Bills christen Highmark Stadium with dominant win over Lions

The Buffalo Bills opened their new Highmark Stadium with a resounding 41-31 victory over the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football, powered by a five-touchdown performance from quarterback Josh Allen.

The $2.1 billion stadium, built across the street from the Bills' former home, hosted its first regular-season game with a pregame ceremony that included fireworks and the team's introduction. Allen quickly followed suit, orchestrating touchdown drives on each of Buffalo's first four possessions.

Allen accounted for three touchdown passes and added two rushing scores in the first half, leading the Bills to a 27-10 halftime advantage. He finished the game with his fourth career five-touchdown performance. Running back James Cook contributed significantly with 134 rushing yards, including a 1-yard touchdown run that sealed the victory with under three minutes remaining.

Allen's performance also marked his 90th regular-season victory, making him one of four quarterbacks to reach that milestone within their first nine seasons. He also tied Jim Taylor for 18th on the NFL's all-time list with 83 career rushing touchdowns.

Highmark Stadium, which officially opened last month, boasts several features designed to withstand Buffalo's climate. It includes underground heating coils to keep the natural grass field from freezing and a snow-melt system, described as the world's largest, activated by roof sensors. A 360-degree canopy is also intended to shield most fans from the wind.

The Lions struggled against an injury-depleted defense and a challenged offensive line. Quarterback Jared Goff completed 26 of 38 passes for 327 yards and four touchdowns, while Amon-Ra St. Brown had nine receptions for 142 yards and two scores. Jahmyr Gibbs was limited to 52 rushing yards.

Highmark Stadium has a seating capacity of 60,108, approximately 10,000 fewer than its predecessor.