Topic summary

Highmark Stadium

Highmark Stadium is an American football stadium located in Orchard Park, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. It opened in 2026, serving as the home field of the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL).

The stadium was built adjacent to Erie Community College's south campus across the street from where Ralph Wilson Stadium stood. The stadium was designed by Populous. The stadium has a seating capacity of 60,108, the smallest among NFL venues. However, the 63,000 total capacity (counting standing room-only possibilities) can reach 66,000 depending on the event. The new venue has a partial roof so that 65% of seats would be protected from the elements; the playing field is uncovered as Buffalo's reputation for cold, snowy weather often makes for compelling television and has long formed a part of the team's and city's identity.

The stadium cost $1.7 billion. Under an agreement with the state of New York, taxpayers paid $850 million of the construction cost (with $600 million coming from New York State and $250 million coming from Erie County). With the State of New York paying for all maintenance and repair costs, it is the largest taxpayer contribution ever for an NFL facility.

Groundbreaking began in June 2023, and the stadium opened on June 23, 2026. The Bills announced an extension to its existing stadium naming rights deal with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.