Attendance Sunday?

[nucci]

21 minutes ago, Peter said:

 

At least we had hope (and a good team etc.) back then. People were not selling tickets for $4 back then either.

 

 

True but still nothing worse than losing those games. it still bothers me.....4 in a row? Come on!

[thenorthremembers]

The Bills no longer have the fear advantage. It was much easier to sell tickets to meaningless games in December when people had the specter of losing their team hanging over their heads.

 

Reality sets in a bit more when the romantic ideal of supporting your team to show them how much you care is gone.   All of us still care, we wouldnt be on a message board otherwise.  The tickets may only cost six dollars a piece, but add parking a few beers and some food to the equation and you still end up with a close to $75 dollar outing.  May not be a lot to some of you, but when it's around Christmas and you have other things to spend your money on watching a 6-6 team with the slim hopes of being in the playoffs play a 3-9 team in the snow doesnt sound that appealing.

 

The league tried to do the Bills a favor by making the Patriots games later in the season but it still didnt shake out.

Edited December 8, 2017 by thenorthremembers

[PromoTheRobot]

51 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

I am guessing that the 2 main reasons are the fan boycott, and that Bills Fans do not have a realistic expectation of winning due to years of no playoffs?

 

What do you think?

General pessimism. Also not wanting to sit in the cold, despite all the lore about living football in snow.

 

But I've seen more excitement for games where we further out of a playoff spot. We have a real shot at 9-7. That should matter to people, especially when were pegged a 4-win team in August.

[papazoid]

#1- it's December. the super bowl teams had same issue

[Peter]

1 hour ago, nucci said:

True but still nothing worse than losing those games. it still bothers me.....4 in a row? Come on!

 

I was depressed as well.  I went to two of those games and felt horrible, but even after those losses, I knew:

 

1) We had hope and excitement for the following year;

 

2) Rich Stadium would sell out all or most games the following year;

 

3) No one could ever expect to buy tickets for $4;

 

4) Those of us who had season tickets never had one thought about giving up season tickets;

 

5) Marv Levy and Bill Polian did not go around saying the word "process" all the time hoping to sound like Nick Saban or even Lou Saban for that matter.

[Bill from NYC]

57 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

General pessimism. Also not wanting to sit in the cold, despite all the lore about living football in snow.

 

But I've seen more excitement for games where we further out of a playoff spot. We have a real shot at 9-7. That should matter to people, especially when were pegged a 4-win team in August.

Good points, but I think the kneeling is also tied in.

 

Lots of people I talk to are really pissed at the players who do this. This would seem to make it easier to stay home on a 20 degree, snowy afternoon.

[PromoTheRobot]

7 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

Good points, but I think the kneeling is also tied in.

 

Lots of people I talk to are really pissed at the players who do this. This would seem to make it easier to stay home on a 20 degree, snowy afternoon.

 

Maybe it's just me but I can't believe it's an issue to anyone. It's been out of the news for weeks. But then again, I don't watch a certain news channel or follow a certain politician's tweets.

15 minutes ago, Peter said:

 

5) Marv Levy and Bill Polian did not go around saying the word "process" all the time hoping to sound like Nick Saban or even Lou Saban for that matter.

 

Yeah, that's the problem.

Edited December 8, 2017 by PromoTheRobot

[Peter]

3 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

Maybe it's just me but I can't believe it's an issue to anyone. It's been out of the news for weeks. But then again, I don't watch a certain news channel or follow a certain politician's tweets.

 

Yeah, that's the problem.

 

It may or may not be "the" problem, but it certainly is indicative of at least "a" problem.  These guys are so full of themselves and think that, because they use the word process, they magically will transform into Nick Saban.  If they want to be original, they should come up with their own cliche. 

Edited December 8, 2017 by Peter

[PromoTheRobot]

4 minutes ago, Peter said:

 

It may or may not be "the" problem, but it certainly is indicative of at least "a" problem.  These guys are so full of themselves and think that, because they use the word process, they magically will transform into Nick Saban.  If they want to be original, they should come up with their own cliche. 

 

I've been on this forum a long time and I'm always amazed how the smallest stuff becomes and issue with fans, from Wade not wearing headphones to "the process." Some real creative thinking goes into elevating these to high crimes. You seriously think McDermott is "full of himself???"

[Peter]

14 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

I've been on this forum a long time and I'm always amazed how the smallest stuff becomes and issue with fans, from Wade not wearing headphones to "the process." Some real creative thinking goes into elevating these to high crimes. You seriously think McDermott is "full of himself???"

 

Wade not wearing a head set was not him trying to be someone else. Wade also was a great coach with a great record and never should have been fired.  There is NO comparison (as of yet) between McCoach and Wade.

 

The repeated invocation of the "process" is McBeane trying to summon their inner Nick Saban.  It is contrived and makes them look like posers.  I remember when I first heard McCoach use the word (although he could have said it earlier). 

 

A day or two before the deadline to exercise the right to extend Sammy for a year, McCoach said that they were going through the "process" when asked whether they were to exercise the option.  I thought, gee, WTF, that is funny.  Here is a guy trying to sound like Nick Saban but is trying to convince people that they had not made up their mind yet and going through the process. 

 

I have this image of McCoach invoking the process when he decides whether to go to the bathroom or get a cup of coffee.

 

In any event, I think even McBeane know (or have been told by PR) that they sound like they are full of you know what, because they do not say it as often, but they still cannot help themselves when it escapes their lips.

Edited December 8, 2017 by Peter

[PromoTheRobot]

1 minute ago, Peter said:

 

Wade not wearing a head set was not him trying to be someone else. 

 

The repeated invocation of the "process" is McBeane trying to summon their inner Nick Saban.  It is contrived and makes them look like posers.  I remember when I first remember McCoach using the word (although he could have said it earlier). 

 

A day or two before the deadline to exercise the right to extend Sammy for a year, McCoach said that they were going through the "process" when asked whether they were to exercise the option.  I thought, gee, WTF, that is funny.  Here is a guy trying to sound like Nick Saban but is trying to convince people that they had not made up their mind yet and going through the process. 

 

I have this image of McCoach invoking the process when he decides whether to go to the bathroom or get a cup of coffee.

 

In any event, I think even McBeane know (or have been told by PR) that they sound like they are full of you know what, because they do not say it as often, but they still cannot help themselves when it escapes their lips.

 

I think you're trying too hard.

[Peter]

1 minute ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

I think you're trying too hard.

 

I am not impressed.  Nevertheless, as much as I am not impressed, I have a hard time seeing myself arguing that someone should be fired in less than two years as some here argued incessantly last year.

[PromoTheRobot]

12 minutes ago, Peter said:

 

I am not impressed.  Nevertheless, as much as I am not impressed, I have a hard time seeing myself arguing that someone should be fired in less than two years as some here argued incessantly last year.

 

Okay. You're not impressed. Why? He couldn't turn chicken crap into chicken salad? This was predicted to be a 4-win team in August. We could win 9 and have an outside shot at to make the playoffs. McDermott's crime, I think, was getting people's hopes up winning games early. Now he's crap because he couldn't keep it rolling? You just can't win, can you.

Edited December 8, 2017 by PromoTheRobot

[Peter]

36 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

Okay. You're not impressed. Why? He couldn't turn chicken crap into chicken salad? This was predicted to be a 4-win team in August. We could win 9 and have an outside shot at to make the playoffs. McDermott's crime, I think, was getting people's hopes up winning games early. Now he's crap because he couldn't keep it rolling? You just can't win, can you.

 

Believe me, McCoach did NOT get my hopes up.  Our earlier record was a mirage.  We had the 10th easiest schedule in the league.

 

I am bored to tears watching this team.  I did not agree with trading guys for little or no value.  I think that they have made the team worse, but they think they are so smart that they think they have made it better now. 

 

As I also have mentioned,  as an out of town season ticket holder this is especially painful because - no matter what some of the critics of Rex had or have to say - people are voting with their wallets loudly and clearly as to what they think about McCoach and the process. People are not willing to pay much for tickets or are not buying tickets at all . . . not just December games but the home opener (which I could not sell for even face value).

 

I much would have preferred the continuity that ownership and management were selling not too long ago until someone decided to undermine the old coach and they decided that they did not want continuity but would rather begin anew . . .  yet again.  I thought that we were making progress with the last staff until someone in management (Whaley?)  (or perhaps ownership) decided to throw him under the bus.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, I do not see myself advocating that McBeane should get less than two years.  I also hope that they are successful.

 

Just my two cents.

Edited December 8, 2017 by Peter

[Gray Beard]

1 hour ago, Peter said:

 

It may or may not be "the" problem, but it certainly is indicative of at least "a" problem.  These guys are so full of themselves and think that, because they use the word process, they magically will transform into Nick Saban.  If they want to be original, they should come up with their own cliche. 

"Process" has been a popular cliche in business for more than a decade.  I have always felt that in a large corporation people can hide behind the process to spread blame and avoid personal responsibility.  I'm not sure how process works in a relatively small organization like an NFL team.  I assume the process refers to a set of goals for the coaching and management staff, and the players are moved around like puzzle pieces to align to some sort of predetermined vision.  Either they go along with the process, or they get traded.

 

I wonder what the process is.  Is it a three year plan to get the guys who can play in the defensive scheme, block on the O-line the way they are supposed to, and somehow find the QB who can make things work?  That sounds like a pretty typical laundry list for an NFL coach, but it's better than that, it's a Process!

[BADOLBILZ]

 

No blackouts.

 

Boring team with no young stars.

 

Tarnished brand..........they aren't just "the Bills" they are "the Same Ol' Bills".

 

 

 

 

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

People don’t want to sit in the cold and watch Tyrod throw for under 70 yds again. It’s reached the point of no return. We get there with all of these drought QBs once it’s obvious they are never going to be good enough. He fought the good fight, now let’s see the other guy.

[BillsPride12]

It's just not fun anymore

[mead107]

I will be warm in the club. 

[Bills Fan of St Augustine]

Hey Bills fans - forget the record, embrace the cold and go to the game! You'll have a great time and will never beat the price of admission. 

Support your team!!

Edited December 9, 2017 by Bills Fan of Maryland

[Bill from NYC]

11 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

Maybe it's just me but I can't believe it's an issue to anyone. It's been out of the news for weeks. But then again, I don't watch a certain news channel or follow a certain politician's tweets.

 

What is so hard to believe? Lack of attendance? Less advertising revenue? Perhaps you can send Deborah Wasserman-Schultz an e-mail and ask her if you are allowed to view the situation with an open mind.

 

Edited December 9, 2017 by Bill from NYC

[plenzmd1]

9 hours ago, mead107 said:

I will be warm in the club. 

sissy rich guy..its whats ruining football!

Edited December 9, 2017 by plenzmd1

[4_kidd_4]

9 hours ago, Bills Fan of Maryland said:

Hey Bills fans - forget the record, embrace the cold and go to the game! You'll have a great time and will never beat the price of admission. 

Support your team!!

 

You coming in for the game?

 

Been “supporting” for 15 years of season tix. Been to so many pointless november and december games. I do not blame a single soul who wants to sit this one out.

 

So many posts in this thread have covered my exact sentiments.

 

Especially the one that touched on the “romance” of hanging in there and supporting the Ralph Bills to keep

them here. I’ve done my part and I no longer feel that sense of “duty” to support a multi-billionaire who is botching BOTH franchises in this town. Yes, thanks for ‘saving’ our teams, but I do not have that same loyalty to the Pegulas.

 

The TP Bills feel like a bad sequel to me. I will admit, I’m a throwback kinda guy. I loved Ralph’s AFL legacy, I loved that he was a thorn in the side of the big boys for so long. I loved that he kept that old-school mentality. Was he the greatest owner? Probably not. But he was certainly one of the most genuine, and I can appreciate that.

 

I thought I’d hang in with season tickets until we get a new building, but as I get a bit older my time becomes more valuable than sitting in the cold all day for a soulless team. 

 

As some others touched on, on top of not being very good,this squad is flat and boring. The vibe at the stadium completely reflected that at the Pats game. One of the most apathetic crowds I’ve ever experienced, and it made me realize how worn down a lot of this fanbase really is. Going through the motions. Again.

 

I’ll still attend games in the

future , but I’m done with season tickets. It’s been a fun run, but I’m ready to let it go. Breaks my heart a bit, I haven’t been on my couch for a home kickoff in over a decade.

 

 

[mead107]

Winter storm warning up for Sunday 

Lake snow could dump up to 6 “ or more 

[plenzmd1]

1 hour ago, 4_kidd_4 said:

 

The vibe at the stadium completely reflected that at the Pats game. One of the most apathetic crowds I’ve ever experienced, and it made me realize how worn down a lot of this fanbase really is. Going through the motions. Again.

 

I’ll still attend games in the

future , but I’m done with season tickets. It’s been a fun run, but I’m ready to let it go. Breaks my heart a bit, I haven’t been on my couch for a home kickoff in over a decade.

 

 

1

Jeremy White said the same thing, think that has a lot to do with the pure dominance of the Pats as well, but no doubt the Bills record is the overriding factor. I had to make a decision whether to come to Pats or Colts game, I chose Colts cause I figured I wanted a chance to see a win!

 

It is damn hard to justify seasons, especially for us out of towners. I think the last 7 years collectively of the two teams just being god awful is finally, finally starting to take a toll. People are losing the will to go to the games, there just appears no hope and no real path forward for either team at this time. Its hard on the psyche, no matter what PTR says.

[Mr Info]

Back to the topic. 

 

Looks like our flight to BUF from DC today is still on but not certain. We have our reds together & looking forward to the game. 

 

Bringing extra clothes in case lake effect on Sun cancels the return flight.

[plenzmd1]

22 minutes ago, Mr Info said:

 

Bringing extra clothes in case lake effect on Sun cancels the return flight.

1

That happens you will need to open your Richmond house to two very recently evicted, homeless, Bills fans.

[PromoTheRobot]

5 hours ago, Bill from NYC said:

What is so hard to believe? Lack of attendance? Less advertising revenue? Perhaps you can send Deborah Wasserman-Schultz an e-mail and ask her if you are allowed to view the situation with an open mind.

 

Open mind. Good one.

[corta765]

17 hours ago, thenorthremembers said:

The Bills no longer have the fear advantage. It was much easier to sell tickets to meaningless games in December when people had the specter of losing their team hanging over their heads.

 

Reality sets in a bit more when the romantic ideal of supporting your team to show them how much you care is gone.   All of us still care, we wouldnt be on a message board otherwise.  The tickets may only cost six dollars a piece, but add parking a few beers and some food to the equation and you still end up with a close to $75 dollar outing.  May not be a lot to some of you, but when it's around Christmas and you have other things to spend your money on watching a 6-6 team with the slim hopes of being in the playoffs play a 3-9 team in the snow doesnt sound that appealing.

 

The league tried to do the Bills a favor by making the Patriots games later in the season but it still didnt shake out.

 

This a 100%. Sal C from WGR550 says people are now more inclined to go because the team is safe but I whole heartily disagree for the reason you mentioned. Once again its another December where you need to figure out the formula to fly to the Bermuda Triangle in order for the Bills to make it in.  People are not fooled anymore and the incentive to go because they may leave is non existent so yea Ill stay home and watch.

[4_kidd_4]

Yep, I know plenty more tix holders that feel this way.

 

Showing loyalty to Ralph with our wallets doesn’t exist anymore with “drill a well” Terry.

 

I have a hunch the ticket office already knows what their numbers are gonna look like next year and it’s not gonna be pretty. They are already cold calling season tix holders for “feedback”(read: sales pitch).

 

 I wonder if they’ll  have the nerve to raise prices next season.

[Peter]

10 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

There was 0 progress being made with Rex. None. 

 

The guy got lazy after he got paid. He went into cruise control(except when we played the Jets and the Patriots sometimes). There was a reason we had the most amount of coaches in the league under Rex.(because he didn't want to do ****) 

 

The problem is Pegula doesn't know what he's doing so he's basically throwing darts at a wall and guessing when he picks these guys and they take advantage. Hence the reason McDermott, a first time HC has so much power here. 

 

I was hoping Pegula would throw the kitchen sink at someone like Coughlin to run the football OPs but I'm not sure if that was possible or not. Offer him enough money and I'm sure it would've been. Coughlin also has ties to WNY. 

 

 

Listen, I know a bunch of you guys dislike Rex.  We have been round and round on this. Objectively, he was the best coach in Buffalo Bills franchise history for the previous 17 years.  You guys can say what you will, but that is the fact from which none of you can escape.

 

There was no reason to fire him and certainly no reason that compelled ownership to fire him in less than two years. Now, we have been forced to start anew yet again.  This time with McBeane.  The fans have voted with their wallets. $4 tickets.  Yay.

 

P.S. Setting aside the Rex discussion, I cannot say I disagree regarding your Coughlin comments.  He would have been ok.  I also was advocating righting a wrong and hiring Wade.  Wade never should have been fired and is a great coach (in my view). Wade also loves Buffalo and would have been very happy to return.

Edited December 9, 2017 by Peter

[CodeMonkey]

21 hours ago, corta765 said:

 

My wife is a diehard Bills fan like me but her favorite QB is Luck. SOOO of course bought tickets row 8 141 sec for $150 back in summer which are now wayyy cheaper and Luckless haha

That's football

My wife wanted to buy tickets for a December game at full price right when they went on sale in the summer as well.  I told her to wait until mid-season.  If the Bills were doing badly you will get tickets dirt cheap.  If they are doing good you will still get them cheaper than face because it's in Buffalo in December.  Bottom line, never pay face for December Bills tickets.

 

Edited December 9, 2017 by CodeMonkey

[Elite Poster]

On 12/7/2017 at 10:22 AM, rockpile said:

 

On opening day, I had two "nosebleed" seats in the upper deck. It was a beautiful day and I mainly went for the TBD tailgate. I stayed over on Saturday at the Motel 6, to see more friends, and all I wanted was a cheap place to crash.

 

Adding up the sum of two tickets, gas, tolls (only 160 mile round trip), food, beer, and parking, it was easily a $400 day (and night) for two people.

 

It was a wonderful time, do not get me wrong, but it was CHEAP for me compared to folks from WAY out of town. Please note I bought no food or drink inside the stadium. I also bought no souvenirs. 

 

I do not know how the regular fan with a couple of kids could cover this very often, if at all.

 

Yes, the opener will do that to you.... Literally every game at new era besides the opener and MAYBE a dolphins or pats game is very affordable. I've been sitting exactly where I want to (50 yard line, first row, 300s) for 1-2 games a year for around $120 for the last 7-8 years. IMO, that's the best seat in the house and a god damn bargain. The money you spend on food and beer should not be an indictment to the ticket price. Just tailgate and you'll only need a couple beers from inside the stadium which sets you back $15-20 if that? If you park, don't do it at the stadium, there are plenty of lots around the corner that are cheaper and tailgate hot spots. If you split things up with a group, it's a $200 day for 9-4pm and all you can eat or drink.

 

Sign me up. 

[Gugny]

On 12/7/2017 at 11:43 PM, PromoTheRobot said:

Cancer is a B word.

 

I"m sorry for your loss, Promo.

[BillsPride12]

1 hour ago, 4_kidd_4 said:

Yep, I know plenty more tix holders that feel this way.

 

Showing loyalty to Ralph with our wallets doesn’t exist anymore with “drill a well” Terry.

 

I have a hunch the ticket office already knows what their numbers are gonna look like next year and it’s not gonna be pretty. They are already cold calling season tix holders for “feedback”(read: sales pitch).

 

 I wonder if they’ll  have the nerve to raise prices next season.

For what it's worth I was just talking to one of my brother's best friends yesterday and he was telling me how his wife has a friend who is a Bills Ticket Rep and he said "Were F***ed" when it comes to selling season tickets next year.

 

I know I'm done after this year, It has just gotten to the point for me personally I no longer really enjoy the hassle of spending a whole day and a ton of money on going to all of the game.  The atmosphere has changed drastically even over the last 5-10 years.  It feels like more of a chore to go now then something I am actually enjoying.  Would much rather spend my discretionary income on golf trips 

[mead107]

5 hours ago, plenzmd1 said:

sissy rich guy..its whats ruining football!

And who is sitting with me????? 

[PromoTheRobot]

1 hour ago, Gugny said:

 

I"m sorry for your loss, Promo.

She was a good friend of my wife, but I knew her well and we all socialized. From her diagnosis to her last day was quick.

[plenzmd1]

1 hour ago, mead107 said:

And who is sitting with me????? 

another big sissy

[YoloinOhio]

On 12/7/2017 at 1:33 PM, Idandria said:

I remember going to a game against Indy in December. It was SOOOOOOOOOO cold. And I think the Bills were totally eliminated at that point. But anyway, I guess we still have an outside shot at the playoffs. I hope the Ralph is rocking on Sunday!

Was that the game Manning didn’t play (or maybe only played one series to continue is streak) because Colts had seeding locked up and we won by like 40? I was there too.

[Peter]

5 hours ago, BillsPride12 said:

For what it's worth I was just talking to one of my brother's best friends yesterday and he was telling me how his wife has a friend who is a Bills Ticket Rep and he said "Were F***ed" when it comes to selling season tickets next year.

 

I know I'm done after this year, It has just gotten to the point for me personally I no longer really enjoy the hassle of spending a whole day and a ton of money on going to all of the game.  The atmosphere has changed drastically even over the last 5-10 years.  It feels like more of a chore to go now then something I am actually enjoying.  Would much rather spend my discretionary income on golf trips 

 

I suspected that.  Season tickets already are down big time this year.  That has affected the entire re-sale market.  As I have posted, I am an out of town season ticket holder.  My Dad got season tickets at the inception of the franchise.  After my Dad passed away, I continued the season tickets for sentimental reasons and because they are in the lower bowl on the 45 yard line.

 

This year has been the worst year that I have had for being able to re-sell tickets to games to which I could  not attend.   Keep in mind that my goal is basically to break even on the collection of games that I cannot attend in a particular season.  People have voted loudly and clearly with their wallets as to what they think about McBeane and what is happening with the Bills.  I was not even able to sell my seats to the home opener for face value. 

 

I probably will continue to keep the season tickets (because I am too sentimental and am an idiot), but is it really a smart decision financially or otherwise? $4 tickets for the Indy game tells one all one needs to know about what the Buffalo Bills fan base thinks of McBeane and the "process" better than anything anyone could post or say on the subject.  Ugh.

Edited December 9, 2017 by Peter