KeyBank Center, where the Buffalo Sabres play their home games, has put in place a plan to restrict ticket sales to residents of Buffalo. This move is designed to stop fans of opposing teams from getting the majority of seats and causing negative impressions for the Sabres.
Although limits on ticket sales based on location are not unusual, they are typically used mainly during playoff games. For example, the Florida Panthers used a similar approach during the second round of playoffs when facing the Toronto Maple Leafs.
An old video clip demonstrates the issue. It shows Auston Matthews scoring an overtime goal, and while the crowd reacts with excitement, the usual goal horn doesn't sound, indicating the presence of fewer home fans.
Additionally, highlights from a game in February provide a clear visual of the problem. When Ryan O'Reilly scores a hat trick around the eight-minute mark, numerous hats are thrown onto the ice by fans. This visual emphasizes the significance of the matter.
Having more away fans in their own stadium is consistently embarrassing for a home team. By introducing this ban on non-local attendees, the Sabres are taking a proactive step to prevent such situations from occurring and to improve the overall fan experience.
