A joint venture of Gilbane Building Co. and Turner Construction Co. won the contract to build a $1.4-billion stadium for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y., the companies announced Nov. 3.
The project includes construction of a 1.35-million-sq-ft open-air stadium and an 18,750-sq-ft ancillary building, plus the demolition of the existing 71,000-seat Highmark Stadium. The new stadium would contain about 60,000 seats and have an expandable capacity for special events.
Ron Raccuia, the Bills’ executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in an interview posted on the Bills’ website that the stadium will feature an exterior of glass, perforated metal and brick. And while it will be open-air, there will be a canopy to provide relief from the wind.
The Bills expect the stadium to be completed in time for the team’s 2026 season, Raccuia added.
Gilbane and Turner have a lengthy history of working together. The firms have previously built or renovated 16 NFL stadiums, according to their announcement. They had been reported as the favored team for the contract as early as June.
Design firm Populous is the architect-of-record for the stadium, and Legends Project Development is the project management firm. The project team also includes local construction firm 34 Group, which was co-founded by former Bills running back and Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Thurman Thomas.
The project team set up a website for any interested subcontractors and suppliers to prequalify for an invitation to bid at buffalobillsnewstadium.com. A project labor agreement with building trades unions has already been reached.
“Our joint-venture team is committed to driving opportunities for diverse and local businesses and working with our partners to deliver this transformational project for Western New York,” John LaRow, senior vice president of Gilbane, said in statement.
New York state and local officials have committed to cover as much as $850 million of the project’s anticipated $1.4-billion cost with taxpayer funds.
