Attending a Buffalo Bills game at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY can be an exciting experience for any football fan. With thousands of fans descending on the stadium, parking and transportation requires some strategic planning. This article will provide an overview of the parking options available at Highmark Stadium, tips for securing parking passes or spots, navigating the parking lots, and alternative transportation methods.
Parking Options at Highmark Stadium
There are several parking options available at and around Highmark Stadium for Bills games:
- General Parking Lots – The main parking lots at Highmark Stadium have spaces available for purchase in advance or on game day. This includes the Red, Blue, Green, Orange, and Brown lots surrounding the stadium. General parking typically costs $25-50 per game.
- Private Lots – Privately owned parking lots nearby the stadium offer parking spaces for $10-60 per game, some allowing advance purchase. Many are within 1/2 mile walking distance.
- On-Street Parking – Free on-street parking is available on roads and in neighborhoods adjacent to the stadium if you arrive early enough to secure a space. Be mindful of parking signs and restrictions.
- Disabled Parking – Disabled parking options are available with valid disabled parking permits displayed. Disabled parking lots are located near stadium gates.
- Bus/RV Parking – Special lots for buses and RVs are available with advance reservations required. Bus parking costs $125 per game.
- Preferred/Premium Parking – For $150-200 per game, you can purchase premier parking in the Silver, Gold, or Platinum lots immediately adjacent to stadium gates. Advance purchase is required.
The official stadium lots are vast parking fields with attendants directing traffic on game day. Most will open 4-5 hours prior to kickoff to allow time for parking and tailgating. Arriving early is key to securing a good parking spot.
Getting Parking Passes
To purchase parking in advance of Bills games, there are a few options:
- Team Website – Parking passes can be purchased on the official Buffalo Bills website for stadium-managed lots in advance of each game. Passes are available digitally or can be mailed.
- Third-Party Sites – Many third-party ticket resellers like StubHub, VividSeats and ParkWhiz also sell prepaid stadium parking passes.
- Private Lots – Some private lots near the stadium allow you to reserve and prepay for parking spaces online for upcoming games.
Make sure to plan ahead, as the most popular lots like premium parking zones can sell out fast. Parking passes can range from $25 for general lots to $200+ for VIP parking adjacent to the gates. Purchasing in advance guarantees you a spot.
You can also just pay for parking with cash upon arrival on game day at general admission lots. Prices at the gate typically match advanced purchase rates. However, be aware that waiting to pay at entry on game day runs the risk of key lots reaching capacity.
Navigating Parking Lots
Once you arrive and park at Highmark Stadium, be sure to take note of your parking lot name, location and row. The lots surround the stadium on all sides, with specific entry points and gate assignments.
General parking lots are massive fields with rows of parking sections identified by letter or number. Make note of the section your vehicle is parked in. Also look for key landmarks like light poles with lot signs that can help you remember where you parked after the game.
Give yourself plenty of time to walk from your parking spot to the gate. From the outer lots, it can be up to a 20-25 minute walk to reach your seating section, so factor that into your arrival time. Moving sidewalks are available from certain lots to help transport fans.
After the game ends, returning to your vehicle can involve crowded bottlenecks at lot exits. Be patient and follow posted signs and staff directions to find the most efficient route back to your parking area.
Alternative Transportation
While most fans drive and park at the stadium for Bills games, there are alternative transportation options to get to Highmark Stadium:
- Ride Sharing – Uber, Lyft and other rideshare services drop off and pick up in designated zones near stadium gates, allowing you to avoid parking entirely.
- Public Transit – Take metro rail or bus with park and ride locations that provide shuttle service to the stadium on game days.
- Limousine – Private limo service with game day packages and door-to-door service are available through local transportation companies.
- Stadium Shuttle – Some area hotels and businesses operate shuttles on game days with roundtrip service to Highmark Stadium for a fee.
- Walk or Bike – If staying nearby, it’s feasible to walk, jog or bike to the stadium. Bike racks are available outside entrance gates.
Consider all options to determine the most cost-effective and convenient way to get to and from Bills games. Factor in travel time, costs, and logistics when choosing your transportation plan.
Parking Tips & Precautions
Keep these parking tips and precautions in mind for a smooth experience at Bills games:
- Arrive early – Gates open 4 hours before kickoff, so come early to get parked conveniently.
- Watch speed limits – Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians in all parking areas.
- Note your parking spot – Write down or take a picture of your parking lot letter/number.
- Allow ample walking time – Give yourself up to 25 minutes to walk from outer lots.
- Prepare for delays leaving – Expect crowded slow exits, with potential for long waits to leave lots.
- Travel light – Carry minimal items to avoid returning to your vehicle mid-game.
- Dress for weather – Consider rain, snow or cold when parking further from stadium.
- Follow staff instructions – Parking attendants will guide you in/out of lots before and after games.
Proper planning ahead of time and allowing buffer time for parking, walking and delays after games can help everything go smoothly.
Conclusion
Parking at Buffalo Bills games involves planning ahead to ensure you find an available space in your desired parking area. Fans have options like prepurchasing passes for stadium lots or private lots, paying cash upon arrival for general parking, or using alternative transportation through ride shares, public transit or other shuttle services. Those driving should arrive early, take note of their parking location, allow ample time to walk to gates, and anticipate delays leaving after games when making their plans. Following parking guidance and tips can allow fans to park conveniently, safely make their way into Highmark Stadium and enjoy the Bills gameday experience.