New security procedure for Bills games

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo Bills fans can expect to see some changes at the Ralph this season before they even walk through the gates.

Starting with Thursday's pre-season opener against the Washington Redskins, security officers will inspect all fans with a hand-held metal detectors. The Bills ask fans to hold their keys and cell phones in their hands to keep the entry process moving.

Event operations vice president Andy Major said, "It's a little shorter screening process than it is for the pat-down process. And we think that over time, with the education of our staff doing the screening and the fans understanding what to do, when they enter we'll be ready for them when they enter the stadium."

The gates open 90 minutes before kickoff. Here are some other changes coming to game days this year, direct from the Bills:

Bills Scoreboard Tailgate Party Expands: The Bills Tailgate Party expansion will debut prior to the team’s 12th annual Kids Day game on Saturday, August 25th vs. Pittsburgh. Located in the old Lot C behind the Ralph Wilson Stadium scoreboard, the Tailgate Party will more than double in size for the 2012 season and host an increased number of guest experience initiatives including Bills partners, Jills Cheerleaders, live musical entertainment on stage, food and beverage stations, children’s activities and more.

‘Think Green’ Tailgate Responsibility Program: A new tailgate initiative for the 2012 season – ‘Think Green’ – will premier in Lot 5B for a test run to help improve the overall Bills tailgate atmosphere. The initiative includes a newly organized distribution of waste and recycling receptacles and additional, more visible port-a-johns. A Guest Services promotional team will visit Lot 5B and distribute trash and recycling bags to share Fan Code of Conduct information and help fans keep their tailgate areas clean.

Make Mom Proud Enters Year Two: The Bills encourage fans to have fun, cheer for their team loudly and proudly, but to please tailgate responsibly and be courteous and respectful to all fans – including visiting team fans. For more information on the Bills Fan Code of Conduct, please visit the ‘Stadium’ Section of www.buffalobills.com

One-Car, One-Space Expands: Larger striped parking spaces to improve tailgate experience will appear in Parking Lots E and F in addition to Lots 2, and 3 which were utilized in 2011. In addition, Lot 1 will also implement the one-car, one-space parking.

Newly Paved Lots: Parking Lots E and F have been newly paved for 2012.

2012 Bus and Limo Lot Locations: Buses and Limos will be parked in lots across from the West-End Scoreboard across Abbott Road, south of Community Drive. Buses and Limos will enter off of Southwestern Boulevard (Route 20) and enter Drive Three to access the lot.

Abbott Road Closure in Effect: Abbott Road will be closed to all vehicle traffic between the south entrance of Lot B and the north entrance of Lot C on game days. Abbott Road will close at 4:15 p.m. for Thursday’s game.