Group tickets are maxed out at 8 per caller. So, we will not be doing a group ticket purchase and everyone should work on getting their own travel and game tickets.

However, after much research, we have discovered a great hotel right near the stadium and the Westgate Entertainment complex. And the best part? The Sales Manager is a Bills Fan from WNY and is very excited to have us come in and take over their hotel for the weekend. Here is the info. Get your reservations in early. I'll forward more info on a Saturday night party as soon as the local Backers groups have something organized.

Holiday Inn Express
9310 West Cabela Drive – Glendale, AZ 85305
Phone: 623-939-8888 Fax: 623-939-3092
www.hiexpress.com

This is a brand new property with easy access to the Loop 101, I-10, and I-17. The Cardinal Stadium is within walking distance and the Westgate City Center, a premier entertainment complex offering restaurants, clubs, and theaters, is right across the street.

• Complimentary Daily Breakfast Buffet
• Free Local Calls
• Free High-Speed Internet
• 24 Hour Fitness Center
• 24 Hour Business Center
• Outdoor Courtyard with Grills – can anyone say “Tailgate Party”
• Resort Swimming Pool and Hot Tub

Buffalo Bills Fans Group Rates
$129.00 per night, plus tax for the Executive King room or Two Queen bedded rooms.

If you prefer a “suite” type room, you can stay at their sister property right next door:

Staybridge Suites
9310 W. Cabela Drive – Glendale, AZ 85305
Phone: 632-842-0000 Fax: 623-931-1328
www.staybridge.com

Buffalo Bills Fans group rates
$139.00 per night, plus tax for our Studio Suite, $149.00 per night, plus tax for our One Bedroom Suites and $159.00 per night, plus tax for our Two Bedroom Suites.

Call the hotels direct to make your reservations and be sure to ask for the Buffalo Bills Fans group rate.

If you have any problems, contact Karen Acero, Director of Sales
623.939.8888. 623.293.5486 direct line

See you there!
Diane

I was already looking at this location . That's great, just booked Thursday night through Sunday Night. I have 2 tix Paid for , maybe not the best seats but they are seats.

GO BILLS !!!! Now I just need to get ST Louis Tix for the Sunday before and it's all starting to come together.

In case some one needs 2 tickets let me know and I'll get them out ASAP. I just found out I need to be in India from Oct 4th -13th. This will determinw how much of November, December ,January and Feb I need to spend there. Have fun everyone, I really wanted to be at this one . GO Bills. At least I'll still get to see them kill St Louis.

Thanks a bunch Diane, I really hope I can make it there this year.

Just want you all to know that I had to sign a contract with the Holiday Inn to protect that rate. Please spread the word so that we can try and FILL the hotel with Bills Fans. This will make the Sunday morning tailgate in the parking lot much more memorable.

Also, watch this board for info on a Saturday night pre-game party.

Diane

Just got my flights!

Just talked to the group ticket office this morning. They expect to have some group tix available for this game. I'll be notified the week of July 7. Anyone reading this who would be interested in getting seats with the group, please PM me.

I'm in.

I am in, although I have a wedding Saturday night in Phoenix, It may be rude to squeeze out for the pre-game party on Saturday, but I will be there for the tailgate Sunday morning!

I just had a call back from the group ticket office today. There are now going to be group tix available for this game. I don't want to get stuck with any but I will buy a small group. Prices are varied, but I'll be looking at some nosebleeds. Who is interested?

I have been told I'll be working in Seal Beach (CA) approximently 2nd-4th week of football schedule. No exact dates yet but if I can arrange it (i.e. having Sat-Mon off) I'll drive the 5 1/2 hours from Seal Beach and join the tailgate.

It looks like we will be in for at least 3 tix. Gonna firm it up.

Right now I have been told I have to work 3:30 PM - 1:30 AM PT on Saturday having Sunday 'off" before flying back Monday sometime to be determined. I might be able to make it but sounds like I'd be tired to do anything.

I have been switched to the 5:30a to 3:30p shift on Saturday, Sunday game day is still off and Monday is a travel day.
Anybody have a spare ticket?

I'm excited to see people are coming down to my neck of the woods! I moved to Tucson just last week after living in WNY all my life and I'm definitely making the drive up to Phoenix for the game.

Both my brother and I are booked at the Staybridge Suites which should be open within a week. I got group tickets for 30 and another member of our club (Costa Mesa Bills Backers) got 15. We are going to be in section 420, rows 19-22. All tickets have been accounted for.

Looking forward to Sunday morning tailgate and a big win later that afternoon. The roof will be closed at Glendale Stadium per Cardinals ticket rep.

After our win, we are going to the new Margaritaville located across from the stadium. Phins Up!!

Our aussie referred me to someone who got tickets via SD Bills Backers who has a spare.
Looks like I'll have a ticket.

I did the route check via Google and it is a 5 1/2 trip from Long Beach.
Not sure I'll be able to do attend any party Saturday night (3:30p + 5:30 + 1 hr (TZ) = 10 pm minimum local time.

Any tailgate plans for AM? Not sure if I am going to drive back after game or stay in Glendale overnight since I need to fly back to East coast Monday. Maybe I can convince work to let me fly back from Arizona but that will be a much more expensive ticket.

We're having an AM tailgate at the Holiday Inn Express. But they are saying it can only be for hotel guests of the HI or their sister property next door (Staybridge Suites). It will be out by the pool and the grills on the patio. Glendale is very strict about outdoor drinking. I'm checking out permits.
Diane

Aussie did the prices drop?
When I looked today prices dropped from the $129 you quoted.
It appears it is $92 per night which is less than per diem meaning company will cover cost.

I do think that I'll have to leave Sunday after game though for my flight back is on Monday, October 6, 2008, United Airlines # 862 out of LAX at 12:50 PM PDT (afternoon) and I do not think I am risking getting up early AM.

PHOENIX-GLENDALE
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
9310 W CABELA DRIVE
GLENDALE, AZ 85305

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/h.../transportation

Aussie, great job in arranging everything. From what I understand, there is a get together at the original Native New Yorker on Bell Rd on Friday night.

Saturday, I believe we gather at the new Native New Yorker near the Holiday Inn/Staybridge Suites at about 4 pm and start the pub crawl at about 7 pm.

My question has to do with Sunday (gameday). Do we have a place arranged for the pre-game tailgate? If so, can you provide it as I have some friends coming in from different areas so that we can all meet. Also, what time will it be starting? Lastly, is anyone catering it or are we on our own (either way is cool)?

This is going to be a great time and one super season. Playoffs baby!!

I will be there and very excited to see another Bills game out here since that Sunday night game with Flutie as QB. I would like to know what lot the tailgate will be in I live just on the westside of the 101 freeway near the stadium.

Sounds like the tailgate will be in your lot. What do you have planned for us?

Still trying to figure my plans. In CA but left ticket home but I have three weeks to have it mailed to me. Tried to pick it up in CA but seller preferred to mail it. AZ time always confuses me. What time will game be over? I need to make my plans for driving back to LAX to fly back to VA.

OK - it's finally all arranged. The Saturday night pre-game pub crawl will start at 4:00pm at the Native New Yorker, 7273 N. 95th Avenue, Glendale. It's within walking distance from the hotels. There will be flyers there to indicate the next stops on the pub crawl. Also, be sure to check the lobby for any info on parties.

Sunday morning: if you still have energy left to do a Sunday AM tailgate - the Native New Yorker will once again be the place to be. It will open at 9:30am on Sunday morning and since it gets so packed before game time, we suggest you get there early. They will serve food and will have lots of drink specials. Unfortunately, the hotel won't be able to accomodate so many Bills Fans in their patio area and they could not get a permit from the city of Glendale to have an outdoor parking lot party. Also, they wouldn't open it up to others that weren't staying in the hotel. So the Native New Yorker seemed like the best way to go.

Note: This will be the official "Pinto Kenny - Bowling Ball Shot" tailgate party.

Please pass the word - all are welcome. All these venues are within walking distance of the hotel and stadium - no drinking and driving necessary - awesome!!!!

See you there!
Aussie (Diane)

Sounds like a winner!

Sounds great! I google-earthed the directions from Hotel to Native New Yorker, it says 3.4 miles, but if you walk across the parking lots it looks like going from Sullys to Hammers. My only problem is I am checking in to the hotel Sunday, I wonder if they will let me park at the hotel before I am fully checked in?

I'm sure they would.

Former Buffalonian / current Las Vegas resident here - will be making the drive down with a carload of friends that are flying in to Vegas from Buffalo. We are staying in Tempe near ASU because I got a great deal on some rooms at a hotel there with a friend who has since left that hotel, but we will be going to the game Sunday (of course) and will be making the drive up from Tempe. I saw the discussion about a tailgate at a nearby bar - but we will be parking/tailgating in the stadium lots - any plans for a large Buffalo contingent in any of the lots? Or should we just wing it? I figure that when we roll into the lot at 9am we will see a good amount of Bills fans, similar to when we went to the game in Miami last year. Just wondering if there was any idea for a general area to park.

Also - quick note, I know it's not close to Glendale, but there is a Ted's Hot Dogs in Tempe - yes, THAT Ted's. Worth the drive for some charcoal broiled dogs, onion rings, fries, burgers, etc. especially for those of us who are out here in the desert southwest and starving for Buffalo food!!

The parking lots there are quite different from Miami. You can't just drive in and park wherever you want. You are "assigned" a parking spot as you drive in. So, if you want to park together, you'd have to all meet somewhere outside and then drive in close together. It's very difficult to arrange large tailgates in lots like these - especially if you don't live in the area. Also, many out-of-towners may fly in and cab it to the hotel so they don't necessarily have a car.

This is why we try to arrange at least one area outside the stadium where Bills fans can meet and party before the game. This time it will be the Native New Yorker near the stadium at 9:30am.

As fellow fans arrive in town and are able to try and arrange something inside the parking lot - word travels fast.

Thank you for the info. I believe many from our local Bills bar will be caravaning down, so we may discuss this weekend plans to meet up near the stadium and then enter as one, or something of the like.

One other question for those who have been to UofP Stadium - what is the cost to park in the lots? I realize it may vary depending on where you park, as the cardinals website was not very helpful in that regard. I am figuring it will be $20-25 but if anyone knows for sure I would appreciate it.

It's funny you mentioned Ted's, because I found out that the company I work for in Phoenix supplies Ted's and I found out they have the Sahlen's hotdogs.Does anyone want me to try and get the Sahlen's for the tailgate party?

Oh, yeh! I'll be there. Got my club level seats and my entourage in tow. Whole family will be wearing the red/white and blue. Last time the Bills played in Phx, the place was crawling with Blue Jerseys, It was awesome.

GO BILLS!

I was at the local Huntington Beach Bills Backers bar and there was one ticket for sale on 50 yard line. I was tempted to ask how much but then I'd have to find a way to get rid of my ticket at the game and I am no salesman.

4:15 pm start in Buffalo means a 1:15 pm start time in Arizona, same as California where I am, right?
I never realized how spoiled I was living on East Coast until now.

Yep - 1:15pm AZ time

So my oh-dark-30 wakeup call for Monday morning won't be quite as severe a system shock. (Well, depending on how late we stay up Sunday ... )

I look forward to seeing you all there. I last saw Lori and Aussie and the gang at the Dolphin game in 05.

Well, hopefully you'll make it over to the Native New Yorker to say hello!

I plan on it. You are talking about the one by the Cabella's, yes? 95th and glendale, next to the stadium?

Yep - you got it. Starting Saturday at 4pm and then again on Sunday at 9:30am.

Saturday not likely need to drive alone from Seal Beach after working 5:30a-3:30p,
Sunday I'll try but it depends on when I get into town and I do need to drive back after game.
How bad is traffic getting out of Cardinals Stadium?
Hopefully there will only be Bills fans in 2nd half after a blowout so traffic will be cleared.

Can someone tell me more precisely where the Native New Yorker is?
Specifically cross-streets because Google doesn't know exactly where they are.

Anybody feel like picking up a rider from Native New Yorker to split parking cost?
I do not know area and I am real bad in stop-and-go traffic after game due to
my bad ankle. I do not have my car which has hand control.

Glenn,

as you come up the 101 from I-10, you will see the Stadium on your right. If you get off on Glendale, turn right. You will see a large Mall area on your left. (freeway exit is like 97th ave, and the light to turn into Cabella's is the 95th ave that NNY is on) Cabella's, NNY, and the Holiday Inn are all in that area. NNY is North of Cabella's, but you should see it...And the holiday inn is right next to NNY.

Thanx. Added it to directions by Google.