Touchdown! Governor Hochul, Buffalo Bills and Erie County Announce Completion of New $2.1 Billion Highmark Stadium

New 60,000 Seat State-of-the-Art Stadium Will Keep the Team in Western New York for Next 30 Years

Economic Impact Will Far Exceed the Public Contribution to Western New York’s Largest Construction Project

First Scrimmage Game Set for August 8

Governor Kathy Hochul, the Buffalo Bills and Erie County today celebrated the official completion of the new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. The massive public-private partnership marks the largest construction project in Western New York history, delivering a state-of-the-art, open-air entertainment venue that secures the franchise’s home in Buffalo for the next 30 years. Spanning 1.6 million square feet on a 242-acre site, the facility will host its first public event on August 8 with the Bills’ inaugural scrimmage game, the Blue & Red practice under the lights.

“Welcome to the new home of the Buffalo Bills! Today, we are not just opening a stadium; we are cementing the Buffalo Bills’ rightful place in Western New York for generations to come,” Governor Hochul said. “We are profoundly grateful to Terry and Kim Pegula for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to Buffalo, and the hardworking men and women of labor who have made this idea a reality. This state-of-the-art facility represents a historic investment in our community, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and delivering a world-class experience for the best fans in the NFL. New York State promised to keep the Bills home, and today we fulfill that promise with a stadium that matches the relentless energy and grit of Buffalo.

More than 600 guests gathered outside the stadium to celebrate the milestone, achieved just 34 months after the initial groundbreaking. Designed by the Bills in collaboration with Legends and architecture firm Populous, the project represents a major triumph for regional labor and diverse business utilization:

• Labor Force: Approximately 6,000 craft workers clocked roughly 5 million labor hours to build the venue.
• MWBE Participation: The project surpassed New York State’s nation-leading 30% Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) participation goal, yielding more than $490 million in payments to MWBE participants.
• Local Contracts: More than $250 million in contracts were awarded directly to regional Western New York MWBE firms.
• Return on Investment: The long-term economic impact generated by the venue is projected to exceed the public contribution to the project.

Standing at 116 feet above grade, nearly double the height of the previous stadium, the new Highmark Stadium features views of Lake Erie, downtown Buffalo, and the Boston Hills. Built to withstand Western New York winters while maximizing fan comfort, the venue includes a 60,108-seat capacity (plus standing room) and the following premier amenities:

• Engineered Canopy: A 360-degree canopy covers 64% of the seating bowl, specifically designed to mitigate exterior wind factors and eliminate swirling winds on the playing field.
• Advanced Heating Technology: Equipped with heated concourses, radiant heating above some seats, and the world’s largest stadium snow-melt system that utilizes roof sensors to automatically monitor and melt snow accumulations.
• Elite Playing Surface: A premium Kentucky bluegrass field cultivated by Tuckahoe Turf Farms. The field features underground heating coils to prevent freezing, alongside sub-air ventilation, state-of-the-art sub-air technology, and grow lights to preserve optimal turf conditions year-round.
• Acoustics and Tech: Two state-of-the-art video scoreboards paired with an industry-leading, high-fidelity sound system.
• Community Culture: Integration of the Buffalo Bills Public Art Program, showcasing site-specific permanent collections created by more than 45 artists in partnership with thousands of local community members. The stadium’s welcome plaza features a signature sculpture of an American Bison family.
• Accessibility & Infrastructure: Complete compliance and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, premium suites, loge seating, club levels, administrative offices, broadcast facilities, and modern food-service kitchens.