Bills delay fan assistance in clearing Highmark Stadium snow

Alaina Getzenberg, ESPNJan 14, 2024, 05:35 PM ET
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BUFFALO, N.Y. — While the Buffalo Bills will need help with snow extraction, requests for shovelers to drive to the stadium have been put on hold.

A travel ban remains in place for Orchard Park, where Highmark Stadium is located, and the surrounding areas, including downtown Buffalo, meaning only essential personnel are allowed on the roads.

The team had put out requests for assistance in shoveling the stadium ahead of their wild-card game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, which was rescheduled from Sunday afternoon to Monday at 4:30 p.m. ET because of the snowstorm in the region. The team has asked for local residents to follow officials’ requests to keep the roads clear and “not report to Highmark Stadium until further notice once the bans are lifted.” The team said it would communicate more information upon changes in weather and the bans.

We are asking snow shovelers to abide by the travel bans that are currently in place.

The timeframe to report to Highmark Stadium will be announced once bans are lifted: https://t.co/YuhDFtl0vN pic.twitter.com/CYPPXaA8Hp

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 14, 2024

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said that the game “will not be pushed back again.” Hochul also noted that people who are able to walk to the stadium are already helping clear snow.

“I would think by daylight hours [on Monday], it’ll be safe for people to drive there and bring their shovels,” Hochul said.

When there is heavy snow before games, the team often reaches out to the community for help in getting the stadium ready for a game, considering the snow is able to impact a significant amount of the open-air stadium. The team is offering to pay $20 an hour to help clear the snow, and “complimentary food and breaks will be provided throughout the shifts in a comfortable warm area.”

Shoveling shifts were also initially rescheduled to Sunday morning from Saturday night, but that was put on hold early Sunday because of the travel ban.

When the travel ban is lifted, everyone interested in helping must have proper photo identification, and those under the age of 18 must have working papers. The team encourages anyone interested in participating to dress warmly and bring a shovel if possible. Shovels will be provided for those who don’t have one.

People who were able to get to the stadium on foot Sunday had a bit of fun while working, including sliding down some of the snow removal equipment.

A winter storm warning remains in effect for Buffalo and surrounding areas, including Orchard Park, until 7 a.m. Monday. Snow continued to fall Sunday in some areas at a rate of 3 to 6 inches an hour, and there were wind speeds up to 50 mph reported, according to Hochul.