Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Sept. 19 is not a local holiday, but that doesn't mean many Western New York workers may be taking the day off, or coming into work late.
That's because the Thursday night prime-time Buffalo Bills-Miami Dolphins matchup didn't kick off until 8:15 p.m. at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. That translates to many of those at the game not getting home until well after midnight, and those watching at home not falling asleep until after midnight.
"Employers know and expect that," said A.J. Baynes, Amherst Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.
This is not a new issue. Since the Buffalo Bills have become one of the better NFL teams, they are frequently scheduled on evening games.
This season, the Bills have five night games, including on back-to-back weeks on Oct. 5 (at home against the New England Patriots) and Oct. 13 (at Atlanta against the Falcons).
Three of those prime-time games this season were at Highmark Stadium.
Baynes says he has heard from several of his Chamber members that days after evening Bills games often times result in employees taking the day off.
"As an employee, it is certainly within their rights to do that," Baynes said. "My advice is to just plan for it."