Sabres renew KeyBank Center lease until 2031

The Buffalo Sabres recently made an important decision regarding their lease at the KeyBank Center in Downtown Buffalo, extending the agreement until 2031. The team had until September 30 to exercise this option, a deadline they did not let slip by.

Chief Operating Officer of the Sabres, Pete Guelli, emphasized the Pegula family’s commitment to investing in the city and highlighted the significance of KeyBank Center as a growth driver. The decision to extend the lease opens up a five-year window to explore a long-term plan for the arena that not only benefits the Sabres but also the Western New York community.

Under this extended lease, all improvements within the building, such as the new video board, repaired roof, updated sound system, and enhanced technology for entry and concessions, will be the responsibility of Sabres ownership. These enhancements aim to create a better fan experience and attract more events, particularly high-profile ones, to the arena.

Looking to the future, discussions may revolve around negotiating public assistance from entities like Erie County, the State of New York, or the City of Buffalo to revamp the arena to meet modern standards. While Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz expressed the desire to step away from the arena business, negotiations with the Pegulas remain on the table. With the county owning the building and the city owning the property, any potential talks will likely be influenced by ongoing developments with the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, set to become the new home for the Buffalo Bills in July.

Both Guelli and Poloncarz have expressed a mutual interest in prioritizing the completion of the new stadium before delving into more extensive conversations about KeyBank Center. As plans for the future take shape, the collaborative efforts between the Sabres ownership and local authorities underscore a commitment to maintaining the legacy and relevance of KeyBank Center within the Buffalo community.