Fans who enter by bus or limo bus will no longer be allowed to tailgate near their vehicle. Instead, they will be sent to what is being called "Tailgate Village." BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills are making a change to the game day experience at New Era Field in hopes of addressing fan safety. The team announced a revised policy on Wednesday that states fans who enter by bus or limo bus will no longer be allowed to tailgate near their vehicle. Instead, they will be sent to what is being called "Tailgate Village." The newly created tailgate area is within the bus and limo parking lot. “We want to provide a safe and fun experience in the Bus and Limo Lot,” said Bills Vice President of Operations and Guest Experience, Andy Major in an article posted on the team website. “That’s the overarching goal. We’re working closely with Tailgate Guys, which is a Bills partner, who have the expertise in fan tailgating and group tailgating." The Bills say they worked with the Limousine Bus Taxi Operators of Upstate New York, Tailgate Guys and local law enforcement to create Tailgate Village. On Wednesday afternoon, the Erie County Sheriff issued a statement in support of the changes. "My office works closely with the Buffalo Bills’ organization and other game day partners to ensure a safe and exciting environment, and I support the new tailgating experience within the bus and limo lot," said Sheriff Tim Howard. "We will continue to work with the Bills throughout the summer and the season to proactively address items that can make Sundays at New Era Field fun and safe.” The revamped Bus and Limo Parking Lot policy requires fans to purchase their parking permits in advance through Tailgate Guys. The pricing for each of the three tailgate packages, which are based on the number of people in each bus or limo bus, are as follows:<doc-sep>The Buffalo Bills are attempting to curb unruly fan behavior on game days in the bus and RV lots at New Era Field, instituting a new policy requiring buses and limo buses to buy a tailgating package for those ticket-holders seeking to tailgate prior to the home game. As recent history has shown us, before every home game, Bills fans seem to make national headlines with their tailgating exploits—which range from throwing fellow #BillsMafia members through folding tables to drinking to excess. Andy Major, the Buffalo Bills’ vice president of operations and guest experience, cited concerns over the safety of the team’s fans as the primary reason for the change heading into the 2019 season. “When you’re seeing what was happening in the bus lot the last couple seasons, especially last year, it gets very concerning. It’s dangerous behavior, not just negative fan behavior. It’s dangerous to security, the sheriffs and staff who are trying to police things,” Major said. Major added that the new policy also resulted from feedback from bus and limo companies that had to deal with rowdy and unruly fans during home tailgates. While praising Bills fans as “the best fans in the NFL” and fans who “know how to tailgate and have a good time,” Major said the team moved forward with this plan in a good-faith effort to improve the all-around tailgating experience for all Bills fans. “We’re just trying to make it safe and encourage a responsible atmosphere that’s fun for everyone,” Major said. “The viral videos on social media, it’s embarrassing when we see that. It affects the community, affects the team negatively. We know our fans aren’t like that. That’s what’s disappointing for us. ... there are a few who make a big stink out there – a few knuckleheads who wreck it.” Starting with the 2019 season, a wristband will be given to every participating tailgate member in the bus lot. This wristband allows them access into Tailgate Village, which will feature a live DJ, appearances by Billy Buffalo and the Bills Stampede, and food and drinks (available for purchase). A tent, tables, chairs, and help setting up your tailgate will be provided from Tailgate Guys, a company that formed in Auburn, Ala., and helps with tailgate parties for six NFL teams and several major college programs. Fans can also bring in their own food and drinks at no cost. A 20-person tailgating package costs $300 per vehicle, while the cost is $600 for a 40-passenger vehicle, and $900 for a 60-person vehicle. The cost per passenger is $15 apiece as part of the team-instituted tailgate packages, with money paid in advance of a parking pass being issued. However, unlike in the past, if you want to tailgate in this new Tailgate Village, you will have to have a ticket to the Bills game, too, in addition to a tailgating wristband. For any buses or limo buses that don’t want to have their guests tailgate before the game, they can purchase a $100 parking pass without a tailgate package.<doc-sep>
The Buffalo Bills have a fan base known for their passion and rowdy tailgate behavior. The organization is hoping that moving forward, the fans will just be known for their passion after the Bills announced a new tailgate policy on Wednesday. Aimed at curbing large groups of fans traveling to the game via buses or limos, the Bills announced a policy that will require the large vehicles to purchase a tailgating package for its occupants and those traveling by bus or limo are no longer allowed to tailgate at their vehicle. Instead, the Bills will charge these fans to tailgate in an area designated as the “Tailgate Village.” The cost for a 20-person vehicle is $300, then $600 for a 40-passenger vehicle and $900 for a 60-person vehicle. That’s $15 per passenger, and is paid in advance of a parking pass being issued. Vehicles that do not want to tailgate will have to pay $100 for a parking pass still, but are not required to purchase a tailgate package. “We want to provide a safe and fun experience in the Bus and Limo Lot,” said Bills Vice President of Operations and Guest Experience, Andy Major. The Bills representative went a step further when speaking to the Buffalo News, though. Referencing videos of fan behavoir while tailgating, such as jumping through tables, Major called the actions of fans “embarrassing” at times. “It’s dangerous behavior, not just negative fan behavior. It’s dangerous to security, the sheriffs and staff who are trying to police things,” Major said. “The viral videos on social media, it’s embarrassing when we see that,” Major added. “It affects the community, affects the team negatively. We know our fans aren’t like that. That’s what’s disappointing for us. We know we have great fans. We know the vast majority of our fans, they do behave well. They’re passionate, they’re loyal and they’re not causing issues, but there are a few who make a big stink out there – a few knuckleheads who wreck it.” Fans traveling to a game this way are allowed to bring their own food and beverages, but have to take them to the “Tailgate Village.” Here’s where it’s going to be located: