The Buffalo Sabres are beginning to take early steps toward a potential renovation of KeyBank Center - and they’re doing it with some heavyweight help in their corner. The team has hired Ostroff Associates, a well-connected Albany-based lobbying firm, to advocate for state funding that could support future upgrades to the downtown Buffalo arena.
Now, let’s be clear: this doesn’t mean bulldozers are rolling in tomorrow or that blueprints are finalized. Far from it.
The Sabres’ front office, led by Chief Operating Officer Pete Guelli, has made it clear that discussions are still in the early stages. But the move to bring in a lobbying firm signals the franchise is serious about starting the long process of modernizing a building that’s showing its age.
And that age is no small factor. KeyBank Center opened more than 30 years ago and, remarkably, has yet to undergo a major renovation. That makes it the oldest NHL arena that hasn’t seen a significant overhaul - a fact that’s not lost on Guelli.
“It certainly needs work - it’s 30 years old,” Guelli said. “I think it’s the oldest hockey building in the NHL yet to be renovated or at least have a major renovation, so it’s something we’re talking about.”
That kind of candid acknowledgment is important. The NHL has evolved dramatically over the past three decades, not just on the ice but in the fan experience, the technology, and the business infrastructure that surrounds the game.
From wider concourses and modern locker rooms to enhanced lighting, sound, and premium seating options, today’s arenas are built to be year-round destinations. KeyBank Center, for all its history and character, hasn’t kept pace - and the Sabres know it.
Guelli also pointed to the broader potential of the arena’s location, noting the importance of the surrounding waterfront area, particularly the canal side. That’s a part of Buffalo that’s been undergoing a slow but steady revitalization, and a renovated arena could serve as a cornerstone for continued development.
But before anything moves forward, the Sabres are focused on two major events that will bring national attention - and thousands of visitors - to Western New York. First up is the NCAA Basketball Tournament in March, followed by the NHL Draft in June. Those events are not only big for the city but also offer a spotlight moment for the arena itself.
“I think everybody knows, whether it’s the governor or county executive or the mayor, that this building is the catalyst for that,” Guelli said. “So there’s a lot of serious discussions about that, but they’re relatively early.”
Translation: the Sabres are laying the groundwork, talking to key stakeholders, and starting to piece together what a renovation could look like - and how it might get funded. But nothing is set in stone yet.
There’s no price tag, no project scope, and no timeline. And perhaps most importantly, there’s no public funding commitment.
That’s where Ostroff Associates comes in. Their job will be to help navigate the political landscape in Albany, opening doors and building the case for why KeyBank Center - and by extension, the city of Buffalo - deserves investment. It's a familiar playbook in pro sports: teams often look to public-private partnerships to help finance large-scale upgrades, and lobbying is a key part of that process.
For now, fans should keep their eyes on the ice - and on the calendar. The next few months are about showcasing the arena to national audiences and continuing behind-the-scenes conversations about its future. But make no mistake: the Sabres are looking ahead, and the push to breathe new life into KeyBank Center is officially underway.