Oncenter War Memorial Arena, arena in Syracuse, New York
Oncenter War Memorial Arena is a multipurpose venue in downtown Syracuse that holds about 7,000 people and can be reconfigured for different events. The building opened in 1951 and combines a distinctive thin concrete roof with flexible interior spaces that accommodate sports, concerts, and community gatherings.
The building was designed in 1949 and completed in 1951 as a memorial to World War veterans. In the 1950s it was home to the Syracuse Nationals, who won the NBA Championship in 1955, and later hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 1961.
The name honors military service and sacrifice. Visitors see engraved names and memorial plaques throughout the building that recognize veterans and create a space for community remembrance.
The arena sits downtown and is easily reached on foot or by public transit. Parking is available near the building, and accessibility for visitors with mobility needs has been recently improved throughout the venue.
The building used cutting-edge concrete engineering to create a wide, unsupported roof span when it opened in 1951, which was technically impressive for that time. This architectural feature allowed the flexible interior layout and remains a defining characteristic of the building today.
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