So after cancelling TigerFest last year, the Tigers have brought it back for another year (of course raising ticket prices $5 in the meantime). This year the autographs were still free, but a new system kicked people in the behind or really benefited them (I was a clear beneficiary).
The new system was that after you got somewhat close to the signing tables in the line, a Tigers worker would hand you a 'voucher' (its the best term I can come up with). Each voucher had the line you were in and a session number (ex. Line B, Session 1). When the voucher for that session ran out, they switched to the next session vouchers.
The positives: it guarantees you the player currently signing or tells you that you are playing the waiting game. Also it seems to discourage 'line jumping' and line cutting, which has been a growing problem over the years.
The negatives: players signed a limited amount, so regardless of the time they were done. This caused 20-30 minute stops in the autograph lines instead of keeping fans moving.
Overall I like the system, but it still needs tweaking. I suggest handing out more vouchers to accommodate the entire time frame that should be a session (60 mins). This would cut down on the worse part: lines that don't move.
The stuff:
8x10 Grab Bags (purchased): Joaquin Benoit, Fu-Te Ni, Edwin Jackson
Ice Cream Helmet: Bryan Holaday
Hat: Bruce Rondon
WS Ticket: Austin Jackson (see below)
Cards (L to R): Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, Andy Dirks, Drew Smyly, Austin Jackson, Rafael Belliard
Other (bought): 2012 WS Ticket for games 3 and 4, 2012 WS pin, Tigers pin, Cabrera Triple Crown mini pennant (gate giveaway, found one on the ground while in line)
The new system was that after you got somewhat close to the signing tables in the line, a Tigers worker would hand you a 'voucher' (its the best term I can come up with). Each voucher had the line you were in and a session number (ex. Line B, Session 1). When the voucher for that session ran out, they switched to the next session vouchers.
The positives: it guarantees you the player currently signing or tells you that you are playing the waiting game. Also it seems to discourage 'line jumping' and line cutting, which has been a growing problem over the years.
The negatives: players signed a limited amount, so regardless of the time they were done. This caused 20-30 minute stops in the autograph lines instead of keeping fans moving.
Overall I like the system, but it still needs tweaking. I suggest handing out more vouchers to accommodate the entire time frame that should be a session (60 mins). This would cut down on the worse part: lines that don't move.
The stuff:
8x10 Grab Bags (purchased): Joaquin Benoit, Fu-Te Ni, Edwin Jackson
Ice Cream Helmet: Bryan Holaday
Hat: Bruce Rondon
WS Ticket: Austin Jackson (see below)
Cards (L to R): Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, Andy Dirks, Drew Smyly, Austin Jackson, Rafael Belliard
Other (bought): 2012 WS Ticket for games 3 and 4, 2012 WS pin, Tigers pin, Cabrera Triple Crown mini pennant (gate giveaway, found one on the ground while in line)
