I the actions of drunken fans are blown out of proportion.    Yes, there are those that have too much "fun", but for the most part a tailgate party is just a communal gathering. Most games have 50 to 60 thousand in attendance, and the overwhelming majority are well behaved. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a few beers and most people know when to stop.

Ahh the tailgates!! The elaborate grilling (Technically it isn't barbeque!!!), picnic tables, tents, music, etc. make for a scene that is often better than the game deserves.

I can't speak for Buffalo, but in NJ the tailgate parties are confined to the expansive parking lot at Giants Stadium. To a much smaller extent, the same thing happens at soccer games there. While the attedance for soccer is miniscual as compared to football, I find it interesting because of the various ethnic communities that make up the fans. All sorts of goodies are thrown on grills and the smell is amazing.