joshjull
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Stadium study also outlines ideas for KeyBank Center upgrades
The study was prepared in 2019, so priorities for arena renovations could change when the time comes for improvements.
The study by Populous was prepared in 2019, so priorities for arena renovations could change when the time comes for improvements. But the study represents a brainstorm of ideas for refreshing the downtown facility, which opened 25 years ago as Marine Midland Arena. Fans have complained the arena is long overdue for upgrades in areas such as seating, technology and amenities…..
…..The Populous study contains separate lists of "aspirational" and "functional" ideas for improvements at the arena.
Leading the list of aspirational ideas was improving amenities at every level of the arena, followed by "differentiated seating" – meaning different options to appeal to different segments of the population.
The list also mentions enclosing the plaza outside the arena, to increase its use; increasing options for suites and reducing their inventory; and creating a "wow factor”..
Other ideas include retail on all floors; making the main Sabres store accessible from two levels; and reducing the arena's capacity from 19,070, to a range of 18,000 to 18,500.
On the "functional" list, the top items were rethinking the arena's Lexus Club; incorporating a new video board, ribbon boards and sound system; and addressing congestion at the 300 level and in suite corridors.
Other ideas on the functional list include new seating options; replacing the seats, and improving the food and beverage experience, along with the possibility of a Wall of Fame display.
