Since 1973, the Buffalo Bills’ stadium has gone by a multitude of names, with the one name that’s stuck in fans’ references being “The Ralph” after longtime former owner Ralph C. Wilson. Whatever you call it, the stadium has been home to countless highs and lows — from dramatic Josh Allen touchdown runs to the heyday of the early 1990s Super Bowl years. And don’t forget the weather through which fans and players alike have persevered on 53 seasons worth of Sundays. Relive these remarkable years in “Farewell to The Ralph: Remembering the Place Where We Cheered, Froze, Cried and Bonded,” a 208-page coffee-table book published in premium format. It features Democrat and Chronicle sportswriter Sal Maiorana’s memories of watching games there since his childhood. A narrative section written by D&C reporter Emily Barnes spotlights the special bond between the football team and Western New York fans that has grown whether the team has been winning or, sigh, losing. You will view dozens of unforgettable photographs taken by D&C and other photojournalists. And the book will feature special coverage of the team’s last game at the stadium, on what will be a truly memorable day in Buffalo Bills history.
With the Bills at an “up” moment in their history and as they prepare to play in a new stadium next year, “Farewell to The Ralph” is the perfect way to reflect on the last half-century of rooting and look forward to what’s ahead.
