Roof or No Roof?

[Bakin]

I’m sure it’s been asked many times. 

But maybe in light of the recent talks...should update the numbers. 

 

Mods can delete if redundant. 

[Victory Formation]

I'd like a roof and I'd like the stadium to be set up in such a way acoustically that the 12th man could get rowdy when they want to.

[Punching Bag]

I'd like a roof but partial, absolutely not a dome.

[DrDawkinstein]

Unfortunately, roof.

 

Any building that is going to take up that much real estate downtown, and cost that much to build, needs to be used more than 10-12 times a year (counting preseason and playoffs obviously).

 

Even if the Pegulas funded it themselves, they would have to have other events there, and therefore need a roof.

 

I love an open stadium, but it just isnt practical. And if we want to draw other games and events to it, a roof is a necessity.

[Victory Formation]

Just now, DrDawkinstein said:

Unfortunately, roof.

 

Any building that is going to take up that much real estate downtown, and cost that much to build, needs to be used more than 10-12 times a year (counting preseason and playoffs obviously).

 

Even if the Pegulas funded it themselves, they would have to have other events there, and therefore need a roof.

 

I love an open stadium, but it just isnt practical. And if we want to draw other games and events to it, a roof is a necessity.

?

[DrDawkinstein]

1 minute ago, NewDayBills said:

?

 

2 games since we'll have home field of course.

[Augie]

Retractable, but play with it open except in extreme conditions....and when it helps us. Let the Fish freeze!   ?

 

 

 

. 

Edited July 2, 2019 by Augie

[Orlando Tim]

with the cost of a retractable roof i would say just a solid roof but not necessarily complete. allow the cold but keep out most of wind.

[SNICE]

When using practical thinking a roof makes the most sense, however when I think of sitting stadium watching a game I love the sun, clouds, wind, snow, etc.  I’ve been to games inside (including SB XLIX) and it’s just not the same indoors.  Nothing beats “football weather”.

[Heitz]

Roof for me.  

 

Am I old?  Soft?  Spending too much time in SoCal?  Probably...

 

I'm going to continue to call out US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis as a great example of what can be done with a "roof".  When you're in that stadium it feels like you're outside - it's pretty cool.  And the entire front is basically big-ass doors that you can open for a breeze and open-air feel on those nice fall days...

 

https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/sports/a19066/minnesota-viking-football-stadium-roof/

 

 

Edited July 2, 2019 by Heitz

[Rc2catch]

Although my game days are over in the buffalo area I would still go with the roof. Years ago I wanted them to peg a new stadium in the Lewiston area as close to the border as possible. In my older years I realize that probably wouldn’t work out too well and of course have no clue what shape Niagara Falls/ town of niagara/ Lewiston is in these days. I just always felt that area needed the infusion of surrounding businesses a stadium would undoubtedly bring. If/when they do a new stadium I will make the trip to come see it though 

[Happy]

I want no roof, but I think a new stadium will have a roof, which will allow multiple events in the stadium and more revenue for the stadium owner(s).

IMO, retractable roofs, while good in theory, rarely seems to be retracted.  Is it actually worth the extra money?  I'd lean toward no, it is not worth it.

[Punching Bag]

15 minutes ago, Heitz said:

Roof for me.  

 

Am I old?  Soft?  Spending too much time in SoCal?  Probably...

 

I'm going to continue to call out US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis as a great example of what can be done with a "roof".  When you're in that stadium it feels like you're outside - it's pretty cool.  And the entire front is basically big-ass doors that you can open for a breeze and open-air feel on those nice fall days...

 

https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/sports/a19066/minnesota-viking-football-stadium-roof/

 

 

 

Yes.  There is a stadium in NZ which supposedly has same feel.  If you are going to roof option (and I expect all those who do vote for roof to open pocket books and bank accounts to Pegulas) please no dome like Colts have.  I went to Arizona game and seat was "partly obstructed" and by that they mean you can see the video board if no one stands up.

[Captain Murica]

It’d be cool if they modeled it after Lucas Oil stadium. I have this argument with my friends all the time. I spend a majority of the winter in the elements(November through January) due to deer hunting, and when I’m making the trip to buffalo to watch a game it’d be nice not to have to dress like I’m going hunting. I mean, Atlanta has a retractable roof and that’s pretty sweet as well. 

 

 

[TigerJ]

Roof - allows the stadium to be used for so much more than 10 professional and a few high school football games per year.  As far as the football experience, I'm OK with open air, but it seems the height of inefficiency not to build something that lends itself to other kinds of events.

[DrDawkinstein]

Just now, Captain Murica said:

It’d be cool if they modeled it after Lucas Oil stadium. I have this argument with my friends all the time. I spend a majority of the winter in the elements(November through January) due to deer hunting, and when I’m making the trip to buffalo to watch a game it’d be nice not to have to dress like I’m going hunting. I mean, Atlanta has a retractable roof and that’s pretty sweet as well. 

 

 

 

I usually refer to Lucas Oil whenever talking new stadium as well. They built it for only $750M, and it has a great look that blends into the industrial setting.

 

As far as Atlanta is concerned, it took them 2 years to get that roof working and that was in perfect Southern weather. Retractable roofs just arent feasible in the North. They might be able to open it for the preseason games and maybe the first couple of regular season games, but it would never be open in the snow like we'd all want it to be. Bummer, but it's the reality of it.

[Just Joshin']

4 minutes ago, TigerJ said:

Roof - allows the stadium to be used for so much more than 10 professional and a few high school football games per year.  As far as the football experience, I'm OK with open air, but it seems the height of inefficiency not to build something that lends itself to other kinds of events.

Does this usually happen, especially in Buffalo?  I do not know if a roof means more events.

 

To answer the question, no roof.  Why give up home field advantage.

[Punching Bag]

1 minute ago, Just Joshin' said:

Does this usually happen, especially in Buffalo?  I do not know if a roof means more events.

 

To answer the question, no roof.  Why give up home field advantage.

 

Considering that most of players come from places which are much warmer in winter I think only ones with home field advantage are fans who are better at making snowballs to throw at opposing fans who spend most of the season in domes.

[Augie]

3 minutes ago, Just Joshin' said:

Does this usually happen, especially in Buffalo?  I do not know if a roof means more events.

 

To answer the question, no roof.  Why give up home field advantage.

 

Is having Bills fans in attendance in December part of home field advantage? 

 

I honestly see both sides of this. I’m fine either way. 

 

Winning cures everything! 

[Doc Brown]

After the Giants home game in '08 and roasting in the sun at least once a year....... give me a damn roof.  You can really crank up the noise level if designed properly.

[wiskibreth]

It's almost 2020, stadiums need a roof.  It's also gotta generate revenue in other ways the other 8 months out of the year.

[Punching Bag]

1 minute ago, wiskibreth said:

It's almost 2020, stadiums need a roof.  It's also gotta generate revenue in other ways the other 8 months out of the year.

Well then do a FundMe thing and see how many want to contribute.  Maybe get enough for some parasols for fans.

 

Parasols with ads of course for more funding.

[PromoTheRobot]

1 hour ago, Buffalo Timmy said:

with the cost of a retractable roof i would say just a solid roof but not necessarily complete. allow the cold but keep out most of wind.

 

Retractable roof is a waste of money. Your rarely use it and it breaks down easily. See any retractable roof stadium today. 

 

Personally I love the Vikings stadium. Fixed roof but mostly glass to allow natural light. Plus outside walls open to allow as much or as little outside air as you want.

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

I’d say 65,000 seat dome. And just use the crowd noise of the mafia to go 8-0 at home almost every year. The advantage we would have inside with our fans would be worth wins on the field.

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

Roof and it ain't close.

[CEN-CAL17]

It’s funny how people think if there’s no roof it would only be used a dozen times a year.... outdoor hockey? I’m sure April through August you could easily fit in a dozen more events, fundraisers, concerts etc.... roof or no roof I don’t think you’d see a drastic count in additional events.

 

i think retractable is the way to go, if the cost isn’t worth it... no roof.

[Mike in Horseheads]

Build a soccer roof and cover the fans. I sure the wind will keep the snow off them thats on the field

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Downtown permanent roof. Retractable is just too expensive.

64,500 seats.

Increase ticket prices 40%.

Improve the food and beer options. 

 

 

[Punching Bag]

4 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

Downtown permanent roof. Retractable is just too expensive.

64,500 seats.

Increase ticket prices 40%.

Improve the food and beer options. 

 

 

 

How many times a year will you be visiting from Portland?

[Rochesterfan]

1 hour ago, Heitz said:

Roof for me.  

 

Am I old?  Soft?  Spending too much time in SoCal?  Probably...

 

I'm going to continue to call out US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis as a great example of what can be done with a "roof".  When you're in that stadium it feels like you're outside - it's pretty cool.  And the entire front is basically big-ass doors that you can open for a breeze and open-air feel on those nice fall days...

 

https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/sports/a19066/minnesota-viking-football-stadium-roof/

 

 

 

Agree 100% -  would love the Minnesota stadium - right down near the canal and waterfront.  Give boats access in the summer and a whole new life to the area.

 

 

[DrDawkinstein]

12 minutes ago, 1ZAYDAY1 said:

It’s funny how people think if there’s no roof it would only be used a dozen times a year.... outdoor hockey? I’m sure April through August you could easily fit in a dozen more events, fundraisers, concerts etc.... roof or no roof I don’t think you’d see a drastic count in additional events.

 

i think retractable is the way to go, if the cost isn’t worth it... no roof.

 

With the Arena and Harbor Center right there, we dont need more ice rinks.

 

We're not talking local fundraisers, we're talking maybe a College Bowl game? Start that tradition. Maybe the NFL Draft? Think bigger

[Ethan in Cleveland]

1 minute ago, Limeaid said:

 

How many times a year will you be visiting from Portland?

Depends on the road game options. I'm 48 and have not lived in Buffalo since 1988. I've made it to at least one home game every year since I left including  college years. Had season tickets from 91 to 2001. Then first son was born and moved out west.

Typically it is 1 or 2 home games and one or two away games a year.

I've been to just under 75% of the stadiums. Never went to a game in Toronto. 

I'm a club level seat guy when I go to games home or away. 

If your point was I don't go to many games and I shouldn't have an opinion that is fair. I would still go to home games with or without a roof. And I would still raise prices and try to price out some of the drunks.

 

[Mister Defense]

Come on!

 

It doesn't feel like football in a dome. Domes are BS.

 

If there is a new stadium it will be an open air stadium. 

[Marv's Neighbor]

"you don't have to worry, cause you got no Money!"  -Proud Mary

 

5 years to go on the Erie county deal, and nothing will happen till the bonds are amortized.

[RiotAct]

in this hypothetical new stadium that will be completely funded by private entities and have ground broken on it only when it’s clear that New Era Field is crumbling at the foundation, I’d also like a retractable roof.

[Punching Bag]

27 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

Depends on the road game options. I'm 48 and have not lived in Buffalo since 1988. I've made it to at least one home game every year since I left including  college years. Had season tickets from 91 to 2001. Then first son was born and moved out west.

Typically it is 1 or 2 home games and one or two away games a year.

I've been to just under 75% of the stadiums. Never went to a game in Toronto. 

I'm a club level seat guy when I go to games home or away. 

If your point was I don't go to many games and I shouldn't have an opinion that is fair. I would still go to home games with or without a roof. And I would still raise prices and try to price out some of the drunks.

 

 

Only point was number of games a year you would buying to support raise in prices for seats all year.

 

Personally I have not been able to buy tickets to any games I want to go to anymore because they are only available on secondary market with large portion of sales sold via professional scalpers.  They used to sell to fan groups but they are very hard to get now so you need to buy via third party who package them with things you may not want to make more money. Before change I was able to go to 2-4 games a year mostly in 200s or 300s because I dislike standing so be able to see game better.  Right now I have physical issues which make it worse.

[davefan66]

No roof.

 

Nothing like an open air stadium.  Don’t care if it had a retractable roof, or full on dome.  Still not truly open air.  Only compromise I’d like is the partial roof as long as I don’t feel closed in with it.

 

Only reason I’d like a roof are for those late December games.  But honestly, there’s 2 or 3 a year?  And out of those 1 or 2 are truly cold?

 

I’d like to see an extensive reno of our current stadium.  Good location, great sight lines.  May be old, but it’s still a great stadium!

Edited July 2, 2019 by davefan66

[machine gun kelly]

9 hours ago, Limeaid said:

I'd like a roof but partial, absolutely not a dome.

 

Based on the poll I stated no roof, because I wanted what you indicate.  Seattle has this where not completely covered at least shielding most of the rain out there.  The same could be said for Buffalo with a new stadium, but snow.

[papazoid]

retractable roof

 

having to manually shovel snow out of stadium, injuries from slips, falls and thrown projectiles is a logistic and  liability nightmare

[May Day 10]

Although i understand the roof standpoint and wouldnt be devastated, i would much rather see open.

 

Open with some roof to protect from the elements is fine.

 

I assume that if it is indoor, it will be much closer to resemble detroit/ford field than minnesota or atlanta.  Costs will be kept under control.  When you see a game or highlights from the lions, it all seems so miscellaneous.  Everything is the exact same.  You can't tell anything about time of day, time of year, weather, etc.  I don't like that and feel like all those things add so much to the flavor.  When home games are brought up, i always remember the conditions.