Gov. Kathy Hochul couldn't contain her excitement when she was talking about the April 19 Buffalo Sabres' watch party at Canalside.
Despite some nasty weather, thousands descended not only the Canalside watch party as well as the "Party in the (Alumni) Plaza."
Drawing thousands to a high profile Canalside event is exactly what Hochul hoped and envisioned would happen when the 20-acre downtown and waterfront campus was developed.
"It is a showcase," Hochul said.
And, no major incidents were reported save for a a few fans going shirtless as the Sabres eked out a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins. For the Sabres it was the team's first NHL playoff game since April 2011.
"That's Buffalo, for you, fans hanging out outside and just going nuts but having a great time," said Randy Porter from Rochester.
The watch parties prove that people will come if the right event is organized at Canalside.
It was worked in the past with wintertime ice skating, curling and three-on-three hockey.
It works in the summer with the canals and events along Canalside's boardwalk.
"I want more events," Hochul said.
Events like the Sabres' watch party can help set a template for other draws into Canalside.
The governor mentioned World Cup watch parties as one such example.
More is better, Hochul said.
The watch parties continue at the Alumni Plaza, starting at 4:30 p.m. and Canalside at 5:30 p.m.
Canalside designed for large scale events.
Canalside designed for large scale events.
