First home game. Need Advice

[Thick or thin]

Apologize in advance if this is not the correct forum for this. I have been reading, enjoying, and learning from everyone’s posts for years. I am not from Buffalo, have never been but I have been a diehard fan forever. 50 years old so I’m not a kid. I have seen the Bills play in stadiums all over the country as I have moved alot. Got to see them three times last year. San Diego Game for my 50th, obviously didn’t get my birthday wish. Miami game and then the playoff game. I live in Florida now. Had big plans to see two games in a row this year with one of them being my first home game. Finances and some life changing events have forced me to narrow down to one home game. Long winded but finally my question to all of you. What will be the better game to experience everything Buffalo has to offer? Home opener against San Diego or Titans game? I want to experience it all, the city, the food, nightlife, tailgating, and of course the game. Which game should I target and if you don’t mind some  recommendations for hotels in Buffalo and Niagara Falls (casino), bars for Friday/Saturday pre parties,  and best lots to join tailgating as I will be by myself. Thank you for advice in advance and all the info and education over the years. 

[Elite Poster]

The home opener is always buzzing, but the TItans game might be where we have a better chance to win to be honest. Going to a game where you lose sucks. As a 50 year old, in terms of bars, I would recommend Canalside area over places like Allentown or Elmwood (usually a younger crowd). However, there are a TON of bars in downtown Buffalo so I would research that on your own to see what fits your tastes. For food, few places you should go for wings: Elmo's, Gabe's Gate, Duffs or Anchor Bar if you want the classic wing experience, but these are ordered how I like them. Bar Bill is also great if you want to go somewhere where players, old and new, frequent - it is out of the way from Buffalo and the stadium though. Dinosaur BBQ is my favorite BBQ place in Buffalo, rivals some places down south in Nashville and the Carolinas. If you want a locally owned street taco that is amazing, try to find the Lloyd Taco Truck or visit the Taco Factory restaurant. I think it was voted best food truck taco in America this year - their hot dog is pretty awesome too. In terms of hotels, depends on where you want to spend most of your time and what you want to do. Staying at the Seneca Niagara Hotel/Casino would be fun but its quite a distance from the city of Buffalo and the stadium is also about 15 miles south of Buffalo. There are tons of hotel options in Buffalo but it also depends on your budget. If you have the money, the Hyatt is extremely nice and within walking distance of a bunch of things to do in Buffalo. The Harbor Center Marriott would probably be the best in terms of experiencing Buffalo and being within a reasonable distance of the stadium. 

 

Niagara Falls is fun, do the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds experience. In my opinion, the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino (dowtown Buffalo) is better than the Seneca Niagara (near the Falls), but if you are already near the falls for the day, might as well just go there. Its a great Casino nonetheless. Tailgating depends on what you want out of it. If you want the BillsMafia experience, it will be the surrounding areas outside of the official stadium lots - they really aren't as chaotic as they are made out to be by social media because the knuckleheads that go nuts generally don't even attend the game. The stadium lots can be fun too, more family friendly. If possible, bring your own small grill (can grab one from walmart in Buffalo) and just grill for yourself. Me and my buds generally get to the stadium by 9-10, crank local sports radio (550 AM), and grill for 3 hours. We like to get into the stadium 30 minutes to an hour before kickoff to settle in and watch the guys warm up. 

 

This is all I got for you - hopefully it helps! BTW, I no longer live in Buffalo but this is just from growing up and having visited a bunch of times for games, etc. 

[boyst]

The home opener. Go to Hammers lot. Plan to get there by 8am. Park in TBD area.  Tell everyone you're a schmuck named Beerball, and have a great time.

 

It all depends what you're in to as far as activities. From vineyards to historical sites to casinos and strip clubs you can find all.  Ft Niagara is on my list this year.  When I come back for Halloween my girlfriend and I are going to kayak around Buffalo's harbor and probably to the Falls, too.  By the way, anyone here sell insurance????  Asking for a friend. 

 

The strip clubs in Canada are better, I've heard. Canada doesn't welcome me, though.

 

You're always welcome to the tailgates, though, as Bill's fans just welcome everyone. The TBD opener is the best.  Easily.  

[rockpile]

You need a passport to travel to Canada now. Just FYI.

 

Hammers is the TBD "home" tailgate, but there are a few other really good ones.