Syracuse Crunch owner Howard Dolgon addresses fans, guests and local media at the press conference announcing the Frozen Dome Classic at the Carrier Dome on the Syracuse University campus in Syracuse, New York on June 11, 2014.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/160s, f/5.6, ISO 900, EV 0, 30mm focal length.

Howard Dolgon, owner of the American Hockey League (AHL) Syracuse Crunch Hockey Club, has been trying for the last few years to find a way to play a game inside the Carrier Dome at Syracuse University. It is not like SU did not want the game. The problem was finding a time slot during a busy late autumn time frame when football and basketball games are being played.

Fans, media and invited guests at the Syracuse Crunch Press Conference announcing the Frozen Dome Classic at the Carrier Dome on the Syracuse University campus in Syracuse, New York.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/160s, f/5.6, ISO 1250, EV 0, 24mm focal length.

Last week all that changed. A press conference was called where Howard Dolgon along with representatives from the Syracuse University Athletic Department, Onondaga County and the Utica Comets announced the Frozen Dome Classic event which will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2014, right on Jim Boeheim Court at the Dome.  I call it an event as it will feature, at least, two other games besides the Syracuse Crunch hosting the Utica Comets. Below is an artist rendering of what the Dome might look like with a hockey rink.

An artist’s rendering of how the Carrier Dome will look on Nov. 22, when the Crunch hosts the Utica Comets. (Image courtesy of the Syracuse Crunch)

As you can see there will be more going on than just the hockey games. The area not being used for the ice and stands will be hosting all kinds of activities for people to enjoy.

Crunch players Joey Mormina (3) and Luke Witkowski (82) at the Syracuse Crunch Press Conference announcing the Frozen Dome Classic at the Carrier Dome on the Syracuse University campus in Syracuse, New York.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/160s, f/5.6, ISO 450, EV 0, 38mm focal length.

The Crunch put on the very first American Hockey League (AHL) outdoor game back in 2010 which drew over 21,000 people.  The staff is ready to take on a new challenge to get 29,000 people for the Frozen Dome Classic. If you are interested in attending, tickets will go on sale to the public on June 24, 2014. If you are a season ticket holder of the Crunch, Comets, Oswego Lakers, Utica College Pioneers and for either SU football or basketball, you can contact the Crunch now for tickets by calling 315-473-4444.

Syracuse Crunch owner Howard Dolgon talks to a television reporter after the press conference announcing the Frozen Dome Classic at the Carrier Dome on the Syracuse University campus in Syracuse, New York.
Nikon D700/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/5.6, ISO 1400, EV 0, 98mm focal length.

Personally, I can not wait to photograph all the games and events the Frozen Dome Classic is going to have. I was a student at SU when the Dome was built back in 1980 and never would have dreamed one day there would be ice hockey played there.