Buffalo's downtown ballpark opened in 1988 as Pilot Field, named for Pilot Air Freight of Philadelphia. That was the stadium's name during its iconic opening years, when the Herd sold more than 1 million tickets for the first six seasons the park was opened.
From the archives: Pilot Field
July 10, 1986: Groundbreaking of Pilot Field.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
July 10, 1986: Robert E. Rich, Gov. Mario Cuomo and others at the ceremony for the beginning of construction of Pilot Field.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
Dec. 23, 1986: Construction of the downtown ballpark.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
March 4, 1987: Pilot Field construction continues.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
March 16, 1987: Construction Pilot Field.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
May 1, 1987: Construction of Pilot Field.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
Oct. 6, 1987: Pilot Field Stadium Board.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
April 14, 1988: Admission line at Pilot Field.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
April 14, 1988: Bisons Manager Rocky Bridges in a pregame motorcade to Pilot Field.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
April 15, 1988: Concession stand at Pilot Field.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
June 26, 1988: An impromptu grounds crew braces the lattice work against high winds as a wedding is celebrated at Pilot Field.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
July 31, 1988: Usher training at Pilot Field.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
Aug. 17, 1988: Lining up for tickets at Pilot Field.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
Feb. 8, 1989: Skaters enjoy an ice rink in Pilot Field.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
Opening day at Pilot Field, 1988: As the excitement swirls around them, Bob and Mindy Rich take a moment for themselves to celebrate the Bisons' 1-0 victory over the Denver Zephyrs.
Buffalo News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
Aug. 22, 1989: The Bisons, Bob Rich and Pilot Field attract national attention.
By News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
June 26, 1990: Old-timers baseball classic at Pilot Field.
By Robert Kirkham/News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
Aug. 27, 1990: Fans at Pilot Field.
By James P. McCoy/News file photo
From the archives: Pilot Field
Feb. 8, 1991: Manager Colleen Fintak stocks the shelves at the Bisons store at Pilot Field.