Thursday at the Square redux?

In terms of newspaper headlines, the just-concluded 2008 Thursday at the Square concert series in downtown Buffalo is likely better known for incidents of rowdiness and public urination than what bands headlined the shows.

     But Buffalo Place, which organizers the 22-year-old music events, is betting its bottom line next summer's shows will remain fan favorites. The non-profit agency Wednesday approved a 2009 budget which counts of $1.4 million in revenues from concert food and beverage sales, the same amount budgeted for '08.

     Buffalo Place Executive Director Michael Schmand called the season a success, despite some security and sanitation hiccups. He cited increased police and security staff, and lots more port-a-potties, as the 12-week series progressed.

     Schmand said most of the tens of thousands of attendees "went home happy."

     Did you go home happy, or did this summer's problems cause you to take Thursday at the Square off your calendar?  Do you think the veteran summer entertainment series can start with a fresh slate in '09?

-- Sharon Linstedt

Comments

[Margaret Farrell]

I came in from Orchard Park to almost every Square concert this year. I feel that the issues you discuss, public urination and fights on metro were blown out of proportion by the News. I didn't notice any of these things, and every Square I attended was pleasant and fun! (save for some rainy nights!) There is no need to give suburban dwellers further reason to fear venturing into the city.

Bringing hundreds of people together will always cause some issues, but I think Buffalo Place has always done a great job of making improvements and changes when necessary. The crowd at the Square is diverse and that's what makes it interesting.

I especially enjoyed the Rocks the Harbor event down on the waterfront. What a beautiful venue!

I'm glad Buffalo Place isn't allowing a few "hiccups" ruin an event that has been a favorite among Buffalonians for years.

[George Winker]

Every year I fly in from Dallas for the Bills home opener with my son and 2 nephews. We always come in on Thursday to catch the last concert in the square, whoever is playing. It is part of our Buffalo experience. It is well run and I would hate to see it go away. Being from Buffalo I always run into someone I grew up with in the square, which is just adds to the experience. If certain things need fine tuning than do it, but don't stop the concerts. It would be like canceling the Bills games becuase some people drink to much.

[Scott Krajeski]

I second Margaret. The media, particularly channel 4, blew this story waaaaay out of proportion. Afterall, get that many people in once place and you will have some things go on. The face that it is downtown only fueled the media's fire. Afterall, where is the story of all the public urination going on at One Bills Drive?

[Ellen McNamara]

I have been out of Buffalo for 15yrs. I travel back to Buffalo to see my family and friends a couple of times a year.
One of my summer favorites is to attend Thursday at the Square.
The music is enjoyable along with the favorite Buffalo food. I feel that this event generates people to downtown Buffalo. I can always count on a great Buffalo Place event. Besides where can you listen to great music and not spend a cent these days?
Buffalo Place keep on Rockin!

[Phil]

Someone is always peeing in the parking lots when I leave Sabres games. Never hear any comments on that.

[Colleen Flynn]

I can’t believe people are really complaining about such a terrific event in Buffalo. I go to school in Boston and have heard every negative stereotype about Buffalo that there is. Thursday at the Square is always the first thing I bring up when I talk about the positives of the city I love. My friends from school were amazed at how great it really is when I brought them there this summer. The events put on by Buffalo Place open non-Buffaloians eyes to what a treasure we really have. I believe it was Great Big Sea at Buffalo Rocks the Harbor that said when you think of Buffalo you would never picture this-what a beautiful place. There are enough other problems in Buffalo-lets go fix them and thank Buffalo Place for all the work they have already done to help.