KeyBank Center Parking Tips in Buffalo

The Buffalo Sabres of the NHL play their home games at KeyBank Center. If you’ll be attending an upcoming game or another event at this arena, use our parking guide to pick out an ideal place to leave your vehicle while inside. 

This detailed KeyBank Center parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official KeyBank Center parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near KeyBank Center you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Buffalo
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Buffalo Sabres events
• Other valuable KeyBank Center parking tips to save time and money

By planning your parking in advance, you can create a more enjoyable experience for yourself and your friends on the day of an event. We hope the information below is helpful!

Official KeyBank Center Parking Lots

A few official parking options exist when attending an event at KeyBank Center. All of the official parking choices will leave you very close to the arena, and the cost is quite reasonable. Parking rates range from $5 to $25, depending on the event. 

Main Parking Lots 

The assortment of official parking lots at KeyBank Center includes the following:

• KeyBank Center Parking Ramp
• KeyBank Center Surface Lots
• LECOM Harborcenter Parking Ramp

If you plan on parking in any of these locations, note that they are cashless, and you will need to either purchase your spot ahead of time or pay with a card or Apple or Google Pay when you arrive.

Ticketmaster is used for selling event parking in advance at the official lots, so you can buy these spots with your official tickets.

EV Parking at KeyBank Center

You probably don’t want to plan on charging your EV while attending an event at KeyBank Center. There are a few scattered chargers in this part of Buffalo, but the area around the arena will be crowded with an event going on, and needing to find a plug will add to your stress.

Charge up in advance and be free to use any available parking spot. 

Accessible Parking Spaces

There are parking spots for visitors with disabilities located in all of the garages and lots associated with KeyBank Center. You will need a valid placard or license plate to use these spots, and you can ask a parking attendant if you need assistance.

Also, the facility has elevators available for use by anyone with mobility issues. 

Third-Party Parking Options at KeyBank Center

While there aren’t many third-party options within walking distance of KeyBank Center in Buffalo, a few are available on SpotHero to consider. You can use the widget below to explore the options and book a parking spot for an upcoming event.

My favorite option for a parking spot within a comfortable distance of the arena is the Main & Seneca Lot. Despite leaving you less than 10 minutes from the gates on foot, you’ll often pay under $15 to park here.

If you are looking for an even lower price, a lot at 254 Franklin St. has very competitive rates, but it is more than twice as far away from KeyBank Center as our first option. 

Free Parking at KeyBank Center

You may struggle to find free parking within walking distance of KeyBank Center. While plenty of spaces are available, including many that are part of the official lots offered by the arena, they are all paid spots.

If you want free parking, you can check the streets further away from the arena and hope to find an available spot. Finding free parking tends to be more successful on weekends than on weekdays. 

Public Transportation to KeyBank Center

KeyBank Center’s downtown location means there are accessible public transportation options for locals and visitors alike. Here’s an organized and comprehensive overview of the public transport options to KeyBank Center:

NFTA’s Metro Rail Rapid Transit System

• Access to KeyBank Center: The Erie Canal Harbor station is the closest stop to KeyBank Center. The arena is within a short distance from this station, making the Metro Rail a convenient choice for attendees.
• Free Parking Options: If you don’t live near a Metro Rail station, you can drive to either University Station or LaSalle Station and park for free. These stations are the starting and ending points of the rail line, and the parking facilities offer an easy way to combine driving with public transit.
• Ticket Options: Tickets for the Metro Rail can be purchased at the station with cash, or you can use the Token Transit app on your phone for digital ticket purchasing. This provides flexibility in how you pay for your ride.
• Schedule Consideration: It’s crucial to check the schedule of the Metro Rail ahead of time to ensure you align your trip with the timings. Also, remember that other KeyBank Center visitors might be using this method, so planning accordingly is wise.

Bus Options

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) also operates bus services that can get you close to KeyBank Center. Check out the NFTA website or other route planning tools to identify the most suitable bus lines for your journey.

Cycling and Walking

• Walking: If you live or are staying within walking distance of a Metro Rail station or the arena, walking can be a pleasant and cost-effective way to get to the event.
• Cycling: Buffalo’s downtown area is bike-friendly, and cycling to KeyBank Center could be a viable option if you live nearby or want to combine cycling with other modes of transport.

Ridesharing to KeyBank Center

If you will use a rideshare service to get to and from events at KeyBank Center, you can use Scott Street between Washington and Michigan for drop-offs and pick-ups. Alternatively, you might want to arrange with your driver to get in or out a little farther from the arena to avoid traffic congestion, as long as you don’t mind a longer walk. 

KeyBank Center Events

In addition to Buffalo Sabres hockey games, plenty of other events are held at this facility throughout the year. Use the table below to explore the options and purchase some tickets.

Bars and Restaurants near KeyBank Center 

The options for bars and restaurants close to KeyBank Center in Buffalo are limited, but there are some good options to consider when attending a game or other event. One of the most popular picks is The Draft Room, located just a short walk east of the venue.

You’ll find standard pub food options, a great beer selection, and a friendly atmosphere here. You can be sure that some of your fellow fans will be stopping here as well before walking over to the gates. 

In addition to The Draft House, other options close by include:

• Cobblestone
• Southern Tier Brewery Buffalo
• Pizza Plant Italian Pub

Check out their various menus before you see which one suits your tastes, and you might want to pick a parking spot that will make it easy to access your chosen restaurant or bar. 

KeyBank Center Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Attending an event at an NBA arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Sometimes, however, traffic and transportation issues get in the way and turn the outing into a nightmare.  

Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at KeyBank Center.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

Don’t allow traffic woes to add to your stress and make you late for the game. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy. 

Check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible. 

Know What You Can Bring

KeyBank Center has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building, like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car. 

Remember Where You Parked!

There are plenty of parking spaces available in the area around KeyBank Center. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily. 

Take Security Measures

You should always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and remove anything valuable from the car or truck before leaving home. You might want to park in a well-lit area for more security.

Have a Backup Plan

Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.

Conclusion

Navigating parking at KeyBank Center for Buffalo Sabres games and other events is hassle-free with our comprehensive parking guide. From official KeyBank Center parking lots offering proximity and reasonable rates to third-party options for convenience, this guide ensures you’re well-equipped to make informed parking choices.

Whether it’s the Main & Seneca Lot for optimal distance and value, accessible parking solutions, public transit alternatives, or ridesharing strategies, these Keybank Center parking tips enhance your overall experience.

Remember to plan ahead, arrive early, adhere to venue policies, and prioritize safety for a smooth and enjoyable outing. With these insights at your fingertips, you’re primed to maximize your time at KeyBank Center.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at KeyBank Center (FAQs)