Empire Expo Center facts for kids
The Empire Expo Center is a huge place in Geddes, near Syracuse, New York. It's also known as the New York State Fairgrounds. This center has eight large buildings and about 375 acres (1.5 km²) of outdoor space. People use it all year long for different shows and big markets called trade fairs.
The most famous event held here is the Great New York State Fair. About one million visitors come to this fair during its 13-day run. Because of this, the whole area is often just called the Fairgrounds. The name "Empire Expo Center" comes from New York State's nickname, "The Empire State." The State Fair Coliseum, which is part of the center, was once the home of the Syracuse Nationals professional basketball team. They are now known as the Philadelphia 76ers.
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Cool Places to Visit
Here are some of the main venues you can find at the Empire Expo Center:
Toyota Coliseum
The Toyota Coliseum can hold about 7,500 people. It used to be called the "State Fair Coliseum" until 2015. This is an indoor arena used for many different things. It was once the home of the Syracuse Nationals basketball team. Today, it hosts agricultural shows and the Tigris Shrine Circus. The Syracuse Stars hockey team also played here and won a championship called the Calder Cup.
Lakeview Amphitheater
This outdoor concert venue was finished in 2015 and can hold 17,500 people. It replaced the Mohegan Sun Grandstand as the main place for big concerts.
Mohegan Sun Grandstand
The Mohegan Sun Grandstand could hold 17,000 people. It was the main concert venue for the Great New York State Fair for many years. It was known as the "New York State Fair Grandstand" until 2006. This grandstand was taken down in 2016.
Chevy Court
Chevy Court is a stage area that can hold anywhere from 2,500 to 35,000 people. It used to be called "Cole Muffler Court." This spot hosts free concerts during the New York State Fair. In 2016, it got a big upgrade with new seats, landscaping, and a larger stage. This helps them bring in even bigger music acts.
Empire Theater
The Empire Theater is a smaller venue. It is used for local performances, recitals, beauty pageants, and showing movies.
Regional Artist Variety Stage
This stage used to be called the "Special Events Stage." It offers many free entertainment options. You can see comedy shows and music acts here. All the performers are from the New York State area.
Grange Stage
The Grange Stage is where you can enjoy country music. It also features exciting line dancers and cloggers.
Dairyland Stage
This is a small stage located inside the Dairy Products building. It has an "open mic" where amateur performers can show off their talents.
Fun Events to See
Many exciting events happen at the Empire Expo Center every year. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Great New York State Fair
- Syracuse International Horse Show
- Syracuse Jewelry & Mineral Show
- Syracuse Nationals (a big car show)
- New York State Boer Goat Show
- Autumn in New York Horse Show
- Salt City Autumn Antique Show
- The Great New York State Train Fair
- Syracuse Construction Career Day Fair
