Kirby Jackson

We are looking at $1B all in, not $1.5B. They will basically split it down the middle IMO. The Pegulas (and the Bills) are on the hook or $500M. The naming rights, concession deal and PSLs probably account for $350M of that. We had a team of probably 10-15 on the team side that worked on the revenue goals and the state’s responsibility. My role was primarily on “the ask.” The group that I was a part of was responsible for past, present, and future revenue projections and how we could get the most out of the state. We wanted to find creative avenues to monetize the building as opposed to getting a check. We figured that we could generate another $10M plus a year by doing it that way. That’s why there is that giant video screen on the outside of the arena if you guys ever drive by it in New Orleans. We asked for things that we could sell.

Look, I’m not trying to be rude but there is a reason that EVERYONE (outside of the state) wants this to happen. The league wants it for more money. The Pegulas want it for more money. The government isn’t on board because it will cost them $500M. Regardless, it’s coming and the groundwork is in place. The Bills NEED to close the non-shared revenue gap or risk getting left behind. If the TV deal ever hits a tipping point it is catastrophic to the Bills. They need to insulate themselves by closing this gap. They know that and the other owners do too.

Lucas Oil was $122M for 20 years (in like 2008). Hard Rock, more recently, was $250M for 18 years. It isn’t even remotely a stretch to think that the Bills could get $150M over 20 years. It’s probably conservative. $100M In PSL’s is what the Vikings did with, what I believe, will be a similar structure. We aren’t talking $100K PSL’s or whatever SF charged. They had like $500 PSL’s (and they weren’t on every seat). Also, I haven’t even factored in the NFL loan program. I’m being conservative.

No they wouldn’t. They are looking at $500M (private) and we have $150M with naming rights alone. They can generate another $100M in PSL’s (easily). That’s leaves $250M private (without a concession deal). Call the concession deal another $100M. That leaves $150M. That stadium can EASILY yield an additional $25M a year. This is clear as day (which is why everyone is pushing it). Ain’t going to happen. No one else is doing that anymore (especially in similar markets). The Pegula’s are asking for half (and will get it). I do have a master’s degree in sports management and worked closely on a lease deal for an NBA team with the state and the league. I am not an idiot on the topic. ??‍♂️

Oh no, it ABSOLUTELY does not. Not even close

Fine for fans, not fine for business That’s why the other owners (and the Pegulas) want something else.

Love this idea!!

Normally I’d agree but there is no bigger topic in Buffalo sports. We are in the period between FA & the draft. This is the dominant topic of the day.

The Superdome is in the middle of New Orleans. New Orleans is WAY more dangerous than Buffalo. Believe it or not, they don’t have issues with crackheads and muggings on game days. People tailgate and attend the game.

Not surprising, it’s the nature of the beast. Sad to see him go but glad for the impact that he had on the program. Hopefully they can keep it rolling and wish him the best at Alabama.

https://sports.yahoo.com/aaf-chairman-says-league-could-fold-if-nflpa-wont-let-it-use-nfl-players-170726633.html

I thought that New Era has first right of refusal on naming rights at a new stadium as part of their deal? I could be wrong on that. In terms of spend it will depend on how long the naming rights deal is. If we use Lucas Oil as the Comp their original deal was for 20 years at $122M. Now they host other events there but that deal is also a decade old or so. Hard Rock paid $250M for 18 years in Miami (but again lots of big name events). I would think that the Bills could get $150M over 20 years (or something like that).

My thoughts on this are pretty simple. Wherever it goes next is going to be a “business decision” not a fan experience decision. What is best for the government and best for the Pegulas are not necessarily the same. It will almost certainly be a public/private deal. The expression “split the difference” is a little ironic IMO. That’s how I see this thing playing out. The Pegulas want to maximize revenue and the government wants to minimize cost. My guess is 65,000 seats, downtown (somewhere), with a price tag in the $1B range. It will be split almost evenly between the state and the Bills.

I suppose that this can be combined with other thread but feels like it should be broken out. Now that we are in peak offseason this is a good time to discuss the comments of Terry and Kim. Above are some tweets from @john wawrow that he took away from yesterday. It sure sounded that way to me as well. What were your thoughts???

It’s not even close to the same. That’s my point. His ego and personality is NOTHING like Manziel. FWIW, he’s likely to go in the top 5.

No offense, but calling Devin White, Manziel, just shows that you have ZERO idea about Devin White.

If you REALLY want to stir the pot, Tre White liked the photo....

Yeah, I think regardless the Bills should use Edmunds in that role some. He is huge and athletic.

No, the 9th pick is probably the floor for him. Sorry for the confusion

At the same point, I would say that he’s right there. Keuchley was selected 9th. That’s probably the floor for White. Both guys were 2 time All-Americans. They actually are a lot alike as prospects.

That’s totally fair. The only thing that I will say is that if you have White, Edmunds (rushing) and Milano you are ridiculously athletic at LB. You can probably afford to keep the LBs on the field for that reason. There are no guys like Brandon Spikes in that group.

I’m not trying to call people out but I kind of am. Devin White is arguably the most “process” player in this draft. He is the exact opposite of a diva. It is so weird to me to see such strong statements on a guy from people that literally know nothing about the guy. People read one article and formed an opinion that is 100% wrong. If you guys don’t want the guy because he’s a linebacker, fine. If you don’t like his skill set, you are wrong but fine. If you don’t like the character, you are an idiot.

I can only speak for myself but I have watched the running game since he got here. That “sledgehammer” has resulted in a lower YPC for 3 straight years while playing something like 18% of the snaps. He sucks

I think he goes 5 to Tampa