Post #126896 by WillTiki on Mon, Nov 22, 2004 2:40 PM

I beg to differ that security is not an issue. I attend all of the Baltimore Ravens home games as a member of their marching band. I sit in the last row of our section i.e. closest to the fans. I have encountered quite a range of fan behavior, but mostly pretty good. While I agree that the security folks are mostly ushers, they are the first level in the escalation of force in countering unruly behavior. It may take a complaint from someone near a disruptive fan; but often, the ushers on their own go to specific fans in their assigned section and ask them politely to simmer down. The next step if the fan questions their authority (assuming no violence) is talking to the security supervisor. Any of this is bypassed when there is any violence or the threat thereof. Then, you would think they threw free doughnuts in the stands there are so many Baltimore City Police Officers. Many a drunk has been carried out like a log, horizontal and by many hands! Before each game, there is an announcement and reading of text on the big screens that spells out the stadium policy. I am quoting from memory here but it says "unruly and rude behavior will not be tolerated...have fun, root hard, but don't be a jerk!... here are the realities; first time offenders will be ejected from the stadium, repeat offendors lose their season tickets" This also means you better be sure who you sell your tickets to if you do not want to lose your tickets or permanent seat license.I am not saying it is perfect, but the system there mostly seems to work. NBA fans seem to be a lot closer to the court, but it sure seems that a little rethinking of the security plan could prevent this type of thing from happening.