Parking near Buffalo's main ticket venues
Buffalo has three major venues where you'll buy tickets for events: KeyBank Center (home to the Sabres hockey team and concerts), Sahlen Field (Buffalo Bisons baseball), and Shea's Performing Arts Center (theater and live performances). Each has different parking arrangements, and knowing them before you arrive saves time and money on event day.
KeyBank Center, located at 1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza downtown, has an attached parking garage with roughly 2,000 spaces. This is the most convenient option but fills quickly during popular events. Street parking exists nearby but is metered and limited. Sahlen Field, at 275 Washington Street, offers a dedicated lot with several hundred spaces plus street parking on surrounding blocks. Shea's, at 626 Main Street, has no attached lot; you'll use downtown Buffalo street parking or nearby commercial garages.
Key Takeaways
- KeyBank Center has an attached garage that charges per event (typically $10 to $15), but arrives early because it fills during popular games and concerts.
- Sahlen Field offers free parking in its dedicated lot on most game days, with overflow street parking available nearby.
- Shea's Performing Arts Center requires you to use downtown street parking or commercial garages; meter rates and garage fees vary by location and time of day.
- Street parking downtown is metered Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and rates depend on the block and parking district.
- Arriving 45 minutes to an hour early for popular events gives you the best chance of finding convenient parking without paying premium garage rates.
KeyBank Center parking and rates
The KeyBank Center garage is your most direct option if you're attending a Sabres game, concert, or other event there. The garage entrance is on the plaza level, and you pay at exit booths or through the parking app. Event parking typically costs $10 to $15 depending on the event type and day of the week; special events like playoff games or major concerts may charge higher rates.
The garage holds about 2,000 vehicles, but during high-demand events—Friday and Saturday night Sabres games, popular concerts, playoff games—it can reach capacity by game time. If the garage is full, attendants will direct you to overflow lots or street parking. Bringing your vehicle early (90 minutes before event start) significantly improves your chances of securing a garage spot. The garage is climate-controlled and well-lit, which matters during Buffalo's winter months.
If you have mobility issues, accessible parking spaces are available on the plaza level near the main entrance. You'll need a valid disabled parking permit or license plate to use these spaces.
Sahlen Field parking for Bisons games
Sahlen Field's dedicated parking lot is free for most games and holds several hundred vehicles. The lot is located directly adjacent to the stadium at 275 Washington Street. During the baseball season (April through September), arriving 30 to 45 minutes before game time usually guarantees a spot in the main lot.
Street parking is also available on surrounding blocks—Temprance Street, Scott Street, and Washington Street all have metered spots. Meter rates in this area are typically $1.50 to $2.00 per hour, with a two-hour limit during business hours. Evening and weekend rates may differ. If the main lot fills (which happens during playoff games or promotional giveaway nights), street parking becomes your backup option.
The lot has accessible spaces near the stadium entrance. Bring your disabled parking permit or license plate if you need to use these spaces.
Shea's Performing Arts Center and downtown street parking
Shea's has no attached parking facility, so you'll use downtown Buffalo street parking or commercial garages within walking distance. Street parking is metered Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rates vary by district but typically range from $1.00 to $2.50 per hour. Sunday parking and evening parking after 6 p.m. are often free or unmetered, depending on the block.
The closest commercial parking garages are the Ellicott Center Garage (one block away at 295 Main Street) and the NFTA-Buffalo Niagara International Airport parking system's downtown locations. These garages charge $5 to $12 for event parking, depending on duration and garage. Arriving early gives you better street parking options; arriving within 30 minutes of showtime usually means paying for a garage.
Buffalo's downtown parking app, ParkBuffalo, lets you pay for street parking by phone and see real-time availability in different zones. This can save you time circling blocks looking for a spot. Accessible parking spaces are scattered throughout downtown; look for blue-painted spaces with the wheelchair symbol.
How to check parking availability before you go
KeyBank Center's website lists parking information and rates for upcoming events. You can also call their parking office at (716) 855-4444 to ask about availability on a specific date. Sahlen Field's website confirms that parking is free and available for Bisons games; during special events or playoffs, call ahead to confirm lot status.
For downtown street parking near Shea's, the ParkBuffalo app shows available spaces in real time by zone. The Buffalo Parking Authority website also lists meter rates and time limits by district. Google Maps can show you nearby commercial garages and their current availability if they're connected to the service.
Parking costs and payment methods
| Venue | Parking Type | Cost | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| KeyBank Center | Attached garage | $10–$15 per event | Cash or card at exit booth; parking app |
| Sahlen Field | Dedicated lot | Free | N/A |
| Sahlen Field | Street parking | $1.50–$2.00 per hour | Meter or ParkBuffalo app |
| Shea's Performing Arts Center | Street parking | $1.00–$2.50 per hour (varies by zone) | Meter or ParkBuffalo app |
| Shea's Performing Arts Center | Commercial garage | $5–$12 per event | Cash or card at exit booth |
Most venues accept both cash and card payment. KeyBank Center's parking app lets you prepay or pay at exit, which can speed up your departure. ParkBuffalo's app accepts credit and debit cards for street parking and sends you a reminder when your meter is about to expire.
Tips for parking during peak times and events
Playoff games, concerts by major artists, and promotional giveaway nights at Sahlen Field draw larger crowds and fill parking faster. For these events, plan to arrive 60 to 90 minutes early. This gives you time to find parking, walk to the venue, and get to your seat without rushing.
If you're attending a Friday or Saturday night Sabres game at KeyBank Center, the garage often reaches capacity by 6:30 p.m. Arriving by 5:45 p.m. significantly improves your odds. If the garage is full, the attendants will direct you to overflow parking, which may be several blocks away.
During winter months (November through March), allow extra time for walking from your parking spot to the venue entrance. Buffalo's weather can make longer walks uncomfortable, so parking closer—even if it costs a few dollars more—may be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park overnight at KeyBank Center's garage after an event?
No. The garage closes after events end, and vehicles left overnight are towed. Plan to retrieve your car before the garage closes, which is typically 30 minutes to an hour after the event ends.
Is there accessible parking at all three venues?
Yes. KeyBank Center has accessible spaces on the plaza level. Sahlen Field has accessible spaces near the stadium entrance. Shea's has accessible spaces throughout downtown; look for blue-painted spaces with the wheelchair symbol. You'll need a valid disabled parking permit or license plate.
What happens if I get a parking ticket in downtown Buffalo?
Parking violations are issued by the Buffalo Parking Authority. You can pay tickets online through the city's website or by mail. Unpaid tickets can result in vehicle booting or towing, so address them promptly.
Does ParkBuffalo work for all downtown street parking?
ParkBuffalo covers most metered spaces in downtown Buffalo's main districts, but not all. Check the app to confirm your specific block is covered before relying on it. Some older meters still require coins or cards inserted directly.
Are there free parking options near these venues?
Sahlen Field offers free parking in its dedicated lot. Street parking in downtown Buffalo is free on Sundays and after 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, though availability varies. KeyBank Center and commercial garages near Shea's always charge.