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Buffalo Bisons

Bisons Announce Plans for "Twenty Years Together Downtown" Celebration

August 17, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


The Buffalo Bisons today announced the elements surrounding the team's "20 Years Together Downtown" celebration to take place on Saturday, August 25 against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (7:05 p.m.).

The 2007 season marks the 20th year of Dunn Tire Park as the home of the Buffalo Bisons. Since 1988, more than 17 million fans have come to the jewel of Downtown Buffalo to view the Bisons. The celebration on Saturday, August 25 will begin with a special Swan Street Plaza Party at 5:00 p.m. with the ballpark gates opening at 6:00 p.m. The night will end with a spectacular post game fireworks show with several promotions, events and giveaways planned during the game.

"An unforgettable night is the only way we can honor our fans and a ballpark that has given us so many memories," said Mike Buczkowski, Vice President/General Manager of the Bisons. "This event will be our way of thanking our great fans for their loyal support over during the past 20 seasons."

Plaza Party to feature Live Music and $1 Refreshments

A staple of games at Dunn Tire Park for 20 years has been the pre game party. The "20 Years Together Downtown" celebration will honor that tradition with a Plaza Party in front of the Swan Street gate from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. There will be live music from The Fully-Clothed Gents, a Bare Naked Ladies tribute band that made their fridaynightbash! debut last month. Special concessions will be open on the plaza with $1 Hot Dogs, Coca-Colas and beer specials.

Peter Pan Bisons Caps and Commemorative Tickets Highlight Gate Giveaways

All gates for the 7:05 p.m. game between the Bisons and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees will open at 6:00 p.m. and fans won't be going to their seats empty-handed. The first 4,000 fans in attendance will receive a Peter Pan Bisons Cap. The first 12,000 fans in attendance will also receive a Commemorative Ticket Keychain depicting the game date and the "20 Years Together Downtown" logo. From 6:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., several Bisons' players will be at the gates to greet fans and give out the free gifts. There will also be a planned surprise giveaway to all Bisons Season Ticket Holders that attend the game. Season Ticket Holders must redeem their ticket for the August 25th game at Guest Relations that night only to receive their additional free gift.

Former Mayor Jimmy Griffin to Throw Ceremonial First Pitch

No one was a bigger fan of having a ballpark in Downtown Buffalo than former Mayor Jimmy Griffin. He was on hand on April 14, 1988 and threw a ceremonial first pitch prior to the team's first ever game at the then Pilot Field. Twenty years later, Griffin will return to throw another first pitch. The Mighty Taco Sky Diving Team will deliver the first pitch baseball from the skies above Dunn Tire Park.

Bill Selby, Don Colpoys to be Inducted into Hall of Fame

Former Bisons infielder Bill Selby and long-time Canisius College coach and former Bisons General Manager Don Colpoys will be inducted into the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame in a pre game ceremony. Selby played in parts of four seasons with Buffalo and currently ranks 1st in the Modern Era in hits (378), RBI (245), and runs (217). He also is 2nd in games (370) and 3rd in homers (60). Colpoys managed 25 years at Canisius and his 325 wins are the most in the school's history. He was GM of the Bisons from 1979-1983 and was instrumental to the return of professional baseball to Buffalo. Hall of Famer Pete Weber will host the ceremonies before joining Bisons Radio Network announcers Ben Wagner and Duke McGuire for the in-game broadcast (WECK 1230AM, WSPQ 1330AM, Bisons.com).

More Special Guests to Appear Live and on the Bisons Big Board

The Bisons will welcome back to Dunn Tire Park several of the great people and players who made the ballpark what it is today. The Earl of Bud will make a special in-game appearance. Former Bisons from the 1988 team are scheduled to appear, including Buffalo Baseball Hall of Famer Dorn Taylor, Scott Medvin and Tom Romano. The Bisons have also invited all former front office associates back for the game. The Bisons Big Board will feature several Video Messages from past coaches and players that are currently in the Major Leagues. There will also be many 20-Year Look Backs, highlighting the 20 years of great events, moments and championship celebrations that have made Dunn Tire Park famous. After the game, a special four-minute Video Tribute will be played to Chicago's "Old Days."

Grand Giveaways During the Game include a Family Vacation and 2008 Season Tickets

The Bisons have planned several great giveaways during the game. If a Bisons' player hits a grand slam over the fence during the game, one lucky fan will win $20,000. When the 20th out is recorded (the 2nd out of the top of the fourth inning), one fan will win a Family Vacation to SeaWorld in Orlando (register at Guest Relations or at Bisons.com). That trip will include airfare, a three-day four-night stay in a hotel and three days of tickets to the amusement park (no purchase necessary). A Celebrity Pizza Hut Pop-Up will give local media personalities the chance to win buy-one get-one Pizza Hut coupons for all fans. Every Foul Ball will be worth a registration for a drawing of two sets of 2008 Bisons Season Tickets when fans redeem the ball at Guest Relations. There will also be prizes awarded for other "20" occurrences, including the 20th strike and 20th foul ball.

Bisons Players to Wear Red, White and Blue Uniforms

On Saturday, August 25, the team will wear the classic style of Red, White and Blue uniforms made popular by the team on Opening Day 1988 and throughout the late 1980s. The field will also be dressed up with the number 20 mowed into centerfield. A message of "Thank You Fans" will be stenciled into the foul territory. Dunn Tire Park will also be decorated with bunting and banners.

The Home for Buffalo's Best Fireworks Show

A tradition of every great night out with the Bisons for 20 years has been the post game Fireworks Show. Another spectacular show has been planned for after the game on Saturday, August 25. The world famous Zambelli Fireworks Internationale will provide the spectacular duel pyrotechnics display and post game fireworks show.

Family Four-Packs Available

To show appreciation to their great fans for all their support, the Bisons have put together a special discounted Family Four-Pack for the "20 Year Together Downtown" Celebration. For only $50, fans will get four reserve tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and one limited edition "20 Years Together Downtown" souvenir baseball. It's a savings of $14 (limited availability. The Family Four-Pack must be purchased by Friday, August 24. Fans can purchase the pack by calling THE-HERD (843-4373) or by visiting the Dunn Tire Park Box Office.

For more information, please contact the Bisons Media Relations Department at (716) 846-2019.

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