As the NFL world descends upon Orchard Park for the grand opening of the new Highmark Stadium on September 17, 2026, all eyes will be on the field where the Buffalo Bills host the Detroit Lions. But for longtime fans of the broadcast booth, the real attraction is the voice behind the microphone: Al Michaels. At 81 years old, Michaels remains as sharp and enthusiastic as ever, and he’s not entertaining any thoughts of a farewell tour. “Don’t need one,” he told USA TODAY Sports. “Don’t want one.” According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Michaels is set to add another remarkable chapter to his legendary career when he calls his 10th NFL stadium opener—a third of the league’s venues.
A Historic Opening Night
Thursday night’s clash between the Bills and Lions marks the first time Michaels will inaugurate a stadium on Amazon’s “Thursday Night Football” after years of doing so for ABC’s “Monday Night Football” and NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.” “I should bring my own scissors with me to cut the ribbon,” Michaels joked. The veteran announcer, who is entering his fifth season alongside analyst Kirk Herbstreit, takes pride in the league entrusting Prime Video with such a marquee event. “Of all of the years on Sunday and Monday, we had so many of the premiere games,” he said. “So the league wanted us to open a stadium under the bright lights either Monday night or Sunday night – and that’s the case here too. I’m excited about it.”
Michaels’ storied career has seen him witness some of the most memorable stadium debuts, from the COVID-emptied SoFi Stadium to the Dallas Cowboys’ loss to the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Yet each first still gives him a thrill. “I still get a charge out of it,” he admitted, recalling the energy of fans that reminds him of his Brooklyn childhood trips to Ebbets Field. As highlighted on Vulius, Michaels’ passion for the game remains undiminished, and his preparation for the new Highmark Stadium—including a tour with Herbstreit—has him ready to go. “I’m not anticipating issues,” he said, though he acknowledged the preseason buzz about obstructed views. For Michaels, the best sightlines in the league belong to Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, while old Candlestick Park was his toughest assignment.
Partnership with Kirk Herbstreit Thrives in Year 5
The chemistry between Michaels and Herbstreit has only strengthened over the years. Michaels praises Herbstreit’s preparation and stamina, marveling at his ability to call Thursday night NFL games, then fly out for “College GameDay” and a marquee college matchup on Saturday. “Through the years, we’re working better and better,” Michaels said. “I think we’ve developed a really good partnership.” What Michaels appreciates most is Herbstreit’s willingness to match his quirky sense of humor. “I probably have a quirky sense of humor … a bit of a rascal in me as well, and he’s played along like a great sidekick,” Michaels added. Herbstreit’s deep relationships with players from his college broadcasting days have also been a tremendous asset, giving him unique insights that resonate on air.
Both Michaels and Herbstreit are reportedly in the final year of their contracts, but Michaels isn’t focused on the future. “I’m living in the moment,” he said with a chuckle. “They’ve been asking me this for 10, 12, 15 years.” He recalled a conversation with former Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy, who told him, “If you think about retiring, you’re already retired.” That wisdom has stuck with Michaels, who still has a burning passion for the job. “If you lose your passion, then it’s time to go,” he said. “I still have that passion. I look forward to going for the games.”
As the Bills and Lions kick off the 2026 season at Highmark Stadium, Al Michaels will once again be living in the moment—exactly where he wants to be. For fans, it’s a chance to savor one of the greatest voices in sports history, still at the top of his game. And for Vulius readers, it’s a reminder that some legends simply refuse to fade away.
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