The long saga over the fate of the Buffalo Bills seemed to find a degree of closure on Monday, when it was announced that a deal had been struck for a new stadium, all but assuring the team would remain in western New York for decades to come.
The news was met on social media with decidedly mixed reactions, however, specifically over the terms of the new arena, which will cost New York taxpayers a considerable sum.
Initial reports indicated the estimated $1.4 billion stadium could be subsidized by the public to the tune of roughly $850 million, while follow-up reporting suggested it could come closer to $1.13 billion when factoring in ongoing costs such as maintenance.
With taxpayers footing at least 60% of the bill, the news was sure to elicit strong feelings. Local-ish media outlets appeared to be split, with the Albany Times Union calling it a "bad deal," while the Buffalo News said it was "good for all."
Here's a selection of tweets from those opposing the deal, which was brokered by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula, and others:
An $850 million dollar investment in a Buffalo Bills stadium is an insult to thousands of unhoused and hungry New Yorkers.
— Jeremy Felt (@jeremiahfelt) March 28, 2022
$250 million directly from Erie county, where the stadium is located. We have major infrastructure and social issues here. My heart is heavy as a life-long Buffalonian who loves my team, but loves my community more. #billsstadium
— Vanessa L Haddad (@VanessaLHaddad) March 28, 2022
Why can’t the Bills Stadium simply pull itself up by its bootstraps?
— Connor Wilson (@ConnorWilsonLAS) March 29, 2022
yeah some fans are real bootlickers about so much public money going to the new bills stadium, but most of us are just normal people who don’t really have any say. the owners strongarmed consent by taking one thing they know is universally beloved and threatened to take it away.
— frail earnhardt (@seltzermom) March 28, 2022
Asking my state legislators @SenatorBrouk and @VoteJenLunsford if they support $600 million of state money for a Bills stadium. I do not want my tax money going to this when there are so many unmet needs in our communities.
— Ginny Maier 🌻 (@Vbmaier) March 29, 2022
This is appalling. $850M in public money to build a football stadium for a billionaire. https://t.co/akCmgeYUec
— draglikepull (@draglikepull) March 28, 2022
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