The Buffalo Bills have announced an exciting new addition to the gameday experience at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Buffalo Bills, the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, and the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, are teaming up with Pointstreak 5050 on an innovative platform to raise charitable funds for the Buffalo community and Western New York region through an electronic 50/50 raffle. The Pointstreak 5050 system enables raffle tickets to be sold through mobile sellers utilizing electronic handheld devices, portable printers, and a number of stationary selling terminals around Ralph Wilson Stadium. Updated raffle jackpot totals will be displayed in real time on the main scoreboard, LED ribbons, and monitors throughout the stadium, as well on a dedicated microsite where fans can follow along at home.
"We've wanted to run a 50/50 raffle for several years so once the NFL notified its teams that we could pursue this, we jumped at the opportunity to partner with Pointstreak 5050," said Bruce Popko, Sr. VP of Business Development for the Buffalo Bills. "We are currently undergoing some major renovations to the stadium, including a technology upgrade, and Pointstreak's technological expertise and knowledge will help us bridge the gap between the old and the new. We know that the passion of our fans will help us make this program a big success, as we'll be able to give even more back to the Buffalo community."
Fans have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets in some tailgate areas before the game and in the stadium when the gates open. Tickets will be sold until the end of the 3rd quarter, with a winner announced early in the 4th quarter. One lucky fan will win half of the evening's net proceeds. The balance less expenses will go to a select gameday charitable partner.
"The Buffalo Bills are a tremendous community partner, and we are so grateful to them for providing this extraordinary opportunity for fans to support our community," said Michael Weiner, President & CEO of the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. "This type of fundraising initiative makes it easy for people to be generous, and will make a tremendous difference for local nonprofits and the people they serve."
Bart Kendall, Sr. VP of Pointstreak Sports Technologies, added, "With its proximity to Canada, a terrific 50/50 market, combined with the passion and loyalty of Buffalo Bills fans, as well as the strong support of Bills management, we expect this 50/50 partnership to be a big success and raise significant money for numerous area charities."
