Photos by Eric Moreno Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Moody Coliseum 1600 Campus Court Abilene, TX 79699 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Moody Coliseum website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 5,500 Wildcats Roar at Moody Coliseum Located on the wide-open plains of West Texas is the legendary frontier town of Abilene – it is home to the eponymous Abilene Christian University and their athletics programs, known far and wide as the Wildcats. The Wildcats have called the on-campus Moody Coliseum home since the 1968-69 season. That year, the men’s team took home the first of their three Southland Conference championships. Over the years, the arena has become quite the home-court advantage for ACU. Heading into last season, the men’s basketball team held an all-time record of 368-206 in Moody Coliseum – a stellar .641 winning percentage, which includes a school record 44-game home court winning streak from 1984-88 under coach Mike Martin. The women’s teams have fared even better, with a winning percentage of .756 all-time at the arena, including a 49-game winning streak from 1995-1998. What has made this out of the way arena located on the dusty plains of West Texas so tough for opponents yet so inviting for the home team Wildcats and their fans? Read on and I’ll share with you what I learned during my visit. Food & Beverage 2 First things first, as you might interpret from the capacity of Moody Coliseum, it is by no means a large facility. I’m going to use the term “quaint” quite a bit for this review, but that’s not meant to be derogatory in any way. With that said, let me share with you how the size of the overall facility impacts the food and beverage scene at Wildcats games. At Moody Coliseum there is only one concessions area available, and on the surface, this could be a problem as it tends to lead to bottle-necking and long lines during portions of Wildcats games. However, I can tell you from personal experience that the staff on hand does a great job of working through that line quickly and efficiently. However, it is something to keep in mind in case you want to make a food run during a key portion of a game. In terms of the actual fare that is provided, it is for the most part your standard options. They have hamburgers ($5) and hot dogs or chili dogs ($3 and $5, respectively), nachos – there is a loaded nachos option if you’re inclined to go that route – popcorn, and soft pretzels with cheese sauce (both $3; $7 for the loaded). For your drink options, they offer regular and large fountain sodas ($3 and $4) and bottled water and sports drinks ($$). Again, it’s pretty standard fare, but you should be able to find something to satisfy you. Atmosphere 3 The ACU Wildcats take great pride in what their athletic teams have accomplished over the years, and for good reason – they have done some great winning here in Abilene. You see this history celebrated all over Moody Coliseum, from trophy cases lining the hallways of the main concourse to the banners hanging from the rafters inside the gym. Here is another instance where I will insert the term “quaint” – the seating is what you would call “intimate” if you were a realtor trying to sell a home. Fans feel like they’re sitting right on top of the court from virtually every seat in the house. The sight lines are terrific and the acoustics are incredible. The crowd for the game I most recently attended wasn’t anywhere near capacity, but because of how the building is designed the noise and energy were pretty remarkable. It easily felt like twice as many people were in attendance than actually were there. This won’t ever be confused for Cameron Indoor Stadium, but it ain’t bad! Neighborhood 3 Moody Coliseum is located right on the ACU campus and is within walking distance of both Wildcat Stadium and Crutcher Scott Field, so if you time your visit right you might get the chance to double-dip and catch some other ACU games during your trip to Abilene. Speaking of which, the “Friendly Frontier” of Abilene is pretty much the quintessential West Texas town. It is ruggedly individual, and you won’t be able to help but notice that from the second you step foot here. The town takes great pride in its western heritage, yet has completely embraced the eccentricities that have surged through the region in the past few decades. That might not make sense to someone who hasn’t visited this part of the country, but you’ll get it once you get here. There is plenty to do in town before and after games, but you owe yourself the chance to just take a stroll through Abilene’s downtown. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, and you can just imagine what the city was like when it was a booming cattle town at the turn of the 20th century. Fans 2 Purple power is in full effect for Wildcats games at Moody Coliseum. ACU averaged just a little over 1,300 fans per game last season (2017-18), and I think that seems right based on what I experienced during my last visit. While the crowd was on the small side, they were pretty vocal and that translates well in terms of overall energy in the gym. Again, you won’t confuse ACU games for some of the other larger college programs in the country, but I don’t believe you’ll be disappointed in your game experience either. The fans that come out are passionate about their team, and it shows. Access 1 Abilene, like all cities in this part of Texas, is a bit out of the way and not on the easy side to reach. It is just over two hours from Fort Worth, the nearest big city, but there are flights from there that go direct to Abilene Regional Airport if you’re inclined to go that route. Once in Abilene the campus is easy to find, and once you spot Wildcat Stadium that is half the battle in getting to Moody Coliseum. Parking is free but it does fill up pretty fast, especially if there is another event going on at the same time. Keep that in mind when you plan your visit. Return on Investment 2 General admission tickets to ACU Wildcats games at Moody Coliseum start at just $8 for adults and $5 for children – this is a pretty great bargain in my book. And with affordable concessions and free parking, you won’t break the bank when you catch some Division I hoops action at Moody Coliseum. Extras 2 In terms of “Extras,” ACU offers all the standard tropes of college athletics. The basketball version of the Big Purple Marching Band sits in the stands near the student section, and the ACU cheerleaders and dance team perform on the sidelines and during breaks in the action. You can also find their mascot, Willie the Wildcat, “prowling” the stands and interacting with fans. While there isn’t much else in this area, it in no way will take away from your enjoyment of the game. Final Thoughts Again, the operative word to describe Moody Coliseum is quaint. I was really struck by how close I was to the action on the court, and by how loud the home crowd was in comparison to the number in attendance. In many cases, quaint is simply a euphemism for “small.” However, when it comes to Moody Coliseum quaint is used the way it is meant to be used. I had a great time during my visit to ACU – I always do – and I am confident you will enjoy your visit as well. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Carver Arena 201 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61602 Bradley Braves men's basketball website Carver Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 11,442 A Brave New World for Bradley The Carver Arena is part of the Peoria Civic Center which is also home to a theater, meeting halls, and an exhibit hall in downtown Peoria, Illinois. The idea for a civic center in Peoria goes back to the 1930s but it was not until the early 1970s that the concept picked up steam. City leaders envisioned a building that would serve as “the economic development for downtown revitalization.” Construction began in 1979 and on September 11, 1982, Kenny Rogers opened up the arena with a concert. The Bradley Braves basketball program would soon follow The Gambler with its first game a little over two months later and have made the 11,442 capacity arena its home in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Braves have called three other buildings home since its first college hoops team took the court in 1902 and the university has made eight appearances in the NCAA Tournament with two runner-up finishes in 1950 and 1954. In 2006, the team reached the Sweet 16 for the fourth time in school history making national headlines along the way. Food & Beverage 4 There are two large concession stands on both ends of the Carver Arena that offer an impressive amount of tasty options. Fans can expect the regular items of hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn, but tenderloin sandwiches, pork sandwiches, and pulled pork barbecue nachos are also available. Beverages include Coca-Cola products and fans can also purchase beer, wine, and spirits at multiple stands throughout the building. A pint of domestic draft beer is $7 and that includes Alaskan Amber, a rare find at most buildings in the Midwest. The Spotted Cow stand offers freshly made ice cream sundaes and waffle cones in 12 different varieties. Atmosphere 4 The Carver Arena is an older facility that features a narrow main concourse, darkened sections of the seating bowl, and jammed concourses during halftime. However, there is plenty of college game day action that includes a small student section, a larger college band, cheerleaders, and player introductions. Once the tip off is over, all the atmosphere that fans need from their seat is on the basketball court. The arena’s design makes for some impressive acoustics from the Bradley faithful who pack the place in large numbers. In fact, the old place still holds up pretty well as a college basketball venue. One section of the building displays Bradley banners that include conference and NCAA Tournament banners, while the other side is distinguished by the Rivermen banners. A giant video board hangs above the center court and one side offers the Braves Club for members to enjoy courtside tabletop seating and beverages from underneath the basket. One side of the arena offers giant Bradley Braves signage that includes champion banners from the Final Four Finalist teams of 1950 and 1954. The Braves also have a mascot named Kaboom! that is modeled after one of the four gargoyles sitting atop the Hayden-Clark Alumni Center and watching over campus The interesting looking mascot rides onto the court on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle at the start of the game and excites the crowd with the cheerleaders at breaks in the action. The lower seating bowl provides nice views of the game that put fans almost within touching distance of the players. There is even courtside seating that is within inches of the action. The band and student section are situated behind one end of the court–the band is rather larger with the student section a bit smaller than expected. The arena is also a bit darkened for Braves games compared to hockey games, perhaps this adds to the ambiance of the building and dampens out the seats on the top rows of the arena. However, the fan base is loud enough and creates an impressive atmosphere that a lack of lighting could ever dissipate. Neighborhood 4 The Carver Arena is located a few blocks north of the Peoria Warehouse Historic District; the district is home to 68 buildings that were built from the 1880s to the 1920s and are home to many restaurants and bars. The location is also situated along the Peoria Lake. A few options include Thyme Kitchen & Craft Beer, The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern, and Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery. These places are usually packed with fans after weekend games and anyone of them would be worth the time to have dinner and drinks. The Rhodell Brewery and Bearded Owl Brewery are two local craft beer spots in the district and Sugar Wood-Fire Bistro has some of the best pizzas in town. A few miles north of downtown is Knuckles Pizza that specializes in Quad City-style pizza that is slightly different than your typical pizza. Fans 4 There is a passionate group of fans that make a Bradley’s Braves game declare home court advantage for any visitor. The day of our game there was close to 8,000 people in the arena and it felt like it could have been a lot more, since the applause and cheering echo vibrantly throughout the game. These are die-hard people that enjoy winning and are focused on what’s going on on the court. Access 3 The Carver Arena is located inside of the Peoria Civic Center and is just a few miles south of I-74. The downtown setting can get a bit busy close to the game. It is recommended to arrive slightly early to avoid downtown congestion, but even that runs much smoother compared to larger metropolises. Once fans enter the Great Hall of the Peoria Civic Center, fans have to go through a somewhat elaborate security screening that can be somewhat congested. However, once inside the wraparound concourse provides everything a fan needs and getting to and from your seats is rather simple with clearly marked signs throughout the seating bowl. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket for Braves games begin at $8, a very reasonable price to enjoy a mid-major college program. The prices then move up to $17, $25, and $60. The Bradley program has a faithful audience that enjoys a winning team and will come out in droves for big games, especially its main rival down the road on I-74 at Illinois State University. Concession prices are reasonable and fall in line with other facilities in the conference, but it’s one of a few where you can buy alcoholic beverages. The price to park is $10 in the main lot, but other lots across the street can be found for as low as $5 a car. Extras 3 The Carver Arena receives a point for its downtown location near the baseball stadium and the riverfront district that offers a few nice places to eat and drink before and after the game. The Carver Arena fans do a fantastic job providing a great game day atmosphere, especially when the Braves are winning and challenging for a top spot in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Carver Arena’s walls are decorated with tons of history concerning the Bradley basketball program from historical beginnings, former players, team highlights by the decade, and retired jersey numbers that include Hersey Hawkins who went on to a 13 year NBA career. Also, did you know that Kirby Puckett played college baseball at Bradley? Yes, his picture is also on the mural. Final Thoughts A pleasant surprise can be found at a Bradley Braves game at the Carver Arena. The fans make it an enjoyable experience that has all the fixings of a college hoops venue. The prices are low, the neighborhood enjoyable, and the fans are knowledgeable. What more can you ask for?

Photos by Jay Wagner, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Greensboro Coliseum 1921 W Lee St Greensboro, NC 27430 UNC Greensboro Spartans website Greensboro Coliseum website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 23,500 (7,617 for UNCG Games) Tournament Town Greensboro, North Carolina, affectionately referred to as “Tournament Town,” has a longstanding relationship with the game of basketball. The Greensboro Coliseum has held the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament 23 times in addition to the Final Four in 1974, which was won by nearby North Carolina State. Although ACC Basketball undoubtedly has its fingerprints on the town’s history and culture, the UNC-Greensboro men’s basketball team is now the Coliseum’s full-time tenant. The Spartans moved permanently from the on-campus Fleming Gymnasium in 2010. The Spartans returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2018 after a 17-year hiatus. Food & Beverage 3 The Greensboro Coliseum certainly does not lack a variety of food and beverage shops within the concourse. What it does lack, however, is a variety of open food and beverage shops. Carolina Barbecue, Moe’s and The Golden Roost all have spaces on the concourse. Unfortunately, most of these specialty food places seem to be closed for UNCG home games. Given the capacity for Spartans games are about one-third of the arena’s standard capacity for ACC Tournaments and concerts, it is certainly justifiable that not every concession stand is fully staffed. In addition to Pepsi products, the concession stands offer the traditional “ballpark” fare with hot dogs, peanuts and popcorn that are reasonably priced. In addition to Pepsi providing the sodas, there is a decent amount of alcohol served at all events. Multiple cocktail bars are on the corners of the main concourse, including one sponsored by Harley-Davidson complete with a real motorcycle standing at the entrance. All bars appear to be open during Spartans games. Atmosphere 4 When you are a mid-major school playing in an arena larger than any in the NBA, there are some inherent challenges to creating an intense atmosphere. Fortunately, UNCG tries very hard to overcome those challenges, and in almost every way succeeds. Sure, the setup feels less intimate than a game an hour down the road at Cameron Indoor Stadium. However, the Spartans’ setup does make it a difficult place to play for the rival opponent. The Coliseum tarps off baseline seating and curtains off the upper deck beyond the first few rows. What is remaining are 7,617 cushioned chair back seats that put you right on top of the action. The only seating areas that might be less desirable are the upper sidelines near the corners. Because of the layout, these seats do not face center court. The spectator is then left turning his or her head at an unnatural angle to see the action. Despite the unusual angling, the seats certainly do not feel “far away” from the action at all. The new center-hung scoreboard was installed in the most recent set of renovations. The board is high-definition and frequently shows replays of scoring plays and other meaningful moments throughout the game. The time and score are prominently displayed on the bottom strip of the screen. Time and score are also found on the digital ribbon boards as well as older LED scoreboards above the tunnels in each corner at floor level. The in-arena announcer wears a Spartans jersey and gets the crowd fired up very effectively. The cheerleaders, dance team, band and mascot are all fantastic and play a key role in keeping the energy there throughout the entire game. Greensboro Coliseum Scoreboard, Photo by Jay Wagner, Stadium Journey UNCG’s setup is a unique one. The Greensboro Coliseum Complex is a giant arena located off-campus. Instead of looking at that as a negative, the Spartans embrace the building for what it is. It’s a building that has seen more college basketball history than almost any other. It’s a stage where basketball legends were born. It’s a stage that has hosted the most epic of battles that will be remembered by fans for as long as they live. UNCG is the team that represents Greensboro on the college basketball map. College basketball is in the city’s DNA, so what better way to feed off that than to put the Spartans on the most historic of courts, put everyone close to the action and play? Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood upon immediately exiting the arena is a parking lot. However, the arena is only a part of the entire Greensboro Coliseum Complex. Included in the complex is an aquatics center, an auxiliary arena that hosts the Greensboro Swarm of the G-League, and the ACC Hall of Champions. Especially during ACC Tournament time, the Hall of Champions is the place to be. Even when there for a non-ACC event such as a UNCG game, check it out. It’s hard not to get goosebumps while seeing footage and memorabilia of Ralph Sampson and Michael Jordan just a few hundred feet from where they played over 30 years ago. ACC Hall of Champions, Photo by Jay Wagner, Stadium Journey Since the Coliseum’s legendary event is the ACC Tournament, there are restaurants a short walk away to cater to hungry fans between the afternoon and evening sessions. Plentiful parking and a decent restaurant scene are qualities that too often seem to be mutually exclusive. The Greensboro Coliseum’s setup provides both. For instance, Stamey’s Barbecue is a local favorite just across the street. Two of the finest hotels in Greensboro – The Proximity and O. Henry – are located a few miles from the Complex. If you’re on somewhat of a budget, an abundance of affordable Marriott and Hilton brands at the Piedmont Triad International Airport will get the job done. Fans 5 When you hail from the Tar Heel State, basketball fandom isn’t a suggestion as much as a de facto requirement. With the program making more and more progress each year, the Spartans’ fan base is a growing and emerging one. If you closed your eyes and listened to the crowd roar during crunch time of a close game, you might think you were at an ACC matchup nearby. Although attendance numbers are obviously less than larger schools in the surrounding area, the UNCG fan base is pound-for-pound one of the most passionate in the country. The entire arena rises to its feet at tip-off and throughout key moments in the game. The fan base also very much identifies with their team’s aggressive style of play. The fans feed off the Spartans’ hard work and determination, and the team’s confidence rises as the noise level does. It’s understandable how a young, inexperienced player could be rattled when the intensity level ratchets up the way it does. Access 4 Greensboro is a town of 290,000 as of 2019. Despite being a larger city, it is very easy to navigate. Traffic is rarely worse than average, at least when entering and exiting an event. The Coliseum is located a mile or two from Interstate 40, which is the major interstate that runs through Greensboro. U.S. Highway 29 is the major north-to-south freeway that services the town. Parking is usually available at a $5 rate inside the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. No matter which direction you need to go to get to or from the game, it should be about as easy as it gets. Piedmont Triad International Airport is located about 10 miles away from the Coliseum on the west end of town. As for on the inside, tickets offices and will call are located inside the main lobby. They can get a little backed up closer to tip-off, so you’re better off getting there early or buying tickets through their website beforehand. Security is more thorough than it is at most other mid-major arenas. You will have to pass through a metal detector and have any bags checked. Once your ticket is scanned, you then enter the main concourse at the top of the lower bowl. There are enough bathrooms to ensure no wait times during breaks in the game. The concourses are wide enough to easily accommodate a 7,000 or less person crowd. Although playing in a huge arena can have its drawbacks, it does mean there won’t be any traffic jams, both in terms of the concourse during the game and cars in the parking lot after the game. Return on Investment 4 Mid-major college basketball is the best of both worlds, cheap ticket prices to watch Division 1 college basketball. The Southern Conference is not considered the premier conference in nation by most analysts, but it’s still a very good mid-major conference in the highest division of amateur basketball in America. Tickets start at $10 even for the biggest conference games. Season ticket holders mostly have the best seats in the house, but sometimes lower sidelines are available to the general public. It’s just about impossible to break the bank at a UNCG game, and they are worth every penny. Extras 2 Something incredible the Greensboro Coliseum does is show the game on large video boards at the ends of the upper concourses. It allows fans to travel the concourse without taking their eyes off the action. It’s a shame this isn’t a more mainstream concept in the world of athletic venues. And once again, the ACC Hall of Champions is a must-see. Greensboro and the surrounding rural North Carolina is the birthplace of the greatest basketball conference of all-time. Final Thoughts The Greensboro Coliseum is one of those places that feels different than others as you see the court for the first time. Some arenas have a unique smell or sound attached to them. The Coliseum instead has a unique emotional feeling attached to it. That feeling comes from knowing how many fans of yesteryear have sat where you’re sitting; doing exactly what you’re doing – experiencing an intense game on the hardwood; writing the next chapter of basketball memories for Tournament Town.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Durham County Memorial Stadium 750 Stadium Dr Durham, NC 27704 Shaw Bears website Durham County Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 8,500 Off Campus Football in Durham Shaw University is in Raleigh, North Carolina, but doesn’t have much in the way of athletics facilities to call its own, so the school plays its home football, lacrosse, and soccer games at Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, NC, about 20-30 minutes from campus. The facility was built in 1958, has a capacity of 8,500, and besides Shaw is also currently home to Northern High School Football and Tobacco Road FC. Though updated in 2010 with a new press box (named after Tommy Hunt) and improved team spaces, Durham County Memorial Stadium feels much like a high school venue, and is pretty empty during Shaw football games. New Press Box at Durham County Memorial Stadium, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 3 There aren’t many concessions options at Durham County Memorial Stadium, but you certainly won’t starve thanks to the ginormous portions offered, though some selections are accompanied by higher-than-average prices. The main dishes offered inside the venue are fish sandwiches, chicken tenders, and fried fish, which each come in a combo for $15 with a pretty large portion of fries, as well as a hefty serving of chicken or fish. You can also get fries on their own ($5 or $7 with or without toppings), and a couple of things that are not listed in the menu, such as packaged candy. Bottled sodas are available for $3, and bottled water is $2. Atmosphere 1 Unfortunately, the atmosphere at Durham County Memorial Stadium is pretty tame during Shaw football games, with very few fans in attendance at an average game. The Bears do okay in their conference lately, but don’t have a very good overall record, so this may account somewhat for the lackluster attendance. Besides the action on the field, the main attractions during Shaw football are of course the band, which is a staple at pretty much any HBCU, and the cheerleaders, who here at Shaw tend to “grunt” their cheers, instead of delivering them in a more sing-song chant. There is a scoreboard in one end zone, but no video board to show replays, and not much in the way of entertainment during breaks in the action besides the cheerleaders and the band. Neighborhood 4 Durham County Memorial Stadium is located next to Duke Regional Hospital (you can see it from the stands beyond one of the end zones), and there are plenty of restaurants and hotels in the area, as well as several attractions to take in if you plan to be in town for the day or weekend. Durham is a pretty big city, so you can pretty much find whatever you are looking for, including additional sporting events such as Duke Football or the Durham Bulls. The closest nice restaurants to Durham County Memorial Stadium are Koumi Japanese restaurants and Rudino’s Bull City, but there are plenty of fast food chains as well. For hotels check out Holiday Inn or Super 8 by Wyndham, and for attractions check out the Museum of Life and Science and the Duke Homestead, which offers tours to show visitors how tobacco was harvested and cured. Fans 1 Hardly any fans show up at Durham County Memorial Stadium for Shaw football games – at some games you might even see fewer than 100 people in the stands. A lot of the folks there do wear Shaw gear, but no matter how enthusiastic they might be, the small numbers just don’t provide much energy. Access 4 Accessing Durham County Memorial Stadium could not be easier – fans can park in the gravel lot right outside for $5, and there are plenty of bathrooms to accommodate the very small crowd. The only downside is the single concessions stand, and the slow cooking time for chicken and fish since everything is cooked to order, so you might have to wait in line for a bit to get your food. Return on Investment 2 Ticket prices to Shaw football games are a bit overpriced at $25 per person. Parking is okay, and concessions are reasonable for the portion sizes you get, but the football experience itself doesn’t provide much energy, and feels too much like a high school game to be worth the $25 price tag – there are other football experiences in the wider area that haver a lower cost for an equal, or even better, experience. Extras 2 Shaw does have a mascot, which is not a given for D2 football, so the staff does deserve credit for that. The band also puts on a pretty good show at halftime. Final Thoughts Though not providing much energy for a football game, Durham County Memorial Stadium does offer easy access in and out, so if you are a fan of football it could be a good hassle-free option, especially if you are a Shaw fan or if your team is playing the Bears on the road.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Budweiser Events Center 5290 Arena Cir Loveland, CO 80538 Colorado Eagles website Budweiser Events Center website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 5,289 Eagles Country The Colorado Eagles hockey organization is an amazing success story. The Eagles began taking the ice in 2003 as part of the now defunct CHL (Central Hockey League). While playing in the CHL, they won multiple regular season, division, conference championships, and two Ray Miron championships (the Stanley Cup of the CHL). In 2011, the Eagles transferred to the ECHL and won multiple division and championships as well as back to back Kelly Cups (the Stanley Cup of the ECHL) in 2017 and 2018 while in that higher-level league. This 2018-2019 season, the Eagles moved up once again to the AHL (American Hockey League) – the highest level of minor league hockey prior to the NHL. They are an affiliate of the NHL Colorado Avalanche. We’ll have to wait and see if they’ll continue their winning ways in the new, higher league. The Eagles have always played their home games at the impressive Budweiser Events Center (BEC) in Loveland, CO which seats 5,289 for ice hockey. In the past, the BEC has hosted indoor football, women’s basketball, indoor soccer teams, and currently hosts a ladies’ football team in addition to the Eagles. This arena also provides plenty of concerts and other entertainment choices for Northern Colorado and Wyoming residents. When asking fans what difference they noticed between ECHL and AHL play – “play is faster in the AHL and the passes connect much more often at this level of play.” Food & Beverage 5 The BEC has a vast variety of menu choices all along its concourse. Food choices include Nordy’s BBQ ($10 sandwich platters), Hot Dog Nation ($4.25 – $6), Kostas (gyros, falafels, hummus plate $6 – $10), Burger Prime (chicken, burgers, fries $6.50 – $10), Marcos (pizza $8 – $21 for a whole pie), Casa Del Sol (nachos, tacos, fresh garden salad $6 – $9.50) and more. Snacks such as popcorn, chips, peanuts, pretzels, candy and the like are offered at many stands ($1.50 – $5). There’s even a Dunkin Donuts Express cart selling coffee and munchkins. Pepsi is the soft drink provider with soda’s running $3.25 – $6.50 for a souvenir cup. Most beers offered are the Budweiser variety and those of other subsidiaries of Anheuser Busch like 10 Barrel, Elysian, Corona, New Belgium, Goose Island though a few stands offer Coors Light and one stand offers Dales Pale Ale. Beers range in price from $5.50 – $8. A RainDance Tap and Bar sells various liquors, wine, beer, and cider. Local craft beer can be found near sections D and E. All in all, an impressive assortment of food and beverages at the Budweiser Events Center for an Eagles game and fans will not go hungry. Atmosphere 4 The Colorado Eagles and the BEC provide a first-rate game day hockey experience for both fans of hockey and those who are not. One level of standard green fold down seats with 17 rows in most sections surround three sides of the rink. Entry to the seating area is at or about row 13 and fans walk up or down depending on ticket. Suites are above the sideline seating area. Handrails are available in all seating areas. Most seats have cup holders and average legroom is provided between the rows. Get tickets in section S to see the Eagles logo right side up; it’s behind the player benches. A Bud Light Balcony is on one end of the rink which offers a bar and snacks and standing room to watch the game from ice level. Many fans frequent this area pregame and between periods and it gets crowded. Bud Light Balcony, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The merchandise area is to the right after entering the concourse and is a tad awkward. This area does not allow fans to easily see the prices, nor touch the articles prior to purchasing as they are all displayed behind the counter. A store type souvenir stand or shop would be preferable. However, for now, there’s just not room on the concourse to set up racks and shelves for the merchandise. Relatively new ribbon boards along the east and west walls above the suites display advertisements and upcoming events. A center hung, four-sided scoreboard shows the game, the score, SOG, and current penalty info, etc. Two video screens are seen on Bud Light Balcony end of the ice that show advertisements, group names being welcomed, and some game action. The venue is comfortably warm so feel free to take off those outer layers of coats, jackets, scarves and gloves and enjoy the game. A sweatshirt and/or light jacket is all that’s needed inside. Music volume is okay, I’ve been to louder, I’ve been to better and it is played at every single second of every single stoppage of play (common in hockey arenas). The Eagles organization does encourage the use of cow bells which is quite refreshing. And not the kind that gives you a headache. Be sure to bring yours when attending a game. Entertainment includes the traditional bongo cam, t-shirt toss, parachutes from rafters, dirtiest car in the parking lot, chuck a puck, face painting, etc, …all sponsored by local businesses. Ample time is provided for fans to get to their seats for pregame lights. A Minute of Madness begins the third period where everyone stands, screams, and rings their cowbells – the loudest section wins a prize. I was told the biggest night out is the Teddy Bear Toss night. Neighborhood 4 Like many towns along the I-25 corridor in Colorado, stores, restaurants, shopping and sub divisions are popping up in Loveland and the area surrounding the Budweiser Events Center is no different. Plenty of restaurants are in the area. Some recommended ones include Nordy’s BBQ, Palomino (Mexican – delicious margaritas), and The Boot Grill (they provide a shuttle to Eagles games). An Embassy Suites hotel is right across the parking lot. This appears to be where the visiting team stays when in town. Other nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express, Candlewood Suites, and there’re several more at the intersection of I-25 and Crossroads Blvd where the BEC is located. Other more affordable hotels can be found a few exits north or south of the Budweiser Events Center on I-25 and include a Best Western, LaQuinta, Days Inn, and other standard chains. Downtown Loveland is about eight miles from the event center; downtown Fort Collins is about 15 miles and both cities have a plethora of craft breweries. The three closest to the arena are High Hops (in Windsor – great for IPAs and is adjacent to a plant nursery – they grow their own hops), Mesh Labs Brewery (in Windsor – located in a hot rod shop), and the newest one – Mighty River Brewing. The Summit which offers watch parties for away games, has bowling, an arcade, and laser tag is right across the street – good for families with children. Nearby shopping is at the Promenade Shops at Centerra, the Outlets at Loveland, and Centerra Marketplace. Adjacent to the Promenade Shops at Centerra is a park called Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra. It features Zimbabwean stone sculptures along a 1.5 mile paved or gravel trail that also includes ponds, wildlife, trees, shrubs, ornamental grass, and benches. I recommend taking a stroll through this unique garden area if weather permits. For those outdoor enthusiasts, the Rocky Mountain National Park is a little over 30 miles west of the hockey rink. A sports traveler may be able to do a double header and/or see several events in a weekend by checking out UNC (Greeley) basketball, baseball, or football or CSU (Fort Collins) basketball or football. Laramie, WY (Wyoming Cowboys) is 80 miles northwest and the Eagles parent club (Avalanche) is 50 miles south of the Budweiser Events Center. Fans 5 The Eagles fans make all the difference in the game day experience. They seem to know each other and many have been season ticket holders since the beginning of the Eagles franchise. All fans have hockey etiquette and for the most part do not leave or enter the seating area while the puck is in play – you won’t see them traversing the concourse while the game is in action as they stay in their seat to watch the game. And, most stay till the very end. They use traditional hockey chants regarding the opposing team’s players yet applaud when an injured opposing team player makes it back to his feet. And more importantly, they start their own chants without encouragement from the video board. One can’t help but get caught up in the excitement of a goal and their passion. Most have cowbells. Colorado Eagles Fans Celebrating a Goal, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 3 The BEC is right off a crazy roundabout at the I-25 Crossroads Blvd intersection. To avoid that roundabout, if coming from the south, take US 34 east to Centerra Pkwy and go north to the venue; if coming from the north, take State Hwy 392 east to N Fairgrounds Rd and go south to the venue. Plenty of free parking is available and attendants do a great job of shuttling vehicles in and out of the lot. Handicapped parking is available right outside the main entrance, though I understand more spots are needed and fans should arrive 45 minutes prior to the doors opening to get a spot there. I did not notice any public transportation to the Budweiser Events Center. Restrooms are decent but get crowded between periods as that seems to be the only time fans leave their seats. Concourses get extremely crowded between periods and right after the end of the game. There is one entrance with a painless security check and a table to place bags for searching. Bags up to 14” by 14“ are permitted. Return on Investment 4 Tickets range from $16-$50 plus a $2 service fee if purchased at the venue. If ordering online there’s also an additional $6.25 – $8 fee and a $3.50 charge per order so it’s best to get the tickets at the event center itself. Prices for concessions are respectable. Parking is free. It’s a fun time at an Eagles game and it is worth the money spent. Extras 5 Red sandstones are installed throughout the Budweiser Events Center on columns and concession facades. These sandstones were originally a part of the Old Courthouse in Fort Collins and provide a little local history to the arena. Multiple division, league, and conference championship and four retired number banners hang from the rafters displaying the winning ways of the Eagles franchise. 92.9 the Bear airs the game day action with above average broadcasters. An informative pamphlet called the Eagles Insider is handed out upon entering the arena which includes a welcoming from president Chris Stewart, rosters of the Eagles and the visiting team and a few interesting player articles. Lastly, an extra for the great success and expansion of a hockey team from CHL to ECHL to now, the AHL. Final Thoughts I always forget how fantastically fun it is to go to an Eagles game, regardless of league. One gets so caught up in the passion of the fans and fans who don’t normally chant and cheer will find themselves doing just that at an Eagles game. Bring cowbells!

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Lloyd Noble Center 2900 Jenkins Ave Norman, OK 73072 Oklahoma Sooners website Lloyd Noble Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 11,562 Oklahoma’s Lloyd Noble Center Lloyd Noble Center is an 11,562-seat multi-purpose venue on the University of Oklahoma campus. The Lloyd Noble Center or LNC opened on October 27, 1975. The arena is home to both of the Sooners’ basketball programs as well as the women’s gymnastics team. These Lloyd Noble Center's tenants have accumulated a combined eight Final Four appearances, three national championships, and 47 conference titles. The Sooners men’s basketball team has a 549-102 record (.843 winning percentage) in Lloyd Noble Center since the building opened in 1975. The largest crowd to witness a basketball game inside LNC was on December 29, 2003, as 13,431 fans watched OU beat UT-Pan American 72-57. Food & Beverage 3 The Lloyd Noble Center concessions are all situated along the upper concourse. The food and drink options are basic, and rightfully so as there is not a real need to go above the menu that is offered inside LNC. One of the arena workers mentioned that the best food option is Chick-fil-A; Chick-fil-A offers three items on their menu – a chicken sandwich for $7, waffle fries for $3, and a cookie for $4. Besides Chick-fil-A, there is another outside vendor with Pizza Hut offering a personal pan pizza or a Hershey’s chocolate chip cookie pizza for $6.50. Pizza Hut tries to bundle their items with a pan pizza, cookie, and a regular soda for $17. The other concessions inside Lloyd Noble Center that have a larger menu selection are Sooner Street Tacos for Tex-Mex or the Sooner Smokehouse for BBQ. Three items at the Sooner Smokehouse cost $10.25; the pulled pork nachos and the pulled pork or smoked turkey sandwiches. Brisket sandwiches are two dollars more than the other sandwiches, while a two-meat platter is $15.50 and served with either coleslaw or a bag of chips. The combo of adding a souvenir soda for $16.50 and is the best option for price at this stand. Alternatively, Sooner Street Tacos cost $7 for two tacos (beef or pork), while the chicken fajita nachos cost $10 and are the best option at this stand. Beside the above, there are basic food items available at Sooner Snacks stands inside Lloyd Noble Center such as a Bavarian pretzel for $6.50, jumbo hot dog for $5.25, souvenir popcorn for $7.50 and the smaller popcorn for $5.50, theater size candy for $4.50, and peanuts for $4. Lloyd Noble Center also serves Coca-Cola products, including Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Diet Coke, Sprite, and water – the price for soda is $6.25 for the souvenir cup, $4.25 for the regular size, and $5 for a 20 oz bottle, and bottled water costs $4.50 for the same 20-oz. bottle. A small selection is available for alcoholic beverages at a cost of $8.50 for a 20 oz serving; Bud Light, Landshark, Michelob Ultra, or Ziegenbock. Atmosphere 4 Every college basketball game depends on its student section. OU’s students stand at the baseline next to the Sooners basketball band, which is a small group of band members from the larger, more well-known Pride of Oklahoma; the full member Pride of Oklahoma is commonly seen at Oklahoma football games. But the students at Lloyd Noble Center do an uncommon pregame ritual – each seat is stocked with a newspaper and a piece of paper that contains a chant sheet and the lineup of the opposing team, complete with stats and comical insults. The students are expected to read up on their opponents and proceed to yell the insults at them which are insults included in their bios. This practice doesn’t necessarily stop with chants, either, as signs are also made for each day’s opponent. The students hold up these sighs, which feature derogatory comments about the opposing team, for example, one sign reads that “Lubbock is too dusty to be seen on a map,” referring to the home of Texas Tech University. In addition, there are also life-size cutouts of OU basketball players’ heads, and students dressed up in all manner of crazy costumes including a banana. The chant sheet instructs the students to read the newspaper during the announcement of the opponent’s lineup. The newspaper is then torn up into tiny pieces and thrown into the air like confetti upon OU’s announcement of “Introducing your Oklahoma Sooners’ starting lineup!” The lights of the stadium are turned off, and the fans then turn on their phone’s flashlights and wave them in the air in anticipation. Also, with every player announcement, a red burst of fire erupts from the top of each of the basketball hoops at each end of the court. Also, like at other basketball games when the home team is shooting a free throw, you’ll hear “One’s up” and the students will raise their arms holding up the number one until the OU player has shot his basket; the One’s up is in conjunction with the school’s motto of “There is Only One Oklahoma!” Besides the students, the spirit squads made from OU’s Cheer and Pom Squads are always involved in entertaining and keeping the crowd’s energy towards the game. The squad includes Boomer and Sooner, who are the costumed mascots that represent the University of Oklahoma, although the official mascot is the Sooner Schooner. Both Boomer and Sooner will interact with the crowd throughout LNC. Although predominately used during football games, the Oklahoma Ruf/Neks and Lil Sis have a part in the basketball game day program. This rowdy group will run around the court and throw t-shirts into whichever section of the crowd cheers the loudest during timeouts. The OU band plays “Boomer Sooner” throughout the entire game, and this song will echo through LNC non-stop. The song will be so overly played that even the opposing fans will have the high-pitched tune in their heads. The song is a combination of Yale’s “Boola Boola” and North Carolina’s “I’m a Tarheel born.” Of course, the band will also play one of the most famous songs associated with the state of Oklahoma; Richard Rodgers’ “Oklahoma.” Neighborhood 3 The University of Oklahoma is a coeducational public research university located in the city of Norman, Oklahoma. The city of Norman is 20 miles south of Oklahoma City, and has a population of 120,284, making Norman the third-largest city in the state behind Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The OU campus has a student population close to 31,000. Lloyd Noble Center is located on the south side of campus near OU’s baseball stadium; L. Dale Mitchell Park. The neighborhood around the ballpark is more residential, with the fast food chain Sonic being the closest restaurant, but there is also a Rudy’s BBQ down the road. The location is secluded; to get to anything with larger crowds you need to go to the other side of campus, to the popular Campus Corner area. The Campus Corner area is on the opposite side of campus about a mile north from LNC at W. Boyd Street. This area has numerous restaurants, including Oklahoma’s well-known Hideaway Pizza. Volare is another pizza choice that fans seem to enjoy, and The Porch, The Library Bar and Grill, O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grill, and Seven47 are great drinking holes with food. In addition, Pepe Delgados is a great choice for fans that are looking for Tex-Mex. The Mont is also a good recommendation, located just off E Boyd Street on Classen Blvd; here you can enjoy a brunch on their patio. Also, just north of the Campus Corner area is Main Street in downtown Norman, where I would suggest The Garage for people looking for a great lunch burger. The Oklahoma City area has so much to offer to visitors that a lot of people are surprised when they visit. Bricktown is a great spot for the traveling baseball fan; this neighborhood is home to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, home of the Oklahoma City Dodgers (Pacific Coast League team for the LA Dodgers). Oklahoma City will probably be on most tourist lists, but Norman, Oklahoma has a few tourist attractions of its own. The first stop is The University of Oklahoma campus – the campus, besides being a beautiful campus to walk around during baseball season, is home to a couple of nice museums, including the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. These two museums will surely make it a wonderful educational trip. However, a visit to the University of Oklahoma wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the school’s football program; Heisman Park is located outside Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, and is a great photo op for fans. In terms of lodging, the Riverwind Casino is about 4.5 miles from Lloyd Noble Center; this is the closest choice for lodging. However, there are plenty of places to stay near campus including Hampton Inn-Norman and Fairfield Inn & Suites, which are both just down Ed Noble Parkway from W. Main Street near Interstate 35. Fans 4 Oklahoma’s basketball attendance seems to depend on the team’s star players and record. Over the last decade attendance has been sporadic with a drop then a rise in attendance. The 2008-09 season average was always near capacity, as over 11,490 fans per game watched future NBA players Blake Griffin, Willie Warren, and Taylor Griffin. Attendance dropped afterwards, however, until the next future Sooners star Buddy Hield played in Norman – attendance reached a high of about 11,000 fans per content during the 2015-16 Final Four season, but once Buddy left for the NBA attendance saw a dramatic drop of 2,000 fans per game for Sooners basketball. More recently Lloyd Noble Center has an average basketball attendance of 9,538 which is respectful, but the most recent game only had an estimated attendance of 6,612. These statistics are pretty much in line with the fact that Oklahoma is a football school, and thus other sports are just filling in time between football seasons. The irony though is the fans are perhaps the best part of the experience at Lloyd Noble Center; even when low in numbers the Sooners fans give the Sooners a home court advantage. These fans have led Oklahoma to the second-best home arena record in the Big 12 behind only Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse. Access 4 Access to Lloyd Noble Center is relatively easy. This is partly due to the arena being in a secluded part of campus, away from the main artery streets of Norman. It is a short drive from Interstate-35 to the campus, and there are plenty of ways to get to the arena. The easiest route to Lloyd Noble Center is to take exit 108A/B from Interstate-35 onto Route 9, then take a left onto W. Imhoff Road; at the third traffic light. Lloyd Noble Center has plenty of free parking around the venue – there are 4,707 paved and marked parking spaces within the lighted lot, which is patrolled by the OU Police Department on a regular basis. However, this parking is divided up into Sooner Club, VIP, and Public Parking; the public parking entrances are directly off Imhoff Road making the flow of traffic very easy. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, so how early you arrive will determine how quickly you will find an open spot, and how close it will be to the venue. Regardless, there is the typical long line of cars waiting to exit the lot after the game. The venue doors open 90 minutes prior to each event for all guests, and there is no re-entry at Lloyd Noble Center. Lloyd Noble Center security is under the clear bag policy, meaning your items must fit inside an approved clear plastic bag with a maximum size of 12 x 6 x 12 inches, or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, and even these bags are subject to search. Non-transparent clutch purses no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches are also permitted, with bags necessary for medical equipment being searched at marked medical lanes at each gate. No other bags or purses (including diaper bags) are permitted, and the limit on bags is one per person. Express lanes remain in place at each gate for those who do not bring bags to Lloyd Noble Center. Besides the clear bag policy, all entrances have metal detectors, but fans need only to empty cell phones, keys, and metal objects larger than keys from their pockets before screening. Fans are NOT required to remove belts, shoes, or other small items such as coins, jewelry, or watches. The arena floor is approximately 15,575 square feet around and the ceiling is 51 feet high. LNC is a bowl with two concourses circulating the arena. All seating sections, restrooms, and concessions are clearly marked throughout Lloyd Noble Center, so overall, access is above average for fans traveling to Oklahoma for basketball. Return on Investment 4 Oklahoma Basketball has three levels of seating – lower level sideline, lower baseline, and upper level, and the ticket prices are based on which seating level you are in. In addition, whether the game is non-conference vs. conference affects the price, as well as what day the game is, but most of the single game ticket prices range between $20 for upper level and $85 for lower level sideline. Extras 3 The University of Oklahoma consists of Cherokee Gothic red brick architecture, and is a wonderful campus to walk around if the weather permits. The centerpiece of the campus is Oklahoma’s Gaylord Memorial Stadium and OU’s Heisman Park – this is a must visit for all college football fans, as Heisman Park displays statues in honor of Sooners players who have won the award over the years. Oklahoma also does a wonderful job in displaying items from all three programs that call Lloyd Noble Center home. The most recent addition to LNC is Legacy Court – this museum-like exhibit chronicles the history of basketball at OU, and features both the men's and women's programs' most prominent players, coaches, and accomplishments. This exhibit, which also serves as the entry way into the OU basketball offices, is officially open to the public from 9-5 pm Monday thru Friday. On game days, however, Legacy Court opens when the arena does and closes a half hour after the conclusion of the game. Final Thoughts Lloyd Noble Center isn’t among the better basketball arenas in the Big 12 Conference such as Allen Fieldhouse, Hilton Coliseum, or instate rival’s Gallagher-Iba Arena. However, LNC is an above-average basketball arena that can become a great place to watch college basketball. The venue and the Sooners fans here have the potential to give Sooner basketball games a unique atmosphere, so any college basketball fan will enjoy attending a basketball game here at OU’s Lloyd Noble Center.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 SNHU Arena 555 Elm St Manchester, NH 03101 Manchester Monarchs website SNHU Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 9,852 Uneasy lies the Crown Not that long ago, the Manchester Monarchs were one of the more successful teams in the American Hockey League. The team was a perennial contender for the Calder Cup, sent dozens of players to the parent Los Angeles Kings, and played to near capacity crowds night after night at the Verizon Wireless Arena (now named the SNHU Arena). The Kings’ 2012 and 2014 Stanley Cup teams consisted mostly of players who came up through Manchester. In the summer of 2015 the Monarchs were swept up in the great western migration of the AHL. The Kings, who owned the franchise at the time, decided that having a team on the other side of the continent wasn’t working for them, and moved their primary affiliate to Ontario, California, 45 miles away from the Staples Center. The Monarchs, located over 3,000 miles away in New Hampshire, never stood a chance. The Kings offered Manchester a consolation prize in the form of the Ontario ECHL franchise, which they also owned. New Hampshire hockey fans were slow to warm to the lower level of hockey. Attendance dropped by 20 percent in the Monarchs’ initial ECHL campaign, and has continued to slip in each of the team’s four seasons in the ECHL. In January of 2019, the team’s owners, PPI Sports, who purchased the team in 2016, announced their desire to sell the team. The Monarchs have won one division title and made the playoffs in each of their first three seasons in the ECHL. Food & Beverage 3 Only a pair of permanent concession stands are open, selling hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, Italian sausage and pizza. Some unique items, including meatball subs and Caesar salad are also sold at these stands. Snacks, including popcorn, pretzels and peanuts, as well as healthier snacks such as fruit cups and parfaits, round out the menu. Fans looking to save a few dollars can purchase a Kids Meal Deal, which contains a hot dog, kids popcorn, oreo cookie and Tum-E-Yummie. Several portable stands sell Carvel Ice Cream and Dippin’ Dots. Check out one of the beer stands, where a carving station is set up selling freshly sliced roast beef sandwiches. Coca-Cola products are featured at SNHU Arena. Several brands of beer, including Coors Light, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Sam Adams and Labatt’s are sold here. Atmosphere 2 The game day atmosphere is where fans who have not visited Manchester in a while will notice the greatest difference. Not only have the crowds decreased, but many aspects of the game day presentation have disappeared as well. The kids’ zone remains on the concourse, but now consists solely of a single inflatable slap shot cage. The team’s mascot, Max, is hardly seen during the action anymore. No matter how hard they try, a crowd of under 3,000 in a 10,000 seat arena just can’t generate a whole lot of sustained noise or energy. The closed-off upper deck, covered by tarps on both ends, remind long-time fans of better days in the past. The arena’s scoreboard, once considered state of the art, now looks woefully outdated when compared to modern video boards present in so many arenas today. Neighborhood 5 Manchester is New Hampshire’s largest city, located about an hour’s drive northwest of Boston via Interstate 93. SNHU Arena is located on the western edge of the city, adjacent to the downtown region and the Merrimack River. The area around SNHU Arena is safe and walkable. Visiting fans looking for places to eat or drink will find no shortage of options close by. The Central Ale House, located a block from the arena, is a self-serve, pay by the ounce bar with a wide variety of adult beverages to choose from. The Red Arrow Diner is perhaps Manchester’s most famous eatery, having been open for close to a century. During presidential elections, it’s a favorite stop for politicians campaigning in the area and locals alike. There are many hotels located in the downtown area as well. Baseball fans will enjoy the view at the Downtown Hilton, which overlooks Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, home of the AA New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Fans 2 Fans in New Hampshire have not warmed up to ECHL hockey after many years of watching the AHL. Near the end of the 2018-19 season the Monarchs were averaging just over 2,400 fans per game, which ranks them 26th out of the 27 teams in the ECHL. It’s a decrease of 50 percent from the team’s first year in the league, and a far cry from the several years the team averaged over 8,000 fans in the early 2000s. New Hampshire hockey fans are very knowledgeable and passionate, and know their sport. A typical Monarchs crowd will look very much like most minor league hockey crowds, full of families and youth groups mixed in with the die-hard fans. Access 5 SNHU Arena is really simple to find, located about a quarter mile off of Interstate 293 on the edge of downtown. Simply take exit 5 (Canal St.), cross over the Merrimack River, and follow Granite Street up the hill through three sets of traffic lights. The arena will be on your right at the corner of Elm Street. There is a great deal of on-street parking available in the immediate area of SNHU Arena for those fans wanting to save a few dollars. In addition, there are ample garages and lots available for visiting Monarchs fans. A complete map of parking options can be found here. There is no entry lobby at SNHU Arena, which is a glaring omission when visiting during the frigid New Hampshire winter. After passing through a stringent security check, fans will find themselves in front of the arena’s stage and pro shop. A pair of staircases lead to the main concourse. The Monarchs have closed the upper deck due to the small crowds present at Monarchs games. The concourse circles the entire arena, and is easily passable, despite becoming narrow in some spots. Restrooms are more than ample for current Monarchs crowds. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Monarchs games are sold for $20, which will get you a seat anywhere in the lower bowl. Paying an extra dollar gets you a seat in one of the two center ice sections on either side of the ice. Seniors receive a two dollar discount, children a six dollar discount, and college students a ten dollar discount. Parking in the many garages a short walk from the SNHU Arena costs ten dollars, but frugal hockey fans should search the area around the arena for on-street parking. Meters run until 8 pm Monday-Saturday. On-street parking is free on Sundays. Concession prices are a bit on the high side, but are not unreasonable when compared to other venues in the area. Extras 2 The Kings kept the Calder Cup Banner that the Monarchs won during their final AHL season in Manchester at the SNHU Arena. Hanging next to the Calder Cup banner are two banners listing all the players who played in both Los Angeles and Manchester. Located on the concourse is a display honoring the history of New Hampshire hockey. Final Thoughts It’s sad to see how far support for the Monarchs has eroded in this excellent hockey market. After years of declining attendance and interest, the team is being sold for the second time in three years. The outgoing owners have stated a desire to find local ownership that will keep the team in New Hampshire, but it may be too little too late. At this point, the only thing that may be able to save the team would be an affiliation with the nearby Boston Bruins. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Worcester Ice Center 112 Harding St. Worcester, MA 01604 Worcester Blades website Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 250 Blades of Worcester The Blades franchise is the original American-based professional women’s hockey team. Founded in 2010 and based in Boston, the team competed in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) and boasted a roster that featured many members of the U.S. Women’s National Team. The team played in consecutive Clarkson Cup Finals from 2013-2015, winning it all in ’13 and ’15. In 2015 the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) was founded, offering greater salaries than the CWHL offered its players. The majority of the USWNT members jumped to the new league, and even worse, to the cross-town Boston Pride, who proceeded to win that league’s inaugural championship. The Blades entered into a tailspin from which they have yet to recover. In the four seasons since the founding of the rival NWHL began, the Blades have posted a record of 4-91-5 with a goal differential of -407. Obviously, they have failed to make the playoffs in these four seasons. Even worse, they have become nomadic. Over their last three seasons in Boston, the Blades played their home games at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, the Walter Brown Arena in Boston, and the Mike Eruzione Center in Winthrop. In the summer of 2018 the CWHL announced that the Blades would move to the city of Worcester (pronounced “Woo-STAH” by locals) and play at the new Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center, the practice home of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers. The new home has been no kinder to the Blades, as they have struggled to a winless, 0-22-0 record with a -122 goal differential thus far in the 2018-19 season. The Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center is a state of the art dual-rink facility built by Railers’ owner Cliff Rucker. It features two rinks, the Railers offices and pro shop, restaurants, a gym and rehabilitation center. The $18 million dollar complex is home to several college, high school and youth organizations in addition to the Blades and Railers. Food & Beverage 3 There are a pair of restaurants on the first floor of the Worcester Ice Center, Noona’s Pizza & Pasta and Steam Energy Café, which sells a selection of acai bowls, smoothies, green bowls, sandwiches and more. Both offer sit-down dining, and in a neat touch, Noona’s has a walk-up window in the lobby where fans can grab a quick slice during intermission. Unfortunately, both places will be closed after a night game, and if attending a game on Sunday, both restaurants are closed. If you come on a Sunday, or if you are looking for something simpler, there are vending machines throughout the Worcester Ice Center featuring local Polar brand beverages and assorted snacks. Atmosphere 2 A Worcester Blades game features a simple, basic presentation, as you would expect in a small rink such as this. The Worcester Ice Center features a new, crystal-clear sound system which is well-utilized during play stoppages. There is a small dot-matrix scoreboard hanging at center ice. The team runs a 50/50 raffle and sells assorted souvenirs at a table in the lobby. What the fans who show up to root for the Blades lack in sheer numbers, they make up for with enthusiasm. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the ice, and are huge fans of the game. Outstanding plays on both sides are appreciated. Neighborhood 3 Located in Worcester’s Canal District right off of Interstate 290, the Ice Center is located in a neighborhood that will look drastically different in a few years. The Pawtucket Red Sox will be building their new ballpark in the area in time for the 2021 season. At the moment, while there are some bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the Ice Center, it’s not what you would consider a destination location in this up and coming city-yet. Fans looking for a place to eat after a Blades game can head to the Compass Tavern right across the street from the Ice Center, or to one of the several taverns in the neighborhood. Buck’s Whiskey and Burger Bar and local favorite Wormtown Brewery are a short drive away. For visiting fans looking for some variety, Shrewsbury Street is located close to the Ice Center. Shrewsbury Street’s famous “Restaurant Row” contains 1.5 miles of some of the city’s finest restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual bistros, neighborhood bars to nightclubs, salons to shopping. Fans 2 The CWHL does not release attendance figures, so pinning down an actual figure can be problematic. An average Blades crowd numbers between 100-200 fans. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection to the players on the ice, and do not lack for enthusiasm or knowledge. Access 4 The Worcester Ice Center is located right off of Interstate 290, and easy to get to, unless your GPS sends you there via the most confusing, potentially dangerous intersection there is in existence, Kelly Square. Kelly Square, where several of Worcester’s busiest streets all come together in the most random fashion possible, is notorious for its delays, backups and accidents. It is located a short three blocks from the Ice Center. As part of the new Polar Park project, it is scheduled for a long-overdue redesign. The Worcester Ice Center is only two years old, and still has a lot of that “new-arena” shine to it. This community center features two Ice sheets, named the Blue and the Gray rinks, after the Railers’ colors. Fans enter at ground floor, where the restaurants, lobby and locker rooms are located. With the facility in constant use, this lobby is full of activity. The Blades will have a table set up here with tickets and souvenirs for sale. Fans will climb a set of stairs, where the entrances to the two rinks, as well as the Strength Training and Physical Therapy Center are located. The Blades play at the Gray rink, located on the right. Seating is located about eight feet above the ice surface, and consists of metal bleachers without backs that run most of the length of the ice. There is a raised platform at the far corner of the rink for people wanting to stand for a bit. Netting runs the length of the ice, obstructing the view from all seats. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Blades games cost $17, with free parking in the Ice Center parking lot. You may spend a bit more if you decide to pair the game with a meal at Noona’s or Steam Energy Café, but both are affordable options for visiting hockey fans. Extras 2 The Worcester Ice Center has a display in the lobby honoring the Worcester Six, a group of firefighters who perished in the line of duty while fighting a blaze in 1999. An extra point is awarded for the building of the facility, which filled a huge void in the Worcester hockey community. Constantly in use, the city has embraced the presence of the Railers and their ties to the community. Final Thoughts On-ice struggles aside, the presence of the Worcester Blades has been a most welcome addition to the city’s sports scene. The Worcester Ice Center has become the focal point of the city’s hockey scene, used by everyone from pee-wee teams to local high schools and colleges to the Blades and Railers. Here is to hoping the Blades can straighten out their on-ice difficulties and become a fixture in Central Massachusetts for years to come. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 DeVos Fieldhouse 222 Fairbanks Ave. Holland, MI 49423 Hope College Flying Dutchmen website DeVos Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,009 A Jewel of Small College Arenas Hope College has a storied men’s basketball history which was enhanced in 2005 when the DeVos Fieldhouse opened. The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation contributed an anchor gift of $7,500,000 for the project which ended up totaling $22,000,000. It holds 3,009 fans and also serves the women’s basketball and men’s/women’s volleyball programs. In 1990 and 2006, the women’s basketball team and the 2014 women’s volleyball team won the D3 national title. Hope is an NCAA Division III college and a long-standing member of the MIAA Conference. While it is clearly impossible to compare all of the D3 schools’ facilities, this might be one of the best in the country. Hope College has led the USA D3 men’s basketball attendance for the last 15 consecutive years and the women’s hoops attendance the last 9 seasons. The facility is also used by the citizens of Holland, Michigan for various events throughout the year. One-half mile to the west is downtown Holland and the Hope College campus, while the school’s baseball, softball, football, and soccer stadiums are less than a mile east of the fieldhouse. A seven-mile drive takes fans to the shores of Lake Michigan, enjoying views of Lake Macatawa along the way. Food & Beverage 4 Two identical concession stands flank the courtyard entry and they offer a nice variety of items including a personal pizza ($4.25), pulled pork sandwich ($5.25), hot dog ($3.50), and the highly recommended “Michigander” ($5.25). The sandwich is a Founders beer bratwurst on an oatmeal stout bun with house pickled peppers and onions; all sandwich combos include chips and a soda. Healthy alternatives include chicken Caesar wrap and fruit cups. Pepsi products come fountain style $2.50 for 20-ounces, along with coffee, bottled water, and Gatorade. Other traditional snacks are also available. No alcohol is sold in the arena. Each stand has an “Extra Point Card” to help regular fans to save some money. For every $4 purchase at “any” Hope Athletic Concession Booth, the card is punched; after 10 punches, the cardholder gets $4 off a future purchase. Atmosphere 5 The main entrance is on the east side of the arena. Fans enter the building at ground level and walk down to their seats. The first five rows of the upper bowl have very comfortable padded seats, the next five rows are plastic and the bottom six rows are bleacher-style. Ten rows of bleacher seats are behind one basket. Concession stands and restrooms are near the entrance doors. The seats do not have cup holders, but they are quite comfortable and provide excellent sight lines to the floor. Additional bleacher seats are behind the basket on the west side. The sound system is excellent with great music. Along the north and south side, the history of all Hope’s athletic teams is displayed in an impressive manner. There are windows along one wall allowing a view into the training facilities, a trophy case is near the entrance, and the scoreboard over center court provides team statistics. Hope’s Mascot is named Dutch; he is a tall bearded character who greets fans before the game and hangs with the student section during the game. The staff is very friendly and welcoming and an excellent, free game day program is available at the entrance. Neighborhood 3 The fieldhouse is located in a residential neighborhood less than half a mile from a great small town center offering plenty of things to do before and after the game in terms of eating and drinking. Recommended restaurants are a short drive away and include DeBoer Bakkerij for breakfast and lunch plus great bakery items, Daddio’s Carry Out’s for excellent Southern food, Salt and Pepper Savory Grill for lunch and dinner, and Seventy-Six Restaurant for creative American fare. Western Michigan is really “hopping” when it comes to craft breweries and Holland has several spots to check out, including Brewery 4 Two 4, Our Brewing Company, Big Lake Brewing, and New Holland Brewing. While visiting the area, the Holland State Park Beach on Lake Michigan is very popular, along with Windmill Island Gardens and the Felt Estate. Holland is the home of the annual Tulip Festival. The Downtown Courtyard Hotel and City Flats Hotel are the best nearby lodging facilities. Many others can be found along highway US 31. Fans 5 The long tradition of athletic success has translated into a very loyal, loud, supportive and knowledgeable fan base. If you are looking for that unique small college experience, this is the place. Hope leads the country for D3 basketball attendance with crowds well over the 2,000 plateau. Section 10 is reserved for Hope students and they pack it full. They are called the “Dew Crew” and are sponsored by Mountain Dew. Stadium Journey was fortunate to attend a Calvin – Hope game, a rivalry rated number 4 in the country by ESPN (the only D3 to be honored with such a recognition). The game has been televised for 50 years; even better, was the fact that this was the 200th game for this historic and friendly competition. What an atmosphere. Access 4 Even though DeVos Fieldhouse is in a residential area, it is an easy drive or walk from downtown. Free parking lots surround the facility; check the small lot on the north side for a few spots open to the public. The entrance is through the east side. The MAX Transit has bus stops at the arena with the nearest airport in Grand Rapids. Once inside, we suggest walking around both concourses to see the historic displays of Hope’s athletics and the trophy cases. The court is readily visible from the concourse above. Restrooms are located at the east and west ends of the arena. They are very clean and designed properly for typical crowds. Handicap parking and seating are very good for those needing assistance. Return on Investment 5 As they say: “Such a Deal” Tickets cost $10 for very comfortable padded seats, $7 for adult bleacher seats and $5 bleacher seats for children 18 and under. Free parking is great and the concession prices are a bargain. Regular fans can save a few bucks using the Extra Point Card. Extras 5 Extra points go for an overall great atmosphere, professional high-quality game day production, free parking, low concession prices, sports history kiosks along the concourse, many championship banners overhead and the delightful downtown nearby.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 United Supermarkets Arena 1701 Indiana Ave Lubbock, TX 79409 Texas Tech Red Raiders website United Supermarkets Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 15,098 Red Raiders Wreck 'Em at United Supermarkets Arena Deep in the wide-open plains of West Texas lies the city of Lubbock. A booming oil and agricultural town, it has a reputation for breeding men and women doing things their own way: Mavericks. This way of life, this mindset, has been adopted by the school and athletics teams closely tied to Lubbock: the Texas Tech University Red Raiders. The Red Raiders began playing hoops at Tech the year the school opened for business, 1925. Since that time the Texas Tech men’s basketball team has won 11 conference tournaments and made 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Since 1999, Tech has done all of their home court winning at United Supermarkets Arena. This state-of-the-art facility blends new tech with old school aesthetics and has proven to be a true winner in West Texas. Food & Beverage 3 Texas Tech does a good job of catering to their fans, especially when it comes to food and beverages. There are numerous food stands and kiosks throughout United Supermarkets Arena; these range from your traditional stadium fare – hamburgers and hot dogs – to some good old-fashioned Texas-style barbecue. One stand in particular, the Lone Star Grille, offers some of that traditional grub, but in combo form – the stand’s offerings include a bacon cheeseburger basket ($11), a 1/2-pound hamburger basket ($10), and a steak finger basket (which I personally recommend) at $10. Alternatively, if you’re looking to branch away from the norm, look for the Big 12 Bowls stand; in addition to nachos and other favorites, this latter stand offers an out-of-the-box Asian Bowl ($12). At every stand inside United Supermarkets Arena you can also purchase soft drinks ($6 or $7.50 depending on size), bottled water, sports drinks, candy, chips, and popcorn, and there are also beer and alcohol kiosks sprinkled throughout the venue. I think you’ll be able to find something you find tasty to eat at Tech. Atmosphere 4 I’ve had the pleasure of catching several sporting events at Texas Tech over the years, so I felt I was prepared for what I was going to experience for my first-ever visit to United Supermarkets Arena. I admit that I have never been to some of the legendary college hoops venues in the country, but I have been to quite a few, and I can say unequivocally that Texas Tech fans are the loudest I have ever experienced. From the moment you walk through the doors of United Supermarkets Arena – which has a beautiful brick façade that is part of that great old school aesthetic – you are surrounded by a sea of red; Tech fans definitely give their Red Raiders a home court advantage. The rafters are bedecked with banners touting the success of teams past, and the retired numbers of Red Raider greats Polk Robison and Gerald Myers also hang there. The hallways of the arena have trophy cases displaying the tangible proof of the programs’ (both the men’s and women’s teams) successes. For women’s hoops fans, a full-sized painting of all-time great Sheryl Swoopes hangs on a wall near one of the arena’s entrances, and the national championship trophy from Swoopes’ 1993 team is also on display. You can feel the history emanating from every corner of United Supermarkets Arena, and it is a history that Texas Tech fans cherish and celebrate at every opportunity. Neighborhood 3 The city of Lubbock is a great blend of pure West Texas (you can literally see tumbleweeds in certain parts of the city) and a traditional college town. There are college hangouts and hot spots, and then there are places that celebrate the frontier spirit of Lubbock. If you’re looking to take in some of that history, make sure to take in the National Ranching Heritage Center. This sprawling complex, run by Texas Tech, features a collection of authentic ranch buildings that have been disassembled and reassembled on site along a walking path – this is a true trip back in time. Or for music lovers, be sure to stop by the Buddy Holly Center; this museum honors Lubbock’s native son and one of the early pioneers of rock and roll, whose life was tragically cut short at an early age. United Supermarkets Arena is located right on the campus of Texas Tech University and is within walking distance of both Jones AT&T Stadium and Rip Griffin Park. If you plan your visit right, you can get in more than one game on your trip. Fans 4 Texas Tech fans are very passionate about their school and their teams. The men’s hoops team averages nearly 11,000 per game at United Supermarkets Arena, and the vast majority of these rabid fans sport the red of their team and throw their guns up (the team’s traditional hand gesture) at every chance they get. This is also a vocal fan base that loudly supports its team. The energy that they put out is infectious and starts as soon as fans walk through the door, and lasts until the final buzzer. The student section in particular is a sight to behold – this is a rowdy bunch and I mean that in a good way! If you attend a game I think you will be able to feel it for sure, and will probably get as caught up in it as I was on my most recent visit. Access 2 If there is one drawback to games at Texas Tech it is, quite frankly, how relatively difficult it is to get to Lubbock. If you look at a map of Texas and you cast your eyes out toward the New Mexico border, well before you get there you’ll find Lubbock. You can fly there from most cities in the country via the Preston Smith International Airport. Once you get there though, United Supermarkets Arena is pretty easy to find. Tech’s sports facilities are on campus and can easily be gotten to via Interstate 82. Parking is plentiful and is free in certain lots (there are paid lots if you want to park even closer). Public transport is plentiful and runs right up to the venue via Lubbock’s Citibus line. Or, another mode to be on the lookout for are the numerous electric scooters scattered across the city and the campus; there is even a parking lot for these scooters right outside the arena if you want to give them a shot. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Texas Tech basketball start at $20 per person for general admission seating, which is a pretty good bargain for the action you get on court. This is especially true in a season like the current one (2018-19) where the Red Raiders are a contender for the national championship. The concession prices are on par with other major Division I facilities, and you can find some pretty good bargains if you look. With free parking, you should be able to have an affordable evening at a gem of a facility in one of the most unique places in the state of Texas. Extras 3 I personally love going to college games because of all the accompanying pomp and circumstance that the teams bring to the games, and Texas Tech is no exception. The band (the Goin’ Band from Raiderland) is there for games at United Supermarkets Arena, as are the cheerleaders and Texas Tech Pom Squad. In addition, the mascot Raider Red is there to patrol the baselines and entertain the fans. You can also expect an appearance from Tech’s other mascot, the Masked Rider – though without her horse (Fearless Champion) which would be wildly impractical in a basketball arena, so she does lose a little bit of her mystique. Oh yeah, make sure you get there in time for the announcement of the starting lineups for one main reason: pyrotechnics. Final Thoughts United Supermarkets Arena is a truly fantastic facility – Texas Tech has done a great job of honoring its history and heritage while embracing all of the “new” that caters to fans of all ages. If you’re a fan of college hoops, add this stop to your bucket list; I think you will enjoy it. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photo Courtesy of Michigan State University Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Breslin Center One Birch Rd East Lansing, MI 48824 Michigan State Spartans website Breslin Center website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 14,759 Making Breslin Better for Basketball The Breslin Center is the home to the Michigan State Spartans basketball program and over a two year period, the school spent $50 million from private donations to renovate the Breslin Center. They expanded the concourse, built the Gilbert Pavilion, constructed a new ticket office, improved bathroom facilities, added the Tom Izzo Hall of History and improved locker rooms as well as training facilities. The arena opened in 1989 and has 14,797 seats for basketball. The building is named after Jack Breslin, a three-sport star at MSU in the mid-1940s who then worked at the school for over 30 years. The arena features many areas for visitors to enjoy including the Hall of Fame, that features a superb display of both men’s and women’s championship trophies. On the outside of the building, a dynamic statue of former star Magic Johnson is on display. Food & Beverage 4 The concourse behind the seating bowl offers concession stands and portable food carts. The Fresh Start stand offers healthy alternatives such as a grain bowl, fruit and yogurt parfait, the Hawaiian Stand offers smoothies for $6-$10, and Sparty’s Steakhouse has steak and meatball sandwiches for $10 as well as steak nachos and all-beef hot dogs. Chicken Utopia features wings, tenders, and sandwiches all for $6.50, the MacCo has various mac and cheese choices $6-$10, Spartanville sausages go for $6.50, Smokestack BBQ features BBQ sliders and BBQ nachos, and multiple stands provide hot dogs, bratwurst and pizza slices. Fountain Pepsi products, Tim Horton’s coffee, and other traditional snacks are available at all stands. Atmosphere 4 When it comes to atmosphere, there are not too many better places in the Big Ten than the Breslin Center. The school has a strong following from both alumni and students. Breslin Center has a “cozy” feel to it which is great for the fans. The seat back chairs in the 200 level are recommended, close to center court as possible. These seats are comfortable with good sight lines, but they do lack cup holders. The 200 section provides both seat back chairs in the first 12 rows and 5 rows of bleacher seats at the top. The 100 section is the closest to the court and is typically sold out to season ticket holders and players’ parents. To sit there, fans typically will need to go to secondary ticket website sources. The center court video board offers in-game action, replays and lots of crowd shots. Its only downside is the small size of the statistic information displayed at the top of the board. The many Final Four and NCAA Championship (two for the men; one for the women) banners overhead are a reminder of the school’s great history. Quite a few in-game promotions take place but the stars of the show are the players, Izzone, Pep Band and larger than life mascot Sparty. The $5 programs are sold all over the concourse and they are worth the price with lots of information on the players, coaches and team history. Neighborhood 4 Popular nearby restaurants are the Harrison Roadhouse for its burgers and beer selection, Crunchy’s for burgers and pizza, and Charlie Kang’s for Chinese/Korean fare–the latter two are on the main drag, East Grand River Avenue, where new restaurants seem to open every few months. Venturing a little farther afield will provide diners many choices in downtown Lansing. Lodging abounds around the Lansing area, especially near the I-96 corridor. Near MSU, fans will find the East Lansing Marriott, the Kellogg Center on campus, and the delightful Wild Goose Inn B&B. In downtown Lansing, travelers will enjoy the State Capitol building and the R. E. Olds Transportation Museum. It is always enjoyable to walk along the banks of the Red Cedar River on campus. Fans 5 The incredibly vibrant atmosphere is what makes the Breslin Center so special. The student section in the lower bowl (nearly surrounding the court) is named the Izzone after native Michigan head coach Tom Izzo who was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. He was born in the Upper Peninsula “The UP” town of Iron Mountain and has become an adored legend. The recently constructed Hall of History is named after him. The Izzone section is fun for the students and other fans. The superb MSU Pep Band sits behind one basket; each song they play gets the students moving with the beat in a well-choreographed style. Games are often sold out, so get your tickets early; the school ranks third in the Big 10 conference behind Wisconsin and Indiana in attendance marks. The fans are fully engaged throughout the game. Access 4 There are various $10 parking in lots and garages surrounding Breslin and are highly recommended, but due to the location on campus, driving home after the game will take a while to clear the area after each game. At halftime, fairly long lines exist for both the men and women’s restrooms. Good news: hands-free air dryers have been installed. The concourse and food lines move slowly at halftime which is to be expected. We recommend using the Gilbert Pavilion entrance to enjoy some new pictures and basketball-related items. Another suggestion is to arrive early enough to enjoy the Izzo Hall of Fame before the game – bring your camera. Return on Investment 4 Lower level seats, if available, cost $34. Upper-level seats (200 section) with backs are $26 and bleacher seats are $17. Fans buying tickets online in advance have the choice of having them mailed out or picked up at the will call window; either option costs an additional $12 each per ticket, quite a princely sum and much higher than most professional sports teams. This information makes the secondary market much more attractive. Concession and parking prices are fair for Big 10 events. Extras 5 One point each for the student Izzone fans, the excellent MSU Pep Band, the beloved head coach Tom Izzo – his facial grimaces on TV are priceless, the beautiful banners hanging over the court, and the new Tom Izzo Hall of Fame plus the Gilbert Pavilion area. Final Thoughts This is one of the holy grails for college basketball fans. If you are lucky enough to attend a Big 10 game vs one of MSU’s traditional rivals such as Michigan, Indiana, Purdue or Wisconsin, you will have a memorable experience.

Photos by Jon Hart, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 LIU Athletic Center 161 Ashland Pl Brooklyn, NY 11201 LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds website LIU Athletic Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 2,500 The Hoops of LIU *Editor’s Note – At the time of the writing of this review, the LIU system had not yet merged, and the team playing in Brooklyn was known as the Bluebirds. When the LIU campuses merged, the teams adopted the nickname Sharks.* The LIU Blackbirds, which plays out of the Northeast Conference, made the NCAA tournament in 2018, and they have an arena befitting a championship team. The LIU Athletic Center (also known as Steinberg Wellness Center), which is a short walk from Barclay’s Center as well as a plethora of worthy destinations, is an arena with the intimacy of a gym. Food & Beverage 3 LIU has two competent concession stands, offering candy, soda, chips, fresh popcorn, and hot dogs. No item costs more than $3. You might consider saving your appetite, as the immediate area has no shortage of dining options. Just a block away on Dekalb Avenue, there are several old-schools, hole-in-the-wall spots. Teriyaki Burrito House, which offers Mexican with Japanese flavors, is worth a look for its name alone. For something more conventional, Appleby’s is a field goal up the block. The legendary Junior’s is close by as well. For new schools in Brooklyn, the Dekalb Market Hall offers an array of choices. Atmosphere 3 It’s low-key and eclectic. LIU has a fun band and a very capable dance squad. Both add a lot to the package. Neighborhood 4 The Blackbirds fly in the heart of downtown Brooklyn, which is growing by the day and has no shortage of activities, everything from the arts at BAM to axe throwing. Perhaps the best activity is strolling around, checking out the different, adjacent neighborhoods. If you crave more college ball, St. Francis plays just over a mile away. Fans 3 New York City is a professional sports team town, so it’s an uphill struggle for colleges to garner big-time support. However, Blackbird fans, which range from students and alums to casual neighborhood spectators to mothers with kids, are engaged. And yes, the kids take the court at half-time. The Blackbirds attract about 600 fans a game. Access 4 LIU is a short walk from every imaginable public transportation option. It’s a 20-minute subway ride from midtown Manhattan. If you choose to drive, expect to hunt and peck for space, which is certainly doable. Or, you can pay for a garage, which there appears to be no shortage of. Return on Investment 4 All tickets go for $5, and there are no bad seats. Snacks are cheap. In short, it’s one of the best deals to be had. Again, this team is coming off an NCAA year. Extras 2 When I attended, the Blackbird players stuck around after the game to sign complimentary posters. They lost, but the Blackbird players put on happy faces. They seemed like good, talented dudes, worthy of support. Derek Kellogg, who formerly coached at UMass, is the Blackbird's head coach. A John Calipari disciple, it’s interesting and fun to watch how Kellogg's operates during a game. This is something you will not see at a place like the Barclay’s Center. In short, it’s big basketball at a small venue. Final Thoughts The LIU Athletic Center is a first-rate facility, which offers D1 basketball at unheard-of prices. When the LIU Blackbirds soar, they will fill up. There is no shortage of interesting activities for pre or post game fun. _____ You can follow Jon Hart @ManVersusBall.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Dean E. Smith Center 300 Skipper Bowles Dr Chapel Hill, NC 27599 North Carolina Tar Heels website Dean E. Smith Center website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 21,750 Carolina Blue The Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center is a multi-purpose arena for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The arena is commonly known as either the Dean Smith Center or the Dean Dome. The arena is named after the UNC’s legendary coach Dean Smith, who coached the Tar Heels basketball program from 1961-1997. Smith coached the last 11 years of his Tar Heels tenure in his namesake venue while becoming the 4th-all-time winningest coach in NCAA Division 1 basketball. The Dean E. Smith Center is the fourth-largest college basketball arena in the country at a seating capacity of 21,750. The first game at the Smith Center was on January 18, 1986 featuring #1 North Carolina vs #3 Duke. The hybrid dome is also used for non-basketball events such as university and local high school graduations. Food & Beverage 3 The Dean E. Smith Center concessions are standard for sporting events. The variety of food and drinks are plentiful throughout the Dean Dome, but the items are all familiar to fans associated with stadium fare. The food services incorporate many national and local chain restaurants such as Hunt Bros Pizza, Jersey Mike’s, Backyard Bistro, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Bojangle’s Chicken and Waffles. The food prices are the typical stadium fare pricing as a bacon cheeseburger, Philly cheesesteak, Italian sausage, or BBQ sandwich are at the $8 level, while a Chick-fil-A sandwich with chips or a Backyard half-pound Angus cheeseburger with chips are each $7. A slice of pizza is $6 while an all-beef hot dog, pretzel, or grande nachos cost $5. Coca-Cola is the Dean Dome’s beverage provider. The beverage prices range between $5 and $7 for soda, Powerade, or water. The best food option value could be the bottomless popcorn for $10, which comes in a souvenir-type Carolina Tar Heels bucket. There are also plenty of sweets available for fans just wanting to have a snack, such as Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Dunkin’ Donuts munchkins, or candy. Atmosphere 4 The Dean E. Smith Center exterior seems more like an academic building than an arena that hosts one of the premier college basketball programs in the country. However, there is plenty of signage around the Dean Dome to let people know that there is an event. Although there isn’t much of an atmosphere before the game, first time visitors should arrive early to visit the Carolina museum. The museum is open until three hours prior to the start of night games in the Smith Center, while for earlier games the museum is closed. However, fans should find time to visit the museum, as it will provide an inside look for Carolina Basketball. Once leaving the dark arena concourses, the seating area becomes a beautiful Carolina blue. Seeing all the banners hung from the rafters is an incredible sight to witness. There are also four new large video boards in the corners of the Smith Center, with the Tar Heels band and dance team in one corner, and the student section on the baseline along with the spirit squad. The fans are engaged in welcoming the Tar Heels to the court for warm-ups and at game time, and during warm-ups UNC players are very good at making themselves accessible for photos and autographs. The player intro is a good way to get excited to watch the game. UNC’s mascots Rameses and RJ entertain the crowd with their antics, and they can even be seen playing one-on-one during pre-game. These mascots, along with the dance team and spirit squads, keep the crowd entertained during time-outs and at halftime. The atmosphere becomes better as the fans become engaged in the game but scales up and down during the contest. Tar Heels fans can become loud at times, such as when the chant “Tar”…“Heels” is being performed, but then there are also lesser moments. But overall the atmosphere exceeds the standard college basketball game. Neighborhood 4 The Dean Dome is on the southernmost part of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. The Dean Dome is in a tree setting with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School sitting above the trees, and across from student parking on Skipper Bowles Drive. The drive up the hill on Skipper Bowles Drive, at the intersection of Manning Drive, brings fans to the general parking garages and the UNC Medical district to the west. There are some campus buildings within sight, but continue on Ridge Rd or Stadium Drive to the middle of campus. When you reach South Road, walk thru the two campus quads and into the heartbeat of Chapel Hill’s neighborhood, Franklin Street. Franklin Street is about a 1.3-mile walk uphill from the Dean E. Smith Center and is a must visit for first time visitors to Chapel Hill. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from along Franklin Street – Mellow Mushroom, Hops Burger Bar, Top of the Hill Restaurant, or Roots are all choices that would be good to patronize. However, Sutton’s Drug Store is a place that an out of towner should seek out and eat at in Chapel Hill. Sutton’s Drug Store has been a staple in Chapel Hill since 1923, and serves hand-crafted burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, including breakfast options. There is also lodging on Franklin Street but the choices away from the restaurants and bars are more suitable. The Aloft-Chapel Hill or Courtyard by Marriott Chapel Hill would be better choices; both of these are near the UNC golf course. The Aloft is surrounded by plenty of restaurants while the Courtyard is perfect for the shuttle, as across the street is the Friday Center shuttle stop, which many fans use to get to UNC games. There are a few tourist places in the area such as Chapel Hill itself, a beautiful college town that has plenty of history from being the home of the oldest public university in the country. The campus is worth walking through, from the Old Well, Carmichael Arena, and the Carolina Basketball Museum to the North Carolina botanical gardens, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, and the Ackland Art Museum. Fans 4 The popularity of North Carolina extends past Tobacco Road – the Tar Heels success on the basketball court has created many Tar Heels fans that have never been to Chapel Hill. In addition, the fact that tickets to UNC basketball games can be very difficult to get, raising ticket prices above the average college basketball ticket price, should signify that the fans inside the Dean Dome are exceptional. Well, it doesn’t translate – the student section located on the baseline near the UNC bench is very lively and loud during the game. The students are decked out, painted and garbed in Carolina blue. However, the remaining crowd has in the past been called a wine-and-cheese crowd. I think a lot of that has to do with the size of the Dean Dome. There are plenty of fans wearing Carolina Blue, however, the fans aren’t engaged the whole game. The fans are very knowledgeable, hitting all the appropriate times to cheer, especially on scoring runs and dunks, and they are without question a supportive group of fans, but overall just meet the expectations of a home crowd. Access 2 The largest difficulty for out of town visitors in attending a Tar Heels game at the Smith Center is parking. The parking problem can be attributed to the Dean Dome being located on the southernmost point of the campus. While general parking is available for $10, these lots are not near the venue, as all the parking around the Dean Dome is Rams Club permit lots. Also, despite the campus police having a smooth ingress/egress system, the traffic after the game is a nightmare. However, Chapel Hill Transit provides relief from the parking nightmare by providing shuttle service from local park & ride lots. The Tar Heel Express costs $5 round-trip or $3 one-way, and no parking fee is charged for any Tar Heels Express pick-up lot. The system is easy and cheaper than using the regular parking lots – passengers are issued wrist bands at the park & ride lot that indicate the appropriate bus for return trip boarding. All buses drop off and pick up in front of the Smith Center, with buses beginning operation from the park & ride lots 1.5 hours prior to game time until just after tip-off. Return trips begin immediately following the game. Alternatively, taxi services including Uber and Lyft may drop off and pick up passengers along Blythe Drive by accessing it from Bowles Drive, and exiting onto Hibbard Drive. Once you arrive at the Dean Dome, access becomes easy as the venue has plenty of entrances around the building – the arena doors open 1.5 hours before tip-off. The UNC students are lined up early to get in position for their baseline seats. Note that the Dean Smith Center uses the clear bag policy – all bags must be clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, including gallon freezer bags, or small clutch purses no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. Necessary medical items are also allowed in following inspection at the entry gates. You can also bring in up to two unopened 20oz or smaller bottles of water per person, and empty drink containers can be filled up at the drinking fountains. Additional information about the clear bag policy can be found on the UNC website. Once inside the concourse is wide and has large signage showing the locations of seating sections, bathrooms, and concessions. Return on Investment 3 In the past, ACC opponent tickets were almost impossible to get at face-value, and fans were forced to buy non-conference game tickets in order to see the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill. However, there are now tickets available thru the box office, but a trip to Tobacco Road North Carolina for basketball can be expensive. North Carolina, despite having the 4th largest college basketball arena in the US, has one of the highest ticket prices in the country. For any seat in the lower level the face value can be $80 or more, while the upper level is $50 to $65, depending on the game. The lower level is usually sold out since most are bought by Rams Club members. There is a possibility to get one at face value once the visiting teams return their unused allotment tickets, but otherwise fans look towards the secondary market. The parking ranges from $10 to $13 unless using the UNC shuttles, and the concessions inside the Dean E. Smith Center are the typical pricing for sport venues. But a trip to the Dean Dome to watch one of the elite college basketball programs in the country is above average in terms of return on investment, and the Carolina Museum is a must for any college basketball fan. Extras 5 The Raleigh-Durham area is rich in college basketball history, as there are three college basketball programs which have provided numerous national championships to the area. Chapel Hill is Tar Heel born and Tar Heel bred, and the beautiful North Carolina college town is a great tourist experience. The UNC campus is rich in American history, being the first state-supported university in America to open its doors to a graduating class in the 18th century. Every college basketball fan should visit the Carolina Basketball Museum in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels storied program is all kept on full display inside the museum – there are over 500 authentic artifacts, hundreds of photographs, and numerous videos of various players, coaches, championships, and historic moments, and admission is free to the public. For fans interested in learning more about the museum, click here. Final Thoughts A visit to Chapel Hill, the UNC campus, and the Carolina Museum is a step back into history. The Dean E. Smith Center is home to one of the most prolific college basketball programs in the country. The Dean Dome may disappoint fans with high expectations because of the North Carolina basketball program’s stature. However, I suggest that any college basketball fan make a trip to Chapel Hill and the Dean E. Smith Center. Overall, the Dean Dome provides a decent place to watch a basketball game with future NBA talent on the court.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Turf Moor Harry Potts Way Burnley, England BB10 4BX Burnley FC website Turf Moor website Year Opened: 1883 Capacity: 22,546 Grounds for the Ages in Burnley Burnley has occupied its ground since 1883 and holds the record for the longest period in one place in England. When it first opened it was home to an 800-capacity grandstand and served as the home venue for Burnley Rovers FC. The plot of land was first occupied by Burnley’s cricket club in 1833. It would not be until after World War II that the ground began to develop in its classic look featuring four distinctive stands. The Longside was constructed by members of Burnley’s Youth team in 1954 and housed both home and away supporters. It was during this time that the venue developed its classic British look. Burnley demolished its terrace sections after the Taylor Report came out in 1990 and within six years converted the ground into an all-seater that includes the T is comprised of four sections: The James Hargeaves Stand (North), The Jimmy Mcilroy Stand (East), The Bob Lord Stand (South) and the David Fishwick Stand (West). Food & Beverage 3 As normal in the North of England, the pies are highly recommended when served hot. The concourse features an array of snacks and drinks that are below the average price in English Football but it should be noted that there are no cash points at any of the concourse or kiosks. Sausage rolls, pies (£3), hot dogs (£2.70), and confectionery are affordable. Drinks include lagers, hot drinks, and soft drinks from Coca-Cola and 7up. Value meals include a beer and pie for £5.70. Or a beer and a snack for £4. There is also a meal deal which includes a soft drink, a party or hotdogs, and a snack for £5–£9 when you double that for two people. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is half a mixture of old and new and further redevelopment is expected shortly. Currently, the stadium has an all-seated capacity of 22,546, and views from both of the newer stands are excellent. Depending on where you sit in the older stands your view may be slightly obstructed by stanchions that support the stand roof. This is a common problem with older British stadiums. Like most British soccer stadiums the move from terracing to all-seated stadiums has slightly affected the atmosphere and Turf Moor is not the hostile place that it once was in the ’60s and ’70s. Away fans who make the trip to Turf Moor are housed within the David Fishwick Stand However when full, which it mostly was when Burnley was in the Premier League last season, the home support quickly becomes the 12th man, and a visit to Turf Moor was feared by the bigger clubs. The Clarets store has been newly refurbished and provides a retail outlet to both home and visitor supporters that stays open for an hour after the final whistle. The store features a wide selection of merchandise and paraphernalia and its look has been upgraded to make it stand out on the exterior of the grounds. Neighborhood 3 Burnley is a typical Lancashire Mill Town set in the heart of the Pennines and although not high on the tourist hit list this area of England is well worth a visit if you have time. The town is surrounded by rolling hills ideal for hill walkers. It is nice in the summer, but subject to cold weather and snow during the winter months. The Town Centre has a small shopping complex that will occupy you for a couple of hours maximum. The avid shoppers in this area tend to head to Manchester or Preston for the larger shopping malls. Oswaldtwistle Mills located in Accrington a couple of miles away offers mill stores and shopping outlets which are a welcome change to the normal high street. If you prefer to digest your pre-match food and drink before you enter a stadium then there is not much choice directly outside of the stadium. Burnley Town Centre offers the normal choice of English fish & chip shops, coffee bars, fast food outlets, and low-key restaurants. Home and away supporters tend to drink at Burnley Cricket Club located next to the stadium where the local beer can be sampled both inside and outside of the club in a relaxed atmosphere. Fans 3 Burnley supporters are an honest bunch and the locals are always happy to assist if you require directions. The club has always kept a hardcore support of twelve to fifteen thousand for each home game even when they were struggling in the lower reaches of the Football League some fifteen years ago and at one point were within minutes of being relegated to non-league football. Fortunately, the club has climbed back up the divisions cumulating with a return to the top level of the English game in 2010. Their stay, however, was brief and at the time of writing, Burnley has an outside chance of reaching the Championship Playoffs. Local rivals are Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End, and Bolton Wanderers. The famous Accrington Stanley from the lower reaches of English League football is located a mere few miles away. Access 3 The stadium is reached by accessing the M65 Motorway at Junction 10 and following signs to Towney Hall, which will take you directly past the stadium. Town Centre car parks are within a ten-minute walk however parking at Burnley Cricket Club priced at £5 is value for the money. Both Burnley Central and Manchester Road Railway Stations are a twenty and fifteen minutes walk away respectively. Manchester Airport is approximately forty-five minutes drive from Burnley with good connections for public transport. Most of the surrounding streets have parking restrictions on matchday but various car lots range in price from £3-£5. It is advised to arrive early to make sure got a spot is secure before the match. The nearest station is Burnley Manchester Road which is a short walk to the stadium. The bus station is relatively close but does require a short walk to the grounds. Return on Investment 3 General admission prices begin at £30 for adults with concessions for those under 16’s and O.A.P’s are the norm for the English Championship and provide good value compared to the Premier League. For the older soccer supporter, a visit to Burnley is always most welcome. Extras 3 Burnley like all clubs have a supporters club shop selling replica shirts and other memorabilia. A match day program is widely available for the price of £3. Turf Moor is also the first football ground to be visited by a member of the British Royal Family when Prince Albert made a stop in 1886.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey / Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Rugg Arena at Heidelberg Gymnasium 1500 Peachtree Street Jackson, MS 39202 Belhaven Blazers website Rugg Arena at Heidelberg Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1950s Capacity: 500 D3 Blazers Belhaven University is a small private Christian university located in Jackson, MS. The college was founded in 1883 through the merger of two schools, Mississippi Synodical College & McComb Female Institute. The school’s current location opened in 1894 in the mansion of former Confederate Colonel Jones S. Hamilton. The mansion was named Belhaven, and hence is how the university got its name. In 1927 a lightning strike destroyed the mansion, which housed the university’s only classrooms – the columns that stand today on the west side of the campus are the only remnants of the old college. The college was originally an all-female institute, however in 1954 males began being admitted the school, with a basketball program being established two years later. The college has a current enrollment of a little over 4,200 students, and fields 15 sports that compete in Division III’s American Southwest Conference (ASC). The Blazers are an odd man out in the conference, as 11 of the 13 schools that compete in the conference are from Texas. Rugg Arena at Heidelberg Gymnasium currently seats around 500 people and is named for Charles A. Rugg, coach of the Blazers basketball team from 1964-1986. The arena originally opened in the 1950’s, but was renovated with the addition of Heidelberg Gymnasium in 1999. The facility now houses a separate gymnasium for intramural teams, weight rooms, an athletic training facility, and locker rooms for football. Food & Beverage 0 There is one permanent stand located in the gym but it was closed during the most recent game I attended. The stand is open for most games though, the reason it was closed on this particular night was the game being during Christmas break and most of the students not being on campus. Atmosphere 2 Rugg Arena at Heidelberg Gymnasium is nice and small and definitely suits the team well, but it’s basically the same style setup you would find at a local city sportsplex or rec center. It’s a squared shaped building in the center of campus with the court facing east and west with one entrance on the south side of the building. As soon as you walk into the building you find yourself already on the concourse less than 20 feet from the playing surface. There is one set of restrooms on this side as well as a small trophy case, plus 6 rows of bleacher style seats on this side of the building which take up the entire south side of the court. The arena has regular bench seating with the seats painted the Blazers colors of green and gold. The north side of the building is filled with the team’s benches and scoring tables, so there is no seating on that side of the arena. Neighborhood 3 Belhaven’s campus is located in a mostly residential area north of downtown. The campus is located a couple blocks from their biggest rival and the team they played on the most recent night I attended, the Millsaps College Majors. 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, shuffle board, over-sized Jenga and multiple board games can be played inside and outside the bar, so this eatery has a really cool feel to it. There are numerous other bars and restaurants located in Fondren as well, however, 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, and with the soda fountain inside it’s very reminiscent of a 50’s-style diner. However, in the back there is a speakeasy style bar that was used during the prohibition era – it’s a very interesting bar and it 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. In addition, Underground 119 is a cool underground blues bar located in downtown as well. However, the downtown area is not exactly the safest area so use caution when walking after dark. Lakeland Drive is located about a mile north of Belhaven’s campus and you can find all the usual chain restaurants and lodging in that area. For attractions in the area 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, and you could spend hours just walking through all the different exhibits located in the 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 4 One good thing about playing in such a small arena is that the fans are right up on the court engaged in the action, with the farthest rows of seats located only about 15 feet from the court. On the night I most recently attended the Blazers played their crosstown-rival Millsaps College and it was a packed house. Fans were very into the game with the crowd a mix of alumni, students, and teachers from each school. However, the reason fans packed the house on this particular night was because of the rivalry match-up; most games at Belhaven get maybe only about 100 fans in attendance. Access 3 The campus is located north of downtown a couple of blocks west of Interstate 55. If coming from any direction I-55 will be your best option – take the Fortification Street exit and then turn north on Greymont Street, which will run you right into campus. Once on campus Rugg Arena at Heidelberg Gymnasium can be difficult to find as it looks just like the rest of the buildings on campus. The gym is located on the north side of campus right next to the brand new football stadium that opened in 2016. Once inside the arena the concourse is easy to navigate and you should have no trouble walking down and taking a seat. The seating bowl can only hold about 500 fans so walking the concourse, or trying to find somebody in the crowd, won’t be difficult at all. Return on Investment 5 Admission is free, parking is free, and there was no concessions stand open on the night I most recently attended, so this makes a great value for fans. I was able to watch a cross town rivalry game between two schools, one of which was undefeated, for absolutely free. Extras 2 One extra for closeness of the game action – you feel as if you are on top of the action the whole game, and it definitely enhances the atmosphere in the building to be able to sit that close. Another extra point for the World’s Oldest Singing Christmas tree, which is performed on the Belhaven campus every December. What is a singing Christmas tree you ask? It’s exactly what it sounds like – a giant Christmas tree with platforms where people stand and sing. When the Singing Christmas tree started in 1933 it was a first of it’s kind, and today the wood and metal structure can hold over 100 people. Over the years candles have been replaced with LED lights that change colors in various patterns and sequences according to the Christmas carol being sung, which creates a visual spectacle. The tree is set up at the football stadium next door and there are two performances each year. If in the Jackson area on these particular dates (usually during the week after Thanksgiving) I highly recommend checking out the tree. Final Thoughts Rugg Arena at Heidelberg Gymnasium is a very basic, high school-style gym that is small but suits the school quite well. It’s not a bucket list experience that you must visit, but if you are in the area and want to experience a lower-level basketball game then check out a game at Rugg Arena. The Belhaven campus is beautiful campus and is worth checking out.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Read Fieldhouse/University Arena 2009 Howard St Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Western Michigan Broncos website Read Fieldhouse/University Arena website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 5,421 Welcome to The Zoo Western Michigan men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, indoor track and field, and gymnastics teams all compete at Read Fieldhouse/University Arena in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Broncos have been playing at the 5,421-seat arena that was built in 1957. It is just north of Stadium Drive, across the street from WMU’s football/baseball/softball fields. The building was rededicated in December 1963 after long-time basketball coach Herbert W. (Buck) Read who coached WMU for 28 seasons amassing a 345 -169 record. He was one of the first Midwest coaches to adopt the ‘fast break’ style of play and his 1929-30 team finished the season with a perfect 17-0 record. At the time of renaming the building, there were plans to increase capacity to 9,000. The arena has seen multiple improvements the past decade that included a brand new court for the 2015-16 season, which connects the university with the Kalamazoo community, new LED lighting, and a state of the art sound system. There is also a strong emphasis on “The Zoo,” a take-off on the city’s name and the student cheering section at one end of the arena. The Broncos play in the Mid-America Conference and have captured 9 regular season titles and appeared in 4 NCAA Final Four Tournaments. The 1976 team made it all the way to the Sweet 16 before losing to Marquette 62-57 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Broncos last made the tournament in 2014. Food & Beverage 2 The concession stands are located behind each basket and there have been a few food stands offering specialty items added the past few seasons. The stands offer Pepsi products at $2-$4, hot dogs $4, pretzel with cheese sauce $5, nachos $7, Italian sausage $5, cheeseburger $6, barbecue chicken $7, and ice cream for $3. The auxiliary stands have fresh roasted nuts for $4-$6 and a special prime rib sandwich at $6-$8. The stands are relatively small but as long as the crowd size is the typical 2,000 or so, the lines move reasonably well. Alcoholic beverages are not sold at the arena. Atmosphere 2 Average attendance through 7 games this 2018-2019 season is 1,730 at a 5,421-capacity building. An excellent and enthusiastic pep band sits beneath an overhang, so their sound is powerful and dynamic. The stadium has two levels with all services on the ground floor. Some individual seats are available behind the benches and others are bleacher style. A four-sided video board sits over the center court while a scoreboard with player data and the game clock are behind each basket. Western Michigan Band, Photo by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Upon entering the arena, fans immediately see the impressive WMU Hall of Fame where an extensive display of individual plaques tell the story of great athletes and coaches of the past. The basketball program itself has been in existence since 1913. At timeouts and halftime, they offer students the chance to win prizes if they make different shots. During our visit a $10,000 prize was offered if a student made a shot from half court, he missed. The school’s dance and cheerleading squads provide excellent entertainment. The WMU mascot Buster the Bronco is very active and can be found all over the arena. When the arena is full, the sound level is amazing. Neighborhood 4 Given the location on a university campus, there are plenty of restaurants and bars available nearby, including the University Roadhouse, Bruno’s Pizza and Waldo’s Campus Tavern. In the general downtown area, about a mile away, well-rated restaurants include Rustica for French/European dining, Ray-Ray’s Italian Beef and Sausage, Shawarma King for Middle Eastern fare, and the Old Goat Tavern. In recent years, Kalamazoo has gained a reputation for its many breweries. You can’t go wrong with any of them: a few very popular choices are Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, One Well Brewery, Final Gravity, Latitude 42 and Green Door. Visitors can enjoy the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, the Air Zoo in Portage, and the Gilmore Auto Museum is a 30-minute drive in Hickory Corners. Fans 3 The student section (aka “The Zoo”) is on the second level behind one basket. They are a relatively small, lively bunch. Typical crowds of 1,700 plus fans create a surprising level of cheering in the 5,421 capacity arena. WMU has an ardent, knowledgeable group of alumni who support the team and freely share their support and opinions. The school puts on a high level of quality video/sound/entertainment. Fans receive a free program which contains plenty of player and coach information. There is a table offering school garb. The game experience is much better when there are more fans in the house. Access 3 There are a number of free parking lots adjacent to the arena as well as across the street near the softball field. Given its location on campus, the signage is somewhat limited. Metro Transit provides bus service and the Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport is a few miles south. The ticket window is inside the only entrance on the east side. Enjoy the Wall of Fame before going to your seats. The arena staff is very welcoming and friendly. Return on Investment 4 For Division I basketball, this is a great value. Ticket prices run $15-$22. A Pick Six plan ($66-$84) allows fans to select six games. I’d recommend the bleacher seats (bring a cushion) and are where fans can spread out and enjoy the game. No need to order in advance, either. The parking is free and reasonably priced concessions make it a bargain. All that considered, it is surprising that more people do not attend these games on a consistent basis. Extras 3 The Fieldhouse gets one point for the school’s mascot Buster the Bronco who is terrific with the kids and very active all around the arena. The Fieldhouse receives another point for the pep band: great music and always a lively show. There is also one-half point each for the great value and professional game production. Final Thoughts The stage is set: great production, good quality of college basketball, reasonable prices, free parking, excellent mascot. All they need is more students and fans to attend, thus creating a boisterous atmosphere.

Photos by Pauk Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Mohegan Sun Arena 255 Highland Park Blvd Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins website Mohegan Sun Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 8,350 Twenty Years of Hockey in Wilkes-Barre For a facility that has been in existence for only twenty years, the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza has gone through a number of name changes. Initially named The Northeastern Pennsylvania Civic Arena and Convention Center, the building has also been called The First Union Center at Casey Plaza and The Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza before entering into a 10 year naming rights deal with the nearby Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs racetrack and casino. The Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins are the primary tenant of the facility. The team has enjoyed quite a bit of success in their time in the American Hockey League, qualifying for the playoffs in 18 of their 20 seasons in the American Hockey League, including every season since 2002. The Penguins have reached the Calder Cup finals three times in their history. Food & Beverage 4 The Mohegan Sun Arena offers an impressive menu for a mid-sized arena. Fans attending Penguins games can choose from several stands, each offering unique menu items. Stands operated by local favorites Chickie & Pete’s and Revello’s Pizza headline the offerings. Other options include Center Ice Grill, Brewski’s & Brats and Power Play Pizza. In addition, portable carts offer a wide variety of snack foods to round out the culinary experience. Chickie’s and Pete’s Stand at Mohegan Sun Arena, Photo by Pauk Baker, Stadium Journey Craft beers from local breweries Lion Brewery, Troegs and Dogfish are sold throughout the facility. Fans seeking non-alcoholic beverages can choose from a variety of Coca-Cola products. The Stix Sports Bar, located behind section 119, features seating that overlooks the arena floor. This sports bar features several high-definition televisions, and sells craft beers and mixed drinks. Puck’s Craft Vodka Bar offers specialty drinks for thirsty Penguin fans. Mohegan Sun Arena offers several signature items for the adventurous eater. The Roast Beast, sold at the Lion’s Den concession stand, contains 8 ounces of Roast Beef in au jus, cheese sauce with bacon, horseradish sauce and crispy onion straws on a Kaiser roll. It comes with a bucket of house-made kettle cooked chips seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning. Other fans may head to Glazed & Confused, where they can order a “Sticky Pig,” a pulled pork sandwich topped with an onion ring on a donut shell, or a “Beef of Burden,” a sandwich with beef brisket on a donut shell topped with an onion ring. A detailed description of Mohegan Sun Arena’s concessions can be found here. Atmosphere 3 The Penguins offer your standard minor league hockey experience, complete with loud music, in-game giveaways, and between period shenanigans. If you are at a Penguins game, you will certainly be entertained by Tux, the Penguins’ mascot. Tux has a wide repertoire of gags and skits to keep fans entertained, and is one of the better mascots in the AHL circuit. Many a visiting fan has left Mohegan Sun smelling like popcorn after getting a bucket of the stuff dumped over their heads by Tux. Tux, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Despite Wilkes Barre’s location close to both Philadelphia and New York City, this city seems to have fully embraced the Penguins. The crowd is a sea of black and gold, and the fans in this corner of Pennsylvania know their hockey. The crowd here can get really loud when the building is full, and it gives the Penguins a definite home-ice advantage. Be ready for the obnoxiously loud goal horn whenever the Penguins score. Neighborhood 4 The area around the Mohegan Sun Arena has been built up significantly since the opening of the facility in 1999. There are several hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers within a short distance of the arena. Unfortunately, the area is not an organic neighborhood that can be accessed by foot, or where you can simply park your car and explore. The neighborhood is a hodge-podge of strip malls and developments that have gone up piecemeal over the years. Thus, while there is a ton of activity around the Mohegan Sun Arena, this is not a cohesive neighborhood that would earn higher marks. Most of the eateries here are national chains, which may make the area a bit less attractive to foodies. Still, some local favorites can be found among the clutter. Lucky’s Sportshouse is a popular gathering spot for Penguins fans, and Stations Grill is a highly rated sandwich shop and deli. The Wyoming Valley Mall is less than a block away from the arena. Fans looking for a little more action locally will undoubtedly flock to the nearby Mohegan Sun Casino at Pocono Downs. Fans 3 Attendance for Penguins games has declined steadily over recent seasons. The team enjoyed a sellout streak of 54 games from 2000-2002, which was followed by another sellout streak of 90 games from 2002-2004. From 2000-2007 the Penguins averaged over 8,000 fans every season. Those days seem like a distant memory now. The team is averaging just over 5,000 fans per game in 2018-2019, good for the middle of the pack in the AHL. The fans who come to Mohegan Sun Arena are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the arena can get loud when the Penguins get on a roll. Wilkes-Barre fans have a reputation around the AHL as one of the more unwelcoming groups in the league, but these concerns are overstated. As is the case in most minor league facilities, the Penguins are marketed as family friendly entertainment, and visiting fans are treated well in northeast Pennsylvania (with the possible exception of Hershey Bear fans). Access 3 The Mohegan Sun Arena couldn’t be easier to get to. Visible from Interstate 81, the arena is located just feet from exit 168. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the facility that does not charge for parking. Unfortunately, this is where the good news ends. Mohegan Sun Arena does not have an entry lobby, resulting in fans entering directly onto the concourse from outside the building. As a result, fans are required to wait outside while they pass through security. If you are attending a Penguins game on a cold, rainy night, the long lines that form are a most unwelcome nuisance. Once inside the arena, fans enter into a cramped concourse that is much too small for the crowds that come to Penguins games. Concession stands line the inner wall of the concourse, and many portable carts line the outer wall. Lines from these stands often spill out, making navigating the concourse even more problematic. The concourse is horseshoe shaped, with a small walkway behind the sections 123-126. This walkway is only wide enough for two people, making getting around in this area even more difficult. The seating bowl does not share the same cramped feeling as the concourse. Seats are divided into two levels, each featuring individual padded blue seats. These seats are wide and comfortable, even for fans of larger stature. All seats feature excellent sight lines. Avoid the seats in the 200 sections on the end, as they consist of uncomfortable folding chairs with poor views of the action. Unfortunately, once you leave the seating bowl and exit the arena, traffic problems rear their ugly head once again. There are only two ways out of the parking lot, making exiting a slow process. It can take up to a half hour to get out of the lot on certain nights. Return on Investment 4 Lower level tickets at Mohegan Sun Arena range in price from $25-$36, and upper level tickets range from $18-$28. This puts the Penguins in the same range as other minor league hockey teams in the area. Concession stand prices are also in line with other venues at this level of hockey. Where the Mohegan Sun Arena shines is that they offer free parking in the lot adjacent to the facility. Seeing how it is the only option for parking here, it would be easy to charge a fee and collect some extra money from every fan coming to see a game. The fact that the Penguins don’t charge for parking more than makes up for the slow egress in leaving the lots after a game. Extras 3 In the far corner of the arena behind section 126 is an open area where the team has set up display cases to display the many bobbleheads that the team has given away over the years. Also set up here is the WBS Penguins Hall of Fame, Kids Club and Booster Club. Banners hang from the rafters of the Mohegan Sun Arena honoring the many division and conference championships won by the Penguins over their history. Also hanging are large banners featuring pictures of Pens alumni who currently play in Pittsburgh. A final extra point is awarded for the nice variety of Penguins merchandise available at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Pens logo, which features a muscular Penguin (they don’t drug test logos, but there’s got to be some doubt about steroid use here), is one of the more popular in minor league hockey. In addition, a small kiosk on the concourse offers discontinued items at a discount price. Final Thoughts Thanks to the success of the baby Pens, northeastern Pennsylvania has become Penguins country even though it is located closer to Philadelphia and New York. The arena may not pack in the fans like it used to, and may not stack up when compared to other minor league arenas in nearby Hershey and Allentown, but it remains a solid place to take in a game. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 A.E. Wood Coliseum S Capitol St Clinton, MS 39056 Mississippi College Choctaws website A.E. Wood Coliseum website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 3,400 Choctaw Basketball If you drive from Jackson to Vicksburg on I-20 chances are you’ve seen it, a large, very non-descript structure that resembles a giant golf ball. As you take exit 35 it greets you just off the exit ramp and you’ll think you’re pulling up into the parking lot at Epcot. But this isn’t Disney World – this is the A.E. Wood Coliseum, home of Mississippi College Choctaws Basketball. Situated about 15 minutes west of Jackson, Mississippi is the nice quaint, picturesque town of Clinton, home of the Mississippi College Choctaws. MC, as locals call it, opened its doors in 1826 and is Mississippi’s oldest college, along with being the second-oldest Baptist affiliated college in the world. A.E. Wood Coliseum opened its doors in 1977 and currently seats 3,400. The Choctaws currently compete in Division II as part of the Gulf South Conference. Food & Beverage 1 There is one small stand located to the right as soon as you enter on the south side of the building. The concessions are limited to hamburgers, hot dogs, and nachos ($3 each), as well as bottled soft drinks (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Dr Pepper at $2 each) and bottled water ($1). Be prepared to have cash ready, as the stand does not take cards and there is not an ATM in the arena. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere is interesting to say the least. The first thing you notice when entering the seating bowl is its impressive roof. The roof is made of thousands of glass octagon-shaped tiles, so it looks like you’re sitting under a giant golf ball – it’s quite visually impressive to say the least and is the most distinctive feature of the building. In addition, the way the roof is made with the white tiles illuminates the court very well, making the building seem very well lit. In fact, during night games you may forget it is dark outside – after sitting in A.E. Wood Coliseum for several hours your body becomes accustomed to the light, so you may think it is daylight outside. Top of the Dome, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey The venue is octagon-shaped with the court facing southwest to northeast. There is one main entrance on the west side of the building with a small concessions stand located right next to it. There is also a small concourse on the southwest side of the building near the concessions stand which has four entrances up to the seating bowl. The stairs leading up to the seating area are basically a spiral staircase that has a neat retro feel to it, and the seating bowl itself is set up with wooden bleacher-style seats in an octagon-shaped configuration, with the first few rows featuring chair back seating. The northeast end of the court consists of the athletic department offices and a giant (for D2 standards) scoreboard. The board measures 16 ft. tall by 26 ft. wide and reaches across nearly the entire right side of the wall behind the basket. It is quite impressive to see this size scoreboard in this small of a facility, although it would be nice if the video showed something besides just the MC logo moving around at the center of the screen. There is also a smaller sized scoreboard on the southwest side of the building, but it just shows the basic information. Along the back side of the east end court are 12 banners representing conference championships and tournament appearances by Mississippi College. There is one set of restrooms in the arena with the women’s restroom on the southeast corner and the men’s on the west side. All in all A.E. Wood Coliseum is very nice and the court is well lit, though the acoustics in the building seem off – the speaker went in and out several times and there is an obvious echo that drifts throughout the arena. Neighborhood 3 The town of Clinton was founded in 1823 with Mississippi College being founded three years later. The town was overrun with Union officers during the Civil War which destroyed much of the town, however, in the years after the war the college and the town underwent a massive reconstruction phase that resulted in hundreds of new antebellum homes, most of which are still standing. Most of the buildings on campus were built in the years following the war, and they are made with beautiful white marble columns. Perhaps the most historic building on campus is the Provine Chapel; opened in 1860 it is the only building on campus that predates the war, and was used as a Union hospital as well as the first floor being used as a stable to house future president Ulysess S. Grant’s horses. I recommend getting to the game early and giving yourself ample time to walk around the campus – it is very small, but scenic. Historic Olde Town Clinton is just a couple blocks north of campus, and is Clinton’s downtown area. I suggest walking from campus to the downtown area, as it is just a couple of blocks north along Jefferson Street. This street is lined with many antebellum homes, and with its brick-lined streets provides a very picturesque setting. In addition, there are numerous mom and pop shops and small art galleries in the downtown area; a majority of the shops are closed on Saturday nights but there is one sit-down restaurant called 303 Jefferson (the name is the same as its address) which would be a good place to get a drink or get a meal. There is also a large bookstore with a café attached to, but that is also closed on Saturday nights – it would be nice if more of these shops and eateries were open later. However, the road headed into campus (Highway 80) has all the regular fast food chains, so you should be able to find plenty to eat. For lodging, the area south of campus has several hotels (Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, etc.) and you are only a short 15-minute drive from Jackson where additional lodging and restaurants can be found. For something to visit while in the area I recommend making the 30-minute drive to Vicksburg, which is also a very historic town, so history buffs can spend a whole weekend walking around the downtown area and the Vicksburg National Military Park, which was the site of one of the most important battles in the Civil War. You pay per vehicle and can drive around all the different historical areas of the park, so one could spend hours here and I highly recommend it. Fans 2 Due to the fact that school was out for Christmas break there were not a lot of students present at the most recent game I attended. The Choctaws are averaging just a little over 400 fans per home contest this 2018-19 season, and the announced attendance at the most recent game I saw was 302. With the majority of the players from Mississippi, it seemed like most of the fans in attendance were either related to the players on the team or had some sort of relation to the university. The lower sections were pretty full while the upper wooden style bleacher seating was rather empty, with fans scattered throughout. On the most recent night I attended MC played in state rival Delta State from nearby Cleveland, Mississippi – a lot of Delta State’s fans made the trip although I didn’t see a lot of college-aged students. Access 5 You will not find a more accessible college anywhere in the state than Mississippi College. Conveniently located in the center of the state you are within a 3 or 4-hour drive to anywhere in Mississippi. The main road into Clinton is I-20, and you would take this road if traveling east or west. I-20 can have bad traffic especially at the I-55 junction, so if you take 1-20 around 5 pm on a weekday you are going to be stuck in traffic. Mississippi College’s campus is located on the far west side of town, so take Exit 35 and you will see the giant golf ball-shaped dome ahead of you, right next to the football and baseball stadium. Highway 80 runs from Jackson right into campus, but it takes you through a rough section of town in the south Jackson area, but if you want to take the scenic route the historic Natchez Trace Parkway also runs right through Clinton. This two-lane road is very peaceful and void of red lights and any commercial traffic. The Trace has tons of areas you can pull off the road and visit such as Indian mounds, old cemeteries, historic houses, nature trails, campgrounds, etc., so if you have time I suggest just driving down The Trace just for its scenic beauty. Just make sure you go the speed limit though – the whole parkway is administered by the National Park Service and the speed limit is between 40 and 50, and you will have to pay a pretty hefty fine if you are caught speeding. Return on Investment 3 I was pleasantly surprised to see that A.E. Wood Coliseum has a small ticket office set up selling tickets as you enter. A lot of smaller colleges do not require purchase of a ticket to attend a game, but the prices here are reasonable ($5 admission) so it will not break the bank. Combining the ticket and the low concessions prices you are looking at spending $10 to $15 tops, but my recommendation would be to get something to eat before you come to the game and just pay for the ticket. Extras 3 Located right under the large Mississippi College banner on the south concourse is a small kiosk which serves as the Mississippi College Athletics Hall of Fame – this interactive display is a touch screen where you can view all the different athletes in the Hall. For a school as small as Mississippi College it is nice to see that they have a nice setup where fans can familiarize themselves with some of the athletes that came from the school. Before visiting A.E. Wood Coliseum the only notable athlete I knew of who attended Mississippi College was former New Orleans Saints pro bowl kick returner Fred McAfee, but after leaving the arena I knew about some of the other athletes who attended the school, so one extra point for that. Another extra point goes to the campus itself – I recommend just walking around the campus and the town of Clinton before the game as the area is very pretty. The campus and downtown area cover just a couple of blocks, so you could easily walk around for 30 minutes or so before the game. Mississippi College Campus, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Another extra goes to for accessibility; Mississippi College’s campus is one of the most convenient campuses I’ve ever visited. You could go from driving on the interstate to parking to sitting down in your seat in less than 10 minutes, as A.E. Wood Coliseum and the parking lot are located literally less than 100 feet from the interstate. Final Thoughts There are tons of elaborate basketball venues in the country these days and most of them, with all their bells and whistles, are more to just experience the atmosphere of attending the game. At A.E. Wood Coliseum you will not find any Cameron Crazies or Bleacher Creatures, but instead you get to see a basketball game in its purest form, the way it was meant to be played. There are no t-shirt tosses during timeouts, there’s no halftime show, no cheerleaders, no promotional contests, etc., so as long as you understand that going in you will be satisfied.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Magness Arena 2240 Buchtel Blvd Denver, CO 80208 Denver Pioneers website Magness Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 7,200 Crimson and Gold University of Denver (DU) Pioneers are more known for their ice hockey, lacrosse, and skiing teams; not so much their basketball team. That doesn’t mean a fan should forego attending a basketball game at the impressive Magness Arena which opened in 1999. The school colors of crimson and gold are proudly displayed in the arena and along the walkways outside the venue. DU Pioneer murals and banners are prominently hung along the concourse walls and from the rafters above the court. Most of the banners and the history shown in the concourse (there’re many to see and view) are not of the men’s basketball program but from the other fine sporting teams and programs the University of Denver has developed. Take some time to stroll the concourse to see and read the DU Pioneers’ accomplishments presented here. Beginning in 1904 the basketball team played at a regional level. After WWII, the team was in an NCAA Div 1 position until 1979 when they moved to Div II and NAIA levels. The Pioneers moved back up to Div 1 in 1998 and have been in the Sun Belt Conference, the Western Athletic Conference and are currently a member of The Summit League (beginning in 2013). Food & Beverage 3 Although not all food concession stands are open for a basketball game at Magness Arena, there is still enough open for a snack or meal when attending a match. Three choices of burgers with fries or a chicken finger basket go for $8.75, fish and chips are $9, pizza, bratwurst or a hot dog run $4.50 – $5.50. Snacks include popcorn, nachos, candy, and soft pretzels ($3.50 – $5.50). Pepsi is the soft drink provider with drinks running $4.25 – $6.50. Bottled water and hot chocolate/coffee are also for sale ($4). Alcohol is served at Magness Arena. The concession stands offer the domestic Budweiser and Coors brands, while Shock Top, Canadian Molsen, and Colorado Native are available at some stands ($7.75). A separate cocktail kiosk offers hard liquor, beer, wine, hard cider, and margaritas ($7.50 – $9). Visa, MasterCard, and cash are accepted at all stands. Atmosphere 3 Magness Arena provides an enjoyable, safe environment in which to watch a game. All seats are crimson colored and are either cushioned folding chairs or stadium-style, fold-down seats (cushioned as well). Most have cup holders and except for court side or handicapped sections, legroom is minimal. The seating area surrounds the court, however, for low attendance games, the end zones are blocked off with black curtains. Select seats in section 11 if wanting to face the logo center court and look at the player benches. A four-sided, center hung video board televises the game live and the quality is pretty crisp and clear. Two LED video boards which display players on court and their stats (points, assists, rebounds, fouls, etc) are mounted in opposite corners of the arena and dot matrix scoreboards are in the opposite corners of the venue. Cheerleaders and a pep band are present. Giveaways include things like T’s for 3’s or if the Pioneers get 80 points or more, everyone gets a coupon for a Smiling Moose sandwich. Half time entertainment at the game of this review was a basketball contest between two local elementary schools (always enjoyable to watch). The music is a tad on the loud side (sometimes can’t hear what the announcer is stating clearly) but for the most part is only played on breaks and at half time. Magness Arena is kept chilly so remember to bring a jacket and gloves (yes, even to a basketball game). Neighborhood 3 I did not notice a hotel within walking distance (1/2 mile) to the arena. However, there are many along the RTD light rail line. There’s a LaQuinta Inn & Suites one light rail station away (without light rail, it’s maybe a 1.2 mile hike to DU). Many eating establishments are within walking distance (1/2 mile or less) of the University. Fast food chains of Qdoba, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, etc are close by. Two non-fast food places I can recommend are Crimson and Gold Tavern and Spanky’s Urban Roadhouse. Both are sports bars with 5+ TVs showing a variety of sporting events. Food and service is fine at both places, nothing fancy – a good salad or burger and a beer. Jerusalem Restaurant, an award winning Middle Eastern inn, is just a few blocks away and also worth a visit. For those into craft brews, Fermaentra, a small, independently-owned brewery is also just a few blocks away and offers a variety of artsy, world class brews. Plenty of sporting venues are in the Ritchie Center (the sports complex of the University of Denver – including Magness Arena) and surrounding area: lacrosse, tennis, gymnastics, soccer, and more. Take a stroll through the campus and neighborhood to see the playing fields and the buildings that are rich with beauty and tradition with 21st century buildings mixed with those built from the 1890s – 1950s. The Pepsi Center is a little over 6 miles from Magness Arena (and accessible via the light rail) so if in town and a little Nuggets action is desired, take the E line down or head south on I-25. Fans 3 Pioneer basketball fans are a delightful mix. The biggest fans are the players, cheerleaders, and pep band. Lots of families with children in tow are present. Some students attend – not many – I expect when the Pioneers play local rival Colorado College this may increase, even in basketball. Plenty of alumni and retired fans attend the games as well. All fans are respectful of visiting fans, players and each other. It is a safe place to visit. Access 4 Getting to the arena is extremely easy via either light rail or vehicle. Light Rail lines E, F, H drop you off at the University station. The light rail fare went up on 1/1/2019 ($10.50 all-day pass) so it is actually less expensive to drive and park ($5) and since the basketball arena doesn’t fill up, it’s pretty easy getting out after a game. The arena is right off the I-25 / University Ave exit. In addition, one can find neighborhood parking just two blocks away at no charge. Some close-by metered parking can be found which is monitored Mon – Sat; free on Sundays. Denver International (DIA) is the closet commercial airport about 30 miles from the university. The concourse does not get packed during half time so people movement is free flowing. Plenty of clean restrooms are handy with almost no lines. Return on Investment 4 Individual tickets run $12 – $17, so it’s very affordable sports entertainment. With the ability to park for free ($5 at the most) and average concession prices, attending a game is worth the price. Hopefully the team will start winning more games and then the dollars spent will become an even better entertainment investment. Extras 2 The court has a picturesque city skyline with mountain peaks in the background, quite fitting for Denver. A small merchandise stand with clothing and trinkets is on right upon entering the west entrance (the side across from the soccer and lacrosse fields by the carillon tower). Final Thoughts Watching some basketball at the University of Denver offers an opportunity for fans of any age to enjoy college level play at very affordable prices. Minimal student influence deprives the game of some college atmosphere, but the experience is still a positive one.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Hill Field House 1700 E Cold Spring Ln. Baltimore, MD 21251 Morgan State Bears website Hill Field House website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 4,250 Home of the Bears Morgan State University was founded in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute, a Methodist Episcopal seminary. Later it changed its name to Morgan College. The name changed once again in 1939 to Morgan State College when it became a public university. The school was granted university status in 1975, thus becoming Morgan State University. Morgan State is not a part of the University System of Maryland; the school opted out and possesses its own governing Board of Regents. Morgan is a well known Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Famous alumni include actress Mo’Nique, singer Deniece Williams, current Mayor of Baltimore Catherine Pugh and Kweisi Mfume, Former President of the NAACP and U.S. Congressman. Athletically the school competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). MEAC members are HBCU schools located in the Southeastern and the Mid-Atlantic United States. The Bears basketball teams have been in the modern NCAA Tournament twice as a 15th seed (2009 and 2010) and went to the 2008 NIT as an 8th seed. Talmadge L. Hill Field House is named for the head basketball coach and an assistant football coach at Morgan State College, from the 1930s to the 1960s. Food & Beverage 2 A lone concession stand is under the bleachers on the north side of the arena right behind the concourse bear statue. Hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), candy ($2) and chips ($1) comprise the entire menu, along with bottled soda ($3) and bottled water ($2). The prices are excellent and the hot dogs smell great but it is our recommendation that you plan to eat somewhere else before or after the game. Atmosphere 2 Hill Field House is a bit lacking in atmosphere. The arena is fairly big and spacious in the inside, so sound and excitement are not part of one’s experience here. There are seating sections on three sides of the arena, with a large empty area behind the east basket. The cheerleaders do use some of this space for their cheers. The west side stands are smaller than the north and south main stands. The student band takes up part of the lower section of one of the seating areas. They are a very good band and I only wish they played more often. The cheerleaders are very good and try to keep as much excitement going as they can. There is also a bear mascot that roams the stands entertaining kids along the way. The arena does have a simple, basic scoreboard that is underutilized and some nice banners along the one empty wall. There is much excitement at local rivalry games such as with local schools Coppin State, Howard and Delaware State. Neighborhood 3 The area right around Morgan State is essentially residential. It is not a bad area, but neither is it overwhelmingly welcoming. You will probably want to venture away from campus for food, lodging, and entertainment. A sponsor of the team and a personal favorite for food is Miss Shirley’s at 513 West Cold Spring Lane. They are known for their great breakfast and down-home food. Venturing further from campus, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana and Zia’s. You could also go south from the Morgan campus and check out one of my favorites, the Abbey Burger Bar right near the Cross Street Market. The beer selection is good and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, all that is likely to satisfy. For slightly more upscale cuisine a visit to the 1100-1200 blocks of North Charles Street where The Brewer’s Art and Sammy’s Trattoria offer good food at decent prices. Baltimore is home to many tourist attractions such as Harborplace, Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is located on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, although its unique collection will not be for everyone. Fans 2 Hill Field House is pretty quiet inside. And except for a couple of loud fans overall, there is very little fan engagement. As with many mid-major college gyms, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. Student attendance at games seems to be pretty low, although it is higher when Copping, Howard and Delaware State come to town. Access 3 Morgan is not too hard to find. If on the Baltimore Beltway, I-695, one can take exit 30A (Perring Parkway/MD-41S) south until it becomes Hillen Road. Hill Field House can be found along the first left after the E Cold Spring traffic light. Any trouble in accessing the arena comes once you are on campus. There is a parking garage next to Hill Field House, but you may need to drive around to find it as the signage is not extremely clear. The cost to park there is $10. I also found spaces for free around campus. It was a weekend game so those may be harder to find for weeknight games. Return on Investment 3 The tickets are $10 for all general admission. Youth and senior citizens get in for $5. Morgan students are free to attend games. Extras 2 Make sure to check out some of the history of the school and its athletic programs. Morgan has gone through periods of great athletic success, although not as much lately. The Morgan State University Varsity ‘M” Club Hall of Fame has some cool displays and includes National Football League Hall of Famers Rosey Brown, Leroy Kelly, and Willie Lanier. The student band and cheerleaders do a great job. They are both top notch units that deserve more than they get from the quiet fan base. Final Thoughts Hill Field House is a pleasant enough arena that suffers from being too spacious for its own good, and that means the atmosphere is not as great as it should be. But the low price of admission and a strong caliber of play means it is still a great choice for the local sports fan.

Mascot Hall of Fame, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey The Mascot Hall of Fame (MHOF) is an interactive children’s museum with the theme of mascots. It is located at the very east end of Whiting’s Downtown Business District and about one block from the Midwest Collegiate League’s Northwest Indiana Oilmen / Oil City Stadium. And in the summer months the MHOF is about a block away from the “Whoa Zone” which is a floating water park. The MHOF, which was previously online only, was founded by David Raymond, who was the original Phillie Phanatic from 1978 to 1993. One day the city of Whiting Indiana stumbled across the virtual mascot hall of fame while trying to find a way to extend the tourist season for the city (Pierogi Fest weekend draws 300,000 from around the Midwest, its Fourth of July parade between 40,000 and 50,000 and its July 3rd fireworks 15,000). So, they cold-called Mr. Raymond and pitched a brick-and-mortar Hall of Fame (HOF). It opened its doors to the public on Dec 26, 2018 to much delight of all fans of mascots. The entrance fees are $12 for adults and children over 2, free for children under 2, $10 for seniors and teachers and free for active military. There are one-year memberships for individuals ($35), family ($129), grandparents ($119), Association of Children’s Museums membership ($179), additional family ($20), Reggy’s Rug Rat Club ($20). Of course, separate field trip / group rates are available too. Each has different perks such as guest passes and 10% off at the gift shop and concession stand. The following mascots are already inducted in to the Hall of Fame: MLB The Famous Chicken – (Former San Diego Chicken from Padres) Mr. Met – New York Mets Slider – Cleveland Indians The Phillie Phanatic – Philadelphia Phillies Sluggerrr – Kansas City Royals NBA Clutch the Bear – Houston Rockets Benny the Bull – Chicago Bulls Rocky – Denver Nuggets The Coyote – San Antonio Spurs The Jazz Bear – Utah Jazz The Gorilla – Phoenix Suns NHL Tommy Hawk – Chicago Blackhawks NFL KC Wolf – Kansas City Chiefs College Aubie – Auburn University Big Red – Western Kentucky University Brutus Buckeye – Ohio State University Bucky the Badger – University of Wisconsin Lil Red – University of Nebraska Smokey – University of Tennessee YoUDee – University of Delaware Nittany Lion – Penn State University Mascot Hall of Fame Inductees, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey As you walk in one of first things you notice is the ATM is covered in fur and that there are a bunch of giant inflated mascot heads (all the Mascot Hall of Fame inductees) hanging from the ceiling of the three-story building. MHOF ATM, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey MHOF Floating Mascot Heads, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey First Floor (named Phuzzical Education) activities: Goofball Arena: Where kids can shoot hoops, kick field goals, shoot hockey pucks, kick soccer balls Basic Training: a play area for toddlers to crawl, tunnel etc. T-Shooter Stadium: This is an arcade-like game where visitors can “shoot” T-shirts from a cannon and into a crowd and directly adjacent to this area is the “Parents Penalty Box,” which has a several lounge chairs where parents can watch their children play in Goofball Arena, the T-shirt game or the Basic Training area. Mascot Mart: Their souvenir store. This store has some really nice shirts from $16 to $45, hats and swag (such as magnets, mugs and other trinkets) that all are reasonably priced. One bad thing about the store is that they don’t have the licensing, yet, to sell stuff featuring the inductees. But the MHOF is working on obtaining the licenses. A snack bar with the basics such as hot dogs ($3), nachos ($2.50), slushies ($3), soda ($1.50), juices, chips, candy bars, etc. MHOF Phuzzical Education, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Second Floor attractions: Fureshman Orientation: A short film explaining the history of the Mascot Hall of Fame. A doubled wall “panel of pictures and short explanation of all the inductees of the MHOF. Also, several interactive kiosk video panels have information about each MHOF inductee. MHOF – The Phillie Phanatic, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey A hands-on exhibit where kids learn what it is like to be a mascot with interactive activities and videos, such as how difficult is it to hold / grab something with the big hands, how come mascot costumes smell, why mascots have cooling fans in the costume, how hot it is in a costume (you can try on a head), how much does a costume weigh, how a costume is made, and even learn about the human body. One of the coolest interactive activities is where participant puts on weights (size portioned) as a mascot would then go through a series of activities and then check their pulses to see how the costume and activity affect the pulse rate and how difficult it is to be in the costume. Where is the Mascot From: A game to try guessing correctly in 60 seconds where the mascots are from. Centuries of Silliness: A mascot time line that shows the history of mascots from early days to the present. This includes some interesting tidbits on the wall, such as how the Navy (in 1893) and Army (in 1899) started their mascots, Chicago White Sox first “mascot / batboy” in 1919 was Eddie Bennett (a teenage orphan) and who was the first official mascot of the Olympics. In this area, pictures of mascots with famous people, such as the Phillie Phanatic with President Nixon are displayed. Frankfurstein’s Mascot Area: Kids “design” their own mascot using parts (heads, bodies, hats, and arms) that available in the area. Also, there is a coloring area where kids can color their own mascot with plenty of tables supplied with crayons. A kiosk is available where one can “design” their own mascot by selecting each part of a mascot is. When you are done, you can have your “Mascot” e-mailed to you. Strut your Stuff: A zone where you can make your very own “mascot audition tape.” You select the type of mascot you want to be and go in front of a green screen and are prompted to do several activities. When you are done you can view your video and have it e-mailed to you. A display where you can touch the different materials that costumes are made of and you can build your own mascot in the “Build-a-Mascot” area. It is a “Build-a-Bear” but with some different choices of “bears and clothes.” The price range is from approximately $20 to $30 dollars. Third Floor A conference room for private parties and it has a nice view of Lake Michigan. Another nice touch the MHOF has is after each “area” is completed there is a stamp pad that shows that you have completed the area. Once you have each of the six (6) areas completed, you have “graduated” from Mascot University. MHOF Final Exam Book, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey A visit to the MHOF is worth the trip. Everyone who works there is very nice and helpful. Kids and even adults (who can act like a kid here) will love this place as there is a bunch of stuff to keep everyone occupied and entertained. Mascot Hall of Fame - Having Fun, Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Huff Hall 1206 S 4th St Champaign, IL 61820 Illinois Fighting Illini website Huff Hall website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 4,536 Historic Huff Hall Huff Hall was known as Huff Gymnasium until the 1990s. The building is named after George Huff, a former major league baseball manager (Boston Americans which later became the Boston Red Sox) and University of Illinois Athletic Director. Huff Hall is home to the University of Illinois Fighting Illini volleyball and wrestling teams. From 1925-1963 it was home to the school’s basketball teams before the opening of the State Farm Center (then known as the Assembly Hall) in 1963. The Illinois High School Association boys’ basketball tournament was also played here before moving out as well (now played in Peoria, after moving from Champaign in 1995). Recent renovations have included new office spaces, some new bleachers and a floor designed purely for volleyball in mind. It also added a few new spaces to the old venue. The University of Illinois volleyball program is one of the strongest in the nation. Playing in the very strong Big Ten Conference, the Illini are one of the stalwarts of the conference. Food & Beverage 3 There is a concession stand inside the arena itself. Sitting in a corner, it offers very light refreshments. Hot dogs are on sale with popcorn for $3. Coca-Cola branded soft drinks are available for $4. A Dippin’ Dots kiosk is also on hand for some frozen treats. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere is where this aged venue shines. It is loud. It is an intimidating venue for an extremely good volleyball team. Even the best teams in the country may falter when faced by the volume of this venue. On Saturday, October 4, 2014 the school even hosted an event during a volleyball match called “IlliNOISE Night” where the crowd would attempt to be the loudest volleyball venue in the United States. The 4,536 in attendance that night hit 105 decibels in between the first and second sets against Wisconsin. The seats are generally pretty old. And I mean OLD. Frankly the wooden seats were not designed for modern bodies. They are uncomfortable and offer little legroom. There are also quite a few obstructed view seats. But strangely enough these quirks make the building even more special. A very small classroom building style hallway surrounds most of the arena. Neighborhood 5 The neighborhood closest to the stadium is mostly made up of dorms and academic buildings, not to mention high quality athletic facilities. A very short walk away is the area along Green and Wright Streets called “Campustown.” There are many bars, shops and restaurants in this area, and they tend to cater to young college students. Older fans will want to center their post-game activities around downtown Champaign. Once a pretty boring downtown area, one will now find many bars and restaurants. The Esquire Lounge is a local icon and should be a stop for everyone. Try a pork chop sandwich and say hi to owner Pedro. Other great downtown spots are Derailed 57, Blind Pig Brewery, the gastropub DESTIHL, sports bar Jupiter’s, and Farren’s Pub & Eatery (at a very hidden location at 308 N Randolph Street). There is a much larger version of Jupiter’s on the outskirts of Champaign (2511 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center) that is also a good choice. If visiting that second Jupiter’s location also try Billy Balooz right next door (2521 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center). Downtown Champaign has another wonderful new addition with a Hyatt Place hotel. Stay here and you can easily walk to all the great establishments of the area. A shuttle to games is available for a nominal fee from here as well. Urbana is a bit slower pace kind of town. But there are three places that jump out as must visits. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House (201 N Broadway Ave, Urbana) offers amazing barbecue, but expect to wait in line to get in and the tasty burnt ends will go quickly. Crane Alley (115 W Main St #1, Urbana) is a nice bar with some great beers, and Masijta Grill (202 N Race St, Urbana) is a great Korean barbecue. Fans 5 The University of Illinois is known as a basketball school. The football team has not seen consistent success for over 60 years. So it is no surprise that the successful volleyball team is probably the second most loved team on campus. The fans pack this venue for all games. They are the reason this building is so loud. They know and understand volleyball, and help to elevate this experience into a very special one. Access 4 Champaign and Urbana are both easy cities to navigate. Huff Hall is not located close to a major highway, but most roads leading to the area will be four lane ones. A grass lot next to Huff Hall is free for parking, but will fill quickly. You can also look for meter spaces and garage parking near the venue. Park far enough away you could probably find a nice free space, it just depends on how far you wish to walk. Champaign-Urbana is at the crossroads of I-57 and I-74, as well as being the eastern terminus for I-72, so getting to the area from Chicago, Indianapolis and points west will be pretty easy. Return on Investment 5 Parking is free. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $7 for reserved seats. Youth can get in for $2. The prices are incredibly reasonable and that means that you get a great value for your money. A portable ticket booth is located outside the main/west entrance. Extras 3 Check out the wooden seats that could only come from a venue opened in 1925. You will never see seats such as those in a newer facility. That is a good thing, but these are still part of history. The hallways of Huff exude history. This is an old building that has quite a bit of life still in it. Stop and look around. There are often temporary tables set up in the arena, just north of the playing surface for clubs and college activities to show off their activities. You should be able to pick up a free poster or other souvenirs at these tables. A small souvenir stand is also located inside the arena itself. Final Thoughts The University of Illinois has a volleyball team that plays at a high level. They also play at a historic venue that should be a destination spot on its own.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Elland Road Leeds, England LS11 0ES Leeds United website Elland Road website Year Opened: 1897 Capacity: 37,890 Marching on Together Elland Road is home to one of the most famous clubs in England, Leeds United. The Yorkshire side have fallen from grace in recent years, but in the past, they were considered one of the biggest names in football and were most successful under Don Revie in the 1960s and 1970s. The club’s motto and famous chant is Marching on Together, and the song can be heard reverberating around every corner of the stadium on match days before kick-off. Elland Road was built in 1887, and has been the home of the Whites since they were formed in 1919. It is the 13th-largest football stadium in England, and was used as one of the eight venues in Euro 96. Food & Beverage 3 Elland Road is home to the usual matchday fare including pies, pasties, and sausage rolls. The bars in the stadium are usually rammed before kick-off and at halftime, and it can often take a while to get served. The area isn’t great for options either, with only a few pubs and fast food outlets scattered around nearby. Atmosphere 5 Elland Road is renowned for its atmosphere, and has frequently maxed out its capacity of 37,890 in the past. Despite playing in the second tier of English football, the club still records some of the highest attendance figures in the country. In the 2017-18 campaign, the Whites had the second-best attendance record in the division of 31,521, which was just behind Aston Villa in top spot on 32,097. The atmosphere is better than it has been in years in the current competition, as Leeds are well-placed to win promotion this time out. As of 14th of December, they are 7/4 with Betway to win the league. The fans are enjoying the good times under manager Marcelo Bielsa, and the atmosphere within Elland Road reflects this. Neighborhood 3 Elland Road is situated in the area of Beeston, not too far from Leeds city center. It’s a quiet neighborhood with a mix of residential houses and businesses. There are no hotels right next to the ground, but there are plenty to choose from within the bustling northern metropolis. Fans 5 Leeds fans are renowned for being some of the most passionate and dedicated in the country. They have been through hell since the club was relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2003-04 season and fell as low as League One after finding themselves in financial turmoil. According to 1Sports1, Leeds have the seventh-best fan base in England, and that is attributed to their fiery northern mentality. Needless to say, they have a number of strong rivalries with other clubs in the country. When they were in the top flight, Leeds’ main conflict was with Manchester United, described as the Roses Rivalry. It dates all the way back to the War of the Roses of the 15th Century, with the Elland Road outfit representing the white rose of Yorkshire and the Old Trafford club representing the red rose of Lancashire. Another one of Leeds’ biggest rivalries at that time was with Chelsea, who play their home games at Stamford Bridge in London. Access 4 It is fairly easy to get to Elland Road on match days, and if you are travelling from the city center all you need to do is hop on buses numbered 51, 53, or 55. The journey from Leeds train station takes about 20 minutes. Return on Investment 3 Seeing a Leeds game isn’t cheap, in fact they are one of the most expensive teams to watch in the Championship. The highest ticket for an adult is £39, while the cheapest is £26 in the Family Stand. In recent years, the return on investment hasn’t been great as the side have struggled. But, this season, fans are being treated to some good quality football under Bielsa. Extras 4 A match day programme can be bought at the ground. The other bonus is the massive history of the stadium. This is English football at one of its most iconic venues. The place is dripping with charm and is intimidating for visiting clubs. When it is at capacity, this is indeed a special place for the game. Final Thoughts A visit to Elland Road should be on the bucket list of any football fan. The stadium is up there with the likes of Anfield for atmosphere, and the fans are what makes this place truly special. Perhaps soon they will be back in the top flight as well. If they do go up, it will be one spectacular party, that’s for sure.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Homestead-Miami Speedway 1 Speedway Boulevard Homestead, FL 33035 Homestead-Miami Speedway website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 65,000 NASCAR’s Final Four Homestead-Miami Speedway prides itself on being one of the top speedway destinations in America. That has been reflected in the track’s facility upkeep, modernization, and overall fan satisfaction. It continues to be host to a variety of events outside of NASCAR’s Ford Championship Weekend as well, with club racing and various track day events taking place on the premises throughout the year. Food & Beverage 5 Homestead-Miami Speedway has some of the best food and drink selections when it comes to pro sports. Whether you want traditional sports fare like burgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc., or you’re looking for something more exotic (fresh-pressed Cuban sandwiches, Polish sausages, sweets, et al), Homestead-Miami Speedway has you covered with locations all over the facility. The track’s concessions stands are located around the track in various locations, making finding food easy. The food selection is still stellar and quite impressive when it comes to how much you can choose from. The prices are also still solid, despite going up a dollar or so. For example, hot dogs run from $5 to $9, depending on what kind you want. Atmosphere 4 As if the atmosphere in South Florida wasn’t enough to make this a must-attend event, the latest NASCAR points system change has brought the energy at Ford Championship Weekend to a fever pitch. Fans roaming the midway are buzzing all weekend about the latest qualifying or practice results and their respective predictions for who will take home NASCAR’s top prize. Indeed, the Chase has produced one of the single most electric feelings at a sporting event in the world. The track could use some updating in places (for example, most of the water fountains were green and moldy looking, if they work). Also, where restrooms used to be monitored by a cleaning staff, they are often left all weekend seemingly unchecked. The grandstands show their age, with many of them needing replacement or tightening, as they are loose and give a lot when leaned against. Homestead-Miami Speedway has made improvements to the track itself, but could use some sprucing up of the simple things, too. Sadly, in years past where sponsor displays took up every inch of real estate both inside the gates and outside, now just a few main displays remain, meaning there is a lot less to do between race sessions. Aside from that, the track action is among the best in all of racing. The fans in the stands erupt with each pass for the lead, and know exactly who they do and do not like. Neighborhood 4 Homestead-Miami Speedway was originally constructed in the middle of miles upon miles of palm tree farm fields, but you would never know that looking at it now. In the decade and a half since its construction, the immediate area has drastically changed. There are housing developments all around, with each one growing more expansive and beautiful with each passing day, giving the area a true “neighborhood” feel. Not far away from the track is the new state-of-the-art Homestead Hospital, as well as a shopping center off Florida’s Turnpike exit 2 that has a wonderful array of dining options, like Olive Garden, Chili’s, Sonic, Portofino Coal Fired Pizza, Red Lobster, Longhorn Steakhouse, Chipotle, and Panera Bread. Additionally, shopping options are there as well (Kohl’s, Publix Supermarket, etc.). That being said, South Beach and Miami are a mere 30 miles north, available for those who wish to visit the more vibrant side of South Florida. The Florida Keys are also nearby, just 15 miles south. Florida City, which is literally next to Homestead-Miami Speedway, is also booming with new shopping plazas popping up with food options, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Jimmy John’s, Applebee’s, Golden Coral, Cracker Barrel, Krispy Kreme, etc. Looking for a hotel isn’t as hard as it used to be either, with a Home2 Suites by Hilton popping up in Florida City, as well as a few new hotels having arrived near Florida Turnpike exit 2, such as Hampton Inn & Suites Homestead. For sights, the entrance to both Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park are just miles away. Fans 5 While recent years have seen the crowds at NASCAR races dwindle due to the economy, the new Chase format makes Homestead-Miami Speedway stand out from the rest – the 2015 Ford EcoBoost 400 sold out over a month before the race actually began. However, that trend has continued to go down as well, with the 2018 edition of the race only selling out the day before the big race. The fans packed the track for the Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series races as well, with the two series also having adopted a chase elimination style format. Indeed, NASCAR’s changes to the Chase have made the fan base that visits Homestead-Miami Speedway even greater than before. Access 5 While Homestead-Miami Speedway may not literally be off the exit ramp from Florida’s Turnpike, a few miles of rather direct traveling is all it takes to get there. Parking is extremely easy to find, while the signs are numerous and easy to read, as far as directing you to your destination. Traffic flow in and out is orchestrated by local police and security, as well as volunteers in the parking areas, so getting lost is very unlikely, and if it does happen it is not hard to find help. Entrances into the track itself are equally as numerous, and the lines to get in (bag checks are at every gate) are usually very quick moving. Pit passes for most events are easy to purchase, and grant fans arguably the closest and best access to drivers, teams, and garages in the world. Autographs are almost a certainty, either through a pit pass or via the multitude of driver appearances set up throughout the weekend. For road course races, not many tracks rival Homestead-Miami Speedway for how close you get to the action. All around the infield road course are bleachers set up for fans to watch the racing action at the closest battled corners of the track, all less than 25 feet from the track itself – it’s as if you’re sitting right on top of the action. Return on Investment 5 Homestead-Miami Speedway is NASCAR’s equivalent to the NCAA Final Four, the Super Bowl, and The Masters all rolled into one. For the price of a ticket to the race you get not just the event, but an experience. There are so many displays set up around the track during NASCAR weekend, and so many giveaways and contests as well, that one can easily go the entire weekend and likely miss something among all the fan areas! The fan experience at Homestead-Miami Speedway is made even greater by the pre-race festivities put on at the race itself. Prior to the 2018 Ford EcoBoost 400, for example, fans were treated to a pre-race concert by country music sensation Hunter Hayes, as well as driver introductions with UFC announcer Bruce Buffer. With the added knowledge that you WILL see a new champion crowned at the end of the Ford EcoBoost 400, you are also getting to witness history, and you certainly cannot put a price on that. Extras 3 For fans staying in Homestead-Miami Speedway’s camping grounds, the Homestead National Parks Trolley is there to take visitors to either Everglades National Park or Biscayne National Park for free. In addition, every year there is a charity fishing tournament, with the best in both pro fishing and racing taking part in the track’s infield lake. The various displays at Homestead-Miami Speedway also feature driver Q&As and autograph sessions during race weekends, though the number of displays has greatly diminished over the past few years to just a handful of sponsor setups. But ticket holders for all three races get post-race tickets to join the championship celebrations on the front stretch. Final Thoughts Homestead-Miami Speedway remains one of the top destinations for any sports fan to visit. History is made every year here, regardless of what happens – you will see a champion crowned, guaranteed; few other events in sports can say that. Despite its aging flaws, Homestead-Miami Speedway remains a must-stop for anyone looking to experience the best NASCAR has to offer.

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Van Andel Arena 130 W Fulton St Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Grand Rapids Griffins website Van Andel Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 10,834 As Good as it Gets in Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan is a true gem and it is getting even better. The home of the Detroit Red Wings’ AHL affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins is an excellent place to enjoy hockey as well as many top name entertainers. Due to the close proximity to the parent club in Detroit, Griffin fans enjoy the chance to see future NHL players sharpening their skills and hoping to move 180 miles southeast to play in Little Caesars Arena. Considering the population of Grand Rapids (second largest city in Michigan – metropolitan population is over 1,000,000), the number of choices to eat and drink in the downtown area is amazing. A wide range of quality allows everyone to find their niche. The city has been named “Best Beer Town” by national publications, morphing from its former “Furniture City” designation. Thanks to Amway corporate leaders, the downtown has revitalized itself in recent years. It is a true destination location for travelers. Food & Beverage 4 Hockey fans can find copious food and drink options at Van Andel. On the lower level, the Intermission Restaurant and Bar is a full-service dining room open two hours before the puck drops. A wide range of concession stands offer the traditional options such as $4.50 hot dogs, $7.25 nachos, $5.50 cheeseburgers, $5 brats and combo baskets. One cost saver is the $10.50 refill cup with unlimited refills of soft drinks during the event. Pepsi products are offered along with national and craft beers from $7.25 to $9.25. Cocktails vary from $6.50 margaritas to $10 for the whiskey plum, while wine goes for $6.50 to $10. The Valley Cattle and Fry Co. stand provides burgers along with chicken wings and tenders. Peppino’s has a whole pizza for $25 and slices for $4.50. The Fulton Bar features Hudsonville Ice Cream options. Various Mexican food items are “custom made” as the customer chooses what goes into his/her burrito; I really enjoyed this opportunity. Atmosphere 4 Van Andel Arena opened in 1996 and has played a significant role in downtown revitalization. Sports, concerts, and plays are of high quality for all audiences. An HD video board on the south wall is a great addition as replays and lots of fan shots are shown. An LED lighting system was installed in 2016, along with free public Wi-Fi. There are apps available for the Griffins and Van Andel Arena that link the customer. The arena displays Calder Cup Championship banners honoring the 2013 and 2017 teams. The sight lines from the seats are quite good. However, the seats are relatively narrow by today’s standards that provide moderate leg room; all seats are padded and have cup holders. The seating areas and ceiling have a dark motif; the new lighting draws the fans’ eyes to the rink. Short stairways lead from the seats to the main concourse. Team mascot Griff the Griffin is a lively character who roars around the ice before the puck drops and meets/greets the fans. Neighborhood 5 The variety of choices available in downtown “GR” is great for hockey fans and event goers. Highly rated restaurants within easy walking distance include San Chez Bistro for all three meals serving small plates/tapas, Wheelhouse Kitchen for contemporary dining and the Bistro Bella Vista offers Italian fare. The Grand Rapids “BOB” (Big Old Building) has several dining and drinking alternatives in a lively atmosphere. Nearby downtown establishments I have enjoyed are the Butcher’s Union on Bridge Street and The Chop House on Monroe. Choosing a brewery in GR is a challenge: there are many high-quality options. Near the arena are Hop Cat and Grand Rapids Brewery Company. In the surrounding city areas, consider Founders Brewing, Mitten Brewing Company, Brewery Vivant, and Railtown Brewing Company. Attractions abound in and around GR: the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on the east side are excellent, the Gerald R. Ford Museum just west of downtown honors our 38th President, and the Public Museum and Art Museum are also great choices. Fans 4 Over the last five years, the Griffins’ average attendance is close to 8,000 which places them about #6 in the 31-team AHL. The team appears to do a very good job with group and family sales and they have added some suites. “The Corner Office” is a group area featuring food and drink along with luxury recliners. One great policy is the ushers holding up signs asking fans to wait until a stop in the action before returning to their seats – this should happen at all parks in my opinion. Fans are given a free “Griffitti” program when they enter. The fans are knowledgeable of the game and make noise for shots on goal, and the arena staff is very friendly and helpful as they welcome the fans. Access 5 Driving to Van Andel is quite convenient even though it is in the downtown area as two freeways have nearby exits. That said, fans should allow some time for parking and walking to the game. Parking lots/ramps are run by the city and cost $12 for events. Some metered street parking is available; if fans get to one of those spots at the right time, they could save some money. Fans enter the arena on the north side. Public transportation is widely available. The arena concourse is a good size, yet can get a little tight with large crowds. Handicapped fans are accommodated well with elevators and many seating locations available. Return on Investment 4 Tickets vary from $19-$40 at the gate; fans can save $3 per seat if purchased in advance. Check the team website and app for special offers; “4-pack” deals for family and the D-Zone are examples. The team offers lots of promotions/giveaways for most matches. Winning Wednesday events include free tickets if the team wins that night. Food and beverage pricing is typical for this level of play, and the variety is a plus. Extras 4 One point for the active downtown scene which can be enjoyed before and after the game. Another point for the excellent production provided by the Griffins staff throughout the game: excellent sound system and music; lively announcements; items dropped from the catwalks down to the fans (including a parachute drop with pizza boxes for free pizza). They make it an enjoyable experience. One point for excellent and friendly customer service. One point for the Grand Rapids Hall of Fame plaques throughout the entire concourse where they recognize players (including President Gerald Ford who played football at U of M), coaches and media favorites. Final Thoughts This is a great minor league hockey venue! Hockey fans might consider getting tickets for a weekend of fun: they offer a number of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday games on the schedule, so fans could stay downtown do it up right! Even casual fans will enjoy a match and families are very well served.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium 1600 Campus Court Abilene, TX 79699 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 12,000 History and Excitement Reside in Abilene Three division titles, 12 conference titles, two national titles – the history of Abilene Christian University football is long and storied. Currently playing in the Southland Conference in the FCS division of college football, the Wildcats have sent scores of players on to the NFL over the years, including Taylor Gabriel, Johnny Knox, and College Football Hall of Famer Wilbert Montgomery, as well as former WWE World Champion John Layfield. After sharing a stadium with local high schools for several years (the Wildcats have not played on campus since World War II), ACU unveiled their brand-new Wildcat Stadium in 2017. This $50 million facility features all the shiny bells and whistles associated with new facilities. The stadium also has one eye firmly rooted in the history and heritage of the Wildcats program, and looks to be the best of the past, present, and future. Food & Beverage 4 The food scene at Wildcat Stadium is – quite frankly – insane! There are all your traditional favorites such as hamburgers and hot dogs ($4 each), Frito pie and nachos ($5 each), soft pretzels and popcorn ($5 and $3 respectively), all of which can be found at any of the five stands (three on the home side and two on the visitors side) in the stadium. However, there are two stands that go far above and far beyond the norm for most college facilities. At the Ultimate Tailgate stand options include a garlic and herb stuffed hamburger as well as a mozzarella and roasted red pepper stuffed hamburger. Wow. Need more? There is also a New England hot dog, Chicago style dog, and a brisket chili cheese hot dog. The burgers are just $6 (or $9 with fries) and the dogs are $5 (or $8 with fries). In addition, at the Wildcat Smokehouse you can also get the burger and hot dog options, plus such outstanding options as smoked candied bacon on a stick, smoked brisket or pulled pork sandwiches on cornbread buns, a pork riblet sandwich, and a Buffalo chicken sandwich. Crazy, right? With all of that said there are a couple of things to be aware of when getting your grub on at Wildcat Stadium. First, there is no alcohol sold at Wildcat Stadium; fountain drinks, bottled water, and sports drinks are available though. Second, the stands are open until the fourth quarter and do sell out of some of the most popular items quite fast. Atmosphere 3 History is everywhere at Wildcat Stadium. On the exterior of the building near Gates A and B, the facade is bedecked with large photos of some of the all-time greats in Wildcat history. In addition, a statue entitled “Lean on Me” greets visitors at the B Gate – depicting the late All-American Chuck Sitton and his lifelong friend David Halbert, the statue is another nod to the team and university’s storied past. Exterior of Wildcat Stadium, Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The inviting brick facade soon gives way to the slick interior of Wildcat Stadium, where even more history can be found. Nearly every wall on the stadium level features photos and history of past Wildcat greats. A gently sloping hill sits under the massive Wessel Scoreboard in the north end zone. Decorated with the signage of several of the campuses Greek societies, the hill has become popular with fans – especially kids who can be seen tumbling down it repeatedly throughout games – as a comfy spot to enjoy the on-field action. Neighborhood 3 Located in the part of the state designated as West Central Texas, Abilene has a long history of being one of the preeminent cow towns in Western history. It is this tradition that the city has embraced fully, and you can see it fully on display at the impressive Frontier Texas! history museum located in downtown Abilene. Visitors get an immersive experience into Western history and the role Texas played in its development. This museum has consistently been ranked as one of the best museum experiences in the state, and should definitely be added to any to-do list when visiting Abilene. Another must-do is taking in the Abilene Zoo – a giraffe encounter, a miniature train that spans the whole zoo, and a pond with paddle boats are all on the table of activities to do when visiting. If you’re bringing young ones with you, this is a spot you have to take in. When it comes to eating either before or after Wildcats games, Abilene has got you covered. My personal favorite, after having made several trips to the city, is Belle’s Chicken Dinner House. This family style restaurant will flat out fill you up – fried chicken, chicken fried steak, catfish, chicken and dumplings …bring your appetite if you go to Belle’s. Or, if you’re looking for a little more upscale dining, Beehive Restaurant is one of the most highly recommended and highly rated in the area. This restaurant is billed as a classic West Texas steakhouse, so the beef is front and center. It is on the higher-end of the price scale, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on making a visit. Fans 4 Wildcat Stadium has done a tremendous job of boosting the attendance at ACU football. Last season the Wildcats averaged over 10,400 fans per game and sold out the stadium twice, which was a 60% increase over 2016’s attendance, and placed in the top 25 overall in the FCS. And at the most recent game I attended, it was clear that the honeymoon is far from over for fans at Wildcat Stadium. The east side stands are set aside for the student section and they are jam-packed! There are cowbells, towels waving, and there is purple everywhere. The stadium configuration doesn’t lend itself to being overly loud, but that does not take away at all from the fan experience. Access 3 Wildcat Stadium is located on the Abilene Christian University campus in the school’s athletic complex, within walking distance of the basketball arena and soccer, baseball, and softball fields, as well as the tennis courts. You can see the stadium from quite a distance away, and there is ample free parking for visitors. ACU has also jumped on the relatively new trend of allowing electric scooters on campus. There is a docking station near the Gate C entrance to Wildcat Stadium, and if you have the app, you can use these scooters to tour the neighborhood or just get to and from your car in the parking lot. It is not incredibly easy to get to the city of Abilene itself – the airport is not one that takes many commercial flights, so you’re pretty much going to have to drive here to get here. It is around a four-hour drive from San Antonio, three hours from Austin, and two and a half from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. So, unless you know someone willing to give you a flight, plan on being in the car for awhile. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets for general admission seating at Wildcat Stadium start at $25 per person (reserved seating tickets are $50 per person). With parking being free and the relatively low cost for the (outstanding) concessions, you get a bargain at Wildcats games. Again, the only drawback is the access. But for what you get in terms of the competition and history at ACU, it’s a stop that college football fans shouldn’t miss. Extras 2 The extras at Wildcat Stadium – beyond the amazing history of the program – are all pretty standard in terms of college football. There are the cheerleaders, the mascot – Willie the Wildcat – and the marching band. The Big Purple Marching Band plays throughout the game in their section of the home team stands and – of course – at halftime. One highlight to be aware of is the t-shirt toss; between the third and fourth quarters, cheerleaders and student volunteers throw t-shirts into the crowd and fire off a t-shirt gun. Final Thoughts Wildcat Stadium is a great venue for college football – there are no bad seats in the building. Also, the food is exciting in its variety and is a bargain. Especially since it is still so brand new, you should definitely add Wildcat Stadium to your bucket list of venues to visit. Abilene, while a little tricky to get to, is also a great city in its own right. Make a visit when you can, you won’t be disappointed. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Raymond Field 550 Main St. Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 Acadia Axemen football website Raymond Field website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 3,000 Home of the Axemen Nestled between various vineyards and the Bay of Fundy in the scenic Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia is the town of Wolfville and Acadia University. With an enrollment of around 3,500 students, Acadia is one of the smaller schools in USports football. However, the football program fields a competitive team almost every season. Their greatest success came in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the Axeman made four Vanier Cup appearances, winning two of them in 1979 & 1981. Since 2005, Acadia has reached the semi-finals five times, losing each match. Food & Beverage 2 There’s not much to get excited about with the food options at Raymond Field. Two concession stands are located underneath the main grandstand. Depending on what you’re craving, you may have to visit both stations. Follow your nose to the grill behind section 4, as scents of hamburgers and hotdogs draw you to the makeshift concession stand. The permanent concession stand has more traditional snack foods including popcorn, candy, and an array of soft drinks, juices, hot chocolate, and coffee, all under $4. For a frosty beverage, a beer garden is set up just beside the grandstand. The garden consists of picnic tables and standing room areas with full view of the game. Beer options are limited to cans of Budweiser, Bud Light, Alexander Keith’s and Okanagan Cider for around $6. Instead of settling for some of these traditional choices, enjoy the farmer’s market next door prior to kickoff. The market offers a variety of food options including breakfast feasts, ethnic favorites, and desserts. In addition, a number of eating and drinking establishments are located within walking distance of the stadium. Atmosphere 2 Raymond Field would be a great place to film a football movie based in the 1960s. The main grandstand is an “old-timer” concrete structure and wood bench seating, with an angled heavy-looking canopy cantilevering over all ten seating rows. The grandstand is only on the west side of the field and is not centered to the field markers. Despite the running track surrounding the field of play, you will be close to the action sitting in the grandstand, as row one is within arms reach of the first runners lane. Additional aluminum stands are located at the corners of the field, but feel isolated from the main atmosphere. No matter where you sit, you’ll have a view of the lone scoreboard. Try not to miss any of the action, no video boards can replay any great play call. Entertainment during lulls in game action is minimal, but still catches your eye. The public announcer has a great voice for the job, with exuberant excitement after a big play; the fight song also blares over the loudspeakers after an Acadia score. Cheerleaders and the mascot, named “Axeman,” attempt to increase the crowd’s energy throughout the game by chanting and throwing out t-shirts. Neighborhood 5 One of the best aspects of an Acadia University game day experience is exploring the town of Wolfville. Raymond Field is located on Main Street on the west side of town with plenty of restaurants and attractions nearby. The stadium is directly across the street from the picturesque campus, and literally next door to a charming downtown. Be sure to set time to stroll down Main Street and visit the many local shops and restaurants. The downtown is only a few blocks long and is easily walkable. Walk down to the visitor center at the east end of town and swing back along the “Rails to Trails” nature trail to learn about the history of the railroad in the valley. Enroute you’ll see an interesting example of adaptive reuse historic preservation, as the old train station now functions as the town’s library. Be sure to check out the delightful farmers market and the many historic homes throughout the town. Couple your stay with “Devour!” a food film festival in late October celebrating cinema, food, and wine culture. Wolfville is the place to be if you are a wine aficionado. Vineyards line Highway 1 offering wine tasting and tours. A wine bus may be the most effective (and safe) way to experience as many wines as you can handle. Annapolis Valley is also known for its apple and pumpkin farms. If attending a game in late October, be sure to check out the Pumpkin Regatta. This annual event is located in Windsor, a half-hour away, and features a parade of gigantic pumpkins decorated and hollowed out to be raced across Lake Pesaquid. Fans 3 Acadia may have small enrollment and is located far from a major city, but the hundreds of local fans have taken an obvious sense of pride in Acadia football. Section 4 is reserved seating for season ticket holders, which is nearly full for every game. Here, you’ll find the most knowledgeable and boisterous Axeman supporters who can be clearly heard all over the field making up chants or hollering at the referees. Crowd sizes range from 1,200 – 2,000 per regular season game. Homecoming can expect a crowd between 2,000-2,500. Access 4 Admire a gorgeous drive through the Annapolis Valley if you’re arriving from Halifax. Make the hour-and-a-half trip in mid October, when the leaves are vibrant in colour with reds, greens, and oranges covering the landscape like a painting. Be sure to keep eyes on the road and depart Highway 101 at the Grand Pre exit. Follow Highway 1 past a number of wineries and B&B’s and you will roll right into downtown. Just past the few blocks of local businesses you’ll clearly see Raymond Field’s goal post and grandstands on your right. Turn into the large free parking lot just past the grandstand. Transit is an option if you’re arriving from as far as Greenwood. Kings Transit provides a bus every two hours for $3.50. Navigating your way to your seats from the parking lot should be straight forward. Sidewalks lead uphill to the main entrance of the multi-functional Acadia Athletic Complex. This facility consists of the school’s fitness centre and hosts a number of Acadia sporting events, including basketball, hockey, track & field, and swimming. The box office greets you as you enter through the building’s atrium. After receiving your ticket, follow the crowd to the only patron entrance into Raymond Field. On the way you’ll pass a campus store and the Acadia Sports Hall-of-Fame before security checks bags and tickets are scanned. You likely have a general admission (GA) ticket, unless you’re a season ticket holder. A GA ticket allows you a seat in sections 1-3 in the permanent grandstand (close to concessions and the washrooms) or any of the temporary metal bleachers set up near the end zone. A barrier free ramp leads to the grandstand’s accessible seating row located on the first row behind the visitor’s bench. Early-bird fans gravitated to the last row of the grandstand which provides the best overview of the field, back support from the canopy structure, and wind protection. Return on Investment 3 Acadia keeps their fan experience very simple. You won’t find pyrotechnics or a live marching band here. But you will experience a comfortable place to watch a college football game. Single game tickets can be purchased at Raymond Field’s box office, by phone, or on-line. Season tickets are available for $35. Acadia football provides a good experience for an afternoon family outing. Since young, future Acadia football stars can sometimes lose focus on the game, a bouncing castle is set up at the corner of the endzone to expel excess energy while you continue to enjoy the action. Extras 2 An extra point for grilling their hot dogs and hamburgers on site. The smell of barbecued meat draws you in for a tasty bite! An extra point for Acadia Hall-of-Fame open to all ticket holders. The old photographs and trophies tell a rich history of Axeman Sports. Final Thoughts Spending a full day or weekend in Wolfville is well worth your time during late summer or early fall. A wide range of sights, sounds, and activities fulfill all the senses for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Implementing a football game at Raymond Field to your agenda will satisfy any sports fan knowing how consistently competitive the team is. Overall, the fan experience is simple, welcoming, enjoyable, and not at all overwhelming…just like the town of Wolfville.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 University of Charleston Stadium 1549 Piedmont Rd Charleston, WV 25311 University of Charleston Golden Eagles website University of Charleston Stadium website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 18,500 Country Roads, Take Me Home to D2 Football University of Charleston Stadium is located in Charleston, WV near the state capitol, and is owned by Kanawha County Schools. Due to lack of funds to maintain the venue, however, the county partnered with the University of Charleston, which provided $1.5M in 2003 for upgrades such as new turf, a new skybox, and new locker rooms, in exchange for access plus naming rights. The stadium is shared by the university’s lacrosse and football teams, and is also used by the local high school. The stadium was originally built in 1979, and currently holds 18,500 fans. Food & Beverage 3 University of Charleston Stadium has very low-cost concessions, including burgers, calzones, pizza, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches (separate stand), with nothing over $3.50; other options include packaged candy and popcorn for $1.50, or chips for 50 cents. However, if none of those options are to your liking, you can also pay $10 out in front of the stadium for an all-you-can-eat buffet sponsored by the alumni club, and enjoy barbecue, chicken, beans, coleslaw, dessert, canned soda, and bottled water. Once inside the stadium drink options include soda, Gatorade, bottled water, coffee, and hot cocoa for between $2 and $3 each. There are two concessions stands inside University of Charleston Stadium, one underneath each grandstand in the exact middle. Despite the low attendance at games, concessions lines can be pretty long, especially during halftime, so you may want to opt for the Chick-fil-A stand instead, which is a separate stand located close to the main entrance, outside the grandstand area itself. Atmosphere 3 The UC Golden Eagles at University of Charleston Stadium provide a decent atmosphere for football – on one hand the attendance is very sparse, so there is not much crowd noise at all, but on the other hand you can walk around pretty much wherever you want, so you can get really, really close to the action. In fact, you can even stand next to the field the whole time and the staff won’t bother you, as long as you don’t get on the turf itself. The field is surrounded by a track, and the cheerleaders perform in front of the home side all game long. There is no mascot, however, and there is no video board either, so you can’t watch any replays. Neighborhood 3 University of Charleston Stadium is in a pretty run-down part of town, but it is close to the state capitol, and there are a couple of restaurants and other attractions nearby if you happen to be in town for the day or weekend. The most popular tourist attractions are the Capitol itself and the Clay Center (sort of a children’s museum), and there are also a couple of decent restaurants within a mile or so of the facility, including Bluegrass Kitchen (featuring upscale comfort food) and Soho’s (an Italian bistro and bar). If you plan to be in Charleston overnight, there are plenty of hotels around depending on your preference and budget – the two closest are Residence Inn and Charleston Capitol Hotel. Fans 1 Very few fans come out to Golden Eagles games at University of Charleston Stadium, so the venue will generally be practically empty. Part of this is of course due to the weather, as it can get pretty darn cold in the Appalachian Mountains by October or November – the scenery here is nice, though, with the mountains clearly visible in the background as you watch the game. Access 4 Getting to University of Charleston Stadium could not be easier – the stadium is literally visible from the freeway (I-77/I-64 practically goes right over the top of it at Exit 99), and there is free parking on the other side of Elizabeth Street from the facility; you can park about 100 feet from the main entrance. While the venue itself is a little run-down, there are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the small crowd, so the only wait you might have it at the aforementioned concessions stands. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UC Charleston games at University of Charleston Stadium cost just $10, which is as cheap as you will probably ever see for college football. And while you will not find a ton of energy at this venue, being able to walk right up to the field makes it well worth it, and you can’t beat the free parking and cheap concessions. Extras 1 There is not much at University of Charleston Stadium besides the game itself, but you do get the nice scenery in the background, all the seats are chair back benches, and there are also UC painted school buses parked right on site, so that might be something to explore while you are at the game – selfie, anyone? Final Thoughts The closest FBS stadium to Charleston, WV is over in Huntington, or you can drive several hours north to see West Virginia play. But for the money and the ease of access, seeing a game at University of Charleston is not a bad way to spend an afternoon in the Mountaineer state.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 George Williams Athletic Complex 1315 Oakwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27610 Saint Augustine’s Falcons website George Williams Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 2,500 HBCU Football in Raleigh In 2011 Saint Augustine’s University hosted its first ever on-campus football game at the then newly constructed George Williams Athletic Complex in Raleigh, NC – the venue holds 2,500 fans and cost $10M to build. The complex includes a field turf playing surface surrounded by a track, a scoreboard, and two main grandstands, plus a couple of much smaller grandstands behind the end zone. The press area is located in the top row on the home side, and is recognizable by the white tent above it. Food & Beverage 3 George Williams Athletic Complex offers pretty standard fare at its concessions stands for this level of football. The most popular items here come from a food truck near the scoreboard, and their specialty is fried fish, which comes in a really large portion for the money. You can choose either the fish basket with fries and hush puppies for $10, or the smaller-sized fish sandwich (which also includes fries and hush puppies) for $8. Other items available from the food truck are hot dogs, wings, canned soda, and bottled water – the wings are only available in a combo with fries, but hot dogs can be purchased either way. There is also a concessions table next to the home grandstand, which offers some of the same items as the food truck, namely wings, hot dogs, soda, and water, but also offers Polish sausage, candy, chips, and Gatorade, all at similar prices to the food truck. Between these two stands, you should find plenty to get you by for a couple hours while you take in the game. Atmosphere 3 George Williams Athletic Complex doesn’t pull in much of a crowd during St. Augustine football games, but the facility does provide a very intimate atmosphere – the fans who are there really enjoy it, and the band is very entertaining to watch, especially the drum majors. The stadium includes two main grandstands, one along each sideline, and also has a few very small grandstands underneath the scoreboard if you would rather watch from there. The home side has a mix of bucket-style chair back seats and metal benches, while the visitor’s side only has metal benches. However, all the tickets cost the same price, so you may as well sit in the chair backs, unless you want to be closer to the field (the chair backs start a few rows up from the bottom). Neighborhood 4 George Williams Athletic Complex is located near downtown Raleigh, and there are a ton of restaurants about a mile to the west (along Capital Boulevard). A few great options to mention are Brewery Bhavana, which features brews plus dim sum, or Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant, which specializes in country-style breakfasts. And of course, what trip to North Carolina would be complete without barbecue? The Pit Authentic Barbecue is a few blocks west of Big Ed’s, and is definitely worth a look if you want to grab a bite before or after the game. If you plan to be in town for the day or weekend, Raleigh offers plenty to do. A few good options downtown include the Museum of Natural Sciences and the Museum of Art, but there is also a kids’ museum (Marbles) as well as a couple of parks to visit. There are also plenty of hotels in the area depending on your preference and budget. Fans 2 Very few fans show up at Saint Augustine football games, perhaps only 1,000 or fewer at a typical contest. However, there is a surprising amount of crowd noise for the number of fans in attendance – the folks who are there really get into it. Given that the student population of the school is only about 1,500, it is not surprising there aren’t more fans at game. Access 3 Parking at George Williams Athletic Complex only costs $10, but the parking lot is literally right next to the grandstand, so you don’t have to walk very far. Unfortunately, however, the bathroom situation is not very good here, as only port-a-johns are available, and there is also no ticket office at the grandstand – for that you need to walk to the next building over (about a hundred yards away), which isn’t bad but is just not very convenient. Also, the lines at the ticket office are very slow, so it would be a good idea to arrive early to make sure you can get squared away in time for kickoff. Return on Investment 4 All tickets to Saint Augustine football games at George Williams Athletic Complex cost $16, regardless of whether you sit on the home or visiting side. This is about average for D2 football – some venues will be a little cheap, while others will charge a lot more. In addition, parking is reasonable and concessions are on the cheaper side as sports venues go, so you can find a pretty good return on your entertainment dollar watching a game here. Furthermore, you will spend a LOT less to see a football game here than at nearby Carter-Finley Stadium. Extras 1 Besides the football and the band, George Williams Athletic Complex doesn’t offer much in the way of entertainment during your visit (for example there is no mascot in sight). But the stadium is currently undergoing some construction, as evidenced by the fencing on the back side of the home stands, so the facility may feature some nice improvements in the near future. Final Thoughts While there aren’t too many frills here, George Williams Athletic Complex offers an intimate experience for fans of college football, without the high prices and traffic of other football stadiums nearby. Be aware that the lower cost comes with some tradeoffs, however, such as having to use port-a-johns instead of regular bathrooms. Nevertheless, if you can get past those you should have a perfectly fine time seeing a Saint Augustine Mighty Falcons game here.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fred Rust Arena 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Blue Hens website Fred Rust Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,500 Blue Hen Pride The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest in Delaware. They are a privately governed university that receives public funding. The school from which the university grew (Academy of Newark) was founded in 1743, making it one of the oldest in the nation. However, UD was not chartered as an institution of higher learning until 1833. U.S. News & World Report ranked UD’s undergraduate program 30th among public universities in its 2017 rankings. The university’s programs in engineering, science, business, hospitality management, chemical and biomolecular engineering, chemistry, and biochemistry have been highly ranked. Fred Rust Ice Arena was built in 1971. The complex also hosts the Gold Arena, which is an NHL-sized rink. The facility is home to the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens men’s and women’s ice hockey teams competing at the club level. The men’s team competes at the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I level in the Eastern States Collegiate Hockey League; while the women’s team competes at ACHA Women’s Division II level in the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference. It is also home to the University of Delaware Figure Skating Club and the University of Delaware Synchronized Skating Club. The Blue Hens men’s team won the 2012 ACHA Division 1 National Championship on March 7, 2012. Food & Beverage 3 There is a very small snack bar with an even smaller number of seats located in the right corner after the arena entrance. They have a simple menu but still some nice variety. Because of the ice skating groups and individuals who spend many hours at the arena for practice, they want to offer many food choices. It is a good option while attending a game. There are also snack and soda vending machines located near the visiting team side of the arena. Prices are cheap and they have good options here as well. I particularly like the coffee machine, which also sells chai tea. Atmosphere 3 The arena has a main grandstand along the home side of the rink. It is nothing fancy and is pretty much metal bleachers. The best seats are the ones with a blue-enhanced bottom cushion. It seems like nothing much but it does help the comfort level of the fans. Across the ice, the visiting team bleachers are just metal alone. The atmosphere is pretty simple. This is a place to watch a good level of college hockey and not much more. They do offer spaces for kids' birthday parties and other group events. There is a very good pro shop called Crystal Sports located in the lobby. It is a place to get your serious hockey and ice skating gear. They will also sell some Blue Hens merchandise inside. Other team merchandise will be sold on temporary tables inside the arena, next to the rink. Neighborhood 3 Newark (pronounced here as New Ark) is a great college town. Numerous food options on East Main Street will fill you up before or after a game. Parking on East Main Street is always a bit of a problem. There are many public lots, but note that they may be behind buildings and hard to find. Many restaurants offer validation for the public lots. If you do not want to fight for parking, head the opposite way from downtown Newark and towards the gigantic Christiana Mall area. Right before getting there is Border Cafe, designated only with a large “EAT” sign. Their large and varied menu offers great Tex-Mex & Cajun options at a pretty cheap price. Try the catfish fajitas with a side of jambalaya. Numerous dining and lodging options are prevalent around the Christiana Mall area, although if in search of lodging, one should look at the Embassy Suites located across from the baseball stadium. Around the corner from the stadium, behind Rust Arena, is the campus-run UDairy Creamery. Stopping for a pre or post-game ice cream cone is a must. Fans 4 The fans here are very knowledgeable. The Blue Hens teams have shown great success over the year so the fans expect to see quality hockey action. Some of the fans are family and friends of the players. There are also quite a few youth hockey clubs that attend the games. Access 5 Rust Arena is easy to reach and is only a couple miles off Interstate 95. You may have to pay some tolls, although locals will know how to avoid them as much as possible. Parking is free and plentiful in front of Delaware Stadium, the Bob Carpenter Center, and the arena. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are a reasonable $6 each. There are some options for group tickets and special events. Because of the fairly high quality and level of activity, the return on investment is quite high. Extras 3 Check out the banners and memorabilia for the various UD hockey teams. The teams have shown great success over the years, including winning the 2012 ACHA national championship. While you are looking at the banners, make sure to look at all the awards and information in regard to the various UD ice skating programs and their success. This is a facility that is known to be the spot where the best of the best come to practice. Speaking of “the best” you will also see items displaying the various high-level ice skating talent that trains there, beyond just the UD teams. World ice skating champion Kimmie Meissner is just one of the individuals that made the Rust and Gold arenas their home rinks. If you get there early or stay late after a game you may even see these talents in person. Final Thoughts The University of Delaware has some very serious hockey teams, not to mention a high-level ice skating program. The Fred Rust Ice Arena is not flashy but is a great place to watch a very good level of college hockey.