Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Buffalo Bills Celebrate Grand Opening of Highmark Trail

Buffalo, N.Y. (August 24, 2026) — Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Buffalo Bills officially celebrated the grand opening of the Highmark Trail, a new 1.7-mile community trail surrounding the new Highmark Stadium, during a community-wide event that brought together local residents, families, community leaders and Bills fans for a day focused on wellness, recreation and connection.

A distinctive feature of the new Highmark Stadium, the Highmark Trail reimagines how a sports venue can serve its community beyond game day.

The 1.7-mile path features a series of interactive fitness and wellness elements designed to encourage movement, engagement and fun for visitors of all ages. By combining recreation, accessibility and community connection, the trail creates a year-round destination where residents and visitors can gather, stay active and celebrate Buffalo's healthy, active lifestyle.

"The Highmark Trail reflects our shared vision of a healthier, more connected Western New York," said Jessica Cox, president, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. "Together with the Buffalo Bills, we've created a destination that encourages movement, brings people together and gives friends and families a new way to experience community at the Stadium year-round."

The celebration featured an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, music from DJ Milk, family-friendly activities and giveaways. Special appearances by Buffalo Bills Alumni Thurman Thomas, Former safety Aaron Williams and Billy Buffalo will be a highlight of this event, bringing together community members, Bills fans and local leaders to experience the Highmark Trail for the first time.

"The Highmark Trail is a testament to our commitment to community, wellness, and innovation," said Pete Guelli, Buffalo Bills President of Business Operations. “Together with Highmark, we are excited to welcome fans, families, and neighbors to this remarkable new space that brings people together and promotes healthy living year-round."

The event also served as the culmination of the Heart of Buffalo Health Quest, a community-wide scavenger hunt created by Highmark and the Bills to inspire movement, exploration and healthy living across Western New York. More than 600 teams participated in the challenge, engaging with landmarks and wellness activities throughout the region. During the celebration, a lucky participant was named grand-prize winner, receiving a pair of tickets to the Buffalo Bills' home opener against the Detroit Lions at the new Highmark Stadium, capping off a summer-long initiative that celebrated wellness, community connection and Buffalo pride.

The excitement continued as another pair of tickets was randomly awarded to a lucky Ribbon Cutting attendee.

As part of the celebration, a collaborative community mural led by local artist Patti Thomas, A.K.A. “The Ghost” was unveiled for attendees to contribute to. The mural reflects Buffalo's enduring spirit, resilience and community pride. The artwork will have a lasting impact beyond the event, finding a permanent home at Buffalo General Hospital. 

Now open to the community, the Highmark Trail will serve as a destination for wellness, recreation and connection in Western New York, during football season and beyond.