For over 50 years, the Buffalo Bills have called Highmark Stadium home. Since 1973, the franchise has hosted countless unforgettable moments at the venue in Orchard Park, N.Y., including thrilling playoff runs and the rise of quarterback Josh Allen as one of the NFL’s biggest stars.
But after the 2025 season, the Bills are officially saying goodbye to their long-time stadium and preparing to move into a new, state-of-the-art home.
Breaking Down the New Highmark Stadium
The move comes with a massive price tag, $2.1 billion, making it the largest construction investment in Western New York history. Construction began in June 2023, and the new facility is set to open for the 2026 NFL season. On social media this week, Josh Allen gave fans a lighthearted update that has Buffalo buzzing.
“The new stadium is gonna be grass… We like grass,” Allen stated on “The Pat McAfee Show,” confirming one of the most highly debated features of the team’s future home.
“The new stadium is gonna be grass..
We like grass” 😂😂 ~ @JoshAllenQB
WE ALL DO #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/pu8tm6HexR
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 19, 2025
Officially named Highmark Stadium after an extension of the team’s partnership with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the venue has been dubbed the “New Highmark Stadium” to distinguish it from the Bills’ current home, per PFSN’s Priyanshu Choudhary. The new stadium is being built directly across Abbott Road in Orchard Park, covering 1.35 million square feet on a sprawling 242-acre site.
With a seating capacity of 62,000 fans, the stadium will be slightly smaller than the Bills’ current home but designed to maximize noise and home-field advantage. The grass field, which Allen proudly highlighted, is another key upgrade. Many players and fans have long preferred natural grass over artificial turf for safety and performance reasons, and the Bills are leaning into that tradition.
A Historic Investment for Western New York
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new stadium was held on June 5, 2023, marking a new era for the Bills and the Orchard Park community. The $2.1 billion project is not only significant for the franchise but also for the entire region. The new facility represents the largest construction investment in Western New York history, bringing jobs, infrastructure improvements, and an economic boost to the surrounding area.
Once completed, the stadium will also feature updated amenities for fans, including modernized seating, enhanced concessions, and improved concourses. The Bills are aiming to create a world-class game day experience that rivals other recently built NFL venues, while still maintaining the identity of Buffalo football.
As the face of the franchise, Allen’s words carry weight with Bills Mafia. His playful but enthusiastic confirmation about the grass field instantly resonated with fans online, reinforcing the idea that the new stadium is being designed with both players and supporters in mind.
With Allen leading the team on the field and the promise of a new home awaiting in 2026, the Bills are positioned for an exciting new chapter. The 2025 season will be the last inside the old Highmark Stadium, making it a bittersweet farewell tour before the team officially moves across Abbott Road.
Buffalo’s new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium is more than just a new home for the Bills; it’s a landmark project that reflects the franchise’s future. With a grass field, a capacity of 62,000, and modern amenities, the stadium promises to elevate both player performance and the fan experience. And if Allen’s excitement is any indication, Bills Mafia will love their new home in 2026.
