Welcome to Mirabito Stadium, located in the carousel capital of the world. The Binghamton Rumble Ponies play here, enjoying a merry-go-round every April thru September. Grab a spiedie or two, meet the soon-to-be Mets and stay for the beautiful sunsets.
Binghamton Rumble Ponies (affiliate of the New York Mets since 1992) Established: 1992, as the Binghamton Mets League: Double-A Northeast (Eastern League 1992-2020) Ballpark: Mirabito Stadium (opened 1992 as Binghamton Municipal Stadium) Championships: 1992, 1994, 2014 Notable Alumni: David Wright, Noah Syndergaard, Lucas Duda, Michael Conforto, Jacob deGrom, Edgardo Alfonso, Pete Alonso, Zack Wheeler
Binghamton’s current Double-A team arrived on the scene in 1992 after relocating from Williamsport, Pa. From that season until the present day, the team has served as an affiliate of the New York Mets. They were simply known as the Mets through 2016, often colloquially referred to as the B-Mets (their former mascots were Bingo the Bee and Buddy the Bee). The current Rumble Ponies moniker was adopted in 2017, but the Mets affiliation remains.
Binghamton was a member of the Eastern League from its 1992 inception through 2020, but the central New York locale’s presence in that circuit far predates its current team. From 1938 through 1968, the city was home to the Triplets, who competed in the Eastern League for nearly the entirety of their existence. The Triplets name was a reference to the larger “triple cities” region, encompassing Johnson City and Endicott in addition to Binghamton.
Binghamton is home to six vintage carousels, leading to its status as the “carousel capital of the world.” The Rumble Ponies’ team name references this unique distinction. John Hughes, who owned the team at the time of the name change, said that Rumble Ponies are “a fierce horse that no carousel can contain.”
Mirabito Stadium, originally known as Binghamton Municipal Stadium, was built in conjunction with the 1992 arrival of the Binghamton Mets. Its pragmatic design is reminiscent of the sort of ballpark that was prevalent in the ’70s and ’80s, emphasizing function over flair. The exterior is dominated by concrete, with the main entrance leading to a closed concourse that provides passageways to the seating bowl itself. The seating bowl, bisected by a narrow concourse, extends from shallow right field to shallow left field.
Over the past five years Mirabito Stadium has undergone a series of upgrades that have greatly improved both the player and fan experience. All the seats have been replaced, a new sound system was installed and new videoboards were placed in both right and left field. The right-field entrance gate, welcoming fans to “Rumbletown,” opens up into an airy plaza filled with inflatables, concessions and an overall carnivalesque atmosphere. The players’ batting cage is located in right field as well, to the right of the entrance and just beyond the outfield fence. The sign above the door reads “The road to Queens runs through Rumbletown.”
A party deck, adjacent to the right-field side of the seating bowl, is a great spot to take in the action on the field as well as oft-stunning in-game sunsets. This, combined with the rolling hills visible beyond the outfield walls, combines to make Mirabito Field a sneakily beautiful baseball location.
Concessions
Lupo’s S&S Charpit spiedies are served up at Rumble Ponies games.
If you’re not from the Binghamton area, you’re going to want to try the locally-beloved culinary specialty that is pronounced “speedy” and spelled out as spiedie. They consist of marinated cubes of char-grilled meat basted in sauce and served on a roll. In 2018 the Rumble Ponies unveiled a Spiedies alternate identity, and in recent seasons the team has also hosted an in-game spiedie-themed mascot race. If spiedies aren’t your speed, then visit the concourse concession stands for a full menu of heartily-portioned ballpark basics.
Mascot
Rowdy the Rumble Pony is what his name implies, a buff and boisterous equine that no carousel can contain. He sports a red mohawk, and is regularly spotted wearing boxing gloves. In short, Rowdy is always ready to rumble.
Local Attractions
North America is currently home to approximately 170 antique carousels, six of which (opens in a new tab) can be found in the Binghamton region. These carousels, gifts to the community from local industrialist George F. Johnson, are all located in public parks. The carousel at Recreation Park inspired Rod Serling, who grew up in Binghamton, to write the classic “Twilight Zone” episode “Walking Distance.” Recreation Park is now home to the Rod Serling Gazebo, which may or may not serve as a portal to another dimension. “Twilight Zone” aficionados should also make sure to visit the Bundy Museum, home to the Rod Serling Archive (opens in a new tab) .
If you’re planning a trip to see the Rumble Ponies, try to make it coincide with Binghamton’s annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally (opens in a new tab) . It is what it’s name implies, a weekend-long celebration of marinated meats and floating dirigibles. If you’re hankering for a ride in a hot air balloon, then please note that there are several companies in the region who cater to that.
Food and Drink
If a ballpark spiedie has you craving more, then head to Lupo’s S&S Char-Pit, Binghamton’s most well-known spiedie establishment. Their marinades (opens in a new tab) are sold at stores throughout the region, and available online for spiedie delivery. Another local favorite is the Spiedie and Rib Pit (opens in a new tab) , which offers specialty spiedies as well as, you guessed it, ribs. The Lost Dog Café (opens in a new tab) , founded by erstwhile New York City rock ‘n roll musicians, has a wide-ranging menu with plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Little Venice (opens in a new tab) , located on Chenango Street near the ballpark, has been serving up beloved Italian favorites since 1946. Social on State (opens in a new tab) is an upscale establishment offering small and large platters designed for sharing.
Lodging
The greater Binghamton region is home to over two dozen hotels, including several options to the immediate west of the ballpark near the Chenango River. Outdoorsy types should consider the region’s many camping options (opens in a new tab) as well.
Moving On
The Syracuse Mets, located one rung above the Rumble Ponies on the Mets’ organizational ladder, are located 73 miles to the north of Binghamton. Just hop on I-81. From there, one could head west to visit the Rochester Red Wings, Buffalo Bisons and Erie SeaWolves. Heading south, the closest team to the Rumble Ponies is the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Again, just hop on I-81.
The Road to New York City
For a Mets farmhand, the journey begins at the organization’s Spring Training home in Port St. Lucie, Fla. After that it’s an exclusively New York affair, encompassing Brooklyn, Binghamton and Syracuse.
credits: Benjamin Hill, who covers the business and culture of Minor League Baseball, has visited 182 Minor League ballparks.
BING is not just a vacation; it’s a community to be explored. This is not just a destination; it’s an ongoing story you can be a part of. History often meets with more contemporary attractions in this unique community to create who we are today.
Watched by millions of viewers, the late April the Giraffe of Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville, New York, quickly became a social media phenomenon. This overnight sensation and local celebrity put Greater Binghamton on the map in a major way. People came from all over the world to meet the area’s very own internet star and visit the world-famous giraffe and her baby calf, Tajiri.
Animal Adventure Park Founder Jordan Patch bought the 20-acre sloping stretch of land on the outer part of Broome County in 2013 and did not expect the park to take off the way it has. He knew that the addition of a giraffe would signify great success – and, boy, was he right!
After the live feed of Tajiri’s birth began in February, it became the second most-watched live-stream video in YouTube history with over 232 million views and 7.6 billion minutes of live watch time.
Where else can you hand feed hundreds of animals, kiss a giraffe, bottle feed baby camels or spot an emerging kangaroo or wallaby joey? Animal Adventure Park is just one wildlife destination in Greater Binghamton you won’t want to miss.
Binghamton is also home to the nation’s fifth-oldest zoo – the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park –which opened in 1875. The longstanding tradition of quality family time, along with a commitment to entertaining locals and prospective visitors alike, dates back more than 140 years and still thrives today.
We lost our beloved April on April 2, 2021. April lived to be 20 years old, far greater than the average lifespan of giraffe in the wild. April the Giraffe brought joy to millions who have watched her over the years, and she will be deeply missed.
An expansive craft beverage scene greets visitors in BING. This brew-centric niche puts our community on the map and draws in both locals and visitors alike.
A key community in Central New York’s Brew Central (opens in a new tab) , Greater Binghamton is always brewing with excitement. The craft beverage makers in the community are always tapping into new tasty trends.
From international award-winning ales to bizarre-yet-delicious brews, craft beer has truly become a staple in Broome County.
Water Street Brewing Co.’s menu is farm-to-table-focused from their tasty treats to their delicious drinks. Water Street crafts 217 gallons of European-styled beers at a time in their tank-to-tap brewpub. Specialties include British styles and German beers.
Binghamton Brewing Co. carries a similarly varied selection of styles built on bringing together science, art and a close community. While tapping into the rich agricultural and brewing history of Central New York, many of the brewery’s ingredients are locally sourced to create an ever-growing lineup of beers served up in their unique bar-like tasting room and a just-opened spot at the Greater Binghamton Airport.
The breweries in this storied community know that fresh is important, so they use dozens of nearby producers to craft unique plates served up fresh, so you can enjoy that farm-to-table experience.
The best ingredients come from Greater Binghamton’s own backyard. Since there are so many different ways of brewing beer, our hidden gems boast some of the most delicious and unique menus around.
The delightfully off-kilter minds behind the North Brewery (opens in a new tab) in Binghamton, for one, often integrate ingredients from their own gardens into experimental brews. Homegrown rhubarb, lavender, watermelons and cucumbers have all made their way into limited releases.
While craft breweries are a hot trend these days, the spirit-makers of Greater Binghamton stand out in a big way as well. French Distillers & Alchemists is the first (legal) distillery in Broome County since Prohibition. FDA’s farm-to-bottle whisky is crafted using locally grown corn, wheat, barley and rye.
BING delivers something for every taste. So whatever your preference may be, the unique and expansive offerings that are offered here are worth exploring. The stories, tastes and traditions of the Greater Binghamton community are really brought together by our brew scene.
The Haunted History Trail of New York State (opens in a new tab) is where you can plan your next ghostly adventure. Learn about the lives that once walked before us at one of their many locations across New York. They have found the spookiest spots in each region where paranormal activity has not only occurred, but been witnessed.
Give yourself a scare at one of the haunted sites in Binghamton and Broome County. Immerse yourself and be part of the lives of those before us. There are three Haunted History Trail sites in Binghamton (opens in a new tab) and Broome County, each one with its own unique story.
Phelps Mansion
In 1870, Sherman D. Phelps, who was the fifth mayor of the city of Binghamton, had a mansion built for him and his family. Every family member who lived in the house passed away just 12 years after moving in.
People have witnessed different spirits wearing appropriate clothing from the time period. On other occasions, it has been said that even though the clock has never been wound that there are random times when the clock chimes throughout the day. Others report doors opening and closing to people walking around the premises. These chills are waiting for you to witness for yourself. Special candlelight tours are offered in October or take a tour during the day throughout the year.
Roberson Mansion
Not too far away, you’ll find the Roberson Mansion another local
haunted history staple. This Gilded Age mansion was built in 1907 by Alonzo and
Margaret Roberson. The mansion was entrusted to the community to become an
education center after the passing of Alonzo and his wife so the Alonzo
Roberson name would live on for centuries.
In fall 2019, during the decorating process of the Mansion
by a staff worker and his family, there was an abrupt silence. During the
silence, there was a noise from the first floor. What was the noise, you ask?
Some think it was Alonzo clearing his throat suggesting they hit the road. Find
out for yourself on your tour of the mansion. During October, there are guided
ghost tours or take on a self-guided tour year round.
The Historic Bundy House
Built in 1892 for Harlow and Julia Bundy, the Bundy House
has been home to many. Transforming over the years from a boarding house,
office spaces and even a printing shop then restored into a museum, it is a hot
spot for paranormal investigators.
The Bundy House regularly offers scheduled monthly ghost
tours and allows paranormal investigation tours throughout the year.
When BING buildings begin to light up, move around and tell the stories created by modern artists and tech-savvy pioneers, know that it’s not a hallucination nor a hoax. It’s Binghamton’s LUMA Fest.
“It’s like a magic trick. Intellectually there’s some sort of trick, but it’s still new enough to you that you can’t fully understand it on all levels,” said LUMA Operations Director Joshua Bernard Ludzki of one of the largest projection arts festivals in the country.
Tens of thousands of spectators from all over the world gather on the crowded streets of Binghamton after dark to take in this new digital art phenomenon, unsure of what to expect. A larger-than life, projected clock counts down, the exhibit begins and the magic happens before their eyes in a spectacular way.
LUMA Fest artists from Barcelona to Budapest handpick their architectural canvases. Using projection mapping, live animations are created exclusively to suit the characteristics of these iconic buildings every September.
Inspired by the more advanced projection artists and festivals in Europe, Ludzki and co-founders Nick Rubenstein and Tice Lerner decided to reinvent the wheel by “building something that was uniquely Binghamton” – a festival for artists, by artists, that pioneered storytelling through projection mapping.
Despite the high technology, LUMA had humble beginnings. It’s a classic example the innovative legacy that still thrives in Greater Binghamton.
“We were developing the concept as we went. It was homegrown, grassroots. We didn’t have a big budget. The computers were donated and we discovered together how to pull it off,” said Ludzki. In a few short years, what started on their apartment floors as a labyrinth of cardboard boxes and make-shift projectors has grown exponentially. It drew crowds of over 35,000 in the third year.
“We wanted to create something bold to draw a big crowd and show everyone what the BING art scene had to offer,” Ludzki said.
And he certainly did.
Wind down in BING by getting up and into some of the community’s exciting night life. The after-dark culture here includes brews, food and entertainment – the perfect ingredients to finalize the recipe of a great day.
Revitalized Greater Binghamton buzzes with unique experiences begging to be explored. Tasting rooms transform into entertainment venues when the sun sets, creating an ideal atmosphere for craft brews and dancing to live music. Craft beer connoisseurs can get a taste of handcrafted pints exclusive to the pubs in BING.
Dig into the agricultural heritage by getting a taste of the local fare at one of the many restaurants in the community. The fun and funky atmosphere at the Lost Dog Café brings a little bit of New York City to Water Street. An endless selection of mixed drinks and 18 beers on tap paired with a sleek, jazzy lounge is what makes this restaurant a destination. Extend the evening with dessert at Uncorked Wine and Chocolate Loft.
The Little Venice Restaurant has been serving authentic Italian dishes to Greater Binghamton since 1946. Grab a bite before a show or sporting event at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena.
The numerous agritourism attractions Binghamton offers include some of the best wineries, breweries and restaurants you can imagine. Work off a hearty meal with a stroll in the River Trail at dusk. This 1.5-mile paved trail connects Confluence and Cheri Lindsey parks – both perfect for couples to sit and enjoy the view of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers.
If you’ve got an appetite for fine art, First Friday Art Walks include stops at the city’s most popular galleries each month. The Tri-Cities Opera complements those sights with world-class sounds that have been performed there for more than 70 years.
Minor league baseball has been a beloved Binghamton pastime for nearly a century. Outdoor lovers can embrace a different kind of night life by kicking their feet up under the warm fluorescent lights at a Binghamton Rumble Ponies game. Couple your game of choice with a nightcap and one of many tap-happy pubs.
Whatever you’re in the mood for, BING can serve it up. Whether it be food, brew, arts, entertainment or sports, come see what brings Greater Binghamton to life at night.
BING is a proud community with a rich history of industrial ingenuity and creativity. Built by historic innovators and fueled by a new class of creative visionaries, BING is filled with rich history and unique experiences to be explored. A dazzling array of art and cultural attractions across Greater Binghamton are what sculpt the community into the cultural hub that it is today. The region’s heritage is expressed through some of its most notable theaters, museums and festivals.
The works of local, regional, established and new artists are what peg Greater Binghamton as a community center for art-related events. It’s so much more than just hearing about the rich heritage here, it’s all about experiencing it for yourself and creating your own chapter in Greater Binghamton’s “story.”
Paintings, sculptures, museums, artists and one-of-a-kind exhibits fill the streets of Binghamton, so much so that you can feel the rich culture that exists there. Immerse yourself into the arts and culture scene and see or hear what has shaped the community for yourself.
BING invites visitors to “Be Part of Our Story”
It’s been said time and time again, but the culture of Greater Binghamton truly comes alive when you are able to experience all of the community’s rich assets for yourself.
The Roberson Museum and Science Center offers diverse exhibits, family friendly events and educational programs covering art, history and science. It’s a premier destination for educational programs in the sciences, community events and world-class exhibits. Between February and June in 2017, 2018 and 2019, Roberson will feature the “Nature’s Best” exhibit that previously had only been on display at the Smithsonian Institution.
Over a century old, the Firehouse Stage building is truly a historic staple in the region housing entertainment, classes and workshops. Once an actual firehouse, the building has since transformed into a full-blown performance venue.
While the factories in Binghamton are now a thing of the past, you can still experience the world that grew IBM predecessor the Bundy Time Clock Co. at the Bundy Museum of History & Art. The museum is home to a wide variety of early manufacturing and broadcasting artifacts and international art designed to enrich local culture as well as a permanent exhibit honoring Rod Serling.
The Tri-Cities Opera was established to bring NYC-caliber culture to the bustling communities of Binghamton, Endicott and Johnson City. Some 70 years later, it remains one of the region’s essential performing arts organizations.
Binghamton showcases world-class musicians, art and performers from around the region in addition to the tradition of First Friday Art Walks. This decade-old monthly event draws in locals and visitors alike to marvel at masterpieces around downtown Binghamton.
In Greater Binghamton, there’s something unique to be explored around every corner. Come experience it for yourself and be part of our story.
It’s no secret that golf is a favorite BING activity come summer. With over a dozen courses to choose from, golf enthusiasts of any skill level find themselves right at home among our scenic backdrops.
If you tee up your next planned visit just right, you can experience one of the area’s biggest events. The PGA Tour Champions’ Dick’s Sporting Goods Open (opens in a new tab) is hands-down Greater Binghamton’s most notable sporting event.
PGA stars come out each August to play on the historic greens at En-Joie Golf Club, while visitors are equally enthusiastic to enjoy the weeklong festivities, including a concert performance. The historic course is a staple in Binghamton’s golf scene, stealing a bit of national spotlight for the past 11 years because of this event.
The Links at Hiawatha Landing has earned recognition from golf publications including Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Golfweek, which ranked it as the No. 3 best place to play in New York state. Test your skills on this nationally recognized course.
Another course that has gained some public recognition is Conklin Players Club, one of the 201 best public courses in North America. The Traditions at the Glen golf course in Johnson City was designed by architect John Van Kleek. The 18 beautiful fairways and greens have challenged golf gurus for decades.
Despite distinctive reputations like these, affordable greens fees are key in Greater Binghamton. Just $25 will get you onto most of the scenic courses of Broome County!
Overnight golf packages include accommodations, breakfast, two rounds of golf and a cart, and start at $168.
The premium courses spread throughout Greater Binghamton are just one of the many excellent ways to spend your downtime on your next visit as there are always plenty of things to do.
Schedule your next tee time and see for yourself why pros and top publications consider BING’s courses on par with the best in the country.
Built on traditions, BING has transformed into a community where there is always something to do, there is always something happening and there’s always new treasures to discover – like the community’s biggest event of the year.
For more than decade, En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, New York, has hosted the multi-award-winning PGA Tour Champions’ Dick’s Sporting Goods Open (opens in a new tab) , a true staple in our community’s traditions. This event is one of the most elite tournaments on the Champions Tour.
A touch of Greater Binghamton’s history and culture ties into this event as well. The course, which was originally built by George F. Johnson, owner of the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Co., was initially created as a place for recreation for factory employees.
It has since become a destination for pro golfers and champions like John Daly, Tom Kite, Brad Faxon, Joey Sindelar and Craig Stadler to name a few. En-Joie boasts between 5,150 and 7,030 yards with four sets of tees that serve as a true test for golfers of all skill levels.
Golf gurus and casual observers alike find themselves immersed in the fun during this annual event. A combination of golf and a major concert entice locals and surrounding communities to see what this event is all about. Past performers include Florida Georgia Line, Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum, Maroon 5, Tim McGraw and Bon Jovi.
En-Joie prides itself in remaining the focal point of golf in New York’s Southern Tier, especially because of this notable event. Steeped in tradition and maintaining a rich sense of its original culture and early beginnings, the course really speaks to the core of the Binghamton community.
BING invites you to “Be Part of Our Story” by exploring this renowned event for yourself this summer!
BING is not just a vacation; it’s a community to be explored. This is not just a destination; it’s an ongoing story you can be a part of. History often meets with more contemporary attractions in this unique community to create who we are today.
