Gilbane-Turner, Buffalo Bills, and Officials Mark Completion of New $2.1 Billion Highmark Stadium

New 60,000 Seat State-of-the-Art Stadium is Western New York’s Largest Construction Project

First Scrimmage Game Set for August 8

The Gilbane-Turner team, the Buffalo Bills, and elected officials 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.

More than 600 guests gathered outside the stadium to celebrate the milestone, achieved just 34 months after the initial groundbreaking. Built by a Gilbane-Turner joint venture and 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.

Gilbane-Turner Principal-in-Charge and Turner Construction Company Vice President Carl Stewart said, “Delivering a stadium of this scale and significance required extraordinary collaboration, innovation, and commitment from thousands of people over several years. From the earliest planning stages through construction, our team worked alongside the Buffalo Bills, Gilbane, New York State, Erie County, trade partners, and the local community to create a world-class venue that reflects the passion of Bills fans and the strength of Western New York. We are honored to have helped build a stadium that will stand as a symbol of what can be achieved through partnership, craftsmanship, and a shared commitment to the region.”

Gilbane-Turner Principal-in-Charge and Gilbane Building SVP John LaRow said, “Today represents the culmination of millions of hours of work from local and diverse businesses and skilled tradespeople who rolled up their sleeves to build the new home of the Buffalo Bills. Together, they created a testament to the hardworking spirit of Western New York and a place that will strengthen the region and create lasting community impact. Highmark Stadium belongs to the entire region, and we are so proud to have worked alongside the Bills, the Hochul administration and New York State, and Erie County to help deliver this remarkable new complex. We cannot wait for fans to enjoy their new home this year and for decades to come.”

“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 Kathy 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.”

Buffalo Bills Owner Terry Pegula said, “Our journey began on June 5, 2023, when several of us stood out here with shovels in our hands at the ceremonial groundbreaking of Highmark Stadium. Highmark has been a true partnership — a partnership between government, private business, the NFL and our fans, the Bills Mafia. I made a promise to our workers that somehow we would have their names visible on the stadium where their offspring and friends could come and look and see their name on the side of the stadium. 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.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “As someone who grew up in Western New York, I could not be more excited for the official opening of Highmark Stadium. This public-private partnership is a win for one of the most passionate fan bases in the NFL and a credit to the Buffalo Bills, New York State and Erie County. This incredible stage will boost the local economy and serve as the new backdrop for a lifetime of football memories. We look forward to kicking off the first game there this September.”