Buffalo Bills' New Stadium Hits 75% Completion: On Track for 2026 Debut
The Buffalo Bills' highly anticipated new stadium is charging ahead, with construction now about 75% complete and the $2.2 billion project holding steady on its timeline for a mid-2026 finish. That’s the latest from Steven Ranalli, president of the Erie County Stadium Corporation, who gave an update Monday on the progress unfolding just across the street from the current Highmark Stadium.
More than 1,500 workers are now on site each day, pushing the massive project forward as it transitions from structural work to interior systems and finishes. According to Ranalli, while there were some early delays-something that’s almost inevitable on a project of this scale-those setbacks have largely been made up.
“We're confident,” Ranalli said. “They’re working in every single component-from the exterior to the landscaping. Based on where they are today, we feel good about the timeline.”
Winter Shifts Focus Indoors
With Western New York’s winter setting in, construction crews are now pivoting to the guts of the stadium: the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that will power the fan experience. Finishing touches are starting to take shape-drywall is going up, carpets are being laid, and paint is hitting the walls. Even the bathrooms are beginning to look like, well, bathrooms.
This is the phase where the stadium starts to feel real-not just steel beams and concrete, but a place where fans will soon gather, cheer, and create new memories.
Highmark Demolition to Follow 2025 Season
One key update to the overall plan: the demolition of the existing Highmark Stadium will now be handled separately from the original construction contract. That process is expected to begin shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season.
It’s a symbolic moment on the horizon. Highmark has been home to the Bills since 1973, and while it’s seen its share of iconic moments, the new stadium is being built to elevate the game-day experience for the next generation of Bills Mafia.
New Fan Amenities Coming
As part of the ongoing development, the Bills also received approval to add two exterior market areas at the northeastern and northwestern entrances of the new stadium. These markets will offer additional food and beverage options-something the team identified as a key piece of enhancing the fan experience.
“I know they felt additional options were something they wanted to add to the project, so they did that with these first two,” Ranalli noted.
It’s a small but telling detail. The Bills aren’t just building a stadium-they’re building a full-scale environment designed to reflect the passion and energy of their fanbase.
Looking Ahead
With the project now three-quarters of the way home, the finish line is in sight. The target remains June or July of 2026, giving the team plenty of runway to prepare for a grand opening that promises to be one of the most significant moments in franchise history.
For now, it’s all about the daily grind-over 1,500 workers, braving the elements, laying the foundation for what’s next in Buffalo football.
If this pace continues, the Bills’ new home won’t just be ready on time-it’ll be ready to raise the standard.