Changes at The Bank

[glovedgopher]

Can't college kids add?

 

[GopherLady]

This makes some sense, but couldn't they rent cash registers for 8 events?

Great idea! You have to think - how much business and $ are they losing by not having speedy lines? It has to offset the cost of cash registers. I know, without fail, I had a Dome dog (and beer) at every game at the Dome. After the 1st week of a friend getting me food, and standing in line for part of the 2nd quarter, halftime, and part of the 3rd quarter - I just stuffed myself in the tailgate lot so I wouldn't have to buy food and wait in line. I know the lines got better, but they would have so many more transactions with registers.

Can't college kids add?

Nope, hence, the super long lines!

 

[year of the gopher]

I was at every game except for the Homecoming game, and never had an issue getting in either. I dunno if it's the time we get there or what, but was never longer than any wait I had at the Dome for Vikings games.. In fact the wait for The Bank was significantly less than at the Dome. I think almost every enterance I took was Gate A (our seats are first row in section 109).

The two worst 'game day experiences' we have had are the concessions (wtf no registers?!) and the lack of a tailgating experience. We don't tailgate, but maybe for a few minutes at someone else's 'shindig'.. but it sure would be nice to see the lots adjacent to The Bank filled with tailgaters and students getting their 'game on' prior to the real game. Just makes them more 'rowdy' and fun to watch.

Oh yeah, forgot the huge ass line we have to wait in for the shuttles back to the Fairgrounds where we are parked. That's another pain in the rear we just have to deal with.

Seriously, I don't know where you guys were going in or what time, but my group and I would show up 20 minutes prior to kickoff, go in on the north side and either barely make it in or not make it for the kickoff. I sent an e-mail to Gopher Fan Relations last year complaining about the pat downs and got some canned response about how it's "industry standard". All you had to do to know that pat downs are NOT industry standard is go to a Twins, Vikings, Wild, Wolves, Gopher hockey, or Gopher basketball game. I personally think the security company sold them on the idea that it was necessary to make a few extra bucks.

In any case, I'm quite happy that the pat downs are gone as it should speed up the process substantially.

 

[Unregistered User]

Cash register rental

From their website (which took me all of 3 seconds to find):

"American Point of Sale has one of largest inventories of RENTAL CASH REGISTER units in North America. Whether your need is a couple, or a couple-hundred CASH REGISTERS, we have what you're looking for. From the Church Bazaar to the US Open, we've done them all."

And the kicker is that they are located on University Ave. just east of 280.

 

[GoAUpher]

Cash register rental

From their website (which took me all of 3 seconds to find):

"American Point of Sale has one of largest inventories of RENTAL CASH REGISTER units in North America. Whether your need is a couple, or a couple-hundred CASH REGISTERS, we have what you're looking for. From the Church Bazaar to the US Open, we've done them all."

And the kicker is that they are located on University Ave. just east of 280.

Yea, this needs to get sent to Fan Relations and Maturi.

 

[MrGopher]

Cash register rental

From their website (which took me all of 3 seconds to find):

"American Point of Sale has one of largest inventories of RENTAL CASH REGISTER units in North America. Whether your need is a couple, or a couple-hundred CASH REGISTERS, we have what you're looking for. From the Church Bazaar to the US Open, we've done them all."

And the kicker is that they are located on University Ave. just east of 280.

Excellent find! (even if it took only 3 seconds)

Unless they are somehow ridiculously overpriced, that's just embarrassing. Step it up, U.

 

[Breakin' The Plane]

It wouldn't shock me that some mucky-muck in a business suit had the bright idea that if the vendors walking the stands can add and subtract in their heads there's absolutely no reason that people standing motionless at a counter should have an easier time of doing so.

 

[RailBaronYarr]

If I remember right, didn't they have cash drawers, just not the point of sale system? Renting out a register that you type in the dollar amount for each item won't solve the issue as they all had calculators on hand. Putting one of those rental ones means the unit is just part of the drawer and opens it up when you press "done" or whatever. What they need is a point of sale system that is tailored to their menu (across the board, limited by the specific concession stand based on what they offer) and is also expandable (the database needs to be editable easily and from a central location). The reason for this is you enter in the item ordered and it does the calculation for you, and also allows specials or notes to be placed for each item (hold onions, extra whatever, you get the picture).

While people have pointed out that this type of system would speed the lines up, likely resulting in more business due to less perceived wait and headache, there is another big business factor: people make errors ALL THE TIME at registers. Whether you're counting the money to give back in change or adding it up by hand, people make errors. Even at McDonalds where the addition is automatic, tills come up off by up to $5 on a 4 hour shift because of this. Aramark is most likely missing out on a lot of cash (especially because only a handful of registers accept credit cards) and should realize this. My dad made point of sale systems for a time and most small pizza places in the area that went through him said that in a month they were typically short by $100 or more. Seems like a worthwhile investment with all those tills in the stadium and more than 7 events planned per year with the advent of concerts and other sports there.

 

[Gopher in Dixie]

I don't recall there being any problems at MTSU in their concessions and they also did NOT have any cash registers that I recall. Admittedly, this is a smaller stadium and crowd than TCF, but really how hard can it be?

 

[2727Gopher]

Seriously, I don't know where you guys were going in or what time, but my group and I would show up 20 minutes prior to kickoff, go in on the north side and either barely make it in or not make it for the kickoff. I sent an e-mail to Gopher Fan Relations last year complaining about the pat downs and got some canned response about how it's "industry standard". All you had to do to know that pat downs are NOT industry standard is go to a Twins, Vikings, Wild, Wolves, Gopher hockey, or Gopher basketball game. I personally think the security company sold them on the idea that it was necessary to make a few extra bucks.

In any case, I'm quite happy that the pat downs are gone as it should speed up the process substantially.

When did you last go to a Vikings game? I go to several each year and they are always doing pat downs.

 

[Formo]

Seriously, I don't know where you guys were going in or what time, but my group and I would show up 20 minutes prior to kickoff, go in on the north side and either barely make it in or not make it for the kickoff. I sent an e-mail to Gopher Fan Relations last year complaining about the pat downs and got some canned response about how it's "industry standard". All you had to do to know that pat downs are NOT industry standard is go to a Twins, Vikings, Wild, Wolves, Gopher hockey, or Gopher basketball game. I personally think the security company sold them on the idea that it was necessary to make a few extra bucks.

In any case, I'm quite happy that the pat downs are gone as it should speed up the process substantially.

This is funny. I'm guessing that you guys showed up 20 minutes before kickoff is why the lines took so long. The majority of people show up only a few minutes or so before kickoff. Get there early, enjoy the gameday experience, and walk in with virtually no line (like I have 6 times last year).

As far as the pat downs go, that WILL be nice. Although I didn't think it was all that bad either. Vikings games pat you down as well.

 

[gopherguy05]

This is funny. I'm guessing that you guys showed up 20 minutes before kickoff is why the lines took so long. The majority of people show up only a few minutes or so before kickoff. Get there early, enjoy the gameday experience, and walk in with virtually no line (like I have 6 times last year).

As far as the pat downs go, that WILL be nice. Although I didn't think it was all that bad either. Vikings games pat you down as well.

I like getting to events early, but I can say for the majority of us who tailgate that we would rather spend an extra 45 minutes in the tailgate lot then get into the stadium an hour before kickoff and twiddle our thumbs for 45 minutes.....

 

[GoAUpher]

I like getting to events early, but I can say for the majority of us who tailgate that we would rather spend an extra 45 minutes in the tailgate lot then get into the stadium an hour before kickoff and twiddle our thumbs for 45 minutes.....

Especially when you're coming from the West Bank.

 

[year of the gopher]

I like getting to events early, but I can say for the majority of us who tailgate that we would rather spend an extra 45 minutes in the tailgate lot then get into the stadium an hour before kickoff and twiddle our thumbs for 45 minutes.....

This.

And there are plenty of gates at the stadium that it shouldn't be a huge deal to get people through quickly. It just seemed like last year they didn't really know what the H they were doing from the pat downs to the actual ticket takers. One game, they didn't scan our tickets and I asked why they didn't. The response was that it takes too long to use the scanners. The guy then fumbled around tearing the ticket stubs off my three tickets for a good 10-15 seconds.

 

[year of the gopher]

When did you last go to a Vikings game? I go to several each year and they are always doing pat downs.

Okay, I'll admit it's been a good long time since i've been to a Vikings game. I made an assumption there. The others don't pat down though and one would thing that a pat down would be less necessary in an outdoor stadium than an indoor arena like Mariucci or Williams.

 

[vinko bogataj]

Oh yeah, forgot the huge ass line we have to wait in for the shuttles back to the Fairgrounds where we are parked. That's another pain in the rear we just have to deal with.

This is a stupid complaint, I don't understand what the big deal is. I don't ride the busses and don't see why its a problem for people. Instead of trying to get on a bus, why don't you go to a bar postgame and then take a cab. Wouldn't that be better to enjoy the gameday atmosphere?

 

[vinko bogataj]

I like getting to events early, but I can say for the majority of us who tailgate that we would rather spend an extra 45 minutes in the tailgate lot then get into the stadium an hour before kickoff and twiddle our thumbs for 45 minutes.....

Bingo. I get a kick out of the responses that say, well it's not a problem for me, so it shouldn't be an issue for anyone... The stadium was exceptionally well done, but the operation was far from perfect. As consumers, and that is what we are, we have a right to ask for better service and efficiency as long as we buy the ducats. For those who say- "the U is perfect and runs it perfect so if you don't like it, don't buy tickets"- remember we don't have an overly extensive waiting list to take that kind of attitude for long. I'm heartened by the University being willing to adjust their policies to provide a better gameday for everyone.

 

[Word]

Don't mean to derail this thread (and didn't want to start a new thread for this) but quick question - are there "Family" bathrooms at TCF bank stadium? Taking my daughter to the game Saturday.

 

[zman]

Don't mean to derail this thread (and didn't want to start a new thread for this) but quick question - are there "Family" bathrooms at TCF bank stadium? Taking my daughter to the game Saturday.

This says there is, but I am not sure where they are.

http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=3731682

Update from another search:

Restrooms – Restrooms are ADA accessible and located throughout the main concourse. Family restrooms are located
at sections 101, 119, 127 and 144.

 

[Word]

Thanks for the info!

 

[Formo]

This is a stupid complaint, I don't understand what the big deal is. I don't ride the busses and don't see why its a problem for people. Instead of trying to get on a bus, why don't you go to a bar postgame and then take a cab. Wouldn't that be better to enjoy the gameday atmosphere?

When you pay for a yearly pass for parking (and tailgating), you tend to use that spot. Ours just ends up being at the Fairgrounds, which the U shuttles for free. You are assuming that I enjoy the bar scene (which for the most part I don't), and really, I save so much more money than I would if I paid for a taxi to the stadium, then hit up the bar and dropped $$$ there and then paid for a taxi home.

It isn't a stupid complaint because it's a pain in the rear. Try it once.

 

[Formo]

Bingo. I get a kick out of the responses that say, well it's not a problem for me, so it shouldn't be an issue for anyone... The stadium was exceptionally well done, but the operation was far from perfect. As consumers, and that is what we are, we have a right to ask for better service and efficiency as long as we buy the ducats. For those who say- "the U is perfect and runs it perfect so if you don't like it, don't buy tickets"- remember we don't have an overly extensive waiting list to take that kind of attitude for long. I'm heartened by the University being willing to adjust their policies to provide a better gameday for everyone.

While it's great to see the U adjusting their policies, the lines to get in the stadium aren't as bad as some of you have experienced.. Camp Randall sucks worse to get in.. The Dome sucks worse to get in.. And I'm sure many other football stadiums across the country are just as bad or worse to get in. Face it, there's gonna be lines.. Don't wanna wait? Figure out a more productive way to get in.

I get that the complaints got the U to open their ears and minds and changed their system of entry. But no matter what they do, short of dropping us all in via parachutes (like the Illlinois game last year), we are going to end up waiting in a line of sorts to get in.

I'm more surprised that this was more of an issue than the concessions were. Now THAT'S something to complain about.

 

[Word]

Wonder if they'll quit patting EVERYONE down...you'd think if the Twins don't feel it's necessary, it shouldn't be a big deal for TCF. Or are they really that worried about people smuggling booze into the games?

This would be one way to really speed up the lines.

 

[GopherRock]

While it's great to see the U adjusting their policies, the lines to get in the stadium aren't as bad as some of you have experienced.. Camp Randall sucks worse to get in.. The Dome sucks worse to get in.. And I'm sure many other football stadiums across the country are just as bad or worse to get in. Face it, there's gonna be lines.. Don't wanna wait? Figure out a more productive way to get in.

SDSU must have been the only game you went to last year, and maybe Cal. That was the only game that was relatively painless to get in. Otherwise, getting in was a MAJOR pain in the neck at every other game.

Camp Randall, Kinnick, Husky, Autzen, and DKR (Texas) are all bigger and easier to get into than the Brickhouse was last year. Moving around once you got in was another matter entirely, but that's another argument for another day.

 

[vinko bogataj]

When you pay for a yearly pass for parking (and tailgating), you tend to use that spot. Ours just ends up being at the Fairgrounds, which the U shuttles for free. You are assuming that I enjoy the bar scene (which for the most part I don't), and really, I save so much more money than I would if I paid for a taxi to the stadium, then hit up the bar and dropped $$$ there and then paid for a taxi home.

It isn't a stupid complaint because it's a pain in the rear. Try it once.

Exactly the point of my posts, thanks for taking the bait. The point: Apply the same logic to others complaints that you do your own. You validate your own issue because it impacts you, yet brush off others because they apply to someone other than you. Try to look beyond your own issues and see the whole picture. FWIW, I think they need to improve the bussing situation as well, even though I don't ride it since I tailgate across the road. Here's another helpful hint, the smilie should have given my sarcasm away. Thanks for playing.

Also, I've been to Camp Randall multiple times, Spartan Stadium, the Big House, Northwestern and am a Twins season ticket holder as well. There is no other stadium worse to get into than the Bank. Something tells me that if the University is making adjustments, they recognize it as well, ya think?

 

[Formo]

SDSU must have been the only game you went to last year, and maybe Cal. That was the only game that was relatively painless to get in. Otherwise, getting in was a MAJOR pain in the neck at every other game.

Camp Randall, Kinnick, Husky, Autzen, and DKR (Texas) are all bigger and easier to get into than the Brickhouse was last year. Moving around once you got in was another matter entirely, but that's another argument for another day.

The only game I missed last year was Purdue.

Like I said, it's the timing. If you want to wait until 20 minutes before kickoff (with 40,000 other people) to get in the stadium, then you are gonna wait. Get in the stadium, walk around, enjoy a handful of Subways, brats, pizza and sodas before getting to your seat. Hanging out by the student section can always be fun(ny) as well before you get to your seat.

It's kinda give and take. I had more issues getting into Camp Randall (and that was probably because our timing was off) and getting into Viking games than I ever have getting into the Bank.

 

[Formo]

Exactly the point of my posts, thanks for taking the bait. The point: Apply the same logic to others complaints that you do your own. You validate your own issue because it impacts you, yet brush off others because they apply to someone other than you. Try to look beyond your own issues and see the whole picture. FWIW, I think they need to improve the bussing situation as well, even though I don't ride it since I tailgate across the road. Here's another helpful hint, the smilie should have given my sarcasm away. Thanks for playing.

Also, I've been to Camp Randall multiple times, Spartan Stadium, the Big House, Northwestern and am a Twins season ticket holder as well. There is no other stadium worse to get into than the Bank. Something tells me that if the University is making adjustments, they recognize it as well, ya think?

Well, I DID say it was something I opted to deal with. I can't expect the U to figure something out with the shuttles because I haven't come up with something that's obviously better. My point was that there's ALWAYS going to be issues during gameday.. The drunk bastard behind you spilling his beverage on your new Goldy shirt, the peanut/Cracker Jack guy NEVER gets down/up to your seats, the concession lines never move fast enough, the soda is sometimes flat, there is no beer being sold at the Bank, the pat down guy touched my 'no-no' spot, etc, etc, etc..

I only brought up the shuttle situation because it's a pain in the butt.

 

[Formo]

Also, I've been to Camp Randall multiple times, Spartan Stadium, the Big House, Northwestern and am a Twins season ticket holder as well. There is no other stadium worse to get into than the Bank. Something tells me that if the University is making adjustments, they recognize it as well, ya think?

Or you'd think the drones of fans would think of geting to the stadium sooner than 20 minutes prior to kick off, no?

 

[vinko bogataj]

Well, I DID say it was something I opted to deal with. I can't expect the U to figure something out with the shuttles because I haven't come up with something that's obviously better. My point was that there's ALWAYS going to be issues during gameday.. The drunk bastard behind you spilling his beverage on your new Goldy shirt, the peanut/Cracker Jack guy NEVER gets down/up to your seats, the concession lines never move fast enough, the soda is sometimes flat, there is no beer being sold at the Bank, the pat down guy touched my 'no-no' spot, etc, etc, etc..
I only brought up the shuttle situation because it's a pain in the butt.

The highlighted section could easily be handled (pun intended) by hiring strippers to handle that portion of the check... That said, I tend to think that the University itself saw the lines as a problem and a big enough one that they took action, don't know how anyone can argue that. As I said in my initial post, the University needs to view their ticketholders as customers and be responsive to issues that it can control and improve in. Your comparison to some guy spilling on you is an isolated accident and not a managed sequence. I see your comparisons as apples and oranges.

 

[vinko bogataj]

Or you'd think the drones of fans would think of getting to the stadium sooner than 20 minutes prior to kick off, no?

Again, the University itself evidently agrees with those of us who found their process unacceptable, otherwise, why make the change. Their actions are acknowledgment of the problem. You seem to be the only one arguing that it wasn't.

Anyway- Enjoy the game tomorrow, I think we can both agree a blowout win would make the day more enjoyable regardless of wait lines, concession cash registers or slow busses. Peace.