OT: Going to the Raiders Game

[420jim]

I live out west and a friend has tickets to the Pats @Raiders. I know little about Oakland and have no first hand knowledge about "Raider Games".

I know how to keep cool and get along, I'm just looking to get some thoughts and opinions. I plan on posting about the trip when I get back. I haven't gone to I Patriot game in years, so this is going to be a blast.

 

[Disco Volante]

Cross dressing will help you fit in with the locals.

 

[Tunescribe]

If you're feeling ballsy, wear your Patriots gear. It's the only way to really know how visiting fans are received (or not). I had a lousy experience in San Diego, a good one in Seattle -- wore a Pats jacket and hat both places.

 

[jbb9s]

A couple things. If you are going out the night before or the night of the game or whatever, please consider this map:

Homicides in Oakland 2007/2008

Also, if you are around and going out for good eats in SF, consider

Breakfast

Dotties True Blue Café – tiny place – absolutely amazing – long line starts before they open – not too touristy compared to the others…Jones St in “tenderloin” – that’s west of financial district and south of Russian Hill

Mamas – Washington Square Park in North Beach – amazing place – cash only – try the dungenous crab eggs benedict – get there early

Sears – on Union Sq – if you ask your concierge where to go, this is the spot he will most likely recommend – pretty good but def. in the heart of the tourist shopping – get the silver dollar pancakes

Curly’s – this place is close to Mamas and is a good alternative. This is a good blue collar spot but you could be in anytown USA. However, - quick hearty meal. This is around Green and Taylor.

Lunch/Dinner

Gourmet Pizza and Italian - Tomasso’s – good authentic Italian and not too touristy like the rest of North beach Tommaso's Italian Restaurant | Pizza, Pasta and Italian Specialties

Sodinis – this is my absolute favorite – its on Grant and Green in North Beach – get the house carafe and the seafood linguine in the rose cream sauce. Then go across the street for drinks at “Grant and Green”

Za – really good pizza – pizza in this city is about 25 bucks a pie so don’t get too shocked. Classic place though right on the trolley car route on Union……

Frascatti – best restaurant in the city probably – Mediterranean – on the cable car route that you may take from Union Sq or Fisherman’s Warf

Betel Nut – this is to the west of North Beach in a neighborhood called Cow Hollow or possibly considered Marina. Its out on Union Street which is a nice neighborhood to walk around in. This place is Asian –Fusion and has some good entrees.

Allegro Romano – this is in my neighborhood and is at Broadway and Jones. If you are bringing the wife, go here. Reservations required. Probably one of the smallest restaurants I have been in – probably 6 or 8 tables – just when you call ask for Lorenzo and he will set you up. Really top notch.

Salt House – if you are looking to drop some dough, check it out. Its pretty well known as one of the best restaurants here. Also Boulevard which is right on Embarcedero is pretty fancy.

If you want a good steak, check out Izzy’s in the Marina District. Also a very good place to go out afterwards is nearby called The Horseshoe

Polkers – best burgers in the city. On “polk corridor” around Polk Street and Green. Very good place to go out afterwords.

In & Out Burger – gotta go – in Fisherman’s warf down by the hotels on the water on the north side of the peninsula.

Not recommended:

House of Prime Rib on Van Ness – if you want a cheesy 70s styled steak house, go here.

Burgermeister- multiple around the city – horrible and overpriced

Beach Chalet – out by the ocean and the end of GG park. A tourist trap in my opinion.

Bars

The Buc (Bucaneer) – Boston Bar – lots of Patriots fans will be their the night before. This place is packed for the games. Its across the street from Polkers (above). Very good place to watch the Red Sox game on Friday night if you are in town.

Shang Hi Kellys – good bar – good people – problem is it’s a Pittsburgh Steeler’s bar….but also a Red Sox bar – good place to watch the ALDS. Broadway and Polk

Vusidio – on Broadway and Columbus – close to gentlemen’s club and good spot

Cigar Bar – very very good place – on the southern edge of north beach but basically in the financial district close to the Trans America Building. Want to say its on Montgomery south of Broadway. Classic place with a good latin band and killer Mohitos. Probably a 7 or 10 dollar cover on a Friday

LaRoccas’ – Columbus and Filbirt(?). Basically close to Fisherman’s Warf where some of you will probably be staying so just be there. One of my favorites.

330 Ritch – the is in the SoMa down by the AT&T park – good neighborhood but don’t get lost down there latenight

500 Club – dive bar in Mission District – good spot if you are checking out Dolores Park

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

A couple things. If you are going out the night before or the night of the game or whatever, please consider this map:

Homicides in Oakland 2007/2008

But don't stress. Like with any city random shooting are rare.

Most folks who are murdered are murdered by family, friends, rivals or business associates.

Even murders are reported as random burglaries are more often than not drug deals gone wrong.

Stay out of bad sections of town particularly after dark but not go insane.

 

[PATRIOT64]

Have never been to Oakland or any NFL stadium for that matter but from what I have read,the Raiders stadium for visitors ranks up in the top 5 for worst experiences and a hostile environment for visitors just ranked Below Philadelphia,JETS/Giants,Cleveland and San Diego

If you wear Pats gear,stay close to the security guys,You may need them.

 

[SoCal Bong]

Look for about 40 Pats fans in section 148 (Pats sideline, lower level near the end zone to the left if you are facing the field) and see this thread for info about our off-site tailgate party.


http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...roll-call-oakland-12-14-08-a.html#post1201491

Think Robert and Jonathon Kraft might come out again? I can't say...

 

[102 Pat]

Is it really that bad to go to a Pats/Jets game in New York? My wife wants to go to New York next year and I was thinking/hoping it could be the around the time of a game.

 

[Tunescribe]

Is it really that bad to go to a Pats/Jets game in New York? My wife wants to go to New York next year and I was thinking/hoping it could be the around the time of a game.

No, Green Beans fans don't get physical. They know their franchise sucks and that they're idiots. I've gone there numerous times and never had a problem.

Have never been to Oakland or any NFL stadium for that matter but from what I have read,the Raiders stadium for visitors ranks up in the top 5 for worst experiences and a hostile environment for visitors just ranked Below Philadelphia,JETS/Giants,Cleveland and San Diego

If you wear Pats gear,stay close to the security guys,You may need them.

Never been to the Eagles or Browns, but can vouch for the fact that San Diego fans suck terribly.

 

[signbabybrady]

Is it really that bad to go to a Pats/Jets game in New York? My wife wants to go to New York next year and I was thinking/hoping it could be the around the time of a game.

I have been to the Meadowlands several times and had no problems. Of course I am a pretty big dude and usually roll with some pretty big guys too.

At some point I would like to see a game in the Black Hole but Oakland isn't on the top of my list of cities o visit. San Fran was a nice city to visit earlier this year and if I do Oakland I will stay there again.

To those going have fun, route hard, and come out with a win.

 

[420jim]

Thanks for the input everyone, I haven't decided if I'm going to wear my Bruschi jersey yet, though I am taking it. I can handle some flack I'll get by going to enemy territory, and I know not to antagonize.

Jbb9s, thanks for the post, I’ll print it out and bring that with us and use it as a guide.

SoCal, I’m not sure where we are, Dwayne said he got tickets and I really didn’t care where. So, we’ll try to find you, but I don’t think he’s been there either. Its going to be two foreigners in a foreign land having a good time.

Again, thank you for all your input…

JIM

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Wear your Bruschi jersey, keep your mouth shut when some a-hole calls you a dirty word, root when the Pats make a play but don't shove it in the faces of the fans around you and you'll be fine. It's not that hard, yet I've seen way too many fans not get this.

Of course you're going to hear it for wearing Pats gear, usually just "Booo!" or "Pats suck!", but there are always jerks who take it up a notch and start calling you p-word-for-cat or other not-so-nice names. Let it go. Do not flip them off. Don't start shouting back names. If you get into it verbally with them, it will escalate, you're outnumbered and if security does get involved, you'll get the boot even if you're in the right just because it's the path of least resistance for them.

When the Pats score (often, as I hope this Sunday), enjoy the moment but don't start pointing to everyone around you while yelling "Take that, Chokeland!" See above for how it will play out.

Regards,
Chris

 

[apple strudel]

I live out west

We already know.

If you head up to Berkeley grab a Fat Slice or a Top Dog (how I miss Top Dog). Or try Cafe Intermezzo for great healthy food (huuuge delicious salads). Durant Cafe is good for breakfast, too. Note: this is all collegiate fare, but still good. If you're really fancy, try out Chez Panisse. Don't miss Amoeba records if you care about music at all. It's the best record store I've ever been to. This is all kind part of the tourist Berkeley agenda, but it's still worth it. Telegraph street vendors suck, ignore them if they're out.

If you go to the city, do not go to the Stinking Rose no matter what you do. Pure crap tourist trap.

 

[apple strudel]

As for the game, I wouldn't wear Pats gear. I've never been to a Raiders game though, and most Raiders fans I knew were essentially cool with you if you're cool with them. But tens of thousands of them in a stadium and their team sucks? I wouldn't chance it.

 

[signbabybrady]

Thanks for the input everyone, I haven't decided if I'm going to wear my Bruschi jersey yet, though I am taking it.

I would wear a different player if I were you. I know up in Buffallo they were tired of all the hype he got after the Stroke and gave him more crap than any other player.

 

[Kontradiction]

Be careful. I've been to a Raiders game before and it's more hardcore out there than any other stadium I've ever been to. And the game I went to wasn't even a Pats game. Most of their fanbase is still sore after 2001 so where your Pats gear at your own risk (the risk of getting into a big fist fight).

 

[TealSox]

But don't stress. Like with any city random shooting are rare.

Most folks who are murdered are murdered by family, friends, rivals or business associates.

Even murders are reported as random burglaries are more often than not drug deals gone wrong.

Stay out of bad sections of town particularly after dark but not go insane.

There was a shooting last year in parking lot D. Don't think the person made it and I think that is the reason that the security is higher at the entry gates into the stadium. I think you have a better chance of getting stabbed while sporting Patriots gear.

 

[TealSox]

Wear your Bruschi jersey, keep your mouth shut when some a-hole calls you a dirty word, root when the Pats make a play but don't shove it in the faces of the fans around you and you'll be fine. It's not that hard, yet I've seen way too many fans not get this.

Of course you're going to hear it for wearing Pats gear, usually just "Booo!" or "Pats suck!", but there are always jerks who take it up a notch and start calling you p-word-for-cat or other not-so-nice names. Let it go. Do not flip them off. Don't start shouting back names. If you get into it verbally with them, it will escalate, you're outnumbered and if security does get involved, you'll get the boot even if you're in the right just because it's the path of least resistance for them.

When the Pats score (often, as I hope this Sunday), enjoy the moment but don't start pointing to everyone around you while yelling "Take that, Chokeland!" See above for how it will play out.

Regards,
Chris

Agreed with everything here. I live in CA, so I go to Raider games all the time. I'll be there on Sunday as well and out of respect for my friend (season ticket holder), I won't be sporting Pats gear.

I was at the Sunday night game in 2002 and fellow Pats fans were harrassed all game long. The ones in front of me even left early because of the heckling. I didn't leave early, but I was trying to mix in with the crowd so I could enjoy the game. At the Chargers game this year, I refused to leave. I just don't take Charger fans seriously. In SF, the 9er fans are so easy going that they just have fun with it.

Another thing, it is going to be raining heavy at the game this weekend. Wear water-proof clothing if you want to stay dry. I'm assuming drinking will be at a minimum so crazy, Raider violance will be rather tame as well.

I'm taking the BART just to avoid the parking lots as a whole, but there is a questionable decision since you are packed like a sardine with a bunch of Raider fans that hate Patriot fans and Brady.

Your going to be heckled. They are going to cuss you out and they want you to respond so they have a reason to take out their aggression. If you are going to respond, make sure your in a spot that police generally have a presence.

The stadium is one of the worst in the league. Getting in and out is a pain.

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

I would wear a different player if I were you. I know up in Buffallo they were tired of all the hype he got after the Stroke and gave him more crap than any other player.

Thats Buffalo. His come back game was @ Buff and the coverage of it during the game was in the opinion of the Bills fans was overdone. If I was a Bills fan I would agree with them.

 

[Fanfrom1960]

Agreed with everything here. I live in CA, so I go to Raider games all the time. I'll be there on Sunday as well and out of respect for my friend (season ticket holder), I won't be sporting Pats gear.

I was at the Sunday night game in 2002 and fellow Pats fans were harrassed all game long. The ones in front of me even left early because of the heckling. I didn't leave early, but I was trying to mix in with the crowd so I could enjoy the game. At the Chargers game this year, I refused to leave. I just don't take Charger fans seriously. In SF, the 9er fans are so easy going that they just have fun with it.

Another thing, it is going to be raining heavy at the game this weekend. Wear water-proof clothing if you want to stay dry. I'm assuming drinking will be at a minimum so crazy, Raider violance will be rather tame as well.

I'm taking the BART just to avoid the parking lots as a whole, but there is a questionable decision since you are packed like a sardine with a bunch of Raider fans that hate Patriot fans and Brady.

Your going to be heckled. They are going to cuss you out and they want you to respond so they have a reason to take out their aggression. If you are going to respond, make sure your in a spot that police generally have a presence.

The stadium is one of the worst in the league. Getting in and out is a pain.

Actually, you can park at the BART station free, which we do for A's - Red Sox games all the time. Probably need to get there early because of the larger crowds for football games though. It's just a 10 minute walk from the BART parking lot to the Mauseleum. A's fans are really laid back, but I guess that doesn't apply to Raider fans. Have a good time to all going. Go Pats!