BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) – Wednesday marks the end of an era in Buffalo as the Toronto Blue Jays tonight will play their final home game in Buffalo.
The Blue Jays were recently given approval from the Canadian government to return to Toronto for the remainder of the season. They played most of their home games at Sahlen Field in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Union Pub was one of the local businesses that benefitted from the large crowds at the ballpark each night. The restaurant across the street from the stadium was packed as early as 2 p.m. when popular teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox were in town.
"At least by 4:00 p.m. we'd be packed for every game," Jay Medynski, Union Pub General Manager, said. "We are excited to have the Bisons back. It was a nice shot in the arm to have the big guys here. Not just the teams playing but the support staff and the people coming in to support next door."
It's unlikely that Major League Baseball will return to Buffalo given the size of the market and baseball's lack of a salary cap.
First pitch tonight between the Blue Jays and Red Sox is scheduled for 7:07 p.m.
The Bisons return to Buffalo on August 10.
