A Fan’s Connection to the Buffalo Bills: Bill Fitzgibbons’ Journey
Bill Fitzgibbons, a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan who grew up in the south of Buffalo during the vibrant 1970s, has maintained his unwavering loyalty to the team despite having left the area 37 years ago. His career path led him to sell agricultural machinery across the East Coast, taking him through states like New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, and now residing just outside Atlanta. Yet, the Bills and what they symbolize for western New York have always held a special place in his heart.
When Erie County initiated the sale of unique bonds to help fund the construction of a new stadium for the Bills, Fitzgibbons seized the opportunity to invest. Although his purchase of $11,000 in 25-year bonds did not grant him ownership of the team or the stadium, it served as a meaningful connection to his roots and the beloved region of his youth. The bonds promised a return of 5.25 percent, exempt from federal taxes, making it both a sentimental and financially wise decision.
“It’s impossible to extract the Bills from your soul when you move away,” Fitzgibbons remarked, reflecting on the deep ties he feels to both the team and western New York. “Without the Bills, all that would remain are chicken wings—which have become ubiquitous—unpleasant weather, and the iconic Niagara Falls.”
Fitzgibbons proudly shares an Erie County letter regarding the stadium bonds, which emphasizes “this community’s fierce commitment to the long-term hometown success” of the Bills.
Municipal bonds might lack the glitz of more glamorous investments, yet they play a crucial role for local governments. Their steady returns and tax advantages make them appealing to investors. Erie County typically issues about $40 million annually in AA-rated bonds to finance essential infrastructure projects like sewers and roads. In a significant move this October, the county issued $125 million in bonds to cover half of its financial contribution to the new $1.7 billion stadium being constructed in Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo.
Kevin Hardwick, the Erie County comptroller, had a keen insight into the passion of Bills fans, known for their remarkable devotion within the NFL. He envisioned that these fans would appreciate the chance to invest in the bonds. While they might not receive the title of “owners” akin to fans of the Green Bay Packers—who enjoy the unique status of a publicly owned team that offers essentially worthless stock to its shareholders—Hardwick believed that purchasing a bond would allow fans to express their loyalty while making a sound financial decision.
