Syracuse will see its City Hall and Onondaga County buildings illuminated in blue as the Syracuse Crunch commence their campaign in the 2025 American Hockey League (AHL) Calder Cup Playoffs. This was announced by Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon II, in anticipation of the team’s playoff opener.
The Crunch, engaged in a playoff showdown with the Rochester Americans, will start their best-of-five North Division Semifinals matchup. Mayor Walsh expressed the city’s support, stating, “The City of Syracuse will show off our pride in the Syracuse Crunch tonight and through the weekend as they kick off the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs just down the Thruway. And we’ll be ready to welcome the team back when they return to home ice next week.”
County Executive McMahon echoed this sentiment, saying, “Onondaga County is proud to show our pride and support for the Syracuse Crunch by lighting up our buildings blue as they open the Calder Cup playoffs!” He encouraged local fans to support the Crunch upon their return to the Upstate Medical University Arena next week.
Team Owner Howard Dolgon expressed his gratitude, stating, “We greatly appreciate County Executive McMahon, Mayor Walsh and the Syracuse community for their continued support of the Crunch.” Dolgon, emphasizing the importance of their local support, looks forward to the team’s postseason journey beginning with this weekend’s North Division Semifinals series.
Bright blue lights will not only illuminate public buildings but also notable locations including the National Grid building, Syracuse University’s JMA Wireless Dome, Destiny USA, and the Barclay Damon building.
Affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL, the Crunch finished third in the North Division for the 2024-25 season, maintaining a record of five wins, five losses, one overtime loss, and one shootout loss against the Americans. Their 12-game series concluded with a narrow 3-2 overtime victory on March 30.
The Crunch will start their playoff journey at the BlueCross Arena in Rochester with two games on Friday and Sunday, then return to their home arena on Thursday, May 1. Fans and supporters can find more details about the team and the playoffs at syracusecrunch.com/playoffs.
