First Niagara Center

Bandits game #1 Win !!!
Enjoy the game very much, great game, lots of action. Downer, got there to late for buffet.(full house and went up to $ 20.) charge what you can get :-(
Great game and eat else where first. :-)

I have been coming here for games and events ever since I was a child, and have been here twice so far this year (by this year I mean 2015, not 2016, sorry).
Some notes and recommendations: Perry’s soft serve ice cream. I have gotten it almost every time I have come, and it is the only thing that comes close to comparing to Anderson’s custard. It is creamy and chocolatey (because I get the chocolate flavor) and delicious! Sometimes custard can be icy and seem to have crystallization in it (I’m looking at you, Dairy Queen), but Perry’s custard is a delight! Another recommendation is the nachos that are available in the club level. You are able to choose the type of meat you want, and I have had them with pork and all other toppings that were available. They were huge and very filling, probably because I ate them all myself. However, there is plenty to split between two or three people if you’re looking for an appetizer-​esque dish to share! Beers are the same price as all other arenas and stadiums, around $ 8+ each. They’re never cheap, so just plan accordingly.
In regards to seating, I have sat essentially everywhere in the arena. I do not think there are any particularly poor locations, but the club level seems to have the most accommodations and they are still fairly priced. I have never sat floor level for a concert (by choice, because I am short and if people stand, then I cannot see!), so I cannot attest to the seating down there.
I have yet to try the new foods that were added to the menus this year, such as the Eichel burger and other tasty treats. I will be sure to try one the next time I visit! Go Sabres!

I have been to many NHL hockey rinks, and this one is one of the great ones. First off, access is so easy via the trolley (metro.). It drops you off literally just feet from the door at street level. Secondly, all of the staff I came in contact with were friendly. This is definitely not something I have experienced at other venues. Not to say the staff at other places are rude, its just that these folks were down to earth friendly. Another nice touch is that they have a concession that sells a craft beer IPA (Southern Tier.). Sure, beer is expensive at these events but when its a good beer well it doesn’t seem to be as overpriced.
The seats themselves, and warmth of the rink, was good. Visibility was great. This is mainly for fans of the visiting team: I definitely recommend coming to this rink and don’t forget to wear your team’s flair!

I’ve been here for many events: Sabres Games, March Madness, Volunteering… the list continues. Most noteble though, is when I come here to see the Buffalo Sabres! Woot Woot! High action, and very Live! The fans are super fun. The arena setup is great, of course lower level is the BEST WAY TO GO!

Sporting event, concert, whatever is going on, the people there are always friendly and helpful, even the concessionaires. Seats are comfy but if your tall like me, your knees will hit the seat in front of you. Rest rooms are clean and theres plenty of parking nearby.

Had a great time at the Sabre’s game. Easy access in and out of the arena. The security screening process is better than most airports.

I’ve seen the Sabres here twice. On a positive note, the PA is not overwhelming with either frequency or volume, you won’t have to shout to your neighbor. However, I’ve found the crowds very quiet. Where’s the energy, Sabres fans?

I’ve been to First Niagara Center numerous times for Sabres games, Bandits games, and concerts and I’ve never had a bad experience. All of the workers are extremely friendly and I appreciate the new improvements they’ve added to the security when scanning your ticket. There’s not a bad seat in the house. Usually I prefer to sit in the 100’s section but this last time I went, my boyfriend and I bought last minute tickets to the Sabres game, so we decided to get tickets in the 300’s and I actually loved it! I could see the whole ice from above and saw all of the plays. It was definitely a different experience but still a great one!
All of the food is delicious with a ton of venders and bars. I recommend getting a beef on weck sandwich. Absolutely delicious and really captures the essence of being at a Buffalo sporting event! Food and beer prices are a bit pricey but what do you expect for stadium food. The bathrooms are also pretty clean, which is highly appreciated. Parking for events is super easy to find, with lots every where that offer parking. Leaving events is a bit of hassle, as you can imagine because everyone is trying to leave at once. I recommend leaving the event a few minutes early or sucking it up and being patient. It really isn’t that bad, people!

I’ve been to FNC probably hundreds of times dating back to when it first opened as Marine Midland Arena. Sabres games, Bandits, concerts, fundraisers ect. And I’ve always had a pleasant experiences.
Parking is good and reasonably priced. Every view I’ve had for an event has been fantastic. The jumbo-​tron is very clear. If you know your way around, driving in and out can be OK too. Bathrooms are large. And you can’t walk ten feet without seeing a beer vendor.
However, I wish I could give 3.5 stars because my only/​biggest complaint is the food. Like most arenas & stadiums the food sucks and is WAY overpriced. I’ve gotten many beef on wecks — its usually either bleeding or tough as a shoe to eat. Pizza is usually the safest bet but at $ 6.50 per slice. Plus they usually run out of pies so you have to stand in line and miss part of the game. I’ve seen popcorn dumped out of a large bag into the displays to make it look like it was freshly popped. I’ve returned beer for being skunked and the vendor told me «i’m not sure if or when they clean the lines.» I had tasteless nacho cheese just the other night.
And the waterfront area near the arena has been revamped but there aren’t an abundance of places to eat within walking distance.
Four stars because i’m not there to eat. Bottom line, do NOT go to the arena hungry. If you take that advice you will enjoy your event.

Great venue. Easy parking. Much cheaper than NYC. Wide open hallways where concessions are. People here aren’ t animals

Did you know that Niagara Falls is actually only the *second* Niagara? Shocking, right? I know. But it’s true. This indoor arena was the original Niagara. Hence the name. First Niagara Center.
I love how Brian says «we have a very nice arena!» as if it’s a huge surprise that Buffalo would have a nice arena. Maybe that’s true. And along those lines, we have very nice food! We have a very nice waterfall! And we have very nice women! Just a few of the many highlights of the Lake Effect Snow Capital of the World. Colder than Siberia with a population that is declining faster than a stolen credit card. Okay, not really. Our population is holding steady but that wouldn’t have made for a fun joke.
By the way this is my review #2200. Remember all those weeks ago when I was about to post #2,000? Actually that was 32 hours ago. And yes, I wrote reviews 2001 – 2200 in the last 32 hours. And no I’m not kidding. I’m not sure if it’s a blessing or a curse. Now on with the review of the arena.
I’ve seen many things here… from indoor soccer in the days of the Buffalo Blizzard. To concerts, usually that other people bought me tickets to. And then there’s Ice Hockey games. And that’s when this place really erupts and is one of the loudest indoor arenas in the country. And is magnificent, and earns its 5-​star rating.
My only complaint is parking. There’s not enough of it, and I had to walk through subzero temps for ages to get here on the day of a December concert a few years ago, and got sick for weeks.
And I needed to pee, and held it the whole time, and didn’t quite make it to the bathroom, which is why I now call it the «Burst Niagara Center.»

I went for a preseason game back in the fall, and I have to say, it was an overall pleasant experience. Sure, we had nosebleed seats (because hey, cheap) but they were comfortable, and we still had a good view of the action.
It’s anchoring part of Buffalo’s waterfront revival, so there are now plenty of places to eat and drink outside before and after games. It’s easy to navigate around, even when you are uproariously inebriated, as we somehow managed to be (I blame getting started early, and then an unfortunate decision to drink some Canadian tallboys whilst in the arena.)
The food is excellent for a sports arena as well, they have a really good concession company running the place.
As others have said, the best way to avoid event parking pricing is to take the subway. It’s free in the downtown areas, and from where I live it’s only a couple of bucks.

My family has had seasons tickets to the Sabres for many years. First Niagara Center has made some extremely positive changes since Pegula took over. The Sabres games, concerts and even Bandits games are a lot of fun. I’ve also seen a great increase in the number of big concerts/​shows that stop by FNC.
The arena is very clean. The sound and lighting is excellent. The food and drink service is also wonderful. There’s a ton of restaurants and bars to choose from. I personally recommend the chicken fingers or the beef on weck.
The ushers and servers in the 200 level are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. They are always very friendly and cheerful.

Went for a sabers game, but sad to see there were no wings in the building!!! Come on its Buffalo, you need to represent better than that.

We have a very nice arena! It’s broken in to three separate levels of tickets (100s, 200s, 300s). I typically manage to score tickets in the 100s or 200s which have much more room and general comfort than the 300s. The «cheap seats» still have excellent views of the action, but are cramped and the sections are angled in such a way that I can never shake the feeling that if I trip I’m going to roll downhill until I hit the ice!
The other levels are a better experience offering all sorts of concession options. The 200s are my favorite. There is a restaurant with tables that go where a section of seating could have been meaning you don’t have to miss the action. You can choose from several full bar options or some of the craft brews at the beer stands. They’ll go great with Buffalo’s famous wings or beef on ‘weck. They also offer service at your seat which is nice if you don’t want to navigate the crowds. Just don’t forget your wallet as it all comes with a premium price tag!
There is also a convenient parking ramp attached to the arena. It’s great as you can park near your seating level and then cross to your seating by walkway.

FNC is the home to our teams, concerts and other events. It is a nice clean arean and does have better sound than some that I have been in (Target Center. I’m looking at you.). The stadium is always clean and I have never had a bad experience in any seats.

My first time at a hockey game. It was affordable, had great food and I will be back!

Went here yesterday for the first time to watch the Leafs vs. Sabres game and had a good time. Our seats were in the upper level, but we still had great views of the rink.
Lots of food options for everyone from pizza to chicken fingers to subs to tacos. The wine was pricey and served in a tiny glass that is ridiculously hard to carry without spilling (but I’m probably the idiot for getting wine at a hockey game).

The First Niagara Center (or whatever it will be called next) is a wonderful arena to watch hockey.
The atmosphere of this is arena is great because the Sabers fans are great fans that know the game and follow their team with a great passion.
Every time I’ve been to this arena (4 times now I believe) they were the Sabers vs the Leafs and these two teams have a very strong rivalry being as they are both in the same division and each is the closest NHL rival.
The facility has plenty of parking in the area but because of the crowd it’s understandable after the game there’s a lot of traffic getting out. I actually end up going east on Perry to Hamburg to get back on the 190 again.
Food/​drinks are decently priced but the best deal is under 2 bucks for a Tim Horton’s coffee which is just slightly more expensive than at a regular Tim’s.

The FNC is a Leafs fan home away from home. Just a short drive down the QEW, the tickets are reasonably priced and the parking is cheap.
The FNC is clean, the staff friendly and the atmosphere great as Leaf fans take over when in town.