Buffalo Bills 4.4 5 5 5
Ralph Wilson Stadium on the Quest for 31 It’s said that, “Nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills”. Well, their fan base hasn’t had much to be proud of lately, but they remain one of the best tailgates in the NFL. Buffalo Bills tailgating is unlike what you’ll find in any other city. Where else can you begin tailgating on a Friday evening in the parking lot and stay until Monday morning? Nowhere else in the league my friends. Outside Ralph Wilson stadium you’ll actually find a concrete shower and bath facility in the RV lot that’s heated and open all weekend long. Western New Yorkers are a rowdy bunch but they’re friendly and loyal to the core. If you do make it to Buffalo be sure to check out Kenny “Pinto Ron’s” tailgate, his ketchup opening ceremony is as famous as Buffalo’s chicken wings and one that’s not to be missed. He’s the guy that cooks his tailgating food on the hood of his Ford Pinto using hand tools and garden implements and he always has something interesting brewing. Every year the parking lot is alive with tailgaters enjoying another beautiful day in Buffalo, as Bills fans find themselves at home on the blacktop in any weather. Ralph Wilson Stadium is an aging facility and it doesn’t have all the amenities of some of the behemoth sport coliseums that are being built these days, but it has its own charm. The city of Buffalo is intimately linked to their team and you’ll see it all over the lot on gameday as this sleepy little community comes to life when the Bills take the field. September 11, 2010
Ralph Wilson Stadium We had gone to the game actually to see the Pittsburgh Steelers. The fans were friendly and since it was kids day, most were well behaved. The kids day was good. It was very hot out on the blacktop, no shade while waiting in the long lines. Once the kids got through the lines, everyone seemed to enjoy it. It was nice to have dollar hot dogs, but it would have been nice if the water was $2 instead of the soda. One of the themes outside was health and keeping active, but they were sending mixed messages because it was cheaper to buy the sugary soda instead of water. Once inside, the women's bathrooms ran out of toilet paper, paper towels and hand soap. (That was before half time.) The bathrooms were filthy and not monitored. We felt bad for the concession stand workers, they were slammed and obviously didn't have enough help. They were unable to keep up with the demand. The wait right before half time was over 45 minutes! Once it was our turn, they had run out of several things. The hot dogs were cold, the soda was warm. This is not our first stadium we have visited, so we do know things can be better. Buffalo knew the game was sold out, so they should have been better prepared. August 27, 2012
Old School Football! Ralph Wilson is one of the last of a dying breed: A giant concrete bowl in the suburbs. About 10-15 minutes south of Buffalo, traffic is actually not bad on the highway (There's about 5 different ways to get in), and parking can easily be had at houses and the stadium lot. Before the game is one giant party, with food stands, concert booths, and a fan experience in the fieldhouse. There might not be televisions every five steps, but for a pure football experience, you can't get much better. Sightlines are beautiful in just about any seat, and any seats in the lower deck or second level will give you a close view. Third deck views are gorgeous. Endzones and upper deck are benches with backrests, meaning there's actually some space to spread out. Fans, however, make the show: Bills fans (I'm not one) are loud, passionate, and knowledgeable. If you want the loudest, go for the corners in the 100 or 200 levels. They also tend to be fairly polite, if you're not wearing opposing colours. If you do decide to wear something not red, white, or blue, expect some serious razzing throughout the game. Make sure to bring a rainproof jacket and gloves if there's even a chance of rain: Rain and the famed Buffalo wind can make things uncomfortable. Snow games are an experience in themselves, of course, but be aware that in many sections, there's no escape from the elements that has a sightline to the field, and even the end zone concourses are open air. Also be aware that the videoscreen is only on one side of the field, the map points this out. You can see scoreboards on the side scrolling screens, but if you're a video watcher, you should go to the other side. In all, Ralph Wilson has an excellent experience that, sadly, seems to be vanishing from NFL stadiums. Take advantage of the great prices and weather for a unique and fun experience. November 16, 2010
Buffalo Bills Game Experience Had the best time ever as I celebrated my birthday at Ralph Wilson Stadium on Dec 30 as the Bills finally beat the Jets for the first time since 2009!!! Fans made the game, everyone around had the team spirit but were polite and courteous at the same time. Haven't been to a game in over 20 years, and am definitely looking forward to next season and attending more games at Ralph Wilson Stadium!!! January 1, 2013