The Empire Expo Center is an exhibition ground located in Geddes, a suburb of Syracuse, New York. It features eight exhibition halls and of ground space, which are used year-round for exhibitions and trade fairs. Its major annual event is the Great New York State Fair which draws approximately one million visitors during its 13-day run, and the entire complex is often referred to as the Fairgrounds. Its name comes from the nickname of New York State, "The Empire State". The State Fair Coliseum located within the Empire Expo Center was the original home of the Syracuse Nationals professional basketball team.
Venues
Toyota Coliseum, Capacity 7,500
Originally known as the "State Fair Coliseum" until 2015, the venue is an indoor multipurpose arena. It was formerly the home of the Syracuse Nationals. It is now used for agricultural shows and the Tigris Shrine Circus. The Syracuse Starshockey team played their games in the Coliseum, and won the Calder Cup in the Inaugural Season of the American Hockey League. The Midstate Stampede, a youth hockey team, also played in the Coliseum until the ice was removed around 2013. The Syracuse Hornets also played at the Coliseum, but due to financial troubles, the team folded after only 10 games.
Formerly known as the "New York State Fair Grandstand". Was the main concert venue for the Great New York State Fair. In 2016, the grandstand was demolished.
Chevy Court, Capacity: 2,500-35,000
Formerly known as "Cole Muffler Court". A festival setting stage that hosts free concerts during the fair. The venue will undergo a $4 million renovation in 2016. It will include new seating, landscaping and a bigger stage to draw big-name acts. Concerts will be organized by Live Nation Entertainment.
Empire Theater
Theatre used for local acts, recitals, pageants and film screenings.
Regional Artist Variety Stage
Formerly known as the "Special Events Stage", the stage hosts a variety of free entertainment spanning from comedy shows to music acts. All performers are from the New York State area.
Grange Stage
Features country music acts, line dancers and cloggers.
Dairyland Stage
A small stage located in the Dairy Products building, providing an "open mic" for amateur acts.
