Is this really how you want to welcome people to your city and your Arena? I have been to many arenas, stadiums and parks over the years and I have not experienced anything like the fear that I currently feel. I am a HUGE fan of the Chicago Blackhawks. I have lived in Key West, Florida for over 2 years and love the weather and what the island life has to offer. I went to Sunrise, FL and Tampa, FL earlier this year to see the Chicago Blackhawks at their 2 games a year that they play in Florida and had a blast!. I met Blackhawks Fans in Sunrise, FL and we all went to Tampa, FL. It was all great fun! It was SPORT! We try to teach our children good Sportsmanship. Here is the definition of Sportsmanship: Sportsmanship is an aspiration or ethos that a sport or activity will be enjoyed for its own sake, with proper consideration for fairness, ethics, respect, and a sense of fellowship with one’s competitors. A sore loser refers to one who does not take defeat well, whereas a good sport means being a “good winner” as well as being a “good loser”.
Taken from www.Wikipedia.com
I feel like I am not welcome or allowed to go to Tampa, FL and cheer them on in the Stanley Cup Finals. They have limited ticket sales to Florida Residents and they are limiting Blackhawks Gear to certain sections. All morning, friends from Chicago have been sharing links on my timeline warning me about the rules that the Tampa Bay Lightning have enacted to keep Blackhawks fans away and in their place! I happen to be the exception to their residency rule since I am a current resident of the state of Florida and can purchase tickets. I bought tickets on StubHub days before the Lightning won their game 7 in New York. Where is the line when it comes to supporting your team? I called the Tampa Bay Lightning office and asked for specifics on the rules so I can be prepared for the game on Wednesday. They said that these policies are to help their local fan base and that we are welcome. Yet it doesn’t appear that way. I have spent thousands of dollars over the years in different cities in different states at sporting events cheering for my favorite home teams. How much does the city of Tampa rely on the tax dollars generated from the airport, rental cars, hotels, ticket sales and food while I am there? This is a sporting event and there will be a winner and a loser. However: at the end of the day, This is about sports! This should not be about not driving away fans of one team (is that SPORTSMANLIKE?????) This should be about the joy of the rivalry and the joy of the game! The game we all love and support the rest of the year by buying tickets, watching games on TV, traveling to see them and wearing their gear.
I will be in Tampa on Wednesday to support the Blackhawks! I hope many other fans get the chance to do the same thing!
LETS GO HAWKS!
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