In the big picture, Saturday was just a preseason contest. Historically speaking, however, the Buffalo Bills 34-25 loss to the New York Giants was the first milestone that comes with the final year of the former Rich, Ralph Wilson and current Highmark Stadium.

For more than half a century, the facility in Orchard Park has been the site of so many triumphs — and plenty of heartbreaks. Across the street is a behemoth structure that cost more than $2 billion and will host the National Football League team starting in 2026.

Before that site opens, there are more memories to be made. Next year will have a lot of firsts. This year, there are plenty of lasts, including the last home opener and game ever played at the stadium.

When the current stadium opened in 1973, Buffalo was a top 30 city in the United States. The region thrived on steel and manufacturing. Today, the metropolitan area is just outside the top 50 as its population has declined as health care and banking are the major drivers for its economy.

What has not changed is the love for the Bills — here at home and the growing legions across the country. We already know this season will be one to remember as a legacy ends. Just how memorable it will be has yet to be written.