john_bult Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 http://www.ubbullrun.com/2015/1/22/7863221/a-case-study-in-nfl-college-football-shared-stadiums Would other Bills fans be willing to share a stadium with the Buffalo Bulls from the University of Buffalo if a new stadium is built? The UB Football Team has had some success over the past few seasons, but they had a down year this season. The UB Football Team needs a new stadium soon also. Other NFL teams that share a stadium are: Georgia State plays at the Georgia Dome UMass plays at Gillette Stadium University of Miami plays at Sun Life Stadium Temple University plays at Lincoln Financial Field Pitt Panthers play at Heinz Field San Diego St plays at Qualcomm Stadium USF plays at Raymond James Stadium Metlife Stadium always hosts a college game yearly Since both teams are in need of new stadiums, would Bills fans support the idea of the UB Football Team playing their games in the new stadium on Saturdays? Also, would other Bills fans support a possible college bowl game being played at the new stadium? Many bowl games are played at NFL Stadiums. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fridge Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 (edited) UB would have to go undefeated for like 10 straight years before they could sell out an NFL sized stadium. Â Edit*: This post was not meant to be dismissive, you did a great job on the write up and were very thorough in your research. Edited February 9, 2016 by fridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jr1 Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 The Bills will share a stadium with the ECC Kats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I'm fine with it. Obviously a bowl game would be nice as well. The only potential downside is that the turf may get chewed up. That happens some in Pittsburgh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnC Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I'm fine with it. Obviously a bowl game would be nice as well. The only potential downside is that the turf may get chewed up. That happens some in Pittsburgh. Simple solution. Artificial turf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Romes Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 (edited) UB would have to go undefeated for like 10 straight years before they could sell out an NFL sized stadium. Â I guess that doesn't matter though, because I'm sure Temple never sniffs a sellout in Philly, so I guess it would depend on the "deal". UB's stadium is right on campus, and if the team were any good that would certainly appeal to the students. Temple sold out the ND game this year when they were unbeaten late in the year. They played a great game and almost won. Really a remarkable story given where that program has been. Edited February 9, 2016 by Charles Romes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fridge Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Temple sold out the ND game this year when they were unbeaten late in the year. They played a great game and almost won. Really a remarkable story given whew that program has been. Â I just looked that up. I honestly didn't even realize they weren't still in the MAC. Allow me to amend that same verbiage to say...UMASS, where (according the write up) it only fills up 10% on gameday. Â Â As a side note, UMASS beat UB in the finale this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 No way. UB can't draw 10,000 fans. How do you justify the added wear and tear on an NFL field for that? The Steelers share a field with Pitt and it is always in terrible shape (although it has drainage issues too). Just not worth it. Now that I think about it, an NFL stadium might actually lose money hosting UB games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BustaTimes Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 They can't get the UB North students to go to games that are 200 yards away from their dorms - how are you going to get them to come downtown for a game? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Romes Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 (edited) If playing in an NFL stadium helped college programs get better I would support sharing. However playing in a cavernous empty stadium rarely helps. The green wave recently moved out of the superdome and into an on campus 30,000 seat venue the same size as UB stadium. UB stadium is only 20 years old and does not need to be replaced. It's perfect for where that program is. Edited February 9, 2016 by Charles Romes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_bult Posted February 9, 2016 Author Share Posted February 9, 2016 http://www.minerrush.com/2015/4/7/8148419/group-of-five-attendance-numbers-aac-mw-mac-sun-belt-cusa  Let me add that Buffalo had a little over 20,000 fans in attendance on average, which was in the middle. Being honest, 20,000 fans is pretty good for a football team in a non-bcs conference. Just sell tickets for the lower deck, and it will still make a profit. Plus the draw of the stadium being downtown may draw more people and students to the stadium. I have seen the UB Stadium once, and it honestly sucks. There is the track separating the field from the students, which may be another draw on why less people go.  Pitt had Heinz field like 90% full, although Pitt is in a BCS conference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 If playing in an NFL stadium helped college programs get better I would support sharing. However playing in a cavernous empty stadium rarely helps. The green wave recently moved out of the superdome and into an on campus 30,000 seat venue the same size as UB stadium. UB stadium is only 20 years old and does not need to be replaced. It's perfect for where that program is.I really like the new Tulane Stadium. It would be the perfect model for UB if they build a new stadium separate from the Bills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marty McFly Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Is it the Bills or the Bulls getting the new stadium? If the Bills get a new stadium maybe it would break the indian burial ground curse and/or Flutie curse? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 No way. UB can't draw 10,000 fans. How do you justify the added wear and tear on an NFL field for that? The Steelers share a field with Pitt and it is always in terrible shape (although it has drainage issues too). Just not worth it. Now that I think about it, an NFL stadium might actually lose money hosting UB games.The last game UB played at RWS drew 26K which happened to be their 3rd largest crowd ever. UB doesn't need to draw 70K to share a stadium with the Bills. In fact I'd bet the Bills would welcome 6 additional game days in their new downtown stadium, even if it's only 20K. They still eat, drink and buy merch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BustaTimes Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 They still eat, drink and buy merch. Â Isn't alcohol banned from NCAA games Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
May Day 10 Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Â Isn't alcohol banned from NCAA games If it's on campus I think. A few venues off campus allow... probably some other red tape too.... Â Â Â Anyways, I would go to ub games but that venue is comical how bad it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machine gun kelly Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 No way. UB can't draw 10,000 fans. How do you justify the added wear and tear on an NFL field for that? The Steelers share a field with Pitt and it is always in terrible shape (although it has drainage issues too). Just not worth it. Now that I think about it, an NFL stadium might actually lose money hosting UB games. Â The downside is as stated a lack of attendance. In Tampa, USF who has a decent following never fills Raymond James stadium. The get maybe 10,000 seats filled and that is with the school practically giving away seats to the students. Â the upside is it is cheap, you sit close to the team, and can be fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shoto Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 The Snow Bowl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerball Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 There's no downside (IMO) for the Bills as long as there are separate practice facilities. Â For the Bulls though...do they want to play in a stadium that big? (and empty) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 (edited) The last game UB played at RWS drew 26K which happened to be their 3rd largest crowd ever. UB doesn't need to draw 70K to share a stadium with the Bills. In fact I'd bet the Bills would welcome 6 additional game days in their new downtown stadium, even if it's only 20K. They still eat, drink and buy merch. The downside is as stated a lack of attendance. In Tampa, USF who has a decent following never fills Raymond James stadium. The get maybe 10,000 seats filled and that is with the school practically giving away seats to the students. Â the upside is it is cheap, you sit close to the team, and can be fun. Â I am with MG Kelly on this. Those are all inflated numbers. Even if they weren't, it wouldn't be enough. I live in Williamsville and I've seen that stadium on many game days. And, yes, a college program does need to draw fans to make it worthwhile to utilize an NFL stadium. There is no way that UB could draw enough revenue to make it profitable - especially considering all of the deals, freebie tickets and and other specials used to get attendance up. Honestly, how many pre-game concert goers left before kickoff last season? Edited February 9, 2016 by BarleyNY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vorpma Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 UB would have to go undefeated for like 10 straight years before they could sell out an NFL sized stadium. Â Edit*: This post was not meant to be dismissive, you did a great job on the write up and were very thorough in your research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBill Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 http://www.ubbullrun.com/2015/1/22/7863221/a-case-study-in-nfl-college-football-shared-stadiums  Would other Bills fans be willing to share a stadium with the Buffalo Bulls from the University of Buffalo if a new stadium is built? The UB Football Team has had some success over the past few seasons, but they had a down year this season. The UB Football Team needs a new stadium soon also. Other NFL teams that share a stadium are:  Georgia State plays at the Georgia Dome UMass plays at Gillette Stadium University of Miami plays at Sun Life Stadium Temple University plays at Lincoln Financial Field Pitt Panthers play at Heinz Field San Diego St plays at Qualcomm Stadium USF plays at Raymond James Stadium Metlife Stadium always hosts a college game yearly  Since both teams are in need of new stadiums, would Bills fans support the idea of the UB Football Team playing their games in the new stadium on Saturdays? Also, would other Bills fans support a possible college bowl game being played at the new stadium? Many bowl games are played at NFL Stadiums. Thoughts? Buffalo can't support two premier stadiums so this is a very plausible idea.  I still think the location and bowl of the Ralph is awesome.  I know some want a downtown dome but this kills Buffalo football tradition. The elements are and should remain a part of the game in B'lo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jokeman Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Sharing a stadium with the Sabres makes more logical sense with the whole One Buffalo marketing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Why does UB need a new stadium? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Why does UB need a new stadium? Buffalo can't support two premier stadiums so this is a very plausible idea. I still think the location and bowl of the Ralph is awesome. I know some want a downtown dome but this kills Buffalo football tradition. The elements are and should remain a part of the game in B'lo. The better question is why would UB warrant a "premier stadium"? That is utterly ridiculous. I don't know, maybe try to build the program up to a point where it is somewhat relevant first? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jumbalaya Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 yes with the OP Quakers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountDorkula Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 They can't get the UB North students to go to games that are 200 yards away from their dorms - how are you going to get them to come downtown for a game? Â You answered your own question. The tickets would be a lot cheaper, and the kids would be downtown. Â I think it is a super smart decision for UB to do this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 (edited) UB is in the process of building it's own indoor football field house. They are not talking about a new stadium, per se. Just ideas on how to improve their current dump. Â But with T&K building a new downtown palace and a subway connecting UB to the foot of Main, why not add 6 more game days in your new stadium? Like I said before, they drew 26K two years ago at RWS and that was 99% not students. Â Canisius hockey plays off campus at Harborcenter. Edited February 9, 2016 by PromoTheRobot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
May Day 10 Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 UB seems desperate to get some traction for people coming to their games. The stadium is awful though. I like the MAC. I tried. I bought season tickets and attended 1 game and that was it (also went to the RWS game). It is like you are watching a game from the moon. Â I do think they are putting a lot of money into that stadium, but only for exclusive alumni clubs and such. Basically, they just need to tear it down and build the seats closer to the field and to each other. Â I think for NYC/EC/Pegula/DN to allow UB to play home games in the new stadium would be a smart move. They all have interest in foot traffic downtown and it also further justifies the expense and it is a handful more events every year. Im sure they would get a rake of concessions and such too. It makes sense for UB as well as it will be a state of the art field, would help with recruiting, and make the sky the limit for program growth, hosting events, etc... I'm sure all the details, contractual stuff, insurance, T&Cs, etc are fairly complicated... but I would think this would be a likelihood. Â That said, the optics of a 60K-70K stadium with 10K people is rough. They would have to really work on getting people there, make it fun. Its a tough sell. TBH, Buffalo isnt that great of a sports town. We love the Bills and Sabres... Bandits too I guess. But after that, support for lower-level stuff is a bit difficult. If the program was able to get some traction and go the route Temple took... I think they could get into one of the major conferences and maybe could earn more 'common' support from the locals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I think playing in a dome would help immensely. The MAC has a TV deal with ESPN for Tuesday and Wednesday night games in October and November. Nothing is as brutal as sitting in UB stadium at night. Wide open stands, no shelter from the wind and no place to warm up other than the bathrooms. Â But I think with a new stadium and field house they would make the jump to the AAC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountDorkula Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I think playing in a dome would help immensely. The MAC has a TV deal with ESPN for Tuesday and Wednesday night games in October and November. Nothing is as brutal as sitting in UB stadium at night. Wide open stands, no shelter from the wind and no place to warm up other than the bathrooms. Â But I think with a new stadium and field house they would make the jump to the AAC. Â UB Needs to pony up the money and go get a Legitamite head coach. Im talking an OC from Clemson or DC from Alabama type Deal (I know the Bama DC went to GA). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Hindsight Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Â You answered your own question. The tickets would be a lot cheaper, and the kids would be downtown. Â I think it is a super smart decision for UB to do this. The tickets are free if you have a student ID Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CountDorkula Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 The tickets are free if you have a student ID Â Did not know that. Â For the AVG fan then who wants to watch football and be downtown. Go see UB play for 15 a ticket compared to 60 a ticket. get to see the bills new fancy stadium. Â Its going to take a lot more than just a stadium to turn UB around though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cereal Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 NCAA FBS requirement for attendance is 15,000 average over a 2-year rolling period. https://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Football%20Bowl%20Subqa%2012%208%2014.pdf  UB averaged over 20,000 in 2014: http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/Attendance/2014.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HT02 Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Â http://www.ubbullrun.com/2015/1/22/7863221/a-case-study-in-nfl-college-football-shared-stadiums Would other Bills fans be willing to share a stadium with the Buffalo Bulls from the University of Buffalo if a new stadium is built? The UB Football Team has had some success over the past few seasons, but they had a down year this season. The UB Football Team needs a new stadium soon also. Other NFL teams that share a stadium are: Georgia State plays at the Georgia Dome UMass plays at Gillette Stadium University of Miami plays at Sun Life Stadium Temple University plays at Lincoln Financial Field Pitt Panthers play at Heinz Field San Diego St plays at Qualcomm Stadium USF plays at Raymond James Stadium Metlife Stadium always hosts a college game yearly Since both teams are in need of new stadiums, would Bills fans support the idea of the UB Football Team playing their games in the new stadium on Saturdays? Also, would other Bills fans support a possible college bowl game being played at the new stadium? Many bowl games are played at NFL Stadiums. Thought UMass games at Gillette are pretty sparsely attended; if I recall they average less than 12k fans. If anything they should look at getting Syracuse to play a few games in Buffalo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 NCAA FBS requirement for attendance is 15,000 average over a 2-year rolling period. https://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Football%20Bowl%20Subqa%2012%208%2014.pdf  UB averaged over 20,000 in 2014: http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/Attendance/2014.pdf There are often huge discrepancies between official attendance and actual attendance. With free student tickets and discount deals available to everyone else, one also has to consider PAID attendance. That revenue plus booster dollars are what drives programs' bottom lines. How could UB make money in an NFL stadium? They only way is if it got a lot - and I mean A LOT - better as a program. That would need to have to happen first.  Also there is the big question of whether or not there is any advantage to the Bills if they share the stadium. They'll be the ones that have to be sold on the idea because without their support it wouldn't happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanC883 Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016  Isn't alcohol banned from NCAA games  nope. They sell beer in the Carrier Dome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirby Jackson Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Â nope. They sell beer in the Carrier Dome. The Tulane Stadium that someone referenced earlier does as well. They have a really nice all-inclusive club too. That's the perfect model for UB if they get their own stadium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 UMass games at Gillette are pretty sparsely attended; if I recall they average less than 12k fans. If anything they should look at getting Syracuse to play a few games in Buffalo. Â Why would SU give up dome game revenue? Why would SU locals trek to Buffalo to watch that team? Â Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dopey Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 (edited) The Tulane Stadium that someone referenced earlier does as well. They have a really nice all-inclusive club too. That's the perfect model for UB if they get their own stadium. I can buy beer at a FSU basketball game cuz the arena isn't on campus, FSU just voted to sell beer at their baseball games.The baseball stadium is on campus.I cannot buy beer at an FSU football game as the stadium is on campus, unless I am in a club/luxury box. I'm so confused. Edited February 9, 2016 by Dopey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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