BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - A report that had been anticipated Friday identifying potential sites for a new Buffalo Bills stadium is now expected at the end of the month.
A person familiar with the California firm commissioned by New York state cites the large volume of information for the delay. The person spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly.
AECOM, a Los Angeles architectural and design firm, is expected to identify several sites across the region that could serve as the team's new home if a new stadium is needed.
County Executive Mark Poloncarz tells 2 On Your Side his preference is at this point is a renovation of Ralph Wilson Stadium.
"I've said all along the one thing we cannot do is take off the table Ralph Wilson Stadium. We're investing $130 million there, one of the reasons it was done was not only to make it good for the next five to ten years, but many years thereafter. After the investments we're doing now it's going to be a different stadium and when people go there this fall they're going to realize that it's still very viable to have the Ralph as the home of the Bills," said Poloncarz.
We also asked Mayor Byron Brown about whether he thinks a new stadium is needed to keep the team in Western New York.
"I'm not sure about that," said Brown. "I certainly want to see the team stay in this community for the long term and if a new stadium is needed, if a new stadium is required, I think it makes sense for us to accomplish that."
The NFL team is for sale following the death of owner and founder Ralph Wilson in March.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said a new stadium may be important to keeping the franchise in western New York.
