WEDNESDAY: The 28th Annual KeyBank Independence Eve Celebration with the BPO, Largest Fireworks Show of the Season
GET YOUR JULY 3RD TICKETS The great summer ballpark tradition is back and we are ready to celebrate you. The 28th Annual KeyBank Independence Eve Celebration is here as the Bisons host the Red Wings on Wednesday night with a 6:05 p.m. first pitch, ballpark gates opening at 4:30 p.m.
The great summer ballpark tradition is back and we are ready to celebrate you. The 28th Annual KeyBank Independence Eve Celebration is here as the Bisons host the Red Wings on Wednesday night with a 6:05 p.m. first pitch, ballpark gates opening at 4:30 p.m. and a fantastic postgame program with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and our Largest Fireworks Show of the Year! TICKETS
There's still time to get your tickets and get to Sahlen Field for this great event. Either order on line at Bisons.com or head to the Sahlen Field Box Office starting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning. The KeyBank Independence Eve Celebration features the best that America has to offer. Our national pastime played out between two great rivals. Then after the games, sit back and enjoy a great post game concert from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Of course, no KeyBank Independence Eve concert would be complete without several numbers to honor our brave servicemen and servicewomen. Check out all that's on tap for this year's event.
2024 BPO Concert Program
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has put together another amazing show for our July 3rd postgame concert. This year's set list includes patriotic tributes like American Salute, God Bless America, the Armed Forces Salute, 1812 Overture and Stars and Stripes as well as tributes to pop culture classics such as Thriller (with performance from 716 Dance Lab), The Natural, the Lion King, Star Wars, Olympic Fanfare and Margaritaville!
Check out the entire program here
Independence Eve Military Tributes
World War II veteran and 94-year old Buffalo-native Joe Synakowski will throw the Ceremonial First Pitch prior to the game on Wednesday night. Synakowski, who was just 15 years old in 1945, used his brother’s baptismal date of three years before his own birthdate in order to appear 18 years old and able to enter World War II. He would serve in Germany in the Army’s 508th Infantry Division.
During the Independence Eve Celebration game, the Bisons will also tell the story of PFC. Charles N. DeGlopper, a Grand Island-native and member of the 325 Glider Infantry Regiment who courageously gave his life days after the Normandy invasion to protect the rest of his platoon as they were encircled by Axis troops. DeGlopper, who will be represented at the game by family members, is the only Medal of Honor recipient from the storied 82nd Airborne Division as part of the Normandy Campaign. During the Bisons game, the team will be selling handheld American Flags for a $5 donation towards the making of a documentary film telling DeGlopper’s heroic story (cash will be accepted for donations).
Stars & Stripes Caps
The Bisons players will be wearing special Stars & Stripes Caps on the field during their game against the Rochester Red Wings. These caps will only be available for a limited time, so get yours at Wednesday event or online now in the Bisons.com Online Shop!
Postgame Fireworks
Of course, no KeyBank Independence Eve Celebration is complete without the team's Largest Fireworks Show of the Season. As the BPO finishes their concert, we light up the skies an amazing show over Sahlen Field. Our great partner SkyLighters Fireworks of Buffalo is ready to dazzle and amaze you to close out the night!