Crunch, county announce lease extension

The Syracuse Crunch, in partnership with Onondaga County and SMG, announced today that they have reached a long-term agreement on a lease extension that will ensure the Crunch continue to play home games at the War Memorial Arena through 2024.

The agreement, which extends the current lease for an additional five years (running through the 2023-24 season), was finalized earlier this week by Crunch owner Howard Dolgon and county executive Joanie Mahoney.

“We have enjoyed a tremendous partnership with the County and eagerly extend our long term lease agreement,” said Dolgon. “Syracuse Crunch hockey will be played in Onondaga County for many years to come.”

“The Syracuse Crunch are very important to Onondaga County and this lease extension is great news for us,” said Mahoney. “We will enjoy the energy and excitement Howard Dolgon and hockey bring to our region for years to come.”

The Crunch have called the War Memorial Arena home since the club’s inaugural 1994-95 season. The Crunch are heading into their 19th season, tied for the sixth-longest current tenure in the AHL. Additionally, the Crunch are led by the longest-serving current independent ownership in the league.