On Nov. 19, 2023, the Buffalo Bills made easy work of the New York Jets. Yet this reporter strains to recall the details.

It was a time of transition and loss for her, and the game felt secondary.

Today, as a reporter covering Highmark Stadium's final season, Emily Barnes reflects on why that first game is so important to her nonetheless.

This story is part of a year-long series from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle documenting the Buffalo Bills' last season in the current Highmark Stadium. Follow along this year as we chronicle the team's ups and downs, fan memories and more .

It wasn't snowing the first time I stepped into Highmark Stadium for a game, but the sunny blue skies weren't fooling anyone.

When the sun went down not long after the 4:25 p.m. start time, I slid a pa

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