The Buffalo Bills fans are divided after seeing the first glimpses of the newly constructed Highmark Stadium. Although the stadium has been meticulously designed to offer spectators the optimum viewing experience on game days, supporters have already identified a few seats that may undermine that goal.
A select few got the chance to view the stadium this week. Some arrived earlier than most and felt awestruck by the grandeur of the architecture. Similar to the previous establishment, the new Highmark Stadium doesn’t have a roof or a retractable contraption, weather will come into play on matchdays. However, the stadium planners have added extensions all around to regulate the airflow.
According to SB Nation’s Chris Trapasso, the Bills replaced the massive jumbotrons by choosing a more compact screen. The organization argued the fans are already watching the game live on the field, so spending additional money on giant screens didn’t make sense.
Trapasso also noticed that the seating arrangement is quite close to the field.
The vantage point shifted to what I’d estimate was like the back rows of the 100s or 200s in the old stadium. And it felt like I could toss a football onto the field from my seats, when that was never the case in the seats across the street. Even the 400 level directly behind us are impossibly close to the field for being an upper deck of a modern NFL stadium.
Trapasso wrote in his report
However, that’s not the issue. Fans were quick to notice a few design flaws that could dampen the stadium-going experience.
The old Highmark Stadium opened in 1973 with a capacity of 80,000. The capacity gradually decreased to around 71,608 over time due to renovations.
According to the Bills’ official data, the new Highmark Stadium seating capacity has been capped at 60,108, making it the smallest venue in the NFL. Total capacity can reach approximately 63,000 to 66,000 when factoring in standing room and special events.
Usually, fans expect improved seating arrangements in a state-of-the-art stadium. But after seeing the positioning of some of the seats, they have already started raising questions.
According to the Bills website, the first day of training at the new Highmark Stadium drew 51,807 fans. Players practiced in full gear, with quarterback Josh Allen debuting the club’s new alternative jerseys.
It’s a big year for Josh Allen in particular. Last season, the Bills failed to capitalize on the absence of the Chiefs, Bengals and Ravens from the playoffs. They were knocked out in the divisional round by the Denver Broncos.
Allen is among the favorites to win the league MVP while the Bills boast +1000 odds (third best) to win the Super Bowl.