Walking along Southwestern Boulevard or Abbott Road in Orchard Park, it is easy to notice the progress on the new Buffalo Bills stadium. From the outside, the facade is now almost fully enclosed, but the real pace of construction is visible inside – where work continues practically without interruption.

Stadium nearing the finish line

Around 1,400 workers are on site every day. Inside the stadium, suites, VIP areas, corridors, stairs, escalators, restrooms, locker rooms, and of course the stands and playing field are being built. According to state officials, the project is 61% complete and – despite slight delays – remains on schedule. Construction proceeds seven days a week to ensure the stadium is ready by July 2026. The Bills expect finishing touches to continue throughout the rest of the year, but the team plans to play in the new venue next season.

In the northwest section of the stadium, a two-level club lounge and VIP suites are taking shape. Just below them, work has begun on the Bills’ locker room. This area will also feature a viewing bar with a panorama of downtown Buffalo, Lake Erie, and, on clear days, even Niagara Falls. Most of the concrete work on the wider concourses – significantly larger than in the current Highmark Stadium – has been completed. Elevators, escalators, and systems for year-round turf growth are also being installed.

© Buffalo Stadium Live

Facade makes an impression

Although most activity is happening inside, the exterior of the New Highmark Stadium also looks impressive. Thousands of metal and glass panels are being installed, giving the venue its distinctive appearance while also helping to buffer strong winds. By the end of October, most facade work is expected to be completed. Around the stadium, parking lots, sidewalks, and a special Family Circle zone with monumental bison sculptures – set to become a signature feature of the complex – are under construction.

Workers are reaching key milestones, and the atmosphere keeps getting better. There’s a sense of relief but also huge excitement, said Steve Ranalli, president of Erie County Stadium Corp., the company overseeing the investment. The new home of the Buffalo Bills will cost over $2 billion. Once finished, it will hold more than 60,000 fans and rank among the most modern venues in the NFL.