Why fans are blasting new Bills stadium for ‘worst’ design in NFL

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Why fans are blasting new Bills stadium for ‘worst’ design in NFL originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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The new Highmark Stadium, which has yet to host a game, is already drawing criticism for its fan experience after nearly 52,000 attended the "Return of the Blue & Red" open practice on Saturday in Buffalo.

Fans were undoubtedly happy to see Josh Allen and the rest of the team back out on the field, but not everyone could actually see the action.

Here's a look at why fans are already criticizing the Bills' new stadium.

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Why fans are criticizing Bills new stadium

As fans descended on the new Highmark Stadium on Saturday, some realized the view they were promised wasn't the view they were getting.

At least a few seats were found to have obstructed views, which could leave some season ticket-holders disappointed this year:

The Bills also bucked the trend of bigger and louder video boards, instead installing smaller video boards that some believe don't offer enough for fans:

Given the cost of the stadium and the time invested into building what was intended to be a state-of-the-art venue, the Bills came under heavy criticism on social media for seemingly missing the ways the fan experience could be diminished:

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Bills new stadium obstructed seating

The Bills appear to have at least a few obstructed seats at their new stadium, including some seats in which metal bars, glass panels or even a neighboring section blocks a portion of the field. 

The Bills told Front Office Sports on Monday that they are "addressing internal and external feedback" and will take the next few weeks to refine the stadium.

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Bills reaction to complaint about new stadium

In response to the criticisms, the Bills sent a message to their fans claiming they are looking into the possible issues. However, according to ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg, the Bills argue that they've heard from "less than 1 percent of PSL holders" while many of the criticisms are from seats that aren't for sale for football games.

"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 new stadium cost and capacity

The Bills' new stadium cost $2.1 billion, higher than the projected price of $1.7 billion. Construction used $850 million in taxpayer funds, the highest taxpayer bill for any NFL stadium in history. The use of public funds is one reason why some fans are disappointed with the outcome.

Highmark Stadium will seat 60,108 fans, the lowest capacity of any stadium in the NFL. That's more than 10,000 less than the Bills' former stadium, with the new venue designed to create an even more intimate feel. 

The Bills will make their preseason debut at the new Highmark Stadium against the Panthers on Aug. 15 and their regular season debut against the Lions on Sept. 17.

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