The Bills’ stadium drama has now gone from the stands to the field.
They are tearing out and replacing the grass at Highmark Stadium ahead of their first three home games in Weeks 2-4.
“We’re committed to having the best possible playing surface for our players,” president of business operations Pete Guelli said in a statement. “With a stretch of three consecutive home games early in the season, we decided it was the appropriate time to re-sod our field.
“This process will begin on Monday with full installation of a new surface completed by the end of the week. We will continue to monitor the field and every aspect of our new stadium to ensure it is the best possible experience for our players and fans.”
Chunks and bald patches emerged in the Kentucky bluegrass during the preseason, with clumps of grass occasionally flying into the air when players were tackled to the ground.
One player told The Athletic that “the field is ass right now.”
The field passed the NFL’s safety and playability standards, but feedback from players and the buffer before the first home regular season game prompted the decision.
“You can be happy with the performance and playability and still make the change,” Guelli told the Buffalo News. “As an organization, we’re committed to having the absolute best possible playing surface for the players. If it’s even slightly better, we’re going to make the change and err on the side of performance.”
It comes amid a summer of criticism for the Bills’ new $2.2 billion stadium.
Fans complained about obstructed views when season-ticket holders got their first look at the new stadium during an open practice on Aug. 8.
Pictures of the obstructed views went viral on social media, with some fans claiming they were misled about the view they were supposed to have from their seats.
