YoloinOhio Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 (edited) It’s my opinion that the Bills brass probably preferred the way TC went last year, at the facility, with limited media access. Not sure if media access will be lifted this year but overall I wonder if they do want to return to SJF. Is there still a contract in place? Edited June 7, 2021 by YoloinOhio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D. L. Hot-Flamethrower Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 I hope so, it opens up camp to more fans from the East. I used to leave work a little early and head over 1.5 drive on occasion. One of the few good things that Russ Brandon instituted. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 Hopefully. I missed it not being held last year. I try to go every year if I can. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not at the table Karlos Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 Keep it at the stadium and keep fans and media away. 4 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted May 8, 2021 Author Share Posted May 8, 2021 (edited) 2 hours ago, Not at the table Karlos said: Keep it at the stadium and keep fans and media away. If they do keep it at the facility, not sure it would prohibit them from media and fans. That was more Covid protocol than anything. Edited May 8, 2021 by YoloinOhio 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 It's great at SJF. Although the overall quality took a dive after Wegmans bailed out. I wonder how that happened? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky Landing Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 I really hope they do. I was born, and raised in Rochester, and I've never been to one of the Bills training camps. I've lived in Los Angeles since '91, but I'm itching to get back there for a visit (many family members still living there), and would definitely time it to see one at SJF. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 2 hours ago, YoloinOhio said: It’s my opinion that the Bills brass probably preferred the way TC went last year, at the facility, with limited media access. Not sure if media access will be lifted this year but overall I wonder if they do want to return to SJF. Is there still a contract in place? I would think it would depend upon how many guys actually get vaccinated - if they're at a point where they still need social distancing in meetings and the like, that would be pretty tough to achieve in dorm rooms and shared showers. It was probably tough enough on the support staff to enable all of that (set up for meetings in the field house, then take it down for indoor practice) on their own turf. 10 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said: I really hope they do. I was born, and raised in Rochester, and I've never been to one of the Bills training camps. I've lived in Los Angeles since '91, but I'm itching to get back there for a visit (many family members still living there), and would definitely time it to see one at SJF. I had been hoping to attend training camp at SJF last year because my kid is in college in NYS. I could visit and attend training camp was the plan. So much for that. Maybe if they stay in Orchard Park they would have some practices open to the public. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jpsredemption Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 I think McD and Beanes long term plan was to leave SJF behind. They have a multi million dollar training facility. They want to use it during camp. And it’s just the way things are trending. 2 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky Landing Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 3 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said: I had been hoping to attend training camp at SJF last year because my kid is in college in NYS. I could visit and attend training camp was the plan. So much for that. Maybe if they stay in Orchard Park they would have some practices open to the public. SJF is such a beautiful campus, in a beautiful area of the city. I actually spent my first semester of college at Nazareth College, a nearby sister college to SJF. But, if they end up staying in Orchard Park, it's what-- an hour drive? That's nothing by Los Angeles standards. That's my morning commute on jobs that take me over the 405 pass. But, yeah, SJF would be ideal. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerme1 Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 I hope they do go back to SJF. I hope for the players sake and the fans sake. Players perspective it has to be a cool if not awkward set up having to go to dorms. I'm guessing though that it really bonds these guys together. Fans perspective is a unique environment and experience. That said, I totally understand the team doing camp at home in OP. Facilities alone is good enough reason to stay home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Formerly_of_Roch Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 Think I recall hearing this coming year was the last year of the contract they had with SJF. Seems the trend these days is to have camp at "home" where as 20 years ago was different and having a facility like SJF made the Bills unique in a good way! Can recall the first years seeing TD and RW whizzing around together on a golf cart. Oh...... and Williams blasting his fog horn alarm! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 1 minute ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said: Think I recall hearing this coming year was the last year of the contract they had with SJF. Seems the trend these days is to have camp at "home" where as 20 years ago was different and having a facility like SJF made the Bills unique in a good way! Can recall the first years seeing TD and RW whizzing around together on a golf cart. Oh...... and Williams blasting his fog horn alarm! It was an effort to reach out to more of NYS by moving TC more East. Plus Brandon went to school there. He's gone but Kim grew up in Fairport so I can still see it remaining. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SirAndrew Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 (edited) 4 hours ago, Not at the table Karlos said: Keep it at the stadium and keep fans and media away. I think training is really cool for kids. I remember going twice as a kid, and it was thrilling to see players up close. The opportunity to get autographs was also a big draw. I no longer care about attending training camp. It doesn’t do much for me as an adult. I’d rather use my time and money to attend a game. Nothing against those who enjoy training camp, but I wouldn’t miss it. NFL players/teams aren’t exactly the hardest practicing bunch, and not much that holds any intrigue happens in front of fans. Edited May 8, 2021 by SirAndrew 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddo Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 I would expect them to go if possible. While there are lots of pros and cons for both ways, I think the bottom line, especially for this coming season, will be how important it will be to re-engage with the fans. Because of that, I also think the players themselves will be happy to go there this year. Iirc, McBeane have already reduced some, the time they are there, yet were still quite liking the team building aspect of it. I think they would still seriously consider doing it in the future, as it can be an important part of the team culture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFanForever19 Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 (edited) I doubt it. As a Rochesterian, I love having them here. But the writing was already kind of on the wall that they were basically riding out the contract and that they preferred their new fancy digs they had built in Buffalo. So why would they go out of their way to come up with a plan and expose themselves to unnecessary risk when it's not required and they probably don't even want to in the first place? Even *if* they did - I'd expect it to be a very limited engagement. One in which it's ticketed, basically invite only for sponsors, and the type that would be in the VIP tents in previous years. Edited May 8, 2021 by BillsFanForever19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PromoTheRobot Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 (edited) Will there be fans allowed? If no what's the point? Edited May 9, 2021 by PromoTheRobot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptnCoke11 Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 They will keep it at orchard park. No incentive or reason to travel away Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy10 Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 1 hour ago, BillsFanForever19 said: I doubt it. As a Rochesterian, I love having them here. But the writing was already kind of on the wall that they were basically riding out the contract and that they preferred their new fancy digs they had built in Buffalo. So why would they go out of their way to come up with a plan and expose themselves to unnecessary risk when it's not required and they probably don't even want to in the first place? Even *if* they did - I'd expect it to be a very limited engagement. One in which it's ticketed, basically invite only for sponsors, and the type that would be in the VIP tents in previous years. As the type who was in the VIP tent in previous years, I approve of this plan. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsFanForever19 Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 (edited) 43 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said: Will there be fans allowed? If no what's the point? That goal did not need to happen. Bjork turnover along the board. Exactly. And other things compounding the issue is - a.) There's no on site parking. Fans have to stand in line and pile on to busses to be shuttled to and from Camp. No real way of controlling social distancing and the large public transportation increases risk of exposure. b.) Rochester has cancelled a number of Summer Festivals like Park Ave Fest and moved the Jazz Fest out of the city this year. Things like the Lilac Festival is being spread out over weeks with attendance capped tightly. Opening Bills Training Camp to the public doesn't really jive with how the city has been operating as of late. Edited May 8, 2021 by BillsFanForever19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted May 8, 2021 Author Share Posted May 8, 2021 2 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said: Exactly. And other things compounding the issue is - a.) There's no on sight parking. Fans have to stand in line and pile on to busses to be shuttled to and from Camp. No real way of controlling social distancing and the like b.) Rochester has cancelled a number of Summer Festivals like Park Ave Fest and moved the Jazz Fest out of the city this year. Things like the Lilac Festival is being spread out over weeks with attendance capped tightly. Opening Bills Training Camp to the public doesn't really jive with how the city has been operating as of late. That’s a good point - the nfl might be saying that it’s ok but that doesn’t mean Roch/SJF will allow it 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 1 hour ago, jimmy10 said: As the type who was in the VIP tent in previous years, I approve of this plan. EJ Manuel - looking for his ball.. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBillsOrDie Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 4 hours ago, Jpsredemption said: I think McD and Beanes long term plan was to leave SJF behind. They have a multi million dollar training facility. They want to use it during camp. And it’s just the way things are trending. I agree they have everything they need at there own training facilities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAl2526 Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 Sean McDermott is on record as saying he likes the atmosphere of a training camp at a remote sit. I get that everything is compressed now so they don't spend too much time at St. John Fisher, but I think McDermott will be slow to give it up completely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scuba guy Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 (edited) 7 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said: I would think it would depend upon how many guys actually get vaccinated - if they're at a point where they still need social distancing in meetings and the like, that would be pretty tough to achieve in dorm rooms and shared showers. It was probably tough enough on the support staff to enable all of that (set up for meetings in the field house, then take it down for indoor practice) on their own turf. I had been hoping to attend training camp at SJF last year because my kid is in college in NYS. I could visit and attend training camp was the plan. So much for that. Maybe if they stay in Orchard Park they would have some practices open to the public. So st john fisher college ended classes on Thursday 1) all classes were optional re: zoom or in person 2) all students were tested on campus every Wednesday 3) no extra people were allowed on campus at all re: doorm parties (were they drink milk and cookies) 4) when students left the doorm on Thursday only one extra person was allowed into the doorm room to help clean out and carry stuff. 5) all students while on campus were required to have asked on at all times 6) only 1 cafeteria on campus was open. And st john fisher is in Pittsford and has nothing to do with the city of Rochester (a little higher end clientele) I will be seeing the ad on Monday put I did not here anything to say a no. Sjf loves the camp and they get great perks. And yes parking is all off campus at Pittsford school parking lots and you have to be bused in. Unless your special and have a staff ID card. Edited May 8, 2021 by scuba guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsPride12 Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 I always wanted to attend a training camp as a WNY local but it was always one of those things where I would put it off and never make any real effort to make it happen...it was always one of those "well there's always next year" kind of things but I finally bit the bullet and went in 2019. Very glad I did because I had no clue what we were about to encounter in 2020 and who knows what things will look like for TC going forward. The past year has really taught me the lesson to never take ANYTHING for granted anymore! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky Landing Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 2 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said: Exactly. And other things compounding the issue is - a.) There's no on site parking. Fans have to stand in line and pile on to busses to be shuttled to and from Camp. No real way of controlling social distancing and the large public transportation increases risk of exposure. b.) Rochester has cancelled a number of Summer Festivals like Park Ave Fest and moved the Jazz Fest out of the city this year. Things like the Lilac Festival is being spread out over weeks with attendance capped tightly. Opening Bills Training Camp to the public doesn't really jive with how the city has been operating as of late. Ahhh... I haven't been to the Lilac Festival in literally decades... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted May 8, 2021 Share Posted May 8, 2021 2 hours ago, BigAl2526 said: Sean McDermott is on record as saying he likes the atmosphere of a training camp at a remote sit. I get that everything is compressed now so they don't spend too much time at St. John Fisher, but I think McDermott will be slow to give it up completely. Sean McDermott may like the atmosphere of a training camp at a remote site, but here's the actual NFL memo YOLO linked above... When you get into"submit a full IDER plan" and "include information about the air flow and filtration at the alternative location", unless the site already has that information at the ready to provide to the NFL, I think the clubs be like Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigAl2526 Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 3 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said: Sean McDermott may like the atmosphere of a training camp at a remote site, but here's the actual NFL memo YOLO linked above... When you get into"submit a full IDER plan" and "include information about the air flow and filtration at the alternative location", unless the site already has that information at the ready to provide to the NFL, I think the clubs be like I'm thinking more long term than this year. While COVID is an issue, all bets are off.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chandler#81 Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 Last year was supposed to be the last year at SJF. Because of Covid, there was talk that it would be put on hold and resume the final trip there for this year. That’s obviously not going to be the case yet, so I’m betting we’ve seen the last of Rochester. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hapless Bills Fan Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 3 hours ago, scuba guy said: So st john fisher college ended classes on Thursday 1) all classes were optional re: zoom or in person 2) all students were tested on campus every Wednesday 3) no extra people were allowed on campus at all re: doorm parties (were they drink milk and cookies) 4) when students left the doorm on Thursday only one extra person was allowed into the doorm room to help clean out and carry stuff. 5) all students while on campus were required to have asked on at all times 6) only 1 cafeteria on campus was open. And st john fisher is in Pittsford and has nothing to do with the city of Rochester (a little higher end clientele) I will be seeing the ad on Monday put I did not here anything to say a no. It sounds as though SJF did all the safe things with the school year, but I have no idea what the NFL/NFLPA IDER (that's Infectious Disease Emergency Response, not the post-genre rock duo) Plan requires - and when they started mentioning air handling and ventilation requirements - yikester! I think it would be very understandable if the Bills say "know what? let's stay home in OP, where we already have that IDER plan and stuff" On the other hand....this source claims "The Bills will present a proposal to the league for their plan to handle camp with any necessary Covid protocols. If approved expect the Bills to be back at Fisher in late July". https://13wham.com/buffalo-plus/bills-latest-news/bills-could-be-back-at-fisher-this-summer SowhaddoIknow? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Since1981 Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 7 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said: Rationale for the dorm bootcamp bond style camp was nearly over last year. Only two reasons to have a “camp” in Rochester 1) help team get ready and 2) sell tickets interest. I don’t see either of these significantly improved circa 2021 by a SJF camp. Bonding is real but they can “bond” over golf or Madden in BUF AND vets be with their family. the days when Fred Smurlus showed up out of shape are long over. This is a quality product and doesn’t need a red/white/blue bouncy house in Rochester to sell tickets. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProcessTruster Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 20 hours ago, Not at the table Karlos said: Keep it at the stadium and keep fans and media away. Why? If you're vaccinated, no reason why you should not be able to attend fully. Show your proof of vaccination, and you're in . Follow the science. Do the math. If you're vaccinated, you are no threat to anyone or to yourself. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not at the table Karlos Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 24 minutes ago, ProcessTruster said: Why? If you're vaccinated, no reason why you should not be able to attend fully. Show your proof of vaccination, and you're in . Follow the science. Do the math. If you're vaccinated, you are no threat to anyone or to yourself. I couldn't care less about covid or if anyone was vaccinated 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptnCoke11 Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 46 minutes ago, ProcessTruster said: Why? If you're vaccinated, no reason why you should not be able to attend fully. Show your proof of vaccination, and you're in . Follow the science. Do the math. If you're vaccinated, you are no threat to anyone or to yourself. Is that you Joe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SirAndrew Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 (edited) 7 hours ago, Since1981 said: Rationale for the dorm bootcamp bond style camp was nearly over last year. Only two reasons to have a “camp” in Rochester 1) help team get ready and 2) sell tickets interest. I don’t see either of these significantly improved circa 2021 by a SJF camp. Bonding is real but they can “bond” over golf or Madden in BUF AND vets be with their family. the days when Fred Smurlus showed up out of shape are long over. This is a quality product and doesn’t need a red/white/blue bouncy house in Rochester to sell tickets. I agree. Winning is the best way to expand a fan base. SJF is a great training camp site, but the team no longer has a real need for Russ Brandon’s carnival in Rochester. Edited May 9, 2021 by SirAndrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBBills Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 Keep them at the best facility in the NFL. No need to force them to go to a ***** college and stay in dorms anymore. This isn't the ***** Bills where they need to do off-season things to get people to notice them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I'm Spartacus Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 I prefer they stay in Orchard Park, but if they do go off-site - make it back to Fredonia State! (my alma mater) 🙂 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corta765 Posted May 9, 2021 Share Posted May 9, 2021 12 hours ago, SirAndrew said: I agree. Winning is the best way to expand a fan base. SJF is a great training camp site, but the team no longer has a real need for Russ Brandon’s carnival in Rochester. 20% of the season ticket base is from Rochester and 33% of game day tickets is Rochester. There is real proof and reason that being in Rochester has a true benefit to the team. Additionally SJFC allows fans free close access that the moment it goes back to OP you will not get back. The NFL has virtually zero free events of any form outside of training camp. If you have a family it’s he perfect exposure for young fans and affordable. This really isn’t talked about enough and the benefits that fans get because of it. I got Jordan Poyers autograph for my wife because I could just walk to the fence where the D was practicing. Your not getting that anymore once it moves. I honestly do believe the Bills are one day going back to OP because of the investments that have been made. That will be to the loss of fans even if they can still attend. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleeding Bills Blue Posted May 10, 2021 Share Posted May 10, 2021 They put some serious cash into the gym and recovery facilities. They have a full indoor practice facility, outdoor facility, and there's a grass field as well. Better film study rooms. Already have all sorts of covid protocols in place (was there for my football league, you have to log in every morning you go and fill out a covid survey) and hosted it there last year anyway. 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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