"The Aud" has been home to Buffalo's NHL and minor league
hockey clubs since it's opening in 1940, but will close after
next season when the new Crossroads Arena opens. The new $122.5M
project will be a public/private partnership, with Erie County,
the City of Buffalo and State of New York contributing $55
million of the facility's cost.
ARENA(S): Memorial Auditorium, Crossroads Arena, Buffalo, NY
TENANTS: Buffalo Sabres
AGE: Aud opened October 15, 1940, Crossroads to open in
October, 1996.
OWNERSHIP: Aud -- City of Buffalo.
Crossroads -- public/private partnership
COST: Crossroads will cost a total of $122.5M.
CAPACITY: Aud's capacity is 16,134 for hockey, Crossroads
will seat 20,000 for hockey.
LUXURY SEATS: Approximately 200 luxury seats at the Aud.
Crossroads will have 2,400 club seats and 80
suites. All revenue generated goes directly to
the Sabres. Luxury seating will have direct access
to covered parking along with beverage service
available via computer ordering.
CONCESSIONS: All revenues to Sabres in both arenas
ADVERTISING: All revenues to Sabres in both arenas
PARKING: Limited parking for the stadium, but all revenues
go to the Sabres.
GAME-DAY: Sabres are responsible for employees
LEASE: The lease actually expires at the end of the '94-
'95 hockey season. However, a clause in the lease
states that if the new building is not completed
by this time, the lease will be renewed annually.
MAINTENANCE: The City of Buffalo has been responsible for
maintenance at the Aud.
RENT: $1.75M
(Sources: Michael Masiello, Director of Buffalo Auditorium)
