Live CHQ and Tarp Skunks to Salute First Responders, Healthcare Workers on July 17

Evening will also feature a touch-a-truck event, giveaways, and free admission to all who attend

JAMESTOWN, NY -- Live CHQ, Chautauqua County’s talent attraction and retention initiative, will once again present a “Community Buyout Night” for the Jamestown Tarp Skunks on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The game will feature the visiting Niagara Ironbacks, with free admission, courtesy of Live CHQ and its two affiliate agencies, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG). The theme for this special night is “A Salute to Chautauqua County’s First Responders and Healthcare Professionals,” with a pre-game recognition planned to recognize all first responders and healthcare workers in attendance.

“Rewarding the community, and especially first responders and healthcare workers, with free admission is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the men and women who work tirelessly to keep us safe and healthy,” said Mark Geise, Chautauqua County Deputy County Executive of Economic Development, and CCIDA CEO. “This ‘Community Buyout Night’ is also a great way to remind residents and businesses about the Live CHQ initiative, which highlights all the benefits of living and working in Chautauqua County.”

Not only will there be free admission to the game, but there will also be a number of special events and activities planned. Pregame festivities will begin at 5 p.m. and include a “touch a truck” event with various first responder vehicles on hand. There will also be a meet and greet with Whiffy, the Tarp Skunks mascot. Several local healthcare organizations and volunteer fire departments will also have information tables set up. Representatives from the CCIDA and CCPEG will also be giving out free Live CHQ Frisbees to the first 500 people through the gate and just before the game starts, there will be a special first pitch ceremony honoring all first responders in attendance.

Free tickets are available at Russell E. Diethrick Park the night of the game. Volunteer firefighters, local law enforcement, and EMS workers can also pick up tickets at their designated stations, with limited tickets also available at both CCIDA offices in Jamestown and Dunkirk. Any first responder group that would like tickets can also call the Tarp Skunks direction at 716-705-5600.

“Having support from our businesses and local agencies is crucial to the success of the Jamestown Tarp Skunks,” said Christian Dolce, Team General Manager. “We are very grateful to the CCIDA, CCPEG, and Live CHQ for stepping up to the plate and partnering with us on this special community buyout night!”

Additional information about the Jamestown Tarp Skunks and the team’s 2025 season, along with a printable schedule, can be found at JamestownTarpSkunks.com.

About Live CHQ – Live CHQ is a joint marketing campaign launched by the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency and the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth in 2024 to assist with talent attraction and retention efforts across Chautauqua County, NY. The overall goal of the campaign is to help raise awareness of Chautauqua County as a viable place for individuals and families to live by speaking to the sensibilities, desires, and expectations of people who are considering the county as their primary residence. For more information visit www.LiveCHQ.com.