What Should Replace The “Old” Highmark Stadium?

You've probably seen that they began demolition of the "old" Highmark Stadium this week. Which means that even though we don't want to admit it, it's really going away for good. So what comes next for that space?

Aside from the memories many of us have had there, it's just going to look strange to see space where that stadium once stood. But it probably won't be like that for long.

What's most likely going in that empty space?

There is no doubt that they will be putting in space for parking. The new stadium took away a bunch of spots that were previously used for parking in the past. However, will they put up a parking garage instead of just having paved spots on the ground? If so, they would be able to fit 4-5 times the amount of cars in a much smaller footprint which could leave room for other things to go there.

Could there be a designated tailgating area?

I saw an idea from Buffalo Sports Talk suggesting that they could put a "Tailgate Central" area located where the 50 yard line used to be. You could surround it with bars and restaurants and a large team store (like what they've got just outside the gate now) where people could buy all kinds of Bills' memorabilia.

I love that idea. Nobody wants to lose parking space for the game, but to have an area that is almost like a central square where people could gather before the game would be awesome.

What ideas do you have for that area?

I asked people on Facebook what they thought should go where the stadium used to be, and most people agree that they would love an area with bars, shops, and restaurants where people could go before the game. Some people suggested having local shops in there that are all about Buffalo, to support the small businesses.

Another suggestion was to have a full hotel there. You could be sure that it would be full for at least 8 weeks of the year, but would it fill up when there aren't games?