Getting There
Most traveling fans fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), roughly 96 miles east of Erie along I-90, with a drive of approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes. Renting a car at BUF is by far the most practical option for the trip; Amtrak also runs twice daily from Buffalo Depew Station to Erie Station with tickets typically in the $26–$60 range and a journey of about 1 hour and 31 minutes. Erie does have its own small regional airport (ERI), but flight options there are very limited, making BUF the gateway of choice for most visitors.
Getting Around
Erie's public transit system is the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, known as the 'e' (EMTA), a bus network of roughly 28 fixed routes operating Monday through Saturday — note that EMTA does not run on Sundays, which can be a problem for weekend game-day travel. The Bayliner Trolley supplements bus service for downtown circulation, but coverage near Mercyhurst's campus on the east side of the city is limited, so most visiting fans will find a rental car or rideshare (Uber and Lyft both operate in Erie) far more convenient than relying on the 'e' for getting to and from games.
Where to Stay
The Bayfront District is the top choice for sports-focused visitors — hotels like the Hampton Inn & Suites Erie Bayfront and Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront put you near waterfront dining and nightlife, with rates typically in the $120–$200/night range depending on season. The Upper Peach Street corridor off I-90 Exit 24 offers a cluster of budget-friendly national chain options closer to the $80–$120/night mark and is about 10 minutes from both downtown and Mercyhurst's campus. Downtown Erie itself has walkable bars and restaurants, making it a solid base if you want to avoid driving after the game — book early for winter basketball weekends, as hotel inventory in Erie is not large.
Sports Fan Notes
Erie is primarily a college sports town when it comes to live action, with Mercyhurst University's Lakers competing in NCAA Division I hockey, basketball, and lacrosse, giving visiting fans a chance to catch multiple sports on one trip. The Mercyhurst Athletic Center has a passionate, tight-knit game-day atmosphere that rewards fans who go in expecting an authentic mid-major college experience rather than a big-arena spectacle. Erie sits at the crossroads of Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo fanbases, making local sports bars a lively mix of NFL and NHL allegiances — a great spot to watch out-of-town games before or after a Laker event. The city's location on Lake Erie also means winter weather can be severe from November through March, so pack accordingly and confirm game-day schedules if a lake-effect snow event is in the forecast.
Venues in Erie
Mercyhurst Athletic Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from BUF to downtown Erie?
The fastest and most practical option is renting a car at BUF and driving the roughly 96 miles west on I-90, which takes about 1 hour and 53 minutes. If you prefer not to drive, Amtrak runs twice daily from Buffalo Depew Station to Erie Station, taking about 1 hour and 31 minutes with tickets in the $26–$60 range — note you'll still need a rideshare or taxi from Erie Station to your hotel or venue. A Greyhound bus connection also exists but requires a transfer through downtown Buffalo and takes around 3 hours total.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Erie for a sports trip?
The Bayfront District is the best all-around base for visiting fans — it puts you within walking distance of waterfront bars and restaurants for pre- and post-game socializing, and it's a short rideshare or drive to Mercyhurst's campus on the east side of the city. If you're watching your budget, the Upper Peach Street corridor near I-90 Exit 24 has multiple national chain hotels at lower price points and easy highway access to get around Erie without hassle.
Which sports teams play in Erie?
Erie's primary live sports draw is Mercyhurst University, whose Lakers field NCAA Division I programs including men's basketball (NCAAB) and women's basketball (NCAAW), both playing at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. Mercyhurst also competes in NCAA Division I hockey and lacrosse, so a well-timed trip can let you stack multiple sports into one visit. For fans craving professional sports, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo are all within a two-hour drive, offering easy day-trip access to major pro venues.
Is Erie a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Erie is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The 2026 World Cup is played exclusively across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The nearest host city to Erie is New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), which is approximately a 7–8 hour drive, followed by Boston, which is also within driving range for fans looking to combine a World Cup trip with a stop in Erie.
Sports cities near Erie
Close enough to pair with a Erie trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.