Thread: How to: Going To an NFL Game

First, I'd say different cities are different tailgating environments. From what I hear, Oakland/SF are both a bit hostile, so I would probably do my best to steer clear of the obviously drunk/rowdy sorts. Yes, folks tailgate for Monday games, though they may start a little later given that the game is at night.

As for the actual tailgating: First, make sure you have a parking spot. Don't assume one will be available anywhere near the stadiums.

Second, overpack for both beer and food. Grills are always good, but you need to be able to either dispose of them or have a place to put them while you go in to the game.

Third, don't get so blotto that you can't enjoy the game....you are paying big bucks to go, you may as well enjoy the game AND be able to remember the whole thing.

Fourth, make sure you have good chairs for the tailgate. It's a long day and you'll be happy you didn't decide you could just sit on the bumper of the car.

Fifth, you can cruise around and check out other tailgates (though in a hostile environment I would be careful, you never know what/who you are going to walk up on). For the most part, fans are going to be ok, and seeing other fans of your team might be an opening to meet someone. Don't assume that you can cruise around without being ready to be self sufficient for food/beer. People may offer you a shot or some food, but it's best to be self supporting so you don't look like a mooch. In short, be someone who you would welcome to your own tailgate. If someone wants to start talking shit to you, either don't respond or just agree with them & know you are the better person. False pride is your enemy.

Sixth, don't wait until just a few minutes before game time to head into the game. It takes time to walk to the gate and even more time to get through security and to your seat.

Seventh, be ready for a pat down at the gate.

Last, make sure you take a piss before you go inside and that you are "relatively empty". Going during the game is a pain (and a likely spot for an ambush), causes you to miss a chunk of the game. Going at the end of a quarter/half or right after a score is the same time everyone else will be going....which only makes the process longer and more frustrating.

Originally Posted by CalgaryBearsFan

Figured this forum would be where to Put this

So me and my girlfriend are going to our first NFL games in November this year, New Orleans at Oakland Sunday night and Chicago at San Francisco Monday night. This worked out perfect as she gets to watch her Saints live one day, and I get to watch my Bears the next.

So my reason for the thread, would be to ask: What are your NFL game experiences? and what should I do/expect/prepare for in going to my first game?

-I know it sounds fairly 'touristy', but my girlfriend is an avid Saints fan and I am actually somewhat concerned about the reaction that will have in Oakland in a game I am expecting could go as far as a New Orleans blowout. Am I over reacting here?

-We plan on tailgating the Sunday and possibly the Monday (do Tailgates happen on Monday?) and as weird as it sounds, I have no idea how to even go about attending one of these, especially in hostile territory.

So any ideas, tips or past stories about what to do would be greatly appreciated.

Just be safe....................too many god damned psychosssssssssssss

I concur with much of what BearStuff said.

Number one rule about Oakland.... DO NOT SIT IN THE SOUTH END ZONE AS AN OPPOSING FAN! A friend of mine sat there last year at the Oakland/Bears game without knowledge and left covered in beer & nacho cheese even without cheering much. This is what they call the "Blackhole" (much like the old dawg pound) If you're tickets are in this area and she wants to wear Saints gear and cheer, you might want to find someone to trade tixs with on the street.

Yes, people do tailgate on Monday night. In Detroit a few years back we were able to start early afternoon since the lots near Ford Field are open for local businesses. Look into the parking situations at both stadiums on the team's websites... cost, availability (pre-pay passes vs pay at the gate), what time they open and if you're even able to tailgate at certain lots varies city to city.

I usually plan on going into the stadium over a hour before kickoff. Gives ya time to get through the gates & security, walk to stadium and see the sights before heading to your seats. A lot of the 'rush' to get to seats happens around the national anthem time.

I've been to a handful of away games (Detroit, Cleveland, Cincy, KC, St. Louis) over the years... just be polite to those around you. While there are a large number of drunk & idiotic hooligans, the majority of the fans I have ran into are mellow football fans just looking to have a good time. But be willing to take some jabs since "you are in their house." Just remember if you're a jerk and overly cheering for the opposing team.... you will be a target for the rest of the game by the home crowd around you.

Ive definitely been to my share of Hocket games, so I expect a bit of hostility and know generally how to take it. You're at their stadium, so some jeering and jokes are expected.
Im more or less worried about my girlfriend and the involvement with Raider fans. We wont be too flashy in what she wears, and im glad that she could get away with wearing black while still supporting her team.

Our tickets are in the North corner, the opposite side of the Black Hole which I made sure we were not sitting there, but still know that we could see crazy fans anywhere in the stadium. Thats why we went the way of a little bit higher priced tickets, to hopefully improve our chances of sitting closer to some less crazy fans

Make sure to wear a JaMarcus Russel jersey.

Originally Posted by Jimmors

Make sure to wear a JaMarcus Russel jersey.