Now that the first pre-season football game has taken place I can officially start running around in circles and jumping up and down for joy that football season is officially here. Actually I think I screamed for joy the day our season tickets arrived in the mail. This is year 4 of being season ticket holders! In a way, its always football season in our house. Our living room is pretty decked out in Buffalo Bills merchandise. Even if the Bills have a bad game ( which happens a lot) we are loyal and are gonna stick with them through thick and thin, for better or worse. If we are having a bad day at work, we come home and look at all our bills stuff and can’t help but smile, because we know how much joy football brings to our lives!
Once the Superbowl is over, we (OK mostly just tony) starts checking mock drafts and really reading up on all the college players. We went to the NFL draft in 2008 and 2009. We didn’t get to go this year because Tony had just started a new job and the NFL changed the draft to be 3 days during the week instead of just Saturday and Sunday. I’m pretty sure going to the draft is every football fanatics dream. I know it brought us a lot of joy. People at work kept asking me why I “let him go” and “let him drag me”. The fact is, I WANTED to go! Plus we had free room and board since my parents live on Long Island! They even chauffeured us around!
We got some cool swag! Freebies bring me Joy!
In 2008 we actually managed to get lower level seats!
In 2008 you had to wait overnight in line for a wrist band they gave out at 9AM and then get back in line at noon to get your tickets which were first come first serve. We made a lot of friends that year in line!
They closed the street down and had all kind of events for the fans
The draft has been at Radio City Music Hall for a while now
In 2009 we were on an upper level but up front and center!
After the actual draft comes Rookie Camp, Mini Camp and OTA’s. Finally in late July training camp starts. We go to a lot of Buffalo Bills training camp practices and like to watch the players develop over the course of camp. Plus if you stick around after camp you can usually get players to sign stuff for you!
Pretty soon we will have our first pre-season game and then September 12 is the Home Opener against Miami (where we will SQUISH THE FISH!! Yes, I know a dolphin is not a fish but its a catchy phrase that is widely used around Western NY.) With the actual games comes tailgating! Tailgating brings us a lot of joy! Good food, good drinks and a good group of friends make for a fantastic day!
Monday Night Football Tailgate Crew!
Can you not see the Joy written all over my face!
Me and Tony
The truck usually gets decorated for tailgating!
See that grill in the background? It attaches to the tailgate!
Let the games begin
The ladies in our group. Im the tall one!
Yummm look at all that food! That certainly brings me joy – I love to eat!
Buffalo Bills Fans, “We might not win games, but we never miss a party!” The joke is we are a, “drinking town with a football problem”
We don’t mind a little snow, in fact, we both actually LOVE snowy games! When the stadium starts singing “Let it snow” its a pretty joyous occasion and you can’t help but smile and join in! Who needs a stinkin’ dome anyway? We have two seasons: Snow and a sticky humid summer and we are all used to it!
Me and Tony at the last game of the season in 2009
Colts @ Buffalo, last game of the season 2009
What brings you joy?
“This post is part of SOYJOY‘s What brings you joy contest. Learn more here.”
