BfloGirlSports: Buffalo teams in January 2016

Buffalo Bills

• Sunday, January 3 – at home against the New York Jets  (1 p.m.)

Buffalo Sabres

credit: Wikimedia Commons

• Saturday, January 2 – at home against the Detroit Red Wings (1 p.m.)
• Tuesday, January 5 – at home against the Florida Panthers (7 p.m. ET)
• Friday, January 8 – on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks (8:30 p.m. ET)
• Sunday, January 10 – on the road against the Winnipeg Jets (3 p.m. ET)
• Tuesday, January 12 – on the road against the Minnesota Wild (8 p.m. ET)
• Friday, January 15 – at home against the Boston Bruins (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 16 – at home against the Washington Capitals (7 p.m.)
• Monday, January 18 – on the road against the Arizona Coyotes (9 p.m. ET)
• Wednesday, January 20 – on the road against the Colorado Avalanche (10 p.m. ET)
• Friday, January 22 – at home against the Red Wings (7 p.m.)
• Monday, January 25 – on the road against the New York Rangers (7 p.m.)
• Tuesday, January 26 – on the road against the Ottawa Senators (7:30 p.m.)

Buffalo Bandits

• Saturday, January 9 – at home against the Calgary Roughnecks (7:30 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 16 – on the road against the Colorado Mammoth (9 p.m. ET)
• Saturday, January 23 – at home against the Toronto Rock (7:30 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 30 – on the road against the New England Black Wolves (7 p.m.)

Niagara University Purple Eagles Ice Hockey

• Saturday and Sunday, January 2-3 – on the road against Sacred Heart (both games 7:05 p.m.)
• Friday, January 8 – on the road against Mercyhurst University (7:05 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 9 – at home against Mercyhurst (7:05 p.m.)
• Thursday and Saturday, January 14 and 16 – on the road against Canisius College (Thursday – 7:35 p.m., Saturday – 3:05 p.m.)
• Friday and Saturday, January 22-23 – on the road against the Air Force Academy (Friday – 9:05 p.m., Saturday – 7:05 p.m.)
• Friday and Saturday, January 29-30 – at home against Army (both games 7:05 p.m.)

Canisius College Golden Griffins Ice Hockey

• Saturday and Sunday, January 2-3 – on the road against AIC (Saturday – 7:05 p.m., Sunday – 3:05 p.m.)
• Friday and Saturday, January 8-9 – on the road against Rochester Institute of Technology (both games 7:05 p.m.)
• Thursday and Saturday, January 14 and 16 – at home against Niagara University (Thursday – 7:35 p.m., Saturday – 3:05 p.m.)
• Friday and Saturday, January 22-23 – on the road against Holy Cross (both games 7:05 p.m.)
• Friday and Saturday, January 29-30 – at home against Air Force (both games 7:35 p.m.)

UB Bulls Men’s Basketball

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/
Salvatore Vuono

• Tuesday, January 5 – at home against Akron (7 p.m.)
• Friday, January 8 – on the road against Kent State (7 p.m.)
• Tuesday, January 12 – on the road against Eastern Michigan (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 16 – at home against Central Michigan (3:30 p.m.)
• Tuesday, January 19 – on the road against Miami (Ohio) (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 23 – on the road against Western Michigan (4:30 p.m.)
• Tuesday, January 26 – at home against Ball State (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 30 – on the road against Toledo (7 p.m.)

UB Bulls Women’s Basketball

• Saturday, January 2 – on the road against Eastern Michigan (2:30 p.m.)
• Wednesday, January 6 – at home against Central Michigan (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 9 – on the road against Kent State (2 p.m.)
• Wednesday, January 13 – on the road against Ball State (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 16 – at home against Akron (1 p.m.)
• Wednesday, January 20 – at home against Western Michigan (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 23 – on the road against Miami (Ohio) (2 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 30 – on the road against Northern Illinois (TBA)

Niagara University Purple Eagles Men’s Basketball

• Monday, January 4 – on the road against Iona (7 p.m.)
• Thursday, January 7 – at home against Saint Peter’s (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 9 – at home against Manhattan (3 p.m.)
• Friday, January 15– on the road against Fairfield (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, January 17 – on the road against Manhattan (2 p.m.)
• Friday, January 22 – at home against Canisius (7 p.m.)
• Tuesday, January 26 – at home against Siena (7 p.m.)
• Thursday, January 28 – on the road against Marist (7:30 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 30 – on the road against Quinnipiac (2 p.m.)

Niagara University Purple Eagles Women’s Basketball

• Saturday, January 2 – at home against Siena (3 p.m.)
• Monday, January 4 – at home against Fairfield (7 p.m.)
• Friday, January 8 – on the road against Saint Peter’s (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, January 10 – on the road against Rider (2 p.m.)
• Friday, January 15 – at home against Quinnipiac (11 a.m.)
• Sunday, January 17 – at home against Saint Peter’s (2 p.m.)
• Thursday, January 21 – on the road against Iona (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 23 – on the road against Marist (7 p.m.)
• Thursday, January 28 – at home against Canisius (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 30 – at home against Iona (3 p.m.)

St. Bonaventure University Bonnies Men’s Basketball

• Saturday, January 2 – at home against Davidson (8 p.m.)
• Wednesday, January 6 – on the road against George Mason (8 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 9 – on the road against UMass (noon)
• Wednesday, January 13 – at home against Rhode Island (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 16 – on the road against Duquesne(6 p.m.)
• Tuesday, January 19 – at home against Dayton (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 23 – on the road against VCU (2:30 p.m.)
• Sunday, January 31 – at home against Richmond (1 p.m.)

St. Bonaventure University Bonnies Women’s Basketball

• Sunday, January 3 – on the road against Rhode Island (2 p.m.)
• Thursday, January 7 – at home against Fordham (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, January 10 – at home against UMass (5 p.m.)
• Wednesday, January 13 – on the road against Davidson (TBA)
• Saturday, January 16 – at home against George Mason (1 p.m.)
• Wednesday, January 20 – on the road against Dayton (TBA)
• Saturday, January 23 – on the road against Duquesne (7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, January 27 – at home against Saint Peter’s (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, January 31 – at home against Richmond (12:30 p.m.)

Canisius College Golden Griffins Men’s Basketball

• Saturday, January 2 – on the road against Marist (7 p.m.)
• Monday, January 4 – on the road against Monmouth (7 p.m.)
• Thursday, January 7 – at home against Manhattan (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, January 9 – at home against Saint Peter’s (2 p.m.)
• Tuesday, January 12 – on the road against Dartmouth (7 p.m.)
• Friday, January 15 – on the road against Manhattan (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, January 17 – on the road against Quinnipiac (2 p.m.)
• Friday, January 22 – on the road against Niagara (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, January 24 – at home against Siena (2 p.m.)
• Friday, January 29 – on the road against Fairfield (TBA)
• Sunday, January 31 –on the road against Rider (1 p.m.)

Canisius College Golden Griffins Women’s Basketball

• Saturday, January 2 – at home against Fairfield (2 p.m.)
• Monday, January 4 – at home against Siena (7 p.m.)
• Friday, January 8 – on the road against Quinnipiac (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, January 10 – on the road against Iona (2 p.m.)
• Friday, January 15 – at home against Saint Peter’s (11 a.m.)
• Sunday, January 17 – at home against Quinnipiac (2 p.m.)
• Friday, January 22 – on the road against Siena (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, January 24 – on the road against Fairfield (1 p.m.)
• Thursday, January 28 – on the road against Niagara (7 p.m.)

Five Things to do in January 2016

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/IceHawk33

A new year means new things to do – here are five things to check out in January.

Visit the Buffalo History Museum, located at One Museum Ct. in Buffalo, and check out a few of their exhibits including: Quilts: Techniques & Styles explores notable quilts and their stories (closes in January); Our Buffalo: A Photographic Retrospective of Buffalo during the 40s and 50s (closes January 10); the John R. Oishei Native American Gallery traces Buffalo-Niagara’s history through its first inhabitants; and Inside Tim Russert’s Office: If it’s Sunday, it’s “Meet the Press.” Learn more about these and other exhibits at www.buffalohistory.org.

Head north of the border for a little icewine at the 2016 Niagara Icewine Festival, celebrating 20 years of “liquid gold” with a variety of events at a number of locations in the Niagara Region of Ontario. Dates are Fridays through Sundays, January 15-17, 22-24 and 29-31. Get a full schedule of events and other details at the Icewine Festival’s website.

If beer is your beverage of choice, check out Buffalo on Tap at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, Franklin St. in downtown Buffalo. There are three sessions this year – 6-9 p.m. on Friday, January 15 and 1-4 and 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, January 16 – sample more than 100 beers from some of the country’s top craft breweries. A VIP ticket ($75) includes the VIP Hoppy Hour on Saturday beginning at noon (full session noon-4 p.m.), a meal from Santora’s, a Buffalo on Tap hoodie, exclusive samples and more; general admission tickets for each session are $35.

For some outdoor fun, check out the second annual Larkinville Ice Festival on Saturday, January 30 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be festivities at Larkin Square, The Filling Station, Hydraulic Hearth, Flying Bison, the Larkin Center of Commerce and Army-Navy Outfitters, including live music, crafts, outdoor yoga (“Snowga”) and other weather-permitting activities. Find a schedule and more information here.

Warm up the next day, Sunday, January 31, at Buffalo Soup Fest at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center – sample soups from more than 30 restaurants. Tickets for the event will be $5 at the door, and kids 5 and under are free with an adult – purchase soups with $1 “Soup Bucks.” Find more information, including times when posted, at www.buffalosoupfest.com. 

BfloGirlGeek: I find my lack of excitement disturbing…

I still remember the first time I saw Star Wars: I was at the drive-in with my mom and grandma, and I wasn’t there to see Star Wars (maybe a Herbie movie…?). But I was turned around in the back of the station wagon all night watching these space ships flying around, and while I couldn’t hear what was going on, I was a visually-stimulated 4-year-old at that moment, and that continued on for – yikes! –nearly 40 years now.

credit: imgur

Star Wars was special growing up: three movies in seven years, labeled Episodes IV, V and VI; obviously, I, II and III were inevitable, and – while they left something to be desired at times – they resparked the interest of the old fans and brought about a legion of new fans. Sequels, in the form of movies, weren’t really needed – the Expanded Universe (comics, cartoons, books and more) expanded on the stories quite well, giving fans a look back and a look ahead.

Then came Disney.

20+ years of writing and visualization in the Expanded Universe went out the window at Disney’s command – and there were some great stories in there (I really wanted to see Mara Jade in live action). Then they announced there would be six movies released in about five years, beginning with Episode 7 in December 2015. Six movies in 28 years versus six movies in five years = no longer “special.”

I really want to be excited for this, and part of me is – I want to see what this alternate Star Wars universe looks like compared to the old Expanded Universe. But that’s what it feels like right now – Star Wars meets Sliders (I loved that show): same world, similar characters, alternate universe. I feel like I’m going to see it just to get it over with.

I hope I’m wrong and it’s awesome – reviews have been literally out of this world amazing – but, to use a popular line from the original trilogy, “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.”

2015 Holiday Happenings: New Year’s Eve in Buffalo-Niagara

credit: Wikimedia Commons/parenting.leehanson

Whether you’re into music, food, large crowds or intimate gatherings, New Year’s Eve in the Buffalo-Niagara region has something for everyone: celebrate a new year in Niagara Falls, downtown Buffalo or the suburbs on Thursday, December 31.

Hard Rock Café New Year’s Eve Party – the Hard Rock Café Niagara Falls, located at 333 Prospect St., will feature the band Joyryde from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. – call 716-282-0007 for reservations. Find out more at the HRC Niagara Falls website.

First Night Buffalo – 5 to 10 p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin St. in downtown Buffalo. For the 27^th year, Buffalo’s biggest drug- and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration will feature family activities throughout the evening. Parking for the event is free at the Main Place Mall and Fernbach Ramps only; there will also be extended Metro Rail service until 2 a.m. Tickets are $10 pre-sale and available at Wegmans; tickets at the door will be $12 – find the complete First Night schedule at www.firstnightbuffalo.org.

Old Falls Street’s Family Fun New Year’s Eve – from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls, 101 Old Falls St. in Niagara Falls. This family-friendly event will feature a dance floor, inflatable obstacle courses, face painters, balloon artists, movies, costumed characters and more. Admission is $6 per person and is payable at the door. Find out more at fallsstreet.com.

Statler City Ice Ball – doors open at 6 p.m. at Statler City, 107 Delaware Ave. (entrance will be on Franklin and Genesee Sts.) in downtown Buffalo. The event will feature live music – including Boys of Summer and Jeremy Hoyle and the Strictly Hip – hot and cold food stations plus a dinner buffet and much more. Ice Ball tickets includes five hours of premium open bar, food, a champagne toast and seating for all guests. There will also be free parking at the Turner Ramp next to City Hall and free coat check at the Statler. Tickets are still available for the Golden Ballroom (single seats only) and the Terrace Room – celebrate with a “nightclub experience” at the Niagara Room (does not include Ice Ball access). Tickets can be purchased and more information can be found at www.statlercity.com/iceball.

Banchetti By Rizzo’s – celebrate New Year’s Eve with Nerds Gone Wild and more at Banchetti, located at 550 N. French Rd. in Amherst. The party begins at 7:30 p.m. with five hours open bar, includes champagne at midnight and food stations throughout the night. Joining the Nerds (performing in the Michelangelo Room) are the Buffalo 5 Band in the Rose Room and Bryan Berhalter in the café. Reservations are $90 per person – call 716-691-4045 for reservations, and visit www.banchetti.com for more information.

**More parties and activities are listed in Step Out Buffalo’s “Best New Year’s Eve Parties to Ring in 2016.”

2015 Holiday Happenings: The Aquarium of Niagara, Holiday Market at the Foundry and M&T Music Under the Dome

credit: Wikimedia Commons/hmbascom

The Aquarium of Niagara, located at 701 Whirlpool St. in Niagara Falls, is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 13 and Saturday, December 19. In addition to a visit from Santa, there will be prizes, crafts, a special sea lion show and other surprises. Admission is $7 for adult members – children of members are free of charge – or $14 for adult non-members and $11 for children. Get more information at www.aquariumofniagara.org.

On Saturdays, December 12 and 19, knock a few gifts off your list at the Holiday Market at The Foundry, 298 Northampton St. in Buffalo. Expect 20-30 local artisans to join current permanent residents, with products like repurposed furniture, metal work, jewelry, wood work and more.

M&T Bank’s Holiday Music Under the Dome kicked off this week, featuring high school groups from the Buffalo area beginning at noon on weekdays. On the upcoming schedule:

• Friday, December 11 – St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Swing Choir
• Monday, December 14 – Canisius High School Ensembles
• Tuesday, December 15 – Mount Mercy Academy “Pure Magic” Show Choir
• Wednesday, December 16 – Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School Men’s Chorus
• Thursday, December 17 – Iroquois High School Choirs
• Friday, December 18 – St. Francis High School Senior Schola Cantorum

In addition, on Saturday, December 12, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at 1 p.m. All concerts are free and open to the public at M&T’s One Fountain Plaza branch in downtown Buffalo.

BfloGirlWorld: Gift ideas from the heart of Buffalo

Loganberry from Gridlock Lacquer
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

A few last-minute holiday gift ideas and some places to get them for the Buffa-lover on your gift list.

Gridlock Lacquer – I’m a nail polish junkie, and I LOOOOOOVE this brand – not just because it’s made right here in Buffalo, either! My favorites so far are Loganberry and Nickel City, but I’m hoping to find The French Connection soon!

Buffalo Bites Food Tours – take a food and walking historical tour through the Elmwood Village or East Aurora. Purchase a gift certificate for a tour ($49 per person), which run Thursdays through Sundays, April through December at 11:30 a.m. in the Village and Fridays and Saturdays, April through November at noon in East Aurora.

BFLO Gallery and Gift Shop – looking for just about ANYTHING Buffalo related? This is one of the best places to go! Photos, memorabilia, things for the kitchen, Gridlock Lacquer nail polish (see above), books, t-shirts…so much Buffalo in one place!

The gift of membership – give some culture with a membership to one of Buffalo’s cultural icons – the Buffalo Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Buffalo Museum of Science are just a few ideas.

2015 Holiday Happenings: It WAS A Wonderful Life and the Rich-Twinn Octagon House

Rich-Twinn Octagon House
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Take a trip through history during Forest Lawn Cemetery’s production of “It WAS A Wonderful Life,” taking place in the Forest Lawn chapel at 1411 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo on weekends through Sunday, December 27. Join narrator “John Lay,” the first person to be interred in Forest Lawn in 1850, as he introduces you to the “friends” he’s made over the years. Tickets are $25 per person, and seating is limited for each performance, so reservations are required – call 716-885-1600 for reservations. Find out more at www.forest-lawn.com.

Check out some of the area’s historical architecture in full Victorian holiday regalia with a trip to the Rich-Twinn Octagon House, located at 145 Main St. in Akron. Sunday afternoon tours are available December 13 and 20 between 1 and 3 p.m. – admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children 6-10. Find out more about the Octagon House at www.newsteadhistoricalsociety.org. 

BfloGirlSports: Gift ideas for the Buffalo sports fan

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/Naypong

Looking for a last-minute gift for the Buffalo sports fan on your holiday list? Check out these affordable options from some of the area’s top teams.

Buffalo Bandits – affordable season tickets in pro sports? Absolutely – with all the action you would want to see as well. Season tickets for the National Lacrosse League Bandits start at just $108 per seat for a nine-game schedule that begins on January 9. Don’t want to commit to a full season? Individual tickets start at only $21 per game; all tickets go on sale December 5. One game to keep in mind: on Friday, March 11, Buffalo’s other No. 11 – John Tavares – gets his jersey hoisted into the rafters. Find out more at www.bandits.com.

Buffalo Sabres – the Sabres offer Hat Trick Pack, including two 300-level II tickets for selected Sabres games (see the list here) and a Sabres hat for $99. Visit sabres.nhl.com for more information.

Buffalo Bisons – the Bisons offer three Holiday Packs for the 2016 season, each including two tickets to the home opener at Coca Cola Field on Thursday, April 14. Pack No. 1 also includes two flex tickets, a Bisons ornament and Bisons Flag for $42; Pack No. 2 includes four flex tickets, a Bisons ornament and a Bisons polo shirt for $62; and Pack No. 3 includes six flex tickets, a Bisons ornament and a Bisons duffel bag for $82. Get more information here, and find out about other ticket packages and specials at the Bisons’ website.

2015 Holiday Happenings: Larkin Square and the Buffalo Zoo

Celebrate the season at "Larkinville" on Friday
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Get into the holiday swing this weekend at Larkin Square, or get the kids to the Buffalo Zoo for an upcoming event.

Holiday Live at Larkin – Friday, December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Square, 745 Seneca St. in Buffalo. The fourth annual event will feature music from Robot Holiday, a holiday marketplace, and food from some of Buffalo’s favorite food trucks. Earlier in the day, check out the Indoor Holiday Market featuring over 30 local craft and food vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get more details at www.larkinsquare.com.

Buffalo Zoo Tree Lighting – Saturday, December 5 at 5:15 p.m. at the Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave. in Buffalo. Zoo admission will be just $5 per person beginning at 3 p.m., and the gates will remain pen until 5 p.m.; the tree will be located near the new Arctic Edge exhibit. Find out more at www.buffalozoo.org.

Breakfast with Santa – Saturday and Sunday, December 12-13 and December 19-20 at the Zoo. Santa and his elves will visit kids for two seatings, 9 and 11 a.m., each day; featuring a breakfast buffet from CJ’s Catering. Pre-paid, non-refundable tickets are $17 for adults and $14 for children (members receive $5 discount per ticket); visit www.buffalozoo.org for tickets and more information or call 716-995-6133.

BfloGirlBakes: Baking fun with Sift and Bake From Scratch

**Check out the new section of BfloGirlWorld - BfloGirlBakes!


The older I get, the magazines I like – especially the food ones – get prettier. Two of my favorites right now are Sift from King Arthur Flour and Hoffman Media’s Bake From Scratch – pretty pictures, great tips and delish recipes.

Sift’s holiday issue is the third edition of the new magazine, and if there’s one drawback, it’s that the recipes eventually end up on the KAF website (which is one of my favorites for baking). There is, however, so much more to the magazine – articles on bakers and bakeries around the country, tips, gift ideas…oh yeah, and pretty pictures. I’m really a sucker for the photographs, and wish I could master that end of photography like I have flowers and auto racing.

While I was looking for the holiday issue of Sift (available at local supermarkets and the KAF website) in one of the local supermarkets, I came upon the premiere issue of Bake From Scratch, which is actually a very similar style of magazine to Sift – pretty pictures, limited ads (which is nice, but drives up the price of both mags – around $13 each), lots of recipes that you will want to start making immediately, tips, tricks, baking-related articles. The upside – haven’t found these recipes online yet.

If you’re looking for a new magazine and don’t mind spending a little extra, I would recommend either of these. And once the holidays are done, I’m definitely trying something from these mags – I’ll let you know how things turn out!

photos: paulathompsonfreelance.com

M&T First Friday: December 4, 2015

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Dave Pape

On the first Friday of each month, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, located at 1285 Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo, opens the doors to the 1962 Knox Building to the public free of charge from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., thanks to sponsorship from M&T Bank. This Friday, December 4, Configuration Dance Theatre performs “Etudes” at 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.

• Homeschooler Art Class – 10 a.m. to noon for ages 11-17 – registration required.
• Homeschooler Art Class – 10:30 a.m. to noon for ages 5-10 – registration required.
• Toddler Art Class – 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for ages 3-4 – free for members, $10 for non-members – registration required.
• Studio Art Classes for Adults – 1 to 3 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. – free for members and $10 for non-members.
• Public Tour – a free tour of the 1962 Knox Building at 1:30 p.m.
• Performance by the Buffalo Cello School – 3:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.
• What’s Your Vision tour – free one-hour tour at 4 p.m.
• Drop-in Art Activity for Families –5 to 7 p.m., free in the Education Classrooms.
• Jazz and Happy Hour – live music from Doug Yeomans and Sue Kincaid in the AK Café from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Performance with Young Audiences WNY: Celes Tisdale, “Yet, Do I Marvel” – 6 p.m. in the Auditorium.
• Gallery Talk – Looking at Tomorrow: Light and Language from the Panza Collection, 1967-1990 – join AK Research Assistant Andrew Cappetta for a discussion of the exhibit at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. in the 1905 Building North Galleries (click links for registration information).
• Performance: “Etudes,” by Configuration Dance Theatre – at 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium - $5 for non-members, free for members.

Registration is required for many classes and events – call 716-270-8292 to register. For more information, visit www.albrightknox.org and www.mandtfirstfridays.org.

Canalside Buffalo in December 2015

The water has been replaced with ice
at Canalside
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Have you been to Canalside Buffalo yet? I need to get down there again soon – I was there in September and need to see the changes over the last couple of months! “Winter” (I’m using that term loosely right now!) brings new life to Canalside, with ice, hot chocolate and lots of fun! Here’s some of the fun coming up in December.

Daily (weather permitting) – ice skating and curling, plus “winter eats” at the Winter Pavilion – including Just Fries, Bubbles & Brews and Harborside Mercantile – and the Buffalove and Canalside merchandise.

Thursdays through Sundays (weather permitting) – ice bike rentals (not on December 24-25).

Special events –

• Fifth annual Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting – Friday, December 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Saturday Artisan Market: Holiday Edition – Friday, December 11 (5 to 8 p.m.) and Saturday, December 12 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
• Santa at Canalside – December 13 through 23 (Monday through Thursday – 4 to 7 p.m., Friday – 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Always check www.canalsidebuffalo.com for weather updates before heading out!

Statler City Ice Ball – December 31, 2015

The fifth annual Statler City Ice Ball will take place Thursday, December 31 at Statler City, 107 Delaware Ave. (entrance will be on Franklin and Genesee Sts.) in downtown Buffalo. The event will feature live music and DJs, hot and cold food stations plus a dinner buffet and much more.

Entertainment includes Boys of Summer, Jeremy Hoyle and Strictly Hip Jeff Toy from Toy Brothers and more.

Included on the menu will be cold displays including the Chilled Seafood Station and Salad Station; Carving Station; a dinner buffet including meatloaf, mashed potatoes, herb-crusted black cod, Sam Adams Beer-Braised Short Ribs and more; a Grande Dessert and Coffee Station; and a late-night menu (to be announced).

Ice Ball tickets includes five hours of premium open bar, food, a champagne toast and seating for all guests. There will also be free parking at the Turner Ramp next to City Hall and free coat check at the Statler. Tickets start at $105 per person and can be purchased at www.statlercity.com/iceball. 

Five Things to do in December 2015

Another holiday season, another new year, another year of fun in Buffalo! Close out December with one of these fun events.

Holiday Happening – Friday through Sunday, December 4-6 and December 11-13 at participating wineries on the Niagara Wine Trail. Sample holiday cookies or desserts at each winery you visit, and take home a recipe booklet of unique treats; tickets are good for all six days of the event and include a commemorative wine glass at your first winery and a cookie/dessert sample and three tastings at each winery you visit. Tickets are $32.40 per person or $59.40 (includes sales tax) per couple online, and are limited; find out more at niagarawinetrail.org.

Holiday in the Village – Friday through Sunday, December 4-6 on Main St. in the Village of Williamsville. On Friday night at 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) the Williamsville Meeting House brings Mike Randall in for A Christmas Carol (tickets $5 pre-sale, $10 at the door – limited to 150 people). On Saturday, there’s free trolley rides on Main St. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), pictures with Santa at the Mill (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and shopping in the Village, followed  by the annual tree lighting at 6 p.m. in front of Village Hall. On Sunday, The Meeting House will host Steve Balesteri’s Christmas in the Village concert at 6:30 p.m. (tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door). For more information, click here.

Lewiston Tour of Homes and Christmas Walk – Saturday and Sunday, December 5-6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Village of Lewiston. The Tour of Homes is the signature fundraising event for the Historical Association of Lewiston, with each home featuring festive decorations including Christmas tablescapes and entertaining ideas. Tickets are $25 each day, and includes the tour as well as a dessert tasting reception at the Barton Hill Hotel from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Holiday Gift Market at Lewiston No. 1 Fire Hall (145 N. 6^th St.) is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 20 vendors. The Christmas Walk will take place throughout the Village and will feature carriage rides, carolers, a parade and a visit from Santa on Saturday.

Holidays with the BPO – the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra offers up holiday programing beginning with JoAnn Falletta’s Classical Christmas, Friday and Saturday, December 11-12 at Kleinhan’s Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle in Buffalo; Friday’s show is at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday’s is at 8 p.m., and also features the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus. On Sunday, December 13, the Jingle Bell Jam at 2:30 p.m. features music from The Polar Express, dancers from the Royal Academy of Ballet and Verve Dance Studios and the Amherst Bel Canto Chorus. Friday through Sunday, December 18-20, join new BPO Principal Pops Conductor John Morris Russell for the Holiday Pops concerts (Friday – 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday – 8 p.m., Sunday – 2:30 p.m.).

First Night Buffalo – Thursday, December 31 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, 153 Franklin St. in downtown Buffalo. For the 27^th year, Buffalo’s biggest drug- and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration will feature family activities throughout the evening. Ticket information will be announced soon – find out more about First Night at firstnightbuffalo.org. 

BfloGirlSports: Buffalo teams in December 2015

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/John Kasawa

Buffalo Bills

• Sunday, December 6 – at home against the Houston Texans (1 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 13 – on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles (1 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 20 – on the road against the Washington Redskins (1 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 27 – at home against the Dallas Cowboys (1 p.m.)

credit: Wikimedia Images

Buffalo Sabres

• Tuesday, December 1 –on the road against the Detroit Red Wings (7:30 p.m.)
• Friday, December 4 – at home against the Arizona Coyotes (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – on the road against the Edmonton Oilers (8 p.m. ET)
• Monday, December 7 – on the road against the Vancouver Canucks (10 p.m. ET)
• Thursday, December 10 – on the road against the Calgary Flames (9 p.m. ET)
• Saturday, December 12 – at home against the Los Angeles Kings (7 p.m.)
• Monday, December 14 – on the road against the Red Wings (7:30 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 15 – at home against the New Jersey Devils (7 p.m.)
• Thursday, December 17 – at home against the Anaheim Ducks (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 19 – at home against the Chicago Blackhawks (1 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 26 – on the road against the Boston Bruins (7 p.m.)
• Monday, December 28 – at home against the Washington Capitals (7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 30 – on the road against the Capitals (7 p.m.)
• Thursday, December 31 – at home against the New York Islanders (6 p.m.)

Niagara University Purple Eagles Ice Hockey

• Friday and Saturday, December 4-5 – at home against Bentley university (Friday – 7 p.m., Saturday – 7:05 p.m.)
• Friday, December 11 – on the road against Rochester Institute of Technology (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – at home against RIT (7:05 p.m.)

Canisius College Golden Griffins Ice Hockey

• Friday and Saturday, December 4-5 – on the road against Air Force (both games 9:05 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – on the road at Robert Morris (7:05 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 13 – at home against Robert Morris (7:35 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 20 – on the road against Merrimack (4:05 p.m.)

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/
Salvatore Vuono

UB Bulls Men’s Basketball

• Wednesday, December 2 – at home against St. Bonaventure (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 5 – on the road against Duke (5:15 p.m.)
• Monday, December 7 – on the road against Iowa State (9 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – at home against Birmingham (2 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 19 – at home against Montana State (2 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 22 – on the road against Virginia Commonwealth (7 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 29 – at home against Delaware (7 p.m.)

UB Bulls Women’s Basketball

• Thursday, December 3 – on the road against Hofstra (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – at home against Duquesne (2 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 9 – on the road against St. Bonaventure (7 p.m.)
• Monday, December 21 – on the road against Niagara (7 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 29 – on the road against Sacred Heart (TBA)

Niagara University Purple Eagles Men’s Basketball

• Friday, December 4 – at home against Quinnipiac (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – at home against Monmouth (2 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 9 – on the road against St. John’s University (5 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – at home against LIU Brooklyn (3 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 23 – on the road against the University at Albany (7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 30 – on the road against St. Bonaventure (7 p.m.)

Niagara University Purple Eagles Women’s Basketball

• Friday, December 4 – on the road against Manhattan (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – on the road against Monmouth (2 p.m.)
• Friday, December 18 – on the road against Dartmouth (7 p.m.)
• Monday, December 21 – at home against UB (7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 23- on the road against St. Bonaventure (noon)
• Tuesday, December 29 – on the road against Mount St. Mary’s (2 p.m.)

St. Bonaventure University Bonnies Men’s Basketball

• Wednesday, December 2 – on the road against UB (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 5 – at home against Ohio (4 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 8 – at home against Vermont (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 19 – at home against South Carolina State (2 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 22 – on the road against Siena (7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 30 – at home against Niagara (7 p.m.)

St. Bonaventure University Bonnies Women’s Basketball

• Tuesday, December 1 – on the road against Stony Brook (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 5 – at home against Georgetown (1:30 p.m.)
• Monday, December 7 – at home against James Madison (7 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 9 – at home against UB (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – at home against Penn State (1:30 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 19 – on the road against Colgate (4 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 23 – at home against Niagara (noon)
• Tuesday, December 29 – on the road against Canisius (7 p.m.)

Canisius College Golden Griffins Men’s Basketball

• Friday, December 4 – at home against Monmouth (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – at home against Quinnipiac (6 p.m.)
• Thursday, December 10 – on the road against Penn State (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 12 – on the road against Kent State (7 p.m.)
• Saturday, December 19 – at home against Boston University (2 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 22 – Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic – on the road against Louisiana-Monroe (5:30 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 23 – Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic – on the road against TBA (TBA)

Canisius College Golden Griffins Women’s Basketball

• Friday, December 4 – on the road against St. Peter’s (7 p.m.)
• Sunday, December 6 – on the road against Rider (2 p.m.)
• Monday, December 14 – on the road against Lamar (8 p.m.)
• Wednesday, December 16 – on the road against Texas (8 p.m.)
• Monday, December 21 – on the road against Northeastern (2 p.m.)
• Tuesday, December 29 – at home against St. Bonaventure (7 p.m.)

The Botanical Gardens in December 2015

Expect the unexpected at the Botanical Gardens'
Poinsettia show
credit:paulathompsonfreelance.com

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, located at 2655 South Park Ave. in Buffalo, celebrates the holidays with these events in December:

• Poinsettias – Expect the Unexpected! – November 27 through January 3.
• Garden Railway Exhibit – November 27 through January 3.
• Arcangel Gallery: Local Artist Collaboration – Nature’s Pallette – November 27 through January 10.
• Santa’s Workshop – December 12 – Santa will visit between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for holiday-themed activities and photos ($5 each).
• Dollar Day – on December 27, admission is just $1 – members and kids under 3 are always free.

For more information on these events and others at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, visit buffalogardens.com.

2015 Holiday Happenings: Power Vista Festival of Trees and Ontario Winter Festival of Lights

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Sse1478

Head up to Niagara Falls to check out the Festival of trees on this side of the border, or grab your enhanced license and cross the border for another Festival of Lights.

Niagara Power Vista Festival of Trees – December 1 through January 1 at the Niagara Power Plant Power Vista, 5777 Lewiston Rd. (Rt. 104) in Lewiston. Check out beautifully decorated trees and visit the nearby Niagara Discovery Center during the annual event. On December 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Power Vista hosts its annual Deck the Halls event, featuring crafts and entertainment, photo opportunities with Santa, trolley rides and more. Find out more at the Power Vista website.

Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights – now through January 31 at numerous attractions in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The festival features more than five kilometers of light displays through the Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and other tourist areas. There will be a number of spectacular fireworks shows during the course of the festival – click here for dates and times. For more information on the festival, visit www.wfol.com. 

2015 Holiday Happenings: Darwin Martin House and Fatima Shrine Festival of Lights

See the improvements to the Darwin Martin House
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Have out-of-town visitors coming in for the Thanksgiving holiday? Take them to see the improvements at the Darwin Martin House, or take them to Youngstown to see the Fatima Shrine Festival of Lights.

The Darwin Martin House will be open for tours Friday and Saturday, November 27-28. Located at 125 Jewett Pkwy. in Buffalo, visitors will see the improvements made to the estate during additional tours for the holiday weekend. The Martin House tour is offered both days at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – tour cost is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, $12 for students and free for members. The Martin House Plus tour is offered both days at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. – tour cost is $35 for adults, $33 for seniors and $27 for students and members. Find out more at www.darwinmartinhouse.org.

The Fatima Shrine Festivalof Lights takes place November 21 through January 6 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, 1023 Swann Rd. in Youngstown. The lights will be on display nightly from 5 to 9 p.m., and the gift shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check out the festival from the top of the Basilica and see 75 displays and 15 acres of Christmas lights, and view the Avenue of Saints. Fatima Shrine will host Thanksgiving Day mass at 11:30 a.m., as well as Christmas Eve masses at 4 p.m. and midnight and Christmas Day masses at 9 a.m. and noon. Find out more at www.fatimashrine.com. 

2015 Holiday Happenings: Fairgrounds Festival of Lights and Victorian Christmas

credit: Wikimedia Commons/Kris de Curtis

Two more events coming up – lights in Hamburg and Victorian elegance at one of Buffalo’s historic places.

The Fairgrounds Festival of Lights, featuring nearly two miles of light displays and lots of family activities, takes over the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg (enter from South Park Ave.) on weekends beginning November 27-29 and running December 4-6, December 11-13, extended hours December 18-23 and December 26-27. New in 2015: The Great Lakes International Ice Carving Competition, taking place November 27-29, with pieces on display throughout the festival. Gates are open 5 to 9 p.m. (grounds remain open through 10 p.m.); admission is $25 per carload, $50 per busload.

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, located at 641 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo, offers up its annual Victorian Christmas, with events taking place Thursday, December 3 through Saturday, December 12. The holiday display is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday (general admission $5 per person – December 4-12). The event will also feature fashion show luncheons, a traditional Irish Christmas dinner, wine and food pairings, musical performances and more.  Get more information on the events at www.trsite.org. 

BfloGirlBake: Holiday baking and cooking hotlines

Need help with your pumpkin pie?
credit: freedigitalphotos.net/Apolonia

It’s that time of year again – food being purchase, food being made, food being consumed…let’s face it, the holidays are all about food! Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving on your own for the first time or need a great recipe – or a tip – for the perfect apple or pumpkin pie, there is all kinds of help out there for you. Here are a few “holiday hotlines” that will give you the tips you need.

• King Arthur Flour’s Thanksgiving Guide has all you need to know about great holiday baking – survival tips, a “head start” list, ideas for making ahead and freezing, and of course tons of recipes – there are even some gluten-free options for the guests on your list.
• The Cirsco Pie and Baking Hotline – 1-877-367-7438 – is back for its 10^th year of on-call support to help people master their desserts. In a recent survey conducted by the company, pie bakers revealed that their biggest challenge is making a crust from scratch (52%), followed by knowing how long to bak it (20%) and perfecting the filling (18%).
• The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is open through December with Butterball experts available by phone (1-800-288-8372), online chat or email. The website also features several how-to articles and videos and recipes.

2015 Holiday Happenings: Festival of Trees and Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village

credit: Wikimedia/albertyanks

Two more holiday venues to add to your itinerary this season are the Hyatt Regency in downtown Buffalo and the Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village in Amherst – both host ongoing holiday events that are perfect for all ages.

The Festival of Trees is headquartered at the Hyatt Regency and runs from November 21 through December 3. General admission to see all of the beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, mantles and window displays, as well as shop the Boutique, is free. There are also a number of events, including the Black Tie Gala and the Designer Showcase and Reception that are ticketed. Find the full schedule of events at www.festivaloftreesbuffalo.com.

Buffalo-Niagara Heritage Village, located at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Rd in Amherst, hosts its first ever Holiday Shopping Extravaganza from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. The event will feature unique items from local artists and works from the Village’s own guilds. The Countryside Christmas Tours, giving visitors a glimpse of 19^th century Christmases, will take place Saturday, December 5 from noon to 7 p.m. Tours are approximately 90 minutes and reservations are required; tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for members and $7 for children.

Another event on December 5 is the Taste of Christmas Past from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., with historically-recreated Victorian Christmas dishes and drinks, plus a tree-lighting ceremony. Tickets are $55 per person or $100 per couple, and Countryside Christmas Tours will be available to attendees for a discounted price of $5. On Sunday morning, December 6, Santa visits the Village for breakfast, with seatings at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage and other snacks and costs $8 per person for non-members, $5 for members (reservations are required).

Finally, the Village hosts a Holiday Tea on Sunday, December 13 from 1 to 3 p.m., catered by the English Tea Ladies and featuring traditional tea sandwiches, quiche, scones and meringues. Tickets are $30 per person, and reservations are required by November 25. Learn more about these events and make reservations at bnhv.org. 

2015 Holiday Happenings: Lockport Tour of Homes and Take Another Look at Buffalo

Catch a view of Buffalo from City Hall on November 28
credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

Tour late 19^th and early 20^th century homes in a former Erie Canal boomtown and get a different look at the work going on downtown with two tours happening on November 28, just in time to show off the Buffalo-Niagara area to all the out-of-town guests you might be hosting.

The Lockport Tour of Homes on Saturday, November 28 from 2 to 6 p.m. begins at the Kenan Center, located at 433 Locust St. in Lockport. View some of the historic homes in the area as part of the Light Up Lockport activities, including the Palace Theatre, 196 and 250 Locust St. and 456 and 532 Pine St. The event ends at the Palace Theatre with a tour and hot chocolate and cookies from 4 to 6 p.m., Lockport’s holiday parade and a free showing of the movie Polar Express at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 – find out more about the event at explorebuffalo.org.

Take Another Look at Buffalo, also on November 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. at City Hall in downtown Buffalo, will give visitors a view of the new Buffalo. The event will feature light refreshments in the Lobby, City Hall tours, art, live music and Buffalo-themed gifts. The 13^th floor and Council Chambers will feature a “Then and Now” video presentation and Buffalo-themed crafts for kids. The 25^th and 28^th floor observation decks will both be open, with aerial tours from both decks and desserts.. Find more information here.

Area restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinners in 2015

credit: freedigitalphotos.net/watiporn

Getting the family together for a sit-down meal, even at the holidays, can be difficult, and preparing the meal itself can be time consuming. Having your Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant is becoming more and more popular in many places, including here in Buffalo. These are a few of the Buffalo area restaurants that are serving meals on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2015.

** - I’ll be updating this entry as I find more places!**

31 Club, located at 31 North Johnson Park in Buffalo, is accepting reservations for its Thanksgiving Day three-course sit-down dinner from 1 to 8 p.m. Entrée choices are Roast Turkey, Prime Rib and Honey Glazed Ham. The costs $35.95 per person – call 716-332-3131 for reservations.

La Galleria, Southwestern Blvd. near Abbott Rd. in Orchard Park, will feature a Thanksgiving buffet from 1 to 6 p.m. with turkey, ham, Chicken Supreme, Italian sausage, stuffing, squash, potatoes, desserts and more. The cost is $24.95 for adults, $10.95 for children 5 to 10 and children under 5 are free. Call 716-648-4880 for more information.

Embers Grill, at the Ramada Hotel Amherst, 2402 North Forest Rd. in Getzville, will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 2 to 8 p.m.; cost is $22.95 for adults and $10.95 for children under 12. For reservations call 716-636-7500.

Acqua, located at 2192 Niagara St. in Buffalo, will offer a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast from 1 to 6 p.m. Cost is $27.95 for adults, $15.95 for children 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under. Call 716-874-5400 for reservations.

Samuel’s Grand Manor, 8750 Main St. in Clarence, will be serving a Thanksgiving buffet for $23.95 for adults, $12.95 for children 5 to 10 and free for children 4 and under. The buffet will include more than one dozen hot dishes including turkey, carved roast beef, pork tenderloin and Seafood Newberg. Seatings are available from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; reservations are required – call 716-634-8425.

Gate House Grill, located at 8220 Main St. in Williamsville, will offer Thanksgiving dinner from 2 to 7 p.m. –cost is $18.95 per person. Dinner will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, choice of soup or salad and dessert; a scaled down version of their regular menu will also be available. Call 716-585-0338 for reservations.

The Grapevine Restaurant will host its Thanksgiving buffet at its Ellicott Creek Banquet Facility at 45 S. Ellicott Creek Rd. in Amherst (next to the Niagara Falls Blvd. restaurant). The buffet will feature turkey, ham, breaded pork chops, Swedish meatballs over egg noodles, soups and salads, sides, desserts and more. Cost is $23.99 for adults, $11.49 for children ages 6 to 11, $7.49 for children 2-5 and free for children under 2 – call 716-691-7799 for reservations.

Buffalo Chophouse, located at 282 Franklin St. in Buffalo, offers a Thanksgiving dinner featuring roast turkey, cranberry sauce, butternut squash, potatoes and more. Cost is $34.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 12 and under; the regular dinner menu will also be available. Make reservations at 716-842-6900.

The Italian Village, located at 6354 Transit Rd.in Depew, offers a Thanksgiving buffet with roast beef, baked ham, turkey, sausage with peppers and onions, stuffed shells, vegetable medley, soup and salads, a dessert station and more. For reservations, call 716-634-1804.

BfloGirlSports: Buffalo Bandits announce 2016 training camp

credit: paulathompsonfreelance.com

One of the most underrated teams on the Buffalo sports scene is the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League. The team that single-handed dismisses the notion that Buffalo teams can’t win championships (they’ve got four), the Bandits play at the First Niagara Center and the arena rocks on game nights. My family had season tickets for eight or nine seasons (‘til work got in the way :( ), and it’s one thing I truly miss doing with the folks.

The Bandits will kick off their 2016 campaign with training camp in Buffalo, highlighted by the open practice and autograph session on Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the FNC. The autograph session will run from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by practice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will also be bounce houses, a live DJ, face painters, balloon artists and other kid-friendly activities, plus the select-a-seat program for new season ticket holders.

The Bandits will also travel for two scrimmages: a free scrimmage at the Toronto Rock Athletic Center in Oakville, Ontario on Saturday, December 12 (1:30 p.m.) and a ticketed scrimmage at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania against the New England Black Wolves (7 p.m. – get tickets here).

The Bandits regular season schedule kicks off on Saturday, January 9 at the FNC at 7:30 p.m. against the Calgary Roughnecks – find a complete schedule at www.bandits.com.