ORCHARD PARK – This day proved special to thousands of Buffalo Bills fans.
Buffalo’s Return of the Blue and Red annually marks the Bills’ first ticketed event at their home stadium. A new building heightened hype for this year’s intra-squad practice.
Return of the Blue and Red also marked the Bills’ departure from Rochester after seven open training camp practices at St. John Fisher University. Only season ticket holders were invited to New Highmark Stadium on Aug. 8.
No score was kept. Buffalo didn’t even play against an opponent.
But traffic, tailgates and thousands of No. 17 jerseys made this mid-August practice resemble a typical gameday. Here’s what stood out from a fan’s perspective at Return of the Blue and Red.
a break at debut of new $2.2B Highmark Stadium
Wide open spaces
Several fans noted Highmark Stadium’s spacious concourses.
Walking areas in the old stadium were often prone to bottlenecks. Foot traffic, however, rarely slowed as fans packed the new building.
“There's enough room for a crowd to walk through," Bills fan Dave Johnson of Rochester said. "It was a traffic jam and gridlock across the street."
Photo opportunities were scattered throughout the stadium. Locally inspired features included an oversized folding table and a replica of Buffalo's Peace Bridge.
“It's everything that I thought it could be and more," said Mike Ayala-White of Buffalo. "You can see everything from everywhere. It feels massive and comfortable at the same time."
How much does food cost?
Concession stands carried locally inspired monikers such as ‘Allentown,’ ‘First Ward’ and ‘Black Rock.’
Popular food items included the Chicken Parm Sandwich ($22) and Blue and Red Burger ($18).
Canned beer, at 16 ounces, cost $13. Premium, 16-ounce cans cost $14 and Highmark margaritas were $22.
New views
Among the sights visible from the upper concourse’s Labatt Sky Deck? Lake Erie, downtown Buffalo and more.
Local artwork lined concourses on the upper and lower levels. The stadium’s construction – filled with local flair – confirmed the “built for Buffalo” sign at its main entrance.
“From the bathrooms to the stairwells and shops, everything is brand spanking new," said Kellie Rizzo of Buffalo. "It's cool to be witnessing it for the first time."
Preseason games await
Three more chances to see the Bills at Highmark Stadium await before the team’s Sept. 17 regular season home opener. Buffalo hosts preseason games on Aug. 15 and Aug. 27, plus another ticketed practice on Aug. 18.
Tickets for the second practice were made available to all fans. The event is sold out.
Buffalo opens the regular season at Houston on Sept. 13 before hosting Detroit for Thursday Night Football.
Jeff Uveino joined the USA Today Network in 2023 and began covering Rochester-area high school sports in 2026. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University's Jandoli School of Communication and native of Perry. Contact him at juveino@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @realjuveino and on Instagram @jeffusports.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bills fans get first taste of new Highmark Stadium experience
