KeyBank Center: Guide for Visiting Fans

The easiest way in, full stop, is the NFTA Metro Rail. NFTA's Metro Rail Rapid Transit System runs through the center of downtown Buffalo and is free above ground. The closest station is Canalside, which is one of the nearest stops to KeyBank Center. Ride it from your hotel downtown or from the Buffalo-Exchange Street Amtrak station a few stops north — the whole above-ground stretch costs you nothing and drops you about a five-minute walk from the building.

From Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), the distance is about 10 miles and the drive takes approximately 18 minutes. On a game night that's closer to 25-30 minutes depending on I-190 traffic near the arena. Budget option: the Route 24 bus from the airport costs $2 and takes around 48 minutes. Rideshare from BUF to downtown runs roughly $25–40 and is the most convenient option with luggage.

By car, KeyBank Center is reachable via I-190. Take the Elm/Oak Street exit and you're right on top of it.

Parking can be found at the KeyBank Center parking ramp on Illinois Street, the LECOM Harborcenter parking ramp on Perry Street, and surface lots between Michigan Street and Mississippi Street, with prices ranging between $5 and $25. The $5 spots are surface lots several blocks out and fill up fast for big games. The $20–25 range puts you in the attached ramp, which is walkable in any weather and the fastest exit if you leave early.

First-come, first-served parking is offered onsite with cashless purchases, and reserved parking can be purchased ahead of time via Ticketmaster. Pre-buying is smart for divisional games or weekend matchups. All parking is cashless and accepts major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. If you're driving in from out of town and want zero stress, book the Illinois Street ramp in advance.

Downtown Buffalo is the obvious and correct answer. You're within walking distance of the arena, which matters both before and after the game when the waterfront scene is actually worth sticking around for. The Marriott Buffalo Harborcenter is connected to KeyBank Center via a pedestrian bridge and offers on-site dining, a fitness center, and easy access to nearby attractions — it's the most convenient hotel on earth for this trip, though you'll pay for that convenience (usually $180–280/night on game nights).

The Hyatt Regency Buffalo is located in the heart of downtown and offers stylish rooms with an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site dining. It's a few blocks' walk to the arena and tends to run slightly cheaper than the Harborcenter Marriott. Budget travelers should look at the Aloft Buffalo Downtown or Hampton Inn, both within 10–15 minutes' walk.

716 Food and Sport — located inside the LECOM Harborcenter with restaurants, rinks, and a hotel attached to the arena via elevated walkway — is genuinely good for a pre-game spot. Big screens, loud, and connected to the building so you never have to go outside in February. Get here an hour before puck drop or you'll wait for a table.

Labatt Brew House is a short walk away and lives up to the billing. It features a taproom with 20+ unique beers on tap, including exclusive brews you won't find anywhere else, and the laid-back atmosphere and outdoor seating make it popular for fans before and after events. In winter, focus on the taproom interior, obviously.

Big Ditch Brewing Company is a few blocks north of the arena on Mississippi Street and is a favorite among locals for craft beer and a more relaxed pre-game vibe — less sports bar, more neighborhood brewery. Good if you want a quieter pint before the noise starts.

Buffalo RiverWorks is a waterfront entertainment complex about a half-mile east along the river. This unique complex offers a variety of bars, restaurants, and recreational activities, with multiple bars on-site and stunning views of the Buffalo River. Worth it if you're staying more than one night in town.

The bag policy here is strict and worth reading twice before you pack. All bags, backpacks and purses are prohibited. Clutches and wristlets no larger than 4" x 6" x 1.5" are permitted and will be subject to visual inspection. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags after they go through a thorough security screening.

That means no small drawstring bags, no "technically a wristlet" crossbody straps with longer handles, no hydration packs. Bring your phone, your card (cash isn't accepted), and your ticket. Doors to KeyBank Center typically open between 90 minutes to 2 hours before event time. Arrive at the 90-minute mark if you want to grab food without a line. Prohibited items include outside food and beverages, aerosols, weapons, illegal drugs, drones, and non-service animals.

The main entrance on the north side faces the atrium — that's the busiest gate. The Perry Street side tends to move faster for away fans coming from the Harborcenter or surface lots.

Accessible parking is available on all levels of the KeyBank Center parking ramp, while accessible seating can be purchased with companion seating on all levels of the arena. The arena has elevators serving all three levels (Lower, Club, and Upper), and accessible entrances are available on multiple sides of the building. Guests with mobility needs should use the main Illinois Street entrance where staff can direct you to elevator access.

For KeyBank Center's full ADA policy, you can visit the venue's website or contact Account Services via phone at (716) 855-4444 or via email at accountservices@sabres.com. Assistive listening devices are available — request them at Guest Services on the main concourse level when you arrive.

Seating at KeyBank Center is offered between Lower, Club, and Upper levels. There is no formal designated away section in most NHL arenas, and KeyBank is no exception — visiting fans tend to cluster organically, often in the upper bowl corners or the sections behind whichever net their team is defending in the second period. Sections 201–215 in the upper bowl are affordable and have excellent sightlines for a hockey game — the bowl isn't so cavernous that you feel far from the ice.

If you're willing to spend, lower bowl sections 101–112 along the sides offer the best in-game experience, and center ice seats in the 106–109 range are excellent for following play end to end. Avoid the very ends of the upper bowl (sections 220–225 area) if you're not sitting directly on the goal line — the angle gets awkward on shootouts and third-period power plays.

Alongside western New York classics like poutine and Beef on Weck, the arena introduced a quadruple-brisket bacon cheeseburger called "The Dominator" for the 2024–25 season — it's worth the absurdity at least once. Beer typically costs $11 or more, and all transactions at KeyBank Center are cashless. Load your card before you walk in — there are no ATMs that will save you.

Buffalo fans are loud, legitimately knowledgeable about hockey, and proud of their building in the way rust-belt cities are proud of things that have survived a lot. They're not particularly hostile to away fans — more indifferent unless your team is a divisional rival, in which case expect some pointed commentary from the upper bowl. The arena's concourses are on the narrow side in spots, and getting around, especially at the conclusion of a game, can be a slow process. One thing only a regular would notice: the Labatt Blue Zone bar above the main concourse atrium is a genuinely nice place to watch the first period if you got there early, but it empties during play and turns into a scrum at intermission — pick your moment.

Metro Rail is the right move for most away fans. Metro Rail operates 4-car trains on game days with additional capacity at the end of the game, and riders board at Canalside Station after the game. Wait 10–15 minutes after the final whistle before heading to Canalside — the platform surge clears quickly and the next train will have more breathing room. The line runs frequently enough that you won't wait long.

Driving: The Illinois Street ramp exits toward I-190 north and south and is the fastest vehicle egress. The surface lots between Michigan and Mississippi streets take longer because they feed onto local streets that back up immediately post-game. Realistically, expect 20–30 minutes to a moving highway on a sold-out night. Leaving 5 minutes before the final buzzer cuts that to under 10 minutes.

Rideshare: Surge pricing is real and kicks in the moment the third period ends. KeyBank Center sits immediately south of I-190 , so walk two blocks north toward Exchange Street or down toward Canalside for pickup — drivers circle those streets rather than the arena's immediate perimeter. Wait 20 minutes after the horn for surge pricing to settle, or walk to 716 Food and Sport in the Harborcenter for a post-game drink and let the crowd dissolve.

Opinionated tip: Take the Metro Rail. It's free above ground, deposits you in the middle of downtown, and you'll be at your hotel bar while the parking ramp is still backed up to Perry Street.

What's the closest Metro Rail station to KeyBank Center?

Canalside Station is the nearest stop and is about a 5-minute walk from the arena entrance.

Is the Metro Rail free?

Yes — NFTA's Metro Rail Rapid Transit System is free above ground , which covers the downtown Buffalo stretch including Canalside.

What bags are allowed at KeyBank Center?

All bags, backpacks and purses are prohibited. Clutches and wristlets no larger than 4" x 6" x 1.5" are permitted.

How much does parking cost?

Parking is available at the KeyBank Center ramp on Illinois Street, Harborcenter ramp on Perry Street, and surface lots, with prices ranging from $5 to $25.

Does KeyBank Center accept cash?

No — all transactions in KeyBank Center are cashless. Bring a card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

When do gates open for Sabres games?

Doors to KeyBank Center typically open between 90 minutes to 2 hours before event time.

How far is KeyBank Center from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)?

The distance is about 10 miles and the drive takes approximately 18 minutes in normal traffic — budget 25–30 minutes on a game night.

Where are the best seats for away fans? There's no formal away section. Upper bowl sections 201–215 offer good sightlines at lower prices, and visiting fans tend to gather there naturally. Lower bowl sections 106–109 (center ice) are the best seats in the house if budget allows.