Pegula Sports and Entertainment have begun the process of reviewing the viability of New Era Field and KeyBank Center.
By Chad DeDominicis / Diebytheblade.com
Pegula Sports and Entertainment announced that they’ve hired consultants CAA ICON to do a review of the next steps for New Era Field and KeyBank Center.
KeyBank Center, which is the home of the Buffalo Sabres, opened in September of 1996.
Since then, the arena has had some renovations done, including a major locker room upgrade when Terry Pegula bought the Sabres in 2011.
The building shows it’s 22-year age in the fan seating bowl and concession walkways. It’s in need of a major upgrade to reach the levels of other building around the NHL.
“The number one priority for this study is the fan experience,” said PSE President & CEO Kim Pegula. “CAA ICON has an extensive resume, having participated in dozens of first-class professional facilities, along with Harborcenter and Penn State’s Pegula Ice Arena. We have the utmost confidence that CAA ICON’s unparalleled experience will help ensure that our venues achieve the highest standards.”
“As both New Era Field and KeyBank Center have aged, they have fallen behind modern standards,” said Bruce Popko, PSE’s Chief Operating Officer. “Terry and Kim Pegula have invested more than $2 billion of their own money in our market, including $350 million in privately-financed venue upgrades and expansions. With both leases nearing expiration, we look forward to developing a plan and working with our public sector partners to solidify the futures of the Bills and Sabres.”
Over the coming months, CAA ICON will guide PSE through a stadium feasibility analysis to identify the needed improvements to all aspects of the fan and team experience at either a new football stadium or renovated New Era Field. The study will equally focus on modernizing the more than 23-year-old KeyBank Center. As CAA ICON’s study explores the possibility of a new football stadium, it will include potential stadium sites, design, and financial planning for all options. In addition to CAA ICON’s internal venue development and strategic advisory experts, CAA ICON has partnered with national and local architectural and engineering consultants for the evaluations. Populous, world leaders in the design of iconic arena and stadium projects, will provide architectural services.