ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — After 53 seasons at the current stadium, the Buffalo Bills played their final regular season game at the stadium on Sunday. It ended in a dominant and emotional win against the New York Jets ahead of the playoffs.
The Ralph, Rich Stadium, New Era Field, or Highmark Stadium, whatever you want to call it, the stadium is finally shutting its doors after opening in 1973. Next season, the Bills will play at the new Highmark Stadium across the street. Pretty much every emotion was felt by both fans and players alike and News10NBC Sports’ Ian Mills was there for it all.
Head Coach Sean McDermott: “Great environment, special environment. Really appreciate the fans showing up the way that they did and staying there the whole game.”
Secondary quarterback Mitch Trubisky: “We just really wanted to perform well one last time in the stadium for them. And the atmosphere was special. They started to play slow music at the end there. I had to get off the field. It was pretty cool. It was awesome.”
Cornerback Tre’Davious White: “It’s only in Buffalo. Only in Buffalo you get that. So that’s why this place is so special. And that’s why a lot of people want to come here.”
Linebacker Joe Andressen: “I usually don’t see my family till after the game, but last game here I wanted to take a picture with them in the stands. And honestly, I don’t even know where they really sit, because I don’t even try to worry about where they are. I’m trying to work and do my job. So I was looking at them in the stands for a little bit. I finally found them, and it was great.”
Fullback Reggie Gilliam: “It was a lot to take in. It was sad, but it was also an amazing moment, just seeing everybody so happy and everybody sharing the love for the game that we all do.”
With the 35-8 win on Sunday, the Bills record improves to 12-5 on the season and they’ll head into the playoffs as the sixth seed in the AFC. The Bills will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday at 1 p.m. in the first round.
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The post ‘A lot to take in’; Bills players and fans react to final game at current Highmark Stadium appeared first on WHEC.com.
