KeyBank Center Sports Fan Tips

KeyBank Center is a venue in or near Buffalo that is most often used for Hockey

Things to check out around KeyBank Center?

Pepsi Headlines Bar is a cool sports bar with displays telling the history of amateur and professional sports in Buffalo. I would also check out Niagara Falls which is so cool especially when it freezes over in the Winter.

Best restaurants near KeyBank Center?

Casa-Di-Pizza at 477 Elmwood Avenue and Prima Pizza Pasta 396 Pearl Street are really good Italian places close to the stadium. The pizza is New York style and one pizza can feed up to 4 people.

Directions to KeyBank Center?

Take I-190 South. Exit 5 (Louisiana Street). The KeyBank Center is straight ahead. Parking is available just past Michigan Street. There are signs pointing to the Center and police officers are directing traffic when you come in.

Safety at KeyBank Center?

Safety at the game is fine and the only thing you really have to worry about is the freezing cold temperatures that you might experience from the car to the stadium. The fans are pretty friendly unless they are playing the Rangers.

Artifacts to look for at KeyBank Center?

The Sabres display their eastern division and conference championship banners up in the rafters. Some of the retired numbers include members of the French Connection and NHL icon Tim Horton who also has a bunch of coffee shops in the North and midwest and throughout Canada. Banners honoring the founding owners of the Sabres are also in the rafters.

KeyBank Center parking?

Parking is available along the streets surrounding the outskirts of the stadium. Costs for parking in the garage range from $10 - $20. Some lots are better at getting into than out of. I would try my best to find a spot where you can get out quickly even if it means you have to walk a little more to and from the stadium. 

Best bars near KeyBank Center?

Boomerangs Bar and Grill has some good cheap drinks and all-american food with some Buffalo flavor. Anchor Bar is another great place to join fellow Sabre fans in a drink and to cheer on their favorite hockey team.

Dealing with scalpers at KeyBank Center?

If you purchase from a scalper, you risk purchasing a lost or stolen ticket. I would deal with Craigslist or another site before using a scalper.

What to expect from the KeyBank Center crowd?

This is one of the NHL's best venues. Buffalo has a strong hockey tradition, a friendly blue collar fan base, and a very intimate modern arena with a lot of amenities. The fans are very knowledgeable and love their Sabres. It is a fun place to watch a hockey game.

Best giveaways at KeyBank Center?

The Sabres are great at giving away hockey pucks, hats, t-shirts, scarves, bobble heads, and every once in a while a cool thing like a miniature hockey mask which was a replica of Dominic Hasek.

Traffic around KeyBank Center?

The traffic leaving the games are fine and they did a good job of making different entrances and the traffic cops do a pretty good job of getting people into their cars and onto the road in an efficient manner.

Best food and drink at KeyBank Center?

Headlines Sports Bar is a local carving station offering famous Buffalo Beef on a homemade sandwich roll. Also, the pepperoni, bologna, and salami and sandwich is awesome! These sandwiches fill you up and are so tasty. There are also chips that are a local brand that are really crunchy.The concession stands also have buffalo chicken sandwiches, wings, fries, and pretzels among other things. The drinks are the norm of $5 for a 20 oz soda and $8-$10 for a beer.

KeyBank Center seating?

I love the 300 level and just make some friends who have suites and you will be golden. The suites contain 12 seats, a stand-up bar with stools, two television monitors (one with a blu-ray). If you cannot afford this try to get down on the glass so you can see the players really close up. There really isn't a bad seat for a hockey game unless you are the last row behind either of the nets.

Stores to hit up at KeyBank Center?

The Sabres Store offers the world's largest selection of Buffalo Sabres merchandise, including jerseys, T-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, jackets, and limited edition collectibles.

Best insider tip for KeyBank Center?

I would try my best to sit in the Labatt Blue Zone which is located on the 100 Level overlooking the Pavilion. The Blue Zone has a bar with tables and a historic timeline of Sabres hockey history. The bar offers a full bar and a great view of Downtown Buffalo. These are also good seats to meet special big wigs who are visiting the city.