The new Highmark Stadium brings a completely new gameday experience to Buffalo. From the outdoor plaza and redesigned seating bowl to the expanded concourses, premium clubs, and unique seating options, there is plenty to take in before, during, and after a Bills game.
This guide breaks down what fans can expect throughout the stadium, including the different seating levels, sightlines, concourse experience, premium areas, and potential obstructed views, along with some of the smaller details that can make a difference when choosing tickets.
Getting Into Highmark Stadium
The entry process is designed around an initial security checkpoint before fans enter the outdoor stadium plaza. Once through this checkpoint, fans can move freely throughout the plaza and approach the stadium without going through another security screening. Entering the stadium itself requires only a ticket scan, which helps keep the lines at the stadium entrances moving.
The outdoor plaza is a significant part of the pregame experience. Fans can grab a drink, listen to live music from the DJ, get food including Buffalo wings, and take in the atmosphere before heading inside. The plaza wraps around the stadium, allowing fans to walk around the exterior and experience different activities and entertainment areas throughout the pregame period.
Fans can also watch the Bills players arrive at the stadium from the players' parking lot, adding another unique element to the pregame experience.
Certain club ticket holders also have access to dedicated entrances. These entrances can provide a less crowded way to enter the stadium and are worth knowing about before arriving, particularly for fans with premium or club seating.
Seating Layout & Stadium Levels
Highmark Stadium features four levels of seating, with the bowl designed to keep fans relatively close to the field throughout the venue. Sightlines are strong overall, and there are very few areas where the seating location alone should be considered a major drawback. That said, each level offers a noticeably different experience in terms of elevation, section size, proximity, and amenities.
100 Level
The 100 Level is the lowest tier of traditional seating and puts fans closest to the field. Sections are generally a comfortable size, and it is difficult to find a truly bad seat on this level. In addition to standard seating, the 100 Level includes two premium seating areas—one behind the end zone and another near midfield.
Another unique feature is the Standing Room Only (SRO) areas located at the top of many 100 Level sections. These provide Bills fans with an alternative to traditional seating and offer a different way to experience the game without purchasing a standard seat.
200 Level
The 200 Level is almost entirely dedicated to club seating, making it one of the most premium areas of the stadium. The 716 Club spans the sideline, while the Reserve Plus sections are located behind the end zone.
From a seating perspective, the 200 Level offers some of the best sightlines in Highmark Stadium. The elevation provides a better overall view of the field without putting fans too far away from the action. The result is a balance between being elevated enough to see the entire field and remaining close enough to feel directly involved in the game.
300 Level
The 300 Level offers a mix of seating configurations depending on where you sit. Sections behind the end zones are relatively large and noticeably steep, something to consider when choosing tickets. The sideline sections are much smaller, with many containing only a few rows.
The smaller sideline sections provide a more intimate experience and can offer excellent views of the field. Overall, the 300 Level provides noticeably better sightlines than the 400 Level, despite the two levels being separated by only a single flight of stairs in many areas.
400 Level
The 400 Level is the highest traditional seating tier at Highmark Stadium. Fans seated in the 300 and 400 Levels share the same concourse and entrance areas, with 300 Level fans entering their sections directly from the concourse while staircases lead 400 Level fans up to their seats.
The biggest consideration on the 400 Level is the potential for obstructed views in certain sections and rows. These obstructions are caused by the glass staircases and handrails located near the ends of some sections. The impact varies depending on the exact row and seat, and these areas are worth understanding before purchasing a ticket.
For fans choosing between otherwise similar 300 and 400 Level seats, the 300 Level is generally the preferable option. The additional elevation of the 400 Level does not necessarily provide a better view, while 300 Level seats offer a closer perspective and avoid the potential obstruction issues found in portions of the upper level.
Concourse Experience
The concourse experience varies considerably depending on which level you're sitting in. The 100 Level and shared 300/400 Level concourses can get quite congested, which is to be expected at a stadium of this size. Despite the crowds, food and beverage service generally moves quickly, with plenty of bars and grab-and-go food stations throughout the 100 Level.
Bathroom lines tend to be a different story, particularly immediately before the end of a quarter or half when large numbers of fans leave their seats at the same time.
The 200 Level offers a much more spacious experience thanks to its club-focused design. The concourse is also air conditioned, and bathroom waits are generally minimal compared with the general seating levels. For fans attending games during Buffalo's colder months, the indoor club spaces also provide a valuable place to warm up.
One small but important detail throughout the stadium is the work of the seating ushers. Ushers generally hold fans at the entrance to a section while a play is taking place before allowing them to return to their seats. This helps prevent fans from constantly walking in front of seated guests during the action and reduces the need to stand up to let people into a row during an important moment.
The 100 Level also has TVs positioned above the sections, making it easy to keep up with the game while grabbing food or a drink on the concourse. There is also a substantial amount of wheelchair-accessible seating throughout the stadium.
Clubs & Unique Seating
Highmark Stadium offers several club and premium seating options, each providing a different experience beyond a traditional stadium seat.
Charge Bar
The Charge Bar is a unique end zone club area with sections that extend down the sideline near the team benches. These seats are among the closest to the field in the stadium and include access to the Charge Bar club area as well as a field-level patio.
Field Club
The Field Club is one of the stadium's most exclusive lower-level seating options. Located around midfield, the club features plush seating and an all-inclusive gameday experience. The Field Club also provides access to a field-level patio that puts fans directly next to the Bills bench.
716 Club
The 716 Club is Highmark Stadium's largest and most expansive club space, spanning much of the 200 Level. The air-conditioned lounge includes private restrooms and numerous food and beverage options.
One of the biggest advantages for Buffalo fans is the climate-controlled space and the heaters positioned above the seats. With Buffalo's cold-weather games, having a warm place to escape to without giving up access to premium seating can be a major perk.
VIP / Founders Club
The VIP/Founders Club is an elevated 300 Level club offering all-inclusive benefits along with access to a private, air-conditioned club space. Its higher elevation provides a different perspective of the field while maintaining the premium amenities found throughout the stadium's club areas.
Obstructed Seating
Many sections on the 400 Level have the potential for minor obstructions from the glass staircases and handrails leading from the concourse to the seating areas. The obstruction is limited primarily to the seats closest to the staircase entrances rather than affecting entire sections.
Sections & Rows Impacted
- Sections 400–416: Rows 1–8
- Sections 430–446: Rows 1–8
- Sections 447 and 451: Select seats in Rows 1–8
Seats near Seat 1 or Seat 22 are generally most susceptible, depending on the location of the staircase. Seats toward the middle of the section typically have a clearer view.
Because the staircases are made of glass, the obstruction is relatively minor when they are empty. It becomes more noticeable when fans are using the stairs, particularly during commercial breaks, before the end of a quarter or half, and other busy periods.
For the safest choice, look for Rows 9 and higher or seats toward the middle of the section.
Overall Takeaway
Highmark Stadium delivers a strong overall seating experience, with good sightlines throughout the bowl and a wide range of options depending on budget and the type of gameday experience you're looking for.
The 100 Level is the best choice for fans prioritizing proximity to the field, while the 200 Level stands out for its combination of excellent sightlines, premium amenities, and climate-controlled club spaces. The smaller sideline sections on the 300 Level offer a more intimate experience, while the 400 Level provides an elevated perspective at a lower price point.
Beyond the seating bowl, the outdoor plaza, concourses, clubs, and unique seating areas give fans plenty of ways to experience a Bills game. There is plenty happening before kickoff, food and drinks are readily available, and premium spaces offer amenities that can be especially valuable during Buffalo's colder months.
For a complete guide to seating at Highmark Stadium, including detailed section breakdowns, seat views, and recommendations, check out our offical Highmark Stadium Seating Guide.