Watch parties offer fans an alternative to arena seats.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The atmosphere inside KeyBank Center is expected to be electric on Sunday, but the excitement won’t be limited to the arena. Bars and restaurants across Buffalo are gearing up for watch parties as fans who couldn’t secure tickets look for other places to gather.
“The excitement is huge, we have tons of reservation requests already so we’re really looking forward to a packed house,” said Chris Ring, a partner at Rec Room and president of the Chippewa Alliance.
It’s shaping up to be a busy weekend for downtown bars, many of which are seeing playoff-level crowds for the first time in years.
“This year it’s kind of new territory for us. This is the first time the Sabres have been good since we’ve been open,” said Danny Licker, general manager of Ballyhoo.
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With the Sabres in the playoffs, fans without tickets are turning to watch parties that aim to recreate the game-day atmosphere.
“We have a DJ during commercial breaks, special effects, smoke goes off when the Sabres score,” Ring said.
Licker, whose restaurant is just steps from the arena, said business has already picked up significantly.
“At the end of the season there would be nobody in here. Now it’s gangbusters everyday, and we have to stop letting people in for a little bit,” he said.
With crowds expected to continue growing, business owners say they are preparing for a demanding weekend.
“It’s a lot more difficult than it seems but we are ready for war at this point we have all hands on deck ” Licker said.
And as the playoff run continues, there’s a shared hope among business owners that the momentum will last.
“The additional business is welcome and encouraged, open again and show these playoff games,” Ring said.