Pegula Sports and Entertainment, ownership group of the Buffalo Bills, has selected a consortium that will be responsible for the construction of the NFL American football franchise’s new stadium.
The joint venture of Gilbane Building Company and Turner Construction Company, in association with 34 Group, has been chosen to provide construction management of the planned new stadium in Orchard Park. The project team also includes the project management firm, Legends Project Development, which was brought on board in April, and Populous as the designer.
Together, Rhode Island-based Gilbane and New York City-headquartered Turner have built or renovated 16 NFL stadiums. Buffalo-based 34 Group was founded by former Bills running back Thurman Thomas and his wife.
“We continue to partner with a first-class team of experts and professionals to bring our stadium to life,” said Bills executive vice-president and chief operation officer, Ron Raccuia. “Gilbane | Turner has a tremendous wealth of experience in stadium construction and we look forward to partnering with them.”
The Bills last month released the first renderings of its planned new stadium, which is scheduled for completion in time for the 2026 season. The stadium will feature a 360-degree enclosed canopy and temperature-controlled spaces. It will have a capacity of around 60,000 – fewer than the Bills’ current home, the 71,000-capacity Highmark Stadium – however this will be expandable for special events.
In March, the Bills reached an agreement with New York State and Erie County to build the new $1.4bn (£1.24bn/€1.43bn) stadium in Orchard Park, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul securing a 30-year commitment for the team to remain in Buffalo.
New York State will commit $600m towards the new stadium project, with Erie County to provide $250m. The NFL and the Bills will provide the remaining $550m needed to build the new stadium.
Following yesterday’s (Thursday’s) announcement, a project information and procurement website has been set up for vendors, suppliers, trade contractors, and professional services firms at www.buffalobillsnewstadium.com.
John LaRow, senior vice-president of Gilbane Building Company, said: “This new NFL stadium will be a proud representation of the energy, passion, and dedication of the Bills organisation, the team, its fans, and the City of Buffalo. 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.”
Turner vice-president and general manager, Carlton E. Stewart, added: “The stadium will elevate the fan experience for this incredible team, and we will create opportunities and engagement for members of our community during construction. This project is monumental to us as New Yorkers and Bills fans. We look forward to attending many games in this great new stadium.”
The team’s lease at Highmark Stadium expires in 2023 and all parties are set to begin negotiations on extending this ahead of the stadium move.
Highmark Stadium opened in 1973. Following the opening of the new facility, the Bills’ current home is expected to be demolished and redeveloped as a large parking lot.
