The arena was built on the site of the historic Donovan State Office Building and the footprint of the former Memorial Auditorium.
The arena's distinctive architectural design includes a roof structure intended to resemble the waves of Lake Erie.
It is situated directly adjacent to the Buffalo River and the historic Erie Canal terminus.
The arena is part of a larger district redevelopment that includes public park space and ice skating rinks in the winter months.
The venue has hosted major events including the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
KeyBank Center is the premier multi-purpose indoor arena in downtown Buffalo, serving as the home ice for the NHL's Buffalo Sabres. Located on the waterfront at the site of the former Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, the facility hosts major touring concerts, family shows, and collegiate athletic tournaments. The arena features a seating capacity of approximately 19,000 for hockey games. The structure is integrated into the city's Canalside district redevelopment zone. It serves as a central hub for the Western New York entertainment scene. The arena floor and concourses are designed to accommodate large-scale logistics for international production tours. It is managed by Pegula Sports and Entertainment.
The main entrance plaza, specifically near the statue of legendary Sabres players, provides the best backdrop.
Arrive early to explore the adjacent Canalside district, which offers seasonal activities like public ice skating or lawn games.
Check the clear bag policy before departing, as the venue maintains strict entry requirements for personal items.
Pre-book parking in nearby garages as street parking is extremely limited during major events.
Avoid relying on street-side parking, which is non-existent during high-attendance sold-out events.
Operations follow the NHL schedule and private event bookings; the building is generally closed to the public on non-event days.
Casual, though most attendees wear team apparel during sporting events; no specific formal dress code.
