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player ready...A Chicago alderman today proposed new penalties to deter the kind of melee that broke out among fans and Los Angeles Dodgers players at Wrigley Field two weeks ago.
The proposed ordinance, introduced by Ald. Edward Burke (14th), includes these provisions:
Beer sales at sports stadiums could not begin until 30 minutes before game time, and would be halted after the start of the final period of play; at baseball games, however, sales would be halted after 5 1/2 innings.
This is tougher than a new beer-sales policy implemented this week at Wrigley Field: Sales are cut off after the first pitch of the bottom of the sixth.
It would be illegal for fans to enter a playing field in any baseball park, athletic field, indoor or outdoor stadium or other sports venue.
It would be illegal for players to enter adjacent seating areas for fans. Violators would face fines up to $1,000 and a maximum of six months in jail.
The city would conduct a study of the hiring and training of security personnel and ushers at stadiums.
The ordinance only applies to sports venues with more than 15,000 seats.
“This (measure) is meant to encourage responsible behavior by people who are consuming alcoholic beverages so that they’re not going to interfere with the rights of fans to enjoy the ballpark,” Burke said. “People should go there to see the ballgame, not to swill a beer.”
The proposal comes in the wake of the fight between Dodgers coaches and players and a handful of fans in the stands behind the visitors’ bullpen during the Dodgers-Cubs game May 16.
Sixteen Dodgers were suspended for three to eight games as a result of the incident.
The fight erupted in the bottom of the ninth inning after a fan hit Dodgers backup catcher Chad Kreuter in the back of the head and took his cap. Kreuter and other Dodgers climbed into the stands, exchanging angry words and blows with some fans.
The players also were showered with beer and other beverages.
Four fans were arrested. Three were cited for disorderly conduct and another was charged with trespassing after going onto the field. A June 19 court date has been set.
Mark McGuire, the Cubs’ executive vice president for business affairs, explained a new beer policy to season-ticket holders in a letter sent the day after the brawl. In addition to the sixth-inning beer-sales limit, those changes include:
A reduction in the number of beer vendors by 10 percent and a cut in their inventory by 50 percent on their last trip into the stands.
An added undisclosed number of security personnel.
More aggressive protection of the lower box seats from fans “sneaking down” from other seats. Ticket-holders will be asked to show their stubs more frequently and season ticket-holders will be held accountable for the behavior of those using their seats.