Ralph Wilson Stadium

Ralph Wilson Stadium History

Stadium Information:
Name: Ralph Wilson Stadium
Inauguration: 17 August 1973
Cost: $22 million
Capacity: 74,000 seats
Record Attendance: 80,368; Buffalo-Miami, 10 April 1992
Address: 1 Bills Drive, Orchard Park, NY 14127

Pictures:

Stadium Directions:
Ralph Wilson Stadium is located in Orchard Park, app. 25 km. (16 miles) south of downtown Buffalo. From downtown Buffalo (Peace bridge): Head south on 190 to 90 West and follow to Exit 55 (Route 219). Exit 219 on Milestrip Road West Exit.

Stadium History:
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.

Stadium Tickets:
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