Movement is afoot for Toronto Raptors games in Buffalo
Bills-Toronto model prompts effort to attract NBA team for some games in HSBC Arena
By Gene Warner NEWS STAFF REPORTER
Updated: 07/02/08 7:51 AM
In a move to boost Western New York and expand the Toronto Raptors’ fan base, Sen. Charles E. Schumer and Buffalo News Publisher Stanford Lipsey are trying to woo the Raptors here for some preseason — and regular-season — games.
Following efforts begun by Lipsey, Schumer spoke with Raptors Chairman Larry Tannenbaum about the possibility of bringing some National Basketball Association games to HSBC Arena as early as the fall of 2009.
“They’re very eager about having some of their games played in Buffalo,” Schumer said Tuesday while in Wyoming County.
Lipsey said the Raptors are “very interested, and I would expect us to get a preseason game in 2009.”
How about regular-season games?
“I wouldn’t say it’s done, but I think it’s on the table,” Schumer replied.
The proposal comes five months after officials announced that the Buffalo Bills will play five regular-season and three preseason games in Toronto over the next five seasons.
“What got me started on this idea was the Bills,” Lipsey explained.
Lipsey thus joined the ranks of many Bills fans who proposed the same idea about bringing Raptors games here following the announcement of the Bills games in Toronto.
“I think the link between the Bills and Toronto has been an initial success,” Schumer said of the brisk ticket sales and huge interest. “And I think we could have a nice reciprocal relationship with basketball.”
Schumer, who has helped lead the fight to keep the Bills in Buffalo, cited the benefits to both sides of the border in playing some Raptors games here.
The games would bring tourism and entertainment dollars into Buffalo, while also allowing the Raptors to expand their fan base to Western New York, thus encouraging area residents to travel to Toronto to cheer on the Raptors.
Further developing the relationship with our Canadian neighbors is crucial to the future growth of Western New York, Schumer said.
“Thinking beyond our borders should become our mantra in growing arts and cultural tourism, sports tourism and all other parts of our economy,” Schumer stated.
Lipsey agreed.
“I think it’s good for everybody, and I think we ought to be strengthening the relationship between Buffalo and Toronto,” The News publisher said.
Schumer and Lipsey suggested that the Raptors games also would provide a focus for local pro basketball fans who have not had their own NBA team since 1978, when the Buffalo Braves left for San Diego.
Lipsey already has told the Sabres and the Bills about the idea. Sabres managing partner Larry Quinn expressed his complete cooperation about bringing games to HSBC Arena, while Bills owner Ralph C. Wilson Jr. “thought it was a terrific idea,” Lipsey said.
The publisher cited his and The News’ prior involvement in bringing two preseason basketball games each to Buffalo and Omaha, Neb., in the past, while Schumer pointed out how popular National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament games have been in Buffalo.
Raptors officials could not be reached to comment.
