New Highmark Stadium Construction – Year 1 in Review

Serving as the lead civil engineering firm on the development of the New Highmark Stadium, currently the largest construction project in Western New York, has been a remarkable experience for the many lifelong Buffalo Bills fans at LaBella.

In its inaugural year of construction, the New Highmark Stadium project has made significant strides towards becoming a cornerstone of community pride and football excellence. Spearheaded by a collaborative effort between Erie County, New York State, the Buffalo Bills, the construction, architecture, and engineering teams, along with the local workforce, the stadium has achieved its initial construction milestones and is on track to be completed for the 2026 NFL season.

Construction began in spring 2023 with the installation of the perimeter fence, “make-ready” utility disconnections, and site demolition. This work allowed the excavation of approximately 600,000 cubic yards of material for the stadium bowl, with the future playing field designed to be around 35 feet below grade.

Following the mass excavation, a support excavation wall was installed around the perimeter of the bowl, and foundation pours began. The first piece of steel was installed in February 2024. Since that time, over 5,000 pieces of the 21,000 pieces of steel have been erected through year one.

Looking ahead, year two of construction will see the continuation of steel, stadia, the installation of the canopy roof, and site work along the south side of the stadium. The site and stadium will begin to take on their final shape and appearance.

The design and construction teams are committed to delivering this world-class venue, and the community continues to take pride in its progress. We can’t wait to cheer on the Bills at the New Highmark Stadium in 2026!