KeyBank Center

Capacity: 19,200

Events: NHL, NLL, NCAA, Concerts, Special Events

Home Teams: Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits

About KeyBank Center

The KeyBank Center opened in 1996 and has been the home of the NHL team, the Buffalo Sabres, ever since. The venue hosts thousands of fans for every game, but it also holds events like NCAA basketball games, comedian performances, ice skating shows, and some of the biggest musicians in concert.

KeyBank Center Rules

The Know Before You Go section of the KeyBank Center website goes through all of the rules and regulations, but here are a few to highlight:

• Cameras are allowed or prohibited based on the event

  • For Sabres games, photography is permitted. Guests are asked to take pictures from their seats and not through any ‘mouseholes’ in the glass during the games.

  • Other events also allow cameras, but you should check the event details or contact Account Services for information.

• Child Tickets

  • Kids under 3 can come into any game without a ticket.

• Dress Code

  • Everyone in the arena must wear a shirt and shoes. Otherwise, the dress code is casual.

• Weapons

  • No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted at the arena or on the surrounding property.

• Inclement Weather

  • Inclement weather occasionally affects events. When that happens, tickets are refunded, or the event is held at a later date.

KeyBank Center Bag Policy

• Bags, backpacks, and even purses are not allowed

• Clutches 4x6x1.5” or smaller allowed. Subject to search upon entrance

• Only other exceptions are medical items and diaper bags. Subject to thorough security screening

KeyBank Center Seating

The seating configuration may vary between events, so make sure to check the event maps of the ticketing site where you bought your tickets.

To confirm the Seating Chart, visit the TicketX website, click on the event you are preparing to see, and then look at the seating arrangement for that event.

The configuration is different for a hockey game versus a comedian’s show or concert.

KeyBank Center Review

Since so many seats are available at the KeyBank Center, some will be better than others. When you find a game or show you want to see, you’d like the best seats, right? On Trip Advisor, guests state there are no bad seats in the arena, but here are some specifics:

• 200 Club Level

  • On Rate Your Seats, guests state that the 200 club level holds the best seats in the house for Sabres games. The section is elevated, has great sight lines, and features wonderful amenities, like upgraded food. These upgraded tickets allow for shorter lines and smaller crowds. Each section has 10 or fewer rows and unobstructed views.

  • The downside to Club Level seats is that they tend to be more costly than seats available on upper decks. You are paying for a better view and other amenities, after all. But the higher prices can deter some people from buying this option.

• Side Stage 105, 106

  • Rate Your Seats also states that for concerts, guests who want a close view of the stage but also a little elevation should consider a side stage view in sections 105 or 106. You get actual stadium seats, so it’s easier to see over others and get your view of the stage.

  • Not everyone appreciates a side view of the stage. Some prefer a head-on view. Fans who prefer a head-on view should choose floor seats or head-on-stage options around section 100.

• Rinkside VIP

  • Arguably, the most desirable experience for a hockey game is with the Rinkside VIP seats. These seats are on the first row on the lower level and are often called Glass Seats. Fans are near the player benches and boxes and can even feel vibrations as the game continues.

  • Tickets in this range go fast, and fans complain that they can’t easily access this option. Others who have sat up close did not like being that close because they have blindspots, according to reviews on Reddit.

Overall, for concerts, consider how close you want to be to the action and whether you want a side view to be closer to the stage or a straight-on view. For a side stage, sections 105 and 106 are good. For a straight-on view, try the floor or section 100.

For hockey games, be a part of the action with Glass Seats. Or, get above the view and add amenities with 200 Club Level Seats.

Getting to KeyBank Center

KeyBank Center by Car

Many fans drive to the games or concerts. The KeyBank Center website has driving directions, which take you to the arena from the north, south, east, and west. Alternative routes are also available.

KeyBank Center Parking

Parking is available at KeyBank Center parking ramp, KeyBank Center surface lots and at the LECOM Harborcenter.

Parking for Suite and Season Ticket Members for Sabres games is on the Harbor Center parking ramp or the KeyBank Center parking ramp. Reserved parking is also available for those who hold season passes.

There are also parking spaces for guests with disabilities on all Levels of the parking ramps, and there are elevators.

If parking is full, or you want to park in private ramps, there are several garages that are not on the KeyBank Center property. They are within walking distance and could make your experience easier when you leave after the game or event.

You can also reserve spots through outside vendors.

How Much Does KeyBank Center Parking Cost?

All KeyBank Center lots are cashless, so be prepared to pay with a card or another form of mobile pay. Parking costs anywhere from $5-$25. You can pre-purchase parking as an add-on item for the event you are attending or pay when you arrive and park where you can!

KeyBank Center by Public Transportation

The KeyBank Center is located right along 2 major bus routes. It is also along the NFTA Rail Rapid Transit system within Buffalo.

If you decide to ride share to the arena, have your driver drop you off and pick you up at the Washington and Scott Street corner intersection.

Hotels Near KeyBank Center

• Buffalo Marriott

• Courtyard Buffalo Downtown

• Hyatt Regency Buffalo

• Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Downtown

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Buffalo

Restaurants Near KeyBank Center

• Panorama on Seven

• Pearl Street Grill & Brewery

• Washington Square

• Ballyhoo

• Swannie House

Accessibility at KeyBank Center

The KeyBank Center lists an Accessibility Statement on their website. They state that they want every user to be able to enjoy their facilities and even their website. Here are a few other things they provide to help with accessibility:

• Assisted Listening Devices (ALD)

  • ALD, or Assisted Listening Devices, are free at Guest Services. They are available for most events. You will have to leave a credit card or ID behind as a deposit. You can then tap into an FM transmitter in any seating area

• Live Captioning

  • Live captioning is displayed on end zone boards, but it is also available in the venue’s Sabres mobile app, which you can download from the App Store or Google Play

• Elevators

  • There are elevators for Suite holders and those with mobility issues. They are situated in the Pavilion near Main Street, right behind the escalators. KeyBank staff are around to help with entrances and exits from the elevators if needed. They all have Braille and audible tones

• Service Animals

  • Service Animals are welcome. When you get your tickets, let the administrator know. Emotional support animals, however, are not allowed

• Sign Language Interpreters

  • If you would like a sign language interpreter, they are available, but it is best to call Account Services 2 weeks before your event. Contact them at 716-855-4100

• Seats

  • Plenty of ADA seats are available, but they are first come, first served. Reserve yours when you get your tickets to guarantee you will have what you need