Press Releases

Buffalo Niagara CVB announces creation of the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission

CVB subsidiary to lead effort to bring amateur athletic events to Buffalo.

Buffalo, NY, February 4, 2010 – The Board of Directors of the Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau has announced the establishment of the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission. The Sports Commission, a not-for-profit subsidiary of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, will lead the effort to bid on and host amateur athletics in Erie County.

“We believe the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission will help raise our profile in the national amateur sports marketplace and ensure that we remain competitive as more cities vie for the same high impact events,” said Gary Praetzel, Buffalo Niagara CVB Board Chair. “We’ve had great success in the past assisting local partners when bidding on and hosting events like the Frozen Four and NCAA Basketball. I’m confident the sports commission will be instrumental in bringing more events of this caliber to our community.”

Rich Baseball Operations President and CVB Board member Jonathan A. Dandes has agreed to serve as the Chairman of the Sports Commission’s Advisory Council. “Buffalo Niagara has already established a powerful identity as a city with outstanding athletic facilities and the capacity to host high profile events,” Dandes noted. “The Sports Commission will enhance our fundraising ability and facilitate the solicitation of sponsorships that are critical to continued success.”

The strategic direction of the Sports Commission will be overseen by an Advisory Council consisting of 36 members of the community with sports backgrounds, including representatives from the Buffalo Bills, Sabres and Bisons, many of the region’s colleges and universities, as well as members of the local sports media. Day-to-day operations of the Commission will be managed by CVB Sales Department staff under the supervision of CVB President and CEO Dottie Gallagher-Cohen.

The establishment of a Sports Commission was recommended in the Buffalo Niagara CVB’s five-year strategic plan that was completed in 2008 and has the full support and endorsement of Erie County.

“Making our community a tourist destination is a key factor in revitalizing our local economy,” said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. “There is a sizeable economic impact on our community every time we attract an amateur sporting event. That’s why I believe the Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission will be a tremendous boost to our region, and I’m very grateful to the volunteer members who agreed to serve on the advisory council.”;

The Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau sells and markets our assets and attractions to visitors outside of the Buffalo Niagara region as a convention, tourism and leisure destination for the economic benefit of the community.

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Media Contacts:

Ed Healy
Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau
716-852-0511, x236
healy@buffalocvb.org