KeyBank Center Game Day Guide
Buffalo Sabres · Buffalo, NY
Know Before You Go
Essential details checked against official venue information.
- Bag policy
Bags, backpacks, and purses are prohibited; only clutches no larger than 4 x 6 x 1.5 inches are permitted after visual inspection.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
- Medically necessary items and diaper bags are exceptions after thorough security screening.
- Gate opening
Limited- and full-access doors typically open 90 minutes before regular-season Sabres games.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
- Door times can vary by event.
- Mobile tickets
Access Sabres tickets on a smartphone through Ticketmaster Account Manager in the Sabres App, then display the live barcode or save the ticket to the phone wallet.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
- Screenshots are never accepted; wallet tickets use tap entry, and TICKETS Wi-Fi is available at the arena.
- Re-entry
Re-entry is not permitted at KeyBank Center.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
- A guest facing a medical emergency should go to the Account Services Office in the Pavilion before leaving.
- Prohibited items
Prohibited items include animals other than service animals, aerosols, outside alcohol and food or beverages, backpacks, chains, drones, explosives, firearms and other weapons, fuel, beach balls and frisbees, hazardous chemicals, illegal drugs, laser pens, instruments and noisemakers, razor blades, self-defense spray, selfie sticks, and studded jewelry.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
- Event-specific restrictions may also apply to cameras and video or audio recording devices.
- First aid
The First Aid Room is on the Ground Level by the Security Office.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
- Ask a KeyBank Center representative or visit Guest Services for help reaching first aid.
- Nursing and lactation
A lockable, accessible lactation suite is in the Pavilion near the 200 and Suite Level elevators.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
- The suite has multiple power sources; sign out its key at Account Services in the Pavilion next to the Box Office.
- Family restrooms
Accessible unisex family restrooms are between Aisles 7 and 8 on the 100 Level, Aisles 15 and 16 on the 200 Level, and Aisles 12 and 13 on the 300 Level.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
- All public restrooms are accessible and have baby-changing tables.
- Tickets for children
Adults may bring children age 3 and under into a Sabres game without a ticket.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
- Guest services
Guest Services desks are on the 100 Level between Aisles 7 and 8, next to the 200 Level bridge, and on the 300 Level between Aisles 13 and 14.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
- The desks open one hour before the event and remain open until 30 minutes after it ends.
- Service animals
Service animals are permitted, but emotional-support animals are not.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
- Notify the ticket administrator when purchasing tickets to reserve accessible seating if available.
- Smoking and vaping
Smoking and electronic tobacco products are prohibited throughout KeyBank Center and its grounds, with no designated smoking areas on arena property.
Applies to: Buffalo Sabres games
Game Day Timeline
What the day looks like at KeyBank Center, hour by hour.
Hit the waterfront
Arrive at Canalside and explore the waterfront. In winter, the outdoor ice rink and curling area set the hockey mood before you even enter the arena.
Pregame eats and drinks
(716) Food and Sport is the go-to pregame spot right next to the arena. Or walk up to Chippewa Street for a wider selection of bars and restaurants.
Doors open
Enter KeyBank Center and catch warm-ups. The arena's sightlines are excellent from every level.
Find your seat
Settle in and soak up the energy. Sabres fans are passionate and loud, rivalry games against Toronto and Boston are electric.
Game time
Three 20-minute periods with two intermissions. Buffalo fans bring the noise despite the team's ups and downs.
Grab a Beef on Weck
Buffalo's signature sandwich is available at multiple concession stands. Pair it with a Labatt Blue, brewed just across the border.
Chippewa Street nightlife
Walk up to the Chippewa entertainment district for post-game drinks, or head back to Canalside for the waterfront vibe.
Tips & Fan Reports
KeyBank Center is one of the most affordable NHL experiences. Budget half what you'd spend in NYC or Toronto.
NFTA Metro Rail is free in the downtown zone. Ride from Canalside to Allen/Medical Campus for postgame bars on Allen Street.
Buffalo lake-effect winters are brutal. Dress in layers for the walk from parking or transit.
Canalside waterfront area has improved dramatically. Pregame walk along the Buffalo waterfront is worth the extra time.
The KeyBank Center atmosphere is one of the most passionate in the NHL. Buffalo fans are ride-or-die.
The Metro Rail is free in the downtown zone, including the Canalside station right by the arena.
Weather
KeyBank Center is indoor, so these are the conditions for the parking lot and the walk in, not the seats.
Across the NHL season the warmest month is October, with an average high of 60°F, and the coldest is January, when the average low is 19°F. October is the wettest month at 4.0 inches and March the driest at 2.9 inches.
That January low ranks 7th coldest of the 32 NHL venues, and October here ranks 14th wettest.
October
4.0 inchesNovember
3.5 inchesJanuary
3.4 inchesMarch
2.9 inchesApril
3.4 inchesBuffalo Sabres Clear Bag Policy
Most venues require a clear bag. Get an approved one before you travel.
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How We Checked This Page
Every section below names the source it was read from and the day it was read. Where we could not reach a published figure, the page says so rather than presenting an estimate as a checked fact.
- Game day timeline
Gate opening time checked against the venue's own gate-opening policy: Limited- and full-access doors typically open 90 minutes before regular-season Sabres games.
- Weather
NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals
- Venue policies
Current Buffalo Sabres A-Z, game-day, mobile-ticketing, ticket-terms, and KeyBank Center parking pages reviewed for Sabres policies.