The Buffalo Bills are set to replace the playing surface at their new $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, just days before their regular season opener. The decision comes after players raised concerns about the quality of the Kentucky bluegrass during preseason games.
President of business operations Pete Guelli stated that the team is "committed to having the best possible playing surface for our players." The full installation of a new sod surface will begin Monday and is expected to be completed by the end of the week. "With a stretch of three consecutive home games early in the season, we decided it was the appropriate time to re-sod our field," Guelli said.
Players had noted bald patches and sod chunks dislodging during preseason action. While the original surface met the league's safety and playability standards, the team opted to make the change based on player feedback. "You can be happy with the performance and playability and still make the change," Guelli told The Buffalo News. "If it's even slightly better, we're going to make the change and err on the side of performance."
The turf replacement follows earlier criticism from fans regarding sight lines and obstructed views within the new stadium, which opened for a practice session earlier this month. Videos and photos shared by attendees showed compromised views from various seating areas, with paneling, staircase railings, and glass partitions reportedly blocking portions of the field.
Fans in the lower decks, particularly those near the 50-yard line, and those in the upper decks reported issues. Some ticket holders claimed they were assured that safety barriers would not impede views, which they felt was contrary to the reality of the stadium's design.
Jonathan Mallie, global director at Populous, the architecture firm behind the stadium, acknowledged that some viewing obstructions were unavoidable due to building code compliance and the firm's goal of bringing fans closer to the field to enhance atmosphere. "You will find some level of obstruction in every stadium in the world," Mallie stated, emphasizing that NFL stadiums now adhere to stricter safety codes than older facilities. The stadium's design also aimed for larger concourses to improve spectator flow. Despite these efforts, the sight line issues have contributed to fan dissatisfaction with the new facility.
