Hello all 2,200+ NYC Bills fans!

It is finally here, the 2020 season kicks off for the Bills this Sunday at 1pm as they host the NJ Jets in Orchard Park at…the stadium. Does anybody really care what it’s called anymore? Rich Stadium and The Ralph will always be acceptable to me.

Four years ago when the Bills hired McDermott (and then Beane), I said it would take three years for them to turn this team around, results would start to pay off in Year 4 and we’d be legit Super Bowl contenders in Year 5. So here we are, Year 4, and anything less than a playoff win would be a disappointment. You know the defense is going to be solid as always, they have a legit shot at being a top 5. The offense certainly improved on paper with the additions of Diggs and Moss, but as I said last season, everything will come down to Josh Allen. He showed flashes of brilliance last season, he needs to make those flashes more common this year and minimize stupid mistakes. He’s going in with the same Coordinator and playbook and most of his weapons intact, along with some shiny new ones. He HAS to elevate his game and show everyone he was worth the high draft pick three years ago.

This season is clearly going to have its challenges, especially in Buffalo where the players literally feed off of the crowd. How will they not only handle a silent stadium, but opposing fans in other stadiums like Miami? Will having no pre-season games help or hurt? Can the NFL keep COVID off the sidelines? It’s going to be a fluid season I’m sure.

That said, all the outdoor seating for the game at Public House were filled almost immediately this week. The bar has been working hard getting things set up, if you haven’t seen the video we posted on social media, they have a huge projector setup outside and are adding multiple TVs. Like anything, I’m sure there will be a learning curve so I ask for everybody’s patience and understanding.

Most of all like my daughter used to say, you “Gotta follow the rules.” PLEASE DO NOT DO ANYTHING TO JEOPARDIZE THE EXPERIENCE FOR US THIS SEASON. It only takes one photo of people not wearing masks or social distancing to ruin everybody’s good time. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re visited by the SLA this Sunday, and there are undercover folks out there looking to take bars down. Don’t forget that we’re a bunch of Bills fans in Jets/Giants territory, we have a target on our backs. Be on your best behavior.

Please, follow all the rules set forth by the Public House staff. Wear a mask when not seated at your table. Respect social distancing and your fellow fans. Be on time. Show respect for everyone.

Also, there is a chance of rain this Sunday. We’re Bills fans, this is where I tell you to “D Up”, bring a pancho or something to wear just in case. You will not be permitted inside to avoid the rain. Just like a game at The Ralph you suck it up, and you drink your beer. Also, please arrive at your requested timeslot so the bar can most easily accommodate you.

Any questions or concerns let us know. Otherwise, I’m fired up to see a bunch of you on Sunday at noon. With indoor dining coming to NYC on September 30th, the bar will be offering additional seating inside seating starting in October for those interested. Details to come, and don’t forget RSVPs open up for next week on Monday at 11am.

Let’s go Buffalo!!!!!

Matt “Talkin’ Proud and fired up for some Bills football at Public House this Sunday” Kabel

Hello all 2,200+ NYC Bills fans!

I hope this email finds everyone safe and healthy. There’s a lot I want to say, but I have some important news to share and want to make sure I don’t overburden this email. Let’s just say I am so fired up for this season and to have a bit of normalcy return in these crazy times we’re in. I’ll write more next week, so onto the big stuff…

If you’re not aware, Public House temporarily shut their doors back in March with many other Manhattan restaurants and has remained closed until now. I even walked by it this week and was sad to see it boarded up. All offseason I’ve kept an open dialogue with the team there, and am excited to share that the restaurant WILL reopen next week and show Buffalo Bills games this season! Below are the details on how we will make that happen, however I feel very strongly that context needs to be added and I ask you to read the next few paragraphs and take them to heart.

Public House is only reopening for Buffalo Bills and Notre Dame football games. They are also going to try opening 1-2 other days in hopes they can attract some business. Anybody who has been there knows they are located in a heavily commercial district, which unfortunately is pretty desolate nowadays. They are taking on all of the risk, and are putting a not-so-insignificant financial investment behind it to make this happen. Why? Because they love us Bills fans and like us, they want to have some normalcy back and get some people back to work. For any of you who attended a game there last year, you know as well as I do that the bar is the perfect long-term location for our group. They are as excited as we are for this.

That said, they’ve currently secured city approval for 80-100 outdoor seating slots. They’re erecting a huge patio that will allow for social distance seating, including outdoor TVs. They are hiring security to ensure all social distancing guidelines are met, and to handle any other crowd control outside. They are adamant about following all NYS laws, guidelines and safety regulations, which we 100% approve of.

Public House cannot legally offer all-you-can-drink specials in the current climate. Therefore, the bar will be offering beer/cocktail specials and will have a football food menu. Due to the investment they are putting in, every seat will require a minimum $65 spend (+ tax/tip) per person. I know that will rankle some out there used to our previous specials, and trust me when I say I get it knowing these are tough times for many. However, I also know the bar is assuming all the risk in this, is putting people back to work and we are helping out a small business, in turn giving us fans a chance to watch what should be a damn good football team this season together on our local turf. I’m yielding to them on this one, they’ve had a tough year and I want to see this work out for everyone involved.

As for how reservations will be handled:

As with everything nowadays, things can change in a minute’s notice. We will do our best to keep you updated, and we have no idea what city/state regulations will be implemented or changed in the coming weeks. There’s always the chance of games being cancelled or rescheduled. I ask that everyone be patient and work with us this season to make this as enjoyable as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.

For those planning to RSVP on Monday, may the odds be ever in your favor!

Be safe, and GO BILLS!!!

Matt “talkin’ proud and can’t believe I’m gonna be back at Public House next week” Kabel

Hello all 2,200 NYC Bills Fans,

We hope this email finds all of you healthy and safe, wherever you are. First off, just remember that we’re all in this together, so if there’s anything you need, please let us know.

Second off, can I just say how much I love the Stefon Diggs trade? I mean, we needed a solid #1 receiver and we got one of the best ones that is going into his prime and has 4 years left on his deal. I usually HATE trading our top picks for drafts, but I agree with Beane that this is the one year that investing in a known commodity over a draft pick makes total sense.

Speaking of the NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills have reached out to us with an exclusive and pretty damn amazing opportunity. As you’ve probably heard, the entire Draft will be done digitally via webcams. The NFL is going to feature live feeds of fans watching the draft from around the country during the national broadcast that will be watched by millions of Americans.

Knowing how hard our city has been hit by COVID19, the Buffalo Bills are inviting our members to be their live representatives to the nation! They are looking or 15 members for Friday night, and 5 for Saturday night. Below are all of the details/requirements. PLEASE READ ALL DETAILS. If you want a spot and can abide by everything listed, please send me an email ASAP at mattkabel@gmail.com with the requested details/photo and I will add you to the list. Just let me know which day you can partake.

ALL RESPONSES MUST BE IN TO ME BY 10AM FRIDAY, APRIL 17th. You will receive more details if chosen.

DAY 1 (Thursday, April 23)

• Note: Though we currently don’t have a pick on Day 1, there is always a chance we may trade up. Additionally, the league has said that they will try to get teams without a pick on Day 1 on to the broadcast at some point. The league cannot promise, however, that every person and every club will make it on the broadcast, but they will do their best to make it happen.
• 15 Bills Backers willing to watch the entire broadcast (starting 60 minutes prior), in front of their computer tablet or phone from 7 – 11:30 p.m. ET
  • First name, last name, email address, phone number and headshot for each by noon on Friday, April 17th.
• These fans must also be available for a dress rehearsal with the league on Tuesday, April 21st. Timing is still being finalized on this, but I will share it as soon as possible.
• The fans must wear team gear the entire time.
• The fans must have a valid email address and internet access.
• The fans must follow CDC social distancing rules.

DAY 2 (Friday, April 24):

• 5 Bills Backers willing to watch the entire broadcast (starting 60 minutes prior), in front of their computer, tablet or phone from 6 – 11:30 p.m. ET
  • First name, last name, email address, phone number and headshot for each by noon on Friday, April 17th.
• These fans must be available for a dress rehearsal with the league on Wednesday, April 22nd. Timing is still being finalized on this, but I will share it as soon as possible.
• The fans must wear team gear the entire time.
• The fans must have a valid email address and internet access.
• The fans must follow CDC social distancing rules.

Matt “Talkin’ Proud and In This With All of You” Kabel

Hello all 2,200+ NYC Bills fans!

I’m just gonna come out and say it. I AM FIRED UP FOR NEXT SEASON. I’m not going to spend any time focusing on the Texans game, other than to thank the 400+ of you who showed up to watch it with us at Public House. There were clearly some bumps getting folks in which we’ll work through for next year, but other than that it was an awesome time outside of the loss.

Overall I’m ecstatic with the move to Public House. The venue is awesome, the staff were awesome, the management are awesome, the wings are awesome and it’s closer to Grand Central. I can’t thank them enough for taking us in this year. 

That said, 2020 is gonna be lit. As I posted all season, this was a good Bills team who I didn’t even have expectations of making the playoffs, saying it would be a building year towards being legit contenders next season. Securing a spot in the playoffs with two games to go exceeded my expectations. #mindblown

Anybody who bumped into me after the game could see me smiling ear-to-ear (I think some of you wanted to punch me). Listen, Josh Allen came a LONG way. Still has a way to go but the dude is 23 and you know damn well is gonna come prepared to kick ass in Training Camp. Almost the entire roster will be back. We’re $90 million under the cap and Beane has nailed the majority of his draft picks. The Patriots are no longer invincible, the Jets organization is a bit of a mess, and the Dolphins are going full-rebuild.

I mean, did you see Dion Dawkins article today:  https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/dion-dawkins-buffalo-bills-mafia

This team is close. They’re hungry, and they want revenge in 2020. The time is now, and the Bills are set to make a true deep-playoff run in the fall. So let’s enjoy this offseason knowing fall is gonna be off the hook.

Public House had a couple announcements they wanted us to share:

REMAINING GAMES
We will be offering the $40 and $55 specials for all the games leading up to the Super Bowl. We will also be offering a $60 premium open bar and unlimited wings for the Super Bowl. If Bills fans come in with their Bills gear, we’ll give them a free shot on us!

BEER PONG TOURNEY – SABRES TICKETS
Also, 3pm on Saturday the 18th, we will hosting a beer pong tournament.

• First place will get 2 tickets to the Sabres/Rangers game! It’ll be in the Bud Light suite which comes with unlimited beer and food.
• Second place, 1 hour open bar for the team and 10 of their friends to be booked on a later date.
• Third place, unlimited wine dinner for 2 on Wednesdays. 

We’ll be in touch soon about Sabres game and offseason events. Until then, let’s go Buffalo!!!

Matt “Talkin proud and fired up for the fall!” Kabel

Hello all 2,200 NYC Bills Fans!

If you can believe it, tomorrow is only the SECOND Bills playoff game we’ve hosted in 17 years of the current NYC Buffalo Bills Backers (thanks Russ Brandon) and the first one at our new home. Public House says their phones have been ringing off the hook all week with Bills fans confirming the game will be on, with even some fans traveling here from Buffalo to watch it! We’re expecting a big crowd, so are making appropriate changes to get as many Bills fans in without sacrificing service. if you didn’t read the email I sent earlier in the week please do so now by clicking HERE.

In summary:

• No stools/chairs/tables tomorrow – This is a standing game as it would be at any playoff game in Buffalo!
• All booths have been sold out
• $55 bracelet purchase is REQUIRED (includes beer/popular spirits, house wine, wings)
  • Kids enter free
• There will be added bars and wing stations
• Sabres game will be televised starting at 1pm – $4 Blues/Molsons
• If you want a good spot, get there EARLY

Being our first playoff game at Public House please bear with everyone, we’ll be sure to implement any learning towards the next playoff game (the following week).

See you tomorrow!

LET’S GO BUFFALO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt “Talkin’ Proud & Can’t believe tomorrow is the playoffs!” Kabel