Now, we’d been to Riverfront Stadium for several Reds games,
but those games had elderly-type ushers, not armed security guards. It kind of
spooked us in to going again.
Still, we’ve always wanted to attend a game at Heinz Field
to watch the Steelers play and when the opportunity arose, we jumped all over
it (Happy Father’s Day to my hubby). So, was I surprised at the e-mail I
received in the mail last month (in preparation to attending this Saturday’s
game)? Not really. This is what it said:
The NFL’s enhanced public safety policy affects the type and
size of bags that are permitted into the stadium – not the items that you
normally need to bring to a game.
Every fan may use the following specified bags to carry
items into the stadium:
- One bag that is clear plastic, vinyl or
PVC and does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” OR
- A one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag
(Ziploc bag or similar) AND
- In addition to one of the clear bags
noted above, fans may also carry in a small clutch bag or purse approximately
the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap
Please note: An exception will be made for medically
necessary items after proper inspection.
To find the NFL’s policy please visit http://www.nfl.com/allclear
and refer to your team’s specific stadium policy for complete safety
information.
I feel like I’m going back to work at Stern’s (a now defunct
department store I worked at for a short period of time while we were stationed
at Ft. Monmouth, NJ (1980s)--which I though was located in the Neptune Mall,
but I can’t find the mall on a map, so it’s possible it went bye-bye. Talk
about a blast from the past reminder!). I couldn’t take a purse inside the
store, not unless it was clear plastic. Nice to feel like a criminal before I’d
done any kind of crime!
Anyway…I find it sad that the NFL has to have these policies
(not to mention those armed security guards). That people can’t just go to the
games to have a good time. You’d think with the price of the tickets, they
wouldn’t need to worry about this kind of crap.
I have a feeling this may be the LAST NFL game we attend.
I’d much rather go to baseball and hockey games. At least there I don’t feel
like a criminal (or in fear for my life!).
Have you ever checked out a map of a place you used to live
at? I like to see how much I remember or how much has changed. Or are you one
of those strange people I’ve met who have never lived anywhere but one city? If
so, what is that like?
Stacy
