Will Bird Fans Infiltrate New Era?

[BADOLBILZ]

2 hours ago, Stank_Nasty said:

 my initial post was an overreaction

 

 

That's all you needed to say.

 

By the way I am now accepting "BADOL wasn't wrong" as an alternative to "BADOL was right". 

[BADOLBILZ]

17 minutes ago, K-9 said:

The ONLY thing that makes it possible for anyone, fortunate or not, to watch home games for free on TV is the media broadcast deal with the league. 
 

It’s great that the fans who attend and the sponsors who pay for displayed branding and other commercial announcements make it possible for the Bills to realize more unshared revenue, though. That is not an insignificant contribution to the franchise. 

 

Oh look it's John Maynard Keynes back from the grave!

 

The franchise would get the same cut of that broadcast $ if they were in Toronto or San Antonio etc..

 

They are only IN Buffalo because the place is mostly sold out 8 games per year. 

[dave mcbride]

On 12/3/2019 at 11:30 PM, BADOLBILZ said:

 

Bills fans travel well.............except to the Ralph in winter weather.?

 

Out of our 8 home regular season games it looks like 5 of them will be either cold or bad weather/windy games.

 

Next stadium needs a roof.

 

Sorry to all those die-hards who prefer watching an outdoor game from the comfort of their couch at home but even when the Bills are decent the tickets are cold product in cold weather.   

 

I'm convinced that those that go the the game who don't want a roof are the same people who say they like shopping at Sears because it's "quiet and peaceful".

 

 

So true. I hate domes so I disagree about creating one, but it is the case that Bills fans are pretty soft when it comes to cold weather games. You don't see that in GB, Chicago, Pitt, or NE. And it's not just about winning; the Bills had a lot of empty seats in the 1990s late in the season.

 

Also, Sears isn't the right reference. Amazon is the better one!

Edited December 6, 2019 by dave mcbride

[RiotAct]

1 hour ago, Gugny said:

 

Can you please tell me how much money I'm supposed to spend on my son for Christmas in order to be considered a committed father?

 

3% of your gross salary, minimum.

[Gugny]

1 minute ago, RiotAct said:

3% of your gross salary, minimum.

 

I am very, very, VERY uncommitted.

[BADOLBILZ]

On 12/4/2019 at 10:59 AM, Stank_Nasty said:

this week its about perfect for a late season game. 45 and dry......

 

 

.......with 18-32 mph winds.

 

Perfect gameday weather!?

 

 

[K-9]

3 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

Oh look it's John Maynard Keynes back from the grave!

 

The franchise would get the same cut of that broadcast $ if they were in Toronto or San Antonio etc..

 

They are only IN Buffalo because the place is mostly sold out 8 games per year. 

Per the bold text, that’s the point. Whether a fan attends a game in person or not has NO bearing on the game being shown for free locally as you suggested previously. Was a time you could make that claim, but not any more.
 

While league blackout rules were suspended largely due to pressure from the FCC and some members of Congress, there was also upward pressure from broadcast media to lift them as well. And that relates directly to the record rights fees paid by those media outlets and shared equally league wide. So your Keynes reference is apt. 

The Bills are in Buffalo for two reasons: Mr. Wilson located and kept the the team here originally and the Pegulas bought and decided to keep them here after he passed. No doubt a loyal fan base all these years has helped to assure that. 

[BADOLBILZ]

20 minutes ago, K-9 said:

The Bills are in Buffalo for two reasons: Mr. Wilson located and kept the the team here originally and the Pegulas bought and decided to keep them here after he passed. No doubt a loyal fan base all these years has helped to assure that. 

 

Oh it hasn't just "helped".   That's grossly downplaying it.   It's been ESSENTIAL.    Without the loyal fanbase they'd have been gone LONG ago.  

 

The Pegula's have been very generous with their wealth but I suspect their empathy has bounds(and I know that of their 31 NFL partners does).

 

 

[BADOLBILZ]

4 hours ago, dave mcbride said:

So true. I hate domes so I disagree about creating one, but it is the case that Bills fans are pretty soft when it comes to cold weather games. You don't see that in GB, Chicago, Pitt, or NE. And it's not just about winning; the Bills had a lot of empty seats in the 1990s late in the season.

 

Also, Sears isn't the right reference. Amazon is the better one!

 

 

The Sears reference was a quote I read the other day from a Sears shopper at a store that's closing in CA.    It was basically" I like shopping here because there is nobody else around".   It's reminiscent of the few tough guys who swear by the value of bad weather games even though it's obviously very bad for business.

 

I do think that one of the problems that the Bills face going forward is that it's been a generation since this team was good and in that time people have formed traditions in the meantime that don't include going to Bills games in December.

 

When you got people saying "we have holiday things to do" on December 8th and that's why they can't go to a Bills game?   I mean.......we aren't talking about a December 23rd game. ?

 

Blame Coca Cola for inventing Santa Claus.   Christmas used to be for closers!

 

 

Edited December 7, 2019 by BADOLBILZ

[BillsFan130]

5 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

First of all be sure to have context of the conversation you are jumping into:

 

@Stank_Nasty was at once shaming Bills fans for not being there and citing cheap tickets when he himself was opting out of attending the game.

 

It's not that complicated. 

 

If you can afford season tickets and have a reasonable commute to the stadium but choose not to commit to them............then yes you are definitely less committed as a fan.

 

The product is pro football.........pro=paid to perform.

 

Spending 2,000 hours per year on a free Bills website expresses your mania........not your commitment to the franchise,  it's stability or to the community of Bills fans who show up to games to make it possible for those less fortunate to enjoy the product for free on TV.

 

I’ll respectfully disagree. Some people just prefer watching the games at home. Doesn’t make them less of a fan. It’s just all a matter of preference.

 

For myself, I am a die hard Bills fan from day 1 and I like to go to 1-2 games a year. For me going 8 games is an inconvenience and is very time consuming 

[BADOLBILZ]

7 minutes ago, BillsFan130 said:

I’ll respectfully disagree. Some people just prefer watching the games at home. Doesn’t make them less of a fan. It’s just all a matter of preference.

 

For myself, I am a die hard Bills fan from day 1 and I like to go to 1-2 games a year. For me going 8 games is an inconvenience and is very time consuming 

 

 

So you are a "die hard" but inconvenience stops you from being there?

 

I guess I don't know what your definition of "die hard" is.

 

I don't blame you or anyone for not going to Bills games.    It's a product.   If it's not worth it to you then don't buy.

 

But there IS a difference in commitment level between those that are out there at the stadium every week putting up their hard earned cash and braving the elements to support their team.......and those that don't want to be inconvenienced by the process but will watch it on tv when it's on.

[Augie]

1 hour ago, BillsFan130 said:

I’ll respectfully disagree. Some people just prefer watching the games at home. Doesn’t make them less of a fan. It’s just all a matter of preference.

 

For myself, I am a die hard Bills fan from day 1 and I like to go to 1-2 games a year. For me going 8 games is an inconvenience and is very time consuming 

 

Don’t fall into that silly argument. Because you prefer to watch some games in the comfort of your own home does NOT make you any less of a fan. To argue otherwise is ignorance. Die hard fans can watch at home. To argue “inconvenience” lessens your fan-hood is just to say you don’t have a choice on how to be a “real fan”, as decided by some guy who thinks he knows and judges all things football.  That’s a bunch of crap, once again. Not the first time. 

 

Inconvenience and choice are two different things. 

[BillsFan130]

2 hours ago, Augie said:

 

Don’t fall into that silly argument. Because you prefer to watch some games in the comfort of your own home does NOT make you any less of a fan. To argue otherwise is ignorance. Die hard fans can watch at home. To argue “inconvenience” lessens your fan-hood is just to say you don’t have a choice on how to be a “real fan”, as decided by some guy who thinks he knows and judges all things football.  That’s a bunch of crap, once again. Not the first time. 

 

Inconvenience and choice are two different things. 

Perfectly said sir

[Franco_92]

3 hours ago, Augie said:

 

Don’t fall into that silly argument. Because you prefer to watch some games in the comfort of your own home does NOT make you any less of a fan. To argue otherwise is ignorance. Die hard fans can watch at home. To argue “inconvenience” lessens your fan-hood is just to say you don’t have a choice on how to be a “real fan”, as decided by some guy who thinks he knows and judges all things football.  That’s a bunch of crap, once again. Not the first time. 

 

Inconvenience and choice are two different things. 

Yup. I love going to games, but money is tight, and honestly, I see more and have a more complete Bills experience when watching on TV compared to being there. If I was less interested in knowing exactly who is on the field and in what formation and how many yards each play gets as it's going on in real time and not waiting for announcements, and more interested in just having a good time and being loud, the games would be preferable, but that aspect of watching live honestly pains me a lot and it's fun to have the tv and be able to see it all

[Helpmenow]

Canadian raven fans 

[BillsPride12]

As a local WNYer one trend I am starting to notice that might also play a role into this is that it seems so many people are into doing the Bills road trip thing now and with the Steelers Sunday night game coming up next week I feel like a lot people are going to that game so in a sense it almost seems like people are overlooking this game.  Personally I know many more people that are amped up and talking about going down to Pittsburgh for the big prime time game than talking about going to the Ravens game.  I'm not saying this is the only factor but I do think it plays a role.  I know people have always done the road trips but it really seems to be a growing phenomenon. 

[BADOLBILZ]

10 hours ago, arcane said:

Yup. I love going to games, but money is tight, and honestly, I see more and have a more complete Bills experience when watching on TV compared to being there. If I was less interested in knowing exactly who is on the field and in what formation and how many yards each play gets as it's going on in real time and not waiting for announcements, and more interested in just having a good time and being loud, the games would be preferable, but that aspect of watching live honestly pains me a lot and it's fun to have the tv and be able to see it all

 

If you are a fan who just follows the ball then TV is good for you.    If you are lucky maybe a good color commentator fills you in on some of what's going on but if you enjoy the all-22 look in real time it's hard to beat being there live.   And it's funny sometimes being at the game and then coming home and watching the narrative they spin on the broadcast.   It's a tense moment......quick switch to that perfect recording we got of some fans looking nervous from earlier........ok switch to the concerned face we captured 2 minutes ago on the sideline..........now right before the snap go back to the QB getting the ball.   Meanwhile at the game I was looking at the coverage and anticipating where the ball was going to go etc..   If you think you are getting the whole story on TV try sitting behind the Bills bench for a game and then go home and watch the TV broadcast.  But to each their own.    

[BADOLBILZ]

3 hours ago, BillsPride12 said:

As a local WNYer one trend I am starting to notice that might also play a role into this is that it seems so many people are into doing the Bills road trip thing now and with the Steelers Sunday night game coming up next week I feel like a lot people are going to that game so in a sense it almost seems like people are overlooking this game.  Personally I know many more people that are amped up and talking about going down to Pittsburgh for the big prime time game than talking about going to the Ravens game.  I'm not saying this is the only factor but I do think it plays a role.  I know people have always done the road trips but it really seems to be a growing phenomenon. 

 

 

Could be.   Our tailgate group has a 25 person capacity shuttle bus going to Pittsburgh for the game but to my knowledge everyone going to that game is also coming to this game.   

[Bferra13]

4 hours ago, Helpmenow said:

Canadian raven fans 

Yup, this is the truth here. It ain't gonna be droves coming from Maryland. They will be coming from Toronto and such.

[Putin]

On 12/3/2019 at 9:04 PM, Hapless Bills Fan said:

It was hard to watch/hear so many Iggles fans cheering on their team in New Era. 

 

Anyone know, do PoeBirds fans travel like that?

 

About the same drive time, 6.5-ish hrs

 

Seem to be a fair number of tickets remaining.

 

 

Will be putting up some scarecrow’s 

[RiotAct]

5 hours ago, Bferra13 said:

Yup, this is the truth here. It ain't gonna be droves coming from Maryland. They will be coming from Toronto and such.

so weird... never understood this.  Is there a contingent of Southern Ontarioans who get off on rooting for the opposing team at Bills games?

[plenzmd1]

18 hours ago, BillsFan130 said:

Perfectly said sir

Holy poop, I know myself, and prolly @Augie never thought those words would be uttered About one of his posts. 

17 hours ago, arcane said:

Yup. I love going to games, but money is tight, and honestly, I see more and have a more complete Bills experience when watching on TV compared to being there. If I was less interested in knowing exactly who is on the field and in what formation and how many yards each play gets as it's going on in real time and not waiting for announcements, and more interested in just having a good time and being loud, the games would be preferable, but that aspect of watching live honestly pains me a lot and it's fun to have the tv and be able to see it all

 @BADOLBILZ pretty much said what I was going to post. I see so MUCH more at the game , getting to watch the substitutions in real time, watching how coverages unfold, seeing route combos, just way more enjoyable to me in person. And yep, miss the replays , but I could get those on RedZone at the game if I wanted. To focused on what’s happening on the field between plays though. 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

I wish I could find pictures of the thousands upon thousands of Bills fans entering M&T stadium last September 

 

I saw more Bills fans tailgating than Ravens fans. 

[Augie]

6 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said:

Holy poop, I know myself, and prolly @Augie never thought those words would be uttered About one of his posts. 

 @BADOLBILZ pretty much said what I was going to post. I see so MUCH more at the game , getting to watch the substitutions in real time, watching how coverages unfold, seeing route combos, just way more enjoyable to me in person. And yep, miss the replays , but I could get those on RedZone at the game if I wanted. To focused on what’s happening on the field between plays though. 

 

If anyone knows about holy poop, it would be you! You are The Man on the Sacred Throne there!   ?

 

Nothing wrong with either experience. Watching a Bills game can be awesome in a lot of different ways and can be special.....in a lot of different ways. I get the advantage of the tailgate, the full view of the field, the energy of the crowd. It’s amazing! I also am able to enjoy the game at my local Bills Backers bar and it’s great! We get probably 200-300/people per game, and I love that vibe. I also enjoy the game in the comfort of my home with all the advantages that provides. I’m still 100% a fan. 

 

I’ll never tell anyone they are less of a fan because they chose to watch a game at home. I hope that is a level of pompous I will never visit. 

[Franco_92]

1 hour ago, plenzmd1 said:

Holy poop, I know myself, and prolly @Augie never thought those words would be uttered About one of his posts. 

 @BADOLBILZ pretty much said what I was going to post. I see so MUCH more at the game , getting to watch the substitutions in real time, watching how coverages unfold, seeing route combos, just way more enjoyable to me in person. And yep, miss the replays , but I could get those on RedZone at the game if I wanted. To focused on what’s happening on the field between plays though. 

I'm just not smart enough to really dissect anything in real time, and in person it's way harder for me to see which subs happen, who's still on the field, and how far any given play has gotten down the field. I get way more info from the tv view. Of course, I'm poor and always sit way up high too which doesn't help things

[Augie]

30 minutes ago, arcane said:

I'm just not smart enough to really dissect anything in real time, and in person it's way harder for me to see which subs happen, who's still on the field, and how far any given play has gotten down the field. I get way more info from the tv view. Of course, I'm poor and always sit way up high too which doesn't help things

 

We are all different, and we can enjoy our team in different ways. It is NOT one size fits all. 

 

Plenz is a great guy, even if he takes credit for the awesome wings his nephew makes. (That part is shameful, and I expect coal in his stocking!)  I sat with him in the upper bowl a year or two ago, and they are actually great seats to capture everything that is happening. I’d never been in the upper bowl since the place opened in ‘73, and I was surprised by the great view. 

 

Don’t be intimidated by any jerk who thinks they are God’s gift to football. Do what’s comfortable and affordable for you. That could be anywhere in the stadium, at a Bills Bar, at home, or on the radio, NOBODY dictates how you are a fan. 

 

As much as I love being there (usually a couple games a year, one at home and one on the road), in some ways it IS better at home. Zero reason to apologize to anyone. 

 

Big day tomorrow. Go Bills! 

[JMF2006]

8 hours ago, Bferra13 said:

Yup, this is the truth here. It ain't gonna be droves coming from Maryland. They will be coming from Toronto and such.

 

I was out for a walk by the Falls with my GF about 2pm and met a Ravens fan named Matt who drove up from Maryland.

 

He is meeting some friends from Buffalo and going to the game.

 

There was a Raven fan bus painted purple towing a large trailer with all sorts of tailgating tools on it parked in the bus lot near the falls.

 

I would guess there will be a fairly large contingent at the Cap.

 

BTW if your reading this Matt have fun at the game and GO Bills. 

[Rampage]

2 hours ago, RiotAct said:

so weird... never understood this.  Is there a contingent of Southern Ontarioans who get off on rooting for the opposing team at Bills games?

Considering the Bills have terrible for the last 25 years and there are almost 6 million people in the GTA it's not hard to see how Bills games are an easy ticket for people to come watch their favourite NFL team without paying for a flight and hotel. It also doesn't help that half of our fan base sells tickets like candy instead of actually going to the games.

[Cheektowaga Chad]

2 hours ago, SlimShady'sGhost said:

I wish I could find pictures of the thousands upon thousands of Bills fans entering M&T stadium last September 

 

I saw more Bills fans tailgating than Ravens fans. 

I was there and that game might have been the most miserable game I have ever been to. Between the weather and the fact the bills didn't get a first down until mid third quarter.

 

The players on this bills team and coaches on staff come across as guys who remember games like the one last year and fully expect the team to be fired up more than usual. 

[BillsFan130]

3 hours ago, plenzmd1 said:

Holy poop, I know myself, and prolly @Augie never thought those words would be uttered About one of his posts. 

 @BADOLBILZ pretty much said what I was going to post. I see so MUCH more at the game , getting to watch the substitutions in real time, watching how coverages unfold, seeing route combos, just way more enjoyable to me in person. And yep, miss the replays , but I could get those on RedZone at the game if I wanted. To focused on what’s happening on the field between plays though. 

Fair enough. If you prefer it at the game, all the power to you and I am glad you get a better experience out of it. Make some noise if you are at the game tomorrow! I will actually be there myself

[Bferra13]

1 hour ago, JMF2006 said:

 

I was out for a walk by the Falls with my GF about 2pm and met a Ravens fan named Matt who drove up from Maryland.

 

He is meeting some friends from Buffalo and going to the game.

 

There was a Raven fan bus painted purple towing a large trailer with all sorts of tailgating tools on it parked in the bus lot near the falls.

 

I would guess there will be a fairly large contingent at the Cap.

 

BTW if your reading this Matt have fun at the game and GO Bills. 

 

Oh yeah I'm sure there will be some from Maryland and DC area. I just think Toronto being a mega city works against the Bills and Sabres when it comes to opposing fans invading our stadiums at times. 

[Virgil]

There are a lot of people from down here heading up to the game.  If we let them, they will make some noise.  
 

Just offer them so crabs and they’ll shut right up 

[plenzmd1]

9 hours ago, arcane said:

I'm just not smart enough to really dissect anything in real time, and in person it's way harder for me to see which subs happen, who's still on the field, and how far any given play has gotten down the field. I get way more info from the tv view. Of course, I'm poor and always sit way up high too which doesn't help things

Just as a heads up, I was not trying to dissect anyone’s fandom. As @Augie says, all differnat ways to watch the game, none being  the “ right” way. 

 

And Nd I love the upper bowl, moved our seats this year to row 22 of the lower bowl, and if I can find aisle seats eithe above row 30 I am going back next year!

 

BTW, I also keep two seats in the very last row of the stadium with my nephews, and LOVE those seats as well!

[wjag]

Judging by home many were at Duff's in OP last night, I would say yes.

[The Dean]

At least we're not Cleveland.  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/12/08/the-cheap-seats-are-the-cheapest-theyve-been-all-year-in-cleveland/

[benderbender]

Can we start a throat lozenge donation program or gofundme account dedicated to the support of home fans crowd noise? In games like today we need the 12th man. 

[Elite Poster]

On 12/5/2019 at 10:27 PM, Elite Poster said:

I got a group of 5 buddies from Washington DC area that are Ravens fans coming. Gonna be a lot of purple and black. 

 

Yep. A whole lot of black and purple here today. 

 

Build a dome. 

Edited December 8, 2019 by Elite Poster

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Too many Raven fans in the cause

[Helpmenow]

You would never see visiting fans at the stadium. Boy things have changed.

[Buffalo716]

7 minutes ago, Helpmenow said:

You would never see visiting fans at the stadium. Boy things have changed.

That's not really true

 

December games have always struggled

 

And it's still 90% bills fans

Edited December 8, 2019 by Buffalo716