Former Sabres Owner Tom Golisano has met with Bills officials and public leaders, and "informed them of his interest in purchasing the franchise," according to sources cited by John Wawrow of the AP. One source yesterday said that Golisano also has "had talks with developer Scott Congel to be his partner in the potential ownership group." The source added that Golisano’s proposal will "include building a new football stadium south of Buffalo, about a 10-minute drive" from Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park. The land where the proposed stadium would be built "belongs to Pyramid Management Group, which is owned by Robert Congel, Scott’s father." The Syracuse-based company is "one of the largest shopping mall developers in the northeast." Golisano first discussed the possibility of buying the Bills "not long after purchasing the Sabres out of bankruptcy" in '04, and said that he would "especially become involved in an ownership group if there were any fears of the team relocating" (AP, 5/28). In Buffalo, Robert McCarthy in a front-page piece notes Scott Congel yesterday "would offer no comment" when asked if he seeks to buy part of the Bills. Still, Congel "revealed volumes about his complicated plan for the 55-acre site in West Seneca that could be tweaked to include a 15-acre footprint for a covered stadium -- which sources say may or may not feature a retractable roof -- and seating capacity in the high 60,000 range." Congel said that the stadium could "serve a variety of purposes such as hosting as many as 200 events per year, and be connected to a bustling new development offering a host of other amenities right next door." He added, "It would be modeled after Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, in the high-60,000 seats, have the ability to expand, and fit Super Bowl criteria. And it could host conventions, concerts and expos" (BUFFALO NEWS, 5/29).
