Just a part of the negotiation process, but an ugly one
by garbageplate (2021-08-02 18:13:21)

In reply to: Buffalo Bills to Austin?  posted by Nyirish08

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Although I think it's an extreme longshot that the team will move, this heavy-handed bargaining approach is certain to accelerate the rapid erosion of the Pegulas' goodwill in the local community.

Given the shabby state of the hockey team and the longstanding efforts to brand the football team as a community asset, Western New Yorkers are rightfully pissed off at a request for 100% public funding for a new stadium, coupled with a threat of relocation from ownership. To raise the specter of moving at this early stage of negotiation is offensive.

I’m not sure why anyone is a fan of the NFL anymore. *
by No Right Turn on Red  (2021-08-02 20:15:39)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

I'm still a fervent supporter of the Bills
by garbageplate  (2021-08-02 21:01:22)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Regardless, if they're going to demand 100% of public money to build a stadium, which itself is a lucrative venture that will serve only to enrich the owners, then there's no choice but to let the team walk.

It would be devastating psychologically to a region that already has issues with its reputation (weather, economy, etc.), but there's no reason for the community to bear the burden of paying for a stadium that the owners can finance on their own. I think most people by now have gotten wise to the fact that these stadium projects do not deliver the promised benefits to the surrounding area, which is why there is already significant push back to this audacious proposal.