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 Red Wings come to Syracuse, so make sure to get your tickets to these important rivalry games.
Syracuse Chiefs Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
You’ll want to arrive to NBT Bank Stadium early if you want to get the most out of your Syracuse Chiefs game day experience. The parking lots surrounding the Chiefs’ ballpark fill up early on game days as the people of Syracuse love to come out bright and early and tailgate before the game. Everywhere you look on gameday you’ll see fans dressed in red, white, and blue, so get to the stadium early and enjoy as much tailgating as possible before first pitch.
If you’re not into the parking lot tailgating thing, then feel free to stop by one of the nearby bars or restaurants. Those of you who want to experience something uniquely Syracuse will find what you’re looking for at Stella’s Diner. The one downside is that Stella’s closes early on Mondays through Wednesdays, so if you want to hit up Stella’s before the game, make sure to attend a weekend game.
Finally, before making your way into NBT Bank Stadium make sure to get a picture of the Welcome to Chiefsville sign and the ballpark tower. Both present excellent photo ops and make for nice keepsakes making them must-sees for any baseball fan.
Arrive early and make the most out of your tailgating experience when attending a Chiefs game at NBT Bank Stadium.
Snap a picture of the Welcome to Chiefsvile sign during your trip to NBT Bank Stadium. The sign does an excellent job of welcoming fans and helps create a festive atmosphere, so don’t miss it.
The round tower is one of the defining features of NBT Bank Stadium, so make sure to get a picture of it before heading into the ballpark for a fun game of Chiefs baseball.
Stadium LotsIf you’re looking to take part in the tailgating scene at a Chiefs game, then arrive early and secure a spot in the stadium lots. The lots here fill up quickly, so come out early and enjoy the fun and camaraderie of a Chiefs tailgate.
Stella’s Diner and Dinosaur Bar-B-QueThose of you who prefer the restaurant scene over traditional tailgating will want to check out either Stella’s Diner or Dinosaur Bar-B-Que before the game. Stella’s gives you the full Syracuse experience, while Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is where you’ll find more of a party atmosphere. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for you can’t go wrong grabbing a bite to eat before the game at Stella’s or Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.
Syracuse Chiefs Stadium Guide
In Game
A Syracuse Chiefs game is a great place to take in a baseball game if you’re in central New York especially if you’re taking the whole family. The Chiefs do an excellent job of providing family fun as not only is the park home to a Family Fun Park the team also runs several family-themed promotions throughout the season.
If you’re not looking for family entertainment, you’ll still have a fantastic time taking in a game at NBT Bank Stadium. At Chiefs game, you’ll not only get to see some future MLB stars you’ll also get to experience a fun minor league baseball experience. Diehard baseball fans especially will enjoy the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame and other tributes to some of the best players in Syracuse baseball history.
No matter what kind of baseball experience you’re looking for you’ll have a fun time taking in a game at NBT Bank Stadium where there is plenty to see and do for both kids and diehard baseball fans.
Diehard baseball fans won’t want to miss the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame. The Wall of Fame celebrates all of the baseball players, managers, and executives in Syracuse history making it a must-see.
Located in right field, the Family Fun Park is a great place to take restless kids before or during the game. The Family Fun Park is home to free games and activities, so don’t hesitate to check it out.
Pick up a souvenir from your trip to NBT Bank Stadium at The Whistlestop Souvenir Shop. No matter what kind of Chiefs merchandise you’re looking for you’ll find it here at the Whistlestop Souvenir Shop.
Those of you looking to hold a large gathering of 50 or more people will find the Hank Sauer Room to be just what you want. The Hank Sauer Room features large screen TVs and a full cocktail bar making it the perfect place to entertain guests.
Family Sundays are the perfect time to take the whole family out to a Chiefs game. Family Sundays offer free food for kids 12 and under and the opportunity for them to run the bases after the game. If you’re looking for some fun family entertainment, then you can't beat Family Sundays at NBT Bank Stadium.
Mascot enthusiasts will love attending a Chiefs game as they have not one, but two great mascots. Scooch and Pops perform all kinds of antics throughout the game, so don’t miss them during your visit to NBT Bank Stadium.
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