Watch KeyBank Center Get Ready For Hockey

If you needed a clear sign that summer was over and autumn is on the way, you don't need to look any further than the fall sports seasons. The 2026/27 football season officially got underway on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with an NFL game in Seattle, Washington, as the Seahawks host the Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch.

Now, while that has plenty of folks who think football is back, there is another group of folks who are waiting for a few more weeks to pass so the NHL season can start.

The 2026/27 National Hockey League season is set for its first puck drop on September 29, 2026, and the Buffalo Sabres, like many other teams, are getting thier facilities ready for hockey.

The Buffalo Sabres and the great staff over at the KeyBank Center are doing that exact thing and have been busy working to get the ice ready.

READ MORE: Thomas Vanek & Jason Pominville Getting Big Honor From Sabres

In a time-lapse video released on the Buffalo Sabres social media pages, crews at the KeyBank Center are shown hard at work installing decals and paint that go under the ice at the KeyBank Center.

Near center ice, you can see on display the logos of the major sponsors, plus some special adornments on the re-line giving some special recognition to the team in its decals. From the Bison and crossed sabers to the interlace with the gold that surrounds the Sabres blue center ice circle, the details look great.

Team officials posted more details about the ice installation, along with photos from the day, on their website for you to check out.

The regular season home opener for the Sabres is set for October 3, 2026, when the Chicago Blackhawks come to town.