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jonny97
05-11-2009, 02:53 PM
My wife and I are attending our first Toronto FC game at BMO Field (vs. Montreal) on Wednesday. I was wondering if I could get a little advice.

First of all, my wife is 8 months pregnant. Is it a good idea for her to be going to a TFC game? We're in section 222. I don't suppose we need to worry too much about other people's behaviour, but we don't want to get elbows in the gut or beer spilled on us. Can we expect that level of courtesy?

Second, I want to drive my car and park near the field. We are former Toronto residents and would rather take the TTC. But the Harbourfront streetcar seems to let off quite a distance from the field. That distance to walk (and taking transit in general) might be too much for my wife. Is the parking lot much closer?

Third, she would like to bring a cushion to sit on. How are they with bringing such large-ish items?

Fourth, how much are they sticklers for that "no cameras with a lens longer than 75mm?" If I bring my long lens off camera in the bottom of my knapsack, will they find it and refuse entry?

Thanks for your help.
Jonny

alexintoronto
05-11-2009, 03:09 PM
Parking is close but takes a while to get in or out. The GO train (Exhibition stop) is also very close and so is a streetcar that comes from Union Station.

You should be good in that section. If she doesn't like stairs there is an elevator just to the left of the stairs when you enter through Gate 1 and are heading towards the west stand. (Sort of behind the food stand).

Ageroo
05-11-2009, 03:11 PM
Section 222 should be fine for your wife.....my sister sat all season long in 115...and she was fine. 222 is nothing like the south end.,,

The parking lot is right next to the field, but 11 or 12 dollars from what I remember. But you will be right there.

I don't think they will be too stingy on the cushion, as long as it is not something massive. I think they will see that she is pregnant and make an exception anyway.

The camera issue might be one that they catch you on though. I think you may be able to get it in, but when you pull it out, they may ask you to put it away. I think you may be able to check it with guest services, or worst case scenario you will have to bring it back to your car.

Hope this is helpful...:)

WHITEY
05-11-2009, 03:13 PM
I sit in section 223 and my wife is 7.5 months pregnant; no need to worry about the elbows or flying beer! She's only been to a couple of games this year, but the one thing that she has complained about or "suffered" is fatigue. The walk from the parking lot to the stadium, up and down the stairs and the walk back to the car does her in pretty good.

OHARARULES
05-11-2009, 03:13 PM
I sit in 222. Everyone is pretty civil don't worry about there behaviour. If you are bringing your pregnant wife bring a seat cushion and a blanket (sleeping bag doubles as seat cushion) you will look like a superhero. I am speaking from experience. it gets pretty cold up there. As for super camera I have no idea what they would say. there are only 2 or 3 guys in the section that may spill beer but the seats around them are usually filled. You can park at the field pretty sure its $10 or something like that. I dont think you want to make your wife walk to far.

CretanBull
05-11-2009, 03:20 PM
First of all, my wife is 8 months pregnant. Is it a good idea for her to be going to a TFC game? We're in section 222. I don't suppose we need to worry too much about other people's behaviour, but we don't want to get elbows in the gut or beer spilled on us. Can we expect that level of courtesy?

No worries on this front, especially up in 222 where things are a lot more tame than some of the more wild sections in the 100 level. Some advice - you're probably going to enter the stadium through Gate 3 and then walk West to the stairs that lead up to the 200 level. When you're approaching the stairs, walk around them to the right and you'll find an elevator - I'm sure that your wife will find it much easier than walking up the stairs.



Second, I want to drive my car and park near the field. We are former Toronto residents and would rather take the TTC. But the Harbourfront streetcar seems to let off quite a distance from the field. That distance to walk (and taking transit in general) might be too much for my wife. Is the parking lot much closer?

You can park in the main lot and get very close to the stadium, but the closest spots fill up early and expect to get stuck in traffic on your way out.


Third, she would like to bring a cushion to sit on. How are they with bringing such large-ish items?

I don't really know for certain, but given the (obvious) circumstances I can't see them being jerks about it.



Fourth, how much are they sticklers for that "no cameras with a lens longer than 75mm?" If I bring my long lens off camera in the bottom of my knapsack, will they find it and refuse entry?


In my experince, they don't go through and do a full search of your bags - I think that they're more or less looking for things like booze, drugs etc. You'll probably be OK.



Thanks for your help.
Jonny

Cheers & enjoy your first game!

mr k
05-11-2009, 03:20 PM
I bring in 70mm lens to the matches - I have only had checked it only once where the girl actually looked for the lens size - funny enough, it was at last yr's Impact match.

Don Julio
05-11-2009, 03:24 PM
Here's a question: what happens if you do get caught with an illegal camera? Can you leave it with Guest Services? Not that that's a great idea, but..

RicoSuave44
05-11-2009, 03:25 PM
Hi Jonny,

You don't have anything to worry about regarding safety. 222 is a not a standing section. It has a great view and the weather is always better on that (west) side. The south end is the section I think you're refering to with the 'elbows and beers' bit. It's a little rowdy (compared to a Leafs game anyway) but even there no one would be stupid enough to jump around near your wife.

Bringing a cusion won't be a problem.

You can drive into the Ex grounds and park meters from the stadium if you wish, however traffic leaving the game bottlenecks pretty bad. Around the stadium there are quite a few good parking spots and lots, if you don't mind a 10 minute walk.

As for the camera I'm not sure. There are lots of Red Patch photogs who I'm sure will be answering that question shortly.

Cheers and enjoy the match!

Roogsy
05-11-2009, 03:26 PM
222? Watch out of the hooligans up there! :lol:

Dude I hope you have a good time, but seriously, there is hardly a more "prawny" section in BMO than 222...probably 122.

What's with the worry?

JonO
05-11-2009, 03:32 PM
Here's a question: what happens if you do get caught with an illegal camera? Can you leave it with Guest Services? Not that that's a great idea, but..
I was "caught" with an illegal lens in the first season (even though I didn't know it was illegal and showed it to security as I entered). However, an over-zealous security guard spotted me taking pictures and escorted me to guest services. They (obviously) couldn't guarantee that the camera would be there when I went back so they escorted me off the premises.

I do, however, still see camera lenses in the crowd that are significantly larger than they are supposed to be.

Moral of the story: Don't get caught. I don't bring mine any more because it's not worth it.

One day I'd like to get a press pass and take pics from the sideline, but I'm probably dreamin' ;)

Parkdale
05-11-2009, 03:36 PM
They (obviously) couldn't guarantee that the camera would be there when I went back so they escorted me off the premises.

the rules have changed this year, so personal video cameras are barred,
which is kind of dumb when you consider that ever smart phone has one now.
anyway, I was told I could check it with guest services. That was NOT acceptable,
so I talked to a helpful TFC staffer who kept it safe for me.

Roogsy
05-11-2009, 03:37 PM
That's called the "parkdale" rule...

Parkdale
05-11-2009, 03:38 PM
That's called the "parkdale" rule...

yeah. I think they started locking the stadium gates after my last year's shenanigans

Roogsy
05-11-2009, 03:40 PM
:lol:

Kevvv
05-11-2009, 03:43 PM
I sit in 222. Everyone is pretty civil don't worry about there behaviour. If you are bringing your pregnant wife bring a seat cushion and a blanket (sleeping bag doubles as seat cushion) you will look like a superhero. I am speaking from experience. it gets pretty cold up there.

The only problem with parking is getting out at the end of the game - can take a long time. If there's any hint of rain, bring a poncho or buy one there. No umbrellas allowed, and they're very strict on this.

nfitz
05-11-2009, 06:16 PM
I never had any qualms about my wife being in the stadium pregnant - hmm, and we sat in the supporters section.

Long walk to the streetcar? Not that long - could be as long to the parking depending on the spot. I'd think that simply taking a quiet slow walk to the streetcar may be easier ... though the crowding on the streetcar will be worse than anything you'll see at the stadium ...

jonny97
05-11-2009, 08:11 PM
Thanks everyone for the info. I'm looking forward to the game with less worries!

cuecas_red
05-11-2009, 08:43 PM
security seems to be checking more closely for lens over 75 mm this year, I usually have my camera out and my bag open to show them the size, and they usually feel the bottom of bag for any others. Of course there are many people who get them past security. If they do catch you and you are in the stadium, i would suggest taking it to the car, and remember to scan your ticket on the way out so you can get back in.

and remember to dress warm, its pretty much been cold and/or raining for most games this year

Mark in Ottawa
05-12-2009, 08:01 AM
The east parking lot, where the tailgate is held, always seems to have a fair amount of parking available. Costs a bit more... but is really close walking wise.

Might I suggest a stop at Canadian Tire for a few of their $2. disposable rain pochos?
They are real easy to carry in a pocket and we all know that getting caught in the rain out in the open at BMO can be a bit uncomfortable when lots of people rush the exits. No umbrella allowed... so the poncho can at least keep you dry for a bit if need be.

Steve
05-12-2009, 08:39 AM
222? Watch out of the hooligans up there! :lol:

Dude I hope you have a good time, but seriously, there is hardly a more "prawny" section in BMO than 222...probably 122.

What's with the worry?

His wife is pregnant, I think he's allowed to worry :).

Yeah, as people have said, I am in 223 and you won't have to worry about rowdies at all. People will be sitting, not throwing elbows, and generally low key. The street car is actually pretty close to the stadium (likely closer than you would park) but you will have a problem when leaving the grounds with overcrowding. Depending on where you're coming from, the Go train is always a good option. Close to the stadium, and less crowding (easier to get seats) and you won't need to be stuck in traffic for hours.

As for the camera, I haven't tried yet, but I emailed Paul and they seem fairly strict on it. I don't know why 75mm is the cut off, since 75mm will not get you any kind of reach, even at the sidelines (hell, from where I sit I would need an 800mm to get a good shot), but I guess they needed to draw the line somewhere. It's unfortunate, since my only lens right now is a 17-85 (don't laugh at me, I'm on a budget). If you do try it, let me know how it works out, and what length you got away with.

leroy
05-12-2009, 11:48 AM
my friend tried to take his 75mm (?) camera last season and they wouldn't let him in with the camera AND the lens together. obviously there are (sneaky) ways to get around it, but maybe best not to test those waters on your first TFC game.

enjoy the match jonny, and when we score, TOSS THAT SEAT CUSHION AS FAR AS YOU CAN!!

ecospice
05-12-2009, 11:59 AM
I sit in section 224 (fiance won't let me move our season seats to a supporters section...). It is pretty tame in almost all of the 200 level, including s.222. So you will be fine...except when you need to go to the bathroom at half time. On the plus side, the long beer line likely won't be a problem for you...

Davenport
05-12-2009, 03:14 PM
My wife and I are attending our first Toronto FC game at BMO Field (vs. Montreal) on Wednesday. I was wondering if I could get a little advice.

First of all, my wife is 8 months pregnant. Is it a good idea for her to be going to a TFC game? We're in section 222. I don't suppose we need to worry too much about other people's behaviour, but we don't want to get elbows in the gut or beer spilled on us. Can we expect that level of courtesy?

Second, I want to drive my car and park near the field. We are former Toronto residents and would rather take the TTC. But the Harbourfront streetcar seems to let off quite a distance from the field. That distance to walk (and taking transit in general) might be too much for my wife. Is the parking lot much closer?

Third, she would like to bring a cushion to sit on. How are they with bringing such large-ish items?

Fourth, how much are they sticklers for that "no cameras with a lens longer than 75mm?" If I bring my long lens off camera in the bottom of my knapsack, will they find it and refuse entry?

Thanks for your help.
Jonny

I'm sure they won't mind if she's not too big.....