What happened: The doors opened Sept. 22, 1996, for a preseason game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Thirty years later, the building counts hundreds of games and events across three decades.

Why it matters: The date ties the current preseason to the start of the building's run as Buffalo's NHL home. Toronto opened this year's camp with a new coach and reset roster.

What to watch: Buffalo plays on through its preseason slate ahead of the 2025-26 season.