Tag: bills stadium

How safety protocol impacts the Rams ahead of trip to Bills

Buffalo Bills’ Week 3 opponents, the Los Angeles Rams, have new safety precautions in place affecting their pre-game travel schedule.

The ongoing coronavius pandemic in the United States has taken its toll on several aspects of the 2020 NFL season, and has done so for the past several months. Most recently, stadiums are not filling up with fans yet, and now the Bills’ upcoming opponent, the Los Angeles Rams, have run into a new issue with their travel plans ahead of their trip to Orchard Park in Week 3. 

Prior to the NFL’s schedule release each year, teams can make a request to have cross-country games on back-to-back weeks. In the case of the Rams, they requested that the league’s schedule-makers put the Eagles and Bills next to each other on their schedule. That happened, as the Rams beat the Eagles last week in Philadelphia and have Buffalo up next. 

The idea gives teams the option to avoid long trips. Instead of going back to Los Angeles, the Rams hoped to just travel right to Buffalo. 

But thanks to Covid-19, that’s not happening. 

The NFL introduced numerous safety protocols to avoid the spread of the virus, and among those involve team travel. The Rams technically could still travel right to Buffalo, but the players and team staff, by rule, could only go to the practice field and their hotel rooms, according to Rams Wire. 

And so the Rams called an audible on their travel. The Rams have since headed back to L.A. and will return to Buffalo later this week to face the Bills. 

More miles, but, safety first. 

Last week ahead of the Bills’ first trip away from Buffalo, defensive back Jordan Poyer described the safety protocols the team was going through via their trip to Miami to face the Dolphins. Poyer said once the team lands, you’re essentially in a “bubble” until you head home. 

Plane lands. Players stay in a hotel. Go play the game. Straight to the airport to go directly home to avoid crossing paths with any outsiders. 

Later on this season, the Bills themselves will have trips out west with games in Arizona, Denver, San Francisco, and their next road game, their first ever trip to Las Vegas. However, the Bills were actually the only team in the AFC East to not make this special request to schedulers earlier this offseason.

So it’ll still be as usual, or planned, for the Bills… or as much as it can be during the roller coaster that 2020 is. 

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ESPN ranks Bills Stadium No. 14 in NFL venue rankings

Buffalo Bills stadium in ESPN’s NFL stadium power rankings.

Of the NFL’s 28 stadiums, the home of the Buffalo Bills… now known as Bills Stadium… lands smack in the middle of a recent ranking put together by ESPN.

Using seven sub-categories, which includes atmosphere, features, traditions, tailgating, location, cost and history, Bills Stadium landed at No. 14 overall in the world-wide leader’s poll. In regard to Buffalo’s ranking, there’s really two sides of the ledger. The good is the tailgate, and really, overall fan experience. In terms of the Buffalo tailgate, ESPN ranks theirs the second-best in the entire league, and probably a close second to the No. 1 in Kansas City.

On the flip side, the negatives surround the out-dated building itself.

Here’s part of ESPN’s breakdown on Bills Stadium:

What’s good about it: When “table jumping at tailgating” is listed multiple times as a top characteristic in a survey of NFL Nation writers, you know you’ve got something unique. The Bills experience is all about fun, whether that’s in the parking lot or singing “Shout” at the top of your lungs inside. Plus, there’s not a bad seat in a house that has seen incredible success on the field (see the 1990s), including the biggest comeback in NFL history — 32 points! That game is known simply as “The Comeback.”

What needs work: The stadium, known as New Era Field until July, is showing its age with very few aesthetically pleasing characteristics. Traffic in and out of it is a nightmare with very few route options. And once you get settled into your seat it can feel like a near-literal wind tunnel.

While it’s hard to not take a middle rank personal for Bills Mafia in these sorts of polls. Being objective, this is probably spot on.

Undoubtedly, the Buffalo faithful bring a full-court press when it comes to being a fan. From the weekend-long partying in the parking lot prior to the game, braving the cold (sometimes without any sort of shirt) to root for their team regardless of their record, to, speaking of which, often invading the 27 other NFL venues to cheer on their guys. Bills fans do it right.

But Bills Stadium? There’s a reason why we often hear of talk of Buffalo getting a new home down the line. It remains to be seen exactly how that’s handled. Does the team and Erie County, who owns the team’s current stadium in Orchard Park, put forth a huge face lift on the current site? Or is a new stadium built somewhere in western New York? That’s a whole different discussion for another day.

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LOOK: Bills Stadium has lower seats covered ahead of opener

Buffalo Bills stadium has seats covered in lower bowl of seating.

When the Bills welcome the New York Jets to Orchard Park on Sunday, the team will be alone in doing so. When the Rams come to Bills Stadium in Week 3, that’ll be the same case.

We already know the first two home games of the Bills schedule won’t allow the Buffalo faithful in the stands due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, preparations are already taken for them to be there.

Even if a limited amount of fans are allowed in the stands during games at Bills Stadium this year, the lower level of the seating bowl will be tarped off. On Friday, the Bills prepared for the Jets on their game field, as usually is the case prior to a Sunday home game. This time, we got a peak of the coverings on the seats closest to the players and the field.

Check out the view via Spectrum News:

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Bills vs. Jets: 3 keys to the game for both teams

Three keys for the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets ahead of Week 1, 2020 matchup.

For the 120th time in professional football history, the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets square off this Sunday, with this Week 1 matchup from Orchard Park.

The Bills lead the series between the two, 63-56, however, it’s a new year and the “any given Sunday” mentality has never gone away. That’s double the case during a divisional matchup, so both teams will have to pull the right strings in order to walk away with a victory here.

With that, let’s take a look at the keys to victory for both the Bills and Jets heading into the season opener:

Jets running back Le’Veon Bell (26) is tackled by Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Jets’ 3 keys to the game

Saved by your Bell

One thing most can agree on looking at the Jets offense is that running back Le’Veon Bell is the best weapon at quarterback Sam Darnold‘s disposal. While it was lower than expected from Bell last season, he still accumulated over 1100 yards of offense, between rushing and receiving. Bell should forever be Darnold’s safety valve.

Even Tom Brady isn’t shy about throwing short passes to running backs, such as James White during his time with the Patriots, who would turn those short passes for a big gain. Bell should be game planned in that manner every week and be available if the Bills’ pass rush gets going.

Bell still has one of the best “stop and go” techniques in the NFL, and it will come in handy if the Jets want to have a chance of winning.

Let Darnold Air the Ball Out 

Looking at things from the Jets perspective, the defense leaves a lot to be desired, so Darnold may have to make this a shootout if they want a chance to win. The receiving core isn’t great, but there’s potential. Some of these players have been in the league for a long time, and there’s a reason for that.

While the Bills rush defense was weaker last season by comparison to their skill against the pass, the Jets have to still keep the Bills on their heels. Darnold should air the ball out, utilizing a mix of short to mid range passes to move the chains. No need to chance a long ball here, especially since he lost his best deep threat, Robby Anderson, to free agency. Until rookie Denzel Mims emerges, Breshad Perriman may be his best target, who had a decent outing in the last few weeks of the season last year with Tampa Bay. But also the Bills can’t sleep on Jamison Crowder. Often overlook, he smoked Buffalo’s defense a year ago. Between two games against the Bills, Crowder amassed 22 catches for 165 yards and a touchdown.

Contain and Prevent

There are some decent players on this defensive squad, although it does not have safety Jamal Adams or linebacker C.J. Mosley. This team, if scripted properly, and plays efficiently, could have the means of slowing down the Bills offense.

Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen can be dangerous with his feet, and jet out in an instant if he senses pressure. The Bills coaching staff has aimed to keep him the pocket moreso, but the ability to wisely and safely escape is invaluable in today’s NFL. Rush the front three, with their two inside linebackers, and have the outside LB’s keep an eye out for Allen, or potential dumps to running backs Devin Singletary or Zack Moss.

The Bills have a strange history of beating themselves in games against the Jets, and a well executed game plan on defense, will give them the opening they need to start the season 1-0. They almost pulled it off last year, and 2019 turned out to be a tire fire for Gang Green.

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Josh Allen approves of Barstool Sports taking Bills Stadium naming rights

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Barstool Sports interview about the team’s naming rights with Tre’Davious White.

While seemingly an unlikely… heck, a very unlikely thing to happen, we know at least one individual who resides in western New York that approves of Barstool Sports buying the naming rights to Bills Stadium.

The face of the team, quarterback Josh Allen.

On Friday, Allen and cornerback Tre’Davious White appeared on one of the outlet’s podcasts, Pardon My Take, and the discussion briefly shifted toward the team’s venue and it’s nameless identity. As the story goes, the Bills and former naming rights holder, New Era cap company, had a mutual split earlier this offseason.

Taking the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the country’s economy into consideration, it’s easy to see why the organization did not sell the naming rights post-New Era just yet. In 2021, there will probably be plenty of more suitable bidders.

However, one had popped up, Barstool Sports. The company’s CEO Dave Portnoy made his intentions known via social media.

Allen has frequented the show numerous times in his NFL career for interviews, even prior to even joining the Bills. During the brief mention of Bills Stadium, Allen backed a stadium name reflecting the sports outlet.

“I’m all in on that, by that way,” Allen said. “All in on the Barstool (naming rights)… Barstool Stadium.”

Realistically most know that’s not going to happen, and Allen probably does, too. But of the two Bills players on the podcast, we had differing views.

“Hell naw,” White interjected while Allen backed the Barstool name.

And perhaps one could guess why White wouldn’t be in favor…

“Tre White goalie academy,” is the name he then suggested.

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LOOK: New Era Field to Bills Stadium makeover continues

Buffalo Bills Stadium name change from New Era Field continues.

The venue formerly known as New Era Field is nearing its completion as Bills Stadium.

The home of the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park had that name changed earlier this offseason after the team and New Era cap company mutually agreed to the switch. Last week we saw the New Era Field signage start to come down from the sides of the building.

Now Bills Stadium is finally being put up. While the name won’t stay former, that’s what it is for now.

Check out the new look here below:

Photo credit: Top two photos via the Buffalo Bills on Twitter… Bottom photo via WGR-550’s Sal Capaccio on Twitter

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WATCH: New Era Field signage comes down from Bills stadium

Signs of New Era Field being taken down from Buffalo Bills stadium.

Bills Stadium is no longer actually just for this headline. The Bills announced recently that the team will play in their venue recently named… Bills Stadium, in 2020.

After a mutual agreement between New Era hat company and the team to remove the name from the house previously known as “New Era Field,” that name actually, literally, needed to be removed. On Wednesday, those efforts evidently began.

Here’s a look at the signage being taken down from the stadium via Spectrum News:

When announcing the new name of “Bills Stadium,” the team also commented that the organization will continue to search for a new sponsor in the future. Stadium naming rights are an effective way for team’s to generate revenues pretty easily, but during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it might be hard to find a potential suitor for the team. Waiting… makes sense.

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Bills won’t have fans for at least their first two home games

The Buffalo Bills announced the team will not have fans at their first two home games in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Perhaps Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott had some insight into the announcement we got from the team on Tuesday when he got a little candid a day prior.

On Monday, McDermott was none-too-happy when the Miami Dolphins announced it would sell 13,000 tickets to their home opener in Week 2 against the Bills. McDermott said it was “ridiculous” that some teams will have fans while others will not. About 24 hours later, the Bills have responded with an update in regard to their own fan situation at home games: There won’t be any for at least the first two games of the season.

The Bills, referencing work being conducted with New York State, released this statement on Tuesday:

“We hope you and your family and friends are staying safe and healthy.

In June New York State issued COVID-19 guidance to allow professional sports to be played without spectators. After much discussion and collaboration with the State and Erie County, those guidelines will remain unchanged for at least our first two home games in 2020.

We fully support New York State’s efforts to keep New Yorkers safe and will continue working together, along with the NFL, to establish policies and procedures that hopefully permit fans later this season.

We appreciate your patience and continued support of the Bills. We are working hard to be ready when we can welcome you back to Bills Stadium.

Go Bills!”

Buffalo’s first two games at Bills Stadium in Orchard Park sandwich that Dolphins game. On Sept. 13, the Bills open the regular season, hosting the Jets. After heading to South Beach for the Miami meeting, the Bills host the Rams in Week 3 on Sept. 27, so essentially the guidelines issued in June will remain until the end of September.

From there, the Bills won’t play at home again until Week 6, which is the team’s first primetime game of the season on Thursday Night Football against the Chiefs, on Oct. 15.

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Bills announce temporary stadium name

The home of the Buffalo Bills has a new name.

The Buffalo Bills’ home has a new name… sort of.

After deciding to part ways with New Era and the stadium’s old name, New Era Field, the Bills have picked a new name for that field in Orchard Park…

…Bills Stadium.

Naturally, it’s only temporary, though. The organization released a statement on the “new” name for the stadium, but indicated that the process is not over:

“As we continue the transition process from New Era Field to a new naming rights partner, we will officially use the name Bills Stadium for our home in Orchard Park.”

In July, both the Bills and New Era released a joint statement confirming the change in the name of the venue. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted New Era and the company has had to trim back. The current name of the stadium was to remain until 2022.

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How to Watch Broncos vs. Bills, NFL Week 12 Live Stream, Schedule, TV Channel, Start Time

Stream Broncos vs. Bills Live Online.

The Broncos (3-7) head east to face the Bills (7-3) Sunday afternoon at New Era Field. Buffalo leads the all-time series 21-16-1 and have won three of the last four meetings, including a 26-16 victory in 2017.

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Broncos vs. Bills

When: Sunday, November 24

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

 TV: CBS

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Denver’s record may be a disappointing 3-7, but the team saw glimpses of promise in last weekend’s 27-23 loss to Minnesota on the road. Brandon Allen, making his second career start due to an injury to Joe Flacco, threw for 240 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Running back Phillip Lindsay carried the ball for 67 yards and wide receiver Courtland Sutton hauled in five passes for 113 yards. It was the second time this season Sutton eclipsed the 100-yard mark. The Broncos had a 20 point lead before the Vikings came storming back. Denver took three shots at the end zone with the game nearing the end after converting three fourth downs on the drive, but couldn’t get the job done.

The Broncos defense was lights out in the first half but surrendered touchdowns on the Vikings four possessions following the half. The unit had five sacks and held Dalvin Cook to just 26 yards and one touchdown. Kirk Cousins was the difference maker though. He completed 29 of 35 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. The pass defense for the Broncos has been one of their stronger suits, as they were holding teams to an average of 210.3 YPG. Shelby Harris racked up three sacks in addition to five tackles in the game.

While the Broncos look to bounce back from a tough loss, the Bills are coming off an easy victory over the Miami Dolphins. Buffalo beat Miami, 37-20, in South Florida behind a four touchdown performance from quarterback Josh Allen. Allen totaled 256 yards in the air and three touchdowns. As a team, the Bills tallied 168 yards rushing and John Brown had nine receptions for a season-high 137 yards and two touchdowns.

The Bills defense is ranked third in points allowed, yards allowed and passing yards allowed. Against Miami, they sacked quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick seven times and held the Dolphins running game to 23 yards. Tremaine Edwards led the team with 12 tackles and half of a sack, while Matt Milano chipped in seven tackles and half of a sack.

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