Buffalo Bills Moving Pre-Season Game From Toronto To Orchard Park

by Brian Galliford on Feb 21, 2012 11:38 AM EST in Buffalo Bills News

When the Buffalo Bills signed on the dotted line in 2008 to play football games in Toronto, they did so with the plan to play a pre-season game at the Rogers Centre every other year. That is no longer the case, as the Bills announced Tuesday morning that the third and final pre-season game planned to be played north of the border will now take place in Orchard Park thanks to a "scheduling conflict."

The news comes as the Bills and Rogers enter the final year of a five-season agreement. The Bills have confirmed that they're interested in extending the agreement beyond the 2012 season, but this is perhaps the latest signal that changes will be made to the deal if it's established. Ticket prices are certain to drop, as well.

The Bills also announced Tuesday that season ticket prices will remain flat from what they were in 2011. Buffalo will be playing nine of its ten scheduled home games at Ralph Wilson Stadium next season.

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Is there any danger of...

Rogers demanding a regular season game be played in Toronto to replace the PreSeason game that is no longer occurring? I thought they paid us $78 million to have these games in Toronto. It doesn’t seem right to me that a game can just not happen and that everyone involved in the agreement is ok with it.

"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34

by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 21, 2012 11:42 AM EST reply actions

That was my first thought.

I wouldnt be shocked at all if we see 6-2 split this year.

The Cupcake Slap method. OBD is giving us a “cupcake” (not raising season tickets, and also lowering certain sections) and the “slap” comes when they tell us another home, regular season game is being moved up north.

Lets Go Buff a lo!

by bflo on Feb 21, 2012 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

What if theres a conflict on the toronto side. Thats the only thing that seems possible and I am sure in this deal. There is a clause for this. Something like we do not get the money for that game or ralph has to give them some.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Feb 21, 2012 12:28 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

Like Bulldog said,

that would be pretty weird to have a conflict for 4 straight weeks, considering they play PreSeason gameson Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sunday. Also, I doubt Rodgers is looking to pay for a game they wont even end up holding.

Lets Go Buff a lo!

by bflo on Feb 21, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

Also said Bulldog...

“like… really?”

“ok, i get that”

“but…. COME ON”

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by cjf4 on Feb 21, 2012 12:58 PM EST up reply actions

First off who is bulldog. Second I never said we would be getting the money for the toronto game we are not playing. Let me clarify if the money was up front ralph may have to pay back a sum.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Feb 21, 2012 1:50 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

It doesnt matter who said it, but hes a WGR radio host.

It could have been Jon Doe that said it… but the fact that all 4 weeks have a “conflict” is a little odd… and yes they paid up front, so Ralph would have to give back… unless theyre getting another regular season game.

Lets Go Buff a lo!

by bflo on Feb 21, 2012 2:26 PM EST up reply actions

I was just lost with the statement is all. If I do not know who bulldog is it seems a little weird. Contary to the belief of one espn writer their are bills fans outside of wny.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Feb 21, 2012 2:46 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

My apologies...

I thought you were bashing him like 90% of people who listen to WGR, yet continue to listen to WGR.

Carry on, haha.

Lets Go Buff a lo!

by bflo on Feb 21, 2012 3:47 PM EST up reply actions

Its kool it is a little weird nothing could be worked out.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Feb 21, 2012 4:09 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

Too bad

One less preseason game was the best part of the Toronto deal

I always thought that not having to pay for 2 preseason games would help increase season ticket sales.

by rat on Feb 21, 2012 12:41 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Totally agree!

by sellison on Feb 22, 2012 8:08 AM EST up reply actions

So, a preseason game returns home to OP and Derek Hagan is our savior at WR. Season tickets prices will remain flat, but you’ll have to pay for an extra pre-season game.

Pretty good day for the ~~fans~~ franchise.

by PineWoodsBillsFan on Feb 21, 2012 1:13 PM EST reply actions

Season ticket question

I was a first time holder last year, I was curious if they work like car dealerships, and I can lower the price

twitter @davidjpalermo

by sketchydave on Feb 21, 2012 1:33 PM EST via Android app reply actions

this is terrible… as a season ticket holder I now have to waste $80/seat for this preseason game

At least when it was in Toronto it didn’t cost me anything

by jonramz on Feb 21, 2012 1:34 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Nothing worse than a season ticket holder having to be charged full price for a practice game… If the NFL wants practice games to be sold out cut the price in half and donate tickets to charities for kids an military personnel…

Football is like life - it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.

Vince Lombardi

by Goose22 on Feb 21, 2012 1:49 PM EST reply actions 1 recs