New Orleans in 2005!

[Billsman]

If anyone has comments, questions or wants to help with the New Orleans game, please post here.

[gr8slayer]

Ill be there.

[boco357]

Me and like 4 others are coming down from New England.

[warren73]

I live near NO so if I can help in anyway let me know :gobills1:

[warren73]

Sorry my E-Mail is warren73@yahoo.com :yankee:

[CoachC.]

This game won't be as easy as Tampa for me, but a possibility. When the schedule came out, my wife (who loves N'orlins) said, "let's go."

[AussieGirl]

Are you headed to NO to see JP play in front of his Tulane crowd? Here's important info:

OK - so glad I went to New Orleans in person. The most important things I learned were:

1. There is virtually no tailgating...most surrounding bars open early and people drink there before they walk over to the dome. There is very limited parking at the Dome and it's for upscale Season ticket holders only.

2. Parking prices are ugly at city and French Quarter hotels (ave. $20-$30 per night). Be sure to ask about it if you're booking at a different hotel.

3. How could we create a tailgate party for our visiting Bills Fans.

4. That this game will be a big sell-out because of the local JP fans.

3..You can save a lot of $$$ (on rooms and parking) by being a few blocks from the French Quarter rather than right in it.

So here's the BEST deal I found:

I had a long meeting with the manager of the HOLIDAY INN - SUPERDOME. It's located just 6 blocks from the French Quarter, 2 blocks from the Canal Street Trolley and 2 blocks from the Superdome. Because I'm coordinating another convention at this same hotel, they will give us all kind of concessions.

He is willing to make this the "OFFICIAL BUFFALO BILLS HOTEL" for the weekend and has offered the following:

1. Rooms at $115 and lower per night. The Holiday Inn Superdome is now ready to accept your reservations. But you must call them direct at 504-581-1600, ask for Reservations, then ask for the "Buffalo Bills" rate (you won't get it online or at the 800#).

The rate is in effect from Wednesday, Sept 28 through Wednesday, October 5. If you need more days and they won't approve it, ask for the Sales Manager, John Steffes.

I've blocked 100 rooms and the price will work like this. It will start at $115 and as we book more rooms the rate will drop for EVERYONE as follows:
1-25 rooms...$115
26-50 rooms...$105
51+ rooms...$95

They'll adjust EVERYONE'S rate down when they do a reservation count on September 26th. If you've already booked at this hotel, you can wait a few days and then call and transfer your reservation to the Buffalo Bills block.

2. He will put on a Saturday night pre-game reception in the bar with drink specials and free wings. Or for $3 a person, he'll put out a spread. I thought that a 2-hour get toether would be better because many will want to branch out and explore the City that night. He'll also let us put up banners and decorations from Friday through Sunday.

3. Opening up the bar at 9am Sunday with more drink specials and free snacks before we go over to the game. And of course a Victory party afterwards if we want.

4. Parking at the hotel for $8 per 24 hours.

5. The hotel has a free shuttle to the French Quarter, Riverfront and Harrah's Casino every hour on the hour.

6. The hotel restaurant has good food and very reasonable priced. The rooms are very nice too.

AFTER SPENDING 8 HOURS LOOKING AT VARIOUS HOTELS AND CONSIDERING DIFFERENT OPTIONS, I CAN GUARANTEE THAT THIS IS A GREAT OPTION FOR VISITING BILLS FANS. What a great opportunity to show solidarity and to party with fellow fans!

Party on......
__________________
Life is a game. Football is serious

[Billsman]

Nice work, I'll be there for sure!

[mead107]

aussiegirl is the best

[gr8slayer]

Im only three hours away, Ill be ther without fail!

[AussieGirl]

Just checked air fares from Buffalo. They're VERY LOW right now. www.expedia.com will give you a comparison.

[Fogwrestler]

Are you headed to NO to see JP play in front of his Tulane crowd? Here's important info:

OK - so glad I went to New Orleans in person. The most important things I learned were:

1. There is virtually no tailgating...most surrounding bars open early and people drink there before they walk over to the dome. There is very limited parking at the Dome and it's for upscale Season ticket holders only.

2. Parking prices are ugly at city and French Quarter hotels (ave. $20-$30 per night). Be sure to ask about it if you're booking at a different hotel.

3. How could we create a tailgate party for our visiting Bills Fans.

4. That this game will be a big sell-out because of the local JP fans.

3..You can save a lot of $$$ (on rooms and parking) by being a few blocks from the French Quarter rather than right in it.

So here's the BEST deal I found:

I had a long meeting with the manager of the HOLIDAY INN - SUPERDOME. It's located just 6 blocks from the French Quarter, 2 blocks from the Canal Street Trolley and 2 blocks from the Superdome. Because I'm coordinating another convention at this same hotel, they will give us all kind of concessions.

He is willing to make this the "OFFICIAL BUFFALO BILLS HOTEL" for the weekend and has offered the following:

1. Rooms at $115 and lower per night. The Holiday Inn Superdome is now ready to accept your reservations. But you must call them direct at 504-581-1600, ask for Reservations, then ask for the "Buffalo Bills" rate (you won't get it online or at the 800#).

The rate is in effect from Wednesday, Sept 28 through Wednesday, October 5. If you need more days and they won't approve it, ask for the Sales Manager, John Steffes.

I've blocked 100 rooms and the price will work like this. It will start at $115 and as we book more rooms the rate will drop for EVERYONE as follows:
1-25 rooms...$115
26-50 rooms...$105
51+ rooms...$95

They'll adjust EVERYONE'S rate down when they do a reservation count on September 26th. If you've already booked at this hotel, you can wait a few days and then call and transfer your reservation to the Buffalo Bills block.

2. He will put on a Saturday night pre-game reception in the bar with drink specials and free wings. Or for $3 a person, he'll put out a spread. I thought that a 2-hour get toether would be better because many will want to branch out and explore the City that night. He'll also let us put up banners and decorations from Friday through Sunday.

3. Opening up the bar at 9am Sunday with more drink specials and free snacks before we go over to the game. And of course a Victory party afterwards if we want.

4. Parking at the hotel for $8 per 24 hours.

5. The hotel has a free shuttle to the French Quarter, Riverfront and Harrah's Casino every hour on the hour.

6. The hotel restaurant has good food and very reasonable priced. The rooms are very nice too.

AFTER SPENDING 8 HOURS LOOKING AT VARIOUS HOTELS AND CONSIDERING DIFFERENT OPTIONS, I CAN GUARANTEE THAT THIS IS A GREAT OPTION FOR VISITING BILLS FANS. What a great opportunity to show solidarity and to party with fellow fans!

Party on......
__________________
Life is a game. Football is serious

wow, now THIS is a fan ! :)

[sabrfan]

Are you headed to NO to see JP play in front of his Tulane crowd? Here's important info:

OK - so glad I went to New Orleans in person. The most important things I learned were:

1. There is virtually no tailgating...most surrounding bars open early and people drink there before they walk over to the dome. There is very limited parking at the Dome and it's for upscale Season ticket holders only.

2. Parking prices are ugly at city and French Quarter hotels (ave. $20-$30 per night). Be sure to ask about it if you're booking at a different hotel.

3. How could we create a tailgate party for our visiting Bills Fans.

4. That this game will be a big sell-out because of the local JP fans.

3..You can save a lot of $$$ (on rooms and parking) by being a few blocks from the French Quarter rather than right in it.

So here's the BEST deal I found:

I had a long meeting with the manager of the HOLIDAY INN - SUPERDOME. It's located just 6 blocks from the French Quarter, 2 blocks from the Canal Street Trolley and 2 blocks from the Superdome. Because I'm coordinating another convention at this same hotel, they will give us all kind of concessions.

He is willing to make this the "OFFICIAL BUFFALO BILLS HOTEL" for the weekend and has offered the following:

1. Rooms at $115 and lower per night. The Holiday Inn Superdome is now ready to accept your reservations. But you must call them direct at 504-581-1600, ask for Reservations, then ask for the "Buffalo Bills" rate (you won't get it online or at the 800#).

The rate is in effect from Wednesday, Sept 28 through Wednesday, October 5. If you need more days and they won't approve it, ask for the Sales Manager, John Steffes.

I've blocked 100 rooms and the price will work like this. It will start at $115 and as we book more rooms the rate will drop for EVERYONE as follows:
1-25 rooms...$115
26-50 rooms...$105
51+ rooms...$95

They'll adjust EVERYONE'S rate down when they do a reservation count on September 26th. If you've already booked at this hotel, you can wait a few days and then call and transfer your reservation to the Buffalo Bills block.

2. He will put on a Saturday night pre-game reception in the bar with drink specials and free wings. Or for $3 a person, he'll put out a spread. I thought that a 2-hour get toether would be better because many will want to branch out and explore the City that night. He'll also let us put up banners and decorations from Friday through Sunday.

3. Opening up the bar at 9am Sunday with more drink specials and free snacks before we go over to the game. And of course a Victory party afterwards if we want.

4. Parking at the hotel for $8 per 24 hours.

5. The hotel has a free shuttle to the French Quarter, Riverfront and Harrah's Casino every hour on the hour.

6. The hotel restaurant has good food and very reasonable priced. The rooms are very nice too.

AFTER SPENDING 8 HOURS LOOKING AT VARIOUS HOTELS AND CONSIDERING DIFFERENT OPTIONS, I CAN GUARANTEE THAT THIS IS A GREAT OPTION FOR VISITING BILLS FANS. What a great opportunity to show solidarity and to party with fellow fans!

Party on......
__________________
Life is a game. Football is serious

Hey Aussie , thank you for all the info, it is just what i needed. i will drive down from Shreveport. I gave you 500 chips for your hard work and consideration to your fellow Bills fans

[sabrfan]

how far ahead can i get tickets and who do i call. i want to stay from Friday thru Monday. :chillin: :chillin:

[joansie]

If anyone has comments, questions or wants to help with the New Orleans game, please post here.
I'm coming to NO for the game. Have a res. at the Holiday Inn with the rest of the Bills Fans, but I need 5 tickets. Would like something better than the nosebleed section. How can I get them without paying a scalper big bucks?
Thanks. First time on this website. It's great!

[nyjunc]

New orleans is a GREAT road trip, I went to the Jets-Saints game in '01 and it was incredible. If you are going to 1 road game or have never been to a road game and want to go to one choose this one. You will have a ton of fun.

[AussieGirl]

The "Buffalo Bills" room block at the Holiday Inn Superdome is filling up fast. Don't forget to call and make your reservations soon!!

[Devin]

I live in Mandeville (across the lake from New Orleans) and will be there for sure, just let me know where we are all meeting up !!

[AussieGirl]

We're looking for some red and blue "football" beads. We'll purchase a case and have them for sale (just to cover cost) for around .50 each at the Saturday night pre-game happy hour and the Sunday AM tailgate at the Holiday Inn Superdome.

[Bilz12]

Anyone have information on game tickets yet?

[sabrfan]

I will be there , can't wait. i am about 5hrs away. gonna stay the whole weekend.

[AussieGirl]

for that weekend.

I was in New Orleans this weekend. Ramada Inn and Suites Superdome is right across the street from the Holiday Inn Superdome. The rooms are smaller but it's a nice property and still OK for a party weekend. They aren't interested in negotiating a rate with me or holding a room block at this time because they say they will sell out anyway.
However, they have an online special - free breakfast for 2 if you book online. This is the best alternative if you've missed out on the room block at the Holiday Inn and you can still walk over for the parties.

http://www.neworleans-ramada.com/hotel.html

Rates are avg $88.67 Friday through Monday for double or King

King suites are ave $108.67.

Parking is off site at $15 per night with no in/out privilages.

Y'all need to reserve early. Rates are going up all over the city.

[MontigueClay]

We've purchased group tickets. So far we have seats in sections 320 and 321. Since we purchased them directly through the Saints ticket office we can add on if we need to. Also, if we add on, we can get seats anywhere in the stadium. The additional seats don't necessarily have to be in sections 320 or 321.

:welcome:

[JerseyBillsFan]

I'll be there. In the nosebleed section on the 50 yard line on the Bills sideline. Staying at Le Cirque but might see if my friend wants to hang out at the Bills party the night before the game. Is it open to any Bills fans who want to come and hang out? Will be my first time in the Big Easy.

[sukie]

Aussie... they have the beads with the logo you know?

[AussieGirl]

This is so sad. Many of us very excited about going to the game and now as each hour passes, our hopes turn to mush. But at least we are not down there in horrible circumstances, wondering where our next meal will come from.

Obviously, the NFL will announce soon where the Saints will hold their home games until the city can accomodate them again. I'm still gonna try and get a block of rooms at a hotel in whatever city they move to.
The Saints should honor your tickets and the airlines should make a change to a different city. If you're still interested in going, please PM me with your e-mail address so I have a way to communicate with all of you promptly.

[Uncle Frank]

The smartest move the NFL and the New Orleans Saints management can do, is move all there games to the city of their opponents.

I'd like to see Buffalo Bills fans begin to call and write the Bills office and see if Ralph Wilson is willing to offer "The Ralph" for the Saints game.
He can give the Saints the home field revenue percentage.

This makes sense.

Uncle Frank

[AussieGirl]

And if they do play at the Ralph. I would expect to see every Bills fan on their feet singing along to "When the Saints go Marching in" as the team takes the field as a sign of respect to all those saints fans who are destitute.

[gr8slayer]

This is so sad. Many of us very excited about going to the game and now as each hour passes, our hopes turn to mush. But at least we are not down there in horrible circumstances, wondering where our next meal will come from.

Obviously, the NFL will announce soon where the Saints will hold their home games until the city can accomodate them again. I'm still gonna try and get a block of rooms at a hotel in whatever city they move to.
The Saints should honor your tickets and the airlines should make a change to a different city. If you're still interested in going, please PM me with your e-mail address so I have a way to communicate with all of you promptly.
Hey well still be able to go to the game but we wont have to drive as far. San Antonio here we come!

[AussieGirl]

I'm happy to announce a negotiated rate of $99 per night for the Holiday Inn "on the Riverwalk" in San Antonio.

The phone number is 210-224-2500. Please ask for the Buffalo Bills rate. It will be in the computer starting tonight (Monday).

I've only blocked 40 rooms because a contract for more than that would need a financial commitment. If we need more and can get the reservations in quickly they can probably accommodate us.

Please try and call in your reservations within the next 72 hours so they can expand the room block if needed. They have had enquiries from other Bills groups as well so we may have a lot of Bills fans in the same place.

I'll announce more details on a pre-game party and tailgate soon.

IN THE INTEREST OF TIME, PLEASE ASSIST ME IN GETTING THIS INFORMATION OUT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO OTHER BILLS FANS, BACKERS AND GROUPS YOU MAY BE AWARE OF.