Unlike most who were at the Rogers Centre yesterday, we were lined up at the gate early - shortly after 3.30pm - which got us through the metal detectors and walking up the ramp by about 3.50pm. And when we reached the 500 level, before taking our seats, we had a look out the window at the throng outside the southeast corner of the stadium lined up waiting to get through NFL security which is similar to getting on a plane. About two thirds of those who showed up yesterday missed the opening kick-off. For a 4pm game on a Sunday.
This was the second year, according to Rogers, in which tickets to the annual NFL regular season Bills "home" game were not given away. The house was heavily "papered" for games in each of the first four years. The attendance of 38,000 plus therefore actually reflects the true market in Toronto. The true market, that is, for a game between a 4-7 team from down the highway and a 2-9 team from the south and from the other conference - a team with which the Bills have no rivalry and only a brief series history. Yesterday's crowd was the smallest of the six games played so far but I did see some positive signs. The noise generated on the Bills defensive third downs was the best I have heard in the six years I've been going to these games. Relative to the noise at the Ralph, there is no comparison but it has improved. There is obviously still a very long way to go.
Frankly, being indoors on a day with drizzle and a temperature of plus 2 outside was kind of a treat. And no driving, no border line-ups and no 12 hour day. But from a pure team perspective, giving up a real home game is a significant disadvantage. It's easy to say that the Bills would have won this game had it been played outdoors in Orchard Park but they could have and should have won it anyway. But for a couple of key fumbles by Bills receivers at critical times, they would have. Bills fans in Buffalo have good reason to be disgusted with the Toronto games and many are calling for a cancellation of the remaining 4 games under the current agreement with Rogers. It's not likely to happen but I would certainly go along with it. The best way to come closer to replicating the Ralph Wilson Stadium experience and atmosphere at the Rogers Centre is to bring in many more Bills fans from Buffalo and Rochester and surrounding area. But there's the driving, the border, the expense, the time required and everything else involved - all of the things I'm willing to deal with going in the other direction. But it's their team and it belongs to their community. They didn't ask for this.
Apparently, Rob Ford was at the game - for the first half anyway - wearing a Fred Jackson jersey. Too bad for Fred who is one of the classiest guys in the NFL. There was also a rumour that the Beach Boys played at halftime. We saw a stage and some guys with grey beards off the corner of the north endzone but whoever was operating the sound system must have thought it was the Beach Boys unplugged because we could hear virtually nothing. Last year's halftime show by Psy was awesome in comparison.
Now at 4-8, playoff hopes, as slim as they were, are dashed. Thankfully, I was able to sell my tickets to the Who Cares Bowl against the Dolphins on Dec 22nd. But I do like the coach and the team has some good young players so I am, as always, hopeful for next year.
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