Governor Hochul Announces Bills Highmark Stadium Construction Surpasses MWBE Participation Goal With Over $490 Million Disbursed to MWBES

Represents Largest Participation by MWBE Firms for Any Public-Private Project in Western New York History

304 Separate Contracts Have Been Awarded to MWBE Firms to Date as Project Nears Completion

MWBE Participation Expected to Grow with Opening of Stadium

Photos of the Project

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a historic economic milestone for the new Buffalo Bills Highmark Stadium, where over $490 million has been paid to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE). Consistent with Governor Hochul's nation-leading utilization goals, the project surpassed its 30 percent MWBE participation target at the end of April and will continue to grow as the project proceeds. This represents the largest MWBE participation for any public-private partnership project in the history of Western New York. As the state-of-the-art facility enters its final construction phase - currently 96 percent complete - the project has also generated significant opportunities for local firms, awarding more than $250 million in contracts to Western New York regional MWBE businesses to date.

"Local minority-and women-owned businesses have been the backbone of this project, ensuring the magnificent new Highmark Stadium rises to meet the coming Bills season," Governor Hochul said. "This unprecedented participation by MWBE firms isn't just about building a stadium; it's about building generational wealth and setting a gold standard for inclusive public-private partnerships across New York State."

Buffalo Bills Vice President of Stadium Relations Penny Semaia said, "From the beginning of construction, we recognized the effort it would take to reach our goals. Through teamwork and intentional efforts, we are pleased that we not only met our goals but exceeded them. This is a great example of our commitment to our community and the greater WNY Region."

To date, nearly 140 MWBE firms have been awarded 304 contracts for the stadium's development, with 83 of those businesses based in the Western New York region receiving 216 contracts. Empire State Development (ESD) continues to collaborate with the Buffalo Bills, Legends, Erie County and the Gilbane-Turner construction team to ensure local and diverse firms are represented in every phase of the project. The commitment to creating opportunities for MWBEs and local businesses will continue beyond construction - under the project's Community Benefits Agreement, the Bills are also committed to a 30 percent MWBE goal for retailers, vendors and service companies used in stadium maintenance and operations.

The latest MWBE and local business participation milestones were celebrated today at the new stadium, which includes cutting-edge technology, inspiring art and an array of amenities designed to enhance the customer experience - making it a world-class entertainment venue that will boost the economy of Western New York for decades to come. The 60,000-seat stadium, designed by Populous, is entering tech system testing and final signage installation. At the peak of construction, 1,600 workers were on-site daily, contributing over 4.5 million craft-hours to create a world-class venue featuring:

• A 360-degree canopy covering 65 percent of the seats
• Heated concourse and seating in several areas
• World's largest snow melt system, utilizing roof sensors to monitor and liquify snow piles
• Two state-of-the-art video boards and an acoustic system to maximize patron's audio and visual experience
• Upper deck with views of the City of Buffalo, Lake Erie and the Boston Hills
• Inviting welcome plaza highlighted by a sculpture of a family of American Bison
• Mix of concessions, kitchens and retail stores
• Accessibility for people with disabilities

To increase MWBE participation at the stadium construction site, the Bills and other project partners hosted a variety of capacity-building and technical training programs that prepared firms to be successful in navigating what can at times be complex stadium-related procurements. These programs include contractor coaching programs that train firms to apply for contracts and construction mentoring programs that recruit, train and mentor MWBE firms to bid on large public construction projects, and project readiness bootcamps. The team has also sponsored seminars, webinars and forums to help firms become MWBE certified, meet and network with prime contractors and build the skill sets needed to be successful in the field.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Governor Hochul's vision for inclusion of minority and local firms in state projects is now a tangible economic reality for the hundreds of MWBEs and local firms building the new Highmark Stadium. By prioritizing MWBE participation and supporting local businesses, we're strengthening our economy and enriching our communities, creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. Go Bills!"

Read the full press release here.