Bills to open Highmark Stadium Week 2 against Lions

Field Level Media|published: Tue 12th May, 24:37 2026

Construction crews install the first panels on the stadium exterior as work continues on the Buffalo Bills new stadium, across the street from their current home at Highmark Stadium, in Orchard Park, NY Thursday, July 10, 2025.

The NFL announced Monday the Buffalo Bills will play their first home game at newly constructed Highmark Stadium on Sept 17, Week 2 of the 2026 season, against the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football.

The game will stream exclusively on Prime Video but will be made available locally in Buffalo on a channel to be determined.

The $2.1 billion facility is open-air but has a canopy covering 64% of the crowd, according to ESPN. The Bills will be playing on grass, which can be heated, instead of turf, and the first row on one of the sidelines will be moved 54 feet closer to the field.

Highmark Stadium will be open for events this summer, including Buffalo's Blue & Red practice during training camp.

The Bills played at their previous home, originally named Rich Stadium, since 1973. It was re-named Highmark Stadium in 2021. Buffalo has won its last four home openers.

The Bills went 12-5 last season, losing to the Broncos in overtime during the AFC Divisional Playoffs. Detroit missed the playoffs, finishing 9-8.

The NFL's full 2026 schedule will be released at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday during a two-hour special on ESPN and NFL Network.

--Field Level Media

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