Hochul confirms new Bills Stadium won’t have roof

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — During her COVID-19 briefing Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul touched on plans for the new Buffalo Bills stadium, confirming for many fans that there won’t be a roof.

While there still is no final deal, Hochul said the preference is for the Bills to stay in Orchard Park instead of Downtown Buffalo.

She also said the months-long negotiations with the team’s owners have been "very positive."

Hochul said the open-air games are a part of the "Buffalo bravado" that many fans love.

“Well when there’s 18 inches of snow on the ground a dome always sounds better, but I do believe part of the culture of the Buffalo experience is to have the outdoor [stadium],” Hochul said.

A date for the completion of the new stadium has not been set yet, but Hochul said she would like to get it done sooner than later.

The Bills’ lease on Highmark Stadium ends in July of 2023.