Entry/Exit at RV Lot - Ralph Wilson Stadium?

January 11, 2008: John from Detroit
Hey Hans,
Thanks so much for your quick response! I do have a couple of more question though. As I mentioned, I will be bringing my travel trailer to the game. I will be towing it there with my pickup truck. Will I be able to go in and out of the RV lot with my pickup during the weekend, once I've got my camper set up? A couple of the guys that are going want to go to the Anchor Bar and a few other places in Buffalo. We may also have to leave and get firewood.

John,
The Ralph Wilson Stadium RV parking policy states that, "Vehicles towing trailers and 5th Wheels must stay attached at all times while in the lot." However, for years we've had my family come out to the parking lot to meet up with us on Saturday night and the parking lot attendants have always allowed them to enter and exit without issue. I've also talked to plenty of 5th wheel owners that go out to dinner throughout the weekend - Getting out to the Anchor Bar, home to the Original Buffalo Chicken Wing, is a gameday must if you're in town. I would suggest trying to park near one of the designated fire lanes, they're marked with yellow diagonal lines, so you can easily enter and exit the lot without someone blocking you in. Entry and exit during the day is no issue, but you may have to watch the hours of operation, as when the lot is not staffed, they use a chain to close off the entry gate. But it's just a chain, there's ways around it. I'd talk to the parking attendant when you arrive; they're usually really good about being accommodating.

Recreational Vehicle Parking at Ralph Wilson Stadium

January 10, 2008 - John from Detroit:
Hello fellow Bills fan! I am planning a road trip with my 28' travel trailer to catch a Bills game with a few friends of mine for next season. I grew up in Rochester, NY and now live in Detroit. I have been to many Bills games, but never stayed in the RV lot. We plan to arrive sometime late Friday afternoon/ early evening and stay until Monday morning and we want to stay in the RV lot.
A couple of questions:

Does the bathouse/bathroom that I saw on the Ralph Wilson stadium map that is close to the RV lot have reasonably clean hot showers that are open for use by RVers on gameday weekends?
Yes the Bills Bathhouse facility is very clean and open throughout the weekend. Their hours of operation are Saturday 12 noon-10 PM and Sunday 7 AM-10 PM. Cleaning crews filter in and out of those bathrooms several times a day, to keep things in order. The bathrooms are well maintained, heated, and free to use.

Is there plenty of room in the RV lot or is there a risk of showing up and the whole place is filled?
Arriving Friday, you will have your pick of spots, especially late in the year. RV’s and campers can enter the camper lot starting on Friday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and 8:00am t0 8:00pm on Saturday. Most RV's begin showing up on Saturday afternoon. By late Saturday night 1/4 to 1/2 of the lot fills up with RV's, again this depends on the time of year, but most of the RV's actually show up on Sunday morning for the gameday festivities. Arriving Friday or Saturday ensures that you will get a great spot in the RV lot.

Will it be an issue for me to bring a fire pit/grills/etc for use in the RV lot?
Technically, the Town of Orchard Park does not allow open burning, however I’ve been going to Buffalo Bills games for years with a fire pit and the town seems to look the other way when tailgating concerned. Most fans bring fire pits for warmth and full sized grills to cook their meat of choice. We’ve never had an issue bringing fire pits, grills, pig roasters, or any other implement designed to put fire to meat to the parking areas at Ralph Wilson Stadium. For the most part the Parking attendants are there to collect your money and the rest is a free for all.

Any other tips/thoughts about staying in the RV lot?
I would suggest trying to get a spot on the far side of the lot next to the fence that separates the RV lot from the rest of the general parking. By setting up next to that fence, you get a ton of extra room for your fire pit, grill, and corn hole/ bean bag toss games. It also gives you plenty of extra room to spread out where you're not spilling into your neighbor's area. The RV lot at Ralph Wilson Stadium is easily the best parking deal going in the NFL. For a flat rate of $50 (it used to be $25), you can park in the lot the entire weekend and use their plush bathroom facilities - no port-a-johns necessary. Definitely bring a fire pit and plenty of wood with you. Take your time getting out of the lot if you plan to leave on Sunday, as you're allowed to stay as long as you like - leaving Monday is no issue. In Kansas City, they actually kicked me out of the parking lot at 6pm after the game - I couldn't believe it! Lastly, just enjoy the people. Western New Yorkers are very small-town friendly, and are always happy to meet new poeple. Have a great time and feel free to send me a picture that I can post on my website at POST YOUR NFL PICS.

Standing Room Only for Philadelphia Eagles?

November 9, 2007 - Craig from Toronto:
Hans,
Love the webpage, I am inspired by your quest and wish you all the best. I am making a little road trip from Toronto to go see my Philadelphia Eagles play the Miami Dolphins next weekend. My question to you is do you think it's worth it to pay some extra $ to get real seats or are the Standing Room Only seats alright. On Stub Hub I can get standing room for $65 - $75 and I have seen some upper deck seats for $80 - $100.
Do you get a decent view of the game from the Standing Room Only Seats?
Thanks allot and enjoy your Quest for 31,
Craig

The standing room only areas at Lincoln Financial Field are pretty cool and provide a great area to congregate and chat with other fans. The issue is that you'll be watching the game on the JumboTron as it's difficult to get a clear view of the actual field from there. There are some circular staircases leading up to the upper deck areas that you can stand in as well, but they get fairly crowded early in the game. If you're making the trek from all the way from Toronto to see your team, it's worth the extra money for real seats. Feel free to check out my NFL Ticket links on my Lincoln Financial Field page when you're looking for tickets.