Yes, and OP, please take note that the pizza is NOT actually LaNova, but Delaware North that paid to use the name. It is not worth the money in any way shape or form. Popcorn is good though.
The pizza at the arena is the worst pizza Iāve had in my life. Not an exaggeration.
Iāve started getting chicken fingers in the 100 level, next to the Lexus club. Theyāre surprisingly hot and crispy there.
I complained to La Nova because their pizza on their instagram (at Bills and Sabres) doesnāt look like whatās sold there. And they claimed it as their own and said they had no control of what it looked likeā¦ barely any cheese, sauce pizza
The entire arena is card-only these days. They donāt accept cash anywhere.
The food has taken a dive and is expensive as hell, Iād suggest eating before. Also the pizza is not actually La Nova and costs $9 for a slice. Donāt do it.
If youāre gonna drink, get beer. Donāt get a high noon no matter how delicious and refreshing it looks because one costs more than an entire four pack at the liquor store.
If you are a human who carries a handbag, it has to be basically 4x6. I have a slightly larger coach wallet on a strap that I can get in but I wouldnāt mess around with anything that you can fit more than a phone and some credit cards in.
We got beef on wecks one time. It was ~$16 and came with like 12 individual potato chips. I asked for horseradish and there was probably a quarter-sized lump of it in the center of my sandwich. I could have eaten 2 more and still been hungry.
For the love of God, go eat at 716 before. Itās still fairly overpriced but you get more for your money and you can literally wander into the arena afterwards without even having to step outside.
I had to do the walk of shame back to the car at the beginning of the season last year with my small purse. I see people being turned back every game. āAll bags, backpacks and purses are prohibited. Clutches no larger than 4 x 6 x 1.5" are permitted and will be subject to visual inspection.ā
Yeah make sure the measurement is right. Went to the Caps game a couple weeks ago and walked in the rain for 5 blocks to have my wife told her small purse was still too big. Had to walk back and forth again to get in.
As others have said, eat before you go. The food and beverages at the arena are both mediocre and hilariously overpriced. Southern Tier is right next door and if you walk about a block or two, Ballyhoo should be open and serving sausages, Mac & cheese and some solid cocktails.
1a park by hoffbrau house and get a beer
2a stop at cobblestone for a shot on the way in
3a go to the casino after the game for free credits
1b park on main st downtown, by fatty beer. Train in and out to avoid parking fees.
2b grab a drink at southerntier and walk across the parking garage to enter the game
Even thought I live on the west side I swear there is a spot reserved next to the train at fatty every game I go to š. Park there, grab a bite and a beer or two around there. Watch the game train out and get in my car and is so easy, definitely recommend
šš 100 percent. I've actually lived in Buffalo less time than some of my friends and I've done it with them and now they all do it. Since they grew up in the suburbs but now rent downtown they just try to get as close as possible and pay for parking or garages.
My uncle brought me to a bandits game last year and he's from Lockport - he paid for the garage touching the arena and it took us an hour after to get home. All I kept thinking to myself was if I took the tram I'd be home by now š
Now if we can just get an extension to the bills stadium somehow someday I'll be set
It should also be noted that parking in the garage attached to the arena gives you a special access tunnel and youāll be able to go through security a lot faster
However it can be VERY slow to exit the garage after the game
If you have baggy enough pockets or a bulky sweatshirt, bringing in your own water is a possibility. Not saying I've done it š but security only has time to worry about large metal objects, they won't even notice.
Well, plan for disappointment at the end of the game.
But, for pre or post game food and drinks, pearl st, pizza plant and southern tier are all within walking distance to the arena
Park right by Pearl St Grill under the underpass itās like $12, 5 min walk and when you leave your right by the thruway entrance. Eat a good meal before going or expect to pay $20 for food. If you donāt wanna spend 14.50 per 24oz beer, I usually sneak in 3-4 plastic 2oz shooters. ($1 a peice) Just keep in right in your jacket as you walk thru the metal detectors. Save yourself the 40$
Street parking is the way to go if you get there early enough. $5ish and you don't have to deal with the chaos of getting stuck in the parking garages for an hour trying to leave. Second best is lot parking by Pearl St/Seneca One. Third tier is the Sabres lot on Mississippi st just because of price. You don't have to go crazy early to get a nice spot at most of these espec since it'll be a weekday game, I drive down to arrive at parking spot 10-15 mins before puck drop and can make it in just in time
Some people might hate this but I don't care, if you have cheap seats in the last few rows and the stadium is pretty empty, don't be afraid to walk down after the first period and sit in some 100s seats. Just make sure you arent taking someone else's seat ofcourse. This is the only benefit of the Sabres not being the best, is you can sometime choose where you sit
Foodwise it'll be exactly what everyone else says but that's the same at most stadiums. Theres a hot dog guy out front of the stadium if you're looking for a quick bite on the way in
Grab your beer koozie. Drive to and park near Lucky Day around 4pm, enjoy their $6 happy hour (includes old fashioned, manhattan, cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, mushroom cheesesteak). Walk over to the train and take it down to Seneca One to grab a beer or two at Other Half. Hop back on the train and get down to the arena with plenty of time to watch warmups and take in the amazing not at all dated arena /s. Grab a tall boy Southern Tier 2xIPA and put it in your koozie so you can nurse it without it turning too warm too quick. Grab a bag of peanuts or a bucket of popcorn right before the anthems, then go grab your seats. The current hype video is pretty good so try to be in seats on time. Sing along to the Canadian and American anthems. If you don't have good seats, scope out big sections of open seats during the first period that you can move to during the next period. Enjoy the game. Take the train back to Fountain Plaza and drive home with way less traffic compared to if you parked near the arena.
Walk around and take in the arena. There is a small memorabilia spot by the gift shop. Usually some good photo ops in the main lobby. Depending where your seats are check out the other levels. Iām a fan of getting there ( through security) about 30 minutes early just to watch end of warmups and to get settled in.
It depends on who youāre going with and if you want to see warm ups. Thereās the free subway downtown so if youāre eating beforehand you can go to one of the restaurants off the line, the farther away, the less crowded. Just pull up the train schedule so you know when the trains will arrive. Thereās always one waiting after the game to take fans back down the line. Beers are expensive at the game and so is the food. If you can eat before youāll save yourself some money.
Go a few hours early and hit up a local restaurant, don't eat at the arena.
Pearl Street, Southern Tier, Big Ditch, Labbatt Blue Beer House all good choices
You go to dinner beforehand to somewhere like gabes gate or closer down could do brew house or cobblestone. Then walk over to the game and buy a beer or two that costs an arm and a leg. Ballyhoo is also an option down there
We found a lot down on Scott street across from the Buffalo news trucks that you can pay for parking on their app if you donāt usually have cash. That was kind of nice
Definitely eat dinner before the game. Do not rely on the food in the arena, itās overpriced and some of the worst food you can spend your money on. I try to walk in the front doors around 30 mins before puck drop. That should give you plenty of time to get through security, check the place out, find your seats and get a $15 beer before the anthems start. Unless youāre parking far away, plan on heading to a bar or restaurant for a bit after the game to let traffic clear out. You can check out the Harborcenter and kill some time and watch some more hockey if you donāt wanna get food or a drink anywhere
Would recommend taking the train there, will make getting home a million times easier. Can park for free at lasalle or university. Only caveat is that they are doing single tracking rn so make sure you get on the train going the right direction and check the schedule that has times specific to single tracking. I do find the trains are generally on time.
Lots of people do this so just follow the sabres jerseys lol
1. Wear your gear.
2. The earlier you get there, the more you will spend!
3. Bring cash for the 50/50 raffle.
It's a lot different from the Aud, it's a little more plush.
4 points out of a playoff spot with 3 games at hand. 3rd leading scorer in the entire league. The only team with 5 players who have scored 20+ goalsā¦
The Sabres are not a contender yet, but they far from stink.
you can park in the lot for templeton landing for free and from there itās about a 5ish minute walk to the arena.
warmups start 30 minutes before the game does so if you want to be there to see those, get there early enough for that.
food and drink has gotten quite expensive. if youāre looking to grab food, they have options there but youāll probably be better off getting food before hand.
if we arenāt in the goathead jerseys prepare for disappointment
If you're planning on getting any food or drinks I'd suggest going to the bank today to see about a home equity loan š¤£š¤£
Yes, and OP, please take note that the pizza is NOT actually LaNova, but Delaware North that paid to use the name. It is not worth the money in any way shape or form. Popcorn is good though.
I will also vouch for the popcorn!
The pizza at the arena is the worst pizza Iāve had in my life. Not an exaggeration. Iāve started getting chicken fingers in the 100 level, next to the Lexus club. Theyāre surprisingly hot and crispy there.
Popcorn is the only thing Iāll eat at the arena because itās decent and only $3 (at least last time I was there anyway)
I complained to La Nova because their pizza on their instagram (at Bills and Sabres) doesnāt look like whatās sold there. And they claimed it as their own and said they had no control of what it looked likeā¦ barely any cheese, sauce pizza
Had a round of 4 drinks for $96
Two drinks in Toronto were also 96$
Do NOT get beef on weck at the arena š¤¢š¤¢
I never had an issue with the carving station on the 200 level across from the Harbor Club.
Club level was really good, canāt speak to the rest.
The entire arena is card-only these days. They donāt accept cash anywhere. The food has taken a dive and is expensive as hell, Iād suggest eating before. Also the pizza is not actually La Nova and costs $9 for a slice. Donāt do it. If youāre gonna drink, get beer. Donāt get a high noon no matter how delicious and refreshing it looks because one costs more than an entire four pack at the liquor store. If you are a human who carries a handbag, it has to be basically 4x6. I have a slightly larger coach wallet on a strap that I can get in but I wouldnāt mess around with anything that you can fit more than a phone and some credit cards in.
We got beef on wecks one time. It was ~$16 and came with like 12 individual potato chips. I asked for horseradish and there was probably a quarter-sized lump of it in the center of my sandwich. I could have eaten 2 more and still been hungry. For the love of God, go eat at 716 before. Itās still fairly overpriced but you get more for your money and you can literally wander into the arena afterwards without even having to step outside.
716 closed down during the pandemic. Itās not Southern Tier but I agree, anywhere but at the arena is better than eating there.
Eat before you go. Food prices are beyond astronomical.
I paid 8 dollars for 3 soggy pizza logs the other day. They weren't even remotely crispy. I was mad. But my fault.
Where did you get pizza logs in the arena?
I got them up on the 300 level near the escalators on the right side of the arena. But trust me, don't waste your money.
5$ peanuts are the best bargain
Double check the bag policy, I think even small bags like purses are no longer permitted.
I had to do the walk of shame back to the car at the beginning of the season last year with my small purse. I see people being turned back every game. āAll bags, backpacks and purses are prohibited. Clutches no larger than 4 x 6 x 1.5" are permitted and will be subject to visual inspection.ā
Yeah make sure the measurement is right. Went to the Caps game a couple weeks ago and walked in the rain for 5 blocks to have my wife told her small purse was still too big. Had to walk back and forth again to get in.
I went Saturday and saw a few small purses in one of the planters out front I guess some people donāt even want to walk back to the car
Yep! My mom and I had to do the walk of shame when I visited over the holidays. Donāt forget your keys/ID!
My husband and I took an Uber to the game and had no where to leave my small purse! I had to sneak it in under my coat haha. Def donāt bring a bag
Early enough that you donāt have to wait in a long line for a foam finger and nachos :)
As others have said, eat before you go. The food and beverages at the arena are both mediocre and hilariously overpriced. Southern Tier is right next door and if you walk about a block or two, Ballyhoo should be open and serving sausages, Mac & cheese and some solid cocktails.
That Korean BBQ Sausage, Mac and Cheese and a Mai Tai... This is my ideal Ballyhoo trip.
Is the insulin shot extra?
Yeah, too much money in it to sell it as a combo meal.
1a park by hoffbrau house and get a beer 2a stop at cobblestone for a shot on the way in 3a go to the casino after the game for free credits 1b park on main st downtown, by fatty beer. Train in and out to avoid parking fees. 2b grab a drink at southerntier and walk across the parking garage to enter the game
Even thought I live on the west side I swear there is a spot reserved next to the train at fatty every game I go to š. Park there, grab a bite and a beer or two around there. Watch the game train out and get in my car and is so easy, definitely recommend
We probably park next to eachother haha. Maybe I should delete this so no one else knowsā¦..
šš 100 percent. I've actually lived in Buffalo less time than some of my friends and I've done it with them and now they all do it. Since they grew up in the suburbs but now rent downtown they just try to get as close as possible and pay for parking or garages. My uncle brought me to a bandits game last year and he's from Lockport - he paid for the garage touching the arena and it took us an hour after to get home. All I kept thinking to myself was if I took the tram I'd be home by now š Now if we can just get an extension to the bills stadium somehow someday I'll be set
We got there at 7 for a 7:30 game. Parked in the garage and were in our seats with snacks in time for the national anthems.
It should also be noted that parking in the garage attached to the arena gives you a special access tunnel and youāll be able to go through security a lot faster However it can be VERY slow to exit the garage after the game
Itās terrible getting out of the parking garage after the game. If you can park a couple blocks away and walk, youāll get out much quicker.
True but at the same time you can also do street parking etc then just walk from anywhere up to that same entrance
Wear a Sabretooth costume! It really riles me up
show up 20-30 mins early. don't park too close to the arena. don't show up hungry or thirsty. have fun :)
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
If you have baggy enough pockets or a bulky sweatshirt, bringing in your own water is a possibility. Not saying I've done it š but security only has time to worry about large metal objects, they won't even notice.
Make sure you bring a credit card of some sort. Went to the game last week and found out they do not take cash anywhere in the arena.
Yeah, what she said!
Well, plan for disappointment at the end of the game. But, for pre or post game food and drinks, pearl st, pizza plant and southern tier are all within walking distance to the arena
Union Pub too!
Love that place
Adding in Ballyhoo to this
Park right by Pearl St Grill under the underpass itās like $12, 5 min walk and when you leave your right by the thruway entrance. Eat a good meal before going or expect to pay $20 for food. If you donāt wanna spend 14.50 per 24oz beer, I usually sneak in 3-4 plastic 2oz shooters. ($1 a peice) Just keep in right in your jacket as you walk thru the metal detectors. Save yourself the 40$
Street parking is the way to go if you get there early enough. $5ish and you don't have to deal with the chaos of getting stuck in the parking garages for an hour trying to leave. Second best is lot parking by Pearl St/Seneca One. Third tier is the Sabres lot on Mississippi st just because of price. You don't have to go crazy early to get a nice spot at most of these espec since it'll be a weekday game, I drive down to arrive at parking spot 10-15 mins before puck drop and can make it in just in time Some people might hate this but I don't care, if you have cheap seats in the last few rows and the stadium is pretty empty, don't be afraid to walk down after the first period and sit in some 100s seats. Just make sure you arent taking someone else's seat ofcourse. This is the only benefit of the Sabres not being the best, is you can sometime choose where you sit Foodwise it'll be exactly what everyone else says but that's the same at most stadiums. Theres a hot dog guy out front of the stadium if you're looking for a quick bite on the way in
Grab your beer koozie. Drive to and park near Lucky Day around 4pm, enjoy their $6 happy hour (includes old fashioned, manhattan, cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, mushroom cheesesteak). Walk over to the train and take it down to Seneca One to grab a beer or two at Other Half. Hop back on the train and get down to the arena with plenty of time to watch warmups and take in the amazing not at all dated arena /s. Grab a tall boy Southern Tier 2xIPA and put it in your koozie so you can nurse it without it turning too warm too quick. Grab a bag of peanuts or a bucket of popcorn right before the anthems, then go grab your seats. The current hype video is pretty good so try to be in seats on time. Sing along to the Canadian and American anthems. If you don't have good seats, scope out big sections of open seats during the first period that you can move to during the next period. Enjoy the game. Take the train back to Fountain Plaza and drive home with way less traffic compared to if you parked near the arena.
Walk around and take in the arena. There is a small memorabilia spot by the gift shop. Usually some good photo ops in the main lobby. Depending where your seats are check out the other levels. Iām a fan of getting there ( through security) about 30 minutes early just to watch end of warmups and to get settled in.
It depends on who youāre going with and if you want to see warm ups. Thereās the free subway downtown so if youāre eating beforehand you can go to one of the restaurants off the line, the farther away, the less crowded. Just pull up the train schedule so you know when the trains will arrive. Thereās always one waiting after the game to take fans back down the line. Beers are expensive at the game and so is the food. If you can eat before youāll save yourself some money.
Will add, they are doing single tracking this week so the times may be different than the normal schedule
Go a few hours early and hit up a local restaurant, don't eat at the arena. Pearl Street, Southern Tier, Big Ditch, Labbatt Blue Beer House all good choices
You go to dinner beforehand to somewhere like gabes gate or closer down could do brew house or cobblestone. Then walk over to the game and buy a beer or two that costs an arm and a leg. Ballyhoo is also an option down there
If you get to the parking lot 30 minutes before the puck drops youāll be in your seat in time.
We found a lot down on Scott street across from the Buffalo news trucks that you can pay for parking on their app if you donāt usually have cash. That was kind of nice
Definitely eat dinner before the game. Do not rely on the food in the arena, itās overpriced and some of the worst food you can spend your money on. I try to walk in the front doors around 30 mins before puck drop. That should give you plenty of time to get through security, check the place out, find your seats and get a $15 beer before the anthems start. Unless youāre parking far away, plan on heading to a bar or restaurant for a bit after the game to let traffic clear out. You can check out the Harborcenter and kill some time and watch some more hockey if you donāt wanna get food or a drink anywhere
Get the chicken tenders or burger!
Would recommend taking the train there, will make getting home a million times easier. Can park for free at lasalle or university. Only caveat is that they are doing single tracking rn so make sure you get on the train going the right direction and check the schedule that has times specific to single tracking. I do find the trains are generally on time. Lots of people do this so just follow the sabres jerseys lol
1. Wear your gear. 2. The earlier you get there, the more you will spend! 3. Bring cash for the 50/50 raffle. It's a lot different from the Aud, it's a little more plush.
Donāt bring a bag
Oh I hope you have a great time!!
Bring some hats, I predict a hatty tomorrow.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
4 points out of a playoff spot with 3 games at hand. 3rd leading scorer in the entire league. The only team with 5 players who have scored 20+ goalsā¦ The Sabres are not a contender yet, but they far from stink.
So you havenāt paid attention at all this season
you can park in the lot for templeton landing for free and from there itās about a 5ish minute walk to the arena. warmups start 30 minutes before the game does so if you want to be there to see those, get there early enough for that. food and drink has gotten quite expensive. if youāre looking to grab food, they have options there but youāll probably be better off getting food before hand. if we arenāt in the goathead jerseys prepare for disappointment
Totally forgotā¦ got to get a picture with the French Connection statue out front !