A severe lake-effect snowstorm hitting the Buffalo region has prompted the NFL to consider alternatives to the Bills playing their home game against the New York Jets on Sunday. The NHL has already postponed Friday’s Sabres game versus the New York Rangers.
“Public safety is the first priority,'' NFL spokesman Greg Aiello wrote in an email Thursday afternoon. "We have been in discussions regarding potential alternatives.''
Aiello wouldn't go into detail regarding the options, but added an update was scheduled for later in the day.
One alternative would be pushing back the game a day or two. Another would be relocating the game outside of Orchard Park, which is part of a region south of Buffalo that has already been blanketed by about 5 feet of snow since Monday. Snow continued to fall on Thursday, with projected accumulations ranging between 1 and 3 feet.
Earlier in the day, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said it would be difficult for the game to be played on schedule.
“If you ask me today, right now, my sense is it's impractical to do the game because it would jeopardize public safety,'' Cuomo said. “Everybody would love to see a Bills game go forward, but I think even more, everybody wants to make sure public safety comes first.''
On Wednesday, Bills Vice President of Operations Andy Major wasn't sure whether there was enough time to clear Ralph Wilson Stadium and its surrounding parking lots of the estimated 220,000 tons of snow covering the team's 200-acre grounds by Sunday.