Flying in to take my sons to their first Bills game on Sunday

[947]

Flying in from Chicago with my 15 & 13 year old sons for the game. My wife got us the tickets & hotel for Christmas. My sons are both also huge fans, and they're pumped. We've been trying to get to Buffalo the past few seasons, but their own sports always conflicted with the home schedule. I used to fly out for a game every year, but haven't been to the Ralph since 05'. My boys have been to other NFL games, but never seen "their team" in-person.

 

We get in Friday night, and have all of Saturday to do whatever we want. We're planning on hitting Bar Bill sometime Saturday to knock out both Wings & Beef on Weck, but need some recommendations on other stuff to see/do. We obviously can't hit Chippewa until 2am, but sports bars/restaurants are fair game.

 

I'll only have a rental car, so no tailgate supplies. Are there food trucks or anybody selling food outside the stadium?

 

How early do we need to arrive at the stadium?

 

My boys really want to see Pinto Ron & hopefully somebody destroy a folding table. What area of the lots would we find that?

 

Best place to park to get out after & make a 7:30pm flight?

 

Anything must see/must eat while we're in town?

 

Considering going to the Falls, but not sure. Is the border a hassle with Covid going on?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Buffalo716]

11 minutes ago, 947 said:

Flying in from Chicago with my 15 & 13 year old sons for the game. My wife got us the tickets & hotel for Christmas. My sons are both also huge fans, and they're pumped. We've been trying to get to Buffalo the past few seasons, but their own sports always conflicted with the home schedule. I used to fly out for a game every year, but haven't been to the Ralph since 05'. My boys have been to other NFL games, but never seen "their team" in-person.

 

We get in Friday night, and have all of Saturday to do whatever we want. We're planning on hitting Bar Bill sometime Saturday to knock out both Wings & Beef on Weck, but need some recommendations on other stuff to see/do. We obviously can't hit Chippewa until 2am, but sports bars/restaurants are fair game.

 

I'll only have a rental car, so no tailgate supplies. Are there food trucks or anybody selling food outside the stadium?

 

How early do we need to arrive at the stadium?

 

My boys really want to see Pinto Ron & hopefully somebody destroy a folding table. What area of the lots would we find that?

 

Best place to park to get out after & make a 7:30pm flight?

 

Anything must see/must eat while we're in town?

 

Considering going to the Falls, but not sure. Is the border a hassle with Covid going on?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congrats to you and your son's! It's a right of passage going to the Ralph 

 

Pinto Ron Is at hammers lot 

 

And you can find the table breaking shenanigans in the massive grass lot right next to the stadium parking lot

[Tenhigh]

1 minute ago, Buffalo716 said:

Congrats to you and your son's! It's a right of passage going to the Ralph 

 

Pinto Ron Is at hammers lot 

 

And you can find the table breaking shenanigans in the massive grass lot right next to the stadium parking lot

I would suggest parking in the ECC lots if you want to both get out easy and see Pinro Ron (Kenny), but note that the ketchup and mustard show has been retired. 

[Buffalo716]

Just now, Tenhigh said:

I would suggest parking in the ECC lots if you want to both get out easy and see Pinro Ron (Kenny), but note that the ketchup and mustard show has been retired. 

I think it's a covid measure

 

I believe it's coming back in the future

 

[HOUSE]

Dress warm even if its a nice day.

[WotAGuy]

54 minutes ago, 947 said:

Flying in from Chicago with my 15 & 13 year old sons for the game. My wife got us the tickets & hotel for Christmas. My sons are both also huge fans, and they're pumped. We've been trying to get to Buffalo the past few seasons, but their own sports always conflicted with the home schedule. I used to fly out for a game every year, but haven't been to the Ralph since 05'. My boys have been to other NFL games, but never seen "their team" in-person.

 

We get in Friday night, and have all of Saturday to do whatever we want. We're planning on hitting Bar Bill sometime Saturday to knock out both Wings & Beef on Weck, but need some recommendations on other stuff to see/do. We obviously can't hit Chippewa until 2am, but sports bars/restaurants are fair game.

 

I'll only have a rental car, so no tailgate supplies. Are there food trucks or anybody selling food outside the stadium?

 

How early do we need to arrive at the stadium?

 

My boys really want to see Pinto Ron & hopefully somebody destroy a folding table. What area of the lots would we find that?

 

Best place to park to get out after & make a 7:30pm flight?

 

Anything must see/must eat while we're in town?

 

Considering going to the Falls, but not sure. Is the border a hassle with Covid going on?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You should see the falls. Just stay on the US side and check out Goat Island and then the overlooks near Bridal Veil Falls. You can get really close. 

[BuffaloBillies]

Get up at the ass-crack of dawn and just get there, anywhere. The anticipation and tailgating is so fun for adults and kids. They'll be hooked for life. I'm jealous. Wish I did it more with my kids back then. Have fun! Go Bills!

[RaoulDuke79]

Dizzy bats.....how good is the 15 year old at driving?

[JoPoy88]

1 hour ago, 947 said:

Flying in from Chicago with my 15 & 13 year old sons for the game. My wife got us the tickets & hotel for Christmas. My sons are both also huge fans, and they're pumped. We've been trying to get to Buffalo the past few seasons, but their own sports always conflicted with the home schedule. I used to fly out for a game every year, but haven't been to the Ralph since 05'. My boys have been to other NFL games, but never seen "their team" in-person.

 

We get in Friday night, and have all of Saturday to do whatever we want. We're planning on hitting Bar Bill sometime Saturday to knock out both Wings & Beef on Weck, but need some recommendations on other stuff to see/do. We obviously can't hit Chippewa until 2am, but sports bars/restaurants are fair game.

 

I'll only have a rental car, so no tailgate supplies. Are there food trucks or anybody selling food outside the stadium?

 

How early do we need to arrive at the stadium?

 

My boys really want to see Pinto Ron & hopefully somebody destroy a folding table. What area of the lots would we find that?

 

Best place to park to get out after & make a 7:30pm flight?

 

Anything must see/must eat while we're in town?

 

Considering going to the Falls, but not sure. Is the border a hassle with Covid going on?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

there are various food trucks near the stadium outside the gates. Enjoy!

[BillnutinHouston]

42 minutes ago, HOUSE said:

Dress warm even if its a nice day.

 

This from an 11 year season ticket holder:  dress warmer than you think is needed, and forget about style points!

[Ya Digg?]

I’m not sure if it’s open because of Covid, but if the field house is open that’s a cool experience as well 

[Since1981]

I recommend Parking off the main lots. Webster Road $20. Porta pots and owner on site.  Subs from Wegmans. Dress like skiing. 

[Augie]

1 hour ago, 947 said:

Flying in from Chicago with my 15 & 13 year old sons for the game. My wife got us the tickets & hotel for Christmas. My sons are both also huge fans, and they're pumped. We've been trying to get to Buffalo the past few seasons, but their own sports always conflicted with the home schedule. I used to fly out for a game every year, but haven't been to the Ralph since 05'. My boys have been to other NFL games, but never seen "their team" in-person.

 

We get in Friday night, and have all of Saturday to do whatever we want. We're planning on hitting Bar Bill sometime Saturday to knock out both Wings & Beef on Weck, but need some recommendations on other stuff to see/do. We obviously can't hit Chippewa until 2am, but sports bars/restaurants are fair game.

 

I'll only have a rental car, so no tailgate supplies. Are there food trucks or anybody selling food outside the stadium?

 

How early do we need to arrive at the stadium?

 

My boys really want to see Pinto Ron & hopefully somebody destroy a folding table. What area of the lots would we find that?

 

Best place to park to get out after & make a 7:30pm flight?

 

Anything must see/must eat while we're in town?

 

Considering going to the Falls, but not sure. Is the border a hassle with Covid going on?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took both my sons when they turned 16 as a rite of passage. Cemented die hard Bills fans. Congrats on an event your kids will never forget. That beats “things” hands down!  They probably don’t need an extra sweater. My kids have no idea what they got for their 16th DBay or. Christmas, but they will NEVER forget that trip! Well done! Tell the wife she done good!  😋

[haroldwaide]

Field house is closed again this season, unfortunately.  But check out the Billivard for some cool stuff.

[947]

Thanks for the replies. Sucks that there's no more ketchup/mustard, I've seen vids but was hoping to catch it in person.

 

Guess we'll be dressing warmer than expected. I've never been at the Ralph past November, so I'll expect it to be frigid.

 

My 15yr old has his learners permit, but I don't think I trust him to drive in game day traffic, so I'll limit consumption to pre-game.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

1 hour ago, 947 said:

Flying in from Chicago with my 15 & 13 year old sons for the game. My wife got us the tickets & hotel for Christmas. My sons are both also huge fans, and they're pumped. We've been trying to get to Buffalo the past few seasons, but their own sports always conflicted with the home schedule. I used to fly out for a game every year, but haven't been to the Ralph since 05'. My boys have been to other NFL games, but never seen "their team" in-person.

 

We get in Friday night, and have all of Saturday to do whatever we want. We're planning on hitting Bar Bill sometime Saturday to knock out both Wings & Beef on Weck, but need some recommendations on other stuff to see/do. We obviously can't hit Chippewa until 2am, but sports bars/restaurants are fair game.

 

I'll only have a rental car, so no tailgate supplies. Are there food trucks or anybody selling food outside the stadium?

 

How early do we need to arrive at the stadium?

 

My boys really want to see Pinto Ron & hopefully somebody destroy a folding table. What area of the lots would we find that?

 

Best place to park to get out after & make a 7:30pm flight?

 

Anything must see/must eat while we're in town?

 

Considering going to the Falls, but not sure. Is the border a hassle with Covid going on?

 

Stay on the US side, then not issues with the boarder.  Admittedly view is better and overall nicer on Canadian side, but wouldn't want to deal with the boarder right now.  They may not let you back into US, you never know.

[Steptide]

Dress warm. I've been to a few games when the weather is in the 20s. Make sure you have proper foot attire. I can attest that there's nothing worse than your feet being completely numb for 8+ hours. Dress warm head to toe. Always best to be over prepared for the cold weather games 

Edited December 31, 2021 by Steptide

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Dress warm, forget Duffs and go to Charlie the Butcher's for Beef on Weck.  You can get wings anywhere, you can only get good beef on weck in Buffalo

[TheBrownBear]

1 minute ago, Ethan in Portland said:

Dress warm, forget Duffs and go to Charlie the Butcher's for Beef on Weck.  You can get wings anywhere, you can only get good beef on weck in Buffalo

Get both.  That's what I do when I'm in town! 

 

Also, to the OP.  Jealous man.  Your boys are going to have a BLAST!

[BillnutinHouston]

29 minutes ago, Ya Digg? said:

I’m not sure if it’s open because of Covid, but if the field house is open that’s a cool experience as well 

 

Not open this year.

[nato7412]

I would definitely go to the falls you can go to goat island on the us side and get a good view from there. I’d get wings and weck at bar bill, you could also consider bar bill north depending on where you’re staying and that’s also a way bigger restaurant and bar bill could be a decent wait depending on what time you go. I’d get pizza so they can try buffalo style pizza as well, bocce, la nova, Picassos all good options. I’d recommend still tailgating, pick up Paula’s donuts, they have breakfast sandwiches and other stuff too. Take it all in and the. Hit the bills store and go into the game early for warmups!

[JESSEFEFFER]

A sneaky smart way to get to the airport after the game.  Call it a naked bootleg.

[Tenhigh]

Go to Walmart or home depot when you land and buy a cheap grill and a football. Pick up some Sahlens or Zweigles dogs, or maybe some burgers or Italian sausage.  You send the kids to the grass next to the lots to play football with some other kids while you grill and drink some local IPAs, and buddy up with a nearby crew.  Good living, my friend!

[billsherd]

6 minutes ago, nato7412 said:

I would definitely go to the falls you can go to goat island on the us side and get a good view from there. I’d get wings and weck at bar bill, you could also consider bar bill north depending on where you’re staying and that’s also a way bigger restaurant and bar bill could be a decent wait depending on what time you go. I’d get pizza so they can try buffalo style pizza as well, bocce, la nova, Picassos all good options. I’d recommend still tailgating, pick up Paula’s donuts, they have breakfast sandwiches and other stuff too. Take it all in and the. Hit the bills store and go into the game early for warmups!

I didn't know barbill had another location.

[CSBill]

I hope you have a great time. And here’s to the Bills capping it off with a big win. 

[mead107]

Parking thread in tailgate section if you want to reserve a parking spot in Hammer lot. 
 

im not there this week. 
there is a guy that cooks and sells food in front of lot. TBD PARKING in lot near shed. 
 

[RiotAct]

14 minutes ago, billsherd said:

I didn't know barbill had another location.

yep - there’s one on Main St in Clarence (just east of Transit) now

[Johnny Hammersticks]

Anyone know anything about parking in the Mud Lot?  I believe my father used to park here when I was younger, but I can’t remember.  

 

My cousin is going to the game on Sunday and asked me about it.  Thoughts about lot?  Cost?  Tailgating atmosphere?  Easy to get to/get out of after game?  Will his car get stuck in the mud? 😂

 

I’d like to pass this info on to him so he has a good experience at his first game.  Thanks all.

[BigPerm]

Mud Lot lived up to its name last game when I drove by it.  Looked like a mess.  Use to be a regular there.  Fun atmosphere for sure but can be tough to get out of after the game if u aren't hustling.  Think I saw it was $25.

[Let's Go Buffalo]

When I had the opportunity to take my son, it was an experience that we'll both never forget. We saw the Falls a day before if I remember right, and then on game day there were plenty of food vendors along side the stadium. He was about 10 or 11 years old that year we went, and he still talks about it to this day. Have fun, and go Bills!

[out]

Go to Walmart or Cabela's and get some foot warmers. You can get toe or whole insert ones.

[billvernsays]

5 hours ago, 947 said:

Flying in from Chicago with my 15 & 13 year old sons for the game. My wife got us the tickets & hotel for Christmas. My sons are both also huge fans, and they're pumped. We've been trying to get to Buffalo the past few seasons, but their own sports always conflicted with the home schedule. I used to fly out for a game every year, but haven't been to the Ralph since 05'. My boys have been to other NFL games, but never seen "their team" in-person.

 

We get in Friday night, and have all of Saturday to do whatever we want. We're planning on hitting Bar Bill sometime Saturday to knock out both Wings & Beef on Weck, but need some recommendations on other stuff to see/do. We obviously can't hit Chippewa until 2am, but sports bars/restaurants are fair game.

 

I'll only have a rental car, so no tailgate supplies. Are there food trucks or anybody selling food outside the stadium?

 

How early do we need to arrive at the stadium?

 

My boys really want to see Pinto Ron & hopefully somebody destroy a folding table. What area of the lots would we find that?

 

Best place to park to get out after & make a 7:30pm flight?

 

Anything must see/must eat while we're in town?

 

Considering going to the Falls, but not sure. Is the border a hassle with Covid going on?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even though there’s no ketchup and mustard show. Tailgating in Hammers Lot with Pinto Ron (Kenny) is something you and your kids will never forget. Get there early and bring some subs from Wegmans and they’ll be enough food and drink to go around. 
 

I think checking out the falls is always is good time, Bar Bill and/or Duffs should fill your Saturday and get you ready for Sunday. 
 

Get there EARLY and dress Warm, you’ll have an awesome time. Enjoy & Go Bills! 

[Einstein]

5 hours ago, Buffalo716 said:

I think it's a covid measure

 

I believe it's coming back in the future

 

 

He’s worried about covid in the ketchup and mustard?

 

Or about people congregating to watch?

 

If the former, that’s ridiculous. If the latter, perhaps someone should tell him 70k people are about to congregate in the stadium with him.

[Buffalo716]

1 minute ago, Einstein said:

 

He’s worried about covid in the ketchup and mustard?

 

Or about people congregating to watch?

 

If the former, that’s ridiculous. If the latter, perhaps someone should tell him 70k people are about to congregate in the stadium with him.

He used to also do a bowling ball shot 

 

Which probably doesn't seem that sanitary.. So when he stopped that he probably decided to drop both 

 

Have to ask him

Edited December 31, 2021 by Buffalo716

[Einstein]

Just now, Buffalo716 said:

He used to also do a bowling ball shot 

 

Which probably doesn't seem that sanitary

 

Retire that, just for sanitation sake.

[JoPoy88]

5 minutes ago, Einstein said:

 

He’s worried about covid in the ketchup and mustard?

 

Or about people congregating to watch?

 

If the former, that’s ridiculous. If the latter, perhaps someone should tell him 70k people are about to congregate in the stadium with him.

Hammer has spoken about this and I know he posts here as well on occasion, but paraphrasing basically Ron was intending on scaling it back to 1/2 games a year, even before Covid. So no Covid is not the main reason for its hiatus. It was just getting too played up and played out.

[Einstein]

Just now, JoPoy88 said:

Hammer has spoken about this and I know he posts here as well on occasion, but paraphrasing basically Ron was intending on scaling it back to 1/2 games a year, even before Covid. So no Covid is not the main reason for its hiatus. It was just getting too played up and played out.

 

Ahh. That makes more sense - at least to me.

 

[ProcessTruster]

mid 20's, overcast and some snow... wow, please dress for it.  been to a few super cold games at the Ralph, it's a challenge staying warm.   Hopefully, Ravens will be losing and you can anticipate a playoff spot celebration as the day progresses! 

 

I'll be visiting friends at the beach south of Wilmington NC.  Should be 70 on Sunday.   Nice.   Will be doing the polar bear swim in the ocean new years day tho, so will be with you in Spirit

 

 

[Tenhigh]

6 hours ago, Einstein said:

 

Retire that, just for sanitation sake.

I did a bowling ball shot 25 years ago and have been WAITING for a cold sore to pop up ever since. 

Edited December 31, 2021 by Tenhigh

[WotAGuy]

6 hours ago, JoPoy88 said:

Hammer has spoken about this and I know he posts here as well on occasion, but paraphrasing basically Ron was intending on scaling it back to 1/2 games a year, even before Covid. So no Covid is not the main reason for its hiatus. It was just getting too played up and played out.

Didn’t Ken also have surgery this year? I thought that had something to do with his ramping it down this year.  He’s a great guy; hope he’s doing well.