ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The call to shovel out Highmark Stadium was heard loud and clear by Bills fans who showed up in droves Friday evening to help out the team they love and make a little money.
A crowd of people gathered outside the stadium ahead of their 2 p.m. call time and by 2:20 p.m. the line stretched past entrance Gate 7 and into the parking lot.
"Hundreds" of people showed up, according to Buffalo Bills Vice President of Operations Andy Major, about double what the team expected.
"We know that we need the help, and I think they know that we need the help, and there is no sugarcoating this: There are 5 plus feet of snow, maybe 6 feet of snow, in our stands right now," Major said.
The response from fans might have been a little more than the team bargained for. About an hour and a half after asking people to show up, Major said they didn't need anyone else.
Friends Tyler Kocher and Harry Fuller showed up to support their team and get a unique experience out of it.
"Shoveling for the Bills, we got to get this done and get this win against the Chiefs," Kocher said.
Added Fuller: "We got to get the snow shoveled so that everyone can enjoy the game Sunday."
"Someone's got to get it done," Kocher added.
"Yeah, it’s got to be us," Fuller said.
They waited three to four hours to get into the stadium after making it to the front of the line and signing a waiver. It was a longer wait than they expected, but they were determined to have clean seats.
Kocher and Fuller will be attending the AFC divisional round game on Sunday.
"It's up to us. If the Bills lose, it's our fault, but if they do well, it's also our fault," Kocher said.
Fuller added: "We're just going to go in there enjoy ourselves and move some snow."
Cooper Harris and Josh Heim, two more fans who made it to shovel Friday night, told 2 On Your Side they loved the experience as Bills' fans but said it was tough work and a little unorganized.
Fans drove from Lockport, Fredonia, and even Rochester just for the experience.
Andy Major, the Bills' vice president of operations, said the team is thankful to have such a dedicated fan base who shows up in times like this.
"We are so lucky to have Bills Mafia coming out and helping with the snow shoveling, but it's also the contractors and the vendors ... who are moving snow everywhere, getting parking lots open, so there are a lot of positive things happening for the game this weekend," Major said.
Fans were paid $20 an hour and had food and drinks, plus a warming area provided for them. The Bills also played music throughout the stadium.
"Hopefully it's going to be a lot of work. Don't know what to expect but gonna stay positive and do the best I can," said Zachary Nelson, who showed up to make a few extra bucks while in between jobs.
"It takes hard work and dedication to get it done," added Edison Gonzalez.
The Bills said the plan is to have the 100 level shoveled out Saturday and the 300 level Saturday night.
"I would say Bills Mafia. I would give them a 9.9 out of 10. The ones that are real, true, diehard Bills fans are having a great time," Major said.
He added that work will be happening 24/7 until the field is ready and the stadium is clear.