| Buffalo
Bills - Ralph Wilson Stadium |
| Address: |
One Bills Dr
Orchard Park, NY 14127 |
|
| Name: |
Ralph Wilson Stadium |
| Home Team:
|
Buffalo Bills |
| Capacity:
|
73,967 |
| Playing
Surface: |
Articical Turf |
| Year Opened:
|
1973 |
|
Home of the Buffalo Bills for
nearly thirty years, Ralph Wilson Stadium has undergone many
changes over the years. In 1959, Ralph Wilson was awarded a
NFL franchise, that began playing in 1960 at War Memorial Stadium.
War Memorial Stadium was a small stadium consisting of approximately
30,000 seats. In 1965, the stadiums' capacity was increased
to 46,000. However, in the late 1960’s Bills owner Ralph
Wilson wanted a new stadium for the team. After
bonds were approved to build a new stadium, a 130 acre tract
of land outside Buffalo was bought to build the stadium. Construction
of the stadium began on April 4, 1972. Once the stadium was
completed in 1973, Rich Foods, bought the naming rights to
the stadium, thus getting its name Rich Stadium. The Bills
became one of the first teams ever to sell the naming rights
to their stadium. In 1998, the stadium was renamed Ralph Wilson
Stadium after the Bills owner.
The Buffalo Bills christened Ralph Wilson
Stadium on August 17, 1973. The stadium consists of three
decks of blue and red seats. The lower and second levels of
seats circle the entire Fieldturf playing field. An upper
level of seats are located on both sides of the playing field.
The playing field is located 50 feet below ground level, eliminating
long walks to the upper deck. Ralph Wilson Stadium has underwent
many changes over the years. In 1984, the stadium's capacity
was increased to 80,290 with the addition of 16 executive
suites, and in 1992, when 24 more executive suites were added.
More additions were completed in 1994. The Red Zone and Goal
Line clubs, which are enclosed of glass and consist of 500
seats each were added, along with 14 executive suites.
The main addition in 1994 was a massive
31.5 feet high and 41.5 feet wide JumboTron video/scoreboard.
In 1999, Ralph Wilson Stadium was renovated. Renovations included
the addition of 76 dugout suites, seat warmers for club seats,
and cup holders for all seats. Ralph Wilson Stadium continues
to be one of the NFL’s best stadiums.
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