The Oncenter – Things To Do With Your Team

You and your team will be at the center of it all during your visit to The Oncenter in Syracuse, New York. The Oncenter, located in the city’s downtown area, is a three-building convention and entertainment complex that hosts a wide variety of different events. The three buildings that comprise The Oncenter are the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center, the John H. Mulroy Civic Center Theaters, and the War Memorial Arena.

Opened in 1992, the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center features 99,000 square feet of space with a 65,000-square-foot multipurpose exhibit hall, a 15,000-square-foot ballroom, and 10 meeting rooms. The John H. Mulroy Civic Center Theaters is made up of three different theaters. The Crouse-Hinds Theater, the main theater of the center, features one of the largest stages in Upstate New York and seats 2,117. The other two theaters are the Carrier Theater, with 463 seats, and the Bevard Studio, with 162 seats. The War Memorial Arena is the oldest and perhaps most prominent of The Oncenter’s three venues. Opened in 1951, the War Memorial Arena has been home to Syracuse’s former NBA team, the Syracuse Nationals, as well as several minor league hockey, football, and lacrosse teams.

Since 1994, it has been home to the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League. Since it’s located in Downtown Syracuse, The Oncenter is located within walking distance of many of the city’s popular attractions, landmarks, and restaurants. This means that whatever downtime your team has during their visit to The Oncenter is the perfect opportunity to see what this charming Upstate city has to offer.

Things to Do

Erie Canal Museum

The Erie Canal Museum is a unique museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the building in which it is located, the only existing weighlock building in the United States, and to telling the incredible story of the Erie Canal. The museum features a variety of kid-friendly activities and experiences.

While you’re there, you and your team will learn about 200 years of Erie Canal history as you come aboard a full-sized replica canal boat, learn about how life was in a canal town, try on historic clothing, and more. The Erie Canal Museum’s variety of informative exhibits makes it a must-see Syracuse attraction for visitors of all ages. Before disembarking, be sure to stop by the museum’s store, where you’ll find historic maps, books for children and adults, T-shirts, toys, and more. 318 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY 13202

Onondaga Creekwalk

Upstate New York is a region renowned for its abundant natural beauty. While at The Oncenter, you and your team can experience this beauty for yourself on one of the city’s most popular trails, the Onondaga Creekwalk. Currently a work in progress, the Creekwalk already boasts a reputation of being the most attractive stretch of trail in the City of Syracuse. The trail offers just over two and a half miles of serene yet urban surroundings. Its moderate length makes the Creekwalk a great way to spend an hour or two outside with your team. 500 S Franklin St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology

The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology is a fantastic, hands-on museum near The Oncenter that caters to visitors of all ages. There are hundreds of exhibits for you and your team to enjoy throughout the museum’s 35,000-square-foot facility. Among the many interesting topics covered by the many exhibits at the Museum of Science & Technology are nanoscience, dark matter, and spaceflight. The Museum of Science & Technology also boasts the only public planetarium in Central New York and the only domed IMAX movie theater in the state. 500 S Franklin St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Clinton Square

Established in the early 19th century, Clinton Square was Syracuse’s original town center. It first came to be because it is situated at the intersection of roadways from the north and south. By 1825, the construction of the Erie Canal further transformed the busy intersection into the center of commerce and trade in Central New York. Nearly two centuries later, Clinton Square remains a popular gathering place for Syracuse locals and visitors alike.

It hosts a wide variety of outdoor events and festivals year-round. In the winter months, the reflecting pool in the center of the square is converted to an ice skating rink. A visit to the Clinton Square Ice Rink is a great way to enjoy a bit of outdoor fun if the weather’s cold during your team’s stay in Syracuse. 161 W Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13219

Syracuse University

No trip to Syracuse would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s most iconic institutions, Syracuse University. Established in 1870, Syracuse University is home to a wealth of history. A stroll around Syracuse University’s beautiful campus is the perfect way for you and your team to spend a sunny afternoon.

To make your team’s visit to Syracuse University even more special, attend a sporting event or visit one of the university’s world-class museums. While you’re there, also be sure to check out the Syracuse University Bookstore. There, you and your team can browse through their extensive selection of apparel, souvenirs, and more. 900 South Crouse Ave, Syracuse, NY 13244

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Places to Eat

Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub & Restaurant

Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub & Restaurant is a popular Syracuse watering hole near The Oncenter that’s much more than just another place to eat. This authentic, unmistakably Irish pub is a place where locals love to gather to watch the game, take in some live music, and enjoy each other’s company. The menu at Kitty Hoynes includes traditional Irish fare as well as American pub favorites.

In addition to classics like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie, you and your team can also try more unconventional dishes like Irish meatloaf, bangers and mash, and cured back bacon and cabbage. Definitely don’t leave Kitty Hoynes without trying the Reuben Fritters, one of their most popular appetizers. These flavorful “Irish Cannonballs” are made using a combination of homemade corned beef, Swiss and cream cheeses, and sauerkraut, and are served with a side of Guinness whole grain honey mustard. 301 W Fayette St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Pastabilities

For over 30 years, Pastabilities has been serving up delectable, Italian-inspired cuisine made from scratch. Their award-winning menu consists of traditional Italian dishes like carbonara, fettuccine Alfredo, and housemade cheese ravioli alongside classics that have been given an up to date spin, including Wicky-Wicky Chicken Riggies, a spicy chicken rigatoni, and butternut squash ravioli topped with kale pesto, toasted almonds, and cream.

They also make all of their baked goods in-house, including the wildly popular Italian stretch bread. Pastabilities also features a kids’ menu with dishes that are perfect for any picky eaters that might be on your team. If the weather’s good, enjoy your meal on their outdoor patio. 311 S Franklin St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Funk ‘n Waffles

Started by two Syracuse University students, Funk ‘n Waffles offers an exciting new twist on culinary entertainment. They specialize in serving unique and delicious food paired with live musical entertainment taking place nightly. As their name implies, the specialty at Funk ‘n Waffles is, of course, their waffles. They range from a traditional buttermilk waffle drizzled with rich maple syrup all the way to unorthodox creations like a waffle made from falafel topped with Israeli salad and tahini.

Other unconventional takes on the breakfast classic at Funk ‘n Waffles include the Jive Turkey, a waffle made from stuffing and topped with smoked turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy, and the All Shook Up, which features a bacon-stuffed buttermilk waffle topped with bananas, honey, and peanut butter. In addition to an eclectic selection of waffles, the menu at Funk ‘n Waffles also features sandwiches, salads, chicken wings and tenders, and much more, along with breakfast served all day. 313 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

Good barbeque in the Northeast is far from extinct thanks to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The menu at this popular barbeque joint is firmly rooted in Southern tradition but features other influences as well that gives their food its own distinctive character. That’s why, in addition to classic barbequed meats like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, they also serve up unique dishes like brisket hash, BBQ catfish, a BBQ Reuben sandwich, and “Pork-Sket,” a hearty sandwich consisting of BBQ brisket layered with cheese and jalapenos, topped with pulled pork and crisp coleslaw. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que also hosts live music nightly on Monday through Saturday, providing the perfect complement to your team’s dining experience. 246 W Willow St, Syracuse, NY 13202

Your team’s trip to Syracuse won’t be much of “trip” since you’ll all feel right at home immediately upon arriving in this beautiful Upstate city. What makes Syracuse such a unique travel destination is that while it offers visitors big city amenities like fun attractions and world-class dining, it still retains an unmistakable small-town feel. So during your team’s visit to The Oncenter, don’t be afraid to get out and wander around in search of the many great experiences that can only be had in Syracuse.