BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — After weeks of rumors, hopes and speculation, the Toronto Blue Jays organization has made it official: the team will play the majority of its home games in Buffalo this season.
"We are extremely grateful to have a home in Buffalo this season, thanks to the openness, creativity, and partnership of the Buffalo Bisons, Major League Baseball, and Blue Jays staff, who have worked tirelessly to prepare us for games at Sahlen Field,"said Toronto Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro.
Blue Jays To Stage Majority Of 2020 Home Games In Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/BxlV7cgieJ
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 24, 2020
The Jays open their season on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays tonight. The team will release an updated schedule soon and is expected to take the field in Buffalo next week.
During a news conference this morning, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a deal was near to have Toronto play home games for the shortened season at Sahlen Field, despite concerns about lighting not up to major league standards.
“It’s not done yet, but I had a good conversation with the commissioner this morning, fingers crossed, fingers crossed, maybe we get the Toronto Blue Jays in Buffalo after all,” Cuomo said.
A slide that appeared on screen simultaneously with the governor was more definitive, saying "The Toronto Blue Jays will play their home games at Sahlen Field in Buffalo this season."
The Jays had made it clear the home of their Triple A affiliate is not their first choice for a home away from home. Earlier this week, the state of Pennsylvania rejected the team's request to play at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Another bid to play ball at another major league park - Oriole Park at Camden Yards - also reportedly fell apart.
The Blue Jays open their season next week.
