Over the next two days, approximately 6700 fans will be tested for COVID-19 at Bills Stadium prior to this Saturday’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts. The testing is mandatory for folks attending the game as part of the plan developed between the team, Erie County, and New York State.
Testing opened at 6:30 a.m. EST in the stadium parking lot. There was a long line of cars in line before the opening bell—some arrived as early as 5:30 a.m.—but the line quickly diminished once testing began, according to reporters on the scene. Most fans waited approximately ten minutes for their test.
Testing just opened up! Here’s a look at the line right outside Bills Stadium! pic.twitter.com/1Rmzxk9QTe
— Gabrielle Mediak (@GabrielleMediak) January 6, 2021
Testing at the site will remain open until 9:00 p.m. EST tonight with the hours repeated on Thursday. Fans are not allowed to provide their own COVID-19 test or get tested at any other facility if they want to attend the game.
When you enter the parking lot, there are three large tents, each with ten drive-through bays, so 30 tests can be administered at the same time. You can see in the video why it’s moving so quickly.
Covid-19 testing is underway and running smoothly here in Lot 4 across from Bills Stadium.
— Gabrielle Mediak (@GabrielleMediak) January 6, 2021
Fans need to test negative of course, to attend the playoff match up against the Colts Saturday. #BillsMafia
I’ll have a live report on the CW23 at 8am! @news4buffalo pic.twitter.com/QPPfViAUUE
While there was no tailgating, that doesn’t mean Bills fans weren’t excited to be “congregating” at the stadium again.
“It’s really refreshing to hear people honk to the tune of ‘Let’s Go Buffalo’ outside the stadium. Very nostalgic,” tweeted Mike Baggerman from Newsradio 930 AM in Buffalo.
Just got my COVID at @BuffaloBills stadium. Smooth set up & super fast. Pro tip though... bring a pen. You need to fill out a form (in addition to the one you filled out online). #BillsMafia #GoBills
— Shaena Kershner (@ShaenaKershner) January 6, 2021
I want to say this is the earliest I’ve been at the Bills Stadium (but I’m pretty sure I’ve started tailgating this early before)...ready for this covid test.
— Kait Layman (@KaitLayman) January 6, 2021
And yes, I’m playing the Shout Song over and over in my car #BillsMafia #BeOn2 pic.twitter.com/e3Zi8scWNh