Considering Canalside/Party in the Plaza for Game 7 - Any advice?

[Jävə Keith]

I am thinking about making the drive up and taking my entire family (or just my wife if it is too much for the kids to handle) to experience Game 7 as a community.

Never been, so I would value any advice or at least sharing your experience to better understand the situation.
Can you bring anything in?  I assume no on food/beverages/lawn-chairs.  What about blankets to sit on (and a bag to carry it with)?
I can see that up front against the screen is a bit of a mosh pit and too much for my family, but what about  further back?  

Best time to arrive? Where to park? Normally I would go early to get good parking and viewing spot on the plaza, but I am worried that my kids/family don't have the same endurance I have for waiting and watching (not to mention my wife is not thrilled about the idea of mass crowd port-a-potties).

Most importantly, how about the game viewing experience?  Is the quality of the screen visibility and sound good?  The purist in me is wondering if I should just stay in my home bunker, locked in for premium focused viewing/sound, but I really don't want to miss out on experiencing a playoff Game 7 with the Buffalo community masses.

Any input/advice would be greatly appreciated.

The anticipation for Game 7 tonight is killing me.

Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

JFG

[Derrico]

I was there for Game 1 of the playoffs and there were two large screens.  The one screen which has the cameras for the broadcast panning to the crowd was packed and ‘mosh pit’ style but the other one was much more ‘family friendly’ if you will.  It was an excellent atmosphere but was raining / hailing the last half hour.  Tonight looks like beautiful weather.  It was a blast enjoying the moment with fellow Sabres fans and the community.  I can’t remember all of the restrictions but pretty sure you’re limited to only bringing a small bag (similar to the arena).  Not sure about blankets tho.  Hope you make it there with your family.