The Buffalo Bills are not ignoring the negative noise surrounding their flashy, new stadium.
The newly built Highmark Stadium opened its doors to fans over the weekend for the Bills’ “Return of the Blue & Red” practice at the state-of-the-art facility in Orchard Park, N.Y. Many marveled at the improvements of the Bills’ present-day venue compared to the team’s old stadium built in 1973.
Several fans, however, had complaints about the new Highmark Stadium. Some pointed out the tiny video boards and the steep ascent to the upper levels.
The most viral issue involved fans and media members alike showing various obstructed views from different areas of the venue.
The Bills sent out a statement Monday indicating that the team planned to address both “internal and external feedback” from the Saturday event.
“Thank you to Bills Mafia for setting a new attendance record with more than 50,000 fans at the Return of the Blue & Red. 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. We’ll utilize the next six weeks to refine any details as we prepare for the home opener on Thursday, September 17.”
According to a report from ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg, some of the vantage points showing obstructed views were from seats that will not be up for sale for football events. The team intends to host a “variety of events” at the stadium beyond.
The Bills will host one more open practice and two preseason games at the stadium before the start of the regular season.
