Just over a year ago, ground was broken on an all-purpose arena that would serve as the new home of the Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs.
The M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor, the new home of the Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs, was officially unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday morning.
A mere 13 months later, the M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor was officially unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours Thursday morning.
A gathering of state, county and local officials and dignitaries, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Union President Elizabeth Kiss, celebrated the milestone.
“President Kiss, this is a big day for you and the extraordinary men’s and women’s hockey teams,” said Hochul. “Hopefully we will be sending off Olympians and professionals from this very location.”
Kiss took over as president July 1. She credited her predecessor, David Harris, for his key role in making the new arena a reality.
“This gorgeous event center is really a game changer for Union College,” said Kiss. “This is going to take us to a whole new level in attracting even more top-notch student-athletes, as well as fans and coaches. The arena will add to the renaissance and vibrancy of Schenectady, and help bring the community together.”
Union President Elizabeth Kiss called the new arena a game changer for the College.
The $55 million project features a 2,200-seat ice hockey rink with capacity expanding to 3,600 for other sporting events, trade shows, special events and conventions.
The nearly 100,000-square-foot arena will be located steps from College Park Hall, providing easy access from campus. It is also near two hotels, restaurants and other retail establishments, making it more inviting for fans and visiting teams.
Among the highlights:
- Seven luxury suites and a large capacity hospitality suite
- Two full-service concession stands featuring a menu by Victory Concessions, which is owned by the Mallozi family, which also operates Johnny’s Restaurant and Villa Italia in downtown Schenectady
- An elegant bar overlooking the Mohawk River
- Parking on-site and ancillary 700-space lot within walking distance
The women's hockey will debut at the center on September 26 against Franklin Pierce, while the men's team will play their first game on October 4 against Army/West Point. Tickets are available at unionathletics.com.
The first public event will feature a performance by country singer Lee Brice on September 6, with special guest David J.
Plans for the new venue were first announced in spring 2022.
Union President Elizabeth Kiss and Athletic Director Jim McLaughlin '93 check out one of the locker rooms at the new arena.
The College has negotiated a long-term lease with the developer, Maxon Alco Holdings, LLC, an affiliated company of the Galesi Group, to be the primary tenant for the arena. The College will contribute $20 million over 25 years to host the hockey programs.
The new arena is a major upgrade for the College’s hockey teams, which had played their games in the 2,051-seat Frank L. Messa Rink at Achilles Center. From the time it hosted its first game Dec. 5, 1975, against the University of Ottawa, the classic hockey barn has provided one of the greatest atmospheres in college hockey.
But after decades of use, Messa Rink was in need of significant upgrades to remain competitive with other Division I facilities in ECAC hockey, to enhance the fan experience and address its mechanical infrastructure.
The College weighed a number of options, including building a new rink of its own or repairing and renovating Messa. College officials ultimately decided the best option was to enter into a public-private partnership to lease space at the new arena, in part because expenses are shared with other parties.
To support the project, State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara helped secure $10 million from the state; the Schenectady County Legislature contributed $5 million, the Schenectady City Council $2.5 million and trustee Neil Golub $1 million.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was among a number of state, county and local officials to attend the ribbon-cutting at the M&T Bank Center at Mohawk Harbor Thursday.
Both hockey programs began moving into their new space this week. The facility will provide upgraded, private locker rooms for both teams as well as dedicated strength and conditioning and athletic training spaces.
The rink comes at a time when the NCAA recently allowed both Union hockey teams to offer athletic scholarships for the first time. The shifting dynamics in college sports, particularly with the transfer portal, has upended the competitive landscape. Without the ability to offer scholarships, both hockey teams were at a distinct recruiting disadvantage.
Now, scholarships and a new rink will greatly enhance the College’s ability to compete at the highest level in men’s and women's hockey to attract exceptional student-athletes.
Also, shifting the hockey programs from Messa will free up valuable space in the Achilles Center for other athletic uses. Messa is being converted into an indoor turf facility.
The M&T Bank Center is part of Schenectady's ongoing revitalization efforts, joining the $650 million Mohawk Harbor development that includes an amphitheater, apartments, hotels and more.
“One of the reasons my husband, Jeff, and I got so excited about this opportunity to join Union College and be a part of this Schenectady community is because of the amazing energy around town and gown,” Kiss said. “And the willingness to punch above our weight.”