ESPN NHL

HISTORY:

Since the grand opening on Sept. 21, 1996, as the Marine Midland Arena, more than 11 million people have attended events at First Niagara Center, also formerly known as HSBC Arena. The venue hosted the 1999 NHL Stanley Cup Finals; the 2000, 2004, 2007 and 2010 NCAA Division I Men's basketball First and Second Rounds; the 2003 NCAA Frozen Four Division I men's hockey championship; and the 2011 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. The arena also is home to the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame display, located in the Pavilion, just outside the Sabres Store. The facility features the Pour Man's Aud Club -- a "time-warp" for long-time Buffalo Sabres fans featuring refurbished artifacts taken from old Memorial Auditorium.

SEATING NOTES:

• Rinkside seating includes Lower Level, Row 1 only.
• Lower Level Preferred Sections 104-106 and 116-118 include Rows 2-22.
• Lower Level II Sections 102-103, 107-108, 114-115 and 119-120 include Rows 2-22.
• Lower Level III Sections 100-101, 109-113 and 121-123 include Rows 2-22.
• Lower Level IV Sections 109-113 include Rows 23-30.
• Club Level seating includes Rows 1-7.
• Upper Level I Sections 300-327 include Rows 1-2.
• Upper Level II Sections 301-311 and 315-325 include Rows 3-14.
• Upper Level III Sections 312-314 include Rows 3-14.
• Upper Level IV Sections 301 and 326-327 include Rows 3-14.
• Tickets not specified by the seller as Rinkside, Lower Level III, Upper Level I, may map to a less premium section.

Address:

One Seymour H. Knox III Plaza
Buffalo, NY 14203

Directions:

From I-190 South, take exit 5 (Louisiana Street). Turn left onto Perry Street (first light) or left onto South Park Avenue (second light). First Niagara Center is straight ahead.

From I-190 North, take Exit 5, Turn right onto Hamburg Street. Turn right on Perry Street (first light). The arena is straight ahead.

Parking:

Parking is available along Perry, Washington and Swan streets. Costs for parking range from $5 to $12. Please note that some lots do not accept Canadian dollars. Bus parking is available in the lot on Perry and Michigan for $25, or in the free lot on Exchange Street (a 10-minute walk to arena).

Transportation:

The arena is located on two major bus routes and on the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's Metro Rail rapid transit system (see website), which services the city of Buffalo.