At the age of 40 the storied Ralph Wilson Stadium, that has played host to some of the NFL’s greatest games and players, is getting a facelift. That operation is coming in the next 10 months, part of the $130 million renovation project that gathers steam after the season and should be completed for the season opener in 2014.
The project will be more than just overpriced floor renovations, especially with a $130 million price tag. The over hall will make the aging facility more fan-friendly, increase advertising and sponsorship revenue and will allow stadium to search as a viable home for the Bills for at least the next nine years.
“This renovation is geared toward the fan,” Bills President and CEO Russ Brandon said. “It significantly enhances the fans’ game-day experience.”
This project will complement the last major renovation, which began in 1998. That $63 million project added new suites and club seats, but with new stadiums in New Jersey and Arlington the Bills need to keep their home current and welcoming.
The stadium, which cost $22 million to build in 1973 dollars, will celebrate its 50th birthday at the end of the current lease.
“Fifteen years ago, in 1998, a majority of the community thought this was probably the last lease in this building,” Brandon said. “Now we’ve added another 10 years. There’s nothing saying we can’t do that going into the future.”
The upcoming renovation to Ralph Wilson Stadium will focus on upgrading the entertainment value for fans. With everyone trying to stretch a dollar, this move will offer fans more bang for their buck.
From a new in-stadium lounge to improved points of entry and WIFI throughout, the upgrades will be hard for fans to miss even before they enter the game.
New SUPER GATES will have fans in and out quicker. New video boards will adorn the super gates featuring team highlights and Bills shows. Sponsor ads will be moved away from the scoreboard increasing video space by a jaw dropping 60%.
These are just some of the upgrades that will make football in Buffalo more fun.
