Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Tioga Downs announces inaugural ‘Comedy Nights’ at Virgil’s


Guests can enjoy live comedy for free every Friday night from May 26 through the end of June

Nichols, N.Y. – May 9, 2017 – As another exciting season of racing, music and entertainment kicks off at Tioga Downs, live comedy shows have been added to the casino’s lineup, beginning Friday, May 26 at 9:00 p.m. “Comedy Nights” will host top comedians of different genres and comedic styles in Virgil’s Real BBQ every Friday night through June at 9:00 p.m. to entertain all guests 21 years of age and older. As part of the casino’s commitment to provide superior, yet affordable entertainment options for its guests, there will be no cover charge for Comedy Nights, seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“As we continue to evolve into a full-service destination resort, we want to make sure we add attractions that will appeal to our many guests near and far.  Laughter is good for the soul and is a great way to enjoy an evening out with friends and loved ones.  We are happy to announce the addition of Comedy Nights and look forward to enhancing the entertainment experience here at Tioga Downs,” said Scott Freeman, president of Tioga Downs.

The live comedy series kicks off on Friday, May 26 with the following line-up: Bill Lake, Steven Rogers, Justin Jackson and the Binghamton Comedy Binge. Bill Lake has written jokes for David Letterman and Craig Ferguson, and his jokes have been heard on radio stations throughout the world. Steven Rogers is a stand-up comic from Syracuse, N.Y. who has been making others laugh for most of his life. Rogers’ humorous observations have been featured on websites such as eBaum's World, the Chive and College Humor. Justin Jackson is a stand-up comedian originating from Detroit, Mich. He draws all of his humor from real life experiences of his relationships, family, friends and work life. The Binghamton Comedy Binge focuses on delivering only the best comedy content, shows and experiences in the region.

Guests of Tioga Downs can look forward to different lineup of comedians every Friday night through the end of June.  Virgil’s staff is hoping to host other acts for future shows including both national and regional talent such as Tony Liberati, Corey Smithson, Matt Davis, Mike Ciurzynski, RJ McCarthy, Paul Kozlowski, Tom Anzalone, Gomez Adams, Nick Marra, Moody McCarthy, Phil Stamato, Kenneth McLaurin, Jim Mencel and Ralph Tetta.

In addition to Comedy Nights, Virgil’s Real BBQ has a full slate of entertainment through the end of June. Starting on Wednesday, May 17 from 7 – 9 p.m. will be the start of Trivia Wednesdays with Louie G.  Currently running every Thursday at Virgil’s from 6 – 9 p.m. is Karaoke Thursdays where guests can sing their favorite song up on the Virgil’s stage. To appeal to the electronic dance music fans, Virgil’s is hosting its very first EDM night with K.I.D. Mobile DJ on Friday, May 19 from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. (guests must be 21 years of age or older).

Friday, May 5, 2017

Original Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer set to play at Tioga Downs


Artimus Pyle Band to entertain rock fans Memorial Day Weekend

Nichols, N.Y. – May 5, 2017 – Fans of Lynyrd Skynyrd will not want to miss the opportunity to see Artimus Pyle – A Tribute to Ronnie Van Zant’s Lynyrd Skynyrd when the band plays at Tioga Downs on Friday, May 26. Artimus Pyle, an American musician best known for playing drums for Lynyrd Skynyrd, will be performing two exciting shows Memorial Day Weekend at 7:00 and 9:00 pm.

The Artimus Pyle Band is a high energy, true to the music, and true to the era rock group that is more than just a “tribute” to Lynyrd Skynyrd, but a tribute to the man that defined it. The band delivers hit after hit, night after night. From “Freebird” to “Sweet Home Alabama,” the Artimus Pyle Band gives fans the best of Skynyrd with one of the men who made it.

Long considered the “wild man” of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Artimus Pyle’s powerful and distinctive double bass drumming helped define the legendary Skynyrd sound. The years Artimus played with Skynyrd were the years that solidified the legend behind the band. Quickly developing into one of the nation's top touring draws with a schedule of 300 shows a year, the constant work and touring paid off by October 20, 1977 when Skynyrd’s songs had become radio staples. He was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Tickets for the concert are now available for $10 at all Ticketmaster locations and the Tioga Downs gift shop.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Tioga Downs set to begin the 2017 harness racing season


Action packed summer of racing, music and entertainment to entertain guests of all ages

Nichols, N.Y. – May 2, 2017 – As summer quickly approaches, Tioga Downs is pleased to announce another exciting season of live harness racing set to begin on Saturday, May 6, which has also been coined as Tioga’s Derby Day to help celebrate the Kentucky Derby, with a 5:00 p.m. post time for live harness racing at Tioga. The 2017 racing season will open southern style with an action-packed Derby Fest 10 including live entertainment, a Derby Hat contest, giveaways and a spectacular fireworks display following the night’s final race.

Promotions include free giveaways and the chance to win a $500 cash prize for the most lavish southern fashion as part of Tioga’s very own Derby Day Hat Contest from 2 – 4:30 p.m. Those wishing to show off their derby hat can go between those hours for the opportunity to win their chance at $1,500 in prize money.  Virtual Racing promotions will also be available from 1 – 4:00 p.m., Tioga Downs Players Club card members that earn 25 points playing their favorite slot machine are given the opportunity to participate in Virtual Racing. The popular $1,000 Derby Dream Bet also returns and gives two lucky winners a chance to wager $500 on a single horse in the Kentucky Derby, which has a 6:46 p.m. post time.

Guests can also enjoy a full evening of live harness racing at Tioga Downs, the new racing season begins with a 5 p.m. post time. Later that evening, visitors can win up to $1,000 cash in Derby Day Hot Seat drawings every hour from 8 p.m. until midnight on the gaming floor for Tioga Downs Player’s Club card members. The prize amount will start at $500 at 8 pm and go up every hour, culminating in a $1,000 prize at midnight.

Live music will entertain audiences beginning with The Yadas Yadas in the Sideshow Lounge from 1 – 4:00 p.m., followed by The Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band in the Trackside tent from 3:50 – 4:20 p.m., concluding the night with Virgil Cain from 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. in Virgil’s Real BBQ as well as Splash from 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. in the Sideshow Lounge. A one-of-kind fireworks spectacular is planned for all guests after the final race concludes.

Additional highlights of the 2017 racing season at Tioga Downs include the $175,000 Roll with Joe on August 20 with the $500,000 Empire Breeders Classic Finals as well as the trio of $175,000 stake races on August 27 featuring The Crawford Farms Trot, Joie De Vie Mare Trot and Artiscape Mare Pace. Also, returning to Tioga Downs this summer is camel and ostrich racing, a community favorite, on June 18 as well as the Fourth Annual Tioga Downs World Chicken Spiedie Eating Championship presented by Lupo’s.