Game Experience: Buffalo Bandits
I'll admit that I have a soft spot for Buffalo- I attended my first game at the tender age of a couple months old when Buffalo won the championship in '93 and was a season ticket holder for a good part of my life.
The Arena: Keybank Center. Formerly the First Niagara Center and before that- HSBC Arena. Whatever you call it, it's located in downtown Buffalo, NY. You can see it from the Skyway as you get a whiff of Cheerios.
Pregame: There's parking in the ramp connected to the arena, and some parking lots close by. You can purchase a parking pass along with tickets online. I suggest arriving early- 30-45 minutes before opening faceoff- to be guaranteed a spot in the ramp if you don't purchase a parking pass with your tickets.
The team offers pregame buffet + ticket specials.
Banditland (Fan Experience): The introduction is a production in itself. A blacked out arena, bagpiper, intense video compilation, announcing of players, blacked out again as the visiting team takes the floor, national anthems (American-based team, though most of the roster is Canadian), and the team huddle precede the opening faceoff.
Chris Swenson (affectionately known as Swennie) makes the plays exciting. He starts the "Let's go Bandits" chants, praises the hard work of Buffalo's goalies ("He was all alone, by himself, mono-e-mono, WHAT'S HE GOT?!"), has taglines when guys score- "The Great" Dhane Smith (...woof), Mark "Whose House?" Steenhuis, etc., and says whatever he can to get the crowd involved.
Fans jump to their feet when Buffalo scores and the goal horn sounds. If you don't receive at least 10 high fives after each goal- given you're a Buffalo fan- you should switch sections. The crew that sits behind the penalty box lead the B-O-X chant when the opposing team collects a penalty- everyone waits for the 1-2-3 signal from the guys.
The atmosphere and high level of lacrosse makes Buffalo a great NLL city. Over the years I've converted my friends into lacrosse fans and the game is easy to pick up. Plus, games are fun in general.
The Eats: Since the Pegula family took over Buffalo sports, the eating game has improved. The arena serves La Nova pizza, various sandwiches, pizza logs, chicken fingers, ice cream, other desserts, the standard popcorn, pretzels, hot dogs and nachos, and definitely other foods that I haven't encountered.
Postgame: The "official" postgame party is next door at 716, on the second floor. Fans can eat, drink, and mingle with the guys. The poutine is usually my go-to.
For the visitors:
Travel Tips: There are a couple of hotels that are walking distance from the arena: Buffalo Marriott HarborCenter, Courtyard Buffalo Downtown/ Canalside. If you want to pair a game with a trip to Niagara Falls, check out the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino for hotel arrangements.
What to do: The ever-improving Canalside area is walking distance from the arena. Events are held year-round: festivals and concerts during the spring, summer, and fall, and ice skating during the winter. It's a great place just to take a stroll. The Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino is also close by (for those 21+). The Anchor Bar (Buffalo's 'original' wings), Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, La Nova, and Dinosaur Barbecue are also some of my personal favorites. Niagara Falls is about a 30 minute drive north, so it'd be convenient to head there for the afternoon before the game.