The 2020 Buffalo Bisons season has officially been canceled

After months of speculation, the MiLB announced Tuesday the 2020 Minor League Baseball season has officially been canceled. All levels of of the minor leagues will be impacted by the cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the City of Buffalo, this will be the first summer without baseball since 1978.

The news Tuesday doesn't come as much of a surprise -- Minor League Baseball relies heavily on ticket sales for revenue.

“Although it may not be surprising given how our world has changed over the last few months, the official news that we will not have baseball at Sahlen Field this summer is heart-breaking,” said Mike Buczkowski, President of Rich Baseball Operations. “Not being able to share with our great fans the excitement of Bisons baseball on those beautiful Buffalo summer nights is going to leave an awful void in our entire organization.”

As for the rumors about using Sahlen Field for Toronto Blue Jays home games, there have not been any discussions about that internally. Buffalo has been considered as a possible facility for the Blue Jays' taxi squad, but not for their actual games.

2020 would've been the first year as manager of the Bisons for Ken Huckaby, who was formally introduced in January.

The Bisons' offices at Sahlen Field, the Sahlen Field Box Office, Consumer’s Pub at the Park restaurant and all ballpark gift shops will remain closed. The team is still taking merchandise orders on Bisons.com and offering curbside pickup by appointment only for those orders.

The Bisons released the following information for fans holding 2020 Season Ticket, Ticket Packages, Individual Tickets or Group Party Reservations:

The Bisons organization is committed to being as accommodating and flexible as possible, as we value the support of our great fans. All fans will be given the option to apply whatever payment they’ve made on 2020 tickets to the 2021 season or to receive a refund of their ticket price(s).

PLEASE NOTE, all 2020 Buffalo Bisons Ticket buyers will receive direct communication from the Bisons organization in the next few days with information on how to choose either option.

Additionally, Bisons Season Ticket Holders who apply their 2020 ticket payments to 2021 will receive $50 in additional concession dollars per seat that they own. All existing 2020 concession dollars will also be honored during the 2021 season.

Fans holding Suite/Party Deck/Party reservations that apply their 2020 payments to 2021 will be given the chance to choose their 2021 date(s) prior to those areas going on sale for the upcoming season.

Fans with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to email the Bisons at info@bisons.com or call at (716) THE-HERD.

Below you can read a statement from Bisons GM Anthony Sprague.