Future of outdoor hockey in Central New York

SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV) – A record number of hockey fans came out to the State Fairgrounds Saturday for the American Hockey League’s first outdoor game.  While it may have been frustrating battling traffic to the Fairgrounds, spirits quickly lifted once at the rink.

“For months and months really, I've had it up on my calendar,” J.C. Colling said, who drove up from Binghamton Friday night.

Some fans were hoping for a high-scoring game, others were looking forward to the fights and a small group of spectators were reminded of playing hockey as children.

“It’s nice to be outside again,” Nikki Feltes says.  Feltes plays hockey for Syracuse University and got the chance to test out the ice earlier this week.  “It brings back childhood memories, growing up, playing hockey.  It's nice to know where you come from.”

But not everyone who came to the game had a great view of it.  Some of the fans sitting in the front row behind the team benches weren't elevated high enough to see over the players, which is something organizers will have to reconsider if they decide to hold this game again next year.

Geddes (WSYR-TV) - The numbers are in, and for the Crunch, it's one for the record books. 

21,502 turned out today for the Mirabito Outdoor Classic hockey game, setting a new American Hockey League attendance record.

Before the game started, members of the armed services held an American flag at center ice as both teams stood on the blue lines during the playing of the National Anthem.

Governor David Paterson, wearing a Crunch jersey with the number one on the back, dropped the ceremonial first puck.  Boos could be heard throughout the crowd.

Paterson also told the crowd he knew they wouldn't be happy with him, because he was "rooting for the Senators", in reference to the state legislature, not the team from Binghamton.

A skydiver landed at center ice with the puck, and now, after all the pomp and circumstance, the game is underway.

We'll have highlights and fan reation tonight on News Channel 9 at 6pm.

Geddes (WSYR-TV) - Traffic heading to the fairgrounds is backed up, as fans make their way to the Mirabito Outdoor classic this afternoon.  Your best bet is to avoid 690 west, and use 690 east instead.

Both 690 and 695 leading to the fairgrounds are affected, and if you haven't left yet, you'll want to get going. 

Fans are being told to use Gate 6 along State Fair Blvd, with parking adjacent to the track outside the grandstand.

The game is set to begin at 1 p.m. between the Syracuse Crunch and Binghamton Senators. 

Governor David Paterson is set to drop the puck, delivered by a skydiver before the game.

State Fairgrounds (WSYR-TV) - The wait is almost over. The Syracuse Crunch's big outdoor game against the Binghamton Senators at the State Fairgrounds is Saturday.

This will also be the American Hockey League's first game to be held outside the confines of an arena.

The Crunch says it knows the game is a big deal. They've had crews hard at work for weeks now to make sure fans appreciate what a remarkable experience it will be as soon as they make their way onto the Fairgrounds.

The grandstand area has been transformed with a full-sized hockey rink that took more than a month to build. Construction started the first week in January. It ended about a week ago.

In the last few days, various groups have been at the Fairgrounds, scuffing up the ice and getting it used to a little wear and tear.

You'll also find a massive tent to the west of the rink, called the fan zone tent. It will be filled with ice sculptures, merchandise for sale and live music.

The gates to the State Fairgrounds open at 8:30am Saturday and fans that arrive early can catch a 9:30 hockey game between Syracuse's Police and Fire Departments and their counterparts from Binghamton.

Parking will cost $10. Fans should enter using Gate 6 and follow the instructions given by the parking attendant. In the event that Gate 6 becomes full, Gate 2 will be used.

Everything at the event is cash only. You will not be able to use credit cards for anything at the game.

Tickets to the game are still available. They'll cost you $30 or $40.

Has the game been good for business?

The outdoor game received lots of government support in hopes that it would bring fans from out of town, and translate into big pay-offs for local hotels. Some say it worked, but other's say they're still waiting.

David McCarthy, general manager of the Renaissance Hotel, says the game has increased the number of filled rooms at the hotel this weekend to more than 140. “It's a big pump for us, a big boost for us. It's awesome to see this and without it would really be just a regular snowy weekend here in Syracuse.”

Linda Ryan, general manager of Inn at the Fairgrounds, hasn’t seen that same increase. She says she has 33 rooms available. “While we didn't see the business we were hoping for we are definitely thankful that the fairgrounds is hosting an event of this magnitude.”