Highmark Stadium's 'We Built This House' Wall Honors Workers

Growing up in Buffalo, being a Bills fan wasn't a choice; it was a way of life in my home.

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the Buffalo Bills' annual Return of the Blue & Red training camp practice. Thanks to a gifted ticket, I experienced the new Highmark Stadium from both the 400 level and the 100 level after joining friends in their seats. While watching the team prepare for the season was exciting, that's not what I'll remember most.

I came to see the house that Buffalo built

Walking into the new stadium, I couldn't help but admire how different it felt from the old Ralph Wilson Stadium. The entrances were more open, the concourses were noticeably wider, and even while grabbing food, you never lost sight of the field. That was one of my favorite details.

I also appreciated the self-service food stations, which kept the lines moving. The chicken tenders were fresh, and yes, I was happy to find both plain and hot options (don't tell my trainer). I loved seeing neighborhood names like West Side and Black Rock woven throughout the stadium. Those little touches made the building feel very Buffalo. Even when the rain came down, fans could step into the concourse and continue watching practice comfortably. The sound system was impressive, and the video boards looked incredible. We are not like the other stadiums; we built what fit us.

But my favorite moment came away from the field.

As I was leaving after the rain came down, I walked outside the stadium and I walked right to the area of the stadium wall that reads, "We Built This House." It recognizes the thousands of men and women whose skill, dedication, and hard work helped bring the new Highmark Stadium to life as part of the Bills' $1.7 billion stadium project.

Seeing my own name on that wall stopped me in my tracks.

Through my work with Developments by JEM, a Buffalo-based construction, development, and project management consulting firm, I had the privilege of contributing to this historic project alongside an incredible team of professionals. To have my name permanently displayed beside construction workers, engineers, project managers, and countless others who poured years of effort into this stadium is an honor I'll never take for granted.

As someone born and raised in Buffalo, the moment carried even more meaning. My mom was a lifelong Bills fan. Through every winning season and every heartbreak, she proudly stood by her team. Knowing my name is now part of the home of the franchise she loved filled me with pride and emotion.

Many fans walked into the stadium eager to watch the team and see the new stadium. I walked in looking for the people behind the scenes who built this house.

The names on that wall represent long days, sacrifices, missed family dinners, and countless hours of work that most fans will never see. Every name tells a story, and I'm grateful mine is one of them.

So while some people may focus on what's different about this new stadium, I'll always see something else. I'll see the people who built it.

And as Bills fans, we'll protect this house. Let's Go Bills!