NEW Bills Stadium question

[CommonCents]

4 minutes ago, Heitz said:

Open air, in Letchworth State Park.  Follow the money, connect the dots, and buy land now!!

 

 

For real though, something like the Vikings stadium all day - that translucent roof is something else in real life.  That, and the big doors in the front make it feel like you're outdoors.  Plus it's all new and shiny and nice

 

For those that are interested, roof tech:  https://www.wired.com/2016/09/vikings-stadium-roof/

 

 

So much like the outdoors the damn birds were killing themselves flying into it. 

[Carter]

Just now, billsfan_34 said:

What light? B-lo is one overcast gloomy joint 

Very gloomy. Here in San Diego we have may gray. Imgaine having that all year round. Then have to deal with winter.  

 

Why and and how do humans live in an environment like that? It is torture. 

[billsfan_34]

Just now, Carter said:

Very gloomy. Here in San Diego we have may gray. Imgaine having that all year round. Then have to deal with winter.  

 

Why and and how do humans live in an environment like that? It is torture. 

I ask myself that all the time- and moved back from coastal NC! Summers and early to mid fall great- everything else is pure dung.

[Carter]

7 minutes ago, billsfan_34 said:

I ask myself that all the time- and moved back from coastal NC! Summers and early to mid fall great- everything else is pure dung.

Summers are still muggy, buggy and wet. Not even close to ideal human conditions. 

[frostbitmic]

Sitting inside on a beautiful day sucks ... Sitting outside in the cold, snow and rain sucks ... If you're going to spend the money, spend more so sitting in it doesn't suck.

[The Frankish Reich]

4 hours ago, RyanC883 said:

Dome.  

 

The former Civic Arena in Pittsburgh had a retractable roof.  It was used like 3 times (should have been used more, IMO).  

 

At any rate, a Dome is great.  Can be used for other things (Niagara Region Final 4, indoor monster truck things, concert, etc.)    

 

I thought it would be too expensive, building a dome stadium for 8 games a year. But I hadn't factored in the monster truck show revenue.

[BobbyC81]

5 hours ago, Ol Dirty B said:

 

I'm pretty sure you're just saying this rather than actually having facts. Outside of Jim Kelly's era, I doubt the Bills have a greater winning percentage at home in December vs the Dolphins if you could hold for regular home field advantage variables. It's not some amazing win percentage other wise we would all know it, and it'd be put on the TV during every Bills home game vs the Dolphins in December.

 

Great first post. I'm sure you'll add a lot of valuable insight. 

 

Okay, buddy, here's the facts:

 

I started with the 1980s since everybody knows the Dolphins won every matchup in the '70s and included games played Nov 1st and later.  Starting with the 1st game in 1985, the Dolphins have visited 23 times, including 2 playoff games, and the Bills record in those games is 16-7.  

[cba fan]

7 hours ago, papazoid said:

Team A in the AFC plays in 12 poor weather games per season

 

Team B in the AFC plays in 4 poor weather games per season

 

who has the advantage ?

Team B.

[Doc Brown]

Something similar to what the Vikings have would be awesome.

[cba fan]

5 hours ago, Commonsense said:

 

So much like the outdoors the damn birds were killing themselves flying into it. 

idiots could have spent just a million more on bird crash proof glass if they had listened to the bird lobby experts when they built it, and now estimate spending 10 to 20x more to fix the issue bird conserver groups are up in arms about. Meanwhile local GOV'T just commissioned a 300k+ 3 yr study to study the issue.

5 hours ago, Heitz said:

Open air, in Letchworth State Park.  Follow the money, connect the dots, and buy land now!!

 

 

For real though, something like the Vikings stadium all day - that translucent roof is something else in real life.  That, and the big doors in the front make it feel like you're outdoors.  Plus it's all new and shiny and nice

 

For those that are interested, roof tech:  https://www.wired.com/2016/09/vikings-stadium-roof/

 

I am not an engineer but do good estimations and projections except for NFL mock drafts of course.

 

Only 50% of the roof in MN is translucent panels.

If Buffalo built one with 100% roof translucent panels it theoretically would let in 100% more light on any given day with same cloud cover.

That would mitigate the typical overcast fall/winter days in Buffalo.

It would approx.(*z*) let in same amount of light when comparing a sunny day in MN vs a typical fall/winter overcast day in Buffalo.

 

(*z*) give or take 15% or so due to per NFL study that downtown Buffalo lack of light with building shadows. This would be mitigated by having the lights in stadium on all the time.

Edited April 18, 2018 by cba fan

[KollegeStudnet]

I used to think it's UnBuffalo to have a dome. But, it's the pro game and it has evolved into a bigger stage.

[wakingfane]

Wow! Has a domer conversion taken hold or is this thread a matter of small sample bias?  Because this question as you probably know is asked on the board at least once a year. I probably haven't clicked on one of the threads in years because it was a tired argument and the thread title was obviously about whether or not we should build a dome.  BUT I can say rather confidently that when this question was asked 10-15 years ago the answer was at least 75% outdoor stadium.

 

My vote is for outdoor stadium because the weather helps make games and memories special.  Sure I've been there for the 10° cold night game Tom Brady Patriots drubbing. The 29° freezing rain Tom Brady Patriots drubbing, but I've also been there with my friends freezing our butts on the metal bleacher seats, watching Steve Tasker catch two receiving touchdowns over the Jets, and on beautiful warm fall days with blue skies and puffy clouds rolling through when the stadium feels like the greatest place to be on Earth and the early Jauron Bills strangled the Vikings offense, or the "not terribly cold for December" game when the TKO Bills held the Jeff Garcia Browns to negative yards passing, 

 

I wasn't there for the snow game this past year but on TV it sure was special. I wouldn't trade all those memories for comfort.

Edited April 18, 2018 by wakingfane

[GETTOTHE50]

Dome games have a crusty feeling imo. Both in the stadium and watching on tv 

[May Day 10]

i would prefer open... but more enclosed to block wind with a decent roof for precipitation and crowd noise.  if it is located out of the snow belt, thats a plus.

 

to me, indoor games are 2 dimensional, and all the same/miscellaneous.

 

when i see bills highlights for home games, the weather is part of the atmosphere... and i remember how it was that day.  Even the lighting if its a 1pm game in sept or a 4pm game in late november.

 

 

i do understand the side who wants a roof.  although the "many other" events justification doesnt hold much water.  i also think retractable would be a waste of money in buffalo

[BobbyC81]

51 minutes ago, GETTOTHE50 said:

Dome games have a crusty feeling imo. Both in the stadium and watching on tv 

 

I saw a Bills game and a MLB game in the Seattle Kingdome and they were definitely different experiences.  On top of not seeing the sky and feeling the outdoor air, the acoustics of the game action, like a batted ball, were weird.

[BigBuff423]

I'm for a dome....I don't think going to the snow game in Indy with a child is that much fun, but that's me. I think Offenses play better in domed stadiums, and the NFL is very much geared toward the Offense. Additionally, if the Vikings in Minnesota can host a Super Bowl, with a new dome the Buffalo Bills can and most likely would too. I think *that* is a terrific selling point because it means not only would it happen once, but probably two or three times over time. 

 

Basically, the dome in a Western NY makes football more fun when the games are *theoretically* going to matter more. Of course playing in the beautiful sunshine in October when the air is a crisp 40 degrees is great. But, that happens MAYBE twice a season...and you still risk the rain or torturous winds and of course, snow. Also, aside from a collapse due to a snow-pocalypse, you don't have to pay people to go shovel out the seats. 

 

Dome is just the way to go...makes the experience so much more enjoyable. Also, depending on where they build it if it's something like recent domes with tremendous windows, the aesthetics would be pretty great.

[dollars 2 donuts]

Dome for the reasons stated.

 

secondly I did a quick scan of this thread and may I honestly give my compliments to TSW Board members as I did not see the words "hosting a Super Bowl" anywhere in this thread.

 

It always sort of annoys because it sounds ridiculous.  The weather yes, but Buffalo also doesn't really have the infrastructure to host an event like that (hotels, etc.).

Edited April 18, 2018 by dollars 2 donuts

[DriveFor1Outta5]

4 minutes ago, dollars 2 donuts said:

Dome for the reasons stated.

 

secondly I did a quick scan of this thread and may I honestly give my compliments to TSW Board members as I did not see the words "hosting a Super Bowl" anywhere in this thread.

 

It always sort of annoys because it sounds ridiculous.  The weather yes, but Buffalo also doesn't really have the infrastructure to host an event like that (hotels, etc.).

They could copy the Jacksonville Super Bowl

model by creating hotel rooms in boats on the Niagara River. 

[Buffalo_Stampede]

You need a closed roof in Buffalo to financially stay viable in the NFL. It's just reality. More expensive seats are coming. 

[BillsfaninChicago]

People sometimes use the retractable roof stadium in Indy as an example for  what Buffalo should build. Having been there for two Bills games on both occasions it felt more like going to church than a football game the atmosphere was so mellow and quiet . Maybe it is just the culture of the Indy fan base but I would fear the Bills would lose a part of their identity if something like that were built.

[Buffalo_Stampede]

3 minutes ago, Leonhart2017 said:

People sometimes use the retractable roof stadium in Indy as an example for  what Buffalo should build. Having been there for two Bills games on both occasions it felt more like going to church than a football game the atmosphere was so mellow and quiet . Maybe it is just the culture of the Indy fan base but I would fear the Bills would lose a part of their identity if something like that were built.

Go to a Saints or Vikings game. 

[Hammered a Lot]

12 hours ago, RyanC883 said:

Dome.  

 

The former Civic Arena in Pittsburgh had a retractable roof.  It was used like 3 times (should have been used more, IMO).  

 

At any rate, a Dome is great.  Can be used for other things (Niagara Region Final 4, indoor monster truck things, concert, etc.)    

Monster trucks are huge with the large immigration population of WNY.  

[wagon127]

15 minutes ago, Leonhart2017 said:

People sometimes use the retractable roof stadium in Indy as an example for  what Buffalo should build. Having been there for two Bills games on both occasions it felt more like going to church than a football game the atmosphere was so mellow and quiet . Maybe it is just the culture of the Indy fan base but I would fear the Bills would lose a part of their identity if something like that were built.

It worries me too. People look back at the aud fondly as a more roudy crowd. And that the new arena doesn't come close to matching that atmosphere. We will definitely look back at the ralph as the best atmosphere for a football game. Unfortunately for the blizzard game last year, only half the stadium was filled. People didn't even want to buy tickets for $6 for that game. And these days, the clear glass is the new retractable roof. We will get something like what Minnesota has, if we ever build a new stadium. No way you can justify spending the kind of money on a new stadium, if its not a stadium like that.

Edited April 18, 2018 by wagon127

[Hammered a Lot]

10 hours ago, DriveFor1Outta5 said:

The Stones came to Buffalo and attracted a huge crowd. The problem isn’t Buffalo, the problem is a crap music industry. Building a stadium anywhere with the idea of getting entertainment acts is an invalid reason to build these days. A new stadium will built with the sole intention of corporate cash and seat licenses. It’s all about more cash in the league’s pocket. They couldn’t care less about what it provides to the community. 

Darn right

[Like A Mofo]

How about a stadium similar to what Seattle has?

[Mr. WEO]

24 minutes ago, Like A Mofo said:

How about a stadium similar to what Seattle has?

 

The one with Russell Wilson in it?

 

Nah...too small.

[papazoid]

lucas oil stadium

 

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=lucas+oil+stadium&FORM=HDRSC2

 

combine with Buffalo/Niagara Convention Center

[TheElectricCompany]

Give me an open air stadium or a dome. No retractable roof. 

You guys need to look into the usage rates of some of the new facilities out there. Keep in mind they are in much bigger markets with more discretionary dollars available. 

The reality is that it would be unused for 97% of the season. 

 

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

16 hours ago, papazoid said:

Team A in the AFC plays in 12 poor weather games per season

 

Team B in the AFC plays in 4 poor weather games per season

 

who has the advantage ?

2 Hurricanes / Tropical Storms in Sept, 2 Hurricanes / Tropical Storms in Oct, 2 Hurricanes / Tropical Storms in Nov and 3 games in NY and NE in December.   

 

I only count 9.    

Edited April 18, 2018 by ShadyBillsFan

[stevewin]

As long a there's a parking garage (preferrably east) I'll be happy (and rich)

[Boatdrinks]

4 hours ago, wagon127 said:

It worries me too. People look back at the aud fondly as a more roudy crowd. And that the new arena doesn't come close to matching that atmosphere. We will definitely look back at the ralph as the best atmosphere for a football game. Unfortunately for the blizzard game last year, only half the stadium was filled. People didn't even want to buy tickets for $6 for that game. And these days, the clear glass is the new retractable roof. We will get something like what Minnesota has, if we ever build a new stadium. No way you can justify spending the kind of money on a new stadium, if its not a stadium like that.

True. The fact is a new stadium with a cover gives pricing power. People don't want to believe it, but there is an untapped market here that won't go to most games in the current stadium. A market with plenty of $$. One look at the prices paid for Bills tickets on the secondary market for non " weather" games shows you that the tickets are underpriced. Lots of money being left on the sidelines right now that the Bills will look to tap into. It's just a different demographic, a different fan. And it will happen . 

[Misterbluesky]

17 hours ago, Carter said:

Please. Is this a joke. 

 

Buffalo can’t afford a new stadium. Their economy has been stagnant for 40 years. The local politicians are too selfish and dumb to understand the trickle affects of building a new stadium, they will refuse any public money be given. 

 

Pegs will use this as his excuse to Initiate talks for moving the team to a more “sustainable” city with a “bright” future. 

 

Buffalo is not that. Complete opposite amof. 

 

Please.  New stadium on buffalo. Hahaha. 

The city would not take the hit..part of the monies would come from NYS and WE,the Erie County taxpayers would see about a 2% property tax increase.Terry and Kim would be paying about half the cost...that was the only proposal semi offered by the ECC and was never reviewed by Polancarz. The stadium would have a retractable roof.

[JM57]

4 hours ago, Like A Mofo said:

How about a stadium similar to what Seattle has?

All day. Cover me, don't cover the players. I'm still in the elements, but also not soaking wet or covered in snow like the Oakland or Indy games this past season.

[RJ (not THAT RJ)]

18 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Retractable roof would be my choice. 

 

I have read talk of the possibility of a new stadium doubling as a convention center for Buffalo (since a new one is needed anyway), which would make a lot of sense. 

 

If it a  avenue that can be used for much more than just football, that helps make the tax payer money that will be used more palatable. 

 

But i I do think the cold, snowy, windy Buffalo weather can also be used to our advantage (especially with McDermott following Belichick's lead and making his team practice out in the elements here).

 

So a retractable roof would be the best of both worlds IMO. 

 

Never in the history of modern sports has a retractable roof stadium been purposely opened on a bad weather day. And it never will. This particular fantasy just has to go away. 

[JM57]

12 minutes ago, RJ (not THAT RJ) said:

 

Never in the history of modern sports has a retractable roof stadium been purposely opened on a bad weather day. And it never will. This particular fantasy just has to go away. 

Also how many bad weather games are there a year? Maybe one? 2015 Bengals, 2016 Steelers, 2017 Colts.

[Tatonka68]

SAY NO TO DOME, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!!!

[Misterbluesky]

38 minutes ago, JM57 said:

All day. Cover me, don't cover the players. I'm still in the elements, but also not soaking wet or covered in snow like the Oakland or Indy games this past season.

The stadium must be a multi purpose facility,capable of being used 12 months a year.If it isn't,Erie County is not willing to foot any part of the bill.

[Bills Fan in MD]

I remember going to some games in the 90s when there absolutely was a home weather advantage at play.  The two games that come to mind are Week 15 in 1990 when Frank Reich clinched the division after Kelly got hurt against the Giants, and the game three weeks later when Kelly came back and ran the Dolphins off the field in a 44-34 win that wasn't nearly as close as the score implies.

 

I understand that there's not really a home team weather advantage any more as players move around more and don't grow accustomed to different climates (and because warm weather clothing is now a lot more advanced), but it will still be sad for me when they build a dome (which is probably the right call). 

Edited April 18, 2018 by Bills Fan in MD

[SoCal Deek]

Does anyone know how much it cost to put the big new roof over the seats in Miami?  I haven't been there since the renovation work was completed but it looks really cool on TV.

Google has everything.....$450 Million for the Dolphins Stadium renovation. Sounds pricey!

[cba fan]

4 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

Does anyone know how much it cost to put the big new roof over the seats in Miami?  I haven't been there since the renovation work was completed but it looks really cool on TV.

Google has everything.....$450 Million for the Dolphins Stadium renovation. Sounds pricey!

Goodell promised the Dolphins Super Bowls if they did the upgrade. And no Super Bowls ever again in the old non upgraded stadium. The owner paid for all of it.