Aug 13, 2022
BATAVIA — The bats and balls and bases may have been put away for the summer, but Dwyer Stadium will still be rockin’.
The stadium at 299 Bank St. will be hosting a series of concerts for the first time.
Two tribute acts will be taking the field for shows in August and September.
“We just want the park used as much as possible since it is city-owned,” said Robbie Nichols, owner of the Batavia Muckdogs which plays its home games and maintains and office at Dwyer Stadium. The stadium is owned by the City of Batavia, which leases the facility to the Muckdogs.
On Aug. 20, the Jimmy Buffet tribute band Margaritaville will be partying and people are encouraged to dress up (Buffet’s fans are known as Parrotheads). The concert is scheduled for 8 p.m.
A second concert on Sept. 3 will feature ZBTB, a Zac Brown tribute band. Show time is 7 p.m.
Both acts celebrate the music and experience of two popular performers.
Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett is best known for his music, which often suggests an “island escapism” lifestyle – a la the “Margaritaville” visuals of nibblin’ on sponge cake, watchin’ the sun bake, and strollin’ around in flip-flops (at least until one blows out).
Buffett’s hits include his signature “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
In September, the stadium will trade the island vibe for some country sizzle.
ZBTB features the music of the Zac Brown Band, with hits such as “Chicken Fried,” “My Old Man,” “Keep Me in Mind,” and “Goodbye in her Eyes.” ZBB has earned three Grammy Awards, including best new artist in 2010, and remain a popular concert draw.
Nichols said the stage and lights for the Dwyer Stadium concerts will be on the baseball field, with the stage where second base is. Some fans will be able to stand and dance on the field. The stadium will also have seating.
Nichols, who also owns the Elmira Pioneers – a Muckdogs rival in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League – said he hosted concerts in Elmira and those shows would bring big crowds of more than 2,000 people.
“We’ll see how these two do and see if Batavia wants them,” Nichols said. “Batavia Downs does an incredible job with their concert series. We’re not trying to compete against them; they are great partners of ours.”
From day one, Nichols said he didn’t want Dwyer Stadium to be just a baseball stadium. He wanted to see the stadium be used as much as possible.
Nichols is bringing other events to the stadium through the fall. These include an Alzheimer’s walk planned in October and a Halloween event. Nichols also expects there to be numerous high school championship games played at Dwyer.
When asked why he was expanding his interests and involvement in Batavia, Nichols said the city is a baseball city.
“They love their Muckdogs here. We took a chance, we took a gamble. My wife and I invested a lot of money into this, and it is paying off for us,” Nichols said. “So we’ll continue trying different events here.”
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Tickets to the upcoming concerts, which cost $10 each, are available at the stadium. For tickets or more information, call the office at (585) 524-2260.
