Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Stegeman Coliseum 100 Smith St Athens, GA 30605 Georgia Bulldogs website Stegeman Coliseum website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 10,523 Glory, Glory to Old Georgia Mention of the University of Georgia almost instantly conjures up images of barking fans celebrating the Bulldogs’ gridiron successes , most recently back-to-back football national championships claimed in 2021 and 2022. And while Georgia Football without a doubt is the flagship program on the Athens campus, the Georgia Athletic department boasts outstanding fan experiences across many of its athletic programs. First sponsored as a varsity sport in 1978, volleyball at Georgia was played at the Women’s Physical Education Building until 1994, when it moved to the Ramsey Center from1995 until 2017. The program would begin transitioning out of the Ramsey Center into Stegeman Coliseum for matches in 2018. As members of the Southeastern Conference, the Bulldogs experienced most of their success in the 1980s, claiming conference titles in 1985 and 1986.   Food & Beverage   3 Food at Stegeman Coliseum uses a self-serve, grab-and-go model. Items sit under heat lamps waiting to be picked up and taken to checkout stations. Options include hot dogs, burgers, and chicken or BBQ sandwiches. While most options are typical stadium quality, the burgers are from local boutique burger purveyor Grind House Burgers. Even though the food is fine for stadium fare, the fact that items are left out under heat lamps does seem to impact the quality. Besides the above main dishes, other concession items include peanuts, popcorn, candy, and various other snack foods. There is also the ever popular Dippin’ Dots cart in the main lobby area. Soft drinks include items from the Coca-Cola line of products. Though beer is sold at campus events, it does not appear to be available for volleyball matches – information on the volleyball website suggests it is available for select matches, however.   Atmosphere   3 Stegeman Coliseum is a great example of an arena from a previous generation that was given a highly modern feel, with a renovation of the east and west entry ways using large walls of glass. The interior of the arena complements the modernized feel of the exterior and fits right into the red and black color scheme of the Bulldogs. Also, in coming years the massive UGA mural at the south end of the arena will be replaced with the largest indoor collegiate video board in the country. There is not a lot of debate that Stegeman Coliseum is a very comfortable venue for all of Georgia’s programs that use it. The University of Georgia Athletics Department does a good job creating an atmosphere where its brand is consistent throughout all its programs and with the prideful spirit of all things Bulldogs. Throughout the match, cheerleaders, backed by a pared-down collection of the Red Coat Band, lead fans in familiar Georgia chants that have been engrained in Georgia fandom. Timeouts and changeovers are filled with singalongs, both of popular music and Georgia fight songs, as well as interactive scoreboard fan cams and games that entertain attendees, along with t-shirt tosses just prior to the ball being served back into play. Even when the in-game entertainment is focused more on popular music than on UGA favorites, fans are quick to their feet to sing and dance along. The most impressive part of the experience is the re-creation of the “Light Up Samford” with a down scaled “Light Up Stegeman”, where the lights are turned down as the Georgia band plays “Krypton Fanfare”, as the flashlights of cell phones begin to sparkle, then bob up-and-down throughout the stands. Even with the high level of support from those in attendance, one of the issues with using a facility such as Stegman Coliseum is that much of the excitement of the fans ends up dissipating into the emptiness of the second level seating. Regardless of the size of the crowd, the fun nature of the traditions of Georgia’s athletic programs are consistent and go a long way in establishing a fun college volleyball environment.   Neighborhood   5 Athens is everything that could be asked for in a college town – far enough from Atlanta to remove the breakneck pace of a major city, but brimming with enough of the hustle-and-bustle of a college town to create a perpetual buzz of excitement in the air. Georgia’s athletic facilities are spread out, with concentrations of both on and off campus facilities. Stegeman Coliseum is part of an on campus cluster which includes baseball’s Foley Field , the outdoor track, football’s practice and training facility, and the Butts-Mehre Building, the hub of University of Georgia Athletics. The epicenter of Athens and the University of Georgia culture can be found along Lumpkin Avenue and Broad Street – this area has nearly an endless number of shops, bars, restaurants, and music joints, providing seemingly endless options to fill time at any time of day. New in 2024 are the Athens Rock Lobsters, who will call the newly completed Akins Ford Arena in downtown Athens home; adding in one of their games could certainly help make for a full visit of sports during a weekend in Athens.   Fans   3 There are a handful of colleges and universities at which being a fan transcends just one program. While football  will always be the premier program at Georgia, the passion that is shown to the Dawgs on the gridiron bleeds over to other sports, and volleyball is no exception. Fans are extremely responsive to the chants and cheers that are consistent across all of Georgia’s athletic teams. Even though much smaller in size than their football and basketball counterparts, the UGA “Spike Squad”, a collection of fans clad in red shoulder pads with spikes protruding from them, is ever present. This season saw two of the volleyball Dawgs largest attendance figures, with more than 4,000 fans against rival Georgia Tech  and a Stegeman Coliseum volleyball record 8,376 for their match against the South Carolina Gamecocks, as part of their “10K Day” promotion – the promotion encouraged Dawgs fans in town for the weekend’s football  game to come out the night before to support the volleyball team. Typically, though, past history has shown attendance numbers here will fall within the mid-1,000 and creeping over 2,000 range against the rival Yellow Jackets  and Florida Gators.   Access   3 It is no secret that getting to Athens from the metro Atlanta area on a weekday can certainly test one’s patience. While Athens is just 70 miles from Atlanta, getting there for a weekday match typically takes in excess of two hours. The most direct route is via Interstate-85 to Georgia 316, which leads to Athens. Fans coming from the north on I-85 will have a bit less traffic coming through Jefferson, while from the east, accessing Athens is most convenient on I-20 to US-441N. Just south of Stegeman Coliseum, the Carlton Street Parking Deck is the most conveniently located parking location to the arena. This parking deck does charge a metered rate, payable at kiosks around the garage. Concrete information about parking, and whether or not there will be a cost during certain matches, seems to be difficult to come by, but all indications point to the East Deck providing free parking for volleyball. This lot is not as close to Stegeman Coliseum, however, so it leaves a bit of a walk. Once inside, Stegeman’s outer concourse makes navigating the coliseum relatively easy, but the concourse doesn’t wrap completely around the arena. A secondary, interior concourse does fully encircle the playing area, and for volleyball matches is easy enough to move around to access seating.   Return on Investment   5 Free admission and free parking in the East Campus Deck goes a long way in giving fans a reason to come to matches beyond simply supporting Georgia volleyball. Concession prices are slightly higher than anticipated, especially considering portion sizes are a touch on the smaller side.   Extras   4 Stegman Coliseum doesn’t have a lot in the way of recognition of Georgia’s volleyball history, but one display pays tribute to all the Dawgs SEC volleyball championship teams; included in this recognition are the 1985 and ‘86 conference champions. Georgia volleyball also does a good job at rewarding its most loyal of fans – the first 30 fans receive bracelets, allowing them access to floor seating. The scoreboard at the southern end of the floor displays detailed statistics of individual players, along with running team statistics. The Butts-Meher Building holds a place of high regard in the Georgia Bulldog community. Not only is it the center of Georgia Athletics, but also home to a museum of Bulldogs athletics history. The Butts-Meher Building is open for tours until 5pm Monday through Friday, making is a real option to visit prior to a volleyball match at Stegeman.   Final Thoughts The use of a venue such as Stegeman Coliseum makes a lot of sense from a logistical and operational standpoint, but it does significantly impact the game experience. When considering that Georgia’s largest volleyball crowds still leave over 8,000 empty seats, this really dissipates the volume and energy created by the fans, and all those who work so hard to create what actually is a decent college volleyball atmosphere.

Red Springs, North Carolina, will most likely never be the home of minor league baseball. The small town is 23 miles southwest of Fayetteville, smack in the middle of Interstate 95 and State Road 401. However, 55 years ago, the city was the “World's Smallest Professional Baseball Town." The town had not housed a minor league baseball team in almost twenty years. It was home to three textile mills, a weekly newspaper, a radio station, two restaurants, and no hotels. The town closed up early and was “so quiet that you could hear yourself walk.”  Why would a major league baseball team place a farm team in a town of just over 4,000 residents? Even by 1969 standards, these communities were part of minor league baseball’s past. However, it was a premonition by a baseball owner who thought it might be worth giving it another shot. The city still retained its old minor league ballpark, built in 1942 for the Red Springs Red Robins, a team in the semi-professional Twin States League. It had been built within two months under the watchful eye of Tom Cope, a leading sportsman in the county. The 2,500-seat ballpark featured two dress rooms with hot and cold showers, men's2 and women's restrooms, concession stands, a press box, and box seats. It was 300 feet to left and right field and 350 to center field. A green 9-foot fence surrounded the field, and wiring was installed with the hopes of adding lighting after the conclusion of World War II. A crowd of 1,500 was on hand to watch the Robins defeat the Second Regiment baseball team 11-4. Cope looked at his stadium with pride and quipped, "Best this section of the state." The ballpark seated 2,500 and featured a playing field among the best in the league. Lights were added to the stadium before the 1947 season when the Robins joined the Class D Tobacco State League. The club affiliated itself with Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics. Improvements on the ballpark took place the following year to make it one of the most “viable and suited Class D parks in the country.” The umpire's dressing room received new locker rooms, the team offices were refurbished, a new equipment room, a drainage system, and a new concession were installed. The ballpark received box seats from Philadelphia's Shibe Park placed at field level to increase capacity. An assemblage of 12 local businessmen formed the Red Springs Baseball Club to increase attendance to 40,000 for the 1948 season. They did not reach that goal as the high point mark in this category was in 1949 when 33,303 fans watched games at Robbins Park. However, the club did capture the 1948 and 1949 Tobacco State League championships. The Robins remained in the league until it dissolved in 1950 due to a shortage of skilled players available for service and the high costs of maintaining a professional league. Attendance in the loop dropped 25 percent, and most clubs operated at a loss. The organization would live on and join the semi-pro Eastern Carolina League for the 1951 season and then jump to the Strawberry League for a few seasons before disbanding in 1954. Jump ahead to 1969, when Matt Boykin, owner of the Wilson Tobs in the Carolina League, decided to take an innovative approach. He had lost money the past 12 seasons at Fleming Stadium and relocated his club to Red Springs, a much smaller market of around 25,000 people. It was a bold move for the Minnesota Twins affiliate in the Carolina League. Boykin was excited; he felt the small community of 4,000 people would embrace his ball club since there was nothing else to do at night. He explained in length to Sports Illustrated writer Peter Cary when he came to town in July for a story. “This is the solution to the survival of the low minors. Last year, I had to compete with two community centers, a bowling alley, two swimming pools, five movies, and a drive-in restaurant on every corner. Here, baseball is the only thing to do, and there's a bunch of little places like this with ballparks that can be fixed over. We should forget the big towns and go to the small ones.” At the time, Red Springs was the smallest town to host a professional baseball club. It was one-seventh the size of Newport News, home of the Peninsula Pilots, with a population of 134,000. However, interest from the area was strong; demand for tickets and advertising was brisk in the months before the start of the baseball season. A total of 350 season tickets were ordered for $12,000, 2,500 in program ads, and $4,000 for billboard fence ads were also secured within days of announcing the team’s arrival in town. Boykin added that people would call up and demand a sign in the outfield, but when there wasn’t any space left, they would opt for an ad in the game day program. Team manager Tom Cope, who also served as the general manager of the Red Robins during their time in Weed Loop (that is what newspapers at times referred to), helped make a lot of this happen. He sold tickets and scorecards and secured 27 businesses to place ads on the outfield walls. The old ballpark was refurbished with $10,000 from the Office of Economic Opportunity, adding extra bleachers, a new scoreboard, fresh paint, upgraded concession stands, and a new infield. In April, the city put up a hand-painted sign at the town’s entrance on Highway 71, proudly announcing it as the world's smallest professional town. A few days before the season opener, an open house drew 300 fans, sparking speculation that opening day would see a strong turnout for the Red Springs club. The new club sparked interest in surrounding communities, and a crowd of 3,000 was expected for the home opener. On opening night, 2,185 people watched the Twins lose to Kinston 3-1 in 10 innings. It was the first professional game since the 1950 season and included members of the 1913-1915 ball clubs, the first professional clubs in town. The local Robenson newspaper stated that the crowd was polite and respectful until the bottom of the ninth when many returning from their cars saw the home team tie the game at one.  Crowds continued to show up for the following games, and by the 15th game of the season, attendance had reached 12,918 fans. In comparison, the club attracted 22,400 fans in Wilson for the whole season in 1968. This was highlighted when 4,157 came out to a July contest that more than doubled the size of the town’s population. Ticket prices were 99 cents, and start times were pushed back from 7:30 to 8:00 pm to adhere to local tobacco farmers’ schedules. Many of the fans were tobacco farmers who enjoyed a relaxing night at the old ballpark after braving the hot summer heat in the tobacco fields. Cope told The (Raleigh) News and Observer why he thought crowds were high at games. “We’ve had a lot of response from surrounding towns. There was no city within a hundred miles of us with a pro team; we feel we can draw well from this whole area.” However, playing in such a small town had its downsides, primarily felt by the players. Most of them lived in an old Victorian mansion, with limited activities available within a 30-mile radius. There was only one television station that came in somewhat clearly during the day and at night; the majority of religious programs and beer had to be purchased across the county lines, and there was almost no social life for players at night. When the season was over, the ball club sported a 57-84 record and attracted 40,332 fans for 66 games, for an average of 572 fans a game. At the time, an average rate of 450 was considered good for the league, and Red Springs attracted about 17 percent of its population. They doubled the input of Burlington’s 22,000 and were almost even with Lynchburg’s number of 42,286 from a population of 54,000.  Sadly, that would be the final season for minor league baseball in Red Springs. The Minnesota Twins relocated the club to Lynchburg after the Chicago White Sox pulled out of town. Cope was surprised by the decision, according to a 1970 report in the Charlotte Observer . “The people from Minnesota gave us every indication that we were doing fine. We were not told that we were lacking in any way.” George Brophy, Minnesota’s assistant director of minor league operations, was quoted in the same article saying the reason for leaving Red Springs was that the young players didn’t like it there. “It was tough for them to find places to live, even tougher to turn something up in the afternoons, you can go down to the barbershop and watch haircuts for entertainment.” It was 13 miles across the county line to purchase beer in a can or on tap, 16 miles to the nearest motel, and the local cafe had to stay open late on game nights to serve post-game meals to both clubs. Player Danny Monzon was one of the players who seemed to enjoy his time that summer. He remembers hanging out at the local stores downtown to talk baseball with people who were true fanatics of the game. He also added that Robbins Park was a bad place to play. There was hope that the town would reach an agreement with another parent team in either the Carolina or Western Carolinas leagues, but no other organization was interested in placing a team in Red Springs. Boykin turned a profit in town and even turned down the general manager position with the Twins affiliate in Orlando. Perhaps even a few businesses felt somewhat bitter with Boykin about the club’s demise. Baseball continued at Robbins Park with Little League, Junior League, and Senior League ball. Pembroke State University of the North Carolina Collegiate Summer League used the ballpark after its playing field was turned into a parking lot in 1973. By this time, the stadium had a capacity of 2,000, and the lights were no longer in minor league condition. By the mid-1980s, the grandstand would be razed. The outline of the ball field is still visible and perhaps part of the original fencing as well. The site of baseball dating over 80 years is now called Tom Cope Memorial Park, the town’s major baseball guru who passed away in 1975. It is home to the Red Springs High School Red Devils baseball team and is considered by a few as one of the best high school fields in the state. Even if the Twins decided to remain in Red Springs, who knows how long the minor leagues would have lasted. Still, the fan and business support was strong enough that there could have been another year. It was most likely the last of its kind. If the grandstand remained, it would be prime for a franchise in the Old North State League. For one season in 1969, Red Springs was the smallest professional baseball town. A fleeting moment that resulted in blackberries growing in parts of the outfield only a year later. It has been 55 years since the Red Springs Twins walked off the field at Robins Park, but it was an interesting experiment during minor league baseball's speculative days . ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Legion Field 400 Graymont Ave Birmingham, AL 35204 Magic City Classic website Legion Field website Year Opened:  1927 Capacity:  71,000 Magic of the Classic The intrastate clash between Alabama A&M  and Alabama State  is held annually at nearly the halfway point between the two schools, at Birmingham’s Legion Field. Opened in 1927, Legion Field is an icon of football history not just in Birmingham but also in the state of Alabama. In its lifespan, Legion Field has served as both a home field and a neutral site for some of college football’s biggest games. It has hosted both Alabama  and Auburn, as well as Birmingham area schools such as the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham Southern, and Samford – it has also been the neutral site of an endless number of bowls and rivalry games, most notably serving as the home of the legendary Iron Bowl, the annual meeting between Alabama and Auburn . Legion Field has also hosted several incarnations of professional football, including the World Football League, American Football Association, World League of American Football, the Canadian Football League’s shot at expansion into the United States, the XFL, American Alliance of Football, and two stints as home to teams in the United States Football League. Furthermore, not only has football found a home at Legion Field, but the venue was also home to Olympic soccer as part of the 1996 Atlanta Games.   Food & Beverage   5 Leaving the Magic City Classic hungry or feeling unsatisfied by the choices here might be more of a personal choice than a lack of options. There seems to be an endless number of tailgates smoking and grilling foods, and fans are more than willing to share their masterpieces of grill work. There are also several food vendors along Graymont Avenue selling everything from wings, chicken plates, turkey legs, fried fish, and fried carnival foods; exotic-looking tropical drinks, shaved ice, and individual canned drinks are also sold. Legion Field itself does not have an overall food vendor, which works in favor of food options to produce a very diverse stadium menu, rather than the typical stadium concession retreads, including tacos and quesadillas, chicken fingers, fries, fried okra bites, and nachos, here Philly cheese steaks, Polish and Italian sausages, burgers, and wings round out the choices. Those wanting more familiar tastes will be happy to see a Chick-fil-A window, but options there are limited basically to just the chicken sandwich. Dessert options at Legion Field are just as vast, including candied apples, strawberry shortcakes, banana pudding, acai berry bowls, flavored popcorn, and even various takes on French toast sticks. Soft drinks from the Coca-Cola line of beverages can be found at each stand, while a handful of stands serve shaved ice and fruit smoothies as well. Alcoholic beverages include premium and well spirits using vodka, tequila, rum, Crown Royale, Grand Marnier, and Hennessy. Game sponsor Gin and Juice by Snoop Dogg, plus Dr. Dre’s premixed cocktails, are also available. From the food trucks and tables along Graymont Avenue, the use of independent food vendors is a relief. Even where there is overlap in similar items, having individual concession stand operators does provide a different taste of the repeated items.   Atmosphere   5 The energy and buzz in the air around the stadium and around Birmingham rivals that of any Power Four conference pregame experience. Fans begin showing up days before the game in pull-behind campers and RVs. The morning of the game, lots around “The Gray Old Lady” start coming alive in the predawn hours as tent canopies spring up and the hinges of grills and smokers groan open in preparation for a day of grilling and smoking. Game day morning starts with a parade through the streets of downtown Birmingham. Back at Legion Field, everything from hot dogs and burgers to whole hogs can be found being cooked up throughout the lots. A trip through the tailgating encampments has the feel of a walk through the history of hip-hop, R&B, and soul music. The music seamlessly transitions from one genre to another in a trip around the stadium while the MC of the “official tailgate” of the Magic City Classic starts to rev up the crowd into game-level excitement. The tailgating that surrounds the game is second to none, as the music plays and the grilling moves from cooking to eating and into general pregame revelry. From the exterior, Legion Field shows her wear over the years. The paint is faded and peeling in several places, and oxidation and rust appear to have taken over in spots where the underlying steel beams are exposed. While the facility has taken a beating from the elements over the years, a walk through the concourse reveals some stunning architectural features. The mid-80s saw the expansion of the exterior of the stadium, pushing the main points of entry out and covering the beautifully arched masonry inside the stadium. It is features like this that have stood the test of time and remind visitors that you sometimes have to dig a bit and look deeper to find the beauty that lies within a historic stadium like Legion Field. A big draw for many HBCU football games is the performances from the marching bands – from the well regimented march into the stadium, volleys of refrains between each band, some not-so-subtle digs at each other from across the field, and the much-anticipated halftime performances. Unlike many college football games where the halftime clock serves as more of a countdown for bands, at the Magic City Classic, it seems to be a bit more of a suggested timeframe, as the halftime performances far surpass the allotted 20 minutes. At times, the difficulty with neutral site matchups is that it can be difficult to establish a consistent college football game day feel. On college campuses, breaks in the action are typically designed to fire up the home crowd and keep their fervor high until the game starts back up. Here at the Magic City Classic, however, breaks following stoppages in play are typically filled with sponsor ads and recognitions, which seems to take the excitement out of the crowd – this does not completely ruin the experience but does tend to create lulls in the excitement.   Neighborhood   3 Legion Field is in Birmingham’s Smithfield neighborhood, just west of downtown Birmingham. The area presents a mixed impression, characterized by a combination of residential and industrial zones, but with a notable number of abandoned and decaying homes and businesses – the neighborhood may elevate visitors’ situational awareness. Iconic Rickwood Field , where Major League Baseball held games during the 2024 major and minor league seasons, is just over a mile away and offers free tours of the stadium and its adjoining museum. If arriving in town before Saturday’s game, downtown Birmingham is also home to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in the Uptown District, just steps from Protective Stadium . For another look into the history of sports in the area, the Negro Southern League Museum is just beyond the left field wall of the Birmingham Barons’ Regions Field , and Birmingham is also a center of the history of the Civil Rights movement – the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Kelly Ingram Park, and the historic 16th Street Baptist Church are all concentrated downtown.   Fans   4 Fans begin showing up starting Wednesday of game week, setting up tailgating sites and kicking off the revelry and fellowship that surrounds the game – it is estimated that over 200,000 fans show up for the game and the festivities associated with The Classic. Here at the Magic City Classic, the pregame tailgating and everything that goes along with it illustrates all that is special about the pregame football experience. Inside Legion Field itself, fans from both teams are actively part of the ups and downs on the field, and even more so are the bands from the respective schools. The lone knock on the fan involvement in the game, and it is a bit hard to hold it against them, is that there do seem to be plenty of empty seats in the stadium (which holds 70,000+), with many remaining in the lots tailgating. It is not uncommon for fans to stay outside of any stadium and choose to continue the party, but filling the stadium with those outside would go a long way in making this game an elite-level college football experience.   Access   2 Getting to Birmingham from any direction is as simple as could be, especially considering the number of interstate highways that run through the city. What is challenging, though, is contending with the parking situation and navigating the number of road closures. At Legion Field, backups are common throughout, much as they are on the surface streets around the city. Long concession lines paired with a tight interior concourse on the eastern side of the stadium create a rather significant choke point; luckily, there is an exterior concourse that makes navigating this side of the stadium easier. The upper-level field concourse creates obstacles, which block the view of those seated in the front few rows of seats due to typical concourse foot traffic and those who congregate along the walkway and entry portals. The city of Birmingham has made leaving the stadium and getting back to downtown parking as easy as can be by closing down cross streets, in essence, creating an express bus lane through the city. The best bet for the casual fan is to grab a shuttle and enjoy the ride back. The City of Birmingham and game organizers do all they can to make getting to and from the game as easy as possible, but with the volume of RV and trailer parking taking up so much of the lots around the stadium, it leaves very little for general parking. The layout of the stadium itself, as well as a lack of perceived urgency from stadium staff to move crowds along in tight spots, also makes for some challenges in navigating the facility.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets are available for purchase online and start at $25 before fees; reserved tickets run $35. Unfortunately, purchasing tickets at the stadium box office before the game does not avoid the added fees. Because game day parking is so limited at Legion Field, rates run nearly $60 at the stadium – downtown parking is more reasonable at $20 for most lots and garages. Concessions are a touch high here, but considering the quality of most food options and the large portion sizes, it does seem to offset the slightly higher prices.   Extras   5 The morning of the Magic City Classic starts with a parade through downtown featuring many groups of bands, as well as cheer and dance squads from around the southeast. Not enough can be said about the role the marching bands play in creating a truly special college football atmosphere – from the precision of their march into the stadium to the pregame salvos during warmups, to the main event, their halftime performances, both bands deserve a ton of credit for the roles they play in helping to create the atmosphere that surrounds the Magic City Classic. The concourse has plaques affixed to each side of the stadium, which serve as a bit of a timeline of when certain parts of the stadium were constructed or upgraded. It definitely does not seem to be intentional, but the plaques serve as a nice history of the growth of Legion Field. Seats in the upper levels of the west stands provide amazing views of downtown Birmingham and the mountains that cradle it. The upper deck was removed in 2005 due to safety concerns, but doing so seems to have made a massive improvement in the view it now provides.   Final Thoughts The Magic City Classic is a great college football experience, but it goes further than being just a rivalry game between two of Alabama’s historic HBCUs – this game has the feel of being a celebration of the game of football, as well as the history of two of Alabama’s most historically Black colleges. As much as has been made about Legion Field becoming obsolete and having outlived its functionality as a host to large-scale events such as the Magic City Classic, what cannot be underestimated is the historical and cultural relevance this facility holds not just for Birmingham but throughout the state of Alabama.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Warrior Stadium 100 Skyway Dr. 130 San Jose, CA 95111 Map It Valley Christian Warriors website Warrior Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 56,000 Welcome to Warrior Stadium In an area of the country that is stacked to the gills with tech companies and massive property valuations, Valley Christian High School stands above its peers. With an expansive view of the Bay Area, Warrior Field is the place to be on a Friday night. Watching from the homestands, one can see the distant skyline of downtown San Jose to the left and the rolling hills of Silicon Valley to the right. Indeed, it is a unique view.  Even though the school is loaded with the offspring of corporate big-wigs that are bound for the upper echelon of the corporate world, the Valley Christian football program has continued to produce talented teams and individuals in the midst of one the toughest leagues in the Bay Area, the vaunted West Catholic Athletic League. Ever since taking over the program in 1997, coach Mike Machado has transformed the Valley Christian Warriors into a force to be reckoned with , claiming seven Central Coast Section (CCS) c hampionships and making an appearance in the state championship in 2016. He's done so mu ch, all the while fielding teams with local legends such as Jeff Schweiger, Cameron, and Byron Marshall, as well as the University of Oregon’s Jurrion Dickey.  But Warrior Stadium is much more than the championships won, the greatness imbued, and the memories made. It is an ongoing story that resembles the school’s motto, “Quest for Excellence.” After winning three straight CCS championships from 2002-2004, it still felt like Warrior Stadium was missing something: lights. Finally illuminated in the bright lights of Friday nights in 2005, the Valley Christian Warriors served as a beacon of excellence as they promptly won their fourth straight CCS title.  That four-year span of excellence spurred the campus in a way that their administrators could only hope for. By 2009, the football team had outgrown their tiny weight room that lay beneath the bleachers and erected a massive three-story building right next to the bleachers. Tha t structure w ould ultimately house a training room at the bottom, a larger weight room in the middle, and a couple of classrooms at the top. Five years later, the school added a solar-powered roof to the home bleachers. The new feature was perfect for providing much-needed shade on scorching days during track meets and graduations.  They didn’t stop there. Towards the end of the decade, the Warriors added a large digital video board, and by 2022, they added another weight room directly behind the endzone. Now, the players can lift weights right there on the football field.  Food & Beverage 3 The day of our visit was Homecoming, which means that Valley Christian went all out in creating the perfect party atmosphere. And what party doesn’t have great food? In front of the stadium, they had several food trucks with numerous tables set before a stage where live music was being played. It almost felt like a company picnic. Upon entering the stadium, one was met with even more food trucks as well as a couple of tents for Chick-fil-A and Greenlee’s that were adjacent to the alumni corner, a hub of humanity where food was served for free, and memories were rehashed, and friendships were lit anew as Homecoming festivities roamed around them. While the prices varied, it didn’t seem to deter people from buying those expensive nachos and waffles.  While all this was very entertaining, it’s worth noting that none of this is here every week. Most weeks, Valley has its food options, including a tri-tip sandwich that I’m told is quite scrumptious. Warrior Stadium Food Trucks, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 A Warrior's football game is an unbelievable experience. From the big digital board that consistently announces another first down with exuberance to the flag bearers th at run ar ound the home track as the Warriors score yet another touchdown. In the end, everyone is invited down to the field to congratulate the players and coaches on a job well done. The Homecoming game was a perfect way to end an event that was catered to making the fans feel like family right from the start.  As grandiose as Warrior Stadium can be, it does have one glaring flaw: a biting wind-chill. While it wasn’t too breezy that day, as the day turned to night, you could feel the seasons change from Summer to Fall. It never reached anywhere near below 60 F, but the wind chill made up the difference. If you plan on attending a game, it may be wise to bring a light jacket or sweater. Neighborhood 2 As opulent as Valley Christian High School may be, its surrounding neighborhood is a completely different story. The houses vary from well-kept to near-slum level. The higher you go up the Hill, the cleaner the environment. Interestingly, it’s the back of the Hill where the neighborhood is unkempt and the front of the Hill where the neighborhood is much more affluent and safer to drive through. In case of a fire, there’s a fire station nestled against the Hill. But as desolate as the immediate neighborhood can seem, the surrounding environment is a different story. Just down the Hill on Skyway Dr. and to the left of Snell Ave. is a wide array of popular restaurants. These include places less than two miles away, such as High Five Pizza, McDonald's, and Panda Express, to places just a little farther down Snell, such as Tomo Sushi, Dunkin Donuts, and a second McDonalds, perfect for that McFlurry that you may have forgotten to order before indulging in that Big Mac just minutes before. To say the least, one can hardly go hungry in this environment. There are numerous hotels along the expansive Monterey Highway, including a Days Inn by Wyndham within walking distance from Warrior Stadium and a Clarion Inn just a short drive down the highway.  If you want to make a weekend out of your visit, there are usually several sporting events happening in San Jose and its neighbors. Whether it’s the 49ers , Sharks , Barracuda, Giants (SF) , Giants (SJ) ,  Warriors (G-League), or the Golden State Warriors , it’s hard not to find a weekend that isn’t filled with entertainment options. If you plan wisely, it can be one of the most entertaining weekends of your life.  Fans 4 You can feel a familial sense of community here as generations of fans gather to root for their beloved Warriors while sharing stories of past victories. You can practically feel the earth shake as they stomp their feet, rooting for the defense.  What is interesting is that there is a lot of cheering for the away team on the Warriors’ side of the stadium during the junior varsity game. It’s probably because they don’t provide shade for the away team’s portable bleachers. The varsity game is different as that is played during the night, not during the heat of the day. Access 2 Homecoming or not, parking on the Hill can be dicey for a varsity football game, with spots filling up faster than you can finish this sentence. Thankfully, the school has two satellite parking lots a short distance from campus, with shuttles moving about every 20 minutes. If you’re coming down Skyway Dr. towards campus, all you have to do is turn left or right on the expansive Monterey Highway.  To the left and just past Capitol Expressway is one of the lots, located just to the right off of Fehren Drive. To the right and just past Blossom Hill Road is the other parking lot, located just to the left on Ford Road.  If you don’t plan on driving, either Uber or Lyft are viable options. There are also three bus stops on Monterey Highway that are each a short walk from the Hill.  Once you reach the stadium, the atmosphere is much different than an NFL game. There are no bag checks, and while there is security roaming around, you needn’t worry about going through any screening process. The stadium has relatively clean restrooms underneath the stands. Return on Investment 3 With this being Homecoming, the $12 spent on GoFans.com is well spent. If you want something to eat, your wallet is bound to get lighter. All in all, it’s the environment and the people that make this an evening well spent, a worthwhile investment. . Extras 3 Both the marching bands and cheerleaders are excellent. Along with the flag bearers running around and the video board announcing each touchdown in a spectacular display of both font and color, the school has worked hard to put together the total package of Friday Night Lights.  Final Thoughts If you ever find yourself in San Jose on a Friday night with nothing to do, it will be worth your while to go to a game at Warrior Stadium. Sure, it has its issues. But no stadium is perfect. So brave that shuttle service, bring a light sweater, and get ready to watch some good football in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Lumen Field 800 Occidental Ave S Seattle, WA 98134 Map It Seattle Seahawks website Lumen Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 68,740 The Home Of The 12’s The Seattle Kingdome opened in 1976 to much anticipation, instantly attracting a growing city. While both the National Football League’s Seahawks and Major League Baseball’s Mariners struggled to field consistent winners, it was clear that the stadium had been built to be one of the loudest in America. But after a couple of decades, the all-concrete venue began to show signs of decay, forcing both the Seahawks and Mariners to look at other options. While the Mariners built their ballpark just a block away from the Kingdome, new Seahawks owner Paul Allen briefly moved his franchise to the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium while he oversaw the construction of a new football stadium built right on the very spot where the recently demolished Kingdome once stood. When it first opened in 2002, the Seahawks’ new stadium was certainly a sight for sore eyes, featuring unique features such as two separated roofs that shield roughly 70 percent of fans during a traditional Seattle downpour. Wanting to create the most noise possible in an outdoor stadium, Paul Allen had the roofs specially designed to carry sounds much longer than other outdoor venues.  Years after it first opened, those roofs have served their purpose perfectly. Through its various name changes of Seahawks Stadium, Quest Field, CenturyLink Field, and finally Lumen Field, the Seahawks home remains one of the loudest in the NFL.  The end zone bleachers are arguably the most unique aspect of their new home. Wanting to add a collegiate feel to his new stadium, now known as the Hawk’s Nest, was an important aspect to Paul Allen and would prove to be the stadium's heart. Tickets for that section cost a mere $20 when the Seahawks opened their new home. It remains one of the cheapest sections in the stadium to this day. Having retired jersey number 12 in 1984, the Seahawks fans ardently believe that their loud cheering causes opposing teams to lose their composure and lose games.  Thus making them the 12th man on the field. They are not wrong. Technically resting in an earthquake zone, Lumen Field is constructed to withstand the elements. But Seattle hasn’t had a major earthquake since 2001.  Instead, “the 12’s” cause their earthquakes. Beginning in running back Marshawn Lynch’s famed “Beastquake” in the 2010 Wild Card, Lumen Field occupants have caused several small earthquakes. To date, the largest was an Ed Sheeran concert in August 2023, a 2.3 magnitude shake.  Yes, earthquakes are very much a part of Lumen Field’s legacy, but the fabric of the uniquely shaped building is its fanbase. After all, without a passionate fanbase, no team in the NFL could adequately claim home-field advantage. And it is here where Seattle shines brightest.  Food & Beverage 3 Lumen Field offers a wide variety of food options for the famished fan. There’s the Versus Dog, which offers hot dogs inspired by that week’s competition. Butter Chicken Wings and Teriyaki Short Rib Sandwich are each flavorful in their own right.  The latest delicacy to hit Lumen Field is the Bam Bam Smash Burger. Inspired by the Seahawks legend Kam “Bam Bam” Chancellor and endorsed by his Legion of Boom brother Richard Sherman, it should be a hit for years to come.  Atmosphere 4 If you were to describe a typical game day at Lumen Field in one word, it would be “electric.” Twenty-two years after it first opened, Lumen Field is still one of the loudest stadiums in the world, often reaching decibels as high as 106 on game day. The chants of “Sea-Hawks!” pierce the air throughout the game, instantly giving both the crowd and the team a boost. Neighborhood 3 Lumen Field is nestled adjacent to both Seattle’s tech sector and its industrial area. To the left, you can see a line of old brick buildings with massive cranes in the distance. Right in front of Lumen Field are numerous glass buildings that can almost be considered skyscrapers. In short, the area is always bustling.  Lumen Field is surrounded by numerous pubs and eateries that are perfect for a pregame or postgame nosh. Along 1st Ave, right next to the stadium, are places such as Sluggers, Hatchback Bar & Grille, and the recently opened Press Box. Each brings their unique twist to the flavors that native Seattleites favor.  When in town for a Seahawks game, be sure to check if either the Seattle Storm (WNBA) or Seattle Kraken (NHL) are playing at nearby Climate Pledge Arena. Or you may be able to catch a late-season Seattle Mariners (MLB) game or a Seattle Sounders (MLS) match. Fans 3 No matter the year or the team’s performance, the 12s will always make up the majority of the crowd. Still, at the game of this review, there was a surprising amount of 49ers fans in attendance. Not a sight that you would have seen in their heyday of the mid-2010s.  Even though the two teams are bitter rivals, the fan bases respected each other throughout the game, cheering wildly when appropriate and leaving the stadium at the game’s end with their hearts full, having witnessed an excellent contest. Access 2 On game day, parking is not cheap. However, parking is much cheaper the farther you go. While there is parking within a couple of blocks from the stadium, the prices go for as much as $100.  Instead, it would be wise to look for parking further from the stadium, perhaps as much as a mile. There is a parking garage a little over a mile from the stadium on the corner of Seneca and 3rd St (keep in mind that Lumen Field is on 2nd St.). While it is a bit of a walk, you can park there all day for $16. It’s an incredible find for a visiting tourist.    If you choose to take public transit, there are several options nearby. The King St. Station, International District/Chinatown, and Union Station are all right across the street from Lumen Field on 4th Ave., and bus stops surround both Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park. Many offer free parking . Return on Investment 4 Going to any NFL game is never cheap these days. Of course, each stadium brings its flavor. No matter if you spent $300 on cheap bleacher seats in the Hawk’s Nest or hundreds more for seats on the 50-yard line, the roar of the crowd will envelop you. Sometimes in life, you just have to take a chance on an experience that you will never forget. Extras 3 Perhaps this is the norm for other NFL teams, but the Seahawks have a big football-shaped display of all the helmets of every high school football team in the state overlooking one of their main food courts to the right of the Hawk’s Nest. They’ve even started a tribute to women’s flag football just around the corner. They are at least keeping an eye on the future of the game.  Probably, the identity of the stadium is a round 76 ball that sits to the left of the Hawk’s Nest. As a large noise meter, its sole responsibility is to measure crowd noises all game long. The higher the decibels, the higher the volume and the wilder the crowd. Boiled down to science, this is the main reason why the 12’s truly believe that they are the 12th Man. Seeing is believing. Final Thoughts Lumen Field was not what this author expected. As a fervent 49ers fan, I had long believed that Lumen Field was a place better fit for war than football. But as the game went on, I realized that the 12s could be some of the most hospitable people in the NFL. Yes, they want their team to win. But they also want to represent their stadium and their team in the best way possible. Of course, it could be different in the playoffs.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Jaguar Stadium 710 Leigh Ave San Jose, CA 95128 Map It Bellarmine Bells website Jaguar Stadium website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 56,000 Welcome to Jaguar Stadium In the heart of West San Jose stands a stadium filled with memories. Although it is officially the home of the San Jose City College Jaguars, Jaguar Stadium has been the training ground for several Olympic gold medalists over the years, including Millard Hampton, Andre Phillips, and Bruce Jenner.  Ironically, the sport that draws the most attention to Jaguar Stadium is not junior college football or track and field but high school football. Beginning in 1993, the 11,700-seat stadium has hosted the Central Coast Section playoffs, providing memories for countless individuals while playing host to so many great teams and individuals. It has also hosted the local powerhouse Bellarmine Bells for the past 30 years. And that is where we find ourselves this Friday night.  While the campus itself has gone through some major changes over the years, Jaguar Stadium remains virtually untouched. Of course, that doesn’t mean that it hasn’t gone through changes of its own. The field and bathroom are both newer, while the school keeps the end zone bleachers practically spotless. Meanwhile, the scoreboard looks like it's been there since before Bellarmine moved, as neither down nor distance is ever indicated. In a way, that one glitch gives the massive stadium all the nostalgic flavor that it needs. After all, Jaguar Stadium is always ready to host more memory-making moments. Food & Beverage 3 They have a wide selection of food with varied prices. While the hot dogs are only $5, the pulled pork sandwich is $12, which is more than a ticket to the game. What is most intriguing is their selection of toppings. What I assumed was chili turned out to be a tomato-based relish that made my unsuspecting taste buds dance. The hot dog is long, thick, and grilled just perfectly. The Bellarmine Dads Club knows how to put together a successful barbeque.  Bellarmine Dads Club Hot Dog, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 It’s been more than 30 years since the Bells moved in, and they’ve certainly made an excellent effort to make it feel like “home.” As you walk towards the entrance, you may be greeted by the Bell’s mascot and pass several canopies where merchandise is sold. The ticket takers are both friendly and helpful, showing no ill will to those wearing the colors of a rival school.  Even though the Bells were 0-4 going into the game we reviewed, the atmosphere said otherwise. Of course, this was a rivalry game against the hated Valley Christian Warriors. Even down by 21 in the middle of the fourth quarter, the Bellarmine fans stayed tuned in to what was going on, cheering boisterously when their team made a big play.  But as excited as their fans are, there is one glaring issue: their student section is woefully undercrowded. Bellarmine’s student section has historically been one of the most rambunctious in all of the Bay Area, providing electricity on Friday night that is hard to replicate. It is nearly impossible for them to provide that same energy with a student section that is barely a quarter full.  There is no halftime entertainment. The band just continues to play in the stands while the field remains empty for the next 15 minutes.    Neighborhood 3 The city of San Jose’s demographics are expansive, with some areas much richer than others. San Jose City College is right in the middle of the middle-class area of town. With it being so close to so many businesses, restaurants, and the 280 freeway, it is in a terrific spot for commerce and conversation.  Just around the corner from the junior college is a slew of restaurants along S Bascom Avenue, including Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Subway, and McDonalds. If you’re in the mood for brunch the next day, then the K Cafe Patisserie and Tea House, just a block away from all of those fast food establishments, might hit the spot.  The closest hotel, by far, is the Row San Jose, BW Signature Collection. While it’s only a mile away, it is across the 280. Other sports to see during the Bells' football season include the San Jose Barracuda (AHL), less than five miles from Jaguar Stadium, the San Jose State Spartans football (3 1/2 miles east), or a San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) match (five miles north). Fans 2 Bellarmine is an all-boys school, so they don’t have cheerleaders. Instead, they have “yell leaders.” Dressed in striped long-sleeved shirts, this group of men is responsible for rallying the student section and, therefore, making the home stands come to life. That’s hard to do when the student section is barely a quarter full.  Still, this group of young men persevere and never let up when their football team fails at finding the end zone. It is because of them that much of the home crowd remains for the entirety of the game, always holding out hope that their beloved Bells could pull out a miracle. Access 4 There is a large parking garage that is free on gameday. If you’re not driving there, then there are multiple bus stops within walking distance from campus. The Fruitdale Light Rail station (Green Line) is a .5 mile walk. Both Uber and Lyft can easily travel straight through the parking lot.  Once you reach the stadium, the restrooms are right by the entrance. As far as sports venues go, those restrooms are pristine, as it’s very obvious that SJCC works constantly to keep them as clean as possible, even during the game. It’s a luxury that not all stadiums provide.  Despite this being a junior college stadium, getting into the stadium is no issue. There is no screening process or bag check, making it an easy entry.  Return on Investment 3 The $11 spent on gofan.com is worth it, and the $5 hot dog fits just right in a tight budget. Jaguar Stadium is a good, clean place to watch a high school football game. . Extras 2 As you walk into the stadium, you are immediately met with massive end zone bleachers. While this is normal for high schools in Texas, this is hardly the norm for California. Still, the end zone bleachers are very far from the action, making it a better place to engage in a lively conversation than watching a football game.  Aside from the massive end zone bleachers, one of the coolest unintended features of Jaguar Stadium is the “playground.” The school’s high jump structure is right next to the visitor’s bleachers, and bored children love to bounce and mess around on it. It is certainly a sight for sore eyes. But still, one must remember that this is not intentional and is simply an act of childlike imagination. Final Thoughts Jaguar Stadium serves as one of the largest high school football stadiums in the Bay Area, and while it might not look overly impressive to many, it should be worth the trip to watch a game.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Tacoma Stadium Bowl 111 N E St Tacoma, WA 98403 Map It Stadium Tigers website Tacoma Stadium Bowl website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 17,000 Welcome to Tacoma Stadium On the banks of Commencement Bay rests a curious-looking football stadium appropriately named the Tacoma Stadium Bowl. Lying in a gulch just under Stadium High School (commonly known as “the Brown Castle”), it has become a beacon for the small community of the Stadium-Seminary Historic District that has truly put the town of 8,600 on the map. It has been listed by such media entities as Maxpreps  and ESPN  as being one of the very best high school football stadiums in America.  Since it first opened in 1910, the Tacoma Stadium Bowl has hosted many historical luminaries such as Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Warren G. Harding, as well as William Jennings Bryan and Babe Ruth.  It’s even been in its share of movies, having appeared in Heath Ledger’s 10 Things I Hate About You.  Of course, it has also had its share of misadventures over the past 115 years. But through floods (1932, 1981, and 2014 ) and earthquakes  (1949 and 1965), the citizens have yet to give up on their landmarks. Having originally opened for 32,000 spectators, a major renovation in 1980 brought new concrete seating and eliminated all of the end zone seats. Now, the stadium can seat as many as 17,000, with the view of Puget Sound just as beautiful as the day that it first opened 114 years ago. The Tacoma High School Tigers football team, members of the North Puget Sound League, play their home games at this historic venue. Food & Beverage 1 Since this was Homecoming, the school provided a couple of food trucks. Aside from that, their concessions offer the least amount of food that I’ve ever seen. Just candy, popcorn, and drinks.  Atmosphere 2 With a population of over 220,000, Tacoma is not a small town. Yet somehow, the Stadium-Seminary Historic District surrounding Tacoma Stadium High School has carved out their little niche, giving them a small-town vibe so critical to the atmosphere of high school football.  But with a stadium that can seat 17,000, the community doesn't even fill half the home bleachers, and the away bleachers are even less filled (although the visiting team I saw is currently in the midst of a 17-game losing streak). While the fans are friendly and energetic, the sight of a practically empty stadium is certainly alarming. While the view of Commencement Bay is certainly captivating, it does bring a wind chill that can cause a sweet memory to turn sour. Neighborhood 2 This little section of Tacoma is neatly separated from the rest of the bigger city, giving it a unique small-town feel. While it may look grimy, the neighborhood is safer than it looks. Arguably the best restaurant in town is Shake Shake Shake , a burger establishment that sells Tiger-themed milkshakes and sundaes just down the road from Stadium High School. But don’t expect it to be open after the game. Sports fans may be able to visit a late-season MiLB Tacoma Rainiers game when in town to watch the Stadium Tigers football team. Fans 2 The student section, although small, is energetic and very much into the game from start to finish. The Tigers have a passionate fan base that feels like a true small community. Meanwhile, the friends, family, and general fan base take advantage of their spacious surroundings. All through the game, you will see large swaths of empty concrete between the guests. While this does make things much easier to find your preferred seat, it also speaks volumes about their game day atmosphere. Access 2 If you have limited mobility, then this is NOT the stadium for you. While you can watch all of the action from the very top of the hill, it’s hard to feel the vibrancy of high school football from there. Concrete steps are everywhere in seemingly endless lines up the steep hill.  Most of the steps are in good condition, but there are numerous steps, particularly on the visitor’s side, that are not. Notably, there’s a long line of steps on the visitor’s side showing advanced signs of aging, with massive chunks missing from the concrete. You can even see the scars from where the school attempted to reattach the crumbling concrete. It’s certainly an alarming sight.  Also, you can switch sides with a long, narrow concrete path at the base of the gulch. Still, it’s a bit of a trek with all of those steps.  Meanwhile, the parking situation is pretty good. While there is a parking garage right next to the stadium at the top of the hill, parking in the local neighborhood is not of the question either. The neighborhood is safe enough, and there are usually ample parking spaces near the campus.  Despite numerous renovations, the bathrooms look as old as the stadium itself. The stalls are made of steel that looks like it belongs on a battleship. Still, despite the age, the essentials are up to date, with the toilets, sinks, and paper towel dispenser all up to our current standards. Return on Investment 3 Yes, the ancient stadium has its issues. The steps are numerous and can be a bit much. The bathrooms are cramped and ugly. The food is sparse, and the wind is chilly as the night goes on.  Still, the $7 ticket is well spent. History buffs should swoon over this marvel. The entire building is built like a castle, even the ticket booth. Walking along the upper concourse on either side of the stadium, you can see bulbless lamp posts, relics of the past before floodlights became the norm. The stadium was built for much larger crowds, so you should have no problem finding your preferred seat.  Extras 2 At times, it’s as if the stadium is one with nature. There is a small yet blooming tree next to a certain section of the home bleachers that blocks much of the ten yards to that end zone.  As a spectator who loves watching the action as close as possible, it is difficult to appreciate the game when the two teams are playing so close to that section.  During the game of my visit, when it was almost halftime, a deer was seen grazing on the hill between the home and away bleachers. After roughly 10 minutes, it scampered right into the middle of a play under the shrieks of a surprised crowd. While this is probably not common, this part of Tacoma is in an area that is populated by wildlife. The fact that nature could show its face in this manner gives this ancient stadium a unique flavor. Final Thoughts America has many historical landmarks. While their conditions vary, for the most part people treasure these peaks into our past. With that being said, watching a football game at Tacoma Stadium is almost like watching a football game in a castle. Sure, it’s not the most enjoyable experience, but it certainly is in its own category of uniqueness. And that’s a good thing.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Maxwell Field and Memorial Stadium 51 SE Lever St McMinnville, OR 97128 Map It Linfield Wildcats website Maxwell Field and Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 4,000 Welcome to Maxwell Field The Linfield University Wildcats football team hasn’t had a losing season since 1955. Considered the longest streak of winning seasons in all of college football at any level, the Wildcats protect their home turf with a vigor that is hard to replicate. Named after J.O. Maxwell, who donated much of the money necessary to build the venue, Maxwell Field has hosted many events in the small town of McMinnville, Oregon, since 1928. It has hosted 24 Division III football playoff games since 2004 and the Northwest Conference Track and Field championships in 2005, 2011, and 2017. The concrete and brick building with the covered seating sits 2,250, and with the help of portable bleachers, the stadium can easily fit 4,000 spectators on a Saturday afternoon. Of course, there’s more than plenty of standing room only in the end zone near Division III’s largest video board. There, spectators can bring a lawn chair or blanket while watching the game. Food & Beverage 4 The day of this visit was Homecoming, so the school had food trucks, a beer garden, a wine selection, and games that it normally wouldn’t have. They have a barbeque with hot dogs and burgers for $3 and $5 each. A good deal in this economy. Atmosphere 3 As you enter the campus, you can’t help but notice all of the brick-laden buildings, majestic in their Italianate designs. With the sprawling lawns and the large, expansive trees, it truly feels like an institution of higher education. If you are late to the game, you can hear the PA announcer calling plays and making announcements to the gathered crowd. When you enter Maxwell Field, there is a feeling that is rare in sports. Between the shining sun, the gathered crowd, and the lawn chairs spread throughout the far end zone, it truly feels like a picnic on a warm Spring day.  Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood is less than stellar and, at times, feels cramped. Still, there is a bright spot. Alf’s Burgers and Shakes is right around the corner from the university, and they serve excellent burgers and shakes. While the parking may be limited and the wait might be long, it’s certainly worth the hassle after an afternoon spent watching Division III football.  Alf's Burgers and Shakes, Photo by David Berger, Stadium Journey For other football in the area, a half-hour drive northeast on 99W brings you to fellow Northwest Conference members, George Fox Bruins , in Newburg, Oregon. Fans 3 The home side is packed and lively, especially as the Wildcats begin to pull away from their opposition. All around the field, fans stay very much invested in the action. At times, it can feel like a picnic, with fans either bringing their lawn chairs to sit on the turf right behind the end zone or standing near the entrance in the shade.  Access 3 Parking is a bit scattered on campus, but the lot next to Founders Way seems to be the best. Although a bit of a walk from the stadium, the spots are plenty. Founders Way is also an excellent place to send your Uber or Lyft driver.  Once you get to the stadium, you don’t have to worry about going through any screening process and can probably buy your tickets there, too. However, it is recommended to buy your tickets from the university website . While the buildings are up to code, their restrooms are a bit messier than you would expect from a venue that has the largest video board in Division III football.  Return on Investment 2 Although the home bleachers are covered, none of the other seats are. The sun proves to be unforgiving as the game progresses. While it is a more than pleasant atmosphere, the weather will be a factor in your overall experience. If you are concerned about the weather, perhaps spending an additional $10 for a covered seat is all it will take for a better experience. Still, $15-$25 is a good deal for a college football game.  Extras 2 There’s a section of the home bleachers next to the away team bleachers, making for a unique experience as either one section or the other is always cheering. If you sit close enough on the visitor’s side, you can watch the offense and defense talk on the sidelines. While the coaches are careful enough not to let the crowd listen in on their instructions, you can hear the player’s emotions as they come off the field. It makes for an intimate setting.  Final Thoughts In this era of NIL (name, image, and likeness), college football has lost a lot of its innocence. But the lower levels are not always subject to the almighty dollar. While Linfield University has a proud tradition and is always looking for ways to upgrade its facilities, it remains a small college program. The innocence of the game rests in Maxwell Field.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tech CU Arena 1500 S 10th St San Jose, CA 95112 Map It San Jose Barracuda website Tech CU Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 4,200 Welcome to Tech CU Arena In 2015, the San Jose Sharks announced that they were moving their AHL affiliate, the Worcester Sharks, across the country and right in their own backyard. Renamed the San Jose Barracuda, the newly named team originally played in the home arena of its parent affiliate, the SAP Center while getting adjusted to their new surroundings. In 2022, the Barracuda opened their own arena, Tech CU Arena.   It is attached to the Sharks’ practice facility, Sharks Ice at San Jose, which has served as a much loved public venue for years, often hosting youth games, practices and birthday parties. It is within this setting that the Barracuda hope to make their mark with the growing interest in the game. After finishing fourth in the new Pacific Division to begin their stay in San Jose, the Barracuda won their division in 2016-2017 and made it as far as the semifinals of the Calder Cup before losing to the Grand Rapids Griffins. They made it back to the conference finals in 2021, but lost in two games to the Henderson Silver Knights. To date, that is as far as the Barracuda have ever come to winning it all.  Food & Beverage 3 The food options are plentiful. There are several places where you can get food and even a location where you can pick up a drink like you would at a grocery store, with several refrigerators filled to the brim with liquid goodies and a self checkout kiosk standing nearby (yes, there is security for that). While they do serve all the usual stadium originals such as hot dogs, popcorn, nachos and pretzels, Tech CU Arena also serves smashburgers for $17 with a vegetarian option.  Drink MKT at Tech CU Arena, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey They even sell hockey sticks filled with beer. Speaking of beer, Tech CU Arena has two bars in the upper concourse worth looking into: the Mad River Brewing Bar and Calder’s Sports Bar and Refuge. Atmosphere 3 The place gleams as you enter, with four large 12.5 ft x 21.5 ft video boards attached to one another and hanging right over center ice and the team’s lone divisional championship banner hanging all alone just a short distance away. It’s clear that many more banners are planned and that this minor league venue has big league ambitions. With this being hockey, fans are usually inclined to watching and listening to the violence. Since it’s so much more affordable than a typical NHL game, you shouldn’t have any problem hearing the violence of the game (if that’s your preference). The hits and the fights are aplenty, even in the minors. Although a minor league venue, Tech CU Arena officials have done a remarkable job at making a fan-first atmosphere. With it being in the heart of Silicon Valley, all of the technology is state of the art. Even the seats are cushioned.  The arena itself is quite loud and vibrant. It’s packed too, with the seats roughly 75% full, not bad for a minor league game. After every goal, the arena blares a loud foghorn noise, not unlike the 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium. All through the game their mascot, Frenzy the Barracuda, livens the crowd by boisterously waving his arms and at times even participating in the t-shirt toss. Neighborhood 3 Sharks Ice at San Jose (Tech CU Arena) have many neighbors that are very, very close . San Jose State football’s CEFCU Stadium is just across the street and the San Jose Giants Excite Park is just around the corner. To put it mildly, the neighborhood is always bustling.  Although crowded, the neighborhood is family friendly with the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and the Japanese Friendship Garden being just a short walk from Sharks Ice a t San Jose. There are several restaurants around the area including the Bui Phong Bakery which is just around the corner of S 10th St. and Keyes St. as well as both Carnitas El Rincon and Puro Michoacan Restaurant which are right across the street from each other on Keyes and 2nd St. Clandestine Brewing is right down 2nd St. from Carnitas. The only hotel within walking distance from the arena is right down Alma St. After walking a ways, turn right on First St. and you will soon bump into Hotel Elan San Jose. While it is technically a two-star hotel, the reviews online are more than three out of five stars. Fans 4 The arena is bustling. All through the game s , the crowd gets louder and louder with anticipation. Their attention only intensifies with each scoreless period. The fans know that the team caters to them and they give the team all that they can: their passion. Access 3 The parking situation isn’t horrible either, with a garage right across the street going for $10 cash or credit. But aside from that garage, it’s probably better for tourists to rely on public transit. There are three bus stops (Route 73) along Senter Rd, which is just down the street from Alma Ave where Tech CU Arena resides. It’s very easy for rideshare to drive through the parking lot right in front of Tech CU Arena, dropping off guests right at the door. Tech CU Arena is only 6.1 miles from the SJ Airport and it should be no problem having either Uber or Lyft take you there. The arena is pretty spacious, with enough space within the concourses for traffic to be minimal. Their security is pretty loose, with there being just a single metal detector. With this being a new venue, the bathrooms are state-of-the-art but are more often than not out of paper towels. Return on Investment 4 For a minor league venue, it certainly feels like a major league environment. Of course, with the venue being just two years old, it is   almost expected to be clean, especially for the home opener. Still, the community is   alive in the building. NHL games are not cheap, but AHL games are. With a price tag of anywhere between $18 to $40, the San Jose Barracuda certainly give the crowd much more than its money’s worth of entertainment. When you first walk into the building, it almost has its own community. Whether it’s the face painters to the side painting team insignia’s on impressionable kid’s faces, the small team store that is always bustling with fans or the myriad of food venues that offered quite the selection of gut-busting goodness, it truly feels that win or lose, the night would end well for those in attendance. Extras 1 At times, the game has a carnival-like atmosphere. Little things like face paintings in the hallway, t-shirt tosses from the ice, obstacle races during intermission in giant bubbles keep fans engaged in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.  Final Thoughts The Barracuda have done a remarkable job keeping their new venue clean and lively. Even though both the Barracuda and the Sharks finished far from contention just the year before, the fans are very much into the game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall 671 Taylor Street Bethlehem, PA 18015 Lehigh Mountain Hawks website Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall website Year Opened: 1942 Capacity: 1,788 Volleyball Stars in Bethlehem Nestled in the town of Bethlehem in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall is home to the volleyball program of the Lehigh University Mountain Hawks. The arena previously served as the home of Lehigh's basketball program. The men moved into the newly built Stabler Arena in 1979, while the women followed a decade later. Grace Hall was renovated extensively in 2003, and in addition to hosting volleyball, it also hosts Lehigh's wrestling team. It is also used for intramural and club sports, among other events. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Lehigh volleyball games, although fans are free to bring their own. There is a water fountain on the upper-level concourse if you urgently need something to drink but don't have anything. Atmosphere 4 Walking through the doors of the unassuming stone building that houses Leeman-Turner Arena will put you in a small lobby extensively featuring the school's color scheme - a mix of light and dark brown, with some gold thrown in as well. Glass doors up a few stairs straight ahead will take you to the arena itself. All seats in the arena are plastic bleachers. An additional concourse is located above the bleachers but doesn't have much of anything to do there other than an additional set of restrooms. Since this is such a small arena, you will have an up-close view of the action no matter where you sit. A pair of scoreboards are located behind the end line on the entrance side. The one on the left (as you face the exit) shows the score of the current set, while the one on the right shows the number of sets each team has won. However, you just have to figure out the function of each scoreboard on your own, as both are labeled "score." During timeouts, one scoreboard also shows the time remaining until play resumes. The other scoreboard has something labeled "Advantage Time," which is only used for wrestling, so you can ignore this during a volleyball match. Lehigh does put some effort into the matchday experience at a volleyball game. Small promotional giveaways will often be available in the lobby, and the Lehigh pep band will sometimes show up and play during breaks in the action, occasionally between points but mostly during timeouts or between sets. However, they may not be there every game. Neighborhood 3 Bethlehem is not the largest town, but there is still plenty to do here. If you head north from campus, you will find many restaurants and other attractions along both sides of the Lehigh River. Seven Sirens and Bonn Place are two popular breweries on the south side of the river, and there are other options to choose from as well, ranging from Peruvian to Italian to typical American food. Bethlehem has the feel of a small college town, so while there is plenty to do here, it's far from the excitement of a major city. Fans 3 The typical crowd at a Lehigh volleyball match will be between 100 and 200 fans, which is about typical for the Patriot League but far less than at many larger programs in Division I. Additionally, since the Patriot League has such a small geographic footprint, many of those in attendance will be cheering for the visiting team. This is especially true for the game against archrival Lafayette, which is located only a few miles away, but will also be true against the other schools, such as in-state rival Bucknell. Early season non-conference games against teams outside the northeast may have fewer away fans. While those in attendance can get loud at times, such as if Lehigh wins a big point or an extended rally, at other points, it can be quite quiet in here. The low ceilings do keep the sound in when the crowd cheers, and that helps. Access 3 Getting to the Lehigh campus will require some driving on back roads, no matter where you are coming from, but at least you can enjoy the scenery as you drive through the country. Lehigh University has several nearby "campuses," and Grace Hall is located on the Asa Packer campus. Your best bet is to park in the Zoeller Arts Center Garage. Parking is available there for $1 per hour, payable at either a pay station or via the Passport mobile app on your phone. The upper levels are reserved for events at the art center, although you should find sufficient parking on the first floor, so it's not an issue. It is about a five to ten-minute walk from the garage to the arena, although you will need to walk up a steep hill to get there. The exterior of the arena is an unassuming stone building, so you will need to pay attention to find it. Restrooms are available in the lobby on the lower level as well as on the concourse above the bleachers. They are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds Lehigh draws for a volleyball match. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission to Lehigh volleyball games, and as mentioned above, parking isn't particularly expensive either. Still, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 2 One star for the unique layout and color scheme of the arena, featuring light and dark brown with splashes of gold. A second star for the poster honoring Lehigh's Patriot League volleyball titles. Final Thoughts Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall is not the fanciest volleyball venue - while it has an unusual layout, it is at its core, quite basic. That being said, Lehigh puts a good effort into the matchday atmosphere here, and it is a shame that more fans do not show up.

Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Ludwig Field University Boulevard and Stadium Drive College Park, MD 20740 Maryland Terrapins website Ludwig Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 7,000 Fear The Soccer Turtle Ludwig Field on the University of Maryland's campus is home to the four-time national champion Maryland Terrapins soccer team. The stadium officially seats about 7,000 fans and has consistently ranked as one of the top college soccer venues in the country. Maryland has been one of the most successful college soccer teams in recent years, winning the national championship in 2005, 2008 and 2018 as well as a title back in 1968. Until they missed out in 2023, the Terps had made every NCAA Tournament since 2001. The 2023 tournament was only the second one they have missed since 1994. Terps alumni to have played in Major League Soccer include Donovan Pines of D.C. United, Zach Steffen of the Colorado Rapids and U.S. internationals Graham Zusi and Zach Steffen. Food & Beverage 3 There is a single food stand in the corner of the stadium. Although Ludwig Field is an outstanding venue, the concessions here are simply average. Your only meal options are chicken tenders (which come with fries), veggie burgers, hot dogs, and for health conscious people, a chicken caesar wrap or a spinach, nut, and berry salad. Fruit cups, candy, peanuts, and chips are all available, as is Sasho's Crew Crunch ice cream, which is dulce de leche ice cream with a chocolate swirl and nestle crunch pieces. Gatorade, bottled water, soda, and hot chocolate are available to drink. There is also a beer garden where fans of age can purchase adult beverages. Atmosphere 5 There are four sets of seats at Ludwig Field, one along each sideline and one behind each of the goals. The students tend to occupy the goal line seats and stand behind whichever goal the Terps are shooting at (more on that later.) The seats on the near sideline as you come in are chairbacks and are extremely close to the action - the front row is only a few feet away from the sideline. This is the best place to sit, but as all seats are general admission, they do fill up here. On the far sideline, you will find a large set of bleachers which are separated from the field by a running track. You may also struggle to see over the overhangs that cover the team benches, although if you sit high enough, this will not be an issue. A scoreboard is located behind one goal and shows some team stats in addition to the score and time. Before the game, the Terrapins enter the field amidst pillars of smoke, and the crowd gets fired up for the game. As is typical of soccer at any level, much of the atmosphere comes from the fans, and we will discuss this more in that section, but the team does a lot here as well. There are activities on the concourse for kids and adults alike, and if you arrive early, you can sit up very close to the action at a top-notch college stadium. Neighborhood 3 College Park is a small college town with enough in the immediate area to get by but is nothing special. There is a bowling alley a couple of miles away, and a bunch of chain restaurants within walking distance. If you’re looking for some local color, College Park Diner  is a favorite with residents and students alike and serves up comfort food 24 hours a day. Looney’s Pub  on Route 1 is a sports bar with dozens of big-screen TVs for your viewing pleasure. A couple of hotels are located nearby, including a Marriott  just off campus, and The Hotel  on campus. (Yes, the on-campus hotel is called The Hotel. Not a very creative name). That being said, if you’re looking to do more than eat and sleep, your best bet is to head down to the Metro station and take the Green Line into D.C. It’s about a 30-minute ride to downtown. Once you’re there, there’s so much to do and most of it is free. Whether it’s visiting one of the historic monuments and memorials, visiting one of the numerous museums, or simply walking outside on the National Mall, there’s something for everyone. All government-run attractions are free to the public, though some privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the Capitol or White House, you will need to reserve that ahead of time. Fans 5 Maryland consistently ranks in the Top 5 in the nation in attendance, and while they seldom draw close to the alleged capacity of 7,000, the stands can get quite full even with only about half that in attendance, as they were on the day Stadium Journey was in attendance. Sure, they can always manage to fit more fans in if they pay for tickets, but if it gets much fuller than that, some fans may be standing or crammed extremely tightly into the bleachers. Nonetheless, it felt like a near-capacity crowd when we visited, even if officially it wasn't. Terps fans are loud and proud of their team, especially the large student section. As mentioned above, they stand in the bleachers behind whichever goal the Terps are shooting at in that half, and seek to annoy the opposing goalkeeper as much as possible. They are loud and do support their team, but also have chants directed at the opposing goalkeeper that may not always be completely clean. We're talking mild vulgarity, not slurs or R-rated curse words or anything like that, but it may not be G-rated either, so just be mindful of that. Access 3 The University of Maryland campus is a few miles off of I-495 (the Capital Beltway) and Maryland Route 295 (Baltimore-Washington Parkway). Once on campus, you can park in Lot 1B or 1D right next to the stadium for free on weekends and weeknights after 5 PM. If going to a weekday afternoon game, you will have to park further away in a garage, and pay for that, but as Ludwig Field has lights, this will very rarely be an issue. Note that there is a lot of construction going on in the vicinity of Ludwig Field, so you may have to walk or drive around blocked off construction areas that can change on a daily basis. Once inside the stadium, you can walk around the track area to get from one set of bleachers to another. Getting around the bleachers themselves can be difficult when it is crowded, but this is to be expected and will likely be the case at any venue. Real restrooms are available by the concession stand and the far side bleachers, and there are also Port-a-Potties right by the entrance if you are sitting on that side and don't want to walk all the way around.. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for adults are $15 for select premium games against top opponents and $10 for all other games. Discounts are available for youth and seniors as well. Parking is usually free, and concessions are reasonably priced. Considering this is one of the top college soccer stadiums in the country, perhaps the best, this is an excellent value. Ticket prices may be higher than most college soccer venues, but they are still not that high and you get what you pay for. Extras 4 Look for the area behind the goal by the entrance offering various promotions and giveaways for children and adults alike. Selections will vary by game, of course, but can include giveaways of free food or Terps merchandise, sign making, or other fun activities. Free roster sheets are available as you come in as well. Look for all the banners throughout Ludwig Field honoring the Terrapins' four national championships. The crowd energy here, especially from the students, is worthy of a fourth extra star. Final Thoughts Ludwig Field may be the best college soccer stadium in the country, and it certainly ranks among the elite. The Terps have a great fan base, a gorgeous stadium, and an outstanding team that plays in it. Soccer fans in the region will definitely want to make the trip to Ludwig Field to check out a Terps game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Rhodes Field 3331 River Fields Dr Philadelphia, PA 08105 Penn Quakers website Rhodes Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 650 The Might of the Penn Tucked into the River Fields Complex between I-76 and the railroad tracks, you can find Rhodes Field, home of Penn Quakers soccer. The complex is located on the bank of the Schuylkill River and also includes Meiklejohn Stadium , home of the Quakers' baseball team, and Ellen Vagelos Field , home of Penn field hockey. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Rhodes Field. Fans are free to bring in their own. Occasionally, food and drink may be available at receptions to certain groups such as donors or alumni. If this applies to you, you will be able to register in advance. Atmosphere 5 Rhodes Field is located in an unusual urban setting. The Philadelphia skyline is visible across the field and cars zoom by on I-76 behind the bleachers. The stadium itself has a beautiful brick facade and bleacher seating for about 650 fans. A digital scoreboard is located to the left of the field that shows some team stats and also shows a pregame hype video to get the crowd fired up. The seats are all very close to the action - there is no track or anything else separating them from the field, and with only a few rows, you will be close no matter where you sit. As is often the case at soccer matches at any level, much of the energy comes from the fans (more on that later) but the team itself puts in a lot of effort too. Penn has a mascot, a costumed Quaker, who has been known to make appearances at Penn soccer games and interact with fans. Rhodes Field is always full of energy from the crowd and that really helps contribute to the atmosphere here. Neighborhood 5 Rhodes Field is located in a park next to several other Penn athletic venues in the University City Neighborhood of Philadelphia. Within a short walk, you can find numerous restaurants ranging from pizza to burgers to chicken to bars, and much more. Most of this can be found north of the stadium, as the university hospital is located directly to the south. The Schuylkill River is directly to the east, but there are plenty of options as you head west along the streets as well. The New Deck Tavern is one favorite, as are the White Dog Café and highly rated Mexican restaurant Cucina Zapata. Fans 5 Although Rhodes Field only seats 650, Penn fans fill the bleachers every game. They are loud, especially after Penn goals, but even at other points during the game it can be quite raucous and rowdy here. Penn fans are also not afraid to get on the ref's case for making what they perceive as a bad call, even if it had little impact on the game. If a Penn player gets called for a questionable offsides shortly before shooting the ball wide of the net, expect fans to boo and yell at the ref, even though the only real effect is that the ensuing free kick by the other team will be taken from a few yards further up the field. Access 3 Rhodes Field is located in the River Fields Complex and finding it can be tricky if you are not using a GPS. Even if you are using one, it can be unclear where to park. On weekends or weekdays after 2:00, the lots in the River Fields Complex are open to the public. On weekdays before 2, you can only park here with a permit, but since Rhodes Field has lights, most games on weekdays are played at night and this is not a problem. The closest lot to the stadium is by the Hollenback Annex, all the way at the back of the Rhodes Field Complex. The final portion of the road is undergoing significant construction and only one lane is open. This means that staff have to direct traffic to keep cars going into the lot, cars leaving the lot, and pedestrians walking from the lot to the stadium or vice versa from colliding with each other. It is a huge mess. If this lot fills up, which it will, there are a few spaces available by the baseball stadium, which isn't significantly further away, but if these fill up, you will have to park at the Penn Museum Garage, about a ten minute walk away, which will also be your only option on weekday afternoons. Getting from either of the lots at River Fields to the stadium involves walking down a narrow unlit road with no grass or sidewalk along the majority of the route that you can walk on. Since cars are zooming by on I-76 on the other side of the fence, you won't even hear cars when they approach on the River Fields access road, so you need to be paying careful attention as both a driver and a pedestrian. Getting from the Penn Museum Garage to the stadium involves walking down a long staircase behind the Hollenback Annex (and back up it at the end of the game) which will put you in the Hollenback lot. Just as if you parked there, you will need to walk down the chute and hope the staff successfully keep vehicular traffic out while you do so. The Penn Health SEPTA stop is a short walk away near the Penn Museum Garage, but you run into the same problem walking from here that you do walking from anywhere else. If you do drive, parking will will cost $4 per hour, up to $18 for the whole day. While Penn receives an average score for access, the fact is that they could receive a much higher score without adding any significant access, simply by improving what is already there. There is room for a sidewalk along the River Fields Access road, but instead there is a steep incline along the side that is impossible to walk on, and at many points contains rocks or other things you would not want to trip over when walking at night on an unlit road. If they simply added a sidewalk and some lighting along the road, and made it easier and safer for vehicles and pedestrians alike to get to and from the Hollenback lot, this rating would go up significantly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Penn soccer games is free, and Rhodes Field is an outstanding venue, so the value here is good. However, the high cost to park takes this score down a notch. Extras 3 One star for the banners at Rhodes Field honoring Penn's tournament appearances. A second star for the unusual location of Rhodes Field, between a highway and railroad tracks, with cars zooming by behind you and trains passing on the other side of the field, and the Philadelphia skyline visible beyond the tracks. A third and final star for the pregame hype video that gets the crowd fired up. Final Thoughts Rhodes Field is a gorgeous college soccer stadium that fans in the Philadelphia area will definitely want to visit. While it is a bit tricky to get to, once you are here, you will not regret coming.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Carroll Stadium 1001 W New York St Indianapolis, IN 46202 Indy Eleven website Carroll Stadium website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 12,100 American Soccer's Best Dive Bar The Indy Eleven are members of the second-division United Soccer League. The ultimate goal of the franchise is to have its soccer-specific stadium and move up the ranks to Major League Soccer. The club operated in the North American Soccer League since its inception in 2014, before joining the USL for the 2018 season. However, during deep playoff runs, the club returns to IU-Indy for matches due to scheduling conflicts at their regular home. The club is called Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium on the campus of IUPUI home. The 12,100-seat stadium opened in 1982 but was renovated before the arrival of the club in 2014. There were $1 million in improvements made to the stadium before the first season that included additional bathrooms, portable concession stands, seating areas, 11 private suites, and two premiere party decks. The Eleven have made headlines with their stadium woes. Club ownership proposed Eleven Park, a $550 million mixed-used development and 20,000-seat stadium, that was scheduled to open for the 2025 season. In June 2024, the City-County Council approved Mayor Joe Hogsett's plan for an MLS stadium to lure an expansion franchise separate from the Indy Eleven. The club will most likely be at the college stadium for the foreseeable future. The Eleven played at Lucas Oil Stadium from 2018 to 2020. The move improved many areas, but the atmosphere was clouded by the massive size of the stadium. The team would return to Carroll Stadium for the 2021 season. The Indy Eleven–named after the 11th Indiana Infantry Regiment that served with notoriety in the Union Army  during the American Civil War–has averaged over 9,000 fans per game over four seasons setting the standard for both casual and supporters' section at the stadium. Weekend matches at the “The Mike” include tailgating, family activities, and various tents and games set up before each home match. A strong dedicated supporter section known as the Brickyard Battalion provides the theatrics during the 90 minutes of soccer on the synthetic field. Food & Beverage 4 The food choices are varied with a majority of them served from food trucks and blue shelters behind the supporters' section. The open space allows for an outdoor food court with plenty of options for food and drink. Condado Tacos offers three types of varieties: Lucy Fire, Blue Dream, and the vegetarian Power Plant. You can also grab queso and chips and stadium nachos. Chomp's Truck serves burgers and seasoned fries, and Mac Genie serves Philly steak sandwiches, plus a variety of mac and cheese dishes from buffalo chicken, crab, and jalapeño. There are more burgers and pizza offered at the Union Jack's food truck. The opposite of the stadium is Gordon's Ice Cream which features six flavors, waffle cones, fried churros, and milkshakes. There is also Ben's Pretzels which always has long lines for its freshly made soft pretzels. If you require a wake-up, Illumine Coffee has a cup for you. The stadium features snack options, including hot dogs, popcorn, and Coca-Cola products. The beer options include Papst Blue Ribbon and Bud Light but also include varieties from nearby 450 North and Metazoan Breweries. Other alcoholic options include wine slushies and ciders, including one made specifically for the soccer club, Boysen Blueberry. Atmosphere 4 Carroll Stadium was not designed for soccer but for UI-Indy’s track and field program in 1982. The stadium shows its age in many areas from the grandstand to bathrooms and aesthetics. However, fan support has been strong during the Indy Eleven’s run, despite its struggles trying to build its soccer-specific venue. Tailgating begins early for evening games and various tents and banners are noticeable before kickoff. The Brickyard Battalion has a few tables and tents offering its brand of merchandise featuring caps, scarves, shirts, and stickers. Some of it is pretty well designed and constructed. A large track circles the pitch and pushes the fans in the grandstand away from the action on the field. The view of the playing field from the top of the stands is quite nice, but the noise from the supporters' section, Brickyard Battalion, is drowned out from this area. Many of the fans in the grandstand are casual and relaxed. The team’s official mascot Zeke is a dog dressed in Civil War regalia, while two live dogs, Victorio and Victoria, roam the stadium with their owner to adoring fans who want to pet them. There is also an official mascot that roams around the stadium as well that does not need a leash. There are two merchandise tents offering t-shirts to jerseys located behind both end-line seats. It is not uncommon to find a few discounted items that are around the $10-$20 mark along with reasonably priced novelties for the true fan or soccer jersey collector. Neighborhood 3 Carroll Stadium is located on the campus of IU-Indy near the center of downtown and a short taxi or Uber ride to Mass Ave or Fountain Square sections of Indianapolis. However, there are a few places nearby within a slight walk after the game to visit including a slew of regional chain restaurants. The Mass Ave. neighborhood is highly recommended after the game and it’s where you will find the official meeting headquarters for supporters The Chatham Tap Restaurant & Pub. The soccer-friendly atmosphere provides food, drinks, and lively conversations, try their wings, bangers, mash, or Scotch eggs. A few more spots to check out for food on the avenue would be Goodfella’s Pizza which offers giant New York-style slices for $3 and the Speakeasy Bar in the back. Bakersfield offers tequila and tacos for affordable prices, Union 50 features live music in a very hip atmosphere, and The Eagle has some of the best fried chicken in town. Fans 4 The Indy Eleven have finished either number one or two in attendance numbers in the NASL since its inception. The organization has tapped into a niche market in the city that’s blossoming with Generation X, Millennials, and beyond. The city has supported this team well through both winning and losing seasons. Perhaps, the stadium’s most dedicated and faithful group of supporters is the Brickyard Battalion. During the game, the BYB sings, shouts, cheers, and blows off a little smoke after every Indy goal. A lively group that makes its appearance felt during the game, you can’t miss them. However, do not let them spot you with an opposing jersey. With the club joining the USL, expect the BYB to do battle with nearby rivals Louisville City. Access 3 The stadium is accessible from both I-65 and I-70 and is located on the campus of IUPUI. There are plenty of parking lots that cost $10, a modest price. Leaving the game can get a little congested, but there are plenty of police officers on hand to guide you home. Inside the stadium, traffic moves fluidly and there are enough signs to guide you towards your seats. Bathrooms are located behind the main seating section and port-a-potties are featured in the back of the BYB area behind the goal. There are also a few fans who stand on top of the parking deck and watch the game with a decent view of the playing field. It is slightly obstructed in one end, but a cheap way to enjoy a soccer match. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices online range from $15 to $20. Parking is $15 for the nearby lots on campus. Concession prices are inexpensive compared to other USL Championship stadiums. The price of bottled water is $2.50, craft beer is $8-$10, and a hot dog is $6. Some team merchandise is heavily discounted to $15-$20 towards the end of the season. Extras 4 One point for the two live mascots, Victorio and Victoria, who walk around the stadium decked out in personalized Eleven jerseys. Another to the local concession menu offering items such as Gordon’s Ice Cream to Mac Genie. It's great to see local vendors at the match. A third point of the Honda Fun Zone is that the little ones will enjoy the games in a carnival-like atmosphere. A final one for the Brickyard Battalion, a strong and loyal supporters' group for the soccer club. The official supporter group of Eleven is not afraid to express their opinions to the opposing side on the field. During a typical match, expect to sing, cheer, shout, stand, and be engulfed in red, white, and blue smoke. Final Thoughts " The Mike” is nearing the end of its service for the Indy Eleven at the present moment, but the club needs a soccer-specific facility. Personally, a 9,000-seater would be ideal, but with the mayor and ownership having different aspirations with the future of soccer in Indianapolis, hold off on the shovels digging into the dirt. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Yard Goats, PaddleHeads, RubberDucks, and Cannon Ballers? Do you like these names, or do you loathe them? Are the names a sign of what has become the norm in the out-of-the-box style or the minor leagues, and do they stray away from the traditions of the game? In the past several years, there has been a collection of unusual yet intriguing names for minor league baseball clubs. The Beloit Snappers of the Midwest League unveiled new potential names and are asking fans to place a vote online. A few of the names include the Supper Clubbers and Cheeseballs–not your run-of-the-mill baseball name. It could be said that it’s all part of a current fad in the minors that began several years ago, but that may not be quite accurate. Minor league baseball has a history of oddball names dating back to the 19th century. Like today, the names were generated from fan input, contests, and regional influences. A few lasted many decades, while some faded away quickly. After reviewing multiple newspaper clippings, I found that the role of naming a minor league ball club was just as important for proper branding and local recognition back then as it is now. We look at five different clubs that earned their name through various methods. Three teams formed before World War II, and two debuted soon after fighting was over in the Pacific Theater in 1946. However, one must look at each of these names and wonder how well they would fit with today’s minor league franchise branding.   Nazareth Cement Dusters The Nazareth Cement Dusters joined the North Atlantic League in 1946, and its name was decided through a fan vote. The winning entry was from Donald Kemmerer and Sam Aristidew, who both received a season pass to the home games at Nazareth Park Field. In total, there were 101 name suggestions for the new ball club, but Cement Dusters was the winning entry. There was no reason provided on why the name was submitted by both men, but one can surmise that it stems from the Lehigh Cement Company, which had been in operation since 1897. The city had been home to many other local cement companies even further back since 1866, which employed numerous area residents and was the prominent producer of bulk and bagged cement in North America. A Nazareth Cement Factory, Photo Courtesy of The Morning Call. Legend has it that the dust from the cement bagging plant would blow over across the street to the Nazareth Speedway and cover the all-dirt track. The cement dust would kick up during auto races and be visually noticeable to both drivers and fans. Perhaps the auto racing industry played a hand in naming the new ball club that played less than two miles from the factory and track. The Dusters averaged 553 fans per game and sported an impressive 78-40 record on the season. They lost in the first round of the playoffs four games to 1 to the Carbondale Pioneers. Unfortunately, by the following season, the name would be gone from the Lehigh Valley sports landscape. The team would attract the Detroit Tigers in 1947 and, due to its affiliation with them, changed its name to the Nazareth Tigers.  The following year, the club did not have a major league affiliation, and instead of reverting to the old Dusters’ name, opted for the Barons for the rest of its existence until the league ceased operations after the 1950 season.   Paris Red Peppers About 1,400 miles southwest of Nazareth is Paris, Texas, which was awarded a franchise in the East Texas League. The baseball club announced a name-the-team contest and, on February 10, 1946, chose the name Red Peppers. There were 100 suggestions sent to the club that was returning pro ball to town for the first time since 1934. Lee Johnson received two season passes for his suggestion and was selected out of 100 entries for being unusual. Emblems featuring red pepper pods were quickly designed and placed on home jerseys. The road jerseys were gray with the city name in block letters stretched across the front. A block P would be worn on a dark blue cap. Courtesy of Ebbets Field Flannels Like with the name Cement Dusters, there was no information on why Johnson chose the name Red Peppers. The local newspaper would often shorten the name to the “Pods” when covering the team throughout the season. Its home field was put together around the same time as the naming of the club and included an all-dirt infield and box seating for four that cost $75 per person.  The team would move to the Big State League the following year, and then things got interesting. Following that season, co-owner Fred Kirby bought out the ownership from John Barnes; with the change of ownership also came a new name, the Paris Rockets. There was no reason given, but the local paper indicated that perhaps it was “too hot of a name” for a baseball team. Perhaps Kirby was not in favor of the “peppery” name and, now that he had full ownership, decided to get rid of it as soon as possible. There was no word on if Johnson, who had named the club, was upset over his unique name being scrapped in favor of the generic-sounding Rockets. The Rocket’s name lasted one season before being changed to the Panthers in 1949, complete with a switch back to the East Texas League. The reason behind the name change was that four ex-players purchased the team for $2,500 and opted for a fresh name for the season.  The Panthers would cease operations on July 19, 1950, after the team and the city failed to raise $20,000 to take over and operate the club. It was a quick ending to the revival of baseball in town that attracted 3,500 fans for its first game and an average of 1,466 for games in 1948. That tally dwindled to 688 fans per game in 1950 before the club folded mid-season. Baseball would be back in Paris from 1952-1953 and then again from 1955-1957, but under the names of its major league affiliations in Cleveland and Baltimore. A creative name as the Red Peppers was never brought back and, for the most part, largely forgotten by the fans in the eastern Texas town.   Longview Cannibals Another East Texas League team had a very unusual name and one that would more than likely never be used today. The Longview Cannibals were given its nickname by Longview Times-Clarion reporter C.B. Cunningham after a game in 1896. Longview Cannibals newspaper ad Cunningham wrote that the “Longview Cannibals ate up the San Antonio Missionaries here today.” The locals loved the name, and it stuck, proceeding ball clubs in town would carry the Cannibal's name for the next 40-plus years. The handle would be used on and off in town until 1939, when new owner George Schepps asked fans to vote on a new name for the club. Cunningham wrote that the “Longview Cannibals ate up the San Antonio Missionaries here today.” The locals loved the name, and it stuck, proceeding ball clubs in town would carry the Cannibal's name for the next 40-plus years. The handle would be used on and off in town until 1939, when new owner George Schepps asked fans to vote on a new name for the club. They were voted on by a panel of three men from the local newspapers and radio station; after three weeks, the name Texans was selected from four individuals: R.C. Latchman, Rita Roark, Mrs. Bonner, and David Eubanks.  Sadly, the team would fold after the season and would not return until after the war in 1947. Schepps did put a lot of effort into renaming the club, and it must have been a shame that the club ceased operations after one year of using the new branding. The Texans would be gone for good from Longview after the 1950 campaign.   Appleton Papermakers In 1940, the Appleton baseball club opted for the handle Papermakers that had been used by pro ball clubs since the early 20th century. The name has been in use at Kimberly High School in nearby Buchanan, Wisconsin, which has a wasp in its logo.  Appleton had not had a pro club since 1914, when it joined the Wisconsin State League when it announced that it would use the name on April 12, a few weeks before the beginning of the season. The team would be a member of the league until 1953 except 1943-1945 due to World War II. Appleton Papermakers throwback uniforms in 2008, Photo by Chris Mehring. The paper industry was Wisconsin’s third-largest industry at the time and began in Milwaukee in 1848 when it was produced out of rags and straw. Three months after the first papermaking began in Wisconsin, President James K. Polk signed legislation to make Wisconsin a state. Today, there are a total of 35 pulp, paper, and paperboard mills with a total annual payroll of nearly $2.5 billion in the state. The club and league ceased operations after the 1953 season, and when minor league baseball returned in 1958, the team was dubbed the Fox Cities Foxes–switched to the Appleton Foxes in 1961 and again in 1967. When the club moved into a new stadium in 1995, it would rebrand as the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The Rattlers wore Papermakers throwback jerseys for a home game in 2008. The design featured a block letter A on the front chest of the white jersey and a Tuscan font “A” on a navy blue cap. However, don’t expect the branding to return anytime soon on the minor league diamond, according to Chris Mehring, Play-by-play Announcer/Director of Media Relations for the Rattlers. “Appleton was a center for the paper industry, and it made sense to name the team Papermakers at the time. To bring Papermakers back as a nickname is not an option for us, except for special Throwback Nights during any anniversary season. Especially since Kimberly High School has taken the Papermakers nickname and done great things with it.”   Green Bay Bluejays A few miles north in Green Bay, the pro ball was also marking its return to the Wisconsin State League in 1940. Professional baseball dates back to the 1890s and clubs were known as the Ancients (Green Bay is known as the Ancient City), Bays, and Flies before the end of World War I. During the mid-1920s, the Green Bay Green Sox began being used for the ball clubs in town and lasted shortly before the announcement of the new minor league club in 1940.  John Walter, the sports editor of the Green Bay Post Gazette, stated in his column that “the selection of a good name is important, and one deserving serious thought” and that “a colorful, lively name can help a lot in selling a new organization in Green Bay.” A contest took place to name the team, and the winning entry submitted by Glenn J. DuBois was Blue Jays, spelled Bluejays. Although the name is not uncanny, what was it spelled as one word? DuBois came up with the concept since the club’s first manager was Otto Bluege, pronounced BLUE-jee.   Bluege ‘s brother was Ossie, who just ended an 18-year career with the Washington Senators and would play 87 games with Green Bay that year. He would later discover a young Harmon Killebrew as Farming Director for the Senators. The homeage to Bluege would stick in town as clubs could be called the Bluejays, one year the Blue Sox, until 1959. The Jays created some beautiful-looking jerseys that featured a stitched emblem of the bluebird on its sleeve, upper right chest, and cap. The look was sharp, detailed, and eloquent for minor league baseball, and although not a very unusual name, thanks to Mr. DuBois’s suggestion, the town received an aesthetically pleasing home jersey.  Red Smith takes a sip of water, File Photo. The main difference between those teams of the 1940s is that the identities would change quite often from year to year. A ball club would announce a name for the team contest that included prize money and then opt for a new name two years later. Could you imagine the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Binghamton Rumble Ponies, or the Las Vegas Aviators scraping their names after less than a handful of years of usage? Yes, there is much more time and money invested in team branding, and I am sure the Paris Red Peppers or the Nazareth Cement Dusters never had a primary and secondary logo, along with five different uniforms and caps when they played.  It is not too hard to look at each of these five names and wonder just how well they would fit in with the likes of the Norwich Sea Unicorns, Rocket City Trash Pandas, or the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. As much as the game has changed over the years, it is nice to know that even in the 1940s, baseball fans were coming up with innovative ways to name their minor league ball clubs.   —– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter, YouTube , and Instagram . You can also contact him at Marc.Viquez@StadiumJourney.com . --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Rothman Center 1000 River Road Hackensack, NJ 07601 FDU Knights website Rothman Center website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 6,000 FDU Basketball Shines in North Jersey George and Phyllis Rothman dedicated the Rothman Center on September 9, 1987, as the home of the Fairleigh Dickinson University basketball program. The self-made millionaire donated the entire $1 million to cover the cost of the building that is the centerpiece of athletics on campus. On February 9, 2007, the naming rights to the athletic venue inside the building were renamed the Stratis Arena after a generous donation from alumna Mary Kay Stratis. The arena holds just a tad under 3,000 that, includes 500 chairback seating bleachers and enough parking spots for more than 2,000 vehicles. The building consists of four playing courts, a six-lane, 200-meter track, and the Stratis Lounge that overlooks the main arena and can seat up to 150 guests. Its trademark feature is its tent-like roof design that has hosted three former presidents (George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama) along with an array of campus events, trade shows, and entertainment options. The Knights are members of the Northeast Conference and have made five NCAA Basketball Tournament appearances since 1985. The team has not ranked higher than 15 each year and has yet to win in the postseason tourney. The program's only victory in a tournament was in the NAIA in 1952. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession area that serves hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. There is, at times, pizza offered at the arena, along with frozen treats. The prices are relatively inexpensive and will tide your hunger over until you can grab a bite to eat after the game. Atmosphere 3 The Rothman Center is an interesting-looking building with a roof that is somewhat unique compared to other basketball arenas in the area. The ceiling roof comes together in a series of tan and dark brown triangular pieces that contrast beautifully with white-washed walls. A standard pull-out bleacher section pulls out from both sides. Various championship banners hang from the rafters, along with a centerpiece scoreboard that adds a nice touch to the building. The fans are close enough to the action on the field that you can hear every squeak of a sneaker or drop of sweat fall to the court. When it comes to a pure basketball environment, it is here at the Rothman Center. Neighborhood 3 The FDU campus stretches between the cities of Teaneck and Hackensack. These two cities are a mix of residential and urban. The best part about attending an FDU game is that you are close to many places to eat and shop. The Shops of Riverside is a mall that features well-known chain franchises, including P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, Friday’s, Smashburger, and Houston’s. There is also a Hooters and several other local pizza parlors nearby, but the best place for a pie is at Brooklyn Coal-Oven Pizza. It is a must before or after the game with their coal oven pizza and in-house mozzarella, which give their pizza a kind taste at a low price. Also, try the fried ravioli, a somewhat rare treat in this part of the country. If you’re in the mood for more Italian food, then Donn Pomodoro is an excellent choice, especially for brunch on Sundays. Fans 2 A typical crowd for an FDU game is anywhere from 300 to 500 games in an arena that seats about 5,000. The student section does its best to provide a home-court advantage against conference rivals LIU Brooklyn, Wagner, and Saint Francis, but the rather intricately detailed facility deserves more than the sparse crowds. Access 3 The Rothman Center is located on the Metropolitan Campus of FDU and is accessible by either Route 17 or the Garden State Parkway. The arena is on Hackensack Ave. S exit of Route 4 on Temple Ave. There is plenty of parking in the lot, and once inside, it is very easy to get around to all parts of the arena. Return on Investment 3 Visitors have the option of purchasing general admission tickets for $10, reserved seating for $15, or premium courtside seating for $25. The parking is free, and concession items are relatively inexpensive. However, with crowds hovering around 300 to 500 people per game, an FDU game is for the die-hards and alumni only. Extras 2 The arena’s tent-like shape roof and ceiling add a distinctive look to the building, along with the championship banners. The ticket prices are relatively inexpensive, and parking is free for all games. Final Thoughts A game at the Rothman Center is accessible if in North Jersey and won’t break your bank when it comes to pricing–even with its unique roof design and other features–but might be only for the die-hard fan or alumni. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Owen T. Carroll Field 400 South Orange Ave South Orange, NJ 07079 Seton Hall Pirates website Owen T. Carroll Field website Year Opened: 1907 Capacity: 1,800 Pirates Soccer in South Orange Owen T. Carroll Field on the campus of Seton Hall University is home to the Pirates' baseball and soccer teams. The stadium opened in 1907 and has been home to Seton Hall men's soccer since 1928 and the women's soccer program since its inception. It has been renovated several times, most recently in 2019. This review will focus on the experience at a Seton Hall soccer game. Stadium Journey also has a review of Owen T. Carroll Field for Seton Hall baseball . Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at Owen T. Carroll Field. However, the reason we give this category one star rather than zero is that there are several promotions a year offering free food to fans. When Stadium Journey visited, Seton Hall was giving away free cookies and hot chocolate to fans, although they ran out by halftime. Check the promotion schedule for more details. Fans are also free to bring their food and drink, except alcohol. Atmosphere 4 The sightlines at Owen T. Carroll Field are better than you would expect at a dual-use baseball/soccer field. The seating area is located entirely along one sideline behind the benches in what would be the centerfield for baseball and runs parallel to the sideline. This makes for some odd dimensions for baseball but is ideal for soccer. The only downside is that you may struggle to see over the roofs that cover the team benches, but this will only obstruct a very small portion of the field near the sideline. There are only a few rows of seats in the soccer seating area. The middle sections consist of chairbacks, while the others are bleachers without backs. Seating is first-come, first-served, but you should have no trouble getting a chairback no matter when you arrive. A large scoreboard is located to the left of the seating area and shows the number of shots and saves for each team, as well as the score and clock. It is also capable of displaying animated graphics, although this is rarely used. It will show a graphic saying "Corner Kick" when one happens, but this feature seems underutilized. The seating area in the baseball stadium behind home plate is also open, but nobody will be sitting here, and you will only be able to see the soccer field over the advertising boards from the top couple of roads. It can be a unique place to watch a game from, but you will be very far from the field. Neighborhood 5 The Seton Hall campus is located in South Orange, New Jersey, which may be the best college town in the Big East. The downtown area around South Orange Avenue is filled with local businesses. Bunny's Sports Bar is very popular with the locals, but you will find many options here, from Italian to Chinese to bars, pubs, and whatever else you might want. Just keep in mind if you head too far east on South Orange Avenue towards Newark, the neighborhood gets a lot worse. You should be safe if you drive through here in your car on the way to or from campus, but you don't want to do too much walking around here. Still, as long as you stick to the part of South Orange Avenue near campus, this is a great neighborhood. Fans 3 Seton Hall draws a few hundred fans to a typical game, who will be a good mix of friends and family of the players, Seton Hall students, and local Pirates fans. While the seating area won't be full, the crowd can get fairly loud at times. At other times, however, it will be so quiet that you can hear most of the shouting going on on the field. Soccer may not be the biggest sport at Seton Hall, but this is still a decent fan base. Access 4 Seton Hall is located on South Orange Ave., which runs through Newark into South Orange itself. A large parking garage is located right next to the stadium, and you should have no trouble parking here. However, you will then need to walk down Seton Drive parallel to the right field line of the baseball stadium to get to the soccer bleachers. This is not a long walk by any means, but it does mean the garage isn't as close as it seems. One small point to note is that although the field is visible from the garage, signs prohibit fans from watching the game from there. The South Orange train station is also located a short walk away from the Seton Hall campus. Restrooms are located behind the first base dugout in the baseball portion of the stadium, so this can be a bit of a walk from the soccer bleachers. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes, but plan accordingly. Since soccer is such a fast-paced game with no real stoppages other than halftime, this walk means you can miss a significant portion of the match while you go. This does cause us to take this ranking down a notch when it would otherwise score even higher. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Seton Hall soccer games is free, except Big East or NCAA Tournament games. Parking in the garage is also free, and while there are no concessions to buy, there is sometimes free food, which improves the value even more. . Extras 3 A marketing table is located by the entrance, offering giveaways. There are banners on the far sideline listing Seton Hall's soccer postseason accomplishments. Look for the retired number poster near the entrance to the bleachers honoring Kelly Smith, a Seton Hall women's soccer player who went on to play professionally in England and the United States, as well as representing England and the Great Britain Olympic team internationally. Final Thoughts Owen T. Carroll Field is a unique place to watch a soccer game. While soccer on a baseball field isn't always the best viewing experience, Seton Hall finds a way to make it work here. For college soccer fans in North Jersey, a Seton Hall soccer game is a fun way to spend a fall day.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 DATCU Stadium 1251 S Bonnie Brae St Denton, TX 76205 North Texas Mean Green website DATCU Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 30,100 Mean and Green Since 1890, the   University of North Texas  has been the largest state-supported college in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and the third-largest university in Texas. In its 134-year history, it has grown to become a Tier 1 research university offering 114 bachelor's, 97 master's, and 39 doctoral degree programs. North Texas State Normal College played its first game against TCU  at Eagle Field in 1913. In the 111 years since that first loss, the football program, much like the university itself, has seen great growth. The university changed its name to North Texas State Teachers College in 1923, North Texas State College in 1949, North Texas State University in 1961, and eventually the University of North Texas in 1988. To mirror these name changes, the football program has grown from its humble beginnings, enjoyed membership in various conferences through the years, including a short stint in Division 1-AA in the late 1980s, and is now a strong member of the American Athletic Conference. UNT has had the Eagle mascot since early in its history. The “Mean Green” name was credited to the Sports Information Director’s wife in 1966, who would yell, “Go Mean Greene,” either in support of sophomore “Mean Joe” Greene, the program’s most famous alum, or in support of the team’s strong defense at the time. Built-in 2011, at the convergence of Interstates 35 East and West, DATCU Stadium’s signature winged end zone section towers above the highway and surrounding landscape – the winged shape pays homage to the school's flying eagle logo. The unique end zone seating is not the only signature feature of the stadium; however, DATCU Stadium also has the designation of being the first collegiate football stadium to be awarded a LEED Platinum Certification, the highest level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design status. Many renewable resources are used in this venue, including three large wind turbines providing approximately half a million-kilowatt hours of electricity, along with decreasing CO2 and water usage. Easily accessible from any direction, the stadium is the center of the university’s expansive athletic complex, with ample parking within walking distance of the gate. The game day experience begins outside the stadium on The Hill, which is covered in more detail later. Mean Green football games are engaging and present a budget-friendly option for football fans of all ages.   Food & Beverage   3 There are ample food and beverage options at DATCU Stadium, with over 20 separate concession areas. The sides of the stadium host identical main stands, with options such as burgers, barbecues, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, pretzels, and Coca-Cola soft drinks. Coors Light, Miller, and Dos Equis beers can be purchased at most concession stands as well. In addition to the traditional ballgame fare, there are also a few areas for specialty food and drinks. Salvata Salad Kitchen serves healthy wraps, including a veggie option; Beth Marie’s Ice Cream offers several flavors of specialty ice cream in a cone or cup, and 1521 Crafthouse offers many craft beer options. The Wing Pub, a full-service bar, is located in the northeast corner of the stadium, where fans 21 and over can purchase wine and liquor in addition to beer. To circumvent waiting in line, fans can also utilize the FanFood app and select one of three concession stands from which to order and pick up their food; menus for each mobile concession stand are posted online.   Atmosphere   4 The game day atmosphere starts on The Hill well before kickoff. As the name implies, this area is a large hill just east of DATCU Stadium, behind the visitor stands. On The Hill, fans will find party tents sponsored by fraternities, sororities, businesses, and fans, as well as a DJ, children’s play area, and a live music stage. In addition to the many sponsored areas, there are multiple food trucks offering plenty of choices to satisfy most anyone’s palate, and at the game I attended most recently, there was a pregame concert by a local band followed by plenty of upbeat music to set the mood for the early evening kickoff. Just outside the gate on the home side stands a statue of Mean Joe Greene, NFL Hall of Famer and possibly UNT’s most famous alum. Inside the stadium, fans will find merchandise stores on both sides of the stadium and a children’s play area underneath the winged end zone, which includes bounce houses and children’s games. Other items of interest include “Boomer,” the Civil War replica cannon fired after UNT scores, as well as The Mean Green Machine, a 1929 UNT-themed Model A on display during games. North Texas is known for its music department, so the Green Brigade Marching Band is understandably large and very entertaining. UNT also boasts a championship-level cheer squad and dance team to entertain fans. Scrappy, the mascot, is a fan favorite who stops for every request to pose for pictures and give a fist bump. The atmosphere is enhanced with many in-game promotions, special recognitions, and crowd participation games. During most TV timeouts, including quarter changes, there is either something taking place on the field or attention being drawn to the large scoreboard for announcements or a contest. For example, at the last game, I attended, two of UNT’s best football teams of the past, and later UNT’s national champion polo team, were recognized on the field, and there were also three different games on the field, including participants chosen from the crowd, similar to the on-field games played during a minor league baseball game. There were also student winners randomly named on the scoreboard throughout the game, the grand prize of which was a free semester’s tuition.   Neighborhood   3 The University of North Texas is in the city of Denton, 40 minutes north of both Fort Worth and Dallas. With a population of around 140,000, Denton is considered a college town, with many businesses and restaurants catering to two local universities (UNT and Texas Women’s University), their students, and visitors. Due to the size and location of the DATCU stadium, hotels and restaurants are just a short drive up or down I-35 (2-5 miles from the venue) – that drive can take anywhere from 3-20 minutes depending on the time of day and traffic. The nearest hotel is Hampton Inn & Suites Denton-Rayzor Ranch , with a couple of other choices being Holiday Inn Express , Embassy Suites , and SpringHill Suites . Within a short drive of campus, there are also dining options that will satisfy any palate and budget – some local favorites include Frosty’s Drive N , Rusty Taco , LSA Burger Company , New York Sub Hub , and Crooked Crust Pizza , but another must stop destination is Buc-ee’s – if you‘ve never experienced Buc-ee’s before, you’ll want to stop and peruse this Texas-sized convenience store, restaurant, dry goods store, and gas station that features immaculate restrooms. Take my advice and grab a bag of Beaver Nuggets and a pulled pork or chopped brisket sandwich for the road, then grab souvenir t-shirts for your family and friends back home. If you are into the nightlife or beer culture, Denton is long known for its bars, pubs, and craft breweries. You can check out the numerous bars on Fry Street, including Lucky Lou’s and Cool Beans Bar and Grill , across from the UNT campus. Craft Beers can be found in downtown Denton’s Craft Beer District, with many pubs and brewhouses within walking distance – a couple of these are The Bearded Monk  and Oak Street Draft House and Cocktail Parlor .   Fans   2 If there is an area that is lackluster about the game day experience, it is the lack of attendance here. With an announced attendance of a little over 27,000 at the game I last attended, the stands told another story – even in the midst of a winning season and the game falling on Family Weekend, the venue appeared to only be at approximately 60% capacity. Despite this, the students' section located behind the visitor bench was involved in the game.   Access   4 Getting into the stadium, parking is straightforward and well-marked, with plenty of signage, traffic control officers, and cones directing the flow. With parking prices as low as $20 if purchased early, fans can find a parking lot in the location of their choice on the DATCU parking website . There is also a specific, well-marked rideshare pick-up/drop-off lot just east of the stadium off Interstate 35 East. ADA parking and ADA-equipped shuttle service are also available for guests requiring such services. Inside the stadium, fans have access to both sides via a wide concourse that also encircles the winged north end zone. There are also at least three gender-specific restrooms per side, as well as family facilities available. All restrooms come equipped with diaper changing stations, and wheelchair ramps and wide entrances allow for the smooth flow of fans at all times.   Return On Investment   4 Fans attending Mean Green home football games should find that their time and money were well spent. Tailgating on The Hill kicks the day off at little to no cost, with the only investment involving bringing your food and drink or purchasing fare from a local food vendor. Many party groups will even share their tailgate with passersby after simply starting up a conversation. Once inside the stadium, concessions are reasonably priced, with entree items ranging from $7-$10 on average and drinks $3-$8. One nice amenity is FREE water filling stations; if you choose to bring in an empty 20-ounce water bottle, you can drink all the water desired without spending a dime.   Extras   3 The free water filling stations are worthy of special recognition, especially when many of the games during August and September are in 90+ degrees heat. College football games, wrought with TV timeouts, can drag on if you don’t have proper game day staff getting the crowd involved – fans here never realize there is a break in the action with all the activities that go on here. The Hill and children’s play areas are worthy of another point; along with the affordability of the games, Mean Green games are value-filled outings for families with children, especially in a market like the DFW metroplex with so many alternative entertainment options.   Final Thoughts UNT football presents a fun and engaging game day atmosphere – the lively tailgating scene, quality opponents, and affordable prices create an environment where Mean Green football games can be a destination for many fans. With a student enrollment of over 40,000, it’s puzzling how the general admission sections are not filled, but the absentee students are the ones missing out. North Texas has the practices and procedures of game day well-oiled and smooth. Despite the most recent game I attended lasting nearly 4 hours due to television breaks, this was hardly noticed because of the on-field games and action on the large scoreboard. I consider DATCU Stadium one of the most accessible and budget-friendly Division I football experiences I’ve attended, and I encourage you to add it to your travel itinerary if you haven’t already been.

Photos by Dylan McLean, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 NSC Super Rink 1850 105th Ave NE Blaine, MN 55449 NAHL website NSC Super Rink website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: N/A Super Rink In the 2000s, a change in recruiting practices swept across college hockey. This change saw the average age of NCAA Hockey playing freshmen shift from 18 to 19 or 20. With this shift came new opportunities for Junior hockey leagues, as the number of kids now needing to play a year or two of Junior hockey before moving on to the NCAA exploded. More than any other league, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) recognized this opportunity and took advantage by adding multiple expansion teams and expanding the league’s footprint in the South and East particularly. The crown jewel in the NAHL’s annual schedule of events is the NAHL Showcase, which it markets as the “Greatest Show on Ice.” Each year in late September, the Showcase kicks off the new NAHL season by drawing hundreds of scouts, thousands of fans, and all 35 of the league’s franchises to the Super Rink in Blaine, MN, part of the National Sports Center athletic complex, with each team competing in 3 regular season games over 5 days. In addition to all the Junior hockey games taking place there, the NAHL also utilizes this event to kick off the season for its dozens of affiliate clubs from around the country playing at the U16, U17, and U18 levels by bringing them to Blaine as well. With so many games happening in one location, it’s a hockey fan's dream. What makes having this many teams and this many games even possible, is the unique facility that the NAHL utilizes year after year to host this showcase: the Super Rink and its eight sheets of ice, all housed under the same roof. With 35 member clubs, the NAHL is the only Tier II Junior circuit in the USA, while the USHL and its 16 clubs are the only Tier 1 Junior circuit in the U.S. These two are the only Junior Hockey leagues in the U.S. that operate under a “free to play” model, meaning the players don’t pay any fees to play, and the club they play for covers all hockey-related expenses. Naturally, it’s these two leagues that tend to get the majority of high-level prospects and end up sending the largest number of players on to the NCAA hockey each year, and for the NAHL, that year begins with their 5-day Showcase at the NSC Super Rink. Food & Beverage 3 The Super Rink houses one large concession stand located in the main lobby near the rinks 1-4. The menu is made up of standard hockey arena fare, with some items priced at about what you’d expect and others that leave you asking what the extra few dollars were for. Candy and chips for $2 aren’t bad, Apple Cider, Hot Chocolate, or coffee will cost you $3, which is within reason. If you want something closer to a meal, though, it’s going to cost you. Paying $6 for a standard hot dog, a slice of pizza for $6.50, or a cheeseburger for $7.50 may have you wishing that you’d made time for a pre or post-game meal at a restaurant instead. There is a decent selection of options, and if the upcharges on items that you’ll typically find for less elsewhere don’t bother you, then go for it. After the thousands of dollars annually that hockey parents shell out each year for ice time, equipment costs, and travel, I’d guess most of them are fine going with old ice arena standards like coffee and popcorn and their prices. Atmosphere 5 Simply being in a facility that holds eight sheets of ice is a unique experience, given that it’s the only one in North America and possibly the world. As a fan, being able to walk from one rink to the next, or the next, or the next, and watch different games is about as good as it gets. In that respect, the Super Rink offers an experience that you literally can’t get anywhere else. When you consider the atmosphere at the NAHL Showcase, though, one must acknowledge the bigger picture, as the atmosphere is present throughout all eight ice sheets within the main lobby, even extending beyond the Super Rink’s frigid walls and spilling out to the arena’s exterior, primarily because of the facility’s unique location. The Super Rink is part of the larger National Sports Center complex in Blaine. In addition to the Super Rink and its eight sheets of ice and full dryland training facility, the NSC includes a golf course, outdoor stadium, sports hall, sports expo building, seven artificial turf soccer fields, and over 40 grass soccer fields. The U.S. Women’s National Hockey team regularly uses the Super Rink as their home training facility, and if you were to exit their designated rink and take only a few steps, you’d run directly into the home training facility and practice fields of the Minnesota United Loons of Major League Soccer. In addition to annually hosting the largest youth soccer tournament in North America, each Summer in the USA Cup, soccer, and hockey tournaments are happening at NSC nearly every weekend, and that was no different during the NAHL Showcase. When driving into the NSC complex and making your way toward the Super Rink, a definite buzz can be felt in the air, and action is all around as dozens of soccer games take place. As you pull into the already full Super Rink parking lot to begin the search for a parking spot, several buses adorned with team logos are parked up front, loading and unloading hockey players. Players and fans mill about outside of the main entrance talking, getting something to eat at one of the onsite food trucks, or simply warming up in the late September sun after spending the past few hours inside of a cold hockey rink. People flow in and out of the rink entrance while people in cars drive up and down the lanes of the parking lot, searching for that elusive open spot. The air is filled with the sound of whistles and the cheering of fans at the soccer games surrounding the complex. It is an incredibly unique and vibrant atmosphere, making it easy to see why the NAHL utilizes the Super Rink for this event year after year. So far, we’ve only looked at the atmosphere outside of the rink, though. To truly experience the NAHL Showcase, you need to go inside, past the ticket takers, and up the stairs into the “heart” of the facility, where you will experience the other half of what creates the unique atmosphere found at the NAHL Showcase: the people. The bulk of activity at the Showcase can be found within the Super Rink’s original main lobby housing rinks 1 through 4. Fans attending the Showcase certainly contribute to creating the overall atmosphere here, but since we’ll be covering them in their section further down, in this space, I want to address those whose presence truly creates the atmosphere that is felt over the 5-day event, and those are the players on the teams participating that can found around every corner. The players who make up the NAHL teams playing here are mostly all between the ages of 18 and 20, and they’re all dreaming of on-ice success that leads to a scholarship, allowing them to continue their hockey careers. With the Showcase occurring right at the start of a new season, many of these kids are new to Junior hockey and only recently earned their roster spot and became a part of their team. With memories of all the other players who were cut from tryouts still fresh in their minds, they arrive in Blaine, bursting with energy, pride, and enthusiasm, ready to prove themselves again after successfully navigating the first big step on the path toward realizing their ultimate goal. Everywhere you look, both inside the facility and outside, teenage hockey players roam. Players covered in post-game sweat and lugging a large bag of wet hockey gear on their shoulders spill out from locker rooms adorned in sweatshirts, hats, and various other team apparel and make their way toward the lobby to greet family and friends. Other players can be seen decked out in suits and team jackets, strolling between the various rinks and checking out different games, socializing, or grabbing food at the snack bar. With over 700 Junior hockey players filtering in and out of the complex during the 5 days of the event, it would be nearly impossible not to feel the energy and excitement they emit. Neighborhood 4 Blaine is a large suburb north of Minneapolis with nearly 80,000 residents. It’s pretty much what you’d expect, with large suburban homes, numerous chain restaurants, and endless options for shopping. The National Sports Center sits right in the middle of it all, taking up several acres of land and surrounded by heavily trafficked roads and highways on all sides. Were it not for the presence of the NSC , Blaine might be indistinguishable from many other suburbs, and that’s not a bad thing. Due to the amount of real estate required, a complex of this size could never exist in the city, and with Blaine lying only a few burbs’ away from the downtown core, it’s an ideal location. With strip malls and commerce of all types surrounding the NSC , there are multiple fast-food dining options available if you’re hoping to eat before or after your event. If you’re looking to meet up with other friends/parents for a pre or postgame drink or dinner, the selection is a bit thinner near the NSC. Within the shadow of the NSC, there are only a few bar & grill-type places, with the two closest being Clive’s Roadhouse and Invictus Brewing Co . Clive’s is a standard bar and restaurant with several locations in the Twin Cities and is known for having great food. Invictus is a local example of the craft beer/brewhouse-type establishments that have proliferated across the county in recent years. It’s an ideal meeting place for either before or after your event, where you can sample a few of the local brews or have a full meal. Many people were doing just that when I stopped in at each during the Showcase , as both were full of fans either heading to or coming from games at the S uper Rink. Fans 5 With the Showcase starting on a Wednesday and running through Sunday, I was afforded plenty of time to fit in a few trips out to the Super Rink over those 5 days. One thing that remained constant during each of my visits was the significant number of fans in attendance. The main lobby was filled pretty much all of the time, but most impressive was how many fans filled the seating area in each rink. Most of the games that I spent time watching had full seating areas, leaving anyone who arrived late to seek a spot down near the glass to watch. Among those watching in the stands, a decent number were certainly either parents or family members of players on the ice, but quite a few general hockey fans were making up those in attendance. Everyone that I encountered was well-behaved, knowledgeable about the game, and engaged in the action. It did not take much to see that the fans attending the NAHL Showcase were there either because they loved hockey or someone was on the ice. You cannot ask for more than that. Access 4 There are plenty of roads that will take you to the Super Rink, but the time of day you go will dictate whether it feels like a Sunday drive or an invitation to road rage. The highways that encompass the NSC are packed with commuters heading into Minneapolis or St. Paul on weekday mornings and back into Blaine and beyond in the afternoons. Highway 65 from Minneapolis will take you right into Blaine, then you take a right-hand turn on 105th Ave, and you’ll see the NSC complex and Super Rink on the right-hand side about half a mile down. This is the most commonly used route and has maddening traffic during rush hours. Another option if coming from the east is to take I-35 North to the exit for 95th Ave. Turn right at the top of the exit on 95th Ave., which turns into Radisson Rd. NE. Stay on Radisson until you reach 105th Ave. NE and turn left. The Super Rink will be visible on your left. Return on Investment 4 Depending on how much hockey you’re interested in seeing will dictate the best ticket option for you. Passes that give access to the entire tournament are available for $75 for Adults and $35 for Students, Military, Seniors, and First Responders. Children 8 and are free. If you’re only going for a single game, the Daily Pass is the way to go. The cost of a Daily Pass for Adults is $30, $15 for Students, Military, Seniors, and First Responders, and no charge for kids aged eight and under. Considering that it provides you access to 5 days of unlimited hockey games day and night, the full Tournament pass can be justified at $75. $30 is a significant amount if you’re only attending a single game, but you have the option to watch as many games as you want on that day, so a case can be made to justify the price. If you are a hockey fan, though, it is a minimal price to pay to have access to all the hockey games you could want. Extras 4 Interesting fact: In addition to the Showcase, the NAHL holds several other events at various locations each season, like their Top Prospects Tournament and Prospects Challenge. Their two biggest events, though, are the Showcase and Robertson Cup Championships are both held in Blaine, but at different venues. While the Showcase is held at the NSC Super Rink, for the past few years, the NAHL has crowned its champion at Fogarty Arena, which is only about a mile away on the other side of Hwy 65. Final Thoughts One fact that the NAHL consistently markets, and rightly so, is the number of NCAA hockey commitments that players in the league receive each season, with the bulk of these being to Division 1 programs. Scouts from NHL teams and nearly every D1 NCAA program can be seen everywhere throughout the tournament. They’re easy to identify with their clipboards in hand and usually sporting a shirt or sweatshirt with their organization’s logo on it. The NAHL Showcase has become somewhat of a kickoff point for the upcoming scouting season, often leading to NHL Draft rankings and college scholarships. The kids who play in this Showcase know that among the eyes watching them could be those of a scout who likes what he sees and, thus, begins a conversation that very well may lead to a dream fulfilled. Many unique and interesting aspects come together to make the NAHL Showcase the spectacle it has become, but the opportunity it provides for the players has to be the coolest, in my opinion. With so many scouts in attendance, the on-ice performances put on by some of these players could be the catalyst that leads to an entirely new journey in their lives. When you add this on top of the incredible atmosphere, the uniqueness of the facility that’s able to accommodate this event, and the fact that you can choose from among dozens of games per day to watch and never have to leave the same building, it’s fair to wonder if maybe the NAHL’s marketing team wasn’t exaggerating when they branded the Showcase as the “Greatest Show on Ice.”

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Convocation Center 1 UTSA Cir San Antonio, TX 78249 UTSA Roadrunners website Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 2,650 UTSA Roadrunners – Convocation Center Founded in 1969, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is the largest in South Texas. Nearly from the outset, the university has fielded numerous athletics teams, including one of their most successful program: women’s volleyball. Since their inaugural season in 1983, the UTSA Roadrunners have been a consistent force on the court – they won conference titles in 1999, 2000, and 2010 as members of the Southland Conference and in 2013 and 2014 as part of Conference USA. From the outset, the volleyball team has called the historic Convocation Center, located on the UTSA campus, their home court. Affectionately known as the Bird Cage, the facility is known for its brutalist-style architecture and glorious rust-colored exterior. The venue is also home to UTSA’s basketball programs and some athletics offices and was the former home for decades worth of graduation ceremonies. Read on to learn more about the historic Convo.   Food & Beverage   3 The Convocation Center has, for the bulk of its lifetime, maintained and operated one concession stand. Located near the main entrance, this stand serves up basic stadium fare such as hot dogs (or chili dogs, if that’s your preference), nachos (which can also be topped with said chili), and Frito pie (my personal favorite), as well as bags of chips and popcorn, boxes of candy, bottled soda, bottled water, and sports drinks. Two factors keep this section’s score from being lower – first, fans can purchase beer and wine during Roadrunners volleyball games at the Bird Cage. Second, the costs for everything are very affordable. Aside from the alcohol, the cost for most of your food and drink options is less than $5 each; your wallet is safe when you watch the Roadrunners play volleyball.   Atmosphere   3 Inside the Convo, it still feels very much like a high school gym. Fans are just mere feet away from the court and all the action, especially on the student’s side of the court. This allows fans to really get a sense of the on-court action and to get a sense of the energy of the crowd. It had been quite a few years since I last attended a UTSA volleyball game, so I was pleasantly surprised at how engaged and excited fans were (more on them shortly), as well as how much this engagement enhanced the overall atmosphere. Other than the above, there is not much else at the Convo for fans to take in. There is a small merchandise area inside near the main entrance, and there are also trophy cases touting the success of Roadrunners teams of the past near the staircases inside. Championship banners for the men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball teams also hang from the rafters over the court – it’s pretty bare bones, which is to be expected for a utilitarian facility like the Convocation Center.   Neighborhood   4 The Convocation Center is located right in the middle of the UTSA campus, which is on the far northwest side of the Alamo City. As such, the facility is pretty removed from most of the attractions that visitors usually come to San Antonio to see. However, that doesn’t mean there is nothing for fans to do and see before and after UTSA volleyball games. Directly across from the campus, separated by Loop 1604, is Six Flags Fiesta Texas . The largest theme park in this part of Texas, it draws millions of visitors a year who come to catch the shows, ride rollercoasters, and visit the adjacent water park. It’s open year-round, and the bulk of the volleyball season offers up some of the coolest weather, so you won’t mind waiting in line to get on the rides here. Also across the highway from campus is La Cantera Resort & Spa  – this four-star resort features world-class golf courses (it was the longtime home of the PGA’s Valero Texas Open ), a truly upscale spa, and some of the finest restaurants in the city, as well as a host of high-end shopping options. It is arguably the nicest place to stay in the city and is probably the best place – if your budget allows – to stay near campus. Since this is a college campus, you can expect fast-food restaurants to make up the bulk of the dining options nearby. However, there are still a few spots worth noting, the first being Smokey Mo’s BBQ . If you’re in Texas, you’re going to need to get some barbecue at some point. Smokey Mo’s would be considered a fast-casual style of the joint, but what it does offer will satisfy you. I would personally recommend getting the turkey, along with one of the traditional Texas trinity options. Also, who doesn’t love a good burger? Bunz Handcrafted Burgers is very close to UTSA’s campus. The massive burgers you can get at Bunz can be topped with something as simple as bacon and pepper jack cheese or with something as outlandish as a crab cake and Korean-style barbecue or ribs. For lodging options, in addition to La Cantera Resort, there are also a couple of choices within five minutes of the Convo, including DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Northwest  and Spark by Hilton San Antonio Northwest near Six Flags . San Antonio is abundant with dining and lodging options – it will all depend on your taste, your budget, and how far you’re willing to travel.   Fans   3 Last season was UTSA’s first as a member of the American Athletic Conference. Not so coincidentally, this year’s volleyball team set the all-time attendance record for the program, with over 11,000 fans attending home games at the Bird Cage – four games against a longtime rival, as well as newer conference foes, each saw over 1,000 fans attend. That is a far cry from what I have been accustomed to here; during the most recent game I attended, the Convo was virtually packed. Fans got here early, and they were decked out in Roadrunner orange and blue, and they were loud. The energy was palpable, which greatly added to the excitement and enjoyment of the experience. I think if UTSA volleyball can maintain this type of growth in the program, the attendance numbers will continue to rise.   Access   4 UTSA’s campus and the Convocation Center are housed between two major highways in San Antonio, the aforementioned Loop 1604 and Interstate 10. The campus is a 20-minute drive from downtown San Antonio and a 15-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. The Convo is visible from Loop 1604, and exit signs mark the way off I-10. This highway intersection has become one of the most congested in the city, however, so consider that if you’re driving to the game. Once onsite, parking is plentiful – just take care not to park in any restricted areas. The city’s mass transit option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , also has several bus routes to and from campus if that’s the direction you want to take.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for UTSA volleyball start at $10 for general admission seating. When you couple this with the low cost of concessions and the free parking, you’re getting a great bargain. The American Athletic Conference offers up quite a few quality volleyball programs, all of which will make an appearance or two at the Bird Cage throughout the season – it’s a fun experience and is easy on your bank account.   Extras   3 UTSA offers up a lot of the traditional pageantry that most schools have for their volleyball games – the UTSA Cheer Squad mans the area along the baselines and tosses t-shirts to the crowd after big set points, while beloved UTSA mascot Rowdy can be found interacting with fans and taking photos all throughout the game. The Spirit of San Antonio (SOSA) Marching Band  can also be found in the stands, performing the fight song and the alma mater. It’s not a lot, but it all adds to the atmosphere and energy of the crowd.   Final Thoughts Even though I’m an alum and a fan of all things UTSA, I haven’t been to many volleyball games over the years. My knowledge of the sport is admittedly limited. However, I had a fun time on my most recent visit, though I admit that a lot of my good feelings toward the historic Convo are tied to memories of the good old days. Pulling off my orange and blue tinted glasses, however, my opinion of the Convocation Center doesn’t change – it’s got charm, it’s got history, and when it’s got fans in the stands, it gives off great energy. While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it needs to belong on anyone’s bucket list, you could do a lot worse than taking in a volleyball game at the Bird Cage. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

How will the new NCAA eligibility rule in the CHL affect junior hockey players in North America? Also, we look at the PWHL jersey release.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         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.

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey The Texas A&M Aggies control their destiny again in the college football playoff, thanks to losses today by Georgia  and LSU . The Aggies were beaten badly by the South Carolina Gamecocks on November 2nd, losing 44-20, after having started the season undefeated in SEC conference play and with only one overall loss to Notre Dame  back in Week 1. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Following the 11/2 loss to the Gamecocks , the Aggies  joined several other 1-loss teams in the SEC, namely Georgia , LSU , Texas , and Tennessee , meaning they would need a little help to ensure they could still make the SEC championship game. Then, on November 9th, while Texas A&M was sitting out the week on a bye, Alabama  stunned LSU 42-13, while Ole Miss  took down Georgia 28-10, leaving the Tennessee Volunteers and the Texas A&M Aggies as the current Top 2 teams in the SEC standings. The only other current 1-loss team in the SEC is the Texas Longhorns , who Texas A&M  plays on November 30th – that game will be the 119th contest in that epic rivalry, which has been on hiatus for 13 years ever since the Aggies bolted from the Big 12 to join the SEC. If Texas A&M can beat Texas, as well as win their other two remaining games this season (versus New Mexico State and Auburn ), the Aggies will punch their ticket to the SEC Championship game in Atlanta, and if they win that game, almost certainly earn a spot in the first-ever 12-team college football playoff.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Stabler Arena 124 Goodman Dr Bethlehem, PA 18015 Lehigh Mountain Hawks website Stabler Arena website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 6,000 Safe & Sound at the Stabler Arena While attending a Lehigh University basketball game at the Stabler Arena, I was told a story from one of the ushers about an alumnus who claimed to have attended every game since he graduated high school in 1934. I assume that this had been some time ago since this man would be close to 110 years old, but he swore up and down that all the games had been played in the same building since he was an undergrad. The only problem was that the Stabler Arena opened in 1979–45 years after he had graduated college. The 6,200 multi-purpose arenas were dedicated on May 26 of that year with commencement ceremonies and became home to Lehigh basketball the following season. The building is named after Donald, a 1930 Lehigh graduate, and Dorothy Stabler, who were primary donors of the facility. The arena replaced Taylor Gymnasium, which had been home to the basketball program since 1914 and where the former alumni probably saw a majority of his games–it still exists on campus as a fitness center. The Mountain Hawks are members of the Patriot League and have a strong rivalry with nearby Lafayette College in Easton–just 13 miles down the road. The program has made five NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournaments and, in 2012, gained national prominence by knocking out the #2 Duke Blue Devils 75-70 in the opening round of the tournament. The Stabler Arena defines what a basketball arena of the 1970s represents: rectangular shaped with plenty of 90-degree angles in the seating bowl. The aesthetics are not as welcoming as, say, The Palestra down the turnpike in Philadelphia or the plush and modern PPL Center in nearby Allentown, but the facility does not pretend to be anything it isn’t. The fan can expect a comfortable seat that is up close to the action on the court. Food & Beverage 3 There is a food court with various concessions that include tabletop seating next to a set of windows that add a touch of natural lighting to the concourse level. The options are limited but are rather inexpensive and include pretzels, hot dogs, french fries, nachos, and chicken fingers and fries. There are also deli wrap sandwiches and pizza slices available during the game. If you are feeding a group or family, a whole pizza sells for $17 to $20 a pie. The arena offers a line of Pepsi products, and there are no alcoholic beverages sold on its property. Atmosphere 3 The Stabler Arena features a main lobby with a set of two staircases that lead to a wraparound concourse that provides entrances to the seating area. The lobby wall is painted with the Stabler name and two portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Stabler. Fans can pick up tickets inside at tables or outside in the ticket booth. There is also room for more tables from local business advertising services and consulting. The school colors of brown and yellow are prominent inside the seating bowl, which also includes championship banners and retired jersey numbers, LED video boards in two corners, and a court-level area behind one of the baskets that features high-top tables. The popular area is a welcome addition and offers tabletop seating nearby behind the basket. Fans socialize with one another, enjoying food and drink while watching the game. The atmosphere was a little tepid since our visit took place between sessions; a school band, student section, or official mascot was not present at the game. Their presence does add a little life to the proceedings. The game itself was against arch-rivals Lafayette, and a spirited crowd was at hand to cheer on their Hawks to victory. Neighborhood 4 The Stabler Arena is located on the Murray H. Goodman campus, down the mountain from the Mountaintop campus. It is a few miles away from the town of Hellertown, which has a quaint main street featuring stores, restaurants, and bars. Bella’s Ristorante, Hellertown Crossroads Hotel, and Lost Tavern Brewery are three establishments worth checking out before or after the game. Bethlehem is just over the mountain and displays decorative holiday lights during Christmas time, along with an array of restaurants that include The Brick (pizza), Apollo Grill (cozy, refined restaurant), The People’s Kitchen (neighborhood vibe), and The Bayou Southern Kitchen (Cajun and Southern cuisine). The city also features the National Museum of Industrial History, the Moravian Museum, and the American on Wheels Museum. Fans 3 Fans are energetic and supportive of the Mountain Hawks. As with any program, winning cures a lot of ailments, and the basketball team has posted ten winning seasons over the better part of the decade. There are no visible traditions witnessed in the game. Access 4 The Stabler Arena is extremely easy to access once inside. There is one main concourse that houses concessions, bathrooms, and entrances for easy access to and from your seats. The entrances are marked with oversized numbers that appear to date from the arena’s first year. The building is also easy to access off I-78 via the Hellertown exit. A large parking lot is adjacent to the building. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket to a game is either $5 or $26.50, plus a service fee. The $5 ticket price point is almost a steal for basketball at this level and one of the best bargains you will find in the Patriot League. The price of concessions is also extremely reasonable, and there is no fee for parking in the arena’s lot. Extras 2 Stabler Arena earns a point for the oversized numbers that mark each entrance to the seating section. The number font reminds me of the ones at the old Giant Stadium that captured my fancy as a youth. Stabler Arena earns a second point for $5 tickets, a price almost unheard of at this level of basketball. If you are with someone who isn’t the biggest basketball fan, it is not a bad way of getting them to the game without hurting your wallet. Final Thoughts I am somewhat perplexed by the Stabler Arena. The building is an example of 1970s architecture and aesthetics that have not aged as well as other arenas built before it; then again, the ticket and concession prices are extremely affordable, and the vantage points from the seats are top-notch. Add to the scenic mountain view and the quaint main street of Hellertown, and you have a top destination that offers a lot of bang for your buck. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Lance Sutehall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Cajundome 444 Cajundome Blvd Lafayette, LA 70506 UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns website Cajundome website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 12,362 A Dome To Hold All The Ragin' Cajuns The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is the second largest university by enrollment in the state of Louisiana, with over 19,000 students. It opened in 1898 and has gone through several name changes, with its present name in place since 1999. The university is the largest in the University of Louisiana system. Therefore, the athletic teams are called the “Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.” The Ragin’ Cajuns play their basketball games at the Cajundome, which is a couple of miles west of the core of the campus. Louisiana has won seven conference regular season titles and eight conference tournament championships since becoming a Division One program in 1972. Their last NCAA tournament appearance was in 2023, after they won the Sun Belt Tournament. Food & Beverage 3 There are a couple of concession stands open, including the “Salty Cajun Catina” that sells popcorn ($6), fries ($6), nachos ($8), candy ($3.75), pickles ($2), pretzels ($5), mozzarella sticks ($8), churros ($5), and hot dogs ($5). Coca-Cola is the soft drink provider with sodas ($5), bottled water ($4.75), and Powerade ($5) on offer. The “Crispy Cajun Grille” sells the same snacks and hot dogs but sells burgers ($8) and chicken tenders ($10). Finally, the “Beverage Express” stand has alcoholic beverages with wine ($10.25), 24 oz ($12) and 32 oz ($16) draft beers, and various cocktails ($5-$14) for sale. Atmosphere 3 The Cajundome is shaped like a dome, not unlike the Superdome in New Orleans. The lobby has a “Welcome to the Cajundome” sign with pictures of historic Ragin’ Cajun basketball moments on both sides. On the left side of the lobby is a walkway with banners commemorating former Ragin’ Cajun basketball players. On the right side, the “Ragin’ Cajuns in the Pros” display shows the Ragin Cajuns that have played professionally. Walking through the doors takes you to the concourse, where the walls have a timeline of the history of Ragin’ Cajun basketball. Stairs take you to the seating bowl, where you see an arena that is much bigger than the Ragin’ Cajuns need. The left side has a banner commemorating the university’s status as a “R1 Top-Tier Research University”. A four-sided scoreboard and videoboard hang over center court, while the right side of the arena has banners honoring the successes of the Ragin’ Cajuns basketball program over the years. All of the seats in the Cajundome are black chairbacks. The right side has the “First Horizon Bank Courtside Club” stocked with finger foods and televisions. The Center Court has the Ragin’ Cajuns logo, and an outline of the state of Louisiana shaded. The players come out to the court for the final shootaround with smoke machines going off. During the introduction video, a disco ball is activated, and the lights turn red during the starting lineups. Most games will have cheerleaders, but the game I attended did not as it was during football season. Neighborhood 3 The Cajundome is located a couple of miles west of the core of the campus. The other athletic facilities, including Cajun Field, are near the Cajundome. Downtown Lafayette is two miles East of the Cajundome and includes attractions such as the Lafayette Science Museum, the Acadiana Center for the Arts, and The Lafayette Museum. Dining options include the Spoonbill Watering Hole and Restaurant for seafood, Sarrica’s Italian Pizza, and Pat’s Downtown for Cajun cuisine. There is a Hilton Garden Inn near the Cajundome, while The Juliet Hotel is located downtown. Fans 3 The fans seem to be knowledgeable about the Ragin’ Cajuns basketball team. They have a great time attending games and participating in the various fan activities on the video board during breaks in the action. Access 3 From I-10 Westbound, turn off Exit 100 and onto Highway 167 before making a left on Highway 90. Make a right turn on Cajundome Boulevard, and the Cajundome will be on the left. There is free parking across the street at Cajun Field. Getting to the venue is pretty straightforward, but the arena is a little tricky as there is a lobby and a separate concourse to navigate before entering the seating bowl. Assume you are entering a large arena, not a small college gym, and you should be fine. Return on Investment 4 Seats in the north corners go for $10, while sideline seats are $25. Parking is free, and concessions are affordable, so it’s possible to have a great night at the Cajundome for $20. Extras 3 The Cajundome hosted the Sun Belt Conference basketball tournament three times, last doing so in 2007. The Table Room is a pregame space for events at the Cajundome with bar service that opened in January 2020. Final Thoughts The Ragin’ Cajuns have made the Cajundome their home over the years. It may not be filled to the brim every game, but the fans have a great time. A night at the Cajundome is fun and will not break the bank.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Historic Barron Stadium 300 W 3rd St Rome, GA 30165 Shorter University Hawks website Historic Barron Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 6,500 Fly Hawks College football was first played at Shorter University in the northwest Georgia city of Rome in 2005, as the Shorter Hawks began their college football journey as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in the Mid-South Conference. Following a successful football run in NAIA, Shorter made the jump to the NCAA’s Division II following the 2011 academic year as a part of the Gulf South Conference. Shorter would announce a move to the Conference of the Carolinas to start the 2024 season, which left them as an independent for the 2023 season. While some of the programs at Shorter have not skipped a beat in making the jump to NCAA Division II, the same cannot be said for its football program. Since joining the D2 ranks, the Hawks have tallied just a 19-94 record, which includes a 48-game losing streak that stretched parts of five seasons. The Hawks have played at Barron Stadium since the program was founded. Football at Barron Stadium dates back to 1923, when the stadium was first built, being dedicated in 1924. In its 100+ year history, it has been the football home of Rome High School and also served as home to the NAIA national championship football games from 2008 to 2013.   Food & Beverage   2 Concessions here are fairly straightforward – the bulk of the menu is what would typically be found at most traditional concession stands, such as hot dogs, burgers, pizza, and nachos. Candy and chips, along with the ever-popular stadium pickle, are also available. Beverages include items from the Coca-Cola line of soft drinks. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are not available. Concessions on the home side of the field are cash only, while the visiting side of the field does accept credit cards.   Atmosphere   3 Barron Stadium has every bit of the feel of its historic distinction. The field is surrounded by an eight-lane track and has two separate seating areas. The home-side seating runs from the 10-yard line to the 10-yard line, with a smaller visitors section across the way, but that only stretches between the 30s. Most of Shorter’s kickoffs are slated for noon, so the sun is at the back of the home stands for most of the contest. With the entirety of the seating being general admission, the home side is the best option to try and find some relief from the heat or bright sun. Visiting fans have little they can do to get out of the sun other than retreating under the bleachers to picnic-style tables. Unfortunately, these tables do not have a view of the field. There is a large digital scoreboard at the north end of the stadium, but other than displaying the school’s logo and game score, time, down, and yardage information, the scoreboard is relatively underutilized. A smaller, simpler scoreboard at the southern end of the stadium displays similar game information. Give Shorter credit for trying to create a college football atmosphere with the addition of a pep band, but the limited size of the band does not make a large impact on the ambiance, and the band also gets frequently drowned out by stadium audio drops.   Neighborhood   4 Barron Stadium is just a block from downtown Rome’s Broad Street, the city’s quaint, small-town feeling “Main Street”. Broad St is full of shops and restaurants, all within walking distance from Barron Stadium – Schroder’s Deil and Harvest Moon Café are two of the area’s more popular spots to grab a bite. Almost directly across the street from the western end zone is the Etowah River Trail, a re-purposed railroad bed that has been converted to walking trails. Part of the trail includes Lock Bridge, which has been adorned with hundreds, if not thousands, of padlocks. If a weekend sports schedule is more the plan, Rome offers a handful of options, which include minor league baseball with the Rome Emperors or Division III football at Berry College , which is not more than 4 miles away.   Fans   2 Typical attendance runs from 700 to 1600 fans per game; while they are engaged in the ups and downs of the action on the field, Shorter fans do not necessarily create a home-field advantage for the Hawks. There also doesn’t seem to be an organized student section, which can often go a long way in focusing the rambunctious nature of the student body into a single area, elevating the overall game environment. Shorter fans are supportive of the Hawks, but there simply is not a large enough following to make much of an impact on the game.   Access   2 Rome, in northwest Georgia, can be a bit of a challenge to get to. Fans arriving from the nearby metropolitan areas of Atlanta or Chattanooga will use I-75, then still have more than 30 minutes on state highways to reach Rome. If arriving from eastern Alabama, which borders Floyd County, the venue is most directly accessible via State Highway 20. With just one entry point and multiple stops before getting in, such as having to stop to pay for a ticket, having to get that ticket punched before entering, and not being able to purchase tickets ahead of time, it slows down the entry process. Also, for Shorter football games, cards are not accepted at the gate, so come prepared with cash. Concessions on the home side have just one window open and also only accept cash, so lines can grow rather long. This creates an issue with simply the amount of time spent waiting in line and can obstruct the view of the field, as the line can back up into the bleachers. Simply being able to have just one more window open or accepting credit cards or mobile payments seems as if it would alleviate much of this problem. If concessions are a must, taking the trip over to the stand under the visitor bleachers is advised.   Return on Investment   5 Adult tickets run just $10, and children 5-12 are just $5. Considering there is no cost for parking and that concessions are priced reasonably, Shorter does a good job encouraging fans and the local community to come out simply by providing an affordable weekend experience.   Extras   2 There is not a lot by way of extras that are added to the Shorter football experience, but the promotions team does make a concerted effort to reach out to their youngest fans by way of children-specific giveaways. The fact that this facility holds so much historical significance for the Roman community and has not simply been replaced says a lot about the civic pride shown toward Barron Stadium.   Final Thoughts Upgrades have been made to keep the stadium in use, for which a lot of credit should be given to the City of Rome – they recognize the history of the stadium and are doing all they can to preserve its historic relics. Shorter football at Historic Barron Stadium is what it is – there is no hiding the fact that, other than the game on the field, there are not a lot of bells and whistles to capture the attention of those in the stands, but that is perfectly okay! Sometimes, the game on the field is all we need to sit back and enjoy competition in its simplest form.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Ingalls Rink 73 Sachem St New Haven, CT 06511 Yale Bulldogs men's hockey website Ingalls Rink website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 3,500 Same As It Ever Was At The Yale Whale The more things change, the more they remain the same. And maybe that’s a good thing, especially if you are a fan of old-time hockey barns. Ingalls Rink, affectionately known as the Yale Whale, has changed little since our last visit to New Haven. The building was designed by famous Finnish-American architect Euro Saarinen, who created the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Ingalls Rink, named after David S. Ingalls (‘20) and David S. Ingalls Jr. (‘56), was completed in 1958 and renovated in 2009. It fits all the cliches: old school, old-time hockey, and turning back the clock. This hockey rink is all about one thing—hockey. There are no LED ribbon boards, digital signage, fancy scoreboards with video replays, fog horns, or air raid sirens. But the building has charm, sort of like the Old Boston Garden did. The seats are close to the action, and the glass sounds like it’s going to crack when hit by a shot or run into by the players. Other distinctive features are the cold interior, although not as bad in November, the occasional smell of locker room aroma, and a public address system that is, at best, difficult to decipher when seated behind the goals. There are no luxury boxes or high-end food choices. Yale University boasts the oldest collegiate hockey program in the United States. Yale played its first game in 1896, a 2-2 tie versus Johns Hopkins. The Bulldogs are members of the 12-team ECAC (Eastern Collegiate Hockey Conference) and have qualified for eight NCAA Tournaments, a pair of Frozen Fours, and the national championship in 2013. Food & Beverage 2 Viewing a game at Ingalls is a great experience, eating there is not so much. There is one concession stand at the back of the arena, and there is one underneath the main entrance, which offers identical fare. To access the lower concession stand, team store, and additional bathrooms, fans need to hit the stairs. The other concession stand has bathrooms on the main level. The limited menu includes hot dogs ($4.50), nachos and popcorn for $4, peanuts, and cotton candy and chips. The drinks include Coca-Cola products, water, hot chocolate, and coffee. On the plus side, one change is a bar at the back side of the arena next to the concession stand. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere can be electric, but on this visit, the arena was only one-third of capacity, and the mascot was not in attendance. The ceiling, which looks like the bottom of an old ship, is quite captivating. Fans are often looking up to check out the surroundings. The scoreboard is old school and displays - the score. The arena has several display cases to showcase great moments in Yale men’s and women’s hockey. Banners hang from the rafters to commemorate conference champions, NCAA tournament appearances, and its 2013 National Championship. There are also 12 large flags, six each on each side, containing the logos of all 12 ECAC member schools. On the lower level, there is a timeline of Yale hockey containing pictures and memorabilia that was erected following a renovation of the building. Neighborhood 4 Ingalls Rink is situated on the northern edge of a charming campus with beautiful architecture. It is an open campus and easily walkable. Less than a mile away are a host of restaurants, including Bar for classic pizza (not coal or wood-fired), Louis Lunch (opened 1895), which claims it invented the hamburger sandwich, and Rubamba, a small, unassuming restaurant on 25 High Street. New Haven, referred to as the pizza capital of the United States by Barstool Sports, boasts a small but hearty Italian section that includes legendary pizza places Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s Apizza (both coal-fired) on Wooster Street. There is also Modern Apizza (brick oven) and Next Door less than 1 mile from Yale. Fans can’t go wrong with a pie from any of these four establishments, but be prepared to wait for a table at Pepe’s and Sally’s, especially on weekends. New Haven also offers an array of entertainment. The Schubert Theater (247 College Street) and the College Street Music Hall offer plays, shows, concerts, and comedy acts. The only concern for fans is not to wander too far off campus, as New Haven has some less desirable areas that are not as safe, especially at night. The bars on Temple and Crown Streets are hopping on weekend nights and are a great place for post-gaming. Fans 3 Fan support had been staunch at Ingalls, but losing seasons have taken a bit of starch out of the fan base. Tickets were readily available last season (2023-24). Yale has not posted a winning season since 2018-19. The Bulldogs averaged 1683 per contest in 2023-24 (48% of capacity) but averaged over 3000 per game from 2009-10 to 2018-19. Several locals attend games, and many enjoy standing and watching from above, which might be the best view at Ingalls. The bowl has an interesting configuration with walkways on each side of the ice that go up and then back down and afford great views of the ice. Access 4 There is adequate access to the campus coming from I-91 or I-95 into downtown New Haven. The campus is about 90 minutes from New York City and 45 minutes from Hartford to the North and Stamford to the South. There is the four-level Prospect-Sachem parking garage next to the rink, and there is another garage on 55 Lock Street There is also street parking, and meters are in effect until 9 pm. New Haven is the last stop on the Metro-North Railroad, and the station on State Street is situated just over one mile from Ingalls. Getting into the arena can take a bit of time as there is no lobby. Crowds sometimes back up outside on a cold night, waiting to get through security. The seating area consists of wooden benches with backs, and the sightlines vary based on the irregular configuration of the seating area. Most of the views are great. There are no chairbacks in the facility. Return on Investment 5 A center ice seat runs $25 and $35 for premium games versus Harvard and Quinnipiac. Seating behind the net is $20 for non-premium games, and standing room is only $10 ($15 for premium). Seniors (62 and up) can get seats for $25 on the sides and $15 behind the goals for all non-premium games, with an additional $5 for premium. Extras 3 The display and trophy cases in the lobby and downstairs are a nice touch and include the 2013 NCAA trophy. Downstairs, there are tributes to past Yale teams and the history and construction of Ingalls Rink. Ingalls Rink is about as extra as a rink can get. The great design and the classic feel make one reminiscent of the old Boston Garden on a much smaller scale. The building was included on America’s Favorite Architecture list of 2007 by the American Institute of Architects. There is no organ, but the crowd and the Yale band generate excitement. The PA system plays many arena classics. Final Thoughts The Yale Whale is a bucket list destination and worthy of inclusion with other classic hockey arenas like Matthews Arena in Boston, home of Northeastern, and Hobey Baker Rink in Princeton, New Jersey, home of the Princeton Tigers. Once a ticket is purchased, a treat is in store for all sports fans; just bring some warm clothing if attending on a cold winter’s night. Hopefully, it stays the same for years to come. ----- Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and   Facebook .

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Circuit of the Americas 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd Austin, TX 78617 Austin SpeedTour website Circuit of the Americas website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 120,000 Texas Horsepower As if to cement the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas, Circuit of the Americas (often called COTA for short) in Austin provides no better example of this. Indeed, the site of the annual US Grand Prix for Formula One is also host to myriad other races throughout the year, including the Vintage Racing World Finals during the Trans-Am and SVRA SpeedTour race weekend.   Food & Beverage   3 In the infield fans can expect a great little hole-in-the-wall (only in size) café in the paddock, featuring a beautiful patio outside surrounded by trees and bushes, giving a great view of the garages and pre-staging area for most of the cars. Here you can find (when it is open) food and beverages to suit your fancy. Chicken tenders and fries are $11.79, as are hamburger baskets, grilled chicken sandwiches, and chicken wrap baskets. On certain days there is also a chef’s featured item, such as homemade meatloaf, beef and broccoli, or chicken primavera for $12. That said, if you are exploring the far reaches of the facility, you may not have as many options available as you have in the main spectator areas, meaning you will have to walk a while or wait patiently for later, should the hunger bug strike. Thankfully this year, however, the track added food trucks in the fan area in the paddock to add some variety.   Atmosphere   3 Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the crowds. During fan walks on the grid for races at Circuit of the Americas, it is wall-to-wall fans hobnobbing with drivers, teams, and the cars they pilot on track. The track itself is a beautiful facility that lends itself to the fan experience – the main grandstand is even shaded from the harsh Texas sun, thanks to a perfectly-placed roof over part of the seating. New for 2024, SVRA introduced SpeedTour Town Center, a large area in the fan zone that includes food trucks, sponsor activations, autograph sessions, and even racing simulators, all situated right next to victory lane. Being that the event takes place just a few weeks after the annual F1 United States Grand Prix, there are numerous signs up over the garages for the F1 teams and drivers. However, the big downside is that some of the track feels like a construction zone thanks to the endless disassembly of grandstands and suites from the previous event. By far, the coolest thing here at Circuit of the Americas is the giant tower in the middle of the track. The observation platform in the tower is open to all fans for $20 a person, including an elevator you can ride to view the race from over 200 feet above the action. In addition, the floors in the tower are see-through, giving you the feeling of floating on air – no other track has anything as cool as this.   Neighborhood   3 This is a hard topic, as the city of Austin itself (a good 15 to 20-minute drive from Circuit of the Americas itself), is a bustling city of music, incredible food, and youthful energy. It is no secret why F1 picked this city, and why the annual SXSW festival is held here every year. However, as the track is on the extreme outskirts of town, the racing can easily feel a bit detached from the city’s feel. There isn’t much right next to the track, despite the slowly creeping suburban sprawl – hotels are all about 10 minutes away at least, as are any shopping and dining options fans would flock to. Thankfully, the airport is right near the track, providing for easy access to your flight in and out of Austin. For great food, one can’t skip Salt Lick or Torchy’s Tacos. Austin is also home to the University of Texas and Zilker Park on Lady Bird Lake, and of course, a stop in Austin isn’t complete without visiting the bats under the Congress Bridge. Finally, for hotels look to Hilton Austin Airport or Holiday Inn Austin Airport, which are two of the better hotels that are close to Circuit of the Americas. Fans   3 That good ol’ Texas comfort can be felt through the fans at the track. Sports fans can be hard to figure out, but Austin’s motorsports enthusiasts are all about the racing on the track. They know the drivers, they know the cars, and they know exactly what is happening, and are eager to cheer on their favorite drivers all weekend long. In addition, they’re generally a kind and considerate bunch, which makes a day at the races at Circuit of the Americas a family-friendly experience. The Trans-Am and SVRA race weekend features a crowd of both racing and general automotive enthusiasts, descending upon the track in a celebration of motorsports history. Access   3 Getting to Circuit of the Americas isn’t hard, in that it isn’t hidden away. In actuality you can see it from pretty much everywhere, thanks to its giant light-up tower at night. However, the roads in and out of the track are only one or two lanes, making a big event hard to reach, thanks to the traffic. Thankfully, however, parking is plentiful on-site and in various nearby lots, and there are also numerous fan shuttles to take you from the parking lots to the paddock, as well as to various viewing areas around the circuit. Once at the track getting around is easy, thanks to the various tunnels, pedestrian bridges, and signage pointing you on your way around the venue. Return on Investment   5 Tickets to the Austin SpeedTour Weekend are very affordable – Friday only tickets are just $15, while Saturday or Sunday only passes run $25. A full weekend pass is just $40, while a family two-pack ($70) and four-pack ($120) are also available. Whether you’re a race fan or not will dictate whether you feel the need to visit this new crown jewel of the race circuit. However, you can definitely see why average fans would want to come – the views are spectacular all around the track, the cost of tickets and flights into Austin are generally low, and the city is a great attraction unto itself. Downtown is full of reasons to visit on its own, so adding a world-class racetrack to the mix makes it even better! In addition, Circuit of the Americas features great fan access, with the paddock easy to find and to navigate during race weekends. Extras   5 Circuit of the America’s big tower is a modern marvel to behold, but did you know there is also a world-class concert amphitheater at its base? Each year dozens of concerts are held at the track as well. Another unique feature is the bold American color scheme – all around the track’s run-off areas you can see red, white, and blue, plus stars-and-stripes painted designs, making not only for a photogenic track, but one that makes you feel very patriotic as well. Outside the track, a large theme park is being built complete with roller coasters that will thrill fans once it is finished. And finally, Circuit of the Americas also features a go-kart facility behind the main grandstand, meaning fans can now satisfy their own need for speed. Final Thoughts Circuit of the Americas is certainly a gorgeous facility that lends itself to comfortable viewing of some great racing action. Furthermore, placing it next to one of the best up-and-coming cities in America was a genius move. That said, if you want somewhere young and hip to visit that is also home to a quality sports facility, definitely put Circuit of the Americas on your list.

Photos by Gregory Koch and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Bedford Field South Drive Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers website Bedford Field website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 1,200 Tigers Field Hockey at Princeton Bedford Field on the campus of Princeton University is home to the Tigers' field hockey program. It is a relatively new stadium, having just opened in 2012, and is located right next door to Class of 1952 Stadium, home of Princeton lacrosse, with which it shares a concourse. Princeton field hockey has historically been among the most successful programs in the country, qualifying for 25 NCAA Tournaments, which is ninth on the all-time list. They won one national championship in 2012. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a truck with a Coca-Cola logo that is parked on the concourse between Bedford Field and Class of 1952 Stadium. The menu includes hot dogs, crispy chicken sandwiches, pretzels, popcorn, chips, cotton candy, candy, soda, and water. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are also available on cold days. Other than the crispy chicken sandwich, which is $7.50, everything is under $5. Atmosphere 5 As mentioned above, Bedford Field shares a concourse with the Class of 1952 Stadium, and you will enter through the gates between the two venues. Bedford Field will be to your right as you come in, and you can walk up into a large set of bleachers along one sideline. A small scoreboard behind the goal on the left shows shots, saves, and penalty corners in addition to the score and time. There is also a grassy area behind one goal where some fans like to stand or sit in their chairs or on the ground. Although animals are not permitted inside Bedford Field (except service animals), this area is not considered part of the stadium, so it is a popular area for fans to hang out with their furry friends and watch the game. Princeton keeps fans engaged with music and sound effects to pump up the crowd during penalty corners and after goals. All the seats are up close to the action, with no track or anything else separating the crowd from the field. The concourse is lined with posters honoring Princeton lacrosse and field hockey, and the effort the school put into this facility shows they truly care about the sport. Neighborhood 4 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. But there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there, even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 5 Princeton fans pack the 1,200-seat bleachers for field hockey games as well as lining the grassy area behind the goal. They proudly wear their orange and black and come ready to cheer on their team for the whole game. When Stadium Journey visited, the bleachers were mostly full, although some fans were late to arrive, and it was not nearly as full when the game started as it would eventually become. With a strong fan and alumni base, this seems typical for Princeton field hockey. There is a good mix of friends and family of the players, alumni, and locals coming to check out a game. Access 4 Parking for Bedford Field is available in Lot 20, about a five-minute walk from the stadium. Lot 20 is a huge lot that accommodates many places, not just Bedford Field, but you will want to park near the entrance from the traffic circle at Theatre Drive. This will offer the shortest walk to the stadium, about five minutes via Woodlands Way. For those arriving by public transit, the Princeton station on NJ Transit's Princeton Branch is located a short walk from the stadium, and if driving, you will likely pass it as you get on campus. The Princeton Branch, better known as The Dinky, is the shortest commuter rail line in America and connects Princeton's campus to Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. It consists of just those two stops, and the trip takes about five minutes. Restrooms are available on the concourse, under the Class of 1952 Stadium bleachers, and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowds. The one thing to keep in mind is that there is a lot of construction going on at the moment in the vicinity of Lot 20 and Bedford Field, and some roads or sidewalks may be blocked off. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all regular season Princeton field hockey games is free. Parking is free, too, and concessions are quite affordable. Note that there may be a charge to attend Ivy League and NCAA Tournament games as the ticketing policy is set by those respective organizations, not the school. Extras 3 One star for the banners on the concourse honoring Princeton field hockey and lacrosse. A second star for the sign on the scoreboard honoring the 2012 national championship and the adjacent sign honoring all of Princeton's postseason appearances. Finally, be sure to look for the tiger statue by the entrance on the Class of 1952 Stadium side of the concourse, a reference to Princeton's mascot. Final Thoughts Bedford Field is one of the nicest college field hockey stadiums in the country, with a fan base to match. For fans of the sport, a trip to a Princeton field hockey game is a must. This is an outstanding facility.

The pinnacle of sportscar endurance racing in North America is without a doubt the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series. 2024 saw record crowds at 10 of their 11 race weekends, furthering the growth that has been visible in racing for the past few years. For the first time, Stadium Journey presents our IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship rankings. Tracks are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, race day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the track), return on investment, and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more tracks receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review for each track, just click on the link below the photos of each event. Let's get to our 2024 IMSA rankings… 1.  Rolex 24 at Daytona 4.71 Chris Green - The historic Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona is one of the most well-known sports car races in the world. An endurance battle that attracts the best manufacturers and drivers from around the world, this race is on any true race fan’s bucket list. 2.  Road America 4.71 Chris Green - Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the US. Racing in a beautiful setting that proves to be both fan-friendly and easy to navigate, this summer event is a must-see on the IMSA schedule. 3.  Grand Prix of Long Beach 4.57 Chris Green - The Grand Prix of Long Beach is America’s longest-running street race, and it is easy to see why. The location in Southern California is perfect for a spring race in April, and the excitement on the track is also top-notch. Featuring the IndyCar Series and IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series as the top-billed race series, in addition to several support events, fans will have no shortage of action to watch while at this annual event. 4.  Detroit Grand Prix 4.29 Chris Green - The Detroit Grand Prix has a long history in motorsports. Initially racing through downtown streets, it moved to the city’s Belle Isle for several decades. Finally, starting in 2023, it has returned to downtown Detroit, complete with a wild mix of difficult corners ripe for exciting racing. On top of the on-track product, one could argue this is one of the single most accessible street races from a fan perspective, with an overwhelming majority of the track viewing opportunities in non-ticketed areas. 5. Petit Le Mans 4.00 Chris Green - Petit Le Mans has become a cult classic event in the sportscar world. For 10 hours, the best in sportscar racing battle it out in a thrilling multi-class endurance race 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. And, being the season finale for multiple IMSA series, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. 6.  Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4.00 Chris Green - While Indianapolis is synonymous with racing in America, North America’s premier sportscar series hadn’t run there since the early 2010s. New for 2024, the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Series increased the length of its race, from the standard two and a half hours to a six-hour endurance race.  7.  12 Hours of Sebring 4.00 Chris Green - The historic Sebring 12-Hour sportscar race began in 1950 and has grown into one of the world’s most revered motorsports events during its long history. The world’s best drivers and teams have competed and won here, and every year seems to up the quality of the product on the track. If you are even a modest race fan, Sebring is a must-see for you. 8.  Canadian Tire Motorsports Park 4.00 Chris Green - Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (also known as Mosport) is one of the best-known race courses in Canada, and indeed around the world. The fast, sweeping turns at the facility were created for Formula One’s golden days of speed, and the facility hosted the Canadian Grand Prix multiple times throughout the 1960s and 70s. The 2.459-mile circuit is a beacon for the North American racing fan, and features some of the best camping around, while also featuring some incredible on-track action. The annual summer visit from IMSA provides a great weekend of sportscar racing for fans in the True North. 9.  WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 4.00 Chris Green - WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-famous speedway housed atop the high hills outside of Monterey, California. The speedway has hosted some of the world’s biggest racing stars over various racing series, and continues to be a fan and driver favorite as the years progress. One of the biggest draws of the year, IMSA’s annual spring visit to the track brings large crowds and plenty of on-track action. 10.  Daytona Roar Before the 24 4.00 Chris Green - A week before the historic Rolex 24, Daytona International Speedway is already buzzing with race action. An event that used to be held three weeks before the current date, the Roar Before the 24 has now become part of the fabric that makes up IMSA’s return to racing in January. 11.  Sahlen’s 6 Hours at The Glen 3.86 Chris Green - The Wakins Glen 6 Hours began in 1948 at the famed road course in the finger lakes region of New York. Since then, the race has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. The area is full of beautiful trees, meaning fans can find some shade in the hot summer sun. In addition, the track is laid out to be one of the fastest road courses in North America, if not the world, making the on-track action some of the most exciting in all of sportscar racing. 12.  Virginia International Raceway 3.29 Chris Green - The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades. The winding roads through the hills of rural southern Virginia are challenging for many, while also providing a beautiful, verdant backdrop for some of racing’s best to test each other’s mettle. IMSA weekend is without a doubt the biggest race weekend of the year, which means this is a must-see for sportscar fans in the area.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 The Stadium at the Jopson Athletic Complex 402 E College St Bridgewater, VA 22812 Bridgewater Eagles website The Stadium at the Jopson Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 6,500 D3 Football in the Shenandoah The Stadium at the Jopson Athletic Complex is home to the Bridgewater Eagles football program, as well as the school’s field hockey, lacrosse, and track and field teams. The facility seats 3,500 and received major upgrades most recently in 2013 and 2024. The Eagles compete in the NCAA’s Division III, as members of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Bridgewater most recently won the conference back in 2019, and prior to that won the conference title five straight times from 2001 to 2005.   Food & Beverage   3 The Stadium has concessions only on the home side, although since the venue isn’t that big, it isn’t really that far of a walk around the field if you are sitting on the visiting side. Food choices include burgers, hot dogs, nachos, chips, candy, popcorn, and soft pretzels – prices range from $3 to $7, with the cheeseburger being the most expensive item. The food tastes good and is served up rather quickly, as it is pre-made and pre-wrapped, all ready to go. Drinks include bottled water, bottled soda (Pepsi products), and Gatorade – drink prices are $4, except for the Gatorade, which is $5.   Atmosphere   3 Bridgewater has a nice little football stadium that seems pretty modern. The venue has real bathrooms next to the concession stand, including a family restroom if needed. The scoreboard is a mix of a regular digital stats tracker on one side, with video capability on the other side for replays. I did not see a mascot, but the Eagles have a band and cheerleaders, and a pretty decent tailgating scene on two sides of the stadium – the home tailgating can be seen from the field (to the southeast), while the visitor tailgating is a bit further down the street (to the northwest).   Neighborhood   2 Bridgewater, Virginia is a small town with a few restaurants along Main Street, mostly of the fast food and quick service type, including Chinese, pizza, and Barbecue. There is one small hotel in town, near the athletic complex, but all the typical hotel chains are about 5 miles away along I-81.   Fans   2 Bridgewater doesn’t have a ton of fans at the typical game at The Stadium, but you will see some folks wearing team gear, and the fans do cheer at the right times during the game. Like many football teams at this level, you might see more visiting fans at certain games than home fans, as the teams in D2/D3 conferences tend to be more closely clustered together geographically than you will see in FBS and FCS, especially after the recent/ongoing FBS conference realignment.   Access   4 As mentioned above, The Stadium at the Jopson Athletic Complex is only about 5 miles away from I-81, so getting here is pretty easy, depending on where you are coming from, of course; I-81 may not work as well if you coming from the east or west, rather than from the north or south. There is only one entrance into The Stadium, and you can buy tickets as you enter (their website says they don’t take cash, but that wasn’t true the last time I attended). Once inside the stadium there is plenty of room on the concourse, and you can sit wherever you want, either on the home or visiting side (the home side does have a few chairback seats near the center, while the visiting side is all bleachers without backs), or you can stand along the fence and watch from there.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets are only $10, and you can purchase them online before the game, or pay cash or use a card on the day of. Tailgate parking costs $25, and all passengers will be ID checked and given a wristband, if applicable, showing they are 21 or older. Non-tailgate parking is free, in one of the campus lots a couple of blocks to the southwest of The Stadium, on E College Ave. While not offering a ton of excitement compared to some football venues you may have been to, for the money this is a perfectly nice way to spend an evening, and enjoy some gridiron action in a pleasant, low-key setting.   Extras   1 The Eagles do have an eagle statue near the main entrance to The Stadium at the Jopson Athletic Complex. One negative is the lack of bathrooms and concessions on the visiting side, although you don’t have to sit over there, either.   Final Thoughts If you are used to D2 or D3 college football, you can imagine the kind of experience you will find here – I will say the football venue here is better than many of the D3 facilities I have been to, but you won’t have the large crowds, and high energy/noise, that you may be used to at FCS, FBS, or pro football venues, which for this sportswriter and fan, is perfectly fine. It is nice to not have to fight any crowds for a change, and to have plenty of space around you in your seat.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Neyland Stadium Phillip Fulmer Way Knoxville, TN 37996 Tennessee Volunteers website Neyland Stadium website Year Opened: 1921 Capacity: 101,915 Saturdays on Rocky Top There are only three college football stadiums in the country accessible by water – the largest and most recognized is situated on the shore of the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennessee. Neyland Stadium has been home to the Tennessee Volunteers since 1921; with a current seating capacity of 101,915, this stadium is the 6th-largest in the country and 3rd in the Southeastern Conference. Neyland Stadium has been home to six National Champions, with the Vols having a 77.5% overall home winning percentage. Neyland Stadium is named in honor of Robert Neyland, a Volunteers coach from 1926-1952. Neyland arrived in Knoxville as an Army captain in the university’s ROTC department, and started as a part-time football coach. He ended his career at Tennessee as a legendary head coach and full Brigadier General. There is a statue of him located just inside the main gate of the facility. The stadium has undergone 17 renovations, the most recent before the 2022 season including new lower-west club and upper-north social deck spaces, bringing Neyland to its current seating capacity. Other upgrades included the restoration of the historic V-O-L-S letters along the top of the facility’s south end (2022), a second videoboard on the upper-north deck (2022), and bronze statues honoring four of Tennessee’s Black football trailblazers (2021). Other changes also eventually enclosed what once was a horseshoe-shaped stadium, elevated the bleachers, and added premium seating opportunities in the venue’s 120 suites.   Food & Beverage   3 The concessions inside Neyland Stadium are basic sports venue food. However, this is all you really need when it comes to watching football with over 100,000 fans. There are basics such as hot dogs (Hebrew National), hamburgers, pretzels, popcorn, Papa John’s pizza, and Coca-Cola brand products throughout the stadium. Calhoun’s BBQ Shack also offers its basic menu, but adds the local flavor of pulled pork sandwiches and pulled pork nachos. Neyland Stadium started alcohol sales in 2019, which has been an ongoing debate over the last 5 years. The current beer list consists of Budweiser and Coors products, Dos Equis, Michelob Light, Miller Lite, Yuengling, and Sweetwater Hazy IPA. The concession prices here are in line with other SEC stadiums.   Atmosphere   5 There aren’t many college football stadiums that carry a game day atmosphere like Neyland, illustrated by the constant sell outs, the traditions of Tennessee football, and the 100K fans in orange that migrate to Neyland no matter the opponent. Neyland Stadium is one of the few stadiums that can be accessed by water. The Tennessee River offers a unique opportunity for pre-game gatherings – the “Vol Navy” consists of more than 200 boats that dock on the Tennessee River along Volunteer landing during pre-game, a practice commonly referred to as sailgating (the University of Tennessee, along with the University of Washington and Baylor University , are the three college football stadiums where sailgating is a pre-game ritual). The atmosphere on game day starts long before the gates open at Neyland Stadium – fans can start their day by visiting Volunteer Village, which is free to all fans regardless of whether they have a game ticket. Volunteer Village offers live music, food trucks, and other activities. The Volunteer Village Fan Fest opens 3 1/2 hours before kickoff, but make sure you don’t miss the other pre-game activities, such as the Vol Walk, and the football team walk over to Neyland Stadium, which occurs two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff. The Pride of the Southland Band also marches down Volunteer Boulevard 90 minutes before kickoff. Once all these activities are completed, walking into Neyland Stadium would be next on the agenda. When walking into Neyland Stadium, you can feel the energy and magic with the orange and white checkerboard design in both end zones. The retired numbers of past greats are easy to see on the ribbon scoreboard and the bright 4 letters on each side of the south end zone scoreboard that simply say V-O-L-S. All of college football has exciting team entries, but Tennessee has one of the most iconic – the team enters through a T-formation created by the Pride of the Southland Band, while 100K fans sing “Rocky Top,” a song that any visitor fan will be singing on the way home. The Southeastern Conference generally has great football game day atmospheres, but it is hard to compete with a game in Knoxville.   Neighborhood   4 Neyland Stadium is on The University of Tennessee’s campus, nestled between the downtown area of Knoxville and the Tennessee River. The location provides easy walking distance access to most of Knoxville’s attractions, dining, and lodging. World’s Fair Park, the former site of the 1982 World’s Fair is where you can visit Sunsphere Tower; the observation deck there is an interesting way to spend some time. There is also the Knoxville Museum of Art and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, both within walking distance of Neyland Stadium. A popular spot for dining is Calhoun’s on the River, located just up Neyland Drive by the Gay Street Bridge – this popular Tennessee BBQ spot fills up quickly on game day. For upscale dining, there is also Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a little past Calhoun’s towards downtown. Speaking of downtown, you can also find Downtown Grill and Brewery close by, for a variety chose of food and a full list of local craft beers. In addition, there are numerous options for lodging, being in a downtown area, depending on availability. There is the Hyatt Place Knoxville/Downtown, Hilton Knoxville, or the Hampton Inn & Suites Knoxville, all close enough to Neyland Stadium that you can walk to the venue. However, finding vacancies could be a problem as they are all booked well in advance.   Fans   5 Tennessee has sold out 75,000 of their season tickets allotment with 15,000 on the waiting list. The average attendance in 2023 was over 101,000, which fills Neyland Stadium. Volunteer fans not only show up to Neyland Stadium but they are also heard – the fans are loud throughout the game. Neyland Stadium is a sea of orange with attire that can only represent the University of Tennessee, and the constant playing of “Rocky Top” by the Pride of the Southland Band only seems to make the decibel level go higher. Tennessee fans are fun, and energetic, and show Southern hospitality throughout the game, yet their presence is a large part of the high winning percentage in Knoxville, giving visiting opponents an environment that is not in their favor.   Access   3 The population of Knoxville is around 190,000, so with more than 100,000 fans descending on Knoxville on game day, things can be very crowded as far as access. The closest airport is Knoxville Airport about 10 miles away, but prices during football weekend can be high and seats limited. Nashville is a 2 1/2-hour drive away but could be an easier place to fly into for fans traveling by air. As with most major college football stadiums, the parking lots immediately surrounding the stadium are reserved for major donors and season ticket holders; the best parking option is to use the downtown parking areas. On game day the city of Knoxville and the area Transit Authority provide off-site parking with shuttle service to the stadium. Taxis, Uber, and shared riding is also available. The best way to figure out how to get to Neyland stadium when coming to Knoxville is to go to the Tennessee game day parking website , as things can change from season to season. The best advice is to get to the stadium early, so you can avoid the large crowd that is around Neyland Stadium. Once inside the facility, however, things aren’t exactly easy to migrate around, due to the crowd size. The earlier you can get inside the stadium, the easier time you will have to find your seat and other items. UT operates with a clear bag policy, and stadium security regulations limit fans to one clear plastic bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, or a one-gallon, clear, resealable plastic storage bag per person.   Return on Investment   4 The ticket prices at Neyland Stadium are similar to other large college football schools. Ticket prices are separated into non-conference and conference games; non-conference games can range between $40 and $75, while the prices increase for SEC games, running between $75 and $120 per ticket, and the bigger the visiting team the higher the price. The Georgia  and Alabama games are high-demand games with prices being in a high-level tier on the secondary market, coming in at the expected premium prices. The cost of parking is decent, ranging between $15 and $40 depending on the location. Lodging will be your biggest expense, as hotels in Knoxville are all booked and very expensive on game weekends. One suggestion is to search for one of the many hotels in the Gatlinburg area, which will be much cheaper and are not located too far from Knoxville. Overall, the cost of seeing a Tennessee football game in Knoxville is worth the price, however.   Extras   4 The experience of seeing 100,000 people as an ocean of orange singing Rocky Top in unison is something very few stadiums can match. The City of Knoxville and the Tennessee River provide a unique location for Neyland Stadium, and the venue is also home to twenty-four former players enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, with the numbers of Johnny Majors (# 45), Reggie White (# 92), Peyton Manning (# 16), and Doug Atkins (# 91) retired on Neyland Stadium’s ribbon board.   Final Thoughts Neyland Stadium has everything that any college football fan loves – the atmosphere, the large fan base, and the traditions. The facility is known as one of the most easily recognized college stadiums, due to its orange checkerboard end zones. There are very few college stadiums that can match Neyland Stadium – this is a stadium that I strongly believe should be on any sports fan list to visit in their sports journey.