ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WBEN) - With little fanfare, crews began demolishing "old" Highmark Stadium on May 4.
In fact, the demo work is slightly ahead of schedule, setting a possible scenario where the bulk of the 53-year-old Abbott Road stadium is razed and largely gone by Halloween, or Thanksgiving, at the latest.
"The last 'whack' could be coming this fall," said Frank Ciminelli II, ARC Building Partners CEO. "This is going to go on a very fast track."
ARC is overseeing the demo work as well as making the stadium site ready for whatever its next phase, which will be determined by the Buffalo Bills at a later date.
The demo work is being handled by Breeze National Inc. of Long Island, who was the low and responsible bidder from eight bids that were submitted.
Breeze has handled similar work at Belmont Park and also expansions at LaGuardia International Airport.
Todd Starowitz, Buffalo Bills director of corporate and stadium communications, said the entire old stadium site should ready by next March.
To prep for the demo work, power was cut to the stadium on May 1.
"This is a big deal and big milestone," Ciminelli said.
The demo work comes as construction of the new, $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium is winding down, with the goal of hosting a few, private events this summer and the Buffalo Bills' annual red-and-blue scrimmage in early August serving as one of its debuts.
"I was walking out of the stadium and thinking of all times I sat here for games and concerts," Ciminelli said. "It was a sentimental moment."
Demolition work on Highmark Stadium is now underway
Demolition work on Highmark Stadium is now underway
