IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Bisons Annouce "What's New" at Ballpark in 2009

Published on March 31, 2009 under International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


The Buffalo Bisons will open the 124th season of professional baseball in Buffalo on Opening Day, Thursday, April 9 against the Pawtucket Red Sox (3:05 p.m.). With the home opener just nine days away, the team announced the new changes fans can expect when they visit Coca-Cola Field.

Bisons Fans Set to "Meet the Mets"

The biggest news of the 2009 off-season was the announcement that the Bisons have signed a two-year player development contract with the New York Mets. As Triple-A affiliate of the Mets, the Bisons are now aligned with one of the most recognizable franchises in all of professional sports. This is actually the second time the Mets have been the parent club of the Herd. From 1963-1965, the Bisons served as the first ever Triple-A affiliate of New York. Those Bisons teams included such players as Ed Kranepool, Cleon Jones and Bud Harrelson who went on to help the Amazin' Mets win a 1969 World Series Championship.

The mascot of the Mets, Mr. Mets, will be on hand for Opening Day to help usher in the Bisons new era as Triple-A affiliate of New York.

New Logo, Uniforms and Colors

With a new affiliate comes a new look. This off-season, the Bison introduced a Dynamic New Logo. The design features the New York Mets' blue and orange color scheme with a charging bison coming out of the Buffalo city skyline. Together, the design pays tribute to the Bisons' long-standing tradition in the Queen City as well as the team's new major league partner club. The new design will be featured on the sleeves of a new home white and road gray uniform as well as on the left chest of a new black alternate uniform.

A Refreshing Name to the Bisons' Home

The downtown ballpark is now named Coca-Cola Field, following a new 10-year naming rights agreement with Coca-Cola Bottling of Buffalo. By partnering with Coca-Cola, the Bisons' home field is now associated with one of the most recognizable brands in the world. It is the fourth name for the ballpark since it first opened in 1988. Coca-Cola was the first soda ever poured at the ballpark and have had exclusive soft drink rights at Bisons games since the 2004 season.

Ballpark's New Address

In honor of the late Mayor of Buffalo, Jimmy Griffin, the Bisons have changed the official mailing address of Coca-Cola Field. As of January 1, 2009, the Bisons home is now located at One James D. Griffin Plaza. While Mayor of Buffalo, Griffin was instrumental to the return of professional baseball after an eight-year absence. He also insisted on the new home of the Bisons to be located in Downtown Buffalo for the fans to enjoy.

On the Air in 2009

In 2009, Bisons fans will have several great options to enjoy Bisons baseball. When not at Coca-Cola Field, fans can catch up to 37 Games on TV on Time Warner Cable SportsNet 13. Each one of those broadcasts will also be available On Demand on channel 946. Additionally, five Bisons games will be featured on SNY SportsNet New York, the cable home of the "All Things New York." A complete television schedule is available on Bisons.com.

On the radio, Bisons fans will continue to be able to enjoy all 144 regular season games on WWKB "A New Voice" 1520 AM. Entercom station Newsradio 930 WBEN will carry all 22 Sunday games in 2009. WGR Sportsradio 550 will feature a Bisons "Game of the Week" at the conclusion of the NHL season.

Audio of all Bisons games will be available free of charge on the official website home of the team, bisons.com.

Godett Added to Broadcast Team

The Bisons have added Joel Godett to their broadcasting team. Godett will join "The Voice of the Bisons" Ben Wagner and long time color analyst Duke McGuire on various broadcasts throughout the 2009 season. A graduate of Syracuse University, Godett joins the Bisons from the Salem Avalanche, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Houston Astros, where he spent the 2008 season as a Broadcasting and Media Relations assistant. In 2007, he made his baseball debut with the Cape Cod League's Orleans Cardinals.

Bisons.com Adds New Features to Give Baseball Fans a Home 24-7

The official website of the Buffalo Bisons, Bisons.com, will have several new features once the 2009 season begins. An "Inside the Herd" video feature will give fans an inside look at their favorite players and coaches during 2009. "The Dish" Blog will provide fans with daily news and notes about the team and the International League. Fans are also encouraged to sign up for the Bisons facebook fan page and twitter accounts to stay up to date on everything with the team.

Great New Food Options for Bisons Fans

NOW SERVING - Famous Dave's BBQ, B-NY Deli

The Bisons are excited to introduce two new concession stands for Bisons fans to enjoy in 2009. First, Famous Dave's BBQ has partnered with the Bisons and will bring its signature Slow Smoked Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich to the stand located outside of section 117 on the main level. A full menu of classic BBQ delights will also include a pulled chicken sandwich, a hotlink sausage sandwich, ribs, chili and more.

A newly designed B-NY Deli will feature classic foods from both Buffalo and New York City. When fans see the Bisons' B-NY logo at section 100, they'll be able to choose from a NY-style pretzel Reuben, a Buffalo-style chicken sandwich, a sliced beef brisket sandwich, a meatball hoagie, a honey mustard ham wrap and more.

Buffalo Staple Tim Hortons Now Fills Your Cup!

Coca-Cola Field is now serving one of the area's most popular beverages. Tim Hortons will serve its coffee throughout the ballpark in 2009. Tim Hortons will be available in most concession stands, inside Pettibones Grille Restaurant, in the Bisons press box and in the team's luxury suites.

New Concession Items

Food and baseball go hand-in-hand and along with the ballpark classics like hot dogs and ice cream, the Bisons will feature plenty of new items for their fans to sink their teeth into. Among the new items included in concession stands this year will be Pretzel Bites, NY Style Pretzel Reuben, Hot Dog Sliders and a Peanut Butter & Jelly Pocket for kids. For dessert, the Bisons will feature Funnel Cake Fries, Barq's Root Beer Push-Ups and Minute Maid Lemonade Push-Ups.

Pettibones Grille Also Steps to the Plate

The home for great food at the ballpark, Pettibones Grille has added to their hall of fame lineup for 2009. The "Tony Pena" gives fans the chance to enjoy a unique Southwestern style pizza. A Buffalo Style Chicken Salad has seasoned chicken strips tossed in buffalo wing sauce over greens with blue cheese. Mini Beef Sliders cheeseburgers are now on the menu, great to share as an appetizer or keep them all to yourself for a great meal. Pettibones Grille is open throughout all home games and for lunch, Tuesday-Friday (11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.).

"All You Can Eat" Pack is New and Improved!

After debuting in 2008, the Bisons have brought back their All You Can Eat Pack this season. This time, Games are on the menu! Fans can pick any four games from a list of 12 to enjoy all the great ballpark food they would want/. The four-game packs are only $85 each. At each game they select in the pack, fans can enjoy a meal item, a side and a dessert item every time the go to a designated concession stand.

List of Games Choose Any 4

May 22 - fridaynightbash!® July 19 - Family Fun Sunday

June 6 - Saturday night July 31 - fridaynightbash!®

June 12 - fridaynightbash!® August 15 - Saturday Night

June 14 - Family Fun Sunday August 16 - Family Fun Sunday

June 30 - Pyrotechnics Show September 2 - Fan Appreciation Night

July 7 - Pyrotechnics Show September 3 - Last Game of the Season

A Few Changes in the International League

New Rival in 2009

There is a new team in the International League North Division. The Gwinnett Braves will now serve as the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The Braves will replace Richmond in the league. The Bisons first game against Gwinnett will be on Tuesday, May 12 as the Braves visit Coca-Cola Field for the start of a four-game series.

The New Designated Hitter Rule.

As an affiliate of a National League team, the Bisons will be able to showcase a different type of baseball in Buffalo this year...but not at all games. The Bisons will not be able to use a designated hitter when they take on another affiliate of a National League team. Therefore, in games against Lehigh Valley (Phillies), Syracuse (Nationals), Louisville (Reds), Gwinnett (Braves) and Indianapolis (Pirates), the Bisons pitcher must take his normal turn in the batting order. When the Bisons play a team affiliated with an American League team, both clubs will be able to use a designated hitter.

Check out the Buffalo Bisons Statistics

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International League Stories from March 31, 2009


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