Home Opener presented by KeyBank | Party in the Plaza, Blue and Gold Carpet details and more

Be there to welcome the Buffalo Sabres back to KeyBank Center for the start of the 2026-27 season ahead of the team’s matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Our Home Opener presented by KeyBank will include a day’s worth of festivities, including a Party in Ticketmaster Alumni Plaza beginning at 3 p.m. and the players’ annual entrance on the Blue and Gold Carpet.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect.

Blue and Gold Carpet

Greet your favorite Sabres players as they walk the Blue and Gold Carpet into the arena! Entrances begin at 3:45 p.m. – but be sure to get there early to secure your spot.

Live entertainment

Sabres in-arena hosts Courtney Corbetta and Noah Maciejewski will be on hand bringing the energy along with music courtesy of DJ Brei (beginning at 3 p.m.) and Cami & The Fringe (beginning at 5 p.m.).

Gather around the stage at 5:45 p.m. to watch our Wing Eating Contest presented by La Nova featuring former Sabre Pat Kaleta, who will compete alongside select fans.

Photo opportunities

Get your picture taken next to our “Home Opener” photo backdrop. Also be on the lookout for our Commemorative Ticket photo station, presented by Ticketmaster.

Mechanical buffalo

Yes, you read that right. Take a ride on the mechanical buffalo, then keep that energy as you come into the building for the game. We’ll want it to be rowdy.

Atlantic Division Champions mini banner

We’re handing out commemorative 2025-26 Atlantic Division Champions mini banners to all fans in attendance for the game as one final nod toward last year’s magical run.

Banners will be handed out upon entry. KeyBank Center doors open at 5 p.m.

Return of The Beer Sabre

The Beer Sabre is back and available at every home game in 2025-26!

Beer Sabres presented by Labatt will be sold until puck drop and available at the following locations:

• Blue Zone Bar (Section 102)
• Cross Bar (Section 105)
• Blue Zone (Section 119)
• Seneca Bar (Section 212)
• 200 Level Main Bar (Section 200)
• 300-Level: Section 325

New concessions

We’ve got two new player-inspired items headlining the new concession offerings for this season.

The Dough-ner, inspired by Josh Doan, is available at the La Nova stand near Section 116 and is a fresh pizza dough pocket filled with birria, cilantro, onion, Monterey Jack, mozzarella and tomato.

The Benson BarnBurger, inspired by Zach Benson, is available at Coca-Cola stans near Sections 1-1 and 305 and is topped with pulled pork, bacon, roasted garlic mayonnaise, Canadian cheddar and “Benny sauce” on a brioche roll.

Also be sure to check out our two new concession areas – The Michelob Ultra Lounge and The Market Sponsored by Sahlen’s – for fast service to get you back in your seats.

The full rundown of new concession items, including more burgers and some exciting dessert options, which can be found here.

.