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Sahlen Field

Coordinates: 42°52′52.7″N 78°52′27.4″W / 42.881306°N 78.874278°W / 42.881306; -78.874278
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"Coca-Cola Field" redirects here. Not to be confused with Coca-Cola Park.
Sahlen Field
"The Jewel of Downtown Buffalo"
"The House That Jimmy Built"
Sahlen Field in 2023
Map
Former namesPilot Field (1988–1995)
Downtown Ballpark (1995)
North AmeriCare Park (1995–1999)
Dunn Tire Park (1999–2008)
Coca-Cola Field (2009–2018)
Address1 James D. Griffin Plaza
Buffalo, New York
US
Coordinates42°52′52.7″N 78°52′27.4″W / 42.881306°N 78.874278°W / 42.881306; -78.874278
Elevation600 feet (180 m)
Public transitAmtrak Buffalo–Exchange Street
Bicycle facilities Reddy Bikeshare
Light rail interchange Seneca
Bus interchange Washington & Seneca, Route 8
OwnerCity of Buffalo
OperatorBison Baseball, Inc.
Executive suites26
Capacity16,600 (2019–present)
16,907 (2017–2018)
17,600 (2015–2016)
18,025 (2005–2014)
21,050 (1990–2004)
19,500 (1988–1989)
Record attendanceBaseball: 21,050
(June 3, 1990 / August 30, 2002)
Concert: 27,000
(June 12, 2015)
Field sizeLeft field: 325 ft (99 m)
Left-center field: 371 ft (113 m)
Center field: 404 ft (123 m)
Right-center field: 367 ft (112 m)
Right field: 325 ft (99 m)
Backstop: 55 ft (17 m)
Acreage13 acres (5.3 ha)
SurfaceKentucky Bluegrass
ScoreboardDaktronics LED
Construction
Broke groundJuly 10, 1986
OpenedApril 14, 1988
Renovated2004, 2020, 2021
Expanded1990
Construction costUS$42.4 million
($109 million in 2023 dollars[1])
ArchitectHOK Sport
Project managerBen B. Barnert
Structural engineerGeiger Associates
General contractorCowper Construction Management
Tenants
Buffalo Bisons (AA/IL/AAAE) 1988–present
Buffalo Nighthawks (LPBL) 1998
Buffalo Bulls (NCAA) 2000
Empire State Yankees (IL) 2012
Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) 2020-2021
Website
Sahlen Field

Sahlen Field is a baseball park in Buffalo, New York, United States. Originally known as Pilot Field, the venue has since been named Downtown Ballpark, North AmeriCare Park, Dunn Tire Park, and Coca-Cola Field. Home to the Buffalo Bisons of the International League, it opened on April 14, 1988, and can seat up to 16,600 people, making it the highest-capacity Triple-A ballpark in the United States. It replaced the Bisons' former home, War Memorial Stadium, where the team played from 1979 to 1987.

The stadium was the first retro-classic ballpark built in the world, and was designed with plans for Major League Baseball (MLB) expansion. Buffalo had not had an MLB team since the Buffalo Blues played for the Federal League in 1915. However, Bisons owner Robert E. Rich Jr. was unsuccessful in his efforts to bring an MLB franchise to the stadium between 1988 and 1995. The stadium was a temporary home to the Toronto Blue Jays of MLB in 2020 and 2021 when they were displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sahlen Field was previously home to the Buffalo Nighthawks of the Ladies Professional Baseball League in 1998, the Buffalo Bulls of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 2000, and the Empire State Yankees of the International League in 2012. In addition to concerts and professional wrestling, the stadium has hosted major events including the National Old-Timers Baseball Classic (1988–1990), Triple-A All-Star Game (1988, 2012), StarGaze (1992–1993), World University Games (1993) and National Buffalo Wing Festival (2002–2019, 2025–present).

History

[edit]

Professional baseball in Buffalo, 1877–1970

[edit]

Buffalo began hosting professional baseball in 1877, when the Buffalo Bisons of the League Alliance began play at Riverside Park.[2] Over the next century, the city hosted major and minor league teams including the Buffalo Bisons (IA, 1878, 1887–1888), Buffalo Bisons (NL, 1879–1885), Buffalo Bisons (PL, 1890), and the Buffalo Blues (FL, 1914–1915).[2] The longest-tenured franchise was the minor league Buffalo Bisons, which was founded in 1886 and played exclusively in the International League starting in 1912.[2] This club played at Olympic Park until 1923, at which point that venue was demolished and replaced by Offermann Stadium.[3]

Buffalo was awarded an expansion franchise by the Continental League of Major League Baseball in January 1960, and made plans to play at War Memorial Stadium beginning with the 1961 season. However, the league folded before the season began.[4] The Buffalo Bisons remained in the International League and began play at War Memorial Stadium in 1961, as Offermann Stadium had already been slated for demolition.[3]

In April 1968, Robert O. Swados and his investment group, which included George Steinbrenner, presented their bid for a Buffalo expansion franchise to the National League Expansion Committee.[5][6] This bid included plans for a $50 million domed stadium that was designed by the architects of the Astrodome and had a capacity of 45,000.[7] Buffalo was one of five finalists for the 1969 Major League Baseball expansion, but franchises were awarded to the Montreal Expos and San Diego Padres in May 1968.[5]

Erie County went on to modify the planned domed stadium to accommodate the Buffalo Bills, approving its construction as a 60,000-seat football venue in Lancaster that could also host baseball.[8] However, bids for the stadium in 1970 came in over budget, and the project stalled. Bills owner Ralph Wilson threatened to move the Bills if action was not taken to replace the aging War Memorial Stadium, forcing Erie County to abandon the domed stadium in favor of building open-air Rich Stadium in Orchard Park.[9][10] Major League Baseball had planned on relocating the struggling Washington Senators franchise to Buffalo, but when the domed stadium wasn't built it instead became the Texas Rangers.[11] The Buffalo Bisons moved mid-season in 1970 and became the Winnipeg Whips, leaving Buffalo without professional baseball.[12]

Planning and construction, 1978–1987

[edit]
An aerial view of Buffalo when the blocks that became the venue's land were largely parking lots, July 1973

Mayor James D. Griffin and an investment group purchased the Jersey City A's of the Double-A class Eastern League for $55,000 in 1978, and the team began play as the Buffalo Bisons at War Memorial Stadium in 1979.[13] This new franchise assumed the history of prior Buffalo Bisons teams that had played in the city from 1877 to 1970. Rich Products heir Robert E. Rich Jr. purchased the Bisons for $100,000 in 1983, and upgraded the team to the Triple-A class American Association in 1985 after buying out the Wichita Aeros for $1 million.[14][15] The Bisons began drawing record crowds with promotional tie-ins, most notably annual post-game concerts by The Beach Boys.[16][17]

Strong political support grew to replace the aging War Memorial Stadium with what was originally known as Downtown Buffalo Sports Complex.[18] The City of Buffalo originally hired HOK Sport to design a $90 million domed stadium with a capacity of 40,000 on 13 acres of land, but the project was scaled back after New York State only approved $22.5 million in funding instead of the $40 million requested.[19][20][21] A separate athletic facility to service the City Campus of Erie Community College was part of the proposed complex, and was eventually built several years later as the Burt Flickinger Center.[22]

St. John's Episcopal Church originally occupied what would become the venue's land at the corner of Washington Street and Swan Street, and Randall's Boarding House originally occupied the adjacent lot on Swan Street. Mark Twain famously was a resident of the boarding house while editor of the Buffalo Express.[23][24] Constructed between 1846 and 1848, the church remained in use until 1893 and was demolished in 1906.[25][26] The land then became the site of Ellsworth Statler's first hotel, Hotel Statler, in 1907.[25] It was later renamed Hotel Buffalo after Statler built a new hotel on Niagara Square in 1923 and sold his former location. Hotel Buffalo was demolished in 1968, and the land became a parking lot. The City of Buffalo would later acquire the land through eminent domain.[27]

HOK Sport (now known as Populous) designed the downtown venue as the first retro-classic ballpark in the world.[28] The open-air venue was designed to incorporate architecture from the neighboring Joseph Ellicott Historic District, most notably the Ellicott Square Building and Old Post Office.[29] The venue's exterior would be constructed from precast concrete, featuring arched window openings at the mezzanine level, rusticated joints, and inset marble panels.[30] Located close to Buffalo Memorial Auditorium and along the newly built Buffalo Metro Rail, the venue would be an attractive and accessible destination for suburban residents.[31] The same design firm would later bring this concept to Major League Baseball with Oriole Park at Camden Yards.[32]

A view of the venue's construction from Exchange Street parking ramp, December 1987

The baseball field itself would feature a Kentucky Bluegrass playing surface and have dimensions that were designed to mirror those of pitcher-friendly Royals Stadium.[33] Buffalo Bisons management insisted the field have deep fences after War Memorial Stadium acquired a poor reputation for allowing easy home runs.[34] Roger Bossard, head groundskeeper of Comiskey Park, served as consultant for the project.[35]

The venue broke ground in July 1986, with structural engineering handled by Geiger Associates, and Cowper Construction Management serving as general contractor.[36][37] It was originally built with a seating capacity of 19,500, which at the time made it the third-largest stadium in Minor League Baseball.[28][38] This included a club level with seating for 3,500 and 38 luxury suites, general admission bleacher seating for 1,130 in right field, and a 250-seat restaurant with city and field views on the mezzanine level.[35][37][39] Rich Products already owned and operated local restaurants under their B.R. Guest brand, and they assumed operation of the venue's restaurant and concessions.[40]

The $42.4 million venue was mainly paid for with public funding. $22.5 million came from New York State, $12.9 million came from the City of Buffalo, $4.2 million came from Erie County, and $2.8 million came from the Buffalo Bisons.[41] The New York State funding was contingent on the Bisons signing a 20-year lease with the City of Buffalo for use of the venue, which they did just prior to groundbreaking.[42] The City of Buffalo and Erie County paid an additional $14 million for the construction of parking garages to service the venue and other downtown businesses.[41]

A planned second phase of construction was a seating expansion contingent on Buffalo acquiring a Major League Baseball franchise. The original design by HOK Sport called for a third deck to be added in place of the roof, expanding the venue's capacity from 19,500 to 40,000. In May 1987, it was estimated this expansion could be completed within one offseason at a cost of $15 million.[19]

Opening and reception, 1988–1989

[edit]
Aerial views of the venue, August 2018

Opening Day of the venue's inaugural season took place on April 14, 1988, and saw the Buffalo Bisons defeat the Denver Zephyrs 1–0.[43] Bob Patterson of the Bisons threw the first pitch against Billy Bates, and the lone score came from a Tom Prince home run.[44] Pam Postema, the first female umpire in the history of professional baseball, officiated the game.[45] Prior to the event, The Oak Ridge Boys performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and both Mayor James D. Griffin and Governor Mario Cuomo threw ceremonial first pitches.[45][46]

The formal dedication of the venue took place on May 21, 1988, prior to the Buffalo Bisons defeating the Syracuse Chiefs in an interleague Triple-A Alliance game by a score of 6–5. Larry King threw the ceremonial first pitch and sat in on commentary with WBEN broadcasters Pete Weber and John Murphy.[47]

In their first year at the venue after moving from War Memorial Stadium, the Buffalo Bisons broke the all-time record for Minor League Baseball attendance by drawing 1,186,651 fans during the 1988 season.[48] The team had capped season ticket sales at 9,000 seats to ensure that individual game tickets would be available.[49]

The inaugural Build New York Award was given to Cowper Construction Management by the General Building Contractors of New York State for their work on the venue.[50]

The venue was lauded by mainstream media outlets, including feature stories by Newsday, New York Daily News, San Francisco Examiner, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times Magazine and Vancouver Sun.[51] Eric Brazil wrote in his San Francisco Examiner column that the venue, "just may be baseball's prototype for the 1990s and beyond".[52]

Pete McMartin wrote fondly of the venue in his June 1989 article for the Vancouver Sun, contrasting it with the recently opened SkyDome in Toronto:

It was a matter of philosophy. Toronto built an edifice: Buffalo embraced an idea. Toronto elevated technology over the game: Buffalo honored the past. Buffalo ended up with the better ballpark. It may be the best ballpark built since the construction of the game's holy triumvirate – Wrigley, Fenway and Briggs.[53]

MLB preparation and seating expansion, 1990–1995

[edit]
Bleacher expansion as seen in right field behind Fabio Lanzoni, June 1993

In anticipation of Buffalo being awarded a major league franchise, Robert E. Rich Jr. began establishing minor league farm teams for the Buffalo Bisons organization. Rich Jr. acquired the Double-A Wichita Pilots and founded the Class A Short Season Niagara Falls Rapids.[54][55] He renamed Wichita's team to the Wranglers and planned to upgrade their franchise to Triple-A upon the Bisons joining Major League Baseball.[56]

The proposed seating expansion to accommodate Major League Baseball was revised by HOK Sport to preserve the aesthetic of the roof, which would now be kept and raised to cover a third deck. In this new design, less seating would be built on the third deck, and instead a new right field seating structure would be built in front of the Exchange Street parking ramp.[57] In addition, expanded bleachers would be added in right field that could later be converted to permanent seating. Capacity after this expansion would increase from 19,500 to 41,530 at a cost of $30 million, but unlike the earlier design would take longer than a single offseason to complete.[58] Prior to the 1990 season, 1,400 bleacher seats and a standing-room only area within the third-base mezzanine were added at a cost of $1.34 million, increasing the stadium's capacity from 19,500 to 21,050.[59][60]

In September 1990, Bob Rich Jr. attempted to buy the Montreal Expos for $100 million and move the team to Buffalo, but owner Charles Bronfman declined his offer.[61] That same month, Rich Jr. and his investment group presented their bid for a Buffalo expansion franchise to the National League Expansion Committee.[62] Members of this investment group included Jeremy Jacobs, Larry King, Northrup R. Knox, Robert G. Wilmers, Robert O. Swados and Seymour H. Knox III.[63] It was reported that the investment group was prepared to fund $134 million in private capital required for expansion, which included the $95 million franchise fee and initial operating costs.[64] The largest share of the financial burden would fall on Rich Jr., who pledged a minimum of $10 million cash and the equity in his three minor league teams. Rich Jr. publicly voiced concerns in December 1990 that without a salary cap and revenue sharing, he would have to raise ticket prices to unaffordable levels while being unable to produce a competitive on-field product.[65] 27,000 major league season ticket commitments were made by April 1991, consisting of 18,000 paid seat deposits and 9,000 complimentary deposits awarded to the existing Bisons season ticket holders.[66] Buffalo was one of six finalists for the 1993 Major League Baseball expansion, but franchises were awarded to the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins in June 1991.[67] National League president Bill White later confirmed that Rich Jr. publicly questioning the league's financial structure sunk his bid.[68]

In their fourth year at the stadium, the Buffalo Bisons once again broke the all-time record for Minor League Baseball attendance by drawing 1,240,951 fans during the 1991 season.[69]

All-Time Minor League Baseball Attendance Records[70]
Rank Team Year Attendance
1. Buffalo Bisons 1991 1,240,951
2. Buffalo Bisons 1988 1,186,651
3. Buffalo Bisons 1990 1,174,358
4. Buffalo Bisons 1992 1,134,488
5. Buffalo Bisons 1989 1,132,183
6. Buffalo Bisons 1993 1,079,620
7. Louisville Redbirds 1983 1,052,438
8. Buffalo Bisons 1994 982,493
9. Buffalo Bisons 1995 951,080
10. Sacramento River Cats 2001 901,214

Rich Jr. offered to let the Montreal Expos finish their home schedule at the venue in September 1991 after Olympic Stadium was damaged, but the team instead played their final 13 home games on the road.[71][72]

In June 1992, Rich Jr. attempted to buy the San Francisco Giants and move the team to Buffalo, but owner Bob Lurie declined his offer. The proposed name for the team would have been the New York Giants of Buffalo, as the franchise had previously played as the New York Giants from 1885 to 1957 in New York City.[61] That same month, the City of Buffalo chose to exercise an escape clause and buy back $24.2 million in federal bonds they had earmarked for expanding the venue to accommodate Major League Baseball.[73][74]

The 1988 to 1993 Buffalo Bisons seasons were the six highest-attended campaigns in Minor League Baseball history, with each season drawing over 1,000,000 fans.[70]

Prior to the 1994 season, a restaurant called Power Alley Pub was constructed under the bleachers in right-center field.[75] The restaurant provided seating with views of the field through the outfield wall.

Rich Jr. moved his Class A Short Season Niagara Falls Rapids after he was unable to secure repairs for the aging Sal Maglie Stadium. The team resumed play as the Jamestown Jammers in June 1994.[76]

In July 1994, Rich Jr. notified the Major League Baseball Expansion Committee that he was interested in pursuing a Buffalo expansion franchise.[77] However, he would retract this notification the following month after the 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike commenced.[78] Buffalo was withdrawn as a candidate for the 1998 Major League Baseball expansion, and franchises were awarded to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays in March 1995.[79]

Rich Jr. was offered an expansion franchise by the United Baseball League of Major League Baseball in November 1994 at a cost of $5 million, which would have played at the venue beginning with the 1996 season.[80] However, franchises were awarded in February 1995 to Long Island, Los Angeles, New Orleans, San Juan, Vancouver and Washington before the league folded without ever playing a game.[81][82]

The Buffalo Bisons considered sharing the venue with the Toronto Blue Jays for their 1995 season, as the Ontario Labour Relations Board prohibited non-union replacement players from competing at SkyDome during the 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike.[83] The Blue Jays instead chose to play at their spring training home of Dunedin Stadium, but the strike ended in April 1995 and the team returned to SkyDome.[84][85]

Alterations and seating reduction, 1996–2019

[edit]
A satellite view of the venue with new outfield fence, circa 1996–2003

A new outfield fence was erected prior to the 1996 season at a cost of $50,000 so that the venue's playing surface mirrored the dimensions of Jacobs Field. Left-center field was reduced from 384 feet to 371 feet, center field was reduced from 410 feet to 404 feet, right-center field was reduced from 384 feet to 367 feet, and the height of the center field fence was reduced from 15 feet to 8 feet. This change allowed the Cleveland Indians, Buffalo's major league affiliate, to better evaluate their prospects, while also making the park more hitter-friendly.[86]

The venue was home to the Buffalo Nighthawks of the Ladies Professional Baseball League before the league shut down mid-season in July 1998. The Nighthawks were in first place with an 11–5 record when the league folded, and were declared Eastern Division champions.[87]

The park's original four-color dot matrix scoreboard in center field was retrofitted with a 38-foot wide by 19-foot tall Daktronics LED video screen in 1999 at a cost of $1.2 million.[88]

The venue was home to the Buffalo Bulls of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in 2000.[89] The Bulls finished the season with a 12–35 record and moved to Amherst Audubon Field the following year.[90][91]

Party Deck, July 2021

Major League Lacrosse staged an exhibition at the venue on August 11, 2000, as part of their Summer Showcase Tour.[92] Robert E. Rich Jr. planned to purchase a Major League Lacrosse franchise at a cost of $1 million to begin play at the venue in June 2001.[93][94] However, he withdrew support after determining that removing and replacing the pitcher's mound for lacrosse games would damage the field and put the Buffalo Bisons at a disadvantage.[95]

The 20-year lease between the Buffalo Bisons and City of Buffalo for use of the venue was renegotiated in January 2003, with the addition of funding from Erie County.[96]

Prior to the 2004 season, $5 million in renovations to the venue were completed, including removal of the stadium's right field bleachers and construction of a four-tier Party Deck in its place.[97] The removal of the bleachers decreased the stadium capacity from 21,050 to 18,025.[98]

A 4-foot wide by 8-foot tall digital billboard was installed on the corner of Washington Street and Swan Street before the 2007 season at a cost of $70,000.[99]

Center field video screen, July 2015

The 20-year lease between the Buffalo Bisons and City of Buffalo for use of the venue expired following the 2008 season, and the city began offering year-to-year leases to the team thereafter.[100]

The venue's luxury suites were consolidated and renovated beginning in 2010, reducing the total number from 38 to 26.[101] A conference suite was constructed on the first-base side of the stadium at a cost of $250,000, and the year-round suite can accommodate business gatherings of up to 40 people.[102]

Prior to the 2011 season, the park's original scoreboard in center field was removed and replaced by an 80-foot wide by 33-foot tall Daktronics high-definition LED video screen at a cost $2.5 million.[103] That same year, a new $970,000 field drainage system and a new $750,000 field lighting system were added to the venue.[104][105]

A view of the venue and its seating bowl from I-190, February 2006
A view of the venue and its seating bowl from I-190, June 2019

The venue was one of six that played home to the Empire State Yankees of the International League in 2012. The team was forced to play at alternate sites that season as PNC Field was undergoing renovations.[106] The Yankees finished the season with a 84–60 record and advanced to the International League playoffs.[107]

$500,000 was spent in improvements to the venue before the 2014 season, including a new sound system and the installation of new LED message boards down both baselines.[108]

A campaign to replace the park's original red seating with wider green seating began in 2014. The stadium's capacity was reduced from 18,025 to 17,600 when 3,700 seats were replaced prior to the 2015 season at a cost of $758,000.[109][110] 2,900 seats were replaced prior to the 2017 season, reducing capacity of the venue from 17,600 to 16,907.[111] 2,000 seats were replaced prior to the 2019 season, reducing capacity of the venue from 16,907 to 16,600.[112][113]

Following the 2019 season, protective crowd netting was installed throughout the venue at a cost of $475,000 to meet Major League Baseball safety standards.[114]

MLB residency and renovation, 2020–2021

[edit]
A view of the Toronto Blue Jays warming up from Exchange Street parking ramp, August 2020

In June 2020, the Buffalo Bisons canceled their season at the venue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[115] The Toronto Blue Jays, the Bisons' major league affiliate, announced the following month that they would play their 2020 season at the venue after the government of Canada denied them permission to play at Rogers Centre.[116][117] The venue's first Major League Baseball game took place on August 11, 2020, in which the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Miami Marlins 5–4 in extra innings.[118] The Blue Jays finished the season with a 32–28 record, and advanced to the American League Wild Card Series.[119]

Major League Baseball and the Blue Jays organization jointly funded renovations of the venue prior to the 2020 season at a cost of $5 million.[120] Permanent upgrades included installation of LED field lighting, installation of instant replay technology, installation of Hawk-Eye for Statcast tracking, a resurfaced infield, and relocation of the home dugout to the third-base side of the stadium. Temporary facilities designed for the postponed MLB at Field of Dreams game were also utilized.[121][122]

Bullpens, July 2021

The Blue Jays used the venue for part of their 2021 season due to the ongoing pandemic, after having started the season at TD Ballpark. The Bisons accommodated this residency by temporarily relocating to Trenton Thunder Ballpark in Trenton, New Jersey.[123] The venue drew higher attendance for MLB home games than the Miami Marlins, Oakland A's and Tampa Bay Rays drew at their own home venues.[124] The Blue Jays played 49 Major League Baseball games at the venue over the course of two seasons, tying Hiram Bithorn Stadium for the all-time record of most regular season games hosted by a non-home ballpark.[125]

The Bisons and Blue Jays jointly funded additional renovations of the venue prior to the 2021 season. These permanent upgrades included the installation of new light standards, new batting cages, new foul poles, a resurfaced outfield, and the relocation of both bullpens from foul territory to right-center field.[126] The renovated venue was named Professional Baseball Field of the Year in November 2021 by Sports Turf Managers Association.[127] The renovations were also nominated for Project of the Year at the 2021 Stadium Business Awards.[128]

Fire and proposed renovations, 2023–present

[edit]

In September 2023, the venue sustained $600,000 in damage after a fire started in a mobile concession stand.[129][130]

The Buffalo Bisons hired a lobbying firm in November 2023 to seek funding from New York State for renovations that would improve the fan experience.[131]

Naming rights

[edit]
Clockwise from upper left: Dunn Tire Park, Coca-Cola Field, Sahlen Field

Pilot Air Freight of Philadelphia purchased the 20-year naming rights to the venue in 1986.[132] The stadium would be named Pilot Field in exchange for the company paying the City of Buffalo $51,000 on an annual basis.[133] Their name was stripped from the venue by the City of Buffalo in March 1995 after Pilot Air Freight defaulted on payments.

The stadium was then known as Downtown Ballpark until July 1995, when local HMO North AmeriCare purchased the naming rights and the stadium became North AmeriCare Park (colloquially known as The NAP).[133][134] North AmeriCare agreed to pay the City of Buffalo $3.3 million over the course of 13 years.[135] The Dunn Tire chain of tire outlets assumed North AmeriCare's remaining contract with the City of Buffalo in May 1999, and the venue became Dunn Tire Park.[135]

Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Buffalo purchased the 10-year naming rights to the stadium in December 2008, and it was renamed Coca-Cola Field beginning with the 2009 season.[136] Sahlen's purchased the 10-year naming rights to the stadium in October 2018, and it was renamed Sahlen Field beginning with the 2019 season.[137]

Notable events

[edit]

Baseball

[edit]
Bartolo Colón, who threw the venue's only no-hitter in June 1997

The annual National Old-Timers Baseball Classic was held at the venue from 1988 to 1990.[138][139][140]

The venue was host to the inaugural Triple-A All-Star Game on July 13, 1988.[141] It would later host the 25th-annual Triple-A All-Star Game on July 11, 2012.[142]

The June 3, 1990 game between the Buffalo Bisons and Oklahoma City 89ers, with a post-game concert by The Beach Boys, set the all-time single-game attendance record for baseball at the venue with 21,050 fans.[143] An August 30, 2002, game between the Buffalo Bisons and Rochester Red Wings would later match that record.[144]

The venue hosted an exhibition between Team USA and Korea on July 9, 1992, that saw Korea win the game 4–2.[145] The exhibition was part of Team USA's 30-game tour of both Cuba and the United States to promote their appearance in the 1992 Summer Olympics.[146]

Bartolo Colón of the Buffalo Bisons threw the venue's first and only no-hitter on June 20, 1997, against the New Orleans Zephyrs, sealing a 4–0 win.[147]

The Buffalo Bisons defeated the Richmond Braves at the venue on September 17, 2004 in Game 4 of their championship series to win the Governors' Cup by a score of 6–1.[148]

College baseball

[edit]

The baseball events of the World University Games were held at the venue in July 1993.[149] The Gold medal game took place on July 16, 1993, and saw Cuba defeat South Korea 7–1.[150]

The venue hosted the inaugural Big Four Baseball Classic tournament from April 27, 2004, to April 28, 2004.[151] In the championship game, the Niagara Purple Eagles defeated the St. Bonaventure Bonnies 8–7 in extra innings to win the Bisons Cup.[152] The venue later hosted the second-annual Big Four Baseball Classic tournament from April 26, 2005, to April 27, 2005.[153] In the championship game, the St. Bonaventure Bonnies defeated the Canisius Golden Griffins 12–3.[154]

Softball

[edit]
Celebrity softball game at StarGaze, June 1993

Jim Kelly held his inaugural Jim Kelly Shootout and Carnival of Stars charity event at the venue on June 7, 1992. The event drew a crowd of 14,500 and raised $150,000 for the Kelly for Kids Foundation.[155] The second-annual Jim Kelly charity event, now renamed StarGaze, was held at the venue on June 13, 1993. The event drew a crowd of 10,000 and raised $100,000 for the Kelly for Kids Foundation.[156]

Micah Hyde held his inaugural Micah Hyde Charity Softball Game at the venue on June 2, 2019. The event drew a crowd of 2,500 and raised $40,000 for the Imagine for Youth Foundation.[157][158] The second-annual Micah Hyde Charity Softball Game on May 15, 2022, drew a crowd of 10,000 and raised $200,000 for the Imagine for Youth Foundation, with a portion of proceeds donated to families impacted by the 2022 Buffalo shooting.[159] The third-annual Micah Hyde Charity Softball Game on May 7, 2023 drew a crowd of 16,000 and raised $470,000 for the Imagine for Youth Foundation.[160] The fourth-annual Micah Hyde Charity Softball Game on May 19, 2024 drew a crowd of 14,771 and raised $625,000 for the Imagine for Youth Foundation.[161]

Concerts

[edit]
Dierks Bentley, who headlined Taste of Country before a record crowd in June 2015

The Buffalo Bisons have presented a yearly post-game Summer Concert Series at the venue since 1988, featuring performances from national touring acts and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

The venue has regularly hosted local music festivals. WEDG presented their annual Edgefest at the venue in 1997 and 2003.[162][163] WYRK has presented their annual Taste of Country at the venue since its inception in 2001. The June 12, 2015, Taste of Country event headlined by Dierks Bentley set the all-time attendance record for concerts at the venue with 27,000 fans.[164] WKSE presented their annual Kiss the Summer Hello at the venue from 2001 to 2002, and again from 2009 to 2013.[165][166][167][168][169][170][171] The Great Guitar Gig took place at the venue on June 15, 2003, as part of the second-annual Buffalo Niagara Guitar Festival.[163]

The venue has also hosted national music festivals. Budweiser Superfest took place at the venue on July 7, 1989.[172] Bluestime Jam took place at the venue on August 29, 1995.[173] Counting Crows headlined a show at the venue on August 1, 2007, as part of their Rock 'n' Roll Triple Play Ballpark Tour.[174][175]

In film

[edit]

Goo Goo Dolls filmed the music video for their debut single "There You Are" at the venue in 1990.[176]

A low-budget film called Angel Blues was shot at the venue in August 1993. It was directed by William Zabka and starred Michael Paloma, Loryn Locklin, Meredith Salenger, Richard Moll, David Johansen and Michael Horse.[177][178][179]

Professional wrestling

[edit]

Ballpark Brawl was a series of post-game professional wrestling events produced by the Buffalo Bisons and promoted by Christopher Hill, their Director of Sales and Marketing between 2003 and 2007.[180] The promotion's Natural Heavyweight Championship paid homage to The Natural, which was filmed in Buffalo at War Memorial Stadium.

TNA Wrestling held BaseBrawl at the venue on June 18, 2011, an event headlined by Kurt Angle defeating Scott Steiner, with an appearance by Hulk Hogan.[181] A second BaseBrawl event on June 22, 2012 was headlined by Bobby Roode defeating Jeff Hardy to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.[182]

Other events

[edit]
National Buffalo Wing Festival, September 2012

Reverend Billy Graham staged his Greater Buffalo-Niagara Crusade at the venue from August 1, 1988, to August 7, 1988.[183][184]

Opening Ceremonies for the Empire State Games took place at the venue on July 24, 1996. Buffalo native Todd Marchant was the event's keynote speaker.[185]

The venue was host to the annual Drum Corps International Tour of Champions, promoted locally as Drums Along the Waterfront, from its inception in 1997 to 2006.[186]

The venue began hosting the annual National Buffalo Wing Festival in 2002, featuring the U.S. National Buffalo Wing Eating Championship.[187] After moving to Highmark Stadium following the 2019 event, it will return to Sahlen Field beginning in 2025.[188]

The inaugural Harvard Cup Hall of Fame Game took place at the venue on September 28, 2002. The Kensington Knights defeated the Bennett Tigers 26–0 in the venue's first-ever football game.[189] The second-annual Harvard Cup Hall of Fame Game took place at the venue as a doubleheader on September 20, 2003. The Lafayette Violets defeated the Grover Cleveland Presidents 28–6, and the Hutch-Tech Engineers defeated the McKinley Macks 14–0.[190]

Special features

[edit]

Dimensions

[edit]

The venue's play is greatly affected by its orientation and susceptibility to the winds of nearby Lake Erie. Center field faces south-southeast, with a year-round 8 to 10 MPH breeze moving from the right field foul pole towards the left field foul pole.[191] Right-handed batters therefore tend to have the most success hitting balls into left field and left-center, although left-handed batters hitting opposite field at a high trajectory also see their balls carried out of the park.[191][192] The cozy field dimensions of 325 feet to left field and 371 feet to left-center aid the number of home runs hit in those directions.[193] A 60-foot tall chain-link fence in left field protects motor vehicles on Oak Street from being struck.[194] Cold winds in early months of the baseball season tend to prevent balls from exiting the park, while the warmer summer winds allow for greater carry.[195] In 2019, Baseball America ranked it as the third-best International League ballpark to hit home runs in.[195] The venue allowed 10% more runs than average during the 2020 Toronto Blue Jays season.[196]

An evening game between the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees – June 17, 2021

Ground rules

[edit]
Left field foul pole, July 2021
  1. A fair ball becoming lodged in the outfield fence padding is a ground rule double.
  2. A bounding fair ball striking the outfield fence padding and bouncing over the fence is an automatic double.
  3. A fair ball striking the foul pole caps or metal support piping beyond the outfield wall:
    1. is a home run if hit as a fly ball.
    2. is out of play if hit as a bounding ball.
  4. A bounding fair ball striking the unpadded cement wall to the immediate right and left of each foul pole is in play.
  5. A fair ball striking the bottom of the outfield fence is in play.[197]

Concessions

[edit]
Lower-level concourse, July 2021

Pub at the Park is a 250-seat bar and restaurant located within the venue's first-base mezzanine that features both indoor seating and outdoor patio seating with views of the field. It is open to the public for special events via an entrance on Washington Street, and exclusively to ticketholders with reservations on game days.[198] The restaurant was formerly known as Pettibone's Grille from 1988 to 2016.[199]

Concessions around the venue's concourse highlight local cuisine, with selections including beef on weck from Charlie the Butcher, craft beer from Consumer's Beverages and Resurgence Brewing Company, craft beer and wine from Southern Tier Brewing Company, hot dogs from Sahlen's, pierogies from Alexandra Foods, pizza from La Nova Pizzeria, pizza logs from Original Pizza Logs, and soft serve from Upstate Farms.[200] Coca-Cola brand soft drinks are also available throughout the stadium.[200]

The venue is cashless for concessions, with support for contactless payment and online food ordering with mobile payment.[201][202][203]

Tributes

[edit]
The venue's press box that bears the initials of Rich Products founder Robert E. Rich Sr., September 2021

The Buffalo Bisons have customarily marked the landing spot of every home run their players have hit into the right field parking lot since the venue's inaugural season in 1988.[204] This feat is rarely accomplished because the balls have had to clear either the right field bleachers or the Party Deck that replaced them in order to reach the parking lot. Russell Branyan holds the record for most parking lot home runs, with three.[195]

Robert E. Rich Sr., the founder of Rich Products and father of Buffalo Bisons owner Robert E. Rich Jr., died in February 2006. His initials are inscribed on the press box, above the owner's suite, in tribute.[205] The venue hosted the annual Robert E. Rich Memorial Baseball Classic tournament between local high school teams from 2006 to 2008.[206][207][208]

Former Mayor of Buffalo James D. Griffin was posthumously honored by the Buffalo Common Council in July 2008 after they voted to change the venue's address to One James D. Griffin Plaza.[209]

Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame and Heritage Room, July 2015

A bronze sculpture of James D. Griffin titled The First Pitch, referencing his ceremonial first pitch at the venue's inaugural game, was unveiled outside the stadium in August 2012. The William Koch piece was commissioned by the Buffalo Bisons to honor Griffin's contributions in constructing the ballpark and bringing professional baseball back to Buffalo.[210]

Plaques honoring all members of the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame were previously displayed within the Hall of Fame and Heritage Room, which was built on the venue's third-base concourse in 2013.[211] It was removed in 2021 as part of stadium renovations, and has yet to reopen.[212]

The Buffalo Bisons hang a Championship Corner banner in left field that commemorates the team's many league and division championships, along with the retired numbers of Ollie Carnegie (6), Luke Easter (25), Jeff Manto (30) and Jackie Robinson (42).[213]

Retired numbers of former Toronto Blue Jays players Roberto Alomar (12) and Roy Halladay (32), along with the retired number of Jackie Robinson (42), were inscribed above the venue's press box for the 2020 season. In addition, the number of former Toronto Blue Jays player Tony Fernández (1) was inscribed on the venue's outfield fence to honor his recent passing.[214]

Transportation access

[edit]
A view of the venue from Buffalo–Exchange Street station, November 2021

Sahlen Field is located at the Elm Street exit (Exit 6) of Interstate 190, and within one mile of both the Oak Street exit of Route 33 and the Seneca Street exit of Route 5.[215]

A 816-space Allpro parking ramp is located behind right field on Exchange Street, and a pedestrian bridge over Washington Street connects it with a 457-space Allpro parking garage under the Seneca One Tower complex.[216][217] The Allpro parking garage provides a charging station.[218]

The venue is publicly served by Seneca Station of Buffalo Metro Rail, located one block West of the venue on Main Street.[219] It is also served by Buffalo–Exchange Street station of Amtrak, located directly across from the venue on Exchange Street.[220]

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority maintains the Washington & Seneca bus stop located directly outside the venue's Seneca Street entrance, providing local service on Route 8 between downtown Buffalo and University Station.[221] Buffalo Metropolitan Transportation Center is located two blocks North of the venue on Ellicott Street and provides intercity bus service.[222]

Reddy Bikeshare maintains an automated station at the corner of Washington Street and Swan Street.[223]

Climate

[edit]
Sahlen Field
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
3.2
 
 
31
19
 
 
2.5
 
 
33
19
 
 
2.9
 
 
42
26
 
 
3
 
 
55
37
 
 
3.5
 
 
67
47
 
 
3.7
 
 
75
57
 
 
3.2
 
 
80
62
 
 
3.3
 
 
78
61
 
 
3.9
 
 
71
53
 
 
3.5
 
 
59
43
 
 
4
 
 
48
34
 
 
3.9
 
 
36
24
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches
Source: [224]
Metric conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
81
 
 
0
−8
 
 
63
 
 
1
−7
 
 
73
 
 
6
−3
 
 
76
 
 
13
3
 
 
88
 
 
19
9
 
 
93
 
 
24
14
 
 
82
 
 
27
17
 
 
83
 
 
26
16
 
 
99
 
 
22
12
 
 
89
 
 
15
6
 
 
102
 
 
9
1
 
 
99
 
 
2
−4
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█ Precipitation totals in mm

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[edit]
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General

Further reading

[edit]
  • Overfield, Joseph M. The Seasons of Buffalo Baseball 1857-2020 (Billoni Associates Publishing, 2020). ISBN 9780578757049
  • Rich, Bob. The Right Angle: Tales from a Sporting Life (Prometheus Books, 2011). ISBN 9781616144289
  • Violanti, Anthony. Miracle in Buffalo: How the Dream of Baseball Revived a City (St. Martin's Press, 1991). ISBN 9780312048785
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sahlen Field.
Events and tenants
Preceded by Home of the
Buffalo Bisons
1988 – 2019
2021 – present 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Host of the
Old-Timers Baseball Classic
1988 – 1990 		Succeeded by
Final event
Preceded by
Inaugural event
Spring Mobile Ballpark
 Host of the
Triple-A All-Star Game
1988
2012 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Inaugural event
 Host of
StarGaze
1992 – 1993 		Succeeded by
Preceded by World University Games venue
1993 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Inaugural
 Home of the
Buffalo Nighthawks
1998 		Succeeded by
Final
Preceded by
Inaugural
 Home of the
Buffalo Bulls
2000 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Inaugural event
Highmark Stadium
 Host of the
National Buffalo Wing Festival
2002 – 2019
2025 – present 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Home of the
Toronto Blue Jays
2020
2021 		Succeeded by
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