In addition to seeing new faces on the field Saturday, those who packed into Spartan Stadium might have found themselves miffed about some new polices governing entrance to the stands.
While some fan used to be able to come in with unopened, sealed bottles of water, it seems this is no longer permitted. Instead, fans must fork out $3 to $5 to buy bottles of overpriced H2O.
Although it might be important to keep spectators from sneaking alcohol into the stadium by putting it in a water bottle, the newer measures go too far - sealed, unopened plastic bottles of water present no danger to the general public.
Making fans pay $3 to $5 is highway robbery, especially when the sun bakes them like it did at Saturday’s game.
Parents should not be forced to fork over pictures of Andrew Jackson to prevent their families from dehydrating.
And if that policy is not enough to leave a sour taste in Spartan fans’ mouths, many people attending Saturday’s game were angered when they were prohibited from bringing their purses into the stadium because they were bigger than large-size index cards.
According to stadium entrance guidelines, bags larger than 5 and a half inches by 8 and a half inches by 2 inches are prohibited.
While it is an understandable safety concern that bags be searched and larger bags be prohibited because of space issues, this policy is a bit too restrictive.
Purses of reasonable size should be allowed into the stadium and should undoubtedly be subject to a thorough search by law enforcement officers.
Also, making people leave their purses at stadium gates “at their own risk” is rude and uncalled for. If stadium officials want to enforce strict purse guidelines, they should offer check rooms for the items.
Although these guideline changes might not be ill-willed, they are too restrictive. Stadium officials should lighten up.
In addition to being more fan friendly, stadium entrance guidelines should also be better posted. Too many people came to Saturday’s game unaware of the rules.
The rules should be posted outside the stadium and on tickets - having them listed on www.homefootball.msu.edu is not enough.
Football Saturdays should be enjoyable and safe for everyone. Stadium rule enforcers should maintain that environment, not infringe upon it.
