Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills Travel Guide: Highmark Stadium

Getting to Buffalo & The Stadium

• Flying In: Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is a highly accessible, easy-to-navigate airport located about 15 minutes east of downtown Buffalo.

• The Neighborhood: Highmark Stadium is not located in the city of Buffalo; it sits about 15 miles south in the suburban town of Orchard Park. Because the stadium is heavily surrounded by residential neighborhoods and lacks major public transit infrastructure, you will absolutely need to rent a car or rely on rideshares for the weekend.

Where to Stay

Since Orchard Park does not have a massive hotel infrastructure, your best bet is to stay in downtown Buffalo (to enjoy the city's food and nightlife) or grab an extended-stay hotel off the highway for an easy drive to the tailgate.

Budget Options

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Buffalo Downtown: This hotel is perfect if you want to experience the city outside of just the game. Located right in the middle of downtown's bars and restaurants, it sits on the free light rail line and offers a free hot breakfast. It's a straight 12-mile drive south to the stadium.

• Staybridge Suites Buffalo-Amherst: Geared toward extended-stay guests and families, this all-suite hotel features full kitchens, a free daily breakfast, and a weekday evening reception. It sits further north, making it a great launchpad if you plan on visiting Niagara Falls during your trip.

Higher-End Options

• The Westin Buffalo: Located right in the heart of downtown, this upscale hotel features sleek, modern rooms, luxury bedding, and a fantastic on-site restaurant. It offers a premium urban experience while keeping you close to the highways heading south.

• Curtiss Hotel: This stunning, 5-star boutique hotel is built inside a beautifully restored historic landmark. It features incredibly luxurious rooms, a year-round massive indoor/outdoor hot springs pool, and a high-end rooftop lounge with sweeping views of the city.

Nearby Activities

• Niagara Falls: You are only about a 30-minute drive from one of the most famous natural wonders in the world. Seeing the falls from the American side (or crossing into Canada if you have your passport) is an absolute must-do on a football weekend.

• The Buffalo Wing Trail: You can't visit Buffalo without eating wings. Hit up the legendary Anchor Bar (where the Buffalo wing was invented) or head to Duff's Famous Wings to argue over who makes the best batch in the city.

Pregame Food and Drink

Buffalo Bills tailgating is a legendary, bucket-list experience. The entire town of Orchard Park essentially shuts down to throw one of the wildest parking lot parties in sports.

• The Tailgate Scene: You don't go to sports bars before a Bills game; you go to the lots. Hammer's Lot is legendary (home to the famous "Pinto Ron" who gets covered in ketchup and mustard). Just bring some local Labatt Blue beer, bundle up, and wander the lots—Bills Mafia is incredibly welcoming.

• The Big Tree Inn: If you absolutely need to warm up indoors, this legendary tavern is located right down the street from the stadium. It has been the go-to post-game spot for Bills players and fans for decades.

Getting to the Event

• Driving: Renting a car and driving to Orchard Park is heavily recommended. There are massive stadium lots and dozens of private lawns and grass lots operated by locals where you can pay to park and set up your tailgate.

• Rideshare Warning: Getting an Uber or Lyft to the game is easy. Trying to get one after the game is notoriously difficult. The cellular service gets jammed, the surge pricing is massive, and traffic crawling out of the suburban two-lane roads takes forever. If you rideshare, be prepared to wait it out.

Where to Sit at Highmark Stadium

Highmark Stadium is an old-school, open-air bowl that lets the brutal Lake Erie winter weather sweep right through. Dress in extreme layers if you are going after October!

• The Warmest Seats in the Stadium: If you are attending a freezing winter game, you absolutely want to look for sideline Club Level tickets (Sections 209-212). In addition to padded seats and wait service, these sections feature massive overhead radiant heaters to keep you warm.

• The Best Midfield Views: Sections 111 and 112 are prime real estate right on the 50-yard line behind the visitor's sideline. You get incredibly close to the action and the away team's bench.

• Family-Friendly: If you are bringing kids and want to avoid the notoriously rowdy atmosphere, look for the "Family Corner" in Sections 224-227. These are strictly alcohol-free zones and offer fantastic elevated views of the whole field.

• The Budget Seats: The 300-level upper deck offers the cheapest tickets. If you sit here, look for Sections 314-317 on the sideline—these get the best direct sunlight to help keep you warm during cold games. Local Tip: The entrance tunnels are located at Row 4. Try to buy tickets in Rows 5-9 or higher than Row 15 to ensure fans walking up and down the aisles don't obstruct your view.