Bills Stadium is located in Orchard Park, New York, and is home to the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. The stadium opened in 1973 and has been known by a few different names since then.
Originally it was known as Rich Stadium following a $1.5 million, 25 year deal with Rich Products, a food company based in Buffalo. This was one of the first instances of a naming rights sale in North American sports.
From 1998 to 2015 the stadium was called Ralph Wilson Stadium after the stadium’s founder. From 2016-2020 it was renamed New Era Stadium following a $35 million seven year deal with the New Cap Company headquartered in Buffalo.
In 2020 the stadium received its current name Bills Stadium which is temporary as a new agreement was reached with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2021. This means the stadium will in future be known as Highmark Stadium.
How Many Seats Are In Bills Stadium
The seating capacity of Bills Stadium is 69,000. However, this capacity is due to be reduced with large scale renovations and the opening of the newly named Highmark stadium. The new seating capacity will be between 60,000-62,000.
A party deck with standing room only will hold an extra 5,000 fans. The decision to reduce seating capacity is seen as an increasing trend in sporting venues with more emphasis on selling an experience rather than simply selling a seat at a game or event.
The square footage of the new stadium is due to be increased from 900,000 square feet to over 1.5 million square feet. New food concessions, wider concourses and better facilities are on the cards.
As are larger seats and wider aisles to prioritize comfort and accessibility.
Directions – How To Get To Bills Stadium
If you haven’t been to Bills Stadium before, then use this address for directions: 1 Bills Dr, Orchard Park, NY 14127.
From points east or Rochester: Take 90 West to Exit 55 for Route 219. Exit Route 219 at Milestrip Road West Exit. Prepare to stop at the end of the ramp.
Note the signal at the end of Milestrip ramp, go to the third signal, then turn left on Abbott Road. Follow Abbott Road south to Bills Stadium.
From the Southern Expressway: go North on Route 219 to Exit 20A West. Follow Route 20A for approximately 1 mile West to Bills Stadium.
From Southwest New York and Erie: Take Route 90E to Exit 57, keep right and head West to Route 20. Turn right on Route 20 and travel east to Bills Stadium.
Be aware that following events, the roads around the stadium get crowded. After Buffalo Bills games, Big Tree Road westbound traffic from Fieldhouse Drive to Route 219 will not be permitted.
Where To Park Near Bills Stadium
There are several options for parking at Bills Stadium.
There is Public Parking, consisting of Lots 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 and which accept payment on event days.
Lots 2 and 6 are assigned to Preferred Parking, which give easier access to the gates but do require prior reservation.
ADA Parking is also available in Lots 2 and 6 for visitors with a disabled parking permit, placard or license plate. These lots are close to the gates for easier access, but the spaces fill up quickly, so it may be worth booking in advance.
If you want to park in the Bus & Limo Parking area, you will need to purchase a parking pass in advance.
Several lots allow tailgating such as Lot 4, Camper Lot and Tailgate Village which open four hours before game kickoffs. Tailgating is allowed for groups of up to 11 visitors.
All parking spaces at Bills Stadium are available on a first come, first served basis. To validly park at the stadium on game days, visitors must have a valid game ticket.
You can also park at 135 Big Tree Lot, which is an eight-minute walk from the stadium but is cheaper.
Other Bills Stadium Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Best Seats In Bills Stadium?
Bills Stadium has four clubs and one set of suites for the best viewing experience of games or events.
To get close to the action, Sections 131-136 and 109-114 near the 50-yard line are some of the best seats. The Bills sideline is in front of Section 132, Section 133, Section 134 and Section 135 with visitors sideline at Section 110, Section 111, Section 112 and Section 113
If you have a family, you may want to sit in the Family Section at the southeast corner of the stadium, sections 225-227 on level 200 and have good views.
Do The Buffalo Bills Own Their Stadium?
The county of Erie who owns the current stadium will not own the new Bills Stadium, which will instead be owned by New York state.
The new stadium will cost in the region of $1.4 billion with $850 million coming from taxpayers, New York state will pay $600 million towards the project and Erie County will contribute $250 million.
The Buffalo Bills will sign a 30-year lease agreement with the state to remain at the ground.
Which Sections In Bills Stadium Are Covered?
Seats along the southern sideline are beneath cover from rows 6-7, these are club seats. On the other side of the field in the Jim Kelly club there are covered seats from row 7 onward providing protection from the weather.
Seats in sections 206-216 are mostly covered but do not offer protection from the sun in the late afternoon, apart from the topmost rows.
Having said that, only 10% of Bills Stadiums seats offer any kind of shade or cover depending on the time of day. It is possible to search online for tickets that will offer some cover or shade.
Of course, all the club areas and suites will give the best protection from the weather.
Comments