Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550/WBEN) - The Sabres announced on Saturday they are going to continue their current lease at KeyBank Center in Downtown Buffalo, exercising an option they had until Sept. 30 to exercise.
"The Pegula family continues to invest in our city, and there is no greater vehicle for growth than KeyBank Center," said Sabres' Chief Operating Officer Pete Guelli in a statement on Saturday.
"The next five years give us a chance to discuss a long-term plan for the arena that benefits both the Sabres and Western New York."
By talking about a new long-term plan, a new lease could be in place before this one expires in September of 2031.
All improvements inside the build are the responsibility of Sabres ownership. In the past two seasons, a new video board has been installed, the roof has been repaired, a new sound system is in, and there's new technology for entering the building and concession stands.
Guelli has said KeyBank Center is an economic driver to the community, and he wants to get more events and more high profile events in there.
With that in mind, Pegula could try to negotiate some public assistance through Erie County, the State of New York or the City of Buffalo to bring an arena that is in rough shape up to speed.
Back on July 30, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said the county wants to get out of the arena business, but he’s open to negotiations with the Pegulas. Under the current lease, the county owns the building itself, and the city owns the property.
As far as when talks may get more numerous, Guelli and Poloncarz both have said they’d like to get the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park completed first. It is expected for the Buffalo Bills to move into the new stadium this coming July.
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