I have only missed 2 games since inception as well. One daughters wedding and another daughters 21st. My third daughter had the decency to have her wedding day outside of footy season….and you must sit within earshot of me Appsy as my seats were directly opposite the escalators also. I still use Gate A though. I got pulled up early in the piece by a gestapo type person because I was wearing thongs and I was told there is a dress code using Gate A. So I have worn shoes since and no problem.