Q: Congratulations on the stadium - it is fantastic. It is especially nice when you have the right coach and a winning football team. After having watched the changes in Navy Athletics since you came on board, I am definitely impressed.
However (you knew that was coming), I have a complaint that I have had for the 30+ years I have been a season ticket holder. I was hoping it might be corrected as part of the renovations, but no such luck. Why isn't there any place to sit and eat in/near the concourse area? We are encouraged to pay the elevated prices for food from the vendors, but then expected to eat/drink standing up - not much fun. As I walked past you in the concourse area on your way to the
Admiral's luncheon before the first game this year, I couldn't help but notice how nicely you were dressed (definitely the Boston Influence). But I also had to wonder how you would have done with a pulled pork bar-b-q platter in one hand and a drink in the other, trying to eat as you went. Would like to see a large number of benches, tables, etc., scattered throughout the concourse area so everyone (especially us "seniors") can have a place to sit and enjoy our lunches/drinks before the game or, here's an idea, give season passes to the Captain's Bar-B-Q to all people who have had season tickets in excess of 30 years (OK, the benches will do!). - asked by: Bob Baker, USNA '59 -
A: Hi, Bob. Thanks for the note. As a matter of fact, when you saw me dressed with my neatly pressed shirt and blue blazer at the first game, I had just finished a pound of country-style spare ribs, standing on a grassy knoll in the '53 Pavilion. It wasn't easy. However, I came away having enjoyed the meal (in the standing position) without a single stain on my shirt or jacket. Having said that, your wonderful suggestion is well taken, and I promise that we will have the picnic tables and umbrellas, that can so tastefully decorate the stadium while accommodating our fans, in place in the not too distant future. Building a stadium is exactly like building a home; it takes a little while to hang the pictures, paste wallpaper, spruce up the trim, and make it feel like home with all the amenities. So will be the case with the stadium in time. We've had so much happen so quickly that some of the little, but important, details have not yet come to fruition. I will, however, make you a promise, that being when the picnic tables are finally installed, strategically located next to the concession stands that specifically serve the pork bar-b-q platters, we will have a reserved seat for you and all the wonderful guys from the Class of '59. Thanks for your email and your kind remarks. I appreciate very much your continued loyalty and support.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
