Highmark Stadium, opened in 1973, is the NFL’s fourth-oldest stadium but probably its most outdated. While massive upgrades have been made at Soldier Field, Lambeau Field and Arrowhead Stadium, the Bills’ ballpark has remained relatively unchanged aside from downscaling from 80,020 to 71,608 seats, the addition of upper-deck club seats in the corners of one end zone and general technology updates.
Even so, Highmark Stadium remains a destination venue because Bills fans are a raucous lot who revel in a wild game day experience. Bills Mafia takes tailgating to another level. Some might call it dangerous, but navigating the parking lot parties is a thrilling adventure all its own.
There’s concern the fan experience won’t survive the transition when the new stadium opens across Abbott Road in 2026. Those 21st-century creature comforts don’t come cheap, with the final price tag estimated to be around $2 billion. Season ticket prices are expected to double, and personal seat licenses will be a requirement for the first time, leading to considerable sticker shock on renewals. New restaurant and bar options will try to entice fans inside the stadium and out of the tailgate lots. The new stadium also will be about 11,000 seats smaller.
Buffalo ain’t bougie, though. So it will be interesting to see how the Bills’ legendary fan experience transforms in a couple of years.
The Athletic has compiled 32 stadium guides, one for each NFL team, to give fans vital information about the game day experience. We’ve also asked readers to weigh in on the best food, beer and tailgate options at each stadium, among other things, to help football fans enjoy their visit.
Insider tips
2024 must-watch game at stadium: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Nov. 17
More than any AFC East opponent, the Chiefs have been the Bills’ biggest rival, with seven meetings in the past four years. All three playoff games have ended Buffalo’s campaign, but the margin between these two heavyweights is minuscule. The Bills have won three straight regular-season games, all at Arrowhead Stadium. Last postseason, when the Chiefs finally played in front of Highmark Stadium fans for the first time in a decade (Kyle Orton versus Alex Smith), the Bills’ decimated defense couldn’t hold up in an excruciating three-point loss.Fan tradition to know: ‘Shout!
Tim Graham’s favorite thing
Football stadiums with palm trees in the parking lot? Goodyear Blimp shots of a dome cap? Sterile visuals of artificial turf that’s never felt precipitation? No thanks! Give me weather. Give me wind and rain and players breathing out steam. Give me those striking Currier and Ives images of football players trudging through the snow.A vocal segment of Bills fans yearned for the new stadium to have a dome, but owner Terry Pegula believes football should be played outside and on grass. That means Lake Erie will continue to impact Bills home games. The new stadium’s layout is designed to reduce the swirling winds that have plagued kickers for generations, but Western New York’s weather will continue to make the games fascinating.
Scenes like those from the infamous snow game in 2017 aren’t going anywhere, even with the Bills getting a new stadium. (Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images)
The Athletic’s stadium ranking: 24
Highmark Stadium ranked 24th on Jon Machota’s 2023 list, but ahead of two other AFC East venues that have hosted Super Bowls: 14-year-old MetLife Stadium and recently overhauled Hard Rock Stadium.While the atmosphere in Orchard Park is electric, almost all that energy is crowd-generated. The old building adds little to the overall experience. Leave your seat for the decrepit concourses, and you’ll have zero chance of following the action from the long restroom and concession lines. There are no worthwhile perches or communal areas. Food-prep logistics remain rooted in the era when hot dogs, peanuts and popcorn were enough, leaving fans increasingly aggravated by subpar menus over the years.
Fans’ game day advice
The Athletic surveyed NFL fans for their feedback on the following questions:What is the ‘best bang for your buck’ seating section?
Corner end zone seats. You want to be in the lower bowl on cold days, it’s not as windy down there compared to the upper deck. — Adam H.Now, this is a fluid situation, but during the COLDEST games, the best seats are the club seats (sections 206-218, I believe). Those heated seats can make a world of difference. If it’s not one of those games where appendages might freeze off, the 300s are incredibly good value (especially at resale values, comparatively speaking). There’s really not a bad seat in the sections on the sidelines and you can see the entire field. — Rob S.
What’s the can’t-miss food?
Because of the limited food options inside the stadium, Bills fans suggested bringing your own food. Highmark Stadium permits outside food if it is unopened and single-serve in a clear plastic bag.What’s the best beer option?
There are a variety of 24-ounce tallboy options throughout the stadium.Where is the best spot to take a photo?
There is a viewing area, on the tunnel end zone side of the stadium, that’s perfect for photos. — AnonymousOutside the Buffalo Bills team store is a great place for photos and that includes the bronze statue of (former owner) Ralph C. Wilson. — Anonymous
What are the kid-friendly activities/options at the stadium?
Buffalo Bills No Alcohol Corner: Sections 225, 226 and 227 have a zero-tolerance policy regarding profanity and alcohol consumption. Violations of the policy will result in an immediate ejection.M&T Family Zone: Section 105 has added security, giveaways and family-friendly programming. Ticket holders receive a gift during the game.
Where is the best place to tailgate?
Bills fans suggested private lots, which are cheaper than the stadium lots and a short walk from the stadium.What to know if you go
Stadium address: 1 Bills Dr., Orchard Park, N.Y. 14127.Year opened: 1973.
Roof? No roof.
Playing surface: A-Turf Titan 50.
Stadium capacity: 71,608.
2023 average attendance per game (per Pro Football Reference): 69,609.
Tickets: $247 is the average StubHub ticket cost at Highmark Stadium for a 2024 NFL game, according to StubHub.
Bag policy: Clear bags that are 12 by 6 by 12 inches or smaller, one-gallon clear bags (Ziploc or similar) and small clutch bags 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches or smaller, with or without the strap, are permitted.
Outside food policy: Unopened food in single-serve containers carried in an approved-size clear plastic bag is allowed. Guests are not permitted to bring outside beverages, cans, bottles, thermoses, coolers, jugs or other containers into Highmark Stadium. Children’s juice boxes when accompanied by a child, infant bottles when accompanied by an infant and items necessary for medical purposes are permitted.
ADA information: Designated accessible parking for guests with disabilities is available in Lot 2 ADA or Lot 6 ADA. Wheelchair transportation is available from the stadium gates to a guest’s seat and from a guest’s seat to the stadium gates. For more information, click here.
Tailgating policy: Tailgating is permitted in most stadium parking lots but not in the Administrative Lot, Team Member Lot, Training Center Lot, Tunnel Lot and Youth Stadium Lot. Tailgating in the Bus & Limo Lot is only permitted for limousines with a capacity of 11 persons or fewer within Tailgate Village.
Transportation options: Stadium parking lots open four hours before kickoff and close after traffic clears, approximately one hour after the game. The Ride Share Lot at Highmark Stadium is located on the western end of the adjacent ECC South Campus. NFTA Game Day Express buses are also available for home games. For more information on routes, timing and policies, click here.
Learn more: https://www.buffalobills.com/stadium/a-z-guide