The Fair Teams Up with the Rochester Red Wings for Evening at ESL Ballpark on July 30
Fair Night Includes Fair Admission Ticket Giveaways and Fun Promotions
Fair Director Julie LaFave to Throw First Pitch
The Great New York State Fair is taking a big swing this week, partnering with the Rochester Red Wings as they take on the Syracuse Mets for “The Great New York State Fair Night” at ESL Ballpark on Thursday, July 30. The first pitch is at 6:45 p.m.
The themed evening will celebrate the spirited rivalry between the two Upstate New York clubs, with the Rochester Red Wings taking the field as “The Plates,” honoring the city’s iconic garbage plate, while the Syracuse Mets will suit up as the “Salt Potatoes,” paying tribute to one of Central New York’s signature dishes. The culinary showdown will coincide with the third game of the series between the longtime rivals, proving once again that the competition extends well beyond the baseball diamond.
The event also offers fans a preview of the excitement awaiting them when The Great New York State Fair opens on Wednesday, August 26. Throughout the evening, attendees can stop by The Fair’s table on the main concourse to enter for a chance to win tickets to the 2026 Fair. Fair Director Julie LaFave will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.
“It isn’t summer without baseball, and it certainly wouldn’t be summer without The Fair,” said Fair Director Julie LaFave. “We’re excited to partner with both the Rochester Red Wings and the Syracuse Mets to celebrate two of New York’s favorite summer traditions. Whether you’re cheering for The Plates or the Salt Potatoes, we hope everyone joins us at the ballpark and then continues the fun at The Great New York State Fair in a few short weeks.”
Rochester Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason said, “Only in Upstate New York can a Plate and a Salt Potato settle their differences on a baseball field. We always have a blast with this rivalry, and adding The Great New York State Fair to the lineup makes the night even better. It’s got everything you want from summer; baseball, great food, family fun and, if all goes according to plan, a Plates win.”
Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol said, “The Syracuse Mets are proud to partner with The Great New York State Fair to showcase two of the region’s greatest traditions—baseball and The Fair. It’s a fun way to celebrate our friendly rivalry with Rochester and show the gastronomical superiority of the humble and historically significant Salt Potato over the Garbage Plate. We hope fans enjoy an unforgettable night before going to The Fair later this summer.”
In addition to celebrating The Fair, the event highlights the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Taste NY program, which is featured throughout ESL Ballpark all season long. Taste NY connects consumers with high-quality food and beverages produced across New York State, showcasing the strength and diversity of the state’s agricultural industry. Fans visiting the ballpark can enjoy a variety of New York-made products from vendors including:
- 1911
- Big Ditch
- Blake’s Hard Cider
- Blue Barn Cidery
- Blue Toad Hard Cider
- Brooklyn Brewery
- Country Sweet Sauce
- DiPaolo Baking
- Dr. Frank Winery
- Ellicottville Brewing
- Genesee Brewery
- Hamburg Brewing
- Ithaca Beer Co.
- Perry’s Ice Cream
- Resurgence Brewing
- Rohrbach Brewing
- Saranac
- Southern Tier Brewing
- Thin Man Brewery
- Three Heads Brewing
- Young Lion Brewing
- Zweigle’s Hot Dogs and Sausage
The Taste NY partnership continues to deliver impressive results. During the 2025 season, Rochester Red Wings fans purchased more than $2.3 million worth of Taste NY products, including more than $1.7 million in New York craft beverages and nearly $458,000 in Zweigle’s Hot Dogs and Sausage. Those figures underscore the strong demand for locally produced food and beverages while highlighting the important role New York agriculture plays in enhancing the fan experience at the ballpark.
The Fair starts Wednesday, August 26, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. All concerts are included in the price of admission. Tickets are on sale now at The Fair’s website, nysfair.ny.gov. The Great New York State Fair is the most affordable state fair in the country. Tickets are $8 for adults while admission is free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older.
Founded in 1841, The Great New York State Fair showcases the best of New York agriculture, provides top-quality entertainment, and is a key piece of the state’s CNY Rising strategy of growing the Central New York economy through tourism. It is the oldest fair in the United States and is consistently recognized as being among the top five state fairs in the nation.
The New York State Fairgrounds is a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year. Audiences are encouraged to learn more about The Great New York State Fair online, browse photos on Flickr, and follow the fun on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
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