Upstate Medical University Arena War Memorial
Historic Syracuse venue hosting sports, concerts, and events, with a rich past and vibrant present.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Electric atmosphere
Upstate Medical University Arena War Memorial
Best Time
Electric atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Syracuse venue hosting sports, concerts, and events, with a rich past and vibrant present.
"A place of much history, setting it apart from many other arenas."
🎯 Check Seating Charts
Review seating charts carefully for obstructed views, especially in upper sections. :seat:
🚗 Plan Parking Ahead
Parking is available nearby but can be costly. Consider lots slightly further for potential savings. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Syracuse Crunch Hockey
Ice Rink
Experience the electric atmosphere of a Syracuse Crunch game, known for intense matchups and passionate fans.
Historic War Memorial Panels
Entrance/Concourse
Honor fallen soldiers at the historic panels, a poignant reminder of the arena's deep historical significance.
Concert History Wall
Concourse Doors
See photos of legendary musicians like Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Presley who have graced the Oncenter stage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Your Visit
Seating and Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Where is the best seating for a concert in the Upstate Medical University Arena?
🎯 Check Seating Charts
Review seating charts carefully for obstructed views, especially in upper sections. :seat:
🚗 Plan Parking Ahead
Parking is available nearby but can be costly. Consider lots slightly further for potential savings. :car:
Does anyone have experience with concerts at the Oncenter?
War memorial seating
🚶 Ask for Directions
Seat directions can be unclear; don't hesitate to ask ushers for guidance to your section. :walking:
🥤 Soda Can Policy
Be aware that soda is often served in cans and may need to be poured into cups at the entrance. :soda:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Seating Charts
Review seating charts carefully for obstructed views, especially in upper sections. :seat:
🚗 Plan Parking Ahead
Parking is available nearby but can be costly. Consider lots slightly further for potential savings. :car:
🚶 Ask for Directions
Seat directions can be unclear; don't hesitate to ask ushers for guidance to your section. :walking:
🥤 Soda Can Policy
Be aware that soda is often served in cans and may need to be poured into cups at the entrance. :soda:
🤝 Comfortable Seating
Floor seating can be very close together and warm; consider other sections for more space. :chair:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Upstate Medical Arena for its electric atmosphere during Syracuse Crunch games and its significant historical importance, including war memorial panels and a legacy of hosting major musical acts. However, some find the seating arrangements, particularly on the floor, to be too close, and note that directions to seats can be unclear, with potential for obstructed views in upper sections.
"The concert was great. The venue not so much.
The sold soda in cans, and had a guy next to the door to the arena making you put it in cups.
Directions to seats was non-existent, so you had to ask an usher and they just pointed you in a direction."
Josh R
"Upstate Medical Arena at the Oncenter Center War Memorial is a great little venu for sports and entertainment! Attended a Syracuse Crunch game here and it was fantastic. The seating capacity for hockey is about 5,800. Most seats have very good views of the rink.
The Oncenter was built shortly after WW2 and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It is a place of much history. Be sure to take a moment to see the panels on the wall of all the soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice in different American Wars. That part alone sets it apart from many other arenas. On top of that it is also the place where the Syracuse Nationals of the NBA played in the 1950’s. It was here the basketball shot clock was invented. When walking into the stands you will notice pictures of all the great musicians who performed at the Oncenter on the doors. Some of the greats include Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Elvis Presley.
The concessions at the arena are standard and very good. A team store is located near the stage end of the arena. Bathrooms were very clean. The atmosphere in the arena was very good, the crowd gets charged when the team plays well. There are many crowd entertainment activities during breaks.
Some seats near the top of the arena have obstructed views due to ceiling vaults. Keep this in mind when getting tickets. Ticketmaster does make this clear.
It is easy to park next to the arena and the walk from the parking lot is not very far. You will get charged for parking. There is both a parking garage and outdoor garage nearby. There are also some parking lots a little further away that charge a little less for parking.
Overall, a great place experience."
Ryan Mazierski
"So ,I recently went to see Kevin Heart and the show was great all the comedians were awesome. However, the seating arrangement was horrible the seats were TOO CLOSE TOGETHER on the floor seating everyone in the row was squeezed together it was so hot! Please separate the chairs a bit more that was ridiculous!"
Sindy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Upstate Medical Arena at the Oncenter is located in Syracuse, NY. It's accessible by car, with several parking garages and lots nearby. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point.
There are parking garages and outdoor lots adjacent to the arena, as well as some further away that might be less expensive. Expect to pay for parking.
Information on public transport routes to the arena can be found on the local transit authority's website. It's advisable to check schedules in advance.
Yes, several hotels are located within a short distance of the arena, making it convenient for out-of-town visitors attending events.
While ushers can point you in the right direction, seat directions can sometimes be unclear. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically available through Ticketmaster and the official arena website. Resale markets are also an option, but be mindful of pricing.
For hockey, the seating capacity is around 5,800. Concert capacities can vary depending on stage setup.
While specific policies can vary by event, be aware of rules regarding outside food and beverages. For example, soda may be served in cans and require pouring into cups.
Consult the seating chart when purchasing tickets. Some upper-level seats may have obstructed views due to ceiling vaults.
Depending on the event's popularity, tickets may be available at the box office or through resale platforms on the day of the event, but it's best to book in advance for popular shows.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is electric and the crowd gets charged when the team plays well. It's a great experience with passionate fans.
Reviews generally indicate that the bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.
Built after WWII, it's a National Historic Landmark. It was home to the Syracuse Nationals NBA team and the birthplace of the basketball shot clock.
During breaks, especially at Crunch games, there are various crowd entertainment activities to keep the energy high.
Yes, some seats near the top of the arena can have obstructed views due to ceiling vaults. Ticketmaster usually makes this clear when purchasing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Concessions are standard and generally considered very good. You can expect typical arena fare.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted. Soda is often served in cans and may need to be poured into cups.
Yes, there is a team store located near the stage end of the arena, likely selling Syracuse Crunch merchandise.
Syracuse offers a variety of dining options in the surrounding downtown area, which you can explore before or after your event.
Concession prices are typical for arena venues and can add up, especially for families.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by event. Generally, personal cameras with no flash are often permitted, but professional equipment usually requires special accreditation. Check the event's specific rules.
The historic war memorial panels and the concert history wall offer unique photographic opportunities. During games, the ice rink provides a dynamic backdrop.
Depending on your seating location, you can capture good shots of the stage. However, flash photography is usually prohibited to avoid distracting performers.
The arena itself, with its historic elements and the murals depicting past performers, offers visual interest for photographers.
Lighting conditions can vary greatly depending on the event. Concerts often have dramatic stage lighting, while hockey games are well-lit for play.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When considering tickets, pay attention to the seating chart to ensure a clear view for children. While concessions offer standard arena fare, bringing your own snacks is generally not allowed. Parking is available nearby, but arriving early can help manage the logistics of getting children settled before the event begins. The historical elements, like the war memorial panels, can also offer a brief educational moment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Parking is an additional cost, so exploring parking lots slightly further from the arena might offer savings. For dining, while concessions are convenient, consider eating before or after the event at more budget-friendly spots in downtown Syracuse to manage overall expenses. Keep an eye out for any special promotions or discounts that might be available for specific events.
🎶 Concert Goers
Be prepared for the arena's policies regarding beverages; soda is often served in cans and may need to be poured into cups. For those opting for floor seating, reviews suggest it can be quite close and warm, so factor that into your comfort level. The arena's acoustics and sightlines are generally good, but individual experiences can depend heavily on the specific seating location and stage setup.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Oncenter War Memorial
Beyond its memorial aspects, the arena has a rich sporting past. It was the home of the Syracuse Nationals of the NBA in the 1950s, and remarkably, it was here that the basketball shot clock was invented. This innovation fundamentally changed the pace and strategy of the game. Walking through the concourses, you'll also notice doors adorned with pictures of great musicians who have performed there, including icons like Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Elvis Presley, underscoring its legacy as a premier entertainment destination.
Experiencing a Syracuse Crunch Game
Recent improvements, such as the addition of box seats and the distinctive goal horn, have further enhanced the game-day atmosphere. The veterans mural above the stage also adds a unique touch. Whether the Crunch are winning or losing, the fans' passion creates an intense and exciting environment, making it a memorable outing for both seasoned hockey fans and newcomers alike.
Navigating Seating and Views
Obstructed views are a common concern mentioned in reviews, specifically for some seats located near the top of the arena. These obstructions are often due to ceiling vaults, which can impact the view of the stage or playing area. Ticketmaster, a primary ticket vendor, typically indicates these obstructed views on their seating charts, so it's highly recommended to review the seating chart carefully before purchasing tickets. For concerts, sections like 216-220 in rows B and C have been noted as potential options, but personal preference and the specific stage setup will influence the best choice.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit