Bills Toronto Series

The Bills Toronto Series was a series of National Football League (NFL) games featuring the Buffalo Bills that were played in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This initiative was part of a broader effort to expand the NFL's presence in international markets and gauge the interest of Canadian fans in American football.

Background

The series began in 2008 and was a result of collaboration between the Buffalo Bills, the NFL, and Canadian partners. The primary venue for the games was the Rogers Centre, located in downtown Toronto, which is also home to Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays and formerly the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Overview

The Bills Toronto Series included both preseason and regular season games. The initiative was intended to strengthen the fan base of the Bills by tapping into the Toronto market, which is geographically close to Buffalo, New York. The series was also seen as a strategic move to test the viability of Toronto as a potential location for an NFL franchise in the future.

Games

Over the course of the series, several games were played, typically one per season. The games generally drew mixed reactions from fans and media, with some concerns about lower-than-expected attendance and a lack of home-game atmosphere for the Bills.

Impact

The series had various impacts on the NFL and the Buffalo Bills. Economically, it opened up new revenue streams for the Bills and increased the NFL's visibility in Canada. However, the reaction from fans was varied, with some Buffalo fans unhappy about losing a home game to an international venue.

Conclusion

The Bills Toronto Series was discontinued after a few seasons. The decision was influenced by a combination of factors including fan feedback, game attendance, and overall reception of the series in both Buffalo and Toronto.

See also

• NFL International Series
• Buffalo Bills
• Rogers Centre