You can’t deny a Buffalo Bills fan their God-given right to have an early morning drink.
Buffalo Bills fans are gearing up for this weekend’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, set to kick off live from London at 9:30 a.m. local time on Sunday.
This overseas kickoff posed two challenges for the Bills Mafia, but both have found solutions.
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Under current New York state laws, restaurants and bars cannot serve alcohol between 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. Typically, this would mean Buffalo fans couldn’t enjoy the NFL’s International Series game with a refreshing beer at a public establishment during the first 30 minutes of the match. No pregame festivities either. They could certainly indulge in as many drinks as they wished at home, but not out in the open.
Governor Kathy Hochul took proactive steps to address this issue:
With the Buffalo Bills playing across the pond on Sunday morning, I know fans will be gathering for the big game & may fancy a pint.
I’m directing the State Liquor Authority to extend the deadline for special permits, so sports bars & restaurants can serve as early as 8am. ???— New York Governor Kathy Hochul
The second challenge arising from a game before 10:00 a.m. pertains to those of Christian faith. Sunday church services would clash with kickoff, making it a challenge for Bills Mafia to attend a sermon and enjoy a beverage before or during the game.
This is where the Tavern at Windsor Park in Williamsville, NY has come to the rescue. They’re hosting a church service in the bar before kickoff.
Pastor Steve Biegner from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Eggertsville will lead the service at 8:30 a.m., and it will last exactly 30 minutes before the tailgate begins at 9:00 a.m. Kickoff is at 9:30 a.m.
We want to make sure we try and meet people where they’re going to be. We don’t always need to be in a sanctuary. This can be our sanctuary on a Sunday morning with some great fellowship and prayer together.— Pastor Steve Biegner from St. Paul Lutheran Church, via WGRZ
Instead of the traditional altar, the pastor will use the tailgate of a truck.
Two dilemmas solved!
Bills Mafia is truly unique. They want to ask the Lord for a win and good health, but they also want to enjoy a cold beer during kickoff. Combining both experiences was the ingenious solution!
