SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The $4 million renovation project at the Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial has wrapped up ahead of the home schedule for the 2025-26 Syracuse Crunch ice-hockey season.
The Crunch, the top minor-league affiliate of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, is set for its home opener against the Rochester Americans, the Buffalo Sabres’ top affiliate, on Saturday evening with a 7 p.m. faceoff.
Onondaga County on Thursday said the improvements include brand new lower-bowl seating; improved accessibility; expanded event spaces; a state-of-the-art sound system; renovated VIP lounge; and a new grab-and-go area, “further elevating the experience for fans, guests, and event organizers alike,” per the announcement.
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“From seats and sound to the brand-new Legacy Lounge, these new upgrades at the War Memorial are some of the best yet. Not only will they enhance the visitor experience but also help market the facility to lure new concerts, comedy shows and conventions,” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said in the announcement. “Onondaga County runs largely on sales tax dollars so anything we can do to bring in visitors and capture their spending helps us lower property taxes for folks right here at home. I encourage everyone to come check out a show or Crunch game and experience all these great upgrades.”
The $4 million renovation project started back in June with an overhaul to the lower-bowl seating, which now offers American-made, permanent seats, produced and installed by Irwin Seating Company, described as “one of the world’s leading manufacturers of audience seating.”
The project also expanded wheelchair-accessible seating for hockey games, and lower-bowl seating in front of the stage was removed, opening up space for a brand new, flexible event area. Additionally, crews installed new retractable seating on the stage, allowing for multiple configurations to accommodate any group using this space during Syracuse Crunch games.
Besides seating, the arena also underwent a “major” audio upgrade with the installation of a new sound system, featuring Powersoft amplifiers and more than 130 Fulcrum and JBL speakers, designed to “deliver clear, even sound” throughout the venue, Onondaga County contended.
The renovation effort also included the new Legacy Lounge, a space paying homage to the legacy of talent that has played in the arena over the last seven decades with new graphics, flooring, furniture, and gaming. The lounge, which will offer improved food and beverage options, is open to the public during Syracuse Crunch games and will be available as a premium upgrade for non-Crunch events.
