In most NFL stadiums, which have modern seats or decent weather, the league’s new bag policy represents an inconvenience for the sake of security.
In Buffalo, long-time fans are worried about freezing their butts off, literally.
Seat cushions fall under the league’s ban, and for those in Ralph Wilson Stadium (particularly those in the bleachers) that’s a huge factor.
“I think it’s terrible,” 96-year-old Bills fan Ray Deibel said, via Gene Warner of the Buffalo News. “The seats are cold, and the cushion gives you some insulation. I can’t imagine them banning cushions for the seats.”
Informed that the seat cushions were now prohibited because of terrorist concerns, Deibel responded exactly the way you’d expect a 96-year-old Bills fan to respond.
“Oh jeepers,” he said. “I’m all for the inspections, including the body scanning, and the delay in getting into the stadium is worthwhile for safety. But I think that’s ridiculous to ban seat cushions.”
Bills fans can still bring their own foam pads or portable seat backs, but nothing with covers or pockets.
“I don’t like it,” said Doug Pagano, apparently a counter-terrorism expert. “I don’t think these terrorists are going to put their bombs in seat cushions.
“There are a lot of risks involved in life. You can’t prevent everything. Just because one guy has a bomb in his shoes, why should millions of people have to take off their shoes at airports? You can’t prevent all risks. I think the NFL is going a little bit overboard.”
While that might be true — and the teams would certainly be happy to sell you a brand new seat cushion on each visit — it’s also the kind of change that’s not turning around.
Bills fans will just have to brace themselves and their backsides, or just watch the game on their warm, soft couches.