NFL
What happens with Steelers-Bills tickets after postponement? Resell, refund, options
The NFL Wild Card game scheduled for Sunday was pushed back to Monday due to the winter storms that had moved in, and some fans have big questions.
We were all set for a super Sunday showdown between the Pittsburg Steelers and the Buffalo Bills as the NFL’s Wild Card weekend hit the middle day of action. But the ‘wild’ element that hit hardest came from the mid-January skies. The first signs of trouble came when officials put the call out to the hardy Buffalo fans to come and help clear snow from Highmark Stadium, but it wasn’t long before the decision was made to postpone the clash in Orchard Park and reschedule for the following day, when the worst of the weather is expected to have passed.
The NFL statement was just as clear:
“Due to public safety concerns in light of the ongoing weather emergency in western New York, Sunday’s Steelers-Bills game has been rescheduled to Monday at 4:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by CBS.
“The decision to move the game to Monday was made in consultation with New York Governor Kathy Hochul in the best interest of public safety, and with the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers, as the region prepares for the storm.”
Disappointing for all those readying themselves for the game on TV, yes, and for certain sports news outlets hoping to bring the encounter live to a weekend audience. But what about those fans with tickets. They’re the ones potentially really affected. What happens with the tickets?
What you can do with Steelers-Bills tickets
OK, so it’s worth stating up front that the decision to move the game was for safety reason for those ticketed fans. Sometimes Mother Nature plays a role. But that didn’t stop some people from venting their anger online.
“Do you forget some people who bought tickets to that game have work Monday and now cant go?” was one reply to Governor Hochul. “Way to ruin football weekend,” another. But we are where we are and so let’s see what can be done with the tickets.
First, if you have a ticket and can make it to the rearranged game on Monday then fine. You go and have fun. The Bills announced that “Your current Super Wild Card playoff tickets and parking are valid for the new game date and time.” Simple.
If, however, you are in possession of a ticket but cannot go on Monday then you can resell them via the Ticketmaster site, in conjunction with the NFL team, in a fan-to-fan ticket sale. Then there are even more personal and direct ways to offload your seat with many people on social media happy to help you out. Here’s one:
Now, there has been some complications regarding those fans who just want a direct refund for their ticket. We are currently speaking to official channels to get a clear answer on this and will update this article as soon as we have it. Ticketmaster, for example, have fairly clear guidelines on this.
“Full refunds will be available if a game is canceled and it cannot be replayed, or if it is played under conditions that prohibit fans from attending. If a game is postponed or rescheduled, your tickets may be valid for the new date, so hang onto them and we will keep you posted.
“Please also note that additional ticket terms and conditions of the applicable NFL club apply. Please refer to the applicable club’s website and/or the ticket itself to review those ticket terms and conditions.”
For less official ticketing sites, buyers will have to speak directly to the company and make requests. The chances of getting any refunds or compensation for accommodation or travel for the Sunday appear to be rather slim.
If you have any specific examples that could be used to guide others, please leave a note in the comments section.
How can I get a ticket for Steelers - Bills game?
There are (somehow) still tickets available for this highly anticipated postseason game which you can access at the Bills official page. Our Fidel took at look at how the various price ranges have been moving in the last few days.
Remember that here at AS USA we are more than used to fixtures, no matter the sport, being changed around and we’ll still have one of our experts in the hotseat to guide you through the Steelers-Bills action live as it happens. Mmmm, a hot seat would be a godsend for those folks heading to the Highmark.