SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Crews will spend this summer renovating the interior of the Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial. Onondaga County is providing $2.6 million in funding toward improvements at the Upstate Medical University Arena, according to a March 4 announcement from Onondaga County, ASM Global Syracuse, and the Syracuse Crunch. ASM […]
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Crews will spend this summer renovating the interior of the Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial.
Onondaga County is providing $2.6 million in funding toward improvements at the Upstate Medical University Arena, according to a March 4 announcement from Onondaga County, ASM Global Syracuse, and the Syracuse Crunch.
ASM Global Syracuse is the company that manages the arena.
The work will include new lower-bowl seating, improved accessibility, and expanded event spaces. The project is an “effort to elevate the sports and entertainment experience in the Syracuse market,” per the joint announcement.
The upgrades are set to begin this summer and will be unveiled this fall, in time for the 2025-26 hockey season and the venue’s 75th anniversary.
“The entertainment, tourism and hospitality industries are a vital part of our local economy. As a growing community, it is more important than ever that we continue to make strategic investments in this space,” Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said in the announcement. “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.”
For the first time in 15 years, the lower-bowl seating will be completely upgraded with new permanent seats. Irwin Seating Company, a manufacturer of audience seating, will produce and install the seats. The company is based on Grand Rapids, Michigan, per its LinkedIn profile.
The arena’s new seating will include more space, cushioned seats and backs, vinyl upholstery, cup holders, and a color scheme to match existing upper bowl seating.
“We are eager to see this renovation start to take shape, starting with the upgrades to the lower bowl seating,” Peter Casper, general manager, ASM Global Syracuse, said in the announcement. “Irwin’s seats are featured in many of the top NHL, NBA, MLB and NFL venues in the country and we are excited for guests to experience the quality and difference when they are installed in our arena.”
Scheduled to start this summer, the project will also “significantly expand” wheelchair accessible seating for hockey games. Section 123 will be reconfigured to nearly double the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) seating capacity at games, ensuring more fans can enjoy events comfortably.
Built in 1951, Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial is a 6,700-capacity venue, which hosts Syracuse Crunch home hockey games. The venue also has the versatility to accommodate numerous large-scale events, including ice shows, family shows, car shows, concerts, sports events, and conventions.
