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Bills staff gets guidance on clearing snow from the field, parking lots

Player benches will have to be cleared along with sidelines by each team's various assistants and staffers. Teams must have the same equipment, such as heaters.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Just ahead of the Saturday night, possible snow-impacted game between the Bills and Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, the NFL has reviewed its rules with Bills officials and stadium grounds-keeping staff as to what they should expect for snow removal during the game.

There was a call from the league Friday morning, according to Bills Stadium Operations and Guest Experience Director Andy Major, who notes they have been through this challenge before with the rather famous snow globe game against the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 10, 2017.

"Whether it's one inch or 10 inches that fall, you've got to keep the lines clear every 10 yards, so that's something we're extremely focused on for tomorrow, you know, with extra staff, blowers, shovelers to make sure we keep those lines clear."

Major added: "The referee might make a call to us or the NFL Security rep who's on the sideline and say, 'Hey, I want to get this line a little more clear. And then we know that, 'OK, guys let's get that one next, per the referee."

The NFL also requires that the Bills and Dolphins must have the same equipment, such as heaters. Benches for players will have to be cleared along with sidelines by each team's various assistants and staffers. 

The operations chief says there's amount of pride from the grounds crew that they have been here before and can handle this, and they welcome the challenge in a way. 

As for the parking lots, that could be another challenge. That's why there was also a conference call between the Bills and Highmark Stadium staff, and the various highway departments of surrounding communities such as Orchard Park and Hamburg, Erie County, and the State Department of Transportation. That's because they will have to carefully coordinate to make sure access and exit roads are plowed for the potential tens of thousands of fans. 

Major says they will try to plow and salt prior to lots opening for tailgating or whatever. The idea is the salt could help melt some of the snow. 

But with full parking lots, they cannot effectively clear the snow during or after the game.

"During the game, that's the unknown. Like how much snow is going to come down? But we'll be very careful about that.That's the last thing we want to do, is plow two feet of snow next to somebody's car," Major said.

So fans may have to help dig themselves out. That's why some suggest fans bring a shovel in their cars. 

Also, it's suggested fans get a full tank of gas just in case they are stuck waiting for lots to clear with congestion and snow removal. It's expected some plows could get tied up in the game traffic.  

When it comes to watching the game in the stands, fans are advised not to bring battery-powered clothing, as it is against NFL and security rules. 

And Major says be aware.

"Fans could possibly be sitting in some snow and be dealing with snowfall in their area while we're going to be maintaining the aisles, the walkways, the concourse, the arteries, the parking lots, etc." he said.

One last note. Police say a night game usually means more alcohol intake for some fans which can all sorts of additional problems.

That could also be a particularly bad combination for anyone trying to navigate slippery, snow-covered roads, so they ask fans to limit the drinking so they can enjoy the game and then get home safely for this upcoming holiday week.  

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Lake Effect Snow Warning no longer in effect for parts of Western New York

     

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