Buffalo's New Highmark Stadium Tops Out with Final Steel Beam

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — More than 2,000 people gathered Friday as the Buffalo Bills, owner Terry Pegula, New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz witnessed the 'topping out' ceremony for the new Highmark Stadium. Workers hoisted the last piece of structural steel onto the 156-foot-high structure, completing the steel framework after erecting 25,101 tons of steel with 223,088 bolts.[1][3] The milestone caps months of intense labor on the $2.1 billion project, hailed as Western New York's largest construction endeavor.[1][3] The stadium is now over 50% complete by work volume, with all precast concrete for the seating bowl finished and seat installation set to begin this spring. Over 1,200 tradespeople work daily on site—rising to 1,500 by summer—logging 6,000 combined hours each day and surpassing 1.8 million craft hours total.[1][3] Key steel was fabricated by Cives Steel Company in Gouverneur, N.Y., with 60% of the 26,000 tons produced in-state and nearly all U.S.-made by 16 firms.[2][3] Additional feats include removing 630,000 cubic yards of dirt, pouring 18,000 cubic yards of foundation concrete and starting roof canopy work with a snow-melt system.[3] Project leaders, including Bills COO Pete Guelli, affirm the venue will open on time in July 2026 for the team's home games, followed by demolition of the current stadium in March 2027.[1] Grading for the natural grass playing field has begun, targeting turf installation in fall 2025.[1][3] The stadium's exterior precast panels and perforated metal panels advance through summer, bolstering local economies via jobs in masonry, electrical and plumbing trades.[3] Buoyed by state and county support, the Gilbane-Turner team, Populous architects and Legends partners deliver a state-of-the-art facility tailored for Buffalo's harsh winters.[3] Pegula praised the collaboration: 'This achievement is testament to the hard work of our skilled trade partners.'[3] The project injects vitality into Orchard Park and Erie County, solidifying Western New York's NFL legacy.