The construction of the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, is not only one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Buffalo’s recent history but also one of the most financially scrutinized. Originally estimated at $1.4 billion, the cost of the stadium has escalated to $2.2 billion due to rising labor and material costs having first reported a $300 million overrun way back in August 2023. The final bill is likely to increase by the time of completion and will be covered by the Buffalo Bills’ ownership, as stipulated in the funding agreement.
Timeline of Cost Revisions for New Highmark Stadium
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March 2022: The initial construction cost was estimated at $1.4 billion. Under the agreement, taxpayers committed $850 million ($600 million from New York State and $250 million from Erie County), while the Bills were responsible for the remaining $550 million.
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March 2023: The estimated cost increased to $1.54 billion. This adjustment was made as the Erie County Stadium Corp. allocated the first $300 million of the state’s commitment toward construction.
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August 2023: Three months into construction, projections indicated costs approaching $1.7 billion, with overruns nearing $300 million. Factors contributing to this increase included rising labor and material costs.
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November 2024: The Bills announced that the stadium’s projected cost had escalated to over $2.1 billion, exceeding the initial estimate by $560 million. The team’s owners, Terry and Kim Pegula, committed to covering these overruns, maintaining their vision for a state-of-the-art facility without cutting corners.
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March 2025: Reports indicated that the total cost had risen to $2.2 billion, marking an $800 million increase from the original estimate. To address this, the Bills sought to borrow an additional $650 million, requiring an exception to the NFL’s debt limit.
Lets take a look at the milestones so far covered by this project.
10 Key Milestones of the New Highmark Stadium
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2014 – Formation of a state, county, and team working group to assess stadium feasibility.
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2015–2018 – Pegulas explore long-term stadium plans, hire consultants, and begin focus groups.
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June 2021 – Legends Global Planning hired to oversee stadium design and premium sales strategy.
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August 2021 – Bills propose a $1.4B publicly funded stadium; relocation threats surface.
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March 28, 2022 – Funding deal finalized; a $1.4B, 63,000-seat stadium agreed upon with 30-year lease.
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June 5, 2023 – Groundbreaking ceremony held; excavation and foundation work begin.
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March 2024 – Structural work advances; steel framing and concrete pouring underway.
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August 2024 – Stadium structure visibly rises above ground level.
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April 4, 2025 – Topping out ceremony held as final steel beam is installed.
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2026 Season – Scheduled opening as the new home of the Buffalo Bills.
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New Highmark Stadium Factsheet
Did you now that the stadium is modeled after the Tottenham Hotspar Stadium on London? Here are a number of other facts you may not have know about
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Orchard Park, New York |
| Capacity | 62,000 seated + 5,000 standing room |
| Estimated Cost | $1.7 billion (initially $1.4 billion) |
| Public Funding | $850 million (NY State: $600M, Erie County: $250M) |
| Private Contribution | $550 million (Bills: $350M, NFL G-4 Loan: $200M) |
| Owner | State of New York |
| Designer | Populous |
| Groundbreaking Date | June 5, 2023 |
| Expected Completion | Prior to 2026 NFL season |
| Roof | Open-air; 65% of seats covered from weather |
| Notable Design Reference | Modeled after Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London |
| Naming Rights | Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield |
| Colloquial Name | “The Pit” |
Despite the financial burden and public debate over the high taxpayer contribution—the largest ever for an NFL facility—the project to its credit remains on schedule to open in 2026, promising a modernized home for the Buffalo Bills and a transformative presence in Western New York.
