Buffalo Bisons Promotional Calendar

The Buffalo Bisons, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, today announced their promotional calendar for the 2009 season. With an extensive list of special events, promotions and giveaways throughout the summer, the Bisons plan to continue their strong tradition of providing the most affordable family entertainment value in Western New York.

The Bisons will open their 124th season of professional baseball on Thursday, April 9 against the Pawtucket Red Sox at Coca-Cola Field (3:05 p.m.).

“A ticket to a Bisons game has always represented the best sports and entertainment value in town,” said Mike Buczkowski, Bisons Vice President/General Manager. “Our lineup of fantastic events, giveaways and promotions will add unprecedented value to each and every visit to Coca-Cola Field.”



New Era in Bisons History Begins with Kids Week/8-Game Homestand

The 124th season of professional baseball in Buffalo will be a milestone year for the Bisons. The Herd returns to action after an exciting and eventful off-season that saw the team align with one of the premier franchises in all of sports: the New York Mets. The new-look Bisons will first take the Coca-Cola Field on Opening Day, Thursday, April 9 at 3:05 p.m. against the Pawtucket Red Sox. Game 2 will be the team’s first fridaynightbash!® of the season, sponsored by Seneca Gaming Corporation, with Post-Game Fireworks. The final six games of the first homestand will be Kids’ Week, presented by Anderson’s. All games will have 1:05 p.m. game starts, a special $6 ticket, food and merchandise discounts and special activities for kids.



WNY Tradition fridaynightbash!® Nights Return in 2009

A staple of every summer in Downtown Buffalo is the Bisons’ fridaynightbash!® series, presented by Seneca Gaming Corporation. The tradition continues in 2009 with 12 dates on the schedule, two more than the 2008 season. It all starts two hours before the game with a Plaza Party that features Food and Drink Discounts. Each pre game party also includes some great Live Music from local bands ranging from classic rock to modern pop. Zambelli Fireworks Internationale, world-famous for their work at Super Bowls and New Year’s Eve events, will provide the award-winning post game Fireworks Shows after every fridaynightbash!®.



The Independence Eve Tradition with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

A fridaynightbash!® like no other! Two great Bisons traditions collide for an unforgettable night in 2009. The 15th annual Independence Eve Celebration with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus and the Largest Fireworks Show of the Year, presented by KeyBank will be Friday, July 3 against the Rochester Red Wings (6:05 p.m.) More than a quarter of a million fans have taken in this great Western New York summer tradition since 1995.



Landmark Replica Series Debuts to Highlight Giveaway Schedule

The Bisons will once again present great giveaways to their fans throughout the season. In 2009, the team’s popular ballpark replica series will evolve into the Local Landmark Replica Series. This year’s edition will be a Crystal Beach Amusement Park Replica. A Darryl Strawberry Bobble Head, presented by NAPA Auto Parts, will be highlighted by an appearance of the World Series Champion and great Mets’ Slugger. A Catcher’s Backpack and Bisons Youth Jersey giveaways also highlight a long-list of great gifts the Bisons are offering their fans this season.



Bisons Magnetic Schedule Giveaway (12,000)(Opening Day, April 9 vs. Pawtucket, 3:05 p.m.)

Darryl Strawberry Giveaway, presented by NAPA Auto Parts (4,000)(May 23 vs. Columbus, 1:05 p.m.)

Bisons Reusable Bags, presented by Twin Village Recycling (3,000)(June 6 vs. Indianapolis, 7:05 p.m.)

Bisons Poster Night (3,000)(June 9 vs. Indianapolis, 7:05 p.m.)

Bisons Deck of Cards (3,000)(June 13 vs. Durham, 7:05 p.m.)

Bisons Growth Charts (5,000)(June 14 vs. Durham, 1:05 p.m.)

Youth Bisons Jerseys (3,000)(July 8 vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, 7:05 p.m.)

General Mills Buffalo Plant Team Photo and Autograph Day (3,000)(July 19 vs. Toledo, 1:05 p.m.)

Catcher’s Gear Backpack (3,000)(July 29 vs. Pawtucket, 7:05 p.m.)

Crystal Beach Amusement Park Replicas (4,000)(August 152 vs. Lehigh Valley, 7:05 p.m.)

Peter Pan Cap Night (4,000)(August 15 vs. Lehigh Valley, 7:05 p.m.)

Back to School Day with a Bisons Calculator Giveaway, presented by NYS 529 College Savings Program

(3,000)(September 1 vs. Rochester, 7:05 p.m.)



Festival Nights Return in 2009

The Bisons will continue their festival night series on Tuesday nights throughout the summer. Come out and celebrate your heritage on Irish Night (June 30 vs. Charlotte), Native American Night (July 7 vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, 7:05 p.m., sponsored by Seneca Gaming Corporation), Italian Night (July 28 vs. Pawtucket, 7:05 p.m.) and Polish Night (August 11 vs. Rochester, 7:05 p.m.) Come to the ballpark and enjoy all of your favorite ethnic food, music and entertainment at a pre-game Tent Party and throughout the game. Each festival night will end with an in-park Pyrotechnics Show.



The Skies Light Up Around Coca-Cola Field

With the combination of 12 fridaynightbash!® parties and four Festival Night events, the skies above Coca-Coal Field will be filled with several amazing displays of light and sound in 2009. The Bisons have also added a pyrotechnics show for Back to School Night, presented by NYS 529 College Savings Program on September 1 vs. Rochester. The Herd will have their second largest fireworks show of the season on September 2 for the traditional Fan Appreciation Night (vs. Scranton/WB, 7:05 p.m.). That means there will be 18 post game shows for the fans to enjoy this season.



Meet some Special Guests at the Ballpark in 2009

Special Guests will once again entertain fans at Coca-Cola Field all season long. Mr. Met, the loveable baseball-headed mascot of the New York Mets, is scheduled to make a pair of visits to Buffalo: Opening Day, April 9 and as part of Dick’s Sporting Goods Youth Baseball Day on June 7 against Indianapolis. Former National League World Series Champion Darryl Strawberry will be here for his bobble head day on May 23. Probably the most recognizable guest in all of sports, The Famous Chicken, returns on June 27 against Charlotte. On June 28, you can bring your own guest as the Bisons host Dog Day at the Ballpark.



Home Run Derby, Magic Night and Derby Day Complete Events Calendar

The Bisons will also feature several special events throughout the 2009 season. After an Easter Sunday Game on April 12, kick off your Dyngus Day celebrations on Monday, April 13 with a 1:05 p.m. first pitch. Go with a winner on Derby Day as the Bisons host Louisville on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, May 2. A special 2:05 p.m. matinee and pre-game BBQ Picnic is schedule on Memorial Day, Monday May 25.



The annual School Kids Day, presented by NYS 529 College Savings Program returns Monday, June 8 at 10:35 a.m. while FM Communications presents 100 Club of Buffalo Night on June 17. The Family Camp Out, presented by Tim Horton’s, will take place after the Bisons game on Friday, July 17 against Toledo. The team’s post game Bisons Home Run Derby will be on Saturday, July 18 and every home run hit will mean a great prize for someone in the ballpark.



You can Go Green! when the Bisons pass out reusable bags on June 6 against Indianapolis (7:05 p.m.), presented by Twin Village Recycling, Inc. Learn some great tips on how you can become more efficient at the home or office. On June 13, the Bisons will host Magic Night with free shows in the concourse throughout the game.



The Bisons will hold Fan Appreciation Night on Wednesday, September 2 (7:05 p.m.) with the second largest fireworks show of the season and great giveaways during every inning break. The Last Home Game of the Season will be played on Thursday, September 1 (1:05 p.m.) against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.



Daily Promotions Add Value to Every Game!

The Bisons will hold several daily promotions during the 2009 season, giving fans of all ages something to enjoy at Coca-Cola Field.



A Markdown Monday represents the best value at the ballpark. Tickets are just $7 for you to catch all the action of Bisons baseball. Once inside the park, fans can enjoy even greater deals with $1 popcorn, $1 ice cream cones, and merchandise discounts.



On Thursday day games, the Bisons will host Business Matinee Specials, as fans can enjoy some sun during the workweek and at the same time play baseball bingo. With the customary 1:05 p.m. first pitch, these games give fans a chance to take a break from their hectic schedules. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy the game while receiving updates on news headlines and financial information on the Bisons Video Board.



Friday is always the best night of the week and 2009 will be no different. The Bisons will host 12 fridaynightbash!® games this season, presented by Seneca Gaming Corporation. All fridaynightbash!® will be complete with pre game Plaza Parties with music and food and drink specials and post game Fireworks shows.



All Saturday games are Niagara University High School Saturdays. Students can purchase two tickets for only $12 if they show a valid high school ID at the Bisons Box Office.



Sunday Family Fun Days will feature on-field contests for kids both before and during each game. After each Sunday, all kids can Run the Bases to cap off a great afternoon at the ballpark.



Season tickets and ticket packages are now available at bisons.com or by calling THE-HERD (843-4373).



-herd-





Brad A. Bisbing

Director, Public Relations

Buffalo Bisons

Coca-Cola Field

One James D. Griffin Plaza

Buffalo, NY 14203

(716) 846-2019

bbisbing@bisons.com



Triple-A Affiliate of the New York Mets