When these big new stadiums and ballparks are built, people have mixed reviews about the size and their “family friendliness” and their ability to still service the fans. I went to Yankee Stadium to see the first game of the recent series with the Red Sox. This was not my first time at the stadium. I have been to the new Yankee Stadium a few times so far that include opening night and a tour of the stadium. However, last night I had an experience that surprised me and I wanted to share it.
Everyone has a cell phone these days. We all have an iPhone, Blackberry or another communication device that allows us to send a text message at any time. Knowing this, most stadiums have instituted a policy that will have a 5-digit number that you can text for assistance. You can do inform management of an injury, a problem, improper behavior or anything else that is detrimental to the experience you are supposed to be having at the game. The five digit code is usually announced during the early portions of the game and is probably not noted by many people. At Yankee Stadium I happened to see the announcement of the code and remembered it (as I do with most numbers). Author’s Note – The other three stadiums I have been in recently have all had similar five digit codes; Citifield, Miller Park and Camden Yards. The announcement specifically states that you can text the five digit code, anonymously, and stadium personnel will respond.
In the eight inning of the game, those I was with and I could smell smoke from a cigarette. In New York, smoking in public areas and at Yankee Stadium is prohibited. There was a guy in a section next to me smoking a cigarette. Now, it is the eighth inning and shall I say that he had enjoyed a few $9.00 beers that night. He also seemed to be ignoring the people around him. So, I texted this to the five-digit code, “There is a man in Section XXX that is smoking a cigarette and will not put it out”. Personally, I thought that these words would fall on deaf ears. But, here is why I am writing this little article…
Ten seconds after I sent the text I got a reply that seemed to be an automatic response, “Thank you for you communication. Stadium personnel are in response to your message.” Not thirty seconds after that, a security person was at the guy’s row asking him to put out the cigarette. Then within another minute or two, he was asked to leave or left the section on his own. I sent another text to the five-digit code that said, “Your staff just showed up and removed the gentleman that was smoking”. I expected the same reply, “Thank you for you communication. Stadium personnel are in response to your message.” However this is what I got, “Thank you. I just heard on the radio that the smoker left. I hope he didn’t ruin the game for you and enjoy the rest of the night”. There was a real person texting me back. I expected this to be just automated and not too fan-friendly. Now, I know this system works.
So, next time you are at a game, a stadium, anywhere that is a public sporting event, make a note of the texting code for assistance. You never know when you will need it and I have proof that it works. Kudos goes out to the Yankees staff. I do hope I never need their help again.
