route 114.  Driving is the easiest way to access the Merrimack campus, but for fans using public transportation, there is an MBTA train that stops at the Andover station. Once in Andover, the Warrior Shuttle offers service to points around town.   There is an entrance to the Merrimack campus right next to Lawler Rink. Unfortunately, this entrance is blocked. Visiting fans must enter campus on its north side, along Elm Street, not the listed main entrance on Turnpike Ave. Please make note of this change if driving to Merrimack.   Once at the Merrimack College campus, free parking is available in several lots a short walk from the Volpe Complex. After passing through a security check, fans will enter a large lobby, where the ticket offices, bookstore, concession stands, and restrooms are located.   Fans will enter the rink on either side of the ice, where walkways lead the length of the ice. All seats at Lawler Rink are individual plastic stadium seats. Lawlor Rink’s small size ensures great views of the action from all seats. Be warned that the walkways at Lawler Rink are located at the bottom of the seating bowl, so views of the action may be obstructed by passing fans if sitting in the first couple of rows. Choose seats a few rows up for better views of the action.   Rest rooms are clean and spacious, but lines do form during intermission. Remember the “secret” lobby mentioned earlier? Even though the snack bar here is closed, fans may still access the restrooms and check out the Merrimack Athletic Hall of Fame here.   Return on Investment 3     All tickets to Merrimack hockey games are sold as reserved seats for $25. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. Using a debit or credit card to purchase tickets will incur a $5 surcharge. Parking is free in the lots near the Volpe Complex. Concessions are a bit on the high side, but in line with other local venues. Even with recent price increases, a night at a Merrimack hockey game remains an affordable entertainment option for local hockey fans. Extras 2   The Merrimack Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the Volpe Complex and is open for fans to check out during game days.   An additional extra point is awarded for the recent upgrades to this tiny facility, including the Gallant Pavilion at the north end of Lawler Rink, which is accessible to all fans for an additional fee. The entire facility has received a coat of paint in addition to other, more subtle touches which have modernized the old barn. The renovations have allowed the school to move some of their basketball games to Lawler.   Final Thoughts   Tiny Merrimack College may seem out of place in the Hockey East Conference alongside the hockey giants of New England, but this little school with big ambitions stands toe-to-toe with the big boys most seasons. Lawler Arena is a small rink that provides the Warriors with a big home-ice advantage.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center 112 Harding St. Worcester, MA 01604 Worcester State Lancers men's ice hockey website Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 250 Worcester State Hockey   Worcester State University is the fourth largest of Massachusetts’ nine state universities, with an enrollment of over 5,400 students in 80 undergraduate majors and 39 graduate programs. WSU was founded as a normal school in the 19th century before evolving into a state college in the 1960s, becoming a university in 2012.   The Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center is a state of the art dual-rink facility built by the ECHL Worcester Railers’ owner Cliff Rucker. It features two rinks, the Railers offices and pro shop, restaurants, a gym and rehabilitation center. The $18 million dollar complex is home to several college, high school and youth organizations, including the Worcester State Lancers and Assumption Greyhounds. The facility boasts that over 600,000 people pass through its front doors annually.   Worcester State’s first hockey team took the ice in 1966, coached by John Coughlin, the school’s legendary football coach and namesake of Coughlin Field, home of the Lancers football team. The Lancers won three Division Three ECAC championships back in the 1970s. Today, the team competes in the Massachusetts Collegiate Athletic Conference alongside several other schools in and around the state of Massachusetts. Worcester State has yet to qualify for the NCAA D-3 Tournament.   Food & Beverage 3  Ordinarily, a hockey rink with only a couple of vending machines available would score very poorly on this metric. If you’re only planning to hit the machines, your standard snack foods will have to do. Now, since this is Worcester, the cola wars are not fought here. The vending machines in the Ice Center lobby feature local Polar beverages. Stadium Journey’s recommendation: try an Orange Dry.  What brings this score up a couple of notches is the presence of Bay State Brewing on the first floor.  Featuring a menu of small-batch craft beers in a wide range of styles (the blood orange lager is their most popular brew) and a menu of pizzas, sharables and sandwiches, it’s a great place to hang out before or after the game. Plus, you can grab one of their craft beers and bring it upstairs to enjoy while you watch the game. That’s worth a couple of extra points in my book.   Atmosphere 2 There’s nothing fancy going on at a Lancers hockey game. This is as basic as a game day presentation gets. That should be apparent to everyone as soon as they see the tiny dot matrix scoreboard hanging at center ice. The PA announcer delivers his announcements with the most monotone delivery you’ll ever hear at a hockey game. Any energy the announcer lacks is made up for with the music selection, which is a mix of hockey rink classics and modern tunes. Most of the energy generated in the blue rink is generated by the fans in the stands. With the small crowds in attendance, you can hear the sounds of skates cutting through the ice, coaches barking instructions at their teams, and players chirping each other (and the referees). It’s an old-school, laid-back experience here at the Worcester Ice Center.   Neighborhood 4 Worcester State University is located in the Tatnuck neighborhood of Worcester adjacent to downtown. The name Tatnuck means “up the great hill.”   The WSU campus is about two and a half miles from the Worcester Ice Center, which is located in the Canal District. This neighborhood has received a lot of attention in recent years. The construction of nearby Polar Park  and the arrival of the Worcester Red Sox, the top affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, has been a boon for the neighborhood. New developments have popped up all over the area, bringing business and money to what was once one of Worcester’s rougher areas. In addition to Bay State Brewery located at the facility, El Patron Mexican Restaurant and the Worcester Public Market are located just a short walk down Harding Street. Visiting fans looking to explore some of the best the city has to offer should head to Shrewsbury Street, the home of Worcester’s famous “Restaurant Row.” Along this drag’s 1.5 miles are located some of the city’s finest dining establishments, salons and shops. There are not many lodging options available in the immediate vicinity of the Worcester Ice Center, but there are options throughout the city, including a Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton in the nearby downtown neighborhood, less than a mile away near the DCU Center , home of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers. Fans 2 The crowd at a Worcester State hockey game is certainly a “friends and family” type of crowd. Pretty much everyone in attendance has a personal connection with the players on the ice, and as a result, are knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support of the Lancers. Since Worcester State’s schedule is made up mainly of local teams, you can expect to find a good number of visiting fans here as well. Even though Worcester State’s campus is only about two and a half miles away, there’s not much of a turnout from the student body. Surprisingly, you may find a bunch of four-legged friends in attendance watching the game in this chilly rink along with about 50-100 human fans.   Access 4 The Worcester Ice Center is located right off of Interstate 290, and easy to get to via the Grafton Street exit. The facility is located just a quarter mile from the highway and ten minutes from downtown. Hopefully your GPS will take you here via Grafton Street rather than Kelly Square, a quasi-rotary where several of Worcester’s busiest streets all come together in the most random fashion possible. It is notorious for its delays, backups and accidents. As part of the construction of Polar Park, it received a much-needed overhaul, which has greatly increased the intersection’s safety and wait times, but those unfamiliar with the area would be well-advised to avoid this intersection. There is free parking available in the lot adjacent to the facility in addition to on-street parking in the area. The neighborhood is generally safe should you stay on the busier streets. The Worcester Ice Center features two rinks, named the blue and the gray rinks, after the Railers’ colors. Fans enter into the facility’s lobby, with Bay State Brewing to your right. With the facility in constant use, this lobby is full of activity. Fans will climb a set of stairs to access the seating area of the two rinks, with standing room on the first level straight ahead. The Lancers play at the Blue rink, located on the right. Seating is located about ten feet above the ice surface, and consists of metal bleachers without backs that run from one end of the ice to the other. There are raised platforms at both ends of the rink for people wanting to stand for a bit. Netting runs the length of the ice, obstructing the view from all seats. There is also standing room along the boards at ice level. Access to the gray rink next door is easy, and many fans will wander back and forth between the rinks.   Return on Investment 4 Worcester State charges a fee of five dollars to attend their hockey games. Parking is available at no charge in the small lot in front of the Ice Center. Additional parking is available on-street around the facility and in a parking lot across the street. There is a charge to park on-street (except on Saturday nights, where the city waives parking fees) and in the lot. Be prepared to pay $15 if you’re parking in the public lot. If you’re planning to eat at Bay State Brewing downstairs, or even grab a beer to bring upstairs, expect to pay usual restaurant prices. A pint of one of their brews will run $8, a much more affordable price than you’ll pay at most arenas.   Extras 2 Flags hang at the end of the rink representing all the teams that use the Worcester Ice Center. Along the far side of the rink are flags commemorating the championships won by these teams. In the lobby is a display honoring the “Worcester Six,” a group of firefighters who died fighting a warehouse fire in 1999. Final Thoughts The Worcester Ice Center is a community rink that offers your typical small college experience. The facility offers some impressive extras and an up-and-coming neighborhood that boosts its score significantly. Plus, if schedules line up, you’ll get to watch two games for the price of one! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 William D. Mullins Center 200 Commonwealth Ave Amherst, MA 01003 UMass Minutemen men’s basketball website William D. Mullins Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 9,493 Did It in a Minute, Man   The University of Massachusetts Amherst (more commonly known as UMass) was founded in 1863 as the Massachusetts Agricultural College. Today the school is known as the flagship of the University of Massachusetts system. It is the largest university in the state, with an enrollment of over 24,000 students studying in 109 undergraduate, 77 Master’s and 48 doctoral programs.   William D. Mullins was a member of the Massachusetts State Legislature from 1977 until his death in 1986. A former minor league pitcher, Mullins was a strong advocate for the smaller towns throughout the state, in particular those in western Massachusetts. Beginning in the mid-80s he supported the building of a multi-purpose facility at UMass, as the university lacked a place that could support the school’s 24,000 students.   Prior to the building of the Mullins Center, the basketball team played their games at the Curry Hicks Cage, a 4,000-seat venue that was built in the 1930s. While it was known as one of the loudest buildings in the northeast, it was sorely in need of replacement. The building of the $51 million Mullins Center also allowed the school’s hockey team to upgrade from club status to Division One.   In 1900 the first basketball game was played at the Massachusetts Agricultural College (renamed as the University of Massachusetts in 1948). Known throughout the years as the Statesmen, Aggies and Redmen, the school officially changed its nickname to the Minutemen in 1972. A longtime member of the Atlantic-10 Conference, the Minutemen will be moving to the Mid-American Conference for the 2025-26 season.   UMass has qualified for nine NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 1996. The NCAA later vacated this appearance due to rules violations. In addition, UMass has played in 13 NIT Tournaments. Nine Minutemen alumni have played in the National Basketball Association, most notably Hall of Famer Julius Erving. The women’s basketball team has played in three NCAA Tournaments.   Food & Beverage 4   Numerous concession stands line the inner edge of the concourse, each with a different theme, so you may have to search a little for your desired items. All your arena standards can be found at the Mullins Center. Among the more popular offerings are burgers from local favorite Baby Berk, chicken tenders and sandwiches from Chicken and Co., and specialty pizza slices (including the divisive pickle pizza). Fans with a sweet tooth should gravitate to the Massachusetts Creamery stand, where a selection of locally-made ice cream flavors are offered.   Coca-Cola products are featured at the Mullins Center. A selection of beer is available, featuring several national brands alongside brews from local favorites Sam Adams, Wormtown and Harpoon Breweries. Copa Wines and Spiked Seltzer are also sold. Fans looking for a local craft beer can sample brews from Amherst Brewing.   A complete listing of the Mullins Center concession options can be found here .   Atmosphere 3   At most college basketball games the student section and pep band are the engine that drives the gameday atmosphere. While the pep band at Mullins Center is solid, and the cheerleading and dance squad are excellent, support from the student section is negligible. One entire end of Mullins Center is set aside for the student body, but it sits mostly empty for basketball games.   It’s a shame, because the staff at UMass put on a good show. Sam the Minuteman roams the arena interacting with fans and contests are held for fans when play stops. A large video board hangs at center court, with smaller boards on either end of the gym. There is no shortage of things going on to keep the casual fan interested here. The Mullins Center would provide a significant home-court advantage if it were packed with fans. Unfortunately, with the facility often sitting mostly empty, the Mullins Center can be a rather quiet place despite everything going on here.   Neighborhood 4   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 bookshops 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 greasy 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 featuring craft brews from Amherst Brewing, 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 entirely, 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 2   UMass fans are a fickle bunch, tending to stay away from the Mullins Center unless the Minutemen are having a successful season. Small crowds seem to be the norm in recent seasons. In the 2023-24 season UMass is averaging about 3,500 fans per game, less than half the Mullins Center capacity. The small crowds make this mid-sized arena seem cavernous. Those fans who do show up are generally on the reserved side, making the Mullins Center a rather quiet place to catch a basketball game.   Conspicuous by their absence is the student section. The large seating sections reserved for the students sit mostly empty. There are a few die-hards who try to create some noise, but their efforts fall flat in this mostly empty venue. As is the case in many New England schools, the hockey team garners much of the attention from the student body.   Access 4     The University of Massachusetts is located in rural western Massachusetts, about a half hour north of Springfield. While there are no highways that directly serve the UMass campus, Interstate 91 is only six miles away. If traveling from the east, the Mass Turnpike (Interstate 90) will bring you about 20 miles from campus. No matter from which direction you are traveling, you’ll be traversing on some winding country roads to reach UMass. Although the drive from the Mass Pike to UMass takes about a half hour, the foliage during the early part of the basketball season is amazing and draws many tourists throughout the fall. It’s well worth it to take your time and enjoy the scenery.   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 court. Concession stands and rest rooms line the inner edge of the concourse. Lines are not usually a problem with the small crowds in attendance. All seats consist of maroon padded stadium seats which feature excellent views of the action from all sections.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to UMass basketball games are quite affordable, ranging in price from $15 to $26. Children under 12 receive a discount of $2-$10. 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.   Extras 3                                                                                                 UMass honors its history throughout the Mullins Center. Photos of notable Minutemen basketball and hockey alumni line the concourse. Photos from some of the Mullins Center’s more notable concerts, including Elton John and B.B. King, are also featured.   Inside the arena hang banners honoring Minutemen conference championship teams and tournament appearances. Additional banners honor the squad’s Elite Eight and Final Four appearances. Retired number banners also honor Minuteman legends.   Outside the Mullins Center stand four statues, honoring Jack Leaman, John Calipari, Julius Erving and Marcus Camby. Final Thoughts   The Mullins Center is an attractive on-campus facility that can be considered as one of the premiere arenas in New England. However, its rural location tends to hold down attendance, and the lack of support from the student body makes a Minuteman basketball experience more underwhelming than it could be.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.