Attending the US Opens

[montru]

My daughter and I flew out (from FL) to SFO a few weeks back for the Mens US Open, we did the full week, Mon-Sun. we thoroughly enjoyed our trip, although there are a couple of things that I think the USGA should rethink.

The fact they stop you bringing anything into the grounds, no food or drink of any description, then once they''ve got you in there, they rip you off. Like $3 for a bottle of water, $7 for a Burger and $5 for a standard 6" hot dog in a bun.

One morning I tried to bring in two bananas for our mid morning snack while we did our daily impression of a mountain goat around the hilly course, the guys a the security tent at Candlestick Park took the off me.

There were several concession stands, and I found that although the prices were clearly printed out on the banners above the tents the concession stands near the clubhouse were charging more for water, coffee and hot chocolate (my daughers drink), than the others out on the course.

This week we are at the Womens US Open in Wisconsin, again Sun-Mon, I was expecting it to be the same sort of thing but my daughter's coach (ex LPGA) said it was much nicer. It is a much more relaxed atmosphere, although they say no food and drink, the guys (and girls) at the security tent are much more friendly, and they said that the event is being sponsored in part by Pepsi, so you can bring in drinks that are Pepsi products, and then on Tuesday they told us that as long as the labels are removed from the water bottles we are good to go. The cost of the food etc is not much different from the Olympic club, but the USGA offered food vouchers for weekly ticket holders.

I definately will not be attending another PGA event when they penn you in then rip you off like that, especially when it cost me Just under $600 for my tickets plus another $160 for my daughters. In contrast to that, the Womans US Open tickets cost me $150 for the week and my daught was free.

To me, it's not the money, it's the principal. I don't suppose for one minute that the USGA will change their policy, but they won't be seeing me at any event soon. the LPGA, on the other hand seem to be much fairer, although the food prices are still on the high side.

I dare say that quite a few of you out there will have your opinion, I would be happy to here it!

[mikelegacy]

  montru said:

My daughter and I flew out (from FL) to SFO a few weeks back for the Mens US Open, we did the full week, Mon-Sun. we thoroughly enjoyed our trip, although there are a couple of things that I think the USGA should rethink. The fact they stop you bringing anything into the grounds, no food or drink of any description, then once they''ve got you in there, they rip you off. Like $3 for a bottle of water, $7 for a Burger and $5 for a standard 6" hot dog in a bun. One morning I tried to bring in two bananas for our mid morning snack while we did our daily impression of a mountain goat around the hilly course, the guys a the security tent at Candlestick Park took the off me. There were several concession stands, and I found that although the prices were clearly printed out on the banners above the tents the concession stands near the clubhouse were charging more for water, coffee and hot chocolate (my daughers drink), than the others out on the course. This week we are at the Womens US Open in Wisconsin, again Sun-Mon, I was expecting it to be the same sort of thing but my daughter's coach (ex LPGA) said it was much nicer. It is a much more relaxed atmosphere, although they say no food and drink, the guys (and girls) at the security tent are much more friendly, and they said that the event is being sponsored in part by Pepsi, so you can bring in drinks that are Pepsi products, and then on Tuesday they told us that as long as the labels are removed from the water bottles we are good to go. The cost of the food etc is not much different from the Olympic club, but the USGA offered food vouchers for weekly ticket holders. I definately will not be attending another PGA event when they penn you in then rip you off like that, especially when it cost me Just under $600 for my tickets plus another $160 for my daughters. In contrast to that, the Womans US Open tickets cost me $150 for the week and my daught was free. To me, it's not the money, it's the principal. I don't suppose for one minute that the USGA will change their policy, but they won't be seeing me at any event soon. the LPGA, on the other hand seem to be much fairer, although the food prices are still on the high side. I dare say that quite a few of you out there will have your opinion, I would be happy to here it!

Can you stop just making threads complaining about your us open experience. tiger doesn't owe you an autograph and the pga is a business. Go to an NFL event or an NHL game or even a movie theatre and you'll think 3$ for a water is a steal.

[montru]

That's why I don't go to NFL or NHL events as well.

[clubchamp]

The rules are listed on the website and the packet that comes with your tickets so it shouldn't have been a shock. It's really no different than any other sporting event. I agree the LPGA is relaxed with security but they also can't afford to push fans away so they need to be more fan friendly. You said you don't go to NFL games but I'm not sure what made you think a pga event would be any different.

[phillyk]

Even theme parks are the same.  6 Flags makes sure you don't bring anything in, and charge way too much for everything.  But, like PGA events and other sporting events, going to them is fun!  You know what your signing up for before you go in, so there's no reason to complain.

[montru]

Yeh, maybe I was thinking a little bit naively, and yes I do realize that the USGA/PGA is a business, but I just think that if the pricing structure was tweeked a little here and there the general public wouldn't feel like they were getting ripped off.

I have been to a NHL event in Canada a few years back, but I don't remember those sort of prices.

[BWChuck]

A 7 dollar burger and 5 dollar hot dog is a smoking good deal out here in the Bay area, lol.

  montru said:

Quote:

Originally Posted by montru

That's why I don't go to NFL or NHL events as well.

Huh?  Are you saying NBA and MLB events have significantly cheaper concessions? I don't buy it.  The top tier sports and events will almost always have much more expensive concessions.

[SloverUT]

I always hated the excuse of "other people do it" so I/they should as well.

[Zeph]

Did you watch any golf on this trip? All you do is complain about what happened off the course. Don't you agree it seems a bit rash to never go to a PGA event again because you couldn't bring your own food and the guards weren't friendly (shouldn't come as a big surprise really). The guards are rented in the for the event and they do their job. They're not there to be friendly. Price is a valid concern. Obviously the US Open is more expensive than the average PGA event. I wouldn't be surprised if the guards were more strict also on a major. You should try a regular tour event and see if there is a difference.

[Snowman80]

i yearly attend TPC Boston for the Deutsche Bank Championship. Being a military Veteran i get:(from  their site)

"The Deutsche Bank Championship recognizes the efforts that all branches of the United States military provide in defending the democracy and freedom that American people enjoy. Throughout the Championship we hope to recognize the military in various ways.

Throughout the course of Championship week, all active, reserve and retired Military Service members and their dependents (with a valid Common Access Card or Retired Military Card) will receive complimentary admission each day of the Championship Wednesday, August 29th - Monday, September 3rd.  While on site, they will be able to enjoy the event from the Military Patriot Outpost.  This area will provide a great viewing spot, located on the 17th Fairway, and will be stocked with complimentary snacks and beverages at all times.  Additionally, information about services available to military members will be provided by partners of the Championship to add to the experience. While on-site, veterans and their spouses also have access to the Military Patriot Outpost"

Extremely generous of them, and i take advantage every year and say thank you.

[montru]

  Zeph said:

Originally Posted by Zeph

Did you watch any golf on this trip? All you do is complain about what happened off the course.

Don't you agree it seems a bit rash to never go to a PGA event again because you couldn't bring your own food and the guards weren't friendly (shouldn't come as a big surprise really). The guards are rented in the for the event and they do their job. They're not there to be friendly.

Price is a valid concern. Obviously the US Open is more expensive than the average PGA event. I wouldn't be surprised if the guards were more strict also on a major. You should try a regular tour event and see if there is a difference.

Yes,, we were in the stampede following the Phil, Tiger and Bubba group.

Yeh, maybe a bit harsh, we might give the Transitions Championship a go next year.

[montru]

  Snowman80 said:

Originally Posted by Snowman80

i yearly attend TPC Boston for the Deutsche Bank Championship. Being a military Veteran i get:(from  their site)

"The Deutsche Bank Championship recognizes the efforts that all branches of the United States military provide in defending the democracy and freedom that American people enjoy. Throughout the Championship we hope to recognize the military in various ways.

Throughout the course of Championship week, all active, reserve and retired Military Service members and their dependents (with a valid Common Access Card or Retired Military Card) will receive complimentary admission each day of the Championship Wednesday, August 29th - Monday, September 3rd.  While on site, they will be able to enjoy the event from the Military Patriot Outpost.  This area will provide a great viewing spot, located on the 17th Fairway, and will be stocked with complimentary snacks and beverages at all times.  Additionally, information about services available to military members will be provided by partners of the Championship to add to the experience. While on-site, veterans and their spouses also have access to the Military Patriot Outpost"

Extremely generous of them, and i take advantage every year and say thank you.

I have no problem with you or any military person taking advantage of the generous offers like that. Much respect to you sir!

[VMAN]

  BWChuck said:

Originally Posted by BWChuck

A 7 dollar burger and 5 dollar hot dog is a smoking good deal out here in the Bay area, lol.

I was thinking the same thing!

[k-troop]

Supply and demand.  Lots of people want to go see the US Open, and are willing to pay (and suffer) to do so.

[sacm3bill]

  k-troop said:

Originally Posted by k-troop

Supply and demand.  Lots of people want to go see the US Open, and are willing to pay (and suffer) to do so.

Not only that, some tournaments can incur a lot of expenses to the USGA that need to be recouped.  In addition to the obvious things like shuttles, security, and compensating the courses for having to close for so long (not just the week of, but in preparation as well), I would also imagine that the gun range next to the Olympic Club had to be paid to close for the week.

[MajorSlice]

the rules are pretty clear.  just like the movies wont let you in with your own food, because they make money on food.  you sure do complain a lot.  doesnt your family get tired of it?  why do you think everyone owes you something?

since tickets sold out in about 24 hours for the 2013 open, I dont think the USGA will miss your money.  if you dont like it, do go.  pretty simple.

[dak4n6]

Sheesh! Have a little sympathy for a little guy raging against the machine. Are you all corporate greysuits defending the company bottom line?

I too feel that sporting event price structuring is exhorbitant, and prohibiting something as basic and fundamental to life as water is a little hard line.

What's next: If you need to breath air on US Open grounds you will be charged $10 for 20 breaths. So, hold each one in and don't waste 'em!

[x129]

Don't go.  If after spending hundreds on tickets, hotels, and the like, whining about 3 buck water is stupid. It is part of the game of going to any of these events. If you don't want to pay stay home.  And for what is worth, don't go to a giants game. You might not be able to handle the beer prices.

  dak4n6 said:

Originally Posted by dak4n6

Sheesh! Have a little sympathy for a little guy raging against the machine. Are you all corporate greysuits defending the company bottom line?

I too feel that sporting event price structuring is exhorbitant, and prohibiting something as basic and fundamental to life as water is a little hard line.

What's next: If you need to breath air on US Open grounds you will be charged $10 for 20 breaths. So, hold each one in and don't waste 'em!