Got_Wood Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Why aren't the Bills looking to do this? Or are they and can't find a suitor? For a team that complains about its financial viability, this seems like a no-brainer to me. The Jags are making $3 million in the first year of the deal. I respect Ralph Wilson for everything he has done for the Bills, but the name of the stadium isn't as important as keeping the team in town. http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Jaguar...h-EverBank.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillnutinHouston Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 I've also wondered why Ralph never did this, but my guess is that he's just a traditionalist. I do NOT think this makes the difference between the Bills staying in WNY and not, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 I've also wondered why Ralph never did this, but my guess is that he's just a traditionalist. I do NOT think this makes the difference between the Bills staying in WNY and not, though. It doesn't. At least not for Ralph. A new owner, possibly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dean Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 The Bills do not own the naming rights to the stadium, if I recall correctly. I believe the County owns the rights. It was Erie County that decided to name the stadium Ralph Wilson, I believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saundena Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 It would be funny if the JAX naming rights were sold to PODS... you know, the MOVING and self storage solutions company.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwight in philly Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 I've also wondered why Ralph never did this, but my guess is that he's just a traditionalist. I do NOT think this makes the difference between the Bills staying in WNY and not, though. agree!.. what is 3 million when you compare it to the realities of a "make or break" scenerio?. it is small potatoes really, just something to give the chicken littles of the world something to fret about! i still maintain that as long as we keep up the support , the bills will not go anywhere , if only because there is no place else to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 I've also wondered why Ralph never did this, but my guess is that he's just a traditionalist. I do NOT think this makes the difference between the Bills staying in WNY and not, though. Ralph (or the county) was the first to do this if my memory is correct. Ever hear of Rich Stadium? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.Biscuit97 Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 I'm not rooting for any team to move, but it's a joke people mention the Bills moving with Jacksonville's pathetic fanbase around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillnutinHouston Posted July 27, 2010 Share Posted July 27, 2010 Ralph (or the county) was the first to do this if my memory is correct. Ever hear of Rich Stadium? Billnut says "DUH"! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Got_Wood Posted July 27, 2010 Author Share Posted July 27, 2010 "In 2009, Erie County will set aside $4.2 million for operating and game-day expenses. It was $3.9 million last year. It will also continue funds for stadium upgrades: $2.9 million for this year. For the eight games to be played in Orchard Park, that equates to about $920,000 a game from Erie County taxpayers - for a team that last reached the playoffs in 1999, the second season under the team's current lease. The lease expires after the 2012 season." http://football.ballparks.com/NFL/BuffaloBills/index.htm Does this change anything? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanInUticaTampa Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 I guess they are selling the naming rights since they can't sell tickets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hplarrm Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 I guess they are selling the naming rights since they can't sell tickets. Actually the Jax plan to get the highest bidder is to auction off the naming rights but the company that purchases them gets to name the stadium after their main competitor who then gets saddled with weekly association with a stadium which mostly consists of tarped off seats rather than fans. Opponents prepare for games by turning their speakers to -11 and opponents have to adjust to playing in total silence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 It would be funny if the JAX naming rights were sold to PODS... you know, the MOVING and self storage solutions company.... or the L.A. Times.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saundena Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 or the L.A. Times.. Even better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 Ralph (or the county) was the first to do this if my memory is correct. Ever hear of Rich Stadium? You are correct. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dean Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 Ralph (or the county) was the first to do this if my memory is correct. Ever hear of Rich Stadium? I believe it was the county. From what I have heard, Ralph never like that it was named for an outside entity. I wish someone here had the full scoop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 I believe it was the county. From what I have heard, Ralph never like that it was named for an outside entity. I wish someone here had the full scoop. Link Not definitive at all, but the best I could find mentions the Bills selling the naming rights. Too bad we don't have an official Team Historian on board. Quickly...someone light the KRC Signal! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Ray Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 LinkNot definitive at all, but the best I could find mentions the Bills selling the naming rights. Too bad we don't have an official Team Historian on board. Quickly...someone light the KRC Signal! If I'm not mistaken (and my memory isnt what it used to be) I think after the Rich naming rights expired, the stadium was named Bills Stadium for 1 year (sort of as a place holder), then was open to other suggestions. Ralph didnt want to sell to a corporation and someone (maybe the county as was suggested) recommended RWS in honor of him, of which Ralph was flattered. Something like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 If I had the money I'd name it "Half-Empty Stadium" PTR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnC Posted July 28, 2010 Share Posted July 28, 2010 The Bills do not own the naming rights to the stadium, if I recall correctly. I believe the County owns the rights. It was Erie County that decided to name the stadium Ralph Wilson, I believe. You are correct that Erie County decided to name the stadium the Ralph. As it presently stands the owner controls the naming rights. He has the right to sell the naming rights and receive payment for it. He prefers not to. He very much likes the stadium named after himself, the same stadium he didn't pay a penny for. In my view Erie County should have retained the naming rights to the stadium and use the proceeds to defray the upkeep costs. Or instead of naming the stadium after the owner the stadium should have been named after Bob Kalsu, a former offensive lineman who died in the Viet Nam war. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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