Have you had dealings with security at Empire?
  • Southside Nation,

    I know there have been a lot of negative experiences, but I thought I'd pass on a positive one.  Brian Swan, I believe, is the name of one of the higher up security people.  I met him at the Colorado friendly while in the "wheelchair seating" with Rovers.  I don't know how much of the ground he oversees, but I have see usually once a match, for the matches I've been in 222.  Once one of the security guards around the side of the pitch had a problem with a person swearing.  She brought it to Brian's attention.  Instead of coming into the stands, he walked around back and come through the same entrance everyone else does.  He escorted the fellow out and talked to him for a few minutes and then let the guy return to his seat.  Brian is a very classy individual and as far as I can tell does a really great job!  I guess it is too bad that there aren't more people like him working throughout the ground.

    Much Love,

    Forever A Team
  • slamoslamo
    Posts: 1,776
    For me I go to 217 when called over during smaller attendances I'm guessing because Devon, myself, Kris and a few others are very loud. But I have front row seats in 216 and prefer those seats, so I will stay there regardless of crowd size. Between people yelling faggot and calling Matthew names and chanting during anthems and throwing beer from the 15th row.....well anyway, I just hope things work out over time.
    The Three C's: Chill, Clan and Caps.
  • I've been to every Lions game at Empire, as well as two Caps games this year.  I think the biggest thing working against you guys is the reputation of soccer/football fans worldwide.  PNE Security has a pre-conceived notion that you're likely to start a fire (a la Italian football fans) just for s & g.

    On the back of my Lions season ticket it reads as follows:
    "Admission is subject to compliance with all laws and facility rules.  Failure to comply with laws or facility rules may refusal of admission or expulsion.  Ticketholder consents to reasonable examination and searches to ensure compliance with laws and facility rules and acknowledges alcoholic beverages, illegal substances, cameras, recording devices and packages are not permitted on the premises"
  • krisaug5krisaug5
    Posts: 5,566
    People are calling matthew names? That's unnecessary. He's just trying to get people into the chants, the same way any of us do, perhaps a small amount more aggressively, But i regularly turn sideways or around and try to get chants going. I think that's sad when people in the "Hardcore section" are criticising those who are trying to up the atmosphere. it's just wrong... I think, slamo, if you stay in your regular place, and I just move down a bit, rather then sideways, we can help bridge the gap to the rest of 216 and over to 215 and 214. I'm game to try this on Saturday.

    Edit : off topic I know, but not sure where else to post this
    Post edited by krisaug5 at 2011-07-11 19:03:19
    - MR. 2-STICK - CAPO ASSISTANT - SOUTHSIDERS ATHLETIC RECREATION COMMITTEE
    MEMBER #206
    SEC 251 ROW 1 SEAT 102
    @Krisaug5
  • slamoslamo
    Posts: 1,776
    ^^Sounds good. You're right about Matthew. I spoke to him a couple of times throughout the game. Mainly because I didn't want the drunking yahoos starting a fist fight with him. Matt, you got to find a way to stay cool man. This isn't Swangard where there are 50-100 guys who know you - love the enthusiasm, but you might want to check in with a regular once in a while and make sure your being cool. Don't want you to take a punch in the face for nothing. Be cool.
    The Three C's: Chill, Clan and Caps.
  • @ surreysider. They asked for my ticket after the game as we were exiting the stadium. Not during the game.
  • I have no problem with them checking tickets. I bought the cheap seats and that's where I sit. And if people are buying cheap seats and moving to expensive seats that's not right. And I agree they should pony up and pay for there seats!!
  • krisaug5krisaug5
    Posts: 5,566
    @slamo, I'm sure you and I (as well as others) would have his back in case anything bad happened.
    - MR. 2-STICK - CAPO ASSISTANT - SOUTHSIDERS ATHLETIC RECREATION COMMITTEE
    MEMBER #206
    SEC 251 ROW 1 SEAT 102
    @Krisaug5
  • pauloniuspaulonius
    Posts: 31
    One of the loud but funny and entertaining Macedonian brothers I sit near in section 228 got thrown out of the Philadelphia game in a case of mistaken identity. They are loud and a little obnoxious (but not offensive or drunk) and have gained some some notoriety in our section with their shouting and chanting and singing (and they're not even Southsiders) Unfortunately during the Union match, there were a couple of unknowns in our row who seem to have purchased scalped tickets...fne except they were not only very loud and inappropriate but extremely offensive....repeatedly yelling "effing homo!" at the Union goalie. They were so out of line that the two Macedonian brothers were out-volumed and virtually silenced.
    after halftime, the obnoxious, offensive drunks never came back but around the 60th minute security shows up and escorts one of the Macedonian brothers out of the stadium. the whole section were well aware it was a case of mistaken identity and two whole sections of supporters vociferously booed security as they escorted the fan out without negotiation.
    I followed up on this by a: speaking with an usher, and then personally going into whitecaps office to vouch on his behalf. When the Event co-ordinator saw me, before I could even describe what had happened, she asked me if I was from section 228 and that she had received multiple complaints about the very same situation.

    To the whitecaps credit (not Security's) the co-ordinator said she was trying to identify the wrongfully removed fan i order to reimburse him.

    My advice...no matter what happens, keep cool and make sure you speak with the Whitecaps office during the week. If you present your case calmly and coherently, they seem willing to work with you. It looks to me like they care about disgruntled fans and want to work things out.
  • If the security is making all these errors, why aren't they apologizing?  Why is the club having to cover for them?
    Member #15 - @BlueAnWhiteArmy on Twitter
    Member of VISTA (Victoria Independent Supporters' Trust Associated) - Canada's first supporters' trust
  • bobloblaw17bobloblaw17
    Posts: 183

    If the security is making all these errors, why aren't they apologizing?  Why is the club having to cover for them?



    I've had issues at Giants games (twice) with the same security people. Both times I was given an apology and treated very nicely by the Giants, not security. Basically these guys are knobs. Hopefully they are lesser knobs at BC Place. Good chance some of the same ones work there too though.
  • unitedppunitedpp
    Posts: 3
    This all sounds like it's getting a bit too exclusive. Isn't the point that we are supposed to be encouraging people into the "rowdy" section?
    Although i somewhat sympathize with those who feel that others are getting their entertainment at a cut price, Who cares if they've paid less?
    For my part I have tickets in the more sedate blue section so that I can more comfortably take my three year old grandson to the games but I move behind the goal when I go without him. If somebody asks me to move because I'm in their assigned seat, I move.
    I've not had a problem with security checking my tickets but it sounds like good advice given earlier to know what your rights are as well as the limitations of their responsibilities.
    Come on Southsiders, relax and embrace the encouraging and inclusive principles that were espoused during the Swangard years!
  • GoFGoF
    Posts: 2,846
    It will be interesting to see how PNE security handle the travelling City fans.

    Watch the panic set in as they turn their backs when they score.
    Read AFTN on Canadian Soccer News (http://www.aftn.ca) and
    AFTN's General Football Blog (http://aftnwebsite.blogspot.com)
    Follow me on Twitter @aftncanada and @aftnwebsite
  • Member #15 - @BlueAnWhiteArmy on Twitter
    Member of VISTA (Victoria Independent Supporters' Trust Associated) - Canada's first supporters' trust
  • I briefly spoke to a top PNE security official about this issue following tonights match. I told him there was a double standard between Whitecaps and Lions games at Empire. He told me that I was reading too much information from the Southsiders page. 
  • OldFanOldFan
    Posts: 3,530
    Hey All

    I seemed to notice a lot less security pushing their way around tonight.  Was it just me or are things toning down?

  • The_Real_DealThe_Real_Deal
    Posts: 3,781

    I briefly spoke to a top PNE security official about this issue following tonights match. I told him there was a double standard between Whitecaps and Lions games at Empire. He told me that I was reading too much information from the Southsiders page. 



    Ha ha  =D>
    aka "Tractor Boy" Member # 003
    Former President & Director of Events
    Twitter : http://twitter.com/#!/604chrisdeal
    253 Row 2 Seat 3
  • slamoslamo
    Posts: 1,776
    OldFan said:

    Hey All


    I seemed to notice a lot less security pushing their way around tonight.  Was it just me or are things toning down?



    Same in my section. We had people standing in the aisle, I was standing on my seat waving a flag, lots of colorful songs. No guards. I think with all the kids in the corner they leave us to ourselves. Which is the way it should be.
    The Three C's: Chill, Clan and Caps.
  • Javy81Javy81
    Posts: 321
    I also didn't notice Darth Vader there Yesterday? coincidence?
    Post edited by Javy81 at 2011-07-19 11:57:47
    MEMBER #60
    SEC 252 ROW 3 SEAT 1
  • danimaldanimal
    Posts: 1,010
    image

    I noticed there were always 5-8 security types always hovering up top above the Southside just observing us.

    Dan Olson - Director of Membership and Recruiting - UBC Engineering @danmathias +daniel.m.m.olson 'Mon the Spurs and 'Caps! -- SS#598
  • danimaldanimal
    Posts: 1,010
    ^^ And I would rather have them up there than in our faces.
    Dan Olson - Director of Membership and Recruiting - UBC Engineering @danmathias +daniel.m.m.olson 'Mon the Spurs and 'Caps! -- SS#598
  • The_Real_DealThe_Real_Deal
    Posts: 3,781
    It was much much better last night and I have written to the club thanking them.
    aka "Tractor Boy" Member # 003
    Former President & Director of Events
    Twitter : http://twitter.com/#!/604chrisdeal
    253 Row 2 Seat 3
  • krisaug5krisaug5
    Posts: 5,566
    i only noticed one guy get tossed, likely cause he took his shirt off about 20 minnutes into the game. couple other groups of guys very drunk and swearing ALOT, even at other fans. Not a big deal though. i thought yesterday was much better
    - MR. 2-STICK - CAPO ASSISTANT - SOUTHSIDERS ATHLETIC RECREATION COMMITTEE
    MEMBER #206
    SEC 251 ROW 1 SEAT 102
    @Krisaug5
  • AJAX79AJAX79
    Posts: 1,531

    It was much much better last night and I have written to the club thanking them.



    +1
    AKA: Pat
    *HEAD CAPO*
    capo@vancouversouthsiders.ca
    @AJAX_79
    Empire: sec 217 / BC Place: Southside Pitch Level
  • I have been a season ticket and ice pack holder of the Giants since their 2nd season. There are 2 types of PNE Security. You have the P/T jagoffs trying to make a name for themselves who are currently studying at the Justice Institute trying to get on with the VPD and then you have the 10+ year vets.

    I had a good sawoff with a P/T jagoff over their handling of Benn Olson's (Seattle T-Birds) Uncle who started a fight in the stands when the T-Birds were getting pounded by the Giants. Benn started a brawl and then his uncle started one in the stands.

    PNE security were trying to tell the VPD that the Giants fan started it but I saw Olson's uncle throw the first punch. So I told the officer what I saw. The PNE security guard told me to move on. I said I wasn't talking to him but the officer who actually has REAL powers of arrest. He then told me he would physically remove me to which I said I would like to see you try as there is a police officer right here and I will press charges.

    I wrote an email to the Giants FO and the PNE and I never saw that rent-a-cop ever work another Giants game. To be fair, the PNE WILL listen to a well detailed complaint.
  • spinrackspinrack
    Posts: 723
    krisaug5 said:

    i only noticed one guy get tossed, likely cause he took his shirt off about 20 minnutes into the game.



    I know that guy.  His name is Eric Hassli.
  • boogboog
    Posts: 12
    I would like to say that I had a positive dealing with security Last night.  For all the bad press they get I should tell my good one.  I took my 2 boys (9 mos and 5yrs) to their 1st game last night, (L.A.) game. The fans around us were great, the chanting was great, and no one held any language back, which is great. I had a bigger stroller, that the front gate staff said to my surprise, said that I could take to my seat and put in the aisle. I just put it on my seat because I stand all game. The supervisor came down to talk to a group in the front row, it seemed to be not security related. About 2 mins later our section security guy came and said I couldn't have my stroller there. It seems the sup said it couldn't be there. I was first annoyed that the sup didnt say it to me as he was about a foot away from me a short time before. But our sec guy said hang on 5 mins till half time and we could put it at the bottom of the stairs, and he could keep an eye on it. Perfect resolution. So a big THANK YOU! to Franco the 218 security guy for not making me haul that thing to guest services. You made a season ticket holder happy. Next time I will bring an Umbrella stroller though. Also, my kids had fun. They enjoyed the noise, lights, cheers and chants. Thanks to all my fellow Southsiders that were around us making it a pleasure for all. Keep it up.

    BOOG
    sec 254 row 1 seats 1 & 2 at BC Place. ( Formerly) sec 218 row k seats 6 & 7 at empire.
    #127
  • Ever considered using a baby carrier?  Probably far less hassle on matchday.
    Member #15 - @BlueAnWhiteArmy on Twitter
    Member of VISTA (Victoria Independent Supporters' Trust Associated) - Canada's first supporters' trust
  • capsfan88capsfan88
    Posts: 472

    Ever considered using a baby carrier?  Probably far less hassle on matchday.



    Yeah, but it sucks for the person stuck using it. Adding that much weight and heat sucks on a day like yesterday...
    ~ Blue Patch Plastic & Teitur Tot~ Member #: 40
    ~Wendy Case~
    Most common refrain: I agree with OldFan! :P
  • boogboog
    Posts: 12
    Also used my baby bjorn, was perfect for the litte one to enjoy the sights and sounds. I fully expected to chek in my stroller 'til the front security guy said that I bcould take it to my row. Cheers.

    Boog
    sec 254 row 1 seats 1 & 2 at BC Place. ( Formerly) sec 218 row k seats 6 & 7 at empire.
    #127
  • HolteEnderHolteEnder
    Posts: 199
    At the game today, two of the guys who have seasons tickets next to me, in 215 at the back were ejected just after half time. I don't have all the details but what happened today was a disgrace. 

    Just before half time, to youngish looking stewards/or whatever they are called approached them and advised them to tone down their language in the back of section 215. From that point on every single steward in the gangway for 215 and 216 proceeded to have their eyes on them. 

    At halftime i went down and asked one of the stewards what was the issue as these two have always been vocal and helped create the atmosphere that is so badly lacking in 215 behind the gangways.I asked was it the language as 215 is a designated supporters area and was asked "even that far back" to which i replied tat 215 - 217 was the designated supporters area and people could stand and chant and swear. I was then told that the steward would check with his supervisors and would let me know why they were spoken to in the first place. 

    Upon returning to my seats at half time i was told it was not what they were saying but "how they were saying it" now in my whole time being there these guys have been nothing but stellar, creating an atmosphere that is so badly lacking in 215 and supporting the team. 

    I moved seats at half time but saw them being ejected around the 60 minute mark. So at the end of the game asked the main supervisor why they were ejected and he said that they had received a warning in the first half and they were being rude to the security. I can't say more than this as was not in my designated seats for the second half. These two have at least 4 season tickets between them if not more and it really feels like they were targeted by the security for being loud during the game when 215 was mainly sitting this week. 

    At the end of the game the main supervisor would not give me any more details other than his name was gino and thats how if we wanted to write a report was how they would find him. It felt like they were picked out for being loud and a way for the new rentacops in our section to earn their wings and deal with troublemakers. Which i hasten to add these two are not and never will be.

    Not sure if any one else saw this or had a better view but the reasons for the ejection did not make sense in my eyes so hoping someone else who saw this can add to this. But if these guys stop coming to games because of this incident it is yet more lost fans due to inept security. 
  • rodderzzzrodderzzz
    Posts: 1,280
    Security are way, way over the top, I sit on the Isles in 216 and they are fuckin shite, absolutely no clue at all. I said today that if they keep chucking people out for swearing (this is not the first time) when we move to BC I'm jibbing my 3 season tickets.
    Also, the ones who got lobbed out today where not being rude when they got ejected, all the crowd around them boo'd because they couldn't believe it happened, they had a couple of girls with them too who were just shrugging their shoulders in disbelief at what was happening.
  • HolteEnderHolteEnder
    Posts: 199
    Yeah I sit next to the guys week in week out and they are top class. At half time after they were warned I was told, It wasn't for the swearing but for "how they said it" which is complete BS. The reason that Gino the main supervisor told me after the game is that they were being rude to the security. Again complete BS
  • ChrisChris
    Posts: 5,415
    Guys I know security is over the top sometimes (it's the nature of the job, it attracts power trippers with low self-esteem) but there seems to be a lot of posts along the lines of "I know these guys and, although I don't know the specifics of this situation, they've never done anything to warrant getting kicked out before, so it's complete bullshit that they got kicked out". I swear a lot at the games. People around me swear a lot at the games. People around me drink a lot at the games. Nobody's ever been tossed before. Unless they're willing to speak up, or somebody who was right there and has details of the incident is willing to speak up, it's not really fair to beat up on security. They could have had a legitimate reason to evict these guys, and probably have a policy not to give details of ejections to anybody but the people ejected.
    Southsiders' Director of Merchandise - Twitter: @Chris_Withers - Member #180 - 251/4/101
  • Keep an eye on this twitter feed this week.
    http://twitter.com/#!/rpbriggs

    Sounds like a pretty poorly handled situation.  It sounds like he'll make an extended post about this later.  But if the ejection is as unprovoked as he is saying it is, this could lead to some bad pr for the team seeing as he does have a bit of a following with his online blog.

    I really hope some of these situations don't turn people off the team for good, as at BC Place it will be different security that may handle things a lot better.
  • LWO4LIFELWO4LIFE
    Posts: 376
    Damn... I personally dont know these guys but I hear them every game and try and keep the chants they get going alive down bottom. Today they started a "You can shove your Solider Field up your ass" chant  that spawned similar chants down bottom (went with Windy City). I hope this wasn't the reason they got the first warning and ultimately their ejection.
    215 has gone to the dogs since early in the season and you guys up top (Holt) are pretty isolated. Suggest mayhaps you move down and take up some of the spots in 216/217 that are readily available most matches.
    Im usually on the rail save for "big" matches so my two seats are usually available to be filled in. Know this doesnt solve the problem of overly sensitive security but it may save you further grief and let you enjoy the match more??
  • HolteEnderHolteEnder
    Posts: 199
    Chris said:

    Guys I know security is over the top sometimes (it's the nature of the job, it attracts power trippers with low self-esteem) but there seems to be a lot of posts along the lines of "I know these guys and, although I don't know the specifics of this situation, they've never done anything to warrant getting kicked out before, so it's complete bullshit that they got kicked out". I swear a lot at the games. People around me swear a lot at the games. People around me drink a lot at the games. Nobody's ever been tossed before. Unless they're willing to speak up, or somebody who was right there and has details of the incident is willing to speak up, it's not really fair to beat up on security. They could have had a legitimate reason to evict these guys, and probably have a policy not to give details of ejections to anybody but the people ejected.



    I sit next to them and have done all season and was there for the first warning. They were warned just before half time not for the language but how they were saying it and sat next to them up until this point they had done nothing worthy of a warning unless being vocal for the team is worthy of a warning.

    Yes I was not there second half but merely 30 feet away. And as Ryan is saying on his twitter it was very badly handled, if someone can explain what is meant by

    "it's not what they said, it's how they said it"

    As that was what I was told for their first warning.
    Post edited by HolteEnder at 2011-08-07 23:12:18
  • ChrisChris
    Posts: 5,415
    So according to his Twitter account, he got ejected for singing You'll Never Walk Alone? I hate being in the position of sticking up for PNE Security, but that seems, to me, too ludicrous to be the real reason. I look forward to hearing his full account of the situation. Can't believe that that's all there was to it.
    Southsiders' Director of Merchandise - Twitter: @Chris_Withers - Member #180 - 251/4/101
  • ^ I'm in the same boat as you Chris.  It sounds like its too little to be true, but given how some things have gone this year, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
  • krisaug5krisaug5
    Posts: 5,566
    I think it's just a comic oversimplification of the event. not sure what happened, but there's likely more here than just singing "you'll never walk alone"
    - MR. 2-STICK - CAPO ASSISTANT - SOUTHSIDERS ATHLETIC RECREATION COMMITTEE
    MEMBER #206
    SEC 251 ROW 1 SEAT 102
    @Krisaug5
  • OldFanOldFan
    Posts: 3,530
    Chris said:

     (it's the nature of the job, it attracts power trippers with low self-esteem) 



    Boom, this is always the root of the problem with these security fools at football matches....
  • sproosproo
    Posts: 46
    It is true.  They got ejected for cheering.

    My wife and I have season tickets immediately next to Chris and his friends who were ejected.  Their first warning seemed totally unwarranted.  They did nothing different from all other games I've watched sitting next to them.  The most obscene chants I recall are "...we're fucking dynamite..." and "You can shove Wrigley Field up your ass", but they do that every game, and the rest of the area basically joins in.

    After the warning they stopped swearing completely, and instead them and other people in the area made up a few 'extremely polite cheers' like "We don't dislike your city Chicago, but we'd prefer if our team wins!!" or "You obese fatherless child" on goal kicks (not those exact words, but something to that effect).  The only thing I can think of is that security interpreted this as mocking and decided to kick them out because of it.  And why they decided to target Chris and his group in particular is still a total mystery to us.  When they were asked to leave everyone in the section was shocked, but Chris and his friends quietly picked up their stuff and followed the guards while everyone started booing. 

    I think they deserve an apology and at least a refund for the game.  It was really disheartening to watch, and frankly, having a half-dozen or more guards standing by the gates arms crossed and staring alertly in your general vicinity for most of the game was a total downer in what turned out to be the most exciting game we've had in months.
    Section 248 Row E Seat 109
  • capsfan88capsfan88
    Posts: 472
    sproo said:

    It is true.  They got ejected for cheering.

    My wife and I have season tickets immediately next to Chris and his friends who were ejected.  Their first warning seemed totally unwarranted.  They did nothing different from all other games I've watched sitting next to them.  The most obscene chants I recall are "...we're fucking dynamite..." and "You can shove Wrigley Field up your ass", but they do that every game, and the rest of the area basically joins in.

    After the warning they stopped swearing completely, and instead them and other people in the area made up a few 'extremely polite cheers' like "We don't dislike your city Chicago, but we'd prefer if our team wins!!" or "You obese fatherless child" on goal kicks (not those exact words, but something to that effect).  The only thing I can think of is that security interpreted this as mocking and decided to kick them out because of it.  And why they decided to target Chris and his group in particular is still a total mystery to us.  When they were asked to leave everyone in the section was shocked, but Chris and his friends quietly picked up their stuff and followed the guards while everyone started booing. 

    I think they deserve an apology and at least a refund for the game.  It was really disheartening to watch, and frankly, having a half-dozen or more guards standing by the gates arms crossed and staring alertly in your general vicinity for most of the game was a total downer in what turned out to be the most exciting game we've had in months.



    UGH! That's despicable.
    ~ Blue Patch Plastic & Teitur Tot~ Member #: 40
    ~Wendy Case~
    Most common refrain: I agree with OldFan! :P
  • HirstyHirsty
    Posts: 235
    I was there with Holte Ender and can back up the fact that these guys were doing nothing wrong. The first time they were approached by security was when Hassli missed the PK and they yelled something along the lines of "like a drunk Surrey girl you're supposed to score" which everyon in the section thought was hilarious. If that warranted a warning from security then that is absolutely ridiculous. From that point on there were about 5 security guards staring us all down which is why Holte Ender and I decided to move seats to the south stand, where we heard far far worse chants. Put a dark cloud over an otherwise great afternoon.
  • The_Real_DealThe_Real_Deal
    Posts: 3,781
    This is Ryan Briggs', statement
     
    HE FOLLOWING ARE THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS OF RYAN BRIGGS AND NOT THOSE OF VANCITY SPORTS BLOG OR ANY OF ITS STAFF.
    So I have been tweeting quite a bit since yesterday about my experience at yesterday’s Whitecaps game. Let me first say that I understand that there is always going to be two sides to every story and I know that this is just one of those sides. Yesterday was one of the most embarrassing moments I have ever had as a sports fan, as I was escorted away from my seats by PNE Security at yesterday’s Whitecaps game.
    Let me quickly state that I’m not a soccer super fan, I’m essentially new to the game especially as an in stadium supporter. I’m a baseball, hockey and football fan but the Whitecaps were our cities new local pro team and I wanted to support them. My friends who are soccer fans from England and Scotland wanted to go and I wanted to experience a little slice of the stories of singing they had shared with me and I had seen on TV.
    Until yesterday I had been to every Caps game this season except the Galaxy game, I was out of town, and I had stayed and cheered until the very bitter end of every match. I have bought merchandise and jumped in with two feet to support the club. I had absolutely loved going to games and cheering and learning how to be a supporter from the things my mates sung and the Southsiders as well.
    Then yesterday happened and changed my opinion for good.
    During the 1st half we were singing and chanting as we normally do. Late in the half security approached us and told us we had to tone it down. We asked if it was our language, even though we weren’t cursing aside from Blue/White/F’N Dynamite and “You can shove Wrigley Field up your ass”, security to our surprise said “No it’s got nothing to do with what you’re saying, it’s how you’re saying it that needs to change.” Well we had no idea what that meant. I was admittedly upset that they would come up to us after we had done nothing differently than we had at every other game of the year except be even more tame than usual since our wives with us and not the rest of our mates. So I began singing some basic French phrases and some Italian phrases in a small protest.
    My friend decided he’d leave the seats before the half ended to go pick up our Portland road tickets. When we came back our wives told us during the half about 10 security guards gathered and were pointing up at them. Another season ticket holder in the same row as us seeing this went down to talk to them in an effort to find out what we were doing to garner such attention. Security again re-enforced the idea that it was the way we were singing that they had a problem with and not with the content in what we were singing.
    When we were informed of this I again was upset and my game experience was basically ruined so I stayed seated during most of the 2nd half. I cheered from my seat but not singing and even had some cheers that were overly polite, again in a bit of protest to our treatment. My friend was trying to get me to stand the entire 2nd half which I refused to do because I didn’t want any more hassle from security. So my friend knowing I’m partial to Celtic FC began singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” This is one of my favorite soccer songs to sing so I stood up and joined in.
    As soon as I stood security converged on us asked us to leave our seats to have a conversation with them. Leaving to a chorus of boos I was very embarrassed nothing like this had ever happened to me in my years of going to sporting events. Down in the tunnel stood five security guards who told us they were watching us and that our song was inappropriate. I asked him what we said and he said you know what you said. I replied with I was singing a song that Celtic and Liverpool fans have been singing for decades, a song with no cursing or foul language or mean over tones in fact is a song about encouragement. The security said we know that song it’s the other song you sang before that. Keeping in mind I knew I hadn’t been singing all half, I asked them what I said was inappropriate. They said we were being derogatory to security. I asked what we said because I wouldn’t have said anything and that I would apologize if I said something disrespectful. They all stopped dead in their tracks and had no response until one guy said “You called us you fat bastard” which I then responded with so did 15000 others as soon as the opposing keeper touched the ball and that had nothing to do with them.
    They said we could go back to our seats but had to remain seated, could not sing or chant the rest of the match. Which I said was bullshit and that this was a standing section and I explained how I was doing nothing differently today than I had at any other match. At this point the security guard with a mustache asked to see my photo ID, not my ticket my photo ID. To which I responded with a curse word and told him he had no rights asking for my ID and that this wasn’t Nazi Germany. I ignored him and shook the hand of the one reasonable security guard and told him we would make life easier and just leave. I told them all that I wouldn’t be going back to today’s game and that they just cost the Whitecaps my season ticket renewal. They laughed and acted like it was no big deal as we walked away.
    The bottom line for me is I’m embarrassed and shocked that this happened to me, my friends and my wife. I don’t feel welcome at Whitecaps games at Empire Field right now and I don’t feel like ever returning because I don’t want undue attention from security which I assume will happen from here on out which is disappointing because I want to see this team succeed on and off the pitch and I want to be part of the support that surrounds the team.
    I spoke to the Whitecaps front office this morning and they were very apologetic towards what happened and said they would do whatever it took to make things better. They will be contacting me later today or tomorrow with what they plan on doing for me. I don’t blame the Whitecaps for what happened and I appreciate them wanting to try to make things right but at this point I don’t feel like ever returning to a game at Empire Field and likely a game ever again but as it has been pointed out to me by others on Twitter I should give BC Place a shot, which I likely will.
    The only reason I’m writing this is to clear up my tweets from yesterday and that hopefully this won’t happen to another fan again. I know this is one person’s opinion and side of the story and had security given me a reason why
    Post edited by The_Real_Deal at 2011-08-08 13:46:35
    aka "Tractor Boy" Member # 003
    Former President & Director of Events
    Twitter : http://twitter.com/#!/604chrisdeal
    253 Row 2 Seat 3
  • CumbieCumbie
    Posts: 91
    'I'm partial to Celtic FC' and you wonder why you were thrown out?
    but seriously the treatment you received is shocking.
  • ChrisChris
    Posts: 5,415
    Wow. How many new people did they have working the south end that they didn't know what "you fat bastard" was for?
    #-O
    Southsiders' Director of Merchandise - Twitter: @Chris_Withers - Member #180 - 251/4/101
  • SeathanaichSeathanaich
    Posts: 3,570
    The security guy in the north side came up to ensure we knew where we were supposed to be, as I got my kids, my dad, and my friends all into close (but not contiguous) seats. He didn't say a thing to the people behind me who stood through the entire match (though nobody was right behind them), and certainly didn't say anything to me about my large banner, or the flags my kids waved. There were no problems, so he didn't go looking for any. Also, the guy at the gate was great in allowing my huge banner, which did NOT have an approval sticker. The fact I could say "Hilary Campbell" was probably important.

    Based on the stories in this thread, what I don't get is why there isn't a clearer chain of command. The "privates" and "corporals" in the stadium appear to be making decisions which only "sergeants" or officers should be making. In the military we entrust corporals with a certain level of responsibility, but they still have to get permission on other things. It seems to me that the security problems people have come down to the supervisors either letting the foot soldiers do whatever they want, or believing everything they say about spectators, rather than actually verifying what they claim.
    Pronounced "shaw-neech", with the final 'ch' like that in 'loch'. http://juandefucaplate.ca/
    Vancouver Whitecaps 1978 - Aberdeen FC 1980 - Victoria Vistas 1989 - Victoria Highlanders 2009
  • OldFanOldFan
    Posts: 3,530
    Cumbie said:

    'I'm partial to Celtic FC' and you wonder why you were thrown out?
    but seriously the treatment you received is shocking.






    I would bet most of those "security " power trippers don't even know what a "Celtic fc" is
  • It's a basketball team in Boston!

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