New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that fans will be allowed in the stands at the first Buffalo Bills home playoff game since 1996.
Attendance will be limited to season ticket holders who opted into playoff tickets earlier in the season. Each attendee must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before game time to be allowed entry.
Buffalo has already clinched the AFC East with a 12-3 record heading into Week 17 and will play in the Wild Card round on either Jan. 9 or 10 at Bills Stadium.
Bills Mafia will be there in person to cheer on their beloved team, but tailgating is not permitted, and any fan who breaks the rule will be ejected from the stadium. Fans will also be required to wear masks and socially distance throughout the game.
The New York Department of Health will be on hand to monitor fans after the game, which will be the first Bills home contest to host any spectators this season.
Cuomo added on Wednesday that 144 state residents died from COVID-19 in the past day and that 7,892 others were hospitalized due to the virus.
Tickets will range from $65 to $330 each and are not eligible for resale. Fans will also be assessed a $63 fee for a COVID-19 test and $11 for parking.
Western New York is already buzzing from the Bills’ impressive 38-9 blowout of the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. Now a select few will get to see the explosive tandem of Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs in person during their playoff push.
