The Buffalo Bills are calling on their dedicated fans for assistance as Highmark Stadium is buried under a blanket of snow, just hours before their Sunday night clash against the San Francisco 49ers.
With up to four feet of snow expected to accumulate before kickoff, the team is offering $20 an hour, along with food and hot beverages, to volunteers willing to help clear the stadium.
“We need all hands on deck,” the Bills announced, as footage from Orchard Park revealed snow-covered grounds and treacherous road conditions, with visibility plummeting and vehicles struggling through slushy streets.
The Bills’ plea for help comes as Western New York faces a brutal winter storm, with a state of emergency declared in parts of the region. Temperatures are set to dip to a bone-chilling 30 degrees at game time, and the National Weather Service has warned of dangerous travel conditions.
Two feet of snow expected in NY
“Travel will be extremely difficult and hazardous this weekend, especially in areas where multiple feet of snow may accumulate very quickly,” meteorologists cautioned. By Saturday afternoon, nearly two feet of snow had already fallen across New York, Ohio, and Michigan, painting a grim picture for holiday travelers.
This isn’t the first time severe winter weather has disrupted the NFL this season. Just weeks ago, the Cleveland Browns battled the Pittsburgh Steelers amid a wintry mess. But Sunday’s primetime showdown between the Bills and the 49ers promises to be a true test of endurance, for both teams and fans.
The NY State Weather Risk Communication Center predicted, “The heaviest snow is expected Saturday afternoon into Sunday, with snow shifting south before the game. Travel may be hazardous, so be weather aware!”
The Bills expect a full stadium
Despite the challenges, Buffalo fans are known for their resilience, and many are expected to rally for the cleanup effort. The Bills are hoping for a packed stadium, with their fans braving the elements to cheer them on against one of the NFL’s toughest opponents.
Will the weather be the ultimate opponent for the Bills, or will Buffalo rise to the challenge? Sunday night’s game at Highmark Stadium is shaping up to be one for the history books.