Niagara Falls Americans Logo (Submitted)
Friday, December 22nd 2023 11:30 am
Written by Patrick J. Bradley
Senior Contributor
CAN-USA Sports and the City of Niagara Falls have reached an agreement to become CAN-USA's managing partner for the historic Salle Marie Stadium. The three-year agreement is effective immediately and includes a five-year renewal option.
A major element of the deal will be summer baseball. CAN-USA also acquired the city's Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League team, which had played at the stadium the past few seasons as the Niagara Power. The team name will be changed to the Niagara Falls Americans.
CAN-USA co-owner Robbie Nichols said Americans will bring the excitement of summer baseball back to Niagara Falls.
“We want a big crowd and quality baseball, so we make it fun for all the kids,” he said.
“I love seeing families come together. There's nothing better than going to a sporting event as a family,” added Nellie Nichols, Nichols' wife and co-owner of CAN-USA.
The stadium, originally Hyde Park Stadium, has completed a $1.4 million renovation that includes the installation of an artificial turf field and a tribute to Niagara Falls native and former Major League pitcher Sal “The Barber” Magley. It was rededicated last year in recognition of the
“This is truly a community asset,” said Mayor Robert Restaino, who spearheaded the effort to bring CAN-USA to Niagara Falls. “Salle Marié Stadium is a big part of this community, it's a beautiful stadium, and our city has a rich baseball tradition.”
In addition to the Americans, the University of D'Youville and Niagara County Community College have also signed deals to play their home games at the stadium. Plans are also underway to hold regional baseball tournaments, youth baseball camps, and clinics.
“We own the keys,” Robbie Nichols said. “We want this field to be utilized as much as possible.”
CAN-USA's baseball pedigree includes ownership of the Elmira Pioneers and Batavia MuckDogs, which compete in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL).
The Nichols first partnered with the Pioneers in 2012 and assumed full ownership in 2017. Since then, attendance at the team's games at 4,020-seat Dunn Field has increased from 500 to more than 3,000.
CAN-USA Sports acquired the Batavia MuckDogs in 2021 and became the managing partner of their home stadium, Dwyer Stadium. The MuckDogs' attendance increased from 950 to over 2,100 per game.
CAN-USA Sports was created in 2018 with the appointment of partner and general manager Mark Witt, who previously worked for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League and served as vice president of sales for the Binghamton Devils of the American Hockey League.
Although league play doesn't begin until June, the American team has already begun assembling its lineup. The team will be coached by Lewiston native and former Niagara University infielder Mike Gabriele. Gabriele was an assistant coach at Missouri Western State University and last year was the head coach at Niagara Power.
Gabriele said, “I'm really honored to have this opportunity.''
The first player to commit to the Americans is Western Michigan University catcher Mike Huff. The North Tonawanda native attended Niagara Wheatfield High School and was named to the Niagara Frontier League first team.
“Michael is a great foundation for our franchise,” Gabriele said. “Not only is he skilled at his position, but he's a local talent. That means he wants to win more for his city.”
Season tickets for the 2024 season are on sale starting at $99. Sponsorship packages are also available. For more information, please contact Witt. [email protected].
From left: New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortto, CAN-USA Sports Co-Owner Robbie Nichols, Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino, and CAN-USA Sports General Manager Matt Witt. Mr. Announces New Management Agreement for Salle Marié Stadium and Acquisition of CAN-USA Players of the Niagara Falls Americans Baseball Team. The team is scheduled to begin playing at the stadium next June.
