The 5-Hole: Blue Jackets News and Notes – 2/9/10
February 9, 2010Cavaliers Preview Game #53: Nets at Cavs
February 9, 2010The outbreak of the H1N1 virus has caused the Cleveland Cavaliers to take proactive measures. Aside from placing multiple hand sanitizer stations in each bathroom, the team has decided to remove all public water fountains from Quicken Loans Arena to avoid possible spread of any virus. In return, the arena offers free nine-ounce cups of water that are located at each concession stand.
And while this is considered to be cutting-edge by the team, some patrons feel that the team is simply using this as a measure to increase concession sales.
The Akron Beacon Journal’s Marla Ridnour touched on this decision, giving both sides of the story.
Perhaps the Cavs are being trendsetters and other professional venues will follow their lead. Perhaps the H1N1 hysteria that made hand sanitizers a must-have item in many women’s purses was just the beginning of increased awareness on personal health issues.
But in the same…
Standing in line for the complimentary cup subjects fans to the temptations of hot dogs, pizza, popcorn and nachos while they wait. How many have the willpower to take that free water and head back to his or her seat otherwise empty-handed?
Ridnour touched base with team representative Tad Carper who feels that this decision is for the betterment of all involved.
”This decision was completely focused on creating a more health-safe environment at The Q,” said Carper. ”With the flu- and H1N1-associated issues that are a very real and high-profile part of the national health landscape this season, we significantly increased our cleaning and sanitization procedures and support resources throughout the arena, and made some operational changes as well, in order to foster what we felt would be a more health-safe environment for our fans and everyone at The Q.”
Corporations across America have weened away from using the public style of water fountains. However, most – in turn – provide water coolers or even bottled water for employee use. The Cavaliers appear to be attempting this feat, but through individually pre-poured cups. The basis behind this decision can be debated, but as the Cavaliers had a scare of H1N1 earlier this season, it is not a reach to assume that this decision is entirely made with the welfare of the fan in mind.
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Is Cavs’ fountain decision all wet? [Akron Beacon-Journal]
21 Comments
If you watch the show “More Sports and Les Levine” this was a pretty hot topic of conversation yesterday. People called in reporting that you can’t bring in any kind of drink container even one which you purchased from a Cavaliers shop at the Q previously because you could supposedly use it to get ice. I don’t know this removal of water fountains seems kind of like a reach at best especially when you consider the timing and the fact that reportedly noone associated with the NBA had any knowledge of this problem.
Had this happened with the Browns I’d be less skeptical but because it’s the Cavaliers I’ll be less cynical eventhough I’m a little suspicious.
Even if they are trying to lure people into buying food, it’s hardly a nefarious or immoral scheme. If anything, it’s brilliant.
Slow sports news day I guess.
When was the last time that you used a water fountain at a professional sports venue?…
…That’s what I thought.
@4 Excellent point so why were they ever installed in the first place?
I 2nd MattC.
I don’t really see the problem with this. If they’re not forcing you to buy anything and you get the cup of water for free then go for it. It’s a very smart idea on the Cavaliers part and they’ll bank on the fact that a good percentage of people will buy something since they’re in line.
@5
I would assume they probably have to supply it via state/federal law?
People are stupid. H1N1 is a virus, so an anti-bacterial hand sanitizer alone won’t get the job done. Wash your hands with soap and hot water for 20 seconds. I’m not a doctor and I know this.
It has to be a ploy to sell more concessions.
I CANNOT WAIT IN LINE WITHOUT PURCHASING A DELICIOUS PRETZEL. SAVE ME FROM MYSELF CAVS! SAVE MY FROM MYYYYYYYSEEEEEEEEEELF!!
Joseph’s correct. It’s a requirement in the building code.
Folks there are three things at play here:
1) Protect Clevelanders from spreading H1N1
2) Drive Concessions
3) $ports Marketing/$ports Sponsorships. Inevitably they just created more inventory to sell to the Cleveland Clinic. I know CC already spends a ton with the Cavs, but this will enable the Sports Marketing folks of the Cavs to get at least another six figures out of CC. Next time you are in the bathroom at the Q, take a look, i bet the Clinics logo is all over.
Brilliant move all around.
“. . . some patrons feel that the team is simply using this as a measure to increase concession sales.”
Yeah, that makes perfect sense. Because I would never dream of buying a couple beers and dogs if I could get a slurp of free water instead.
Conspiracists make life so interesting. God love ’em.
what happens if the person pouring the water has H1N1?
@mgbode.
Then we’d have a SITUATION.
You just got Jersey Shore’d
Can we still drink out of the sinks in the restrooms?
I bet it was Mangini’s idea. This guy is out of control, next thing you know he’ll wan’t to move murals around at the practice facilty.
Can we still drink out of the toilets?
— Moondog
This probably means there won’t be free cocktails at the new casino!
Can’t wait until Staph rips thru the Cavs locker room.
lol at Ohrly
If the Indians did this, would there be even more of an outcry? You know, cheap Dolans and all…