Like many fans, I love attending Redskins games at FedEx Field, but also like many fans, I can not afford to attend many games. I have been lucky enough to attend a couple games each year, even winning tickets (as a direct result of my addiction to Redskins football).
So whether you buy or win tickets to the game, how can a regular, middle-class fan have the best time?
Here are a few tips for the working-man fan:
Bring Friends. You can still have fun if you attend alone, but like any event "the more, the merrier." Bringing friends allows you to not only enjoy great company to share memories with but also provides more support financially.
Choosing the best seats. Let's face it, ticket prices are high, and most of us can not afford the best seats, if we can afford to go at all. So, how do you get the most bang for your buck? I strongly suggest Club Section seats, as they offer the best concessions, bathrooms, and ease of getting into your seat, offering escalators to that level. On the Club Level you will also find several bars, great murals of Redskins history and Sean Taylor's locker. The Club Level also offers a 5th Quarter party that allows you to wait out the foot-traffic that follows the game. A little bit more for your ticket goes a long way. As far as the location of your actual seats, anywhere with an unrestricted view is pretty cool, but from 30yd line to 30yd line is ideal. Trust me, you would rather have a corner Club seat than a 30yd line nose-bleed. You will find that most ticket vendors have parking passes associated with Club tickets as well.
Check the weather. You have to plan for 6-8 hours of exposure to whatever weather is out there, plan wrong, and you will be miserable. Be sure to dress accordingly. A pocket poncho for wet weather is always a cheap insurance against a light rain.
Arrive very early. Lots generally open 4 hours before kick-off, but for big games they open even earlier. Arriving early assures you get to enjoy the full experience.
Parking. My first suggestion is to splurge on the Lot Parking pass. Almost any lot at Fedex is good, but price does seem to dictate ease getting in and out. If you chose to pay at a cash lot, expect to play $20-$30 and have to walk quite a bit to get to the field. Even most cash lots are tailgating friendly, but the Fedex lots always have a great crowd and are the prime tailgating location. Closer is always better.
Plan to Tailgate. FedEx offers perhaps one of the best environments for tailgating. Be sure to bring a couple chairs, some kind of shade, plenty of beverages, food, and a football. A great alternative to tailgating is splurging on the AAA Fan Club passes, which offer drink specials, a free deluxe buffet of game food, live music, and special appearances from the Cheerleaders and Alumni.
Grill-Friendly Environment. What is a good football game without some fresh-grilled grub? Fedex allows grilling. My only suggestion is to keep things kind of simple. Use a small grill, easily extinguished with water.
Get to Your Seats Early. For any first time visitor or in-frequent guest, FedEx Field can be a bit overwhelming. Get into the park early, locate your seats, and scout out your surroundings. Knowing where the bathrooms are and concessions saves time during the game. Besides, it is a great time to tour the stadium and take it all in.
Bring Spending Money. After all the costs involved in going to a game, to have any money left over is hard. Plan ahead and save some pocket money. Trust me, having an extra $20-$30 to spend will improve your visit to Fedex Field.
Follow the Rules. Every public venue has a personal conduct policy that, if breached, can get you thrown out or arrested. Be excited...cheer, yell, but do understand you are in public.
Learn Hail to the Redskins. Every time our team scored, be prepared to sing Hail to the Redskins. In years past, because of low scoring, you did not get to sing a lot, but with RG3 running that offense, you will be singing brother...so be ready and know the words.
Check Out the Comcast Sportsnet Gate. When the weather is good, you will find the guys from Comcast Sportsnet set up right outside the Comcast Sportsnet Gate. Great place to meet B Mitch or get yourself on camera for friends and family to see. They start broadcasting just after the game.
Getting an Player's Autograph. Well , unless you sprung for some expensive seats, getting any players autograph will take some work. Sometimes you can luck out if the Redskins Charitable Foundation has tables set up, as sometimes they bring in Alumni for fans. If you are serious about working for it, follow this link below for some great hints (thanks to www.extremeskins.com)...
http://www.extremeskins.com/showthread.php?327500-Question-about-FedEx-Field
Have Fun! Regardless of a Win or a Loss, you will find it hard not to have a blast.
For EVERYTHING else you need to know, visit the Stadium Guide to Fedex Field by clicking the link below....Hail to the Redskins!
http://www.redskins.com/fedexfield/stadium-guide.html
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