BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills were founded in 1959 and played their first game in 1960 for the American Football League, winning 2 AFL titles. They merged with the NFL in 1970.

From 1990-1993, the Bills became the only team to attend 4 straight Super Bowls, and maintain that record today.

The Bills are the only team that plays in the state of New York.

Many NFL football legends played for Buffalo, including Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, OJ Simpson, Thurman Thomas, Steve Tasker, Eric Moulds, and Andre Reed.

Bills fans are the ultimate football fans. Known as the Bills Mafia, their dedication to their team, rambunctious tailgate traditions, and unmatched away-game presence puts them at the top of the list of fandoms.

You’ll find fans always rocking their favorite Bills jerseys and singing along to the Bills Shout Song, even in the off-season! “Go Bills!” is the Aloha of Buffalo, serving as the unofficial greeting of the region.

Bills Mafia also has a dedicated charity aspect, and millions of dollars have been raised for charitable causes through their donations and awareness work.

The Bills fans have tons of noticeable game traditions, most notably their snowball fights. You can’t go to a snow game without seeing snowballs flying through the air, whether in celebration or well-meaning fun.

You’ll hear the iconic Bills Shout Song, a remix of the Isley Brothers classic, playing after every score. Nothing gets Bills fans more hype than jumping in celebration to Shout! You never know when a Bills fan will bust out in a “HEY-EY-EY-EY!” to get the crowd going.

Bills fans also have declared Zubaz as their unofficial fan uniform, and the brand has taken on this responsibility with pride. Their signature zebra stripe pattern is made with Bills colors, and they make plenty of snow clothes to keep tailgaters warm on freezing cold gamedays!

Speaking of cold gamedays, the Bills famously hire their own fans to come and shovel snow off the field and bleachers. Buffalo gets several heavy snows a year, and locals flock to Highmark Stadium to grab some free food and shovel!

Bills fans are also known for their Bills Backers Clubs, formed all over the country to bring fans together for watch parties, group travel, and more. You probably have a Bills bar near you!

Breaking Tables

Snowball fights and sledding

Bills Super Fans Bill’s Elvis, “The Chefs,” Pinto Ron, Hannibill Lector, Pancho Billa

Labatt Blue and Tim Horton’s

Kan Jam

Gameday Hospitality’s Buffalo Red Zone Tailgate is the ultimate fan experience in Buffalo. With 1000+ fans at every home game, Gameday Hospitality Buffalo is the closest tailgate to the new stadium’s main entrance and offers the most premium fan experience. Here’s what you’ll find at the Red Zone:

• Delicious Sandwiches and Buffalo-Style Pizza
• Crispy and Saucy Buffalo Wings fried fresh onsite
• Buffalo Classics like Beef on Weck Sandwiches and Sahlen’s Hot Dogs
• Unlimited Beverages including Beer, Seltzer, Canned Cocktails, and Mixed Drinks
• Live Music Performances by local Buffalo bands and DJs
• Games like Cornhole, Football Toss, Pong and Flip Cup, and Giant Jenga
• Fan Experiences like T-Shirt Cannons and a Mechanical Buffalo
• Free Swag and Giveaways
• Celebrity Guests like Andre Reed, Doug Flutie, Rasmus Dahlin, Katie Feeney, Stevie Johnson, the Kool Aid Man, Bills Mafia Founder Del Reid, and more!
• VIP Upgrades and Private Tent Options
• Exclusive VIP Lounge with Stage Access, Upgraded Food Menus, and Premium 

Get tickets to the next Buffalo Red Zone Tailgate Experience here!

There are several stadium lots that are less popular due to restrictions. They open four hours before kickoff and have stricter rules around tents and tailgating.

Bills fans are known to tailgate in the private, non-stadium lots due to less restrictions and earlier tailgating times.

The Hammer’s Lot is known for its lively atmosphere and passionate fans and is a must-visit for grassroots tailgaters. The Pinto Ron Tailgate in the Hammer’s Lot is one of the most iconic tailgates, hosted by the legendary Bills fan Pinto Ron. He’s been to every Bills game since 1992!

Tailgating in Buffalo can get crazy! Remember to keep yourself safe so you can keep having fun!

• Designate a Driver If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver! Ride share services can be hard to get after the game because of high demand.
• Stay Hydrated We all know the reason for this one!
• Respectful Conduct Embrace the rambunctious atmosphere while respecting fellow fans, opposing teams, and Bills staff. 
• Think Before You Jump Breaking tables can be dangerous! Don’t risk hurting yourself just for the story.

The longest tenured stadium in Bills history was built in 1973 and has gone through several name changes throughout history! Built originally as Rich Stadium, it was renamed Ralph Wilson Stadium, or “The Ralph” by locals, in 1999 after the Bills’ owner. Known since as New Era Field, Bills Stadium, and, currently, Highmark Stadium, 2025 saw the iconic Orchard Park landmark’s last use.

Highmark Stadium is retaining naming rights for the brand new facility in Orchard Park, opening in 2026! Read more about the new stadium below.

The brand new Highmark Stadium, scheduled to open for the first time at the start of the 2026 NFL season, is a $2.1 Billion project meant to modernize and elevate the previous field, directly across the street in Orchard Park.

This stadium will offer more premium seating, boast a 60,000-person capacity, and lock in a deal with the Buffalo Bills through 2055.

Controversially, the new facilities will remain open-air, even while stadiums around the United States are making the switch to hybrid or domed stadiums to allow for year-round events, outside of football season. The Bills embrace the snow and rain, and use it to their advantage. Visitors, make sure you bring your winter gear up to OP!

Highmark Stadium is located in Orchard Park, New York and is a fifteen-minute drive south from Buffalo. Travel time goes way up on gamedays!

The NFTA Metro Rail offers convenient access to Highmark Stadium with special gameday services. Check their schedules and routes in advance!

Rally to the game! Rally Bus is a fan-powered tool used to connect fans all over the world so they can reach their destination and make travelling to games easy and convenient. They have pre-planned routes to Orchard Park from several locations around Western New York and Ontario, or fans can curate their own rides and routes. Schedule your Rally Bus here.

There is an official Ride Share drop off point near the stadium, but most fans ride early and head straight to the tailgate!

The new Highmark Stadium will enact the standard NFL policies and fan codes of conduct including

• NFL Clear Bag Policy
• Card Only/Cashless Purchases
• Paper and Soft Fabric Signs Only
• No Obscene or Offensive Signs or Clothing

Fans will find plenty of concession options throughout Highmark Stadium. In 2025 there was a mix of Buffalo favorites and stadium classics.

• Soft pretzels, popcorn, and nachos
• Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Pizza
• Pepsi Products

A full list of restaurants, available concessions, and food partners will be made available in Summer 2026.

Orchard Park, New York is not only home to Highmark Stadium, but a collection of towns known as “the Southtowns” to locals. This is a more suburban or rural section of Erie county, but still close to the bustle of Buffalo. Here are some things to do around the Southtown area!

Bills Team Store Located in Highmark Stadium, you won’t find as big of selection of Bills gear anywhere else!

Chestnut Ridge Park The largest Park in Erie County, this expansive nature area is a great place to hike and sightsee. Even in the winter, guests can utilize the toboggan and ski trails. Check out the Eternal Flame hike here for beautiful scenery and gorgeous views!

Erie County Fair Grounds There is always something happening at the fairgrounds, home to hundreds of expos, shows, and events all year long. Don’t forget the Erie County fair every August!

Bar Bill Check out Bar Bill in East Aurora, home to the world’s best Mug Club and Gameday’s favorite chicken wings.

O’Neill’s Pub Grub with Happy Hour and Daily Deals

Dinosaur BBQ NY-Style Barbecue with Sauces for Sale

Big Tree Inn Sports Bar with Late Night Hours

Danny’s South Casual Atmosphere with Famous Salad Bar

Louie’s Red Hots Burgers, Dogs, and Value Meals with All-Day Breakfast

Here are some neighborhoods we at Gameday Buffalo think are worth the visit!

• Allentown Vibrant and Eccentric with Unique Bars and Restaurants
• Elmwood Village Farmers Markets, Cozy Coffeeshops, and Artisanal Shops
• Hertel Avenue Mix of Hip Newcomers and Historic Mainstays
• South Buffalo Tight-Knit Community with Irish Roots
• Main Street Williamsville Charming Small Town with Walking Paths and a Swimming Hole
• Outer Harbor Parks, Water Sports, and the Casino
• Main Street East Aurora Historical Landmarks and Family Friendly Activities

Here are some other attracions and things to do to fill up your Buffalo weekend with fun!

• Niagara Falls is a must-visit for most visitors, but we think you should visit Three Sisters Islands for a more unique view and experience.
• The Ice at Canalside lets guests participate in ice skating, bumper cars, curling, ice bikes, and more!
• The AKG Art Museum is in the middle of the cultural district and boasts a vast collection of modern and contemporary art.
• Shea’s Performing Arts Center is the perfect place to see a show; it’s itinerary is filled with Broadway musicals, local productions, and more.
• The Graycliff House, built by Frank Lloyd Wright, offers a beautiful view on your way from Buffalo to the Southtowns.
• Buffalo River Works is Buffalo’s signature waterfront area with dining, sports bars, live entertainment, and boat rides.
• Explore More Sports at a Buffalo Bisons Baseball Game or a Bandits Lacrosse match.

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Here is Gameday Hospitality’s official 2026 Ranking of Best Wings in Buffalo!

1. Bar Bill Located in East Aurora, just a short drive from Buffalo, Bar Bill is a local institution. Try the Cajun Honey Butter BBQ sauce!
2. Nine-Eleven Tavern This pub won the 2025 Buffalo’s Best Chicken Wing prize and their late founder, Mark Gress, was inducted into the Buffalo Wing Hall of Fame. Their hot sauce is to die for!
3. Sonny Reds A classic sports bar with wood-fired pizzas, happy hour specials, and, of course, awesome wings! Try their General Tso sauce when you go.
4. WingNutz Known for their mobile Wing Wagon and dedication to the craft, WingNutz has several Western New York locations and can be found at select Buffalo Red Zone Tailgate events! You have to get their Signature Sauce, which is also available by the bottle!
5. Doc Sullivan’s An Irish pub in the heart of Buffalo, Doc Sullivan’s serves up world class wings, creative dishes, and cold beer. Their Smitty Medium sauce is Gameday’s go-to.
6. Gabriel’s Gate The only thing you’ll love more than Gabriel’s cozy atmosphere and top-tier service is their chicken wing covered in a classic medium sauce.
7. Adolf’s Old First Ward Tavern Nestled in the Old Neighborhood of Buffalo, Adolf’s Tavern has a rich history beginning in 1934. Customers rave about the Bleu Cheese, which we think pairs perfectly with their hot wing sauce.
8. Kelly’s Korner This casual corner bar makes everyone feel at home. The Gameday team loves their Beef on Weck (it’s so good we had to mention it in the wing section) and wings with their medium sauce.
9. Forty Thieves Located in the Elmwood Village neighborhood of Buffalo, Forty Thieves brings guests an upscale dining experience, evident in their 15 specialty wing sauces. Our favorite is the Southie Gold!
10. O’Neill’s An Orchard Park favorite, O’Neill’s is the go-to spot for Bills fans headed to a game at Highmark Stadium. Their wing sauce list is vast, but we picked the Everything Sauce as our personal favorite.

Here is Gameday Hospitality’s official 2026 Ranking of Best Beef on Weck in Buffalo!

1. Charlie The Butcher A Buffalo legend, Charlie serves up the best Beef on Weck we know. Visit him at the Carvery on Elmwood or in Williamsville by the Buffalo Airport.
2. Schwabl’s Featured in the book “500 Ways to Eat Like a Local,” Schwabl’s embodies traditional Buffalo fare in the best way.
3. Bar Bill A Gameday Team favorite, Bar Bill always delivers, and that includes their Beef on Weck.
4. Kelly’s Korner So good that we’re bringing it up again. Kelly’s Korner rocks their Buffalo Beef on Weck.
5. Glen Park Tavern Using locally made bread rolls and hand-carved Angus beef, and served with house-made chips, Glen Park’s Beef of Weck meal always impresses.

Here is Gameday Hospitality’s official 2026 Ranking of Best Pizza in Buffalo!

1. Bocce Club Hand-stretched dough made fresh daily and secret-recipe sauce put Bocce Club at the top of the Gameday Team’s favorite pizza joints.
2. Picasso’s Buffalo-style pizza at it’s finest! Their cup-and-char is to die for.
3. Macy’s Place With over 50 styles of specialty pizza, everyone can find a slice at Macy’s!
4. Imperial This joint started as take-out only but grew to a full service pizza restaurant handing out some of the best pies that Buffalo has to offer!
5. La Nova Known for their unbeatable lunch special, La Nova does classics the right way.

Buffalo loves our beer! Check out these recommended breweries and distilleries the next time you’re in town.

• Resurgence Brewing Signature IPAs, Creative Seasonals, and Fun Taproom Events
• 42 North Brewing Company Fun Flavors, Traditional Styles, and More!
• Big Ditch Lots of Classics and a Full Kitchen
• New York Beer Project Mixing Award Winning Favorites and Brand New Experimentals in Orchard Park
• Hartman’s Distilling Cocktail Lounge with House-Made Spirits

Here are some restaurants beloved by locals and visitors alike! Listed in alphabetical order:

• Aroma on Bryant House Made Pasta
• Chef’s Iconic Italian Classics
• Ilio DiPaolo’s Elevated Italian with Large Wine Selection
• Jim’s Steak Out Sub Shop with Secret Recipe Steak Sauce
• Mira High End Mediterranean
• Mighty Taco Western New York’s Fast Mexican Cuisine
• Mother’s Hometown Restaurant and Political Haunt
• Mulberry’s Italian Cuisine
• Paula’s Donuts Donuts and Pastries
• Russell’s Specializing in Steak and Seafood
• Mighty Taco Western New York’s Fast Mexican Cuisine
• Swan Street Diner Breakfast and Lunch
• Ted’s Hot Dogs Charcoal-Grilled Burgers and Dogs
• The Place Killer Comfort Food with Fresh Ingredients

Looking for a drink? Here are some Buffalo bars we like! Listed in alphabetical order:

• 500 Pearl Patrick’s Rooftop Bar Live Music and City Views
• Banshee Irish Pub Beer and Whiskey Bar Popular with Soccer Fans
• Doc Sullivan’s Irish-Style Pub with Good Wings
• Founding Fathers Divey Local Haunt
• Frizzy’s Fun Bar with Games and Theme Parties
• Labatt Brew House 
• Lucky Day
• Mister Goodbar
• Rec Room
• Streetlight Brasserie