Archives for September 10, 2014

‘Sold substantial assets of East Resources, the company he founded in 1983, to Royal Dutch Shell in 2010 for $4.7 billion.’

‘But Pegula’s pending purchase of the team likely gives a leg up to potential stadium sites downtown, near the First Niagara Center, where Pegula’s Buffalo Sabres play, and close to the HarborCenter hotel and hockey complex that now is under construction, sources said.’

‘A new downtown stadium near First Niagara Center would allow Pegula to build on the sports-related hub that already is growing at the foot of Main Street and help him leverage the $172 million he is spending to build the HarborCenter complex, which will feature two ice rinks and a 205-room Marriott hotel, as well as a 13,000-square-foot sports-themed restaurant and retail space.’

‘Here are the locations that have been most often mentioned over the past few months…’.

‘His next court date is Nov. 18.’

‘Tears of joy were flowing in Bills Nation, and the collective sigh of relief must have felt like a nor’easter blowing through the region because if the Pegulas do indeed gain control, then the Bills won’t be going anywhere, perhaps for generations to come.’

‘From the specter of rocker Jon Bon Jovi buying them team and moving it to Toronto to Donald Trump buying the team and turning it into a reality TV show to the deep-pocketed, sports-crazed, energetic Pegulas who already own the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres buying the team and keeping it in Buffalo for generations to come … could there have been a better outcome to nearly six months of worry and speculation?’

‘According to Daniel Kaplan of the Sports Business Journal, Terry and Kim Pegula have agreed to purchase the Bills for $1.4B, which is $300 million more than Stephen Ross paid for the Miami Dolphins back in 2009.’

‘Pegula IS Buffalo. He IS a Bills fan. He’s one of YOU. The man tailgated in the parking lots of Ralph Wilson Stadium (then named Rich Stadium) right alongside you.’

‘Kim Pegula will be making decisions: Tim Graham of the Buffalo News has reported that Kim Pegula was the driving force behind the Pegulas purchasing the Buffalo Bills in many ways. Graham also said she will be making executive decisions when it comes to the Bills.’

‘”I am so happy to hear that the Pegulas will be the new owners of the Buffalo Bills,” Kelly said in a statement. “It’s an exciting day for Western New York. As I’ve said for many years, my first and foremost concern has been ensuring that, when this time came, the team would stay in Buffalo. Terry and Kim Pegula have done a lot for our community; their commitment to Buffalo and Western New York is second to none.”‘

‘On Tuesday afternoon, Trump released a congratulatory statement via Adam Benigni of WGRZ in Buffalo. Trump and Bon Jovi both sent out messages of congratulations on Tuesday, and Bills fans got their wish. The Pegulas will be the owners of the Bills, and the team isn’t going anywhere.’

‘Bon Jovi was gracious in defeat. Maybe Bills fans will forgive him now, but it could take some time before his songs are played at Ralph Wilson Stadium.’