What is
it about large crowds that make people feel like they can do whatever
they want? A friend recently described to me a trip to a sporting
event, ruined by a few other fans that sounded all too familiar.
We have all been there. It wasn’t long ago that Terry Holland
wrote an open letter to Pirate fans about the very issue. You’re
at a sporting event trying to enjoy yourself, but there are a few folks
there whose object (it seems) is to disrupt the enjoyment of everyone
else. Whether they are shouting obscenities, starting fights, or
just too drunk to be in public, these guys seem to take it as their
personal responsibility to annoy everyone around them.
A friend of mine attended the most recent NASCAR race at Lowe’s Motor
Speedway in Charlotte. Of course this is one of the 10 races in
the chase for the Nextel Cup. A hot ticket to say the least, and
my friend and his company had planned and looked forward to the event
for months.
The trouble started before the race even did. Everyone gathered
in their seats as it was time for the singing of the national
anthem. Throughout the song several intoxicated individuals
refused to give their due attention, but at this point everyone let it
go. Next up was the invocation, a tradition before the start of
every race. During which the same individuals refused to be
quiet. When someone nearby my friend asked the loud ones to quiet
down, they promptly responded “there’s no God”.
This as I understand was repeated throughout and even after the prayer
was completed. At this point several people around my friend were
getting extremely upset, and a confrontation began. Back and
forth they went, until security had to be called. That quieted
their efforts briefly, but it didn’t last. The belligerent
gentlemen continued, adding aggressive behavior towards anyone that
made a comment. Eventually everyone in the surrounding area was
ready to jump in and do whatever it took to shut them up. My
friend and his company eventually left the race with more than 100 laps
to go.
I don’t think it’s a big secret why things like this happen. A
NASCAR race at night is just asking for it. It’s like allowing
people to drink all day before attending a drunken redneck
convention. Look I’m not one to tell you how to have a good time,
but come on, have a little self control and respect for those around
you, who by the way are there for the same reason as you, trying to
have a good time. Drinking and having a good time is one thing,
we all enjoy it, but know your limit of self control.
It happened to me at the last Pirate game. Although mine was
admittedly a minor situation, we had gentlemen in front of us that
insisted on standing on top of their seats, for the entire game.
If you want to stand up, fine, I don’t have a problem with that.
I think most people want to stand up and cheer and enjoy the game
etc. However, it is another thing for grown men to stand on top
of their seats, for no good reason, for the majority of the game.
The bottom line is that when you get that many people together in one
spot, things like this are going to happen. In large crowds
people seem to lose their inhibitions and do things they normally
wouldn’t, I guess the alcohol probably helps. You know who you
are, and if it’s you, respect the right of everyone else to enjoy the
show, and don’t ruin my time!
