It was first called 'Crossroads Arena'. Then in 1996 its name was changed to 'Marine Midland Arena'.  Three years later in 1999 the name changed to 'HSBC Arena' and now the building that The Buffalo Sabres call home is going to be called something else again.

This offseason has brought on a bunch of new changes as Terry Pegula has taken over as the owner of The Buffalo Sabres.  The most recent came today with the announcement that 'HSBC Arena' will now be called 'First Niagara Center'.

"We're incredibly proud to have the opportunity to partner with the Sabres, and incredibly proud that the First Niagara banner will be flying over home ice for many years to come," -- John  Koelmel (First Niagara CEO).

The naming rights deal lasts for 15 years.  There was no comment to how much the deal is for.  Expect the signs to change around mid-October.

[Sabres.com]

(Photo Courtesy of Flickr user  jimmywayne)

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