The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) will tweak some of its rules and operating procedures to appease angry B.C. Lions fans after hosting its first CFL game at the new Empire Stadium last weekend.
Many fans enjoyed the Lions’ first outdoor home game in 28 years, but were upset they had to pay $30 in cash to park at PNE parking lots that normally charge $10.
Once parked, fans discovered they were unable to hold tailgate parties, which involves barbequing and drinking next to their vehicle.
Laura Ballance Media Group owner and PNE spokeswoman Laura Ballance admitted the exhibition was caught flat-footed by local fans’ desire to hold tailgate parties despite the practice being relatively common at parking lots near B.C. Place last year.
"We just weren’t prepared for people to come in and tailgate,” she told Business in Vancouver June 21.
PNE officials conferred with a raft of agencies, such as bylaw enforcement, and determined that fans indeed could indeed party in the parking lots.
Propane barbeques will be allowed in PNE parking lots starting July 10 – the Lions’ regular season home opener, Ballance said.
Police, however, will patrol to ensure fans are not drinking alcohol.
Ballance also promised that when the Lions host their season opener against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, fans will be able to use debit cards, Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards to pay for parking.
The PNE is considering having a cash-only parking booth for fans who want speedier access to the lot.