Attempts to Memorialize The Buffalo Braves at HSBC Arena Ramp Up

It all started several years ago when John Boutet, curator and owner of the Buffalo Sports Museum, which is currently a virtual museum, link below, began calling for some recognition in Buffalo's new winter sports arena for the NBA team that made such an impact on Buffalo in such a short period of time (1970-78) before being moved to Southern California by a new owner who did not deal with the city or the fans in good faith. Boutet stated it was only fitting that the new arena have a banner or retired Braves jerseys or both to commemorate the momentary greatness that lived in HSBC's predecessor, Memorial Auditorium. He contacted various officials at the city, the arena, the Buffalo Sabres with no success, but he continues to press. One of Boutet's ideas was to arrange a pre-season game between the LA Clippers, the new name of the old Braves franchise and the Braves old rivals the Boston Celtics. The Clippers could wear throwback Braves jerseys. At halftime a commemorative banner could ... (link)