While it may have not been the newest and fanciest stadium in the NFL on Sundays during the Fall, the Town of Orchard Park came alive as Bills fans invaded the town for football at Ralph Wilson Stadium (also known as Highmark Stadium). The Bills history in upstate New York dates to 1959 when Ralph Wilson was awarded an expansion AFL football team that began playing in 1960 at War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo. War Memorial Stadium, a 47,000 seat stadium built in the 1930s, was constructed to host numerous events. When the Bills became a part of the NFL in 1970, it was apparent that a larger stadium was needed for the team. Owner Ralph Wilson sought a new dome stadium in Buffalo but was unable to gain support. Wilson met with officials in Seattle about the possibility of moving the team there, but instead he reached an agreement to build a stadium on a 130 acre tract of land in Orchard Park, a town south of Buffalo. Once the stadium was completed in 1973, Rich Foods bought the naming rights to the stadium for $1.5 million a year, for 25 years. The Bills became one of the first teams ever to sell the naming rights to their stadium. It was known as Rich Stadium until 1998, when the stadium was renamed Ralph Wilson Stadium.

The Buffalo Bills christened the stadium on August 17, 1973. It originally had a seating capacity of over 80,000, consisting of three decks of blue and red seats. The lower and second levels of seats circled the entire Fieldturf playing field. An upper level of seats were located on both sides of the playing field that was located 50 feet below ground level, eliminating long walks to the upper deck. Through its history, the stadium underwent many changes. In 1984, the stadium’s capacity was increased to 80,290 with the addition of 16 executive suites, and in 1992, 24 more executive suites were added. More additions were completed in 1994. The Red Zone and Goal Line clubs, that were enclosed of glass and consisted of 500 seats were added along with 14 executive suites. The main addition in 1994 was a massive 31.5ft high and 41.5ft wide JumboTron video/scoreboard.  In 1998 the seating capacity was reduced to just under 74,000, as new larger seats were installed. This addition also included more luxury and club seats. In 2007, a new 88ft by 32ft HD video/scoreboard was installed and replaced the old Sony Jumbotron. Electronic ribbon boards were also installed in the interior.

In December 2012, the Bills, the State of New York and Erie County officials agreed on a 10-year lease agreement keeping the Bills at Buffalo until 2023. The agreement included $130 million in improvements to the stadium. Renovations included a new west size plaza, updated concessions, bathrooms, an 8,000 square foot Bills team store and a new 5,400 square foot HD video/scoreboard. This project was completed by the 2014 season. In August 2016 the Bills sold the naming rights to Ralph Wilson Stadium to New Era Cap Company. Prior to the start of the 2020 season, New Era and the Bills ended their naming rights agreement. The stadium was known as Bills Stadium during the 2020 season. In April 2021 Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Bills announced they had reached a 10 year agreement to name the facility Highmark Stadium.

Before its closing, the Buffalo Bills home was one of the oldest stadiums in the league and lacked many of the amenities found within new stadiums. In October 2022, the Bills, state and local officials agreed to construct a new stadium (also named Highmark Stadium) for the team across the street from Highmark Stadium. It opened in September 2026 and Highmark Stadium was demolished in summer 2026. The Buffalo Bills played their last regular season game at Highmark Stadium on January 4, 2026, a win against the New York Jets.

Outside Highmark Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills.