New York Construction Report staff writer
A major economic milestone has been reached at the new Buffalo Bills stadium project, with more than $490 million paid to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) as construction advances on the nearly completed facility.
The development of the new Highmark Stadium has now surpassed its 30 per cent MWBE participation target, a benchmark set under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s statewide procurement goals. Officials said the milestone, reached at the end of April, represents the largest MWBE participation level for any public-private partnership project in Western New York history.
“As the state-of-the-art facility enters its final construction phase — currently 96 per cent 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,” project officials said.
Hochul said in a news release that the achievement reflects both economic inclusion and long-term wealth creation.
“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,” 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.”
The design-build team highlighted the milestone in a statement issued by the contractor.
According to Gilbane Building Company, the project’s MWBE participation goal has been exceeded through sustained collaboration across all partners.
“We’re proud to share that this project has exceeded its MWBE participation goal, with more than $490 million awarded to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises to date, the largest MWBE participation on any public-private partnership project in Western New York history,” Gilbane said in a statement posted to social media.
Gilbane added that, in partnership with Turner Construction Company, Empire State Development, the Hochul administration, and the Buffalo Bills, the project has delivered substantial opportunities for local and diverse businesses, including more than $250 million awarded specifically to Western New York MWBEs.
Gilbane-Turner senior leadership also emphasized the importance of outreach and coordination in reaching the milestone.
We’re proud that the impact of this stadium extends far beyond the field, creating opportunities for local and diverse businesses and supporting careers across Western New York,” John LaRow, Principal-in-Charge, Gilbane-Turner, said in a statement. “Surpassing this MWBE participation goal reflects the focused outreach and partnership that helped make this project a source of long-term community impact.
“We’re grateful for the support of the Hochul administration and the State of New York in advancing these efforts and helping expand opportunities for MWBE firms across the region.”
To date, about 140 MWBE firms have been awarded 304 contracts on the project, including 83 Western New York-based firms receiving 216 contracts. Legends, Erie County, and the Gilbane-Turner joint venture continue to work with state and team officials to ensure participation goals are met across all phases of construction.
Empire State Development said it continues to oversee coordination efforts aimed at expanding opportunities for diverse and local firms throughout construction and future operations.
The 60,000-seat venue, designed by Populous, is now in final systems testing and signage installation. At peak construction, 1,600 workers were on-site daily, contributing more than 4.5 million craft hours.
Project features include a 360-degree canopy covering most seats, heated concourses, a large-scale snow melt system, dual video boards, advanced acoustics, and a welcome plaza featuring public art and views of Buffalo, Lake Erie and the Boston Hills.
Contractor coaching programs, MWBE certification support and targeted training initiatives were key to increasing participation and helping firms compete for major public construction work, with benefits expected to extend into stadium operations and long-term maintenance contracts.
“From the beginning of construction, we recognized the effort it would take to reach our goals,” said Buffalo Bills Vice President of Stadium Relations Penny Semaia . “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.”
