Bisons unveil 2017 schedule & announce Phase 2 of ballpark seating project
There's always something to look forward to at the Coca-Cola Field, the beautiful downtown home of the Buffalo Bisons. And while Bisons fans enjoy the final seven action-packed games of the 2016 season, they can also begin marking their calendars for the start of the next season of fun at the ballpark.
Today, the Bisons announced their 2017 Playing Schedule for what will be the 30th season of Bisons Baseball at Coca-Cola Field. While the season is set to begin on Opening Day, Thursday, April 6 against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, preparations will begin shortly after the conclusion of this season with the installation of additional new and wider seats as part of Phase 2 of the Ballpark's Seating Replacement.
CLICK HERE to download the Bisons 2017 schedule.
"We've had such an amazing summer of baseball action and great weather at Coca-Cola Field that you can't help but be excited that the next Bisons season is just around the corner," said Mike Buczkowski, Vice President/General Manager. "We're already gearing up for the 30th season at the ballpark, and because of our great partnership with Mayor Brown and the City of Buffalo, those preparations can begin with the next phase of the seating replacement project."
"Every year, Bisons fans come out to Coca-Cola Field for a great time out with family and friends to enjoy America's pastime in downtown Buffalo," said Mayor Byron W. Brown. "As Phase 2 of the Seating project begins, the City remains committed to improving this popular destination, to ensure that baseball lovers can enjoy a fantastic game experience."
2017 Schedule Details
The 2017 Bisons schedule will feature 33 home dates on either a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, an increase of three from 2016 and nearly half (46%) of the team's 71-game home schedule. One Saturday that is always a must-attend is the team's annual Star Wars Night, with the milestone 10th edition of this ballpark tradition set for Saturday, June 3 against the Charlotte Knights.
Other ballpark traditions returning in 2017 include the annual School Kids Day on Thursday, June 1 against the Toledo Mud Hens, the 23rd Annual KeyBank Independence Eve Celebration on Monday, July 3 against the Syracuse Chiefs, Superhero Night on Saturday, August 19 vs. the Gwinnett Braves and the traditional Fan Appreciation Night on Thursday, August 31 the Pawtucket Red Sox.
Game times for the 2017 season will be released at a later date.
In 2017, the International League has reduced the number of games for all teams from 144 to 142. The two additional off days now in the schedule are in the first 30 days of the season.
Phase 2 of Seating Project
Phase 2 of the Coca-Cola Field Seating Project represents the installation of nearly 2,900 new, wider seats in the lower half of Sections 115, 117 and 119 on the 3B side of the ballpark and Sections 116, 118, 120 and 122 on the 1B side. The 22" seats, made by American Seating, will be identical to those installed in the special reserved section of the ballpark prior to the 2015 season.
For the 2017, Coca-Cola Field will now have a new overall capacity of 16,907 for Buffalo Bisons home games.
American Seating has set the standard for quality sports seating solutions. With installations dating back to the early 1900s in parks like Boston's Fenway Park and Chicago's Wrigley Field, their presence has expanded with a multitude of sports venues across the country. American Seating has also been used by the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Indians.
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