BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – The Buffalo Sabres will begin to make long-awaited upgrades to their arena this offseason, starting with a cutting-edge videoboard and a new roof.
Owner Terry Pegula said the improvements are the first in a series of "gradual upgrades" coming to KeyBank Center. Both projects are expected to be completed in time for next season.
“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,” Pegula said in a statement. “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.”
The team said the new videoboard will stand 27 feet high by 43 feet wide, nearly doubling the size of the current videoboard. It will also include two screens on the underside of the scoreboard to give a better view to fans sitting closest to the ice. The videoboard from Mitsubishi Electric also promises upgrades in resolution and functionality.
Sabres Chief Operating Officer John Roth told The Buffalo News in August that these planned upgrades would be paid for by team ownership. Further needed upgrades, including replacing the arena's aging seats, were not expected in this round of improvements, "but rest assured, we’re actively thinking on that topic,” Roth told the News.
The Associated Press reported in August that the Sabres were "expected to soon approach the city to discuss long-needed renovations to the team’s downtown arena."
The roof installation will be handled by Pike Construction Services, according to the team.
Nick Veronica is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team as the Digital Executive Producer in 2021. He previously worked at NBC Sports and The Buffalo News. You can follow Nick on Facebook, Twitter and Threads. See more of his work here.
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