Discounted Admission To The Buffalo Zoo On ‘716 Day’

If you're a lifelong resident of Western New York, you know that 716 Day is a day to celebrate everything Buffalo. As you know 716 is the are code that comprises most of Western New York the so on July 16th, we celebrate all that IS Buffalo and Western New York as if it was a national holiday.

At one point about 16 years ago Buffalo and Rochester were fighting to keep the 716 area code.

"It probably all came about because of mobile phones and cell phones," said former Erie County Director of Information Technology, Les Hoffman. "Everyone was getting one and they were running out of numbers very quickly."

This meant either Buffalo or Rochester would have to give up 716 and get a new area code. But these three numbers were already a part of Western New York's identity.

So the community rallied to win the battle of the area code.

The campaign was successful and the Public Service Commissioner at the time decided that 716 should stay in Buffalo.

"Part of the reasons the state gave it to us was that we had 300,000 more people and 9,000 more small businesses so it would be less of a burden in Western New York to leave 716 here," said Hoffman.

While Buffalo kept 716 Rochester became 585, giving us July 16th to celebrate, and share the "Buffalove" those numbers represent.

This year in honor of 716 Day, the Buffalo Zoo will be offering a special admission price of $7.16.

In addition to the discounted admission price, WGRZ-TV reports that the zoo is going to be offering special treats, as well as unique Queen City apparel.

According to Zoo officials with a "special tasting ticket," visitors will be able to sample some of Buffalo's favorite snacks. Some of the items available for sampling on 716 day include beef on weck, pizza logs, house-made bison dip, and ice-cold loganberry.

Vendors will also be on-site, allowing visitors to shop for clothing, jewelry, and home decor.

Tickets can be purchased online here.