Inside The Bills

M&T Bank Draft Day Challenge winners

Out of those who correctly guessed EJ Manuel as the Bills first Draft pick, five winners were randomly selected.  They will each receive an exclusive “meet and greet” with EJ Manuel, a private tour of the Buffalo Bills facilities and an autographed NFL Draft helmet.  Congratulations to the following winners:

Cindie Johnson from West Seneca, NY

Dennis Longo from Cheektowaga, NY

Manuel Rosado from Kissimmee, FL

Ryan Spadaccini from Canton, NY

Gary Wisniewski from Cheektowaga, NY

Alumni, Jills, on-hand for Roswell event

Friday, the Bills once again made an impact in the Western New York Community on-hand for the new Roswell Park Niagara, Wheatfield location open house.

Alumni members Steve Tasker, Booker Edgerson, Charlie Ferguson, Ed Rutkowski and Ken Jones were in attendance and signing autographs for fans who stopped by. In addition, Bills Buffalo and the Buffalo Jills made appearances throughout the evening.

Bills alumni members also took part in a live Sandy Beach radio remote from the event.

The new Roswell Park Cancer Institute satellite location in Wheatfield will focus primarily on meeting the needs of surgical and dermatological patients.

The new site is located on the ground floor of the Summit HealthPlex, 6934 Williams Road, Suite 300.

36% of fans think Bills will draft QB with top pick

The 2013 Draft is just over a week away, and everyone is wondering who the Bills will choose with their top pick. Think you know? Take your guess in the M&T Bank Bills Draft Day Challenge, and you could win an exclusive meet and greet with the top draft pick himself!

Early results are in, and 36% of you have the Bills drafting a quarterback with their first pick. The second most popular position guessed is offensive lineman, with 23% of the vote, followed by wide receiver at 21%. Pick with the pack or choose a wildcard draft prediction and you might be the winner! The contest ends at 5 p.m. on the day of the Draft, April 25, so get your vote in soon.

Buffalo’s Amazing Race stars enter draft contest

There’s no doubt that Bills fans will keep their love for the team wherever they go. Our fans are truly international.

If you keep up with the show The Amazing Race on CBS- you will know that married couple Max and Katie Bichler from Buffalo are still racing the world, competing for the one million dollar prize.

Max took to Twitter to enter the Bills and Tim Hortons 4th Round Draft Day Contest which ends today. He tweeted the following photo below of the pair on the show.

WGR up for Radio Station of the Year

The Buffalo Broadcasters Association announced the finalists for the Buffalo Excellence in Media Awards (BEMAs), with the Bills flagship station, Entercom Buffalo’s WGR Sports Radio 550, receiving a nomination for Radio Station of the Year. A sideline reporter on Bills game broadcasts, WGR’s Joe Buscaglia garnered a nomination for Best Use of Social Media.

In addition to being the official radio home for live game broadcasts, other Bills programming on the station includes live head coach, general manager and player appearances throughout the year. The John Murphy Show, which airs weeknights from 7-9 p.m., also offers fans daily insight and the latest news from One Bills Drive.

This year’s BEMAs will be awarded Friday, April 26th at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens.

Jackson to sign at Buffalo RV show

Stop by the Buffalo Bills Healthy Zone Fieldhouse for the Buffalo “MEGA” RV show! Show goes until February 10, with Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson making an appearance and signing autographs February 8 from 4-6pm and February 10 from 11am-1pm.

There will be bounce houses and children’s entertainment, as well as some great show deals!

Show hours:

Fri. Feb 8, 1-8 PM

Sat. Feb 9 10AM-8PM

Sun. Feb 10 10AM-5PM

Join the next Bills Family Day!

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is hosting families and friends at its inaugural Family Days at the Buffalo Bills Healthy Zone Fieldhouse.

There will be interactive games set up around the Healthy Zone Fieldhouse, and Billy Buffalo will be on hand for autographs and pictures.  The BlueCross BlueShield Healthy Zone Cruiser will be on site with hula hoops, jump ropes and plenty of additional family-friendly activities.

The event is free and open to any BlueCross BlueShield of WNY member. The next family days are January 12, February 7, March 16 and March 23 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.

Register for the Family Days by clicking here.

Bills Salute to Service

The NFL and USAA will team together for a second straight year to honor veterans and active-duty military members and their families throughout the 2012 season.  The activities will be highlighted by a week-and-a-half period during Weeks 10 and 11 of the season dubbed, “Salute to Service.”

Pregame Timeline

6:50 pm: Stadium gates open, time to start entering the Ralph

7:20 pm: Last chance for “Easy Entry” time at gate entry

7:25 pm: Player warm-ups begin, scoreboard entertainment continues

8:10 pm:  Salute to Service Ceremony

8:15 pm: Buffalo Jills Cheerleader Performance

8:20 pm: Kickoff

Salute to Service Game Day Activities

• USAA Fan Card Stunt: Fans will be part of in-stadium card stunt thanking all current and former military and their families for their service. Fans can visit USAA’s Facebook page immediately following the game to download and share the card stunt photos.  In order to participate, please arrive at the gates on-time for a 7:30 pm arrival.  Here’s a preview of the card stunt:

• Full-Field Flag:  Unfurled during the National Anthem by soldiers from the New York National Guard.
• USAA “Military Challenge Coin” Coin Toss: Use of military challenge coins has long been a source of pride for military personnel to identify themselves as a member of a particular unit. Paying homage to that revered tradition, USAA and the NFL designed a special “challenge” coin for the official coin tosses in 16 NFL games including Thursday’s Bills vs. Dolphins game.
• On-Field Ceremony:  50 current military members and veterans to be part of an on-field ceremony honoring the military. Members of the US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Air Force, and US Coast Guard will be recognized.
• National Guard Halftime Ceremony: LIVE halftime New York National Guard oath reaffirmation ceremony.
• NFL Donation: $100 will be donated to each of the following organizations for every point scored in game: USO, Wounded Warriors Project and the Pat Tillman Foundation
• Camo-Themed Elements: The NFL and the Buffalo Bills will use its digi-camo ribbon logo, camouflage-themed endzones, goalpost wraps, player gloves, captain patches and Salute to Service logos on gameday balls and endzone pylons.
• Helmet Decals: Teams will wear helmet decals honoring military branches with their insignia, and the stories of connection between clubs and local units will be highlighted throughout the Salute to Service campaign in broadcast and online.

USAA’s Salute to Service Campaign Initiatives

• Million Fan Salute: NFL fans are invited to visit http://www.millionfansalute.com to create a digital salute in honor of the U.S. military and on behalf of their favorite NFL team through Nov. 26, 2012. The three markets with the most salutes will earn rewards from USAA for their local military community.

Tops Bills recipe of the week

Looking for something to make or bring to your tailgate party? Check out this Tops Bills Cake!

Ingredients Needed:

7” Yellow, Chocolate, White or Marble Cake

Brill Signature Icing                                                          Richs Perfect Finish

Brill Red Icing                                                                     Richs Red

Brill Blue Icing                                                                    Richs Blue

Bills Edible Image

Directions:

1. Using a Kwik Icer and white icing base ice cake and comb sides and smooth top.
2. Place edible image on top of cake.
3. Using a #4 tip and blue icing pipe on small inner border.
4. Using a #22 tip and red icing pipe on top and bottom border.

Join the Scoreboard Tailgate Party!

Here’s a rundown of what to expect at the Scoreboard Tailgate Party in Lot C this week. The Scoreboard Tailgate Party is FREE to all fans.

Event:               Buffalo Bills Scoreboard Tailgate Party, presented by Kiss 98.5

Location:          Lot C Tailgate area

Time:                Three hours before Kickoff:

For 1:00 pm games, 10:00  am – 12:15 pm

Participants/Elements:

Stage provided by Armor Inn and Tap Room

Army National Guard – promo booth/giveaways/games

Buffalo Bills Guest Services – stadium information/Bills Buddy/Designated Driver program

Buffalo Jills – live performances and meet & greets

Johnsonville Sausage – sampling

Kiss 98.5 promo team – games and giveaways

MADD – promo booth/information on Designated Driver program

New York Lottery – games and prizes

Pepsi – sampling

Snapple – sampling and promo items

Verizon Wireless – promo booth/giveaways/games

WGR 550 promo team – games and giveaways

Other participants:

9/16: US Navy – flight simulator

9/16: NOCO Energy race car

Food and Beverage Sales:

LaNova Pizza

Nancy’s Curbside Grille

R&R Food Truck

Roaming Buffalo Food Truck

Lloyd Taco Truck

The Cheesy Chick Food Truck

Stage Performers:

9/16 – Widowmaker

Doodle Bugs! partners with team

The Buffalo Bills and Doodle Bugs! have partnered for the 2012 season as the Official Child Care Provider of the Buffalo Bills.

Doodle Bugs! will provide child care services during all home games. Players and coaches children will enjoy fun and games in a safe, high-interest environment, supervised by Doodle Bugs! faculty. Doodle Bugs! who participated in Kids Day will participate in upcoming child-friendly events, and will collaborate with the Bills organization in several social media promotions.

“Through our partnership with Doodle Bugs!, Buffalo Bills players, coaches and their families are provided comfort when attending each game at Ralph Wilson Stadium knowing their children are being cared for and participating in hands-on activities under the supervision of trained Doodle Bugs! professionals,” said Bruce Popko, Bills Senior Vice President of Business Development.

Founded by Anthony, Clarine, and Anna Insinna (brother and sisters), Doodle Bugs! provides high quality child care programs  at 10 locations in the Buffalo and Rochester areas. Doodle Bugs! combines beautiful, state-of-the-art facilities with innovative curriculum and outstanding faculty, collectively referred to as ‘the doodle difference’. Doodle Bugs! is also the Official Child Care Provider of the Buffalo Sabres.

Since 1992, Doodle Bugs! has been building a community of happy children, happy parents, and happy teachers and is recognized as a leading child care and early education program. Doodle Bugs! provides high quality child care and preschool programs that are second to none and exceed families’ expectations for nurturing child care, early learning, safety, and convenience. For more information, visit www.doodlebugs.com.

Tops Bills recipe of the week

What better way to show your team spirit than by baking a Bills cake for all to enjoy?

Tops has all the ingredients you need to bake a Bills cake, plus has shared this Bills recipe of the week.

Here’s the recipe for the cake above:

Ingredients Needed:

12 or 24 Yellow or Chocolate Cupcakes

Brill Red Icing                                                                     Richs Perfect Finish

Brill Signature Icing                                                          Richs Red

Brill Brilliant Blue Icing                                                    Richs Blue

Buffalo Bills Edible Image

Directions:

1. Place 12 or 24 cupcakes on board as shown.
2. Using a coupler and white icing pipe in between cupcakes gluing them together.
3. Using a coupler pipe red icing on top of cupcakes, smooth with spatula.
4. Place edible image on center of helmet.
5. Using a #8 tip and red icing pipe around the helmet.
6. Using a #8 tip and blue icing pipe on top blue strip.

Using a #8 tip and white icing pipe on white strip and mask.

Celebrate Bills Friday!

Help us celebrate Bills Friday!

The 2012 NFL season is finally here. We want you to help us celebrate Bills Friday. Each Friday, wear Bills memorabilia. Whether it’s a Bills jersey, hat, shirt, tie, or necklace help show your pride!

To celebrate Bills Friday, I will be at a different location each Friday giving away prizes and interviewing fans. This Friday, Billy Buffalo and I will be at NOCO gas station on Main and Youngs in Williamsville.

Stop by and see us from 9:30-10:30 AM.

Check back tomorrow for where to send your pictures to be featured on buffalobills.com! Tweet me if your stopping by @Hannahbills

Players sport National Guard backpacks

As part of their renewed, more extensive partnership with the team this year (which includes sponsorship of the press conference back drop and sponsorship of the Nov. 15 Salute to Service game,) the New York National Guard surprised players, coaches and team personnel alike when they checked into training camp at St. John Fisher College with official National Guard backpacks.

Players supported the National Guard and used their backpacks throughout training camp. Above are some photos.

Giveaway that kids of all ages will enjoy

There is only one week until the 12^th annual Kids Day Game at Ralph Wilson Stadium!

While children will be having fun with youth themed tailgating, interactive games, face painting and more, they will also receive an exclusive gameday giveaway; a bicycle license plate that they can place on their bike while they ride to PLAY 60.

Now, children of all ages can show their Bills pride whenever they ride their bike!

Above is a photo of the license plate giveaway.

Do you have your tickets for the game? Tickets are only $15.00 for children 14 and under and can be purchased here.

What do you think of this years kids day giveaway? Tweet me @hannahbills.

M&T winners meet Jackson

The first 50 M&T Bank card holders that showed their special Bills M&T debit card at Camp on Tuesday were invited for an exclusive meet and greet with Bills running back Fred Jackson following practice.

Fans received autographs and had the opportunity to have their picture taken with Jackson.

Above is a photo from the meet and greet. Have you ever met a Bills player? How special was your meet and greet? Tweet me @Hannahbills.

Perry’s chillin’ with the Bills

A hot summer day at Bills Training Camp wouldn’t be complete without some Perry’s Ice Cream to cool down with.

Winners of the Perry’s Chillin’ at Training Camp with the Bills made a trip to St. John Fisher to meet Bryan Scott and Corey McIntyre. Winner Judy Miller, husband Frank Miller, Nan Rugaber and husband Bruce were awarded with Bills merchandise autographed by Scott and McIntyre, a behind the scenes tour of the training camp facilities, four Bills jerseys and a year supply of Perry’s Bills Brownie Blitz ice cream.

“We entered on the Bills Facebook page,” said Judy Miller. “We have been Bills fans for a long time.”

The Millers and guests had the opportunity to eat special Bills Brownie Blitz Perry’s Ice Cream, and talk with Scott and McIntyre.

“The contest winners were great. They were super excited,” said Bills linebacker Bryan Scott. “It was great to have a chance to interact with the fans, and eat some ice cream. It’s a great flavor.”

“Our time was very enjoyable,” said Miller. “It was awesome to see them. They are very personable.”

Night practice ticket update

Tickets for the August 11^th Bud Light sponsored night practice are still available at the following locations;

TOPS

4250 McKinley Parkway

Hamburg, NY

NOCO

2540 Hamburg Turnpike Rt. 5

Buffalo, NY 14218

2090 Abbot Road

Lackawanna, NY 14218

2343 Rt. 63

Wayland, NY 14572

1241 Rt. 31

Macedon, NY 14502

Tickets for the August 14^th Kumho Tire sponsored night practice are sold out at the following Rochester Dunn Tire locations:

Rochester

2200 W. Henrietta

Rochester, NY 14623

Webster

1855 Empire Blvd

Webster, NY14580

There are still tickets available at the following Buffalo Dunn Tire locations:

4097 McKinley Pkwy

Blasdell, NY 14219

4401 Transit Clarence Mall

Williamsville, NY 14221

Will you be coming out to a night practice? Tweet me @Hannahbills.

Bills host 150 area coaches

The Buffalo Bills hosted over 150 high school football coaches from around Western New York Saturday for the 2012 Buffalo Bills Coaching Clinic. The clinic provides coaches with the unique opportunity to learn from members of the Bills coaching staff and take new techniques back to their teams.

The Bills coaching staff led the event, teaching on-field demonstration and facilitating classroom discussions. Bills coaches ran through drills and broke down film during classroom lectures.

Dr. Laszlo Mechtler from Dent Neurologic Institute provided coaches with a half hour concussion awareness lecture, and distributed concussion awareness pamphlets and materials.

“It allows them to make their team better,” said Bills Head Coach Chan Gailey. “If they can take one or two things that helps their team to be a better football team and them to be a better coach, that’s what we are trying to accomplish.”

The 2012 Buffalo Bills Coaching Clinic is made possible by Bills partners Dent Neurologic Institute and the National Guard.

Support for Eclipse Multisport

The Buffalo Bills will be sponsoring Eclipse Multisport this year, as part of the Play 60 initiative. The Eclipse organization operates several triathlons and endurance events in the local area.

Specifically, the Bills are sponsoring the Kids Triathlons to enhance the Play 60 message. The kids race will be part of the 2012 Quakerman Triathlon.

“Triathlon is a terrific cardio intensive sport to get involved in from a young age,” said Mary Owen, Bills Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning. “Getting kids to get their heart rate up and exercise at least 60 minutes a day is key to fighting childhood obesity and is a priority for the Bills and the National Football league. We are proud to partner with Eclipse Multisport and sponsor the Quakerman Kids Race as part of its entire day of race day activities.”

The 5^th annual QuakerKids Triathlon will take place in Orchard Park Sunday, June 17^th at 8:00 a.m.

For more information, please visit http://www.eclipsemultisport.com/quaker-homepage.