The Buffalo Bills have partnered with BioReference Laboratories, Inc., an OPKO Health company to perform fan testing for their AFC Divisional Wild Card playoff game. The Bills will host the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, January 9th at Bills Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.
“BioReference has been helping our players, coaches and staff stay safe all season,” said Kim Pegula, Bills Owner and President. “We have no doubt they will help create a safe environment for our long awaited home playoff game. We are pleased to expand our partnership to bring fans back into the stadium.”
Last week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York State had granted permission for the Bills to host a limited number of fans at their home Wild Card game.
“Bills fans have waited decades in order to attend a home playoff game and we have worked to build an innovative pilot program to make that happen safely,” Governor Cuomo said. “All season long, the Bills’ stellar play has captured a certain energy and charisma that is undoubtedly infectious, but we all need to be smart. We’re in control of our destiny and how we act is going to determine what comes next. So while this is a time for excitement and celebration, it’s critical that everyone follow the guidelines and practice the safe behaviors we know work. If everyone does their part, I believe this pilot will be successful. Go Bills!”
Bills games had been closed to fans for the entire 2020 regular season as part of New York state’s COVID-19 protocols regarding professional sports, but the plan allows for 6,772 fans to attend the game. Fans that purchase a ticket will be given a BioReference URL to select a testing time at Bills Stadium, two or three days prior to game day.
Fans will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR laboratory-based test result within 72 hours of the game before they can attend. Once inside, fans will be socially distanced throughout the stadium. Masks will be required at all times and fans who fail to comply will be ejected. The Bills will work with the New York State Department of Health to conduct contact tracing after the game.
“The Bills, New York State and BioReference are committed to providing a safe environment so that fans can enjoy the playoff game,” said Jon R. Cohen, M.D., Executive Chairman of BioReference Laboratories. “BioReference has led the way in providing customized large scale COVID-19 screening programs to organizations and municipalities across the country. Fan testing is the next natural step in helping Americans attend and enjoy live sporting and entertainment events.”
BioReference Laboratories is also the NFL’s COVID-19 testing partner
