MUSIC - Subdivisions by Rush

Location: 140 Main Street, Buffalo New York Bounded by Washington Street, Hanover Street and I-190.

The Aud - as of the fall of 2008 the Aud is still standing but barely. It is slowly being torn down to make way for a bass pro shop store.

Imagine if you will, a cold, snowy, windy night in January. Imagine huddled in a barn like structure, cheering on your Buffalo Sabres. This was the scene repeated hundreds of times at the old Memorial Auditorium, or Aud, in Buffalo. It wasn't fancy, nor was it modern. It was however, a hockey arena. With awesome sightlines and a raucous home crowd, the Aud rocked Buffalo for 55 years. It still stands at 140 Main Street, but it's days are numbered. Demolition of the old barn is scheduled for later in 2008.

The Memorial Auditorium was opened on October 14, 1940. It was dedicated as a war memorial for World War I. The arena was also constructed as a WPA project. It originally sat 12,280 for hockey and 15,000 for basketball. The first tenant of the Aud were the old Buffalo Bisons of the American hockey league. They skated from 1940 thru 1970 on Aud ice. The Bison went away and ceased operations after the NHL Buffalo Sabres were born in 1970. That same year, the Buffalo Braves of the NBA came into being also.

After the 1971 season, the Aud underwent an expansion. The roof was literally raised and a new upper level was added. The capacity for hockey was 16,433 and 18,000 for basketball. The concession stands were improved, and luxury boxes were put in the West and east ends. The capacity of seats remained until the building closed in 1996.

The Aud had its share of concerts, circuses, boxing, indoor lacrosse, and just about anything else that would fit under its roof. It was, after all, the largest indoor arena in western New York, and eastern Pennsylvania. The concerts were a who's who of rock. From the Grateful dead to Led Zeppelin and everyone in between. Robert Plant, Roger Daltrey, Brad Delp, Freddie Mercury, all raised the roof with their soaring vocals. It was THE concert venue for 30 plus years.

The legends of the ice were many for the Sabres. From the French connection line of Rene Robert, Richard Martin, and Gilbert Perreault to the later stars of Pat LaFontaine and Dominik Hasek, all thrilled Sabre fans for 26 glorious seasons. Sadly, no Stanley cup was won by the Sabres.

The Buffalo Braves didn't last long in the Aud. Poor play and rumors of a franchise transfer led to very low crowds. After the 1978 season, the Braves packed up and moved to San Diego to become the Clippers. Even the likes of Bob McAdoo, Randy Smith and Ernie DiGregorio couldn't prevent the inevitable.

Hockey though was king at the Aud. And the Sabres held court. The Aud was the last of the arenas NOT to have traditional ice dimensions. I was fortunate to see the last ever home opener at the Aud. Unfortunately, the Sabres and Dominik Hasek fell to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks 3 - 1. The final game was a 4 to 1 victory over the Hartford Whalers. Michael Peca scored the final goal at the Aud, while fan favorite and captain Pat LaFontaine scored a ceremonial goal after the game. The lights were then turned off for the last time.

The Sabres moved into the Marine midlands arena, now called the HSBC arena, for the start of the 1996 season. The new building has all the toys that go along with being a modern facility. HOWEVER, if you ask most Sabre fans, I am sure they will tell you they prefer the old Aud. She is dark now and is waiting her final curtain call. Close your eyes and imagine that cold snowy January night and a rush up ice by the French connection line one more time. We can dream can't we?