To spot the Upstate Medical University Arena, just look for the grand sandstone building with tall columns, rows of American flags waving proudly, and bold lettering across the top, right across the street in front of you.
Now, standing before this mighty arena, imagine yourself back in the early 1950s-the scent of new concrete in the air, the metallic clang of construction echoing down the street, and a buzz of excitement as Syracuse awaited a true marvel of engineering. This place, originally the Onondaga County War Memorial, isn’t just a building-it’s a tribute to those who served in World War I, World War II, and the Aroostook War, with every inch of its design meant for remembrance.
Here, a single-span, thin-shell concrete roof stretches above you, a structure that wowed architects as one of the earliest and most sophisticated of its kind-so yes, this place is literally a big deal in roof circles! It opened in 1951 and immediately became the beating heart of Syracuse’s sports and entertainment.
Back in the arena’s heyday, you’d find the Syracuse Nationals, who clinched a nail-biting NBA title on this very floor in 1955. Imagine the roar as they edged out the Fort Wayne Pistons by a single point! NBA All-Star legends, the NCAA’s Frozen Four, and even pro wrestlers have battled it out here, beneath lights that, by the way, were the first pro-hockey arena LEDs ever installed. Quick fact: even Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, and Bruce Springsteen have filled these seats with music lovers-and let’s not forget the Syracuse Crunch, who maintain this as their icy home.
But it’s not just a space for champions and rockstars. Over the years, it's hosted wild wrestling matches, AHL All-Star Classics, legendary concerts, historic lacrosse events, and even the annual state high school wrestling tournaments for decades. It was transformed into a beacon of community service during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a testing and vaccination hub.
Above the stage inside, the words “In memory of our service veterans” remind every visitor of its true purpose. So as you watch those flags flutter, remember you’re standing at the gateway to stories of triumph, drama, laughter, and hope… all beneath a roof that-trust me on this-has seen it all!
