Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Who says you can't go home again?
The National Buffalo Wing Festival returns to where it all started 22 years ago, at Sahlen Field in Downtown Buffalo.
Wingfest was held at Sahlen Field until being forced to relocate because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Toronto Blue Jays taking over the ballpark, including the weekend that the festival was to be held.
In 2021, Wingfest moved to Highmark Stadium for four years, allowing the tradition to continue.
"We are beyond excited to bring the National Buffalo Wing Festival back to Sahlen Field," said "Wing King" Drew Cerza, founder and organizer of the festival. "For nearly two decades it was the perfect backdrop for celebrating Buffalo’s signature dish. The energy, the atmosphere, intimacy of the field layout, and the connection to Buffalo’s vibrant downtown, this is the ideal location moving forward. We can’t wait to welcome wing lovers from all over the world back to this historic site! Our thanks go out to the Buffalo Bills for a great four years at Highmark Stadium."
"This is a true homecoming for Wingfest. For 19 years, Sahlen Field was the place to be for wing lovers across the world. The return of this festival to its original location is a powerful reminder of how Buffalo continues to shine as a culinary destination and how much pride we take in our beloved wings."
"The Buffalo Bison Baseball Organization is excited to continue our partnership with Drew and Wingfest for years to come," said Anthony Sprague, Buffalo Bisons general manager on Tuesday.
The 24th annual festival will take place Labor Day Weekend on Aug. 30-31 in 2025.