The Seahawks sent a warning to their fans: If you're considering threatening that guy in the Patrick Willis 49ers jersey to a fight, there's a chance he's going to boot you out of the stadium and have your season tickets revoked.
Seattle announced that they will have undercover police officers roaming the stadium wearing jerseys of opposing teams this season, in order to detect unruly behavior and take proper action.
"We have great fans," Seahawks president Peter McLoughlin said in a statement. "Our goal is to ensure a safe environment for all in attendance, including visiting team fans."
The announcement comes just before the Seahawks face the 49ers on Sunday night, in one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL.
The idea of having police wear the jersey of the opposing team is pretty brilliant.
There's no reason a fan should feel threatened when he goes to see his team play a road game. Two years ago, a San Francisco Giants fan was so severely beaten after a game at Dodger Stadium that he suffered brain damage and didn't return home until this June. Nobody wants a repeat of that.
Among the things the Seahawks don't allow is "verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans." Those who violate the Seahawks fan code of conduct have to complete a four-hour online educational course, at the cost of $75, before they can return to the stadium. For the most egregious behavior, season tickets may be revoked.
The Seahawks have good fans and it shouldn't be a problem for most to root for their team in the most anticipated regular-season game of the season without acting inappropriately. For anyone who does get a little rowdy, just remember that the person you're thinking about harassing might not be a 49ers fan after all.
Seattle announced that they will have undercover police officers roaming the stadium wearing jerseys of opposing teams this season, in order to detect unruly behavior and take proper action.
"We have great fans," Seahawks president Peter McLoughlin said in a statement. "Our goal is to ensure a safe environment for all in attendance, including visiting team fans."
The announcement comes just before the Seahawks face the 49ers on Sunday night, in one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL.
The idea of having police wear the jersey of the opposing team is pretty brilliant.
There's no reason a fan should feel threatened when he goes to see his team play a road game. Two years ago, a San Francisco Giants fan was so severely beaten after a game at Dodger Stadium that he suffered brain damage and didn't return home until this June. Nobody wants a repeat of that.
Among the things the Seahawks don't allow is "verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans." Those who violate the Seahawks fan code of conduct have to complete a four-hour online educational course, at the cost of $75, before they can return to the stadium. For the most egregious behavior, season tickets may be revoked.
The Seahawks have good fans and it shouldn't be a problem for most to root for their team in the most anticipated regular-season game of the season without acting inappropriately. For anyone who does get a little rowdy, just remember that the person you're thinking about harassing might not be a 49ers fan after all.
