Full Breakdown
Demolition of Buffalo Bills' Highmark Stadium Begins Ahead of New $2 Billion Home
5/6/2026, 9:30:01 PM
Demolition Begins at Old Highmark Stadium
The Buffalo Bills’ former home, opened as Rich Stadium in 1973, entered demolition in May 2023 after power was shut off on May 1. Breeze National is dismantling the structure with heavy equipment and cutting torches, avoiding explosives. The northwest corner was the first section removed, creating a road for more equipment. The Bills say demolition will finish by late fall, while the stadium project is slated for substantial completion on June 1, 2026, and final completion by March 2027.
Background & Context
Renamed Highmark Stadium in recent years, the venue hosted every Bills game for over five decades. A new $2 billion Highmark Stadium is being built across Abbot Road to replace the aging facility for the 2026 NFL season.
Project Timeline & Statistics
- May 1, 2023: Power disconnected; demolition crews began work.
- Late fall 2023 (local report): Expected demolition completion.
- 93 % construction progress; substantial completion targeted for June 1, 2026.
- Full project completion projected for March 2027; demolition contractor Breeze National.
Official Statements & Responses
The Bills announced the power shutdown and confirmed Breeze National’s role in the demolition. They reported the new stadium is 93 % complete and on schedule for a June 1, 2026, substantial completion, with full project completion by March 2027. CollectibleXchange, tasked with preserving memorabilia, said it is cataloguing historic items for fans.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans gathered to photograph the teardown and reminisce. Season-ticket holder Mike Ryan called the scene “quite sad,” recalled “fifty-something years” of history, and said he “can’t wait to get in” the new stadium. Local business owner Eric Matwijow marveled at the heavy machinery, noting the “claws on the hydraulics are just amazing.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source projects demolition will be fully completed by late fall 2023, while another frames March 2027 as the overall project completion date, encompassing the new stadium’s readiness. The precise demolition end date remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You want to cry,” — Brandon Steiner, CEO, CollectibleXchange
- “Fifty something years and now it's definitely coming to an end. It's quite sad and I'm almost ready to shed a tear,” — Mike Ryan, longtime season-ticket holder
- “I can't wait to get in there,” — Mike Ryan, on the upcoming stadium
- “It just seemed like with the heavy machinery here... boy they really went to town. Some of the claws on the hydraulics are just amazing.” — Eric Matwijow, owner, Hammer’s Lot
What’s Next
Demolition crews will continue clearing the site through late fall, preparing a construction road for the final phases of the new stadium. The Bills aim to host their first game in the new Highmark Stadium at the start of the 2026 season, with full project completion anticipated by March 2027.
