The NFL has announced a contingency plan that could see Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta hosting a highly anticipated AFC Championship Game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. This decision comes as a result of the Week 17 Buffalo-Cincinnati game cancellation, potentially creating an imbalance in the number of games played by competing teams.
According to the NFL’s resolution, if both the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs were to advance to the AFC Championship and, under normal circumstances, both could have contended for the number one seed and home-field advantage, the game would be relocated to a neutral site. This condition is met if both teams progress through the playoffs, leading to the selection of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as the alternative venue.
Atlanta was pre-selected by the NFL as a potential backup host city for postseason games before the 2022 season commenced. Its central location and status as a major transportation hub make Mercedes-Benz Stadium an almost equidistant and accessible location for fans of both the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. Importantly, this neutral venue arrangement would only apply to a Bills-Chiefs AFC Championship matchup. All other potential AFC Championship games would proceed as scheduled at the home stadium of the team with the higher seed.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, “We are heartened by Damar Hamlin’s continued recovery, and he and his family remain in the thoughts of the entire NFL community. We extend our gratitude to Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons for their willingness to host the AFC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium should the Bills and Chiefs advance. We are confident that Mercedes-Benz Stadium will offer a world-class experience for the teams, fans, and partners, if necessary.”
Further details regarding the game, including ticket sales and timings, will be released in due course. Season Ticket Members for both the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs who have previously expressed interest in purchasing championship game tickets will be given priority access.
