About BESE
What is BESE
BESE is the destination Western New York sports fans and sports fans from all walks of life have been waiting for as a place to come together and celebrate their sports legacy. It will be an experience, where the visitor comes to create and share their memories and stories inspired by cutting-edge multi-media exhibits and presentations reflecting the rich heritage of Buffalo’s sports teams.
BESE will be family-friendly, encouraging the story-telling legacy that is so much a part of our heritage, where grandparent, parent, child and grandchild share their personal reflections of the moments in the journey that made a particular impact on their lives.
There is no other region in the world quite like Buffalo and Western New York! BESE will capture the unique aspects of our culture. Whether you are a long-time fan who has a story to tell your son or daughter about a day at the old Rockpile or just one of the more than 80,000 fans who was there the day they tore the goal posts down at the Ralph, BESE will make a team out of all who attend, strengthening our community, celebrating one more aspect that makes Buffalo such a great place to live.
How it Started
On Sunday, November 8th, 2009 Greg Tranter was finishing his final personal tour of the Buffalo Bills 50th Anniversary Exhibit that he developed and executed through the generous help of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society. An effort based on passion, vision and determination. A very special, unconventional, yet successful endeavor resulted.
It provided proof of a principle that sports is as much a cultural institution in Buffalo as any other human experience.
After the crowd left, one visitor remained. Michael Weekes, another passionate visionary, walked up, introduced himself and asked Greg, “What could be next for all this?”
“Not sure, answered Greg. “The powers at be don’t seem interested.”
“It seems a shame that there isn’t a permanent destination for such terrific memorabilia to be enjoyed. We have such rabid sports fans! What would it take to make this a permanent destination in Western New York?” Mike asked.
“I’ve got the stuff, all we need is a place”, answered Greg.
And the rest was history…sort of.
It took a little more than that initial simple thought, but from that day on, Mike and Greg entered into a commitment and have spent thousands of hours each to research, ideate, collaborate, learn, plan and pursue this dream.
A commitment to a permanent experience in Western New York, where all the sports fans in the Niagara Frontier and beyond could come and enjoy the moments and memories is slowly becoming a reality. It will connect you, to your past and each other, to learn in a fun and entertaining way.
BESE is a place to be part of something, of pride and struggle, filled with sweet memories to be cherished and shared, over and over.
BESE will tell your story of the rich and deep culture and history of Buffalo and Western New York through sports. Like the Arts, Theater, Music and all traditional cultural venues and destinations, BESE looks forward to sharing one of the greatest stories of the American Experience. It is The Story of Buffalo!
Greg and Mike celebrate you, The Fan, for it is you who will make the experience rich and real and heart-warming! Help us make BESE a reality!
Thank you!
Greg Tranter