Archives for August 2008

‘”The Bills (merchandise), I would say probably this year is up maybe around 12 percent from what we did last year – which was good,” he said. “As far as season tickets helping, yeah certainly, you can definitely see it.”‘

‘Kelly, has come up with the idea of one day having a new stadium built in Niagara Falls, N.Y., making it much more convenient for Canadian fans who wish to attend games.’

‘”It’s a marketing ploy to increase interest in Buffalo, with regard to the Bills, north of the border. They are doing what they have to do.”‘

‘In some ways, the Bills have already won this race.’

‘”Good luck to them,” said defensive back Chuck Winters of the NFL interlopers. “Maybe more football fans get added to the whole thing. Either way, it doesn’t put more money in my pocket. Now, if this was taking money from me …”‘

‘Think about it. What’s more spontaneous than a crisp December NFL morning in Orchard Park with a roaring fire in a metal barrel, flames licking hungrily on hurricane-force gusts less than a short first down away from your gas tank? Hog heaven.’

‘Aug. 16, 1997: Green Bay 35, Buffalo 3: About 10,000 no-shows among an announced crowd of 53,896.’

‘”It’s a blessing to be here,” said Mace, 22, a University of Wyoming product whose CFL rights are owned by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. “It’s kind of a fluke to be the only Canadian playing, but it just worked out that way. To play in the NFL and at the same time in Canada is a beautiful thing.”‘

‘”I think it’s the first of many steps,” Rogers vice-chairman Phil Lind said yesterday. “It’s a major step because the Bills are now officially ensconced in Toronto, as a team. And they’ll be here for five years, and we have a minimum of eight games — a minimum of eight games — so they’re going to be here. They’re now part of the Toronto scene.”‘

‘The CFL’s formal stance is that two imported games per year won’t damage an ancient cultural institution. But three or four? That would be a different story. But it’s what the partnership of Larry Tanenbaum and Rogers Communications are clearly seeking, as they try to soften the marketplace for an eventual NFL franchise in Toronto.’

‘By playing in Toronto, the Bills expect to make $9 million per game. Typically, the Bills make $3 million per home game at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’

‘”It’s great to be back again,” he said. “I feel great. It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m able to go out there and do everything I’m supposed to do. I can’t wait (for the regular-season games) to start.”‘

‘As fans enter Ralph Wilson Stadium this season, they will see a new, colorful exterior wall mural, and find Labatt Blue through concession area signage. Labatt Blue also will ramp up advertising efforts on www.buffalobills.com and see an increased presence on the Buffalo Bills website. For a limited time, fans can visit www.MyBillsMyBeer.com to enter a promotional sweepstakes to win weekly prizes, including a grand prize VIP trip for two to the Bills at Miami game on October 26, 2008. Fans can visit participating retailers for a special code, then log on to enter the contest.’

‘”I hope people in Toronto welcome us,” Moorman said. “I’m looking forward to getting Toronto people to believe in the Bills and make it like a home away from home.”‘

‘However many football pundits – including diehard CFL supporters – firmly believe the series is an experiment to gauge the city’s NFL interest and the first step in the Bills eventually relocating to Toronto and dealing a death knell to the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.’