PARKVILLE, Mo. — Al Burns has been in enemy territory for a long time.
"I’m originally from Buffalo, New York. Moved here 25 years ago, but I spent 42 years of my life in Buffalo," Burns said.
He is the namesake of Al’s Bar and Grille in Parkville. Their specialty, of course, is Buffalo wings, and a family atmosphere.
"Buffalo is defined by two things: your local neighborhood church and your local bar," he said.
His local bar is bracing for Sunday.
"I got to figure out a way to either add on to this building real quick or come up with a solution," Burns said.
COVID-19 guidelines still have to be followed despite the expected crowds.
They're preparing for Bills and Chiefs fans, while Al is preparing for a wager.
"The big one is with the River Park Pub and Eatery down in Parkville," Burns said.
But that's just one bet.
"Working out of the details of a bet with the Frank James Saloon," Burns said.
And he didn't stop there.
"I also do, every time Bills and Chiefs play, I do a bet with Gator's Bar and Grill over there in Platte Woods," Al said. "Double or nothing on some cigar bets from the last time we played. It's amazing that every time the Bills and Chiefs play, the bettors come out of the woodwork, and you know what, I won't turn down a bet."
Burns has seen, and felt, a lot of heartbreak when it comes to his team.
"I cried after the first Super Bowl loss, I cried after the second Super Bowl loss, I cried after the third Super Bowl loss, by the fourth Super Bowl loss, I had nothing left. I had no tears left," Burns said of the Bills' run of four straight Super Bowl losses.
Regardless of this Sunday’s AFC Championship outcome, Al says patrons at Al’s Bar and Grill are more alike than they think.
"One thing I admire about Bills fans and Chiefs fans, we’re pretty much the same. We're both passionate fans. We both love our cities, and our football teams are our pride and joy," Burns said.
Pride and joy, and a Super Bowl berth - all on the line, when Bills Mafia comes to the Chiefs Kingdom.
The AFC Championship game kicks off Sunday at 5:40 p.m, at Arrowhead Stadium.