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Gilbane-Turner Awards $490M to MWBE Firms for $2.1B Highmark Stadium Project

The $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, has surpassed its MWBE contracting goals with over $490 million awarded to minority- and women-owned businesses.

By Colin Percy · May 20, 2026

The construction of the new Highmark Stadium in Buffalo has reached a significant milestone, with project leaders announcing that Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) have received over $490 million in contract disbursements to date. This achievement represents the highest level of MWBE participation for any public-private partnership project in Western New York history, with 304 separate contracts awarded to nearly 140 firms. Of that total, 83 Western New York-based businesses have secured 216 contracts totaling more than $250 million.

Currently 96 percent complete, the 60,000-seat facility is entering its final stages of tech system testing and signage installation. Designed by Populous, the venue features a 360-degree canopy, advanced snow melt systems, and extensive modern amenities. The project team, led by a partnership involving the Buffalo Bills, Erie County, and the Gilbane-Turner construction team, expects MWBE participation to continue growing as the venue transitions from construction to operations under a long-term Community Benefits Agreement.

Companies mentioned

general contractor

Gilbane Building

HotelMedical
other

Legends

Automotive & serviceMultifamily
architect

Populous

owner

Buffalo Bills

general contractor

Turner Construction

HotelIndustrial
general contractor

Gilbane-Turner

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