ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Fans arrived early for the Bills’ final game at the stadium that has been their home for over five decades. The event was not just about the game itself, but about honoring the history and memories associated with Highmark Stadium.

From clearing snow to building a tribute to Bills legends nearby, Saturday was all about preparing for one last sendoff. Teriann Constantino, a fan who traveled from Florida for Sunday’s game, shared her feelings about the experience. “There’s nothing like the Buffalo Bills, there’s nothing like this fan base, there’s nothing like this stadium,” she said while shoveling snow.

Fans from various locations gathered at Highmark Stadium, each with a shovel in hand, ready to help clear the snow ahead of the final game. Angie Leaton, from West Virginia, expressed her enthusiasm. “We knew that there was shoveling going on and we wanted to be a part of it.”

Sam Minniti, a Bills fan from Ontario, added, “I’ve been watching the Bills since I was a teenager in Fort Erie, Ontario, and still come to the occasional game or two. We’re here tomorrow, so it’s a great way to have a Bills weekend of shoveling snow and watching the game.”

With every scoop of snow, fans say they are creating memories they will never forget. Angie Leaton and Renee Dillow, visitors from West Virginia, described the experience as amazing. “It’s been awesome, I loved the experience, this has just been great. Everybody’s so nice here, it’s just crazy how nice everybody is… It’s all like one big family.”

Joe Matilszki, visiting from Florida, admitted that Saturday was his first time ever shoveling snow. “We’re taking advantage of shoveling snow,” he said. “If I gotta do it, this is the place to do it.”

A few miles away, the celebration continued at the Big Tree Inn, where the Water Buffalo Club hosted its own sendoff. Therese Forton-Barnes, founder of the Water Buffalo Club 716 and 2025 Buffalo Bills fan of the year, shared her sentiments. “The Ralph gave us what we needed, and gave us so much joy, and I tear up thinking about it.” She went on to explain how the club met people from different walks of life and parts of the world at the stadium.

Two snow sculptures now stand outside of the Big Tree Inn for fans to enjoy, thanks to the efforts of the Water Buffalo Club. “We commissioned Eric Jones to do a snow sculpture of Josh Allen and Jim Kelly, two legends of the stadium, and a legend going into the new stadium,” said Forton-Barnes.

Fans emphasized that Sunday’s game isn’t just about the final match at the stadium, but about the memories the team has created for so many. Sam Minniti said, “It’s bittersweet, thankfully just across the street we’ll have a new stadium, new home, and it’ll be nice to keep some of the same traditions but just different.”

Therese Forton-Barnes added, “We’re all celebrating the end of an era.”

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Angelica Gallagher, a Lancaster native, joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of her work here.

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