Take me out to the ballgame

Its finally here! Spring has arrived and the temperatures are starting to rise. Buffalo Bisons Baseball kicks off today! Make sure to come to a game {or two} this season. Check out the Bisons schedule, promotions and offers at bisons.com.

One of the more affordable places to enjoy a sporting event in town is at Coca-Cola Field.

-B

{Women Who Move the City} Lindsay Carucci from Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission

I've had the pleasure of knowing today's Woman Who Moves Buffalo from a few years ago. Lindsay Carucci, is a talented, smart, outgoing person who moves Buffalo in the right direction everyday not only in her passion for the Buffalo area, but in her everyday career as the Sports Service Manager at the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commision. I only find it appropriate to share her story as the NCAA Tournaments begin in Buffalo tomorrow. Check out the interview below.

BP: How many times has Buffalo hosted an NCAA Tournament?

LC: This will be the 5^th time Buffalo has hosted.

BP: What does it do for the local economy?

LC: It impacts local hotels, restaurants and attractions in so many ways. This creates new revenues, and allows the city to shine. Buffalo is known for welcoming visitors with open arms, and this translates to all local entities and their employees.

BP: How many teams will be in town for the tournament and how many people from out of town do you expect to visit the WNY area?

LC: There will be 8 teams in town, we expect about 12,000 visitors.

BP: Can people purchase tickets to attend a game or games?

LC: Tickets are for sale here: http://www.ncaa.com/final-four#!tickets_hospitality

BP: If people want to volunteer or be involved who can they contact?

LC: Me! Lindsay Carucci – sport services manager, Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission 716-218-2932, Carucci@buffalosportscommission.com

BP: A brief summary of your position and what you like best about it?

LC: Sport Services Manager – once an amateur sporting event chooses Buffalo as their venue, our office assists with finding somewhere to play, hotels to stay in, restaurants to eat in, and attractions to visit. We serve on Local Organizing committees for the events to help get the correct mediums involved to assure the event is a success, and they want to return to the area. We can solicit sponsorships, coordinate volunteers, and do whatever comes up to assure the sporting event is a success.

BP: What do you like best about Buffalo?

LC: Easily, it’s the people. Working with local entities and seeing how excited they are to have large scale (and small scale) events here, as well as seeing how they bend over backwards to make things happen is always a pleasant surprise. There is no question that we are a sports town. We have some pretty unique facilities that are willing to host events, and everyone understands the bigger picture when it comes to hosting these events and showcasing our city well. I love seeing a city come together, and seeing the pride that Buffalonians have for their city.

BP: Do you have a favorite business or place to go in town?

LC: I think my top two are SoHo Burger Bar and Osteria 166. Their owners always seem to go above and beyond for the city, and as a “local” gal, I always feel more than welcome in those restaurants.

BP:  What is a favorite quote you may have?

LC: I like the quote on the sign in Dino BBQ that says “Help Build a Better Buffalo” because that’s what I try to do every day in whatever small ways I can.

BP: If you could be a part of one thing in Buffalo  or create one thing in town what would it be?

LC: I like the progress that is being made at our water front, and I would like to play a larger role in developing that area, and allowing other folks to see what a beautiful space it is, and how much potential it has.

Here are the teams coming to town: Syracuse, Ohio State University, Villanova, St. Joseph’s University, Dayton, UCONN, Western Michigan, Milwaukee

If you'd like to keep up to date on the NCAA tournament and all that the Sports Commission is doing in Buffalo check out their website here. Follow them on twitter and facebook . And use the #buffhoops when tweeting this week!

If you'd like to volunteer at any of the NCAA games contact Lindsay at: 716-218-2932, Carucci@buffalosportscommission.com & if you need or would like tickets go here.

 Thank you Lindsay for letting me share your story and for believing in Buffalo. xo

Photo courtesy of Visit Buffalo Niagara

-B

{Women Who Move Buffalo} Queen City Roller Girls

Queen City Roller Girls began in 2006 by two best friends who were inspired by the A&E series “Rollergirls.” Sissy Fit and Flotorious built the group from the ground up. Rainbow Rink in North Tonawanda was receptive to their efforts, allowing them to recruit at open skate and eventually hold private practices. Since the beginning, the mission of Queen City Roller Girls was to make a group where women can live out that alter ego, continue playing sports into adulthood (or discover the joys of training and competition for the first time) as well as make lasting friendships and improve the surrounding community.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet several strong, intelligent and athletic women from the Queen City Roller Girls. Head Huntress (from Suicidal Sauces and Lake Effect Furies), Ivana LeiHerOut (from Nickel City Knockouts and Lake Effect Furies), Blackrock Bruiser (from Devil Dollies and Lake Effect Furies), Brutali-Tease (from Devil Dollies), Bang GRRrang (from Alley Kats), Kryptonfite (from Alley Kats) and Toxic.

These women amaze me! Most of them joined or got involved after attending a game and seeing first hand what roller derby is all about. The Queen City Roller Girls is a full contact sport that women can play. Its mentally empowering, fun and encourages you to be yourself. There are no limitations and its a sport that offers women to express themselves. Their are over 150 members to date and anyone can join as long as you have health insurance.

Not only do these women volunteer their time, they also train multiple times (3-4 times) during the week, volunteer in the community, host fundraisers to try and cover the cost of their equipment and travel expenses because that is paid for out of pocket by themselves and all while going about a normal life -with full time jobs and families. Coaches and referees also volunteer their time as well.

People think this is "sensationalized" and not real, but its all to real! These women train hard and put in a lot of time and effort. When I sat down and met with this group I went in not knowing a lot about the sport of roller derby. I've heard of the Queen City Roller Girls, but had never attended a game, I didn't realize it was a volunteer commitment and didn't know they have a travel team, multiple home teams, a junior league and a queens court {ladies in waiting}. There is so much more to this sport than people know.

The best part is these women love this area, if they didn't they wouldn't put in all this effort. They love the culture in the area, the eclecticism and the weather. They also enjoy participating in events that encourage young women and boost their self esteem.

If you've never been to a bout before you can check them out this Saturday {February 22} at Rainbow Rink {101 Oliver St. North Tonawanda}. Enjoy food and beverages while you're there. For tickets click here.

For more information or to be a sponsor follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or their website.

{ I can't wait to attend their bout on April 5! }

"It was love at first skate"

-B

My Snowboarding Adventure #BuffaloStyle

One thing I've wanted to do was learn to snowboard so over the weekend my friend Annette {a veteran snowboarder} and I went to Holiday Valley. I have never had any experience in any winter sports, the most I've ever done was gone tubing, so I was all sorts of emotions, anxious, nervous, scared, excited - you get the point. We started off making a pit stop at EBC {Ellicottville Brewing Company} to "warm" up - meaning have a drink or so in me, so I wasn't so tense.

{ The Blueberry beer is my favorite their }

Then it was onto the slopes. We arrived at Holiday Valley around 4pm and purchased the night time pass for $33. Then a friendly gentleman {employee} showed us to where we could get our rental equipment. We both got boots and boards for $26.

Next it was on to the lesson...

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After that short five minute lesson we stopped to take some photos {its all about the documentation} and then it was on to the bunny hill.

{All ready to go}

Once we got on the ski lift, {I don't know how Annette didn't push me off} I must have panted and rambled and almost cried the whole way up the slope, I was so scared { I don't like heights as it is so this was a huge step for me}. Once we got to the top I fell {LOL} off. The first time down it took about 45 minutes and then the second time it took around 30 minutes. I fell, but got back up and I did have some moments where I had the hang of it, it was just when I felt like I was going to fast or thought I would hit a tree that I plopped back down.

{ We took a photo break on our second time down the bunny hill }

{ Its a little blurry, but believe it or not that's me! }

{ Go Bills }

{ We took a drinking and eating break inside the lodge }

{ Live music from Jay Mcdonell }

After our little break I was ready to sit by the fire and relax, but Annette convinced me to try the big hill, so here we went out into the much lower temperatures and up the big slope. Once to the top - I chickened out {LOL} I was tired, it was a much longer way down and it was a lot colder, I took the ski lift back down where Annette {who snowboarded down} was waiting for me. While I went back into the lodge to warm up, the friendly gentleman who showed us to the rental equipment earlier in the day came up and asked how my first time riding was and also asked if I lost my friend.

The staff was very friendly and the fact that, that employee came up and asked how my first experience was, made it even better. Its because of that extra effort he made that will make me want to come back again. While I am no pro I was happy that I faced a fear and accomplished something on my bucket list, all while doing it with one of my closest friends by my side. It's definitely a memory I will always remember and I can't wait to get back on the slopes {after my butt heals from all the falling}. Oh and the other nice thing- I got multiple compliments on my Buffalo Bills hat! ;)

{ Me running off the ski lift }

{ Photo credit by Annette }

{The end}

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Don't let fear stop you from trying new things, you only have one life, so make the most of it!

-B

Super Bowl Foods

With the Super Bowl this Sunday I thought I would post my top picks for what I will be snacking on {I hope Morgan isn't reading this post today!}

1. Guacomole - its easy to make and is one of the "healthier" options

2. Pizza! My favorite is cheese and banana peppers! Yum! Did you know delivery sales of pizza spike the most during close Super Bowl games - just a little fun fact thanks to {http://pizza.com/fun-facts}

3. Chicken Wings! If you're from Buffalo and aren't eating chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday than I'd like to meet you!

4. Soft pretzels {with little to no salt} and cheese.

5. Beer and for you whiskey drinkers {Jack Daniels}

What are some of your must have food and drink items to have during the Super Bowl? Whatever you're doing for the big game, be safe, don't drink and drive and have fun!

Go Broncos!

-B

Welcome Back

I can finally say I am excited to watch hockey again. Finally, the Buffalo Sabres made a change and brought excitement back (at least for me). Ted Nolan and my favorite player of all time Pat La La La Lafontaine!

I can't wait to see what the future holds and what these two powerhouse men do for the future of the organization. One things for sure, I can't wait to watch the game tomorrow night at home against Toronto. I know things won't change over night, but I think this is a step in the right direction. The team will learn what it means to play with heart and emotion with Nolan behind the bench.

Props to the Sabres Organization for making a change and one I'm excited about.

What do you think of the news?

-B

Home Opener

Monday's used to never bother me. Its the beginning of the work week, you can start fresh, set new goals, etc. but when the Bills lose it makes it a little harder to get going. The best thing we can do is be hopeful that next week's game will be better. Yesterday was the home opener at the Ralph and while it wasn't a blow out game like some may have thought, it still sucks to start the season out with a loss. Below is a recap of the game through some pictures I took.

Enjoy your Monday!

-B

{ A pre game photo collage }

{ A little sunshine }

{ People flying in }

{ Packed house }

{ Via Buffalo Bills on Instagram }

Bills Training Camp

Its getting close to one of my favorite times of the year } Football Season! Yesterday, I stopped by St. John Fisher to check out the Bills practice...September 8 can't come soon enough! {Go Bills!}

-B

{Some of the players signing autographs after practice }

{ Buffalo Bills 2013 Schedule }

Golf Tournaments

One of my favorite type of events are golf tournaments, just for the pure fact that they are one of the easiest events to run in my opinion. The golf runs itself and really all you need to take care of are any contests, auctions, check out and registration. One of my favorite things about events in general is to see the end result and all the hard work you put in to make that day the best that you can for everyone in attendance. Below are some pictures of the golf tournament I had been a part of yesterday at Transit Valley Country Club. I can not thank the staff that helped with this event enough, without them it wouldn't have gone as smoothly as it did. xo

-B

{The carts are all lined up and ready to go }

{ Fore the Children Golf Tournament }

{ A variety of auction items throughout the Country Club }

At the BallPark

Nothing beats a nice summer day, like a day at the ballpark. Mascot races, friends, sunshine, hotdogs and your baseball mitt. Going to a Buffalo Bisons Baseball game is probably one of the best things you can do this summer, tickets are cheap and its a fun time out.

-B

The Draft Festivities at RWS

The NFL Draft was this past week and I had the opportunity to kick off the festivities at Ralph Wilson Stadium with my gal Lacey. While I attended a draft party a few years back, it was held in the Field House the last time I went and I thought the layout was better than this past year. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed walking through the Jim Kelly Club and getting to walk on the field and see the locker room, but the layout was a little "off" and it seemed to appear that no one (including the staff) were aware that the event was taking place outside. It felt like I was at a home game in the month of December. In the future if the Buffalo Bills Organization would like to hire me as there event planner for events like these I would be very, very happy to offer my services (hint, hint). Overall, Lacey and I made the best of it and had fun and in the end that's all that mattered. I'm looking forward to football season. Here's to hoping for a great upcoming season. Go Bills!!

-B

Draft Day

 

Happy NFL Draft Day!!! Tonight the Buffalo Bills are hosting a Draft Party at the Field House. Its been a couple years since I last attended this Draft Party, since then the Bills Organization has added more to the festivities and I am looking forward to checking things out. GO BILLS!!

-B

Let's Go Buffalo! Blue & Gold

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the Buffalo Sabres game vs. the Boston Bruins with my Dad. The game was held at the First Niagara Center (FNC) which is located in downtown Buffalo.

While the Sabres lost the night we attended, it was nice to have the opportunity to sit in the 200 Level where we could order food and drink from our seats if we didn't want to go to the stands. It was a nice "luxury" to have for one night, since a majority of the time I am sitting in the "nosebleeds" 300 level section.

The FNC venue was formerly known as HSBC Arena, until the bank was bought out by First Niagara a year ago.

Did you know?!? The venue has been open since September of 1996 and since that time has hosted over 11 million people for a variety of entertainment and sporting events.

FNC is not only home to the Buffalo Sabres, but also another Buffalo sports team the Buffalo Bandits. The venue offers guests with the opportunity to have private functions held in a party suite. It also has a Sports Hall of Fame display located outside the Sabres Store and Sabretooth's (the Buffalo Sabres mascot) house, a fun place to take the kids before, in-between periods, or after games. To receive more information on these features, click here.

Right now if you make your way down to the FNC you will notice construction taking place. In efforts to revitalize the City of Buffalo's Waterfront, Terry Pegula, the Owner of the Buffalo Sabres, put a plan together for the Webster Block. Included in this project are two new ice rinks, a hotel, retail shops and restaurants. For more information or to stay up-to-date on the project you can follow it here: Harbor Center Development.

A tip of advice: If attending an event you may want to leave earlier than planned as parking can be difficult to find, also be prepared to wait after a game or concert if you parked in a parking ramp as traffic gets backed up. If you don't mind walking, finding a parking lot a couple blocks from the FNC is the best way to go. You'll get out faster, its cheaper, and you even sneak in some exercise.

While the Sabres and the Bandits haven't had the best seasons, maybe the revitalization down by Canalside will boost spirits not only for the fans and residents of Buffalo, but the professional athletes that play for our sports teams.Sometimes we all just need a fresh start and maybe this "project" is that step in the right direction.

-B

Happy Opening Day!

Nothing beats opening day of baseball season. Its a reminder that spring is here or for the WNYer's, a sign that spring is on the way. With the sun shining and the temperature rising to 50 degrees today, mother nature is being very nice to us. Head to Coca-Cola Field and catch the game. Starts at 2:05pm.

Go Buffalo!

-B

To see the full schedule for the 2013 season click here: Buffalo Bisons Baseball

Are you ready for some football?

Are you ready for some football?!? Superbowl Sunday is just a few days away and while the Buffalo Bills aren't playing in the game you can bet I'll still be watching along with the millions of other people. I'm indifferent to either team winning as I like both the Baltimore Ravens (I liked them more when they had former Buffalo Bill, Lee Evans on the team) and the 49ers.

More importantly I'm excited to see one of my favorite performers Beyonce perform during the Halftime Show. Earlier this month I entered in the Pepsi contest to try and get on the field for her performance, while that's not happening, the pictures I submitted may still be used during her performance which is still pretty cool.

While the main point of the Superbowl is watching the football game, we all gather at someones home or go out to a bar or restaurant to watch the game. Food is an important factor for this big event whether your staying low key or doing it up big. Below are some of the best Superbowl party foods to have for your party. Now let's just hope the game is fun and entertaining!

Top 5 Foods to have at your Superbowl Party

1. Chicken Wings (that's a given)
2. Chili
3. Pizza
4. Dips/Spreads (spinach dip, chicken wing dip, bread dip, cheese platters, crackers, etc)
5. Vegetables (for those watching what they eat)

-B

Welcome to BANDIT Land!

The Buffalo Bandits opened their season Saturday night to the Minnesota Swarm at the First Niagara Center, winning 13-12. With a crowd of 15,000 in attendance, you can bet the game was intense, the atmosphere fun, invigorating, and full of life. Bandits games are always a good time in my opinion. Tickets are affordable, the team is good, and the fans are diehards. You won't have a problem being entertained. If you haven't been to a lacrosse game, try and check one out this season. You won't be disappointed. To see the Buffalo Bandits full 2013 schedule go to www.bandits.com

-B

He Shoots, He Scores

 

A majority of people from Buffalo, I'd like to say, are some type of sports fan- whether it be football, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, or basketball. With the Buffalo Bills not having a great season, you can bet when the announcement was made earlier this week that hockey was back, us fans in Buffalo were estatic! Finally, something to look forward to during the rest of this winter season. But really, if you think about it, its more than us just watching or attending the games that we should be happy about. Having the season back brings life back into downtown Buffalo. Local bars, restaurants, and hotels felt the burden from not having the full hockey season. Now that both parties have negotiated, lets look forward to hearing RJ (Rick Jeanneret) call the games, and cheer on our Buffalo Sabres. Go Sabres!

-B

 

The Buffalo Sabres Organization is opening training camp up to the public next Monday (1/14/13) down at the First Niagara Center.

Individual game tickets go on sale next Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 10 a.m.

For more information on the Buffalo Sabres you can go to Sabres.com

The End of the Bills Season

Today as I was walking into Ralph Wilson Stadium with my Dad for the last time this season, I started to think of all the good memories I had at the games this year. I seriously couldn't ask for better fans in Section 126. The guys in that section are like a second family. No matter how bad the game is we still make it fun and enjoyable. The Bills were a major disappointment this year, but I seriously believe they have the best fans in the NFL. Whether our team is good or bad Buffaloians LOVE football and LOVE their Buffalo Bills. Over the next few days and months changes will be made at One Bills Drive and all of us fans are hoping that next year will be our year! GO BILLS!!! -B