Construction has concluded on the $2.1bn Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, the largest construction project in Western New York’s history.
The project, delivered by a Gilbane-Turner joint venture in partnership with the Buffalo Bills and regional officials, secures the NFL franchise’s home for the next 30 years.
The 1.6 million-square-foot open-air entertainment venue is set on a 242-acre site and will welcome the public for the first time on 8 August with the team’s Blue & Red practice event.
The stadium was completed 34 months after the official groundbreaking. A workforce of approximately 6,000 craft workers contributed an estimated five million labour hours to bring the project to completion.
Designed by the Buffalo Bills in partnership with Legends and architecture company Populous, the stadium stands at 116ft above grade, nearly double the height of the previous facility.
It features a 60,108-seat capacity, with standing room available, and is built to accommodate the climate of Western New York.
A 360° engineered canopy covers 64% of the seating bowl, reducing wind exposure and helping prevent swirling winds on the field.
The stadium features advanced heating technology, including heated concourses, radiant heat above selected seats, and the world’s largest stadium snow-melt system, controlled by automated roof sensors to monitor and manage snow accumulation.
The playing surface is Kentucky bluegrass from Tuckahoe Turf Farms, with underground heating coils, sub-air ventilation, and artificial lighting to maintain turf conditions throughout the year.
The stadium also features two new video scoreboards and a high-fidelity sound system.
Accessibility and infrastructure features include ADA-compliant accommodations, premium suites, loge seating, club levels, broadcast facilities, administrative offices and modern food-service kitchens.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: “We are not just opening a stadium; we are cementing the Buffalo Bills’ rightful place in Western New York for generations to come.
“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 labour 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.”
Gilbane-Turner principal-in-charge Carl Stewart said: “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.”
