Buffalo Museum of Science Partners with Local Sports Teams for Innovative Exhibit
In an exciting announcement today, the Buffalo Museum of Science (BMS) has revealed a groundbreaking partnership with the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Together, they are set to launch a new sports-focused science exhibit, which is expected to open its doors in the fall of 2025. This innovative exhibit will delve into the fascinating intersection of sports and science, showcasing how various scientific principles underpin the games we love.
A Deep Dive into the Science of Sports
Gary Siddall, President & CEO of BMS, emphasized the multifaceted nature of science in sports. “There are many layers of science in sports,” he noted. “From statistics to equipment technology, medicine, and even the influence of social science on the fan and athlete experience, the exhibit will put scientific elements of sports that can easily go unnoticed at the forefront of the exhibit experience.” This approach aims to engage visitors in a way that highlights the often-overlooked scientific principles that shape athletic performance and fan engagement.
Interactive Experiences Await
The exhibit promises to be highly interactive, featuring a variety of engaging displays. One of the standout attractions will be a “Shout” chamber, where visitors can measure the decibel level of their cheers, capturing the electric atmosphere of a live sports event. Another exciting feature will be a media desk that allows guests to translate sports statistics into meaningful insights, making the numbers come alive. Additionally, a design-your-own mascot display will encourage creativity and personal connection to local teams.
Perhaps most intriguing is a custom interactive activity that pays homage to a beloved Buffalo Bills tailgating tradition. This experience will explore concepts such as arcs, accuracy, and momentum, providing a fun and educational twist on familiar game-day rituals.
Inclusivity in Sports Science
Siddall also highlighted the exhibit’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that the topics covered will extend beyond just football and hockey. Adaptive sports will also be a significant focus, ensuring that the exhibit resonates with a wide audience and reflects the diverse landscape of athletic participation in Buffalo.
Collaboration with Roto
To bring this ambitious vision to life, BMS is collaborating with Roto, a renowned exhibit design company based in Ohio. Museum personnel have shared a conceptual rendering of the exhibit’s entrance, which features a striking jumbotron centerpiece and design elements that celebrate Buffalo’s sports culture. This collaboration aims to create an immersive environment that captures the spirit of the city’s passionate sports fandom.
Funding and Support
The financial backing for this innovative project is already underway, with 27 percent of the total $2.8 million budget raised to date. This includes a commitment from the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences and a $200,000 capital grant from Empire State Development specifically earmarked for the exhibit. The support from local organizations underscores the community’s enthusiasm for this initiative.
Team Spirit and Educational Impact
The Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres are not just lending their names to the project; they are actively contributing to the exhibit’s design and promotion by providing brand assets and imagery licensing. Team representatives expressed their excitement about partnering with BMS, emphasizing the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Pete Guelli, EVP & Chief Operating Officer of the Bills and Sabres, stated, “Through this exhibit, our fans can see the science behind their hometown teams,” reinforcing the educational value of the partnership.
Community Engagement and Youth Empowerment
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes highlighted the broader impact of the exhibit on youth in Buffalo. She noted that sports foster essential life skills such as teamwork, confidence, and discipline. However, many children in the area lack equitable access to athletics and opportunities to explore the science behind sports. The exhibit aims to ignite a passion for learning, encouraging students to delve into STEM topics through the lens of their favorite games.
Senator Sean Ryan echoed this sentiment, expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership. He remarked, “This new exhibit will bring science closer to home for fans of all ages and help people connect with their favorite sports in a whole new way.”
A New Era for the Buffalo Museum of Science
This upcoming exhibit will mark the first complete renovation of a permanent exhibit at BMS since the Buffalo in Space exhibit opened in 2018. It will replace the existing health sciences exhibit, Explore YOU, which debuted in 2012. Siddall, who joined the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences earlier this year, views this project as a catalyst for a broader master exhibit plan aimed at revitalizing all of the museum’s permanent experiences. “Science is always changing, and so should the experience at the Buffalo Museum of Science,” he stated, highlighting the museum’s commitment to staying current and engaging.
About the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences
The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences manages both the Buffalo Museum of Science and Tifft Nature Preserve, with a mission to inspire joyful exploration of science and nature through engaging experiences. Located in East Buffalo, the museum offers a wealth of interactive science studios, exhibits, and programming, along with an extensive collection of over 700,000 objects and specimens. Tifft Nature Preserve, a 264-acre urban wetland, serves as a living collection and provides free access to hiking trails and environmental education year-round. For more information, visit sciencebuff.org and tifft.org.