Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center 16th St NW & Kennedy St NW Washington, DC 20011 Washington Open website William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 7,500 Big Time Tennis In The Nation’s Capital The William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center is a tennis venue located in Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. The venue has 15 hard courts, 10 clay courts, and five indoors courts. During the Washington Open there are generally six hard courts used for competitions, with others used for practice only. The Washington Open began in 1969 and competition was originally held on outdoor clay courts until 1986, when it switched to the current hard courts. The location of the event in Washington, D.C. was chosen at the urging of Arthur Ashe, an early supporter. The Washington Open is part of the ATP World Tour 500 and WTA International circuits. The women’s event was first held in 2011 in College Park, Maryland as the Citi Open, and for the 2012 season, the ATP and WTA decided to merge their Maryland and Washington spots into a joint tournament, with the women’s event moving here. The Washington Open occurs in late July and early August over just beyond a one-week span. Starting with the 2019 event, venture capitalist and owner of the Washington Kastles, Mark Ein, assumes management of the event with the promise of making necessary changes and to keep the finances from getting out of hand. Some of these fan atmosphere changes are already being seen, but one should expect even more changes to occur later as Ein has a financial interest in making the tournament a success, as well as he is a massive tennis fan. Food & Beverage 4 There are quite a few options around the facility. A brand new food court has been setup just outside the main stadium in an air conditioned tent. There you will find some good ethnic options especially ones from renowned chef José Andrés. The prices are pretty expensive but the overall quality and selection around the venue sort of makes up for the cost. The air conditioned tent will also be a nice cooling off spot to get away from the hot temperatures of the daytime hours. Atmosphere 4 Going to a major tennis event like this is not the same as going to more raucous sporting events. The actual matches will be extremely quiet, with cheering and yelling happening only during breaks, unless a player has a major meltdown, which usually does happen at least once at each tournament. The best way to enjoy an event such as this is to not to watch a single match, but to wander from court to court, especially the practice ones. You are getting multiple things out of your ticket. The main grandstand seats 7,500 and is a pretty basic 4 sided seating structure. It, as well as the small grandstands that make up the venue grounds, will not excite you with their design nor makeup. The game action is what you are coming for. Starting with the 2019 event, the tournament has been investing heavily in the fan experience. Check out this video that does a good job of showing some of the changes at the Washington Open: Neighborhood 4 Dacha Beer Garden and Dino’s Grotto are just two of the great options in the lively Shaw neighborhood. Did I mention you are right in the middle of Washington, DC? The amount of attractions, museums, restaurants and other sights are astounding. Spend some time pre or post game seeing the many things around this great city. The new African American History museum just opened recently as well as the National Portrait Gallery, which is located across the street from the arena, are great choices. You could also hit up the college town of College Park, which is not far away. RJ Bentley’s Filling Station, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Jimmy John’s, Ledo Pizza, and Five Guys are all good options in this “downtown” area. Looney’s Pub and Bobby’s Burger Palace are two other great options, and are located in The Varsity building (8150 Baltimore Ave) north of the downtown area, and maybe even closer to the arena if walking. Nando’s PERi-PERi is a new addition to the area and offers their legendary butterfly-cut, flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken. I prefer the half chicken with the medium PERi-PERi sauce and a side of Macho Peas. Fans 5 Tennis fans are one of the most knowledgeable sports fans you will ever encounter. They may be quiet because of the built in courtesies of the game, but they know how the game should work and when to root and cheer as necessary. It is a great thing to witness. Access 3 The Rock Creek location is not located in the easiest part of DC to get to, but it’s not too bad if you plan ahead carefully. There is limited parking on site for $20. The lot may close in bad weather as it is an open field, controlled by the National Park Service. The best option is instead to take the free shuttles from the Geico Headquarters and Lord & Taylor lots in Chevy Chase Village. There will be many other food options over there, which helps your entire experience. Return on Investment 4 The prices can range from $15 per session to much, much more. The fancy suites and party tents show this pretty well. When you buy a ticket, you get an assigned seat in the main stadium, as well as the ability to sit at any of the smaller courts, although at a first come, first served basis. With the decently priced tickets and the ability to use a free parking venue, the value is high. Even if the food is not the cheapest, the overall experience is certainly worth it. Extras 5 There are freebies, giveaways, contests and activities for kids of all ages scattered around the venue. Between all the tennis, and the activities, you can waste an afternoon pretty quickly. They do not use the clay courts for the Washington Open, but it worth checking out this area to see the action over there. The general public, as well as scheduled classes use them even during the professional event. Look for players wandering the venue. They are often open to talking to fans, although make sure to stay out of their way if they are in serious game mode. The ability to get so close to major stars, as well as upcoming ones, is an extra all in itself. Check around the venue grounds as there are some art work and other items that display the history of this event, especially the influence of Arthur Ashe. Final Thoughts The Washington Open is a fun event to see and makes the trip to Northeast DC and the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center worth it for any sports fan.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Southern Raceway 9359 Nichols Lake Rd Milton, FL 32583 Southern Raceway website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 6,000 Southern Raceway Located just east of Pensacola in Milton, FL sits a 3/8-mile dirt track known as Southern Raceway. Also known as “The South’s Finest Dirt Track,” Southern Raceway opened on Labor Day in 1988 and has brought excitement to fans and drivers of all ages from beginners to long-time veterans. The raceway offers all forms of racing from pure stock, stingers, open wheel modified, and sprints and late models, just to name a few. Every October the track closes out its racing season by hosting the Southern 100, which is considered the biggest dirt track race of the year in Florida. The Late Model 100 lap feature lasts 3 days and attracts some of the top late model dirt track drivers in the country. Food & Beverage 4 As soon as you enter through the main gate the main thing most people notice is the massive selection of food on offer – after entering through the main gate there are food booths lined up along the entire walkway. Sugar Shack is located at the far north end and here you can find typical sweet items such as funnel cake, packaged candy, cotton candy, and pretzels; Sugar Shack sells ice cream and sno cones as well. But the biggest food booth on the walkway is the Straightaway Café; this stand is set up like the typical food booth you would find at a local fair or carnival, with a makeshift café setup where you walk in and place your order. The basics such as hot dogs and hamburgers are sold here and the prices are reasonable. Right next to Straightaway Cafe there is a boiled peanut stand as well where you can get a bucket of peanuts for just $7. Continuing down the walkway is a grill stand set up that sells grilled items, as well as a pork stand that offers pulled pork sandwiches and ribs. In addition to the wide selection of food, alcohol is prevalent as well, with a liquor bar in addition to another stand that sells draft and canned beer. For such a small venue food is plentiful, and this is one place I would recommend getting something to eat at the track instead of getting something to eat beforehand. Atmosphere 3 Southern Raceway is the definition of what small town southern stock car racing is all about, and the clay covered dirt track provides a unique change from the asphalt tracks that most fans are used too. Because of the nature of the track Southern Raceway has a kind of a rustic feel too it – as soon as you pull off the main highway onto the grass field which is the parking lot, you see the rusty covered grandstands, which immediately transport you back to the Saturday night racing days of the 1950s and 1960s. The fact that Southern Raceway opened in 1988 amazes me, because it seems much older by the looks of it. But in this case it works, because it adds to the old school charm. The track is a 3/8-mile dirt oval that faces north and south. The ticket office and main gate are located on the west side, as well as a rather large playground set up at the main entrance. There are metal bleacher style grandstands that extend from Turn 4 on the north side to Turn 3 on the south side. One unique thing about Southern Raceway is that there is berm seating that extends in front of the entire grandstand from north to south. Because of this setup the grandstand is farther away from the track than at other raceways, but the stands and berm section are absolutely packed with fans and families, with fans set up in lawn chairs and blankets along the berm. Another interesting thing about this track is the pit location – the pits and garages are located on the northwest side of the track with cars entering from the north side. If you walk past the grandstands to the northwest side fence you can get a good view of the cars getting worked on before they go out. One of my gripes with the venue is the sound system; there is a public address announcer but you can’t make out a word he says. I understand the cars are pretty loud, but still all you can hear over the sound system is muffled speech. Another issue is that while there are three sets of restrooms, all of them are rundown and outdated, and definitely need some upkeep. Neighborhood 2 The neighborhood would be deserving a 1 if not for the fact that this is still the Emerald Coast of Florida, and the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches are close by. But in terms of places close by or things to do there is nothing within walking distance. Southern Raceway is off a highway about two miles south of Interstate 10, with the closest places of interest being a Tom Thumb Gas Station and an RV park right across the street. There are several attractions a little further out, however, as Southern Raceway is located halfway between the scenic river town of Milton and the beach town of Navarre Beach. The town of Milton a few miles north has a pretty cool downtown that overlooks the Blackwater River, where many people can be found boating, kayaking, and swimming during the summer months. The Blackwater Bistro is a popular restaurant and is really the only place in downtown where you can find live music on weekends. The closest beach town is Navarre Beach about 10 miles south. The tiny beach community can lay claim to being home to the longest pier in the state of Florida – the pier stretches for almost a quarter of a mile and rises to 30 feet above the beautiful clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The town is also famous as one of the filming locations for the movie Jaws 2, although many of the filming locations have been destroyed by hurricanes over the years. Alternatively, you can bypass Navarre Beach and get on Highway 98 to take a scenic beach cruise east to Destin and Panama City. The biggest city in the area is Pensacola, about 20 miles west of Southern Raceway. That’s where you’ll find the closest airport, better lodging and restaurants, and more attractions. For nightlife in Pensacola definitely check out the Seville Quarter and South Palafox Street in downtown. Fans 3 There was quite a big turnout at the most recent race I attended; the berm was absolutely lined with fans young and old and there wasn’t an empty seat to be found in the grandstands. Many of the races were only 5 or 10 laps, so even though a lot of the fans weren’t familiar with some of the drivers, most fans still enjoyed being able to watch the short races. There is also a section for families in the grandstand that is alcohol free, which I think is nice. Access 4 There really is only one way to access Southern Raceway and it is fairly simple – if coming from the interstate the track is located on Highway 87 about two miles south of I-10 at Exit 31. The closest beach access is located in Navarre Beach about 20 miles down the road; Highway 87 is pretty much a straight shot from the interstate to the beach. Once at the track the grandstands back up pretty close to the concessions area, so the walkways get pretty congested from time to time, especially right around the main gate entrance. Also the line to purchase tickets gets backed up, so it may take about 10 minutes to finally get up there. It was nice that there was a big crowd on the Saturday I attended, but it would have been nice if the venue had another entrance somewhere to help with overflow. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are as follows: for regular nights Adults are $10, Military/Seniors are $9, Students (13-18) are $7, and Children (6-12) are $5 (5 and under are free). Ticket prices and concessions prices are about average for an event of this caliber; not too high and not too low. I thought the prices were fair; it got me out of the house on a Saturday night when I had nothing to do, and I got a chance to see dirt track racing for the first time which was pretty neat. I’m not the biggest racing fan and I know nothing about stock car racing, but I had a good time. If I can get enough out of it as a non-racing fan, I feel like most fans will feel the same. Extras 2 Not only is the Southern 100 the top dirt track racing event in the state of Florida, but it is one of the top dirt track races in the country. Every year it attracts some of the best drivers in the country and is a favorite track for many prominent NASCAR drivers as well, when their NASCAR schedules permit. Kyle Busch, Ken Schrader, and Tony Stewart are several drivers who have raced here in the past. In fact, ever since retiring from full-time racing in 2016 Stewart has made three appearances at Southern Raceway, racing his USCS Outlaw Sprint Car; Busch and Schrader also both competed in the Southern 100. Final Thoughts Southern Raceway is a great place to spend a Saturday night. The speedway and grandstand may look a little rough and outdated from the outside, but once you get inside your view will change drastically. Everything from the food options to the fans to the action on the track is exceptional. Southern Raceway is definitely a hidden gem of racing and is a must-visit for all race fans, especially for its dirt track. After spending a Saturday night here it’s easy to see why Southern Raceway is Florida’s biggest dirt track.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Watkins Glen International 2790 County Route 16 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen website Watkins Glen International website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 38,900 The 6 Hours of Excitement The Wakins Glen 6 Hours began in 1948 at the famed road course in the finger lakes region of New York. Since then, the race has attracted some of the greatest racers in all of motorsports, across a wide variety of manufacturers. Now, the race is a staple of the 4th of July weekend, a beacon for race fans in New England who want to spend their summers immersed in the sound and spectacle of speed. Food & Beverage 4 Watkins Glen International has a lot of food vendors, with most of them located in the main paddock and fan zones near the front stretch. Those fans looking to visit the outer parts of the track may have slimmer pickings than those watching the finish line. That said, the choices in the fan zone are pretty varied, ranging from BBQ to burgers and hot dogs, with other options like gyros and tacos also available. Food trucks also line up inside the paddock area. Atmosphere 5 Watkins Glen International is located in New York’s finger lakes region, making the facility a beautifully located sports venue. The area is full of beautiful trees, meaning fans can find some shade in the hot summer sun. In addition, the track is laid out to be one of the fastest road courses in North America, if not the world, making the on-track action some of the most exciting in all of sportscar racing. For a raceway filled with history (the track regularly hosts NASCAR, SRO World Challenge, and Trans-Am, and has also hosted the likes of IndyCar, Formula 1, and others in the past), you cannot help but feel like you’re witnessing yet another chapter when you attend the 6 Hours of the Glen. Neighborhood 3 The track itself is about 5 minutes south of the town of Watkins Glen, nestled on the southern shores of Seneca Lake. The town is beautiful and quaint, but lacks proper hotels and popular chain restaurants. Nonetheless, there is plenty to do and see here. For those willing to drive, the town of Ithaca is just a half hour east, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and shopping in the same town that is home to Cornell University. For lodging, the historic Seneca Lodge and the Falls Motel are two of your closest options, and for food, Seneca Harbor Station and Nickel’s Pit BBQ are two popular destinations. In addition, sightseers routinely flock to Watkins Glen State Park for stunning hiking through a canyon of waterfalls, as well as Lakeside Park to watch the stars rise over the waters of Seneca Lake. Fans 4 The fans at Watkins Glen International are once again a cross-section of sportscar racing diehards. The 6 Hours is a race of endurance and skill, and most of the fans on site have been coming since they were kids. New York racing fans are among the best in the country, and know how to throw a great party – the camping grounds are full all weekend long, and the fans know who to cheer for when the race is on the line. Access 2 The biggest downside in getting to Watkins Glen International is its relatively isolated location – the nearest major highway is I-86 to the south and west, at least a 40-minute drive. Traffic can back up, as the roadways in and around the track are all one lane each way. During heavy race days, however, the traffic is opened up to be one way only heading in or out of the track. Once at the track, parking is plentiful all around, and navigating the track’s tunnels, bridges, and walkways can be daunting, as the facility is rather large. Track maps are placed throughout the venue, though, making getting from place to place a little easier. Return on Investment 5 The Watkins Glen 6 Hour race is a hallmark of the sportscar racing world. One of the four North American Endurance Championship races, winning this race is a big deal in the sport. The weekend also features several warm-up races before the big event, which means fans will have plenty of time to see some great action on track throughout the weekend. This is the perfect weekend summer racing getaway for the whole family if you want to mix the great outdoors, camping, and exciting summer sports. Extras 4 There are always several autograph sessions throughout the weekend for fans to meet their favorite drivers in each respective series. The track also has several fan zones to get you up close and personal with show cars, as well as to pick up some free giveaways. Fans can also wander the paddock area for free, giving you a great look at the teams working away at their machines. Final Thoughts The Watkins Glen 6 Hour race is one of the best racing traditions in North America, if not the world, and being held at historic Watkins Glen International is no doubt a part of what makes the race so great – the track is fast, the fans pack in the facility, and the action is top notch. This is a must-see race on any sports car racing fans’ bucket list.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kapco Park 12800 N Lake Shore Dr. Mequon, WI 53097 Lakshore Chinooks website Kapco Park website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 3,000 Watching Baseball by the Lake The Lakeshore Chinooks were a trendsetter in the Northwoods League, becoming the first franchise to play in a major metropolitan area and the first to share a modern venue with a university. Kapco Park is located on the campus of Concordia University of Wisconsin, just 20 miles north of downtown Milwaukee. Almost a decade later, the club has not looked back. Kapco is a 3,000 seat facility that hits all the right notes from fan experience, game day promotions, concessions, and social areas that give the ballpark positive word of mouth from visitors in the area. Its location within a few yards of Lake Michigan is also a nice touch and provides either a cool breeze or a chance to put on a light jacket. The Chinooks have a Milwaukee connection that consists of former Brewer and Hall of Famer Robin Young, Brewers announcer Bob Eucker, and former Bucks GM John Hammond making up a quarter of the twelve investors of the club. The Chinooks is a joint venture between the college, private businesses, and community-minded individuals. The outfield dimensions also add a nice little nod to Brewers greats jersey numbers–left field is 317 for Jim Ganter, center field is 344 for Hank Aaron, and right field is for Young at 319. The club has dedicated the 2019 season as the Summer of Yount with several promotions for the all-time great including bobble heads and several games where the club will play as the Rockin’ Robins. When the Brewers are on the road, do yourself a favor and make the trip up north for a Chinooks game, it’s baseball that offers quite a bit of fun and affordable pricing. Food & Beverage 5 There is quite a selection of food and beverage at the ballpark that includes a collection of food trucks that make their way to each game. There is a main concession stand directly underneath the main grandstand near the entrance that has almost everything imaginable. The stand offers hot dogs, burghers, jalapeño cheddar brats, grilled chicken breast and spicy chicken sandwiches, a chicken BLT sandwich and a few local delicacies – foot long cod and smoked salmon sandwiches. The price points are $3.50 to $10 for each sandwich. There are also boneless wings ($7-$10) that fans can top with one of numerous local Larry Legends’ wing sauces, including spicy bacon barbecue, garlic parmesan, honey barbecue, and scary Larry. I tried them all and the garlic parmesan was something unusual but very tasty. Snacks include fried cheese curds, fried pickles, and jalapeño poppers and the ballpark offers German nachos that are pretzel balls topped with cheese, brat slices, and sauerkraut. Pepsi products are available at the ballpark. The food carts feature the Bullpen BBQ that has sandwiches and platters of brisket, pulled chicken, and pulled pork. They also have loaded mac and cheese and a half-pound angus burger. Next door is a food truck that offers quite the opposite, the impossible burger and vegan bites. Then there is the Italian truck that creates personal pizzas with 9 different toppings, meatball subs, and sausage sandwiches. Beer sells for $5.50 for both domestic and craft varieties; the craft selection offers varieties from Broken Bat Brewing Company: Chinooks 19 IPA, Straight Ahead Apricot Pale Ale, Corre Corre Mexican Lager, and Golden Sombrero American Pilsner. Atmosphere 4 Kapco Park has an atmosphere that reminds me of minor league ballparks from 25-years-ago. The stadium does not offer a wraparound concourse or sunken seating and you would not be able to find any private suites above the seating bowl, but what you will find is a wonderful selection of affordable concessions, prize wheel games, a children’s play area, and the popular Fishin’ Hole bar down the third baseline. There are 3,000 seats in the stadium that are separated by a middle concourse that features table seating with full wait service. Each table also has specialized condiments that includes mustard from Luxembourg. There are also two private group decks for parties of 40-50 along with the Robin’s Nest and Backyard Patio behind the right field fence that are $30-$35 per person and offers an All-You-Can-Eat menu. Fishin’ Hole area is down the third base corner. It is accessible to all fans and offers a bar area with flowers, lights, and table top seating. It is an ideal place to enjoy the game with friends and other baseball fans in a very well decorated area of the stadium. The bar is fully stocked with both domestic and craft beer cans. The rest of the seating in the ballpark provides great views and there are a lot of in-between promotions that take place with tire races, t-shirt tosses, mascot races, and many other gimmicks. If seating in the upper portion of the ballpark you can get a view of Lake Michigan and at times, a nice breeze during hot summer games. However, some nights can get cold enough where you might need to bring a jacket. Kapco Park Lake Michigan, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Other features of the ballpark include inflatable rides for kids down the right field line that also includes open grass space for kids to run around or toss a baseball to one another. The bathrooms are also kept very clean and even feature potted plants in the men’s room–I assume there are flowers in the ladies room. Visitors can even play a few carnival games to win prizes that include ring tossing on bobbleheads. The only complaint might be the team’s official team store located underneath the first base grandstand. It is a nice size area but it feels that there could be more items sold, including powder blue t-shirts and navy blue caps featuring the Rockin’ Robins logo. Neighborhood 3 Kapco Park is located on Concordia University just off I-43 and 30 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee. The ballpark is near the Grafton Commons shopping mall where a collection of regional and nationwide restaurants exist. Charcoal Grill, Water Street Brewery, Flipside Cafe & Grill, and Juice’s Ghost Town are a few places to grab a bite to eat or drink when in the area. The stadium is within walking distance of the lake offering plenty of views of Lake Michigan. A few miles north and south by car are areas to hike along the body of water including Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve and Virmond Park. Being 18 miles north of downtown Milwaukee, there are more sports options that include taking in a Milwaukee Brewers game at Miller Park, checking out a Milwaukee Milkmen baseball game at Routine Field, or taking tours of the Milwaukee Bucks new home Fiserv Forum. Since you are in the Sud City, there are various beer tours that include Miller, Pabst, Lakefront, and Specher breweries. Fans 4 Attendance for Chinooks game rank in the top half of the league attendance numbers and the crowd is vibrant during the game, despite poor play in the field by the home club. Many in attendance enjoy the in-between promotions by the club and socialization of being at the game with friends and family. Access 4 Kapco Park is located off of I-43 on the campus of Concordia University Wisconsin. There is signage that leads motorists to the parking lot and then up to the ballpark itself. There are shuttle service rides to and from the game and once inside the stadium, all your concession and information is presented on the outer concourse of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The price of a general admission ticket in advance is $8, a grandstand ticket is $11, and box seats are $14. All ticket prices go up $1 the day of the game. There is a large parking lot near the ballpark that is free and there is a shuttle service to and from the game for people who have trouble walking. Concession prices are extremely reasonable and a tall boy can of locally crafted beer is only $5.50. Most of the concession stands do take credit cards and there is an ATM in the team store. Extras 4 Kapco Park’s earns an extra point for its Fishin’ Hole area down the third base corner. It is accessible to all fans and offers a bar area with flowers, lights, and table top seating. It is an ideal place to enjoy the game. Kapco earns a second point for the variety of food that is offered at home games from pizza, barbecue, and eight varieties of wing sauces. The basics are all here along with local favorites brats and fried cheese curds. You can also wash it down with a Chinooks 19 IPA or a glass of wine from Luxembourg. Kapco earns another point for its mascot Gil who is one of the better ones in the business. He is active, funny and even holds a “small” grudge against Rocky Robin who makes an appearance one day a year when the club plays as the Rockin’ Robins. Gil also has the ability to speak, but perhaps can only be understood by other chinooks swimming in Lake Michigan. Kapco earns a final point for plants in the men’s bathroom near the entrance. They are also freshly cleaned. If this is the case for the men’s room, I hope the same can be said for the ladies room. Final Thoughts I was told recently by several people from Milwaukee about how great Kapco Park is for a baseball game. It is not a fancy facility that offers a wraparound concourse or sunken bowl seating, but it offers great concessions and an atmosphere that reminds me why I enjoy traveling around the country visiting ballparks. The ballpark had been on my list for about 5 years and I am glad the wait was worth it, a fine ballpark experience.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Joannes Stadium 450 East Walnut Green Bay, WI 54301 Green Bay Blue Ribbons website Joannes Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 2,500 Blue Ribbon Special They have been playing baseball on the same site of the current Joannes Stadium since 1929 but little is known about who played during its first decade. The current stadium was rebuilt in 1988, but if you look at various media publications little is mentioned that there have been two separate ballparks. However, baseball from minor to semi-pro leagues have all found success on the very same diamond for 90 years. In 1940 the Green Bay Blue Jays called the facility home until 1953 in the Class D Wisconsin State League. In 1958 the Los Angeles Dodgers placed a team in the Three-Eye League adopting the Blue Jays name for the first two seasons before being renamed the Dodgers for its last season in 1960. In 1970 the Green Bay Blue Ribbons in what was known as the Wisconsin State Baseball League began play at the ballpark. The semi-pro team’s nickname was chosen after a $ 3,000-a-year partnership with a local Pabst Blue Ribbon distributor. The club was a hit on and off the field capturing 13 championships and averaging crowds of around 2,000 for games–especially on 10-cent beer night. In 1995 the Blue Ribbons folded and a collection of teams occupied the stadium from the independent Green Bay Sultans (1996), another semi-pro club Green Bay Billy’s (1997-1999), and the Green Bay Bullfrogs of the Northwoods League (2007-2018). When the Bullfrogs opened the new Capital Credit Union Park and rebranded as the Booyah in 2019, it left Joannes without a main tenant. That is when the De Pere Dodgers of the now Wisconsin State League relocated from their ball field five miles south of town into the 2,500-seat venue. The Dodgers were hampered at their home field due to a lack of alcohol sales and both bathroom and concessions being far removed from the grandstand. The Dodgers kept their identity for the 2019 season but announced that in 2020–a half-century after the original team’s founding–it would rebrand as the “new” Green Bay Blue Ribbons. The Wisconsin State League features many of the region’s top college, former college, future, and former professional baseball players. The seven franchises in the league are non-profit organizations, organized by volunteers in their area communities. The league plays a 30-game regular season and will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. Food & Beverage 3 A concession stand is located on the concourse where hot dogs, pizza, and nachos are served at very affordable prices. The hot dogs are $2.50 and fans can pick up a bag of chips or candy to complement their meal. Down the first base side is the beer stand where taps of locally produced Bare Bones Brewery in Oshkosh are poured into plastic cups for the low price of $2.50 to $3. The club is not reinventing the wheel of what is served at the stadium, but the prices are cheap and the food is tasty. Atmosphere 2 Joannes Stadium features a main grandstand with a press box behind home plate with two bleacher-style grandstands down the first and third base sides. It is a very basic and rudimentary facility but perfect for this level of baseball in the WSL. There are plastic theater-style seats down the first baseline of the stadium, There are some leftover features from when the facility was the home to the Green Bay Bullfrogs including signage on the scoreboard behind the right field wall and the old party deck in the right field corner of the stadium. Perhaps a few changes will be made in the future when the club rebrands next season. The atmosphere is very laid-back and reminiscent of either high school or college baseball in the northeast of the United States. The people in the stands or either fans of the players or family members checking out the game. There aren’t a large number of promotions or loud noises from the PA booth–it’s all about the game. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is located in Joannes Park in a residential neighborhood about 5 miles away from Lambeau Field, restaurants, and other tourist attractions in town. You would need a car to reach other points in town and these are the places that will be recommended to visit before or after a game. Lambeau is not a ghost town during the summer. The facility is home to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, stadium tours, 1919 Grill and Taproom, and one of the largest fans shops in the NFL. Adjacent to the stadium is a community development that features places to eat, drink, and play games. The area offers a large grass hill that kids enjoy rolling down on during the summer months and a massive playground and replica football field. The sprawling community is expanding and within a few years will offer residential homes, lodging, and more businesses. Kroll’s West is known for the best burgers and their version of booyah (chicken soup with a rich and flavorful broth popular in town), the Badger State Brewing Company offers a large open green space with games, and the Green Bay Distillery features Wisconsin dishes in a family-friendly environment. If you happen to be in town when the Green Bay Rockers (Northwoods League) or Green Bay Blizzard (Indoor Football League) are playing, you can make it for a nice sports weekend during the summer months. Fans 2 During our visit on a Saturday afternoon, there was a small sprinkling of fans scattered throughout the stadium. The number was somewhat lower than most games this year (2019) and that was probably because a major concert took place in town that very day. Average crowds could peak more towards the century mark for games but the ones who were there seemed to be enjoying the action on the field. Access 3 The stadium is located in Joanna’s Park in a residential area of town and only has one entrance as of this writing on the first base side of the venue. There is a small parking lot and once inside the venue access is extremely easy to both bathrooms and concession areas. There are rarely ever large crowds at games providing plenty of seating to be found. Return on Investment 3 All adult tickets are $3, children's tickets are just a dollar, and kids 12 and under are admitted free of charge. The price of a game day program with a nice retro design is a dollar and the price of a beer is only $2.50. There is a parking lot near the first base entrance that is currently open and is free of charge. Extras 2 Joannes earns a point for its affordable pricing on tickets and concessions. A fan can easily enjoy two beers, a hot dog, and a game day ticket. Joannes earns another point for its sheer determination it be home for some level of baseball during the summer. The semi-pro Wisconsin State League is a bare-bones league where the focus is on the game. Final Thoughts Attending a game at Joannes Stadium to watch a Wisconsin State League game is an interesting experience. The games are miles away from what you would expect at either a nearby Midwest or Northwoods League game, but the concession prices are affordable and there is great local beer sold on draft. The Dodger management will no doubt make the experience somewhat more alluring when it rebrands as the Blue Ribbons in 2020 and perhaps will make a nice alternative for your baseball dollar in Green Bay.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Capital Credit Union Park 2231 Holmgren Way Ashwaubenon, WI 54115 Green Bay Rockers website Capital Credit Union Park website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 3,359 Green Bay’s Quirky Home for Baseball The Northwoods League is full of older ballparks that have been heavily renovated and brand-new ballparks built to house multiple sports franchises and other events. The league’s newest ballpark Capital Credit Union Park is easily one of the quirkiest places for baseball during the league’s summer months of June and July. The Green Bay Rockers, formerly the Green Bay Bullfrogs and Booyah, call the $14 million venue home. The ball club shares it with the Green Bay Voyageurs FC of the USL League Two and it would appear that the venue is more suitable for soccer than baseball. The most striking feature is the 282 distance from home plate to right field which would make Yankee Stadium green with envy. However, many other anomalies include permanent soccer lines on the synthetic turf, a 45,000 square foot video board that takes up most of the outfield wall, two trucking containers that are listed as 19 feet, 19 inches (a nod to the founding year of the Green Bay Packers), but it’s 22 feet high, and there is only 19 feet from the backstop to the first row of seats in the grandstand. There is still a smell of paint in the stadium that fills the air, numerous activities for the kids, and there are plenty of regional items at the concession stand. The most distinct is booyah, a chicken stew popular in town that shares its name with the ball club. There is also a 2,000-gallon booyah kettle located at the third base entrance of the stadium. After three seasons, new ownership changed the name of the ball club to the Rockers. The decision to rebrand appeared to be a connection between Boomerang Management, who also owns the ballpark and nearby EPIC Events Center, to create a synergy between the two venues. The new events center houses a lot of concerts and there may be a few performances at the ballpark as well. That could easily be sustainable because Capital Credit Union Park is not your average ballpark. It features a synthetic turf, a short distance to right field, and a small set of seating rows. It is easily adaptable to football games, soccer matches, and a few concerts. It is loved by the casual fan or loathed by the baseball purist. However, let’s find out more about the home of the Green Bay Rockers. Food & Beverage 4 There are two main concession stands located in the stadium offering an array of traditional ballpark food but plenty of regional items and local beers. The cup of booyah is probably the item worth checking out first. It’s homemade by the club’s chef and features chicken, potatoes, and vegetables in a deeply rich broth. It’s also served on the booyah burger and poutine. A more widely known area delicacy is fried cheese curds, brats, and chicken brats. There are also the classics: hot dogs, burgers, and loaded nachos. Fans have the option of paying a small fee to include a drink and fries or chips with any sandwich. Behind home plate is Backstop Barbecue, a portable stand that features pulled chicken and pork sandwiches along with mac and cheese. Fans can enjoy mac and cheese and one of the pulled meats in a baseball helmet. The beer selection includes 16 and 32-ounce domestic beers. Imports and craft beers will fetch $6 for a 16-ounce pint. The two craft beer brands are nearby Badger State Brewing Company and Stillmank Brewing Company. Fans can enjoy Green Chop IPA, Wisco Disco, WI Bien Mexican Lager from Stillmank or BRW-SKI, Buzzy Badger Coffee Ale, and Walloon Witbier from Badger State. Atmosphere 4 The ballpark is full of interesting and distinct features that set it apart from any other facility in the league. The main entrance is located on the third base side where the official team store is located; fans walk up a small set of stairs to the main concourse where there are small portable stands and tabletop seating chairs. The grandstand is only seven rows deep and extends from the right to the left field line. Home plate is 19 feet feet from the first rows of seats and it almost feels like you can get your glove out and call a few pitches. Down the right field line is the Bud Light Bleachers where a few taps or beers are available for the fans. Behind the left field wall are berm seats for 687 fans and a kids' zone with inflatable rides. Two trucking shipment containers are stacked on each other in the right field corner that houses a hand-operated scoreboard and room for advertisements. The containers were selected for both their affordability and resistance to wind. Just to the left of them is the massive video board that broadcasts more advertisements in vivid color and player information. It dominates the stadium’s outfield wall and is the focal point in the yard. The official team store offers a plethora of merchandise from team jerseys, to t-shirts, and caps. Compared to other Northwoods League ballparks, this is pristine with official jerseys only selling for $30–that also includes the club away lumberjack design tops. The stadium also houses a club level above the backstop concourse that has 288 exterior seats and 16-person suites. Food and drink are available for patrons who opt for this ticket pricing point and include at times brisket, mac and cheese, fried fish, and a much smaller kettle of the team’s homemade booyah. Neighborhood 4 Capital Credit Union Park is located in the town of Ashwaubenon on the outskirts of Green Bay on Holmgren Way, just a little over a mile from Lambeau Field. The club does not play at the same time as the Packers, but Lambeau is not a ghost town during the summer. The facility is home to the Packers Hall of Fame, stadium tours, 1919 Grill and Taproom, and one of the largest fan shops in the NFL. Adjacent to the stadium is Titletown, a community development that features places to eat, drink, and play games. The area offers a large grass hill that kids enjoy rolling down on during the summer months and a massive playground and replica football field. The sprawling community is expanding and within a few years will offer residential homes, lodging, and more businesses. Kroll’s West is known for the best burgers and their version of booyah, the Badger State Brewing Company offers a large open green space with games, and the Green Bay Distillery features Wisconsin dishes in a family-friendly environment. If you have the chance, Booyah’s old ballpark is being utilized by the De Dere Dodgers of the Wisconsin State League. Joannes Stadium is located 5 miles away and features $3 ticket prices and $2.50 drafts of local beer. The club will rebrand to its original name the De Dere Blue Ribbons in 2020 and attract around 400-600 people per game. Fans 3 The Booyah attract crowds of 1,467 so far this season which is just below the league average and seventh in the league. The majority of the fans are at the ballpark enjoying the social aspect of the ballpark, getting the kids out for the night, or just checking out the nightly promotion. There is a lot outside the play on the field to keep them entertained and there are a few of them keeping their eye on the ball from their seats. Access 3 The stadium offers one main concourse that does not wrap around but offers enough room to move around to find your areas of need: bathrooms, exits, informational booths, and concession areas. Parking is located in the various business lots for free and usually houses a member of the Booyah staff directing motorists into a parking spot. Return on Investment 4 The cheapest ticket is $8 for the grass berm seating behind the left field wall. The tickets for the grandstand are either $12 or $15 and bleacher seating is $20. The club-level seats sell for $45 and offer a buffet table of food. The parking is free of charge, but the earlier you arrive the closer you will secure a close spot to the stadium. The price of a jersey is only $30 and concession items are reasonable. The beer batter promo offers half off beer during one inning of play. Extras 3 The Booyah receives a point for its interesting dimensions which feature a 22-foot-tall digital video wall, shipping containers, and a backstop that is only 19 feet from the first row of seats. The price of a jersey sells for $30 and that is more than half the price of similar jerseys sold at other league venues in the state. The team shop also houses an array of merchandise and styles. The homemade booyah is tasty and a must if you attend a game. A cup sells for $3 and is a perfect side dish to a sandwich or local craft beer. Final Thoughts Capital Credit Union Park is by far one of the most curious places to watch a baseball game during the summer months. Its design and features best suit a soccer match but it’s full of popular areas and affordable food and concessions items that make it a nice destination for fans in the area. Its colorful blue paint and catchy name should be a welcome destination for anybody looking for a night of baseball with friends or family. However, I am sure a few baseball purists would dissent to such a ballpark design. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Robbie Raskin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Woodbine 555 Rexdale Blvd Etobicoke, ON M9W 5L2, Canada Queen’s Plate website Woodbine website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 42,000 A Royally Good Time One of the unique aspects of horse racing worldwide is that major racing nations have three important races that comprise their national ‘Triple Crowns’ of horse racing. Usually, the races are restricted to three-year-old throughbreds. In Canada, unlike in most other nations, each race of Triple Crown is run on a different surface; the Queen’s Plate on synthetic Tapeta, the Prince of Wales’ Stakes, run in Fort Erie, Ontario, on dirt, and the Breeder’s Stakes on turf. The Queen’s Plate, however, is the single most prestigious, and carries with it a massive sense of occasion as one of Toronto’s most prominent social events in the year. Held annually at Woodbine in Toronto, the Queen’s Plate is held as part of a two-day summer festival. Usually occurring during late June or early July, this year’s running took place over the Canada Day long weekend (28-29 June, 2019). Toronto’s socialites took a pause from their usual commute north to their cottages to spend the weekend seeing and being seen, as well as enjoying the oldest continuously-run horse race in North America. Inaugurated in 1860, the Queen’s Plate was first held at Toronto’s Carleton Race Course and moved around the province of Upper Canada (which became known as Ontario). It has flipped between being known as the Queen’s Plate and the King’s Plate, pending the current reigning monarch. Its $1 000 000 purse makes it a tremendously important race for breeders and jockeys, but it is also a massive betting occasion at the track and around the country. It is also a popular event for the royal family to attend, with Queen Elizabeth having last personally attended in 2010. The two-day festival features dozens of individual races, culminating in the running of the Queen’s Plate itself. The first day, usually Friday, is considered the pre-party, with an air of anticipation over the racecourse, while Saturday is the big day with all its pomp and circumstance. Woodbine itself is Canada’s premier horse racing destination and has been since it opened in 1956. It is also home to a large casino, and will soon be home to a major entertainment and residential precinct, now under construction. Open daily for much of the year (and with the casino open year round), the racecourse features a number of other notable races including the Canadian International Stakes, the Breeders’ Stakes, the Coronation Futurity, and many more. For horse racing fans or just those looking for a royally good time, a trip to Woodbine is surely in order next summer! Food & Beverage 5 Depending on from where you choose to enjoy the race, your food options go from good to superlative. Within the grandstand, there are a number of upscale restaurants and bars as well as typical concession booths. Starting with these, the Trackside Grill offers burgers, sausages, and chicken sandwiches from $5.25 for a basic hamburger and up. Prices are reasonable; a sausage and chips combo goes for $8.90. Various sides like onion rings, poutine, and chicken fingers are also good value. The Carvery offers roast beef, a diverse menu of salads including mango prawn and teriyaki salmon, and a surprisingly robust rotating menu of soups. Bowls of soup are $5.25 and there are a handful of options. While the hot weather of this year’s race didn’t warrant it, the beef brisket soup looked particularly appetising. Another option in this food court area is the Southern Fried Chicken stand, offering exactly what it sounds like. On top, Café Superior is a good spot for a latte and baked good or ice cream, if that’s in the offing. Pizza Pizza and Tim Horton’s, two Ontario standbys, offer affordable bites. Moving up a little, the Hoofbeats Lounge is near track level and is the place for grab-and-go hot items, with a dining room and track side patio. Inside the casino is the Willows Dining Room. It features both buffet and a la carte service and usually has a nightly special for casino-goers. It also features a slide-up noodle bar with quick and savoury soups and noodle bowls. For drinks, there are a number of bar counters as well as sit-down pub spaces within the Grandstand. The Finish Line Bar offers the best view. Each year, an official cocktail is also created for the race. There are stands throughout the Grandstand and track side selling premixed examples; this year was a sweet vodka-and-prosecco-based number named the Royal Blush. Getting classier, the Woodbine Club Dining Room is a rich, wood-panelled space known for its prime rib. It is a popular place for couples to share a bottle of wine overlooking the track. A lunch buffet is $45, while supper is $50. Finally, the pinnacle of dining within the Grandstand is the Club Lounge. Appointed sumptuously like a Victorian drawing room, this room is for members only and is as much a library, clubhouse, or sitting room as a dining room. It is, quite plainly, stunning, but you will have to know someone to get in. The list of choices continues on Queen’s Plate weekend, though, if you venture out of the Grandstand. There are dozens of spots in the various garden parties surrounding the track in which access can be purchased. Places like the G.H. Mumm Garden Social, the Hats and Horseshoes party are just a couple of ticketed areas with food, drink, and social events. Topping all these is the very exclusive White Party, held in a private clubhouse on the far side of the track. While the menu could be raved about for an entire article, some highlights include seafood charcuterie platters, multiple carving stations, constant parades of hors d’oeuvres, and of course an open bar. For most racegoers, though, the food court selections will be the go-to, and for the price, you can do extremely well there. No matter how much racegoers spend, no one should go hungry or thirsty at Woodbine. Atmosphere 4 Woodbine is currently undergoing something of a transformation from a racecourse and slots casino into a major entertainment neighbourhood. At least six towering cranes loom over one corner of the grounds, with plans in place for wholesale redevelopment of underutilised car parking and open fields on its periphery. For now, Woodbine is centred on its tall Grandstand, which is in some places showing its age, but is still very much capable of hosting any race. The Grandstand features alternating seating, bars, restaurants, and casino spaces. Walking along, one might pass two or three table games and slots salons, a bar or two, and access to both enclosed and outdoor seating areas. Throughout all of this are plenty of betting terminals and in-person betting desks. For Queen’s Plate weekend, the massive but exclusive Hats and Horseshoes party is set up around a walking ring with tents for food, drinks, betting, and live music. Well-known headliners play each night of the festival. Beside this garden atmosphere are the open paddocks, where fans can check out the behind-the-scenes of their favourite horses and, naturally, bet on them from within. Helpfully, within this area there is an onsite milliner who can provide fascinator hats for the ladies, as well as florists. The entire area is bedecked with flowers and greenery in a beautiful setting. The horses are paraded to and from the paddock surrounding races and offer a close interaction between spectators and the horse teams. Downstairs near the paddock is an extensive Hall of Fame, which is a great place to familiarise yourself with past winners of the historic races held at Woodbine. Outside is a statue of Northern Dancer, Canada’s most celebrated racehorse and the leading progenitor of thoroughbreds in the world today. His final race win, the 1964 Queen’s Plate remains one of Canadian horseracing’s greatest moments. The Grandstand is over seven stories high with sweeping views over the three tracks that comprise Woodbine. Innermost is a turf oval, followed by the slightly wider Tapeta (essentially synthetic dirt) upon which the Queen’s Plate race itself is run, and the outermost course is the E.P. Taylor turf course. Closest to the grandstand, it is similar to many British racecourses in that it is non-ovular, which is a departure from American horse racing courses. Along the west side, near the so-called clubhouse turn of the Taylor turf course, the clubhouse hosts the White Party. As the most exclusive of all the parties within the festival weekend, this event includes live bands, multiple open bars, sprawling buffets, and a close-up view to the middle Tapeta track and interior turf oval. Access to this event is provided by shuttle from a private parking lot. In the interior of the racecourse is the beautiful park-like setting of water features and gardens, as well as a bright and modern video board. There is also the Winners’ Circle, sponsored by champagne brand G.H. Mumm. Back to the Grandstand, we find the most notable feature of the facility; its Royal Box. Bedecked on Queen’s Plate day with flowers and coats of arms, the Royal Box is where members of the Canadian royal family (the same as Britain’s) and their Canadian representatives take in the race. Usually around 3pm on race day, a grand ceremony featuring pipe bands, military parade, and gorgeous horse-drawn chariots will deliver the royal delegation along the red carpet to their box. With all the pomp and circumstance of this weekend, it can sometimes seem that a few areas of the Grandstand are not quite on the same level. By no means is the facility becoming dilapidated, but surrounded by the flowers, chariots, and beautifully-attired people, the standard décor can be almost incongruous on this weekend. Neighbourhood 2 Woodbine isn’t in the city centre, as few racecourses are anywhere. It is, instead, out by the airport in the northwest corner of Toronto. That’s not to say there aren’t good options for food and drink nearby, but it isn’t as though fans stroll from the grandstand into a mecca of options. This is changing, however, as Woodbine is redeveloping itself into a major hub of theatre, sport, racing, gaming, and living. Construction is well-underway and the area surrounding the tracks, now sparse, will soon be a major destination for all. In the meantime, if you do wish to eat outside the grounds, Al-Meezan Spicy Grill is across the road and serves Middle Eastern, while Sweet Mahal offers Indian desserts. Around the corner on Islington Avenue is Chubby’s Fish and Chips, and old standby with a very good poutine. Fans 5 The Queen’s Plate is where Toronto’s high society come out to start their summer social season. This means thousands of men in suits and vests and women competing to outdo one another with spectacular fascinator hats and dresses. Attendance has always been strong and sellouts are the norm on this weekend. Access 3 Expect this score to rise as Woodbine’s redevelopment progresses and a planned new train station opens on the Kitchener train line. In the meantime, the best public transportation choice is the 37A bus from Islington subway station direct to Woodbine’s front door. Various other buses from Toronto and surrounding suburbs stop outside the main gates, while the nearest train station, Etobicoke North, is about two kilometres away and connected by various buses. From certain suburbs, a shuttle bus makes getting there easy. The ride is $10, cash only, and departures are from Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Thornhill. This shuttle includes free wifi and a washroom onboard. Tickets can be booked online at casinowoodbine.com/shuttle or can be obtained on a walk-up basis Car is still the most popular means of access on race weekend, with free parking, or valet for $35. The racecourse is located along Highway 427, though traffic backups on race day can occur, and parking can be a struggle if you don’t arrive early. Return on Investment 5 For a full day of racing, entertainment, and a true scene, tickets start at an extremely reasonable $15 for the Friday general admission. Costs rise as you get into the big Saturday, and access to the Grandstand itself begins at $43 for the Friday. On the Saturday, expect to pay closer to $100 for those same seats. Premium tickets and tickets for the exclusive parties, on the other hand, can run many hundreds of dollars or more. With free parking, though, and good deals to be had on food, the day out can leave fans with plenty of money left over for betting and hat-shopping. Extras 4 An extra point is needed for the fact the Queen’s Plate is much more than the race. Even including the eighteen or more prestigious other races associated with the event (such as the King Edward Stakes), the day includes pageantry, fashion, dining, parties, and the chance to glimpse royalty. A bonus for the prominent support of breast cancer charities, supported by ticket sales and donations throughout the event. A bonus for the introduction of very good mobile apps for betting. Woodbine and its sister tracks have launched hpibet.com which means fans can bet without ever leaving their seat. A final bonus for the redevelopment of Woodbine, which is ambitious and will transform the ground magnificently. Final Thoughts The Queen’s Plate is so much more than just a horse race. It brings a level of pageantry rarely seen at any event and is one of the premier social events in Canada. Often graced by royalty, access is still easily attainable for affordable sums. An integral part of summer and the longest-running horse race on the continent, the Queen’s Plate is a royally good time!

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Sims Legion Park 1201-1299 Dr M.L.K. Jr. Way Gastonia, NC 28054 Sims Legion Park website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 3,000 Grizzly in Gastonia Sims Legion Park is a quaint 4,000-seat ballpark located west of Charlotte in the suburb of Gastonia, North Carolina. The park, built in 1950, received extensive upgrades in the late 1970s in order to attract an affiliated Minor League Baseball team, which was ultimately successful. Gastonia played host to a South Atlantic League team that went by several different monikers for nearly a decade and a half before the franchise moved north to nearby Hickory in 1992. In 2002, baseball returned to the historic venue in the form of the Gastonia Grizzlies, a collegiate summer team that plays in the Coastal Plain League. EDITOR'S NOTE: The Gastonia Grizzlies ceased operations after the 2020 season. Food & Beverage 3 The main draw to the concession stand has to be the Donut Burger, a treat consisting of a hamburger patty wedged between two halves of a Krispy Kreme donut. It’s priced fairly at $5, but is apparently unavailable on most nights. The Donut Dog, a similar item that involves hot dogs instead of burgers, is only $3 but is also not always on tap. Garbage Can Nachos, a tray of nachos served on a garbage can lid, are also an option. In addition to those specialty items, the Grizzlies offer the standard ballpark fare, like hot dogs and cracker jacks, all moderately priced. A beer garden is located down the third base side and serves a variety of local craft beers. Atmosphere 4 The Grizzlies are known for their unusual yet creative promotions, such as “Dunk the GM”, “Grandma Beauty Pageant”, “Salute to Underwear Night”, and “Midnight Madness Night.” The latter, in which first pitch occurred at midnight, was suspended a few seasons ago. After certain games, the team also puts on a fireworks display, which is rather well done for this level. A Kids Zone, complete with bouncy houses and other age-appropriate activities, is located behind the bleacher seating on the first base side. (Watch out for foul balls in that spot!) Neighborhood 2 There isn’t a whole lot going on in the area outside of the game, as Sims is surrounded by a small parking lot and a residential neighborhood. The ballpark is approximately two miles from downtown Gastonia where you’ll find some shops and restaurants, but there are a few chain outposts are located a bit closer like Pancake House or Cracker Barrel. Fans 3 The most popular team in the Coastal Plain League, the Savannah Bananas, were visiting on the night of this visit. Even with the Bananas in town, not many fans turned out to Sims and the seats were mostly occupied by the few groups that were in attendance. In the last few years, the team has consistently drawn more than 2,000 fans per game on average, and has broken their own single-season attendance record multiple times. This is good for both the team and the fans, as lack of attendance was an important factor in the relocation of the Gastonia Rangers to Hickory, North Carolina in the late 1990s. Access 4 While I-85 runs directly adjacent to the stadium parking lot, there’s no exit located there; a few simple turns are required to get from one to the other. The interstate itself runs mostly north and south between Richmond, Virginia and Montgomery, Alabama, hitting several major cities on the way – including Atlanta and nearby Charlotte. The parking lot seems large enough to handle most game day crowds, though there’s plenty of open grassy areas available should overflow become necessary. Return on Investment 3 A general admission ticket costs $8 – for $2 more, you can upgrade to a reserved seat in the grandstand. These ticket prices are typical for this level of collegiate summer baseball. One person can grab some food and a drink at the concession stand for about $10, meaning a night out at the ballpark would run a family of four approximately $80, including tickets. Parking is free. Extras 2 One extra point for the Grizzlies’ mascot, Chizzle, who is frequently dubbed “the world’s strongest mascot.” Another point for the unique terraced outfield, though closed off to the public, and the whitewashed brick wall that encompasses the park. Final Thoughts Despite its aging state, Sims Legion Park is a still a fine facility for watching baseball. The Grizzlies are making the best use of what they have and are pushing hard for a new downtown mixed-use development project that includes a state-of-the-art ballpark. However, whether the town will continue to support the team if the new stadium plan falls through remains to be seen. All in all, it’s probably fair to say that baseball will be in Gastonia in one form or the other for a long time to come.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Sunny South Raceway 11380 US-90 Grand Bay, AL 36541 Sunny South Raceway website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 3,000 Sunny South Raceway Entering its 30th season in 2019, Sunny South Raceway in Grand Bay, Alabama has become one of Alabama’s finest short track speedways. The 1/4-mile track originally opened in 1989 as a 1/8th-mile dirt go-kart track, but as the raceway began to host full-size cars the track expanded to the asphalt track it is today. Sunny South Raceway now hosts a wide selection of full-time racing events, including races for the Southern All Star Supertruck Series, Pro Challenge, INEX Legends Bandoleros, Go-Karts, Bombers, and Stingers. The track also hosts the Sunny South Citerium, which is a professional bicycle race held every April. Every year Sunny South Raceway hosts the INEX Bandolero Nationals, which draws the top bandolero drivers in the country. For those unfamiliar with bandolero, meaning bandit in Spanish, this is a type of junior entry level racing where drivers can compete as young as 8 and usually into their early 20s. Bandit cars are basically toned-down modified versions of regular racing cars, but the speed usually tops out in the 70s. Many notable NASCAR drivers such as Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and David Ragan got their start racing bandoleros. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concessions area located on the first floor of the press box tower, and it sells the basics. Prices are reasonable with the chicken tender basket being the most expensive item at $7. Other items include hamburgers ($5), corn dogs ($4), hot dogs ($3), fries ($3), pretzels ($2.50), and peanuts ($2). Coke is the soft drink provider with can drinks costing $1.50. Because of the family nature of this event alcohol is not sold, nor allowed on the property. Atmosphere 3 Sunny South Raceway is short track racing at its finest. The 1/4-mile track is action-packed from start to finish. The raceway is set up so there is a good view of the entire race track but without any distractions. With no pit area, just grass in the infield, you can see the entire track and distinguish the different cars from anywhere in the grandstand. The races on my most recent visit were mighty-mites, which consists of younger drivers aged around age 5-6. These go-kart style carts top out at about 50 mph, and it was interesting getting to see drivers compete at such a young age. The only downside is that there are a lot of caution flags that slow the race down because of drivers spinning out on the track. The next set of races that night were bandoleros, which as mentioned earlier are basically smaller versions of NASCAR style cars, and there was also truck racing as well INEX Legends cars being raced. The majority of races were only 20 laps, and the track seems so small that most races were being finished in less than five minutes. This, combined with the fact that the staff was constantly switching different styles of racing in and out, provided fans with a variety of racesq23a and age groups to keep them interested. The track faces east and west and is located down the hill in a kind of a valley off Highway 90. Parking is free at the top of the hill, and from there you can walk down the hill to the area where the ticket office is located. The pits are located to the left and right of the ticket office, and you can walk around and mingle with some of the drivers and get to see the cars up close before the racing starts. The grandstand here is basically bleacher style seating that extends from one end of the track to the other; I was told that Sunny South raceway can hold around 3,000 people, which is impressive considering the size of the track. In the middle of the grandstands sits a tower that consists of the press box on the top level and the concessions area on the first level. There is a fence blocking off access to the north side of the track, but there is nothing but woods on that side anyways. There is no score tower or anything to let you know what lap they are on, but the PA announcer did a good job of informing fans about how many laps were left and who was leading. Neighborhood 2 There’s not much of a neighborhood around Sunny South Raceway – Grand Bay is not exactly a hotbed of activity and Sunny South Raceway is located on a rural highway that runs parallel a couple of miles south of I-10. Grand Bay is most famous for hosting a watermelon festival every year on July 4th, but other than that there is not a lot going on. There are a few chain restaurants (such as Hardee’s, Waffle House, Subway, Arby’s, and McDonalds) located at the I-10 exit a few miles north of the track, but other than that your best bet would be to drive 15 minutes on I-10 either way to Pascagoula or Mobile. For attractions in the immediate area I recommend checking out Bellingrath Gardens located in nearby Theodore. This 900-acre, luscious garden area is a beautiful sight to see and must be seen to be believed; every Christmas the gardens light up with a display of over 3 million lights – USA Today even ranked it one of the top 10 best public light displays in America. Bellingrath Gardens is truly a sight to behold, and a must see for fans of all ages if in the area. The island town of Dauphin Island is located a short drive south of Grand Bay. Unlike most of the beach towns in the area, Dauphin Island is void of any major resorts or hotels, but instead focuses its efforts on preserving nature and history. Historic Fort Gaines, a Civil War era fort, is located on the island, and you can also find multiple Indian shell mounds and burial grounds. As you drive to Dauphin Island you drive through the tiny town of Bayou La Batre, the sleepy fishing village that is most famous for its shrimp boats, but also served as the inspiration for the town in the movie Forrest Gump. If you looking to spend the weekend I recommend staying in Mobile, as that city has a lot more attractions and a wider selection of hotels and restaurants than Grand Bay does. But if staying in Grand Bay for the night I recommend driving over to the Pascagoula exit where cheaper hotel rooms can be found. In addition, the beach towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are both about an hour’s drive away, and the casinos of Biloxi are located only about 30 minutes west. Fans 3 A trip to Sunny South Raceway will present you with a mixture of all different styles of racing – depending on what you are into there’s something for everyone here. And even if you are not a racing fan it is the type of place you can go to and still have fun, and you won’t be able to help being intrigued by the little kids race at such high speeds. Many of the fans in the crowd are family members and friends of the drivers, but mainly because most of the drivers are from the area, and a majority of the drivers are not old enough to obtain a driver’s license to drive themselves to the track. Grand Bay is one of those towns where the street lights cut off and the town shuts down at dark. Because of this Sunny South Raceway is the only form of entertainment for the locals on a Saturday night, so many people show up because there is simply not anything else to do. Driving down Highway 90 in Grand Bay reminded me of driving through one of those small Mississippi towns on a Friday night, and all you see is the stadium lights for miles, for a high school football game where everyone in town is there because it’s the only thing to do. You kind of get that vibe here, although it’s nice that that community shows up to support their local drivers. Access 3 There really is one way to get to Sunny South Raceway; if traveling the interstate coming from the east or west the best bet would be to take I-10 to Grand Bay-Wilmer Road at Exit 4. This is the first or last exit in the state of Alabama on I-10 depending on which way you are coming from, and this area will be the only place to get something to eat in Grand Bay, with several fast food restaurants at this exit. Take Wilmer Road south for about 2 miles until you reach Highway 90, then head east for about 2 miles, and Sunny South Raceway will be located on your left. Because of the size of track navigating the grandstand and concourse is no problem and concessions lines flow nicely. Sunny South Raceway is also a pretty easy place to find at night, as you can’t miss the reflection from the track lights, since they are the only thing in the area that is lit up. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for all races run at Sunny South Raceway are $10, which can seem kind of high at first, but that also gets you access to all areas of the track including the pit area. Parking is free and located in the grass at the top of the hill. Unlike most tracks where the pit would be to the infield, the pit area at Sunny South Raceway is located in the asphalt parking lot surrounding the track. So, by purchasing a general admission ticket you are free to roam around all the different areas and garages in the pits. Extras 3 Being able to roam around in the makeshift pits before the race is a plus – many of the drivers have their own pit crews who get the cars ready, and you can just walk up and watch; everyone is friendly and happy to talk to you. There is even a full-service garage which has cars being worked on, and for a non-racing fan like me it was cool to be able to view all of this and see everything it takes to get these cars ready for the track. Many of the pit crew members are family member of the drivers and work other full-time jobs, so they do this just for the love of the sport and to help their family member out; it is amazing to see the detail that goes into getting these cars built and ready to race. Another plus is the family atmosphere at Sunny South Raceway; Grand Bay is a close-knit small community, so a lot of people know each other and many of the drivers. After walking around the pits before the race, and mingling around with the drivers and their families, you develop kind of a relationship with the drivers that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. So, when the races begin later in the evening, it keeps fans engaged in the action because they now have drivers to root for, since they have just met them and their families earlier – this type of fan interaction is something you won’t get to experience at most racing events. You can also check the schedule for when there are races at nearby Mobile International Speedway and catch a doubleheader of night racing action; Mobile International Speedway is located east along Highway 90 in nearby Irvington, about 5 miles down the road from Sunny South Raceway. Mobile’s 1/2-mile oval track is a little bigger than Sunny South’s, but many of the drivers at Sunny South transition over to Mobile once they get old enough. Mobile International Speedway is also host to the Mobile 300 ARCA race every year, which attracts some pretty big names in the auto racing world. Final Thoughts In a state like Alabama stock car racing is huge and has been big in the state for decades. All throughout the state you can find many different smaller style racing tracks in small towns. Sunny South Raceway is no different, though it is not a spectacle like Talladega in the north and it’s not even as big as it’s big brother Mobile International Speedway a few miles down the road. Still, Sunny South Raceway is a fine place to catch a race on the weekend; the small-town family atmosphere and variety of racing makes certain that people of all ages will not be bored, and will have a great time at the track.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.71 Ashton Field High School Circle Tappahannock, VA 22560 Tappahannock Tides website Ashton Field website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 500 Baseball Returns to Tappahannock The Tappahannock Tides play in the NABA (National Adult Baseball Association) Richmond league. The NABA is an 18 and over wood bat competitive league featuring former college and high school baseball players. The NABA Richmond is comprised of teams throughout the city of Richmond and nearby towns Tappahannock and Deltaville. The typical season runs May through August, and each team plays an average of 15 games plus playoffs. The Tappahannock Tides returned to the NABA Richmond in 2018 after a seven-year hiatus. The Tides play at Aston Field, on the campus of Essex High School. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions of any type available at Tappahannock Tides games. While we understand that this is a small-town team with probably a limited budget, it is somewhat disappointing that not even basic concession items such as soft drinks and peanuts are available. Some fans in attendance do have their own coolers that are filled with various food and drink, a few fans even bring their own “adult beverages.” Atmosphere 1 Ashton Field is similar to many high school fields with a single building directly behind home plate. The top level is for game operations staff and the bottom level is a concession stand (which is not open for Tides games). Between this building and either dugout, there is a set of bleachers five rows high that is broken into three sections. There is a single scoreboard in left center field that only gives the score with balls, strikes, and outs. The two dugouts are small brick structures that are above the ground. Unfortunately, there is no PA announcer for Tides games. If attending an early evening game, be prepared for the sun to be in your eyes until it gets dark. The sun sets directly beyond the outfield and can be extremely hot and uncomfortable on warm days. Neighborhood 2 Tappahannock is a small town in eastern Virginia, and is located on the Rappahannock River about 45 minutes east of Richmond and an hour south of Fredericksburg. There is little to do in Tappahannock unless you have a boat and water sports are your thing. Food options are also limited in Tappahannock; however, one restaurant you cannot miss is NN Burger right next to the Downing Bridge. NN Burger features craft burgers, extreme milkshakes, and live local music. It has been voted the “Best Burger in Virginia” by Virginia Living magazine the last six years. There is also a Holiday Inn Express in Tappahannock, which is our recommendation if you are staying overnight. Fans 1 During our visit, there were very few fans in attendance. There may have even been more players on the field than fans in the stands. Many fans appeared to be friends and family of players as many knew them by their first name. Despite the small number of fans, they were actively cheering and into the game. Access 3 Ashton Field is located on the campus of Essex High School just north of Tappahannock about 1 mile off of US 17. A gravel driveway right before you get to the high school will take you past the softball field and to Ashton Field. There is a large grassy lot with plenty of parking right next to the field. Return on Investment 5 There is no cost to attend a Tides game and parking is free, so we give it a 5/5 for return on investment. Extras 0 There are no extras to note. Final Thoughts The NABA Richmond is a great league that gives former high school and college players the opportunity to continue to play competitive wood bat baseball. Even though the NABA is a pay to play league and teams probably have a limited budget, we came away disappointed with the Tides experience. Without following the team on Facebook, no one would hardly know the team existed or the schedule. Small towns like Tappahannock should embrace a team such as this. It would be nice to see local businesses support and promote the team; and have signage throughout town letting folks know when games are. While the Tides will never be mistaken for the Richmond Flying Squirrels, adding small things such as concessions at games and a little more promotion would make it a nice, fun, small-town, community supported baseball experience for players and fans alike.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bosse Field 23 Don Mattingly Way Evansville, IN 47711 Evansville Otters website Bosse Field website Year Opened: 1915 Capacity: 5,000 Bosse Field is a Foe to Time “The big concrete amphitheater, with its great arch roof, steel beams, constructed throughout of fireproof materials, will stand as a foe to time. Not only will it host present generations, the generations to come will meet there for amusement purposes and long after every man in Evansville connected with the building of the big stands is dead and gone, the stadium will stand as a monument to the city.” Those were the words that read in the Evansville Journal about the city’s new and modern Bosse Field on June 13, 1915. The terms “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” have been prophetic and wisely stated; as of this writing the facility is the third oldest professional ballpark after Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Bosse Field was built as a result of an accident at the city’s League Stadium that had been constructed in 1894. Temporary bleachers collapsed during Field Day events on May 22, 1914 and 50 people were injured. Field Day was a large, annual event where students from local schools would put on performances featuring music, dance, patriotic displays and calisthenics for the Evansville public. Mayor Benjamin Bosse wanted to build a ballpark yet did not have the city funding. He had to sell the idea of a multi-use facility to the school board in order to get it completed. A total of 10 acres of Garvin Park was selected at a reported cost of $10,000 and construction began on February 15th, 1915. A little over four months later on June 17th the stadium was dedicated at 1 p.m., followed by a baseball game at 3:15 and a wrestling match later that evening. For the next several decades minor league baseball, high school sports, and even a National Football League team found a home at the stadium. Ball club nicknames included the River Rats, Evas, Pocketeers, Hubs, Bees, Braves, and White Sox. The Evansville Triplets, a Detroit Tigers Triple-A club, were the last affiliated club to call the ballpark home in 1984. The Evansville Otters have called the historic ballpark home since its inception in 1995 and improvements were made the following seasons that included a new press box, new scoreboard, and new concrete entrance. The Otters are oldest franchise in the independent Frontier League and have captured five division and two league championships. The stadium looks very different and, yet, very similar to its debut over a century ago. The shape of the main grandstand and roof looks similar, the basic design of the main facade from the exterior has changed little, and even the parking lot has remained the same. A 1930 renovation replaced the stucco to brick and in 1957 improvements were made with all new seating in the grandstand, new dugouts, and repairs were made to the portion of the first base concourse that had been previously roped off the prior season. Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball. Food & Beverage 3 There are concession stands inside and outside the grandstand that offer an array of menu items that include hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, brats, and french fries that are served with chili and cheese. A variety of the items sell between $3.50 to $6. A few recommendations include the jalapeño brat or pork tenderloin sandwich, and the bucket of fries is a great deal at $3. The nachos are served with white cheese sauce that is somewhat different than the neon yellow variety served at most ballparks and you can have it topped with pulled pork at a cost of $7. The beer selection includes a variety of Budweiser products that sell for $5 for a 16-ounce draft or $9 for a 32-ounce draft. This also includes the clubs very own Otter Ale, a pale ale that is brewed locally by Carson’s Brewery. There are a few more craft selects that cost between $5 to $6.25 and include Yazoo (Nashville), Goose Island IPA, and Schnitz (Jasper, Indiana). Pepsi products are served if you choose or do not drink beer. Atmosphere 4 Bosse Field offers the quintessential old-school baseball experience. The arched grandstand and covered roof provide fans a glimpse of baseball of another era. With that being said, there are many aspects of the stadium that are still very basic from its simple scoreboard, narrow concourse, and a lack of a wraparound concourse. The covered grandstand is a nice little touch on hot and humid days for fans to get ample amount of shading; if they are somewhat closer to the top of the seating area, a nice little breeze provides relief. The team's official mascot can be seen walking around the concourse and poses for photos when applicable. The Otterbelles are a group of young ladies who sometimes dress in baseball dresses from the movie; they perform in-between innings, handle promotions, and come around to fans with garbage bags for trash pickup. Still, the main attraction is the 100-year-old baseball stadium that features a classic entrance, brick exterior and interior, and old advertisements that were left behind from the film A League of Their Own. The large foul territory is a pitcher’s friend and the two dugouts are positioned a little bit closer to one another near the backstop. There is a kids zone outside the first base side of the grandstand that features inflatables, pitching, and hitting zones. The Bud Light Lime Patio is an addition behind the right field wall for groups of 10 or more. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located two miles from downtown in a residential and commercial district and there are three great pizza places to stop by after the game. Deerhead Pizza is set in an 1860s building that features live jazz, Turoni’s Pizzery & Brewing is a local favorite set in a rustic building and offering thin-crust pizza and craft-made beer, and Azzip Pizza offers the Westsider that features barbecue sauce, pulled pork, red onions, Grippos potato chip seasonings, and Ski cola reduction. Another regional item is the fried brain sandwich that is on the menu at the Hilltop Inn. The historic restaurant has been in business since 1839 and a fried brain sandwich on a hamburger bun with pickles and onions for $9.50. The mushy sandwich is for the faint hearted, you will probably either like it or despise it. If you make your way downtown check out Bru Burger that is located inside the old Greyhound Bus Terminal, in fact, the restored signage outside the building still exists. Brew Brothers Tap House is located inside the Tropicana Casino and offers select $3 drafts along with a great brisket sandwich with homemade barbecue sauce, and The Rooftop offers food and drink with rooftop seating during the warm months. Evansville is home to a few more breweries that include Carson’s Brewery, Maidens Brewery & Pub, Myriad Brewing Company, and Haynie's Corner Brewing Company. Evansville also features the Dream Car Museum, Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville Children's Museum, Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science to keep you busy during your stay in the River City. Also, the Tropicana Evansville Casino is located along the river walk and offers free parking for all patrons. Fans 3 We visited the game during camp game but the young fans provided a nice soundtrack to the game that was taking place on the diamond. Average attendance for Otters games are around 2,000 each season and many in the grandstand are there for baseball or just a night out with friends and family. If you are lucky, you might be able to talk to someone who has a plethora of stories from the ballpark's 10 decades of use. Access 3 The historic ballpark is located just west of Route 41 and just north of downtown Evansville. It is at the southeast corner of Garvin Park. Bathrooms, concessions, and seat locations are clearly marked inside the ballpark. Parking is free of charge for all cars in a parking lot adjacent to the stadium. Return on Investment 5 The cost of a single ticket in advance is $5 for a general admission ticket, the price increases to $6 at noon the day of the game. The GA tickets are the upper sections of seating underneath the grandstand. The field box seats are $10 and include in-seat wait service. VIP tickets are $12 and also include in-seat wait service. There is no charge for parking and concession items are reasonably priced. Extras 4 Bosse Field earns a point for being the third oldest ballpark in professional baseball and appears to be in rather sound condition. The second point is for the vintage ads that were incorporated for the motion picture A League of Their Own; they add a nice touch to the historic venue. The grandstand earns a third point for its multiple vantage points that are ideal for photographs for games. The final point is for the Otterbelles who are a group of young ladies who sometimes dress in baseball dresses from the movie; they perform in-between innings, handle promotions, and come around to fans with garbage bags for trash pickup. Final Thoughts Bosse Field is an example of baseball from another time and its aura can be felt the moment you walk through the main entrance. To many, it’s a tourist attraction and a baseball destination for ballpark travelers. However, it remains “a foe to time” and “a monument to the city” and one of the last of its kind in professional baseball.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 League Stadium 203 South Cherry St. Huntingburg, IN 47452 Dubois County Bombers website League Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 2,783 There’s Nothing to Cry About at this Ballpark League Stadium is home to the Dubois County Bombers of the Ohio Valley League, but the ballpark is famously known as the home of the Rockford Peaches in the major motion picture A League of Their Own that chronicled the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League of the 1940’s. Bombers ownership have not forgotten this and have made sure that the game day experience is somewhat reminiscent of 1992 film. League Stadium itself does have quite a history as the grounds have hosted baseball since 1894 when the Dubois County Fair Board built a wooden grandstand to accommodate the crowds at the annual county fair. The facility sat 1,500 people and featured a 260-foot long grandstand that hosted events such as horse racing and live stock shows In 1921, strong winds destroyed the original grandstand but it would be rebuilt in time for Independence Day celebrations. Semi-pro baseball would be a fixture with the Huntingburg Merchants of the Indiana-Kentucky League during the 1950’s with crowds around 1,000 per game. Dubois County was a hub with 10 baseball clubs alone. However, in 1973 the county fair moved to another location and by 1984 one-third of the deteriorating grandstand was razed with only the portion behind home plate preserved. Then in 1991 Huntingburg mayor Connor Nass devised an idea to use the stadium for the film A League of Their Own. Two new wings were added to the existing portion of the stadium and built to exact details of the time of the film of the 1940’s. The wood was cut in straight pieces, nails were used instead of staples, and the roof would not feature shingles. A crew of 36 men worked on the transformation of the stadium in 10 weeks and at a cost of $800,000. The result was a permanent 2,800 seat baseball stadium that would be used once filming would cease. Hollywood came back in 1995 for HBO’s Soul of the Game about the Negro Leagues. League Stadium became Kansas City’s Blues Stadium. The next year the Dubois County Dragons of the Frontier League opened up shop and stayed until 2002. The Bombers arrived as a summer collegiate team in 2005 and have been a mainstay ever since donning 1940’s era uniforms and an enthusiastic game day staff that keeps the spirit of the “A League of Their Own” alive and well. Food & Beverage 3 The ballpark has a few sections where they serve the basics from hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, brats, grilled chicken sandwiches, and peanuts. The selection is not as varied as other places, but definitely satisfying for baseball games during the summer months. The prices range from $3 (hot dog) to $4.75 for a double hamburger. There is a beer garden down the left field line that offers popular national brands and a few locally made beers on draft. The prices range from $3 for Bud and Bud Light cans to $6 for craft selections from Basket Case Brewing Company in nearby Jasper, Indiana. Atmosphere 5 The ballpark offers two distinct sections of seating that includes 1,400 orange theater-style seats that were once installed at Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium and wooden bleachers in the upper area of the grandstand. The very top row of the stadium offers VIP seating with table tops and chairs along with plenty of elbow room for socializing. The covered wooden grandstand includes various columns and posts that feature banners of former players who called the ballpark home. There are also US flags hung in various parts of the grandstand netting stems from both dugouts. There is an electronic scoreboard behind the right field wall but it appears somewhat out of place here. A small press box with a lively crew that includes a public announcer who dresses up as Harry Carey and imitates the former Sox and Cubs announcer with his rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame. He also gets the crowd excited throughout the game with announcements and on-field promotions. The in-between promotions include dizzy bat races, throw down at third where kids toss water balloons at the mascot Casey (a local college student dressed in a throwback uniform), and t-shirt tosses to lucky fans who get a chance to walk on the field. The Peaches are a group of eleven young ladies dressed in pink baseball uniform dresses from the movie who sell tickets, greet customers at the door, provide temporary tattoos to young fans, and take part in dancing to the Cotton Eye Joe after the 4th inning of play in the grandstand. The dance is part tradition and provides a boisterous cheer from all in attendance. The stadium also features many memories from A League of Their Own including movie set pieces underneath the grandstand, merchandise in a small–but very impressive gift shop–and the infamous quote “There’s no crying in baseball!” uttered by Tom Hanks during the film is plastered against the exterior wall. There is even a spot where he said the famous line. The outfield walls are lined with beautifully painted 1940’s period advertisements that had been left over by the film crew along with the hand operated scoreboard. A concrete wall (painted brick brown) surrounds the stadium with League Stadium imprinted behind home plate and in center field. Neighborhood 3 Downtown Huntingburg is located a few blocks from the ballpark offering various storefronts and places to eat before or after the game. The Gaslight Restaurant offers sandwiches and pizza, Mama T’s Italian Steakhouse is a fine choice for dining, and Market Street Soup & Salad is another fine choice. There are also a few regional chain restaurants along the main street heading north towards Jasper where a few more breweries such as Basket Case Brewing Company and Schnitz Brewery & Pub are located. A few attractions in Dubois County include the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in Jasper, Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in nearby Santa Claus, Patoka Lake, Ferdinand National Forest, and the Hoosier National Forest. The majority of lodging options are a few miles north in Jasper. Fans 4 The local population enjoys their time at the game with fun, excitement, and good baseball on the diamond. There is a lot of in-between promotions and cheers for the local college talent. There is also a small group of die-hard fans who sit down the third baseline that makes its presence felt when they think a strike should have been called against the visiting team. The group brings out props and engages in chants that are quite uncommon in the summer collegiate leagues. Access 3 League Stadium is located about 2.5 hours south of Indiana and is within 45 minutes of Evansville and 1.5 hours from Louisville, Kentucky. The closest major interstate is 6 miles south on I-64 and 25 miles west of I-69. Two-lane state roads might be your best option if coming in from the north. However, once inside the stadium, the concourses are wide and bathrooms and concessions are clearly marked. Return on Investment 5 The price of a ticket starts at $5 and maxes out at $8 for the VIP bar suites. There is plenty of free parking around the ballpark that is located in the local community park and concession prices are fairly inexpensive that includes $3 hot dogs and beers. The theatrics that take place during the game from the Peaches, Casey, and public announcer really gives the stadium its soul and livens up the atmosphere. Extras 5 League Stadium gets a point for its aesthetic that includes 1940’s advertisements on the outfield walls, hand operated scoreboard, old-school ticket designs, and players rayon uniforms. The stadium another points for the Peaches and Casey who entertain the crowd during the game from on-field promotions to dancing in the main concourse. The third point is for the free O’Doul’s beer that is offered for its designated driver program. The final point is for the old-fashioned, small town baseball experience that you can’t find throughout the state. Final Thoughts A wonderful and charming little stadium in southern Indiana that is somewhat of a drive for some in the state, but perhaps a drive that is well worth it since there is not quite another ballpark like it in the Hoosier State. League Stadium offers an experience that is truly one-of-a-kind in a small-town field that is indeed reminiscent of the 1940’s.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Colonial Country Club 3735 Country Club Cir Fort Worth, TX 76109 Colonial Country Club website Charles Schwab Challenge website Year Opened: 1936 Charles Schwab Challenge continues streak at Hogan’s Alley The Charles Schwab Challenge is played at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Although this was Charles Schwab’s first year being the sponsor in Fort Worth, the Colonial Country Club first hosted the US Open in 1941. Due to World War II, no tournament was played from 1942-45, but a PGA Tour golf tournament has been held at the Colonial Country Club every year since 1946, giving the course the honor of being the PGA Tour’s longest-tenured tournament at a single venue. The tournament is traditionally hosted over Memorial Day weekend. The Colonial Country Club is known as “Hogan’s Alley” because legendary Ben Hogan won the tournament five times. The course yardage is 7,209 (creating a Par 70 for golfers), and the course record is 61, co-held by seven PGA Tour pros: Keith Clearwater, Lee Janzen, Greg Kraft, Justin Leonard, Kevin Na, Kenny Perry, and Chad Campbell. The course has also hosted three major or significant professional golf events: the 1941 U.S. Open, the 1975 Tournament Players Championship, and the 1991 U.S. Women’s Open. Food & Beverage 3 There are numerous concessions tents around the golf course, with nearly one stand per hole as the tents are strategically placed for patrons to be able to buy food and not miss any action. The Charles Schwab Challenge food and beverage options are the standard sports fare, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, along with pretzels, peanuts, and various sweets. The food and beverage prices are typical of what sports fans are accustomed to when going to events; $10 is the highest price for food or alcohol options, with soda beverages running from $4 to $6. Being in Texas, there is BBQ in the B&B which is near the 9th tee box – their menu includes brisket and pulled pork with many other BBQ staples. There is also the 1936 Colonial Bar and Grill, as well as a variety of cocktails and different kinds of beer available in the Fan Zone. Ben and Jerry’s ice cream carts are also located at various places along the course, for fans looking for a sweet treat or some water. In addition to the general food areas, there are the premium seating areas for fans that want to have a more leisurely and upscale place to eat. One of the upgrades for concessions is the Champions Club, with a cost of $250 (upgraded tickets, but gives access to air conditioning as well as television while you eat and drink). In summary, there are plenty of food and beverages here for any fan to enjoy, but the overall menu is what fans expect at PGA events. Atmosphere 4 The Charles Schwab Challenge continues bringing an impeccable environment for avid golf fans. Hogan’s Alley continues to be one of the best-groomed courses on the PGA Tour. The private club opens their course to the golf world and creates an atmosphere like all the fans are members of the club. There are great seating opportunities to watch the best of the best play on the Par 70 course, and the Colonial Country Club and the volunteers create an environment that is attractive to all types of golf fans. The amenities here include a kids’ autograph zone, the Famous 13th Hole (a par 3 over water with the patron’s seating directly above the green, leaving very little space for the golfers safe zone on the green), and finally The Five, a Schwab Performance Center that is a live interactive golf experience focusing on the five fundamentals of both golf and investing, connecting Ben Hogan’s ground-breaking approach to golf and Schwab’s approach to investing and retirement. As in all PGA tournaments the fans excitement escalates on the last day, with fans getting to see the final pairings and leaders coming down the 18th fairway to the Colonial Clubhouse, with Ben Hogan’s statue overlooking the 18th green. The winner of the Charles Schwab Challenge receives the customary Scottish royal tartan plaid jacket, the Leonard Trophy, and a 1973 fully renovated Dodge Challenger. Neighborhood 4 The Colonial Golf Course is located about four miles from downtown Fort Worth. The golf course is located on the south bank of the Clear Fork of the Trinity River, just northwest of the campus of Texas Christian University. There are several tourist attractions in Fort Worth near the Colonial Country Club – Fort Worth Zoo on University Drive is just across from the main entrance for the tournament. The Fort Worth Zoo is one of the top-rated zoos in the country. In addition, the Cultural District around the general parking at Farrington Field features several museums, including the world famous Kimbell Art Museum, the Will Rogers Memorial Center (home of the annual Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo), and the new Dickies Arena. However, a trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards is a must when visiting the Fort Worth area, and it is just a few miles on the other side of downtown. There you can see the famous “World’s Largest Honky Tonk” Billy Bob’s Texas, home to live music from national recording acts, a large dance floor, pool tables, mechanical bull rides, and live bull riding on the weekends. The stockyards also have a few steak houses that are well worth the visit, and there is also a local Tex-Mex favorite, Joe T. Garcia’s, but be prepared for long lines if you chose this eatery. Or if you’re looking for BBQ, Heim BBQ at 1109 W. Magnolia Ave is one of the top-rated BBQ places in the state. But the best food option might just be the Ol’ South Pancake House – this Fort Worth stable is a 24-hour family restaurant that is perfect for those early tee times at the tournament. There are plenty of lodging options while in town, with two good choices being the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and Spa at 1701 Commerce, and the Stockyards Hotel at 109 E Exchange. If you want to be within walking distance of the Colonial Country Club, though, then the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth or the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Fort Worth are your better options. Fans 5 The Colonial Country Club is a private golf club, but the fans that flock to this course are very diverse. As with all PGA Tour events, there are plenty of groups that form around certain golfers. The largest gallery the past few years have been around Jordan Spieth, which is great for fans of other golfers that want plenty of space to follow another golfer around the course. In general, golf fans are very courteous and respectful of everyone in attendance. This holds true around the course at Colonial – the whole crowd is united in supporting the players, but the support becomes the loudest as the final pairing head to the 18th green on Sunday evening. Access 3 The Colonial Country Club is located off University Blvd across from the Fort Worth Zoo. The club is situated in the Park Hill-Colonial Hills neighborhood, and this old neighborhood can’t support general parking for the PGA event. However, there are three parking options available to patrons; Bronze, Silver, and public. The Bronze and Silver parking areas are located on the opposite side of the neighborhood, on the Texas Christian University campus. The cost for Silver parking is $75 per day or $300 for the week, with a shuttle that takes patrons to the Colonial Clubhouse. The bronze parking is close to the silver parking, but the cost is $25 a day cheaper, and $50 cheaper for the week. Lexus Owners receive a $20 discount when driving their Lexus vehicles. The final option is public parking, with all general parking costing $20. The Charles Schwab Challenge website states $15, if you buy in advance, but fails to state that there is an added $6 service fee. The general parking is located at Fort Worth’s Farrington Field at 2921 W. Lancaster or Rockwood Lane Fort Worth, with both areas providing free shuttles to the course. The main entrance is on Rogers at the 4th hole fairway. There are metal detectors at the gates and Andy Frain Services checks patrons’ bags. There are no opaque bags allowed that are larger than a small purse (6” by 6”) including carrying cases, backpacks, camera bags, or chair bags. Clear plastic, vinyl, or other bags not exceeding 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed, as well as food if it is stored in one-gallon clear plastic resealable bag. All mobile phones, tablets, and PDAs should be put in the silent mode, and cameras are allowed during practice rounds only. Once inside the course is very walkable, as the landscape is flat with plenty of trees for shade. Return on Investment 3 The return on investment at the Charles Schwab Challenge is as expected for a PGA Tour event, but is a little better than its metroplex counterpart, the AT&T Byron Nelson in Dallas. The daily grounds tickets are $50 per ticket, but the Colonial Country Club is one of the treasures on the PGA Tour – the historic golf course has hosted some of golf’s greatest players. There are also special ticket packages that enhance a patron’s experience, but they come at a price; the Patio Club@16, Hogan Club@18, and Best seats@18 green. These all have clubhouse access, with food and beverage included, but the prices range from $275 to $350 per ticket. The concessions pricing is on par with typical sporting event concessions prices, but the overpriced parking keeps the ROI from being higher; the AT&T Byron Nelson’s free parking option may have spoiled me when it comes to parking. Overall, however, the return on investment is in line with other sporting events. Extras 5 A trip to the Colonial Country Club is a chance to see the game’s biggest names firsthand, and those names represent a wide range of styles on the PGA Tour. Since the tournament’s inaugural event in 1946, golf greats like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson, as well as modern-day stars such as Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Jordan Spieth, and Justin Rose, have won this tournament – the 2019 champion was Kevin Na, making the tournament his third PGA Tour win. The Charles Schwab Challenge is also among the PGA Tour leaders in charitable giving, including generating a record $13 million awarded to charities in 2018. The tournament has generated $100 million for more than 150 charitable organizations over the past two decades. The Colonial Country Club fifth hole, which has the Trinity River running alongside the fairway, is mentioned as one of the best holes in America. This hole is regularly ranked as one of golf’s most difficult, and is the anchor in the very tough three-hole stretch nicknamed the “Horrible Horseshoe.” The Colonial staff and volunteers also do a great job throughout the week helping patrons navigate to and from the parking lot shuttles to different places around the course. Finally, the Charles Schwab Challenge’s placement on Memorial Day weekend inspires the tournament to remember the men and women of the Armed Forces that sacrificed their lives while serving their country, with a moment of silence during tournament play. Final Thoughts Colonial Country Club is a beautiful course laid out in a perfect setting to host a PGA Tournament, with an easy course to navigate and plenty of shade from the large oak trees along the fairways. The DFW area is also a great tourist area for golf fans to enjoy, with plenty of restaurants and lodging in the vicinity. In fact, traditionally the DFW area hosted back-to-back weekends of PGA golf, with the AT&T Byron Nelson tournament in Dallas followed by the Charles Schwab Challenge here; Dallas-Fort Worth is the only metroplex area in the US that hosts two PGA events each year. In 2019 the PGA Championship broke up the consecutive weekends, but if the PGA returns to their prior schedule, then spending a week in the DFW areas watching two PGA Tour events is a must for the avid golf fan. However, if the schedule stays the same with a break between the two tournaments, then golf fans have a great choice in choosing which side of the metroplex; either a link style course in Dallas, or the traditional golf course in Fort Worth.

Photos by Marc Viquez and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park 360 Fishburne St Charleston, SC 29403 Charleston RiverDogs website Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 6,000 Charleston’s Coastal Canines Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park has served as the home field for the Charleston RiverDogs since 1997. It is located along the banks of the Ashley River. The 6,000-seat stadium (known locally as The Joe) is named for longtime mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Riley served as mayor for 10 terms, serving from 1975-2016, and was best known for guiding the city through the recovery from Hurricane Hugo. Charleston has a long history in professional baseball dating back to 1886. Past teams have gone under names including the Seagulls, the Palmettos, the Rebels, the Pirates, the Royals, the Rainbows and finally in 1994, the RiverDogs. Today, the RiverDogs serve as the Class A affiliate of the New York Yankees and are members of the South Atlantic League (SAL). The RiverDogs served as the professional starting point for many of baseball’s most familiar names. Two former Charleston players, Kiki Cuyler and Roberto Alomar, are in baseball’s Hall of Fame. Other players who have seen playing time at The Joe include David Cone, W.S. “Bull” Durham, Willie Randolph, Gorman Thomas, Sandy Alomar, Ryan Dempster, Josh Hamilton, Pedro Martinez, Alex Rodriguez, Aaron Judge and B.J. Upton. Several players are remembered in murals around the park. Food & Beverage 5 Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park offers one of the widest variety of foods in minor league baseball. Amongst its vendors are the Peanut and Pretzel Café, Dave’s Sausage World, Grab-N- Go, Smokin’ Joe’s, Scoops, Pie House, Dog House and Dog World. The concessions menu does contain several uniquely Charleston items. The RiverDog is a beef hot dog with cole slaw, Carolina BBQ mustard sauce and pickled okra. The stadium also is known for its Coastal Shrimp Burger. Another popular item is the Homewrecker, which is a hot dog with slaw, pimento cheese, pickles, okra and BBQ sauce. Here’s an overview of what’s available at The Joe: hot dogs (Carrot Dog, Vegan Dog, River Dog…all at $4.50 … and the Homewrecker at $10), salads (chicken, spinach and strawberry and summer harvest..all at $4.50), grilled cheese sandwiches ($4.50), nachos ($4), corn dogs ($6), burgers ($8.50), chicken tenders ($8), popcorn ($3), peanuts ($4), cotton candy ($4), gelato ($4) and ice cream ($4). Beverages include Pepsi brand sodas ($4.50), bottled water ($3), coffee ($3), smoothies ($5) and milkshakes (key lime, dreamsicle and caramel expresso… all at $5). A wide assortment of beers is available at $6. Atmosphere 4 The Joe is a terrific venue to enjoy a baseball game. It offers scenic views of the Ashley River and The Citadel, which is located just across a marsh from the stadium’s right field stands. Its architecture is in keeping with the surrounding area, including brick exterior walls and iron gates. The seating bowl is close to the field and primarily around the infield. There is no seating beyond the outfield walls. The main entry into the park is along the third baseline, as the first base side of the park lies along the banks of the Ashley River. It’s no wonder that Riley Park has been chosen as the host for four South Atlantic League All Star Games (1998, 2000, 2004, 2012). There are some seats at the higher levels of the stadium that are covered by a hanging roof. This can make a huge difference in fan comfort during the hot and humid spring and summer afternoons at The Joe. Neighborhood 5 Joseph P. Riley Park is located just north and west of the Charleston Downtown Historic District. It has a very picturesque setting along the Ashley River. It is located just a few blocks from the Charleston Historic District. Tours of the Historic District are offered daily, with horse drawn carriage, van and walking options available. After your tour is over and you have worked up an appetite, head over to Rodney Scott’s BBQ. The James Beard Award winner serves up a unique form of Low Country BBQ. Also in the area is the Palmetto Brewery, which bills itself as “South Carolina’s Oldest Brewery Since Prohibition.” Hotels convenient to Riley Park include the Courtyard Marriott Historic District and the Comfort Inn Downtown Charleston. Fans 4 Due to baseball’s long history in the Charleston area, the fan base for the RiverDogs is quite large and loyal. Even though the team has never claimed a league title, the fans know that there is a good chance that they will be watching several future major league ballplayers at their first stop on the way to The Show. There are a wide range of ages in the stands for each game. The RiverDogs are very active in the youth community, visiting schools and youth centers, so they draw many younger fans from the youth baseball programs. Charleston is also a haven for retirees from all over the country, who bring their love for the game to their new homes. Despite the closing of the Charleston Naval Yards a few years back, there is still a large military presence and the team holds numerous Military Appreciation Nights. It also offers $5 tickets throughout the season to active military personnel, no matter what the seat location in the stadium. Access 3 Riley Park is easily accessed from any number of directions: From Downtown Charleston: Take Broad Street west until it becomes Lockwood Drive. Continue to follow Lockwood for ½ mile and the ballpark will be on your left From North Charleston: Take I-26 East to Highway 17 South. Turn right on Lockwood Drive and stadium will be on your left. From: Mount Pleasant: Take Highway 17 across the Ravenel Bridge into Charleston. Turn right on Lockwood and follow it until you reach the stadium, which will be on your left. Once at the stadium you will find the access to be excellent. The concourse is very wide, and both concessions and restrooms are frequent enough that you should not encounter any long lines. Return on Investment 4 Fans attending a RiverDogs baseball game will receive an excellent return on investment. All home games are played at one of the top-rated stadiums in the minor leagues, with amenities not typically found in a Class A level stadium. Tickets are priced between $8 – $20, with a $2 discount if purchased prior to the day of the game . Military seats are always $5, no matter the location in the park. Concessions at Joseph P. Riley, Jr Park are above average in quality, so expect the prices to be higher than usual for a minor league venue. Parking in privately owned parking lots adjacent to the stadium is $5. Extras 4 Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park also serves as the home field for The Citadel baseball team as the facility is built on land formerly owned by the Citadel. The school donated the property to the city of Charleston. The RiverDogs have set many attendance records at The Joe. They also hold the record for the lowest attendance at a game. In 2002 the team held a Nobody Night, where no one was admitted into the park until the game was official in the middle of the fifth inning. This resulted in the official attendance figure being zero. The grounds keeping staff has been recognized five times nationally for its turf management excellence. Numerous events are held in the off-season at The Joe. These include the Ballpark Festival of Beers, youth baseball clinics and camps, as well as the Shrimp and Grits Festival. Final Thoughts Baseball and the city of Charleston have shared a love affair for more than 100 years. Today their rendezvous spot is the Joseph P Riley, Jr. Ballpark on the banks of the Ashley River. The Joe combines up close seating with a huge concession menu and a history of sending players to the majors as its recipe for keeping this relationship alive and strong.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fleming Stadium 300 Stadium St SW Wilson, NC 27893 Wilson Tobs website Fleming Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 3,000 Where the Tobs are in Wilson Fleming Stadium has stood proudly in Wilson, North Carolina since it was built in 1939. The venerable facility still looks as sharp as it was when first built, and in an era of ultra-modern baseball facilities its good to know that an old reliable is still being utilized for summertime baseball. The home of the Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plain League still has a lot to offer the baseball fan. The Tobs are one of a few original members of the collegiate wood bat league that began operations in 1997, the ball club borrows its name from a long list of minor league teams that have used the name, short for Tobacconists, dating back to 1908. The last professional Tobs operated out of Fleming Stadium from 1956 to 1968 and featured a future MLB Hall of Famer, Rod Carew during the 1966 season. Sadly, minor league ball left the stadium after the 1973 season and it would not be until 1997 that current Tobs franchise began operations. The team colors of black and gold featuring a think tobacco leaf on its hat may be somewhat of a surprise, but in Tobacco Country, the image seems normal–even if you can’t smoke cigarettes in the stadium. Fleming Stadium is classically-styled ballpark that features a covered grandstand, chair backs, and bleacher-style seats, a simple scoreboard, and a beer garden down the first base foul line. Another feature is the North Carolina Baseball Hall of Fame down the third baseline that houses an array of memorabilia and highlights seven MLB Hall of Famers including Catfish Hunter, Hoyt Wilheim, and Gaylord Perry. What is it like taking in a game at Historic Fleming Stadium as it enters its eighth decade of operations? It’s a throwback to baseball when many of us were kids, a simple time of being out with friends and family, or a night where you can stretch your dollar underneath the warm Carolina skies. Food & Beverage 4 Fleming Stadium offers a few places to purchase food and drink at the stadium and offer quite a bit of variety that will not break your wallet. Ward’s Steak and Cheese offers food on site from their food truck and includes locally made hot dogs, burgers, and cheesesteak sandwiches. The main concession stand offers pizza, barbecue sandwiches, chips, peanuts, and Pepsi products. There are also ice cream varieties in at least 12 different flavors along with shaved ice that uses fresh fruit for its toppings. There are options of fresh fruit from peaches to watermelon slices, but if you want something sweet, deep fried Oreo cookies are affordable for five for $3. The beer garden, which has been updated last season (2018), is a popular spot–especially on Thirsty Thursdays, where prices are slashed in half–$3 to $4 depending on beers. This is also a great social area to meet up with friends and family and enjoy a great night of baseball during the warm Carolina summer nights. Atmosphere 3 Wilson Stadium is a throwback design to baseball right before World War II and has a simple grandstand with a covered roof, the ceilings offer fans to cool you off a tad during warm nights and there is plenty of room to find a seat or stretch out during Tobs games. Games are laid back and calm for the most part, attendance is somewhat tepid for most nights and the largest amount of people are usually in the beer garden, but it is an older stadium in a small town offering baseball that should be appreciated for the 9 innings of play. The basic scoreboard is behind the left field. Slugger, the tobacco worm, is the mascot of the Tobs, a very clever choice in mascot. The PA announcer is charismatic and gives several popular advertisements including an insurance and whenever a foul ball is hit. Neighborhood 3 Fleming Stadium is situated in a residential neighborhood not too far away from I-95 and I-795 exits. There are a few retail shopping centers near the I-95 exit and a few great places to eat in town as well that should not be overlooked. At one time Wilson was home to a few highly regarded barbecue joints and only a few remain. Parker’s Barbecue remains open offering Eastern North Carolina-style vinegar-based barbecue sauce sprinkled on chopped pork. Also try the Brunswick stew, corn sticks, and oysters while you are at the restaurant. Dick’s Hot Dog Stands has been a local institution for almost a century and a hot dog with Dick’s famous chili will only cost $2.15. They also have burgers, steak sandwiches, subs, gyros, and roast pork sandwiches. The ambiance is nostalgic and it’s one of those places you will be glad you visited once your stay is over in town. Fans 3 There are a collection of fans who make their presence felt at home games underneath the grandstand roof. They holler, yell, and make as much noise as they can to edge the Tobs to victory. There are others who sit back and enjoy the simple art of keeping score. In total, it’s a laid back kind of atmosphere among the fan base. Weekend games will bring out more fans to the game and you will see plenty of them in the beer garden socializing more than watching the game. Depending on what day you attend a game, the fans could be somewhat quiet or festive, but look for the die-hards keeping score, they probably have a few good stories to share about the club. Access 3 Wilson is located about 10 minutes from both I-95 and I-795. The stadium offers free grass parking lots and the concourse behind the grandstand is wide enough to house concessions, restrooms, and souvenir stands for easy access. It’s an old-school stadium with old bones, but crowds are never quite large enough where they would be any hassle–except for the occasional game on Independence Day. Return on Investment 4 Reserved tickets are $8 and adult general admission tickets are $7 at the box office. Kids general admission and military/police/fire department tickets are $6. All kids under the age of 5 are admitted free into the stadium. The Tobs offer promotions on concessions and beers on certain nights that should be happy on your wallet and it can be a lot of fun enjoying a game that won’t cost you more than $20 if you pick the right night. Extras 3 The NC Baseball Museum is located down the third baseline of the ballpark and offers a collection of material that includes jerseys, photographs, equipment, and other memorabilia. The museum highlights the seven men from the state who are enshrined in Cooperstown: Catfish Hunter, Jim Perry, and Hoyt Wilhelm to name a few. Fleming Stadium looks great for its age, a ballpark that has been around before the start of World War II is still a very serviceable ballpark in fabulous condition. The updated beer garden down the first baseline is a perfect gathering spot for fans and fits in perfectly well to the historic facility. Final Thoughts Fleming Stadium is a great old-fashion ballpark that is the perfect vessel for the Wilson Tobs in the Coastal Plain League. The ticket prices are low, concessions locally made, and enough promotional nights that should attract more than enough visitors to the stadium. It is also close by a wealth of other minor league stadiums that provide a perfect chance to enjoy a little more baseball on your travels.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Trinity Forest Golf Club 5000 S Great Trinity Forest Way Dallas, TX 75217 Trinity Forest Golf Course website AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament website Year Opened: 2014 The AT&T Byron Nelson Returns Home to Dallas There are two PGA stops in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the only metropolitan area that host two events. The older of the two tournaments began in 1944 with the event’s namesake, Byron Nelson from Fort Worth, Texas, winning the inaugural event at Dallas’ Lakewood Country Club. The tournament has been played at various courses throughout the Dallas area. In 2018 the tournament celebrated its 50th Anniversary under the current name, with the opening of the tournament being played at Trinity Forest Golf Club in South Dallas – the move returned the tournament to Dallas after 35 years in Irving’s Las Colinas area. The Trinity Forest Golf Club is located nine miles south of downtown Dallas off interstate 45 in the heart of the largest urban forest in the United States. The course is links style and sits on an area of less than 150 acres. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw with the intention to bring elite championship golf back to the City of Dallas, the new Trinity Forest Club course features dramatic green complexes and bunkering, with tall native grasses on a rolling meadow. The course is also the home course for the SMU men’s and women’s golf teams; the private course was an instant success, with club memberships owned by Tony Romo and Jordan Spieth. In addition to the golf course, the Trinity River Audubon Center and Trinity Forest Golf Club partnered to implement a Blackland Prairie Restoration Plan, restoring 75 acres of Blackland Prairie with native grasses and vegetation, to create additional habitat opportunities for native plants and animals. Food & Beverage 4 There are plenty of food and drinks throughout the course, either in the built-up suites or in the general-public concessions tents; most tents are operated by local groups as fundraisers. The concessions menu here has variety but lacks the overall wow that has been the staple at sports venues. The prices for various menu items are as follows: smoked chopped brisket sandwich or smoked link sausage sandwich $9, cheeseburgers $8, jumbo hot dogs $5.50, pulled pork sandwiches $8.50, deli hoagies, classic club subs, or chicken Caesar salad wraps $8, and jumbo hot dogs $5.50; a Bavarian Pretzel or peanuts cost $5. The one wow concessions stand would be the Korean BBQ stand called Bibigo – this concessions tent serves Shrimp Kimchi Bao, Sweet and Spicy Chicken Skewers, Jap-Chae (noodles with beef and vegetables), and Bibi-Cones (ice cream cones filled with Bulgogi or Kimchi rice). These items aren’t low in price either, ranging from $8 to $12 each. Coca-Cola is the beverage sponsor of the AT&T Byron Nelson, and sodas cost $5 for 16oz, with Smart Water at $7.50 and Dasani bottled water or Powerade for $4.50 if you want something besides soda. There are also plenty of alcoholic beverages throughout the course – Michelob Ultra is a proud sponsor of the event and is readily available, along with Estrella Jalisco, Texas’ own Ziegenbock, and Houston’s brewery Karbach Love Street. These beers are $8, while a glass of wine is $15. Grey Goose is another sponsor, and their Grey Goose 19th Hole is open to the public and is located at the corner of the 13th green and the 14th tee. This location serves Grey Goose cocktails and soft drinks, and has both an air-conditioned indoor patio and an outdoor patio. In addition, the Katy Trail Ice House Pavilion is another open-to-the-public pavilion that has a beer garden style layout and views of the 4th green and 5th tee. Atmosphere 4 The AT&T Byron Nelson has always been a go and be seen type of event for the DFW Metroplex, with most people’s idea of the event being to attend the golf tournament as a large social event. All ages and backgrounds from all over DFW can be seen walking the course throughout the weekend. From the moment patrons step off the shuttles on South Great Trinity Forest Way, the AT&T Byron Nelson atmosphere begins. The main entrances have photo ops for fans to start their day – for example, last year there was a big 50 sign for fans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Byron Nelson tournament, and this year (2019) had a Mother’s Day photo set-up, with pink hats given to all the moms in attendance. The tournament’s merchandise pavilion is also at the entrance, for fans to pick up items either before they go on the course or for when they are ready to leave on the shuttles. The box office, will call, and volunteer headquarters are also all near the shuttle drop-off. All patrons being shuttled in and walking thru the main entrance will arrive on the course at the 13th fairway, and there are anti-dust trail paths throughout the course. Fan’s options are to either find a golfer and be part of the gallery around the course, or set up in an area that not only has one green, but offers multiple greens and tees – this set up provides fans with more action, and allows them to get more involved in the golf action being played around the course. In addition, the course provides a kid zone, so parents can watch the golf action without distraction. There are also plenty of photo spots and course information signage creating more of an event than just the golf. Like Trinity Forest’s predecessor at Las Colinas, there are plenty of suites around the course creating a party type crowd around the course. The atmosphere has toned down compared to the course at the Four Seasons, however, a lot of this has to do with the wide-open course at Trinity Forest; Trinity Forest is a link style spreading more fans across the course, instead of the few holes that Las Colinas held for fans to collaborate. The atmosphere has the potential to become even better than it was at Las Colinas, though, as long as the AT&T Byron Nelson continues to improve and give the golf fans of the Metroplex the best place to enjoy the PGA in Dallas. Neighborhood 3 There really is no neighborhood around the Trinity Forest Golf Club located southeast from downtown Dallas. However, since patrons are shuttled nine miles to the course from Fair Park in Dallas, this section will focus on that area. Fair Park is part of the state fairgrounds, and like Trinity Forest Golf Club doesn’t offer much in the immediate neighborhood except The Old Mill Inn Restaurant. This eatery was built in 1936 and serves a variety of southern home cooking options. However, fans here are within a four-mile radius of several great Dallas neighborhoods, so there are plenty of wonderful places for sightseeing, eating, and enjoying yourself during the week of the AT&T Byron Nelson. Deep Ellum, The West End, Trinity Groves, and Uptown are all part of the downtown Dallas experience. Deep Ellum is a neighborhood filled with arts and entertainment venues, and has one of the best BBQ spots in the state of Texas, Pecan Lodge. The Angry Dog is another great little spot for travelers, especially those from Upstate New York, as Binghamton Spiedies are on the menu. Deep Ellum Brewery Company and Braindead Brewing are up-and-coming spots for people who enjoy craft beers. The West End Historic District is also a must for newcomers to Dallas, as this is the area where the Kennedy Assassination happened, near the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. This museum gives you the chance to relive the November 22nd day in 1963 or talk to people on Dealey Plaza about a conspiracy theory. There is so much at The West End to choose from; check out this site for more information: https://www.dallaswestend.org. If you are not searching for history, then visit Trinity Groves. Trinity Groves is a revitalized area with various restaurants and shopping. There are plenty of restaurants on the way thru Uptown on McKinney Avenue, but The Rustic on Howell Avenue is a good place because parking is much more accessible than on McKinney Ave. In addition, not many people think of Dallas as serving great pizza, but Campisi’s Restaurant on Mockingbird Lane will change your mind. If Trinity Forest Golf Club was located at the state fairgrounds, the rating for the neighborhood would max out. However, having to travel nine miles to a course that hasn’t been developed, and doesn’t have a safe neighborhood, means a modest average overall neighborhood rating at this time. Fans 4 The estimated attendance for this year’s tournament is about 200,000 for the four-day event. However, the negative reviews from fans that attended last year about the lack of shade and parking, along with this year’s inclement weather, makes the 200K number a modest hopeful reach. In general, though, the golf fans here are passionate – the calls of “Get in the hole!” on the greens are impressive, while the same calls as the players hit off the tee are just silly. But there are plenty of live moments on the course that television just can’t duplicate, such as the roar of a massive golf crowd when an athlete sinks a long putt or aces a hole-in-one during the tournament. In general golf fans have a kind demeanor, as there is no my team vs. your team attitude that other sports tend to engender; golf fans just like to enjoy the day on the course while watching some amazing professional golfers make some incredible shots. Access 3 The Trinity Forest Golf Club is located nine miles south of downtown Dallas, just off Interstate 45 at 5000 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX. There are corporate parking lots near the course, but general parking is located at the Texas State Fairgrounds in Fair Park via Gate 15. The entrance to the parking lot is at the intersection of Haskell and Beeman; shuttles to and from the golf course are complimentary and take about 12 to 15 minutes each way. Both the parking lots at Fair Park and the golf course itself can be reached via public transportation by the DART system. The DART system connects DFW airport to points around the city of Dallas, and DART has stops at Fair Park where patrons can access the shuttles to the course. Otherwise, ride the Green Line rail south to Buckner Station, and from Buckner Station take the Route 466 West bus to the Pemberton Hill/AT&T Byron Nelson stop. Route 466 West shuttles will run every 15 minutes from 7 am to 7 pm. For Patrons wanting to use Uber/Lyft, spectators will be dropped off and picked up in a designated lot a short distance from Trinity Forest Golf Club’s main entrance. Then when you are ready to leave for the day, request your ride upon leaving the tournament, and your Uber or Lyft driver will let you know which spot they will be waiting in for pickup. Note that there are security checkpoints in the public parking lots, as well as at the main entrance for the tournament. Once at the gates to the tournament, access flows thru with little wait. Spectators can bring in items such as umbrellas (without sleeves), binoculars, and chairs (without bags). Bags larger than 6” x 6” x 6” will not be allowed in, and mobile devices must always be kept on silent, but there is a designated “Cell Phone Zone” where calls may be placed or answered. The link style course provides fans easy walking and the opportunity to quickly move around to different holes based on the action. Return on Investment 4 Daily Grounds tickets for the AT&T Byron Nelson begin at $45, and there are two single day hospitality (climate-controlled) tickets to choose from: $125 for Harwood District Club tickets (any day) showing views of the number 3 green, or $250 for tickets in the largest structure on the course, the Michelob Ultra Club (day specific), but the latter includes a complimentary buffet with beer, wine, and soft drinks. The 360-view tower has views of the number 5 green, number 6 tee, and the number 15 green. The tournament also offers free daily tickets to Military personnel, First Responders, and Youth (17 years and under). Public parking is free at the Texas State Fair Grounds at Gate 15. Patrons will be shuttled from the parking lots, and spectators will not need a ticket to ride the shuttle (admission tickets are available at the main entrance ticket booth). The concessions prices are typical of events like this, so there isn’t any savings when it comes to food and drinks. However, the new course is easy to navigate and the Salesmanship Club of Dallas will continue to improve the fan experience, to return the highest ROI that was a constant when the tournament was at the Four Seasons Las Colinas. Extras 3 One point for reutilizing a wasted and unusable landfill into the Trinity Forest Golf Club course. The course began as a wasted and unusable landfill while the City of Dallas sat in default on a state-mandated requirement to remediate the land, at an approximate cost of $12 million. By partnering with the golf course developers, the city reduced its remediation burden to roughly $4 million, and used the remaining funds to invest in community projects. In addition, there isn’t anyone that can do fundraising better than the Salesmanship Club of Dallas. The Salesmanship Club of Dallas is the chief fundraiser for the AT&T Byron Nelson, and has been the heart and soul of the tournament since 1968. Since that time the event has raised over $160 million and transformed more than 100,000 lives, making it the most successful charity event on the PGA Tour. And to continue the theme of how much the AT&T Byron Nelson reaches into the local community, the event supports the Bush Institute’s Warrior Open. This tournament began in 2011 for United States military personnel seriously wounded or injured since September 11, 2001 – since 2011, more than 140 warriors have participated in the Military Service Initiative’s Team 43 Sports, which includes the Warrior Open and the annual W100K bike ride. Former President George W. Bush is even a participant in the golf tournament. But the biggest extra from the new venue is being able to witness a different type of golf course. The course itself will continue to improve and become challenging for players, while the course infrastructure will only get better each year, improving the fan experience. For example, the tournament recently added shaded viewing areas with structures and decks to combat the first-year complaints of no shade. Final Thoughts Over the years the AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament, while being played at the Four Seasons Las Colinas, became a Dallas area block party combined with a PGA Tour event. The patrons would settle in a party mood on the first two holes, then finish the celebration at the last two holes. The Par-3 17th hole was the one fans enjoyed most and could change the tournament on a Sunday – the hole’s water hazard, in front of the green, was an easy way for a golfer to lose the tournament. The fans surrounded the fairway and that hole in suites and villas that were set up to party. The Trinity Forest Golf Club, however, gives a much different feel, with its wide-open field where fans can see more than one hole from one spot. The biggest fan complaint in the first year was the lack of shade around the course, so Byron Nelson Tournament officials have erected misting systems and increased shaded areas by bringing in some trees to alleviate this concern. While it is still too early to decide if moving the tournament from Las Colinas to South Dallas was the best decision, the Trinity Forest Golf Club course has the potential to become a great golf venue once the infrastructure develops, and golf patrons adapt to the change that has the PGA back home in Dallas.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Reese Stadium 75 Central Ave. West Haven, CT 06515 Yale Bulldogs lacrosse website Reese Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 1,250 Welcome to the Doghouse Originally named the Soccer-Lacrosse Stadium, the home of Yale’s soccer and lacrosse teams was renamed in 2011 in honor of brothers Jason and Jon Reese, both of whom were Yale alumni, members of the lacrosse team and donors to the stadium. Yale was one of the first schools to play lacrosse in the late 1800s, and was an early power in the sport. They are credited with the 1883 national championship. In college lacrosse’s modern era, the Bulldogs have qualified for ten NCAA tournaments, two Final Fours and have won one championship, in 2018. Seven Yale alumni are enshrined in the Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Food & Beverage 4 There is a surprising variety of concessions available at Reese Stadium for Yale lacrosse fans. While Reese Stadium has no permanent concessions, the place makes due (most impressively) with a variety of temporary sites. On the Kempner Family Plaza outside Reese Stadium temporary stands sell assorted snacks, candy and Coca-Cola products. Local favorite Amity Brick Oven Pizza sells assorted slices, including an interesting mashed potato and bacon pizza. The greatest variety comes from The Mixed Grille food truck that sets up on the far side of the grounds in front of the Coxe Cage. Among the offerings here are chicken wings, pulled pork sandwiches and bacon cheeseburgers. Atmosphere 4 Generally speaking, lacrosse games are not the big events that sports such as football or basketball games are. That said, lacrosse games are fun to attend. The fans here are really enthusiastic about their favorite teams and there is more than enough action to keep even a casual fan entertained. At Reese Stadium there is a giant video scoreboard in the east end zone that provides basic game stats and highlights. Music plays over the PA system during play stoppages, and Yale goals are announced with great enthusiasm. Neighborhood 3 Reese Stadium is not located on the school’s campus in downtown New Haven, but about a mile and a half away in neighboring West Haven. Also located at the sports complex are the Yale Bowl, Yale Field, Coxe Center and the Connecticut Tennis Center. Visiting fans will want to explore the Yale campus, renowned for its unique Gothic architecture. New Haven is developing a reputation as one of the country’s best small cities for foodies, with excellent restaurants and pubs located throughout the downtown. A couple of spots in particular may be of interest to visiting fans. Just blocks from the Yale campus is Louis’ Lunch, which claims to be the birthplace of the hamburger. New Haven is also home to a unique brand of brick oven pizza, called apizza by locals. Local legends Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s Apizza, located just over a block apart on Wooster Street, are world famous for this pizza style. Many locals tout a third location, Modern Apizza, located only a half mile from campus. Fans looking for lodging during their visit to New Haven will not find many choices near Yale Field, but there are no shortage of options around the Yale campus. A detailed list of area hotels can be found here. Fans 4 Yale lacrosse draws good crowds to games at Reese Stadium. Crowds generally number between 700-1,200 per game, increasing over the course of the season as the weather warms up. A 2019 NCAA tournament game drew 1,700 fans to the facility, which has a listed capacity of 1,250. Lacrosse fans are generally very enthusiastic and vocal in support of their favorite team, and the Bulldog fans in attendance at Reese Stadium are no exception. It’s not surprising to see a bunch of youth lacrosse players wandering around the grounds with their sticks, playing catch or bouncing balls off the brick walls of Coxe Cage. Access 4 Reese Stadium, located alongside several of Yale’s other athletic facilities, is fairly easy to get to. Simply take exit 44 off of Interstate 95, follow Ella T. Grasso Boulevard for about a mile and a half, take a left onto Derby Avenue, and a right onto Central Avenue. Reese Stadium will be on your right. Driving directions to Reese Stadium can be found here. Parking is available in the many fields and lots that surround Reese Stadium and the Yale Bowl. There is ample parking here for even the largest lacrosse crowds. Seating in the Reese Stadium grandstand is in the form of metal bleachers without backs. There is a walkway along the front of the grandstand, meaning that if you are sitting in the first few rows, your view may be obstructed by fans passing in front of you throughout the game. Sitting a few rows up is recommended. With the grandstand raised about ten feet above the playing surface, all seats offer excellent views of the action. There is additional seating at ground level on the far side of the field, as well as in the western end zone. There is standing room all around the field. Surprisingly, there are no rest room facilities at Reese Stadium. The bathrooms at the Yale Bowl are open for lacrosse games, and are located a short walk from the facility. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Yale lacrosse games cost ten dollars for adults, with children and seniors admitted for half price. Buying tickets on game day will increase the price by two dollars. Yale does not place a surcharge on online orders, making it worthwhile to order in advance. Parking in the lots near Reese Stadium costs an additional ten dollars. With affordable concessions, an afternoon at a Yale lacrosse game will certainly not break the bank. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the plaques on the exterior of Reese Stadium honoring lettermen in both soccer and lacrosse. An additional extra point is awarded for the festival-like atmosphere outside big games at Reese Stadium. Between the tailgating, the concessions along Kempner Family Plaza, and the open courtyard at the Yale Bowl, there’s a great atmosphere before and during Yale lacrosse games. Final Thoughts Reese Stadium provides Yale lacrosse fans with an excellent venue at which to catch a game. The Bulldogs, the 2018 national champions, enjoy great support and an excellent game day atmosphere. Pair a lax game with a baseball game at historic Yale Field next door, then head downtown for some apizza, and you’ll have a great day! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bears Stadium 120 Monroe S. Boyertown, PA 19512 Boyertown Bears website Bears Stadium website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 4,500 The Mecca of Legion Baseball The year 1982 was a magical year for the town of Boyertown. The small town about an hour north of Philadelphia debuted a brand-new ballpark on August 17 that was unlike anything seen before in the area. Later on that season the stadium hosted the American Legion World Series and wouldn’t you know it, the local team captured its first championship in front of a hometown crowd of 6,563 who packed the building for the 14-8 victory of Lafayette, California, in the decisive game. Bears Stadium was built as a joint effort between the school district and the American Legion program at a cost of $600,000 with minimal taxpayer contribution and maximum volunteer effort from the community. The finished product was nothing short of spectacular, a 4,500 seat venue featuring a covered grandstand, large press box to accommodate at least a home and away radio broadcast team and grandstand seating down both the first and third baselines. Boyertown Post 471 would be quite the dominate legion ball club during the 1980s making a second World Series appearance in 1983 and winning another championship four years later in 1987. That 1987 team won the state championship by defeating a Montoursville team featuring future Hall of Famer Mike Mussina on the mound. The Bears chased him after a 9-1 lead after 5 innings. The three World Series held at the stadium attracted a total of close to 84,000 people, including the 34,023 in attendance for the 1982 series that was the highest since the Legion went to its current 8-team double-elimination tournament format. The club would add another appearance in the final game in 1988. The stadium itself would be home to two more World Series in 1991 and 1994. The Bears have won 11 of the 24 tournaments in which they have hosted or participated. The stadium has also been home to high school state playoff tournaments beyond county level in 30 seasons that include 10 Mid-Atlantic tournaments. Currently, the stadium is home to both Post 471 and the Boyertown High School baseball program. It now features decorative bear statues that flank the entrance to the ballpark and can also be found throughout specific areas in town. Its design, features, and history lead to a rival high school coach Kevin Manero to dubb it the “Mecca of Legion Baseball.” Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand located behind the main grandstand and is open every game with a great variety from burgers, hot dogs, meatball sandwiches, soft pretzels and plenty of soft drinks. The prices range from $2 to $5 and are quite impressive for this level of baseball, but then again Bears Stadium is not your typical Legion stadium. Atmosphere 3 A very laid back atmosphere for American Legion games, but during regional and tournament games, the vibe gets a much-needed boost of excitement. The ballpark itself would fit in nicely in some of the lower levels of Minor League Baseball–with a few additional touches–and is an impressive palace for both high school and Legion baseball. The exterior of the grandstand is colored in white and red featuring the name of the stadium in a simple font and team logos of the Post 471 and the high school team. There are three areas of seats that include a main grandstand behind home plate that offers a roof that provides a nice shade during hot summer days. There is also a team store that offers souvenirs from shirts and caps next to the third base bleacher seats. The outfield walls are lined up with local advertisements and a simple scoreboard behind the left field wall. Neighborhood 2 Boyertown is a small town of 4,000 located in Berks County in between the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia. The town offers a few places of interest that include The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles specializing in the state’s road transportation history. There are over 90 locally-built vehicles, from horse-drawn carriages and wagons to motorcycles. The museum also includes a 1938 Reading Diner and a 1921 Sun Oil Gas Station. Another popular attraction in town is the Colebrookdale Railroad and is not to be missed. Connecting Pottstown and Boyertown, this Civil War-era relic invites passengers to explore for themselves a mythical Secret Valley. Restaurant options include Carmelo’s Pizza & Boli’s, Firefly Cafe (vegan), The Bear’s Den, and Talarico’s Sandwich Shop. The Other Farm Brewing Company is the town’s own nano-brewery located on Main Street and also features wood-fired pizza. Fans 3 The crowd is made up of friends and families, along with a few locals who support the Bears various programs. A very ardent and knowledgeable group of people are in the grandstands; this is definitely a baseball-loving town. Access 2 Depending on where you are coming from, Bears Stadium can be a small little journey. It is around 41 and 48 miles respectively from Philadelphia and Allentown, but only a short 20 miles from Reading on state roads. Once you find the ballpark, the open layout ensures you can get around without issues or concerns. Return on Investment 3 Admission is free and a donation hat is passed through stands during the game–a nice little throwback. There is a lot of great baseball played at the ballpark and its location is not too far away if you happen to be in the area watching games at nearby Pennsylvania ballparks: Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, Limeport Stadium in Limeport, and even Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia. Extras 4 Bears Stadium features a statue of a bear that is decorated. The statue is part of Bear Fever project that decorates numerous bear statues around the town to tie the community together. Bears Stadium receives a second point for being in a cradle of impressive ballparks from the major leagues to the high school level. Boyertown is within an hour drive of seven different baseball stadiums that are in all shapes and sizes that include the major leagues, minor leagues, summer collegiate leagues, and amateur leagues. Final Thoughts A great looking ballpark that is not far off that beaten path when visiting other baseball stadiums in nearby Allentown or Reading, Pennsylvania. A peculiar stadium that serves both high school and American Legion baseball might just be worth the trip for its impressive size and aesthetics. There are not too many of its kind in this part of the country.

Photo Copyright Coni Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Stadio del Tennis Foro Italico 00194 Roma Italy Internazionali BNL d’Italia website Stadio del Tennis website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 10,584 The Stadio del Tennis in Rome The Stadio del Tennis in Rome was inaugurated on April 27, 2010 with the presence of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, respectively number one and number two in the ATP rankings during that period. The 2010 opening occurred 80 years from the creation of the International of Italy and the 100th anniversary of the birth of the FIT, the Italian Tennis Federation, founded on May 18, 1910 in the building of the Tennis Club of Florence. The facility is on the site of the old Campo Centrale, which was used from 1996 to 2007. The Stadio del Tennis construction took two years of work and is made of concrete, steel and glass. It can hold up to 10,584 spectators on three rings (for the musical events, the stage is positioned on one of the short sides and the capacity is reduced to 7,000 persons). Since 2011 the International of Italy holds the status of a “combined event,” meaning men and women play during the same period and on the same courts. The roll of honor of the winners of the tournament since “Stadio del Tennis” was inaugurated is a “who’s who” of tennis greats: Rafael Nadal in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2018, Novak Djokovic in 2011, 2014 and 2015, Andy Murray in 2016 and Alexander Zverev in 2017 along with Maria Sharapova in 2011, 2012 and 2015, Serena Williams in 2013, 2014 and 2016, and Elena Svitolina in 2017 and 2018 in the women’s field. The stadium was also used for beach volleyball, volleyball and boxing. In addition, each summer, it is home to the entertainment event “Il Centrale Live.” Stadio del Tennis is part of a large complex, the Foro Italico, which hosts many elite sporting events. Food & Beverage 4 Italy is considered by many as the home of great food, and even in this area of Romethere are many restaurants. Among the first dishes to be tried are “bucatiniall’amatriciana,” “penne allacarbonara”and “spaghettialla gricia.”For the main course, try the lamb or “coda alla vaccinara.” Finally, spending an entire day in the sun can be exhausting. Between the various tennis matches we recommend a “grattachecca,” a crushed ice combined with large pieces of fruit, specific to the city of Rome and unavailable elsewhere in Italy. During the International of Italy, in the Foro Italico, there are several dining areas where you can find different types of foods. On the first floor of Stadio del Tennis there is the hospitality area that, depending on the event, can be reserved for athletes, press or guests. Atmosphere 4 Visibility is excellent from every area of the grounds: Tribuna Tevere, Tribuna Monte Mario, Tribuna Internazionale Nord and Tribuna Internazionale Sud. The sound of the blows that are produced from the racket on the ball are amplified by the shape of the structure and by the placement of the court below ground level. But what makes the atmosphere of the International of Italy so unique is the beauty of the other courts on which the tournament takes place; the buildings around them that bring to the spectator’s mind the greatness of ancient Rome. Even for this, the most prestigious Italian tennis tournament, part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and with Monte Carlo and Roland Garros is the so-called “Red Slam,” only on three occasions has the event not been played in Rome. Neighborhood 4 Stadio Olimpico (in the same complex in which the Stadio del Tennis resides) is home of AS Roma and SS Lazio. It was also the facility that hosted the 1960 Olympic Games, the final of the FIFA world Cup 1990 and, finally, is home to major athletics meetings. Stadio dei Marmi is also in the complex and is known for its beautiful statues. Stadio del Nuoto expanded on several occasions and is the venue of the many aquatic world championships. Farnesina houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic. These are just some of the beauties present at the Foro Italico. Fans 4 It is typical at Monte Carlo or at Wimbledon to have members of royal families in attendance. In Rome, which is a major film production center, it is not uncommon to see famous actors and actresses. Also, many football players visit Foro Italico during the International of Italy. The fans are very noisy when Italian athletes play in the Stadio del Tennis. Access 4 Getting to the Foro Italico is very easy. For those coming from outside Rome, once you exit from the A1 or A24 highways, just take the ring road and follow signs to Stadio Olimpico. All around the Foro Italico are many car parks. There isn’t a subway that leads directly to Stadio del Tennis, but with line A, you can get off at Flaminio and take a bus or a tram to Piazza Antonio Mancini. From there, just walk across the Ponte Duca d’Aosta over the Tevere River. Return on Investment 4 Online tickets are already available for the 2019 edition of the tournament. Prices range from 17.60 euro for a seat in Distinti Tevere for the first round, to more than 500.00 euro for the Exclusive Suite for the finals. There is also the opportunity to buy the ticket package with hotel. If buying a package, there are additional benefits in the stands of Villaggio Commerciale that will be prepared during the tournament. Extras 4 Roma caput mundi (Latin). These three words are sufficient to anticipate all the extras that spectators of the International of Italy can discover. The event is very close to the Colosseum and the Vatican. Then it depends on how long you stay in the capital of Italy. Final Thoughts Stadio del Tennis in the Foro Italico provides an impressive venue in which to visit and watch high-level tennis matches.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Richard Pfitzner Stadium 7 County Complex Ct Woodbridge, VA 22192 Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 6,000 Last Call at the Pfitz The Potomac Nationals have called Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Virginia home ever since the team relocated from nearby Alexandria in 1984. The team has been known by several nicknames over the years, including the Prince William Pirates, Prince William Yankees, and Prince William Cannons. In 1999, the team changed their name again to the Potomac Cannons, to be more inclusive of the broad region. Six years later, the club changed affiliations to the newly relocated Washington Nationals, and changed their name yet again to recognize the parent club. Pfitzner Stadium is widely recognized as one of the worst stadiums in Minor League Baseball. In fact, it has not been up to the required standards for some time, and only still exists because the team has been granted several waivers. However, it is finally closing for good after the 2019 season, as the team will move down I-95 to Fredericksburg. Food & Beverage 3 There is a decent selection of food and beverage available at the main stand at Pfitzner Stadium, located in the center of the concourse. Options for main courses include hot dogs ($4, or $5 for a large), hamburgers ($5) and cheeseburgers ($5.50), all of which can come in a basket with french fries for $2.50 extra. Other options include chicken tenders and fries for $9.50 and nachos with chili and cheese for $6. Side dishes include fries, hot pretzels, peanuts, and funnel cakes, and Pepsi beverages are also available. If this is not enough for you, Logan’s Sausage Stand is located down the third baseline, and there is a grill down the first baseline that sells freshly made burgers, cheesesteaks, and other items, though expect to pay more than you would at the other stands. For those looking for dessert, Hershey’s ice cream and Dippin Dots are available as well. All stands take credit cards, though the readers are a bit finicky and may not work all the time. Atmosphere 1 There was a time not so long ago when a Potomac Nationals game had a great atmosphere and the whole family could enjoy a fun night out with the P-Nats and their beloved mascot, Uncle Slam. In theory, Uncle Slam is still the mascot, but he was not there when we went. There are fewer things going on between innings than there were before, and the club just does not seem to put on the same effort it used to. The PA system is on its last legs and can be incomprehensible at times, even when the announcer doesn’t pronounce random words and names completely wrong. At one point he pronounced prostate with a long O, and at another he gave the warning signs of stroke as “Space, Arms, Feech, Time.” Not only that, but the stadium itself is antiquated and uncomfortable. Other than the new field box seats they added a few years ago, every seat in here is a tight fit, and there are only a few rows of conventional chair backs, both the field boxes and more antiquated literal box seats closer to home plate. Everything else is bleachers, either with or without backs. Not only that, but Pfitzner Stadium has one of the worst sun angles in all of minor league baseball. Rather than setting behind the press box, it sets in left field, making the glare extremely difficult for the first few innings. This also means that none of the seating area is in the shade during the daytime, which can be brutal during the summer. Pfitzner Stadium Into the Sun, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey The good news is that the team is moving into a state of the art stadium in Fredericksburg next year, and that cannot happen soon enough. Neighborhood 3 Pfitzner Stadium is located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Although Woodbridge has a bad reputation among locals and is often referred to as “Hoodbridge,” this part of the area is perfectly safe. Unfortunately, that’s about as nice as you can say about it. The stadium itself is located in a county owned complex which also includes several recreational fields and some government offices. It is not uncommon to see a large number of police cars parked in the parking lot – this should be no cause for alarm. There are a few shopping centers located off Prince William Parkway near the stadium, some of which have places to eat, but none of them are anything special. Woodbridge is about a 45-minute drive from Washington, D.C., which is a tremendous city, but it’s a bit far away for someone only visiting for the day. Fans 2 Attendance has gone down significantly in this lame duck season for the P-Nats. What was once a lively crowd has now turned into a smaller, more persnickety bunch. At times it can be dead silent, and at other times the crowd seems to completely turn on their team. The loudest it got in the stadium all night was when they tossed free burritos into the crowd, but even that proved to be full of disappointment – the wrappers contained not hot and delicious burritos, but coupons to a local chain to redeem later. Of course, by the time the game ended, said chain was closed for the night, which would be very unfortunate for anyone not from the area who would be unable to redeem them. Access 2 Pfitzner Stadium is located just off Prince William Parkway, but is about six miles from I-95 depending on which way you go. Most minor league stadiums seem to be more easily accessible from highways and do not require this much driving on local roads. Parking at the stadium is $6, which is extremely pricey when you consider you can park at a major league stadium up I-95 in Baltimore for $8. The good news is that with the small crowds, you should not have trouble finding a place to park. Although the concourse is old and narrow, this should not be an issue given the size of the crowds. The bathrooms are sufficient for the small crowds, but are in dilapidated condition. The men’s room had cracks in the floor as well as several pools of water. (At least, one hopes it was water.) Additionally, the toilets and sinks are frequently out of order. Return on Investment 3 Tickets start at $12 for general admission seats, and also include $14 reserved seats, above the concourse inside the dugouts, $15 box seats, and $17 box seats. The box and field box seats come with waiter service, which is an impressive feature normally reserved for premium seating areas. A server will come by periodically to take orders and will bring them to you while you watch the game. That being said, these tickets are still on the higher end for Carolina League venues, and parking is ridiculously expensive as well. Thankfully, the concessions are reasonably priced, and the waiter service adds value to the more expensive seats. Extras 2 There is a free program available on entry to the stadium. The wait service in the box seats deserves special recognition as well, as it is an impressive benefit. Final Thoughts Pfitzner Stadium is closing down for good at the end of 2019, and it could not happen a moment too soon. Sadly, it seems that in this lame duck season, people have just stopped caring. Whether it’s concession stand workers forgetting the credit card readers, scoreboard operators falling asleep at the wheel, or fans simply not showing up, it is a shame what the Pfitz has turned into. Make no mistake, it was never a nice stadium. But it has gone severely downhill recently, and the new stadium in Fredericksburg will be welcomed with open arms.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Bankwest Stadium 11-13 O’Connell St Parramatta, NSW 2150 Australia Parramatta Eels website Bankwest Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 30,000 Western Sydney Stadium is #PARRAdise The new $300m Populous-designed Western Sydney Stadium opened in April 2019, promising to be a game-changer for sporting venues in Australia. With a capacity of 30,000 it features the steepest stands in the country, and is the first new major stadium in the harbour city since the venues for the Sydney 2000 Olympics were constructed. Bankwest Stadium is owned by the NSW state government, operated by VenuesLive, and will host rugby league, rugby union, and soccer (football). Sport has been played on this site in Parramatta since the 1850s. The first ground here was called Cumberland Oval, and hosted a diverse range of sports including rugby union, rugby league, cricket, and even motor racing. In 1947 the Parramatta Eels were admitted to the NSWRL premiership, the forerunner of the modern-day National Rugby League (NRL), and they too called Cumberland Oval home. After the club won its maiden premiership in 1981, exuberant fans partied so hard they inadvertently burnt the grandstand down. A modern replacement venue, Parramatta Stadium, opened in 1986. The new stadium also became the home of the Western Sydney Wanderers A-League club, and at various times also hosted international rugby league and rugby union. However, by 2015 a number of faults with the stadium were clearly evident. Located somewhat awkwardly on a portion of Parramatta Park, the stadium lacked a prominent entry plaza, and did not meet modern security and safety standards. Similarly, the alignment of the playing surface was not directly north-south and hence was not deemed FIFA compliant. Furthermore, there were only one set of dressing rooms and poor corporate and media facilities. A knockdown-rebuild was the first stage of the NSW government’s new stadium policy announced in 2015. Twenty years after being opened by Queen Elizabeth II, Parramatta Stadium was demolished in 2016. During the re-build the club based themselves down the road at ANZ Stadium in Olympic Park, a venue shared by several other Sydney clubs including Canterbury and South Sydney. The Eels came of age in the 1980s, winning a total of four premierships from five grand final appearances over the course of the decade. However they’ve experienced turbulent times in recent history, finishing at the bottom on the NRL table in 2018. A promising start to 2019, along with the opening of Bankwest Stadium, has given fans renewed hope of once again experiencing premiership glory. Food & Beverage 5 Pleasingly, Bankwest features a range of stadium staples priced at $5 or less including meat pies, hot dogs, hot chips, and sausage rolls. This is an excellent initiative and we hope to see more of it. Some of the more substantial (and expensive – generally around $15) items include chicken noodle stir fry, buffalo wings, salt and pepper squid, and pulled pork rolls. Specialist food stands include Barbeque Pit (pork riblets, beef brisket, BBQ chicken ribs), The Base Pizza (various pizzas including chicken, margarita, and meat lovers), Mr. Chicken (items such as fried chicken, and chicken burger), Craving, Frank’s (hot dogs), Catch (seafood including tempura prawns, barramundi burger, and fish and chips), The Burger Place, and Nourish (healthy options). There’s not a huge selection of alcoholic drinks with a distinct lack of craft beers. Standard beers cost around $8, pre mixed spirits $10, and wine $7. If you’re so inclined there are a couple of smallish bars (age 18+) where you can relax pre-game. Soft drinks and water are supplied by Coca-Cola. Lastly, there’s also various snacks and ice creams on sale at numerous outlets around the concourse. Atmosphere 5 The new stadium does indeed live up to expectations. The exterior is unmistakable as you approach the venue. A new entry plaza provides a site for pre-game fan activation. There’s plenty to do including small rides, ball games, animal displays, and a DJ. Local food trucks are also present to provide you with sustenance while you soak up the atmosphere. Be sure to check out the statue of Eels legend and dual international (rugby league and rugby union), Ray Price, before you enter. Once inside you’ll find face painting and photo booths amongst the wide, open concourses. At regular intervals the playing surface is visible, and there are also television screens along the walls keeping you in touch with the game. The steepness of the stands is immediately apparent. The reported gradient is 33.94 degrees, meaning there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. All seats feel close to the action, and the cauldron-like atmosphere is both intimate and loud. Each side of the stadium is named as a grandstand to honour past champions; Mick Cronin, Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling, and John Thornett. The entire eastern stand is inaccessible to the average casual fan; instead it is dedicated to media, corporate areas, and VIP seating. Therefore, if you’re attending a daytime game and prefer shade then look for seats at the northern end, or the lower bowl in the northeastern corner. The restricted access also impedes your ability to circumnavigate the stadium interior in its entirety. Video screens are located in the northeastern and southwestern corners. The screens aren’t huge but are sufficient. Sound quality of the public address system is excellent, and the free Wi-Fi is fast with no pesky sign-up process. Aisle width in the stands is good, but the seats themselves are perhaps a little small for the larger fan. However, the stadium has a wonderful ambiance and provides an unrivalled experience in Sydney – and indeed, is in the top echelon of venues in Australia. Neighborhood 4 Parramatta is located at the geographical heart of Sydney, and has been the site of significant transformation over the last few years. A hub of multiculturalism, all the attractions of a modern city are close by. In addition to a thriving CBD, nearby Church St is known as “Eat Street,” where any number of great restaurants and cafes await. Cruise the strip and make a decision based on what you feel like on the day – it’s difficult to go wrong here! Similarly, there are numerous bars and pubs in the area. The Rose & Crown (11 Victoria Rd) is a solid choice for a drink and a feed, and the Parramatta Leagues Club next door to the stadium will be buzzing on game days. If you are in town for more than just the Eels, there are several hotels close to the stadium, notably the Novotel Sydney Parramatta (350 Church St) and the Parkroyal Parramatta (30 Phillip St). It may also be worth checking the schedule at the Riverside Theatre or the horse races at Rosehill Gardens. Westfield Parramatta, a short walk away, was also once famous for being the largest indoor shopping complex in the southern hemisphere. Fans 4 In recent years the Eels have roughly averaged between 11,000-13,000 at their home games, including during their temporary relocation to Olympic Park while the new stadium was under construction. After experiencing the highs and lows in recent years “Parra” fans are parochial and vocal supporters of their club. Expect to see plenty of blue and gold in the stands. As the club continues its resurgence, and with the added bounce expected from the new stadium, crowds should continue to be good. Access 4 Fans are strongly advised to use mass transport to get to and from the venue, with most game tickets also including the cost of public transport. The Parramatta interchange (buses and trains) is around a 10-minute stroll from the stadium. Even then, there are often shuttle bus services for the less mobile fans. There’s not much parking in the area, and then most of it is metered. Leave the car at home for this one if you can. If you insist on driving then aim to arrive well in advance of kick off and try your luck in streets north of the stadium, potentially as far away as the lower portion of Pennant Hills Rd (1.5km from the stadium). Inside the stadium crowds move well through the concourses, although expect some initial congestion as fans explore the new stadium. Bathrooms are plentiful, but under the same amount of stress as any other well-attended major event. Return on Investment 4 The cheapest adult tickets for reserved seating are around $40. For this price point you’ll likely be seated at either end. To get a sideline seat will cost a minimum of $50, while “Gold” tickets set you back over $70. While there are discounts for family passes (admits 4), you will still spend close to $100 just to get in the door. Yes, this will not be a cheap family day out. However, keep in mind that this is a high-quality venue, and tickets do include free public transport to and from the stadium. Additionally, stick to the “stadium staples” to save some cash at the concession stands. Extras 5 There’s plenty to like about Bankwest Stadium. There were lots of staff and we found them particularly helpful and friendly – hopefully this will continue. There are numerous environmentally sustainable features, earning the building a gold rating for LEED energy. There are quite a few nice additions to improve the experience including pram parking areas, parent rooms, a prayer room, and free Wi-Fi. We also rate the club’s commitment to its history – before each game an Eels legend raises a flag for the fans. While the main tenants will be the Eels and Wanderers, there are aspects of the stadium which can be customized to suit the home team. Lastly, and we hope it is an ongoing trend, fans were allowed onto the field at the conclusion of the first game. Final Thoughts The new Bankwest Stadium is a whole new level for Sydney stadia. All fans should take the opportunity to check it out during its inaugural season of operation.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Barber Motorsports Park 6040 Barber Motorsports Pkwy Leeds, AL 35094 Grand Prix of Alabama website Barber Motorsports Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 100,000 This is Racing’s Augusta The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama is one of the hidden gems of the racing world. Nestled in the mountains of northern Alabama, just east of Birmingham, is Barber Motorsports Park, a premiere racetrack that rivals any other in the country. Who would have known that a track in the middle of the Deep South not called Talladega would provide fans with one of the best racing experiences in the world of sports? Food & Beverage 5 Soul food and good old-fashioned, homemade cooking is what makes Barber Motorsports Park so brilliant when it comes to feeding the masses. Even if you just want a burger or a hot dog, the price is very manageable (a big, juicy cheeseburger is $6.50). But if you really want to enjoy the local culture’s cuisine, several of the vendors in the fan zone and around the facility provide you with some of the best smoked barbecue in the world. When visiting Alabama, barbecue must be one of the staples of your diet, plain and simple. Even the drivers are known to stop by to grab a bite to eat, which is a true testament to how good the food is. There are also food and drink vendors all over the track, so fans are never too far from their next meal. Atmosphere 5 Alabama in the spring is absolutely beautiful. The track is a natural terrain road course, meaning the track follows the rolls and undulations of the mountains upon which the facility was built. Additionally, the foliage around the track is mesmerizing. The trees are tall, old, and majestic, and the wind blowing through them provides a true bonding with nature feeling. The roses, azaleas, and wildflowers blossom on the hills and fill the air with the scent of clean, fresh, floral greatness. What does this have to do with racing? It puts you in a state of relaxation while watching a race that makes IndyCar even more enjoyable than it already was. Roses in Bloom at Barber Motorsports Park, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 The area around the track has changed drastically of late; literally next door is one of the coolest Bass Pro Shops there is (everyone has to drive along a mile-long nature preserve just to get to the store entrance). The venue is several miles away from Birmingham, and the only hotel next to the track is a new Hampton Inn. However, just across the highway is a giant outlet mall that includes a drive-in movie theater. In addition, down the highway just a few exits away lie several chain restaurants (Hooters, Five Guys, Olive Garden, and more), and more hotels. Not far away is the Birmingham Airport, with a nearby Holiday Inn that has a free airport shuttle and room rates in the low $100s, even during race weekend. For sightseers, Talladega National Forest is only an hour drive away, while The Vulcan remains a popular tourist spot that offers a panoramic view of Birmingham. Fans 5 In the heart of Alabama, you may never expect to find a herd of hard-core IndyCar and sportscar racing fans. Indeed, Barber Motorsports Park is full of fans who are seriously knowledgeable and who are loud and rowdy in support of their favorite drivers. Outside of Indianapolis, Barber Motorsports Park may be home to some of the best IndyCar fans there are. Perhaps this was easy to predict when the simple fact that a pre-season test at the track in 2009 drew a near-capacity crowd. Barber Motorsports Park also allows fans to post their tweets and Instagram photos with the race’s official hashtag for display on the big screens around the property, offering fans a chance to interact like few other sports can. The best part? This is one of the most family-friendly race parks there is, so fans can bring their whole families to the track – Southern hospitality at its best. Access 5 Parking at Barber Motorsports Park is brilliant. There are numerous parking lots all over the property, and none of them are far from the track. Getting to the actual track is easy as well, as the main highway has an exit ramp that is less than a mile from the park’s entrance. Getting around the actual course itself is simple. While the track is large, it is easy to walk around. Seating is also easy, as the main grandstand on the backstretch allows views of all four straightaways and several corners. Or for a more picturesque view, there are several locations in which you can pitch a giant foldable party tent and bring some folding chairs and a cooler to watch the race from the hillside. And as if the relaxing atmosphere couldn’t get any more relaxing, it still does – the track offers fans a free tram service that circles the course, allowing you to view the racing action from anywhere on the track. To get to the track itself, there are now various billboards and signs all over the local highways telling you which exit to use, and what direction to turn to get there. A new feature that opened in 2016 is a beautifully located flat, easy-to-navigate handicapped accessible pathway, which travels through the forest to a lookout point where fans using wheelchairs can watch the race, while also being in the comfort of the trees. This pathway is conveniently located across the street from the handicapped parking area. Return on Investment 5 No bones about it, Barber Motorsports Park is a brilliant race track to visit; the price paid for admission is well worth the action on the track and the atmosphere around the speedway. The fans are top notch, the food is among the best that a sports fan’s money can buy, and it is difficult to imagine a better facility in which to watch an IndyCar Series or sportscar race. Extras 5 Barber Motorsports Park is chock full of extras. First and biggest is the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Billed as one of the largest motorsports museums in the country, this museum shows you some of racing history’s best machines from the past. The museum is currently in the stages of an expansion as well to make it even bigger. And as if the museum itself wasn’t enough, during race weekends the museum staff opens the first floor to the fans, one of only three times a year this is done. Why is this so monumental? The first floor is the restoration floor – who can pass up a chance to see the beautiful vintage race cars and motorcycles being restored to their former glory? Another bonus is the great fan zones around the track – TNT fireworks sponsors the best viewing location in the park, the hillside under the trees on the backstretch. Additionally, the track puts on a great fan activity area where fans can meet drivers and get autographs from IndyCar and IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge drivers, while taking part in contests to win racing-related prizes. If you have a race ticket, you can easily upgrade it to include paddock access, which gets you up close and personal to the action in the garages. If you enjoy camping, you can stay on site with a hillside spot right behind the paddock, which offers some brilliant views of the track from a few spots. Perhaps the biggest extra, however, are the random sculptures scattered throughout Barber Motorsports Park. A giant metal spider on the infield, a zombie trying to swim out of a lake, metal sunflowers, tigers by the scoring tower, a Native American chief on the mountainside, giant ants carrying away a motorcycle, Greek Gods, and more pepper the park’s property, making for a neat hide-and-seek adventure. Final Thoughts If you are looking for a great way to enjoy racing, be it IndyCar Series, motorcycles, or sportscar racing, Barber Motorsports Park is a wonderful track in which to view some of the best racing in America. Add to that a vintage museum that showcases the coolest machines in racing history, and you have a great location in which to watch sports.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Richmond Raceway 600 E. Labernum Ave Richmond, VA 23222 Richmond Raceway website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 51,000 Chaos at Every Corner The Richmond Raceway is a 0.75-mile D-shaped NASCAR track that currently hosts the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. It hosts a race for each series both in the spring and in the fall, and all the races are run at night. Though the track is often characterized as a “short track” since it is less than 1 mile, the D-shaped layout of the track allows drivers to reach high speeds to give it that superspeedway feel. Food & Beverage 3 Richmond Raceway offers standard concessions ranging from pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy. Beverages offered include bottled Coke products, Dasani water, and various alcoholic beverages. Prices are on par with many sporting events. Frankly, the concession availability is a little disappointing in the general grandstand seating areas. However, this is generally not a big deal since fans can bring in their own food and beverages. Our suggestion is to eat before you go to the race, or bring your own food and drink to enjoy during the race. Atmosphere 4 Seating at the Richmond Raceway is available along the front stretch, and in turns 1, 2, and 4. All seats are bench back except for those in the Commonwealth Mezzanine/Tower and in the Turn 4 party deck. Seating in the Commonwealth Mezzanine and Tower are chair back, and seating in the Turn 4 party deck is high top seating with tables. There is a walkway between the seating bowl and the track, which allows fans to walk all the way around the track during the race to take in the action from different vantage points. The first row of seats is elevated approximately 10 feet to give fans sitting in the lower rows better sight lines. At the center of the track is a large four-sided 38 x 24 foot video board, which shows live race action and highlights. The stem of the video board shows the running order; it always shows the top 5, then constantly rotates throughout the rest of the field. A NASCAR race is one of the few sports where the better seats are higher up, as it allows you to see the entire track. While there is not really a bad seat in the house due to the elevated seats, we recommend sitting along the front stretch near the start/finish line or near turn 1. Neighborhood 3 The Richmond Raceway is located on the northeast side of Richmond between Interstate 95 and Interstate 295. It is in the middle of a largely residential area, and some parts are a little “rougher” than others. There are no restaurants or hotels within walking distance of the track. In order to avoid a lot of congestion and traffic, your best bet is to eat and stay in nearby Mechanicsville along I-295. It will be a little bit of a drive, but there are many food and dining options in downtown Richmond and along Broad Street in the West End and near Short Pump. If you a looking for good Bar-B-Que before the race, be sure to check out The Salty Pig on US 301 in Mechanicsville or Buz and Ned’s on West Broad Street. There are many attractions in Richmond if visiting for the entire weekend. If you come for the spring race, check to see if the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A affiliate of the Giants) are in town. Other attractions in the area include many Civil War Battlefields, the birthplace of Patrick Henry, Monument Avenue, the Virginia State Capitol building, and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Fans 3 Fan attendance at NASCAR races has been steadily decreasing over the past 10 years. Despite action-packed short-track racing, Richmond Raceway has not been immune to this issue, as all of the seats along the back straightaway have been removed over recent years. During this time frame, seating capacity at Richmond Raceway has dropped from 110,000 to 51,000. With the lowered capacity, crowds are generally 30K-40K. Fans can generally spread out on the bench seating to make it look fairly full. Despite the decreased attendance, NASCAR fans are still a passionate bunch. The majority wear gear of their favorite driver and will often hold up the driver’s number as they pass by. There are also certain drivers that many fans loathe, so expect plenty booing of these drivers. Access 4 The Richmond Raceway is easily accessible from Interstate 295. The exits for either Mechanicsville Turnpike or Meadowbridge Road will take you directly to the track. Meadowbridge Road will take you to free general parking lot H, and there is a free tram that will take you directly to the track. Richmond International Airport is only a few miles south off of I-295 in Sandston. Since the track allows fans to bring coolers in, expect a slight delay at the gate as staff checks them. However, if you do not have a cooler, you can breeze right in. There is a concourse underneath the grandstands, that is easy to navigate. There is also a large walkway all the way around the track between the first row of seats and the fencing along the track. Both are easy to navigate to find your seat. Restrooms are located underneath the grandstands. They show their age, but are serviceable. ADA seating is located along the first row of seats at select points around the track. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the Monster Energy Cup Series at Richmond Raceway range from $35 to $120. A $35 dollar ticket will not get you the best of seats, but it will get you in the door, nonetheless. There is also the Chaos Corner in turn 4 where fans can purchase tickets for $20 in a general admission standing room only area. Throw in free parking and the ability to bring in your own food and drinks, and you have quite a bargain for a night race in NASCAR’s premier series. Extras 3 Richmond Raceway gets several extra points for their fan-friendly measures. The track allows fans to bring in coolers with food and beverages (no larger than 14x14x14 inches), backpacks, scanners, and headsets to listen to drivers communicate with the crew chief. There are also upgrades that fans can purchase such as the Fangrounds pass, which allows fans to walk through pre-race inspections, take part in driver intros, and pre-race ceremonies in the infield. The track gets another extra point for the open walkway all around the track between the grandstand and the fence, which lets fans view the action from anywhere they would like around the track. Final Thoughts While seats are being removed at many tracks across the county (including Richmond) and interest in NASCAR seems to be waning, a NASCAR race is still a great experience. If you have never been to a NASCAR race, we would certainly recommend a visit; and a visit to a “short-track” such as Richmond Raceway is as great a place as any.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Jim Spooner Field 910 Campus Dr Pensacola, FL 32514 West Florida Argonauts website Jim Spooner Field website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 3,000 Cozy Baseball in the Wetlands Nestled amongst the Florida wetlands in Pensacola, FL sits the campus of University of West Florida. The medium-sized, public university of a little shy of 13,000 students is fairly new. Ground was broken in 1965 and in 1968, 58 students received degrees during the first commencement ceremony. Today the college has an enrollment of 12,800 students and is one of five four-year colleges in the panhandle area of Florida. The team’s nickname, the Argonauts, reflects Pensacola’s Naval history as the city is home to one of the largest naval bases in the country. UWF has competed at the D2 level in the Gulf South Conference since 1994. The school is most famous for having its football program make it to the D2 National Championship Game in just its second year of existence, and the baseball team has had similar success, as they won the 2011 D2 National Title and have had 18 players drafted into MLB during the program’s history. On the east side of campus sits Jim Spooner Field which has a seating capacity of 3,000 and opened in 1981. Named after longtime Argo skipper Jim Spooner, who coached the Argonauts from 1983 to 2005, the stadium underwent a $500,000 renovation in 2003 when the independent league Pensacola Pelicans relocated here from Pensacola State College just down the road. The Pelicans would call Jim Spooner Field home and would bring great success and packed houses for the next eight seasons. Because of the success and fortunes the Pelicans brought the city, it eventually led affiliated baseball to return in 2012. Food & Beverage 3 The concessions at Jim Spooner Field are plentiful and prices are reasonable. The expansive menu consists of the ballpark basics, with prices as follows: Hamburgers ($5), Chili Cheese dogs ($4.50), Hot Dogs ($3), Nachos ($3), Pretzels ($2.50), Popcorn ($2), Candy bars ($2), and Chips ($1.50). Coke is the soft drink provider, with bottled soft drinks and Powerade going for $3, bottled water for $2.50, and coffee for $2. Surprisingly, ice cream is also served here with giant cones and ice cream sandwiches sold for $3.50. Prices here will not break the bank but if you have the time to drive you can eat at one of Pensacola’s many restaurants downtown. Atmosphere 3 Once you walk through the main entrance there is a series of walkways that lead around the area. The restrooms, concessions, and UWF locker room are located in a series of four outhouse style buildings, typical to the ones you would find in a city or state park. When the stadium opened in 1981 it had just a basic grandstand, but the stadium was upgraded to suit pro baseball standards with the relocation of the Pelicans. The original grandstand is in the middle of two other grandstands, thus the stadium isn’t one cohesive ballpark, but a collection of three sets of bleacher-style seating that are connected by a walkway. There is also blue, foldable chair back seating on ground level behind home plate extending down the first and third baselines, but these seats are reserved for special ticket holders. As it was a rainy dreary afternoon on my most recent visit, many fans were sitting in the reserved seating section, as these are also the only covered seats in the stadium. Besides the seats, there are also several rather large picnic areas along both baselines, as well as another one out behind left field. The UWF baseball program is a pretty storied one, as they are constantly ranked in the D2 polls and even won a D2 National Championship in 2011. There is no shortage of banners on display showcasing these feats, with a huge National Title banner in left field as well as multiple Regional Appearances signs on the light poles. Neighborhood 2 UWF’s campus is located in kind of a secluded area in the northern part of the city – the campus was built on wetlands in former Indian territory, but is now part of a nature preserve and is located on a bluff above the Escambia River. Nature lovers will love the campus, as it has several nature trails and boardwalks where you can walk back into the woods through the swamps; if you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of an alligator. Nature lovers can also take a trip across the river over to the small town of Milton – this picturesque town lines the Blackwater River, where many people can be found kayaking and canoeing, and swimming along the sand bars during the summer. The area where Jim Spooner Field is located is part of a sports complex that includes the UWF softball and soccer fields, and to the north of the sports complex is a wildlife sanctuary that lines the Escambia River. As such there’s not much in the area in terms of things to do, but just south of campus is 9 Mile Road where there are a few restaurants, including Chick-fil-A, as well as a Target store. A couple of restaurants in the area worth checking out are Grover’s Chicken Fingers and Wings, a hole-in-the-wall type joint famous for its fried chicken, and Taqueria El Asador Mexican Restaurant, a stand set up on the side of a gas station on Davis Avenue, about three miles south of campus. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it type of establishment has rave reviews, being voted one of the top 10 Mexican restaurants in the whole country, and Trip Advisor rates it as the number 1 restaurant (if you want to call it that) in Pensacola. Davis Highway has all the typical chain restaurants and strip malls, so you can find anything else you are looking for as well. About 15 miles south of UWF’s campus is Seville Quarter and downtown Pensacola, and you can find tons of bars and restaurants lined up and down Palafox Street. Downtown can be a decent drive from Jim Spooner Field depending on the time of day, so plan accordingly. For attractions I definitely recommend checking out the Naval Air Museum at Pensacola Naval Air Station – this state of the art museum, which is free by the way, has over 150 vintage aircraft on display including the first plane to cross the Atlantic Ocean, former President Bush’s private plane, and some from the Blue Angels. The museum is located on the naval base and is a bit of a detour, being in an out-of-the-way location, but I highly recommend it. The beaches of Pensacola and Gulf Shores are nearby as well, for those in town wanting to hit the beach. Fans 2 It’s hard to judge the fans on the particular afternoon I attended, as it was a cold and rainy day, so there were not a lot of fans in attendance. The Argos are averaging just a couple hundred fans per game this 2019 season, but on this particular Sunday afternoon the announced crowd was 118, though it seemed far fewer. The conditions were terrible, as there was a constant drizzle during the game, and the staff even eventually opened up the reserved seating section to all general admission fans, as the grandstands were completely empty and the few people there were all lined up behind home plate – it was a far cry from the Pelican days when this place would get packed out. Access 2 One drawback to getting to UWF’s campus is the location itself, as well as Pensacola’s horrendous traffic. The campus is located in the northern part of the city, far away from the beach and downtown, so if coming from the east and west I-10 will be your best bet – just take the Davis Highway exit and follow the signs until you reach the University Parkway split, and you can take that road right into campus. Or, if coming from the beach or downtown you can take I-110 to Davis Highway and follow that, or you can take beautiful Scenic Highway, a winding road that travels north and south and has spectacular views of Escambia Bay. All along this highway you can pull off into the different areas and lookouts over the water; this highway is noted for its lavish mansions as well. Part of the University Sportsplex, Jim Spooner Field itself is located on the southeast side of campus, and resembles being in a city park. The sportsplex includes the softball stadium, which is located next door to and is a mirror image of Jim Spooner Field, except with only one grandstand instead of three. Then, out past center field is a soccer field, a practice field used for baseball, and softball and batting cages. Return on Investment 3 For normal games UWF does charge $5 for all general admission and grandstand tickets, and $7 for the chair back seating behind home plate; students get in free with their student ID. For this level of baseball I thought these ticket prices were pretty high, but then again this is Florida and a tourist area so everything is expensive here. But on this particular afternoon, with the rain and cold weather in the forecast, the ticket office was closed so fans were free to come in and sit where they wanted. Extras 2 ‘The Spoon’ is a former minor league ballpark. In 2002 the Pensacola Pelicans were born when the upstart independent Southeastern Baseball League placed a team in the city. The team would play just south of here at tiny Pirate Field on the campus of Pensacola State College, and would be the city’s first professional baseball team since 1962, so needless to say Pensacolians were hungry for baseball again, and it showed during the one season the Pelicans played at Pirate Field. Fans packed the stadium and the team led the league in attendance, as well as won the league’s inaugural championship. Midway through the 2002 season the Pelicans were purchased by Quint Studer and his wife Rishy. Studer, who is originally from Illinois, is a health care consultant who relocated to the city in the 1990s to work with an area hospital. Studer’s many charitable efforts would prove to be influential for the city, and he would be the man responsible for bringing affiliated baseball back to Pensacola. After the 2002 season the Pelicans needed to find a bigger home ASAP, so they relocated to Jim Spooner Field. In order to accommodate professional baseball, however, The Spoon needed to be upgraded, so the two additional grandstands were added raising the capacity to 3,000. In addition, a party deck was established in left field, and box seats were installed behind home plate. The Pelicans would play eight years at The Spoon in three separate leagues – Southeastern League (2003), Central Baseball League (2004), and American Association of Independent Baseball (2005-2010). The team would prove to be highly successful for the community of Pensacola, and fans packed The Spoon on a nightly basis. Because of the success of the Pelicans, affiliated baseball would return to Pensacola in 2012, when Studer purchased the Carolina Mudcats and relocated them to Pensacola to become the Blue Wahoos. As part of this deal, however, Studer had to facilitate the Kinston Indians moving to Zebulon, NC to replace the Mudcats; the Indians ended up taking over the Mudcats name. The Wahoos have won Minor League Baseball’s Organization of the Year award three times in their seven year existence, and in addition, Blue Wahoos Stadium, a three-time recipient of the Southern League’s Ballpark of the Year, has consistently been ranked as one of the premiere minor league ballparks in the country – and all of this because the Pensacola Pelicans laid the foundation for the team that would call the city home ten years later. Without the Pelicans success at The Spoon perhaps the Blue Wahoos wouldn’t even be in Pensacola today. Final Thoughts Jim Spooner Field is a decent place to catch a baseball game – the days of packed houses and professional baseball are long gone, but what’s left is a cozy little ballpark that suits the team quite well. For a D2 baseball facility Jim Spooner Field is a pretty decently-sized stadium, so if you are in the area and want to catch a game at a former minor league ballpark, then come on down to The Spoon.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Vert Stadium 1018 N College Dr High Point, NC 27262 High Point Panthers website Vert Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 1,100 Hit the Vert Vert Stadium has consistently been ranked as one of the best track & field, soccer, and lacrosse facilities in the country and the venue lives up to that standard each and every gameday. Reopened in 2007, “The Vert” has been a big draw for High Point University, serving primarily as the permanent home of HPU’s lacrosse and soccer programs. The venue is named for Dick Vert, a 1960 graduate who ran cross country and middle distance at the institution, and later became an HPU trustee. Several upgrades have been made to Vert Stadium in the last few years, the most recent of which came in 2011 when one of the best artificial turf systems on the market was installed. The Mondo 3NX turf, developed in Italy, is able to reduce heat by 30 percent and has the best shock absorption of any available artificial turf. The main program that plays on the state-of-the-art turf is the men’s lacrosse program, debuting in 2013 as part of a $2.1 billion initiative focused on growth. The team has clinched Southern Conference championships three times since its inception, most recently in 2018, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2015 Food & Beverage 3 The Vert offers several different concession choices, including the typical stadium fare, available at two stands on either side of the concourse. With virtually no lines and quick and friendly service, the concessions are top-notch for such a facility. An added bonus is that both stands accept credit cards as well as cash. While the prices may be a little steep for a Division I lacrosse venue, there are some bargains to be found. A refillable popcorn bucket, which can be replenished an unlimited number of times during the match, is just $9. Some cheaper options include a hot dog ($3.75), a pretzel ($4), nachos ($4.25), and even half and whole Dominos pizzas ($4 and $8, respectively). Bottled Coca-Cola products are also available for $3.50 each. Alcohol is not served at the venue. Families and groups can take advantage of the Family Pack Combo option, which includes 4 hot dogs, 4 chips and 4 drinks for just $22. Other Combos are also available, giving fans a chance to save a few bucks while they’re at the game. Atmosphere 3 Because Vert Stadium does not have a large seating bowl, the entire grandstand offers a great view of the playing field. The pitch of the seating area is so gradual that almost the entire field can still be viewed from the back of the concourse, despite being behind 10 rows of seats. The very first row isn’t right on top of the field either; an eight-lane track surrounds the artificial turf and thereby separates the seating area from the field. The seats themselves, painted in HPU purple, are very wide and each seat has an affixed cup-holder. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, as each seat offers a great view of the action. Rocking chairs, practically a requirement anywhere in High Point, are also available at the top of the concourse near the ADA seating. Despite being a small venue, both the PA announcer and the music blasted during stoppages in play are unreasonably loud. They’re so loud, in fact, that for the duration of the game the sounds can be heard in echo as they bounce off residential homes across the street. A sizable video board sits at an angle on the right side of the field, directly opposite the seating area. It doubles as a scoreboard from which fans can glean stats such as goals, shots, saves, and penalties for each team. After every goal made by the Panthers, a purple HPU t-shirt is tossed into the crowd and one of the concessionaires steps onto the concourse, blows a horn, and attempts to pump up the fans. Autographed merchandise is also given away during intermissions. Because most men’s lacrosse matches start at noon, the sun is usually overhead for most of the game and doesn’t present an issue visually. After Daylight Savings Time begins, the sun may be in your eyes for at least the first half of the game. While the sun isn’t usually a factor during colder months, when temperatures start to rise it can become a scorching nuisance. The Vert doesn’t offer much relief; however, because the seats face east, a slight bit of shade does fall over the concourse when the sun starts dipping into the west. Six picnic tables, complete with large umbrellas, are also located on the concourse. Neighborhood 3 The Witcher Athletic Complex is located off University Parkway on the north side of campus, just a few miles from downtown High Point. While there aren’t any restaurants within walking distance of campus, there are several decent eateries just a short drive away. North Main Street is about a mile from the Vert and that’s where you’ll find most of the familiar chain eateries. The Biscuit Factory is a gem for folks looking for breakfast before noon games. After the match, fans can hit up Sammy G’s Tavern, which often runs promotions when HPU wins, located about 4.5 miles off-campus in the Deep River area. The joint is a bit pricier than some of the chains you’ll find off Main Street but it offers typical American fare and makes a good stop for a post-game bite. Fans looking for something to do after games can take the short drive into downtown High Point and explore the shops and eateries available there. The High Point Museum is about half a mile in the other direction and presents a history of the High Point region, including highlights of the area’s deep furniture roots. The museum is free and is open until 4:30pm daily except Sunday and Monday. The Courtyard by Marriott, a sponsor of High Point athletics, is the nearest hotel at 1.5 miles away. The property is just off I-74, making it both convenient and affordable. Fans 4 Anyone who’s ever attended a lacrosse game will know that even the smallest crowds can be intimidating. Home and away fans are typically evenly balanced in High Point, since most fans have a personal connection with the players on the field. In other words, the away team always travels well. When the Panthers do well on the field, the home fans can get very involved and loud, but the same is true for the away team. If you’re not paying attention to the action, it’s often hard to judge by the crowd which team has just made a goal or a save. The most energetic fans, either home or away, like to stand for the whole game at the front of the concourse to cheer on their team. While Vert Stadium never usually fills to capacity, it typically does draw a decent crowd. On most game days, the seating area will be two-thirds to three-quarters full Access 5 Vert Stadium is only accessible by car, but the complex does offer several parking options, all of which are free. Fans who arrive at least a half-hour before the opening face-off should be able to secure a spot in the Witcher Athletic Complex parking lot right in front of Vert Stadium, located off of Panther Drive. Late-arriving fans may have to park a little further away in the College Village Shopping Center parking lot, an approved HPU lot, and take the short 10-minute walk to the stadium. Both options are free of charge and there’s usually a parking attendant on hand to answer any questions. High Point, as one of the cities of the Triad region, is accessible by several interstates and highways. Interstate 74 is the closest major highway to campus at just 1.5 miles away; it comes from Winston-Salem in the north and heads to Asheboro in the south. I-74 also provides a connection to Interstate 77 near the Virginia state line. Interstate 85 is the busiest nearby road and is a direct link to some of the largest cities in the state. Just 15 minutes to the north is Greensboro, while Charlotte is 1.5 hours south on I-85. Another major thoroughfare, Interstate 40, provides connection to Raleigh/Durham in the east and Asheville in the west and can be accessed off either I-85 or I-74. The nearest airport is Piedmont-Triad International, about 20 minutes to the north in Greensboro. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or day-of-game at the box office; regardless of which option you choose, you will end up with a paper stub as there are no online ticket options. There are also no security measures in place at Vert Stadium. Handicapped guests have many parking spaces available to them in the parking lot and once inside the Vert, there are about 12 ADA seats available at the top of the seating bowl. Should those seats be full, there are plenty of additional spots on the concourse that offer good views of the action. Vert Stadium’s restrooms are some of the cleanest I have ever seen at a sporting venue. The space is large, beautifully decorated and features an extension of the PA system, an added bonus. Return on Investment 4 With general admission tickets priced at just $5, a family of four can easily enjoy a fun afternoon at the Vert as well as a decent snack for about $40. Parking is free. One downside is that fans are not allowed to bring their own food and drink into the venue, something typically allowed at other DI lacrosse facilities. Fans looking to cheer on High Point’s lacrosse team for the entire season are able to purchase a season pass for $25 per person. This is a great deal if you plan on attending six or more games in a single season. Youth season passes are $15 each. Extras 1 Aside from the gameday experience at the Vert, there isn’t too much going on. Roster sheets and posters are given away for free during each game. Final Thoughts High Point’s men’s lacrosse program, though fairly new, has garnered quite a following in the area, and this helps to increase the university’s profile in the community. HPU is already woven into the fabric of the city, as you’ll find the color purple splashed throughout High Point, from fire hydrants to street signs. The top-notch athletic facilities at High Point University, and the experiences they offer, continue to build that image and keep the fans coming back time and again.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 The Hangar Dome 1751 N State St Jackson, MS 39202 Millsaps College Majors website The Hangar Dome website Year Opened: 1950s Capacity: 1,000 Basketball in an Airplane Hangar Millsaps College is small private Methodist college located north of downtown Jackson in the Historic Belhaven Neighborhood. The college is small by most standards with an enrollment of just over 900 students. Millsaps opened its doors in 1890 when Confederate veteran Major Reuben Webster Millsaps donated $550,000 and the land for the university. Named after Millsaps, the Majors compete at the Division III level in the Southern Athletic Association, and with their enrollment of 900 are currently the smallest school in the conference. In the 1940s Millsaps College was selected as one of 131 sites in the United States to offer the V-12 Naval Officer Program. The purpose of the program was to generate large numbers of officers for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, to meet the demands of WWII. The program lasted from 1943 to 1946, and students took classes and trained in case they were called to fight for their country. TV personality Johnny Carson was enrolled in the program at the time. So what do you do when the war is over and you have a giant airplane hangar on campus that is no longer in use? In the case of the Millsaps Majors, converting it into a basketball court was the only logical answer. The affectionately named Hangar Dome opened its door in the 1950s and seats close to 1,000 people. You can tell just by looking around that the gym has not been renovated in recent years, and in this case, it’s a good thing – with its wooden frame on the inside, classic wooden bleachers, and dimmed lights it reminded me of watching a throwback basketball game from the 70s. The only recent renovation happened in 2000 when the Maurice H. Hall Activities Center, which houses the university’s fitness program, opened on the side of the Hangar Dome. Food & Beverage 1 There is one small concession stand located right before the entrance to the main floor of the gym. The basic fare can be found here, including large fountain drinks ($3), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), popcorn ($2), small fountain drinks, and bottled water ($2). I bought a small fountain drink and found my cup to be reasonably sized, but it would be best to eat at one of Jackson’s many restaurants located in the area before or after the game – anybody coming to The Hangar Dome looking for a culinary experience will walk away disappointed. Atmosphere 4 I was pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere inside the gym. There are two main entrances into the arena, with the main entrance also being the best way to get into the Activities Center. Once inside you will be greeted by hallways lined with trophy cases that rival any Division I school’s trophy display. From one end of the hallway to the other there are displays built into the walls that show literally every accomplishment and trophy won in every single sport the university competes in. Not only that but there is everything from old jerseys to signed game balls representing every athletic feat the school has achieved. For such a small school it was nice to see them honoring the athletic accomplishments of the university. Also, at the front entrance is the school’s fitness center, along with a running track that circles three different indoor basketball courts. After getting acquainted with the Majors athletic program you walk downstairs to get to the actual basketball court. Once you get downstairs there is the one concessions stand to the right, bathrooms, and the building’s other entrance. Electric is the wrong word for it but there was something about walking into the gym for the first time – when walking out onto the gym floor you get a sense and feel for the history. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that not very many venues these days have wooden ceilings and the lights were dimly lit on the court, but I got a real Jackie Moon Flint Tropics vibe from sitting in the stands. I felt like I was transported back to the 1970s; the only thing missing was the short shorts. The arena is set up with the court facing east and west, with two sets of makeshift bleachers on the south side – these sets only have 15 rows, while the bleachers on the north side are wooden and are the original bleachers built into the arena. The wooden seats rise and form sort of a crescent shape at the top, and there’s just something old school about walking up the stairs and seeing the dust on the bleachers. There are two basic scoreboards in each end zone and the acoustics in the building are incredible. I’m not sure if the wooden ceilings played a factor in the noise level, but the speakers seemed up to date and the noise volume echoed nicely inside the gym. Also, at each end of the court are the banners of all the tournament appearances of the Major basketball teams. One interesting side note is that if you sit in the north side set of bleachers there is no way to get to the concessions stands or bathrooms without having to walk across the back end of the basketball court – It was very interesting to walk past the other team’s bench or risk getting hit with a ball as you walked to and fro during the action. That said, if you choose to sit on that side of the gym I recommend getting concessions and taking a bathroom break before you sit down. Neighborhood 3 The campus is located in a mostly residential area north of the downtown area. While there is nothing within walking distance of the college, just a short drive north will take you to the Fondren District. Located near the Ole Miss Med School, this is Jackson’s nightlife area and you will find numerous restaurants and bars on this one block strip, my favorite being Fondren Public. Bocce ball, corn hole, shuffleboard, oversized Jenga, and multiple board games can be played inside and outside the bar, and it has a really cool feel to it. There are also numerous other bars and restaurants located in Fondren, such as Pig & Pint (known for its BBQ), Walker’s Drive-In, Babalu Tapas & Tacos, and Sal & Mookie’s Pizza, but another bar in the area I recommend checking out is Brent’s Drugs. From the outside, it looks like a regular pharmacy, but with its soda fountain inside it’s very reminiscent of a 50s style diner. However, in the back there is also a speakeasy-style bar that was used during prohibition; Brent’s is a very interesting bar and gets pretty packed at night. There are also numerous bars in the downtown area, a couple of miles south of campus, such as Hal and Mal’s, Fenians, and Old Tavern on George Street. There is also Underground 119, which is a cool underground blues bar located in downtown, but this area is not exactly the safest, so use caution when walking around here after dark. In addition, Lakeland Drive is located about a mile east of the Millsaps campus, and you can find all the usual chain restaurants and lodging in this area. For attractions nearby I recommend checking out the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, which is a very nice interactive museum that doesn’t get too packed during the week; you could spend hours just walking through all the different exhibits located in this museum. The Hall of Fame is located on Lakeland Drive right next to historic Smith-Wills Stadium, former home of the Jackson Mets and current home of the Belhaven baseball team. Fans 3 Millsaps is a really small school of only 900 students, and for this level of college basketball, you are only going to get about a hundred fans in attendance. However, because the campus is so small and the majority of students live on campus, Millsaps students to show up at The Hangar Dome on game night. The students sit on the two sets of lower level bleachers on the south side of the court, with other fans scattered throughout the taller wooden bleachers on the north side. Many students stood for the entire game, and I even saw a group of students with their shirts offs. Though it’s not Division I basketball, the students make the best of it by treating it as such. In such a unique arena the student section definitely creates a raucous atmosphere. Access 3 Millsaps College’s campus is located north of downtown Jackson, just west of I-55 in the Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson. The college is located in a mostly residential area of town, a couple of blocks east of another school, Belhaven University. The Blazers are D3 as well and share a fierce rivalry with the Majors. When coming to The Hangar Dome, the Woodrow Wilson Drive exit off I-55 is your best bet; just take rush hour traffic into account, as the interstate tends to back up especially on the north side of downtown, so plan accordingly. The campus can be easy to miss as it is pretty small, but just follow Woodrow Wilson Drive until you get to the State Street intersection. Millsaps College’s campus is pretty small, so finding a parking spot can be difficult. There is a small parking lot located right outside the arena but it fills up quickly, especially on weeknights, so instead you can park across the street in the stadium parking lot, or you can park in the campus parking garage on the south side of campus – just take State Street until you get to the Park Street intersection, and the parking garage is on the right. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are free, parking is free, and concessions are average. The return on investment is good, but anyone showing up expecting a big fancy basketball arena will be disappointed. But you will get to see a college basketball arena at an arena, where little has changed in the past 60 years. Extras 4 If in town when Millsaps and Belhaven are playing each other I recommend seeing the game, as the atmosphere goes up to an extra point when these two are playing each other. Though the two teams are not in the same conference, they share a heated rivalry that has stretched for decades. Many notable celebrities have spoken inside this building – in 1953 Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis judged a homecoming beauty contest here, while in the 1960s Johnny Carson and Robert Kennedy both spoke here at commencement ceremonies, and in the 1970s Bob Hope and Jimmy Carter made appearances in The Hangar Dome. Right next to The Hangar Dome is Harper-Davis Field, home of the Majors football team. From 2006 to 2008 the New Orleans Saints used this field, and the surrounding fields to the north, as their Training Camp location. In fact, some could argue that the Drew Brees era officially began right here at Millsaps, considering the fact that both he and Sean Payton joined the team in 2006. Another extra goes to the campus itself and its scenic beauty. The campus classrooms are located in beautiful white marble, Greek-columned buildings, and there are also several cannons located on campus that were used during the Civil War. I also recommend climbing the clock tower on the south side of campus; if you climb to the top you can get a really good view of the whole campus; the founder of Millsaps College himself is also buried on the south side of campus. Final Thoughts The Hangar Dome is a throwback to days gone by, back before the days of elaborate arenas and stadiums. The Hangar Dome is gritty, old, rustic, and beginning to show its age, but in this case, it only adds to the charm. If in the Jackson area, especially when the Millsaps plays rival Belhaven, make it a point to come out to The Hangar Dome – you’ll get to see a true hidden gem of an arena on a beautiful and historic campus in Mississippi.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Pirate Field 50 Tippin Ave Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola State College Pirates website Pirate Field website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 1,000 The Pirates of Pensacola Pensacola State College opened its door in 1948 as Pensacola Junior College, the first college of any kind in Pensacola. PSC is the largest college in west Florida with 36,000 students and 21,000 of those being undergrads. In 2010 the college began operating as a four-year university and began offering bachelor’s degrees. As a result, it changed its name to Pensacola State College to reflect these changes. However, even though PSC is now a four-year university, its athletic programs still compete on the Junior College level. The Pirates currently compete in the NJCAA Panhandle Conference for all sports – the conference currently has five teams that compete in the panhandle area of Florida; PSC, Northwest Florida State College, Gulf Coast State College, Chipola College, and Tallahassee Community College. The conference has produced a ton of successful ballplayers such as Jose Bautista, Russell Martin, Buck Showalter, Adam Duvall, and Don Sutton, with most of them playing at Chipola College, the team the Pirates played on the last night I attended. Pirate Field opened its doors in 2000 and is a very simple, pleasant ballpark of about 1,000 seats located right across the street from Pensacola International Airport. With its single grandstand, brick façade, and palm trees located out front, the inviting stadium sits nicely tucked away in the corner of campus. Though Pirate Field is a JUCO level stadium, the field does have some professional history as the independent Pensacola Pelicans competed here for one season in 2002. The Pelicans were a charter member of the Southeastern League from 2002 until the league folded in 2003, after which they joined American Association of Independent Baseball. By this point, the Pelicans would be long gone from tiny Pirate Field, as they relocated a few miles north to the campus of the University of West Florida. The Pelicans were a huge success during the one season they played at PSC, as the Pensacola area previously had not hosted professional baseball since the 1962 season, so fans were hungry for baseball again, and it showed during the lone season the Pelicans played here. The team led the league in attendance, had the best record, and won the league’s inaugural championship. The Pelicans were so popular with the city that they needed a new ballpark ASAP to accommodate the need for baseball in this town. The Pelicans would pack their bags and head north of the city where they would continue to replicate their success for the next 8 years. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand in the ballpark and prices are reasonable – prices range from hamburgers and nachos ($4) to hot dogs ($3), popcorn ($2), and candy ($1). Coke is the primary soft drink provider, and 24oz. bottled sodas are available for $2, with bottled water at $1. One thing I did notice was the popcorn was Act II brand popped in a microwave and served in a bag just like you would at your house. But with 36,000 students enrolled at the school, you would think they would be able to afford a popcorn machine or at least serve it in a container or bowl like you would get at a regular sporting event or a movie theatre. Atmosphere 3 Pirate Field has a very simple relaxed atmosphere, typical to the one you would find at a high school baseball game. The stadium consists of a single basic grandstand that faces southeast. There is one main entrance to the right of the grandstand, with concessions on that side and several picnic tables as well. To the left of the grandstand is where the restrooms are located, as well as some more picnic tables. Left field contains a basic scoreboard that has the score and not much more. The most interesting feature of the ballpark is its location, as it is located directly across the street from the airport. Pensacola International Airport just expanded several years ago to become an International Airport, so that means bigger planes fly in and out at various times during the game. In centerfield, palm trees and the airport’s huge parking garage provide the backdrop for Pirate Field, and from left field you can get a really good glimpse of the runway and the infamous huge UPS jet that sits just beyond the left field wall – the jet has been sitting there providing views at Pirate Field dating back to the Pelicans’ days. Another interesting feature of Pirate Field is that the infield is clay, but the base paths from home plate to first and third are just grass. There is also music being played between innings, but no PA announcer announcing the lineup or anything – if they are going to go through the trouble of playing music, at least have a public address announcer or something. Neighborhood 3 As mentioned the campus is located directly across the street from the airport, so there are plenty of restaurants and lodging available in the immediate area. Immediately across the street to the south is Cordova Mall, the largest indoor shopping center in western Florida. Chain stores include Dick’s, Best Buy, Dillard’s, and Belk, and you can also find just about any typical mall store inside. In addition, outside the mall in the parking lot, you can find Panera Bread, Red Robin, Zoe’s Kitchen, Steak ‘n Shake, Chili’s, Red Lobster, Newk’s, Firehouse Subs, and Moe’s. A restaurant I recommend in the Cordova Mall parking lot is BJ’s Brewhouse – BJ’s is a typical bar food set up that brews its own beer inside the restaurant and has over 60 beers on tap. In addition to the mall, if you go down the main road through the 9th Street area you can find every typical chain restaurant found in most decent sized cities. There is a movie theatre and bowling alley located across the street as well, but if you want to experience Pensacola’s nightlife at its best then take a 15-minute drive south to Seville Quarter. This area, which is modeled after New Orleans’ French Quarter, has many different bars and restaurants and is Pensacola’s main nightlife spot – just go all the way down 9th Street to Main, and Seville Quarter is just west of there. Fans 3 For this level of JUCO baseball, you are only going to get a couple of hundred fans in attendance, as the ballpark can only hold 1000 fans – at the most recent game, I attended there were only about 200 fans in attendance, with maybe 100 people sitting in the bleachers scattered about in different groups. Fans seemed engaged in the game and it seemed like most of the people were either affiliated with the college or relatives of the players, as most of the players are from Florida. On this particular afternoon, the Pirates played Chipola College, a storied baseball program from nearby Marianna, and Chipola had a decent amount of supporters who made the short ride over. There is a walkway that separates the bleacher seating from the field, and I saw several scouts as well as several coaches from various local college programs set up in lawn chairs sitting there. All in all, the atmosphere is very relaxed here, and fans are quiet yet knowledgeable of the program and the players. Access 3 Depending on which way you are coming to PSC determines whether the access is convenient or not. The campus is located on the northeast side of the city just south of I-10, so if coming from the east or west I-10 will be your best bet. Just take the Davis Highway, which is one of the main highways in Pensacola; the campus is located a couple of blocks east of that roadway. Things can be a bit more difficult if coming from the downtown area, as traffic can be terrible depending on what time of day it is. Just take I-110 to the Brent Lane exit and the campus is located just off 9th Street; though the campus is only about 8 miles from downtown, with traffic taken into consideration the drive could be a lot longer. If flying in from out of town, the campus is conveniently located directly across the street from the airport – you could fly into Pensacola and walk across the street and be there in less than 5 minutes. PSC is mostly a commuter school, however, so although there 36,000 students enrolled, it doesn’t mean the campus is so large that it’s difficult to find your way to the stadium. There is a lot of construction currently going on around campus, so certain roads and some parking lots tend to be blocked off, but finding Pirate Field shouldn’t be too difficult; the ballpark is on the northeast side of campus on the corner of Tippin Avenue and Underwood Street. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are free, parking is free, concessions are cheap, and you get to see some of the top amateur baseball players in the state of Florida before they make it big. If you’re lucky, you can always say you got to see the next Jose Bautista or Don Sutton before they made it to the big leagues. Extras 3 One extra for the airport being located right across the street and providing the backdrop to Pirate Field; if you go to the top of the grandstand you can get a good view of the runways beyond left field. Games here even have to be stopped for a few minutes occasionally to accommodate the noise when a plane flies into the airport. Another extra for the success that Pirate Field experienced during the 2002 season when the Pelicans began to n play. Though independent baseball is not exactly the hottest ticket in town, the Pelicans brought in a loyal fanbase and packed the tiny stadium. Though it would take ten additional years, that one season showed that Pensacolians are excited about professional baseball being brought back to the city, which eventually led to affiliated baseball returning during the 2012 season. Midway through the 2002 season the Pelicans were purchased by businessman Quint Studer – Studer was originally from Illinois, but relocated to Pensacola in the 1990s to work as a health care consultant at a nearby hospital. Studer become a prominent figure in the Pensacola community, as he is known for running numerous non-profit groups and making many charitable efforts over the years, but he was also the one who brought affiliated baseball back to the city. In 2012 he purchased the Carolina Mudcats and relocated them to Pensacola to become the Blue Wahoos (as part of this deal, Studer had to facilitate the Kinston Indians moving to Zebulon, NC to replace the Carolina Mudcats; the Indians ended up taking over the Mudcats name). The Wahoos have won Minor League Baseball’s Organization of the Year award three times in their seven-year existence, and in addition, Blue Wahoos Stadium, a three-time recipient of the Southern League’s Ballpark of Year, has consistently been ranked as one of the premiere minor league ballparks in the country; all of this simply because the Pelicans lone season here at Pirate Field laid the foundation for the team that would call the city home ten years later. Without that one season here, perhaps the Blue Wahoos wouldn’t even be here today. Final Thoughts Pirate Field is a very pleasant ballpark to watch a baseball game at, serving its purpose quite well. It’s not a bucket list ballpark you must visit by any means, but if you are in the area and want to catch a baseball game for free in a former minor league ballpark, then I recommend a trip to Pirate Field.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Isotopes Park Springfield A Fool’s Day at The Duff Duff Stadium, formerly known as Springfield War Memorial Stadium, is home to the Springfield Isotopes, the minor league affiliate of the Capital City Capitals. Although the stadium has long been home to the team, a few years ago the owners hatched a secret plot to move the team to Albuquerque, which was discovered and foiled by superfan Homer Simpson after he launched a hunger strike and chained himself to a nearby flagpole. The Mayor of Albuquerque subsequently attempted to purchase the Dallas Cowboys and force them to play baseball, but this too was unsuccessful. The Isotopes have staged a number of unusual promotions over the years, including Tomato Day and Dart Day, both of which involved throwing said items at members of the Communist Party. Food & Beverage 4 Duff Stadium is known for its large selection, and we mean that literally. Whether it’s giant burgers, giant popcorn buckets, or giant cups of that famous local beer that lends its name to the stadium, you’ll certainly eat your heart out at Duff Stadium, figuratively and perhaps literally as well given the calorie count of those things. However, for fans looking for a healthier option, Bell Peppers are available from roving sellers throughout the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at Duff Stadium has really improved since Hungry Hungry Homer staged his protest. What was once an empty stadium is now full of rowdy fans. Whether it’s encouraging fans to throw tomatoes at Communists or pretzels at despised local billionaire Monty Burns, the team sure does know how to keep fans engaged, and they seem to have largely forgiven ownership for the aborted move to New Mexico. Neighborhood 4 Springfield is a constantly-changing neighborhood, but some things do remain the same. Moe’s Tavern has been located in the town for years, and although it sometimes tries to do a rebranding, these never seen to last very long. The Springfield Mystery Spot is a local tourist attraction as well, but many have gotten permanently lost in it, including baseball legend Ozzie Smith. Don’t let that happen to you. Fans 3 The Isotopes’ fans can best be described as a powder keg crowd, always ready to riot over the silliest little thing. Whether it’s Mr. Burns winning a new car despite being rich enough to buy the entire auto plant or a group of kids botching the national anthem, the crowd will erupt in violence over the slightest provocation. It’s good for the crowd to have energy, but you usually want that to be directed towards cheering the players on the field, not attacking each other. Access 3 Duff Stadium has a regular parking lot as well as VIP and valet parking. However, a group of local hooligans led by one Bart Simpson have been known to rearrange the signs to get fans to drive in the complete opposite direction. Be sure you are parking in the right lot, folks! Otherwise you may wind up getting towed or driving all the way to Shelbeyville and you wouldn’t want that, would you? Return on Investment 4 Duff Stadium can be a good value for fans, especially if you go with a large group, like on Nuclear Power Plant Night. Extras 3 One star for the chance to see numerous local celebrities hanging out at the ballpark, including Mr. Burns, Kent Brockman, Krusty the Clown, murderous supergenius baby Maggie Simpson, and telenovela comedian Bumblebee Man. Where else can you get so up close and personal with these fellows? A second star for the incredible attention to detail by putting four fingers on hand of the foam fingers they have available for sale to reflect the strange condition that seems to affect everyone in this town except for God and Jesus. A third and final star for the corporate name honoring a famous local business. If you’re reading that here, you must know what day it is today. Final Thoughts A pretty, really ideal location for our own lovely stadium.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gallagher-Iba Arena 1046 W Hall of Fame Ave Stillwater, OK 74078 Oklahoma State Cowboys website Gallagher-Iba Arena website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 13,611 Oklahoma State’s Legendary Gallagher-Iba Arena Historic Gallagher-Iba Arena is home to the Oklahoma State University men’s and women’s basketball and wrestling teams. The arena opened on December 9, 1938 and was originally named Gallagher Hall in honor of legendary wrestling coach Ed Gallagher; Coach Gallagher won 11 National Championships for Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University). In 1987 Oklahoma State University added Coach Henry Iba’s name to the arena. Coach Iba, a Hall of Fame basketball coach, coached the Oklahoma A&M/Oklahoma State basketball teams for 36 years, as well as the US Olympic basketball teams in 1964, 1968, and 1972. Coach Iba’s Olympic teams won gold medals in 1964 and 1968, and a silver medal in a 1972 controversial loss to the Soviet Union in Munich. In 2005, the historic white maple floor was renamed Eddie Sutton Court in honor of Coach Sutton, as he passed his former mentor, Coach Iba, in career wins at Oklahoma State; Coach Sutton played under Coach Iba from 1955-1958. A $55 million construction project in 2000 brought the arena seating capacity to its current 13,611, when a new athletic center was essentially built around the old arena. The facility now includes 14 suites, an academic counseling center, auxiliary gymnasium, practice court, and most of the Oklahoma State Athletic Department offices. Recently OSU set a new Gallagher-Iba attendance record, with 14,059 fans at a wrestling duel against Penn State on February 12, 2017. Food & Beverage 3 Gallagher-Iba Arena’s concessions stands provide basic sports stadium fare, and the stands offer either basic selections such as nachos, brats, hot dogs, Frito pie, peanuts, and pretzels, or food from outside vendors. The nachos and brats have the highest cost at $4.50 and $5 respectively, while the hot dogs, Frito pie, pretzels, and peanuts are $4 each. Besides the basic concessions choices, there is also Pizza Hut Pizza, Freddy’s Steakburger, D’s BBQ, The Curty Shack (Stillwater’s local hot dog establishment), and Coney Island. Pizza Hut offers two different types of pizza (the choices are pepperoni or cheese at the same price of $11), while Freddy’s offers Steakburgers ranging from $8.50 to $10.50. The best item to get at Freddy’s is their dirt & worms custard sundae at a cost of $7.50. The beverage choices here consist of Coca-Cola products and water. The available Coke products are Coke, Diet Coke, Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper, and Sprite, and the cost for these depends on the size (there is either a $5 souvenir cup or a smaller size drink for $4). Besides soda there is also H2OSU bottled water, which will cost $4 but is an interesting souvenir, as the OSU logo is stamped on the bottle. Gallagher-Iba Arena does sell alcoholic beverages in the form of beer – there is a decent list ranging from the basic Budweiser products ($8 for 12oz) to craft beer such as local Stilly Wheat to Houston’s Texas Karbach selections of Love Street Kolsch and Hopadillo ($10 for 19.2oz). The best snack at Gallagher-Iba Arena seems to be the popcorn; a large costs $4.50 while a small costs $3.50. The popcorn can satisfy any food craving while inside the arena, which will save you some room for the recommended postgame stops at The Hideaway and Eskimo Joe’s. Atmosphere 4 All Oklahoma State athletics events bring Cowboys fans to the great college town of Stillwater. Before games at Gallagher-Iba Arena, you’ll find some Pokes fans in local eateries such as Eskimo Joe’s, while others will try to create a football game-type tailgating atmosphere in the parking lots outside the venue. Either way, Stillwater comes alive for an OSU event, and there is something special about visiting Gallagher-Iba Arena; it doesn’t matter if it’s for basketball or wrestling. Gallagher-Iba Arena provides a wonderful homecourt advantage for the Oklahoma State Cowboys basketball team, and a great college basketball atmosphere. Just like for other college sports, the student body is a big part of the experience. The student section near the court is a must see in college basketball, and the Oklahoma State students continue to show why, as they are loud, energetic, and are the heartbeat of the atmosphere inside Gallagher-Iba Arena. The Oklahoma State band plays throughout the game, as most college bands do, but when the band finishes playing the song “Oklahoma!,” the Oklahoma State faithful yell “State” in unison at the end of the song, just so there is no mistake in identity. In addition, the OSU spirit squad, along with mascot Pistol Pete, keep the rest of the fan base entertained, but the orange faithful are usually already invested in the game. The arena seating basically sits above the court and contributes to the arena being a rowdy and loud place – in fact, Gallagher-Iba Arena has been called the rowdiest arena in the country. See the videos below to watch the fans sing “Oklahoma!” and OSU’s Alma Mater: Neighborhood 5 Gallagher-Iba Arena is in Stillwater, Oklahoma on the Oklahoma State University campus, and sits next to Boone Pickens Stadium. Stillwater has a population close to 47,000 and is about an hour’s drive from either of the state’s two largest cities, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Being a college town, Stillwater has interesting bars and restaurants. The main artery for the campus’ nightlife is the strip on Washington Street; here you will find Willie’s Saloon, the venue where Garth Brooks began his career. Just a few blocks east of the strip is Hideaway Pizza, a Stillwater original and an Oklahoma tradition since 1957. However, while there are 116 restaurants in the Stillwater area, none of them are more famous than Eskimo Joe’s; no trip to Stillwater is complete without stopping here. Eskimo Joe’s is just one block from Gallagher-Iba Arena, and serves burgers and other great entrées, but it is the amazing cheese fries that are a must when ordering food. There are a variety to choose from, but I would suggest the bacon cheese fries. In addition to the restaurants there is plenty of lodging along 60th Street North (Route 51) or in downtown Stillwater. If you want to have a special lodging experience, the Atherton Hotel is a great choice that you won’t regret. Although the price can be overly high, if you can get in on an off weekend it is a great hotel. The Oklahoma State campus and the city of Stillwater are also great tourist attractions; Stillwater is home to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and Oklahoma State has earned 34 national championships in college wrestling. In fact, OSU recently became the second school in NCAA history to record one thousand dual victories, joining Iowa State University. Fans 4 Oklahoma may be considered by some to be a football state, however, at Oklahoma State, Pokes fans prove that basketball is alive and well in the state of Oklahoma. OSU basketball fans are loud, loyal, energetic, and most of all, show their love for the game. Fans wear shades of orange from the student section all the way to the upper level seats. The intimidating environment created by Cowboys fans turns historic Gallagher-Iba Arena into a loud, deafening place for an opposing team. See the videos below to watch the pre-game action as the Oklahoma State Cowboys come onto the court: Access 4 Parking lots open 1 1/2 hours prior to the start of men’s basketball games, but parking around the arena can be tricky for first-time visitors, as the lots around Gallagher-Iba Arena are reserved for staff or Oklahoma State donors. There is free parking available on campus, but it entails a short walk, or you may be able to find free parking near the arena if you arrive a few hours before the game; this would be a good decision as you can park and visit Stillwater. If you can’t find free parking there is paid parking available for $10. The best way to minimize parking costs is to plan ahead by visiting this link, and/or arriving early, as there is plenty to do while in Stillwater. On game or match days, the OSU Athletic Ticket Office has locations at both the north and south ends of Gallagher-Iba Arena, which open two hours prior to the start of the event, and the doors open one hour prior to the start of the event. The arena allows bags as long as the dimensions are smaller than 12” x 12” x 12” and all bags are subject to search. All visitors to Gallagher-Iba Arena require a ticket, and fans needing ADA accessible seating should contact the Ticket Office at 877-255-4678. All ADA accessible seating is reserved and is located on the concourse. There are two entrances into the arena, and the concourse is wide with good signage, which makes walking around the arena and finding your seat a simple task. Escalators are in the middle of the east plaza, and there are elevators located in the northwest and southwest lobbies. Overall, access at Gallagher-Iba Arena is relatively quick and easy for fans attending an event. Return on Investment 5 The lowest priced tickets are usually found for non-conference games, typically during the months of November and December. In addition, the OSU ticket office sometimes offers 2 for 1 special on tickets to games during the week, or other discounts when the students are out of school on break. When the Big 12 Conference arrives in January the prices get a little higher but are fairly similar to other teams around the Big 12 – conference games run between $20 and $125 for weekend games, while weekday games are $15 to $150. However, the fact that Oklahoma State plays in a historic venue in one of the nation’s best college towns elevates the return on investment, and makes the trip well worthwhile for any sports fan. Extras 5 When attending an event at Gallagher-Iba Arena, be sure to visit “The Ten” Memorial, which is titled “We Will Remember” and is in the southwest lobby. The memorial serves as a remembrance of the 10 men killed in a plane crash on January 27, 2001 near Strasburg, Colorado. The memorial includes a statue of a cowboy kneeling to remember the loss of his friends, as well as a black granite wall with the likeness of each victim, along with an inscription chosen by a family member. Right next to the memorial is the entrance to Heritage Hall; the Heritage Hall Sports Museum presents the history and showcases artifacts from over 100 years of Oklahoma State athletics. In addition, Gallagher-Iba Arena itself is a piece of history, especially the Eddie Sutton Court white maple floor. The floor design has changed over the years, but the same white maple floor has been used since the venue opened in 1938; the Oklahoma State facilities website allows you to see the various court designs that the maple floor has supported over the years. The arena continues to keep up with the times without losing its magical history, as luxury suites were recently infused into the arena. The 14 luxury suites spread across the west side of the facility overlook both the basketball court and the football field, allowing fans to view basketball, wrestling, or football from the same skybox seats. Final Thoughts Gallagher-Iba Arena is one of the best basketball facilities in the nation. Every sports fan should make a visit to Stillwater, and visit the arena once known as “The Madison Square Garden of the Plains.” Oklahoma State University does a great job with the venue, as Gallagher-Iba Arena continues to make history, while staying connected to its past. The lower level signage says it all: “Welcome to Historic Gallagher-Iba Arena, Dedicated 1938.”

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 CCBC Essex Knights Baseball Stadium 7201 Rossville Blvd Baltimore, MD 21237 CCBC Essex Knights website CCBC Essex Knights Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 1,400 Baseball Knights One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but operated independently. Essex, Dundalk and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Essex began in 1957, operating out of nearby Kenwood High School. CCBC Essex has one of the top rated associate nursing programs in the region. The school mascot is the Knights and they play nine sports. Essex has won nine NJCAA national championships including the 2004 Men’s Lacrosse Championship.They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference, CCBC Essex has had over 100 NJCAA All-Americans. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options available at the CCBC Essex Baseball Stadium. There are three food facilities on campus including the Essex Cafe, Late Knight Express and the Cyber Cafe. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO level baseball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. There are three simple metal bleachers around the main part of the field. They offer decent views of the game, although through chain link fencing. One of my favorite places to watch the games is in the shady center field area near the simple, basic scoreboard. Next to the baseball stadium is the lacrosse stadium. That stadium is also used for track and field and soccer, as well as by a few local high school football teams, especially during playoff times. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Essex is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the sprawling Franklin Square Hospital. You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Closest to campus is the neighborhood Dellis’ Restaurant Bar & Grill. There will be some other options around this area that is referred to as Golden Ring. One of my favorites is Pizza John which is a bit further away in Middle River. This extremely popular pizza joint has some pretty good, albeit a bit greasy pizza. And greasy does not equate to being a bad thing. Just expect very large crowds on Friday and Saturday nights. White Marsh Mall and the area around it is not too far away as well. There are numerous options around that area. Red Brick Station Restaurant & Brew Pub is a very good restaurant at the Avenue at White Marsh. Also look at Ledo’s Pizza near the Lowe’s store. Their square pizza is very good, and a pretty good value. Mission BBQ is another great option. This small BBQ chain is quite impressive and honors the veterans of America as part of their design. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few local residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 4 CCBC Essex is located just off of both the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) and I-95. The quickest and best way to access campus is to exit off I-695 at either the Philadelphia Road or US-40 exit and find your way east to Rossville Boulevard. Directions should be easy to follow but also follow signs for Franklin Square Hospital. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from campus. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good level JUCO program at no cost. Extras 2 There are a few plaques around the little park-like setting of the athletic fields which honor student athletes from Essex that have passed away. Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of its electricity from solar. This 5.1 megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1 megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usages. Final Thoughts The CCBC Essex Baseball Stadium is a basic pleasant baseball field located in nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a baseball fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.