I know its a very terrifying thought. I, for one, and probably speak for everyone here thinks that Buffalo is a top 5 football city in America. If it isn't broken - don't fix it! But taxpayers apparently really hate us.
Apparently $817,000 per game is the cost to taxpayers
In 2010, when the Bills again play a preseason game and a home game in Toronto, the hometown taxpayer subsidy is expected to top more than $900,000 for each game played in Western New York.
But for 2009, Erie County will:
• Set aside $4.2 million for operating and game-day expenses this year. It was $3.9 million last year.
• Continue to pay for stadium upgrades: $2.9 million for this year’s improvements.
• Again provide the Sheriff’s Office detail for game-day security, in addition to the private security firms the Bills hire. Using last year as a guide, the county will pay the deputies about $240,000 this year.
Add it up: $7.35 million.
To me - The Buffalo Bills are the only form of entertainment I care about in Buffalo. The Bills put Buffalo on the map IMO.
For example from another board - someone quoted "The Bills are Buffalo. Not a part. They are one of the few things this area has left - and until our economic boom that is on the horizon appears in full effect, we need the Buffalo Bills."
Here's what I don't understand though...
If Ralph raised its ticket prices by $11.05 - Taxpayers would not have to pay or the Buffalo Bills.
Why doesn't he just raise the prices?
Judging by the fact that the games are almost always sold out despite the fact that Buffalo is in poor shape economically, has one of the worst teams in the league over the past 10 years, has some of the most difficult winter weather in the league, and has one of the largest seating capacities in the league while having one of the smallest population markets in the league, I think it's safe to say that football is extremely important to the people of Buffalo.
Your opinions?