Bills Open $2.2 Billion Highmark Stadium to 51,807 Fans at Record Practice
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Aug 12
Bills Open $2.2 Billion Highmark Stadium to 51,807 Fans at Record Practice
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Aug 12
Summary
51,807 fans packed the Bills’ first public event at the new Highmark Stadium, a training-camp practice that opened the $2.2 billion venue after three years of construction.
Josh Allen’s entrance in the new gray “Nickel City” alternate uniform and a game-like night setting turned the scrimmage into a first test of how players and fans would experience the building.
Natural grass drew some of the strongest praise from players, replacing the old artificial turf with a Kentucky Bluegrass field equipped with underground heating coils for winter conditions.
Fans also explored Buffalo-themed features including bison statues, local food vendors and tighter field-facing seating, while tailgating began in enlarged parking lots even for a practice.
The debut still exposed issues the Bills say they will refine over the next six weeks, including sound, rain coverage and some obstructed views that have fueled criticism ahead of the Sept. 17 home opener.