Worst game day experience ever.

[BGorDeath]

1. Parking was a joke. Who is the brainiac that decided to remove all parking four weeks prior to the first home game?
2. Only one gate on the east side was open. Yes, that is two less than the west side. Apparently, BG only bought six electronic ticket scanners.
3. Concessions once again went to a new low. Only selling drinks in cups and not providing any trays to carry them in. I was going to purchase more items, but couldn't carry them all. I guess its the university's loss.
4. Parking dolts need to be told to be nicer to those wanting to park. Many of the game attendees are alumni who are now reconsidering making a donation to the university because he was treated like crap.

I hope BG doesn't expect a huge crowd like that at their next home game because it isn't going to happen. While waiting 30 minutes to get into the game, most in line state that they are never coming back. Way to go, BG!

[Falconboy]

Yeah, the AD needs to get their butt in gear to make up for all the construction crap going out there right now with the Stroh. There's no excuse though for fans being treated like crap by parking officials. I'm frankly shocked we got over 20k for a football game. When was the last time that happened. I'm guessing since the last Marshall game as it seems we draw well for them. Don't expect any where near that for the next one though.

[BGDrew]

Game operations wasn't ready for today's game.

- I waited 20 minutes in line to get in the game only to be told the line was only for students (despite the fact there was no sign over the gate to indicate that) and had to walk to another line and wait another 10 minutes.
- Parking attendants treating people like crap was a common complaint. I had friends who wanted to park near us but were told the paved lots were full. The lots didn't fill up until just before the game started.

I'm not going to be able to make many games this year but this experience is making it a lot easier when deciding whether to go to another.

[Falcon Fanatic]

I usually try to avoid being negative on here, but I too, found some things about this game day experience more than a little frustrating. I really hate it when things are not done right and it makes BG look bad.....

[MACMAN]

the team won a game, first of the season, still occ but a win no less, that is some thing. sorry you all had bad experiences, I had a great day. But I was not at the BG football game either.

[jpfalcon09]

I didn't have an issue with the parking guys, but the pre-game food thing was very disorganized. We were lucky enough to get there early to park wherever. Sorry to hear about the problems though, someone should let the AD know so they're corrected before the Buffalo game.

[falconfan1]

He knows. Will improve. What a win- one of the most interesting and entertaining games in recent years. And what a crowd. Tremendous- and involved.

We can correct parking attendent training/performance, gates/scans and and concession issues (I had fans tell me the concessions and pregame food/fest were very good). But we need to communicate and perform better from what I see. Need to as we might draw a pretty good crowd after we win at the Big House (:

But what a game!

Go Falcons!

[Schadenfreude]

Great win today. Beautiful night, solid crowd.

But I agree with others: In terms of traffic it was BY FAR the worst experience ever. It took me the usual two hours to get from Columbus to exit 181 -- and nearly an hour more before I was actually in the stadium.

I still have no idea how parking was supposed to work. With two-thirds of the parking spots now gone, what is it that people were supposed to doing tonight in order to park their cars?

I'm not going to lie. I was absolutely livid tonight. It seemed inept, and I worry some potential fans got run off tonight by it.

[Flipper]

Wasn't at the game, but it sounds like the parking lot reconfiguration exacerbated the usual problems that arise when an actual crowd shows up for a game. The people who work for BGSU are used to handling crowds of 10,000-15,000 Anything above that seems to confuse and perhaps even frighten them. The result is poor service and a number of fans who become convinced that they shouldn't return....

[JoeFalcon]

Simple solutions here people:

1a) Those with SUV's will be allowed to park on top of smaller vehicles.

1b) Those with SUV's will be allowed to run over a-hole parking attendents.

[Dimes]

I rolled into BG around 6:15 and parked in one of the lots behind the field house and had zero problems. I did not have to deal with any rude attendants, but I also didn't get to tailgate either (BOOOOO!)

As for the "long" lines to get in.... have you ever been to a big 10 or SEC game? An extra 10 minutes to walk inside is fine with me! I got to chat with other Falcon fans and soak up some of the gameday atmosphere. A great day and a great win!

[falconfan1999]

Been a season ticket holder for a few years now. NEVER had a problem until yesterday. Season Ticket Holders parking area was closed and it was POORLY parked. They need to have some parking people in there to theoretically maximize the space, especially this year!

We ended up parking on the intramural fields, very close to the Ice Arena. Don't mind the walk, hated waiting 20 minutes to be admitted into the game!

[FalconTurf]

I love the BG experience but as stated on here it doesn't bring those first time fans back to the game - they are lost forever. And I must agree that every time we see a good sized crowd the staff is unable to get them in, feed them and get them out of the parking after the game. I have shared this in past surveys sent out to season ticket holders and I think more has been done for season ticket holders with parking. The once a year fan and first time fans suffer the most. If you don't have an exit plan after the game or an entry plan befor the game you are screwed. I always run Napoleon and come in past Carter Park to avoid Wooster and the I-75 mess. Back in park near gate in season ticket area (must arrive early) and exit the same way crossing Wooster at the stoplight out front.

The game day motto at BG should be "Get 'em in, get 'em served and get 'em home so they'll come again." It may cost more to have extra gates, paid/trained concessionaires and improved routes around the stadium, Ice Arena and now Stroh but it will pay off over time. Historically if BG could get this done we would have been talking about 30,000 at the Boise St. and Minnesota games. Don't need extra seats in the restraunt if you won't staff them and now the Doyt can handle 10,000 less. I fear that isn't small enough.

[Falcon Fanatic]

He knows. Will improve. What a win- one of the most interesting and entertaining games in recent years. And what a crowd. Tremendous- and involved.

We can correct parking attendent training/performance, gates/scans and and concession issues (I had fans tell me the concessions and pregame food/fest were very good). But we need to communicate and perform better from what I see. Need to as we might draw a pretty good crowd after we win at the Big House (:

But what a game!

Go Falcons!

Good to hear! If YOU say that it will improve, then I know it will happen. And it REALLY has to.

Loved the big, loud crowd! Loved watching this team overcome a frustrating 3rd quarter to put the game away! Had a great day with awesome friends at the tailgate!! And loved it that you and AAF stopped by our tailgate area! I know how busy you are on these days and truly appreciate you taking the time to come out and spend a little time with all of us too!

GO FALCONS!!
BEAT THE WEASELS!!

[hutchirish]

Maybe instead of complaining on this board, we should draft a letter to the Athletic Director...Just a thought, but that may be a bit more constructive than complaining in this forum.

Big win for BG though...