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Join former NBA play-by-play broadcaster Bill Hazen for in-depth conversation with news makers who discuss their connections to the most storied structures and stadiums in all of sports. Bill talks with athletes, coaches, broadcasters, stadium personnel and architects. We peek behind the curtain of Fenway Park, The Rose Bowl, Lambeau Field, and all of the iconic stadiums, ballparks and arenas on the sports landscape. Here's your ticket to the action!
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Oracle Arena in Oakland is rocking as the Golden St. Warriors cut another path to the NBA Finals. Bay Area Sports Guy Steve Berman checks in to talk about the league's oldest facility and the team's eventual move to Mission Bay in San Francisco. Speaking of NBA arenas, which offers the best overall fan experience? Paul Swaney of Stadium Journey rat…
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He's covered Super Bowls, World Series, NBA Finals & NCAA Championships. Award-winning broadcaster Dick Enberg reflects on his favorite stadiums and ballparks. Dick discusses the 'Game of the Century', when the University of Houston and UCLA put college basketball on the map in the Astrodome. Also- the 1960's marked a change in the country's social…
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Veteran Houston broadcaster Greg Lucas has seen it all, from vintage parks like the Astrodome and Arlington Stadium, to new generation venues like Minute Maid Park and Globe Life Park. The former voice of the Astros, Rangers, Rockets and Spurs takes us on a guided tour of his favorite sports venues. Also- Milwaukee will forever be associated with b…
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Will the Falcons new nest be open for business come kickoff time? Atlanta sports historian Jim Weathersby checks in with an update on completion of the complex stadium roof system. Jim also details his first trip to the Braves' SunTrust Park. Also- a conversation with the man with the best seat at Green Bay's Lambeau Field- radio play-by-play broad…
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The bobble head doll remains king of the ballpark promotion. We touch base with Phil Sklar of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum who previews the hot bobble head figures given away at ballpark turnstiles. Also- the landscape has changed for NBA radio play-by-play announcers. Former Miami Heat broadcaster David Halberstam says today's a…
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St. Petersburg officials have made a pitch to keep baseball's Rays in their current location. Tampa Bay reporter Noah Pransky says development opportunities for the team near a new ballpark is the real attraction. Also- what were the politics behind the development of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles? Jerald Podair's new book examines Walter O'Malley'…
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Reviews are coming in on the Braves new SunTrust Park. Yankees beat writer Randy Miller checks in to discuss covering the first big league game in Cobb County. Plus- we continue our conversation with two-time NBA Champion Craig Hodges. Hodges reflects on the legacy of former Chicago Bulls GM Jerry Krause and takes us into the locker room with Micha…
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It's a done deal- the Raiders are Vegas bound, leaving the Bay area a one-team NFL town. Bay Area Sports Guy Steve Berman looks at ramifications for the 49ers and previews lame-duck seasons ahead at the Oakland Coliseum. Also- he won championships with Michael Jordan at iconic Chicago Stadium- 10-year NBA veteran Craig Hodges discusses why his care…
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Baseball will forever be linked to promotions- bat giveaways, Ladies' Day, bobble heads - all to entice fans to the ballpark. Most have been a success. Others, not so much. This Great Game's Eric Gouldsberry chronicles baseball's ten worst promotional ideas. Also- what major sports facility hosts the most games each year? With the Lakers, Clippers,…
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The latest on the Coyotes' search for a new home has NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman challenging the Arizona Legislature to fund a new arena. SB Nation's Brendan Porter checks in and says the tactic isn't working. Also- we look at MLB ballparks through the eyes of longtime Baseball Hall of Fame executive Brad Horn. Horn looks at television's influenc…
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The battle for the almighty entertainment dollar is heating up. How do professional and college sports teams engage their fan base? Nathalie Davis just headed up a conference in Atlanta that examined the changing marketing landscape in sports. Plus- a special trip back to Camden Yards with broadcaster Mel Proctor. Mel waxes eloquence as he details …
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Another renovation project is planned for Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, the home of the Bulldogs. Dawg Nation writer Bill King breaks it all down and says some fans want to see the project lead to shorter lines at concessions and restrooms. Also- we take a tour of the iconic arenas, past and present, in the Big Ten Conference. Former Universi…
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The city of Detroit continues to mourn the passing of Red Wings and Tigers owner Mike Ilitch. We examine the Motor City icon with Detroit News writer Kurt Mensching, who looks at Ilitch's role in building Comerica Park and Little Caesar's Arena. Also- Philadelphia's Connie Mack Stadium lives on, in a patch of grass planted on property where the ico…
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We celebrate the opening of spring training with ESPN Baseball Tonight's Tim Kurkjian. Tim reflects on his first ballpark experience and discusses some of the his favorite parks across the big leagues. Also- what's up with the poor ice conditions in the NHL? The Ultimate Hockey Show's Liam Maguire points to new arena surfaces not being able to hand…
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From Market Square Arena to Conseco Fieldhouse and now Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Rick Fuson has seen it all. The Indiana Pacers Sports and Entertainment President discusses the day-to-day grind of event management and how the Pacers have developed a true home-court advantage in downtown Indy. Also- how much did the city of Houston pocket in hosting …
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The new home of the Sacramento Kings is drawing rave reviews across the NBA. Kings.com writer Kevin Fippin takes us on a tour through the Golden 1 Center and says the arena scoreboard is by far the biggest in the league. Also, we trace the history of the Super Bowl with Sports Illustrated's Austin Murphy. Austin examines the characteristics of the …
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We examine the stadium history of the Patriots and Falcons with NFL Network contributor and historian Scott Sillcox. Scott says, believe it or not, there was a time when New England almost lost the Pats. Later, we head to the roof top of the Georgia Dome with NFL photographer Ric Tapia. Ric walked the catwalk at the dome to photograph the NFC Divis…
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Sunday's NFC Championship Game in Atlanta is the swan song for the Georgia Dome. Atlanta sports historian Jim Weathersby checks in to look at the significance of the venue and recalls some of the top games played at the stadium. Later- L.A. Times writer and San Diego native Lance Pugmire spent his youth watching the Chargers and Padres at Qualcomm …
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We blanket the Chargers exit from San Diego- Bleacher Report NFL Insider Jason Cole looks at LA's ability to support two teams and recounts numerous failures in San Diego to assemble a workable stadium deal; Stadiums USA's Mark Madorin examines the intimate StubHub Center in Carson and what needs to be done to prepare the venue for pro football. Al…
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It's NFL Playoff time and weather could certainly play a factor in games in cold-weather cities. We look at the history of inclement weather in the NFL with Jerry Tapp of Stats on Tapp. Jerry reflects on some of the classic bad weather games and even has a forecast for this weekend in Green Bay. Later- Author and NFL historian Richard Crepeau joins…
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30 NHL games in 30 rinks in 30 days. Hockey lover Rob Suggitt accomplished this rare feat and joins us to compare and contrast fans in Canada and the states. Rob says hockey's original 6 cities still reign supreme. Later, Penn St. and USC go to battle in the 103rd Rose Bowl. We trace the storied history of the Pasadena stadium with Rose Bowl CEO Da…
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Opinionated, compelling, controversial- Mike North has been sharing his thoughts on sports and more for 25 years. The sports-talk host discusses his first jobs working as a vendor at Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park and talks about some of the iconic stadiums in sports. Later- President-elect Donald Trump was a major force in the United States Footb…
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A trip to the College Football Hall of Fame is becoming the ultimate fan experience. The Hall's Mike Bilbow says visitors can experience a virtual reality exhibit that creates the imagery of walking into college football's iconic stadiums. Also- the outfield designs at Major and Minor League ballparks are becoming works of art. Grounds keeper Britt…
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As the L.A. Rams come down the home stretch in their return season to SoCal, we look at attendance numbers with Turf Show Times' Joe McAtee. Joe also talks about the on-going feud between Eric Dickerson and coach Jeff Fisher and what it means for the team going forward. Later- prior to their move to Candlestick Park, the 49ers home was Kezar Stadiu…
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The Milwaukee Bucks are hoping a new downtown arena energizes the city and provides incentive for free agents to come to Brew Town. Longtime Bucks reporter Gery Woelfel looks at the long fight to get the arena built and how it will be the centerpiece of a new downtown entertainment district. Also- are recent dips in NFL TV ratings a trend or just a…
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While you dive into leftover Thanksgiving goodies, we dive into attendance numbers from the 2016 baseball season. Jerry Tapp from Sports Stats on Tapp checks in and looks at winners and losers at the gate. The theme- if you win, they will come. Plus, a conversation with the man in the catbird’s seat at Death Valley in Baton Rouge- Dan Borne is the …
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The NHL's Arizona Coyotes are on the move. We'll break down this week's new arena announcement with SB Nation's Brendan Porter, who says the move to Tempe could boost the team's fan base. Also, images of stadiums and ballparks evoke memories of times spent with families and friends. California artist Robert Redding has drafted some of the most uniq…
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We break down this week's stadium vote results in San Diego and Arlington and look ahead to what the results mean for each city. SB Nation's Jeff Siniard says where the Chargers land depends a lot on the Raiders pending stadium deal in Las Vegas. Also, Pete Rose will soon be sliding head first into Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. Reds Hall o…
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The New York Yankees have announced major renovation plans for famed Yankee Stadium. NYC freelance writer Jason Clinkscales says the changes will make for a more fan-friendly ballpark experience. Later, Neil deMause from the Field of Schemes visits to preview stadium votes next week in Arlington and San Diego and discusses the possibility of the Pi…
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Wrigley Field is front and center in the baseball world. The gentleman at the controls of the new outfield scoreboard system at the Friendly Confines is Qamar Zaman. He joins us to talk about the view from the Press Box and how the new boards are changing the fan experience. Also, four generations of family have experienced baseball through the gat…
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Raiders owner Mark Davis says Oakland has had plenty of time to put a stadium deal together, and he is vowing to take his team to Las Vegas. Bay Area sports reporter Steve Berman checks in to talk about Davis' relationship with NFL owners and which way the league is leaning on the Raiders future. Also- It was 27 years ago this week the earth shook …
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We've reached the Final Four in the Major League Baseball playoffs. This week, we feature the fans and ballparks in Toronto and Cleveland- SB Nation Blue Jays writer Tom Dakers talks about the changing attitude towards baseball north of the border. Plus, longtime Indians broadcaster Tom Hamilton takes us inside Progressive Field and says Indians te…
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The baseball spotlight shines on Wrigley Field as the Cubs seek to put 100 years of futility behind them. Former Cubs beat reporter Jeff Vorva checks in to talk about media accommodations at the Friendly Confines and set the scene in the ballpark press box...We look at the evolution of the stadium experience with writer David Zweig, who discusses t…
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When we think of iconic Yankee Stadium, we remember jam-packed crowds cheering Hall of Fame players. But back in the 1960s, struggling Yankee teams played in a half-filled ballpark. We’ll look at the unique story of broadcaster Red Barber, and how his final game was in an empty Bronx stadium. Writer David J. Halberstam spins the compelling tale. Al…
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What's in a name? Plenty, if we're talking about the origins of SEC football stadiums. Rich Cirminiello of Campus Insiders checks in to trace the naming history of college football's most iconic venues. Later, when we think of lovable losers, the Chicago Cubs or 1962 New York Mets come to mind. But in pro football, the 1976-77 Tampa Bay Buccaneers …
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Down the stretch they come in Major League Baseball. In Baltimore, the Orioles are in the thick of the A.L. East race, but crowds at Camden Yards have been less than playoff-like. We get the pulse on fan support with Glenn Clark, a sports radio report from the greater Baltimore area. Later, a look at the evolution of stadium scoreboards- from hand-…
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It was the home of Hank Aaron, Eddie Matthews, Robin Yount and Paul Molitor. Although long gone, Milwaukee’s County Stadium was the venue where Wisconsin fell in love with big league baseball. Baseball writer and researcher Gregory Wolf is the editor of a new book examining some of the greatest games at the Milwaukee ballpark. Later, a college foot…
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Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park, like the teams they house, will forever be linked in sports history. We look back on the unique history of these iconic ballparks with writer Harvey Frommer who examines how the stadiums nearly contributed to a trade involving Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio. Later, Stadiums USA’s Mark Madorin looks at venues hosting n…
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Fans of the Miami Dolphins are in for a treat! The renovation of newly-named Hard Rock Stadium is nearly complete. Dolphins Insider Matt Cannata checks in to discuss all the bells and whistles on the new-look venue. Later, we go down on the field at Denver's Mile High Stadium with longtime field manager Ross Kurcab. Ross talks about the thrill of w…
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The Rams made their Hollywood debut last week. We examine opening night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with SB Nation’s Joe McAtee, who looks at what the Rams can do to stay relevant in a crowded L.A. sports market. Later, a conversation with one of the original Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders. Parrel Caplan discusses roaming the sidelines at …
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A new report shows more stadiums across the country are reinforcing their Wi-Fi systems, ensuring fans can surf the web at their favorite sporting event. Paul Kapustka of Mobile Sports Report says technological advances will help when ordering concessions or hailing a cab from your stadium seat. Plus, Paul just toured the new U.S. Bank Stadium in M…
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Mike Acosta goes to the ballpark everyday and pinches himself. As the historian and authentication manager for the Houston Astros, Mike gets to sift through stadium memorabilia dating back to the Astrodome. Mike reflects back on the night the dome experienced baseball's first ever "rain-in." Our Talking Shop segment looks at a new playing surface f…
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How do ticket prices compare across Major League Baseball? What about concessions and parking? Chris Leyden of SeatGeek joins us to talk about a new interactive tool called the Baseball Cost Estimator that allows fans to shop for ballpark bargains. Later, more NFL teams are staying close to home for training camps. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report lo…
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It remains a tradition for many at the ballpark- the ritual of score keeping. Baseball historian and author Paul Dickson looks at the origins of score keeping and its evolution into an art form in the digital age. Later, a view of the ballpark through the eyes of big league umpire Dave Pallone. Pallone talks about umpiring the first night game at W…
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At the top of many ballpark lists is PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Baseball writer Joe Sheehan talks about his recent trip to the Steel City and enthusiastically describes how the stadium is an integral part of the city landscape. Later, we sit in the best seat at Dodger Stadium with MLB statistician and official scorer Don Hartack. Don talks about the p…
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Only 6,000 fans attended the final Brooklyn Dodgers game at Ebbets Field. Just more than 11,000 New York Giants fans said goodbye to the historic Polo Grounds. Neil deMause of Field of Schemes has chronicled the strange swan songs of ballparks of yesteryear. Including how the White Sox started the trend of marketing stadium goodbyes. Later, we take…
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The "Star Spangled Banner" didn't become our national anthem until 1931. But two decades before that, we began to sing it before sporting events. Michael Gibbons of the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum checks in with the fascinating story of how the Bambino is tied to the origins of the song at baseball games. Plus, we break down the logistics of NH…
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They are still celebrating in Cleveland, as LeBron James and the Cavaliers are champions of the basketball world. We welcome in the former longtime voice of the Cavs, Joe Tait. The Basketball Hall of Fame Curt Gowdy Award winner reflects on the city's first NBA Championship and talks about some of the iconic arenas he worked in during his brilliant…
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The basketball world lost one of its own recently with the death of former University of Arizona standout and NBA veteran Sean Rooks. We'll listen back to a Stadiums USA conversation taped two years ago as Rooks reflects on the atmosphere of UA's McKale Center in Tuscon. Later, Stadiums USA President Mark Madorin exmaines NHL expansion in Las Vegas…
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Has there ever been a more fascinating time to follow the economics of sport? Escalating player salaries, billion dollar stadiums and growing broadcast rights fees are driving the conversation. We dive into stadium money with Drexel University Sports Management Professor Joel Maxcy. Later, Stadiums USA President Mark Madorin looks at NFL stadiums d…
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