BUFFALO
Auctioneer sought to run sale of Memorial Auditorium keepsakes
They’re gearing up for what city officials call a “farewell address to Buffalo’s beloved Aud,” even hoping the event in late fall will lure former residents to town.
The city is looking for an auctioneer to organize and aggressively market a long-awaited auction of memorabilia from Memorial Auditorium.
More than 1,700 “Blue Section” seats and 47 hockey dasher boards will be sold to the highest bidders at an auction that organizers say will be a lively community party.
Mayor Byron W. Brown and other city officials met with reporters outside the Aud Friday to discuss the timeline. The city is requesting proposals from auction houses or other vendors to handle all facets of the sale, including an online auction to accommodate out-of-town bidders.
A company will be selected in three weeks, then will have 60 to 90 days to stage the auction. Brown said he expects the event to be held in late November or early December at a yet-to-be-determined location.
Some people may even be able to find the exact seats they sat in during an earlier era.
“We’ve heard from some season ticket holders who would really like to purchase their seats . . . and take some of their personal history with them,” said Brown.
City officials wouldn’t speculate how much the sale will raise. The money will be used to help pay for the creation of a monument to honor the Aud.
Opened in 1940, the cavernous building has been vacant for a dozen years. It will be demolished as part of the ongoing development of the Erie Canal Harbor neighborhood, a blueprint that includes a proposed Bass Pro store.
