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In this age of smaller compact lifestyles, we have as a society been forced to give up our private space as well.
This is no more evident than at sporting grounds such as The Gabba and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
In the 1980s and early 1990s I can clearly recall looking forward to sitting in the Frank Burke Stand at Lang Park that had plenty of leg room and space for a big bloke like myself.
It was quite clearly the Cadillac of grandstands.
Come 1994 and start of the renovations, which do look sensational, but they also lack the traditional aspect of the stadium that I was accustomed to growing up.
The hype and the buzz surrounding the renovations were heard all around town and it was the place to be to watch any sporting event.
It took a lot of getting used to with the smaller seats and less leg room – it was like going from first-class to economy. To be honest it took a little while to get used to, and felt as if a bit of soul was removed from the Cauldron, and from The Gabba with the removal of the hill.
With popularity of both rugby league and cricket, when you attend a decent game you’ll have to contend with a large crowd. That’s excellent of course for atmosphere, but provides other challenges. With the new style of stadium, we have had to contend with a lot more people in smaller areas, as more seats are made available.
Suddenly there are a lot more people passing by you in the aisles as you are watching the game. Either they arrive a few minutes late, or arrive and then head off while the game is still in play to get their drink and hot dog.
If you have paid for a ticket, would it be too much trouble to just sit the 40 minutes through each half and pay respect to the real fans by allowing them to enjoy the game while the play is on?
Obviously calls of nature and health emergencies are unavoidable, but running to grab a beer is not. Understandably the catering departments have to make money, but if people were aware of aisle etiquette than they would have themselves organised prior to the game.
Then there are the really ignorant people that will do it several times. I realise that there are alcohol sections too – however if you can’t buy enough drinks to last you 40 minutes then perhaps you would be best off sitting at the bar near the service area and maybe buying a jug while you are there.
The only suggestion I have is an area where the announcer could reinforce to everybody to be considerate to the true fans of the game.
In a nutshell, going to a game used to be fun but in this age of selfishness and with no regard to anyone’s fellow man, one would perhaps be better off watching it on the screen at home.
This article is written due to my recent several visits to Lang Park and The Gabba and the witnessing of this obnoxious behaviour.
Muttering to myself “Remember the days of the Frank Burke Stand” to the tune of the “Old School Yard” song certainly makes me think of the golden days of our wonderful stadiums.
Excuse me, I’m a bit thirsty and off for a drink halfway through this first half – thanks to everyone in the aisle for letting me through – sorry about blocking your view for that try that got scored.
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