MN Twins Fans Security - Gopher Stadium

[Bayfieldgopher]

In

It would be great if they got rid of the detectors entirely….

In the real world, in March we went through Israeli hightened security at the Miami airport (complete with trained dogs, electronics plus leading questions) in a timely manner. We did what was required for the privilege to enter their country. A few days later while visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem security was very efficient and smooth. Lots of attractive female IDF fully armed and ready to do their job. They don't mess around and are highly trained. The IDF presence does matter but there is a reason for it. At this time, we don't have that same reason in the USA.

If you want security, show some strength and force, if needed, rather than messing around with "this and that" which accomplishes nothing other than pissing people off. But this is how our country works. Thank God we still do have some sense of security in our soft world.

 

[PMWinSTP]

No, the initial discussion was around getting through security at Gopher games. You added in walking distance and concourse time at other stadiums. I can find a way to navigate concourses and walk faster. I can't push my way through security. That's the rate limiting step that needs addressing here.

Commented on comparing experiences others shared here, like Beaver Stadium. To me it is relevant.

 

[PMWinSTP]

In

In the real world, in March we went through Israeli hightened security at the Miami airport (complete with trained dogs, electronics plus leading questions) in a timely manner. We did what was required for the privilege to enter their country. A few days later while visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem security was very efficient and smooth. Lots of attractive female IDF fully armed and ready to do their job. They don't mess around and are highly trained. The IDF presence does matter but there is a reason for it. At this time, we don't have that same reason in the USA.

If you want security, show some strength and force, if needed, rather than messing around with "this and that" which accomplishes nothing other than pissing people off. But this is how our country works. Thank God we still do have some sense of security in our soft world.

Conversely, I recently spent an hour in the security line at SeaTac to fly back to the Twin Cities.

I also have been to 3-4 Saints games this year. One gate with two metal detectors, no wait but the crowds were in the 2000 range.

 

[tjgopher]

Ahh, the more than annual stadium entry thread. I'll add my regular comments. I can count on one hand, since the stadium opened, the times had to wait more than five minutes to get through security, and most were my fault for getting there late.

Curious, how early do you get to the gate?

 

[pharmacygopher]

Commented on comparing experiences others shared here, like Beaver Stadium. To me it is relevant.

I brought up PSU wait in the security line as an example of using updated technology...as you pointed out, was 10-15 mins (less for me). You for some reason added your walk time from the parking lot and walking around the concourse. Again, how are those relevant to TCF/HBS security times? Most people would be thrilled with 10 mins here if it was consistent.

Again, the conversation is about using updated technology to go through security faster. Seems pretty simple. Not sure how this is an argument unless you like waiting.

 

[Whytetale]

It would be great if they got rid of the detectors entirely….

Why is it so much more dangerous going to Gopher Football games than Gopher WBB ? Getting into WBB requires me to occasionally take off my hat. It's obvious that they don't know me, as there is nothing of interest under my hat. While for FB, we all know the nonsensical protocol there.

 

[DarthGopher]

Most of the bean counters in the AD could care less about the fan experience from getting into the stadium, the lines at the toilets, the inefficiency, supplies, and prices at the concession stands.
If you have to wait because of security because of the minuscule chance someone is bringing a bomb, too bad.

I wonder if it has more to do with preventing people from bringing in their own food and beverages under the guise of "security" than it has to do with actually stopping someone from bringing a bomb to the game.

To me it feels an awful lot like security theater. I'm assuming many of the workers are not highly trained and also not highly paid. Having said that, the likelihood one of these people is going to thwart a terrorist plot does not seem all that high, especially given the consistency can vary wildly from gate to gate and game to game.

I believe there needs to be security, don't get me wrong. Since my son is in the marching band, we bee line for the gate as soon as pre-game in front of Mariucci wraps up. For two years, we have not missed step off, so I don't know if we are lucky or we are just early enough to beat the big rush. Sometimes bag checks can be brutally slow.

 

[DarthGopher]

It is so strange.

I'll head to the stadium and get in and realize ... I really could have spent more time outside ... other times I leaver earlier, and it's less of a big game ... and it's barely enough to get to my seat.

It doesn't make sense.

The only thing consistent is how inconsitent it is from gate to gate and game to game.

 

[watertown 1987 guy n]

Reviewed the company a bit: Always naysayers against change, no security system 100% effective, cost less over time because need less security people at the gate. As far as I know the Evolv only claims to be a gun detection system that also does a pretty good job of identifying knives but no claims about a bomb detection system so that is no different than the current Gopher solution. So as a solution we fans at a minimum can get the same security and there is no waiting in line. Apparently more than 30 pro sports teams have it installed and more than 300 schools around the country. Must work ok, I’d give the benefit to the Twins front office that they know what they’re doing w technology, and yes, care about the entire fan experience.

 

[FredCoxRocks]

Ahh, the more than annual stadium entry thread. I'll add my regular comments. I can count on one hand, since the stadium opened, the times had to wait more than five minutes to get through security, and most were my fault for getting there late.

I know what you’re saying, but c’mon…you gotta admit it sucks. It’s a terrible system compared to many, many other arenas. And I agree with schnauzer.

 

[Gophers_4life]

Lots of attractive female IDF fully armed and ready to do their job.

Attractive? Does that help with security?

 

[Gophers_4life]

Curious, how early do you get to the gate?

LOL, probably after the game starts.

Tailgating is fun!

 

[Gophers_4life]

Reviewed the company a bit: Always naysayers against change, no security system 100% effective, cost less over time because need less security people at the gate. As far as I know the Evolv only claims to be a gun detection system that also does a pretty good job of identifying knives but no claims about a bomb detection system so that is no different than the current Gopher solution. So as a solution we fans at a minimum can get the same security and there is no waiting in line. Apparently more than 30 pro sports teams have it installed and more than 300 schools around the country. Must work ok, I’d give the benefit to the Twins front office that they know what they’re doing w technology, and yes, care about the entire fan experience.

PE only spewed against them because their system claims to rely on AI.

He hates anything AI.

 

[Word]

I'm just wondering if there's a way where they could add entry points. Could they use the big black gates at the west end of the stadium as additional entry points? I know there are some concessions there, so not sure if they could make that work.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

This idea of perceived security is ridiculous to begin with. For decades you could walk straight into a sporting event and everyone was just fine. Get rid of the damn things.

I don't think it's a coincidence that mass shootings don't happen in sports venues. I welcome the protection, but we should learn from other venues that do it better.

 

[forever a gopher]

The Twins entry and general fan experience is second to none (locally anyway). You can bring an entire pizza through the gate (done that). Security is quick. You can bring in empty water bottles to fill. At HBS I've had to leave two empty Nalgene water bottles at the security point of HBS because they are prohibited (seriously, WTF, empty water bottles??).

Why is security at Williams/Mariucci far simpler than HBS? All you have to do is lift your hat, open your coat, and they may have a token look at your clear bag. At HBS is almost like the airport - I wouldn't be surprised to start seeing cavity searches there.

The entry wait times vary based on kickoff time. A neighbor tailgater noted this one time, and since, I've taken note and it holds true. If it's an 11am kickoff, the wait times are far worse. If it's a later (any non-11am game), the wait times are far less. The working theory is that because people don't start tailgating until later for 11am games, they don't leave for the game until the last minute, thus the backup. When the game is later, people start earlier, and thus some filter in through the gates earlier, relieving the backup.

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

I'm just wondering if there's a way where they could add entry points. Could they use the big black gates at the west end of the stadium as additional entry points? I know there are some concessions there, so not sure if they could make that work.

They open an extra gate on the open end sometimes.

But like the usual paradox goes, it doesn’t seem to make things faster, regardless, how many people attend…..

 

[howeda7]

You're going to give one of the local TV channels a sweeps week story idea.

And Dave St. Peter an ulcer.

 

[PMWinSTP]

Curious, how early do you get to the gate?

Usually about 30 minutes before scheduled kickoff.

 

[PMWinSTP]

I brought up PSU wait in the security line as an example of using updated technology...as you pointed out, was 10-15 mins (less for me). You for some reason added your walk time from the parking lot and walking around the concourse. Again, how are those relevant to TCF/HBS security times? Most people would be thrilled with 10 mins here if it was consistent.

Again, the conversation is about using updated technology to go through security faster. Seems pretty simple. Not sure how this is an argument unless you like waiting.

Sure, the walk time is less relevant but I wanted to show the vast difference in total time. The time from entering the security line until I am in my seat is absolutely relevant.

 

[PMWinSTP]

I'm just wondering if there's a way where they could add entry points. Could they use the big black gates at the west end of the stadium as additional entry points? I know there are some concessions there, so not sure if they could make that work.

They have used them.

 

[Hates Monikers]

I'm just wondering if there's a way where they could add entry points. Could they use the big black gates at the west end of the stadium as additional entry points? I know there are some concessions there, so not sure if they could make that work.

That's one of my pet peeves: They do use the big black gates at the west end -- sometimes. Not every game, and not for the entire entry period when they do. Why the inconsistency?

 

[Mr. 131]

Ahh, the more than annual stadium entry thread. I'll add my regular comments. I can count on one hand, since the stadium opened, the times had to wait more than five minutes to get through security, and most were my fault for getting there late.

I am a real punctual fella, but I also don't think it should take more than 5 minutes to get in regardless of when you show up. It might be a Utopia...but I also was a Twins game last week and I was floored at how fast I got in with no fuss.

 

[PMWinSTP]

I am a real punctual fella, but I also don't think it should take more than 5 minutes to get in regardless of when you show up. It might be a Utopia...but I also was a Twins game last week and I was floored at how fast I got in with no fuss.

That is Utopia.

 

[bleedsmaroonandgold]

I go to over 20 sports events a year with Gopher football, Twins, Gopher hockey, MN United, and Wild being the main ones. Gopher football is by far the worst in terms of backups. I know about the issues at Gopher football so I'm usually in line at least 30 minutes before kickoff, but for the casual fan who isn't aware of the mess that it is, it can leave them with a bad experience. In my opinion the Gophers need to do everything they can to fix the entrance issues. Maybe talk to the pro teams to learn how to do it better???

I always get annoyed when people dismiss this part of the narrative. It is easy to say, in a vacuum "Gopher football doesn't do very well with stadium entry" and easy to reply "just get there earlier." But many people who attend many sporting events seem to consistently have worse experiences at HBS than at other venues. We can believe our eyes, and if others can do it better, Gopher football can too (if they were so motivated).

 

[PMWinSTP]

I go to over 20 sports events a year with Gopher football, Twins, Gopher hockey, MN United, and Wild being the main ones. Gopher football is by far the worst in terms of backups. I know about the issues at Gopher football so I'm usually in line at least 30 minutes before kickoff, but for the casual fan who isn't aware of the mess that it is, it can leave them with a bad experience. In my opinion the Gophers need to do everything they can to fix the entrance issues. Maybe talk to the pro teams to learn how to do it better???

A friend had Vikings ST for years and I went to 2-3 home games a year with him at US Bank. If we did not get to the gates at least 25/30 minutes before kickoff we had a wait of at least 15/20 minutes before getting to security. There is a skyway running from the parking ramps to the stadium, and it would be backed up a good 75 feet. We never went in that way but watched the line very slowly move the whole time we waited in another line.

 

[Bayfieldgopher]

Usually about 30 minutes before scheduled kickoff.

Or more!! Mrs Bayfield and I really enjoy the traditional band pre-game ritual. Plus being there in time to chat with other ST holders and take in any fly-overs, sky divers, etc. Even earlier if we plan on grabbing a gyro and beer.

Plan ahead. Grab a beer/eats at Surly, enjoy the 15 minute stroll and take in the pre-game pep rally. Or grab another beverage at the Mac. Easy. The area watering holes will only add to your frustration. Once again plan ahead. It makes the game day experience much more enjoyable plus avoid the traffic.

Some of the above may not be possible due to the hurry-scurry life style or tail gate glitches. Retirement does have its benefits.

 

[PMWinSTP]

Or more!! Mrs Bayfield and I really enjoy the traditional band pre-game ritual. Plus being there in time to chat with other ST holders and take in any fly-overs, sky divers, etc. Even earlier if we plan on grabbing a gyro and beer.

Plan ahead. Grab a beer/eats at Surly, enjoy the 15 minute stroll and take in the pre-game pep rally. Or grab another beverage at the Mac. Easy. The area watering holes will only add to your frustration. Once again plan ahead. It makes the game day experience much more enjoyable plus avoid the traffic.

Some of the above may not be possible due to the hurry-scurry life style or tail gate glitches. Retirement does have its benefits.

Oh, for sure, I'm there a good 90 minutes prior to kick-off. Catch the band, hit a couple tailgates. Also stay after and grab some food and a beverage somewhere...basically make a day of it.

 

[DarthGopher]

That's one of my pet peeves: They do use the big black gates at the west end -- sometimes. Not every game, and not for the entire entry period when they do. Why the inconsistency?

It keeps the terrorists from figuring out any kind of pattern, and the fans.

 

[Mr. 131]

That is Utopia.

I will have to go to a Twins game later in the year when there are more people, but I believe this Utopia could become a reality based on what I saw there.