As Buffalo Billsfans stream into the new Highmark Stadium for the first regular-season game in its history Thursday night, they'll be greeted by a family of towering bison statues standing watch outside the stadium.
The sculptures, installed this summer, have quickly become one of the defining visual elements of the Bills' new home.
Here's how the larger-than-life statues came together, what they symbolize and why they became such a prominent part of the stadium's design.
Created by artist Blessing Hancock, the statues are built around a steel frame with a stainless steel exterior. The installation is designed to represent the strength, resilience and family spirit of Buffalo and Bills Mafia.
The display includes a bull, cow and calf, a family grouping
that was intentionally chosen to symbolize togetherness and generations of Bills Mafia fans.
The statues were fabricated by ART Research Enterprises in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
How big are the Bills' bison statues?
The bull stands approximately 27 feet tall, stretches 29 feet long and weighs about 23,000 pounds. The cow stands about 22 feet tall and 23 feet long, while the calf measures roughly 12 feet tall and 13 feet long. The sculptures feature programmable lighting, and the bull and cow can emit vapor from their nostrils to create the appearance of breathing on a cold Western New York night.
Where can Bills fans see the bison at new Highmark Stadium?
The Family Circle is a year-round gathering space outside the stadium's secure entrance. The plaza also features the Bills Legend Wall honoring members of the franchise's Wall of Fame and displays celebrating western New York history.
The organization officially opened the new $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in June.
Although the sculptures were installed this summer, Thursday's opener marks the first time they'll welcome a full regular-season crowd.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: What to know about the giant bison outside the Bills' new stadium
