Last June, the Buffalo Bisons tried to create a fenced in area for parties and private gatherings on the Sahlen Field plaza along Swan Street near Oak Street. The 18,000 square foot area would be enclosed by a six-foot tall fence with gates for ticketed entry. Last year, the Zoning Board of Appeals denied a request for an eight-foot tall fence in the same location where a maximum four-foot tall fence is permitted by code. The stadium and plaza are owned by the Buffalo Bisons.
From the project application:
Reviving this corner of the plaza creates a new and welcoming opportunity for baseball fans to enjoy more at the ballpark. The enclosed plaza accommodates food trucks, parties and yard-game areas, bounce houses or other small amusements, and an identifiable space for game attendees to gather and meet. During the game itself, the plaza gates will be closed but fans in the stadium can access the plaza. The reinvention of this area as a fan plaza allows the Bisons to more efficiently use all parts of Sahlen Field and provide a contemporary fan experience for everyone.
From the variance justification:…