Pats Fan Nervous to come to the Ralph

[VanCity]

I have worn Bills gear to away games, but never to an AFCE opponent's stadium. I think that's the difference maker. More often than not, I am treated respectfully by the other fans because I know my place. I'm there to cheer my team , not be an a-hole and talk trash about the team and fans that have, essentially, made me their guest. All that being said, If I were a Pats* fan, I would stay away from the Ralph this weekend. No good can come of wearing a NE jersey with the animals that are going to be riled up and ready to rumble by the time they hit the lot.

[JÂy RÛßeÒ]

Sadly I do fear that there is potential for altercations this week. 2 scenarios:

A) we win and there is lots of taunting and shaming going on as it appears their dominance over us is ending

2) we lose and people are just pissed off, and of course some of the Pats fans are probably stirring the pot

[May Day 10]

they should be nervous. I have friends going and Im going to recommend they leave their Pats jerseys behind. Its not worth it. Even if 98% of people are normal and respectful, you are going to have a certain % frothing at the mouth and unreasonable.

 

 

I have no desire to attend a Bills away game in a place like in the Northeast or San Fran, etc... Maybe like Jacksonville or Miami it would be possible... but nothing good would come out of marching into Lincoln Financial Field with a Moats Bills jersey

Edited September 17, 2015 by May Day 10

[mannc]

Every stadium. Don't wear your team's jersey if you don't want to be harassed. Simple

Not true. Took my kids to Bills-Phins in Miami wearing bills gear-no problem at all. Of course, a third of stadium was wearing Blue and White.

[YoloinOhio]

I think it's more about just being respectful to the people around you. I know when I'm in hostile territory and just try to have fun with it. Strike up a conversation and compliment the stadium, colors, wife ass whatever. Make a friend early in the game and you'll be fine

 

I usually take it upon myself at Bills games to talk to opposing fans. I don't want to see a fight any more than they do and I usually tell them to just take everything in stride. It's just a game.

 

If they don't listen, well good luck to you

the thing is there are always a certain percentage of these fans at every stadium. You can't control who you sit next to, walk by, etc. Might as well reduce the risk yourself by not wearing your team's jersey.

[Hot Buffalo Wings]

Nothing was better than the Lions fan who was giving me sh!t all game last season in Detroit until CARPY ICED IT!

[Storm Front]

One of the worst things I ever saw at a Bills game was when a fan threw an ice ball at a Vikings fan, missed and hit a 9-10 year old kid in the head. The kid had blood gushing out of his ears. Drunk scumbags suck.

[4merper4mer]

There are all sorts. I'm sure there are innocent Pats* fans that have been bothered by Bills fans but......that is the exception IMO. Anyone sober and with kids in any jersey should be off limits.

 

The people I've seen harassed/in fights are the loud mouth Pats* fans who are wearing the Pats* gear dating back to the original franchise QB.......Drew Bledsoe. At least that is as far back as they can remember as a group. I would bet if you plucked the average Bills fan from the crowd and the average Pats* fan, that there are pretty good odds the Bills fan could name more pre-1980 Pats* players than his counterpart could. They spout off and know nothing and they're drunk...and the Bills fans ending up in the conflict are also drunk.....and the reasonable people from both fan populations get out of the way. And then the mass holes go home and say how bad the Buffalo fans are. You know when the Buffalo fans will be normal again? When the Pats* are once again relegated to their 5-11 historical status at which time not a single one of them will ever go to a road game. They are not actual fans like the Steelers, Cowboys, Giants, Raiders, Browns and other visitors. Drunk, stupid, obnoxious and disloyal people are going to end up in fights.

[DrDawkinstein]

Frankly, Im glad Pats fans are nervous and scared about coming into OUR house. We've had too many Pats fans coming in and strutting around for way too long. The Gronkowski family sits in the box right behind my seats and it makes me sick to see all the Pats jerseys in there being worn by a group of Buffalonians. The amount of Pats fans infiltrating our gates has been growing every year, and it's time we flush them out with the rest of the turds.

[Gordio]

If there is danger, you can be sure big mouth Boston Sully brought it upon himself. Ive found being a bills fan at the meadowlands countless times that if you lay low and enjoy the game...people bother you much less. If youre a loudmouth arrogant rude cksucker in a Pats jersey...

 

Trouble should eventually find you.

 

 

Got to agree with this. For the better part of 12-13 years now Bills fans have been subject to ahole patriot fans from Boooston with their stupid ass accents acting like they own the Ralph. I don't condone violence & I will have my 11 year old son with me at the game so I certainly won't be looking for trouble but unfortunately Patriot fans bring it on themselves. When you come into someone elses house your supposed to show a little respect not be all arrogant & act like you own the place.

[eball]

This is the biggest non-issue in spectator sports. The bottom line is this -- you are treated the way you deserve to be treated.

 

If a fan wears the visiting team's garb to a game and is respectful, friendly, jokes with the home fans -- I have never seen a problem. It's when the visiting fan gets drunk, obnoxious, and starts taunting opposing fans that things get ugly.

 

I've gone to plenty of away games in my Bills or Sabres gear. I joke with the other fans, wish them a good game, and cheer for my team in a vocal but respectful way. I've never had a beer dumped on me, been sworn at, or physically threatened.

 

Act like a respectful human being and you'll be treated like one.

[EndZoneCrew]

 

 

Got to agree with this. For the better part of 12-13 years now Bills fans have been subject to ahole patriot fans from Boooston with their stupid ass accents acting like they own the Ralph. I don't condone violence & I will have my 11 year old son with me at the game so I certainly won't be looking for trouble but unfortunately Patriot fans bring it on themselves. When you come into someone elses house your supposed to show a little respect not be all arrogant & act like you own the place.

 

+1

[stony]

This is the biggest non-issue in spectator sports. The bottom line is this -- you are treated the way you deserve to be treated.

 

If a fan wears the visiting team's garb to a game and is respectful, friendly, jokes with the home fans -- I have never seen a problem. It's when the visiting fan gets drunk, obnoxious, and starts taunting opposing fans that things get ugly.

 

I've gone to plenty of away games in my Bills or Sabres gear. I joke with the other fans, wish them a good game, and cheer for my team in a vocal but respectful way. I've never had a beer dumped on me, been sworn at, or physically threatened.

 

Act like a respectful human being and you'll be treated like one.

 

Eball in theory everything you've said is correct. I've just witnessed way too much unprovoked attacks on opposing fans to say it's simply just jerks getting what they deserve. The reality is, it's been bad for a while. A whole generation of 20 somethings only memories of the Ralph have been getting sloshed, watching the Bills lose and yelling at enemy colors.

[eball]

 

Completely Disagree.

 

While this may be the case most of the time, some of the home team fans can't help but be !@#$s(yes with a few beers in them) and taunt the other teams fans even if they are just sitting there minding their business and enjoying the game which could eventually lead to dangerous situations.

 

There are outliers in every scenario -- in every stadium. But what I've noted above is primarily what I've experienced, and I've gone to a lot of sporting events over the past 30+ years.

[ddaryl]

 

 

Got to agree with this. For the better part of 12-13 years now Bills fans have been subject to ahole patriot fans from Boooston with their stupid ass accents acting like they own the Ralph. I don't condone violence & I will have my 11 year old son with me at the game so I certainly won't be looking for trouble but unfortunately Patriot fans bring it on themselves. When you come into someone elses house your supposed to show a little respect not be all arrogant & act like you own the place.

 

 

I agree as well. Many Boston fans are arrogant !@#$s and they should be very afraid. They do it to themselves. Maybe a little humility would serve them well

 

they sure don't treat Bills fans or any other teams fans well at their place

[dhg]

Most issues I have seen at home games against the Pats**** stem from bandwagon Canadian Pats**** fans coming down on a bus and are already piss drunk by the time they arrive at the stadium.

[uticaclub]

While I hope no one gets murdered, if someone wearing a Brady jersey left with a broken jaw I would probably laugh in his face.

[SWATeam]

While I hope no one gets murdered, if someone wearing a Brady jersey left with a broken jaw I would probably laugh in his face.

Yikes

[jimmy10]

I've been to Bills' roadies in Atlanta, Charlotte and Denver, fully decked in Bills gear. Never experienced or witnessed an ounce of bad behavior. I even wore my foam wing hat in Charlotte. People were just confused, some thought it was a Cheeto.

 

I'll be honest, I kind of don't like the dark, negative vibe in the stands for the Pats games. Yes, I have seen atrocious behavior by a few Pats fans, but way more by some of Buffalo's finest boozebags.

 

I've said this before, and 22-year old me wants to throat-punch 36-year old me for saying it, but if we do end up with a new stadium, AND the tailgating gets dialed back from 11 to about 9.5, AND some of the worst drunken idiots get priced out, I'm OK with that.

 

EDIT: And I should add, I make no judgements toward those who imbibe responsibly. I'm Irish; I'm wired for drinking. I just know how to handle myself.

Edited September 17, 2015 by jimmy10

[thebandit27]

Most issues I have seen at home games against the Pats**** stem from bandwagon Canadian Pats**** fans coming down on a bus and are already piss drunk by the time they arrive at the stadium.

 

^Truth

 

90% of the opposing fans that come to the Ralph are Canadians.

[The Dean]

Every stadium. Don't wear your team's jersey if you don't want to be harassed. Simple

 

 

I have worn Bills gear to away games, but never to an AFCE opponent's stadium. I think that's the difference maker. More often than not, I am treated respectfully by the other fans because I know my place. I'm there to cheer my team , not be an a-hole and talk trash about the team and fans that have, essentially, made me their guest. All that being said, If I were a Pats* fan, I would stay away from the Ralph this weekend. No good can come of wearing a NE jersey with the animals that are going to be riled up and ready to rumble by the time they hit the lot.

 

 

I think these two posts hit the nail on the head. I've been to many away games and have NEVER had a problem with opposing fans. This includes several games against the Raiders in Oakland and LA. In fact I think I had as much fun with the the Raiders fans in LA as I have anywhere. Pittsburgh fans were cool, too. (Jet's fans, on the other hand, suck---home and especially away.)

 

But I don't cover myself in Bills gear. I don't talk smack to those tailgating in the lot--in fact, I try to drink with them. I don't scream stuff at them or try to rile them up. I understand I'm going to take a bit of s#it, and do it in good humor. During the game, if given an opportunity (after taking the temperature of the room, so to speak) I might give some good-natured s#it back--but always being careful to keep it light.

 

My advice to any fan, going to a home or away game is: Use some freaking sense. Put your macho ass#ole attitude in a bag for the day (and step on it, so it never comes out again).

Edited September 17, 2015 by The Dean

[4merper4mer]

While I hope no one gets murdered, if someone wearing a Brady jersey left with a broken jaw I would probably laugh in his face.

 

 

I'd like to say I'd be IK with that but honestly I can't.

[BaaadThingsMan]

The *cheating pricks* with *marsha* are 23-3 vs the Bills, I'd imagine there's alot of pent up frustration built up amongst Bills fans. Not an excuse but if u know the other team is already agitated it's probably safer to leave the fan gear home in this case

On a side note....I NEVER wear Bills gear in Oakland but have no problem wearing it in SF. These are not bitter rivals but Oakland is not the place to be messing around.

[scribo]

I've worked special security at several NFL stadiums and venues for other sports. No matter where you are, there are going to be some fans acting poorly, often violently. It is not reflection of the team or fan base. How a team has its staff respond is crucial and does vary widely. Several Major League Soccer teams often play in stadiums much larger than they need, which gives them some really effective flexibility. Soccer fans often form groups, parking, tailgating and walking through the stadium together. Some teams give these groups escorts through the crowds when they visit other team's stadiums, sitting them apart from the home fans. It works really well.

[T master]

Just heard the guys on WGR talking about someone from NE asking if they would be in danger coming to the game Sunday. I'm all for a rowdy atmosphere and as a season ticket holder, I love the effect we can have on the game. But it's unfortunate that this fan probably IS in danger coming to the game wearing patriots gear. Most fans will not be idiots, but there are still a lot who will cause problems. Thoughts?

 

 

Reading the terrible things that has happened out in California like at Dodgers, Oakland, games of fans being terrified to go to the game first & walk to their cars should have some bearing on weather or not L.A. gets a 3rd shot at having another NFL team .

 

It also makes me as a Bills fan hope that all of our fans realize THIS IS A GAME & we would be smarter by welcoming other fans to the Ralph & have some light rivalry going on but not to take it so far that people don't want to come spend money here .

 

Although the last time i was at the Ralph & it was a N.E. Pats game i did see some jack ass fans from both sides of the fence !

 

But that was from the Pats always winning & this time i think it could be a bit different !!

 

Go Bills !!

[LabattBlue]

I've said this before...

 

Been to at least 6 different stadiums to see the Bills play, and Bills fans are by far the worst in regards to treatment of opposing teams fans. That being said, I haven't been to see a game vs the Eagles, Jets, or Pats in their house.

[boyst]

Why are people here saying Bills fans are being a-holes for giving opposing fans a hard time? There is a major difference between being an !@#$ and being violent/aggressive. I've seen more aggression with Bills on Bills behavior then I have against opposing.

 

If you show up at an opposing stadium in the opposing colors/garb you better be cool. You better not get worked up and realize how you're going to get treated.

 

Two years ago Patriots@Bills opener sitting behind Thurmal, Beerball and I, there were obnoxious Patriot fans that called security for being loud and cheering the Bills. They didn't taunt the Pats fans, nothing. They called security and the guys were taken away for about 20 minutes just because the Pats fans were a-holes. At the end of the game I said something to them, they were Boston cops. I said they were !@#$s who need to go back to Boston and stay out of Buffalo and not to forget where they are. They seemed to be bothered by this and told me more or less that if I come to Boston they would be sure to give me a hard time and further taunted me.

[ricojes]

All stadiums have some great and some not so great fans. You just have to be smart and really a bit lucky when it comes to where you sit. For every "I've been to this and that stadium and never had an issue story", there are people with the exact opposite experience. I always tell opposing teams fans around my section to cheer for your team, but don't go over the top. I will stick up for you if you're just cheering, but get in someone's face or act obnoxious and you're on your own....I have had to back some Bills fans off of opposing fans more than once, because they were simply just cheering for their team and being respectful and didn't deserve the attack...But overall I have had very few issues with opposing teams fans in my section in my many years as a season ticket holder.

[boyst]

I've said this before...

 

Been to at least 6 different stadiums to see the Bills play, and Bills fans are by far the worst in regards to treatment of opposing teams fans. That being said, I haven't been to see a game vs the Eagles, Jets, or Pats in their house.

Carolina is rough against Saints and Falcons fans. Against the Jets, Steelers, Cowboys, Bills and Browns you have almost as many visiting fans as you do home fans.

 

But, still, this narrative that we treat opposing fans bad? So? So what? Don't come to our house and piss on it.

[ricojes]

 

 

Reading the terrible things that has happened out in California like at Dodgers, Oakland, games of fans being terrified to go to the game first & walk to their cars should have some bearing on weather or not L.A. gets a 3rd shot at having another NFL team .

 

My parent went to SF to see the Bills play recently and I was actually very nervous for their safety. But luckily no incidents, just some minor harassing in the parking lot.

 

From my own experience, I have been confronted in Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. But I didn't act like a d*ck and was smart enough to realize I was severely outnumbered and simply walked away. There are idiots at every stadium, there is no such thing as a zero incident stadium...

Edited September 17, 2015 by ricojes

[The Wiz]

 

^Truth

 

90% of the opposing fans that come to the Ralph are Canadians.

And for the life of me I will never understand how there are so many Canadians that are Dolphins fans.

[LabattBlue]

 

But, still, this narrative that we treat opposing fans bad? So? So what? Don't come to our house and piss on it.

Define "treat opposing fans bad"? There is good natured heckling, and then there are the knuckleheads who have their beer muscles pumped up before they even walk in the stadium and are looking for an opposing fans whether they are minding their own business or not.

 

If you don't think the out of control drinking in the lots carries over to the stadium, you are living in a dreamland.

 

That being said, the same holds trues for some of the opposing fans who come in liquored up looking for trouble. In that case, you won't end up seeing the end of the game nor will the Bills fans who can't find a way to turn the other cheek.

[PolishDave]

 

^Truth

 

90% of the opposing fans that come to the Ralph are Canadians.

I've noticed this a lot too. I welcome somebody to Buffalo and ask them where they are from. Typical answers are Ontario, Toronto, St. Catherines, etc...

 

Some of the Canadians are really easy to pick out. They are the only people at the game who are wearing jerseys for a team that isn't playing in that stadium. Check it out. Next time you see someone wearing a Colts jersey during a Bills vs. Jets game, go ask them. They will say they are Canadian.

[boyst]

Define "treat opposing fans bad"? There is good natured heckling, and then there are the knuckleheads who have their beer muscles pumped up before they even walk in the stadium and are looking for an opposing fans whether they are minding their own business or not.

 

If you don't think the out of control drinking in the lots carries over to the stadium, you are living in a dreamland.

 

That being said, the same holds trues for some of the opposing fans who come in liquored up looking for trouble. In that case, you won't end up seeing the end of the game nor will the Bills fans who can't find a way to turn the other cheek.

You're the one who stated:

Bills fans are by far the worst in regards to treatment of opposing teams fans.

So, you need to define it, for starters.

 

Drinking is not an issue at the Ralph. I have been to the Browns, Lions, Panthers, and a ton of college stadiums. I have seen equal behavior at the Browns and college stadiums. The injection of the phrase "out of control drinking" cements your position as being anti-alcohol.

 

I do not see why? There are some things you do not do at any stadium: Take children under 8 years old. Wear your teams colors obnoxiously and scream and holler every time you get. Binge drink. Pound on the seats in front of you for noise. Stand the whole game. There are some things you do at your own risk: bring a child under 12, wear opposing colors...

 

Your stance and argument are flawed based upon your outlandish statements.

 

You are the one who introduced the phrase, you define it.

[thebandit27]

I've noticed this a lot too. I welcome somebody to Buffalo and ask them where they are from. Typical answers are Ontario, Toronto, St. Catherines, etc...

 

Some of the Canadians are really easy to pick out. They are the only people at the game who are wearing jerseys for a team that isn't playing in that stadium. Check it out. Next time you see someone wearing a Colts jersey during a Bills vs. Jets game, go ask them. They will say they are Canadian.

 

No need...they are always Canadian.

[GottaRun]

Frankly, Im glad Pats fans are nervous and scared about coming into OUR house. We've had too many Pats fans coming in and strutting around for way too long. The Gronkowski family sits in the box right behind my seats and it makes me sick to see all the Pats jerseys in there being worn by a group of Buffalonians. The amount of Pats fans infiltrating our gates has been growing every year, and it's time we flush them out with the rest of the turds.

this. In 13 years of seasons the only fans I can't stand on a large scale basis are Pats fans. I've run into the odd idiot from other teams but with Pats fans it's an epidemic. They are the only fan base in the NFL I won't bother to attempt to talk to or be civil to when tailgating. Everyone else gets a chance to have a couple of beers and a laugh, Pats fans can go to hell.

[Leroi]

This stadium used to be an intimidating place for opposing fans, today, we are welcoming.

 

Opposing fans are welcome in our stadium and they can behave in any manner they want.

 

Too many rules to get in trouble and nobody wants to get kicked out or arrested.

 

So no, there is no danger for opposing fans. Bring your kids and enjoy the day...

 

 

Imo

[stony]

While I hope no one gets murdered, if someone wearing a Brady jersey left with a broken jaw I would probably laugh in his face.

That's pretty pathetic.

[BuffaninATL]

Agreed.

 

I was thinking this the other day. I hope nobody gets killed at the game with all the hatred of the Patriots i can see things escalate in the crowd very quickly.

 

[YoloinOhio]

I watched last year's pats game on TV and it was embarrassing how many Pats fans were there. It was so loud when they scored. I just hope it's not like that. If the reputation of the stadium deters them from coming that's a good thing IMO.

Edited September 17, 2015 by YoloinOhio