The Aviva - people going in and out during games

mr_edge_to_you

Firstly, I have to say that the atmosphere at yesterday's game was easily the best I've ever experienced at a football/rugby match. The only thing that takes away from it is the constant stream of people going in and out to the bars during the match. Been at 2 matches in the Aviva this year so far and numerous occasions over the years but I would say the issue seems to be getting progressively worse.

My tickets cost €60, why would you pay such money for a ticket to spend your time queueing at the bar for pissy pints in a plastic cup instead of watching a truly outstanding game? I saw one guy on FB saying his son spent 40 mins queueing (including the half time break), why would anyone bother?

There was two lads beside us, who were out 3 times during the game. That's basically 30 mins of an 80 minute game. I can't make sense of it. It was the same for the 6N, even though tickets are nearly twice the price.

You also have people coming back in from the bar who seem incapable of following the letters on the ground with the row where their seats are and stand there blocking peoples view.

Definitely think there is a legitimate argument for closing the bars 15 mins before the start of a match and leaving them closed until halftime.

It wasn't as bad in the 2nd half, presumably because the bars close before the end of the game.

testtech05

While I agree with you I don't think it will change any time soon. The Aviva is taking in too much money from it to stop it.

On the point of why people do it, I think more and more people are just going to rugby for the event/to say they were there/posts on Instagram etc.

You see loads of people who are at the games who don't even watch half of it messing with their phones etc when not going to the bar.

Best to just try and ignore it and enjoy the game yourself or at least that's what I do. Each to their own and all that....

BabyEater

I thought the pints were lovely in the AVIVA.

This has been done to death, it is a bit annoying and inconsiderate imo but it isn't going to change.

PTH2009

Happens at all big events in stadiums/arenas etc. So irritating. Worse is the people who seem too walk into the wrong row/section and block views. Dont get me started on people going down the front of the sections too take selfies

Was at the soccer during the week and ur not allowed bring drink out into ur seat

pickarooney

Is there some reason they don't have beer sellers in the stands?

Former Former

PTH2009 wrote: »

Happens at all big events in stadiums/arenas etc. So irritating. Worse is the people who seem too walk into the wrong row/section and block views. Dont get me started on people going down the front of the sections too take selfies

Why do you bother going?

PTH2009 wrote: »

Was at the soccer during the week and ur not allowed bring drink out into ur seat

That's not a good thing.

mr_edge_to_you

testtech05 wrote: »

Best to just try and ignore it and enjoy the game yourself or at least that's what I do. Each to their own and all that....

Unfortunately we had aisle seats in a block of seats in the in-goal area so we were trying to view the game at an angle.

sullivlo

I went out twice in the game. Both times to use the toilet. But I waited until there was a gap in play or others were going out. I also purposefully got seats two or three in from the edge so that I would minimise disruption to others (I need access to the loo).

What worried me yesterday was how dangerous it was getting out of the stadium from the south stand lower. There was lots of shoving and pushing and only one door was open. I didn't feel safe at all.

bilston

Yesterday was a bit mad for this. People were turning up 10-15 minutes into the game.

As said above the Aviva makes a lot of money out of it so it will never change.

My tactics are buy two pints/and food if I'm hungry before the game and that does me for the match, go to the toilet at half time and that way you don't have to get up to annoy anyone.

Ultimately everyone has paid for their tickets so they can do what they want.

lainey_d_123

Most people today don't seem capable of sitting and watching something for more than 10 minutes without needing to stuff food in their face or drink. It happens in all sports now, even things like gymnastics. Went to see my niece competing a while back and it was people getting up and down the entire time. It was honestly draining all the getting up and down. Missed entire routines because of it, including loads of my niece's floor. Seems a horrible lack of manners to me to be expecting people to stand up to let you past multiple times while you faff around with getting food and drinks. Fair enough if you need a wee, but all the up and down is just blocking people's view and spoiling it.

thomond2006

pickarooney wrote: »

Is there some reason they don't have beer sellers in the stands?

Health and safety I imagine. If there's an emergency and people need to evacuate then sellers in the stands would be a hazard.

The Lost Sheep

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

Firstly, I have to say that the atmosphere at yesterday's game was easily the best I've ever experienced at a football/rugby match. The only thing that takes away from it is the constant stream of people going in and out to the bars during the match. Been at 2 matches in the Aviva this year so far and numerous occasions over the years but I would say the issue seems to be getting progressively worse.

My tickets cost €60, why would you pay such money for a ticket to spend your time queueing at the bar for pissy pints in a plastic cup instead of watching a truly outstanding game? I saw one guy on FB saying his son spent 40 mins queueing (including the half time break), why would anyone bother?

There was two lads beside us, who were out 3 times during the game. That's basically 30 mins of an 80 minute game. I can't make sense of it. It was the same for the 6N, even though tickets are nearly twice the price.

You also have people coming back in from the bar who seem incapable of following the letters on the ground with the row where their seats are and stand there blocking peoples view.

Definitely think there is a legitimate argument for closing the bars 15 mins before the start of a match and leaving them closed until halftime.

It wasn't as bad in the 2nd half, presumably because the bars close before the end of the game.

There isnt a chance you could close the bars before hand for any game. People would simply stay outside and drink elsewhere and come in late and that causes its own issues.
And leaving bars closed till halftime would just make half time even worse. You had people complaining about the pints they got yesterday(same as any very busy match day) complaining about the pre pours... ridiculous to expect anything less when crowds are that big

pickarooney wrote: »

Is there some reason they don't have beer sellers in the stands?

Not allowed. Risk. There was people selling bottles of beer not at the bars but all over the concourse but the majority dont go to them and are looking for pints

PTH2009

Was in the front of sec 528 Tuesday last and the barrier is actually pretty small and would be quite easy too get pushed over it. A group of 5 Georgian supporters all came down the front one with a big backpack and all stood in front of the glass

mfceiling

I took the wife to that game last night (happy mother's day) and after 15 mins she asked me "do loads of people just come to drink and have no real interest in the game"?
To be fair there was 3 lads in front of us and id say between the 3 of them they were up and down 10 - 12;times!!
Each to their own.

lainey_d_123

mfceiling wrote: »

I took the wife to that game last night (happy mother's day) and after 15 mins she asked me "do loads of people just come to drink and have no real interest in the game"?
To be fair there was 3 lads in front of us and id say between the 3 of them they were up and down 10 - 12;times!!
Each to their own.

That's how it feels alright. I don't understand the mentality of bothering to go to a match and then miss half of it because you're queueing at the bar. Would it not be cheaper and easier to just go to the pub for a few pints? I'd be embarrassed about getting up more than once during a match, and feel bad for inconveniencing all the people getting up for me, and those behind me whose view I'm blocking. But for most people these days, it seems it's 'me, me, me'.

stephen_n

testtech05 wrote: »

On the point of why people do it, I think more and more people are just going to rugby for the event/to say they were there/posts on Instagram etc.

.

On this, I was talking to my partner about this after the game and she pointed out that if you look at the people doing it. None of them are wearing any club merchandise. Most of the supporters who go to games regularly will have at least hats or scarves if not Jersey’s, fleeces etc... Think it’s mostly day trippers who are just there for the pints. It’s annoying but it’s never going to change. Part of the price of success.

Dravokivich

sullivlo wrote: »

I went out twice in the game. Both times to use the toilet. But I waited until there was a gap in play or others were going out. I also purposefully got seats two or three in from the edge so that I would minimise disruption to others (I need access to the loo).

What worried me yesterday was how dangerous it was getting out of the stadium from the south stand lower. There was lots of shoving and pushing and only one door was open. I didn't feel safe at all.

I always wait until crowds start spreading out before heading off. Otherwise it's just a lot of uncomfortable shuffling.

Squidgy Black

It's something that happens at pretty much any large sporting event, and even concerts.

Not allowing drink back to the stands just leaves crowds of people standing beside the bar watching the match on a TV screen as they drink their pints, as can be seen across loads of premiership football stadiums and even the Aviva for Ireland matches.

You're always going to get a sizeable amount of people who are along for the occasion as opposed to the actual match. It can also be just luck of the draw too, I've been at a couple of games where nobody's moved other than at half time, and then others where it's been a group of lads back and forth with pints in a continuous supply.

Dravokivich

stephen_n wrote: »

On this, I was talking to my partner about this after the game and she pointed out that if you look at the people doing it. None of them are wearing any club merchandise. Most of the supporters who go to games regularly will have at least hats or scarves if not Jersey’s, fleeces etc... Think it’s mostly day trippers who are just there for the pints. It’s annoying but it’s never going to change. Part of the price of success.

They could have other things they are going to or came from.

The Lost Sheep

stephen_n wrote: »

On this, I was talking to my partner about this after the game and she pointed out that if you look at the people doing it. None of them are wearing any club merchandise. Most of the supporters who go to games regularly will have at least hats or scarves if not Jersey’s, fleeces etc... Think it’s mostly day trippers who are just there for the pints. It’s annoying but it’s never going to change. Part of the price of success.

Thats not the case at all. It was as much regulars/season ticket holders going to bar etc

Squidgy Black wrote: »

It's something that happens at pretty much any large sporting event, and even concerts.

Not allowing drink back to the stands just leaves crowds of people standing beside the bar watching the match on a TV screen as they drink their pints, as can be seen across loads of premiership football stadiums and even the Aviva for Ireland matches.

You're always going to get a sizeable amount of people who are along for the occasion as opposed to the actual match. It can also be just luck of the draw too, I've been at a couple of games where nobody's moved other than at half time, and then others where it's been a group of lads back and forth with pints in a continuous supply.

Yeah. was like that Tuesday night in the Aviva for the soccer same yesterday

Tommybojangles

Haven't been back to the Aviva since the England game and wont be anytime soon for this exact reason. The no drinks outside rule works just fine in Croke Park.

Personal lowlight for me was the lad who told his friend to wait until the second half started to go out so there be less of a queue. I mean what's the f****** point of being there?

Diabhal Beag

That's why I'll always prefer terrace. If you leave for a pint you won't get back to your spot/people won't let you back in. Even at Connacht matches when people go for pints it's far less frequent than a seated section.

They should ban people who moan about this. Problem solved.

The Lost Sheep

Tommybojangles wrote: »

Haven't been back to the Aviva since the England game and wont be anytime soon for this exact reason. The no drinks outside rule works just fine in Croke Park.

Personal lowlight for me was the lad who told his friend to wait until the second half started to go out so there be less of a queue. I mean what's the f****** point of being there?

People can go and watch and enjoy it having a few pints?
No drinks at seats means people will watch on screens while having their drinks.

Jewelers

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

People can go and watch and enjoy it having a few pints?
No drinks at seats means people will watch on screens while having their drinks.

great they won't annoy the **** out of people going in and out every 15 mins so

The Lost Sheep

Jewelers wrote: »

great they won't annoy the **** out of people going in and out every 15 mins so

Wont ever happen in any of the stadiums for rugby games though unless there is a drastic change in behaviour of people
And it will still see plenty of people going in/out

johnnyskeleton

The guys with the big boxes on their back usually sell 500ml plastic bottles of carlsberg for €6.50, which is more or less the same as a stick of henomite, when you factor in spillage etc. And there is rarely a queue of more than 4/5 people for them. I've never spent more than a few mins queuing for a drink in Aviva, although I wouldn't want to be going to the toilet at half time!

Flincher

I've been to a few events in the States where even greater amounts of food / booze are consumed. The steward will always make you wait in the stairwell until there's a stoppage in play before letting you back up to your seats. Something similar in the Aviva might help reduce disruption.

thomond2006

Flincher wrote: »

I've been to a few events in the States where even greater amounts of food / booze are consumed. The steward will always make you wait in the stairwell until there's a stoppage in play before letting you back up to your seats. Something similar in the Aviva might help reduce disruption.

Stoppages in play are more clearly defined in American sports due to TV timeouts or the end of an inning in the case of baseball. While I would be in favour of it, I'm not sure it's workable in rugby. It also creates a point of conflict.

errlloyd

Tbh my match day experience at the Aviva is almost always superb. Considering its location and footprint it has very good bars, bathrooms etc.

Controversially I don't go to the game to watch the match. I can watch the game much much better at home. I go to the game to sing, drink, and sort of legitimise my obsession with a mere game by drawing on the fact there are thousands of others just like me.

Yes, getting up and down is annoying. And I'd be pissed if someone blocked my view consistently or became aggressively drunk. But I won't apologise for jumping up to tame a piss during a scrum!!

joseywhales

You could have drinking and non drinking sections. Handy if you are bringing kids too. Also you can charge extra for drinking seats, might as well milk the problem

Tim Robbins

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

Definitely think there is a legitimate argument for closing the bars 15 mins before the start of a match and leaving them closed until halftime.

It wasn't as bad in the 2nd half, presumably because the bars close before the end of the game.

Does my head in. Stopped going to matches over it.
I was at match on Saturday and had a gang of lads beside me at it. I asked them would they swap seats and they did and I can honestly say the second half was amazing - didn't have to get up once.

I suggest ask the people beside you to swap seats.

The Lost Sheep

johnnyskeleton wrote: »

The guys with the big boxes on their back usually sell 500ml plastic bottles of carlsberg for €6.50, which is more or less the same as a stick of henomite, when you factor in spillage etc. And there is rarely a queue of more than 4/5 people for them. I've never spent more than a few mins queuing for a drink in Aviva, although I wouldn't want to be going to the toilet at half time!

Theyre different company to company who run the bars and yeah people rarely will go to them and will gravitate to bars for pints

errlloyd wrote: »

Tbh my match day experience at the Aviva is almost always superb. Considering its location and footprint it has very good bars, bathrooms etc.

Controversially I don't go to the game to watch the match. I can watch the game much much better at home. I go to the game to sing, drink, and sort of legitimise my obsession with a mere game by drawing on the fact there are thousands of others just like me.

Yes, getting up and down is annoying. And I'd be pissed if someone blocked my view consistently or became aggressively drunk. But I won't apologise for jumping up to tame a piss during a scrum!!

Id be opposite you can see things live you'll never see on tv and thats why i try go as many games as possible

joseywhales wrote: »

You could have drinking and non drinking sections. Handy if you are bringing kids too. Also you can charge extra for drinking seats, might as well milk the problem

Not ever going to happen and isnt necessary

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Does my head in. Stopped going to matches over it.
I was at match on Saturday and had a gang of lads beside me at it. I asked them would they swap seats and they did and I can honestly say the second half was amazing - didn't have to get up once.

I suggest ask the people beside you to swap seats.

If youve stopped going to games when there's lot more issues then....

TCM

The reason why people leave their seats regularly during rugby games is simple. Rugby is a bandwagon sport with many "followers" who don't know or care about the game. Many of those who attend games have no knowledge of the game, of players or indeed the rules. It's simply an occasion. This phenomenon does not exist in GAA or soccer.

troyzer

TCM wrote: »

The reason why people leave their seats regularly during rugby games is simple. Rugby is a bandwagon sport with many "followers" who don't know or care about the game. Many of those who attend games have no knowledge of the game, of players or indeed the rules. It's simply an occasion. This phenomenon does not exist in GAA or soccer.

As has been pointed out repeatedly; at soccer and GAA games you're not allowed to bring the drinks back to your seat. This is the issue.

If you were allowed to do that in soccer and GAA, you'd have the same issue. The reason why they don't allow it in soccer are obvious and unrelated but I have no idea why it's not allowed in GAA.

Tommybojangles

troyzer wrote: »

As has been pointed out repeatedly; at soccer and GAA games you're not allowed to bring the drinks back to your seat. This is the issue.

If you were allowed to do that in soccer and GAA, you'd have the same issue. The reason why they don't allow it in soccer are obvious and unrelated but I have no idea why it's not allowed in GAA.

I'd be fairly sure the reason for this thread is the reason it's not allowed in GAA

Tommybojangles

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

People can go and watch and enjoy it having a few pints?
No drinks at seats means people will watch on screens while having their drinks.

That would be great

troyzer

Tommybojangles wrote: »

I'd be fairly sure the reason for this thread is the reason it's not allowed in GAA

Exactly. The only thing unique to rugby is that it allows it.

The Lost Sheep

TCM wrote: »

The reason why people leave their seats regularly during rugby games is simple. Rugby is a bandwagon sport with many "followers" who don't know or care about the game. Many of those who attend games have no knowledge of the game, of players or indeed the rules. It's simply an occasion. This phenomenon does not exist in GAA or soccer.

:rolleyes: ..... :pac:
It very much exists with all sports in Ireland

F.nelson

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

:rolleyes: ..... :pac:
It very much exists with all sports in Ireland

People keep saying that in these threads but it's simply not true, if I go to the toilet during a soccer game it's like a ghost town behind the stands, a few stragglers getting a pint, simply not the case in rugby there's always a que at the bar

troyzer

F.nelson wrote: »

People keep saying that in these threads but it's simply not true, if I go to the toilet during a soccer game it's like a ghost town behind the stands, a few stragglers getting a pint, simply not the case in rugby there's always a que at the bar

There are more corporate day trippers at rugby matches who do this. But I don't think anyone is complaining about the money they bring in.

The Lost Sheep

F.nelson wrote: »

People keep saying that in these threads but it's simply not true, if I go to the toilet during a soccer game it's like a ghost town behind the stands, a few stragglers getting a pint, simply not the case in rugby there's always a que at the bar

It isnt. Depends on game though.
There is plenty at bars for many of the soccer matches. When the irish goal was scored against Georgia last tuesday there were loads of fans out at concourse at the bars...

aloooof

joseywhales wrote: »

You could have drinking and non drinking sections. Handy if you are bringing kids too. Also you can charge extra for drinking seats, might as well milk the problem

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Not ever going to happen and isnt necessary

Didn't something like this happen at some Welsh Autumn international games? Not sure how successful it was; personally think it could be a good solution, but if ever introduced, you'd imagine it'd be to a very small subset of tickets / sections.

The Lost Sheep

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Really good idea. Who do we contact about this? I am sure if enough supporters do i, it might happen?

What about the Leinster supporters club?

Contact groups yourself. You can surely come up with a list of groups to contact if you feel so strong about it. Shouldnt be that difficult to come up with a few groups to contact

TCM

The Lost Sheep wrote:

..... It very much exists with all sports in Ireland

It most certainly does not. I'm a keen sports fan and attend rugby and soccer internationals + many games in croke park. From my long experience this behaviour is far more prevalent in rugby than soccer & simply does not happen at gaa games.

aloooof

TCM wrote: »

It most certainly does not. I'm a keen sports fan and attend rugby and soccer internationals + many games in croke park. From my long experience this behaviour is far more prevalent in rugby than soccer & simply does not happen at gaa games.

Because it can't happen at soccer or gaa games. You're not allowed bring drink into your seat. It's pretty simple.

Dial Hard

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Really good idea. Who do we contact about this? I am sure if enough supporters do i, it might happen?

What about the Leinster supporters club? Actually, since this topic has come up several times is there anyone from the Leinster Supporters club who could comment on this?

Given Guinness and Heineken are the title sponsors of the two competitions Leinster play in, I can't see this ever happening.

Riskymove

Dial Hard wrote: »

Given Guinness and Heineken are the title sponsors of the two competitions Leinster play in, I can't see this ever happening.

unkess we end up like France with no alcohol in grounds

Kevski

Riskymove wrote: »

unkess we end up like France with no alcohol in grounds

There’s no alcohol sponsorship but alcohol is served in grounds in France.

Shefwedfan

Seriously Irish people do like to complain....

If I do go to a game now I like to enjoy a beer or two with my mates. Are people saying now we are not welcome to drink a beer at the game? I do make sure when possible if booking tickets we get the seats on the end so as not to disturb people but really do we need a thread to moan about people enjoying a few beers at a game?

You will get beer banned and then start a thread about the lack of beers at the game.

The Aviva did offer a service to prebook beers to speed up service but not sure if people used it? so I dont know if available anymore.

Non-drinking sections....your having a laugh, God you really would be drawing the short straw and getting stuck in that section. All it would be full of is people who asked there mate to buy a ticket and they stuck them into it.....