Construction work starts on $1.5 billion Buffalo Bills stadium

A digital rendering of the new Buffalo Bills stadium (Image supplied by New York State)

Construction work has started on the new $1.54 billion Buffalo Bills stadium in Orchard Park, New York.

Gilbane Building Company and Turner Construction company are providing construction management of the planned new NFL stadium, designed by architect Populous.

The 60,000-seater stadium is expected to create 10,000 union construction jobs and will complete in 2026.

The open-air stadium will be built across from the existing Highmark Stadium, which was built in 1973.

It will boast weather control features, including radiant heat and a canopy that covers 65% of seats.

The stadium is being built under a public-private agreement, which includes a $600 million investment by New York State that will be recouped through taxes and economic activity that the team generates.

Buffalo Bills and the NFL will invest a further $690 million, with $250 million coming from Erie County.

An economic analysis by Empire State Development and AECOM found that, over the 30-year lease period of the new stadium, revenues are expected to grow and will cumulatively amount to more than $1.6 billion in economic impact.