ORCHARD PARK, NY — Everyone get out your shovels. It’s officially that time of year again in Western New York.
Significant winter weather is expected in the region this weekend, which means the Buffalo Bills have made the first call for information on potential shovelers ahead of Sunday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers (8:20 p.m. EST, NBC). Snow began falling in some areas on Friday, but it was unclear if and when shovels would be needed.
The team, with ABM helping with facilities management services, shared a Google Doc for anyone over the age of 18 to sign up if they were interested in helping with snow removal at the stadium for the remainder of the season. . The National Weather Service issued a lake effect snow warning until 7 p.m. EST Monday for some areas around Western New York, including Orchard Park, where the Bills stadium is located.
Projections for exactly when the most snow will fall and where it will be are still unclear, so the team is opening up the potential need for shovels, but has not yet announced a specific day or time. The area around the stadium was expected to receive from about a foot of snow to several feet over the course of the weekend, with thunder also a possibility, according to the National Weather Service, and a significant amount of severe weather was expected before the game.
“We’re trying to stay on top of [the weather]” said coach Sean McDermott. “You know things change here quickly with the weather coming off the lake and everything. So let’s do the best we can and, I think you asked me earlier in the week, does that contribute to preparation? And the answer is yes. It takes a little more time, a little more collaboration and communication. “I don’t just mean between coaches, but also with our operational staff.”
For veteran Bills players, preparing for this type of weather is nothing new, including last year when the team’s playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers was delayed due to weather.
“Football is fun, whether it’s snowing or raining, it’s cool, and I’m the snowman, so the snowman likes snow,” left tackle Dion Dawkins said, referencing his nickname. “Today I put on my white coat, because we’re supposed to have snow, so I’m trying to summon the snow so we can have a little more fun, which we already have a lot of.”
Interested shovelers will be paid $20 per hour and provided with hot food and beverages. You are welcome to bring your own paddles, but some will also be provided, and everyone is encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.
