Buffalo Bills' new stadium could pose one huge problem to season ticket holders
Bills Mafia is both a hashtag and the unofficial name of Buffalo’s very passionate fan base. These people get to Bills stadium early for tailgates, wear the colors and stay loud throughout the game.
But when Buffalo completes its new stadium, there could be many miffed members of Bills Mafia. Why? They could be left out of this posh football palace. The numbers tell the story. The new Bills stadium will seat 60,000. Buffalo currently has 63,000 season ticket holders who attend games at Highmark Stadium.
So what gives? Money. In the NFL, it’s about the money.
Some Bills fans won’t be able to afford the season tickets. The team has yet to announce how much the ticket package could cost. Presumably, you’ll see at least a minimal increase to help pay for a fancy new stadium. But there’s also the personal seat license. This is where it can get expensive.
The Bills sent an email to season-ticket holders suggesting they could ask for a one-time fee ranging from $500 to $16,500, depending on the location of the seats. The team wants to keep the seat licensing fees on the low side. But that hasn’t been the case with other new stadiums.
Licensing seat fees hit as high as $100,000 for AT&T Stadium (Cowboys), SoFi Stadium (Rams, Chargers) and Allegiant Stadium (Raiders). However, those stadiums cost more than what the Bills have planned. Buffalo’s new place has a cost estimate of about $1.5 billion. Back in 2009, AT&T Stadium cost $1.3 billion to build. In today’s dollars, that’s about $1.8 billion. SoFi is by far the most expensive at $5.5 billion. The Raiders’ place cost $1.9 billion. Allegiant and SoFi opened in 2020.
The Bills also want to tamp down on brokers who buy up season tickets for the sole purpose of turning a profit on a third-party resell market. The Buffalo News said the Bills may limit people to the purchase of eight season tickets.
Construction on the new stadium started last month, as soon as all parties involved officially gave their approval.
The new Bills complex will sit on a 242-acre site across from the current stadium. Bills officials are targeting July, 2026 for the stadium’s finish. That way, it will be ready for the 2026 season. So there’s still time to solve the season ticket problem. Season ticket holders will meet with Bills officials this summer. And fans who desire season tickets in the new stadium can leave a $150 deposit to get on the waiting list.
The Bills started play in 1960, using a stadium built during the Great Depression. Buffalo started playing in a new stadium in 1973. It’s gone through several name changes since then. However, since 2020, Bills fans know the venue as Highmark Stadium.