BUFFALO - HSBC Arena (19,200) [Archive]

Jaybird

October 4th, 2005, 01:07 AM

The home of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres, one of my fav teams in the league (and the cheapest tickets in the NHL), the HSBC Arena, in downtown Buffalo, New York. The arena was built in 1996 at a cost of $127.5 million. Originally known as the Marine Midland Arena, it became the HSBC Arena and the Sabres made the 1998/99 Stanley Cup Finals in this building, only to lose to Dallas. It seats 18,690 for hockey and varies for concerts and other events. I have been to this arena 11 times in the last 3 years. Such an amazing arena to have so cheap tickets and so new too!

http://www.johnnyroadtrip.com/cities/buffalo/images/hsbc.jpg
http://www.pbase.com/jaybird287/image/44910520.jpg
http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newpictures03/HSBCArena1704-11-03mn.jpg
http://www.wnywebsite.com/IMG_0230.jpg
http://www.daktronics.com/profiles/cc02635.jpg

Jaybird

October 4th, 2005, 01:09 AM

9/10. Love this arena as I said, even though the team could be better, and will be better this year, you'll see!

canada_habs2004

October 4th, 2005, 03:43 AM

it's great for the city of Buffalo, basically what you'd expect for a smaller NHL team like the sabres. If the Sabres could sell the HSBC arena out every game, the atmosphere would be amazing, but when there's only like 11 000 people at the game (the time i went) it's not quite so exciting.

ExWNY'er

October 18th, 2005, 08:14 PM

I'm a big fan of this arena. I like the big atrium and the numerous bars and cheap beer. I like the big bar in the one end that you can stand at while watching the game. Overall a very good arena. I gave it an 8.5. I wish the arena had spurred more development around it, but that is improving.

Jaybird

October 18th, 2005, 08:20 PM

^ you're not the only one who's a fan of the arena. Want to go here a few times this year, but we'll have to see. I went there an astounding 7 times in 2003-04 and once in 2002-03 to see the Sabres. The games are so freaking cheap!

eMKay

May 6th, 2007, 04:12 AM

Here is a video taken by a fan in the 4th row directly behind the Rangers bench, the fan catches a hugely important goal being scored and the resulting celebration. A little background for non NHL fans, this is the 5th game in the 2nd round of the playoffs (all rounds are 7 game series), the series is tied 2-2, The game was 1-0 Rangers despite the Sabres dominating the game (couldn't buy a goal!). This goal was scored with 7.7 seconds left in regulation, forcing overtime (which the Sabres won :banana: )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4KFbJE_UzM

pompeyfan

May 6th, 2007, 10:49 AM

cool video, really shows how big an atmosphere there can be

The Gazmon

May 6th, 2007, 11:22 AM

Seemed overrated to me...no offence. Just a lot of screaming...no atmosphere.

Fangorn Fog

May 6th, 2007, 05:22 PM

AWSOME, i was at Pearl Street grill for that game and it was unreal. The outside plaza party is good before the game but during you just really don't feel like standing in that big of a crowd. SABRES IN 6!!!

eMKay

May 6th, 2007, 07:47 PM

Seemed overrated to me...no offence. Just a lot of screaming...no atmosphere.

How can you say that when you only saw 10 seconds of play out of 65 minutes? No offence, but are you always this ignorant? This was a situation where the only thing that could be done was scream, they had just tied the game with 7.7 seconds left, then won it in OT making the series 3-2, this was a huge moment, not a moment to chant or provide enough "atmosphere" to please you. The atmosphere you wanted to see happened before this moment.

ICP

May 6th, 2007, 09:24 PM

Atmosphere?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLTB-detLOs&mode=related&search=

Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Gazmon

May 6th, 2007, 10:56 PM

How can you say that when you only saw 10 seconds of play out of 65 minutes? No offence, but are you always this ignorant? This was a situation where the only thing that could be done was scream, they had just tied the game with 7.7 seconds left, then won it in OT making the series 3-2, this was a huge moment, not a moment to chant or provide enough "atmosphere" to please you. The atmosphere you wanted to see happened before this moment.

I did watch the game as a matter of fact. HSBC doesn't hold the noise level of say, a Bell Centre or RBC in Carolina. It's not people, it's acoustics.

Still, try going to a hockey game in Germany - then you'll understand proper atmosphere.

Benn

May 7th, 2007, 02:37 AM

Or St Paul Minnesota, Wild games are something else. I'm not a hockey fan, but its still an absolute blast, even when its not the playoffs

Riise

May 7th, 2007, 05:20 AM

Very true! I was surprise the highest sound level achieved was at a Canes' game. However, both the Saddledome and Rexall place have sound dampeners on the ceiling. If those weren't there I'm sure they would be at the top of the list. Personally, I think the Bell Centre has the best atmosphere in the NHL. Although at times it's louder in Edmonton and here in Calgary, the Bell Centre has a great atmosphere for the whole season; both the Dome and Rexall have some quiet nights.

I've never seen a game in Germany but I have watched Davos Cup games the crowd was amazing! If you put them in some of the NHL sized arena it would be nuts! The atmosphere in Davos was kind of surprising but after I thought about it it made sense. Sporting events are different in North America, as you can see in the video clips over here they just cheer and scream, or participate in generic chants. In Europe and other places they have unique chants and songs.

Here are some vids from the Dome during the playoffs:

Pre-game Chant
6qMxtYVK4r0

Players Entrance
ikFU3TYpL0g

Game Winning Goal Scored in Sudden Death Overtime (Eat your heart out Buffalo!)
TESDOM4NPZE

eMKay

May 7th, 2007, 04:57 PM

Or St Paul Minnesota, Wild games are something else. I'm not a hockey fan, but its still an absolute blast, even when its not the playoffs

I've been to a game in Minnesota (Ducks vs. Wild, New Years Eve) It was like a mausoleum, not even half as noisy as Buffalo, or Edmonton, or any of the noisier buildings in the NHL.

Here are some videos I took...

http://www.emkayusa.com/videos/wild_goal1.wmv

http://www.emkayusa.com/videos/wild_goal3.wmv

eMKay

May 7th, 2007, 04:58 PM

I did watch the game as a matter of fact. HSBC doesn't hold the noise level of say, a Bell Centre or RBC in Carolina. It's not people, it's acoustics.

Still, try going to a hockey game in Germany - then you'll understand proper atmosphere.

RBC Center only claims to be loud, it's really not.

eMKay

May 7th, 2007, 05:32 PM

Apparently, I've been called out, so here comes the noise! Yes, in North America we pretty much just shout, and have some simple chants. In the playoffs (especially in citioes like Buffalo, NY, Edmonton, Calgary, where the fans are loud) the chants are frequent and loud, but it's the same chant over and over again. This is Buffalo's, I recorded this last year, it's so loud the mic is clipping.
www.emkayusa.com/misc/lgbflo.mp3

The Europeans have their songs and whatnot, but it's because of soccer, they just carry that over to hockey. But over here we never really developed songs because the sports are not the type where you have time to sing, there is too much going on. I don't know where people can find the time to sing at a hockey game, it's way too fast, we pretty much concentrate on the game. In football the crowd has a job to to, be very loud when the visitors have the ball, and be quiet when the home team has the ball, the reason for that is to disrupt signal calling, or make signal calling easy for your team. Basketball is like hockey, too much going on. Baseball is all about relaxing and watching the game.

The Infamous Line Brawl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x4eitLuA7w

The WINNING goal from game 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEymrwJoDvs

Some random regular season goal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsxAOrKAyno

"Lets Go Buffalo" chant....In RBC Center

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtVYKEXCLtg

"Lets Go Buffalo" chant...In Tampa Bay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgi4yD-hv3M

eMKay

May 7th, 2007, 05:42 PM

Lobby after game 1, this shows off our atrium as well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiOGzMi0XKM

May 8th, 2007, 02:55 AM

I see your HSBC arena, and raise you GM Place.:)

Pre-game:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Fs2c4o4wNqU

Anthem:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NsXMNkZGZgo

Turco, you suck!:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=beeDRaUzfDg

The GWG:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pYMKrhro2Dk&mode=related&search=

The celebration:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=23i7g7k28jM

eMKay

May 8th, 2007, 04:29 AM

I
Turco, you suck!:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=beeDRaUzfDg

That's awesome! I love these videos by fans, can't get enough of them.

xzmattzx

May 8th, 2007, 06:31 AM

When it comes to intimidating fans, Philly is at the top of the list. Chanting stuff is one thing, but Philly fans will fight the players if they're instigated:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcgivAeVlI4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7RF9PVQ0S0

eMKay

May 8th, 2007, 07:02 AM

mrk

May 8th, 2007, 10:12 PM

this is a proper atmosphere

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0rMe2Vyb9E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OqFAoqmztE&mode=related&search=

and it's at a basketball game

nyrmetros

May 8th, 2007, 11:37 PM

this is a proper atmosphere

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0rMe2Vyb9E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OqFAoqmztE&mode=related&search=

and it's at a basketball game

incredible. I'd love to see this at MSG 1 day for a Rangers or Knicks game.

superman03

May 9th, 2007, 01:44 AM

Raptors vs. Nets

Player introductions. Crazy stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8hDVn8BrVY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E451Q0tTZSc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgdpYvExLcQ

Stuff after the game
VC Sucks chant. lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PLHjzkYbRI

More Chants.. lets go raptors vc sucks at the end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT1UNcTlOxY

eMKay

May 9th, 2007, 03:21 AM

Riise

May 9th, 2007, 07:52 AM

The Europeans have their songs and whatnot, but it's because of soccer, they just carry that over to hockey.

I don't think it because of football but rather the sporting culture. Sports and sporting clubs are different over there, in some cases it's life or even more important. I've seen raucous crowds at hockey, rugby, and even basketball games.

But over here we never really developed songs because the sports are not the type where you have time to sing, there is too much going on. I don't know where people can find the time to sing at a hockey game, it's way too fast, we pretty much concentrate on the game... Basketball is like hockey, too much going on. Baseball is all about relaxing and watching the game.

Maybe it's because I'm Canadian but I don't think the game goes too fast. If you ever get the chance to go to a Flames playoff game try and sit up in the bleeds; the hardcores can sometimes get songs going in their sections, if only the rest of the place knew what we were saying so they could join in! You said basketball is like hockey, too fast for songs, but check out the game in Greece. However, even if the games aren't too fast North American fans aren't as, how do I put this correctly, exuberant and outgoing to burst out into song. I’d say they weren’t as passionate, as they aren’t in a sense, but that would open up a can of worms.

On a side not, seeing those vids of Sabres games makes me want to check one out!

eMKay

May 10th, 2007, 12:14 AM

I don't think it because of football but rather the sporting culture. Sports and sporting clubs are different over there, in some cases it's life or even more important. I've seen raucous crowds at hockey, rugby, and even basketball games.

Maybe it's because I'm Canadian but I don't think the game goes too fast. If you ever get the chance to go to a Flames playoff game try and sit up in the bleeds; the hardcores can sometimes get songs going in their sections, if only the rest of the place knew what we were saying so they could join in! You said basketball is like hockey, too fast for songs, but check out the game in Greece. However, even if the games aren't too fast North American fans aren't as, how do I put this correctly, exuberant and outgoing to burst out into song. I’d say they weren’t as passionate, as they aren’t in a sense, but that would open up a can of worms.

On a side not, seeing those vids of Sabres games makes me want to check one out!

What I'm saying is, we in North America as a culture don't sing at sporting events, we never got that in to soccer, which in my mind is where the tradition started.

You will probably find Sabres games to be a lot like Flames games. I really like how you guys all wear your red jerseys to the games, that looks amazing.

eMKay

May 10th, 2007, 12:18 AM

Here's game 5 again with Rick Jeanerette calling the action (He's a broadcasting god around here)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvNy7pVCDLA

nyrmetros

May 11th, 2007, 06:25 PM

Here's game 5 again with Rick Jeanerette calling the action (He's a broadcasting god around here)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvNy7pVCDLA

uggh.... that sucked beyond suckage..........

pompeyfan

May 11th, 2007, 11:12 PM

Man, you are lucky i don't have my 2005 Bombers v Lions AFL match video still. That would raise you ten-fold!

eMKay

May 12th, 2007, 01:58 PM

uggh.... that sucked beyond suckage..........

What? You don't like our man Rick Jeanerette? Well then you will HATE this...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JEfbyrKnKc0

Carter

May 15th, 2007, 10:04 AM

How about this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=HqEWpHuib9A
It's radio commentary, television commentators in Western en Northern Europe tend to be a bit boring.
That's why I usually run radio commentary while watching a game.

eMKay

May 15th, 2007, 08:40 PM

The 12 days of jeanerette. I was at Coast to Coast, and MayDay!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yLUwsd4rd98

Jim856796

July 26th, 2009, 04:41 PM

Another indoor arena in Rio de Janeiro has took the name of the Buffalo arena as the Rio Olympic Arena started to be referred to as the HSBC Arena. To avoid confusion with the Buffalo Arena of the same name, do not refer to the Rio de Janeiro arena by that name. There can be only one HSBC Arena.

hkskyline

July 26th, 2009, 06:41 PM

http://www.globalphotos.org/buffalo/20040802/RIMG7588.jpg

eMKay

June 4th, 2010, 04:27 PM

This thread is really lacking in pictures, so I guess I should fix that. Funny that I have more pictures of stadiums I've been to once and not a lot of one I've been to countless times.

These are from an open house, select-a-seat for fans buying season tickets. The seats with white pieces of paper on them are available for purchase. You just take the sheets to the ticket office and give them money :) Also we were allowed to roam the floor, and pretty much everywhere except locker rooms and team offices.

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/HSBC/hsbca04.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/HSBC/hsbca05.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/HSBC/hsbca06.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/HSBC/hsbca10.jpg

This is the bottom of the boards, no ice, you can see how thick the ice is by the scrapes about 1/2" to 3/4" up.
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/HSBC/hsbca16.jpg

This is where the glass sits on top of the boards
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/HSBC/hsbca19.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/HSBC/SabresSens17.jpg

Section plan, I "found" during construction :D
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/HSBC/hsbcb.jpg

I did not take this...
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/HSBC/hsbcwide.jpg

Poor quality pic from my iphone, I rarely remember to bring my good camera, it's very bulky, and very expensive. I do not want some drunk Leafs fan pouring his beer on it.
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/Mobile%20Uploads/1261189723.jpg

Beef on Weck, mmmmMMmmmm
http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/Mobile%20Uploads/1261188646.jpg

eMKay

June 4th, 2010, 04:31 PM

Some I found via Google...

http://softeuropean.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/hsbc-arena.jpg

Hehehehehe woops! This happened when the scoreboard was being lowered (or raised? don't remember) before a game in it's first year. When it's being moved no-one is allowed under it so no-one was hurt
http://m2.wnymedia.net/files/2007/08/hockeyrink.jpg

LETS GO BAN-DITS!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/HSBC_Arena_Lacrosse.jpg

nyrmetros

June 5th, 2010, 02:32 AM

Is LAX still popular up there?

eMKay

June 5th, 2010, 02:45 AM

Is LAX still popular up there?

Yeah, they sell out most nights.

eMKay

December 19th, 2010, 06:04 PM

We had our work Christmas party there, pretty cool, strange seeing the arena this dark and quiet

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/party1.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/party2.jpg

eMKay

December 24th, 2010, 04:21 PM

Since people are posting pics of replaced arenas I'll do the same, this is the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium opened on October 14, 1940 with a capacity of 12,280. The roof was raised in 1970 and the orange level added bringing capacity to 15,863. Another renovation in 1974 brought it to 16,433. it's final capacity was 16,325. The Sabres played their last game there in 1996 with a 4-1 win over Hartford.

" As much as the 77th goal was exciting for me as a NHL player, I think the biggest thrill was watching Gilbert Perreault play. I’d come down to the Aud with my dad or a friend and watch the Sabres play with the French Connection line...There was a great atmosphere in this building, it was always a hockey atmosphere, and it was always fun to watch the Sabres play.

—Wayne Gretzky"

http://www.ohlarenaguide.com/picweek/may1108.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/Aud/pecagoal.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/Aud/acoustic.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/Aud/pressbox.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/Aud/pregame.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/Aud/balcony.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/Aud/audseating.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/Aud/aud03s.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/Aud/aud01s.jpg

http://www.worksongs.com/blogpics/BFL_aud_upperlevel.jpg

http://cityhallblog.dallasnews.com/aud1.jpg

http://www.roadwolf.ca/photos/photoblog/Aud/800-01-Inside%20the%20Aud%20%28May%2013,%202007%29%20800.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b161/romeo_only_vixen/Buffalo%20Memorial%20Aud%202-09/131.jpg

http://www.bringhometheaud.com/GalleryImages/Big/15Big.jpg

http://www.boatnerd.com/news/newsthumbs/images-09-2/Aud-Demo-5-8-09-BW.jpg

RMB2007

December 24th, 2010, 06:09 PM

^^ The tiers in that old arena look very steep. :eek:

eMKay

December 24th, 2010, 08:36 PM

Oh they were, it was an amazing place to watch a game. Most games I was up in the oranges and it felt like you were hanging over the ice. And you had to be careful as the heads of the people in front of you were right in front of your feet. I can't believe I forgot this pic, this shows just how steep it was...

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww7/eMKayBFLO/Aud/oranges.jpg

JYDA

December 24th, 2010, 10:24 PM

KingmanIII

December 24th, 2010, 11:30 PM

HSBC hosting the World Junior Hockey Championship next week. A tournament nobody in the world knows or cares about except us Canadians. The Buffalo economy can count on a healthy boost from us hosers streaming across the border to drink, shop, and watch hockey. :) lol
after the 2012 tourney Canada will have hosted four years in a row ;)

eMKay

December 25th, 2010, 12:28 AM

HSBC hosting the World Junior Hockey Championship next week. A tournament nobody in the world knows or cares about except us Canadians. The Buffalo economy can count on a healthy boost from us hosers streaming across the border to drink, shop, and watch hockey. :) lol

We already get a healthy boost every year from Canadian shoppers, but it lasts all year. A much much bigger impact than this tourney will provide. I will however be in attendance when we kick your ass again :)