All articles tagged with #highmark stadium
Bills president Pete Guelli said the new Highmark Stadium field held up well in the preseason debut against the Panthers, with turf issues addressed quickly and expectations that playability and safety will improve as the field settles in ahead of Week 2 of the regular season.
Fans blasted the new $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium for obstructed views caused by glass barriers and glare during the first preseason game; some season-ticket holders also highlighted costly PSLs, while the team said feedback is being reviewed and the design will be refined before the home opener, with the architect noting some obstruction is common in stadiums.
The Bills’ debut at the new Highmark Stadium highlighted field issues, with at least one player calling the grass “ass” despite a generally improved surface and a Bills linebacker saying it’s better than turf. Some spots chunked up, but there were no traction problems reported yet. The team acknowledged feedback on both the field and obstructed seating and said it will use the next six weeks to refine operations ahead of the Sept. 17 home opener against the Detroit Lions.
Buffalo swapped artificial turf for natural grass at Highmark Stadium, but the preseason showing drew mixed reviews: a clump of grass flew up on a play and players described the surface as soft but not ideal, even as others praised it as an improvement over turf and the team said grass quality will be refined on a case-by-case basis.
Buffalo topped Carolina 29-14 in the first game at the new Highmark Stadium, with Josh Allen leading two series for 111 yards and a 9-yard TD to Keon Coleman. Buffalo’s defense was stifling, piling up sacks and forcing a Kani Walker interception while adding a running TD from Ian Wheeler and Frank Gore Jr. The Panthers finally found the end zone late via a Kyle Trask-to-John Metchie III TD, but Buffalo outgained Carolina 396-201 and controlled the game from start to finish in the preseason opener.
The Bills’ $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium uses a vertical, stacked-tier design by Populous to bring fans closer to the field and boost atmosphere, accepting some obstructed sightlines; the architect says this tradeoff is intentional, the team will refine seats after fan feedback, and virtual tours guided PSL purchases ahead of the home opener.
Buffalo's new Highmark Stadium is drawing heat over obstructed-view seats, a trade-off architect Populous says was made to keep concourses clear and provide 360-degree game sightlines while easing congestion; the design choice, common in major venues, comes alongside PSLs and a cost of about $2.2 billion for 60,108 seats, with fans and the team continuing to adjust after opening and replacing the old Highmark.
A Bills fan recounts visiting the new Highmark Stadium for its opening night, praising the intimate sightlines, detailed decor, and electric fan energy while noting rain caused concourse bottlenecks; despite some concerns, the piece ends with optimism about the stadium elevating Bills Mafia culture and a plan to return.
Populous says the obstructed-view seats at Bills' new Highmark Stadium are a deliberate trade-off to improve concourse flow and provide 360-degree game views, with exterior stairs kept at the edge to reduce congestion; the approach is common in NFL venues and PSL concerns appear limited, though some obstruction remains a challenge for fans.
A 6% Erie County surcharge is being added to tickets, parking, concessions, merchandise, and other purchases at Highmark Stadium for Bills games and other events, with the funds deposited into a county-run account to support ongoing capital improvements and repairs under the stadium lease.
Buffalo Bills officials defended the $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium’s sightlines after fans posted photos of obstructed views, saying feedback from PSL holders has been minimal and that the virtual venue accurately reflected seats; critics pointed to large video boards, canopy and audio issues, and a rain-soaked opening practice. The team noted some seats are obstructed by design or may be repurposed for non-football events and pledged to address concerns case-by-case while continuing to refine game presentation as the new venue works through remaining punch list items.
Buffalo Bills officials defended the new Highmark Stadium after fans criticized obstructed-view seats and canopy coverage during the debut, saying obstructed seats aren’t sold for football and promising adjustments in the next six weeks ahead of the Sept. 17 home opener, while noting strong attendance and other venue features like the sound system.
Bills officials say fewer than 1% of the 17,000 Personal Seat License holders reported obstructed views at the new Highmark Stadium; issues will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, seats not sold for football games will be repurposed for other events, and the team will use the next six weeks to refine operations before the Sept. 17 home opener.
Buffalo's new Highmark Stadium drew 50k+ for the Blue & Red practice, but photos of obstructed sightlines prompted the Bills to say they’re addressing feedback and will use the next six weeks to refine operations ahead of the Sept. 17 home opener vs. Detroit (on Prime Video). A source noted less than 1% of PSL holders voiced sightline concerns and many obstructed-view photos circulating online weren’t from saleable football seats. Highmark, the NFL’s smallest capacity at about 60,108, will host preseason games Aug. 15 vs. Panthers, Aug. 18 open practice, and Aug. 27 vs. Steelers.
Kim Pegula made her first public appearance in more than two years at the Buffalo Bills’ new Highmark Stadium during the Return of the Blue & Red, walking onto the field with husband Terry Pegula and their family as she continues recovery from a 2022 cardiac arrest and brain injury; she helped plan the stadium and lease, and the event drew 51,807 attendees.