Hello all, I was at the game this past Saturday for the first time in a while (now that I live in Hershey and have three kids under the age of four I don't get to the games as often as I'd like). For the first time I took my entire family and as it was getting past their bedtime the kids were getting a little nuts so my wife and I decided to leave at halftime. The only problem with this strategy was that the gates were closed. We walked from Section 127 to Section 107 and all the gates were down. We had to ask a security guard how get out of the building, and while he was very responsive and helpful in finding a door for us near Gate A, it was a bit disconcerting to find all the gates closed. I'm not an alarmist by any means but this did strike me as odd. Sure they don't want any latecomers to get in free, but in case of emergency I don't think a closed gate would be a good idea. Not sure if this was policy or not, but curious just the same. Either way, I'm thrilled to report the kids had a blast and were absolutely mesmerized by La Norte and the Screaming Eagles. They're looking forward to another trip!
This seems to be standard policy and can be quite dangerous. Even when they have international dounle-header matches with opposing fans and a full house, they force everyone into the (sometimes sweltering) small concourse and out like 2 or 3 exits tops. Seems like most of the time they open everything up at the end of the final match. I would think that would be some sort of fire code violation.
This is a serious problem ... couple years ago they hadn't opened all the exists when the game ended ... my son (then about 7) was getting crushed pretty damn good as the crowd pushed into essentially a deadend... got to wonder what kind of reason they could have for doing that ...
It would be nice if we could see some action/explanation of this BEFORE something horrible happens, but sadly I feel we will get a letter from Mr. Zack telling us all how it will never happen again... (only after something tragic occurs). It's the basic MO with anything involving the stadium authority OR CSC. I would personally like to see the team at least TRY to resolve something like this before someone gets hurt. (For example what happens if God forbid there WAS a terrorist attack in the stadium and all these gates were still locked?) Of course this is a bit whiney and I NEVER like to blame the team, but I also want to think they might stand up to these idiots from the S.A. and CSC. Just because we pay them rent doesnt mean we have to assume they know what they are doing. (because by this time its pretty obvious that they don't)
similarly last year I attempted to exit a match immediately following the final whistle only to find the entrance (nearest to gate A) was barracaded with three security guards standing to the side of the barracade. This was the only exit that was not completely closed off by a metal gate/fence within three gates on either side. Hence, the only choice was to exit at this location, I thought. I walked up to the gate, asked one of the guards if I may pass to exit and was refused. He had a yellow shirt on. His boss (blue shirt) was standing immediately to the side. I politely asked him if he agreed with his colleague's response and he stated "*#*#*#*#*# you. You heard him. This is not an exit." I asked in a nice tone, "can you point me to an exit please?" At this point, about two dozen people were standing around. A few of these people bellowed the same basic question. The blue shirt then threatened me and made a few rather odd statements about *#*#*#*#*#ing soccer fans. I walked away...life is too short to be threatened and cursed at by a guy who's only job is to supposedly protect you...a man who was endangering hundreds of lives through his negligence. Gotta love the security! Tim
Dude! I hope you reported this to DC United front office. "*#*#*#*#*#ing soccer fans" pay that guy's salary and keep that stadium from permanently closing. Re gates... How do you keep people from getting in for free? I understand the issue, but not the proposed solution.
In walking around the stadium, I've noticed on several occasions that, in addition to closed outside gates, there are metal barricades in front of many of the portals which lead from the concourse to the seating area. They're usually placed so that there is just a narrow space to pass through, often with an usher or CSC goon standing in that space. It's one thing if they want to check tickets before people enter the seating area (even though people can easily move between sections via the inside walkways...), which I think they could do without placing the barricade there at all. But it's another to obstruct an exit from the seating area, and I'm pretty sure it's a fire code violation, as well. One way to get the stadium authority to address this would probably be by placing a call to the Fire Marshall. Of course, that may result in the cancellation of an event, but I'd rather that happen than for some disaster to occur.
Hey Tim, I have a guy's number I can pass on if they treat you this way (or worse) again (But of course then the drinks at the next Todd Snider show are on you ) RFK... just one more reason a day for moving to VA. or MD.
A lot of people have mentioned this, maybe it's time we actually did it. Personally I can take getting tackled into them, or watching fans get crushed by them (because the lame a$s working it didnt remove it at the half... )But what I don't like is the often rude treatment I see people recieving by these morons working the "gate". Half are indifferent or not sure why they are even there, while others guard the damn things like they are at a key East Berlin road crossing. (as usual there is no such thing as consistency... hence more problems.)
I'm glad I started this thread. I will say, though, that this particular guard we talked to was very polite and helpful. He seemed surprised that gates were closed, and quickly found another guard who knew that a door was available for exit. I just wonder what the fire code calls for and what the policy is.
COME ON. People are getting ready for battle and you throw that mood killer. Say instead the guy used profanity in front of your kids, set a US flag on fire and wore a MetroStars jersey. What would be a good game to call fire marshalls and re-schedule a match? Doesnt DCU need a breather? there is a time late this month when they play several games in a row. Any ideas? Go MDUnited!!!! Go MDUnited!!!! Go MDUnited!!!! cant wait till they move closer to my place
I have made inquries to DCFD's inspectors office. I have to deal with them on a 3rd party basis from time to time. Unfortunatly, they could give a rat's SS. Like others have said (God forbid) someone will have to get seriously hurt or killed for something to happen. As far as "security" using profane language to us fans, I've had enough of it. Something has to be done about this practice.
Guards Well, after I turned to leave 5 guards threw me against a wall, took my 3 year-old's new United scarf and burned it. Then he took a United jersey and burned it in effigy! Just kidding. I'm well aware of the problems with security; just this time this one guard was quite helpful. I've mentioned the fact that the gates were closed to some other folks, and no one can really believe it. Everyone is pretty shocked. It's amazing that no one in a position to change it has the same reaction.
The reason they close all the gates is because the DC Sports Commission is not only corrupt, but INCOMPETENT. That's why. Oh by the way, in case you were planning on attending the WWC this Sunday, (if not sold out, it will be close to it) parking will be $15 instead of the normally exhorbitant $10 they charge for an MLS match. Way to go DC sports commission! Grub as much money from fans so you can line your filthy pockets. What a bunch of idiots. The sooner we find another place to put our team (outside of DC) the better. (in the interest of full disclosure, I did read in the Post that the DCSC was under "increased scrutiny" read:we'll only let them skim a little for awhile until the heat blows over)
Those guys maning the gates where they take the money must be estatic..... They are probably trying to come up with new ways to fleece us (3-4 times they have tried to scam us in the past (and current) seasons ("No... we gave you a 20.....". I alawys make sure to get one of those parking pass things from them, so they can't slip my money into the pocket (so instead it goes to the weasels in the DCSC...)) But at least they do something, those morons in the parking lot waving their little flags (if at all, half or more just stand around(loaf is a better word) and and do nothing... And half the time when they do something I swear it is capricious, just to see us get annoyed at their handiwork. The sooner we get rid of these weenies and into a SSS the better (at least then DC will get some of the parking revenue, and some control over the workers).