Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 NIT Tip-Off website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 Disney’s Newest College Basketball Tradition College basketball in-season tournaments are all the rage lately, and another traditional tournament has found a new home at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Previously held in New York City, the NIT Tip-Off has moved to Orlando, featuring four teams from around the country. This event features plenty of action for an affordable price in a stellar location. Held inside State Farm Field House, this is a popular stop around the Thanksgiving holiday for fans of participating teams. Held at the same time as the ESPN Events Invitational, the NIT Tip-Off takes the evening slate of games each day, while the Invitational takes the afternoon time slots.   Food & Beverage   4 There are usually a lot of options at Wide World of Sports – inside State Farm Field House itself, concessions include burgers ($9.50), house salads ($10.50), hot dogs ($9.50), Mickey Ice Cream Bars ($6.50), and Mickey Pretzels with cheese ($8.50). Drinks include beer and alcohol at a stand just across the hall from the food stand, as well as bottled water ($4), coffee ($4.50), and fountain soda ($6) at the main stand in the corners. The beer garden concession stand also features burgers and pretzels with beer ($13-$15.75) that includes optional refills ($8-$9) and Powerade ($5.50). Deserts include Mickey Ice Cream Bars or frozen lemonade cups ($6.50). The arena also includes a Wetzel’s Pretzels location, selling their famous hot pretzels in various options, as well as soda.   Atmosphere   3 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise and lighting inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily. ESPN logos are all over the facility, including NIT Tip-Off logos. Neighborhood   5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios; because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans   4 The games are played among four teams, meaning you get two games per day/per ticket. Tickets are sold by day, which means if you go to catch both games, you may notice one game is more or less popular than the other, depending on the fans who traveled for each team. While this can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. The noise is also amplified inside, so each dunk and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family-friendly atmosphere than some team’s home games might have. Access   4 Getting to Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right close to the main entrance. Now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to the facility is easy when getting onto the property; there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are very affordable, ranging from just $30 for the upper sidelines and $25 for the baseline, up to $40 for the lower sidelines and $60 for lower center court; all seating is first-come, first-served general admission within each seating area. Additional hospitality can also be purchased, for example tickets all-you-can-eat food with drinks costs $110, with your choice of high top or couch seating areas at floor level behind the basket. This VIP area behind the baseline gives you what amounts to courtside seating and viewing in your own section, complete with tables, chairs, couches, and several TVs that show not only the game you are watching live, but other games on TV as well. Extras   3 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There also are numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. TV screens throughout Wide World of Sports are also constantly playing various ESPN channels, fully immersing you in sports. Finally, during the championship game Mickey Mouse makes an appearance in special basketball-themed attire, and the tournament MVP is presented with a framed Disney World basketball jersey as their trophy.   Final Thoughts The NIT Tip-Off is a welcome addition to ESPN Wide World of Sports – having it scheduled at the same time as the ESPN Events Invitational gives fans the option to catch even more basketball than previous years of the tournament. Additionally, being located in such a family friendly location, this is an ideal tournament to visit in late November, especially for those fans looking to escape the colder weather up north.

Photos by Greg Venuto and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Total Mortgage Arena 600 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06604 Bridgeport Islanders website Total Mortgage Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 8,412 Hard Times In Bridgeport The Bridgeport Islanders are in their fourth season since changing their nickname from Sound Tigers to Islanders and the third full season since the arena changed its naming rights to Total Mortgage Arena in March of 2022. The Islanders made another move this year and changed their logo to the Fisherman logo once worn by the parent New York Islanders in the 1990s. The logo was once ridiculed by media types who dubbed it the “Gorton’s Fisherman” and NY Rangers fans followed with the derisive “We want fish sticks” chant. The arena, which is owned by Harbor Yards Sports and Entertainment, is still a more than respectable facility to watch AHL hockey or any sporting event or show. While the arena is legit, the product on the ice has been substandard. The arena is not nearly as busy as it used to be. Fairfield University Men’s and Women’s basketball moved their games back to the campus with the opening of a new facility. Sacred Heart was playing its hockey games in Bridgeport but moved back to its new campus arena in January of 2023. The upcoming event calendar shows not much other than Islanders games. The arena does host The Harlem Globetrotters, Disney on Ice, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, and occasional concerts and comedy shows. The Islanders, who play in the Atlantic Division, have struggled to make the playoffs recently (last appearance 2019) and have not made a run at the Calder Cup since their inaugural season of 2001-2002 when they lost to the Chicago Wolves in five games. Food & Beverage 4 On opening night, the Islanders, in partnership with Sodexo Live! and Total Mortgage Arena, released eight brand-new food items, including bacon cheddar tater tots, boneless wings, fried Oreos, and Crumbl cookies. There is plenty of traditional fare to choose from including pizza, chicken fingers, hot dogs, french fries, nachos, and churros. The portable food carts are welcome and keep wait times to a minimum. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink beverage of choice. The best places to hang out are Fanatics Sportsbook and the Mason’s Bar. Fanatics has a multitude of screens showing games from around the country. The bar is cashless serves a multitude of beers and high-end cocktails and offers betting kiosks. The Sportsbook is open every day from 11:30 AM to 10 PM. Mason's is located on the third floor above section 102 and offers a variety of beers, canned cocktails, wine, and spirits. It also has televisions for watching sports. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere was tough to completely evaluate as this visit was on a Wednesday night. There were fewer attempts to engage the crowd, most likely due to the small crowd, although the fans always get fired up for the T-shirt toss. The huge HD Scoreboard is crystal clear and the sound system is solid. Storm, the team’s mascot, roams around the arena and will always stop for a selfie. The Islanders enforce a “puck in play policy” that fans cannot enter the seating area while the game is in progress. That rule seems a bit overzealous due to the small crowd size. The must-see attraction for families is the inflatables and games at the atrium including a chance to shoot at a small goal, a connect four game, and two corn hole setups. The team store is situated adjacent to the game area. The arena has 33 executive suites, 1,300 club seats, and 3 hospitality suites. Neighborhood 3 The downtown area can be a bit desolate at night but strides have been made to revitalize the area. The Ballpark at Harbor Yard was situated next to Total Mortgage Arena until 2017 but when its tenant (Bridgeport Bluefish) ceased operations the ballpark was converted to a concert venue known as Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater which opened July 28, 2021. Downtown Bridgeport proper is located on the other side of Interstate 95. The area is home to many of the city’s arts, entertainment, and cultural offerings including the Bijou Theatre, BPT Creates, Downtown Cabaret, Stress Factory Comedy Club, City Lights Gallery, the Barnum Museum, and the Housatonic Museum of Art. In addition to the businesses, restaurant options include Ralph N Rich’s (a four-minute walk) offering Italian food, and Brewport, a large brewpub serving brick oven pizza and quality craft beers just an eight-minute walk. Fans 2 The arena used to draw decent weekend crowds but numbers have fallen a bit in the past few years. On the positive side, the Islanders are averaging 3,577 per game which is seventh lowest in the league but better than the 3,167 mark from last season. Bridgeport regularly ranks near the bottom of the AHL rankings in terms of attendance. The Islanders have been averaging over 4,000 fans for Saturday night games this season. The team relies heavily on local towns and school outings to bring in bigger crowds. Hopefully, the crowds increase once the holiday season is over. The team might need to increase its ground game and promote better to the local communities. The Islanders, led by Storm, often visit local schools, libraries, and town events to enhance their visibility which leads to more group outings at Total Mortgage Arena. Access 5 The arena is super accessible situated right off Interstate 95. From the North take exit 27B toward Harbor Yard/L.I. Ferry/Trans Center. From the South take exit 27, come down the ramp, and follow the signs for a block to the arena. Parking is available in a surface lot across the street from the arena or in a parking garage next to the arena. Those looking for free parking can find on-street parking within a short walk of the arena. The area around the arena is well-lit and safe. The city is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, an hour’s drive south of Hartford, and 20 minutes from New Haven. Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains pass directly behind the arena, with the station only a couple of city blocks from the arena. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Islanders games start at $21.50 for end zone seats and progress to a high of $76 for first-row seats on the sides. Bar Stool seats behind the goal run from $33-$45. One tip, Sections 114-116 behind the benches have padded seats. With the small crowds present at Total Mortgage Arena, it’s possible to spread out and move around a bit. Family packs offer an affordable night of entertainment including pre-game festivities, in-game promotions, and hockey. Packages start as low as $99. And includes four seats, four hot dogs, and four fountain drinks. Parking costs $17 in the garage adjacent to the arena and the two lots a block away. The garage and outdoor lots are cashless, but the transit garage is cash-only. There is free on-street parking available, but fans need to arrive early to get those spots. Concessions are a bit on the high side but in line with other venues in the New York City area. Extras 2 One point is for the Bar Stool sitting behind the goal that the Islanders defend twice. The elevated view is perfect and offers a private location with only three rows in one section and one row in the other two. The other point is for $2 Wednesdays. Hot dogs, cans of beer, and popcorn are all $2 each until the start of the second period. Final Thoughts A Bridgeport Islanders game is a worthy night of entertainment for everyone. The only issue is getting more people to know about it and into the building.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center 112 Harding St. Worcester, MA 01604 Assumption Greyhounds men's ice hockey website Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 250 Greyhound Hockey   Assumption University is a private, Roman Catholic university founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption. Its enrollment of approximately 2,000 undergraduate students study in 35 programs within five academic divisions.   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 Assumption Greyhounds, Worcester State Lancers and Worcester Polytechnic Institute Engineers. The facility boasts that over 600,000 people pass through its front doors annually.   Assumption’s athletic teams are called the Greyhounds and compete in Division II’s Northeast-10 Conference. Since this Conference is the only D-2 conference in the NCAA that plays hockey, there is no national postseason tournament for the six teams in the Northeast-10.  The Greyhounds have won three NE-10 titles. The women’s team competes in the New England Women’s Hockey Alliance, which is recognized as a Division One conference. They have yet to qualify for the NCAA 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 Greyhounds 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 sound system is decent and plays music during play stoppages. The PA announcer goes about his work in an unobtrusive manner, keeping fans informed of the goings on without adding a lot of energy to the proceedings.   Most of the energy generated in the gray 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   While Assumption University is located in residential Forest Grove neighborhood in western Worcester, the Worcester Ice Center is about four miles away from campus in Worcester's 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 an Assumption 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 Greyhounds. Since Assumption's schedule is made up mainly of local teams, you can expect to find a good number of visiting fans here as well. With Assumption’s campus located about four miles away, there’s not much of a turnout from the student body. Surprisingly, you’ll find a bunch of four-legged friends in attendance watching the game in this chilly rink alongside about 50-100 human fans. Sadly, no Greyhounds were seen during Stadium Journey’s visit.   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 Greyhounds play at the Gray rink, located on the left.   Seating is located about ten feet above the ice surface, and consists of metal bleachers without backs that run from one offensive zone 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 blue rink next door is easy, and many fans will wander back and forth between the rinks.   Return on Investment 4   There is no charge to attend a Greyhounds hockey game. 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.

Photo courtesy of New York Daily News Texas A&M has the 12th Man. Columbia University football has Jake Novak, arguably its number one fan. For more than two decades, Jake has been blogging about CU football at Roar Lions 2024 . In equal parts, he has played the role of cheerleader, promoter and critic. This year, Jake was cheering a lot. For the first time since 1961, Columbia won the Ivy League title, sharing it with Harvard and Dartmouth. Jake took a few minutes to discuss this historic season, as well as some other issues. STADIUM JOURNEY: So, how does it feel to finally be at the top of the Ivy league? Does the air feel different? Is it as glorious as you imagined? You've been in the desert for so, so long. JAKE NOVAK:  It definitely feels great, though not exactly like the promised land because it was a shared championship with two teams, which we lost to during the season. I've been reliably told we don’t have to refer to this as a "co-championship," but that's going to take a little getting used to. What makes up for the 3-way tie is how good this team was overall and what it overcame both before and during the season.    STADIUM JOURNEY: You do a lot of predictions on the blog. Did you see this coming this season? Did  anyone  see this coming? JAKE NOVAK: No one seriously saw this coming. I felt like last year's 3-7 team should have gone 5-5 or so, but not much better than that. We had issues at the QB position all year, and you can't expect to have a winning season without good overall QB play. So we entered this season knowing we had to start a totally new starter and how much can you expect from a season like that? I did think new Head Coach Jon Poppe was a winner though, and considering all the returning talent at the other positions I thought we could eke out a 6-4 season this year, going either 3-4 in the Ivy League or at best 4-2. It turned out we found a generational talent in sophomore starting QB Chase Goodwin, and his two backups performed well enough after he went down with a non-career threatening injury at midseason. That made a huge difference. Columbia ended up 7-3 and 5-2 in the Ivies, and that's actually a major step from 6-4 and 3-4 in the league. If you know, you know.     STADIUM JOURNEY: How did you become such a diehard Columbia football fan? How on earth does this happen? Describe the evolution. JAKE NOVAK:  When I began as a freshman at Columbia in 1988, the Lions were in the middle of the longest losing streak in college football history. You couldn't help but root for those guys. Columbia lost the first three games of the season and then stunned Princeton at Homecoming to end the 44-game streak. The campus went wild and the administration even served free pizza and beer to everyone. No one was even carded! And I was hooked. I was just amazed that kids going to my college actually played football at all. It still kind of amazes me. The money-centric aspect of pro sports gets me down sometimes, so the purity of Ivy ball resonates. I'm much more of a fan of CU football than any other sports team I follow.    STADIUM JOURNEY: How long have you been blogging about CU football? What drives you to keep humming along?  JAKE NOVAK:  I started the blog in 2005 and used to update it just about every day. Life has made that harder to do in recent years, but I try to keep it going as often as I can.    STADIUM JOURNEY: There have been some low points over the past few decades. What was the lowest? JAKE NOVAK:  The absolute low point was the hiring of Pete Mangurian as the Head Coach of the program after the 2011 season. I tried to be a good soldier about it for a while, but this was a guy with a documented history of altercations with players, including the very beloved Jumbo Elliot from the New York Giants. There was no real search process before he was hired, and we were in big trouble in the beginning. The players felt abandoned and abused and going into Mangurian's final season, I decided to go into full revolt mode against the CU Athletic Department. I got a lot of support from many fans and alumni and parents. but some people abandoned and shunned me. It was ultimately worth it, but Mangurian left the program in a shambles and riding a 21-game losing streak at the end of the 2014 season.     STADIUM JOURNEY: You're an indie operation, not affiliated with CU.  Are you still getting some cold shoulders from the Columbia administration? Or have things mellowed? JAKE NOVAK: Yes and no. One key staffer in the Athletic Department definitely still hates me. But he's enough of a sports fan to know that the things I pushed for were way overdue and the program is the better for it, not because of me, but because I gave a platform to so many people who otherwise would have been silenced.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Last year, the blog went on hiatus, at least it sure seemed that way. It was amid the campus protests. Was this a coincidence? Were you considering stepping away from CU football and perhaps Columbia in general? JAKE NOVAK:  That's exactly right. I am deeply saddened by not only the radical antisemitism Columbia keeps allowing on campus, but by the terrible advertisement for the school these protesters truly are. Whenever they speak publicly, they can barely put together a coherent sentence. Even if I did agree with their political points, I'd be embarrassed to be associated with them. The school is doing very serious damage to itself and I am ashamed of the institution. I considered not supporting the teams for some time, but the varsity athletes are clearly not the people protesting on campus and spreading hate. They've been going through much worse than I am during this ordeal, and I decided to support them. But I refrained from wearing my Columbia gear at the games and held back on donations. I wore my Sid Luckman Chicago Bears jersey to every game and that was that.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Wien Stadium is a special venue. What's it like to attend a game there? What's special about it? JAKE NOVAK:  It's a very beautiful spot in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan. The Inwood Hill Park adjacent to the stadium is the last large chunk of Manhattan that still looks the same as it was when the Dutch first landed here in the 16th century. The stadium itself offers some great views of the Hudson River and the rock formations. In the stands, you are very close to the field and there are no bad seats. Parking is a challenge, but not impossible.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So let's say someone's planning on attending a game at Wien. What are some ideal spots to hit before and after the game? What other insider tips do you have for fans who plan on visiting Wien?   JAKE NOVAK: Well, definitely stroll through Inwood Hill Park if you can and see the amazing views.  About 20 blocks from the stadium is The Cloisters, a mock up of a massive medieval castle and grounds that the Metropolitan Museum has used for decades to house its Medieval art, armor collection. It's a great place to visit.  Inwood itself used to be a restaurant and bar desert, but that's not true anymore. One place that never would have existed in old Inwood is Inwood Farm Cafe, which is just diagonally across from the stadium on 218th street. It was a blast going there after Columbia beat Cornell to watch Harvard lose to Yale and thus clinch the co-championship for Columbia on the TV over the bar. Food is good there too.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Have you considered stopping the blog, or are you in this for the long haul? JAKE NOVAK:  I'll always update the blog as long as I'm physically able. It may become a monthly periodical one day or something like that if push comes to shove.  Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 J.L. Grightmire Arena 35 Market Street South Dundas, Ontario Dundas Blues website J.L. Grightmire Arena website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 1,000 Small Town Blues Although it is part of the City of Hamilton, the community of Dundas has a personality all of its own.  The former town was amalgamated into the City of Hamilton in 2001 and currently boasts 24,000 residents.  Dundas is also the home of Canadian icon, Doug McKenzie, of the McKenzie Brothers of SCTV Fame, actor Dave Thomas. One of the staples of Dundas is the Dundas Blues hockey team.  Founded in 1959 as a team at the Junior D level.  It folded after two seasons and was reformed as the Junior C Dundas Merchants.  In 1971, the team was renamed the Blues and moved to the Junior B level.  In 1981, the Blues settled at the Junior C level, where they remain today as part of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) playing in the South Bloomfield Division.  In 2010, Dundas won the annual Kraft Hockeyville contest which brought with it an NHL preseason game and money for infrastructure.  Home for the Blues is the J.L. Grightmire Arena.  Built in 1950 and named after James Louis Grightmire who founded a bus line between Dundas and Hamilton after World War I.  He also founded the Dundas Golf and Curling Club and was involved in building the arena.  Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand in the lobby.  The menu ifeatures typical arena snack bar fare, including hot dogs, popcorn, chocolate, candy sandwiches, wraps and breakfast sandwiches.  Coffee, hot chocolate, tea, smoothies and Coca-Cola products are the soft drink options that are available.  There is a big push in the arena for patrons to bring their own cup to reduce the garbage created.  A separate beer cart is also found in the lobby where Grain and Gut Beer Company products are available for sale. Atmosphere 3 The J.L. Grightmire Arena was built in 1950 and has had a few renovations since then including one that wrapped up in 2023.  The exterior of the arena features light brick and glass and gives it that feeling of an old building with a modern refresh.  The main entry off of Market Street leads into the upgraded lobby which is bright and modern.  The lobby has a number of old photos and framed newspaper articles reminding students of the history of the building.  The original cornerstone delineating the opening of the arena in 1950 is also prevalent near the entry.  Windows from the lobby also look into the arena and allow some patrons to watch from the warmth. Entering the arena shows a cozy, old-school rink where the ice surface runs from west to east.  Fans immediately are aware that the J.L. Grightmire Arena is the home of the Dundas Real McCoys, a senior hockey team that has been an institution in Dundas and previously in neighbouring Flamborough.  The east end of the arena is littered with Real McCoys championship banners that encircle the scoreclock.  Also along the south wall there are a number of Real McCoy numbers that are retired, the most prevalent of which is former Toronto Maple Leafs captain, Rick Vaive, who finished his playing career with the Real McCoys as a player coach.  There are also a number of minor hockey banners around the arena.  Although the centre ice logo, which is oddly best seen from the west end of the arena, is of the Dundas Blues, a moniker shared by the minor teams, the presence of the Blues in the arena is muted.  There are some Dundas Blues banners that get lost in the shuffle on the south side.  There are some old, faded banners from Blues league championships in 1987, 1989, 1991 and 1993.  There are also retired numbers for former blues Ward Batter, Jeff Aglor and Rick Kunc.  The Hockeyville banner hangs prominently in the arena.  The ceiling has a gentle arch with the typical silver insulation.  The long sides of the arena have three rows of arena seats and the ends have six rows.  Although finding a seat under one of the gas heaters hanging over the seating area may be the best choice, the best sightlines are from the ends.  A small track around the arena offers a bit of a path around.  A bit of a unique feature of the Grightimre Arena is that the Blues’ dressing room is behind the seating on the south side of the arena.  At the beginning of the period, players cross the track and step down the stairs into the bench area before getting to the ice.  Probably not the safest of features, but a relatively unique one that has an old-school feel to it. The gameday production in Dundas is what one would expect for Junior C hockey.  Thursday nights are when the Blues traditionally play.  Typical promotions at the arena include a 50/50 draw, various raffles and the chuck-a-puck promotion.  The chuck-a-puck is particularly entertaining as the protective mesh around the rink prevents a simple promotion.  During the second intermission, fans pack on to the Blues bench so that they can throw their puck on the ice.  The mascot, Lo, interacts with, and entertains fans. Neighbourhood 3 Dundas is a community, former town, west of Hamilton proper, that technically is part of the City of Hamilton.  It has an interesting small-town, downtown area that has some options for pre and post game food and drink.  Some options include Shawn & Ed Brewing Co, Thirsty Cactus, Betula, Namu, Valley Charcoal and Collins Brewhouse.  For other sporting options, the Dundas Real McCoys play in the Senior ACH league and share Grightmire Arena.  The Blues own Thursday evenings in Dundas and get a pretty good crowd.  Other sporting options are found in Hamilton proper, including the Hamilton Tiger-Cats , Hamilton Kilty B’s , McMaster Marauders football  and basketball  and Forge FC .  Beginning in 2024, the former FirstOntario Centre, home of the Toronto Rock , is undergoing huge renovations and displacing the NLL team.  The Hamilton Cardinals  may also be an option, but the schedules will probably not align.  Other tourist options include Dundas Museum, the Niagara Escarpment and many of the walking trails in the area.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, there are a number of B&B options or the Barracks Inn.  Finding accommodations in Hamilton may be a better option. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the PJHL is difficult as the league does not aggregate publish and attendance figures.  It seems that the Dundas Blues are among the top drawing teams in the PJHL.  For the 2024-25 season, at the time of writing, the Blues averaged over 400 fans per game.  The game reviewed saw over 500 fans in attendance.  The previous season saw the Blues average 345 fans per game. Fans in attendance are knowledgeable and supportive of the Blues.  At the game reviewed there were plenty of kids running around, not really watching hockey, but definitely excited about the night out at the arena.   Access 4 The J.L. Grightmire Arena is located in the community of Dundas, west of the traditional boundaries of Hamilton.  It is on the east side of Market Street, two blocks south of Highway 8 or King Street, south of Hatt Street.  Getting to the arena will require driving through Dundas, but that is not a big issue.  The parking at the arena is limited, so getting there on the earlier side is recommended.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there is an HSR transit stop on King Street.  Fans should consult the Hamilton Street Railway  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not terribly difficult, but fans with mobility issues should keep in mind that the arena is of a fifties vintage, and there will be some stairs and narrow points on the track.  The bathrooms are on the small side, but did not seem to have long lineups. Return on Investment 5 Typically, Junior C hockey is among the most affordable sporting experiences there is.  Tickets for the Blues go for $10 with students and seniors getting in for $8.  The large number of kids running around can be explained by the Blues’ policy whereby kids under 13 years of age get free entry.  Blues Alumni also have free entry.  Parking, although limited, is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The product on the ice is decent and the Blues generally have a good team.  The Blues, although technically part of big-city Hamilton, do give off that small town vibe so prevalent through the PJHL. Extras 2 An extra mark for Dundas winning the 2010 Hockeyville contest. An extra mark for the City of Hamilton and community of Dundas restoring a classic arena. Final Thoughts Taking in a Dundas Blues game will give fans that small town feel that the PJHL boasts, in a classic arena for a supportive community.  The J.L. Grightmire Arena is a classic arena that has been given a significant facelift to make it more modern and comfortable.  Taking in a Blues game is an affordable and enjoyable sporting experience fans should consider while in the area. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gregory Gymnasium 2101 Speedway Austin, TX 78712 Texas Longhorns website Gregory Gymnasium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 11,313 Spiking Deep in the Heart of Texas There are sometimes sports venues that strike at the very soul of college athletics and everything you hope for your game day experience to be. Sure, basketball and football venues around the country are usually the first you think of when it comes to being that idyllic collegiate experience, but every once in a while a smaller sport takes your breath away, and reminds you that not everything memorable takes place in large arenas or stadiums. Texas volleyball, a multi-time national championship program, provides this exact spark. Playing in an old, weathered building located deep in the heart of campus, and featuring multi-level seating that seemingly spills over the top of the court itself, in a gymnasium constructed to amplify the cheers of the crowd, you’re hard pressed to find a more impressive venue for the sport.   Food & Beverage   3 There aren’t a lot of options for concessions at Texas volleyball games here, but what is available is incredibly affordable. The main concession stands near the main entrance offer hot dogs ($4), sausage wraps ($5), Bavarian pretzels ($5), popcorn or candy ($3), and jumbo pickles ($3). Drinks include bottled water ($3) or sodas ($5), while other smaller concessions vary, with ice cream available at some games as well.   Atmosphere   5 Gregory Gymnasium is one of those classic collegiate venues that oozes with history. Built in 1930, this 4,000-seat home to Texas Volleyball was originally constructed as the new home for the school’s men’s basketball team. After modernization in 1997 that included the addition of central air conditioning, the arena took its current form. The building is mostly still brick and mortar walls with large exposed beams in the ceiling, complete with windows that let in natural light during the day. Second floor halls are tight and narrow, echoing back to days gone past in stadium architecture. The entire facility features muted brown and orange hues, harkening to the team’s colors. A video scoreboard is located above the upper deck seating on one end, and championship banners line the rafters. This place is also incredibly loud, with fan chants echoing through the walls just like at a 100,000-seat football stadium.   Neighborhood   5 The campus for Texas is in the heart of downtown Austin, with the city center visible when you walk outside, so you are right there in the middle of one of the most vibrant and quickly growing cities in the nation. The airport is a bit of a drive, however, depending on traffic. For great food, you can’t skip The Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas’ main campus, as well as Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake. Finally, for a hotel, look for Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport as two options that are great, due to their proximity to the airport and to major highways that lead to downtown.   Fans   5 To paraphrase Cassian Andor in Rogue One, Gregory Gymnasium can make 4,000 fans feel like 40,000. This place is incredibly loud, and you’d be hard pressed to find an empty seat. Games are sold out weeks or even months in advance for Texas volleyball, and sellout crowds mean the noise is amplified that much more. Perhaps what makes the fans here so incredible is their energy and fervor. Every play has a chant, every situation has a cheer, and every fan knows them all. Truly immersing yourself in the atmosphere here includes appreciating the fan base that shows up, from the lower-level student section to the loudest fan in the top-most row of seats in the end zones. But most of all, this is a very family friendly atmosphere – everyone here is friendly and welcoming, and everyone is respectful of visiting fans and those around them.   Access   3 Parking is easily the most difficult aspect of going to Texas volleyball matches. Unless you have a campus parking pass for various areas near the gymnasium, parking for fans is located in the Speedway Garage ($8-$10) or the Brazos Garage ($15) via the Park Mobile app, or using an on-site credit card payment. Once parked, it is a nearly 10-15 minute walk through the heart of campus to get to Gregory Gymnasium.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly hard to come by for Texas volleyball games, with most matches selling out far ahead of the date. If you’re able to get your hands on a ticket, however, you’ll be pleased to learn that prices start at just $12. Couple that with affordable parking and incredibly cheap concessions, and you have the perfect recipe for affordable volleyball in one of the best venues around.   Extras   4 The entrance hall to Gregory Gymnasium features large posters of the players on the team, as well as trophy cases for the program. Once inside, fans walk past a giveaway table, complete with posters, as well as fan cheer and chant guides for you to be able to follow along with everything going on. There is a rather large and impressive team store set up down in the lower level behind the band seating, giving you access to the latest Texas Volleyball swag. Championship banners line the rafters inside Gregory Gymnasium, reminding fans of the deep history Texas volleyball has.   Final Thoughts There is little doubt of the magic Texas volleyball fans experience on a nightly basis inside Gregory Gymnasium – the walls have forgotten more about Texas athletic history than you or I will ever learn, and the fans here are among the best in all of college sports. Undoubtedly, the energy and palpable passion here harkens back to those halcyon days of iconic college athletics the most ardent sports fans yearn for day in and day out. Perhaps, to some, this may be the highlight of the Texas athletics offerings, rivaling the offerings elsewhere on campus.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Campus Recreation Center 1 Old Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809 Roger Williams Hawks men's basketball website Campus Recreation Center website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 1,200 Roger Williams Hawks Hoops   Roger Williams was a Puritan minister, theologian and author who founded Providence Plantations in 1636. This settlement eventually became the state of Rhode Island. Williams was a staunch advocate of religious freedom, separation of church and state, and fair dealings with the local Native Americans. His Separatist views and belief that the Church of England was corrupt were deemed too radical by the Puritan leaders of Plymouth and Boston, so they expelled Williams from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.   Roger Williams University was founded in 1956 and named for Rhode Island’s founder. The school actually began operations in 1919 as the Rhode Island branch of Northeastern University before receiving its own charter from the state. The school moved to its current location in Bristol in 1969. Today, RWU’s 5,000 students study in 50 academic programs, including one of the only Marine Biology programs and one of the only Historic Preservation programs in the country. Roger Williams offers the only Juris Doctor (law degree) in Rhode Island.   The first basketball team to represent Roger Williams played in 1973. Originally a member of the NAIA, today the Hawks compete in Division Three’s Conference of New England (formerly the Commonwealth Coast Conference). The men’s program made their first Division Three Tournament appearance in 2024. The women’s team has played in three postseason tournaments, most recently in 2022.   The Hawks play at the Campus Recreation Center, which features an 8,500 square foot fitness center, an aquatics center, two dance studios, squash and racquetball courts and a field house. The main gymnasium serves as home to the men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams.   Food & Beverage 1    The Hawk’s Nest in the Campus Rec Center serves up assorted drinks (Pepsi products are featured), specialty coffees, smoothies, pastries and bagels. During the semester the Hawk’s Nest is open until 8, but the hours are a bit more limited if you’re visiting Roger Williams on a weekend or semester break. Stadium Journey visited RWU on a Tuesday afternoon during Thanksgiving week, and the snack bar was closed.   Should the Hawk’s Nest be closed during your visit, there is a vending machine in the basement level of the facility. Alas, this machine was not working during Stadium Journey’s visit. At least it didn’t take our money.   On the plus side, it looks like fans are free to bring their own refreshments into the Campus Rec Center.   Atmosphere 2   The game day atmosphere at a Roger Williams basketball game will feel pretty familiar to anyone who has visited the small college gyms that dot the country. With the limited resources and meager fan support, there’s not a lot going on here at RWU that reinvents the wheel. That’s not to say that a Hawks game is a bland or boring experience. It’s just fairly typical.   There’s a decent sound system here that plays music during play stoppages, and a PA announcer who brings some energy to the proceedings. In this bandbox of a gym, it’s easy to imagine how loud it could get here if the bleachers were packed. Much of the energy here comes from the fans in the stands, most of whom have a personal connection with the players on the court. Small scoreboards on either end of the court display basic game information. Unfortunately, there were no cheerleaders or pep band present during Stadium Journey’s visit. That, and the lack of a strong student turnout, dampen the overall atmosphere.   Neighborhood 5   Roger Williams University is located in the colonial town of Bristol, Rhode Island, a town of just over 22,000 residents. A popular summer tourist destination, Bristol is best known as the site of the oldest continuously celebrated Independence Day festivities in the United States. The first mention of a Fourth of July celebration was noted by a British officer in 1777. The town has held a parade on the Fourth every year since 1785, which annually draws in excess of 200,000 visitors.     Roger Williams University is located at the southernmost point in Bristol, occupying the land at the top of a bluff that overlooks Mount Hope Bay. The views from campus are truly spectacular. To experience the best of Bristol, downtown is less than two miles from campus. Among the notable attractions here are the Town Commons, the Herreshoff Marine Museum (five America’s Cup-winning yachts were built here) and Colt State Park. The East Bay Bike Path, which runs approximately 16 miles all the way to Providence, begins in downtown Bristol. To quote my wife, Bristol has that “Hallmark Channel feel” to the downtown area. It’s a lovely place to explore if visiting during the holiday season.   Fans looking for a place to eat after a Hawks game will find no shortage of options in the downtown area, including Brick Pizza Company and Pivotal Brewing. As you might expect in a seaside town like Bristol, excellent seafood restaurants are plentiful, including The Lobster Pot, Aidan’s Pub and Leo’s Ristorante. Lodging options in town are scarce, with the Bristol Harbor Inn the primary choice near Roger Williams. Visitors should check out the many options along I-195, especially up near Providence, or down in Newport if looking to stay in the area. Explore Bristol has more detailed information about attractions in the area.   Fans 2   Crowds at Roger Williams basketball games are what we here at Stadium Journey like to call “friends and family” crowds. Generally numbering between 100-200 fans, most of the people in the stands are connected to the players on the court in some manner. As you might expect, they can be very boisterous and knowledgeable about the team.   With the majority of Roger Williams’ schedule consisting of games against other New England teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout by visiting fans. At this level, you will have no worries showing up in the opposition colors.   Access 3   Let’s make this simple: there’s no easy way to get to Bristol, Rhode Island and Roger Williams University. Located on a sprawling 143 acres featuring a spectacular view of Mount Hope Bay, there are no highways that directly serve the town and only a couple of roads leading in and out of town. Interstate 195 passes by the area about ten miles from campus. If driving to Roger Williams from the north, take Route 24 from Fall River. If arriving from Providence and points west, take Route 114. Ripta ’s 60 and 61 busses serve the campus on their routes between Newport and Providence.   The Campus Recreation Center is located in the middle of campus, with the school’s other athletics facilities located nearby. There is limited parking on the east side of the gym, along with additional parking on the opposite side of the baseball field. Just be aware that the parking is a bit of a walk from the rec center, and the campus is not lit as well as perhaps it should be at night.   All seating in the Campus Rec Center consists of molded plastic bleachers on either side of the court. Fans needing accessible seating will find plenty of room at the top of the bleachers on the south side of the gym. No matter where you sit in this tiny gym, you’ll have great views of the action. Surprisingly large, clean restrooms are located just outside the entrance to the court.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to a Hawks basketball game is free. Parking is also available at no charge in the lots around campus. Since concessions may or may not be available, it’s quite possible that you won’t even reach for your wallet once while visiting Roger Williams University. Even better, if you’re visiting during the conference schedule, you’ll get two games for the price of none.   Extras 1   Banners hang on the end of the Rec Center gym honoring Hawks conference championships and tournament appearances for the men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams. Banners honoring all the 1,000-point scorers in Roger Williams basketball history are hung at the opposite end of the gym. The Rec Center lobby contains the trophies accumulated by the athletic program over the years.   Final Thoughts   Roger Williams features one of those small bandbox gymnasiums that dot the college basketball landscape across the nation. With downtown Bristol a short drive away, hoops fans who like a small-town atmosphere will love a trip to Roger Williams University.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

He is up to 115 out of 136. Andrew joins us to discuss the updated favorites and what comes next. Follow Andrew's Stadium Journeys at www.collegefootballtour.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         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 Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Warrior Baseball Field 1600 E Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46803 Indiana Tech baseball website Warrior Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 500 A Hidden Gem of Ballpark at Indiana Tech Warrior Baseball Field is the home of Indiana Tech baseball in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The ballpark was constructed in 1991 when the program returned to the school. The 500-seat grandstand is wedged into a small hill with outfield views of campus dorms and cemetery over St. Anthony Blvd. in left field. It makes for an interesting backdrop at this level of college baseball. The Warriors are members of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The club won 9 conference championships including the last three as of this writing. There are also four retired numbers on the outfield wall, with former coach Lance Hershberger’s number 50 among them. He led the team to 390 victories in 12 years, including five straight NAIA World Series appearances, including runner-ups in 1998. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food offered at the ballpark, and it is encouraged to either eat before you arrive or bring your items to the game. There are plenty of fans in the concession area with bags from nearby fast-food restaurants, while others grab something from the cooler around spots along the perimeter of the stadium. It’s common among many NAIA ballparks not to have a concession stand, and there does not seem to be any room for one at the field. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark has an interesting design that creates various sports for watching the game. The grandstand is partially jammed into a hill and reminds me a little of Jack Burch Field in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. The fans get an upper view from behind the plate and plenty of opportunities to stomp their feet against the aluminum concourse and seating. There are plenty of grassy areas down the third-base side but are only accessible to the ballplayers who enjoy a bite in-between double-headers. A concrete porch overlooks the area where parents of the players sit on tables, set up lawn chairs, and have access to two grills. Behind the left-field wall is a long concrete bench and chairs where more fans can view the game from. There is also a large net to block balls from crashing into the dorm building. The right-field wall is decorated with Warrior tournament appearances, championship titles, and retired jersey numbers. The back of the grandstand is also decked out with school colors, logos, and player photos. The main road and cemetery are a few yards away from the outfield fence in the right field. A simple press box holds around 5-6 people in the grandstand. Grandstand and Press Box at Warrior Baseball Field, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 The private Technical University was founded in 1930 and has an enrollment of 9,652 students. It’s located less than two miles from downtown and Parkview Field , home of the High-A Ft. Wayne TinCaps. The campus is modern, compact, and offers various buildings that blend into the ballpark. However, fans should check out Summit City Brewerks a few blocks away, located in the old Wayne Buns Factory. It offers 33 beers on tap, a full-service restaurant, and plenty of pinball machines. A few traditional spots have been in town for a combined total of 195 years in business. Ft. Wayne’s Famous Coney Island opened in 1914 and has not changed much in appearance, offering it topped with meat sauce and chopped onion. The dogs taste best sitting on the wooden stool countertops with mini glass bottles of Coca-Cola. Powers Hamburger Restaurant grills up sliders with mounds of sweet onions and ranks up there with the great American hamburger. King Gyros is another popular spot that sells a barbecue gyro with grilled onions and barbecue sauce. A few other restaurants in town worth checking out include Tolon, Copper Spoon, Proximo, and The Deck. The TinCaps might be playing in the evening, or perhaps the Ft. Wayne Komets or Mad Ants are at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum. A Komets game usually includes 10,000 plus rabid fans showing that they are one of the best arenas for minor league hockey. Fans 4 The fans at the Warriors are mostly friends and family members. The chatter from the dugout is highly audible, and so are the conversations between players and fans in their seats. A few folks behind the outfield walls banter with the outfielders at times. At a game like this, many will have conversations with you about the team; if they have a son playing for Tech, and might even offer you a beer. Access 3 The Indiana Tech campus is accessible from the main streets of downtown Ft. Wayne, and there is plenty of parking for the ballpark. It is only the main entrance to the grandstand, but if you don’t want to pay the fee, there are spots down the 3rd base and left field area to watch the game with other fans. Return on Investment 3 The price of admission is $10, which is on the higher side for NAIA ballparks. For example, nearby Huntington University charges $7 at Forest Glen Park , and Marian University does not charge an admission fee for its ball games on its Indianapolis campus. Warrior Baseball Field is a pretty ballpark but does not include a concession stand, a place for university gear, or any promotions. Fans can watch the game from the third-base side or behind the left-field fence for free. Extras 3 One point for the outfield walls honoring retired numbers, past championships, and World Series appearances. A second point for the left-field seating that provides fans with a different vantage point of the baseball game that also includes a giant net to protect baseballs from crashing into the dormitories. A third point for the interesting setting of the grandstand being built into a hill and the views of the cemetery and campus buildings beyond the outfield walls. Final Thoughts Warrior Baseball Field was a place I was always told to visit by my friends in Ft. Wayne. It’s one of those hidden treats of ballparks in Indiana and can be a lot of fun if you planned it correctly. First, bring food and drink, then pick a spot down the third base or left-field wall, and enjoy with friends and family. After the game, enjoy a drink at nearby Summit City Brewerks or take in another sporting event at Parkview Field or Allen County Memorial Coliseum. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter , and Instagram .

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Shelton Stadium at Parramore Field 2200 Hickory Abilene, TX 79698 Hardin-Simmons Cowboys website Shelton Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 4,000 Back to Abilene Hardin-Simmons University is located on the north side of Abilene, Texas. It is one of three private universities located in this city of approximately 125,000 people. Opened as Abilene Baptist College in 1891 by the Sweetwater Baptist Association and a group of ranchers, the goal was to bring higher education to the Big Country region. Built on land donated by local rancher C. W. Merchant, and following contributions from James B. Simmons and later Mary and John G. Hardin, the school's name was eventually changed to Hardin-Simmons University in 1934. HSU currently offers over 50 undergraduate degrees, nine masters, and two doctoral programs. They have most recently added engineering and nursing (nursing was previously available through a cooperative program with other institutions) to their academic offerings. At first glance, Hardin-Simmons Football is a relatively young program, having begun NCAA Division III competition in 1990. But a deeper dive shows that the Cowboy program was one of the first in the state of Texas, playing two games in 1897. Between the years of 1897 and 1963, much of which was spent as a member of the Border Conference, they had victories over schools such as Texas Tech , Arizona State , Arizona , and Tulsa . They also played in the Sun Bowl, Shrine Bowl, and Alamo Bowl during this tenure. The school dropped its football program in 1963, citing financial losses and poor performance. In 1989, however, HSU officials voted to reinstate the football team and play at the non-scholarship NCAA Division III level beginning in the 1990 season. Since reinstating football, Hardin-Simmons has won or shared 17 conference championships and made 18 appearances in the NCAA playoffs. Their best playoff run was in 2000, when they made it to the semifinals. The Cowboys currently compete as a charter member of the American Southwest Conference, along with Howard Payne University, Mary Hardin-Baylor University , and East Texas Baptist University. Since its inception in 1996, there have been many other schools who have filtered through the conference, with the most recent shake-up being the loss of several institutions to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. What has developed since 1990 on “the forty acres” is a passionate fan base and nationally competitive football program. Saturdays at Hardin-Simmons University provide quality entertainment for many sports fans. The first three years of the modern football era were played at Parramore Stadium, named for Col. James H. Parramore (1840-1917), board member and donor to the university. By 1993 a new press box, concessions area, and expanded metal bleachers were added, so Shelton Stadium, honoring A.B. “Stormy” and Ruby Shelton, was dedicated, but the name Parramore Field remained – the Cowboys have continued to play home games in Shelton Stadium at Parramore Field since then.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions at HSU games are what you would expect at a small college setting. There are no specialty food items, but most of the normal fare is available. Hot dogs, nachos, and Frito pie are all available for those wanting entrees. With the option of adding chili and/or cheese to any of these, you can find something to appease your taste buds. Snack items include chips, candy, popcorn, and pickles. Pepsi is the soft drink company of the Cowboys, so those flavors are available in two sizes of fountain drinks along with bottled water and Gatorade. For the rare cold weather game, there will be hot chocolate and coffee available. There is one concession stand located below the home stands. There are multiple windows, some marked as cash only and others allowing both cash and card purchases. At the most recent game I attended, the cash line was noticeably shorter, so taking a little extra money might help move you through the concession area quicker.   Atmosphere   5 The game day atmosphere is fun and family friendly. HSU hosts a pregame pep rally and tailgate event approximately three hours before the game, and the public is invited. Tailgating is also allowed in and around the stadium. With a long-running history of successful football seasons, Hardin-Simmons has a loyal fan base. HSU has events unrelated to football that tie their alumni back into the culture and daily life of the campus, so there are many former students who attend most every Cowboy game. Factor in a football program with nearly 100 developmental team participants, and there is a built-in, large home crowd present and active at every game. The PA announcer is animated with vocal inflections, stressing first downs and touchdowns – for example when HSU scores he proclaims “annnnd the thunnnnnnderrrrrr roooollls in the STORM SHELTER” as the crowd stomps their feet. Enhancing the experience is a large videoboard and a loud, clear speaker system. Adding to the atmosphere is The World Famous Cowboy Band , which was formed in 1923. Dressed in full western attire including leather chaps and cowboy hats, the band has performed for six presidential inaugurations and eleven governors through the years, as well as at numerous rodeos and parades annually. The band is well known for its rowdy performance, quick marching cadence, and choreographed “cow step” while whooping and waving their hats. They perform on the field during halftime. In addition to the band, HSU fields a nationally ranked dance team known as The Spurs. The Spurs perform at halftime with the Cowboy band playing the dance team’s backup music. The crowd at the game I last attended was packed and raucous. In addition to being senior day, the game was for the conference lead and guaranteed play-off berth with rival Mary Hardin-Baylor . The home stands were full and both end zones were filled with standing room only fans, who were cheering and chanting as the game went on. The student sections at HSU has specific, choreographed cheers for the Crusaders when plays go favorably for the Cowboys.   Neighborhood   4 The neighborhood around HSU’s campus is an older, lower-middle class neighborhood – most of the houses near campus have been occupied by families for many years or are rental property. As houses and lots come up for sale, the university is purchasing them in an effort to expand the school’s footprint. Just to the south of campus is Hendrick Hospital - North Campus, along with multiple doctor’s offices and support services. There are no hotels within walking distance of campus, but several options are less than three miles north, along Interstate 20. Just a couple of suggestions are Holiday Inn North College Area  and Hampton Inn and Suites I-20 , but many of the hotels within a few miles of campus are very nice for the price. Pre or post-game meal choices are limited within blocks of the stadium, but there are a few options. Blue Agave Mexican Kitchen , Texas Flaming Grill , Los Arcos , and Armando’s  all provide good food within a mile of campus. One must eat location is Jay’s BBQ , which is just 3 miles from campus; Jay’s is open from 11am to 2 pm with excellent BBQ and different daily specials. There are also several excellent restaurants downtown, just over two miles south of campus. If fast food is desired, Taco Bell , Subway , and Church’s Chicken are all within a mile of the school in different directions. A new Braum’s, located at the corner of Ambler and Simmons, is expected to open in early 2025. There are many more fast food and restaurant options approximately three miles east on Ambler Avenue along Judge Ely Boulevard, as well as further out around the Interstate 20/Ambler (HWY 351) intersection. For nightlife there are a few bars downtown, some of which play live music on weekends. These include KAO Lounge , The Ice House , Grain Theory , and Fat Boss’s Pub . Other options for adult beverages and entertainment include   Mulligans Sports Bar Grill and Golf , Lucky Shot Bar and Arcade , Buffalo Wild Wings , and Hooters . When visiting Abilene, family entertainment options to consider include Abilene Zoo , Frontier Texas , National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature , Grace Museum , and Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame .   Fans   5 HSU fans are a supportive group – they arrive early, fill the stands, and are active during games. The chairback section of the home stands is filled with season ticket holders, some of whom have been attending Cowboy games since 1993. The students attending games are vocal as well; whether in the student section of the stands or in the end zone, they cheer loudly. Fans at the game I most recently attended had painted faces, wore homemade thematic t-shirts, and carried signs and banners showing their support. There were also a couple of “super fans” in attendance, such as a gentleman and his elementary-aged protege dressed in full western attire, including cowboy hat and leather chaps, who ran the length of the home stands carrying an HSU flag and encouraging the crowd to raise their voices in support.   Access   4 Shelton Stadium is located at the corner of Simmons Avenue and Vogel Avenue, behind the Mabee Athletic Complex on campus. Getting into Shelton Stadium is not difficult, however there is no direct access off Ambler Avenue due to recent construction. Therefore, access to parking is either through campus using the main entrance, turning east on Vogel Avenue off Grape Street, or heading west on either Vogel Avenue or Lowden Street off Pine Street. Any of those choices will direct fans into ample free parking within a short walk of the gate. There are entry gates on both sides of the facility – visitor tickets are available at the southeast gate, while home side tickets can be purchased at the southwest ticket booth. Once inside there is access between the home and visitor sides via the south end zone.   Return on Investment   4 With chairback reserved seats costing $10 and general admission only $5, the price is a bargain. The quality of football that will be on display will more than likely include at least one top 25 ranked team, and many times both teams are well coached, high caliber teams. Concessions, while not fancy, are sufficient and well-priced. Entree items cost $6 or less, while fountain soft drinks are $4 or $5, Gatorade and water are $2, and the snacks are all $4 or less; these prices are well within the range you would expect to pay at a football game at the college level. Figuring the affordability of tickets and concessions, free parking, plus the high level football and entertainment, as well as the excitement of the band and student section, the ROI is high for HSU Cowboy football.   Extras   4 The concession stand has cash only lines in addition to cash/card lines; the ability to move more quickly if you are using cash is worth special recognition. The Cowboy band is also worth an extra point – they are highly entertaining and bring a historic bridge between the past and today. Their musicianship is also high level, but the spectacle they provide is what carries the show. The PA Announcer adds an extra plus to your visit. Whether it’s encouraging the crowd to celebrate another Cowboy first down, or the previously mentioned touchdown chant, the game is enhanced by the announcer’s input. Student engagement and crowd involvement illicit more additional points – I’ve visited several stadiums, at many different levels, and Hardin-Simmons crowd involvement is better than any I‘ve visited thus far.   Final Thoughts Football fans in Texas have plenty of choices when it comes to quality football venues. On fall Saturdays within a few hundred miles of Abilene, there are no less than 15 colleges and universities playing a football game. In addition, just within the city limits of Abilene itself there are two NCAA D-III programs and one NCAA FCS football team. Choosing which games to attend can be difficult at times, but Hardin-Simmons has done nearly everything possible to make their home games the no-brainer choice. With the affordability and return on investment, the quality of play and the level of entertainment, HSU football games are well worth the few hour time investment required. The experience at HSU Cowboy football is well worth the cost, and you are sure to be entertained. Bring cash and your trip through the concession line will most definitely go quicker. I would highly encourage placing the Hardin-Simmons Cowboys on your bucket list of football games to attend.

A small Indiana town between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne is the center of college basketball one night in December. The annual Taylor University Silent Night Game is not your typical college basketball game. The small Christian college in Upland has an enrollment of 2,376 plus, but it becomes the center of attention on a frigid December night. The Silent Night Game might be one of the best traditions you have never heard about. It began in 1997, but students have attended the game in pajamas since the late 1980s. Students camp out days before the game to secure a prime spot inside the gym; once they are allowed to enter on game day, they are dressed in elaborate costumes. Students are dressed up as burgers, Krispy Kreme employees, highlanders, ducks, and Minions. The rest of the general admission ticket holders wait inside the lobby before they find a seat an hour before the game. The festivities include students taking shots and dunks on the open net, singing in unison, and showing off their light bracelets.  When the game begins, the gymnasium is quiet except for players' sneakers squeaking on the court. No one peeps until the 10th point is scored; when it happens, the entire student section storms the court in celebration. It is a spectacular scene with the multiple colors of the costumes dripping onto the basketball court. After everything is over, the students go back to their seats, and the game begins, with cheering and screaming from the entire audience. Taylor’s opponent was Moody Bible College, who looked more like the Washington Generals at times during the game. The Trojans had a series of dunks and fast-break plays that excited the crowd, which remained active throughout the night. Several students run onto the court during timeouts to put on small skits, students sing renditions of popular songs, and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb makes an appearance during halftime. The students surrounding the court are about three rows deep and hover as close to the court as possible.  The game ends with the singing of “Silent Night” in the final minutes of the game. The entire building sings shoulder-to-shoulder the traditional Christmas song that caps off a magical night on the campus of Taylor University.  Taylor has an impressive 26-1 record, and The Silent Night tradition is more than just a basketball game—it’s a testament to the power of community, the creativity of students, and the joy of shared experiences. It stands out in the landscape of college sports for its combination of humor, celebration, and reverence. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Wells Fargo Center 3601 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Flyers website Wells Fargo Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 19,173 A New Era Of Orange in Philadelphia The Philadelphia Flyers, are in the second year of their A New Era of Orange campaign, and fortunes appear to be changing at Wells Fargo Center under veteran coach John Tortorella in his third season.  The Flyers fell just four points short of qualifying for the playoff last year for the first time since 2020 and their fortunes may be changing.  That’s not the only thing changing on Broad Street as the arena’s corporate sponsorship with Wells Fargo comes to an end in August.  The arena has been tied to Wells Fargo and its predecessors since it opened in 1996.  The arena was named Core States Center from 1996-1998, First Union from 1998-2003, Wachovia from 2003-2010, and Wells Fargo since. The team’s resurgence is being led by mainstays Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier. along with young Russian sensation Matvei Michkov and defenseman Travis Sandheim. The Philadelphia Flyers share the building with the NBA Philadelphia 76ers  and the National Lacrosse League Philadelphia Wings. The NBA franchise said it does not intend to stay at the arena beyond the end of its 2031 lease. The multi-purpose indoor arena is located at what is now known as the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which includes other venues like Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles), and Xfinity Live! The building seats 19,173 for hockey games, making it the 4th largest in the NHL. The arena, which is owned by Comcast Spectacor, which also owns the Flyers, replaced the Flyer's former home The Spectrum which debuted with the team’s NHL entry in 1967. Fans know who the landlord is as they glance upward and on each side are illuminated letters reading “Welcome To Comcast Country”. Food & Beverage 4 Wells Fargo has stepped up its food and beverage game over the past few years. Chickie’s and Pete’s (South Entrance and East Food Hall and 204, 210, 216, and 222 on the upper level) and Shake Shake (Section 116) are among the signature places to eat in the arena. Other choices include AC Subs (Section 110), Buena Onda (Section 112) offers unique varieties of tacos (chicken ropa, pork al pastore, and jumbo pacific shrimp to name a few), bowls, and burritos, Cuz’s Pizza, Beach Treats (120) with staple items from the Jersey Shore including fresh funnel cakes with toppings, Dippin' Dots, cotton candy, corn dogs, roasted nuts, fudge, and assorted chocolate treats. 9th Street Italian Sandwiches (Sections 104 and 117) offers a range of sandwiches: Italian pork, meatballs, roast beef, and roasted turkey hoagies. Of course, the traditional stadium fare of hot dogs, chicken tender baskets, nachos, pretzels, soda, and beer is available too. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice. AC Subs and Chickie’s and Pete’s are two places for cheesesteaks (remember when you’re in Philly no need to call them Philadelphia cheesesteaks). But the best move is to hit one of the legendary places nearby. John’s Roast Pork, Tony Luke’s, and Jim’s South Street are three possible options not too far away. In the arena, sweet treats and desserts include Federal Donuts (Section 102 & 207), Insomnia Cookies (118 & 207), Rita’s Water Ice, and soft serve ice cream. Atmosphere 4 The crowd is enlivened by the Flyers hype video and the appearance of its mascot Gritty on the ice who plants the Flyers flag, then takes to center ice like a Rocky replica and knocks out a “player” wearing the opposing team’s jersey. The atmosphere is first-rate as the public address announcer blares “Are….. you ready for some hockey” leading up to puck drop. Gritty energizes the crowd throughout by banging on his drum to lead the “Let’s Go Flyers” chants. Wells Fargo Center underwent renovations in 2020 as part of a $265 million "Transformation 2020" initiative. It debuted a new kinetic 4K-resolution scoreboard in September 2019. Flames shoot out of the scoreboard during player introductions when the Flyers take the ice. The scoreboard flashes a wide array of stats. The only negative is it does not show who is on the ice for each team during live action. Music was played at an acceptable level. Wells Fargo does have an organ but unfortunately, it was rarely used. The upper bowl is separated from the lower by a club and suite level. The upper level seems high but the views are still adequate. The one drawback is drink holders are on the armrests not the seats in front. Neighborhood 4 The good news is there is plenty to do in Philadelphia. The bad news is within walking distance of the arena not so much. The main attraction is Xfinity Live with a host of restaurants and bars highlighted by sports bar NBC Sports Arena. The other attractions are a short drive away. The National Constitution Center ($19) is a 15-minute drive and sits half a mile away from the Liberty Bell (free admission) and Independence Hall (free until 10:30 and then $1 per ticket). The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Art Museum, and Reading Terminal Market are a few other stops. Be sure to take a picture with the Rocky Statute and then race up the steps of the art museum to pay homage to the Italian Stallion. The Reading Terminal Market is known for the city's other iconic sandwich, the roast pork at DiNic’s, best topped with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. The Market (which opened in 1893) also features Miller’s Twist Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, Beiler’s Bakery and Donuts, and an array of other great choices for food, flowers, and specialty items. Fans 4 While Flyers fans often get a bad reputation, losing has tamed the fans to an extent. The enthusiasm seems to be coming back and maybe the bravado will follow. A playoff appearance will lead to more Flyers fans and fewer out-of-towners invading their building. Attendance is up 1.5% over last season, but the Flyers have gotten off to a mediocre start at home. The fans are knowledgeable and passionate, but it takes performance to win them over. This will be a huge year as Tortorella is no longer in the honeymoon period. While most media types did not predict the Flyers to make the playoffs, it might be necessary to qualify to keep the fans on board with Torterella’s rebuild, who is signed through 2025-26. Access 4 The arena is located at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and is visible off I-95. Fans can park near the arena or choose public transit using the SEPTA bus or subway. The orange or Broad Street Line ends at NRG Station. The station’s naming rights were sold to NRG Energy in 2018. The fare is $2.50 one way and once fans arrive it is a quick jaunt across the parking lot into Wells Fargo. If driving, coming from the East, through New Jersey you can easily take the New Jersey Turnpike, I-295, and US-1. If in Pennsylvania you can take either Rt. 76 or Rt 95. There are four entrances and doors open 90 minutes prior to game time. The Will Call window at the Wells Fargo Center is located at the Box Office, located on the northwest corner of the building. Return on Investment 3 The Flyers were ranked just below the league average according to the Fan Cost Index ($408.40) which comprises the prices of four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one hour, two game programs and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps. Fans can purchase upper-level seats for less than $50 on the secondary market for many weeknight games. Weekends and games against rivals will cost much more and well over $100 if looking for lower bowl seats. Despite not making the playoffs since 2020, Flyer fans usually sell out the building and averaged 18,438 per game in 2023-24 (up 4.6%). The cost to park at the Wells Fargo Arena is as low as $20 at one of the eight lots that encircle the arena. Food prices are typical for NHL venues. Chicken tenders and fries is $13.85, a pizza slice is $11.09, Soft Pretzel $6.35, 24 oz premium beer is $16.55, and $8.25 for a soda. Crab fries (old bay seasoned) from Chickie’s and Pete’s were tasty but not worth it at $17.27. Extras 3 One point goes to the Flyer's fabulous duo of Lou Nolan on the Public Address and Lauren Hart with a rousing rendition of the national anthem. Nolan had been a mainstay since 1972. Hart is the daughter of legendary Flyers broadcaster Gene Hart, who called the Flyers games for 25 years. One point goes to the Flyers’ game-day production. Flyers do it right by introducing the starting lineups for both teams not just the home team. They do not announce the arrival of the Flyers for warmups and no goal horn blares when Philadelphia hits the ice. Old-school production value is welcomed. A third point is for the Bubble Hockey and Pop-a-Shot machines on the upper level. Hockey is $2 per game and basketball is $1. The only place in this cashless venue where cash is an option. Final Thoughts Taking in a game at Wells Fargo is worthy of a Stadium Journey. The excitement level and fan support will only get better if the Flyers continue their upward trajectory. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and   Facebook .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Matthews Arena 238 St. Botolph St Boston, MA 02115 Northeastern Huskies men's hockey website Matthews Arena website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 4,666 Last Call at the Doghouse   The city of Boston has a rich sports history, and its venues are some of the most revered in the nation - Fenway Park, Boston Garden, Harvard Stadium. But there is an arena that pre-dates all of them that is still in use today - Matthews Arena on the Northeastern University campus.   Originally named Boston Arena, the facility was renamed for George and Martha Matthews in 1982. Mr. Matthews, class of 1956, served as the Chairman of the Northeastern Board of Trustees for ten years.  He passed away on January 11, 2024 at the age of 93.   The arena was the original home of both the Boston Bruins in 1924 and the New England Whalers in 1972, as well as the site of the first home game for the Boston Celtics in 1946. Virtually every college hockey team in the area, including all four Beanpot schools, have called this arena home. In fact, Matthews Arena is the oldest indoor hockey rink in the world still in use today.   Muhammed Ali trained here, and many of boxing’s biggest names, such as Gene Tunney, Joe Louis, Marvin Hagler and Jack Dempsey fought here. The Frozen Four was held at Matthews Arena in 1960, as was the original Beanpot hockey tournament. More recently, the World Junior Hockey Championships were held here in 1995.   Matthews Arena has always been more than just a sporting venue. Every president from Theodore Roosevelt to John Kennedy visited the venue, as did Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart hosted events here. Concerts by artists as diverse as The Doors, Jerry Lee Lewis, Marvin Gaye, Ludacris, Bob Dylan, The Roots, Chuck Berry and Phish were held at Matthews Arena.   Today, Matthews Arena serves as home to Northeastern men’s and women’s hockey teams, as well as the men’s basketball team. Several area high-school teams also call this old barn home.   The Northeastern men’s hockey team is the least decorated of the four “Beanpot” schools located within Boston city limits. Northeastern has won the prestigious Boston hockey tournament nine times, least among the four participating schools. However, the Huskies have won five out of the last six Beanpots. The team has qualified for the NCAA tournament eight times, reaching the Frozen Four in 1982. 31 former Huskies have played in the National Hockey League.   Northeastern began sponsoring women’s hockey in 1980. The women’s team has qualified for six NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Frozen Four on three occasions. 24 Husky Alumni have played professionally in the CWHL, NWHL/PHF and the PWHL. Northeastern has won 19 Women’s Beanpot championships.   In May 2024 Northeastern filed a letter of intent  to the Boston Planning and Development Agency to construct a new multi-purpose athletics venue, which included plans for the demolition of Matthews Arena. These plans came as concerns surrounding the structural integrity of the facility increased: scaffolding had been erected to support the east end of the arena earlier in 2024, parts of the arena had been closed off, and the foundation, which was built on reclaimed land that was once part of a wharf, was found to be sinking.   Food and Beverage 3   There are a pair of concession stands in the lobby. A larger stand offers a full menu while a second, smaller stand in the back of the lobby serves snacks. Hungry Husky fans can choose from hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken fingers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Sides, including french fries, nachos, pretzels and popcorn are also available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Matthews Arena.   While the menu at Matthews Arena is not extensive, the prices are affordable, and the quality of food served is decent.   Atmosphere 5   We at Stadium Journey like to say the game day experience at any college hockey rink is driven by the student section and pep band. Northeastern does not disappoint in either of these areas. The student section, known as “The Doghouse,” dominates the atmosphere at Matthews Arena. Students fill the balcony sections at the west end of the arena, hanging over the ice and filling the old barn with noise throughout the action. Armed with a repertoire of chants, traditions and routines, the students are as much as part of the action as the players on the ice. They are supported by an excellent pep band, who perform during most play stoppages. Not content with letting the band play alone, the students will sing along, not stopping even as play continues.   Conspicuous by its overwhelming presence is the giant video board installed at Matthews Arena in 2019. Measuring 50 feet long by 13.5 feet high, the scoreboard is put to good use throughout the game with replays, game stats, promotions and social media shout outs. Fans with old-school sensibilities may not enjoy the intrusion of modern technology in the old barn, but Northeastern staff have done a nice job integrating modern technology in this historic location. Neighborhood 4   Northeastern University is located on the edge of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, one of the city’s most popular tourist and shopping destinations. The Fens neighborhood and South End are also within walking distance of the University. Many of Boston’s major attractions are located close to Matthews Arena.   While there are many dining and lodging options near Matthews Arena, most of them will involve a short walk or drive from the facility, which may not be what you want to do on a chilly winter night in Boston. Fans visiting from out of town will want to check out the Prudential Center and Copley Place, located just a few blocks from Matthews Arena. Symphony Hall is just around the corner, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts is a short walk away. In addition, most of Boston’s attractions are easily accessed by a short subway ride. Both the Green and Orange lines have stops less than a block from Matthews Arena.   Fans 4   Husky fans can be a fickle lot, avoiding less glamourous matchups while packing the old barn for marquee matchups. Average attendance in recent seasons numbers about 3,300 fans per game, placing Northeastern right in the middle of all Division One hockey schools in the country.   Northeastern’s membership in Hockey East guarantees that many of the school’s local rivals will visit Matthews Arena every year. These games are well attended, with the proximity of the teams in the conference guaranteeing a solid turnout by visiting fans. When Matthews Arena is full, there is an incredible atmosphere in the old barn.   Hockey is the marquee sport at Northeastern, and a solid turnout from the student body can be expected on most nights. Led by the antics of the Doghouse, there’s a ton of energy and noise in the building.   Access 3   Matthews Arena is located on the eastern edge of Northeastern’s urban campus, near the intersection of Massachusetts and Huntington Avenues. Despite the fact that Matthews Arena is easy to find, that doesn’t make it easy to get to. The ever-present Boston traffic, never-ending construction projects and streets that date back to colonial days make Boston a tough city to drive in. If you must drive, it is best to bring a local along who is familiar with the city landscape. Directions to Matthews Arena can be found here .   Many local fans will choose to take public transportation to Matthews Arena. The MBTA, known locally as the “T”, drops fans off just a couple of blocks from the arena. The E-train of the Green Line has a station at Symphony Hall, and the Orange Line has a stop on Massachusetts Avenue. At just $2.75 for a fare, the T is an affordable alternative for visiting Husky fans.   Fans visiting Matthews Arena will pass under an ornate entry arch into the main lobby. The ticket office, concession stands, and restrooms are all located here. The arena will be located to your right, accessible by a pair of walkways. Seats at Matthews Arena are separated into loge and balcony sections. All seats have excellent views of the action, although some lower-level seats will have an obstructed view of the scoreboard and banners due to the overhang of the balcony.   Fans will have no problem navigating Matthews Arena during a typical game. Expect some long lines when accessing concessions or rest rooms during intermissions. Return on Investment 3   Northeastern uses dynamic pricing for men’s hockey games. Prices start at $15 for most games, with the most expensive tickets priced at $25. Add five dollars for premium games, and an additional $3.75 in ticketing fees when purchasing online.   Parking can be had for no charge (yes, you read that right, free parking in Boston) at the Columbus Street Lot located about a half mile away on the other side of the train tracks from the Arena. As you can imagine, this lot fills quickly. Prices at the lots adjacent to Matthews Arena start at $27 for gameday parking.   Many fans will opt to skip the congestion and cost of driving in Boston, and simply take the T to Matthews Arena. Both the Orange and Green Lines pass within a few blocks of Matthews Arena, and a one-way fare is just $2.75. The Number One bus also has a stop at the arena.   Extras 5   They just don’t build them like this anymore, and that alone is worth an extra point. The exposed brick, the steel tresses, the entry arch that has greeted Boston sports fans for over a century all harken to an earlier time.   The history of Matthews Arena is worth another point. It bears repeating that this is the oldest indoor rink still in used anywhere in the world. The Boston Bruins started here. The Carolina Hurricanes played their first games here (as the New England Whalers of the WHA). The Boston Celtics played here frequently. Presidents, dignitaries, as well as athletes and musicians have visited this site. There is a history here that just can’t be duplicated elsewhere.   Some of this history is on display at Matthews Arena. In addition to banners honoring the success achieved by Northeastern’s basketball and hockey teams, there are banners reminding fans of where the Celtics and Bruins got their starts. Pictures of every varsity hockey team to represent the school are displayed in the lobby. There is also a banner honoring Reggie Lewis, the local basketball star who studied at Northeastern and went on to become an All-Star and captain with the Celtics before passing away of a heart condition while still playing for the team. His funeral was held at Matthews Arena.   A final extra point is awarded to the Doghouse, one of the most active and entertaining student sections in the country. While the Doghouse may not be completely filled every night, the students here never fail to deliver. They may be worth the price of admission all by themselves.   Final Thoughts   While it’s been widely reported that the 2024-2025 season will be Matthews Arena’s last, the final chapter for this old barn has yet to be written. Bureaucratic red tape has already delayed any demolition plans until the end of 2025, meaning the Husky teams may at least begin next season at Matthews. Rumors have begun to circulate that new plans are in the works that will involve a renovation rather than a complete replacement of the facility, given the building’s historic designation. Northeastern has been predictably silent about any future plans, as well as temporary homes for the Husky squads that will be replaced by construction. Despite Matthews Arena’s unclear future, hockey fans should come to Boston to take a last look at this historic rink before it’s too late. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 ODU Volleyball Center 4500 Parker Avenue Norfolk, VA 23529 Old Dominion Monarchs website ODU Volleyball Center website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 900 Monarch Volleyball Located on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, the ODU Volleyball Center is home to the Monarchs' volleyball program, as you might expect from the name. The Volleyball Center is a modern venue opened in 2020, featuring 900 chairback seats, a spacious lobby, and practice facilities. When creating the ODU volleyball program in 2020, the Monarchs elected to build a state-of-the-art new facility, renovating an old athletic administration building, rather than play in the basketball arena or an old practice gym as some other schools do. The move has definitely paid off for them, as this is a high-quality arena. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand at a window in the lobby of the ODU Volleyball Complex. The menu is pretty simple. Hot dogs are $6, peanuts (in a large bag from Texas Roadhouse) are $5, nachos are $6, chips are $3, candy is $5, and popcorn is $5.50. To drink, bottled water and soda are $5 and Gatorade is $6. Alcohol is available at a cart outside the entrance to the building, but as the alcohol can only be consumed in this outdoor area, it is not very popular at all. Atmosphere 5 Walking into the ODU Volleyball Center will put you in a spacious lobby with several displays honoring Monarchs volleyball. You will buy your tickets at a table located straight ahead, then walk through the doors on your right to enter the arena. All seats are chairbacks, almost all along the sidelines, with an excellent view of the action on the court. As the court was designed for volleyball rather than basketball, which has a much wider playing area, the sideline seats are quite close to the action. A videoboard plays a hype video before the game, then functions as a scoreboard as well as graphic display. It seems to be capable of displaying player stats, but when Stadium Journey visited, it briefly displayed the player stats from the previous game before that functionality went away entirely for the remainder of the match. Before the game, the lights go down as a spotlight shines on the court and the Monarchs are introduced. Then the hype video plays to get the crowd fired up. With the low ceilings, it can get quite loud throughout the game (more on that in the Fans section) and the atmosphere here can be quite spectacular. Neighborhood 3 The ODU Volleyball Center is located in the middle of the Old Dominion campus, in a residential neighborhood, so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head a few blocks east on 43rd Street to the vicinity of Chartway Arena, there are many options for visitors to enjoy. La Herradura is a popular Mexican restaurant, and Del Vecchios is known for its pizza. If you make the short drive into downtown Norfolk, you will find even more options. Fans 5 The ODU Volleyball Center seats about 900 fans, and while it is not usually completely full, it does come close, drawing 600-700 fans a game, including many locals and students. This is far from a friends and family crowd that you see at some schools. The fans in attendance are quite loud, boosted by the low ceilings and tight walls. Then the Monarchs have a set point, they rise to their feet, cheer, and urge them to finish the task. While ODU certainly doesn't have the largest volleyball crowds in the country, the fan support is just right for the size of the arena. You should still be able to get tickets, no need to worry about it selling out, but you will find an electric fan atmosphere here. Access 4 The city of Norfolk is accessible via many highways, including I-64, I-564, I-264, and I-664. The ODU campus is easily accessible from all of them. However, if coming from points north and west of Norfolk, you will likely need to take one of the bridge-tunnels across either the harbor or the bay. These can have long backups at times, particularly later in the season as summer approaches and people start heading to the beach. Be sure to allow extra time to get across. Once you are on campus, parking is available in Lot 43 as well as in the parking garage at Elkhorn Avenue and 43rd Street. In either location, parking is $2 per hour on weekdays, payable via your mobile phone. Follow the instructions on the posted signs, which will tell you how to pay. Be warned that the campus authorities do ticket cars who don't pay. On weekends, parking is free. Restrooms are available in the lobby and are of a sufficient size for the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all ODU regular season volleyball games is just $5. Military gets in for $4 with valid ID and ODU students get in for free. Tickets are purchased at the door when you arrive and can't be purchased in advance. This is a good value, but the cost to park brings this down a little. Try to go on a weekend to maximize your value. Extras 4 Free programs are available as you come in. Two stars here for the lion statue in the lobby - a reference to ODU's mascot - and the photos of ODU volleyball players on display. Monarchs volleyball has clearly made this place their home. A fourth and final star for the pregame hype video and player introductions with the spotlight to get the crowd fired up. Final Thoughts The ODU Volleyball Center is a high-quality, modern facility that is just the right fit for the Monarchs volleyball program. It is just the right size for the fan support the Monarchs attract, and the athletic department puts a lot of effort into the fan experience here. It is good to see ODU build a modern volleyball arena for their program rather than simply put up a net in a basketball arena that would be far too large, or stick them in an old practice gym. Volleyball fans in this area of Virginia will definitely want to check out a game at ODU.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Carter-Finley Stadium 4600 Trinity Rd Raleigh, NC 27607 North Carolina State Wolfpack website Carter-Finley Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 56,919 The Strength of The Wolf Is the Pack Carter-Finley Stadium opened on October 8, 1966, as South Carolina beat NC State in front of 35,200 fans. For nearly three and a half decades little in terms of renovations were done at Carter-Finley. In 2001, the beloved grass hill at the stadium's south end was removed as seats were added and the 108,000 square foot Murphy Football Center was built above those seats. Vaughn Towers, now Towne Bank Center, was built in 2004 and houses 51 luxury suites and 1200 club seats. In 2006, the old field house in the north end zone was torn down and seating was added in that end zone as well. A new video board was added before the 2023 season that measures 43 feet tall and 166 feet wide and is one of the top 10 largest in college football. Carter-Finley now seats nearly 57,000 and is regarded as one of the toughest places to play in the ACC. Carter-Finley has hosted numerous concerts over its lifespan, as well as the NHL Stadium Series game in 2023 between the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes. Food & Beverage 4 Carter-Finley Stadium offers a good variety of concessions, which include subs, BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, and pizza. Other options include the Loaded Mac, which is cheddar mac with shredded cheese and tortilla chips, as well as the Buffalo Mac which has buffalo pulled chicken. Popcorn, peanuts, and soft pretzels are also offered. Bottled Coke products are available as well as several alcoholic beverages. If you are looking for something beyond standard concession food, visit Raleighwood in the northeast corner of the stadium near the video board. This area has food trucks, beverage stations, and tents with picnic and cocktail tables. Some of the offerings are The Pit BBQ and the Lowes Food Beer Den. Atmosphere 5 Carter-Finley Stadium is an enclosed stadium with the lower level completely enclosing the playing surface. The stadium is flanked by two matching upper decks on the east and west sidelines. Sitting atop the west side upper deck is the Towne Bank Tower. From the exterior, Carter-Finley does not seem imposing as the lower level is completely dug into the ground; therefore, the stadium concourse is ground level when you enter. There is little room on the sidelines and the stands are very close to the field., which creates an intimidating on-field atmosphere. The majority of the seating at Carter-Finley is bench seating except for parts of the end zone and the club areas. Chairbacks are available to rent and to be installed on your seat for either a season or a single game. If you are attending an early season game, you will want to sit on the west side as the sun on the east side will make you hot! NC State’s marching band “The Power Sound of the South” starts out playing pregame around the parking lots, which continues to the on-field pregame festivities and throughout the game. Also, during pregame, the “Alpha Wolf” leads the “WOLF” –“PACK” cheer. This is normally NC State alumni or football legends. These have included included Bill Cowher, Scotty McCreery, and Peyton Wilson. Neighborhood 2 Carter-Finley Stadium is located adjacent to PNC Arena in West Raleigh near the NC State Fairgrounds. While there is plenty of parking and great tailgating, there is little to do within walking distance before or after the game. The only restaurants within walking distance are Backyard Bistro, Wendy’s, and Bojangles. Backyard Bistro is a great place to hang out and get food and drinks before a game. Likewise, the only hotel in walking distance is the Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh, which is behind the Backyard Bistro. However, the charm of college football is tailgating, so the lack of nearby restaurants is not a big deal to NC State fans. Since you will most likely be driving to the stadium, be sure to check out Amedeos Italian Restaurant near campus which is full of NC State memorabilia. Area activities to consider are the NC Museum of Art and Park, which is about 1 mile from the stadium, and the NC state capitol and museums in downtown Raleigh. Fans 5 NC State has some of the most passionate fans in the ACC. Most games are either a sellout or if not have over 55,000 in attendance. For the 2024 season, NC State sold out every game before the season started. Fans are loud and into the game. Expect to hear chants of “WOLF” - “PACK” echoing during the game. If there is a knock on NC State fans it is because Carter-Finley Stadium allows pass-outs (fans can go to their car and tailgate at halftime). Therefore, the stadium is not always full when the third quarter starts. However, if itis a close game, expect the stadium to be packed again midway through the third quarter and loud as ever in the fourth! Access 4 Carter-Finley Stadium is easily accessible by car as it sits near the intersection of I-40 and I-440 in West Raleigh. If you are flying into the area, the Raleigh-Durham airport is only 10 miles away and provides all the major airlines. Nearly all of the parking around the stadium is available only through donor parking passes, so unless you can snag one of those online, your best bet is to try some of the general parking areas nearby. The Cardinal Lot (5766 Chapel Hill Road) is available for $20-$30 per game depending on the opponent. There is also paid parking at the Bojangles just down the street from the stadium. Carter-Finley does have a clear bag policy, but entry is fairly easy as long as you arrive 30-60 minutes before game time. As you approach kickoff, the lines will back up. Once inside, there is a large 360-degree concourse around the stadium between the two levels, which allows you to easily access anywhere in the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for NC State football games range from $35-$100 depending on opponent. Throw in the cost of parking and concessions and it can become expensive. However, this is on par with most of power five football. If you are looking to save, plan on attending a non-conference game against an FCS or group of five opponents. Extras 3 Extra points for: - NC State’s two mascots: Mr. and Mrs. Wuf - The Bandit flight teams which fly over before every game - Raleighwood food truck area Final Thoughts While not the largest venue in the ACC, it is one of the loudest and toughest to play. If you can attend a night game against a good opponent, the atmosphere will not disappoint.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 WCBA State Farm Showcase website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 A Celebration of Women’s College Basketball College basketball in-season tournaments are always a great ticket, featuring numerous teams from across the country in one place at one time. The ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is home to three such tournaments in late fall – the newest of these is the WBCA State Farm Showcase, a three-day event featuring 8 women’s college basketball teams from across the country. This event features plenty of action for an affordable price in a stellar location. Held inside State Farm Field House, this is a popular stop just before the Thanksgiving holiday for fans of participating teams.   Food & Beverage   2 There are usually a lot of options at Wide World of Sports, but the WBCA Showcase is limited to just two concession stands. Inside State Farm Field House itself, the concessions include burgers ($9.50), house salads ($10.50), hot dogs ($9.50), Mickey Ice Cream Bars ($6.50), and pretzels ($8.50). Drinks include beer and alcohol at a stand just across the hall from the food stand, as well as bottled water ($4) and fountain sodas ($6).   Atmosphere   3 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily. ESPN logos are all over the facility, and past champion banners are hung above the VIP seating area. During the WBCA Showcase, seating is only open on one sideline and one baseline of the arena, limiting the fan noise due to the decreased number of fans in attendance. Neighborhood   5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi or a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans   3 The games are split into two games per day. Tickets are sold by day, which means if you go to catch both games, you may notice one game is more or less popular than the other, depending on the fans who traveled for each team. While this can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. The noise is also amplified inside, so each layup and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family friendly atmosphere than some team’s home games might have . Access   4 Getting to the Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right up close to the main entrance. Now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to State Farm Field House is simple; there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are very affordable, ranging from just $30 for the upper sidelines and lower baseline, up to $50 for the lower sideline. All seating is first-come, first-served general admission within each seating area. A two-day ticket is available for $70. With the addition of free parking, and respectable concession prices, this tournament is incredibly affordable compared taking in multiple games separately. Extras   4 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There also are numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on inside, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. TV screens throughout the Wide World of Sports are also constantly playing various ESPN channels, fully immersing you in sports. Fans can also purchase shirts and other merchandise for the tournament at the event store behind the baseline seating in the main concourse, and finally, the Wade Trophy, presented annually to the best player in college women's basketball, is on display in the main concourse, giving fans a chance to see it up close and take pictures with it.   Final Thoughts The WBCA Showcase is a new and exciting addition to the college basketball invitational landscape. It also is a great addition to the ESPN Wide World of Sports facility’s calendar. Being located in such a family friendly location, this is an ideal tournament to visit in November, especially for those fans looking to escape the colder weather up north.

Photo courtesy of the Texas Bowl On Wednesday, December 4th, Lone Star Sports and Entertainment and ESPN Events – the joint partners that present and own the annual Texas Bowl  – announced a new a new title sponsor that will begin this season. Texas based company Kinder’s will serve as the new title sponsor for the game , which will feature a matchup of a Big 12 team against an SEC team at NRG Stadium in Houston on December 31st. According to a news release, Kinder’s is recognized as “a leading provider of premium quality sauces and seasonings” and has been in business for over 75 years. Founded by World War II veteran John Kinder in San Pablo, CA in 1946, the company is known for its lines of barbecue and wing sauces, as well as its spice rubs. “We are beyond excited to announce our partnership with the Texas Bowl ,” said Kinder’s Co-CEO & Chief Brand Officer Jim Hart in a news release. “At Kinder’s we appreciate the kind of obsession it takes for these athletes and coaches to get to this level. We aspire to bring that same passion and commitment to everything we make, and it is a privilege to be part of providing the stage for them to showcase their incredible talents.” This will be the 19th edition of the Texas Bowl – the 2023 edition saw the then # 22 ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys defeat the Texas A&M Aggies by a score of 31-23 in front of an announced crowd of over 55,000. According to Texas Bowl representatives, since 2014 the contest has become the most-attended bowl game outside of those participating in the College Football Playoffs. “We are thrilled to welcome Kinder’s to our family here in Houston as the title sponsor of the Kinder’s Texas Bowl,” said Lone Star Sports & Entertainment General Manager David Fletcher. “Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the passion for food, family, and football, so to have an opportunity to work with a partner like Kinder’s who values each of those to further enhance the experience for fans, teams, and our community, it is truly special.” Kickoff for the 2024 edition of the Kinder’s Texas Bowl is scheduled for 2:30pm, and the game will be simulcast on ESPN and ESPN+. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Denny Faith Field at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium 49 N Main St Albany, TX 76430 Albany Lions website Danny Faith Field at Robert Nail Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 2,906 Albany HS Albany, Texas is a small bedroom community in Shackelford County, approximately 30 miles northeast of Abilene. Established in 1873 in the shadows of Fort Griffin, Albany became an important support community and valued stop on the Western Cattle Drive Trail. Blazed by Captain John T. Lytle, the trail allowed Southern ranchers to drive an estimated six million head of cattle north, to provide stock cattle for growing northern ranches and supply reservations on the northern Great Plains. In Albany today, like most small Texas towns, on fall Friday nights the focus of most citizens shifts to the local high school football field. The field in this historic community is fittingly draped in its own bit of lore, as it was built into the hill where the original Albany public school was built in 1884. Interestingly, the stadium’s namesake Robert Nail was not known for his athletic prowess, but for being a playwright, most notably writing Fort Griffin Fandangle, the oldest outdoor musical in Texas. Coach Denny Faith, whom the field was dedicated to in 2019, is still the Head Coach and Athletic Director here, with over 40 years of service to the community.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Albany games benefit the Albany Athletic Booster club. While there are no specialty food items available, stereotypical fare is served. If large items are to your liking, burgers, hot dogs, Frito pie, and nachos are available for $6 or less. Snack items include candy bars, pretzels, chips, pickles, and popcorn for $1 to $4 each. 20-ounce Coca-Cola products, water, and Powerade are all available for $2. There are also hamburger, hot dog, and Frito pie meal deals that include a drink, chips, and candy for a discounted price – at the most recent game I attended, I purchased a burger meal deal which included a cheeseburger, chips, Coke Zero, and Snickers for $10.   Atmosphere   3 Walking up to the main gate, you are welcomed by two regal, statuesque lions guarding an imposing large stone archway. The iconic image is impressive and sets the tone for a memorable experience. When you realize that the stones utilized to form the entrance were from the original school, which dates back to the early 1920s, the nod to history is evident. Add in unusual features such as stair-step home stands made of native stone, and a corner of the southeast end zone that is mere feet from the surrounding trees and perimeter fence, and fans are welcomed to a one-of-a-kind encounter. The home side lower section also has several rows of natural tiered seating built into the hill – these tiers are lined with stone and are wide enough for folding chairs, which prove popular with knowledgeable fans. When the teams run onto the field here, each respective school’s band plays, and the crowd cheers. Albany has a loud air horn that blows on big plays to excite the fans as well; the game is exciting and the air is filled with energy all night.   Neighborhood   4 Even though it is the county seat of Shackelford County, Albany is basically a bedroom community due to its location just 30 miles northeast of Abilene. Surrounded by numerous large working ranches and with a rich history steeped in western lore, it is no surprise that Albany has a strong agricultural background. Along with oil production and wildlife hunting, industry tied to the land is a major factor in the area. There is one hotel in Albany, a few blocks from Robert Nail Memorial Stadium. The Albany Inn is within walking distance, but several more options are about 28 miles southwest, in Abilene – just a couple of suggestions out of many include Comfort Suites  and Holiday Inn Express And Suites . If you have extra time, the Old Jail Art Center , Fort Griffin State Park , the historic downtown area, and Webb Memorial Park and Swimming Pool are all interesting places to visit. If visiting Abilene, family entertainment options to consider include the Abilene Zoo , Frontier Texas , the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature , Grace Museum , and the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame . There are a few restaurant choices just a few blocks from the stadium – these include Goodnight Steakhouse and Saloon, Ice House, Los Cazadores Mexican Restaurant, and Dairy Queen. I would suggest Goodnight Steakhouse if you have the time for a well-cooked steak. There are also numerous choices at the Interstate 20/Highway 351 intersection if you are coming from Abilene. Or, if you are traveling from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, budget an extra hour or so into your travels and stop in Strawn at Mary’s for a chicken fried steak!   Fans   4 Like most high school football games in Texas, the crowd is large and highly involved. There is a saying used here – “The whole town shuts down on Friday nights for the football game”, which might very well apply in Albany. It seems that most of the hillside lower seating is packed, and much of the metal stands above the walkway are filled as well. During my most recent visit, the visitor side was packed tightly, and overflow fans were lined up on both sides of the fence from end zone to end zone.   Access   4 Albany is located 30 miles northeast of Abilene, Texas on US Highway 180, via Texas Highway 351. Nail Stadium is easily visible, one block off Main Street (US-180) behind the First Baptist Church. There are entry gates on either the home (north) or visitor (south) side of the facility. There is a large parking lot between the church and Nail Stadium, with handicap parking and full ADA access available on the home side of the venue. Parking on the visitor side will be along South First Street, but that gate is only accessible via large steps.   Return on Investment   5 Ticket prices to attend games in Albany are $5 for adults and $3 for school aged students. There is no charge for parking. Figure in the ability to purchase a tasty meal deal from the concession stand and you get an excellent return on investment here. Extras   4 The aforementioned two lions in front of the stone archway give a majestic feel to the entrance. Despite the east-west orientation of the field, which can cause issues for the players, you’ll get a nice sunset – west Texas sunsets are always worth extra points, no matter your location. The merchandise booth housed in the historic rock building, plus the tiered step seating, bridge generations of Lions history and continue to carry the legacy of Robert Nail into the future.   Final Thoughts Texas high school football is popular, as evidenced by the famous book and subsequent movie and TV show, all with the same name, Friday Night Lights . While many communities across the Lone Star State have built new, shiny, state of the art multipurpose facilities, Albany has gone against the counterculture and continues to play football on the same field where the game was played over a century ago. Denny Faith Field has some unique features which are memorable; considering the history of the Lions athletic program since Coach Faith has been its leader, a trip to historic Nail Stadium should be on every casual high school football fan’s bucket list.

For two drama-filled seasons, Netflix's Last Chance U followed every move of the Eastern Los Angeles College (ELAC) basketball team. ELAC assistant "Coach Rob" was an audience favorite. Since the show, Coach Rob has moved on from ELAC and taken the head basketball coach position at MiraCosta College (MCC). Coach Rob AKA Rob Robinson was nice enough to let us play catch up.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So how does the MiraCosta position come to fruition? How difficult is the process? How many interviews did you have to go through? COACH ROB: Getting a Cali Juco job is not easy. There are a ton of candidates for every job. I had 3 interviews for this job, two of them informal.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Was there any discussion, even for half a minute, of Last Chance U shooting at MiraCosta? COACH ROB: No discussion of LCU at MCC. The production company who creates LCU had other ventures they were pursuing the moment they wrapped on our Season 2. STADIUM JOURNEY: How much contact do you have with Greg Whiteley (LCU's creator)? COACH ROB: I haven't spoken to Greg since the premiere showing of Season 2 at Netflix HQ in Hollywood. But I periodically speak to most of the people who were a part of producing the show.  STADIUM JOURNEY: LCU shot two seasons at ELAC, but there's been nothing since, basketball or football. Any insight into the future of LCU? COACH ROB: I don't think LCU will happen again. They're looking to do more shows like the cheerleading series they just did in Texas.  STADIUM JOURNEY: How did you initially connect with Coach Mosely? Also, Is ELAC on MiraCosta's schedule this season? COACH ROB: Me and Mo had a mutual friend-coach who we're both close with. That friend was the assistant coach there before me. He called me up and said go to ELAC and meet Mosley. I went down there one summer day, spent 6 hours in the gym and his office. I knew it was the place I was supposed to be at that moment.  STADIUM JOURNEY: After twenty years coaching high school ball at an elite level, you took a leap of faith and accepted a volunteer position - with a long commute. What was your mindset at that point? COACH ROB: I wanted to be a college basketball coach. I had done about as much as I could do at the high school level. My belief in hard work and doing right by the game has always paid off for me. My future was murky at best when I showed up at ELAC for my first day on the job, but I knew if I gave everything I had to ELAC, Mosley and those players, that in the end, I would be in a good spot. No one is going to outwork me. You might beat me, but you're not going to out work me. I don't ever think about the end. My focus is always on doing things that get me the result I want in the end. At ELAC, I was determined to be the best assistant coach in all of hoops each day.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Coach Hunter had one of the best moments in LCU history: his locker room pep talk to Joe Hampton, which only the cameras witnessed firsthand. Did you have any idea that this took place at the time? What were your thoughts on this wonderful moment? COACH ROB: Ken has those moments with all the guys at some point. He knows just what to say and when to say it. Joe needed more of those moments than most though. STADIUM JOURNEY: At ELAC, you hung the team's uniforms with such love and care, and you continue to do so. Discuss. COACH ROB:  Humility.  I wish I could say I was always humble, always a servant, but that's not the case. It took me some years to figure out what my purpose in basketball was. Once I started focusing on everyone around me, my teams got better. The culture in the locker room got better. And my outlook on the game became clear. I am here to make young men better. Basketball is what I use to do that. Washing the gear and hanging them each day reminds me each morning as to why I'm here and what my focus should be.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Your side hustle is making fun t-shirts and other fun accessories. Where can these items be purchased? COACH ROB:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/jumpstops-chest-passes-and-jabs/ Jumpstops, Chest Passes and Jabs | Official Merchandise | Bonfire Check out Jumpstops, Chest Passes and Jabs on Bonfire and shop official merchandise today! Featuring limited edition custom apparel, printed with care in the USA just for you. www.bonfire.com STADIUM JOURNEY: Favorite t-shirt or two that you've created? COACH ROB: Jump Stops will change your life. It's my favorite shirt and saying.  STADIUM JOURNEY: How much interaction is there between the MiraCosta basketball and surf teams? COACH ROB: Our surf team is rarely on campus. But me and the beach volleyball coach hang out every day. We both love the sand and Star Wars.  Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 5300 Winder Hwy Braselton, GA 30517 SpeedTour website Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 Vintage Atlanta Power While synonymous with the 10 hour Petit Le Mans endurance classic , this facility has become a perfect location to kick of your spring of racing through the hills of northern Georgia. 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. Food & Beverage   3 There aren’t a lot of concession stands at this track – one lies in the outer paddock behind the Michelin Tower, where you can find burgers ($8.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($8.99), hot dogs ($6.99), chicken tenders ($9.99), and more standard fare. Fries ($5.99) and drinks (soda, water, beer, and energy drinks) are also offered. Another stand is located in the infield near the Turn 5 area, and various food trucks populate the fan zone midway. Atmosphere   3 The event is like many on the SpeedTour schedule, with three days of support races as well as practice sessions for the main event, to fill the entire slate at Road Atlanta. Fans have access to both paddocks with their event ticket, allowing you to get up close to all the drivers and cars in between track sessions. On Saturday and Sunday before the Trans Am headliner races, the cars roll out to pit lane and grid up to their starting positions. Here, fans can walk the grid freely, getting up close to the cars, meeting their favorite drivers, and snagging some free swag from some of the teams. While the track lacks modern facilities throughout, the fans make up for those deficiencies. And while low for many races at the track, the attendance is respectable for an SVR event. Neighborhood   3 The main downside to Road Atlanta is its location – an hour north of Atlanta proper, this track isn’t near much. Aside from a few small hotels and fast foot locations a few miles down the road, Road Atlanta is very much dominated by rolling hills, suburbs, and farmland. A 15-minute drive south gets you to Buford and the big Mall of Georgia, however, where you can find plentiful hotels and restaurants. Also nearby is Chateau Elan resort and golf course for a more high-level resort experience; recreation can also be found outdoors in nearby Lanier.   Fans   3 The fans at Road Atlanta show up for many events throughout the year, and the SVRA and Trans Am SpeedTour weekend is no different. Camping is plentiful around the circuit, and fans pack the fan walk during pre-race. That said, the numbers still come nowhere close to those of th e IMSA   and HSR events at the circuit.   Access   5 To get to Road Atlanta, Exit 129 on I-85 or Exit 17 on I-985 will both get you to the track in the most direct manner – being located equidistant between these two interstate exits means that getting in and out is easy. Once at the track, parking is plentiful, and the facility also offers a tram that takes fans around the track to the various viewing areas.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for SpeedTour weekend at Road Atlanta, and even for a weekend pass, you’re going to pay measurably less than what you’d pay if you go watch IMSA’s Petit Le Mans event   at this same track.   Extras   4 SpeedTour Weekend at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta sometimes includes autograph sessions, for all fans to attend for the various series in attendance, completely included in the price of admission. In addition, fans are invited into victory lane for the Trans Am Series during the event. You can also see the improvements at the circuit over the past decade, including a new tower at Turn 1. In addition, the fan midway offers various sponsor displays and interactive activations that offer plenty of giveaways. Final Thoughts While known for bigger races, the SVRA SpeedTour event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is well worth the price of admission – the circuit is iconic, fan friendly for viewing angles, and offers great action on track. No doubt a highlight of the Trans Am season schedule, Road Atlanta is a must see for any sportscar diehard.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Schout Performance Arena @ Wilmot Recreation Complex 1291 Nafziger Road Baden, ON N3A 0C4 New Hamburg Firebirds website Wilmot Recreation Complex website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 750 Wilmot Fire Junior C hockey is just a bit different.  Whether it is the small towns or the cold arenas or the local advertisement on the jersey where the player’s name would traditionally be found, hockey at the Junior C level in Ontario is an animal unto itself.  One of the oldest hockey franchises in the Junior C, Provincial Junior Hockey League is the New Hamburg Firebirds.  Founded in 1953 as the New Hamburg Legion Jrs, the Firebirds spent time as the CL RothsHahns and the Spirit 83’s before settling on the Firebirds in 1997.  The Firebirds currently play in the South Doherty Division of the PJHL.  The Firebirds have enjoyed some success over the years, bringing home seven league or conference titles as well as the ultimate prize, the Schmalz Cup as champions of Junior C hockey, on two occasions. Home for the Firebirds is the Schout Performance Arena @ Wilmot Recreation Complex.  Built in 2007, the Wilmot Recreation Complex is located in Wilmot Township, between the towns of New Hamburg and Baden.  Previous to moving to the Rec Complex, the Firebirds played in the town of New Hamburg, proper, but have retained the New Hamburg moniker even after moving out of town.  The Wilmot Recreation Complex acts as a community hub for the entire township with a pair of ice rinks, a swimming pool, community rooms and sports fields. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession at the Wilmot Recreation Complex is found on the main floor in the lobby and not only services Schout Performance Arena, but the entire complex.  Traditional snack bar fare is found here including hot dogs, burgers, fries, onion rings, chicken fingers, candy, chocolate, popcorn and nachos, along with bagels, fruit and Kraft Dinner.  Beverage options include soda, water, slushies, milk coffee, tea and hot chocolate.  In the upper lobby on game days, the Blueline Club offers a limited selection of beer options. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of the Wilmot Recreation Complex has a modern, attractive look with brown brick, light siding and glass at the main entry.  The arena area has a curious blue on the moderately sloped arch roof.  Fans entering the main entrance on the hockey side of the building, will be brought into a bright, attractive, modern lobby.  Walking into the lobby, fans pass right under the “Wall of Fame” which features team pictures of minor hockey championship teams.  The lobby has a number of interesting nuggets for treasure hunters to peruse including plenty of old photos and trophy cases for the Firebirds and other local sports.  Entry to the Schout Performance Arena is found up the stairs and an upper lobby welcomes patrons with more historic nuggets.  Of note upstairs are the trophy cases dedicated to local historic spots in New Hamburg, complete with historic timelines and artifacts.  The New Hamburg Arboretum and Movie Theatre are presented here. Although the Complex services the entirety of Wilmot Township, including the communities of Baden and New Dundee, it seems very New Hamburg centric.  The upper lobby also has windows that look out to the ice surface.  Firebirds merchandise and 50/50 tickets are sold from temporary tables in the upper lobby. Inside the Schout Performance Arena, fans will be welcomed to the ice surface which is southeast-northwest oriented.  Seven rows of blue arena seats are found on the northeast side with one row of benches at the top and small counters behind, perfect for the very popular standing room.  A path behind the standing room also offers a peek into the other rink.  Above and below the windows on the southeast end that look in from the upper lobby, are two rows of minor hockey championship banners.  On the northwest side, the Firebirds have created an impressive, neat and concise display of championship banners from the franchises different eras, complete with dates for each team era.  At the end of the championship banner is the retired number 5 of Firebird Brad Roote, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1990, while still a player.  The gameday production at a firebirds game is very simple, including the steadfast promotions found in seemingly every Junior C hockey experience, the 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck.  The PA system is decent and music is played during the warmups and stoppages in play. Neighbourhood 3 The Wilmot Recreation Complex is located in a rural area between the communities of Baden and New Hamburg.  There is not much of anything within walking distance of the complex so using the car and heading east or west for pre or post game food and drink is a necessity.  The Baden Hotel is a decent spot in Baden and some options in New Hamburg include Scam & Dram, The Old Country and Mother Flockers in New Hamburg.  The Firebirds are definitely the top draw when it comes to sports in Wilmot Township.  The beauty of the Doherty Division is the extremely close proximity of the rivals and trips to see the Wellesley Applejacks, Woodstock Navy Vets and Tavistock Braves  are just a few minutes in the car.  As far as other sporting options, heading west to Stratford or east to Kitchener-Waterloo is necessary.  Other tourist options include Castle Kilbride and Moparfest.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, Puddicombe House and Newburg Inn are options, otherwise KW or Stratford will be necessary. Fans 4 Assessing fans in the PJHL is challenging as attendance stats are not published or congregated by the league.  The Firebirds normally attract over 400 fans per game.  The 2024-25 season has the Firebirds averaging 446 fans per game, at the time of writing.  The previous season saw the Firebirds attract 408 fans per game.  Firebird fans are knowledgeable and supportive and louder than other fan bases, but not over the top.   Access 4 The Wilmot Recreation Complex is located between the communities of New Hamburg and Baden on Nafziger Road.  The complex is easily accessible from Highway 8, which is the largest highway in the area.  There is plenty of free parking on the premises for patrons.  For fans wishing to take public transit, there is a Grand River Transit link to Wilmot that stops at the Recreation Complex.  However, it may not be feasible to rely on transit for Firebirds games.  Fans should consult the Grand River Transit website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the Wilmot Recreation Complex is not too difficult, however there are plenty of stairs getting to the upper lobby and then the Schout Performance Arena.  Washroom facilities are adequate for the facility.  The entry system is a bit convoluted as patrons must purchase a ticket, and are handed a “beer” ticket, which must immediately be turned in for a paper bracelet which allows entry to the Schout Performance Arena. Return on Investment 5 Junior C hockey is definitely a bargain.  Tickets for the New Hamburg Firebirds can be had for $10.  Students and seniors get in for $7 and children are only $5.  Parking at the complex is free and concession prices are what one would expect.  The Firebirds are usually competitive and the product on the ice is good. Extras 2 An extra mark for the embracing and display of history at the Wilmot Recreation Complex. An extra mark for the Wilmot Recreation Complex as a community hub linking the communities of Wilmot Township. Final Thoughts Taking in some Junior C hockey at the Wilmot Recreation Complex is not a bad idea at all.  The New Hamburg Firebirds ice a good product and provide a good, comfortable atmosphere for Junior C hockey. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 John F. Coughlin Memorial Field 486 Chandler St. Worcester, MA 01602 Worcester State Lancers football website Coughlin Field website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 2,000 The Home of Lancer Football   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.   John F. Coughlin Memorial Field is home to the Worcester State football, soccer, field hockey, and women’s lacrosse teams. An eight-lane track surrounds the field and is used by the school’s track and field teams. The stadium has been the host of state championships in several sports. Upgrades to the facility in 2019 saw the installation of new turf, light, and sound systems as well as a new scoreboard in the north end zone.   John Coughlin was the coach of some legendary Worcester State hockey teams. Under his leadership, the Lancers won the ECAC championship four times (1972, 1973, 1974, and 1977). The 1972 team scored 252 goals in only 24 games. Mr. Coughlin was also the founder of the Worcester Little League and was instrumental in the formation of the Worcester PeeWee Youth Hockey Association.   Football has been played at Worcester State University since 1969, first as a club team, then as a varsity sport starting in 1985. Today the Lancers compete in the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) alongside several other schools in and around Massachusetts. Worcester State has won three conference championships over its history and has played in seven bowl games, most recently in 2011.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a small concession stand near the entrance to Coughlin Field. This stand serves up burgers and hot dogs right off the grill, as well as assorted candy, bottles of Pepsi products, and water. It’s a basic menu, but prices are cheap and the quality is decent.   Atmosphere 2   The game day presentation at a Lancers football game is pretty basic, as you would likely expect at a small facility such as this.   Music plays over a decent sound system throughout the afternoon. The cheerleading and dance squads perform on the sidelines throughout the games but are difficult to hear unless you happen to be sitting near them. Scoreboards on either end of the field display basic game information. The PA announcer doesn’t bring a lot of energy to the proceedings, but that isn’t a knock against his work. His workmanlike delivery fits in perfectly with the surroundings.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester State University is located in the Tatnuck neighborhood of Worcester, a residential neighborhood known as a safe and quiet part of the city despite its proximity to downtown. The name Tatnuck means “up the great hill.” The school does indeed feature several buildings constructed on a steep hill.   While there aren’t many dining or lodging options right around WSU, downtown Worcester is only two and a half miles away. Located here is the city’s famous Restaurant Row, Shrewsbury Street, where dozens of restaurants, shops, and businesses are concentrated along a two-mile stretch of road. Also located downtown is the DCU Center , home of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers. The up-and-coming Canal District is home to Polar Park , home of the Worcester Red Sox. Even though there are 14 colleges in and around Worcester, Holy Cross fields the only Division One teams. Fitton Field and the Hart Recreation Center  anchor the facilities there.   More information about the city of Worcester and things to do around campus can be found here.   Fans 2   The crowds at a Lancers football game can vary greatly in size depending on the opponent, day of the week and weather. Most crowds top out at around 1,000 people, a respectable number for a school of this size. Stadium Journey often refers to crowds of this size as a “friends and family” type of crowd, as the majority of fans in the stands have a connection with the players down on the field. As a result, most of the fans are knowledgeable about the game and boisterous in their support.   Stadium Journey attended the 2024 season opener against cross-town rival Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The announced crowd was 1,150, with those numbers bolstered by WPI fans, who outnumbered Worcester State fans by a factor of two to one.   Access 3   WSU is located in the northwestern part of Worcester, about two and a half miles from downtown and near many of the other colleges located in the city. Detailed directions to the WSU campus can be found here . While most visitors to WSU will drive to campus, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority runs a “ college route ,” a shuttle connecting Holy Cross, Assumption University, and Worcester State University. WRTA’s number 2 and 6 buses also stop at the entrance to campus on May Street.   Coughlin Field is located on the western edge of the WSU campus alongside many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including Rockwood Field and Lancer Gymnasium. There is a parking lot to the north of the football field which is large enough to accommodate a typical Lancer crowd, with additional parking on the east side of the stadium. With the small footprint of the college, any point on campus is just a short walk away.   Seating at Coughlin Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in one large grandstand. All seats are between the 30-yard lines. There is plenty of standing room along the fence on the east side of the field. This is also where the entrance to the field, concession stand, and port-a-johns are located. Unfortunately, there are no permanent restroom facilities here. The school’s track circles the football field, pushing the grandstand further from the gridiron.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to a Lancers football game costs just five dollars, with seniors and students admitted for three dollars. Youths under 12 years of age are admitted free of charge. Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the stadium. Concessions are inexpensive, with no item priced more than six dollars. Make sure to bring some cash with you, as cards of any type are not accepted at Coughlin Field. You won’t need much.   Extras 1   There is a 50/50 raffle held at each game to raise funds for the other Lancers athletic teams.   Final Thoughts   Coughlin Field is a basic facility that suits the needs of the Worcester State Lancers football team well. What this field lacks in flash, it more than makes up for in value. Fans of small college football will feel right at home here at Worcester State University.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Sun Life Financial Arena @ Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex 101 Father David Bauer Drive Waterloo, ON N2L 0B4 Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins website Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 3,400 Historic Siskins One of the longest running Junior hockey teams in Canada is the Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins.  Founded in 1934 as the Waterloo Tiger Cubs, the Siskins have spent time as the Orphans and Kents until rebranding as the Waterloo Siskins in 1947.  They have played at the Junior B level in Ontario for the duration of their history and currently reside in the Western Conference of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL).  When the Kitchener Dutchmen franchise was sold and moved to Ayr to become the Ayr Centennials  in 2020, the Siskins rebranded as the Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins or KW Siskins for short.  The Siskins have been tremendously successful accumulating twelve Sutherland Cup Championships as Junior B Champions in the Ontario Hockey Association. Home for the Siskins since 1993 has been the Sun Life Financial Arena @ Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.  A living memorial to residents of Waterloo Region who gave their lives in World War I and II, the Rec Complex is a community hub with a swimming pool with diving facilities, two running/walking tracks, meeting rooms and gymnasiums to go along with the arena.  The naming rights of the arena are held by Sun Life Financial, who have a large office in Kitchener-Waterloo, once the head office. Food & Beverage 3 Sun Life Financial Arena has one main concession stand open for Siskins games.  There is also a small cafe in the lobby with limited hours.  The main concession has a decent variety of food items including hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, muffins, cookies, popcorn, nachos, ice cream and chocolate.  The fries are excellent and highly recommended.  Beverages include bottled soda, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and Gatorade.  There is also a separate beer cart which sells a limited selection of macro brands. Atmosphere 3 The Waterloo Memorial Recreation has an attractive, modern exterior featuring light siding and brick with grey trim and plenty of glass at the entry.  Fans entering from the main entry at the east side will enter into a large lobby with easy access to the arena and swimming pool and gymnasiums.  At the west end of the lobby is the Waterloo Memorial Wall which displays military flags, paintings, lists of residents who served and perished and the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by John McRae who was from nearby Guelph.  There are plenty of facilities out there that have the term “Memorial” in their title, but few that put together the effort that is found here to make the facility a true memorial.  At the east side of the lobby is the entry to Sun Life Financial Arena.  Between the stairs to the arena and the box office is the provocative “Etched Into Memory” sculpture.  Before entering the arena, fans should either have tickets in hand or first visit the box office for purchase.  Upon entering the arena, fans will find themselves on the running track, at the top of the seating bowl.  The ice is north-south oriented and the north end is definitely a spot of interest.  On the north wall is the original sign from the old Waterloo Memorial Arena, which was the previous home of the Siskins before it was condemned and necessitated the building of the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.  A plaque narrates the history of the old arena.  Below the old sign is the Waterloo Hockey Wall of Fame.  Some significant members found on the wall include Jamie Allison, Don Beaupre, Ron Smith, Bill Goldsworthy and Father David Bauer.  Below the Wall of Fame plaques are screened team photos from the various Sutherland Cup Champion Siskins teams.  Above the ice surface hang the 12 Championship banners for the Siskins and the retired number 66 for Tyson Downs, a Siskin who died suddenly in 2023 of a heart condition. The seating bowl has eleven rows of grey, blue and navy arena seats.  With a capacity of 4,400, over 3,000 seated, and the Siskins attracting around 200 fans per game, there are plenty of opportunities to find the perfect seat for the best sightlines.  Upgrades to the arena were completed in 2024 and include a new LED scoreclock above centre ice, LED lighting throughout  the arena and a repaired PA system. The gameday production at a Siskins game is fairly simple with typical music and announcements found at most hockey games.  Promotions include a program draw, Chuck-a-puck and 50/50 draw. Neighbourhood 4 The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is located in the University neighbourhood of Waterloo, on Father David Bauer Drive.  It is close to Wilfrid Laurier University and across the road from Waterloo Park.  There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink within walking distance including Sole and Proof Kitchen & Lounge.  A bit of a further walk is Uptown Waterloo which has a bunch of other options including Beertown, Piper’s Arms, Famoso and the Heuther.  Taking a short drive down King Street to Morty’s Pub or Ethel’s Lounge may be the best choices. There are a few other sporting options in Waterloo.  Sun Life Financial Arena is shared with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks  hockey team.  Laurier also fields football  and basketball  teams.  The Waterloo Warriors hockey, basketball and football teams are nearby also.  The area is best known for the iconic Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, which is home of the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers .  The KW Titans, Kitchener Panthers  and Kitchener-Waterloo Lacrosse Club  also play at the Aud Complex.  Other tourist type options for KW include Oktoberfest, the Clay and Glass Museum, Waterloo Park and the Jazz Room.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Delta is close by. Fans 2 The Siskins average around 250 fans per game.  The 2024-25 season has the Siskins averaging 252 fans per game at the time of writing and 245 fans in the previous season.  This ranks the Siskins at 18 of the GOJHL’s 23 teams.  The area has a competitive sports landscape, but there is plenty of room to improve.  The attendance is even more noticeable as the Siskins play in the biggest building in the league.   Access 5 The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is located in the University neighbourhood of Waterloo on Father David Bauer Drive.  It is 3 km from highway 85 and some driving through town will be necessary to get to the arena, however, traffic should not be an issue when the Siskins are playing.  There is plenty of parking at the facility.  For fans wishing to take public transit, the Laurier-Waterloo LRT stop is about a 1 km walk from the Rec Complex.  There are also GRT buses that run south of the Rec Complex on Erb Street.  Fans should consult the Grand River Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not difficult at all and there will be plenty of space to stretch out.  The washroom facilities are also more than adequate for the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 4 GOJHL hockey is definitely a bargain and the KW Siskins are no exception.  Tickets for the Siskins are General Admission and go for $10 for adults, $8 for students/seniors, and $6 for children.  Children three years old and under are free.  Parking at the Rec Complex is free and the concession prices are decent.  The level of hockey is solid and the Siskins put a good product on the ice.  The biggest detractor from a Siskins game is the huge gap in the capacity of the arena and number of fans in attendance. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex as a living memorial for residents who gave their lives in combat. An extra mark for the display of history from the old Waterloo Memorial Arena. An extra mark for the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex as a community hub. Final Thoughts The Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins are one of the most historic teams in the GOJHL and at the Junior B level.  They play in a solid facility in the Sun Life Financial Arena @ Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex that is modern yet full of history.  Taking in a Siskins game is a good way to get the hockey fix in! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 ESPN Events Invitational website State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports website Year Opened: 2006 Disney’s College Basketball Tradition College basketball in-season tournaments are all the rage lately, yet one Central Florida invitational has remained for many years. The ESPN Events Invitational Tournament, hosted yearly at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, has become a staple of the NCAA slate. Featuring teams from around the country, this event features plenty of action for an affordable price in a stellar location. Held inside State Farm Field House, this is a popular stop around the Thanksgiving holiday for fans of participating teams.   Food & Beverage   4 There are usually a lot of options at Wide World of Sports – inside State Farm Field House itself, concessions include burgers ($9.50), house salads ($10.50), hot dogs ($9.50), Mickey Ice Cream Bars ($6.50), and Mickey Pretzels with cheese ($8.50). Drinks include beer and alcohol at a stand just across the hall from the food stand, as well as bottled water ($4), coffee ($4.50) and fountain soda ($6) at the main stand in the corners. The beer garden concession stand also features burgers and pretzels with beer ($13-$15.75) that includes optional refills ($8-$9) and Powerade ($5.50). Deserts include Mickey Ice Cream Bars or frozen lemonade cups ($6.50). The arena also includes a Wetzel’s Pretzels location, selling their famous hot pretzels in various options, as well as sodas.   Atmosphere   3 State Farm Field House at Wide World of Sports features a lot of exposed metal beams in the architecture, and its curved roof amplifies the noise and lighting inside. The overall aesthetic of nearby facilities, including Champion Stadium, are carried over here as well. The arena has one concourse level, meaning you can walk up or down to your seats easily. ESPN logos are all over the facility, and past champion banners are hung above the VIP seating area. Neighborhood   5 The sports complex is located just off Osceola Parkway, literally across the street from the new entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios – because of this you’re not far from pretty much everything you need on your trip. For obvious reasons, the best place to stay would be at any of the Disney Resorts – guests of the resorts get free bus transport to and from the arena. The closest hotels, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, are two of the park’s lowest priced resorts. For food, anywhere on Disney Property is a go-to; Kona Café at the Disney Polynesian Resort is a popular stop for sushi and a south seas flavor for dinner, while California Grill at the top of Contemporary Resort is also a popular go-to for a more upscale experience. In addition, popular tourist stops include EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom theme parks. Also, Disney Springs, which is accessible via bus and car, is home to countless restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities for the whole family. Fans   4 The games are played among four teams, meaning you get two games per day/per ticket. Tickets are sold by day, which means if you go to catch both games, you may notice one game is more or less popular than the other, depending on the fans who traveled for each team. While this can lead to some generally sparse attendance at times, the atmosphere is no-less electric. The noise is also amplified inside, so each dunk and three-pointer seem to garner loud cheers regardless of the attendance in the building, and since everyone has made the trip to Disney, you generally have a lot of families who are attending the games, making for a more family-friendly atmosphere than some team’s home games might have.   Access   4 Getting to Wide World of Sports is pretty easy, but traffic for certain games can be a pain. Parking is free in all parking lots for this tournament, including right close to the main entrance. In addition, now that the roadways have been re-routed in the area, access to the facility is easy when getting onto the property; there is signage all over Disney’s property leading you to Wide World of Sports, and getting off the main road is easy thanks to the new flyover.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are very affordable, ranging from just $45 for the upper sidelines and $40 for the baseline, up to $60 for the lower sidelines and $80 for lower center court. All seating is first-come, first-served general admission within each seating area. Additional hospitality can be purchased – tickets for all-you-can-eat food with drinks cost $110, with your choice of high top or couch seating areas at floor level behind the basket. This VIP area behind the baseline at court level gives you what amounts to courtside seating and viewing in your own section, complete with tables, chairs, couches, and several TVs that not only show the game you are watching live, but also other games on TV as well. Extras   4 The facility features a popular picture spot at the main entrance next to the Wide World of Sports globe. There also are numerous sports facilities all throughout the area, including various other events that may be going on, from cheerleading competitions to youth soccer tournaments. TV screens throughout Wide World of Sports are also constantly playing various ESPN channels, fully immersing you in sports. Finally, during the championship game Mickey Mouse makes an appearance in special basketball-themed attire, and the tournament MVP is presented with a framed Disney World basketball jersey as their trophy. Additionally, during the first game of the tournament, Mickey Mouse made a surprise appearance for autographs and photos with fans who wanted to participate during halftime. Final Thoughts The ESPN Events Invitational is certainly one of the longer running in-season college basketball tournaments, and it is easy to see why. Since 2006, teams like Notre Dame , FSU , Gonzaga , Memphis , Villanova , FAU , and others have hoisted the Tournament's trophy. Being located in such a family-friendly location, this is an ideal tournament to visit in late November, especially for those fans looking to escape the colder weather up north.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Strawberry Stadium 500 Western Ave Hammond, LA 70401 Southeastern Louisiana Lions website Strawberry Stadium website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 7,408 Lion Up!!!! In 1928, Southeastern Louisiana University opened its doors on 60 acres of farmland in Hammond, on the estate of attorney Hunter Leake II – the college originally opened as Hammond Junior College in 1925, at a separate location before moving to the current site. The football program began in 1930, and in 1937 work began on an on-campus stadium funded by Franklin D. Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration (WPA). Due to pressure from Louisiana Governor Richard Leche, the 7,200-seat stadium was built in just four months. The stadium was originally supposed to be named after Leche, but was dedicated as Strawberry Stadium to honor the local strawberry farmers in the region. This area's rich and fertile soil, combined with the swampy humid climate, makes this a perfect place for growing strawberries, giving this region of Louisiana the nickname "The Strawberry Capital of the World". Strawberry Stadium hosted its first game on Sept 17, 1937, with the Lions, fresh off an 8-0 1936 season, defeating the LSU  freshman team. Today, SLU has expanded to include 365 acres, and with an enrollment of 14,400 is the third-largest college in the state. The Lions have established a quite stellar football tradition in their over 65 years of football, including three undefeated seasons and 7 conference titles, before the football program was discontinued in 1985. Since restarting in 2003, however, the Lions have only continued their winning ways, winning three Southland Conference titles and playing in the FCS playoffs five times.   Food and Beverage   3 There are four main concessions stands inside Strawberry Stadium, two on each side of the facility. You can find the usual items, and prices are fairly cheap – hamburgers and nachos ($5), hot dogs and slices of pizza ($4), peanuts ($3), or candy, chips, and popcorn ($2). They also have Chick-fil-A sandwiches available for ($7), but for a local item on the menu try the Veron Sausage po’ boy for $6; Veron is a special brand of famous Cajun sausages made in nearby Prairieville. You also can't come to Louisiana without getting a po’ boy, so I recommend this item on the menu. For drinks, Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider of SLU Athletics – you can get coffee, Dasani bottled water, and 16 oz soft drinks for $3. Alcohol is also available at Strawberry Stadium, as you can purchase Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Budweiser in tallboy cans for $8. Rainbow Daiquiris, a popular daiquiri spot in town, also has a stand set up selling daiquiris, while Hammond-based Gnarly Brewing offers several craft beers for sale, as well as their "Lion Up" brand of beer, custom made for Lions games. In addition, new for 2024 is the "Lion's Legacy" brand of beer that is being brewed for the 100th anniversary of the opening of Southeastern Louisiana University.   Atmosphere   4 Southeastern Louisiana provides a lively atmosphere on campus, thanks in part to a winning tradition the past few years. Before the game you can find tailgaters spread out throughout campus, with the most popular spot being Friendship Circle right out in front of the stadium on the north side. Beautiful Spanish moss trees, with a stunning several hundred-year-old oak and a giant lion statue, provide a stunning backdrop with the stadium in the background. It's a common tradition for couples to kiss under Friendship Oak, as legend states this will keep them together forever. Strawberry Stadium is located behind Friendship Circle – the facility has 7,408 seats, with brick-and-steel grandstands on the east and west sides, along with open end zones. The venue still retains its original exterior brick appearance from when it was built. Interestingly, when the facility first opened it had campus buildings under the grandstands; the first floor of the east grandstand held the cafeteria and post office, while the second floor had student dorms, and the west side had athletic dorms and offices. In fact, university and athletic offices still occupy the west grandstand, while classrooms still occupy the area under the east grandstand. There are four main entrances into the stadium, one located at each corner. Many of the Lions fans and alumni will enter and sit on the west side, while the band, students, and visitors section take up the east grandstand – take note you cannot walk between the east and west grandstands, so you must enter on the correct side. In the east side concourse, Southeastern Louisiana University does an excellent job honoring its sports history – you'll find an impressive display of signage and murals filling the concourse, honoring past players and achievements in not just football but in all sports. All the school's Hall of Famers are honored, and there is also a huge mural honoring former quarterback Cole Kelley (2019-21), who won the 2020 Walter Payton Award as the best player in the FCS. You'll be able to get great views of the field no matter where you sit in the stadium. Once inside, you will be greeted by over 20 rows of bleacher-style seats on each side of the facility; there are also four sections of green and yellow chairbacks at midfield on the west side. The metal bleachers are painted in the Lions colors of light green, and when Strawberry Stadium is empty you can see the chairbacks are designed to spell out SLU in the stadium, which I thought was neat. Also, in the end zones you'll find 15 on-field cabanas that are for sponsors and boosters. Strawberry Stadium has received several renovations over the years – in 2008 they added six luxury suites and the Victory Club, an enclosed climate-controlled room with food and a bar, as well as 116 covered club seats located just outside the Victory Club. A new turf field was also installed prior to the 2012 season; this turf was the playing surface used in the Caesar’s Superdome from 2010-2011, and is still being used at Strawberry Stadium as of last season.   Neighborhood   4 Hammond is the largest city in the Parish, with a population of 20,000 located about 40 miles east of Baton Rouge, and 45 miles northwest of New Orleans. Hammond is a true college town, with most of the attractions centered on the university and a pretty big downtown area. The campus is located within walking distance of downtown, only a few blocks north – this area is quite pretty with a railroad that runs right through the middle of downtown, along with several small parks. You can find plenty of restaurants and bars downtown including La Carrenta, Brady's, Tommy's, Mariner's Inn, Cate Street Seafood, Lee's Diner, and Tope La for popular creole and Cajun foods. For popular spots to get a drink you can try the Cate Street Pub, Red White and Brew, Benny's Place, or the Crescent Bar, while for attractions in Hammond you have Louisiana Children's Discovery Museum, which makes for a great place to take the kids. Keibert & Sons Gator Tours and the Global Wildlife Center, just outside Hammond, are also good options – the latter is home to a drive through safari-style zoo. For shopping in Hammond you have Hammond Square, a beautiful outdoor shopping mall with plenty of mall-style chain stores and restaurants. If you have time I recommend taking a trip to neighboring Ponchatoula, which is about 5-mile drive south of SLU’s campus. This beautiful small town is centered on its strawberry industry, as the Strawberry Capital of the World – if you are here in the spring make sure to check out the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Ponchatoula has a nice downtown with plenty of restaurants, as well as a giant strawberry right next to City Hall. They even have a cool market inside of an old train station where you can buy all kinds of items, such as shirts, art, and food. For places to stay in the area there are plenty of hotels in Hammond closer to the Interstate, or for a more upscale hotel in Hammond you can try Michabelle Inn, located in a historic 19th century home. You can also find plenty of hotels in Baton Rouge if you elect to stay in the Louisiana capital city.   Fans   3 Sitting in the backyards of both LSU  and Tulane , the Lions had a little bit of trouble fighting for relevancy after restarting football. In addition, SLU can sometimes get lost in the shuffle of the other Southland Conference programs in the state, but in recent years the school has experienced sudden growth, and is now the third-largest university in the state. Winning ways have also taken over Strawberry Stadium; since 2013 the Lions have made five FCS playoff appearances. The Lions winning again and putting a competitive product on the field has only increased attendance in recent years – this season the Lions are averaging about 4,000 fans per game, and in the past five years have Lions averaged 4,980 per season. Also, with many of the schools in the Southland Conference being in Louisiana too, you can expect to find a good number of visiting fans who make the trek to Hammond on game day. The Lions biggest rivalry is with Nicholls State , just 90 miles south of Hammond; the two schools battle it out every year in the River Bell Classic. When Nicholls State, Northwestern State , or McNeese State  visit you can expect to find plenty of visiting fans; the attendance record in recent years was set during the 2019 River Bell Classic, with over 10,000 fans, while the all-time attendance record is 12,000, which occurred during a 1981 game with Jackson State . The Lions fans that do show up are knowledgeable about the history of the program; you'll find a mix of older folks who remember the first incarnation of the football program. You will also find a good number of alumni who turn out for games, as many of the alumni continue to live in the area after graduation. During the game the fans seem into the game, and stay throughout. The band sits on the east side bleachers and plays throughout the game, while Roomie, the Lions mascot, can be seen constantly interacting with fans and students on both sides of the stadium. Roomie became the mascot in 1964, and is named after a longtime professor and avid Lions supporter, Hollis “Roomie” Wilson. The original mascot was a live lion named Lobo, which is Spanish for wolf, but that didn't sit over well. Another thing I think is cool is all the different uniform combinations the Lions wear for the games – you'll almost never see them wearing the same jersey and pants, similar to how Oregon  does their uniforms.   Access   3 Getting to Hammond is fairly simple – the city is conveniently located right on the 1-12 and I-55 corridor, about 40 miles to the east of Baton Rouge and 45 miles northwest of New Orleans. Getting to SLU’s campus is pretty easy; just take I-12 to Exit 40. SLU is then about 2.5 miles north of the exit, a few blocks north of downtown. Along the way you'll pass by all the shopping at Hammond Square, and you'll have a nice drive through downtown. You won't miss Strawberry Stadium, as it's at the front entrance of campus behind Friendship Circle. Louis Armstrong International Airport, closer to New Orleans, will be your main airport if flying in for the weekend – I-55 ends near the airport, and Hammond is a straight 45-minute drive up I-55. This drive will take you through Manchac Swamp on the second-longest bridge in the country. Sometimes the GPS will advise you to take Lake Pontchartrain Causeway to the North Shore, which is the longest bridge in the country, but it can sometimes take over 2 hours to get from New Orleans to Hammond, with traffic, if you use the Causeway. The one issue you may have once on campus is parking; they did build a parking garage attached to the west side of Strawberry Stadium, but this is reserved for season ticket holders and those who have premium seating. There is also plenty of parking on campus for $25, which I thought was kind of high. Alternatively, for free parking there is plenty on the north side of campus near University Center, home of the basketball team.   Return on Investment   4 This season tickets are priced at $25 for metal bleacher seats and $40 for chairbacks, if purchased at the front gate or through the athletics website. However, my advice would be to purchase through a third-party site like Vivid Seats instead, where you can get tickets for less than $10. Attending a Lions games remains a cheaper alternative than attending an LSU  game, for example, if you are looking for a college football game to attend in Louisiana. The Lions put a great product on the field, and the game day atmosphere rivals some of the best FCS colleges in the country. I consider seeing a game at Strawberry Stadium to be a good return on investment – you get to watch really good competitive football for this level, and Hammond is a very off the radar city to visit in Louisiana.   Extras   5 The Lions have had 23 players drafted into the NFL in the history of their program, including two players drafted since football was started back up in 2003. Cornerback Robert Alford is the highest draft pick from SLU, picked 60th overall by the Falcons in 2013. The Lions also have one Walter Payton Award winner in Quarterback Cole Kelley, who won the award in 2020. Besides being home to Lions football, Strawberry Stadium is also home to the Lions women's soccer team, which was added in 2013. The facility is also a historic high school venue for the state, having hosted many LHSAA state championship games over the years. The venue currently serves as the home stadium for local St. Thomas Aquinas High School, which is located in town. Hammond High School also plays their rival Ponchatoula High School every year here in Strawberry Stadium, and that game usually draws a sold-out crowd. Strawberry Stadium has also seen a few legendary players play on this historic field – three future Pro Football Hall of Famers all went down in defeat when they played here. For example, in 1967 the Lions upset a Roger Staubach-led Pensacola Naval Air Station Goshawks military team, while one week later SLU beat a Terry Bradshaw-led Louisiana Tech  team for Homecoming. Halloween 1970 also welcomed another future Hall of Famer to Strawberry Stadium, when Ron Jaworski and the Youngstown State Penguins lost to the Lions. Another bonus is the turf here being first used at Caesar’s Superdome  – the playing surface was installed at the Superdome after the Saints won their first Super Bowl in 2010, and two years later was moved to Strawberry Stadium, where it remains to this day. Another bonus for Strawberry Stadium honoring local strawberry farmers – at one time the North Shore of Louisiana was home to over 14,000 acres of strawberry farms, and today the strawberry remains an integral part of Louisiana's agriculture. In fact, Tangipahoa Parish, where Hammond is located, is the state's leading strawberry producing area, accounting for 75% of the state's strawberry consumption.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Provident Credit Union Event Center 290 S 7th St San Jose, CA 95192 Map It San Jose State Spartans website Provident Credit Union Event Center website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 5,000 A Sparsely-Attended Spartan Sunday Minutes from downtown San José, CA, Provident Credit Union Event Center is the home of the San José State University Spartans, members of the Mountain West Conference. Opened in 1989 as the Recreation and Event Center, Provident Credit Union became the venue’s naming rights sponsor in 2019 for $8.1 million over 20 years. In addition to men’s and women’s basketball, the arena hosts the Spartan women’s volleyball and gymnastics teams. Capacity is 5,000 for sporting events and 6,000 for concerts, but the Event Center has the feel of a much larger venue due to its high ceiling and gradually sloping seating on three sides, with one of the baselines curtained off below the massive video board. The university really leans into its Silicon Valley location with its unique court design, boasting the Spartan logo enveloped by a computer “circuit board.” Provident Credit Union Event Center Circuit Board Center Court, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Established in 1857 and the oldest public university among the three West Coast states, SJSU is primarily a commuter school with more than 27,000 undergraduates and 5,400 graduate students enrolled as of fall 2024. Spartan men’s basketball has enjoyed minimal success with just three NCAA Tournament appearances (the last in 1996, with a 13-16 overall record) and is still seeking its first Big Dance victory.  Twelve former Spartans have played in the NBA; Darnell Hillman is perhaps their most accomplished pro with 7,339 career points and the 1977 NBA Slam Dunk Contest title after being drafted eighth overall in 1971. Food & Beverage 2 Directly across from the main (west) entrance is one of two concession stands open on the day of my visit in November 2024. With a sign reading “Fan Fare” that looks like it dates to the arena’s 1989 opening, hot food options are limited to a few standard stadium offerings: Hot dogs, brats, nachos, and giant pretzels, all priced between $7-$8. The meager menu is rounded out by popcorn, chips, cookies, candy, sodas ($4-$6) and a decent selection of beer, wine and seltzers. Those alcoholic beverages will set you back $13-$15 apiece. A second, smaller temporary concession stand is set up in the wide area between the court and east baseline seating, with a similar menu. This stand is definitely more convenient for grabbing a quick in-game bite, as you won’t miss any action and get to avoid the trek back up to the concourse. Both concession areas are card-only, cashless establishments. Atmosphere 2 Located on SJSU’s main campus mall at 7th and San Carlos Streets, the Event Center takes advantage of this prime real estate with a video board advertising upcoming events. That marketing didn’t translate into butts-in-seats for my Sunday matinee, with only 1,817 fans in attendance. There is no dedicated student section; most of the college-aged fans appear to be other Spartan athletes. Sideline seating on the north side, across from the benches, is assigned and costs $35 per ticket. This side faces the court logo, with the TV cameras positioned atop the stands. The opposite side, priced at $15-$20 with most seats general admission, is definitely the better value. Ushers do not appear to check tickets on either side. On the day of my visit, exactly zero fans were seated in the aforementioned east end zone, which is set very far back from the court. This seems like a missed opportunity to create atmosphere. If I were running SJSU’s in-game experience, I’d erect temporary stands behind this basket (which is also closest to the opposing bench) and invite students to go wild. Behind the opposite baseline, where there is just a concrete slab and no fixed seating, is the Hardwood Lounge which appears to be a benefit extended to SJSU season ticket holders. There is a buffet, some hi-top standing tables and some press row-like seating just behind the basket. Above the lounge is one of the largest video boards I’ve ever seen, extending the length of the baseline, which Wikipedia tells me is 49 feet! That said, it appears under-utilized to get the crowd hyped. The giant HD display primarily displays sponsor ads and live stats. Provident Credit Union Event Center Video Board, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey The Spartans take the court near the team bench, preceded by cheerleaders running out with four huge flags reading S-J-S-U. The cheer squad then takes the court for a few dance performances, but there are few (if any) fan contests or other engagement touchpoints. No Spartan mascot was in attendance during my visit. Neighborhood 3 San José State has always felt like a “sleeping giant,” sitting a mile from downtown San José which is the nation’s 12th-most populous city, and one of its wealthiest. Surrounding SJSU are student-centered apartment complexes and Victorian-style homes typical of Northern California. It feels relatively safe during the day with ample foot traffic to and from campus. Given the few concession options available at Provident Credit Union Event Center, it’s advised to have a pre- or postgame meal in the neighboring area or slightly further afield downtown. Just east of campus is Sammy G’s Pizzeria , which offers creative toppings as well as a sports fan’s favorite, beer. I ate at Jackie’s Place   on the edge of downtown, a Black-owned BBQ and soul food restaurant which was delicious, if not a bit pricy for the portion sizes. Jackie’s has a full bar, and a house band playing Sunday afternoons. Given the ethnic diversity of San José, one can find cuisine from across the globe both near campus and throughout Silicon Valley. Indian food is particularly well-represented, since a large number of Indian nationals live here and work in tech. While San José will always live in San Francisco’s shadow an hour north, there are some unique tourist area attractions including the Winchester Mystery House , a quirkily-designed mansion designed by an eccentric millionaire. Sports fans will find the nearby homes of the San Jose Sharks  (NHL), San Jose Barracuda (AHL) and San Jose Earthquakes  (MLS). At these venues, keep an eye out for “Krazy George” Henderson , a local superfan credited with inventing the Wave. As a major center of innovation and conventions, San Jose and the wider Silicon Valley is flush with hotels, motels, and short-term rentals in every price range. For those with Hyatt (or Chase Ultimate Rewards) points, an incredible deal can be had at the Wild Palms Hotel   in nearby Sunnyvale, with rates starting at just 3,500 points per night. Fans 2 Those sitting alongside me seemed to fall into three categories: 1) Older San José State diehards/season ticket holders, 2) Semi-interested Spartan students (mainly student-athletes), and 3) Dedicated fans of the visiting UC Santa Barbara Gauchos. The fact that this game was played head-to-head with a San Francisco 49ers home game just five miles up the road in Santa Clara probably didn’t help the crowd size. While Spartan fans made some noise when their team went on a run or took the lead in this close encounter, there wasn’t much of an intimidation factor for the visitors. The arena layout also works against the Spartans – with the cavernous footprint, it’s difficult for sound to get trapped and echo throughout Provident Credit Union Event Center. The Spartans are a typically weak team in a strong conference, with several nationally-ranked Mountain West foes visiting every season for televised games. This helps generate some decent crowds, as evidenced by 4,299 in attendance when #19 San Diego State escaped with a narrow victory in 2024. Access 4 As a commuter school, San José State has no shortage of campus parking . Basketball fans are instructed to use the general parking spots in either the 7th and San Salvador (South) or 4th and San Salvador (West) Parking Garages. Parking on the surrounding streets is restricted Mondays through Fridays, but I was able to find a spot easily on a Sunday afternoon, just a few blocks away. SJSU is also well-connected via public transportation . No fewer than 12 Valley Transit Authority (VTA) bus lines serve campus, as do the Blue and Green Light Rail Lines. Both Uber and Lyft are headquartered in the Bay Area, so you can rest assured there will be plenty of rideshare options. If staying downtown, it’s probably just easiest to walk in 15 minutes or less. San José’s Mineta International Airport (SJC) is well-connected with non-stops across the country, and even a few international flights. Unless a major convention is in town rental cars should be cheap and plentiful. The airport also has a nearby light rail stop that will get you to Provident Credit Union Event Center in under 45 mins.  SJSU’s main ticket office is under the aforementioned marquee at 7th and San Carlos. Knowing the official prices and knowing the game would be sparsely attended, I checked StubHub and scored a GA ticket for just over $6! The resale sites should always be your first option at a venue like the Event Center. Tickets are mobile if purchased in advanced, or paper at the box office. The main entrance is up a very tall staircase; I felt like Rocky Balboa after ascending those steps. There are accommodations for those with disabilities including an elevator. Like most U.S. sports venues these days, Provident Credit Union Event Center has a clear bag policy and a metal detector. Security personnel are friendly and say thanks for attending. The combination of few fans and wide concourses make navigating the venue a breeze. At this game, attendance was so low, in fact that SJSU didn’t bother opening the second concourse concession stand along the east side. Bathrooms are clean but certainly in need of a refresh; they are very institutional-feeling and likely look exactly the same as back in 1989. Return on Investment 3 Aside from the occasional lightning-in-a-bottle season – like 2022-23 when the Spartans won 21 games and reached the College Basketball Invitational – you generally know what to expect with San José State hoops; mediocre performances in front of a mediocre crowd, with not much student enthusiasm given the school’s heavy reliance on commuters. Extras 2 I arrived almost an hour before tipoff and there were no rosters or game programs available at the main entrance, but found them closer to tipoff on a table near the lower-level season ticket member entrance. Look above the east baseline for retired numbers and postseason appearance banners. Final Thoughts The cost of an afternoon or evening at Provident Credit Union Event Center is reasonable, especially if eschewing the overpriced, uninspired concessions. One also has the vibrant Bay Area at their doorstep, easily making a game here part of a wider and fulfilling trip.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Allen E. Paulson Stadium 207 Lanier Dr Statesboro, GA 30458 Georgia Southern Eagles website Allen E. Paulson Stadium website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 25,000 The Prettiest Little Stadium in America The history of Georgia Southern football is a bit of a tail of two programs. Initially named District One A&M, college football was first played on the Statesboro, Georgia campus in 1909, but it would not be until 1929 when a team would be fielded on a regular basis. Like a handful of other schools at the time, the University would suspend the football program during World War II, but like in-state counterpart Mercer , the program would remain dormant for decades after. Football would return to Statesboro in 1982, and it would not take long for the Eagles to make their return felt, winning the 1-AA National Championship in just their fourth season. Georgia Southern would win five more championships (1986, 1989, 1990,1999, and 2000) before making the jump to college football’s Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as members of the Sun Belt Conference.   Food and Beverage   4 Paulson Stadium does a good job incorporating many of the local tastes of Statesboro into its stadium concessions – local BBQ joint Dolan’s, burritos from Surcheros Fresh Mex, and Stoner’s Pizza Joint can be found on both sides of the stadium. A handful of food trucks are also available on the home side concourse, which includes local Saucy Shrimp, while a tent also serves the uniquely southern boiled peanuts in both traditional and Cajun styles. Additional traditional concession stands have somewhat limited menus of burgers and hot dogs, but given the numerous other options around the stadium, the limited choices at the main stands are not a massive disappointment. Those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth have plenty of ways to do so – Italian ice, flavored kettle corn, Dippin’ Dots, and ice cream, along with typical concession stand candy options, are widely available. Soft drinks here come from the Coca-Cola line, along with PowerAde, while alcoholic beverages are limited to beer, premixed cocktails, and seltzers – beers include those from the Budweiser family, as well as craft brews from Creature Comforts Tropicalia and the Georgia Southern-branded “Hail Southern” lite beer from Fire Maker Brewing Company. Cutwater, Nūtrl seltzers, and premixed Georgia Southern Eagle-themed cocktails are also available.   Atmosphere   4 Many of the best college football environments are rooted deep in the traditions that are unique to the individual campuses. The traditions that surround Georgia Southern football rival those at many of its larger counterparts. Since 1982 the team has boarded yellow school buses that the university purchased from the local school district for just $1, after which the players roll around campus singing “The Valley Song” as they make their way through the tailgating lot for the Eagle Walk, through well-wishing fans and into the stadium. There might not be a more dramatic pregame entrance than one involving the flying of a bald eagle – following the pregame performance of the Pride of the South Marching Band, and prior to the Eagles taking the field, Freedom, the school’s live bald eagle mascot, takes off from atop the press box and swoops to its target at midfield, to mass approval from the fans. Paulson Stadium started as a bit of a basic stadium, and though it has seen significant upgrades over the years, it still holds on to a bit of its simplicity. Georgia Southern does a good job making Paulson Stadium as intimate a venue as possible; stands run the length of the field but are just 20 rows deep on each side, with the far side stands capped with a similar number of seats. Several types of suites are built into the alumni side, at both the field level and the press box level of seating. In addition, social gathering seating is found at either end of the stadium as part of the Gene Bishop Field House and the Bud Lite Cabanas, which front the Ted Smith Family Football Center – the seating layout and smaller sections really concentrate the fan excitement around the field, adding to the overall atmosphere. Though the Pride of the South Marching Band does play a role in the entertainment during stoppages in play, it is mostly in-house music played over the stadium speakers that fills the time until the game restarts. The band does add short musical drops between plays, but it is mostly the prerecorded music that dominates the stadium experience throughout games here. Night games certainly add another dynamic to the game experience – the LED lighting at Paulson Stadium allows the facility lights to be turned off, as fans light up the seating bowl with the flashlights from their cell phones, while bobbing to the beat of the in-house music. In addition, blue lighting accenting each of the lighting stanchions adds another element of Eagles personalization to the stadium.   Neighborhood   3 Paulson Stadium is on Georgia Southern’s southernmost reaches of campus. This does remove it a bit from Statesboro’s “Blue Mile”, a recently redeveloped stretch of road that leads from the northwestern edge of campus to downtown Statesboro. The nearby Eagles Corner shopping development is full of eateries serving all meals of the day, and also has a grocery store for picking up last minute tailgating necessities. In proximity to the center of campus, Dingus McGee’s is just off the northeast edge of campus and is a popular spot during pregame. Also, for those needing to pick up Eagles gear prior to heading to the stadium, they can run next door to the Southern Exchange Company. While Paulson Stadium is a bit isolated when it comes to surrounding campus athletic facilities, in December of 2024 the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center will open nearly across the street to serve as the home of Georgia Southern men’s and women’s basketball. Though not in the immediate vicinity, Savannah, Georgia is close enough to be part of a weekend visit to Statesboro.   Fans   4 Much of what makes the college athletics special is the involvement of the student body, and Georgia Southern students deserve a lot of credit for the energy they bring to Paulson Stadium. Students fill nearly the entirety of the field level seating that runs from end zone to end zone behind the visitor side of the field. While the students deserve a lot of credit for the atmosphere they help create, the alumni and other fans also do their part in setting the tone of the excitement that surrounds the game. As a whole, the fan base is extremely responsive not just to the highs and lows of the game, but also to the call and response cheers that are typically led by the school’s mascot, Gus. Between alternating volleys of “Who’s House?!?...Our House!!!” and “Georgia…Southern!!!”, the fans do a great job playing off each other to create an extremely fun college football atmosphere.   Access   4 Statesboro certainly is not the easiest place to get to – approximately an hour west of the Georgia port city of Savannah and two hours from central Georgia’s Macon, Statesboro does break up the monotonous farmland between the two cities. At Paulson Stadium there is limited parking, but lots a bit further away from the stadium do provide shuttle service from the Russell Union, which does have free parking. This does make these parking lots a bit more attractive. The stadium itself has multiple entrances on each side, which helps in limiting backups at the gates. Fans tend to be slow making their way from the tailgating lots into the stadium, but this does seem to alleviate long lines getting into the facility. Once in Paulson Stadium, the concourse runs completely around the seating areas, making navigation between the two sides rather simple. The walkway does pass behind buildings at either end of the stadium, however as well as behind the press box and suites structure and group seating areas, so the field is not always in sight while making the trek from one side to the other. There certainly are obstacles when it comes to accessing Paulson Stadium and being able to keep the game in sight, but Georgia Southern certainly takes these challenges into consideration, and takes steps to lessen their impact on the overall experience.   Return on Investment   5 Individual game tickets start at $20 for seating along any of the grassy hills in the corners of the stadium, with seats on the second level of the visiting side starting at $26. Parking can be purchased in advance for $20 for the tailgating lot, or for $25 on the day of. Free parking is available at the Russell Union, and free shuttles bring fans to the stadium. If having a designated tailgating spot at the stadium is not a high priority, the latter might be the way to go if you are looking to save a few dollars on the overall cost associated with attending an Eagles game.   Extras   5 The most successful coach in Georgia Southern history, Erskine “Erk” Russell, is widely acknowledged around the stadium, from his recognition in the stadium’s ring of honor on the façade of the press box to graphics of the championship victories he led. A bust of Russell sits at field level just outside the Eagles entrance to the field, and a statue welcomes fans just outside the western gates, depicting Russell in his trademark “One More Time” pregame t-shirt, with a gallon of water from the “Beautiful Eagle Creek” at his feet. The back side of the seating areas are used to tell the story of Georgia Southern football – from recognizing the Eagles six NCAA I-AA National Championships to commemorating their upset wins against Florida  and Nebraska . The home side stands also pay tribute to Eagles national and conference championships, along with recognizing the players and coaches who have written the history of the program. The flight of Freedom, the live eagle mascot, before the game has been dubbed “The Most Exciting 30 Seconds in College Football”, and is breathtaking – much like at Auburn  football games, it certainly is a dramatic way to get the game started. The Georgia Southern mascot Gus certainly makes his presence felt throughout the game; Gus regularly can be found doling out fist bumps and high fives to fans, or jumping in the student section to mix it up a bit. One of the draws of college athletics is that it is often a source of local and institutional pride that brings the team, students, alumni, and community together. As an illustration of this, at Paulson Stadium the team gathers after the game in front of the Pride of the South Marching band, win or lose, to pay tribute to the school and sing the school’s alma mater.   Final Thoughts Rooted in years of tradition and success at the then I-AA level, before the Eagles jump to the FBS, Georgia Southern football is widely recognized as one of the elite programs in smaller college football. Despite its secluded location in rural Georgia, a visit to Statesboro offers a truly special experience for fans seeking college football on a more intimate scale.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Walter M. Katz Field 160 Atherton St. Milton, MA 02186 Curry Colonels football website Walter M. Katz Field website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 1,000 Curry College Colonels   Curry College is a private college located in Milton, Massachusetts, just seven miles from downtown Boston. Founded in 1879 as the School of Elocution and Expression, it was renamed in 1943 to honor its founders, Anna Baright and Samuel Silas Curry. Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, served as the school’s first Chancellor. Curry was the first school to offer a degree in Radio Broadcasting, starting the program in 1932. Today, its 4,700 students pursue studies in 25 undergraduate and 4 graduate programs.   Football has been played at Curry College since 1965. The Colonels, named in recognition of Samuel Curry’s birthplace in Tennessee, compete in the Conference of New England alongside several other small colleges throughout the area. The Colonels have qualified for the NCAA Division Three Tournament six times, with all their tournament appearances happening in consecutive seasons from 2003-2008. Curry reached the second round of the tournament twice. In addition, Curry has played in three postseason bowl games, most recently in 2017. New England Patriots legend Steve Nelson served as Curry’s head coach from 1998-2005, guiding the team through some of their most successful seasons.   Curry’s home field is Walter M. Katz Field, named for the Curry College class of 1989 alumnus. The facility serves as home to the school’s football, soccer and lacrosse teams. The New England Patriots used the field as their practice facility in 1967, while they played their home games at Fenway Park.   Food & Beverage 3    Fenway Park vendor The Sausage King runs a portable cart during Curry football games. They serve up some of their legendary sausage and pepper sandwiches, chicken teriyaki and footlong hot dogs along with a selection of cold drinks. Trust me, you’ll want to try one of these sausages at the game.   Just be warned, you’ll be paying Fenway Park prices for food at a Curry football game. Atmosphere 2   The game day experience at a Curry football game is a basic one. The highlight of Katz Field is undoubtedly the video scoreboard in the northwest end zone. It’s used throughout the game for player photos and game information. The cheerleaders set up shop in the same end zone, leading the crowd in cheers throughout the game and performing at halftime. Unfortunately, there’s no pep band in attendance, and the subpar sound system ensures that Katz Field doesn’t get too loud, so it’s usually a pretty quiet  afternoon here at Curry.   What energy is present at Katz Field is almost entirely generated by the fans in attendance, who are very much into the game and are supportive of the players on the field. There’s a good turnout from the student body, but no organized student section to speak of. Going to a Colonels game will feel very familiar to fans who have experienced other small college football games.   Neighborhood 3   Despite Curry College’s location just a few miles from downtown Boston, there’s more of a suburban feel to the area around the school. With the Blue Hills Reservation right across the street, there’s nothing in the immediate area of Curry to attract visiting fans besides the gorgeous fall foliage.   However, fans wanting to venture out into Milton will find a few spots worth a visit, including Roundhead Brewing Company. The nearby Fairmont Hill neighborhood in Hyde Park has several dining options within a few blocks. Fans looking to stay close to Curry will find some lodging options closer to I-93, including a Homewood Suites by Hilton and a Hilton Garden Inn. The Blue Hills Reservation is a popular place for hiking and other outdoor activities for those so inclined.   Of course, with Boston being so close, most out of town visitors will likely opt to head downtown rather than stay in the immediate area.   Fans 3   Curry College football crowds can be a bit on the larger side, especially when compared to other Division Three schools in the area. Although there is a lot of variance in the reported attendance, the average crowd numbers just under 1,000 fans. There’s a good turnout from the student body, but the majority of the crowd is made up of families of the players on the field. As a result, the crowd is knowledgeable about the Colonels and enthusiastic in their support.   With the majority of the Colonels’ schedule consisting of other New England teams, you’ll be sure to find a good turnout from visiting fans here at Katz Field. This is small college football, so fans are welcoming to each other, even when they are longtime rivals. You can feel comfortable sporting the opposition colors at Katz Field.   Access 3   Curry College is located in the Boston suburb of Milton, just seven miles from Downtown. Adjacent to the Blue Hills Reservation, the campus has a rustic feel despite being located very close to a bustling urban area.   Driving is the primary method for arriving at Curry College. Interstate 93 is about 3 miles from campus, and Route 138 will bring visitors directly to the school. Just remember that Curry is located just to the south of Boston, and traffic can be heavy, even on a fall Saturday. The MBTA’s number 716 bus  has a stop at the entrance to Curry College, and the school operates a shuttle to the nearby Mattapan T station.   Katz Field is located alongside several of the school’s other athletic fields on the western edge of campus. Parking is available near the football field, but be warned, this small lot fills up quickly. Later arriving fans will have to park a distance away, over near the tennis courts on Blue Jay Way. The walk is about a half mile from the satellite lot to the football stadium, but it does avoid the big hills that surround the athletic fields. Fans trying to access the Visitor’s tailgating lot aren’t so lucky, as that lot sits at the top of a steep hill.   Seating consists of metal bleachers. The home (west) side of the field stretches from one 20-yard line to the other, while the visiting side features a much smaller set of bleachers that sits between the 40-yard lines. A third set of bleachers is tucked over by the goal line. There is plenty of standing room in either end zone, while some fans choose to sit on the hill behind the north end zone while taking in the action.   There are no permanent restrooms at Katz Field. Fans will have to make due with three port a johns located by the entrance to the stadium.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Colonels football games are sold as general admission for just five dollars. Seniors and visiting students receive a two-dollar discount. Children 12 and under are admitted at no charge. Parking on campus, either in the lots adjacent to the field or the ones a bit farther away, is also free. While grabbing a sausage from The Sausage King may be a bit more expensive than your typical D-3 fare, an afternoon at a Colonels game is a very affordable entertainment option for Metro Boston sports fans.   Extras 1   Look for a rebranding to happen in the near future here at Curry. The old Colonel logo, featuring a man with a bushy moustache and beard wearing a white suit and purple cowboy hat, was retired in 2020. The school is evaluating whether or not the name “Colonels” is appropriate moving forward, although no announcement has been made yet.   Final Thoughts   Katz Field is a solid small-college facility featuring affordable prices and a laid-back atmosphere close to the attractions of Boston. It’s a fine place to take in some quality football on a lovely New England fall afternoon.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Bulls For the past nearly 100 years, mascots have been an important part of a professional sports team’s identity. In the past live animals were all the rage, but in the second half of the 20th century, a revolution took place and teams turned to mascots of the costumed, anthropomorphized variety. Mr. Met – the mascot of the then expansion New York Mets  – became the first costumed mascot in Major League Baseball. From those nascent days, the floodgates were opened and virtually every pro team in the country has a costumed character patrolling the stands and rallying the crowds. They are social media stars and produce some the best-selling merchandise that each team has to offer. Children love them, adults love them, virtually everyone loves them. But which one is the most loved? Recently, the online gaming site LSR  sought to determine which mascot was America’s most popular. Analyzing data from Instagram, which was found to have allowed many mascots to grow significant online followings in the past decade, of the four major sports leagues it was determined that Benny the Bull , the mascot of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls , is America’s most popular mascot. Having an online following of around 513,000, Benny – who has been with Chicago since 1969 – is known for his trick dunks and acrobatic flips. Coming in second with almost 471,000 Instagram followers is Blue , the mascot of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts . The team’s mascot since 2006, Blue is known for his pranks, challenges, world travels that he posts about online. Photo courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts Also representing the NFL and ranking third in Instagram popularity with 275,000 followers is Toro , the mascot of the Houston Texans  – with the team since their inaugural season in 2001, Toro has made a reputation of his highlight reel stunts. Photo courtesy of the Houston Texans “The mascots who represent America’s major sports teams have their own important role as stand-out characters that fans can rally behind to support their team and see in person at their games”, said Adam Candee, the Managing Editor of LSR in a news release. “It is understandable that many of them would have gained a significant online following, especially on Instagram where they often post clips of their antics during games”. Gritty , the mascot of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers , ranked third with around 459,200 Instagram followers. The furry, orange creature has been the team’s mascot since 2018, and has proven to be a pop culture phenomenon. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers Rounding out the top five is the second mascot from the City of Brotherly Love, the legendary Phillie Phanatic , mascot of MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies . With around 211,400 Instagram followers, the Phanatic is an icon in the world of professional mascots. He’s been with the team since 1978 and is famous – or infamous – for his run-ins with opposing teams and fans. Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies “[It] should be noted that the most successful mascots also use their following to share positive messages and have more personal interactions with the fans, like Benny the Bull promoting literacy to local schools and making public appearances around Chicago”, Candee said. “This shows the extent to which sports mascots can impact their local community beyond just hyping up fans during games”. Top 20 most followed American sports mascots on Instagram:  ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Pucillo Gymnasium 105 Pucillo Drive Millersville, PA 17551 Millersville Marauders website Pucillo Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 3,000 Marauding In PA Millersville University of Pennsylvania (commonly known as Millersville University or MU) was founded in 1855 as one of Pennsylvania's normal/teaching schools. One of its biggest programs is meteorology. Malik B and Black Thought of The Roots are two of the university's most well-known alumni. The Roots are best known by many people as the house band of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Pucillo Gymnasium opened in 1970 for a cost of two million dollars. It also underwent renovations in 2008 and a new floor and locker rooms were installed in 2015. The gymnasium is named in honor of Dr. John A. Pucillo, who served with distinction as coach, athletic director, and administrator at Millersville from 1925 to 1957. Millersville participates in varsity sports as part of NCAA Division II. Their sports teams are known as the Marauders. The Marauders compete as a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In lacrosse, the school was the 1982 AIAW Division III national champion. Food & Beverage 3 There is a nice concession stand in the gymnasium's lobby. Prices are incredibly cheap. I don’t think I saw a single menu item over $5. 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 and a few on the sides, especially at the second level which also seems to serve as a running track. 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 3 Millersville is a nice little town located just to the west of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There are a few food and drink options in the immediate vicinity. Although it is not the most exciting place, I tend to go to the Sugar Bowl just down the street. They have simple pizza slices and sub sandwiches at a good value. Wayback Burger is another local option. Some great food options exist in the nearby Lancaster area. A very nice hotel, the Lancaster Arts Hotel makes a nice place to stay and watch games. The hotel serves as an art gallery and lodging establishment while making use of former factory space. 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. The PSAC conference offers some great local rivalries with schools such as Bloomsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, and Shippensburg. Expect to see a decent number of rival fans in attendance. Access 4 Lancaster and Millersville are easy areas to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well-known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. The university is located about half an hour from the state capital, Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore and the same distance to Philadelphia. Parking is fairly plentiful around the university and the stadium. Parking is also free but watch for any regulations during weekday games. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Millersville game is about on the same price level as high school athletics. Tickets can be had for under $10 at the door. Parking is free. Extras 2 The lobby cases also hold information about the members of the Lancaster County Sports Hall of Fame. Following extensive renovations to the lobby in 2017, it was renamed the Anttonen Lobby in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Ralph (Doc) and Judith Anttonen. Final Thoughts Millersville University plays a good level of basketball and the opponents of the PSAC do offer some skilled opponents, which makes a game here a good value for the sports fan.