For Buffalo Bills fans, game day is about much more than four quarters of football. It’s about the people, the traditions, the food, and the unmistakable energy that takes over Western New York when the Bills are playing at home. Whether you’re making your first trip to Buffalo or returning for another season, there’s plenty to experience before you ever set foot inside Highmark Stadium.
Buffalo has a personality all its own. From legendary chicken wings and neighborhood taverns to waterfront attractions,
historic landmarks, and some of the most passionate football fans in the NFL, the Queen City offers visitors a little bit of everything. And while the Bills may be the reason for your trip, you’ll quickly discover there’s a lot more to Buffalo than football.
We’ve put together a guide to help visiting members of Bills Mafia make the most of their time in Western New York. Whether you’re flying in for a weekend, planning a family trip, or checking another stadium off your NFL bucket list, here’s where to stay, what to see, where to eat, and everything you need to know before heading to a Bills game.
Places to stay in Buffalo
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is where to stay. While Highmark Stadium is located in Orchard Park, approximately 20 minutes south of downtown Buffalo without game-day traffic, there are several areas worth considering depending on what you’re looking to do during your visit.
Downtown Buffalo: If you’re planning to turn your Bills trip into a full weekend getaway, downtown Buffalo is a great place to establish your home base. You’ll find hotels, restaurants, bars, entertainment, and attractions within walking distance or a short drive.
Canalside and the waterfront: For visitors who enjoy waterfront views, restaurants, and easy access to downtown attractions, the Canalside area is worth exploring. Staying near the waterfront also puts you close to KeyBank Center and several popular destinations.
Amherst and the airport area: This is my favorite go-to area. Hotels near Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Amherst are often convenient for travelers flying into town. You’ll have access to shopping, restaurants, and major highways while staying outside the busiest downtown areas.
Orchard Park and Hamburg: If your priority is being closer to the stadium, consider accommodations in Hamburg or the surrounding Southtowns. Hotel options are more limited near the stadium itself, so another option could be to check out an Air BnB.
One thing to keep in mind: Buffalo home games bring thousands of visitors to Western New York. Hotel availability can tighten quickly, particularly for prime-time games and divisional matchups.
Things to do in Buffalo
If you’re traveling to Buffalo for a game, consider arriving early. Western New York has plenty to offer, and some of the area’s best attractions are worth making time for.
Niagara Falls: Just a short drive north of Buffalo, Niagara Falls is one of the region’s most recognizable attractions. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning after several years, the views never get old. Explore Niagara Falls State Park, walk along the observation areas, or take a boat tour when operating seasonally.
Canalside: Located along Buffalo’s waterfront, Canalside offers walking paths, public spaces, seasonal activities, and beautiful views of the waterfront. It’s also a great place to explore nearby restaurants and attractions.
Explore downtown Buffalo: Take some time to appreciate the city’s historic architecture, including Buffalo City Hall, the Guaranty Building, and the Richardson Olmsted Campus. Buffalo’s history is visible throughout the city, and many of its architectural treasures are worth seeing up close.
Visit the Buffalo AKG Art Museum: For fans interested in art and culture, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum features an impressive collection and is located near Delaware Park.
Explore Elmwood Village and Allentown: These neighborhoods are filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, coffee houses, and bars. They’re ideal for visitors looking to experience Buffalo beyond the typical tourist destinations.
Experience another Buffalo sporting event: Depending on the schedule, visitors may be able to catch a Buffalo Sabres game at KeyBank Center or explore other local sporting events during their stay.
And if it’s available take a tour of the new stadium! This gives you an opportunity to explore, learn about the stadium, see things you otherwise would not, a walk the trail around the stadium without worrying about it disrupting your game-day tailgate experience.
Best places to eat in Buffalo
You can’t write a guide to Buffalo without talking about the food. And while Buffalo is best known for its wings, the local food scene offers much more than wings covered in delicious sauce.
Chicken wings: The Buffalo essential
If this is your first visit, eating wings should be near the top of your list. Forget the ranch dressing. In Buffalo, wings traditionally come with blue cheese and celery.
- Bar-Bill Tavern: My absolute favorite and a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its crispy wings and signature sauces. Cajun Honey Butter BBQ is my go to!
- Gabriel’s Gate: Located in Allentown, this restaurant has earned a loyal following for its wings.
- Duff’s Famous Wings: Another iconic Buffalo establishment, particularly popular with visitors looking for traditional Buffalo-style wings.
- Anchor Bar: Famous for its place in Buffalo wing history and a popular destination for first-time visitors.
- Nine-Eleven Tavern: A South Buffalo favorite with a strong local reputation.
- WingNutz: For those who like a breaded wing. They have a location in Amherst and a new location is now available near the airport. They have wing flights available to sample different flavors!
Beyond the wings
Buffalo’s food culture extends well beyond its most famous dish.
Beef on weck: A Western New York staple featuring thinly sliced roast beef served on a kummelweck roll with salt and caraway seeds. Charlie the Butcher and Schwabl’s are two places worth considering.
Buffalo-style pizza: Buffalo has its own distinct pizza style, generally featuring a thicker, airy crust, generous cheese, and cup-and-char pepperoni. Picassos, La Nova, Bocce Club Pizza, and Imperial Pizza are well-known local names.
Ted’s Hot Dogs: A Buffalo institution known for charcoal-broiled hot dogs, particularly when paired with fries and a Loganberry drink.
Riverworks: Located along the river in the city’s historical industrial district, Buffalo’s RiverWorks is one of the area’s most unique entertainment destinations.
Sponge candy: If you’ve never tried this Western New York favorite, stop by Watson’s Chocolates or another local candy shop for a sweet souvenir.
And for those who enjoy exploring neighborhood bars and restaurants, Buffalo has no shortage of independently owned establishments where the conversation will almost certainly turn to the Bills.
Highmark Stadium parking, rideshare and transit options
Getting to Highmark Stadium requires a little planning, particularly for fans unfamiliar with Orchard Park. Unlike stadiums located in major downtown areas, the Bills’ home is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and parking lots that transform into a sea of red, white, and blue on game day. My biggest suggestion: have a car. Whether it’s the game day experience or just your weekend in Buffalo altogether, having a car makes your experience much more convenient.
Stadium parking: Official Bills parking lots and surrounding private lots offer different options depending on how early you plan to arrive and what kind of tailgating experience you’re looking for. Parking lots open 4 hours prior to kickoff and have to be pre-purchased so check Ticketmaster for resale tickets. There are important tailgating rules for the Bills owned lots so come prepared.
Private parking lots: Yes! Several businesses AND private home owners around Orchard Park offer game-day parking. These lots and well…yards… can provide a more traditional Bills tailgating atmosphere. This is absolutely your best option if you want an authentic tailgate experience. Make sure you come early if you don’t want to walk too far. Each lot differs in prices, amenities, and walking distances.
Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft are convenient options for arriving at the stadium, but leaving after the game can be more challenging. Heavy traffic, designated pickup areas, and increased demand can mean longer waits and higher fares. I do not suggest this option to anyone I like as it can be an expensive headache.
Public transportation and shuttles: Fans who prefer not to drive should investigate available game-day bus or shuttle services in advance. There is a Game Day Express bus that leaves from Easter Hills Mall and a few other Buffalo area locations. Lines to get on the bus can be long so be sure to pack your patience.
A few tips from someone who knows the routine: Arrive early, understand which entrance or parking area you’re using, and give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. The final few miles into Orchard Park can take considerably longer on game day, especially for high-profile matchups.
Tailgating at Highmark Stadium
There are NFL tailgates, and then there’s Buffalo.
For many Bills fans, tailgating isn’t simply something to do before kickoff. It’s an essential part of the game-day experience. The parking lots surrounding Highmark Stadium become their own communities, filled with generations of Bills fans, elaborate setups, music, food, and traditions that have become part of the team’s identity.
The Red Pinto Tailgate at the Hammer Lot: One of the most recognizable tailgating traditions in Buffalo, the Red Pinto Tailgate is home to the legendary Pinto Ron. Located at 4170 Abbott Road, the Hammer Lot has become a destination for fans hoping to experience one of Bills Mafia’s most famous pregame gatherings. From the iconic Pinto to the unpredictable traditions, it’s an experience worth seeing at least once.
Pancho’s Army at the Mafia House: Located at 60 Fay Street in Orchard Park, the Mafia House is another destination for fans interested in the community side of Bills Mafia. Pancho’s Army hosts charitable initiatives and tailgating activities, with donations supporting its efforts to give back.
Traditional parking lot tailgating: Of course, some of the best experiences happen simply by walking through the lots. You’ll find families who have been tailgating together for decades, homemade Buffalo favorites, and fans who traveled across the country to be part of the atmosphere.
Paid Tailgates: The VIP Tailgate or Gameday Hospitality: For visitors looking for a more organized experience, the Tailgate offers a hospitality style alternative to the traditional parking lot setup. Both are located near the stadium, it provides an option for fans who want a designated gathering place before the game.
The Bills game-day experience
By the time kickoff approaches, you’ll understand why Buffalo is one of the most unique destinations in the NFL.
The energy starts hours before the game and continues as fans make their way into the stadium. From the sea of Bills jerseys to the familiar sound of the Shout song, the atmosphere is something that television simply can’t capture.
Make sure you walk to the stadium early! You’ll Want to explore outside the stadium, the charging bisons, and you’ll want to get inside early: Give yourself time to navigate security, find your seats, explore the stadium (there is so much to see), and experience the pregame atmosphere.
Dress for the weather: Buffalo weather can be unpredictable, particularly as the season moves into November, December, and January. Layers, gloves, hats, waterproof footwear, and cold-weather gear can make the difference between enjoying the game and counting down the minutes until you can get back inside your car.
Know the traditions: Learn the words to the Shout song, be ready to get loud on third down, and don’t be surprised when complete strangers treat you like you’ve been part of their tailgate for years.
Stay for the experience: Win or lose, there’s something special about being surrounded by tens of thousands of people who share the same passion for their team. Take it all in.
For those of us who travel to every Bills game, it’s easy to forget how special that first visit can be. But watching someone experience a Buffalo home game for the first time is a reminder of what makes this fan base different.
Buffalo isn’t just a place to watch football. It’s a place where the people, food, traditions, and community are every bit as memorable as the game itself.
And once you’ve experienced it, there’s a good chance you’ll be planning your next trip before you’ve even left Orchard Park.
