Buffalo Bills Stadium Review: Allegiant Stadium

I recently highlighted the history of Bills Stadium. As well as all of the renovations that have taken place over the past four decades of the stadium’s existence. Over the coming weeks, I’m going to take a deep dive into the newer stadiums around the league. I’m going to explain the history, what makes them unique, and how they relate to a new stadium for the Buffalo Bills. This week’s stadium review is the home of the Las Vegas Raiders: Allegiant Stadium.

A Brief History of Allegiant Stadium

On September 18, 2017, construction began on the site where the new stadium would be. The groundbreaking ceremony was held a few weeks later making the construction official. In January of 2018 crews began constructing the bowl for the stadium by blowing up caliche rock with dynamite. On August 27, 2018, the address for the stadium was officially 3333 Al Davis Way. During the construction of the stadium additional suits were added. This was to make the stadium more attractive for potentially hosting a Super Bowl in the future.

The Stadium was officially completed on July 31, 2020. In total, the stadium was nearly $2 billion to build and was completed in a little less than three years. The Stadium has a capacity of 65,000 and is also the home of UNLV football and the PAC-12 football championship game moving forward.

What Makes it Unique 

Even though the stadium is indoors, the field is real grass. Similar to University of Phoenix Stadium, the field is on a track underneath it and between games is wheeled outside to receive sunlight. The stadium also has a full translucent roof, allowing for sunlight to come into the stadium. It also has four massive Lanai doors the allow for fresh air and a view of the Vegas Strip.

Most notably there is the defining feature of the stadium which is the Al Davis Memorial Torch. It’s an 85-foot eternal “flame” honoring late Raiders owner Al Davis. It was created by a 3D printer and is made of carbon fiber and aluminum. Although it is not a traditional flame like in the RingCentral Coliseum, the flame is still a reminder of the late Al Davis.

Additionally, the Stadium is also located in the heart of the city, on the famous Vegas strip.

What the Bills Could Make of Allegiant Stadium 

Allegiant Stadium is an incredibly impressive facility. One that the NFL was more than happy to see built. Especially in comparison to the Raiders’ old stadium in Oakland. It features some very impressive features that could potentially be seen in a new stadium for the Bills.

The biggest feature that could find its way to Western New York could be Lanai windows and a translucent roof. Natural sunlight and open-air have been a big trend for new indoor stadiums in the NFL. Sofi Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, and AT&T Stadium all can have natural sunlight enter the stadium. As well as the ability to allow for natural air on particularly nice days. As we know, August and September in Buffalo can be beautiful. Having the ability to allow sunlight and fresh air when it’s nice out is huge. In addition to closing up the stadium for the cold weather in November and December. This is something that the Bills could go with.

So is having the stadium in the heart of the city. The Raiders and the NFL made an effort to build this stadium on the Vegas Strip. Although Buffalo does not have the same downtown as Las Vegas, downtown Buffalo has been revived over the years. Adding a new stadium could be very attractive for the team and the league.

Time will tell on what the Bills do with their stadium. We can a little from Allegiant Stadium and what made this stadium special. Next week I’ll be taking a deep look into the home of the Rams and Charger, Sofi Stadium.