The Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos are set to face off at Highmark Stadium this Sunday in the AFC Wild Card round. Fans can expect a day filled with intense football action, innovative concessions, and updates on the Bills’ much-anticipated $2.1 billion stadium project.
Weather conditions: A frigid but playable afternoon in Orchard Park
The Wild Card showdown will kick off at 1 p.m. ET under partly sunny skies with temperatures near 30°F. Winds will blow at a manageable 6 mph, with occasional gusts up to 19 mph, ensuring that the game remains largely unaffected by weather conditions. Players and fans alike will need to brace for the cold, but the crisp weather is unlikely to disrupt gameplay significantly.
The Bills, led by their superstar quarterback Josh Allen, are coming off a strong 13-4 season and look to capitalize on home-field advantage. On the other side, rookie quarterback Bo Nix will aim to lead the 10-7 Broncos to an upset in his first postseason appearance.
Bold new concessions enhance the game-day experience
Highmark Stadium will offer fans a unique culinary experience with an array of specialty food items debuting for the Wild Card game. Among the highlights is the Waffle Fry Battle Boat, a massive two-foot tray of waffle fries split into toppings inspired by both teams. The Denver side features scrambled eggs, peppers, and pancetta, while the Buffalo side is topped with chicken fingers, sirloin steak, and BBQ sauce.
Another standout dish is the Bills Bruncher, a daring creation combining beef brisket, chicken fingers, and chipped beef fondue sandwiched between a Paula’s Donut cinnamon roll, finished with a spicy jalapeño popper. Vegan and gluten-free options, such as the Powerhouse Quesadilla and Caprese Wrap, ensure there’s something for everyone. These inventive offerings highlight the ongoing effort to make every fan’s experience unforgettable.
The future of Highmark Stadium: A $2.1 billion transformation
As fans gear up for Sunday’s game, the Buffalo Bills have unveiled renderings of their state-of-the-art, $2.1 billion stadium, set to open in the summer of 2026. The new design prioritizes fan experience, featuring massive video boards, a cutting-edge audio system that directs sound to specific areas, and radiant heat points to combat Buffalo’s famously harsh winter weather.
The open-air stadium, which will be located across the street from the current Highmark Stadium, embraces Buffalo’s rugged climate and football culture. However, the decision to forgo a dome means the venue won’t be eligible to host a Super Bowl. The Bills’ leadership made this choice to preserve their home-field advantage and maintain traditions tied to the team’s history. The stadium will also include stacked concourses for better viewing and will be fully ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all fans.
How to watch and live stream the Wild Card showdown
The Wild Card game will kick off at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Fans unable to attend can catch the action live on CBS, with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo providing commentary and Tracy Wolfson reporting from the sidelines. Buffalo locals can tune in on WIVB Channel 4.
For streaming options, the game will be available on Paramount+ and Fubo. With the Bills’ dominant regular season and the Broncos’ underdog story, the stage is set for an unforgettable Wild Card clash.
As the Buffalo Bills aim to secure another playoff victory and fans savor bold new stadium eats, this Sunday promises to deliver excitement both on and off the field. The unveiling of the new Highmark Stadium plans only adds to the anticipation of what’s to come for this storied franchise.
