BUFFALO, N.Y. — As the skyline of Orchard Park begins to transform with the construction of the new Buffalo Bills stadium, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is moving to codify how the public’s “front-row seat” will be managed. Poloncarz has submitted a formal proposal to the Erie County Legislature detailing the “Erie County Hospitality Access Policy,” a framework designed to govern the use of the county’s exclusive suite when the venue opens for the 2026 NFL season.
This initiative represents a shift in how high-value stadium assets are utilized in Western New York. While the current stadium features a state-managed suite primarily for economic development, the new county-controlled “Hospitality Center” will balance business interests with community reinvestment, ensuring that the benefits of the stadium’s luxury amenities reach beyond the halls of government.
Inside the Erie County Hospitality Access Policy
The proposed policy focuses on a designated suite that includes 16 tickets and four parking passes for every home game. According to the proposal, the County Executive’s Office seeks to utilize this space to support charitable organizations serving the region, alongside targeted economic development and tourism efforts.
| Policy Feature | Details & Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Suite Capacity | 16 Tickets and 4 Parking Passes per game. |
| Primary Beneficiaries | Eligible 501(c)(3) charitable organizations and tourism officials. |
| Selection Method | Randomized computer lottery for non-profits. |
| Organization Requirements | Must be in good standing for at least five years. |
| Frequency Limit | Selected charities are ineligible for the lottery for 3 years after winning. |
| Food & Beverage | Costs are the sole responsibility of the attending organization. |
A Lottery System for Local Charities
A central pillar of the plan is the lottery system, which aims to democratize access to Buffalo Bills games. To participate, non-profit organizations must demonstrate a five-year track record of service within Erie County. This process, managed through the County Executive’s Office, will randomly assign games—ranging from pre-season matchups to high-stakes post-season contests—to various charitable groups.
The policy includes strict ethical guardrails. While the tickets are provided at no cost to the charity, the organizations are strictly prohibited from reselling them for profit. However, in a move to bolster local fundraising, the policy allows these groups to raffle off tickets to support their missions. Additionally, should a county official attend as a “formal guest,” the policy mandates they pay the full face value of the ticket directly to the hosting charitable organization.
Economic Development and Oversight
While the majority of games are slated for charitable use, the policy reserves three games per season for economic development and tourism. These instances will allow local officials to host prospective business leaders and industry stakeholders, leveraging the excitement of the NFL to drive investment into Erie County’s economy.
The Erie County Legislature will now review the proposal. If approved, the County Executive’s Office will hold sole discretion over the management of the lottery, providing a centralized point of accountability for one of the county’s most high-profile public assets.
About the Author: William Strasmore is a dedicated news reporter for Lake Erie Times, providing in-depth coverage of Western New York’s political and community landscape.
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