Posted by sec551 Amazing how some fans wear such impervious blinders that they can't see the flaws in the fan experience at their home venue. You were right on in almost every respect about Ericsson Stadium - good and bad! Three stars WAS a bit of a stretch as you said - we're more like 2 1/2. Yeah, I agree that the panther statues are awesome and the fortress-like exterior is tough looking (some of us call it "The Blue Castle"). Also, you didn't emphasize that, as they say, "there are no bad seats" - I have seats high up in the cheapest nosebleed corner-of-the-endzone section and even they are awesome. With cheap binoculars, I never miss a play. But you're right about the sterile concourses. Disappointing. You didn't emphasize the overall sterility and fan-unfriendly nature of the Blue Castle, however. I think the owner, by all accounts a really religious guy, sees the stadium as a substitute for church on Sundays. Usual fan accessories like banners and noisemakers are either prohibited or strictly regulated. Beer sales were initially banned in the stands themselves; eventually the owner's lust for the $$$ kicked in and vendors were allowed to prowl the stands, but had to slink around and couldn't announce their presence. (By the way, I don't drink anyway). Most bizarre is the ban on men removing their shirts. I was at the last game of rhe 2001 season, in the freezing cold drizzle, when some Patriots fans in front of me pulled off their shirts to flash lots of red, white, and blue body paint. They didn't believe me when I told them that security would be there in a hurry - and, sure enough, the gestapo was on them within three minutes. By and large our fans are naturally lethargic - it seems like a majority of them are there just to be seen, and usually leave before the end of the 3rd quarter - and this lethargy is perpetuated by the oppressive rules and regulations. Visiting team fans are treated with indifference or even encouragement: there is none of the "this is our house" team pride like you might find at Oakland or the Vet. One correction: you mentioned the appalling turf conditions at the Green Bay game you attended. Trust me, although this was an excruciatingly embarassing situation, it was a one-of-a-kind rarity. Our grass surface is consistently rated among the top 5 in the league, and we've never again seen such disgraceful field conditions.
on 1/26/2003, 10:45 am
67.30.198.239
I'm jealous of you guys! Whatta deal. I heard your spot on NPR yesterday and came RUNNING to your site.
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