STAFF REPORTS
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BUFFALO — The Buffalo Bisons may be starting a day or two late, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t ready to have some fun once we (FINALLY) get the 2017 season started.
The rain and snow will be gone by Saturday, April 8 as the Bisons host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders for Opening Day (1:05 p.m.). And since it’s the weekend, we’re celebrating with ‘Opening Weekend’ at the ballpark with a single-admission doubleheader on Sunday (12:35 p.m.).
Here’s what you need to know with an UPDATE Opening Day Fan Guide.
Tickets
Get your tickets to Opening Day HERE. You can buy your tickets online and avoid the lines at the Coca-Cola Field Box Office by printing them out at home. You can also call THE-HERD (716-843-4373) or stop by the Box Office. Remember, you SAVE $2 on every ticket you buy in advance of game day.
Remember, Sunday’s games are a single-admission doubleheader. One ticket gets you both games.
The Bisons Box Office opens at 10:00 a.m. on both Opening Day and Sunday. If you have tickets waiting for you, it might be a good idea to stop down early to avoid lines at the Will Call window.
Exchanges
If you had tickets to either of the Bisons games on Thursday and Friday that were postponed, you can exchange them for either game this weekend. The exchanges must be made at the Coca-Cola Field Box Office.
Ballpark Gates and Security Info
There’s nothing like seeing that beautiful patch of grass for the first time each year. All ballpark gates will open at 12:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. So get to the ballpark early, get that first great tasting Sahlen’s Hot Dog and get ready for all the pre-game ceremonies.
As a reminder, as part of their commitment to fan safety, the Bisons installed metal detectors at all ballpark gates this offseason. While fans will only be required to remove their cellphone and any cameras before passing through the metal detectors, fans are encouraged to arrive at the ballpark a few minutes early to accommodate. Fans can CLICK HERE for full details of the Bisons enhanced security policy as well as to review what they can and cannot bring into the ballpark with them on gamedays.
Magnetic Schedule & Cotton Candy Giveaways
The first 10,000 fans in attendance on Saturday’s Opening Day will receive a complimentary 2017 Bisons magnetic schedule, compliments of Falken Tires. The first 500 kids through the gates for Sunday’s doubleheader receive free cotton candy, also compliments of Falken Tires.
Eichel’s Autographed Jersey & Cap Giveaway
We’re all bummed that Jack Eichel can’t be here for Opening Day, but the Sabres forward has a pretty decent excuse since his team will have a game that night in Miami! But that doesn’t mean he won’t have a presence at our first game.
Eichel autographed the Bisons jersey and cap he was supposed to wear at Thursday’s game and has gracious given it back to us to giveaway to a pair of lucky fans on Saturday’s game. You have to be here to win, so make sure you’re at the ballpark on Opening Day.
Peanut Giveaway in honor of Larry
The Bisons lost a true friend and great ambassador this past offseason with the passing of Larry ‘The Peanut Man’ Owens. In tribute to his service and what he meant to fans, the first 500 fans that visit his customary spot in the Coca-Cola Field concourse (Section 104) on Saturday will receive a complimentary bag of peanuts. The bags will be passed out by members of Owens’ family.
What’s New at the Ballpark
Did someone say Beef on Weck Pierogi? Fried Twinkies? Pulled pork in a bread cone? There are plenty of new delicious food items that will be served at Coca-Cola Field this year. But that’s not all that’s new in 2017. The Bisons have added a new Themed suite dubbed the ‘Celebration Suite’ and will introduce a new fridaynightbash! tradition, the Resurgence Brewing Happy Hour.
CLICK HERE to get a full rundown on all that’s new at Coca-Cola Field.
Throwback Jerseys
As part of the 30th Season at Coca-Cola Field, presented by Tops Friendly Markets, the Bisons will wear ‘Throwback Jerseys’ on Opening Day and at various times during the 2017 season. The jersey tops worn by the club will be identical to the ones the Bisons wore during the 1988 season, the first year of Coca-Cola Field.
30th Season Merchandise
Make sure you stop by the Batter’s Box Gift Shop or the Bisons Team Shop on Opening Day. The team has several items featuring the new 30th Season logo, including men’s and women’s quarter zips and ts-shirts. There’s also a special 30th Season Commemorative Card Set featuring great players from the last three decades at the ballpark. With every order of the set, we’ll throw in an original 1988 Team Set for free!
CLICK HERE to see the 30th Season Merchandise options or order yours today.
Here comes the Herd
There will be plenty of new faces in the Herd this season, and it starts at the top. Bobby Meacham has taken over as the Bisons new manager. Former Blue Jays great Devon White will also serve as Buffalo’s new hitting coach.
As for the players? Get a position-by-position preview of the Bisons with their special six-part series below.
Starters | Relievers | Infield | Outfield | Catchers | Who’s Next
