Chess, anyone?

BC Place--the new gazillion dollar structure with a roof that works on the garage door principle--opened this week, and several brawny football players said, "Man, this is nice!" For there they were in a well-lighted, temperature-controlled, wind-free environment to play their game. No more the wind that rushed through what used to be called Taylor Field, no more the frozen surface of Commonwealth in November, no more the challenge of rain or fog at Empire. And no more the game as it was intended to be played.

Football is meant to be played outdoors, with the weather, whatever it may be, adding to the drama and the unpredictability of the contest. With the rise of enclosed stadiums, football has become, in many cities, as protected as a game of chess. Even kids shooting marbles play in real weather.

As for the fans, luxuriating in their super-posterior-width cushioned seats, we doubt they enjoy the same visceral satisfaction as fans standing on the sidelines in the rain or huddled in mufflers in the stands, clutching Thermos bottles filled with restorative beverages.  

A Mr. Garner, late of this planet, once spoke of golf in much the same way, saying that while most players hope for a balmy day on the links, the game was invented in Scotland, and played on blustery, bone-chilling moors. 

Time to get real, sports fans. Or stay home and read "Paper Lion" and "Golf Dreams."