ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo Bills released an updated statement Tuesday after several reports emerged on the possibility of fans being allowed at home games this season.
In a tweet the Bills said "we’re still working hard to be ready when we can welcome the best fans in the world back to Bills Stadium. Hope to see you soon, #BillsMafia."
In a statement the team said "as of today, there has been no change to those protocols and fans will not be able to attend home Bills games for the foreseeable future."
We’re still working hard to be ready when we can welcome the best fans in the world back to @BillsStadium.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 29, 2020
Hope to see you soon, #BillsMafia. pic.twitter.com/2gBWTRstZl
7 Eyewitness News confirmed on September 21, following the Buffalo Bills win over the Miami Dolphins in Florida, team officials examined how the Dolphins "planned and executed" having fans in the stands at Hard Rock Stadium as a model for Orchard Park.
The Dolphins had 13,000 seats available for fans, and according to Peter King of Pro Football Talk, only 11,075 seats were purchased.
Hard Rock Stadium made many changes to allow fans into the stadium including:
- Mask requirements for anyone over 2-years-old
- No tailgating
- Assigned gate entry with timed entry
- New metal detectors
- Elimination of cash at concession stands
During the game Sunday in Orchard Park against the Los Angeles Rams, although no fans were allowed inside, screens showed signs asking for social distancing and having parties stay together.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said Monday he had a call with key stakeholders Tuesday to discuss allowing fans in the stands for the next Bills home game.
