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Erie County Approves 6% Highmark Stadium Tax

8/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Erie County, New York, will impose a 6% stadium tax on every purchase inside Highmark Stadium, directing revenue to a county account for stadium maintenance and applying to all events, not just Bills games.
Season ticket holder Jared Carlson of Henrietta paid $6,000 for four upper-deck seats obstructed by a glass wall and railing.
Bills officials said they will address fan feedback before the Week 2 home opener on Thursday, Sept. 17.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 Miami-Dade County approved a 1 % sales tax to fund the new stadium for the Florida Marlins, a franchise awarded in July 1991 after Wayne Huizenga purchased half of Joe Robbie Stadium. That precedent paved the way for later levies, including Erie County’s 6 % stadium tax that now finances Highmark Stadium for the Buffalo Bills, showing municipalities increasingly rely on dedicated taxes for venue costs.

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Story summary

Erie County, New York, will impose a 6% stadium tax on every purchase inside Highmark Stadium, directing revenue to a county account for stadium maintenance and applying to all events, not just Bills games.
Season ticket holder Jared Carlson of Henrietta paid $6,000 for four upper-deck seats obstructed by a glass wall and railing.
Bills officials said they will address fan feedback before the Week 2 home opener on Thursday, Sept. 17.

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