Inside the “I Love NY” Suite: How Buffalo Used Bills Games to Court Business and Boost Community Ties
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - As the Buffalo Bills wrapped up their final season at Highmark Stadium, the action on the field wasn’t the only thing drawing attention. Tucked inside the stadium, the “I Love NY Hospitality Suite” quietly played host to a different kind of game - one focused on economic development, relationship-building, and community engagement.
According to a new report from Empire State Development, more than 140 guests were welcomed into the suite throughout the season. The list included executives from companies like Marriott and SQUIRE, representatives from the film and education sectors, and various regional organizations - all part of a strategic effort to strengthen business ties and showcase Western New York’s potential.
Governor Kathy Hochul and First Gentleman Bill Hochul were among those in attendance. They showed up for two marquee matchups - the season opener under the Sunday night lights against the Baltimore Ravens, and the emotional finale against the New York Jets on January 4, the last game ever played at Highmark Stadium. According to the report, the Hochuls made a charitable donation equivalent to the value of the tickets.
The suite wasn’t just about luxury seating and sideline views. Its stated purpose?
To foster relationships with companies that could help drive economic growth in the region and across the state. And while it might sound like a high-end perk, the guest list tells a story of targeted outreach - the majority of attendees came from companies already rooted in Western New York.
Beyond business, the suite also served as a platform for community organizations. For example, it was made available to Beyond Support WNY during the preseason game on August 9. Throughout the regular season, several other groups had the opportunity to use the space, including:
- Sept. 7: Empire State Development
- Sept. 18: Buffalo Niagara Film Commission
- Sept. 28: University at Buffalo Business & Entrepreneur Partnerships and the John R.
Oishei Foundation
- **Oct.
5:** Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (IDA)
- **Nov.
2:** Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, Dream It Do It WNY, and Amherst Chamber of Commerce
- **Nov.
16:** Buffalo Niagara Film Commission
- **Dec.
7:** Northland Workforce Training Center and Buffalo Niagara Film Commission
- **Dec.
28:** 43North
- **Jan.
4:** Empire State Development
Each of these groups represents a different piece of the puzzle when it comes to economic development - from workforce training and manufacturing to entrepreneurship and the arts. The suite offered a unique setting for these organizations to connect, collaborate, and perhaps even spark new initiatives.
While the Bills were battling for wins on the field, the state was playing its own long game in the stands - using the energy and visibility of NFL Sundays to invest in the region’s future. And with Highmark Stadium closing its doors, this final season wasn’t just a farewell to a building - it was a reminder of how sports can be a powerful platform for more than just touchdowns.