Slight game day traffic changes hoping to ease fans' exit from Orchard Park​

Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - Some slight adjustments to postgame traffic patterns around the new Highmark Stadium are hopeful to help make getting out of Orchard Park after a Buffalo Bills game more easier.

Ahead of Thursday night's home opener for the Bills against the Detroit Lions, the Erie County Sheriff's Office released game day traffic pattern details that will be in place for the entirety of the 2026 season in Orchard Park.

The most notable change, particularly to postgame traffic patterns, will be on Big Tree Road, where two-lane, one-way Eastbound traffic will now be in effect from Abbott Road to Route 219. Previously, that traffic pattern was in effect from Fieldhouse Drive to the 219.

This change will allow motor vehicle operators traveling Southbound on Abbott Road from the stadium to turn Eastbound onto Big Tree Road.

Meanwhile, Abbott Road in front of the new stadium will close six hours before kickoff to Thursday's game. With kickoff being at 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, North and Soundbound traffic will be closed as of 2:15 p.m.

That section of Abbott Road will remain closed until after the game.

With new parking lots around the stadium, as well as the renaming of a number of other lots already in place, the Sheriff's Office recommends all guests review Highmark Stadium maps to locate the proper location in which to park, and the gate at which to enter the new stadium.

Additionally, all fans are reminded to familiarize themselves with the list of prohibited items at Highmark Stadium in order to avoid delays at the gates.

Security gates outside the stadium will open for fans at 5:15 p.m., while ticket entries inside the stadium will open at 6:15 p.m.

Here is a complete rundown of traffic information from the Sheriff's Office ahead of Thursday's contest:

ABBOTT ROAD

• Abbott Road immediately adjacent to the stadium closes to North and Southbound traffic at 2:15 p.m.
• This section of Abbott Road will remain closed until after the game.

BIG TREE ROAD

Prior to the conclusion of the game at approximately 10:15 p.m.:

• Big Tree Road from Abbott Road to Rte. 219 will convert to two-lane, one-way traffic traveling Eastbound away from the stadium.
• Big Tree Road from Abbott Road to Southwestern Boulevard will convert to two-lane, one-way traffic traveling Westbound away from the stadium.

STADIUM LOTS

• All stadium lots open at 4:15 p.m.
• Accessible parking lots Blue ADA and White ADA are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These lots are in the same locations as 2025, but they have been renamed. The Blue ADA Lot can only be accessed from Fieldhouse Drive via Big Tree Road. The White ADA Lot can only be accessed from Orange Drive via Southwestern Boulevard.
• Parking for stadium lots must be pre-purchased (except for the Blue ADA and White ADA lots)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Intoxicated and unmanageable guests will NOT be permitted entry into the stadium.