The Buffalo Bills celebrated a major milestone in the construction of their new stadium on Friday, April 4, by placing the final structural steel beam. Now, a new challenge begins: the turf.

Only the second NFL stadium of its kind

Grass typically doesn’t grow year-round in Buffalo, but the Bills are aiming to change that at their new home. The team has opted for a natural grass field in their $2.2 billion stadium — a major shift from the artificial turf they've played on since 1973 in Orchard Park. Natural turf requires far more effort to install and maintain, but the Bills have made it a priority in response to growing calls from NFL players for safer and more consistent playing conditions.

The system will incorporate sub-air technology (airflow beneath the field), advanced irrigation, wireless temperature and humidity control, hydronic heating, and grow lights — all designed to enable grass to thrive regardless of the weather. The Bills’ new home will be only the second NFL stadium to feature such an advanced year-round grass growth system. As fans observe the introduction of cutting-edge solutions in stadiums, many turn to online entertainment. One of the most popular options is undoubtedly sports betting. Visit Sporting Post and enjoy detailed reviews, expert analyses, and the latest news from the world of betting.

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Why grass over artificial turf?

The NFL Players Association has long advocated for natural playing surfaces, as artificial turf has been linked to a higher risk of non-contact injuries. Currently, 15 out of the league’s 30 stadiums use natural grass. The Bills’ decision aligns with this push — even though artificial turf is less expensive to maintain and better suited for hosting concerts and events.

According to Sportico, installing a new natural grass field costs between $300,000 and $500,000, but ongoing maintenance — including infrastructure, grow lights, heating systems, aeration, staff, and fertilizers — can raise annual costs above $1 million. On the other hand, artificial turf costs $1–2 million to install but lasts longer and requires far less upkeep. Still, natural grass remains the preferred surface among football and soccer players alike — and the Bills hope their new stadium can also host soccer matches in the future.

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New Highmark Stadium – opening planned for summer 2026

The New Highmark Stadium is set to open in summer 2026, but turf installation work has already begun this month. This gives us a full growing season before our first game, said John Polka, the Bills’ Vice President of Stadium Development. The team has turned the site over to SCG Fields to begin preparing the field — a complex process that involves sophisticated heating and grass growth technologies rarely used in NFL venues.

The goal is to complete infrastructure and system installation by this fall so the grass can establish strong roots before winter. This will allow the field maintenance team to step in next spring and summer to make any necessary adjustments.