Stadiums USA Radio

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 and political fabric. It also marked a change in the stadium experience. Author John Florio's new book examines how America headed to the suburbs along with big league ballparks. And- business is booming in Minor League Baseball. We head down to the farm with Dave Heller, majority owner and operator of four affiliated minor league clubs.

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 beer.  There was a time when County Stadium allowed fans to bring their own beer to the ballpark.  Writer and documentary filmmaker Bill Povletich looks back on the glory days of the Milwaukee Braves. And- a conversation with Ted Giannoulas, famously known as the San Diego Chicken..

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 broadcaster Wayne Larrivee. Wayne details changes to the iconic venue and how the lower bowl of the stadium is unchanged going back to the Lombardi years. Plus- the man whose booming, baritone voice ignited Chicago Bulls fans during their championship run. Public address announcer Ray Clay details his premature exit from the Bulls over disagreement of how he would announce a visiting Michael Jordan as a member of the Washington Wizards.

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 announcers have been moved from court side to the upper rafters of some arenas. Halberstam traces it to the almighty dollar. And- former Detroit Tigers bat boy Dennis Clotworthy has the compelling story of sharing Tiger great Al Kaline's final moments at Tiger Stadium.

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's ballpark vision and how it helped create a modern Los Angeles. And- we continue our conversation with author Josh Pahigian, whose new book explores the hidden adventures in visiting major and minor league ballparks across America.

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 Michael Jordan and the club that won it's first of seven titles. And- exploding scoreboards, mile high seats, racing sausages - we chat with Josh Pahigian whose new book The Amazing Baseball Adventure explores the hidden ballpark treasures across America.

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 career was cut short due to social activism. Plus- what's in a sports logo? Plenty, as we break down team logos in the NBA with SB Nations Charlotte Wilder. And Stadiums USA's Mark Madorin looks at preparations for the Final Four at University Phoenix Stadium and examines the financial angle of the Raiders exit from the Bay area.

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, Kings and Sparks, the Staples Center in Los Angeles tops the list. Operations Director Armen Dembekjian details transitions between hockey, basketball and concert events. Plus, tracing the strange one-year saga of the Seattle Pilots.

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 influence on the way new ballparks are being built. Plus- grab your tuba, and strike up the band- we march onto the field at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin with former Badger band member Darren Ellefson.

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 the night Cal Ripken, Jr. broke baseball's consecutive games streak. Also- a look at a documentary that details the origins of Rupp Arena and how civic-minded locals in Lexington are credited with launching construction of the iconic college basketball mecca.

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 University of Illinois Sports Information Director Mike Pearson spins tales of Jud Heathcote, Steve Alford and Scott Skiles, among others. And, a trip back to the iconic Polo Grounds with author Stew Thornley. We examine how the unique ballpark configuration contributed to Willie Mays' amazing catch off the bat of Vic Wertz in the 1954 World Series.

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 iconic ballpark was located. Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Frank Fitzpatrick looks back on the final game at the stadium and how Philly faithful ravaged the park to grab souvenirs. Plus, groundskeepers across baseball are preparing diamonds for the 2017 season. We catch up with Memphis Redbirds field chief Ben Young who talks grass seed and creating diamond art from the seat of a lawn mower.

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 handle multiple events. Liam reminisces the days when hockey was played in stadiums built to sustain the ice. And we tour newly-renovated Assembly Hall with Indiana Hoosiers beat reporter Terry Hutchens. Terry looks at the politics of renovating the iconic arena as opposed to a complete demolition and rebuild.

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 Super Bowl LI? Not as much as you think, according to Holy Cross sports economist Victor Matheson. Victor looks at the exorbitant demands the NFL places on host cities and how Commissioner Roger Goodell is the one holding the cash at the end of the day.  And- how does the Hartford Islanders sound? SB Nation reporter Dan Saraceni says, "don't believe it." Dan looks at the teams' issues at Brooklyn's Barclays Center and how the venue is struggling to maintain adequate ice conditions.

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 Super Bowl host cities and looks at the evolution of the halftime show. Plus, the NASCAR season is right around the corner. Beyond The Flag's Chris Olmstead looks at the typical race fan and what changes are in store for the NASCAR 2017 season.

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 Divisional tilt between the Falcons and Seahawks. And a conversation with basketball Hall of Famer Arts Gilmore, who reflects on the raucous days of the ABA and how his Bulls teams were the first to bring down the lights for player introductions at Chicago Stadium.

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 Stadium. Pugmire reminisces about the venue and lowers the boom on Chargers owner Dean Spanos. Plus, an update on the continuing renovation at Wrigley Field with SB Nation Cubs reporter Al Yellon.  .

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. Also- the changing business model in college football. Bloomberg reporter Eben Novy-Williams looks at the widening gap between the have's and have nots. Plus a look at Arrowhead Stadium's home field advantage with SB Nation's Joel Thorman who previews the Divisional playoff game between the Chiefs and Steelers.

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 us to talk about the Chargers and Raiders and which way the league may be leaning on new stadium deals. Plus, the changing landscape of sports' secondary ticket market with Connor Gregoire of SeatGeek. Connor looks at dynamic ticket pricing and has a few tips on finding the best seats before game time.

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 Darryl Dunn. And, we look at ballparks and stadiums through the lens of sports photographer Brad Mangin. Brad talks about the perfect photo shoot in places like AT&T Park in San Francisco and The Coliseum in Oakland.

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 Football League. Historian Paul Reeths looks at Trump's impact and how the league prioritized challenging the NFL by playing in top-tier stadiums. Plus, a tour of Philadelphia's iconic Palestra with former Penn Athletic Director Steve Bilsky.

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 Barry of the Class A Dayton Dragons checks in to talk about how mowing patterns create unique images that distinguish diamonds across baseball. And Packers historian Cliff Christl takes us on a tour of Lambeau Field in Green Bay and reveals a few secrets on what makes the venue truly classic.

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 Stadium. Niners historian Martin Jacobs grew up just a block from Kezar and recounts selling programs at the venue and watching the likes of Hugh McElhenny and Y.A. Tittle. And- the science of home field advantage with University of Rochester professor Jeremy Jamieson.

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 blip on the radar?  And how can the in-game stadium experience be improved? Former super agent Leigh Steinberg has penned a new article that's gaining buzz for it's innovative ideas on ways to tweak pro football. Plus, have you checked out the latest menus at stadiums and ballparks?  The times are a changing on the stadium food front, says Ovations Foods' Charlie Neary.

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 public address announcer at LSU’s Tiger Stadium. Dan details game day at LSU and how during tailgating, the locals are feasting on just about anything that doesn’t eat them first! And New York sportswriter Mike McCarthy joins us to talk about his stadium bucket list- the best seats in sports- we go atop the Green Monster at Fenway and to the roof of New York’s Madison Square Garden.

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 unique stadium images at his Stadium Blueprint Company.  Robert talks about drafting a new Wrigley Field piece after the Cubs' historic World Series win. And, they are taking 'fan-friendly" to a whole different level in Atlanta. We look at renovation plans for the the Hawks' Philips Arena that is targeted at attracting millennials.

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 of Fame Executive Director Rick Walls talks about Pete's long road back into the Red's family and how it culminates with the unveiling of a Rose statue. And, which teams defend their home court in the NBA? We answer that question with Fastbreak's Jerry Tapp who has the numbers on which arenas are the toughest on visiting teams.

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 Pistons joining the Red Wings in Detroit's Little Caesars Arena. Plus, Nashville Predators public address announcer Paul McCann talks hockey from Music City.

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 gates at iconic Tiger Stadium in Detroit.  We re-visit the grand ole ballpark with author Tom Stanton, who details the intimacy of the park and his time spent with Hall of Fame broadcaster Ernie Harwell. And we trace the history of the NFL's oldest stadium- Soldier Field in Chicago. Author Paul Michael Peterson talks about the massive renovation project that placed a stadium within a stadium, and the historic events that define the grand venue along Lake Michigan.

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 in northern California, canceling the 1989 World Series.  San Francisco filmmaker Jon Leonoudakis was at Candlestick Park and talks about seeing the stadium roof shake as the sporting world looked on. And, it is the crown jewel in Edmonton- Rogers Place is the new home of the Oilers.  Longtime journalist Graham Hicks visits and says the arena is spurring growth in the city of Edmonton.

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 teams of the 1990's rejuvenated baseball in Cleveland. And Stadiums USA's Mark Madorin looks at sunlight issues at newer NFL venues.

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 the new age of ballpark distractions and talks about his recent tour of Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta....And we go back in time, 1962, to Hershey, Pennsylvania, and re-live Wilt Chamberlain's 100 point night at little-known HersheyPark Arena with CSN Philly writer John Finger.

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. Also- NBA Training Camps are underway and the excitement is building in Sacramento where the Kings will tip-off in their new Golden 1 Center arena.  SB Nation reporter Blake Ellington just toured the venue and has an update. Plus, Stadiums USA's Mark Madorin looks at beer sales at college football stadiums and what's next for an Oakland group looking to build a new stadium in the bay area.

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 are the futility leaders. Author Jason Vuic's new book looks at the Bucs' 26-game losing streak and how attendance actually increased at Tampa Stadium despite their losing ways. And Stadiums USA's Jeff looks at legislative backing for a new domed stadium in Las Vegas and new stadium development planned for the Texas Rangers.

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-operated boards in Boston to exploding scoreboards in Chicago, we trace their history with writer Scott Allen. And Stadiums USA's Mark Madorin looks at escalating NFL franchise values driven by stadium construction.

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 football attendance record could be set this weekend as Tennessee and Virginia Tech square off at Bristol Motor Speedway.  Beyond the Flag reporter Christopher Olmstead has a preview and looks at efforts to build a football venue in the middle of a NASCAR infield. And, Stadiums USA’s Mark Madorin looks at stadium changes across the NFL as the regular season gets underway.

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 neutral site college football games and how drawings of a new Raiders stadium in Las Vegas looks strangely familiar to previous plans in Carson.

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 watching John Elway and Peyton Manning compete on his finely manicured grass field. And, we take a tour of NFL Stadiums with filmmaker Rhett Grametbauer, who documented his trip across the country searching for NFL heaven in a Volkswagon bus.

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 ice cold Metropolitan Stadium and why her original cheerleading squad is getting snubbed by the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium opening ceremonies. Plus, Stadiums USA's Mark Madorin talks negotiations between the Angels and Anaheim on a new stadium deal and a twist in the San Diego marketing campaign for a new Chargers stadium.

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 Minneapolis and says it is like no other! Later, former Giants Stadium Manager Bill Squires has a post-script on the cancellation of the NFL Hall of Fame Game. Squires dives into the science of synthetic turf. Our Talking Shop segment examines ticket price fluctuations when new stadiums are built and how the tailgating experience is changing at Mississippi State.

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 for the Baltimore Ravens; how the NFL is getting serious about field surfaces across the league; and what hockey fans are saying about the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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 looks at economic factors changing the fan experience at training camp sites. And Stadiums USA's Mark Madorin looks at fallout from the NBA yanking the All-Star out of Charlotte and what changes are on the way for Penn State's Beaver Stadium.

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 Wrigley Field and and takes us behind the plate on historic nights for Pete Rose and Nolan Ryan. Our Talking Shop segment takes peek behind the curtain at new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis; a preview of major renovations at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa; and a trek across the country to NFL training camp sites.

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 pressures of deciding between a hit or error, and shares some great stories of famed broadcaster Vin Scully. Our Talking Shop segment looks at items being auctioned off at the Los Angeles Sports Arena; what stadium sites are viable in Las Vegas for the Raiders; and what Commissioner Rob Manfred has to say about the A's chances of staying in Oakland.

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 a nostalgic ride in from the bullpen in the long forgotten bullpen car.  Writer Paul Lukas looks back on the trend that saw relief pitchers hitching a ride to the mound and how some teams are looking to bring bullpen cars back.  Our Talking Shop segment examines expansion and renovation at the Pro Football Hall of Fame; how Southwest Airlines is flying against a Raiders stadium in Las Vegas; and a new plan to keep the Houston Astrodome alive.

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 NHL expansion into Las Vegas with Bleacher Report National Columnist Adrian Dater. Dater examines the Vegas sports market and looks at Commissioner Gary Bettman's role in the growth of the league.

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 broadcasting career.

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; how the Tampa Bay Rays are looking to change the entire ballpark experience; and a history lesson on Ladies Day promotions in Major League Baseball.

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 dilemmas in Oakland and Buffalo. Plus, how the Houston Astrodome robbed Mike Schmidt back in 1974.

There are those who travel the country in search of the ultimate ballpark experience, and then there is Graham Knight. Graham has seen more than 250 games in hundreds of ballparks across the country.  And he has chronicled it all on his web site- baseball pilgrimages.com  We tour the great stadiums of America with the ultimate baseball traveler.

This weekend the sporting world turns it attention to the Brickyard for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. Author Lew Freedman's new book examines the history of the race and traces the many changes at the iconic race track. Voters in Arlington, Texas go to the polls this fall to vote on a new one billion dollar ballpark for the Rangers. Neil deMause of Field of Schemes checks in with his thoughts on the fast-track process and the decision to replace a stadium that is only 22 years old.

He was the first ballplayer to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. He famously played stellar defense by crashing into the outfield wall at Boston’s Fenway Park. Former Red Sox standout Fred Lynn details roaming center field at ballparks across the Major Leagues. Hear about his influence in getting outfield padding installed at Fenway.