Head's up on MACC

[hammb]

Hey guys, at my wife's urging I called to speak with the folks at Ford Field today, and I'm so glad I did. I never considered it as an option since it's not an NFL game, but I was informed that they will be enforcing NFL policies with regards to what you're allowed to take into Ford field.

For me that means scrambling for a sitter since we cannot take a diaper bag or anything more than a ziploc bag in to take diapers, bottles, etc for the little one. For the rest of you it means no bags larger than a hand bag will be allowed. No backpacks, no purses, no duffels, etc. The exception is a clear ziploc bag may be taken in.


I was shocked that they are enforcing the stupid NFL rules, but it is what it is, I've dealt with it before while attending NFL games. Just wanted to provide a head's up here to those that A) aren't aware of those NFL rules, or B) hadn't considered they would enforce them for a college game.

[Flipper]

Excellent post!!!!!

We have a fan base that includes people who complained when they couldn't bring a cooked ham into the new arena. This will be a shock to many....

[kdog27]

It was the same way when we played Tennessee in Nashville.

[Redwingtom]

The radio guys in Detroit going to the Lions game tonight are planning to get to the game an extra 1.5 hours early to be sure to get through security. I guess after Paris (and now CA) they're not cutting any corners, and you can't really blame them. I'm sure it will be much less due to the smaller crowd tomorrow, but I'd still plan on an extra 45 minutes to be certain you don't miss kickoff.

That being said, how is anyone supposed to be able to take a young kid still in the diaper stage to a game with those restrictions?

[BGSU33]

This reminds me of something comical that happened to me when I was at Ford Field for the 2013 MAC Championship. I headed over to the stadium early to get some pictures of the stadium before much of the crowd started filing in, and before I went inside I was standing outside on the sidewalk by the main glass gate area taking pictures when a security vehicle rolled up. The guy put down his window and told me I couldn't take any pictures. I laughed because I honestly thought he was joking around with me....but he wasn't. He told me I was on NFL property and that I couldn't take pictures. I still thought he was joking. But he still wasn't. I asked him what about the sidewalk across the street - which was about 10 feet away - that ran along the side of the parking garage right next to the stadium. He told me that was fine. So I walked about 5 steps across the street, started taking pictures and he drove away. The guy was just doing his job, and I didn't give him a hard time about it at all, but I couldn't help but laugh at how ridiculous it was. It would be like if you got stopped from taking a picture of the Doyt from the road that runs around it, but it was okay if you stepped off the road and onto the grass. SMH.

[hammb]

The radio guys in Detroit going to the Lions game tonight are planning to get to the game an extra 1.5 hours early to be sure to get through security. I guess after Paris (and now CA) they're not cutting any corners, and you can't really blame them. I'm sure it will be much less due to the smaller crowd tomorrow, but I'd still plan on an extra 45 minutes to be certain you don't miss kickoff.

That being said, how is anyone supposed to be able to take a young kid still in the diaper stage to a game with those restrictions?

I don't know man it sucks. I think Dex would have actually enjoyed going...the whole reason we wanted to go was to get him to a game since it was indoors. HE loves the basketball games and seems to like watching football on TV, thought he might enjoy it there.

But I don't know how you could do it, really. You're allowed to put stuff in ziploc bags I guess. You'd have to fill one up with diapers and changing stuff, another with extra clothes, burp clothes etc. Another with bottles for him, but of course you cannot take ice or ice packs in, so you wouldn't be able to keep the bottles cold.

I get it, they want to ramp up security, but I just don't see how their couldn't be exceptions for infants, they can search the bag, etc. In our case I think we're gonna have him at my parents and go without him.

[Falcon137]

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/produ ... cadevice=c" target="_blank

That is an example of a clear bag that is compliant with the NFL clear bag policy. The bottles and formula thing is a sticky point. I don't think any pro stadium lets in any liquid that isn't in a clear sealed water bottle. But, diapers, clothes, etc. should be fine as long as it's in the bag.

The clear bag policy has been in effect for all NFL venues that past 2 years. I think OSU went to it for the MSU game as well.

[hammb]

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/produ ... cadevice=c" target="_blank

That is an example of a clear bag that is compliant with the NFL clear bag policy. The bottles and formula thing is a sticky point. I don't think any pro stadium lets in any liquid that isn't in a clear sealed water bottle. But, diapers, clothes, etc. should be fine as long as it's in the bag.

The clear bag policy has been in effect for all NFL venues that past 2 years. I think OSU went to it for the MSU game as well.

Yeah those bags, or clear ziplocs could work. I cannot find anything on bottles being allowed/disallowed, but I just don't wanna risk it. My kid won't eat pure formula or we could just take the powder and mix it in the bathroom, but he is a spoiled little brat that has to have breast milk. And since wifey isn't the type that will just whip 'em out and feed him in public we would have to bring pre-pumped bottles.

If we could take the diaper bag and bottles it'd be very easy to bring him. Without being able to take that bag, questions about the bottles, etc...we'll just leave him with my parents. I'm not gonna get him up there and then find out that we cannot take in his bottles or whatever.

Just sucks that the world has come to this. I get why it has...just sucks...

[gmartin]

Also please remember there is construction over the Rouge River bridge, exits 43-45, as 4 lanes are down to 2, as well as construction right before Ford Field near exit 50, as 4 lanes are down to 3 as they putting in a mono-rail train system. These two constructions will delay you about 30 minutes.

[Falconfreak90]

Thanks for the tips....

Almost GAME DAY!!!!!!!!

[Falcon Fanatic]

I think someone has posted this every year we've gone to Ford Field. Last year, women came in with their purses. They checked inside them, then let them in. I had my purse (small one) and had no problem. I saw a lady with a huge bag purse and she was allowed in too. So....

GO FALCONS!!!
#BeatNIU

[hammb]

I think someone has posted this every year we've gone to Ford Field. Last year, women came in with their purses. They checked inside them, then let them in. I had my purse (small one) and had no problem. I saw a lady with a huge bag purse and she was allowed in too. So....

GO FALCONS!!!
#BeatNIU

I don't doubt that Marta. I told Tara that I'd be willing to bet anything we'll get up there and find out we could have easily taken our diaper bag in and been fine. I got the distinct impression that the woman I was talking to on the phone new less about NFL (or even Ford Field) bag policy than I do.

That said, we're not taking any risks and my parents are always happy to take the kid off our hands for a night anyhow. I just wanted to let everyone know what I was told. And of course we've been up there for a few years so most people probably have a pretty good feel for it by now anyhow...