Buffalo residents favor building new stadium

  • 2015-02-08
More than half of the residents of Erie County who took a survey about the issue are in favor of building the Buffalo Bills a new stadium.

The Buffalo News, in conjunction with Two On Your Side, commissioned a poll about building a stadium for the team. Siena College surveyed 505 people, and 54% said they supported such construction, while 36% were opposed and 10% were neutral.

In addition, respondents were asked where they thought the new arena should be constructed. An earlier study, conducted by an outside firm on behalf of New York State, had identified four possible locations. However, 89% of the participants of the Siena College survey said there were only two viable locations: downtown Buffalo and Orchard Park. The downtown location garnered the support of 55% of those questioned, while 40% said the new stadium should be built in Orchard Park, which is the location of the current facility.

At present, the Buffalo Bills have a 10-year lease with the county. Under the terms of the agreement, the team plays at Ralph Wilson Stadium, located in Orchard Park. There are still seven years to run before the lease expires.

City officials might consider working with a flyer printing company to create a mailer for residents of the city and county, asking for their feedback about the issue.