Lakeview Amphitheater Information

The Empower FCU Amphitheater (formerly St Joseph’s Amphitheater), originally known as the Lakeview Amphitheater, was constructed in order to replace the previous venue, the Mohegan Sun Grandstand, as it fell into disrepair. At a cost of roughly $40 million, construction of the new 17,500 venue, situated on the shores of the Onondaga Lake, was begun in November 2014 and reached completion in August 24, 2015, where it opened with a concert by the world-famous country star Miranda Lambert!

Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview is an incredible outdoor venue located in Syracuse, New York. And it provides world class entertainment with the support of ASM Global, one of the world’s leading producers of entertainment experiences. The venue, formerly known as the Lakeview Amp, provides an exceptional location for music on the shores of the Onondaga Lake in the town of Geddes and is an extension of the Empire Expo Center, home to the Great New York State Fair.

The venue replaced the aging Mohegan Sun Grandstand and is the main stage for concerts during the fair season. Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater holds 17,500 spectators, with 5,000 seats beneath the pavilion and 12,500 lawn seats.

History

The origin for the amphitheater began when it was announced in January 2014 by Andrew Cuomo, the New York State Governor at the time. This venue was part of the Onondaga Lake Revitalization program that sought to improve and update the region. The land for the venue was unused and already owned by the county, part of which was a landfill. The hope was to draw in music and entertainment acts to Central New York that were skipping the area in favor of Darien Lake Performing Arts Center and Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Construction for the venue began in November 2014 and was completed nearly a year later on August 24, 2015. It was then opened to the public on September 3, 2015 with a concert held by country music singer, Miranda Lambert. The venue grew in fame after this until in 2016, when it was awarded “Best of the Best Government/Public Building Project” by Engineering News-Record as well as “Exceptional Facility Design” from New York State Recreation & Park Society.

Since then, according Pollstar, Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater has ranked in the top 50 in worldwide ticket sales for amphitheaters since the venue’s first full season in 2016.

Concert Season

The venue’s busiest seasons come during its summer concert season running from June through September. But this season can begin as early as May and end as late as October. Since that first season in 2016, it has averaged 17 shows per season, except the 2020 season where the venue was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this setback, the venue has hosted over 200 different artists as of the 2022 season.

What Is The Vibe Like

But what is it like visiting the venue? What kind of experience can you expect as a guest?

According to user reviews, the venue is massive with plenty of space for guests to sit and enjoy the music especially if you’re seated on the lawn. It has some of the best acoustics in New York so everyone can expect crisp and clear sounds, while surrounded by some of the loveliest outdoor scenery in that part of the country. The summer series is especially nice with refreshing breezes that can make even the most intense shows comfy and cozy.

But what is a concert without an audience? Especially in New York which is home to some of the biggest variety of high-quality entertainment venues in the world?

Well as it turns out, there’s a reason why the venue is an award-winner. It has a history of hosting rockstar acts from hot performers.

Please see the links below for further information on St. Josephs Health Amphitheater at Lakeview:

Do you require parking? View the Lakeview Amphitheater parking information page.
Want information on our recommended ticket provider and ticket policies? View the Lakeview Amphitheater tickets page.
Find out about accessible seating and view the Lakeview Amphitheater seating chart page here.