Utica Comets road trip guide
Everything you need to catch the Utica Comets at NBT Bank Arena in Utica — arena guide, tickets, getting there and where to watch.
🎟️ Utica Comets tickets
Compare box office and resale for upcoming Comets games. Prices vary by opponent and date — check a specific game on the Comets schedule.
✈️🚗 Getting to NBT Bank Arena
Nearest major airport is Hartford Bradley (BDL) — about 191 mi / 4h 33m from the arena.
🧭 Planning your trip — quick answers
Where do the Utica Comets play?
The Utica Comets play home games at NBT Bank Arena in Utica.
What airport do you fly into for an Utica Comets game?
Syracuse Hancock (SYR) is the closest airport, about 55 miles (89 km) from NBT Bank Arena — a smaller airport with fewer flights. For more flights, Hartford Bradley (BDL) is about 191 miles (4h 33m) away.
How much is parking at NBT Bank Arena?
The arena runs three event lots: a VIP/accessible lot beside the building on Auditorium Drive and two large public lots behind it, all entered from Whitesboro Street.
How do you get to NBT Bank Arena without a car?
Downtown at 400 Oriskany St. W. From the Thruway take Exit 31, follow Genesee St. South, then go right on Whitesboro St.; the arena is six blocks up on the left. Syracuse (SYR) is the closest airport, about an hour away.
Prices and logistics are approximate and change — details in the arena-prices table and the arena guide below.
🏟️ NBT Bank Arena fan guide
Parking
The arena runs three event lots: a VIP/accessible lot beside the building on Auditorium Drive and two large public lots behind it, all entered from Whitesboro Street. Whitesboro Street between Broadway and Auditorium Drive has no street parking on game nights.
Getting there
Downtown at 400 Oriskany St. W. From the Thruway take Exit 31, follow Genesee St. South, then go right on Whitesboro St.; the arena is six blocks up on the left. Syracuse (SYR) is the closest airport, about an hour away.
Bar scene
The building has several bars of its own: One 9 Five 9 near Section 215 (the only liquor bar open to non-season-ticket holders), the Horton Room and Kilfoil's Irish Pub. 72 Tavern & Grill, attached to the arena's west end, shows the Comets broadcast for fans without tickets.
Pre-game bars
- 72 Tavern & Grill — Attached to the arena's west end, with a 160-inch video wall that streams Comets home games
- Gerber's 1933 Tavern — 16 Liberty St., downtown; everything made fresh daily
- Babe's at Harbor Point — North Genesee St.; known for chicken riggies, with happy-hour specials
Insider tips
- Doors open 90 minutes before puck drop.
- No backpacks or anything bigger than a backpack, no re-entry, and no outside food or drink (water included).
- Cards are accepted at concessions and the team store, but not for parking, so bring cash for the lot.
- Ushers hold you at the portals until a whistle; concourse TVs carry the play while you wait.
- 2026-27 theme nights include Halloween (Oct 30, with free beer and wine tasting for adults), Sock Toss (Jan 23), Slap Shot Night (Feb 26) and St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17).
More: NBT Bank Arena guide · sports in Utica
📺 Where to watch the Comets
National (US): AHLTV on FloHockey · Local TV / team radio. Full TV guide →
🧭 Combine it into a road trip
Nearest big-league teams (great to pair up)
Also nearby: pro, minor & junior
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