Bills' $2.1B Stadium Has Blind Spots
Less than 1% of seat holders have complained, but critics say obstructed views aren't what they paid tens of thousands for
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Bills will wear 90's throwback red helmets on Christmas Day against the Denver Broncos.
Bills COO Pete Guelli said 20,000 fans remained on a waiting list after all PSLs were sold.
Bills COO Pete Guelli says 20,000 fans remained on a waiting list after all PSLs were sold.
Bills are working with PSL holders who have concerns about sight lines on a case-by-case basis.
Bills are working with PSL holders who have concerns about sight lines from their seats.
Story published. Less than 1% of seat holders have complained, but critics say obstructed views aren't what they paid tens of thousands for
The Buffalo Bills' new stadium, Highmark Stadium, has been criticized by fans for having obstructed views from some seats, despite its $2.1 billion price tag. The stadium, which has a seating capacity of 60,108, hosted a 'Blue and Red' practice on Saturday, August 8, which was attended by over 50,000 fans.
The team has responded to the concerns, stating that they will address them on a case-by-case basis and utilize the next six weeks to refine any details before the home opener on Thursday, September 17. Less than 1% of the team's Personal Seat License (PSL) holders have raised concerns about the sightlines.
The stadium's design was influenced by that of soccer's Premier League Tottenham Hotspur's home, which also hosts NFL games in London. The team marketed the PSLs with a Virtual Venue model that showed the customers the expected view from each seat. However, some fans have reported that the actual view from their seats is obstructed by a railing, which was not apparent in the virtual tour.
The Bills will host the Detroit Lions on September 17, a Week 2 game that will be showcased on Prime Video's 'Thursday Night Football'. The stadium has a natural grass field and an under-field heating system for brutal Buffalo winters.
## Why it matters The criticism of the stadium's design and obstructed views is significant, given the massive investment made in the project. The $2.1 billion price tag is one of the highest for a stadium in the NFL, and fans expect a high-quality experience. The team's response to the concerns will be closely watched, as they attempt to address the issues before the home opener.
The stadium's design and amenities, including the smaller video boards, have also been criticized by fans. The team's decision to opt for smaller video boards has been questioned, with some fans feeling that they do not offer enough for the fan experience.
The Buffalo Bills' new stadium is a major investment in the team and the city, and the criticism of its design and obstructed views is a significant issue. The team's response to the concerns will be important in addressing the issues and ensuring that fans have a positive experience at the stadium.
