In and around the parking lots hugging the back of the new Highmark Stadium four hours before the Buffalo Bills'home opener kickoff, it's relatively quiet.
There's a fall-like chill in the air on this mid-September day as gray, rain-filled clouds threaten to open up overhead. A cool breeze blows through tall grasses surrounding a small pond just beyond one of the gates. Young, newly planted trees lining the sidewalk are further proof that fall has arrived as some of their leaves have already started turning a bright shade of red.
Some fans, clad mostly in Bills quarterback Josh Allen jerseys, walk around the Highmark Trail, a new fitness trail consisting of several movement stations and photo opportunities that circles the stadium grounds. A few
can't help but stop to pose under a curved barbell stacked with several weights with the words "Buffalo Strong" above it. Others try to see how far they can jump at another stop on the trail.
In the distance, the booming voice of an announcer rehearsing his lines emanates from the metal nest-shaped new home of the Bills.
Except it doesn't feel like home here, yet. That's understandable. It took five decades of touchdowns, "Shout" songs and snowstorms to break in the old stadium.
But with each new memory made in this one, it gets a little bit closer to the sanctuary across the street fans knew so well for so many years.
The first game starts to make the Bills' new stadium feel like home
About an hour before kickoff, the energy inside the stadium is much livelier. Bills fans are showing off their fandom in every way — from blue and red suits and fur vests to tall, fuzzy blue Buffalo hats and Bills flags tied around their necks like capes.
Many bob and weave through the 100-level concourse. Others enjoy a beer along the narrow perimeter drink rail facing the field, included in the new stadium's design for that exact purpose. Some break out in the "Shout" song as they walk along. A few just stop and stare out at the field, taking it all in.
In the lower bowl, two fans shake hands. Most season ticket holders have different seats here than they did in the old stadium, so it could be a sign of a budding friendship or that of two old friends reuniting after a long offseason. Either way, new memories are being made.
The stakes to come out of this game with a win are high. All the time, money and effort put into building a new home for the Bills and their fans needs to pay off. And luckily, with each Bills touchdown — there will be six on this night — it starts to.
As the team pushes Allen into the end zone around six minutes into the first quarter of the game, a familiar feeling starts to creep in. Fans erupt in cheers; the ensuing "Shout" song celebration even shakes the press box tucked high in the 400s.
Around four minutes later, Allen's 43-yard pass from mid-field lands in the arms of wide receiver Joshua Palmer, who easily runs it into the end zone for touchdown number two. The cameras pan to Bills Elvis, who bounces his signature guitar high above his head.
Two more Buffalo touchdowns later in the game lead to MVP chants, an all-too-familiar sound carries over from the old stadium. And the sixth and final Bills touchdown of the game is marked with The Killers' "Mr. Brightside." Tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox turn to the crowd, dancing and singing along.
Just like the good ol' days.
'Where else would you rather be?'
As the fans leave the stadium on this Thursday night, it isn't nearly as bittersweet as the last game played inside the Ralph at the end of last season.
While so much is new this season — a new stadium, new coaches, new players — at the heart of it all, it's still the scrappy Bills and their wildly devoted fans.
And those fans in attendance will tell their kids and grandkids about it. They'll share how they witnessed history — the Canadian anthem being performed at an NFL game for the first time. They'll try to convey the magic of watching quarterback Josh Allen effortlessly launch a football across the field.
And they'll impart on them how great it is to be a Bills fan, no matter where the team plays.
Emily Barnes covers state government for the USA TODAY Network-New York with a focus on how policy and laws impact New Yorkers' taxes, communities and jobs. Follow her on Instagram or X @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: One game later, Bills' new stadium finally feels like home
