News Summary
Thurman Thomas, former Buffalo Bills running back, partners with his company 34 Group for the construction of Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. The stadium, set to open for the 2026 NFL season, promotes community opportunities and features 62,000 seats. With around 1,400 workers involved, it represents the largest construction initiative in Western New York’s history, boosting local economy and inspiring future generations through educational investments in skilled trades.
Thurman Thomas Partners for Buffalo Bills’ New Stadium Construction
The construction of the highly anticipated Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, is gaining momentum, led by a partnership that includes former Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas through his construction company, 34 Group. The new stadium is expected to open its doors for the 2026 NFL season and is situated right next to the existing stadium, marking a new chapter in Buffalo football history.
Key Details of the Project
Since its inception in 2014, 34 Group, co-founded by Thomas and his wife Patti, has been committed to creating local opportunities. Their involvement in the new stadium project further solidifies their impact on the Buffalo community. The construction work includes the installation of approximately 62,000 seats along with significant interior tasks such as drywall installation and painting.
Highlighting the importance of skilled trades, the project has also seen a fruitful partnership with the clothing brand Carhartt. As part of this collaboration, the short film titled “Making The Stadium Possible” has been produced, showcasing the valuable contributions of the tradespeople working on the site. This initiative not only gives visibility to the hard work happening on the ground but also serves to inspire future generations.
Impact on the Community
The scale of this construction project is notable, being touted as the largest construction endeavor in Western New York’s history. It employs around 1,400 workers, who have collectively logged over 2 million hours of work. This job creation is essential for local economies, especially as Carhartt has invested significantly in the community, donating $300,000 to help young people pursue careers in the trades.
Thomas frequently visits the construction site, reflecting on his own experiences and memories from playing at the current stadium. His sentiment towards the project is deeply emotional, as he draws parallels between his past as a player and the future that the new stadium will hold for fans and players alike.
Farewell to the Current Stadium
As the new stadium’s construction progresses, the Bills organization is witnessing a surge in attendance from former players during the final season at the existing venue. This farewell to the old stadium is filled with nostalgia, as many former teammates remain connected through a group chat, reminiscing about significant moments shared on the field.
Thomas recalls an unforgettable game in 1991, where an extraordinary victory of 51-3 over the Los Angeles Raiders instilled pride and emotion in the heart of every Bills fan. Although he may not play in the new stadium, Thomas feels honored to be part of this landmark project that promises to create new memories for future generations of fans.
Looking Ahead
The completion of the Highmark Stadium represents more than just a new venue for Buffalo fans; it stands as a testament to the resilience and hard work of the community. As construction continues, the focus on mentorship and encouraging youth to explore career paths in the skilled trades remains central to Thomas’s vision. The financial security that such careers offer is one he wishes to promote vigorously, cementing the idea that the trades are a vital sector for long-term success.
As excitement builds towards the new Highmark Stadium’s opening in 2026, the Buffalo community is looking forward to new beginning while cherishing the memories from the past, thanks to individuals like Thurman Thomas who are dedicated to enhancing their beloved town. The legacies will not only be measured in games won but also in the lives changed through opportunities created by this construction endeavor.
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Additional Resources
- Heavy: Thurman Thomas Partners for Buffalo Bills’ New Stadium Construction
- Buffalo Bills: Thurman Thomas Teams Up with Carhartt
- SB Nation: Thurman Thomas Absolutely Loves the Buffalo Bills
- Buffalo News: Buffalo Bills Stadium Development Update
- WGRZ: Carhartt Collaborating with Thurman Thomas for Local Trades
- Wikipedia: Buffalo Bills
- Google Search: Buffalo Bills Highmark Stadium
- Google Scholar: Thurman Thomas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Google News: Buffalo Bills Stadium Construction
Author: Construction NY News
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