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Bills' new field tears up during preseason game

8/19/2026

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Summary

Bills Repair Turf

Chunks of turf tore out during the Buffalo Bills' preseason game on the new Highmark Stadium natural-grass field.
Bills president Pete Guelli said the grounds crew expected the damage and repaired it quickly.
The Kentucky bluegrass, installed ten months ago and still maturing, was described by players as soft and needing more compaction.

Summary

Bills Ticket Costs

A study by The Action Network found a family of four pays $2,193.95 on average for a Buffalo Bills game, the NFL’s most expensive family price.
Highmark’s personal seat licenses for the new stadium range from $750 to $50,000 per seat, a fee introduced for the 2026 season.
More than 41,000 fans attended the open practice on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, some arriving as early as 5:30 a.m.

History

Historical Context

In 1966 the Astrodome, financed by mayor-developer Roy Hofheinz, became the first major venue to install AstroTurf at $2 per square foot after its indoor grass died. Early durability problems prompted costly repairs in the early 1970s and sparked broader scrutiny of artificial fields, a concern echoed today at Buffalo Bills’ Highmark Stadium under president Pete Guelli.

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Bills Repair Turf

Chunks of turf tore out during the Buffalo Bills' preseason game on the new Highmark Stadium natural-grass field.
Bills president Pete Guelli said the grounds crew expected the damage and repaired it quickly.
The Kentucky bluegrass, installed ten months ago and still maturing, was described by players as soft and needing more compaction.

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