Erie County Stadium Corporation
A New Era in Buffalo: Highmark Stadium
Following its substantial completion in June 2026, ownership of the new Highmark Stadium and its adjoining complex officially transferred from Erie County to New York State via the Erie County Stadium Corporation. Under this landmark public-private agreement, the Buffalo Bills have entered into a new 30-year lease, legally cementing the franchise's long-term commitment to Western New York.
World-Class Facility & Design
Located directly across Abbott Road from the former facility, this state-of-the-art, open-air entertainment venue delivers an elite game-day environment comparable to the NFL's premier stadiums.
- Footprint: Spans 1.6 million square feet across a sprawling 242-acre site.
- Capacity: Offers a seating capacity ranging from 60,108 fixed seats (plus standing room) up to 63,000 maximum seats.
- Seating Levels: Features four distinct general seating levels integrated into a comprehensive eight-to-nine-level layout.
- Premium Amenities: Includes diverse ticket packages featuring club seating, premium suites, a dedicated standing-room-only zone, and dynamic party decks.
- Media Infrastructure: Incorporates a new 65,000-square-foot auxiliary technology building, housing specialized areas for TV broadcasters and a core production data center.
Funding & Financial Structure
The total cost for this massive infrastructure project reached $2.1 billion. Funding was secured through a shared public-private partnership:
- Public Commitment: New York State contributed $600 million, and Erie County contributed $250 million toward the core development.
- Private & Team Responsibility: The Buffalo Bills assumed responsibility for all remaining costs—amounting to $1.25 billion—including any capital cost overruns.
- Next Steps: With the new facility active, decommissioning and demolition crews are progressing with the removal of the old Highmark Stadium site.
Board of Directors
Robert Duffy - Chair
Satish Tripathi, Ph.D.
Brenda Williams McDuffie
Paul Brown
Thomas Quatroche
Eric Reich
Ben Hilligas
Eric Weyant
Bryan Fiume
Jeremy Toth
William Geary
Erie County Stadium Corporation
Empire State Development
95 Perry Street
Suite 500
Buffalo, NY 14203
United States
- (716) 846-8200
- Press Inquiries - ESD Office of Public Affairs
- (800) 260-7313
- [email protected]