Workplace Safety
Buffalo, NY Stadium Work Resumes After Suspects ID'ed in $150K Graffiti Vandalism
A $100K reward for information led to identification of at least two workers after JV contractor Gilbane-Turner pauses $2.1B Buffalo Bills football project for one week
Local officials investigating vandalism said “spray-painted pornographic images” were found in multiple locations, including suites at the $2.1B Buffalo Bills stadium, a Gilbane-Turner joint venture projeect..
Construction work is back on track at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., after police identifed, but did not arrest two suspects in connection with $150,000 in property damage that paused work for nearly one week at the $2.1 billion stadium project, said the Gilbane Building Cos. and Turner Construction joint venture building it for the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills.
Local officials investigating the vandalism told WIVB4 that “spray-painted pornographic images,” described as homophobic in nature were found in multiple locations, including some luxury suites at the stadium. Investigating officials explained that an oil-based paint used to commit the vandalism got into some of the venue’s granite and marble surfaces, tiles, wood finishes and flooring, causing a need for them to be removed and reinstalled.
“They’ve got to chop the marble out, and some of the floor, because it got on the floor, and they can’t get it out,” added Buffalo Building Trades Council Paul Brown in a comment. “So, yeah, it’s costly, expensive, and somebody’s got to pay for it.”
Gilbane-Turner said the joint venture’s $100,000 reward for information led to identification of the site construction workers, with local law enforcement still investigating the involvement of as many as five more workers, reported WBEN.
Information on the names of the workers, their employers, job status and any disciplinary actions taken were not disclosed.
The joint venture team "has worked diligently to create a respectful and supportive environment on this project,” said Gilbane-Turner in a statement. “We have made significant investments in jobsite amenities to support the trade workers performing demanding work, often in challenging weather conditions. They deserve a professional and respectful workplace.”
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Shutting down stadium construction in response to the graffiti backs Turner Construction’s zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment on its jobsites, which the contractor says extends to its employees, subcontractors and vendors.
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“As this remains an active investigation, we are directing further inquiries to law enforcement,” the joint venture said in a statement to ENR.
Another type of hate crime, nooses and racist graffiti, have plagued construction projects in different parts of the country.
Construction at Highmark Stadium also was temporarily halted in October 2024 out of caution after a symbol was discovered at the site that was initially believed to be a hate symbol. But law enforcement later determined that it was not malicious in nature.
“The actions of a very small number of individuals do not reflect the values or conduct of the approximately 8,000 people who have worked on this project to date [who] demonstrate professionalism, pride and respect each and every day,” the joint venture added.
Gilbane-Turner stated that the joint venture has made “significant investments” in jobsite amenities for its trade workers and they “deserve a professional and respectful workplace.”
Rendering courtesy Gilbane-Turner
Design firm Populous is the architect-of-record for the 1.35 million-sq-ft open-air stadium, which topped out at 50% complete in April 2025 with a target opening date before the Sept. 10 start of the Buffalo Bills 2026 footfall season. Legends Project Development is the project management firm.
The stadium is expected to have a minimum capacity of 60,000 seats with suites, ledge seats, clubs and other premium seating areas, including a 18,750-sq-ft ancillary building.
