The NHL’s Buffalo Sabres will carry out renovations to KeyBank Center for the 2024-25 season.
Wkbw said the upgrades will include a new roof for the arena and a state-of-the-art videoboard at the home of the Sabres.
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.
They play their home games at KeyBank Center, 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.
The Sabres said the new 27ft X 43ft videoboard utilizes the latest technology from Mitsubishi Electric. The screen size will roughly double that of the current videoboard inside KeyBank Center with upgrades in resolution and functionality.
Other videoboard features include four fully digital corner panels as well as two screens on the board’s underbelly to provide additional angles for fans in the lower rows.
The team met with multiple suppliers and studied videoboards throughout the NHL to identify a model suitable for KeyBank Center.
The team also said it hired Pike Construction Services to oversee the installation of the new roof.
Owner Terry Pegula said, “From an ownership perspective, I have put a great deal of thought and research into the fan experience over the last year and feel it is time to begin making gradual upgrades to our arena that will play a key role in enhancing game day for our fans. We are thrilled about the many projects we have in the pipeline, none bigger than a new videoboard that will be ready for the 2024-25 season.
“Along with business leadership, I will continue to evaluate areas to invest in the arena with the fan experience in mind.”
In an email in October 2023, a Sabres spokesperson told 7 News Anchor Jeff Russo that the organization was working with architecture firm Populous to target and prioritize items to be upgraded inside KeyBank Center, which included the videoboard and roof.
The audio system is also likely to be upgraded.
Wkbw further stated that over the years the facility has welcomed millions of people to Downtown Buffalo. The venue has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows for the Sabres, raised championship banners to the rafters for the Buffalo Bandits, hosted March Madness, the Frozen Four, and some of the biggest names in music and entertainment.
But since it opened, there have been no substantial renovations leaving the venue outdated and behind the times when it comes to offering a modern fan experience.
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