Bills' new stadium to make regular season debut on 'TNF.' What to know
· Yahoo Sports
The Buffalo Bills haven't even played a regular-season game at their new stadium, but it's already been the subject of multiple controversies.
New Highmark Stadium will make its long-awaited regular season debut in Week 2, when the Bills come home to face the Detroit Lions on "Thursday Night Football." Among the hot topics of discussion already are issues with obstructed views at the new stadium and problems with the new grass playing surface. The former displeased Bills fans who got an early sneak peek at the stadium. The latter displeased Bills players who took the field in the preseason.
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Here's what to know about the controversies surrounding the Bills' new stadium ahead of its first regular season game:
Bills stadium seating controversy
Highmark Stadium drew brief controversy in early in August after certain fans were permitted entry to a practice at the new field.
Photos taken from the "Red & Blue Practice" on Aug. 8 revealed several parts of the stadium that appeared to have obstructed views of the playing field. Stadium overhangs and plexiglass barriers were among the design choices that led to perceived obstructions.
The Bills responded to the photos and resulting criticism in a statement on Aug. 10.
"Saturday’s practice was a great opportunity to test the new stadium," the statement read. "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."
A person familiar with the matter told USA TODAY Sports that many of the seats with obstructed views will either not be available for sale during NFL games or be clearly marked as obstructed-view seating on Ticketmaster. The person was granted anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation and the Bills' ongoing scrutiny into the matter.
Buffalo Bills stadium capacity
Highmark Stadium is the smallest stadium in the NFL in 2026, with an official seating capacity of 60,108. It can hold as many as 66,000 given standing-room-only possibilities, according to a report from Sports Business Journal.
New Highmark Stadium includes change to natural grass
The Bills' new stadium may not be making its regular season debut until Thursday, Sept. 17, but it has already hosted a couple of preseason contests. Early player reviews of the new field were not all positive.
The 2026 season will mark the first time the Bills are playing their home games on a grass surface – and not artificial turf – since 1972. During their entire 53-year tenure at Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Bills played on synthetic material. The new grass surface's preseason debut was rough.
Multiple players reportedly took issue with the natural grass installed before the exhibition games began. One notable incident was reported by The Athletic's Tim Graham, who wrote that a "massive clump" of grass was ripped out of the ground when Bills backup quarterback Kyle Allen took a hit from a Panthers defender as he slid.
Starting quarterback Josh Allen was joined by teammates DJ Moore, Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown in trying to stomp the displaced grass back into the divot after the play, Graham reported.
The Buffalo News reported the team planned to replace the grass before the Week 2 home opener. USA TODAY Sports has reached out to the Bills for confirmation.
Contributing: Nate Davis
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bills' new stadium to make regular season debut on 'TNF.' What to know