Re-entry ban bombs with fans

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This article was published 14/06/2010 (5907 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Many fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were seeing red on Sunday about a new rule that prevents them from slipping out to the parking lot to booze it up.

The new policy, enacted for the first time at Sunday’s exhibition game, denies re-entry to people whose tickets have already been scanned. Beer will still be sold within the stadium, but the football club is trying to stop the half-time evacuation of fans from the stadium to the parking lot, where some guzzle beer or liquor at their vehicles and then return to the stadium, sometimes becoming rowdy and violent.

Some fans interviewed on Sunday argued the new policy punishes the many for the sins of the few.

"I think it’s absolutely atrocious," said Greg Simes, a Bomber enthusiast and season ticket holder. "You think they would want to draw fans in, not push them away."

The club made the decision as a result of consultations with the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission and the Winnipeg Police Service. Exceptions may be made for those who’ve left medicine, or other personal items, in their vehicles.

Rob Campbell, who went to Sunday’s game against the Alouettes with his young son, said he was pleased with the new rules.

"Something had to be done," said Campbell. "As someone who brings my kid to the game, it’s hard to enjoy it when people are being violent. I would say I’m definitely in favour of it."

The club has also promised a stronger police presence and better training for on-site security.

But Simes and other fans argued drinking at the game is an essential and enjoyable part of football culture.

"Having a beer and relaxing is half the fun of the game," said Bomber fan Paul Proudly. "If you’re not being a jerk, why can’t you enjoy a few beers in the sun?"

Outside his gold-and-blue painted bus before Sunday’s game, Simes barbecued hotdogs and hamburgers as a small group of his friends laughed and mingled nearby. Simes has been to numerous NFL games where he said up to 15,000 people gather to drink, eat and socialize before the game.

As a Bomber fan who routinely tailgates before the match, he said he’s never before experienced problems with the police. "If you’re standing there with your beer bottle and you’re being rowdy then you deserve to get hassled," said Simes. "But I’m 33 years old, I don’t need to be treated like a 16-year-old that can’t hold their liquor."

Jeff Kozak, a parent and fan, agreed that tailgaters are not really the issue.

Kozak has tickets in the notoriously wild S section, but said it’s only a few people that spoil the fun.

"I think the people that tailgate are getting a raw deal," said Kozak. "I don’t know how effective these new rules will be."

In a violent incident just last year, police officers were sprayed with beer and one was assaulted as they attempted to remove a drunk and unruly fan from the stands.

Police hope the new plan will curb violent incidents and let fans and officers alike enjoy the game.

One officer said he could already see a difference in fans’ behaviour.

"It already seems quieter today," said an officer in charge of crowd control. "Last year, it got pretty bad."

But fans such as Simes are not to be dissuaded. "At least they could offer us an alternative like a beer garden on the lot," said Simes. "I’ve invested a lot of time, energy and money in this club, I’m pretty disappointed."

Britt.Harvey@freepress.mb.ca

Bomber fans sound off

 

"It’s OK to have a few beers, but it’s not a free pass to act like a hooligan. This will be good for people who can’t control their liquor."

— Jake Rempel

 

"It kind of ruins the whole fun of it. I don’t understand how it’s going to stop people. It really doesn’t make much sense."

— Jenna Gancher

 

"I think now people are going to drink even more. There will be more lineups for concession when they’re long enough as it is."

— Brenna Paulson

 

"This seems like a silly issue. If you’re being rude and throwing garbage then you should be kicked out. Other than that, leave it be."

— Riley Gurr