Buffalo Could Host Raptors Games At HSBC Arena In '09

Buffalo Looking To Lure Raptors For Some Preseason Games

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Buffalo News Publisher Stanford Lipsey are "trying to woo the Raptors" for some preseason and regular-season games in Buffalo in a move to "boost Western New York and expand" the team's fan base, according to Gene Warner of the BUFFALO NEWS. Schumer spoke with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Chair Larry Tannenbaum about the possibility of bringing some NBA games to HSBC Arena "as early as the fall" of '09. Schumer said the Raptors are "very eager about having some of their games played in Buffalo." Lipsey added, "I would expect us to get a preseason game in 2009." The proposal comes five months after the announcement that the Bills will play five regular-season and three preseason games in Toronto over the next five seasons. Schumer, who has "helped lead the fight to keep the Bills in Buffalo, cited the benefits to both sides of the border in playing some Raptors games" in Buffalo. The games would "bring tourism and entertainment dollars into Buffalo, while also allowing the Raptors to expand their fan base to Western New York, thus encouraging area residents to travel to Toronto to cheer on the Raptors." Schumer and Lipsey "suggested that the Raptors games also would provide a focus for local pro basketball fans who have not had their own NBA team" since '78, when the Buffalo Braves moved to San Diego (BUFFALO NEWS, 7/2).