Gilbane-Turner Completes $2.1 Billion New Highmark Stadium for the Buffalo Bills
Largest construction project in Western New York history delivers a world-class home for the Buffalo Bills and a lasting legacy for the region
Buffalo, NY – June 23, 2026 – Gilbane-Turner joined New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Erie County officials, and the Buffalo Bills in celebrating the completion of the new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The milestone marks the successful delivery of the largest construction project in Western New York history and a state-of-the-art venue that will serve as the home of the Buffalo Bills 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. Delivered through a collaborative public-private partnership, the project created thousands of jobs, generated opportunities for local and diverse businesses, and established a new landmark destination for Western New York.
Designed by the Buffalo Bills in collaboration with Legends and architecture firm Populous, the stadium was built to withstand Western New York winters while maximizing fan comfort and enhancing the game-day experience. The venue features a 360-degree canopy, advanced heating and snow-melt systems, premium hospitality spaces, state-of-the-art technology, and a public art program that celebrates Buffalo’s culture and community.
Governor Kathy Hochul said, “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. 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.”
More than 6,000 craft workers contributed approximately 5 million labor hours to construct the venue. The project surpassed New York State’s 30% Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise participation goal, resulting in more than $490 million in payments to MWBE firms, including more than $250 million awarded directly to Western New York MWBE businesses.
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.”
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.”
Standing at 116 feet above grade and featuring a 60,108-seat capacity, the new stadium includes a 360-degree canopy, advanced heating and snow-melt technology, premium hospitality spaces, state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, enhanced accessibility features, and a public art program that celebrates Buffalo’s culture and community.
The completion of Highmark Stadium marks a significant milestone not only for the Buffalo Bills and their fans, but also for the thousands of workers, businesses, and community partners who contributed to bringing the project to life. As one of the most significant sports construction projects in the nation, the venue will serve as a catalyst for economic activity, tourism, and community engagement throughout Western New York for decades to come.