Bills opening stadium discussions with NYS and Erie County

[purple haze]

15 hours ago, Nitro said:

I disagree. There are plenty events to put in a football stadium specially downtown.  Indy hosts large conventions, NCAA basketball games, concerts, marching band competitions and GEN CON among the numerous uses.  It hinges on having a convention center close by.  Indy downtown has exploded in hotels, restaurants, bars, condos and apartments.  It could be a boon for Buffalo.

They have NCAA tournament games at the arena.  They have concerts there too.  Are those events programmed at the appropriate venue?  I’d say so.  I don’t see 40,000 people showing up to NCAA tournament games unless it’s the Final Four.  Would Buffalo get that part of the tournament?  Doubtful at this point.  How many musical acts are stadium worthy?  Not that many compared to arenas if you’re using that as part of Return on Investment.  
 

Buffalo has a convention center now that isn’t used that much from what I can gather.  It’s an old building that needs to be replaced.  That might help get more events in the city in general.  
 

I just don’t see a retractable roof on the horizon.  It’s possible; I know some fans want it or assume it will be part of a new building.  I’m just skeptical.   Folks need to worry less about a roof and more about the public transit and railway access if a stadium is put downtown.  Time for the city to step into the 21st century.

[TheFunPolice]

Here's an idea: 

 

imagine LIVING in an NFL stadium.

 

condos with a view of the field.... 

 

You don't even have to leave home to watch the game at your team's stadium! 

 

It would be like living in a luxury box, with a private entrance so fans couldn't invade your apartment. 

Edited April 1, 2021 by TheFunPolice

[NoHuddleKelly12]

15 hours ago, TheFunPolice said:

Here's an idea: 

 

imagine LIVING in an NFL stadium.

 

condos with a view of the field.... 

 

You don't even have to leave home to watch the game at your team's stadium! 

 

It would be like living in a luxury box, with a private entrance so fans couldn't invade your apartment. 

Done! 

https://www.playpennsylvania.com/veterans-stadium-secret-apartment-memoir/

[SoCal Deek]

16 hours ago, TheFunPolice said:

Here's an idea: 

 

imagine LIVING in an NFL stadium.

 

condos with a view of the field.... 

 

You don't even have to leave home to watch the game at your team's stadium! 

 

It would be like living in a luxury box, with a private entrance so fans couldn't invade your apartment. 

Didn’t they have that in Toronto? I seem to recall hotel rooms that looked into the stadium. Not sure if they were popular but I’d imagine that’s a way better idea than having your full time residence look into a dark empty stadium much of the year. 

[That's No Moon]

On 4/1/2021 at 9:45 AM, May Day 10 said:

A renovation to Rich Stadium would be unlike anything that has previously taken place and quite possibly could displace the team for a portion of a season (or more).  Maybe the closest thing was the 1998 renovation when they added the clubs.

 

It would basically be rebuilding a new stadium in-place, much like they did in Chicago, Green Bay, and Kansas City.  The latest thing in 2013 or whatever, was largely cosmetic.

It's my understanding that the upper decks need to be replaced. That makes sense in a 50 year old concrete and steel structure that lives in a nasty winter environment in a place where they use rock salt. If it were a bridge nobody would argue why it needs to be replaced at this point. The supporting columns have already had work done to them at least once.

 

That kind of work can't be done in one off-season. Even if you start immediately in January or February you can't have everything torn down and reconstructed by August. There would likely be a season with no upper decks at all if they were able to even play in the stadium during the construction. The Bears played at U of Illinois for a year while Soldier Field had an upper deck added, etc. UBs facility isn't up to snuff, even on a temporary basis, and frankly I doubt that the 40 year old Carrier Dome is either. What does that leave? Hamilton? Toronto?

 

Think of it this way, the current stadium is already older than the Rockpile when it was replaced. That opened in 1937 and was vacated in 1972. 45 years. The current stadium has been in use from 1973 to 2021. 48 years.

[Mr. WEO]

21 hours ago, purple haze said:

They have NCAA tournament games at the arena.  They have concerts there too.  Are those events programmed at the appropriate venue?  I’d say so.  I don’t see 40,000 people showing up to NCAA tournament games unless it’s the Final Four.  Would Buffalo get that part of the tournament?  Doubtful at this point.  How many musical acts are stadium worthy?  Not that many compared to arenas if you’re using that as part of Return on Investment.  
 

Buffalo has a convention center now that isn’t used that much from what I can gather.  It’s an old building that needs to be replaced.  That might help get more events in the city in general.  
 

I just don’t see a retractable roof on the horizon.  It’s possible; I know some fans want it or assume it will be part of a new building.  I’m just skeptical.   Folks need to worry less about a roof and more about the public transit and railway access if a stadium is put downtown.  Time for the city to step into the 21st century.

 

 

See my post above.  Lucas has 4 nonfootball events booked after the NCAA Final 4 through next January.  1 concert.  The place still sits empty a lot.  The convention center has a handful of large events booked through October.

 

Making a new convention center won't bring in more conventions.  There aren't enough regional events booking to make any financial sense and outside events aren't skipping Buffalo because of the convention accommodations.....

[billykay]

On 3/31/2021 at 6:57 AM, TroutDog said:

Personally, I love the sight lines of Rich as well as the location. I also love the tailgating and ticket prices. Should they build new all of that will radically change which isn’t appealing to me. 
 

The flip side is I hate the weather in the latter part of the year...I’m not 20 anymore. 
 

With all of that being said I lean towards keeping Rich. 

The league will put up at least $200k

[BillStime]

Another funding source is the NY Power Authority. They throw the area pennies and the rest goes to Albany.  Let's change that...

[Mat68]

Public officals, the team itself isnt huge on tailgaiting.  Down town is probably the move.  More bars, and soon more gambling options pregame.  Less rowdy outside.  Less exterme intoxication.  More likley to take kids.  Lose the weather and tailgate gain louder stadium and better experiance in the stadium.

[Buffalo Boy]

On 3/30/2021 at 11:22 PM, boater said:

Renovate Hallmark.

 

I am not copacetic with the increase in property taxes that would come with a new stadium. I bought my house in 2016 then experienced an immediate 8% jump in my mortgage. I'd like to avoid another soaking.

Leave NY😉

[DrDawkinstein]

1 hour ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

 

See my post above.  Lucas has 4 nonfootball events booked after the NCAA Final 4 through next January.  1 concert.  The place still sits empty a lot.  The convention center has a handful of large events booked through October.

 

 

But still more than none which is what the option would be if they do an open-air stadium.

 

Again, no one is expecting a major revenue generator. But something is more than nothing.

[SoCal Deek]

49 minutes ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

But still more than none which is what the option would be if they do an open-air stadium.

 

Again, no one is expecting a major revenue generator. But something is more than nothing.

True, but that roof isn't even in the ball park of "Free".  Pardon the pun.  You need a whole lot of events to pay for a $500 million roof.

[Just Jack]

Build walls where the current fencing is, and use that to support a roof structure over it.  Boom, done.  You can keep the stadium as is, and have a dome. 

[4_kidd_4]

1 minute ago, Just Jack said:

Build walls where the current fencing is, and use that to support a roof structure over it.  Boom, done.  You can keep the stadium as is, and have a dome. 

 

Giant E-Z up. Just need some dudes at each corner. Boom. 

[Augie]

17 minutes ago, 4_kidd_4 said:

 

Giant E-Z up. Just need some dudes at each corner. Boom. 

 

It’s NOT that simple. They will have to be really BIG dudes. 

[Kelsayrundefense]

59 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

True, but that roof isn't even in the ball park of "Free".  Pardon the pun.  You need a whole lot of events to pay for a $500 million roof.

Stop bursting his bubble

[DrDawkinstein]

1 hour ago, SoCal Deek said:

True, but that roof isn't even in the ball park of "Free".  Pardon the pun.  You need a whole lot of events to pay for a $500 million roof.

 

How is closing up the building 33%-50% of the budget?

 

It isnt going to be retractable. That isnt really reasonable in WNY, nor will it be retracted when most fans wish it to be. Not worth it. Just put a roof on.

 

10 minutes ago, Kelsayrundefense said:

Stop bursting his bubble

 

Good dome pun

[PromoTheRobot]

I'll just put this here. Could be another April Fools prank.

 

 

 

 

[LabattBlue]

6 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

I'll just put this here. Could be another April Fools prank.

 

 

 

 

I like how whomever dreamed that up, made the 190 disappear.  😂
 

 

I also like how the field house is down there, when there is no reason why the administration and practice facilities would not stay in OP. 

Edited April 2, 2021 by BTB

[Draconator]

6 hours ago, SoCal Deek said:

Didn’t they have that in Toronto? I seem to recall hotel rooms that looked into the stadium. Not sure if they were popular but I’d imagine that’s a way better idea than having your full time residence look into a dark empty stadium much of the year. 

Roberto Alomar lived in the hotel during his time with the Blue Jays. There are rooms that overlook the playing field. 

[loyal2dagame]

Fake.  It's from a 2014 ArtVoice article. 

 

Traffic would blow with a downtown football stadium.......

[PromoTheRobot]

2 hours ago, BTB said:

I like how whomever dreamed that up, made the 190 disappear.  😂
 

 

I also like how the field house is down there, when there is no reason why the administration and practice facilities would not stay in OP. 

 

There was talk of burying the 190 under downtown ala Big Dig. But it would be easier to do if they dug out the highway next to the current one.

[cba fan]

On 3/31/2021 at 10:31 AM, PrimeTime101 said:

 

that is a horrible conclusion you have there. A domed stadium will bring in way more revenue then just a bills game. Way more revenue then the current stadium from other events. If you build it they will come. We almost had a MLB team come here but not enough seats. You could create a dual purpose situation at the hopes of bringing other things then just football.

the MLB quest was dropped by the prospective owners when they seen the crazy(at that time) franchise fee to join. They backed out and went minor league only.

Pilot field was built with plans and engineering built into it to add a second deck and be completely MLB ready in all aspects.

[cba fan]

On 3/31/2021 at 10:47 AM, Brianmoorman4jesus said:

The top of the current stadium is low. Could they just put a roof over the current?

they looked into that a couple times and determined the engineering was not tenable. Highmark is a old open air style that is very laid back. Roof spans would be too long.

[Mr. WEO]

7 hours ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

But still more than none which is what the option would be if they do an open-air stadium.

 

Again, no one is expecting a major revenue generator. But something is more than nothing.

Given the cost of a roof, they would be better off with no roof and no handful of indoor events per year.

 

There is something:  Bills stadium in Orchard Park

[cba fan]

On 3/31/2021 at 12:10 PM, PrimeTime101 said:

so new building old building next to each other, where they going to park?

temp problem. Don't worry humans can figure out the logistics. More park and rides.

[cba fan]

9 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

 

See my post above.  Lucas has 4 nonfootball events booked after the NCAA Final 4 through next January.  1 concert.  The place still sits empty a lot.  The convention center has a handful of large events booked through October.

 

Making a new convention center won't bring in more conventions.  There aren't enough regional events booking to make any financial sense and outside events aren't skipping Buffalo because of the convention accommodations.....

can't compare this covid restrictive era to normal years.

[Mr. WEO]

24 minutes ago, cba fan said:

can't compare this covid restrictive era to normal years.

 

 

I cited similar stats for that same venue a few years ago when this topic last came up.  It's a "gold standard" Stadium/Convention center----and still underbooked annually.

 

Let the rich guy build his house.

[PromoTheRobot]

2 hours ago, cba fan said:

the MLB quest was dropped by the prospective owners when they seen the crazy(at that time) franchise fee to join. They backed out and went minor league only.

Pilot field was built with plans and engineering built into it to add a second deck and be completely MLB ready in all aspects.

 

Actually Buffalo was passed over for Miami in expansion. But then Bob Rich was offered the Expos for $190MM instead. He passed. He never had to pay a franchise fee but he know he could never afford to compete in MLB.

[beerme1]

8 hours ago, Just Jack said:

Build walls where the current fencing is, and use that to support a roof structure over it.  Boom, done.  You can keep the stadium as is, and have a dome. 

 

Jack really? The concourses. The concourses. The concourses. The bathroom troughs... There are certain structural issues that can't be overcome due to the foundation of the stadium for moving people around. I love the stadium but can easily see so much downside that isn't remotely worth saving. It's time I'm afraid, to move on. Let them figure it out.

[CEN-CAL17]

$1B for a brand new stadium... or half that to renovate the same stadium, again.

 

I love the Ralph but it’s time Buffalo got a new stadium. It’s like kicking the can down the road. Then 6-7 years from now, renovate again or spend another $500M?

 

I say this but keep it in Orchard Park. Same Spot

[PrimeTime101]

4 hours ago, cba fan said:

the MLB quest was dropped by the prospective owners when they seen the crazy(at that time) franchise fee to join. They backed out and went minor league only.

Pilot field was built with plans and engineering built into it to add a second deck and be completely MLB ready in all aspects.

second deck would need to be 110% more seats then the rest of the deck combined near 90 mil project not everyone was down with

[ExiledInIllinois]

On 3/30/2021 at 11:31 PM, jeremy2020 said:

 

I don't think they have much choice. I believe the NFL is pushing hard for them to get a more modern stadium. So the question is should the team move or should they get get a new stadium/update the existing?

 

There is no option C. "leave it alone". 

Yeah... And get their meat hooks in parking and tailgate.  Leave it alone.  The new biz model NFL will be the death knell for WNY football.  We're cooler draggers... 

[Snowbowl]

On 3/30/2021 at 10:41 PM, Logic said:

If they're going to build a new stadium, I hope it stays in Orchard Park.

I can't remember which team's new stadium it was (Pittsburgh? Houston?), but they just built it on what used to be the parking lot of the old stadium, and turned the site of the old stadium into the new parking lot.

I'm all for whatever it takes to keep the Bills in Buffalo long term, but game days sure would lose a lot of their charm and what makes them special if the stadium left Orchard Park for downtown Buffalo. Having been to away games in city centers, I can say that the Bills game day experience is much, much, MUCH more fun and unique and special. 

Keep the Bills in Orchard Park.

That’s what they did in Foxboro. Built the new stadium on the parking lot

[BigDingus]

2 hours ago, CEN-CAL17 said:

$1B for a brand new stadium... or half that to renovate the same stadium, again.

 

I love the Ralph but it’s time Buffalo got a new stadium. It’s like kicking the can down the road. Then 6-7 years from now, renovate again or spend another $500M?

 

I say this but keep it in Orchard Park. Same Spot

 

In 7 years, it'll likely be even more expensive to renovate.

It's just crazy to look at how much it cost teams like Arizona, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, etc. to build their stadiums...yet we'll be paying half a billion jsut for renovations. If we keep pushing it back, costs will just soar even more out of reach. 

 

When you think about it, Jerry World was the crown jewel of the NFL & treated like a crazy attraction. By the time we start building, we'll probably be paying more than Jones did. Sinking another half a billion dollars into renovations just feels like a huge money sink. Bite the bullet, take the hit now, and foot the bill for a new venue so we can avoid throwing more money away down the line.

 

 

[SoCal Deek]

I’ve mentioned it before: I believe Rich Stadium is older than the Rockpile was when it was torn down. That’s hard to get your head around. I’m guessing it’s time for it to go. 

[nickrage]

12 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

I’ve mentioned it before: I believe Rich Stadium is older than the Rockpile was when it was torn down. That’s hard to get your head around. I’m guessing it’s time for it to go. 

That’s wild

[Mr. WEO]

7 hours ago, BigDingus said:

 

In 7 years, it'll likely be even more expensive to renovate.

It's just crazy to look at how much it cost teams like Arizona, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, etc. to build their stadiums...yet we'll be paying half a billion jsut for renovations. If we keep pushing it back, costs will just soar even more out of reach. 

 

When you think about it, Jerry World was the crown jewel of the NFL & treated like a crazy attraction. By the time we start building, we'll probably be paying more than Jones did. Sinking another half a billion dollars into renovations just feels like a huge money sink. Bite the bullet, take the hit now, and foot the bill for a new venue so we can avoid throwing more money away down the line.

 

 

Who’s “we”?

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

Connect the Dots.  
 

West of Rochester and east of Lake Erie.  
 

just ask @DC Tom

[benderbender]

The future is the generic downtown dome with faceless corporate sponsorship with the "biggest jumbotron" for the next 3 months until the next stadium is completed. It has what the NFL wants for seating, luxury suites, concessions etc. The NFL will get it. Either now or in a decade. Enjoy the awesome current stadium experience with all of its warts while it lasts. 85% of whats great about home games aren't the troughs you pee in, but the people you avoid looking at while at the trough.