I suppose that doing something 3 years in a row can officially be called a tradition, but this one almost died in its tracks before it really got started. Of course I wanted to go, but for a multitude of reasons, it seemed as though my newly born streak of attending Buffalo Bills Home Openers was going to come to an early end. Things have a way of working out though don't they?

First I rescheduled my trip home to Western NY from late October to mid September in order to catch a few of my younger brother's soccer games during his senior year of High School. Then, no less than 4 people contacted me with extra tickets to the game. I had to turn them down as spending money to go to the game wasn't in my budgeted plans and I had intentions of sitting around my parent's house to watch the game with my dad. But, when something is supposed to be, there's just no fighting it. Thursday afternoon I get a text message, asking me yet again if I wanted to go to the Bills game on Sunday. This time, I read the magic words though... Free! Destiny said I was going to keep my streak alive and who was I to fight it?

I had met my buddy from college earlier in the week to grab lunch and catch up while I was in town, so he knew I was around, and thankfully, when his dad turned up with some spare tickets, he was quick to let me know about it. In addition, another of our good friends from college was planning on going to the game as well, so we could all ride up together. We piled into my friend's car Sunday morning and made the hour and a half trip north to Ralph Wilson Stadium, with my streak alive and kicking.

Now, as I've mentioned, I've been to the Bills' Home Opener each of the last two years, which might not sound like a big deal, but considering I've been living in North Carolina since 2006, I consider it something of an accomplishment. Oddly enough, I had only made it to a handful of games over the course of the years before I moved, but some combination of absence making the heart grow fonder as well as growing up and actually making some money for myself had made the trip something to look forward to each year. Each of the last two seasons has seen a typical Western New York day in terms of weather, temperatures in the 50s and a gray, rainy atmosphere. This year had a different feel to it though. First off, this was the first time I'd been to a non 1pm start, so instead of being up at the crack of dawn and filing into the parking lot at 7am, it was closer to noon when we arrived at the stadium. On top of that, there was plenty of sun and temperatures in the mid 70s, something that doesn't really resemble the start of autumn in that part of the world too often.

After parking in somebody's front yard down the road from the stadium (and for those unfamiliar, it's really quite the standard practice), we began our walk towards our destination. There was definitely something in the air as everybody we came across seemed in high spirits. Forget the fact that the economy has been down for a year plus now, particularly in this area of the country where it hasn't been particularly strong in a very long time to begin with... it was football season once again. Now don't get me wrong, it was no surprise to see people out tailgating and enjoying themselves at The Ralph. I've been to games in all sorts of weather, from the aforementioned rainy days, to near blizzard like conditions, and even blustery sub zero days, and the people always show up. This day felt different to me though. People in t-shirts and shorts, playing catch with a football or enjoying a nice game of cornhole (not nearly as disgusting as it might sound), enjoying some adult beverages. I really can't imagine many things more enjoyable.

One of the great things about Buffalo Bills football in Western New York is the role it plays as a great uniter. Nearly everybody in the area pays attention to the Bills at some level, and it's highly likely that you're going to run into people that you know while attending a game. I went with friends I had made in college, but we tailgated with one of my best friends from high school... who happened to be there with somebody else I went to college with. Additionally, there were plenty of people I had become acquainted with after my college days had passed, and even people I had befriended here in North Carolina at the game. Regrettably, I didn't get a chance to visit with everybody I would have liked to, but that always seems to be the case, and there will of course be other games in the future. The point being, people from all walks of life come together and unite over their common love of something they all grew up with.

As my luck would have it, our tickets for the game were in the Jim Kelly Club section of the stadium. Some place I surely had never been before, as the tickets aren't exactly cheap, but again, thanks to the generosity of others I had a chance to enjoy it on this Sunday. Now the Kelly Club has a full bar and concession areas, as well as numerous TVs and tables to enjoy before the game (or in some cases, which I can't comprehend in the least, during the game), and by its nature, draws a slightly more affluent crowd. The interesting part of this to me however was the fact that while these people have had more money than the common fan, they didn't act all that differently. Most of them were still fueled by alcohol and plenty boisterous and loud throughout the course of the game. At the end of the day, they were all still fans, just like everybody else in the stadium. Now, compare this to some of the other stadiums and sporting events I've attended up and down the East Coast and you could see what an interesting experience it became for me. I've seen places where the prime seats are filled up with people simply there for a social outing, not really caring at all about the game going on right in front of them. This is something that drives me nuts, knowing how many truly passionate fans are out there, unable to attend games due to high ticket prices. You don't really find much of that at The Ralph however.

Leaving the stadium is always another interesting chance for social observation. The outcome of the game completely effects the actions of the mass majority of people leaving, and it's something that is very noticeable. Leaving after a win like this is a fun time, people are laughing and goofing around in a care free manner. Your chances of a car stopping to let you out of your parking spot are increased infinitely as well. Should the Bills suffer yet another soul crushing loss, things are often not so pretty. It's both kind of sad and amazing simultaneously to see how much the results of a football game can have on an entire community.

At any rate, my career record while attending Bills game is now up to 7-3 (somebody should buy me season tickets!) and will next be put to the test in Charlotte in late October. I'm looking forward to the game because I know there will be plenty of Bills fans in attendance, but it's just not the same as going to Ralph Wilson Stadium, especially for the first home game of the year, when all our hopes and dreams aren't yet smashed. A beautiful, warm, sunny September day in Orchard Park, NY with another season of Bills football on the horizon... Where Else Would You Rather Be?