The Univ. at Buffalo athletics department "addressed what its rebranding vision seemed to lack Thursday by announcing the creation of an advisory board to assist in what’s being called the 'New York Bulls Initiative,'" according to Bob DiCesare of the BUFFALO NEWS. The 16-member board "consists of local business leaders and/or alumni and counters any notion that the rebranding initiative launched by Athletics Director Danny White had encountered major community resistance." The board is chaired by New Era President Pete Augustine, and also includes Bills President & CEO Russ Brandon and Delaware North Principal Jerry Jacobs. White said, "It’s about our whole push we’re trying to do to bring this place to big-time college athletics. ... What we’re really trying to do is create some national buzz and let people know that this place has untapped potential." DiCesare notes UB recently "secured a media presence" on N.Y.-area radio, something White "feels is important in reaching out to UB’s many downstate alums." Ticket pledges are "being solicited for the East Club, a premium seating section envisioned for UB Stadium." The hope is that "galvanizing the alumni base and Western New York will heighten involvement and interest in UB athletics and create revenue streams that fund projects, particularly those that are facility-related." The rebranding initiative is "visible on the basketball court and the football field, both of which now contain the words New York." The state name also is "on football coaches' shirts and player jerseys and presumably will be incorporated into the basketball uniforms." Two other notable members of the board are ESPN Senior Coordinating Producer Gerry Matalon and former Sabres Managing Partner & Minority Owner Larry Quinn (BUFFALO NEWS, 8/30).
