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 by LARams_1963
3 years 9 months ago
 Total posts:   1194  
 Joined:  Aug 04 2016
United States of America   North Port, FL
Pro Bowl

ziggy wrote:I also never saw an 'empty' bar like the depicted. However, I didn't find SOFI all that hard to navigate. There's just a couple of areas near the VIP sections (both sides) that are closed off. Mostly around the 50 yard 100/200/300s sections. If you head up (or down) the escalators at either goal line there are two 'levels' that have large concessions area. Those all seem accessible to everyone.

Also, I'm thinking about opening a SOFI account (its a phone app/banking thing). That will allow access to the 'SOFI' lounge which also has a bar. I kind of hope they get rid of it, since the way they set up the SOFI lounge actually cuts off walking access to a corner of SOFI (sort of across the way from "The Equipment Room" -- the main memorabilia store at SOFI.)
I hadn't thought about going up to the 400 level. Looks like there's a bar right above us!! We will give it a shot Sunday! Thanks. Also Thanks to @Nick Douglas for the great map! I saw the map of the 300 level once before, but not the 400/500 levels.

 by Mr. Sparkle
3 years 9 months ago
 Total posts:   989  
 Joined:  Nov 28 2017
United States of America   Orange County Ca.
Veteran

LARams_1963 wrote:Guess I'm really gonna have to look harder this week. Far as I can tell we have NOTHING like this bar around our section (301... home side goal line) There is one 2 sections towards the 50 from ours but us lowly peasants aren't allowed to partake. When I asked our rep if there was a bar/lounge available to us he said sadly..NO. As far as your statement I bolded... I'm glad your experience was good. That doesn't mean others was good.


I hope everyone's experience will get better and I am sure it will. My mentality was it was going to be a mess for an entire season. This isnt my first BBQ and I just know something as complex as this takes time to get everyone trained, including the fans. And as I said, I really am an easy person to please. I make any situation fun, or attempt to! Not always successful.
Ill try to take some more pictures this weekend. But going up a level may help as I tried to show in my picture above that there are several drink areas that never had a line near me.
Actually saw a funny sight too where there was a big line for the "family restroom". Those are private ones. But right around the comer was the normal one wide open. I don't think some people knew?

 by LARams_1963
3 years 9 months ago
 Total posts:   1194  
 Joined:  Aug 04 2016
United States of America   North Port, FL
Pro Bowl

Mr. Sparkle wrote:I hope everyone's experience will get better and I am sure it will. My mentality was it was going to be a mess for an entire season. This isnt my first BBQ and I just know something as complex as this takes time to get everyone trained, including the fans. And as I said, I really am an easy person to please. I make any situation fun, or attempt to! Not always successful.
Ill try to take some more pictures this weekend. But going up a level may help as I tried to show in my picture above that there are several drink areas that never had a line near me.
Actually saw a funny sight too where there was a big line for the "family restroom". Those are private ones. But right around the comer was the normal one wide open. I don't think some people knew?
Yeah I definitely understand growing pains thing. I had a nice long talk with my rep about issues. Hopefully we'll see some improvements! Give me a holler if you wanna meet for a beer pregame in that 400 bar above 301!

Greg

714 519-7693

 by DirtyFacedKid
3 years 9 months ago
 Total posts:   974  
 Joined:  Oct 28 2016
United States of America   San Clemente
Veteran

LARams_1963 wrote:Yeah I definitely understand growing pains thing. I had a nice long talk with my rep about issues. Hopefully we'll see some improvements! Give me a holler if you wanna meet for a beer pregame in that 400 bar above 301!

Greg

714 519-7693


Not to crash the party, but I'm definitely gonna check it out as well. :D

 by Hacksaw
3 years 9 months ago
 Total posts:   24523  
 Joined:  Apr 15 2015
United States of America   AT THE BEACH
Moderator

Those look like some nice round tots.

 by Mr. Sparkle
3 years 9 months ago
 Total posts:   989  
 Joined:  Nov 28 2017
United States of America   Orange County Ca.
Veteran

DirtyFacedKid wrote:Not to crash the party, but I'm definitely gonna check it out as well. :D

Cool! Ill give you a text. Actually the bars are closer to the end zones. I'm pretty sure those are them on this map along with some smaller Beer Only vendors that I have not seen a line at. Again, only been to two pre season games but from hearing what other people are saying, these may be the way to go for now.
I'm also going to try to go to the tailgate area which I have never done. Been told to just show up with cash. I'll see how it goes not knowing anyone there.
Attachments
Bars.JPG

 by LARams_1963
3 years 9 months ago
 Total posts:   1194  
 Joined:  Aug 04 2016
United States of America   North Port, FL
Pro Bowl

DirtyFacedKid wrote:Not to crash the party, but I'm definitely gonna check it out as well. :D
I'll give you a shout when we get there ;)

 by St. Loser Fan
3 years 9 months ago
 Total posts:   10889  
 Joined:  May 31 2016
United States of America   Saint Louis MO
Hall of Fame

The closest stand is not always the fastest: especially at a new venue. Explore and find the somewhat less obvious spot that might be a further walk.

Also figure out where the vender/hawker restock rooms are. If there's one close or semi-close to your seats catch the guys on the way out as they head to their positions.

2 or 3 minutes of walking can save 5, 10, 15 minutes of line standing time.

 by RedAlice
3 years 9 months ago
 Total posts:   6781  
 Joined:  Aug 07 2015
United States of America   Seattle
Hall of Fame

LARams_1963 wrote:I'll give you a shout when we get there ;)


I am in that kinda area for the Tampa game - same end zone, just on the lower level. Would definitely like to meet up with you guys in whichever lounge/bar you select.

 by LARams_1963
3 years 9 months ago
 Total posts:   1194  
 Joined:  Aug 04 2016
United States of America   North Port, FL
Pro Bowl

RedAlice wrote:I am in that kinda area for the Tampa game - same end zone, just on the lower level. Would definitely like to meet up with you guys in whichever lounge/bar you select.
Absolutely!!!! We will plan accordingly!! :P

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165 posts Jul 06 2025