Buffalo Memorial Auditorium

Venue info

Buffalo Memorial Auditorium (also known as The Aud) was an indoor arena in downtown Buffalo, New York. It hosted the Buffalo Bisons of the AHL, the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL, the Buffalo Braves of the NBA, the Buffalo Stallions of MSL, the Buffalo Bandits of MILL, the Buffalo Blizzard of the second NPSL and the Buffalo Stampede of RHI. It also held a number an NCAA basketball games, as well as numerous entertainment events, such as concerts, the Ringling Brothers circus and Disney on Ice. The Aud opened on October 14, 1940 and was renovated in 1970 and 1990. It was closed in 1996 following the conclusion of the Sabres', Bandits' and Blizzard's seasons, and remained vacant until its demolition in late 2008 and early 2009. The arena was built at a cost of $2.7 million by the Works Progress Administration. Initially, the seating capacity was 12,280 for hockey games, but in about 1969, the roof was raised in order to add another 4,000 seats. The Buffalo Memorial Auditorium was located downtown, the home of the Sabres was only blocks from the frigid shores of Lake Erie. However, sales of premium seating to finance the new building two blocks away have already turned away some less affluent fans who have supported the team since its birth in 1970. Getting there Take New York State Thruway to the Buffalo exit, then Route 33 west. Take the Oak Street exit. Go to Swan Street, then left onto Washington. The Auditorium is on the right. Former Tenants Buffalo Sabres (NHL) 1970-1996 Buffalo Braves (NBA) 1970-1978 Capacity 16,284 On Site Parking Unknown Nearest Airport Unknown Retired Numbers #2 Tim Horton #7 Richard Martin #11 Gilbert Perreault #14 Rene Robert #99 Wayne Gretzky