Stadiums / KeyBank Center

KeyBank Center

Buffalo

Stadium information

Type
arena
Capacity
19,070
Opened
1996
Roof
Indoor
Surface
Artificial Ice
Home teams
Buffalo Bandits
League
NHL
Sports
sport_lacrosse
Categories
sport_hockey, sport_lacrosse
Timezone
America/New_York
Status
active
Address
[object Object]
Location
Buffalo
Nicknames
The Aud, The HarborCenter

Downtown Buffalo arena serving NHL hockey and entertainment events.

Former names

  • Marine Midland Arena
  • HSBC Arena
  • First Niagara Center

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Location map

[object Object] · Buffalo

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Naming rights history

  1. Marine Midland Arena

    1996-1999

  2. HSBC Arena

    1999-2011

  3. First Niagara Center

    2011-2016

  4. KeyBank Center

    2016-present

Home team history

  1. Buffalo Sabres

    1996-present · NHL

Features · Architecture

Buffalo Sports District

Architecture · Throughout the stadium, gameday

Part of the city's major sports area.

Features · History

1999 Stanley Cup Final

History · Throughout the stadium, gameday

Highlights franchise history.

Buffalo Sabres Retired Numbers

History · Throughout the stadium, gameday

Honors Perreault, Hasek, and other legends.

Dominik Hasek

History · Throughout the stadium, gameday

Honors the Hall of Fame goaltender.

French Connection

History · Throughout the stadium, gameday

Celebrates Buffalo's legendary line.

Gilbert Perreault

History · Throughout the stadium, gameday

Celebrates the franchise's first superstar.

Sabres Legends

History · Throughout the stadium, gameday

Honors franchise icons.

Features · Experience

Blue and Gold Crowd

Experience · Throughout the stadium, gameday

The passionate Buffalo fan base.

Buffalo Hockey

Experience · Throughout the stadium, gameday

Combines NHL hockey with one of the league's strongest fan communities.

Buffalo Sabres Stadium Tours

Experience · Throughout the stadium, gameday

Behind-the-scenes access.

Sabre Dance

Experience · Throughout the stadium, gameday

The arena's fan traditions and entertainment.

Sabres Store

Experience · Throughout the stadium, gameday

Official merchandise destination.

Sabres Tailgate Culture

Experience · Throughout the stadium, gameday

Pregame gatherings around the arena.

Traditions

Two National Anthems Iconic Must experience

Songs & Music · Throughout the arena, gameday

The Sabres traditionally perform both "O Canada" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" before home games—even against another American team—reflecting Buffalo's proximity to Canada and its large Canadian fanbase.

"O Canada" Crowd Takeover Iconic Must experience

Songs & Music · Throughout the arena, gameday

KeyBank Center crowds are known for loudly singing "O Canada," sometimes continuing nearly a cappella while the anthem performer pauses and lets the fans carry the song.

"Let's Go Buffalo!" Chant Iconic Must experience

Crowd Chant · Throughout the arena, gameday

Sabres supporters use the citywide four-beat "Let's Go Buffalo!" chant rather than a team-name-only chant, connecting Sabres games with Buffalo's broader sports culture.

Ceremonial Drum Lead-In Iconic Must experience

Crowd Chant · Throughout the arena, gameday

Before major home games, a former player, Buffalo athlete or local celebrity pounds a large ceremonial drum and leads the crowd in a "Let's Go Buffalo!" chant.

"Better Days" Singalong Iconic Must experience

Songs & Music · Throughout the arena, gameday

The Goo Goo Dolls' "Better Days," written by Buffalo native John Rzeznik, has developed into an emotional KeyBank Center singalong associated with the Sabres and the city's enduring hope for the team.

Banditland Tradition

Crowd Ritual · Throughout the stadium, matchday

The fan base is one of the most passionate in lacrosse, creating one of the league's loudest atmospheres.

KeyBank Center Experience

Crowd Ritual · Throughout the stadium, matchday

The arena creates a major-league game atmosphere with strong home support.

Banditland Faithful

Crowd Ritual · Throughout the stadium, matchday

Supporters are known for chants, costumes, and intense loyalty.

Buffalo Sports Culture

Crowd Ritual · Throughout the stadium, matchday

The team represents the city's passionate blue-collar sports identity.

History & timeline

1975 Stanley Cup Final Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Championship Plaza, 1975 Final wing

1975 Stanley Cup Final — the French Connection and the Flyers in Buffalo's first Final.

Alex Mogilny Legacy Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Hall of Fame area, Mogilny gallery

Alex Mogilny — the first Russian superstar in Sabres history.

Blue & Gold Legacy Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Main concourse, blue and gold wing

Blue and gold legacy — the colors that define Sabres Mafia in Buffalo.

Buffalo Hockey History Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Main concourse, Buffalo hockey wing

Buffalo hockey history — Western New York pride and one of hockey's true cities.

Dominik Hasek Legacy Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Hall of Fame area, Hasek gallery

Dominik Hasek — the Dominator and two-time Vezina Trophy winner in Buffalo.

Franchise Timeline Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Main concourse, timeline exhibit

Complete franchise timeline from The Aud to the French Connection and Hasek era.

French Connection Legacy Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Hall of Fame area, French Connection wing

French Connection legacy — Perreault, Martin, and Robert, the greatest line in Sabres history.

Gilbert Perreault Legacy Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Hall of Fame area, Perreault gallery

Gilbert Perreault — franchise icon and heart of the French Connection.

Goathead History Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Main concourse, Goathead wing

Goathead history — the iconic logo era and Buffalo's unique Sabres identity.

Greatest Sabres Moments Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Main concourse, greatest moments gallery

The greatest moments in Sabres history — from the French Connection to Hasek.

No Goal Game Exhibit Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Championship Plaza, No Goal wing

No Goal game exhibit — the controversial 1999 Stanley Cup Final moment in Buffalo.

Pat LaFontaine Legacy Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Hall of Fame area, LaFontaine gallery

Pat LaFontaine — franchise scoring leader and Sabres icon of the 1990s.

Rick Jeanneret Legacy Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Hall of Fame area, Jeanneret gallery

Rick Jeanneret — the voice of the Sabres and Buffalo hockey for decades.

Ryan Miller Legacy Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Hall of Fame area, Miller gallery

Ryan Miller — franchise wins leader and Olympic hero in Buffalo.

Sabres Hall of Fame Iconic Must experience

Hall of Fame · Hall of Fame area, main concourse

The complete Sabres Hall of Fame — every blue and gold immortal.

Sabres vs Maple Leafs Rivalry Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Main concourse, rivalry exhibit

Sabres vs Maple Leafs rivalry — cross-border hatred on Lake Erie.

The Aud Legacy Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Main concourse, The Aud wing

The Aud legacy — Buffalo Memorial Auditorium and the soul of Sabres hockey.

Hockey in Western New York Iconic

Historic display · Main concourse, Western New York wing

Hockey in Western New York — Rochester, Buffalo, and deep regional hockey roots.

Lake Erie Hockey Culture Iconic

Historic display · Main concourse, Lake Erie wing

Lake Erie hockey culture — snow-belt toughness and Western New York pride.

Entertainment

Sabretooth Iconic Must experience

Mascot · Throughout the arena, gameday

Sabretooth — the beloved Sabres mascot and symbol of Sabres Mafia on gameday.

Heritage Nights Iconic Must experience

Special Event · Throughout the arena, heritage gamedays

Heritage nights celebrating The Aud, the French Connection, and Sabres history.

Sabres Blue Crew Iconic

Live Performance · Ice level and concourse, gameday

Sabres Blue Crew performances energizing the crowd between periods.

Military Appreciation Nights Iconic

Special Event · Throughout the arena, military appreciation games

Military appreciation nights honoring service members in Buffalo.

Pregame Fan Festivals Iconic

Special Event · Exterior plaza, pregame

Pregame fan festivals on the plaza before Sabres hockey.

Community Nights Iconic

Special Event · KeyBank Center and plaza, special events

Community nights celebrating Buffalo and Western New York hockey culture.

Alumni Meet & Greets Iconic

Alumni Event · Team store and concourse, special events

Meet-and-greet events with Sabres alumni and Hall of Fame members.

Buffalo Sports Celebrations Iconic

Special Event · KeyBank Center, special gamedays

Buffalo sports celebrations — Sabres, Bills, and Western New York pride on gameday.

Theme Nights

Special Event · Throughout the arena, theme gamedays

Special theme nights throughout the Sabres season at KeyBank Center.

Experiences

Aud Exhibit Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Main concourse, The Aud wing

Visit The Aud exhibit — Buffalo Memorial Auditorium and the soul of Sabres hockey.

Blue & Gold Pride Iconic Must experience

Special Event · Throughout the arena, gameday

Experience blue and gold pride — Sabres Mafia colors on every gameday.

Buffalo Hockey Culture Iconic Must experience

Special Event · KeyBank Center and Buffalo, gameday

Experience Buffalo hockey culture — one of hockey's true cities and most loyal fanbases.

Canalside Iconic Must experience

Entertainment District · Canalside, pregame

Explore Canalside before the game — waterfront energy and downtown Buffalo gameday culture.

Dominik Hasek Exhibit Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Hall of Fame area, Hasek gallery

Visit the Dominik Hasek exhibit — the Dominator and Vezina Trophy legend in Buffalo.

Downtown Buffalo During Hockey Season Iconic Must experience

Entertainment District · Downtown Buffalo, gameday

Visit downtown Buffalo during hockey season — a true hockey city on Lake Erie.

French Connection Exhibit Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Hall of Fame area, French Connection wing

Visit the French Connection exhibit — Perreault, Martin, and Robert immortalized in Buffalo.

French Connection Night Iconic Must experience

Special Event · KeyBank Center, French Connection gameday

Attend a French Connection night — Perreault, Martin, and Robert honored in Buffalo.

Goathead Night Iconic Must experience

Special Event · KeyBank Center, Goathead gameday

Experience Goathead night — the iconic logo era celebrated in Buffalo.

Hasek Tribute Night Iconic Must experience

Special Event · KeyBank Center, Hasek tribute game

Attend a Hasek tribute night — honoring the Dominator at KeyBank Center.

Heritage Night Iconic Must experience

Special Event · KeyBank Center, heritage gameday

Attend a heritage night — The Aud, the French Connection, and Sabres history.

KeyBank Center Tour Iconic Must experience

Tour · KeyBank Center tour entrance

Behind-the-scenes KeyBank Center tour — Hall of Fame, suites, and ice.

Lake Erie Hockey Iconic Must experience

Special Event · KeyBank Center and Buffalo, gameday

Experience Lake Erie hockey tradition — snow-belt toughness and Western New York pride.

Maple Leafs Rivalry Weekend Iconic Must experience

Rivalry Game · KeyBank Center, Maple Leafs game weekend

Experience Maple Leafs rivalry weekend — cross-border hatred on Lake Erie.

One of Hockey's Most Loyal Fanbases Iconic Must experience

Special Event · KeyBank Center, gameday

Experience one of hockey's most loyal fanbases — Sabres Mafia in Buffalo.

Rick Jeanneret Tribute Iconic Must experience

Historic display · Hall of Fame area, Jeanneret gallery

Visit the Rick Jeanneret tribute — the voice of the Sabres and Buffalo hockey.

Sabres Victory Celebration Iconic Must experience

Victory Celebration · Throughout the arena, postgame after Sabres wins

Stay through a Sabres victory celebration — Let's Go Buffalo at full voice.

Sabres vs Bruins Iconic Must experience

Rivalry Game · KeyBank Center, Sabres vs Bruins

Original Six atmosphere when Boston visits Buffalo.

Sabres vs Maple Leafs Iconic Must experience

Rivalry Game · KeyBank Center, Sabres vs Maple Leafs

Cross-border rivalry when Toronto visits KeyBank Center.

Sabres vs Senators Iconic Must experience

Rivalry Game · KeyBank Center, Sabres vs Senators

Battle of Ontario when Ottawa visits KeyBank Center.

Stanley Cup Final Game Iconic Must experience

Special Event · KeyBank Center, Stanley Cup Final

Stanley Cup Final at KeyBank Center — the pinnacle of hockey in Buffalo.

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