Two suspects have been identified after more than $150,000 in damage was discovered at the new Buffalo Bills stadium.
The Highmark Stadium replacement resumed construction on Friday after being shut down for nearly a week. Work was paused last weekend when “pornographic” and homophobic graffiti was discovered in “both finished and unfinished areas of the stadium project site.”
WGRZ reports Gilbane | Turner, the construction management company behind the project, said its offer of a $100,000 reward for information to catch the culprits led to two people individuals who may be responsible for the graffiti.
“Law enforcement continues to actively pursue the matter,” Gilbane | Turner said in a statement on Saturday. “As this remains an active investigation, we are directing further inquiries to law enforcement. We appreciate the strong support and partnership throughout this effort.”
The suspects’ names have not been released. Sources told WBEN that the two suspects are among seven construction workers targeted in the investigation.
No charges have been filed as of Saturday. The Erie County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz told WIVB that the damage will cost more than $150,000 to fix. He said the vandalism included “spray-painted pornographic images” in multiple locations, including anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti in new luxury suites.
“Everything about it is bad, attacking someone for their sexual orientation is bad,” Poloncarz said.
More than 1,500 people returned to work at the new stadium Friday. Construction is still expected to be completed before the 2026 NFL season begins in the fall.
“The Gilbane | Turner team has worked diligently to create a respectful and supportive environment on this project. We have made significant investments in jobsite amenities to support the trade workers performing demanding work, often in challenging weather conditions. They deserve a professional and respectful workplace,” the company said. “The actions of a very small number of individuals do not reflect the values or conduct of the approximately 8,000 people who have worked on this project to date. They demonstrate professionalism, pride, and respect each and every day.”
Construction on the $1.7 billion project was previously suspended in 2024 when a suspected hate symbol was discovered on the site. A police investigation determined there was no criminal activity and the display was not malicious.