Chandler#81 Posted September 24, 2009 Posted September 24, 2009 I was flown into WNY as a guest of a Buffalo based company to attend the 50 Year Anniversary celebration and the game. The big shebang took place at the Seneca Casino in NF Saturady night. The place is beautiful and cuisine 5 Star. The event was hosted by Kevin O'Connell through the first half -including an auction. The grand prize was an all expense trip for 2 to the Super Bowl for just $4400.00. If the Bills don't make it there, the winner could easily get twice that from a fan of one of the teams that do. There was also a silent auction and I won a mimi-throwback helmet with many great sigs. John Murphy took over MC after the auction, to introduce the 50 Year Team. Rick Azar was also in the house. I was thrilled to chat briefly with Butch Byrd, Kent Hull, C. Bennett, Harry Jacobs, Leonard 'Hitman' Smith, Mark Brammer,Booker Edgerson and Jim Ritcher. Billy Shaw and Marv signed my helmet, bringing the total of HOF sigs to 4. I sought out and had a wonderful conversation with Al Bemiller, chatting about the '60's team. He flew in from Knoxville and was genuinely happy to be there, citing the wonderful people of WNY. Among other Bills in attendance and not feted at halftime Sunday were: Joe Cribbs, Jeff Nixon, Frank Lewis, Ed Rutkowski and Tony Greene, among many others. Some came with posse's, others with harems. (I'm a Harem guy, myself..) The hi-lite -and conclusion- was the 50 Year team being introduced in throwbacks and standing next to their full sized cardboard cutouts of themselves for pictures. Sunday had to be the best weather day of the year -as so many have said. Just couldn't have had a better day for opening day. I tailgated with my neice and nephews in lot #3 and was disqualified from the egg tossing contest for throwing too hard at my nephew -Ha! Didn't know what hit him. Had such a great time, I blew off the VIP pass to the 50 Year Team tent by the fieldhouse -you know, been there, done that.. Then there was a game to play. We were in the sunny endzone and it was hot -even for this southerner. Tampa couldn't handle the Buffalo heat! We know how that turned out. The 'party' continued into the wee hours until my sister poured me into the Buffalo airport pre-dawn, still wearin' my Chandler#81 jersey, eyes half-closed and reekin' like a Buffalo Gin Mill! GREAT TIME INDEED! Go Bills!
stuckincincy Posted September 24, 2009 Posted September 24, 2009 I was flown into WNY as a guest of ... ....Go Bills! I believe the older term "You Lucky Duck!" applies here.
SouthernMan Posted September 24, 2009 Posted September 24, 2009 Curious...anyone know if other NFL teams have as much commraderie and an active an alumni association as do the Bills? Interesting to see all the different era players frequently converging for Kelly's yearly tourney, 50th anniversary celebration, and many other events that bring together all our heros from the past. Is this typical with most NFL teams or do the players from the Bills family have an uncommon bond? Not that I pay that much attention to the Falcons, but I don't remember hearing much of this kind of thing here in Atlanta.
Chandler#81 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Posted September 24, 2009 Curious...anyone know if other NFL teams have as much commraderie and an active an alumni association as do the Bills? Interesting to see all the different era players frequently converging for Kelly's yearly tourney, 50th anniversary celebration, and many other events that bring together all our heros from the past. Is this typical with most NFL teams or do the players from the Bills family have an uncommon bond? Not that I pay that much attention to the Falcons, but I don't remember hearing much of this kind of thing here in Atlanta. Many folks in attendance were adamant that the Bills fratenity is an "uncommon bond", compared to the rest of the NFL! It was a thrill to be a part of it!
Beerball Posted September 24, 2009 Posted September 24, 2009 The 'party' continued into the wee hours until my sister poured me into the Buffalo airport pre-dawn, still wearin' my Chandler#81 jersey, eyes half-closed and reekin' like a Buffalo Gin Mill! GREAT TIME INDEED! Go Bills! Good for you!
KRC Posted September 24, 2009 Posted September 24, 2009 Curious...anyone know if other NFL teams have as much commraderie and an active an alumni association as do the Bills? The 49ers and Browns have good alumni groups and reunions. The old Colts get together, but it is mainly the 50s Colts teams (championship years). The Bills, however, are the best in combining the eras together to create a cohesive family.
KRC Posted September 24, 2009 Posted September 24, 2009 Many folks in attendance were adamant that the Bills fratenity is an "uncommon bond", compared to the rest of the NFL! It was a thrill to be a part of it! Sounds like a great time!! I am glad that you enjoyed it.
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