‘Pegula Sports and Entertainment issued a statement on Tuesday saying representatives met with Erie County and New York State officials to “outline a plan based on the independent study the organization conducted with regard to future stadium and arena projects in Western New York.”‘
Archives for May 2021
Bills already preparing for crowd noise during OTAs
‘The Bills played all of their regular season home games, and several of their road games with no fans in the stands last season due to COVID-19 protocols. Even for the games at stadiums in which fans were allowed, there was very limited capacity.’
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen says team conversations on COVID-19 vaccine will stay in-house
‘”I know vaccines are going to be a hot topic really throughout the remainder of the season, and we’re having conversations as a team, and I’m going to keep those conversations and choices of myself and my teammates in-house,” said Allen.’
Pegula Sports and Entertainment meets with NYS & Erie County regarding future of Highmark Stadium
‘”The objective of the meeting was to outline a plan based on the independent study the organization conducted with regard to future stadium and arena projects in Western New York,” the team said in a statement.’
Sean McDermott admits he is ‘concerned’ about not meeting a possible NFL vaccine threshold
‘“I don’t know the amount of normal versus protocols I’d say we’re 60 percent normal, 65-70 percent normal. And I think that’s good. It’s nice when you’re fully vaccinated to be able to do some of those things and so that’s been good,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said as OTAs started this week.’
McDermott: Training camp at St. John Fisher possible, but a ‘heavy lift’
‘McDermott said WR Stefon Diggs and DT Star Lotulelei are not at the practices, which are optional. He also said they are in discussion with St. John Fisher College about holding training camp there, but many details still need to be sorted out and it could be a “heavy lift” to get set up in Rochester with COVID protocols still in place.’
PSE presents long-awaited stadium study to state, local officials
‘PSE said the meeting at Highmark Stadium included officials from both New York state and Erie County. A spokesperson for Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz declined to comment on the meeting.’
Questions of capacity limitations & vaccine requirements surround upcoming Bills season
‘This comes as other organizations within the NFL have announced plans to host fans at full capacity. Heinz Stadium where the Pittsburgh Steelers play will likely fill every seat, and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said MetLife Stadium will be at full capacity for Jets and Giants home games.’
Josh Allen on vaccination: ‘We’re not sure and we’re trying to get to a conclusion’
‘McDermott notes the season is still a ways off, but is concerned about the length of time it takes (based on chosen vaccine) to become fully vaccinated. He says he’s approaching the issue first with respect, and thinks it’s important to educate players on the issues surrounding that decision.’
Buffalo Bills season tickets sold out for 2021 season
‘It’s still unknown if Bills games will have full capacity at Highmark Stadium at the start of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.’
Bills discuss vaccines during voluntary OTAs
‘“I’m not going to mix that with personal decisions or personal life part of it but it does impact our situation here when you look at it,” said McDermott. “We experienced it last year and you see it happening with other teams in other sports, so it is something we’re going to have to deal with at some point.”’
McDermott calls Bills camp at Fisher a ‘heavy lift,’ but still possible
‘“I’m a fan of going away to camp. The protocols are the protocols. It changes the complexion. It changes the weight of the operation,” McDermott said. “We have great fans… not only in the Rochester area, but people who come from all over to visit us there. It’s a chance for us to connect with our fans. We certainly recognize that. We’re tying to do our darnedest to look at all the protocols and all the layers on this thing that it would take to pull it off.”’
Bills hit the field for OTA’s, McDermott’s take on Buffalo’s offseason
‘Notable exceptions like Stefon Diggs and Star Lotuleilei were not on the field, but again these are voluntary workouts.’
McDermott on the Bills returning to Fisher for Training Camp this Summer
‘While the Bills have been in contact with Fisher about camp, Sean McDermott did say it would be a “heavy lift” to have the team in Rochester and fully adhere to the NFL’s Covid guidelines.’
Josh Allen on his first impressions of the Bills 2021 team
‘Josh Allen was in all his shorts glory.’