9:02 a.m. ET
Alaina Getzenberg ESPN
BUFFALO, NY – After the framework agreement for a new Buffalo Bills stadium was finalized in March, the team officially released the first renderings of the future stadium almost exactly seven months later.
Ron Raccuia, executive vice president of Pegula Sports and Entertainment, said on WGR 550 in Buffalo on Thursday that the renderings “effectively” match what the stadium will look like, barring minor changes.
The images include a view of the stadium’s exterior and one of the interior of the open-air stadium, which includes stacked seating and a canopy overhang to protect fans from the elements.
The hood covers 65% of the seats and protects against wind and rain. It will work in tandem with the stadium’s perforated multi-dimensional skin, which creates wind clutter to prevent swirling winds from reaching the pitch level.
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Here’s the first look at the New Bills Stadium renderings.https://t.co/wQjumbzQA7 | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/RC9hnAGkiy
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 27, 2022
Outside the stadium is a space the team calls “Family Circle” with three large buffalo statues. The Bills want the plaza to be a year-round gathering place for the community, and said the exterior was built to “highlight the team’s desire for a visual identity that reflects a portion of Buffalo’s historic architecture and at the same time… offers a modern look”. The exterior allows for a visual view of the interior of the stadium from the outside.
Slated to open in 2026, the stadium is located across from the Bills’ current stadium, Highmark Stadium, in Orchard Park, NY, where the team’s practice facility is located. The Bills work with architectural firm Populous, as well as Legends, a consulting group dedicated to stadium development. The groundbreaking is expected for 2023.
Less than two weeks ago, the deadline was pushed back to complete final negotiations on the $1.4 billion stadium by December, allowing the state to complete an environmental impact study. The deadline, postponed for the second time in six weeks, is now 30 days from receipt of this study.
“We take our time. We’re working well with the state and county,” Raccuia told WGR. “We have another deadline. We will keep working every day to bring it to the finish line. This is really where we are. It’s just one of those things that just takes a little longer. No reason to worry.” . We will continue as we have done so far.”
The stadium’s funding includes $850 million in public funds, including $600 million from New York State and $250 million from Erie County.
Highmark Stadium opened in 1973 and is the fourth oldest NFL stadium.