Construction on the Buffalo Bills' new $2.1 billion stadium reached a key milestone on April 4 as project leaders celebrated the placement of the final structural steel beam — a moment that marked roughly the halfway point of the massive build in Orchard Park, New York.

The New Highmark Stadium, which broke ground in June 2022, is being built next to the team’s current facility and is set to become the Bills’ new 60,000-seat home ahead of the 2026 NFL season. The milestone was commemorated during a topping out ceremony attended by more than 1,000 guests, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, union workers, and local leaders.

“A project of this magnitude requires determination, expertise, and a true team effort,” said Hochul in a release announcing the progress. “This is a proud moment for Western New York and for every worker who's played a role in getting us to this point.”

The new stadium is being constructed by a joint venture between Gilbane Building Company and Turner Construction Company. Kansas City-based architecture firm Populous — renowned for designing sports and entertainment venues — led the design.

To date, more than 22,000 steel pieces have been placed at the site, weighing over 25,000 tons. According to project leaders, nearly all the steel used has been sourced from within the United States, with 60% of it produced in New York state. A total of 16 fabrication companies contributed to the effort, illustrating the project's wide-reaching economic impact.

Beyond steel, the construction team has removed more than 742,000 cubic yards of dirt, poured over 46,000 cubic yards of foundation concrete, and laid miles of piping to support infrastructure. The site will host up to 1,500 workers during peak construction activity.

As crews shift focus to the building’s interior and roof, they’ve started installing the canopy structure, which will top out at 116 feet above ground. The canopy will cover 65% of the stadium’s seating, helping to shield fans from Buffalo’s notoriously harsh weather. Additional exterior work includes placing precast materials to form the stadium’s exoskeleton, which will soon be followed by the installation of architectural finishes, including glass, perforated metal, and other façade elements.

Inside, the stadium will feature a host of modern amenities tailored to enhance the fan experience. Among them:

• Heated concourses and select heated seating zones
• The world’s largest snow melt system, guided by roof sensors to automatically liquefy snowfall
• Dual video boards and an advanced acoustic system
• A variety of concessions, kitchens, and retail outlets throughout the concourses

“This achievement is testament to the hard work of our skilled trade partners who have worked over 1.8 million hours to date building this state-of-the-art facility,” said John LaRow, principal-in-charge at Gilbane.

The event also spotlighted the use of union labor throughout the construction process, with leaders emphasizing the role of organized labor in achieving the project’s success.

“This topping out milestone at New Highmark Stadium stands as a testament to the positive impacts development done under project labor agreements and with prevailing wage measures can have on our local communities and collective state economy,” said Gary LaBarbera, president of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council.

When complete, the new stadium will not only serve as the home of the Bills but will also be a source of regional pride and economic activity. From job creation to infrastructure improvements, stakeholders say the project is an investment in both the franchise and the community.

Originally reported by Zachary Phillips in Construction Dive.