We welcome all teams and supporters to Baker Park for the Under 18 World Championships and wish good luck to all on the field & in whatever activities you choose to pass the time between matches.
Centrally located within Atlantian Oceana, Baker Park is one of the top tourist destinations in the region, welcoming nearly 1.9 million visitors per year. Especially in the northern third of the country, outdoor pursuits are most popular among visitors. We have a mostly temperate climate, with autumn and early winter the times of the year when precipitation is heaviest.
Our nation consists of seven constituent states—the State of Baker Park, Endover, Osheana, Ezra, Midalia, St Leon, and Lynchana—each with their own unicameral legislative body. They are united as a federal parliamentary democracy; the Parliament consists of the 175 member House of Assembly and the 56 member Council of State. The Prime Minister is the Head of the Government, currently held by Rebecca Schoenlein, the leader of the Federalist Party of Baker Park.
Belle Haven is the national capital of the Commonwealth; with a metro area population of over 5.6 million, it is also the largest city, the financial, entertainment, and cultural center of the country, and more than likely your first stop on your trip to Baker Park.
Belle Haven International Airport (BHX) serves 41 foreign & domestic carriers and accommodates over 900 takeoffs and departures per day. The airport is approximately 18 miles south of the city center, and there are numerous ground transportation options for arriving visitors at Belle Haven International; Metro Transit Buses, commuter rail, taxis, for hire limos, private coaches, rental cars and both private hub-to-hub & hotel shuttles are available to carry the traveler to any part of the city (or further) as needed.
There are also large airports that serve the other areas of the Commonwealth where matches will be played. Oceana, Ezriquay, Endborough, and Coolville/Shirley have International standard airports, capable of handling inbound flights from anywhere in the multiverse.
People in Baker Park tend to be formal or deferential to strangers when you first meet them; this is something of an ingrained relic of the values and lessons of our ancestors, as 'propriety' is a word that every child & teen has drilled into their head from an early age. Many of our citizens are only a couple of generations removed from the behavioral and social norms of our Victorian era European fore-bearers. Generally, once the ice has been broken, people are for the most part extremely friendly; we are a curious nation and eager to learn about people and cultures from across the multiverse.
Baker Park prides itself on the equality of citizens and the respect for the rule of law; we have an array of civil liberties that are important as the foundation of our society. Cannabis is legal for use and purchase, and prostitution is not illegal, but not technically legal either. By law, prostitution arrests can be charged as no more than minor misdemeanors, although in some places it is not a criminal offense at all.
Most bars and pubs have closing time at 3am, and only such establishments that serve food can legally open prior to 11:15 am to serve alcohol. The legal age for purchase and consumption is 18.
We have legalized gambling in Baker Park; there is a modern casino downtown in Belle Haven as well as casinos in East Liverpool (just south of Endborough) and suburban Oceana. In addition, there are 3 major horse racing establishments that have slot machine/video poker 'racinos' adjacent in Fairport, Southend and Ezriquay.
Violent crime is extremely rare in the Commonwealth. There is a higher chance you will fall off a subway platform than be assaulted or robbed with a firearm, and we take enormous pride in the safety of our subways systems. Still, it is advisable to take precautions normally utilized when in unfamiliar places. 0-9-9 is the universal emergency number in the country and especially in the largest cities, response times are extremely quick.
Travel in Baker Park is easy and safe due to the modern mass transportation infrastructure that the country has built over the last 60 years. Connections to major cities are available via rail, road, plane or ferry.
Rental cars are available at relatively modest rates, as competition is fierce among rental firms; almost any type of vehicle you might wish to hire is available, as the Commonwealth automobile market is made up of about 35% imports, so you'll find about any make or model you could imagine here.
Within the Greater City of Belle Haven area, public transportation is widely available across several platforms; CARTA (Capital Area Rapid Transit Authority) provides for public buses, a modern light-rail network, a clean & efficient subway system and connections to commuter and interstate rail lines.
Transit fares are equalized across all types of accommodation; 1 day, 3 day and 7 day passes each offer discounts off the regular single ride price, and the system is fully integrated; one price allows you to access to any CARTA mode of transport along with transfers. Several other cities throughout the country have initiated or improved their commuter rapid transit systems over the past several years as people move farther away from core city areas; Oceana, Endborough, Coolville and Springfield maintain outstanding public transit networks, allowing employers to encourage using automobiles less, reducing environmental impact.
The inter-city river ferry system is a popular option for travelers on day trips or weekend visits. There are vehicle and passenger-only options that operate on hourly schedules or dedicated point to point trips. Nearly 2 of every 5 inhabitants of this country live within a zone extending approximately 25 miles on either side of the Belle Haven River; it is one of the heaviest traveled inland waterways in the multiverse.
You'll probably notice that we have a bit of Victoriana fetish here in Baker Park. You can't miss it even if you're only halfway paying attention. We have parks, buildings, bars, restaurants, streets and anything else you can think of named for Victoria, or some kind of reference to her; almost every adult over the age of 35 in this county knows some arcane trivia fact about the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. Not because they necessarily want to.
Baker Park's currency is the CBP dollar; generally $1 NS is equivalent to about CBP$ 1.35. The monetary system is decimalized and denominations are 2, 5, 10 and 50 cent coins, 1 and 2 dollar coins, and 5, 10, 25, 100 and 500 dollar notes.
As a result of the 1998 elimination of the 1 cent coin, the general practice throughout the county is to round up or down any prices that would result in purchases or change returned ending in 1 or 3 cents; for example, a merchant may keep the extra 1 cent if your change due is 3.31, or may return 2.54 if the amount due is 2.53 (merchants and vendors have through the years generally adapted pricing so this is a rare occurrence).
Cash gratuities for service are not expected, but are not uncommon. Generally, workers in hospitality and tourism are more accustomed to receiving small tips, but the level of service you receive is not affected if you choose not to do so. Workers at all levels of employment are paid under a scheme known as CLAWS (Classified Labor and Wage Scale) which ensures that citizens are compensated fairly and reasonably equal to their peers based on years of work and experience.
Further afield, the other cities hosting matches all have a myriad of options for the visitor. A trip via the train to our northern areas of the country, where the natural beauty of our own largely undeveloped "frontier" is strenuously preserved is quite popular with foreign visitors.
The Lake District in northeast Endover is a popular summer getaway for families (approx. 1 hr 40 min from Endborough by rail), and in the other corner is The Old North, formerly a large holding of the Northern States Company that was heavily cleared of its forests for use in building the railways, but has been reclaimed by conservation and is becoming a popular resort area as an alternative to the Lakes (approx. 2hr 10 min from Oceana by rail).
Alternatively, the southern part of the country has its' own attractions; although not a substitute for warm water beaches, the villages and getaways along the coast in both directions from Newport are popular with boaters, fishermen and vacationers. The higher elevations in the southeastern corner of the Commonwealth have become the center of the nascent winter resort industry in areas formerly used for deep mining of coal, iron ore and bauxite, as well as gas and oil drilling.
There is so much more info than space to discuss; feel free, should you wish, to learn more in this detailed guide prepared for World Cup 84:
https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1306797The venues:
Group AThe Under 18 championships will be unusual in that it will almost completely bypass the nation's largest and most important city. Several out of town match sites are close enough to enable one to set up base in Belle Haven and day trip for matches.
Hillsborough Stadium, Belle Haven (capacity 17,500)
One of the busiest venues in the city, if not the whole Commonwealth, Hillsborough Stadium has seen more than its share of memorable moments. Home of Hillsborough FC, and the University of Belle Haven's football, men's & women's soccer teams, plus high school football and soccer; completed in 1934 and renovated between 1997-2002.
Match Schedule--MD1: Sylestone v Libonesia; MD2: Kohnhead v Equestria; MD3: Libonesia v Baker Park; MD 4: Equestria v Greater Vakolicci; MD5: Baker Park v Hopal; MD6: Greater Vakolicci v Sylestone; MD7: Hopal v Kohnhead
Riverside is the nation's 9th largest city, which began as satellite town of Belle Haven in the 1920's. It has grown to be a major metro area in its own right.
The Riverside Stadium seats 18,000 & is easily accessible from downtown Belle Haven via subway/light rail connections and has an excellent atmosphere for matches, despite the running track that surrounds the pitch. Hosted a group match in AOCAF 58.
Match Schedule--MD1: Equestria v Hopal; MD2: Baker Park v Sylestone; MD3: Greater Vakolicci v Kohnhead; MD4: Hopal v Libonesia; MD5: Sylestone v Equestria; MD6: Kohnhead v Baker Park; MD7: Libonesia v Greater Vakolicci
Jamestown is the major metropolitan area of the southern part of Baker Park State, with nearly 450,000 residents in the city and Highland County. Home to the University of Southern Baker Park, the major economic forces here are the McDonald & Muir Corporation, producers of appliances and home goods; and Oliver, Stearns, Kirk & Co, the nation's largest textile and fabrics producers. Easy access to all parts of the Commonwealth via rail and expressway.
Wright-Stearns Stadium seats 23,700 and is situated on the edge of the SBP campus to the southwest of the center city.
Match schedule--MD1: Greater Vakolicci v Baker Park; MD2: Hopal v Greater Vakolicci; MD3: Sylestone v Hopal; MD4: Kohnhead v Sylestone; MD5: Libonesia v Kohnhead; MD6: Equestria v Libonesia; MD7: Baker Park v Equestria
Group BCoolville is the capital of Midalia state and the fifth largest city in Baker Park. The citizens have a bit of an identity crisis, with the other main towns in the state (St Warren & Kellerville) and their down-river neighbors Shirley all having less than positive feelings for them.
The State College Stadium is Coolville State University's home facility for sports, and prior to the completion of Carrollton's redevelopment, the city's largest venue. The 26,000 seat stadium has a running track, which is less than ideal for the fan, but has a roof over much of the seating areas which helps make the atmosphere decent.
Match schedule--MD1: Jeckland v Terre Septentrionale; MD2: Vdara v San Jose Guayabal; MD3: The Jovannic v Chromatika; MD4: Terre Serpentrionale v Sarzonia; MD5: San Jose Guayabal v Jeckland; MD6: Chromatika v Vdara; MD7: Sarzonia v The Jovannic
Christian Lundqvist Stadium is the home of Sorenberg Park FC of the National Conference. Capacity 14,000.
Match Schedule--MD1: San Jose Guayabal; MD2: Chromatika v Jeckland; MD3: Sarzonia v Vdara; MD4 Jeckland v The Jovannic; MD5: Vdara v Terre Septentrional; MD6: The Jovannic v San Jose Guayabal; MD7: Terre Septentrionale v Chromatika
Kellerville was a sleepy, rural county seat until the early 1960's, when the expressway came through, which spurred growth in industry and led to the elevation of Kellerville State University from agricultural extension college to full 4 year status in 1973. Population is approximately 85,000, with nearly a quarter of a million people who now live within a 25 mile radius.
Princess Helena Sports Park hosted group matches during WLC 31 and is the home of Kellerville State University & Kellerville AFC; it's had a makeover and an expansion to 12,350 since then.
Match schedule--MD1: The Jovannic v Vdara; MD2: Terre Septentrionale v The Jovannic; MD3: San Jose Guaybal v Terre Septentrionale; MD4: Chromatika v San Jose Guayabal; MD5: Sarzonia v Chromatika; MD6: Jeckland v Sarzonia; MD7: Vdara v Jeckland
Group COceana is the conservative anti-Belle Haven, due to the years of pre-Commonwealth rivalry between the Northern States Company and George W Baker & Sons. There is a full complement of things to do and see during a stay in the Osheana State capital.
Learfield Park is situated north of downtown and is home to the club of the same name, seating 9,400. LFC have been the city's main club for many years and have enjoyed success, but they are not universally loved by neutrals.
Match schedule--MD1: Ind. Athletes from Quebec v Springmont; MD2: Northern Sovereign Islands v Siovanija & Teusland; MD3: Springmont v Poafmersia; MD4: Siovanija & Teusland v Trolleborg; MD5: Poafmersia v Error 458 No Nation Found; MD6: Trolleborg v Ind. Athletes from Quebec: MD7: Error 458 No Nation Found v Northern Southern Islands
Tollgate Stadium is where Llewellyn Turnpike FC have called home for 91 years, and if not for the club's return to the Championship, would probably not be hosting any matches. It's been given a long overdue facelift and upgrade ahead of the season. Located south of the city center in Carmarthen Borough (about a 15-20 minute subway ride), make sure you get a chance to visit the tollgate station from where the ground gets its name, located diagonally across the street from the northwest corner of the stadium.
Match schedule--MD1: Siovanija & Teusland v Error 458 No Nation Found; MD2: Poafmersia v Ind. Athletes from Quebec; MD3: Trolleborg v Northern Sovereign Islands; MD4: Error 458 No Nation Found v Springmont; MD5: Ind. Athletes from Quebec v Siovanija & Teusland; MD6: Northern Sovereign Islands v Poafmersia; MD7: Springmont v Trolleborg
State University is a so-called "big borough", as there isn't really a community large enough to be considered a town by legal definition. Osheana State University is located here, and the nearby northwestern corner of the country is both a major supplier of forestry products and is also a popular tourist vacation area for outdoor recreation. The National Railway Museum is located here (of course) and has exhibits to interest even those are not railroad buffs.
Falcon Stadium has a compactness that makes it seem smaller than its 20,000 seat capacity. Definitely try a BOB sandwich (beef, onion, bun—essentially a grilled hamburger), as it's said they make the best ones in the Commonwealth here.
Match schedule--MD1: 3v6; MD 2: 7v3; MD3: 4v7; MD4: 1v4; MD5: 5v1; MD6: 2v5; MD7: 6v3
Group DSpringfield is the center of the Commonwealth's agriculture industry and the site of the Baker Park State Fair. The eighth largest city in the Commonwealth, with over 800,000 residents in the metro region.
State Fairgrounds Stadium—Springfield (capacity 44,000) Constructed in the 1970's to replace the aging wooden grandstand at the Fairgrounds, it hosts many sporting events and concerts year round. A second expansion prior to World Cup 84 brought the stadium to nearly double its original capacity. It's a popular venue as a neutral site given the city's location and accessability.
Match schedule--Rwezaka v Savojarna; MD2: Free Republics v Oberour Ar Moro; MD3: Savojarna v Lovisa; MD4: Oberour Ar Moro v Devonta; MD5: Lovisa v Northwest Kalactin; MD6: Devonta v Rwezaka; MD7: Northwest Kalactin v Free Republics
Salisbury isn't quite yet considered a part of the Metro Belle Haven area, but it's population has increased by 1/3 over the last 25 years due to suburban creep from the northern areas of the capital.
Salisbury Stadium, Salisbury (capacity 25,900) is home to 2nd Division club Salisbury City, who have played here since 1975. With the Red Line subway/commuter train from Belle Haven's main downtown district, visitors can have the best of both worlds by staying in the capital and affordable, reliable transportation on matchday.
Match schedule--MD1: Devonta v Lovisa; MD2: Northwest Kalactin v Devonta; MD3: Rwezaka v Northwest Kalactin; MD4: Free Republics v Rwezaka; MD5: Savojarna v Free Republics; MD6: Oberour Ar Moro v Savojarna; MD 7: Lovisa v Oberour Ar Moro
New Bremen was a sleepy farm town until the railway came to this part of Baker Park in the 1950's, and now it has a population over 105,000 in the main town and the surrounding borough.
FSFB Stadium, New Bremen (capacity 12,000) is home of New Bremen FC, who won the National League Championship for the first time last season; the stadium was completed in 2009 as part of major investment into the club by the country's sixth largest bank.
Match schedule --MD1: Oberour Ar Moro v Northwest Kalactin; MD2: Lovisa v Rwezaka; MD3: Devonta v Free Republics; MD4: Northwest Kalactin v Savojarna; MD5: Rwezaka v Oberour Ar Moro; MD6: Free Republics v Savojarna; MD7 Savojarna v Devonta
Group EEndborough is the Commonwealth's Second City, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is the state capital of Endover and the home of the nation's top institution of higher education, the University of Endover. Much of the state beyond the city is pristine wilderness, with the Lake District one of most popular family vacation destinations.
Ludlow Road Park serves the University of Endborough and East Endborough AFC, the 14,000 seat facility consisting of 3 double tiered stands.
Match schedule--MD1: Krytenia v Sharktail; MD2: Tequilo v Cassadaigua; MD3: Sharktail v HUElavia; MD4: Cassadaigua v Mavinet; MD5: HUElavia v Starblaydia; MD6: Mavinet v Krytenia; MD7: Starblaydia v Tequilo
Bridewell could be twice the size as its current 9,600 capacity and there would probably still be a shortage of season tickets for supporters of Monmouth Park FC, one the country's biggest clubs. The last few years have been bumpy for Park (relegation, promotion, relegation again, and now back in the Championship) but they still draw boffo box office.
Match schedule--MD1: Cassadaigua v Starblaydia; MD2: HUElavia v Krytenia; MD3: Mavinet v Tequilo; MD4: Starblaydia v Sharktail; MD5: Krytenia v Cassadaigua; MD6: Tequilo v HUElavia; MD7: Sharktail v Mavinet
New Richmond is feeling a lot more pride in itself these days; the local club were accepted to full membership in the FAC and will play the Shield competition for the first time after 74 years of being a part-time club, while the area continues to grow in population due to an increase in manufacturing being located in the town.
Lytle Five Points Road is the home of New Richmond FC, and the Endover State University athletic teams. The move to full time club status coincides with the completion of the redevelopment of the stadium which has modernized the facility and increased the capacity to 11,000.
Match schedule--MD1: Mavinet v HUElavia; MD2: Starblaydia v Mavinet; MD3: Krytenia v Starblaydia; MD4: Tequilo v Krytenia; MD5: Sharktail v Tequilo; MD6: Cassadaigua v Sharktail; MD7: HUElavia v Cassadaigua
Group FRichmond—not to be confused with New Richmond—sits dead center in the triangle of the bitter sporting rivalry between Ezriquay, Newport and Southend; although the latter of those three is now the larger town, Rich remains the county seat, and has surprising good visitor amenities and accommodations for its size.
Richmond Dale was the name of the club that formerly played here and also the ground, which is one of the easiest stadiums to get to in the Commonwealth, as the passenger station is literally across the street. Richmond Station FC (naturally) call it home today and although small by standards of international competitions (9,000), it has an old school charm.
Match schedule--MD1: Nagore v Abanhfleft; MD2: Darmen v Megistros; MD3: Abanhfleft v Lochario; MD4: Megistros v Eraman; MD5: Lochario v Xanneria; MD6: Eraman v Nagore; MD7: Xanneria v Darmen
Southend is home to Ezra State University, and the yin to State University borough's yang; at oppositie end of the 'Trunk Line' as the north-south railway is called, it has nearly 100,000 residents and a diverse economy.
Old College Park (19,600) is the home of Southend AC and the university's teams. It's quirky, mismatched, dated—but it is an excellent venue for enjoying whatever is taking place here.
Match schedule --MD1: Megistros v Xanneria; MD2: Lochario v Nagore; MD3: Eraman v Darmen; MD4: Xanneria v Abanhfleft; MD5: Nagore v Megistros; MD6: Darmen v Lochario; MD7: Abanhfleft v Eraman
Lindenwood sits on the southern bank of the Stillwater River, and grew rapidly after the completion of the railway bridge connecting the Western & Southern and the Northern States railway lines. Over 100,000 residents make up the metro area, as it has developed into commuter haven for both Eqriquay and Middletown.
Park Grove Stadium (12,000) is just a short walk from the rail station, and is home to Linden Woods FC, who play in the 2nd Division, and Linden Ladies FC of the Women's NSL.
Match schedule--MD1: Eraman v Lochario; MD2: Xanneria v Eraman; MD3: Nagore v Xanneria; MD4: Darmen v Nagore; MD5: Abanhfleft v Darmen; MD6: Megistros v Abahnfleft; MD5: Lochario v Megistros
Semi Finals/3PPO/Final
BBP National Stadium (72,000) has hosted the 3rd place match of both AOCAF 58 and World Cup 84, as well as the finals of AOCL.