(EDIT: GOT ENGAGED!) Coming to Buffalo opening day!!! Need your help, first time in B-Lo!!!!

[Buffalo716]

@Alphadawg7 

 

If you tailgate in the big party grass lots ( it's a blast )  like 30,000 people partying blast

 

Just bring a 12 pack, and probably 95% of everybody will welcome you with open arms and buffalo love

 

 

[Augie]

21 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

Im most likely doing it at Niagara.  We both absolutely love The Office as I mentioned earlier and her favorite is the wedding at Niagara.  She even wants to take the same boat tour of the falls they did when they got married.  So May do it on that boat or somewhere else around the falls.  
 

Was going to take her to a helicopter tour of Grand Canyon and have it land in a remote spot only the helicopter can reach and do sunset dinner and propose then.  But after this surprise trip, I think Niagara Falls will be even better.

 

She is in baby mode, definitely wants one.  We were talking about maybe starting to try beginning of 2022…but now she’s been running around today saying she wants me to get her pregnant during the game at the stadium though hahaha.  So maybe I’ll give her that at the game hahaha

 

Congrats on ALL of this. It sounds like she’s a real keeper! You just might make the news, but for the wrong reason! LOL

 

I love all the suggestions, and I have my own, but the real news is making the trip and getting engaged. Between the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, you can’t go wrong. That helicopter trip into the Canyon is amazing, and pricey. It’s something you’ll never forget, just like the Falls and Maid of the Mist.

 

I’ll be at the opener with wife, son and new DIL at Hammers Lot. DIL wants to do the Falls and I hope the Canadian is open by then, but their dog just ate a corner of my son’s passport. I wish I was kidding, because they have their honeymoon to Italy planned for the Fall and it takes 12 weeks now to get replacement, but that’s another story. 

 

Like your GF, the DIL has the spirit. Besides the Falls she wants to go to the Anchor Bar……and she’s a vegetarian! Seriously! It’s a National Landmark!

 

Somewhere @plenzmd1 has a link to more info than you could ever ask for regarding sights, dining options, etc. Not sure how recently it was updated. 

 

But again, it’s more about your trip and engagement than where you get your wings. CONGRATS! 

[Alphadawg7]

3 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

Congrats on ALL of this. It sounds like she’s a real keeper! You just might make the news, but for the wrong reason! LOL

 

I love all the suggestions, and I have my own, but the real news is making the trip and getting engaged. Between the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, you can’t go wrong. That helicopter trip into the Canyon is amazing, and pricey. It’s something you’ll never forget, just like the Falls and Maid of the Mist.

 

I’ll be at the opener with wife, son and new DIL at Hammers Lot. DIL wants to do the Falls and I hope the Canadian is open by then, but their dog just ate a corner of my son’s passport. I wish I was kidding, because they have their honeymoon to Italy planned for the Fall and it takes 12 weeks now to get replacement, but that’s another story. 

 

Like your GF, the DIL has the spirit. Besides the Falls she wants to go to the Anchor Bar……and she’s a vegetarian! Seriously! It’s a National Landmark!

 

Somewhere @plenzmd1 has a link to more info than you could ever ask for regarding sights, dining options, etc. Not sure how recently it was updated. 

 

But again, it’s more about your trip and engagement than where you get your wings. CONGRATS! 

Thanks brother and thanks to everyone with all the great posts and comments

[scuba guy]

There was another thread on this early in the year with recommendations. See if you can search for it and or someone can post a link to it.

 

If CA is open do the made of the mist tour.

If I was still a capt on the boat we would do something special for you.

[Augie]

7 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said:

@Alphadawg7 

 

If you tailgate in the big party grass lots ( it's a blast )  like 30,000 people partying blast

 

Just bring a 12 pack, and probably 95% of everybody will welcome you with open arms and buffalo love

 

 

 

So TRUE! When each of our boys turned 16 I took them to Buffalo for a home Bills game, cementing their fandom for life. I remember being at the Creekview restaurant in Williamsville (the night I bumped into Ralph Wilson coming out of the restroom) and what I was doing there came up. I had people literally begging me to join them at their tailgates because they loved the rite of passage story so much! Bills fans are AWESOME! 

 

The next day I tailgated with a hotel’s  “employee only field trip” I was lucky enough to stumble into. An annual thing at the time. Took a huge bus from the Hampton Inn downtown loaded with more beer than my 16 year old son had ever seen. Later that day I almost “bumped into” Ralph again when I was almost run over by his little “Pope-mobile” vehicle traveling around the stadium. A weekend to remember! 

 

P.S. - My son had been to the Bills game in Tampa just a few weeks earlier. I asked how the two experiences compared. He did not have words to describe how little they had in common. There were people, and a football game followed. That was about it.  

[John from Riverside]

4 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

As some of you know, I’m California born and raised, and been a die hard Bills fan for about 35 years.  I’ve never actually been to Buffalo, let alone a game in Buffalo.  Well that’s about to change!

 

Just turned 45 today and my girlfriend just surprised me with tickets, row 9 seats on Bills side for opening day vs Steelers!  I’m so f-ing stoked!!!!

 

This will be an even more meaningful game for me as I just had a friend pass away 3 weeks ago from complications of severe permanent damage COVID did to him a year ago and he was a die hard Steelers fan.  My girl bought the tickets before that happened, but couldn’t be a more perfect game for my first time in Buffalo to see the Bills play.  I’ll have a patch in Steelers colors with his name on it sewn onto my Josh Allen jersey as well.  
 

Anyway, looking for some suggestions to do while there or places to eat.  I know we are hitting Niagara Falls, but any other suggestions would be awesome!!!

 

PS:  She doesn’t know it yet, but I already bought an engagement ring too. Now that this came up, I think I’m changing the plan I had and going to do it at Niagara Falls.  We are both huge fans of The Office too, and her favorite episode is the one at Niagara Falls where Jim and Pam get married  But shhhhhh don’t tell her  🤣

 

PPS:  However, if anyone has connections to the team that could maybe help me set up the proposal at the game too, hit me up as that would be huge too.

I envy you 51 years old about to turn 52 and I’ve never been to Buffalo

[BillsFan619]

4 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

As some of you know, I’m California born and raised, and been a die hard Bills fan for about 35 years.  I’ve never actually been to Buffalo, let alone a game in Buffalo.  Well that’s about to change!

 

Just turned 45 today and my girlfriend just surprised me with tickets, row 9 seats on Bills side for opening day vs Steelers!  I’m so f-ing stoked!!!!

 

This will be an even more meaningful game for me as I just had a friend pass away 3 weeks ago from complications of severe permanent damage COVID did to him a year ago and he was a die hard Steelers fan.  My girl bought the tickets before that happened, but couldn’t be a more perfect game for my first time in Buffalo to see the Bills play.  I’ll have a patch in Steelers colors with his name on it sewn onto my Josh Allen jersey as well.  
 

Anyway, looking for some suggestions to do while there or places to eat.  I know we are hitting Niagara Falls, but any other suggestions would be awesome!!!

 

PS:  She doesn’t know it yet, but I already bought an engagement ring too. Now that this came up, I think I’m changing the plan I had and going to do it at Niagara Falls.  We are both huge fans of The Office too, and her favorite episode is the one at Niagara Falls where Jim and Pam get married  But shhhhhh don’t tell her  🤣

 

PPS:  However, if anyone has connections to the team that could maybe help me set up the proposal at the game too, hit me up as that would be huge too.

Bro, congratulations. You’re going to have the time of your life!

 

You’ve got to try Abbott‘s Pizza while you’re there. I know there’s at least one in West Seneca which is very close to Orchard Park.

 

If you have the time, I’d also encourage you to drive the country roads. It’s neat to see and experience the different towns and villages as well as what upstate New York looks like and has to offer. Besides the gas, it can be a free part of your trip.

 

I live in California too in San Diego (which is the reason for the 619 in my name. It’s one of the SD area codes). I’m a diehard bills fan also. I have a lot of family in New York and used to live on the East Coast so I know the area well.

 

Have fun, bro!

Edited July 11, 2021 by BillsFan619

[Bill from NYC]

1 hour ago, Virgil said:

I think we’ve discussed this, but you aren’t going to the home opener, correct?

It doesn't look that way but it isn't beyond the realm of possibility.

[Chicharito]

Lucias on the lake in Hamburg  for dinner. Hands down no one can compare to the food anywhere. I suggest the tomahawk steak. Great view of the lake and city. But make sure you reserve now to get a table. You could also do the proposal here if nothing else works out for you.

[Royale with Cheese]

I just finished my bottle of ranch that I bought yesterday.  Wings last night, pizza today.  Got good use out of it…money well spent.

[Buffalo716]

16 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said:

I just finished my bottle of ranch that I bought yesterday.  Wings last night, pizza today.  Got good use out of it…money well spent.

You disappoint me

[PromoTheRobot]

You better plan on tailgating at @Hammered a Lot Hammer's Lot and witness the ketchup ceremony.

[Alphadawg7]

9 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

You better plan on tailgating at @Hammered a Lot Hammer's Lot and witness the ketchup ceremony.

So how does one tailgate there?  Do you just show up?  Or is there a ticket needed to get into Hammers Lot? 

[PromoTheRobot]

2 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

So how does one tailgate there?  Do you just show up?  Or is there a ticket needed to get into Hammers Lot? 

 

Message @Hammered a Lot and reserve spot. I assume you will have a car while in town? The opener usually features a Two Bill Drive section. Be sure to arrive by 8:30am.

[Buffalo716]

13 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

So how does one tailgate there?  Do you just show up?  Or is there a ticket needed to get into Hammers Lot? 

I'm not trying to be a *** but hammers is way more sentimental to certain people 

 

There are way funner lots .. he's like the tame lot for adults  

 

If you're soon to be fiance wants to go through tables.. grass lots 

 

If you want to party with 40,000 members of bills Mafia... Grass lots 

 

I believe Hammer is taking pre-arranged seating now.. covid vaccine checks as well, so I think you have to sign up

 

@Heitz it's jus an opinion man

 

Edited July 12, 2021 by Buffalo716

[El Guapo]

5 hours ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

I don't know anything about him or his financial situation obviously, but I'd imagine being all the way across country west coast it is a lot more difficult to attend a Bills game than anywhere on east coast basically.

 

I know I had a hell of a time just from Va Beach, and N.C. Thankfully I got the pleasure to attend a whopping total of 5 Bills games since my 1st in 2008. It can be very difficult to get up there unless of course you got fat pockets and a good amount of time off to do something like that.

It’s at least a $2500 weekend when my wife and I come for a game. 

[Behindenemylines]

Congratulations and I’m sure your trip will be awesome!  
 

stay downtown at The Curtiss for lodging. Hands down great experience and close to tons of great places downtown. Hit Gabrielle’s Gate for a cocktail and next best wings if you can’t get to Bar Bill.  Allen street is hoppin usually 

 

Bar-Bill for wings and Weck.  
 

grab a beer at Moor Pat in Williamsville such a cool vibe

 

Marble and Rye downtown for a great meal or apps

 

american side for the Falls imho.  Canadian is way too honky tonk for me. 
 

Explore Buffalo is easily walkable. 

[billybrew1]

I think there is an extremely unique experience you really can't replicate anywhere else. In theNiagara gorge they run these giant speed boats over huge water crests.... and the water there is the most water movedper/second/area in the world. You can't hit a rock because the water is 35 feet deep yet there are these monster swells because so much water is forced through this gorge below the falls... I would only warn that everyone who might go be healthy and have a good back.

.https://www.viator.com/support/reserveNowPayLater?mcid=28353&tsem=true&supfl=sl&supsc=s&supag=118063152419&supai=498810881443&supap=&supdv=c&supnt=g&supti=dsa-694098304204&suplp=9031422&supli=&supfi=162599505807&supbk=1&m=28353&supag=118063152419&supsc=dsa-694098304204&supai=498810881443&supdv=c&supnt=g&suplp=9031422&supli=&supti=dsa-694098304204&tsem=true&supci=dsa-694098304204&supap1=&supap2=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInIvXobDc8QIVYB-tBh0lMAQyEAAYASABEgK5EfD_BwE

 

PS - Do the maid of the mist too. It's a slow boat that carries a lot of people very close to the falls. I strongly recommend both and they are very different from each other. You could propose at NFs, it's classic.... or the Stadium whatever you wish.

Bills Stealers games are special as there will not be an empty seat in the house and Pittsburgh shows up in force. It's pretty cool.

 

Congratulations! 

 

And 

 

Go Bills!

 

Also you have to get a roast beef on weck sandwich with plenty of horseradish. Somebody please tell this young man where is best now. Itused to be Swabels....

 

[boater]

9 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

Thousand Island dressing…hahaha just kidding 🤣

 

Only blue cheese of course and she actually mocks those who don’t use blue cheese.  She likes em hot and covered in blue cheese dressing

She's a keeper. Don't let her go.

[boater]

6 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

Im most likely doing it at Niagara.  We both absolutely love The Office as I mentioned earlier and her favorite is the wedding at Niagara.  She even wants to take the same boat tour of the falls they did when they got married.  So May do it on that boat or somewhere else around the falls.  
 

Was going to take her to a helicopter tour of Grand Canyon and have it land in a remote spot only the helicopter can reach and do sunset dinner and propose then.  But after this surprise trip, I think Niagara Falls will be even better.

 

She is in baby mode, definitely wants one.  We were talking about maybe starting to try beginning of 2022…but now she’s been running around today saying she wants me to get her pregnant during the game at the stadium though hahaha.  So maybe I’ll give her that at the game hahaha

That's a lot of information. I'm still trying to compute.

[Just Jack]

9 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

PPS:  However, if anyone has connections to the team that could maybe help me set up the proposal at the game too, hit me up as that would be huge too.

 

716-648-1800 ask for Guest Relations.  You could also ask if they are doing stadium tours the day before the game.  One part of the tour is letting you onto the field, you could do it on the logo at the center.  

[machine gun kelly]

Jack, that’s a great idea and proposing on the 50 yard line would be pretty

memorable.  
 

Alpha, I’m very sorry for you’re loss with you’re friend, but glad you’re taking the big step.  I’m sure whatever you land on will be the best day of her life.

 

I haven’t read all four pages, but I imagine you’ve heard enough suggestions by now.  Wherever you go, as long as you get some pizza as ours is different than other areas in the country.  I love Blasdell Pizza which is close to the stadium, but there are a lot of quality wing places, and you can’t leave Buffalo without a Beef on Weck.

 

What out of towners usually don’t know is there are a lot of fine dining local restaurants that are excellent.  You may not know if you do a fine dining restaurant around the falls, Niagara is where they make a good percentage of Iced Wjnes so a nice dessert type drink.

 

The Frank Lloyd Wright tour is fun. The best part of Buffalo though is the people.  You won’t believe how nice and friendly the people are which surprised some people I have brought to town.

 

HVe a great time and congratulations a little early on you’re engagement.

 

Go Bills!

[Seasons1992]

14 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

I just finished my bottle of ranch that I bought yesterday.  Wings last night, pizza today.  Got good use out of it…money well spent.

 

I hope it gave you horrible gas and the runs.

13 hours ago, Buffalo716 said:

he's like the tame lot for adults  

 

Right........that's the point of @Hammered a Lot the space. Being an ADULT. Not being a moron, like so many Bills "fans" have become.

 

People have been having a good time at those games since 1960, and I wasn't born for another 18 years. But I was at games in the early 90's as a teen, and the parking lot scene escalated into nonsense once the team became awful after 2000. It wasn't about the football/games, it was about being a doofus.

[Royale with Cheese]

1 hour ago, Seasons1992 said:

 

I hope it gave you horrible gas and the runs.

 

Right........that's the point of @Hammered a Lot the space. Being an ADULT. Not being a moron, like so many Bills "fans" have become.

 

People have been having a good time at those games since 1960, and I wasn't born for another 18 years. But I was at games in the early 90's as a teen, and the parking lot scene escalated into nonsense once the team became awful after 2000. It wasn't about the football/games, it was about being a doofus.

All it gave me was a happy stomach.

[Haslett_Stomp]

Congrats Alphadawg, you're going to have a great weekend!  I grew up in OP but haven't lived in God's country for over 30 years so I can't really make restaurant recommendations other than to agree with those who said to get a beef on weck sandwich.  That is a Buffalo specialty you can't find elsewhere (at least a good one).  My wife was a vegetarian at one point but always made an exception and had beef on weck when we visited Buffalo.

[guv]

Great exchange here. Fire it up for some Buffalove! Would second the idea of also getting Beef on Weck. If you have time go to North Buffalo area and Allentown (lots of bars and restaurants). Bar-Bill, Anderson's (near North Buffalo), Eagle House, Creekview are all great suggestions. Cole's is a classic Buffalo pub in North Buffalo. Lloyd Taco Factory, Sportmen's Tavern (live music). Fowler's Chocolates. Cup & Char pepperoni pizza (Bar Bill has great pizza, as does Bocci, La Nova, Picasso's). Part of living in Buffalo is getting some Canada mixed in, so make sure to order Peameal Bacon for breakfast and have some Canadian beer (Labatt or Molson) with your weck, wings or pizza. Buffalo also eats the most Fish Fry (Fish and Chips) per capita in the USA. With that all said there are a lot of great fine dining restaurants in the area, both old and new. Seems like your girlfriend deserves a romantic meal.

[Original Byrd Man]

Not football related but if you're any kind of fan of architecture the Frank Lloyd Wright Martin house is something to behold, and Fredrick Ohlmsteads Delaware Park as well.  Hope your trip is a memorable one.

[nkreed]

13 minutes ago, Original Byrd Man said:

Not football related but if you're any kind of fan of architecture the Frank Lloyd Wright Martin house is something to behold, and Fredrick Ohlmsteads Delaware Park as well.  Hope your trip is a memorable one.

So much to do in Buffalo. History buffs can use the Boy Scout Historical Trail program to visit some extremely vital history spots in WNY. http://www.wnyscouting.org/resources/the-niagara-frontier-trail-medal-program/67514

For instance, the Teddy Roosevelt Inaugural site on Delaware, the Niagara Falls underground railroad museum next to the Falls train station, Fort Niagara, (as has been mentioned billions of times) the Martin house, Forest Lawn Cemetery, the Power Vista (for the engineer minded), Canalside and the naval museum.

 

That's only the tip of things to do outside of stuffing your face with food and drinks. 

 

Best of all, enjoy your trip!

 

[Wacka]

37 minutes ago, nkreed said:

So much to do in Buffalo. History buffs can use the Boy Scout Historical Trail program to visit some extremely vital history spots in WNY. http://www.wnyscouting.org/resources/the- Forest Lawn Cemetery, the Power Vista (for the engineer minded), Canalside and the naval museum.

 

 

Best of all, enjoy your trip!

 

At Forest lawn they have a tram tour in the warm weather (I heard its $10 for 2 hours ro take you to the famous people's graves (Millard Filmore (president), Carrier(inventor of AC),the inventor of the electric chair, Shirley Chisholm (first black female US representative) and Rick James( don't forget to say cocaine is a hell of a drug at his grave, I did)).

Edited July 12, 2021 by Wacka

[teef]

depending on your time situation and the boarder situation, i think it's always worth running over to the canadian side to see the falls, or drink some wine at niagara on the lake.  

[Bobby Hooks]

3 hours ago, Seasons1992 said:

 

I hope it gave you horrible gas and the runs.

 

Right........that's the point of @Hammered a Lot the space. Being an ADULT. Not being a moron, like so many Bills "fans" have become.

 

People have been having a good time at those games since 1960, and I wasn't born for another 18 years. But I was at games in the early 90's as a teen, and the parking lot scene escalated into nonsense once the team became awful after 2000. It wasn't about the football/games, it was about being a doofus.

All he said was if you want the adult experience go to hammers lot. 
 

If she’s looking for a rowdier table type experience to go somewhere else. It’s his opinion and it seems spot on. 
 

It’s certainly not a reason to call people morons and doofuses. Do you talk like this to people in real life or is it exclusively and anonymous internet thing? 
 

 

Edited July 12, 2021 by Bobby Hooks

[4_kidd_4]

Yr gonna want to bake the ring into the center of a cake, then make her eat it at the tailgate until she chomps down on the diamond.

[Virgil]

13 hours ago, Just Jack said:

 

716-648-1800 ask for Guest Relations.  You could also ask if they are doing stadium tours the day before the game.  One part of the tour is letting you onto the field, you could do it on the logo at the center.  

 

Have these resumed?  I thought they were shut down by COVID.  I will definitely try doing it before the opener

[Jauronimo]

18 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

I just finished my bottle of ranch that I bought yesterday.  Wings last night, pizza today.  Got good use out of it…money well spent.

You know you shouldn't but you are full of shame.

[Just Jack]

34 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 

Have these resumed?  I thought they were shut down by COVID.  I will definitely try doing it before the opener

 

I don't know, but it doesn't hurt to ask. 

[Patrick Duffy]

1 hour ago, teef said:

depending on your time situation and the boarder situation, i think it's always worth running over to the canadian side to see the falls, or drink some wine at niagara on the lake.  

Agree. Always like Canadian side much better.....

[Royale with Cheese]

36 minutes ago, Jauronimo said:

You know you shouldn't but you are full of shame.

 

It blows my mind the hate against ranch.  I use ranch more than any other condiment combined.  Fries, baked potatoes, carrots, wings, pizza, bread sticks, cheese sticks etc....it all gets ranch.

[SWATeam]

4 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

It blows my mind the hate against ranch.  I use ranch more than any other condiment combined.  Fries, baked potatoes, carrots, wings, pizza, bread sticks, cheese sticks etc....it all gets ranch.

You also cook your poptarts in the sun

[Buffalo716]

4 hours ago, Seasons1992 said:

 

I hope it gave you horrible gas and the runs.

 

Right........that's the point of @Hammered a Lot the space. Being an ADULT. Not being a moron, like so many Bills "fans" have become.

 

People have been having a good time at those games since 1960, and I wasn't born for another 18 years. But I was at games in the early 90's as a teen, and the parking lot scene escalated into nonsense once the team became awful after 2000. It wasn't about the football/games, it was about being a doofus.

Listen man everybody has opinions. There's about 40 50,000 people that love those lots 

 

And I'm not going to judge them or call them immature or less than a Bill's fan as any of us

 

In fact bar stool and a lot of documentaries have gone through those lots and made videos about bills Mafia that went all over the country..  I don't think you could look at some of the shenanigans and table jumping and then just flat out judge them... If you walked through those lots you would find families, friends, generations of Bills fans, connections made forever, all because of the Buffalo Bills

 

I choose to look at things with the glass half full 

 

In fact back in the day the rock pile was a crazy party.. the fans used to bring keggers into the stands.. Bills fans have always been wild

 

There's just the internet now to let it all out

 

And OP did say his fiance wanted to go through a table

 

 

1 hour ago, Bobby Hooks said:

All he said was if you want the adult experience go to hammers lot. 
 

If she’s looking for a rowdier table type experience to go somewhere else. It’s his opinion and it seems spot on. 
 

It’s certainly not a reason to call people morons and doofuses. Do you talk like this to people in real life or is it exclusively and anonymous internet thing? 
 

 

Thanks . I literally gave an honest opinion about my take on the tailgating 

 

Hammers is great for an older crowd.. if you want to party with some younger people and have a bills Mafia experience.. grass lots

[Royale with Cheese]

6 minutes ago, SWATeam said:

You also cook your poptarts in the sun

 

I do this at the pool!