New Highmark Stadium

The Buffalo Bills' lease included a provision allowing for the creation of a working group to explore options for either a new stadium for the team, or an extensive retrofit of their current Highmark Stadium.

On February 10, 2014, Governor Andrew Cuomo's administration appointed Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster, Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy, Buffalo Niagara Partnership CEO Dottie Gallagher-Cohen and Empire State Development President Kenneth Adams to a new study board to discuss the feasibility and plans for a new stadium.{{cite news|last=Warner|first=Gene|title=Cuomo names first members to group tasked with exploring new Bills stadium|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/cuomo-names-first-members-to-group-tasked-with-exploring-new-bills-stadium-20140210|access-date=February 12, 2014|newspaper=Buffalo News|date=February 10, 2014|archive-date=February 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214050932/http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/cuomo-names-first-members-to-group-tasked-with-exploring-new-bills-stadium-20140210|url-status=live}}

Later, on March 6, 2014, the County of Erie appointed its seven members to the board, including future New York State governor Kathy Hochul, then with M&T Bank, and Richard Tobe, the Deputy Erie County Executive.{{cite news|title=County Names Seven Members to New Stadium Committee|url=http://www.wkbw.com/sports/County-Names-Seven-Members-to-New-Stadium-Committee-248871971.html|access-date=March 29, 2014|newspaper=WKBW|date=March 6, 2014|archive-date=April 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416205701/http://www.wkbw.com/sports/County-Names-Seven-Members-to-New-Stadium-Committee-248871971.html|url-status=live}}

Shortly after the death of owner Ralph Wilson, on March 27, 2014, the Bills selected their members for the panel, including U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, Bills CEO and President Russ Brandon, local developer Louis Ciminelli, Bills CFO Jeff Littman, New Era Cap Co. CEO Christopher Koch among others.{{cite news|last=McCarthy|first=Robert|title=Bills announce their picks to panel that will explore options for new stadium|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/communities/bills-announce-their-picks-to-panel-that-will-explore-options-for-new-stadium-20140327|access-date=March 29, 2014|newspaper=The Buffalo News|date=March 27, 2014|archive-date=March 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329191436/http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/communities/bills-announce-their-picks-to-panel-that-will-explore-options-for-new-stadium-20140327|url-status=live}} The group's first meeting was held on April 1.

On November 5, 2014, Terry and Kim Pegula joined the working group.{{Cite web|url = http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2014/11/05/pegulas-update-their-plans-for-bills/|title = Pegulas update their plans for Bills|date = November 5, 2014|access-date = November 6, 2014|website = Buffalo Bills|last = Brown|first = Chris|archive-date = November 7, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141107020429/http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2014/11/05/pegulas-update-their-plans-for-bills/|url-status = live}}

In mid-January 2015, AECOM, retained by the State of New York, released a report detailing suggested stadium sites based upon criteria of site size, cost of land, infrastructure and external development, among other factors. The study narrowed the search to four sites.{{Cite web|url = http://download.gannett.edgesuite.net/wgrz/news/Aecom_Buffalo_Site_Opt_Study_FINAL_141223.pdf|title = BUFFALO NFL STADIUM SITE OPTIONS ANALYSIS|date = December 23, 2014|access-date = January 18, 2015|website = WGRZ|archive-date = January 19, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150119045458/http://download.gannett.edgesuite.net/wgrz/news/Aecom_Buffalo_Site_Opt_Study_FINAL_141223.pdf|url-status = live}}

The Pegulas indicated on July 31, 2015, that they had no immediate plans to pursue a new stadium.{{cite web |url=http://wlvl.com/2015/07/31/pegula-no-immediate-plans-for-new-bills-stadium/ |title=Pegula" no immediate plans for new Bills stadium {{!}} 1340 WLVL |website=wlvl.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824113917/http://wlvl.com/2015/07/31/pegula-no-immediate-plans-for-new-bills-stadium/ |archive-date=August 24, 2015}} The situation remained unchanged as of November 2017.{{cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/2017/02/11/no-stadium-discussions/|title=New stadium? The ball is in Pegula's court, Zemsky says|first=Mark|last=Sommer|date=February 11, 2017|access-date=February 12, 2017|archive-date=February 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213060139/https://buffalonews.com/2017/02/11/no-stadium-discussions/|url-status=live}} By March 2018, the Pegulas had entered the "very early stages" of exploring long-term stadium options for the Bills.{{Cite web | url=http://wivb.com/2018/03/28/sal-capaccio-goodell-says-pegulas-are-looking-at-long-term-stadium-planning/ | title=Sal Capaccio: Goodell says Pegulas are looking at long term stadium planning | date=March 28, 2018 | access-date=March 28, 2018 | archive-date=March 28, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328215313/http://wivb.com/2018/03/28/sal-capaccio-goodell-says-pegulas-are-looking-at-long-term-stadium-planning/ | url-status=live }} In September 2018, the Pegulas stated that they would begin planning the new stadium, or possibly renovating the current one, after the November 2018 gubernatorial elections, as state funding would likely be required.{{cite web|url=https://pro32.ap.org/article/pegula-bills-stadium-plans-hold-until-after-elections|title=Pegula: Bills stadium plans on hold until after elections|website=Pro32: Head to Head|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913002454/https://pro32.ap.org/article/pegula-bills-stadium-plans-hold-until-after-elections|url-status=live}}

During the fall of 2018, PS&E hired consultant CAA ICON to handle stadium planning for both the Bills and the Buffalo Sabres, with no constraints on potential locations. Concurrently, Erie County has created a new stadium fund, for which $500,000 was set aside in 2018 with the same amount earmarked for 2019.{{cite web |last1=Tan |first1=Sandra |last2=Epstein |first2=Jonathan D. |title=Everything on the table as Pegulas weigh Bills, Sabres stadium options |url=https://buffalonews.com/2018/11/27/pegulas-hire-consultant-to-study-stadium-options-for-bills-and-sabres/ |website=The Buffalo News |publisher=Berkshire Hathaway |access-date=December 13, 2018 |language=en-us |date=November 27, 2018 |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214213958/https://buffalonews.com/2018/11/27/pegulas-hire-consultant-to-study-stadium-options-for-bills-and-sabres/ |url-status=live }} The first focus groups were assembled in February 2019.{{cite news|first=James|last=Fink|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2019/02/06/next-step-in-stadium-study-focus-group-number-one.html|title=Next step in stadium study: Focus group number one|work=Business First|date=February 6, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-date=September 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910224452/https://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2019/02/06/next-step-in-stadium-study-focus-group-number-one.html|url-status=live}}

Mark Poloncarz, the current county executive of Erie County, New York, stated in 2012 that a stadium in the city of Buffalo would not be feasible, as too much property in the city remained in private hands, which would trigger an eminent domain lawsuit if it were seized to build the stadium. He reiterated those concerns in 2019, though in that case he stopped short of ruling out a stadium within the city so as not to disrupt negotiations.Whalen, Ryan (July 15, 2019). [https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/watertown/politics/2019/07/15/bills-downtown-stadium Poloncarz Says County Told State a Downtown Stadium Wasn't Feasible in 2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716133321/https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/watertown/politics/2019/07/15/bills-downtown-stadium |date=July 16, 2019 }}. Spectrum News. Retrieved July 16, 2019.

During the January 2020 State of the League address, commissioner Roger Goodell stated in regard to the Bills' stadium plans: “Those are things that the group has to settle collectively and to address over the next several months, if not sooner.”{{cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/01/29/goodell-bills-stadium-issues-have-to-be-settled-in-coming-months/|title=Goodell: Bills stadium issues have to be settled in coming months|first=Josh|last=Alper|work=Profootballtalk.com|date=January 29, 2020|access-date=January 29, 2020|archive-date=January 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129204341/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/01/29/goodell-bills-stadium-issues-have-to-be-settled-in-coming-months/|url-status=live}}

On June 18, 2021, the Pegulas chose Legends Global Planning to represent ownership, consult on a new stadium and sell sponsorships and premium seats for the venue.{{Cite web|date=June 18, 2021|title=Report: Buffalo Bills, PSE consulting with Legends Global Planning about potential new stadium|url=https://www.wkbw.com/sports/buffalo-bills/report-buffalo-bills-pse-consulting-with-legends-global-planning-about-potential-new-stadium|access-date=June 19, 2021|website=WKBW|language=en|archive-date=June 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618195022/https://www.wkbw.com/sports/buffalo-bills/report-buffalo-bills-pse-consulting-with-legends-global-planning-about-potential-new-stadium|url-status=live}} In addition, an unnamed source claimed that the Bills were planning to build a new stadium in Orchard Park to replace Highmark Stadium, with two of the television stations in Rochester, New York reporting the unnamed source's claims as fact.{{Cite news|url = https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2021/06/bills-to-build-new-stadium-in-orchard-park-report.html|title = Bills to build new stadium in Orchard Park (report)|last = Parrino|first = Matt|date = June 18, 2021|work = syracuse.com|access-date = June 18, 2021|archive-date = June 18, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210618220811/https://www.syracuse.com/buffalo-bills/2021/06/bills-to-build-new-stadium-in-orchard-park-report.html|url-status = live}} A June 19 report from WGRZ in Buffalo, also neither confirmed nor denied by any officials, stated that the Bills strongly preferred to build a new stadium and not attempt any further renovations on Highmark Stadium.{{cite news|url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/nfl/bills/sources-buffalo-bills-would-prefer-to-build-new-stadium-over-more-renovations/71-2153926d-7498-4f05-898f-96152bb65a3f|title=Sources: Bills would prefer to build new stadium over more renovations|newspaper=WGRZ.com |date=June 18, 2021|access-date=June 19, 2021|archive-date=April 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424222212/https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/nfl/bills/sources-buffalo-bills-would-prefer-to-build-new-stadium-over-more-renovations/71-2153926d-7498-4f05-898f-96152bb65a3f|url-status=live}}

In early August it was reported that Pegula Sports and Entertainment had made their first offer demanding full taxpayer funding of a new stadium in Orchard Park at a cost of $1.1 billion, part of a broader $1.5 billion package that would also include renovations to KeyBank Center, Buffalo's indoor sports arena.{{cite web |last1=Precious |first1=Tom |title=Bills seek $1.1 billion new stadium in Orchard Park – paid for by public |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/state-and-regional/bills-seek-1-1-billion-new-stadium-in-orchard-park-paid-for-by-public/article_dc794aea-f14a-11eb-a5ae-17fdaa70c27c.html |date=August 1, 2021 |website=The Buffalo News |access-date=August 1, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=August 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801153033/https://buffalonews.com/news/state-and-regional/bills-seek-1-1-billion-new-stadium-in-orchard-park-paid-for-by-public/article_dc794aea-f14a-11eb-a5ae-17fdaa70c27c.html |url-status=live }} The Pegulas reportedly threatened to relocate the team to Austin, Texas if their demands were not met, though they had not contacted anybody in Austin prior to suggesting the idea.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/08/02/austin-bills-shows-nfl-owners-are-running-out-of-stadium-grift-cities|title=Austin Bills? NFL Owners Are Running Out of Plausible Ways to Squeeze Taxpayers|first=Conor|last=Orr|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=August 2, 2021|access-date=August 3, 2021|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803000602/https://www.si.com/nfl/2021/08/02/austin-bills-shows-nfl-owners-are-running-out-of-stadium-grift-cities|url-status=live}}

On August 31, 2021, the Bills submitted their plans for a $1.4 billion, 60,000-seat stadium in Orchard Park to representatives of the state and Erie County to be completed by 2027. The proposed capacity is 12,000 seats less than Highmark Stadium and 1,500 seats less than Soldier Field, the lowest capacity stadium currently used in the NFL (and whose main tenant the Chicago Bears are also exploring a new stadium{{cite web | last=Alyssa | first=Bariberi | title=Bears submit bid to purchase Arlington International Racecourse for potential new stadium | website=bearswire | date=June 17, 2021 | url=https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/17/chicago-bears-submit-bid-purchase-arlington-international-racecourse/ | access-date=June 18, 2021 | archive-date=June 17, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617190158/https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/17/chicago-bears-submit-bid-purchase-arlington-international-racecourse/ | url-status=live }}). Unusually for an American sports venue,{{Citation needed|reason=Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders), AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys), Fedex Field (Washington Commanders), & Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers) offer standing-room only tickets|date=February 2022}} the stadium would not be an all-seater: a 5,000-person standing room only deck would also be included in the venue, potentially increasing capacity to 68,000.{{Cite web|last=Reporters|first=Tim O'Shei and Jason Wolf News Staff|title=Why not a dome? Buffalo's blizzardlike branding plays a role in Bills stadium plans|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/why-not-a-dome-buffalo-s-blizzardlike-branding-plays-a-role-in-bills-stadium-plans/article_eb033a0e-878a-11ec-a284-ff34a8fb3da5.html|access-date=February 10, 2022|website=Buffalo News|date=February 9, 2022|language=en|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210031457/https://buffalonews.com/news/local/why-not-a-dome-buffalo-s-blizzardlike-branding-plays-a-role-in-bills-stadium-plans/article_eb033a0e-878a-11ec-a284-ff34a8fb3da5.html|url-status=live}} The new venue will not include a roof, but it would be designed so that about 65% of seats would be protected from the elements. Because the stadium would not have a roof, it would be ineligible to host the Super Bowl; civic leaders in Buffalo argued that Buffalo lacked the infrastructure to host the Super Bowl, nor any other event large enough to make full use of the venue outside of football, and that the team should not bother trying to build a stadium for such events, nor bid for them. Western New York's harsh winters also played into the team's decision to make the new stadium open-air. Buffalo's reputation for cold, snowy weather often makes for compelling television and has long formed a part of the team's and city's identity.

On March 28, 2022, it was announced that a deal had been reached between New York State, Erie County and the Bills for the 63,000 seat, $1.4 billion dollar stadium in Orchard Park. New York State will contribute $600 million in funding with Erie County contributing $250 million, the Bills contributing $350 million, and the National Football League via a G-4 loan $200 million. In addition the Bills signed a 30-year lease, with a buyout option after 15 years.{{Cite web |last=Reporters |first=Tim O'Shei and Jason Wolf News |title=Buffalo Bills, New York State, Erie County reach 'ironclad' 30-year deal to build $1.4 billion stadium |url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/buffalo-bills-new-york-state-erie-county-reach-ironclad-30-year-deal-to-build-1/article_e3a8fe7e-ae95-11ec-bb85-f3fcd04852d9.html |access-date=March 28, 2022 |website=Buffalo News |date=March 28, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328152220/https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/buffalo-bills-new-york-state-erie-county-reach-ironclad-30-year-deal-to-build-1/article_e3a8fe7e-ae95-11ec-bb85-f3fcd04852d9.html |url-status=live }} The stadium would be owned by New York State, a change from the current stadium which is owned by Erie County. Of that $600 million funding, $418 million will come from funds seized from the Seneca Nation of New York for funds overdue as part of the compact to operate the Seneca Niagara Casino, Seneca Allegany Casino and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Michael |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Public Cost Of New Stadium Will Top $1B Over Lease |url=https://www.post-journal.com/sports/local-sports/2022/03/public-cost-of-new-stadium-will-top-1b-over-lease/ |access-date=March 31, 2022 |website=The Post-Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331074342/https://www.post-journal.com/sports/local-sports/2022/03/public-cost-of-new-stadium-will-top-1b-over-lease/ |url-status=live }} The state will also contribute $100 million over a 15-year period for maintenance and $6 million per year over the course of the lease for capital improvements, both figures to be adjusted for inflation according to the Consumer Price Index.

On August 9, 2023, the Associated Press reported that the costs of the stadium had increased by $300 million due to "increased labor and material costs" of which the owners of the Bills are contractually obligated to pickup due to the agreement.{{cite news |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/buffalo-bills-new-highmark-stadium-cost-overruns-financial-issues-construction-terry-pegula#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Associated%20Press,billion%20agreement%20in%20March%202022. |title=Bills' Stadium Cost Rises Due To Nearly $300M Overruns |accessdate=August 9, 2023 |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810225815/https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/buffalo-bills-new-highmark-stadium-cost-overruns-financial-issues-construction-terry-pegula#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Associated%20Press,billion%20agreement%20in%20March%202022. |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/bills-new-stadium-cost-overruns-9846e00bd063cf2e8b12406af66c6ef9 |title=New Buffalo Bills stadium cost overruns approaching $300M, AP sources say |accessdate=August 9, 2023 |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810005925/https://apnews.com/article/bills-new-stadium-cost-overruns-9846e00bd063cf2e8b12406af66c6ef9 |url-status=live }}

Neil deMause, co-author of the book Field of Schemes (2008), has criticized the financing plan for not taking present value of money fully into account. For example, much of the construction money will be paid upfront, whereas the hoped-for increases in economic activity and tax revenues will take place over the next 30 years.[https://www.fieldofschemes.com/2022/03/29/18635/hochul-announces-plan-to-funnel-record-1-01b-to-bills-owners-but-its-okay-because-economic-impacts/ Hochul announces plan to funnel record $1.01B to Bills owners, but it’s okay because “economic impacts”] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424062446/https://www.fieldofschemes.com/2022/03/29/18635/hochul-announces-plan-to-funnel-record-1-01b-to-bills-owners-but-its-okay-because-economic-impacts/ |date=April 24, 2022 }}, FieldOfSchemes.com, Neil deMause, March 29, 2022. He is the co-author, along with Joanna Cagan, of the book Field of Schemes: How the Great Stadium Swindle Turns Public Money into Private Profit, University of Nebraska Press, 2008.

File:New Highmark Stadium under construction in December 2023 - Quintin Soloviev.jpg

Ceremonial groundbreaking for the new stadium took place on June 5, 2023,{{Cite web |title=Best photos from the New Highmark Stadium groundbreaking ceremony |url=https://www.buffalobills.com/photos/best-photos-from-the-new-highmark-stadium-groundbreaking-ceremony |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=www.buffalobills.com |language=en-US |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223165846/https://www.buffalobills.com/photos/best-photos-from-the-new-highmark-stadium-groundbreaking-ceremony |url-status=live }} leading into excavation work over the following months. By March 2024, excavation was nearly complete, with work commencing on concrete pouring and steel beam assembly.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-11 |title='Full steam ahead': Erie County Stadium Corporation update on construction of new Highmark Stadium |url=https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/southtowns/full-steam-ahead-erie-county-stadium-corporation-update-on-construction-of-new-highmark-stadium |access-date=2024-03-15 |website=WKBW 7 News Buffalo |language=en |archive-date=March 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240315040354/https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/southtowns/full-steam-ahead-erie-county-stadium-corporation-update-on-construction-of-new-highmark-stadium |url-status=live }} By August 2024, the steel had risen noticeably above ground. Observers have noted the similarity of the new stadium's design to that of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-23 |title=Bills fans amazed at progress of construction for new Highmark Stadium |url=https://www.audacy.com/wben/news/bills/bills-fans-amazed-at-progress-of-construction-for-new-highmark-stadium |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=www.audacy.com |language=en}}

The stadium's steel structure was topped out on April 4, 2025, as the final steel beam was added to the structure with Terry and Laura Pegula, Governor Hochul, and Roger Goodell attending the ceremony.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-09 |title=Bills hold topping out ceremony at new stadium |url=https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/04/06/bills-hold-topping-out-ceremony-at-new-stadium/ |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=Sports Business Journal |language=en}}

During the excavation phase in September 2023, a fan jumped over a fence guarding the construction site and fell into a hole 30-40 feet. He was found "covered in human excrement" and under the influence of drugs and alcohol before being removed from the site.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills fan found naked, covered in human waste after falling down hole by Highmark Stadium |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bills/2023/09/18/buffalo-bills-fan-found-in-construction-site-hole/70895052007/ |access-date=2023-12-23 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223165846/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bills/2023/09/18/buffalo-bills-fan-found-in-construction-site-hole/70895052007/ |url-status=live }}

Throughout the remainder of the Bills' 2023 season, fans continued jumping into the stadium site, later nicknamed "The Pit", with a superstition ongoing that "Feeding the Pit" would lead to a Bills win, as the Bills' 6-game win streak going into the playoffs coincided with someone falling into the stadium site before each game during that stretch. The Bills and the Erie County Sheriff's Office have increased security around the site in response.{{Cite web |last=Maglioccheti |first=Geoff |date=2024-01-20 |title=Buffalo vs. Chiefs: Police Want Bills Mafia Out of 'The Pit' |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/buffalo-bills-new-stadium-police-sacrifice-pit-urban-legend-playoffs-kansas-city-chiefs |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en |archive-date=January 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121111514/https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/buffalo-bills-new-stadium-police-sacrifice-pit-urban-legend-playoffs-kansas-city-chiefs |url-status=live }}

The first major Buffalo Bills stadium proposal was presented in 2012. On October 23, George Hasiotis and Nicholas Stracick of Greater Buffalo Sports and Entertainment Complex, a Delaware-based LLC, presented a rendered plan created by architect firm HKS, Inc. to the Buffalo Common Council. The plan included a $1.4 billion, 72,000-seat retractable roof stadium, convention center, hotel and sports museum plan for the Buffalo Outer Harbor.{{cite news|last=Sommer|first=Mark|title=Retractable-roof stadium proposed for outer harbor|url=http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121022/CITYANDREGION/121029746/1109|access-date=October 27, 2012|newspaper=The Buffalo News|date=October 23, 2012|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203012635/http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20121022/CITYANDREGION/121029746/1109|url-status=dead}} At first this plan was met with some cynicism, in particular because of the feasibility of the project.

On December 11, the company met with local AFL-CIO members to discuss the number of jobs created by the proposed project, which was said to be 10,000. Stracick also disclosed that there are "15 private, secret sponsors" willing to fund the project. He also stated that no tax money would be used to fund a stadium.{{cite web|last=Martinez|first=Natalia|title=Pitch to Union for New Bills Stadium|url=http://buffalo.ynn.com/content/top_stories/621033/pitch-to-union-for-new-bills-stadium/|access-date=January 17, 2013|date=December 11, 2012|website=TWCNews|archive-date=February 17, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217025403/http://buffalo.ynn.com/content/top_stories/621033/pitch-to-union-for-new-bills-stadium/|url-status=live}}

In January 2013, the group met with Erie County legislators, their second major appearance since October. During this meeting, the idea of having the Strong Foundation open a sports museum on the $1.8 billion premises was also strengthened.{{cite web|last = Raguse|first = Lou|title = Businessmen push for downtown stadium|url = http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/businessmen-push-for-downtown-stadium|access-date = January 17, 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130117005401/http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/businessmen-push-for-downtown-stadium|archive-date = January 17, 2013}}

Howard Zemsky, chairman of the NFTA said that he was opposed to the project, referring to the idea of granting a nine to twelve month option on the waterfront land, saying simply "we're not doing that."

In May 2013 the GBSEC submitted a $500,000 offer to the NFTA for the exclusive right to negotiate the purchase of {{convert|150|acre}} of outer harbor land.{{cite web|last=Holmes|first=Melissa|title=Waterfront Stadium Group Makes $500K Land Offer to NFTA|url=http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/214657/37/Waterfront-Stadium-Group-Makes-500K-Land-Offer-to-NFTA|work=WGRZ.com|publisher=Gannett|access-date=May 18, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616081006/http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/214657/37/Waterfront-Stadium-Group-Makes-500K-Land-Offer-to-NFTA|archive-date=June 16, 2013}}

On August 26, 2014, it was announced that the Outer Harbor site was no longer being considered, after a study showed that at least four bridges would need to be built to effectively service the increase in traffic.{{Cite web|title = Finalists for site of a new Bills stadium are likely in Erie County - The Buffalo News|url = http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/finalists-for-site-of-a-new-bills-stadium-are-likely-in-erie-county-20140826|website = www.buffaloNews.com|access-date = November 17, 2015|archive-date = November 18, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151118151949/http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/finalists-for-site-of-a-new-bills-stadium-are-likely-in-erie-county-20140826|url-status = live}}

On May 11, 2014, another proposal for an outer harbor sports complex was announced by Buffalo Sportz Complex, known as "Olympia Sports Park." This complex would have been located slightly south of the GBSEC proposed site.

Thomas Dee, President of the Erie County Harbor Development Corporation, acknowledged the proposal but also noted that similar projects, including the GBSEC proposal, also existed for competition.{{Cite web|title = A park is born, while waterfront planning proceeds - The Buffalo News|url = http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/downtown-waterfront/seven-sports-and-rec-proposals-submitted-for-buffalos-outer-harbor-20140512|website = www.buffaloNews.com|access-date = November 17, 2015}}

The August 7, 2014, issue of Artvoice, a local magazine for the Buffalo area, detailed a plan for a new Bills stadium and retail in downtown Buffalo, immediately to the east of the KeyBank Center.{{Cite web|title = Our Downtown Stadium|url = http://artvoice.com/issues/v13n32/cover_story|website = artvoice.com|access-date = November 17, 2015|archive-date = September 23, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150923061047/http://artvoice.com/issues/v13n32/cover_story|url-status = live}}

The AECOM report recommended four sites, including along the Buffalo River and Ohio Street, next to the KeyBank Center, at the current site of Highmark Stadium, and across from Sahlen Field.

Other potential stadium locations mentioned or rumored, included:

• Land bordered by Illinois, Exchange, Michigan and Perry Streets in downtown Buffalo, near the KeyBank Center{{Cite web|url = http://artvoice.com/issues/v13n32/cover_story|title = Our Downtown Stadium|date = August 7, 2014|access-date = September 29, 2014|website = Artvoice Daily|last = Kulyk|first = Andrew|archive-date = September 23, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150923061047/http://artvoice.com/issues/v13n32/cover_story|url-status = live}}
• A portion of the Lackawanna/Bethlehem Steel site in Lackawanna
• Land north of Interstate 90 outside of Batavia{{Cite news|url = http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2014/05/24/batavia-knows-long-shot-stadium/9546795/|title = Batavia knows it's a long shot for stadium|last = Maiorana|first = Sal|date = May 25, 2014|work = Democrat and Chronicle|access-date = September 29, 2014|archive-date = August 14, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200814055740/https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2014/05/24/batavia-knows-long-shot-stadium/9546795/|url-status = live}}
• Pyramid Companies developer Scott Congel once suggested a plot of land in West Seneca, on the site of the former Seneca Mall{{Cite news|url = http://www.wgrz.com/story/news/local/2014/05/29/real-estate-developer-has-property-in-west-seneca/9733165/|title = Poloncarz Says Congel Only Casually Mentioned Interest in Bills, Stadium|last = McKinley|first = Dave|date = May 29, 2014|work = WGRZ|access-date = September 29, 2014}}

On August 26, 2014, it was announced that the Niagara Falls (which may have used a large plot being held by Howard Milstein) and Buffalo Outer Harbor sites had been ruled out based on similar issues with infrastructure related to the two sites.{{Cite news|url = http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/finalists-for-site-of-a-new-bills-stadium-are-likely-in-erie-county-20140826|title = Finalists for site of a new Bills stadium are likely in Erie County|last = Precious|first = Tom|date = August 28, 2014|work = The Buffalo News|access-date = September 29, 2014|archive-date = October 6, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006132643/http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/finalists-for-site-of-a-new-bills-stadium-are-likely-in-erie-county-20140826|url-status = live}}

New Era Cap Company held right of first refusal for the naming rights to the proposed venue;{{cite press release|title=New Era Cap takes over stadium naming rights for Buffalo Bills; Team to now play at New Era Field|url=http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/New-Era-Cap-takes-over-stadium-naming-rights-for-Buffalo-Bills-Team-to-now-play-at-New-Era-Field/79a13045-d8a8-48d0-beb2-33c452dc6421|publisher=Buffalo Bills|date=August 18, 2016|access-date=August 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819223632/http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-1/New-Era-Cap-takes-over-stadium-naming-rights-for-Buffalo-Bills-Team-to-now-play-at-New-Era-Field/79a13045-d8a8-48d0-beb2-33c452dc6421|archive-date=August 19, 2016|url-status=dead}} they surrendered that right in 2020.{{cite news |title= New Era name to be dropped from Buffalo Bills stadium |url= https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/new-era-name-being-dropped-from-buffalo-bills-stadium |author= Jeff Russo |publisher= WKBW |date= July 15, 2020 |access-date= July 15, 2020 |archive-date= April 24, 2024 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240424222142/https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/new-era-name-being-dropped-from-buffalo-bills-stadium |url-status= live }}

The stadium's naming rights will be held by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, which entered into an initial 10-year agreement with the Bills for their current stadium on March 29, 2021.{{cite web | url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/03/29/report-bills-rename-stadium-to-highmark-stadium-after-naming-rights-deal/ | title=Bills rename stadium to Highmark Stadium after naming-rights deal | date=March 29, 2021 | access-date=June 5, 2023 | archive-date=March 29, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329225534/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/03/29/report-bills-rename-stadium-to-highmark-stadium-after-naming-rights-deal/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.wbfo.org/business-economy/2021-03-30/buffalo-bills-stadium-to-be-named-highmark-stadium-after-deal-with-health-insurer | title=Buffalo Bills' stadium to be named 'Highmark Stadium' after deal with health insurer | date=March 31, 2021 | access-date=June 5, 2023 | archive-date=June 1, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601141710/https://www.wbfo.org/business-economy/2021-03-30/buffalo-bills-stadium-to-be-named-highmark-stadium-after-deal-with-health-insurer | url-status=live }} The Bills announced on June 5, 2023, during a groundbreaking ceremony that its naming rights deal with Highmark had been extended, with the "Highmark Stadium" name carrying over the new venue.{{cite web | url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/06/05/bills-new-home-will-also-be-called-highmark-stadium/ | title=Bills new home will also be called Highmark Stadium | date=June 5, 2023 | access-date=June 5, 2023 | archive-date=June 5, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605141559/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2023/06/05/bills-new-home-will-also-be-called-highmark-stadium/ | url-status=live }} (To avoid confusion with the current venue, it will be referred to as "New Highmark Stadium" during construction.) Terms of the extended naming agreement were not released, with Bills executive vice president and chief operating officer Ron Raccuia simply referring to it as a "long-term deal" during an interview with The Buffalo News; Highmark had rights of first refusal during naming rights negotiations, which "wrapped quickly".{{cite web | url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/the-next-bills-home-also-will-be-called-highmark-stadium-team-announces/article_a747088e-039b-11ee-8c36-2f786f8f637f.html | title=The next Bills' home will be called New Highmark Stadium, team announces | date=June 5, 2023 | access-date=June 5, 2023 | archive-date=June 5, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605141558/https://buffalonews.com/news/local/the-next-bills-home-also-will-be-called-highmark-stadium-team-announces/article_a747088e-039b-11ee-8c36-2f786f8f637f.html | url-status=live }}

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• [https://www.buffalobills.com/news/stadium-news Official site]

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{{NFL Stadiums}}

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Category:Buffalo Bills stadiums

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Category:Sports venues in Erie County, New York