ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) - A Buffalo Bills fan is proving Bills Mafia is more than just football. It's about finding a community.
Andy Borden is using his journey to sobriety to inspire others by organizing a unique alcoholics anonymous meeting at Sunday's game against the New York Jets.
Borden was inspired to give up alcohol after the passing of a relative in 2015. Two years ago, he attended a Notre Dame football game. While there, he stumbled upon something unusual, a meeting of alcoholics anonymous right before kickoff.
"150 to 200 people from opposing viewpoints, let's just say from a philosophical football point of view, coming together for something really awesome which was to celebrate sobriety as an option," explained Borden. "I thought as I was there, this needs to happen in Buffalo."
Borden decided to take matters into his own hands and organize the first ever "Hey Hey AA" meeting which will be held before the Bills' final regular season home game. Borden says he knows from personal experience with sobriety how intimidating it can be to go to places where alcohol is so prominent.
"Knowing that there's people there to share that experience with and knowing that there are resources available if you wanted help is so important," said Borden. "Or just to celebrate a victory. I'd love to be able to share that with Bills Mafia. That's a really cool thing."
When Borden decided to bring the idea to Highmark Stadium, he reached out to the Buffalo Bills organization. He said the Bills were very supportive of the idea and even provided a parking spot where the meeting will take place.
"They're so welcoming and consistently supportive of fan experiences and wanting to make a safe and healthy environment," Borden said. "This mission and this message is something that's very consistent with what they're trying to produce on game day."
While Bills Mafia is notorious for its lively tailgates, the fan base is also known for its graciousness and community involvement. Borden said that response to the meeting has been incredible and he's looking forward to showing everyone they can enjoy all Bills Mafia has to offer even while being sober.
"We're loud, we are who we are, and we're unique," Borden said. "Why should that be any different in sobriety? I wanted to share that, and it's been so exciting."
Sunday's meeting will happen two hours before kickoff at 11 a.m. in Lot 6 at Highmark Stadium. Borden said there will be yellow balloons flying where the group is meeting. He encouraged everyone who is sober, interested in getting sober, or just wants to show support, to come on down.
Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.
