NFL Targets Binge Drinking

According to an article written by Michael McCarthy of USA Today, the NFL is targeting binge drinking by fans attending NFL games. Staying consistent with the NFL's "Fan Code of Conduct," it is recommending that all NFL teams to limit alcohol consumption to no more than two (2) 20-ounce beers or one (1) 24-ounce beer per transaction, two (2) 6-ounce servings of wine, or two (2) 1 1/2-ounce servings of liquor per transaction. Additionally, it is recommending to all 32 teams that they open the gates or parking lots no more than 3 1/2 hours prior to kick-off. Within the tailgate, they are asking stadium authorities to better monitor and enforce rules against the excessive use of alcohol. To boot, each cup sold in the stadium will state "Fans don't let fans drive drunk."

Good Luck!! While I respect the intent for this is focused, it is nothing more than the NFL doing a little positive P.R. For a league that continually makes promotional deals with beer manufacturers, increases attendance to the games through tailgating, and, most importantly, makes a small mint in selling alcohol at their games, this can be nothing more than the league attempting to look like the good guy. Yes. They can reduce the container size and quantity per sale within the stadium, they don't have a prayer of stopping people from over consumption. If a fan wants a beer, believe me, they are going to find a way to get one.

More ridiculous is the idea that they will be able to limit and enforce the consumption of tailgating fans. I mean, what are the going to do, put a police officer every ten feet out in the lot and start keeping count for everyone? To boot, stadiums like Arrowhead and Lambeau Field generally are self-consuming for tailgating fans. In some metropolitan cities, take St. Louis, there is no general tailgating area. They take over random parking lots and bars throughout the city. I would love to see the game plan for those types of cities.

While I believe it admirable that the NFL is publicly addressing the issue of over served fans and the quality of the game day experience, this is nothing more than a ploy. Anyone annoyed by drunk, loud fans probably shouldn't attend an NFL game. Cite Joe Nammath asking for a kiss on live television. Furthermore, if you are so naive to take young children to the game and be offended by the acts of fans around you who paid for their tickets as well, that's your issue. This rule will be a sacrificial lamb at best. To quote Billy Joel "Every drunk must have his drink."

New Era Begins at 1 Arrowhead Drive in Kansas City

I would assume like many Kansas City homers, I woke up today with a
slight hangover and sense of excitement. Ozzy Osborne's "Crazy Train" was blairing through my head on repeat. Yes!! It is football season in Kansas City! It starts tonight. Your Kansas City Chiefs will start a new era against the Houston Texans with a 7:00 kick off tonight in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. That being said, there are a lot of new things to be seen tonight, including the stadium.

The renovations at Arrowhead Stadium are 70 percent completed due to a $375 million renovation funded by Kansas City tax payers and the Hunt family. Arrowhead officials say that fans attending tonight's game will see a lot of changes. The changes and improvements to the stadium include widened concourses, new restrooms, new concession stands with a larger variety of offerings, high resolution video boards in each endzone, a ribbon board circling the entire stadium, new sound system, and new lighting. That is just what is completed so far. While construction crews are way ahead of schedule, there is still much to be done including the press boxes, penthouse suite, party decks, more restrooms, more concession stands, etc...

Along with the changes to the stadium comes a major change in the organization. The change started at the top with the hiring of General Manager, Scott Pioli. He then hired Chiefs new head coach, Todd Haley. Coach Haley basically dismantled the coaching staff and replaced them with "his guys." These may be some of the more subtle changes. The team itself has practically been overhauled. While the team is laden in players that should be retired such as Zach Thomas and Bobby Engram, they do provide some much needed veteran leadership. There are also a group of new rookies led by 1st round draft pick, Tyson Jackson. Additionally, you should look for players that might have flown under the radar that should be of great impact this year such as Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr.

Yes. I love this time of year. There is nothing in the world like pulling into the parking lot and smelling the smoke generated by grills firing up all kinds of wonderful food. It brings back the memories of Bill Grigsby urging you to shop at Price Chopper and Mitch Holtus breaking down pre-game information and interviews with Len Dawson. The local and national pride that is displayed as the national anthem comes to an end and we let the opposing team know that they are in the "home of the Chiefs." The excitement of the first kick off as the crowd roars while Ozzy is going off the rails on a crazy train. Tonight will be exciting to see all that is new meet all of the tradition of old. GO CHIEFS!!!