Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 16, The $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium project in New York, USA, reached a milestone with the installation of its final major roof section. This step, known as the topping-out, occurred 20 months after construction began on the 60,000-seat venue, designed through a partnership between the Buffalo Bills, Legends, and Populous.

The topping out comes 20 months after breaking ground on the new 60,000-seat facility.

The ceremony saw New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, Buffalo Bills representatives, Erie County officials, and over 1,400 guests in attendance. Now halfway finished, the stadium remains on schedule for completion before the 2026 NFL season. A crane lifted the tallest beam to 156 feet, marking the structural peak. So far, workers have used over 22,000 steel components, weighing more than 25,000 tons, sourced from New York-based fabricators. The project has also involved moving 742,000 cubic yards of earth and pouring over 46,000 cubic yards of concrete for the foundation, alongside piping work.

At its busiest, the site will employ up to 1,500 workers handling tasks like masonry, electrical systems, and plumbing. To date, over 1.7 million craft hours have been logged, a number set to double by the end. With the structure topped out, efforts now turn to the interior, roof, and outer shell. Gilbane Building Company and Turner Construction Company, overseeing the build, are adding the canopy and precast elements for the stadium’s framework.

Next, the exterior will take shape with precast panels, perforated metal, and glass, offering views of Lake Erie and downtown Buffalo. Beyond football, the stadium will host various events and include features like a 360-degree canopy, heated concourses, dual video boards, and an advanced sound system for an improved visitor experience.

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz remarked: “When you stand next to this future home of the Buffalo Bills, you realise how big this stadium is, not just in size, but in the economic impact to the community. With more than 1,000 highly paid construction workers building this stadium each day, this project is the biggest one in Erie County history and it is improving the lives of many.” He expressed gratitude to county and state leaders, the Pegula and Bills families, and local trade workers for keeping the Bills in Erie County for the next three decades.

Separately, New York State recently started a $61.5 million road improvement project on the New York State Thruway, Interstate 90, spanning Ontario and Monroe counties. This effort complements the region’s infrastructure growth, though it remains distinct from the stadium’s construction, focusing on transportation rather than economic activity tied to exports or consumption. The Highmark Stadium project continues to highlight local collaboration and investment, promising long-term benefits for the area.