Niagara University Partnership with Buffalo Sabres Provides Unparalleled Opportunities for Students

In 2023, Niagara University's College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management launched a unique partnership with the Buffalo Sabres to give students special access and opportunities in the field of professional sports with one of the leaders in the industry.

As the exclusive higher education partner of the Sabres, Niagara developed the Buffalo Sabres Scholars program in close collaboration with the organization's front office staff to create a first-of-its kind opportunity that would give students the real-world experience they need for a wide variety of careers in sports.

Since its inception, 20 students have been chosen to participate.

The students earned a $1,500 "signing bonus" in the form of a one-time scholarship before they began the four-year program, which includes mentorship, exclusive activities, and tours of LECOM Harborcenter and other sport and hospitality venues in Western New York.

During their first year, the scholars learned more about the Sabres and Bills organizations through meetings with leadership and attending games. During Niagara Night at the Buffalo Sabres, the scholars were officially introduced, networked with entry-level staff, and were given a behind-the-scenes tour of pre-game operations.

The second year allowed the scholars to focus on more specific areas by completing semester-long case studies on topics suggested by the Sabres' business development team, such as why companies should invest in the Sabres brand. They also observed events like Hockey Fest, the Sabres' all-day outdoor street hockey tournament and connected more closely with the organizations' staff and management to learn the skills necessary for careers with the teams.

During the third and fourth years, all scholars will continue to be mentored and network with the Sabres organization through numerous activities, including the annual sales and ticketing symposium, a one-day professional development and networking event that brings representatives from the account services and ticketing departments of the Sabres, Bills, Amerks, and Bandits to campus, where they present their tips and tricks for creating a memorable customer experience. Scholars role-play scenarios with the staff members and build relationships that can lead to potential jobs.

In addition, two scholars have the opportunity to be accepted each year for paid internships starting their junior year with the organizations and receive exclusive one-on-one mentoring with a member of the Sabres staff to help them transition into a job in the marketplace, either with the Sabres organization or beyond.