BUFFALO, N.Y. — After the framework of a deal for a new Buffalo Bills stadium was agreed to in March, the team officially released the first renderings of the future stadium almost exactly seven months later.
Executive vice president of Pegula Sports and Entertainment Ron Raccuia said Thursday on WGR 550 in Buffalo that the renderings are “effectively” what the stadium will look like outside of minor tweaks.
The images include one look at the exterior of the stadium and one of the interior of the open-air stadium that includes a canopy overhang to protect fans from the elements. The canopy will cover 65% of the seats.
Outside the stadium includes a plaza that features three large Buffalo statues. The team said the exterior was built “to highlights the team’s desire for a visual identity that reflects some of the historical architecture of Buffalo, while also delivering a modern appearance.”
Fostering a culture. Building the future.
Here’s the first look at renderings of the New Bills Stadium.https://t.co/wQjumbzQA7 | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/RC9hnAGkiy
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 27, 2022
The stadium is scheduled to open in 2026 and will be located across the road from where the Bills’ current stadium, Highmark Stadium, is located in Orchard Park, N.Y., where the team’s practice facility is also located. The Bills are working with architectural firm Populous and Legends, a consulting group working on stadium development.
Less than two weeks ago, the deadline was pushed back to complete the final negotiations on the $1.4 billion stadium until December in order for the state to complete an environmental impact study. The deadline, moved for the second time in a six-week span, will now be 30 days after that study is received.
Funding for the stadium includes a record $850 million of public funding, $600 million coming from New York state and $250 million from Erie County.
Highmark Stadium opened in 1973 and is the fourth-oldest NFL stadium.