Even though we didn’t have tickets to the Sabres game, a couple of us still wanted to check out the opening of 716, HarborCenter’s massive 13,000 square foot sports lovers’ paradise (see specs).
Upon walking in, we were greeted by Kim Pegula, just as my friend anticipated. We shook her hand and she waved us through to the hostess station, which is where we were directed to the right, to the bar.
From there the experience got a bit surreal, as the song Chariots of Fire began to play – a song that I had not heard in about 15 years, and hoped that I would never hear again.
But the themes of ‘sports’ and ‘competition’ are embedded deep within the fabric of the complex, from the music (next up was The Eye of the Tiger) to the spinning red gum ball lights that flash when the Sabres score.
Later, when describing the experience to others, my buddy said that it was like being in the ESPN Sports Zone, which I agreed was the best way to sum it up. 716 is the type of professional sports bar that is custom-built for the diehard sports fan.
There are TVs everywhere – they are inescapable. The feeling that one has when sitting at a table, is that of being inside a sports complex, with vaulted ceilings, and a giant projection screen that simulates being at the game.
Even the presence of arena-looking security personnel added to the game-like experience. There are seats and bars on the first floor, and then there are balcony seats above – another arena-like scenario. Even the glass bars mimic the ice rinks.
The game commentators’ box is the icing on the complex.
Thankfully we arrived to 716 early and only had to wait in line for 20 minutes. I heard that closer to game time there was a line around the block to get in. It will be interesting to see just how packed the sports complex gets during away games. It will also be interesting to see if non-ticket holders come down during home games.
The place is a no-brainer for Sabres’ fans (and visiting team fans) before and after the game. During the off-season, or when the Sabres aren’t playing, 716 will certainly attract myriad other sports fans depending on what is playing on the big screen.
716 is an awesome addition to the attractions at Canalside. It’s an impressive place that will “wow” out-of-town visitors, while appealing to the local’s sense of hometown pride. I was happy to see that 716 carries local beers. I’m sure that the menu also offers plenty of local flavors.
For years visitors to the Sabres arena have complained about the lack of things to do before game time and after the games end. 716 will certainly go a long way towards creating an energy that just wasn’t there before.
I’m glad that I got a chance to check out the establishment first hand… it’s definitely a memorable experience. It also puts downtown Buffalo and the waterfront on the map for a new and different destination that adds to the momentum of this city’s turnaround.