Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Could Queen, the Beatles, bocce and pickleball collectively be a spark that could play a major role in Downtown Buffalo reviving its swagger - something that has struggled to return in the post-COVID world?
Developer Rocco Termini thinks so, and he is not alone.
"It's time to do something different," Termini said.
The recently formed Electric District Alliance - an organization that Termini shepherds - will be rolling out a series of special and weekly events, all aimed at bringing people back into the central business district.
The events begin on July 3 with a concert by a Queen cover band.
There will be Friday night concerts, Sunday afternoon jazz shows, bocce and pickleball tournaments and leagues and a massive 10-foot by 20-foot TV to show everything from World Cup soccer matches to Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills games.
All of the events will take place on a stretch of Ellicott Street running between E. Huron and E. Mohawk streets..
It is part of campaign pledge made last year by then-mayoral candidate Sean Ryan - now mayor - to find new ways to use special events to activate downtown streets, not only on weekends but on week nights.
"This is what it is all about," Ryan said.
And, the events won't end at Labor Day.
The fall will see an Oktoberfest every weekend in October and a holiday market running from Black Friday to Dec. 20.
"What's good for Ellicott Street is good for Main Street and the rest of downtown," said Pete Burakowski, Buffalo Place executive director.
Sam Mirabello, Mohawk Place owner, thinks having the events will create spinoff business and customers for his live music venue.
"My guess, it will bring people in who might not otherwise come into downtown, or at least this part of downtown," Mirabello said.
Special events include concerts, bocce and pickleball and, even, a winter market
Special events include concerts, bocce and pickleball and, even, a winter market
