Aug. 10, 2026Updated Aug. 11, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET
ORCHARD PARK, NY − The Buffalo Bills are still nearly six weeks away − officially − from debuting their long-awaited football palace, the new Highmark Stadium. But a dress rehearsal over the weekend did underscore some bugs at the venue that the team plans to investigate.
The “Blue & Red practice” on Saturday, Aug. 8, marked the first time the team took the field in its new home − and more than 80% of its 60,000-plus capacity was filled. But following the game, several photos emerged on social media that put a spotlight on some heavily obstructed views of the field from some vantage points inside the building.
The Bills responded on Monday, Aug. 10.
“Thank you to Bills Mafia for setting a new attendance record with more than 50,000 fans at the Return of the Blue & Red,” read a statement obtained from the team.
“Saturday’s practice was a great opportunity to test the new stadium. We are currently addressing internal and external feedback regarding the facility’s operation following the first event. We’ll utilize the next six weeks to refine any details as we prepare for the home opener on Thursday, September 17.”
The Bills will host the Detroit Lions on that date, a Week 2 game that will be showcased on Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football.”
Some tickets to Highmark Stadium available for purchase on Ticketmaster are clearly labeled as having obstructed views.
A source familiar with the situation informed USA TODAY Sports that “less than 1% of our PSL holders,” who were invited to the weekend practice, expressed concerns with “anything sightline related.” The source also said many of the pictures of seats with poor visibility circulated on social media in recent days “are not even for sale for football events.”
The person was granted anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation and the Bills’ ongoing scrutiny into the matter.
The Bills will host the Carolina Panthers for their preseason opener on Saturday, Aug. 15. An open practice for the general public will occur at 8:30 a.m. ET on Aug. 18. The team’s preseason finale will be played at Highmark Stadium against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 27.
Highmark Stadium’s official capacity of 60,108 makes it the NFL’s smallest from a seating perspective, though standing room only sections can increase the headcount by nearly 6,000. It replaces Ralph Wilson Stadium (also known as Highmark Stadium when it closed following the 2025 season), which is being demolished across the street. The Bills had played there since 1973.
All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter.
