Inside The Bills

50 years ago today

Just a reminder for all Bills fans that 50 years ago today was the big day.

Oct. 28th 1959 was the day that  the American Football League granted its seventh franchise to Buffalo with Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. of Detroit as principal owner.

The 50th season of Bills football and all that the team has accomplished over the five decades prior has to be traced back to this day because without it, none of it happens in Buffalo.

Getting the end zones ready

The stadium grounds crew was busy on Tuesday getting the end zones ready for the home opener on Sunday. Here’s a look at just what they were up to inside Ralph Wilson Stadium.

In the foreground is the 50th season logo and in the background is the old AFL logo. Should look sweet for the home opener when the 50th Anniversary team is introduced at halftime.

Big stuff happening after practice tonight

In addition to practice tonight, there will be a 50th season celebration including an Empire Statesman band, All-Time Team Video, and of course the jersey unveiling and fireworks after practice. So if you’re coming tonight make sure you plan on staying late. You don’t want to miss the festivities this evening.

With respect to the jersey unveiling it’s been explained to me that there will be a three day exclusive window to buy the new jersey at camp, or at the Bills Stores in the Eastview Mall and at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

AFL exhibit up and running at Pro Football HOF

For anyone making their way through Canton, OH between now and Hall of Fame weekend, the ‘Remember the AFL’ exhibit at the Pro Football HOF opened this weekend and will be on display through February 2010. 

Included in the exhibit are one-of-a-kind game-worn artifacts, photos, documents and a video history that pays tribute to the league’s owners, players and coaches, circumstances of play and milestone events.

One artifact featured that represents the single most important milestone of the league’s history is the pen that on November 8, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson used to sign Public Law 89-800 that carried the rider approving the merger of the AFL and NFL.  

Also featured in the exhibit are artifacts from some of the league’s stars including Bills safety George Saimes.

In addition to the exhibit, the Hall of Fame’s website Profootballhof.com will feature a season’s worth of flashbacks to the AFL. Initial content on the league’s history will be posted on the site to coincide with the exhibit’s opening and new features will be added through the 2009 NFL season.

Bills 50th logo going up on ‘the Ralph’

Just keeping all you Bills fans abreast of the goings on here at One Bills Drive including stadium changes for the upcoming 50th season. Here’s a look at what’s going up on the one tower outside the stadium today (Thursday) near gate 3. Another is being painted on the other side as well. Hard not to get pumped for the season when you see stuff like this.