New York State owns a suite at Highmark Stadium to “develop relationships with companies in support of furthering economic development.” Who was there?

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Marriott, SQUIRE, moviemakers, and educators were among the people who received an invitation to watch a Buffalo Bills game in the “I Love NY Hospitality Suite” during the final season at Highmark Stadium. 

According to a new report published by Empire State Development, following a Freedom of Information Law request by WGRZ, over 140 people who used the suite. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul, along with the First Gentleman Bill Hochul, attended two games: the season opener on Sunday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens, and the final game ever played at Highmark Stadium, on Jan. 4 against the New York Jets. The report says they made a charitable donation for the value of the ticket. 

The purpose of the suite is to “develop relationships with companies in support of furthering economic development in the region and state.”

According to the report, the vast majority of those in attendance are from already-established companies in Western New York. 

The suite was made available for charitable purposes to Beyond Support WNY for a preseason game on Aug. 9. It also made available to several groups during the regular season, including:

Sept. 7, Empire State DevelopmentSept. 18, Buffalo Niagara Film CommissionSept. 28, University at Buffalo Business & Entrepreneur Partnerships and John R. Oishei FoundationOct. 5, Allegany County IDANov. 2, Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier/Dream It, Do It Western New York, and Amherst Chamber of CommerceNov. 16, Buffalo Niagara Film CommissionDec. 7, Northland Workforce Training Center and Buffalo Niagara Film CommissionDec. 28, 43NorthJan. 4, Empire State Development

Some of the groups represented in the suite included:

QED TechnologiesProfessional PlasticsMoog Inc.Marriott HotelsSpiky.ai

The full list of those who used the suite can be found by clicking here.