How Did The Buffalo Bills Break Their Season Ticket Record? A Focus on Community Relations

With this week’s announcement by Bills President Russ Brandon that the Bills have set an all-time record for season ticket holders with 57,500 (and counting), it’s obvious that Western New York is bleeding blue and red as much as any time since the Super Bowl years.

Considering the fact that the team hasn’t made the playoffs since Bill Clinton was in the oval office, why the sudden burst of Bills pride? It is likely a combination of factors, including new, long-term ownership in the Pegulas; a new, nationally recognizable coach in Rex Ryan, exciting new players like LeSean McCoy and Percy Harvin, and a 9-7 finish in 2014 that represents the team’s best record in a decade (sad but true). The additional national relevance and exposure (two scheduled prime time games in one season!) promises to only increase the excitement as the season continues.

On top of the exciting day-to-day news surrounding the team, the players and coaches seem to be directly connecting with Western New York more than any time since the Super Bowl era.

Here’s a look at some of the Bills’ recent community appearances and involvement that have helped generate more positive headlines for the franchise in WNY and beyond:

• There are countless photos and videos of the 2014 November storm – but perhaps none more memorable than the pictures of Mario Williams driving his plow over to help dig out Jim Kelly. Meanwhile the current players had to get to the airport for their relocated “home” game in Detroit somehow – and hitched a ride on snowmobiles!

Source: Instagram

Source: USA Today

• PinkTober at the Rainbow Bridge – the Bills partner with ECMC to light the Rainbow Bridge pink in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While the entire NFL recognizes the month, the Bills take it to the next level by lighting up the cross-border bridge. Not many teams can say they do that!

Source: Buffalo Bills

• They say there’s football season, and waiting for football season. While diehard Bills fans follow the team’s every move even during optional organized team activities, the team knows what really matters in Western New York. Rex Ryan gave his team the day off from practice to attend and participate in the Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic in Batavia.

Source: WYRK

• For the past year, the Bills have partnered with Independent Health in the Health and Fitness Challenge. This year, a lucky participant is heading to London to watch the Bills play the Jaguars in October. Between this event and numerous other fitness-related events such as yoga at the stadium and various runs, the Bills are being proactive in promoting healthy lifestyles in Western New York. The most recent Health and Wellness Challenge from the spring recruited 4,300 new participants to the program.

Source: The Buffalo News

• Rex’s truck– submitted without comment.

Source: WKBW