Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - For Buffalo Bills fans heading to Saturday's preseason finale at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, there will be a slight change to the postgame traffic patterns that will continue into the regular season.
For those traveling on Route 20A heading home from the stadium, Big Tree Road will convert to a two-lane, one-way road heading Westbound between Abbott Road and Southwestern Boulevard.
In addition, Erie County Sheriff's Lt. Jeremy Lehning says there will also be new pedestrian corridors in place to ensure the safety of those heading to-and-from Highmark Stadium.
"The pedestrians are going to have a newly formed pedestrian corridor that's going to travel from the stadium Southbound on Abbott Road to Abbott and Big Tree, and then Westbound on Big Tree Road to the ECC lots. It'll be conned off, it'll be a pedestrian walkway or pedestrian corridor. Very, very similar to what you see at Fieldhouse Drive," detailed Lt. Lehning with WBEN on Friday.
Other than those slight changes, Lt. Lehning is expecting a typical Bills preseason game in Orchard Park, despite Saturday also being Kid's Day at the stadium.
"We're not expecting a capacity stadium in any respects, but we are expecting a decent side crowd, and we're expecting everybody to come out and really enjoy themselves and have a great time," Lt. Lehning said.
Just like the Bills, Lt. Lehning says the Erie County Sheriff's Office is using the preseason to ramp up its preparations for the regular season, starting in almost two weeks on Sunday, Sept. 8.
"We're always evaluating what we do out of the stadium between not only us, but our partners at the stadium, and we're constantly trying to figure out better ways to do things and better ways to make sure that both traffic and pedestrians are moving safely," he said.
Lt. Lehning also wants to remind fans to make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get to the stadium, and plan your routes in-and-out of Orchard Park.
"Know exactly where you're seating, as it corresponds to the gate you enter in, as well as the lot you park in," Lt. Lehning noted. "All of the stadium lots are pre-paid passes only, with the exception of the ADAs. And due to the stadium construction, Lot 3 is closed."
Kickoff on Saturday is slated for 1 p.m. ET.
Here is more information you may need to know ahead of Saturday's preseason game:
ABBOTT ROAD:
- Abbott Road in front of the stadium closes to Northbound and Southbound traffic at 8 a.m. ET.
- This section of Abbott Road will remain closed until after the game.
ROUTE 20A (BIG TREE ROAD):
- Prior to the conclusion of the game, Route 20A from Fieldhouse Drive to Rte. 219 will convert to two-lane, one-way traffic headed Eastbound away from the stadium.
- Prior to the conclusion of the game, Route 20A from Abbott Road to Southwestern Boulevard will convert to two-lane, one-way traffic headed Westbound away from the stadium.
STADIUM LOTS:
- All stadium lots open at 9 a.m. ET, and drivers are asked not to park on the shoulder of the roadways for pedestrian safety.
- Lot 3 is closed due to new stadium construction.
- The Bus and Limo lot is located on the North side of the stadium along Southwestern Boulevard.
- All stadium parking lots require an advanced-purchase parking pass (except Lot 2-ADA and Lot 6-ADA).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Intoxicated and unmanageable guests will not be permitted entry into the stadium.
- Stadium gates will open at 11 a.m. ET.
For a map of the stadium and parking lots, visit: https://www.buffalobills.com/stadium/