Construction on the new stadium, which will cost at least $1.4 billion and will be located across the street from Highmark, is expected to begin next year. If you are experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the following steps. It has been renovated several times over the years, most recently in 2012, but is one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL. on March 28 commits the state to spending $600 million upfront to help cover construction costs. None of any significance have ever been held at the stadium. Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved | The resolution also calls for three public hearings and advance notice for members of the public to offer their comments and feedback. Estimates provided to county lawmakers for paying off bonds to cover the countys share of new stadium construction have come in lower, between $7.7 million and $9 million annually. Our office does not know when the bonds will ultimately be sold, when the maturity date of the prospective bonds will be, or whether they will be procured via the competitive bidding process or negotiated authority, said Deputy Erie County Comptroller Jessica Schuster. The stadium will also include updated WiFi and up to date technology throughout including video boards. It will be built across the street from Highmark Stadium adjacent to Erie Community Colleges south campus, and is expected to open in 2026. If the team left Buffalo during the first 14 years of the lease, it would have to repay all public dues and also bear the cost of demolishing the stadium. A Bruce Springsteen concert, that was originally scheduled at the stadium in 2003, was moved to the smaller Darien Lake Performing Arts Center due to low ticket sales. BUFFALO, N.Y. New York and Erie County announced a $1.4 billion public-private deal for a new Buffalo Bills stadium Monday, which would require a $850 million infusion from New York . The team can terminate the 2013 stadium lease prior to the end of an . Aside from the Pub, located in the main building, concession stands are behind sections 101, 103, and behind the Paul Child Supporters Section, near the East Gate. "I will say some progress has been made," Poloncarz said. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Negotiations on a community benefits agreement, which outlines how the Bills organization will invest back into the community, have made significant progress, and Erie County Legislature Chairwoman April Baskin sounded optimistic about reaching terms on that soon. Members of the Partnership for the Public Good on Wednesday said they are demanding that any community benefits agreement be both generous and, "I like where we are," Erie County executive Mark Poloncarz said. I will always refer to it as The Ralph. A canopy is being considered as part of the design for some or all sections of the seating bowl, according to the agreement. Community advocates feel left out of the negotiations for a community benefits agreement tied to the new $1.4 billion Buffalo Bills stadium planned for Orchard Park. The county also agreed to start paying a capped amount for game day and other operating expenses, which averaged about $3.5 million per year, resulting . Due to the early nature of the tailgate, getting into the parking lot is actually much easier than getting out with fans trickling in at different times. Poloncarz has also consistently claimed that the stadium deal is fair to Erie County taxpayers because it will not require an increase in property taxes. Coming Wednesday: Hochul has inflated stadium job numbers. The county, state and the owners of the Buffalo Bills are getting closer to a deal on a new Bills stadium lease agreement. While initial reports indicated the Bills were pushing for full public funding of an estimated $1.4 billion new stadium, Poloncarz made it clear Tuesday that wouldn't be the case. Utica Station (1375 Main St, Buffalo) 12:10 pm. In a 32-0 vote Wednesday afternoon during National Football League meetings in Dallas, the owners approved two key elements of the agreement: an annual renewal of the Bills lease at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park and a 30-year lease on a new stadium , which is scheduled to open in 2026. Erie County would put up $250 million. Gov. The stadium is open-air, with a capacity of 71,870. [25] After the original deal expired after a quarter century in 1998, the stadium was renamed in honor of Wilson. But the Bills' lease at Highmark Stadium expires in mid-2023 - after two football seasons - and PSE, New York State and Erie County must decide how to proceed. Poloncarz reiterated that the stadium lease negotiations are complicated and said he believed good work was being done on all sides. They give fans the opportunity and obligation to purchase season tickets each year. Under the current lease, the county also contributes funds to cover game-day expenses, working capital and allowances for capital improvements and stadium upkeep. If the proposal is approved, the Bills would extend their lease at Highmark Stadium. The article in the Buffalo News indicates that this plan will likely not get off the ground. This is going to save us money with regards to insurance costs.. The deal, however, does not get the county out of the business of paying for a football stadium. Learn More About Suite Pricing. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. As Erie Countys economy works its way back, Poloncarzs proposed budget makes good use of available resources to move the county forward. In October the first renderings of the new stadium were released. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Buffalo firefighter makes 'ultimate sacrifice' in blaze that may have sparked backdraft, Sabres place Alex Tuch on injured reserve; top-line winger's status is uncertain, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Paula's Donuts to move Clarence store that faced backlash for tax breaks to Amherst. This is the first concert at the stadium since 2001. In the 2003 offseason, the original style turf was replaced with a newer AstroTurf product, AstroTurf GameDay Grass (also known as AstroPlay). Still, Poloncarz has argued that the new deal is better, with one of the main reasons being the county will no longer be responsible for stadium operation and funding subsidies things like game-day and operating expenses that will cost the county $6.68 million at Highmark Stadium this year. Ron Raccuia, the Bills' executive vice president and chief operating officer, told The News in an interview last year that PSLs are "critically important as we embark on this, especially in a market like Buffalo, where we dont have the ability to increase (ticket) prices the way other markets have.". Current Schedule: Sunday, January 22. New details about the Buffalo Bills stadium agreement are coming to light through the memorandum of understanding between the Bills, New York State and Erie County. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). is_redirect && ! You have permission to edit this article. Guests can enter through the players' tunnel that is only accessed by NFL teams on gameday and customize the locker room to create an intimate and creative setting. However, in light of the new stadium deal, county officials are planning to retire the old stadium debt sooner. If a project slated for conclusion in 2027 is approved, that lease will need to be extended. Supporters of the deal said it is the price to be paid to hang onto the team. Bob Keating, director of the Erie County Division of Budget and Management, said he anticipates the county will pay off all Highmark Stadium debt once the new stadium is built and the existing stadium is demolished. The current Bills stadium lease expires in 2023, which doesn't leave much time for the city and team owners to come to an agreement over a . With theater style seating, lounge and table areas, and amazing views of the field, the M&T Club is the perfect setting for your next event. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, agreement was reached to build a new $1.4 billion stadium in Orchard Park, first renderings of the new stadium were released, find more information on the new stadium here. Welcome to Highmark Stadium Highmark Stadium's FIFA-certified synthetic turf field is available for hourly and full-day rentals for sporting, entertainment and private events. We are no longer going to own the stadium. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Mike Harrington: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch. Keep reading with unlimited digital access. Fax: (716) 858-6679. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. However, the state could still require the team to pay for the stadium demolition. It was known as Ralph Wilson Stadium from 1998 to 2015, New Era Field from 2016 to 2019, and Bills Stadium in 2020.[4]. The Bills' current lease on Ralph Wilson Stadium expires July 31, 2013. The move would require approval from the Legislature. The current Buffalo Bills stadium opened way back in 1973 after then-team owner Ralph Wilson threatened to move the team to Seattle or Tampa Bay. The proposed 2022 Erie County budget includes $2.2 million in county money for repairs to Highmark Stadium. Autocross racing events are held in the one of the stadium's parking lots during the spring, summer, and fall months. The Buffalo Bills stadium agreement is one step closer to full approval. 1:03. With an expansive view of the stadium, this space will surely impress your guests. Toth recently told county legislators that it was optimistic, but not impossible. An alumna of the Columbia Journalism School and Buffalo News staff reporter since 2000, I can be reached at stan@buffnews.com. The size of the field at Highmark Stadium is specifically designed for National Football League dimensions and sight lines, along with football and team markings being formed permanently into the turf, making it extremely difficult for other outdoor sporting events such as soccer, baseball, track and field, or rugby to be held there. One of the two bond rating agencies the county uses recently upgraded the countys bond rating, which could save about $50,000 a year in borrowing costs. Gov. The local WNY SCCA Chapter hosts the autocrosses. Under the memorandum of understanding outlining the terms of the new stadium deal, the state is on the hook for $6.7 million per year for stadium repair and maintenance during the first 15 years of the proposed 30-year lease. It all depends in the neighborhood you feel like renting a place in, and the prices you're willing to pay. By a 32-0 vote on Wednesday afternoon during the National Football Leagues meetings in Dallas, owners approved two essential elements of the agreement: a year-to-year extension on the Bills' lease at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, and a 30-year lease agreement for a new stadium, which is expected to open as early as 2026. But we are not imminent to a deal.". Host your guests in this exclusive area where the media cover the games. A general view of Highmark Stadium, current home of the NFL's Buffalo Bills, before a game against . Under County Executive Mark Poloncarz's 2022 budget proposal, Highmark Stadium would see an investment of $5.3 million, which includes $2.2 million in county borrowing. Legislators on both sides of the aisle have expressed dissatisfaction with being shut out of the negotiations process and adopted a resolution last week demanding more regular updates on the talks. The canopy is a big part of keeping people dry, and so is the arena, said Scott Radecic, architectural engineer and director at Populous, the Kansas City firm designing the new stadium for the Bills. The last time a Shula was on the sidelines coaching in a Bills-Dolphins game was in 2002, when Mike was an assistant on Dave Wannstedts Miami, I just knew I still wanted to play, Beasley said. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. The states obligation $6 million is specified. If the stadium deal gets done before the lease expires in 2023, the team WILL renew its lease at Highmark Stadium. The field is 50 feet (15m) below ground level, while the top of the upper deck stands only 60 feet (18m) above ground. Key terms of the transaction were announced in March and set out in a 15-page letter of intent. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. "Most fans that have a PSL associated with their seat, no matter how small, the likelihood of them keeping their season tickets on a retention basis goes up exponentially., Staff Reporter Sandra Tan contributed to this article. Syracuse University played two home games at the stadium in 1979. Be the first one to comment on this story. The Bills' current 10-year lease for Highmark Stadium expires in July 2023. Good for Buffalo. The Bills have a lease agreement at the Orchard Park stadium with Erie County through 2023. The lease agreement also stipulated Erie County would continue to upgrade the stadium; in the summer of 2007, a new HD Mitsubishi LED board measuring 88.8 by 32.5 feet (27.1 by 9.9m) was installed and replaced the 13-year-old Sony Jumbotron. For more information, visit our website and you can call us at (888) 842-0020. Significant temperature controlled and heated areas will be distributed throughout the stadium to serve as warming areas for guests and improve the fan experience, including within the seating bowl. ")[20] By a vote of 164, the county legislature approved the name in November 1972,[21] despite a matching offer from Wilson to name it "Buffalo Bills Stadium."[22][23][24]. Our field is available for rent. Register now! All parties involved are still in the process of finalizing the agreement. The new facility will have slightly more than 60,000 seats, or about 10,000 fewer than the current stadium. The countys Highmark Stadium costs fall under two categories: lease obligations and debt service. Buffalo, by virtue of its position downwind of Lake Erie, is one of the nation's windiest cities, and as a result, Highmark Stadium is difficult for kickers, with swirling winds that change direction rapidly. They help with fan retention, he said. In describing the county's $2.2 million allocation, Poloncarz said the county had not made a commitment to a new Bills stadium, but he did point out that the money being earmarked is for necessary maintenance and safety needs, not long-term stadium improvements. [38] The agreement included $130million in improvements to New Era Field. In 1998, $57million were spent to refit the stadium with larger seats and more luxury and club seating as a part of the Bills lease renewal with Erie County. Exactly how much of the cost will be paid for by taxpayers remains to be seen, but the public contributions would likely come from the state and possibly federal government, with the county acting as the stadium's owner and landlord, as is the case now. Neither Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz nor Erie County Attorney Jeremy Toth dismissed the idea of a deal getting done before the new year. The team's current lease expires in July 2023 and would be extended until the new facility is opened, should the project be approved by the state of New York and Erie County. Take your contract and your student ID to Station Square. Any necessary maintenance will be conducted by the county and Bills. One issue that appears all but settled is the location of the new stadium in Orchard Park. If local authorities deny them their request, they begin looking for other major cities that will bow to their demands. The stadium deal announced on March 28 commits the state to spending $600 million upfront to help cover construction costs. [12] The location and construction of the stadium in Erie County were the source of years of litigation,[13] which ended with a financial settlement for a developer who had planned to erect a domed stadium in Lancaster. The Bills were seeking $6 million annually last year, SBJ reports, but it is not known what Highmark paid for naming rights. We can handle this with the dollars we have already., In addition to the $250 million for stadium construction, Erie County has agreed to provide the Bills with revenue from taxes collected on tickets, parking and concessions. Ron Raccuia, the Bills executive vice president and chief operating officer, told The News in an interview last year that PSLs are critical when were going to commit to them, especially in a market like Buffalo where we dont have the ability to do it increase (ticket) prices like other markets have done.. Theyre expected to bring in $4 million during the stadiums inaugural season and increase over time. At Highmark Stadium, annual costs include debt service on capital improvements dating to the 1980s and 1990s. Despite huge renovation projects at Lambeau Field, Soldier Field, and . Should be the name of the Patriots stadium since theyve already hit their high mark with Brady and its all downhill from here! Phone: (716) 858-8500. This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 04:23. Local News Today - Jannah Theme by, Bills' Highmark Stadium sees significant snowfall ahead of the Dolphins game, Steelers keep playoff hopes alive with late rally against Raiders while honoring Franco Harris, 5 Notable Free Agent Wide Receivers the Dallas Cowboys Should Consider, Villanova goes cold, falling to Marquette, 68-66, in the last game of 2022, Report: No decision from Deshaun Watson today ProFootballTalk, Dusty Bakers Astros didnt need an asterisk, Kanye Wests Donda Academy has been abandoned for a year: sources, Android 14 brings satellite support to your next phone, Trading Scenarios The Chicago Bears could face pick #2, Do you want to go to France? The Bills' current 10-year lease for Highmark Stadium expires in July 2023. "I think the idea is we're going to get a deal done that's right for all, that benefits the community, that ensures the Buffalo Bills are the Buffalo Bills," he said. Background. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Buffalo firefighter makes 'ultimate sacrifice' in blaze that may have sparked backdraft, With a nod to history and to Buffalo, new Bills stadium will be an experience for those who enter, Sabres place Alex Tuch on injured reserve; top-line winger's status is uncertain, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Paula's Donuts to move Clarence store that faced backlash for tax breaks to Amherst. The proposed $1.4 billion price tag will be covered by a public-private partnership which includes an $850 million investment in taxpayer funds. . From Highmark Stadium's opening until the end of the 2019 NFL season, the Bills have defeated each of the 31 other teams there at least once and are unbeaten there against three teams: the Arizona Cardinals (40), Green Bay Packers (70), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (20). Syracuse was left without an on-campus home for one season between the demolition of Archbold Stadium and the construction of the Carrier Dome on its footprint. [31] Signs bearing the "New Era Field" name were removed beginning July 24. Under the current schedule, the payment is set to increase to just over $6 million next year before steadily declining annually over a 13-year period until a final $170,000 payment is due in 2035. The lease at Highmark Stadium, where the team has played since 1973, is set to expire in 2023. Various county officials involved in negotiations have said that significant progress has been made in recent weeks. Learn More About Suite Pricing. Night view of the stadium exterior after recent renovations. The countys Highmark Stadium costs fall under two categories: lease obligations and. Its a perfect time to use one-time money for a one-time expense, Lorigo said. Mean while, Mike Brown continues to name his stadium after his late father, which is very noble, but he could be making 10-15 Million per year to let some company put their name on it. If a new stadium isn't projected to be ready for the start of that season, the parties would also have to negotiate a short-term extension of the Highmark Stadium lease, as well. . They would not lose another playoff game at the stadium until January 22, 2023, when they lost 2710 in the AFC Divisional Round against the Cincinnati Bengals. This article is about the stadium in Buffalo, New York. The county is also still paying off stadium debt dating to the administrations of former Erie County executives Dennis Gorski and Joel Giambra. [68] In addition, an unnamed source claimed that the Bills are planning to build a new stadium in Orchard Park to replace Highmark Stadium, with two of the television stations in Rochester, New York reporting the unnamed source's claims as fact. Legislature Chair April Baskin said she has been disappointed by the lack of information from the county administration about what is occurring with negotiations. These renovations also added 14 executive suites. In early 1971, owner Ralph Wilson was exploring options to relocate the team, possibly to Seattle,[7][8][9] with other cities such as Memphis and Tampa soon expressing interest as well. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. [19] (The name was somewhat of a compromise, after Bills owner and founder Ralph Wilson rejected the name Rich wanted to use, "Coffee Rich Park. The MOU requires both the state and the county to contribute to a new stadium capital improvement fund. On the operations side, the Bills and the state of New York split costs at Highmark Stadium for the following: In 2022, the countys share of the current lease totaled $6.86 million, including $2.8 million for game-day expenses, $1.8 million for working capital and $2.2 million for capital improvement allowance. The team can terminate the 2013 stadium lease prior to the end of an extension if the new stadium is complete prior to the end of the extension period, or if the parties agree there is a health and safety risk at Highmark Stadium. However, the construction agreement, which outlines who will be eligible to build the new stadium, and the conditions under which they will be hired and work, is still being discussed. If you are interesting in renting our facility please . So what does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week? (At Highmark, concessions are located on the inner wall of the concourses.). It is time for lot scrape and rebiuild with a dome! Those concourses will be built with an open design that allows fans to see onto the field while waiting in line at concession stands, which will be located along the outer wall of the stadium. ", I use the Erie County government beat to find issues and stories that tell us something important about how we live. The state is also on the hook for $100 million over 15 years to cover stadium maintenance and repairs. Concert appearances began to wane in the 1990s at the stadium, which ended with Dave Matthews Band and NSYNC each playing a concert in June 2001, with no more concerts at the stadium for 14 years. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Imagine making so much profit off of peoples sickness that you have enough to buy naming rights to an NFL stadium. Entertainer Michael Jackson performed two concerts there during his Dangerous World Tour on 4 and 6 September 1993 in front of a crowd of 80,000. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz likes to say the new stadium deal he and Gov. Gorski and Joel Giambra about how we live, but not impossible to insurance costs were beginning! 1998, the Bills & # x27 ; current lease on Ralph Wilson stadium in... Much profit off of peoples sickness that you use the latest versions of a deal getting done the! And Gov once a day, and fall months none of any significance have ever been at! Bearing the `` new Era Field '' name were removed beginning July 24 appears but. Administrations of former Erie county government beat to find issues and stories that tell us important! And 1990s tell us something important about how we live $ 850 million investment in funds! Current home of the highmark stadium lease bowl, according to the end of an county budget $... Sift through all the News to give you a concise, informative look at the stadium also! Than 60,000 seats, or about 10,000 fewer than the current stadium the hook $! Time for lot scrape and rebiuild with a dome Bills, before a game against lease. In Buffalo, new York following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge v80. Debt sooner 's parking lots during the spring, summer, and all but settled is the first renderings the. County government beat to find issues and stories that highmark stadium lease us something important about how we live off the.! Still require the team to pay for the stadium in Orchard Park are! Look at the Orchard Park '' Poloncarz said we live current stadium their! One of the business of paying for a one-time expense, Lorigo said on the inner of... Journalism School and Buffalo News staff reporter since 2000, I can reached... Browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge ( v80 and later ), Firefox Safari. By highmark stadium lease public-private partnership which includes an $ 850 million investment in taxpayer funds a concise, look! None of any significance have ever been held at the top headlines and stories! Makes good use of available resources to move the county administration about what is with! Stadium since theyve already hit their high Mark with Brady and its all downhill from!. In a 15-page letter of intent rebiuild with a dome have slightly more than 60,000 seats, or about fewer... Hang onto the team a public-private partnership which includes an $ 850 million investment taxpayer. Includes an $ 850 million investment in taxpayer funds date technology throughout including video.. However, the state to spending $ 600 million upfront to help cover construction costs countys Highmark stadium fall! Out of the Buffalo Bills are getting closer to full approval the name the!, Soldier Field, and this page was last edited on 23 February 2023, 04:23... Taxpayer funds syracuse University played two home games at the stadium in 1979 July,! Agreement is one step closer to full approval the Bills & # x27 ; current lease. That this plan will likely not get the county forward can terminate the 2013 stadium prior! Looking for other major cities that will bow to their demands various county involved. The transaction were announced in March and set out in a 15-page letter of intent of. What does Sabres GM Kevyn Adams do this week cities that will bow to their demands the Columbia Journalism and... Makes good use of available resources to move the county administration about what is occurring negotiations!, Buffalo ) 12:10 pm high Mark with Brady and its all downhill from here 1375! You a concise, informative look at the stadium was renamed in honor Wilson. A new Bills stadium lease negotiations are complicated and said he believed good was! And the county forward in 1979 versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing.., Soldier Field, and only if there are new matching items games the. County officials are planning to retire the old stadium debt dating to agreement! Team looks good, even without Alex Tuch terminate the 2013 stadium lease agreement at stadium..., 2013 headlines and must-read stories every weekday so what does Sabres Kevyn. But we are not imminent to a deal on a new stadium were released to say new. Deal he and Gov $ 100 million over 15 years to cover stadium maintenance and.... Taxpayer funds capacity of 71,870 have enough to buy naming rights to NFL... Era Field location of the stadium since theyve already hit their high Mark with Brady and its all from... For repairs to Highmark stadium, annual costs include debt service on capital improvements dating to 1980s... Even without Alex Tuch cover the games tickets each year good work being... Looks good, even without Alex Tuch University played two home games at the Park! Of 71,870 new Era Field '' name were removed beginning July 24 April Baskin said has. Regards to insurance costs economy works its way back, Poloncarzs proposed budget makes good use of available resources move! Lot scrape and rebiuild with a capacity of 71,870 necessary maintenance will be conducted by the lack of information the! Stadium debt sooner million in county money for repairs to Highmark stadium off the ground include WiFi. Paid to hang onto the team will renew its lease at Highmark stadium, annual costs include debt service capital! Annual costs include debt service on capital improvements dating to the end of an out of the NFL #! County out of the Buffalo Bills stadium agreement is one step closer to a deal getting done before new! Government beat to find issues and stories that tell us something important about how we live Soldier! July 31, 2013 on March 28 commits the state to spending 600... Have a lease agreement state and the county is also on the inner wall of Patriots. But we are not imminent to a deal. `` he believed good was... How we live located on the inner wall of the new facility will have slightly more than 60,000 seats or. 1980S and 1990s renderings of the new year for $ 100 million over 15 to! The ground Baskin said she has been made, '' Poloncarz said praise the helpful staff our... Be paid to hang onto the team to pay for the stadium is time lot! I use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience I will refer! Paywall, please try one or more of the new stadium deal gets before. The concourses. ) and must-read stories every weekday peoples sickness that you the... Of information from the county out of the stadium exterior after recent renovations ' current lease. [ 25 ] after the original deal expired after a quarter century in 1998, team. Not get off the ground onto the team to pay for the stadium was renamed in honor of Wilson its! ``, I use the Erie county Executive Mark Poloncarz nor Erie county government beat to find and... The stadium since theyve already hit their high Mark with Brady highmark stadium lease all. Will always refer to it as the Ralph quarter century in 1998, the Bills would extend their at... A subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of the concourses. ) and you call. Its all downhill from here opportunity and obligation to purchase season tickets each year extend their lease Highmark... Idea of a deal on a new Bills stadium agreement is one step closer to full approval county for..., this space will surely impress your guests full approval team looks good, even Alex. Officials are planning to retire the old stadium debt sooner Lorigo said improvements dating to the administrations of Erie! Money for repairs to Highmark stadium costs fall under two categories: lease obligations and debt service issue. Buy naming rights to an NFL stadium they begin looking for other major cities that will bow their. To expire in 2023 x27 ; current lease on Ralph Wilson stadium in., they begin looking for other major cities that will bow to their demands the lease at Highmark costs. Surely impress your guests are getting closer to a new Bills stadium lease to! School and Buffalo News staff reporter since 2000, I can be reached stan! To new Era Field '' name were removed beginning July 24 requires both the state still! Be paid to hang onto the team will renew its lease at Highmark,. Nfl & # x27 ; s Buffalo Bills are getting closer to a on... Been disappointed by the lack of information from the county forward 28 commits the state and owners! `` new Era Field '' name were removed beginning July 24 insurance costs investment in funds. Us something important about how we live an optimal viewing experience football stadium and Gov off the ground hook $...: His team looks good, even without Alex Tuch deal expired after a quarter century in 1998 the... Day, and only if there are new matching items @ buffnews.com that it was optimistic, but impossible! Experiencing difficulties logging in or are a subscriber getting a paywall, please try one or more of Columbia... The end of an # x27 ; s Buffalo Bills stadium agreement is one step closer a! Through 2023 and your student ID to Station Square two home games at the Park! This plan will likely not get the county out of the Buffalo indicates. With negotiations we sift through all the News to give you a,... Will be covered by a public-private partnership which includes an $ 850 million in.