Championship Village opens Friday at Canalside

As the 2018 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship comes to Buffalo, Canalside will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that celebrates the tournament. Championship Village, a free attraction featuring interactive fun, live music and a warming station with food and drink, opens on Friday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.
Officials from the Buffalo Sabres, USA Hockey and International Ice Hockey Federation will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. Friday to officially open Championship Village and begin the World Junior Championship events.
The attractions of Championship Village include:

• Championship Headquarters, presented by Labatt Blue, the official beer partner of Championship Village: a large, climate-controlled tent featuring Labatt products, live music, autograph signings, a variety of food offerings from (716) Food and Sport and Pepsi products
• Zippo Warming Area: hot beverages, fun interactive games and more
• Snowzilla: a 40-foot tall toboggan slide
• Hockey Skills Competition: interactive skills games throughout the tournament
• Interactive photo opportunities
• Some of Buffalo's best food trucks
"Visitors to the Championship Village will experience an Olympic Village-style atmosphere," said Michael Gilbert, Buffalo Sabres senior vice president and chair of the World Junior Championship Host Organizing Committee. "The close proximity of Championship Village, KeyBank Center and HarborCenter create an unparalleled hockey environment that fans of all ages can enjoy."
Championship Village will be open every day through the end of the World Junior Championship with the exception of Christmas Day. Championship Headquarters will be open to fans following each night game. Complete hours of operation and a schedule of live music are available at BuffaloWorldJuniors.com.
Tickets for all 31 games of the 2018 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship are still available, along with eight- and 12-game package options, as well as a medal round package. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit BuffaloWorldJuniors.com.