American sports organization can learn a lot about security from Barcelona.

[RandySF]

We travelled to Barcelona, Spain in the Spring of 2009 to visit my wife's childhood friend and took advantage of the opportunity to attend my first European soccer match and see one of my all-time favorite clubs, FC Barcelona. I was a little nervous walking into a 90,000 seat stadium given the horror stories of soccer brawls. But it was exactly the opposite. Children under five are admitted without charge, alcohol consumption is not allowed inside the stadium and security was VERY visible and provided my municipal police. I had a great time at the match and, as I walked to the train station, the bars were festive but it was quiet outside the doors. Most importably, I never felt threatened outside the Nou Camp.

A few months later, a went over to the old Coliseum to watch a MLB game between the San Francisco Giants. The people immediately surrounding me were nice enough, but a steady stream of "fans" escorted out for flashing gang sings at each other. After the game, the atmosphere shifted from jovial to menacing. I received nasty looks at comments from people noticing my Giants hat and the parking lot was swarming with panhandlers and VERY drunk fans. I made a beeline for the BART station and got out of there. Looking at these contrasting experiences and the brwals at Candlestick Park, there is a lot that America sports organizations can learn from experiences in Europe.

[PoliticAverse]

1. Summary: "alcohol consumption is not allowed inside the stadium". n/t