FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7/31/97

GOVERNOR PATAKI ANNOUNCES 15-YEAR LEASE; KEEPS BILLS IN BUFFALO
Joint Pact with Bills, Erie County Counts on Support from Fans, Business Community

New York Governor George E. Pataki, Buffalo Bills Owner Ralph Wilson and Erie County Executive Dennis Gorski today announced an agreement on a 15-year lease to keep the Bills at Rich Stadium in Buffalo.

The agreement marks a first-ever partnership between New York State and a local government to retain a professional sports franchise -- along with the $33 million net economic impact the team generates for the region each year. The deal requires no increase in property taxes or the sales tax.

"Ralph Wilson has proven that loyalty and commitment are not outdated ideals that are easily tossed aside; they are principles by which he lives his life every day," the Governor said. "This agreement reflects his deep commitment to the Buffalo fans the entire community.

"Rooting for the Bills is more than a pastime, it's a way of life in Western New York," the Governor said. "From the early days at the Rock Pile to Reggie, Joe D. and Electric Company to the AFC Championships of Kelly, Smith, Thomas and Levy, the Bills and their storied history have been part of the fabric of Western New York.

"This is a very important day in the long history of the Buffalo Bills and New York State," Mr. Wilson said. "This announcement concerns a 15-year lease between the Bills and the county for the Bills to continue in this community. The Bills have been working over six years to formulate a plan to renovate the stadium for all of the fans and today is a culmination of all of the effort put forth by the Bills, the State and the County."

The agreement calls for NY State to contribute $63.25 million in capital costs for the renovation of the stadium, including the addition of 76 skyboxes and approximately 6,900 club seats, along with other capital improvements.

However, just $3 million will be spent for planning and design prior to the December 1, 1998 target for the sale of 90 percent of the new boxes and club seats. If the target is met as expected, the stadium improvements will begin and be completed by the first home game of the 1999 season.

The Bills will receive all stadium revenues, including parking and concessions, as well as gain the naming rights for Rich Stadium.

NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said, "We are pleased that the Buffalo Bills will continue to represent the great football fans of Western New York in the NFL well into the next century. I believe the agreement is a fair one for all parties, and I congratulate Governor Pataki and County Executive Gorski for their leadership in helping to keep the Bills in Buffalo."

According to a report by the Greater Buffalo Partnership in June, the Bills generated a net economic impact of $33.4 million in 1996, an amount that will be replicated every year of the new lease agreement. That translates into a net economic impact of more than $200 million for the first six years of the lease, and a total impact of more than $500 million over 15 years.

In addition, the Partnership report found that the Bills generate $4.2 million in tax revenue annually for the state and local governments -- which translates into $25 million for the first six years and $63 million over 15 years.