Buffalo Bills fans united on Saturday evening and early Sunday morning, rallying to clear the stadium in anticipation of the 4:30 game. They diligently shoveled large piles of snow from the seats and pathways, while plows worked in tandem to tackle the snow in the parking lot.
IT’S OFFICIALLY SUPER WILD CARD GAME DAY!!!@FDSportsbook | #PITvsBUF pic.twitter.com/vE1bThA3Ey
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 15, 2024
Originally planning to host the Steelers in an AFC wild-card playoff game on Sunday afternoon, the severe winter weather across Western New York led to a travel ban, a state of emergency, and ultimately a postponement.
However, Bills fans decided to turn the situation into a fun and memorable experience. Among them was Eric Shields, who captured a viral video on TikTok featuring an energetic Bills fan sliding down a snow chute.
“The guy was like, ‘Oh, I’m going to go.’ And then another guy’s like, ‘Oh, take your shirt off!’ And he’s like, ‘Alright,’ and took his shirt off, ” Shields stated, sharing the amusing incident with As It Happens host Nil Köksal.
@cbsnews The Buffalo Bills recruited members of the community to shovel the stadium on Sunday, and they had fun in the process. The Bills-Steelers playoff game was postponed to Monday due to weather conditions. #news #buffalobills #snow ♬ original sound – cbsnews
The dedicated individuals who braved the snowstorm to clear the stadium were compensated with $20 per hour, along with complimentary hot cocoa and food, including the relatively expensive chicken fingers that are a game staple.
The workers, alongside the stadium crew, toiled tirelessly throughout Saturday and Sunday, clearing over 60 centimeters of snow that had accumulated over the weekend. Despite their efforts, the game was rescheduled for Monday due to the persistent weather challenges.
“We would shovel by sections, and by the time we got to the next section, we would look over at the section that we had just shoveled, and it was already covered. So, I mean, all of our work was for naught, but it’s better than letting it sit here and pile up.” Shields said.
On Monday morning, the team once again sought assistance from fans. Brandon Brummert, who drove 90 miles from Rochester, N.Y., exemplified the dedication.
“It’s beautiful out now. Thank God the wind’s not kicking. If the wind was kicking in, it would be brutal right now with blowing snow,” Brummert stated.
Best fans in the world!
All the love for Bills Mafia. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/gBnsohgp3z
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 16, 2024
While the field was successfully cleared by game time, most seats remained covered in snow. Fans who couldn’t sit either stood, removed snow from their seats, or opted for a seat on the snow-covered stands.
Clearing the stadium in winter has been a longstanding tradition for Buffalo residents and Bills fans. For some, like Shields, it’s a reminiscent act, having done it as a teenager.
“You’re a Bills fan. It’s all part of the deal,” Bob Isaacs, a 62-year-old fan, emphasized.
