The Buffalo Bills’ new home in Orchard Park is taking shape.
The $2.1 billion New Highmark Stadium stadium project will transform the gameday experience in western New York. It’s the most expensive construction project in the region’s history and the largest public investment ever made in an NFL venue.
Ground was broken on June 5, 2023 and the stadium is scheduled to open in 2026.
Here’s what you need to know about the new Buffalo Bills stadium.
When will the new Highmark Stadium be completed?
The Bills expect the new stadium to be ready by summer 2026. All home games that season are slated to be played there.
Where is the new Bills stadium?
New Highmark Stadium is being built in Orchard Park, New York, directly across Abbott Road from the current Highmark Stadium. The new facility will sit on a 242-acre site with a planned footprint of about 1.35 million square feet.
How much will the new Bills stadium cost?
The price tag is currently about $2.1 billion.
How many seats will the new Bills stadium have?
There will be a minimum of 60,000 seats along with an expandable capacity to hold special events as well as new premium areas, which will include suites, ledge seats and clubs.
Is the new Bills stadium a dome?
No. The design is open-air, but it will include a canopy that covers about 65% of seats, shielding fans from wind and snow while keeping the field exposed.
Will the field be heated?
Yes. Like many modern NFL venues in cold climates, it will feature a heated playing surface to keep the turf playable late in the season, even in Buffalo’s winter snow.
Are season tickets available yet?
Current season ticket holders get first priority. They will be invited in waves to the “Stadium Experience” center to select seats with the help of account executives.
Non-season ticket holders can join a waiting list by placing a deposit at billsstadiumexperience.com
How was the new Bills stadium funded?
The $2.1 billion project included a record $850 million in public money, $600 million from New York State and $250 million from Erie County.
The Bills are responsible for $690 million, which will be supported in part through sales of personal seat licenses (PSLs). PSL prices are expected to range from $500 to $16,500 for premium seating,
Why was the stadium deal controversial?
The funding agreement was one of the most debated items in the state budget. Critics argued that public dollars should have gone to health and social services instead of subsidizing an NFL team. Supporters countered that the 30-year lease extension guarantees the Bills’ future in Western New York.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: The new Bills stadium will be ready for 2026 season: What it’ll look like, what to know
Reporting by Ryan Miller and Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
