KeyBank Center
Home of the Buffalo Sabres since 1996, KeyBank Center is the largest indoor arena in Western New York.
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.
- Official Name
- KeyBank Center
- Location
- Buffalo, New York
- Opened
- 1996
- Previous Names
- Marine Midland Arena, HSBC Arena, First Niagara Center
- Status
- Active
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Since 2015, the KeyBank Center has hosted the annual NHL Scouting 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 lights dimmed over the ice as the organ music swelled through the concourse. A hush fell across the lower bowl, broken only by the sharp scrape of skates on fresh Zamboni lines. In the shadows of the stands, a fan pulled their scarf tighter, eyes fixed on the center circle where the Sabres were lining up for face-off.
Reader's Guide
The arena opened September 21, 1996, replacing Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. The construction cost was $127.5 million. On November 16, 1996, the arena's first JumboTron, a four-sided scoreboard made by Daktronics with Sony video screens, fell to the ice while being remotely moved. Nobody was injured, but the game was postponed. The scoreboard was replaced later that season. The arena has undergone multiple updates, including seating additions, LED ribbon boards, locker room renovations, and a new scoreboard in 2024.
Did You Know?
- The arena's first JumboTron was a four-sided Daktronics unit with Sony video screens.
- The arena's capacity of 19,070 is symbolic of the team's founding in 1970.
- The French Connection statue in Alumni Plaza is 10 feet high.
- The arena's main scoreboard was replaced in 2024 with a 27 ft. x 43 ft. Mitsubishi board, the largest center-hung video board in an indoor sports arena in New York State.
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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