Let's Go Buffalo! Blue & Gold

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the Buffalo Sabres game vs. the Boston Bruins with my Dad. The game was held at the First Niagara Center (FNC) which is located in downtown Buffalo.

While the Sabres lost the night we attended, it was nice to have the opportunity to sit in the 200 Level where we could order food and drink from our seats if we didn't want to go to the stands. It was a nice "luxury" to have for one night, since a majority of the time I am sitting in the "nosebleeds" 300 level section.

The FNC venue was formerly known as HSBC Arena, until the bank was bought out by First Niagara a year ago.

Did you know?!? The venue has been open since September of 1996 and since that time has hosted over 11 million people for a variety of entertainment and sporting events.

FNC is not only home to the Buffalo Sabres, but also another Buffalo sports team the Buffalo Bandits. The venue offers guests with the opportunity to have private functions held in a party suite. It also has a Sports Hall of Fame display located outside the Sabres Store and Sabretooth's (the Buffalo Sabres mascot) house, a fun place to take the kids before, in-between periods, or after games. To receive more information on these features, click here.

Right now if you make your way down to the FNC you will notice construction taking place. In efforts to revitalize the City of Buffalo's Waterfront, Terry Pegula, the Owner of the Buffalo Sabres, put a plan together for the Webster Block. Included in this project are two new ice rinks, a hotel, retail shops and restaurants. For more information or to stay up-to-date on the project you can follow it here: Harbor Center Development.

A tip of advice: If attending an event you may want to leave earlier than planned as parking can be difficult to find, also be prepared to wait after a game or concert if you parked in a parking ramp as traffic gets backed up. If you don't mind walking, finding a parking lot a couple blocks from the FNC is the best way to go. You'll get out faster, its cheaper, and you even sneak in some exercise.

While the Sabres and the Bandits haven't had the best seasons, maybe the revitalization down by Canalside will boost spirits not only for the fans and residents of Buffalo, but the professional athletes that play for our sports teams.Sometimes we all just need a fresh start and maybe this "project" is that step in the right direction.

-B