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NBT Bank Arena at The Utica Memorial Auditorium
Located in downtown Utica, just five miles from campus, NBT Bank Arena at the Utica Memorial Auditorium is home to the Utica University men’s hockey team. Affectionately known as “the Aud” and formerly named the Adirondack Bank Center, the 3,999-seat facility has welcomed Pioneer hockey fans since the program began in 2001. That year, the University built a dedicated annex containing locker rooms, storage and an athletic training room.
The Pioneers have led NCAA Division III men’s hockey in average home attendance in 18 seasons since 2006-07. In 2025-26, Utica topped the division in both average and total home attendance, welcoming 63,340 fans across 21 home games for an average of 3,016 spectators per contest. The Aud also hosted the fifth-largest crowd in Division III men’s hockey history when 4,378 fans attended Utica’s 5-3 victory over Oswego State on December 6, 2025.
The arena hosted the national semifinals and championship game of the NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Championship in 2017 and 2026, bringing the nation’s final four teams to downtown Utica. The 2017 event marked the first time Utica University hosted an NCAA championship.
The Aud has also been home to the American Hockey League’s Utica Comets since 2013. Renovations following their arrival have included high-definition video boards, upgraded scoreboards and sound systems, a weight room and a video room. Additional improvements have enhanced the fan experience through renovated concessions, a team shop, updated banquet facilities, remodeled ticket entrances and a pub in the lower concourse.
In 2011, the Utica Memorial Auditorium was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in recognition of its innovative cable-suspended roof. Designed by Lev Zetlin, the pioneering dual-cable system eliminated the need for interior support columns, providing unobstructed views while helping shape the development of modern arena roof designs, such as those seen at Madison Square Garden.
Address:
NBT Bank Arena at the Utica Memorial Auditorium
400 Oriskany Street West, Utica, NY 13502; (315) 790-9070
Directions:
From East: Rt. 90 (NYS Thruway) West to exit 31. Follow signs for Rt. 8 & 12 south to downtown Utica exit (Rt. 5S East). Auditorium will be on left.
From South: Rt. 12 North to downtown Utica exit. Turn left at traffic light. Auditorium will be on left.
From West: Rt. 90 (NYS Thruway) East to exit 31. Follow signs for Rt. 8 & 12 south to downtown Utica exit (Rt. 5S East). Auditorium will be on left.
