You're probably here because you're either trying to figure out where to park for the Bills game or you’re a confused soccer fan wondering why your GPS is pointing toward Western New York when you’re standing in downtown Pittsburgh. Honestly, it's a valid question. The name "Highmark Stadium" belongs to two very different places, and getting them mixed up is a classic rookie mistake.
Where is Highmark Stadium (The Big One)?
The most famous version—the one with the folding tables and the snow—is the home of the NFL's Buffalo Bills. If you're looking for that specific Highmark Stadium, it isn't actually in Buffalo. It's in Orchard Park, New York.
The physical address is 1 Bills Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127.
It's about a 20-minute drive south of downtown Buffalo, assuming there isn't a massive lake-effect snowstorm turning the I-190 into a parking lot. This venue has been around since 1973, though it’s gone through a mid-life crisis of name changes. You might still hear locals call it "The Ralph" (after Ralph Wilson) or even New Era Field. Now it’s Highmark, thanks to a naming rights deal with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York.
Getting to Orchard Park
If you're flying in, Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is your best bet. From there, it’s a straight shot down the NY-33 to the I-90.
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Most people drive. It’s Western New York; we love our trucks. But if you’re staying downtown and don’t want to deal with the chaos of the "Mud Lot," there are shuttle services and the NFTA Game Day Express.
Just a heads up: rideshares like Uber and Lyft are notoriously tricky after games. You’ll be standing in a designated lot for an hour watching the surge pricing hit triple digits. Basically, have a backup plan or a very patient friend.
The "Other" Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh
Now, if you aren't looking for Josh Allen but rather a professional soccer match, you’re likely looking for the other Highmark Stadium.
This one is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and it is the home of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship).
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The address for this one is 510 W. Station Square Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
It is located in the Station Square area, right on the South Shore of the Monongahela River. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful spots to watch a game in the country because the Pittsburgh skyline sits right behind the goal. You could literally hit the river with a poorly aimed clearance kick.
It’s much smaller, seating about 5,000 people. If you show up here wearing a Bills jersey, people will be nice to you because Pittsburgh is a sports town, but you’ll be about 200 miles away from the kickoff you were expecting.
Why the Location is Changing in 2026
If you are looking for where is Highmark Stadium because you heard they are building a new one, you’re right on the money.
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Right now, as we speak in 2026, there is a massive construction site directly across the street from the current stadium in Orchard Park. The Bills are moving. The "New Highmark Stadium" is scheduled to open for the 2026 NFL season, and it's basically a $1.7 billion project designed to keep the wind from freezing the fans' faces off—at least a little bit.
What to expect from the New Highmark Stadium location:
- Same Neighborhood: It’s staying in Orchard Park, right across Abbott Road from the old site.
- Better Coverage: It’ll have a canopy covering about 65% of the seats.
- The "Pit" Legacy: During construction, it’s been nicknamed "The Pit," but it will carry the Highmark name over once the ribbon is cut.
The old stadium? It's destined for the wrecking ball. Once the new place is fully operational, the 1973 relic will be demolished to make room for more parking.
Pro Tips for Visiting Orchard Park
If you’re heading to the Buffalo location, there are a few things you absolutely have to know. First, Orchard Park is a residential suburb. You aren't walking to a fancy gastropub after the game. You are walking to a neighbor's front lawn where they are charging $40 for you to park your car between their shed and their lilac bushes.
- The Walk is Real: Even if you park in the "official" lots, expect to walk. A lot.
- Abbott Road is the Arterial: This road is the lifeblood of the stadium experience. It’s where the best tailgating happens, but it also gets shut down to traffic hours before the game.
- The Weather Factor: Because of how the stadium is situated in the Southtowns, it catches lake-effect snow that the city of Buffalo often misses. Check the Orchard Park forecast, not the Buffalo forecast. They can be 10 degrees and two feet of snow apart.
Honestly, the best way to experience the location is to arrive four hours early. Bring a grill. Bring some Zweigle's hots or Sahlen’s hot dogs. If you’re at the Pittsburgh location, just grab a beer at Station Square and enjoy the view. Both are great, but they couldn't be more different.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your tickets specifically for the league. If it says "NFL," set your GPS to 1 Bills Drive in Orchard Park. If it says "USL" or "Riverhounds," head to Station Square in Pittsburgh. If you're planning a trip for late 2026, keep an eye on the official Bills website for "New Highmark Stadium" gate entrances, as the traffic patterns around Abbott Road are shifting significantly during the transition.