“When Buffalo Niagara first hosted the World Junior Championship in 2011, many participating organizations joined efforts to help ensure that border traffic didn’t deter any fans from attending or getting to the games on time,” said Tim Clutterbuck, Chairman of the Peace Bridge Authority. “Once again, these groups will work together throughout the tournament, so our region’s four international bridge crossings operate at maximum efficiency.”

“Coordination between local partners, U.S. and Canadian Customs and advanced notice from tour and bus operators will be critical in moving traffic in a safe and efficient manner,” said Kenneth Bieger, General Manager of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission. “The Peace Bridge Authority and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission are committed to doing our part to manage all four of our region’s border crossings, and look forward to welcoming Buffalo’s many visitors.”

As part of the coordination between agencies and organizations around border traffic for the World Junior Championship tournament, the group will undertake various efforts leading up to and throughout the duration of the tournament, including:

• Sharing advanced and real-time ticket data regarding potential high-volume traffic games
• Vetting participating team/country rosters prior to border arrival to help expedite review process
• Implementing strategic Customs primary inspection lane staffing plans throughout the tournament
• Providing additional plaza support staff and lane management staff to help traffic flow
• Working with motor coach and tour operators to provide information and passenger manifestos to help expedite the Customs inspection process
• Consistently communicating suggested best crossing times to fans and motorists through social media and other public communications and traffic apps
• Working with elected officials and other public/governmental entities to distribute information about border travel around the games
• Implementing a specific traffic management plan for the U.S. versus Canada outdoor game date
• Coordinating with local law enforcement (New York State Troopers, Ontario Provincial Police, etc.) to assist in efficient traffic management and potential violation processing on game days

Thirty-one games will be played as part of the eleven-day tournament, and one of the preliminary rounds will include a U.S. versus Canada game, held outdoors at New Era Field on Dec. 29, 2017. The IIHF World Junior Championship is one of the most highly anticipated annual international ice hockey events, and includes the best male players under the age of twenty, from ten nations around the world. Participating teams are expected to begin arriving in Buffalo Niagara Dec. 22-25, 2017 and will depart beginning Jan. 6, 2018.

“We’re excited to host thousands of visitors from all around the world in Buffalo for the World Junior Championship, and our tournament committee and partner organizations are doing a great job of making sure travel experiences will be as seamless as possible,” said Michael Gilbert, senior vice president of the Buffalo Sabres and general manager of HarborCenter. “We appreciate the collaboration of the region’s transportation, tourism and security organizations to ensure that border crossings are as streamlined and safe as possible during this world class event to ensure our international visitors enjoy an optimal experience while here for the tournament.

This is only the fifth World Junior Championship to be played in the United States – and the second time it has been played in Buffalo, NY. It also the first time that a U.S. city has hosted the World Junior Championship a second time; the previous tournament in Buffalo Niagara was held in 2011.

To obtain real-time border traffic information on tournament days and during the games, visit mobile.peacebridge.com, niagarafallsbridges.com, or NITTEC.org.

To learn more about the upcoming World Junior Championship tournament, visit buffaloworldjuniors.com.

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December 21, 2017