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Rockin' the Downs

Smash Mouth to kick off Batavia Downs' 2024 Concert Series; lineup includes actor Kevin Bacon's band

By Mike Pettinella
concert series

Calling it “the most fun and entertaining series we’ve ever had,” Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. President Henry Wojtaszek (photo above) this morning unveiled a nine-week, 14-performer Rockin’ the Downs 2024 Summer Concert Series.

The Friday night series begins on June 21 with Smash Mouth, the California-based rock band that made a big splash in the 1990s and early 2000s with hits such as “Walkin' on the Sun,” “All-Star,” “Then the Morning Comes,” and a cover of The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”

It concludes on Aug. 16 with a trio of acts featuring former members of the legendary Boston (Tommy DeCarlo), Chicago (Jason Scheff) and Dennis DeYoung of Styx (August Zadra).

In between, there will be six “tribute” bands showcasing the music of Heart, The Guess Who, The Doors, Jimmy Buffett, Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty, along with April Wine, country star Clay Walker, The Bacon Brothers (featuring Hollywood actor Kevin Bacon) and 38 Special.

Batavia Downs' press release indicated that the Bacon Brothers -- Kevin and Michael, an Emmy Award-winning composer), have spent the better part of three decades creating their own mix of folk, rock, soul, and country music, a diverse sound they call "forosoco."  The Landsharks Band (tribute to Jimmy Buffett) will open the show.

“When I say the most fun and entertaining, it’s because of the ‘sing-along’ nature of the music,” Wojtaszek said following a brief press conference at Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road. “The audience is going to know most of the songs and surely will have a great time.”

The concert series lineup is as follows:

-- June 21, Smash Mouth.
-- June 28, Barracuda (Heart tribute).
-- July 5, April Wine and Carl Dixon (The Guess Who tribute).
-- July 12, Clay Walker.
-- July 19, Peace Frog (The Doors tribute).
-- July 26, The Bacon Brothers, Landsharks Band (Jimmy Buffett tribute).
-- Aug. 2, Rumours (Fleetwood Mac tribute), Practically Petty (Tom Petty tribute).
-- Aug. 9, 38 Special.
-- Aug. 16, Tommy DeCarlo (music of Boston), Jason Scheff (music of Chicago), August Zadra (music of Styx).

Tickets at four price points (General Admission, VIP, Premium and Front Row) can be purchased after 10 a.m. Tuesday by going to www.bataviaconcerts.com.

Tickets are $15 for General Admission, $30 for VIP, $60 for Premium and $75 for front row seats.  All tickets can be redeemed at Player’s Club at any time in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play.

A season pass for general admission will be $100 (a savings of $20), and season passes for VIP tickets are $200 (a savings of $40). A Premium Season Pass is $400 (a savings of $80). Season passes may only be purchased online.

Until New Year’s Day, tickets purchased online or at the Lucky Treasures Gift shop for the General Admission section will be only $10.  Concertgoers will still receive $10 in Free Play on show day with this ticket.

Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Rockin' the Downs chair rental raises $10K for Make-A-Wish

By Press Release
batavia downs make-a-wish

Press release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) and Batavia Downs President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek were joined by staff from Make-A-Wish Western New York as Batavia Downs Presented them with a check for  $10,379.  These proceeds were from this past summer’s Chair Rentals, Glow in the Dark Jewelry and Can Coolers sales at Batavia’s Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concert Series.

“We were so pleased to continue our partnership with Make-A-Wish Western New York this past summer,” Wojtaszek said.  “The volunteers who were onsite to help raise awareness and these much-needed funds were wonderful ambassadors of Make-A-Wish.  All of us here at Batavia Downs are proud that we could help them in their efforts to grant wishes for so many young Western New Yorkers.”

Throughout the 8 concerts of Batavia Downs’ Rockin’ The Downs Summer Concert Series, volunteers at the Make-A-Wish chair-rental booth rented out chairs and sold glow jewelry and Make-A-Wish branded can coolers.  The chairs were adorned with the Make-A-Wish logo and the message:  The person sitting in this chair is helping to transform lives.

“Make-A-Wish is incredibly appreciative of our ongoing partnership with Batavia Downs for the “Rockin’ the Downs” Summer Concert Series, “ said Ben Marchione, Regional Director, Make-A-Wish® Western New York.  “It provides us with an amazing opportunity to raise both crucial awareness and funds to help support children and families fighting critical illnesses not only in the Batavia community but throughout the 17-county region. Our volunteers love being a part of it, and a highlight of every season is meeting the many families touched by the organization and the incredibly generous concertgoers who support our involvement and mission wholeheartedly. Thank you to Batavia Downs for making it possible. It is only through vitally important partnerships such as this that we are able to continue to serve our essential mission, and we are thankful.”

The 2024 Concert Series lineup is expected to be announced before the year’s end.

Photos by Howard Owens

batavia downs make-a-wish
batavia downs make-a-wish

 

 

Photos: Don Felder at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens
don felder at Batavia Downs

Supporting acts for headliner Don Felder were the High Water Band and Yachut Fathers.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

don felder at Batavia Downs
don felder at Batavia Downs
don felder at Batavia Downs
don felder at Batavia Downs
don felder at Batavia Downs

Photos: Great White, Seven Day Faith, Savage Cabbage rock the Downs

By Howard B. Owens
great white
Brett Carlisle, lead singer of Great White.
Photo by Nick Serrata.

Great White, stepping in for Skid Row after that band canceled, headlined another rockin' night at Batavia Downs on Friday.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

great white batavia downs
great white batavia downs
seven day faith
Seven Day Faith
Photo by Nick Serrata.
savage cabbage
Savage Cabbage
Photo by Nick Serrata

Photos: Craig Morgan and Drake White at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens
craig morgan

Country music recording artist Craig Morgan, with hits such as "That's What I Love About Sunday," "Almost Home," "Redneck Yacht Club," "Little Bit of Life," and "International Harvester," brought his tour into Batavia on Friday with a stop at Batavia Downs.

Opening for Morgan was Drake White as part of the summer's Rockin' the Downs concert series.

This Friday, the show will get a little more rockus with Skid Row taking the stage.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

craig morgan band member
craig morgan
craig morgan
drake white
drake white

Photos: Get the Led Out at Batavia Downs

By Staff Writer
get the lead out

Led Zeppelin tribute band Get the Led Out returned to Batavia Downs on Friday night as part of the Rockin' the Downs concert series.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

get the lead out
get the lead out
get the lead out
get the lead out
get the lead out
get the lead out

Almost Queen rocks the Downs to open the 2023 concert season

By Howard B. Owens
almost queen
 Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury in Almost Queen.
Photo by Nick Serrata.

The Rockin' the Downs concert series at Batavia Downs in Batavia opened with another big crowd for the Queen tribute act, Almost Queen.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

almost queen
Photo by Nick Serrata.
almost queen
Stealin' opened the show.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
almost queen
Photo by Nick Serrata.
almost queen
A fan catches a free souvenir during a pre-show t-shirt toss.
Photo by Nick Serrata.
almost queen
Photo by Nick Serrata.
almost queen
Fans kept vendors busy before and during the show.
Photo by Nick Serrata.

Free concert tickets for shows at Batavia Downs made available to Genesee County veterans

By Press Release
William Joyce, Henry wojtaszek
William Joyce, veterans services officer for Genesee County, receives bundles of tickets from Batavia Downs President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek on Friday afternoon at Batavia Downs.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

Officials from Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel presented 2,000 complimentary tickets to William Joyce, Director of the Genesee County Veterans Service Agency.  250 Tickets from each of Batavia’s Summer Concert Series were included. 

“Batavia Downs has always supported our local Veterans," said Batavia Downs CEO and President Henry Wojtaszek.  “This is the fifth soncert series in a row that we’ve given tickets to the Genesee County Veterans Service Agency.  We happy to do anything we can to give back to our local Veterans for all they’ve done for our country.”

Tickets for the concert series can be purchased at BataviaConcerts.com.  Performances include: 

  • June 23, Almost Queen (Queen Tribute)
  • June 30, Get the Led Out (Led Zeppelin Tribute)
  • July 7, Craig Morgan and Drake White
  • July 14, Skid Row
  • July 21, Marshall Tucker
  • July 28, GrassRoots with Peter Noone
  • Aug. 4, Don Felder
  • Aug. 11, Mike DelGuidice

Swift, Mars, Elvis and Disco coming to Batavia Downs

By Press Release

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Press Release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the onsale dates for two upcoming concerts taking place at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel’s Park Place Room along with the facility’s first “Silent Disco.”

22K Magic – a Tribute to Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars makes it’s Batavia Downs debut on Saturday, September 2nd.  Hailing from Canada, music talents Carla and Joshua bring the spirit and energy of Taylor and Bruno to their performances.  Together, they put on a show with all your favorite songs, clean lyrics and a whole lot of fun.  Tickets are $15 and attendees receive $10 in Free Play on the day of the show.

Also making his first appearance at Batavia Downs is Rick Alviti’s Tribute to Elvis “That’s the Way it Was.” This Elvis tribute is high-energy and full of audience interaction.  Rick has performed all over the country and in many parts of the world including the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas.   This tribute to Elvis show is truly the closest thing to a live Elvis performance you will ever see or hear.  The event is happening on Saturday, September 9.  Tickets are $30 for VIP, $20 for General Admission and attendees receive $15 in Free Play on the day of the show.

For the first time ever, Batavia Downs will be hosting a “Silent Disco” on Saturday, September 16.  A Silent Disco is an event where people dance to music listened to on wireless headphones rather than on speakers. Several types of music will be broadcast to attendees who are wearing those headphones, so party goers could be listening to several different types of music at a given time.  Since those without the headphones hear no music, the effect is a room full of people dancing to no sound.  Tickets for this event are $20 and include $10 in Free Play. 

Tickets for these events will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

“We are thrilled to welcome these new and exciting events to Batavia Downs this fall,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “Tribute concerts featuring modern pop stars have proven to be a huge draw to attract new guests into our facility.  We know there are many Elvis fans out there and WNY’s own Rick Alviti is one of the best at preserving the King’s music for all his fans.  With so many of our own employees enjoying Silent Discos at other entertainment venues, we knew it was time to do one here.”

WROTB officials considering expansion of Hotel at Batavia Downs, approve 34 Rush renovations

By Mike Pettinella

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Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. officials are exploring an expansion of the Hotel at Batavia Downs, the 84-bed luxury inn that the public benefit company purchased from ADK Hospitality LLC of Buffalo in mid-2021.

“We’re taking a hard look to determine if we are going to do it, if it’s the right time and if the cost is right. We’re taking a cautious approach to make sure that it is something that we really need to do,” said Scott Kiedrowski, WROTB vice president/operations, following today’s board of directors meeting.

Kiedrowski and director Edward Morgan, chairperson of the Batavia Downs Operations Committee, reported on a meeting with David Hart, president of Hart Hotels, which runs the facility.

“Mr. Hart, along with Rick Likus (hotel general manager), spoke to the board about the operation is 2022, which was the first full year of ownership by Western Regional,” Kiedrowski said. “Our numbers are significantly headed in the right direction – very robust.

“The rooms are sold out on a regular basis; we have a lot of traffic coming, so we’re very pleased with the financials and his (Hart’s) report to the board of directors on just how well the hotel is doing.”

Kiedrowski said that expansion, if and when it was approved, would likely add to the north end of the existing hotel.

“We’re trying to see if the lobby should move and the extent of the expansion,” he said, mentioning that 42 more rooms are being considered.

Board Chair Richard Bianchi said he will select three directors to serve on a committee with senior management and hotel staff to look into expanding the hotel.

WROTB directors voted for the $8 million purchase in February 2021.

At the time, Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach said the corporation would be able to utilize 20-year tax-exempt bonds to project a savings of $600,000 while bundling the refinancing of a balloon payment due in October 2023 with the hotel purchase expenditure.

In November 2016, Batavia Downs Gaming and members of ADK Hospitality LLC, the hotel ownership team, cut the ribbon on the hotel. ADK Hospitality bought land from WROTB in March 2015 and invested $7.5 million to build the facility.

In other developments, directors:

  • Approved a resolution to install floor and wall base at the 34 Rush restaurant/bar, contracting with WNY Tile & Sone Corp. of North Tonawanda for an amount not to exceed $19,139.

The expense will be covered by a portion of a $1.2 million insurance settlement stemming from a flood on the second floor when a pipe burst in September 2022, Kiedrowski said.

“The water did leak downstairs into 34 Rush, and there is a lot of remodeling going on in that area so we decided to replace the floor that did receive some of that water,” he said. “We are expanding the kitchen, which is just a normal course of business to make it bigger. So, while doing that we figured we would also take care of the floor.”

  • Approved the purchase of a recreational trailer for use by performers during the Rockin’ The Downs Concert Series from Elizabeth Marino of Florida for $29,000.

Kiedrowski said a concert promoter informed management that the 2014 Forest River Salem Villa destination trailer would be available for purchase, thus fulfilling a need that previously was supplied at no charge by local companies.

“It’s for the performers to use right off stage,” he said. “It is well maintained. Now we have two of them and they are used for the acts.”

The board also approved paying up to $325,000 for the various bands and performers this summer. The eight-week concert series kicks off on June 23 with the Almost Queen tribute band.

Photo: 2016 file photo by Howard Owens

Almost Queen kicks off Rockin The Downs summer concert series

By Press Release

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Press Release:                     

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for their sixth Rockin’ the Downs concert series, presented by Pepsi, which will take place outside on the racetrack, with eight Friday dates, starting in June and running into August of 2023.  

Kicking off the series on Friday, June 23rd is Almost Queen.  The Ultimate Queen Tribute show delivers a live performance, showcasing signature four part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. Donning genuine costumes, Almost Queen recaptures the live energy and precision that is the Queen experience.  Almost Queen was the first post-pandemic concert to take place at Batavia Downs in June of 2021 and played to a packed house.  Hear hits like We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions and many more.

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Next up, on Friday, June 30th, Batavia Downs welcomes back Get the Led Out.  One of the best attended concerts from last year, this group of professional musicians are passionate about their love of the music of Led Zeppelin, making it their mission to bring the studio recordings of the Mighty Zep to life on stage.  Songs performed by the band could include Led Zeppelin hits like Black Dog, Immigrant Song, Stairway to Heaven and many others.

Making his debut on Friday, July 7th is Country Music Artist, Craig Morgan.  Morgan has charted 17 times on the Billboard Country Charts including That's What I Love About Sunday, Almost Home, Redneck Yacht Club, Little Bit of Life, International Harvester, Love Remembers, and Bonfire.  Morgan’s New Album, God, Family, Country has just been released along with his memoir.  Morgan is an Army Veteran and is involved with several Veterans charities, having also been inducted into the U.S. Field Artillery Hall of Fame in 2022.  Opening for Craig Morgan will be Drake White.

Rocking the stage on Friday, July 14th is Heavy Metal Rockers Skid Row. After forming in New Jersey in 1986, the band has performed all over the world with hard guitars and a unique songwriting style.  They’ll be performing their hits; In a Darkened Room, We Are the Damned, Youth Gone Wild, 18 and Life and many more.

On Friday, July 21st, Batavia Downs welcomes back Southern Rock legends The Marshall Tucker Band.  MTB will bring their 40 years of hits to Batavia Downs with hit singles like Heard It In a Love Song, Fire On The Mountain, Can't You See, and Take The Highway, The Marshall Tucker Band earned seven gold and three platinum albums. During the 90's, the MTB scored four hit singles on Billboard's country chart and one on Billboard's gospel chart.

Performing on Friday, July 28th  is the returning Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone. Peter Noone is a multi-talented entertainer, who achieved international fame as Herman, lead singer of the legendary Sixties pop band Herman’s Hermits.  His classic hits include: I’m Into Something Good, Mrs. Brown, you’ve Got A Lovely Daughter, I’m Henry VIII, I Am.  The Grass Roots will once again open for Peter Noone.  Last year’s Concert featuring both artists saw one of the largest concert crowds in Batavia Downs History.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, will perform on Friday, August 4th.  As a renowned former lead guitarist of The Eagles, one of the most popular and influential rock groups of our time, Don has helped write and perform many iconic classics.  His 2008 memoir was a New York Times best seller.  Don will perform solo and Eagles’ hits during his set including Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride), Hotel California, Life in the Fast Lane, the Long Run and Tequila Sunrise.

Closing out the series on Friday, August 11th is Mike DelGuidice and the Big Shot Horns. A recording artist, singer and songwriter who is currently on tour with Billy Joel, Mike has wowed audiences across America with his voice and musicianship .  Mike and the Big Shot horns enjoyed a standing ovation after each of their last 5 songs during last year’s concert series.  Mike and his band play all of Billy Joel’s big hits along with other renditions of classic rock songs.

“We are excited to be welcoming new artists and some of the most popular ones from year’s past,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We’re appreciative to have Pepsi again as our headline sponsor this year and looking forward to allowing great charities like Make-A-Wish Western New York and Kat Colony Animal Rescue to utilize our events to help raise much needed funds for their organizations.”

Tickets for all eight concerts will be available only at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning on Wednesday, January 11th at 10 a.m.

Tickets this year will be $15 for General Admission, $30 for VIP, $60 for Premium and $75 for front row seats.  All tickets can be redeemed at Player’s Club at any time in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 950+ gaming machines.

Season Tickets are also back and will also go on sale for General Admission, VIP and Premium Sections.  A Season pass for General Admission will be $100 (a savings of $20) Season Passes for VIP tickets are $200 (a savings of $40). A Premium Season Pass is $400 (a savings of $80).  Season passes may ONLY be purchased online.

Until February 8th, tickets purchased online for the General Admission section will only be $10. Concert goers will still receive $10 in Free Play on show day with this ticket.

Concerts are held Rain or Shine.  Additional information may be found at www.BataviaDownsGaming.com.

Photos: File photos.  Top photo, Almost Queen by Philip Casper; second photo. Get the Led Out, by Howard Owens

Batavia Downs announces 2022 Rockin' the Downs concert series

By Press Release
Video Sponsor
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Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for their fifth Rockin’ the Downs concert series, presented by Pepsi, which will take place outside on the racetrack, with ten Friday dates, starting in June and running into August.  

Kicking off the series on Friday, June 17th will be a double bill of rock with Tommy DeCarlo and Rudy Cardenas.   Tommy has been the lead singer of Boston since 2007 and performs all of Boston’s hits from the ’70s and 80’s including More Than a Feeling, Peace of Mind, Hitch A Ride, and more!  Opening the show will be Rudy Cardenas, a season 6 American Idol finalist and who will perform a full set of Journey’s classic hits.

Next up, on Friday, June 24th, Batavia Downs welcomes Canadian Rock Band Finger 11 Originating in Burlington, Ontario in 1990, the band has gone on to release 7 studio albums.   The Juno Award-winning rockers will be performing hits such as One Thing, Paralyzer, and others.

Friday, July 1st will see Get the Led Out perform at Batavia Downs. This group of professional musicians are passionate about their love of the music of Led Zeppelin, making it their mission to bring the studio recordings of the Mighty Zep to life on stage.  These musicians were fans first and strive to do justice to one of the greatest bands in rock history by touring all across the US and Canada.  Songs performed by the band will include Led Zeppelin hits like Black Dog, Immigrant Song, Stairway to Heaven and more!

Returning to Batavia Downs on Friday, July 8th is Theory.  Hailing from Delta, British Columbia, the band also known as Theory of a Deadman has turned their hard rock/alternative sound into nine top 10 hits on the US Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, including four number one tracks in Bad Girlfriend, Lowlife, Rx (Medicate) and History of Violence.

Performing on Friday, July 15th is another double bill of great music, this time with Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone. Peter Noone is a multi-talented entertainer, who achieved international fame as Herman, lead singer of the legendary Sixties pop band Herman’s Hermits.  His classic hits include: I’m Into Something Good, Mrs. Brown, you’ve Got A Lovely Daughter, I’m Henry VIII, I Am. 

 Earlier that evening The Grass Roots will take the stage having originated in the Mid-60s and charted with such hits as; Midnight Confessions, Let’s Live for Today, Sooner or Later, and Temptation Eyes.  The current Band Line up of Mark Dawson, Dusty Hanvey, Larry Nelson, and Joe Dougherty rocked Batavia Downs last summer with an inspired performance. 

On Friday, July 22nd, Batavia Downs welcomes back Southern Rock legends Molly Hatchet.  Originating in Jacksonville in 1978, the band has gone on to release 14 studio albums.   They’ll be performing hits such as Flirtin’ with Disaster, Dreams I’ll Never See and Whiskey Man.  Opening for them will be American Southern Rock Band Blackfoot, who will be playing such hits as Train, Train, and Highway Song.

Rocking the stage on Friday, July 29th is the legendary band, 38 Special.  After forming in Jacksonville in 1974, they have currently achieved over $20 Million in sales.  Their signature blast of Southern Rock is unmistakable with such arena-rock pop smashes as Hold On Loosely, Rockin’ Into the Night, and Caught Up in You.

America’s top Pink Floyd Show, The Machine returns to the Batavia Downs stage on Friday, August 5th.   For over 30 years they have extended the legacy of Pink Floyd, while creating another legacy all their own. Over the years, The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many with their stellar musicianship, dramatic lighting and video performances.  Last year’s performance at Batavia Downs was well received by one of the largest crowds of the summer.

Making his Batavia Downs debut on Friday, August 12th is Mike DelGuidice - Recording Artist/Singer/Songwriter who is currently on tour with Billy Joel.

Mike DelGuidice now lives a dream come true. In October of 2013, Billy Joel was so impressed with Mike's singing, Joel personally hired Mike to join his band. 

And now you can see Mike on tour with Billy Joel all over the US & world in major arenas and stadiums including every month at the iconic Madison Square Garden.  Mike and his band play all of Billy Joel’s big hits.  They will also perform a few astonishing renditions of other classic rock hits,  plus some of Mike’s own original work.

Closing out the series on Friday, August 19th  is the Dire Straits Experience.  With former Dire Straits member Chris White, this stellar collection of professional musicians has been paying homage to one of the greatest songbooks of all time with tours across the world.  They will be playing all Dire Straits’ major hits, in all their ambition, grandeur and aching beauty.  These songs are once again presented live for the fans that that have kept them alive.

“We are looking forward to hosting what we feel is the best Concert Series Line-up we’ve ever had,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President, and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We’re appreciative to the folks at Pepsi for being our headline sponsor this year and excited to welcome back charities like Make-A-Wish Western New York & Volunteers for Animals who raise funds for their organizations through the chair rental and guitar raffle.”

Tickets for all ten concerts will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com only beginning on Thursday, December 2nd at 10am.

Tickets this year will be $15 for General Admission, $30 for VIP, $50 for Premium and debuting this year, limited tickets for $75 will guarantee a front row spot.  All tickets can be redeemed at Player’s Club at any time in the three days following the concert for $15 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 800+ gaming machines.

Season Tickets are also back and will also go on sale for General Admission, VIP, and Premium Sections.  A Season pass for General Admission will be $100 (a savings of $50) and purchasers will receive a $50 Free Play Voucher valid to be used within one month of purchase.  Season Passes for VIP tickets are $250 (a savings of $50) with the purchaser receiving $100 in Free Play Vouchers. A Premium Season Pass is $450 (a savings of $50) with the purchaser receiving a $150 in Free Play Vouchers.  Season passes may only be purchased online.

For the month of December until Christmas, tickets purchased online for the General Admission section will be only $10.  Concert goers will still receive $15 in Free Play on show day with this ticket.

Suite Packages for the Hotel at Batavia Downs are available for $500 and include 10 Lawn Tickets.  To book a suite package, contact Sara Tenney at 585-344-6155.

Concerts are held Rain or Shine.  Additional information may be found at www.BataviaDownsGaming.com.

Slaughter to replace Skid Row for July 23 concert at Batavia Downs

By Press Release

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel announced today that due to circumstances beyond their control, the concert on July 23 will no longer feature Skid Row. Batavia Downs hopes to welcome Skid Row to the summer concert series in the future.

On Friday, July 23rd, 2021, Slaughter will perform at the Rockin’ The Downs Summer Concert Series.

The legendary rock 'n' roll band has been making music for three decades and is known for performing such hits as "Up All Night," "Fly to the Angels," and "The Wild Life."

Please note that tickets purchased for the Skid Row concert will still be honored on that date. Those wishing for a refund may do so through their point of purchase. Info can be found inside of your ticket confirmation email. Tickets purchased at the Lucky Treasures gift shop may be refunded during normal gift shop hours.

Tickets are available for Slaughter right now on BataviaConcerts.com

Mark Farner's American Band to replace Vince Neil in concert June 18 at Batavia Downs

By Press Release

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel announced today that due to circumstances beyond their control, the concert on June 18 will not feature Vince Neil. Batavia Downs hopes to welcome Neil in concert next summer.

On June 18th, Mark Farner’s American Band will perform at the Rockin’ The Downs Summer Concert Series.

Legendary all-American frontman and guitarist Farner was the engine that pulled his band down the tracks to the top of the charts. Known for performing such hits as "I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home),” “We’re An American Band,” a recut of “The Loco-Motion,” and “Some Kind of Wonderful," Farner has been delighting audiences for more than 40 years.

Please note that tickets purchased for the Vince Neil concert will still be honored on June 18. Those wishing for a refund may do so through their point of purchase. Info can be found inside of your ticket confirmation email. Tickets purchased at the Lucky Treasures gift shop may be refunded during normal gift shop hours.

Tickets are available for Mark Farner’s American Band right now on BataviaConcerts.com

Free, walk-in vaccine clinic Friday at the Downs, get $20 in food & drink, chance to win concert season pass

By Press Release

Press release:

Officials from Batavia Downs today announced they will be partnering with the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments to host a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Friday, May 14th from 3-7 p.m. on-site at the Park Place Events Center.

The clinic will accept walk-ins and will be offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires a single dose to be administered ("One and done."). The FREE vaccination clinic will be open to the public, and no appointment will be necessary.

As an incentive to help promote participation, Batavia Downs will give all persons who get vaccinated at the clinic $20 in free food and drink. Those who get vaccinated will receive a voucher that will be redeemable anytime at Player’s Club for one week.

Each person who receives a vaccine at the clinic will also receive two entries into a drawing for a pair of Front Row tickets to all 12 Rockin’ The Downs Summer Concerts in the Premium Section. The Season Pass worth of tickets are valued at more than $1,500.

“In order to put the threat of COVID-19 behind us, we need to get as many people vaccinated as possible,” said Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs. “For more than a year, we’ve tried to take a creative approach to dealing with COVID. Our Health and Safety Plan has been implemented since our reopening in September.

"We’ve employed innovative strategies to protect our employees and customers. We are proud to be taking the lead when it comes to the ‘new normal’ in our industry. We hope to see long lines on Friday and are excited to help get more shots in more arms. Getting vaccinated will help us & our region get back to normal, allow for local businesses to welcome back more customers and get our economy moving again.”

“We are grateful to Batavia Downs for not only providing a space for this vaccination clinic to take place, but also for helping incentivize those who are looking to get vaccinated,” said David E. Bell, emergency preparedness coordinator for GO Health Departments.

State Senator Ed Rath said, "I commend Batavia Downs and Western OTB for putting together this vaccine clinic for the public. Working to assure that our residents can easily access these crucial vaccines, right in their own backyard is critical. I appreciate the work they are doing to assure that everyone who wants a vaccine is able to receive one.”

Legendary voice of Mötley Crüe -- Vince Neil -- added to Downs' concert lineup, tickets go on sale today at noon

By Press Release

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is pleased to announce that Vince Neil -- the legendary voice of Mötley Crüe "currently and proudly and always" -- has been added to the Rockin’ the Downs Concert Series and will perform on Friday, June 18th.

Neil* will be performing all of the hits to kick off our Rockin' the Downs Summer Concert Series, lending his unmistakable voice to some of the greatest rock songs of a generation, including “Wild Side," “Shout at the Devil,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Dr. Feelgood,” “Kickstart My Heart,” “Same Ol’ Situation,” and many others.

Tickets are already on sale for all other Rockin’ the Downs Concerts, tickets for Vince Neil will go on sale today, May 3rd at noon at www.BataviaConcerts.com.

Tickets will be available for purchase at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby ONLY on concert days if any tickets remain unsold on concert date.

Due to limited capacity, concert attendees MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. A limit of four tickets purchased per person will be enforced.

As per guidance from New York State, capacity for all concerts at this time will be 2,500 ticket holders but more tickets will be added if capacity increases. All concert goers MUST show proof of:

  • a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of show time;

OR

  • a negative Antigen COVID-19 test within six hours of show time;

OR

  • must show proof of completed immunization (14 days since final vaccination prior to event date).

There will be a Rapid Antigen test site in the parking lot the day of the concerts in order to allow ticket holders to get a rapid test on event dates.   

It his highly recommended that concer goers get a vaccine or test prior to concert date in order to avoid any wait times on the day of the show. Concertgoers are responsible for scheduling and paying for any tests.

As per New York State Regulations, pairs of seats will be 6 feet apart and masks must be worn unless a person is seated and eating or drinking. 

If between now and the concert date the regulations change, then Batavia Downs will adopt any modifications. Ticket holders are encouraged to visit www.bataviadownsgaming.com or their social media pages to stay up to date on any new information.

*Neil will not be performing with Mötley Crüe at the Downs -- Mötley Crüe has nothing to do with the Downs' event.

Rockin' the Downs tickets go on sale 8 a.m. Thursday, two more Summer concerts added

By Press Release

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is pleased to announce the following additions to the upcoming Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concert Series.

Now kicking off the series on Friday June 11th is Almost Queen. The Ultimate Queen Tribute show delivers a live performance, showcasing signature four part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. Donning genuine costumes, Almost Queen recaptures the live energy and precision that is the Queen experience.

Closing the Summer Concert Series now on Aug. 27th will be American rock band The Spin Doctors, who will be making their Batavia Downs debut. Forming in the late '80s, this band went on to commercial success with chart topping hits like "Two Princes" and "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" from their smash hit album "Pocket Full of Kryptonite."

These two concerts are being put on in conjunction with Buffalo-based twenty6 Productions. 

“We are excited to begin working with Batavia Downs," said CEO and Founder of twenty6 Productions, Josh Holtzman. “We know people have been waiting for the return of live events and we’re looking forward to putting on great shows at Batavia Downs while adhering to all the safety measures instituted by New York State.”

As per guidance from New York State, capacity for all concerts at this time will be 2,500 ticket holders but more tickets will be added if capacity increases. All concertgoers MUST show proof of:

  • A negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of show time;

OR

  • A negative Antigen COVID-19 test within six hours of show time;

OR

  • Must show proof of completed immunization (14 days since final vaccination prior to event date).

There will be a Rapid Antigen test site in the parking lot the day of the concerts in order to allow ticket holders to get a rapid test on event dates. For concertgoers age 21+ with tickets each test costs $34.95. (For any New Yorker age 18 and up without a concert ticket, the rapid test costs $65.)

It his highly recommended that concertgoers get a vaccine or test prior to concert date in order to avoid any wait times on the day of the show. Concertgoers are responsible for scheduling and paying for any tests.

As per New York State Regulations, pairs of seats will be 6 feet apart and masks must be worn unless a person is seated and eating or drinking.

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 29th, tickets for all concerts already announced will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com. Tickets will be available for purchase at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby ONLY on concert days if any tickets remain unsold on concert date.

Due to limited capacity, concert attendees MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. A limit of four tickets purchased per person will be enforced.

If between now and the concert date the regulations change, then Batavia Downs will adopt any modifications. Ticket holders are encouraged to visit www.bataviadownsgaming.com or their social media pages to stay up to date on any new information.

Rockin' the Downs: lineup change and a new band announced

By Press Release

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is pleased to announce the following changes to the upcoming Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concert Series.  

The Grass Roots replaces The Sweet, the band originally scheduled for July 30th. The Grass Roots originated in the mid-'60s and charted with such hits as; "Midnight Confessions," "Let’s Live for Today," "Sooner or Later" and "Temptation Eyes." The band's current lineup is Mark Dawson, Dusty Hanvey, Larry Nelson and Joe Dougherty, who have been playing together since 2012 and have delighted audiences across the country.

Friday, Aug. 20th sees American Alternative Rock band, Puddle of Mudd, return to the Downs. Rocking the stage here in 2018, the post-grunge band was one of the highlights of the entire summer. Hailing from Kansas City, Mo., the band has sold more than 7 million albums. Concertgoers will be sure to hear hits such as "She Hates Me," "Blurry" and "Control."

Tickets for all nine concerts will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com once guidance is received from New York State on the holding of outdoor events. Tickets will also be available for purchase at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby.

The current concert schedule is as follows:

June 25 -- Steve Augeri, former lead vocalist for Journey
July 2 -- Molly Hatchet
July 9 -- Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles
July 16 -- Tommy James & The Shondells
July 23 -- Skid Row
July 30 -- The Grass Roots
Aug. 6 -- The Machine (Pink Floyd Tribute)
Aug. 13 -- Queensryche
Aug. 20 -- Puddle of Mudd

Batavia Downs reschedules first two 'Rockin' the Downs' concerts to late August

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that out of an abundance of caution surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the first two “Rockin the Downs” concerts scheduled for this June have been rescheduled to late August.

The Vince Neil concert scheduled for Friday, June 19th, 2020 will take place on Friday, Aug. 21st.

The Steve Augeri concert scheduled for Friday, June 26th, 2020 will take place on Friday, Aug. 28th.

So now the 2020 “Rockin the Downs” concert series will kick off with the regularly scheduled July 10th performance by Molly Hatchet.

Please note that all tickets already sold for these concerts will be honored on the new dates.

“We felt it was necessary to reschedule the start of the series,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president of Batavia Downs Gaming. “We are still looking forward to seeing everyone this summer, at time when local and state officials have determined it is safe to do so.”

Tickets to all concerts are available at BataviaConcerts.com

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