Buffalo, N.Y. -
The Buffalo Sabres have the deed in hand, giving them the go-ahead to develop a $172 million dollar hockey-themed entertainment complex across from their downtown arena.Sabres chief development officer Cliff Benson and Mayor Byron Brown officially signed the paperwork to transfer the former parking lot in exchange for $2.2 million on Friday.
Construction crews have already broken ground, with work scheduled to be done by spring 2015. Once completed, the complex will include two ice rinks, a 200-room hotel overlooking the city's harbor front, a parking ramp and retail space.
Called "HARBORcenter", the complex will serve as home to the Buffalo Regals, a local minor hockey association, which the Sabres acquired this week.
The Sabres also hope to acquire national and international hockey tournaments.
