On my way home from work I stopped by to grab some pictures of Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. It is being torn down. Originally they said Oct., but I noticed on my way in some of the outside walls are being ripped apart. I was hoping to get better shots, but the fence is up keeping folks away and you can't see through it :(
The 'Aud' as we lovingly called it was opened in 1940. It cost $2,700,000 and seated about 12,000 and maybe 3,000 more if they used the floor. (The postcard picture was found on the net, and gives you an idea of the original) Can you imagine if we could get away with building a new arena for that now? No way! You can add several more 0's on the end. It held many a sporting event, concerts, circuses, you name it. It was also set as a war memorial for the Spanish-American War.
In 1970 it was renovated and the roof was raised to add more seats. The cost, $8.7 million. The infamous 'orange' seats were added and the capacity was raised to about 18,000. The increase in seats made it more suitable for my beloved Sabres and our NBA team the Buffalo Braves (now the LA Clippers)
The 'Aud' was closed in 1996 and the Sabres moved to their new home now known as the HSBC Arena. The building remained standing and was basically not used at all. Occasionally, the local theatre, Studio Arena used the floor area to create backdrops for their shows. There had been talk about Bass Pro coming in and using the building for their store. It was decided it would be cheaper to tear it down then try to renovate it once again to be used for that purpose. As it stands now there is no definite plan for Bass Pro, just rumors and talk. No doubt that political red tape and bull shit once again. I won't even go there now.
As I stood in the street taking pictures of the main entrance I got a lump in my throat. The memories that place holds. I remember going the Braves games with my father. My first concert there, Boston. So many there after. Of course my Sabre games. Waiting outside the garage door where the players parked waiting to get a glimpse, an autograph, a picture. I do have many, and I mean I HAVE them. LOL If I did now what I did then I would surely be arrested for stalking or something. Poor Danny Gare LMAO... the love of my life in my young teen years. I did an entry about it when they retired his number and hung his jersey from the rafters.
After high school I went to so many events there. A good friend worked there selling souvenirs and programs. She had already been working there for years. I would dress in dark blue pants and a white blouse, the uniform of the time and meet her in the parking lot. We'd walk in together and security just assumed I worked there. Those were the days......... something like that would NOT be allowed to happen now. The basketball team was gone, but we had indoor soccer, my boys, and concerts. All for free. I didn't always have a seat, but I had a view. Styx, Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, The Eagles... the list goes on and on.
It won't be long and it will be gone. Lower Terrace will be missing a piece of me, but the memories will live forever.
hugs
~d
PS I left the partial crane on purpose, it's what showed above the fence .............
