Orchard Park, NY (WBEN) - Fans are getting ready for their return to Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, but not everything will be back to normal.
During an appearance on WBEN Thursday morning, Eric "The Hammer" Matwijow, owner of Hammer's Lot, said that the now-famous ketchup and mustard ceremony where 'Pinto' Ron is doused with condiments in front of a throng of screaming fans will not take place for the foreseeable future.
"This is one of the hardest interviews I've ever had to do," Matwijow told WBEN. "Kenny and I have talked about the Pinto tailgate for a while and we've made a joint decision during this COVID time that there will not be a ketchup and mustard extravaganza this tailgating season, and also no bowling ball shots."
Both the ketchup and mustard bath and bowling ball shots have become legendary as Buffalo tailgating culture has gained national attention over the past several years. The tradition had been going strong since 1990.
Matwijow said that the decision was made out of health concerns following 'Pinto' Ron's successful heart surgery this past year, though said that he is doing well and full of energy now. 'The Hammer' also mentioned staffing issues at the stadium delaying entry times at the gate for reasons to tone down the spectacle.
"When the people come in for the ketchup and mustard, it takes it to another level… We’re hoping to tone things down.”
Not all traditions are dead, though. Matwijow said that food will continue to be cooked on top of the famed Pinto, pizza will be baked inside a filing cabinet, and there will be plenty of fun to still have.
