The Beat

New 60,000 Seat State-of-the-Art Stadium Will Keep the Team in Western New York for Next 30 Years

Economic Impact Will Far Exceed the Public Contribution to Western New York’s Largest Construction Project

First Scrimmage Game Set for August 8

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Governor Kathy Hochul, the Buffalo Bills and Erie County today celebrated the official completion of the new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. The massive public-private partnership marks the largest construction project in Western New York history, delivering a state-of-the-art, open-air entertainment venue that secures the franchise’s home in Buffalo for the next 30 years. Spanning 1.6 million square feet on a 242-acre site, the facility will host its first public event on August 8 with the Bills’ inaugural scrimmage game, the Blue & Red practice under the lights.

More Than $14 Million in New York State Funding Supported the Nearly $175 Million Expansion

New 71,000-Square-Foot Wing Marks Museum’s First Major Campus Expansion in Nearly a Century and Will Open as the Nation Prepares to Celebrate Nation’s 250th Anniversary

Project Adds New Galleries, Conservation and Collections Space, Classrooms, Outdoor Gathering Areas and Future Home of the American LGBTQ+ Museum

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of The New York Historical’s new Tang Wing for American Democracy, a transformative 71,000-square-foot expansion of New York City’s first museum and one of the nation’s most important cultural and research institutions. Located at 170 Central Park West, the $175 million project represents the museum’s first expansion of its landmark campus in nearly a century and will significantly increase its capacity for exhibitions, education, collections preservation and public programming. The project was supported by $9.25 million from Empire State Development, along with $5 million from the New York State Council on the Arts.

With Full Slate of Special Programming

Beginning on June 18, Extended Hours, Pay-As-You-Wish Admission, Live Musical Performances, Family Programming, and Special Exhibitions Take Place to Commemorate the Nation’s 250th Anniversary 

New York, NY (June 5, 2026)—The New York Historical has unveiled the full slate of inaugural programming, special events, and public offerings that will be available at The New York Historical when the new Tang Wing for American Democracy opens its doors to the public on June 18, 2026.

New Era of Discovery Takes Shape with Immersive Dinosaur Experience for Young Explorers

RFP Issued for New York State Museum Comprehensive Plan as Part of Governor’s $400 Million Investment into Downtown Albany

Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner of Education Betty A. Rosa today announced the grand opening of the first exhibit of the New York State Museum’s highly anticipated Kids Zone — a new dedicated, hands-on learning environment designed specifically to ignite curiosity, inspire awe, and spark imagination for children and families from New York and beyond. The Kids Zone represents a major step forward and a cornerstone achievement in Phase One of the Museum’s ongoing revitalization, advancing a vision for a more interactive, inclusive, and family-centered destination. As part of Phase Two, Empire State Development issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified firms to develop a comprehensive plan for the future of the Museum.

Sprayground, Accessible Playground And Signature “Buffalo” Sculpture Highlight New Offerings

Project Creates Affordable New Opportunities To Get Outside On Buffalo’s Outer Harbor Waterfront

Images of the Sprayground Are Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of transformative improvements to Buffalo Harbor State Park, including a new sprayground, buffalo art sculpture and fountain, enhanced accessible playground, café/retail space, public restrooms and park office. The improvements expand affordable recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike and add further energy to Buffalo’s Outer Harbor waterfront.

Merging Sustainable Agriculture, Historic Preservation, and the Arts

Stockport, New York (May 21, 2026) – Alix and David Becker, the founders of Farmstead Hudson Valley, today announced the next phase of their comprehensive mission to intertwine sustainable land stewardship, historic architectural preservation, and community-focused arts initiatives across their properties in Columbia County, New York. Spanning two distinct and culturally significant properties—the historic 41-acre Staats House estate in Stockport and a 45-acre working farm in Stuyvesant—Farmstead Hudson Valley represents a profound dedication to the agricultural heritage of the region while fostering a vibrant hub for the local creative community.

Leveraging decades of global business relationships to strengthen sponsorship opportunities, philanthropic support, and SPAC’s vision for the future

Saratoga Springs, NY (May 20, 2026) – Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces that it has appointed Michael Arpey as a new member of its Board of Directors, effective following the vote at SPAC’s Annual Meeting held on Thursday, May 14. A third-generation Saratogian and longtime arts advocate, Arpey brings to SPAC decades of international business leadership, deep philanthropic engagement, and a lifelong personal connection to the organization.

Transformation of Long-Vacant Site To Support Great Lakes Cruises Will Grow Travel and Leisure Sector in Western New York

Builds on Governor’s Commitment to Buffalo Waterfront Renewal and Reinvestment

Renderings of the Buffalo Outer Harbor Cruise Ship Terminal Are Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today unveiled renderings for a transformative cruise ship terminal on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor, marking a new chapter for the city’s waterfront. Located at the Slip 2 parcel on Fuhrmann Boulevard, the former site of the Pier Restaurant that was demolished in 2007, construction is slated to begin in July 2026 with a grand opening scheduled for the 2028 summer season. While the permanent facility for multiple ships takes shape, Buffalo will officially re-enter the cruise industry next week as it welcomes the first cruise ship to visit the city in decades at a temporary docking site near the Erie Basin Marina.

Syracuse, NY (May 20, 2026) - Destiny USA is excited to announce the official completion of the newly remodeled Regal Destiny USA. The extensive transformation introduces a fully upgraded luxury moviegoing experience featuring premium recliner seating, enhanced theatre technology, renovated amenities, and the new ScreenX format.