Reliant's New Tailgating Policy: My E-Mail To Management
by Tim on Oct 1, 2010 10:00 AM CDT
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PrintAs Kerns wrote here, there's been a sudden change in tailgating policy at Reliant Park. Many fans have written e-mails to the powers that be; my entry is after the jump.
Dear Sir or Madam:
I was rather dismayed to receive notification of the organization's sudden decision to change the tailgating policy at Reliant Stadium. While I understand the desire to curb the unfortunate behavior many of us witnessed last week, this strikes me as a reactionary move that hasn't been given the proper analysis it deserves. To wit:
1. Why are you making this change in the middle of the season? Have you considered the Texans fans who made plans to tailgate at Reliant all season (e.g., have already spent money contributing to a tailgate crew, whether it be for parking passes, food, drink, etc.) without having a ticket to any of the games? What are these people, who are just as big (and frankly, often bigger) Texans fans than the season ticket holders, supposed to do? By making this abrupt change in policy mid-season, you've essentially disenfranchised them.
2. How is this policy going to be enforced? Are you really going to have your parking lot attendants check to see that everyone in a car has a ticket? If the organization still desires to keep traffic moving, that sort of verification process seems doomed to cause a repeat of the disastrous traffic problems that plagued the organization during the 2002 preseason (before Texans officials realized that perhaps some sort of traffic direction/police involvement was necessary to ensure people got to the stadium in less than two hours).
3. The "Tailgate Guest Ticket Policy" appears to be little more than a short-sighted cash grab. As I understand it, season ticket holders can purchase a tailgating access pass (which would allow a person to tailgate without a game ticket, a/k/a what fans have been able to do for free since the franchise's inception) for $10.00 per guest per game, with a limit of four passes purchased per season ticket holder. With a maximum of 2,000 of these tailgate access passes available per game, I get the impression the organization is merely seeking to line its pockets while simultaneously claiming that it's cracking down on unruly behavior. Quite simply, the "Tailgate Guest Ticket Policy" is a horrendous attempt at compromise that completely undermines the general "No Ticket = No Tailgate" policy the organization has so hastily enacted.
4. As you know, the Texans faced the Dallas Cowboys last week. The visiting team's proximity to Houston, as well as the composition and attitude of their purported fans, resulted in far greater tailgating attendance and animosity than Reliant Stadium normally sees. The tailgating environment has not been, and will not be, as crowded and/or antagonistic as it was last Sunday. And yet, the organization has chosen to allow an environment that exists once every eight (8) years to dictate its entire tailgating policy. This is the very definition of overreaction.
My father and I have been fortunate enough to enjoy season tickets since the inaugural season, and I won't pretend to tell you that this change in tailgating policy will somehow affect our decision to renew our season tickets in the future. Any decision to renew will be based on personal finances and the performance of the team itself (the latter of which, if it hasn't run us off by now, seems unlikely to run us off in the future, though the team seems content to push its luck with the type of effort we saw last Sunday). It is disturbing, however, to see that the organization seems content to craft policy in such a reactionary fashion. In my opinion, this is simply the latest troubling chapter in the Texans' hackneyed attempt at fan relations. As the franchise did in creating the ridiculous 50/80 rule that governs Reliant's roof policy, the organization is again overreacting to the complaints of a vocal minority without thoroughly considering the ramifications.
As the editor of Battle Red Blog--a forum devoted to the Houston Texans and, more importantly, the fans that make the Houston Texans possible--I invite Mr. Rootes or any member of the Texans organization to contact me to discuss this matter further. It is entirely possible that there are factors and/or information to which I'm not privy, and I welcome the opportunity to learn more about how and why this new tailgating policy was created, as well as the analysis that went into forming this policy. While I sincerely doubt the organization will take me up on this offer, I nonetheless look forward to hearing from you.
Very Truly Yours,
Tim
(Contact Information Removed)
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nice writeup.
i tell you what if mexicans can get smuggled in texas then pretty sure we can smuggle friends and family into a tailgate, my trunk in my car can open through the car so they can just slide into the trunk.
by southpaw70 on Oct 1, 2010 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
Coyotes is what I meant
/stupid lack of drug/people smuggling vocabulary comprehension.
"Foster - Texan for Score!" ~ Rip Jersey
You KNOW that's going to happen
First thing I thought of
"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair
You have a pretty big ice chest...
right?
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
Very
Demand letteresque…except without the forthcoming lawsuit part…Do all lawyers always sound like lawyers?
/terrified of the implications.
Stupid New Policy
Nice write up.
Why don’t they just ban any fans from the opposing team. Or make them pay more.
Oh, fans from opposing teams did pay more
Texans season ticket holders sold their tickets to Dallas fans for profit. They’re actually to blame for the atmosphere there on Sunday…greedy pricks.
Although, Dallas fans stirred the pot…I’ve yet to hear of one incident where they fought someone and got arrested. A lot of it was Houston-on-Houston…and even more so, radio stations are reporting that 80-90% of those arrested weren’t there for the game. I can understand the thought-process by management. Dunno if I agree or not, but I understand them wanting to limit their liability.
"Lord, beer me strength."
just ban any fans from the opposing team. Or make them pay more.
Cause that would be so much better.
"Progress isn't made by early risers. It's made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something." -Robert Heinlein
http://www.accessorizeyourvehicle.com/
posted something related to this on Kerns' post
in Argentina they actually do ban opposing fans from the stadium for big games.
For smaller rivalries, fans of each team are segregated by 3 ft thick bulletproof glass, 20 ft high and barbed wire on top instead of whipped cream and a cherry.
But, then again this is Argentina where “laws” are more like suggestions…
That's pretty common in Europe though
In both soccer and basketball. We’re pretty lucky in the U.S. that we don’t have to deal with that.
I must admit, when I read about these things I think of my time going to big derbies in Europe, where once you got near the stadium you could barely breath from the tear gas.
Good times.
BTW I would love to sit in la Bonbonera and watch Boca – River. That is on my list of matches to see before I die.
I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.
www.battleredblog.com
by tehGrindCrusher on Oct 1, 2010 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
From the sound of it...
We could of followed Argentina’s lead and applied some of their techniques for last weekends game against the Cowgirls. From what I heard, Cowgirl fans outnumber us and their were throwing crap at us. I thought it was a home game.
In some countries they have high-risk games
Where different rules apply. If away fans are allowed, they usually arrive in guarded buses and are escorted by like 5 billion riot police into a special section of the stadium.
That’s a bit extreme for American sports teams, but the idea that the team should apply a different set of rules for when teams like the Tits and Cowboys visit makes a certain amount of sense.
You know, common sense.
I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.
www.battleredblog.com
by tehGrindCrusher on Oct 1, 2010 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Haha, I'm a huuuge River Plate fan so of course I'd rather go to El Monumental
But I wanted to experience a game in either stadium while I was in Buenos Aires (live in Mendoza) and all I could get was a ticket to a Boca-Independiente match. Went with my cousins who are all Boca fans. Obviously no jewelry and clothes worse than what I would paint a house in, but man we went to “el doce”s side (rowdiest Boca fans, they actually charge Boca Juniors as a company 15% of their profit through threats of tearing the stadium apart and similar ridiculous actions, but I digress) and spent the whole game jumping back and forth and singing. I have never felt concrete of that magnitude shake like that without dynamite…
I hate Boca Juniors with a bigger passion than most things but biggups to that stadium experience. I mean, let’s be real, El Monumental would’ve easily been better in every aspect but I wouldn’t miss out on an opportunity like that!
Sounds awesome
When I went to the Panathinaikos – Olympiakos derby in Athens (think Boca-River but with even more irrational fans – I saw some dude throw a cherry bomb and then his watch at an opposing player) I called my buddy’s work phone and, when his voice mail kicked in, held the phone up in the air for like five minutes so he could hear the crowd.
Never had an experience like that at any sporting event anywhere in the world. Half a mile from the stadium and my chest was shaking from the crowd noise.
It was absolutely awesome.
I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.
www.battleredblog.com
by tehGrindCrusher on Oct 1, 2010 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I would think this would completely ruin tailgating for fans of opposing teams
when we aren’t playing Dallas though.
"Progress isn't made by early risers. It's made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something." -Robert Heinlein
http://www.accessorizeyourvehicle.com/
I would assume they would only enact this policy against Dallas and Tennessee fans though...
It’s a team by team basis there. It’s ultimately for the safety of the opposing fan base.
If you’re an opposing fan who truly wants to enjoy the tailgating, as in the food, the alcohol, and the camaraderie, I don’t think you would have problem with dressing in neutral attire and taking part in a family safe way.
by Albiceleste on Oct 1, 2010 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I have little problems with the 50/80 rule
When temps are 80 and higher, it is a health problem for folks in the sunny side of the stadium. Because there is so little breeze that get inside, the measured temps in the sun can be 15 degrees higher.
Below 50 I think is a crock. One of the most comfortable games ever was one of the coolest ones.
Overall, I think your letter was good, but since they are already selling these tailgate passes, I think we are screwed for this season.
The 50/80 rule means that
For all pratical purposes we have a domed stadium, which is fine, I’m just not sure why we bother pretending that it is not a domed stadium and building the retractable roof in the first place.
I suspect the organization likely had this idea about tailgate passes in mind for a while- it’s another revenue stream, and they want to make money. Sunday just provides then with a convenient excuse to execute.
Yet, still no new policy
On the public beheading and subsequent smashing with a hammer of diseased human scum Texan fans who sold their souls tickets to Cowboy fans.
Chris - www.HoustonDiehards.com
by HoustonDiehards on Oct 1, 2010 10:34 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
The tailgating environment has not been, and will not be, as crowded and/or antagonistic as it was last Sunday. And yet, the organization has chosen to allow an environment that exists once every eight (8) years to dictate its entire tailgating policy.
that’s not entirely true. the fight that i witnessed (right in front of Budweiser Plaza) was ALL texan fans. can’t stress that enough. the cowboy fans were walking past in shock.
"If i wasn't a gentleman, i'd punch you square in the mouth!!!!" - Arthur Spooner
http://www.twitter.com/chrisdogan
by chrisd21 on Oct 1, 2010 10:58 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
tim, mike....
email me. i want to get all of the comments together in a nice email so i can send em on up. anything you guys can do to help me out would be appreciated. i feel like if we can get a big enough response maybe we can get it amended.
"If i wasn't a gentleman, i'd punch you square in the mouth!!!!" - Arthur Spooner
http://www.twitter.com/chrisdogan
the email addy is...
"If i wasn't a gentleman, i'd punch you square in the mouth!!!!" - Arthur Spooner
http://www.twitter.com/chrisdogan
Class Action Lawsuit....
Am I the only one who sees one?
Yes you are the only one who sees it
What fucking legal standing would you have to sue a private entity for keeping you off of private property?
"Progress isn't made by early risers. It's made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something." -Robert Heinlein
http://www.accessorizeyourvehicle.com/
by nolander on Oct 1, 2010 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
Woke up my roomate
Because I laughed so damn hard
Gimme some sack lunch
Waiting patiently for the next Texans 4th quarter collapse
Adverse Possession? (AKA Squatter's Rights)
I mean, we spend enough time there. And nobody does more to improve the parking lot than tailgaters. Amirite?
"Foster - Texan for Score!" ~ Rip Jersey
Because this is Texas and I can put a lien on your home if I don't like you hairstyle. No, really.
Seriously though, there is no legal standing. But you could potentially pressure the organization through the media and reputational mud slinging by filing a lawsuit on behalf of the fans.
You could not win in court, but you might in the court of public opinion.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
What happens when an unstoppable force meets three defensive players? THIS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpWqMqrZwTU
by TexansForever on Oct 1, 2010 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Having said that, you COULD argue that fans HAD a "REASONABLE EXPECTATION" of being able to tailgate and the Texans organization should have to pay a settlement to reimburse those covered by point 1 of Tim's letter.
I think you could potentially have a case there.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
What happens when an unstoppable force meets three defensive players? THIS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpWqMqrZwTU
by TexansForever on Oct 1, 2010 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Absolutely, positively
no chance that doesn’t get kicked long before trial.
If you don’t mind paying the fees, however, I know some people who can help you file.
"MDC: Droppin' knowledge like a librarian with Parkinson's." --Jonathan Loesche
"He tells me he’s playing, he’s playing." --Gary Kubiak, on Andre Johnson
by MDC on Oct 1, 2010 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
also keep in mind...
that shit rolls downhill. meaning…
the tailgate parties will probably charge MORE if you want to attend the party. what used to be 10 bucks will probably be 20 now. mark my words.
"If i wasn't a gentleman, i'd punch you square in the mouth!!!!" - Arthur Spooner
http://www.twitter.com/chrisdogan
a copy of the letter that was sent out.
Dear ,
Thank you for your support. You have helped us to create one of the finest sporting experiences in the world, and we are working hard to maintain this standard of excellence for you.
This past weekend we had our largest crowd in franchise history. While we were disappointed with how the game turned out, we are proud of the tremendous crowd support and are appreciative of our great fans like you that made it happen. We also had some significant challenges last Sunday, including traffic, parking and fan behavior in our parking areas. These issues were due primarily to the large number of non-ticketed individuals in our stadium parking lots before, during and, especially, after the game.
Non-ticketed tailgating at Reliant Park on Texans game days has been a growing trend that has become increasingly problematic for us and we have heard complaints from many of our season ticket holders regarding the impact this is having on the quality of their game day experience. It has reached a point that we do not believe we can offer the world-class game day atmosphere you have come to expect from us if we allow this to continue. The tailgating environment we provide has been recognized as the best in the NFL and was established for the enjoyment of you and our other ticketed patrons. So, in order to ensure a great game day experience for you, we will implement the following policy:
All visitors to Reliant Park MUST have a game ticket or other team-issued credential to be on the Reliant Park grounds on Houston Texans home game days.
Please understand that this policy was created after careful study and is a necessary step in order for us to continue to provide you with the fun, festive and friendly environment you have come to expect from us in our parking lots on game day. For your convenience, we will offer a very limited number of tailgate access passes exclusively for season ticket holders at a cost of $10 per pass. For more complete information on this policy click here or to purchase a tailgate guest tickets please click here
Again, thank you for your outstanding support and we look forward to seeing you next Sunday when we take on the New York Giants at Reliant Stadium
"If i wasn't a gentleman, i'd punch you square in the mouth!!!!" - Arthur Spooner
http://www.twitter.com/chrisdogan
by chrisd21 on Oct 1, 2010 11:25 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I am not trying to say this new rule is right, but they definitely need to fix whatever was broken last Sunday. It took me an hour and 15 minutes just to get out of Yellow Lot and onto the road while being heckled by Cowboys’ fans the entire time.
Paintball Gun.....just sayin.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
What happens when an unstoppable force meets three defensive players? THIS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpWqMqrZwTU
by TexansForever on Oct 1, 2010 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
rofl
got one I can borrow when I get there next week?
I am Sancho
by HoustonTransplant on Oct 1, 2010 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Why not just limit it?
Charge $25 for a tailgating ticket and only offer 3 – 4,000 per game. This would be in addition to the regular ticket and season ticket holders.
That is a reasonable charge for you to attend a party on private property and the funds would more than cover the cost of providing additional security for the day.
"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."
What happens when an unstoppable force meets three defensive players? THIS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpWqMqrZwTU
Wish the Texans were this quick to move
On finding a free safety.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter | SB Nation Houston | Battle Red Blog
by riversmccown on Oct 1, 2010 3:40 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
I see what you did there
I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.
www.battleredblog.com
by tehGrindCrusher on Oct 1, 2010 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions
maybe they are trying to get the funds together to go get a new one.
they couldn’t do a car wash to fund raise so they are doing this instead.
Feeling the five stages of grief since 2002.
by NoSafetiesNeeded on Oct 1, 2010 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions
we could herd the cowboys fans to the astroworld plot
you know the one where the gate to reliant doesn’t work ;-)
Or we could set up the Astrodome with its very own Jerryvision Screen
Then we could funnel all visiting fans in their to keep the integrity of our home field advantage
I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.
by The Night Owl on Oct 2, 2010 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm surprised this isnt
getting more press. I guess it wont until the next home game when it really hits the fans. HPD and Rent-a-cops hassling people on whether or not they have season tickets or the tailgate pass. (which shouldnt be a problem right if you got them right? well think about getting asked about 6 or 12 times while your there, it would get really annoying really quickly.)
I mean the stadium was built in a way to help create ultimate fan experience wasnt it?
To me it seems that the actions the organization has taken will eventually lead to the banning of tailgating at Reliant especially when the Texans make the playoff push this season.
Response to your letter
1 – You aren’t going to release your season tickets because of this, and everyone knows it.
2 – All of you yahoos calling for a law suit need to make a little more sense. No ticket promised you the right to drink your ass silly and cause a ruckus before a game.
3 – I completely agree with the Reliant letter sent out, saying they wanted to create a world-class atmosphere for the season ticket holders and those who purchased tickets to the game. Everyone else needs to just keep their cheap, non-paying, no-ticket butts at home or in a sports bar.
4 – Cowboys fans had nothing to do with this. Every video posted shows a bunch of Texans losers beating up on each other.
Quit whining and posturing. If I had a liability like Reliant does based on their private property, I would do the exact same thing.
I happen to agree with this poster
The only people that need to be there are paying ticketholders and anyone that wants to pay $10. What is $10? A little more than the price of a beer inside the stadium. No one else needs to be there.
I dub the Cowboys.....Jesus-pony poop, 6 months after it's expiration date
I didn't disagree, just pointing out that the initial point was stated
I think the policy would’ve gone over better if it wasn’t instituted mid-season, but it’s certainly understandable why they did it.
"Lord, beer me strength."
I'm looking for the part where I said what you think
I don’t see it….
I dub the Cowboys.....Jesus-pony poop, 6 months after it's expiration date
I also don't have a problem with them selling "admission" to the parking lot
They own the land, and they provide the security, and have to clean up after everyone is gone. I don’t like that its restricted to being able to being bought by season ticket holders though.
"Progress isn't made by early risers. It's made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something." -Robert Heinlein
http://www.accessorizeyourvehicle.com/
Yes, security and clean-up has to come to a bit of cash..
It’s only fair that everyone who is in the lot donates to that cause.
Let’s look at this a little closer. You said you don’t like that the tailgate passes can only be purchased by season ticket holders. I haven’t seen the fine print. Is it season ticket holders or anyone who buys a ticket? Would like to get that clarified. No offense nolander.
Now, why is it a bad thing that the tailgating passes are limited to the ticket holders? They are offering four per ticket holder. That’s a lot of tailgaters and think of it this way, only friends and acquaintances of ticket holders will be there. Well, that would be so until they realize that there is a scalping market for them…. But, for the most part, that is who the tailgaters will be. Won’t that mean that there is a good chance the party won’t be getting out of hand? I will make a guess and say that the a-holes who caused the problems last weekend, or any weekend, would mostly be eliminated by this new policy.
I think it makes sense.
I dub the Cowboys.....Jesus-pony poop, 6 months after it's expiration date
I disagree 100%
This is my hometown team. Why the hell should I not be allowed at my team’s stadium? Maybe $10 means nothing to you, but I certainly don’t like spending money I shouldn’t have to. And I shouldn’t have to pay to go to my team’s stadium.
by DisplacedTexan on Oct 3, 2010 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
trololololo
"Progress isn't made by early risers. It's made by lazy men trying to find easier ways to do something." -Robert Heinlein
http://www.accessorizeyourvehicle.com/
This sig
Describes my aim in life.
I'll eliminate you like I eliminate gluten from my diet.
www.battleredblog.com
by tehGrindCrusher on Oct 2, 2010 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Pay to Play or Go Away
If you paid to see the Rockets at Toyota Center, would it be fair that you be told to park at Minute Maid? Who do you think pays for the lots, port a cans, security, etc? Hint: It is not the squatters, it is the ticket holders. The fact that these ‘drunk all day’ folks act like fools, just adds to the reasons why this happened.
Simple solution
Here is a simple solution – ban tailgating period.
Who wants to sit in the parking lot during the game anyway? It’s insane.
Stay at home to drink your beer and then you won’t be on the road after the game killing yourself or someone else. It’s not like the games are blacked out.
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