Buffalo Sabres Overview

Fast facts

League: Eastern Conference Atlantic Division

Head Coach: Don Granato

Team Mascot: Sabretooth

Year Opened: 1996

Capacity: 19070

City / State: Buffalo / New York

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Sabres vs Maple Leafs

Rival Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

The close proximity of Buffalo and Toronto make a Sabres-Leafs game a must see event. Fans of both teams fill the arena creating a great atmosphere. Flames were added to the rivalry recently when the Leafs beat out the Sabres in signing head coach Mike Babcock further intensifying things.

Sabres vs Bruins

Rival Team: Boston Bruins

The Sabres-Bruins rivalry dates back to 1970 when Buffalo entered the league and has been going strong ever since. The Bruins won the first five playoff matchups between these two Atlantic Division rivals, however, in 1993 the Sabres finally got their revenge sweeping the Bruins in the Adams Division Semifinals. Don’t miss the Bruins when they come to town, as the atmosphere in the arena is always palpable when these two rivals get together.

Sabres vs Senators

Rival Team: Ottawa Senators

The Sabres and Senators have been in the same division since the Sens entered the League in 1992-93. However, things didn’t really heat up between these two until after the 2004-05 NHL Lockout. The two teams came out strong following the lockout and met in the playoffs several times in the years immediately following with tempers boiling over during a regular season game on February 22, 2007, when a full team brawl broke out. If you want to see an intense game of hockey, make sure to be attendance when the Senators are in town.

Buffalo Sabres Stadium Guide

In Game

Sabres fans haven’t had a lot to cheer about lately, but that doesn’t stop them from being among the best supporters in the NHL. Buffalo is home to some of the longest suffering fans in sports due to the Bills and Sabres lack of success, but that doesn’t get them down. All throughout Buffalo, you’ll see people adorned in the Sabres blue and gold, and once you enter the arena things will reach a fever pitch with the fans cheering on their boys regardless of the score.

The Sabres commitment to showcasing the team’s history and heritage also makes attending a Sabres game an excellent experience for hockey fans. All around the arena you’ll find tributes and homages to Sabres legends of the past. The Alumni Plaza outside the arena pays tribute to every Sabres player of the past, and its centerpiece statue of The French Connection is a must see for anyone who loves hockey. Inside the arena, you’ll be treated to murals and retired number banners as well as the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, which honors greats from the area in a variety of different sports. Between the Alumni Plaza and Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, you’ll want to arrive at least an hour before the game so you can see everything.

The neighborhood surrounding KeyBank Center is quickly becoming one of the best pregame destinations around thanks to the development of the HarborCenter. The HarborCenter is home to several shopping and dining options and even features a Tim Horton’s that pays tributes to Horton and the Sabres.

With the excellent historical displays and the strong fan support you would expect Sabres tickets to cost an arm and a leg, but they are rather affordable making a trip to Buffalo a must for hockey fans everywhere.

Things to check out

Alumni Plaza

The Alumni Plaza at KeyBank Center is a must see for Sabres fans and hockey fans alike. The plaza celebrates the all the Sabres players of the past, and its centerpiece is a statue paying tribute to the Sabres famed French Connection. The French Connection consisting of Gilbert Perreault, Rick Martin, and Rene Robert led the Sabres to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance, so pay tribute to these greats by visiting Alumni Plaza.

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Labatt Blue Zone

This full bar is the perfect place to grab a drink before or during the game. The Labatt Blue Zone opens two hours before the puck drops and offers an incredible view of downtown Buffalo making it well worth a visit.

Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame

The Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame honors all the greatest athletes in Buffalo history whether they played for the Sabres, Bills, Bison, or Bandits. The Hall of Fame is located right inside KeyBank Center next to the Sabres Store, so don’t miss checking out the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame during your trip to a Sabres game.

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Sabres Store

If you want to pick up a souvenir to commemorate your trip to Buffalo then there is no better place to do so than the Sabres Store. At the Sabres Store, you’ll find any Sabres merchandise you could ever dream of so stop by even if it’s just to browse.

HarborCenter

The HarborCenter complex is adjacent to KeyBank Center and is a great place to shop and eat before the game. It even features a flagship Tim Horton’s that showcases the history of Tim Horton and the Sabres meaning you can’t go wrong grabbing a donut before the game.

Retired Numbers

Hanging from the rafters of KeyBank Center you can find the retired numbers of past Sabres greats including Hasek, Horton, The French Connection, LaFontaine, and Gare. Take a peek at these retired numbers to remember all of your favorite Sabres of the past when taking in a game.

Player Murals

All throughout the concourse are murals of the best players and moments in Sabres history. Keep your eyes peeled for these murals when you go and grab something to eat or drink.

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Lexus Club

If you’ve got suite or club seats and want to experience fine dining inside KeyBank Center then the Lexus Club is the spot for you. The club features an outstanding view of the harbor and downtown Buffalo and can accommodate up to 500 guests, so make your reservation today.

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Sabretooth

Sabretooth is the official mascot of the Buffalo Sabres and can be seen at every Sabres game entertaining the crowd. He brings a smile to everyone in the crowd's face, and you can’t help but laugh when you see Sabretooth and his goofy antics.

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My One Buffalo

This Sabres and Bills gameday app allows you manage your tickets, gives you traffic and parking info, and can even be used to purchase merchandise. The app also gives you credit for how often you interact with the team, so make sure to download the app and get credit for attending the game.

Fight Songs

  1. Sabre Dance

    *Instrumental*

  2. Let Me Clear My Throat

    Sabres goal song

    At the count of three
    I want everybody in the place to be
    To make some noise if ya down with me
    One, two, three

    Hit me with the horns Tony
    Keep makin’ noise, keep makin’ noise, yeah, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
    Here we go now, here we go now, here we go now
    Here we go now, here we go now
    Here we go now, here we go now, here we go now
    Here we go now, here we go now
    Here we go, here we go, now listen

    Some of y’all might know this, and some of y’all don’t (jam jam)
    Some of y’all might be with this, and some of y’all won’t
    But listen, let me clear my throat
    Oh, have mercy babe, Ha!
    I hope ya don’t mind, let me clear my throat

    Special dedication going out to everybody here in Bahama Bay
    In Philadelphia
    Here we go now, check it out, ah huh, ah huh, ah (God Damn)

    Yeah, rock to the rhythm of the funky rhyme
    So I can get busy just one more time
    To the beat and ya don’t quit
    It’s that ol’ skool rap with that new skool hit
    Peter Piper picked a pepper but cool rocked the rhyme
    And I can still rip up the house
    Every God damn time I get on the mic, I go crazy
    Peace out to Celo, Flex, and Doug Lazy
    I bet ‘cha never knew but now ya know
    I’m the undisputed king of this disco
    And I never let the mic, magnatize me no more
    ’cause DJ cool rip up the whole damn floor

    Now I’ma rap a rhyme with the greatest of ease
    And swing it like the man on the flying trapeze
    And if you don’t like it you grab on these
    And now I need some help from the maestro please

    Jam, Ha! So look it here check the flavor of the rhythm I wrote
    And while I got a chance here, let me clear my throat
    Oh, have mercy babe, ha!
    I hope ya don’t mind, let me clear my throat
    I need these monitors right here
    Music and the monitors
    And it goes a little something like this here
    Ah huh ah huh ah

    Now if y’all want to party like we do
    If y’all want to party like us, lemme hear ya say
    Ah ah ah ah ah (crowd)
    If y’all want to party like we do
    If y’all want to party like us lemme hear ya say
    Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah (crowd)
    Now when I say uh, you say ah
    Uh (crowd) Uh (crowd)
    And now when I say hey, you say ha
    Hey (crowd) hey (crowd)
    Now when I say uh, you say ah
    Uh (crowd) Uh (crowd)
    Now when I say hey you say ha
    Hey (crowd)
    Now when I say freeze you just freeze one time
    When I say freeze y’all stop on a dime
    When I say freeze you just freeze one time
    When I say freeze y’all stop on a dime
    Frezze

    Now all the ladies in the place
    If you got real hair, real fingernails
    If you got a job, you going to school
    And y’all need nobody to help you handle your business
    Make some noise

    One, two, three, come on now
    When I say freeze you just freeze one time
    When I say freeze y’all stop on a dime
    When I say freeze you just freeze one time
    When I say freeze y’all stop on a dime
    Freeze

    Now to all the brotha’s in the place
    That don’t give a damn about what them ladies talking about
    Cause you just trying to get chummy
    Make some noise

    Now, now, now, let me clear my throat
    Oh, have mercy babe, ha!
    I hope you don’t mind
    Let me clear my throat
    Special dedication going out to all the ladies
    And all the brothers in here
    Like to love y’all to death here

    Ah huh ah huh ah (God damn)
    Oh, lemme send my little shout outs here
    Special dedication once again going out to everybody here
    Bahama Bay in Philadelphia, we love y’all madly
    Special dedication going out to Mellow T, Walt Reeder da’ joiner
    Don Mack, Charlie Mack, DJ Ran, Cosmic Kev
    Special dedication going out to Frank Ski and Lorrenzo Ice-T
    And if you’re with me, if you’re with me
    I need some help from the music, from the maestro, check it out
    Somebody make some noise in this joint man.

  3. Let's Go Buffalo!

    Lets go Buffalo!

    Lets go Buffalo!

    Lets go Buffalo!

Buffalo Sabres Bars & Restaurants

  1. Buffalo Chophouse

    Buffalo Chophouse

    Top-shelf steakhouse with elegant yet quirky decor, from velvet banquettes to dog paintings.

    282 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-842-6900

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  2. Charlie the Butcher’s Express

    Charlie the Butchers Express

    Renowned beef sandwiches & other carved meats served in the lobby of the Ellicott Square Building.

    Ellicott Square Building, 295 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-855-8646

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Chef’s Restaurant

    Chefs Restaurant

    Destination for hearty Italian comfort food & desserts welcoming families & friends since 1923.

    291 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA

    716-856-9187

    Bar website

    italian

  4. Buffalo RiverWorks

    Buffalo RiverWorks

    Massive waterfront complex for skating, hockey, curling & concerts with dining, bars & concessions.

    359 Ganson St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-342-2292

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Washington Square Bar and Grill

    Washington Square Bar and Grill

    Family-owned mainstay serving up standard American plates & cocktails in a down-to-earth atmosphere.

    295 Washington St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-849-0619

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Soho Burger Bar

    Soho Burger Bar

    High-energy hangout with 3 bars & 2 patios features signature burgers & happy-hour specials.

    64 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-856-SOHO (7646)

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill

    Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill

    Relaxed watering hole with sports on TV & casual American classics in laid-back surroundings.

    189 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-240-9392

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  8. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

    Dinosaur Bar B Que

    Barbecue chain serving Southern-style meats & draft brews in a retro setting (most have live music).

    301 Franklin St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-880-1677

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  9. Bada Bing

    Bada Bing

    Sports bar & grill boasting a deep lineup of American grub & games showing on numerous TVs.

    42 W Chippewa St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-853-2464

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  10. Pizza Plant Italian Pub

    Pizza Plant Italian Pub

    Stuffed pizzas & eclectic bar food join craft beers in a warm space with vintage design details.

    125 Main St #110, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-632-0800

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  11. Swannie House

    Swannie House

    This tavern is a local favorite for its Irish charm, light-hearted atmosphere, delicious array of food, and reasonable prices.

    170 Ohio St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-847-2898

    Bar website

    european - $$

  12. 716 Food and Sport

    Food and Sport

    Laid-back hangout with a huge projection screen & many TVs, plus burgers, poutines & beer.

    7 Scott St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-855-4716

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  13. Pearl Street Grill & Brewery

    Pearl Street Grill and Brewery

    Historic 4-level warehouse for bar-&-grill fare, billiards & sports on TV with house brews in hand.

    76 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

    716-856-2337

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  14. Cobblestone

    Cobblestone

    Arena crowds fill this watering hole on event nights for drinks, basic bar food & weekend DJs.

    130 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-848-1930

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Lockhouse Distillery

    Lockhouse Distillery

    Lockhouse Distillery is the first distillery to operate in Buffalo, N.Y. since prohibition.

    41 Columbia St, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA

    716-768-4898

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Ballyhoo

    Ballyhoo

    Cheery, old-fashioned tavern known for refined cocktails, housemade sausages & rotating craft beers.

    211 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14204, USA

    716-240-9901

    Bar website

    american - $

  17. Union Pub

    Irish Times

    Unassuming watering hole serving typical Irish & American pub fare, plus beer, wine & cocktails.

    38 Swan St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA

    716-854-2199

    Bar website

    european - $