The Sabres in July started the "first phase of a three-year, multimillion-dollar renovation of all 80 suites in the First Niagara Center," according to James Fink of BUFFALO BUSINESS FIRST. The privately financed project is the "most extensive work done on the suites since the arena opened" in '96. The dark tones of the suites "will be replaced by the Sabres' blue-and-gold color scheme." About 26 suites are "being renovated now, with most expected to be ready by the team’s first home pre-season game Sept. 19." Work on the remaining 54 suites "will be done over the next two summers, depending on when the suites come up for renewal." The suites, designed by Sabres VP/Creative Services Frank Cravotta, will "feature new furniture and 50-inch flat-screen TVs." The Sabres logo "will be on one wall and the other will be decorated by the suite holder." Sabres VP/Sales & Business Development John Livsey said, "After 17 years, it was time to give the suites a more modern look and feel. We wanted them to feel like fun" (BUFFALO BUSINESS FIRST, 8/16 issue).
