The Buffalo Bills will play the Cleveland Browns this weekend after all. Just not in Buffalo.
The NFL confirmed late Thursday afternoon that they would be moving the Bills home game to Detroit due to a winter storm that’s expected to dump up to six feet of snow on western New York over the next few days.
“The decision to move the game to Detroit has everything to do about safety,” Bills executive vice president and chief operating officer Ron Raccuia said. “Safety first has been what we’ve been talking about here, really for the last 48 to 72 hours.”
Ironically the Bills will also be playing in Detroit on Thanksgiving in a game against the Lions as well. At the moment the plan is for Buffalo to play their game Sunday at 1pm, before flying home for a short practice week, and then ultimately returning to Detroit. What the weather does in the coming days however could force a change of plans which could result in the team remaining in the Motor City.
In a bit of gamesmanship, the Bills plan to use the visitors sideline, and dressing room Sunday so that they’re acclimated to it for their game four days later. As a result of the location change, all sports bets placed on the Bills vs. Brown’s contest were voided by several high profile sports books.
Those who had tickets to the game at Orchard Park will be reimbursed, with presale tickets in Detroit becoming available to Buffalo season ticket holders at a discounted price.
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