The Bills are two-thirds of the way toward the $11M
figure to "ensure the team stays in Orchard Park at least
through" the year 2003, according to Gene Warner of the
BUFFALO NEWS. Upon reaching the goal, the team would be
eligible for state-funded renovations costing $63.25M. The
team has sold $7.2M worth of club seats and luxury boxes for
the '99 season. Warner: "Bills officials and members of the
Business Backs the Bills Committee remain optimistic, but
not giddy, about reaching the $11 million goal by Dec. 1."
The Bills "told the committee the team has sold 115 of the
164 suites, with verbal commitments for 16 more, and plans
to turn 18 suites into regional clubs." The team has sold
"only" 2,834 of the 6,578 outdoor club seats, with plans to
run newspaper ads for those seats this week, followed by
radio ads at the start the season. One thought to sell club
seats is to form regional clubs "allowing business people to
sit with other business people from their area to forge
friendships or business deals" (BUFFALO NEWS, 8/25).