Hey,
I saw all of the parking regulations and advice on the website. Does anybody have a good strategy? I'm going to get there around 11. Will the downtown lots be full? Should I take the train from South Campus?
Looking for anyone who might have some Buffalo wisdom.....
thanks,
Lenny
I'm from Buffalo and here's the advice I've given over on the "Buffalo hotels" thread:
There are several lots downtown near the HSBC arena. There is a lot across from the arena which probably only costs ~$10. However, KEEP IN MIND that this will be a buisness day and if you plan to arrive around the arena anytime after 9am (you won't be able to enter the interior of the arena until 11am) you WON'T get a spot in that lot and you'll be hard pressed to find a spot elsewhere in the immediate vicinity. Other lots include the lot within the base of the HSBC Tower (tallest building in Buffalo- can't miss it), also the lot across the street from HSBC Tower, the Dunn Tire Field ramp. There's also a lot adjacent to the Buffalo convention center (where the NCAA festival will begin at 9am). You can walk from the BCC to HSBC arena in about 15 minutes. However, most lots in the downtown area are FULL by 9am, definitely by 10am on a buisness day, therefore TAKE THE SUBWAY!
I HIGHLY suggest the Buffalo Metro subway. You can park for FREE and ride round trip for ~$2 from either the UB South Campus station or LaSalle station.
Here's the info from the official local organizing committee website:
http://www.centericecrewbuffalo.com/
and http://www.nfta.com/metro/
"Park in one of the Metro Rail lots at either the LaSalle station or the UB South Campus station. Lots serving the UB South Campus station are the following: UB lot at Main and Bailey; NFTA lots next to station on Main Street; and Allen, Townsend and Abbott lots accessible from Main Street as well. These are the northernmost stops on the system. Parking is free and the Metro Rail fare is $1.25 (each way). Trains run every few minutes per schedule (from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.) and can drop you off anywhere downtown or as close as a slapshot away from HSBC Arena."
Click on the organizing committee's website and look at "Map A" for a good idea of how to get to UB South campus station (the northern subway terminus) and click on "Map B" for the location of parking lots downtown.
Hey Thanks a lot for that. Really Helpful.
I wasn't sure if there was any hope of finding space downtown. I'll go with the subway route since i'll get there around 11.
Thanks again,
Lenny
GO RED
the only problem with the subway is parking that far out like at the college requires 20 minutes and then whatever it takes to get in and walk from the station.. i to was planning on getting there by 11 but not sure thats early enough.. anyone got a idea on timing from ithaca.. im thinking 2:30-2:45...
I'd give it atleast 3 hours if I were you. Takes about 2 to Rochester and 1 more to Buffalo.
1:50 to Rochester from Ithaca. Although you don't actually go up to Rochester, you stay on the 90. so a little less. Make sure you take 89 up, much better.
But, leave extra time.
L
Mike-
did you see this post on the 'buffalo parking' thread? What do you think?
Lenny
just called HSBC and asked what they thought of the parking situation.. they dont expect any problem finding parking close.. the main garage has 2 floors which are not open to the public but will be open for the event.. there is also a large lot on mississippi that will be open for the event that is not open to the public.. they also said if you work you way back up main st to the north there are lots of lots for the public and the trolley ride is free if you dont go into the tunnel...
they felt at worst you may have to search a few lots but will still get there faster than trying to park at the college or airport and take the bus or train in...
I've done the drive between Buffalo and Ithaca many times now and the fastest I've ever done is 2:40. I'd suggest allowing 3 hours just in case there are any delays on 90 or if you get stuck behind a horse and buggy on 96 by Waterloo.
I also agree with Mike that the subway is the way to go. I always take it to HSBC for Sabres games or concerts and they have the Special Events stop open which is as close to the arena as you can get. Also for those wanting to go to the gathering at Pearl St. beforehand, the Seneca stop should be the closest. You can come and go on the subway without paying a fare on the above-ground section, between the Theater stop and the Special Events stop, so it's possible to take the subway to Seneca St. and then get back on again to ride to the arena (although it's just a couple of blocks--10 min walk max). Keep in mind that when the garages are full, it can take a LONG time to get out after the games.
Happy travelling everyone and see you at the games! Let's go Red!