I was lucky enough to be present at the last press conference at Buffalo’s Memorial Auditorium. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the building it was the original arena for the Buffalo Sabres hockey team. Hosting sports events in Buffalo, New York since 1970 until in 1996 HSBC arena was constructed to house a new era of Buffalo hockey. Constructed for $2,700,000, The Aud was completed and opened during the fall of 1940 bringing in over 1 million in attendance the first year. Taking on every large gathering from circus’ to political events, the auditorium’s interior has the battle wounds to show for it. Dimly lit hallways and exposed duct-work enhance the haunting reminiscence of walking through the corridors to the nose bleeds. After many rumors of re-purposing the building, the city has decided to take a wrecking ball to it. The future is in close view and with the new arena, logo, and team, Buffalo will move forward to reinforce it’s significance in sports. Our snap shots and souvenirs will hang proudly in our homes and taverns in remembrance and respect for The Aud.

October 21st, 2008 by watch84. Category Random.