Buffalo Bills look to address 'knuckleheads' among fans with specialized tailgate policy
The Buffalo Bills have "the best fans in the NFL," the way team executive Andy Major sees it.
But apparently that passion can get out of control. An increasing number of viral videos have captured Bills fans jumping off buses and through tables.
"They know how to tailgate and have a good time," Major, Bills' vice president of operations and guest experience, told The Buffalo News. "We know we have great fans. ...but there are a few who make a big stink out there — a few knuckleheads who wreck it.
"The viral videos on social media, it's embarrassing when we see that. It affects the community, affects the team negatively."
As a result of the obnoxious behavior, the Bills have rolled out an updated tailgate safety policy and created a designated "Tailgate Village." From now on, fans who travel by bus or limo must purchase a tailgating package — a 20-person vehicle is $300 ($15 per person), a 40-person vehicle $600 and 60-person vehicle $900.
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“This whole thing evolved from feedback,” Major said. “We heard from the bus and limo companies, ‘Hey, I don’t know if I want to bring a bus here again.’ ”
The Village will be operated by a company that specializes in customizing tailgate experiences, the Alabama-based "Tailgate Guys." It's part of a plan to address unruly behavior that could create an unsafe environment.
“Our No. 1 concern as an organization is fan safety,” said Major. “When you’re seeing what was happening in the bus lot the last couple seasons, especially last year, it gets very concerning. It’s dangerous behavior, not just negative fan behavior. It’s dangerous to security, the sheriffs and staff who are trying to police things."
Fans will still will be able to bring in their own food and beverages at the tailgate, but can expect a more customized experience — with live DJs on hand — in a designated space in the Village, which will have room for 4,000 fans.
Buses or vans, the paper said, can pay $100 for a parking pass if their passengers do not want to tailgate.