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
Tags
You Might Like
Sports
Holiday Sports Preview: Must-Watch NBA, NFL, NHL & NCAA Games
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that means sports are taking center stage. Late December and January involve some of the biggest sporting event...
Sports
Where to Stay & Play Near Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden has been a staple of New York City since its opening in February 1968. As the New York Knicks and Rangers stadium, the venue remains th...
Sports
Things to Do Near Nissan Stadium Before & After an Event
Nissan Stadium has been the Tennessee Titans stadium since 1999, just two seasons after the team moved to Nashville. Originally named Adelphia Coliseum, the ...