Proper Stadium/Area Etiquette

On Sunday, a friend and I enjoyed a wonderful game of baseball. It wasn't different from most games that I go to, except that I realized just how rude and inconsiderate people can be at sports games, concerts, or any other event where there are a lot of people. Realizing this, I decided to compile a list of proper stadium or arena etiquette. Pass the word along (not like a lot of people read this, but if I can reach just one person, I will feel as though I have accomplished something in my otherwise unproductive life)

1) Your feet should only be on the seat in front of you if no one is sitting there. There is no smell worse to me than smelly feet. It usually makes me gag. The last thing I want is to have to smell a stranger's feet. Especially if said stranger doesn't seem to have proper hygiene to begin with. At no time should this rule be broken, even with close toed shoes. It invades my space and it's awkward when someone's feet are next to you. This rule should especially hold for people who are wearing sandals (more specifically flip flops) and they have toe nails the size of a yard stick and the color of rotting teeth. 

2) Don't bring your kid if he/she is going to spend the whole time complaining. I love kids, I think they are cute and funny. However, there are times that I don't want to be around them. When they are complaining and whining for a solid 3 hours, for example. Please, parents, we know you love your kids and want to spend time with them, but don't bring your kid if you know they are going to complain the whole time. 

3) If you catch a ball or puck, give it to a kid. Some kids do go to games and enjoy them. What better way to help them enjoy it more than to give them a foul ball or a puck? I can almost assure you that the ball that you catch is either going to a) end up in the closest collecting dust or b) end up on eBay once you get it signed. Make a kid's day, give it to a kid. They will appreciate it a lot more than you will.

4) Watch the game! That's what you are there for, aren't you? There is plenty of time to socialize in between innings, periods, half time, whatever. Save the conversation for then. I don't think there is anything more irritating than sitting next to someone who talks about their dog, boyfriend, or plant during an entire game. Even worse, talking on your cell phone. Still worse, explaining to the person that it's too loud at the game, so you can't hear them very well, which makes you talk louder. Duh, it's loud. If your phone rings, ignore it or go outside and answer it. Don't subject me to your stupid, loud conversation

5) When leaving the game, leave row by row, don't try to rush out. It's just common courtesy to do this. The rows closest to the stairs leave first and you work your way down. If you had seats in the first row, just wait. You are going to seem like a jackass if you cut in front of a lot of people. The only time this is void is if you are in labor, in which case you should have left right away. 

That's all I have for now. I didn't have time to write this at the beginning of the week (yay for the end of the semester), but I am sure I will be able to add to it the next time I go to a game. Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later :)