Delaware North Cos. and the Sabres “offered a sneak preview" of the new concession that will be offered at First Niagara Center this season, according to James Fink of BUSINESS FIRST OF BUFFALO. In the offseason, the two entities “rebranded several concession stands in the lower concourse and 300 level.” Delaware North added “more than 40 points of sale, ranging from portable kiosks to more permanent stands.” There are now more than “160 points of sale around” the arena. Delaware North officials said that all pizzas sold "will be made from scratch in its kitchen inside the arena.” Other new concession items include “chicken parmigiana and steak sandwiches and an Anchor Bar chicken finger sub sandwich” (BIZJOURNALS.com, 9/29).
TALKING ABOUT PRACTICE: In Buffalo, Fink also reports the Sabres have said that “they will not build a practice rink, as had been rumored.” Sabres President Ted Black said that “the return doesn’t justify the investment.” For 15 days during the season the Sabres “may be forced to practice somewhere other than First Niagara Center.” The cost of a “suitable practice rink could approach $20 million.” Black: “We don’t need to make that kind of an investment for something we realistically only need 15 times a year. That said, we are open to the art of the possible” (BUSINESS FIRST OF BUFFALO, 9/30 issue).
