Attending game in Miami.

[MikeSpeed]

Hi all. I've never attended a Bill's game on enemy soil. My son, who is in the army, will be returning home from Afghanistan and we want to see the Miami game as part of our vacation plans. 

I've heard horror stories of fans attending away games. Mind you my 6 year old granddaughter may be attending also. So I'm looking for advice as to how to make this a great trip. Where is the safest place to sit, can we wear Bill's gear, hotel suggestions near Miami, and places to eat?

Any help would be awesome.

Edited July 9, 2018 by MikeSpeed

[Golden Goat]

I've easily been to a dozen Bills games at Miami and we've never had a problem in Bills gear. In fact, it has been one of the tamest stadiums with regard to fan reaction toward us. I view Miami fans as fickle -- Many at the game are there to socialize and they don't care about much else.

You'll be fine. ?

 

P.S. We appreciate your son's service.

 

 

Edited July 9, 2018 by Golden Goat

[MikeSpeed]

1 hour ago, Golden Goat said:

I've easily been to a dozen Bills games at Miami and we've never had a problem in Bills gear. In fact, it has been one of the tamest stadiums with regard to fan reaction toward us. I view Miami fans as fickle -- Many at the game are there to socialize and they don't care about much else.

You'll be fine. ?

 

P.S. We appreciate your son's service.

 

 

Thanks for the response!. That's great to hear. Is there any other info I may need to know with regards to the game or the Miami area in general?

[HOUSE]

I go every year. The roof sucks. A steel monstrosity that does nothing

You will have no trouble with Miami fans, the crowd is mostly Bills fans.

Tail gate anywhere. Buy your tickets on the Dolphin Side, there is some shade there.

Don't overspend on Tickets, nearly everyone moves down. There is no chance this game sells out even if the Dolphins are in first place

The Dolphins fans simply don't care....Its not a hot ticket.

It seems like every year somebody offers me tickets for free outside the stadium

At game time the Stadium might be half full....maybe less.

 

Edited July 9, 2018 by THE SLAMMER

[SoCal Deek]

Slammer

 

i haven’t been to Miami since they added the roof. It sure looks pretty cool on TV.  I’m curious, why does it suck? 

[HOUSE]

1 hour ago, SoCal Deek said:

Slammer

 

i haven’t been to Miami since they added the roof. It sure looks pretty cool on TV.  I’m curious, why does it suck? 

 

It was built to provide shade for Dolphin fans and players, it doesn't work. at 1pm the sun is right over your head.

Its not a dome, you still get wet when it rains. Tropical winds swirl.....Looks cool, does nothing...

Even the Dolphins fans are confused, it was privately funded. I live 35 minutes away

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34438-d12703806-r534469179-Hard_Rock_Stadium-Miami_Florida.html

Edited July 9, 2018 by THE SLAMMER

[Tsaikotic]

isn't this the stadium that puts all the sun on the visiting teams side?

[SoCal Deek]

Thanks Slammer. Those things are tricky. In Miami it’s the humidity that gets you, as much as the sun, so shade isn’t going to be as productive as in dryer climates. I know Pro Player was bad before from the games I attended years ago. I was hoping the canopy would be more effective.

[KGun12TD]

I've gone to games there before. My experience was a good one. I went with Dolphins fans and they were pretty nice. You'll always find the one or two $h!t heads...but good experience overall. I will be there for the game this year as well.

[HOUSE]

1 hour ago, Tsaikotic said:

isn't this the stadium that puts all the sun on the visiting teams side?

yes...

[SoCal Deek]

The sun isn’t anywhere different in Miami than it is anywhere else in the northern hemisphere! I’m guessing that the ‘visitor’ side is the north side of the stadium, therefore the sun, being in the south, shines on their face, rather than being to their backs. Nothing much that ANY stadium is going to do about that.

[Gugny]

33 minutes ago, THE SLAMMER said:

I go every year. The roof sucks. A steel monstrosity that does nothing

You will have no trouble with Miami fans, the crowd is mostly Bills fans.

Tail gate anywhere. Buy your tickets on the Dolphin Side, there is some shade there.

Don't overspend on Tickets, nearly everyone moves down. There is no chance this game sells out even if the Dolphins are in first place

The Dolphins fans simply don't care....Its not a hot ticket.

It seems like every year somebody offers me tickets for free outside the stadium

At game time the Stadium might be half full....maybe less.

 

 

I don't see an empty seat in the picture.  They must have been playing New England.

[HOUSE]

4 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

I don't see an empty seat in the picture.  They must have been playing New England.

That was opening day after the roof was installed. Believe me the place will be empty

The biggest joke is the attendance figures and total tickets sold. The numbers do not add up.

Unless the fans don't use the tickets.

 

Edited July 9, 2018 by THE SLAMMER

[Fadingpain]

9 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

The sun isn’t anywhere different in Miami than it is anywhere else in the northern hemisphere! I’m guessing that the ‘visitor’ side is the north side of the stadium, therefore the sun, being in the south, shines on their face, rather than being to their backs. Nothing much that ANY stadium is going to do about that.

You've kind of responded to your own postulation.

 

It's not the sun that is different in Miami, it's the site of the stadium and how it sits on the earth in relation to the sun at a given time of day.

 

 

[Tsaikotic]

16 minutes ago, THE SLAMMER said:

That was opening day after the roof was installed. Believe me the place will be empty

 

 

I wanna say it was 2 seasons ago when Miami's opening game was against Bills...opening game and the Miami fans weren't there to support the team...no way Bills fans allow our stadium to be filled with more visiting team fans like Miami did that day

 

edit: just looked it up, it was the 2015 season, week 3...miami's first home game and they lost to Bills 41 - 14

Edited July 9, 2018 by Tsaikotic

[Fr. Jerk]

Just don't do stuff like this and you'll be fine.

 

 

 

[Gugny]

16 minutes ago, THE SLAMMER said:

That was opening day after the roof was installed. Believe me the place will be empty

The biggest joke is the attendance figures and total tickets sold. The numbers do not add up.

Unless the fans just don't use the tickets.

 

 

I was just looking at attendance stats.  It says there were over 65,000 people at the Week 17 Fins/Bills game.

 

I don't remember what the crowd looked like, but I'd be shocked if 65K in Miami showed up for a meaningless (to them) week 17 game.

[SoCal Deek]

15 minutes ago, Fadingpain said:

You've kind of responded to your own postulation.

 

It's not the sun that is different in Miami, it's the site of the stadium and how it sits on the earth in relation to the sun at a given time of day.

 

 

There is plenty of debate about the proper orientation for a football field. While a baseball field almost always faces northeast so as to keep the sun out of the batters eyes, a football game is much less mono-directional. It used to be that when surrounded by a running track, as in most high school facilities, that the field ran east/west in order that the 100m track would be oriented with the prevailing westerly breeze at the runners backs. This then puts the grandstands on the north and south sides of the playing field.

[chris heff]

I’ve been to many games there, the only problem I’ve ever had was with drunk Bills fans that thought I was a Dolphin fan. 

[corta765]

You'll be fine in Miami. About 1/3rd of the stadium is Bills fans and I've been there twice once at night once during the day. That tailgating scene isn't crazy but there is something neat about being outside with palmtrees tailgating. My interactions with their fans were great and if you bring up mutual hatrid of NE things get civil real quick anyway. The new roof they put on covers 90% of the stadium minus the vistor sideline, but the fans get covered by shade within the first 45 minutes so by early 2nd quarter we were fine. Just drink water incase. Food and drink prices weren't bad I thought.

 

The stadium has good sight lines the first time we were up for the TNF game in 2014 in 315 40 yard line about 5-7 rows up. Great sightlines and the noise was good but at the time the roof wasn't on. The second time we sat section 107 about 23 rows up and the sight lines were good for the most part. Ironically we didn't see the Landry hit on A Williams because it was toward the other sideline but you can see pretty well anyway plus the video boards are nice.

 

Safest place I thought overall it was pretty fair, but somehow Bills fans seem to congrate in the 100 level endzones areas pretty heavily from what I remember.

You'll have a blast I just hope you have better luck win wise, both times I've been the Bills blew leads they shouldn't have. 2016 was especially bad considering we were up 10 pts in the 4th.

42 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

I was just looking at attendance stats.  It says there were over 65,000 people at the Week 17 Fins/Bills game.

 

I don't remember what the crowd looked like, but I'd be shocked if 65K in Miami showed up for a meaningless (to them) week 17 game.

 

So many of their fans are in the club areas. When we went to the 2014 night game the stadium was literally 60% full until Miami took the lead and then it was like mice coming out of the woodwork...which lasted until 5 minutes to go in the fourth and they all left again haha.

[HOUSE]

Its a beautiful stadium, depending on the weather you will have a good time.

I don't care what anyone says the Roof was a complete waste of money. Should have doomed the place but the owner thought he would get cute and provide a home advantage.

It doesn't work.

Miami is mostly Hispanic Cubans that prefer soccer. A Dolphin fan is most likely living in Naples, Fort Myers

 

Edited July 9, 2018 by THE SLAMMER

[IslandBillsFan]

Been to a least a dozen games in Miami and will be there again this year.  As many have mentioned, Miami is a rather tame away game due to the lack of Dolphins support and abundance of Bills fans who show up.  

 

Despite this, I treat Miami like I do going to any NFL away game.  I'll usually tone down my attire.  Wearing a Bills hat and polo shirt, rather than the full on Jersey.  Additionally, my overall NFL rule is the better the seating section equals less rowdiness.  

 

I don't have any kids but I don't think I would bring any kid to an NFL game until they are in there teens.  Just too many drunken buffoons.  

[ExiledInIllinois]

MIA is EZ-PZ... They have blasé fans.  Worry not... Been to many Bills games down there.

[Matt_In_NH]

If you are not stupid and dont get smashed and you are able to ignore dumb drunk people the odds of any issues are almost zero.  If you cant resist engaging with people trying to push your buttons then it might be a little more interesting.

[HOUSE]

My best advice is to arrive around 11 then party at the Charter bus area. Parking area #1 People buy the excursion and don't show up. You can find extra tickets there.

These are mostly backers club charters from around  the state of Florida. They will take good care of you there. There is a huge crowd from that area that walk together to the stadium. Probably 1500 Bills fans.

Edited July 9, 2018 by THE SLAMMER

[MikeSpeed]

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I'm feeling better about attending.

We may be leaving for Orlando right after the game. but in case we stay another night, is there a Bills bar in or near Miami? It might be fun to hook up with fans after the game.

[BUFFALOTONE]

I live in Ft Lauderdale and have only missed this game once in 20 years....my younger self found trouble but as I got older it's less and less. The crowd will be 50-50 but all depends on the standings. Its fine for taking a family and I will likely take mine 8yrs and 5 yrs for the game. If you're an ass, get ready to be treated like one but that goes for anywhere.

 

On a side note I am going to the B'More game, I don't need help with the area just curious abut the Ravens fans etc if anyone has ever been.

[T&C]

1 hour ago, MikeSpeed said:

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I'm feeling better about attending.

We may be leaving for Orlando right after the game. but in case we stay another night, is there a Bills bar in or near Miami? It might be fun to hook up with fans after the game.

I don't know if you are into hockey but this is a pretty solid 4 days:

 

Thu 11/29 Sabres at Lightning 
Fri 11/30 Sabres at Panthers
Sun 12/2 Bills at Dolphins

[LabattBlue]

Since the early 2000's, I have been to South Florida for the Bills game 6 times. Since the Bills have sucked the majority of that time, the game is always secondary to just getting out of WNY and enjoying the weather and nightlife.

[offyourocker]

10 hours ago, Golden Goat said:

I've easily been to a dozen Bills games at Miami and we've never had a problem in Bills gear. In fact, it has been one of the tamest stadiums with regard to fan reaction toward us. I view Miami fans as fickle -- Many at the game are there to socialize and they don't care about much else.

You'll be fine. ?

 

P.S. We appreciate your son's service.

 

 

Same experience for me.  Been to a couple games

[FluffHead]

13 hours ago, MikeSpeed said:

Hi all. I've never attended a Bill's game on enemy soil. My son, who is in the army, will be returning home from Afghanistan and we want to see the Miami game as part of our vacation plans. 

I've heard horror stories of fans attending away games. Mind you my 6 year old granddaughter may be attending also. So I'm looking for advice as to how to make this a great trip. Where is the safest place to sit, can we wear Bill's gear, hotel suggestions near Miami, and places to eat?

Any help would be awesome.

There is nothing to worry about in Miami unless you are looking for it 

[Boca BIlls]

14 hours ago, MikeSpeed said:

Hi all. I've never attended a Bill's game on enemy soil. My son, who is in the army, will be returning home from Afghanistan and we want to see the Miami game as part of our vacation plans. 

I've heard horror stories of fans attending away games. Mind you my 6 year old granddaughter may be attending also. So I'm looking for advice as to how to make this a great trip. Where is the safest place to sit, can we wear Bill's gear, hotel suggestions near Miami, and places to eat?

Any help would be awesome.

Miami fans are not as hardcore as others. You have  nothing to worry about.

[HOUSE]

1 hour ago, FluffHead said:

There is nothing to worry about in Miami unless you are looking for it 

 

Do not wear your Dolphins Suck tee shirt.

[billsfanmiami(oh)]

I’ve been three times. Bills are 0-3 in those games and we were kicked out once (long story). Probably would be better off taking some of the other good advice in this thread, but I will say there are some great local Bills backers chapters that really put together a great gameday experience.  Lots of fun even though the games themselves sucked. 

[CSBill]

14 hours ago, MikeSpeed said:

Hi all. I've never attended a Bill's game on enemy soil. My son, who is in the army, will be returning home from Afghanistan and we want to see the Miami game as part of our vacation plans. 

I've heard horror stories of fans attending away games. Mind you my 6 year old granddaughter may be attending also. So I'm looking for advice as to how to make this a great trip. Where is the safest place to sit, can we wear Bill's gear, hotel suggestions near Miami, and places to eat?

Any help would be awesome.

 

I've been there twice with my wife and we had a great time. Never any concerns, some good-natured ribbing, but all in fun. The Bills lost both games, and there is a main street you have tow alk down as you leave the stadium, my wide called it "the walk of shame." Again, some ribbing, by all in fun. Also, the stadium will be almost 50/50 Bills to Dolphins fans. 

[FTLBillsfan]

5 hours ago, LabattBlue said:

Since the early 2000's, I have been to South Florida for the Bills game 6 times. Since the Bills have sucked the majority of that time, the game is always secondary to just getting out of WNY and enjoying the weather and nightlife.

 Anytime a northern team plays the fins in December the fan ratio will be 50-50 although at the end of last years game it was more like 70-30 Bills fans. A lot of folks from Buffalo come down for the game and stay for the week to enjoy the weather, not too many fins fans (they call them Dolfans down here) want to go to Buffalo in December

The fins fan base is actually quite pathetic but a lot of them go to the stadium dressed as empty seats.

[Boca BIlls]

59 minutes ago, THE SLAMMER said:

 

Do not wear your Dolphins Suck tee shirt.

Honestly if you do they might agree with you. 

[Orlando Tim]

I recommend staying north of stadium near turnpike. I found it was real easy to get there and out since stadium is right off turnpike( I personally like Plantation which has a Courtyard with a Duffys sports bar within walking distance). Fans are generally nice and easy going. I have avoided endzones since it is usually where problems start in RWS. But still be safe due to some fans are jerks and thank your son for his service. Lastly I recommend staying closer to Miami than orlando because that is rough drive after a game(I live in Orlando)

[Peter]

I live in Miami and have been to many Bills games here.  In the 30 plus years that I have been going to games down here, I only have had a problem once.

 

The primary advice that I would give is: Remember you are a guest and don't be a dick.  Seriously. It is as simple as that.

 

The people that I have seen get in trouble in that stadium (for the most part) are drunk or jerky Bills or Jets fans who you could have predicted would elicit a negative reaction from people around them.  This is not a place like Philadelphia (Flyers or Eagles).

 

Two years ago, there were some Bills fans sitting in front of us who were acting like dicks.  To diffuse a situation that they were creating, I was the one that actually told them that they should tone it down while still having fun because they were likely to get into to trouble and guess who security always seems to kick out.  You guessed it, the away fans.  Fortunately, they listened to my advice and the situation was diffused. 

 

As for the Hard Rock Stadium improvements, I love them.  The stadium looks great and does provide significant shade. I have Miami Hurricane season tickets (30 yard line, lower bowl, home team side), and I love the improvements and think that what the Dolphins (Ross) did could serve as an alternative to what the Bills could do with New Era Stadium instead of building a new stadium.

 

 It looks looks like a brand new stadium, provides protection from the elements, and provides the home team an acoustic advantage - it holds the sound in.

[flaz]

In the 40 years I've lived here, I have been to 8 or 10 games. I personally haven't had any problems. Oddly enough, most of the trouble I have seen was caused by Jets fans. They show up in surprising numbers and they are, um, Jets fans.