Facility Overview

SUNY Erie (North Campus) - Parking Lot 9 is a dedicated open-air surface parking facility situated on the southern perimeter of the SUNY Erie North Campus in the Cheektowaga and Williamsville border area of Erie County, New York. Laid out with wide, asphalt-paved drive lanes and traditional 90-degree parking bays, Lot 9 directly borders the campus athletic fields, the Bell Sports Center, and campus support facilities. Because it is an unobstructed outdoor surface lot, it offers unrestricted vertical clearance with open sky overhead. This makes it an accommodating choice for a wide spectrum of passenger and commercial vehicles, from subcompact commuter cars and minivans to full-size pickup trucks, passenger vans, and light service utility vehicles.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned along the south edge of the 120-acre collegiate campus, Lot 9 offers prime convenience for academic, athletic, and regional travel purposes. Key destinations within immediate walking distance or a short drive include:

• SUNY Erie Bell Sports Center & Athletic Fields: Located immediately adjacent to the lot (1 to 3 minutes on foot), making Lot 9 the premier designated parking area for Kats collegiate games, track events, and community sporting tournaments.
• Academic & Student Centers: A short 4- to 7-minute stroll connects drivers to the Spring Student Center, Bretschger Hall, Gleasner Hall, and the Center for STEM Studies.
• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF): Positioned just over 1 mile south along Wehrle Drive and Genesee Street, placing Lot 9 within a 5-minute drive of airport hotels and aviation business hubs.
• Diamond Hawk Golf Course: Located just over 1 mile east along Wehrle Drive, popular among local golfers and event attendees.
• Historic Village of Williamsville: Situated roughly 1.5 miles north along Main Street (NY-5), featuring picturesque Glen Falls, Island Park, and a diverse row of boutique shops, cafes, and historic taverns.
• University at Buffalo (UB) North Campus: Easily reached via an 8- to 10-minute drive northwest via the I-290 corridor.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Lot 9 features straightforward vehicular access via Wehrle Drive, Youngs Road, and internal campus ring roads such as Arrow Drive and SUNY Erie Drive. Entering from Wehrle Drive provides the fastest approach to Lot 9, completely bypassing heavier academic vehicular queues closer to Main Street. For regional commuters, the lot boasts quick connectivity to the New York State Thruway (I-90, Exit 49 or Exit 50) and the Kensington Expressway (NY-33), enabling seamless inbound and outbound travel during peak morning and afternoon class hours. Public transit riders benefit from local NFTA-Metro bus connections serving the campus perimeter, as well as the dedicated SUNY Erie inter-campus shuttle linking North Campus directly to the City and South campuses.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Level, paved asphalt layout featuring clear stall striping and generous turning radii.
• No Height Clearance Restrictions: Unobstructed open headroom that accommodates tall SUVs, lifted trucks, and passenger vans.
• ADA Accessible Parking: Designated accessible bays with ramped sidewalk cutouts leading directly into the Bell Sports Center and athletic grounds.
• Campus Security Patrols: Regularly monitored by the SUNY Erie College Safety & Security Department with visible patrols.
• Safety Infrastructure: Campus blue-light emergency call boxes situated along pedestrian avenues, supplemented by high-output overhead lighting for evening arrivals and departures.
• Pedestrian Pathways: Direct, paved sidewalks offering illuminated, snow-cleared connections to all major instructional halls.

Ideal For

• SUNY Erie Students & Faculty: Everyday commuters attending classes, lab work, or study sessions at North Campus buildings.
• Athletics Fans & Event Attendees: Visitors attending collegiate games, intramural sports tournaments, or field day activities at the Bell Sports Center.
• Campus Visitors & Open House Guests: Prospective students and families arriving for admissions events, orientations, or registrar visits.
• Community Learners & Workshop Attendees: Local professionals participating in continuing education courses or seminars held in nearby campus facilities.

Visitor & Driver Tips

During the active fall and spring academic semesters, students and staff must display an authorized SUNY Erie parking permit, which is coordinated via the college transportation services. Visitors attending sanctioned open houses, Kats sporting events, or admissions tours can typically park without charge, but it is always best practice to verify any special guest registration requirements with campus safety upon arrival. Because overnight parking is generally prohibited without prior security authorization, drivers should refrain from leaving vehicles parked through the night. In the winter months, be sure to exercise standard caution during heavy Western New York snowfall and follow any designated seasonal parking corridors to facilitate snowplow operations.