A few years ago, we were en route to Orlando but decided suddenly to divert to an overnight in Tampa so we could cheer on the Cards versus South Florida at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ stadium. Imagine my chagrin at having my purse “sized” upon entering. Fortunately, my bag was just small enough to be allowed through.
Flash forward to Monday when the newly announced policy regarding bags for entry into PJCS was announced. “Each ticket holder is allowed one small clutch purse (no larger than 6.5 x 4.5 inches) and one large clear bag, either a one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag or a 12 x 6 x 12 inches clear tote bag.”
I sized my favored UofL logo purse, which is really just the size for the items I think necessary for a three-hour-plus game experience. Too large. As well, not clear.
So, I guess my options are these:
–Buy a new, smaller, clear plastic bag, the durability of which is highly questionable.
–Buy a clear tote, although bulker, yet still plastic.
— Buy both, which would be necessary for colder weather (gloves, handwarmers, earmuffs, etc.)
— Scale down what I take into the stadium.
-Stuff my pockets. Which will result in my slowing down the entry line as I empty said pockets, then reload them.
Oh, yes, how much will these new bags cost? Sure, I can just keep using freezer bags from the pantry. But I will then have to buy Cards decals to decorate them. EACH TIME these have to be replaced.
Stated policy: “Approved clear tote bags are available for purchase from Cardinal Authentic.” AT THE STADIUM. (Or PURCHASED from other venues.) Not such a problem for a Louisvillian who can drive to the stadium. How about fans from out of the city?
My questions continue: What about blankets? In or out of containers? Clear containers? And what about binoculars? Same sizing requirements? Clear containers? Some people like their expensive binocs to be better protected by a case sturdier than plastic.
Were there any women on this policy-deciding committee? What about women who really would prefer that some of their necessary items not be clearly visible?
Now, I know some of my questions may seem ridiculous to some people, but are they really? What kind of allowances will be made at the gate? And by whom? Teenagers with their scanners and wands?
Yes, in post 9/11 USA, security is uppermost in the minds of planners of events. As it should be. And I understand that many, if not most, venues across America are doing likewise. That’s not my point. I object to the sizing of these bags. (I also object to the now-forbidden unopened water bottles.)
I foresee difficulties in enforcement. And I predict many fans will be disgruntled, to say the least, when they have to ditch impermissible items which have long been their mainstays.
I encourage UofL athletics to publicize the changes in previous policy loudly and long before the opening home game. Otherwise, many fans will be caught off guard, as I was in Tampa, and they may be quite loud in voicing their dissatisfaction. Also, fans of visiting teams need to hear of the changes before they try to enter the gates at PJCS.
Reality sets in. Reality sucks. I’ll deal with it. But I don’t like the feeling that the opening game excitement will be — not may be — dulled by just getting into the stadium.
Sorry for the inconvenience, guys. Unfortunately there are some very bad people from all sides of different political spectrums who want to create grief for average Americans these days. Going to have to grin and bear it if we are to be secure. A lot of thought went into these new security guidelines.
The sizes are too small and the unopened water bottle policy should be addressed by $1.00 bottle sales on the sidewalk inside the stadium.