Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Budweiser Gardens 99 Dundas St London, ON N6A 6K1 London Knights website Budweiser Gardens website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 9,036 Knightmare to Knightsdream Editor's Note: Naming rights to the former Budweiser Gardens were obtained by insurance company Canada Life, with the arena taking on its new name in October 2024. This review, written in 2019, refers to the facility by its former name. It is amazing to consider where the London Knights have been versus their current standing. In 1996, the Ontario Hockey League team toiled in the decrepit London Ice House, played with the confusing and un-London “Spiderknight” jersey, and amassed a record low three wins in a season. Fast-forward to the current Knights. They are the envy of the larger Canadian Hockey League, of which the OHL is a member. The Knights have solid ownership in Dale and Mark Hunter along with Basil McRae, a beautiful, modern, trend-setting building in the Budweiser Gardens, Memorial Cup Championships in 2005 and 2016, and the best season in CHL history with 59 wins in 2005. The ownership situation has become trend setting in junior hockey with former NHL players playing owner, GM and coaching roles. The London Knights were founded in 1965 as the London Nationals in the OHA. Their colour scheme and logo mimicked the Toronto Maple Leafs and their blue and white. In 1968 the Nationals would be reborn as the London Knights. The Hunters purchased the Knights at the perfect time as the City of London agreed to build a downtown arena to replace the London Ice House. The John Labatt Centre opened in 2002 and helped usher in a new era in the OHL of new or renovated facilities and quickly became the gold standard in arenas in the league. Since the opening of what was later renamed the Budweiser Gardens, success at the turnstile and on the ice coincided and the Knights, who were also-rans, in the OHL for years enjoyed their best seasons ever. Going from a nightmare to a dream come true has been an amazing ride for the fans in London and there are no signs of slowing down. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Budweiser Gardens are fairly average for the OHL. Item variety and pricing is decent. Candy, pizza, popcorn, hot dogs, sausage and nachos are all readily available. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice and draught beer is also available at all stands. There are other stands in Budweiser Gardens that specialize in suds. As expected, Labatt and Budweiser products are readily available with a few craft options also. A couple of bars can be found as well. Atmosphere 5 Budweiser Gardens is located in downtown London. The original name, the John Labatt Centre, had strong links to the community as Labatt Breweries was founded in London. The exterior of the building is quite attractive, fitting right into the downtown ambience. The north side of the building is a little more inconspicuous, using some of the original building as part of the facade. The main entrance and square can be found at the south, by King Street. Inside, there is no doubt that this is the home of the Knights. The team store is pretty expansive and also features posters of a number of recent former Knights greats. The concourses are attractive and offer a clear path to the seating bowl. Unlike most junior hockey facilities, Budweiser Gardens has two levels of seating, split by luxury boxes. This gives the Gardens, one of the largest capacities in the entire Canadian Hockey League. The ice surface runs from west to east with the perfect view of the centre ice logo from the south side. The upper deck is horseshoe like, with the higher end of seating on the east end. Sight lines are terrific from pretty much everywhere. The recent success of the Knights is evident, as the rafters are littered with banners. The retired numbers of Dino Ciccarelli, Rob Ramage, Brad Marsh, Darryl Sittler, David Bolland, Rick Nash, Brendan Shanahan and Corey Perry hang proudly on the north side of the building. The south side of the building has the division, conference and other championship banners. The highlights would include 2005, 2012, 2013 and 2016 J. Ross Robertson Cup banners as OHL Champions and the 2005 and 2016 Memorial Cup banners as Canadian Hockey League Champions. The game day production at a Knights game is fairly simple and trends to a “hockey first” mentality. The game is not over-produced and has the right balance of music, promotions and action. Scorezy, the Knights mascot, participates in the opening of the game and can be found interacting with the crowd around the arena. A great atmosphere for hockey for sure. Neighbourhood 4 Unlike many OHL venues, Budweiser Gardens is located in the downtown core. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the immediate area to satiate the fan looking for a pre or post game experience. Right across Talbot Street from the Budweiser Gardens is the former farmers market building, which is still used for a number of different businesses. Olive R Twist, Waldo’s On King, Petit Paris Creperie, Kleiber’s Deli, The Chocolate Factory and The Salad Bowl can all be found in the Covent Garden Market building. The Squire, Abruzzi, The Works and Michael’s on the Thames are all easily within walking distance of the Gardens. There are other sporting options in town as well. The London Lightning of the CBL also play in Budweiser Gardens. There is still baseball at the historic Labatt Memorial Park with the London Majors of the Intercounty League. Western University, formerly the University of Western Ontario, also fields a full slate of athletic programs which have a solid following. Football is played at TD Stadium , hockey is played at Thompson Arena and basketball is played in the very unique Alumni Hall . Checking out Covent Garden Market or Fanshawe Pioneer Village is also a decent idea. The London Music Hall is a couple blocks north and may have an interesting show. For fans who wish to stay near the arena, the Delta London Armouries and Holiday Inn are both close by and good options. Fans 5 Since the Knights have transitioned from the Knightmare and moved into Budweiser Gardens, fans in London have turned out in droves to support the team. The Knights enjoy some of the best support in the entire Canadian Hockey League. They average just a hair under 9,000 fans per game, which is consistently tops in the OHL. In the CHL, the only teams that enjoy a larger per game attendance are those that play in NHL sized arenas and have a larger population base. The fans that are in attendance are knowledgeable and loud. The crowd is fairly intense into the game and mature enough, with enough hockey IQ, that over-promotion is not necessary. Access 3 Budweiser Gardens is located between Dundas and King Streets at the corner of Talbot Street. This is the heart of downtown London. It is a pretty fair distance from Highway 401, which runs east-west across southern Ontario. If you are heading in from the highway, make sure that you give yourself enough time to make it downtown. For fans interested in taking public transit to the game, there are buses that run along King Street among others. Fans should check out the London Transit Commission website for fares, maps and schedules. Conversely, after the game, getting out of downtown London can take some time as well. There is parking around downtown, but you will pay for it, which in the world junior hockey, is not a plus. Inside, the concourses on the main floor are a pretty good size and travel is pretty good. However, the upper deck concourses are quite small and get congested easily. The washrooms are also pretty small and lineups are common during intermissions and peak times. Return on Investment 4 Junior Hockey offers terrific value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Knights run between $22.50 to $36.75 for VIP seating. Parking can run between $5 and $20 which is definitely high for the OHL. Concession prices are about what one would expect for a junior hockey venue. On the flip side, the action on the ice is top notch and the Knights seem to be competitive every single season. The experience is a solid one for hockey veterans and is definitely not over-produced. Extras 4 An extra mark for the unprecedented success that the Knights have enjoyed since moving to the Budweiser Gardens. An extra mark for the Hunters’ ownership of the Knights, which has become the gold standard in the OHL and CHL. An extra mark for London hosting the 2014 Memorial Cup Tournament. An extra mark for London incorporating the existing architecture on the north side of the building on Dundas Street. Final Thoughts The London Knights are one of the elite junior hockey programs in all of the Canadian Hockey League. Mark and Dale Hunter have forged a program that is the envy of many markets. Budweiser Gardens is among the best venues there is and London is one of the best markets in the league. A trip to see the London Knights is well worth the trip and should be on the bucket list for all. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Investors Group Field 315 Chencellor Matheson Rd Winnipeg, MB R3T 1Z2 Canada Winnipeg Blue Bombers website Investors Group Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 33,500 The Loudest Fans in the CFL Editor's Note: In January 2024 the Winnipeg Football Club agreed to a 10-year stadium naming rights deal with Princess Auto. The name of the Stadium was changed to "Princess Auto Stadium" in April 2024. This review, written in 2018, refers to the stadium by its previous name, Investors Group Field. Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) is home to the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Colloquially known as “Home of the CFL’s Loudest Fans” (this moniker is proudly on display inside the stadium), the facility opened in 2013, and has a capacity of just over 33,000, but can be expanded to hold 40,000 fans. Located on the University of Manitoba’s campus, Investors Group Field is also used by the school’s football team for home games, as well as by the Winnipeg Rifles of the CJFL, which is a national amateur Canadian football league, from which some players “graduate” into the CFL after proving their skills. Food & Beverage 5 Investors Group Field has everything you could expect in terms of food and drink at a sports stadium. There are plenty of concessions stands behind the seats on each sideline, as well as additional options on the plazas behind each end zone. Food options at Investors Group Field include chicken tenders (regular or spicy), vegetarian perogies, turkey wings, chicken and waffle sandwiches, fried fish, multiple types of hot dogs, chili, butter chicken and rice bowls, several types of burgers (including turkey and chorizo), falafel, shawarma, salads, and pizza, plus all manner of snacks such as popcorn, peanuts, nachos, sunflower seeds, soft pretzels, samosas, vegetarian spring rolls, fries, chips, packaged candy, donuts, cotton candy, and even veggies with dip. And of course, what Canadian sporting event would be complete without poutine on the menu? If you are visiting from out of country, this is definitely a dish you should try at least once, but even if you are a local, you can’t help but be impressed by the sheer variety of items available at Investors Group Field, with options available to suit any budget. Individual items start at $4 and run all the way up to $13, with combos starting at $12. Drink options are not quite as numerous, but there is plenty to get you by for a couple of hours. Selections include bottled or fountain soda, bottled water, and coffee or hot chocolate ($2 to $9 for non-alcoholic drinks), as well as beer, wine, and plenty of liquor and mixed drinks – beer starts at $7, liquor starts at $8, wine is $9, and mixed drinks are $16. Atmosphere 5 Investors Group Field is a great place to take in a football game – the fans are loud, thanks in part to the cantilevered roofs over both sidelines, and all the seats are chair backs, so you can sit in comfort and style. In addition, the Blue Bomber staff brings in plenty of entertainment to keep fans engaged during breaks in the action. First up are Buzz and Boomer, the two bird mascots decked out in Winnipeg jerseys and helmets, who keep fans entertained along the sidelines. Next is Captain Blue, the Blue Bomber pilot who drives his biplane onto the field before the game and after every Bombers score. You will also hear cannon blasts throughout the game, courtesy of the silvery-blue cannon above the end zone, which is fired after every Winnipeg score. And in addition, some lucky fans are treated to free t-shirts, fired from a Gatling-style gun sponsored by Boston Pizza. The Winnipeg Blue Bomber players even get into the act, running and jumping into the end zone stands when Winnipeg scores, for high fives and pats on the back from fans in the front row. And then of course you have the ubiquitous fan contests, in this case weight lifting competitions and fans racing each other while inside giant inflatable hamster wheels. The crowd noise is even loud when the stadium is only half full – the decibel level inside Investors Group Field was once measured at the max level of 108. Neighborhood 4 Winnipeg is a large, sprawling town with plenty of restaurants, hotels, and things to do if you are in town for the day or for the weekend. Being on the University of Manitoba’s campus means there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of Investors Group Field except parking lots and campus buildings, but there are plenty of restaurant and lodging options within a few minutes’ drive. And if you are coming in from out of town, there are lots of hotels and restaurants near the Winnipeg airport, about 10 km north of the stadium. If you have time before or after the game, Fort Whyte Alive is a great place to visit in Winnipeg – not far from Investors Group Field, the keynote attraction at Fort Whyte is the Bison Safari on Wednesdays thru Saturdays at 1:30 or 2:30 pm, where you can take a shuttle ride right up to within a few feet of the magnificent animals (Fort Whyte has a population of between 30 and 35 bison on site). There is also a small Interpretive Center on site, which features tons of activities for the kids, and if outdoor activities are your thing, there are several hiking and biking trails on the property, as well as activities on the water such as sailing. Another popular attraction in Winnipeg is touring the National Mint, where coins from around the world are made. The mint has daily tours every half hour starting at 9 am – reservations are not required but are helpful if you want to schedule a specific time. Note that the tours are better on weekdays, however, since the productions lines are turned off on weekends, but you can still tour the facility on weekends if you choose (the tour is exactly the same, except that the machines are off and the line workers are not there). Fans 4 Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans get credit for being as loud as they are, but sadly the facility does not always sell out – at a typical game you might only see half to two-thirds of the seats filled. On the plus side, however, a high percentage of fans are decked out in team gear, so you will definitely feel right at home if you choose to show up in your Bombers gear. Access 4 It is easy enough to get to Investors Group Field, and you can see its distinctive outline from kilometers away – the highways around Winnipeg (and much of Canada) are actually really well done, with lots of six and eight-lane divided roads laid out to speed the traffic flow; credit goes to the local city planners, it is obvious they planned ahead when building the streets here. Unfortunately the parking situation at Investors Group Field leaves a little to be desired – as expected, the stadium being on campus means there are lots of parking restrictions, and not many side streets too park along in the vicinity. Cash parking is available in the Gold and Blue lots for $20 on the east side of the stadium (or you can park in the Black value lot for $10 further away to the east), but for the closer in lots will need a pass. However, once you get inside the stadium it is really easy to move around – there are giant plazas behind each end zone you can use to get from side to side, so you can enter at any gate and still find your seat with ease. There are also plenty of bathrooms inside Investors Group Field to accommodate the size of the crowd, although as with most sports venues you may face lines at the concessions during peak periods like halftime. Return on Investment 4 Single game ticket prices for Winnipeg Blue Bombers games start at about $32 CAD, which is in line with professional sports throughout Canada, and is slightly lower than pro football games in the US. Parking is reasonable at $20, and if you are careful with your spending, you can do okay at the concessions as well. That said, with a large group you may end up spending a bit more than you would like (assuming you are picking up the whole tab), but the cost per person at Investors Group Field is a pretty good value for professional football. Extras 5 How many sports venues can boast three mascots? A lot of stadiums feature twin mascots like Buzz and Boomer, but adding Captain Blue and his biplane to the mix is really above and beyond. Furthermore, having the players themselves interact with fans by jumping into the stands when the home team scores really takes Investors Group Field to a whole new level. And don’t forget the cannon either, blue in color for the Bombers and fired after every score – again, while lots of sports venues might have one or two of these elements, very few have all three. Being the loudest stadium in the CFL is also a plus, and the staff really deserves credit for having so much fan interaction in terms of contests and giveaways. Final Thoughts CFL games are a lot of fun, thanks in part to having only 3 downs instead of 4, giving every snap the potential to turn into a big play. So if you have never been to a CFL game, or if you have but have never seen one in Winnipeg, I would encourage you to check out Investors Group Field – you won’t be disappointed.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bright-Landry Hockey Center 65 N Harvard St Allston, MA 02134 Harvard Crimson hockey website Bright-Landry Hockey Center website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 3,095 Bright-Landry, Big City   Hockey has been played at Harvard University since 1898. With Harvard’s long athletic history, it’s no surprise that the Crimson sponsor one of the oldest squads in college hockey. Harvard’s first ever hockey game was played on January 19, 1898 on a frozen pond in Franklin Field. The Crimson lost to Brown that day 6-0, but their rivalry continues today, making it the oldest continuing series in the country.   Harvard has played on the site of the Bright-Landry Hockey Center since 1956. The Donald C. Watson Rink was the original on-campus home of Harvard hockey. In 1978 the decision was made to renovate the facility, which offered little in the way of amenities for fans or players. The original roof was retained, and the arena was installed underneath. The “new” arena opened on November 19, 1979, with a game between the Crimson and the 1980 United States Olympic Team.   The rink was renamed the Bright-Landry Hockey Center in 2013 to honor Harvard hockey player Alec Bright, class of 1919, and alumnus C. Kevin Landry, class of 1966 and family, whose donations helped to fund the arena’s 2014 renovations.   Hockey has been played at Harvard since 1898. The Crimson have qualified for 27 NCAA tournaments, reaching the Frozen Four 13 times. Harvard won the national title in 1989. Harvard has won the Beanpot Tournament, Boston’s unofficial college hockey championship, 11 times. 57 Harvard alumni have played in the National Hockey League. In addition, Harvard’s women’s team, which also plays at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center, has qualified for 12 NCAA tournaments, reached 6 Frozen Fours, won 15 Beanpot Tournaments, and won a national title in 1999. 24 Harvard alumni have gone on to play professional hockey.    Food & Beverage 2    The menu at Bright-Landry Hockey Center sticks to the basics. There is a concession stand near the entrance, along with a smaller stand on the south end of the arena that opens when there’s a big crowd present. This is just a place for snacking. Hot dogs and nachos anchor the menu, along with snack items.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Bright-Landry. Fans looking for an adult beverage should wander over to the adjoining Watson Track and Field Center, where the Crimson Pub sets up shop. Thirsty fans can purchase Sam Adams, Coors Light, Corona, White Claw and wine here. It’s not the same as in the old days, when fans would have to dash over to Dillon Hall next door to grab a beer during intermission, but it’s much more convenient.   Atmosphere 3   The game day experience at the Bright-Landry Center is typical of most college hockey rinks around the country. The first thing fans will notice are the large murals adorning the walls of the arena. These murals honor Harvard championships, titles, All-Americans and award winners. There’s a clear video board hanging at center ice that is put to good use, but which is partially obstructed from many points by the banners hanging throughout the arena. The promotions table near the main entrance hands out free roster sheets, posters, raffles and the nightly silent auction.   One notable aspect missing during Stadium Journey’s visit was the lack of a pep band. Stadium Journey visited during Harvard’s opening game of the 2024-25 season, so the lack of the band was surprising. Another disappointing aspect was the sub-par sound system. It can be hard to understand announcements made throughout the game. One more thing that was noticed by the author and confirmed by many students and frequent visitors to Bright-Landry: the WiFi in the building is terrible. Your Instagram posts may have to wait until after the game.   With New England being the home of a great number of Division One hockey teams (21, to be exact), and many of them within easy driving distance, it’s not unusual to see a great turnout by visiting fans here at Bright-Landry. Unless you’re wearing a Yale sweater, you’ve got nothing to worry about. This is a very family-friendly place to catch a game.   Neighborhood 4   The Bright-Landry Hockey Center is located on the school’s athletic complex alongside its other sporting facilities, including Harvard Stadium , Lavietes Pavilion , O’Donnell Field and Jordan Field . The complex is not located in Cambridge with the academic buildings, but on the other side of the Charles River in neighboring Allston.   While there is little in the way of attractions on the Allston side of the Charles, Harvard Yard is less than a mile away across the Anderson Memorial Bridge and up John F. Kennedy Street. Harvard Square, lined with shops and restaurants, is right here, too. This is hardly the bohemian center that it was in the days of yore, but there is no shortage of dining choices in the area. Stadium Journey recommends trying a burger and a shake at Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage.   The Harvard campus is one of Boston’s top attractions in its own right. Take a walking tour of the campus if you are so inclined, and take a picture in front of the statue of John Harvard, as thousands of others have done. Remember to rub his shiny shoe, it is rumored to bring good luck.   If you’re visiting Harvard from out of town and would rather explore the city of Boston, downtown is just a few miles away. Visitors looking to enjoy the working class charm of Allston and Brighton will find no shortage of bars and restaurants a short drive from the arena.   Fans 3   Harvard lags behind Boston’s other four Beanpot schools in terms of attendance. The Crimson draw around 2,400 fans per game, which puts them in the middle of the pack nationwide. Fans who come to the Bright-Landry Center are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team, even if they’re not the most vocal fans out there (would you expect any different at an Ivy League school?).   The dedicated student section, dubbed the “Crim-Zone,” is rarely filled with Harvard students, as most tend to spread out around the arena. A rowdy student section just wouldn’t feel right here, anyway. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, the Crim-Zone was filled with random fans rather than students, who do turn out in decent numbers.   Access 4   While Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA, the Bright-Landry Hockey Center is located across the Charles River, in the Allston section of Boston. Also located here are most of Harvard’s other athletic facilities.   Even on its best days, the city of Boston is a difficult city to drive in. The best way to get to the Bright Landry Hockey Center is to take Storrow Drive to the Soldier’s Field Athletic Complex. If you must drive to a Harvard hockey game, bring along someone who knows the crooked streets of Boston well.   The recommended method of travel to Harvard is the subway, or “T”, as it is called locally. The Harvard Station MBTA stop is a 10-minute walk from the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Several bus routes also stop at Harvard Station. The 66 and 86 busses stop directly in front of the athletic complex. For more information, fares and schedules check out the MBTA website . Parking is available throughout the athletic complex, but with only one way in and one way out, be prepared to take some time to leave after the game.   The Bright Center features a concourse which completely circles the rink. Seating consists of individual plastic crimson seats throughout the seating bowl. The small size of the Bright Landry Hockey Center ensures great views throughout the facility. Standing room areas line most of the seating bowl, and are popular spots from which to catch the action. While lines can get long at the concession stands and rest rooms during intermission, they move quickly.   Return on Investment 3   All tickets to Harvard hockey are priced at $20. Parking in the athletic complex will cost an additional $10. Concessions are priced a bit on the high side, but not outrageously so. Harvard is a bit more expensive than other college hockey rinks in the area, but still offers an affordable entertainment option for local fans.   Extras 5                                                                                                 Harvard showcases its lengthy hockey history throughout the Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Floor to ceiling murals line the arena walls as you enter the rink. Award winners, Olympians, past arenas, coaches and championship teams are all highlighted. On the far wall are photos of all men’s and women’s hockey team to ever represent the school. Banners honoring the school’s conference championships, tournament appearances, and national titles hang from the rafters.   Notable among the banners is a crimson number 4, retired in honor of former Harvard player, hockey coach, and athletic director Bill Cleary. It is the only number that has been taken out of circulation in any of Harvard’s 42 varsity sports. No Division One school in the nation can boast more varsity sports than Harvard. Trivial Fact: Bill Cleary was Ryan O’Neil’s stand-in during filming of the 1970 movie Love Story.   The fact that the first game ever played at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center featured the 1980 United States Olympic team is worth a final extra point.   Final Thoughts   The Bright-Landry Hockey Center, while a fine facility in its own right, comes up short when compared to the other Beanpot arenas around Boston. It doesn’t have the history of Matthews Arena, the size of Conte Forum or the modern amenities of Agganis Arena. Still, the Bright-Landry Center is a nice place to catch a hockey game and a worthy Stadium Journey.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Gummeson Grounds Sullivan Trail Easton, PA 18040 Lafayette Leopards website Gummeson Grounds website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 1,000 Leap Like a Leopard Located in the heart of the Lehigh Valley in Easton, Pennsylvania, lies a small school known as Lafayette College. The Leopards of Lafayette play in the Patriot League along with other similarly academic-minded institutions in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. About three miles from Lafayette's campus is Gummeson Grounds, home of Leopard soccer. Due to various donations over the years that funded renovations, the stadium is known by the full name Gummeson Grounds: Home of Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium, although it is commonly referred to as just Gummeson Grounds. The most recent renovation (essentially a new construction project on the same spot) transformed Oaks Stadium into a terraced field reminiscent of old English-style stadiums (more on that later.) The stadium is part of the Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex, which also includes Kamine Stadium , home of Lafayette baseball, Rappolt Field, home of the field hockey team, and stadiums for most of Lafayette's other outdoor sports, except football. Food & Beverage 3 A food truck is often present at sporting events at the Metzgar Complex, but when Stadium Journey visited Gummeson Grounds, it was not present, probably because it was being used at the football game going on at the same time. When Stadium Journey visited Rappolt Field elsewhere in the Metzgar Complex for field hockey earlier in the season, the truck offered a good variety of options, although the exact menu may vary by game. Meals include hot dogs or hamburgers for $9 and a cheeseburger, teriyaki chicken sandwich, chicken tenders, and cheese steak or buffalo chicken egg rolls for $10. While these prices are on the high side, they do include french fries, which improves the value significantly. Nachos are $8, mozzarella sticks are $6, and funnel cake fries are $7. Candy is $3, while Coke products, Powerade, and bottled water are available to drink for $4. Fans are also free to bring their food or beverage into the stadium, and many do. Atmosphere 5 As mentioned in the intro, Gummeson Grounds was recently renovated to create a terraced seating area reminiscent of old soccer stadiums in England. There is a small concourse separating the lower and upper terraces, and you will walk up or down the stairs to wherever you want to sit. Most seats are general admission, but there may be a few marked as reserved for certain VIPs. The vast majority of seating is chairbacks, although there are some concrete ledges in the bottom rows of the lower terrace and behind the goals that are supposed to be reminiscent of the standing areas at English stadiums. Still, fans generally sit here rather than stand. Everywhere you sit will be very close to the action, as there are only about four or five rows in each terrace, and the bottom row is very close to the field. A small scoreboard also shows shots, saves, and corner kicks for each team in addition to the score and clock. Although soccer is constant action, leaving little time for other promotions, Lafayette often takes the opportunity during halftime to honor alumni or other team legends of the past. Walking from the parking lot to the stadium takes you through a series of archways with the name of the school and the stadium on them, making this truly feel like a special place to watch a game. The seating area is unique among college soccer stadiums and makes for an excellent atmosphere at Gummeson Grounds. Neighborhood 3 Gummeson Grounds is located in a residential area several miles from Lafayette's campus and the heart of Downtown Easton. Once you find your way into town, you will find that Easton is a small college town of about 27,000 people located at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers. Most of the action is located close to the college (and several miles from the stadium) and includes Two Rivers Brewing, a popular brewpub on Northampton Street, and Easton Public Market, which includes numerous food vendors ranging from hot dogs to barbecue to a chocolate shop to tacos, noodles, and more. Easton may be a small town, but it is certainly a thriving one. Fans 5 The upgraded stadium at Gummeson Grounds has made a major impact on attendance at Lafayette soccer games. Alumni, friends and family, and locals alike pack the terraces here to cheer on the Leopards. When the Leopards score or make a big play, it gets loud, and the fans rise to their feet and applaud. This is the kind of electric energy former player Peter Gummeson had in mind when his donation funded the renovations. This is a great crowd in a great stadium, and the latter is a major cause of the former. Access 2 Easton itself is easily accessible via US Route 22 and I-76, though you will have to drive several miles along local roads to get to Gummeson Grounds and the Metzgar Complex. The right half of the lot (as you enter) is paved, while the left half is grass. Fortunately, the paved lot will put you closer to Gummeson Grounds, although if it fills up, you will have to park in the grass lot near Rappolt Field. To get from the lot to the stadium, head to the back right corner and walk past the baseball field, and the soccer stadium will be straight up ahead. There is construction in multiple areas of the Metzgar Fields Complex, which can make getting around the lots on foot or by car challenging, as areas may be blocked off. There are no real restrooms at Gummeson Grounds, only two port-a-potties, which you may have to wait a few minutes to use. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all regular season Lafayette home games is free, and parking is free as well. Concessions, when they are available, are good value when you consider that almost every option is a combo deal. Considering the quality of the fan experience at Gummeson Grounds, a Lafayette soccer game is an excellent value. Extras 4 The unique terraced design of the stadium is worthy of an extra star here. Free programs are available from event staff as you come into the stadium. A third star here for the chance to see multiple events in the Metzgar Complex in one trip - it is easy to catch soccer and field hockey back-to-back. Look for the leopard statue in between Gummeson Grounds and Kamine Stadium, a reference to Lafayette's mascot. Final Thoughts Gummeson Grounds is one of the nicest stadiums in college soccer and certainly one of the most unique. With the terraced seating, great crowds, and up-close view of the action, this is a great place to take in a match. Soccer fans in the Lehigh Valley area will want to check out a Lafayette soccer game here.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field 3399 North Rd Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Marist Red Foxes website Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 5,000 A New Top Fox At Marist College There was a seismic shift in the Marist football program in November 2023, when head coach Jim Parady announced his retirement after 32 years. The Red Foxes have had only three head coaches in their history, and Parady left as the longest-tenured head coach in Division 1. Enter Mike Willis, former Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator at Princeton. The weather was stellar on this visit to Marist College. The fall foliage was in full effect on a sun-drenched day in Poughkeepsie with temperatures in the mid-60s, but a cooling breeze took effect, especially in the second half. Tenney Stadium sits next to the entrance of the campus and is nestled along the banks of the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, New York, a city of about 32,000 situated roughly 75 miles north of New York City. Marist is a member of the 11-member Pioneer Football League. In 2013, the Red Foxes shared a Pioneer Football League title with Butler University, but have enjoyed only one winning season since 2013. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is located in the end zone as you enter the stadium. For the first time, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase from local breweries and cideries. Pepsi products are sold at this venue. There are food trucks in the parking lot near McCann Arena for special occasions such as Family and Homecoming/Reunion Weekend. Atmosphere 3 Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field is named after two benefactors of Marist athletics. The field was named after Alex Leonidoff, a local physician and avid Marist Athletics supporter. The original facility opened in 1968. The present stadium was dedicated on October 6, 2007. The stadium's name honors Tim Tenney, CEO of Pepsi-Cola of the Hudson Valley, who provided the lead gift for the stadium renovation project. The Marist football, men's soccer, women's soccer, men's lacrosse, and women's lacrosse programs call the stadium home. The eastern side of the field has 7 sections with 15 rows of permanent chairback seating installed. These seats offer a great view of the field. The west side of the field behind the visitor's sideline features three stairs of rock, layered below the ground. Fans can also sit on the grass or bring chairs. The band is located at the southwest corner of the end zone adjacent to the cheerleaders and dance team who are situated just to the left or west side of the Marist sideline. The crowd was engaged and supportive. Marist ditched most of its superfluous noise like AC/DC’s Hells Bells which is welcomed considering the size of the crowd and venue. The one drawback is the scoreboard is not large and does not have video capability. Neighborhood 3 Poughkeepsie is situated between the Lower Hudson and the Capital District regions. The city is home to several major corporations including IBM and educational institutions including Marist, Vassar College, Dutchess Community College, and The Culinary Institute of America. Cosimo’s Trattoria and Palace Diner are two popular places within walking distance of the stadium. The palace is open 24 hours. Erin O’Neill’s Pub and Grill is another option about a mile away. Fans 3 On this day, there was a solid supportive crowd of 1,547 which was aided by the weather and the fact it was Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. Frankie the Red Fox, the band, and the cheerleaders stirred up the crowd. Sean P. Stellato, a sports agent and motivational speaker, was honored at halftime. The 2002 Marist graduate and wide receiver led the team in touchdown receptions in 2001 and 2002. The school handed out a limited number of Marist-branded fedoras, his signature headwear. Stellato is the agent for New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito. Access 4 The best access to Poughkeepsie from the west is coming across the Mid Hudson Bridge only 2 miles from campus. Traveling up or down Route 9 can be time-consuming with traffic somewhat heavy and many traffic lights. The Taconic Parkway is about 20 minutes from the stadium and traffic will be less burdensome coming in on Route 55. Parking is free but can be an issue here as the closest lots to the stadium fill up fast, and late comers can be forced to drive to the outskirts of the campus to find parking. Fortunately, there are ample spots but could be an 8-minute walk to Tenney Stadium. The Poughkeepsie train station, served by Metro North and Amtrak, is 1.2 miles from the stadium. Return on Investment 5 The seating area, which is all chairbacks, costs $15 while general admission tickets are $8. Fans who elect general admission seating are allowed to bring chairs for use on the lawn. Tickets cost only $6 for children under 12. Marist students are granted free admission. Ticket and concession prices are a bargain and parking is free which is welcomed during these inflationary times. Extras 3 Just two miles southeast of the stadium, there is a beautiful bridge for pedestrians and cyclists which spans the Hudson River called Walkway Over the Hudson State Park. It is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge (1.28 miles) and connects Poughkeepsie to Highland. The span, a former railroad bridge that has been repurposed, is open from 7 am until sunset. The beauty of the campus is worthy of another point. The fall foliage is impressive on a sun-drenched October or early November afternoon. All home games start at Noon which is perfect to enjoy the combination of comfortable weather and football. The Hudson River can be seen from the upper seating area. The Marist athletic community is elated by the exploits of kicker Jason Myers of the Seattle Seahawks. He played at Marist from 2009–2012. Myers, in his 10th NFL season, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 3, 2015. Myers, a member of the Seattle Seahawks, made the 2019 Pro Bowl. Defensive end Terrence Fede was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2014 and played for the Dolphins from 2014–2017. Final Thoughts Tenney Stadium is a picturesque location to take in an FCS college football game. The experience offers family friendly entertainment with low prices and comfortable seating.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Veterans Memorial Coliseum 300 North Winning St. Portland, OR 97227 Portland Winterhawks website Veterans Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 10,407 Two Homes for Junior Hockey in Portland Veterans Memorial Coliseum is the part-time home for Portland’s WHL representative Winterhawks. The Moda Center, next door, also serves as the Hawks part-time home. Formerly the Edmonton Oil Kings, the Winterhawks have been a favorite in Portland since they moved to town in 1976. Portland hockey dates back to the 1910’s with the Portland Rosebuds. The most recent team not named the Winterhawks was the Buckaroos, who played in the Coliseum from 1960-1975. The franchise has had much success during their tenure in the Rose City, including winning the 1998 Memorial Cup, and a current run of back to back to back to back Western Conference championships. Memorial Coliseum is on the National Register of Historic Places due to its architecture and glass walls that adorn the outside of the building. Some within Portland have questioned the practicality of having two buildings side by side that serve exactly the same purpose, while others have outwardly called for its demolition so a baseball stadium could be built on the site. Whatever side of the spectrum one finds themselves on, no one can deny the fact that the building has a great amount of history and character. Food & Beverage 2 Fans on a budget might want to eat before they arrive at VMC because food prices are what I would consider very high. You can find most of the menu items at any arena – hot dogs $6, soda $6 – $6.75, popcorn $8.75, nachos $5.50 and so on. There are a few not so common items here such as Chicken & Waffles $9.50, a Pork Belly Cubano sandwich from Bunk Sandwiches $13, a Turkey BLT from Bridgetown Deli $12 and a Pulled Pork sandwich from Seven Rivers BBQ for $9.75. It’s a good idea if you do decide to eat there, make sure you get there early before the game or leave your seat before intermission because the lines are generally long. Atmosphere 4 With the success this franchise has achieved, each game is a highly anticipated event. There are banners of former Hawks players that have spent time in the NHL adorning the front entrance most notably former Boston Bruin Cam Neely and current Chicago Blackhawk star Marian “Hurricane” Hossa. The building also pays tribute to its former tenant Portland Trailblazers. VMC was the building the Blazers won their only NBA Championship in 1977. History-minded fans will love this building as there are visions of the past throughout the halls. One of the things I was disappointed in was the sound system. In my view this is something that can really add to a game, but the system that was used sounded very outdated. From where I was sitting, the crowd was louder than AC/DC playing when the Hawks scored a goal. Neighborhood 4 The Rose Quarter, the area in which VMC and the Moda Center occupy, is a central locale in Portland. Considered part of the Lloyd District, the area is one of the busiest parts of town. The Oregon Convention Center, another local landmark, is not far away nor is downtown Portland. Downtown Portland has a slew of the things to experience when visiting. At SW 5th and Oak, one of the “food cart blocks” resides. One can find just about any comfort food you can think of at one of these “carts” which aren’t necessarily carts, but actually food trucks. In any case, you can find numerous tasty treats here. Voodoo Donuts is also a Portland staple downtown. If you’re looking for other modes of entertainment, there is a floating Maritime Museum down on the waterfront. The Portland Art Museum is also a popular destination. A bit farther out, I highly recommend the Japanese Garden. It’s a very quiet, serene place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown atmosphere. The Japanese Garden also has one of the better views of Portland as well as one of the better views of the NW mountain peaks. Fans 5 Hockey fans are like no other sports fans, and Portland’s fans are as passionate as any I’ve ever encountered. Most sports fans are a mixed bag but hockey fans are there because they love hockey. There aren’t “just here to be seen” fans in attendance. The Hawks attract a very knowledgeable crowd who understand the ins and outs of hockey. They are a fairly respectable bunch but not afraid to let the players or the refs know their feelings. It’s a crowd parents can let their children attend and not have to worry about most of the negatives associated with this type of action. Access 3 Near the intersection of I-5 & I-84, Memorial Coliseum is easy to get to from anywhere in Portland. There are a couple of parking structures available if you get there early enough or there are lots available at businesses for a fee. You are also able to park on the streets around the neighborhood, but expect to walk a ways. If you plan on attending via public transportation, TRI-MET offers bus service and The MAX (train) stops on the streets bordering the Rose Quarter. Inside the arena, the hallways can get a little crowded. The bathrooms are tight as well. The seats are padded and reasonably comfortable, which is nice although the leg room available isn’t suited for people over 5’8″. Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets range from $16-$31. Group rates range from $11.50 – $20.50, so if you want to go with friends, that’s the best value. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house but if you are an action junkie, I would recommend seats in the first 10 – 15 rows. As a whole, attending a Winterhawks game at VMC is well worth what one pays for a ticket. The fans and the atmosphere alone makes it worth it but when all is considered, I would say it is one of the best values in minor league hockey. Extras 3 The pre game festivities include a montage of current Hawks players as kids playing youth hockey which I think is very cool. It appears that one could buy a ride on the Zamboni during intermission. Fans can get a chance to shoot the puck for an Oregon College Savings Plan account. If you need Hawks gear, The Winterhawks Store has just what you need. Hats, hoodies, pucks, t-shirts or if you want to go all out, authentic jerseys are available for $300. Final Thoughts The Winterhawks have established themselves as the hockey team in town an operating out of the smaller coliseum makes for a perfect atmosphere for hockey. The sight lines, crowd noise, and concourse create an ideal environment for junior hockey in the Rose City.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Hadlock Field 271 Park Ave Portland, ME 04104 Portland Sea Dogs website Hadlock Field website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 7,368 Home of the Maine Monster Hadlock Field is named for longtime Portland High School baseball coach and physics teacher Edson J. Hadlock Jr. The Sea Dogs began competing in the AA Eastern League in 1994 as an affiliate of the Florida Marlins. In 2003 the Sea Dogs switched affiliations to the nearby Boston Red Sox and have enjoyed a surge in popularity since. When the city of Portland was awarded an Eastern League expansion team in 1992, the city renovated Hadlock Field, which was being used at the time as a high school field. To this day, Hadlock Field is used by both the Portland High and Deering High School baseball teams. Over the course of their existence, the Sea Dogs won one Eastern League title along with five division titles and a half-season championship in 2022. Before the 2021 season, the team announced that they have signed an agreement to remain affiliated with the Boston Red Sox until 2030. Food & Beverage 4 Longtime visitors to Hadlock Field will notice some changes to the concessions. While the menu remains very similar, the tweaks to be found have upgraded the overall experience for visitors. Most of the concession stands at Hadlock Field are located underneath the grandstand on the main concourse. Fortunately, there are more than enough stands to handle a typical Sea Dogs crowd, meaning you shouldn’t miss much of the action when you leave your seat to get something to eat. The concessions menu at Hadlock Field checks all the boxes. While the menu doesn’t stray too far from ballpark basics, there’s enough variety to satisfy all fans. From Fenway Franks to the most popular item, the Sea Dog biscuit (a scoop of Gifford’s vanilla ice cream sandwiched by two chocolate chip cookies), there’s something for everyone here. Coca-Cola products are featured at Hadlock Field. Stadium Journey’s recommended spot is the Ware-Bulter Bar and Grill, located past the end of the concourse in left field. Here fans can purchase grilled burgers, dogs, sausage sandwiches and steak and cheese subs. Fans looking for healthier alternatives will find chicken Caesar wraps and assorted salads here. Also sold here is a wide selection of beers, featuring many local brews from Lone Pine, Baxter, Geary, Allagash and Nonesuch Breweries, among others. Head to the small stands at the end of the first base grandstand for a selection of adult ice cream flavors from Sweet & Boozy. Atmosphere 4 The gameday atmosphere at Hadlock Field is similar to many other ballparks at this level of baseball. There is a lot going on to distract from the action on the field. There are contests and giveaways between every half inning, along with entertainment throughout the game designed to keep younger and casual fans engaged. A statue of the Sea Dogs’ mascot, Slugger the seal greets fans at the entrance to Hadlock Field. This is a popular spot to meet before or after the game and to pose for a picture. Longtime fans may notice that the Slugger statue finally got a new sign for the 2021 season. The actual Slugger may just be the best dancing mascot in baseball and is integral to the gameday presentation. Unique to Hadlock Field are the “Trash Monsters,” mascots who also serve as trash cans. Young fans line up to throw out their garbage into the mouths of the “monstahs” throughout the game. It can’t be fun to be the poor intern in that costume during the hot summer months. Anyone who has spent any time in Red Sox Nation can testify how dedicated and intense fans are in this part of the country. The Sea Dogs’ affiliation with the Red Sox guarantees that the fans in Portland know the players well and are invested in their success. Unfortunately, Sea Dog fans share some bad habits with their parent fans in Boston, in that they are always in motion, blocking views and distracting fans from the action going on down on the field. Neighborhood 4 The city of Portland is often mentioned among the top destinations in all of minor league baseball. The city features a thriving arts scene and is a favorite amongst foodies. In particular, if you love seafood, you won’t find a city with a greater diversity and quality of restaurants than Portland. In addition, Portland has an active craft beer scene, with several fine breweries located in the immediate area. Shoppers will flock to nearby outlet malls in Kittery, just to the south of the city, or Freeport, just to the north. What keeps Hadlock Field from receiving a perfect score in this category is that it is not located in the Old Port neighborhood of the city, but away from the city center near I-295. Two spots within walking distance of Hadlock Field are worth mentioning. Salvage BBQ features Carolina style barbeque and an impressive list of craft beer. Holy Donut serves up an endless variety of donuts made from all-natural ingredients, including potatoes. The line can stretch around the block for these incredible pastries. As good as these spots are, if visiting from out of town, you’ll want to head downtown to the Old Port for dining, drinking, and entertainment after the game. Maine dubs itself “Vacationland,” and whether your idea of relaxing involves a sandy beach, an amusement park, a museum, a day on the bay or hiking through the woods, you’ll find what you need in and around Portland. Check out VisitMaine.com for more details. Fans 4 When the Sea Dogs switched affiliations from the Florida Marlins to the hometown Boston Red Sox in 2003, the surge in attendance and interest in the team was predictable. Now, nearly two decades later, the team remains as popular as ever. The Sea Dogs annually rank in the top five in Eastern League attendance rankings, generally averaging around 5,500 fans per game. The team’s affiliation with the nearby Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park is 107 miles away) ensures that the fans in Maine are knowledgeable about the team and passionate about the action taking place down on the field. It’s a shame that most of them don’t sit down and watch the game for a while. Access 4 Hadlock Field is easy to get to, located just a few blocks from Interstate 295. Simply take the Congress Street exit and follow the signs to the ballpark. Parking is available in surface lots around the ballpark, including at the adjacent Fitzpatrick Stadium. On-street parking is also available but pay attention to signs for hours and restrictions. Fans will enter Hadlock Field onto a concourse that stretches underneath the length of the seating bowl. The small but well-stocked team store will be immediately to your left, with concession stands lining the wall in front of you. The concourse can get crowded when the park is filled, but generally fans should have no issues getting around. Rest rooms are located on either side of the ballpark and are plenty big enough for a typical Sea Dog crowd. Due to the presence of the Portland Expo Center next to Hadlock Field, the seating bowl of the ballpark is irregular, running from about first base around to deep left field. Most of the seating consists of green folding plastic stadium seats, with some metal bleachers along the top of the seating bowl and in deep left field. An inner walkway runs along the length of the seating bowl, separating the box seats from the reserved and general admission seating. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Sea Dog games range in price from $11-$13. Children and seniors receive a $1-$3 discount depending on the type of ticket purchased. Waiting until gameday to buy your tickets will add a two-dollar surcharge to them. For an extra three dollars, fans can purchase Assurance tickets, which allows for transfer of tickets to another home game should plans change. Parking in the many lots around Hadlock Field costs between ten and twenty dollars. Unfortunately, the ample free on-street parking that could be found around the ballpark is not available on most nights. Pay attention to parking signs in the area if looking for on-street parking. Extras 5 Hadlock Field is loaded with touches designed to evoke memories of the ballpark’s Maine location. Keep a look out for the lighthouse hidden beyond the centerfield fence which rises after every Sea Dog home run and victory. Hadlock Field has many features meant to mimic their parent club’s ballpark in Boston. In left field stands a 37-foot-tall replica of Fenway’s Green Monster, known in Portland as the Maine Monster. Hadlock has its own version of Fenway’s Monster Seats, located high above the right field wall over the Sea Dogs’ bullpen. A scoreboard in right-centerfield is dedicated solely to Red Sox game stats. Located in the concourse are pictures of every ballpark in the Eastern League as well as every Sea Dog team and award winner since the franchise’s inception in 1994. There is also a display listing every Sea Dog alumnus to make the major leagues. Sea Dog Hall of Fame members all have a plaque on the concourse wall. Every current member of the Boston Red Sox who played for the Sea Dogs has their Portland jersey displayed on the façade of the press box. Luxury boxes at Hadlock Field are named for Red Sox alumni who played in Portland. Final Thoughts Hadlock Field is often named among the top minor league ballparks in the nation. This may have more to do with where it is rather than what it is. Hadlock may not be the most modern minor league ballpark, but it is filled with enthusiastic, knowledgeable fans and plenty of kitschy touches. Couple an afternoon at the ballpark with an evening down at the Old Port, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic Stadium Journey! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @Puckman

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bragg Memorial Stadium 1500 Wahnish Way Tallahassee, FL 32310 Florida A&M Rattlers website Bragg Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 19,633 Something to Bragg About Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public historically Black land-grant university (HBCU) in Tallahassee, Florida. It was founded in 1887 and is the third-largest HBCU in the country, with an enrollment of more than 10,000 students. The school offers 54 Bachelor’s degree programs, 29 Master’s programs, and 12 doctoral programs. The Florida A&M football team is known as the Rattlers. The football program started early at the school, as it first fielded a team in 1907. The Rattlers are one of the most successful teams in HCBU (Historically Black College and Universities) football, as they have won 16 Black College National Football Championships, 29 SIAC titles, 8 MEAC titles, 1 SWAC title and one 1-AA National title. The team is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The home of Rattlers football is the on-campus 19,633-seat Bragg Memorial Stadium. It opened in 1957 and is named for J.B. and Eugene Bragg, a father and son duo that served as head coaches for the Rattlers in the 1930s and 1940s. The field is named for Ken Riley, an All-American football player at Florida A&M, who went on to be a coach and athletic director for his alma mater. Riley was also a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. This is the second incarnation of Bragg Stadium on the FAMU campus. Its short-lived predecessor opened in 1947 in a cow pasture near the campus. It did not even have restrooms, so fans had to use the facilities in a nearby dormitory.   Food and Beverage 5 Before you are even inside Bragg Stadium, you are likely to be full. That’s because more than 50 food tents set up business along Perry Street next door to Bragg Stadium before each home game. These vendors sell various foods, including BBQ, okra, chicken wings, pork chops, seafood, grits, ribs, turkey wings, frog legs, and cheesesteaks. Dessert items include cakes, cookies, ice cream, smoothies and pies. If you are still hungry, Bragg Stadium has two concession stands along the concourses on each side of the Field. They all sell off the same menu, which includes a Brisket meal package (brisket, mac and cheese, cole-slaw, and cornbread). Individual items available include Brisket sandwiches, mac and cheese, hot dogs, nachos with cheese, boiled peanuts, potato salad, coleslaw, and pickled sausages. Dessert items include candy, pickles, and chips. FAMU stands offer Pepsi brand sodas as well as fruit punch, lemonade, tea, and water. The stadium stands to accept both cash and credit cards.   Atmosphere 3 A major aspect of the atmosphere at HBCU football games is its marching band, and the Rattlers are no exception. The Florida A&M band is known as the Marching 100, and they play nonstop throughout the games. Many fans attend the games just because of the band, as their halftime performances are legendary. The band has performed at Olympic Games, Super Bowls, the Rose Parade, and presidential inaugurations. Bragg Memorial Stadium has gone through several renovations in recent years to improve the fan experience. The seating bowl has been completely refurbished with new aluminum bench seating, a new press box has been built, and additional luxury suites and boxes have been added. A new electronics package, including the sound system and the video board, has been installed to better inform fans of the game statistics. The on-field improvements include a new AstroTurf playing surface and a renovation of the Gallimore-Powell Field House behind the south end zone. This enhanced both the home and visiting team’s locker rooms, training areas, and coaches’ offices. Neighborhood 4 The Florida A&M campus and Bragg Memorial Stadium are located just south of downtown Tallahassee and the Florida State government complex. Attractions near the stadium include the Railroad Square Arts District and the Florida Historic Capitol Museum. Two restaurants of note near the campus are E and J’s BBQ and Dick Mondell’s Burger and Fries. Proof Brewing Company is also nearby, with a large offering of craft beers. Several lodging options are near campus, including the Hotel Indigo Tallahassee Collegetown and the Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol University.   Fans 4 The Rattlers have a strong fanbase made up of current students, alumni, and Tallahassee residents who have adopted the school as their own. They dress in the designated colors announced by the school for each home game at Bragg Stadium. The PA announcer at Bragg is more of a DJ than your typical stadium announcer, as he hypes up the crowd in addition to announcing game statistics. New coach Willie Simmons pleased fans with a Celebration Bowl win and yet another Black College National Championship in his inaugural season of 2023. Rattler fans always look forward to two featured ball games each season. The Florida Classic pits Florida A&M against Bethune-Cookman University, and the Orange Blossom Classic offers Jackson State University as the opposition. However, the 2024 game was the last game of this matchup due to conference realignment. Access 3 Getting to a Rattler football game is relatively easy. Other than a few lots dedicated towards season ticket holders/major donors, most of the parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans arrive well before the kickoff to set up their tailgating feasts. There are four sets of entry gates set aside for fans at Bragg Memorial Stadium.  These gates open two hours before kickoff. Return on Investment 3 There are two levels for single-game tickets at Bragg Stadium. General admission seating is available for $45, and reserved seats are $50. Parking is available on campus for each home game. Parking on campus lots is available on a game-by-game basis for $22.95. The parking lot adjacent to Bragg Stadium is reserved for season ticket holders only. As we have mentioned before, the concession prices inside Bragg Stadium are quite reasonable. Extras 2 There are plans to build a 35,000-seat stadium elsewhere on the campus, but no starting date for this project has been announced. The stadium would feature three tiers of seating, 360-degree access to the concourse, and several luxury suites and lounge boxes. Many elite players and coaches have been a part of the Rattler's heritage. Legendary coach Jake Gaither won multiple National Championships during his time with the teams. Star players for the Rattlers who went on to NFL glory include Gene Atkins, Ken Riley, Willie Galimore, Bob Hayes, and Nate Newton. Final Thoughts There was great anticipation before the game at Bragg Memorial Stadium, the historic home of the Florida A&M Rattlers. The roar of the crowd grew louder as the Rattlers took the field, their band providing a powerful soundtrack to the game. This venue is a great visit for sports fans.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Little Caesars Arena 2645 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201 Detroit Red Wings website Little Caesars Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 19,515 The Red Sea Of Detroit Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Red Wings 3rd home, is a sea of red. Between the home fans’ jerseys, the red banners hanging from the rafters, and the arena with robust red lighting is almost an assault on the eyes. But there’s no doubt whose building this is as fans file into the seating area. It’s hard to believe the facility is already seven years old but it is still tied for the third youngest in the NHL with T-Mobile in Las Vegas. The Red Wings played at the Olympia from 1927 to 1979 before moving to Joe Louis Arena on the Detroit River from 79 until 2016. Little Caesars, which anchors The District Detroit, a 50-block, mixed-use development connecting downtown and midtown, is also home to the NBA’s Detroit Pistons . The Red Wings are one of the Original Six – the group of six teams that made up the National Hockey League between 1942 and 1967. Detroit, which plays in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, was once a major player but has not been to the playoffs since 2016. From 1997 through 2008, the Wings won four Stanley Cups including back-to-back crowns in 97 and 98. The post-season drought has diminished the enthusiasm to an extent but the city is a hockey hotbed referred to as Hockeytown. A glass roof is erected between the buildings and the arena itself. The roof forms an indoor "street" that serves as the arena's concourse which is open year-round. There is also an outdoor plaza with a large video display. The east side of the building is connected to bars and restaurants. The BELFOR Training Center, the official practice facility of the Red Wings, is connected to the building on the north side. It is also home to Little Caesars Amateur Hockey. Food & Beverage 5 The four restaurants at Little Caesars Arena are: • PointsBet Sports Bar • Mike's Pizza Bar • The Mixing Board • UWM District Market There are at least 10 different bars. Coca-Cola products are the arena soft drink of choice. The Coop, 313 Grill Co., and Little Caesars Pizza (with traditional Detroit style available) are found on both the power and upper concourse. For more local fare there is the Dearborn Sausage Haus and National Coney Island. There is also standard stadium food such as hot dogs and a taqueria. Atmosphere 4 The stadium has an old-time feel combined with an impressive brick facade. The Southwest entry might be the most impressive next to the Via Sports Bar and the Ted Lindsay statute. The concourse is an open bright space with high ceilings in which you can see outside through the glass ceiling. There is a band playing before the game which creates a festive atmosphere. There are manhole covers with names and numbers of many of the Red Wings/Pistons’ greats. The Red Wings have no trouble drawing fans but enthusiasm and winning go hand in hand and the Wings have not made the playoffs since 2016. The Wings averaged 18,980 last season (2023 - 2024) and are sold out for almost every game. On this weeknight visit, there were many families and younger fans which is great for the team and the league. The crowd is knowledgeable but maybe not as passionate as one would expect from an Original 6 team. The Red Wings have a great organ led by famous organist Lance Luce but rely more on recorded music to pump up the crowd. Luce has been at LCA since 2017. The music and PA announcements are played at an acceptable level. The LED lighting exhibition leading up to the game is impressive. The arena has smoke machines in each corner of the rink that billow white and red smoke following Red Wing goals. Neighborhood 4 The city of Detroit gets a bad rap. The city is clean with no graffiti and few homeless people around. The area around the arena is safe. Hockeytown is a great spot for fans to congregate pre and post-game. LCA is close to the Fox Theater with Comerica Park and Ford Field in reasonable proximity. The two most famous hot dog places (American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island) are 19 minutes away on Michigan Avenue. Detroit dogs are topped with chili, onions, and mustard. The legendary Buddy’s Pizza, famous for its Detroit-style square slices, is just a 15-minute walk from the stadium. The Greektown area with its casinos is about a mile away and the Hollywood Greektown Hotel is a good option with lower prices than most. Hotels are expensive as there are not a plethora of choices downtown. Fans 4 Red Wings jerseys with the well-known winged wheel are worn by most of the fans in attendance. The Wings have averaged 19,393 for the first month of the 2024 season just short of capacity. Other than Let’s Go Red Wings the fans have no other chants. Access 4 Downtown Detroit is quite a distance from the Detroit Airport and minimal public transportation is available from the airport. An Uber ride will cost $50 – $60 each way to and from downtown. An above-ground People Mover train and QLine streetcar (both are free) can be taken to get close to Little Caesars Arena. The People Mover stops about half a mile away, while the QLine drops fans off right in front of the arena at Sproat St/Adelaide St. There are numerous parking lots with a 10-minute walk to the arena. Parking ranges from $30 to $50 and the LCA website will direct you to parkwhiz.com to pre-purchase. Ride share drop off and pick up is on W Fisher Service Drive. There are four entry points to Little Caesars Arena. Two on Woodward Avenue, one on Sproat, and one on Henry Avenue. Gates open 90 minutes prior to puck drop. The arena has 20 portals in the lower bowl which provide access to the seating area. Sections 119-124 have a lower portal to get to the seats closest to the ice. It is a bit burdensome as fans have to go down/up two sets of stairs to enter or exit the seating bowl. Portals 21-72 are on the upper concourse, and 73-77 are in the Labatt Blue Club and 78-82 are in the Michigan First Gondolas. Concourses are wide but still can get congested between periods. The upper-level seating area is extremely steep and the seats have minimal legroom. Return on Investment 3 The Red Wings rank 13th on the Fan Cost Price Index at $436.16 for four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one hour, two game programs and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps. Weeknight tickets can be had for around $130 (including fees) behind the net and $75 in the upper level behind the goal depending on the opponent. Craft beer is $12.99, Dasani bottled water is $5.99, small soda is $7.43, and a hot dog is $6.99. Extras 3 One point for the Michigan First West Gondola which is designed to entertain from the most unique vantage point imaginable. The Gondola, which also includes the press box, gives guests a unique view that not all stadiums offer.  Another point is awarded for exhibits, sculptures, and artwork displayed on the concourse and in the Cadillac Plaza and many Red Wing retired numbers and championship banners that hang from the rafters. A third point is for a small museum in the upper bowl devoted to Detroit sports.  There are exhibits dedicated to both the Red Wings and the Pistons. Final Thoughts Affectionately known as Hockeytown, Detroit is a unique market in the United States where a pretty substantial argument can be made that it is a hockey-first market. ---- Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and   Facebook

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bauer Track & Field Complex Hospital Rd Piscataway, NJ 08854 Rutgers Scarlet Knights website Bauer Track & Field Complex website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 1,500 (estimated) Field Hockey Knight at Rutgers The Rutgers University Scarlet Knights field hockey program plays their home matches at the Bauer Track & Field Complex on their campus in Piscataway, New Jersey. The stadium opened in 1996 and, as the name would suggest, is home to Scarlet Knights track & field in addition to the field hockey team. Rutgers field hockey has qualified for the NCAA Tournament five times, but has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Rutgers field hockey games, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 4 The Bauer Track & Field Complex has one large set of bleachers that run along one sideline. A running track separates the field from the seating area, and the front row of the bleachers is a good distance from the edge of the track, so fans in the bleachers will be further away from the action than is ideal. A scoreboard to the right of the field shows the shots and penalty corners for each team in addition to the score and clock. It also shows the current half, but as field hockey has used quarters for several years, this is not as useful as you might think. the atmosphere here is more exciting than a typical college field hockey match. Before Rutgers penalty corners, music, typically the intro trumpet solo from "Narco" will play to get fans fired up for the big play. After goals, celebration music plays. One minor but significant point is that the PA announcer will announce the results of video reviews, including whether a call stands (i.e. video evidence is inconclusive) or is confirmed (i.e. video evidence conclusively shows the call on the field was correct.) This is not an insignificant difference in field hockey, as the former results in the team retaining their challenge and the latter does not. The Rutgers mascot, who appropriately is a costumed knight who wears scarlet, has been known to make an appearance at Rutgers field hockey matches. He will roam the stands interacting with fans and occasionally getting into mischief such as switching people's hats around. Neighborhood 5 Piscataway is a sleepy college town in northern New Jersey and you will find a few options here such as Henry’s Diner near the basketball arena and some of the best pizza places in the country. No reason to get Pizza Hut or Papa John’s here (unless you're stuck in the stadium and have the former forced upon you), it’s far better to pick up a real Jersey slice. Fans may also be interested in grabbing a Fat Sandwich from R U Hungry at the corner of Hamilton Street and College Avenue in New Brunswick. While the grease trucks serving these legendary sandwiches once dotted Rutgers’ College Avenue campus and they were thought of as the school’s quintessential food, most of these trucks have been shut down as the university constructed new buildings, relocated the trucks, and ultimately declined to renew their permits. R U Hungry, which was the original fat sandwich vendor, now serves them out of a more traditional storefront location. Fat sandwiches consist of sub rolls topped with seemingly random combinations of toppings. The original Fat Cat has a double cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, French fries, mayo, and ketchup, and the combinations just get weirder from there. For example, the Fat Elvis comes with gyro meat, mozzarella sticks, lettuce, tomato, French fries, and white sauce, certainly a bizarre combination. There are many others with fun names such as the Fat Darrell, the Fat Koko, and at least one whose name violates the editorial standards of this website. As you can probably guess by the name, these sandwiches are loaded with calories and are not for the faint of heart (figuratively or literally.) Knights Express and Giovanelli's also sell fat sandwiches with similar menus., Fans 5 Rutgers draws quite well for field hockey, averaging about 500 fans a game and sometimes getting close to a thousand, which is very good for college field hockey. These fans are passionate and loud, cheer on big plays, and are not afraid to yell at the referees when they feel they have made an incorrect call. Many of those in attendance are friends and family of the players, but there will also be Rutgers students and some locals looking to cheer on the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers ranked fourth in the nation in attendance in 2023, so this is truly a great fan base that you don't often see in field hockey. There will often be a sizeable contingent of visiting fans as well, especially if Rutgers is playing a nearby school. Access 3 Just getting to the Rutgers campus can be confusing. For starters, “the” Rutgers campus is misleading as Rutgers University has five separate campuses in Piscataway and New Brunswick – College Avenue, Busch, Livingston, Cook, and Douglass. (These should not be confused with the two regional campuses in Camden and Newark, which are completely separate institutions.) The Bauer Track & Field Complex is located on the Livingston campus, across Hospital Road from Jersey Mike's Arena and right next door to Bainton Field , home of Rutgers baseball. Free parking is available in the Yellow or Green lots next to Jersey Mike's arena, although you will need to register your car and license plate through the Rutgers athletic website to avoid receiving a ticket. You only need to do this once per season, and if you forget to do it before you leave, there is a QR code you can scan to do so on your phone at the entrance to the stadium. Note that registration is sport-specific and does not carry over from season to season. There are no real restrooms at the complex, but there are a large number of Port-a-potties by the entrance which should be sufficient for the crowds. Keep in mind these are on the opposite side of the field from the bleachers, so it may take a few minutes to walk over there. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Rutgers field hockey games is free, with the exception of Big 10 and NCAA Tournament games, which have a separate pricing model determined by those respective entities. Parking is also free, and you won't spend anything on concessions because there aren't any. Given the quality of the facility, a Rutgers field hockey game is a great value. Extras 2 Look below the scoreboard for signage honoring Rutgers' NCAA Tournament appearances as well as its two retired numbers - number 4 for Liz McGuire and number 5 for Regina Alonzo. Each of those are worthy of an extra star here. Final Thoughts Rutgers field hockey plays at a high-quality facility and has a strong fan base that comes out and supports the team. Fans of the sport will definitely want to head to the Bauer Track & Field Complex to check out a Scarlet Knights game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Northwest Stadium 1600 Ring Road Landover, MD 20785 Washington Commanders website Northwest Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 85,000 Express Progress? Northwest Stadium (formerly FedExField) is located in suburban Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. It replaced the team’s longtime home RFK Stadium in 1997. The late Jack Kent Cooke, former owner of the Washington Redskins, spent the early 1990s looking for a new stadium. Finally, a location was found in the town of Landover. The former owner died before truly enjoying his team playing at their new home. The location of the team was also even known by the United States Postal Service as Raljon, Maryland to honor Cooke’s sons, Ralph and Jon, although it was always technically in the Landover area. Northwest Stadium has seen an amazing number of expansions and reductions in seating capacity in its short lifespan. Entire seating sections have been physically removed from the stadium to reduce capacity. Some seats have been removed to make standing-room-only “party” sections, while other seats have been covered by advertisements and tarps. There is talk every year about the team moving either back to the District of Columbia or to the Commonwealth of Virginia. At this point, there is no specific plan in place or motion. The fan support for the team has been on the downturn lately. It was announced that in 2022 the team would change its name to the Washington Commanders. The 2023 season was the first without divisive owner Dan Snyder. Food & Beverage 5 There are many decent concession stands around the stadium offering the usual stadium options. The prices are not cheap, but they are pretty much in line with most NFL venues. If you worry about high food costs, your best bet is to eat before game time. There have been changes to some options to make them cheaper and to offer discounts for season ticket holders. The team has been adding many interesting food options and keeping choices fresh and interesting. Chicken Guy, a Guy Fieri chicken finger stand is very tasty. The team has done a good job of enhancing the food offerings at both the Club Level and the main concourse. The upper concourse options seem a bit sparer, although that is common with large stadiums. Atmosphere 2 The fans are knowledgeable about all aspects of the game. Before you go into the stadium, you should spend some time out with the fans in the massive parking lots. There are some great and welcoming groups scattered around. I love to check out the Red Zone Tailgate Lot to see what some of the most extreme fans are cooking up in their pregame preparation. Once inside the stadium, you may be less impressed with some aspects of the physical structure. Some areas are just poorly designed. The stadium is not aging well. The addition of a fan zone on the main concourse, which includes areas where the fans can gather and still be in sight of the on-field action, is a welcome addition to the stadium. The new name has allowed the team to brighten up much of the stadium and keep it consistent with the new name. This is an improvement over previous years, although I am not sure it is being appreciated much yet. The upper deck seems incredibly too high to enjoy the game. Some seating sections in the upper deck require your having to go both up AND down a set of stairs to find your seat. A former walkway has been filled in with three rows of seating. Doing so has created some navigational issues, in that fans may need to go up and then back down a small set of stairs just to move from one area to another. It is weird to see entire seating areas in the Club Level that are blocked off and covered up. The upper deck also still has some audio issues. There are areas there where the sound is nearly inaudible. In addition, the lower deck still has some obstructed view seats. They do often go for quite low of a price but it is still incredible that a stadium built just one year before Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium has the severe design flaws that it does. Many other parts of the seating bowl are just a bit weird here at Northwest Stadium. It opened with 80,000 seats. A few years later, the Redskins added many temporary and permanent seating areas to bring the total seating to over 91,000. Now the stadium is getting smaller, with many seats changed over to those standing-room-only areas and/or tarp-covered areas to bring the official capacity down. The team has slowly been adding more of its extensive history into the stadium’s concourse wall along with making way for the new team name. The team also has a Season Ticket Holders Wall Of Fame. Names of those who have been season ticket holders for 20 years or more are displayed on a monitor beside some images of current players. Neighborhood 2 Suburban Landover is not the most exciting neighborhood. Northwest Stadium sits in an area surrounded by parking lots. That kind of setting can be good for tailgating but often means the area is lacking a bit. It would be nice if there could be food, drink, and entertainment options located in the area, such as at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Live complex. I would love to see something similar, even if they are temporary, game-only, locations. Currently, fans who are not tailgate types have very few pregame options. The closest thing really to the stadium is some newer housing developments. Luckily Washington D.C. is close by. If you are arriving by Metro, pregame activities are best spent there. The Foggy Bottom neighborhood is a good option in D.C. as there are still plenty of restaurants to choose from. Georgetown is another great option The choices there will astound you, but Martin’s Tavern will always be a good choice. Did I mention you are right near Washington, D.C.? The number of attractions, museums, restaurants, and other sights is astounding. Spend some time pre or post-game seeing the many things around this great city. Fans 4 The strength of the team has usually been their loyal fan, but lately, even those loyal fans were starting to turn away from the team. The fans do deserve better than the often lackluster team and stadium. New ownership has just now given the fans some light at the end of the tunnel. Non-rivalry games have far less excitement than when the team is playing an NFC East opponent. The best time to go to Northwest Stadiumis a nationally televised game against the Eagles, Cowboys, or Giants, but expect to see many visiting team fans. Access 3 Northwest Stadium’s location close to the Washington Beltway is not usually seen as a positive. This suburban location compounds the traffic nightmares in the area, especially on Monday night games. The stadium is located far from public transportation and with limited parking alternatives, the stadium can be hard to get to. The opening of the Washington Metro’s Morgan Boulevard Station in 2004 gave attendees at least one public transportation option. It is slightly less than one mile away, and there are decent walkways between the station and the stadium. Sure, it could be closer, but at least it is an option. The Largo Town Center Station, also on the same Blue line as the Morgan Boulevard Station, is another walkable option but is far less convenient. Just make sure you are aware of closing times for the Metro if attending a night game. The Metro system has experienced many problems and incidents in recent months, so it is not nearly as reliable as it should be. The team has no control over this, but it sure does not help the fans who want to find alternate means to attend the games at Northwest Stadium. There is plenty of parking available around the stadium. The problem has been that it is pricey and has been controlled strictly by the team. There are a few non-approved lots to the north of the stadium around Brightseat Road, but that is an exception. If all else fails a visitor can head to the official Gray Lot and get a space for $60 cash. This price may also vary depending on the opponent. In the last few years, the team made major strides in improving the operations of their lots. Fans are required to enter their designated lots from specific access roads. The idea was to allow for a more efficient entry and exit from the stadium. It seems to have worked. Return on Investment 4 The cost of an NFL game is expensive. There is no way around it. You do get a good deal, because of the high entertainment value and the extremely high level of competition. The one positive aspect of a bad team is the huge amount of available cheap tickets. The parking is costly at Northwest Stadium and you may not be able to find good options around that cost. Extras 2 The team has one of the few marching bands in the NFL. Make sure to catch them performing before the game. The group started in 1937. The cheerleaders also put on a good show. The group was second in the NFL to the Pittsburgh Steelers in having cheerleaders (the Steelers have since abandoned the cheerleading idea). Originally called the Redskinettes, they have cheered for the team since 1962. Final Thoughts Northwest Stadium is a purely functional stadium in a less-than-desirable location. The team is also in a transition phase that could go in many directions. Ultimately the fan experience is better than it looks on the surface but is still far from ideal in the modern NFL.

Photos by Lance Sutehall and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Protective Stadium 2100 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North Birmingham, AL 35203 UAB Blazers website Protective Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 47,100 UAB Blazing Their Own Path The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is the third largest public university by enrollment in the state. UAB became its institution after splitting from the main University of Alabama campus in 1969 and has become the third-largest university by enrollment with over 22,000 students. The UAB Blazers athletics program began nearly a decade later in 1978 but it was not until 1991 that UAB would field a football team. After spending a couple of seasons in Division 3 and a few more in Division 1-AA (now FCS) the Blazers became a 1-A (now FBS) program in 1996. UAB struggled to find any success as a football program, only securing one bowl game appearance before the football team shut down in 2014. Public outcry led to the UAB football team being reinstated in 2017 and the Blazers won two C-USA football championships and three out of five bowl games. UAB accepted an invitation to join the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in 2023 after playing in Conference USA (C-USA) for most of its time as an FBS program. Legion Field was the home of Blazers football for most of the program’s history until 2021 when UAB moved to the brand-new Protective Stadium. The crowds were great in 2021 before head coach BIll Clark announced his retirement from coaching. The rebirth and most of the on-field successes of UAB football happened under the helm of Bill Clark and the Blazers have struggled under their current head coach Trent Dilfer. Food & Beverage 4 There are a variety of concession stands located throughout the stadium. Sloss Steakhouse sells BBQ Sandwiches ($13), Conecuh Sausages ($12), Premium hot dogs ($6), Birmingham hot dogs ($8), pretzels ($6), nachos ($6), popcorn ($5), and candy ($5). Coca-Cola beverages are offered with Dasani water ($5), Powerade ($6.50), 32oz. sodas ($6.50), and Souvenir drinks ($10) being the options. Alcohol is sold at this stand with domestic drafts ($11) and premium/imports ($13) on offer. Anvil Grill has chicken tenders ($13) and cheeseburgers ($8) as well as the snacks and beverages offered at Sloss Steakhouse. 4:2:1 Eats offers concessions on a budget with smaller hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, popcorn, 16. oz sodas, and bottled water (all aforementioned items are $3.50/each) as well as $5 12 oz. domestic beers. Chicken Crossroads sells chicken tenders and corn dogs ($8) as well as snacks and beverages sold at other stands. There is also a Chick-fil-A stand open as well as a Lady Electra’s concession area that sells a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 3 Outside the south endzone of the venue is “Blazer Village” which features tailgating, fan activities, and a UAB Bookstore tent. It opens four hours before kickoff and closes 30 minutes before the start of the game. Around two and a half hours before kickoff the “Marching Blazers” start marching throughout the Uptown entertainment district. This culminates with the band joining the cheerleaders and the football team in the pregame Blazer Walk as they head inside the stadium. The seating area is mostly bleacher seating with cushioned chairback seats at midfield on both sidelines. The home side of Protective Stadium has a building containing premium club seating that provides shade to the lower bowl. On the opposite side of the stadium is a second level of bleacher seating which means the visiting side has more seats than the home side. The “Marching Blazers” sit in the visitor's side of the stadium. Neighborhood 4 Protective Stadium is part of the Birmingham-Jefferson County Complex (BJCC) that also contains Legacy Arena , home of the NBA G-League’s Squadron. The stadium is part of the Uptown entertainment district that includes restaurants such as The Southern Kitchen and Bar, Mugshots Grill and Bar, and Texas de Brazil. There is a Sheraton and a Westin located within Uptown for lodging with both hotels a short walk to Protective Stadium. The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is located in the complex as well and is open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. Fans 3 The fans are the reason UAB football came back from extinction in the mid-2010s. In 2014 the decision was made to shut down the UAB football program. Public outcry led to the program being reinstated in 2017 and support has never been better. The city of Birmingham has embraced the UAB Blazers and kept them at the forefront when building Protective Stadium. Access 4 Protective Stadium is near the junction of I-20/59 and I-65. From I-20/59 Eastbound turn off Exit 124D and make a left at Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard. Make another left at 24th Street North and Protective Stadium will be on the left. From I-20/59 Westbound, turn off Exit 126B and stay in the left lane before making a right turn onto Richard Arrington Jr Boulevard. Protective Stadium will be in view on the right. From I-65 turn off at Exit 261A and follow the same instructions as I-20/59 Eastbound. The BJCC has a parking garage behind the Westin for $20 parking and nearby street parking is free on weekends and weekday evenings after 6 pm. The concourse surrounding the stadium is very wide and does not get congested. The rows of bleachers are spaced out enough that fans do not have to make room to let someone pass by. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $20 for endzone seats and go up to $50 for lower-level seats along the sideline at midfield. With $20 parking and affordable concessions at 4:2:1 Eats a person can expect to pay $50 for an afternoon of football, $80 for a date, and $130 for a family of four. A day out to see UAB football will not break the bank. Extras 4 Protective Stadium is home to the Birmingham Stallions UFL football team and the Birmingham Legion soccer club. The stadium was home to the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the 2022 World Games. Garth Brooks performed at Protective Stadium on June 4, 2022, setting the venue attendance record with over 45,000 fans packed in the stadium that night. Final Thoughts The once-dead UAB program has seen a renaissance in recent years. With a stadium that is better suited for the program than its prior one and a loyal fanbase UAB football has a good opportunity to grow its program even further.

Minor league baseball teams have created numerous promotions to attract a larger audience to their ballparks recently. However, one promotion that took place well over a century ago has been lost in time. It was a radical idea that would be an advertising stunt and attract visitors to the town. That idea was free baseball for the Decatur Commodores in 1915. It was an ideal conceived by team management of the Three-Eye League that gained enough attention that other teams thought about themselves, and a few others contemplated that it might just be what the minor leagues were looking for. Newspapers from Salt Lake City to Boston claimed that the “millennium had arrived in Decatur, Illinois.” The Commodores, or Commies, as they were called by the local populace had been in town since 1900 but had been operating at a loss since a second version of the club arrived in town in 1910. Attendance peaked at 52,104 in 1907 before dropping to 38,597 in 1909. The ball club’s treasurer Mont Peniwell proposed a plan that would have local businesses, fans, and residents donate enough money before the season to allow for all fans to watch games for free at the ballpark for the 1915 season. A goal of $12,000 was established and Peniwell began looking for subscribers. Subscriptions would be sent to the local newspaper by fans It would be a boost to the community and the thought process was that larger attendance numbers would spill to the local merchants of Decatur. Archie Davis, a local druggist, was the first fan who sent $10 in with his coupon from the newspaper and said the following. “A good crowd will be at every game, and my only trouble will be in securing a box seat so that I can get as close to the players as possible.” The idea was not original and suggested by the Wichita Wolves of the Western League in February. Team president A. M. Ebright set a goal of selling $75,000 worth of tickets at 50 cents apiece to local businesses and residents to open the gates to Island Park for free. He envisioned free advertising from across the nation, increased trade with local merchants, and fans of all income levels being able to attend a game. However, it does not appear that the ball club met the goal and abandoned the free baseball concept. A receipt from a fan who donate $2 towards a subscription for free baseball for Decatur A subscription ballot was printed in the Decatur  Daily Herald  where fans or businesses would fill in how much they would like to donate. Subscriptions came in from the Decatur Hotel, Decatur Railway & Light Company, and the Decatur National Bank. Sydney Bacharach, owner of Cheap Charley Clothing Store, was more than willing to back the campaign. “Free baseball looks like a great thing for businessmen. We want to get the people here, and then when they see what Decatur is offering them, they will do their business here.” The news caught the attention of many outside of Decatur. New York Giants scout, Dick Kinsella said that the city got more advertisement out of free baseball than any other town this size ever had.  Folks in Montana referred to Decatur as where they have free baseball. Three-Eye president Al Tearny stated that he wouldn’t be surprised that several years, the majority of minor leagues operated with free baseball within several years. League members in Peoria, Bloomington, Quincy, and Dubuque contemplated adopting the practice in 1916. A comic from Toledo, Ohio, with a satirical look at the free baseball promo However, Peniwell soon discovered that the club couldn't meet the $12,000 objective. It was downsized to $8,000 but announced that the club had met its goal and played the season with free baseball. The free seats were only for the bleacher sections, and fans wanting to sit in the grandstand would have to pay 15 cents. Buttons were created for fans to wear to the game to show their pledge. On April 30, the Commodores opened at home at the local racetrack that was fitted with a new grandstand roof, wire fencing in front of the grandstand, and a steel outfield wall. The bleachers were packed with fans, and many sat behind the wired fencing in front of the grandstand. Others watched the game from their automobiles in right field. However, attendance was 770, with only 178 people paying for seats in the grandstand. The second game drew a larger crowd of over 2,000 people. There were 300 people in the grandstand, 15 rows of people stood beyond the bleachers and down right field, and the bleachers were packed. The third game on Sunday was expected to attract 4,000, but wet weather doomed the game, and only 500 were in attendance. The headline says it all about the Commies promotion One caveat about the promotion was the number of school children who attended games. It became so concerning that the local truant officer showed up to see who was playing hooky at school. The team then established that all school children would not be allowed to play games until after 3:30 pm after class let out. Crowds of around 1,000 would be at hand for select games, but it was soon evident that Commies were nowhere near the $8,000 mark for their goal. By May 16, the club only collected $3,469. Donation boxes were set up at the entrance of the stadium, and the club began charging 15 cents a person who watched the game from their automobiles. Penniwell announced that the club received $6,200 in subscriptions at the beginning of the season, with two sources pitching in an additional $1,500 to push the total to close to $8,000, but when it came time to collection, most did not pay up. The club collected only $3,469 of actual money (43 percent short of the goal). Imagine putting yourself down for 4-boxes of Girl Scout Cookies from your next-door neighbor's kid and then a month later refusing to pay when your order of Peanut Butter Patties, Thanks-A-Lot, and Thin Mints arrived. You might wake up with a slashed tire, but that's what took place with the subscriptions in Decatur. Many said they would pay anywhere from $2 to $150, but never did. Since most fans sat in the bleachers, sales from seating in the grandstand were down. It also led to fewer fans patronizing the area during games. I am not sure if this meant that fans did not purchase food or beverages at the game, since that did not appear to be mentioned in any of the newspaper articles of the time, but the team underestimated its goal of reaching $8,000 goal. The team also had to make additional payments towards police, laundry services, coal for the clubhouse, new uniforms, and player salaries. The team was in the red for $3,231 when it was all said and done. Then adding insult to injury, Mother Nature had the final word on the Commodores campaign on July 15 when a tornado ripped apart the grandstand’s roof before a ballgame. Insurance officials then razed and condemned the grandstand. Photos of the racetrack grandstand after the tornado struck it before a game. The Commies would continue to play with fans now being charged 15 cents to sit in the bleachers, but the team was close to folding or relocating to Galesburg, Illinois, to close out the season. On August 11, the team played its final game and a few days later a benefit game was set up with a semi-pro team that attracted only 350 fans.  The failure of the free baseball campaign wiped out baseball in Decatur until a new version was created for the 1922 Three-Eye season. The team would play at Staley Field, which had recently been vacated by the Decatur Staleys football team that relocated to Chicago and is now known as the Bears. The Commies attracted a record 64,024 fans on the year that signaled a triumph return of baseball to town. In 1927, Fans Field would be built and serve as home to the Commies for the next 50 years.   As quickly as it was announced, the free baseball campaign fizzled. The concept was noble and made sense on paper if all of the money was accounted for. It did put Decatur on the map across the nation providing pride for citizens and businesses. However, when it came time to collect dues that is when the trouble started. What could have been a new era of baseball pricing in the minor leagues, quickly became lost in time. At that year’s winter meetings in Chicago, the Three-Eye League made it clear that there would be no such talk of free baseball with any of its club members, setting a price of 25 cents a ticket for games. Rock Island would take Decatur’s place in the loop’s schedule for 1916. There was a lot of promise at the start of the season for the Commies and Decatur. Today, one would have to look 110 miles north to Peru, Illinois. The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp of the summer collegiate Prospect League does charge admission to Schweickert Stadium . The team has built the stadium from the ground up and does not have plans to charge a dime for games anytime soon. Other small-town summer collegiate teams in the Cape Cod League, Florida Collegiate Summer League, and the New York Summer Collegiate League also admit fans in for free. Fortunately, we would never see a promotion like this ever again for a minor league team. The loss of revenue from a $10-$12 bleacher seat would be ludicrous, regardless of the publicity it would receive nationally. An interesting tidbit is that the Commies franchise continues today as the Kane County Cougars in the Midwest League. They offer $5 lawn seats for games that have to be purchased within a week of the game. It is not free, but pretty darn close. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 1776 USA Election Central Everywhere, USA 17760 www.yourvote.gov Year Opened: 1776 Capacity: 155 million for the 2020 contest Electoral College Stadium Hosts the Big Event The Electoral College Stadium is one of the most unique sports facilities in the USA. It hosts only one game, the Electoral College Bowl and the game is only held once every four years on the first Tuesday in November. Among the impressive numbers at the Electoral College Stadium is its capacity….155 million fans have participated in the Electoral College Bowl in person over the last two election cycles. The press box at the facility is the largest in the world, as a worldwide press contingent has a great interest in the winner of the contest. We’re not just talking about sportswriters… this includes press staff from global governments, defense contractors, and political special interest groups, as well as the “non-partisan” press from CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, One America Network, Newsmax, etc. Network insiders/political influencers always get preferred seating in the press areas. The Electoral College Bowl has also experienced some on-field controversies in recent seasons, especially during the 2000 and 2020 contests. The referees, members of the Supreme Court in their zebra-striped robes, have the final say on controversial plays. Their decision is final… there are no grounds for an appeal. Of course, the team on the losing side of a call will then accuse the winning side of stacking the referee squad. Food & Beverage 3 The two sets of fans at the Electoral College Bowl Stadium cannot even agree on a standard set of food items at the concession stands. Therefore, the stands on the opposite sides of the field serve fare in line with their squad’s preferred food platform. While the Donkeys’ Blue Ribbon Stand favors lots of ethnic and soul foods, the Red Elephants’ Rockin’ Red Stand carries BBQ and other country club favorites. Atmosphere 5 Qualifying for the next Electoral College Bowl typically gets underway in January before the Bowl game. These preliminary contests often take place on the frozen tundra of fields located in the states of Iowa and New Hampshire. These early contests separate the contenders from the pretenders. This gets the political blood of the competing teams going for another election season. At the opposite end of the political spectrum is the Electoral College Bowl, the culminating event of the political season. It is preceded by pep rallies, otherwise known as conventions, held by each competing team. These events are important, as they determine the strategies to be employed by each team going into the final quarter of the political season. Speakers range from former team leaders to up-and-comers who may lead the teams in future years. Celebrity guests are also invited to these conventions, as they raise the TV ratings and help the celebrities meet the “right people” in the media world. The conventions also serve a function of choosing an assistant coach in case… well… there was Watergate…. And the head coach might be tossed out of the game! There are times when the battle between the parties somewhat goes out of control, resulting in some unsportsmanlike conduct, such as some mudslinging taking place. In these situations, the officials are quick to file injunctions to get the offending players calmed back down. Gameday is really about the fans. By now, the two finalists have completed the X’s and O’s of their game plans and published them in their team program, or platform. The supporters of the Democratic Donkey team wear their blue team colors proudly and sit on the left (liberal) side of the election field, while the red-clad Republican Elephant supporters sit on the right (conservative) side of the field. Any Independents that somehow get in the Electoral College Bowl are confined to the area behind the end zone… looking wistfully at the playing field they cannot earn a spot on. As soon as the Electoral College Bowl ends, the polls reopen to gauge the up-and-coming teams at the city, state, and federal levels. These teams compete at a separate level, namely the Federal, City, and State levels, known as the FCS. Neighborhood 5 Electoral College Stadium is unique in that its seating bowl is not set up based on rows or aisles. Instead, fans of each team are seated by precinct. This allows the political stand managers to easily identify problem areas and dispatch a squad of political consultants to decide what platform corrections can be made quickly to bring the voters in those areas back in line with the party’s platform. The seating precincts are subject to alterations between the election cycles due to redistricting. Fans 5 Electoral College Stadium and the Electoral College Bowl draw fans from all 50 states and some U.S. Territories. The fan bases are about equally distributed between the Democratic Blue Donkeys and the Republican Red Elephants. Every few years a registered Independent fan tries to sneak in, but the polls have never allowed the Independents to get as far as the Electoral College Bowl Game due to the stringent eligibility requirements. (Plus, they don’t stand a chance of winning against the big boys!). Even though each fan base is solid in support of their party, some fans waver when gameday arrives. This a big negative, and the offending fan is in danger of being accused of being a “moderate,” which is akin to being called a scab in this ultimately political game. Attending a game at Electoral College Stadium does come with restrictions. Fans must be at least 18 years old and must be registered voters. No kids allowed! Each fan is limited to one ticket per ballot. Tickets may not be sold or transferred to another person. Some photo ID may be required at the gate by a poll watcher. (i.e., so no one cheats!) Access 3 Gamedays at Electoral College Stadium get underway as the gates typically open at 7 am, and do not close for 12 hours. However, you often must leave before the final score/stats are determined. Access to the Electoral College Stadium is restricted to persons over 18, who have not committed any Federal crimes (or at least have not been caught) and are residents of the U.S.A. Ticket takers at the gates of the stadium are Secret Service agents who have the right to frisk anyone who might be deemed as a danger to members of the winning/losing Electoral College Bowl teams. Fat cats and special interest groups are allowed admittance to the Smoked Filled Room luxury boxes atop the stadium. Members and supporters of the losing squad in the contest are prohibited from the Smoke-filled Room Luxury Box for the next four years. Return on Investment 4 The Electoral College Bowl is one of the most expensive college contests in the world, as fans, corporate fat cats special interest groups, and plain small donors compete in the contest to influence the winner of the Electoral College Bowl Game. Tickets go for face value… it is the table funding that gets favorable consideration from the winning team. Depending on the legislation passed, or favors done, some attendees DO see a favorable return on their investment. Extras 3 Fans in attendance need to choose a side before taking part in the Electoral College Bowl. If you don’t make a choice, you have no right to complain for the next four years! The perks to being a supporter of the winning squad in the game may include entry into one of the many Washington galas, a prime seat at the Inaugural Parade, or a possible appointment as a member of the Presidential Cabinet. The 2000 game featuring Al Gore as the leader of the Democratic Donkeys squad and George W. Bush as the captain of the Republican team holds the Electoral College Bowl record for overtime. It finally was decided by the infamous “hanging chads” call by the court/bowl zebras, which awarded the win to the Red squad. Final Thoughts The electoral college stadium has lasted for nearly 250 years. It has survived wars, depressions, good times and bad. Just like any structure, it has some imperfections and is subject to criticism from the fans, who point out the flaws in the structure. What is most important is that its once in every four years schedule for the Big Game allows the fans from both teams to have a say in the game strategy for their respective squads. Like any contest, after the whistle blows to signal the end of the game, both parties shake hands to acknowledge the winner.... and that's the American Way.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Long Bridge Park 475 Long Bridge Dr Arlington, VA 22202 Marymount Saints website Long Bridge Park website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 500 (estimated) Planes, Trains, and Soccer at Long Bridge Park Located in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., Marymount University is a Catholic college, whose sports teams, known as the Saints, compete at the Division III level of the NCAA. The Saints soccer team plays their home games at Long Bridge Park, a few miles from campus. The name "Long Bridge Park" properly refers to a 36-acre county park in Arlington containing a playground, an aquatics center, an Esplanade, several other walking paths, and several soccer fields used by local teams. Marymount plays their home games on Field 1, officially known as Boeing Field, although their home is typically referred to just as Long Bridge Park in the media. The stadium is located less than a mile from Reagan National Airport, and planes taking off will fly low over the field throughout the game. The Long Bridge Park Esplanade is located behind the bleachers, and beyond that are railroad tracks used by passenger and freight service. This makes Long Bridge Park a great place for planespotters and trainspotters as well as soccer fans. Food & Beverage 1 When Stadium Journey visited, there was a food truck parked in the parking lot of Long Bridge Park, serving not just the field Marymount was playing on at the time, but other fields in the park that were hosting youth soccer games. The truck sold ice cream, smoothies, and bubble tea. The food truck may not be here for every Marymount game - it likely depends on what else is going on in the park at the time. Atmosphere 3 There are six sets of bleachers of only a few rows each lining one sideline at Long Bridge Park. Many fans also stand along the path or bring their own chairs and sit on them. Behind the bleachers is a hill, and at the top of the hill is the Long Bridge Park Esplanade. Some fans choose to watch from here as well, although your view may be obstructed by trees. A small scoreboard is located at one end and shows only the most basic information. A Marymount soccer game is a pretty basic experience. You are close enough to hear a lot of the shouting that goes on on the field, but there isn't much happening beyond the game itself. When the Saints score, the PA announcer will shout "Gooooooooool" in a long, drawn out manner, then music will play, but that's about it. Neighborhood 5 Long Bridge Park is located just north of the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington. Crystal City is a mix of shops, high rises, and offices, many of which are connected by underground passageways so you don't have to go outside to get from one place to another. We, the Pizza is quite popular with the locals, as is Bob and Edith's Diner, but whatever kind of food or entertainment you are looking for, you will probably find it in Crystal City. As mentioned above, there is a lot to do in Long Bridge Park itself as well, including walking trails and playgrounds for children. The 3/4-mile Esplanade offers views of the Potomac River and monuments in DC as well as offering birdwatching, trainwatching, and planewatching opportunities. Fans 4 Despite being a Division III school, Marymount draws several hundred fans to its games to mostly fill the seating area. The crowd is a good mix of friends and family of the players and Arlington locals, many of whom come with kids who play youth soccer on the adjacent fields and hope to someday play in college or beyond. There is a decent student presence despite being several miles from campus - Marymount is primarily a commuter school, so getting to Long Bridge Park is not an issue. However, there is no real designated student section. Access 3 If arriving by car, Long Bridge Park is located just off I-395. There is a parking lot in between the field Marymount plays on and the youth soccer fields. It would be sufficient for the crowds Marymount draws if the game were the only thing going on in the park, but this will very rarely be the case. As a result, even if you arrive early, you will probably find only a few spaces to park in. People come and go, so spaces may open up if you circle around. There is also parking available along Long Bridge Drive and an additional lot a short walk away by the Aquatics and Fitness Center. Parking is free on weekends, but there is a charge on weekdays until 5 PM and a limit of three hours. Fortunately, Long Bridge Park has lights, so the vast majority of Marymount's weekday games are after 5 PM. If taking public transportation, the Crystal City Metro station along the Blue and Yellow lines is about a 15-20 minute walk away. Just be mindful of track work and station closures, especially on the weekends. Restrooms are available in one corner, on the opposite side from the bleachers but near the parking lot, and are generally sufficient for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to Marymount soccer games, and parking will generally be free as well. As a result, a game at Long Bridge Park is an excellent value. Extras 2 One star for the view of the Washington Monument to the right of the bleachers. A second star for the opportunity to see passing planes and trains while you watch the game. Final Thoughts The quality of play on the field at a Marymount soccer game may not be the highest, as this is Division III, the lowest level of the NCAA. However, Long Bridge Park is a unique place to watch a college soccer match, and fans in or around Arlington will want to head down here to check it out.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 FedExForum 191 Beale St Memphis, TN 38103 Memphis Grizzlies website FedExForum website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 18,119 Elvis, Tigers, and Grizzlies, oh my! The Grizzlies NBA franchise started in 1995 as the Vancouver, BC Grizzlies. The franchise relocated to Memphis, TN, in time for the 2001-2002 NBA season. For the first three seasons in their new Southern home, the Grizzlies played at the Pyramid Arena in downtown Memphis as their new home at the Fed Ex Forum was being built. The Grizzlies have been playoff regulars in recent years. The fans call the team's style of play incorporates the “Grit and Grind Grizzlies.” This means they use a high-pressure defense and get to an advantageous spot to take a shot. They have the talented Ja Morant to take the Grizzlies deep into the postseason. The team is adamant about beating at home as they boast an 85 % likelihood of winning the game on their home court. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the NBA. Food & Beverage 3 FedEx Forum offers a wide selection of concession items that range from typical arena fare to much more deluxe offerings in its sit-down arena clubs. There are more than 100 concession points of sale throughout the arena, so you should not experience any long lines at the games. The SNAX stands to offer your typical arena fare of burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas. They have multiple stands along the concourses at each level in the arena. Rendezvous offers nachos, BBQ sandwiches, and chicken. Fowline Plaza has buffalo tenders, chicken tenders, and turkey burgers. Lucille’s Bandstand features burgers, chicken tenders, pretzels, and beer. Casamigos serves more Latin fare, including walking tacos, elotes, and burritos. Sissy’s Log Cabin Lounge offers seated meals and drinks at the floor level of the arena. There are also three Grab N Go self-service convenience locations at the FedEx Forum. Alcoholic drinks are available at the stands for the Old Dominick’s Distillery, the Truly Bar, Wiseacre Brewing Company, Michelob Ultra Club, and the Hennessy Bar. All retail shops and concessions stand at Fed Ex Forum and operate on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 4 Memphis has long been the center of the universe for various musical genres, including the blues, soul, country, gospel, rock, and roll. The FedEx Forum has incorporated the musical theme in several ways. First, the Forum is right next to Beale Street, the heart of blues music in the city. The plaza that fronts the arena is named for B.B. King, a superstar in the blues realm. The Rock n Soul Museum is also located just off the plaza. Once inside the arena, you will find all types of art featuring the elites of blues, country, and, of course, Elvis Presley and rock n’ roll music. Several of the concession stands along the concourses feature a musical theme, including Lucille’s Bandstand, Rockabelly’s, and the Uptempo Bar. Even the Grizzlies team colors relate to this music heritage, as its blue uniform color is known as Beale Street Blue. Once inside the seating bowl, you will be surprised to see that there are five levels of seating to choose from. Some levels are restricted to corporate clients, season ticket holders, and VIPs, but overall, you can be on the floor level with the action or high above the action with a great overall view of the length of the court. Best of all, the seats at the FedEx Forum are wider and offer more legroom than a typical NBA arena. The arena also boasts a superb electronics package, as the center-hung videoboard measures 16.5 feet high by 145.5 feet in diameter. There are also four display boards located in each corner of the seating bowl, with each one measuring 20 feet x 37.5 feet. The FedEx Forum is also a major site for concerts, so its sound system is among the best in the business. The lighting system is also quite advanced, as the facility uses rings of LED lights high above the playing court. If you have a nice expense account, the FedEx Forum has 27 courtside seats, 32 club suites, and 80 club boxes. Neighborhood 5 The FedEx Forum is in the downtown area of Memphis. More specifically, it is located adjacent to the Beale Street Entertainment District, the heartbeat of the musical soul of Memphis. It is within walking distance of countless bars, nightclubs, and music venues along Beale Street. As we have mentioned earlier, the Rock n Soul Museum is located on the plaza adjacent to the Forum This museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute, and it traces the growth of rock and roll music and soul music in the city from the early 20th century through the 1970s. Other attractions within a few blocks of the arena include the National Civil Rights Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and Mud Island, which is along the Mississippi Riverfront and tells the story of the big river as it passes to the west of downtown Memphis. Visitors to this area can even get a photo opportunity with Elvis, as his statue is located just three blocks west of the Forum. After you have worked up an appetite, you can check out Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken, the SugaShack, Dyer’s Burgers, or Wiseacre Brewing Company for lunch and a cool drink. There are numerous accommodations located within walking distance of the FedEx Forum. Guests staying at these hotels can avoid the parking expense involved with the arena. The Hampton Inn and Suites Beale Street, the Hilton Garden Inn Memphis Downtown, and the Westin Memphis Beale Street are all a few blocks from the home of the Grizzlies. The Peabody Hotel is further north of the arena and is quite a bit more expensive than these other brands. However, it is extremely popular with tourists as it features the daily spectacle of its pet ducks walking through the lobby each afternoon for a swim in the hotel’s fountain. Fans 4 The Grizzlies have one of the most loyal and involved fanbases in the NBA. Memphis has the smallest population base of any team in the NBA. This makes it easy for the fans to get to know the Grizzlies team members as fellow citizens of the city. Memphis is also one of the few cities in the country to have only one professional sports franchise. This means the energy is all focused on the Grizzlies during the fall and winter months. The Grizzlies have put together a talented team of entertainers to keep the fans involved during the action on the court, then entertain them during the timeouts and breaks between the quarters. The entertainment lineup includes the Grizz Girls dance team, the Grizzlies Grannies and Grandpas Senior dance squad, the Blue Bunch of teen dancers, the Grizzline drum line, and finally … Grizz the Bear mascot. Grizz loves to get the crowd fired up while also impressing them with his ability to dunk the ball in the basket while using a trampoline to gain some height. Access 4 Getting to and around the FedEx Forum is extremely easy. It is located along one the largest thoroughfares in the city of Memphis and is also served by the Main Street trolley line. If you are driving to the game, getting there via either I-40 or I-55 is very easy. The FedEx Forum has a parking garage that can handle 1,500 cars. Once it fills, there are numerous surface parking lots along Beale Street that are within easy walking distance of the arena. The drop-off and pickup area for rideshares is located at the east end of the arena on 4th Street between Beale Street and Linden Avenue. Unlike most arenas, the FedEx Forum funnels fans into the facility via one central entrance. There are multiple doors and lines to spread out the traffic. Once through the turnstiles, you are in a huge lobby that features a large marquee that advertises that night’s game and opponent. Before you leave the lobby, make sure you look to the right. There is a window where you can look directly in to see the Grizzlies warming up for the game on the practice court. The lobby also includes a large Grizzlies Den Team Store where you can shop for your “bear” necessities. Return on Investment 3 A night out at a Memphis Grizzlies game can be quite expensive for a family of four. Being the only professional sports team in Memphis allows the team and FedEx Forum to charge higher prices due to its exclusivity. Parking at the garage adjoining the arena runs $30-$40, depending on the opponent and crowd size. (You can save by taking the trolley to the game as a day pass is only $3.50). Seats in the 100 level of seating go for $137.50 for seats at the end of the court and $218.50 for seats along the sides of the court. Tickets on the second level of the seating bowl run from $47.25 for seats at the end of the court to $84.75 for seats along the sides of the court. Seats in the semi-private Pinnacle level of the arena are $136.50. The concession prices vary a great deal depending on which stand you visit. The stands featuring the typical arena fare (soft drinks, burgers, hot dogs, and popcorn) had quite reasonable prices, while the more specialized stands were much more expensive. Extras 4 The FedEx Forum stays busy throughout the year, as it hosts concerts by national entertainers like Justin Timberlake, U2, Lady Gaga, and Usher. It also serves as the home court for the University of Memphis Tigers basketball team. The Forum also hosts a wide variety of basketball tournaments in the postseason. These competitions include the NCAA regionals (2009, 2014, 2017), the American Athletic Conference Tournament (2014, 2019), and the 2010 NCAA Southern Regional Women’s Basketball Tournament. The 2024-2025 season marks the 30th Anniversary of the Grizzlies franchise. Final Thoughts The FedEx Forum continues to deliver as the home court for the Memphis Grizzlies. It buoys the Downtown Memphis Entertainment District along with the music venues along Beale Street.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Cressy Field 285 Old Westport Rd Dartmouth, MA 02747 UMass Dartmouth Corsairs football website Cressy Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1.850 Corsair Football at Cressy Field The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (better known as UMass Dartmouth) is one of five campuses in the University of Massachusetts system. It is located in the town of Dartmouth on the South Coast of Massachusetts, in between the cities of Fall River and New Bedford. The university has an enrollment of over 8,500 students, about half of whom live on campus. The school offers 61 undergraduate programs and 32 graduate programs. Football was first played at Southeastern Massachusetts University as a club sport in 1985 (the school changed their name to the UMass Dartmouth when it was merged into the UMass system in 1991). The team originally played at Sargent Field (now named Paul Walsh Field ) in New Bedford. in 1988 football was upgraded to a varsity sport to coincide with the opening of Cressy Field on campus. The Corsairs have qualified for the NCAA Division Three tournament twice in their history, most recently in 2022. They lost in the first round both times. UMass Dartmouth has also played in five postseason bowl games The home field of the UMass Dartmouth football team, Cressy Field, is named in honor of Peter H. Cressy, Chancellor of UMass Dartmouth from 1993 to 1999. In addition to the football team, Cressy Field serves as home to the men’s and women’s soccer teams, women’s field hockey, and lacrosse teams. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand at Cressy Field operated by the school’s catering service, Chartwells. A limited menu is served. Hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, nachos and assorted snacks are available. Pepsi products are featured at UMass Dartmouth. Prices are reasonable and quality is decent. Atmosphere 3 You wouldn’t expect an elaborate gameday presentation at a small venue like Cressy Field, and you won’t get one here. Still, all the elements you would expect to see at a college football game are found here. The school's cheerleaders and pep band perform throughout the game. Music plays over an excellent sound system during play stoppages, adding noise and energy to the festivities. A scoreboard in the south end zone provides basic game information, and the PA announcer adds a lot of energy to the proceedings without being too over the top. There’s a pretty good turnout from the student body and a really good turnout from the players’ families. As you might expect, they are really into the game. For a D-3 game, this can be a pretty loud place. As the Corsairs program has enjoyed success over the past few years, the game day experience and fan support has grown along with it. Neighborhood 3 UMass Dartmouth is a self-contained campus located in the suburban town of Dartmouth, MA, in between the cities of Fall River and New Bedford on the state’s south coast. Route 6, which is lined with businesses, eateries, and lodging options, is a mile from campus. Visiting fans looking for a bit of local flavor may be disappointed with the endless suburban sprawl of big box stores and restaurant chains, but if you are good with these options, there’s plenty to be found. A complete visitor’s guide to the area around campus can be found here . Stadium Journey’s favorite spot to visit after a Corsairs football game is Buzzards Bay Brewery, located about a ten-minute drive from Cressy Field in neighboring Westport. Buzzards Bay offers up a variety of excellent craft beers, and on most weekends the brewery features live music and food trucks at their site on a converted farm. Max's Burgers and Cask 'N Pig BBQ are other excellent options nearby. Visiting fans coming to the area may not wish to spend a whole lot of time in either Fall River or New Bedford, two cities struggling with some of the issues facing many poor cities in the northeast. Still, there are places of interest in both cities. Fall River is home to Battleship Cove, the largest collection of World War II naval vessels in the world. Also nearby is the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast/Museum, located in the same house where the infamous murders took place in 1892. The museum is open for tours and fans of the macabre can even spend the night at the house. The New Bedford Whaling Museum focuses on the history of the Whaling industry and features a walkable downtown with cobblestone streets near its working waterfront. There are plenty of attractions in the area for visiting fans. Boston is located about an hour away to the north. Cape Cod is located a half-hour to the east. Providence is a half-hour away to the west, and Newport, with its Gilded Age mansions, is 45 minutes away. Fans 3 The crowd at a UMass Dartmouth football game can vary greatly depending on the day of the week, weather and opponent, but a typical crowd numbers between 500-1,000 fans per game. There's a good turnout from the student body at football games, and a lot of support at the school between all the different Corsair teams. One of the great things about going to games at smaller schools is the connection that so many in the stands have with the players down on the field. With many of the players in the game coming from local towns, a great percentage of the fans in the stands consist of families and friends. The fans here create a lot of noise and energy as they support their team. Access 3 Cressy Field is located on the southern end of the UMass Dartmouth campus, alongside the University’s other athletic facilities, including the Tripp Athletic Center . The town of Dartmouth is located in southeastern Massachusetts, in between the cities of Fall River and New Bedford. Located about an hour’s drive south of Boston, the campus is easily accessed by car, as it is located just a few miles from Interstate 195. Fans utilizing public transportation will take SRTA’s number 14 bus that runs hourly between Fall River and New Bedford. Schedules can be found here . UMass Dartmouth has a unique layout, with the majority of the buildings on campus located within a single ringed road that circles the campus. Visitors to UMD will enter on the north side of campus and drive around to the athletic complex on the south side of campus. Parking is available in one of several lots located near the complex a short walk from Cressy Field. Several manicured paths will guide fans through a grove of trees to the football field. Seating is comprised of metal bleachers on either side of the field. There is plenty of room around the field for fans who wish to stand and take in the action. Restrooms are located in the nearby Tripp Athletic Center . Return on Investment 5 Admission to Corsair games costs seven dollars. With free parking and inexpensive concessions, a visit to Cressy Field is an affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts football fans. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the unique setup and architecture of the UMass Dartmouth campus. The school was named in 2013 by Travel and Leisure as one of the ugliest campuses in the nation. The campus was designed by famed architect Paul Rudolph in the early 1960s in the Brutalist style. To contrast the school’s buildings from the outside world in an attempt to create a social utopian environment, most of the buildings on campus are made entirely of concrete (béton brut) and feature irregular features which attempt to create a more communal atmosphere. Many visitors to campus describe it as resembling a prison. It may be better described as a bunch of gray concrete spaceships parked in a giant open field. Either way, it's a most unique campus. Claire T. Carney Library at UMass Dartmouth. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia. Final Thoughts One of the more entertaining Division Three football experiences in New England can be found at UMass Dartmouth. The Corsairs have enjoyed a recent run of success behind a high-powered offense and boisterous fans. Local fans are starting to discover the Corsairs. What are you waiting for? Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

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The SRO GT World Challenge America series has been a staple for sportscar racing fans for decades. 2024 saw another banner year for the series, with thrilling on track action across seven of the top circuits in America. For the first time, Stadium Journey is presenting our ranking of the GT World Challenge America circuits. Tracks are ranked according to Stadium Journey's patented FANFARE rating scale, which takes into account a venue's food and beverage options, race day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access (both inside and outside the track), return on investment, and an extra category for anything that doesn't fall in the other categories. When two or more tracks receive the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders is consulted to break the ties. To view the complete review for each track, just click on the link below the photos of each event. Let the green flag fall on our 2024 rankings… 1.  Road America 4.57 Chris Green - Road America is often regarded as one of the greatest race tracks in the world, let alone the US. The “supercars” on track offer stellar racing over four days, including unrivaled fan access and unique fan event opportunities. 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 SRO slate. 2.  Barber Motorsports Park 4.29 Chris Green - The “Augusta of Motorsports” has hosted numerous race series over the years. While having hosted sportscar racing in the past, as well as numerous lower division amateur series, Barber Motorsports Park welcomed back the SRO America group with open arms in 2024. 3.  Circuit of the Americas 4.00 Chris Green - As if to blast the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas into flat-out appropriateness, Circuit of the Americas (often denoted as COTA for short) in Austin provides no better example of this. The annual SRO GT World Challenge weekend is also becoming a fan favorite, drawing racing fans with five classes on track throughout the weekend, showcasing the best racing action with some of the biggest stars in sportscar racing. 4.  Indianapolis Motor Speedway 3.86 Chris Green - Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history. As with other SRO America events, while the track may not sell out every seat, attendance has increased each year with impressive consistency, thanks no doubt to the organization’s hard efforts in the marketing department. 5.  Sebring International Raceway 3.57 Chris Green - The annual SRO America weekend, featuring no less than five race series on track, showcases sportscar racing’s best machines on this historic circuit. Running the former WWII B-17 airfield course, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action. 6.  Sonoma Raceway 3.29 Chris Green - The action on the track is top-notch as SRO World Challenge hosts no less than 10 races during the weekend across 5 different race groups. Fans can catch everything from the top-level GT3 race teams to the Touring Car and Toyota GR Cup machines of the up-and-coming racers. Four days of practice, qualifying, and racing make this one of the most jam-packed events of the year for the track and the fans, which means you won’t go long without seeing some great race action. 7.  Virginia International Raceway 3.14 Chris Green - 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. Visiting the track has become a must-do for some of racing’s biggest fans over the years, and a visit to the facility helps you understand why rather quickly.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 TVA Credit Union Ballpark 111 Legion St Johnson City, TN 37601 Johnson City Doughboys website TVA Credit Union Ballpark website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,800 A Class Act in Johnson City They have played baseball at TVA Credit Union Ballpark since 1950, but that has not stopped ownership from creating a modern atmosphere for its guests. For many years, the Appalachian League's standard facility has been an old-school ballpark that offers a lot of charm but also delivers a lively environment for folks looking for a social outing. Today, the home to the Johnson City Doughboys, who rebranded following MLB’s radical decision to transform its minor league, is a charming place for a game. The Johnson City Cardinals had represented the city since 1939, with a few years off here and there. However, they played continuously from 1975 through 2020. The Doughboy’s name is from the “The Spirit of the American Doughboy,” designed by Ernest Moore Viquesney in 1935. The statue is located behind the outfield walls. The ballpark had gone by other names, including Phillies Field, Cardinal Park, and Howard Johnson Field (named after the former city director of parks and recreation), before becoming TVA Credit Union Ballpark in 2017. At this same time, improvements were made that included The Perch, a double-decker outdoor bar, new lighting and poles, and infield turf. Bleachers were removed down each foul line, and a new entrance was built to update the ballpark’s aesthetics. Food & Beverage 4 There is more than enough food and drink to satisfy customers at every game, including special nights on Mondays and Thursdays when specific items are discounted to as low as $1. The amount of craft and domestic beer is impressive, with multiple areas offering draft varieties. Fans can enjoy ballpark favorites, including brats, hot dogs, nachos, burgers, and Polish sausages. A person can also grab a slice of pizza, a chicken sandwich, a barbecue pork sandwich, and barbecue nachos. The food truck is also available, offering chicken baskets with french fries. The beer variety includes national domestic brands from Budweiser and MillerCoors, but also local Yee-Haw Brewing Company and Wicket Weeds Brewing in nearby Asheville, North Carolina. Johnson City Brewing Company developed a Doughboy Golden Ale for baseball games. Atmosphere 4 The ballparks in the Appy League can be a mixed bag, but Johnson City has one of the better facilities for baseball. The old-school-covered grandstand still gets a lot of attention, and so do some of the newer renovations that include “The Perch” down the left-field foul line. It includes some other party areas that have been attracting more and more people over the past 4-5 seasons. The Perch is a two-tier outdoor bar area that is the place to be on Thursday nights for Thirsty Thursdays; beers are either $1, $2, or $3 depending on the number of ounces. The building offers tables, benches, and plenty of great views of the field. On the opposite side of the foul line is another social area that includes outdoor games and a small bar area. Outside the main grandstand is a collection of booths, small concession stands, and the team’s main souvenir store. Doughboys merchandise has been a big seller during its inaugural season in 2021. The colors of black and gold can be seen by many underneath the roof of the ballpark. The roof is supported by columns and features fans on the ceiling for added comfort. During a packed night, fans can make a lot of noise in the grandstand when they stomp their feet against the bleachers. A few more can relax on stadium-style seats in the box area right behind the backstop. They are also treated to views of large shrubs of trees behind the add-spackled outfield wall. If you want a laid-back atmosphere with a few thousand friends, enjoy the grandstand. If you are looking for a social gathering with a few drinks, take residency in “The Perch”. However, each area will be a great way to enjoy a baseball game during the summer months. Neighborhood 4 A selection of places to eat and drink, before or after, the baseball game is a mile from the ballpark downtown. The Yee-Haw Brewing Company is located inside an old train depot station and houses the White Duck Taco Stop. These are not your ordinary tacos, but hybrid combinations that feature buffalo chicken, gyro, and Korean beef and kimchi. There are also more than just a couple of bites. Other options include the Wild Wing Cafe across the train tracks, the Southern craft BBQ, label restaurant, Johnson City Brewing Company, in the Atlantic Ale House, where folks enjoy it here, and a couple of food trucks parked outside. Downtown features an open grass park, and it offers some nice views in areas to walk around. Also, bring along some hiking boots, you are doorsteps from the Great Smoky Mountains, but that does not mean you have to be able to scale the highest mountain. The Tweetsie Trail is a relatively flat rail-to-trails conversion that follows the old railroad bed through town. It provides a beginner-level paved trail that can either be hiked or biked. Fans 5 Johnson City has been a leader in attendance for the past few years. After renovations, there seems to be an influx of customers summer after summer. The Appy League has a collection of diehards and lifelong fans who can tell you stories from years ago. They bring a sense of joy and passion to the proceedings. In such a small market, it’s nice to know that the fans still care about their baseball team. Access 3 The ballpark offers one entrance into the ballpark, and lines can back up before a game, especially on busy nights and holidays. Once inside, there is plenty of room to mull around as there are multiple entryways into the grandstand seating area. The renovation has resulted in wonderful views of the field from each foul line and spots to congregate with friends and family. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices are a bargain at $6 and $8 each. The return on investment increases on dollar Mondays when hot dogs and other food and drink items are a dollar. Thirsty Thursdays include beer prices of a dollar to $3, and parking is always free for games. Even for non-promo nights, the prices are more than reasonable. You may go to larger and more modern stadiums, but your dollar was a long way in Johnson City. It should be noted that ticket prices increase by one dollar on Friday and Saturday nights. Extras 3 The ballpark earns a point for its selection of beers that range from macro to domestic brews. The second point is for the two-story outdoor bar called “The Perch”. The third point is for the mix of old-school charm and innovation from covered grandstand seating to social areas. Final Thoughts There’s a reason that TVA Credit Union Ballpark has been a class act for so many years in the Appalachian League. It continues that trend as a summer collegiate venue in 2021 but still offers all of the great atmosphere and fun from its days as a Rookie League ballpark. Johnson City is a fun place to visit that is enhanced with an evening at a Doughboys game. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Another season of Triple-A baseball has come and gone. This past season, 30 clubs in the International and Pacific Coast League took the field and played games from early April to late September, resulting in 12,492,947 fans walking through the gates. The International League lured 8,345,881 patrons to its ballparks for an average of 5,620 per game. The Pacific Coast League attracted 4,147,066 fans on the season for an average of 5,551 per game.  We present our rankings of the overall experience. Factors we include in our ratings are food and beverage in the ballpark, overall atmosphere, the neighborhood, the fans, access (which includes parking, traffic, restrooms, and concourses), return on investment, and an “extras” category for any unique or bonus points. We use our official ratings when determining the ranking with “crowd reviews” – those reviews from our members – as our primary tiebreaker. Without further ado, our 2024 Minor League Baseball Triple-A ballpark rankings. 1. CHS Field, St. Paul Saints (James Hilchen) - Another year at the number one spot. Moving to affiliated baseball in 2021 hasn’t changed what has always made CHS Field such a great place. From the employees to the food, to the entertainment, to the amazing museum, a day at the ballpark doesn't get much better than in St. Paul. 2. Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham Bulls (James Hilchen) - Coming in at number two for a second year in a row, the Bulls have a long and storied history in North Carolina. As someone who has seen my share of minor league ballparks over the years, Durham Bulls Athletic Park just might be my favorite. Great scenery, food for every taste, and fun reminders of an iconic movie make this a ballpark that should be on every baseball fan’s bucket list. Coca-Cola Park - Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Steven Kee) - The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have a reputation across the nation, and attending a game will impress everyone from baseball purists to non-baseball fans. The wide concourses, open views of the field, and inventive promotions attract large crowds year after year. The Pigs offer creative merchandise, specialty nights, and social areas that are among the tops in minor-league baseball.  Victory Field - Indianapolis Indians (Marc Viquez) - Victory Field has been a beacon of summertime fun for the Indianapolis area for over 25 years. Its look and amenities have changed slightly, but its open concourse and massive lawn seating have remained unchanged. Fans flock to games for enjoyment with friends and family, while others root for their club in the grandstand. It’s simple, it’s cozy, and it’s what fans expect in Indianapolis.  First Horizon Park - Nashville Sounds (Paul Baker) - One of the hippest spots to be in town is First Horizon Park. The ballpark is everything fans in the Music City could have ever dreamed of, and it offers fans a place to enjoy the games or socialize with friends. The heartbeat is The Band Box behind left field; it offers everything from homemade food, a putt-putt course, barbecue, lounge chairs, and outdoor games from shuffleboard to table tennis.  Truist Field - Charlotte Knights The ballpark with a view. The home of the Charlotte Knights is located downtown and offers stunning panoramas of the city’s massive skyline. With that kind of backdrop, it’s hard to imagine a better place to watch baseball; however, Knight’s Castle is ranked sixth on our list. The venue offers a massive team gift shop and $5 parking across the street in the garage. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark - Oklahoma City Baseball Club The ballpark continues to be a great place for people to have a good night with family and friends while watching baseball. This ballpark is a hidden gem in a city that doesn’t get much love as a tourist spot, yet all the fans know that Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark and OKC should be on any ballpark chaser’s bucket list. Innovative Field - Rochester Red Wings (Dave Cottenie) - The Rochester Red Wings are a cornerstone franchise in the International League.  They have weathered the ups and downs of Minor League Baseball and come out the other end still strong.  Fans looking for a solid baseball experience that will offer tremendous value should check out the Rochester Red Wings at Innovative  Field.  AutoZone Park - Memphis Redbirds (Paul Baker) - The AutoZone Park developers spared no expense when they built the park. It is money well spent, as it offers a facility that feels more like a major league stadium. The exterior of the stadium is brick with lots of ornamental iron. There is a fan plaza outside of the main gates that features several baseball statues and metal plates of art featuring a stylized stadium.  Polar Park - Worcester Red Sox (Paul Baker) - Polar Park is wedged into a small footprint, making for some unique design choices, and space is at a premium. There is a small entry plaza leading to the front entrance that screams “warehouse” more than “ballpark.” This design choice makes the home of the WooSox stand out from the standard red brick and green seat ballparks. There is an incredible amount of attention and connection to the community at Polar Park.  Sahlen Field - Buffalo Bisons (Dave Cottenie) - The downtown ballpark started a revolution in baseball design, even before Camden.  It does look its age for the most part, but it is still a destination for any ballpark traveler. The concrete exterior is made with marble inlets to give it some style.  Outside the third base side, there is a large square that is perfect for meeting others before the game.  Las Vegas Ballpark - Las Vegas Aviators  Summerlin, Nevada, is about 25 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, and they’ve chosen to eschew the bright lights or neon that could have easily been the thematic center of the ballpark instead of sticking to the Aviators theme. The profile of the upper deck has the outline of an old-school airplane hangar, and the signage throughout the park is clear and large, like an airport, but without the clutter of a million gates. 13. Principal Park - Iowa Cubs The home of the I-Cubs is a bit older than some of the others in the circuit, but its location is ideal at the convergence of the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers. Fans only need to walk a few blocks to various restaurants, bars, breweries, lodging, and the famous Des Moines Farmers Market.  14.  Cheney Stadium -  Tacoma Rainiers Cheney Stadium was called the “100-Day Wonder,” as it was constructed in less than four months to be awarded a minor-league affiliation with the San Francisco Giants. Leading this effort was Tacoma businessman Ben Cheney, who was honored for this achievement by having his name placed on the stadium and is also acknowledged through a statue of his likeness being placed in the bleachers, where it still resides today.  15. Sutter Health Park - Sacramento River Cats Sutter Health Park has been a hit with the Sacramento community as well as the baseball community. It is among the favorites of minor league travelers and hometown fans who enjoy nights out at the spacious ballpark. Sightlines are great from any seat, and lawn seating allows for an inexpensive way to bring the whole family. 16. Louisville Slugger Field - Louisville Bats (Marc Viquez) - The ballpark on the Ohio River completed major renovations that opened up the outfield concourse and right field corner. The home of the Bats now incorporates grass terrace seating near the foul pole, along with social spaces and outdoor bars. The city’s skyline and interstate system drape the skies in the background and the smell of barbecue filters through the warehouse lobby from Against The Grain Brewery.  17. Huntington Park - Columbus Clippers (Marc Viquez) - The home of the Clippers is nestled in The Arena District, which also houses a soccer stadium and hockey arena, but the ballpark is a star of its own. The outfield concourse is set up like a neighborhood park with trees, benches, and tables. On the open concourse, multiple images and team history are displayed on the walls, and fans can peek through the gates behind left field. 18. RGCU Field at Isotopes Park - Albuquerque Isotopes  Isotopes Park is an amazing venue to take in a ballgame. The view is spectacular, the team that presents the game-day experience is the best around, and the prices are reasonable.  It’s close to the airport, so if in the Southwest, make a special trip to Isotopes Park. 19. Dell Diamond - Round Rock Express The Dell Diamond offers plenty of glitz and glamor that includes carefully detailed concession stands offering everything from Tex-Mex to barbecue, a two-story outfield seating area, and an outfield concourse that includes a full-service bar, a rock climbing wall, and VR batting cages.  If you care for the more relaxed baseball atmosphere, there are plenty of seats behind the infield. 20. 121 Financial Park - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp The ballpark began as a Double-A venue but was promoted to Triple-A status in 2021. Its design with lawn seating allows up to 11,000 guests and offers a few unique features that include an active church inside its walls, a Tiki-Terrace down the 3rd baseline, and a 9-foot high mound for seating called the “knuckle” in the left-field corner. A covered awning above the concourse also helps from the Florida rains. 21. Fifth Third Field - Toledo Mud Hens (Marc Viquez) - The neighborhood surrounding the ballpark is known as Hensville, and it can become lively before games that include activities for kids, pre-game concerts, and local eateries full of guests. Once inside the ballpark, fans are treated to the usual characteristics of minor league games, from great food, on-field promotions, and one of the better team stores in the business. If you can, check out the view from “The Roost” above the right-field corner. 22. Southwest University Park – El Paso Chihuahuas  This stadium is aesthetically pleasing, makes good use of its downtown location, and has something for everyone. The major weakness here is the price, which is a bit high for minor league ball, though again, you can find ways around it. El Paso is quite off the beaten path for most sports travelers, but it is well worth a trip to see the Chihuahuas. 23. Smith’s Ballpark – Salt Lake Bees   Smith’s Ballpark is a beautiful facility, with the main concourse looking like it has a modern industrial theme. The seats are comfortable, and fans can also wander the stadium at will, giving you the option to take in the game from either your seat or the outfield viewing mounds. The view in the outfield rivals the best in the majors, with beautiful mountains adorning the view for every fan at Smith’s Ballpark. 24. Constellation Field - Sugar Land Space Cowboys The Houston Astros top-farm club rebranded as the Space Cowboys this past season and ushered in areas of space-theme art, decoration, and signage throughout the ballpark. The colors of orange, light blue, and navy have added a nice touch of color to the Texas-shaped scoreboard, and so has the playing of the old-school hip-hop classic “Space Cowboy” at the end of home games.    25.  Werner Park, Omaha StormChasers The ballpark is several miles away from downtown Omaha, but Werner Park offers a distinction from other Triple-A ballparks. It has a layout that offers seating close to the field, a broken-up press and suite area, stone seating and floral arrangements, and carnival rides behind the outfield wall. The venue almost feels like its own little town. 26.  Coolray Field - Gwinnett Stripers Coolray Field moves up the list after finishing last place the past few seasons. It is a well-designed, attractive place to watch minor league baseball. Its difficulty in attracting fans to games is that it competes with the major league club’s fan base and the fact that Atlanta's Braves home, Truist Park, is only 35 miles down the road.  27.  Harbor Park - Norfolk Tides The ballpark is closing on 30 years of baseball and was once the pride of the International League. The times have changed, but there is a lot to enjoy from its downtown setting, the sounds of ships in the distance, and an enclosed restaurant with views of the field. 28. Greater Nevada Field - Reno Aces A game at Greater Nevada Field represents a solid all-around value. Minor quibbles with parking and concession lines are made up for with a high degree of interactive entertainment and a great selection of high-quality concessions.  29. NBT Bank Stadium - Syracuse Mets Time will tell if the 2019 change of affiliation to the New York Mets will reverse the Syracuse baseball attendance fortunes, but the squad has nearly nowhere to go but up. The situation does look to be improving. Early on in the campaign, the Mets have crawled within striking distance of the middle of the league’s attendance pack. 30. PNC Field - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders The renovation PNC Field underwent in 2012 has done a lot of good. Architecturally, the stadium has seen massive improvements. That being said, the RailRiders seem to be leaning heavily on their affiliation with the Yankees rather than trying to attract fans by creating their own identity.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Camelback Ranch 10712 W. Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85037 Map It Glendale Desert Dogs website Camelback Ranch website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 13,583 Desert Dogs The Glendale Desert Dogs are members of the Arizona Fall League, a yearly instructional league that features baseball’s top prospects every October and November. The Desert Dogs play their games at Camelback Ranch, built as the spring training home for the LA Dodgers and Chicago White Sox in 2009. During the summer, the rookie league ACL Dodgers and White Sox play at the facility. Camelback is a good-looking ballpark with a 5-acre lake and river system, fantastic landscaping, and easy-to-walk trails to take you around the area. Major league prospects from the White Sox, Dodgers, Cardinals, Phillies, and Reds round out the Desert Dogs roster this 2024 season. The major league affiliates change throughout the years. The Desert Dogs have won six league championships in the past but haven ’t captured one s ince 2008.  Will 2024 be the year? Food & Beverage 2 One concession stand is open, and that’s enough for attendance at a Desert Dog game.  Fans can bring bottled water and small snacks or sandwiches into the stadium. The food choices are limited: A hot dog ($6.75), sausage dog ($9.99), and cheese and pepperoni pizza slices ($7).  Snacks include nachos ( $ 6.25), soft pretzels ($5.75), popcorn ($4.75), candy ($4), chips ($4), and Dippin’ Dots ($8.49). Soft drinks are 20 oz bottled Pepsi products ($5.75), 20 oz bottled water ($4.75), and coffee ($3). Alcohol choices are 16 oz cans of domestic and premium beers of Bud, Bud Light, Michelob, Michelob Ultra, Coors Light, Modelo Chelada, and Hop Knot IPA ($10.25 - $11.25).  Trul y Seltzer is $11.25, and wine costs $9.25.  Atmosphere 4 Seating at Camelback Ranch extends down the baselines. For day games, shade covers the first base side first, while the third base side is in the sun most of the game. The seats are a golden color, which blends in well with the copper-colored support structures and earthtone stonework. They’re comfortably wide and are mostly staggered, so you’re not sitting directly behind another fan’s head. That’s generally not a problem for Desert Dog games because of low attendance. The seating area does not have cup holders. Fans enter at the top of the concourse and then walk down to the seating areas. Plenty of accessible seating is available on the top row of the concourse.  Bring a small towel, in case you need to wipe off the seat. The batter’s eye is pleasantly landscaped with trees surrounding the area. Fans can easily read the scoreboard which shows the line score, the time, and th e batter’s nam e and photo. Balls, strikes, and outs indicators are yellow dots, while the runs per inning are blue. Those colors are a striking and refreshing contrast. The music volume between innings is too loud to converse with your neighbor.  The music person shuts it off during play , with an occasional blast when a Desert Dog executes a good play. Sundays are Fundays this 2024 season at all Fall League venues.  This promotion is geared towards kids, where staff hand o ut baseball cards (to kids) and toss a few t-shirts into the crowd.  Kids get to run the bases after the game. Neighborhood 3 Camelback Ranch is in an expanding residential area. No choices for lunch, dinner, and other entertainment are available within walking distance. Three miles away is the Westgate Entertainment District. It has many restaurants, all of which are very different from each other in price and menu. Numerous shops and boutiques, a movie theater, a pottery painting studio, arcades, and breweries are part of the amenities in the district. Places in the district for a pre-game meal or drink include Yard House, State 48 Funk House Brewery, and Fat Tuesdays. Be sure to check Westgate’s   website  for happy hour specials; some restaurants do not include a happy hour on event days or weekends. First Watch (breakfast/lunch), Manna Korean BBQ, Opa Life (Greek), and Salt Tacos y Tequila are a few other worthwhile places to eat. I always enjoy Yard House , which has a fabulous beer selection and good food; this one has outdoor seating for those comfortable fall Arizona days and evenings. Many chain hotels are in and around the Westgate Entertainment District. The two closest hotels to the ballpark are a Comfort Inn & Suites  and a Holiday Inn . Other nearby sports during the Fall League season include the Arizona Cardinals  (next door to the Westgate Entertainment District). The two other Fall League teams in the West Valley are the Peoria Javelinas  and the Surprise Saguaros . And, if looking to go downtown Phoenix, sports fans can usually catch a Suns  game when in town. Fans 3 Numerous scouts attend Desert Dog games, filling much of the seating area behind home plate.  Other fans in attendance are what one would consider baseball purists  – fans who attend for the game itself and not all the extras that occur in minor and major league parks throughout North America.    However, as the pop ularity of the Arizona Fall League increases, more casual fans (the ones who don’t know baseball etiquette) attend games now. The Desert Dogs average around 300 – 400 fans per game, with weekend and later season games getting higher attendance numbers. This is comparable to other West Valley Fall League teams. Access 3 Getting to the stadium is most conveniently done by vehicle (unless you’re a nearby neighbor and can walk). Valley Metro  does provide bus service. The closest sto p is 1.1 miles from the stadium, so there’s still some walking involved if taking public transportation. The stadium is 2 ½ miles west of the Loop 101 Agua Fria Fwy on Camelback Rd. Only the gate behind home plate is open for Fall League games. Plenty of free parking is available close to that entrance. The stadium of fers benches to sit on and wait for the gates to open or for late-arriving friends. It has a huge, clean, artfully landscaped plaza area outside the home plate entrance where fans can gather. Getting through security is easy.  Clear sports stadium bags (12” x 6” x 12”) are allowed.  A smaller purse or bag is permitted; security will ask you to open it for inspection if it is not clear.    The restrooms are clean and have an extraordinary number of stalls (at least the ladies’ room). Walking around the stadium and concourse is wide open, making it quite an enjoyable place to stroll. Return on Investment 3 As with everything else, ticket and food prices have increased.  Single-game tickets are $13 (seniors 55+ and teens 11 - 17 are $11). Kids 10 and under get in free. If you live in the area or plan on attending 12 or more games, a season pass is a less expensive way to go.  A single admission season pass is $155; a double admission pass is $185 (both are less if you are 55+). Concession prices are at the expected higher stadium amounts.  There’s no charge for parking (none of the Arizona Fall League stadiums charge for parking). Attending a baseball game on a warm fall day or evening for the game is worth the price. Extras 3 A small merchandise stand is just to the right when entering the stadium. Printed starting lineups, rosters, and game notes are available there too. The Arizona Fall League is testing a ‘pitch challenge’ at some of its ballparks, including Camelback Ranch.    The batter, catcher, or pitcher can challenge a ball or a strike (usually by tapping the top of their helmet or cap) immediately after the umpire’s call.  Each team is allowed/permitted three challenges per game, and if the player wins their challenge and the call is overturned, the team maintains their number of challenges. A graphic replay of the pitch is shown on the video board to determine the call.  It all happens within 15 seconds or so and does not delay the game. Pitch Challenge, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The landscaping and exterior features are beautiful.  The structure is made of natural stone and resembles a desert landscape perfectly.   The architects painted the support structures to look rusty and aged.  Though unusual, even the golden-colored seats fit the natural desert design. Final Thoughts Camelback Ranch is the prettiest Fall League stadium in the West Valley.  If you’ve got a few extra hours in the fall and want to see a ballgame, head to Glendale, AZ, catch a Desert Dog game, and enjoy!

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Cherry Red Records Stadium Plough Ln, London SW17 0NR AFC Wimbledon website Cherry Red Records Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 9.215 The Wombles Love Wimbledon The story of AFC Wimbledon and its home, Plough Lane, known as Cherry Red Records Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is one of the greatest stories in English Football. The club was formed in 2002 by supporters of Wimbledon FC after it relocated 60 miles north to Milton Keynes. The move and changing of its identity to MK Dons in 2004 ended a history that began in 1891. The club had been looking for its own home since vacating the deteriorating Plough Lane in 1991. It shared Selhurst Park, home of Crystal Palace, for 12 seasons before the move north of London. However, a lack of suitable ground did not prevent supporters from creating a new football team to carry on the tradition of the Wombles. The club would begin play in the Combined Counties League, the ninth tier in English Football, before making a meteoric rise to League One 14 years after its formation. The Dons would be promoted six times, becoming the first club formed in the 21st century to achieve Football League status. Another objective was to return to its “spiritual home” of Merton, where the original Plough Lane once stood. The dream became a reality on November 3, 2020, when the Dons opened their new stadium less than 200 yards from the former stadium.  KSS Design Group designed the £34 million multi-purpose stadium surrounded by 600 residential properties and a range of community facilities. Since that day, the club has averaged over 7,700 fans per game, including a sell-out for the match we visited against Carlisle United. The spirit of Wimbledon's past is present in many areas, from the concourse murals to the various banners hanging from the stands.  Food & Beverage 5 The main stand has several areas for food and drinks, including traditional favorites, beers, ciders, and candies. However, there are even more options downstairs behind the South Stand, which is home to The Speedway, which is home to food trucks, and The Phoenix Pub. The Cappagh Stand has several concession Don's Bar & Kitchen stands offering hot dogs, chili dogs, sausage rolls, candies, and hot and cold drinks. The pies include steak, ale and mushroom, chicken, leek and gammon, Bombay potato, and vegan rainbow roll. A small kiosk offers lamb, chicken, and vegetarian samosas.  The beer selection includes Stella Artois, Magners, Camden Pale Ale, and Stout. The wine selection includes rose, red, and white. The stadiums provide plenty of drinks that include Coca-Cola products. There is also tea, coffee, and hot chocolate to warm you up. All beer is served in reusable plastic cups that are placed in a separate bin for use again in the future. Downstairs at The Speedway Bar, fans can enjoy a few more varieties of drinks, including Camden Hells Lager, Reveller Cider, Lucky Saint Lager, and Crazy Gang Pale Ale. Next door is The Phoenix, which serves up draughts from By the Horns Brewing Company.  The pub is open during the match and nonmatch games. The bar offers indoor and outdoor seating and eight beers on draft, including West End Pils, Foundry Stout, Cosmic Warrior IPA, and 2 Social Pale. The rest of the area features local food trucks lined up, offering more options. Fans can enjoy a choripan sandwich from the Argentinian Food Truck,  a Ruben from Brick Lane Bagel Company,  a gyro from Come & Go, a large order of fries from Naked Chips, and Australian-style meat pies with peas and gravy from My Pie. Atmosphere 4 It is one of the newer facilities in English football and provides a proper atmosphere for fans. The Cappagh (West) Stand is the main stand and seats 4,267 people; it offers the best views of the game. The main stand decor consists of murals, bits of history, and plenty of photographs of The Dons history. The open seating also allows fans to view the pitch while they wait in line or if they need to run to the restroom during the game.  There are plenty of pieces of history in this stand, including the Womble Till I Die gate that was moved from the original Plough Lane and now adorns the wall. There is The Greatest Team painting honoring the 1988 FA Cup Championship team that beat Liverpool. More pieces of information feature a timeline of Wimbledon football and an oversized illustration of the club’s history. The Ry (East) Stand offers seating for 2,391 people, offering the least expensive tickets. The Reston Waste (South) Stand seats 1,092 spectators and is home to Wimbledon supporters, who expect to hear cheering, singing, and banging on the side of the stadium. The Paul Strank (North) Stand seats 1,465 people and houses the away supporters, separated from The Ry and Reston Stands and The Speedway Bar area. Neighborhood 2 Plough Lane is in the borough of Merton and across the street from a Shell gas station, a Wicke’s home improvement store, and a Lidl Supermarket. The grounds are surrounded by multiple lofts and small businesses.  However, several pubs are nearby for a drink before the game. The Corner Pin is accessible with a home-supporter ticket and features an outdoor patio. Against the Grain Taproom + Cidery is another pub to try at the game. Dawat Tooting serves Pakistani cuisine. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club is the home venue of the Wimbledon Championships. It is about 2 miles from the stadium and worth a visit for its museum and tours of the facility. Ticket prices for adults range from £15 to £30 for one tour or a combination package. Fans 5 Any group of supporters who form a new club after its old team moves away deserves as many points as it can muster. However, just listening to the fans at the game, you hear why having The Dons back at Wimbledon is important. The supporter sections have chants and celebrations that add another layer to the fandom at the stadium. Access 4 The stadium is well served by public transport links, with Earlsfield Station (trains to Waterloo and the South West), Haydons Road (Thameslink and Southern trains to the South Coast, Central London and Hertfordshire) and Tooting Broadway (Tube Northern Line) all within walking distance. A number of bus services run along Garratt Lane between Earlsfield and Tooting Broadway, while the 493 bus runs from Wimbledon Station (Tube District Line, Tram, South Western Railway and Thameslink) directly outside Plough Lane Stadium. There is no parking on site and it is advisable to access the stadium via public transport. Return on Investment 4 The cheapest ticket prices start at £23 in the Ry Group Family stand and increase to £37 in the Cappagh West stand. Ticket prices for U18 fans are as low as £5 in the Ry Group Family Stand and £18 in the Cappagh West Stand. However, depending on the matchup, tickets should be purchased in advance of game day. Concession prices are reasonable, and there is quite a selection of food. The food trucks in The Speedway are abundant compared to other stadiums in League One. The official team shop has a wide selection of merchandise from multiple styles of kits, scarves, caps, jackets, books, and posters. The shop was packed with shoppers picking up a memento to take home. Extras 4 Plough Lane earns extra points for honoring the history of football in Wimbledon. The murals, photos, and timelines are proudly displayed in the Cappagh West Stand. The highlight is the WTID gate transferred from The Dons former stadium 200 yards away. The Speedway Bar area is another highlight of Plough Lane. Fans enjoy food trucks, pints, and conversation before, at half, and after the match. The open area is a great way to chat with fellow Wombles fans. Plough Lane has multiple banners hanging from the walls of the South, North, and East stands. They represent supporter groups from around the world and other advocate members of the club.  The final point is The Phoenix Bar, which is open to the public on non-match games. The craft beer is from By the Horns Brewing Company and is a fun way to enjoy a pint before or after the match. Final Thoughts Attending an AFC Wimbledon game was quite the experience since a little over two weeks earlier; the pitch had been damaged by heavy flooding. A sold-out crowd welcomed The Dons back after more than a month. It was a proper English football game, and the experience was as advertised. An afternoon at Plough Lane is well spent with a few thousand Womble fans. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Pictures by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Gordon Alcott Arena @ Mold-Master SportsPlex 221 Guelph Street Halton Hills, ON L7G 4A8 Georgetown Raiders website Mold-Master SportsPlex website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,156 Raiding Georgetown In 1975, the Georgetown Gemini was founded as a Junior B team.  Bringing hockey back to Georgetown was a priority after the Georgetown Junior C team folded in 1969.  The Gemini moved up to the Junior A level in 1993 when the entire league, which would become the Ontario Junior Hockey League, promoted themselves to the Junior A level.  Georgetown also adopted the Raiders as their moniker to coincide with their move up.  The Raiders name has some meaning in the area as the Junior C team of the 60s was named the Raiders, and a Senior team of the 70s and 80s was also named Raiders.  The Raiders claim Jack Hughes among their alumni. Georgetown is a community in the Town of Halton Hills, located to the west of Brampton. Georgetown is an affluent area of 42,000 people and home to many commuters who work in Toronto or Mississauga.  Home for the Raiders is the Gordon Alcott Arena @ Mold-Masters SportsPlex.  The SportsPlex is a massive complex that houses four ice pads as well as meeting rooms and a skatepark outside.  The original arena was built in 1975 and has been expanded at least two times.  The original arena is named after Gordon Alcott, who was the founder of minor hockey in Georgetown in the 30s. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand is found just outside of Alcott Arena.  The menu consists of onion rings, fries, hot dogs, popcorn, and cookies.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at the Mold-Masters SportsPlex, and Gatorade, water juice, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and Slush Puppies are also available.  There are also several vending machines that offer drinks and snacks around the SportsPlex. Atmosphere 3 The Mold-Masters SportsPlex is a sports complex that has benefitted from two separate additions.  As a result, the different parts of the complex can be seen from the exterior.  The more modern side, which is to the north, has light siding with plenty of glass.  The portion that joins the oldest and newest parts of the complex features dark brown siding and houses the main entrance. Upon entering the SportsPlex, fans are immediately struck with the importance of hockey to this community. A row of trophy cases for a variety of hockey levels greets fans.  Above those are the portraits of recipients of the Georgetown Hockey Heritage Award.  One of the trophy cases is dedicated to the Raiders and houses several team awards as well as some team pictures.  The Gordon Alcott Arena is to the left and is the home to the Raiders.  A dedication plaque to Gordon Alcott is just to the side of the trophy cases.  Fans who wish to check out the  Halton Hills Sports Hall of Fame can head to the right and do some exploring just outside of the Fernbrook Rink.  Inductees of note include Gordon Alcott and former NHL goaltender, Brian Hayward.  An interesting display dedicated to the former Georgetown Memorial Arena is also found in this area and includes seats and the original Zamboni from the 1923 arena. Heading toward the Alcott Arena, fans are met with temporary tables where tickets are purchased, as well as 50/50 tickets and pucks for chuck-a-puck.  The seating area is up the stairs, and fans will find more portraits of those who have added to Georgetown hockey, including former Maple Leafs legend “King” Clancy and Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean.  Inside the Alcott Arena, the ice is oriented from east to west, with the main seating area on the north side.  Lihth- coloured, low peaked support beams cross the ice surface and hold up the silver insulated roof.  The seating area on the north is elevated above ice level and has six rows of plastic ,and resin benches with standing room behind them.  At the east end of the second grandstand are ten rows of benches that start at ice level.  There are a couple of items of note that are found on the east end.  A plaque honoring longtime Raiders fan Norm Lockhurst is found by one of the benches and is a nice touch.  Four honored jerseys for the Raiders are found on the north wall at ice level, beneath the seating area, that are not visible from the north side.  The Raiders have embraced their history honoring former players Mike Knoepfli, Ryan Busby, Dave Bouskill, and Stace Page. The south wall is littered with banners from minor hockey teams, as well as junior and intermediate teams and the Halton Hills Bulldogs Junior B lacrosse team.  The banners are pretty uniform and organized, but unfortunately, the Raiders’ banners do not stand out.  The 2016-2017 Buckland Cup Championship banner as OJHL Champions is of note. The gameday production in Georgetown is very simple.  Music and announcements, along with the 50/50 and chuck-a-puck promotions, make up the entirety of the effort. Neighbourhood 4 Mold-Masters SportsPlex is located in Georgetown, a community on the eastern border of the Town of Halton Hills.  The SportsPlex is located in a bit of a retail area of town and there are a few spots for pre or post game food.  Some more original offerings include Symposium Cafe, St. George Publ, Norval Pancake House, Copper Kettle Pub, The Pickled Piper and a few large chain and fast food restaurants.  The Raiders are the main spectator sports entity in Georgetown.  However, there are a few options that are close by.  The City of Brampton is right next door and is the new home of the OHL’s Brampton Steelheads.  The Brampton Excelsiors  also play during the summer months.  The Raiders have healthy rivalries with the Milton Menace  and Caledon Admirals , both of which are a short drive away.  The area is also known for golf courses and Glen Eden Ski Resort and Kelso Conservation Area.  Harness Racing is found year round at Woodbine Mohawk Raceway and Elements Casino is also on site.  For those interested in shopping, Toronto Premium Outlets is also a short drive away.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Best Western is just off of Guelph Street, close to the arena. Fans 2 The Georgetown Raiders usually attract between 100 and 150 fans per game.  In the 2022-23 season they averaged 130 fans per game and approximately 150 the following season.  A good regular season crowd will top the 200 fan mark, but for the most part it is a friends and family type of crowd.  Raider fans are typical of Ontario fans and pretty quiet and reserved, but get loud at the appropriate time.   Access 4 Georgetown is located 10 km north of the junction of Highways 401 and 407.  It is important to keep in mind that Highway 407 is a toll highway and Highway 401 is the main highway running through Southern Ontario, so it can get quite busy.  Travelers will have to traverse Halton Hills a bit to get to the Mold-Masters SportsPlex, but that won’t be a big issue.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, the GO Transit station is very close to the arena and Milton Transit stops are found on Guelph Street.  Fans should consult the GO Transit and Milton Transit  websites for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the arena is not too difficult and the washroom facilities are good for the size of the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Georgetown Raiders go for $15 at the door on gameday.  Students and seniors enjoy a $5 discount.  Cash and credit are both accepted and there is no online option.  Parking at the Mold-Masters SportsPlex is free and concession prices are decent.  The Raiders put a good product on the ice and fans will enjoy the OJHL brand of hockey. Extras 3 An extra mark for the historic championship banners including Junior B and Junior C and Intermediate/Senior teams of the past. An extra mark for the recognition of those who built and maintained Georgetown hockey at all levels found throughout the Mold-Masters SportsPlex. An extra mark for Mold-Masters SportsPlex as a community hub. Final Thoughts Hockey is alive and well in Georgetown, Ontario.  Taking in a Georgetown Raiders game is a great idea for fans who wish to check out some solid hockey for a low price and maybe take in some local history in the process.  The Gordon Alcott Arena @ Mold-Masters SportsPlex offers a good locale for OJHL hockey. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 William H. Greene Stadium 2400 6th St NW Washington, DC 20059 Howard Bison website William H. Greene Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 10,000 Home of the Howard Bison Located on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Greene Stadium is home to the Bison’s women's lacrosse, soccer, and football teams. The stadium opened in 1926 as the home of Bison football, although the soccer programs were not founded until later. Howard men's soccer has enjoyed success historically, winning the 1971 national championship, but was later stripped of that title due to alleged violations in a move some have suggested was caused by racial bias. The Bison went on to win the 1974 championship as well and are the only HBCU to win any Division I national title. However, they have not enjoyed nearly as much success in recent years, last making the tournament in 1997. The Howard women's soccer team has not enjoyed as much success, although they did make the NCAA Tournament in 2015 and 2018. Howard is one of the oldest and most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country and competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with many other HBCUs. However, the MEAC does not sponsor men's or women's soccer, so the Bison compete in the Northeast Conference for that sport. In addition to this review of soccer, Stadium Journey has reviews of the football and lacrosse experiences at Greene Stadium. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale in Greene Stadium. A food truck is available just outside the stadium for Howard football games but is not in use for soccer. There is a drink machine inside Burr Gymnasium next door, or you can bring in your food and drink. Atmosphere 2 Most seats at Greene Stadium are uncomfortable metal bleachers on both sides of the stadium. A running track separates the stands from the field, although the fact that a soccer field is wider than a football field means you aren't as far from the action. There are some chairbacks located in the middle section of the far side, but getting there requires walking down to field level and around the track, so most fans choose to sit on the near side. There is not much going on here other than the game itself. The PA announces starting lineups before the game and goal scorers, but that is about it. There is some music played over the PA system before the game, but that is just the university radio station. From the stands, you will be able to hear a good deal of the action on the field, although the running track that surrounds the field means you probably won't hear all of it despite there being almost no crowd noise or anything else going on most of the time. Neighborhood 5 Howard University is located amidst several historically African American neighborhoods in Washington. Shaw, U Street, and Columbia Heights, each of which have their history in the African American community, surround the college. Ben’s Chili Bowl, located about a 20-minute walk away in the U Street neighborhood, is not just an outstanding restaurant but a historic landmark as well. The chili, hot dogs, half-smokes, and burgers are renowned throughout the area, but keep in mind there is often a long line to order due to their popularity. And, of course, you’re in Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, and there’s plenty to do throughout the city. The best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s taking in the many monuments on the National Mall or visiting one of the numerous museums, there is so much you can do here. All government-run attractions are free to the public, but some of the privately-run ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book that in advance. Fans 3 Howard University draws a couple hundred fans to a typical soccer match, mostly friends and family of the players. Because the stadium is so large, they are quite spread out, but they can be quite loud when the Bison score a goal. For the most part, however, they are not particularly active and spend as much time talking to each other as they do watching the game. Access 3 Howard University is in a tricky spot to get to. It’s just far enough from the heart of downtown that it isn’t easily accessible via public transportation and just close enough that it’s hard to drive there. The closest Metro stops are Shaw and Columbia Heights, but each is about a 20-minute walk away. There is some street parking available relatively close to the stadium, but much of it has a two-hour limit, which is likely too short if you are attending a soccer game, and most of the rest is reserved for locals who live nearby and have the appropriate permit. There are some paid lots, but you may have to walk a bit to get to the stadium from there. A lot is located right next to the stadium but is entirely reserved parking. Your best bet, if you are not coming from too far away, is to take an Uber or Lyft to the stadium, but even then, depending on traffic, it may be quicker to get out and walk the last block or two. Once you are inside the stadium, it is still difficult to get around. There is a narrow pathway behind the bleachers on the near side, although this is less of a problem for across than football since the crowds are so small. To get to the other side, you have to walk down to field level and around the track. There are a few port-a-potties located on the track, or you can walk next door to Burr Gymnasium and use the restrooms there. Return on Investment 3 Admission to Howard soccer games is free, and you won't spend anything on concessions since there aren't any. However, the barebones experience and high cost to get here take this score down a couple of notches. . Extras 0 There are no real extras at a Howard soccer game, although you may be able to walk around Burr Gymnasium before or after the game and see some of the basketball history there. However, as that is a different facility and a different sport, we are not counting it as an extra. Final Thoughts Howard soccer is a pretty bare-bones experience. The experience here seems far removed from the two men's national championships in the 1970s, both on and off the field. Furthermore, this is a football stadium that is far too large for the crowds the soccer team attracts. If you had the same crowd in a much smaller stadium, this would be a far better experience. Unfortunately, there aren't any plans for Howard to build one at the moment.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Knott ARCC Pool 16300 Old Emmitsburg Rd Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers website Knott ARCC Pool website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 200 (estimated) Water Polo on the Mount Located in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in the Catoctin Mountains, Mount St. Mary's University is the second-oldest Catholic college in the United States. The school's athletic teams, known as the Mountaineers or simply The Mount, compete at the PNC Sports Complex across Route 15 from the main campus. In addition to fields for the baseball , softball , lacrosse , and soccer teams, the Complex is home to the Knott Athletic Recreation Convocation Complex, or ARCC for short. The ARCC contains Knott Arena , home to the Mount's basketball teams, as well as a swimming pool that is home to the water polo and swimming and diving teams. This review will focus on the experience at a Mountaineers water polo game. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at the Knott ARCC pool. There is a concession stand upstairs that serves the basketball arena, but it is not in use during water polo matches. There are vending machines in the lower-level lobby where you come in that sell snacks and drinks, payable by cash or credit card. However, since the bleachers at a water polo match are on the pool deck, fans are discouraged from bringing food in, especially anything messy. Beverages are fine to bring in. You can stand outside the doors to the pool and watch through the glass window if you need to eat something. However, since a typical water polo match is only 45 minutes to an hour in length, if you eat before the match, you should be able to last until the end without food. Atmosphere 3 The Knott ARCC Pool is located on the lower level of the ARCC Complex. Once you enter the pool area, you will probably want to turn right and walk behind the rope, and sit on the bleachers there. Some bleachers are located on the end of the pool, but these are generally used for team staff and equipment. There are only a couple of rows of bleachers, and the back row allows fans to lean against the wall. The bleachers typically come close to filling up as they are quite small, and there is little room to stand. You should be able to find a seat somewhere, but it may be cramped. A scoreboard is located on the right side of the pool, although it is unlabeled, so you have to figure out what everything means. The first line, the clock, shows the time left in the quarter. The next line, a single number in red, shows the Mountaineers' score, or if it is a neutral-site contest, which often happens in water polo, the score of the designated home team. This is followed by a line indicating the period and, the time of the shot clock and the score of the designated visiting team, with the latter in yellow. It is confusing, but fans can figure it out rather quickly. Due to the low ceilings and tight walls, it can get incredibly loud in the pool. After Mount goals or big saves by their goalie, players and fans alike shout, and the yells echo off the walls and ceilings, causing the decibel level to go way up. The PA system is capable of playing music before the match, but no announcements were heard during the game when we went, including player introductions. Even when they played the national anthem, someone had to shout to tell fans to stand before it played. Because the stands are right on the pool deck, your view will sometimes be obstructed by the referee as they walk along the sideline. You can try to look around them, but this is going to happen no matter where you sit, and there is not much you can do about it since the referee needs to be there to do their job. Neighborhood 2 Emmitsburg is a small town in Maryland just south of the Pennsylvania border, and there is nothing within walking distance of campus. If you make the short drive into town, you will find a few places to eat and stay, as well as some interesting sites such as the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and various Catholic shrines. Thurmont is a short drive away, about 10 minutes south on Route 15, and offers more options than Emmitsburg itself. However, this is a very rural area, and while it’s scenic, there isn’t a whole lot to do here. Fans 4 Although the bleachers at the Knott ARCC Pool are quite small, Mount St. Mary's does typically fill them up or close to it. The fans cheer loudly after goals or big saves by The Mount, and as mentioned above, it gets quite loud in here due to the acoustics. Many, though not all, of the people in attendance are friends and family of the players. When the Mountaineers play a school from the Baltimore-Washington area, such as Johns Hopkins or George Washington, expect there to be some fans of the other team who make the trip up to Emmitsburg as well. Access 3 The PNC Sports Complex, including the not Knott ARCC, is located right off US Route 15, and signs are directing you to gameday parking once you get there. Some lots are paved, while others are gravel. From there, you will walk to the lower doors of Knott Arena to enter the lobby. These are the doors across from the baseball and softball fields and are not the upper doors used for basketball. There are a few spaces directly outside the entrance that are marked reserved, but they are only reserved on weekdays. If visiting on a weekend, you should be fine to park here, although there are only a few spaces, and they do fill up. There is more than enough parking in the other lots, so you should easily be able to find a space there. Once inside, it is not signed where the pool is. You will need to turn left down a hallway, and then the pool entrance will be up ahead on your left through a glass door. Navigating the bleachers can be a challenge, as you may need to climb over people to get to and from your seat. Additionally, there is not much room to get by between the bleachers and the rope separating them from the pool, and even then, people in the front row may have to make room by taking their feet out of the aisle. Restrooms are available in the lower lobby and are of a more than sufficient size for the crowd. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Mount St. Mary's water polo matches is free, as is parking. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 1 Look for the trophy cases in the lower lobby honoring Mount Athletics. Final Thoughts If there is one defining aspect of a Mount St. Mary's water polo match at the Knott ARCC Pool, it is that it is very loud. With the fans packing the small bleachers and the acoustics trapping and echoing the sound, it is a much more rowdy atmosphere than you would expect at a college water polo match. However, other than the wild crowd noise, this is a pretty basic experience.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Mountain America Stadium 500 E Veterans Way Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona State Sun Devils website Mountain America Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 53,600 Arizona State Football Mountain America Stadium, formerly known as Sun Devil Stadium, is the home of the Arizona State University Sun Devils football team. Arizona State is one of the Big 12 Conference’s newest members after formerly being a member of the PAC-12 Conference. Mountain America Stadium was built in 1958, with a seating capacity of 30,000. Over the years, the stadium reached its peak capacity of 74,865 when the National Football League’s Arizona Cardinals shared the stadium. The stadium’s current capacity of 53,600 is due to the five-year, $304-million renovation that was completed in August 2019 – the renovations were completed in five phases and included having sections of the upper deck removed, a new structure built behind the south end zone, the east and west side of the lower bowl and loge level rebuilt, installation of a new video board, and the completion of club areas. Besides previously housing the Arizona Cardinals , the stadium was also the original home of college football’s Fiesta Bowl  game, as well as hosting other college bowl games. Super Bowl XXX, which featured the Dallas Cowboys  and Pittsburgh Steelers in front of 76,347 spectators, was also played at Mountain America Stadium – this was the first time the Super Bowl was played in Arizona, which has now hosted the NFL showcase three more times in the Cardinals new home, State Farm Stadium.   Food & Beverage   4 Mountain America Stadium offers a wide variety of food options – there are the basic food items for fans, the outside food vendors, and, starting this season, a game-by-game food item. The basic food items covered on the Fork’em menu include hot dogs, Italian sausage, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, and candy, with costs for these items ranging from $4 to $7 dollars. Alternatively, the outside food vendors include Venezia’s for pizza lovers, Chick-fil-A, Authentic Burros for Tex-Mex, and Pardon my Cheesesteak – all of these latter vendors have higher priced items than the basic stands, but the quality and taste are more consistent, and the portion sizes are more filling. The game-by-game food item can be found on the Arizona State website before each game; at the most recent game I attended, it was Alligator po’boys, consisting of fried alligator on a hoagie bun with coleslaw and spicy sauce. The cost was $15, but it is a good marketing idea and worth a try. The concessions serve Coca-Cola products here; a souvenir soda is $8, but they also offer a refillable soda for $30, which, if you get small cups from the free water tubs, would be a good option for a family. Frozen lemonade is $7.50, while Dasani bottled water is $5. The alcohol sales offer plenty as well, as there are numerous options for beer, both domestic and local breweries, as well as hard seltzer and wine. For beer lovers, I would suggest stopping by Pitchfork Draft House to find a draft of your liking during the game. Overall, the food and beverages at Mountain America Stadium have improved over the past years, moving the concessions here to above average compared to other stadiums.   Atmosphere   3 Throughout college football, the atmosphere begins well before gates open – Arizona State’s tailgate scene is impressive and stretches for several blocks around Mountain America Stadium. Before the gates open, there is the Devil Walk, as the team approaches the stadium accompanied by the spirit squads and the ASU Sun Devil Marching Band, known as "The Pride of the Southwest." The team comes onto the field along with opening fireworks and the band playing, as the excitement hits an incredible vibe. The view of the field is also excellent throughout the stadium, even though most of the seating is just metal benches with backs. There are chairback seats on the ASU sideline in the lower bowl, in the 200 sections, however, as well as on the visitor side between the 25-yard lines. The Arizona State Gameday crew does a great job during the game. However, the student section in the Inferno leads the excitement throughout the game. Fireworks and Sparky, the two ASU mascots, can also be seen doing push-ups after each Arizona State score. Overall, the atmosphere is what fans expect when it comes to watching Power 4 football; Arizona State is a great addition to the other Big 12 Conference venues.   Neighborhood   5 Arizona State University is in Tempe, Arizona. The city of Tempe has grown to 185,950 (as of 2022), and the university is the heart of the city. Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale are a short distance from the campus. The main pre-game activities are on Mill Avenue, just a few blocks from Mountain America Stadium, and there are numerous places nearby to meet up before the game. The Sunbar, Fat Tuesday, Varsity Tavern, and Pedal Haus are all options, but my choice is Varsity Tavern, which offers plenty of large TV screens to watch other games on during the day. For Brewery seekers, there is also the Four Peaks Brewing Company nearby. Tempe has many attractions nearby, the biggest being the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Gardens in Papago Park, and Tempe Beach Park along the Salt River. For shopping and other restaurants, there is the Tempe Marketplace on E Rio Salado Parkway, an open-air shopping center with restaurants including Thirsty Lion, Portillo’s Tempe, and Spinato’s Pizzeria and Family Kitchen. The lodging near the stadium is abundant, as near the venue, you can find AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown, Graduate Tempe on East Apache, and Hyatt Place Tempe/Phoenix. There is also easy access from the airport hotels using the light rail – one of my favorites is Crowne Plaza on Washington Street, walkable from the airport, or a light rail ride from Arizona State University.   Fans   3 The Arizona State Sun Devils have filled about 90% of the stadium over the past 5 years. The Sun Devils have a large fan base that is strong and shows up even in the desert heat – the heat and loud fan base give Mountain America Stadium a real home-field advantage. The loudest noise here comes from the ASU student section; Arizona State has one of the largest undergraduate student bodies in the country, and when they show up, the atmosphere changes to another level.  The students sing the fight song, shake their keys during kickoffs, and yell throughout the game. This season, the student section is even breaking records with their attendance.   Access   4 Mountain America Stadium is on the campus of Arizona State University, located just off University Drive, which you can get to from various highways around the Phoenix metro area. There is also Phoenix’s Valley Metro light rail system that can drop you off in front of the stadium – the light rail is the best option both financially and in terms of time, but there is plenty of parking at the stadium if you decide to drive. The closest parking is for season ticket holders; these lots are filled with tailgaters before the game. However, other parking lots nearby cost $20 to $40, depending on the location. One recommendation has been to use the app called ParkWhiz to find cheaper parking, while another cheap option is Orbit. Fans in the Tempe area can take Orbit free of charge until 10 pm on weekdays, Saturdays, and until 8 pm on Sundays. If you are not a Tempe resident, you can park at the Tempe Library Complex on the southwest corner of Southern Avenue and Rural Road and catch the Orbit from there. Mountain America Stadium’s gates open 90 minutes before kickoff, and all areas in the facility can be accessed from any gate. The entrance process into the facility, however, is the only reason the score for this section is not a 5 – having to go up some stairs to enter the stadium, going through rapid metal detectors, and having mobile tickets scanned at kiosks is a workout. Once at the top of the stairs, though, you are above the lower bowl, and there is easy access from there with good signage throughout the stadium. Arizona State athletics uses the clear bag policy – to enter the venue bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″, such as one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc or similar), small clutch bags (no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″) with or without a handle or strap, or seat cushions & seat cushions with a back (no pockets, 18″ or less in width). Overall, Mountain America is an easy adventure to get to, whether you are local or from outside the Phoenix/Tempe area.   Return on Investment   4 Sun Devil football tickets range from $9 to $175 per person depending on your seat selection, which at present could be the lowest in the Big 12 Conference. In their inaugural year in the Big 12, the Sun Devils won’t play a true rival, as the Territorial Cup matchup with Arizona  is in Tucson.   Extras   3 The legacy of the late, great Pat Tillman is alive and strong in the Arizona State University football program – a statue erected in honor of the former Sun Devil, who lost his life serving in the US Army, greets the team as they enter the field from their tunnel. A unique experience while in Tempe is to Hike ‘A’ Mountain (Hayden Butte); once at the top, there are spectacular views of Tempe, the ASU campus, and the surrounding area. The upgrades to Mountain America Stadium help Arizona State University keep up with modern times and provide a top-class football facility for fans. ASU also has one of the coolest mascots in college sports, namely Sparky the Sun Devil.   Final Thoughts Mountain America Stadium is a wonderful venue to watch college football. The local area is also great to visit, with wonderful weather in the later part of the season. The facility and team are not usually thought of as among the big programs in the country by fans, but they definitely should be. If you are ever in the Phoenix area during college football season, I highly recommend taking a game at Mountain America Stadium.

Photos Courtesy of Google Images Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Kassam Stadium Grenoble Rd, Littlemore Oxford OX4 4XP Oxford United website Kassam Stadium website Year Opened: 12,500 Capacity: 2001 Football at The Kassam Kassam Stadium, also known as Grenoble Road, is the home of Oxford United and opened in 2001. The 12,500-seat football stadium is named after the grounds owner and former chairman Firoz Kassam. The stadium has only three stands, but the plan is to build a fourth one to increase capacity to 16,000 in the future. The decision to build a new stadium began in 1995 when Oxford’s old Manor Ground, which had been built in 1926, was considered outdated by current standards. Construction began in the summer of 1996 but was suspended in December 1997 due to financial concerns.  No further work was done to the site until over 2-years later, in February 2000, due to financial and legal woes. Finally, on August 4, 2001, the stadium opened with a friendly against Crystal Palace. Today, it’s known as the soccer ground with three sides. The stadium features a reflective glass paneling at its main entrance and is broken up into three stands for visitors. The North Stand is used for both home and away supporters and seats 5,026. The East Stand is home to the more vocal supporters and houses 2,879. The South Stand is the main structure and houses club offices, team locker rooms, executive boxes, and the Exhibition Bar. It is divided into two tiers, with the lower area home to the family section. It seats 4,495 in total. Oxford United was founded in 1893 and lived a nomadic life for its first 20 years, switching grounds on a regular basis. They found a permanent home in 1913 when they began playing in Manor Ground. The stadium would go through major renovations, including a completely new structure in 1925. The U’s began play in the Championship for the 2024-25 season and were in League One from 2006-2016 and were as low as the National Conference (5th division) from 2006-2010. The move to the second-highest level of English Football has seen an increase in attendance from 9,021 to 11,440 in one season.  Food & Beverage 3 The stadium offers the usual pies, pastries, burgers, and hot dogs. The chicken and mushroom pie is recommended. There are also small stands in the car park, serving freshly grilled burgers and bacon rolls from a van in the southwest corner. The club introduced two new beers this season that are made by Little Ox Brew Co. They are Lucky U Pale Ale with tropical and zesty notes and 1893 Lager, which is a crisp, clean pilsner. Atmosphere 3 Kassam Stadium is a nice, modern, and comfortable stadium that will offer a welcoming afternoon for a soccer match. A few areas of the stands seem much further away in comparison to other Championship League venues, and parts of the stadium seem somewhat neglected in terms of cosmetics. The noise level can be very boisterous. The small and dedicated fan base comes alive during points of the game and creates a louder atmosphere than what appears in the stands. The United fans are called the Yellow Army; they unite the various fan groups and improve the matchday experience. Expect raucous chants, songs, and cheers throughout the match.  The stands are separated into three areas and are covered with visible steel beams on the ceiling. The plastic folding seats are colored blue and yellow and provide enough comfort; there are also times when areas of the stands are empty to move around and view the game from a new vantage point.  The United Club shop is located behind the VUE cinema and is open on matchdays from 11 AM to 3 PM and an hour after the game.  Neighborhood 3 The stadium is 4 miles from the city center of Oxford, and there are no home and away pubs close to the stadium. It is in a residential and industrial complex. In other words, the Kassam Stadium is isolated from Oxford or a surrounding neighborhood. Fortunately, the Kassam Leisure Complex is across the carpark and offers a collection of places to dine, drink, and entertainment. The Ridge Bar & Grill, Fish & Chips, J’s Sports Bar, Frankie & Benny’s, and Oxy Asian Buffet are dining options. Frankie and Benny’s serves New York-style Italian dishes, and the Refuelling Bar at Gravitee Golf offers drinks, pizzas, and hot dogs. There are no pubs within walking distance of the stadium. The Kings Arm, The Blackbird, and George Inn are two pubs for a pint before the game. They are around a 20-minute walk from the stadium.  Fans 4 Oxford supporters have always made their presence felt at home matches. The team has averaged well over 7,000 in annual attendance in the last decade. This season has seen numbers topple over 11,000 for games in the Championship. Having a winning side gives the fans and individual supporters groups something to cheer about at the game.  Access 4 Kassam Stadium is not close to a train station. The best way to access the stadium is by car, which the stadium offers a free car park. The M40 is the nearest motorway, and you can use several junctions starting from J9, J8, and J7. The large car park, visible from the stands, allows easy access to and from the stadium.  Thames Travel provides service with a special matchday bus to and from the stadium from designated spots around Oxford. The closest city train is 5 miles away from the center of town. Return on Investment 3 The price of tickets for an adult in the East Stand costs £25 or £28 on the day of the game. The North Family Stand also costs the same price. These are the least expensive for adults for a game at the stadium. The most expensive seat is in the South Upper Stand at £35 and £38 in advance. Tickets for seniors and children under 18 are much less. The cost to park is free, the food prices are reasonable, and the pies are under £5. A kit costs £50, a cap £16, and a hoodie £50. The price of a pint is among the cheapest in Championship League at £3.50. Extras 3 Kassam Stadium offers a sensory room for anyone under the age of 23 years who needs to take a break. The stadium is known for its bronze statue of an ox, revealed in 2008. The stadium offers free parking, a welcome surprise on any ground across England or the world. Final Thoughts Kassam Stadium is a pleasant facility to watch a match, but not one that will be memorable. The stadium is easily accessible by car, offers free parking, and has all the modern conveniences. It is a great way to spend an afternoon during the football season.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N 83rd Ave Peoria, AZ 85382 Peoria Javelinas website Peoria Sports Complex website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 12,882 Peoria Javelinas Baseball The Peoria Javelinas are one of six teams playing in the Arizona Fall League. The Arizona Fall League is a developmental instructional baseball league played in various spring training complexes in the Greater Phoenix area. The season lasts six weeks, during October and November. Major league teams send some of their most highly touted prospects to play in the league for additional practice. For those not familiar with the term, javelinas are nasty pig-like mammals (though they’re not actually in the pig family) often seen in the Arizona wild.  The ball players are much more approachable and friendly than the animals. For the 2024 season, the Padres, Mariners, Braves, Brewers, and Marlins sent players from their minor league teams to join the Javelinas. The Javelinas play at the Peoria Sports Complex, home to the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners for spring training, and the ACL (Arizona Complex League) Padres in the summer. NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball), Nippon-Ham Fighters KBO (Korean Baseball Organization), Doosan Bears, Lotte Giants, and NC Dinos have used the facility for their spring training in the past. It is owned and managed by the city of Peoria. The two best features of the Peoria Sports Complex are the spectacular sunset views and the scoreboard. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium does not offer a lot of fare for Fall League games. One concession stand is open.  The concession prices are a tad lower than other venues in the league. Food choices are jumbo hot dogs ($4.99), nachos ($6.49), soft pretzels ($4.99), popcorn ($3.99), chips ($2.99), and candy ($3.99).  A footlong hot dog costs $9.49. Bottled soda (Pepsi) is $4.99, and water is $3.99 .  A 24 oz can of domestic beer is $9.99, while premium beer cans are $10.99.  Canned beer selections are Michelob Ultra, Hop Knot IPA, 805, Modelo, Angry Orchard, and Truly.  The food choices won’t wow you but are okay for a snack.  You can bring in your own water and snacks. We recommend eating elsewhere before or after the game and getting something here as a snack if needed. Atmosphere 3 Javelina g ames are a peaceful baseball-watching experience. The Peoria Sports Complex seating is staggered blue stadium fold-down seats on three levels with a small walkway between the first two. They have decent legroom but are a tad narrow.  You can sit anywhere you want in the main stadium; the outfield lawn is closed off for most games. Row O has more legroom than other rows. Seats behind home plate and on the first base side get the shade first for day games.  Fans can still watch net-free baseball in sections past the dugouts.  Accessible seating lines the walkway. Be sure to visit the left-field patio deck (third level). It’s a great place to catch some foul balls and see that beautiful sunset. Peoria Sports Complex, Left Field Patio, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The scoreboard is the best in the Arizona Fall League. It is easy to read without binoculars. It shows the lineup for both teams (white letters on a black background), the name, number, position, and MLB affiliate of each player, which is great for learning the players’ names that will likely be in the majors in the future. The line score is displayed as well. The pitch clock is attached to the batter’s eye in center field. It’s difficult to read during day games because of the sun, but it is simple to read at night games. The music volume is just fine. Thankfully, the organization does not play music between each pitch and batter, just between innings. This allows fans to talk with each other without competin g against the music. The sounds of the game are delightfully magnified, with few in the seats and no music. The cracks of the bat, players calling for fly balls, and calls by the umpire - you can hear it all. The PA announcer does an excellent job. With a strong, clear voice, he calls almost all the batter and pitcher changes. Nicely done! Game day operations have an occasional t-shirt toss.  Stop by the merchandise counter on the concourse and complete a raffle ticket to win a prize, announced in the 8th inning.  Neighborhood 4 The stadium is in the heart of the P83 Entertainment District in Peoria, AZ, a northwest suburb of Phoenix. Retail, restaurants, hotels, apartment and office complexes, movie theaters, and shopping all abound next to the stadium, mostly on the north side. Over 15 restaurants, bars, and fast food are within a block or two. Many are chain restaurants if that’s what you prefer. However, we recommend The Social on 83rd  (good for weekend brunch). We also suggest Pho For Days (Vietnamese) and Revolu Modern Taqueria + Bar (Mexican). Besides shopping, a Harkins and an AMC movie theater are nearby, as is an Air Trampoline and Adventure Park for those a little more adventurous. To get in a few easy steps, take a stroll (or bike ride) on New River Trail . Downtown Phoenix is around 20 miles away. Several hotels are within walking distance. The LaQuinta Inn & Suites  is the closest. A Hampton Inn, Comfort Suite, and Residence Inn are .3 miles from the park. Other Fall League teams to visit when in town are the Glendale Desert Dogs  and the Surprise Saguaros. Check if the Arizona Cardinals  or the Phoenix Suns  are playing at home during your visit. Fans 3 Fans who visit the Fall League and the Javelinas are fans of the game. Lots of retired folks are in attendance. Families and kids are seen more on weekend or evening games. And there are lots of autograph hunters.  Scouts generally sit up behind home plate. Average attendance runs close to 400 fans a game. Access 3 Peoria Sports Complex is less than a half mile off Loop 101 (Bell Road exit) in the northwest suburbs of Phoenix. Bell Road / 83rd Ave is a traffic mess when leaving an afternoon game or getting to a weekday evening game. Parking is free. Only Gate B is open for Javelinas games (home plate entrance) on the corner of N 83rd and Stadium Way. The stadium is a 30-minute or so drive from Sky Harbor Airport. Public transportation is not easily available from the airport; riders must make multiple transfers, and travel time takes close to 2 ½ hours. The concourses are wide open. Minimal pedestrian congestion is found at a Javelinas game. Restrooms ar e plentiful and clean (at least the ladies). Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets are $13 (seniors 55+ and teens 11 - 17 are $11). Kids 10 and under get in free. If you live in the area or are planning on attending 12 or more games, a season pass is a less expensive way to go.  A single admission season pass is $155; a double admission pass is $185 (both are less if you are 55+). Concessions, though limited, are priced lower here than at other Fall League parks.  And there’s no charge for parking (none of the Arizona Fall League stadiums charge for parking). Attending a baseball game on a warm fall day or evening is worth the price. . Extras 2 Both the PA announcer and the scoreboard deserve extra mention s and the sunsets. Final Thoughts Attending a Javelina   baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex is a marvelous experience, especially for a baseball purist.  If you are planning on visiting any Fall League venues, be sure to put Peoria on the list.

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey On Saturday October 26, BYU’s football team visited Central Florida  for the 4th time in series history, defeating the Golden Knights 37-24. The Cougars improved to 8-0 in conference play in only their 2nd season as members of the Big 12, and now stand atop the Big 12 standings – Iowa State  is also undefeated, however, but is only 7-0 since they already had their bye. BYU’s performance was good enough to move them into the top 10 of the AP Poll, the first time they have been in the AP Top 10 since a 9-0 start in 2020. After decades in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), which was re-formed into the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in 1999, Brigham Young University joined the Big 12 in 2023 as part of the larger conference alignment that in some way affected almost every team in the FBS. That conference realignment saw the end of some rivalries which have existed for over 100 years, for example Texas -Texas A&M, who first played in 1894 – the last meeting was in 2011, but the rivalry is being reborn in 2024, as Texas A&M  and Texas are now in the same conference again, the SEC. Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey That conference alignment also brought together teams that are separated by thousands of miles, most notably in the Big 10, which now stretches from USC  and UCLA  in California all the way to Penn State  in State College, PA. Such distances have become commonplace in college football these days, however – years ago it was surprising, for example, to see West Virginia  join the Big 12, over a thousand miles removed from its conference rivals in Texas and Oklahoma; such distances are no longer remarkable.