Overview
- The Bills defeated the Carolina Panthers 29-14 in the stadium’s first preseason game on Saturday, marking the first official game played at the new $2.1–$2.2 billion Highmark Stadium.
- The natural Kentucky bluegrass field showed clumps and divots during play that required on-field repairs and re-seeding, prompting mixed reactions from players and a brief inspection by team leadership.
- Bills president Pete Guelli and the grounds crew said the surface is safe and will stabilize as roots and organic matter mature, while at least one anonymous player harshly criticized current conditions.
- Fans continued to report obstructed-view seats caused by railings, plexiglass and outboard stairwells, and architect Populous defended the stairwell placement as a deliberate trade-off to widen 360-degree concourses.
- The team has pledged six weeks of refinements, is reviewing obstructed-seat complaints case by case, and will limit non-football events this year as officials and the grounds crew prepare for the Aug. 27 preseason finale and Sept. 17 home opener.