Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) – For the first time in 711 days, the Bisons will be playing baseball again in Buffalo.
The Bisons are set to resume play on Tuesday night at Sahlen Field when the Rochester Red Wings come to town to start a six-game series in Downtown Buffalo.
Last year, all of Minor League Baseball was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the farm clubs resumed play in their respective communities, though Buffalo was the only team to not play in their natural home ballpark due to the decision by the Toronto Blue Jays to call Sahlen Field home. Instead, the Bisons played their home games in Trenton, New Jersey.
But now that the Major League-era of baseball in Buffalo is over, it’s a return to normal with the Bisons. However, the team and the fans both get to enjoy the benefits which came from having the big-league club in town.
Related
Arguably, the most notable change fans will notice downtown this summer is the stadium lighting. It was upgraded to fit Major League Baseball standards, most notable for the television broadcasts.
“It will allow the fans to see the action on the field and also gives us a great promotional opportunity as well,” Bisons assistant general manager Brad Bisbing told reporters. “The lights can be scheduled and can sync up to music.”
The light shows are part of the team’s festival week for Italian Night, Polish Night, and Irish Night, which run from Sept. 7-9, respectively. Whenever a Bisons player hits a home run, the lights will also flash – an amenity created for the Blue Jays during their two-year tenure in Buffalo.
Concession prices are expected to lower with a wider range of food and drink options now that the Bisons are back. Bisbing said the stadium’s “Consumer’s Pub at the Restaurant” will be re-opened.
Fans will also recognize the bullpens have been placed beyond the outfield fence and no longer on the first and third base lines. That change is likely to remain permanent.
Related
The bullpen’s new location will affect group outings at the stadium, as the area was typically reserved for picnic-style events.
“Right now, it’s all just about having fun,” Bisbing said when asked about long-term plans. “We just wanted to be able to have some fun at the ballpark this summer and welcome the fans back to Bisons baseball and get the games going on the field. During the offseason, we’ll definitely take time. It might take away a party area but it might also open up possibilities as well with doing some things on non-game days by letting people into the bullpens and the batting cages and having parties. Every change is an opportunity to do something fun here at the ballpark.”
Tickets for all Bisons home games this season are $10, regardless of where the seats are. The team’s “Reopening Day” will also include postgame fireworks.
First pitch Tuesday night is set for 7:05 p.m. ET. You can hear all the play-by-play action over on our sister station, ESPN 1520, with Pat Malacaro and Duke McGuire on the call.