Delaware North executive chef Michael Buonopane has announced a new range of concession items that will be available at KeyBank Center for the upcoming Buffalo Sabres season. The offerings include specialty sandwiches inspired by Sabres forward Tage Thompson, as well as returning fan favorites and several new menu features.
Buonopane stated that the aim is to provide fans with diverse food choices during games. “This is a place [fans] can come and have dinner with us,” Buonopane said. “It doesn’t just have to be hot dogs and snacks.”
Among the new items are two sandwiches developed in partnership with Tage Thompson: The Big Parm Thompson, a two-foot chicken parmesan sub available at the La Nova stand near Section 116, and The Tage Hero, an Italian-style sandwich offered at Perry Market on the 100 Level. Another addition is The French Connection sandwich, named after former Sabres players Rick Martin, Gilbert Perreault, and Rene Robert. This sandwich features three layers of French toast, ham, cheese, fried egg, and mustard cream sauce.
Returning for its third year is the Hot Dog of the Game tradition. Each home game will feature a unique Sahlen’s footlong hot dog themed after that night’s opponent. Examples include “CBGB” for the New York Rangers game (topped with pastrami and coleslaw), “The Bernie” for Colorado (with pork green chili), and “Pitbull” for Florida (with roasted pork). These special hot dogs will be sold at all Top Dog locations throughout the arena.
Other menu highlights include:
– Rayzor Dog: A foot-long Sahlen’s hot dog topped with smoked pulled pork and shredded cheddar cheese.
– Three Meat Chili Cheese Hot Dog: Topped with bacon, sausage, beef chili, and nacho cheese.
– Helicopter Fried Bologna Sandwich: Available at Grill on the 100 Level.
Fans can also try Labatt Blue and Blonde Ale—a handcrafted small-batch ale made in collaboration with Labatt—at The Blue Zone on the 100 Level.
Additional options this season include four types of soft pretzels at Power Play Pretzel near Aisle 9; Face-Off Nachos featuring Buffalo chicken alongside dishes representing opposing teams’ cities; rotating specials such as La Nova Buffalo Chicken Finger Pizza; pumpkin spice milkshakes; caramel apple fried dough; and more.
A value menu exclusive to full-season ticket members offers select concession items priced between $3 to $5 at designated Sahlen’s stands around KeyBank Center. Kids meals are also available for $8.50 across various stands in the arena.
Premium options on the 200 Club Level include dishes like The Butcher’s Burger (house beef burger topped with braised short rib), Firecracker Shrimp (crispy shrimp tossed in sweet chili aioli), Loaded Short Rib Fries (waffle fries topped with braised short rib), and Mozzarella Caprese Melt.
KeyBank Center has also introduced several new features for fans this season:
– Evolv Express Entry security technology allows entry without emptying pockets.
– An upgraded audio system enhances sound quality throughout the venue.
– AiFi Frictionless Checkout enables quick snack purchases without traditional checkout lines.
– An interactive pregame light show lets fans participate using QR codes displayed on videoboards.
Further details about these enhancements can be found here.
