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View Full Version : Bloody Disgrace - Sec. 104



Erkan16
05-02-2009, 08:05 PM
what happened in 104 today was a fucking disgrace and i will NEVER sit in 104 ever again.

before the game started, practically the entire section was standing without anyone complaining.... once the game started we were threatened to get kicked out if we didnt sit down. a few people did get kicked out and a few got police talking to.

i told the security guy to fuck off. then 5 minutes later i see the same guy laughing it up and joking with the Columbus supporters. what the fuck is that about? i guess yellow stick together; yellow supporters yellow security.


#1: it wasnt just one or two people standing, it was the entire section.

#2: how are we supposed to just sit there and let the Crew fans shit on us without being able to do anything back?


i was talking to a few people who said they were treated like dirt by both arena staff and supporters in Columbus... but here we have to treat the away team like kings.

fuck 104 and fuck the BMO security.

Fushida
05-02-2009, 08:13 PM
you serious?! i saw the security guys but didn't see anyone get kicked out. that's just bull if they did. most of the people in the upper half were standing by the 10th minute anyways after the rain started coming down.

Get In There
05-02-2009, 08:15 PM
what I saw at the end of the game was security going to North 104 and clean out the trash - crew fans were chucking shit and security was up in a heartbeat putting an end to it and standing in their midst dragging the punters out.

Good job

We're very obnoxious in Columbus - expect some in return

B

Erkan16
05-02-2009, 08:16 PM
the security started making their way to the top by the 80th minute...

the police stormed the section right at the final whistle. and then the police started yelling at TFC supporters to get the hell out. we kept telling them that we couldnt because everyone was trying to leave at the same time, but they didnt care.

bob
05-02-2009, 08:17 PM
I was in 105. I saw cops come into 104 during the second half. In the first half it was raining and nobody wanted to sit in wet chairs, so I took off to get some paper towels to dry my seat, and I was getting back in I saw some tfc fan getting escorted out. That was probably around the 23 min?

Second half: security told the bottom half of 105 to sit even though most of the section was up. I thought the understanding is that if the majority of the section is up then you stand, and if most are sitting down you sit down.

I sat down for a while (I don't want to get kick out again). But when everyone else was up I was standing (for the most part).

Erkan16
05-02-2009, 08:19 PM
the fact that they let two teams fans that close together is an absolute joke. 104 should have only been Crew supporter section. either that or someone needs to build another section in the arena strictly for away team.

its going to take something big to happen before anything is fixed... and by that time it will be too late.

torontocelt
05-02-2009, 08:35 PM
I was in 104 today and a guy from the BMO personnel actually came up and said we could all stand, this did come after security told us to sit down. Basically after about 25 mins or so of the first half people were allowed to stand.

bob
05-02-2009, 08:47 PM
I guess we're going to figure this out as the games go one. On what conditions can you stand for a prolonged period of time:
- an exciting play - what dictates an "exciting" play?
- majority of the fans are standing - judgment call by security?

Like I said we'll see as the games go on. I spent half of the first 45 watching security instead of the game BUT maybe they were tense with the visitors? I dunno.
Solutions:
- move sections next season - 127, 110, etc...
- move to the top of 105 and have an understanding with security to stand up there
- sit down
- don't come to the game

I don't know what you (patron of 104 or 105) would do? I think I'll need a few more games to figure out, but I think the consensus is to migrate out OR fight for standing rights. I'm leaning towards moving myself...

It's really that simple.

egoodwin
05-02-2009, 09:59 PM
just go to the beer garden... easier for you and the people around you

Blizzard
05-02-2009, 10:21 PM
the fact that they let two teams fans that close together is an absolute joke. 104 should have only been Crew supporter section. either that or someone needs to build another section in the arena strictly for away team.

its going to take something big to happen before anything is fixed... and by that time it will be too late.

I was discussing the issue today with another Section 113'er.

It is a concern. The fact that there is not even an empty row between their supporters at the back of the section and our supporters (in front of them) is a recipe for trouble.

While an aisle on the left side of the section isn't bad, I would probably station a security person at the end of each row (standing) to ensure that no cross aisle troubles take place (much as we would see in Europe).

That and at least one empty row, perhaps two, are necessary factors in keeping some sort of separation IMO.

B

andyc
05-02-2009, 10:32 PM
Not to mention that the north end of 104 looks down over a concourse with lots of people wondering by... After the game today there was a whole bunch of people chanting up at the Columbus Few. It was hilarious but could have been dangerous. Luckily today it went well while I was there at least. Some of my favourite chants were: "We can see up her skirt" - Not a nice view believe me... "Tazer Tazer" - To the cops who clearly saw the humour and "Take your top off!" - again better left fully clothed! Lots of fun!

Pookie
05-03-2009, 06:09 AM
the fact that they let two teams fans that close together is an absolute joke. 104 should have only been Crew supporter section. either that or someone needs to build another section in the arena strictly for away team.


Therein lies the problem.

You can't have 104 as a "standing/supporter" section for the simple reason that the visiting support is there as well.

The vast majority of supporters would be well bahaved but it's clear that there are a few bad apples that get into those sections with dreams of Football Factory glory (see, flares at BMO). Give those guys flag poles or the idea of flares/smoke bombs and you've got yourself a little potential for a very dangerous situation.

I would think 104 would be the place where the no standing rule is the most strictly enforced. Particularly when there is visiting support.

I_AM_CANADIAN
05-03-2009, 06:58 AM
the fact that they let two teams fans that close together is an absolute joke. 104 should have only been Crew supporter section. either that or someone needs to build another section in the arena strictly for away team.

its going to take something big to happen before anything is fixed... and by that time it will be too late.
When you consider there were probably 50 Crew fans at the absolute maximum, giving them a whole section would've been a bit of a waste... There should have at least been a few empty rows between the supporters, though.

pepher
05-03-2009, 07:03 AM
1. I sit in 104 and have done so from day 1.
2. Not happy to sit with visiting fans because my group of friends bring children or elderly parents and there are always some (both sides) that drink way too much and curse and swear and threaten each other not to mention throw ketchup ridden chips and beer which eventually ends up on innocent fans of TFC!
3. Stand vs. Sit. Personally I don't care. I stand when 105 is standing or when the group in front of us is standing so I CAN SEE THE GAME. When the game is slow or out in open field, I sit AND WATCH THE GAME. Doesn't make me any more/less of a fan to do so. It's just sitting or standing. However, again I mention the children and elderly, both that WANT TO WATCH THE GAME..
4. We purchased 8 tickets from day one. We were not told about the 'visiting fans' location otherwise we would likely have bought elsewhere in the stands. Problem is now, they can't find us 8 seats together elsewhere without loosing the luxury of being close to the pitch or doubling/tripling the price of our seats.
5. We also have to deal with Security/Police constantly walking the area and presenting themselves as visual obstacles to the game. Obstacles that have an important job to do but obstacles that prioritize this job of my ability to WATCH THE GAME!

At the end of the day, some want to 'watch the game' first and do everything else second. Even more irritating than people standing in a row in front is the CONSTANT FLOW OF PEOPLE UP AND DOWN AND UP AND DOWN THE BLOODY STAIRS. Look at other leagues, they just don't go for hotdogs and souviners as often. In Europe, security sit on the stairs so everyone can see... they get it that people want to watch their team perform. And if some knobhead wanted to stop in the middle of the aisle to talk to his friend on the phone and starts waving "can you see me now, I'm waving" their entire section would tell him to get lost. For us, it's always just me and my group. As for the mixing of 'visiting fans', problems have occurred in the past (last year with Chicago) and NO DOUBT will occur again. People with anger issues hiding behind 'soccer fan' having drank way too much booze is a disaster waiting to happen.

suggestion for a solution:
1. get the visiting fans their own area not mingling with TFC. It won't happen for a while. If they build an area large enough for 100+ visiting fans (Chicago/Columbus) what do they do with these seats for KC or Chivas? Mix in TFC fans to 'sell' the seats?
2. sitting vs. standing is slowing being sorted but it is brutally slow. 'supporters' sections can stand, other sections cannot. problem is, there are supporters currently sitting in 'non-supporter' sections. A logistic nightmare but this will need to be sorted in order to accommodate those that want to stand all game. Designate enough sections to facillitate the 'we want to stand' demand and hopefully they will be happy with a move to the suggested new location (and potential change in price).
3. I realize that this is not Hockey and stoppage of play is not as frequent. As a result, it makes it difficult to hold people back from entering the stands until a stoppage of play. However, knowing that in advance at the ACC deters me from leaving. MLSE and MLS for that matter, need to address the fact that those that want to watch the game can't see a thing with the constant flow of people (many that don't seem to care about the game going on behind them) if they are constantly going for Nachos and Beer and Scarves. Problem is, the one thing those three items have in common is 'profit' and this is a business.

Anyway, I don't feel as though I've brought 'solutions'. I've only outlined my view of the problems and that in itself is a problem. Too much talk about it and not enough do something about it. MLSE, talk to us. Give me some feedback. Let me know that all my complaints are not only heard but they're understood and being discussed with planning to address them in the future because right now, I predict the exact same issues next year.

Sorry for the long reply. These issues are difficult ones logistically and MLSE and MLS need to start addressing them quicker.

ensco
05-03-2009, 07:49 AM
I was discussing the issue today with another Section 113'er.

It is a concern. The fact that there is not even an empty row between their supporters at the back of the section and our supporters (in front of them) is a recipe for trouble.

While an aisle on the left side of the section isn't bad, I would probably station a security person at the end of each row (standing) to ensure that no cross aisle troubles take place (much as we would see in Europe).

That and at least one empty row, perhaps two, are necessary factors in keeping some sort of separation IMO.

B

They have the aisle, plus six or eight seats covered in fabric, of separation, at an EPL game.

pepher
05-03-2009, 07:59 AM
They have the aisle, plus six or eight seats covered in fabric, of separation, at an EPL game.

maybe the lost revenues from a few empty rows of seats is the cost of doing business in this sport? I'm sure those EPL seats could be sold too.

Marco2K
05-03-2009, 08:04 AM
I was in 120. What a joke, this section sucks. I was told to sit down, even though i had a beer guy pouring a damn 24 in front of me.

DONT EVER SIT in 120

bob
05-03-2009, 09:09 AM
Anyway, I don't feel as though I've brought 'solutions'. I've only outlined my view of the problems and that in itself is a problem. Too much talk about it and not enough do something about it. MLSE, talk to us. Give me some feedback. Let me know that all my complaints are not only heard but they're understood and being discussed with planning to address them in the future because right now, I predict the exact same issues next year.

I would suggest that games where you know that there will be lots of visitors coming I would opt to sell either all 8 or 4 tickets (leave the kids at home of possible) and watch the game on the tele or sell 8 tickets and buy 4 tickets somewhere else. For example, i know a buddy who has tickets in a more calmer section (and he's got 4!) days like this post on ticket trader that you want 4 in a more calmer section.

A more permanent solution is $$ though. i think 104 is probably the 2nd cheapest seats in the stadium so to move anywhere will cost you. Maybe you should sell 4 permanently and use that money to help buy tickets somewhere else?

Also just call up your account rep, and maybe they can figure something out for you.

FluSH
05-03-2009, 09:15 AM
the fact that they let two teams fans that close together is an absolute joke. 104 should have only been Crew supporter section. either that or someone needs to build another section in the arena strictly for away team.

its going to take something big to happen before anything is fixed... and by that time it will be too late.

I don't think they have that many supporters... let me check.... nope they don't.

I would stay clear of 104... maybe TFC FO needs to put in there the youth clubs... that's what we usually get around our sections when we travel abroad... not too many 15yr olds will get into a scrap with 'away' supporters....

pepher
05-03-2009, 10:53 AM
I would suggest that games where you know that there will be lots of visitors coming I would opt to sell either all 8 or 4 tickets (leave the kids at home of possible) and watch the game on the tele or sell 8 tickets and buy 4 tickets somewhere else. For example, i know a buddy who has tickets in a more calmer section (and he's got 4!) days like this post on ticket trader that you want 4 in a more calmer section.

A more permanent solution is $$ though. i think 104 is probably the 2nd cheapest seats in the stadium so to move anywhere will cost you. Maybe you should sell 4 permanently and use that money to help buy tickets somewhere else?

Also just call up your account rep, and maybe they can figure something out for you.


thanks for the great suggestions bob. Problem is my 8 seats are made up of me and 3 friends owning 2 seats each. we sit 2 rows by 4 seats and thoroughly enjoy everything except the Visiting Fans and the UP AND DOWN AND UP AND DOWN.

I have spoken to a couple of reps already to no avail. funny thing is, we started at the back of 104 when the visitors were down low then we got bumped down. sounded good at first but now we got all the drunk visitors walking by our kids not to mention two sections going for food and drinks every 5 seconds.

expansion is the only solution I can see unless they move the visitors again before then.

onemanbarmyarmy
05-03-2009, 11:33 AM
not too many 15yr olds will get into a scrap with 'away' supporters....

Ever been to Montreal?!

trane
05-03-2009, 01:02 PM
I gave up on 104, I have season so I have to put up with it, but I realized that if I stand I will get kicked out, the cops/security are looking.

FluSH
05-03-2009, 02:18 PM
Ever been to Montreal?!

HA!

I think this is the reason why I am not going to MTL....

BRed
05-03-2009, 03:13 PM
BMO is starting to SUCK big time...

Yohan
05-03-2009, 03:43 PM
the general guideline for security should be, in non supporter section, unless someone makes an issue about people standing up, do NOT enforce the sitting rule
if a dude wants to enjoy the match sitting down in non supporter zone, that's fine, as that is his right. but why cause trouble if most of the section is standing up, and no one is making an issue out of it?

in the other matches i've been though, I've had zero problem with security

Hooligan69
05-03-2009, 03:53 PM
I had a bit of fun telling one of the security guys that he was wearing the wrong colour.

:lol:

TFC RealDeal RPB
05-03-2009, 04:02 PM
BMO is starting to SUCK big time...


Tell me about it.

TFC FORZA RPB
05-03-2009, 04:10 PM
223 is a mess, their are bugs all over the back wall, the floors seem to never have been cleaned

Blizzard
05-03-2009, 05:03 PM
They have the aisle, plus six or eight seats covered in fabric, of separation, at an EPL game.

Even better! For us, perhaps we start with one security person per row and let's see where it goes from there.

BuSaPuNk
05-03-2009, 11:06 PM
223 is a mess, their are bugs all over the back wall, the floors seem to never have been cleaned

Yeah noticed that as well. Couldn't stand it...thank god for the rain, kept them away for a bit. Either way that like last 3 sections on the north west side suck balls. I stand up even for a close play people tell me to sit down....it's a fucking joke. Beer garden is looking really good for now on.

Pookie
05-04-2009, 09:10 AM
I don't think they have that many supporters... let me check.... nope they don't.

I would stay clear of 104... maybe TFC FO needs to put in there the youth clubs... that's what we usually get around our sections when we travel abroad... not too many 15yr olds will get into a scrap with 'away' supporters....

I'm not sure that it is a good idea to put kids around a potential security issue.

Think back to the West Ham - Columbus incident. The 2 groups had to wade through seats to get at each other. I'm not sure putting kids in the middle of that potential situation is what youth clubs would want.

Toronto Gunner
05-04-2009, 09:20 AM
Is this really a problem? Other than the Cowlumbus Few, what other supporters in this league cause trouble? For the most part, travelling supporters are mildly obnoxious and nothing more.

The way I see it, we need to make 104 a designated support section and move some fans in there - maybe NEE can branch out and work both ends of the north. Nobody is there to cause trouble except for the odd Columbus 'Hooligan' (still makes me laugh to say that), and they're just a bunch of underage wankers that've watched Football Factories too many times.

Canadian Blue
05-04-2009, 09:34 AM
2. sitting vs. standing is slowing being sorted but it is brutally slow. 'supporters' sections can stand, other sections cannot. problem is, there are supporters currently sitting in 'non-supporter' sections.

The real problem is that the stadium should be filled with supporters. Pepher please take no disrespect to that comment, I am by no means saying you or others outside of the "so called" supporter sections are not fans. What I do mean though is instead of having a few supporter sections the whole stadium should be allowed to be like the southend and 127 except for a smaller area which is deemed the family section. Why not make 104 - 108 the family section so those that choose to bring children or elderly to the game can enjoy it as they see fit. Then allow all other areas to be filled with fans that want to be a more boisterous in their support........

phonzo
05-04-2009, 09:50 AM
the LOL garbage bag is sounding like a bad idea now for the Montreal game :p

Across_The_Pond
05-04-2009, 10:06 AM
...Look at other leagues, they just don't go for hotdogs and souviners as often...

Watching North American sport v European sport is completely different. That is one thing that I can never get my head around when I watch TFC play is the amount of people still lining up for food when the second half kicks off!

spark
05-04-2009, 10:49 AM
I really think what makes most sense is like what they did in Seattle how when you buy tickets you hover over the seat and it tells you what percentage of people in that area want to/do stand or sit. It's crazy that they are trying to enforce people to sit or discourage supporting the team in a boisterous manner. That's what makes games fun and creates an intimidating atmosphere. I'm sorry sit down and cheer is an oxymoron.

That one point about people getting up and down and up and down is hilarious, I thought the same thing - when I contacted my sales rep his whole mantra was "making the experience enjoyable for all" and all I could think of was these people all around me who get food three times a game, sit on their hands and leave at the 78th minute. But the people who are there to cheer on the team have what makes the game enjoyable taken away.

drewski
05-04-2009, 10:55 AM
Watching North American sport v European sport is completely different. That is one thing that I can never get my head around when I watch TFC play is the amount of people still lining up for food when the second half kicks off!

don't really have much of a choice. unless you leave before the end of the half, it can take forever to get served.

last game i went too the g/f and I went down right after the halftime whistle and it took till 10min into the 2nd to get served and get back to our seats.

Across_The_Pond
05-04-2009, 11:35 AM
don't really have much of a choice. unless you leave before the end of the half, it can take forever to get served.

last game i went too the g/f and I went down right after the halftime whistle and it took till 10min into the 2nd to get served and get back to our seats.

Surely though the idea of waiting in line for that long for an over priced burger is plain crazy. I assume your a big TFC supporter but I don't get why people feel the need to combine watching a game of football with eating nachos, fries etc... It's not baseball it's football! LOL

Your only there to watch 90 minutes of football and some fans spend 1/8 of that time waiting for food!

The game of football was never mean't to co-exist with franchises of food stalls and club shops.The club shop should not be inside the stadium, and the burger stalls should open and close 10 mins either side of each half! LOL

jm5k
05-04-2009, 11:39 AM
The problem you run into is that there are a lot of people who don't want to stand for two hours, and a lot of idiots who make their lives hell for wanting to sit.

The truth right now is that other than the 'pocket supporters' interspersed throughout the stadium, the majority do enjoy sitting. They prefer it, they pay for the seat and they want to use it. We can be dicks about it all we want, but the minute you start down that road, people complain, people get angry, and MLSE steps in to intervene.

If your section likes to sit, then just sit down. It's not the end of the world - you'll still be a diehard fan - and you will have the added bonus of not having a hundred people hate you. Plus, if you generally sit, and stand for exciting parts, people will generally be OK with it. I've been to every game in the past 2 years, every seat being somewhere else (tix from work, from craigslist, wherever) (104, 105, 108, 109, 112, 113, 114, 116, 119, 121, 122, 125, 126, 127, 219, 222 and 226 off the top of my head), and although I enjoy standing myself, I've been asked to sit maybe twice ever.

Just be conscious of people around you. I've had guys standing infront of me after the people behind me asked us to sit, and they give you the third degree ("This is soccer! Standing is what you do! Real fans stand!") when you ask them to sit down as well, which is completely ridiculous. BMO will never be a screaming mass of 20,000 people, and the more you consciously decide to act like a douche to a family because you watched a special on AS Roma, the more you alienate the next generation fans.

Just relax and sit down! It's not a big deal!

C.Ronaldo
05-04-2009, 11:45 AM
We have the same gay security problems in 120

3 years of standing, and they decided to end it NOW?


If >50% is standing, Im F'n standing.

I'll leave b4 i get kicked out, its not a baseball game, where i sit for 3 hours

mdc 77
05-04-2009, 02:58 PM
I understand 105/104 and other sections aren't standing sections, I'm fine with that. What I do have a problem with is a match like Saturday when the rain is pouring down and sitting in a seat as that seat fills with water isn't my idea of comfort. So I stand, pretty much the entire section stood while it rained. We did until some rude security guy comes up and barks out to sit down. Never asking politely or even considering why so many people were standing. The same guy come up a few times. I have no problem sitting, these are the rules and really this is the way it's done all over the world. I do have a problem with security treating fans like crap and not using common sense. I hope MLSE takes note, BMO management or whomever security answers too. It's a slippery slope...This was my first negative experience at BMO, so it's not a huge deal...but as I said it's a slippery slope. I'm paying almost $1000 for two season tickets, I don't need security yelling at me when i'm freezing cold and soaking wet trying to watch a football match.

rocker
05-04-2009, 03:11 PM
It's a slippery slope...This was my first negative experience at BMO, so it's not a huge deal...but as I said it's a slippery slope.

what do you mean by slippery slope? to what?

one might argue allowing people to break the rules is a slippery slope to having troubling enforcing the rules when it's not raining. next week when the sun is shining some guy says to the security "eh mate, last week they let us stand! fuk off!"

mdc 77
05-04-2009, 03:18 PM
what do you mean by slippery slope? to what?

one might argue allowing people to break the rules is a slippery slope to having troubling enforcing the rules when it's not raining. next week when the sun is shining some guy says to the security "eh mate, last week they let us stand! fuk off!"

As I said I understand it's not a standing section and I'm fine with that, but there are reasons (like weather) why people are standing. My issue has nothing to do with not being able to stand it's more about the incredibly rude security in the section.

T-Bird
05-04-2009, 03:22 PM
don't really have much of a choice. unless you leave before the end of the half, it can take forever to get served.

last game i went too the g/f and I went down right after the halftime whistle and it took till 10min into the 2nd to get served and get back to our seats.

Don't they have guys that come around with food during the game? Or maybe I imagined that...

spark
05-04-2009, 04:50 PM
one might argue allowing people to break the rules is a slippery slope to having troubling enforcing the rules when it's not raining.

Man, you sound like the hall monitor.

college st
05-04-2009, 08:52 PM
105 is a fuckin mess at the moment
im up for standing the whole game if everyone stands..its when you got douches who just stand up while everyones sitting that pisses me off...
i mean i know we should stand up for the TFC but many people im my season ticket area are older and cant necesarilly stand the whole game...soo i think get up when the plays around us for tfc but when its just regular mid field play everyone sit down
as for 104 if everyone is standing, go ahead and stand especiallly with the KKKrew supporterss theree
lmaoo my Father and i gave them the treatmentt

pepher
05-04-2009, 09:03 PM
The real problem is that the stadium should be filled with supporters. Pepher please take no disrespect to that comment, I am by no means saying you or others outside of the "so called" supporter sections are not fans. What I do mean though is instead of having a few supporter sections the whole stadium should be allowed to be like the southend and 127 except for a smaller area which is deemed the family section. Why not make 104 - 108 the family section so those that choose to bring children or elderly to the game can enjoy it as they see fit. Then allow all other areas to be filled with fans that want to be a more boisterous in their support........

No offence taken Canadian Blue, thanks for being respectful.

I do consider myself a 'supporter'. I own season seats, I sell extras at face value to fans (often on these boards), and my wardrobe has turned abnormally red and grey over the past 3 years. I've been to Columbus (once was enough), I participate in the 50/50 EVERY GAME (even though I never bloody win) and I pay attention to the 'play on the pitch' from the first whistle to the end of the game. After all, that's why we're there, right, to watch the game? Having said all that, I do not chant or sing... I just don't. There are many facets to 'being a supporter' and I don't think anyone on these boards would disagree that these different types of fans all 'support' the team in their own way.

Maybe a forum on 'how to improve the game day experience for the variety of different fans' would be a good idea. Maybe it's been done and I just missed it? MLSE and BMO/TFC seem to be 'responding' rather than anticipating or am I wrong? Seattle obviously learned a little something from the groundwork laid by teams before them and implemented that in their execution of seat location. Well done.

Standing and sitting doesn't bother me either way. I'll stand... I'll sit. I just hate the 50/50 situation where some do and some don't. I'm very aware when I'm standing and the group behind me are not. Truthfully, as I've said before, it's the UP AND DOWN AND UP AND DOWN the steps for MORE BLOODY NACHOS that really does my head in.

Getting the visitors moved is priority #1 for me. Last year (I think it was Chicago) there was a fight in the stands. I mean a proper fists thrown, falling over 3-4 rows of people and seats in front of you fight. Fortunately security and Police responded pretty quick and the knobheads were booted.

Do we (supporters) have an opportunity to present suggestions and possible solutions to the front office where we're actually heard? I would be interested in this. I have provided feedback to a number of reps and, while some have been great, other times I get the feeling that their hands too are tied and they've heard it all before.

Blizzard
05-04-2009, 09:06 PM
No offence taken Canadian Blue, thanks for being respectful.

I do consider myself a 'supporter'. I own season seats, I sell extras at face value to fans (often on these boards), and my wardrobe has turned abnormally red and grey over the past 3 years. I've been to Columbus (once was enough), I participate in the 50/50 EVERY GAME (even though I never bloody win) and I pay attention to the 'play on the pitch' from the first whistle to the end of the game. After all, that's why we're there, right, to watch the game? Having said all that, I do not chant or sing... I just don't. There are many facets to 'being a supporter' and I don't think anyone on these boards would disagree that these different types of fans all 'support' the team in their own way.

Maybe a forum on 'how to improve the game day experience for the variety of different fans' would be a good idea. Maybe it's been done and I just missed it? MLSE and BMO/TFC seem to be 'responding' rather than anticipating or am I wrong? Seattle obviously learned a little something from the groundwork laid by teams before them and implemented that in their execution of seat location. Well done.

Standing and sitting doesn't bother me either way. I'll stand... I'll sit. I just hate the 50/50 situation where some do and some don't. I'm very aware when I'm standing and the group behind me are not. Truthfully, as I've said before, it's the UP AND DOWN AND UP AND DOWN the steps for MORE BLOODY NACHOS that really does my head in.

Getting the visitors moved is priority #1 for me. Last year (I think it was Chicago) there was a fight in the stands. I mean a proper fists thrown, falling over 3-4 rows of people and seats in front of you fight. Fortunately security and Police responded pretty quick and the knobheads were booted.

Do we (supporters) have an opportunity to present suggestions and possible solutions to the front office where we're actually heard? I would be interested in this. I have provided feedback to a number of reps and, while some have been great, other times I get the feeling that their hands too are tied and they've heard it all before.

How about making the back half of each section standing and the front seated! Separate the sections with a railing and have zero tolerance in the seated area apart from appropriate moments of course.

Toronto Ruffrider
05-05-2009, 12:05 AM
How about making the back half of each section standing and the front seated! Separate the sections with a railing and have zero tolerance in the seated area apart from appropriate moments of course.

I like your line of thinking. Perhaps TFC management can employ a similar strategy for their annual seat relocation event. It doesn't make sense to assume that fairweather fans will exchange their $300 season tickets for $900 seasons just so they can get to sit down. However, if fans are given the option to move to the bottom of a section in order to avoid the supporters' culture, then we may see a proper migration of fans at the seat exchange.

pepher
05-05-2009, 05:15 PM
How about making the back half of each section standing and the front seated! Separate the sections with a railing and have zero tolerance in the seated area apart from appropriate moments of course.

You know what, it's not a bad idea. At the very least, it's a start. Thinking along these lines is a great start. It may still pose problems as people are forced to move to different sections and pay more for their seats though. It won't be an easy fix but someone has to start somewhere, right?

bob
05-06-2009, 06:14 AM
How about making the back half of each section standing and the front seated! Separate the sections with a railing and have zero tolerance in the seated area apart from appropriate moments of course.
+1 I think that's a great idea, I will miss my view for the lower rows, but I'm cool with that....provided I don't end up with the bugs (http://www.redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=12997).

For all the above people that had a problem with the treatment of security, PLEASE email your rep. The fact the most people were standing and told to sit was ludicrous and I was so pissed that day. I had half the mind of talking to the security guy and realized that I'll probably get booted.

I agree with that the first 2 seasons I had a blast in 105 and never had a negative moment. But this year has been pretty much garbage (in terms of game experience). I think I'll need to migrate sections.

brad
05-06-2009, 07:58 AM
I agree with that the first 2 seasons I had a blast in 105 and never had a negative moment. But this year has been pretty much garbage (in terms of game experience). I think I'll need to migrate sections.

I'll second this. I'm and the back of 105 and am able to stand (so far). But the atmosphere is dead in there. We were never a supporters section, but we had a good thing going. Now, all the energy is pretty much gone. I have a feeling by the end of this season, 3/4 of the stadium (if not more) is going to resemble the ACC.

billygrieveuk
05-06-2009, 10:08 AM
BMO is starting to SUCK big time...

I sit in section 111.
People drink too much, sing to much, and stand the entire time they are at the game...
im forced to stand on my seat to get a better view of things, and im easily influenced by people with alcohol.:drinking:
Plus my wife always slags me for having no voice when i return home.

it really sucks

as for people in other sections, you picked your spots, just like i did. its a shame you are not happy with it.
You must look for ways to move every october until you are happy. seriously.

Erkan16
05-07-2009, 07:47 AM
I agree with that the first 2 seasons I had a blast in 105 and never had a negative moment. But this year has been pretty much garbage (in terms of game experience). I think I'll need to migrate sections.

This year has been nothing but negative moments in 104 for me. too many fucking pigs who seem to not give a lick about the game and all they care about is stuffing their face with pizza and hot dogs.... blocking my view of the game everytime they go up and down the isle because the security wont let me stand.

i sold all of my tix in 104 yesterday except for 1 game. aside from that 1 game, i will NEVER step foot in 104 again and i suggest others do the same.

phonzo
05-07-2009, 08:09 AM
I had hopes but the more I read the more I'm avoiding it like the plague..shitty deal :(

nfitz
05-07-2009, 10:56 AM
By the second half, most of 104, and much of 105 was standing last night. And security didn't do a thing - despite that they were warning people it was a sitting only area as they entered. I really don't care what the policy is - but this hot, cold, is only going to confuse people. They need to be consistent.

Maple Leaf Red
05-07-2009, 12:04 PM
This year has been nothing but negative moments in 104 for me. too many fucking pigs who seem to not give a lick about the game and all they care about is stuffing their face with pizza and hot dogs.... blocking my view of the game everytime they go up and down the isle because the security wont let me stand.

i sold all of my tix in 104 yesterday except for 1 game. aside from that 1 game, i will NEVER step foot in 104 again and i suggest others do the same.

THat is one thing that kills me is that if you get to the stadium on time you can get your food and drinks beforehand and then you can grab beers from vendors. There is no need to be up all of the damn time.

brad
05-07-2009, 12:13 PM
THat is one thing that kills me is that if you get to the stadium on time you can get your food and drinks beforehand and then you can grab beers from vendors. There is no need to be up all of the damn time.

It's clear that a lot of people there just aren't that invested or interested in the game.

Carefree
05-07-2009, 12:35 PM
THat is one thing that kills me is that if you get to the stadium on time you can get your food and drinks beforehand and then you can grab beers from vendors. There is no need to be up all of the damn time.
I think there are still a LOT of new fans that don't really understand the dynamics of the game-day experience. Last night I got to the stadium at around 7:30, went to the bathroom (no line-up), bought myself a meat pie (no line-up), slowly made my way to my seat, grabbed a beer from a nearby vendor a few minutes before the game started and at 8 o'clock, when the game started, I was well fed, had a beer in my hand and didn't have to miss a minute of action. If I had showed up at the gate right at 8, like most people did, my experience would have been very different.

I also agree with some of the people who commented that, unfortunately, watching sports and eating junk food seems to be deeply ingrained in our culture. Going to the concession stands to get a hot dog is something you do to kill time between innings at a baseball game. It's just not appropriate for football, nor is it necessary to enhance the game-day experience..

Maple Leaf Red
05-07-2009, 01:01 PM
I think there are still a LOT of new fans that don't really understand the dynamics of the game-day experience. Last night I got to the stadium at around 7:30, went to the bathroom (no line-up), bought myself a meat pie (no line-up), slowly made my way to my seat, grabbed a beer from a nearby vendor a few minutes before the game started and at 8 o'clock, when the game started, I was well fed, had a beer in my hand and didn't have to miss a minute of action. If I had showed up at the gate right at 8, like most people did, my experience would have been very different.

I also agree with some of the people who commented that, unfortunately, watching sports and eating junk food seems to be deeply ingrained in our culture. Going to the concession stands to get a hot dog is something you do to kill time between innings at a baseball game. It's just not appropriate for football, nor is it necessary to enhance the game-day experience..

Sure but people have been to other sporting events right? Or other events at all. 8pm kickoff is the same as a 7pm puck drop or a 9 pm curtain raising. It's not hard to get where you are going on time.