Bills Say They're Seeking Permission to Play Some Games in Toronto

The Buffalo Bills announced today that they're seeking approval to play a preseason game in Toronto next summer and a regular season game in the Canadian city as early as 2009.

The games would be played at the Rogers Center, formerly called the SkyDome.

The Bills' lease requires them to receive county and state approval to play any home games away from Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills sent a letter to Erie County on Wednesday seeking such approval. The Bills indicated they're seeking to play the games to improve their regional appeal to fans, not as a precursor to a possible franchise relocation. Owner Ralph Wilson has said the league's new labor and revenue-sharing deals will make it difficult for franchises to survive in small markets like Buffalo, but he also has indicated he does not want to move the team.

The games also would have to be approved by the league. Such approval would be likely, with the NFL seeking to improve its international appeal and planning to schedule regular season games outside the country annually. The New York Giants and Miami Dolphins are scheduled to play in London later this month.

By Mark Maske |  October 18, 2007; 12:53 PM ET  | Category:  Bills , League
Previous: K. Warner Leaving Open Possibility of Playing Against Redskins | Next: Week 7 Picks

The comments to this entry are closed.