Bisons to host vintage movie night honoring ‘The Natural’ at Sahlen Field

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Buffalo Bisons are taking fans back in time with a special Vintage Movie Night at Sahlen Field this weekend, celebrating the iconic film "The Natural," which was filmed in Buffalo more than 40 years ago.

The themed event will take place during the Bisons’ game against the Omaha Storm Chasers on Saturday, July 19. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Assistant General Manager Brad Bisbing said the team will wear special jerseys inspired by the 1984 movie, which starred Robert Redford and was largely filmed at Buffalo’s War Memorial Stadium.

“We’re really excited to host a vintage movie night,” Bisbing said. “It’s a chance to pay tribute to a great, iconic sports movie that has stood the test of time and was filmed right here in Buffalo.”

The night will feature several in-game promotions tied to scenes from the movie, including trivia, themed video clips, and a broken bat giveaway each inning in reference to the character Roy Hobbs’ famous bat, Wonderboy. Members of the Bisons game-day staff who were extras in the movie will also take part by throwing out ceremonial first pitches.

Fans can also take part in giveaways including autographed baseball covers, nodding to the scene in which Hobbs famously “knocks the cover off the ball.” One opposing player will be designated “The Whammer of the Game.” If that player strikes out, fans will win prizes.

“It’s a fun callback to a great moment in Western New York,” Bisbing said. “The movie was filmed not just at War Memorial Stadium, but also at the Arcade Square building and other locations throughout the city.”

Following the game, fans are invited to stay for a postgame screening of "The Natural" on the stadium’s video board.

Vintage Movie Night is part of a weekend of themed events at the ballpark. The weekend also includes Christmas in July on Friday and Princess Day on Sunday.

Tickets and a full promotional schedule can be found here.