KeyBank Center is a multipurpose indoor arena located in Buffalo, New York. 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 since 1996, is the largest indoor arena in Western New York, seating 19,070. It replaced the Sabres' former home, Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, where the team played from 1970 to 1996. The venue is also home to the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League.
The venue's exterior, July 2021
The venue's interior during a Buffalo Sabres game, March 2023
The French Connection statue in Alumni Plaza, October 2012
The venue's interior during the National Lacrosse League Cup, June 2022
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team was established in 1970, along with the Vancouver Canucks, when the league expanded to 14 teams. The Sabres have played their home games at KeyBank Center since 1996, having previously played at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium since their inception. The Sabres are owned by Terry Pegula, who purchased the club in 2011 from Tom Golisano.
A statue of the French Connection line stands outside KeyBank Center. Consisting of Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert, they played together from 1972 to 1979.
The Sabres playing a game during the 1998–99 season. The Sabres were later crowned the Eastern Conference champions following the 1999 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Lindy Ruff was awarded the Jack Adams Award in 2006. He was the second Sabres coach to win the award.
Thomas Vanek was re-signed in 2007 after the Edmonton Oilers offered him a seven-year offer sheet.