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 Bisons or Chiefs come to Rochester, so make sure to get your tickets to these important rivalry games.
Rochester Red Wings Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
You won’t find a lot of traditional tailgating surrounding Red Wings games. However, for select games, the Red Wings host a Pre-Game Happy Hour that is home to just about everything you could want in a tailgate. The Pre-Game Happy Hour is home to $2 beers, live music, and tailgate games, so if you’ve ever wanted to tailgate at a Red Wings game, then these games are your chance to do so.
While there isn’t a lot of traditional tailgating around Frontier Field, you will be able to stop by several nearby bars in downtown Rochester. Bar hopping is a fun activity for those of you who want to drink before a Red Wings game, so arrive early and get the most out of your pregame experience.
In addition to bar hopping, make sure to check out all the Red Wings tributes to important players and administrators. The Red Wings have statues celebrating longtime owner Morrie Silver as well as player and manager Joe Altobelli. You also won’t want to miss the banners celebrating Red Wings greats hanging from the light poles in the parking lots.
You’ll find plenty to see and do outside Frontier Field before the game, so take advantage of everything downtown Rochester and Frontier Field have to offer.
Joe Altobelli not only played for the Red Wings he also served as a coach, manager, general manager, and broadcaster for the team. Take a moment before the game to stop by the statue and snap a picture with the legendary Red Wing.
Morrie Silver was pivotal in saving professional baseball in Rochester in the 1950s, so make sure to stop by and snap a picture with the statue of him before the game.
Hanging from the light poles outside the stadium are banners celebrating all of the greatest players in Red Wings history. Walk around the outside of the park to see all the players honored during your next visit to Frontier Field.
Where to tailgate
Pre-Game Happy HourTake advantage of Pre-Game Happy Hour at select Red Wings games that feature $2 beers, live music, and tailgate games. If you want to experience Red Wings tailgating at its best, then make sure to attend a Red Wings game that features a Pre-Game Happy Hour.
Rochester Red Wings Stadium Guide
In Game
The Rochester Red Wings have existed for over a century, and as a result, there is a lot of passion and tradition to be found at Frontier Field. The fans in Rochester love the game and people come out in droves to support the Red Wings meaning you’ll usually find a large crowd when attending a game at Frontier Field.
One of the best parts of attending a Red Wings game is the music of longtime organist Fred Castello. Castello has been the Red Wings organist since the 1970s and is a big part of what makes attending a Red Wings game such a memorable experience.
In addition to enjoying Castello’s musical stylings, you’ll also find lots to see at Frontier Park. The stadium is home to several statues including a horse made out of baseball gloves known as “Horsehide” as well as a few hall of fames including the Red Wings Hall of Fame and Frontier Field Walk of Fame. Arrive to the park early to see everything Frontier Field has to offer.
Finally, those of you who are big baseball fans will enjoy watching some of the game’s future stars take the field. The Red Wings are the Minnesota Twins Triple-A affiliate currently and have seen many great players come through town over the years including Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Cal Ripken Jr.
Frontier Field is home to one of the best experiences in Triple-A, so start planning your trip to Rochester today.
Located right inside the main gate is a horse made out of old baseball gloves. Stop by and get a picture with the unique sculpture during your trip to Frontier Field.
The Red Wings Hall of Fame is a must-see for any baseball fan as it honors some of the best players in baseball history. Members of the Red Wings Hall of Fame include Joe Altobelli, Bobby Grich, and Estel Crabtree. Stop by the Hall of Fame and learn all about the best players, coaches, and administrators in Red Wings history.
The Frontier Field Walk of Fame is home to bricks honoring the members of the Rochester Sports Walk of Fame as well as bricks of fans who have supported Rochester Sports. Take some time before the game to see the bricks dedicated to the members of the Walk of Fame as well as the fans.
The Red Wings bird statue presents an excellent photo opportunity, so take a photo with the statue during your visit to Frontier Field. Kids especially will love it making it a can’t miss part of taking in a game at Frontier Field.
The Red Wings hold autograph sessions on the concourse before the game making it easy for you to get player autographs when attending a Red Wings game. Stop by the autograph session and secure a signature from whoever is signing at the game.
If you’re looking to get a souvenir during your trip to a Rochester Red Wings game, then the Red Wings Team Store is just the place to do so. No matter what kind of Red Wings gear you’re in the market for you’ll likely find it at the Red Wings Team Store.
Those of you who want to grab a bite to eat without missing any of the action on the field will find exactly what you’re looking for at the Hardball Cafe. Here you’ll have an excellent view of the field while eating and drinking to your heart’s content.
Fred Costello is one of the best organists in Minor League Baseball and one of the best parts of any Red Wings game. Fred keeps the fans entertained before the game and between innings, so enjoy his performance during your visit to Frontier Field.
If you enjoy mascots, then you won’t want to miss Mitsy and Spike. These two birds get into all kinds of shenanigans throughout the game making them a memorable part of any Red Wings game.
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