FanPost

A different reason to hate the new 3rd deck ban...

I actually think it's an absolutely brilliant idea from a marketing standpoint, and I believe they will NOT open the 3rd deck even for Yankees/Red Sox/Giants games.

They want to create scarcity. When was the last time you COULD NOT get a ticket to an A's regular season game?

Answer? Pretty much NEVER.

Wolffe wants A's fans to understand what fans in many other markets have known for years - if you wanna see the team, you gots to pay the price. Or be shut out entirely.

It sucks from a fan standpoint, but it makes perfect business sense.

But there is another huge problem for me. One I haven't seen mentioned yet. And it's for this reason that I may never attend another A's game at the Coliseum now.

I've gone to games over the years with 45,000 in attendance, and with 862 in attendance (that wonderful 1979 season).

I've seen the concourse areas with both levels of traffic inside, and everything in between.

The early 1960's design of the Coliseum means that the walkways are dark, narrow, and enclosed. It simply isn't suitable (or safe for that matter) to have the concourse area packed with people for 81 games each year.

When the Coliseum is packed, restrooms are unusable, the ability to move about to get something to eat takes upwards of 2-3 full innings, and most importantly, I've had 2 attempts of a pick-pocket on my wallet, and my wife has been touched inappropriately in the crush of humanity on one occasion.

I went to Petco Park in August, and I was blown away with how differently the concourse areas are set up in the newer parks.

I have no doubt that 38K in a new, modern, bright and airy stadium would present no problems to my enjoyment of the game, and the safety of my family.

But as long as the A's are in the Coliseum and keep the 3rd deck ban in place, the only games I would even consider will be the cold, dreary Tuesday nights when the Royals/Devil Rays are in town.

At least then I'll know that I can go to the ballpark, relax, and enjoy myself - knowing my family is fairly safe, and I can get a hot dog in just a half-inning. ;)