The reason why common sense flew out the window and everyone went by the book was the fear of a lawsuit.
All it takes is for the vendor, stadium management, the police, children's services, etc. to get smacked with a multi-million dollar suit and then rigid policies and procedures get established with no room for judgment, leniency, or discretion.
You don't get fired for going by the book. Let the next guy put his butt on the line, I want to keep my job.