The beginning concept for the building, specifically the dual ice rinks and parking garage combo came after Buffalo Sabres chief development officer Cliff Benson led a group of team officials to Washington, DC to view the Washington Capitals practice facility, the Kettler Capitals Iceplex. The complex, which is built on top of a parking garage, has seating for 1,200, a training center, proshop, and is home to many area teams. This trip helped the group form their ideas. The hotel and restaurant concepts were later added to the plan by Terry Pegula's wife, Kim Pegula.