Buffalo Bills Stadium Construction Reaches 75% Completion

Construction of the new Buffalo Bills stadium in Orchard Park, New York, has reached approximately 75% completion. State officials confirmed that the project is on track for its anticipated opening in mid-2026, despite earlier delays. On Monday, Steve Ranalli, president of the Erie County Stadium Corporation, provided updates to reporters following the board’s approval of a land transfer to the state and a demolition plan for the existing Highmark Stadium.

The Bills have acquired an 8.16-acre parcel known as the “Barco lot,” a gravel parking area adjacent to the team’s practice fields. This land purchase, completed in 2023, is now part of the broader transfer to New York State. Ranalli explained, “Just based on the timing, it hung out there as a piece we needed to clean up.” Upon substantial completion of the stadium next June or July, all land, including the current stadium site, will belong to the Erie County Stadium Corporation, with the state ultimately serving as the owner.

Construction Progress and Challenges

Ranalli noted that while the stadium’s progress reports had indicated an 11% to 12% delay, on-site work suggests significant ground has been made up. This recovery has been facilitated by extended work shifts, increased labor, and adjustments to the project timeline. “They have 1,500 to 1,600 people on that site every day… basically seven days a week, around the clock working. I expect they’ll get there,” Ranalli stated.

Current efforts include the installation of exterior gates and ongoing work on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Interior finishing, such as drywall and flooring, is also progressing. The exterior facade is nearing completion, with some sections still open for material movement.

Demolition of the existing Highmark Stadium is set to begin shortly after the Bills’ season concludes in late January, pending contractor selection. The Bills have chosen ARC Building Partners to manage this process. The estimated cost for demolition ranges between $30 million and $35 million, a figure consistent with earlier projections. Ranalli emphasized that all costs associated with demolition and remaining stadium construction will be the responsibility of the Bills.

Financial Overview and Future Developments

By the end of the year, the Bills are projected to have invested $1.6 billion into the project, which includes $600 million from New York State and $250 million from Erie County. Original estimates for the new stadium stood at $1.54 billion, but costs have since escalated to a range of $2.1 billion to $2.2 billion.

During the recent meeting, the Erie County Stadium Corporation also authorized the addition of approximately 1,600 square feet of exterior market space to the stadium’s footprint. This area will offer food and beverage options, and family-friendly spaces accessible to fans. Adjustments to vehicular and pedestrian access lines around the new stadium and the SUNY Erie corridor have also been finalized.

Looking ahead, Ranalli expressed optimism about the construction process as winter approaches, stating that crews are “much more protected than last year” and should be able to continue their interior work without significant disruption. When asked about the highly anticipated bison sculptures planned for the stadium, he playfully declined to provide a timeline, adding, “Even if I knew — which I don’t — I’m not sure I could reveal that.”