Third Eye Blind headlines Empire Games

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Release- International recording artists Third Eye Blind, best known for the single "Semi-Charmed Life", will headline the Empire State Games Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday July 21 kicking-off four days of gold medal athletic competitions.

 

The 2010 Buffalo Games will run through Sunday July 25 with more than 6,000 athletes from across the state descending on Western New York to compete in the country’s oldest amateur, multi-sport competition.

 

“We are a little more than a month away from one of the greatest events to be held in Western New York,” said Jack Quinn, Empire State Games Buffalo 2010 Honorary Co-Chairman. “Athletic history will be made on the sports fields and arenas throughout our community. Buffalo has risen to the challenge of bringing the Games back to life when they may have been lost forever. This accomplishment is a true testament of Western New York’s dedication to its community and the state.”

 

Staged similar to an Olympic celebration, the Empire State Games opening ceremonies will include a day and night full of family fun and entertainment featuring the traditional athlete procession, swearing in and cauldron lighting. Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops will lead the athletes along with a military flyover and color guard. An original music score will be performed and a robust fireworks display will cap off the evening concert.

 

Time Warner will broadcast opening ceremonies live from University at Buffalo North Stadium, as well as produce and broadcast a daily Games’ wrap-up show.

 

A 30-plus member Local Organizing Committee (LOC), chaired by retired Erie Community College Athletic Director Ralph Galanti, has been planning the 2010 games for the past two years. The Buffalo Niagara Sports Commission, the athletic marketing arm of the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau, secured the 2010 Games for Buffalo back in 2008.

 

Opening ceremonies tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations. Presale tickets purchased on or before July 8 are $10 for adults and $5 for children between five and nine years old. Children under five years old are free. Regular sale ticket prices after July 8 are $20 for adults and $10 for children.

 

“Because of the generosity of First Niagara, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York and all of our partner sponsors we are able to bring to life an amazing opening ceremonies celebration never seen before in Buffalo for the Games,” said Ralph Galanti, Local Organizing Committee Chairman. “We have lowered the ticket prices to encourage everyone in Western New York and throughout the state to join us and help us congratulate today’s great athletes who will become the stars of the future. This truly is something that shouldn’t be missed”

 

Empire Family Village

 

Prior to opening ceremonies, families young and old can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Empire Family Village. Athletic competitions,, live entertainment, and foods from local Buffalo restaurants will be featured along with plenty of sponsor bonuses. Ryan Miller’s Steadfast Foundation will bring MYESPN and the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres will feature sport challenges for all ages. Located adjacent to UB North Campus Stadium, the Empire Family Village will be open from 3:30 – 6:30 PM on July 21 and is free to the public.

 

Athletic Competitions

 

Dozens of local athletic venues will come to life with competitions ranging from hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, track & field, swimming and more. A master pass for all events and or individual day passes for attendance to athletic competitions can be purchased online at www.sportnation-housing.com or at each event venue for cash only. A full schedule of athletic events and locations can be found at www.esgbuffalo.com or www.empirestategames.org.