A new Bills stadium? (Buffalo, Orchard Park: sale, house, tax)

[accbqjx]

If the NFL approves a new stadium in the Buffalo area, does that mean they are committing to keeping an NFL team in Buffalo?

[Buffalonian4life]

Originally Posted by Dockwalliper

The Ralph is 36 years old and the 5th oldest NFL stadium. It has gone thru many upgrades over the years and is still a wonderful place to watch a game but its day will come. I would be in favor of spending some tax dollars on a new stadium if it came with a 50 year commitment from the Bills.

I agree. They shouldn't build a new state-of-the-art stadium for a use of some 5 or 10 years, then become largely dormant. If it came with an agreement, even up to 50 years, or just 20 years, then by all means build it downtown, newar HSBC Arena and Coca Cola Field. A Stadium district downtown.

[Checkered24]

Yeah, I saw that they are denying it. I don't trust them.

I am not sure they really need NFL approval. The problem is that Ralph doesn't want a new stadium, because it would carry a 30+ year lease, and it would also likely mean the Bills would need to take on some debt to finance some of it. If the Bills are not tied into a lease, and have no debt, they are far more valuable to Ralph's estate than otherwise.

So I do not see any stadium being built in Buffalo while Ralph is alive.

I don't mind the Ralph for watching games. I am not particularly attached to it either (I am a season ticket holder). The concourses are kind of small and crowded, it's a pain to get to down there in OP, with the few roads right around it. The bathrooms are too few, and a bit nasty. A downtown location would be much better overall, plus a modern facility would have better traffic flow within it. I just do not see it happening, unless the team is sold, and a local ownership group buys it.

[JiminCT]

Do you really think that the Wilson family is willing to build a new stadium, considering they intend to sell the team after Mr. Wilson dies? No offence to the area, but the population losses and the low ticket prices are two variables that a new owner is going to look at carefully. Unless there is a large ticket price spike and help from Erie County (NY State/Albany is broke..) in the form of a sales tax hike, I cant see a new stadium going up. I would worry more about the new owners intentions...they make 3 times as much money with ONE game at the Rogers Center. Buffalo is a great city...but the demographics/economics are going to be looked closely...and probably w/o a new stadium. Unless a Golisano or a Rich family member is doing it for civic pride...the long term future of the Bills is in jeopardy IMHO. I would say that about the Sabres as well...when the second NHL team comes to the Toronto area (it will..), St. Kitts and Hamilton will go there instead...even with the cheaper tix in BLO.

[JustinH]

When Ralph dies, I hope they sell the team to Toronto, and Bulldoze the stadium in Orchard Park.

We don't have the population for it, and people are suffering in droves in Erie county, so that we can feed them money every year. Its insane.

[mikesuicide]

Torontos water front sounds even better

[Checkered24]

The Bills have been outspoken about how the Skydome would be inadequate for a full time NFL team.

The rumors of the Bills seeking a stadium design have said nothing about confirming it would be built in Buffalo either.

Maybe the Bills are denying it because the inquiries are regarding building a Stadium in Toronto.

[JiminCT]

The Bills are going to leave Buffalo..IMO. The Sabres might as well...

[mikesuicide]

Like I said, GO BILLS... and take the Sabres with you.

[jazzy jeff 11]

Originally Posted by mikesuicide

Like I said, GO BILLS... and take the Sabres with you.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SABRES are here to stay. Sabres belong here. Bills can go.