Blue and red fireworks lit Orchard Park as the Bills cut the ribbon on their new home, Highmark Stadium. Owner Terry Pegula, Mary Wilson and Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed a crowd celebrating a project that exceeded $2.1 billion. The 60,108‑seat venue sits across the street from the old site, ready for the 2026 season after three years of construction.

Designed by Populous, the stadium swaps synthetic turf for natural grass, complete with underground heating coils and grow lights to keep the surface playable year‑round. A roof‑mounted snow‑melt system and a 360‑degree canopy cut wind on the field by roughly half, while perforated metal panels let breezes pass without disturbing fans. Public art will showcase 46 pieces from Western New York creators.

Bills senior vice president Frank Cravotta said less than 0.25% of work remains, mostly signage and interactive installations. Owner Kim Pegula, still recovering from a 2022 cardiac arrest, missed the event, but Pete Guelli praised the owners’ vision as finally materializing. The venue will host the “Return of the Blue & Red” training camp on Aug. 8, giving Buffalo a modern stage for its 2026 campaign.