BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....June 1 is a milestone day for Erie County, new Highmark Stadium and New York state.
That's when the ownership and operational costs of the soon-to-open $2.2 billion new home of the Buffalo Bills will be borne by New York state and the team.
Erie County will be out of the Buffalo Bills' stadium operational costs - and, for June 1 onward, any costs the county has related to the Orchard Park venue will be reimbursed by either the state or Bills, says Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.
"It is a good thing that Erie County will be out of the (Bills') stadium business," Poloncarz said. "Let the people of the State of New York help out. It's kinda of nice knowing people in New York City will be helping to pay some of these bills."
Erie County was always reimbursed for any operational costs borne by the county Sheriff's Department.
But, other costs including prepping Abbott Road and other streets around the stadium for game day fans and traffic was borne entirely by the county.
And, there was another cost factor: Lawsuits.
Because the county was the owner of record for the stadium, it was always named in any lawsuit.
"Just not having to deal with lawsuits will help the county," Poloncarz said.
As for the stadium itself, it is on pace to be fan and football-ready by mid-summer. The Bills will host its annual "Blue and Red" scrimmage in the new stadium on Aug. 8 followed by two preseason games and then the regular season opener on Sept. 17.
Demolition of the current stadium is underway.
"Remember the Bills aren't moving to another city," Poloncarz said. "They are only moving across Abbott Road."
As if June 1, Highmark Stadium operational costs shifts from Erie County to NYS
As if June 1, Highmark Stadium operational costs shifts from Erie County to NYS
