WNY Bills? Could be the answer

[trolls_r_us]

LEt me begin by saying two things:

 

1) WNY is NOT a "poor area." The fact that the COUNTY and CITY GOVERNMENTS are falling apart under the weight of NY State's entitlement programs DOES NOT mean that the AREA is poor. Plus, "WNY" is a LARGE area. I suppose Ralph meant to exclude the MANY wealthy and sucessful communties/areas in "WNY." A few examples that come imediately to mind around Buffalo would be Clarence, Amherst, East Amherst, Williamsville, the area of the city surrounding Delaware park (aka Millionaire acres), and to a lesser exentent in terms of wealth but still successful, North Buffalo and Orchard Park.

 

Around Rochester, you have Penfield, Pittsford, and Irondeqouit, none of which qualify as "poor."

 

Or small, either. Amherst alone has more residents than Green Bay does.

 

IF you're going to go by the government's fincancial woes, then the USA is a POOR COUNTRY. How many TRILLIONS of DOLLARS is our federal government in the red? The difference is that Washington doesn't get a control board when it can't balance a budget. The feds can spend, spend, and wrack up massive and irresponsible deficits that dwarf WNY's "fiscal woes" to their collective hearts' content.

 

There is a DIFFERENCE between Erie County government and its resdients.

 

Sure, WNY as a whole might not be a wealthy area, but to label it as a "poor area" is simply incorrect.

 

But this brings me to point #2

 

I am a HUGE proponent of tradition. I have been a Bills fan all of my life. I buy tickets every season. I live in Buffalo.

 

But there is a degree of truth to the lack of large corporations in Buffalo with the buying power to purchase luxury boxes (the preferred fans in the eyes of the NFL)

 

I have a solution. Rochester, NY was recently ranked quite high on a highly publicized list of untapped markets for professional sports to expand/relocate to.

 

AND there is a LOT of money in and around Rochester.

 

So here is my idea: Build a new stadium halfway between Buffalo and Rochester, and re-name the team the WNY Bills.

 

Now, I admit, at first, the name "WNY Bills" sounds funny.

 

But imagine the beneifts of combining, TRULY combining, the Rochester AND Buffalo markets.

 

Rochester actually has a slightly STRONGER corporate base than Buffalo does. It would be a much easier sell to those companies if the luxury suite they were purchasing was only 30 minutes or so away from the city.

 

For Buffalo, the stadium would only be slightly farther away than Orchard park, and for some parts of the city, it would actually be the same if not CLOSER in terms of driving time.

 

Why change the name?

 

To emphasize that this is WNY's TEAM. Sort of like the New England Patriots. They aren't called the Boston Patriots anymore.

 

I think that locating the stadium halfway between both cities AND giving the team a more regional name helps draw additional support, especially corporate support, from Rochester, while still allowing for the continuation of support from Buffalo companies.

 

It makes the trip easier for the MANY fans who commute from the Rochester area, while not seriously affecting the Buffalo fans, either, since many already have a considerable drive to the stadium.

 

AND I would reduce the size of the stadium to around 64,000, which is what most new NFL stadiums average.

 

This would do two things:

 

Increase demand, and drive up prices. It would also ensure a waiting list for tickets.

 

But Troll!

 

I know, that part doesn;t sound too nice. But THAT is the price we have to pay to compete. Literally.

 

I think that a truly REGIONALIZED franchise is this team's best shot at staying here LONG TERM. The combined markets of Rochester and Buffalo could COMFORTABLY cupport this franchise, even with higher ticket prices and more pricey luxury suites.

 

It's a creative solution, and a bit of a compromise too.

 

Personally, I would RATHER have the team stay in BUFFALO, and be called the BUFFALO BILLS, all else being equal.

 

But as long as this team is on welfare, it is in danger of leaving.

 

What regionalizing the team, putting a new stadium which is designed to MAXIMIZE REVENUES between Rochester and Buffalo, and tapping the Rochester corporate market as well, does is gives this franchise a shot at being in top half in terms of gross revenues.

 

We'll never be in the top 10, but there is no reason why we cannot be top 16.

 

A new stadium, along with a new regionalized marketing plan, would work wonders.

 

The money is there. Anyone who actually spends time in WNY knows that. The problem is that it is spread out pretty thin.

 

But put the stadium a mere 30 minutes from each city, and suddenly it's a quick drive for fans of either place.

 

IT MAKES SENSE.

 

and I could support the WNY Bills. NO WAY IN H E L L would I support the team if it left the region.

 

Really, they already are the WNY Bills, anyways. Why not go with that approach?

 

It's our BEST SHOT at keeping the team here because it's the ONLY WAY we can increase revenues enough to get to the point where we aren't always on financial life support.

 

They wouldn't be any LESS "our team" if they called themselves the WNY Bills, but they WOULD be MORE Rochester's team than they are now, because their identity would be more all-encompassing.

 

Some pride might need to be swallowed in Buffalo, but really, this could work REALLY WELL and we could KEEP OUR TEAM HERE for our children to enjoy in the future, instead of always wondering if the team will be gone in a few years.

 

State funding would be EASIER as well, because it would be a WNY PROJECT, not a "Buffalo project." The state tosses around LOTS of money as it is. This would be seen as benefitting a larger chunk of the state, and therefore, be more likely to be acceptable than if it were a DOWNTOWN BUFFALO stadium, for example.

 

 

Thoughts?

[PromoTheRobot]

You have the right idea. But it's not so much "poor" fans as "poor" in corporate presence. There are a few big companies based in Rochester and Syracuse, but still not enough. Andthose companies have to be convinced dropping $$$ on the Bills is a good thing.

 

When you have teams like New England charging $65 for the "privilage" of watching the NFL draft at Gillette Stadium, you have to wonder if area fans would ever be so gullible.

 

PTR

[a player to be named later]

For every Tom Golsano in WNY. There are like 1,000 in LA.

 

Corporate Support, WNY has some but not at the level of a major US City.

[GhostsOfTheRockpile]

Interesting points.

 

However, I disagree about lowering the seating capacity so much. If your plan worked, there would be no need to create demand and drive up prices... the fans would be flocking anyway.

 

If the team can currently sellout a 74,000 seat stadium on a near-regular basis with the current demand, wouldn't a more "region-ized" franchise pump-up demand simply by instituting the changes you suggest? While I believe there is room to increase ticket prices, I do NOT believe there is enough room to do so at the expense of 8,000 tickets or so. If they move them to around, let's say, Batavia, I'd hope a 70,000+ seat stadium would be in the works.

 

I would also - in any new stadium - build more club seats at the expense of upper-deck seats, including the REMOVAL of those enclosed end-zone club seats. Those high priced, but not-quite-box seats aren't an easy sell in the region. I've always thought that by replacing those seats with an equal amount of club seats (and a few thousand more, rather than in the upper deck) would be a successfull tactic for the Bills.

 

Also, rather than the Western New York Bills, why not simply the NEW YORK BILLS? After all, with the Giants and Jets splitting the cost of what promises to be a state-of-the-art park which they will presumably inhabit for decades to come, the Bills are all but guaranteed to be the only New York State NFL team for as long as they remain in the region.

[Rico]

Uh, no, WNY Bills doesn't sound right. But if the Bills had farm teams like baseball does, I'd be OK with them putting the AAA team in Rochester.

[Fewell733]

For every Tom Golsano in WNY.  There are like 1,000 in LA.

 

Corporate Support, WNY has some but not at the level of a major US City.

665611[/snapback]

 

 

Well that's just absurd. Golisano is a billionaire. They are few and far between, even in LA.

[trolls_r_us]

To help maximize revenues:

 

build a Bills HOF and theme restaurant at the new stadium, along with a fan experience/arcade area

 

On game days, the restaurant would have all NFL games on, and the Bills on the big screen while the game was happening. Thid would keep some fans around AFTER the game, spending $$.

 

The HOF and theme restaurant would be open all year round.

 

Bills DRAFT PARTY at the restaurant for the NFL draft. Prizes given away, and current Bills players/cheerleaders on hand.

 

The arcade/fan experience area would have:

 

arcade games

 

skills tests games for kids/young at heart adults

 

climbing wall with a relica of the Lombardi trophy at the top for anyone who can make it there

 

an annual MADDEN TOURNAMENT for Bills fans. Prizes to the top players.

 

"in the booth" where fans get to call a historic Bills drive as a play by play announcer, you get the DVD or VHS to take home (charge 20-30 bucks for this)

 

 

 

A game day experience could be:

 

1) tailgate

2) hit the restuarant for a drink or two while the kids go play in the experience area/arcade. Beer for you and the boys, apple martini for the wife.... Maybe a nice appetizer such as BUFFALO WINGS or BEEF ON WECK, or even Jalepeno Poppers or fried mushrooms.... Or go bigger and have a signature plate, such as

the Jim Kelly Special.... My point is that DECENT FOOD would actually be available

3) watch the game...

4) hit the hof before or after the game for a quick tour and re-live some of the Bills greatest moments.

 

 

ALSO:

 

improve in-stadium concessions: add fried bologna (I hate it but its popular here), cotton candy, and pizza (from some local vendor who will PAY $$ to operate at the stadium)

 

BIGGER and BETTER Bills store, adjacent to the HOF and restuarant

 

 

 

I can see it already!

 

let's build it!

[Typical TBD Guy]

The Bills are already a regionalized team that controls the Rochester NFL market. Changing the name to "WNY Bills" will not singlehandedly increase sales. The team's economic feasibility issues run much deeper than that.

 

Now a new stadium closer to Rochester has some merit, but I doubt that will get done in at least the next 20 years.

 

Here's a more reasonable suggestion:

 

Play 1 preseason game in Syracuse (Carrier Dome).

Play 1 preseason game in Toronto (wherever the Argonads play)

 

As well as:

 

Continue preseason training camp in Rochester.

Continue playing only Sunday afternoon home games (so fans farther away can make the trip).

 

Doing the above could help draw and keep fans from Buffalo's satellite markets. There is very little NFL competition for the Ontario region - it's all ours for the taking! Syracuse is a bit tougher, but maybe a lot of the marginal New Jersey Jets and Giants fans in central NY can still be converted!

[THE GASH STATION]

As with all ideas and plans it can stand some tweeks, but all in all, I think its a great Idea. One of the few people I have seen contributing positive upbeat solutions.

[stuckincincy]

Maybe a nice appetizer such as BUFFALO WINGS or BEEF ON WECK,

 

cotton candy,

665622[/snapback]

 

I don't know if I would consider Beef on Weck an appetizer...

 

Cotton candy in the crowded stands could be a real mess.

 

Other than that, go for it!

[Griswold]

Drop the W and call them the "NY Bills"

 

NY Bills has a nice ring. ...it would be stickin' it to NYC.

 

Though, moving the team to a new locale in upstate will probably hurt, not help corporate sales.

 

Think everyone agrees corporate sales and lack of sponsors is what hurts the Bills. The Deadskins, Cowboy, Patsies all have great corporate sales.

[sfladave]

Drop the W and call them the "NY Bills" 

 

Think everyone agrees corporate sales and lack of sponsors is what hurts the Bills.  The Deadskins, Cowboy, Patsies all have great corporate sales.

665658[/snapback]

Don't discount the importance of average ticket prices in terms of revenue. Buffalo has an average ticket price of $37, the Redskins are over $80. If Buffalo were to increase their ticket average to $70, for 70,000 seats that would mean an extra $22,400,000 in revenue per year. (($32*70,000) * 10).

 

That being said, the top 5 revenue teams do have a much larger market of potential corporate sales.

[The Dean]

The Buffalo Bills ARE the WNY Bills. That's one HUGE reason why a downtown Buffalo stadium makes no sense.

[SnakeOiler]

Great ideas folks. And what kid wouldn't want to have a birthday party at the stadium?

 

Adding a HOF and restaurant/bar would be another stopping place for tourists even in the offseason. May not bring them to buffalo, but that, along with the falls, bass pro, a casino, frank lloyd wright, and a semi developed waterfront combined would make a good spot for tourists just to come visit. And maybe also pull some folks over who go to NF canada for a day trip.

 

Other ideas:

 

pave the dang parking lot. Place looks like a dump outside.

 

Install WiFi thru the stadium

 

honestly, i would like some different choices for food. The concessions at the stadium for the most part in my opinion is crap. Nachos, hot dogs, same old crap. Jalapeno poppers, fried this fried that, wings, and so forth is just nasty. It would be nice to be able to eat some decent food like in other newer venues. Look, I'm no vegan, but i don't need a hit on my cholesterol just because i got to a game. Some alternatives would be nice, such as sushi, turkey burgers, spring rolls, salads, some ethnic choices (mexican, pizza, etc).

 

And of course, SELL THE NAMING RIGHTS

 

I work for and with a few large entities in WNY. They all have large xams parties. One at HSBC, which is really cool. No reason why the bills couldn't host these big events. I went to one in toronto at the ballpark...they had it set up so you could hit at home plate in the batting cage, kick field goals, and so on -- was a HUGE hit!

[Mike32282]

I got it....they can follow the Anaheim Angels model

 

 

 

Introducing the......

 

Buffalo Bills of Western New York

[The Rev.Mattb74 ESQ.]

For every Tom Golsano in WNY.  There are like 1,000 in LA.

 

Corporate Support, WNY has some but not at the level of a major US City.

665611[/snapback]

While I admit that there are many more millionaires in LA then Buffalo, there a very few Billionaires in the world Golisano is one of them. The problem with making the team regionalize is that we are already drawing from those markets, you wouldnt get much more. Although the idea of a smaller stadium is great. Also we could get new fascilitys to attract free agents. Also we could do things like green bay does and have a resteraunt and mall put into the stadium to give it more revenue. Hell how about building a track for nascar inside the stadium, we could get some racing and further increased revenue.

[billsfanmiami(oh)]

Some alternatives would be nice, such as sushi, turkey burgers, spring rolls, salads, some ethnic choices (mexican, pizza, etc). 

665755[/snapback]

 

Maybe they can put in a massage parlor and a beauty salon too....Yeah they might not have the most diverse selection of food at the Ralph (aside from the Jim Kelly and McGuire suites) but for Christ's sake it's a FOOTBALL GAME! Sushi? Spring rolls? SALAD? Gimme a break...

[crazyDingo]

WAIT! What IF!!!

 

We moved WNY into Buffalo! Made all the buildings 100 stories high and just fit the entire region into Downtown?!

 

...Just keep the Irish out.

[Matt in KC]

I know, we could call them the Darien Lake Bills!

 

If the wife doesn't want to drive all the way from Albany to watch a football game, she can "road trip" with you and take half of the kids to the amusement park (the other half are with you), and give you a safe sober ride home after the game....

[Taro T]

I know, we could call them the Darien Lake Bills!

 

If the wife doesn't want to drive all the way from Albany to watch a football game, she can "road trip" with you and take half of the kids to the amusement park (the other half are with you), and give you a safe sober ride home after the game....

665836[/snapback]

We could rename the theme park Wilson World. We could also bring back Mularky and have Meathead Moose be the new mascot. "Sorry folks, Wilson World is closed for 16 weeks while we clean and repair America's favorite family fun offensive line. Sorrrrry. Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh."