Bills will have “best of the best” weight room facility in the league following 18 mill renovation

[Drunken Pygmy Goat]

2 hours ago, 4_kidd_4 said:

 

There’s nothing wrong with it, people

just want more bells and whistles.

 

I haven't been there in almost 20 years, but IIRC, Kim Pegula made some comments within the last year or two regarding some upgrades or tweaks to the arena. I think one of them had to do with the lighting or pre-game "light show" at the facility being sub-par. 

 

Speaking of Kim, I can't help but think that things like upgrading the weight room have her fingerprints on them. After reading several articles about her and Terry since purchasing the Bills, I've gathered that she's not only very much involved with the off-field aspects of the team, but is an incredible progressive thinker and pays very close attention to detail, whether it's about fan experience, or player wellness.

 

Things like spending millions on a weight room facility, in general, are an afterthought for most teams throughout the league. But not only that, but the planning and detail involved in this case is great. Adding things sleep pods or grand widows for better lighting to create better morale are fine details that most owners wouldn't think of. Having McBeane assess details as well after being hired just goes to show that the owners' mentality and approach trickles down from the top down, all the way to the players and the entire staff. Its not just about making people's jobs easier and more enjoyable, but doing so in a progressive manner that has lasting benefits in several ways. Every move seems extremely calculated, and in a league where owners want to maximize profits, money isn't an issue with the Pegulas. 

 

Time will tell what the end result will be in all of this, but it's very refreshing to see and know that we have owners that are willing to do whatever they can to produce a winning team and a proud, esteemed franchise come to fruition. Buffalo isn't exactly a place that players place at the top of the list of places they want to play, based on the weather, economy, social life, etc., and even though the Pegulas may have spent a lot of money on the town itself, the one thing they truly can control and improve is the quality of their franchise. Players around the league notice these things, even before being courted by the team. 

 

More and more, as time passes, "One Buffalo", WRT the Pegulas and the Bills (and Sabres) is becoming more and more of a real motto, and not just some catchy phrase that's thrown around for positive attention. Everything is done with a vision, and everyone is in the same page. 

Edited August 3, 2018 by Drunken Pygmy Goat
Auto correct

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

1 minute ago, Drunken Pygmy Goat said:

 

I haven't been there in almost 20 years, but IIRC, Kim Pegula made some comments within the last year or two regarding some upgrades or tweaks to the arena. I think one of them had to do with the lighting or pre-game "light show" at the facility being sub-par. 

 

Speaking of Kim, I can't help but think that things like upgrading the weight room have her fingerprints on them. After reading several articles about her and Terry since purchasing the Bills, I've gathered that she's not only very much involved with the off-road aspects of the team, but is an incredible progressive thinker and pays very close attention to detail, whether it's about fan experience, or player wellness.

 

Things like spending millions on a weight room facility, in general, are an afterthought for most teams throughout the league. But not only that, but the planning and detail involved in this case is great. Adding things sleep pods or grand widows for better lighting to create better morale are fine details that most owners wouldn't think of. Having McBeane assess details as well after being hired just goes to show that the owners' mentality and approach trickles down from the top down, all the way to the players and the entire staff. Its not just about making people's jobs easier and more enjoyable, but doing so in a progressive manner that has lasting benefits in several ways. Every move seems extremely calculated, and in a league where owners want to maximize profits, money isn't an issue with the Pegulas. 

 

Time will tell what the end result will be in all of this, but it's very refreshing to see and know that we have owners that are willing to do whatever they can to produce a winning team and a proud, esteemed franchise come to fruition. Buffalo isn't exactly a place that players place at the top of the list of places they want to play, based on the weather, economy, social life, etc., and even though the Pegulas may have spent a lot of money on the town itself, the one thing they truly can control and improve is the quality of their franchise. Players around the league notice these things, even before bei,g courted by the team. 

 

More and more, as time passes, "One Buffalo", WRT the Pegulas and the Bills (and Sabres) is becoming more and more of a real motto, and not just some catchy phrase that's thrown around for positive attention. Everything is done with a vision, and everyone is in the same page. 

 

...great assessment......bolded points make it difficult to understand TBD references to the "clueless owners".....go figure...............

[WMDman]

that's definitely cool

[Beast]

3 hours ago, teef said:

i've heard they're consulting with planet fitness to ensure they build it properly.  it all starts with the free tootsie rolls.

 

They won’t need a Lunk Alarm now that Ritchie is gone.

 

Edited August 3, 2018 by Binghamton Beast

[C.Biscuit97]

No one can ever question the Pegulas’ commitment to spending money.  Now if I can figure out a way to marry one of the daughters (with the main goal getting to Kim). ?

[KD in CA]

4 hours ago, RiotAct said:

Float tank?  Bah. What a bunch of phooey.  ::Shakes fist::

 

I work with a guy who's into all the new age stuff;  he took us to a place that had float tanks.  It was pretty cool, but a little odd.  Took a while to totally chill/zone out.

[Matt_In_NH]

8 minutes ago, KD in CA said:

 

I work with a guy who's into all the new age stuff;  he took us to a place that had float tanks.  It was pretty cool, but a little odd.  Took a while to totally chill/zone out.

And here I was thinking this was another term for a toilet.  they dont always float though

[Drunken Pygmy Goat]

47 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

...great assessment......bolded points make it difficult to understand TBD references to the "clueless owners".....go figure...............

 

I'm not sure what comments you're referring to, but I assume those sentiments are becoming more and more scarce, even from the loud minority. 

 

As new owners, I think we all can agree that they made a couple mistakes. That happens sometimes while learning on the job, especially when you consider the state of the franchise that they inherited. But now, they're much more established and immersed in several league aspects and circles. They've learned a lot since 2014, and have made moves over the last year plus to cut the fat. 

 

Maybe "clueless" wasn't the best choice of words (if that's what was/is being said), but there was a lot to learn and it wasn't going to be an overnight turnaround. The progress they've made in just a few years is pretty remarkable.

[The Dean]

5 hours ago, Binghamton Beast said:

News like this makes me believe a refurbished New Era Field will be on the horizon.

 

I sure hope so. That makes the most sense of any of the plans, IMO. One thing to consider (and I see it has been discussed) is where the Bills play if the work can't be completed on one offseason.

[May Day 10]

54 minutes ago, Drunken Pygmy Goat said:

 

I haven't been there in almost 20 years, but IIRC, Kim Pegula made some comments within the last year or two regarding some upgrades or tweaks to the arena. I think one of them had to do with the lighting or pre-game "light show" at the facility being sub-par. 

 

Speaking of Kim, I can't help but think that things like upgrading the weight room have her fingerprints on them. After reading several articles about her and Terry since purchasing the Bills, I've gathered that she's not only very much involved with the off-field aspects of the team, but is an incredible progressive thinker and pays very close attention to detail, whether it's about fan experience, or player wellness.

 

Things like spending millions on a weight room facility, in general, are an afterthought for most teams throughout the league. But not only that, but the planning and detail involved in this case is great. Adding things sleep pods or grand widows for better lighting to create better morale are fine details that most owners wouldn't think of. Having McBeane assess details as well after being hired just goes to show that the owners' mentality and approach trickles down from the top down, all the way to the players and the entire staff. Its not just about making people's jobs easier and more enjoyable, but doing so in a progressive manner that has lasting benefits in several ways. Every move seems extremely calculated, and in a league where owners want to maximize profits, money isn't an issue with the Pegulas. 

 

Time will tell what the end result will be in all of this, but it's very refreshing to see and know that we have owners that are willing to do whatever they can to produce a winning team and a proud, esteemed franchise come to fruition. Buffalo isn't exactly a place that players place at the top of the list of places they want to play, based on the weather, economy, social life, etc., and even though the Pegulas may have spent a lot of money on the town itself, the one thing they truly can control and improve is the quality of their franchise. Players around the league notice these things, even before being courted by the team. 

 

More and more, as time passes, "One Buffalo", WRT the Pegulas and the Bills (and Sabres) is becoming more and more of a real motto, and not just some catchy phrase that's thrown around for positive attention. Everything is done with a vision, and everyone is in the same page. 

 

Mind you though, they have done this before too by drastically upgrading the Sabres' player facilities and also adding the Harbor Center.  Also bringing in the combine is money spent in an effort to change/build perceptions of the city and organization.  All great things and I am very appreciative of that.

 

But with that said, in 7 years they have done nothing but spin their tires with the Sabres' on-ice performance, and before they got Dahlen the phrase "ran the team into the ground" wasnt far from the truth.

 

All this is great, but its for naught unless we see on field/ice results.

[stevewin]

3 hours ago, eball said:

 

I know, that damn weight room is going to eat up all of our cap space!

Sucks for the Sabres, since as an owner of two pro sports teams in the same city, Pegs can only upgrade one weight room.  It's a bylaw

Edited August 3, 2018 by stevewin

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

1 minute ago, Drunken Pygmy Goat said:

 

I'm not sure what comments you're referring to, but I assume those sentiments are becoming more and more scarce, even from the loud minority. 

 

As new owners, I think we all can agree that they made a couple mistakes. That happens sometimes while learning on the job, especially when you consider the state of the franchise that they inherited. But now, they're much more established and immersed in several league aspects and circles. They've learned a lot since 2014, and have made moves over the last year plus to cut the fat. 

 

Maybe "clueless" wasn't the best choice of words (if that's what was/is being said), but there was a lot to learn and it wasn't going to be an overnight turnaround. The progress they've made in just a few years is pretty remarkable.

 

......EXACTLY.......and yes I hope those sentiments are becoming scarce.....sure they made mistakes as expected for neophyte owners, but they certainly atoned for them over time...their start as new owners was "baptism by fire" with the abrupt resignation of Marrone....Kim was preparing to do a "top to bottom review" of every department and all personnel, which had to be put on hold.....Brandon and Whaley were under contract, but had to be retained for organizational stability....no Prez, GM AND HC would have been disastrous....those "corrections" have been made.....look at the composition of McBeane's 17+ scout staff...many are former VP 's of Player Personnel or Pro Player Personnel Directors ALL on Pegula's nickel (maybe $4+ mil payroll).....no constant limelights in the press or publicity seeking, versus quietly going about the plan.....doubt ANYONE could have scripted the transition from the RW Era to these two "Knights on a white horse" showing up with a BIG checkbook to buy the club and remaining in Buffalo...most accounts say Kim is highly respected already among team owners.....you nailed it with "pretty remarkable".....

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

29 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

 

Mind you though, they have done this before too by drastically upgrading the Sabres' player facilities and also adding the Harbor Center.  Also bringing in the combine is money spent in an effort to change/build perceptions of the city and organization.  All great things and I am very appreciative of that.

 

But with that said, in 7 years they have done nothing but spin their tires with the Sabres' on-ice performance, and before they got Dahlen the phrase "ran the team into the ground" wasnt far from the truth.

 

All this is great, but its for naught unless we see on field/ice results.

 

...think that's a bit presumptuous and a bit over the top.....bought the club with Regier in charge and who quickly threw Lindy under the bus to save his skin......hired Lafontaine as Prez and he pulls a Marrone, which I doubt was EVER anticipated.....so exit Regier and in comes Murray & Blysma, both with decent NHL credentials...neither ended up fitting and I'm not sure Murray made many right decisions on personnel (allegedly Pat walked because of the Miller deal).....next up are Botterill and Housley, both again with decent NHL credentials with one a former Amerk and the other a HOF Sabre....and it appears the personnel decisions so far are an improvement under Jason...so it's not like Pegula neglected or buried the franchise.........

Edited August 3, 2018 by OldTimeAFLGuy

[May Day 10]

16 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

...think that's a bit presumptuous and a bit over the top.....bought the club with Regier in charge and who quickly threw Lindy under the bus to save his skin......hired Lafontaine as Prez and he pulls a Marrone, which I doubt was EVER anticipated.....so exit Regier and in comes Murray & Blysma, both with decent NHL credentials...neither ended up fitting and I'm not sure Murray made many right decisions on personnel (allegedly Pat walked because of the Miller deal).....next up are Botterill and Housley, both again with decent NHL credentials with one a former Amerk and the other a HOF Sabre....and it appears the personnel decisions so far are an improvement under Jason...so it's not like Pegula neglected or buried the franchise.........

 

 

There has been numerous mis-steps from the point of purchase and he has ushered the Sabres into the darkest period in franchise history - by far.  Last season was WORSE than the McEichel tank year (but a bit better than the Reinhart tank year) and they were trying to seriously win.  You really cant deny the awful results they have gotten as owners.  And it isnt Regier's fault.  

 

It perplexes me that the Pegulas did not have a consultant working with them and analyzing the organization(s) and crafting a plan during the purchase process.   They took over both teams and ran them from the seat of their pants and it shows.  It wasnt Regier's fault, Marrone, LaFontaine, etc.  (LaFontaine did not leave because the Miller trade FYI).  The whole Rex/Lynn/Whaley fiasco was a huge organizational amateurish failure.  The half measures of not getting rid of the Sabres' stale management, throwing money at it, then forcing Regier to fire Ruff (because the arena crowd was getting ugly) early in the season.  Then going a whole offseason and firing Regier early the following season, bringing in someone with no experience, and going like 3 months before hiring a GM.  Its disjointed, bad, half-measure management.  The Bills were bought and the same pattern happened.  

 

I don't think it is from neglect or lack of trying.  I like the Pegulas as people and happy they are owners.  I just wish they hurry up and figure out that they need to consider getting help at the top and they should get out of the way unless they are being handed a trophy from the commissioner.  I am cautiously optimistic with Botterill and Beane/McDermott, but both situations can fall flat on their faces before they get started.

Edited August 3, 2018 by May Day 10

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

2 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

 

 

There has been numerous mis-steps from the point of purchase and he has ushered the Sabres into the darkest period in franchise history - by far.  

 

It perplexes me that the Pegulas did not have a consultant working with them and analyzing the organization(s) and crafting a plan during the purchase process.   They took over both teams and ran them from the seat of their pants and it shows.  It wasnt Regier's fault, Marrone, LaFontaine, etc.  (LaFontaine did not leave because the Miller trade FYI).  The whole Rex/Lynn/Whaley fiasco was a huge organizational amateurish failure.  The half measures of not getting rid of the Sabres' stale management, throwing money at it, then forcing Regier to fire Ruff (because the arena crowd was getting ugly) early in the season.  Then going a whole offseason and firing Regier early the following season, bringing in someone with no experience, and going like 3 months before hiring a GM.  Its disjointed, bad, half-measure management.  The Bills were bought and the same pattern happened.  

 

I don't think it is from neglect or lack of trying.  I like the Pegulas as people and happy they are owners.  I just wish they hurry up and figure out that they need to consider getting help at the top and they should get out of the way unless they are being handed a trophy from the commissioner.  I am cautiously optimistic with Botterill and Beane/McDermott, but both situations can fall flat on their faces before they get started.

 

...I cannot agree with some of your points, but CERTAINLY respect your opinion...that is how this place is supposed to work......thanks for your assessment....

[Fadingpain]

I highly doubt a weight room translates to wins, but it's still nice to see ownership's commitment to improving both organizations and a willingness to spend cash.

 

The Pegulas have done a LOT of this sort of thing with both teams.  It demonstrates how Pegula's wealth and his desire to spend it can help both teams, at least on paper, beyond the confines of a salary cap.

 

 

[BillsFan4]

Nice! I can’t say that I ever thought either Buffalo team would have owners that would just decide all on their own to drop $18M of their own money to upgrade the training facilities. 

 

The Bills already had one of the better training facilities in the NFL as it was (thanks again to Terry and Kim). 

 

Its a a nice little reminder of how lucky we Buffalo fans are to have Terry and Kim Pegula as owners. 

[Marv's Neighbor]

4 hours ago, mattynh said:

I hope this all pays off at some point on the field. I will always be so greatful they bought the team and are committed to keeping the team in WNY. In this case it shows they are going above and beyond. I know we as fans can be critical of some moves but their heart is in the right place for sure.

 

I would love a "sleep pod" at work!  Sounds great

 

Doubt it

Granted, it's not a sure thing but since we let Rusty Jones walk, injuries have seemed to go up.  The new upgrade may help to fix that.

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

28 minutes ago, Fadingpain said:

I highly doubt a weight room translates to wins, but it's still nice to see ownership's commitment to improving both organizations and a willingness to spend cash.

 

The Pegulas have done a LOT of this sort of thing with both teams.  It demonstrates how Pegula's wealth and his desire to spend it can help both teams, at least on paper, beyond the confines of a salary cap.

 

 

 

...based on the scope and description of the endeavor, I think it is well beyond a "weight room".....it sounds more like an encompassing sports facility dedicated to the health and well being of players.....every team has a weight room...but this is being cited as the "best facility in the league"......

[Tenhigh]

1 hour ago, mattynh said:

And here I was thinking this was another term for a toilet.  they dont always float though

Too much meat. 

Edited August 3, 2018 by Tenhigh