Home opener test of new rules at Ralph

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo Bills fans will encounter new rules of the road when they show up at Ralph Wilson Stadium for the season home opening this weekend.

Keith Bova said, "We were looking for everybody. We don't see anybody, but we were looking for people."

Bova and his friends showed up with an RV hoping to spend the Friday night before the home opener outside the stadium.

Keith Wesolek said, "We have a bunch of friends and family coming into town so we came here, and were told that we can't do it."

Campers aren't allowed in until Saturday morning. Bills fans should also expect more of a pat down, possibly even their legs as they enter the stadium gates this year.

Buffalo Bills CEO Russ Brandon said, "It'll be a bit more intense pat down than fans may be used to. There's a lot of people that need to move through nine gates, and any time you have that many people, if everybody gets to the gates at 12:30, quarter to one, they'll have a tough time getting in the building. So get to the gates early, get in your seats and get ready for some football."

Erie County Sheriff's deputies will be using a mobile computer to make sure that those parking in handicapped spaces have a tag that actually belongs to them and not someone else.

Fans are also reminded that Abbott Road will be closed this year in front of the Stadium from five hours before game time and for two hours after so fans can cross Abbott more safely.

This will be the first home opener in more than 50 years that owner Ralph Wilson will not attend, as he recovers from a broken hip. It's one sad note in a season that has otherwise started off full of hope.

"There's just so much energy. There's nothing like the home opener," said Brandon.

Bova said, "We're looking for a great weekend camping and a Bills win for sure."

For more information on all the new rules, including no smoking in the stadium, learn more on the Bills website.