Senator Patrick Gallivan joined Governor Kathy Hochul, Buffalo Bills Owner Terry Pegula, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and others Tuesday to celebrate 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.

“The new Highmark Stadium is spectacular inside and out and something that Bills fans and residents of Western New York can take immense pride in," Gallivan said. "I congratulate everyone involved in making this state-of-the-art facility a reality, including the thousands of workers who kept the project on schedule. The stadium will serve as the home of the Bills for decades to come and will generate revenue that far exceeds the investment made by taxpayers. Kickoff cannot come soon enough. Go Bills.”

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.

The Bills will hold their regular season home opener on September 17 against the Detroit Lions.

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