Things to Do Near Highmark Stadium Before & After an Event

Highmark Stadium has been the Buffalo Bills stadium since its opening in 1973 as Rich Stadium. In its 51-year history, the stadium has also been known as Ralph Wilson Stadium, New Era Field and Bills Stadium. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York purchased the naming rights in 2021.

With a seating capacity of 71,608, Highmark Stadium has also been used for many other events besides Bills games, including a 1984 supercross racing event, the opening ceremonies of the 1993 Summer Universiade, the first-ever NHL Winter Classic in 2008, the 2018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and more. Additionally, major artists like Eric Clapton, The Who, The Jackson Five, Guns N’ Roses, Garth Brooks, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, One Direction, U2 and The Rolling Stones have all made stops at Highmark Stadium while touring over the years.

Before or after a Bills game — or any other event hosted at Soldier Field — there’s always plenty to eat, drink and do in the greater Buffalo area. Below, explore Ticketmaster’s handy guide for recommendations about where to eat, stay and experience live entertainment in New York’s Queen City.

Where to Eat & Drink Before an Event at Highmark Stadium

Need something to eat ahead of the big game? Check out a number of dining and drink options around Buffalo before heading to the stadium to cheer on the Bills. (And don’t forget to grab Highmark Stadium tickets for every home game of the season via Ticketmaster!)

Prohibition 2020

3847 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127

OP Social Tap and Grille

4247 N Buffalo St, Orchard Park, NY 14127

Buffalo Sports Garden

2945 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127

Where to Go After an Event at Highmark Stadium

If you’re in the mood to keep the night going after a game, Buffalo boasts a number of live music venues — many in historic buildings with fascinating backstories — just a short drive from Highmark Stadium. Below, dive into places to go after an event at Highmark Stadium.

Town Ballroom

681 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203

Town Ballroom has been a centerpiece of Buffalo’s Theatre District since the 1940s, when it was known as The Town Casino and visited by everyone from Al Capone and Frank Sinatra to Nat King Cole, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Restored to its original glory in 2005, the space is now a historic live music and entertainment venue that’s brought Lucinda Williams, Silversun Pickups, Sonja Morgan, Motion City Soundtrack and The Glitch Mob to Buffalo.

Get tickets to upcoming shows at Town Ballroom here.

Asbury Hall at Babeville

341 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202

Located inside Buffalo’s Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, Asbury Hall at Babeville is a beautiful live music space featuring stained glass windows, a wrap-around balcony and a capacity of up to 1,200 fans. Over the years, Sleater-Kinney, Modest Mouse, Keb Mo, Sufjan Stevens, Ani DiFranco and more have all played its stunning stage.

Get tickets to upcoming shows at Asbury Hall at Babeville here.

Buffalo Iron Works

49 Illinois St, Buffalo, NY 14203

Buffalo Iron Works opened in 2013, transforming a factory building dating back to the early 1900s into a thrilling music space in the city’s historic Cobblestone District. With an onsite restaurant and bar, the venue has been the home to shows by Mickey Guyton, Eric Hutchinson, of Montreal and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Adore Delano in recent years.

Get tickets to upcoming shows at Buffalo Iron Works here.

Hotels Near Highmark Stadium

• Red Carpet Inn, Rte 20, 3940 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park, NY 14127
• Econo Lodge Buffalo South, 4344 Milestrip Rd, Buffalo, NY 14219
• Hampton Inn Buffalo-Hamburg, 5444 Camp Rd, Hamburg, NY 14075
• Staybridge Suites Buffalo, 164 Slade Ave, West Seneca, NY 14224
• Comfort Inn & Suites, 3615 Commerce Pl, Hamburg, NY 14075
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, 164B Slade Ave, West Seneca, NY 14224
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hamburg, 3565 Commerce Pl, Hamburg, NY 14075
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lackawanna, 2500 Hamburg Turnpike, Lackawanna, NY 14218