Fireworks, 2 Anthems and a Full House: Bills Host Lions in 1st Regular-Season Game at New Stadium
Detroit expects communication tests and crowd noise as Buffalo opens its new stadium, with rookie and backup linemen still in the mix, coaches said.
- On Thursday, the Buffalo Bills hosted the Detroit Lions in the first regular-season game at the new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
- The Bills fanbase, known as "Bills Mafia," is notorious for absurd tailgate traditions and confrontational in-game acts; the new facility features a canopy designed to project crowd noise directly onto the field.
- Despite pre-game resodding ahead of schedule, divots emerged during the opening drive as an official tamped down grass at the 30-yard line; players reported the turf felt firmer with excess sand infill.
- Lions head coach Dan Campbell encouraged his players to "drink it in" during the stadium's "christening," while All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell emphasized communication and preparation for the noise.
- Bills quarterback Allen capped a 10-play, 85-yard opening drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, establishing an early lead in the new stadium's inaugural game.
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Fireworks, 2 anthems and a full house: Bills host Lions in 1st regular
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Fireworks. Two national anthems. A packed house. And Josh Allen’s touchdown run. The Buffalo Bills even rolled out a new grass carpet in hosting the Detroit Lions in the first regular-season game
The Detroit News
Grand Haven TribuneLions brace for Bills fans as they christen Highmark Stadium
Lions vs. Bills live score updates, highlights, analysis
The Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills are seeking to become the first 2-0 teams of the 2026 NFL season with a big Thursday night showdown. It’s a huge night for the Bills organization, as they debut their new Highmark Stadium for their first home regular season game. But it’s also huge for them to prove […]
Bills host Lions in Highmark Stadium debut: updates and highlights
The Buffalo Bills opened their new Highmark Stadium on Thursday night, hosting the Detroit Lions to kick off NFL Week 2 action, according to the Week 2 schedule. Both teams entered the game coming off narrow Week 1 victories, setting the stage for an early-season rematch of tight finishes, according to NFL recaps. Buffalo secured […]
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