Bills Traditions Arrive at New Highmark Stadium
Former quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick broke a table, and the team's anthem song echoed through the venue as the Buffalo Bills opened their new stadium with a win.
The Buffalo Bills welcomed fans to their new Highmark Stadium with a victory over the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football, celebrating the occasion with established team traditions.
During the fourth quarter of the 41-31 win, The Killers' song "Mr. Brightside" played, prompting players and fans to sing along. Offensive linemen Dion Dawkins and Connor McGovern were seen dancing and singing during the song's popular chorus.
The song has become a fan and player tradition in recent seasons. It originated in December 2023 during a game against the Dallas Cowboys, when tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox requested it be played. Brian Haberkorn, the Bills' director of game presentation, implemented the song, noting the positive energy it generated. It is typically played in the fourth quarter to energize the team and crowd.
Another tradition, the table-breaking trend, was also prominently featured. Former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick broke a table live on the broadcast. Stadium designers incorporated this tradition into the new venue's architecture by building a giant broken table into the stadium's design.