Western New York is celebrating a major win as an agreement has been reached to construct a brand-new stadium for the Buffalo Bills. Announced by Governor Kathy Hochul and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, this $1.4 billion project ensures the Bills will remain in Buffalo for the next 30 years, much to the delight of fans and the economic benefit of the region. So, for fans eager to know, Where Is Buffalo Bills Stadium going to be located? Let’s dive into the details of the new stadium, its location, and what this means for the future of the Buffalo Bills.
Official Location of the New Buffalo Bills Stadium: Orchard Park, NY
The new Buffalo Bills stadium will be located in Orchard Park, Erie County, New York, maintaining the team’s home in the suburbs of Buffalo. This location is significant as it is the same town where their current home, Highmark Stadium, is situated. For decades, Orchard Park has been synonymous with Buffalo Bills football, and this new development reinforces that connection for generations to come.
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Alt Text: Aerial view showcasing Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, Erie County, NY, indicating the continued location for the new Buffalo Bills stadium.
Staying in Orchard Park provides continuity for fans who are accustomed to game day routines and traditions in the area. While specific details on the exact plot of land within Orchard Park for the new stadium are being finalized, the commitment to the town is firm. This ensures that the new stadium will remain easily accessible for fans coming from Buffalo, surrounding areas in Western New York, and even across the border from Canada.
Project Overview: A State-of-the-Art Facility
The $1.4 billion project is a collaborative effort, with funding coming from various sources:
- New York State: Governor Hochul has proposed a significant $600 million investment from the state budget.
- Erie County: Erie County is contributing $250 million to the project.
- NFL and Buffalo Bills: The NFL and the Buffalo Bills are jointly contributing $550 million. This commitment from the NFL owners underscores their belief in the Buffalo market and the future success of the franchise in Western New York.
This financial structure represents a beneficial public-private partnership. Notably, the public financing share is significantly lower than previous stadium deals for the Bills, demonstrating a more responsible approach to taxpayer investment.
The new stadium is planned to be a modern, 60,000+ seat venue, designed and constructed by the Buffalo Bills. It promises to offer an enhanced fan experience with updated amenities, improved sightlines, and modern facilities that are expected of a top-tier NFL stadium in the 21st century.
Economic Impact and Job Creation for Western New York
Beyond being the home of the Buffalo Bills, the new stadium project is poised to be a major economic engine for Western New York. Key benefits highlighted by officials include:
- Job Creation: The construction project itself is projected to create approximately 10,000 union jobs. This is a significant boost for the building trades in the region and will provide well-paying jobs for local workers.
- Economic Revenue: The Buffalo Bills are already a substantial economic driver, generating $27 million annually in direct income, sales, and use taxes for New York State, Erie County, and Buffalo. This revenue is projected to grow with the new stadium and is estimated to cumulatively exceed $1.6 billion over the 30-year lease period.
- Tourism and Local Spending: Bills games attract fans from across New York, the United States, and Canada. These visitors contribute significantly to the local economy by spending money at restaurants, hotels, and other businesses, generating an estimated economic impact of over $385 million annually.
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Alt Text: Governor Kathy Hochul addressing the media at a press conference, detailing the agreement for the new Buffalo Bills stadium project and its economic benefits.
Governor Hochul emphasized the economic benefits, stating, “New Yorkers can rest assured that their investment will be recouped by the economic activity the team generates.” This highlights the long-term financial advantages of keeping the Bills in Buffalo and investing in a modern stadium.
Key Stakeholder Quotes: A Unified Vision
The announcement of the new stadium deal was met with enthusiasm from key stakeholders, reflecting a unified vision for the future of the Buffalo Bills in Western New York.
- Governor Kathy Hochul: “I went into these negotiations trying to answer three questions – how long can we keep the Bills in Buffalo, how can we make sure this project benefits the hard-working men and women of Western New York and how can we get the best deal for taxpayers? I’m pleased that after months of negotiations, we’ve come out with the best answers possible.”
- Terry and Kim Pegula, Owners of the Buffalo Bills: “We took another step today to solidify our collective goal of constructing a new stadium for the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park… We are grateful for the time, efforts and unwavering commitment made by Governor Hochul and her team throughout this process.”
- Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz: “The Buffalo Bills are ingrained in the heart and soul of every Western New Yorker. It was essential that we entered into an agreement that ensured the team stayed in Buffalo, but was also a fair deal for the people of Erie County and New York… That is exactly the agreement that has been reached.”
- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: “We are pleased with the tremendous progress that has been made on a plan that will provide Bills fans the world-class facility they deserve in western New York… This new stadium will further provide the foundation to help the Bills remain competitive in western New York for decades to come.”
These quotes demonstrate the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to ensuring the Buffalo Bills remain a cornerstone of the Western New York community for decades to come.
Stadium Design, Construction, and Timeline
While the precise design details are yet to be unveiled, the Buffalo Bills will immediately commence the design phase of the new stadium. Several key aspects of the construction process have been agreed upon:
- Union Labor: The stadium will be constructed using union labor, reflecting a commitment to supporting local skilled workers.
- Project Labor Agreement (PLA): The Bills will negotiate a Project Labor Agreement with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Buffalo, ensuring fair labor practices and project stability.
- Community Benefits Agreement: The deal also requires the Bills to agree to a Community Benefits Agreement, which will be negotiated to ensure the project provides broader benefits to the local community beyond jobs and economic impact.
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Alt Text: Close-up of the Buffalo Bills team logo, symbolizing the long-term commitment of the franchise to Western New York with the new stadium project.
Negotiations will also begin to extend the current lease for Highmark Stadium, which expires in 2023, ensuring a smooth transition to the new facility once it is completed. While a specific completion date hasn’t been announced, the project signifies a long-term vision and investment in the future of the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park.
Ownership and Civic Usage
Under the agreement, Erie County will transfer ownership of the current Highmark Stadium and the surrounding complex to New York State. The State will then own the new stadium and adjoining complex, leasing it back to the Buffalo Bills. This ownership structure provides a layer of security and ensures the stadium remains a public asset.
Furthermore, the new stadium is designed to be a civic asset beyond just football games. It can be utilized for various civic purposes, including:
- Emergency Services: The stadium can serve as a location for vaccination delivery and election operations if needed, as well as for emergency response efforts.
- Community Events: The stadium can potentially host other large-scale events, benefiting the community beyond NFL games.
Conclusion: A New Era for the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park
The question of “where is Buffalo Bills stadium” is definitively answered: Orchard Park, New York. This new stadium project represents more than just a venue for football games; it is a symbol of the enduring partnership between the Buffalo Bills, New York State, Erie County, and the dedicated fans of Western New York. It secures the Bills’ future in Buffalo for the next 30 years, promises significant economic benefits and job creation, and will provide a state-of-the-art facility for fans to enjoy for generations to come. The future is bright for the Buffalo Bills and their home in Orchard Park.
