As I got older I stopped going to Bills games. The tailgating was always good and I love being at live sporting events but too many people there who couldn't handle their alcohol ruined the experience for me. I made the big mistake of bringing my daughter one year and that was the straw that broke this camel's back. I haven't been to a game since.

If a downtown stadium created a more family atmosphere at the games I would be all for it.

Then again, I live in VA now so I won't be going to game any time soon either way so my opinion doesn't really matter.
- The Don

I disagree about that. I'm sure you come back to Buffalo from time to time to visit (and even if you don't, plenty of other Buffalo transplants still do). If the stadium experience was better, don't you think you'd be interested in going to a game if you make a trip home during the season? That makes a difference in the ticket sales, so an owner should certainly take all of those factors into consideration.

I tend to only attend 1 game a year because I'm not a huge fan of the drunken stupidity as well. But let's not kid ourselves, there are plenty of people who can't hold their alcohol at the Sabres games as well. Especially if you're in the 300 level. It just doesn't seem as bad because there's less people there all together.

As I got older I stopped going to Bills games. The tailgating was always good and I love being at live sporting events but too many people there who couldn't handle their alcohol ruined the experience for me. I made the big mistake of bringing my daughter one year and that was the straw that broke this camel's back. I haven't been to a game since.

If a downtown stadium created a more family atmosphere at the games I would be all for it.

Then again, I live in VA now so I won't be going to game any time soon either way so my opinion doesn't really matter.
- The Don

Last time I went to a Bills game we sat in tickets my buddy got from Russ Brandon - they went to college together. It was the Monday night game against Dallas a few years ago. We sat directly underneath the MNF cameras at the 50 yard line. GREAT seats.

Some jackwagon in front of us stood up for the entire first half, and when we asked him to sit down threatened to fight us. Security had to be called.

On the way out of the stadium that night, people on the top level of the stadium were pouring beer over the sides of the stadium onto those who were exiting the gates.

Now I just watch the games through the camera, from my couch at home.

Right. It's the best place they could possibly be right now. The only way it stops is if the school gets new leadership, and for whatever reason, doesn't want the school associated with the team.
- buffalofan19

Brandon is a SJFC alum.

Andre Benoit, Nicolas Deslauriers, Tyler Ennis, Jhonas Enroth, Brian Flynn, Marcus Foligno, Brian Gionta, Zemgus Girgensons, Josh Gorges, Cody Hodgson, Cody McCormick, Andrej Meszaros, Torrey Mitchell, Matt Moulson, Tyler Myers, Michal Neuvirth, Sam Reinhart, Rasmus Ristolainen, Drew Stafford, Chris Stewart, Tyson Strachan, Mike Weber, Nikita Zadorov.

Injured: Nicholas Baptiste, Matt Hackett, Patrick Kaleta, Johan Larsson, Jake McCabe, Mark Pysyk.

Found this on Nhl.com (opening roster), Any word on McCabes injury ?

I disagree about that. I'm sure you come back to Buffalo from time to time to visit (and even if you don't, plenty of other Buffalo transplants still do). If the stadium experience was better, don't you think you'd be interested in going to a game if you make a trip home during the season? That makes a difference in the ticket sales, so an owner should certainly take all of those factors into consideration.

I tend to only attend 1 game a year because I'm not a huge fan of the drunken stupidity as well. But let's not kid ourselves, there are plenty of people who can't hold their alcohol at the Sabres games as well. Especially if you're in the 300 level. It just doesn't seem as bad because there's less people there all together.
- HonkFortheGoose

Not saying that other people won't make the trip but, even if the experience changed, I doubt I'm going to a Bills game any time soon. Life is just too busy to try to make the weekend trips up to Buffalo. Maybe when the kids are all grown and life slows down again.

I never really had a problem with drunks at Sabres games. At least not on the same grand scale. Sure every once a while you get that idiot next to you but it always seemed more isolated. At the Bills games, you are surrounded.

That was my experience any way. I had season tickets to both for many years but I always enjoyed the Sabres games more.

Andre Benoit, Nicolas Deslauriers, Tyler Ennis, Jhonas Enroth, Brian Flynn, Marcus Foligno, Brian Gionta, Zemgus Girgensons, Josh Gorges, Cody Hodgson, Cody McCormick, Andrej Meszaros, Torrey Mitchell, Matt Moulson, Tyler Myers, Michal Neuvirth, Sam Reinhart, Rasmus Ristolainen, Drew Stafford, Chris Stewart, Tyson Strachan, Mike Weber, Nikita Zadorov.

Injured: Nicholas Baptiste, Matt Hackett, Patrick Kaleta, Johan Larsson, Jake McCabe, Mark Pysyk.

Found this on Nhl.com (opening roster), Any word on McCabes injury ?
- yen6d1

Nope. I posted that he was listed as injured on the previous page. This is the first I've heard he's injured though.

Nope. I posted that he was listed as injured on the previous page. This is the first I've heard he's injured though.
- HonkFortheGoose

Jake McCabe D 10/07/2014 is on injured reserve IR undisclosed

Sportsnetwork.com

Andre Benoit, Nicolas Deslauriers, Tyler Ennis, Jhonas Enroth, Brian Flynn, Marcus Foligno, Brian Gionta, Zemgus Girgensons, Josh Gorges, Cody Hodgson, Cody McCormick, Andrej Meszaros, Torrey Mitchell, Matt Moulson, Tyler Myers, Michal Neuvirth, Sam Reinhart, Rasmus Ristolainen, Drew Stafford, Chris Stewart, Tyson Strachan, Mike Weber, Nikita Zadorov.

Injured: Nicholas Baptiste, Matt Hackett, Patrick Kaleta, Johan Larsson, Jake McCabe, Mark Pysyk.

Found this on Nhl.com (opening roster), Any word on McCabes injury ?
- yen6d1

He sat out the last two practices to see if he would get better and he isnt progressing as quickly as they hoped he would. I imagine they are milking it to give Zadorov a few games before sending him back to London, and then having McCabe take his place.

Thought: Just was reading a yahoo article comments about Pegula's buying the Bills and the stadium rumors.

The rumor is the Pegula's want one downtown and or on the waterfront. People were commenting this will kill the tailgating and tailgating is the best part. Maybe its because I'm 34, but Im so over tailgating. I don't need to tailgate before a Sabres game so I feel no need to slug 11 beers before a Bills game. They don't let you park till 9 anyway so you cant cook up a real meal besides burgers and dogs anyways. I'd rather have a classier stadium environment like the hockey games have where I can do the family thing or enjoy beers in the games.
- Buffalo-Sabres

You may be over tailgaiting but that doesnt mean everyone is. I have Bills seasons and I enjoy a good tailgate. Of course every once in a while you get a stupid fan sitting next to you, oh well crap happens. I would rather have that than the Sabres fan experience personally.

He sat out the last two practices to see if he would get better and he isnt progressing as quickly as they hoped he would. I imagine they are milking it to give Zadorov a few games before sending him back to London, and then having McCabe take his place.
- Themomentgood

Or it could just simply be the rule that they can't send him down while he is injured with the NHL club. When he's healthy, he's most likely going back to Rochester.

Thought: Just was reading a yahoo article comments about Pegula's buying the Bills and the stadium rumors.

The rumor is the Pegula's want one downtown and or on the waterfront. People were commenting this will kill the tailgating and tailgating is the best part. Maybe its because I'm 34, but Im so over tailgating. I don't need to tailgate before a Sabres game so I feel no need to slug 11 beers before a Bills game. They don't let you park till 9 anyway so you cant cook up a real meal besides burgers and dogs anyways. I'd rather have a classier stadium environment like the hockey games have where I can do the family thing or enjoy beers in the games.
- Buffalo-Sabres

Yeah 'cause lord knows there aren't any parking lots or unused space in the city of Buffalo...

Pegula still has close to $250m left over from that land sale, the NFL should kick in close to what was it - $200m themselves? Name it Delaware North Stadium and with the right incentives there's another $250m... this is very do-able.

I liked the Artvoice plan and all - but am concerned about putting a tunnel highway underneath an NFL stadium...

I disagree about that. I'm sure you come back to Buffalo from time to time to visit (and even if you don't, plenty of other Buffalo transplants still do). If the stadium experience was better, don't you think you'd be interested in going to a game if you make a trip home during the season? That makes a difference in the ticket sales, so an owner should certainly take all of those factors into consideration.

I tend to only attend 1 game a year because I'm not a huge fan of the drunken stupidity as well. But let's not kid ourselves, there are plenty of people who can't hold their alcohol at the Sabres games as well. Especially if you're in the 300 level. It just doesn't seem as bad because there's less people there all together.
- HonkFortheGoose

I'm good with the drunken stupidity - what I hate is driving to Orchard Park. You get a new building within walking distance of the metro (I live within walking distance in Amherst) and all of a sudden going to games seems like far less of a pain in the ass.

Yeah 'cause lord knows there aren't any parking lots or unused space in the city of Buffalo...

Pegula still has close to $250m left over from that land sale, the NFL should kick in close to what was it - $200m themselves? Name it Delaware North Stadium and with the right incentives there's another $250m... this is very do-able.

I liked the Artvoice plan and all - but am concerned about putting a tunnel highway underneath an NFL stadium...
- nfph

That is a bit concering. The Bruins arena sits on top of the train station in Boston. So it's not like things can't be done that seem unorthodox. I just don't feel that would be all that realistic.

That is a bit concering. The Bruins arena sits on top of the train station in Boston. So it's not like things can't be done that seem unorthodox. I just don't feel that would be all that realistic.
- HonkFortheGoose

MSG sits on top of NYC's biggest transportation hub as well.

That is a bi concering. The Bruins arena sits on top of the train station in Boston. So it's not like things can't be done that seem unorthodox. I just don't feel that would be all that realistic.
- HonkFortheGoose

I don't want to be overly morbid here, but the difference between a road and a metro station are 2:

1) You are limited by what you can personally carry on a metro station vs what you can, say, pack into the back of a Uhaul.

2) Metro stations are controlled environments. I've been to Bruins games and walked by a couple very alert-looking German Shepherds getting off the train.

I'm good with the drunken stupidity - what I hate is driving to Orchard Park. You get a new building within walking distance of the metro (I live within walking distance in Amherst) and all of a sudden going to games seems like far less of a pain in the ass.
- nfph

There's really no way that any plan is going to appeal to everyone. What I like about the existing stadium, is that there are so many ways in and out that the traffic isn't anywhere near as bad as it could be. If they put it on the waterfront, that limits the amount of roadways in and out a lot more. I live in South Buffalo, so really, either one isn't far from me.

But where you like that the metro would be walking distance for you, there's now people who live in the southtowns and such that have to travel quite a bit further to get to the stadium. So you appease the folks in Amherst, but alienate the people that live close to where it is now.

It's really a catch 22 either way.

I don't want to be overly morbid here, but the difference between a road and a metro station are 2:

1) You are limited by what you can personally carry on a metro station vs what you can, say, pack into the back of a Uhaul.

2) Metro stations are controlled environments. I've been to Bruins games and walked by a couple very alert-looking German Shepherds getting off the train.
- nfph

I'm not saying it's the same. Just saying that however many years ago people probably thought that putting an NHL sized arena on top of the metro station was crazy.

And as was just point out, the NYC subway system runs under the streets and the huge skyscrapers there, so nothing is really outside the realm of possibility. I just think it won't happen because doing that would drastically increase the cost of building the stadium.

There's really no way that any plan is going to appeal to everyone. What I like about the existing stadium, is that there are so many ways in and out that the traffic isn't anywhere near as bad as it could be. If they put it on the waterfront, that limits the amount of roadways in and out a lot more. I live in South Buffalo, so really, either one isn't far from me.

But where you like that the metro would be walking distance for you, there's now people who live in the southtowns and such that have to travel quite a bit further to get to the stadium. So you appease the folks in Amherst, but alienate the people that live close to where it is now.

It's really a catch 22 either way.
- HonkFortheGoose

Let's be real...Amherst matters more anyways, so....

I'm not saying it's the same. Just saying that however many years ago people probably thought that putting an NHL sized arena on top of the metro station was crazy.

And as was just point out, the NYC subway system runs under the streets and the huge skyscrapers there, so nothing is really outside the realm of possibility. I just think it won't happen because doing that would drastically increase the cost of building the stadium.
- HonkFortheGoose

I forget - did that old article/drawing still have the skyway too, or was that eliminated?

I remember before moving out of Buffalo the big topics (to me, as someone intersted in city planning type stuff) were the peace bridge replacement and getting rid of the skyway.

There's really no way that any plan is going to appeal to everyone. What I like about the existing stadium, is that there are so many ways in and out that the traffic isn't anywhere near as bad as it could be. If they put it on the waterfront, that limits the amount of roadways in and out a lot more. I live in South Buffalo, so really, either one isn't far from me.

But where you like that the metro would be walking distance for you, there's now people who live in the southtowns and such that have to travel quite a bit further to get to the stadium. So you appease the folks in Amherst, but alienate the people that live close to where it is now.

It's really a catch 22 either way.
- HonkFortheGoose

Nothing beats trains when it comes to leaving a sporting venue. You can adjust the size and frequency of the trains depending on the schedule of the games, and its not nearly as much of a pain if there are several stops along the way for people to get on and off to get to their own vehicles or walk to the their places of residence. This is of course my opinion, and it was Atlanta, so we arent exactly talking Amherst to downtown...

Let's be real...Amherst matters more anyways, so....
- stashu

The people of Orchard Park disagree.

There's really no way that any plan is going to appeal to everyone. What I like about the existing stadium, is that there are so many ways in and out that the traffic isn't anywhere near as bad as it could be. If they put it on the waterfront, that limits the amount of roadways in and out a lot more. I live in South Buffalo, so really, either one isn't far from me.

But where you like that the metro would be walking distance for you, there's now people who live in the southtowns and such that have to travel quite a bit further to get to the stadium. So you appease the folks in Amherst, but alienate the people that live close to where it is now.

It's really a catch 22 either way.
- HonkFortheGoose

I hear you, but it's not just Amherst - that location is easier to access for everyone in Buffalo, plus Rochester, plus Ontario.

Nothing beats trains when it comes to leaving a sporting venue. You can adjust the size and frequency of the trains depending on the schedule of the games, and its not nearly as much of a pain if there are several stops along the way for people to get on and off to get to their own vehicles or walk to the their places of residence. This is of course my opinion, and it was Atlanta, so we arent exactly talking Amherst to downtown...
- atlsabsfan

the system can only push so many cars at once - but the cost to upgrade it would be nominal in the grand scheme of things. And the NFTA has cash on hand.

I hear you, but it's not just Amherst - that location is easier to access for everyone in Buffalo, plus Rochester, plus Ontario.
- nfph

I disagree that it appeases more people. I think that moving it downtown will appease one set, while pissing off another.

Then there are people like me who really don't care. It's a sporting event. You know there's going to be traffic and it's going to take time to get in and get out. That has no bearing on whether or not I'm going to go to the game or not.

I'm not saying it's the same. Just saying that however many years ago people probably thought that putting an NHL sized arena on top of the metro station was crazy.

And as was just point out, the NYC subway system runs under the streets and the huge skyscrapers there, so nothing is really outside the realm of possibility. I just think it won't happen because doing that would drastically increase the cost of building the stadium.
- HonkFortheGoose

Im not sure that is the case, especially if you are engineering it from Day 1.

If you are talking trains/subways - it doesnt need to be directly under the stadium, but adjacent or close enough to allow access to other areas when that line isnt being used for games - there just needs to be somewhere else of interest to go to in a perfect world.

Building rapid transit tracks isnt as expensive as some might think.