Tauranga's ability to host big events is again being questioned, this time with furious rugby fans lashing out over what some say was a "shambles" at Baypark last Friday night.
The night should have been a sporting and entertainment spectacle with a capacity crowd of 17,000 crammed in to watch the
Chiefs play the Crusaders. Instead, the stadium management's inability to cater for so many people has upset people.
In yesterday's edition, the Bay of Plenty Times reported many fans were disgruntled, some vowing to never return. Complaints include there only being two exits, which created huge queues and safety concerns, seating confusion, and unreasonable queues at food stalls, which also ran out of tomato sauce.
Fans complained of lengthy delays getting in and out of the stadium. There were also reports of fighting in the carpark.
Some simply did not enjoy the experience.
Since yesterday's article was published, nearly two dozen readers have complained by emailing the paper. Some feature in today's edition. So far, one reader has defended the stadium, and believes fans need to be organised and get to games early.
Given the number of complaints, it appears the stadium's management was ill-prepared for such a big crowd.
Baypark managers met officials from the Chiefs after the match to discuss what happened and acknowledge there were seating issues. But they say overall they are pleased and will learn from the event.
It is difficult to see how they should be pleased. Given the backlash, this is a nightmare.
The stadium's managers need to take an urgent look at how it will avoid problems such as these in future. They need to ensure there are plenty of exits, food stalls, and food so fans have a pleasurable experience. They need to over-deliver so that fans write to this paper praising events, not attacking them.
In yesterday's editorial, this paper commented over a clash of two big events in Tauranga in January next year.
The editorial commented that in 2009, the Bay missed out on a $30 million windfall when we lost our bid to host Rugby World Cup games in the city. So often, the Bay plays second fiddle to Rotorua, which is a Cup host city.
Some people will be thinking it was the right call given Friday night's performance.
