By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-983604.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Say goodbye to HSBC Arena and hello to First Niagara Center. The Buffalo Sabres announced that the First Niagara has the new naming rights to Buffalo's downtown hockey arena.
First Niagara has reached a 15-year agreement with the Sabres for exclusive naming rights.
First Niagara president and CEO John Koelmel said it is a wonderful opportunity to partner with the Sabres organization.
"We are incredibly proud to have the opportunity to partner with the Sabres and incredibly proud that the First Niagara banner will be flying over the home ice for years go come," said Koelmel.
Sabres president Ted Black calls this is a new era.
"Make no mistake, this is a very important day. This is the most significant sponsorship agreement in the history of Western New York sports," said Black.
The price tag for the naming rights was not disclosed.
HSBC Executive Vice President Paul Cronin also appeared at Thursday's announcement. He told reporters HSBC will continue to have a strong presence in Buffalo and Western New York.
First Niagara announced earlier this month that it purchased 195 HSBC Bank branches in New York and Connecticut for $1 billion.