PNE: First football game at Empire Field “a success”
Posted Jun 21, 2010 11:10:03 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – The PNE calls yesterday’s first BC Lions game at Empire Field a success, but they also say it’s a work in progress, and some bugs still need to be worked out before the regular season.
Most of the 24,763 fans who watched the exhibition game loss to Edmonton were probably more concerned with the game, than how long they stood in line for a hot dog or a port-o-potty, but the PNE’s Laura Ballance says changes are coming. “Washrooms seemed to work well; the food line-ups–there might be some tweaking there. One of the things we will probably look at doing is add Visa and debit capability at our parking gates.”
It will still cost you 30 bucks to park, which she says is fair compared to other major venues in the city. “It’s similar in pricing to what they’d pay downtown. It’s certainly not out of line for a Vancouver venue, but we are encouraging people to use transit.”
As for fans scrambling to make a catch of a field goal or extra point in the end zone. “People loved that. To be able to catch a ball was unbelievable. People were so excited. There is no plan to put in any netting, and I think that’s going to be one of the most popular aspects of it. I think those end-zone seats are going to be very, very popular.”
Tailgate parties might have to be held off until the renovated BC Place opens…there’s a legal issue with booze on the fairgrounds, and propane tanks for barbecues create a liability concern.
