Buffalo Bills training camp returns to St. John Fisher University in Pittsford, with the first practice scheduled for Wednesday. Here’s everything Bills Mafia needs to know about the fan experience.
Camp schedule
All practices will be at St. John Fisher, with the exception being Aug. 1, which will be at Highmark Stadium. Practice times are subject to change, and tickets are required to attend. All seating is general admission, and all tickets are mobile. There is wheelchair accessible seating in the Polisseni grandstand. Training camp opens one hour before practice begins.
• Wednesday: 9:45 a.m.
• Thursday: 9:45 a.m.
• Friday: 9:45 a.m.
• Sunday: 9:45 a.m.
• July 28: 9:45 a.m.
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• July 29: 9:45 a.m.
• July 31: 9:45 a.m.
• Aug. 1: 5:30 p.m.: Return of Blue and Red, Orchard Park
• Aug. 3: 11:45 a.m.
• Aug. 6: 9:45 a.m.
• Aug. 7: 9:45 a.m.
Note: Practice on Aug. 4 is closed.
Fan experience area
Located at the main entrance, fans can enjoy activities, get autographs and talk with Bills partners. Among the fan experiences, according to the Bills:
Football Toss: Hit the open receiver to complete the game-clinching first down.
Running Back Challenge: Practice your best spin move and sidestep oncoming defenders as you race to the end zone and dive over the pylon.
Quarterback Challenge: You must make the split-second decision of who gets the ball to score the touchdown.
Meet Billy: Get your picture taken with Billy Buffalo during his designated visit time.
Autographs: There will be opportunities to get autographs. However, autographs are not guaranteed.
Blue and Red scrimmage
The Return of the Red and Blue scrimmage will begin at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at Highmark Stadium. Gates will open at 4 p.m., and parking, which is $5 in stadium lots (proceeds benefit the Buffalo Bills Foundation and can be paid by credit card upon arrival), will open at 3 p.m. The scrimmage will go from 5:30 p.m. to about 7:30 p.m.
How to get there, parking
From Buffalo and points west, take New York State Thruway to Exit 46. Take Route 390 North toward Route 590 North to Monroe Avenue. Parking is not available on campus for practices open to the public. Fans will have access to shuttles from designated lots to the training camp entrance for $1. Shuttles, which are handicap accessible, will leave frequently. The last shuttle from campus to the parking lots leaves one hour after the end of practice.
Parking is available in the following locations, which is a change from previous years:
• Jefferson Road Elementary: 15 School Lane, Pittsford, 14534.
• Sutherland High School: 55 Sutherland St., Pittsford, 14534.
• Thornell Road Elementary: 431 Thornell Road, Pittsford, 14534.
Here is the shuttle schedule:
• Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Friday: 8:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
• Sunday: 8:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
• July 28: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• July 29: 8:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
• July 31: 8:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
• Aug. 3: 10:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
• Aug. 6: 8:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
• Aug. 7: 8:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Walkthrough metal detection screening
All fans are required to go through a metal-detection screening to enter. Guests do not need to remove keys, phones, wallets and items from their pockets. All belongings are subject to a more thorough search, if necessary. Fans are asked to have their mobile tickets ready to expedite the process, and to leave all unnecessary and prohibited items in their vehicles. The Bills will not secure or hold items.
Other items of note
Guests with sensory issues may check out a Sensory Inclusion Kit from the Guest Service Booth near the main entrance of camp. Kits typically include noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys and a KultureCity VIP identification card. Guests checking out a kit will need to provide identification and can return it at the booth.
There are nursing mothers’ spaces at training camp. The room provides a quiet, private area for nursing mothers. Guests may inquire about the use of this space by visiting the Guest Service Booth near the main entrance of camp.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: In the event of inclement weather that prevents the Bills from practicing outdoors, the team will move indoors, and those practices are closed. The interactive areas will be closed when practice is canceled. The best way for fans to get the most up-to-the-minute practice information is by downloading the Bills' mobile app or by checking the team's website.
Q: What should I leave at home?
A: Prohibited items include alcoholic beverages, coolers, thermoses, jugs or other empty liquid containers, cameras with lenses longer than 6 inches, drones, video cameras or recording devices. The Bills reserve the right to restrict any items that are deemed dangerous, inappropriate or detract from the experience of other fans.
Q: What can I bring with me?
A: The NFL bag policy is in effect for all training camp practices. Clear bags that measure 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or smaller are permitted. Bags larger than that will not be permitted. Single-serve, unopened food containers carried in the appropriately sized bag, factory-sealed water bottles, strollers and umbrellas are permitted.
Q: Are there concessions?
A: Food and beverages will be available at concession stands, and all purchases are cashless. All major credit cards are accepted.
Q: When should I arrive at practice?
A: Fans are encouraged to arrive at the gates 30-60 minutes before the start of practice.
Q: Are restrooms available?
A: Public restrooms will be located throughout the fan areas. College buildings, however, are closed to the public.
Q: Where can I go for questions or in the event of an emergency?
A: A Bills Information Booth will be in Dorsey Parking Lot, and a first aid tent will be available next to the practice field.
Source: Buffalo Bills
