New Highmark Stadium will become one of the NFL’s biggest stages in its opening season.
The Buffalo Bills’ 2026 schedule is packed with milestone moments for the franchise’s new home, including the first preseason game, first regular-season game, first primetime matchup and Buffalo’s first-ever Thanksgiving home game.
From the stadium opener against the Detroit Lions to a Thanksgiving night showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs, here are the biggest moments scheduled for the new Highmark Stadium in 2026.
First game at new Highmark Stadium
The first game at new Highmark Stadium is scheduled for Aug. 15 when the Bills host the Carolina Panthers in the preseason.
Prior to that, Buffalo will host their annual Blue and Red practice in the first event at the stadium on Aug. 9.
First regular-season and primetime game at new Highmark Stadium
Buffalo’s first regular-season game at the new stadium comes quickly.
The Bills host the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football on Sept. 17 in Week 2. It gives the Bills a primetime spotlight for the stadium debut.
First Thanksgiving home game in Buffalo Bills history
The Bills will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Thanksgiving night. Nov. 26 in Week 12.
The game marks the first Thanksgiving home game in franchise history.
Buffalo has played 11 Thanksgiving games, but every one of them came on the road.
First AFC East game at new Highmark Stadium
The Bills’ first AFC East home game at the new stadium is scheduled for Week 4 against the New England Patriots on Oct. 4.
Final regular-season home game of inaugural season
The Bills close their regular-season home schedule against the New York Jets in Week 18.
The game’s exact date and time will be determined later by the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Big milestone games coming to new Highmark Stadium in 2026
Reporting by Ryan Miller, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
