New Stadium Talk as of owner’s meetings

[BillsfanAZ]

I would assume clearing land, clearing buildings, and access in and out would be part of the proposal. Just for parking alone they would need probably over 300 acres. I can see seating capacity around 65k. Cardinals stadium seats 63k. I went to Garth Brooks there this past weekend...70k people. Sat in the parking lot for over an hour before we could even get out of our parking spot and there is a freeway right next to the stadium with multiple access points. Going to Bills games now is fairly easy to get in and out of. Dont expect the same if they put the stadium anywhere close to downtown. 

[Mrbojanglezs]

Dome would be best to keep cost down ( rather than retractable) and so that it can be multi use

[Jrb1979]

14 minutes ago, Stank_Nasty said:

I was in indy this year. I wasn't sure how I would feel about it until I got in there..... I hated it. it was a beautiful, brisk, sunny day in the low to mid 40's on the walk up the stadium and then you lose it all as you walk into the controlled climate. I was actually surprised how much I didn't like it. and my wife, who cant stand the cold, wasn't all that impressed either. 

 

being inside just didn't real right. didn't feel like a gameday.

An indoor stadium would be the best for the Bills. You would get a lot more people coming out to december games. 

 

From reading this thread and others it seems its an older fan base that posts here. A lot of you hate change. 

 

A downtown domed stadium would be great IMO. With all the bars and restaurants downtown now who needs tailgating. They have better beer at the bars over the Blue and Genny that most seem to love. 

[sven233]

1 hour ago, YoloinOhio said:

He doesn’t want one.  But I think it’s going to come down to that study. Looking at similar cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland - no dome. Indy and Detroit do have one. I would go with retractable. 

 

A retractable roof is the right answer for our area.  The problem is the additional cost.  I'm not sure of the exact number, but I am guessing you're looking at a couple hundred million more for that feature.  I am a firm believer that this facility should be a year-round entertainment complex that can be used more than 8-15 dates a year.  So, some sort of roof is necessary for that.  I know personally that as I get older, the prospect of going to sit in the snow and cold isn't as easy to do as it used to be.  The owner may say he doesn't want a dome, but he's also sitting in a beautiful heated owner's box and not outside in the cold and snow.  But, on the other hand, nothing beats being in an open air stadium on a beautiful fall day.  So yeah, a retractable roof is the right option and I hope that's what they settle on.

 

Also, part of me wants some sort of roof on the place just to get rid of the stupid excuse of the weather being a reason to be a ground and pound team and a reason to not step into this new NFL that requires a top passing game.  And honestly, it may help get certain free agents here as well that don't want to play in the snow and cold, even though that is usually only for 1-2 games, at most, per year.  It could take away a lot of preconceived notions about the city and team from those that aren't from around here.

[SirAndrew]

6 hours ago, Joe in Winslow said:

 

It's become less of a working man's sport and more of a yuppie executive's.

 

 

This^ The constant “yuppification” of everything has really taken the fun out of many things. When people think of tailgating, they tend to think of all the stupid antics. There is plenty of that, but I choose to think about the good parts. It’s so enjoyable to spend Sunday morning sitting around grilling and beer drinking. I have no desire to sit in a crowded restaurant drinking over priced beer while eating an overpriced cheeseburger. Nothing against restaurants, there are perfect moments to visit them, but I’d prefer to grill my food and drink my beer on game day. It’s a huge part of the experience that I’d miss. I can hang out in a bar or restaurant any day of the week if I choose to do so. Sadly, the game is becoming geared towards the wine and cheese crowd. The idea of grilling outside on a Sunday morning is likely beneath the image the league wants these days. 

Edited March 27, 2019 by SirAndrew

[May Day 10]

A stadium with a roof (not enclosed) a little inland/off the lake downtown would be much easier than fully open in orchard park.

[Boatdrinks]

7 minutes ago, SirAndrew said:

This^ The constant “yuppifcation” of everything has really taken the fun out of many things. When people think of tailgating, they tend to think of all the stupid antics. There is plenty of that, but I choose to think about the good parts. It’s so enjoyable to spend Sunday morning sitting around grilling and beer drinking. I have no desire to sit in a crowded restaurant drinking over priced beer while eating an overpriced cheeseburger. Nothing against restaurants, there are perfect moments to visit them, but I’d prefer to grill my food and drink my beer on game day. It’s a huge part of the experience that I’d miss. I can hang out in a bar or restaurant any day of the week if I choose to do so. Sadly, the game is becoming geared towards the wine and cheese crowd. The idea of grilling outside on a Sunday morning is likely beneath the image the league wants these days. 

Plenty of folks from all demographics enjoy tailgating. September/ October are simply best. The weather is pretty wretched in Nov and Dec to sit outside watching a football game. That’s the problem. 

[plenzmd1]

I don't care downtown OP, roof, no roof..i only want a couple of things

 

1) Not a huge middle ring of the stadium three stories of suites. I like sitting in the upper deck, and the stadiums that do this like Gillette and Fed -Ex just suck .

 

2) Standing Room spots. I would prefer  assigned/ticketed standing room spots so you can go tot he potty, grab a beer etc and not lose your place. Someplaces do this and it is awesome

 

3) A decent beer selection

 

Thats it, and i am happy

[Wsam4031]

29 minutes ago, SirAndrew said:

This^ The constant “yuppifcation” of everything has really taken the fun out of many things. When people think of tailgating, they tend to think of all the stupid antics. There is plenty of that, but I choose to think about the good parts. It’s so enjoyable to spend Sunday morning sitting around grilling and beer drinking. I have no desire to sit in a crowded restaurant drinking over priced beer while eating an overpriced cheeseburger. Nothing against restaurants, there are perfect moments to visit them, but I’d prefer to grill my food and drink my beer on game day. It’s a huge part of the experience that I’d miss. I can hang out in a bar or restaurant any day of the week if I choose to do so. Sadly, the game is becoming geared towards the wine and cheese crowd. The idea of grilling outside on a Sunday morning is likely beneath the image the league wants these days. 

I couldn't agree with you more. Some of my favorite memories as a kid was tailgating at ECC with 20 family members cooking on the grill playing football. Now that I'm 40 I like to do the same with some beers involved! I don't want to be in a bar before the game I wanna be outside grilling and drinking some beers!

[Houston's #1 Bills Fan]

49 minutes ago, The Wiz said:

Retractable would make the most sense and would favor everyone.  It would also be able to be used for purposes other than football if it was.

I am not in favor of a retractable roof. Here in Houston, we have one and the damn thing is closed all the time!! Said to "enhance the home field advantage". BS. I can't stand that. It's Houston, it's sunny, open the damn roof. Happens over at Minute Maid Park, too (Astros). I feel the same would happen in Buffalo, but for different reasons. Here's it's "too hot", so they'll close the roof and make it louder. In Buffalo, any chance of snow and they'll close the roof. I think we lose an advantage to Southern/West Coast/Doom teams that can't play in snow. Jim Kelly grow up in East Brady, PA and was already used the play in the snow! We need that!!

[LabattBlue]

10 minutes ago, Houston's #1 Bills Fan said:

 I think we lose an advantage to Southern/West Coast/Doom teams that can't play in snow. Jim Kelly grow up in East Brady, PA and was already used the play in the snow! We need that!!

This is a never ending myth.  How many players on the current roster have played in snow that has a significant effect on the game.  There is no advantage for the Bills in a snow game.  NONE.

 

[edited]How is it that Indy(a dome team) came into RWS two years ago, and beat the Bills while the snow piled up quarter after quarter?

Edited March 27, 2019 by LabattBlue

[The Wiz]

6 minutes ago, Houston's #1 Bills Fan said:

I am not in favor of a retractable roof. Here in Houston, we have one and the damn thing is closed all the time!! Said to "enhance the home field advantage". BS. I can't stand that. It's Houston, it's sunny, open the damn roof. Happens over at Minute Maid Park, too (Astros). I feel the same would happen in Buffalo, but for different reasons. Here's it's "too hot", so they'll close the roof and make it louder. In Buffalo, any chance of snow and they'll close the roof. I think we lose an advantage to Southern/West Coast/Doom teams that can't play in snow. Jim Kelly grow up in East Brady, PA and was already used the play in the snow! We need that!!

It's probably always closed in Houston because they are running the AC all the time and don't want the high electricity bill. 

 

But in all honestly I don't think they would close it for heat reasons in Buffalo and would probably only close it for extreme weather conditions.  Like, you know, 7ft of snow. 

[Jrb1979]

6 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

This is a never ending myth.  How many players on the current roster have played in snow that has a significant effect on the game.  There is no advantage for the Bills in a snow game.  NONE.

You know that and I know that. It seems that a lot of the posters here are older fans and don't like change.   

[LabattBlue]

Just now, Jrb1979 said:

You know that and I know that. It seems that a lot of the posters here are older fans and don't like change.   

I'm soon to be 60, AND want change. Give me a domed stadium ASAP.

[purple haze]

2 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

He doesn’t want one.  But I think it’s going to come down to that study. Looking at similar cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland - no dome. Indy and Detroit do have one. I would go with retractable. 

For what, two games a year?  Most places that have retractable roofs rarely have them open, even in good weather.  If folks want to be inside, watch at home or the bar.

[Reed83HOF]

6 minutes ago, The Wiz said:

It's probably always closed in Houston because they are running the AC all the time and don't want the high electricity bill. 

 

But in all honestly I don't think they would close it for heat reasons in Buffalo and would probably only close it for extreme weather conditions.  Like, you know, 7ft of snow. 

The general upkeep and maintenance costs of a retractable roof in Buffalo make zero financial sense. It is either dome or no dome

[wppete]

Not a Dome Stadium ? 

[Jrb1979]

1 minute ago, LabattBlue said:

I'm soon to be 60, AND want change. Give me a domed stadium ASAP.

I agree with that. It seems you are in the minority.   

 

As far as having a domed stadium and upgraded amenities, its cause of the advances in tv. A lot of people find it better to sit at home and watch the game. Teams are finding that they have to make the game more of an experience. Tailgating isn't the draw anymore. A good example of a great stadium is Progressive field in Cleveland. It has a kids play area, lots of craft beer options, a bar area that overlooks the field. When they build the new stadium they should keep those kind of things in mind. 

[Misterbluesky]

Until Cuomo says he's in....all of this talk is "pipe dreamin".

[Canadian Bills Fan]

 

 

[Chandler#81]

4 hours ago, Forward Progress said:

Please don't move the stadium downtown!! 

 

I have been to plenty of stadiums across the league and downtown stadiums have the worst tailgating.  St.Louis was the worst that I have been to.  The only thing going on outside of the stadium were street vendors peddling their souvenirs.

 

I know this perspective is shared by many Bills fans -and our national image of slovenly drunk idiots smashing folding tables -and girlfriends!- is some kind of badge of honor, but I think it goes directly to what the League wants for their teams. The downtown hotels, eatery’s & quick ride to the stadium & airports is preferred over barren goat towns with bonfires and rowdy drunkenness. Should we go the way the League desires, obviously many high rise parking lots will be in order and we’ll adapt accordingly. It’s a paradigm. You don’t know what you don’t know.

 

In the 60’s, we could take a case of beer into WMS, then throw the empties at players as they left the field. Things change.

[Stank_Nasty]

1 hour ago, Jrb1979 said:

An indoor stadium would be the best for the Bills. You would get a lot more people coming out to december games. 

 

From reading this thread and others it seems its an older fan base that posts here. A lot of you hate change. 

 

A downtown domed stadium would be great IMO. With all the bars and restaurants downtown now who needs tailgating. They have better beer at the bars over the Blue and Genny that most seem to love. 

i'm 33. what are we considering older? the indoor experience sucked compared to being outside. winning would cure the December attendance issues fairly easily.

 

and the bolded just sounds pathetic to me..... some gameday experience that would be!

 

Edited March 27, 2019 by Stank_Nasty

[LeGOATski]

Semi-open stadium downtown. That'll be sick.

 

Fans will find a way to tailgate/cookout/party. Idk why people are so worried about that. When it comes down to it, tailgaters are just a small subset of fans, anyway.

[MacGyver]

55 minutes ago, SirAndrew said:

but I’d prefer to grill my food and drink my beer on game day.

 

Might have to stay at home and watch the game on TV then.

 

I would definitely start going to Bills games again if I knew there would be "higher class" citizens seated next to me as opposed to risking being seated near common denominator drunkards who swear like a sailor and spill beer all over the person seated in front of them.

 

In any event, I think no matter what direction they choose, you can't please all types of fans.  It definitely sounds like downtown + PSL's is what is coming.  I'm sure they realize tailgating is a huge thing in Buffalo, and I bet the Pegula's will do whatever they can to incorporate that to the best of their ability. However, it will never be like the "good old days", it can't.  It's time to move forward.

 

I for one do not look forward to a stadium + shopping mall, a stadium + park pavilion's with grille's that are part of the package you can use to tailgate with would be cool, but those pavilion's would not be bringing in extra money like shops would be during the game, etc. 

 

 

[Stank_Nasty]

Just now, LeGOATski said:

Semi-open stadium downtown. That'll be sick.

 

Fans will find a way to tailgate/cookout/party. Idk why people are so worried about that. When it comes down to it, tailgaters are just a small subset of fans, anyway.

its because it differs from all other stadiums. believe it or not quite a few people enjoy the fact that its one of the few stadiums not in a downtown area. it has a very different feel to it.

[Lurker]

3 hours ago, YoloinOhio said:

how much does the corporate sponsor typically contribute to the overall cost? 

 

Naming rights are typically a revenue play, not a capital investment.    I can't see any rights holder chipping in for stadium construction...

[teef]

6 minutes ago, MacGyver said:

 

Might have to stay at home and watch the game on TV then.

 

I would definitely start going to Bills games again if I knew there would be "higher class" citizens seated next to me as opposed to risking being seated near common denominator drunkards who swear like a sailor and spill beer all over the person seated in front of them.

 

In any event, I think no matter what direction they choose, you can't please all types of fans.  It definitely sounds like downtown + PSL's is what is coming.  I'm sure they realize tailgating is a huge thing in Buffalo, and I bet the Pegula's will do whatever they can to incorporate that to the best of their ability. However, it will never be like the "good old days", it can't.  It's time to move forward.

 

I for one do not look forward to a stadium + shopping mall, a stadium + park pavilion's with grille's that are part of the package you can use to tailgate with would be cool, but those pavilion's would not be bringing in extra money like shops would be during the game, etc. 

 

 

i've never understood this.  want to avoid those people?  just buy club seats.  comfortable seats, quick beer lines, shorter lines for the bathroom and much cleaner.  it's easy to avoid the idiots.  sometimes you just have to dish out a bit more cash.  

[Lurker]

36 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

I'm soon to be 60, AND want change. Give me a domed stadium ASAP.

 

I'm 62 and would go with a downtown dome as well.   

 

The folks who resist change are destined to always be disappointed... 

[Stank_Nasty]

4 minutes ago, Lurker said:

 

I'm 62 and would go with a downtown dome as well.   

 

The folks who resist change are destined to always be disappointed... 

has to be that they are resistant to change?.... couldn't be that maybe they just have a personal preference to having their gameday outside. 

 

ive been in a domed stadium. it sucked. that's why I don't want one. if you don't mind i'll go ahead and resist something that took away from my purchased gameday experience.

Edited March 27, 2019 by Stank_Nasty

[Lurker]

5 minutes ago, Stank_Nasty said:

has to be that they are resistant to change?.... couldn't be that maybe they just have a personal preference to having their gameday outside. 

 

ive been in a domed stadium. it sucked. that's why I don't want one. if you don't mind i'll go ahead and resist something that took away from my purchased gameday experience.

 

It's your entertainment dollar.  Resist any way you want...

 

 

[wagon127]

I don't need a dome, but a roof like you see on Seattle or Miami would be nice.

[Kelly the Dog]

They don't need an expensive retractable roof. They just need a pliant one that is loose and then pay volunteers/slaves $10 an hour to go up there and roll it back the few times they need to to like they do now to shovel snow. 

[Stank_Nasty]

2 minutes ago, Lurker said:

 

It's your entertainment dollar.  Resist any way you want...

 

 

point being, not wanting a dome downtown doesn't just make somebody automatically resistant to change. how about some context people? its a lazy accusation from a few around here today.

Edited March 27, 2019 by Stank_Nasty

[PromoTheRobot]

4 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

My thoughts on this are pretty simple. Wherever it goes next is going to be a “business decision” not a fan experience decision. What is best for the government and best for the Pegulas are not necessarily the same. It will almost certainly be a public/private deal. The expression “split the difference” is a little ironic IMO. That’s how I see this thing playing out. 

 

The Pegulas want to maximize revenue and the government wants to minimize cost. My guess is 65,000 seats, downtown (somewhere), with a price tag in the $1B range. It will be split almost evenly between the state and the Bills. 

 

Agreed. It will be a split between the Pegulas, state, county, PSL revenue and maybe a few bucks from Jeremy Jacobs/Delaware North. And they would be nuts not to put a roof on it. (Not retractable, permanent.) The Pegulas are already developing "Pegulaville" to be an analog to Bob Kraft's Patriot Place.

 

Behold our future:

 

Edited March 27, 2019 by PromoTheRobot

[Mark80]

Downtown can barely handle 19,000 + leaving from a Sabres game.  How the heck are they going to handle 60,000 + from a Bills game? 

[LeviF]

2 hours ago, MacGyver said:

 

The NFL probably wants a lot less drunk fans jumping through burning tables and throwing *****'s on the field.  When I went to Bills games it was to watch football, not worry about getting drunk and acting like a frat boy.  I think a downtown stadium + PSL's will lead things towards a more positive direction it terms of the quality of the NFL gameday experience.   

 

[PromoTheRobot]

6 minutes ago, Mark80 said:

Downtown can barely handle 19,000 + leaving from a Sabres game.  How the heck are they going to handle 60,000 + from a Bills game? 

 

How do people get out of Orchard Park with only a few roads to drive on? 

[Mark80]

If you go on Zillow and look for available properties available for sale in the first ward area...there are basically none.  And some of those housing projects in that area look just like Baltimore in The Wire.  Completely abandoned (vacated) with no effort to fill them, but none of them for sale either?  I think that's a pretty telling story.

Edited March 27, 2019 by Mark80

[KennyDavisEyes]

2 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

How do people get out of Orchard Park with only a few roads to drive on? 

I live 2 hrs away and parking in someone’s lawn on 20A allows me to be home to watch the last quarter plus of the 4 o’clock games.

 

Downtown stadium would F that. 

 

I’d probably have to take time off work and spend the night instead.

[Mark80]

3 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

 

How do people get out of Orchard Park with only a few roads to drive on? 

 

Well, first of all they don't have intersections every 0.1 mile with horrific Buffalo traffic cops seemingly directing traffic with their eyes closed.