Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Jackson Field 505 E Michigan Ave Lansing, MI 48912 Lansing Lugnuts website Jackson Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 11,000 Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes Galore In the last few years, the Lansing Lugnuts have made extensive additions and changes to Jackson Field. A complete renovation of the playing field was unveiled for the 2017 season highlighted by The Outfield apartment complex constructed behind center field, the colorful 84-unit building also includes a full-service bar named Good Hops. The other improvements inside the ballpark included a new 360-degree concourse, The View Banquet Hall and picnic area, metal plaques in center field honoring members of the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame, a new electronic video board, a new kids playground, a new suite area dubbed The Clubhouse, and the replacement of most of the metal bleacher seats with green plastic seats with cup holders. The improvements cost $22 million, with half coming from additional private investments. The changes have made the fan experience much better at Cooley Law School Stadium and improved seating for 11,000 people when including lawn seating. The ballpark debuted in 1996 as Oldsmobile Park and returned baseball back to town after 55 years. Ironically, the Lugnuts franchise itself dates back to that same year when it began operations as the Lafayette, Indiana, Chiefs. The ball club would play in Waterloo, Iowa; and Springfield, Illinois; before moving to the capital of Michigan. Food & Beverage 5 The variety of menu options at the ballpark is remarkable. The best bet is to take a walk around the concourse and make note of your options for food and drink. The Lugnuts offer traditional concessions stands as well as individual food and beverage carts. After your jaunt, you will be hungry and ready to order. The featured items include chicken club sandwiches, foot-long corn dogs, sausage sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and barbecue items. The smoked turkey legs and pulled pork parfait with layers of meat and real mashed potatoes and gravy are recommended. Pepsi products are the soft drinks of choice at the ballpark. The Leinenkugel Beer stand is constructed of split logs to give it a feel of being at the lake. The price of most beers cost between $6 to $8; a cocktail stand has specialty drinks for ranging in price from $8 to $12. The $15 Bev Band is a great way to save money on drinks; some of the domestic beers cost only $3. Atmosphere 4 The field is sunken below ground level; when the fans first enter the park, they go down to all bowl seats. Since the stadium is located within one city block, the “friendly” dimensions of 305′ to the corners include a 23′ wall to add a challenge to the hitters. The new video board appears to be average size and is surrounded by advertising signs. Like many teams, they use it to show fans having fun during the game. The sound system and music work are properly and sound good. During the game, there is a lot of on-field entertainment between each inning of play. There are very few shaded areas for seating; the third-base seats are more desirable, as the sun sets in the eyes of the ticket holders on the first base side of the stadium. Also, the team does not provide programs at the gate–like many others in the league–and have to be purchased inside the gift shop. Big Lug is the team mascot, wearing #96 as the team was founded in 1996. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located a few blocks east of the State Capitol Building. There are a number of bars nearby including American Fifth Spirits on the east side of the stadium. If you are in the market for a steak dinner, Bowdie’s Chophouse is very well rated among the locals. La Cocina Cubana features great Cuban fare. Kewpee’s Sandwich Shop is an old-school burger joint featuring Michigan’s famous olive burgers that come in three different sizes. The State Capitol building offers tours of the building, R.E. Olds Transportation Museum provides visitors with information on the history of Oldsmobile company, and the Impression 5 Science Center is great for kids with hands-on exhibits. Fans 3 The average attendance for 2017 was 4,468. Since there are 11,000 seats available, the level of fan involvement will vary with the crowd size. There is a standard mix of hard-core baseball fans and families/groups attending for the social experience. However, there are a few die-hards at the ballpark, one gentleman sitting at least 100 feet from home plate freely shared his opinion of each pitch with the home plate umpire. Access 4 The Capital Area Transit Association has three bus stops adjacent to the field on Michigan Ave. The Capital Region Airport is five miles from the stadium. Public and private parking lots/garages are readily available. The gates open one hour before first pitch. Physically challenged fans are well served here with the 360-degree concourse. All fans will enjoy the views from anywhere while walking on the concourse. A distant view of the state capitol building tower can be seen from the first base side. Return on Investment 4 Tickets purchased the day of the game cost $1 more than in advance. That said, if you order online, the fees will probably negate the $1 extra charge. Walk-up prices offer four choices: Executive Box Seats for $16, Box Seats for $13, Bleacher Seats for $12, and Berm Seats are $8, offering sloped, grassy spaces in left and right field. The Clubhouse suite tickets sell for $26 The quality and variety of both food and drink are fairly priced. The $15 Bev Band is highly recommended. The Lugnuts also offer a $40 Ballpark Pass which includes seats any day in a calendar month. East Lansing is the home of Michigan State University. The Lugnuts offer college students $5 box seats, a great bargain. Two students could buy two box seats and a Bev Band for $25 total and then enjoy five beverages along with the game. Extras 4 The many improvements made in recent years equate to a 4 extras rating. The Nuts and Bolts team gift shop is open to the public daily and provides excellent team clothing and mementos. The signs honoring members of the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame are a great addition. The Kids Play area in the center field will keep the youngsters busy and it’s free. The MiLB website streams free team radio broadcasts. Final Thoughts The major improvements to Jackson Field have improved the 22-year-old ballpark immensely. The facility has more seating angles, a wraparound concourse, improved kids area, and has opened up the ballpark for possible further ideas. The Outfield apartment complex has added color and a focal point to the ballpark and gives the place a bit of a distinction.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jack Ruhr Field 14221 240th St E Miesville, MN 55033 Miesville Mudhens website Jack Ruhr Field website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 600 Minnesota's Field of Dreams Take one look at Jack Ruhr Field and it all begins to seep in; the small ballpark located off a state road in tiny Miesville, Minnesota, is just off the beaten path, but close enough to the Twin Cities for a quick visit for any ballpark traveler. It’s the one town ballpark that everyone seems to mention as their favorite, even author Todd Mueller described it as the ‘ground zero for Minnesota baseball” in his book Town Ballparks of Baseball. Miesville has a population of 126 people and a history of baseball dating back to the 1920s when amateur games were played on farmland pastors around town. The current ballpark was constructed in 1961 after the league stipulated the town would lose its ball club if a new stadium was not constructed. A total of 25 local businessmen put up $100 to build a new stadium on five acres of land. What may be the most impressive part of Jack Ruhr Field is that everything from field manicuring, ballpark improvements, concession items, and routine maintenance are handled by a group of dedicated volunteers who rent the ballpark from the city. It costs $40,000 to $50,000 to operate the club and a bulk of that money comes from its annual banquet dinner and a bowling tournament that is held the weekend before the Super Bowl. However, the group has found a myriad of ways to improve the ballpark throughout the years. A recent event that attracted 1,200 customers to “The Jack” was a St Paul Saints barnstorming exhibition. The event helped pay to improve the flooring near the main entrance and concession area. Lights were added to the field in 1994 after being transported 174 miles away from the southwestern part of the state for a price of $15,000. A few years ago, a $25,000 twenty-two-foot scoreboard was erected due to a sponsorship from a nearby Treasure Island Resort & Casino. The Mudhens have captured seven Class B State Championships and have made 26 playoff appearances in the State Amateur Baseball Tournament. The president of the club for the first five state championships was Jack Ruhr, who was also instrumental in the construction and maintenance of the field. In 1990, the stadium was renamed in his honor and a plaque near the concession stands is a reminder of his legacy. Food & Beverage 4 The small concession stand offers cheap prices and the best brats in all of baseball. The smoked brats are specially made for the ball club by Greg’s Meats in nearby Hampton, Minnesota, and cannot be found anywhere else. They are finely ground and seasoned a bit differently than your normal brat. After one bite, it would be hard not to order another one before you leave for the night. The ballpark also has award-winning hot dogs, also made by Greg’s, that are grilled up to perfection. They are locally made and have a natural casing and make a perfect snap when you bite into them. There are also dollar bags of fresh popcorn that some say is the best of the town ballparks. The best part is that the prices are inexpensive with brats selling for $4, hot dogs for $3, hamburgers for $4, nachos for $3, and candy and Coca-Cola products for a buck. There are also six different cans of beers and Mike’s Hard Lemonade on sale for $3. The ever-popular Michelob Golden Light is among the most popular beer choice. Atmosphere 4 The 600-capacity ballpark offers covered grandstand seating behind home plate, open-air bleacher seating down the first base line, and one row of stadium seating between both dugouts. The right field and left field lines offer grass seating, except for a picnic area down the left field line. The outfield walls are decorated with local advertisements with corn fields in the back of the right, adding a “Field of Dreams” quality to the ballpark. St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery lies east of the stadium’s parking lot and Miesville Fire Station on the opposite side. The dirt parking lot offers enough parking space for cars and includes a championship placard of the club’s championships on the way to the entrance of the field. The concession stand is a popular spot located behind the Mudhens dugout; the small space offers a selection of food and it’s hard not to leave full from the tastiness of the brats, popcorn, and beer. There is also an area for team shirts and caps to the right of the area where there is also a memorial plaque to Jack Ruhr. The press box features at times radio broadcasts for both home and visitors, especially if the rival Red Wing Aces are in town for a game. They usually bring in a crowd from just 15 miles down the road. There is also no love lost between these two foes; it’s a storied rivalry. The crowd is friendly, easy-going, and will conjure up a few conversations about baseball with an out-of-town ballpark hunter like myself. When you settle into a game with a beer and brat in hand and find yourself a seat underneath the grandstand, there is not much different than being at a college or professional baseball venue. Neighborhood 3 Miesville is a town of 126 people, but there are two iconic restaurants near the ballpark. Kings Bar & Grill is among the top burger destinations in Minnesota and features well over 75 different types of burgers from the Bat Girl (peanut butter and jelly), Sacrifice (corn beef, sliced ham, bacon, cheddar, and sour cream), and the Pick Off (shredded pork, barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and gouda cheese). It is also a great place for beer and cocktails and an ideal hang-out destination before or after the ballgame. Wiederholt’s Supper Club is under the fourth generation of ownership and just as close to the ballpark. A few of its popular entrees include prime rib, steak, lobster tail, baby back ribs, and chicken Kiev. The fish burger walleye is another popular choice. Miesville is also near the river towns of Red Wing and Hastings, both places offer antique shops, small restaurants, breweries, parks, trails, and scenic views of the Mississippi River. Treasure Island Resort & Casino is the second largest hotel in Minnesota offering 788 rooms, The Lagoon water park and Wave Spa, an indoor and outdoor concert hall, a 24-alley bowling alley, an arcade, and a lounge. Fans 5 There was a high percentage of rain during our visit to the ballpark and the weather had canceled the previous game a few days ago, but the covered grandstand was packed with fans for the 2 pm start. Many of them have been coming to games for many years and have stories to tell about the men who have suited up in a Mudhens uniform. To say they are knowledgeable would be an understatement; they know the game and they know it well. Access 4 Jack Ruhr Field is located on Route 61 and is about a 45-minute drive from the Twin Cities. Its location is off the main interstate, but the state roads of Minnesota get you to town rather quickly. Inside the ballpark, it is easy to get around from the grass seating down both outfield lines. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is three dollars, the parking is free of charge in the dirt lot behind the right field corner, and concession prices are all under four dollars. Watching amateur baseball with a dedicated fan base and enjoying great conversations is well worth the price of admission. Extras 3 Jack Ruhr gets a point for cooking the best brats in all of baseball–minor league and major league. Many of the town ballparks offer locally made products, but the taste of these brats is the best in the business. Jack Ruhr gets a second point for the volunteer support who put in an effortless amount of time to ensure the ballpark is well maintained from cutting the grass, lining up the field, stocking the concession stand, and other routine repairs. Their work pays off for the many visitors who take in a game each summer. Jack Ruhr gets a final point for having Kings Bar & Grill just down the street; if you are planning a night out at the game and then burgers afterward–or before–it does not get much better than baseball, burgers, and beers in Miesville. Final Thoughts When I first traveled to Minnesota two years ago to visit town ballparks, Miesville always came up with my discussions with fans at the other ballparks in the state. My interest further peaked with Todd Mueller’s book a few months later. Perhaps, if you had one town ballpark to visit and you were located in the Twin Cities, Miesville might just be your place. .

Photos by Steve Bloom, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Wild Things Park 1 Washington Federal Way Washington, PA 15301 Washington Wild Things website Wild Things Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 3,200 Major League Fun at Minor League Prices Wild Things Park is the home of the Washington Wild Things of the Independent Frontier League. The franchise played in Canton, Ohio from 1997-2001 as the Crocodiles prior to being purchased and moved to Southwestern PA and was renamed to its current moniker. Wild Things Park is a modern 3,200 seat facility located on a hill above Washington Crowne Centre right off Interstate 70 in Washington, PA and offers fans a very reasonably priced day out in a park with every seat close to the action. The facility features a synthetic turf field right that was installed before the 2010 season, visual photos of menu items, grassy areas, and easy access throughout the concourse. The ballpark once housed a hot tub in the left field corner, but that is no longer a feature of the experience. The city of Washington’s population is near 14,000, but is only a 30 minutes away from Pittsburgh and Wheeling, West Virginia. Located adjacent to I-70 and near the Washington Crown Center shopping mall, the colorful ballpark offers various food options, between inning promotions, and even cookies and milk. Food & Beverage 4 Wild Things Park offers a high quality concessions experience with a wide variety of traditional ballpark fare such as nachos, burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches and ice cream. There are a wide variety of Pepsi products along with foreign, domestic and craft beers. The quantity and quality of the items make for a pleasant dining experience. Lines move rapidly with very friendly service. Every concession stand in the park accepts credit cards. Atmosphere 4 The Coal Tipple Bar is in the left field corner with a large assortment of beverages as well as tables to sit at and enjoy the game. There is a picnic area along the right field line as well where groups can enjoy the game together without losing any of the intimacy of the park. Behind the stands along the third base line is a playground as well as bouncey houses for the children that need a break from the game. The ProGrass Synthetic Turf field is easily maintained and in immaculate condition. The video board in right field is large and easy to see from any location in the park. The digital scoreboard in center field is just as large and easy to see as well. Wild Thing, a hairy beast-type creature, is the mascot. Wild Thing is quite active interacting with the fans throughout the ball park. No matter where you sit in Wild Things Park, you have a good view of the action. The seating bowl wraps around the field from the outfield corners into home plate. Box seats are $15, the higher up in the seating bowl Reserved seats are $12 and the General Admission seats are $8. The top several rows of the seating bowl near the press box and five private boxes are covered. The team has fun contests in between innings for the fans, all of which get enthusiastic responses especially when Wild Thing is taking part. Additionally, the music played between innings and during player walk ups is very unobtrusive to the fan experience. The atmosphere at this Frontier League park is a lot of fun. The size of the facility is conducive to player-fan interactions through the course of the game. After the game, the entire team goes into the right field concourse to sign autographs as fans leave the park. Neighborhood 3 Wild Things Park is located just up the hill from a typical suburban shopping center in southwestern Pennsylvania. Within a quarter mile of Wild Things Park are numerous well-known hotel and restaurant chains such as Comfort Inn and Red Roof Inn as well as McDonalds and Wendys. Within five miles of the park you can find any type of restaurant, such as Applebee's or Olive Garden. In case of a rain out a movie theater is within walking distance of the ballpark. Within 15 minutes of the park along Interstate 79 you can find the Meadows Race Track and Casino as well as premium shopping deals at Tanger Outlets. For history buffs, there is the Trolley Museum right by the Meadows and Tanger Outlets. Fans 3 The Washington Wild Things fans are a passionate group looking for a fun and more economical time compared to seeing the nearby Pirates at PNC Park. The Wild Things rank in the middle of the Frontier League attendance, averaging around 2,000 fans per game. Even small crowds at Wild Things Park can seem bigger based upon the rowdiness of the fans. Access 4 Wild Things Park is quite accessible as it is just a hop, skip and a ju,mp off Interstate 70. There is no public transportation to the field, so driving is a must to the ballpark. The closest airport to Wild Things Park is 45 minutes away in Pittsburgh. Parking is $5 per car in a large lot behind the outfield with ample handicapped spaces. The majority of the fans enter through the convenient right field entrance. There is another entrance behind home plate, but it is seldom used. The concourse is underneath the seating bowl and does not have a view of the playing surface. The restrooms are all large and extremely clean with no lines. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices are average in price for any lower level professional baseball and provide a wide variety of amenities throughout the facility. As is the case with other teams, depending on how many games a fan wants to attend, investing in a season ticket package can save several dollars per ticket per game. The team has no programs to distribute to fans. Extras 3 There is a small team store behind right field with a variety of team merchandise to purchase. Throughout the concourse you will find tributes to former players who have made it to the Show as well as Frontier League Hall of Famers. The team employees from the ticket takers, ushers and concession workers are all very friendly and engaged with the fans. The Wild Things do not broadcast the games on radio, however Kyle Dawson does play by play on the team’s video broadcasts on the team website. The background for Wild Things Park is not exciting compared to some other parks I have attended, but provides quite a scenic view of tree covered hills common to Pennsylvania.

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Stade Saputo 4750 Rue Sherbrooke Est Montreal, QC H1V 1A1 Canada CF Montreal website Stade Saputo website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 20,801 Making an Impact in Montreal Montreal, Quebec was well prepared for a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise when the Impact joined in 2012. Owners Saputo, Inc. completed phase one of Stade Saputo in 2008 in anticipation of an expansion MLS team. In the meantime, the Montreal Impact of the North American Soccer League (NASL) called the then 13,000 seat stadium home. The stadium is located in Parc Olympique, seven miles northeast of downtown. Capacity expanded to 20,801 once the announcement of an MLS club became official in 2010. The organization has celebrated momentary successes in their brief history. Though they haven’t won an MLS championship, the Impact did win back-to-back Canadian championships in 2013 & 2014, reaching the CONCACAF Finals in the latter year. Prior to the 2017 season opener, the Impact announced a five-year plan of renovations to improve fan experience by enhancing the concourses, upgrading concession options, and encouraging fan engagement with the game of soccer. Food & Beverage 4 Location and design of concession stands are both convenient and practical. There are numerous stands throughout three sides of the stadium, each with plenty of staff to minimize your wait time. Menus appear on easy-to-read LCD screens, and are written in both French and English. Stade Saputo offers a wide range of traditional and unique food items at “reasonable” stadium food prices, reducing a fan’s likelihood to grab a bite before entering the stadium. Pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and popcorn are all readily available at every stand. In addition, each stand appears to have a few unique items such as poutine or a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, a local favorite! Pepsi and Budweiser products are available for quenching your thirst. If eating your pizza while drinking a beer seems overwhelming at your seat, consider visiting the lounge above section 111. Here you can spread out and enjoy a conversation with a friend while not missing a moment on the pitch. If the lounge is too far, standing tables are plentiful on the concourse. Atmosphere 4 Stade Saputo keeps fans close to the action no matter where you enjoy the game. The facility consists of a single-bowl of over 20 rows of seats, with openings on two corners. A canopy overhangs the upper rows on all sides of the stadium for rain protection while providing the added element of amplifying crowd noise. Two large video replay boards on either end of the field ensure you don’t miss an important highlight. Look for the Impact’s K-9 mascot “Tac-Tik” roaming the concourse for photo opportunities. The three-sided bleachers are built in aluminum, creating a thunderous roar whenever fans stomp their feet in unison. The fresh air and bright summer sun can feel good while watching the game, but can be a nuisance as it’s in your line of sight for the first half of a seven-o’clock game. Seats are comfortable, made of a contoured plastic molding with back support. Hecklers will be happy to know the first row is a mere couple of feet from the end/sideline. Dedicated handicapped sections are located at the front rows of sections 118 and 130. An usher helps operate a lift for physically disabled patrons to aid in accessing their seats. Sections 116-119 are known as “Saputo Family Corner.” A jungle gym, soccer play pen, and other small activities for children are located at the top of these sections, providing an area for kids to burn energy while parents can keep an eye on the game. The North Grandstand or “President’s Grandstand” (which oddly enough is on the west side of the stadium), is built out of concrete on the side of a berm. Because of the hill and locker rooms located underneath, the concourse cuts in front of these stands, leaving the viewer slightly further away from the action. Only authorized personnel and patrons with corresponding tickets can access this section of the stadium (Sections 101-111). Player benches are located in front of this grandstand but are recessed into the field, avoiding viewing obstruction. With Olympic Stadium’s tower looming behind the bleachers, the true north seating area provides the most scenic seating location. At night, the tower is lit up blue in support of the Impact. Avoid seating within the first 5-6 rows, especially aisle seats. You risk having to view the match through a safety railing. Plus, fellow fans will be walking up and down the aisles all game. Neighborhood 2 The world focused in at Parc Olympique during the 1976 Olympics games. After the Olympic flame was extinguished, Olympic Stadium continued to host Major League Baseball games and Canadian Football League games for decades. Unfortunately the “Big O” lost two major tenants when MLB’s Expos moved to Washington D.C., and the CFL’s Alouettes travelled across the city to McGill University. Soccer revived the sporting scene in the area with construction of Stade Saputo. If you buy a ticket for an early season match, you’ll likely see the game at the “Big O” due to cold weather. Remnants of the Olympic games are still prevalent today. The old Velodrome is now a Biodome, equipped with four ecosystems to explore. Ride the tram up to the top of the Olympic Stadium tower for an impressive “birds eye” view of Montreal. Botanical gardens and large residential neighbourhoods surround the Parc, with minimal retail nearby. Though theatres and the Biodome are located close by, restaurants outside Stade Saputo are a missing piece to an otherwise great fan experience. Sports bars or any other fan interaction is a great way to introduce or conclude your time at the game. Currently, your first and last event interaction is with security guards. If you make your way downtown, visit the the old Montreal Forum, where the Canadiens called home from 1924 until 1996. Architects used an adaptive reuse strategy to transform the interior from a hockey rink to an entertainment center while still honouring the history. The venue is equipped with a movie theatre, bowling alley, bar, and a neat memorabilia store filled with old pictures and mementos from the Forum. They creatively marked where centre ice used to be, and placed a number of old seats around the face-off circle to mimic the old risers. This is a must see for any sport history enthusiast. Fans 4 The Impact have garnered a devoted following since their expansion year in 2012. The obvious natural love of soccer in the city, along with the unique fan experience acquired at an Impact game, keep energized fans coming back game after game. The bilingual public announcer encourages crowd participation as he announces each player’s number and first name, while the enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans yell the last name in unison. The two most boisterous group supporters sit in two general admission sections. The “UM02” stand, chant, and stomp loudly close to field level at sections 131-132. While the “1642 MTL” provide similar exuberance in sections 114-115, while also ringing the cast iron bell in celebration of a goal or victory. The Impact have averaged over 20,000 fans for four of their seven seasons, ranking near the top in attendance for those years. Access 3 Commuting to Stade Staputo can be complicated for a first time visitor. The stadium is setback a ways from the street and built within a hill. It would be easy to walk past the stadium without realizing it’s there with numerous mature trees lining the street. Leave plenty of time if you plan to drive to the game, as Montreal traffic is notoriously slow. From downtown, take Rue Sherbooke East (Route 138). More than 4,000 weather protected parking spots are available for $20, offering a 5-10 minute walk to the stadium. If you’re not within walking or biking distance, it’s highly recommended to take Société de transport de Montréal. Two Green Line subway stations are located a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium. VIAU station provides the shortest trek, but PIE-IX allows you to admire Olympic Stadium, host of the 1976 Summer Olympics. A one-way ticket is $3.25, or it costs $10 for a 24-hour day pass if you plan to see more of the city the next day. Biking is also a popular way for fans to commute. A protected bike lane runs along Rue Sherbrooke East with bike parking located just uphill from an entrance. A direct path leads you from the Olympic Stadium’s tower to the main entrance of Stade Saputo. The entrance is flanked with the ticket office to the left and merchandise store to the right. Other entrances are located on the southeast and northwest corners. Tailgaters commonly enjoy a bbq in the parking lot just outside the southeast entrance. Concourses are directly beneath the grandstands providing fluid circulation throughout the event. Steel column supports divide the concourse into three distinct sections. The innermost area houses concession stands, lineups, and circulation. The middle area is cleverly designed for interactive activities, while the outer shell allows wider circulation areas, standing tables, and restrooms. Section numbers are labelled above your head at each portal. Be prepared to hear a loud thunderous sound during the game as fans stomp their feet with anticipation of a goal. Return on Investment 5 Single game tickets start at $35 for general admission, located behind each goal, and $39 to $95 for a paid seat. Discounts are available for a five and ten game pack, or if you bring a group to a single game. Impact games provide a wonderful experience for a wide range of ticket purchasers. Enjoy a beer with your friends at the lounge while not missing a moment of action. Kids will enjoy all the interactive activity on the concourse when their short attention spans begin to wander. You and your family can play video games, challenge a foosball match, practice drumming on a bongo, get your face painted, be a virtual reality goalie, or get your picture photoshopped with a unique soccer players hairdo. Extras 4 Numerous family geared activities are supplied with dedicated space allowing kids to practice that game winning kick. Even after the game, a DJ jams dance music to the delight of any kid who still has energy left. The “1642 MTL” group contributing a cast iron bell to create a new team ritual is worth an extra mention. The “Honour Wall” behind section 126 recognizing individual and team achievements promotes the team even more. Finally, the finishes throughout the concourse are worthy. Simply painting the structural steel blue and white with blue LED lighting creates a space you want to spend time in. ​Final Thoughts Whether you’re a fair weather fan or a die-hard soccer supporter, Stade Saputo has activities and attractions above and beyond a typical soccer stadium. This review was written in the second year of the stadium’s five-year plan to improve fan experience. It’s intriguing to know what further enhancements will be made, when witnessing a match at Stade Saputo is already top tier.

Photos by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 TPC River Highlands 1 Golf Club Rd Cromwell, CT 06416 TPC River Highlands website Travelers Championship website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 70,000 Traveling to TPC River Highlands TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT is the home of the Travelers Championship. The tournament is held annually, usually in June. It has been held here since 1984 and has grown in stature over the years. The Travelers Championship was named the 2017 PGA Tournament of the year. More and more top golfers are coming to this tournament. It is now the only PGA event held in New England, and it does not disappoint. There is tremendous food, atmosphere and golf to be seen at this course. TPC River Highlands is not only an outstanding course but it is also an amazing place to come see a golf tournament. Food & Beverage 4 The Travelers Championship offers a good array of food and beverage options. There is your standard sports fare, such as pretzels and ice cream. There are also hot dogs, hamburgers and wraps located in the main Fan Zone, which is near the final three holes of the course. There are some specialty burgers as well as some upscale options. One of the more popular spots is Bears BBQ, which is located in the Fan Zone. The menu at Bears includes brisket, pulled pork, mac and cheese and many other bbq staples. Also available in the Fan Zone is a variety of cocktails and different kinds of beer. Ben and Jerry’s carts are located at various places along the course for fans looking for a sweet treat or some water. In addition to the general food areas, there are the premium seating areas that have their own upscale food. If you want to pay extra for a corporate outing or premium experience you won’t be disappointed by the food and views from those areas. Atmosphere 5 The Travelers Championship does a great job of creating an environment that is conducive to some really fun times. There is honestly something for everyone at this tournament. There are many areas for families and kids. They have a rock wall, mini golf, and various other games to keep kids busy. The excitement coming down the stretch at the end of the tournament is awesome. Of course, that comes from the golfers and their shot making, but the tournament does a great job of enhancing that atmosphere. The 18th green is a spectacle to behold. It comes into a bowl area that provides a perfect spot to just camp out and watch the golfers finish their rounds. The buzz in the air at the Travelers is contagious. The tournament has been able to attract a great field of golfers. Jordan Spieth, Brookes Koepka, Justin Thomas, Bubba Watson, Paul Casey and other big names attended the tournament in 2018. Neighborhood 3 TPC River Highlands is located in the quaint town of Cromwell, CT. The town itself doesn’t offer up a ton of things to do. Luckily though, it is located near Hartford where there are plenty of restaurants, sporting events, and other things to do. As far as safety goes, Cromwell is a very safe area and the neighborhood surrounding TPC River Highlands is a safe and easygoing neighborhood. Fans 5 The fans that flock to TPC River Highlands are very diverse. There are certain groups that form around certain golfers. You have the fans who support Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and others. Some fans even choose to follow their favorite golfer around the whole course. The fans are all very passionate about golf. While walking around you can hear people talking about different shots and approaches the golfers were taking. The fans are very courteous and respectful of everyone in attendance. As much as each person has their own favorite golfer, the whole crowd is united in their love of the game. Access 3 Getting to TPC River Highlands isn’t the easiest task. The course is in Cromwell, CT, which is a few towns south of Hartford. The course itself isn’t located immediately next to any of the major highways. To get to the course you have to take a bit of a tough route through the town. Once you get into the parking lot though you will see that there is plentiful parking. Once inside the course it is very easy to navigate. Be warned though that the course does have some big hills if you plan on walking the entire course. Return on Investment 4 The return on investment at the Travelers Championship is very good. Children 15 and under get in free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. There are plenty of free things to do once you get inside the venue. In addition to seeing some of the best players in the world you can demo some clubs, climb a rock wall, and play some corn hole. The only thing that keeps this from being 5 stars is that some of the food is a bit pricey. A burger, fries and a drink can run you around $17-$20. Extras 4 One star goes to the great food that is provided at TPC River Highlands. BBQ, burgers, ice cream and wraps are all top notch and first class. A second star goes to the staff that do a great job in being attentive and making sure everyone knows where to go and how to get there. A third star goes to the fact that the tournament is so kid friendly. It has many activities for people of all ages to enjoy while enjoying a day at the links. A final star goes to the beautiful course and the ending holes that are challenging and exciting to watch. It makes for some very thrilling finishes. Final Thoughts TPC River Highlands is a beautiful course and a perfect setting to host a tournament like the Travelers Championship. This tournament is awesome and if you happen to be a golf fan in New England or outside of it, this is a must-see event. You’ll get great food, great golf, and an awesome atmosphere. Stadium Journey highly recommends it.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Homer Stryker Field 51 Mills St Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Kalamazoo Growlers website Homer Stryker Field website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 3,171 A Great Success Story in Kalamazoo In five years, the Kalamazoo Growlers and the City of Kalamazoo have partnered to transform Homer Stryker Field into a great place to enjoy a college wooden bat league game. The Growlers are so confident that they recently signed a 10-year lease with the city which will mean continued future improvements to the ballpark. New for the 2018 season is The Backstop behind home plate with hockey dasher boards, a unique way for fans to view the action along with full meal service. The Dugout Club seating also uses the same dasher boards and views into the dugouts. There is a larger Kids Zone play area behind third base, Home Run Alley seating in both left and right field which puts fans right at field level, a new sound system, and a new electronic scoreboard in center field. Baseball had been played on site since 1925 and the oldest parts of the ballpark date back to 1963. Renovations in 1995 added new aluminum seating and a press box above the old grandstand, along with some additional bleacher sections. Before the arrival of the Growlers, the ballpark hosted independent baseball; the Kalamazoo Kodiaks and Kings operated between 1996 to 2008. The ballpark now has seating capacity for 3,171 people and features different areas around the concourse to enjoy the ballgame. It was also selected to host the 2018 Northwoods League All-Star Game and the team has won multiple awards for its stadium promotions and branding. The name Growlers was chosen in a vote in the community; a growler is a 64-ounce container which can be filled with beer at various nationally known breweries in Kalamazoo and vicinity. Food & Beverage 4 Since the Growlers offer so many seats that include food service, the food and beverage rating deserves consideration for all seating areas. The concession stands are located behind both home plate and first base offering standard ballpark fare of sandwiches, pizza, chicken wings, cheddar cheese curds, hand-dipped ice cream cones and Pepsi products. A special note: they offer locally brewed Bell’s craft beers at $6.50 per pint plus mainstream beers and hard cider. The Home Plate Club and Dugout Clubs offer menus with multi-course choices, premium drinks, and dessert; Suite Seats include a choice of four sandwiches, cold salads, soft drinks and three tickets for beer/wine. Atmosphere 5 The moment you park your car and enter the stadium, the friendly staff members of the Growlers make you feel at home. They offer assistance with any question you have and ensure that you and your family experience a good time at the game. The main entrance is in the right field corner and is decorated with two wooden bear statues, a giant mural displaying local baseball history and information on former Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Dick Radatz who is the father of the Growlers co-owner Dick Radatz, Jr. There is entertainment between innings offering fun for the fans. There are t-shirt tosses, racing, and one unique promotion that features a balloon toss between Growlers players and children. The team mascot Growler wears the number 64 which is the number of ounces in a craft beer growler-get it? His image shows up on many signs around the stadium. For some reason, Growler showed up at the beginning of the game but was not in the stands later for this game. The new scoreboard and sound system are excellent and the staff has put a lot of thought into music selection. The system offers sound drops and film for the scoreboard to enhance the fans experience, it is a proper balance of music/announcer volume. The bathrooms behind home plate are older, but most importantly clean and functional. The premium seating areas provide swivel seats that were once installed in Baltimore’s Camden Yards and granite top tables. The Suite Seats and Box Seats along the first base side have a clever arrangement; they removed every other row of seats and installed new drink/food rails/tables and the seats are plastic bucket-style. The bleacher seats on the third base line and the back of the first base line include seat backs. Stryker Field has one problem: it is situated/oriented incorrectly. Traditional field placement has the line from home plate to third base running towards the north; Stryker’s runs toward the south. This means that for night games, most of the seats get a lot of sun, while daytime games allow the seats under cover behind home plate to be in the shade. Neighborhood 4 Located in Mayors Riverfront Park on the banks of the Kalamazoo River about 1.3 miles east of downtown, Stryker Field is surrounded by trees. A unique reality of life here is the field floods in the spring when the river overflows its banks. A banner in the park shows pictures of the floods. There are very few restaurants near the park but given the short distance to downtown, many options exist. Kalamazoo is gaining respect for its growing number of craft breweries; in fact, the city is competing with Grand Rapids for which has the most/best breweries. Examples here are Bell’s Eccentric Cafe with a great outdoor beer garden, Arcadia, Gonzo’s, Boatyard, Onewell and Latitude 42. The Kalamazoo Beer Exchange offers good food and innovative beer pricing which goes up and down like a stock exchange; some amazing bargains show up. Fans 4 It appears that Kalamazoo has taken to heart college wood bat baseball and the Growlers. Corporations snap up the club seating behind home plate and local businesses share the four-top tables with their customers. The fans seem enjoy the games as a social event and some hard-core fans continue to support the team. The fans have added new life to the old ballpark. Access 4 The Growlers offer free parking in a grass lot adjacent to the stadium, and there is paved VIP parking available for $5 near the main entrance. Also, tailgating is permitted before each game. There is a wide concourse behind the dugouts, and since the restrooms and food stands are behind the seating areas, fans cannot follow the game while away from their seats. The Kids Play Zone offers multiple inflated play areas which look like fun. Return on Investment 4 This rating is more like 4.5 stars. The parking is free for games, reasonable prices for food and drink, Bell’s beer for $6.50/pint, and the pricing on the seat/meal combos offers is very fair. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets in advance because they cost $2 more if purchased at the gate the day of the game. Box seats are $14; bleachers $9. Suite Seats can be considered a bargain at $30 when you consider the game ticket plus unlimited food and drink. Extras 4 Homer Stryker Field receives extra points for free parking for all games, the high quality of both food and drinks, along with all-you-can-eat seating areas, courteous and friendly staff that make you feel welcomed the minute you step into the stadium, and the unique new seating area behind home plate. Final Thoughts Given the remarkable number of creative additions in the last year provided by the Growlers in their close working relationship with the city, this venue is a must-see experience. Considering that they offer college wood bat baseball, they are offering a product that competes with class A minor league parks. Their future is very bright.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.57 Memorial Field 100 Fruit St Concord, NH 03301 Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 2,000 Where the Wild Things Aren’t In 1997 the Watertown Indians of the New York-Penn League were looking for a new home and scouted out several facilities throughout the northeast. One of the cities they looked at was Concord, New Hampshire, the Granite State’s capital. The Indians played a three-game series at Warren H. Doane Diamond at Memorial Field, which turned into five games when a couple of makeup games were added. The series was well-enough attended that it led to a renovation of the stadium. While no pro team came calling (the Indians franchise was transferred to Staten Island in 1999), the Concord Quarry Dogs of the New England Collegiate baseball league did call the field home from 2001-2007. The team led the league in attendance their inaugural year and the Dogs made the postseason in both 2002 and 2003, but attendance took a sharp nosedive in 2004 with the arrival of the Double-A New Hampshire FisherCats 20 miles down the road. The club would relocate to Holyoke, Massachusetts. The New Hampshire Wild are one of the founding members of the Empire Professional Baseball League, an independent league that began play in 2016. It is a low-budget league meant to give players recently graduated from college or with little professional experience an opportunity at staying in shape and providing them the chance at being signed to higher level league contracts. The field was built in 1936 and was mainly used as a high school and amateur baseball field. It is named after former Concord High School and amateur baseball coach, Warren Doane. When the Wild are not occupying the facility, Concord High School and the Concord American Legion baseball team can be found on its diamond. The Wild played its first season at Arthur and Martha Pappas Field on the campus of Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, before sitting out the 2017 campaign in search of a new home. Memorial Field has a seating capacity of 2,000 and finally, after over two decades, pro baseball of some sort finally arrived at the stadium. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink available at Memorial Field. There are two soda machines by the building that houses the restrooms and maintenance shed, but they do not work. Luckily, fans are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages to enjoy during the game. Atmosphere 1 When the crowd at a ballgame numbers around a dozen, there’s not a whole lot of noise that they can generate. On the plus side, when the crowd is this small, fans in attendance are able to hear the chatter in the infield, coaches barking instruction to their players and all the noises that go along with a baseball game. The Wild gameday staff does what they can to create a typical minor league ballpark experience. Players stride to the plate with individualized songs, and music is played between innings. In a humorous twist, the versions played at Memorial Field are often covers of popular songs. For example, “Nothin’ But A Good Time” is not played by Poison, “Rock and Roll All Night” is not played by Kiss, and in the ultimate travesty, “Centerfield” is not played by John Fogerty. Since we are firmly in Red Sox Country, “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond makes the cut. Neighborhood 3 Memorial Field is located on the south side of Concord, New Hampshire just off Interstate 93 near Concord High School and New Hampshire Hospital. Downtown Concord is a couple of miles away, and most of the capital city’s attractions can be found here. New Hampshire is a popular summer destination for New England residents, and the White Mountain tourist attractions are located about a half hour to an hour’s drive north of Concord. New Hampshire’s largest city, Manchester, is located twenty minutes south of Memorial Field. Fans 1 The Empire League does not release attendance figures, and with good reason. The Wild average between 10-20 fans per game at Memorial Field. You read that right, and I did not leave off a zero. Those fans who do attend Wild games are obviously passionate about the team and are into the action on the field. This is not a place where fans will get loud and rowdy, as it would just attract a lot of unwanted attention from everyone in the ballpark. Access 3 Memorial Field is part of a larger 36-acre community park in southern Concord. Also located here is a football stadium, tennis courts, basketball courts, and soccer fields. There is ample parking at the facility, but the ballpark is set back a ways from the lot, necessitating a short walk across a field to arrive. Memorial Field is a simple park, consisting of metal bleachers without backs that stretch around the field from third to first base. There are breaks in the stands behind the two dugouts. All seats offer good views of the field, and with the tiny crowds present, fans can sit wherever they want. Lining the outfield are a row of pine trees, which seems to be a common feature in many New Hampshire ballparks. There are restrooms a short walk from the ballpark in the maintenance building. Return on Investment 3 Admission to a Wild game will cost you five dollars. Parking is free of charge in the lot a short ways from the ballpark. Attending a Wild game will certainly not break the bank. Extras 0 The gameday presentation at a New Hampshire Wild game is about as bare-bones as it gets. There is nothing here that can be considered extra. Final Thoughts The Empire League bills itself as a league for those players who aren’t ready to give up on their professional dreams and some players have indeed parlayed their stints in the circuit into contracts with higher-level pro leagues. The presentation is decidedly bare-bones, with little promotion or fanfare. While there is nothing particularly wrong with Memorial Field, A trip to see the Wild would be a worthwhile one only for the most dedicated of ballpark chasers. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Steven Burke and Michael Rusignuolo,, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Grainger Stadium 400 E Grainger Ave Kinston, NC 28501 Down East Wood Ducks website Grainger Stadium website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 4,100 Return Migration Down East Historic Grainger Stadium in Kinston, North Carolina, has been a fixture in minor league baseball since 1948. Owned by the city, a dedicatory plaque identifies the structure as Municipal Stadium, but it has been called Grainger Stadium after the local prominent Grainger family who donated half the land for the ballpark and whose name you will find plastered all over the city since its inception. The stadium hosted professional minor league baseball for 63 years before then-current tenants, the Kinston Indians, pulled up shop and moved to Zebulon as the Carolina Mudcats in 2011. It looked like minor league baseball in Kinston would never return, but the town was resilient in returning affiliated baseball back to town. After six years of active campaigning for another team, Kinston snagged one of the two new Carolina League franchises that moved east from California and became home to the newly minted Down East Wood Ducks in 2017, the High-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Just before the new team moved in, the latest in a long line of renovations were undergone at the 4,100-seat park, including facility upgrades, new turf, and a new two-story pavilion in right field. Baseball is back in little old Kinston, and Historic Grainger Stadium manages to stand out from the pack in a few ways while delivering an excellent value. Food & Beverage 3 Grainger Stadium has the food basics covered, if without a standout or unique local offering, but an otherwise monolithic beer selection is saved by a partnership with a local brewery. Grub is served up from three main concession stands behind home plate, third base, and first base. All three deliver mostly the same menu of ballpark standards, old and new, with chicken tender baskets ($8), Italian sausage ($7), BBQ sandwiches ($6), hot dogs ($4, regular and red hot), and Papa John’s pizza slices ($4). A combo meal will set you back $10 and get you a hot dog, drink, and chips. Occasionally, there will be food trucks let in for additional dining options, but that is only for certain Friday games. Local microbrewery Mother Earth Brewing (MEB) Company is the official beer for the Wood Ducks, and they are the only choice except for the Budweiser family of beers. MEB beers are available at all the concessions stands, in addition to their own cart and the MEB pavilion out in right field. Domestic bottles go for $5, craft bottles go for $6, and drafts of MEB run $4. Pepsi is the non-alcoholic choice, with water or a soft drink both going for $3.50. It would be impolite not to try the official beer for the team, so grab yourself an MEB draft and whatever cheap eats you like to pair it with, such as a traditional hot dog or red hot. Atmosphere 4 While Grainger Stadium has received many upgrades since it opened in 1948, it still retains its essence as an old grandstand ballpark. Those of you expecting a modern palace will be disappointed but outside of a few, partially-obstructed view seats due to the roof supports, there is no downside to this updated 40’s classic. All of the reserved seats are in the covered grandstand that runs about from first base to third base behind home plate. All the seats rise up from the inner promenade, except for the box seats that make up the front part of the walkway itself. General admissions bleachers run from third base to left field, while right field has a picnic area, a small berm, a row of box seats, and ends in the two-story Mother Earth Brewing Pavilion. A pyramid batter’s eye is in dead center, just to the left of the scoreboard and a video board in right-center. A double deck outfield wall is covered in ads (including a “hit one here” ring from a jeweler) that sits against the bucolic backdrop of trees. A predictably old-school press box sits atop of the seats right behind home plate. Duck mascot Dewd (named from the acronym of “Down East Wood Ducks”) is the new team’s ringleader, joined by the old K-Tribe mascot Scout the dog, especially on Throwback Thursdays when Dewd gets the night off. The mascots and human helpers run the minor league classics between innings. Crowd giveaways, bat races, mascot races, and the whole playbook are on hand to keep fans watching in between the baseball action. With $2 separating the reserved from the general admissions tickets, seating choice is all about comfort. If you want to be out of the sometimes brutal NC summer sun or potential downpours, get a seat up front in the reserved grandstand, either by home plate or the Duck’s first base dugout. If it is a mild day with no chance of rain, why not grab a bleacher or sit on the picnic hill in right field? Neighborhood 3 For a smallish town in east North Carolina, you might not expect much from Kinston, but it is surprising in a good way, with a wealth of good, non-chain eateries, some things to catch your interest outside of the game, and a decent selection of places to stay. All food discussion in Kinston begins with King’s Restaurant, slinging the region’s finest BBQ since its origins as a 1940’s gas station cookhouse. There are four locations now, but visit the original on 70, south of downtown. This is a must when you are in town. On or just off main drag Queen Street downtown, there is the Chef & Farmer (award-winning, locally sourced, American cuisine [diner only]), the Boiler Room Oyster Bar, Lovick’s Cafe (comfort food), and the Hawk’s Nest Cafe & General Store (old-time comfort food). And if none of that tickles your fancy, down on 70 east of the original King’s is The Baron & The Beef steakhouse. There is a decent selection of things to do before and after the game in town. The historic or nautically minded will enjoy the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center, racing fans can check out the action at the Kinston Drag Strip, kids will like the Lions Water Adventure, and those looking for some out-of-door fun can try the Exchange Nature Center. There is a healthy selection of hotels, even in little Kinston. Right by the park is the Mother Earth Motor Lodge, a little south on 258 are the Country Hearth Inn, the Red Carpet Inn, a Quality Inn, and a Hampton Inn, and a little to the west on 70 are a Holiday Inn Express and an America’s Best Value Inn. Fans 3 On paper, it looks like the Wood Ducks aren’t a great draw, but digging deeper, you find a dedicated and active fan base that is happy to support a team back in their town after an unwanted absence. While the Wood Ducks sit in the bottom third of the popular Carolina League attendance, they are a steady draw in this small town with long ties to minor league baseball. While they average about a half-capacity stadium per game, the comfy old park never feels empty. And that is also because the local fans are loud and into the game. Many still sport K-Tribe gear from their long association with Cleveland that ended at the start of the decade, especially on “Throwback Thursdays” when the team plays as the Indians for certain games. There are families just coming for a night of entertainment to be sure, but these are harder-core baseball fans than you will find in an average minor league park. Access 4 Kinston is located a bit off the beaten path, about twenty minutes or so down state road 70 from I-795. The park itself is just off the main drag through town, county road 58 (a.k.a. North Queen Street). There’s no mass transit to speak of in Kinston, so driving is about your only way to go. Getting to Kinston will involve driving there, likely from the Raleigh-Durham Airport about two hours to the northwest, although Greyhound and Amtrak both have stops in town. Parking is free and located in lots that surround the park. With the stadium only a block or two from the main road in town and route 11, the traffic coming in and out isn’t bad at all. There is one main entrance to the park, in the gate behind home plate. The season ticket holders get their own special entrance, but the gate staff quickly and efficiently gets everyone inside, so it isn’t much of an issue. Getting around the park is easy. One main promenade runs around the park seating area from the outfield along the bottom of the seating bowl. A large plaza at the entrance and another walkway run outside the seating area, joining up at the end of the grandstands. Return on Investment 5 Whatever else you might say about the Wood Ducks, they really deliver on the minor league baseball promise of an affordable night out for families, with low prices across the board in addition to even more money-saving specials. Seating is straightforward and cost depends on the day of the week. There are three types of tickets: box seats (season ticket holders only – right by the field), reserved seats (seats on the grandstand), and general admission (bleachers and other open areas). From Sunday to Wednesday, it is $6 GA/$8 reserved, on Thursday, it is $8/$10, and on popular Fridays and Saturdays, it is $10/$12. All the food is under $9, except for the $10 combo. Heck, bottled craft beers are only $6. Parking and programs are free, so you can’t do much better there. In addition to these already stellar prices, there are various “dollar days” throughout the week, slinging out dollar hot dogs, dollar tacos, and the ever-popular dollar beer nights (Bud, not the craft MEB). Extras 4 For a relatively new franchise in a very historic park, the Wood Ducks do better than average with the extras. The team store is located behind home plate under the grandstand, and in addition to serving up Ducks gear, the ceiling is painted as a duck pond, one of the little details that help add atmosphere to the place. Wood duck facts are also plastered on plaques found all around the park. There is a small kids play area is located in right field by the MEB pavilion, and the guest services desk is located in the entrance plaza to sign up for in-game fun. Dedication plaques for the stadium and the renovations are located in the main grandstand on the concession stand by first base, and the press box is dedicated to Delmont Miller, the former scoreboard operator. Overall, there are just a lot of little things, such as the free scorecards with a raffle ticket you get on the way in, the low-tech strikeout board the broadcasters make by taping up “K”s to the press box window, and the universally friendly and helpful staff that help contribute to the ballpark’s setting. Final Thoughts While in a small town and just delivering the basics on food, Grainger Stadium stands out in most other ways, especially delivering on a family-friendly, cheap night of entertainment in a historic ballpark.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Infinity Park at Glendale 4400 E. Kentucky Ave Glendale, CO 80246 Infinity Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 5,000 RugbyTown USA Editors Note: Colorado Raptors Rugby, a founding member of the Major League Rugby, announced on April 9, 2020, that it would withdraw from the league, effective May 2, 2020. Opened in 2007, Infinity Park is the first rugby-specific stadium built in the US and is located in what is known as RugbyTown USA (Glendale, CO); just on the outskirts of Denver. It is a fabulous facility in which to watch a rugby match. The well-known Glendale Raptors Rugby Football Club transitioned to the newly formed Major League Rugby beginning the 2018 season. The park also hosts movie nights, corporate events, rugby club matches, 7s, beerfests, and more. It is a very active event center / stadium just a hop, skip, and jump from Denver. Food & Beverage 4 Infinity Park provides an exceptional variety of refreshments during a Raptors match. The Fan Zone (adjacent to, but outside the seating area of the park) provides local food trucks and an adult beverage tent with local craft beers and other alcoholic beverages. Craft beers are $6, wine and mixed drinks $7, soda (Coke products) and water are $2. Food trucks can vary and include Lazo Empanadas (recommended), Frozen Yogurt, Crescent City Connection (New Orleans), and more. The Fan Zone generally opens two hour prior to the start of the match. Inside the venue, for the general public, three areas are available to purchase nourishment and drinks: Grubber Grille, Lil’ Henry’s, and the Club House. Lil’ Henry’s offers burgers, brats, dogs, sausages and chicken sandwiches ($7.50 – $8). Grubber Grille has burritos, popcorn, other snacks, cocktails and beer. The Club House is open to fans and offers beers and cocktails. All stands take credit and cash. Recommendation: Get an empanada from the food truck in the Fan Zone ($4 individual / 4 for $15) and grab a local craft beer at the Fan Zone beer tent and relax, eat, and drink looking over the pitch. Atmosphere 5 Infinity Park provides a tremendous evening of rugby entertainment. To start, a Fan Zone event is held up to two hours before each match. The Fan Zone includes local brews, a bounce house, rugby practice skills games for kids (and adults), several food trucks, face painting, a DJ, and more. It’s a pregame party adjacent to the park available to all fans who have tickets. The venue seating area and concourse is U-shaped; seating is on concrete steps so be sure to bring a cushion. Watching the match is better from the sidelines vs the end zone. Seats are mostly general admission with some tickets considered ‘covered seating’ which is a canopy over several sections. The field is pristine and green; kudo’s to the grounds crew. A Rugby 101 section is available where individuals are handy to answer any questions regarding the game of rugby, a nice touch for a new sport to the states. Infinity Park Covered Seats, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The music selection and volume is suitable however often times music is played when the public address announcer is speaking so fans have no clue hearing what he is stating. This is a major annoyance and something that needs to be addressed in future seasons (especially since the sport is so new in the US). An extremely crisp and clear video board shows player interviews and bio, rugby news, and lineups pregame, while showing replays during the match and entertainment at the half. Halftime entertainment comprises familiar promos such as bongo cam and t-shirt tosses. And the team reaches out to the community and often invites youth teams to play a scrimmage pregame or at the half. Neighborhood 4 Infinity Park is located in the bustling city of Glendale, CO (an enclave of Denver). The entire complex comprises four city blocks. The stadium anchors the larger Infinity Park complex, consisting of an event center, a sports center, and plenty of open space for walking the dog or just taking a stroll. Apartment dwellings, residential areas and businesses surround the venue. It is an extremely safe neighborhood in which to visit. Places to eat nearby are the Bush and Bull Brewery (two blocks) a local brewery and pub (it’s dark inside), Las Delicias (Mexican) also two blocks, Next Door | Glendale (Farm-to-Table) about a 15-min walk, as well as many fast food and chain restaurants. Recommended places to stay for the night within walking distance are the Hampton Inn & Suites Denver/Cherry Creek, Hyatt Place Denver/Cherry Creek and a tad further away (about ½ mile) is the Hilton Garden In Denver/Cherry Creek. Things to do while visiting Glendale include the Cherry Creek Shopping Center with over 160 stores and restaurants, Four Mile Historic Park (a historic 12-acre stage stop from 1860 to 1864). The Denver Zoo is four miles away, Wings over the Rockies Air & Space Museum is 3 ½ miles, and downtown Denver is only a little over six miles from Infinity Park. Other sports teams to see in the area during major league rugby season are the Colorado Rockies, Colorado Mammoth, and the Denver Outlaws. Also, check the schedules and see if the Nuggets or the Avalanche make the post season. Fans 4 Raptors fans (and MLR fans in general) are quite passionate. They cheer, applaud, oooh and ahhh, and question/discuss why a kick vs running the ball. At the game of this review, no unhappy calls against the referees were heard. Many types of fans are seen at a Raptors game: the novice, families with kids, couples on a date, groups of men who look like they may have played the game in their earlier years, groups of young men and groups of young women on a night out. It’s a delightful mix. It’s hard to find statistics on game attendance probably since it’s a new league. On the game of this review, I’d say the stands were 90% full making for a good turnout at Infinity Park. Glendale Raptors Fans Fill the Stands, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 3 Located a block off the extremely busy Colorado Blvd, Infinity Park is not the easiest and quickest to get to. Traversing the interior (especially up and down the steps in the seating area) is not a treat either. The good news is once you get through the Colorado Blvd madness, there’s free parking in lot P1 (corner of S Cherry St and E Kentucky Ave), a block from the venue. Overflow parking can be found in lot P4 (corner of S Birch St and E Ohio Ave), just two blocks from Infinity Park. Fans can take the RTD Light Rail to the Colorado Station and ride the Route 46 bus to the park (Cherry and Kentucky stop), however the last bus to leave on a Sat evening is 6:20pm so that won’t work for most Raptors matches. Once inside, some areas of the concourse are wide open and spacious with plenty of room, while other areas like the concourse area behind the goal with the concessions can get quite congested. For the most part, fans will have to walk up moderately steep steps to get to the seating area; a few hand banisters are provided. Handicapped access and seating are provided, though I can’t imagine a wheelchair (or those on crutches) easily getting through the congestion on the concourse behind the goal. Restrooms are kept clean; lines can form at the half. Security bag check is very thorough. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for a Raptors game range from general admission $25, covered seating $35, up to VIP seats $169. Military general admission tickets are $15. And, of course, season tickets and group rates (20 or more fans) provide a discount. Is it worth it? Yes, it is. There’s only five home matches per season (not including playoffs). A fan can go to all five games and pay less than a ticket for one Broncos game (and rugby is a better sport to watch – this is author’s opinion; not necessarily Stadium Journey’s). From the pregame Fan Zone to the Raptors organization making all fans feel welcome to encouraging and educating fans on the game make this a worthwhile sports entertainment investment. Extras 3 Infinity Park is the first rugby-specific venue constructed in the US. Having not only MLR (major league rugby) but all sorts of rugby clubs, youth organizations, internationals, rugby camps, college tournaments, and more deserves an extra mention for Infinity Park. The pregame Fan Zone utilizes local businesses and organizations which not only provides a fun experience but also enhances community involvement of the Raptors organization. Final Thoughts Rugby is a fascinating, engaging, strength and speed game that the US is just beginning to appreciate. It is a full-contact sport yet players wear little-or no protective gear which is one of the aspects that makes it so appealing for a sports fan. And there’s much comradery among the rugby players and community (at least so far in the new USMLR). This especially is witnessed at Infinity Park in Glendale CO.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Paul Walsh Field 230 Hathaway Blvd New Bedford, MA 02740 Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 2,000 Down By the Bay Dr. Paul Walsh Field, originally named Sargent Field, is located on the campus of New Bedford High School. It has been the home of the New Bedford Bay Sox since their inception in 2009. The field, which is part of a larger athletic complex, serves as home to New Bedford’s high school and American Legion teams in addition to the Bay Sox. Dr. Walsh was a long-time member of the city’s school board and was a strong supporter of the school’s athletic department. He spearheaded many committees that developed and expanded the facility. The Bay Sox franchise has played in the New England Collegiate Baseball League since 1997, starting out as the Torrington Twisters. While in Torrington, the team made the league championship series four times, losing each time. Now in their tenth season in the Whaling City, the Bay Sox have made the playoffs four times, losing in the opening round on three occasions. Food & Beverage 2 The Bay Sox run a concession stand in the first floor of the press box building directly behind home plate. The menu has been downgraded in recent seasons, but still offers value, as no item is priced over four dollars. All your ballpark basics can be found here including hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza slices and french fries. Snacks, including peanuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn and assorted candy and ice cream are also available. Pepsi products are featured at Walsh Field. No alcohol is sold at this facility. There is a souvenir stand on the concourse offering a nice variety of Bay Sox t-shirts, hats, and other memorabilia. Atmosphere 2 The Bay Sox have put a lot of effort into improving their game day experience and the results have been positive overall. The team has increased its presence in the community, and as a result has attracted more sponsorship from local businesses. The team has beefed up their promotional schedule, offering deals and giveaways for most home dates. The team has also attempted to make the in-game experience livelier. Music blares over the PA system between innings and batters, and the team involves the younger fans in attendance with some between innings contests. The mascot, a whale named Slamu, roams the crowd throughout the game, posing for pictures and engaging fans in some good-natured shenanigans. As is the case at most summer collegiate games, the team runs raffles for items including Red Sox tickets, team card sets, as well as the standard 50/50 raffle. The area behind home plate has become a focal point for activity, including raffles and giveaways from local sponsors, a fast pitch cage, and on some nights, a dunk tank. Neighborhood 2 Walsh Field is located in a residential area, without a whole lot of businesses or attractions in the immediate area. Visiting fans can find a few eateries on nearby Route 6, but to get the best bang for your buck while visiting New Bedford, head downtown, a few short miles away from the ballpark. New Bedford is another New England city which has suffered through some hard times and is struggling to rebuild both their infrastructure and their reputation. Thanks to a great deal of investment from civic leaders and local businesses, downtown New Bedford has a great National Historic Park, a number of museums, shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. It’s a nice place to visit, and improving all the time. Still, New Bedford isn’t really considered to be a destination city, especially with popular tourist spots such as Cape Cod, Newport and Providence all close by. New Bedford is not the dangerous wasteland it is sometimes made out to be. Check it out, you will be pleasantly surprised. Fans 2 The Bay Sox have consistently averaged about 500 fans per game over the past few seasons. This ranks the team in the middle of the NECBL attendance standings. Many of the fans that show up are regulars, and are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about their Bay Sox. You are also very likely to find many children running around the vast expanses around the ball field, playing catch or chasing foul balls around. Kids who shag down foul balls can cash in three balls for a Bay Sox t-shirt. Access 3 Walsh Field is located on the campus of New Bedford High School in the city’s North End. Take exit 13 off of Interstate 195 (Route 140 South) to the traffic light located at the intersection with Route 6. Follow Route 6 to Rockdale Ave, turn left, and then bear right onto Hathaway Boulevard. The athletic fields of New Bedford High School will be on your right. There is ample parking available on the streets surrounding Walsh Field, but you will be better served to park in the large lot across the street at the high school, as foul balls leave the facility regularly. Once inside the park, there is a large paved area behind home plate where the souvenir stand, a few games for the kids, and the concession stand are located. On either baseline is a large raised grandstand high enough to see over the fences that surround the field. Unfortunately, netting obstructs the view from all seats. Fans bringing their own chairs can camp out behind home plate or on grassy areas down either line. With the small crowds present at Walsh Field, spreading out is not an issue. There are rest rooms in a small building down the right field line. Fans looking to use public transportation to a Bay Sox game will be disappointed to learn that SRTA’s #2 bus only stops at New Bedford High School while school is in session. Driving is the best way to get to Walsh Field, as the closest bus stop is several blocks away. Return on Investment 4 Admission to a Bay Sox game is $5 for adults, with tickets for children and seniors discounted by two dollars. Children under 6 years old are admitted free of charge. Showing a Stop and Shop card at the gate can save you an additional dollar. All seating is sold as general admission. In addition, the tickets come with coupons to a local restaurants and stores on the back, making it possible to get back more money in coupons than you spent on the ticket. There is no charge for parking in the high school’s lot across the street from the ball field, and there is ample free parking on the nearby streets as well. On-street parking, while convenient, is not recommended, as your car may be hit by one of the many foul balls that leave Paul Walsh Field. With inexpensive concession prices, a night out at a Bay Sox game is an affordable alternative to many other activities in the area. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the improvements in the game day atmosphere here in New Bedford. Increased involvement with the community has resulted in more sponsorship, an enriched promotional schedule, and increased attendance. The Bay Sox seem to be growing roots in the New Bedford and are carving out their own niche in the community. Final Thoughts While not boasting the most dynamic facility in the area, New Bedford is not necessarily a bad place to see a game. A Bay Sox game is very affordable, and the baseball being played is of a high level. Many players have gone on from the NECBL to professional and major league careers. New Bedford’s biggest drawback may be simply its location. The Bay Sox are surrounded on the east by the Cape Cod League, with the Wareham Gatemen located just 17 miles away; on the west by the Newport Gulls, who have become the flagship franchise of the NECBL and are consistently ranked as one of the top 10 summer college teams in the country; and to the north by the Future League’s Brockton Rox, who play in a former professional ballpark. Anything the Bay Sox do in undersized and plain Walsh Field simply pales in comparison. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bowen Field 2003 Stadium Dr Bluefield, VA 24701 Bluefield Ridge Runners website Bowen Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 3,000 Along the Appalachian League Trail: Bluefield Bowen Field has been the home for baseball in the Bluefield area since 1939. The original structure was built as a WPA project under President Franklin Roosevelt, but was nearly totally destroyed by a fire in 1970. The stadium was rebuilt and opened again for business in 1975. The reconstructed stadium has seating for 3,000 fans. Its teams have been affiliated with several major league organizations over the years, most notably the Baltimore Orioles from 1958 – 2010 and the Toronto Blue Jays from 2011 to the present. The Bluefield Jays play at the Rookie level of the Appalachian League. The Blue Jays are shared by the neighboring towns of Bluefield, Virginia and Bluefield, West Virginia, which are separated only by the VA / WV state line. Bowen Field is located within Peters Park, which is operated by the West Virginia city. However, the baseball facility itself is located within the boundaries of the state of Virginia. Food & Beverage 5 The concession stand at Bowen Field is aptly named the Birdfeeder. It serves one of the larger selection of foods in the Appalachian League. Among the items on the menu are hot dogs ($2.50), corndogs ($2.25), chicken sandwiches ($3.50), nachos ($2.50), hamburgers ($3.50), cheeseburgers ($4), candy ($2), ice cream ($2), brats ($3.75), cheese steaks ($4.50), popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), pretzels ($2.50) and chips ($1). Ballpark beverages include bottled water ($2), Pepsi brand sodas ($2.25) and slushies ($2.25). Alcoholic beverages are sold within the Railyard at the Ballyard area along the third base line. Patrons have a front row view along a drinking rail within the area. Domestic canned beers are $3.50, craft beers are $4 and Shock Top and Bold Rock Cider sell for $4. Bowen Field offers a service found at few ballparks in the minor leagues. It has servers roaming the stands taking food orders from fans. While the Birdfeeder welcomes fans to place their orders at the concession stand this food service allows spectators to see every pitch. The service is extended to all fans, not just premium seat holders. Atmosphere 5 The beauty of West Virginia is on full display as Bowen Field is built in a valley between two mountains. Not only is this scenic, it also keeps the area shaded for most of the games in the summer and the temperatures in the very mild range. We have all heard the phrase “take ownership”…. in Bluefield they take it literally. The team is run by the community under the direction of a local board of directors. Locals help in virtually every aspect of the club… concessions, ticketing and even keeping the park spotlessly clean. The walls along the concourse are filled with plaques recognizing or remembering a local for donating funds toward some physical part of the stadium. In some cases, the money comes from a will or in other cases it comes as gifts in kind from a local business. Ballparks are nice, but what you put on the field is equally important. The Bluefield Jays can almost always be found atop the Appalachian League standings. Before the Jays arrived, the town had a nearly 50-year relationship with the Baltimore Orioles. Some of the top Baltimore Orioles ever got their start in Bluefield. Neighborhood 3 Even if you add the populations of the two Bluefield’s together they still add up to a small town. A lot of this is due to the surrounding mountains which surround the ballpark and the villages. Most of the dining establishments in town are fast food chains. Two exceptions are the Big Whiskey BBQ Co. and The Railyard. The only hotel in town is the Econolodge, but the Baker’s Hill Inn B&B has some nice accommodations at reasonable prices. As far as attractions, nature provides the most interesting sights for the visitors. There are several scenic viewpoints on surrounding roads that are worth checking out. Since you are in West Virginia, a stop at the Coal Heritage Interpretive Center can provide you with a great deal of information about the state’s largest industry. Fans 4 The fans at Bowen Field see coming to the games as a community event. Their parents and grandparents attended games there and so will the next generation. At the Rookie League level many of these fans will actually be housing a Blue Jay player during the short June-August season. The games give the fans an opportunity to see their friends and neighbors after an exhausting day at work and to relax. These fans know their baseball, as they have seen many valuable players get their start in professional baseball at this very facility. Visitors will often hear the locals sharing stories of a young Cal Ripken, Jr or Boog Powell making a great play right in front of them. The two Bluefield’s cheer as one, as they share in the civic pride and long history associated with baseball in the town. Bluefield’s main rival are the Princeton Rays, a neighboring town just a few miles down the road. When the two teams compete, there is some good-natured banter between the opposing fans. After the game is over, the two sets of fans head off to the Dairy Queen together. In this competitive world, this small town friendliness is refreshing. Access 3 Bluefield is very isolated from any major cities as it is located amidst the Appalachian Mountains at the Virginia / West Virginia border. However, it is located only four miles from I-77. To reach the ballpark take the Bluefield exit (#1) off I-77. This will put you on Rte. 290 going west. Follow Rte. 290 to Rte. 460 West. Take Rte. 460 to the third traffic light and turn right on Leatherwood Lane. Turn left when you get to College Avenue. You will stay on College Avenue until you reach Stadium Drive. (There will be a Shell Station at the corner.) Turn right on Stadium Drive and Bowen Field will be ¼ mile ahead on your left. Parking is available just outside of the stadium. The bleachers making up Bowen Field are built into a hillside and may be difficult for some persons with walking issues to negotiate. There is plenty of seating at field level for those who cannot manage the steps in the grandstand. Return on Investment 4 The Blue Jays games will not put much of a dent in your wallet. Tickets range from $11 for a box seat to $8 for general admission. Parking at Bowen Field is free and concessions are very reasonably priced. Accommodations are limited in town, but most people at the games are locals, so you should find very reasonable rates at either the Econolodge or one of the many B&B’s in the area. The town of Princeton, West Virginia is just 12 miles away and has a large selection of lodging choices. . Extras 4 Several famous players got their starts in professional baseball in Bluefield. These players include Cal Ripken, Jr, Boog Powell, Eddie Murray and Kevin Pillar. The seats at Bowen Field were salvaged from the old Anaheim Stadium, the original home of the California Angels. The at your seat food service deserves an extra. The Bluefield Jays and the neighboring Princeton Rays compete each year for the Mercer Cup. The team with the most wins in head to head competition during the season wins the cup and gets to hold onto it until the conclusion of the next baseball season. This is a friendly rivalry, but there is a lot of civic pride involved as well. Final Thoughts Bowen Field is one of the treasures of minor league baseball. Though it does not have many of the bells and whistles of more modern stadiums, it more than makes up for it in small town friendliness, a beautiful natural setting and a community and their ball team putting their best efforts to ensure you have an enjoyable night at the ballpark. It is definitely a park you should put on your baseball bucket list.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex 2801 NE 50th St Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Women’s College World Series website OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 7,300 NCAA Women’s College World Series OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex is a 7,300-seat multi-purpose stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The stadium was renamed in 2017, when the Amateur Softball Association rebranded to USA Softball. Formerly known as ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, the venue is the centerpiece of the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, which includes the USA Hall of Fame and Museum. The stadium opened in 1987 and had extensive renovations from September 2013 through 2015. The facility hosts various softball tournaments throughout the year, but none more popular than the NCAA College World Series. The Women’s College World Series (WCWS) consists of the final 8 women’s college softball teams, advancing from a field of 32 teams, around the country. The NCAA WCWS began in 1982, when the UCLA Bruins defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs 2-0 in 8 innings. The series was first played along with the Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska from 1982 until 1987, and then moved to Sunnyvale, California from 1988-1989. Oklahoma City has hosted the event every year since 1990, except in 1996 when Columbus, Georgia, in preparation to host Olympic softball in Atlanta, was awarded the NCAA Women’s College World Series. OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex is also the site for the World Cup of Softball and the Big 12 softball conference championship. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage selections here may not compete with the big league ballparks, but there are plenty of food options around the stadium. There are two permanent concessions buildings, one on each side of the diamond, on the upper concourse. All the ballpark favorites are available – hot dogs, chili cheese, corn dog bites, Frito chili pie, nachos, pretzels, fries, burgers, BBQ sandwiches, chicken tenders, and a walking taco. These items might not sound exciting, but the prices ranging between $3 and $6 can make your wallet smile. The beverages are Coke products with prices ranging from $3 for the small to $6 for the souvenir cup. Powerade is only $3, while water is $2, and there is also a water station available to fill those empty bottles. The stadium does serve alcohol, however, everyone that wishes to buy alcohol must first get a wrist band. The alcohol selections are simple – either Coors Lite or Miller Lite for $5 (16oz), or Modelo, Corona Premier, or Mike’s Hard (24oz) for $7. There are also food trucks parked behind the outfield bleachers for fans, which keeps you from having to walk all around the stadium for food if your seats are back there. Both sides of the diamond have food trucks as well, with Dippin’ Dots, sno cones, and funnel cake offered. Note that there are no outside food or drinks allowed inside OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex. Atmosphere 5 The Women’s College World Series is the final portion of the NCAA Division I Softball Championship for college softball in the United States. The tournament format consists of two four-team double-elimination brackets. The winners of each bracket then compete in a best-of-three series to determine the Division I WCWS National Champion. The Women’s College World Series surpasses itself on a yearly basis with record crowds. The games are played in sessions with two games per session, except for the best-of-three series and the if-necessary session. OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex has a dirt infield and a grass outfield surface, with dimension of 200ft along the lines, and 220ft to center field, with the seating behind each dugout reserved for the participating teams. The atmosphere at WCWS begins as soon as the teams arrive in Oklahoma City. The day before the tournament begins, fans can spend the day at the facility at Open Practice Day, which is free to the public. During the day all teams will showcase the abilities and talents that helped them reach the final 8. There will be autograph sessions by USA Softball players during the day as well. The next day begins with the Women’s College World Series Fan Fest. The fan fest is located outside the stadium, and is situated at the drop off/pick up point for fans using the parking shuttles. The WCWS Fan Fest is a FREE fan fest for fans of all ages! Take part in a variety of activities, including exclusive autograph sessions from ESPN talent such as Beth Mowins, Jessica Mendoza, and Michelle Smith, or enjoy sport activations and product displays, championship merchandise and more! Be at the epicenter of softball fun with events for the entire family. But as much fun as Fan Fest provides, the games themselves is where the WCWS becomes an amazing experience. Every inning seems to get exciting as the teams compete. There is in-stadium entertainment throughout, with competitions like minor league baseball games thrown in. In addition, the USA Softball team players in the crowd get acknowledged during games and interact with fans. There is also plenty of history in the form of WCWS quizzes shown on the video board, so fans can enjoy re-living past WCWS games. The fans here just simply love softball, and the energy that is created is one of the best atmospheres in sports. Neighborhood 4 The College World Series has found a permanent home in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. The district is in the northeast Oklahoma City between the crossroads of Interstates 35 and 44. There isn’t much in the immediate vicinity in terms of restaurants (you can only find eateries like Subway or Sonic) or hotels, however, there are plenty of tourist attractions around the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex. The complex is across the road from the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum, and just a short walk from the Oklahoma City Zoo, Science Museum Oklahoma, and Remington Park and Casino. In addition, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Cinemark Tinseltown Movie theater are just up the road near Interstate 44. And for the avid golfer, there is the Lincoln Park Golf Course, which has two impressive championship courses. The heart of downtown Oklahoma City is 7 miles away, which is a short 15-minute drive from the USA Hall of Fame Complex. Bricktown has numerous restaurants and lodging for softball fans, as well as Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, the center of Bricktown and home to the Oklahoma City Dodgers Triple AAA team, who are affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The restaurants are along Bricktown’s canal (like San Antonio’s Riverwalk) – Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, local country singer Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Fuzzy Taco Shop, Melting Pot, and Chelinos Mexican all are great places to visit while in Oklahoma City. Also, the Bricktown Brewery and TapWerks Ale House and Café are great spots to enjoy some local made brews. Hampton Inn & Suites, Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown, or the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center are a few of the many choices for lodging in Oklahoma City. See this link for a list of USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex Hotel Partners. There is so much to do around Oklahoma City that you won’t see everything in one weekend visit. But while there are a lot of tourist attractions around the complex, however, there isn’t one more popular or more of a must visit than Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. This museum is the heart and soul for all Americans, and will be a visit that you’ll never forget. Fans 5 There are 8 participants in the Women’s College World Series. The fans from those 8 participants travel from all over the country to watch their team, family, friends, and daughters play softball, and the games are quickly becoming sell-outs, especially when the local Oklahoma Sooners are one of the participants. Even without the Sooners, there is a dedicated softball fan base that renews season tickets to the Women’s College World Series. A couple of statements from fans: “I don’t have a horse in the race, but I love the way these girls play the game.” and “This is my 12th consecutive year that I have these seats, and I can’t think of any place better.” The fans are serious, loud, supportive, and truly love being at the event. However, the most impressive thing that I noticed was the genuine appreciation for all the teams and players. No matter what team the fans are rooting for, if a player makes a tough play they are cheered because fans appreciate it. Access 4 OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex is seven miles northeast of downtown Oklahoma City, and 0.1 miles from I-35 off exit 132A (NE 50th Street). The venue will be on your right as you exit, and there is parking on the Hall of Fame grounds for $20, but those passes will sell out, so you can also park across the street and in grass lots near the stadium for a fee. However, the best option is free parking, which is located at Remington Park Racing and Casino about a 1/4-mile from the stadium. A free shuttle bus will pick up at Remington Park on Eastern and Grand Boulevard, and will take fans to and from the stadium. The shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes each day, and will run through the last game after all fans have been dropped off. The entrance gates are behind home plate, and the flow into the stadium is quick despite possible lines. There are two concourses – the main concourse is above the seating area, as the stadium sits in a bowl, and fans walk an incline up to the gates. Access to the outfield area and bleachers is a little congested, as fans must navigate over a step-bridge from either side of the outfield. The reserved seating has back supports, while the outfield bleachers do not, and this is a difference maker when spending 8 hours at the facility. The main seating area has bathrooms while the outfield bleachers have port-a-potties available for use. The stadium does provide ADA accessible seats, and there is public transportation throughout Oklahoma City on METRO transit. Overall, access to the stadium, parking, entry, and sitting are quite easy for fans. Return on Investment 5 The Women’s College World Series has a solid annual ticket fan base. These fans buy All-session tickets and are offered renewal to their seats each year – only after the renewal deposit process is complete are tickets are made available to the public. GP tickets, which are subject to availability, begin in December. Ticket prices are $25 per session (2-games) except the if-necessary session, which costs $20. Children younger than two years of age do not need a ticket provided they can sit on the lap of a ticketed adult. If the series sells out, $25 standing room only tickets are available on game day at the box office (there is no advance selling of SRO tickets). However, WCWS reserved seats are sold by third-party resellers. The free parking, low cost concessions, top-level softball competition, and a fun-filled atmosphere ranks this event as a must visit for any sports fan. Extras 4 The amazing overall atmosphere that USA Softball promotes in the volunteers, event staff, access to the teams, and the teams themselves is great to see. The Women’s College World Series is well-organized and promotes everything that is good in the sport of softball. The return on investment, atmosphere, and the quality of the participants creates a tournament that is truly one of the best trips to visit in the country for a sports fan. Final Thoughts There is a lot to see in the Oklahoma City area, however, the atmosphere during the Women’s College World Series is incredible. The atmosphere, fans, and great softball are so mesmerizing that a day trip will turn into a weekend trip because the place will just grab hold of you. The success of the WCWS in Oklahoma continues to grow in numbers, so much that there are plans to continue upgrading the fan experience at OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex – in 2020, a renovation plan to add an upper deck to the stadium is proof the game of softball is growing, and that Oklahoma City is the capital of the softball world.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Gallaudet Softball Complex 800 Florida Ave NE Washington, DC 20002 Gallaudet Bison website Gallaudet Softball Complex website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 500 Lady Bisons of DC Gallaudet University is a federally-chartered private university for the education of the Deaf and hard of hearing located in Washington, D.C. The school is named for Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, a pioneer in the education of the deaf. Founded in 1864, Gallaudet University was originally a grammar school for both deaf and blind children. In 1954 the school became Gallaudet College and in 1986 it was renamed Gallaudet University. The physical campus is on the National Register of Historic Places. The most popular majors at Gallaudet University are business, visual and performing arts, communication studies, physical education, and psychology. The Bison are a member of the North Eastern Athletic Conference (except for the football program which plays in the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference) and play at the Division III level. The Gallaudet Softball Complex opened on March 18, 2011 against D.C. rival Catholic University. Dugouts were added in 2014 and permanent seating in 2017. Lights and a press box are planned future additions. Food & Beverage 1 There are no permanent food options at the softball complex. It looks like a potential concession stand is on design plans. Until any potential upgrade, there is a table setup and a grill for small food offerings. The table may only be there when a baseball game is going at the neighboring baseball field and/or on weekend games. The prices are reasonable. Atmosphere 2 This a pretty simple small college softball field. A small metal bleacher sits right behind the home plate and protective screen. There is a very simple scoreboard located in right center. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere. The university’s baseball field, Hoy Field, is located just a few feet away. If you are lucky, both teams will be in action so you can go from one game to another quickly. Neighborhood 3 The Kendall Demonstration Elementary School, a day school serving deaf and hard of hearing students from birth through grade 8, is located right behind the right center field fence of Hoy Field. The wonderful Union Market is located next to the university campus, although on the opposite end from Hoy Field. The market is worth a stop. The 1930s Union Terminal Market has been renovated into a gourmet food hall with numerous local vendors selling a variety of food products. Favorites of mine are Buffalo & Bergen, DC Empanadas, Peregrine Espresso and TaKorean’s Korean Tacos. Besides Union Market there is very little to do in the immediate neighborhood of Gallaudet University. Be careful driving around before or after the game as there are some dangerous neighborhoods in the area, although many are gentrifying quickly. Not too far away is a stellar cocktail bar, Smith Commons, located in the Atlas Arts District. The dizzying array of complicated drinks will amaze you. And did I mention you are right in the middle of Washington, DC? The amount of attractions, museums, restaurants and other sights are astounding. Spend some time pre or postgame seeing the many things around this great city. Fans 2 Many of the school’s fans are deaf. But this does not mean that they are quiet. Fans of the university can be boisterous and are proud of their school just like at any other university. Other fans at the Galluadet Softball Complex tend to primarily be family or friends of the players. You may see an inconsistent level of fan interaction. Access 3 For weekend games there should be plenty of parking near the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School. Weekday games will take a bit more planning as you will have to find spaces that are open to visitors. The closest Metro station is the NoMa-Gallaudet U New York Ave Station. A few years ago I would not have recommended walking the short distance between the station and campus, but the safety of the area has improved dramatically. One should still use a good amount of caution and use common sense. The biggest problem with using the Metro, is the system itself. The Metro is frustratingly overpriced compared to systems in other cities. But it really does get you to nearly all parts of the city, except for Georgetown. Just be careful on weekends when trains run less often or are in single track mode, as you may encounter some extended wait times. The system is having maintenance, mechanical and money issues so expect delays and other issues at all times. It is unfortunate, but way too true. Return on Investment 3 The price, free, is certainly reasonable. And you will probably not have to pay for parking. So, the value is certainly good. The Division III level of softball is not especially high, but the school’s conference has a nice variety of opponents. Extras 3 The grounds of the university are on the National Register of Historic Places. Take some time to check out the university facilities. Parts of the campus are also on the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites and Historic American Buildings Survey. The Kendall Demonstration Elementary School has a very interesting statue located in front of their main building. Since it is next to the campus, one should check in and look at this large piece of art. The baseball and softball fields also share space with the school’s football and track stadium. The field is very nice and often hosts local recreating soccer games. Final Thoughts The Gallaudet Softball Complex is a pretty simple softball stadium. But the low cost of attendance means that this is a good value for the fan.

Photos by Jason Bartel, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Husky Field Beechnut Street and Bonhomme Road Houston, TX 77074 Houston Christian Huskies website Husky Field website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 1,000 Dawg Days in Houston When it comes to college baseball in the Houston area, everyone knows about Rice, Houston, and maybe even Texas Southern. But the Houston Baptist Huskies aren’t an experience to sleep on. Tucked away in the southwest part of Houston, HBU offers up an old-timey take on the college baseball atmosphere. Lined with silver metal bleachers and a cast iron gate to enter through, Husky Field offers up the basics – perfect for a day of baseball. And it’s going to be day baseball. There are no artificial lights here; just sunlight. So if you’re looking for an afternoon escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city, maybe Houston Baptist is the place for you. Note: Houston Baptist became Houston Christian beginning Sept 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The thing that makes Husky Field stand out in this area is the giant “Dawgs Up” grill set up behind the seating area. You’ll be able to get your hot dogs and hamburgers, but also get to see and smell them while they are being charred to perfection. The lone concessions tent is where you pay for everything, and if you’re getting a hot dog, burger, or sausage wrap after you pay you just walk back to the grill to pick it up. You can also add a bag of chips for $1. HBU also offers Pepsi options at its baseball games – it costs $2.25 for a can of soda, or you can get a Gatorade for $3. You’ll also be able to bring your drinks in, just not alcoholic beverages. The sausage wrap is the one unique menu item offered by the Huskies – it’s a sausage in a tortilla, but it seems to be the favorite among the locals. Either way, the food is good, cooked fresh, and reasonably priced, so you can’t go wrong with anything. Atmosphere 3 If you need luxuries at your baseball game, this is probably not for you. But if you just like taking in the game and relaxing in the bleachers on a sunny Saturday, then you’re in luck. Husky Field offers up an interesting archway donning its name to welcome you into the friendly abode. The majority of the seating area is metal bleachers with a few select plastic seatbacks behind home plate, or you can also bring in your chairs to sit in for extra comfort, and to be right up against the backstop. HBU does have tons of in-game promotions though, adding intrigue to almost every inning. A random fan is chosen for a free combo at Jimmy John’s early in the game, and if the Huskies scored three runs in the third inning, someone gets a free Payday candy bar. And in the fourth and sixth innings, if the HBU pitchers hold their opponent scoreless, one lucky fan gets some free Shipley Donuts. So there are plenty of reasons to stay and cheer on the Huskies. If you want the sun at your back, then you’ll want to sit on the third base side, which is also the home side. If you have a camping chair I’d recommend bringing that along, so you can sit up close and have some extra personal comforts with you. Neighborhood 2 Houston Baptist is located just off I-69 in a very residential area of Houston. Pretty much nothing that you’ll want to visit is within walking distance of the stadium, but luckily parking at HBU is free. There aren’t many great options in this area of Houston – if you’re looking for drinks with some food before or after a game, Prime Daiquri is probably the closest decent option. It has exactly what you think it has, plus a very eclectic food menu. Or if you just want some wings and beer, BreWingz is right next door – both of these restaurants are located just on the other side of I-69 from HBU. Saltgrass Steakhouse is also right down the road and is a very popular chain in the Houston area. From Husky Field, it is about a 15-20 minute drive on I-69 to get to some of the more social areas of the city. To find attractions, you’ll have to head into the central part of Houston; there is not much in the area immediately around Houston Baptist University. Of course, there are plenty of things to do in downtown Houston, and there is an area along I-69 called Montrose with lots of places to visit. And if you’re visiting Houston for a few days, Galveston is a one-hour drive away. Fans 3 The fans that come out for the Huskies are certainly passionate about their team, whether it’s because they are parents, friends, or HBU lifers. Husky Field probably has an average attendance of several hundred people, most of which are laid back. The home atmosphere isn’t what you would call intimidating, but you can certainly hear every little thing that someone has to say, whether it’s a player or a fan, and that adds to the overall vibe of the game. Access 5 Husky Field is certainly easy to get to in a city whose road system is pretty atrocious. The stadium is less than a mile from I-69, there’s plenty of parking, and nothing feels cramped or crowded at this ballpark. There is a Houston Metro bus stop right in front of the stadium (the Beechnut Street @ Bonhomme Road stop), and you can plan out your trip on the Metro website. Parking is accessible all around the ballpark – there are plenty of campuses lots just up the street from the park, making it a nice, short walk to the entry gate. There is one gate entry at Huslky Field, located on the west side of the park essentially at the corner of Beechnut and Bonhomme. This is also where you pay for your ticket ($5 general admission). With the crowd size, it is not a time-consuming process to get into the park, and there is no security check to slow things down. Once inside you can either set up camp on the main walkway with your chair or walk up into the stands to sit on the bleachers. You can also walk around and get to the first base side with no problem. The one-bathroom area is located right where you walk in as a separate little building. Also, with all of the pathways having views of the field, handicap access is not a problem at Husky Field. Return on Investment 4 It’s not very costly to go to a Houston Baptist University baseball game, and if you time it right, you’ll see some very notable baseball schools roll through town throughout the year. Tickets cost $5, parking is free, and you can get a full meal for $6. All of this with a good baseball game and a relaxing setting makes for a good, cost-effective day with the family. Extras 2 The first extra goes to the “Dawgs Up” grillmaster getting the main courses ready during the first part of the game. It almost takes you back to Little League, when you would have a cookout and then play a game afterward – this adds a little extra to that overall old-timey baseball feel of Husky Field. The second extra is for the conference championships remembered on the right field wall. HBU is a school that seems to be making strides in its athletics programs, and baseball is right there in the thick of it. Sooner or later this school will have some baseball history to go with the historical feel of its stadium.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hamlin Tennis Center 240 S 31st St Philadelphia, PA 19104 Penn Quakers website Hamlin Tennis Center website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 500 Penn Tennis The University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn or UPenn, is a private Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Penn is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Benjamin Franklin is Penn’s founder. The university has also produced many alumni, which include 14 heads of state (including two U.S. Presidents) and 25 billionaires. Penn allows undergraduates access to courses at all of Penn’s undergraduate and graduate schools, except the medical, veterinary and dental schools. Undergraduates at Penn may also take courses at Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Swarthmore, under a reciprocal agreement known as the Quaker Consortium. Penn’s sports teams are nicknamed the Quakers. Located in Penn Park, the Hamlin Tennis Center is the home of the Penn men’s and women’s tennis teams. The facility was opened in the fall of 2011. The facility has 12 all-weather courts and six of the courts can be viewed from stadium seating. It is located next door to the Multidimensional Amphitheater, Penn’s softball field. Also with Penn Park is the Hecht Tennis Center, which is the indoor home to the Penn tennis programs. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand at the Hamlin Tennis Center or in any other place within the Penn Park athletic field. Plan on bringing your own food. Atmosphere 3 The venue is an amazing place to watch tennis. The raised seats and viewing areas are fantastic ways to watch some fairly high quality tennis action. The seats themselves are nice, but remind me of what you would experience at a state or national park campfire auditorium, as the floors are basic gravel. Neighborhood 5 There is no real neighborhood to the stadium as it is inside of Penn Park, a set of athletic fields for the university. You will find plenty of shops and restaurants to satisfy almost any appetite. The best bet is to find a food truck, as they will be plentiful around the campus. I was lucky to find the Insomnia Cookies truck on 33rd St between Market and Chestnut just as they had some fresh cookies coming out of the oven. There will be a lot less food trucks on weekend games, unfortunately. Also located nearby at Drexel University is a location of Landmark Americana (3333 Market St), which is a great option for post game eating. This restaurant offers a nice choice of meals and has a large bar, as well. For Saturday games, look out for the $10 all-you-can-eat wings special. They also offer numerous drink specials at the bar. Also nearby is Wahoo’s Fish Tacos (3180 Chestnut St.), which is primarily a west coast chain, so finding them here is pretty special. If driving, consider Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue for traditional Philly cheesesteaks. This is not one of the more touristy spots, but is still in a safe neighborhood and offers free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. Fans 2 The majority of the fans are friends and family of the athletes. The ones in attendance all seem quite knowledgeable of the game. Access 2 There is not a lot of parking in the area. Parking will not be cheap, as this is Philadelphia and no parking is cheap. Plan on paying at least $15. You can enter the Penn Park lots at River Fields Drive and may be able to find some cheaper parking. Interstate 76, the Schuylkill Expressway, is right behind the university and is very busy. But it would make a convenient way to get to the game. Public transportation is easy to find and use. SEPTA mass-transit system is right off campus, and Amtrak’s 30th Street train station is a short walk away. Return on Investment 4 Aside, from parking, there is no charge to attend a UPenn tennis match. Extras 3 The view of Philadelphia is worth the trip by itself. Stop on your way to see the amazing Franklin Field just off to the side of the softball field and Penn Park. The stadium has been open since 1895 and is an amazing venue. Franklin Field is also the site of the annual Penn Relays track and field meet. This event gets the biggest crowds yearly for the stadium. Also check out the Mondschein Throwing Complex, located on the old softball field, as it is also nearby and offers a great facility for field events. Final Thoughts There is no cost to attend this unique facility, other than parking. If in Philadelphia, you should look to see if you can fit a tennis match into your schedule.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Multipurpose Stadium 240 S 31st St Philadelphia, PA 19104 Penn Quakers website Multipurpose website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 450 Penn Softball Note: The stadium name changed from Multidimensional Amphitheater to Multipurpose Stadium since Stadium Journey last visited. The University of Pennsylvania, also known as Penn or UPenn, is a private Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Penn is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Benjamin Franklin is Penn’s founder. The university has also produced many alumni, which include 14 heads of state (including two U.S. Presidents) and 25 billionaires. Penn allows undergraduates access to courses at all of Penn’s undergraduate and graduate schools, except the medical, veterinary and dental schools. Undergraduates at Penn may also take courses at Bryn Mawr, Haverford and Swarthmore, under a reciprocal agreement known as the Quaker Consortium. Penn’s sports teams are nicknamed the Quakers. Built as part of Penn Park the Multidimensional Amphitheater is the home of the Penn softball program. It opened in 2011. It is located next door to the Hamlin Tennis Center, Penn’s tennis center. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent food stand at the Multidimensional Amphitheater or in any other place within the Penn Park athletic field. Plan on bringing your own food. Atmosphere 3 Penn Park and the athletic facilities located within, have a nice distinct, almost futuristic look and feel. The architecture is pretty stunning. The softball stadium is a basic affair otherwise, running behind home plate between the bases. The seats themselves are nice, but remind me of what you would experience at a state or national park campfire auditorium, as the floors are basic gravel. The view towards some of the tall buildings of Philadelphia is worth a trip to the stadium alone. Neighborhood 5 There is no real neighborhood to the stadium as it is inside of Penn Park, a set of athletic fields for the university. You will find plenty of shops and restaurants to satisfy almost any appetite. The best bet is to find a food truck, as they will be plentiful around the campus. I was lucky to find the Insomnia Cookies truck on 33rd St between Market And Chestnut just as they had some fresh cookies coming out of the oven. There are a lot less food trucks on weekend games, unfortunately. Also located nearby at Drexel University is a location of Landmark Americana (3333 Market St), which is a great option for post game eating. This restaurant offers a nice choice of meals and has a large bar, as well. For Saturday games, look out for the $10 all-you-can-eat wings special. They also offer numerous drink specials at the bar. Also nearby is Wahoo’s Fish Tacos (3180 Chestnut St.), which is primarily a west coast chain, so finding them here is pretty special. If driving, consider Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue for traditional Philly cheesesteaks. This is not one of the more touristy spots, but is still in a safe neighborhood and offers free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition. Fans 2 The majority of the fans are friends and family of the athletes. The ones in attendance all seem quite knowledgeable of the game. Access 2 There is not a lot of parking in the area. Parking will not be cheap, as this is Philadelphia and no parking is cheap. Plan on paying at least $15. You can enter the Penn Park lots at River Fields Drive and may be able to find some cheaper parking. Interstate 76, the Schuylkill Expressway, is right behind the university and is very busy. But it would make a convenient way to get to the game. Public transportation is easy to find and use. SEPTA mass-transit system is right off campus, and Amtrak’s 30th Street train station is a short walk away. Return on Investment 4 Aside, from parking, there is no charge to attend a UPenn softball game. Extras 3 The view of Philadelphia is worth the trip by itself. Stop on your way to see the amazing Franklin Field just off to the side of the softball field and Penn Park. The stadium has been open since 1895 and is an amazing venue. Franklin Field is also the site of the annual Penn Relays track and field meet. This event gets the biggest crowds yearly for the stadium. Also check out the Mondschein Throwing Complex, located on the old softball field, as it is also nearby and offers a great facility for field events. Final Thoughts There is no cost to attend this unique facility, other than parking. If in Philadelphia, you should look to see if you can fit a game into your schedule.

Photos by Andrew Flint, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Centralniy Stadium Ulitsa Repina, 5 Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovskaya oblast’, 620028 Ural Ekaterinburg website Centralniy Stadium website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 35,696 Window to Asia Sitting on the border of Europe and Asia, Ekaterinburg lies on one of the world’s most historic trading routes that wound across the entire length of the largest landmass on the planet. The Medieval Ages saw the ancient Silk Road carry spices, precious metals, and exotic food from the Far East. The site where Ekaterinburg is now found was a natural stop before crossing the Ural Mountains. It was the place where Russia’s last royal family was brutally slaughtered, and has grown to become the fourth-largest city in the country. In more recent times, Russian president Boris Yeltsin was born in the city, and a centre dedicated to his political life and the Russian presidency was built a few years ago in the heart of the city. Its sporting prowess is less grand, although the local professional futsal team won the UEFA Futsal Cup in 2008. In the summer of 2018, it will host four matches as the furthest east of the FIFA World Cup host cities in the spectacular Centralniy Stadium (to be named Ekaterinburg Arena for the duration of the tournament). First built in 1957, the original pillared facade has been protected as a listed building, and so has been retained in the redevelopment. There have been two drawn-out phases of redevelopment over the past decade beset with corruption controversies, but the entire revamp is now complete. Russian Football Premier League side Ural Ekaterinburg will take up residency after the World Cup when the capacity will be reduced to around 24,000. Ural were Russian Cup runners up in 2017, and have been a solid mid-table outfit in recent seasons, but have never won a major trophy in their history. Recent luminaries to have featured for them include former Tottenham Hotspur forward Roman Pavlyuchenko, Chilean international Gerson Acevedo, Russia’s talismanic forward Fyodor Smolov, and current star Eric Bicfalvi, capped by Romania. Although the club’s stated ambition is to qualify for Europe while unearthing unknown talents and selling them on, with a spectacular new stadium they may be able to set their sights a little higher. Food & Beverage 3 As with most newly built stadiums in Russia, there is a standard menu of routine fare – hot dogs, french fries, chocolate bars, hot and cold beverages – but the standard of food is not great. That is in the concourse area at least, where the prices are not extortionate. A coffee will set you back around $1.50, while a hot dog is around $2. The sausage is a common variety of boiled meat that is found in Russia that fills a gap in your stomach, but won’t get the taste buds flowing. The better option is to head to the stalls on the ground once you get through the entrance gates, but before heading into the stands themselves. There is a decent choice of local, western, and eastern cuisine to pick from, including pancakes with fillings, cheeseburgers, and shawarma (a kind of wrapped kebab with shredded pork or chicken and special sauce). None of these options will set you back more than $3, but the quality is much higher. Atmosphere 4 The extraordinary design of the stadium with two upper tiers built literally outside the perimeter of the ground itself might make you think the acoustics would suffer, but the roof is curved in such a way that the sound in fact reverberates effectively. The original stands were higher alongside the pitch with the two ends having a lower profile – which is loosely what the stadium will return to once the post-World Cup restructuring is complete – but the noise is developed by the traditional grouping of serious fans behind each goal. For the visit of the larger teams, attendances will be much higher and therefore will create a naturally more intense atmosphere. Spartak Moscow are the country’s best-supported club by far, and have fans in every city, so when they come to town it is guaranteed to impress. While the Centralniy has been remodelled, Ural have played at their training ground in the ugly, industrial quarter of the city in an inconvenient area, so attendances have dropped, but ironically the team have performed better than they have in years while in temporary exile from their main home. If this continues, the atmosphere in more comfortable surroundings will only improve. Neighbourhood 4 The stadium itself is right in the heart of the city, just a 15-minute walk from the landmark Vysotsky Tower – Ekaterinburg’s tallest building with a breathtaking observation floor on the 53rd level – along one of the busiest thoroughfares. The ground is on a small rise on the edge of a residential area that is in itself reasonably quiet, but the wealthy suburbs of the well-to-do are a stone’s throw away. The recommended tourist routes through the city run very close by alongside the stunning waterways that characterise the city centre. Adjacent to main entrance gates is a prison and a maternity ward that the original construction company considered relocating to create more land between the intersecting roads that run past the stadium. There are not a huge number of bars in the immediate vicinity, but if you venture just a few minutes on foot you will find yourself in the busiest part of town without too much trouble. As a result, the neighbourhood is relatively quiet, with newly developed apartment blocks and restaurants springing up behind the ground. Fans 3 Ural are not a club with a long history of tangible success, and as recently as 2015 were saved from relegation to the second tier of Russian football by goal difference alone, so the fans have become accustomed to the dip in quality. A flurry of smart recruitment and reasonable investment has seen the playing squad improve immensely in recent years, with older overpaid veterans being shipped out and their places being taken by younger, hungrier players. The ultras behind the goal will tirelessly belt out chants and songs regardless of the weather or opposition. They hold banners representing the different outlying towns they have come from, with regulars travelling up to 300 km for home matches. The bulk of the crowd take some encouragement before they add to the volume inside the ground, but once the shared chanting between two separate sectors gets going the support for the team becomes more apparent from all angles. A determined club president and hugely popular manager make a ‘good cop, bad cop’ combination with a real identity that fans tune into, although the lack of culture of success has bred a culture of general mildness across the whole fan base. Access 4 The nearest metro stations could be a little closer in an ideal world, but they are still only 15 minutes on foot. The tickets are very cheap – around $0.35 for a single journey – and the only current line on the metro system runs directly from the train station, although the wait between trains on the system can be about 12-15 minutes. If you are brave enough to tackle the minibus system, which is even cheaper and extremely reliable but also very cramped, then you will never need to wait more than a few minutes to catch a bus that’ll take you right outside the ground from the centre and the train station. Depending on how long you plan to stay in the city, the best option for getting to the ground might be to spend some time by the engorged river section that flows by the Yeltsin Centre, and then stroll 20 minutes on foot. Once at the ground itself, security is very smooth, with a large outer perimeter to the grounds broken up by six entrance pavilions where you must go through a bag search and a metal detector. With this in mind, it is advisable to arrive around two hours before kick off if you wish to have plenty of time to soak up the pre-match atmosphere and enjoy the food and drink without needing to rush. Return on Investment 4 The cost of tickets is crazily cheap considering it is for the premier level of football in Russia. For the cheapest seats at the biggest matches, you won’t pay more than $8, and in return for that you will see international players at a completely refurbished venue in comfort. Pre-match entertainment comes in the form of a very vocal emcee over the PA system and some dancers on the pitch, and sometimes some bizarre mayonnaise bottle mascots. The significant investment in the stadium has not translated into a huge hike in ticket prices thankfully, so in terms of value for money it is unbeatable for the sport on offer and the standard of surroundings. The seats are spacious, the grading of the stands is steep so views are excellent from all angles, and the protection from the often harsh winds is infinitely improved from the training ground that had been used for three years. Extras 3 The match program is superb, with a featured in-depth interview with a current player, full background information on the opposition, statistics for the league, and without the clutter of excessive advertising to dilute the content. For longer-lasting memorabilia there is a very slim selection of tiny stands dotted around the stadium grounds which sell team scarves, hats and basic paraphernalia usually found in merchandise stores. There is no official club store yet, as the ground has been redeveloped primarily with the World Cup in mind, but it is unlikely to be huge if and when it is built. The stadium itself is the main attraction other than the football, but in terms of extra value the entertainment isn’t a full-on show. Stilt walkers and face painters can be on duty around the large open space inside the entrance gates, and there is a stage where singers and general children’s entertainers ply their trade, but other than that it is the football that people go for, not the sundries.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Wembley Stadium London, England HA9 0WS England National Football website Wembley Stadium website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 90,000 A March to the Arch Many would argue that the journey ends when one arrives at a warm and sunny Wembley in northwest London. The name, simply the area where it’s located, evokes emotions like no other. To travel the 11 miles from central London to Wembley Stadium is to arrive at a true coliseum of football. If any stadium should have had the tag ‘theatre of dreams’ it’s this one. Very few stadiums in the world transcend their raison d’être quite like Wembley does. The original Wembley Stadium was constructed in breath-taking time, less than a year, so as to be ready for the British Empire Exhibition. The first FA Cup Final played here was in 1923, attracting huge numbers, officially 126,047. The last key match was played in October 2000, a comparatively low 76,377 looked on as the Germans did what the Germans do – beat England. In-between those two matches, history played itself out at the old Wembley providing lasting memories at every turn. In 1966, England hosted and won the World Cup beating Germany 4-2 to show that the old stadium also delivered a nice line in miracles. The Iconic twin towers were then demolished as part of a complete rebuild, eventually revealing a new all-seater Wembley Stadium in 2007. Replacing the twin towers came a new iconic feature, a huge lattice arch, 133 meters high, curving up and over the north stand. Construction was undertaken by Australian company Multiplex and the architects were Foster & Partners and Populous. The final costs were reported to be a colossal £962.4 Million (some sources show £798 million), and bank loans contributed nearly half of the total. The stadium is still home to the England football team and hosts national cup finals from the FA Cup to non-league’s FA Vase. It’s also a European Cup and Champions League final venue, most recently in 1992, 2011, and 2013. These days, as traditionalists cling to the idea of a Wembley ‘for the people,’ the reality has become a little tarnished. Ticket and refreshments prices are often criticised and a squabble with a local non-league club with the same name did not endear the FA nor Wembley to grassroots fans. Food & Beverage 3 Inside the stadium, there are an eye-watering 688 food and drink service points. Draught, real ale, and bottle bars are all available, serving up to 40,000 pints during the half time interval alone! Food options served include hot dogs, fish & chips, pizzas and, it’s claimed, Britain’s best sausage! Eating and drinking at the stadium does of course come at a price. A pint of Real Ale, Budweiser or Cider costs £5.50, coffee (£2,30), and a bottle of water (£2.50). Crisps (£1.60), a hot dog (£5.70), and a pulled pork dog (£7). On the positive side, the vast array of refreshment outlets, together with good staffing levels mean queues stay low throughout a visit. Immediately outside the stadium is a similar picture. The food stalls on the outskirts of the stadium and outside Wembley Park underground station also have short queues, but are quite expensive. A Cornish Pasty food van for example charges £6 for a traditional pasty and £3 for soft drinks. To the east of the stadium, on Wembley Park Boulevard, there is a new collection of hotels, factory outlet retail units, and chain restaurants providing options such as TGI Fridays, Wagamamas, and Sugar Dumplin, although of course they will be extremely busy on match days. A little further afield, and a lot less salubrious, is the bustling cosmopolitan High Road where you can grab a drink and some international foods for a lot less of your English sterling. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is operated by Wembley National Stadium Ltd, a subsidiary of the English FA and has a total capacity of 90,000. Although the roof does not fully close, all seats can technically be ‘covered.’ Like most modern stadiums, the seats completely encircle the pitch; including the corporate seats (‘Club Wembley’) it has three distinct tiers. The lowest/closest to the pitch are blocks 101-144. The second tier is found between 201-252 and the top tier includes sections 501-552. Scoreboards are embedded high above both goals in the top tier, providing all the usual information and updates. Football isn’t the only sport associated with Wembley, in fact the Olympic Games no less used the stadium in 1948 and, less extensively in 2012. Rugby Football League hold their annual Cup Final here and speedway used to be very much part of the fabric in days gone by, sadly no more. The stadium also hosts music concerts, boxing, and American Football which all bring in extra cash to the FA coffers. The atmosphere at games here can be variable to say the least. England home games have become very ‘family friendly’ with cheap tickets sometimes available from as little as £10. This, and the relative malaise currently felt by England fans, means these occasions are often sanitised to the point of stupor (we’re talking paper airplanes and mexican waves here). Other matches here can be the opposite, two sets of fans thrilled to be in attendance, more than a little alcohol can fuel the noise echoing impressively around the stadium. Neighborhood 5 The neighbourhood around the stadium is certainly not on the tourist trail, but there are numerous league and non-league sides in London if you want to catch more than one game. The aforementioned Wembley FC play at Vale Farm, a couple of miles from the stadium and would offer a warm grassroots welcome if you made it to a game. Wembley Arena is also next door with a capacity of 12,500 where you can watch the latest music concerts and shows. Most visitors to the national stadium would take the opportunity to visit central London where all the famous landmarks are located. Hundreds of guides and articles are available on the web which provide all the information you need to plan a trip. My recommendation would be to visit the viewing areas in the Houses of Parliament and the House of Lords. Free to enter, it is a fascinating experience to watch the ancient traditions and the fierce debate that often ensues. The National Gallery is also free to enter on the northside of Trafalgar Square, where you could easily spend a whole afternoon wandering around viewing timeworn and modern artwork. Just up the road from Trafalgar Square you can watch the latest films in Leicester Square and grab something to eat in the numerous restaurants. Chiquitos would be my recommendation for some Mexican food, and a cocktail or bottle of Sol. For accommodations, if you are only visiting the stadium, then the Wembley Hilton is a real treat. Situated directly opposite the stadium, the hotel has a swimming pool and a great rooftop bar where you can watch the incoming hordes in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Hundreds of B&B’s, hotels, and hostels are dotted around the capital of course and decent transport links ensure you will be able to arrive in less than 45 minutes from most locations. Fans 4 Just like the Maracana in Rio and the San Siro in Milan, football fans from across the world have Wembley Stadium on their bucket list. In England it is a similar picture. For the older fan in particularly there is still a magic about the possibility of your team playing there and when it happens it’s a ‘must-attend’ event. The lower league and non-league fraternity in England also celebrate making it to Wembley for a playoff final or the FA Trophy/FA Vase Finals day. It must be the most sung about stadium in the world as fans sing and dream from the earliest of rounds that their team might make it to the final. The stadium does however evoke some negative feelings amongst fans for a variety of reasons. The prices of tickets and refreshments are often criticised, tied to the sense that the FA need to recoup that extraordinary outlay for the rebuilt stadium. 2018 Cup Final prices for example will range from £45 for category D through to £145 for category A tickets. Another factor is the success of the Premier League and the European Champions League. The top 6 clubs in England no longer see a trip to Wembley as the be all and end all. Indeed, many clubs will play weakened teams for FA Cup games if it’s followed by an important Premier League match. Finally, the decision to play FA Cup Semi Finals at the stadium, moving away from the tradition of neutral venues has, for many, devalued the FA Cup Final itself. Your correspondent subscribes to some of these views however is old enough to still feel the tingle of excitement of a trip to the national stadium. Perhaps for some of the above reasons, fans arrived for this FA Cup Semi Final, happy but not ecstatic. Wembley organise a split of the local pubs which will be designated for one team’s fans or the another. This works well and many are full in the lead up to kick off. Nearer the stadium, fans enter their own ‘fan zones’ for refreshments and music and also mingle freely. Fans still arrive in their droves to see the national team too. Attendances at the new Wembley Stadium can range from 50-90,000, the highest so far coming in 2008 for a match vs Kazakhstan when 89,107 watched a 5-1 victory. In 2017/18 London side Tottenham Hotspur made Wembley their home stadium whilst their new ground was being built. It is rumoured the venue may also host Chelsea soon when work on their new stadium finally gets underway. Access 3 London Airports all have quick transfers into central London. If you drive, suggest you park at an outlying station like Hillingdon or Richmond and take the train for the final part of your journey. Parking information for nearer to the stadium can be found on the excellent Wembley Stadium website. Back on the train and from central London head to Baker Street and follow the crowds. The station you are heading for is Wembley Park station, which is on both the metropolitan and jubilee lines. This is the best place to disembark as you get a good view of the stadium as you leave the station. The over ground railway station is Wembley Central which necessitates a half mile stroll up the High Road to the stadium. There is also a station closer called Wembley Stadium, but this is only served by Chiltern Railways. Truth be told, it can feel like a bit of a camel ride to get to our national stadium at times. The expectation, or at least the hope however tends to make it feel a bit less of a chore. Access to the stadium can be gained by staircases and curved slopes. Inside you ascend to your seats via a series of escalators, taking you higher and higher depending on your seat location. (A picture of the stadium layout taken outside the stadium can be found in the photo gallery above). Tickets need to be purchased beforehand from the club side you are supporting or direct from the English FA website. Bar code readers will allow you to enter with your ticket and expect a bag search just before or after you transit the turnstiles. If you have any issues with mobility or require accessibility assistance of any kind, there is some helpful guidance on the website. Return on Investment 2 According to William Shenstone, “Nothing is certain in London but expense,” and in short, he’s right! If a family of four visited Wembley for a prestige match like the FA Cup final, stayed at the Hilton Hotel opposite, bought category A tickets for the game, ate inside the stadium, and visited a few attractions in London the next day, you could easily spend £1,000. Not a great return on investment. However, there are ways to avoid the high costs. England home matches as mentioned, sometimes sell tickets for kids for just £10. A hotel room outside of central London, somewhere like Hounslow, may be obtained for less than £100 per night. You could also grab your dinner from along the High Road rather than inside the stadium. The bottom line is of course, the same as the top line, that a visit to London coupled with a trip to Wembley Stadium will come at no little expense! Extras 4 A Guest Support portal on the Wembley Stadium website provides a myriad of excellent answers to your questions, from pushchair access to park and ride, from accessibility to acrophobia (yes really!). Tours of the stadium are available, currently £22 for adults for a tour lasting 75 minutes. In these corporate dominated times, a VIP tour is of course also available for £60. The @WembleyStadium twitter feed has a nice line in banter, and will put out event-specific information about parking, where to drink etc. before your visit. Staff who work the stadium on the day is also excellent. Smiles, helpful responses to questions, and some nice conversations throughout our visit. Final Thoughts If you haven’t visited Wembley Stadium yet, make no mistake, it should be high on your list. The second-largest football stadium in Europe, it’s a hugely impressive arena. The city of London too, for all its faults, is a wonderful place for the big attractions and the small lanes, parks, and markets. It is said in fact that “a bad day in London is still better than a good day anywhere else!” For die-hard football fans though, there may be elements that disappoint. Prices can be high, building work in the immediate vicinity leave very few complete views of the ground, and the atmosphere may well be diluted by thousands of day trippers. Overall there’s still a pride about watching your team here, an expectation, as you plan to visit this vast coliseum which has made and broken dreams in equal measure.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Oxford-University Stadium at Swayze Field 500-542 University Ave Oxford, MS 38655 Mississippi Rebels website Oxford-University Stadium / Swayze Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 10,323 Hotty Toddy…. A Baseball Party! Oxford -University Stadium / Swayze Field has been the home of the Ole Miss Rebels baseball program since 1989. It has gone through numerous renovations over the years, bringing its present capacity to 10,715. The field is named for Tom Swayze, who led the baseball program for more than 20 years and remains the most successful Ole Miss baseball coach in history. The school has a long history with baseball, as it first fielded a team in 1893. The Rebels have won seven SEC Season Championships, three SEC Tournament Championships, gone to twenty-one NCAA Tournaments and have appeared in five trips to the College World Series. The school has sent forty-six players on to play in major league baseball. Some of the more famous players include Don Kessinger and Jake Gibbs. Food & Beverage 4 Swayze Field has multiple concession stands offering a wide variety of items. A sampling of the menu includes cheeseburger basket ($12), polish sausage basket ($12), chicken tender basket ($10), corn dogs ($6), hot dogs ($4), nachos ($4), pretzels ($5), BBQ basket ($10), grilled chicken Caesar wrap ($9), vegetable and hummus wrap ($9). Dessert items include popcorn ($3), cracker jacks ($4), peanuts ($4), candy ($4) and cotton candy ($4). Coca-Cola beverages are $4 and bottled water is $3. Ole Miss also has two well stocked Fanatics team stores at Swayze Field. Atmosphere 5 Ole Miss has had some very successful teams in recent years, which has led to a need for increased seating and other improvements to the nearly 30 year old stadium. Improvements have included extending the lower level down both baselines to the foul poles, adding a club level of seating and the installation of a new video/scoreboard and ribbon boards around the front façade of the club level of the stadium. The left field terrace area features a family friendly area, which includes picnic tables, grills and a play area for the children. A rooftop plaza area for M Club members is currently under construction and should be complete in the near future. Neighborhood 5 The home of the University of Mississippi / Ole Miss is a town that almost always winds up on a “Top 10,” “Best of” or “Top” list, no matter what the category. Oxford, Mississippi is truly one of the top college towns in the country. It is probably best-known as the hometown of author William Faulkner, but authors John Grisham, Willie Morris and Barry Hannah have also lived here. Oxford is also home to the Lyric Theatre, one of the oldest performing arts facilities in the South, further cementing Oxford’s reputation as the “Cultural Mecca of the South.” Like to eat?… James Beard Award-winning chef John Currence has four restaurants in town. If your tastes are a little simpler, try the Oxford Canteen, a restaurant located in an old gas station… and highly recommended by both USA Today and Southern Living. The Square serves as the heartbeat of Oxford, as the county courthouse is surrounded by buildings built in the late 1800’s. It is here that you will find shops, boutiques and the South’s oldest department store (Neilson’s in 1839). You will most likely find your favorite book at Square Books, one of top independent bookstores in the country. Restaurants in the area serve everything from BBQ to seafood and soul food. Music lovers flock to Oxford as one of the largest stops along the Mississippi Blues Trail. The Square is just east of the Ole Miss campus. Fans 5 Ole Miss has a very rabid baseball fan base as the sport has had the most success of any sport in the Rebels athletic program. The program has ranked in the top three schools in Division I for the last five years and tickets typically sell out the first day they go on sale in February. The fans interact with the team very closely, as the players often lead cheers, songs and even dance between innings. One segment of the Ole Miss fan base does not even have seats within the stadium technically. They reside in what is called the right field terrace, which is actually outside the stadium. This area is for Ole Miss students attending the game. They are definitely the rowdiest fans in the SEC, erupting into beer showers after a Rebel home run or win. Basically, a beer shower is caused by 1000 Dixie Cups full of beer being thrown into the air, and raining down on the students, who could care less. The thousand or so students who sit in this area are not counted in the stadium attendance. We will discuss some other Ole Miss traditions involving this group in the Extra’s section. Access 5 Oxford is most easily reached through the Memphis International Airport (MEM). It is approximately 90 miles southeast of Memphis via I-55 South and Hwy 278 East. Parking is available along the roads leading to the stadium at no charge. Once in the stadium access is excellent. There is a wide concourse running through the middle of the seating bowl. Aisles are wide enough to provide horizontal as well as vertical movement. The concession stands have multiple windows to facilitate quick service. Oxford University Transit (OUT) offers frequent shuttles between the downtown area and the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The face value of baseball tickets to an Ole Miss baseball game are $15 – $20 for a reserved seat and $10 for a General Admission / Standing Room Only seat. It is very doubtful that you will be able to find a reserved seat without going through a secondary ticket provider and paying a hefty premium. You do have a fair chance of scoring a Standing Room Only spot depending on the opponent and the weather. Parking adjacent to Oxford-University Stadium are reserved for season ticket holders. Parking downtown and taking the OUT shuttle or walking the short distance to the stadium are the most economical ways to reach the game. Extras 3 Baseball legend Casey Stengel once served as a baseball coach at Ole Miss. In addition to the beer showers, another Ole Miss baseball tradition is for an Ole Miss outfielder to hand a baseball to the student section before an inning starts. The students then write encouraging messages to the team on the ball, which is then returned to the player at the end of the inning. This is repeated before each inning of the game. In between innings, Ole Miss features racing SOLO cups. Final Thoughts University – Oxford Stadium / Swayze Field is home to one of the most successful baseball programs in the SEC. Ole Miss is proud of its traditions, and the stadium has some traditions of its own. These include the beer showers in the student section after a Rebels home run, the Ole Miss team performing a synchronized dance routine in the dugout in the middle of the fifth inning and Hotty Toddy cheer being done by the fans. There is truly a close bond between the Ole Miss team and their fans, and the end of a game, win or lose, the players tip their caps to those in attendance.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 The Ballpark at Jackson 4 Fun Pl Jackson, TN 38305 Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,000 We’re Goin’ Down To Jackson The Ballpark at Jackson is home to the Jackson Generals, the AA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was originally known as Pringles Park, changing its name after the naming rights expired in 2012. The 6,000 seat park opened in 1998 and is owned by the city of Jackson. The park includes 8 suites, the Bullpen Bar along the third base line and berm seating / children's fun zone along the first base line. Two party decks were added to the park prior to the 2018 season. The Generals have won two Southern League championships and two division titles in their 20 year existence. In addition, the park has hosted the Southern League All Star Game twice (1999 and 2011) and regularly hosts the Ohio Valley Conference baseball tournament. Several area high schools also play their games at The Ballpark at Jackson. Food & Beverage 5 The Generals have a much bigger concession presence than teams at higher baseball classifications. The central concession area has 9 windows/lines to handle fans’ orders quickly and efficiently. In addition to the central concessions area, the stadium has a Blue Moon Grille and a Leinie Lodge stand, a convenience store style concession as well an ice cream stand. Here is a quick overview of the items available at the Ballpark at Jackson: catfish po’ boy ($8), burgers ($5), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($4), cheesesteaks ($8), chicken sandwiches ($8), brats ($6), pretzels ($4), popcorn ($4), peanuts ($3.50), cracker jacks ($3.50), pork rinds ($3.50), chips ($1.50), candy ($3), cotton candy ($4.50), funnel cakes ($4), large ice cream cones ($5) and helmet sundaes ($6). On the beverage side of things, the Generals serve Pepsi sodas ($4) and bottled water ($3). 24-ounce domestic beers are $6 and premium beers are $7; 32-ounce servings of domestic beers are $8 and premium beers are $9. The team provides a large covered space filled with picnic tables on the concourse for those who would rather eat their food at a table, rather than balance it on their laps at their seats. There are two food-related promotions offered by the team. Thrifty Thursdays reduce the price of the following menu items to $2 : hot dogs, 24 oz. soft drinks, 16 oz. beers, ice cream and popcorn. Food Truck Fridays feature a rotating set of food trucks selling several types of food at the park. The stadium also features a gift shop known as the General Store. Atmosphere 4 The Ballpark at Jackson hearkens back to the days where the game was the central attraction and all the bells and whistles were not built into the stadiums. Jackson is a small town and the stadium reflects that in a positive way. The outfield walls are covered with advertising from local businesses such as car dealerships, barber shops, grocery stores and the bank. You’ll also see the local Rotary and the Jaycees sponsoring information on their organizations. Home runs in a certain inning earn fans some small item at a local business. This hometown touch may seem dull to some, but it also can be attractive to those who prefer their minor league ball without all the corporate trappings of modern day ball. The Generals have some type of contest or theme to each night, hosted by a very talented emcee. The fans really get into the competitions, even when the prizes might be rather trivial. The Generals mascot is a Bulldog named Sarge, whose jowly visage is everywhere in the park. Fireworks are a Friday night staple at the ballpark. There are only two minor negatives to the design of the Ballpark at Jackson. The scoreboard faces right into the sun for day games or early evening games, making it hard to see videos and the stats related to the game. The second item hurts an exciting part of any baseball game. You are not likely to see many home runs at the Generals home field. It is not that the dimensions of the field are that huge… it is the height of the walls at the park. All three walls are “Green Monsters” at over 25 feet tall. A shot to dead center (390 feet) also needs to be 30 feet up in the air as well. You will see some of the longest doubles in baseball at the Ballpark at Jackson. Neighborhood 3 The Ballpark at Jackson is located just east of the downtown area of Jackson. There are two hotels, the Holiday Inn and the Courtyard Marriott, in the immediate vicinity of the stadium. Reggi’s BBQ and Wings is a popular pre and post-game stop for Generals fans. The city of Jackson and its ballpark are located midway between Memphis (70 miles) and Nashville (136 Miles). It is the 7th largest city in Tennessee with a population of 66,000. From 1851 until the early 1960’s, Jackson was a railroad hub, with more than 15 passenger trains passing through each day. The Casey Jones Home and Railroad Museum is one of the town’s main attractions, and it salutes this railroad heritage. Fans 4 The Generals fan base comes from the city of Jackson and the rural areas north or south of the city. The nearest major cities are more than 90 minutes away, so the locals provide a bulk of the attendance. Jackson is a town, where everybody knows everybody, and the team utilizes this to their advantage in the marketing of the team. The Generals draw very well from area youth groups, church groups, family reunions and sports teams. You can tell as each group is saluted in a seemingly endless list between innings. The Ballpark at Jackson is located next door to a regional youth baseball/softball multi-plex made up of more than 20 fields of varying dimensions. This also provides a good portion of the crowd, especially when a tournament is underway on weekends Access 3 Jackson, Tennessee is located 70 miles northeast of Memphis and 136 miles southwest of Nashville on I-40. To reach The Ballpark at Jackson take exit 85 off I-40 (Christmasville Road / F E Wright Drive). Go south on Wright Drive then take a left at either the first or second red light. The stadium will be on your left. You enter the park at the top of the seating bowl and the main concourse. There is a second concourse about 15 rows down from the top concourse. If you are not in good shape… buy a ticket nearer to the top concourse, as it is quite a climb up to use the restroom or get something from the concession stand. 80% of the stadium is made up of seat backs, with 20% devoted to aluminum bench seating. Return on Investment 5 A night out at The Ballpark at Jackson provides an excellent return on investment. Ticket prices are $10 for reserved tickets in advance or $12 for tickets purchased the day of the game and $6 for general admission tickets purchased in advance or $8 for tickets purchased the day of the game. General admission tickets purchased for Thrifty Thursday games are only $2. (Reserved seats have chair backs, while general admission seating is bench seating. The parking is free in the stadium’s lot. The concessions at The Ballpark at Jackson are very reasonably priced. There are several hotels within walking distance of the park priced at $100/night or less. Monday evenings are Belly Buster Nights that includes all-you-can-eat-ticket for $16 and Thursdays are Dollar Nights where various concession items are just a buck. Extras 3 The Ballpark at Jackson was named Ballpark of the Year for the 2017 season by the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. The team name of “Generals” is a salute to General Andrew Jackson, the town’s namesake. The Johnny Cash / June Carter Cash hit song “Jackson” is about the city. Final Thoughts The Jackson Generals and the Ballpark at Jackson have been successful in a small-town market for 20 years by utilizing the old fashioned ‘baseball comes first’ strategy that has become somewhat lost into today’s minor league world. They market the team to local advertisers, rather than sell naming rights to a major corporation, offer a good ticket value for their fan base and provide a concession menu that would be the envy of many clubs at the AAA level. They have reached out to youth clubs, civic organizations and area churches and schools as the backbone of their ticket base. The community has responded very well to this “hometown” approach to running a successful franchise.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Hank DeVincent Field 1900 W Olney Ave Philadelphia, PA 19141 La Salle Explorers website Hank DeVincent Field website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 1,000 Home of the La Salle Explorers La Salle University is a Roman Catholic university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was named for St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. La Salle first admitted women students in 1970, becoming a fully co-educational institution. Nursing and Education are two of the largest majors at La Salle. Sports teams at La Salle are named the Explorers. The name derives from a 1931 mistake made by a local sportswriter. The writer thought the university was named after the French explorer Sieur de La Salle, when in fact it is named after St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. The students loved the mistake so much they adopted it in 1932. Athletic teams are now part of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options at DeVincent Field. Bring your own food if you wish to enjoy anything. Atmosphere 2 The field is a basic baseball field that is surrounded by trees and college buildings. It is a nice facility for northeast college baseball. Neighborhood 1 The neighborhood is known as the Logan-Ogontz/Belfield neighborhood. Whatever the name, it is frankly not the best. It is not unsafe or very bad, but it is not 100% great and awesome. If you wander away from campus, just be aware of your surroundings. There are not many businesses in the area except for the Explorers Den, which offers a very respectable cheesesteak. There is also a small shopping center that offers parking for games at the corner of Chew and Wister. The university owns this shopping center. The Fresh Grocer and Dunkin Donuts in this center are your only other options before games. Eat before you get to the area is the best advice. Head to center city Philadelphia. Take advantage of options afforded by such a city. I would recommend the Good Dog Bar on 15th Street, close to Rittenhouse Square or Me ‘N’ Mo on South Street. Some of the best cheesesteaks are located at Philip’s Steaks at 2234 West Passyunk Avenue for traditional Philly cheesesteaks. This is not one of the more touristy spots, but is still in a safe neighborhood and offers free parking. Philip’s also has a surprisingly good cheeseburger for a cheesesteak joint. Just remember you have to buy the drinks and fries at a different window than your main entree, which is a strange and unique Philly tradition Fans 3 Fans at DeVincent Field tend to primarily be family or friends of the players. What this means is that weekend and later afternoon games will be busier than early afternoon weekday games. It just means you will see an inconsistent level of fan interaction. The fans who do attend really care about the game and are extremely knowledgeable. Access 3 Access is fair. The university is located not too far from highways such as I-76 and I-95 but far enough that you have to drive through some rough, but not too bad neighborhoods to get there. If you venture too far east the neighborhoods do get worse. Return on Investment 4 It is free to attend games. The seats are close to the action and the view from the field is nice, so it is a good return on investment. Extras 1 The PA announcer does a good job with music and announcements. Final Thoughts This is a nice, simple ballpark offering good baseball with little frills. Don’t go out of your way to attend, but if in the direct area, it may be a good place to spend a nice afternoon.

Photos by Dave Hanson and Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Yankee Stadium 1 E 161st St Bronx, NY 10451 New York City FC website Yankee Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 49,653 City Blues New York City Football Club got their start in 2015 as the 20th expansion franchise in MLS. Owned by Premier League club Manchester City and the New York Yankees, the team began to play at Yankee Stadium with the expectation that a soccer-only venue would be constructed somewhere in the five boroughs in the next few years. As the club begins their fourth season, however, there is no sign of that new stadium on the horizon. One proposed location for a new facility, which is actually outside the city proper, will instead be used for the Islanders new arena and no other options are currently being explored. This is bad for both NYCFC and the Yankees. Last season, changes to the baseball schedule forced City to play two home matches elsewhere, Rentschler Field and Citi Field. The constant changes to the turf as the soccer field is laid down and then removed is not good for the long-term health of the infield, although no problems have arisen so far. So what it is like attending a game at the only baseball stadium in the MLS? As you might expect, it leaves most fans singing the blues. Food & Beverage 3 Most concession stands are open for NYCFC, and the variety is good though prices are the same as when the Yankees play, which is far too much for an MLS game. As well, all items are now priced to end at 9 cents, such as the Bronx Bomber hot dog for $7.29. Other options at the NY Grill portable stand include bacon on a stick ($6.89) and Italian sausage ($8.09) while the NYY Steak next to it has 3 beef sliders ($10.99) and a steak sandwich for $14.69. The Triple Play Grill is a permanent stand and hungry fans will opt for the value bucket of 8 chicken tenders and a pound of fries for $19.69. Frugal fans can have a grilled chicken sandwich for $6.39 or a New York pretzel for $4.89. Many other stands can be found around the concourses, so get there early and have a look to see what appeals. Coors Light is the official supplier of beer, and a regular beer is just $5.59, while a larger one is $10.89. Specialty beers include Stella Artois and Goose Island for $11.89, while a giant can of domestic beer is $12.99 and premium and extra 90 cents. Pepsi products are available with a souvenir size going for $5.89, while bottled water is $4.79. There are sit down eateries as well, such as the NYY Steakhouse and the Hard Rock Café inside the Great Hall. As well, you can bring in your own food and water, as long as it has not been opened. Atmosphere 2 NYCFC is the only MLS club to play in a baseball stadium, and the atmosphere suffers as a result. The club does try to spice things up with a band called City Beats who play outside on River Avenue before and after the game, but once inside, you will quickly remember that this is Yankee Stadium. The field is set up to run from first base to left field, so there are no sideline seats right next to the pitch, at least at midfield. The best location on a sunny day is in the bleachers between sections 201-203, but these are uncomfortable benches and not padded box seats that you would expect for the price you pay. Not only that, but you won’t be able to see the main scoreboard. The other set of bleachers (235-238) is the supporters’ section and this is the loudest place in the stadium. You will not be sitting down if you choose to be in this area. My favorite place to watch the game is from the batters eye between the two bleacher sections. Although you are standing for the game, you have a small table to rest a drink on, and there is no one in front of you. Even with the upper deck closed off, the stadium is too big to really generate a lot of consistent noise throughout the game. An in-stadium host and DJ try to get the crowd fired up before the game, but that energy doesn’t last much past kickoff. For youngsters and those young at heart, a fan zone can be found behind the batters eye where fans can get their hair or faces painted for free. Before the players walk onto the pitch, a Tunnel of Honor is formed with uniformed members of the NYPD and FDNY lining up on either side of the procession. This is a nice touch and adds a bit of ceremony to an otherwise pedestrian experience. After the match, regardless of the result, the final 11 on the pitch have signed mini-balls and throw them out to fans, so stick around and sit down low if you want to get one. Overall though, it is tough to overcome the limitations of playing soccer in a cavernous baseball stadium. No doubt the team and their fans will be best served by a new facility that allows them to be closer to the action. Neighborhood 3 The Bronx is not a great place to hang out in general, but the area just east of the stadium on either side of 161st Street between River Avenue and Walton Avenue has a few places worth checking out before or after the game. All of these do very well for Yankee games and are usually a little less busy for NYCFC. Stan’s Sports Bar is the most famous, while Billy’s Sports Bar is not far behind. For a quieter spot, try the Yankee Tavern instead. Craft beer fans should head to the Bronx Drafthouse. In terms of food, the Crown Diner offers affordable comfort food, while the Eating Tree serves of Jamaican fare. Fans 3 In their fourth season, NYCFC has established a good fan base, many of whom seem to be entire families, which is good to see. Still, they did not sell out the home opener and although average attendance was over 22,000 in 2017, there is room for improvement. Those fans in attendance are knowledgeable about the game and the team and I haven’t seen any overly drunken behavior in the many games I have attended. A more raucous crowd would doubtless be appreciated by the players, but as mentioned, it is tough to generate much enthusiasm in a ballpark. Access 4 Getting to Yankee Stadium from Manhattan is easy as there are two trains that make the trip to the 161st Street stop – the 4 and D. The B train also serves this station, however it does not operate on weekends, which is when most NYCFC games are held. If you are attending a weekend match, check MTA’s Weekender site for updates to the train schedules as there is always maintenance and sometimes trains don’t even run. If you are driving, you should be able to find street parking in the residential areas nearby, but this is not the recommended option. If you have a party of 3 or so, consider a ride-sharing service or a taxi. Security can be slow if you arrive just a few minutes before kickoff, so try to get there at least 30 minutes before and use Gate 8 if the main entrance is too crowded. Inside, the upper deck is closed off for all matches except those when New York Red Bulls are visiting, but the remaining concourses are generally free-flowing. After the game, there may be a small delay in exiting the stadium but nothing that you would find frustrating. Concessions are not busy before the match and you can easily get something before the game without any waiting, but if you are hungry at halftime, expect to wait. Similarly, restrooms do see lineups at halftime and after the game, but these move very quickly. Return on Investment 2 Tickets start at $30 for general admission, which is a bit steep. The next price up is $32 for end zone in the 200 level, then $38, $40 for the bleachers at midfield, and continuing up to $78 for the lower level seats at midfield (along the third base side). From 2018, NYCFC has an agreement with StubHub, so they will be the best place to look on the secondary market. Note that all season ticket holders use a card to enter, so there are few hard tickets to be found outside; if you are a collector of this disappearing type of souvenir, best is to use the box office. Looking at the ticket prices and food prices, this is not the most affordable MLS experience out there. Extras 2 Monument Park is open before the game and worth visiting for anyone who has yet to see Yankee Stadium. The Yankee museum has been open in the past but was not during the first two games of the 2018 season. If it is open, it is rarely busy and you can really take your time there when compared to visiting during a Yankee game. The smokestacks in front of the supporters’ sections are set off before every match, after every goal, and to close out every home victory. Final Thoughts NYCFC is aware that playing as the second tenant in Yankee Stadium is not ideal, and they are committed to finding a new home. The latest idea involves a 26,000-seat soccer-only stadium in an area of the Bronx about two miles from the stadium. The new venue would be part of a larger mixed-use development, which would include retail, affordable housing, and a community park. Dubbed Harlem River Yards, the concept is just in the introductory stages, but it does look promising and if it proceeds, would be completed by 2022. It’s definitely something to look forward to for City fans, who are doubtless getting tired of having their team play in a ballpark, even one as impressive as Yankee Stadium.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Centre Georges-Vezina 643 rue Begin Saguenay, Québec G7H 4N7 Chicoutimi Sagueneens website Centre Georges-Vezina website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 4,724 L’eglise du Hockey At one point in time, each member league of the Canadian Hockey League had their own identity. The QMJHL was known for being faster paced, with smaller players, more goal scoring and great goaltenders. No team can be identified with great goaltenders in junior more than the Chicoutimi Saguenéens (sag-nay-en). Chicoutimi would produce four goaltenders in a short period of time who would go on to play in the National Hockey League. Jimmy Waite, Eric Fichaud, Marc Denis and Felix Potvin would have various degrees of NHL success, but it is unprecedented for one junior team to produce so many NHL goaltenders. Chicoutimi has been one of the most stable franchises in the Q, having been around since 1973, and the link to the community is undeniable. The translation of Saguenéens is literally “people from the Saguenay.” Only the Gatineau (Hull) Olympiques and Shawinigan Cataractes have been in the same spot longer than the Saguenéens. Home for the Sags is Centre Georges-Vézina. Named after local legend and legendary Montréal Canadiens goaltender Georges Vézina, the arena is a quintessential Québec hockey barn. Built in 1949 with some key renovations, Centre Georges-Vézina has a capacity of 4,724 and smells of history. The arena is owned by the city of Saguenay, which contains the borough of Chicoutimi. The team is owned by the city of Saguenay and run by an 11 person Board of Directors, who include former Sagueneen and NHL goaltender, Marc Denis. Saguenay is probably a significant drive for most, but definitely worth the trip. Fans who see the Saguenéens will have to enter “l’eglise du hockey” or church of hockey. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at Centre Georges-Vézina are decent but fairly unspectacular. There are concession stands at the top of the arena, behind the seating in each of the four corners as well as a few stands in the concourses underneath the seating. The expected items can be found at the main concession stands. Hot dogs ($2.75), fries, pogos, onion rings, burgers, grilled cheese and chicken soup can all be found on the menu at very affordable prices. The Québec staple poutine is also available. Combos are available, which is fairly unique for sports venues. For something a little more unique, fans should head beneath the seating area to La Crèmior, a specialty ice cream stand with a huge variety of options. Soft drink options feature Coca-Cola products ($3) as well as hot chocolate, tea, coffee, water and juice. Cans of domestic beer are available at most stands, however fans who are interested in beer will want to head underneath to La Voie Maltée which features a number of local brews including La Sags ($7.25). Atmosphere 4 There is something special about Centre Georges-Vézina. From the exterior, the arena does not look like it was built in 1949. Renovations have clearly taken place over the years, and the mix of red brick and light siding give the building a contemporary look. After passing security, fans empty into the main concourses underneath the seating bowl. Not overly spacious, the concourse does feature the main merchandise store right at the entry point. There are a few pictures of current players and other items including a large growth chart, but nothing over the top. Entry to the seating bowl is at ice level. After entering the seating bowl, fans are immediately sent back in time. The attention is instantly brought to the high peaked ceiling with hardwood bringing the feelings of a hockey barn. The ice surface runs from north to south and the perfect shot of the centre ice logo will be on the west side of the stands. Above the logo is a four sided video board with a traditional scoreclock underneath. The Saguenéens have a number of banners which hang from the rafters. The retired numbers of Alain Côté, Normand Lêveillé, Sylvain Locas, Marc Fortier, Guy Carbonneau, Gilbert Delorme, Éric Fichaud and Félix Potvin all hang proudly. They are joined by coach Richard Martel and his 570 victories, Gervais Munger, a former owner who tragically drowned in Lac-Sainte-Jean and local hockey legend Rolland Héber, who actually discovered Jean Béliveau. They are side by side with the accomplishments of the Saguenéens highlighted by the 1991 Coupe du Président and Trophée Jean-Rougeau as well as the 1994 Coupe du Président. However, the pièce de résistance can be found at the south end of the arena. Above the south end video screen is a large crucifix. A nod to the very strong Catholic roots of the area, it is this crucifix that cements Centre Georges-Vézina as the church of hockey. The game day production in Chicoutimi is about what you would expect in a QMJHL hockey experience. Sago, the Saguenéens mascot, makes his way around the arena, interacting with fans and partaking in on ice promotions. Neighbourhood 3 Chicoutimi in the winter is quite picturesque. Located on the Saguenay River, east of Lac-Ste-Jean, Chicoutimi offers nice views of the river and foothills. It is definitely a spot for winter sports as snowmobiling is pretty big in the area. Tourists also head to the area to see the Fjords. As far as pre and post game spots for fans to get a drink or bite to eat, there are a few. From Centre Georges-Vézina, fans should head to Boulevard Talbot where a number of recognizable chain restaurants reside. Checking out St. Hubert when in Québec is a pretty good idea. A couple of more unique spots to the area would include La Voie Maltée and Le Coq Rôti. As far as other things to do of interest, there are a number of churches in the area that are both historic and offer unique architecture. Cathédrale Saint-François-Xavier would be one to check out. Also for those interested in what the area is most known for, head to Grande-Baie to Musee du Fjord. Chicoutimi does not offer a ton of other sporting options. UQAC is right in town and has a few athletic teams. Otherwise, fans will need to travel south to Québec City for other sporting options. For fans who wish to stay in the area, there are a number of B&B spots along the river. However, the preponderance of French in the region may give fans reason to stay at a more traditional hotel. Le Montagnais Hotel and Convention Center and Comfort Inn Chicoutimi are good selections. Fans 3 The Chicoutimi Saguenéens have been on a bit of a rough road in the last number of years. Given the relative isolation of the team and community attachment the Saguenéens have, greater attendance figures were expected. However, Chicoutimi routinely fills approximately half of the building, averaging around 2,300 fans in the three seasons up to 2018. This ranks the Saguenéens in the middle of the QMJHL. Amid ownership issues, the City has taken the team back, but fans will need to be more supportive at the rink to ensure the long term viability of the team. Access 4 Saguenay has a population of 144,000 and is made up of the boroughs of Chicoutimi, Jonquière La Baie and Laterrière. Getting into the borough is not difficult at all. Centre Georges-Vézina is located between the Saguenay River and highways. The size of the borough does not make for terrible traffic. There is free parking around the arena for those who are willing to get there a little early. For fans who are interested in public transit, there are buses that run on Begin. Check out the Société de Transport du Saguenay website for fares, maps and schedules. The entrance to the north of the building is the main one and houses the ticketing windows. Getting around the arena, especially beneath the seats, can be a challenge. Washrooms are not huge and the seats in the building are on the narrow side. Return on Investment 5 It is hard to say there is a better value for the sporting dollar than the QMJHL. Tickets for the Saguenéens are an affordable $17 or $16. There are discounts for students, seniors and children. Kids are only $5 to get into the arena. Combine that with free parking and very affordable concessions and the investment for hockey in Chicoutimi is not very large. The QMJHL also provides a top notch hockey experience and getting into the Centre Georges-Vézina is a great experience in and of itself. Extras 4 An extra mark for the Saguenéens sporting the “barbershop pole” design which is a throwback to old school hockey jerseys. The double blue stripes are incorporated smartly on their jerseys. An extra mark for the community link the Saguenéens have in Saguenay. An extra mark for Chicoutimi and the geographic beauty of the Fjords. An extra mark for the longevity of the Chicoutimi Saguenéens. Final Thoughts A trip to see Centre Georges-Vézina and the Chicoutimi Saguenéens is truly a trip to see the church of hockey. An old school hockey barn that bleeds history and is a throwback to days of old, a trip through the Q is not complete without Georges-Vézina. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Bart Kaufman Field 1873 N Fee Ln Bloomington, IN 47408 Indiana Hoosiers website Bart Kaufman Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 2,500 IU's Home for Baseball is a Hit Bart Kaufman Field is the home of the Indiana University baseball program; an impressive ballpark in the Big Ten and a vast improvement over the Hoosiers old home Sembower Field that was built in 1951. The $19.8 million facility was dedicated in 2013 and is a welcome addition to the sporting facilities on campus. The 2,500 seat venue features a limestone backstop, synthetic turf, lights, home and away locker rooms, and expanded media facilities. An open concourse wraps around to the back of the right field picnic area. In 2018, an LED scoreboard was installed in left field measuring 26.8 feet high and 48.7 feet wide. The stadium was named after former IU ballplayer Bart Kaufman who played from 1960-1962. He finished second in the Big Ten with a .452 batting average to future Detroit Tiger Bill Freehan who batted .585. Kaufman would pledge $2.5 million of his own money towards completion of the Hoosiers new ballpark. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand inside the stadium near the entrance on the first baseline featuring a menu that is very much the standard at most major collegiate ballparks in the Big Ten. The items are affordable and feature all your baseball favorites. The price of a hot dog, nachos, and pretzels are a reasonable $4, foot long hot dogs and cheeseburgers are $6, and popcorn, Cracker Jacks, and peanuts are $3. Coca-Cola products are served in a 32-ounce cup for $4. There is no beer served on the college campus at the ballpark. Atmosphere 3 Bart Kaufman is a good looking and impressive ballpark with crowds usually hovering near the 2,000 mark, which on a warm evening sets the tone for a perfect night. Its design mimics the limestone look that is also featured at the softball complex located next door behind the right field fence and blends in well with Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium across the parking lot. The stadium offers red plastic seats behind the backstop and aluminum bleacher seating down each baseline. A picnic area is located behind the right field corner and beyond the stadium's wall is grass seating offering fans a free look at the game. The LED scoreboard creates a focal point for the stadium offering crystal clear pictures of players and stats and the opportunity for advertising, social interaction, and in-between inning gimmicks. The visiting bullpen features the script Indiana logo in a distress-style that provides another focal point inside the stadium. Neighborhood 4 There are numerous choices for eating, drinking, and shopping nearby that are within a couple of miles. Mother Bear's is probably the number one place for pizza in town. The pies are baked in a deep dish allowing the cheese to caramelize around the edges. The place always seems to be packed and parking is limited near the restaurant. Lennie's is another fine choice, with a lot more parking, that features sandwiches, pizza, stromboli, and beer brewed by the Bloomington Brewing Company. Kirkwood Ave. is the heart of downtown Bloomington featuring shops, bars, and restaurants bordering the entrance of many of the picturesque grounds of the Indiana campus. A little north of town is Oliver Winery; the beautiful gardens, water fountains and picnic areas around the lake offer a romantic spot for couples or a great place to enjoy wine with friends. Another colorful and touristy area is Nashville, Indiana, located in nearby Brown County offering some of the best biking/hiking trails in the country and an eclectic downtown jam-packed with shops, restaurants, and Quaff On! Brewing Company. Fans 3 Hoosier fans are a dedicated bunch who support their sports teams with a great passion. That can be the case for the baseball team that has averaged crowds around the 2,000 mark since the stadium debuted in 2013. Access 4 Bart Kaufman Field is located in the same parking lot and complex of Assembly Hall and Memorial Stadium and is located off of SR 46 that intersects both I-69 and SR-37. The parking lot is vast providing more than enough spaces to park and once inside there is plenty of room to navigate. The only gripe might be the tall staircase that leads visitors to the main entrance. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for all games are $5, while children tickets are $3. The parking is free and concession prices are reasonable and feature what you need at a ballgame. There is a sprinkling of promotions that offer posters, hats, and t-shirts to the first 500 fans, plus two games where you can bring your dog to the park. There are also two games were one can purchase an All-You-Can-Eat ticket for $8 and all kids under the age of 18 can eat free on Tuesdays. The biggest crowds might just the be the games against in-state rival Purdue. Extras 3 One point for the LED scoreboard that provides a very nice touch and focal point at the ballpark. A second point for the script Indiana mural that is another focal point in the visitor’s bullpen down the right field line. A final point for the possibilities the ballpark possesses for the future. The IU program could feature many more theme nights, food variety and perhaps more promotions at the impressive new facility. Final Thoughts Bart Kaufman Field is an impressive addition to the campus of Indiana University. The limestone design, modern comforts, and spacious amenities create a beautiful canvas to enjoy baseball for the foreseeable future in Bloomington.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 All-Tech Raceway 1024 SW Howell Rd Lake City, FL 32024 All-Tech Raceway website Year Opened: 1974 A New Dirt Track Experience All-Tech Raceway has been around for a while, having opened in 1974 as a short track. Recently the track was sold and converted to a dirt track, which has changed the experience at All-Tech Raceway, but at the same time, the track has remained the family friendly environment it has always sought to be. A trip to this track half an hour north of Gainesville, Florida makes it plain to see why locals flock here every weekend. Food & Beverage 3 The food here is made fresh on site, so while the selection may be limited, you aren’t getting pre-packaged junk heated in the microwave. Prices are incredibly affordable as well, with hot dogs running just $2.50. Hamburgers are just $3.50 ($4 for cheeseburgers), nachos and cheese is just $3, and an order of fries is $3. Corn dogs are $2, with an assortment of candy and chips ranging from $0.50 to $2. Perhaps the most popular item is the redneck nachos at $6, or the pork sandwich at $5. Drinks range from $1 to $2.50 for water, soda, Gatorade, coffee, and sweet tea. Atmosphere 4 The track is incredibly comfortable and clean for a local short track. The main seating area is built on a berm, with the concessions stands and media tower located on top of the berm. Below the berm, fans can sit on tiered stone levels made from pavers and stones that offer enough room per level to set up folding chairs, but still have room around you. For the comfort of those around the track, smoking is limited to the far ends of each side of the seating area, outside of the main seating areas, which makes for a much more comfortable experience for everyone. Neighborhood 2 There isn’t much around All-Tech Raceway – Gainesville is the closest large town, located about a half an hour south on I-75. Next to the track, you see mostly private land and trees. While this makes the track feel a bit more isolated and relaxing, it also means you have to drive a bit to get to anything substantial. For lodging, there are exactly three motels nearby – Dream Inn, Palms Garden Inn, and Travelers Inn Motel. For something bigger and of higher quality, your best bet is to look in and around the Gainesville area. For food, you will have to drive to Gainesville (there is a Wendy’s just off the same I-75 exit as the track), where you can find Jason’s Deli, Red Lobster, Chipotle, Blaze Pizza, and countless other shopping and dining options in the college town. For attractions, the University of Florida is in Gainesville, offering many options for the college sports fan. Also, to the north, just outside of Lake City, is Osceola National Forest. Fans 5 The fans pack in the track every race day. Parking fills up, the fans gather around their favorite drivers in the paddock area, and the racing action keeps the speed-loving faithful entertained for the whole night. The fans are polite, and that makes for an incredibly family friendly environment for the whole family. Access 4 All-Tech Raceway is one of the easiest tracks to get to when it comes to local racing, and parking is plentiful on site. Getting to the track is pretty easy – I-75 is the closest highway, and the track is less than a mile from the highway exit. Once you take exit 93, head south on US-41 until you get to SW Howell Rd; once you turn onto that, the track is just a short drive down. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are $15 per person to get in, and while that may be more than some local short tracks in America, the quality of the experience is worth it. You get a comfortable seating area to watch the races from, a family friendly atmosphere, and some exciting racing on track. The only deterrent is the track’s distance from major cities, so you will have to trek a little out of the way for this one. Extras 2 All-Tech Raceway brings out the young fans every night, to hold American flags along the front stretch during the national anthem. The track also offers a paddock pass, getting you access into the track’s pits for an up-close view of the drivers, cars, and teams each weekend. Final Thoughts All-Tech Raceway is a bit out of the way, and while it may not have the presence or name recognition of some of Florida’s other short tracks, it is no less entertaining. If you’re a race fan looking for an adventure to see someplace new, All-Tech Raceway may be your perfect match.

Photos by Peter Miles, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Stelios Kyriakides Stadium Democracy Ave Paphos, Cyprus Pafos FC website Stelios Kyriakides Stadium website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 9,394 Fun in the Sun Following Pafos FC Pafos FC were only formed as recently as 2014 following a merger of AEP Paphos and AEK Kouklia. It was a marriage borne out of mutual convenience. AEP, themselves a result of a merger of APOP Paphos and Evagoras in 2000, were in severe financial trouble in the second tier while Kouklia had just been relegated from the top flight. The aim was to form a more financially stable club competing regularly in the top division. The club were promoted into the First Division in 2016/17 as runners up to champions Alki Oronklini. Food & Beverage 4 Under the main stand is a small kiosk selling soft drinks, crisps, confectionery, and warm Cypriot snacks. The kiosk sells a good variety of snacks including fresh koupes (also known as kibbeh), a snack made of bulgar wheat and minced meat; it’s really popular in the whole Levantine region. The usual range of sodas like Coke and Fanta are available in plastic bottles. No alcohol is available. The flavorsome koupes with a cold drink are perfect on a balmy evening. Atmosphere 3 While the crowd is usually fairly modest, during my most recent visit the attendance was officially declared as 2,500, but in reality 800 was more accurate. Still, the vibe of the place is welcoming and a small section of younger fans wave flags and bang a drum. The stadium is essentially two sided with visiting fans housed in open seating on the far side. The main stand is well appointed and while the roof covers only the central section of seats there is an option to move undercover if there is any rain. Music is played before the game and during halftime with the PA announcer reading the teams out just before kick off. The season tickets holders and VIPs are allocated the central section of seats in the main stand and there appears to be no option to purchase a ticket for this area. The roof extends past this section at either end so it is possible to buy a standard ticket and be undercover if required. The tickets do have a row and seat number, but the seats are actually unnumbered so you can effectively sit where you like within that sector. Neighborhood 5 The stadium is located around a five minute drive from the main tourist areas of Alykes Beach and Pachyammos. The harbor area features a castle and stunning waterfront, it really is fully geared up for a sunshine break. There are numerous restaurants in the tourist areas offering both local and western cuisine. They come with a wide range of prices from middle of the road to high end. All have on street seating to make the most of the beachfront location and most restaurants will have outdoor heating available should the sea breeze turn a little chilly. Paphos Harbour and Castle are well worth visiting and are littered with interesting sculptures, notably the work of local artist Yiota Ioannidou. As an internationally renowned tourist resort you will never be short of something to do or see. Local companies offer trips all around the island including the famous Aphrodite’s Rock. The choice is endless for high class hotels to self catering apartments, there will be accommodation to suit any pocket. Fans 4 As a mass tourism destination, the local fans are more than used to English speaking guests watching their games and they are friendly and welcoming. Attendance data should be viewed with skepticism as there is no electronic counting and attendances are rounded up for reporting purposes. During my visit, the actual attendance in the ground was under 1,000 but was reported as 2,500. I suspect normal attendances are higher than the match I attended as for locals at 15 degrees this would represent a chilly evening! The younger fans have formed an “ultras” group and they are happy to sing and shout throughout the game and are armed with some flags and a big drum. Access 4 The stadium is on a main road, Democracy Avenue, which leads away from the main tourist areas and is around half way between the highway to Larnaca and the beach areas. It would take around 45 minutes to walk to the stadium from the tourist areas. Buses 1 and 2 stop very close to the stadium and the huge floodlights are easy to see from miles around. There is ample free parking outside the main stand and in surrounding streets. Tickets cost 15 euros and are available from concrete kiosks outside the stadium in the car park. There are no bags allowed in the stadium and body searches are made, although cameras are permitted. Once you are in your section you cannot move to another as the central sector is fenced off. You can, however, sit anywhere you like within your sector. The egress into the arena is about halfway up the main stand and I saw no specific areas for disabled supporters. The refreshments kiosk and lavatories are located at the mezzanine level of the main stand. Return on Investment 3 For the general standard of Cypriot football, 15 euros for a ticket seems a little expensive compared to comparable European nations. However, as an overall experience it is thoroughly enjoyable. Free parking and easy access offset the cost of the ticket and the price of snacks and drinks are reasonable. Only standard tickets are available. There appeared to be no tickets available for the central section of the main stand. Extras 2 There is a team sheet available from the main entrance, strangely the Greek players are shown in Greek alphabet and foreign players in roman script. There are no other souvenirs or merchandise of any sort available. Final Thoughts While the standard of play is not the highest you will ever see, I would still recommend Cyprus for a winter break for guaranteed football in pleasant warm temperatures surrounded by beguiling coastal and mountain scenery.

Photos by Meg Minard and Michael Risugnuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Holloway Field 29 Market St Newmarket, QLD 4051 Australia Brisbane Bandits website Holloway Field website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 1,600 Brisbane Baseball Basics Baseball has surprisingly old roots in Brisbane, Australia. The game was never a major sport–even in sports-mad Australia–but it does have a sizeable club following. The amateur Windsor Royals baseball club were founded in the mid-fifties, and after a decade built a permanent home in 1964 with Holloway Field named after the team’s founder Stan Holloway. Renovations in the 1980s added lights and automatic watering systems, as well as expanding the grounds from its more humble club roots. Prior to the arrival of the Australian Baseball League’s Brisbane Bandits in 2013, major upgrades included a new brick backstop and netting, new seats in the grandstands, and a refurbished infield and lighting towers. The new Holloway Field has 800 seats and can hold 1,600 fans for each game. The Bandits have just rattled off three straight championships in their suburban home. And while that locale doesn’t leave a lot to recommend it, Holloway Field is solid overall ball field and a cozy, inexpensive place to catch a ballgame, with excellent food fare to fuel its fans. Food & Beverage 4 Food selection can be a little limited at ABL parks, but Holloway Field provides above-average gastronomical options with a small food truck lawn in addition to the main food concession. The Roaming Pig provides choice barbie eats (A$10), Fire’n’Dough has fresh-made pizza selections (A$10-A$12), Dan’s Dim Sum Kitchen has the Asian favorite with Aussie flair (3 for A$6), and Mr. America has flag-adorned gourmet hot dog and burger options (A$6-A$12). For more basic ballpark fare, the Royals Canteen at the top of the seats behind home plate has fresh-grilled hot dogs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches (A$6-A$9.50). Australians love their beer, so you won’t be surprised to find a decent selection of local and international suds on tap and in cans from A$5-A$8, as well as wine and hard liquor for A$8-A$10. In a move to give the vapors to any American capitalist, Pepsi and Coke are both on offer, and water, soda, and sports drinks run from A$2.50-A$4. Call me biased and old-fashioned, but I went for The Yankee (classic ballpark hot dog, A$7 at Mr. America) and compromised with a local Aussie brew. More adventurous folks might want to try the Hound Dog (A$9 at Mr. America), a corn dog on a bun, slathered with ketchup and mustard; or the Angus Burger Deluxe (A$10 at the Roaming Pig), a cheeseburger topped with pulled pork and coleslaw that would certainly be at home as a “dare eat” at any US minor league park. (All prices are in Australian dollars, and at the time of writing, $1 US was worth about A$1.25.) Atmosphere 3 Holloway Field is an odd duck, reflecting its evolution over fifty-plus years from a club-team park to one of the six professional baseball parks in all of Australia. The only entrance is a chain link fence gate allowing patrons to enter by first base. Three sets of general admission stands (with solid molded plastic seats) rise up behind the home dugout on the third base side, mirrored by one stand behind the visiting third base dugout. The main grandstand behind home plate (with far comfier flip-down seats) is under partial cover, topped off with the press box, the main concession stand, and the club rooms. Several luxury areas practically on the field are located next to the dugouts and on-deck areas, but they are only available to groups. Everything is connected by somewhat claustrophobic pathways that snake in front of all the seats. Looking out over the trees and buildings behind the outfield wall, you might miss the small, solar-powered scoreboard sitting in right center, putting out the barest of stats. Mascot Buster Bandit doesn’t make an appearance at every game, but the MC and the promotions team keep the fans entertained between innings with giveaways and contests that would be familiar to anyone who has attended a minor league game in the United States. In a nod to the developing baseball fandom in Australia, the on-field announcer often helpfully explains statistics as he announces them between innings and provides other didactic baseball information as part of his spiel. One thing you definitely won’t find in America is the post-game celebration, where fans can come onto the outfield grass and meet and talk with the players after the game, a nice community-building event (especially for younger fans) that will no doubt help the sport grow. If you’re going to a Sunday afternoon game or double header, splurge for reserved seats to grab some shade from the punishing Australian summer sun. If you’re going to an evening game, the view of the field is intimate from anywhere in the park. A General Admission Seat are right up to the home or visitors’ dugout if you don’t mind a little backache from the solid plastic seats. Neighborhood 2 Since their move from the downtown Brisbane Showgrounds, the Bandits have played at Holloway Field, where a sprawling Newmarket suburb has filled in the area around the park over the last half century. This sleepy locale has a serious downside, as there is not much to do around the park before or after the game. There isn’t a ton of non-chain food in Newmarket. Your best option for food is just to the west of the stadium at Newmarket Village mall. Many Australian and international chains can be found inside, but just to the north on Enoggera Road are two local ethnic restaurants (Indian Taste Buds and Pepe’s Mexican) that are your best shots for non-chains in the area. Of course, downtown Brisbane is chock full of options, but it is not near the park. Similarly, there is nothing going on directly around Holloway Field. Outside of perusing the rest of the sports facilities and parkland along Breakfast Creek, you also have to head to the city center to find anything to occupy your time. And not surprisingly, there also aren’t a lot of hotels in the area. The closest are two reasonably-priced B&Bs to the east (number 38 Wilston Village and the Swan Inn) and the Herston Place Motel. There are more options further east near the Bowen Hills Station, and obviously a plethora in the city center to the southeast. Fans 3 Even in sports-obsessed Australia and with a professional league, baseball very much remains a fringe sport. The stadiums are in the American single-A range, and the attendance averages between 500-1,000 per game, about what you’d expect to see at the lowest level of professional ball in America. Despite their recent successes on the field, the Bandits sit in the middle of the pack for attendance. That said, the field is intimate and scaled for the crowds they get, so it never feels empty. As with most of the ABL, the crowd seems to be made up of local families, ex-pat baseball fans from America and Asia, and local baseball enthusiasts involved in club and youth teams. This curious mix, however, seems into the games and following the action on the field, especially with the extra hand holding from the on-field MC. Access 3 With baseball a fringe sport in Australia, most ballparks are far from downtown, and Holloway Field is no exception, located in the suburb of Newmarket to the northwest of the city center. It is, however, one of the closest and most convenient ABL parks to get to from their respective city centers. Unlike some other ABL teams, transit offers an appealing way to get to the park. The Ferny Grove line from Central Station in Brisbane (A$3.25 peak/A$2.60 off-peak one way) will get you to Newmarket Station in under 15 minutes, and a further ten-minute walk from the station will have you at the gates of the suburban park. Alternatively, the 325 bus line (same fare) leaves from the Ann Street bus station, taking about 20 minutes to arrive at the same Newmarket Station. Driving will get you from downtown to the park in just under 15 minutes door-to-door, with taxis or Ubers running about A$15-A$20 one way. Parking is free in lots near the park and along the street. Crowds aren’t much of an issue, and the cars pile in and out to the suburban roads with no great difficulty. The main and only entrance to the park is along the path from the ticket booths just beyond a parking lot to the gate outside of first base. Crowds are small and convivial, so there are no problems getting in once the gates open about an hour before game time. Some of the walking paths in the stadium can be a little tight, especially by home plate, but are generally only an issue before and after the game. Most food concessions are in a wide open area behind first base, so they don’t interfere with getting around, but lines at the limited bathrooms can be an issue. Return on Investment 4 All tickets cost more at the gate, so call or click ahead if you can to save some money. The reserved area–behind home plate and covered–are A$20/A$30 (advanced/gate), while the General Admission seats along the baselines only run A$15/A$22, and standing-room seats are A$10/A$15. Food and drink prices are eminently reasonable for Australia (A$6-A$10), parking is free, and the slim program runs A$2. It is a pretty cheap way to see a ballgame, with the talent about on-par with lower level, minor league prices in America. Family prices are available for two adults and kids for each seating tier (A$70/A$100, A$40/A$60, and A$25/A$35) to encourage family attendance. Extras 4 With the departure of direct MLB sponsorship of the league in 2017, the diversity of team merchandise has dried up across the league, with most just having jerseys and hats, and perhaps a t-shirt. The Bandits buck this trend slightly, with baseball cards and some small tchotchkes on sale in addition to the hats and jerseys. The Bandits also have a little bit more flair, historical and otherwise, in the old park. Two large murals on either end of the main grandstand celebrate the Bandits and Windsor Royals. And most of the stands, as well as the club rooms, are named for Windsor Royals or other baseball luminaries from the area. Final Thoughts Despite its bland location, Holloway Field is a good park for a cheap night out eating and drinking at a ballgame.

Photos by Meg Minard and Michael Risignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Melbourne Ballpark Merton St Altona Meadows VIC 3028 Australia Melbourn Aces website Melbourne Ballpark website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 3,900 Average Aces Melbourne Ballpark came into being after some great contention between the Victorian Baseball Association and local government over its proposed location. Suburb Laverton was eventually selected, for good or bad, and the 2,400-seat park opened in 1989, in time for the original ABL’s Melbourne Monarchs to start play. Although sometimes rife with drama, Melbourne Ballpark was home to the Melbourne ABL team until the league folded after the 1999 season. Local club baseball would take over the park for the next decade. The new ABL’s Melbourne Aces played at the more centrally located Melbourne Showgrounds until scheduling conflicts with other tenants had them seek other pastures, bringing them to Melbourne Ballpark in 2012. A large upgrade of the stadium preceded the Aces, with new outfield fences, artificial turf, physical facilities, corporate boxes, and player clubhouses. Located out in the suburbs, Melbourne Ballpark has nothing going on around it, but it provides an all-around solid baseball experience to see a game in a stadium that has some character to it. Food & Beverage 3 The food and drink selection at Melbourne Ballpark covers the basics, but it is greatly enhanced by rotating food carts that make more of an appearance at weekend games. The main food concession is right inside the entrance to the walkway under the seats. It serves up different varieties of Aussie-obsession chips (A$4.50-$6.50), chicken tenders (A$3-$5), dim sums (3 for A$2.50), hot dogs (A$5), and down-under delicacy Chiko Rolls (A$5). There is also a small popcorn stand behind home plate and a rotating array of food trucks in the right field plaza. Your choices will depend on who is there for the game, but more are around for the weekend than weekday games. The main alcohol stand is right next to the food stand by the entrance. Coors and Alehouse are on tap (A$8) or in cans (A$9). Various other beers, wines, and even a margarita are on offer from A$8-$10. There is also a small Coors stand in right field. Coca-Cola and subsidiary products are the choices for non-alcoholic beverages, running A$4-$$6. Aussie baseball food is a curious mix. Always go for the local. A Chiko Roll (A$5, a local variant of a spring roll) and a draft Alehouse (A$8) will give you a good taste of Australian baseball. At the time of writing, $1 US was worth about A$1.25. Atmosphere 3 Melbourne Ballpark is an odd duck, with a unique layout that gives it a bit of character. The main entrance leads into the carpeted area under the seating grandstand. The hallway is crammed with concession stands, the merchandise store, baseball and softball memorabilia, and player and management facilities. At regular intervals, stairways lead up into the seats, and the hallways end at doors leading to the plazas outside of the outfields by the respective bullpens. Seats wrap from third base to first base behind home plate, with the press box sitting under the covered area behind home plate. Standing room areas extend from the bases towards the outfield. The treeline behind the park is broken up by the digital scoreboard and small video board in right-center to keep the fans up-to-speed with the stats. Heavy netting, however, is everywhere, including covering the areas along the baselines to the outfield. Safer, sure, but it does definitely detract some from the viewing experience. And the field is artificial turf, which ruins things a little. Mascot Maverick, the flying ace, and the rest of the entertainment staff run the festivities between innings and afterward at the game. The contests, races, and quizzes will be familiar to any purveyor of American minor league baseball and keep the crowd entertained between the action. After the game, the fans can go onto the field to meet the players, a nice outreach action that helps the sport grow, especially with younger fans. Wins are also celebrated by a fire-breather, which is a certain unique touch. The Premium and Reserved seats have some shade, and the Reserved will do fine if you’re looking to get out of the sun a little. If the sun is less of an issue, the General Admission seats are right up on the action, and about A$5 cheaper, if you want to save up for an extra beer without missing anything of the view. The General Admission seats are even flip-down and not the uncomfortable molded plastic found in most other ABL parks. Neighborhood 1 Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia and always fighting with Sydney for the center of attention. Melbourne’s suburb Laverton is… not. The undeveloped suburb doesn’t have a lot to recommend it, and the short trip to Melbourne city center is your best bet for most things. The restaurant situation around the Melbourne Ballpark is pretty dire. Outside of a few local and international chains in strip malls, the Phoenix Hotel down the M1 is the only real eatery in the general area. Retreat back to downtown to eat. Not surprisingly, there’s not a lot happening in Laverton. To the southeast is a large group of parks and nature areas, with a golf course and sports facilities, as well as the south end of Altona Beach, but that is sadly it. Once again, head back to town. There are only two hotels near the park. Trendy Club Laverton is one way down the M1 from the ballpark, while the more traditional Westside Hotel is the other way up the M1. Again, back to the city center for copious options. Fans 2 In a country where cricket is still king and the sports landscape is over-crowded with options, baseball isn’t a top sport by any stretch. The fan base for the ABL seems to come from club team players, ex-pats, and families looking for some more local sports entertainment. The stadiums are in the American single-A range, and the attendance averages between 500-1,000 per game, about what you’d expect to see at the lowest level of professional ball in America. Despite being in the second-largest city in the country, the Aces have found themselves solidly in the middle of the pack for attendance in the ABL, despite proportionally more access to ex-pats from America and Asia that make up a good portion of ABL fans. The good news is that having all the seating huddled by home plate helps keep the crowd concentrated so the park doesn’t feel as empty as it might be. That said, the fans that do show up are into the game and make themselves heard during the proceedings. Access 3 Most of the Australian Baseball League facilities are located far from their respective city centers, especially in the larger cities where real estate is particularly expensive. This is true for Melbourne Ballpark as well, located about 23 kilometers southwest of downtown in the Laverton suburb. The good news is that mass transit is an option. Trains regularly leave from city center to Laverton station on the Werribee line (~35 minutes, A$4.30 one-way), with an approximately 12-minute walk from the station to the stadium. Driving from the city center will have you there at the stadium in just about 25 minutes, and a cab or Uber will cost you about A$40-A$48 dollars one way. Whereas many ABL teams have free parking, it is A$5 at Melbourne Ballpark, which turns the screws on the most convenient way for locals to get to the game. Entrance to the park is through the one main gate just beyond the ticket booth. The entrance goes into the back of the stadium seating bowl, into the walkways under the seats. Regularly spaced stairs lead up to the seats, and at the end of the walkways, doors also open out into the plazas behind left and right field. The unique arrangement of the walkways lends itself to some crowding getting into and out of the park, but nothing too serious. Exit from the parking lot is onto the main road, so it is mostly easy-in, easy-out. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices to see an Aces game average out to the middle of the pack, but the lack of a family special and high parking costs negatively affect its overall performance. Seat prices are in three tiers, plus special areas. All seats are A$3-$8 more at the ticket window, so buy ahead if you can. Premium seats behind home plate and undercover are A$17/A$25 (adult) and A$10/A$15 (child). Reserved seats above the home plate side of the dugouts and mostly under cover are A$14/A$22 adults and A$9/A$12 kids. General admissions tickets are A$12/A$20 adults and A$7/A$10 kids. “Ground Level” seats by the dugout are A$35/A$40 and A$25/A$30, and the TGI Friday’s Party Deck (including BBQ meal and 2 drinks) are A$65 for all. Food and drink prices are reasonable, parking is on the expensive side for the ABL, and no program is on offer. Extras 4 Melbourne Ballpark is one of the few ABL parks that has much in the way of extras. The store by the entrance to the park has a slightly wider selection of merchandise than the average ABL team, with a selection of t-shirts, jerseys, and hats. A small kids field with an inflatable pitch game is outside the entrance to the park, and a baseball mural is painted on the third base side of the field. The big extra is the main walkway underneath the seating bowl, which is lined not only with player pictures but memorabilia and trophies of Victoria baseball and softball. Final Thoughts Melbourne Ballpark is an interesting facility, even if it doesn’t stand out in many areas. It is a shame they don’t get better crowds, but that may have to do with its location in the middle of the nowhere suburb of Melbourne proper.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Paoli High School Gymnasium 501 Elm St Paoli, IN 47454 Paoli High School Rams website The Paoli Gym website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 4,200 The Purple Pride of Paoli The Paoli Community High School Gymnasium looks much newer than its actual age. The facility was built in 1967 and appears to be in pretty good shape from an aesthetic standpoint. The bright colors of purple and gold stand out against the white ceiling and wood bleachers. The lighting is bright among the 72 units that hover above the court and giant letters spelling out PAOLI RAMS add a definite boldness to its character. The seating capacity is 4,200 and ranks 48th among the state of Indiana high school gyms. It is big enough to host sectional and regional games that bring near-capacity crowds annually and resides in an area of southern Indiana that is in the center of various tourist destinations. The basketball program has captured 7 regional and 23 sectional championships, plus three straight trips to the Final Four from 1998 to 2000, losing the Class AA championship game in 1999. Its size was determined as a direct result of its rivalry with Bedford High School. At the time Bedford had the biggest gym in the area and hosted highly lucrative sectional and regional games every February and March. The Paoli school board grasping an opportunity to bring a little status to its facility placed all of its building funds into the construction of a gym that seated 400 more spectators than Bedford’s. The payoff worked out well, the next school year Paoli became host to a sectional round of its own. Food & Beverage 3 The gym offers a unique design that provides a massive area for its concession stand behind a collapsible wall at one end of the court. The lines do get long for heavily attended contests, but there is enough room to make sure everyone goes through the lines quickly and efficiently. The products served are the usual hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, and candy – the basic food groups of Indiana high school gyms and fieldhouses. Pickles and sloppy joe sandwiches are offered as well and you can get that sauce topped on both hot dogs and nachos for an additional fee. Coca-Cola products are served by the bottle for $2. After the game, free small bags of popcorn are put out for the taking by anyone still lingering around the gym. Atmosphere 4 The gymnasium features pull-out wooden bleachers on the floor at opposite ends with permanent bleachers on the upper level of the gym. There is also a small section of bleachers above the court at one end of the floor. The vibrant school colors of purple and gold are nicely decorated throughout the building from its walls, floors, and ceilings. A primary example is the roof is painted white and features purple painted piping that meets at a point in the center of its roof. Before the color change, the roof was a gunpowder gray, adding little life to the gymnasium. The colors of purple and gold stand out at many points in the gym: seating, championship banners, center court logo, walls, and the collapsible wall that is striped with the school’s colors. The court is named after a long-time PCHS principal James Babcock in 2018. A great way to honor a man who served the school for 23 years. Neighborhood 4 Paoli is a small town that offers quite a bit to do within 10 miles of the high school. The town is two hours south of Indianapolis and one hour south of Bloomington on US-37. It is an hour northwest of Louisville on US-150, both routes are not interstates, but parts of the roads are two lanes for most of the trip. During the winter check out Paoli Peaks, The snow-making system allows the resort to make 12 inches of snow in one night over the entire 65 skiable acres. French Lick Springs Hotel was built in 1845 and offers family-friendly activities and facilities for an ideal weekend destination. The dome-shaped hotel has something everyone can enjoy; whether it’s golf, spa, hiking, gambling, biking, swimming, or shopping. Other activities in French Link-West Baden include mini-golf, a brewery and winery, scenic railway, trolley rides, indoor karts, and a selection of restaurants including Ohana Hawaiian Grill & Bar, just off the Brick Pizza, and Crazy Horse Ranch. Porky’s BBQ in Paoli is a nice spot that serves pulled pork, brisket, and rib platters along with fried jalapeno appetizers. Fans 4 When regionals and sectional games are played, the fan atmosphere is amazing with each layup, bucket, and three-pointer cheered with emotional passion and boisterous cheer from the fans in the audience. The student sections themselves make their presence felt with a strong sense of unison, organized cheers, and chants. Access 3 The gym is easy to get around with two levels of seating, an open area to the concessions and bathrooms, and ample parking lots that surround the entire building. Unfortunately, when leaving after a heavily packed game, cars move at a snail’s pace from the school to the main street. However, there are some side streets to help you get out a bit quicker. Return on Investment 4 The PCHS Gym provides a lot of bang for its buck with low-cost concession stand prices, plenty of room in the stands and parking, and a well-kept facility. If you are in town for the weekend and want to take in some gambling, golfing, and skiing, you are only a short 10-15 minute drive from the high school. Extras 3 One point for the well-kept gymnasium; the colors of purple and gold pop throughout the facility and it looks much newer than its actual age. The original court is due for replacement after the current season and that should blend nicely with its surroundings. An additional point for the giant concession area that opens up behind the west side of the court. It also provides more room to watch the game for spectators almost directly behind the basket. It’s also a great place for the little ones to run around for a bit to release some energy. A third point for the ram's head hangs up high over the court between the school’s numerous banners. Final Thoughts There are many great gymnasiums in southern Indiana and Paoli has one heck of a gym to watch basketball. Sectional and regional games pack large crowds and it’s one of the cleanest, most modern, and freshest venues in the state. When you add the local entertainment in nearby French Lick and West Baden resorts, it makes for an ideal time for families and romantic getaways. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey When in London, it may be difficult to attend every single soccer match, but it's not hard to take a tour of some of the famous pitches of the English Premier League. Stamford Bridge is the home of Chelsea Football Club and well worth the visit regardless of which side you root for. Stamford Bridge is located in Fulham, South West London, and is the 8th largest field of its kind, with a capacity of 41,631. The stadium opened in 1877 and was used by the London Athletic Club until 1905 when Chelsea was organized. The pitch has changed dramatically during the last 113 years. The tour runs for about 60 minutes and opens up the world of the football club, which is both informative and innovative. Tour guides handle questions from visitors and take you through the stadium areas, including the stands, press room, players dressing rooms, the tunnel, and dugout areas. Two recent features visit “The Bridge” a cut above many other sports facility tours in Europe and North America. The first is a multimedia device that can be operated in certain areas of the stadium that can provide video and statistics. The images of famous plays, action shots, and team history send visitors back in time to the early years of the club. The device can also be used to transport visitors to certain experiences of the stadium as if they were part of the club on the field or supporters in the main stands. The 360-degree video sends you to either the Chelsea dressing room before a match, the players' tunnel before a match, or cheering with supporters in the shed and upper tier deck of the stadium. The creative VR aspect of this part of the tour is a brilliant piece of evidence of what a stadium tour can be with the proper use of technology. It puts you in the middle of certain aspects of the stadium without being there on Saturday to cheer on the Blues. The handheld device also has a feature called a shirt-dash cam that can be held up to a player's number in the locker room and displays videos and photos of their respective career. The club’s museum is also included in the tour and is as brilliant as the stadium, itself. There are multiple types of tours to choose from during your visit, but the media tour is £28 for adults and £20 for children 16 years old or under. Tours operate every 30 minutes from 10 AM to 3 PM daily. Stamford Bridge Stadium Tours and Museum Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, London, SW6 1HS https://www.chelseafc.com/en/stamford-bridge/stadium-tours-and-museum0 Open Monday-Sunday from 10:00 am-3:00 pm.