Sharing Stadium?

[Kirby Jackson]

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.

It is up to the schools now (I think). A lot of stadiums that are on campus have started selling it recently. I think that it used to be an NCAA rule that prevented it but with the amount of money beer companies pump into sports It has softened.

[May Day 10]

in the hypothetical of a new stadium downtown as well as mutual interest from UB to play there...

 

 

would it be in Pegula's interest to possibly donate money to the UB program in an effort to push them in the direction of program growth? A high level (meaning a power conference) program would certainly be a compliment to the One Buffalo thing and the whole 'campus' downtown.

[YoloinOhio]

Sure, why not

[BuffaloBill]

Why would SU give up dome game revenue? Why would SU locals trek to Buffalo to watch that team?

 

Exactly... No way does Cuse play in Buffalo with any regularity

[billykaykay]

in the hypothetical of a new stadium downtown as well as mutual interest from UB to play there...

 

 

would it be in Pegula's interest to possibly donate money to the UB program in an effort to push them in the direction of program growth? A high level (meaning a power conference) program would certainly be a compliment to the One Buffalo thing and the whole 'campus' downtown.

Having UB playing in a joint stadium downtown would give political cover for NY State to pony up money for part of the cost.

[Mr. WEO]

Having UB playing in a joint stadium downtown would give political cover for NY State to pony up money for part of the cost.

 

That's really no cover at all.

[DriveFor1Outta5]

It is up to the schools now (I think). A lot of stadiums that are on campus have started selling it recently. I think that it used to be an NCAA rule that prevented it but with the amount of money beer companies pump into sports It has softened.

Yeah I think that's what it is. Not long ago I was reading a list of NCAA football stadiums that sell beer. It seemed to be mostly mid major type schools. From a business perspective it just seems too dangerous considering the majority of college students are under 21. I know its a problem everywhere, but a college football stadium is just asking for trouble. I'm thinking at the mid major schools it's not as troublesome because you don't have 100,000 people in the stadium. The concession lines aren't like going to the Ralph. Going to a Tulane game is more like going to a Bisons game than a Bills game. It probably makes things go smoother. Here's an article that discusses what stadiums do sell beer. http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/beer-map-shows-trend-stadiums-selling-beer/ Edited February 9, 2016 by DriveFor1Outta5

[Seasons1992]

If it's on campus I think. A few venues off campus allow... probably some other red tape too....

 

 

 

Anyways, I would go to ub games but that venue is comical how bad it is.

 

Living in Cincinnati is great as we can do Xavier and UC B-ball games with booze and UC football has it also. It's rare but it occurs.

[machine gun kelly]

I stand by my original opinion about stadium attendance, but again it is fun. I could care less if they do it in a decade when we probably open a new stadium.

 

As long as people have adequate expectations. The real issue is recruiting, investing ($$$$$) in coaching, so they can build a real program. They had their first hit with Khalil Mack putting them on the map. He is going to be a perennial pro bowler in time especially once people realize how impressive he is on the field.

 

I hope UB can figure it out. I know USF here in Tampa started getting better once they started with some good coaching. Then we started to get players, and we have one luxury. The most talented High School prospects come from FL, TX, and CA, with AL as a runner up. We get at USF the leftovers from FSU, UF, and to a minor degree Miami. That's how we've had so many prospects make the NFL in the last decade from a program I would compare to UB.

 

Nothing's going to happen though until probably 2022 or later.

[BustaTimes]

You also have to remember that if we have a new indoor stadium, it would be easy for Pegula to host a bowl game every year.

 

That might spike interest in NCAA football locally.

[Pondslider]

THE NEW YORK BILLS

of buffalo

[Gordio]

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.

 

 

Pitt has grass. Just put the stuff we have in now & I don't see a problem with it.

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 agree with you first point. It would be detrimental to the program to play in a stadium every week that holds 65-70 k & have only 8K people show up. UB Students for some reason just don't want to support their teams no matter how good they are. A few years back I took my son to a Tuesday night game played in early November. It was a big game, I think it was against Ball State but can't remember the opponant. I remember a win though & the Bulls had the inside track on winning their side of the division to go to the MAC championship. I thought the stands would be packed with students(Tuesday night game, Veterans day the next day, no classes, ESPN is showing it on the deuce). They had about 500 student in the one corner of the lower bowl & that was it. It is the same with basketball. I am not saying the MAC is a power five conference but it is a very good mid major conference. When UB is half way decent(like most years) they should be packing Alumni Arena. They couldn't even sell out last year when they had a legitamate fringe top 25 team. UB students suck.

Why does UB need a new stadium?

 

 

They probably don't but if you ever been there the stadium is not good. I believe it was built for the World University games so it has this huge track around the field. The stands are so far away from the field especially in the end zones it is stupid. Although everytime I have gone they have the one endzone tarped off & the other endzone has very few people sitting there. Even if the stadium was packed the atmosphere would suck. Alumni Arena is a different story imo. I think that is a perfect venue for a school like UB. Too bad the students are too lazy to support a decent program.

 

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).

 

They did get the Defensive Coordinator from Penn State years ago & he turned out to be one of the worst coaches they ever had.

[PromoTheRobot]

I stand by my original opinion about stadium attendance, but again it is fun. I could care less if they do it in a decade when we probably open a new stadium.

 

As long as people have adequate expectations. The real issue is recruiting, investing ($$$$$) in coaching, so they can build a real program. They had their first hit with Khalil Mack putting them on the map. He is going to be a perennial pro bowler in time especially once people realize how impressive he is on the field.

 

I hope UB can figure it out. I know USF here in Tampa started getting better once they started with some good coaching. Then we started to get players, and we have one luxury. The most talented High School prospects come from FL, TX, and CA, with AL as a runner up. We get at USF the leftovers from FSU, UF, and to a minor degree Miami. That's how we've had so many prospects make the NFL in the last decade from a program I would compare to UB.

 

Nothing's going to happen though until probably 2022 or later.

You have to realize that SUNY administration in Albany is a big boat anchor slowing down UB's athletic aspirations. They have rules limiting what coaches can make, which pretty much eliminates most of the P5 level coaching talent.

 

Also the other SUNY centers are balking at Buffalo declaring itself the state's flagship University even though it's the largest and most prestigious of the four.

 

The only way Buffalo (State University of NY) can keep climbing is with donations and those are increasing. They even have their own Phil Knight Nike-style patron in the guy who owns New Era who is an alum.

 

And as easy as it is to scoff at them, the long view shows how far they have come. It wasn't that long ago when they were losing every game. Now they average 5 wins and reached their second bowl game. Plus they are putting players in the NFL. And the basketball team is contending even after their disastrous offseason. There is progress.

Edited February 10, 2016 by PromoTheRobot

[papazoid]

sharing ?

 

more like others can "rent".

 

no doubt, the Pegula's would love to book UB Football Games in their new downtown retractable dome stadium.

 

heck, if UB needs a place to play before 2022, they should use the Ralph until a new stadium is built.

[ricojes]

 

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?

 

Why would anyone be apposed to this?

[Mr. WEO]

You have to realize that SUNY administration in Albany is a big boat anchor slowing down UB's athletic aspirations. They have rules limiting what coaches can make, which pretty much eliminates most of the P5 level coaching talent.

 

Also the other SUNY centers are balking at Buffalo declaring itself the state's flagship University even though it's the largest and most prestigious of the four.

 

The only way Buffalo (State University of NY) can keep climbing is with donations and those are increasing. They even have their own Phil Knight Nike-style patron in the guy who owns New Era who is an alum.

 

And as easy as it is to scoff at them, the long view shows how far they have come. It wasn't that long ago when they were losing every game. Now they average 5 wins and reached their second bowl game. Plus they are putting players in the NFL. And the basketball team is contending even after their disastrous offseason. There is progress.

 

 

Really? Why should "Albany" really care about the football at Buffalo nay more than at, say, Stony Brook-(who's basketball program got a top 25 vote this week)?

 

As recently as 2013, UB was in the worst 10 FBS schools as measured in wins and revenue generated (and attendance). That's UB's problem to fix, not Albany's (which means the taxpayers, by the way).

[Hammered a Lot]

 

 

Really? Why should "Albany" really care about the football at Buffalo nay more than at, say, Stony Brook-(who's basketball program got a top 25 vote this week)?

 

As recently as 2013, UB was in the worst 10 FBS schools as measured in wins and revenue generated (and attendance). That's UB's problem to fix, not Albany's (which means the taxpayers, by the way).

I thought I heard 40% of UB students are from NYC, Anyone know student body make up?

[Gordio]

I thought I heard 40% of UB students are from NYC, Anyone know student body make up?

 

 

I think that is part of the problem. You get a ton of kids that just come here for the cheap tuition & the strong education & could care less about the area/sports teams.

Edited February 10, 2016 by Gordio

[Not at the table Karlos]

UB would have to go undefeated for like 10 straight years before they could sell out an NFL sized stadium.

 

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.

a better stadium would attract more people, how many more idk. The stands at UBs stadium are terrible for anything. There isn't really a good seat in the place. The track plus 200 people standing along the entire sideline make for a poor experience no matter the product on the field. College games are usually free for students. I think more would go to a brand new billion dollar stadium than that cap they have in amherst

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.

UB stadium is terrible

[Marv's Neighbor]

If a shared stadium = shared costs, then you have to be in favor of it. I don't care IF UB draws 3 fans, the cost share would be a constant, and would help.

 

Whatever happens in the future, the WNY taxpayers cannot, and likely will not support any funding/bond issues to finance whatever may be proposed, so every option has to be investigated.

 

Maybe a future design would even be attractive to the Bison's?

[Hammered a Lot]

If a shared stadium = shared costs, then you have to be in favor of it. I don't care IF UB draws 3 fans, the cost share would be a constant, and would help.

 

Whatever happens in the future, the WNY taxpayers cannot, and likely will not support any funding/bond issues to finance whatever may be proposed, so every option has to be investigated.

 

Maybe a future design would even be attractive to the Bison's?

Ralph Wilson Stadium the Best sight lines in the NFL why because it's a football stadium not multi sport stadium. Rehab the Ralph at 1/2 billion $$ and bus the UB kids in. All 500 who support the Bulls! Edited February 10, 2016 by Hammered a Lot

[Jobu]

Orchard Park is a long way for the Bulls to drive for a Football game.

[Hammered a Lot]

Orchard Park is a long way for the Bulls to drive for a Football game.

Not really the Bulls have been using the Biils field house for practice for years. Edited February 10, 2016 by Hammered a Lot

[SoulMan]

Call it BillsBulls. Stadium.

 

BillsBulls Stadium graphics contest starting now on TBD !

[Mr. WEO]

I thought I heard 40% of UB students are from NYC, Anyone know student body make up?

 

Muffin tops and cottage cheese thighs....70%

[Delete This Account]

 

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?

 

 

Unless things have changed under new AD Greene, there is very little chance of a "shared" stadium happening unless it is on UB's campus. was told during the ownership search the only way a new stadium works for UB is if it's on campus because they have a captive student audience there.

 

jw

[PromoTheRobot]

As recently as 2013, UB was in the worst 10 FBS schools as measured in wins and revenue generated (and attendance).

 

That's UB's problem to fix, not Albany's (which means the taxpayers, by the way).

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Buffalo_Bulls_football_team

 

In 2013 UB was 8-5 and went to the Idaho Potato Bowl. They averaged 22,736 attendance, including 26K at RWS. And the reason UB is above schools like Stony Brook, Albany and Binghamton is because UB is all D1. Stony Brook and Albany are FCS in football and Bingo doesn't even have a football team. Plus UB is the largest state school.

 

So maybe your "ten worst" statement was a wee bit off? But keep lobbing grenades. You're bound to hit something eventually.

Edited February 11, 2016 by PromoTheRobot

[Agent 91]

If it's on campus I think. A few venues off campus allow... probably some other red tape too....

 

 

 

Anyways, I would go to ub games but that venue is comical how bad it is.

They started selling beer at UB I believe this year.

[Formerly Allan in MD]

Why not? It's all about the money.

[purple haze]

in the hypothetical of a new stadium downtown as well as mutual interest from UB to play there...

 

 

would it be in Pegula's interest to possibly donate money to the UB program in an effort to push them in the direction of program growth? A high level (meaning a power conference) program would certainly be a compliment to the One Buffalo thing and the whole 'campus' downtown.

Yeah, but a high powered football program could siphon off interest if they're doing well and the Bills aren't at any given time. Although, I think that is UB's best hope because they don't seem able to raise money to do the things they want to do with the football/athletic facilities. Honestly, I think they should focus on building a new basketball arena and putting money into that program. Since Buffalo is devoid of pro hoops UB, like Pitt, can be that for the city. Quiet as it's kept there are many hoops fans in Buffalo. They might all be on the East/North side, but they do exist.

[BarleyNY]

Yeah, but a high powered football program could siphon off interest if they're doing well and the Bills aren't at any given time. Although, I think that is UB's best hope because they don't seem able to raise money to do the things they want to do with the football/athletic facilities. Honestly, I think they should focus on building a new basketball arena and putting money into that program. Since Buffalo is devoid of pro hoops UB, like Pitt, can be that for the city. Quiet as it's kept there are many hoops fans in Buffalo. They might all be on the East/North side, but they do exist.

I was about to laugh off the thought of UB siphoning off interest from the Bills, but that's actually pretty spot on. For a shared stadium to even be considered, UB would need to beef up their program substantially. That means they might be more relevant in college than the Bills are in the NFL at some point down the road. That ends the discussion right there. No way would the Bills invite that possibility.

 

I'll jump ahead now to the "there's plenty of room for both" argument. No, there's not. Not in Buffalo. Not currently. It doesn't have close to population, like Atlanta, where the sheer number of people makes it feasible. The culture isn't there to provide strong support for bother either. In other words, Buffalo isn't a "football town". Yes, Buffalo loves it's Bills, but it is a hockey town. Football isn't ingrained in the culture like it is in Ohio, Texas and Florida. Growing up in Cleveland, fall weekends were high school football on Fridays, Buckeyes on Saturdays and Browns on Sundays. Who here bothers with UB football, much less high school? They can't even get students to go with free tickets.

Edited February 11, 2016 by BarleyNY

[PromoTheRobot]

I was about to laugh off the thought of UB siphoning off interest from the Bills, but that's actually pretty spot on. For a shared stadium to even be considered, UB would need to beef up their program substantially. That means they might be more relevant in college than the Bills are in the NFL at some point down the road. That ends the discussion right there. No way would the Bills invite that possibility.

 

I'll jump ahead now to the "there's plenty of room for both" argument. No, there's not. Not in Buffalo. Not currently. It doesn't have close to population, like Atlanta, where the sheer number of people makes it feasible. The culture isn't there to provide strong support for bother either. In other words, Buffalo isn't a "football town". Yes, Buffalo loves it's Bills, but it is a hockey town. Football isn't ingrained in the culture like it is in Ohio, Texas and Florida. Growing up in Cleveland, fall weekends were high school football on Fridays, Buckeyes on Saturdays and Browns on Sundays. Who here bothers with UB football, much less high school? They can't even get students to go with free tickets.

I follow UB sports as much as the Bills and Sabres. The three are not mutually exclusive. Edited February 11, 2016 by PromoTheRobot

[May Day 10]

Well, when it looked like the Bills were a threat to move, I thought it would be a possibility if not a probability.

 

Now that they are staying, it seems unlikely....

 

But a Bulls team on-par with Temple is attainable and I don't see it taking away from the Bills' popularity. They would never become a 'power'. The catch 22 is though I dont think average Buffalo sports fans would support that (Temple-level) anyways,

 

 

The basketball thing is interesting though. I did see Russ Brandon said they are going to try to get NBA preseason games

[BarleyNY]

I follow UB sports as much as the Bills and Sabres. The three are not mutually exclusive.

Judging by UB's stadium on game day you're the only one.

[May Day 10]

Judging by UB's stadium on game day you're the only one.

I follow them. I don't go to games though. It is due to the venue.

[Mr. WEO]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Buffalo_Bulls_football_team

 

In 2013 UB was 8-5 and went to the Idaho Potato Bowl. They averaged 22,736 attendance, including 26K at RWS. And the reason UB is above schools like Stony Brook, Albany and Binghamton is because UB is all D1. Stony Brook and Albany are FCS in football and Bingo doesn't even have a football team. Plus UB is the largest state school.

 

So maybe your "ten worst" statement was a wee bit off? But keep lobbing grenades. You're bound to hit something eventually.

 

It's obviously not my "10 worst list", as you know.

 

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2013/08/30/ub-is-ranked-as-one-of-10-worst.html

 

"The Bulls won just nine of 36 games during the past three seasons. Their average attendance of 14,747 per home game was 115th out of 120 FBS teams, and their three-year football revenues of $17.2 million were 103rd."

 

That was for the three seasons before their magical 2013 year. Since then, they haven't won more than 5 games a year....they play in the MAC. As for comparisons to Stony Brook, being a FBS punching bag isn't as much of a draw as the bright minds in the AD's office at UB once envisioned.

 

My post was no grenade, but a simple statement of fact. Nothing controversial at all.

[BarleyNY]

I follow them. I don't go to games though. It is due to the venue.

That's great that you and Promo support UB, but neither of you are refuting my points. And quite frankly, if UB playing in a small, generic venue that commands very low ticket prices keeps you away, then what would happen if they played in a brand new NFL stadium and their prices were as high as Bills tickets are now? (Bills ticket prices will undoubtedly increase in a new stadium.)

[May Day 10]

I would love it if they played in a small generic venue.

 

What they have now is awful in every aspect. The layout is comical it is so bad. Its like you are watching a game from the hubble telescope. If they had a venue similar to any of the other MAC schools, I would probably attend a lot of games. Heck, if they just had bleachers set up around the field in the same zip code, I would go.

 

 

 

 

Akron:

[BarleyNY]

So you think you'll be closer in an NFL venue?

[PromoTheRobot]

 

It's obviously not my "10 worst list", as you know.

 

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2013/08/30/ub-is-ranked-as-one-of-10-worst.html

 

"The Bulls won just nine of 36 games during the past three seasons. Their average attendance of 14,747 per home game was 115th out of 120 FBS teams, and their three-year football revenues of $17.2 million were 103rd."

 

That was for the three seasons before their magical 2013 year. Since then, they haven't won more than 5 games a year....they play in the MAC. As for comparisons to Stony Brook, being a FBS punching bag isn't as much of a draw as the bright minds in the AD's office at UB once envisioned.

 

My post was no grenade, but a simple statement of fact. Nothing controversial at all.

Winning 5 games consistently is a step up from 0-for-everything, which is where they were. Progress has been slow for a number of reasons, the biggest being WNY doesn't not have a history of big time college athletics. But progress has been made. Sorry they aren't LSU or Alabama. That doesn't make them not worth following.

Edited February 11, 2016 by PromoTheRobot