Gov. Cathy Hochul announced Sunday that the Buffalo Bills-Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game has been postponed to Monday due to an expected winter storm in New York.
The game was scheduled to be played Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Highmark Stadium, the home of the Bills. according to WIVB News. The game was then rescheduled to Monday at 4:30 p.m.
buffalo bills Said A statement on Twitter said the decision was made “with public safety and the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers top of mind as the region prepares for the storm.”
A snowstorm is expected in Western New York. according to State Department of Transportation.Hochul announced On Twitter, he said a travel ban was in effect in Erie County and urged residents to stock up on essential items before the storm hits.
“We want the Bills to win, but we don't want 60,000 to 70,000 people going to a football game in dire conditions,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, according to WIVB. ” he said.
“[Law enforcement officials] “Instead of directing traffic at a football stadium, we need to be in the middle of a snowstorm assisting and helping people in need…this is something we all agreed on,” he added.
Fans were outraged on Twitter over the game's cancellation. Many pointed out how the team's new stadium was designed to “protect from the elements.”
“Honest question: Wasn't the argument that Buffalo's new stadium doesn't have a roof meant that football should be played in the rain?” former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt said. I wrote this on Twitter: “This has been the case in recent years where multiple games have been rescheduled due to weather.''
“Do you want elements to be elements?” Watt added. (Related: Buffalo Bills fan shot and killed near Hard Rock Stadium in Miami).
in press release The Bills say that starting in 2022, stacked seats will provide “protection from the elements; [and] Extensive radiant heating will be installed to enhance fan comfort. ”
Other fans joked about the game's cancellation and fan behavior at previous games.
buffalo weather buffalo weather
Monday Sunday is 27 degrees
60% chance of 22°.
50% chance of snow
snow pic.twitter.com/QeyykrapIX— Bak🐧 (@Mazursky8895) January 13, 2024
Buffalo Bills:
The game has been postponed for the safety of the fans.Bills fans: pic.twitter.com/18pVcVNtBw
— El_Travador (@El_Travador) January 13, 2024
One user noted how the Bills played in a blizzard in 2017 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Bills vs. Colts, 2017. They played in a blizzard. What changed Buffalo? Damn you. pic.twitter.com/8Ckwm25eL8
— Steel Twins | Please bring home Mason (@SteelTwins) January 13, 2024
WIVB reports that the playoff game is scheduled to be televised on CBS on Monday.
