Two of the biggest complaints the Buffalo Bills have heard from fans about their game day experience are the stadium’s small, outdated concourse and the slow queues entering the game through security that stagnate.
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Bills has been trying to improve the flow around the concourse since renovations to the stadium were completed in 2014, but the latest plans are underway to make entering the stadium faster and more efficient.
The team will continue testing a new security screening system for its home opener against the Tennessee Titans on Monday night at the usually crowded Gate 5.
In this game, Bills uses Ceia Open Gate Technology. This allows people to go through security to their ticket scanner without having to empty their pockets or check their bags before entering the stadium. The system screens all people as they come in, and the team continues to test different companies offering similar products.
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According to Andy Major, vice president of operations and guest experience at Bills, the technology has worked well in tests at previous events. It’s less intrusive and quicker for fans, but you might need to add ticket scanners to keep the lines moving. It’s a technology I want to implement permanently.
The gates open two hours before the Bills game, so it opens at 7:15pm around 5:15pm on Mondays. Majors said the only way to get into the stadium without waiting is to enter as soon as the gates open.The stadium parking lot will open at 3:15 p.m. Up to Abbott Road closes at 2:15 PM.
Delaware North officials said they worked with the bill on improving work areas, adding equipment and upgrading products. Even if the stadium they work at isn’t, it’s part of the effort to stay up to date.
“If you can keep walking the line and imagine what’s going on right now, wait for the next person where you stopped, and if it beeps and goes off, you have to wait. But this new Technology eliminates all of that,” says Major. “It’s very efficient, safe and fan-friendly.”
According to Major, fans’ biggest complaints are waiting in line on the concourse for food and drink and using the restrooms. The stadium is 50 years old for him, so there is very little space on the concourse.
During the stadium renovation in 2014, the team was able to eliminate the mobile concession stands to open up the concourse a bit. The concession stand was also rebuilt and designed to be more efficient for fans lining up with the team’s concession partner, Delaware North. The team recently also worked on cashless purchases to ensure a smooth transaction.
“We’ve learned a lot over the years to be as efficient as possible, given the tough quarters we’ve been operating in,” says Major.
He also noted that the team was concerned about not having enough rideshare drivers, telling fans they may have to wait a few hours to get home after the game or consider alternative transportation options. I warned you not to.
The NFTA Express Fan and Staff Shuttle picks up and drops off at various locations in and around the City of Buffalo. Bills and NFTA will post departure times from the stadium on their website. Drop-off at the stadium is at Gate 1 and the bus stops on Abbott Road across from Bill’s Drive to take people home.
Also opening this season is the Caesars Sportsbook Lounge inside the stadium, where fans can place mobile bets. It used to be a business class club, the capacity is he 300-400 people. FanDuel is also a team sponsor.
For Monday night’s game, Buffalo will be the kickoff market for the Caesars Sportsbook Truck Tour. This tour is a fan-his engagement and tailgate campaign featuring his 18-wheeler across the United States. Park between gates 3 and 4, at the Bus & Limousine Lot adjacent to Tailgate Village.
“New York State has created a record number of legalized sports betting opportunities since it came online. There are two ways,” said Ron LaQuire, executive vice president of Pegura Sports & Entertainment.
Among other pregame activities the Bills will be offering on Monday are appearances from Caesars Sportsbook brand ambassadors Kenny Main and Trey Wingo, as well as Bills legend Andre Reed. Hot Wing Eating Contest by La Nova with $5,000 awarded to the winner, Lot 3 will feature performances by Benny the Butcher and other entertainers and his DJ.
The majors said they were ready as staff played five events at the stadium before the regular season home opener. It includes two summer concerts.
“We’re all excited and ready for this game. I can only imagine how loud this place is on a Monday night.”
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