KeyBank Center Secures Its Future: Sponsorship Extension with the Buffalo Sabres
BUFFALO, N.Y. – KeyBank Center will continue to be the home of the Buffalo Sabres, following the announcement of a 10-year naming rights extension, made this Wednesday.
The new agreement will come into effect next year and will run until the 2035-36 season. The bank, based in Cleveland, has a strong regional presence in Buffalo and acquired the stadium naming rights in the city center after acquiring First Niagara Bank in 2016.
As part of the extension, the bank’s name will appear on the Sabres’ helmets during away games, starting this season.
The stadium is undergoing a series of necessary renovations since its inauguration in 1996. Last year, the Sabres replaced the roof and installed a new video scoreboard above center ice. The next series of renovations is expected to focus on improving seating and fan amenities.
The Sabres control the building, which is also home to the Bandits, three-time defending champions of the National Lacrosse League, and have put an emphasis on adding more events since Pete Guelli took over as the team’s chief operating officer last year.
In November, the stadium will host one of the stops on Paul McCartney’s 2024 North American tour, as well as a women’s hockey Rivalry Series game between the United States and Canada, prior to the Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, the Sabres have struggled on the ice, with the team in the midst of a 14-season playoff drought, an NHL record.
