The New Arena:
Benefits: To start, I can see why Mahoney would want a new rink. Back when it was able to host hockey games, the Coca-Cola/Pespi/Toyota Coliseum was home to a very successful Syracuse Blazers EHL team. In more recent times, the rink was home to several youth hockey competitions. It, along with with the rest of the fairgrounds, is in a nice area just outside of Syracuse, away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown. Even bigger, there is plenty of parking. There are several restaurants and hotels close to the fair grounds, which would love the increase in business with all the people that would come in for events in the new rink.
Cons: Someone has got to pay for the new rink. No matter where it is coming from, it is going to financially affect the people of New York. I'm not sure everyone wants their money going to a new ice rink. Mahoney wants the venue to host a venue of hockey tournaments when it opens. As far as college tournaments, there are not a ton of college teams in Onondaga County. Colgate and SUNY Morrisville are in Madison County while SUNY Oswego is up north ( SUNY Oswego hosts there own tournament in there arena on campus.) Syracuse University has a D-1 women's team, but only a mens' club team. Overall, Syracuse and Onondaga County are not college hockey hot beds. Another problem is the number of rinks already in Onondaga County. There are currently 6 other ice rinks in Onondaga County that are capable of hosting hockey events. Why take away business for other rinks in your own county?
The War Memorial:
Benefits: The War Memorial is a top notch arena that is getting better and better. It hosts professional hockey and indoor soccer along with hosting indoor lacrosse and basketball in the past. As of this summer, the rink inside the Old Barn will expand to regulation size, which will benefit all sporting events hosted in the arena. Teams on all sporting levels will appreciate being able to play in the same arena and on the same rink that some of the best professional teams play on every year. More importantly, the arena is a symbol of appreciation to the United States Military and our local veterans. Every time someone steps into the War Memorial, they experience a great tribute to local heroes who placed their lives on the line so we can enjoy the events hosted in the arena and so we can live our lives with freedom. The War Memorial is in the heart of Downtown Syracuse. Events there not only bring business into the building, but hotels and restaurants in Downtown Syracuse get a major boost as well. Plus, it is already built and is ready to host.
Cons: A lot of teams and events make use of the War Memorial. This can lead to scheduling conflicts, especially if the rink surface need to transition from ice to turf and vice versa. The War Memorial is not in the best structural shape, even with updates being made in recent times. With the new regulation rink, seats will be lost, thus lowering the seating capacity. Parking around the War Memorial is frustrating and expensive, especially if you don't like city driving. Like with the new ice rink, the surplus of ice rinks and the lack of college teams are issues as well.
As you can see, both sides have pros and cons. In my opinion, I remain pro-War Memorial. Instead of spending money to build a new place, why not take money and help improve a place that already exists and hosts hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and entertainment events all the time. It is a great landmark for the county that needs the love and the attention it truly deserves. Being in Downtown Syracuse, it is centered within the county and helps the businesses that call the city of Syracuse their home. By improving the War Memorial and putting more use into it, the benefits will roll in for not only the Onondaga County, but the great Salt City.
When it comes to college hockey, the AUD in Utica is going to host the D-3 Championships in 2017. In Rochester, they are hosting group play matches for the World Cup for Indoor Soccer. If improvements are put into the War Memorial, it could as well, along with possibly a future AHL All-Star game.
What do you think? Are you pro-Fairgrounds rink or pro-War Memorial? Is there another option? Leave me a comment and voice your opinion!
Thanks/Credit:
http://www.syracuse.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/03/mahoney_wants_new_york_state_fair_to_become_new_york-themed_park_with_horse_aren.html
http://www.ncaa.com/news/ncaa/article/2013-12-11/2014-18-ncaa-championship-sites
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse_Blazers
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=ice+rinks+in+syracuse+area
http://www.rochesterlancers.com/home.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syracuse_Smash