KeyBank Center
Home of the Buffalo Sabres since 1996, KeyBank Center is the largest indoor arena in Western New York.
via Wikipedia: KeyBank Center · see source
KeyBank Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Buffalo, New York, United States. Originally known as Marine Midland Arena, the venue has since been named HSBC Arena and First Niagara Center. Home to the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL) since 1996, it is the largest indoor arena in Western New York, seating 19,070. The venue is also home to the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League.
Quick Facts
- Address
- 1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza
- Location
- Buffalo, New York, U.S.
- Groundbreaking
- November 4, 1994
- Opened
- September 21, 1996
- Owner
- Erie County (lands owned by the City of Buffalo)
- Operator
- Buffalo Sabres
- Architect
- Ellerbe Becket; Bergmann Associates PC
- General contractor
- Huber, Hunt & Nichols
Lore & Background
Since 2015, the KeyBank Center has hosted the annual NHL draft combine alongside the Harborcenter. In addition to hockey events, concerts, and professional wrestling, the venue has hosted the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament several times. KeyBank Center was previously home to the Canisius Golden Griffins (NCAA), Buffalo Blizzard (NPSL), Buffalo Wings (RHI) and Buffalo Destroyers (AFL).
Reader's Guide
The arena opened September 21, 1996, replacing Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. The construction cost was $127.5 million. The venue was named after its central downtown location, which was originally proposed as the site of a domed stadium in the 1960s for the Buffalo Bills and a potential Major League Baseball team before that project was abandoned. On November 16, 1996, the arena's first JumboTron fell to the ice while being remotely moved; no one was injured, but the game was postponed.
The scoreboard was replaced later that season. The first update after the 1998-1999 season added 95 seats, raising hockey and lacrosse capacity from 18,595 to 18,690. The second update in 2002–2003 replaced matrix board with a LED ribbon and replaced seamless glass boards with boards with clear plastic stanchions. The third update prior to the 2007–2008 season added illuminated Sabres logos, new LED ribbon boards, a new HD scoreboard, and speaker upgrades.
The fourth update in summer and fall 2011 included new locker rooms, training facilities, public space upgrades, a new color scheme, and ice rink upgrades. The fifth update in 2012 created the Tops Markets Alumni Plaza with a bronze statue of The French Connection. The sixth update included modifications due to LECOM Harborcenter construction, adding 380 seats to raise capacity to 19,070, and renovation of luxury suites. The seventh update in summer 2016 involved exterior changes due to renaming from First Niagara Center to KeyBank Center, including new signage and an LED lighting system.
The arena's main scoreboard and roof were replaced in spring/summer 2024 with a new 27 ft. x 43 ft. scoreboard manufactured by Mitsubishi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KeyBank Center?
KeyBank Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena in downtown Buffalo, New York, that has served as the home of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres since 1996. Originally opening as Marine Midland Arena, it later held the names HSBC Arena and First Niagara Center before adopting its current title.
Who plays at KeyBank Center?
The venue primarily hosts the Buffalo Sabres for National Hockey League games and is also the home arena for the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League. Beyond professional sports, the facility frequently accommodates major concerts, wrestling events, and other large-scale gatherings.
How many fans can fit inside KeyBank Center?
As the largest indoor arena in Western New York, KeyBank Center has a seating capacity of 19,070 for hockey games. This size allows it to host significant events while maintaining an intimate atmosphere typical of major league sports venues.
When did KeyBank Center open and what was its original name?
The arena officially opened its doors in 1996 under the name Marine Midland Arena, marking the beginning of its long tenure as the Sabres' home. It has undergone several naming changes over the decades due to sponsorship deals before becoming KeyBank Center.
What special events does KeyBank Center host besides games?
Since 2015, the arena has partnered with Harborcenter to annually host the NHL Draft Combine, a crucial event for evaluating top amateur talent. In addition to this sports-specific gathering, the venue is a premier destination for touring musical acts and professional wrestling matches.
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