By Scott Kinville/315 Hockey.
The atrium of the Nexus Center in Utica, New York was jam-packed on Thursday morning in anticipation of an announcement concerning a new name for Central New York’s newest sports complex. Among those present were Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Senator Joe Griffo, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri, Utica Comets President Robert Esche, Utica University Men’s Hockey Head Coach Gary Heenan, Utica University Women’s Hockey Head Coach Dave Clausen, and many Utica University student-athletes.
Utica Comets play-by-play announcer Jason Shaya took the podium at approximately 11:30 am to address the crowd. After his opening remarks, Shaya introduced Carl Annese, who is the chairman of the Upper Mohawk Valley Memorial Auditorium Authority. Annese then made the announcement that everyone assembled was waiting to hear.
“On behalf of the Auditorium Authority, it’s my pleasure to announce our naming rights partner. With that being said, good morning everybody welcome to the Utica University Nexus Center”.
Next to deliver remarks was Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente. In his speech, Picente reflected on the University’s role in the development of the Nexus Center and what it means to the City of Utica and the surrounding region.
“Without Utica University, there probably wouldn’t be a Nexus Center,” Picente said. “Building Nexus has us entering into a new phase in the sports and entertainment industry, and Utica University is front and center”.
Closing out the ceremony was Utica University President Laura Casamento. After acknowledging the assembled crowd and thanking all of those who helped to make the rebranding possible, Casamento commented on the University’s future plans with the facility.
“The facility (Nexus) offers an exceptional platform for our experiential learning opportunities. On the third floor of this building, we will soon have state-of-the-art classrooms to connect the opposite collaboration space dedicated to our sports management program. Utica University Nexus Center will function for our students, providing relevant hands-on experience operating a sports destination venue. This partnership will create similar opportunities for students in other college programs”.
“We are proud and excited to be closely associated not only with this state-of-the-art venue but the amazing synergy and passion for progress that has made it all possible”.
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