The anual pre-season Battle of the Bay matchup appears to remain a possibility for 2012.
Jeff Miller, NFL security chief, paid a visit to the Oakland Coliseum (O.co Coliseum) during week three of the pre-season. When Miller initiated the NFL Fan Code of Conduct in 2008 as the NFL’s director of strategic security, the Oakland Raiders reacted quickly. The greatest impact might be their increased police, security and staff, not just during the game, but with pre and post game visibility in the parking lots. Fans feel safe and shared their approval with Miller.
Jeff Miller, NFL security chief
The shootings that took place in San Francisco, after the matchup between the Raiders and 49ers on August 20th caused 49ers owner, Jed York, to request the NFL end the traditional series. The league has not made a definitive decision on the matter.
In 2012 the series would continue in Oakland, where fan safety has been a priority since 2008. Miller responded directly to questions about this matchup bye acknowledging the league has no interest in ‘forcing’ the San Francisco 49ers to play the game, but he also left room for the possibility that York’s immediate concerns could be addressed.
“I think that whether they play it again next year of the year after, whenever it’s played again, we should look at playing it earlier in the day. We should have an earlier start. As far as a security plan, to prevent the kinds of things we saw the other night, I am confident we can execute that. We want to get to it early, out in the lots.”
There is no reason to expect the same challenges in Oakland that we saw post game at Candlestick Park. York’s concerns about fan safety are legitimate, and perhaps if he worked with the Raiders, he might be able to glean some of their success in fan safety for his own use.
Burying traditions and re-directing blame will not create safer environments. The teams must continue to improve their procedures and work with the league to sustain long standing rivalries.
Hope for a 2012 Battle of the Bay continues.