In the aftermath of the graffiti discovery that temporarily suspended the construction of the Bills’ new stadium, Gilbane Building and Turner Construction offered a $100,000 reward for information that leads to arrests.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said earlier this week that the graffiti was pornographic and homophobic, while county commissioner of public works William Geary said, according to WKBW, that four separate suites sustained around $150,000 worth of damage from an oil-based spray paint that ruined surfaces and flooring — forcing parts “to be ripped out and reinstalled.”
Gilbane Building and Turner Construction said in a joint statement that construction resumed Friday and that the stadium would be completed on schedule.
“We suspended work because the people who come to this jobsite deserve to work in an environment that reflects respect and professionalism,” the statement read, according to WKBW. “When that standard is violated, we address it and take the time to reset expectations. That is who we are and how we operate.
“Gilbane | Turner maintains zero tolerance for graffiti, vandalism, or any behavior that undermines the respectful and supportive environment we expect on our projects. We appreciate the strong support we have received from our trade contractors, unions, local officials, law enforcement, and the workers on site as we work to identify those responsible for this unacceptable act. The response reinforces what we know to be true: the overwhelming majority of people on this project are committed to maintaining a welcoming and professional work environment.”
WKBW reported Wednesday that the graffiti was located “in several secure locations in both finished and unfinished areas” of the stadium, which has a cost totaling around $2.1 billion and is scheduled to debut for the start of the 2026 season.
Poloncarz suspected that the crime was committed by someone with access to the construction site.
The Bills officially closed the old Highmark Stadium in early January with their Week 18 victory against the Jets, and just across the street — in the shadow of the venue that served as the setting for their runs to four consecutive Super Bowls in the 1990s and their recent string of playoff appearances with Josh Allen as quarterback — was nearing completion.
It’s around 87 percent complete, according to local radio station WBEN.
It is expected to open in July.
