Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - With the success of the Buffalo Sabres and the upcoming NCAA men's basketball tournament next week, a larger number of visitors are set to make their way to Downtown Buffalo and to KeyBank Center.
While downtown offers a number of amenities for fans and others to enjoy before, during and after events at the arena, some visitors admit they would like to see more done to further enhance the area.
A number of Sabres fans ahead of Tuesday night's matchup with the San Jose Sharks were able to enjoy a drink or two, as well as some food across the street from the arena at The Draft Room along Illinois Street.
"We think it's great, the downtown, around the arena. That's where the arena should be, and we're happy to be able to come down to the city before the Sabres games and even after," said Scott from Albion. "Buffalo Creek Casino has a lot to offer for the fans too, so it's great entertainment, great food, great drinks."
"I think it's a great place for fans to come, and especially with the Sabres hopefully pushing for a playoff run, I think it's a great atmosphere here. And I think feel like the fans enjoy it," added Zach from Batavia.
Even for some fans who may not patron the downtown area much over the course of the year, they are still able to enjoy what the region can provide for visitors.
"I'm not coming in often, maybe two [times a year], but I like the harbor area," said Sylvain from Montreal. "I came here during the summer, maybe it was a Bisons game, so you can walk here when it's nice. That's really nice. Of course, during the winter time it's a little bit different, but the Labatt House, basically, it's my go to place because it's just next door."
Even though many fans appreciate what downtown has to offer in-and-around KeyBank Center, some feel there can be improvements.
"I've been to a lot of big cities - New York, Boston - lived in Pittsburgh for a short time. I feel we're still a little behind, but I think we're getting there," said Jim from Kenmore. "Now with our Bills and our Sabres, it's making it that much better."
"I think you just need to have more places where people will like to hang out," added Sylvain. "Right now, they're coming for the event, but they could come also just normally to enjoy. Look at this street (Illinois Street), you have no cars, that's great, but you just have almost nothing on it. So let's say you have four or five bars here, that will be perfect. I think that would be nice. With the streets like that, you have the comedy club there, so basically you could do something here. Just with a little bit more establishments to go in."
Along with The Draft Room and Iron Works on Illinois Street sits a number of old and abandoned buildings that have been deemed historic to the Cobblestone District, but have been the subject of controversy in recent years with legal battles between the owner and city, as well as a fire that severely damaged much of the structure.
While the future of the structures remain unknown, many one day hope for some sort of future development to further improve the area right by KeyBank Center.
"There's a lot of empty warehouse space up here. I do like the fact that they're adding more breweries around here - micro breweries, more restaurants - which is great. I think it's starting to attract more people downtown," Jim said. "I've lived here my whole life other than four years, so it's good seeing it getting hopping again."
"I think they could probably make them into better things, whether it's recreational areas, ice hockey rinks, stuff like that. I feel like it could definitely improve around here, for sure," Zach added.
"I'm hoping people see how good it is down here, and some local people can invest in the establishments," Scott added. "We miss the Swannie House, that was a big hit for us for years. This is where it's at. If you're a Sabres fan, get downtown."
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