On all the gates at the Buffalo Bills'' Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY had electronic signs saying, "Love for Damar 3" on Jan. 8, 2023. This is the first game the Bills have played since Bills player, Damar Hamlin, was seriously injured seven days ago. Highmark Stadium Love For Damar Signs
Syndication: Democrat and Chronicle
Monday, June 5, 2023 — After 50 years the Buffalo Bills are breaking ground on a new super stadium, both larger and more technologically advanced than its predecessor, according to owner Terry Pegula.
The venue, slated to be completed by 2026, will boast 63-thousand sets, and will be unrecognizable from the current stadium.
In fact, the only commodity that is shared between the two stadiums will be the name, according to Pegula. Though the stadium may be new, the identity and values of the organization remain the same, according to Bills EVP Ron Raccuia.
“We felt like that was important to the authenticity of the franchise in the community,” said Raccuia to reporters. “It was really important for us to have that continuity,” concluded Raccuia when reflecting on keeping the same name.”
Highmark Stadium Lit At Night
“Highmark is proud to retain the naming rights to the ‘New Highmark Stadium,’ ” said Dr. Michael Edbauer, president of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield . “Our deepened partnership with the Bills has proven to be much more than a name on the stadium and has amplified each organization’s community impact. We see great value in continuing our collaborative efforts in the community and ensuring the new stadium will be a center for engagement and health improvement.”
With a new stadium to come, questions suffice about the future for old Highmark stadium.
Many rumors have speculated the venue will be demolished to make room for a parking lot, but the future is not certain for the historic stadium. For Bills fans its bitter sweet— a new stadium means updated technology, better seating, dining and more. But this comes at the experience of memories and history within the old Highmark stadium.
Pegula expressed gratitude about the bright future for the organization, yet also was saddened that the old stadium would be torn down and stripped of its 50 plus years of memories.
The New Stadium will finish construction sometime in 2026. The Buffalo Bills future is right around the corner.
