Buffalo Bills Tailgating Madness at Highmark Stadium
The sun is shining this morning in Buffalo, New York as I wrap up an edition of Friday Screencaps before driving back around Lake Erie. It’s a whole different world compared to what I experienced in Orchard Park.
My mission from my boss was straightforward: ask questions, talk to people, and document the opening of the new Highmark Stadium. What I experienced was akin to the wild and unpredictable scenes some associate with street chaos in San Francisco.
Gameday in Buffalo is unique. I’ve attended major sports events across the U.S., but nothing compares.
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Bills Mafia members come in all shapes and sizes. They aren’t fazed by sights that might startle others, like a 400-pound fan moving casually around as if part of the local scene.
Adults gather at the iconic Pinto Ron and Pizza Pete tailgate spot in the Hammer Lot. There, goofy traditions unfold, like taking shots from a bowling ball before hurling it to the ground and blowing a vuvuzela. Ron’s crew hangs cherries above people’s faces, though not everyone indulges fully.
I assume the cherries are moonshine-soaked.
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Hundreds drink from the same bowling ball hole during the tailgate. Hygiene isn’t a priority; the liquor kills germs.
Pinto Ron and his crew cook directly on the hood of the famed Pinto in Buffalo. Bacon and hot dogs were on Thursday’s menu. The car is reportedly operational.
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Nearby, Lions fans have their base with Tubgaters, featuring a mobile hot tub on a trailer. According to the owner, the tub can heat to 115 degrees for cold nights.
Buffalo Bills games offer what some might call debauchery, but there’s civility. Free food and liquor are common. Friendliness abounds; one can leave with many new friendships.
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Buffalo Bills’ stadium is distinct in noise levels. Highmark Stadium is loud from entry, pregame music blares, in-game noise is deafening.
Concessions prices stand out. A featured couple spent $30 for domestic beer and beer horn at the Bills home opener.
- Two beers (16 oz)
- Two beer horns, with lids
- A bucket of popcorn
- A personal pizza
Other prices observed:
- Souvenir popcorn bucket: $19
- Dill pickle popcorn: $10
- Pierogies: $14
- Sweet Italian sausage sub: $14
- Order of chicken wings: $18
The stadium’s concourses reveal issues, particularly where beer horns sell. The 300 level escalator leaves fans queued extensively, leading to over an hour’s wait for beer.
Despite these concerns, fans view it worthwhile to witness star performances like Josh Allen’s. Enthusiasm overshadows the financial hit.
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Closing my Buffalo adventure to return home to Ohio. Buffalo’s hospitality left a lasting impression.
I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow.