New York State has given approval to the Buffalo Bills to allow some fans back in the stadium for the wildcard playoff game.

“As far as history goes, we’ve never missed a playoff game since ’88, on the road or at home, we went to all four Super Bowls,” said Michael Chaba of Greece.

What You Need To Know

  • New York state is allowing 6,700 fans to attend

  • Fans believe it will help the team play better during the game

  • Medical Doctor believes it's a bad idea to allow fans attend playoff game

The Greece couple is hoping history will repeat itself and they’ll be among the few thousand ticket holders with seniority to attend the game.

New York State is allowing 6,700 fans to attend, but attendees will have to pay to get tested for COVID-19 before the game, tailgating will not be allowed, fans will wear a mask the entire time, and be socially distanced.

“I feel it’ll help the players because they hear someone on their side, and when I’m in the stadium I almost feel as though I have some sort of control of the game even though I don’t, because you feel you’re there, you’re screaming your loudest, you just have that feeling that you feel like you’re helping the team," said Lori Chaba of Greece.

Spectrum News spoke to an epidemiology and infectious disease doctor from Rochester Regional Health about the decision to let fans congregate.

“I think it sends mixed messages, so it’s you know don’t visit here, don’t go there, but it’s okay to go to a sporting event," said Dr. Emil Lesho.

Dr. Lesho is concerned about the type of testing that will be administered and the test accuracy, along with the fact that COVID-19 may not be detected in people who had been recently infected.

The doctor says he is also concerned about the behavior of people before and after the game and the risk of this putting more stress on hospitals.

“It’s more of stressing limited capacity, alright. So hospitals are already stressed out, healthcare workers are working extra shifts, healthcare workers are testing positive themselves and needing to quarantine, we still don’t have all of the protective equipment we would like to have,” said Dr. Lesho.

The Greece couple says if they receive the tickets, they will isolate until the playoff game and do their part to be safe.

“I don’t blame the people that are against it. I’m for it because of the fact that I love the Buffalo Bills. I mean maybe if I had no... couldn’t care less about the team I would say this isn’t fair, why do they get? I understand the people that are against it, I’m just being selfish when I’m saying that I’m for it,” said Lori Chaba.

Season ticket holders with seniority will find out on Thursday if they’re able to get tickets for the wild card playoff game.

“It’s the sit and wait now and see if we’re on the good list or the naughty list, who knows,” said Michael Chaba.