Again-you cannot throw things or threaten people. You CANNOT. It's not about having thin skin. It's about what's acceptable in society.
Happens to visiting fans at every arena. People screw around in good fun, an empty cup, a peanut, whatever. I'm not saying I encourage it, I'm merely stating that its going to happen and its not that big of a deal. "Hostile environment" means exactly that, hostile.
When I go to the movie theaters, almost every single time someone is going to have their phone out/have it go off in the middle of the movie or someone is going to be talking. Annoying yes, but do I go out and tattle on them? No, its just not worth it. And I've seen people(not myself) throw popcorn and straws at others making noise. People just shut up and dont make an ordeal out of it.
You state that if you don't like it, then don't go. This isn't about people going to a bar and being offended about people drinking and being drunk.
I dont know if you've noticed, but all major sports, and some college arena's have liquor licenses and PLENTY of fans turn into bad people. It is very common that people go to games to drink. College games? Probably even more so with drunk students. This is why most places have either a family/non-alcohol section or an alcohol section. This is why we organize group ticket buys to sit next to each other as Bradley fans at games. Or why the sports office works with the opposing school to designate a Bradley section. Its "our area".
Perhaps you should be lobbying for a family section or an alcohol section.
This is about people going to watch a basketball game and cheer on their team while having to tolerate people obnoxious, offensive "fans." Buying a ticket does not give you the right to threaten other fans, etc. That other person paid just as much as you did and has every right to enjoy the game.
Again, I never said anyone had the right to, but you have to know its going to happen and it will always happen walking into someone elses home court. And not just at sports events either. Any casual public ticketed event will have this issue.
If these actions continue, then people won't go. Basketball is a great game and should strive to be inclusive. There are, sadly, far too many examples of offensive fans, which many people tend to remember longer than the positive experiences they may have had at other games.
The topic of this thread is about going into an intense rivals home court and I should probably reiterate here that I'm specifically focusing on whats just bound to happen when you show up in a stadium full of fans that hate your team. And psychologically, some people dwell on the negative. That's their problem, there will always be something negative.
So if my GF or mom get offended at a game, then they should grow a pair? FAIL? You're on the wrong side of the fence here.
Look up the definition of a metaphor, instead of using a literal translation.
There's a big difference between good-natured banter and harassing, threatening, and THROWING things.
Please let this point be clear: YOU CANNOT THROW THINGS
Again,
been happening for years. If it happens once, just brush it off.
And I have zero problems with people removing loud, obnoxious drunken fans.
If they're starting fights, then yes, they should and will be removed. But being loud, drunk, or saying bad words? What is this the word police?
And regarding swearing around children, you have to be a stupid parent to bring your kid to ISU, SIU, or any opposing team for that matter without sitting in "our" section (group buy, organized, etc) or finding a family section if there is one. Thats just lack of common sense.
I see parents bring their children to the bleachers at Wrigley. Why? Thats just asking for trouble.
Personally, I wouldn't have a problem with them removing alcohol sales from college and pro games (not that I expect it or am pushing for it-the vast majority of fans that drink do so responibly).
They make way too much money off of alcohol sales. The best solution here would be to have Family/Non alcoholic sections and alcohol sections. Until then, its just going to happen.
You walk into another teams home court, expect it, and if you dont like it, dont go to
their home games.