What cost overruns could mean for Bills stadium project, fans

According to a source close to the project, cost overruns on the new stadium could bring the projected cost of the project to as high as $1.7 billion.

That’s up to $300 million more than the original price tag of $1.4 billion, which came from an initial analysis the team conducted in 2020, and still significantly higher than the latest projections by the team from March of $1.54 billion.

The projected increased cost of supplies and materials, like structural steel, continue to be blamed for the rising stadium cost. But larger bid packages for items like concrete and some specialty steel have not been awarded yet, so it is still difficult to put a precise price tag on the project, and its possible costs could increase even more.

While the Bills say they have not yet determined if there will be cost overruns – less than 10% of the stadium’s construction contracts have been issued – it is likely something the team has been considering, since work on the three-year project began in late May.

“We don’t know enough yet to confirm this,” said John Roth, Bills CEO and executive vice president, a role he’s held since last month. He replaced Ron Raccuia, who helped lead the Bills through new stadium negotiations.

The Bills declined to comment further, saying it was too premature in the process. The Athletic first reported the latest cost overruns.

The Bills are responsible for paying for any cost overruns in the stadium project, so the projected $300 million increase would have to be paid by the team and its owners, Terry and Kim Pegula.

What is not clear is how the Bills will respond to the higher stadium costs that they will have to bear.

Could it mean possibly scaling back some of the project?

Could it mean increasing costs for personal seat licenses for season ticket holders at the new stadium?