NFL Commissioner Excited for Bills' New Stadium

Goodell praises public-private partnership that led to Highmark Stadium's construction

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:12am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, a native of Western New York, expressed his excitement for the upcoming opening of the Buffalo Bills' new Highmark Stadium. Goodell highlighted the successful public-private partnership that made the new stadium possible and said he looks forward to attending games there.

Why it matters

The new Highmark Stadium represents a major investment in the Buffalo Bills franchise and the Western New York region. As the team's home for the foreseeable future, the stadium's opening is a significant milestone that solidifies the Bills' long-term presence in Buffalo.

The details

Goodell, who is from Jamestown, NY, said he has a "great deal of pride" in Western New York and the Bills organization for their work in getting the new stadium built through a public-private partnership with the state, county, and team owner Terry Pegula. Bills COO Pete Guelli said the team is on track to receive the keys to the stadium in June and plans to host the annual Blue and Red scrimmage as the first major event before the preseason begins in August.

  • The new Highmark Stadium is set to open in the fall of 2026.
  • Bills COO Pete Guelli said the team will receive the keys to the stadium in June 2026.
  • The first major event at the new stadium will likely be the annual Blue and Red scrimmage during Bills training camp in August 2026.

The players

Roger Goodell

The Commissioner of the National Football League, who is a native of Western New York and has expressed excitement over the Bills' new stadium.

Pete Guelli

The Chief Operating Officer of the Buffalo Bills, who provided updates on the timeline for the new Highmark Stadium.

Terry Pegula

The owner of the Buffalo Bills, who partnered with state and local governments to help fund the new stadium.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have a great deal of pride in Western New York. But I also have a great deal of pride in the Bills, and how they've been able to work through and get the stadium in a great public-private partnership with the state, the county, and Terry Pegula and his team stepping up. So I'm excited.”

— Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

“It's a football first facility. It's a grass field. We want to make sure we're not doing anything that's going to take away from that first game that takes place there. So we're going to have a number of smaller events to kind of introduce the fans to the building and get people comfortable.”

— Pete Guelli, Bills Chief Operating Officer

What’s next

The Bills will receive the keys to Highmark Stadium in June 2026 and plan to host the annual Blue and Red scrimmage as the first major event before the preseason begins in August.

The takeaway

The new Highmark Stadium represents a significant investment in the Buffalo Bills franchise and the Western New York region. The successful public-private partnership that made the stadium possible demonstrates the community's commitment to keeping the Bills in Buffalo for the long term.