This weekend, extreme winter weather is expected around western New York, so the Buffalo Bills have put out the first call for potential shovelers’ information ahead of Sunday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Snow began to fall in some areas Friday, but it was unclear if and when the shovelers would be needed. The team with ABM, which provides facility management services, shared a Google Document inviting anyone 18 years or older to sign up if they are interested in helping with snow removal at the stadium for the rest of the season.
The National Weather Service issued a lake effect snow warning for some areas around western New York on Monday, including Orchard Park, where the Bills’ stadium is located.
The area around the stadium was expected to get anywhere from around one foot of snow to multiple feet over the course of the weekend, with thunder also a possibility. Per the National Weather Service, a significant amount of the severe weather was expected before the game.
“We’re trying to stay on top of the weather,” coach Sean McDermott told the press. “You guys know things change around here quickly with the weather coming off the lake and everything. So, do the best we can and just, I think you asked me early in the week, does that add to the preparation? And the answer is yes. It takes a little bit more time, a little more collaboration and communication. I mean not just coach-to-coach, but with our operation staff as well.”
For veteran Bills players, preparing for this type of weather is nothing new, including last year when the team’s playoff game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers was pushed back because of the weather.
“Football is fun, whether it’s snowing, whether it’s raining, it’s cool, and I’m the snowman, so snowman like snow,” left tackle Dion Dawkins said, referencing his nickname, in an interview.
“I got my white coat on today, because we’re supposed to get snow, so I’m trying to summon the snow so we can have a little bit more fun, which we already have a lot of.”
For any interested shovelers, they will be paid $20 per hour with food and hot beverages provided. They can bring their own shovels, but there will also be some provided, and all are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.
With this snow storm, it’s not the first time that the football team has asked fans to help shovel snow. In early 2024, Bills mafia had a literal hand vs the Steelers. They shoveled the entirety of Highmark Stadium before their Wild Card clash.
Their care, determination, and persistence have made them a beloved community within their team, the city, and the entire NFL. Week 13’s game will be another instance of Buffalo’s fans rising to the occasion. It’ll be interesting to see how much snow there will be. Regardless, the stadium could look spotless, all thanks to the support and commitment from the Bills fans.
The Bills Mafia, referring to the fanbase’s nickname, is one of the most generous in the NFL, and all of sports. They’ve raised charity money for Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Tyler Bass, and even the NFL Referees. While many like to make a negative impact, The Bills Mafia likes to take that and turn it into something positive. This act shows the generosity of their fanbase.
