Loading ...Not everyone has been able to claim that they’ve had the benefit of attending a New York Giants home game. Some never make it to a game, period. How many are (sometimes) brave enough to make plans and do a Big Blue road game? No matter where one does choose to travel to, there will be some form of animosity for the Giants fan who is "All In" – there’s just different levels.
Some examples:
Tampa Bay (Raymond James Stadium) is more of a Disney-like attraction with the animated Buccaneer ship and multiple characters walking around, one doesn’t feel much in the way of intimidation. Maybe it’s worse for NFC South rivals.
Jacksonville’s Alltel Stadium/Ever Bank Stadium is slightly worse. If the stadium is half to three-quarters full. Almost everyone has heard the “Black Hole” in Oakland. Although fearful-looking, many stories are of being embraced as a football fan first. Passionate bunch there.
Same goes for Indianapolis. Colts fans are pretty friendly and have been known to buy drinks.
One would think that Cowboys Stadium would be a rough go for the die-hard blue fan, but the reports are of a happy, club-like atmosphere where the trash talk is sub-par.
Lastly, recent accounts from Giants fans that trekked to Wisconsin were of a very hospitable tailgating (some were invited into Packers fans’ homes), game and (believe it or not) post-game experiences. Giants fans, for the most part, were congratulated in quite the sportsmanlike manner. Old school respect.
Many local Big Blue fans who, at the very least, tailgate in the Meadowlands know the local atmosphere. Since shortly after 1976, Game Day is like another day of work in order to make it as enjoyable (as well as memorable) as possible pre-game. Rituals are at stake. Sometimes, this does include crackin’ on the opposing team’s fans. How hard depends on what team is being played that day (or what team that fan is representing—some folks decide to wear jerseys of players/teams not even playing that game), the other fan’s response, and the level of disdain for their colors, players, coach, etc. – oh, and possible alcohol intake.
Few times in the recent past, Giants Stadium has been referred to as hostile territory, but less often than one would think for the region.
Everyone has their own stories and most of them have a list of correlating factors, many of which can change in the blink of an eye—biggest one being what actually plays out (no pun intended) on the field. The pure fanatic’s emotions dictate immediate action. Basic inertia has no place inside the stadium, so when an opposing/ outside force is added to this “mass”, yeah, that action and experience is going to change.
That’s where Part II comes in…
Also…
- Be sure to "like" Giants 101 on Facebook and to follow Giants 101 on Twitter
- Get your tickets to meet Brandon Jacobs at "The Man Show" January 29th
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- It’s Time for New York Giants Fans to Stop Crying Over Steve Smith and Kevin Boss
- New York Giants’ Terrell Thomas Issues Heartfelt Message to Big Blue Fans
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Want to talk about all in?
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-giants-fan-joe-ruback-spent-12-000-tickets-sunday-nfc-championship-game-san-francisco-49ers-eats-sleeps-breathes-big-blue-article-1.1008995
What a story! Thanks for posting it Turkish! I hope the guy can get out today. Lot’s of snow here!
Philly. Going to the Linc is by far and away the worst experience. My business partners are season ticket holders and ask me to go to the GIANTS game every year. I decline.
First of all, you can’t wear GIANTS gear unless you want to miss most of the game being heckled. That’s awful. I remember seeing a dad and his daughter and fans were shouting whore and c@#$ at her. Seriously? At the same game I saw a woman in her 50′s sitting in an aisle seat with her legs straight up in the air screaming “give me a pap smear doc!” That was just sad. Obviously she was trashed.
This is at most Philadelphia sporting venues. It just gets worse. I’m sure all of you saw that Rangers fan who was beaten after the winter classic by a few full grown meatheads. Honestly, the Linc is the worst which is why I just head north at least once a year to see the GIANTS at home.
I think fandom and enthusiasm are admirable traits ( and lots of fun), but the total loss of civility in today’s society in general seems to have manifested itself into the sports world. No longer is a football or baseball game a family affair.
And don’t ever wear a Giants shirt into Lincoln Financial Field or fear for your life!
Sad but true! Not sure what all the horror stories we read about fans being beat up says about us as a society?
Go Giants! Kill SF! ….lol!
I don’t see the Giants losing because our offense is just too powerful, whereas the 49ers’ is not. Here’s why the Giants win:
Alex Smith vs. Eli Manning – This one’s obvious. Alex Smith is no better than average, while Eli is a Super Bowl MVP who is capable of carrying this team on his back. People are lauding Alex Smith for his play against the Saints, but don’t forget the Saints have the third worst defense in the NFL. Plus, who would you want at the helm of the offense down 3 with a minute to play? ADVANTAGE GIANTS
Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter vs. Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, D.J. Ware – Gore and Hunter teamed up to make the 49ers the number 1 rushing team in the league this year, but Gore isn’t very healthy right now. Gore is the type of back we do well against, but I think that we struggle slightly against Hunter. He is one of those shifty backs we hate. I see him posting something like a 12 carry, 65 yards, 1 TD stat line. The Giants have been rushing well of late, but still struggle often to open up holes for Bradshaw, Jacobs, and Ware. I don’t see Jacobs having a good game because he doesn’t match up well against the 49ers D, but Bradshaw and Ware should have successful games. Maybe something like a 20 carry, 80 yard, 2 TD day from them combined. SLIGHT ADVANTAGE 49ERS
Henry Hynoski vs. Bruce Miller – Hynoski has really improved his blocking of late, and has become a great blocking fullback. Defenders don’t like to see him coming through the hole. And he has really come on with his pass-catching, and is a valuable weapon in the flats for Eli. Bruce Miller is pretty much the same, as everything I said for Hynoski applies to him. Watch out for him on wheel routes. EVEN
Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, Mario Manningham vs. Michael Crabtree, Kyle Williams, Brett Swain (assuming Ted Ginn Jr. is out, which is looking increasingly likely) – Again, this one’s obvious. Hakeem Nicks is extremely physical and is a nightmare for any cornerback. Not to mention his YAC ability and speed. Cruz is incredibly speedy and has unnatural leaping ability and great hands, and again his YAC ability is great. Manningham will blow past anyone the 49ers put on him with his great speed. Crabtree has not turned out to be what he was being touted as coming out of Texas Tech, and got a case of the dropsies last week, which coincidentally his first playoff game. Someone has a bad case of nerves? Kyle Williams is a speedy receiver with ok hands and ok route running. Nothing special. And since I assume Ted Ginn Jr. won’t play, Brett Swain must step in for him. I don’t even need to say anything about Brett Swain. ADVANTAGE GIANTS.
Jake Ballard, Travis Beckum vs. Vernon Davis – Ballard, a reliable TE with good hands and who doesn’t fumble, is a solid player who can occasionally make the great catch, but is as slow as a snail. He won’t outrun anyone, but is extremely valuable on 3rd down. His blocking has been solid. Beckum gets open about once a game if he’s in enough, and could be able to surprise the 49ers with a long touchdown by beating their safety or linebacker early, whichever is one him. Vernon Davis is a matchup nightmare, very physical and has great hands and good speed. He’s also a solid blocker. We need to watch out for him, cause he could very well decide this game as he is Alex Smith’s primary red zone target. ADVANTAGE 49ERS
Offensive Line (Giants) vs. Offensive Line (49ers) – The Giants O-line has struggled to open holes, but has improved recently. Is about a 6/7 out of 10 is pass protection and a 5/10 in run blocking. They need to control Justin Smith and Aldon Smith if they want to keep Eli on his feet. Kevin Boothe, David Baas, and David Diehl need to have strong games. The 49ers O-line is solid from what I know, and I’ll admit I don’t know much. But considering they gave up 44 sacks, I assume that they’re subpar in pass protection but very good in run blocking. Look for the Giants D-line to have a big game. SLIGHT ADVANTAGE GIANTS.
OVERALL ADVANTAGE GIANTS. Eli and the Gmen receivers are just too good, and I don’t think Alex Smith and Vernon Davis will be able to keep up alone. I see the Giants playing a solid game against the run, giving up about 90 yards. Crabtree needs to have a big game for the 49ers, which, under Corey Webster’s coverage, he won’t do. 49ers’ CBs will have trouble all day with Cruz, Nicks, and Manningham’s speed. The Giant rush for 90 yards and win this game 27-17.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGJtFoU1so0
Great video on the Giants.
I thought that was Skip Bayless at first, then I heard the F BOMBS and started laughing. Awesome video.
LOL same! Great video though.
I remember being a kid and HATING the 49ers and their front runner dynasty following. When I met Leonard Marshall at the 25th anniversary over the summer I brought up this hit and gushed about how happy it made me as a kid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAABWqhNvtg
Wow – so many articles to catch up on and great insight from writers and posters .
First , Jen I heard this morning that undercover cops were going to be at the game dressed as Giants fans . I think to get real atmosphere , they will have to be screaming for the Giants or it will look fake .
We all know that the big stars will have to produce , but Im going to say that
First Weatherford and also Tynes have to match SFs All Pro kickers . The Giants cant give away too much in field position . SF averages 50-60 yards a game more (I think thats the number ) on punts and kicks which is a tremendous advantage . I have no problem with Weatherfords length (as long as he doesnt shank it ) . Tynes gives me that gnawing feeling -which one will show up ? He had better be getting into the endzone on kickoffs .
I said this since hes been back but especially for a run oriented team like SF
Chase Blackburn has to have a great run stopping game to let Boley use his speed without having to worry too much about the run .
I am again all in with the Giants , I too dont see how they can lose 31-17
When all the fans think the Giants can’t lose, it scares me to death. Much too much confidence against a very good team. Think the Saints fans thought they couldn’t lose either?
Truth. I’m very nervous. Especially traveling all the way across the country. It’s going to be a tough game.
The Giants have gotten to this point of the season with a strong and improving game over the last few weeks .They did a great job on GB and it wasnt close .
So all I can say is what reassurances do you need to think that your team has a good chance of winning ?
I need Biff’s almanac.
Luckily, I’m sure TC isn’t letting the team get as cocky as the fans!
DEMO where are you? You’ve been awol for the last 3-4 days?
Did Kujo, Stoll, Stu or Starks-in-Tampa lobby Benton to put you in G101 timeout?
Did you throw out your back out trying to emulate the ankle grabbing line dance that was so prevalent on this site just 4-5 short weeks ago?
Did you suffer a concussion from TuckThis hitting you over the head with one of her many exclamation points?
Curious fans want to know.
man turk philly aint as bad as it talked bout. i go there almost every year and TAILGATE in my giants gear and some talk some dont. i talk trash as well but nothin ever happens to me. im tellin you the worst ive been heckled was this year in washington! they got to me. i was so mad! there were fights and everything.
Do you live in Philly?
Wow Washington huh….thanks for the heads up. All experiences are different. I will never wear my Giants gear at the Linc, which is why I just watch it from the couch. I just find the crowd at the Linc dangerous and distracting.
Philly’s rough…my sister went to college in Philly and walked into a bar wearing a Giants winter cap (she hates football, but someone gave it to her and she was cold) on a Sunday during the season the looks she got for the silly cap could have killed. She never made that mistake again.