The Buffalo Bills went all out for the official debut of their brand new stadium, but one pre-game festivity sparked a huge backlash.
The Bills' new state-of-the-art $2.1bn Highmark Stadium welcomed the Detroit Lions on Thursday night, and life in their new home got off to a good start.
The Bills christened their new stadium with a statement 41-31 victory against Detroit, with Josh Allen staking his claim as one of the early MVP favorites.
Allen threw for 248 yards and three passing touchdowns, along with a pair of TD runs and 69 yards on the ground.
PETA respond after Bills bring out baby bison
The performance on the field, however, was somewhat overshadowed by the team bringing out a baby bison.
The Bills loaded up the fan experience in Week 2, from a 'beer horn' to halftime show from OneRepublic, while also introducing a new mascot.
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Clips of a live baby bison named Bruce went viral ahead of Thursday's game, with the animal seen arriving at Highmark Stadium for his team debut.
Named Bruce after franchise legend Bruce Smith, the Bison was kept in a pen outside the stadium ahead of the Thursday Night Football clash.
PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk exclusively told The Mirror US that the Bills should show more respect.
"The Buffalo Bills should be focused on their game, not distracting fans with a baby bison turned into a pregame prop," the statement read.
"Bought or borrowed from a buffalo meat farm, 'Bruce' is to end up alone in a pen amid the chaos of game-day festivities, not understanding why there are screaming humans and lots of other noise.
"PETA is asking the Bills to give a thought to the boy, to show some regard for his feelings and interests, and realize this isnâÂÂt sporting, itâÂÂs mean.
"ItâÂÂs time the Bills nixed live-animal appearances and let the bison win their respect."
Fans also slam Bills' bison stunt
Bruce was imported from the local Maple Ridge Buson Ranch in Hinsdale, New York, and it's unclear as to whether he will return for future home games.
If PETA and some section Bills Mafia have their way, though, Bruce will never step foot on stadium grounds again.
"Putting a baby bison in front of the stadium so drunk fans can scare him going in? Beyond cruel. Actually disgusting," one fan said.
"Bills fan here, not sure I like them brining in a baby bison, that's really cruel for me," a second commented.
"Why on earth has my franchise taken a bison from it's comfort just to have it be an attraction for humans, that's not on," a third added.
"This is not okay! Look at that poor baby. The Bills should be ashamed," a fourth concluded.
With PETA and fans protesting, the franchise may be forced to rethink its live animal experience and let the team's electric play on the field to remain the main attraction.
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