Bears Fans Must Clear Lots During Game Under New Conduct Policy

Bears Fans Must Have Ticket To Be Able To Tailgate Outside Of Soldier Field This Season

Bears fans tailgating outside Soldier Field this season without a ticket to the game "will have to leave the parking lots surrounding the stadium at kickoff as part of a new effort to tackle unruly behavior," according to Jason Meisner of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. SMG Senior Manager Luca Serra, whose company manages Soldier Field, said that "those without tickets will still be able to party in the parking lots for up to four hours before game time -- and return once the final whistle blows" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/7). Serra said that "resources and security personnel need to be stationed inside the stadium during the game, not relegated to walking parking lots to watch over unruly fans." Serra: "We just don't want people roaming the parking lots if they do not have tickets." Bears Senior Dir of Corporate Communications Scott Hagel said that under the new "Help Stop UnBEARable Behavior" campaign, ticket holders "can dial a phone number or send a text message to a newly created event services team to report abusive or foul language" (Illinois DAILY HERALD, 8/7).

STEEL CURTAIN: Steelers Chair Dan Rooney said that the team will take the new NFL Fan Code of Conduct "seriously, and there will be consequences for those who run afoul of its guidelines." Rooney: "We're going to throw them out." Steelers President Art Rooney II said that the policy "has necessitated 'a few changes' in the Steelers' game-day operation at Heinz Field, but 'nothing dramatic.'" In Pittsburgh, Mike Prisuta notes the Steelers "have had a fan hot line in place for several seasons and this year will implement a fan text-messaging system that will enable fans to report disturbances or unruly behavior and, in effect, police themselves" (Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 8/7). Also in Pittsburgh, Gene Collier writes while he is "generally a fan" of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, these "noble efforts are likely too late, particularly in Pittsburgh" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/7).

TITANS: Titans Senior Exec VP & General Counsel Steve Underwood said that fans "will notice some changes at LP Field," as there "will be new signage reminding fans of expected conduct." Rules about the "sale and possession of alcoholic beverages will be strictly enforced." Underwood: "We are also going to have stepped-up patrols from our security staff." In Nashville, Joe Biddle writes, "Although some might argue Goodell is trying to turn the NFL into the Goody Two Shoes League, all he is asking of fans is to show a little self-control. Is it too much to ask some wild-eyed drunk not to drown the fan in front of him with a beer?" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 8/7).