Buffalo Bisons Overview

Fast facts

League: International League

Head Coach: Casey Candaele

Team Mascot: Buster T. Bison, Belle the Ballpark Diva, Chip the Bison

Year Opened: 1988

Capacity: 16600

City / State: Buffalo / New York

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Thruway Cup

Rival Team: Rochester Red Wings and Syracuse Chiefs

The Thruway Cup is awarded each year to the winner of the three-way rivalry between the Buffalo Bisons, Rochester Red Wings, and Syracuse Chiefs. The rivalry dates back to 1998, and each year the team with the best record against their fellow New York-based International League rivals takes home the trophy. You won’t want to miss it when the Red Wings or Chiefs come to Buffalo, so make sure to get your tickets to these important rivalry games.

Buffalo Bisons Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Buffalo fans know how to tailgate and party with the best of them meaning you’ll be in for a good time when attending a Bisons baseball game. The tailgate scene here may be subdued compared to what you’ll find at Bills games, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have a great time hanging out with Bisons fans before the game.

One thing that makes tailgating at Bisons games a bit more relaxed is the fact that rather than having one large parking lot there are several smaller ones owned by private companies. The small lots keep the wild tailgating down a bit, but you’ll still have a good time grilling out where it’s permitted.

Those of you looking to hit up the bars though will be in luck as there are plenty of places to grab a drink near Sahlen Field including the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery. The Pearl Street Grill & Brewery is quite popular among Buffalonians and is an excellent place to down a few drinks with friends before the game.

Finally, no trip to a sporting event in Buffalo is complete without having some Buffalo wings. Take some time before or after the game to grab some wings to get the full Buffalo game day experience.

Pre-gaming before a Bisons game is a fun time for any baseball or sports fan, so come out early and get the most out of your visit to Sahlen Field.

Traditions

Jimmy Griffin Statue

Take a picture with the statue of former Buffalo Mayor Jimmy Griffin outside Sahlen Field. Griffin was a huge baseball fan and did a lot to help support the game in the city. The statue is an excellent way to honor him, so don’t miss it during your trip to Buffalo.

Where to tailgate

Buffalo Bisons Stadium Guide

In Game

Baseball fans in the Buffalo area won’t want to miss the opportunity to take in a game at Sahlen Field. A Bisons game is home to a fun in-game experience that fans of all ages will enjoy as it features great on the field action, entertaining mascots, and lots to see.

When taking in a Bisons game, you’ll be able to see the stars of tomorrow take the field. The Bisons are the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays giving you the excellent opportunity to see some of the young up and coming players from the nearest Major League team take the field. If you’re a big baseball fan and follow prospects closely, then you’ll love seeing the young players here in Buffalo.

The players aren’t the only ones on the field who produce memorable moments. The mascots at Bisons games are among the best in the business. Whether you’re watching Chicken Wing, Atomic Wing, Blue Cheese, and Celery square off in the mascot race or Buster, Chip, and Belle, the Bisons mascots will keep you well entertained throughout the game.

Additionally, take advantage of the numerous party areas and beer options when taking in a game at Sahlen Field. The beer selections here are diverse, and the prices are much lower than at Major League parks making a Bisons game a great time to enjoy food and drinks while taking in a game.

Lastly, no baseball fan in the Buffalo area can come to a game at Sahlen Field without taking some time to check out the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is home to a wide assortment of memorabilia from Buffalo’s baseball history, so make sure to take it all in when visiting.

If you’re a baseball fan in the Buffalo area, then you can’t beat taking in a game at Sahlen Field so get your tickets today.

Things to check out

Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame

Located in Section 107, the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame is a must-see for anyone visiting Coca-Cola Field. The Hall of Fame celebrates the history of professional baseball in Western New York and honors all of the best players in Bisons history.

BisonsTV HD Board

The BisonsTV HD Board is the third largest video board and the widest video board in Minor League Baseball. You won’t miss any of the action thanks to the BisonsTV HD Board, so enjoy the crystal clear replays it provides.

play Watch video

Consumers Craft Beer Corner

Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss the Consumers Craft Beer Corner. Here you’ll be able to get several great tasting craft beers, which are an especially great deal during the fridaynighbash! Happy Hour.

Bully Hill Party Deck

If you’re taking a group of 25 or more to the game, then make sure to reserve a spot in the Bully Hill Party Deck. The Bully Hill Party Deck offers you a unique view of the action as well as two hours of food service and two and a half hours of beverage service.

Labatt Blue Zone

Those of you looking for a group patio experience will want to reserve a spot in the Labatt Blue Zone. Located down the first baseline, the Labatt Blue Zone is an excellent place to entertain friends, family, and other large groups.

Centerfield Pavilion

Catch batting practice and enjoy a pre-game meal from the Centerfield Pavilion. The Centerfield Pavilion accommodates groups of 25 or more and offers three all you can eat buffet options making it the perfect pregame destination for a large group.

Mascot Race

The Buffalo Bisons mascot race is chicken wing-themed and pits Chicken Wing, Atomic Wing, Blue Cheese, and Celery against each other. The race is a can’t miss part of any Bisons game, so enjoy the race and root on your favorite mascot to victory.

Buster T. Bison, Chip, and Belle

Buster T. Bison, Chip, and Belle are the Bisons mascots and are a big part of any Buffalo Bisons game. The mascots here get into all kinds of antics, and Buster and Belle even got married at a game in 2007, so don’t miss these lovable mascots when attending a Bisons game.

Beer Vendors

At Bisons games, the beer vendors don’t just sell beer they entertain the crowd as well. Buffalo Bisons games feature several well-known beer vendors including Conehead and Earl the Bud making each beer sale a must-see.

Fight Songs

  1. Stampede

Buffalo Bisons Bars & Restaurants

  1. Buffalo Chophouse

    Buffalo Chophouse

    Top-shelf steakhouse with elegant yet quirky decor, from velvet banquettes to dog paintings.

    282 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-842-6900

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  2. Charlie the Butcher’s Express

    Charlie the Butchers Express

    Renowned beef sandwiches & other carved meats served in the lobby of the Ellicott Square Building.

    Ellicott Square Building, 295 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-855-8646

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Chef’s Restaurant

    Chefs Restaurant

    Destination for hearty Italian comfort food & desserts welcoming families & friends since 1923.

    291 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA

    716-856-9187

    Bar website

    italian

  4. Buffalo RiverWorks

    Buffalo RiverWorks

    Massive waterfront complex for skating, hockey, curling & concerts with dining, bars & concessions.

    359 Ganson St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-342-2292

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Washington Square Bar and Grill

    Washington Square Bar and Grill

    Family-owned mainstay serving up standard American plates & cocktails in a down-to-earth atmosphere.

    295 Washington St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-849-0619

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Soho Burger Bar

    Soho Burger Bar

    High-energy hangout with 3 bars & 2 patios features signature burgers & happy-hour specials.

    64 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-856-SOHO (7646)

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill

    Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill

    Relaxed watering hole with sports on TV & casual American classics in laid-back surroundings.

    189 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-240-9392

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  8. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

    Dinosaur Bar B Que

    Barbecue chain serving Southern-style meats & draft brews in a retro setting (most have live music).

    301 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-880-1677

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  9. Bada Bing

    Bada Bing

    Sports bar & grill boasting a deep lineup of American grub & games showing on numerous TVs.

    42 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-853-2464

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  10. Pizza Plant Italian Pub

    Pizza Plant Italian Pub

    Stuffed pizzas & eclectic bar food join craft beers in a warm space with vintage design details.

    125 Main St #110, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-632-0800

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  11. Swannie House

    Swannie House

    This tavern is a local favorite for its Irish charm, light-hearted atmosphere, delicious array of food, and reasonable prices.

    170 Ohio St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-847-2898

    Bar website

    european - $$

  12. 716 Food and Sport

    Food and Sport

    Laid-back hangout with a huge projection screen & many TVs, plus burgers, poutines & beer.

    7 Scott St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-855-4716

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  13. Pearl Street Grill & Brewery

    Pearl Street Grill and Brewery

    Historic 4-level warehouse for bar-&-grill fare, billiards & sports on TV with house brews in hand.

    76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-856-2337

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  14. Cobblestone

    Cobblestone

    Arena crowds fill this watering hole on event nights for drinks, basic bar food & weekend DJs.

    130 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-848-1930

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Lockhouse Distillery

    Lockhouse Distillery

    Lockhouse Distillery is the first distillery to operate in Buffalo, N.Y. since prohibition.

    41 Columbia St, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA

    716-768-4898

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Ballyhoo

    Ballyhoo

    Cheery, old-fashioned tavern known for refined cocktails, housemade sausages & rotating craft beers.

    211 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA

    716-240-9901

    Bar website

    american - $

  17. Union Pub

    Irish Times

    Unassuming watering hole serving typical Irish & American pub fare, plus beer, wine & cocktails.

    38 Swan St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-854-2199

    Bar website

    european - $