Originally posted by cciowa:
Originally posted by Furlow:
It's a real problem, man. Watch any game on TV and you'll see 75% of those seats empty. Meanwhile on the home side (where there's shade from the press box and luxury suites), most people are sitting there watching. The end zones are usually pretty full. But the entire east side of the stadium is baked. I've sat on that side twice and both times it was miserable. And that was in December! Lol. Temperature was 68-70 degrees but felt like 90. Not the air around, mind you. "Magnifying glass" is the best way I can put it.
Contrast that with the west/home side, and it's a completely different experience. Same air temperature, but you're not getting microwaved, and no glare from the sun. That's the other thing about the east side, is you're staring at the sun and can barely see the game. It's ridiculous.
Put a damn roof over the stadium like LA is doing, but keep it "open air." There's is a great idea. If that's "too expensive" (weak ass argument for a multi-billionaire owner) then at least put up an awning that would provide some shade over the east side. If none of that is feasible, then start refunding people their PSL money. Make those seats dramatically less expensive and then you'll start to see those seats filled. Then the "tough guy" argument will hold water.
this is a really good post. designing a stadium where the fans can not see the game due to the sun is stupid. and yes i am from iowa and i talk tough but i sympathize with you.. i am a hearty iowan but four hours in 70 degree weather , heat coming up from the field. reflecting etc.. it can get to people
Not to harp on you because you seem to get this, but the difference with those college games in Iowa, is the fans didn't pay a PSL. Ticket prices aren't thousands of dollars. That's the issue. The PSL's are essentially to subsidize the construction of the stadium, so the season ticket holders "own" a piece of it (not legally of course but in spirit). And in return they get microwaved and increase their chances of getting skin cancer 8-10 Sundays per year? Pass on that! I feel bad for anyone who's stuck in that situation. And no, it's not as easy as "just moving." There is no incentive for the organization to move people, unless they're willing to upgrade their seats and pay more money. I did talk with a few people who successfully moved, but they had to pay a higher amount than others for their PSL on the west side. Terrible business practices going on.
