Whether by plane, snowmobile or sled dog, the Bills are leaving snowbound Buffalo behind for Ford Field in Detroit to play their “home” game against the New York Jets on Monday night.
The Bills’ schedule is in upheaval because of a lake-effect storm that dumped more than 5 feet of snow on the Buffalo region since Monday. Another 1-3 feet was projected to fall by today.
The storm that paralyzed much of the community surrounding the Bills’ home at Orchard Park led to the NFL’s decision on Thursday to relocate the game, which will be played at the Lions‘ downtown Detroit home.
“It really wasn’t an option to try to play the game (in Buffalo) at any point Sunday, Monday or even potentially Tuesday based on what the forecast is,” Bills president Russ Brandon said. “All the focus needs to be on the safety of not only the fans but the community.”
Said Lions President Tom Lewand: “We are pleased to be hosting the Bills and Jets for their game Monday night. While our thoughts are with the people of the Buffalo area during this difficult time, our team at Ford Field will do everything we can to be good hosts to their team this weekend.”
“We greatly appreciate the hospitality of the Detroit Lions,” the NFL said in a statement.
The game is to be televised on CBS in the New York and Buffalo markets. More details, including ticket information, will be announced later, perhaps as early as today.
The Bills intend to travel to Detroit today and practice at the Lions’ facility in Allen Park today and Saturday, and do a walkthrough Sunday.
The Lions are at New England on Sunday.
This marks the second time the Bills will play at Ford Field this season following a 17-14 win over the Lions on Oct. 5.
