John Gianelli Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 ...when the Bills inaugurated Rich Stadium in a preseason loss to the Redskins? Though I missed that one (was in Montreal watching Henry Aaron hit homer 703 in Jarry Park), I was lucky to see a few of O.J.'s big games that year. It was a very, very different feel from the Old Rockpile, much as I liked that place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Yes. We got there so early, we were in our seats for the kickoff. We stayed sitting with our mouths open after Mul-keys' return... T'was a wonderful event! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nucci Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 My parents went to that game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guffalo Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Thats the one where the Redskin RB (Duane Thomas?) got into it with some fans and threw a thermos into the stands if I recall correctly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Not at the game but I did ride my bike from the east side to see the stadium the day before. I was 14 then. PTR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PastaJoe Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Sat in the top row with my parents. so we could look back at the parking lot. The traffic was so bad there were still cars and buses pulling into the parking lot in the 3rd quarter. I still have the commemorative coin and card they handed out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alias Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Not at the game but I did ride my bike from the east side to see the stadium the day before. I was 14 then. PTR That's a great story! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSE Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 I was there when the rock pile was new.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoretalk Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 My brother and I were there; teenagers using our part time earnings to buy upper sideline tickets and so excited to be Bills' season ticket holders. I think I still have the souvenir coin in a box somewhere. We were sure we would live in Buffalo forever and have those tickets forever. Times and life changed with us moving out of state after college but we are once again season ticket holders (last year was our first) even though we are in NJ and VA. Lots of memories from "Rich Stadium" and "The Ralph" and we both agree that this is one of the best stadiums to watch a game at (we own tickets for the game and want the best views at the most affordable prices). We do not need bells and whistles ... We need football and want our team to win; so we are both hopeful that 2013 will require us to buy a couple of tickets in January! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack_spikes Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 They gave out a commemorative coin to everyone in attendance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
26CornerBlitz Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 (edited) ...when the Bills inaugurated Rich Stadium in a preseason loss to the Redskins? Though I missed that one (was in Montreal watching Henry Aaron hit homer 703 in Jarry Park), I was lucky to see a few of O.J.'s big games that year. It was a very, very different feel from the Old Rockpile, much as I liked that place. Yep, I still have the Coin that they gave away that night. Edited August 17, 2013 by 26CornerBlitz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwight in philly Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 just sat down in the tunnel endzone and watched mul-key run it toward me all the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 My parents were at the game and somewhere I still have the commemorative coin they handed out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattM Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 I went to the Bills-Fins game that year, where we lost 17-0, I believe, same score as our drubbing by the Johnny U-led Colts the year before, which was my first Bills game. It took me 3 years to see the Bills score a point when we beat Chicago (with Butkus) the next season. Should have realized the long haul I was in for then..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobbpaul Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Yep was there also.Opening kick off ran all the way back ever hear Oh S..t from 75k fans at once. Still have the coin and ticket stub. also been on this board since day 1 was on the old one also the rc board.and a founding member of the Central Ohio Bills Backers=coobpaul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jester43 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 (edited) not lucky enough to be at that one, but my parents did take me to a game that year- an incredibly boring and depressing shutout loss to Miami. We were in the front row of the what is now known as the Rockpile, but the atmosphere was that of a church. it wasn't until several years later that i first saw a glass bottle launched from on high, shattering on the head of a hapless spectator in that part of the stadium. Edited August 17, 2013 by jester43 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marv's Neighbor Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 I can't say that I was there BUT if I was I would have been carrying my Rockpile '65 Champs Seat Cushion, my over the shoulder cooler, and a small radio. I'm guessing my ticket would have been in the $25-35 range, and that would be for a good seat! No doubt, I would be turned away today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowery4 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 I was there, I was 13, I think... I sort of remember it. One thing I remember at halftime there was a punt pass and kick competition. I also remember that there was a kid from Pennsylvania that won after throwing a 70 yard pass. I want to know if any of that is my true recollection? Was that kid Jim Kelly? I have been wondering about it for years. I think the final score was Wash 34 Bflo 17, is that right? I used to have the coin. 40 years, long time. Hope we get a SuperBowl win before I pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Tcali was at that game. I remember listening on the radio. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 That's a great story! That was nothing. I used to pedal my way to Crystal Beach on my 20" banana bike. (Anyone remember those?) Back then the customs agents thought nothing of letting me in. Can you imagine an unaccompanied 13 year old on a bike trying to get into Canada now? PTR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billsguy Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Yes. I was there. i still have the commemorative items from the game. i thought the Bills would have won a Super Bowl by now. I hope I live long enough to see one. I used to live so close to the stadium I could hear the crowd cheering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 (edited) RWS is now the 9th oldest stadium in the NFL. List of older stadiums: Gator Bowl, JAX Soldier Field, CHI Lambeau, GB Mile High, DEN Arrowhead, KC Oakland Coliseum, OAK Quallcom, SD Candlestick, SF (thanks to billsfanmiami(oh) for the correction) PTR Edited August 17, 2013 by PromoTheRobot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowery4 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 That was nothing. I used to pedal my way to Crystal Beach on my 20" banana bike. (Anyone remember those?) Back then the customs agents thought nothing of letting me in. Can you imagine an unaccompanied 13 year old on a bike trying to get into Canada now? PTR I used to do that too! I had that bike until I was in my early 20s too, it was a huffy lol. I lived in Amherst and it took a good amount of time (like 2 hours), When I was like 5 or 6 my friend was moving to Amherst (We lived in on Deerfield near Kensington), we rode up 33 (the Kensington expressway part) as it was still being built. Got off at the Eggert exit and out Kensington to Snyder. Quite a little trip of many at that age. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Present. Got to our seats just in time to see Herb Mul-key christen the stadium with his opening kickoff return for a TD. What a season that was, though. OJ made that stadium his own personal playground that year. Good times. GO BILLS!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birdog1960 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Sat in the top row with my parents. so we could look back at the parking lot. The traffic was so bad there were still cars and buses pulling into the parking lot in the 3rd quarter. I still have the commemorative coin and card they handed out. i played in a impromptu touch football game on the asphalt waitng for the traffic to clear after the game. i'm thinking we waited a couple hours to get out of the parking lot but it might have just seemed that long. they fixed it pretty well for the next game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 That was nothing. I used to pedal my way to Crystal Beach on my 20" banana bike. (Anyone remember those?) Back then the customs agents thought nothing of letting me in. Can you imagine an unaccompanied 13 year old on a bike trying to get into Canada now? PTR With sissy bar? GO BILLS!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfanmiami(oh) Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 RWS is now the 10th oldest stadium in the NFL. List of older stadiums: Riverfront, CIN Gator Bowl, JAX Soldier Field, CHI Lambeau, GB Mile High, DEN Arrowhead, KC Oakland Coliseum, OAK Quallcom, SD Candlestick, SF PTR Cincy is wrong. Paul Brown Stadium is fairly new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 (edited) With sissy bar? GO BILLS!!! Oh yeah, and gull wing handlebars. PTR Cincy is wrong. Paul Brown Stadium is fairly new. Ooops. You are correct. And you would know living in Ohio. Edited August 17, 2013 by PromoTheRobot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 i played in a impromptu touch football game on the asphalt waitng for the traffic to clear after the game. i'm thinking we waited a couple hours to get out of the parking lot but it might have just seemed that long. they fixed it pretty well for the next game. Traffic was reported to be epically bad around the stadium that night. I guess it might have been the first time 80,000+ people ever gathered for anything in Western New York. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gobillsinytown Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 I was a kid when it opened but heard a funny story from someone who was. They were sitting at about the 50 yard line, a few rows up from the field. It was about 45 minutes before kickoff and the players were warming up. One of the 'Skins players was walking by and spit. So this little old lady stands up and started scolding the guy for "spitting on our nice new field. Where are your manners young man?". So the player somehow keeps a straight face and says "I'm sorry ma'am. Thank you for reminding me". The whole section is laughing. Sounds like everybody was having a good time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-9 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Oh yeah, and gull wing handlebars. PTR Sweet. GO BILLS!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yoho Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Got to that game at 3:30 to beat the rush. I believe we were one of the first 100 tailgaters in the history of Rich Stadium. If I remember correctly Herb Mul-Kay ran back the opening kickoff for Washington. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowery4 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 (edited) Got to that game at 3:30 to beat the rush. I believe we were one of the first 100 tailgaters in the history of Rich Stadium. If I remember correctly Herb Mul-Kay ran back the opening kickoff for Washington. Yes you are right, wasn't there a thread about this a year or 2 ago? Edited August 17, 2013 by bowery4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jester43 Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 RWS is now the 9th oldest stadium in the NFL. List of older stadiums: Gator Bowl, JAX Soldier Field, CHI Lambeau, GB Mile High, DEN Arrowhead, KC Oakland Coliseum, OAK Quallcom, SD Candlestick, SF (thanks to billsfanmiami(oh) for the correction) PTR Mile high was finished in about 2000 and replaced the old "erector set" Mile High stadium that Denver played in back in the AFL days. I am happy to say I got to see a game in the old one right before they demolished it. My buddy (a fish fan) and I made the trek to Miami for the Bills/Dolphins playoff game on 1/2/99. The ""Trace Armstrong game," if you will. When the Bills looked poised to take over the game in the 3rd quarter I made my pal a drunken bet that whoever won, BOTH of us would be at the winner's game no matter what. One week later I was in "old" mile high stadium, 3 rows from the top, watching Miami get crushed by Denver. It was most crystal-clear beautiful day you could ever imagine, and we had a spectacular view of the mountains. The whole stadium was steel, and every first down felt and sounded like an earthquake. From our hotel room, we had a nice view of the new stadium going up. I remember thinking, "that's a shame." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 RWS is now the 9th oldest stadium in the NFL. List of older stadiums: Gator Bowl, JAX Soldier Field, CHI Lambeau, GB Mile High, DEN Arrowhead, KC Oakland Coliseum, OAK Quallcom, SD Candlestick, SF (thanks to billsfanmiami(oh) for the correction) PTR BTW Promo, the stadium in Jacksonville is not older than The Ralph. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in San Diego Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 (edited) That was nothing. I used to pedal my way to Crystal Beach on my 20" banana bike. (Anyone remember those?) Back then the customs agents thought nothing of letting me in. Can you imagine an unaccompanied 13 year old on a bike trying to get into Canada now? PTR Yeah that's funny, one Halloween I dressed up as Sid Vicious from the Sex Pistols, complete with safety pins in my cheeks and ears and chains wrapped around my chest, I went to party in Allentown and and peddled my bike back to Canada at like 4:00am drunk as shite and rode my bike thru a car lane, the guard just laughed and waved me thru. good times. Edited August 17, 2013 by Fan in San Diego Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhg Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 (edited) Not at the game but I did ride my bike from the east side to see the stadium the day before. I was 14 then. PTR Holy cow! That seems like a long bike ride if you were 14. Edited August 17, 2013 by dhg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freester Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 I was at that game with my dad. I'll never forget the kickoff return by Herb Mulkey to open the stadium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Unless I missed it, no one's yet mentioned Duane Thomas trying to go into the stands to confront hecklers. After 38 posts I'm mildly surprised by this. Did I miss it? Thats the one where the Redskin RB (Duane Thomas?) got into it with some fans and threw a thermos into the stands if I recall correctly. I did miss it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwight in philly Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Unless I missed it, no one's yet mentioned Duane Thomas trying to go into the stands to confront hecklers. After 38 posts I'm mildly surprised by this. Did I miss it? I did miss it! my recollection is sometimes hazy, but i am not quite sure that was the game thomas went into the stands. i was there for both(opening game and thomas altercation), just not sure if it was the same game, but chances are it could have been. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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