The view from the Ted Darling Memorial Press Box is a view unlike any other in First Niagara Center. It’s a sight most fans don’t get to witness in their lifetime. For guys like Mike Harrington and Jon Vogl of the Buffalo News, it’s nothing special, but for the average fan like myself, it’s an unforgettable experience.
The first thing you notice upon entering the box are the seemingly endless pictures hanging on the walls. Artwork, depicting the history of a franchise. The lasting memories illustrating some of the legends to wear a Sabres uniform. One of my personal favorites is this picture of Dominik Hasek, arguably the greatest goaltender of all-time.
The pass you wear around your neck adds to the entire experience, you feel legit. It’s a symbol that you’ve earned your seat in that box. It shows that you’ve put in the countless hours writing about the sport you love, with no promise for anything in return.
The game finally begins and you sit in awe as you realize that you’re amongst some the hockey’s best writers, watching the team that you’ve grown to love. The only thing that would make things better is some food…
And of course, to top things off there’s a complimentary concession stand for everyone in the box. Writers tend to get cranky if they don’t get their intermission snacks.
Just a casual press conference with the Buffalo Sabres GM, Darcy Regier (not my favorite person in the Sabres franchise).
It’s not uncommon to see some well known faces up there. Players, coaches, NHL officials, and even sometimes you get to hangout with legends like Rick Jeanneret. His unmistakable antics and wild enthusiasm while calling Sabres games makes him one of the best and most well renowned hockey broadcasters of all time.
After the game you head downstairs to sit in on the head coach’s press conference. It’s always a more pleasant experience following Buffalo win.
And then it’s time to write your post game piece…
Miller Time 