sport

Buffalo Opens New Stadium, Launches Major Sports Venue Construction Projects

Recent openings and construction projects update the venues and infrastructure supporting sport locally.

By Buffalo Sport Desk · Published July 19, 2026

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The new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium for the Buffalo Bills officially opened on June 23, 2026. This replaced the prior 53-year-old facility, which is now being demolished with completion of that work expected in 2027.

Highmark Stadium Opening

The opening provides a current major venue for professional football in the city. Construction milestones included testing of new video boards prior to the June 23 date, and Verizon was announced as a founding partner during the build process.

Thomas Smith Indoor Athletic Facility

Construction began on the Thomas Smith Indoor Athletic Facility, an $11.5 million turf-field complex located in North Buffalo. The project is scheduled to open at the end of 2027 and will serve as the city's only indoor public sports facility once complete.

University at Buffalo Performance Center

The University at Buffalo grand opened the Brittany Murchie Mulla Sports Performance Center in October 2024. This 12,000-square-foot facility includes turf inclines and weight training racks to support the university's 14 varsity teams.

Sabres Lease Extension and Soccer Site Update

The Buffalo Sabres extended their lease at KeyBank Center through September 2031 and added a 10-year naming rights extension that keeps the current name through the 2035-36 season. Separately, Buffalo Pro Soccer ended its original stadium plan at Elk and Lee Streets, with the former HSBC Atrium parking lot now listed as the sole potential alternative site.

These projects reflect ongoing work on venues and infrastructure that support local sport. Demolition at the old Bills site continues toward 2027 completion, while the North Buffalo indoor facility moves through its build phase toward a late-2027 opening. The University at Buffalo center is already in use following its 2024 opening, and lease arrangements at KeyBank Center provide stability through the early 2030s. Buffalo Pro Soccer will continue site evaluations at the remaining location option. Further updates on these timelines will depend on construction progress and any additional announcements from the involved organizations.