Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Loring Arena 165 Fountain St. Framingham, MA 01702 Framingham State Rams hockey website Loring Arena website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 2,500 Framingham State Hockey   Loring Arena is a municipal skating facility in Framingham, MA. It opened in 1963 as one of the first public skating rinks in the Boston area. Today the rink serves as home to many area clubs and teams, as well as providing public skating accessibility to the community. A six-million dollar renovation completed in 2018 upgraded the facility and created a dedicated locker room for one of the building’s primary tenants, the Framingham State Rams. The arena is named in honor of Edward F. Loring, who led the Framingham High School hockey team to the state title in 1961. Loring passed away the next year at age 42 due to liver cancer.   Framingham State University is a public university located in the Boston suburb of Framingham. With an enrollment of 4,500 students, the school began its existence in 1839 as the first state-supported Normal School in the country. Today the university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in several majors.   Today the Rams compete in the MASCAC (Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference) along with several other small schools in and around Massachusetts. Framingham State has yet to win a conference title or appear in the NCAA Tournament, but they do claim an ECAC championship in 1979. The school has announced that a women’s hockey team will begin play for the 2024-25 season.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a snack bar in the upstairs lounge area that is accessible to all fans. There’s a basic menu served here, including hot dogs, nachos, pretzels popcorn and assorted candy. Hot and cold beverages are sold, featuring Pepsi products. It’s not the most extensive menu you’ll find, but it will do the trick if you need a snack during the game. The area also overlooks the ice if you’re looking to escape the cold of the rink. Should the snack bar not be open during your visit, there are some vending machines in the area, one of which serves Dippin’ Dots ice cream.   Atmosphere 1   The game day atmosphere at a Framingham State hockey game is as bare bones an experience as any you’re likely to come across in your stadium journeys. While the arena seems to have a decent sound system, it is severely underutilized. There are no PA announcements made during the game, so if you’re looking for game updates, you’ll have to rely on the basic information displayed on the small scoreboard on the far end of the rink. Music is played during play stoppages, but during intermission, someone simply switches on the radio to fill the space with some noise.   Any energy generated during the game is generated by the fans in the stands, who consist primarily of family members. You won’t see much of a turnout from the student body in this off-campus arena.   Neighborhood 4   The city of Framingham is located about 20 miles to the west of Boston. It has a population of over 72,000 residents. As you may imagine, a city of this size will have some decent options for those who wish to eat in the area or look for a place to stay. Bowditch Field , home of Framingham State football, is located about a mile and a half to the north.   There are no dining or lodging options within walking distance of Loring Arena, but there are many choices along both Route 135, which runs near the rink, or Route 30, which runs past the university. Among the excellent dining options near Loring Arena are La Cantina Italiana, Framingham Station Brazilian Steakhouse and Exhibit A Brewing Company. Visitors looking to stay in Framingham will find numerous options along Route 30, including an Aloft, Residence Inn and Hampton Inn. All are just a short drive from Loring Arena.   Of course, if visiting Framingham from out of town, a trip into nearby Boston is most likely on your agenda. Framingham does offer a bit more value than staying downtown, and the Framingham MBTA Station  is located less than a mile away from Loring Arena.   Fans 2   The crowd at a Framingham State hockey game is a “friends and family” type of crowd. Stadium Journey visited Loring Arena on Senior Day on a Saturday night, and the crowd still topped out at about 150 fans. Even though the rink is only two miles from campus, there’s not much of a turnout from the student body. With the majority of the crowd made up of family members, you can be sure that the fans in attendance know their stuff and are very supportive of the players competing down on the ice.   With the compact footprint of the MASCAC conference, it’s also very likely that you’ll see a good turnout from visiting fans at a Rams game.   Access 4   Loring Arena is located in suburban Framingham, about 20 miles west of Boston. The city of Framingham is easily accessed via either Interstate 495 or 90 (the Mass Pike). The Arena is located about two miles south of the FSU campus, near many of the city’s public athletic fields and parks.   Ample parking is available in the lot adjacent to the front entrance of the rink. There is a large, bright lobby that contains the skate shop and an ATM, which may be handy to some fans as all transactions here are cash only. The snack bar is located on the lobby’s upstairs level, which is a popular spot to escape the cold of the rink, as you can watch the action from here. Rest rooms are located on both levels of the lobby. They are large and clean.   Seating consists of plastic bleachers which run along both sides of the rink. Nets run the length of the ice, obstructing views from all seats. There is plenty of standing room available on both sides of the arena atop the seating area. Fans can also stand at the end of the rink to take in the action.   Return on Investment 4   Admission to a Framingham State hockey game will cost you seven dollars. Parking in the adjacent lot is free of charge. Concessions are very reasonably priced, with no item costing more than five dollars. At Loring Arena you’ll be able to catch some quality hockey without spending too much money. Just be aware that all transactions here are cash only, so come prepared. There is an ATM in the lobby if you need to grab some cash.   Extras 1   The old wooden roof that arches over the ice surface harkens back to an earlier time and gives Loring Arena a classic, old-barn look. It’s certainly worth an extra point.   Final Thoughts   In the state of Massachusetts, hockey is a really big deal. Municipally-owned rinks popped up all around the state during the heyday of Bobby Orr and the Big, Bad Bruins. Loring Arena predates that hockey boom and as a result, features a unique design that sets it apart from many of its peers. -----   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Duane Stadium 315 Turnpike Ave North Andover, MA 01845 Merrimack Warriors football website Duane Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 4,000 Warriors, Come Out and Play   Merrimack College is a private Augustinian college in the Boston suburb of North Andover. Founded in 1947 by the order of St. Augustine to educate soldiers returning from World War II, the school now boasts an enrollment of over 5,600 students in over 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Among Merrimack’s alumni is Charlie Day, best known for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.   Duane Stadium is named in honor of Ken and Jincie Duane. Ken is a class of 1980 alumnus and was a member of the school’s hockey and lacrosse teams. Mr. Duane served on the school’s Board of Trustees for several years. A contribution from the Duanes was instrumental in making the building of the facility possible.   The football program at Merrimack began play in 1996, competing at the Division Three level for one season before moving up to Division Two. In two-plus decades in D-2 the Warriors made the playoffs one time, advancing to the second round. In 2019 the entire Merrimack athletic program moved up to Division One, joining the Northeast Conference. When the Warriors moved to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in 2024, the football team was left without a conference, as the MAAC does not sponsor football. Merrimack is currently one of two independents competing in 2024. Over their first five seasons in Division One, Merrimack has posted a record of 24-23.   Food & Beverage 3   Merrimack Dining operates a food truck in the north end zone of Duane Stadium. A basic menu is available, consisting of burgers, dogs and nachos. Assorted snacks and beverages are also sold here. Pepsi products are featured, with coffee and hot chocolate popular items later in the season.   Seaboard Products runs a beer truck for Merrimack football games. They serve a selection of local craft brews, including “Together We Can,” a New England style IPA. The beer is the result of a collaboration between Merrimack and Riverwalk Brewing in Newburyport.   There’s a Dunkin’ Donuts in the nearby Merrimack Athletic Complex next door to Duane Stadium. It appears that fans can bring items from the Dunkin’ into the stadium.   Atmosphere 3   The game day atmosphere at Duane Stadium is fairly typical of other small college facilities in the northeast. The party starts in Lot M, directly behind the main grandstand. This lot is the only one on campus where tailgating is allowed. While there’s not usually a huge party scene here at Merrimack, if you visit during homecoming weekend, you can expect a great time.   Inside the stadium, all the usual elements can be found. The Merrimack band, cheerleading squad and dance team perform throughout the game. Mack the Warrior enters the game along with the team and spends his afternoons mingling with the fans. Music plays over a good sound system with a PA announcer who keeps fans informed of game information with a dash of personality. The scoreboard in the south end zone is put to good use with videos, graphics and replays.   There’s normally not a huge crowd at Merrimack football games, so this is hardly a loud and rowdy place. But many of the fans who do show up here have a personal connection with the players on the field, so they are enthusiastic in their support of the Warriors. Fans are friendly and you’ll feel welcomed even if wearing the opposing team’s colors.   Neighborhood 3     Merrimack College is located in North Andover, Massachusetts, a town of almost 31,000 residents located 25 miles north of Boston. North Andover is your typical bedroom community, with plenty of shops and restaurants for locals, but nothing that would classify the town as a “must see” destination.   While there are many options for lodging or dining within a short distance of the Merrimack campus, out of town visitors will most likely head towards Boston after the game.  Fans looking to avoid the big city price tags will find numerous choices within a few miles of the Merrimack campus along nearby Interstate 495.   Among the highlights near campus is Burton’s Grill & Bar and The Friendly Toast, a brunch spot featuring adult drinks and a creative menu. There’s a Holiday Inn Express on I-495 just a couple of miles from campus.   Fans 3   Crowds at Warrior football games generally run between 2,000-3,000 fans. If you visit Merrimack during Homecoming weekend, however, you can expect a standing-room only crowd. It was reported that on Homecoming Weekend 2024, over 15,000 people visited campus, filling Duane Stadium to capacity, with overflow crowds continuing the party in nearby Lot M.   As mentioned earlier, the fans at Duane Stadium are very supportive of the Warriors, if not overly loud and rowdy. It’s a fun place to take in a game. With the bulk of Merrimack’s schedule consisting of games against other New England teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from visiting fans, who all sit on the same side of the field in the big grandstand.   Access 3     The Merrimack campus in North Andover is located 25 miles from downtown Boston near the intersection of Interstates 93 and 495.  While traffic can be heavy in this area, driving is the easiest way to get to Merrimack. There is an MBTA train that stops at the Andover station about four miles from campus. Once in Andover, the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority  offers bus service to many local spots, including Merrimack College. Complete directions to Merrimack, including local dining and lodging options, can be found here .   Duane Stadium is located on the southern edge of campus, adjacent to Lawler Rink , Hammel Court  and the other Merrimack athletic facilities. Lot M adjacent to the facility allows tailgating for a fee, with other lots located just a short walk from Duane Stadium. Most fans will find nearby parking in Lot H. A criticism of the accessibility of Merrimack is that the college blocks all entry points into the campus except for the one on Rockridge Road, forcing fans to circle the campus before entering, then making them wind their way through campus to find the stadium.   Fans entering Duane Stadium will find plenty of room to roam. Most of the seating is in the grandstand on the west side of the stadium. Seats in the grandstand between the forty-yard lines consist of individual stadium seats, with the remainder consisting of metal bleachers without backs. There is a walkway across the front of the grandstand, so it is recommended you avoid the first couple of rows. Standing room is available at several spots around Duane Stadium, primarily in the north end zone. There is a small observation deck on the east side of the stadium, which is reserved for VIPs, but this area was accessible for everyone on the afternoon of Stadium Journey’s visit.   Concession stands and rest rooms are located in the north end of the facility. Lines are generally not an issue at Duane Stadium.   Duane Stadium is a busy place, used for football, lacrosse, soccer and field hockey. Lines for all sports are on the turf and may be distracting for fans. The presence of the track around the outside of the football field pushes the seating further from the field than it would be otherwise.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Merrimack football games start at $20 for general admission or standing room tickets, maxing out at $30 for reserved chairback seats. Members of the military, senior citizens and youths under 12 all receive a five-dollar discount. Tailgate passes, which allow you to park in lot M adjacent to the stadium (the only lot where alcohol is allowed) can be purchased for $30-$50 depending on the game.   Other parking is available on campus at no charge. Concessions are reasonably priced, making an afternoon at Duane Stadium an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 1                                                                                                 There is a pop-up tent in the north end zone selling a variety of Merrimack merchandise, and a 50/50 raffle held to raise funds for the program. Fans may also want to check out the dedication plaque to Duane Stadium located on the east side of the stadium near the entrance.   Final Thoughts   Duane Stadium is a basic facility that is similar to many in the northeast. It suits the needs of the growing Merrimack football team well. While you won’t get the big-college experience here, what you will get is an affordable, fun place to watch some quality college football.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Alamodome 100 Montana St San Antonio, TX 78203 UTSA Roadrunners website Alamodome website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 64,000 UTSA Roadrunners – Alamodome The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) was founded in 1969. As the university has grown, so too has the athletics department. In 2011, the UTSA Roadrunners  took the gridiron for their inaugural season under the guidance of future Hall of Fame Head Coach Larry Coker . UTSA as a university and as a football program has grown by leaps and bounds in the ensuing decade – they would reach their first bowl game in 2016 under the guidance of former Head Coach Frank Wilson . Under his watch, the team would send multiple players to the NFL, including tight end David Morgan II and first round draft pick Marcus Davenport . A member of Wilson’s last signing class, Riq Woolen , would also find stardom in the NFL, and become UTSA’s first-ever Pro Bowler. Under Head Coach Jeff Traylor , the Roadrunners have reached unprecedented heights, earning back-to-back conference championships in 2021 and 2022, as well as four consecutive bowl game berths. The team moved to the American Athletic Conference in 2023. The team has played every home game at the venerable Alamodome in downtown San Antonio. Under Traylor’s tenure, the Dome has given a significant homefield advantage to UTSA. While it’s definitely showing its age, it is still one of the most unique venues in college football.   Food & Beverage   4 Over the years, the Alamodome has undergone significant renovations and changes in an effort to keep up with the times (more on that in the next section). One area where they have continually tried to improve is in concessions. Over the past few seasons, the Alamodome has made a concerted effort to bring a number of local vendors and restaurants to fill the stands and kiosks throughout the facility. The newest options range from Tex-Mex to fried chicken to barbecue options – with Los Barrios Mexican Restaurant , Earl Abel’s , and The Big Bib BBQ , respectively – as well as national options like Johnny Rockets for burgers and Urban Bricks and Papa Johns  for pizza. In addition, local beverage distributors such as SipIT  and Te Amo Micheladas  offer up frozen mixed drinks and Mexican-style beer cocktails for fans up until the fourth quarter. Another great innovation for this season has been the installation of grab-and-go stands on each side of the field on the main concourse. You can get your traditional stadium fare, your hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, bottled sodas, water, and beer, etc. at these stands, which has greatly improved the efficiency at the Dome. My one caveat that keeps this section from having a higher score – and I’ve heard this from numerous fans over the past few seasons – is the cost of some items. Prices are a little higher at the Alamodome than what you would expect to find at a program the size of UTSA. However, there are bargains to be had, so just keep on the lookout.   Atmosphere   4 Prefacing this now, I’ve been a UTSA Roadrunners season ticketholder since day one, and I’ve seen virtually every home game at the Alamodome in the last 14 years. The one area that I have seen the most improvement has been in the Atmosphere section. The parking lots surrounding the Dome have always been home to some of the best tailgating in the State of Texas, and this is said without an ounce of hyperbole. San Antonians love a party, and if you can throw a football game in – especially a winning one – they’re going to show up and show out hours and hours before gametime. If you’ve got time on your visit, spend some time in the lots before kickoff. In the nascent years of the program, you would be hard-pressed to find anything letting fans know that the Dome was UTSA’s home field. In the last few seasons, however, the stadium has put up a lot of signage in and around the outside of the facility, which is a good start. They will also light up the exterior of the Alamodome orange and blue for night games, and inside, the 2021 and 2022 Conference USA Championship banners proudly hang from the rafters all season. The lighting, scoreboards, and LED ribbons have all been upgraded in the last five seasons. The pre-game festivities at UTSA, with the band marching on the field while a hype video plays, followed by the football team’s entrance (which I will put up there with the best of any Group of 5 program in the country) is all top-notch. I freely admit to having a love/hate relationship with the in-stadium DJ, who performs throughout games. When you attend a Roadrunners game at the Alamodome, you might find them to be you’re your new favorite, so to each his own. The Alamodome provides a unique home field that no other program in the nation can offer; its acoustics make even small to medium-sized crowds sound like you’re standing next to a jet engine warming up for takeoff. Perhaps more important, as a football fan who has seen countless games across the state of Texas in my time, I can’t tell you how much the 72 degrees in the Dome in August, September, and October are appreciated. Aside from its age, the one thing that keeps this section’s score from being even higher is the lack of a true team store – merchandise tables are available during games, but that feels pretty bush league for a Division I program.   Neighborhood   5 In numerous past reviews I have extoled the virtues of my city and its downtown area, which is where the Alamodome is located. A walkway under State Highway 281 connects the Dome to the area of San Antonio that is home to the Alamo, Tower of the Americas, the River Walk, Hemisfair Park, the Shops at Rivercenter (which, in itself, is home to an IMAX Theater, a Legoland Discovery Center, and a SeaLife Aquarium), and an abundance of some of San Antonio’s best shopping, dining, and lodging options. For dining options, there are a few in the immediate, walkable area of the Alamodome. Nearby options include Tony G’s Soul Food (of which I’m a big fan), which serves up scratch-made Southern classics like fried chicken, meatloaf, and fried catfish, and The Cherrity Bar , which in addition to serving up award-winning cocktails also offers a legit menu of Japanese food including yakitori, soba noodles, and ramen. There are a few hotels within walking distance of the Alamodome, including a couple that you don’t need to cross the highway for – these are Staybridge Suites San Antonio Downtown Convention Center  and City View Inn & Suites . Both are less than a 10-minute stroll from the Dome’s front door. Again, downtown SA has options aplenty for food and shelter, with your only limitation being your budget.   Fans   3 For the majority of the seasons in the Jeff Traylor era, the UTSA Roadrunners have managed to average a robust and healthy attendance of 28,000-29,000 fans per game. This was rarely if ever the case before his tenure. Their inaugural game in the Alamodome featured a record-breaking 56,000-plus fans for that magical night, and the team has been chasing that vibe ever since. When the team starts to dip and/or the competition is not a recognized brand to casual fans, turnout is pretty light. Such has been the case at the start of this current season, as a combination of a history-making and graduating senior class and a “when it rains, it pours” spate of injuries has seen attendance dip to 20,000-22,000 per game averages. The good thing is that the student section continues to be packed and has, in recent years, been expanded to allow room for the most vocal and passionate fans of the team. And as mentioned, the tailgating in the lots is an experience unto itself thanks to the fanbase here. Regardless, this is a loud group of fans, most of which come to games decked out on in UTSA orange and blue. Their vociferousness can be counted on to cause problems for opposing teams, which has been a boon to UTSA. Sustaining growth in attendance will bump this section’s score higher.   Access   4 As mentioned, the Alamodome is located off a major state highway, and is sandwiched between two major US highways in Interstates 10 and 35. The stadium is a short nine-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. San Antonio’s mass transit option, VIA Metropolitan Transit, has routes all over the city that end up at the Dome. There are even park and ride locations in other parts of the city, which is often a great option. On site, the Dome has two parking lots open to fans who pre-purchase a parking spot; you cannot purchase a pass in these lots on the day of. However, the Alamodome is situated adjacent to a residential neighborhood, and for blocks and blocks, industrious residents and business owners rent out spaces in driveways and parking lots on game days. Spots in these can be had for as little as $10, depending on how far you’re willing to walk. What keeps the Access score from being higher is the egress situation – there is only one main road out of the Alamodome, and this will bottleneck especially on dates with larger crowds.   Return on Investment   4 Single-game tickets for UTSA games can be found for as little as $6 on the secondary market. This is an incredible bargain for a team that has seen the success the Roadrunners have had. Typical seasons will feature one or two big name out-of-conference opponents at the Dome, and the American Athletic Conference also has some of the more recognizable Group of Five teams anyway. The low-ticket costs are what gives this section the score it has. Parking costs are on the average compared to programs the size of UTSA, but as mentioned in the Access section, bargains can be found if you’re willing to walk a bit. What brings this section’s score down is the aforementioned concession costs.   Extras   3 UTSA brings out pretty much all the traditional pageantry that can be found at most Division I football programs. The award-winning Spirit of San Antonio (SoSA) marching band performs throughout the game and at halftime, while the UTSA Pom Squad and Cheerleaders , as well as the beloved mascot Rowdy , can all be found on the sidelines interacting with fans both before and during games. The student section also raises a giant flag with UTSA’s “Let’s Go 210” (which is the area code for the Alamo City) at the start of the fourth quarter. It’s all fun, but beyond that, there isn’t much else in the way of Extras. The program has started and abandoned quite a few traditions over the years – I think getting the right one started in the coming years will only make this section’s score higher.   Final Thoughts I’ve been to more games at the Alamodome than any other venue – I’ve seen virtually every home game for the UTSA Roadrunners here since 2011, which is all to say I’m very familiar with this facility. I still find a great deal to enjoy about this stadium, however, even with its sometimes glaringly obvious wear and tear. There is no other venue like the Alamodome in college sports, and I do think it belongs on bucket lists. I’m pretty confident that if you come in for a UTSA game, you’ll see what I see and will come away with an appreciation for the program, the venue, and the city. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Select Car Leasing Stadium Shooters Way Reading, England RG2 0FL United Kingdom Reading FC website Select Car Leasing Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 24,161 The Mad Stad Select Car Leasing Stadium is home to the English Football Championship club Reading and was formerly named Madejski Stadium after their Chairman Sir John Madejski. The stadium was built in 1998 following the club's departure from their Elm Park residence of over one hundred years. The stadium has an all-seated capacity of 24,161 and also hosts the home games of the Rugby Union club London Irish. Food & Beverage 3 Once inside, the stadium is well served by food outlets selling a range of hot dogs, burgers, pies, and stir fry noodles as the vegetarian option. A hot dog retails for £3.20 with tea and coffee priced at £1.50 per cup. Pepsi is slightly overpriced at £2 a cup with lager costing £3 per pint. The kiosks also sell chocolate and crisps. Atmosphere 3 By Championship standards, Reading is a well-supported club with an average attendance of 18,000. However, despite playing to a three-quarters full stadium for most home games the atmosphere within the ground can at times be quite muted. The noise levels do increase against sides with large away followings, however, this is mainly when Reading plays local derbies or one of the bigger clubs. Neighborhood 4 The town of Reading is situated in the county of Berkshire and is a mere forty-minute drive from London and Heathrow Airport. The stadium is within easy reach of Junction 11 of the M4 Motorway adjacent to the A33 which runs directly into the Town Centre. The Mad Stad, as it is nicknamed locally, is a typical new British stadium development situated on the outskirts of town surrounded by retail parks. If it is here that you wish to while away the hours leading up to kick off then it's visiting DIY Superstores that will be the order of the day. There are also fast food outlets here in the form of Pizza Hut, Mcdonald's, and KFC. A better recommendation would be to take the three-kilometer journey into town where you will find the Oracle Shopping Centre with its selection of High Street stores, Bars, Coffee Shops, and Restaurants including one from the Jamie Oliver range. These are located in the pleasant canal side area of the complex. Fans 3 Reading supporters are not renowned for being the noisiest in the land, however, the core fan base has grown from approximately eight to eighteen thousand since the club took up residence at the Madejski. Those supporters who wish to spend the duration of the ninety minutes singing and chanting congregate in the East Stand which adjoins the South Stand, the end where away supporters are located. Access 3 The stadium is easily reached by a car exiting Junction 11 of the M4 motorway which runs between Bristol and London. There is plenty of parking, but be aware that this is limited to two hours in the retail parks. The official car park is for season tickets and guests only, but paid parking is available for £8 per vehicle and is between a five and ten-minute walk away. The nearest railway station is Reading Central and Bus 50 arrives and departs from directly outside the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Unless Reading is playing one of the big four then tickets for most matches can be easily purchased in advance over the internet or by arriving early on the day of the game. Ticket prices are £23 and £26 if purchased in advance but rise by £4 if bought on the day. There are discounts for those under 16s and OAPs. This is the average cost of a ticket for the English £10 to increase attendance. Extras 4 There is the normal superstore selling a wide range of both Reading and London Irish merchandise situated by the main entrance to the stadium. A match day program is available for all home games priced at £3. All sporting venues in Britain are now nonsmoking areas, however, Reading allows supporters out onto the concourse at halftime to enable smokers to get their fix, which is particularly needed when their team is losing.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stayner Memorial Arena 269 Regina Street Stayner, ON L0M 1S0 Stayner Siskins website Stayner Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 300 Stayner Alive! One of the cornerstone franchises in Junior C hockey is the Stayner Siskins.  Established in 1972 as a Junior D team, the team was promoted to Junior C in its second season.  The Siskins were successful winning four titles in Junior D playdowns.  In 2012, Junior D as a division was eliminated and folded into Junior C.  In 2016, all Junior C leagues merged to become the Provincial Junior Hockey League.  Playing in the Carruthers Division, the Siskins have won the Carruthers Division 3 times since the merger and were regular season champions 5 times in the same period.  The Siskins were Georgian Bay Champions 5 times from 1988-1994 and GMO Champions 3 times from 1995 until the merger.  Home for the Siskins is the Stayner Arena.  A community hub that was built in 1987 also houses a community centre and the Clearview Township Public Library.  With a modest capacity of 300, Thursday night has become hockey night in Stayner.  The most famous alumnus of the Stayner Siskins is former NHL star Jason Arnott, who was born in nearby Collingwood and raised in Wasaga Beach, the two towns Stayner finds itself between.  The town of Stayner is central to agricultural areas and has a small population of almost 4,700 people. Food & Beverage 3 Stayner Arena has a small, snack bar-style concession in the lobby that is operated by the Lion’s Club.  Fries, hot dogs, chocolate, chips, and candy are on the menu.  Soda, Gatorade, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are the soft drinks available.  A couple of vending machines can also be found in the lobby.  To the left of the concession window is another window where beer is available with products provided by the nearby Collingwood Brewery, including a Siskins branded beer. Atmosphere 3 The Stayner Arena has an extremely simple exterior.  The arena portion is found on the west side and has a dark siding with a couple of signs on the exterior.  Entry is just to the east of the arena, where the lobby is found, which separates the arena from the community centre.  It is a little more modern looking with light brick and glass.  Upon entering the arena, fans will find themselves in a vestibule welcomed by a pair of free-standing banners advertising Siskins Alumni who have played at high levels and Siskins who have played in the OHL.  The vestibule also contains a pair of trophy cases, which are filled with minor hockey accolades.  Entry into the main lobby brings fans to temporary tables where tickets are purchased, and 50/50 tickets are sold.  In the lobby, the concession windows are to the right, with windows looking out to the ice surface to the left.  Tables and chairs are there to allow fans to watch the action on the ice from the warm comfort of the lobby.  Items of note in the lobby include the framed jersey of Graham McNabb, who would go on to play for the Brampton Battalion and was a local product of Stayner Minor Hockey.  The other framed jersey is a little easier to recognize than that of Jason Arnott.  Arnott was born in Collingwood and raised in Wasaga Beach, which Stayner finds itself between.  Arnott would play the 1989-90 season for the Siskins and eventually go on to be drafted number seven overall in the 1993 NHL Draft by the Edmonton Oilers. Entering the arena area, fans will be struck by the temperature change.  Stayner Arena is quite cold, and the use of the gas heaters above the seating area is questionable at best.  Bringing a blanket from the car is not an uncommon practice.  The ice surface runs from west to east, with the seating only on the south side.  The seating consists of five rows of blue-painted wooden benches raised above the ice level with a walkway and standing room behind.  Light-painted, low arch support beams cross the structure, and the ceiling has the typical silver insulation in between.  This is a common design for arenas at this level.  The simple hockey score clock hangs on the west wall with several minor hockey and lacrosse championship banners.  Above the scoreclock is the Canadian flag and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which was once common in arenas in Ontario.  The north and east walls are littered with ads for local businesses.  Hanging just above the Siskins’ bench are PJHL North Conference Championship banners for 2022 and 2023.  These seem to be the only banners that the Siskins claim, which is curious due to their significant history.  New for the 2024-2025 season is the “Best Seats in the House,” a small bar-like perch at the top of the seating at centre ice which features high top, cushioned seats, and hockey sticks as part of the gates.  These seats are used for promotion. The gameday production in Stayner is fairly simple.  Music is played over the PA system during stoppages and intermissions, and typical announcements are presented throughout the game.  The PA system is not the worst at this level. However, it is not the best either, and announcements are sometimes a challenge to understand.  Neighbourhood 3 Stayner is located south of the Nottawasaga Bay inlet of Georgian Bay, between Collingwood and Wasaga Beach.  It is in Clearview Township, which is part of Simcoe County.  The town Stayner itself is not very large and has a typical small-town downtown area.  There are a few spots for pre or post game food and drink including Angie’s Place, Kitchen Savvy, Honey Monster, 1904 Social Haus, Bluewater Fish & Grill and Charlie’s Diner. The Stayner Siskins are the only game in town during the winter, although the Clearview Crushers of the senior Ontario Series Lacrosse call the Stayner Arena home during the summer.  Hockey is also found, at different levels, in neighbouring Creemore, Wasaga Beach and Collingwood.  The Collingwood Blues  of the OJHL are the most predominant of the group.  The area is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors with many neighbouring beaches, trails, golf courses, and skiing at Blue Mountain Resort.  Taking a tour of Creemore Brewery, just south of Stayner, is a good tourist option as well.  For those wishing to stay in the area, Gables B&B is an option, or heading to one of the hotels at Blue Mountain is optimal. Fans 4 Stayner Arena has a modest capacity of 300.  It is clear that the Siskins are a significant draw in the area as they consistently average near capacity crowds each season.  The 2023-24 season saw the Siskins average 298 fans per game, up from the previous season’s 274.  Comparing figures in the PJHL is challenging due to a lack of published attendance figures, however it is clear that Stayner’s attendance figures would put them in the top third of the league.  Fans in attendance are supportive of the team and loud at the right moments.   Access 4 Stayner Arena is located at the north edge of the town of Stayner in Clearview Township.  Getting to the arena is not difficult.  It is 1 km from the junction of Highways 42 and 26, which can be a busy intersection.  Travelling through town is a necessity but traffic should not be an issue.  There is plenty of parking for patrons on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there is limited transit service between communities, which stops at the community centre.  Fans should consult the Clearview Public Transit  website for fares, schedules and maps.  It is questionable if transit will support the needs of the hockey fan on gamenight.  Getting around the arena is not terribly difficult.  The lobby will be a bit crowded during intermissions and before the game starts.  Washroom facilities are small, but not terrible for the venue.  The arena is very cold and fans should be prepared, especially early in the season when the outdoor temperatures are significantly higher than in the arena. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Stayner Siskins are purchased at the door and go for $12 for adults.  Cash or debit are accepted.  Parking on site or on the street is free and concession prices are good.  The Siskins put a good product on the ice and fans will get a true sense of community taking in a Siskins game.  Considering the low investment, the return is excellent. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Stayner Siskins being a centrepiece of the community. An extra mark for the unique Siskins name, which refers to a small bird similar to a goldfinch. An extra mark for the longevity of the Siskins, playing for over 50 years. Final Thoughts Taking in hockey in a small community is different and the Stayner Siskins offer a glimpse into small town life and the support of their local hockey team.  The Stayner Arena is a hub for the community and a decent venue for the level of hockey being played here.  Taking in a Stayner Siskins game will not disappoint. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Courtesy of the Mississippi Mud Monsters S eptember 8th 2024, was a sad day for Mississippi sports fans as, after 20 seasons playing at Trustmark Park, the Mississippi Braves played their final game. The Atlanta Braves Double-A affiliate will move to Columbus, GA in 2025 and rename themselves the Columbus Clingstones, after a Georgia brand of peach. During the entire 2024 season it was unknown what would become of Trustmark Park, which was still in good condition after 20 years. Besides Braves games the ballpark hosts high school state championship games and college baseball games every year between Southern Miss , Ole Miss , and Mississippi State .   However, on the previous night, September 7th, it was announced to a sellout Saturday night crowd at Trustmark Park that baseball would be staying in Pearl, MS, with the Independent Frontier League scheduled to place an expansion team here beginning in 2025. Three team names were given for fans to vote on: 1) Mississippi Grits, 2) Mississippi Mud Monsters, and 3) Mississippi Soul Shakers. Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey   The winning team name was unveiled on September 30th, when the Mud Monsters were chosen as the newest team to represent the Frontier League. Mud Monsters is a play on the state's unofficial fish, the catfish – the Magnolia state leads the country in catfish production. If you see a hole in a wall catfish restaurant in Mississippi, I advise visiting, as this will probably be some of the best catfish in the world.   The Frontier League is one of four independent leagues that is considered to be an MLB Partner League – there is no affiliation with an MLB club, but players are eligible to sign with MLB clubs throughout the season. The 18-team league will have teams much different than wha t Mississippi Braves  fans are used to in the Southern League, as the Mud Monsters will play in a 9-team Western Division consisting of teams in Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. Instead of road trips to local towns like Biloxi, Pensacola, and Montgomery, the closest team to Mississippi will be the Evansville Otters 500 miles away. The Mud Monsters will also make 1,600-mile road trips to as far away as Quebec City. Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey   It'll be a much different look in 2025 at Trustmark Park, but the fact of the matter is that baseball is staying here, and the ballpark that once welcomed Braves  stars such as Ron ald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Max Fried, Austin Riley, and Spencer Strider will continue to host baseball for hopefully many years to come.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Surprise Stadium 15930 N Bullard Ave Surprise, AZ 85374 Map It Surprise Saguaros website Surprise Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 10,714 Sah-WAR-ohs Built in 2002, Surprise Stadium is the spring training home for MLB’s Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals . The stadium is part of the Surprise Recreation Campus in Surprise, AZ, which is in the farthest northwest corner of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The stadium has a capacity of 10,714 and is the most distant stadium from central Phoenix and the airport. In the fall, the baseball stadium is home to the Arizona Fall League (AFL) Surprise Saguaros (pronounced Sah-WAR-ohs). The Arizona Fall League is a developmental instructional baseball league played in various spring training complexes in the Greater Phoenix area. The season lasts a little over a month, during October and November.  Each Major League baseball team sends seven top prospects to the league to continue their development and for additional practice. For the 2024 season, the Astros, Royals, Orioles, Guardians, and Rangers sent players from their minor league teams to join the Saguaros. These affiliations change over the years. The Surprise Saguaros have won three AFL Championships, most recently in 2023. Food & Beverage 2 One concession stand on the concourse behind home plate is open for Saguaros games, and that’s enough.  The selection during the 2024 season includes bratwurst sausages ($6.25), monster hot dogs ($6.25), and nachos ($5.75). There’s usually an additional Manager’s Special, like chicken tenders. Snacks include Bavarian pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and Snickers ice cream pops ($2.75 - $5.50). Drinks range from $3.25 - $5.50 an d include water, sweet tea, and fountain soda (Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper brands). The concession stand sells a variety of domestic and craft canned beer ($7.75 - $10.25).  A Desert Cactus Margarita (with two shots of tequila) costs $14.25. It’s enough to satisfy a hungry Saguaro fan.  Fans can bring in their own bottles of water and snacks. Atmosphere 4 Surprise Stadium offers a low-key, pleasantly delightful afternoon or evening of baseball. A 360-degree concourse surrounds the field, good for getting your steps in without missing the action on the diamond. Standard green fold-down stadium seats with cupholders stretch from foul pole to foul pole, though the sections beyond the dugouts are tarped of f for the Fall League. F ans walk down to their seats from the concourse. The second level is closed to fans for Fall League games. Handicapped seating lines the rim of the seating area on the concourse. Fans can sit wherever they prefer, which is standard for all Fall League games. We recommend bringing a rag or towel; you may need to wipe bird droppings off a seat. The infield concourse is sheltered in the event o f inclement wea ther. A medium-thick net extends across all seating. Sit in the seats above the bullpens for an inning or two to experience a unique and different viewpoint of the game. The music volume is fine, a little loud but tolerable under the speakers.  The person responsible for playing the music does a good job and only plays it pregame and between innings, as it should be.    Sit in section 113 to be out from under the speakers (though this section is in the sun during afternoon games). The field is remarkably green and plush, unusual for the hot and dry conditions in Arizona, especially this past 2024 summer. The scoreboard sits in the left field berm and provides some advertisements, the line score, and the batter’s name and photo (if they have it). The Saguaros staff set up a merchandise table on the concourse behind home plate. It offers merchandise for not only the Saguaros but other Fall League teams as well.  Fans can pick up team rosters and starting lineups at this table. Surprise Stadium Merchandise Table, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 Surprise, AZ is known for having many active adult communities and residences. Many northerners migrate south for the winter or relocate permanently to the area for its warm weather. Surprise does not have a ‘downtown’ area and is more piecemeal with communities and strip malls. Construction crews are building more and more structures as the city grows in popularity. Across the street from the stadium are the city-owned and operated tennis and racquet courts, the Surprise Community Park (walking trails, fishing pond, and picnic area), an aquatic center, and the library. For places to stay near the ballpark, a Residence Inn , Holiday Inn Express , and a Hilton Garden Inn  are all about ½ mile from the stadium. Places to eat and drink before or after the game require a vehicle. Man y chains and fast food pla ces are along Bell Rd. For non-chain suggestions, try Bonfire Craft Kitchen and Tap House , Saigon Kitchen  (Vietnamese), or Irish Wolfhound Pub . State 48 Brewery has a brewpub a little over two miles from the stadium. If outdoor activities interest you, at least eight golf courses dot the Surprise landscape, or take a hike at the White Tank Mountain Regional Park (17 miles from the ballpark). The closest Fall League venue is Peoria Sports Complex, home of the Peoria Javelinas , 10 miles east. Camelback Ranch, where the AFL Glendale Desert Dogs  play, is about a 30-minute drive. Fans 3 Fans who attend Fall League games tend to be scouts, autograph hunters, or those who enjoy the game itself and not all the extras that occur in minor and major league parks throughout North America.  Fans applaud all good plays regardless of team. The Saguaros draw about 300 – 500 fans per game.  Weekend games have a higher attendance.  The fan base tends to increase as the season progresses . Access 2 Surprise Stadium is 40 miles from Sky Harbor Airport. No public transportation is available from the airport, nor does Surprise have local bus service options. Driving is the only option. One entrance is open for Fall League games, behind center field.  The closest spot to park is the West Fastball Dr parking lot.  Parking is free for Fall League games. It’s one of the rare baseball venues where the ticket booth is outside center field, behind the batter’s eye. The third baseline gates open for exiting after the game, making the walking distance shorter.  The Saguaros provide golf cart-like transportation from the entrance to the seating area (and back) for those who need it.  Clear stadium bags are allowed, though the signs indicating such are not easy to read and do not make fans feel welcome. The 360-degree concourse is comfortably wide. Clean and serviceable restrooms are open on the inner concourse. The 360-degree concourse is comfortably wide. Clean and serviceable restrooms are open on the inner concourse. Return on Investment 4 As with everything else, 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 (less if you are 55+). Parking is free, as it is at all Fall League parks. Attending a baseball game on a warm fall day or evening for the game is worth the price and Surprise Stadium does a good job at keeping it baseball. . Extras 3 The stadium features a Hall of Fame, highlighting plaques honoring both Royals and Rangers players, managers, and local community role models. Paper copies of the starting lineup and rosters are available upon entry or at the souvenir table, a good thing for fans who keep score. The shrubbery in the batter’s eye this 2024 season makes me chuckle as the saguaro looks like it’s giving the fan base the finger (gotta love Mother Nature). Surprise Stadium Batter's Eye, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Depending on which game you attend, you may see members of the nearby Luke Air Force base present the colors, sing the national anthem, and throw out the first pitch.    When the game day announcer recognizes armed force members and veterans in the stands during the game, a good portion of the Saguaros players applaud and wave their hats in appreciation of their service.  Final Thoughts Surprise Stadium is an attractive stadium and all staff members are quite pleasant. Fans attending Sah-WAR-ohs games here enjoy their time.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 John L Guidry Stadium 1 Stadium Dr Thibodaux, LA 70301 Nicholls State Colonels website John L Guidry Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 10,500 College Football in the Sugar Cane Bayou An hour west of the sprawling city of New Orleans, nestled among the fields of sugar cane and bayous, the campus of Nicholls State rises from the Louisiana soil. Here, small town college pride is on full display; football here is the main show on fall Saturday afternoons. In a stadium that features cozy views of the surrounding country as well as some modern touches, Nicholls State battles for victory. While not necessarily at the top of the list for sports fans visiting the Bayou State, Nicholls State may be a hidden gem. What it may lack in the top-tier finishes of some FBS powerhouse schools, this FCS program makes up for with local pride.   Food & Beverage   3 There aren’t a lot of food options at Nicholls State games, but the prices are incredibly affordable. Indeed, the few concession stands available have limited menus. The traditional favorites of burgers ($5-$6), pizza ($8), hot dogs ($4), nachos ($4-$6), beer ($6), and drinks like water, soda, and Powerade ($4) are all available. However, the stars of the show here are the local favorites like jambalaya ($5), bread pudding ($4), and boudin links ($5-$6). Atmosphere   3 The stadium itself is simple in design. Two large concrete grandstands on opposite sidelines offer the majority of the seating here. The home side features black individual seats with backs, as well as a press box with several suites available. Behind one end zone is a patio outside the student athlete center which has several table and chair setups, while the other end zone features field-level cabana viewing areas below the scoreboard. Before games, fans pack the grassy shaded areas outside the stadium for pre-game tailgating. Specific areas can be purchased for pre-game by larger groups for a more specified tailgating experience. The standard college football hits are all here; a band plays on the field before the game and during halftime, while a mascot roams around entertaining fans. Cheerleaders and a dance team perform and toss t-shirts into the stands for fans.   Neighborhood   3 Thibodeaux isn’t a large city. In fact, its population is just over 15,000 people, so the small town vibe is prevalent. The surrounding country is populated with sugar cane fields and bayou swampland. The nearest airport is an hour east in New Orleans. There are some typical chain restaurants in town, like Raising Canes, as well as Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse. Attractions include the Bayou Country Children’s Museum, as well as the E.D. White Historic Site. Several chain hotels are also in town, including the Hampton Inn that sponsors the football team.   Fans   3 The fans in Thibodeaux are loyal and passionate – there is definitely a lot of hometown pride when it comes to cheering for the Colonels. That said, not every game is packed with people. Attendance is sometimes dependent on visiting fans as well. Nonetheless, Nicholls State football games are a family affair, with lots of young fans in attendance.   Access   3 To get to Thibodeaux, you have to take some smaller back roads. From New Orleans, a short drive on I-310 and then Highway 90 eventually whittles down to Route 308, which is a one lane road each way that winds along Bayou Lafourche. From the west or north, smaller roads are your only way in. Once in Thibodeaux, signage helps point you towards campus. Parking on site is plentiful.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to Nicholls State football games are very affordable, starting at just $20 for general admission tickets. Assigned seating on the home side starts at $24, and goes up to $39 for stadium-style seats with backs to them. This means taking the whole family to see some college football in the bayou is a lot more affordable than at the stadiums of some other Louisiana college teams.   Extras   2 Whenever the team scores a touchdown, and during the player introductions, a large firetruck parked next to the end zone blares its siren. Games offer several giveaways for fans; what is available depends on the different theme going on during that day’s game.   Final Thoughts Thibodeaux may not be at the top of the list of everyone’s college football towns to visit, but Nicholls State has a respectable setup nonetheless. Fans are loyal and proud and make sure their hometown team is loved each and every game. And with both ticket prices and concessions at incredibly affordable prices, this is a much cheaper option for a college football game than many nearby stadiums may offer.

Photo Credit Spatms Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 David R. Stopher Gym Nicholls State-Acadia St. Thibodaux, LA 70310 Nicholls State Colonels website David R. Stopher Gym website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 3,800 Nickel’s Worth at Nicholls When you go to south Louisiana, you have to go all the way down to the bayous to find a city named Thibodaux where the Colonels of Nicholls State University reside. Nicholls is probably the southernmost university in the state and as the campus sits across from Bayou Lafourche you know you’re down with the gators. If you’re ever down at Nicholls State for a basketball game you should know that the teams play in David R. Stopher Gymnasium, which opened in 1970. The Stopher caps out at 3,800 fans but for a small D-I school, there are some perks about it. Food & Beverage 2 Concession stand? Let’s just call it a snack bar. In Stopher Gym, there is one snack bar area where you can get hot dogs and nachos for $3 each. However, the beverage prices are set pretty high. PowerAde ($3), bottle of water ($3), and the soda is $3. And the snack bar is located as soon as you walk in the door of the gym. I thought I was arriving at a packed game when I walked in, but it was the snack line mixing with the ticket line. Atmosphere 1 The atmosphere was very high school like, having the few loyal fans who dress up and then the older crowd who is just spectating. One thing I was really impressed with was the upper section of the seats that were upstairs. They looked to be regular bleacher seats and could be used as such, but there also were mini seatbacks that could fold up and give you some back support. I did expect a more rowdy atmosphere since the Colonels are the only school in this area of the state and it was a conference game, so the atmosphere overall was a disappointment. Neighborhood 3 Thibodaux is a pretty small college town, which means you won’t find a whole lot to do in the area. If you’re into history though then you’ve struck gold here. There is a sugar plantation that has been running since the late 1800s in the area and the downtown area seems to have a nice taste of history behind it as well. Other than that, you’ll find your ordinary small college town, which includes fast food chains and a shopping strip about a mile away from the campus. However I must add that there are a few restaurants there that you must visit. One is called Politz’s Steak and Seafood; remember you are in the south along the bayous so the seafood is what you want to concentrate on experiencing. Fans 1 The fans weren’t in abundance for whatever reason – maybe the students go back home on weekends – but the fans that were there made sure you knew they were in the building. There wasn’t much chanting going on and the only noise really was that which came from the band members. I thought for sure all colleges had a fan base and student section; that was until I arrived at the Stopher. When you talk about student support, you can count on one hand those who showed up for the Colonels. The band did the best it could along with the cheerleaders and dance team, but the fan element definitely was missing and the school needs to find a way to get fans in the stands. Access 2 Access to the college and gym wasn’t the easiest thing, being that there isn’t a major interstate to take to just get off and make a few turns. You get there through the highways and the way I went I just followed the Bayou Lafourche, that way I couldn’t miss it because the campus is located directly across from it. To make things trickier there aren’t any signs that say arena or sporting complexes once you’re on the campus. Once you get to the back of the campus, Stopher Gym doesn’t stand out at all from the other building of the school, so it’s confusing as to where the gym is. I wasn’t particularly happy with riding around the campus hoping to stumble upon it because I like to know where I’m going. But once you’re in, the Stopher is easily accessed. As soon as walk in you get tickets, concessions, you look to the right you see bathrooms, you look straight ahead there’s the court – very high school-esque to say the least. Return on Investment 3 Here’s what I consider to be the only treasure you’ll find for watching the Colonels basketball. With ticket prices ranging from $5 – $12 and free parking, you will not find a much cheaper basketball experience. The concessions aren’t worth the time, but if you hold out on the food there, you’ll notice on the back of your ticket a free McDonalds Big Mac coupon. And yes, it works in the surrounding McDonalds in Thibodaux – I know from experience. If you’re looking for the best of college basketball this definitely isn’t the place, but if you’re looking for a cheap game to attend and a free Big Mac, here’s where you need to be. Extras 1 The only treasure is the ticket to get in because you get a free Big Mac after the game – win, lose, or draw. Other than that, the Nicholls experience didn’t quite give me my nickel’s worth. Luckily I’m a Big Mac fan though.

Photos courtesy of Blaise D'Sylva If you’re a sports fan, more than likely you were a collector of something at some point in your fandom career – maybe it was baseball cards or autographs; maybe it was ticket stubs or jerseys. If you’re a fan, you probably have some merchandise of your favorite team and/or players. Some fans grow out of the collecting hobby, while some, like Blaise D’Sylva, grow into it. D’Sylva has amassed what can only be described as a museum-worthy collection of football helmets that he showcases on his X – formerly known as Twitter – account . At the time of our interview, D’Sylva estimated his collection of mini helmets was probably over 7,000 and spanned every FBS team ever, every NFL team ever, and most CFL and sundry other pro football leagues. It is astounding. I caught up with him recently to ask about how this collection got started, how his professional career has brought him in and around sports, his website, and we naturally talk about his favorite helmets.   EM:  Before we dive in and talk about the helmets, let’s talk about you a little. Looking at your professional background, you have been in and around the sports world for a long time. Can you share a little bit about that? BD:  My career has really been about working in advertising. I started at an advertising agency right out of grad school in Chicago. I was working in the media department where we actually had the money and got to spend it. I worked there for 17 years and then I switched…and worked for All-State Insurance. I did a couple of fun projects that are still around. One is the All-State Sugar Bowl and also when you see All-State in the field goal nets, we started that as well, when I was there. I’m proud to have been part of a team to have put that all together. I then went to ESPN where I sold advertising. Did that for about six years, and then went back to the client side of the business. I worked at Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis…then I was down at the Dr Pepper/Snapple Group [now Keurig/Dr Pepper] in Plano, Texas. Since then I’ve done some different projects out here in Vegas, where I am today. EM:  Would it be fair to say then that you are a bit of a sports fan? BD:  Yeah, definitely. The fact that I’ve been able to marry a personal passion with something I like to do in business has been fantastic. It doesn’t get much bigger than when you’re running all the sports sponsorships at Anheuser-Busch. I’ve been able to touch sports in a lot of different ways in the work that I’ve done. EM:  Let’s talk about the collection now. Right now, do you know how many helmets you’ve got? BD:  That’s a good question. I would say, rough count is probably somewhere between 7,000 and 7,500. Just to give you perspective, there are about 275-300 new college helmets per year. In the NFL, there are 10-15 new helmets this year. The CFL probably half a dozen. Maybe I do the UFL, there will be a few there. There are probably around 350 new helmets a year that get added. My biggest worry is that I’m running out of room. I’ve probably got enough space to get through 2025. After that, I’ll have to figure something out for this space. That and the acrylic cases [I have them in]. Riddell used to make those when they first started making the Pocket Pro Sized Helmets years ago and I used to pick them up from them and they were fairly cheap. They stopped making those 10-15 years ago. I pick them up on eBay every once in a while. EM:  How did this get started? Did it start with one and then just snowball? BD:  When I was a kid, this was back in the 1970s, I collected those gumball helmets that you used to get for $.25 in the gumball machines. I do still have a bunch of gumballs [in my collection]. I had those and forgot about them. Then, with the advent of eBay, you started buying things you never thought you’d see again. For me, it was the combination of two things. It was eBay and second, I went to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001. It was the weekend before the induction ceremony and there was a bunch of vendors out in the parking lot. One of them was a Riddell booth and they had a set of these Pocket Pro helmets that looked really nice. They had an NFL throwback set, that they would eventually sell, but were for display only at that time. They had a bunch of helmets I’d never seen before. Riddell started making those in mass production in the early 2000s. I met a guy on eBay and bought some Arena helmets from him. He’d taken the Riddell helmets and strip the paint, repaint them and put the vinyl logos on them. He asked me what I’d want, and I said let’s make everything. That’s when it really took off, because that’s how it allowed me to collect every version of every team. He and I have been working together since 2003 and I added a second guy in 2016 when the first one said he was going to stop doing it. He ultimately didn’t stop, which is a good thing, because it has taken so much effort just to get caught up. At the end of the 2022 season, I was finally caught up with all the FBS schools. I’m probably less than 40 helmets away from the 2023 season. It’s a never-ending thing.   EM:  I frequently visit your website, helmethistory.com ; it’s very comprehensive. It seems like you update that very regularly. How much work are you putting into sharing your passion for this unique part of the game of football? BD:  I tell you, I look forward to the offseason because of the amount of work that goes into this. I don’t make the helmets, but the amount of work in doing just the research every week is a lot. By the time I research it, I’ll post it on the website, I’ll tweet it out. It’s a good eight to 10 hours of work a week to do it right. The one thing that I do do, and I’m probably creating more work for myself, is that I’ll record what a team says they’re going to wear, but I’ll always verify what they did wear. You’ll always get one or two teams a week that say they’re going to wear something and not do it. The thing for me is, I’m not breaking any news or selling any ads on my website. I’m doing it because I need to track it so the guys can make the helmet. I think my website is the most comprehensive for what I do. I track all the teams in FBS and 72 teams in FCS and the NFL and CFL. It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun. There is no end game in sight.   EM:  Before I let you go, I wouldn’t think of asking you to pick out a helmet as your favorite, but what would you same are some of your favorite ones? BD: I’m more partial to some, sure. Washington State, for sure, because that’s where I went to school. So, that’s always a favorite for me. I do like teams that I think have cool colors and cool logos. Tulane has always been a favorite of mine with the angry wave. I do like some of the Navy and Army ones that they use when they play each other. Air Force, too. Those are some of my individual favorites. I do like what Oregon does, because they were the original innovators. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photo Courtesy of AFC Wimbledon Plough Lane was on my schedule for a football match when I visited London in a couple of weeks. However, that might not be the case as the club works to repair its pitch in hopes of hosting another game soon. The home of AFC Wimbledon received heavy damage from recent floodings from the nearby River Wandle, which broke its banks following a period of heavy rain. The club does not know when it will be able to return home. The entire pitch, concourse, buildings, and ground floor were completely underwater. It resulted in the pitch resembling a golf course with sandy bunkers and more than 26,417 gallons of water pumped out of the stadium. The torrential rains also opened up a sinkhole in the corner of the pitch. Club management could spend close to ￡1.5 million to repair the pitch, and club supporter Graham Stacey set up a JustGiving site that has raised ￡108,151 out of 150,000 of its goals for repairs. Volunteers have helped clear away debris inside the stadium this week. The Wombles League Two match with Accrington was postponed after failing to find a suitable stadium in London to play. Its midweek Carabao Cup match against Newcastle will be staged at St James’s Park on Tuesday, October 1. Newcastle will donate ￡15,000 and half of the gate fees will also go to repair the pitch at Plough Lane. James Woodroof, the club’s managing director, told the BBC that he thought the images were AI.  "We didn't realise it was going to be to this extent... It's been 60 years since the water had reached this level, and essentially,AF we were totally overwhelmed by it.” The current stadium, known as Cherry Red Records Stadium, for advertising purposes opened in November 2020.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum is just across the street from Busch Stadium and is part of the Ballpark Village. The museum is an impressive collection of team history dating back to the team’s origins and showcases the many players, home stadiums, and World Series championships won by the club. The museum boasts one of the largest team-specific collections of artifacts and memorabilia in the world. Seven galleries take you on a chronological journey through the history of the Cardinals; visitors learn about the birth of the franchise, relive special memories, view game-worn jerseys, and interact with great exhibits. The floorplan is set up in seven different areas highlighting the team's former homes of Sportsman Park and Busch Stadium II, along with its current venue, Look of the Cardinals, Championship Gallery, Cardinals Nation, and the Hall of Fame. There is also a rotation exhibit at the museum. The Look of the Cardinals illustrates how those two birds got onto the bats and game-worn jerseys are displayed that show the evolution of the famous insignia that has been on every home jersey, except 1956, every year since 1922. The look was inspired by table decorations created by Allie May Schmidt for dinner engagement by the Cardinals Vice President and General Manager Branch Rickey. The championship gallery features all 11 World Series trophies, rings, and paraphernalia in a beautiful circular-shaped room. There is a collection of great material from the different championship eras from pins, game day programs, press pins, clothing, and photographs. The museum also dedicates an area to the memory of the St. Louis Browns who played from 1903-1953 and in 1944 played the Cards in the all-St. Louis World Series. All of the galleries offer interactive areas, detailed information, and plenty of nostalgia for fans of the teams. Visitors are also able to pose for pictures holding game-used bats by former players, call a game in the broadcast booth, and put on an actual World Series championship ring. Even if you are not a Cardinals fan, it would be hard not to be impressed with the massive collection and detail of history. St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum 700 Clark St., St. Louis, Missouri 62102 http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/stl/cardinals-nation/hof.jsp Open Monday-Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

I picked an odd time to visit London. Not because it was October and the weather was cold and rainy, but because there were no football matches in either the Premier or Championship due to the international break, a period when players are called up to represent their national teams in international matches. It was my first time in town since 1997, and I wasn’t leaving without watching a match. Luckily, there were matches in League One and Two, but they were not without their issues. Since it was the international break, the Leyton Orient match was postponed due to its players representing their countries. AFC Wimbledon match was in jeopardy of being played due to flood damage to the corner of the pitch two weeks earlier. What a strange time to be in London for a football match. Thankfully, things worked out. Leyton had a Tuesday match against Colchester in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. It is a midweek knockout cup competition in EFL League One and League Two, plus an additional 16 invited sides from Premier League and EFL Championship clubs with Category One Academies. I exited the London Underground at Leyton Station and passed the TK Maxx, which is what it is named in the UK, across the street towards the stadium. I trekked through the winding roads of the residential neighborhood, with houses stuck together. After a 15-minute trot, I find myself at Brisbane Road. The walk from The Underground stop is about 15 minutes through a residential neighborhood. The atmosphere was different from a regular season matchup on a Saturday afternoon. Only one stand was open for the match, resulting in a crowd of around 1,800 attending the rain-soaked match underneath the floodlights of Brisbane Road. The club reduced ticket prices for adults to as low as £5 and £1 for children under 17.  The atmosphere was not what I had expected, but I enjoyed my visit. I enjoyed a pie and double mash in the concession area. The parsley sauce and a splash of malt vinegar were perfect for the cold rain outside the grounds. I probably could have enjoyed a pint of lager or another pie, but as I finished my last bite, I noticed a gentleman wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. His name is Todd, and he is there with his daughter. He is a lifelong Leyton fan through his mother and grew up a few blocks away from the stadium. He tells me that the stadium has not changed much in his lifetime, but the neighborhood has. Leyton has gone through gentrification and has seen an influx of young professionals moving into the neighborhood. High Road, once in dilapidated condition, is now filled with bars, restaurants, and nightlife. Leyton fans wait in line during half-time for a pint or a pie. He sounds like he is describing Wrigley Field to me since anyone I know under the age of 35 has to tell me how they live either in Wrigleyville or two or three stops away from Wrigleyville. I can tell you one thing: not one person will say they are from Leyton when I return to Indiana.  We chatted a bit more about the team’s promotion to League One, the rise in ticket prices, and our hockey teams over in North America. Two days later, the Leafs would go on to beat my New Jersey Devils. I handed him a card, and later that night, he followed me on Twitter. Hopefully, he enjoys the shout-out in this story. Brisbane Road embodies the classic English football ground, featuring four distinct stands, covered seating for spectators, and a designated section for away fans. The name "Leyton Orient" is prominently showcased on the roof's gable, while "Orient" is spelled out clearly in the empty seats of the South Stand. A rare look at The O's playing in a nearly empty stadium and under the floodlights Would I have enjoyed seeing a packed building, something Todd says happens frequently? Yes, but I was excited just to be at a match in a stadium in London. Leyton won on penalty kicks. After the game, I walked through the giant steel gates onto the main street to visit the club shop. It had been closed during the match, and I wanted to pick up an official kit as a souvenir. For us Americans, ordering a jersey online from England results in sizes such as a 3XL being too small for me. I then stumbled into the supporters' room, where I was allowed to mingle without paying the mandatory £1. I spoke with several members of the club and enjoyed a beer for £5, the lowest I would purchase a pint for during my trip. I glanced up and down at the photos and memorabilia on the walls, enjoyed the cask draughts pumping out the pints, and then I was introduced to one of the team's owners. The Leyton Supporters Group area offers £5 pints from the draught or the cask. His name is Kent Teague, and he is from Dallas, Texas. He told me he was looking for a team in the MLS or minor league baseball in the States but then opted for one in England. He is 1 of 22 Americans who own one of the 72 EFL teams in the top four divisions. It was an interesting conversation and one that I was not expecting as the bell rang to signify the last call for beer. After that, I was on my way back home for my hour-plus ride to the Wadsworth section of town, where my Airbnb was located. Thankfully, the Tube was not crowded, and I was able to find a seat as I enjoyed the views of the various stations zipping by me. My first football game in England was in the books. The next day, I began plans to visit AFC Wimbledon, which at the time made international headlines due to its pitch being destroyed by flood waters from the nearby Waddle River a little more than two weeks earlier. It caused the cancellation of two matches, and its EFL Cup game moved to Newcastle. The schedule said they were set to play at Plough Lane but were unaware of the work being done. The skies are blue, and the pitch is ready to go at Plough Lane, a week earlier, it was unplayable. Crew and volunteers worked night and day to restore the corner of the pitch that looked more like a bunker on a golf course. More than 100,000 liters were pumped from the stadium and, through resurfacing, cutting, and resodding, turned the field into a playable condition in time for the Saturday afternoon tilt against Carlisle.  What I did not know at the time was that the game was sold out, and I had not been confirmed by my press credentials for the match. I had several emails sent to who I had hoped would credential me, but nothing positive. I walked to the media area of the stadium and pleaded my case to a man named George, who checked my email messages. He said that they never made it to the media department but gladly issued me a pass.  I had about 90 minutes before the match and made my way around the mixed residential/commercial neighborhood to find a pub. The Corner Pin looks like a typical English Pub, the type that would be recreated in the States. However, two security officers ask to see your ticket before entering. It is a home pub, and fans with away tickets must go elsewhere for a drink. The Corner Pin is a designated pub for home fans before the match. Once inside, the small pub was bristling with fans clamoring near the bar for a pint. It was so crowded that I hesitated to purchase a beer for around £6.50. I made my way to the back patio lined up with old-school AstroTurf flooring. An older gentleman spoke to me with a heavy British accent, one that I couldn’t understand. He might as well have spoken to me in Basque because I had no clue what he was talking about. I spotted a man donning a Bears cap, and we talked for a few minutes about London and why it was hard to catch a football match this week. He originally purchased tickets for the Leyton game and then quickly found one for this game a few days before. He was unaware of the international break, when you have more NFL games in town than Premier League games, you picked an odd time to be in London. Plough Lane, Cherry Red Records Stadium, for sponsorship reasons, was much different than Brisbane Road. It was built in 2020 and had a covered concourse with a view of the field from the main stand and modern toilets and concession stands. The walls were decorated with team pictures, paintings, murals, and memorabilia. Folks lined up to grab pints of beer from plastic reusable cups, and plenty of flaky meat pies were devoured. The Speedway Bar offers a lot more than the beer, wine, and cider on its menu. I would have been happy just being here, but I made it downstairs to the Reston Waste South Stand, the heart and soul of the stadium. The supporter section provides an ideal backdrop with songs and chants that resonate throughout the rest of the stadium. They had plenty to cheer about, with a 3-0 lead at halftime. Behind the stand is The Speedway, where food trucks line the interior walls serving food found on the streets of New York, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and Sydney, Australia. The Speedway Bar overflowed with cider, lagers, and wine. The Phoenix Bar was full of supporters enjoying craft beer. This is one of a few food trucks offering international treats such as choripan and milanesa Perhaps a similar atmosphere would have existed at Leyton Orient today if that game had not been postponed. However, those are the breaks you get when you visit London during the international break in the football season. There were more observations, a contingency of Chicago Bears fans were in town for the London NFL game the next day. They wore their team colors but also wrapped themselves in a few AFC Wimbledon scarves and kits. Just like me, they were hoping to watch a football game while in town; it was the only match in town; the closest other match was in Crawley Town, 27 miles to the south.  With so many Chicago fans, I wonder if The Dons now have a presence in the Windy City. Speaking of merchandise, I never saw a shop packed with merchandise and fans in a queue (great, I am picking up the local terms). Jackets, various kits, t-shirts, caps, scarves, stuffed Womble dolls, gloves, and books were grabbed by many. At least a dozen men were trying on kits to check the fit. After The Dons tallied their final goal to make it a 4-0 thrashing of Carlisle, I hung around The Phoenix Bar with a few hundred fans. I bumped into a family that saw me at the Craven Cottage tour a few days earlier; a small world. By this time, the London weather was getting colder, and it was time to make it to the bus to get back home.  Dusk settled in, and my bus stop was in front of The Woodman Pub on Durnsford Road, another elegant-looking place for a drink. A few patrons stumbled out of the bar laughing and hopped on the bus with me. The bus weaved through the winding roads of South London and towards my short trip back to Wadsworth. What game did I enjoy the most? Probably Wimbledon, but they were both great experiences for a first-timer. I wish I had more time to see more games in town since London is home to clubs in all four divisions, from Chelsea, Fulham, Tottenham, Arsenal, QPR, Brentford, West Ham, and others.  In the end, I was satisfied, and perhaps it wasn’t an odd time to be in London. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Delta Center 301 West South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Utah Hockey Club website Delta Center website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 16,200 (12,000 unobstructed seats) Arriving At The Delta Center The 2024-2025 NHL season found a longtime NHL team now operating out of a new home. This is a result of the relocation of the former Arizona Coyotes franchise to Salt Lake City, Utah. The relocation agreement results in the Arizona Coyotes name being protected in case a future franchise comes to the Valley of the Sun. The new management of the team decided to keep the team’s new name simple during its first year of operations in Salt Lake City. This means the team will use the Utah Hockey Club name during the 2024-2025 season. The team will conduct a name-the-team contest during this season, to involve its fans in the naming process. This means the blue and white color scheme of the uniforms and the use of the generic team’s name will be changed at the end of the season. The new team in town will play in the Central Division of the Western Conference in the NHL. The Delta Center will serve as the new home ice for the Utah Hockey Club. It opened in 1991 and has gone through several renovations over the years. There was some suggestion of building a new arena to house the hockey team, but this was seen as impractical, as no building sites were available in the downtown area, and the city did not have the funds to buy and build such a new facility. Due to a short timeline, the Utah Hockey Club will undertake a remodeling process in the off-season to bring the facility up to a much larger and more functional level. This should be easy to accommodate, as the Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club are owned by the same individual. Food & Beverage 4 The Delta Center offers a good mix of both local and national vendors in the concessions program. Pizza slices are available at both the Little Caesars and the Maxwell’s pizza stands. Ice cream and dairy products are offered at the Farr Better Ice Cream stand, Dippin Dots kiosks, and the Spilled Milk Ice Cream and Cereal Bar. Food with a 50’s fare is served at the Ice Berg Drive Inn stands. Alcoholic drinks are served at the Hop Shop and Craft Shop concession stands. The Salt City Smokehouse serves delicious BBQ. South of the border specialties are offered at the Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill and at Chile Verde. The J. Dawgs stand serves typical stadium/arena fare. This includes hot dogs ($9), fries ($6), Coca-Cola brand sodas ($8.50) and water ($5). The Delta Center recently announced a limited set of “fan favorite” menu items that will be available at reduced prices. Popcorn, nachos, hot dogs, and Farr’s ice cream bowls will each be priced at $3, while Dasani bottled water is being marked down to $2. Most of the food and beverage items are available by using the mobile ordering function on the Delta Center app. You order from your seats and are notified when your order is ready. This minimizes any time lost from watching the game and shortens the lines experienced at the concession stands overall. Atmosphere 3 After a gypsy existence in the Phoenix area over the last few seasons, the former Arizona Coyotes have settled into their permanent home at the Delta Center. While the Mullett Arena had nice amenities, it was severely undersized for a major league sports franchise. The Delta Center has been around for nearly 35 years, but it has undergone several major renovations over the years to keep up with the changes in the sports facilities industry. It offers comfortable 20-inch-wide seats, a state-of-the-art scoreboard at center ice, and a video board in each of the four corners of the facility. The concourses are open towards the ice, so you do not miss much of the action when you visit one of the concession stands. The atrium at the front of the Delta Center is expansive enough to hold the large crowds upon arrival so that fans can get in from the wintry elements very quickly. We would give an even higher score to this element of the Delta Center, but there is one glaring negative, which will be addressed at the end of the 2024-2025 hockey season. The seating bowl has never been used in a hockey configuration before, resulting in some obstructed views for seats at the two ends of the ice. There was not sufficient time when the franchise was moved to address this issue. However, immediately after the inaugural hockey season ends, the Delta Center will make the needed adjustments in time for future seasons. Neighborhood 5 The Delta Center is located just west of downtown Salt Lake City. It is located at the corner of West Temple and John Stockton Drive. It is surrounded by several older buildings, some small shops, and some city services. The owner of the team is working closely with city officials to redevelop the district with more residential properties, as well as amenities like banks, shops, and schools. The area around the Delta Center offers many activities within walking distance of the venue. Lodging is available at the Radisson Hotel/Salt Lake City Downtown, the Hyatt House Salt Lake City Downtown, or the Courtyard Downtown Salt Lake City. Nearby attractions include the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, as well as Temple Square, the world headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Utah Sports Hall of Fame is just a short walk from the Delta Center. The neighborhood around the arena also offers a wide variety of dining options before or after the game. Restaurants within walking distance of the arena include the Copper Canyon Grill House and Tavern and the Adelaide Urban Brasserie. Both the Squatter Pub Brewing Company and the Red Rock Brewery are located within a few blocks of the Delta Center. Fans 4 The fans in Salt Lake City have welcomed the former Coyotes with open arms. Typically, a new city comes into the NHL via the expansion route, which takes years to build a competitive program. Since the team arrived through relocation, the Utah Hockey Club bypassed the longer developmental route and has a team of veterans who have played together for years. The quick sellout of season ticket packages is indicative of the high level of interest in hockey in Salt Lake City. The team has also benefitted from the fact that it is only the second professional team in the city. It only faces the NBA Utah Jazz as competition for the major sports dollars in the area. Another positive aspect of the team’s fanbase is that a sizable portion of the local population has grown up playing the game and is knowledgeable about the sport. Salt Lake City is a winter sports city, as evidenced by hosting the Winter Olympic Games twice in the recent past. This means there is not a major learning curve for the fans with the arrival of an NHL franchise. The team’s decision to let the fans get involved with the naming of the team has been very well received. The team has “ballot boxes” and other voting options available to fans to voice their support for one of the many names proposed for the team. This has created a definite feeling of “buy-in” between the team and its fans. The Delta Center has a longtime reputation as one of the loudest venues in professional sports. Access 5 Utah uses the Seat Geek ticketing system for entry into the Delta Center. No matter what vendor you purchase your tickets from, the seats must be available on the Seat Geek app at the door. Doors at the arena open 90 minutes before the opening puck drop. The Trax light rail system has a station practically at the front door of the Delta Center. The station serves both the blue and green lines. It is the most cost-effective way to get to the arena, as the system is free within the downtown zone or only $2.50 per ride if coming in from the outside areas of the city. The Delta Center is just a couple of blocks from the intersections of I-15 and I-80 for fans coming from outside the Salt Lake City area. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Utah Hockey Club game during the 2024-2025 season is an expensive proposition. The team almost immediately sold out their season tickets package when they went on sale. More than 11,000 season ticket packages were sold in just four hours. This left just over 5,200 single-game tickets available per game. As a result, the tickets are extremely expensive due to the laws of demand. These premium-priced tickets result at the end of the ice seats going for $230, with seats in the lower-level corners being priced at $552. Center ice tickets are $210. You should avoid buying tickets in sections 107-137 and 117-127, if possible, as these sections will only have a partial view of the ice. This issue will be addressed after the 2024-2025 season through a restructuring of the seating bowl that will address the sight lines for people seating in the above sections. Another cost of attending a Utah Hockey Club game is getting to the venue. The Delta Center’s immediate parking area is reserved for season ticket holders. There are more than 10,000 parking spaces located within a few blocks of the Delta Center. These lots can be found at the City Creek Center, Park Place, and the Triad Center. These lots operate on a prepurchase basis, with reserved parking available through the Delta Center app. A much more convenient and cost-effective solution in getting to a game is to take the TRAX light rail system. There is a TRAX rail station located in front of the arena. The TRAX system operates within a free fare zone; this would allow you to ride free of charge if you did not leave the immediate area. Rides for fans that do go outside of these zones will only pay the $2.50 standard fare. Extras 4 The Delta Center hosted several events during the 2002 Olympics. Among the competitions held were the U.S. Figure Skating Championship and the short-track speed skating event. Salt Lake City has hosted two minor league hockey programs in the past. These include both the Salt Lake Golden Eagles and the Utah Grizzlies , who play in the Maverick Center in West Valley City. The Delta Center is energy efficient, as there are more than 2,500 solar panels on the roof of the arena. Salt Lake City will once again be hosting the Winter Olympic Games in the winter of 2034. It was chosen because it already has most of the facilities in place, offers excellent air connections from around the world, and has the support of more than 80% of Salt Lake City residents. Final Thoughts Salt Lake City has welcomed the former Coyotes with open arms and an arena that is much better suited to handle the large crowds the Utah Hockey Club is attracting in its new hometown.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Cintas Center FANFARE Score: 4.14 Cintas Center 1624 Herald Ave Cincinnati, OH 45207 Xavier Musketeers website Cintas Center website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 10,250 All For One at Xavier’s Cintas Center The Cintas Center is the home of the Xavier University men’s and women’s basketball teams. It was built through private donations as part of the school’s Century Campaign, opening in June 2000 at $46 million. The arena has a capacity of 10,250 and includes a large open concourse, an auxiliary gym, and multiple meeting and event spaces. The Musketeers have flourished, posting a 310-54 record as of this writing. The team also advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament three times since the Cintas Center opened, while the program has made 28 appearances in the post-season tournament. However, as modern as a building as it is, it will go under the knife as construction begins on refreshing suites, adding new seating options, and expanding hospitality and other social areas over the next two summers. The renovations will be completed in time for the 2024/2025 season and will decrease capacity to 10,224. Food & Beverages 4 The Cintas Center offers a fair amount of food that is very traditional for a college basketball game. There is nothing unusual, but the building offers Hoopy Hour before the game. Fans can enjoy $2 discounts 60 minutes before the game. Fans will find hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, chicken tenders, popcorn, chips, peanuts, and candy. The most unusual item is the Cincy pork nachos: barbecue pulled pork covered with cheese and topped with pickled onions and jalapenos. There is a kiosk called the Quatman Cafe, offering freshly made burgers and local Cincinnati Grippo’s barbecue potato chips. If you're looking to wash all that food down, you will find Pepsi products and an assortment of beer from Bud Light, to Sam Adams, to Great Lakes. A lot of the craft beer is located in D'Artagnan's Deck in section 200. There is also White Claw and wine offered at the game. Atmosphere 4 A Xavier game is quite the experience with a rabid student section, along with near-capacity crowds to provide a home-court advantage for the Musketeers. Also, when your team is naturally ranked, it can provide quite the atmosphere for the first-time visitor. The Cintas Center feels more like a multi-purpose venue but is the ideal size for basketball. The main concourse is decorated with giant photographs of the various sports teams that play on campus and more than enough historical photos of Xavier logos from the past. this is perhaps one of the things that stand out as a school has quite an array of word marks and brands from its glorious past. There was also a Hall of Fame that included memorabilia and historic pieces from Xavier’s basketball, football, volleyball, and Olympic sports teams. The Hall of Fame also features a video highlighting the history and tradition of Xavier athletics. Former NBA Draft pick and Musketeer David West has a colorful mural inside the building. The student section produces quite a bit of noise, and they line up very early before a game. They provide a beautiful backdrop to the athletes on the court and bring the decibels up quite a bit. The school has two official mascots, D'Artagnan, and The Blue Bob. A bizarre trio, but beloved figures at the arena. D'Artagnan waves the flag before games, while The Blue Blob looks like a Jim Henson creation. There is not a bad seat in the house, and most of the fans are focused on the court below. Banners are hanging from the rafters, and a modern visual scoreboard looms above the center court. The seating bowl does not wrap all the way around, but the outer concourse does for easy access for visitors. Neighborhood 2 The University Station development near Cintas Center has finally filled in. The mix of campus housing and street-level retail has brought some life to what was long an empty lot at the gateway to the university area. It does feature several food options, but since it is aimed at the college crowd, most are quick service shops like Starbucks and donut bakeries, along with a Gold Star Chili. There are several restaurants just off-campus, including Betta’s Italian Oven, a popular pregame spot near the corner of Cleneay and Montgomery Road. A short drive north on Montgomery will lead you to Gordo’s Pub & Grill (4328 Montgomery), featuring one of the city’s best burgers, along with a creative beer list. Across the street from the campus is one of the city’s best microbreweries, Listerman Brewing Company. The small, unassuming building offers everything from pale ales and IPAs to peanut butter porters and vanilla and cinnamon stouts. A great place to meet before taking in a Musketeers game. Fans 5 It's hard not to be impressed with the number of fans in the building. They are among the loudest and most dedicated in the state and could give some of the larger schools a run for their money as well. The student section makes their presence known and can stand up with the best of them, too. Access 4 If you're coming to the area via the Dana Avenue exit off I-71, it's best to give yourself some time, as the road toward campus can back up before big games. If coming from the north, you may find an easier path by taking SR-562 (a.k.a. the Norwood Lateral, as it runs between the city's two north-south interstates) and exiting at the US-22 (Montgomery Road). Then head west and turn left onto Montgomery. Follow this for a mile, and you'll encounter signs for the large basketball parking lot. Once inside the building, the main concourse wraps around the seating Bowl and allows easy access in and out when necessary. There is plenty of parking surrounding the arena and off the main streets of the neighborhood. Return on Investment 4 The price of tickets through the school could range from $40-$50, but slightly lower on secondary market sites. However, games can sell out fast, and depending on who the team is playing, prices can dip under $20 for non-rivals. Public parking lots are located on the South side of campus. Gameday parking will be available in Lot E off Montgomery Road, and any lot labeled P. There is a charge of a $20 fee for any of these lots. Extras 3 The Cintas Center earns a point for the decorations throughout the concourse, honoring the school's past. It earns an additional point for the Hoopy Hour, where concession prices or slashed a couple of bucks. The third point is awarded to the student section that is on its feet throughout the entire game. The fourth point is to The Blue Bob, one of the most unusual but endearing mascots in college sports. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Bill Aker Baseball Complex at Friendship Field Johns Hill Rd & Kenton Dr Highland Heights, KY 41099 Northern Kentucky Norse website Bill Aker Baseball Complex at Friendship Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 500 Watching Baseball from the Hill A few miles south of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, is Bill Aker Baseball Complex at Friendship Field on the campus of Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky. The field is located on campus and is built into a hill that creates a natural grass berm for fans in the outfield. It is currently undergoing renovations that will be completed in two phases. The field is symmetrical left-to-right, with a 320-foot fence down the lines and a 365-foot distance into the center field wall. The infield features a synthetic turf, while the outfield consists of natural grass. The only dirt on the field is on the pitching mound. The second phase of the renovations will increase the seating capacity and improve the dugouts. Food & Beverage 1 There is food served on the weekends for baseball games on top of the hill from local restaurants. However, during weekday games, there is no food or beverages to be found. Fans are allowed to bring in their food products. Many fans who watch games from the hill will bring Subway, Qdoba, or coneys from Skyline or Gold Star to eat during games. Atmosphere 2 When the weather is nice, there can be up to hundreds of people sitting on the hill. The atmosphere is lively, and patrons are known to heckle opposing players and cheer for the home team. The small stands in the back of the home plate may seat up to 50-60 people, and a couple of small aluminum bleachers are located behind the fence on the first baseline. The small row of seats behind the home plate does not feature any seating and could be uncomfortable if you attend without a seat cushion or chair back. Another area of concern is the entrance to the stadium itself; there does not seem to be a main entry or a great way to enter the stadium. The parking is on top of the hill, and fans have to descend the grassy slope or pathway to the main entrance; fortunately, there is a better way to watch the game. The best way to watch an NKU Norse game is to bring out a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the game from the outfield hill overlooking the outfield walls. It is probably the best section at the complex to watch the game and, perhaps, the most fun. There is ample room to house a few hundred spectators, and you are not too far away from the game itself. Some fans park their car on the hill and enjoy the game from the seat of their reminiscent of the old Albuquerque Sports Stadium. It’s the baseball equivalent of a drive-in movie theater. Neighborhood 3 The complex is on campus in the suburbs of Northern Kentucky. Downtown Cincinnati and Newport, Kentucky, are just minutes up I-271. To the south, there are plenty of retail and restaurant options to choose from when leaving the game. A few recommendations are Pompilio’s for home-style Italian food, Hofbrauhaus in Newport, and Buckhead Mountain Grill in Bellevue. The Newport Aquarium is a nice way to spend the afternoon with the family, and there is plenty of nightlife at Newport on the Levee. A nice bonus: fans can cross the Ohio River on the Purple People Bridge. Fans 3 On the weekends, the student population can be heard loudly from on top of the hill. The revelers usually come by the hundreds and give the small baseball complex a much-needed kick of excitement. When there is only a small handful of faithful fans, the crowd tends to be somewhat melancholy but will show signs of life when Northern Kentucky scores or makes a great play on the diamond. Access 3 It is rather simple to attend a game at Foundation Field. A drive is minutes down I-271 from Cincinnati, and the campus is easy to locate once you exit. The parking is free and plentiful during weekend contests but may take a little maneuvering during day games on the weekdays. Return on Investment 3 NKU does not charge a fee to attend a game. This may sound like a great deal. However, seats in the back of the dugout feel a little archaic. Your best bet is to bring your chairs and something to eat to make up for the lack of amenities at the ballpark. . Extras 1 The best part of the complex is being able to watch games from atop the hill, either in your car or on lawn seats. It’s a different and fun way to watch college baseball. Final Thoughts The Hill makes this a great venue for watching baseball. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta 5300 Winder Hwy Braselton, GA 30517 IMSA Petit Le Mans website Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 10,000 IMSA’s 10 Hour Finale Petit Le Mans has become a cult classic event in the sportscar world. For 10 hours, the best in sportscar racing battle it out in a thrilling multi-class endurance race through the hills of northern Georgia. Nestled an hour north of Atlanta, Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta offers some iconic sights and non-stop racing action over four days in the fall. And, being the season finale for multiple IMSA series, the stakes couldn’t be any higher. Packed with fans, this track offers plenty of great viewing areas and camping, helping Petit Le Mans rise quickly as one of the best events of the year for fans. Food & Beverage   3 There aren’t a lot of concession stands at this track; one lies in the outer paddock behind the Michelin Tower. Here you can find burgers ($8.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($8.99), hot dogs ($6.99), chicken tenders ($9.99), and more standard fare. Fries ($5.99) and drinks (soda, water, beer, and energy drinks) are also offered. Another stand is located in the infield near the Turn 5 area, and various food trucks populate the fan zone midway. Atmosphere   5 The event is like many in IMSA’s endurance schedule – three days of support races, as well as practice sessions for the main event, fill the entire slate at Road Atlanta from sunrise to well past sunset. Fans have access to both paddocks with their event ticket, allowing you to get up close to all the drivers and cars in between track sessions. On Saturday the cars roll out to the front stretch and grid up to their starting positions. Driver intros take place, and fans can walk the grid freely, getting up close to the cars, meeting their favorite drivers, and snagging some free swag from some of the teams. When the race starts, fireworks explode as the roar of engines fills the air. What follows is 10 hours of non-stop race action into the night. When it is all said and done, the season finale podium takes place in the lower paddock. As the cool fall air takes over, the glow of rotors becomes the dominant light source, the smell of campfires wafts through the trees, and the roar of fans heightens the excitement. Taking all the best things that make Sebring 12 Hours a great event and removing the chaos and craziness that dilute its family friendliness, Petit Le Mans easily supplants Sebring as the best party on the IMSA schedule. Just beware of the numerous spiders around the property, in practically every tree and bush.   Neighborhood   3 The main downside to Road Atlanta is its location – an hour north of Atlanta proper, this track isn’t near much. Aside from a few small hotels and fast foot locations a few miles down the road, Road Atlanta is very much dominated by rolling hills, suburbs, and farmland. A 15-minute drive south gets you to Buford and the big Mall of Georgia, however, where you can find plentiful hotels and restaurants. Also nearby is Chateau Elan resort and golf course for a more high-level resort experience; recreation can also be found outdoors at nearby Lanier.   Fans   5 The fans at Petit Le Mans are some of the most diehard in all of sportscar racing. A much more family-friendly atmosphere than Sebring , many here know how to party, but do so in a respectful way that doesn’t cross over into outrageous. The viewing areas and grandstands are always packed in every corner on race day, and many have been camping here at the track for decades during various race weekends. Without a doubt, some of IMSA’s best fans show up to Road Atlanta year after year, and the crowd only grows with each passing season. As with most events, 2024’s race saw a record crowd at Road Atlanta.   Access   5 To get to Road Atlanta, Exit 129 on I-85 or Exit 17 on I-985 will both get you to the track in the most direct manner – being located equidistant between these two interstate exits means that getting in and out is easy. Once at the track, parking is plentiful, and the facility also offers a tram that takes fans around the track to various viewing areas.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to Petit Le Mans are solidly priced for an IMSA endurance round. Kids 12 and under are free, and two-day tickets start at $90. A single day ticket is $80, while a 4-day pass costs $100 in advance. Parking in the infield in various locations comes at an additional price of $75 for the weekend, but considering you get paddock access to all events and free range to all trackside grandstands and viewing areas, the value offered at this event is right up there with the best on-track action in IMSA. Camping is also available, starting at $75 for tent camping; motorcycle parking is available for $10.   Extras   3 The event includes autograph sessions throughout, for all fans to attend for the various series in attendance, completely included in the price of admission. Being an endurance race also means you get to see night racing, which is somewhat of a novelty. New for 2024, the victory lane podium celebrations for Saturday’s main race have been moved across the track to the support paddock pit lane. Set up in front of the main grandstand for all the fans to see, this new locations gives those in attendance a chance to watch the victory ceremonies up close for the first time. Finally, the fan midway offers various sponsor displays and interactive activations that offer plenty of giveaways. Final Thoughts If you want to experience endurance racing at its best, don’t want to stay up for 24 hours, and prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere compared to Sebring , Petit Le Mans is without a doubt the best event for you. Located at an exciting track with great weather in the fall, Road Atlanta always is a must-visit on every race fan’s list.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Virginia International Raceway 1245 Pine Tree Rd Alton, VA 24520 SpeedTour website Virginia International Raceway website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 10,000 VIR’s SpeedTour Celebration The famed Virginia International Raceway has been a favorite visit among sportscar racers for decades. It hosts multiple racing events during the season including IMSA, Trans-Am, SRO, and GridLife. 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. The annual SpeedTour weekend at the track features Trans-Am, SVRA’s vintage racing, and the FR and F4 series, showcasing open-wheel racing’s future talent. Food & Beverage   2 There are several food options in the main paddock area, including the popular Paddock Cafe. This spot nestled next to the track features burgers ($9-$10), chicken fingers ($10), and more. In addition, the track has snacks ($2.50-$6.50) and various other items for sale at the main concession stand, and some food trucks pop up during the bigger race weekends down in the paddock area. Recently, automated tablets have been added here to speed up the ordering process, but lines to pick up orders are no less short. The track has also started offering breakfast options, including breakfast sandwiches ($7-$8) and combo breakfasts ($9-$11). The track also has an on-site restaurant called Oak Tree Tavern & Connie’s Pub, which is a more upscale option than something on the quick service side down by the paddock. The biggest downside at Virginia International Raceway, however, is that there are no other food options around the facility for fans who set up camp in other parts of the venue, or who wish to wander the property to watch the racing action. Also, unfortunately, unlike other weekends at the track, there are no food trucks during SpeedTour weekend, meaning the concession stand lines can get unbearably long, even with their new self-checkout lanes.   Atmosphere   5 Virginia International Raceway’s track is big, fast, and beautiful. Most of the track’s viewing areas offer views that extend beyond just one corner and include the complex heading up to and away from where you are set up, something that many other road courses are unable to boast. The fans also tend to come from all around and pack in the viewing mounds and grandstands around the facility, meaning you will be surrounded by your racing friends all weekend. The paint scheme and architecture of the various buildings harken back to southern plantation-style homes, as well as to the farmhouses and barns the rural south has become known for. Situated next to a watershed for a river, the surrounding area is also full of beautiful green trees to give Virginia International Raceway that special wooded look. VIR also continues to improve the fan access experience year over year – new tent camping areas were opened a few years ago inside the turns 1-4 area on driver’s left, while the RV camping and fan viewing areas were also extended far down the backstretch. Neighborhood   2 The biggest downside to VIR is its lack of neighbors. While there is peace in the solitude of VIR’s rural setting, there is quite literally nothing around Virginia International Raceway in any direction for at least half an hour. Located just over an hour north of the greater Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina, and half an hour southeast of South Boston in Virginia, you have to drive a while to find anything as far as hotels or restaurants. Thankfully, the nearest town of Milton just outside the track has seen some new restaurants show up in the last few years, giving you at least some options for dining right next door. A lot of fans and teams stay in Danville, VA to the west, or South Boston to the East, which is where you can find the closest places to eat – there you can find restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings and 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company, or lodging options such as Sleep Inn & Suites or Courtyard by Marriott. For something to do while in the area, South Boston Speedway features local short track racing on weekend nights, or down in Durham, NC you can visit Duke Forest for a quiet hike in the suburbs. Fans   3 The fans at Virginia International Raceway are pretty great as far as sportscar racing fans go. They love anything motorsports, show up en masse for race weekends, and know everything about the sport they love, and the drivers who compete in it. You can find everything from young fans who are just learning about the sport, to diehard loyalists who have been going for a long time. While SpeedTour weekend may not have the same number of fans as you can find during IMSA weekends, the crowd is no less impressive, watching Trans-Am and SVRA competitors race around the facility. Access   2 To get to Virginia International Raceway you have to drive off the main roads; State Highway 58 is the closest main roadway, connecting Danville to South Boston. There are no major highways in or around the area, with I-85 almost 30-45 minutes away to the southeast. That said, once you get to the track parking is plentiful on site and is well-marked. Fans can also enjoy getting around the facility easily, thanks to signage pointing them toward the paddock area from the main parking lots in the infield. Return on Investment   4 Tickets for Trans-Am and SVRA SpeedTour weekend at VIR are affordable, offering fans the ability to not break the bank to get access to exciting racing. A 4-day ticket costs $65, with 2-day tickets available for $45. Friday only ($25), Saturday only ($55), and Sunday only ($25) options are also available. Camping passes are also affordable, which means you can take in the races on-site without losing your shirt. Extras   3 Virginia International Raceway’s victory lane is located right in the main paddock, meaning fans can get up close to the post-race celebrations. Tickets to race weekend also get you into the paddock area for free, something other tracks and races require an additional ticket for. In addition, races at Virginia International Raceway also generally include driver meet and greets, as well as autograph sessions for fans to see the stars up close. Final Thoughts Taking a trip to Virginia International Raceway is a must-do for any race fan who wants to see some quality sportscar racing. The track is big, technical, and exciting – fans from all around flock to the speedway for a day at the races, and it’s easy to see why. While driving to the track and finding a place to stay nearby may be a challenge, Virginia International Raceway offers plenty for both casual and diehard sports fans to make their visit worth the trek.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Shaw Park One Portage Avenue East Winnipeg, MB R3B 3N3 Canada Winnipeg Goldeyes website Shaw Park website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 7,481 Shaw Park - The Standard of Winnipeg Shaw Park, also known as “The Fishbowl,” opened in 1999 as the home of the Winnipeg Goldeyes. The 7,461-seat capacity stadium has been a major draw in town, and the club has been one of the more successful independent teams in North America. The ballpark helped revitalize the downtown, attracting 6,048 per game during its first year of operation. Before Shaw Park opened, the Goldeyes played in Winnipeg Stadium, a football field that was at one time home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL. The team gets its name from the original Goldeyes, who were a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate in the Northern League from 1954 to 1964, before being resurrected in 1969 as an affiliate for the expansion Kansas City Royals. The franchise captured three titles during its stay in town in 1957, 1959, and 1960. Professional baseball had been played in town last in 1971 when the Montreal Expos operated the Winnipeg Whips of the International League. The team relocated from Buffalo midway through the 1970 season and were 1,100 miles from its nearest rival in the league; however, the plan was to place the Whips in the American Association, a Triple-A operation at the time, but the move never materialized, and the team relocated to Hampton, Virginia for the 1972 season. The current Goldeyes first played as the Rochester Aces in the Northern League in 1993. The next season, the team moved to town and won the championship, and the love affair between the city and the team began. There have been two expansions to Shaw Park to add more seats to answer the demand for tickets. The team is constantly near the top in attendance numbers in the American Association, mostly at number two behind the St. Paul Saints. Food & Beverage 5 Shaw Park has improved its menu options lately with a variety of options that should satisfy the taste buds of every customer who enters the ballpark. Goldie’s Grill offers the typical ballpark fare of hot dogs, nachos, chicken fingers, and soda pop. The Goldie Dog is split and served with grilled onions, real bacon bits, and nacho cheese. Poutine is available at the stand as well. Pepsi products are served at all the stands. Danny’s Barbecue and Smokehouse serves pulled pork and beef sandwiches, Subway has six and 12-inch sandwiches, and Boston Pizza offers $5 slices and the Boston Brute, a French bread sandwich stuffed with salami, pepperoni, smoked ham, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Little Bone Wings serves up three sizes of wings covered in up to 14 different rubs and sauces. A few nice surprises include Mr. Perogie, who offers individual sizes of 7 perogies, either boiled or deep fried. You can also order them with a few kielbasa links or serve poutine-style with gravy and cheese. There is also Asian influence at Mooshiro Japanese Cuisine and Bodegoes Noodles by the Box, Korean fried chicken is recommended. Finally, Taco Time offers a wide range of tacos, burritos, and Mexi-fries. The Craft Beer Corner is a 1,400 square-foot deck extending across the tops of sections A and B down the left field line featuring two Labatt Breweries (Mill Street Organic Lager and Goose Island IPA), two from Fort Garry Brewing, and one rotating local craft. Wine and mix drink options are also available if a beer is not your choice of beverage. Atmosphere 4 Shaw Park features a wide-open concourse that is covered and provides views of the field. It does not wrap around like many current venues but offers views of lush forestry beyond the outfield walls. Probably the best views might be from the outfielders who enjoy the city skyline just above the suites and press boxes above the concourse. The Goldeyes have made improvements in recent years with the inclusion of the Field Patio in 2016 and Craft Beer Corner Story in 2018. The Field Patio is the perfect space for your group to mix & mingle while enjoying exciting Goldeyes baseball. The two-tiered space features comfortable seating for up to 100 guests with a mixture of standard and pub-style tables & chairs, on-location food and beverages, dedicated service staff, and a fantastic field-level view on the first baseline. The Craft Beer Corner Story is a 1,400-square-foot deck extending across the tops of sections A & B down the left field line. The area offers five drafts that include products from Mill Street, Goose Island, and Fort Garry Brewing, along with a local Manitoba beer. This marks the first time in a decade that craft beer has been sold at Shaw Park, and the response has been a hit with fans and local breweries, where there is a waiting list to get into the ballpark. The official mascot is Goldie, and he entertains the fans throughout the night. The Dugout Store offers a selection of team gear, and the crowd is quite into the game, much more than what you might expect. The Fish have captured 10 division titles and four league titles in their first 25 years of existence; the team has only had three losing seasons in its history. Neighborhood 4 Shaw Park is located in the heart of the city, just down the street from Portage and Main, and a short (less than five minutes) walk from The Forks – one of the city’s largest tourist attractions. The park has also been credited with the revitalization of downtown living in the area, with many new condo developments located on the street along the river, creating a vibrant area with low crime, making for a safe venture home for the fans. A few restaurants to visit before or after the game include Earls Kitchen + Bar and Carnaval Brazilian BBQ. Torque and Half Pint Breweries are two noted local establishments that have a following. The Manitoba Museum, Canadian Museum for Equal Rights, and Living Prairie Museum make for a great way to spend the day before an evening game. Fans 4 The fans of Winnipeg have always supported the club well since its first season in 1994, the average size crowds were well above 5,500 as recently as four years ago but have slimmed down to around 4,500 as of this 2018 season. However, the team has always been either ranked number one or two in the league, and fan support at the ballpark is one of the best in baseball. Access 5 Five lots within two blocks of the ballpark charge $7 to park your car. There are some spots downtown at the meter, which expires at 5:30 pm during the week but is not as easy to find on busy game nights. Winnipeg Transit offers routes to many key locations downtown, including Shaw Park, for a fee of $2.95. Return on Investment 4 The price of tickets starts at $11 in advance for grand slam seats (section A-C) in the left field corner. Deck and Prime Seats cost $17 and $20 in advance between the left to right field line. The Club seating sells for $23 in advance and is between the home and away dugouts. If you happen to purchase your tickets in advance, you will be able to save $3 on each ticket. Extras 3 The Craft Beer Corner Story is a welcomed addition to the ballpark. A display of the Goldeyes history on a street-level rotunda between the box office and team store. It is worth perusing. The Path of Dreams is a pathway with personalized messages on bricks that lead to the main gate of the stadium. Final Thoughts The Winnipeg Goldeyes are a class act in the world of independent league baseball. The crowd support, enthusiasm, friendly staff, and all-around great time are what visits Shaw Park a great investment with your ballpark dollar.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Roy Kidd Stadium Roy and Sue Kidd Way Richmond, KY 40475 Eastern Kentucky Colonels website Roy Kidd Stadium website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 20,000 Roy Kidd Stadium is in a League of its Own Roy Kidd Stadium on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, maybe one of the most unusual-looking football stadiums in college football. The home of the Colonels football program is a nine-story structure that seats 20,000 plus and is separated into upper and lower seating that suspends fans over the field of action. Built-in 1969 and originally named Hanger Field, the stadium features a few nods to its late 1960s roots: gunpowder gray seats, plenty of sharp right angles, and interior signage that looks like it is straight from an abandoned shopping mall. There are also plenty of ramps that lead fans from its entrance to the top levels of the structure. It is a facility that includes racquetball and basketball courts, a gymnasium, and classroom space for 2,000 students. A few updates have been made to the stadium that includes synthetic turf, a new Daktronics LED video display board, and a custom audio system. Grass seating is available on the eastern portion of the end zone, along with bleacher seating for visiting fans. The football program has produced a record of 225-58-1 and two national championships (1979 and 1982) since its inception. Food & Beverage 3 There are three main concession stands inside the structure near the entrance of the stadium that offer a standard array of menu items, including hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, pizza, cheeseburgers, and nachos. The stadium also serves up giant smoked turkey legs, fried chicken sandwiches, and walking tacos to add to the mix of food items. During the cold months, cups of hot cocoa and coffee hit the spot. The stadium offers cans of beer on the newly renovated visitors’ side for $5. The options include Bud, Bud Light, Miller Light, Coors Light, and Rolling Rock. This is the only section of the stadium where fans can both purchase and drink alcoholic beverages. Local Apollo Pizza sets up a food truck just outside the main entrance in this section for more variety. Atmosphere 3 Roy Kidd Stadium offers a unique, architecturally designed structure that stands out along the main street of the campus. The look and feel are of its time in 1969. The stadium features a system of ramps that leads fans from the small ticket windows to the main concourse, this system of ramps also leads fans to the upper-level seating section (closed off during our visit) and to the lawn section of the stadium. The main concourse is fully enclosed from the upper-level section of seats and provides a somewhat sterile atmosphere with signage that looks as if it dates from the stadium’s first season of operation. There are large wall photographs of Roy Kidd himself, who won 314 games at the school from 1964 to 2002; he also has a statue near the lawn seats behind the north end zone. There is a small merchandise stand and an information booth. Outside in the seating area is a collection of fans who add much life to the building; the steep seating area puts fans almost above the playing field and atop the gridiron action. Due to the upper-level seating being closed off, the majority of fans create a lively atmosphere in the lower seats of the stadium. An LED video display is situated in the south end zone of the stadium. Expansion in 2017 on the east side of the stadium added over 3,000 new bleachers and a concourse that features modern concessions and bathroom facilities. Also, a new pedestrian-only walkway was constructed from the hill beyond the north end zone that leads onto the concourse level. This area of seating provides a great view of the main grandstand structure and design; here, fans can see the signage that honors the 1979 and 1982 National Champion plaques and is close to the action of the play on the field. Neighborhood 2 Roy Kidd Stadium is right on campus and adjacent to the basketball arena, McBrayer Arena. It is an easy walk for students and alumni to enjoy football at their school. As for the downtown, that is a different story. There is not too much action. Just north of campus on Main Street, or about a mile from McBrayer Arena, are several bars and grills. Jerzees, Madison Garden, and Paddy Wagon Irish Pub are all in this area and are known as gathering places. Fans 3 The fans are a devoted bunch who will brave the cold weather to watch the Colonels play a football game. Much of the noise generated is from these fans, who are a devoted bunch. It is hard to spot an individual who is not wearing maroon at the game. Access 3 There is a large parking lot that serves the football field and other sports venues that is a short walk to Roy Kidd Stadium. The stadium features a unique series of ramps–a product of its time–and no elevators. This could be a hindrance to fans who have trouble walking, but the staff provides golf carts that lead them to their seats. The bathrooms include separate entrances and exits. Return on Investment 3 EKU ticket prices are $13 for general admission, $18 for lawn reserve, and $8 for youth (ages 4-12). No parking fee is charged for games, and concession prices are rather affordable. A tall can of beer is $5, a pretty fair price at a college football game. Extras 3 The stadium design is of great curiosity; the design and feel of the structure can be somewhat cumbersome, but it is still fascinating to view signage, doorways, and ramps that date back to the stadium’s original season 50 years ago. The updated visitor side bleacher area creates a modern touch for football games at Roy Kidd Stadium. The concession stand that serves beer is close to the seats, and the views of the main grandstand add to the vibe. There is a large lawn seating area that is ideal for warmer days at the beginning of the season. The name of the stadium itself is named in honor of former head coach and College Football Hall of Famer Roy Kidd, who coached the Colonels from 1964-2002, producing a record of 314-124-8 record and 16 Ohio Valley Conference titles. Kidd led the team to four straight national championship games between 1978 and 1982, winning twice in 1979 and 1982. In 39 seasons, his teams only suffered two losing campaigns. A career that is deserving to be adorned in a football stadium, perhaps we could use a little more on all levels of sports. Final Thoughts This is an interesting facility that should continue to suffice the needs of football enthusiasts on the campus of Eastern Kentucky for years to come. If you’re in the area, consider a visit to Roy Kidd Stadium.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center 4301 Broadway St San Antonio, TX 78209 Incarnate Word Cardinals website Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 2,000 UIW Cardinals – Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is the oldest and largest catholic university in the state of Texas; the school is renowned for its academic programs and its contributions to theological studies the world over. Founded in 1881, the school has a long history of excellence, and its growing student body has the pleasure of attending one of the most beautiful college campuses in the Southwest. For the better part of the 21st century, the UIW Cardinals  have made great strides in athletics as well. Currently, UIW has 25 athletics programs, including its lauded volleyball program. Since 1989, the UIW Cardinal volleyball squad has called the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center its home. Also serving as the home to UIW men’s and women’s basketball , McDermott Convocation Center has seen several dominating years of Cardinals volleyball. Read on to learn more about UIW and the McDermott Convocation Center.   Food & Beverage   3 In past visits to UIW and its gymnasium, I was not overly impressed with their food and drink offerings for games. I believe a new vendor has been brought on board since my last visit, however, what they have now is significantly upgraded. In addition to traditional game day offerings like nachos (which now feature multicolored red and black chips in honor of UIW and can be gussied up with chili and cheese, or just traditional cheese and jalapeños), they also offer hot dogs – my dog was honestly one of, if not the best ballgame hot dog, I can say I’ve had in recent memory. You can also get the dogs with chili and cheese, and there are also boxes of candy, as well as fountain sodas (which I am personally a fan of) and bottled water. Food-wise, the selection really leans into the roots of San Antonio, with items such as Mexican fruit cups and chicken on a stick – it is pretty great. Canned beer and cocktails are also available.   Atmosphere   3 I have always enjoyed my visits to McDermott Convention Center. Inside, it looks, feels, and sounds like a high school gymnasium – this is a good thing. The acoustics make it seem very loud even when crowds are at far less than capacity. This adds to the energy, permeates through the crowd, and makes the games more exciting. UIW also uses the facility to display its championship trophies and also houses a display for its athletics Hall of Fame. Inside the gym, banners hang from the walls highlighting said championships and tournament appearances for both the volleyball and basketball teams. The main draw is and has always been the beautiful and historic UIW campus, with its red-brick buildings and walkways and bridges that crisscross the San Antonio River, which flows through campus. The scene here is gorgeous, especially at night and especially when the holiday season returns and everything is lit up. Be sure to make time to take a stroll before you head to the game.   Neighborhood   5 The UIW campus is located on one of the main streets – Broadway – in San Antonio. It leads directly to the city’s vibrant downtown, which is home to the Alamo , Tower of the Americas , River Walk , Hemisfair Park , and the Alamodome . These are some of the city’s most well-known attractions, and they are all less than a 10-minute car ride from McDermott Convocation Center. The facility is also located within the UIW athletics complex, adjacent to Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium , home of UIW football, and Sullivan Field , home of UIW baseball. If you time your visit right, you might be able to double up on games during your visit to catch the volleyball team. If you drive the Broadway corridor, you’re going to bump into some of the best and most iconic restaurants that the Alamo City has to offer. You can get award-winning barbecue at the Smoke Shack or some of the best burgers and shakes at Cheesy Jane’s . Do you want a taste of old-school San Antonio? Go to Good Time Charlie’s , and those few I just mentioned don’t even scratch the surface of all the amazing spots at the Historic Pearl – you’re going to eat good either before or after a UIW volleyball game. For lodging, you’re going to have to travel to the farther ends of Broadway near downtown to find a traditional hotel/motel to stay at. The closest options include Best Western Plus Downtown North  and WinnQuest Inn Near Fort Sam Houston . Vacation rentals are also in abundance closer to the UIW campus if you choose to go that route.   Fans   3 There isn’t any reliable way to track what UIW brings in terms of attendance for its volleyball program. However, from what I saw during my last visit, the Cardinal fans love their team. The crowd was better than I was expecting for a midweek visit, and they were loud – which was only amplified by the acoustics of the gymnasium. Fans were also, by and large, decked out in UIW gear. Having a crowd of even just a few hundred greatly adds to the overall atmosphere in a facility like McDermott Convocation Center.   Access   4 As I’ve mentioned, the UIW campus and its athletics facilities are pretty centrally located in the city. If you’re driving in, the school is visible from US 281, and the exits off the highway are marked. The campus is a 10-minute drive from downtown San Antonio and a 12-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. Parking for the athletics complex is plentiful and only a short walk from the gym. However, if you choose not to drive in the city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit has several routes that run to the UIW campus.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets for UIW volleyball are just $5 per game. This is a tremendous bargain for fans wanting to see a squad that is consistently good and brings in some quality opponents to McDermott Convocation Center. Parking is free for games – just make sure you’re not parking in a marked spot (e.g., something reserved for faculty). The concessions are also priced at bargain levels, so you’re getting a great deal when you catch a UIW Cardinals volleyball game.   Extras   2 There is not a lot in the way of Extras at McDermott Convocation Center for women’s volleyball games. The Cardinals do have a lot of themed nights for fans, though – the game I most recently attended was a Pink Out, which saw the team and cheer squad decked out in pink and/or pink-accented versions of their traditional gear. Speaking of the UIW cheerleaders , they can be found at the baseline area of the gym during games, cheering and performing and tossing out souvenirs to fans after every set won by the Cardinals.   Final Thoughts I hadn’t been to a volleyball game at any level since high school, so I was more curious about the experience than anything. I can honestly say that this was a really fun experience, and it has got me looking at calendars for a way to see more. While McDermott Convocation Center might not be on par with some of the larger facilities across the college landscape, it is not without charm. I think if you’re a fan of the sport or sports in general, you’re going to enjoy yourself at a UIW Cardinals volleyball game. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Paladin Stadium 1300 Duncan Chapel Rd Greenville, SC 29613 Furman Paladins website Paladin Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 16,000 One Team, One Family, One Furman Across the scope of college’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Furman Paladins have been one of the preeminent programs, having qualified for 20 FCS (or I-AA) playoffs, tied for fifth most at that level. The Paladins have also made six trips to the semi-finals, with two championship game appearances, claiming the FCS National Championship in 1988. Paladin Stadium opened in 1981 when Furman moved on campus from Sirrine Stadium near downtown Greenville, just off the original site of Furman’s campus; this had been Furman’s football home from 1936 until 1980, as well. Prior to Sirrine Stadium, the Paladins played at Manly Field  on the old campus, and initially at the athletic grounds of Augusta Road. Furman would play South Carolina’s first intercollegiate football game in December of 1889 against in-state rival Wofford.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions here go a bit beyond typical stadium offerings. As expected, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels are on the menu, but the addition of burgers, brats, and pizza help make the menu a bit more appealing. A handful of food trucks serving mostly sweet treats also help support the in-stadium offerings – food trucks sell frozen treats, handmade confections, Hawaiian donuts, and shaved ice. Alcoholic beverages run the gambit from Natural Light and Budweiser products to multiple selection from Asheville’s Wicked Weed. Individual servings of both red and white wine are also available.   Atmosphere   4 As is tradition with most college football experiences, tailgating is a major part of the game day experience. Starting 2 1/2 hours before kickoff, the fields around the northern end of the stadium start to come alive. Clad in Furman’s purple and white, tailgating encampments sprout up just steps from the stadium. The area directly outside of Champions Gate is home to the Furman Fan Zone, with pregame concerts, food trucks, and inflatables. Paladin Stadium, which houses Stone Field, is nestled into the Furman campus forestry, backdropped by the spire of the Daniel Chapel, with Paris Mountain in the distance. Like many stadiums throughout the south, such as Georgia , Auburn , and South Carolina  to name a few, Stone Field is also bordered by shrubbery on each side – this goes a long way in creating a classic stadium feel. The home side of the field is quick to receive shade for afternoon kickoffs, and also provides a comfortable experience. The space between the 40-yard lines is individual chairback seats, while bleacher seats with back support extend to the 35-yard lines. It certainly is a treat to have so much comfort built into the home side seating area; the visiting side is not as punchy, as their seating is just aluminum bleachers. Throughout the 1st half of the game, the focus of entertainment during stoppages in play is focused on the Paladin Regiment, Furman’s marching band, as they fill most of the downtime with short performances. The second half of the game sees dead ball entertainment move more toward on-field games and scoreboard ads, until the band fully reorganizes after their halftime performance. Both ends of the stadium have entertainment options for fans of all ages – the grassy area of Champions Walk Grove has a handful of inflatables to help keep kids occupied, while the southern turfed area has a Wicked Weed biergarten, lawn games, and a carnival-themed food truck. This end of the stadium is also home to a lot of organic fun for Furman’s younger fans, for example children using disassembled cardboard boxes to slide down the steep hillside, or wrestle over footballs from field goals and extra points that sail into the area.   Neighborhood   3 Located on the northern reaches of Greenville, South Carolina, Furman is roughly where the city turns into suburban neighborhoods, before becoming more rural as the suburbs give way to the mountains of South Carolina. Furman’s campus covers a sprawling 750 acres. Beyond the academic, residential, and athletic facilities, Swan Lake, a walking trail around it, and even a golf course open to the public are all within the campus’ confines. Miles of biking trails also run adjacent to campus. If approaching Furman from the back side, Highway 25 has several food trucks serving various types of Latino food, while the approach from Highway 276 has chain restaurants. Greenville is regularly recognized as one of America’s best small cities. Downtown is just over six miles from Furman’s campus, and is full of breweries, high quality restaurants, and hotels. Greenville is also well known for its public art installations and the popular Falls Park. Early season games could also be paired with a Greenville Drive baseball game at Flour Field , while for games later in the season, checking out the Greenville Swamp Rabbits  schedule might also be option.   Fans   4 Approximately an hour prior to kickoff, fans with cowbells in hand line Champions Walk as each unit makes their way towards the field for final game preparations. The walkway is crowded and definitely supportive of the Paladins, as they make their way to the gridiron. There is no denying the support the Paladins enjoy – over the last few seasons, Furman has averaged roughly 10,000 fans per game, which is one of the top 25 draws in FCS, ranking just behind The Citadel  in the Southern Conference.   Access   3 Furman is north of downtown Greenville; it can be a bit of a challenge to get to, as there is no direct interstate access to the facility. Two major thoroughfares, US Highways 25 and 276, run along either side of campus – the challenge is that even after exiting I-185, there are still 10 miles of surface streets and traffic lights to contend with. GPS directions for Paladin Stadium commonly take you through the rear entrance to campus, along Duncan Chapel Road. This entrance is designated for permit holders, however, so if you need to pay for parking it is better to enter through the campus’ main gate on Poinsette Highway (US 276) – this entrance provides the easiest access for day-of-game parking. These lots are also just a short walk from the stadium, for both home and visiting fans. There are three main points of entry to Paladin Stadium, each easily accessible from any of the parking lots. Visitors will likely want to park in the lot adjacent to Daniel Chapel, which leaves a short walk to the visitor entrance to the stadium. The permit lots to the east are a short walk to either of the two entrances at each corner of the home side of the field. For the most part, the interior of the stadium is as straightforward as can be to navigate, but the most direct way to access the attractions of the south end zone is walking down the rather steep hillside – that area is also accessible via the service road that runs just outside the facility.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets can be purchased online starting as low as $25 with no additional fees added, which is always appreciated. While a handful of programs throughout the Southern Conference offer free parking, Furman does charge $15. It is always nice to be able to save a few dollars by not having to pay for parking, but considering parking at other venues can run $20 or more, $15 doesn’t seem all that unreasonable. Concessions prices run as expected here, compared to similar facilities.   Extras   4 The walls of the home side concourse recognize Furman football legends Jerome Felton, Stanford Jennings, Jeff Blankenship, and Louis Ivory, along with coaches Bobby Johnson, Jimmy Satterfield, and Dick Sheridan. In keeping with the traditions that make college athletics a special experience, the Furman pregame festivities leading to kickoff include the singing of Furman’s alma mater – it is always nice to see appreciation of the university the team represents. The Paladins are led on to the field by a knight/dame on horseback across the field. Throughout the first half of the game, the pair greets visitors under the scoreboard. As the season stretches into the end of October and early November, the changing of the leaves provides a beautiful backdrop for college football in the fall.   Final Thoughts Football at Furman gives fans a high-quality college football experience, from well before gates open through the end of the game, all in a beautiful setting. All of this enhances the contest on the field, typically involving two highly ranked Southern Conference teams. The spirited atmosphere paired with everything that surrounds the game definitely adds up to a classic, college football experience.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Port Credit Memorial Arena 40 Stavebank Road Mississauga, ON L5G 2T8 Mississauga Chargers website Port Credit Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 690 Charging In Port Credit Port Credit is an affluent neighbourhood on the banks of Lake Ontario, which makes up the southernmost point of Mississauga, Ontario.  In 1974, it was incorporated into Mississauga, yet it remains a unique community to this day.  One of the features of the Port Credit neighbourhood is the fabulous Port Credit Memorial Arena.  A heritage-protected, barrel-vaulted arena, the Port Credit Memorial Arena, after a significant renovation, is a gorgeous old-school hockey barn. The most high-profile team to call the Port Credit Memorial Arena home is the Mississauga Chargers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.  The Chargers were founded in 1980 as the Junior B Weston Dukes.  After several moves throughout the Greater Toronto Area, the Dukes would settle in Mississauga as the Chargers in 1994.  The team moved up to the Junior A level in 1991 with the league that would eventually become the OJHL.  The Chargers, who are owned by Heather Stockley,  have not seen a ton of recent success, not qualifying for the OJHL playoffs since 2014. Food & Beverage 2 Inside the Port Credit Memorial Arena on the north side, fans can find the Port Credit Cafe.  The cafe offers a small variety of concession options while offering fans a view of the ice.  Popcorn, chips, peanuts, Jamaican Patties, granola bars, cookies, and fruit bars are available.  Coca-Cola products, coffee, tea, and bottled water are the soft drinks available.  A limited selection of beer and coolers are available for consumption inside the cafe.  Local options from Old Credit Brewing are also available.  Debit and credit are accepted at the cafe. Atmosphere 4 Port Credit Memorial Arena is gorgeous.  With a significant renovation in 2009, this 1959 vintage arena was designated a Heritage Site under the Ontario Heritage Act.  The vaulted barrel design is obvious from the exterior.  A lobby addition of light grey brick and glass with appropriate landscaping gives the arena a clean and bright look from the outside.  The main entry is from the parking lot side, which gives a different look with plenty of glass and grey and red brick. Inside the lobby, the two story glass atrium allows plenty of natural light in and offers fans a picturesque view of the Port Credit Lighthouse on the opposite side of the Credit River and Port Credit Memorial Park.  An interesting historical display on the industry of Ice Harvesting is worth spending a little time checking out.  Upon entering the arena area, fans are met with a temporary table for ticket sales.  The barrel ceiling with hardwood is mesmerizing, and the hardwood accents around the arena give it a truly unique atmosphere.  Some minor hockey photos can be found around the exterior, along with a collage of the 50th Anniversary of the arena, which is interesting and features the late “Hurricane” Hazel McCallion, the longtime mayor of Mississauga, and Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Johnny Bower.  Medals from the 2016 Ontario Summer Games, hosted by the City of Mississauga, are also framed and of note.  The ice surface is oriented from west to east, with seating on the ends and south side.  Above the Port Credit Cafe on the north side is a massive Port Credit sign.  A simple hockey score clock hangs on the east end of the arena.  Minor hockey championship banners hang on the west end of the arena.  Five rows of new plastic arena seats offer a comfortable seating option for fans, with standing room available along the walkway behind the seating.  New LED lights and sound systems bring it all together.  Unfortunately, there are little to no indicators that this arena is the home of the Mississauga Chargers.  The only hint of the Chargers was a lone sticker on the window of a seating box on the northeast corner of the arena.  The gameday production is also as simple as possible.  There are no promotions at all.  Music between plays and goal and penalty announcements breaks up the silence. Neighbourhood 4 Port Credit Memorial Arena is located on the banks of the Credit River, in the Port Credit neighbourhood of Mississauga.  There are a number of spots close by for pre or post game fair.  Some choices include Smug Harbour Seafood Bar & Grill, Papa Giuseppe’s, Rosie’s Burgers, The Crooked Cue, Habitat Social Modern Kitchen and Posta Italbar Cucina.   There are also a number of fast food and chain restaurants in the area.  There are a few other sporting options in the area.  Junior C hockey has returned to Mississauga with the Streetsville Derbys.  The G-League’s Raptors 905 also play in Mississauga.  Beginning in 2024, the Toronto Rock will temporarily call Mississauga home as their home arena undergoes major renovations.  Port Credit Lighthouse, Port Credit Memorial Park, the Port Credit Harbour and Mississauga Waterfront Festival are other tourist options in the area.  Toronto’s Harbourfront is also just over 15 km away.  For fans who wish to stay in the area, the Waterside Inn is an option. Fans 2 The Mississauga Chargers attract basically a friends and family crowd.  In the 2022-23 season the Chargers averaged 115 fans per game and 100 fans per game the following season.  This puts them in the bottom end of the middle third of the OJHL.  At the time of writing, the Chargers have not reported any attendance figures for the 2024-25 season.  The fans in attendance are pretty quiet, however at the game that was reviewed some of the parents of both teams were involved in some verbal jousting that went beyond what would be considered normal.   Access 3 The Port Credit Memorial Arena is located on Stavebank Road surrounded by the railroad tracks and Port Credit Memorial Park.  It is in the Port Credit neighbourhood of Mississauga at the south end of the city.  The arena is ½ km from Hurontario Road, less than 2 km from the Queen Elizabeth Way and 5 km from Highway 403.  However, traffic to get to this end of Mississauga is significant.  Hurontario runs from north to south and can be a very slow drive.  There is plenty of parking on site.  For fans wishing to take public transit to see the Chargers, the GO Transit station is very close and Mississauga Transit has stops at Lakeshore and Elizabeth.  Fans should consult the GO Transit  or Mississauga Transit  websites for maps, schedules and fares.  Getting around the arena is not terribly difficult, however, walking the 360 degrees of the arena may be a little challenging with the play by play and video platform.  The washrooms are adequate for the facility and crowd in attendance. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the Mississauga Chargers go for $15 with Senior tickets at $10 and Students and Children at $5.  Fans will need to bring cash to purchase their tickets.  Parking is free and concession prices are good.  The Port Credit Memorial Arena is a beautiful venue, but the Chargers do not do enough to entice fans to come in the building and return.  The gameday production needs some improvement. Extras 2 An extra mark for the beautiful, historic, Port Credit Memorial Arena. An extra mark for the gorgeous homes fans will probably drive by to get to the arena.  Wow! Final Thoughts A trip to see the Mississauga Chargers will offer hockey fans the opportunity to see hockey in a facility that is under the radar, yet absolutely gorgeous.  Port Credit is an interesting neighbourhood worth exploring.  Hopefully, the Chargers will find more success on the ice and attract a few more fans in the process. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been back playing October baseball! There does not seem to be a ton of love for the home of the Phillies, Citizens Bank Park. Is this warranted? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views. You can find Stadium Journey's review of Citizens Bank Park and the Philadelphia Phillies game day experience here.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena 25 Hester St. Hamilton, ON L9A 2Nc Hamilton Kilty B's website Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 2,500 The Kilty Buzz On the Mountain in Hamilton, there is a little shrine to one of their favourite hockey sons. Dave Andreychuk was a star for the Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs, among other teams. In his final season in the NHL, he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win their first Stanley Cup. Andreychuk is a product of his hometown Hamilton hockey system, and the Mountain Arena now also bears his name. A hockey hub for the “Mountain,” the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena was built in 1966 and boasts a capacity of 2,500.  Renovations have been completed on the arena over the years, including replacing the old wooden seats with plastic stadium seats salvaged from Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, former home of the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Blue Jays.  One of the additions includes a figure skating rink. The Junior B level of hockey in Ontario has a presence in Hamilton.  The Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League has the Hamilton Kilty B’s, a traditional Hamilton hockey name, as part of the league.  The arena was also the home of the Hamilton Fincups and Hamilton Steelhawks of the OHL and Hamilton Red Wings of the OJHL.  The Red Wings began as a Junior B team in 1973 and played as the Kilty B’s from 1977 to 2002.  The current Kilty B’s organization began as the Junior C, Stoney Creek Warriors.  They earned four titles and moved up to Junior B in 1994 and were renamed the Stoney Creek Spirit.  After returning to the Warriors moniker, they moved to Ancaster in 2013 and then to Hamilton in 2015, just after the departure of the Hamilton Red Wings.  The Red Wings franchise held the rights to the historic Kilty B’s brand and was sold to the current owner to bring the buzz back to Hamilton. Food & Beverage 2 A small snack bar can be found on the south side of the arena, behind the seating bowl. Simple options include chips, chocolate bars, and popcorn. Coca-Cola products are available, as well as a small selection of mainstream domestic beer. Vending machines are also available in the halls at ice level.  Concession prices are very good as compared to major sporting venues. Atmosphere 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is a throwback from a different time with a few comfort upgrades. It is part of a larger complex with a figure skating ice surface.  The main entry for the arena is on the parking lot side behind Hester Street.  The exterior is low profile with tan brick with light accents.  Both the front and rear have Kilty B’s markings, alerting fans that this is the home of Hamilton’s Junior B squad. Upon entering the building from the east side, fans enter a small lobby that is a shrine to Dave Andreychuk.  The lobby is littered with pictures of Andreychuk from different teams, a collage outlining his journey to the Stanley Cup, and some of his career stats.  Another collage outlines his experience playing youth hockey in Hamilton, and a framed jersey from his number retirement by the Oshawa Generals is also prevalent.  Temporary tables welcome fans for purchasing tickets and 50/50 tickets.  Fans must ascend the stairs to reach the seating area, which is made up of up to seven rows of older blue stadium seats. The seats themselves have repurposed seats from the former Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, the former home of the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts. The repurposing is similar to what was done at Ted Reeve Arena in Toronto and the fields at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ontario. The ice surface runs from east to west, with the best spot for the center ice logo picture on the north side. The love for Dave Andreychuk continues inside the arena with his honored number 8 from Hamilton Youth Hockey, as well as highlights of his NHL career.  The west side of the arena features Kilty B’s logo and the 50th anniversary logo.  The arena has a low profile ceiling with trussed support beams across the building, painted black.  In each of the four corners, the top rows still have the original seats, and behind the wooden seats are small replica boards with class, perfect for playing mini-stick hockey on the other side.  Above centre ice is the skinniest four-sided score clock ever seen in a hockey rink, designed to minimize pucks hitting scoreboards.  The PA system is pretty good, and the announcements are clear to understand. The gameday production is fairly simple, but not unlike other Junior B teams.  The Kilty mascot, Stinger, traverses the crowd and attempts to lead some cheers with the aid of a small drum.  Kilty B’s goals are marked with a fog horn, similar to the one used by Andreychuk’s Buffalo Sabres.  Simple promotions like a 50/50 draw are part of the game. Neighbourhood 3 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon Neighbourhood on Hamilton’s Mountain.  It is south of Central Hamilton.  There are a few spots for food and drink in the immediate neighbourhood.  Some options include La Spaghett Pasta House, Charlie’s Chopsticks and Garden Kitchen. There are other sporting options in Hamilton, most notably the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.  The McMaster Marauders field football and basketball teams among others and the Hamilton Cardinals of IBL play in the summer months.  Hamilton’s main arena, FirstOntario Centre, is closed as of 2024 for a year or two for major renovations.  Other tourist options include Upper Chedoke Falls, Royal Botanical Gardens and Canadian Heritage Warplane Museum.  Mountain Arena is located in a fairly residential area.  Fans wanting to stay near the arena may select the Courtyard Hamilton. Fans 3 The Hamilton Kilty B’s have shown some improvement in fan support.  In the  2023-2024 season the Kilty B’s attracted an average of 470 fans per game.  This was an improvement from the previous year and the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs moving to Brantford may be a partial explanation for the increase.  The Kiltys ranked 7th in attendance in the 20 team OJHL.  Thursdays are typically Kiltys night.  However, with a building capacity of 2,500 it will take more than 400 fans to make a positive impact on the atmosphere.  The fans in attendance are pretty quiet and reserved, similar to most other Ontario fans.   Access 4 Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is located in the Greeningdon neighbourhood on the Hamilton Mountain.  It is less than 1 km north of the Lincoln Alexander Parkway and east of Highway 403.  It is on the north side of Hester Street between Upper James Street and Ronald Shay Avenue.  Getting to the arena is not too difficult, however, traffic on Highway 403 near Highway 6 can be busy during the post work hours.  There is plenty of parking onsite that is free.  For those fans interested in public transit, there are Hamilton Transit buses that travel Upper James. Fans should consult the Hamilton Transit website for maps, fares and schedules.  Getting around the arena comes with the challenges of any older venue and the washrooms are pretty small, although that should not be a big issue given the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment at a Hamilton Kilty B’s game is very high.  Adult tickets go for $10 each, cash at the door.  Students and seniors are only $5 and kids under 7 are free.  Concession prices are low and parking at the arena is free.  The on ice product is strong and fans will have a good time at the game, especially if they like Dave Andreychuk.  The history and old school feel of the venue is a bonus. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena as a shrine to this Hamilton hockey product. An extra mark for the repurposed seats from Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium. An extra mark for the ownership group rescuing the traditional Hamilton Kilty B’s brand. Final Thoughts Taking in some GOJHL hockey at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena is not only a great opportunity to check out some history at a classic venue, but also getting to see a strong hockey program with a traditional brand.  It seems that the Hamilton Kilty B’s may just have the Steel City buzzing! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fifth Third Bank Stadium 3200 George Busbee Pkwy Kennesaw, GA 30144 Kennesaw State Owls website Fifth Third Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 10,200 Protect the Nest After the program took flight in 2015, the Kennesaw State Owls spent seven seasons as members of first the Big South Conference (2015-2021), one season in the Atlantic Sun Conference (2022), and their final in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) as an independent program. This year marks the Owls inaugural season as part of the Football Bowl Series (FBS), as they recently became members of Conference USA. The Owls made quite the name for themselves in FCS, starting with seven straight winning seasons while capturing three Big South Conference titles, as well as four invites to the FCS playoffs. The home of the Kennesaw State Owls, Fifth Third Stadium is a multi-purpose facility that also houses Kennesaw State’s soccer and lacrosse programs, along w ith the Atlanta United 2 , Atlanta United’s developmental team.   Food & Beverage   3 Concessions are rather standard around the stadium – they are made up of hot dogs, nachos with cheese and salsa, soft baked pretzels, and popcorn; candy and chips are also available. The stands in the main seating area do have a few more options, including pizza slices and burgers. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice at Fifth Third Stadium. There is also a rather extensive beer and cocktail menu offered here – besides the typical domestic beers, you can find the Kennesaw State-New Realm collaboration “Owl In” American Lager, in addition to the Hazy Like a Fox hazy IPA, also from New Realm. You can also find Avondale Estate, Georgia’s Emergency Drinking Beer, as well as canned cocktails from Long Drink and Good Days, plus White Claw seltzers.   Atmosphere   3 The exterior of Fifth Third Stadium uses black and yellow aluminum panels and steeply angled rooflines to give it an industrially modern feel. The home side stands to have an interesting setup, with a press box that resembles shipping containers. The press box configuration works well with the feel of the stadium, but it does obstruct the view of the field from the concourse. The seating is primarily a combination of individual fold-down and molded seats. The home side seats are backed by suites, which sit below the level of the concourse, while the molded seats are found along nearly the entirety of the visitor’s side of the field, except the area reserved for the Kennesaw State band, the Marching Owls. The southern end of the seating bowl has aluminum-backed benches and a corner section of high-top tables. Temporary bleachers are also brought in along the northern end, on what also doubles as a concert stage. Stoppages in play are typically filled with ad reads, along with scoreboard games and interactive pieces, which have become commonplace throughout sports stadium experiences. The owl theme permeates the game experience, as 1st Downs are celebrated by the stadium announcer calling, “That’s an Owl first down!” followed by a burst of the school’s fight song from the band, and capped by the fans letting out a “hooooooo” in unison. It is a fun way to pull the owl theme into the game presentation. The stadium, on the whole, works just fine as a college football stadium but more exudes the feel of a high-quality soccer ground than that of an FBS-level stadium.   Neighborhood   4 Fifth Third Stadium is wedged between Interstates 75 and 575 to the east and west and sandwiched between Barrett Parkway and Chastain Road to the north and south. These are a collection of the area’s most traveled thoroughfares in the northwestern Atlanta suburb of Kennesaw, which is just under a mile from the heart of the Kennesaw State campus. With so many food options in the area, there is sure to be something for all tastes. One of the more popular is the regional chain Taco Mac, which serves a refined pub-style menu with over 100 beers available on tap and in cans or bottles. The area is surrounded by multiple shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels. With such a high concentration of shopping, food options, and lodging, visitors from out of town have just about everything they might need for a football weekend in Kennesaw, all within a mile radius of the stadium. Kennesaw was the site of several battles during the Civil War, and much of that history is recognized throughout the area. The Southern Railroad Museum tells the story of the Big Shanty Train Chase, while Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield has a Civil War Museum of its own, along with miles of trails up and around Kennesaw Mountain – both of these would be possible options to fill time before evening kickoffs.   Fans   3 Owl fans do a decent job filling out the stadium every week. The size of the stadium does help in creating an atmosphere that does not feel cavernous, which might swallow up any potential excitement in a sea of empty seats. The student section as well, while modest in size, is still rather spirited and into the game. What hurts the atmosphere fans can create here is that Conference USA is rather dispersed, with teams stretching across the southeastern states and into Texas and New Mexico – these distances can significantly impact the numbers of fans traveling. While this definitely is not on Kennesaw State, it can adversely impact the overall role fans in the stands can play in the overall experience.   Access   3 One of the challenges associated with KSU games is that a handful are played midweek or on Friday nights. Given Atlanta traffic, this can create difficulties simply getting to Kennesaw for a 7 pm kickoff. A secret to make getting to the stadium as easy as possible is taking the I-75 Peach Pass Lane, if possible – the Big Shanty exit leaves the easiest access to the parking areas at Fifth Third Stadium. Most of the parking lots are just a short walk from the western main entrance to the stadium. To help with the foot traffic, an hour before kickoff, Busbee Parkway, just outside the facility, is shut down to allow waves of fans to easily cross the street. Before the street is shut down, though, crossing directly in front of the venue can be a bit dicey. Approaching via Big Shanty Road and crossing at the crosswalk at the intersection with Busbee is much easier, and this also leads directly to the southwestern gate for easy access. Most fans will enter on the concourse that runs above the seating bowl, from the south end zone around to the northwest corner of the stadium. The remainder of the concourse drops down to field level and does become a bit awkward in spots where it involves passing through the visiting team as they make last-minute preparations for the game. In general, the concourse at Fifth Third Stadium is spacious, leaving fans with plenty of room to move around. However, the far side, which houses a portion of the visiting fans, as well as the Kennesaw State student section, just does not seem as easy to navigate as the concourse across the way.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $15 for end zone bleacher seats at the northern end of the field – these seats are pushed back a bit more from the field than their southern end zone counterparts, which start at $20. Seats along each sideline start at $34 and $50 at midfield, but on the plus side, there are no additional fees added to tickets, which is always since. Parking at one of the satellite lots away from the stadium runs $15; when compared to parking for football games, this does seem to be a reasonable rate. Parking in the tailgating Black Lot does get a bit pricy at $48, but inside the stadium, prices seem to be consistent with what would be seen at other similar venues. Kennesaw State allows fans to have the experience they are looking for at affordable rates.   Extras   4 In the backdrop of the tailgating area is a reminder of the school’s mountainous namesake. The outline of the ridgeline of Kennesaw Mountain, a rather modestly sized mountain at that, sits prominently in the distance. A small strip of grass that separates the sidewalk from the stadium is home to Owl Town. Here, fans can grab a bite to eat or a drink or hang out and listen to live music before heading into the stadium. Oscar the Grouch is a live owl that fans can have their picture taken with on the concourse. Oscar typically leaves before halftime, though, so visit him early. Mascot Scrappy is a constant at just about all Kennesaw State athletic events, making his way around the stadium greeting fans, taking photos, and is a part of just about every aspect of the game.   Final Thoughts The Owls have the smallest stadium in all of FBS, and it actually works in their favor. Being able to fill the stands with smaller crowds goes a long way in amplifying the overall atmosphere at Fifth Third Stadium. Several other teams throughout Conference USA might average more fans per game, but the game atmosphere at those venues can easily get lost in their larger stadiums with more emptiness. As Kennesaw State football starts a new chapter in its rel atively young history, it will need to continue to build its fan base to keep up as one of college football’s newest FBS-level programs. With in-state opponents Georgia State , Georgia Southern , and border rival Jacksonville State also r elatively recent additions to FBS, it certainly is a situation that can create a fun and festive college football experience.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Rappolt Field Sullivan Trail Easton, PA 18040 Lafayette Leopards website Rappolt FIeld website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 1,000 (estimated) 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 Rappolt Field, home of Leopard field hockey. The stadium is part of the Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex, which also includes Kamine Stadium , home of Lafayette baseball, as well as stadiums for most of Lafayette's other outdoor sports, except football. Built in 2000 and renovated in 2014, Rappolt Field is named after Bill Rappolt, a 1967 Lafayette alumnus whose donation helped fund the field's construction. Food & Beverage 5 A food truck is located to the left of the bleachers at Rappolt Field and offers a much better variety of food than you see at most field hockey venues. 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 3 There is one long set of bleachers along the sideline at Rappolt Field, straight ahead as you come in. It is set back quite a distance from the field, with some grass in between. Kids will sometimes play on the grass during the game, getting in the way of fans who are trying to watch the game, and a few fans will bring their chairs and set them down on the grass to be closer to the action. A scoreboard in the far left corner should in theory also show shots, saves, and penalty corners, but these displayed a zero for the entire game when we visited, which was inaccurate based on the actions on the field. There is not much going on in terms of gameday atmosphere besides the game itself and what the crowd brings. (More on that last part later.) The PA announcer will announce the starting lineups before the game and may announce goal scorers, but that is about it. Unlike at some field hockey venues, the PA announcer does not announce the result of team challenges leading to video review. While it may seem like such a result would be obvious based on the referees' signal and what happens on the field, in college field hockey it is not quite so simple. If a team requests a video referral and the original call is confirmed (because video evidence conclusively shows it was correct), the team loses its right to video referral for the remainder of the game. However, if the call merely stands (because the video review is inconclusive), the team retains its challenge, unlike in most other sports. Without the PA announcer saying which one has happened, it is not clear to fans in the stands whether the team has kept their referral. Neighborhood 3 Rappolt Field 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 Lafayette ranked in the top 20 nationwide in field hockey attendance, drawing several hundred fans a game, and continues to draw well now that the 2024 season is underway. Fans back the bleachers that line the sideline, and unlike at some schools, this is not just a friends and family crowd. Many locals, alumni, and more show up to cheer on the Leopards. There is even a small presence among Lafayette students, who line the fence, shout, and bang on the padding to make as much noise as possible. It is rare to see a sizeable student presence at college field hockey, but they certainly make their presence known here. 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 Rappolt Field and the Metzgar Complex. Once you arrive, you will find that only about half the lot is paved and it is the half furthest from Rappolt Field. If you want to park there, you should have no trouble doing so, but most fans prefer to park in the grass lot adjacent to the stadium. There is a lot of dirt in there as well, so if it rains, it will probably be muddy. If there is bad weather in the forecast, you may want to park in the paved lot depending on how much faith you have in your car and tires. There is construction in multiple areas of the Metzgar Fields Complex, so be prepared to have to walk around construction zones and along gravel paths, because the sidewalk is blocked off. Port-a-potties are located behind the bleachers but there are no real restrooms on site for fans to use. Return on Investment 5 Admission to all regular season Lafayette home games is free, and parking is free as well. Concessions are about average when you consider that almost every option is a combo deal, and it is so rare for a field hockey venue to even have concessions, much less this range of selection, that it would be hard to take points off this rating no matter what the price. If it's too expensive for you, you can always bring your food. Extras 3 Free roster cards are available from event staff as you come into the stadium. A second star for the student presence here, a rarity in this sport. A third star for the chance to see games in multiple sports in one trip to the Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex. If you time your visit right, it's quite possible to see both a field hockey game and a soccer game at two different venues back-to-back. Final Thoughts College field hockey is not often considered a major sport, nor is Lafayette considered an elite school within the sport, but despite this, Rappolt Field still manages to be a great place to see a game. Field hockey fans in the Lehigh Valley area or elsewhere in Eastern Pennsylvania will want to head down here to check out a game.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images If you’re a sports fan, which you have found our site, you no doubt are, are fully aware of how much ticket costs have climbed each year. The complex correlation between athlete salary costs, the financial realities owners face in running a team, and the state of the overall U.S. economy are all entangled, with fans caught in the crossfire. Supporting your team and checking off bucket lists, big events have to be weighed based on their financial burden. Online gaming site VegasInsider   recently did a study of just how expensive the average ticket cost was for fans for the 15 most popular sporting events in the United States for 2024. Coming in at by far the most expensive as, not surprisingly, the king of pro sports in the U.S., the NFL Super Bowl LVII, which was a classic between the Kansas City Chiefs  and the San Francisco 49ers . The biggest sporting event in the country was exponentially the priciest ticket to get for fans, with the average single ticket costing $8,600. Coming in second was Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix at $2,167, followed by The Masters Golf Tournament  at $2,111. The Kentucky Derby, at $1,774, and UFC 300, at $1,567, rounded out the top five most expensive sporting events. Two of the more surprising events found on the list were WWE’s equivalent to the Super Bowl, Wrestlemania XL, which was held this year at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, and the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup cricket event held at venues in Florida, New York, and Texas. The ticket cost for one of cricket’s largest annual events was $675, while Wrestlemania tickets set fans back an average of $639 – with the latter event spanning two days, that added up to quite a chunk of change. Other big-ticket events this year were the NCAA’s Men’s Basketball Finals, held this year in Phoenix, which set fans back an average of $622 per ticket, and the upcoming boxing exhibition between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, which is priced at $717 per ticket. Rounding out the rest of the list were auto racing’s Miami Grand Prix ($1,110) and U.S. Grand Prix, held at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas  ($820), MMA’s UFC 306 ($1,083), and the Copa America Final, which saw Lionel Messi return to form for the Argentinian national team ($750). Lastly, the two U.S. Open events for men’s tennis and men’s golf were $425 and $250, respectively. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Peach King Centre 162 Livingston Avenue Grimsby, ON L3M 5P7 Grimsby Peach Kings website Peach King Centre website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 400 A Peach of a Hockey Experience One of the oldest hockey teams in Ontario is the Grimsby Peach Kings.  Able to trace their history back all the way to 1922, the Peach Kings have serviced the Grimsby area in the Niagara Region, a bit of a hockey hotbed, for over 100 years.  The Peach Kings were named for the area’s claim to the unique conditions required to grow the fruit normally associated with Georgia.  The area was a training ground for such legendary teams as the Montreal Canadiens in the twenties.  For the duration of their existence, the Peach Kings have predominantly played at the Junior C level and are currently in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s North Bloomfield Division.  The Peach Kings boast five consecutive Schmalz Cup appearances and Junior C Champions in Ontario.  The Peach Kings success has culminated in 16 league titles and Schmalz Cup Championships in 1940, 2003, 2004, 2011, and 2012.  The team has leaned into their history, embracing themselves as a cornerstone Junior C franchise. The current home of the Peach Kings is Peach King Centre.  Built in 1984, the original ice pad has a current capacity of approximately 400.  A second ice pad was added in 2004 and the community hub is undertaking a massive construction project to add more indoor and outdoor facilities to serve the town of 28,000. Food & Beverage 2 The Peach Kings offer a very simple concession.  Pizza, water, soda, chips and chocolate are available.  Vending machines can also be found in the halls at ice level.  The southwest corner of the arena is where the cheekily named “Peach Pit” can be found.  Fans of the nineties television show “Beverly Hills 90210” will recognize the handle.  In Grimsby the Peach Pit sells a small selection of beer including products from local Bench Brewing. Atmosphere 3 The game that was reviewed was in the middle of a massive construction project, so the normal gameday atmosphere may have been tempered.  The Peach King Centre exterior is marred by temporary entrances and fenced off areas due to construction.  The two arena pads run perpendicular to each other.  The pad where the Peach Kings play has the ice oriented from south to north with the seating on the east side.  Peach King Centre features youth hockey banners hanging on the west and north sides.  The south side of the arena is where the Peach Kings lean into their history.  At the top of the east wall is where four Schmalz Cup Championship banners hang.  Beneath those, and the point where the eyeline is drawn, is the honoured numbers of the Peach Kings.  These include NHL alumni like Dennis Ververgaert, Bill Berg and Steve Mason and other Peach King players including Scott Vanderburgh, Matt Hodges, Ryan Toth, Steve Foster and Brennan Smith.  Builder Lyle Killins and former WHA Official Gene Kushan are also honoured.  In the northeast corner, the Peach Kings also have three unique banners honouring longtime volunteers.  Beneath the honoured player banners are a number of championship team pictures, which are great for pursuing.  The seating area consists of six rows of plastic arena seats, raised above ice level, with standing room behind.  The arena has a slightly curved ceiling with light coloured support beams across the ice and silver insulation in between.  The simple scoreboard is found on the east wall and there are plenty of local ads around the arena.  Some temporary bleachers are at ice level on the west side by the Peach Pit and are popular. The gameday atmosphere in Grimsby is unique.  The PA system in Peach King Centre is very good and the team makes the most of it.  Traditional Junior Hockey promotions are present including the 50/50 draw and Chuck-A-Puck.  What puts the atmosphere over the top is in the southwest corner, where on a small stage Josh Coulter can be found.  Josh deftly plays live music during stoppages in play, a totally unique situation for hockey. Neighbourhood 4 Peach King Centre is located in Grimsby, south of the Queen Elizabeth Way.  There are a number of local spots for pre or post game food and drink.  Some options in the area include Diner Bistro, Bogeys Grillhouse, Lang On Water, Casa Toscana, Bitter & Twisted and J.J.’s On the Dock.  There are also plenty of national chain restaurants in the area. The Peach Kings are the only game in town sports-wise, but there are other teams not too far off.  Grimsby is located in the Niagara Region, between Hamilton and St. Catharines.  The Niagara IceDogs of the OHL  as well as Brock Badgers hockey and basketball are found in St. Catharines.  The St. Catharines Athletics play lacrosse in the OJLL in the summer.  The other members of the Bloomfield Division are also very close.  Other tourist options in the area include the waterfront, beaches, parks and trails.  There are also plenty of Niagara wineries in the area.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Casablanca Hotel and Quality Inn are good options. Fans 4 The Grimsby Peach Kings are the only game in town and have been around a long time and they are the benefactors of solid fan support.  In 2023 the Peach Kings drew over 440 fans per game and were one of the top drawing teams in the PJHL.  They have had a bit of a slower start in the 2024-25 season at the turnstile, probably in part due to the massive construction project at Peach King Centre.  Fans in attendance are not atypical of Ontario fans as they are fairly quiet and reserved.   Access 3 Peach King Centre is located in Grimsby about a ½ km north of the Queen Elizabeth Way.  There is parking on site, however it is limited due to the construction project.  Getting to Grimsby from out of town can be a bit of a chore as traffic on the QEW, especially when the weather is still nice early in the season, can be pretty heavy.  Grimsby does not have a traditional public transit system, but there is an on demand ride-share program in the area.  The arena would not traditionally be that difficult to get around, but due to the construction project it is more challenging.  There are plenty of stairs with the elevated seating area and the concessions at ice level, so it will be a bit challenging for those with mobility issues.  The washroom facilities are on the small side.  At the time of writing, the Peach Kings website was definitely lacking in providing fans with information.  Plenty of sections on the standard PJHL website for the Peach Kings had no info at all. Return on Investment 5 Catching a Peach Kings game, as any Junior C hockey team, is not an expensive ordeal.  Tickets for the Peach Kings go for $10 and are purchased at the door.  Parking is free and concession prices are not high.  The return that fans can expect is very high.  The Peach Kings provide a gameday experience that is among the best in the PJHL with some unique features that are not found anywhere else.  In the end, a Peach Kings game provides value that is about as good as it can get. Extras 3 An extra mark for the deep and rich Grimsby Peach King history. An extra mark for Peach Kings embracing tradition.  The printed history of the Peach Kings is the interesting “Once a Peach King” by Sarah Allington. The coaches also wear a specific melton jacket, similar to what you would find NHL coaches wearing in the Winter Classic. An extra mark for the live music of Josh Coulter, especially at the beginning of the second intermission, when Josh plays “Peaches” by Presidents of the United States of America. Final Thoughts In Junior C hockey, the Grimsby Peach Kings are among the elite when it comes to the experience for the fan.  Once fully completed, the Peach King Centre will be an even stronger hub for the Grimsby community.  Getting out to a Peach Kings game will not break the bank and will leave fans happy to have been in attendance. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Williams-Brice Stadium 1125 George Rogers Blvd Columbia, SC 29201 South Carolina Gamecocks website Williams-Brice Stadium website Year Opened: 1934 Capacity: 77,559 Spurs Up For many throughout the south, college football fandom is more a way of life than simply supporting the local college or university and hoping for a good season – the South Carolina Gamecocks are no different. While South Carolina is hardly a pushover in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), they have yet to capture a conference title; the Gamecocks lone conference championship came in 1968 when they were members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (1953-1970). South Carolina has also spent time in the Southern Conference (1922-1952), as well as had two separate stints as an independent program (1892-1921 and 1971-1991). Since becoming members of the SEC, South Carolina has been a program that has faced inconsistencies in sustaining winning, but has typically been competitive enough and able to pull off occasional upsets of top ranked teams, enough so to give Gamecock fans hope, and to create an extraordinary game day experience.   Food & Beverage   5 During pregame, Gamecock Village, the ‘Official Tailgate of the South Carolina Gamecocks’, has an extensive collection of food trucks including South American arepas, Carolina BBQ, Mexican foods featuring grilled street corn, elotes, and traditional midway foods. Inside Williams-Brice Stadium you can also find a wide selection of concession offerings, including both traditional concession stands, specialized options, and local vendors. The typical stands serve hot dogs, pizza from Little Caesar’s, and multiple styles of burgers, including a Beyond Burger for those looking for a meatless option. Chicken finger baskets with fries are also available. Billy G’s Carolina BBQ, as well as specialized nachos at Crunch, are also popular options. Williams-Brice Stadium also has a touch of international flavors, with a Thai-inspired menu from T.K.O. Kitchen, plus SOCA’s Caribbean Kitchen’s traditional tropical dishes. Beverages include selections from the Coca-Cola line of soft drinks, including Powerade, along with Budweiser beers, craft brews from Columbia’s Peak Drift and their hefeweizen, hazy IPA, and blonde ale, Columbia Craft’s Carolina American style ale, and Athens, Georgia-based Terrapin Brewing Co. Also available is Beat Box, which are single serving boxed hard punches offered in pink lemonade and blue razzberry, in addition to Happy Thursday spiked refreshment, Hoop Tea hard iced tea, and Topo-Chico hard seltzer. Williams-Brice Stadium does a good job at providing a well-rounded menu that goes beyond just hot dogs, nachos, and pizza, providing fans with some of the local tastes of Columbia and the surrounding area.   Atmosphere   5 Game day festivities start well before kickoff. Tailgating is a big part of the South Carolina football experience, with parking lots in all directions around the stadium open beginning five hours prior to kickoff – these lots are filled with fans grilling, tossing footballs, watching the day’s early games, or finding an altered state of mind before heading into the stadium. Gamecock Village, just steps from the Loadholt Family Gate on the southeastern edge of Williams-Brice Stadium, hosts an athletic department-sponsored tailgate. This area features the Gamecocks pregame radio show, live bands, and a big screen videoboard showing the day’s games of interest. Several inflatables, player appearances from the Gamecocks other sports programs, and several food trucks also populate Gamecock Village. Alternatively, a more refined pregame tailgate can be found at the southern end of the stadium in the ‘Cockabooses’, which are retired cabooses that have been converted to high end tailgating suites – these cabooses rent out for well into six-figures. All that said, to say tailgating at South Carolina is a big part of the game day experience would be an understatement. In addition, there is no let down as the tailgating moves into the pregame festivities. In what has become much more than simply bringing out the team with the school fight song, South Carolina has one of the most exciting pregame atmospheres in all of college football. The fun starts when a special guest steps off the back of the replica Cockaboose, and leads the crowd in a volley of “GAME”, “COCKS” between each side of the stadium. Sparks then begin to spew from the Gamecock-themed caboose, as the them from 2001: A Space Odyssey plays, and mascot Cocky is launched into the air through sparks and smoke atop the Cockaboose, sending the crowd into a frenzy. All this excitement leads to one of the elite pregame experiences, as 80,000 fans bob up-and-down to the techno beats of Sandstorm – this legitimately gets the upper decks and corkscrew ramps bouncing. Throughout the game, the use of the Purge-like siren, followed by the crow of the gamecock, helps get every ounce of noise out of the Gamecock faithful. The in-game entertainment at Williams-Brice Stadium is as good as will be found anywhere else in the country – the use of the stadium’s LED lighting, and the ability to sync it to the music played during stoppages in play, goes a long way in keeping fans engaged, and their frenzied state high until the ball is put back into play. On top of it all, the ability to turn the whole stadium red during night games is a very cool experience. The great part in all of this is that South Carolina has been able to hold onto the traditions of college football, while still creating a fun, current experience. When looking for optimal seating, any of the areas in the upper levels of the south end of the stadium offer a terrific view of downtown Columbia. However, if seeking relief from the South Carolina sun is more the goal, there is not a lot of cover, but the west stands do get shaded first. Also, the upper most reaches do slide under the press box, providing some relief from the elements. As a result of this lack of shade, the corkscrew ramps in each of the stadium’s corners are a popular place for fans to congregate to watch the game from, similar to Auburn’s Jordan Hare Stadium . As would be expected from any SEC program, South Carolina gives fans a high-quality game experience that is certainly enhanced by the unique traditions of the Gamecocks.   Neighborhood   3 The core concentration of the University of South Carolina’s athletic facilities is roughly two miles south of the downtown campus in Columbia. This area is also home to the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, which during football season doubles as a large tailgating area. There are a handful of eateries around, but these are a bit sparse in comparison to the size of the city. The neighborhood that surrounds Williams-Brice Stadium has a rather industrial feel to it, but does transition well on game days to a festive pregame college football atmosphere. Signs of the mills and factories of the area that once bustled with activity now sit abandoned, while a handful have been repurposed into gyms and cross fit studios; the core of the university nightlife is more concentrated in the neighborhoods to the southeast and northwest of campus. The Vista, about three miles north of Williams-Brice Stadium, is a focal point of USC’s off-campus entertainment and higher end restaurant offerings, while another option is the Five Points neighborhood to the northeast of the stadium. Columbia has plenty of entertainment options both pre and post game, but other than tailgating in the lots around Williams-Brice Stadium, most of what Columbia has to offer for food, entertainment, and lodging can be found just under three miles away.   Fans   5 It is difficult to find a football program in the SEC that does not come with a large backing of fan support, and South Carolina is no exception. Despite the inconsistencies of sustained success on the field, the Gamecock faithful still come out in droves, and fill Williams-Brice Stadium on a regular basis. The fans are active participants in setting the tone for the overall game experience, from the Gamecock Walk prior to gates opening, to the frenzied excitement of fans bouncing to Darude’s Sandstorm  prior to each Gamecock kickoff. Recent forward progress has seemingly rejuvenated the excitement of the South Carolina fan base – the feel has shifted recently from an expectation of winning a fair number of games each season to the expectation of winning each week, which has injected a once familiar confidence back into the atmosphere here.   Access   2 Even though there are several access points to Williams-Brice Stadium, the roads getting there are at a near standstill in the time leading to gates opening for the tailgating lots, five hours prior to kickoff. It is advised that fans use I-77, which is accessible from I-26 and I-20 – the fact of the matter is, though, that regardless of the route taken, be prepared to wait, as the streets become extremely crowded during both pre and post game. There are a few ways to avoid the traffic backup, but it involves patience or a willingness to walk up to a mile. Metered parking maxes out at five hours, so if you are willing to park at a meter and walk, it can definitely eliminate the wait to access the tailgating lots. There are also several golf cart services for hire that can bring fans to and from the area around Williams-Brice Stadium, and out of the congestion relatively quickly. Once inside the stadium, fans have roomy concourses which keep congestion to a minimum. This is very much welcome, as renovations to add more amenities would tend to take away some of the comfort of wide-open concourses. However, what is given with wide walkways under the stadium does seem to be taken back in the seating bowl. Rows here are pretty tight, so getting up during play is nearly impossible without agitating more than a handful of those in the area. On top of it all, the seating rows are fairly long, so if seated toward the middle of a row it just adds another obstacle to navigate. Following the game, the roads are equally at as much of a standstill as they were during pregame. Needless to say, getting in and out of Williams-Brice Stadium will test even the most patient of fans.   Return on Investment   3 Whenever considering football in the SEC, there will always be a premium price for tickets. South Carolina boasts having nearly 65,000 season ticket holders, which helps create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, but it does make getting tickets directly from the athletic department at the most affordable rates difficult. The most affordable seats start at just $20 before fees, but unless you plan well ahead of time they are typically not available. The secondary market is the most reliable place to buy tickets, but at this point even the seats in the highest reaches of the upper level are selling for nearly triple digits after factoring in fees. For those choosing to park at the furthest most reaches of the stadium lots, there are shuttles available for $10, which is a bit disappointing considering that several similarly sized college football programs offer free shuttles. Parking directly around the stadium will start around $40, though some independent lots at the far end of Rosewood Drive go for $20 per car. Inside Williams-Brice Stadium, concessions do seem to be a touch high, but considering the higher quality items and availability of local foods, it does not come as a big surprise. Overall, if you plan well in advance and are willing to make some sacrifices, there is value to be had in a South Carolina football experience, but it definitely does take some planning ahead.   Extras   5 Popular photo ops can be found just outside the northwestern corner of the stadium, just steps from the corner of George Rogers Boulevard and Bluff Road. Here, a large gamecock sculpture and a statue of 1980 Heisman Trophy Award winner George Rogers are popular stops. There are several permanent restroom facilities around the southern perimeter of the stadium, which provide a bit more comfort than the typical porta-potties. For those wanting to get up close and personal with the team as they enter the stadium, the Gamecock Walk passes through Gamecock Village 2 1/2 hours prior to kickoff. The walk includes not just players and coaches, but is led by mascot Cocky and the Carolina Band. There is not a ton at Williams-Brice Stadium to recognize the history of South Carolina football, but the facing of the corkscrew ramps do pay tribute to program record holders and award winners, while the ring of honor is displayed on the front of the press box. Outside the stadium is also a display recognizing the history of the Jack Springs Tailoring Traveling Blazer . Following the game, the team comes to stand in front of the band to sing the school’s alma mater; it is always nice to see a moment where the team can come together with its fans to pay tribute to the school they love and represent.   Final Thoughts Each year hope springs eternal, and despite the historical inconsistencies of South Carolina football, the fans have continued to come out to support the Gamecocks. The actual gameday experience at Williams-Brice Stadium is as fun as most you would find in the nation, but the drawback is there just seems to be a lot of obstacles in the way, which may prevent you from getting the most out of that enjoyment. From the accessibility of the area pre and post game to the costs of tickets and other related expenses, it just seems to put a bit of a damper on what truly is an exceptional college football experience.