National Football League’s Buffalo Bills are set to receive a brand new stadium, which will be located on Abbott Road in Orchard Park. It is being built right next to the Erie Community College campus and across the street from the current Buffalo Bills stadium. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026 and is projected to cost around $1.4 billion. With a capacity of 62,000, the new stadium will be a significant upgrade from the team’s current home.
The current Bills Stadium (now called Highmark Stadium), was named after Rich Products when it was opened. It has been the team’s home for almost five decades. The Stadium was built by the construction company, Birdair Structures. Buffalo Bills played their first 13 seasons at War Memorial Stadium before moving to the new facility in 1973. Highmark stadium has a capacity of 71,870 and has hosted nearly 30 concerts throughout its history.
New York has committed to funding $600 million of the project, with the NFL and the Bills investing $550 million while Erie County is contributing $250 million. Construction of the new stadium will require the help of around 400 different companies to bring it to life.
Location History
The area where the current stadium is located, and the new one will be built, was farmland before the construction of the Bills Stadium in the early 1970s. Historic aerial images of the area date back to 1926, showing a completely different landscape than the one we see today.
Highmark Stadium Timeline
1973: The Buffalo Bills move into Rich Stadium, which was later known as Ralph Wilson Stadium to honor the team’s founder and owner.
1998: The stadium undergoes a major renovation. It included the addition of a new scoreboard, luxury suites, and a club level.
2012: The Bills announce a ten-year lease extension with the state and county. The team spent $130 million on stadium upgrades.
2021: The Bills and the state of New York announced a $1.4 billion plan to build a new stadium in Orchard Park. It is expected to be completed in time for the 2027 season.
