It didn’t take long for some of the responses to come in after my initial column on Tuesday. Several people from around the area wanted to share their thoughts on some of their own summer plans as well as suggestions they had for the list. As I wrote the other day, and as reinforced by the messages, it certainly shows the wide range of options that are within driving distance or right here at home. With that, here’s the second part of the list:
Pittsburgh Pirates: Of course, most die-hard Pirates fans in the area have had their trips down to the ‘Burgh planned for months now, but for those who have waited… you’re welcome for the reminder. The Pirates still have plenty of home games left this summer, including 10 games against the Chicago Cubs and seven against the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Even if you’re a fan of another MLB club, a trip to PNC Park — rated by many as the best venue in the majors — is well worth the three-hour trip. Pittsburgh hosts plenty of family-friendly promotions and has very affordable ticket prices. Highlights for the remainder of the summer slate include a 1979 World Series Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, July 20, as well as t-shirt giveaways for most of the remaining Friday home games and bobblehead giveaways on September 7 and 28. For those looking to catch a Pirates “home” game on the road, Pittsburgh takes on the Cubs as part of the MLB Little League Classic in Williamsport on August 18 at 7:10 p.m.
Old Bradford Speedway: The track on Summit Road in Bradford has seen two of its first three weeks of racing wiped out by rain, but — weather permitting — it is a great Sunday night of family entertainment. Old Bradford Speedway will be hosting races every Sunday through the end of August, with the exception of this Sunday and July 28. Most weeks feature a full slate of racing that has rush late models, pro mods, pure stocks, mini stocks and kids mini stocks. Pits open at 3:30 p.m., grandstands at 4 o’clock and the racing begins at 6:00. Prices for adults are $13, kids (ages 10-16) are $5 and kids nine and under are free. And for those looking to get a taste of NASCAR over the summer, this year’s race at Watkins Glen is set for Sunday, August 4. The Glen is just a little over two hours from Bradford, and even if you don’t make it up to see the likes of Joey Logano and Jimmie Johnson in early August, nearly every weekend is packed with multiple races all summer long.
Halls of Fame: With the exception of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame located in Springfield, Mass., Bradford — and the surrounding areas — are all within driving distance of the three other major Halls of Fame. Toronto (Hockey Hall of Fame), Cooperstown (baseball), and Canton (football) are all around four hours or less and make for an easy mid-week day trip. All three of the facilities offer plenty of interactive exhibits as well as new displays and history going up weekly. They also operate very proficient websites that are constantly updated with special events or promotions, including prices and the best places to go before or after you visit the HOFs.
It’s a worthwhile and affordable way to learn about the games that even the non-sport lover can enjoy.
Trip to Buffalo: Of course, a summer on the sporting circuit isn’t complete without a drive to Buffalo to see a little bit of what the Queen City has to offer. The newly-named Sahlen Field is home to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, and similar to the Erie SeaWolves, it’s quality baseball that also offers plenty of family-fun promotions for the kids. Some promotions the rest of the year include: fireworks for every Friday home game, $1 popcorn and ice cream on Mondays, as well as Italian and Polish Festival Nights. Before you get the game — and after you’ve scarfed down your plate of wings — plan for a stop to see some of the area’s sports history. The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame is located at KeyBank Center, and features several impressive displays of athletes, coaches, trainers and media members stretching from Niagara Falls down to the Southern Tier.
(Anthony Sambrotto, sports editor at the Bradford Era, can be reached at asambrotto@bradfordera.com).
