The Buffalo Bills' new $2.2 billion stadium, Highmark Stadium, is facing renewed criticism following its first NFL game after spectators previously raised concerns about obstructed views. This time, the issues center on the stadium's natural grass field, which has drawn player complaints.
During the Bills' 29-14 preseason victory over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday, the condition of the grass became a focal point. One unnamed player told The Athletic that the field was "a right now" but acknowledged that "it's early." Another player described the field as "soft, but not in a good way."
One notable incident saw a large clump of grass become dislodged during play, flying into the air. Bills players Josh Allen, DJ Moore, Dion Dawkins, and Spencer Brown were observed attempting to reposition the turf.
However, not all players expressed dissatisfaction. Bills linebacker Dorian Williams defended the decision to use natural grass over artificial turf, stating, "The grass looked good. It was cool. A couple spots kind of chunked up a little bit, but it's better than playing on turf." He added that while some grass pieces had to be returned to place, he had experienced no traction issues.
These recent concerns follow initial backlash after the stadium's practice session on August 8. Many fans shared images and videos on social media highlighting severely compromised sightlines from various seating sections. Lower-level seats, even those near the 50-yard line, reportedly had obstructed views due to paneling. Spectators in the upper decks noted that staircase railings and glass partitions were blocking portions of the field.
Frustration was particularly directed at personal seat licenses (PSLs) and premium lower-tier seating, where standing platforms allegedly blocked the view of the opposite side of the field for many. Some attendees claimed they were misled by franchise representatives regarding the impact of safety features on sightlines.
Jonathan Mallie, global director and managing director at Populous, the architectural firm behind the stadium's design, acknowledged that some level of obstruction is inherent in stadium design. He explained to The Buffalo News that the firm aimed to create an immersive atmosphere by bringing fans closer to the field, which, combined with evolving building code standards and safety requirements, led to unavoidable sightline limitations in certain areas. Mallie emphasized that the design also prioritized larger concourses for improved spectator flow.
The $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium replaced the Bills' previous home, the 50-year-old Buffalo Highmark Stadium, also located in Orchard Park.
