Heading downtown for the Sabres’ playoff opener Sunday night? Metro Rail schedules are changing to handle a surge in fans, and one station will not be open at all.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — With the Buffalo Sabres set to make their historic return to the Staley Cup Playoffs on Sunday night, fans heading downtown for the game, watch parties, and other celebrations are urged to be aware of several Metro Rail schedule changes.
There will also be a notable road closure and changes when it comes to parking lots.
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The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority said the Metro Rail will operate four-car trains on Sunday, running every 20 minutes, to accommodate increased ridership.
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NFTA officials said trains will not stop at Church Street Station in order to avoid blocking intersections during peak event activity. Riders will be directed to use either Lafayette or Seneca stations for boarding and departures.
The NFTA said transit ambassadors will be on site to assist passengers with navigation and crowd flow.
Riders are also being encouraged to sign up for Metro Alerts to receive real-time service updates.
Fans who plan to drive to the game must also take note of some changes. Starting at noon Sunday, Perry Street will be closed between Washington and Illinois streets.
“Access to the KeyBank Center ramp and surface lots will be via Michigan Avenue to Perry Street or South Park Avenue,” the Sabres announced. “Access to LECOM Harborcenter will be via Main Street to Perry Street. Southbound traffic on Washington Street will be directed onto Scott Street at the intersection, with Scott Street open in both directions.”
Parking ramps will open at noon Sunday. However, the KeyBank Center parking ramp is already sold out.
Fans can purchase, in advance, parking spots at the KeyBank Center surface lot (Perry/Baltimore streets) and the LECOM Harborcenter parking ramp.