Jets/Panthers-1st Jets game for me

[bojanglesman]

So my wife and I bit the bullet and are headed to NJ to see the Jets/Panthers game. Neither of us have ever been to an NFL game, but I'm a lifelong Jets fan and I'm pretty sure I can con my wife into wearing green. After mulling over it and trying to find the right weekend, we decided to get some good seats and splurge a little. We're both excited.

We're sitting in Section 130, row 28. I think these are great seats. Paid a little more than I planned, but to hell with it. Could have gotten cheaper ones closer to the endzone, but I figured if I'm going once, might as well do it right. Got them on Stubhub. Yeah I know I could have gotten cheaper seats at the game, but we're coming from a good ways out of town and wanted to have things in stone. A few bucks extra is worth it in this case. I figured row 28 was high up enough to see most of the field, but not so far back that I'd be in a concession stand. I just wanted to be out in the mix, but be able to see everything well.

Anybody have any experience sitting in this area? When does the stadium open before the game (at 1 PM)? We're planning on getting a hotel within walking distance, so we won't need a parking pass. Anyone have any hotel recommendations within walking distance? We are low maintenance, so don't need to stay at the Hilton or anything. Just a comfy bed and not getting shot is good enough for us. Thanks in advance for the help.

[bojanglesman]

So to update (and bump),

I'm not as excited about these tickets as I was 2 months ago for obvious reasons, but dammit I'm going anyway. Ain't that some shit, we're 3-0 when I buy tickets, then proceed to lose 6 out of 7.

We have a hotel at the Hampton Inn in the Meadowlands. I hear you can walk from there to the stadium, but you'd be risking your life crossing the highway. Apparently the hotel has a free shuttle to the game, but not back. I guess I'll just cab it back to the hotel unless anyone can think of any better options.

I'll be coming from Virginia, so I hope the traffic isn't too bad. I guess the gates open about 2 hrs prior to game time. My wife an I might be the only ones other than the team at this game since everyone seems to be over the losing. Oh well. At least the weather's supposed to be good.

[Chrisp22]

At this point, get there early, soak up the scene and enjoy the game. You are on the shady side of the field so it will be a bit cooler.

[bojanglesman]

Thanks man, I'll pack a bigger coat for the shade. Headed out this afternoon. My wife bought me a new Jets hat, so you'll be able to easily identify me on TV. I'll be the guy wearing a Jets hat. There shouldn't be many of those. :wink:

Hopefully we'll get to see a Jets win or maybe at least a storming of the field in protest if we lose again. :beer:

[bojanglesman]

We had a great time at the game, except for the ridiculous traffic getting to and from NJ. It was great to experience the game firsthand. Totally different than watching it on TV. Some parts better, some parts worse. I will have to say that I gained respect for what these guys do on the field. Television makes it look easier than it is.
I sat in front of this fat nerd who looked like a computer programmer. He was flipping out when Sanchez threw the INT. His veins were bulging and he was screaming at him as if he were right in front of him. I thought he was going to have a heart attack. The best part was that everyone around him was laughing at him and making fun of him the more pissed he got.
Sat next to some guy in a Browns jersey. It was a Braylon Edwards jersey, but not sure what he was going for there.
I had a great time, but if I ever go again, I'm flying. A 6 hour trip took almost 10 hours.