The exciting news for Buffalo Bills fans and the Western New York community is confirmed: a brand-new stadium is on the horizon! For those wondering, Where Is The Buffalo Bills Stadium going to be? The answer remains in Orchard Park, solidifying the team’s long-term commitment to their loyal fanbase in Erie County. This landmark agreement, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Buffalo Bills, ensuring they will continue to call Western New York home for the next 30 years.
This monumental project, a $1.4 billion investment, is a collaborative effort between New York State, Erie County, and the Buffalo Bills franchise, with crucial backing from the NFL. The agreement, finalized after months of dedicated negotiations led by Governor Hochul, not only answers the pressing question of the Buffalo Bills stadium location but also addresses critical aspects such as job creation, economic benefits for the region, and responsible taxpayer investment.
Governor Hochul, in her announcement, emphasized the core objectives driving these negotiations, stating, “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?” The resounding success of these negotiations ensures the Buffalo Bills will remain in Buffalo for another three decades, a testament to the unwavering dedication of stakeholders involved. Furthermore, the project is projected to generate 10,000 union jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy and ensuring that the hardworking individuals of Western New York directly benefit from this development. Crucially, Governor Hochul reassured taxpayers that their investment is strategically sound, poised to be recouped through the substantial economic activity the team generates.
The Buffalo Bills’ presence in the region extends far beyond the football field; they are a proven economic engine for Buffalo and New York State. Currently, the team contributes $27 million annually in direct income, sales, and use taxes to New York State, Erie County, and Buffalo. Looking ahead, these revenues are projected to increase, accumulating to over $1.6 billion throughout the 30-year lease period. The economic impact is further amplified by the influx of fans from across New York, the United States, and Canada who attend games and contribute to the local economy, generating an estimated $385 million annually in economic activity that would otherwise not be realized in the region. This substantial economic injection underscores the importance of retaining the Buffalo Bills in Western New York and justifies the investment in a new, state-of-the-art stadium in Orchard Park.
Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of the Buffalo Bills, expressed their gratitude and optimism, stating, “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. While there are a few more yards to go before we cross the goal line, we feel our public-private partnership between New York State, Erie County led by County Executive Mark Poloncarz, and the National Football League will get us there.” Their words reflect the collaborative spirit and shared vision driving this project forward, ensuring the Buffalo Bills continue to thrive in Orchard Park.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz echoed this sentiment, highlighting the deep connection between the Buffalo Bills and the community, “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: the Bills will play in Buffalo for the next 30 years; 10,000 building trades union jobs will work on the project; and the county will no longer contribute annual operating and capital expenses, thereby saving county taxpayers tens of millions through the life of the lease.” Poloncarz emphasized the equitable nature of the agreement, securing the team’s future in Buffalo while also ensuring financial responsibility and benefits for Erie County taxpayers. He further thanked Governor Hochul and the Pegula family for their tireless efforts in achieving this mutually beneficial agreement.
An important aspect of this new stadium deal is the reduced share of public financing compared to previous stadium projects. Historically, the construction of Highmark Stadium in 1973 was entirely publicly funded, as were the renovations in 1998 and the training facility construction. Even the 2013 renovation saw 73 percent public financing. In stark contrast, this new proposal significantly reduces public financing to just 60.7 percent, falling well below other recent NFL stadium deals in comparable markets. Of this, the State share is 43 percent, demonstrating a more balanced and responsible approach to public investment in professional sports. This shift towards greater private investment underscores the evolving landscape of stadium financing and reflects a commitment to responsible fiscal management.
The 30-year agreement outlines the construction of a new stadium with a minimum capacity of 60,000 seats, located in Orchard Park, Erie County. The Buffalo Bills are entrusted with the design and construction of this state-of-the-art facility, further solidifying their long-term commitment to the region. Simultaneously, all parties involved will commence negotiations to extend the team’s current lease for Highmark Stadium, which is set to expire in 2023, ensuring a smooth transition to the new venue. The immediate commencement of the stadium design phase signals the rapid progress and momentum behind this project, bringing the vision of a new Buffalo Bills stadium in Orchard Park closer to reality.
The stadium project is not only about creating a world-class venue for football; it’s also a significant job creation initiative. Projected to generate approximately 10,000 construction jobs, the stadium will be built using union labor, adhering to a Project Labor Agreement (PLA). The Buffalo Bills are committed to negotiating a PLA with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Buffalo, New York and Vicinity, AFL-CIO, representing its affiliated local unions. This commitment to union labor ensures fair wages and benefits for the skilled tradespeople involved in this project, further contributing to the economic well-being of Western New York. Additionally, the agreement mandates the Bills to agree to a Community Benefits Agreement, which is yet to be negotiated, highlighting a commitment to ensuring the project benefits the wider community beyond job creation and economic impact.
In a strategic move regarding property ownership, Erie County will transfer ownership of the current stadium and its adjoining complex, including practice facilities and office space, to the State. The State will then own the new stadium and adjoining complex, leasing it back to the Buffalo Bills. This arrangement provides a framework for long-term stability and oversight. Furthermore, to safeguard the community’s investment, the agreement includes provisions to prevent relocation. In the event of a default by the Bills, the State and County retain the right to pursue legal action to enforce non-relocation terms, ensuring the team remains in Orchard Park for the agreed-upon 30-year period. Beyond football, the new stadium is designed to serve civic purposes, capable of accommodating essential community needs such as vaccination delivery, election operations, and emergency response activities, showcasing its value as a public asset.
Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council, expressed his appreciation, stating, “We want to thank Governor Hochul, the Pegula family, and Buffalo Bills for making union labor the focal point of the new Bills Stadium construction project. The new Bills Stadium will create 10,000 good paying union jobs, and after two difficult years of the pandemic, this public-private investment is exactly what’s needed for hard working families in Western New York. On behalf of the 200,000 tradespeople we represent across the state, New York State Building and Construction Trades Council is proud to support this project, and our members look forward to getting to work and keeping the Bills in Western New York.” His statement underscores the positive impact of the project on union labor and the broader Western New York community, particularly in the context of post-pandemic economic recovery.
Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO, also lauded the agreement, “We thank Governor Hochul for fulfilling her promise to keep the Buffalo Bills in Western New York. It is a much-needed investment in the region that will create opportunities for workers to continue to live and work in and around the stadium for years to come. The revenue generated by the business community and the workers will strengthen our tax base and allow us to continue to provide the public services across the state that we all rely on. We are proud that the stadium will be built by union labor, the most highly trained, highly skilled workforce in the country, which will allow us to enjoy the stadium for generations to come.” Cilento emphasized the long-term benefits of the stadium project, including job creation, economic growth, and the strengthening of the state’s tax base, all contributing to the overall well-being of New York State.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell commended the collaborative efforts that led to this agreement, stating, “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. We appreciate the extraordinary leadership and partnership of Governor Hochul, Senator Schumer, and Erie County Executive Poloncarz. We will continue to work closely with them and the Pegulas to make this exciting vision a reality. The Pegulas have continued to demonstrate their commitment to Buffalo, a market that has supported the NFL for generations. This new stadium will further provide the foundation to help the Bills remain competitive in western New York for decades to come.” Goodell’s remarks highlight the NFL’s support for the project and acknowledge the long-standing dedication of the Buffalo fanbase, reinforcing the significance of providing them with a top-tier stadium experience in Western New York.
Hope Knight, Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate, emphasized the economic importance of the Buffalo Bills to the region, stating, “The Bills are an enormous economic driver for Western New York and beyond. The clock was ticking on Bills stadium talks with the future of the team and millions of dollars in revenue hanging in the balance — but like the best quarterbacks, Governor Hochul made the game-winning drive to keep the Bills in Buffalo. I congratulate everyone who recognized the importance of having the Bills in New York State for the mutual benefit of fans, businesses and municipalities.” Knight’s analogy of Governor Hochul as a “game-winning quarterback” effectively conveys the Governor’s decisive role in securing the stadium deal and safeguarding the economic benefits the Buffalo Bills bring to New York State.
State Senator Sean Ryan highlighted the cultural significance of the Buffalo Bills to Western New York, “The Buffalo Bills have been ingrained into the spirit of Western New York for generations. Through the bad times and the good times, we have all had the shared experience of cheering on our hometown team. As we embark upon a new era for the Bills, I know we are all thankful their presence in WNY has been secured for decades to come – while bringing in a once in a generation union labor project. I thank Governor Hochul and County Executive Poloncarz for working hard to make this day possible, and structuring a long-term deal that repays state taxpayers for their upfront investment.” Senator Ryan’s words capture the emotional connection between the Buffalo Bills and their fans, emphasizing the shared identity and community spirit fostered by the team in Western New York.
State Senator Tim Kennedy echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Buffalo Bills are part of who we are as a community. I applaud Governor Hochul and County Executive Poloncarz on ensuring the Bills remain in Buffalo, where they rightfully belong. This strategic investment will continue to fuel our economy, create opportunities for our workforce, and generate renewed national interest in our region and state.” Senator Kennedy further emphasized the strategic nature of the investment, recognizing its potential to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance the national profile of the region and state.
Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes expressed her congratulations and anticipation, stating, “Congratulations to all of the negotiating parties on reaching a new stadium deal to keep our beloved Buffalo Bills in WNY. I look forward to reviewing the terms and details of the agreement while working towards establishing a community benefits agreement to take advantage of this once in a generation opportunity for advancement.” Peoples-Stokes’ statement reflects the ongoing commitment to ensuring the project delivers comprehensive benefits to the community, particularly through the development of a robust Community Benefits Agreement.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown concluded the chorus of positive reactions, stating, “I want to congratulate Governor Hochul on successfully negotiating a new stadium deal that ensures our beloved Buffalo Bills remain in Western New York. Thank you Governor Hochul, Erie County Executive Poloncarz, Terry and Kim Pegula and NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell for working together to keep Buffalo an NFL city for the foreseeable future.” Mayor Brown’s gratitude underscores the collective effort and collaboration that made this agreement possible, securing Buffalo’s status as an NFL city for generations to come.
In conclusion, the question, where is the Buffalo Bills stadium? is definitively answered: Orchard Park, Erie County, New York. This agreement not only guarantees the Buffalo Bills’ home for the next 30 years but also represents a significant investment in the Western New York community, promising economic growth, job creation, and a state-of-the-art venue for fans to enjoy for decades to come. The new Buffalo Bills stadium in Orchard Park is more than just a football stadium; it’s a symbol of commitment, community, and a bright future for Buffalo and the entire region.
