A longtime Syracuse concert and sports arena has undergone major upgrades and installed new seating ahead of its 75th anniversary.
The Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial unveiled the renovations Thursday, two days before Syracuse Crunch kicks off its 2025-26 home schedule on Saturday. The improvements, funded by a $4 million investment from Onondaga County, include brand new lower bowl seating, improved accessibility, and expanded event spaces, a state-of-the-art sound system, renovated VIP lounge, and a new grab-and-go area for fans, guests and event organizers.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said the changes will improve the War Memorial experience and help attract new concerts, comedy shows and conventions to Central New York.
“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,” McMahon said. “I encourage everyone to come check out a show or Crunch game and experience all these great upgrades.”
The project, which began in June 2025, also expanded wheelchair-accessible space to nearly double ADA seating capacity in Section 123 for Crunch hockey games; added retractable seating to allow for multiple configurations; and removed some lower-bowl seating in front of the stage to open up space for a new, flexible event area.
The arena’s new Legacy Lounge pays homage to the history of the War Memorial and features new graphics, flooring, furniture, gaming and elevated food and beverage options. The VIP experience will be open to the public during Crunch games and available as a premium upgrade during non-Crunch events.
Legends Global, a new company created last month when Legends merged with ASM Global, manages the venue as well as the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview.
“We are beyond excited to be able to finally reveal the new and improved Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial,” said Peter Casper, general manager for Legends Global. “The team has worked tirelessly over these last few months to complete the project in time for the hockey season, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the result. We are confident that the team fans and guests at every event will truly appreciate every aspect, from the crisp sounds of the audio system and the VIP feel of the Legacy Lounge, to the food and beverage, and we can’t wait to see their reactions.”
Upstate Medical University Arena, which first opened in 1951 as the Onondaga County War Memorial, is a 6,700-capacity venue that hosts Syracuse Crunch games and a variety of other events, including ice shows, family shows, car shows, concerts, conventions and other events. The venue was renamed in 2019 when Upstate Medical University purchased the naming rights.
Notable events at the venue include the Syracuse Nationals’ 1955 NBA Championship victory, the 1961 NBA All-Star Game, two NCAA Frozen Four tournaments, and scenes filmed for the 1977 Paul Newman movie “Slap Shot.” Famous artists who’ve performed at the arena include Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Billy Joel, Frank Sinatra, Tom Petty, Ozzy Osbourne, New Kids On The Block, James Taylor, and comedian Adam Sandler.
The Syracuse Crunch will begin the 2025-26 hockey season with a home opener Saturday, Oct. 18. Single game tickets and ticket packages are available via Ticketmaster, in person at the Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial at 760 S. State St. in Syracuse, or by calling 315-473-4444.
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