Work on venue studies involving the Bills and Sabres "is progressing," and the next steps could be made public "by early next year," according to Paul Lane of BUFFALO BUSINESS FIRST. Pegula Sports & Entertainment Exec VP/Licencing & Branded Merchandise Ron Raccuia said that a study conducted on the futures of both New Era Field and KeyBank Center is "about halfway done." Options on the table for the Bills include "renovations, new builds adjacent to the current properties or complete relocation." Much speculation has "specifically circled around the stadium being moved to downtown Buffalo, but PSE has said suburban sites will also be considered." For the Sabres, talks have "centered around modernizing the arena." The Pegulas are "funding the study, which was initiated by CAA ICON earlier this year." Raccuia indicated that the hockey arena "wouldn't move from the Canalside area, but upgrades to both the fan and player experience are needed there." New Era Field, meanwhile, has been "criticized by the likes of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for its lack of modern amenities." Goodell has said, "We need to think about Wi-Fi, food offerings, security. What do fans want? How do you provide an area for the players to perform? They need a lot from the sports science side of things" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 9/12).
