What happened: Populous managing director Jonathan Mallie said outboard stairways were placed at the seating bowl's edge to keep concourses open and reduce congestion. The layout preserves 360-degree field views from the concourse, but upper-level railings obstruct some seated sightlines. Buffalo said Aug. 10 it was addressing feedback after the Blue & Red practice.
Why it matters: The issue adds scrutiny to a venue that requires personal seat licenses for season-ticket access. The building is the NFL's smallest by fixed capacity, sharpening expectations that fewer seats would produce clearer views.
By the numbers: Mallie said 21 NFL and MLB stadiums use outboard stairs, including 14 NFL venues. Highmark Stadium has 60,108 fixed seats and cost $2.2 billion.
What to watch: Preseason events will show whether Buffalo adjusts railings, seat assignments or customer remedies before the regular season.