KeyBank Center
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.
"Banditland" | |
The venue's exterior, July 2021 | |
| Former names | Marine Midland Arena (1996–2000) HSBC Arena (2000–2011) First Niagara Center (2011–2016) |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza |
| Location | Buffalo, New York |
| Coordinates | 42°52′30″N 78°52′35″W |
| Public transit | Special Events |
| Owner | Erie County |
| Operator | Buffalo Sabres |
| Capacity | Ice hockey: 19,070 (2012–present) 18,690 (1999–2012) 18,595 (1996–1999) Concerts: 18,500 Basketball: 19,200 Wrestling: 16,597 |
| Field size | 700,000 sq ft (65,000 m2) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | November 4, 1994 |
| Opened | September 21, 1996 |
| Construction cost | $127.5 million ($238 million in 2022 dollars) |
| Architect | Ellerbe Becket Bergmann Associates PC |
| General contractor | Huber, Hunt & Nichols |
| Tenants | |
| Buffalo Sabres (NHL) 1996–present Buffalo Bandits (NLL) 1996–present Canisius (NCAA) 1996–1998 Buffalo Blizzard (NPSL) 1996–2001 Buffalo Wings (RHI) 1997 Buffalo Destroyers (AFL) 1999–2003 | |
| Website | |
| Official website | |
KeyBank Center was previously home to the Canisius Golden Griffins (NCAA), Buffalo Blizzard (NPSL), Buffalo Wings (RHI) and Buffalo Destroyers (AFL).
In addition to concerts and professional wrestling, the venue has hosted major events including the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, 1999 Stanley Cup Finals, 2003 Frozen Four, 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, 2012 NLL All-Star Game, 2016 NHL Draft, UFC 210, 2018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and 2019 Frozen Four.