Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial

In the heart of the city of Syracuse lies a venue that combines sporting power with historical memory — the legendary War Memorial Arena. Officially known as the Upstate Medical University Arena, this multi-purpose facility is a key element of the Oncenter cultural complex and one of the main attractions in New York State, USA.

From an architectural standpoint, the building is of particular interest: it was one of the first and most striking examples of a single-span thin-shell reinforced concrete roof. This innovative solution allowed for a vast interior space without extra support pillars, ensuring that views from any seat in the stands are as comfortable as possible.

Today, the arena hosts exciting sporting competitions and large-scale shows. Whether it is a hockey match, a basketball game, or a major music concert, the War Memorial Arena consistently attracts thousands of spectators with its special atmosphere and excellent accessibility.

For more information about upcoming events, ticket availability, or venue rules, you can use the official communication channels.

The main magnet for visitors is undoubtedly the hockey battles. The arena is the home ice for the Syracuse Crunch team. The energy of the crowd during American Hockey League matches creates a unique feeling of being part of the sporting action. Additionally, basketball games and tournaments for other disciplines are often held here.

If sports are less of an interest to you, the arena offers a rich cultural program. World-class stars regularly perform here in concerts, and spectacular circus shows and large-scale exhibitions are also held. The venue is easily transformed, turning from an ice rink into a concert hall or exhibition pavilion.

During event intermissions, guests can visit modern food courts or purchase memorabilia in the souvenir shops. The arena is also notable for being a filming location for well-known movies, so film buffs can try to spot familiar angles within the complex's interiors.

The landmark is located at 515 Montgomery St, in the very heart of the city. Thanks to its central location, the arena is easily accessible by both private and public transport.

For those who prefer buses, the main city routes connecting various neighborhoods pass right by the complex. If you are traveling by car, there are several spacious parking lots around the building. A taxi or rental car ride from the local airport will take only 15–20 minutes.

If you are staying at one of the downtown hotels, a pleasant walk to the War Memorial Arena will take no more than ten minutes. Syracuse's urban infrastructure also makes it easy to reach the venue via ride-sharing services or traditional taxis from anywhere in the city.

Construction of this iconic structure took place between 1949 and 1951, based on a design by the Edgarton and Edgarton architectural firm. The building was envisioned not just as a stadium, but as a memorial to the residents of Onondaga County who showed courage during World War I and World War II. In 1988, for its unique architecture and public significance, the arena was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The arena's walls have witnessed great sporting triumphs. It was here in 1955 that the Syracuse Nationals captured the NBA Championship title. Over the years, the venue has served as the home for lacrosse, indoor soccer, and hockey teams. In 1961, it even hosted the famous NBA All-Star Game.

The arena's modern history was marked by a significant event in 2019, when it was officially renamed the Upstate Medical University Arena as part of a partnership with the medical university. Despite the name change, for many, it remains the legendary "War Memorial," preserving the spirit of the region's sporting history.

When planning a visit to the War Memorial Arena, consider the format of the event. If you are attending a hockey match or a concert, you should budget about 2–4 hours. This is enough time to go through security, find your seats, enjoy the show, and visit the concession areas.

For those who want not only to see the show but also to take a closer look at the building's architectural features or visit the souvenir shops, a little more time may be required. Overall, the arena fits perfectly into plans for a weekend evening or a weeknight out.

The operating hours for the box office and administration are fairly consistent; however, access to the building itself depends directly on the schedule of scheduled events.

Note: On match or concert days, the arena doors typically open to spectators 1–2 hours before the event begins. It is recommended to check the exact entry time on the official website for each specific case.

After attending an event at the War Memorial Arena, it is worth taking some time to explore the surrounding area. Downtown Syracuse is rich with interesting locations that will help you better understand the culture and history of the region.

Within walking distance, you will find architectural monuments, cozy parks, and modern entertainment centers suitable for the whole family.