BUFFALO, New York (WWNY) – There was an unveiling in Buffalo earlier this week.
The NFL season is just a few short weeks away and the Buffalo Bills are spending the summer moving into their new home.
It was a big day Tuesday in Orchard Park, as local and state dignitaries gathered for the ribbon cutting and opening of the new Highmark Stadium.
“Highmark has been a true partnership, a partnership between government, private business, the NFL and our fans, the ‘Bills Mafia,’ said Terry Pegula, Bills owner.
Construction on the new facility began in June of 2023 with a pricetag of $2.2 billion dwith state taxpayers contributing $850 million, $600 million of that coming from the state and $250 million from Erie County.
New York State also agreed to pay for all maintainance and repair costs, making it the biggest taxpayer-funded stadium in NFL history.
The state’s backing was spearheaded by Western New York Native and New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
“When they needed a new stadium to keep them in this community, everything was on the line. We had to make this happen and I had to reassure them that I would make sure this stadium got built because it is a part of our identity. It is our psyche.
“It’s what gets us up in the morning on a Monday morning with a sense of euphoria or at least hope for the next Sunday to be better,” Hochul said.
It replaces the old stadium which opened in 1973, held over 71,000 people and was built when former owner Ralph Wilson was looking to move the team out of War Memorial Stadium and possibly relocate them to another city.
Wilson’s widow, Mary Wilson, was in attendance and feels her husband’s legacy will live on in the new Highmark Stadium
“Honestly, I remember 1990 when Ralph brought me to my first NFL game and I became a Buffalo Bill. It was such a blessing in my life. I can’t wait to sit in my new seat right here on the home opener September 17th against the Lions, which was Ralph’s hometown,” she said.
An exciting week and a new era in the storied history of the Buffalo Bills franchise
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