Get ready, Buffalo, New York! Hallmark Channel has started filming a brand-new Christmas movie called Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story — and it’s happening right at Highmark Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills. This exciting project is not only bringing holiday cheer but also putting Western New York in the spotlight. Filming began on May 22, 2025, and it’s already creating a stir among fans and locals alike.
Here at NetFilming, we love sharing updates from movie sets, and this one is definitely worth the buzz.
What’s the Movie About?
“Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story” is a romantic comedy about two childhood friends who get back together and fall in love during the holidays. Holland Roden is Morgan Quinn, a pediatrician, and Matthew Daddario is Gabe DeLuca, the Vice President of Stadium Development for the Buffalo Bills. The story is about their journey as they look into a mysterious person who gives them gifts at Christmas and fall in love with each other again.
This festive movie is part of Hallmark’s popular Countdown to Christmas lineup, and it promises to bring holiday warmth with a football twist.
Filming at Highmark Stadium with Real Players
Filming officially kicked off at Highmark Stadium with some familiar faces from the Buffalo Bills. Legendary quarterback Jim Kelly, along with current players like Dion Dawkins, Reid Ferguson, and Joshua Palmer, was spotted on set. They aren’t just making cameos — they’re helping give the film an authentic Buffalo feel.
Around 2,700 extras joined the production to fill the stadium for various scenes, showing just how big this film is for the local community.
A Movie Made in Buffalo, By Buffalo
About 80% of the film crew is from the Buffalo area, making this a true hometown production. Producer Andrew Gernhard spent months in the city learning about the culture, especially the passionate fan base known as the Bills Mafia. He shared that Buffalo has been one of the best and most welcoming places he’s filmed in — thanks in part to the strong community spirit and helpful tax incentives from New York State.
Reid Ferguson said filming in Buffalo, known as the “City of Good Neighbors,” feels like the perfect fit. He described the experience as being “just right” for a heartwarming Hallmark movie.
Real Connections On and Off Camera
Matthew Daddario took his role seriously — he even met with the real-life VP of Stadium Development to prepare. This kind of dedication is expected to help make his character more realistic and relatable.
Dion Dawkins also mentioned that being on set felt a lot like being on a football team. Everyone had a job, and everyone was working together to make the project great. He also said his family are huge fans of Hallmark movies, making this experience even more special for him.
Filming Across Western New York
While Highmark Stadium is the star location, filming will also take place at other spots around Western New York, including Oishei Children’s Hospital. These locations showcase the region’s charm and community spirit, which are central to the movie’s story. Production will continue through mid-June 2025, with scenes capturing Buffalo’s vibrant culture and snowy holiday backdrop.
This isn’t Hallmark’s first touchdown with the NFL. The movie follows their successful 2024 collaboration, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, made with Skydance Sports. Buffalo now has its chance to shine in this festive romance that combines football, love, and holiday magic.
Coming to Your Screen This Christmas
Filming is expected to continue through mid-June in various locations around Western New York. From local neighborhoods to well-known landmarks, the movie will showcase the city’s charm during the holiday season.
Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story is set to premiere during Hallmark’s 2025 Countdown to Christmas. It has a touching story, real NFL stars, and real Buffalo pride, so it looks like it will be a must-see for both football fans and holiday movie fans.
Watch NetFilming for more updates as this holiday movie wraps up filming and prepares for its major release.
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