Once Buffalo was on my radar as a potential place to live, the Bills were never far behind.
I started watching games casually at first — sometimes at home, sometimes at a nearby bar — but pretty quickly, it became clear that this team is stitched into the fabric of the city.
Loving Buffalo, I’ve learned, also means understanding the Bills. This season, I’ve watched every game. And somewhere along the way, I knew I wanted to experience one in person.
So when my best friend (who I’ve known since middle school) said she was in, it felt like the perfect excuse to finally make the pilgrimage to Highmark Stadium.
Choosing This Game
I had my eye on the Bengals matchup from the start. Having gone to LSU, I’ll always have a soft spot for Joe Burrow, and the idea of seeing him face off against Josh Allen in Buffalo felt like the best of both worlds. I watched ticket prices for weeks and finally grabbed a pair when they dipped into a range that felt doable.
Then came the big question: how do you actually get to a Bills game?
Getting There: Why I Chose the Rally Bus
Anyone who knows Buffalo football knows that Orchard Park on game day is… a lot. Traffic, parking, logistics — it’s part of the experience, but not necessarily the part I wanted to tackle on my first go.
After way too much research, I landed on the Rally Bus, which picks up from designated locations (including downtown) and takes you straight to Orchard Park, right across from the stadium. The selling points for me:
- Guaranteed seats on the bus
- Storage underneath for coolers, chairs, and bags
- A clear pickup spot after the game (this was huge for me)
Compared to the $5 NFTA game-day bus — which doesn’t guarantee seating and felt confusing to navigate — Rally Bus felt worth the splurge.
Bonus: the bus itself was clean, comfortable, and even had a bathroom (unused, but appreciated).
With a 1:00 p.m. kickoff, our bus picked us up at 9:00 a.m. We were in Orchard Park by 9:45. (And yes, jello shots were involved at 7:30. Balance.)
Tailgating: Worth It (Especially in the Snow)
Through Rally Bus, I also booked tickets to the Gameday Hospitality Tailgate. I went back and forth on this — reviews online were mixed, with many people saying “take the bus, skip the tailgate.”
I’m here to say: the tailgate was worth it.
We opted for VIP tickets, which included:
- Free food
- Free beer and liquor
- Access to actual bathrooms
- Heated tents and seating
- A live band
Was the food amazing? No. Was it incredibly nice to have shelter, seating, and a built-in party while it snowed heavily around us? Absolutely.
From what I observed, Bills tailgating culture is beautifully chaotic. People set up elaborate spreads in parking lots, nearby yards, and driveways. Many fans just grab a case of beer and wander from tailgate to tailgate, especially if they have a favorite lot.
I loved seeing it — but as someone still getting my footing socially in a new city, the hospitality tailgate gave me the experience without the anxiety of figuring out where to go or who to talk to. For a first game, it was perfect.
Inside Highmark Stadium
Around 12:15, we dropped our stuff back at the bus and headed into the stadium. We made it to our seats in time for the pregame stampede, the national anthem, and kickoff.
Our seats were in the 100-level — fantastic views — and we were surrounded by fun fans, including a few Bengals supporters who were in good spirits (and good humor).
There was something surreal about being there: snow falling, the crowd roaring, and the knowledge that this is the final season at Highmark Stadium, which has been home to the Bills since 1973.
Soon, the team will move to a new stadium — making this snowy, electric day feel even more special.
The game itself was a true back-and-forth, and the Bills came out on top. There’s nothing quite like celebrating a BIG DUB (IYKYK) surrounded by tens of thousands of people who care just as much as you do.
How I Stayed Warm the entire time
Layering. Aggressively.
- Two pairs of socks inside waterproof boots
- Two pairs of leggings under jeans
- Four layers on top (tank, base layer, turtleneck, Bills sweatshirt) under my coat
- Hat, gloves, scarf
- Disposable warmers in my boots during the tailgate
- Electric hand warmers turned on once we were in the stadium
I stayed warm almost the entire time. By the end of the day, my fingertips and toes were cold — but honestly, I felt great. Watching what others wore, it was clear: warmth first, Bills gear second.
Final Thoughts
This was more than just a football game. It felt like a rite of passage — one more way I’m slowly, intentionally weaving myself into the city I now call home.
Snow, tailgates, stadium chants, and all — I’m officially in.
And I already know: this won’t be my last Bills game.
GO BILLS!
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