The Pegulas have commissioned a CAA ICON study to determine the best course of action for the stadiumGETTY IMAGES
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that he "continues to believe" the Bills "need a new stadium" to replace New Era Field, according to a front-page piece by Vic Carucci of the BUFFALO NEWS. Prior to yesterday's start of the annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Tournament, Goodell "reiterated that position." Goodell: "I want to make sure this franchise remains stable here, and continues, and remains competitive. And I think it's great for this community. And we've been able to do these stadiums in such a way that it creates a tremendous amount of economic benefit." Bills co-Owner Terry Pegula at the NFL owners meetings last month said the league "more or less" wants to "see something done one way or the other" in regard to a new stadium. Carucci notes Bills ownership has "commissioned a market research study from CAA ICON to help determine the best option and a series of focus groups have been held." Pegula said that the results of the survey are "expected to be available this summer." Meanwhile, Erie County Exec Mark Poloncarz has "suggested that a renovation" of New Era Field "might be more beneficial than a new stadium" (BUFFALO NEWS, 6/4).
TIME FOR CHANGE: THE ATHLETIC's Matthew Fairburn noted since the Pegulas bought the Bills in '14, the stadium has "been a topic." On at least "four separate occasions Goodell has publicly commented on the Bills needing a new stadium to remain 'viable,' 'competitive' or 'stable'" (THEATHLETIC.com, 6/3). In Syracuse, Matt Parrino noted Goodell in '16 suggested that the Bills "must keep up with modern NFL facilities in order to find success and maintain a competitive place in the league" (SYRACUSE.com, 6/3).
VOICE BOX: In Rochester, Sal Maiorana writes although he "didn't come right out and say it, it's clear Goodell -- and the other NFL owners -- want a new stadium in Buffalo because it will increase team revenue which in turn increases league revenue" (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 6/4). In Buffalo, Nick Veronica writes Goodell "knew exactly what he was doing," coming into town to "send a message." It is "uncertain how far he'd get with the threat of relocation," but if there is an "opportunity to make more money, the NFL is going to try" (BUFFALONEWS.com, 6/4). YAHOO SPORTS' Shalise Manza Young wrote Goodell's job is to "promote and push for whatever the majority of NFL owners want, and to make those owners more money." Young: "But saying a new stadium will help the Bills remain stable? Unless Goodell knows something the rest of us don't -- i.e. that the Pegulas want out already -- the Bills have been a model of stability for the entirety of their existence" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 6/3).
BIG FAN: The DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE's Maiorana notes Goodell also "shared insight" on how he is a "big fan of Terry and Kim Pegula." Goodell has "repeatedly expressed satisfaction with how smoothly" the transition in '14 went, and the "energy the Pegulas have brought not only to the franchise, but the league." Goodell said both Terry and Kim Pegula have been "active on the league level" (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 6/4).
