Onondaga County Putting $2.6 Million Into Home of Syracuse Crunch

Onondaga County in New York is making a $2.6 million investment toward improvements at the Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial, home of the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch, an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The enhancements for the venue are set to begin this summer and will be unveiled in time for the 2025–2026 hockey season and 75th anniversary of the venue including new lower bowl seating, improved accessibility and expanded event spaces.

“We are eager to see this renovation start to take shape, starting with the upgrades to the lower bowl seating,” said Peter Casper, general manager of ASM Global Syracuse, which manages Upstate Medical University Arena.

For the first time in 15 years, the lower bowl seating will be upgraded with permanent seats featuring more space, cushioned seats and backs, vinyl upholstery, cup holders and a color scheme to match existing upper bowl seating. The project will also significantly expand wheelchair accessible seating for hockey games, nearly doubling the ADA seating capacity.

Built in 1951, Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial is a 6,700-capacity venue.
“As a growing community, it is more important than ever that we continue to make strategic investments in this space,” said Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County executive. “This latest investment to improve seating and accessibility as well as expanded event space builds upon the significant investments my administration has already made at the Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial.”