Businessmen push for downtown stadium

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The group that wants to build a state-of the art stadium along Buffalo's waterfront is trying to gain momentum.

Their presentation on Tuesday excited several Erie County legislators, who especially like the idea of Rochester Strong wanting to open a year-round museum there. But then legislators didn't get straight answers to some very serious questions involving money.

If it were to happen, the Buffalo Bills stadium on the outer harbor proposed by the Greater Buffalo Sports and Entertainment Complex now would cost $1.8 billion, according to CEO Nicholas Stracick.

"I've got sponsors. I've got 15 sponsors lined up. You're going to get that in writing," Stracick said.

Stracick was combative toward Erie County legislators asking for specifics. He bankrolled the rendering and site design of the stadium by one of the nation's top stadium design groups. This was their second major informational presentation after speaking to the Buffalo Common Council in October. But they didn't have a great deal more specifics than they did three months ago.

"We'll all know at the same time," Stracick said. "Yes it's a realistic idea. And once we go to the NFL, then we'll see what the commissioner does."

Then there is the issue of the land. Stracick and his partner George Hasiotis say they are still confident they'll get a land option for the outer harbor spot controlled by the city and the NFTA.

"We know we're going to get the land. I'll tell you that right now. I know we're going to get the land," Stracick said.

They say they need the support of the Buffalo Common Council and the Erie County Legislature. Once they have the land option they'll go to the NFL, then the Buffalo Bills to get their support.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says they should have gone for the team's support sooner.