The lead construction team building the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park has announced a $100,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for recent acts of vandalism. The move comes after pornographic images and other graffiti were discovered inside secure areas of the $2.2 billion facility, prompting a partial work stoppage and an investigation by the Erie County Sheriff's Office.
The construction management joint venture, Gilbane | Turner, hopes the significant financial incentive will encourage individuals with knowledge of the incidents to come forward. The investigation is currently focused on workers who had access to the site.
Key Takeaways
- A $100,000 reward is being offered by construction firm Gilbane | Turner for information leading to an arrest.
- Vandalism included pornographic graffiti found in suites and locker rooms of the new Highmark Stadium.
- Construction was temporarily paused but has partially resumed; the project remains on schedule for completion.
- The investigation is focused on the theory of an inside job, as damaged areas required secure access.
Reward Posted After Damaging Discovery
Construction at the future home of the Buffalo Bills was disrupted Monday morning when crews discovered extensive vandalism throughout the interior of the stadium. The damage included spray-painted pornographic images in high-value areas such as private suites and locker rooms.
In response to the recurring issue, Gilbane | Turner announced the six-figure reward to accelerate the investigation. Officials believe the substantial sum could be the key to identifying the person or persons involved.
"Let's face it, $100,000 is a lot of money," said Paul Brown, president of the Buffalo Building and Construction Trades Council. Brown expressed his personal frustration over the incident, stating, "Personally, I'm annoyed and disappointed."
The incident forced a halt to much of the work on Monday and Tuesday as law enforcement began their investigation. Work has since resumed in areas of the stadium that were not affected by the graffiti.
Investigation Points to an Inside Job
The Erie County Sheriff's Office is leading the official inquiry into the vandalism. Investigators believe the perpetrators may have had authorized access to the construction site, as much of the damage occurred in secure zones.
Entry to these specific areas, including the suites where graffiti was found, requires a special swipe card or key fob. This has led officials to suspect that someone with legitimate access to the site is responsible.
"If that is the case, then I'm very annoyed," Brown added, reflecting the sentiment that the act may have been committed by a fellow construction worker.
Investigation by the Numbers
- 1,300+: Total workers currently on site.
- 300: Number of second-shift workers from Feb. 15 being focused on by investigators.
- 3: Number of shifts operating daily, seven days a week, to keep the project on schedule.
The investigation has reportedly narrowed its focus to approximately 300 workers who were part of the second shift on February 15, the period during which the vandalism is believed to have occurred. The large number of personnel on site presents a challenge, but access records are expected to provide crucial leads.
Stadium Construction Remains on Schedule
Despite the disruption caused by the vandalism and recent harsh winter weather, project leaders affirm that the new Highmark Stadium is still on track to be completed on time. The facility is scheduled to be ready before the start of the 2026 NFL season.
Project Overview: New Highmark Stadium
The new stadium is a massive $2.2 billion project located across Abbott Road from the current home of the Buffalo Bills. With construction now more than 87% complete, the project is in its final phases, involving detailed interior work, technology installation, and finishing touches that make security crucial.
Crews are working around the clock to meet the deadline, operating three shifts per day, seven days a week. The partial pause in construction was carefully managed to minimize delays, with teams resuming work in unaffected sections by Wednesday.
The commitment to the timeline underscores the importance of resolving the security issue quickly. The reward offered by Gilbane | Turner is seen as a critical step to not only find the culprits but also to deter any future incidents and ensure the project proceeds without further interruption.