Advice on gameday experience

[Kicksave]

First of all, WOW.  What a night last night.  That was special.

I was hoping for a little advice.  It's been some time since I've been out to Buffalo for a game but have tickets to the Sabres/Kraken game on the 28th.  Back in the day I always used to park under the exit ramp by Pearl Street Grill and then head over there pregame.  However I know there are more options now like Southern Tier and others.  Any advice on parking and where to go pregame?  Being a 5:30 puck drop the wife and I figured we come out and make a day of it.  Thanks for any suggestions and Go Sabres!

[That Aud Smell]

First thing first: I think your old plan should still work like a charm! It might be fun to reboot it and dust it off.

In terms of newer options, we've had good success at Other Half Brewing, which is built into the Marine Midland / HSBC / Seneca One Tower. One tiny caveat: The beer menu is dominated by IPA's, so if that's a turnoff, maybe better to avoid.

I appreciate the modern pregame restaurant technique of ordering through your phone. The food comes out fast (and it's decent/fine - nothing incredible - but solid). There's a good vibe in the high-ceilinged room as well.

[Kicksave]

3 hours ago, That Aud Smell said:

First thing first: I think your old plan should still work like a charm! It might be fun to reboot it and dust it off.

In terms of newer options, we've had good success at Other Half Brewing, which is built into the Marine Midland / HSBC / Seneca One Tower. One tiny caveat: The beer menu is dominated by IPA's, so if that's a turnoff, maybe better to avoid.

I appreciate the modern pregame restaurant technique of ordering through your phone. The food comes out fast (and it's decent/fine - nothing incredible - but solid). There's a good vibe in the high-ceilinged room as well.

Awesome, thanks for the heads up!  Might go the old route but was curios as to what new options or hidden gems that might be recommended.   Super excited to get back out there again!

[Taro T]

Not a fan of Southern Tier.  It's better than it was when it was (716) but not by much.

Our normal go to place is Union Pub in the Ellicott Square building kitty corner across from the ball park.  It's a straight shot 5-10 minute walk to the rink from there.

We typically park at a large lot on the other side of the ECC pool.  It's most of the block between Elm and Michigan and N. Division and Swan.  $10 to park typically.  10-15 minute walk to the rink, but it's on the same street as Union is and it is really easy to get to both the (I-)190 and the 33 from the lot.

For a different take, pretty sure they've finally completed the new "subway" stop next to the rink, and all of the above ground portion of the "subway" is free to ride so its a pretty short walk and ride to places like Gabriel's Gate if you park somewhere near Pearl St or further up on/near Main.

There's a lot of good places to eat or grab a brew downtown.  If you were in town for the Detroit game the night before there's probably more stuff open but even on Sunday there should be plenty of places open before and after the game.  Game will likely let out just after 8PM.

Edited March 9 by Taro T

[PASabreFan]

4 hours ago, Kicksave said:

First of all, WOW.  What a night last night.  That was special.

I was hoping for a little advice.  It's been some time since I've been out to Buffalo for a game but have tickets to the Sabres/Kraken game on the 28th.  Back in the day I always used to park under the exit ramp by Pearl Street Grill and then head over there pregame.  However I know there are more options now like Southern Tier and others.  Any advice on parking and where to go pregame?  Being a 5:30 puck drop the wife and I figured we come out and make a day of it.  Thanks for any suggestions and Go Sabres!

You can park up Washington St. across from the Holiday Inn for $5 (up from $3!) then walk one block over to Fountain Plaza and take the train to the arena for free. You'll probably be astounded at Canalside. Even now there is ongoing construction. Walk over exactly where the Aud was, and don't miss the Tim Horton statue acrost from, uh, Tim Horton's. Also can't miss the French Connection statue in Alumni Plaza.

Edited March 9 by PASabreFan