Highmark Stadium, NFL stadium in Orchard Park, United States.
Highmark Stadium is a facility in Orchard Park near Buffalo in western New York built for professional football matches and holding more than 71,000 spectators. The seating spreads across multiple tiers with different zones for suites and spots along the sidelines.
The facility opened in 1973 under the name Rich Stadium and replaced War Memorial Stadium, which had become too small. The name changed several times over the years as different companies acquired naming rights.
The stadium carries the nickname "The Ralph" among locals and serves as a gathering point for fans who grill in the parking lots before games. The crowd sings songs together during matches and uses the building as a symbol of regional identity.
Visitors should bring warm clothing in cold weather as the stadium is open and wind sweeps across the stands. The entrances are distributed around the building, so checking which gate is closest to your seat before arriving helps.
The turf uses a system that drains water quickly and allows games even during heavy snowfall common in this area. Some matches took place in temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit (minus 18 Celsius), making conditions among the toughest in the league.
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