Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Monday announced that following
successful implementation of the pilot plan to open Bills Stadium to fans last
week, Buffalo Bills fans can attend the team's second home playoff game on
Saturday, January 16. Under this continued demonstration, approximately 6,700
fans will be allowed to attend the game only after first obtaining a negative
COVID-19 test result and adhering to all public health precautions. Contact
tracing will also be conducted after the game and tailgating remains
prohibited. This plan was developed cooperatively between the Bills, the New
York State Department of Health and BioReference Laboratories.
"It was a great joy to see the Buffalo Bills win their
first home playoff game in more than two decades in front of thousands of New
York fans on Saturday, and we're looking forward to extending that winning
streak this week," Governor Cuomo said. "New York's
first-in-the-nation pilot plan to reopen Bills Stadium to fans went smoothly,
and we're pleased to be able to extend it to next week's game. The success of
our pilot plan depends on individual behavior as well as collective measures,
and I urge Bills fans to stay safe and follow the rules as we look to another
exciting game. Go Bills!"
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said,
"The Bills' play on the field earned them an opportunity to play again
this weekend, and their fans behavior in the stands earned them another
opportunity to watch them. We'll
continue our contact tracing efforts and our work closely with the Bills
throughout the week to ensure all safety compliance measures are in place for
Saturday night. We're confident we'll have the same outcome, both on and off
the field."
Buffalo Bills Owners Kim and Terry Pegula said, "We
felt the energy from our fans last Saturday at the stadium and we know our
coaches and players appreciated the support on the field. We have worked with
the Governor, his team and BioReference to ensure we will host fans again on
Saturday night. They have all been great partners in this process. We want to
thank our fans for following the safety guidelines, and remind the fans coming
Saturday to please wear your mask, socially distance and follow the rules. Be
safe. Be smart. Be loud!"
Jon R. Cohen, M.D., Executive Chairman of BioReference
Laboratories, said, "BioReference is proud to continue implementing its
large scale COVID-19 screening program in order to allow fans to enjoy the
Buffalo Bills in person. We thank the Governor and the Bills for their
partnership and look forward to another exciting game."
The continued success of this plan will help inform the
re-opening of entertainment venues across New York. Within the demonstration,
team staff control all entry and exit points to the stadium and only fans with
a documented negative COVID-19 test are allowed inside. Testing is conducted in
partnership with BioReference. Once inside the stadium, fans are required to
wear a mask at all times and adhere to strict social distancing protocols. Fans
who refuse to comply with these protocols will be removed from the stadium.
Ushers will also be present throughout the stadium to ensure all fans are in
compliance with the public health protocols and rules of .
Tailgating remains banned under this plan and New Yorkers are reminded to avoid gatherings and parties before, during and after the game as these events are prime for deadly viral spread.