The Syracuse Crunch wrapped up the 2025-26 AHL regular season on April 19 at the Upstate Medical University Arena at the OnCenter War Memorial. The 76-game schedule is complete, and the Calder Cup playoffs are next.
The Crunch are the Tampa Bay Lightning’s primary AHL development affiliate, a relationship that has been in place since the 2012-13 season. Every player on the Syracuse roster is either working toward a Lightning call-up or building the experience needed to contribute at the NHL level.
The Arena
The Upstate Medical University Arena (formerly the War Memorial, built in 1951) has a capacity of 6,700 for hockey. The arena received a $4 million renovation completed for the 2025-26 season, including new lower bowl seating, an upgraded sound system, and a VIP lounge.
The renovated arena has given the Crunch home-ice experience a significant upgrade. The sightlines are tighter, the sound fills the building, and the atmosphere on weekend nights has been noticeably louder.
CRUNCH QUICK FACTS
Why the Crunch Matter
Professional hockey in Syracuse is not a sideshow. The Crunch have been a fixture in Central New York since they joined the AHL. The team serves as the final development stop before the NHL for Tampa Bay’s prospects. The Lightning have won three Stanley Cups since 2004, and many of those championship rosters included players who developed in Syracuse.
For fans, the Crunch offer professional hockey at minor league prices. Weekend games at the War Memorial are among the best sports entertainment values in CNY.
THE AHL DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE
How Syracuse feeds Tampa Bay
ATTENDING A GAME
What to Know
- Regular season ended April 19 (76 games)
- Tampa Bay Lightning AHL affiliate since 2012-13
- Upstate Medical University Arena: 6,700 capacity, $4M renovation this season
- Arena built in 1951 (War Memorial), located at 515 S State St
- New lower bowl seating, upgraded sound, VIP lounge added
- Calder Cup playoffs follow the regular season
- Tampa Bay has won 3 Stanley Cups since 2004
Photo: Pexels. Sources: Syracuse Crunch Official Site, Wikipedia, WAER (arena renovation).
