MLB Award Predictions

NL Cy Young:
Tim Lincecum

AL Cy Young:
Cliff Lee

NL MVP:
Albert Pujols

AL MVP:
Dustin Pedroia

NL Rookie of the Year:
Geovanni Soto

AL Rookie of the Year:
Evan Longoria

NL Coach of the Year:
Lou Pinella

AL Coach of the Year:
Joe Maddon

My Predictions for the Weekend

Winning team in italics.
$= Correct
X= Wrong

NCAA FOOTBALL

Maryland @ No. 20 Clemson X

North Carolina @ Miami $

Arkansas @ No. 7 Texas $

No. 9 Wisconsin @ Michigan X

Tennessee @ No. 15 Auburn $

Houston @ No. 23 East Carolina $

Colorado @ Florida State X

Purdue @ Notre Dame X

No. 24 TCU @ No. 2 Oklahoma $

No. 8 Alabama @ No. 3 Georgia $

No. 22 Illinois @ No. 12 Penn State $

No. 25 Fresno State @ UCLA $

Colorado State @ California $

Oregon @ Washington State $

Stanford @ Washington$

Weekend Record: 11-4


NFL

Cleveland at Cincinnati $

Minnesota at Tennessee X

Denver at Kansas City X

San Francisco at New Orleans X

Arizona at NY Jets $

Green Bay at Tampa Bay X

Atlanta at Carolina $

Houston at Jacksonville $

San Diego at Oakland $

Buffalo at St. Louis $

Washington at Dallas X

Philadelphia at Chicago X

Baltimore at Pittsburgh X

Weekend Record: 6-7


MLB

NL EAST: Phillies $

NL WILD CARD: Brewers $

AL CENTRAL: Twins X

AL EAST: Rays $

AL WILD CARD: Red Sox $

Weekend Record: 4-1

My Unbiased Take on Every Pac-10 School's Football Program and Fanbase

Arizona
-Not a team you want to play in November.
-When playing in months not named "November," they don't matter.
-Mike Stoops is a jackass.
-Ugly stadium.
-Uneducated football fans and not very classy.
-Cool modern uniforms.

Arizona State
-Classy fans, great gameday atmosphere, hot girls.
-Consistently competitive football team.
-Hasn't been able to get over the hump since 1997.
-Dennis Erickson is a dirty recruiter.
-Stadium needs a renovation, but it's in a great spot.
-Has the ability to become the next USC.

California
-Fans aren't used to winning and thus think they are more important in the college football world than they really are.
-Students are loud, rest of the stadium appears asleep.
-Beautiful spot for a stadium, but it's falling apart.
-Too many hippies, not enough parking spaces.
-Jeff Tedford is a great coach and has his most successful years ahead of him with the new training facilities being built.
-Needs real tailgating areas.
-Having a "yell leader" is really lame.
-Band does awesome halftime shows.
-Really dumb mascot.

Oregon
-With consistent success since 1994, fans have become arrogant and unjustly so, as Oregon has not been to a BCS game since 2001.
-Fans are loud, hospitable, loyal, and create the best atmosphere in the Pac-10.
-Tailgating atmosphere is great.
-Uniforms have gotten downright silly.
-Facilities are the best in the country.
-Mike Bellotti's career is coming to an end, where Chip Kelly looks to take over should have ample success with Oregon's recent successin recruiting.
-Very fun offense to watch.
-Best stadium on the west coast.

Oregon State
-Mike Riley has proven his worth. He consistently takes talent-lacking teams and gets the most out of them.
-Stadium is more fit for a high school.
-Can't sell out games, even with only 45,000 seats.
-Fans aren't used to winning and they show it with their lack of class and humility.
-Drunk hicks flood the stadium.
-Tailgating areas smell like manure.

Stanford
-Beautiful new stadium with great acoustics.
-Classy uniforms.
-Jim Harbaugh has done a good job improving the program.
-Academic standards are too high to keep up with other schools in recruiting. Although, harbaugh is doing a great job with recruiting this year.
-Least enthusiastic fans in the Pac-10.
-Away teams outnumber them in tailgating at their own stadium.
-Great tradition, but recent woes.
-Awesome band.

UCLA
-Best coaching staff in the Pac-10, but not enough talent to succeed right now.
-Football stadium is way too far from the campus.
-Beautiful stadium, but needs renovations.
-Nonexistent football program since 2000.
-Students are very docile.
-Not enough fans in the seats.

USC
-Dirty program.
-Dirty, annoying, arrogant, but really good coach.
-Great tradition and great success.
-Too many bandwagon fans.
-Fans are obnoxious.
-Ugly stadium and surrounding area.
-Classy uniforms.
-Annoying band.
-Fun team to watch.

Washington
-Beautiful spot for a stadium, needs serious renovations and needs to get rid of the track.
-Sterngating is cool.
-Decent tradition, no recent success.
-Fan arrogance is slowly dying.
-Fans always have too high of expectations at the beginning of every year and then take a complete 180 during season and bash the team all year long.
-Brag too much about the past.
-Imaginary championships.
-Students and fans can get very loud.
-Great band.

Washington State
-Loud fans, just not very many.
-Middle of nowhere.
-Ugly uniforms.
-Who really cares?

Just got back from the Oregon/Boise State game, My Thoughts...

Good from Oregon:

-The run-game was good, despite Boise State stacking 8 and 9 in the box. .
-Darron Thomas looks like Oregon’s QB for the next 4 years.
-Oregon receivers stepped up.

Bad from Oregon:

-Chip Kelly’s play-calling until Thomas came into the game.
-Nick Allioti’s play-calling in the first half.
-Linebackers did not pick up the Boise receivers when playing zone.
-Not enough pressure on freshman QB, Kellen Moore.
-The defense showed no heart.
-8 missed points on special teams.

Good from Boise:

-Great play-action passing, Oregon bit every time.
-Major props to Kellen Moore for staying poised at Autzen Stadium.
-The offensive line provided lots of time for Moore.
-Boise State’s kicker had a great game.
-Boise State fans made their presence felt and weren’t disrespectful.

Bad from Boise:

-Cheap shots and dirty play.
-Bad tackling against Oregon’s run game.

Congrats, Boise. You guys deserved it. I was embarrassed today to have the Oregon football team representing my school. The defense showed no heart and Patrick Chung should not let that happen.

Good Weekend

Ducks beat Purdue 32-26 in 2 OT

The Ducks looked lethargic in the first half, giving up 20 points and only putting up 6, but the Ducks woke up in the second half, holding Purdue to a FG while scoring 13 themselves. The offensive line did not play consistently, rarely giving Jeremiah Johnson holes to run through. The receivers all appear to be wearing gloves, laced with butter. They could not catch, and it was making Roper look bad. The Ducks won in overtime and they really needed a close win like this. It will make them work much harder. Major props to Legarrette Blount for picking up the slack in the run-game.

Game ball goes to: Jarius Byrd. His 87-yard punt return for a TD, his interception, and his continuous lock-down coverage was a huge key in the Ducks win.

49ers beat Seahawks 33-30 in OT

The 49ers finally came together today in a big win over their conference rival, Seattle. The Seahawks were hosting the 49ers for their home-opener in Seattle at Quest field, considered the NFL's loudest stadium. A very efficient passing game from J.T. O'Sullivan, a couple good bounces, and a great runback by Patrick Willis quieted the "12th Man" in a hurry. JTO looked like the QB that Martz praised in the preseason and he tore apart the Seahawks secondary, while getting help from some veteran receivers. Joe Nedney missed a FG at the end of regulation, which sent the game to overtime, but he redeemed himself by hitting the game-winner in OT. The 49ers looked good, but they need to get better penetration on defense and protect JTO better. Matt Hasselback came into the game with back problems and almost all of his receivers injured. That is an opportunity the 49ers need to capitalize on and put pressure on him. The 49ers offensive line gave up 8 sacks today, which is obviously way too much.

Game ball goes to: J.T. O'Sullivan. He looked like a veteran out there and led the 49ers down the field twice late in the game to give the 49ers the opportunity to win.

Giants win series over Padres 3-1

The Giants have really come together late in the season, winning 9 of their last 11. This young team is showing a lot of promise for next year. Pablo Sandoval, Eugenio Velez, Travis Ishikawa, and Nate Schierholtz continue to impress and make a case for starting next year. On Sunday, the Giants came back from a 4-run deficit in the 6th innings and won the gam in the 10th inning, 10-8.

Game ball goes to: Tim Licnecum. Lincecum sent a message to Cy Young voters on Saturday, by throwing a complete game shutout, giving up only 4 hits and 3 walks, while striking out 12 in 7-0 Giants' win on Saturday.

Best Ballparks, Stadiums, and Arenas in Professional and College Sports

I am going to list the top five ballparks, stadiums, and arenas in 3 of the major 4 American professional sports (Who really cares about the NHL? I like the Sharks and all, but I don't care that much.) and college football. None of the lists will be in order of 1-5 because each of the five in each respective sport has its own uniqueness.

MLB

AT&T Park
San Francisco Giants

Located at the edge of downtown San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay, AT&T Park is one of the best ballparks in baseball with its design and breathtaking views. The idea and planning for new ballpark to replace Candlestick Park dates back 1976 when Bob Lurie bought the Giants. Lurie wanted to build a new downtown stadium for the Giants because of the financial losses they were suffering at Candlestick Park. Interest in a ballpark peaked in 1984 when Lurie nearly sold the team. Instead of building a downtown ballpark, city officials proposed placing a dome over Candlestick Park. That plan failed and in 1987 and 1989 San Francisco voters rejected plans to build a ballpark. Both plans were barely defeated and Lurie began threatening to move the Giants. Lurie looked to Santa Clara in 1990 and San Jose in 1992 for public funding, but citizens rejected both referendums. With the threatened move to Florida, Peter Magowan bought the Giants in 1992, keeping the team in the Bay City. In 1995, the Giants announced plans to build the first privately financed Major League ballpark since Dodger Stadium. It would be located in downtown San Francisco in the China Basin area. Construction of the steel, concrete and brick ballpark began on December 11, 1997. Naming rights were sold to Pacific Bell for $50 million over 24 years, thus the ballpark was named Pacific Bell Park. After the 2003 season, Pacific Bell Park was renamed SBC Park after SBC Communications Inc. acquisition of Pacific Bell. In February 2006, the ballpark was renamed AT&T Park after SBC Communications changed its named after its acquisition of AT&T.

On April 11, 2000, the Giants played their first regular season baseball game at AT&T Park. Nestled in the China Basin area on the outskirts of downtown San Francisco, as fans approach the ballpark they see a magnificent steel and brick structure. At the main entrance gate, a statue of one of the greatest players in baseball history, Willie Mays, can be found. Making up part of the exterior architecture of AT&T Park are the the King Street clock towers. The two towers are 122 feet tall and feature pyramid-shaped roofs topped by 45-foot tall flagpoles. Once inside, fans are engulfed with views of the Bay Area and the smells of garlic fries and crab cake sandwiches. The main three tier grandstand consists of 41,600 green seats that extend from behind homeplate to both the foul poles. Bleachers are located behind the left field fence. There are no seats behind the right field wall because of McCovey Cove, part of the San Francisco Bay. However a sidewalk outside the ballpark, adjacent to right field, commemorates historical moments in Giants history. A screened fence that is part of the right field fence, allows fans without tickets to see the action inside AT&T Park.

The main scoreboard is located behind the centerfield fence. There are numerous entertainment options to keep fans entertained at AT&T Park. The Coca Cola Fan Lot is an interactive play area for children and adults. Fans of all ages can enjoy a slide into home plate from one of the four slides inside the 80-foot wooden Coca-Cola contour bottle. Fans can stroll up to the world's largest baseball glove or check out the views of the San Francisco Bay area from the outfield area. When a Giant player hits a homerun, strobes flash inside the Coca Cola bottle, bubbles appear to float from the bottle's mouth, and green and white lights flash up and down the neon tubes running along its ribs. Prior to the start of the 2007 the Giants installed 103 foot wide high definition scoreboard. AT&T Park has become an excellent place to watch a baseball game because of the of the beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding area.

Wrigley Field
Chicago Cubs

Nicknamed the Friendly Confines, Wrigley Field is one of baseball's oldest ballparks where fans come out to see the Cubs play whether they are winning or not. Unlike nearly every team in Major League Baseball either having or wanting a new ballpark, the Cubs continue to play at Wrigley Field without wanting one built. Before the start of World War I, Charles Weeghman bought the Chicago Whales of the Federal League. Weeghman constructed his team a new ballpark in the largely undeveloped north side area of Chicago along Addison and Clark Streets. Zachary Taylor Davis was hired to develop plans for the ballpark that was initially known as North Side Park until Weeghman named it after himself. Construction of the 14,000 seat ballpark began on March 14, 1914. The ballpark had only a one deck of grandstand in a V-shape, with wooden bleachers in the outfield. Construction on the $250,000 ballpark was completed by April 23, 1914 when the Whales played their first game at the ballpark. Original dimensions at Weeghman Field were 310 ft. (left), 440 (center), and 356 (right). It was the first ballpark to have permanent concession stands. Weeghman Field was home to the Chicago Whales for two years before the Federal League went bankrupt.

Located on the west side of Chicago, the Cubs played at the 14,000 seat West Side Grounds. They had played here since 1893 and by 1915 were struggling to attract fans. After the 1915 season Weeghman bought the Cubs and moved them to his ballpark on the north side for the 1916 season. The first Cubs game at Weeghman Field was on April 20, 1916. In 1920, Weeghman Field was renamed Cubs Park and Weeghman sold the club to William Wrigley Jr. Beginning in 1922 and then 1923, Cubs Park underwent several renovations. The grandstands were moved back 60 feet and wooden bleachers were added, increasing the capacity to 20,000. Major renovations began in 1926, when Cubs Park was renamed Wrigley Field. The grandstand was double decked, the playing field was lowered, and the bleachers in left field were removed. The capacity increased to 38,396. More renovations were completed at Wrigley Field in 1937. Bleachers were added in the outfield and the famous 27 by 75 foot hand operated scoreboard was placed behind the bleachers in centerfield. The most distinct feature was the planting of ivy at the base of the outfield wall. Before World War II, the grandstand in left field was circled so all the seats faced home plate instead of centerfield. Lights for Wrigley Field were originally to be installed for the 1942 season. However because of the United States involvement in World War II and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Phil Wrigley donated the lights to the government.

Since the 1940s Wrigley Field has changed little. In 1981, the Tribune Company bought the Cubs. The company began talking about installing lights after the 1981 season. However, a fan group fought to keep night baseball away from Wrigley Field. On May 13, 1982, Illinois Legislature made baseball after midnight a violation in a facility that had not had night sports played before July 1, 1982. Also that year, an electronic message board was placed under the scoreboard in centerfield. In 1984 when the Cubs made the playoffs, MLB threatened that if the team made the postseason in the future, games would be moved to a location that had lights. Finally on February 23, 1988, the Cubs decided to install lights at Wrigley Field. The first night game scheduled for Wrigley Field was on August 8, 1988. However, rain cancelled the game after four innings, postponing it to the next day. In 1989, private boxes were constructed on the mezzanine level that was originally occupied by the press box and broadcasting booths. A press box and broadcasting booths were constructed in the upper deck directly behind home plate. After the 2003 season, the Cubs added 200 seats directly behind home plate bringing fans even closer to the playing field. Tradition was not lost with this addition, as the brick wall behind home plate remains. After the 2005 season, the Cubs added nearly 1,800 seats to the bleachers increasing the capacity to just over 41,000. For many years, Wrigley Field had been known as having one of the worst grass fields in the game because there was a crown in the infield that extended 40 feet into the outfield. Because of the crown, players would literally be running slightly up or down a hill on the field. After the 2007 season, the entire field was dug up and replaced with a new drainage system and bluegrass playing field. Throughout the 2007 off-season there was continuous discussion on the future of Wrigley Field as the Cubs and the ballpark are in the process of being sold. Topics included the possible sale of the naming rights and a complete renovation/overhaul of the ballpark. Talk also continues on construction of a multipurpose building housing a themed restaurant and batting and pitching cages for players to be built on the west side of Wrigley Field in the future. No changes are imminent.

Today, Wrigley Field is the last Federal League ballpark standing. Even with lights, Wrigley Field remains one of baseball's most old-fashioned parks. Wrigley Field has basically remained advertisement free, with advertisements on nearby buildings and a few in the ballpark. The neighborhood around Wrigley Field, called Wrigleyville is filled with fans on game day. Ballhawks as they are called wait on Waveland Avenue to catch homeruns during the game. Fans sit atop buildings behind Wrigley Field and watch the game. Ivy still covers the brick walls in the outfield, the scoreboard is still manually operated, and bleacher bums still sit in the bleachers in the outfield. Flags atop the scoreboard still remind fans whether or not the Cubs won the day before, and where they are in the standings. Because Wrigley Field is surrounded by the Wrigleyville neighborhood, parking can be a nightmare for games. It is recommended that fans take the CTA red line train to the Addison stop to Cubs games. Although it has been the exclusive home of the Cubs for many years now, Wrigley Field has hosted more professional football games than any other stadium in the nation. The one thing missing from Wrigley Field today, is former Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray, who used to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch.

Fenway Park
Boston Red Sox

In today's society some of the best things are ones that undergo little change and remain basically the same as they have for decades. Fenway Park is an example of this as the Boston Red Sox are committed to staying at this classic ballpark that they have called home since 1912. It is the oldest major league ballpark in use and Fenway Park still looks much as it did when it opened. The history of the Red Sox dates back to 1901 when they became a charter member of the American League. Instead of opting to play at the Boston Braves home, South End Grounds, the Red Sox, then known as the Somersets (1901-1902), later called the Pilgrims (1903-1906) built Huntington Avenue Grounds on site of a wasteland in 1901. This rickety wooden ballpark had a seating capacity of just over 11,000 and was home to the team for a decade.

Because of possible fires and embarrassment to the team and the City of Boston, Red Sox owner John Taylor decided to build a new ballpark to replace Huntington Avenue Grounds. Taylor, a real estate magnet, sold himself cheap land in "The Fens" of Boston to construct a new ballpark. The construction of the ballpark led to an increase in the value of the team. Taylor capitalized on this and sold the team to Jim McAleer and Robert McRoy before Fenway Park was completed. Construction of the ballpark began in September 1911. It took one year for the 27,000 seat ballpark to be constructed. Named Fenway Park and built of steel and concrete, it had only one level of seating. Wooden bleachers were located in parts of left, right and centerfield. The facade consisted of red brick. Fenway Park opened on April 20, 1912 and original dimensions were 321 ft. (left), 488 ft. (center), and 314 ft. (right). In front of the left field fence until 1934 was Duffy's Cliff, a 10foot embankment.

The 1920s were not the best times at Fenway Park. Babe Ruth was sold to the Yankees and then the team was sold. In 1926, the wooden bleachers along the left field foul line burned and were not rebuilt. However, better times came to Fenway Park in the 1930s when Thomas A. Yawkey bought the Red Sox in 1933. Beginning that Fall, renovations began at Fenway Park. Duffy’s Cliff was removed, wooden seats in right and center field were replaced by concrete stands and the entire grandstand was enlarged. The seating capacity increased from 27,642 to 33,817. The most significant feature added to the ballpark was the 37 foot high wall in left field. The wall was covered with advertisements and at the base was a hand operated scoreboard. A fire in January 1934 destroyed most of the construction, however the ballpark was complete when it reopened on April 17, 1934.

Throughout its history there have been small expansions and changes to Fenway Park. In 1936, a 23 foot net was placed on the left field wall to prevent baseballs from breaking windows in nearby shops. In 1940, bullpens were constructed directly behind the right field wall. The "Green Monster" was created in 1947 when the advertisements were removed from the left field wall and it was painted dark green. Night baseball at Fenway Park was first played in 1947. After the 1975 season, a $1.3 million video/scoreboard was erected behind the bleachers in centerfield and the press box was enlarged, enclosed in glass and air-conditioned. The same year, the tin that made up the "Green Monster" was replaced by a hard plastic surface. In the 1980s luxury boxes were added where the press box was located moving the press box. Additional seating has been added along parts of the rooftop, down each baseline creating a small upper deck consisting of several rows. New teal and red seats have been added replacing many of the old wooden seats.

In 2002 the Red Sox were sold to John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino. Prior to the sale of the team, their had been discussion of building a new Fenway Park. This ballpark would have had the same distinct features of Fenway Park but with modern amenities found in ballparks recently built. However, the current owners of the Red Sox are committed to preserving and improving Fenway Park for the foreseeable future. Throughout the past six years numerous improvements have been completed at the Red Sox's home. After the 2002 season, 250 bar style seats were added atop the Green Monster in left field, giving fans a new view of Fenway Park. The following year the team added additional seats atop the roof in right field. After the 2005 season, the Red Sox began work on the latest improvements to Fenway Park. The .406 Club, once enclosed, was renamed the EMC Club and features 406 open-air seats directly behind home plate in the same location where the .406 Club seats were located. Additionally, a pavilion level of 400 open-air club seats above the EMC club and more pavilion level seats down the baselines were added during the off-season increasing the seating capacity to over 38,000. The latest upgrades to Fenway Park were completed before the 2008 season. These upgrades included the Coca-Cola Corner that is located where the left field foul line meets the Green Monster. The Coca-Cola Corner replaces luxury seats built for the 1999 All-Star Game and includes a 100 person standing room only section and 412 pavilion level seats. New luxury suites have been added to the expanded State Street Pavilion. The Red Sox have stated that the seating capacity of Fenway Park will not exceed 40,000 and has a current seating capacity of 39,928. Today, Fenway Park along with Wrigley Field are two of the last remaining classic ballparks in baseball.

Yankee Stadium
New York Yankees

Throughout the world there are buildings or structures, that over time have become famous, legendary and popular for a variety of reasons. The 2008 baseball season marks the end of one of the most famous stadiums in the world, Yankee Stadium. Since its opening more than eight decades ago, the stadium has been the home of one of the greatest teams in sports, the New York Yankees with legendary players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle and today's stars of Alex Rodriquez and Derek Jeter. The Yankees have a long history that dates back to Baltimore at the turn of the 20th century. They moved to New York in 1903, were known as the New York Highlanders and played at Hilltop Park until 1912 when their lease expired. They accepted an invitation to play at the New York Giants home, Polo Grounds and changed their name to the Yankees. They signed a ten year lease at the Polo Grounds in 1913 and began to outdraw the Giants at the end of the decade with the acquisition of Babe Ruth. By 1920 the Yankees became the first team to attract more than one million fans. The Giants evicted the Yankees after the 1922 season hoping that the Yankees would have to move to a borough far away so the Giants could attract more fans.

The Yankees looked at several locations across the city to construct a new stadium. Various sites were explored including in Queens, upper Manhattan and along 5th Avenue and 32nd Street. Yankees co-owners Colonel Jacobs Ruppert and Colonel T.L. Huston paid $600,000 for land in the Bronx, less than a mile from Polo Grounds to build the stadium on. Designed by Osborn Engineering, original plans called for a triple-decked stadium with grandstands circling the entire field. However, because the stadium seemed to foreboding the original plans were scaled back. Instead, the ballpark became the first to have three tiers of seating consisting of 58,000 seats. It was also the first ballpark to be called a stadium because of its enormous size. Construction of the stadium began on May 5, 1922 and completed in just 284 days. The stadium was built of mainly steel and concrete. The triple decked grandstand extended behind homeplate and up the base lines. The lower deck continued until it met the wooden bleachers behind the outfield fence. A 15-foot copper facade was erected to adorn the stadium's third deck that became one of its most recognized and grandest features. The scoreboard was located beyond the bleachers in right field. Given the name Yankee Stadium, it was completed in only 284 days, opening on April 18, 1923. Original dimensions at Yankee Stadium were 295 ft. (right), 490 ft. (center), and 281 ft. (left). Centerfield became known as "Death Valley" because of its distance from homeplate.

Because of the Yankees success in attracting fans at Yankee Stadium, it was not long before the stadium was expanded after its opening. The triple decked grandstand was extended into left field in 1928 and the same extension was completed down the right field line in 1937. Concrete bleachers replaced the wooden bleachers beyond the outfield fence. With the addition of the grandstands, the capacity of Yankee Stadium grew to nearly 80,000, depending on the amount of people that stood while watching games. The first of many monuments and plaques was added in 1932. This area became known as "Monument Park" in fair territory in dead center field when a monument to former manager Miller Huggins was erected. Monuments of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and others were erected in years following 1932. Night baseball came to Yankee Stadium on May 28, 1946 and a new scoreboard was installed in 1959. Other sports, such as boxing and football were played at Yankee Stadium until the early 1970s.

In the early 1970s Yankee Stadium began showing its age. In 1971, Yankees owner Mike Burke began exploring the possibility of building a new stadium in New Jersey. However New York City Mayor John Lindsay announced that the city would buy and renovate Yankee Stadium, purchasing it for $24 million in 1972. The same year George Steinbrenner bought the team. The Yankees played in Yankee Stadium one more year before drastic changes were made.

Renovations to Yankee Stadium began immediately after the 1973 season. While Yankee Stadium was renovated the Yankees played at Shea Stadium, home of the New York Mets. Parts of Yankee Stadium were completely demolished. Changes were made to eliminate posts and columns that supported the upper deck. The copper facade atop the upper deck was removed and replicated at the top of the scoreboard that runs from center field to right field. New 22 inch blue plastic seats replaced the old 18 inch wooden green seats reducing the capacity to 54,000. New luxury suites and concessions were added along with the remodeling of the press box and restrooms. To eliminate climbs to the third level, escalators and elevators were added to parts of the exterior of the stadium. The facade of Yankee Stadium was repainted and a 138 foot tall replica of a Louisville Slugger baseball bat was placed near the entrance of the stadium.

After two years of renovations Yankee Stadium reopened on April 15, 1976. The stadium went from being known as "The House that Ruth Built" to "The House Steinbrenner Rebuilt". One thing that most people noticed was that the monuments in centerfield were no longer there. They had been moved to Monument Park behind the centerfield wall. Since the late 1970s very few changes have occurred at Yankee Stadium. It still remains the home to many great ballplayers and an excellent place to see a game. Since its opening in 1923, Yankee Stadium has been home to 26 World Championship teams. Over the past five years, the Yankees have been looking to build a new ballpark to replace Yankee Stadium. In June 2005, the team announced plans to construct a new Yankee Stadium adjacent to the current one that will open in April 2009. Yankee Stadium will be demolished in spring 2009 and converted into a public park area featuring a baseball and softball field. Nearly 12,000 trees will be planted in the shape of the stadium. For more than eight decades Yankee Stadium has been the home to some of the greatest players in baseball. The Yankees will play their last regular season game at Yankee Stadium on September 21, 2008.


PNC Park
Pittsburgh Pirates

Although the Pirates have struggled on the field for many years, one thing that fans of the Pirates can never complain about is PNC Park as it is one of the most beautiful ballparks in baseball. As the landscape in baseball changed in the 1990s many small market teams began seeking new ballparks to create additional revenue. This included the Pirates as they demanded that a ballpark be built or they would move to another city. As early as 1990, Pittsburgh Mayor Sophie Masloff proposed a new 44,000 seat ballpark for the Pirates on the northside of the city near Three Rivers Stadium. Over the next five years discussion remained ongoing on whether to build a new stadium while the Pirates suffered financially and on the field. By 1994, the Pirates were for sale and it became a possibility that the team could be sold to an out of town buyer and moved. Kevin McClatchy purchased the team and worked with the city to get a new ballpark built for the Pirates. Dubbed Forbes Field II, the team began drawing plans for a new ballpark that would be similar to their previous home before Three Rivers Stadium, Forbes Field. Bonds were approved for $216 million to build a ballpark for the Pirates in 1997 and construction began in April 1999. The ballpark was named PNC Park after PNC Bank bought the naming rights in August 1998.

The Pirates christened PNC Park on April 9, 2001 when they played the Cincinnati Reds. From the outside PNC Park looks like a classic ballpark from bygone years. Fans walk to PNC Park from various parking facilities around the ballpark, walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge from downtown Pittsburgh or even drive their boat to the ballpark. Once outside the main entrance of the ballpark, fans see a brick front, steel structure, terra cotta tiled pilasters, dramatic masonry arches along the home plate entryway, and a flat green steel roof. Statues of Honus Wagner and Roberto Clemente are also outside the ballpark. Once inside fans must take stairs, ramps or the escalator to reach the main concourse and upper levels. However after the upward trip, fans are greeted with perhaps the best view of any in MLB, a view of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline.

With a capacity of 38,496, PNC Park is baseball’s second smallest ballpark. The ballpark has only two decks of seats that extend from the right field foul pole to homeplate and around to the left field foul pole. Club seats, located on the lower section of the upper deck; and the press box, located at the top of the upper deck, allow for the upper level seats to be much closer to the field. Luxury suites are wedged between the lower and upper decks. Fans can walk around the entire main concourse of the stadium without losing sight of the field. In the outfield, fans can sit in the section of bleachers in left field, or sit in right field and try to catch a homerun ball if it is not hit into the river. Fans can overlook the bullpens and catch an excellent view of the field from left centerfield. An out of town scoreboard is part of the 21 foot high right field fence, in honor of Roberto Clemente who wore number 21. A 42 ft. by 24 ft. scoreboard video board is located behind the bleachers in left field.

From the main grandstand at PNC Park, Pirate fans receive magnificent views of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline and the Roberto Clemente bridge. The light standards are toothbrush style and are patterned after the ones that were at Forbes Field. PNC Park has many amenities that could not be found at Three Rivers Stadium. They include a restaurant located above the left field bleachers with casual dining and a bar atmosphere with wait staff service for all fans, that overlooks both the playing field and the city. PNC Park has two elaborate food courts; Smorgasburgh that offers popular items from some of Western Pennsylvania's favorite eateries and Pop's Plaza, that offers more traditional ballpark food. Other areas include shops along General Robison Street such as Vincent's Pizza and Atria's Restaurant, which are accessible from inside and outside PNC Park. The outer promenade at PNC Park is known as the River Walk and gives fans views of the city, the river, and the field. A life-size replica of a pirate ship contains virtual reality pitching and batting cages, rope courses and other games gives parents and their children another form of recreation other than the Pirates game. The Roberto Clemente bridge which is next to the ballpark is closed on game days to allow fans to walk from downtown Pittsburgh across the river to the ballpark. Since 2001, multiple ballparks have opened throughout baseball and none compare with the views that fans receive at PNC Park.

NFL

Lambeau Field
Green Bay Packers

Call it one of the NFL's most historic stadiums, Lambeau Field has been the home of the Green Bay Packers for more than four decades. From the Packers inception in the 1920s until 1956, the team played at East (old City) Stadium. After the 1952 season, the team began playing some of their games at the new County Stadium in Milwaukee, that became home of the Milwaukee Braves (MLB) and later the Milwaukee Brewers. By 1955 the NFL threatened to move the Packers permanently to Milwaukee's County Stadium if a new stadium was not built for the team in Green Bay to replace City Stadium, as it was to small with a seating capacity of 25,000. In 1956, a bond was approved allowing construction of a new football stadium in Green Bay. Named City Stadium, the facility was completed in just one year. The Packers played their first game at City Stadium on September 29, 1957 against the Chicago Bears. City Stadium had a capacity of 32,000 when it opened and was the first stadium built specifically for a NFL team. Although a new stadium was built for the Packers in Green Bay, the team continued to play several games at County Stadium in Milwaukee until 1994.
Since its opening in 1957, fans attending games have seen many expansions occur. By 1961, the capacity at City Stadium increased to over 38,000. Two years later the capacity was once again increased to over 42,000. In 1965, City Stadium was renamed Lambeau Field, after the death of the Packers founder, E.L. Lambeau. During the same year the capacity was increased to 50,852. Once this addition was completed, Lambeau Field got its basic shape as the entire field was enclosed by seats. In 1985, 72 luxury suites were added along with additional seating areas, bringing the capacity to over 56,000. Again in 1990, 80 more luxury suites were added along with over 1,900 club seats along the top rim of the stadium. In 1993, the first video/scoreboard was installed above the south endzone and in 1995 90 more luxury suites were added.

Instead of opting to build a new stadium, the Packers announced in January of 2000, that they would extensively renovate and expand Lambeau Field. Between 2001 and the start of the 2003 season, Lambeau Field underwent an extensive renovation to make it more fan and player friendly. The main concourse was expanded, a new upper concourse was added with ramps and elevators, and more restrooms were added. In addition, nearly 12,000 seats were added along the top of the stadium. This included club seats and new luxury suites. An atrium, known as "Titletown" was built as part of the new facade of Lambeau Field. Here fans find a Packers Hall of Fame and a team store. A new Packers locker room, football operations facility and administrative offices were also constructed. These renovations at Lambeau Field were completed by the start of the 2003 season. Today, Lambeau Field has a capacity of over 72,000. One tier of bleachers circle the entire field. Luxury boxes, club seats and press boxes are atop the stadium rim. Over its 40 years of existence, Lambeau Field has been the site of many historical moments including the first NFL Championship game in Green Bay in 1961and the "Ice Bowl" in December of 1967, when the temperature was 13 degrees below zero. Lambeau Field is by far one of the NFL's most recognizable stadiums.

Soldier Field
Chicago Bears

Located in the Windy City along the shores of Lake Michigan is Soldier Field, the home of the Chicago Bears. When fans think of Soldier Field, they may think that it is the oldest stadium in the NFL. However, it is one of the newer stadiums in the league. The original Soldier Field opened in 1924 and had a seating capacity of 74,000. The Bears moved here from Wrigley Field in 1971. In the mid 1980s discussions of new stadiums was the talk of the city. The Chicago White Sox (MLB) wanted a new stadium, Wrigley Field was over 70 years old and Soldier Field was over 60 years old. In 1985 there were discussions of building a new domed stadium in downtown for the city's sports teams. By 1986 the Bears and the city began studying plans to tear down Soldier Field to build a new stadium south of it for $120 million. Financing issues and where to build a new stadium delayed a new home for the Bears for years. Over the next decade there were talks of building a stadium for the Bears in Arlington Heights, McCormick Place, Elk Grove, in Gary, Indiana, in downtown Chicago and the west side of the city. Finally in November 2000 the Bears and the City of Chicago announced plans to build a new stadium on the same site of their current home, Soldier Field. The Bears had a rich tradition of playing football at Soldier Field, the NFL's oldest stadium. Because of its historical presence in Chicago, the Bears decided to leave the historic Greek colonnades that Soldier Field is best known. The rest of the stadium would be completely demolished and a new stadium would be built inside the exterior shell.
In order for a new stadium to be built, the Bears had to play the 2002 NFL season at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL. At the conclusion of the 2001 season, demolition and construction on the new stadium began. The Bears new stadium continues to carry the name Soldier Field. It has 61,500 blue seats in several tiers, improved seating, better sightlines, enlarged concourses, two 96-foot-by-23-foot video-boards, 8,000 club seats and 133 luxury suites. To preserve Soldier Field, the classic colonnades remain intact as a lasting monument to Soldier Field's glorious past and a 250-foot granite-wall sculpture still serves as a memorial to the men and women who served in the armed forces. Fans also are able to walk among the colonnades and the horseshoe promenade. The Chicago Bears played their first game at Soldier Field II on September 29, 2003 against the Green Bay Packers. With the opening of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis in 2008, Soldier Field is now the smallest stadium in the NFL.

Qwest Field
Seattle Seahawks

After more than two decades of playing at one of the most sterile, boring stadiums in the country, the Kingdome, the Seahawks moved into one of the best stadiums in the NFL in 2002. Founded in 1974, the Seahawks played over 20 years at the Kingdome, sharing it with the Seattle Mariners (MLB). In the mid 1990s the Mariners followed the trend of other baseball teams and wanted a new retro ballpark built. A new ballpark for the Mariners would allow the Seahawks to have the Kingdome to themselves. In October 1994 a $120 million renovation plan was announced to upgrade the Kingdome to a football only facility if the Mariners moved into a new ballpark. This plan did not come to fruition and then owner of the Seahawks, Ken Behring, wanted to move the club to Los Angeles for the 1996 after the Rams departed for St. Louis. The NFL opposed the Seahawks relocation and in 1997 Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen bought the team. Allen wanted to demolish the Kingdome and build a new stadium for the Seahawks on its site. In June 1997 voters approved referendums for two new stadiums to be built. A new baseball only stadium, Safeco Field, was constructed adjacent to the Kingdome and a new stadium for the Seahawks was constructed on the site of the Kingdome after its implosion. The Mariners moved into Safeco Field in 1999 and the Kingdome was demolished March 2000. While the Seahawks stadium was constructed, they played at Husky Stadium, home of the Washington Huskies (NCAA). Originally named Seahawks Stadium when it opened in 2002, Qwest Communications International Inc. purchased the naming rights to the stadium in 2004, giving the stadium its name, Qwest Field.
The Seahawks christened their new state of the art facility on September 15, 2002. Qwest Field is configured in a horse shoe shape, with three tiers of 68,000 seats. The north end of the stadium is open, allowing superb views of the surrounding Seattle area. A 13-story tower with a scoreboard at the top and bleacher seats for up to 3,000 fans, known as the "Hawk Nest" is also located on the north side. Qwest Field is the first of its kind to have luxury suites on the field directly behind the north endzone to provide an in-your-face experience. The stadium has a total of 82 luxury suites and over 7,000 club seats. One of the most unique features of the stadium is the overhanging roof design and rainbow tri-chord trusses that rise 260 feet above the field. The roof covers 70 percent of the seats keeping many fans dry during inclement weather. The exterior of the stadium consists of red brick, and brick-accented colored concrete, tan pre-cast concrete and white painted steel for the roofing supports; blending in with other surround facilities. Fans attending games at Qwest Field have some of the best views than at any other stadium in the NFL.

University of Phoenix Stadium
Arizona Cardinals

For the first time in their history, dating back to 1898, the Cardinals have a stadium to call their own. From their formation as a football club in Chicago in 1898 to their move to St. Louis in 1960 and move to Arizona after the 1987 season, the team has never had a stadium of their own, most recently playing at a collegiate stadium, Sun Devil Stadium. Through the late 1990s the Cardinals began seeking a new stadium. After several years of debate, in August 2002, the Arizona State Tourism and Sports Authority voted to build a new retractable roof stadium in Glendale, AZ for the Arizona Cardinals. At a cost of $455 million, the stadium not only features a retractable roof, but features a retractable side and field that moves in and out of the structure. The stadium is built on 28 acres that is owned by the sports authority, while the district owns the remaining 152 acres that parking, parks and amenities were built through privately issued bonds. In order to build the stadium the Cardinals paid for 25% of the stadium, $109 million, including cost overruns and the state Tourism and Sports Authority paid for 75% of the stadium. The Cardinals also bought the land for the stadium at a cost of $18.5 million.
The retractable roof at the University of Phoenix Stadium is comprised of two 180-feet long by 240-feet wide retractable panels that will remain closed to allow for air conditioning during the hot summer months and then open during the cooler months to take advantage of the Valley's abundant sunshine. The fabric roof will allow light to fill the stadium and provide an open, airy feel even when the roof panels are closed. The roof system is designed to close in approximately 12 minutes. University of Phoenix Stadium features a unique rollout natural-grass playing field, contained in a single tray measuring 234 feet wide by 403 feet long and weighing a hefty 18.9 million pounds. The first completely retractable field in North America, it will be positioned inside the stadium on game days to offer the preferred natural-grass playing surface for football and outside the stadium the remaining 350+ days of the year to receive the needed sunlight and water to grow. A total of 462 steel wheels riding on 13 parallel steel rails are used to slide the field tray in and out of the facility.

Construction of University of Phoenix Stadium began in July 2003. Originally expected to be completed in time for the 2005 NFL season, the stadium opened August 12, 2006 when the Cardinals played the Pittsburgh Steelers in a preseason game. The Cardinals played their inaugural first game at the stadium when they hosted the San Francisco 49ers on September 10, 2006. The new stadium features a modern futuristic look and seats 63,000 fans for football. The capacity can be expanded to 72,800 for other events at the stadium. Not only is the stadium he home of the Arizona Cardinals, but hosted the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, the 2008 Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four Championships. During the first month of its opening, the facility was known as Cardinals Stadium. In September 2006, the University of Phoenix purchased the naming rights for 20 years.

Invesco Field
Denver Broncos

Home of the Denver Broncos for more than 30 years, for many Bronco fans is was hard to picture the team playing anywhere else other than Mile High Stadium. In the mid 1990s, Broncos owner Pat Bowlen wanted a new stadium built for the team. Many Bronco fans were content with Mile High Stadium, however the Broncos wanted a new state-of-the-art stadium. In November 1998, voters approved a plan to construct a new stadium. Construction on the stadium began in August 1999. Fans attending games at Mile High Stadium could watch the new stadium being constructed because it was built adjacent to it. Invesco Funds purchased the naming rights to the stadium. However, to keep the spirit of Mile High Stadium alive, the facility was named Invesco Field at Mile High. Many fans were outraged that the new stadium was not named the same as its predecessor.
Construction of Invesco Field at Mile High was completed in just over two years. The Denver Broncos first game at Invesco Field at Mile High was on September 10, 2001. Over 76,000 seats are located throughout the stadium. Incorporating part of the team name, the main three tier grandstand is in the shape of a horseshoe. The lower grandstand circles the entire field. Above the seats in the south endzone is the main video/scoreboard. Atop the scoreboard is a replica of a bronco named "Bucky". Using blue, white and orange seats, the Broncos team logo has been incorporated into the upper deck above the endzone on the north side of the stadium. Two video boards are also located in the upper deck of the north endzone. Invesco Field at Mile High has many amenities, including the Sports Legends Mall Legacy Walk, which host pre-game activities, the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and a Broncos team store.

NBA

Staples Center
Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers

Located in the entertainment capital of the world and with superstars such as Kobe Bryant, the Staples Center is one venue where fans can see NBA basketball on a nightly basis during the season with two teams calling the city and arena home. The Los Angeles Lakers moved from Minneapolis after the 1959-60 season and called the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena their home before moving into the Great Western Forum in 1967. The Clippers have called Los Angeles their home since moving from San Diego after the 1983-84 season. Always being known as LA’s second NBA team, the Clippers played at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena for 15 seasons, occasionally playing games in Anaheim at the Arrowhead Pond.

By the 1990s both the Great Western Forum and the LA Memorial Sports Arena had become second rate arenas in the NBA. A new modern state of the art arena with more amenities including luxury boxes and club seats was needed for the Lakers and Clippers. Privately financed, construction of the $375 million Staples Center began in March 1998. Staples Inc. purchased the naming rights for $100 million over 20 years. Built near downtown Los Angeles, the Staples Center became the home of the Lakers and Clippers in 1999. With a seating capacity of just under 19,000, the Staples Center has many amenities that the Lakers and Clippers former home’s did not have. It has 160 luxury suites, 2,500 club seats and 32 party suites. Fans attending games at the Staples Center can check out the Fox Sports SkyBox Restaurant, the City View Grille, the Grand Reserve Club and the Team LA store. Since its opening, the Lakers have won three NBA Championships while the Clippers have had one winning season. Thus, the Clippers are still known as LA’s second team. Other than being the home of two NBA teams, the Staples Center is home of the Los Angeles Kings (NHL) and many other events.

Pepsi Center
Denver Nuggets

The Can as it is known to Denver Nuggets fans, the Pepsi Center is the place to be during the winter months in the Mile High City. The Nuggets have been a part of the NBA since 1974 when they moved from the American Basketball Association. One year after becoming part of the NBA the Nuggets began playing at McNichols Sports Arena. The 17,000 seat arena was the home of the Nuggets and two NHL teams, the Colorado Rockies and later the Colorado Avalanche. Like every other team in the NBA and NHL, a new arena was needed for both teams in order to remain competitive in both leagues. Construction began in November 1997 and was named after Pepsi bought the naming rights for $68 million.

In 1999 the Nuggets played their first game at the Pepsi Center. The arena has a seating capacity of just over 19,000. It features 95 luxury suites, 1,800 club seats, the Lexus Club, the Blue Sky Grill featuring western crusine and The Denver Post Newsroom. Outside, the Pepsi Center’s façade reflects the neighborhood brick buildings and old rail yard. Fans enter through two atriums that have sculptures of basketball and hockey athletes in poses. Inside the Pepsi Center fans can see the Rocky Mountains and downtown Denver. Since the 2003-04 season the Nuggets have had four consecutive winning seasons. With stars such as Carmelo Anthony, the future looks bright for the Nuggets.

Oracle Arena
Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have one of the longest history’s in the NBA, dating back more than 60 years to Philadelphia. The Warriors were formed in 1946 playing in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Arena and Philadelphia Convention Hall for 16 seasons. Franklin Mieuli bought the team and moved the team to San Francisco after the 1961-62 season. The team was known as the San Francisco Warriors and played their games at the USF War Memorial Gym. Across the Bay in Oakland, the city constructed a new sporting complex that included a baseball/football stadium and a new basketball arena.

Completed in 1966, the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum was a state of the art basketball arena. The same year, the San Francisco Warriors began playing some of their games in Oakland. For nine seasons the Warriors played in games in Oakland and San Francisco. After the 1970-71 season the team moved all of their games to Oakland and changed their name to the Golden State Warriors. Since then the Warriors have called Oakland home. Thirty years after the arena opened, it was completed renovated in 1996. Over $121 million was spent rebuilding and renovating the coliseum. A new octagonal shaped seating bowl was constructed adding 4,000 seats to the arena. Today the arena has a seating capacity of 19,596 with 72 luxury suites. In October 2006, the Oracle Corporation bought the naming rights to the arena.

US Airways Center
Phoenix Suns

Although the Phoenix Suns home is 15 years old, it looks as if it is one of the newest arenas in the NBA. Prior to moving into US Airways Center, the Suns played at the 13,000 seat Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The team had played there since their inception in 1968. By the late 1980s a new large state of the art basketball only arena was needed for the Suns. Construction on the $90 million arena began in 1988 and was paid for through city bonds and loans. Officials from the team toured NBA arenas across the league looking for the best features to incorporate into their new arena. America West paid $26 million over 30 years in 1992 to buy the naming rights to the facility.

On November 3, 1992, the Phoenix Suns played their first game at America West Arena winning against the Los Angeles Clippers. In November 2005, America West Arena was renamed US Airways Center after US Airways bought America West. The arena has a seating capacity of over 19,000 that includes 2,270 clubs seats and 88 luxury suites. Most fans enter US Airways Center through the Casino Arizona Pavilion that features soaring glass walls that serves as a gathering location. US Airways Center features many amenities including the Lexus Club Lounge and the Verizon Wireless Jungle, an interactive fun and games area for kids. With players such as Steve Nash, fans of the Suns hope that the team can bring a NBA Championship to the City of Phoenix.

Conseco Fieldhouse
Indiana Pacers

Unlike Major League Baseball where the trend has been to build ballparks that reflected ones of the early 20th century, most NBA arenas built have been constructed with sleek modern designs. However, the Indiana Pacers decided to go with the retro look with their home, Conseco Fieldhouse. The Pacers became a NBA team in 1976-77 after the ABA folded and were playing at Market Square Arena. This arena had a capacity of nearly 17,000 but lacked luxury suites and many other amenities that prompted the Pacers to begin looking into building a new arena in the 1990s. A retro style fieldhouse was designed by Ellerbe Becket that reflected high school fieldhouses in Indiana for the Pacers. This design was similar to the retro ballparks that were being built by Major League Baseball teams at the timeConstruction began in July 1997 and was completed two years later. At a cost of $183 million, the Pacers contributed $57 million, $79 million came from taxes and the rest from private contributions.

The Pacers debuted at Conseco Fieldhouse on November 6, 1999 winning against the Boston Celtics. As fans approach the Pacers home from the outside, they see a structure that truly resembles classic basketball fieldhouses from the past. The façade consist of brick and glass fitting in with its surroundings. Many fans enter through the Entry Pavilion, the main gathering place before and after games. Conseco Fieldhouse has a nostalgic look all around including the Grand Staircase that takes fans to the different levels of the building. The Pacers home has a seating capacity of 18,345 for basketball with 69 luxury suites and 2,400 club seats. Some of the best seats are in the Founders Level, seats that are 16 rows from the court. Over the past three years, Conseco Fieldhouse has been ranked the number one venue in the NBA.

College Football

Autzen Stadium
University of Oregon

With its latest expansion complete, Autzen Stadium looks like a new modern stadium. For almost a half a century from 1919 until 1967 the Oregon Ducks played at the 15,000 seat Hayward Field. By the 1960s as the football team became more successful it was apparent that a new stadium need to be built for the Ducks. Oregon athletic director Leo Harris along with Thomas J. Autzen, whom the stadium was named after, spearheaded the project by giving the school $250,000 for the new stadium project. By the 1967 season, the $2.5 million Autzen Stadium was complete and had a capacity of around 41,000.

The Ducks played their first game at Autzen Stadium on September 23, 1967, a loss against Colorado. Although the stadium originally had a grass field, it was replaced with AstroTurf before the 1969 season. Until 2002, Autzen Stadium had underwent very few renovations. In 1982 the Barkers Stadium Club was added at the east end zone of the stadium. A three story building on the north side of the stadium containing 381 club seats and 12 luxury seats was constructed in 1989. A new press box was also constructed prior to the 1989 season. The most recent addition came prior to the 2002 season when 12,000 seats were added to the south rim of the stadium. Also included in this addition was the expansion of the press box that included 32 luxury suites. This also provided a cantilevered roof to cover some fans from inclement weather. Today the stadium has a capacity of 54,000 today. Throughout college football, Autzen Stadium has become known as one of the most intimidating college football stadiums with its crowd noise.

Tiger Stadium ("Death Valley")
Louisiana State University

"It's Saturday Night in Death Valley and here come your Fighting Tigers of LSU." This is how every home game begins for the Louisiana State Tigers. The Bayou Bengals play ball in front of some of the most passionate and raucous fans in college football. LSU’s Tiger Stadium houses an impressive 91,600 fans. What’s more impressive is that on game day, Tiger Stadium transforms into the sixth largest city in Louisiana. Like many other places in the country, LSU football is more than sports. It’s a way of life. People in this part of the country are as passionate about their Tigers as any other fans in the country. It’s been called “the most feared road game in the country” and “Death Valley” for a reason.

Tiger Stadium was constructed in the early 1920s and opened on November 25, 1924 when LSU battled Tulane. The original stadium seated 24,000 fans with grandstands on both sides of the gridiron. Six major expansions have been completed at the stadium over its eight decades of existence. Two additions were completed in the 1930s, the first in 1931 when the capacity increased by 10,000 and the second in 1936 when the north endzone was enclosed increasing the seating capacity to 46,000. The south endzone was enclosed in 1953 and the first of two upper decks was added in 1978 pushing the capacity to over 78,000. The 11,600 seat addition in 2000 allowed the Tigers to pack even more screaming fans into Tiger Stadium. Throughout the 2005 season, the Tigers continued to expand Tiger Stadium with the west side expansion. This $60 million expansion added 3,255 club seats, a new press box and upper deck on the west side of the stadium. Completed by the 2006 season, this expansion increased the seating capacity of Tiger Stadium to 92,400. This addition will allow LSU to continue to average over 90,000 fans per game, as has been the average for the past three consecutive years. As the sixth largest stadium in the country, Tiger Stadium will continue to be one of the most exciting places to watch a game in the country.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium ("The Swamp")
University of Florida

Heeeeeeeeere come the Gators, is just one of the many traditions found at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, nicknamed "the swamp." Football at the University of Florida began in 1906, led by Coach James Forsythe. Towards the end of the 1920s, the University of Florida decided to build a new stadium for its football team, the Gators. On April 16, 1930 construction on the stadium began and was completed by October 27, 1930 when the Gators played their first game. Originally known as Florida Field, the stadium had a capacity of 21, 769. The original section of seating now encompasses the lower half of the current stadium. By 1950, the first of many additions to the stadium was in the works and by the start of the 1950 season 10,000 bleachers were built on the west side. The Gators also hosted the first night game at Florida Field on September 23, 1950.

Fifteen years later an additional 10,000 seats were added to the east side and bleachers were constructed on the south end zone bring the capacity to 62,800. In 1971, the team replaced the grass field with Astroturf, but two decades later the surface returned to grass. The south end zone with a skyboxes and a press box was completed increasing the capacity of Florida Field to 72,000. In 1991, Florida Field was named after Ben Hill Griffin a donor to the University of Florida. The stadium was renamed Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field. Once again in 1991, construction was completed on the north end zone bring the capacity to 83,000. The most recent addition to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium came in 2001 when $50 million was spent expanding the press box, installing chair back seats on the club level and building new luxury suites. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is now the largest stadium in the state of Florida with a capacity of just over 88,548. Various levels of seating enclose the playing field. The Florida Gators have had years of success at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, including a 30 game winning streak between 1994 and 1999. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is one of the most formidable venues for opposing teams to play at as the stadium is one of the loudest in the nation, the temperature on the field often reaches 100 degrees and the passion of the Gators fans, selling out every game since 1989.

Michigan Stadium ("The Big House")
University of Michigan

One word can describe Michigan Stadium, huge. From the time it opened in 1927 until today, Michigan Stadium has been one of the largest stadiums in college football. Prior to playing at Michigan Stadium the Wolverines played at Ferry Field. The team had been playing there since 1906 and continually had to expand the stadium as interest in the team grew. As attendance grew, a new stadium was needed to accommodate the fans. Fielding Yost, coach of the team designed a new stadium and the University of Michigan approved construction in April 1926. Built at a cost of $950,000, Michigan Stadium was modeled after the Yale Bowl and was built of steel and concrete. When completed the stadium could seat nearly 72,000 fans. Yost designed the stadium so it could be expanded to seat up to 200,000 fans one day. Prior to its opening in 1927, Yost lobbied the university to add an additional 10,000 seats to the stadium. The university approved and the stadium was completed in October 1927.

The Michigan Wolverines played their inaugural first game at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 1927 against Ohio Wesleyan. The entire single tier grandstand circled the playing field. The official capacity when Michigan Stadium when it opened was 84,401, an enormous number for this time. It was the largest stadium in the nation in 1927. However as support for the team grew so did the stadium. By 1928 the capacity was increased to 85,753. In 1930 new electronic scoreboards were added at each end zone. Michigan Stadium was expanded yet again by the 1949 season when the stadium was expanded to seat 97,239 fans. In 1956, A new press box was constructed that increased the seating capacity over 100,000 to 101,001.

Michigan Stadium’s current look with the blue bleachers and the famous yellow Block M were completed before the 1965 season. Prior to the 1969 season, the grass field was replaced with Tartan, a type of Astroturf. This allowed for easier maintenance to the field. By the 1973 season the box seats that were located in the first three rows of the stadium were removed and replaced with bleacher seats increasing the capacity slightly. Before the start of the 1991 season, the field at Michigan Stadium was lowered with the installation of natural grass and two new rows of seats were installed allowing 102,501 fans to enjoy the game. Additional renovations came in 1997 when more seats were added and new video/scoreboards. In 1998 5,000 seats where added bringing the current capacity to 107,501. Recently, Fieldturf has replaced the grass field. Today, Michigan Stadium is the largest college football stadium in the nation. It is nicknamed “The Big House” because of its enormous size. For nearly 200 games the Wolverines have attracted more than 100,000 fans and hosted 111,238 fans in a game against Michigan State on November 20, 1999. In May 2006 the Michigan Board of Regents voted to construct new luxury boxes and renovate Michigan Stadium. This $226 million renovation will be completed by the 2010 season and include 83 suites, 3,200 club seats and widen seats and isles increasing the seating capacity to 108,000. During the 2008 and 2009 seasons Michigan Stadium will be the second largest stadium in the nation behind Penn State's Beaver Stadium with a seating capacity of 106,201.

Notre Dame Stadium
University of Notre Dame

Perhaps one of the most well known sports team's in the nation, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish also play at one of the most well known stadiums in the nation, Notre Dame Stadium. Prior to the building of Notre Dame Stadium, Cartier Field, a 30,000 seat stadium, was home to the football team. Because of the team's continued success, games regularly sold out. Led by the success of Coach Knute Rockne, he decided that a new stadium needed to be built for the Fighting Irish. By the mid to late 1920s plans were drawn up for a new stadium at Notre Dame. Constructed at a cost of $750,000, construction began in late 1929. Patterned after Michigan Stadium, Notre Dame Stadium was completed by October 1930.

The Fighting Irish played their first game at Norte Dame Stadium on October 4, 1930 against SMU. Originally with a capacity of 54,000, the main one tier grandstand circled the entire playing field. Throughout its more than seven decades of existence, Notre Dame Stadium has seen only one main addition. Prior to the 1997 season, the stadium was expanded to its current capacity of 80,795. Nearly 21,000 seats were added along the top rim around the stadium. In addition, the first three rows of seats were eliminated, a new grass field was installed, new scoreboards were placed above the rim of the stadium in the north and south end zones and a new three tier press box was built. Notre Dame Stadium remains one of the most unique stadiums in college football with its brick exterior and setting. Over the years seven Heisman Trophy winners have played at Notre Dame Stadium and the Fighting Irish have sold out every game since 1964. Touchdown Jesus, located on the Hesburgh Library, looms over the endzone of Notre Dame Stadium.

Thanks to:
http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com
http://www.stadiumsofnfl.com
http://www.insidearenas.com/
http://www.collegegridirons.com/

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Exciting Baseball at the Cove

The Giants have won 5 in a row and the youngsters have been shining. All of a sudden, many players are performing up expectations and some exceeding them. Of course, there are some underachieving...yes, I'm talking to you, Mr. Wilson.

The Giants finally figured out the Pirates, winning the last 2 of a 3-game series, then for the 2nd time this year, swept the Diamondbacks. The Giants got solid performances in their sweep of the Diamondbacks from Cy-Young candidate, Tim Lincecum, a resurgent Barry Zito, and from Brad Hennessey, who hadn't started a game since 2006. The sweep over the Diamond backs, provided, arguably, the most exciting series of the season. In game one, Tim Lincecum struck out 9 in 8 1/3 while only giving up 1 ER in a 6-2 win. In game two, Barry Zito pitched 6 innings, while only giving up 2 ER, and striking out 9. Brian Wilson blew a save and a win for Zito, but Eugenio Velez picked up Wilson by singling to right field, bringing in Pablo Sandoval who chugged his way home and performed an ugly, but effective hook slide to beat the throw. In the third game, Brad Hennessey pitched 6 innings while only giving up 1 ER and striking out 3. Eugenio Velez saved Wilson for the second day in a row after Wilson blew the save in the top of the 9th. Velez hit a game-winning double, bringing in 2 runs to finish off the Diamondbacks.

This current 5-game winning-streak that the Giants are on has shown the loads of young talent the Giants have. Sandoval, Schierholtz, Burriss, Velez, and Romo have been performing great and should see ample time next year. Zito has been improving every week and is proving he deserves to be in the rotation next year. These last five games have been exciting and the Giants are showing resolve and the ability to be clutch. The team appears to be having fun and the Giants play the Dodgers 6 more times, and the Diamondbacks 3 more time, giving the Giants 9 more opportunities to play spoiler.

Unlike my recent post, where I stated what I would do if I were GM, here is my projected lineup for next year (keep in mind, I am not including free agents, because that it too hard to predict):

LF: Fred Lewis
SS: Emmanuel Burriss
3B: Pablo Sandoval
C: Bengie Molina
RF: Nate Schierholtz
CF: Aaron Rowand
1B: Travis Ishikawa
2B: Conor Gillaspie

I could also see:

LF: Fred Lewis
SS: Emmanuel Burriss
1B: Pablo Sandoval
C: Bengie Molina
RF: Nate Schierholtz
CF: Aaron Rowand
2B: Kevin Frandsen
3B: Conor Gillaspie

Rotation:
Tim Lincecum
Matt Cain
Barry Zito
Brad Hennessey
Noah Lowry

Jonathan Sanchez and Madison Bumgarner could end up in the rotation as well and don't count the Giants out when it comes to signing C.C. Sabathia.

My Giants All-2000's Team

C: Benito Santiago



1B: J.T. Snow



2B: Jeff Kent



3B: David Bell



SS: Rich Aurilia



LF: Barry Bonds



CF: Marquis Grissom



RF: Ellis Burks



SP: Tim Lincecum



Reliever: Robb Nenn

My Giants All-90's Team

C: Kirt Manwaring



1B: Will Clark



2B: Robby Thompson



3B: Matt Williams



SS: Royce Clayton



LF: Barry Bonds



CF: Darryl Hamilton



RF: Willie McGee



SP: Bill Swift



Reliever: Rod beck

If I was the GM of the Giants...

The lineup I would like to see next year, is a fairly young one. Here is my starting lineup for opening day:

LF: Lewis
SS: Burriss
1b: Ishikawa
RF: Schierholtz
C: Bengie
CF: Rowand
3B: Pablo
2b: Frandsen
P: Lincecum

This offseason, the Giants should have 1 focus: pitching. Now, most Giants fans would question me in this decision. The Giants have a pretty good staff right now and very few consistent hitters. I think all Giants fans can agree that the Giants need a brand new bullpen, besides Brian Wilson.

C.C. Sabathia has spoken of great interest to be a Giant next year. He wants to be close to home (Vallejo) and he doesn't want to play for the A's, a team that can't afford him. If the Giants can package Jonathan Sanchez, Barry Zito, and Randy Winn for a couple mediocre prospects, along with taking part of Zito's contract, the Giants can easily afford C.C. and have the best pitching trio in baseball.

Starting Rotation:

Lincecum
C.C.
Cain
Lowry
Correia

As well, I think the Giants should go after some relievers like: Kyle Farnsworth, Casey Fossum, and Juan Rincon. As well as signing a few relievers, the Giants need to continue to work with their young talented relievers like Matos, Romo, Sadler, Otero, and Hinshaw.

The 2009 season will be a year of preparation for 2010. We will get to see which of the youngsters pan out and which don't. For the ones that don't pan out, we replace them with free agents the following offseason, especially the position players. In 2010, the following big bats will be available at each position to replace a possible young bust:

1B
Aubrey Huff
Wes Helms

2B
Adam Kennedy
Placido Polanco
Brian Roberts

3B
Adrian Beltre

SS
Miguel Tejada
Bobby Crosby

OF
Rick Ankiel
Jason Bay
Coco Crisp
Carl Crawford
Matt Holliday
Magglio Ordone

As well as the youngsters I mentioned, the Giants should have Buster Posey, Angel Villalona, Nick Noonan, Conor Gillaspie, Madison Bumgarner, and Tim Alderson ready for 2010.

I think if all pans out well with the young players and the Giants can get rid of Zito's contract, or at least part of it, then the Giants will be in contention for NL West, considering the lack of competition in the divison, and primed for a pennant run in 2011.