Bills' New Highmark Stadium Faces Obstructed-View Criticism

The $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium was designed by Populous, with managing director Jonathan Mallie explaining that the firm prioritized 360-degree concourse views and reduced congestion. To achieve open sightlines from the concourse, stairways were placed on the leading edge of aisles, a layout used in 21 professional venues, including 14 NFL stadiums. The trade-off, according to Mallie, is that some seats may be partially blocked by those stairways. Populous noted that the outboard stair design is employed in dozens of venues to keep concourse traffic flowing, even though it can create blind spots for certain rows.

USA Today

Soon after the stadium’s first public event, fans circulated social-media posts showing seats where railings or stairwell structures obstructed the field. Critics also noted that the video boards were smaller than those in comparable NFL venues. At the same time, many praised the modern design, spacious concourses and upgraded parking lots, calling the experience an improvement over the old venue.

USA Today

The Buffalo Bills issued a statement thanking “Bills Mafia” for setting an attendance record of more than 50,000 fans at the recent practice and acknowledging the feedback. The organization said it will use the next six weeks to refine details before the home opener on Thursday, September 17. According to ESPN, the Bills will host two preseason games and an additional open practice at the venue later this month.

ESPN

• Attendance at the practice: 51,807 fans (capacity 60,108). – ESPN

ESPN

• Reported PSL complaints: under 1 % of holders. – ESPN

ESPN

• “I used to park right outside the stadium and it was so tight,” — Jason Hicks, of Williamsville

Democrat and Chronicle

• “There weren’t this many (parking) lots around the (old) stadium,” — Jack Zienski, of East Aurora

Democrat and Chronicle