First time at Buffalo!

[BuffaloBillyG]

8 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said:

I can't believe anyone fell for that 

I'm honestly considering ordering a Bills throwback jersey with name and number Room/40

[Buffalo716]

2 minutes ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

I'm honestly considering ordering a Bills throwback jersey with name and number Room/40

[Augie]

32 minutes ago, Beck Water said:

 

Second recommendation of Gabriel's Gate.  My kid spent a summer living in downtown Buffalo as an intern and she and her friends really liked it.

 

To the OP, you might want to look into the special "Game Day Express" bus NFTA is advertising as returning for the 2023-2024 season.

$5 each way

They say they haven't finalized the stops, but last year it ran from the NFTA Terminal on Ellicott Street & North Division downtown, and drops off at Gate 1 of the stadium.  Board the return bus on Abbott Road after the game.  I google mapped it as a bit over a mile and a half from the Lenox Hotel.  There are also a number of other hotels a bit closer.

 

https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/nfl/bills/nfta-game-day-express-returning-for-2023-2024-bills-season/71-8f4209ec-2b84-4b07-9f68-a4b1e5433337

Many folks here have had the experience of wandering through the parking lots where people are tailgating on Gameday and being offered food and drink everywhere they stopped to chat, especially if you have a little something (whatever your Argentinian specialty beverage is?) to offer.

 

Thanks! This is the kind of thing I’ve always wanted! They probably don’t go as early as I’d like, but it sure would save a lot of hassle. I think the article said they had a whopping 44 passengers last year? I know, one game, but still. They will need to ramp that way, WAY up to take pressure off due to last parking areas. 

[Buffalo716]

1 minute ago, Augie said:

 

Thanks! This is the kind of thing I’ve always wanted! They probably don’t go as early as I’d like, but it sure would save a lot of hassle. I think the article said they had a whopping 44 passengers last year? I know, one game, but still. They will need to ramp that way, WAY up to take pressure off due to last parking areas. 

Probably 44 passengers on one bus

 

I took one of the NFTA routes to the playoff game last year

 

Probably 20 people on my bus... I was basically the only one from Buffalo

 

Most were coming from New York City as Bill's fans trying to catch there first game 

[WEATHER DOT COM]

I swear I read in the past few months that one of the local breweries is going to have transportation to and from the stadium. Now I can't find it. That was probably a dream dammit.

[Gonzonzo]

1 hour ago, Taro Nimbus said:

No matter what you do while you're visiting, nothing will compare to the gameday atmosphere.  Get there early like around 8am and enjoy the tailgating!  Most bills fans are friendly and hospitable.  Once you get into the stadium, prepare for one of the best experiences of your life!!  

 

I'm a huge soccer fan, so I'm really looking forward to the experience of watching the Bills live!

1 hour ago, WEATHER DOT COM said:

To go for a walk around the city I see that there is a public bicycle rental system, is this correct?

 

There are bikes for rent, yes.

 

If you are staying at the Lennox you can walk almost anywhere you'll want to go outside of Niagara Falls and the stadium in under and hour. This includes downtown Buffalo, Delaware Park, art museum, Elmwood strip, Chippewa strip, Allentown, etc. Bike? You can get anywhere from there in under 15 mins. 

 

Lennox is also close to Gabriel's Gate which has some of the best wings around.

 

 

I Will go to Gabriel's Gate to eat wings!

Thanks for the idea!

[Gonzonzo]

45 minutes ago, Beck Water said:

 

Second recommendation of Gabriel's Gate.  My kid spent a summer living in downtown Buffalo as an intern and she and her friends really liked it.

 

To the OP, you might want to look into the special "Game Day Express" bus NFTA is advertising as returning for the 2023-2024 season.

$5 each way

They say they haven't finalized the stops, but last year it ran from the NFTA Terminal on Ellicott Street & North Division downtown, and drops off at Gate 1 of the stadium.  Board the return bus on Abbott Road after the game.  I google mapped it as a bit over a mile and a half from the Lenox Hotel.  There are also a number of other hotels a bit closer.

 

https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/nfl/bills/nfta-game-day-express-returning-for-2023-2024-bills-season/71-8f4209ec-2b84-4b07-9f68-a4b1e5433337

Many folks here have had the experience of wandering through the parking lots where people are tailgating on Gameday and being offered food and drink everywhere they stopped to chat, especially if you have a little something (whatever your Argentinian specialty beverage is?) to offer.

 

I am going to see about this bus. This is a very god option.

 

Here we drink a lot of Fernet, so I will travel with a bottle!

[Augie]

3 minutes ago, Gonzonzo said:

 

I am going to see about this bus. This is a very god option.

 

Here we drink a lot of Fernet, so I will travel with a bottle!

 

Bringing beverages, especially something “special”, is always well received! Don’t be presumptuous, but people are incredibly generous at the tailgates. You will be well received for the effort it took to be there. I have often wondered how many people at a game traveled more than, say, 100 or 200 miles to be there. It’s a big percentage but you will almost certainly be the winner! 

 

Oh, and be careful! My wife’s uncle came from Lebanon to visit with bottles of Ouzo in his luggage. They broke, of course, and everything he had with him had that licorice smell to it! 😂 

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

hablo francés, no español 

 

The Sabres have their fan fest on the 16th:

 

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/fans/fan-fest

 

Here's a Buffalo events calendar:

 

https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/events/?event-date-from=2023-09-15&event-date-to=2023-09-25

 

[Gonzonzo]

Just now, Augie said:

 

Bringing beverages, especially something “special”, is always well received! Don’t be presumptuous, but people are incredibly generous at the tailgates. You will be well received for the effort it took to be there. I have often wondered how many people at a game traveled more than, say, 100 or 200 miles to be there. It’s a big percentage but you will almost certainly be the winner! 

 

Oh, and be careful! My wife’s uncle came from Lebanon to visit with bottles of Ouzo in his luggage. They broke, of course, and everything he had with him had that licorice smell to it! 😂 

 

The truth is that I don't understand why I'm such a fan of the bills when I don't know anyone who has lived in Buffalo or has a tie with the team in the city, but the love I have for a team that plays more than 5500 miles from my house is incredible.

[Augie]

@Gonzonzo I don’t know what kind of things interest you, but you might like to know that the Buffalo area has a very rich history in architecture. I have a neighbor who is a rather renowned architect and he recently went just to see the Frank Lloyd Wright stuff and a bunch of other architectural highlights.  People hear “Buffalo” and they think of a snowy rust belt area, but there used to be a lot of wealth and a lot of great stuff is left behind as a result. 

 

 

 

.

Edited August 8, 2023 by Augie

[Gonzonzo]

10 minutes ago, Augie said:

@Gonzonzo I don’t know what kind of things interest you, but you might like to know that the Buffalo area has a very rich history in architecture. I have a neighbor who is a rather renowned architect and he recently went just to see the Frank Lloyd Wright stuff and a bunch of other architectural highlights.  People hear “Buffalo” and they think of a snowy rust belt area, but there used to be a lot of wealth and a lot of great stuff is lefty behind as a result. 

 

I not an art man (more sport man) but I read about Wright a lot. I will try to visit some places he designed.

 

[Augie]

15 minutes ago, Gonzonzo said:

 

I not an art man (more sport man) but I read about Wright a lot. I will try to visit some places he designed.

 

 

I’m not an art man myself. We’ve taken some big trips this year and I have a firm “No More Museums or Cathedrals” rule for at least another year.

 

Buffalo is more of an eating and drinking town, but not necessarily in that order. Great foods (beef on weck, wings and pizza for starters) and bars can stay upon until 4:30am. Personally? I might get up to pee at that hour, but in my youth I learned that I would not be the only person out at that time.

 

Our architect friend sent a picture of a beer, some wings and beef on weck his first night there.  I responded about an hour later he had to try the pizza too. I instantly got a photo of him with beer and pizza. I don’t know how he is so thin!  😂 

 

 

EDIT: My sister in law has been with a guy from Argentina for about 20 years. His name is Jorge, I’m sure you know him.  😋

 

 

.

Edited August 8, 2023 by Augie

[NC-billsfan!]

4 hours ago, Gonzonzo said:

Good morning. After more than 20 years as a fan of the Bills, this year I will fulfill one of the biggest dreams of my life and I will travel from Argentina with my brother to see them play live against the Raiders at home and then with Comanders (or whatever they are going to be called at that point in the season) as a visitor.

 

First, I wanted to thank everyone who day by day makes this forum the best sports forum in the world and who have helped at least my passion for the Bills grow to unsuspected limits.

 

Although I have been following this forum for years, there are some doubts that I have and with which you may be able to help me:

 

- We will be stopping, I think, at the Lenox Hotel. Looking at google maps I see that you can go to the stadium with the bus number 14. I ask you if this is possible and how long it takes approximately. Will it be very complicated then the return? If there is any other better option, please tell me.

- Regarding the tickets, I have doubts whether to go to home side (I understand it is the sunny side) or if it is better to go on the opposite side.

- What time do you recommend we arrive at the stadium? ¿10/11 am?

- Apart from Niagara Falls, which other places recommend we visit in the city (we will only be there on Saturday and Sunday of the game).

- To go for a walk around the city I see that there is a public bicycle rental system, is this correct?

- What place do you recommend us to eat? It does not have to be luxurious but something that makes us feel that we are living the Buffalo experience.

 

Any other recommendation you can make would be appreciated.

Sorry for so many questions I'm Go Bills!

 

Ps: If someone comes to travel to Buenos Aires, do not hesitate to contact me!

I do not live in Buffalo anymore, but I grew up there and get back every few months.

1. Really depends on time of year, but I only go once a year. I like being behind the team.

2. We arrive at 8ish. By the time you set up, tailgate for a bit, then break it down, it’s usually time to head in.

We have a group of 9 going to Commanders game if you want to join us.

3. Bills store on a non Sunday, a lot of parks on the water. Not sure if Sullivan ships are open, Chestnut Ridge.

4. No idea about this.

5. Buffalo has amazing food and restaurants. I highly, highly recommend Bar Bill and Gabriel’s Gate. Schwabels for Beef on Weck. Most Greek places are great. I had a La Nova pizza last week and liked it. There are also a ton of ethnic food restaurants. 

Enjoy the game and pm if you want to tailgate.

im sure some will bash my food selections 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[machine gun kelly]

4 hours ago, Gonzonzo said:

 

hahahaha

We have a very nice girls, but we dont have the Bills.....

Gonzo: (too lazy to type the rest.  I’d disagree with my Biscuit buddy only in that at the falls if you go to the American side, you can go through cave of the winds.  Look up on line and get tix.  Wear clothes that air dry as you’ll walk under smaller falls and get poured on and drenched.  My kids loved it when they were teenagers as I live in Tampa so we take them up every year for a game in September.  
 

Wings- you’ve had a number of suggestions so you’ll be fine.

Pizza- My favorite is Blasdell Pizza, but I grew up in Hamburg so it’s perfect for us.

You have to eat least one Mighty Taco.  There are like 35 of them across the city.

Beef on Weck.  That’s a must and get both the horseradish and dill pickles.  I haven’t read through the thread yet, but a lot of people like Schwabels or Eckles.

 

id arrive by 10:30 unless you’re a drinker and there will be people there at 8 am.  I’d suggest Hammers lot but it’s torn down for construction of the new stadium.

 

I’ll be there with my sons as we’re flying up from FL.  DM me the week before and if we can find a place to meet, happy to enjoy a burger or dog with you.

 

Youll have a blast, but be ready to lose you’re voice as no one sits for almost the whole game, and just in case you haven’t been to too many NFL games, go nuts screaming and hitting the seats in front of you when we are on defense.  It will be deafening, especially as it’s the opener.

 

Have fun brother and soak it all up.  You’ll be able to get Bills gear just about anywhere, but a thought.  GrB a license plate border for your car and take it back home.  You’d be surprised how many people even in Argentina will yell out “GO BILLS” wherever you go.  If not you can educate them on this great team and even better fans.  You’ll never see fans like this in any other NFL stadium.

 

Thats why we are “BILLS MAFIA”

[SoTier]

2 hours ago, Buffalo716 said:

Yes you can take the NFTA bus to the stadium... They have select pickup and drop off times at select destinations

 

I took the bus to the dolphins playoff game last year

 

Got picked up at the Thruway Mall Transit center... And it dropped me off in front of Ralph Wilson stadium

 

Got a police escort on the highway

 

They had a select pick up destination after the game also

 

Here's the link to the NFTA game day express bus service (NFTA Game Day Bus Schedule).  I think you want to take Route 253, which leaves the Metropolitan Transit Center in downtown Buffalo (181 Ellicott) and drops you off at the stadium after a stop at the McKinley Mall.  This bus route will have buses returning to the MTC a half hour or an hour after the game.   Enjoy the game!!!! 

 

PS When you go to Niagara Falls, take the time to ride the Maid of the MIst boat ride!!!!  The Cave of the Winds is good, too!

[machine gun kelly]

4 minutes ago, SoTier said:

 

Here's the link to the NFTA game day express bus service (NFTA Game Day Bus Schedule).  I think you want to take Route 253, which leaves the Metropolitan Transit Center in downtown Buffalo (181 Ellicott) and drops you off at the stadium after a stop at the McKinley Mall.  This bus route will have buses returning to the MTC a half hour or an hour after the game.   Enjoy the game!!!! 

 

PS When you go to Niagara Falls, take the time to ride the Maid of the MIst boat ride!!!!  The Cave of the Winds is good, too!

Gonzo, I neglected maid of the mist, and that a must do.  Make the Falls your Saturday.  If you go earlier to the Winds, you can then walk down to maid of the mist.  The boat will take you right under or near the falls.  Everyone wears rain slickers.  It’s a blast.  Just bring a change of clothes so you don’t have to drive home in you’re rental soaking wet.

[Solomon Grundy]

5 hours ago, C.Biscuit97 said:

Sounds like someone couldn’t get laid in Buffalo. Plenty of good looking women if you have game. Sounds like more of a you problem.

 

Lenox can be a little sketchy. But great little bar under it. For wings, Duff’s, Bar bill, Wingnutz, Gabriel’s gate, though you can’t go wrong. 
 

for fancier options, Hutch’s, left bank. Mulberry and Tappo are good, not to expensive options. 
 

Riverworks is a great option downtown. Lots to do there.

 

go to the Canadian side of NF.

 

that said, exported women are always welcome! DM is you have any other questions. Have a great trip.

Nice bar and pretty good food. Was some years ago a friend sent me there for a burger

[hondo in seattle]

I agree with much that's already been said.

 

Public transportation probably isn't as convenient as what you're used to.  Rent a car if you can.

 

I highly doubt if the food scene in Buffalo is as interesting as BA but I would recommend trying the local foods: Buffalo Wings and, less famously, Beef on Weck.  Also, as has been mentioned, the pizza in Buffalo is very good if you go to the right place.  I disagree with Machine Gun Kelly and would not recommend Mighty Taco.  It's a local Mexican-American chain that used to be good decades ago, but IMHO has mostly deteriorated into Taco Bell.  

 

Niagara Falls is great.  Ride the "Maid of the Mist' when you're there to really experience the grandeur and beauty of the falls.  If visiting on the American side, take a walk out to Goal Island and visit: Terrapin Point, the Three Sisters, Cave of the Wind, and Luna Island.   

 

Other sights worth seeing depend on your interests.   Many people consider Buffalo a 2nd or 3rd rate city.  But that wasn't always the case.  A hundred plus years ago, Buffalo was one of the largest, wealthiest, most exciting cities in the States.  Architectural remnants, often decaying, of Buffalo's former glory are still standing.  Frank Lloyd Wright (America's greatest architect) designed a house in Buffalo you can visit and there's another Wright house about a half-hour outside the city.  There are other old buildings in Buffalo that were designed and built by prominent architects.  

 

Btw, there's a good Bills gift shop next to the stadium.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[co_springs_billsfan]

6 hours ago, Gonzonzo said:

Good morning. After more than 20 years as a fan of the Bills, this year I will fulfill one of the biggest dreams of my life and I will travel from Argentina with my brother to see them play live against the Raiders at home and then with Comanders (or whatever they are going to be called at that point in the season) as a visitor.

 

First, I wanted to thank everyone who day by day makes this forum the best sports forum in the world and who have helped at least my passion for the Bills grow to unsuspected limits.

 

Although I have been following this forum for years, there are some doubts that I have and with which you may be able to help me:

 

- We will be stopping, I think, at the Lenox Hotel. Looking at google maps I see that you can go to the stadium with the bus number 14. I ask you if this is possible and how long it takes approximately. Will it be very complicated then the return? If there is any other better option, please tell me.

- Regarding the tickets, I have doubts whether to go to home side (I understand it is the sunny side) or if it is better to go on the opposite side.

- What time do you recommend we arrive at the stadium? ¿10/11 am?

- Apart from Niagara Falls, which other places recommend we visit in the city (we will only be there on Saturday and Sunday of the game).

- To go for a walk around the city I see that there is a public bicycle rental system, is this correct?

- What place do you recommend us to eat? It does not have to be luxurious but something that makes us feel that we are living the Buffalo experience.

 

Any other recommendation you can make would be appreciated.

Sorry for so many questions I'm Go Bills!

 

Ps: If someone comes to travel to Buenos Aires, do not hesitate to contact me!

My mother (and her family) is from Buenos Aires, though I haven't ever visited.  Haven't made it to a Bills home game yet either... 😢