Buffalo Bills fans will be up early for this weekend’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It will kick off live from London at 9:30 a.m. local time on Sunday.
The overseas kick created two dilemmas for Bills Mafia. Both of them have been solved.
Current New York state laws prohibit restaurants and bars from serving alcohol between 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. That would normally mean that Buffalo fans could not enjoy the NFL‘s International Series game with an ice cold beer at a bar or restaurant during the first 30 minutes of the game. No pregame either. They could have as many drinks as they want at home, but not out in public.
Governor Kathy Hochul got ahead of that 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
One problem solved!
The other problem that comes with a game before 10:00 a.m. is specific to those of Christian faith. Church services on Sunday will conflict with kickoff. Bills Mafia would struggle to get in a sermon and get a buzz before or even during the game.
This is where the Tavern at Windsor Park in Williamsville, NY is stepping up. It’s holding church 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 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
Biegner is not the only local pastor who is taking an innovative approach to game day. St. John’s Lutheran Church in Williamsville cancelled all of its traditional services for Sunday.
Instead, they are going to hold a “tailgate church” at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot followed by a watch party. In lieu of the alter, the pastor will use the tailgate of a truck.
Two problems solved!
Bills Mafia is just different…
They need to ask the Lord for a win and for good health, but they don’t want to miss out on a cold beer for kickoff. Combining the two was the only solution!