Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Using football parlance, construction on the new Highmark Stadium is now in the third quarter, and officials are confident it will be football and fan-ready by late next summer, just before the start of the 2026 NFL season.
Steve Ranalli, Erie County Stadium Corp. president, says work on the $2 billion-plus new home for the Buffalo Bills is about 75% complete.
Ranalli praises the construction management team of Gilbane-Turner for keeping the stadium project on schedule.
"They've done everything from putting extra people to extending shifts on Saturday," Ranalli said.
Ranalli says on any given day, there are more than 1,500 construction industry workers on site handling a wide range of projects from installing lights to working on the stadium's facade to even installing carpeting.
Thus far, some $1.6 billion has been spent in developing and building the new Orchard Park home of the Bills. The funds have come from previously negotiated New York State and Erie County allocations, along with dollars invested by team owner Terry Pegula.
The $1.6 billion spent equates to approximately 62.5% of the total $2.1-to-$2.2 billion development costs. Pegula is paying for everything above the $850 million allocated in state and county funds.
"By the end of this month, any money spent will be paid 100% by the Buffalo Bills," Ranalli said.
While work continues at the new stadium, bids are expected later this week and early next week for the demolition of the current Highmark Stadium.
The demolition and remediation work, estimated to cost between $30 million and $35 million, is being overseen by Arc Building Partners. The Bills are paying entirely for that work.
Ranalli says the demolition and remediation won't begin until after the Bills finish the current NFL season.
The current stadium site will be developed into parking and still-to-be determined other uses.
At the same time, Erie County and Legends are teaming up to sell stadium memorabilia including 70,000 seats, portions of the turf and goalposts along with other items.
Interest, especially in the seats, has been strong, says Bill Geary, Erie County Public Works commissioner.
"A lot of season ticket holders want to buy their seats," Geary said.
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