Snow, wind, and freezing cold have always defined Buffalo football. The Bills’ new stadium will keep that identity intact without building a dome.
The $2.1 billion project is rising in Orchard Park across Abbott Road from the current Highmark Stadium and is expected to open in 2026.
While some NFL teams have opted for fully enclosed domes or retractable roofs, the Bills’ future home will remain open-air, with a partial canopy designed to shield fans from the worst of the weather while still letting the elements play their role.
Here’s what fans should know.
Is the new Buffalo Bills stadium a dome?
The new Highmark Stadium will not be a dome. The Bills and state leaders opted for an open-air design that keeps Buffalo’s football identity rooted in outdoor games.
While some NFL teams have enclosed domes or retractable roofs, Buffalo’s stadium will stay uncovered over the field, meaning snow and cold-weather games remain part of the experience.
How much of the stadium will be covered?
The new stadium will feature a steel canopy that covers about 64% of all seating. The roof is designed to:
- Protect fans from wind, snow, and rain.
- Amplify crowd noise by reflecting sound back onto the field.
- Improve comfort in one of the NFL’s harshest winter climates.
How does the canopy snow-melt system work?
Buffalo’s canopy isn’t just big, it’s high-tech. Engineers describe it as the largest and most advanced snow-melt system in the world.
- Hydronic heat pipes run throughout the steel decking, circulating warm fluid to melt snow and ice.
- Sensors automatically trigger the system when snow accumulates.
- Concave shape helps collect precipitation so it can melt quickly.
This design prevents dangerous snow buildup while ensuring fans and players remain safe during heavy lake-effect storms.
Why not build a dome?
The dome debate has swirled for decades. Here’s why leaders and the team chose open-air instead:
- Tradition: The Bills are synonymous with tough-weather football.
- Cost: A full dome or retractable roof would have added hundreds of millions more to the project.
- Fan experience: Ownership has emphasized that Buffalo’s outdoor atmosphere is unique and should be preserved.
What about the playing surface?
Unlike the current Highmark Stadium, which uses synthetic A-Turf Titan, the new field will be natural grass.
- A SubAir system will manage soil moisture, aeration, and field heating.
- Grow lights will keep the grass healthy during long Buffalo winters.
Will there still be snow games?
Yes. While the canopy will shield most fans, the field itself will remain exposed to the elements. Snow and wind could still play a factor, keeping Buffalo’s reputation for wild-weather games intact.
