9 Things You’ll Remember If You Grew Up In The 80s In Buffalo

Ah, the 1980s. The time of bold, oversized blazers, bright leg-warmers and leggings, and all things MC Hammer. If you grew up in the 80s in Buffalo, you probably remember these infamous fashion staples along with a few other staples of life during "the good ol' days" in the Queen City. Here are a few of our favorites, for nostalgia's sake:

1. AM&A's

AM&A's was best known for its large assortment of clothes and intricate Christmas window displays. The retail center was bought out by Bon Ton in 1995 and has since been converted into luxury loft apartments.

2. The Aud

The Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, known by locals as "The Aud," was the home to Buffalo sports teams including the Sabres, Braves (Buffalo's short-lived NBA team), Buffalo Blizzards, and more. The venue was closed in 1996 and remained vacant until it was demolished in 2009.

3. Buffalo Stallions

Another sports team that played in The Aud was the Buffalo Stallions, Buffalo's professional indoor soccer team. The team played from 1979 to 1984.

4. The beginning of the Kelly era

If you lived in Buffalo in the 80s, you undoubtedly remember the day Jim Kelly came into the ranks as quarterback for the Bills. The Kelly era began in 1986 through 1996, though you can still spot him on the sidelines at almost every Bills game.

5. Clint Malarchuk's gruesome injury

Hockey's a tough sport, and one of the most gruesome of injuries happened on the ice at the Aud in 1989 when Clint Malarchuk's neck was slit by the skate of Steve Tuttle of the St. Louis Blues. The injury sliced through his jugular vein, requiring over 300 stitches and going down in sports history.

6. Construction of Pilot Field

Pilot Field, known today as Coca Cola Field, was constructed in the late 80s and the Bisons played their first game on the new field in 1988. Although the ballpark has gone through its fair share of name changes, it remains the home of the Buffalo Bisons, who are celebrating their 30th season this year.

7. The return of the Buffalo Bisons

Speaking of which... you might remember the Buffalo Bisons' brief hiatus from baseball. The team went back to the diamond in 1979 after nearly a decade off.

8. Freddie's Doughnuts

Freddie's Doughnuts were the best of the best for 65 years in Buffalo. Freddie closed up shop in 1989, but many Buffalonians can still remember the taste of a Freddie's doughnut to this day. And, rumor has it, you'll be able to have the real deal again from Fred Frandina, who bought the rights to the original Freddie's recipe and will be delivering them via bicycle this spring!

9. Milk vending machines

Back in the 70s and 80s, milk vending machines were common sightings on street corners, allowing you to fill up with a quart of milk without having to step inside the store. Got milk?

Were you lucky enough to live in Buffalo during the 80s? Share your favorite memories and photos with us in the comments!