Bills fans are ready for the regular season as the season opener approaches

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) — Fans turned out in droves Saturday night to support the Buffalo Bills as they took on the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second exhibition game of the season.

Even after a 33-6 loss in the season opener to the Chicago Bears, Bills fans are hoping the team can bounce back as the regular season approaches. Employees at Southern Tier Brewery in downtown Buffalo said they were happy to have Bills Mafia back at their establishment each week.

“We have a giant screen where everyone can see everything,” said Joseph Creegan, general manager at Souther Tier Brewing Co. “We have the shout song up, the target lights up everywhere. We like to say we’re creating a little bit of a tailgate vibe.”

Several Bills fans were at the Southern Tier Brewery to watch Saturday’s game. One fan traveled all the way from Las Vegas to Buffalo. He told WIVB News 4 he’s been a Bills fan for more than 30 years.

“The rest of the family were Raider fans, and I just didn’t like the atmosphere,” Hugo Partida said. “I’m a worker myself and that’s all I heard in the ’90s. Workers, hard-working, dedicated, that’s what I’m all for.”

Just a few days ago, star linebacker Matt Milano suffered a bicep injury that will likely keep him out indefinitely. Fans have said that losing Milano is a bit of a concern, but they hope to see some improvements on the offensive end.

“I was so excited to see him back. He was probably my favorite player on defense,” Buffalo native Al Raclawski said. “Wide receivers, I think we’re pretty confident, but I’d like to see a true number one come out of that group.”

While it’s still early days, Bills Mafia is confident that this could be the year they finally win it all.

“I love the team, no matter what they do. I’m going to follow them,” Partida said. “I have a saying that I’m a Bills fan all day, every day, until the end of my days. So, with that said, go Bills!”

The Bills host the Carolina Panthers in their final exhibition game on Saturday at 1 p.m.