Fans attending the Buffalo Bills' preseason opener at the new Highmark Stadium on September 15 have voiced significant dissatisfaction with the venue's design, primarily due to obstructed views caused by glass barriers and railings.
The layout has drawn criticism since fans first entered the $2.2 billion stadium on August 8. "How can that possibly be something that would be in our face during the game?" one fan told WROC TV reporter Caleb Carr. "Here we are, and I’m watching through the glass like I’m at the neighbor’s house."
Season ticket holders have expressed outrage after experiencing obstructed sightlines, with some reporting their views were far from perfect despite assurances. Another fan noted that while the glass is currently clear, glare and inclement weather later in the season could exacerbate visibility issues. "It wouldn’t be so bad; seeing through the plexiglass – the problem is the reflection of the rows on the plexiglass," the fan said. "You can see that, and it’s very hard to see through that for the rest of the game."
Some fans described having to "bobble their head" to see around reflections, and worried about how snow might affect visibility on the glass. "I could see it being an issue if its snowing and the snow hits the glass," another fan admitted.
A spokesperson for the Bills stated that less than one percent of fans had contacted the team about spectating issues following the first practice. "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," the spokesperson said in a statement. "We’ll utilize the next six weeks to refine any details as we prepare for the home opener on Thursday, September 17."
Jonathan Mallie, global director and managing director of Populous' Americas practice, the architectural firm behind the stadium, downplayed the concerns, noting that some level of obstruction exists in all stadiums. "The goal was to bring everybody closer to the field and create an upper deck with an incredible proximity and presence within the bowl to help create a next-level experience for Bills Mafia," Mallie told The Buffalo News.
The fan discontent is compounded by the cost of Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs), which add significant expense to season ticket purchases, with prices ranging from four figures into five figures for premium seats.