Buffalo, NY (WKBW)
The name for the HSBC Area has now officially changed. At a press conference Thursday afternoon, First Niagara bank officials announced the new name of the arena. The facility will called the "First Niagara Center" and the colors will be Sabres Blue and Gold.
Some facts about the history of the building:
Opened September 21, 1996 as Marine Midland Arena.
Name changed March 17, 1999 to HSBC Arena.
First Hockey Game: Sabres vs. Toronto September 21, 1996 (Pre-Season)
First Concert: The Goo Goo Dolls -September 28, 1996
Seating Capacities:
Hockey- 18,690
Basketball- 19,200
Private Suites: 80
Home of: Buffalo Sabres NHL/Buffalo Bandits NLL
Garage Parking Spaces: 1,100
Owner: Buffalo Sabres - Terry Pegula
Arena- Controlled by the Sabres, but owned by Erie County because it is on city land
Cost: $127.5 million - private and public financing
EWN Ed Reilly is covering the press conference and will have the latest tonight at 5 and 6pm.
