Roughriders put lid on beer can sales
Last Updated: Thursday, October 2, 2008 | 10:52 AM CT
CBC News
A beer-throwing incident has prompted the Saskatchewan Roughriders to halt the sale of beer in cans.
The decision, which will be effective at the next home game Friday night, was made after angry fans hurled beer cans at the B.C. Lions during a game two weeks ago. The shower of aluminum briefly led to Lions' players and coaches finding refuge on the playing field as opposed to their traditional sideline space.
Fans were reacting to what they believed to be a bad decision by the referee.
According to the team, 47 fans were ejected from the game for the unwelcome display of disaffection.
Team officials announced on Wednesday that the sale of beer in cans has been eliminated for fans in the east side stands of Mosaic Stadium, the home of the Roughriders.
Instead, Jim Hopson, president and CEO of the club, told reporters suds will now be served in plastic cups.
Jim Hopson, president of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, talks to reporters Wednesday about the decision to stop selling beer in cans. (CBC) "Obviously we needed to do something," Hopson said. "You know, you don't like to punish everyone but clearly when you have an incident like that you have take some measures."
Hopson attributed part of the problem to a rowdier — more youthful — audience.
"We've got a younger fan base, which we wanted. We worked to get that demographic. They're here," Hopson said. "Unfortunately some of the things that come with a younger demographic is more drinking and partying."
Some fans told CBC News on Wednesday that they expected a ban on cans would come in light of the incident. Others wondered if excited fans would simply find something else to toss, if moved to do so.
Mike Abou-Mechrek, offensive lineman for the Roughriders, was disappointed with the move to plastic cups. (CBC) Player Mike Abou-Mechrek told CBC News he has been on the receiving end of odd flying objects.
"I had a battery thrown at me once," he said, adding he does not agree with crushing the sale of cans.
"I think it's ridiculous that we're going back to plastic cups. This team is supposed to be more environmentally conscious."
Kyle Bottcher, a season-ticket holder who was in Section 26 on the fateful beer-tossing night, told CBC News that drunken fans were out of control long before the last minute of the fourth quarter when things turned foamy.
"We pretty much had to yell at the security guard: 'Like can someone take care of this person?'" Bottcher said. "There was even a city police person near by [and] they were like, 'What, you want us to do something?' I think security is more of an issue than what's being thrown."
Hopson said a phone number will be shown on the scoreboard video screen during the game which fans can call to report unruly behaviour.
He added there will be an increased police presence for Friday night's game against Calgary.
