Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - In a line of upcoming partnerships with the Buffalo Bills and the new Highmark Stadium, Monday saw a key technological partner come to the forefront ahead of the stadium's opening in 2026.
The Bills announced a new partnership with Verizon on Monday, who will join the team in providing the latest 5G technology to help "Bills Mafia" stay connected throughout their gameday experience in Orchard Park.
"Every day that goes by, more-and-more will come into focus around this amazing facility. And today it's about technology, as Verizon brings its 5G network to Highmark Stadium with the goal of making 'Bills Mafia' the most connected fan base in the National Football League," said Bills COO Pete Guelli during Monday's announcement.
A partnership with Verizon in this magnitude will only help enhance the fan experience in Western New York, making it best in class among other fan bases.
"It'll be one of the most advanced stadiums in the world. However, it only works with partners like Verizon. They can help bring everything to life on game day," Guelli added.
Verizon's Regional Market President, Chris Flood says technology is everything with this particular partnership.
"Our commitment with 'Bills Mafia' is from the time they enter this parking lot to do what they're very well known for, and that is having the best tailgate party in America, to the time that they go in the stadium," said Flood during Monday's announcement.
As the Official 5G Network for the new Highmark Stadium, Verizon will own the neutral host Distributed Antenna System (DAS) in the new stadium and provide state-of-the-art technology and wireless solutions to keep fans connected. The Bills will also integrate Verizon Business Solutions and services in the new stadium to drive sustainability, power operations and streamline fan experiences.
While the new stadium is under construction, Verizon Business is providing temporary WiFi access points to the site to power the design, integration/logistics and installation of the facility.
Flood says DAS will gives them the ability to be able to make sure it's meeting the capacity needs of fans, and improving the signal where it might be needed throughout the stadium and its surrounding lots.
"Why is that important? From the time that our customers and 'Bills Mafia' enter the stadium and use their phones at the ticket gates, to the time they're on the concourse and they're purchasing food, merchandise, what have you, they're doing it wirelessly on their smartphones," Flood said.
In addition to always-on connectivity, Bills fans and stadium attendees will benefit from premium programming, sweepstakes and onsite activations. Unique access and experiences will be available for Verizon customers throughout the season/year.
Furthermore, Verizon is donating an additional $20,000 to the Veterans One-Stop Center – a Buffalo-based nonprofit that improves the quality of life of local veterans, service members and their families – following the company’s November 2024 donation of $20,000 to the same organization, for a total donation of $40,000 toward the cause.
The stadium remains on schedule to be completed and opened by July 2026.