BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – About 1,500 construction workers are returning to the site of the new Highmark Stadium, where vandalism has shut down work for the better part of a week. A day later, project officials said two people who may have been responsible for the graffiti had been identified.
Gilbane Turner, the company responsible for the construction of the new stadium, released a statement to WIVB News 4 Saturday afternoon, saying: “An investigation and tip-off coordinated with local law enforcement has now identified two individuals who may be responsible for the graffiti.”
Graffiti appeared in multiple areas, including some suites. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said it was pornographic and homophobic in nature.
The Erie County executive said it would cost more than $150,000 to repair the areas damaged by spray paint.
Paul Brown, president of the Buffalo Building Trades Council, said the restoration will require a lot of work.
“It got into the marble and they couldn’t get it out, so they had to chop away the marble and some of the flooring because it got into the flooring and they couldn’t get it out,” Brown said. “So, yes, it’s very costly, and someone has to pay for it.”
After the statement from program officials, News 4 reached out to officials with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the law enforcement agency leading the investigation, and they said no charges have been filed at this time and the investigation continues.
“The Gilban|Turner team worked hard to create a respectful and supportive environment for this project,” read the company’s statement. “We have invested heavily in our worksite facilities to support trade workers performing demanding work in harsh weather conditions. They deserve a professional and respectful workplace. The actions of a very small number of individuals do not reflect the values or behaviors of the approximately 8,000 people involved in the project to date. They demonstrate professionalism, pride and respect every day.“
Earlier this week, the company announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
This remains a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Rob Petree is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. Click here to see more of his work.
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