The construction of the $2.1bn new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York has announced its completion. Governor Kathy Hochul, the Buffalo Bills and Erie County announced Tuesday that the new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park is complete. The 60,108-seat, open-air stadium spans 1.6 million square feet on a 242-acre site. Officials also said the project is the largest construction project in Western New York history.

Moreover, it will keep the Bills in Western New York for the next 30 years. The stadium’s first public event is scheduled for August 8, when the Bills hold their Blue & Red practice under the lights. More than 600 guests attended a celebration outside the stadium.

The milestone came 34 months after the project’s ceremonial groundbreaking. Officials said about 6,000 craft workers logged roughly 5 million labor hours to build the venue. The project also surpassed New York’s 30% Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises participation goal, with more than $490 million in payments to MWBE participants. Another major project that is advancing is the USF On-Campus stadium project which has made significant headway since its unveil in 2024. Currently the stadium is making headway and is slated for completion in 2027.

Outlook on the Buffalo Bills New Highmark Stadium Project

The Buffalo Bills New Highmark stadium project is being celebrated as a monumental achievement in New York. More than $250 million in contracts were awarded directly to regional Western New York MWBE firms, according to the announcement. “Today, we are not just opening a stadium; we are cementing the Buffalo Bills’ rightful place in Western New York for generations to come,” Hochul said.

Bills owner Terry Pegula said the project was a partnership among government, private business, the NFL and fans. “It’s one thing to talk about it, it’s one thing to get the money, and it’s another thing to get it done,” Pegula also said. The new stadium stands 116 feet above grade and includes views of Lake Erie, downtown Buffalo and the Boston Hills.

Officials also said a 360-degree canopy covers 64% of the seating bowl and is designed to reduce exterior wind factors. It will also eliminate swirling winds on the playing field. The venue also includes heated concourses, radiant heating above some seats and a stadium snow-melt system that uses roof sensors to monitor and melt snow accumulation.

Project Overview

• Project Value: $2.1bn
• Location: Orchard Park, New York
• Status: Completed

Scope

• 60,108-seat open-air stadium on a 242-acre site
• Covers 1.6 million square feet
• Largest construction project in Western New York history
• First public event scheduled for August 8

Key Features

• 360-degree canopy covering 64% of seating
• Heated concourses and radiant-heated seating areas
• Snow-melt system with roof sensors
• Views of Lake Erie, downtown Buffalo, and the Boston Hills

Benefits

• Secures the Buffalo Bills in Western New York for the next 30 years
• Built by 6,000 workers over 5 million labor hours
• More than $490M awarded to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE)

Outlook

• Stadium is ready for operations and public events
• Expected to boost the regional economy and fan experience
• Marks a major milestone for sports infrastructure in New York.