Buffalo Sabres: 2013-14 season ticket renewals reach 97 percent

Season-ticket holder base increased to approximately 16,000 accounts; mini-packs go on sale Sept. 5

The Buffalo Sabres today announced that 97 percent of season tickets have been renewed for the upcoming 2013-14 season, and the number of season tickets has been capped at approximately 16,000 tickets. The new season-ticket holder base represents an increase of about 600 additional season tickets from last year's capped total of 15,400 tickets. This is the third straight year the number of season-ticket holders has increased.

The 600 additional season-ticket holders were moved from the team's official waiting list, the Blue & Gold Club, which continues to grow and includes more than 2,500 names.

"We again wanted to continue to try and reach the demand that exists for Sabres season tickets," said team president Ted Black. "There have been thousands of very loyal and very patient fans in our Blue & Gold Club that have been waiting for years to be eligible to purchase season tickets. We wanted to reward that loyalty by continuing to transition people from that waiting list to our ever-growing base of season-ticket holders. Our fans remain among the most dedicated in the league and we continue to be appreciative of their support."

Mini-packs, which go on sale Sept. 5 to the general public, give fans the opportunity to create their own ticket package, choosing to purchase tickets to anywhere from five to 40 games. By purchasing a mini-pack, fans can save up to 10 percent off box office prices. Existing mini-pack holders will have the opportunity to renew their package beginning on Aug. 28. Additionally, mini-pack holders will not pay a ticket service charge and will have the ability to purchase playoff tickets before they go on sale to the general public (based on availability).

Fans who wish to become members of the Blue & Gold Club can enroll at www.sabres.com. In addition to being added to the priority waiting list for Buffalo Sabres season tickets, members of the club get the opportunity to purchase individual game (including playoff games) tickets before the general public and also receive 10 percent off purchases at the Sabres Store.

Information on individual game tickets and mini-packs can be found online at www.sabres.com, by calling 1-888-GO-SABRES, or at the box office in First Niagara Center.