Whether you're headed out to Ralph Wilson Stadium for some old fashioned tailgating before a Bills game, or going to enjoy the efforts of your favorite team from the comfort of your own couch, football season is a great time to round up your friends, drink a few beers and have a great time.
Fans who aren't prepared for the Buffalo weather when camping out at 9 a.m. for Sunday's game might find themselves frostbitten and miserable rather than having the time of their lives.
For both lifelong football fans and those just jumping in to enjoy their first season of NFL football, here are a few tips for celebrating and partying Buffalo Bills style.
The Great Outdoors
Buffalo is a football city, and nothing makes you feel more like a true Buffalonian than tailgating for a Sunday Bills game. Students looking to head out to Ralph Wilson Stadium can get discount tickets from the Student Association (SA), according to Andrea Costantino, director of Student Life.
"The Student Association does buy tickets for particular games, some of which may include a bus ticket," Costantino said. "If SA is giving away tickets and bus rides, it can be a good social event for students."
Whether you're a regular tailgater or are considering braving the Buffalo weather for the first time, there's one thing about this Buffalo season to keep in mind: it's really cold out there. Even the most dedicated fans will tell you that it's no fun to get frostbite while rooting for your team.
To thoroughly enjoy tailgating, make sure to bring enough food and make the most of your time outside by tossing around a football, grilling or toasting marshmallows.
"Grill hamburgers and hotdogs, and have plenty of drinks," said Ryan Shumate, a freshman exercise science major.
Shumate, who has been tailgating with his family for years, recommends grilling sandwiches prior to the game and organizing a relaxed game of football to keep warm in the Buffalo weather and get everyone pumped for the game.
Tailgating is only as much fun as the company you keep, so make sure to round up other excited fans for some parking lot pre-gaming.
The View from the Couch
For those who prefer not to enjoy the game in the snow and sleet, house and dorm parties can be the perfect occasion for friends to get together and celebrate team victories.
Fans looking to have a good time should go all out, throwing on their jerseys and even painting their faces to add excitement.
"I like to put on a jersey, hang up a banner and watch the game," said Zack Lloyd, a sophomore political science major.
Lloyd recommends getting beer and food together to entertain your friends. A relaxed party will allow students to unwind after a stressful week and put their feet up and enjoy the game.
"Just relax," said Rob Clark, a sophomore pharmacy major. "Drink lots of beer in case the Bills lose."
Like tailgating, watching the game from the comforts of home is more fun when surrounded by friends.
"Get everyone together, have lots of friends over," Shumate said. "Have some snacks and just enjoy the game."
Avid football fans recommend that if you're going to host a party for Sunday football, having enough food is an absolute must. To delight your party guests, try whipping up some of these super delicious football delicacies, guaranteed to fill everyone's stomach.
Recipe: J.P. Losman Party Dip
Combine 32 ounces of cream cheese, 2 packages of Hidden Valley Ranch original ranch party dip, chopped red peppers, black olives and diced green chilies into one delicious chip dip. Use food coloring to add the colors of your favorite team to your creation.
Recipe: Lee Evans Chicken with a Kick
To cook a chicken that packs a little bit more flavor, grill the poultry pal with half of a can of open beer inserted into the cavity of the chicken. The beer gives the chicken extra flavor and makes it moist and juicy. Cook chicken until meat is well done, and remove the beer can - make sure not to tip over the can prior to removing the bird, as the remaining beer will spill.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
