GEDDES -- The Syracuse Crunch, Empire State Development, and Sen. Charles Schumer held a news conference Tuesday morning to discuss more details regarding the Crunch’s upcoming outdoor hockey game vs. the Binghamton Senators at the New York State Fairgrounds.
The game, which will be called the “Mirabito Outdoor Classic”, is scheduled for February 20, 2010 and will be played at the State Fair Grandstand. It will be the first outdoor game in the history of the American Hockey League, and follows similar outdoor games on the NHL level in Buffalo, Chicago, Edmonton, and Las Vegas. Officials at the news conference said that they expect 20,000 fans to attend the game, and that it will generate approximately $1 million in revenue for Central New York businesses.
“This first ever outdoor AHL Hockey game – which I hope will become an annual tradition – will bring the eyes of the sports world to Syracuse,” said Schumer. “It has the potential to bring in serious tourism revenue for Syracuse and be a financial shot in the arms in difficult times. I look forward to seeing the puck being dropped and watching the Crunch and the Senators battle it out on our fairgrounds. This will be a boon to hockey fans from Syracuse to Binghamton and beyond!”
"Holding a first-time outdoor AHL game is a tremendous opportunity for Central New Yorkers, as this is a prime example of how best to capitalize on our regional strengths, such as our winter sports," said Empire State Development Chairman & CEO, designate, Dennis Mullen in a statement to the media. "Not only this is an exciting event for families and sports fans alike to participate in, but this event creates an opportunity for Central New York's tourism industry. With an influx of hockey fans coming in from across New York State, and possibly Pennsylvania and Canada, the local economy - namely area hotels and restaurants - will stand to gain an estimated $1 million. ESD is pleased it could play a part in helping make this event happen."
Officials say that the cost of hosting such an event will be shared across multiple agencies. The New York State Fair will provide facilities and labor totaling around $40,000, ESD will put up $75,000 for the ice rink rental, and Onondaga County will provide an unspecified amount of gravel and labor for the rink bed.
The Crunch say they hope to break the all-time AHL attendance record of 20,672. Tickets to the event go on sale Wednesday morning via Ticketmaster or the Oncenter box office. Crunch season ticket holders will receive passes to the game at no extra charge.
"On behalf of our entire organization, we are tremendously excited about staging this once-in-a-lifetime event," said Syracuse Crunch CEO and President Howard Dolgon. "We are extremely appreciative to all those who have supported our efforts."
Officials say the game will also be televised around the region on Time Warner Sports channel 26.
