Tagged: ralph wilson stadium

Little information has been made available to the public during the quiet lease negotiations between the Buffalo Bills and Erie County, but it's clear that a new stadium is not in the immediate future.

County Executive Mark Poloncarz says there are really three reasons for keeping the team where it is: the county can't afford a billion dollars for a new facility, the Bills aren't asking for one and, there is no room downtown.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is requesting a change to a National Football League's matching loan program to free up $25 million in league revenue to help with renovations to Ralph Wilson Stadium, without a penalty to the community if the team is sold.

Currently, what is known as the G-4 loan program would help the Bills pay for stadium upgrades, but it would have to be paid back immediately if the team is sold. That would permit a new owner to liquidate assets and relocate the franchise.

Fans attending Thursday's NFL pre-season game between the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins are encouraged to arrive at stadium gates one hour prior to kickoff.

Bills officials are hopeful the early arrivals will alleviate delays while security officials enact new procedures.

Gate personnel will no longer "pat down" team customers; instead hand-held metal detectors will be used to conduct personal searches.

It is expected that the basic framework of a new lease deal between Erie County and the Buffalo Bills could be structured within the next few weeks.

The Poloncarz Administration is at odds with The Buffalo News over a Freedom of Information request.

Despite the request, officials have not released the dollar figures associated with the stadium lease talks with the Buffalo Bills conducted by a private law firm retained by the county.

The Nixon Peabody law firm considers its hourly rate for its legal work to be a "trade secret," and has requested the information not be released.

The Buffalo News has filed an appeal in the case.

After significant study, the Buffalo Bills are proposing that Ralph Wilson Stadium undergo a major renovation as new lease talks get underway.

The cost of the renovation is anticipated to be in the $200 million range, and much of that funding will be provided by taxpayers. It is a less expensive option than retrofitting the stadium or contracting for a new one. The current fifteen year lease agreement between Erie County and the Bills regarding Ralph Wilson Stadium expires in 2013.

With the possibility of spending at least $100 million on repairing Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, city lawmakers are pushing for another look at instead building a new stadium in the City of Buffalo.

Erie County and the Bills are involved in talks about a new lease, although no details are being released. The current stadium needs significant repairs, with the estimate of $100 million being used frequently, although an in-depth study apparently hasn't been completed for the Bills.