Bleed For The Blue and Gold

2011-12-13T23:43:00.000-05:00

More Game Day Snapshots of BHE+M's Display at First Niagara Center

The Enforcers + Playmakers + Goalie display draws fans every game day. We try and get some photos as often as one of the BHE+M's team is at a Sabre's home game. During another Sabres loss – this time to the lowly Sens – we were able to see the Buffalo hockey fans checking out this year's display. A few fans posed in front of Korab's journey so I could take their photos for them. See these latest shots.

Case One - full frame.

Captain Gare jersey & stick.

Gerbe fan enjoys Case Two.

Lake Placid Olympic patch- name that jersey?

Playfair graphic & jersey.

Fans pass case one, end of game.

2011-12-01T11:52:00.002-05:00

BHE+M New Display Cases Show Up in Recent BuffNews Photo

Buffalo News photo Mark Mulville took a lifestyles shot that included our display cases at the last Sabres home page at First Niagara Center. Check it out.

2011-11-16T23:41:00.000-05:00

Catch Sabre Collectibles in the Smaller Trophy Cases that accompany the the New Exhibit

BHE+M's Dr. Joe has some nice smaller pieces from his collection that we choose to display- not with the sticks and jerseys- but in smaller groups within the the five trophy cases that run along the wall between the larger display.

The first case is The French Collection with items based around the Sabre's popular line of Gilbert, Rene and the late Rick Martin. The second case includes items from the famed Aud Club that was in the Memorial Auditorium. The third case includes collectible Sabres buttons and badges. The fourth case has some great Buffalo hockey cards and the last case contains one-of-a-kind collectibles from the Sabre's away games... the FAR AWAY games that happen in Europe to kick off the 2011-12 hockey season.

Jill, Dan & mark from OtherWisz Creative, our exhibit design team, installed these cases the day before the Sabres first home game and they have been great to look at before a game (and during intermissions) as fans swap stories of favorite games, visits tom the legendary Aud Club or collecting hockey cards as a kid.

Go to our Facebook page and cast your vote in the second round of our countdown to your favorite of the Sabre's Playmakers + Enforcers + Goalies 02....
Who is your favorite Playmaker between these 2 Buffalo hockey legends?
Pat LaFontaine or Alexander Mogilny??? Vote now!

COLLECTIBLES FROM THE ORIGINAL AUD CLUB.

BUTTONS OF FAN FAVORITES.

EURO-COLLECTIBLES FROM THE PREMIERE GAMES.

THE FRENCH COLLECTION.

2011-11-02T23:36:00.002-04:00

Visit To The Cases- Weds, Nov 2, 2011

The Sabres game had a rough start with the hometeam losing 3-0 within the first 6 minutes tonight. BHE+M's Dr. Joe and Mark Wisz from OtherWisz Creative, our exhibit design team, had a better start -- spending 45 minutes before the game taking pictures and talking to fans. Well received, the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum's new memorabilia exhibit was a great draw before and during the intermissions. Great to see the fans enjoying our hard work.

Go to our Facebook and page and cast your vote in the first round of our countdown to your favorite of the Sabre's Playmakers + Enforcers + Goalies 01. Who is your favorite Enforcer between these 2 Buffalo hockey legends? Lindy Ruff or Jim Schoenfeld???

Buffalo Hockey Experience & Museum's Dr. Joe on the exhibit visit: Sabs. vs. Flyers, 11.02.2011.

Fan at case 1.

Fans checking out Sabres jerseys in case 1.

Fans reviewing the French Collection: memorabilia of Sabre greats Robert, Martin & Gilbert.

More fans.

Fans again- case 2!

Young Briere fans sees "whats' what..." (not a Sabres win tonight, unfortunately).

Vote on the BHE+M Facebook page.

2011-10-11T21:03:00.001-04:00

Playmakers + Enforcers + Goalies Final Full Cases

The full cases are installed at First Niagara Center and they are ready for the Buffalo Sabres home opener this Friday night, Oct 14th! Here are some full length snapshots of the 2 main cases with a few details.

Tomorrow we put the finishing touches on the 5 small Trophy Cases. More photos to come.

Full Case #1 with glass installed with graphics. Click for larger view!

Full Case #2 with glass installed with graphics. Click for larger view!

Jhonas Enroth detail.

Hasek detail.

A Goalie & an Enforcer.

Patty LaFontaine jersey & stick.

Vintage skates.

Tommy Vanek # 26

Remember that this year's display is about the fans, so go to our Facebook page and LIKE US--> https://www.facebook.com/buffalohockey

2011-10-07T12:36:00.000-04:00

Playmakers + Enforcers + Goalies Exhibit Install Day Two

Here are some MORE behind the scenes photo from Thursday's final day of install of the new display for the 2011-12 hockey season at First Niagara Center. Day Two saw the completed install with some layout and designs made on-the-fly. They paid off and the final display is outstanding. The WGR550 radio guys were already talking about it this morning- so that is a good sign. Enjoy these sneak-peaks and we will be sure to post some final (glass in) snapshots in the next few days.

Remember that this year's display is about the fans, so go to our Facebook page and LIKE US as there will be a season-long contest as we narrow the choices down to the Buffalo Sabres' most popular PLAYMAKER + ENFORCER + GOALIE! https://www.facebook.com/buffalohockey

Dave's jersey with glass graphic.

Dr. Joe helping by holding glass pane during install.

Some goalie memorabilia.

later-era jerseys & sticks.

Enforcer Lidy.

Display credits.

2011-10-05T21:02:00.002-04:00

Playmakers + Enforcers + Goalies Exhibit Install Day One

Here are some behind the scenes photo from today's install of the new display we are installing for the 2011-12 hockey season at the newly named First Niagara Center. Day One went well and involved a lot of spotting- putting the eye-hooks in and testing where the jerseys will hang. We had to build custom jersey hangers out of threaded rod wrapped in pipe insulation. WORKS GREAT!

Day two, tomorrow, will include putting it all back up, hanging the sticks and installing the glass graphics. We will have to get everything in, make all the tweaks, make sure all foreign matter is cleaned out of the cases before the glass guys come at 3:00 PM to install the glass.

Thanks to the Mark, Dan & Jill from the OtherWisz Creative design team for making this happen.

Check back tomorrow to see how the finished display cases came out!

Jerseys waiting to get hung.

Sneak peak at some of the footer graphics.

Hanging Barrasso & King Kong Korab jerseys.

Whose "C"?

Some modern-era hockey sweater.

Main museum man Dr. Joe props up rare, one-of-a-kind Sabres skate sharpening case.

2011-10-01T01:21:00.002-04:00

Lots of Sticks - the new exhibit entitled Playmakers + Enforcers + Goalies is going to have a few sticks hanging it in when it debuts on October 14th 2011

Last year's Sabres Memoribillia Display, concentrated on big events in the Buffalo Sabres' last 40 years, this year's display is all about the players.

Here are some snapshots of the sticks we were looking through the other day. The display installs next week, Wednesday & Thursday, 5th & 6th, so we'll get some on-the-scene photos. We are teaming up with OtherWisz Creative again so the display should be great. We hope you all come down to the 2011 Sabres home opener on the 14th to see the complete display!

Get your Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum news quicker on Facebook, Like Us.

2011-09-28T14:22:00.001-04:00

Playmakers + Enforcers + Goalies Display Uncovers Embarrassing Sabres' Player Photos

While working on the new BHE+M Display that will get installed next week at (the newly named) First Niagara Center we ran across some vintage hockey cards. Enjoy these.....

Flying Gil head....

Brad's mullet (w/ cap).

80's Wayne Presley.

2011-09-26T12:53:00.001-04:00

Playmakers + Enforcers + Goalies Display Begins Install Next Week

New BHE+M Display will get installed next week at (the newly named) First Niagara Center in preparation for it's debut at the Sabres first HOME GAME on Oct 14th!

Follow up on Facebook as the display gets installed next week Wednesday & Thursday (Oct. 5th & 6th) and all season where you will be able to vote on your favorite Playmakers, Enforcers + Goalies. We will have you Sabre's hockey fans vote on, from our group of players represented in this year's display, WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE!

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @: https://www.facebook.com/buffalohockey

2011-09-14T00:18:00.004-04:00

Curating + Designing

"Playmakers + Enforcers + Goalies" exhibit design in in full swing.


Photographer Joe Cascio documenting a trophy case earlier this year.

Last year's Sabres 40th Anniversary Display, concentrated on events, this year's display will be focused on the players.The five smaller trophy cases, that accompany the two large cases, will each be themed with a specific type of collectible this season. We are still fine-tuning the items for each.

The Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum's archives were visited by the OtherWisz Creative research team to review the memorabilia for these cases. We saw a lot of really unique things that might get displayed this year. Here are a few snapshots from the visit with Dr. Joe...

2011-09-08T23:34:00.003-04:00

Playmakers + Enforcers + Goalies

"Fan Favorites" Will Be Theme of New BHE+M Display!

Starting with the 1st home game of the 2011-12 hockey season, fans will be able to enjoy another look into some of the fantastic memorabilia in the collection of The Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum. Following on the success of last year's Sabres 40th Anniversary Display, the BHE+M is teaming up again this year with the Buffalo Sabres to showcase some fine collectibles from it's archives.

Who is your favorite Sabre? Is it a PLAYMAKER like Alexander Mogilny, or is it Jerry Korab, a solid Sabre ENFORCER, or maybe it is a new Sabre star like, GOALIE Jhonas Enroth? Find out this year with the BHE+M unveils our new display!

In the next five weeks you will be able to watch here, on this blog, as OtherWisz Creative and the BHE+M prepare and install the graphics and the memorabilia of this year's display.

2011-05-20T09:58:00.001-04:00

Sabres 40th Anniversary Display- one last look during the dismantle

The display of Buffalo Hockey memorabilia from the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum's 40th Sabres Anniversary display at HSBC Arena was dismantled yesterday and put back into the museum's storage. Below are some snapshots that comprise a last look at some of the details while it was being documented by photographer Joe Cascio for the archives.

GOOD NEWS! The BHE+M has been asked by the Sabres to put together a proposal for a new display for next season!! So while our gears are turning as we think up ideas & themes for a new display, enjoy this last look.

One of the milestone's on Perreault's stack of 500 pucks.

Scotty Bowman's signature on All Star roster from game in Buffalo.

Letter from Sabre's lawyer Robert Chambers confirming delivery of the 'brochure' used to pitch a Buffalo hockey team to the NHL.

BHE+M team discusses documenting the cases with photographer Joe Cascio.

Hanging autographed 1st season stick with ticket collage in background.

Stanley Cup patch on Dom Hasek's jersey.

Photog Joe Cascio shooting trophy cases.

Rick Martin's jersey and stick.

Craig Ramsey's Selke trophy.

Hey Fans! Do you have any ideas for themes for next year's display? Send us an email.

2011-03-31T08:58:00.002-04:00

Fans Still Loving Sabres 40th Anniversary Display!

With only six games left in the regular season and the Buffalo Sabres making the push to stay in the playoff race, fans are still flocking to the cases to enjoy the display of Buffalo Hockey History. The Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum 40th Sabres Anniversary display at HSBC Arena will be on display for the the duration of the hockey season going into the playoffs.

So if you haven't seen it yet, check it out!

2011-02-17T23:06:00.005-05:00

Buffalo Bisons Jerseys Added to the Permanent Collection of the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum

We are very excited about the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museums recent acquisition for the collection of two vintage Buffalo Bison hockey jerseys from the 1930's, a 1931-32 Championship jacket and a bottle cap jersey from the 1969-1970 season (the famous bottle Pepsi design everybody loves). These pieces are a welcome part of the the BHE+M's permanent collection.

Hopefully we will get these out on display for you guys.

1931-32 BUFFALO BISONS UNIFORM

This black and orange uniform was worn most likely during the Bison's first championship season. As members of the International Hockey League in 1931-32 the Bisons led the league with 59 points and defeated Detroit 2-1 in the round robin playoffs to claim the IHL Championship beating out the Windsor Bulldogs. This win was redemption for the Bisons who had lost the the 1930-31 Championship to the Bulldogs putting to rest the "Windsor Jinx".

1931-32 BUFFALO BISONS CHAMPIONSHIP JACKET

This jacket was used to commerate the Bisons Championship in 1931-32. In the book Before the Blade by Tim Warchocki thereis a 1933-34 team photo with the team trainer wearing a jacket identical to this one.

1936-37 BUFFALO-NIAGARA BISONS UNIFORM

This stunning orange uniform was worn during the Bisons shortest season, only playing 11 games in 36-37. The season marked the first season of the American Hockey League. The Bisons suspended operations on December 10, 1936 and didn't return to the ice until the Memorial Auditorium was opened in the fall of 1940.

1969-70 BUFFALO BISONS UNIFORM

This uniform was worn by defensman Larry Hornung during the Bison's last season and last AHL Championship. The jersey was worn during the Bisons last game at Memorial Auditorium on May 10, 1970 a 6-2 victory over the Springfield Kings. This uniform is one of the most sought after because of its great colors and beautiful logo. The logo was designed by the Pastor brothers who owned the local Pepsi Cola bottling company. These jerseys also have a significant place in Buffalo Sabres history, they were worn during the Sabres 1970-71 inaugural season preseason games and throughout training camp.

OTHER VINTAGE BUFFALO BISONS ARTIFACTS ACQUIRED
"Not pictured above, these new find for the collection includes a game used and team autographed stick from the 31-32 Championship team, two game programs from the 36-37 season including the last game December 8, 1936 a 2-1 victory over the Springfield Indians and several pieces from the Bison's final season which will greatly enhance any display," added Dr. Joe Gambacorta.

2011-01-07T11:31:00.002-05:00

Dentist's Collection Became Buffalo Hockey Museum

Today's Buffalo Business First, features an article on Dr. Joe and The Buffalo Hockey Experience & Museum. Check it out online, but you have to be a subscriber to get the full issues (which is kinda lame, the New York Times posts full articles online for free).

The article written by reporter Dave Bertola-- who knows a thing of hockey himself-- and tells the story of how the museum got started, about the display that is currently at HSBC Arena, and some of the highlights of this massive collection.

Pick up an issue on your local newsstand next week (Monday, January 10th, 2011).

2011-01-06T20:58:00.001-05:00

BHE+M's Dr. Joe Gets an Audience With Lord Stanley's Cup
To coincide with the Bufalo Sabres' photo exhibit at the Albright Knox, the Hockey Hall of Fame brought some hardware to add to the show for a week including the Stanley Cup. Dr. Joe, of the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum, has a working relationship with Toronto's Hockey Hall of Fame, so the boys from the hall invited Dr. Joe to come on down to spend some quality time with the cup. The talk was of some collaborative efforts down the road between the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Buffalo Hockey Museum + Experience. Stay tuned.

Dr. Joe & his son with the cup.

Hanging with Phil, the protector of the cup.

Hanging with the greatest trophy in all of sports!

The cup wearing a BHE+M cap. Looking good!

2010-12-17T12:39:00.002-05:00

For The Fans!

The Buffalo Sabres 40th Anniversary display has now been up for 3 months at HSBC Arena and fans are flocking to see the memorabilia before games and between periods. Here are some snapshots from a recent game showing some hockey fans enjoying Case No. 1. By the way, the Buffalo Sabres defeated the Boston Bruins 3-2 that night! Yeah!

In other Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum news-- Dr. Joe was interviewed by Business First so look for that coming soon.

These display cases were designed by our graphics team at OtherWisz Creative Corp.

2010-11-18T16:52:00.004-05:00

WGR550's "The Hobby" featuring Dr. Joseph Gambacorta of the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum This Saturday, November 20th

Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum's Dr. Joseph Gambacorta will be a guest on The Hobby hosted by Mike Schopp. The Hobby is WGR's radio show for sports card and memorabilia collectors.

Listen Online at http://www.wgr550.com

Listen Saturday, November 20th on your radio (or online) from 8 am-9 am for an interview with BHE+M's Dr. Joe discussing the 40th Anniversary Sabres' Exhibit, the museum and more.

To listen to the broadcast on the WGR550 website, go to the Audio Vault:
http://audio.wgr550.com/m/audio/35363273/11-20-the-hobby.htm

2010-11-17T10:33:00.002-05:00

Remembering the good ol' days with the Buffalo Sabres
40th Anniversary Display curated with items from the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum's permanent collection and designed by OtherWisz Creative is on display

The display has been up for almost 2 months and has been receiving rave reviews! Go to a Sabres home game (or any event at HSBC arena for that matter) and take a look for yourself. Fans old and new are connecting with a piece of Buffalo Sabres' past glory days.

Read the official announcement of this project on the BHE+M website.

2010-09-22T21:23:00.006-04:00

Buffalo Sabres 40th Anniversary Display is UP!

It is complete and installed! Our BHE+M collection makes up a Sabres 40th Anniversary Exhibit that was went into 2 custom-designed display cases. Go down & take a look at HSBC Arena during any event, hockey game or during the many open Sabres practice.

Thanks for the whole team, especially Mark & Jill of OtherWisz Creative for working with BHE+M to curate, design, build and install this display. Thanks to the Buffalo Sabres, of course, for supplying the space.

Lots of photos to come on this blog, so check back.
For more info about the museum- here!

Dr. Joseph Gambacorta of the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum in front of a glass-covered display case.

2010-09-19T01:13:00.007-04:00

Puck Drop 2010

I sure wish our Sabres 40th Anniversary Exhibit was installed today so everyone at Puck Drop 2010 could have enjoyed it. Final Installation is next week, stay tuned!

Here are a few Puck Drop photos from today, Sept. 18, 2010.

RJ on the jumbotron introducing 'your 2010-11 Buffalo Sabres!"

The fans first look at the 2010-11 Buffalo Sabres.

Captain Craig Rivet models new uniform at center ice.

2010-09-16T21:44:00.003-04:00

Comin Soon-- installation test-run!

Yessir, the work continues on the Sabres 40th Anniversary Exhibit installation. Today was a dry run where everything was set and photographed and taken down in anticipation of the delivery and install of the glass in our 2 custom cases. Look for this exhibit all hockey season at the HSBC Arena. Here are a few detail snapshots from today's full day setup.

2010-09-16T00:39:00.002-04:00

What Does 500 Pucks Look Like?

Work continues on the Sabres 40th Anniversary exhibit installation. We should be good to go for the 1st preseason game a week from Saturday. In the meantime, here is what 500 pucks looks like.

2010-09-13T23:55:00.005-04:00

Sabre Tickets from Season Number One

Will working on this Sabres 40th Anniversary exhibit installation we have had to dig through the archives. Here are some first season ticket stubs 1970-71 that we thought we would share. Not as fancy as they are now, and they only came in two colors- red and green- and we liked it that way... just a like a cold Utica Club.

We are looking to aquire a ticket from every Sabres home game from the last 40 years and the collection is close. See our list for tickets we need on the main Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum website.

2010-09-10T16:26:00.004-04:00

The Work Continues

The next steps to our Sabres 40th Anniversary exhibit installation continued today. The exhibit will be in HSBC arena for the entire hockey season. Yesterday we set up the mannequins and risers, tested the jersey placement. Today we marked off the location of all the memorabilia and started putting up the photos. It is looking good so far, see some install snapshots below.

2010-09-02T22:50:00.003-04:00

Rink Ice in the Summer

The first step to our Sabres 40th Anniversary exhibit installation is almost complete. The exhibit will be in HSBC arena for the entire hockey season. The backdrops to our 2 display cases are being made to look like skated-on ice. These will be the background to the memorabilia that will be on display. Take a look at it so far....

2010-09-01T17:14:00.002-04:00

New Exhibit Designed & Installing Next Week

The Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum has teamed up with OtherWisz Creative & The Buffalo Sabres to present 40 years of Buffalo Sabres history in a display that will be up at HSBC Arena during the 2010-11 hockey season. The display will feature memorabilia from the BHEM archives and will show the world some of the better pieces in our collection.

The display has been designed and is in the process of being installed. Look for it as the hockey season gets under way soon. We will post some photos of the install in progress so stay tuned.

2010-06-21T13:54:00.001-04:00

New Exhibit in the Works

Planning for a NEW Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum's exhibit is under way for this Fall. Stay tuned as details will be released as they become available.

2009-10-19T11:05:00.000-04:00

Exhibit Plans On Hold

All planning for the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum's exhibit at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society is on hold and will resume later than planned in 2010.

2009-10-01T09:53:00.005-04:00

Exhibit Plans Moves Forward with Opening Nov. 8th

All planning for the November 8th opening of the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum's exhibit at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society moves forward. Plans call for the artifacts to center on the birth of the Buffalo Sabres concentrating on the first eight years- where the team build an immediate connection with it's fans and the city of Buffalo.

Highlights will include memorabilia from:

The Inaugural Year 1970
The First Playoff Appearance (known to fans as "Thank You Sabres")
The Sabre Exciting Trip to the '75 Finals
The Historic 1976 Game vs. the Russians
The 1978 All-Star Game
plus mini exhibits on legends Tim Horton and trainer Frank Christie

More details to follow, so stayed tuned!

2009-09-16T09:11:00.006-04:00

Buffalo, New York 1972- a Hockey Town

We are pleased to announce that the portions of the BHEM's collection of memorabilia will be featured in an exhibit this November at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society. The exhibit will highlight some prominent pieces from the collection-- concentrating on the first eight years of the Sabres in Buffalo. Artifacts will include pieces from the Inaugural Year, the 1972-73 Playoffs, the 1975 Finals, the French Connection, the legendary 1976 Soviets Series and ending with the All Star game which took place in the Memorial Auditorium in 1978.

While researching, curating and reviewing the history of the team-- and digging through the archives--- I was browsing a 1972 program from a Sabres-North Stars game and found some great graphic inspiration. I was taken by the ads in the program and how they gave a snapshot into Buffalo nightlife circa 1972. I have attached a few below. There will be more on the upcoming exhibit at the History Museum, so stay tuned.

The famous No Names (and it still exists)!

Peter's Pub features their "World Famous Cocktail Hours."

2009-07-24T15:09:00.004-04:00

Moving Forward -->

Joseph E. Gambacorta, DDS, founder of the Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum, announced today that New York State has granted the Museum a Provisional Charter, an important step towards the Museum’s proposed opening.

Read the press release on the BHEM website.

BONUS:
The AUD is nothing but a hole in the ground now.
See the Buffalo News video- click here.

2009-02-27T11:18:00.003-05:00

Snapshots of the Aud
From The Last Game to The Big Hole in The Side

Ace photo Joe Cascio has been documenting the AUD for ages and has posted some great photos of the demolitiion he shot recently. It is sort of painful to see this big hole in the AUD.

Drive by on the Skyway-- it is a bit alarming to see it in person.

Here is a link to Joe's amazing shots, click here.

2009-02-18T15:07:00.004-05:00

Demolition Live!

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. has posted a live cam of the AUD coming down. It is sad, but cool to see. As of this date, there is a large gaping hole on the east side.

Watch the demo live, click here. You can go through the progression of "already captured' images to watch the giant hold begin to take shape.

2008-11-12T15:39:00.007-05:00

Hats Off 2 You!

The Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum will be displaying memorabilia at the Farewell Aud show this weekend (Nov. 15, 16th). Hope to see you there, stop by and say hello!

We will be giving away "Bleed For The Blue And Gold" bumper stickers and selling limited run, commemorative AUD Edition BHEM hats. Thanks to New Era for all the help!

Please excuse my cruddy laptop video camera snapshots..

2008-11-03T23:09:00.002-05:00

The Center of Buffalo in the '30s
Another great postcard image dating from the 1930s of the AUD in the center of downtown Buffalo.

2008-11-03T09:06:00.005-05:00

He Shoots! He Scores!

BHEM featured in The Buffalo News:

Charity Vogel: Hockey Lore Galore Seeks Special Home (11/03/08)

Click here to read! The word is spreading!!

2008-10-30T00:19:00.004-04:00

Goodbye, Old Friend & more

Website news:

The official Buffalo Hockey Experience + Museum website is live, click here.

The official website for the AUD Farewell Event is up as well, click here too!

The AUD today- Oct. 21, 2008

2008-10-21T12:15:00.011-04:00

I just toured the AUD as it sits right now (in fact, how it sat, a 1/2 hour or so ago). These are the snapshots I took as we toured the lower bowl, the hallways and up to the 'once 70s chic', AUD Club. Very cool.

The building has been open to the elements as the demolition continues.
It was wet and cold and felt very sad, actually.

Empty and apocalyptic.

Entrance to the lower bowl.

Evens.

Odds.

Color section map.

Men's room by AUD Club entrance ("Sir, you need a sports coat to come in.")

Turnstiles by entrance.

Willcall for picking up tickets.

AUD Club center stairs.

AUD Club hallway wall.

Steps up, way up....

From the bowl.

Fan on the tour uncovering floor graphic.

Farewell, Old Friend

2008-10-20T11:01:00.010-04:00

Come down and relive your AUD memories... one more time!

The Final Salute to Memorial Auditorium
Buffalo Convention Center
Sat. Nov. 15th noon-4pm & 6-10 pm
Sun. Nov 16th noon-6 pm

Tickets go on sale Saturday, Oct. 25th at Tickets.com and Tops
$5 adults, $3 students, children under 5- Free!

All paid attendees will receive a free limited edition commemorative "Memories of the Aud" program. Scheduled appearances include: the French Connection, Pat LaFontaine, past Buffalo Braves, Buffalo Blizzard and AHL Buffalo Bisons players! Relive memories on a giant video screen, free hockey clinics for ids, interactive game area and...
the Aud seats will be on sale as well as special commerative items.

This event will also feature a display for the Buffalo Hockey Experience and Museum!

The City of Buffalo has issued a Press Release about the event- read it here.

NOTICE- the Farewell, Old Friend event logo is using the same image from the vintage postcard below.

Back in The Day....

2008-10-16T11:57:00.003-04:00

I was rummaging through a box of vintage Buffalo postcards someone had lent to me and I found this great old AUD postcard in the pile. This has to be from the 30s-40s, I am guessing. There is no other info on the back, it just says "Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY" at the top.

It looks so clean and new... click the image for a larger view.

And The Walls Come Tumblin Down- Deconstruction Begins (Yikes!)

2008-10-13T21:04:00.005-04:00

Current AUD deconstruction photos found here on flickr this week:

> Broken Gargoyle's photos from Oct 2:
Back wall of the Aud facing the new HSBC arena (raw and sad image)
Inside of main lobby from just 2 weeks ago, these are shocking as well- click here.

> Romeo Vixen's set of The Buffalo Aud (some from Sept).

> Notes rom the Blogosphere: Getting Caught From Behind (subtitled: An attempt to be humorous and logical about the Buffalo Sports Scene) has some text about AUD deconstruction from Sept 30, 2008.

Photos from Last Game at The Aud (before the game)

2008-10-02T23:27:00.006-04:00

Joseph E. Gambacorta founder of the Buffalo Hockey Museum and Experience has sent over these photos he took prior to the start of the last game at the AUD. He arrived 4 hours prior to the puck dropping and recorded the AUD in it's last "gettin' ready for a game" mode.

This, of course, was that last night in 1996 when Michael Peca scored the last game goal at the AUD & Pat Lafontaine put in a ceremonial goal after the 4-1 win over the Whalers.

If you have some photos from the last night in the AUD you can post them here (please do).

Where Momma Hides the Cookies!

2008-09-25T09:45:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Buffalo Hockey Museum and Experience's blog. This site will be used so Buffalo hockey fans can share memories about the Aud which is in the process of getting torn down. Many a Buffalo hockey memory was born within those walls.

Tell us some of your favorite Aud experiences!