policing stadiums

[Chris Luva Luva]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/08/08/bc.fbn.bengals.unrulyfa.ap/index.html

CINCINNATI (AP) -- The Cincinnati Bengals are giving fans a way to deal with belligerent jerks who spoil the game for everybody else.

Starting with Sunday's preseason opener with the Washington Redskins, obnoxious behavior in the stands could prompt a cell phone call to the jerk patrol.

A call to 381-JERK will alert security to check out the complaint on camera, then in person if action is warranted.

Fans using too much foul language will get a warning. Those who continue could be ejected and have their season tickets and personal seat licenses taken away. More serious offenses could lead to arrest.

Read the rest at the link.

I actually support this a bit. I attended enough Skins games last season (THANKS TO MY NEW MOM TERRI!, move over Jake ) to notice/become annoyed at fans. Let me explain myself.

#1 Some of you get pissed off about the wave. You say "pay attention to the game, instead of getting out of your seat like an idiot...". Thats fine, I understand your point. But the same must be said for....

those that come to Redskin games just to get drunk. If you're plastered before the game starts you no better than those who come to game just to read a newspaper. Im tired of having beer spilled on me and people stumbling over me down the steps because they are drunk out of their minds.

#2 I want to take my godson to a game as soon as he can comprehend/appreciate whats happening. Im already battling with my retarded bestfriend about cursing around him and I dont feel like exposing him to that type of language. Im not talking about a quick tirade, hey it happens. Im talking about excessive, loud cursing that would make Boss cringe.

#3 Opposing fans. If this catches on, we'll own Eagles stadium.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

Sounds good, but I have a feeling this'll ruffle some feathers over at the ACLU.

You know what would be great? One of those buttons like in the STAPLES commercials for stuff like this. They can be like personal panic buttons (sponsored by STAPLES, of course), and provide even more revenue.

After all, when some idiots start brawling and tumble over you in the process, it probably would be easier to press a button, than to dial a phone and wait for an answer.

Of course, in the wrong hands, the panic button could be a bad idea...if it already isn't.

[Mursilis]

Sounds good, but I have a feeling this'll ruffle some feathers over at the ACLU.

Justice Hog can correct me if I'm wrong, but most stadiums being private venues, you can be removed for disorderly conduct at the will of the property owners and it's not a violation of your civil liberties. Generally speaking, of course.

And I agree it sounds like a great idea. I go to a game to watch the game, and drunks don't enhance the experience. I'm also no fan of public profanity.

[Deadskins]

They definitely should institute this policy in Philly. The ACLU won't have any problems with this. Look at the backside of any ticket. This could be abused by the home fans just wanting to get rid of an opposing fan, though, even if he was just rooting for his team.

[Justice Hog]

Personally (not professionally), I think a stadium can remove you for any reason because, being the holder of the ticket, you are agreeing to certain conditions to attend the game.

Not pissing off CLL, correct me if I'm wrong, I think, is one of those conditions.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

Justice Hog can correct me if I'm wrong, but most stadiums being private venues, you can be removed for disorderly conduct at the will of the property owners and it's not a violation of your civil liberties. Generally speaking, of course.

I don't want to drag this too far of the subject, but I feel I must ask, what about the "private stadiums" that are publicly funded via taxpayer dollars?? Just wondering.

Anyway, I love the atmosphere at games. The energy is incerdible!!! However, it's a huge downer to see men and women acting like fools because of their alcohol consumption.

The "private stadium" can limit what you say, do, and bring in to the stadium, but cannot and will not limit how much alcohol you can consume??? Sounds like a double standard that needs to change, if they want to keep their places fan-friendly.

The Bengals are pioneering a great tool for Fans. Hopefully, it will open some eyes to the glaring problems found on gamedays at Stadiums around the league.

Of course, it could be a publicity stunt to draw attention away from the unruly players the Bengals will trot onto the field this year.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Its just that when you get to the point where you can't control your actions/motor skills than it becomes everyones problem. I dont mind if someone wants a cold one to enjoy during the game, thats fine. But when you're falling down the stadium steps, spilling beer and sitting in someone elses seat because you dont even know where you are anymore....thats excessive.

Hopefully this will speed up that 20 year waiting list.

[Mursilis]

Justice Hog can correct me if I'm wrong, but most stadiums being private venues, you can be removed for disorderly conduct at the will of the property owners and it's not a violation of your civil liberties. Generally speaking, of course.

I don't want to drag this too far of the subject, but I feel I must ask, what about the "private stadiums" that are publicly funded via taxpayer dollars?? Just wondering.

That's why I used most - I'm not sure how that would work, but legally-speaking, I think it would still be considered a private venue.

Anyway, I love the atmosphere at games. The energy is incerdible!!!

That's why it's fun to go to games every once in a while, even if I'm not a season ticket holder. You really can't replicate the experience in your living room or the local watering hole.

The "private stadium" can limit what you say, do, and bring in to the stadium, but cannot and will not limit how much alcohol you can consume??? Sounds like a double standard that needs to change, if they want to keep their places fan-friendly.

That's just about the $$$ - beer sells. Personally, I'm not a big-time drinker, so they could stick to selling soda for all I care, but most fans probably think otherwise, and I'm sure the owners would mind the loss of revenue.

The Bengals are pioneering a great tool for Fans. Hopefully, it will open some eyes to the glaring problems found on gamedays at Stadiums around the league.

Of course, it could be a publicity stunt to draw attention away from the unruly players the Bengals will trot onto the field this year.

You bring up a funny idea - calling the "Jerk patrol" to report some of the Cinncy players! "Um, yeah, Jerk Patrol, I'm pretty sure No. 58 has been convicted of assault - could you remove him from the stadium?"

[TincoSkin]

this is gonna be used toward bad ends... imagine you get into an argument with an actual jerk but it ends without incident but remeber he is a real jerk... then he calls you in even though hes the real jerk and you lose season tickets, tickets that you have been waiting ten years for! ahhh that jerk just cost me my tickets!!

[Countertrey]

They definitely should institute this policy in Philly.

I disagree completely. In Philly, they should have another policy, in which only football fans are admitted to the stadium. lYes, I realize this would result in the Eagles playing in front of only opposing fans in their own stadium, but, hey... at least it would be an island of civility in that Neanderthal town!

[air_hog]

They need that for their own players...

[SkinsChic]

I agree Chris - I've had a lot of beer spilled on me in the stands. It's not pleasant when you have those drunken jerks sitting behind you cussing and carrying on and spilling beer on you. That makes for a most unpleasant experience.