Buffalo Bills Eye Hosting 2028 NFL Draft in New Highmark Stadium Amid Ambitious Expansion Plans
The Buffalo Bills are eyeing the spotlight for the 2028 NFL Draft as they unveil plans for their state-of-the-art stadium.
Located in Orchard Park, construction is in full swing at the New Highmark Stadium, a $1.7 billion project set to debut in time for the 2026 season kick-off, just a stone’s throw from their current home.
With ample time before the big reveal, the Bills are primed to make their bid to host the 2028 NFL Draft, pending league approval. According to Pete Guelli, the Bills’ executive vice president and chief operating officer, the city of Buffalo is the perfect match for this marquee event: “We’ve seen the success and growth of the draft in other markets.”
Guelli emphasized the team’s commitment to pursuing such opportunities, stating, “Our plan would be to express interest, and it’s competitive there are no guarantees it will work out, but we want to go down that road.”
The Bills are gearing up to submit an “expression of interest” memo to the NFL, kickstarting the bid process. Traditionally, the draft’s location is finalized about two years before the event, based on past venues.
Historically rooted in New York, the NFL Draft transitioned from the Marriot Marquis to the Theatre at Madison Square Garden and eventually settled at Radio City Music Hall. However, recent years have seen the event venture across the nation, with cities like Detroit and upcoming hosts Green Bay and Pittsburgh taking center stage.
While the 2027 host remains undecided, the Bills are optimistic about showcasing their new 67,000-capacity stadium in grand fashion. Plans also include repurposing the current Highmark Stadium into parking space to complement the new facility’s functionality.
