Does Buffalo Need A New Stadium?

Does Ralph Wilson Stadium Need To Be Replaced?

For years, the fate of the Buffalo Bills was up in the air. Many believed that the future was short and the team was on its last legs. People of Buffalo feared the team, so cherished by all in Western New York, would be shipped off to a wealthier owner that had hopes of relocating the team.

All of this anxiety and uncertainty was put to rest when Terry and Kim Pegula purchased the Buffalo Bills in September 2014. “My name is Terry Pegula and the Pegulas just bought a football team…We all just bought a team. Our team: the Buffalo Bills.”

“My name is Terry Pegula and the Pegulas just bought a football team…We all just bought a team. Our team: the Buffalo Bills.” – Terry Pegula

This was something new. Something that Bills fans had longed for. We were so accustomed to getting the short-end of the stick and had truly never experienced a moment of zen. The anxiety, the uncertainty, and the fear all rushed out of us. This was ensuring the Bills would be for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.

Let’s fast forward a bit.

The year is 2016 and we have just come off an 8-8 season. The first year of Rex Ryan as coach wasn’t as planned but we have a foundation; a foundation to build on. The question that remains on the Bills future in Orchard Park is not whether the team will leave town but rather will the team build a new stadium in the area.

Mar 25, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; A general view outside of one of the rooms used for the NFL Annual Meetings. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports /

The topic of whether or not to build a new stadium is once again in the spotlight. At the NFL Annual Meetings, talk of this was brought up by some owners. John Mara, Owner of the New York Giants stated: “…for the long-term best interest of that franchise, they need to be in a new building.”

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The way the NFL owners see it is if the Bills can build a new stadium, they can raise ticket prices, build more and charge more for luxury suites, as well as the possibility of seat licensing. This is something most Bills fans do not want. They do not want to be paying more period.

The Bills front office has a somewhat different take on the situation. Russ Brandon was quoted saying “…we’ve had zero discussions relative to anything related to a new stadium.”

This issue has long been discussed since the creation of Ralph Wilson Stadium in 1973. One of the oldest stadiums has been called aging and outdated, just to name a few. Should we abandon it for the flashy waterfront stadium or a domed field? I believe that the answer is NO. The cost of a new stadium is astronomical and is much more that any major renovation on the current stadium. It has been said many times that the stadium has good structure and can simply be updated more. We saw that recently but many feel more has to be done.

I feel as though I speak for most Bills fans when I say this, regardless of a new stadium or a renovated one, I’m just happy they’re in Buffalo to stay.

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