Cost of a brand new half stadium: $80M. Getting spied on by OSU while at your tailgater: priceless.

Is anyone else a little concerned with the new story about OSU cracking down on drinking? It's not the drinking part and kicking out those who sneak in alcohol. It's the use of secret spy cameras that get me.

Cameras help catch drinkers at Reser

During Saturday's loss to Arizona, Oregon State Police trooper Jeff Smith watched Beavers fans in the stands and outside in the parking lots, using cameras and live video-feed technology installed during the stadium's recent expansion.

With four surveillance cameras trained on the stands and seven set up around the exterior, Smith watched a computer monitor in the newly set up security room, alert for any furtive movements, such as a fan pouring liquid from a flask into a soda cup.

...

With a zoom function capable of extending his view by about 600 yards, Smith spotted a young man chugging from the funnel of a ``beer bong'' across the street from the stadium.

OK. I can see cameras inside the stadium. But having cameras trained on the tailgating parties I think that may be going a little too far. Spying on people across the street? Ugh. At least now people know the range of the cameras and can make sure to get wasted out of the camera range.

What was it that Ben Franklin said? "To those who are willing to give up liberty for security, you will soon find yourself without either." Something like that.

Anyone else bothered a little by this?