Step Inside: Keybank Center – Home of the Buffalo Sabres

Home of the Buffalo Sabres

See where the Buffalo roam at KeyBank Center, home of the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. Built on the Buffalo River waterfront, fans can likely spot ice on the frozen river before heading in to see the Sabres take home ice during the winter months. Along with its hosting duties for the Sabres and packed live entertainment schedule, the downtown Buffalo venue also earns its nickname “Banditland” as the home turf for the National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) Buffalo Bandits. Check out everything you need to know before hitting the ice at KeyBank Center below.

KeyBank Center History

KeyBank Center, the largest indoor arena in Western New York, opened in Buffalo, New York on September 21, 1996 as Marine Midland Arena. Over the years, herds of Sabres fans have helped develop the thriving downtown waterfront district with the centerpiece KeyBank Center and the neighboring LECOM Harborcenter, the latter of which opened in phases starting in 2014.

Along with name changes to HSBC Arena in 2000, First Niagara Center in 2011 and finally KeyBank Center in 2016, the venue has undergone major renovations in 1999, 2003, 2008, 2011 and more. A 2012 project installed the Tops Markets Alumni Plaza, while construction between 2013 and 2015 integrated the arena with the LECOM Harborcenter building. Ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season, KeyBank Center received an updated roof and a 27’ x 43’ videoboard, nearly double the size of its predecessor.

As a hockey venue, KeyBank Center hosted three games in the 1999 NHL Stanley Cup Final, where the Sabres ultimately fell to the Dallas Stars. Outside of the NHL, KeyBank Center held the NCAA Frozen Four ice hockey tournament in 2003 and 2019 and presided over the first Buffalo-based Professional Women’s Hockey League match between the Boston Fleet and the New York Sirens in 2025.

KeyBank Center has held seven rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament between 2000 and 2022, along with events for WWE, UFC and All Elite Wrestling. In addition, the NLL’s Buffalo Bandits have called KeyBank Center their “Banditland” home since its opening in 1996. As a concert venue, KeyBank Center has booked artists such as Paul McCartney, Lady Gaga, Garth Brooks, U2, Nicki Minaj and Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band.

Parking and Admission at KeyBank Center

KeyBank Center is located at 1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza in Buffalo, New York. The venue’s downtown location makes it easily accessible via NFTA’s free Metro Rail Rapid Transit System. By car, KeyBank Center is reachable via I-190 highway. Parking can be located at the KeyBank Center parking ramp on Illinois Street, LECOM Harborcenter parking ramp on Perry Street and surface lots between Michigan Street and Mississippi Street. KeyBank Center parking costs between $5 and $25. While first-come, first-served parking is offered onsite with cashless purchases, reserved parking can be purchased ahead of time via Ticketmaster.

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. For KeyBank Center’s full ADA policy, visit the venue’s website or contact Account Services via phone at (716) 855-4444 or via email at accountservices@sabres.com.

Prior to the event, review the KeyBank Center bag policy and rules for permitted items. KeyBank Center does not allow purses, bags or backpacks as well as clutches larger than 4” x 6” x 1.5”. Exceptions can be made for medical items and diaper bags pending a security screening. Prohibited items include outside food and beverages, aerosols, weapons, illegal drugs, drones and non-service animals. Additionally, KeyBank Center is a smoke-free facility and does not permit smoking on the premises with any tobacco products or electronic tobacco devices.

Doors at KeyBank Center, as well as indoor social areas like The 1970 Club and Labatt Blue Zone bar, typically open 90 minutes before puck-drop and one hour ahead of concerts and Bandits games.

Can I bring water into KeyBank Center?

Outside food and drink are generally not allowed in KeyBank Center unless required for medical purposes.

KeyBank Center Capacity & Seating Options

Since 2012, the KeyBank Center seating capacity tops out at 19,070 for Sabres games as a symbolic nod to the team’s 1970 founding. However, the capacity at KeyBank Center varies by event, with seating set at 19,200 for basketball games, 18,500 for concerts and 16,597 for wrestling matches. In 2006, the arena helped the Buffalo-based Canisius University men’s basketball team set their regular season attendance record at 14,823 fans during one of 40-plus periodic home games in the arena.

Seating at KeyBank Center is offered between Lower, Club and Upper levels. Club seats can be purchased on the 200 Level, while VIP at KeyBank Center is offered amongst the 80 luxury spaces on the Lawley Suite Level. To request suite access, email the venue at suites@sabres.com. VIP packages are also offered for select events via Ticketmaster.

Before grabbing your tickets, check out the KeyBank Center seating chart to find your preferred viewing area.

Food & Beverage Options at KeyBank Center

While fans can always grab any arena staple from popcorn to hot dogs, KeyBank Center concessions also serve up plenty of local favorites and menu surprises. Along with the custom “hot dog of the game” featuring toppings based on the Sabres’ opponent, guests can sample western New York classics like poutine or the Beef on Weck (a roast beef sandwich on a kummelweck roll). Save room for arena-wide additions introduced for the 2024-25 NHL season, including three fried dough options and the quadruple-brisket bacon cheeseburger, called “The Dominator” after former Sabres goaltender Dominik Hasek. For those over 21 years old, browse the wide selection of beers including local brews from Genesee Brewing Company in nearby Rochester. Prices for beer at KeyBank Center vary, but typically cost $11 or more. All transactions in KeyBank Center are cashless.