11/05/24
October 30, 2003
The fans who attended the free Monday Night Football game between the Dolphins and Chargers in Tempe, Ariz., were cheap tasteless pinheads, according to the Arizona Republic. Columnist Laurie Roberts: "While some people were dropping hundred-dollar bills into the buckets, others were dropping in Pokemon coins, play money, Iraqi money, Mexican money and the ever popular Sonic coupon for Cherry Coke. I'm sure the fire-parched victims of San Diego will really appreciate the Sonic coupon for Cherry Coke."
The articles pretty much speak for themselves.
posted by jackhererra at 11:24 AM on October 30, 2003
Well, the good news is that they raised a quarter million bucks for the fire relief fund. That ain't bad.
posted by Samsonov14 at 11:30 AM on October 30, 2003
Sammy, that's about $4 per person at the game which certainly confirms the cheap IMO. Further, $0.25M is going to be a drop in the bucket once Lake Arrowhead burns and turns this into the most expensive fire in US history (1991 Oakland Hills, $1.7B, is the current holder).
posted by billsaysthis at 11:40 AM on October 30, 2003
I always dislike it when something is offered free but with a strong request for a donation. If you are going to hold people accountable for donations then make it mandatory. "A $10 donation will be required...etc." If you leave it up to me, then it's up to me to decide whether the cause is worthy or not. Sure the fire is very tragic but it's entirely possible that somebody could say they don't want to donate to that cause. If you say it's free, then don't come bitching when some people take you up on that offer.
posted by vito90 at 11:40 AM on October 30, 2003
Vito -- my understanding is that (at least in certain circumstances) requesting a donation (as opposed to charging a fee) is necessary for organizations to maintain tax-free status.
posted by holden at 11:46 AM on October 30, 2003
vito, exactly. The stadium is on a college campus. Did they think the Glee club and their hoards of devoted fans were going to show up? Please. College kids spend money on beer, food, and beer....and pillage anything free.
posted by garfield at 01:10 PM on October 30, 2003
I always dislike it when something is offered free but with a strong request for a donation. If you are going to hold people accountable for donations then make it mandatory. Why should people only be held accountable for things they are forced to do? The people of Tempe were gifted with a chance to see two NFL teams play each other -- instead of seeing one pro team playing the Cardinals -- and they couldn't even pony up $4 per person to help fire victims. That's lame.
posted by rcade at 02:04 PM on October 30, 2003
"The people of Tempe were gifted with a chance to see two NFL teams play each other -- instead of seeing one pro team playing the Cardinals..." Dude, that's harsh. But very, very funny.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 03:02 PM on October 30, 2003
they couldn't even pony up $4 per person to help fire victims.
This seems to be the problem with natural disasters (or otherwise) here in California. I can't vouch for how this is reported in other states, but in the few conversations I've had with friends some of the nation seems to harbor the notion that us "hollywood-types" can survive the hit. These fires were set in communities out in the wilderness, away from large cities but close to tight knit communities out in the deserts and forests. Areas much like those in Arizona ( I would know I've lived in both areas). Living in a dry area with a very high likelihood for suffering the same devestation I would hope native Arizonan's would understand their plight and give what they could. If you're not paying for a ticket, you can roll your beer money over into the charity and use your ticket money for beer, everybody wins.
But thats my problem; I hope.
posted by lilnemo at 03:15 PM on October 30, 2003
they couldn't even pony up $4 per person to help fire victims. That's lame. They should have charged $4 if they wanted $4. If they had charged $4 people would have paid $4. If they wouldn't have been willing to pay $4 they would not have seen the game. Since they didn't ask for $4 then they shouldn't expect $4. And as garfield pointed out, alot of those in attendance were college students
posted by vito90 at 03:28 PM on October 30, 2003
alot of those in attendance were college students
An excellent defence.
posted by lilnemo at 03:35 PM on October 30, 2003
lilnemo - everybody, EVERYBODY in the nation, Californian or otherwise, has a pretty good idea of how shitty the financial situation in California is right now. I know Arnie is trying to get Federal disaster money, and I'm sure he will - but if there's one thing us current events-aware people have gotten wise about in the last few months it's California finances. And it's also not a lack-of-sympathy issue. Everybody's thoughts are going out to the people there who are suffering - there were plenty of banners hung up at the game showing support for SoCal. In fact, I think given the logistics involved, the NFL just said "Fuck it, it's going to be so difficult to pull this off, the game is already on MNF, the most important aspect is to have a full house, just give the seats away and encourage donations." I suspect they got what they expected.
posted by vito90 at 03:52 PM on October 30, 2003
"Suggested donation: $2" "Yeah, good luck with that, lady."
posted by yerfatma at 03:55 PM on October 30, 2003
alot of those in attendance were college students An excellent defence. When I was just starting out in college, money was very tight. Sure, some who go to college have no problem financially. Others who worked to get themselves through college, sometimes with two jobs, know where every penny goes. So 4 bucks might sound insulting to some, but to others its nothing to sneeze at.
posted by justgary at 03:59 PM on October 30, 2003
As has been mentioned, this was smack dab in the middle of a college campus, at a known "party school". The kids skipped classes Monday, camped out for tix and drank all day. Many of the working cla types who wanted to go couldn't or didn't bother due to the already long lines being talked up on the radio shows. While I agree ASU students are "tasteless pinheads" (freaking Scum Devils, go 'Cats!) don't hang this on the events of the football game. Also, do not judge the entire Phoenix metropolitan area on the actions of said students at a free football game. If the Glendale stadium were up and running for this, I almost guarantee you a entirely different crowd and probably a bit more money (though a good chunk of the population here is from SoCal, and would probably say "let it burn, start over" ;) ). Why wasn't this done at the Coliseum or Rose Bowl? Charity start's at home, ya know. How much has Arnold given to the relief fund?
posted by pivo at 04:16 PM on October 30, 2003
Why wasn't this done at the Coliseum or Rose Bowl? Charity start's at home, ya know. How much has Arnold given to the relief fund? Good questions all. The Staples Center has operated as a drop off point for donations. Most news stations are running drives if not supplying info on how to help. Believe me we're trying. I want to know why we didn't get the national guard until the 6th freakin' day. Sorry if I came off touchy fellas, but you have to admit its pretty troubling. Thousands of people are jobless, if not homeless, and thousands of others were put in a position to help. But given the choice between going one night without it for a good cause they still chose beer.
posted by lilnemo at 04:25 PM on October 30, 2003
While I agree ASU students are "tasteless pinheads" (freaking Scum Devils, go 'Cats!) don't hang this on the events of the football game. Also, do not judge the entire Phoenix metropolitan area on the actions of said students at a free football game. And maybe don't judge the entire school on those students who attended the game? /irony ;)
posted by justgary at 04:32 PM on October 30, 2003
dude, its extremely troubling...this has gotta be the worst fire in years. I can't remember the last time more than a handful of homes were destroyed...and I hear ya...the lack of donations for emergency relief would piss me off. Its just when a party school gets a party thrown at their feet, a once-in-a-college-career-party, well, only one thing will be on their minds.
posted by garfield at 04:37 PM on October 30, 2003
And maybe don't judge the entire school on those students who attended the game? /irony ;) Justgary, I am an Arizona Wildcat, just a jibe at my hated foes. I have many other good reasons to judge them. Like they are not Wildcats, they are Scum Devils, they aren't in Tucson, and many others. They were pinheads long before Monday night. :P /irony /rivalry
posted by pivo at 04:57 PM on October 30, 2003
"This just in, we got the '08 Super Bowl, anyhow. Though the article is mistitled, says Tempe, but Glendale (new stadium) got it, technically.
posted by pivo at 05:02 PM on October 30, 2003
For those who wish to help, credit card donations are being taken by the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund.
The foundation will match contributions to the fund dollar for dollar, up to a total of $100,000. Here's the link. And for those who need a little bit of perspective on the matter, here's a link to the local NBC affiliate with the current numbers, and resources.
posted by lilnemo at 05:19 PM on October 30, 2003
I listen to Bob Kemp's radio show, based in Tempe, and locals are disgusted with the way fans behaved at this game. There are also numerous reports of drunken people acting like hooligans. When I was living in Dallas during the Jimmy Johnson era, some of my relatives attended two events that were free: A fan rally in Texas Stadium and a victory parade after a Super Bowl win. Both attracted a rough crowd -- the parade featured the worst rioting Dallas has ever experienced. I think leagues should think twice before offering any major sporting event for free.