Chargers Fans Must Abide By Code of Conduct

It's been years since I've been to a NFL game, mostly because Chargers games are too damn expensive. But another reason is that attending football games have become an exercise in dealing with rowdy, drunken fans who fancy themselves as de facto gladiators of some sort.

Perhaps we can trace things back the boorish Raider Nation fans invading Qualcomm Stadium and getting into scuffles with Chargers fans. Perhaps it can be attributed to the breakdown of simple public decorum. And alcohol.

Mind you, I love football. I love watching the Chargers play. And that is not to say all 70,000 fans filling Qualcomm are obnoxious and rude. It is football, after all. But suffice it to say, attending a football game is less family friendly than attending a Padres game. And that's also a reflection of the nature of each sport.

So, in order to curb the escalation of unruly fan behavior, the Chargers last week implemented a stricter code of conduct in an effort to prevent obnoxious behavior and alcohol-fueled fights at Qualcomm Stadium this season.

Some of the rules, which took place this past weekend during the pre-season game against the Dallas Cowboys, include:

A limitation of two drinks per purchase until the start of the third quarter. After that, a one-drink limit per transaction goes into effect. No alcohol will be sold in the fourth quarter.

Alcohol sales during the Dec. 4 Oakland Raiders game will cease after the first half.

Fans will be able to use cell phones to text security officers for assistance during the game if they encounter problems.

Last year, an average of 15 people were arrested per home game, according to San Diego Police, and another 45 were asked to leave the stadium by police for breaking the rules.

Hopefully, these changes wil make for a more enjoyable experience for those forking over $75 plus for a ticket. Me, I'm content to watch the games on my antiquated cathode ray tube TV. So, what's your take on the fans code of conduct?