Historic Roots Meet Future Ambitions
Syracuse Crunch fans gather at the Oncenter War Memorial Arena, a 75‑year‑old facility that still manages to pack in 7,000 spectators, with extra folding chairs pressed into service for larger events.
County Executive Ryan McMahon recently called the arena one of the best venues in the American Hockey League, highlighting its acoustics that give the Crunch a genuine home‑ice advantage and noting that, despite its age, the building remains a strong draw for the community.
Team owner Howard Dolgon, meanwhile, has been vocal about the desire for a “state‑of‑the‑art” replacement, saying that the stars are beginning to align for a new arena that could serve as a year‑round hub for Central New York.
McMahon, however, cautioned that any move forward will require the involvement of additional partners before any concrete plans can be drawn, emphasizing that the conversation is still in its early stages.
Adding to the momentum, Dolgon announced a four‑year extension of the Crunch’s affiliation with the Tampa Bay Lightning, securing the partnership through the 2019‑2030 season and underscoring the team’s long‑term stability.