First Niagara Center

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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).

In Their Own Story

The 2011 renovation transformed the heart of the arena. The old locker rooms were demolished, and a new circular space rose in their place. Players walked into a room with illuminated team logos on the floor and ceiling, surrounded by glass cases holding limestone from the old Aud. Each stone was paired with the name of a player who had worn the Sabres' jersey. The visiting team locker rooms were also expanded, from 3,230 to 3,511 square feet. Outside, the concrete bridge columns in the new Alumni Plaza were covered with brick, each brick holding a plaque for a team member. Fans could buy their own custom plaques to sit alongside the players. The centerpiece was a 10-foot bronze statue of The French Connection, capturing the line that defined an era. The arena itself took on the Sabres' blue and gold, replacing the red that had been there since 1996. New chimes were added, sounding two minutes before each period's opening faceoff, letting fans know to head to their seats.

Reader's Guide

On November 16, 1996, the arena's first JumboTron, an eight-sided scoreboard made by Daktronics with Sony video screens, fell to the ice while it was being remotely moved. This happened minutes after a few players ended practice and hours before a game between the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins. Nobody was injured, but the game was postponed. The scoreboard was replaced later that season.

Did You Know?

• The arena opened September 21, 1996, replacing Buffalo Memorial Auditorium.
• The construction cost was $127.5 million (approximately $262 million in 2025 dollars).
• 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, the largest center-hung video board in an indoor sports arena in New York State.
• Alumni Plaza features a 10' high bronze statue of The French Connection.

Origins and Construction

The facility currently known as KeyBank Center began its life during construction as Crossroads Arena, a name reflecting its strategic position in downtown Buffalo. Opened on September 21, 1996, this $127.5 million project—equivalent to roughly $262 million today—served as the modern successor to the historic Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. The site held significant historical weight, having been originally proposed in the 1960s for a domed stadium intended for the Buffalo Bills and a potential Major League Baseball franchise before those plans were abandoned. Upon its completion, the arena immediately became the largest indoor venue in Western New York, boasting a seating capacity of 19,070. It was designed as a multi-purpose hub to replace the Sabres' long-time home, marking a new era for professional sports in the region while anchoring the city's downtown revitalization efforts.

Early Incidents and Naming Evolution

The venue's operational history began with a dramatic incident just weeks after its opening. On November 16, 1996, during preparations for a game against the Boston Bruins, an eight-sided JumboTron manufactured by Daktronics detached from its rigging and crashed onto the ice surface. Fortunately, no injuries occurred as players had already finished practice, but the event forced a postponement of the scheduled match until the scoreboard could be replaced later that season. Beyond this early mishap, the arena has undergone several name changes reflecting its corporate sponsors over time. Originally christened Marine Midland Arena, it was subsequently renamed HSBC Arena and First Niagara Center before settling on its current moniker. Throughout these transitions, the facility has remained a steadfast home for the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL since 1996 and the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League.

Technological Upgrades and Fan Experience

Over the years, the arena has seen significant renovations to enhance both player facilities and spectator enjoyment. A major overhaul in 2011 included a $6 million locker room expansion, doubling the space for the Sabres to over 15,000 square feet and featuring a circular design with illuminated logos. This update also introduced a Wall of Fame honoring retired jerseys and salvaged limestone from the old Memorial Auditorium. Technological improvements have been equally prominent; the venue replaced original glass boards with flexible plastic stanchions and installed high-definition scoreboards surrounded by 360-degree LED ribbons. A unique feature added in 2007 allows the scoreboard's Sabres logos to emit smoke from their nostrils whenever a goal is scored or the team wins at home. Further upgrades included new dehumidifier systems for superior ice quality, laser-leveling Zambonis, and modernized concessions, ensuring the venue remains competitive with contemporary standards.

Diverse Tenants and Community Events

While primarily known as the home of the Buffalo Sabres, the arena has hosted a wide array of teams and events throughout its history. In addition to the Bandits, it previously housed the Canisius Golden Griffins, the Buffalo Blizzard, the Buffalo Wings, and the Buffalo Destroyers. The venue serves as a critical hub for major sporting events beyond hockey, having hosted the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament multiple times and serving as a primary site for the annual NHL draft combine since 2015 alongside Harborcenter. Its versatility extends to entertainment, hosting concerts and professional wrestling matches that draw large crowds. The arena also connects deeply with local history, featuring murals commemorating events like the 2008 NHL Winter Classic and creating spaces like the Tops Markets Alumni Plaza, where fans can purchase custom plaques honoring players from the franchise's entire existence.