The Buffalo Bills celebrated their new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium with a 41-31 victory over the Detroit Lions in Thursday's season opener. Quarterback Josh Allen threw for three touchdowns and rushed for two more, accounting for all five scores in a dominant performance that marked the first game under coach Joe Brady, who became the first Bills coach to win his inaugural two games. The 60,000-plus fans in Orchard Park, New York, turned out en masse for the stadium christening, tailgating for hours and erupting when Hall of Famer Bruce Smith led a "Let's Go, Buffalo" chant.

Allen described the moment as special, noting the crowd's energy during his touchdown runs and passes. Defensive tackle Deone Walker admitted moments of awe at the electric atmosphere, while Brady initially wanted his team to remain composed rather than put on a show. The Bills built a 21-0 lead and never looked back, proving the franchise's home-field advantage has only grown stronger in the new facility.