SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Onondaga County has unveiled an exciting interior renovation to the Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial just in time for the 2025-26 Syracuse Crunch hockey season.
 
Onondaga County made a significant $4 million dollar investment towards upgrades at the Upstate Medical University Arena, including 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,  further elevating the experience for fans, guests, and event organizers alike.
 
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, "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." McMahon continued, "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 renovation started in June 2025 and kicked off with an overhaul to the lower bowl seating, which now features American-made, high-quality permanent seats, produced and installed by one of the world's leading manufacturers of audience seating, Irwin Seating Company.
 
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, new retractable seating was installed on the stage, allowing for multiple configurations to accommodate any group utilizing this space during Syracuse Crunch games.
 
The legendary arena also underwent a major audio upgrade with the installation of a state-of-the-art sound system, featuring Powersoft amplifiers and more than 130 Fulcrum and JBL speakers, designed to deliver clear, even sound throughout the venue.
 
Another highlight of the project is the new Legacy Lounge, a fully renovated space paying homage to the legacy of talent that has played in the arena over the last seven decades, complete with new graphics, flooring, furniture, gaming and more. The lounge, which will offer elevated 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.
 
Additionally, due to the popularity of the venue's first Syracuse National-themed Grab & Go food area, a second Grab & Go spot has been added, offering convenient fan-favorites.
 
"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, which manages Upstate Medical University Arena. "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."
 
Built in 1951, Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial is a 6,700-capacity venue, which plays host to Syracuse Crunch home hockey games. Managed by Legends Global, the venue also has the versatility to accommodate numerous large-scale events, including ice shows, family shows, car shows, concerts, sports events and conventions. High-profile events hosted at the arena include comedians Adam Sandler and Kevin Hart, Disney on Ice, The Doobie Brothers, and more.
 
The 2025-26 hockey season for the Syracuse Crunch kicks off on Saturday, October 18 at Upstate Medical University. Single game tickets and ticket packages for the 2025-26 season are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Crunch office located inside the Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial at 760 S. State St. in Syracuse, by calling the office at 315-473-4444 or online through Ticketmaster.
 
About Legends Global
Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands.  We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services, including feasibility & consulting, owner's rep, sales, partnerships, venue management, hospitality, merchandise, and content & booking. Through our white-label approach, we keep our partners front and center while leveraging the power of our global network: over 450 venues, 20,000 events, and 165 million guests annually.  To learn more, visit us at www.LegendsGlobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.