NBT Bank Arena

Parking

The arena runs three event lots: a VIP/accessible lot beside the building on Auditorium Drive and two large public lots behind it, all entered from Whitesboro Street. Whitesboro Street between Broadway and Auditorium Drive has no street parking on game nights.

Getting there

Downtown at 400 Oriskany St. W. From the Thruway take Exit 31, follow Genesee St. South, then go right on Whitesboro St.; the arena is six blocks up on the left. Syracuse (SYR) is the closest airport, about an hour away.

Bar scene

The building has several bars of its own: One 9 Five 9 near Section 215 (the only liquor bar open to non-season-ticket holders), the Horton Room and Kilfoil's Irish Pub. 72 Tavern & Grill, attached to the arena's west end, shows the Comets broadcast for fans without tickets.

Pre-game bars

• 72 Tavern & Grill — Attached to the arena's west end, with a 160-inch video wall that streams Comets home games
• Gerber's 1933 Tavern — 16 Liberty St., downtown; everything made fresh daily
• Babe's at Harbor Point — North Genesee St.; known for chicken riggies, with happy-hour specials

Insider tips

• Doors open 90 minutes before puck drop.
• No backpacks or anything bigger than a backpack, no re-entry, and no outside food or drink (water included).
• Cards are accepted at concessions and the team store, but not for parking, so bring cash for the lot.
• Ushers hold you at the portals until a whistle; concourse TVs carry the play while you wait.
• 2026-27 theme nights include Halloween (Oct 30, with free beer and wine tasting for adults), Sock Toss (Jan 23), Slap Shot Night (Feb 26) and St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17).