Terry and Kim Pegula recently received a record $850 million in public funding to construct the Bills’ new stadium — but they were seeking even more.
The Bills owners reportedly wanted the proposed stadium to be 100% publicly financed.
Ultimately, they received $600 million from the state of New York and $250 million from Erie County.
Erie County executive Mark Polocarz wanted the new stadium to be built in or around downtown Buffalo, but the Pegulas ultimately elected to keep the Bills in Orchard Park, citing lesser construction costs and expedited construction time.
The second point could end up being crucial: A recent evaluation of Highmark Stadium revealed that the upper decks of the structure are deteriorating rapidly, expediting the need for a new stadium or significant renovations in the near future.
A new stadium could be home to a Super Bowl champion sooner rather than later — the Bills are the favorites (+650) to win Super Bowl LVII.
