Sir, – Up and down, in and out. And so it goes at a match in the Aviva Stadium. It’s a pain. A solution? Close the bars! But that’s not going to happen (nor do I want it to, to be honest, I like to have a beer on my day out). Second best – like the theatre, no beverages can be taken to seats except before kick-off or at half-time (with a pre-ordering system in place for half-time purchases). You’re free to get up and go get a drink or a snack, you can drink and eat in the concourse, but you cannot take it back to the seat. That’s a workable compromise perhaps?
And of course just wait until there’s a natural break in play to go out or come in. That’s just manners!
– Yours, etc,
ALAN ROSSITER,
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Ashford, Co Wicklow.
Sir, – I see the IRFU is “attempting to improve match-day experience” (Sport, November 3rd).
From my recent experience during a Six Nations campaign, I now regard the Aviva Stadium as the largest outdoor bar in Ireland, with a rugby match provided as an ancillary experience.
I note that Padraig Power (IRFU commercial officer) has remarked that “there’s a global trend as sport and entertainment start to fuse more, and there will be more entertainment”. To me, the rugby match, the excitement and the skill of the players is, and should remain, the sole entertainment.
If I want blaring background music, coloured smoke, exploding fireworks and alcohol I’ll go to a suitable venue that provides that sort of “entertainment”.
The IRFU should stick to what it is good at: delivering Irish rugby teams that win matches. That’s entertainment enough!
– Yours, etc,
ROBERT P GOGAN,
Kilbeggan,
Co Westmeath.