Last year, the Buffalo Bills averaged three in-stadium arrests and 46 ejections during their home games at New Era Field in Orchard Park.
If that sounds high, consider the team averaged 30 arrests and 140 ejections per game not that long ago,
Those statistics come courtesy of Bills vice president of operations and guest experience Andy Major, who spoke to The Buffalo News about what the team is doing to crack down on rowdy fans in advance of Buffalo’s home opener this weekend against the Bengals.
I need to tailgate with Bills fans at least once in my lifetime pic.twitter.com/nolcmw2p0C
— Anthony Yates (@AyeYay58) January 7, 2018
In addition to deploying 300 private security guards, Buffalo will also have 300 police officers on hand to help control fans and keep them in line.
The guards and officers will use SkyWatch, a 25-foot surveillance tower on wheels with HD cameras that can monitor crowds from hundreds of yards away, to help them keep watch on tailgaters outside New Era.
The #Bills don't like the way their fans tailgate and want them to be less drunk!https://t.co/cAX27RbjRJ
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 23, 2016
“We’re not perfect. We know that. A small amount of fans will be irresponsible and drink too much. There’s always a few knuckleheads out there who will make it bad for the families,” Major said. “Don’t do silly things in the stadium – making the experience for others fans a negative one – or you will be ejected.”
The team is also rolling out its new “Tailgate Village,” a special area in the parking lot that fans who arrive in buses are now required to use. Access is pricey, with a 20-person vehicle going for $300, a 40-passenger vehicle costing $600 and a 60-person vehicle running fans $900.
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