Keep Texans Talk Google Ad Free!
Venmo Tip Jar | Paypal Tip Jar
Thanks for your support! 🍺😎👍

Texans Bullpen letter and responses

SheTexan said:
There is power in numbers and I do believe the FO will listen, IF we all stand together, and give them legit, workable alternatives.
Click to expand...
The irony of it all is that the Silver...err Platinum Lot was created because of a bunch of fans banding together in a similar manner. As you may recall, several of us from the '05 edition of the Blue Crew were actively involved in the petition to the front office for reserved spaces like some of us had seen at Denver and other places. Before that, I recall how everyone was fed up with the chaos of the lineup on Kirby and the fight for 'our' parking spaces every week. Hence the Cause of '05.

They gave us our reserved spaces all right - along with a 75% price increase, essentially killing the tailgate atmosphere in the lot. I think most of us were prepared for a $50 increase in parking that year - not $150. Talk about a great idea gone bad. Contact JS now and he'll probably tell you to make up your mind -- to which I'd say 'you didn't have to double the price of parking in that lot." They were listening to us, but not for the reason we thought they were listening. 'Be careful what you ask for' comes to mind.

I left Platinum in part because of the price increase, now with Blue up to $250, I gave up one of my two passes ($400 is bad enough but no way I'll pay $500 to park). I may move back to Plat, just to keep my parking cost the same as it was last year.

From my experience in Platinum, Yellow and Blue, Platinum is by far the easiest lot to get in and out. That along with the proximity and the reserved spaces make it very marketable - just not to average joes and janes who like to tailgate in larger groups. It's targeting folks who want a reserved spot close to the stadium - a spot that you can leisurely drive to at 10:30 for a noon start.

I'm glad the Bullpen thing looks like it's getting worked out. Hopefully in the near future, the rest of the lower bowl will be standing more than sitting ....
 
aj. said:
Before that, I recall how everyone was fed up with the chaos of the lineup on Kirby and the fight for 'our' parking spaces every week. Hence the Cause of '05.
Click to expand...

Glad I never had to experience that, nor do I want to.

*lines up at blood bank* :aggressive:
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
That's probably the nail on the head. It's probably just hard for people to believe, as the vast majority of Platinum parkers don't arrive until 10:30 or later. While we see a mostly empty lot for most of the morning, I think it's that ability to roll in just before kickoff that makes the lot worth the extra money to people.
Click to expand...

This is why I think we need to start a campaign to get Platinum turned into the best tailgating lot.

To do this I think we need to get the Platinum lot away from the people that want to show up at 11:30-12:30 and just have a spot up close. So we need to try and get them to have the Platinum lot stay with the opening 5 hours before the game...But close the gates 1 to 1 1/2 hours before the game starts.
This would get all of the people that want the close spots out...And allow the people that want to get in an hour earlier the chance to get into this lot.

For the past 2 years I can't think of a time that I haven't pulled into my spot in the corner of the Platinum lot at 7:00ish and seen at least 20-30 cars lined up (that have probably been there for 30-40 minutes) to get into the Blue lot. I would guess that some of those people would like to know that they didn't have to get there before 7:00am to get the spot they want.
 
Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE for that. But, devil's advocate..... I think part of us getting a) a lot that opens at 7 AM and b) assigned spaces is supported by the Texans being able to sell a high % of the PSL's.

So..... Unless we convince our tailgating brethren they should pony up, we're being supported by all the people who roll in late...
 
How many spaces do we take up in the Platinum Lot?? How many total spaces are there in the Platinumn Lot??

Since we probably dont take up 5% of the total lot, I doubt they care whether we stay or go... They probably figure if we pony up fine - if not those spots will be sold anyway, either for the season or per game....

********************************************

Yankee, empty your PM box.... NFL-Brit????
 
Wow, good for you Bull Penners. I enjoy from the dark side the antics that come from the Bull Pen region, and feel welcome when I take a bit of the 3rd quarter to visit you guys.

I think we all should take a game or two out of the season and enjoy the company and tailgates from each of the lots that we all call home.:fans:
 
Texan_Bill said:
How many total spaces are there in the Platinumn Lot??
Click to expand...

787
.
.
.
.
x $400 = $314,800.

Look at it this way. All the Platinum parking revenue for an entire season is about the same as a Matt Schaub game check. See... it's really not that bad.
 
aj. said:
787
.
.
.
.
x $400 = $314,800.

Look at it this way. All the Platinum parking revenue for an entire season is about the same as a Matt Schaub game check. See... it's really not that bad.
Click to expand...

Thanks AJ...



So if we take up a total of about 40 spots, that equals about 5%... I don't think they would care if we stayed or moved on.. We'll see - I guess...
 
Texan_Bill said:
I don't think they would care if we stayed or moved on.. We'll see - I guess...
Click to expand...

I was quite evident to me when they raised the price from $200 to $350 a few years ago that they could care less who stayed or who moved on.

I've talked to the man in charge a couple times about this. They had no problem selling out the lot at $350 and they will have no problem selling it out at $400. When it became reserved, they created a different lot with a different market.
 
Texan_Bill said:
Thanks AJ...



So if we take up a total of about 40 spots, that equals about 5%... I don't think they would care if we stayed or moved on.. We'll see - I guess...
Click to expand...

So..... Here's my $.02... And I am not trying to step on people's feet.....

We pay an extra $150. With that, we get:
-an hour extra
-no need to line up at 6/assigned spot
-because of where our spots are, no need to buy more than one pass (because of the whited out areas and tent sharing, most only need 1 space)

So aren't you really getting you money's worth? If you were in another lot, you'd have to buy several extra passes to get as much space...?

Now, if you only have a few people, can arrive in the same car, and don't mind only using the space behind your car, I can see not wanting to pay the extra $.



*edit* However, if the price keeps rising at the rate of the last few years, then we do have a problem, and what we asked for actually phases us out.
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
So..... Here's my $.02... And I am not trying to step on people's feet.....

We pay an extra $150. With that, we get:
-an hour extra
-no need to line up at 6/assigned spot
-because of where our spots are, no need to buy more than one pass (because of the whited out areas and tent sharing, most only need 1 space)

So aren't you really getting you money's worth? If you were in another lot, you'd have to buy several extra passes to get as much space...?

Now, if you only have a few people, can arrive in the same car, and don't mind only using the space behind your car, I can see not wanting to pay the extra $.
Click to expand...

I hear what you're saying and I'm on board (at least for this season). I love the fact that we get those benefits that you mention. At the end of the day, it comes down to economics. If they continue to raise the parking rates - those spots will be out of some of our budgets.

I really, really hope we can all stay where we are for the next 40 years (if I can make it that long)..
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
So..... Here's my $.02... And I am not trying to step on people's feet.....

We pay an extra $150. With that, we get:
-an hour extra
-no need to line up at 6/assigned spot
-because of where our spots are, no need to buy more than one pass (because of the whited out areas and tent sharing, most only need 1 space)

So aren't you really getting you money's worth? If you were in another lot, you'd have to buy several extra passes to get as much space...?

Now, if you only have a few people, can arrive in the same car, and don't mind only using the space behind your car, I can see not wanting to pay the extra $.



*edit* However, if the price keeps rising at the rate of the last few years, then we do have a problem, and what we asked for actually phases us out.
Click to expand...

You guys have a pretty good set up over there, would hate for you to lose something that you have turned into your very own spot, it's like losing your home.
So aren't you really getting you money's worth? If you were in another lot, you'd have to buy several extra passes to get as much space...?

Well over in the Orange lot, there is a big piece of grassy area that you can back right up to and use, and it doesn't require any additional pass. For those of you who have been there, you know what I mean. We have alot of area, and I have to admit, we have enough area to put up 15x20 canopies and more. Would I pay extra to keep in the Orange, yes. For that reason alone.
I have sent my letter in to the Texans backing you Bullpen people as well. I think Tradition is important, and they need to make sure they keep to their original wants, to build a section as the likes of the Dawg Pound and the Black Hole. I hope everything works out for you guys !
 
So here's a question open to all-lotters: what happens if you have a usual patch of grass/parking lot/etc. that you are 100% dependent upon to set up your tailgate on (as in, you don't have extra pases), and someone beats you to it?

Or is the answer failure is not an option, hence someone being in line before 7? Not having to worry about your whole tailgate going to crap because someone is running late is why I like Platinum.



But, (correct me if I am wrong) - 200% price increase over 3 years; I think people are concerned Platinum will be $800 by 2011.... Like club level seats.
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
So here's a question open to all-lotters: what happens if you have a usual patch of grass/parking lot/etc. that you are 100% dependent upon to set up your tailgate on (as in, you don't have extra pases), and someone beats you to it?

Or is the answer failure is not an option, hence someone being in line before 7? Not having to worry about your whole tailgate going to crap because someone is running late is why I like Platinum.
Click to expand...

We are typically in line before 7 AM...why? B/C we like it...it's a chance to get things prepped and to get ready for the day. We are in virtually the same space every time. It's never an issue for us.
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
So here's a question open to all-lotters: what happens if you have a usual patch of grass/parking lot/etc. that you are 100% dependent upon to set up your tailgate on (as in, you don't have extra pases), and someone beats you to it?

Or is the answer failure is not an option, hence someone being in line before 7? Not having to worry about your whole tailgate going to crap because someone is running late is why I like Platinum.



But, (correct me if I am wrong) - 200% price increase over 3 years; I think people are concerned Platinum will be $800 by 2011.... Like club level seats.
Click to expand...

If you don't line up early like texanmojo said, you can all be pretty close to each other by getting there around the same time, pick who ever has a few vehicles next to each other and tote the little stuff over you need and join them. That is what I have done, getting there at the same time makes it easy but I have gotten there about 9:00 AM and had all my stuff in a little cooler and just carried my cooler over to the tailgate I was going to. It may not be as sweet as the deal you guys have obviously, but I don't think it is too hard to be within a couple of spots of each other and if you are diligent about it you can be next to each other every time. The late comers will have to come to you though.

Certain tailgates are permanent fixtures in the same spot over there like Mojo and Texanfan2002114.
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
So here's a question open to all-lotters: what happens if you have a usual patch of grass/parking lot/etc. that you are 100% dependent upon to set up your tailgate on (as in, you don't have extra pases), and someone beats you to it?

Or is the answer failure is not an option, hence someone being in line before 7? Not having to worry about your whole tailgate going to crap because someone is running late is why I like Platinum.



But, (correct me if I am wrong) - 200% price increase over 3 years; I think people are concerned Platinum will be $800 by 2011.... Like club level seats.
Click to expand...


Well other than 1 certain group we have pi** ng contests with about 1-2 times a year, honestly, we have lucked out, as we have been in the same place since day 1, and those around us have too, so therefore we have the same spot, and never have to worry about it. Kind of like an assigned spot in the area, we all respect each other and we all know who and what goes where. Then again most of us get there at 6:00am and don't have to worry about it. If it comes to it that someone beats us to it, well then we suck it up and take a different spot that doesn't crowd out the others who have spaces..Since we don't need a second pass, if we get beat out of our spot, that's just something we have to deal with, but the following game, it will be ours again !
 
Blue lot - on the grass across from the Astrodome south entrance - nice spot with one little tree. I for sure don't line up at any 0700 - but I am usually in line by 7:45 latest. We haven't had a problem getting the spot we want since day 1 and the same folks are around us, for the most part. I've often thought it would be nice not to race for our place,so to speak - but haven't been willing to spend the extra bucks. I'd miss the little tree.:)
 
That's the biggest thing keeping me out of other lots - I'd be picking between leaving all my friends at home or getting a good spot every week, lol.
 
Yankee_In_TX said:
That's the biggest thing keeping me out of other lots - I'd be picking between leaving all my friends at home or getting a good spot every week, lol.
Click to expand...

You can always try tailgating in the Orange and Yellow for a game...I am sure someone in yellow can get you a pass and I know I can get one in the Orange for you. Go set up there and just see which one you might like, test drive it if you will. Then see what develops in your lot, and when time comes, you will know which lot you would prefer to go to if you decided to move.
 
Oh, if for any reason I need to bail on Platinum I know where we are going.

BUT, in the mean time, I am saying if I had to leave Platinum "my" tailgate (my portion of the Blue Crew) would cease to exist, because the people who ride with me would be unwilling to wake up early enough and/or buy an extra 4 spots for another lot for our gear. And we'd have to join on with another tailgate - but I like having our own tent, cornhole, grill and menu, etc. :)

So that's what I meant.

I hope price stay steady enough that more people don't jump ship.
 
Well, this is the first I have heard about this letter, and I think it is a good thing to have someone who is interested in working with us BP members... not sure how long it will last, but so far it sounds great.

I (of course) am curious about the BP website... we will see what happens, I'm just glad we have such a large fan base, with Andy taking pics for us and also being one of the last remaining 2 or 3 "original" fan sites since the start of the Texans... and I am bringing something new to our site this season for those who are unable to join us for gamedays in Houston... I hope to have a test this weekend for Draft Day.
 
Shaft75 said:
I think that we all know that the front row of the opposite endzone is just way way rowdier. :)
Click to expand...

I think they should take some pills to control themselves. You can see what I mean.....during a big play with the defense on the field :d: and Mario bearing down on an opposing QB......


tampagame.jpg
 
Gentleman-
No offense. But dealing with opposing fans makes me more rowdy period. But I have pissed off the likes of Patrick Kerney, Tony Scheffler(threw his gum at us), Jay Cutler(flipped us off and grabbed his crotch while telling us to f* off), Fat Albert(calling him Fat Albert), Pacman(calling him Lil Jon ticked him off big time), Troy Williamson(threw beer on him), and there is more...

LOL - One time I pissed off the waterboy for the Browns. DUDE was flaming mad, ranting and raving. The players were all laughing at him, it was hillarious.

Here is a better picture for you TedC:
DSC_0269.JPG
 
Shaft75 said:
Gentleman-
No offense. But dealing with opposing fans makes me more rowdy period. But I have pissed off the likes of Patrick Kerney, Tony Scheffler(threw his gum at us), Jay Cutler(flipped us off and grabbed his crotch while telling us to f* off), Fat Albert(calling him Fat Albert), Pacman(calling him Lil Jon ticked him off big time), Troy Williamson(threw beer on him), and there is more...

LOL - One time I pissed off the waterboy for the Browns. DUDE was flaming mad, ranting and raving. The players were all laughing at him, it was hillarious.

Here is a better picture for you TedC:
DSC_0269.JPG
Click to expand...

Shaft is the one sitting down with his Tinnbred jersey on.... :pirate:
 
TexanSam said:
WTF is up with throwing beer at another team? Everything else is cool but why the hell would you throw beer at someone? That's just stupid and idiotic.
Click to expand...

Yo, I never said I did it. But it did happen, one reason is because they beat us in overtime and he went directly up to a guy a couple seats down from me and did the throat slash and said something like "game over, redneck mofo"...

And the beer wasn't thrown at him but on him.

Do you think Ocho Sinco should have got the beer shower that he did???

I personally am with the conserving beer class, especially when they don't sell it in the 4th quarter. I am sure Bill would agree!
 
For the record, that 'big play' photo above of Mario sacking McCown was the next to last play of the game [clock under a minute remaining - Texans up by two TDs] during the win over TB last year. I'm sure there were quite a few empty seats everywhere in the stadium by then.

Thanks to Andy's power winder, here's a photo from literally seconds before, same play, different angle:

DSC_1023.JPG


And here's a wider view of that area from earlier in the game:

DSC_0285.JPG
 
You need to send those pics into fan feedback showing that every game there is someone sitting next to you with a comment thanks for selling PSL to scalpers. Makes me sick at my stomach.
 
aj. said:
For the record, that big play photo above of Mario sacking McCown was the next to last play of the game [clock under a minute remaining - Texans up by two TDs] during the win over TB last year. I'm sure there were quite a few empty seats everywhere in the stadium by then.

Thanks to Andy's power winder, here's a photo from literally seconds before, same play, different angle:

DSC_1023.JPG


And here's one of the south end zone from earlier in that game:

DSC_0285.JPG
Click to expand...

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT POST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am beating on the wall in the first picture.
 
I understand the desire to have the reserved parking space but like Yankee said, at some point the price becomes more than the value.
I share a total of 9 tickets with my 2 brothers and a friend. We have 3 yellow parking passes and we usually tailgate there but we also have 1 blue parking pass and tailgate there occasionally.
Our normal routine is to meet up near the yellow parking lot around 8:30 and then drive in together so we can all park next to each other and we usually get a good spot in the second patch of grass which is fine with us. It would be nice to know we can drive up at our own time and still get to tailgate together but it is not worth the extra price when we know we can still find some place in the lot together. The tailgating party is just as good 10 or 100 feet further away.
It is the tailgater not the space that makes the party.
 
Don't know if it has been said before, but you should print out a copy of the email and take it to every game. That way you can show it to the people complaining or the yellow jackets that try to make it your fault.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top