The groundbreaking of a new $1.54 billion Buffalo Bills stadium is now set to commence in New York. The Erie County Legislature recently gave the project its unanimous approval in a 10-0 vote.
The vote was the final step in a lengthy formal process for the project which got disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. But it comes 13 months after the taxpayers agreed to fund $850 million of the costs for the stadium project.
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According to the V.P. and COO of Bills, Ron Raccuia, construction on the Buffalo Bills stadium is commencing immediately. While they plan for the project’s official groundbreaking ceremony by June.
Reported in 2022
Buffalo Bills NFL Stadium to be developed in New York
A construction management group has been selected to build the new Buffalo Bills NFL Stadium in New York. The joint venture partners, Gilbane Building Company and Turner Construction Company will be in charge of the construction. But they will also work alongside 34 Group, a Buffalo firm founded by Buffalo Bills Hall.
Ron Raccuia, the Bills’ CEO, was excited about the Gilbane Turner joint venture working on the Buffalo Bills NFL Stadium. Especially since, both companies have worked together for more than 25 years, on various sports venues around the country. The stadium will become the football team’s new home and it will be built opposite their current Highmark Stadium at Orchard Park.
Design plans for the Buffalo Bills NFL Stadium
Stadium architect Populous designed the new Buffalo Bills NFL Stadium and recently released its initial renderings of the project. Based on their design plans the stadium will be an open-air stadium, with a stacked seating design.
According to Bills, this arrangement will help channel the noise downwards into the playing field. Thereby harnessing the energy of the fans to create an intimate and intimidating football-first seating bowl experience. The team said they intend to create the loudest, most ground-shaking, and most vibrant experience imaginable.
The developers expect the new Buffalo Bills NFL Stadium to be completed by 2026. Until then, the Bills team will continue using its current Highmark stadium, which was built in 1973. The new stadium will have 60 suites and a 60,000 capacity, which is about 10,000 less than Highmark.
Raccuia also said the stadium would have a canopy surrounding it to protect fans from strong winds during winter. This canopy will only cover about 65% of all seats in the stadium. However, Raccuia said this wouldn’t affect the fans because extensive radiant heating would be installed to make them more comfortable. He said this is the most effective canopy that covers the most people and will enable them to achieve their goals.
