Over 51,000 fans were in attendance at the team's first public practice at the stadium on Saturday. Still, it was met with overwhelming criticism about obstructed views, small scoreboards compared to other new stadiums around the league, and the covering around the stadium not shielding around 65% of the seating bowl from the rain that day, as was initially promised in the building plans.
"Thank you to Bills Mafia for setting a new attendance record with more than 50,000 fans at the Return of the Blue & Red. Saturday's practice was a great opportunity to test the new stadium. We are currently addressing internal and external feedback regarding the facility's operation following the first event. We'll utilize the next six weeks to refine any details as we prepare for the home opener on Thursday, September 17."
Bills fans had been posting through the weekend about how the stadium is filled with different obstructed views. The team also pointed out that some views shared by fans online are considered non-football seats (concerts, etc.) and aren't actually for sale during football events.
The criticism from Bills fans doesn't stop there.
Before the fans were able to see the new stadium in person, online reactions across the league stampeded the franchise after they revealed their all-grey 'Nickel City' uniforms, which were worn during the public practice on Saturday.
Buffalo will host the Carolina Panthers on August 15th for their first preseason game in the stadium, then a second time against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 27th before the start of the regular season.
The Bills won't play their first regular season home game until Week 2 against the Detroit Lions in primetime.
For more details on that game, and others throughout the season, be sure to check out our detailed 2026 NFL guide.
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