KeyBank Center, home of the Buffalo Sabres, has had several names since its first opening in 1996, including Marine Midland Arena, HSBC Arena, and First Niagara Center. At the cost of $127 million, the arena took just under two years to build and replaced Buffalo Memorial Auditorium as the Sabres home ice. The venue has undergone seven rounds of renovations over the years, starting after the 1998-99 season. The most encompassing took place in 2011, with much of the arena being updated at that time.
The Sabres were added to the NHL as an expansion team along with one other franchise, increasing the number of teams in the league to 14 in 1970. Although the team has toyed with greatness, advancing to the Stanley Cup finals twice, they have yet to bring home a championship.
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How many seats are in KeyBank Center
KeyBank Center seats 19,070 Sabres fans for NHL games. This number has increased over the years since the arena opened in 1996 during the many renovations. In addition to regular seating, KeyBank Center contains 80 private luxury suites offering exclusive accommodations and an intimate atmosphere perfect for entertaining business associates, clients, friends, or family. Features of the Suite Level include a private concourse with special parking access, a private restroom for each suite, and superior views of on-ice action.
BUY BUFFALO SABRES TICKETS
Be sure to check out the food at KeyBank Center!
Directions – How to get to KeyBank Center
KeyBank Center is located at 1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza in downtown Buffalo, NY. Taking Interstate 90 either north or south, fans can take Exit 5 to Perry Street, which will lead them to the arena. The Special Events stop on the Buffalo Metro Rail services KeyBank Center. Event attendees can take the train to the station, located close by the arena at the corner of Main and Perry Streets in the Free Fare Zone, which allows passengers free travel between Erie Canal Harbor Station and Fountain Plaza station.
Where to Park near KeyBank Center?
Parking costs anywhere from $5 to $20 depending on the event and is available right at KeyBank Center. There are also lots just two to three blocks away, as well as additional parking at Harborcenter. Parking passes can be purchased in advance online. Locals tend to avoid the parking ramp (on-site parking) at KeyBank Center as the convenience does not make up for the price or the amount of time it will take you to get out of the garage after a game. Suggestions all point to the surface lots a few blocks away which will have you back on I-90 much more quickly.
We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation’s leading parking reservations app.
To reserve your parking spot, visit the Buffalo Sabres SpotHero Parking Page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.
Other KeyBank Center FAQs
When was the Buffalo Sabres arena built?
The ground was broken for KeyBank Center, the Buffalo Sabres arena, on November 4th, 1994. The venue opened on September 21, 1996.
How old is KeyBank Center?
As of September 2021, KeyBank Center, which opened in September of 1996, is 25 years old.
What arenas have the Sabres called home?
The Sabres originally played in Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, known to fans as The Aud, from 1970 to 1996. The team then moved into KeyBank Center and currently call the venue home.
According to the KeyBank Center website, up until October 30th, attendees may visit the arena with a minimum of one vaccination dose. On October 31st and onward, individuals over 12 years of age must be fully vaccinated. People under 12 must wear masks. Fully vaccinated people over 12 years of age are not mandated to wear masks, but KeyBank Center does encourage their use. Vaccine verification can be done with a physical vaccine card, certified vaccine mobile app, NY State Excelsior card, or CLEAR digital vaccine card. Photos of vaccine cards will not be accepted. Fans should check back before attending an event to ensure rules and regulations have not changed.
How much is a Buffalo Sabres hockey ticket?
Comparing both the primary and secondary ticket markets, Buffalo Sabres tickets can be purchased for as low as $21. The average ticket price is $71.
What hockey teams play at the KeyBank Center?
The Buffalo Sabres, a member of the Atlantic Division of the NHL’s Eastern Conference, call KeyBank Center their home. The team’s minor league affiliate, the Rochester Americans, also play some of their home games at the arena.
Who owns the KeyBank Center?
Erie County, in western New York state, is the owner of KeyBank Center.
