Gameplan for the gridiron gridlock "That plan's completely different from last Saturday" 08/26/2002 By Doug Miller / 11 News HOUSTON (KHOU) -- Reliant Stadium is trying to tackle their massive parking problems before the Texans take on Tampa Bay this Friday. At an early evening news conference, we were told the main problem Saturday night was at the yellow lot. So effective immediately it will only be open to people who've pre-paid for parking. No cash parking will be allowed anywhere at Reliant Park. Also, three Metro park-and-rides are being opened. Those locations will be announced Tuesday. Authorities say that the lot wasn't the only factor. They're also blaming some of the delay on four wrecks on the South Loop and one on Kirby, as well as vehicles blocking intersections. But fans say there were no officers at those intersections to prevent that and keep cars moving. HPD and Reliant Park are promising a lot more police presence next time. The Texans weren't the only losers Saturday night. Frustrated fans spent hours fighting traffic. And the team's managers think they've figured out the main reason why. "We had a parking lot that was sold out," said Houston Texans Vice President Steve Patterson. "We had pre-paid patrons that were trying to get into the lot. Officers were having to go into the intersection and try to cull out those who were prepaid for that lot." So that's why Friday they're opening the lots only to pre-paid parking. They plan to triple the number of officers on the streets, putting five to seven uniforms at key intersections, flying a police helicopter overhead and to monitor constant video surveillance of the stadium area's traffic. "Friday's situation, with the game time on a weekday, with a holiday weekend, also with rush hour traffic involved," said Shea Guinn with Reliant Park Management. "That plan's completely different from last Saturday." Those Park and Ride buses will be deployed for drivers who don't pre-pay for parking. And again, the Texans are asking pre-paid parkers to check their tickets for the best routes to their color-coded lots. So for all the frustration, do the Texans owe their fans an apology? "I think that, if you look at this, if it makes somebody feel better, sure, we're sorry," said Patterson. The big question is whether this new game plan will block another traffic fumble. The remaining 750 spaces in the yellow lot that were not previously bought go on sale at 8:30 Tuesday morning. They cost $90, and you can get one by calling 877-NFL-2002. They'll also be available after noon at Ticketmaster. And remember, you have to get one of these if you want to take your car to the games. There will be no cash parking anywhere at Reliant Park. --- For ticket holders without parking permits, I hope you enjoy riding Metro. http://www.khou.com/news/local/khou020826_ds_GridironGridlockGameplan.cc46ede8.html
Well, I hold a yellow lot pass. Actually I have two so I can tailgate. I got in early, so I didnt have any problems. But I saw them, and while the Texans/Reliant Park folk were to blame for a lot (ok- MOST) of the congestion, a lot of pissed off fans didnt help the situation. I am psyched to not have to watch people argue with the cops over why they should get a vacant parking space while the actual owner of the space is 18 cars back waiting for the next 16 cars to b**** about the same thing. Much easier to say, no pass, no park. However I bet Ticketmaster will add a service charge...evil.
The thing that ticks me the most is if you want to drive a car to the game, you should be able to drive a car to the game. Jamey Rootes, the Texans VP, says if you don't have a parking permit you have no business around Reliant Park. The arrogant jackass had the nerve. Well Mr. Rootes, if I have a ticket to the game, I have business to be around Reliant Park. Excuse me for trying to drive my car to the game. I have no problem with people tailgating as long as they have tickets to the game, but when people without tickets take up valuable spots, it screws with people who have tickets. I'd love for Houston to keep the Astrodome (now that the Olympic dream is over), but if it adds a couple of thousand parking spaces then bring on the bulldozer.
Ok this is what's wrong with Houston sports fans. They wait until the last minute to go to sporting events. Tailgating is the way to go, and I don't mean showing up 2 hours before kickoff. Say kickoff is 1pm, show up a 9am, park, fire up the grill, eat, drink and visit with fellow fans. It makes the game a hell of a lot more enjoyable instead of rushing to get to the game and then rushing to leave. An NFL game is an EVENT is most other cities. Once again Houston sports fans have no clue of what being a FAN really is. Unfortunately, I think most of the season ticket holders are corporate people who just care about showing up at game time, making the rounds and leaving, not really caring about the game.
Amen, Bob. It's also ok to hang out for awhile after the game too, instead of rushing out to beat traffic.
Bob- There were hundreds of fans tailgating on Saturday. We had a blast. And that was only in the lot I was hanging in. I hear the blue lot was pretty much all tailgating. I think its gonna be great.
bob -- but they DID tailgate in droves on Saturday..did you see it?? we weren't allowed to tailgate previously...this was our first opportunity.
