Goodbye Ralph Wilson Stadium…hello to a literal New Era.
That’s because the Buffalo Bills have entered in to a naming rights agreement with cap maker New Era for the now-former Ralph Wilson Stadium.
With the literal “New Era” being ushered in, the Bills would like you and and me to refer to the stadium as “The Cap.”
Needless to say, reaction has been furious and not-so-kind to the Bills for this decision.
@MichaelThomas82 let's take the name of our war hero founder off the stadium. #TheCrap
— dED – Taco Time (@dEDLF7) August 18, 2016
@buffalobills does nobody else see a problem with having our field name be "NE Field"
— Christopher (@justManke_it) August 18, 2016
Others have rallied behind the new naming rights sponsor, including legendary Bills QB Jim Kelly.
But, most importantly, Bills president Russ Brandon believes the founder of this team would be thrilled by this move.
Some have even suggested a different nickname and hashtag for the stadium:
@publiceyestl @buffalobills The Lid.
— Chris Reimer (@ChrisReimer) August 18, 2016
This was a move that the Bills desperately needed, as Ralph Wil…er, New Era Field is one of the oldest stadiums in the league and one of the least profitable for any team in the NFL. According to reports, the Bills are expected to net $40 million for the naming rights from New Era over the remaining seven years of the lease on the stadium.
In a time where finding new revenue streams are vital to individual team success and the ability to keep up with the ever-rising costs of doing business in the NFL, that $40 million goes a long way towards helping a cash-strapped team.