volmainia2
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- May 20, 2011
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70 yr olds have no business going to a vols game in the first place. Watch from home IMO. Dangerous.
Those people are my parents.
Yes, it is your right to cheer for your Vols, as loudly and rapturously as you like. But...
No, it is not your "right" to stand or engage in other activities that impinges on the ability of others to enjoy the game.
A little backstory. My father, 80 this month, has just recently undergone heart surgery, has gout in both legs, yet managed the almost 30-minute walk from the hotel, up the numerous ramps, to sit in HH. My mother, 76, has survived brain aneurysm surgery, multiple leg fractures, and being married to my father. The trek up to Section HH is arduous for them both, but their love of the Vols compels them to repeat this exercise for every home game.
My parents bought their seats in HH in 1976. They have had numerous opportunities and offers for different seats but have stayed loyal to those seats for reasons that are too numerous to elucidate here. Suffice it to say, there are both practical and immensely sentimental concerns involved.
Quick math will show that they have been in those seats for almost 40 years, and they have been going to games in Neyland for almost 60.
The entire section around them has been virtually the same people for many of those years. So, just to be clear, your behavior and activities didn't just affect my parents, but dozens of season ticket holders in the section.
My parents (and other elderly in the section) cannot stand the whole game, or on every other play, or whenever you deem appropriate. From multiple accounts, you and your wife were, at best, tone-deaf to the situation and climate of what was appropriate, and, at worst, downright disrespectful. My parents left in the 3rd quarter because of your actions.
The attitude of "I paid my money - I can do what I want" is falsely entitled and dangerous. In this particular instance, you and your wife were in the wrong. There is a reason the usher sided with my parents (and the rest of the section). My mom hated that you banged your metal seat throughout the first half but understands that is part and parcel of the game atmosphere. What everyone in the section took exception to was your defiance and intentional blocking of the view of other spectators in the section - spectators who would love the ability to stand and jump but can't because of age and genetics.
And just a technical note, you were in the second row of the upper deck. There is no practical reason for you to stand. There was literally no one blocking you.
All of the above is truth. It may not have been what you wanted or expected but sometimes we must temper those feelings and take into account the well-being of others.
Those people are my parents.
Yes, it is your right to cheer for your Vols, as loudly and rapturously as you like. But...
No, it is not your "right" to stand or engage in other activities that impinges on the ability of others to enjoy the game.
A little backstory. My father, 80 this month, has just recently undergone heart surgery, has gout in both legs, yet managed the almost 30-minute walk from the hotel, up the numerous ramps, to sit in HH. My mother, 76, has survived brain aneurysm surgery, multiple leg fractures, and being married to my father. The trek up to Section HH is arduous for them both, but their love of the Vols compels them to repeat this exercise for every home game.
My parents bought their seats in HH in 1976. They have had numerous opportunities and offers for different seats but have stayed loyal to those seats for reasons that are too numerous to elucidate here. Suffice it to say, there are both practical and immensely sentimental concerns involved.
Quick math will show that they have been in those seats for almost 40 years, and they have been going to games in Neyland for almost 60.
The entire section around them has been virtually the same people for many of those years. So, just to be clear, your behavior and activities didn't just affect my parents, but dozens of season ticket holders in the section.
My parents (and other elderly in the section) cannot stand the whole game, or on every other play, or whenever you deem appropriate. From multiple accounts, you and your wife were, at best, tone-deaf to the situation and climate of what was appropriate, and, at worst, downright disrespectful. My parents left in the 3rd quarter because of your actions.
The attitude of "I paid my money - I can do what I want" is falsely entitled and dangerous. In this particular instance, you and your wife were in the wrong. There is a reason the usher sided with my parents (and the rest of the section). My mom hated that you banged your metal seat throughout the first half but understands that is part and parcel of the game atmosphere. What everyone in the section took exception to was your defiance and intentional blocking of the view of other spectators in the section - spectators who would love the ability to stand and jump but can't because of age and genetics.
And just a technical note, you were in the second row of the upper deck. There is no practical reason for you to stand. There was literally no one blocking you.
All of the above is truth. It may not have been what you wanted or expected but sometimes we must temper those feelings and take into account the well-being of others.
This is all understandable, but when I reach the age I can't physically do something, I'll probably not do that thing anymore.
It sounds like they can barely make it to the seats, much less sit there for several hours.
I appreciate their dedication, but when you can't ride the ride, don't buy the ticket.
I don't think OP was disrespectful at all.
Look - if you can't stand, you do one of two things:
- Stay home
- Purchase a seat where you can be guaranteed a sitting view
What those elderly people did is the equivalent of going to Six Flags, jumping on the biggest roller coaster in the park, and requesting that the ride go at 25% speed.
I get that some people are physically limited, and that is unfortunate. But it's not fair to everyone else on the ride who waited/paid full price to get the full experience because you want to modify your own.
I've seen it suggested here before, but I really do think it's a good idea to have a section or two of the stadium as designated sitting sections where you must sit except for big plays and touchdowns.
This is all understandable, but when I reach the age I can't physically do something, I'll probably not do that thing anymore.
It sounds like they can barely make it to the seats, much less sit there for several hours.
I appreciate their dedication, but when you can't ride the ride, don't buy the ticket.
I am short ok.... if someone stands in front of me, I look at the Jumobtron or peek around the person in front of me or I stand up but then there's no one behind us.
Now when I get upset with people standing...is when I'm trying to film the Pride or the team doing the circle of life drill and people walk in front of me.. grrrrrrrrrrrrrr now them's fighting words, LOL .. it never ever fails!! :thud: Where is my stool?![]()
Completely agree. I think it is wonderful that this 80 year old man and his 76 year old wife have supported and enjoyed the Vols for so many years, but there comes a time when their health and safety should be considered first. I think I would have a serious talk with my parents (and my parents are getting there, 62) if they have medical conditions like these when they are 80 and the insist on going to the games. Plus, it doesn't sound like they are enjoying themselves if they are so quick to complain about people standing.
I'm sure you mean well... but some day you will look back and realize how foolish and misguided your "consideration for elders" is. And I'm guessing that if you shared this thread and your post with your parents, they would tell you the same thing.
I'm not sure what your point or issue is with what I said, but my parents would appreciate me caring enough for them and being concerned for their well being to respectfully listen and understand my concerns. I don't believe they would tell me I'm foolish and misguided for bringing up some legitimate concerns. Did you read the health issues with these "elders"?