Governor Andrew Cuomo hinted Friday he'd support the possibility of allowing some fans into Bills Stadium for National Football League playoff home games, if the COVID-related statistics were favorable and if a proper plan was ready.
During his Friday COVID update in Albany, Cuomo stated that Western New York's infection and hospitalization rates were decreasing. He then added that he'd make two bets. One was that New York State would not need another shutdown like the one ordered this spring.
His other bet? That the Buffalo Bills will make the NFL playoffs. That led to the question whethe the state would consider allowing fans to attend, though in limited capacity, at One Bills Drive. The governor was reminded he had suggested back in September that he'd evaluate and decide whether that would be allowed. To date, Bills home games have been played with no fans in attendance.
"We are still looking at it. After we had that conversation, the infection rate went wild in Western New York, as you know. The infection rate is now coming down," Cuomo replied. "I'm going to be curious to see where we are, when the Bills are in the playoffs. If they get a bye, they might be in the middle of January or something, I think.”
The Bills face the Denver Broncos Saturday afternoon and have the opportunity to not only clinch a playoff berth but also the American Football Conference East Division championship. It would be the first time the Bills have claimed the top place in the division since 1995.
Cuomo, recognizing the prospect, stated he'd like Buffalo fans to be able to enjoy their team's run. The decision, as he explained, would ultimately be made by the New York State Department of Health, led by Dr. Howard Zucker.
"If the infection rate is under control, and the capacity rate is under control, and we can come up with a smart science-based way to do it, I would be all in favor," Cuomo said. "It's going to be a health decision. It's going to be Dr. Zucker’s health decision.”
