In many Western New Yorkers’ hearts, Highmark Stadium has always been for the Buffalo Bills.
Now, it is beginning to take on a new role as a destination for live entertainment.
The stadium's growing concert calendar includes major artists such as Noah Kahan, Zach Bryan, Metallica and Kenny Chesney. According to Rob Banks of Buffalo country radio station 106.5 WYRK, more concerts are expected to be announced for 2027, with several performances already generating strong interest during presale access.
Instead of traveling to cities like Toronto for major concerts, UB students may just have the opportunity to see their favorite artists right at home.
Jayden Montgomery, a senior history major, said he believes the stadium made the right decision by expanding into live entertainment.
Coming from an area without a major stadium, Montgomery says attending concerts in Buffalo is a more affordable option because he already has housing nearby.
“Events like concerts are what kids our age gravitate towards,” Montgomery said. “It’ll make Buffalo a more exciting place for college students and people of all ages.”
Jimmy Wickham, a junior film studies major, also believes concerts at Highmark will become popular among college students. He himself might just stay in Buffalo over the summer if the right artist comes by.
“Having the opportunity to have more concerts in Buffalo could open the doors to more excitement in Buffalo,” Wickham said. “I definitely would see a concert at Highmark Stadium, but I think it would depend mostly on who’s performing.”
Football will remain central to the stadium's identity so Bills football fans don’t have to fret, but expanding beyond football could help bring more visitors to Western New York and contribute to Buffalo's growing entertainment economy. After all, according to tourist center Visit Buffalo, tourism spending in Erie County reached a record $2.73 billion in 2025, with money going toward hotels, restaurants, recreation and local businesses.
As Highmark Stadium enters this new chapter, its success may depend on more than what happens on the football field.
The arts desk can be reached at arts@ubspectrum.com.
