Buffalo Sabres
Venue and travel guide
Venue and location
City
Buffalo
Source statement; not independently verified.
Phone
716-855-4100
Source statement; not independently verified.
State
NY
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue name
KeyBank Center
Source statement; not independently verified.
Zip code
14203
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking
Cheapest
Perry Street surface lots and farther downtown/Canalside lots (~$5–$10); prepaid via SpotHero/ParkWhiz often cheaper than day-of
Source statement; not independently verified.
Guide url
https://keybankcenter.com/page/parking
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessible parking
ADA/accessible parking available in on-site ramp and lots; see arena ADA policy at https://keybankcenter.com/page/ada-policy
Source statement; not independently verified.
Payment
Cashless — credit/debit cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay); no cash accepted
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prepaid
Yes — prepaid spots available in advance via aggregators (ParkWhiz, SpotHero) and as a ticket add-on for many events
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prices
Roughly $5–$25 per event; on-site ramp and LECOM Harborcenter generally $10–$20, Perry Street surface lots about $5–$15 (varies by event/demand)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
KeyBank Center offers multiple parking options including the KeyBank Center ramp (directly connected to the arena via indoor walkway), the HarborCenter ramp, and several surface lots. Pre-paid parking is strongly recommended. Event rates range from $10-$25. ADA parking available in all ramps.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transport
NFTA Metro Rail with a Special Events Station directly in front of the arena; the new DL&W Station opened December 8, 2025, adjacent to the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tailgating
N/A — indoor arena (downtown urban lots; no formal tailgating program)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Traffic
I-190 (Niagara Thruway) downtown exits, Washington/Perry/Scott Street area near the arena, and Canalside congestion immediately pre/post-event
Source statement; not independently verified.
Types
On-site KeyBank Center parking ramp, LECOM Harborcenter parking deck, and two Perry Street surface lots, plus numerous nearby downtown/Canalside lots and ramps
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transportation
Airport connection
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) connects via NFTA Metro Bus and Buffalo Airport Shuttle; no direct rail link to the airport
Source statement; not independently verified.
App
NFTA Metro site (metro.nfta.com), Token Transit app, and Moovit/Transit apps provide real-time info
Source statement; not independently verified.
Best option
NFTA Metro Rail to the Special Events Station / DL&W Station — most convenient and free in the downtown segment
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bus routes
NFTA Metro buses serving downtown include routes such as 14 (Abbott), 16 (South Park), 36 (Hamburg), and others (6, 8, 20, 24, 25, 42); several stop a short walk from the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fare
Metro Rail is free above ground through downtown; full-system fares via NFTA Token Transit app / Metro fare cards. Standard NFTA bus/rail fare otherwise
Source statement; not independently verified.
Ferry
N/A — indoor arena (no scheduled ferry/water-taxi service to the arena, though seasonal waterfront activity exists at nearby Canalside)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Nearest station
NFTA Metro Rail Special Events Station directly in front of KeyBank Center; new DL&W Station (opened Dec. 8, 2025) is adjacent
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
NFTA Metro Rail (light rail) is free aboveground in downtown Buffalo; the Erie Canal Harbor station is a short walk from the arena. Multiple NFTA bus routes serve the downtown area. The Metro Rail connects directly to BNMC/Allen Street and Fountain Plaza stations.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rail lines
NFTA Metro Rail (single light-rail line running from University Station through downtown Buffalo to Canalside/DL&W)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
On game days Metro Rail runs longer 4-car trains (typically starting around 8:00 PM) with added capacity at game's end
Source statement; not independently verified.
Walking distance
Special Events Station and DL&W Station are at/adjacent to the arena (essentially zero to a 1–2 minute walk)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shuttles
Frequency
N/A — no official shuttle; Metro Rail adds capacity on game nights instead
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notes
Most fans use NFTA Metro Rail rather than a shuttle; the free downtown surface portion of Metro Rail effectively serves as event transport
Source statement; not independently verified.
Operator
Buffalo Airport Shuttle (airport transfers only); no dedicated arena shuttle operator
Source statement; not independently verified.
Park ride
NFTA Metro Rail park-and-ride lots at outlying stations (e.g., University Station and other northern stations) feed downtown
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
No dedicated arena shuttle service. NFTA Metro Rail, rideshare, and on-site parking are the primary transportation methods.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Routes
No official team/arena game-day shuttle program published; Buffalo Airport Shuttle ((716) 685-2550) listed for airport service
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bicycles
Overview
Reddy Bikeshare stations are located near the arena at Canalside and along Main Street. Bike racks available near the main entrance.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share cost
Free to return to a Reddy station; ~$2.00 fee if locked to a non-station bike rack; use the "HOLD" feature to avoid out-of-station fees
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share provider
Reddy Bikeshare (operated locally; GPS-enabled smart bikes)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share station
Yes — Reddy Bikeshare stations located throughout downtown Buffalo near the arena/Canalside
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Reddy bikes operate seasonally (roughly April–November); use the app's HOLD feature when locking to a rack to avoid retrieval fees
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessibility
Accessible parking
Accessible parking available in the on-site ramp and lots; details at https://keybankcenter.com/page/ada-policy
Source statement; not independently verified.
Assistive listening
Assisted Listening Devices available free at Guest Services for most events (credit card or photo ID held as deposit)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Contact
Account Services / Guest Services via the main arena line 716-855-4100; ADA policy at https://keybankcenter.com/page/ada-policy
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
Accessible drop-off available near the main entrance off Perry Street
Source statement; not independently verified.
Elevators
Elevators located in the Pavilion to the right behind the escalators nearest Main Street; all stop at every level, with Braille signage and audible tones
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Accessible seats are spread across all levels and specifically positioned for convenient access to restrooms and concessions
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
KeyBank Center is fully ADA-compliant with accessible seating on all levels. Elevators serve every level. The parking ramp connects directly to the arena via indoor walkway. Assistive listening devices and sensory kits available at Guest Services.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms available throughout the arena (all levels)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Sensory
Sensory kits available free of charge at Guest Services for all events (credit card or photo ID deposit required)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Service animals
Service animals permitted (notify ticketing at purchase to arrange accessible seating); emotional support animals are not permitted
Source statement; not independently verified.
Wheelchair seating
Accessible seating (with companion seats) available on all levels; patrons may reserve up to three companion seats per accessible seat
Source statement; not independently verified.
Food and vendors
Cashless
Yes — KeyBank Center is fully cashless for all transactions
Source statement; not independently verified.
Craft beer
Wide beer selection including local/regional brews such as Genesee (Rochester) and area craft options; beers typically $11+
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
The "Big Parm Thompson" hero was inspired by center Tage Thompson's pregame chicken-parmesan ritual
Source statement; not independently verified.
Local
La Nova (e.g., the "Big Parm Thompson" two-foot chicken parm hero inspired by Tage Thompson), plus regional staples like poutine; local/716 Food & Sport area dining at adjacent LECOM Harborcenter
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notable stands
Labatt Blue Zone bar, 716 Food and Sport (adjacent at LECOM Harborcenter), and rotating local-vendor stands
Source statement; not independently verified.
Outside food policy
Outside food generally not permitted; bags/backpacks/purses prohibited (clutches up to 4 x 6 x 1.5" allowed, subject to inspection)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking Apps Accepted
SpotHero and ParkWhiz used for prepaid parking; arena lots are cashless (cards / Apple Pay / Google Pay)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
KeyBank Center features a locally-focused concessions program with Buffalo-area favorites including Duff's Famous Wings, Sahlen's hot dogs, and craft beer from local breweries. The Sabres Store is on the main concourse.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Signature food
Beef on Weck (roast beef on a kummelweck roll) — a Western New York classic; also a rotating "hot dog of the game" themed to the opponent
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue history
Architect
Ellerbe Becket (with Bergmann Associates PC); general contractor Huber, Hunt & Nichols
Source statement; not independently verified.
Construction cost
$127.5 million (approximately $262 million in 2025 dollars)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Famous moments
Hosted Games 3, 4 and 6 of the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals; 2003 and 2019 Frozen Four; 2011 and 2018 World Junior Championships; 2016 NHL Draft; UFC 210 (2017); set to host the 2026 NHL Draft (June 26–27, 2026)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
On November 16, 1996, the original eight-sided JumboTron fell to the ice hours before a game (no injuries); it was replaced later that season
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original capacity
18,595 for ice hockey/lacrosse (1996–1999)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original name
Marine Midland Arena (1996–2000); later HSBC Arena (2000–2011) and First Niagara Center (2011–2016); known as "Crossroads Arena" during construction
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Opened October 1, 1996 as Marine Midland Arena, later renamed HSBC Arena, First Niagara Center, and KeyBank Center. The Sabres have reached the Stanley Cup Final twice (1975, 1999). The arena installed a new state-of-the-art videoboard for the 2024-25 season.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Renovations
2011 ~$6M locker-room/concourse overhaul; capacity raised to 19,070 (honoring the 1970 founding); 2016 KeyBank rebrand with new Ephesus LED lighting; 2024 new roof and a new Mitsubishi Electric center-hung videoboard for the 2024–25 season
Source statement; not independently verified.
Retired numbers
Retired numbers: #2 Tim Horton, #7 Rick Martin, #11 Gilbert Perreault, #14 Rene Robert, #16 Pat LaFontaine, #18 Danny Gare, #30 Ryan Miller, #39 Dominik Hasek. Honorary banners include Seymour H. Knox III, Northrup Knox, and broadcaster Rick Jeanneret
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue details
Climate
Fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena with a 2024 roof replacement and upgraded ice dehumidification/cooling systems
Source statement; not independently verified.
Levels
Three primary levels — Lower (100), Club/Suite (200), and Upper (300)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Premium
Approximately 80 luxury suites (renovated 2013–2016) plus club seating
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Hockey seating capacity: 19,070. Ice surface: 200 ft × 85 ft. The arena features modern amenities following multiple upgrades including the new roof and videoboard.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Scoreboard
New Mitsubishi Electric center-hung videoboard installed for 2024–25 — about 43 ft wide x 27 ft tall, with four digital corner panels and two under-board screens; largest indoor-arena center-hung board in New York State at installation
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shared tenants
Buffalo Bandits (NLL); occasional Rochester Americans (AHL) games; previously Canisius basketball and others
Source statement; not independently verified.
Surface
NHL regulation ice sheet (200 ft x 85 ft); arena total ~700,000 sq ft
Source statement; not independently verified.