texasjute Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 Hi everyone, Long-time reader/member here - I rarely post but I appreciate this board and the longtime posters very much. I've been a displaced Bills fan for the last 16 years, I try to go to a road game when I can. I will be in Rochester visiting family for Christmas and would really like to take my kids (boys 9 and 7) to the game. It seems like everyday there is a new, extended thread about how bad the game-day experience is getting at RWS, and most of these threads are filled with comments about people not wanting to take their kids to the game. I don't mean to rehash any of that, nor do I want to get into a discussion about parenting or people's right to tailgate. I simply want some advice from those who do go to the games on the following point: I can get tickets almost anywhere in the stadium, maybe not club level. Would sitting in the lower bowl, sidelines, make it more likely that we avoid some of the worst behavior? Are there sections that are better or worse than others in the lower bowl? Would upper deck be any better or worse? I don't want to sit in the no alcohol section, just because it's in a corner, and I'd prefer the sidelines. My kids and I have had season tickets for a major SEC football team for the last 4 years, so they've been to lots of games with big crowds. They don't sell any alcohol inside the stadium, though. I've got no problem with excited fans, I know they'll hear some language, and I'm no prude. I'd just prefer that their first game at the Ralph doesn't result in them being soaked in beer and vomit. Thanks in advance for any replies. This board is still a great place for Bills fans.
The Senator Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 Generally, upper deck is rowdier. Stick to lower bowl - rows 10-20 - the closer to midfield, the more likely you are to be surrounded by long-time season ticket holders - generally more 'mature' (i.e., old farts) and well-behaved than the 'rabble-rousers' up top. (Less windy, too.)
Roc City Bills Backer Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 stay clear of the Rock Pile, or anything in the endzones. Cheap seats = drunk and rowdy
Albany,n.y. Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 If you want to play it safe, get tickets in the family section. There's no alcohol allowed & it has to be the tamest place in the stadium. Here's a description from the Bills: Family Corner Sections 224,225,226 and 227 of the stadium are designated as the Tops Family Corner. Alcohol and the use of profanity are prohibited in these sections. These policies will be strictly enforced and violations could result in loss of ticket privleges. Patrons who appear to be intoxicated will be denied entry into these sections.
plenzmd1 Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 (edited) I have taken my kids to games all over,for at least the last 5 years, including the Ralph, and have never had any problems. They are ages 9 and 11 now. In the Ralph, we have sat in the last row of the upper deck, in the lower bowl corner, and on the 20 about 20 rows up from the field. Not a problem in an of them outside of the occasional drunk who can't control the cussing.I ask politely for them to try and be aware kids are there, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. If it doesn't, I don't press the issue, it is just words after all.But I can tell you this, not a 9 year old alive who doesn't know every word in the book. And, i think seeing the drunks is actually good for them, they learn how stupid people look when they are out of control. I would parrot the advice however to stay out of the Endzones. Great thing about the games coming up outside of the Pitt game, if your section sucks, you can always move to the upper corners...no one gunna be there Edited November 18, 2010 by plenzmd1
Just Jack Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 Why not the club level? Is it the cost? There are seats available there on stub hub
Hammered a Lot Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 Generally, upper deck is rowdier. Stick to lower bowl - rows 10-20 - the closer to midfield, the more likely you are to be surrounded by long-time season ticket holders - generally more 'mature' (i.e., old farts) and well-behaved than the 'rabble-rousers' up top. (Less windy, too.) I see more fights in the lower bowl than the upper deck. I sit un the upper deck, midfield, surrounded by long time season ticket holders. Security is great in my sec 311. The usher walks up and down the section ever 8- 10 minutes. Why? I do not know as I can not remember the last time some one was kicked out/escorted out of sec 311.
gsurdam Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 I gotta tell you... I have been to 75+ games at the Ralph... From what I have seen there is no place that you will avoid a drunken idiot or 2 . I think if you are OK with the bad language and drunken idiots screaming all of the time you will be fine. I have only been to one game , when I was fortunate to be in Jim Kelly Club seats , that was idiot free. It's unfortuante in todays world that we have to put up with drunken idiots that are only there to get hammered at every game. Good luck and I hope your sons enjoy the game.
texasjute Posted November 18, 2010 Author Posted November 18, 2010 Why not the club level? Is it the cost? There are seats available there on stub hub Other family members are interested in coming. Maybe as many as 7 total, and I can't get 7 together at the club level. Plus, for the four I'm buying the 150-200 price per seat at the club level does become an issue. I can get lower bowl seats on the 20 in the 70-80 dollar range. I see more fights in the lower bowl than the upper deck. I sit un the upper deck, midfield, surrounded by long time season ticket holders. Security is great in my sec 311. The usher walks up and down the section ever 8- 10 minutes. Why? I do not know as I can not remember the last time some one was kicked out/escorted out of sec 311. Hammered, I can get 7 together in sec 311, row 29. Pretty high up, but if you say it's solid I might consider it - would save a lot of $$$ too. I will probably PM you about parking in your lot. Thanks for the replies so far - much appreciated.
MarkyMannn Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 As a plus for the upper deck, no one stands. In the lower bowl, especially end zones, they stand all game long. With small kids, if people stand in front of them they won't be able to see well. I don't think the upper deck is rowdy either, and the view is good too
JPS Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 I have season tickets in the Jim Kelly Club and it's almost too quiet. I like sections 130-134. That's where I'll try to get tix next year.
MarkyMannn Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 I can get 7 together in sec 311, row 29. Pretty high up, but if you say it's solid I might consider it - would save a lot of $$$ too. I had 311 row 18 for the Jax game. You will like them. Sun side too, helps keep you a bit warmer
bbb Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 Hi everyone, Long-time reader/member here - I rarely post but I appreciate this board and the longtime posters very much. I've been a displaced Bills fan for the last 16 years, I try to go to a road game when I can. I will be in Rochester visiting family for Christmas and would really like to take my kids (boys 9 and 7) to the game. It seems like everyday there is a new, extended thread about how bad the game-day experience is getting at RWS, and most of these threads are filled with comments about people not wanting to take their kids to the game. I don't mean to rehash any of that, nor do I want to get into a discussion about parenting or people's right to tailgate. I simply want some advice from those who do go to the games on the following point: I can get tickets almost anywhere in the stadium, maybe not club level. Would sitting in the lower bowl, sidelines, make it more likely that we avoid some of the worst behavior? Are there sections that are better or worse than others in the lower bowl? Would upper deck be any better or worse? I don't want to sit in the no alcohol section, just because it's in a corner, and I'd prefer the sidelines. My kids and I have had season tickets for a major SEC football team for the last 4 years, so they've been to lots of games with big crowds. They don't sell any alcohol inside the stadium, though. I've got no problem with excited fans, I know they'll hear some language, and I'm no prude. I'd just prefer that their first game at the Ralph doesn't result in them being soaked in beer and vomit. Thanks in advance for any replies. This board is still a great place for Bills fans. 25 year season ticket holder here, and I never see a fight around me. We're section 108 row 34. I would not go low rows, like Senator suggested, because at least in our section, that is where they have visiting fans, etc. and there is sometimes a little trouble there. I would get sunny side, rows in the 30s or high 20s (best view, too), in between sections 108 and 115, and I guaranteed you won't have any problems. 95% of all the trouble is in the lower end zones, it seems to me.
JÂy RÛßeÒ Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 Row 20+ on either sideline is the way to go. Almost all season ticket holders, much lower incidence of issues. I'm on the Bills sideline, 10 yard line, row 31. Love my seats and the people around me. Of course, these are also the most expensive non-club seats in the place. Lower 10 rows of upper deck from 20 to 20 might be OK too.
DrDawkinstein Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 agreed with what has already been posted. 1. Family Section 2. Lower Sidelines The family section actually has a good view, and is usually pretty calm as it is right next to a Club section. Hope you guys have a great time!
texasjute Posted November 18, 2010 Author Posted November 18, 2010 Row 20+ on either sideline is the way to go. Almost all season ticket holders, much lower incidence of issues. I'm on the Bills sideline, 10 yard line, row 31. Love my seats and the people around me. Of course, these are also the most expensive non-club seats in the place. Lower 10 rows of upper deck from 20 to 20 might be OK too. Which section? I can get 7 together in 131 or 130. agreed with what has already been posted. 1. Family Section 2. Lower Sidelines The family section actually has a good view, and is usually pretty calm as it is right next to a Club section. Hope you guys have a great time! Thanks - we will have a great time, I'm sure. We sat in a family section at Yankee Stadium once that was pointless - we were on the aisle next to a regular section. Good to know the Bills section has a good view and is next to Club seats.
JÂy RÛßeÒ Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 Which section? I can get 7 together in 131 or 130. I'm in 136. 131 is the same at the other end of the stadium. 130 is the next price level down, if that matters. They're still good seats though.
drinkTHEkoolaid Posted November 18, 2010 Posted November 18, 2010 In my advice, stay out of the endzones, corners and rockpile you should be good to go. there may be the occasional drunk guy stumbling around, or yelling profanity but you can have that anywhere
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