Upstate Medical Arena interior embellishment

Article posted by Coliseum, March 10^th, 2025

Image: ASM Global

The Onondaga County, the venue management company ASM Global Syracuse and the professional ice hockey team Syracuse Crunch have announced a major interior transformation to their home ground – the Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial in Syracuse, New York (US) – in an effort to elevate the sports and entertainment experience in the Syracuse market.

‘ASM Global’ stated that the Onondaga County is making a significant $2.6 million investment toward improvements at the Upstate Medical Arena including brand new lower-bowl seating, improved accessibility and expanded event spaces upgrading the experience for the fans, the guests and the event organizers alike.

Los Angeles (US)-based ASM Global is the world’s No. 1 development and full-service venue company focused on client-first approaches for driving significant financial success. The company’s elite network spans five continents featuring a portfolio of more than 400 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention/exhibition centers, and the performing arts venues.

The ASM Global translates its unique visionary ownership experience into innovative project development, planning and execution, content programing, curated guest-immersive experiences, locally tailored solutions, and optimized revenue streams for their client’s properties and the surrounding communities.

The ASM Global Syracuse is a venue management company that operates The Oncenter and Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview (both venues in Syracuse, New York). The Syracuse Crunch is a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They play in Syracuse, New York (US) at the Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial.

The 7,000-capacity Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial (originally known as the Onondaga County War Memorial and later as the Oncenter War Memorial Arena) is a multipurpose arena located in Syracuse, New York (US). The structure is significant as an example of World War I, World War II and the Aroostook War commemorative.

Springfield (US)-based the American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary developmental league of the National Hockey League (NHL). The league comprises 32 teams with 26 in the United States and six in Canada. As of the 2024-2025 AHL seasons all the 32 NHL teams hold affiliations with an AHL team.

New York (US)-based the National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams – 25 in the United States and seven in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada and is considered the premier professional ice hockey league in the world.

‘ASM Global’ further stated that the upgrades are set to begin this Summer and will be unveiled in Fall 2025 in time for the 2025-2026 hockey seasons and the much anticipated 75th anniversary of the celebrated venue.

Remarked Ryan McMahon, Onondaga County Executive, “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. 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 Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial.”

For the first time in 15 years the lower-bowl seating will be completely upgraded with American-made, high-quality permanent seats designed for superior comfort and convenience and will be produced and installed by one of the world’s leading manufacturers of audience seating – the Irwin Seating Company. The arena’s new seating will feature more space, cushioned seats and backs, premium vinyl upholstery, cupholders, and a color scheme to match the existing upper-bowl seating.

Michigan (US)-based the Irwin Seating Company is a leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality seating solutions for a variety of venues including the theaters, the arenas and the educational facilities. With a long history of craftsmanship and innovation the Irwin Seating Company has built a reputation for delivering seating solutions that meet the demands of the modern venues.

Put in Peter Casper, General Manager, ASM Global Syracuse, which manages the Upstate Medical Arena, “We are eager to see this renovation start to take shape starting with the upgrades to the lower-bowl seating. Irwin’s seats are featured in many of the top NHL, National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), and the National Football League (NFL) venues in the United States and we are excited for the guests to experience the quality and difference when they are installed in our arena.”

Scheduled to begin in Summer 2025 the project will also significantly expand the wheelchair-accessible seating for the hockey games. The Section 123 will be reconfigured to nearly double the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) seating capacity at the games ensuring more fans can enjoy the events comfortably.

The project also includes the removal of the lower-bowl seating in front of the stage thus opening up space for a brand-new flexible event area. Additionally, new retractable seating will be installed on the stage allowing for multiple configurations to accommodate any group utilizing this space during the Syracuse Crunch games.

Built in 1951, the Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial is a 7,000-capacity venue which plays host to the 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. The high-profile events hosted at the arena include comedian Kevin Hart (American comedian and actor), Disney on Ice (touring ice shows), The Doobie Brothers (American rock band), and more.

Further details on these exciting upgrades which will bring greater flexibility to the arena’s overall setup will be shared in the coming months.

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