Arresting Football Fans For Bad Behavior
By Amy E. Feldman
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Is a fan code of conduct legally enforceable?
California and Washington state pro football stadiums have implemented fan codes of conduct that prevent fans from getting drunk, fighting, or otherwise doing what most fans think of as: behaving as if they're at a sporting event.
In addition to being thrown out of the game, fans can be arrested for the behavior.
To many, it seems like a violation of their rights. Not to mention a total buzzkill. But the fact is that stadiums are privately owned and can set rules of conduct for the people who enter. The police can't arrest you for cursing - that's your first amendment right - but the stadium has a right to kick you out for it.
The police can arrest you for violating the law inside the stadium though, like fighting or being publicly intoxicated.
The Seattle Seahawks are trying so hard to make sure fans behave properly, they're having security dress in visiting teams' jerseys to see how fans react. The team said violators will be required to complete a four-hour session on fan behavior and pay the $250 fee for the online course before being allowed back at future games.
The good news, of course, is that you get to set your own rules if you choose to enjoy the game in your basement man cave this season.