Why is Buffalo Bill Stadium Named After Its Owner?

[sago1]

Buffalo is a small markets franchise. Its owner is in the vanguard of small market teams who constantly complains about the failure of the big market teams to give him a bigger share of the pie so he can compete financial.

Major market teams complain he and others like him not doing enough in this day and age to market his team/brand. One of the ways to raise monies is selling off the name of the stadium. We all realize that Jerry will eventual sell the naming rights to our new stadium for megabucks just like Indy, Denver, etc.

Saying all that, can someone explain to me why Bills owner Ralph Wilson feels the need to name his stadium after himself (or his it his father?). I do remember when Bills winning in the early 90s the stadium was named Rich Stadium. Don't know when he decided to change the name to Ralph Wilson Stadium & don't care. Seems to me if he really needed the money to help his team, he could sell naming rights just like most other NFL teams do.

 

[DragonCowboy]

He sold the naming rights to Rich Products, for $25 million.

After the contract expired, I guess he just stuck w/ naming it after himself.

Cmon man, you saw the guy...would you expect him to not name it after himself?

 

[AbeBeta]

It is named after his dad.

Some folks think honoring someone who gave so much to the franchise is worth far more than money.

 

[HighTechDave]

No, Jerry,,,, nooooooooooo!!!!!!!!

 

[sago1]

If Wilson wants to honor his father, that is his business. But then don't come round to major market teams wanting them to essentially finance that decision. Also think the team's failure for many years to select quality players to keep them atop their division is certainly a factor in their financial situation.

Anyway the situation in Buffalo will be changing sooner rather then later. Understand no member of his family will be taking over the team so probably it will get sold. Hopefully the new owner is willing keep it in Buffalo or nearby and has the deep pockets to help increase its financial profitability.

 

[DragonCowboy]

It is named after his dad.

Some folks think honoring someone who gave so much to the franchise is worth far more than money.

Are you sure?

I'm seeing a lot of websites saying it's named after the team's "founder and owner", which is Ralph Wilson Jr.

Then again, websites lie.

Just checking, but are you sure?