TD Garden says in so many words that they’ll look into fixing the seat problem
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The fans have spoken. And it sounds like TD Garden representatives are at least listening.
In response to the overwhelming outcry against the new TD Garden seats, which have increased in numbers but decreased in comfort, the Garden has released another statement in the wake of a more tone-deaf one released on Tuesday. The message in the original statement essentially told fans, “Get used to it.” In fact the words “get used to” are contained in the statement itself.
But now, those in charge of the seat changes could be looking into making it right.
The statement reads, per CBS Boston: “For the first time in nearly 25 years, we updated the seating inside TD Garden – always with the goal of improving the fan experience. Through guest feedback, we recognize there are some areas of concern, and have re-engaged our industry seating experts to evaluate and provide assessment.”
Rough translation: “Our bad. We’ll have the seat people fix the thing.”
The Bruins haven’t held their home opener yet, while the Celtics’ regular season hasn’t even started. But there have been preseason games in the new seats already, which resulted in some comical shots of people’s leg room – or lack thereof.
https://twitter.com/sullstice/status/1180607294624735233
https://twitter.com/sochapoker/status/1181523022177538049
@tdgarden “Take some time to get used to” ....great PR. #not pic.twitter.com/xl5rHCBeNj
— Nick Z (@nzaniboni93) October 8, 2019
Of course, this doesn’t mean they’re going to immediately rip the new seats out and put the old ones back in. It’s also hard to believe that they’d renege on their goal to increase the number of seats in the first place. But this is at least a positive sign that the fan feedback has been powerful enough to possibly effect change. It’s been a mostly indignant reaction to the TD Garden seating overhaul, and for good reason.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.