March 17, 2023

Ticket stub memories: Buffalo’s Memorial Auditorium

Ticket stub memories: Buffalo’s Memorial Auditorium

The Buffalo Memorial Auditorium (1940-1996) was an incredible place to see sporting events and concerts. Due to the arena’s steep sides, concert attendees were right on top of the action. The Buffalo crowds always came ready to party and get wild. Here are some ticket stubs that I still have from the Aud days. Regrettably, I don’t have the ticket stubs from the first two concerts I saw at the Aud: David Lee Roth 1986 and U2’s Joshua Tree Tour 1987. I know why I don’t have the David Lee Roth ticket stub, because there was a monsoon walking up to the arena. My ticket basically melted just as I got into the venue. Enjoy – Doug.

Nine Inch Nails ticket stub
Marilyn Manson opened the show. Nine Inch Nails were a band on fire – having just played the legendary Woodstock 1994 set and supporting “The Downward Spiral” album. I’ve never seen a mosh pit as intense as the entire floor of the Aud that night. We had close seats and it was a sight to see. Also ranks as my top three loudest concerts.
concert ticket stub
Van Halen was on their “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” tour, with Alice in Chains – who was becoming increasingly popular that year with “Man in the Box” capturing peoples ear in the summer of 1991. Layne Staley of Alice in Chains had some kinda injury and sang with crutches.
Motley Crue and Warrant from the 4th row. The moment the lights went out for the opener Warrant, the wooden chairs on the floor starting flying. It was a lawless place.
Rock concert ticket
The Scorpions are – and always will be – a favorite. My buddy Jim just got home from the Gulf War and we went to the show. I remember we scalped these tickets under the highway for about $10 over price.
Concert ticket stub
REM and Radiohead…wow! The only problem is, my brother and I decided to drink beers in my apartment and miss Radiohead. We jumped onto the MetroRail in Buffalo and ran into Steve Gustafson of 10000 Maniacs on the train.
concert ticket stub
We went for the pop songs of Milli Vanilli and Young MC. My friends and I walked out of the Aud asking “were they really singing?” We were higher up in the Blue section and couldn’t quite tell, but something seemed afoot.
Concert ticket stub
My buddy Tim and I got last minute seats for this concert from some Buffalo friends. It was right before Christmas and I remember the show being very festive.
Concert ticket stub
My friend Carrie broker up with her boyfriend, therefore I was her stand-in partner that night. 4th Row. I remember he opened up with “Dirty Laundry.”
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Filed Under: Events, Music, Tickets