BUFFALO, NY — The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park announced the Park and the historic Naval ships moored on the Buffalo Waterfront will be open for public tours through Labor Day, September 7, and will then shift to weekend operations for the remainder of the month. After Labor Day, the Naval Park will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am to 4:00pm, with the last ticket sold at 3:00pm each day.

Visitors seeking to tour the exterior main decks of USS The Sullivans, USS Little Rock, USS Croaker, and the Naval Park’s museum can do so at a reduced rate for the remainder of this season. Admission is limited through timed ticketing with advance online ticket purchase at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/buffalonavalpark.

The final day for visitors of the 2020 season will be Sunday, September 27th. This is approximately one month earlier than in the past. The Park plans to use the additional time for exhibit maintenance and development of new programs and events that will build on the safeguards instituted this season.

“It is no surprise opening this summer was a challenge for the Naval Park as it was for many attractions,” commented Paul Marzello, President and CEO of the Naval Park. “Our staff and volunteers went above and beyond to get the Park open and safe for visitors. Attendance has been steady through the summer. We did not see the volume we did last year, but we are full-steam ahead with our plans for 2021.”

In an effort to help raise much needed funds to offset the losses in revenue resulting from the COVID pandemic, the Naval Park has launched an All Hands On Deck campaign. With a goal of $100,000, the All Hands On Deck campaign includes a general fund drive through direct mail, email and online giving, as well as support from corporate sponsors. The Naval Park is also selling limited edition All Hands On Deck Challenge Coins. Only 1,000 Challenge Coins were minted and appeal to collectors in Western New York and across the country. To date, the Naval Park has reached nearly 45% of its goal to raise $100,000.

Information about the All Hands On Deck campaign, Challenge Coins and how to give securely online can be found at buffalonavalpark.org/allhandsondeck.