New food and drink policy at Arena - apparently

[Jayboy]

I fully agree.. A lot of different people are experiencing this insane policy.
I can see the reason behind the the security checks on electronic items, although only to a certain extent. But this food ban is entirely unreasonable, I know for certainty, they are taking all food stuffs from people.. Frubes and petit felous yogurts for kids, crisps and any drinks. When challenged they just recite the mantra they have all been brainwashed into believing is totally OK, 'you can refill the empty bottles at any kiosk! Tipping out water to go and refill with water!!
This is 100% an attempt to get everybody pay extortionate prices at the food outlets..
Yet completely ignore calls to price reasonably..

Jayboy

[smbmetal]

I'm not for one minute sticking up for the Arena or Security here, but the rules are clearly stated on their website, which has already been linked on this thread.

Whilst I personally don't agree with many of those rules, especially the medication one, unfortunately they are being enforced, whether legally or not, that is up for debate and certainly not an area I particularly understand. Isn't there something around you adhere to the T&C's of the venue when purchasing a ticket? Sorry, not something I understand.

Just don't bring any of these listed items into the arena if you don't want hassle would be my view.

I agree it's extremely frustrating, but those are the current rules which the arena appear to be enforcing to the letter.

My advice, complain to the arena in writing and the Steelers organisation. If it starts to affect people not coming to watch the Steelers I'm sure Tony will take note. The Steelers Stream feed might get some extra revenue though, cause that's where I watch the Steelers now

[mark]

It's long been the case that you should not be taking your own food and drink into the Arena, that has often been honoured in the breach by fans who like me, refuse to pay the rip off prices charged inside. However for babies, people using medication , diabetics etc there needs to be a proper exception in the rules since leaving it down to common sense is clearly not working. The no laptops/ipads rule is clearly stated on their website but again can be dealt with by saying it needs to stay in your bag during the event, I would not like to risk leaving a work laptop in my car if I had travelled straight from work. Unfortunately the people enforcing these rules have either been told not to make their own judgement calls or are the type of people working security because they are not capable of doing anything better, maybe a bit of both.

If you have had issues then emails to Tony explaining the problem is the way to move forward, he's going to have more influence than any single fan in getting things changed. And you can always complain to the Arena if you believe you have been treated in an unprofessional manner by the door staff.

Cameras... It says no professional cameras, I got approached a while back for using my Canon 50d with a 70-300 Zoom lens, said it was too big so I asked what was the maximum size allowed and they said 35mm, obviously confusing film size with lens size, not sure anyone outside a professional still uses 35mm and even then it's probably not for sport. Bottom line is they don't have a clue. Then there's the fact that the Steelers say they are quite happy with people using cameras, just don't have the flash enabled.

[Jayboy]

In my opinion the rules where adhered to far better when they were more relaxed with, fans by and large didn't take the pee... Mostly only taking in maybe a drink and the odd snack.. And door staff would sensibly let these through.. Those fans would often then buy chips and the other cheaper offerings..
I feel, The security aspect is entirely different argument, one that certainly has some merit... The way the rules are policed are a massive issue for me, some of the staff seem to set out to antagonise people from the off..

Jayboy

[Brian]

The food and drink issue is indeed one held up by many venues ( not most racecourses interestingly ) . Don't know if it's ever been challenged legally. There could be a case for saying they are falsely creating a monopoly and that is certainly illegal in the wider scheme of things.

[heathk01]

I have to say we have never experienced a problem not as yet anyway, but, I must say most of the staff do not seem to know what they are doing . Except for the odd ones who have been their years and always have. A smile and a friendly word the others always seem bored and do not want to be there, they do not have people skills at all. I never see the same people twice. It is not a pleasant experience getting in and I feel for the paying fans ( cos without us they wouldn’t even have a job ) that have to battle every step of the way to get into the arena. There is a lot to be said for getting the stream and staying home . The car park is just as bad. They think they are the bees knees . Their attitude is YOU WILL DO AS WE SAY.

[Jayboy]

The door staff were being proper tools tonight.. They left an old lady physically shaking in embarrassment... Surely an own goal after own goal at the moment!
No need for this verbal and mental abuse, to make a few extra quid...

Jayboy