Ok, I am NOT someone to typically complain about something like this, and I don’t want to sound negative, but the DJ that has been doing the games makes me want to rip my ears out. I have been to about 10 games this year, and every time this guy “DJ RANKAN” is there, it just brings down the whole experience of the game. Nobody in my section can stand him. He just keeps using those corny lines he keeps repeating, talks over the best part of songs(especially during “gift shop” by The Tragically Hip during intros), and the transitions from song to song dont mix at all. Maybe I am alone on this and just being negative, but this guy needs to find a new profession.
The entire in-game entertainment experience at the Sabres games for the past few years feels very amateurish. If you go to an NBA game, for instance, it’s kind of shocking how much better the production quality of the non-gameplay stuff is. The game itself is clearly the most important part, but I think there’s a ton of room for improvement at Key Bank Center. And, if the better production is coupled with good play on the ice like we’ve seen recently, we could recreate some of the electricity at the games that I remember feeling in the late 90s or during the Drury/Briere run.
I don't think NBA is a fair comparison those games are almost 1000% entertainment where a game happens to be going on. That said, definitely a ton of room for improvement.
Yeah, I agree! Unless you're sitting court side in your $20,000 per ticket seats, the game is an afterthought. People go there for the entertainment first, and the game second. With the NHL, it's the opposite. So owners don't put much thought into the entertainment aspect of it at all. At least not for the Candian markets, and a few of the Northern American markets anyway. In places like Arizona and Carolina they still try to make the entertainment value equal to or better than the product on the ice.
Respectfully, local colleges do a better job with game presentation than the Bills or Sabres. I often wonder what overlap there is between the Bandits group and the Sabres, because the Bandits are light years ahead of the rest of the Pegula teams.
Same teams, different approach and different things "allowed." Bandits is allowed much more leniance and random garbage that fails. But when one strikes gold its kept moving forward.
Been to 5 away games and this is true. In my small sampling size of just over 15% of the nhl venues, the Key Bank Center is by far the least remarkable. Our intro hype video isnt even really on par.
It really stands out when you to other teams' arenas. I lived in Dallas for a couple years and the quality and excitement of the Stars' presentation just makes us look like an ECHL club, genuinely.
Personally, I feel the same as you but I also saw how much engagement he got out of the arena last night. Especially during the 2nd intermission leading into the 3rd.
Better than the DJ a few years ago who used to heckle people in the jumbotron for not dancing
Nobody is worse than Nicolas picholas
I wish they wouldn't play anything in-between whistles. I don't think loud shitty music adds to the experience and it kills the crowd when fans are into the game.
I think the same thing when I hear Sabretooth banging the drum after a goal. It’s especially egregious with this hot streak when the fans are engaged. Let the fans react naturally!
I agree! The music is so goddamn loud it's nearly impossible to have a conversation. I go to games to watch the action and interact with family or friends. The loud music has nothing to do with generating support for the team. Makes me hate going to games.
U dont want to hear Pink Pony Club 10 times?
Only if Skinner is back and it's his goal song
😭
He blows
Yeah, it was a little cringe last night especially towards the 3rd period when 3/4 of the people on the jumbotron were on their phones.
I prefer the bands but still not great
100% agree, I was at the game last night and my entire section couldn't stand him. I thought it was just me but seeing this post is validating lol
I wonder if it’s a different crew for the Bandits. They have the best game presentation/DJ
Having been to two other arenas other than KeyBank this year, I honestly think our entertainment/music is fine. I also think our sound system is way better than Anaheim’s and less echo-y than Detroit’s, I can actually understand our announcers. A lot of arenas have gotten rid of their local flavor musicians/djs and I’m glad we haven’t.
ROLLIN ROLLIN ROLLIN ROLLIN
That's not the DJ. That's just the arena music choice for black and red
Eh I think it’s fine, I don’t think he brings the vibes down. Better than some of these cover bands they find IMO
The bands definitely are hit or miss.
I can’t complain a ton though because I’m going to be happy if they continue playing well and I have a good pick of food and drinks (which they have improved upon YOY lately!).
I will say the black and red games have a lot better music between stoppages.
they actually played 2006 era Bullet for my Valentine at the game last night and that's not something I thought I'd ever say
I actually think the DJ is way better than the live band. I actually see people dancing and interacting with it rather than looking at their phone
Strongly disagree. I'd rather see local bands covering songs rather than DJ Rankan do his radio DJ routine from 15 years ago.
Crush crush crush sounds good. The only issue I have with the arena entertainment is that it's about 15% too loud. I shouldn't have to scream to the people sitting with me between periods
Whichever DJ has played Amyl And The Sniffers can stay. That was an excellent surprise when I heard it on the broadcast a couple of weeks ago.
I hate him
Its so weird cause the bandits atmosphere is electric and its the same owners and arena.
Hell, the place was electric with an organ. I go to watch hockey, not listen to awful pump up music. Get rid of it all.
He's plays Covered almost every game, opinion invalid.
Bring back DJ Milk!!
Kind of a tie in....
Cami Clune made me realise that the national anthem should absolutely be sung with, at least, a click track. She speeds up parts and drags others out. I'm fucking over it.
https://i.redd.it/bvfuzyutqtcg1.gif
I completely disagree with you!