Jump to content

First game. Need advice


Recommended Posts

Apologize in advance if this is not the correct forum for this. I have been reading, enjoying, and learning from everyone’s posts for years. I am not from Buffalo, have never been but I have been a diehard fan forever. 50 years old so I’m not a kid. I have seen the Bills play in stadiums all over the country as I have moved alot. Got to see them three times last year. San Diego Game for my 50th, obviously didn’t get my birthday wish. Miami game and then the playoff game. I live in Florida now. Had big plans to see two games in a row this year with one of them being my first home game. Finances and some life changing events have forced me to narrow down to one home game. Long winded but finally my question to all of you. What will be the better game to experience everything Buffalo has to offer? Home opener against San Diego or Titans game? I want to experience it all, the city, the food, nightlife, tailgating, and of course the game. Which game should I target and if you don’t mind some  recommendations for hotels in Buffalo and Niagara Falls (casino), bars for Friday/Saturday pre parties,  and best lots to join tailgating as I will be by myself. Thank you for advice in advance and all the info and education over the years. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Go to the opener. Stadium will be at its best and weather is more of a guarantee so you can enjoy all the city has to offer. The Mansion on Delaware is an awesome place to stay. You're going to get a lot of dining/entertainment opinions, but I'd give Lockhouse a try and then head over to the Seneca Casino for an in-town casino. Get in with the crew at Hammer's Lot. They are a good sort and will give you the most authentic version of a Buffalo tailgate with some great people, vets and young'uns alike.

 

Have fun!

 

  • Like (+1) 2
  • Thank you (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

There are really two extremes, depending on what you are after.

1. Home opener.  Good weather.  Loud fans.

2. December 30th - Experience a snow game if you are lucky.  Tickets may be cheap and stadium may not be full.  Or else this is when they will clinch the AFC and get home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  Hard to say.  (no it's not).

 

Most memorable game for me was against the Jets in November 1988.  Clinched AFC East and goalposts came down.  I went with a pile of college buddies and we all had free tickets in the 3rd row at the 20 yard line.

 

Edited by Rock'em Sock'em
  • Like (+1) 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not sure how to respond to people individually on this forum. Rock’em Sock’em, I want to experience both. Far enough apart that I can probably do it. Watched the Indianapolis game on TV last year. Probably my favorite game of the season. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Home opener.  Weather should be nice.  And the atmosphere for the home opener is always ???.  Being as it's the Chargers it will be extra lit because folks haven't forgotten that whuppin they put on us last November.

 

Bills games are part football game, part family reunion, part cookout, part camping trip, part rock concert, part x-games (and part bar room brawl depending where you sit).

 

Oh, and get Duff's wings.   

  • Thank you (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rock I’m Sockim, that was my favorite gMe big old Smerlas blocked that field goal from the Jets and I was the third guy on the goal post for all of three seconds when people were trying  to climb on me to get on the pole.  It was hilarious watching the goal posts go down and thrown over the top level.

 

thick or thin, you’re in for an experience going to a Bills game especially the home opener.  Couldn’t agree more on Hammers Lot.  If you’re renting a car get there by 8:30 am or you won’t get in.  Put a sign in you’re windshield stating two bills drive as Hammered always prioritizes us if room.  He’s awesome.  Also, if you are driving get a cornhole game as believe me you’ll find friends who want to play and talk Bills all morning.  Personally, I don’t drink that often but you can’t help it at a Bills game.

 

Get Labatts or Old Vienna canadien beers as they both are awesome.  Third level is fine if you have a good yard line seat.  Get them soon as this game will fill up fast.  The other guys can help with a hotel as I grew up there and stay with family each year.  I also live in FL and will be at that game.  

 

You have lots of choices but definitely get get a beef on weck.  Also , if you’re in Southtowns. both Abbott and Blasdell pizza are fantastic.  Lastly, you can’t go to Buffalo and not go to Mighty Taco.  There are plenty of ice restaurants as well.  I’m just giving you the bas food that is so good.

 

Anyway, don’t be a stranger on this board and don’t ever apologize for a question like this as our fans like you love Bills fans.  You’re always welcome to send anything.

  • Thank you (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, eball said:

If you really had your choice of games I'd say go to the Monday nighter vs. the Pats*** in October, but if that's not an option then nothing beats the home opener.

Was at home opener last year and it was good, but it seemed like the jets game where we picked Fitzpatrick 3 times to kill their playoff hopes(last game of 2016 season I believe) had a more rockin crowd. Just my observation. 

 

In any event I agree this MNF game, if you can afford/obtain the ticket and make the scheduling work it should be amazing. Especially if Allen is playing and not pulling an E.J. Manuel/Trent Edwards/J.P. Losman and showing us what a bust he is and how our franchise forgot how to draft QBs after Jim Kelly.

Edited by MILFHUNTER#518
  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 hours ago, Thick or thin said:

Not sure how to respond to people individually on this forum. Rock’em Sock’em, I want to experience both. Far enough apart that I can probably do it. Watched the Indianapolis game on TV last year. Probably my favorite game of the season. 

Just hit the quote button. That was an Epic game by any standard.. I would not  expect weather like that again.

2 hours ago, eball said:

If you really had your choice of games I'd say go to the Monday nighter vs. the Pats*** in October, but if that's not an option then nothing beats the home opener.

I am all in on this. If your goal is to see more and experience all the region has to offer, I would say this game. 

33 minutes ago, MILFHUNTER#518 said:

Was at home opener last year and it was good, but it seemed like the jets game where we picked Fitzpatrick 3 times to kill their playoff hopes(last game of 2016 season I believe) had a more rockin crowd. Just my observation. 

 

In any event I agree this MNF game, if you can afford/obtain the ticket and make the scheduling work it should be amazing. Especially if Allen is playing and not pulling an E.J. Manuel/Trent Edwards/J.P. Losman and showing us what a bust he is and how our franchise forgot how to draft QBs after Jim Kelly.

The opener last year was kind of a dud. Problem was the opponent. Most of us thought Jets would be lucky to win 2 games..so there was absolutely zero upside as a Bills fan in that game.

 

Lose, season over!

Win..means nothing, Jets suck

 

Weird game and atmosphere for sure.

 

This one should be better as Chargers will most likely be favored and are the "chic" pick in that division this year.

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

October 7th, Titans.

Autumn will be displayed in all its glory while still nice. We’ll likely have 3 losses by then (more??), so it will be a very meaningful game for the season. All the questions everybody rightfully has right now -and likely through  September- will be addressed and what we should see is the best version of the team we’re going to see as we head into the stretch. 

Possible exception would be Allen, who may not be playing yet..

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 hours ago, purple haze said:

Home opener.  Weather should be nice.  And the atmosphere for the home opener is always ???.  Being as it's the Chargers it will be extra lit because folks haven't forgotten that whuppin they put on us last November.

 

Bills games are part football game, part family reunion, part cookout, part camping trip, part rock concert, part x-games (and part bar room brawl depending where you sit).

 

Oh, and get Duff's wings.   

Experienced a lot of stadiums and their tailgating. Seems like every game I have went to the Bills fans were having a better time then the home team. 

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, eball said:

If you really had your choice of games I'd say go to the Monday nighter vs. the Pats*** in October, but if that's not an option then nothing beats the home opener.

Really thinking of doing both home opener and Monday night game. Would love to see the Bills play the pats and on Monday night football no less. 

 

Edited by Thick or thin
Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 hours ago, Your Brown Eye said:

The Home Depot's in Buffalo usually has tables on sale during the football season to accommodate pregame rituals 

 

I know this is a joke but, do any of the stores set up a special display of folding tables to sell for this reason?...it would be funny to walk into home depot or wal-mart and see such a thing...if I was a wal-mart store manager I would do it for sure..lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My last home opener I wasn’t old enough to drink (legally). This home opener, some might argue I’m TOO old to drink. But that won’t stop me!  It’s been a long time, but I know the opener is special. 

  • Like (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 hours ago, mead107 said:

Opener.  

How many days do you plan on being in Buffalo. 

Take in the Falls.  

Have to do anchor bar, just because it’s where wings started. 

 

 

Probably 5 nights. Looking at hotel prices right now. 

9 hours ago, CowgirlsFan said:

Home Opener.

 

Tailgate at Hammer's Lot 

 

4170 Abbott Rd.

 

 

Thank you 

7 hours ago, Seanbillsfan2206 said:

Home opener or the Monday night game

Hopefully both 

20 minutes ago, Augie said:

My last home opener I wasn’t old enough to drink (legally). This home opener, some might argue I’m TOO old to drink. But that won’t stop me!  It’s been a long time, but I know the opener is special. 

Do you live in Buffalo or will you have to travel? BTW, never too old to drink. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, Thick or thin said:

 

Do you live in Buffalo or will you have to travel? BTW, never too old to drink. 

 

Currently in Atlanta, and I catch more road games than home games these days. That’s fun too, but nothing like a home game, and few games beat the opener. (As mentioned, “hope” is a big factor there.)  I’m looking forward to meeting a bunch of folks at the tail gate, hope you make it. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 One more question now that I am contemplating the Monday night game also. Every time I look at available seats and select “best seat” option the majority displayed are on the visitors side. Can I go wrong? I know I am a visitor but I want to make sure I am around some diehard bills fans. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

Currently in Atlanta, and I catch more road games than home games these days. That’s fun too, but nothing like a home game, and few games beat the opener. (As mentioned, “hope” is a big factor there.)  I’m looking forward to meeting a bunch of folks at the tail gate, hope you make it. 

Looks like I will be flying into Atlanta from Daytona and then onto Buffalo. Only $50 more than flying out of Orlando and I can have friends drop me off and pick me up. Live in NSB, very convenient flying out of Daytona. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, Thick or thin said:

Looks like I will be flying into Atlanta from Daytona and then onto Buffalo. Only $50 more than flying out of Orlando and I can have friends drop me off and pick me up. Live in NSB, very convenient flying out of Daytona. 

 

Maybe the best thing about Atlanta is you can fly anywhere from here. 

 

I’ve been to Daytona twice. The first time was spring break in college. We got tossed from the hotel, and I slept on the beach. Long story, but I’m pretty sure the statute of limitations has passed. About 10 years ago we went back for the state HS weight lifting championship. The sound of the waves on the beach as we slept was much more calming than the bullhorns and police banging on the door.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

14 hours ago, mead107 said:

Opener.  

How many days do you plan on being in Buffalo. 

Take in the Falls.  

Have to do anchor bar, just because it’s where wings started. 

 

 

F-that. Duffs are better. Bar Bill is better. Hell, just about any corner mom and pop pizza shop ha e better wings than Anchor. 

  • Thank you (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, mrags said:

F-that. Duffs are better. Bar Bill is better. Hell, just about any corner mom and pop pizza shop ha e better wings than Anchor. 

 

I don’t think wings should be that hard, but most of the country proves me wrong. I took my sons to Bills home games when they turned 16, a rite of passage. I grew up in WNY, but my first trip to the Anchor Bar was with my oldest son. It was the day USC beat ND with the “Bush Push”. An instant classic. We did the Maid of the Mist and a St Joes home game, then that. Amazing day. Great times. 

 

I DID go to Duff’s growing up, but really for the pitchers. Next trip I’ll get reacquainted with Duff’s wings. And beer. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Augie said:

My last home opener I wasn’t old enough to drink (legally). This home opener, some might argue I’m TOO old to drink. But that won’t stop me!  It’s been a long time, but I know the opener is special. 

I am pretty sure the Bills have enacted a no "No Augie " rule..kinda like a no firearm rule.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said:

I am pretty sure the Bills have enacted a no "No Augie " rule..kinda like a no firearm rule.

 

That was under the Russ regime. It’s why I had to set him up the way I did. Don’t worry, he went down happy. I’m a benevolent crusher of souls. (Yeah, you rarely hear those words in that order, I know.) 

  • Haha (+1) 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Misterbluesky said:

Remember those rules when you party it up with him and Icebowl67 in Green Bay.

 

I’m fully expecting a fake address. I’ll have drones out looking for RV’s within a few blocks, with special attention on houses gone ablaze! 

2 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said:

That deranged soul and I will NEVER be at the same tailgate..book it!

 

I assume you have never had the pleasure of meeting Icebowl67, so it seems rude of you to refer to him in that way!  

  • Haha (+1) 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

×
×
  • Create New...