The first sporting event of this Buffalo trip was the Sabres taking on the Penguins at theHSBC arena a very nice and modern building. Opened in 1996, it’s seating capacity is 18 690 persons. They are proposing a makeover, but I actually think no major changes are really needed.
We got there using the Buffalo light train, cruising through downtown Buffalo with other hockey-goers. We walked into a grand foyer, welcomed by a gigantic Labatt Blue Zone neon sign. (Labatt Blue is the Official Canadian Import Beer of the Buffalo Sabres! Yay!) We got up to our seats (thank you, Last-Row-Deverow) through very wide corridors. We did not feel cramped anywhere, not even in the Souvenir shop, nicely stocked, and the line-ups at the many concessions were very short.
When it’s time to eat, there are many options at HSBC. In fact, Sports Road Trip ranks it #4 in the NHL. The Harbour Club is the posh area, with banquet facilities for 800, with a view of both the arena floor and the Buffalo waterfront. There, you can find organic meals. You can also go to the Pepsi Headlines Bar – a classic sports bar with classic sports food or for a busier environment, the Tops Food Court with games and the Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame (which we skipped for some odd reason).
Concessions include the “Caliente Corner” with Mexican fare (100-level, Aisle 5); The “Pile High” deli features carved roast turkey and other sandwiches (100-level, Aisle 8); The “Pour Man’s Aud Club” (behind section 111) also specializes in carved meat sandwiches. Beef on Weck is a popular selection.