Nobody likes dry mouth.
However, at the Sept. 2 football game against SMU, several game-goers experienced problems due to the heat.
The temperature reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the game, and with a bustling body of people anxious to cheer on their team, the heat seemed even worse.
Even in the heat and through the crowds, fans turned out to support their team. Game-goers prepared for the competition by tailgating, wearing school colors and hoping their team would beat the socks off its competitor.
Which it did.
One thing game-goers could not prepare for, however, was the stadium policy on bringing water bottles to the game.
At a private Christian school, alcohol is obviously not allowed within the gates. By denying entry to water bottles and other cups of liquid, the alcohol problem is supposedly solved.
For hot days, there is an allowance in the policy on outside food and drink that states sealed, clear water bottles are allowed in the stadium.
The water bottle policy is supposed to be an adjustable policy. This means the policy for bringing water bottles shifts from game day to game day depending on the temperature.
If the temperature is high and water bottles are allowed, signs are posted outside the stadium stating that fact.
However, fans do not see the signs until they are entering the stadium.
This is a problem. The short notice leaves many fans unprepared to bring their own water.
Fans should be informed in advance of the game based on weather estimates so that they can be adequately prepared before they reach the stadium.
The gatekeepers should also be clearly informed of the policy for that day – and should follow it.
Confusion on this issue can only hurt the reputation of the gatekeepers and the students who must attend the resulting chaos.
The first game, numerous people had to throw out their water bottles before they were allowed to enter. Some did not bring water because they are unaware a shift in policy can occur for inclement weather.
Because of this, concession lines were long as people attempted to stay hydrated in the heat.
If this happens again – and we do live in Texas – students and fans should be warned in advance and should take the time to prepare.
As faithful Baylor fans, we need to be informed of what is and is not allowed at the stadium so there can be enough time to prepare, especially if the policy changes so often.
We should not wait to be told when we arrive at the stadium so that we can plan accordingly.
The communication between fans and the water bottle policy makers needs to be fixed.
As it stands, fans are caught in between the no-outside-food-or-drink policy and the need to stay well-hydrated.
This way, we can prepare for game day accordingly and not wonder whether we’re breaking the rules.
Let’s be honest – how are we supposed to yell and cheer for our team if we aren’t hydrated?
