PBA partnering with Buffalo Sabres to greet incoming fans and promote upcoming men’s international hockey tournament

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (Peace Bridge Authority) today announced a partnership with the Buffalo Sabres in promotion of the 2011 IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Championships, scheduled for December 26, 2010, through January 5, 2011, at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York, and Dwyer Arena in Niagara Falls, New York. The proposed collaboration includes a showcasing of all 10 participating country flags and several large welcome signs in the Peace Bridge customs plaza area, as well as distribution of promotional brochures to incoming visitors, and a corresponding 12-day bridge structure lighting extravaganza.

“The Authority is excited to see the World Junior Championships come to Buffalo and expects many fans to cross the Peace Bridge on their way to and from games,” said PBA Chairman Ken Schoetz. “With over 60 percent of ticket sales coming from the Canadian market, we recognize our role as the region’s front door for this great event and are preparing the bridge accordingly.”

“We’re pleased to once again partner with the Peace Bridge in order to promote such a unique initiative,” said Larry Quinn, Managing Partner/Minority Owner of the Buffalo Sabres. “The eyes of the international hockey world will be on Buffalo Niagara later this month, and that’s why we welcome efforts to illuminate the bridge and roll out the welcome mat for participating countries and their respective visitors. The games will be an exciting showcase of amateur hockey for fans across New York and Southern Ontario.”

Beginning on the evening of Sunday, December 26, 2010, the Peace Bridge will glow in the participating country colors, beginning with tournament host and current defending champions the United States. Lighting honors are as follows:

• December 26, 2010 – United States – red, white, and blue, static design
• December 27, 2010 – Canada – red and white, static design
• December 28, 2010 – Czech Republic – red, white, and blue, wave design
• December 29, 2010 – Finland – sea blue and white, static design
• December 30, 2010 – Germany – black, red, and gold, static design
• December 31, 2010 – Norway – red, indigo blue, and white, flashing design
• January 1, 2011 – Russia – white, blue, and red, rotating design
• January 2, 2011 – Slovakia – white, blue, and red, sparkle design
• January 3, 2011 – Sweden – blue and yellow/gold, static design
• January 4, 2011 – Switzerland – red and white, wave design
• January 5, 2011 – Gold Medal Game – gold, static design
• January 6, 2011 – WJHC Gold Medalist – winning country colors, flashing design

“The World Juniors are going to be a big deal in a hockey-crazy region like Buffalo Niagara,” said PBA Vice Chairman Anthony Annunziata. “As many international visitors plan to fly into Toronto and make their way down for the games, the Authority thought it would be a nice touch to give them all a warm welcome at the border.”

Fans planning to attend the World Junior Championships are encouraged to utilize expedited border crossing programs like NEXUS, as well as take advantage of updated travel tips and traffic information, currently available at www.peacebridge.com and mobile.peacebridge.com. Both sites list border wait time data for the Peace Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, and Rainbow Bridge crossings.

World Junior Championships individual ticket packages, corporate packages, mini-packs, and day-passes are still available and can be purchased at www.buffaloworldjuniors.com. Lodging, restaurant, and other hospitality information for the games is also accessible at the World Junior Championships site.

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, a binational bridge authority, has owned and operated the Peace Bridge since 1933. The bridge, which was opened to traffic in 1927, spans the Niagara River between Fort Erie, Ontario, and Buffalo, New York, and is a key international border crossing.