Nov 6, 2025
·Mary Callahan
Rising along the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Buffalo, KeyBank Center is the city’s premier indoor arena and the beating heart of Western New York’s sports and entertainment scene. Home to the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL and the Buffalo Bandits of the NLL, the arena also regularly hosts major concerts, family shows and national sporting events.
Since opening in 1996, KeyBank Center has drawn millions of fans and visitors to Buffalo, serving as both a symbol of the city’s sports pride and a cornerstone of its ongoing downtown revitalization.
About KeyBank Center
Location: 1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14203
Opened: 1996 (originally Marine Midland Arena, later HSBC Arena, then First Niagara Center)
Capacity: ~19,000 for hockey, up to 20,000 for concerts
Primary Tenants: Buffalo Sabres (NHL), Buffalo Bandits (NLL)
The arena is named after KeyBank, which secured naming rights in 2016. Positioned in Buffalo’s Canalside district, KeyBank Center is easily accessible and surrounded by dining, entertainment and waterfront attractions, making it a key hub for visitors.
A Look Back at KeyBank Center’s History
When it opened in September 1996, the arena replaced the Sabres’ former home, the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. The new venue immediately became the city’s largest indoor entertainment facility, designed to bring Buffalo sports and events into the modern era.
Some highlights in its history include:
1997 Stanley Cup Finals: Just a year after opening, KeyBank Center hosted its first Stanley Cup Final games.
1999 Stanley Cup Finals: The Sabres’ famous run ended in heartbreaking fashion against the Dallas Stars in triple overtime of Game 6.
2003 NHL Draft: KeyBank Center hosted one of the league’s most notable drafts.
Buffalo Bandits’ Championships: The Bandits have celebrated multiple NLL titles here, fueling one of lacrosse’s most passionate fanbases.
Concert Milestones: Legendary acts like Bruce Springsteen, U2, Elton John and Garth Brooks have headlined unforgettable shows.
NCAA Events: The arena has been a repeat host of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Over the decades, KeyBank Center has proven itself as a versatile venue that can pivot seamlessly between high-stakes hockey, rowdy lacrosse games and massive concerts.
Getting to KeyBank Center
By Car: The arena sits near the intersection of I-90, I-190, and Route 5, making it highly accessible by vehicle. Several parking ramps and surface lots are available around Canalside and the downtown core.
Public Transit: Buffalo’s Metro Rail offers free service from Fountain Plaza south to Erie Canal Harbor, with the Special Events Station located right in front of KeyBank Center.
Biking & Walking: The Canalside area is bike-friendly, with racks available near the venue. Many fans also enjoy walking from nearby downtown hotels and restaurants.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft pick-up/drop-off zones are designated around the arena for convenience.
Seating at KeyBank Center
The arena’s design emphasizes flexibility, with excellent sightlines for both hockey and concerts:
100 Level: Closest to the ice or stage, perfect for fans who want to be right in the action.
200 Level: Premium club seating with extra amenities, lounges and upgraded concessions.
300 Level: More affordable options while still offering strong views of the arena floor.
Suites: Private, luxury spaces for groups with catering, VIP entrances and dedicated service.
Concert Configurations: End-stage and center-stage setups allow for a range of seating choices depending on the performer.
No matter where you sit, KeyBank Center was built to keep fans close to the action.
Food & Drink at KeyBank Center
Buffalo’s proud culinary culture makes its way into the arena, with local favorites sharing space with classic stadium fare:
Chicken Wings: A Buffalo must-have, with multiple concession stands offering authentic local takes.
Beef on Weck: Another hometown specialty—a roast beef sandwich on a kummelweck roll.
Pizza & Finger Foods: Family-friendly options throughout the concourses.
Craft Beer: Regional breweries like Labatt, Southern Tier and Resurgence often appear on tap.
Arena Staples: Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels and popcorn are always available.
Vegetarian and gluten-free items are also on offer, making dining more inclusive for all guests.
Atmosphere at KeyBank Center
Few places capture Buffalo’s sports passion like KeyBank Center.
Sabres Games: Hockey is religion here, and fans pack the arena in blue and gold, bringing an unmatched intensity. The Sabres’ iconic goal horn and in-game traditions keep energy levels high.
Bandits Games: The NLL’s Buffalo Bandits bring one of the most electric atmospheres in professional lacrosse, with loud, devoted fans and high-scoring action.
Concerts: The arena transforms into a world-class concert venue, with acoustics and stage setups that draw global tours.
Other Events: NCAA basketball, WWE shows, Disney on Ice and other family events ensure year-round activity.
Stadium Policies
Bag Policy: Bags must be 12” x 12” x 6” or smaller; all are subject to search.
Mobile Tickets: Digital ticketing is the primary entry method.
Cashless Transactions: Most concessions and retail are cashless.
Prohibited Items: Outside food/drink, large banners, laser pointers and professional cameras.
Re-Entry: Not permitted once guests leave the arena.
Always check the arena’s official site for the latest updates before attending.
Notable Events at KeyBank Center
1999 Stanley Cup Finals: The longest game in modern NHL history capped the series in Buffalo.
NCAA Basketball Tournaments: Regularly hosts March Madness rounds, drawing national attention.
Concert Tours: Elton John, Garth Brooks, Justin Bieber and Bruce Springsteen are among the many headliners.
Bandits Championships: Multiple lacrosse titles celebrated inside the building.
WWE Events: Popular wrestling shows, including pay-per-views, frequently make stops here.
Nearby Attractions
Buffalo’s Canalside district is one of the arena’s biggest perks, with plenty to explore before and after events:
Canalside: Waterfront parks, walking trails and public events.
Lloyd Taco Factory & Local Dining: Buffalo’s food scene is strong, from wings at Anchor Bar to modern gastropubs.
Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino: A short walk from the arena.
Explore & More Children’s Museum: Family-friendly entertainment nearby.
Niagara Falls: Just a 30-minute drive north for an iconic day trip.
Why KeyBank Center Stands Out
KeyBank Center isn’t just Buffalo’s main arena—it’s a symbol of the city’s resilience, passion, and pride. With die-hard Sabres fans, championship-winning Bandits lacrosse, and world-class concerts, the arena has cemented itself as the beating heart of Buffalo’s entertainment culture.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Whether you’re catching a Sabres game, watching the Bandits chase another title, or rocking out to your favorite artist, KeyBank Center guarantees an unforgettable experience. Use SeatGeek to find the best tickets, compare seating options and plan your perfect trip to Buffalo’s premier arena.