Pittsford, N.Y. (WBEN) - The last Wednesday of July is usually a date circled on the calendar of many Buffalo Bills fans with it being the opening of training camp at St. John Fisher University. This year is no different.
"It's the start of the new year. The whole year revolves around today, and hoping for a good season," said Bills fan Jimmy from Rochester.
Training camp marks the officially opening of the football season for the Bills, as the team begins preparations for the upcoming campaign in Western New York. It's also the first opportunity for Bills fans to get a good look at the team up close and personal.
"Everyone getting together, seeing the boys, watching them practice, getting excited for the season. It's nice to watch the rookies and see what they're capable of doing," said Wendy from Grand Island.
"It's just the atmosphere. 'Bills Mafia' is, really, the best fan base there is, and the excitement of seeing the players up close; it's very expensive to go to games nowadays, so this is the closest we're going to get to the players," added Sherri from Rochester.
For some fans like Nick from Lewiston, it's being back with fellow members of "Bills Mafia" that helps elevate the hype of training camp every year.
"We always bring the energy - you see how many fans are here, out in the rain, and I think like we really bring the energy. I feel like it really does bring the energy of the team up too, and it shows in the field," Nick said with WBEN.
The rain is picking up quite a bit as the first practice of training camp is officially underway at St. John Fisher University. #Bills pic.twitter.com/QOybosysDV
— Brayton J. Wilson (@BraytonJWilson) July 29, 2026
Heading into this football season, there are a number of storylines Bills fans are following. Whether it's Year 1 of head coach Joe Brady on the sideline, the opening of the new Highmark Stadium or the hype surrounding the team's new additions, "Bills Mafia" is itching to get back to game action and push for a Super Bowl.
"A lot of changes, obviously a new coach. I think the defense is going to be the wild card. I think it's going to be great, but we don't know what we're getting. The offense looks like it's going to be even better than last year, so I'm excited. I think this could be our year," said Sam from Batavia.
"Very excited to see all the new additions, all the new rookies coming in, the addition of D.J. Moore. It'll be fun out here to actually see all these guys in action, and see how it goes on this beautiful day," added Hoot from Syracuse.
The Bills will have six more practices after Wednesday at St. John Fisher University in Rochester before the team returns to Orchard Park on Aug. 8 for the annual "Return of the Blue and Red" intrasquad scrimmage at the new Highmark Stadium.
The 2026 regular season officially kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 13 when the Bills travel to Houston to face the Texans.
This guy is ready for training camp: #Bills #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/wzZ3yZb5s3
— Brayton J. Wilson (@BraytonJWilson) July 29, 2026
"Every year is a new journey, so training camp is the start of that"
"Every year is a new journey, so training camp is the start of that"
