goynahan Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 First of all, it's great news that something has been done and we will have, at the very minimum, 7 more years (though I don't think they're ever going to really leave). But thinking about the current mental state of bills fans, could this hurt attendance? We have filled the stadium consistently over the past 13 years, relentlessly supporting a poor product. Aside from the fun of going to a game and the eternal hope we have that this year will be better than the last, I think another reason people have continued to fill the stadium is because we fear what an empty stadium would do to the chances of the team staying in town. I know I personally have attended meaningless, playoff-implicationless games late in December just out of pure support and to do my part to alleviate the chance they could use low attendance as an excuse for leaving. So next year, when its December and the bills are out of the hunt, will more people choose to stay home because they know the team isn't going anywhere for the next decade? I wonder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmotionallyUnstable Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 We can avoid this problem by... 1) Winning. Stay in the race for once! Other than that, I think you're onto something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick the Greek Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 If they have a legit shot at the playoffs in Dec.. I'll definitely be there! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigK14094 Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 I don't think that the December cold weather and out of it syndrome is any worse post new lease signing. But, I am still very incensed about the Bills having four home games in December. (if you count Toronto) I beilieve this is league official underlings dumping on the Bills, Brandon, Mr. Wilson, and the Buffalo fans. They are totally ignoring the marketing aspects of the Buffalo weather/open stadium, and they don't care. I would not have a hard time with a Sep/OCt/Nov/DEc breakdown of 2/2/2/2 in terms of home games, that would be statistically average. Somethng is rotten in the NFL scheduling system vis a via the Bills. And, this problem is not limited to this year, look at other recent schedules. And when, I ask, have we seen four home games in one month of September or October. the Bills nation is being disrespected by the NFL in my view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PearlHowardman Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 We have filled the stadium consistently over the past 13 years, relentlessly supporting a poor product. This fact, more than anything scares me. Even if we get a new owner all that owner has to do is field a team and fans buy tickets. They will make a lot of money even if the team isn't successful. I don't know the answer to the following question but I worry about it: If the Buffalo Bills owner is John Smith and his team wins the Super Bowl how much more money does John Smith make than a team that goes 8-8? Assuming that Bills fans continue to sell out games for the 8-8 teams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T master Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 I think every year there is a renewed sense of hope & excitement when it comes to every NFL team no matter how bad the year before was. That being said after a while fans & people in general get sick of rooting for a team that doesn't seem to take some chances to make a difference. If Buddy can do a couple of things to prove to the fans that he wants to win like get a QB worth his metal to start in this offense that can show he is worth the fans accolades then they will continue to come, but if they start slow & then continue like they have this year attendance will rightfully suffer !! As it should ... Maybe that is what the FO needs to get them a kick in the shorts !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkyMannn Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 I really doubt fans say "Think I will drop a couple hundred this weekend to give to Ralph so the Bills stay". Seriously??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean Cain Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 (edited) Hell I'm going to the Jets game because I haven't been to a game since we beat New England, mainly to party & boo CHAN. Edited December 22, 2012 by BigCountryBills Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meathead Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 great point yes i think ticket sales will suffer early in this lease deal. if you were around years ago when the bills sucked for long periods there were lots of empty stadiums. the threat of losing the team has definitely kept tickets flowing in recent years despite a craptastic product. of course theres still a loyal following that will come regardless, but without that imminent threat im sure there will be those that feel they dont have to buy a crappy product anymore hopefully the bills make that a moot point by getting a franchise qb in place and starting to win next season. hey it could happen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Hindsight Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 I really doubt fans say "Think I will drop a couple hundred this weekend to give to Ralph so the Bills stay". Seriously??? This is the only reason I support the team. The OP is dead on here. Now that the stadium will be made nicer and they are promised to stay, I think ill stay away until year 6 when they will need my meager salary to keep the team here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hammered a Lot Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 I think most people who park in Hammer's Lot go to the Bills game for the love of football not because I better $upport the team or they will move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mead107 Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 Why is it that some people will always look at the glass as half empty in stead of half full Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snafu Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 (edited) As soon as I heard the news about the new lease, I thought about all the posters here who say that they won't give Ralph another dime until he upgrades the team. I figured now those people can really stay home and listen to blacked out games on the radio until the team starts to win. It does put pressure on the team to upgrade, at least in the short term, until "year 7" draws closer. If I still lived in town, I would go to the games regardless of their talent or record, but I see the other side of the coin (no pun intended). Edited December 22, 2012 by snafu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PearlHowardman Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 This fact, more than anything scares me. Even if we get a new owner all that owner has to do is field a team and fans buy tickets. They will make a lot of money even if the team isn't successful. I don't know the answer to the following question but I worry about it: If the Buffalo Bills owner is John Smith and his team wins the Super Bowl how much more money does John Smith make than a team that goes 8-8? Assuming that Bills fans continue to sell out games for the 8-8 teams. ...because, you know - if a new owner comes in and that alone excites Bills fans enough to buy more tickets and more merchandise what's the financial incentive for the new owner to put together a championship team. See: the Cleveland Browns history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 I think most people who park in Hammer's Lot go to the Bills game for the love of football not because I better $upport the team or they will move. I thought it was the love they have for Hammer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Barbarian Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 First of all, it's great news that something has been done and we will have, at the very minimum, 7 more years (though I don't think they're ever going to really leave). But thinking about the current mental state of bills fans, could this hurt attendance? We have filled the stadium consistently over the past 13 years, relentlessly supporting a poor product. Aside from the fun of going to a game and the eternal hope we have that this year will be better than the last, I think another reason people have continued to fill the stadium is because we fear what an empty stadium would do to the chances of the team staying in town. I know I personally have attended meaningless, playoff-implicationless games late in December just out of pure support and to do my part to alleviate the chance they could use low attendance as an excuse for leaving. So next year, when its December and the bills are out of the hunt, will more people choose to stay home because they know the team isn't going anywhere for the next decade? I wonder. Maybe if less "inventory" is sold maybe they will get better people in here to turn this club around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Trooth Posted December 22, 2012 Share Posted December 22, 2012 If the product aint any prettier than it has been, I damn sure hope it will hurt attendance.... and it damn well should. I'm a firm believer in you reap what you sew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Section242 Posted December 23, 2012 Share Posted December 23, 2012 If Gailey and Fitz are back next year I think sales will fall. As for the next few years, I think if they give same product they'll get same results. December home games would draw a better crowd if the product was better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ICanSleepWhenI'mDead Posted December 23, 2012 Share Posted December 23, 2012 This fact, more than anything scares me. Even if we get a new owner all that owner has to do is field a team and fans buy tickets. They will make a lot of money even if the team isn't successful. I don't know the answer to the following question but I worry about it: If the Buffalo Bills owner is John Smith and his team wins the Super Bowl how much more money does John Smith make than a team that goes 8-8? Assuming that Bills fans continue to sell out games for the 8-8 teams. Although I haven't checked how the most recent CBA may have changed this, I found this article interesting. If it didn't have direct quotes from NFL GMs, I would not have believed it: http://voices.yahoo.com/do-nfl-teams-profit-playoffs-2709.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolinaBill Posted December 23, 2012 Share Posted December 23, 2012 if fans don't come out for games simply because they know the team isnt moving in the immediate future then they arent really fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RealityCheck Posted December 23, 2012 Share Posted December 23, 2012 The one and only thing that will affect attendance is the Bills themselves. All of their alleged financial goals are achievable if the Bills become a playoff team again. If not then they get what they deserve. If I am going to give away money to charity, I am sure I will find a cause far more worthy than the Bills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hammered a Lot Posted December 23, 2012 Share Posted December 23, 2012 (edited) I thought it was the love they have for Hammer. The only love I get is from the ladies when I refill the restrooms with toilet paper! I have found out that women really do not care about jewelry, clothes,candy etc...From the comments and the look on their faces when I refill the dispensers I have found out, the way to a women 's heart is thru showing you care about their T.P. needs.. So if you need a holiday gift idea I would suggest giving that special little lady in your life some T.P... It does not have to be 4 or 5 ply (unless your in the dog house). any T.P. will do As she opens your gift, the look on her face will be priceless as she realize that you really do care about her. Happy Holidays Edited December 23, 2012 by Hammered a Lot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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