|Bunghole| Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 In another thread I posted that I would never take my son to a Bengals game. After thinking about it a bit, I thought I'd ask you all how you would feel about it. I took both my boys to see the Reds last night and we had a great time, but a baseball game's "atmosphere" is far, far different than a football game's. And by "atmosphere" I mean Reds games aren't overly populated with profane, drunken idiots, you know, like some of us (including myself) have acted at Bengals games. I just don't know if I should take the chance on exposing my 6 year old to outright drunkenness, replete with all the f-bombs that invariably occur. Is there a section of the stadium that's know for or is designated as a "family-friendly" area? I would like to take him, and find out if he's interested in football like I am, but I just worry about what he could potentially be exposed to. When I was in my twenties in the 1990's, I went to a LOT of Bengals games, and [b]I was [/b]"the guy" that I'm worried about my son encountering. Thoughts?
claptonrocks Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 Well you kind of answered your own question Bung... "You" were the guy you'd be worried about now that your older with kids... Ive been to games at PBS.... Its rowdy and in some spots downright nasty..... In the day of "political correctness" let the masses have their one sanctuary for letting it all out ..
Bengals1181 Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 considering my daughter isn't even 1 yet, I can't say for sure, but I think it depends on how old the kid is and what their personality is like. While you never want to expose any kid to what you might see or hear at an NFL game, some can be exposed to it and not let it be an influence. Further, the language, while bad most times, is something they are going to experience sooner or later between tv, music, and other kids. It's really up to the make up of the kids and if the parents feel like they can handle it I guess. It's disapointing that its even an issue.
claptonrocks Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 NFL games are still nowhere near as rowdy as soccor games worldwide.......
|Bunghole| Posted May 13, 2008 Author Report Posted May 13, 2008 [quote name='claptonrocks' post='665096' date='May 13 2008, 01:00 PM']Well you kind of answered your own question Bung... "You" were the guy you'd be worried about now that your older with kids... Ive been to games at PBS.... Its rowdy and in some spots downright nasty..... [b]In the day of "political correctness" let the masses have their one sanctuary for letting it all out ..[/b][/quote] I have no problem with that at all, or at least I didn't when I was single, college-aged and drunk. Now, I'm not the same person I was then. My son is six. Can you imagine Dad having to get into a fight with a drunken Steelers fan in front of him? Perhaps if I was going to take him a Steelers game would be a pretty bad choice, though! I guess I'm conflicted. I know what goes on at the games, and I know it isn't everyone acting that way (after all, Go is at all the games and he doesn't drink, so there's one person, anyway!). I kinda feel like I can't go unless I leave the kids at home, and my wife would like to go but it's hard to get a sitter for Sundays, so even if I do go without them she'll give me shit for it. The Bengals need a daycare facility at PBS! [quote name='claptonrocks' post='665101' date='May 13 2008, 01:07 PM']NFL games are still nowhere near as rowdy as soccor games worldwide.......[/quote] Everywhere except for America, you mean. I don't foresee us attending a Manchester United game anytime soon!
|Bunghole| Posted May 13, 2008 Author Report Posted May 13, 2008 [quote name='Bengals1181' post='665097' date='May 13 2008, 01:01 PM']considering my daughter isn't even 1 yet, I can't say for sure, but I think it depends on how old the kid is and what their personality is like. While you never want to expose any kid to what you might see or hear at an NFL game, some can be exposed to it and not let it be an influence. Further, the language, while bad most times, is something they are going to experience sooner or later between tv, music, and other kids. It's really up to the make up of the kids and if the parents feel like they can handle it I guess. It's disapointing that its even an issue.[/quote] Yeah, that's true but I suppose age is the biggest factor. My sons are six and two (and I would never consider taking the two-year old, because he has too many two-year old issues!), so that leaves Andrew, my 6 year old. I think he's too young yet, although truth be told, he has heard some things at the house from Mom and Dad on occaison that he's called us on and made us .25 cents poorer per occurence. I don't know. He's right at that age where Dad/Son outings are really fun for both of us (he's still in "hero-worship" mode, which will change to "moody teenager" mode all too soon, I'm afraid) and I want to try to take advantage of my limited amount of time with him to do things I like and perhaps he may too before I lose him to time.
Bengals1181 Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 [quote name='Bunghole' post='665106' date='May 13 2008, 01:12 PM']Yeah, that's true but I suppose age is the biggest factor. My sons are six and two (and I would never consider taking the two-year old, because he has too many two-year old issues!), so that leaves Andrew, my 6 year old. I think he's too young yet, although truth be told, he has heard some things at the house from Mom and Dad on occaison that he's called us on and made us .25 cents poorer per occurence. I don't know. He's right at that age where Dad/Son outings are really fun for both of us (he's still in "hero-worship" mode, which will change to "moody teenager" mode all too soon, I'm afraid) and I want to try to take advantage of my limited amount of time with him to do things I like and perhaps he may too before I lose him to time.[/quote] I guess its a matter of if you think he knows better and won't let it influence his behavior.
claptonrocks Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 While the proper parental upbringing is essential in a child's mental makeup I have found that the most influential factor in how a child turns out is the peers he runs with later on.. Keep a close eye on his friends for they will have a definate impact on what he percives as the "norm".....
Bean Counter Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 It depends on where you sit. I have sat in the lower sections many times with no problem. In the end zones and upper deck things are a little different.
Jamie_B Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 Dont have kids, but I would have to say it would depend on where I was sitting, I find the cheaper the seats the more "roudy" the fans. ie: drunken idiots. That sounds bad, but it's proven by my eye to be generally true, so the question is can i get decent seats and if Im paying premium for them, am I certin my kids would enjoy it. All I know is my brother in law went last year at the game of the infamous "flashing", and I think something like that would be a bit much for my 6 year old nephew to see. [quote name='Bean Counter' post='665113' date='May 13 2008, 01:25 PM']It depends on where you sit. I have sat in the lower sections many times with no problem. In the end zones and upper deck things are a little different.[/quote] Yeah the endzones can be bad as well.
|Bunghole| Posted May 13, 2008 Author Report Posted May 13, 2008 [quote name='claptonrocks' post='665111' date='May 13 2008, 01:24 PM']While the proper parental upbringing is essential in a child's mental makeup I have found that the most influential factor in how a child turns out is the peers he runs with later on.. Keep a close eye on his friends for they will have a definate impact on what he percives as the "norm".....[/quote] Oh there's no doubt about that, but we haven't reached the end of innocence just yet...and I'm not keen on introducing him to something that would hurry that process along, like I'm suggesting a Bengals game exposure [i]may[/i] do...
bodah Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 I think it completely depends on the game. A 4:00 game is going to be more rowdy than a 1:00 game in most cases, and a primetime game will be even rowdier. Also a game against a bad non-division opponent is less likely to be filled with drunks than a Steelers or Browns game.
claptonrocks Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 [quote name='Bunghole' post='665121' date='May 13 2008, 01:39 PM']Oh there's no doubt about that, but we haven't reached the end of innocence just yet...and I'm not keen on introducing him to something that would hurry that process along, like I'm suggesting a Bengals game exposure [i]may[/i] do...[/quote] fishing at the local lake ( teach him to bait and cast ) its an experience he'll never forget..... ride bikes together....or rollerblade read to him......make it interesting ... play catch ( football or baseball).....play touch football with him.. start telling him how "uncool" some of the things that teens experiment with is right now....reinforce it before he gets to the age of trying it himself.... LISTEN to him.. look him straight in the eyes when he talks to you.. show him he has your undivided attention ....If he knows he has it now he'll come to you later on important matters....... Practice what you preach and if you cant dont do it in front of him.....
|Bunghole| Posted May 13, 2008 Author Report Posted May 13, 2008 [quote name='claptonrocks' post='665133' date='May 13 2008, 01:53 PM']fishing at the local lake ( teach him to bait and cast ) its an experience he'll never forget..... ride bikes together....or rollerblade read to him......make it interesting ... play catch ( football or baseball).....play touch football with him.. start telling him how "uncool" some of the things that teens experiment with is right now....reinforce it before he gets to the age of trying it himself.... LISTEN to him.. look him straight in the eyes when he talks to you.. show him he has your undivided attention ....If he knows he has it now he'll come to you later on important matters....... Practice what you preach and if you cant dont do it in front of him.....[/quote] Oh, we do many of those things already, and fishing is next on our list. I was just thinking about doing something with him that I really like to see if he really likes it too, and was just trying to see what some of you guys think about the potential risks. [quote name='bodah' post='665132' date='May 13 2008, 01:52 PM']I think it completely depends on the game. A 4:00 game is going to be more rowdy than a 1:00 game in most cases, and a primetime game will be even rowdier. Also a game against a bad non-division opponent is less likely to be filled with drunks than a Steelers or Browns game.[/quote] Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.
ChicagoBengal Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 I definitely will, just not yet. I want to experience that with them, but I'll also want to enjoy the game itself, and with my 2 1/2 year old flaunting his perceived independence, I'd be chasing him throughout the aisles, so I'm going to hold off a while. As far as drunken assholes, I live in (near) Chicago where the drunken asshole has been given Protected Species status by the local governments so long as they're wearing Bears paraphernalia, so by the time we hit a game down there, he'll (they'll) be used to it.
bodah Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 I remember that my dad took me to MNF game when I was 8. Really I don't remember much of the game, or any drunkeness. Then again, I had never really been exposed to drunks so I didn't know what it was. I don't think we tailgated at all. But I do remember walking into the stadium and it being dark, and I was so excited to finally see the Bengals. The most important thing that I remember is that I was getting to go to my first Bengals game on a school night with my dad. Why not take him to a preseason game? They are both primetime games, but for the last couple of years, the seats by us have had families in them.
Vol_Bengal Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 [quote name='Bunghole' post='665137' date='May 13 2008, 02:57 PM']Oh, we do many of those things already, and fishing is next on our list. I was just thinking about doing something with him that I really like to see if he really likes it too, and was just trying to see what some of you guys think about the potential risks. Yeah, that's what I'm thinking.[/quote] I have a 10, 7, & 6 year old boys... I didn't take my 10 year old to a Tennessee game until he was 9 - I wanted to make sure he'd enjoy the environment (cramped quarters, loud, busy...) and I won't do either of the other two until then as well. If you're considering football games - take him to a UC game or something that will be a cheaper ticket, alcohol isn't being sold (granted people are drinking it before they go in from their coolers, but still), you, and he, won't be as cramped and if he enjoys that experience then consider a Bengals game. I will say that since I've taken my 10 yr old (was 9 at the time) he's become a HUGE, football fan. We did the whole deal gameday program, Volwalk (I made sure he was right in the front where all the players and coaches walk by so he would high-five / shake all of their hands, etc. and he still talks about it today. He still has the program, both ticket stubs (mine and his) from the game, and a hat that was signed by several former players before the game. It was the UT / Vandy game last year. To me, it was well worth it as he'll have better recollection down the road of that "first game" trip and remember it more fondly. We had a blast. Just my .02.
BigCatLemmer Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 I would absolutely take my child to a bengals game. I live in Rochester, NY and I have been to a game a year for the last 8 years and never seen a problem in the stands that was too bad. Now on the other hand, I have been to a handfull of Bills games and every single time there are brawls in the stands and swearing at innocent people. Bills fans are classless and Bengals fans seem to be very much more mature. [quote name='Bunghole' post='665094' date='May 13 2008, 12:56 PM']In another thread I posted that I would never take my son to a Bengals game. After thinking about it a bit, I thought I'd ask you all how you would feel about it. I took both my boys to see the Reds last night and we had a great time, but a baseball game's "atmosphere" is far, far different than a football game's. And by "atmosphere" I mean Reds games aren't overly populated with profane, drunken idiots, you know, like some of us (including myself) have acted at Bengals games. I just don't know if I should take the chance on exposing my 6 year old to outright drunkenness, replete with all the f-bombs that invariably occur. Is there a section of the stadium that's know for or is designated as a "family-friendly" area? I would like to take him, and find out if he's interested in football like I am, but I just worry about what he could potentially be exposed to. When I was in my twenties in the 1990's, I went to a LOT of Bengals games, and [b]I was [/b]"the guy" that I'm worried about my son encountering. Thoughts?[/quote]
claptonrocks Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 [quote name='Vol_Bengal' post='665147' date='May 13 2008, 02:11 PM']I have a 10, 7, & 6 year old boys... I didn't take my 10 year old to a Tennessee game until he was 9 - I wanted to make sure he'd enjoy the environment (cramped quarters, loud, busy...) and I won't do either of the other two until then as well. If you're considering football games - take him to a UC game or something that will be a cheaper ticket, alcohol isn't being sold (granted people are drinking it before they go in from their coolers, but still), you, and he, won't be as cramped and if he enjoys that experience then consider a Bengals game. I will say that since I've taken my 10 yr old (was 9 at the time) he's become a HUGE, football fan. We did the whole deal gameday program, Volwalk (I made sure he was right in the front where all the players and coaches walk by so he would high-five / shake all of their hands, etc. and he still talks about it today. He still has the program, both ticket stubs (mine and his) from the game, and a hat that was signed by several former players before the game. It was the UT / Vandy game last year. To me, it was well worth it as he'll have better recollection down the road of that "first game" trip and remember it more fondly. We had a blast.[/quote] Vol.... Have you ever been to a Vanderbilt game???? I knew guy years ago that used to clean up after their games and underneath alot of seats in the stadium are tickets for boots..... He used to find a few that people forgot to check for and he had a vast collection of boots .. Wonder if they still do that there?
Vol_Bengal Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 [quote name='claptonrocks' post='665149' date='May 13 2008, 03:14 PM']Vol.... Have you ever been to a Vanderbilt game???? I knew guy years ago that used to clean up after their games and underneath alot of seats in the stadium are tickets for boots..... He used to find a few that people forgot to check for and he had a vast collection of boots .. Wonder if they still do that there?[/quote] Not in Nashville, or Neyland West as we like to call it. I've been to 3-4 Vandy games here in Knoxville at Neyland. Never any boot giveaways in Neyland.
gatorclaws Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 This has been said by others... but preseason games or lower level around mid-field are always tame enough for kids. I'm 23 and don't get drunk and stupid or anything, but I like not having to worry about screaming "fuck" at a game. I love the end zone seats.
ChicagoBengal Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 Didn't the Bengals set up the "jerk line" for situations like this? I realize that once the kid sees or hears something "unsavory", it's done, but at least the incessant douchebaggery could be cut off.
Cricket Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 [quote name='Bunghole' post='665094' date='May 13 2008, 01:56 PM']In another thread I posted that I would never take my son to a Bengals game. After thinking about it a bit, I thought I'd ask you all how you would feel about it... Thoughts?[/quote] You should definitely not take your son to a Bengals game... ...pass his ticket on to me.
Rick Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 I would take my sixth grade class to a Reds game. There is [b]NO WAY[/b] I would take my sixth grade class to a Bengals game. I would lose my job if I were to take them.
MESP Posted May 13, 2008 Report Posted May 13, 2008 I remember going to the games with my dad when i was about 9 or 10. But then again that was in 92 to 95 so the stadium was a lot emptier then.
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