BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly has a lot of memories of the current stadium in Orchard Park.
The hall-of-fame quarterback set various passing records and became an icon during his 11 seasons in Buffalo where he led the Bills to four Super Bowl appearances.
But even though Kelly believes the current stadium, which opened in 1973, has another decade of life in it, Pegula Sports and Entertainment is exploring options to build a new stadium. While no agreement has been made, PSE is considering the option of a new stadium in either Downtown Buffalo or Orchard Park.
"Even though they've done a great job in taking care of (the current stadium), I said 'Why don't you just build it right across the street?'," Kelly said Wednesday at Highmark Stadium. "While you're building that, they can play in here and when that's done, tear this down and make this a parking lot."
Kelly said he supports whatever decision is made but would prefer the stadium remain in Orchard Park because it will allow fans to continue tailgating.
"Maybe because I live in Orchard Park," he quipped. "I don't have to drive down into the city. Whatever they do, I'm behind them."
Legends Global Planning firm was selected to represent owners Terry and Kim Pegula in discussion between the team and government officials about their long-term future home. The discussions were based on a study the Pegulas launched to asses whether to renovate their current stadium or build a new one nearby or in Downtown Buffalo.
If a new stadium is built, it is likely to take several years, possibly as late as 2027. The current stadium is leased by the county through the 2023 season.
"If something was to be built, we would have to extend the lease," Poloncarz said. "That's not a problem. The issue is what's going to happen? Will there be a new stadium or a major renovation similar to what was done in Green Bay?"
