ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — Ahead of this Sunday’s Bills playoff game against the Broncos in Orchard Park, many fans have their set parking routines, whether they choose a private lot or the official Bills lot.
When adding the cost of parking to the hundreds of dollars for a ticket to this weekend’s game, it can get to be an expensive day.
Many fans will drop their vehicles off near or even miles away from Highmark Stadium. Local lot owners said that playoffs are a different beast.
“Typically for a playoff, we always fill up,” said Mark Lester, the operator of Yellow Brick Parking.
“I haven’t locked in all my reservations yet, but I don’t anticipate having too many openings,” said Jeff Hagger, who park cars on Allen Street.
Both the Haggers and Lester said they will be up bright and early before the 1 p.m. kickoff.
“As soon as the sun’s up, they’ll be here. Our regulars will start to roll in,” Hagger said. “Everybody around here, we’ve gotten to know because of the game days.”
“Our parkers are allowed to come in up to four hours prior, which is 9 a.m., and they can stay four hours after the game,” Lester said. “It’s an all day, all-inclusive situation,” Lester said.
The Haggers and Lester said that snow or muddy grass during the playoff time of year usually results in lost parking spaces, but not this time.
“The ground is frozen solid. It was very muddy for the last game. It’s not now,” Hagger said. “It’s frozen solid and we’re not expecting any significant snow, so, we should be able to pack the house. I can’t wait.”
As of Wednesday, Yellow Brick Parking and “Josh” Allen Street still have parking available to reserve.
At the official Bills parking lot, spots are still open, with the cheapest being just over $100.
“Right now, I’m selling individual parking spaces for only $60,” Lester said.
“The three of us that all work together, it’s $40 a car per game,” Hagger said.
Stadium lots open at 9 a.m. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to not park on the shoulder of the road for pedestrian safety.
“As far as traffic goes and the traffic patterns, there are no changes in place,” said Lieutenant Jeremy Lehning of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. “As far as overall security around the stadium, Abbott Road will close at 8:00 a.m. All the normal security procedures definitely apply.”
Whether choosing the official Bills lot or a private lot, history shows that it’s best to book a spot sooner rather than later.
“This is what we do. This is what we waited for. I can’t believe it. You know, pinch me. I’m dreaming, five years in a row,” Hagger said. “We’re still doing it, hosting home playoff games. I can’t believe it.”
Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.