The Oshawa Generals expressed regret for their recent request to fans to shower before attending home games. The issue arose when season ticket holders received an email containing a reminder about personal hygiene. Jason Hickman, the team’s director of ticket sales and service, sent the email, advising fans to shower if they had engaged in activities causing body odor before coming to the game. The email also encouraged fans to use hand-sanitizing stations, cover coughs and sneezes, and be mindful of personal cleanliness when sharing space with others.
Following the incident, the team posted an apology on social media, acknowledging their misstep and expressing a desire to move past it. Hickman mentioned receiving numerous complaints from fans about unpleasant smells from others sitting nearby, noting an increase in such complaints over the past month.
In response, one fan, identified as Ashley, raised concerns about the email reinforcing negative stereotypes about Oshawa. Although she found the email humorous and was not personally offended, she believed it perpetuated the city’s reputation. Ashley suggested that addressing odors should have been done in a more individualized manner rather than through a mass email.
Another fan, Kyle Bichener, who occasionally attends Generals games with his family, recounted a specific instance where a strong odor from a fellow spectator detracted from his enjoyment of the game. Despite not raising the issue with staff, Bichener understood the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in shared spaces like the arena.
Overall, fans like Bichener recognized the team’s intention to promote a healthy and safe environment for all attendees, even if the initial communication may have caused unintended offense.