BUFFALO, N.Y. (December 10, 2015) — New Era Cap Company President/CEO Chris Koch, together with Roswell Park President and CEO Dr. Candace Johnson and Pegula Sports and Entertainment EVP of Business Development Bruce Popko, today announced the New Era First Niagara Center Cap Initiative and the dedication ceremony for the New Era Store at First Niagara Center. For every cap that is purchased at First Niagara Center between Dec. 12 and Dec. 31, New Era Cap Company will donate an exclusive, commemorative knit cap to a patient at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Koch, Johnson and Popko will officially kick off the initiative as part of the New Era Store at First Niagara Center Dedication Tour and Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.
“Opening the New Era Store at First Niagara Center is another step in our longstanding relationship with the Buffalo Sabres,” said Chris Koch. “Giving back to the WNY community, and specifically supporting Roswell Park Cancer Institute, through our retail store is something that’s of great importance to my family and New Era, especially during the holidays.”
The New Era Store at First Niagara Center is open to ticketholders during all Sabres and Bandits events. It is located on the east side of the Pavilion at the top of the escalators on the 100 Level. The store offers a wide selection of Bills, Sabres, Bandits and One Buffalo New Era caps, along with New Era’s 5th and Ocean clothing line, and additional selections. The New Era Store selection is also available at the Sabres Store during regular business hours.
“I can not overstate the importance of New Era’s support,” Bruce Popko said. “Chris Koch and his team have been incredible partners of ours for many seasons. We are proud to work together with them, and are extremely proud to help facilitate this initiative that will benefit patients of our partners at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. New Era’s generosity will help to make their holiday season a little happier.”
The New Era knit caps that will be donated to Roswell Park patients are a one-of-a-kind, specially produced item that is not available for purchase in stores.
“Roswell Park has enjoyed a long friendship with New Era Cap and we are lucky to partner with a company that continuously shows its dedication to the Buffalo community,” added Dr. Candace Johnson. “We thank Chris and Lindsey Koch, and the entire New Era family for bringing warmth to our patients during this holiday season.”
Following Saturday’s dedication ceremony, New Era and the Buffalo Sabres will be hosting Johnny Ott, a ten-year-old patient of Roswell Park. Johnny and his cousin Blake LaBelle (13) will experience a private shopping spree at the New Era Store at First Niagara Center, dinner at (716) Food and Sport, and will view pregame warmups from the Sabres bench prior to the team’s 7 p.m. faceoff against the Los Angeles Kings. Johnny and his family will enjoy the game from 100 Level seats courtesy of New Era.
