Two areas in downtown were strongly considered for new stadium

[BuffaloBills1998]

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2021/08/27/mayor-brown--2-downtown-locations-were--seriously-considered--for-new-bills-stadium 
 

Brown also advised there’s a reason the new stadium will remain in OP. But I do wonder if a downtown stadium is still in the cards?

[billsfanmiamioh]

Cost prohibitive downtown? No way! I read on hear all they would have to do is tear down the skyway and build a bunch of roads and stuff. Easy peasy! 

[The Jokeman]

7 minutes ago, BuffaloBills1998 said:

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2021/08/27/mayor-brown--2-downtown-locations-were--seriously-considered--for-new-bills-stadium 
 

Brown also advised there’s a reason the new stadium will remain in OP. But I do wonder if a downtown stadium is still in the cards?

I'd welcome a downtown stadium but it have to replace Sahlem Field and/or whatever HSBC Arena is called now. 

[LeGOATski]

Doubt it. Open air in Orchard Park.

 

The way it should be.

[Malazan]

3 minutes ago, billsfanmiamioh said:

Cost prohibitive downtown? No way! I read on hear all they would have to do is tear down the skyway and build a bunch of roads and stuff. Easy peasy! 

 

Don't forget extending the subway! The subway was such a good investment the 1st time who wouldn't want to do it all over again!

[boater]

3 minutes ago, jeremy2020 said:

 

Don't forget extending the subway! The subway was such a good investment the 1st time who wouldn't want to do it all over again!

And let's not forget the need for a "Signature Peace Bridge" ...any ordinary bridge won't do.

[NickelCity]

Logistics aside, a vision of downtown Buffalo with a modern NFL stadium has a certain appeal. 

[billsfanmiamioh]

6 minutes ago, NickelCity said:

Logistics aside, a vision of downtown Buffalo with a modern NFL stadium has a certain appeal. 

Why? So it can be like Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Nashville, Etc? Been to lots of downtown stadiums and they’re fun for a day but there are very few places (if any) like OP for a game day experience. People I’ve brought with me that have only known “downtown” stadiums are always blown away and jealous we get to do it 8 (or 9) times per year. 

[NickelCity]

4 minutes ago, billsfanmiamioh said:

Why? So it can be like Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Nashville, Etc? Been to lots of downtown stadiums and they’re fun for a day but there are very few places (if any) like OP for a game day experience. People I’ve brought with me that have only known “downtown” stadiums are always blown away and jealous we get to do it 8 (or 9) times per year. 

 

I actually agree, I should have specified that I was speaking about aesthetics. I think a downtown stadium would add a lot, visually, to the city. But it would reduce the uniqueness of our game-day experience. 

[SoCal Deek]

1 minute ago, billsfanmiamioh said:

Why? So it can be like Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Nashville, Etc? Been to lots of downtown stadiums and they’re fun for a day but there are very few places (if any) like OP for a game day experience. People I’ve brought with me that have only known “downtown” stadiums are always blown away and jealous we get to do it 8 (or 9) times per year. 

I've mentioned this many times before. I'm a practicing Architect and I work on large public facilities. In the hands of a talented Design Team either location can bring the amenities you seek.  The goal of a custom design is to play up the strengths of the location, traditions, etc.  Would a downtown Buffalo location be a different game day experience than out in Orchard Park?  Of course it would.  But imagine if it became the nation's largest street fair eight or nine times a year!  How cool would that be? (That being said....the downtown site would almost certainly be far more expensive then building a new stadium next to "Rich" Stadium.)

[billsfanmiamioh]

9 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

I've mentioned this many times before. I'm a practicing Architect and I work on large public facilities. In the hands of a talented Design Team either location can bring the amenities you seek.  The goal of a custom design is to play up the strengths of the location, traditions, etc.  Would a downtown Buffalo location be a different game day experience than out in Orchard Park?  Of course it would.  But imagine if it became the nation's largest street fair eight or nine times a year!  How cool would that be? (That being said....the downtown site would almost certainly be far more expensive then building a new stadium next to "Rich" Stadium.)

I get what you’re saying but I just don’t see it. People from WNY (I’m one of em) are kinda set in their ways and reluctant to major changes. A new stadium on the old site with modest price increases I think people would accept. I just don’t think the economics work in Buffalo for some kind of big downtown extravaganza where food & booze are super pricey, tailgating is limited, etc. It’s not our vibe, let someone else have it. Not to mention, I still haven’t ever really seen a viable solution to the traffic nightmare it would be. Sabres games suck for that and we’re talking what 1/4 of the cars? Anyone that thinks it’s bad at the stadium now would be in the looney bin if it was downtown. 

[SoCal Deek]

1 minute ago, billsfanmiamioh said:

I get what you’re saying but I just don’t see it. People from WNY (I’m one of em) are kinda set in their ways and reluctant to major changes. A new stadium on the old site with modest price increases I think people would accept. I just don’t think the economics work in Buffalo for some kind of big downtown extravaganza where food & booze are super pricey, tailgating is limited, etc. It’s not our vibe, let someone else have it. Not to mention, I still haven’t ever really seen a viable solution to the traffic nightmare it would be. Sabres games suck for that and we’re talking what 1/4 of the cars? Anyone that thinks it’s bad at the stadium now would be in the looney bin if it was downtown. 

I'm not sure you're hearing me. I don't think the City can afford a downtown stadium.  I'm just saying that no matter where they put the stadium the designers need to understand the location and traditions that surround Bills football.  Think about it....tailgating was not a 'thing' at the Rockpile.  That only arose when they moved to Orchard Park (I'm old!).  I'm hoping that the new OP Stadium will not be some generic cookie cutter facility....like the current stadium pretty much was.  I'd love it to be more contextual and support the experience.

[Coach Tuesday]

41 minutes ago, NickelCity said:

Logistics aside, a vision of downtown Buffalo with a modern NFL stadium has a certain appeal. 

 

LOL "logistics aside" 😂

[RoyBatty is alive]

51 minutes ago, NickelCity said:

Logistics aside, a vision of downtown Buffalo with a modern NFL stadium has a certain appeal. 

Operative word is vision.

[RoyBatty is alive]

39 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

I've mentioned this many times before. I'm a practicing Architect and I work on large public facilities. In the hands of a talented Design Team either location can bring the amenities you seek.  The goal of a custom design is to play up the strengths of the location, traditions, etc.  Would a downtown Buffalo location be a different game day experience than out in Orchard Park?  Of course it would.  But imagine if it became the nation's largest street fair eight or nine times a year!  How cool would that be? (That being said....the downtown site would almost certainly be far more expensive then building a new stadium next to "Rich" Stadium.)

 You have a good imagination.  Odds are more likely it would just be another downtown stadium,  the majority of them are largely forgetful and grossly under utilized.   Buffalo is NOT a tourist destination.

 

Architects I have meet always have grandiose plans and dreams.

 

Be thankful/grateful we MIGHT get a new stadium in OP.

[NickelCity]

27 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said:

 

LOL "logistics aside" 😂

 

I still contend that downtown would look great with a stadium, but the only way to believe it would happen is to ignore the gigantic logistical nightmare. 🤷‍♂️

[Buffalo716]

59 minutes ago, NickelCity said:

 

I actually agree, I should have specified that I was speaking about aesthetics. I think a downtown stadium would add a lot, visually, to the city. But it would reduce the uniqueness of our game-day experience. 

The City of Buffalo has some of the best architecture you'll find in the country 

 

Art deco, Gothic, Châteauesque, victorian, it's influenced the world in the 20th century 

 

The city visually has alot going for it with its beautiful architecture already.. I think a modern $2 billion dollar Palace downtown would actually stick out like a sore thumb

Edited August 27, 2021 by Buffalo716

[Billl]

1 hour ago, billsfanmiamioh said:

Why? So it can be like Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Nashville, Etc? Been to lots of downtown stadiums and they’re fun for a day but there are very few places (if any) like OP for a game day experience. People I’ve brought with me that have only known “downtown” stadiums are always blown away and jealous we get to do it 8 (or 9) times per year. 

Downtown stadiums are great for baseball and terrible for football.

[NickelCity]

2 minutes ago, Buffalo716 said:

The City of Buffalo has some of the best architecture you'll find in the country 

 

Art deco, Gothic, Châteauesque, victorian, it's influenced the world in the 20th century 

 

The city visually has alot going for it with its beautiful architecture already.. I think a modern $2 billion dollar Palace downtown would actually stick out like a sore thumb

 

A great point. 

[billsfanmiamioh]

52 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

I'm not sure you're hearing me. I don't think the City can afford a downtown stadium.  I'm just saying that no matter where they put the stadium the designers need to understand the location and traditions that surround Bills football.  Think about it....tailgating was not a 'thing' at the Rockpile.  That only arose when they moved to Orchard Park (I'm old!).  I'm hoping that the new OP Stadium will not be some generic cookie cutter facility....like the current stadium pretty much was.  I'd love it to be more contextual and support the experience.

No I hear you, I just disagree. I feel like it probably will end up a newer, lightly spruced up version of the current generic type facility. But I think that’s probably what the majority of people want. Could there be all kinds of other pre game shiny stuff outside and around the stadium? Of course. I just think that after the initial honeymoon period, everyone goes back to their weekly routine. Same lot, same group, etc. I’d be in that camp. If I want to go to a festival or a street fair I will, I’m there for a football game. 

[Doc Brown]

Just airlift the Vikings stadium into Orchard Park and change the logos.  

[chris heff]

2 hours ago, billsfanmiamioh said:

Why? So it can be like Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Nashville, Etc? Been to lots of downtown stadiums and they’re fun for a day but there are very few places (if any) like OP for a game day experience. People I’ve brought with me that have only known “downtown” stadiums are always blown away and jealous we get to do it 8 (or 9) times per year. 

I have not been to game in OP in along time, so I’m legitimately asking. Why is OP location more conducive to a better game day experience?

[boater]

1 minute ago, chris heff said:

I have not been to game in OP in along time, so I’m legitimately asking. Why is OP location more conducive to a better game day experience?

Surface parking lots. The Bills stadium is surrounded by flat asphalt where all the tailgating fun happens. This wouldn't happen in downtown parking garages.

 

OP isn't special in this regard, it could be any suburban location. Though I like OP the best.

[chris heff]

6 minutes ago, boater said:

Surface parking lots. The Bills stadium is surrounded by flat asphalt where all the tailgating fun happens. This wouldn't happen in downtown parking garages.

 

OP isn't special in this regard, it could be any suburban location. Though I like OP the best.

That makes sense from the standpoint of fans. It would be the opposite for the county and Bills owners, they receive no revenue from tailgating. In Atlanta they priced food and drinks reasonably to get people in the building. Erie county and the Pegulas would have to factor that into any decision.

[4_kidd_4]

2 hours ago, SoCal Deek said:

I've mentioned this many times before. I'm a practicing Architect and I work on large public facilities. In the hands of a talented Design Team either location can bring the amenities you seek.  The goal of a custom design is to play up the strengths of the location, traditions, etc.  Would a downtown Buffalo location be a different game day experience than out in Orchard Park?  Of course it would.  But imagine if it became the nation's largest street fair eight or nine times a year!  How cool would that be? (That being said....the downtown site would almost certainly be far more expensive then building a new stadium next to "Rich" Stadium.)

 

I am all-in for staying in OP, but to this point I definitely believe it could be done properly downtown, aesthetically and functionally speaking.

 

I would envision lots of brick and glass on the facade, and definitely art-deco nods to existing & some of the ‘extinct’ Buffalo architecture. Imagine working in some of that amazing top of Buffalo City Hall vibe, for example. 🤤 

[Mike in Horseheads]

Ummm , Hasn't this decision already been made?  I've said it before and will again, how can  Indy build a dome for 700k and a new stadium in OP is 1.4b?  Throw in inflation and NYS corruption still seems odd.

[Patrick Duffy]

1 minute ago, 4_kidd_4 said:

 

I am all-in for staying in OP, but to this point I definitely believe it could be done properly downtown, aesthetically and functionally speaking.

 

I would envision lots of brick and glass on the facade, and definitely art-deco nods to existing & some of the ‘extinct’ Buffalo architecture. Imagine working in some of that amazing top of Buffalo City Hall vibe, for example. 🤤 

 

Dey aint bringin dat oooooooommmmpppphhh down town like dat mane. Da heat be straight chaos mane. Coroner would hat to be round all da time mane. Too much oooommmmpppphhhh be takin ppl lives mane

[Capco]

3 hours ago, SoCal Deek said:

I'm hoping that the new OP Stadium will not be some generic cookie cutter facility....like the current stadium pretty much was.  I'd love it to be more contextual and support the experience.

I think it would be cool to have it in the shape of the Charging Buffalo logo from a top-down perspective:



The buffalo legs could be the team merchandise shop and main entrance, with an upper patio overlooking the tailgating experience.  The red stripe could be on the field, and the end of the stripe that protrudes from the buffalo could be an overhang where you put some other amenities.  

Idk, it's fun to get creative with stuff like this.  

[boater]

43 minutes ago, Mike in Horseheads said:

Ummm , Hasn't this decision already been made?  I've said it before and will again, how can  Indy build a dome for 700k and a new stadium in OP is 1.4b?  Throw in inflation and NYS corruption still seems odd.

Union construction.

[Capco]

Woops.  Looks like there are actual cookie cutters for the charging buffalo...

 

Welp... back to the drawing board!

[The Dean]

4 hours ago, LeGOATski said:

Doubt it. Open air in Orchard Park.

 

• The way it should be.

 

Completely agree. I could live with a retractable roof, but not a big fan.

 

3 hours ago, SoCal Deek said:

I'm not sure you're hearing me. I don't think the City can afford a downtown stadium.  I'm just saying that no matter where they put the stadium the designers need to understand the location and traditions that surround Bills football.  Think about it....tailgating was not a 'thing' at the Rockpile.  That only arose when they moved to Orchard Park (I'm old!).  I'm hoping that the new OP Stadium will not be some generic cookie cutter facility....like the current stadium pretty much was.  I'd love it to be more contextual and support the experience.

 

As much as I don't think a downtown stadium is worth the cost and hassle to Buffalo residents, should a downtown stadium be the plan, I hope you are involved and can work to ensure your vision comes to fruition. 

 

1 hour ago, Mike in Horseheads said:

Ummm , Hasn't this decision already been made?  I've said it before and will again, how can  Indy build a dome for 700k and a new stadium in OP is 1.4b?  Throw in inflation and NYS corruption still seems odd.

 

First of all, Lucas Oil Stadium is NOT A DOME!  It has a retractable roof, that is completely un-dome like. A DOME is a shape, it just doesn't mean "a roof",

 

Lucas Oil was started in 2005 and finished in 2008. That probably accounts for at least 50% of the additional cost. Then there are environmental issues as well as a number of variables. And as you mention, there are state and local issues.  But I'm guessing Indianapolis has its share of corruption.

 

Just to show you how one factor can effect this, have you seen the cost of steel lately? I have clients in the steel-related industry and they currently have no inventory because the availability is so low. And when it is the cost is sky high!

Edited August 27, 2021 by The Dean

[Utah John]

The main thing keeping the Bills in small-market Buffalo is the passion of the fans.  Some of that would be lost if the tailgating experience option was taken away. 

 

The Bills have a very strong team right now. But we've seen them with strong teams before, and those lucky times are always followed by longer periods when they aren't very good.  (Maybe McBeane can keep the good times rolling for longer than we had in the past.  That would be great, but very few teams can sustain very high performance for more than a few years.) 

 

We should keep in mind the continued existence of the franchise when the team isn't good.  Generally the Bills' fan support stays pretty good even through the dry spells, but part of that is due to the self-entertainment factor in the parking lots. 

 

For the long-term success of the team, I think the smart move is to stay in OP and to facilitate tailgating as much as possible.

[ticketssince61]

1 hour ago, Mike in Horseheads said:

Ummm , Hasn't this decision already been made?  I've said it before and will again, how can  Indy build a dome for 700k and a new stadium in OP is 1.4b?  Throw in inflation and NYS corruption still seems odd.

 

That was opened in 2008

[PonyBoy]

5 hours ago, SoCal Deek said:

I'm not sure you're hearing me. I don't think the City can afford a downtown stadium.  I'm just saying that no matter where they put the stadium the designers need to understand the location and traditions that surround Bills football.  Think about it....tailgating was not a 'thing' at the Rockpile.  That only arose when they moved to Orchard Park (I'm old!).  I'm hoping that the new OP Stadium will not be some generic cookie cutter facility....like the current stadium pretty much was.  I'd love it to be more contextual and support the experience.

Tailgating wasn't a thing at the Rockpile because they tailgated IN the Rockpile 😃

[The Dean]

6 minutes ago, PonyBoy said:

Tailgating wasn't a thing at the Rockpile because they tailgated IN the Rockpile 😃

 

 

I believe you could roll and entire keg into War Memorial.

[djp14150]

6 hours ago, boater said:

And let's not forget the need for a "Signature Peace Bridge" ...any ordinary bridge won't do.

And bass pro…. Though we him kicking fir the hills now…

[djp14150]

3 hours ago, chris heff said:

I have not been to game in OP in along time, so I’m legitimately asking. Why is OP location more conducive to a better game day experience?

The fear of losing the tailgating pre game and post game party.

 

in downtown stadiums you don’t have the tailgating

 

fearof paying double to park in a parking garage

 

higher costs leads to PSLs?

 

the issue in OP is the traffic flow problems.   Roads surrounding it aren’t design for game day volume

[Solomon Grundy]

5 hours ago, boater said:

Surface parking lots. The Bills stadium is surrounded by flat asphalt where all the tailgating fun happens. This wouldn't happen in downtown parking garages.

 

OP isn't special in this regard, it could be any suburban location. Though I like OP the best.

I would think the Bills would have plenty of land to have the RV parking and flat asphalt for tailgating. Believe it or not, the tailgating aspect for the Bills is a big draw around the league. Bills Mafia, the table jumping helps bring the national attention to the organization. Although moving would effect the businesses and property owners around Highmark, aesthetically the view of a new stadium overseeing the downtown waterfront would be amazing. It's ok to embrace change. 

[The Dean]

3 minutes ago, Solomon Grundy said:

I would think the Bills would have plenty of land to have the RV parking and flat asphalt for tailgating. Believe it or not, the tailgating aspect for the Bills is a big draw around the league. Bills Mafia, the table jumping helps bring the national attention to the organization. Although moving would effect the businesses and property owners around Highmark, aesthetically the view of a new stadium overseeing the downtown waterfront would be amazing. It's ok to embrace change. 

 

 

Are you suggesting the Bills would have plenty of land for RV parking and tailgating downtown?   Lay it out. Because I think that is a pipe dream. 

[Solomon Grundy]

6 hours ago, Buffalo716 said:

The City of Buffalo has some of the best architecture you'll find in the country 

 

Art deco, Gothic, Châteauesque, victorian, it's influenced the world in the 20th century 

 

The city visually has alot going for it with its beautiful architecture already.. I think a modern $2 billion dollar Palace downtown would actually stick out like a sore thumb

I actually like the new Delaware North building they built downtown. The new FBI building as well. The blend of the old and the new is an  awesome sight

1 minute ago, The Dean said:

 

 

Are you suggesting the Bills would have plenty of land for RV parking and tailgating downtown?   Lay it out. Because I think that is a pipe dream. 

I would think it would only make sense from the Bills point of view.