Orchard Park, NY – The Buffalo Bills today announced several new additions and elements to enhance the fan's gameday experience at Ralph Wilson Stadium during the 2012 season.
"It's important to emphasize several of the changes made to our gameday experience for all fans attending games at Ralph Wilson Stadium as we enter the 2012 season," said Bills CEO Russ Brandon. "Our primary objective focuses on fan-safety and the fan code-of-conduct in accordance with the league's Best Practices policy, as it is each year."
Below is an outline of the changes made which include: a New Security Screening Process at the Gate Entry Tailgate Party Expansion, 'Think Green' Tailgate Program, Make Mom Proud, One-Car One-Space and newly designated parking lots.
New Security Screening Process at the Gate Entry: New for 2012, and in conjunction with the NFL's best practices for fansafety, the Bills will implement hand-held metal detector screening of all guests, employees, vendors, media and game production personnel. Fans are strongly urged to hold their keys and cell phones in their open hands to help ease and speed along the entry process. Stadium gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff and all fans are advised to still enter the gates at least one hour prior to kickoff to avoid entry delays. For a list of prohibited and permitted items and more stadium related information, please visit buffalobills.com.
Bills Scoreboard Tailgate Party Expands:The Bills Tailgate Party expansion will debut prior to the team's 12th annual *Kids *Day game on Saturday, August 25th vs. Pittsburgh. Located in the old Lot C behind the Ralph Wilson Stadium scoreboard, the Tailgate Party will more than double in size for the 2012 season and host an increased number of guest experience initiatives including Bills partners, Jills Cheerleaders, live musical entertainment on stage, food and beverage stations, children's activities and more.
'Think Green' Tailgate Responsibility Program:A new tailgate initiative for the 2012 season – 'Think Green' – will premier in Lot 5B for a test run to help improve the overall Bills tailgate atmosphere. The initiative includes a newly organized distribution of waste and recycling receptacles and additional, more visible port-a-johns. A Guest Services promotional team will visit Lot 5B and distribute trash and recycling bags to share Fan Code of Conduct information and help fans keep their tailgate areas clean.
Make Mom Proud Enters Year Two:The Bills encourage fans to have fun, cheer for their team loudly and proudly, but to please tailgate responsibly and be courteous and respectful to all fans – including visiting team fans. For more information on the Bills Fan Code of Conduct, please visit the 'Stadium' Section of www.buffalobills.com
One-Car, One-Space Expands:Larger striped parking spaces to improve tailgate experience will appear in Parking Lots E and F in addition to Lots 2, and 3 which were utilized in 2011. In addition, Lot 1 will also implement the one-car, one-space parking.
Newly Paved Lots:Parking Lots E and F have been newly paved for 2012.
2012 Bus and Limo Lot Locations:Buses and Limos will be parked in lots across from the West-End Scoreboard across Abbott Road, south of Community Drive. Buses and Limos will enter off of Southwestern Boulevard (Route 20) and enter Drive Three to access the lot.
Abbott Road Closure in Effect:Abbott Road will be closed to all vehicle traffic between the south entrance of Lot B and the north entrance of Lot C on game days. Abbott Road will close at 4:15 p.m. for Thursday's game.
