The conversation surrounding Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs) at the new Highmark Stadium has taken another turn, and it’s one that has Bills Mafia debating what exactly comes with the investment.
The latest discussion centers around this year’s “Return of the Blue and Red” practice. Unlike previous years, the annual scrimmage at the new stadium will only be available to season ticket members, leaving many longtime fans on the outside looking in.
For some, that’s exactly how it should work.
PSLs represent
a significant financial commitment. Depending on seat location, many fans spent thousands, and in some cases tens of thousands, of dollars just for the right to purchase season tickets. Those fans helped finance the new stadium and committed to the organization years in advance. It’s understandable that they expect perks beyond simply keeping their seats.
Others see it differently.
The Return of the Blue and Red scrimmage has traditionally been one of the most fan-friendly events of the year. Families who couldn’t afford season tickets still had an opportunity to watch practice, and introduce kids to the team. For many, the scrimmage was the only way they would be able to experience a day at the stadium. Restricting that event exclusively to PSL holders feels like another barrier for fans who already may struggle to attend regular season games.
So where should the line be? Should PSL ownership guarantee exclusive access to every event held inside the new stadium? Or should some events remain open to the broader fan base?
There’s a difference between football-related benefits and everything else.
If the Bills host playoff games, preseason games, training camp scrimmages, or other football events where seating matters, it’s reasonable to argue that PSL holders should receive the right of first refusal for their exact seats. That’s part of what they’re paying for.
Concerts, international soccer matches, college football games, or any other non-Bills events feel different. Those aren’t part of the football season ticket package. Giving season ticket holders an exclusive presale window seems like a fair reward without completely shutting out the rest of the fan base.
Fortunately, for many, it appears the organization heard some of the criticism.
According to a report from Sal Capaccio and comments from Bills President of Business Operations Pete Guelli, the Bills will hold a second open practice on August 18th that will be available to fans who do not own PSLs. Guelli said the idea came from head coach Joe Brady after discussions about giving more fans an opportunity to experience the new stadium before the regular season.
That feels like a smart compromise.
Buffalo has some incredible fans who may never own a PSL, or be able to afford a game day ticket. This allows for PSL holders to still receive an exclusive benefit for the Return of the Blue and Red, honoring the investment they made. At the same time, thousands of loyal Bills fans who do not to own a PSL will still have an opportunity to walk through the gates of the new Highmark Stadium.
Personally, if you’re spending the kind of money required for a PSL, you should absolutely have the first right to purchase or receive your exact seats for football-related events. That’s one of the biggest selling points of making that investment.
Beyond football, I am resigned to feel that season ticket holders should receive presale access rather than exclusivity.
Now the question shifts to Bills Mafia, who still seems to be complaining: What should a PSL actually guarantee? Should it include exclusive access to every event at the new Highmark Stadium? Football only events? Or should those exclusive benefits stop with football games only?
