The final piece of steel was placed on the new Highmark Stadium Friday, less than two years after breaking ground on the future home of the Buffalo Bills.
Bills owner Terry Pegular, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz all spoke at the ceremony, which included 1,400 guests. The 60,000-seat stadium was designed by Legends and Populous and more than 22,000 pieces of steel weighing 25,000 tons, 60% of which was produced in New York State, have been placed.
“Today marks a major milestone for the future home of the Buffalo Bills and one of the largest construction projects ever in Western New York,” Hochul said. “This world-class stadium would not be possible without our skilled union workers and partners, and I look forward to cheering along with them at the first Bills game being played here in the 2026 season.”
The canopy atop the stadium that covers 65% of the seats will continue to be constructed, along with the interior and exterior of the building.
Taxpayers are responsible for a combined $850 million for the stadium, with $600 million from the state and $250 million from Erie County. The Associated Press reported in November 2024 that the total cost of the stadium had ballooned to $2.1 billion.
The Bills are responsible for overruns beyond $1.54 billion and the Pegulas are picking up the $560 million in overruns. The Bills’ owners are now set to pay $1.25 billion in construction costs and $144 million in a community benefits package over the duration of the 30-year lease.
The Pegulas own a 79% controlling stake in the franchise after selling to a group of 10 limited partners that included Basketball Hall of Famers Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady in December.
“Today is about you hard workers.
We’re going to put this piece of steel up,” Terry Pegula said. “We’re calling this the topping off ceremony. I call it the first piece of building the rest of the stadium.”
Pegula, who has not conducted a press conference since before he was approved for the stadium, joked, “I should congratulate Josh Allen. He now makes more money than I do.”
Allen received an NFL-record $250 million guaranteed in a six-year extension last month.
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