BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — One of the most recognizable figures in this city’s sports culture will join Sabres alumni to celebrate Hockey Night at Buffalo’s downtown ballpark.
Earl Howze Jr., better known as the Earl of Bud, the beer vendor who dazzled fans with his dance routines at Memorial Auditorium and Buffalo’s baseball stadium, will make his first appearance in six summers Saturday night at Sahlen Field.
The Bisons’ Hockey Night promotion also will feature former Sabres star Danny Gare throwing out the first pitch, and pregame autograph signings with Rhett Warrener and Matthew Barnaby.
The Bisons also plan to hold Sabres-themed giveaways each inning, with fans having the opportunity to baseballs singed by Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch, along with tickets to the Sabres’ opening night game. The team also will auction off signed baseball jerseys fashioned to look like Sabres’ sweaters that players will wear for Saturday night’s game.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. prior to the autograph signing, and Buffalo’s game against the Rochester Red Wings will start at 6:05 p.m.
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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.
