Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today issued the following statement:

"Today’s announcement by Pegula Sports and Entertainment (PSE) regarding its retention of CAA Icon to review the conditions of New Era Field and Key Bank Center, interview season ticket holders on their desires, and offer suggestions for future improvements was expected by the county. Every year senior leadership of the county and the Bills/Sabres meet multiple times to discuss the condition of the football stadium and hockey arena, both owned by the county. At one such meeting earlier this year attended by Kim Pegula and myself representatives of PSE indicated they would be retaining a consultant to perform such analysis.

The retention of a consultant to perform such an analysis was not just expected, but is in fact past practice for the Bills organization. This is exactly what was done by the Bills organization under former owner Ralph Wilson. Jr. prior to the last round of lease negotiations in 2012-2013. Just as the county performs its own independent analysis of the stadium and arena’s conditions, so do the owners of the teams that play at each facility.

Nothing announced today should indicate any particular action, such as building a new stadium or hockey arena, will in fact occur. Any final decision will ultimately be made by the Pegulas through PSE, the county and New York State after future negotiations. I look forward to continuing to serve in the role as chief negotiator for the county during these discussions, and in the meantime the county will continue to fulfill its commitments to improve the football stadium pursuant to the 2013 lease agreement."