Oncenter Implements a New Ticket Fee

Facility Fee Hits the Oncenter

by Julien Desrayaud

Syracuse -- The Oncenter board of directors agreed to incorporate a new facility fee on tickets to certain events inside the War Memorial, Civic Center, and Oncenter Exhibition Hall starting on Sunday, November 1. Fortunately for customers, there will not be a significant increase to individual tickets.

Ticket Breakdown

The facility fee will add one dollar to individual tickets for Syracuse Crunch hockey games, Syracuse Orchestra events, and Syracuse Opera performances. As for concerts and entertainment events like the Harlem Globetrotters, there will be a two dollar increase. Season ticket holders for the Crunch and tickets to Famous Artists are exempt from the facility fee. Until Sunday, the Oncenter was one of the few venues that did not charge a facility fee.

Need Repairs

The main reason the facility fee is being implemented is to raise money in order to repair the buildings that compose the Oncenter. The War Memorial was built in 1952 and is in dire need of renovations. The Columbus Blue Jackets, the NHL affiliate for the Crunch, have shown displeasure with the building's current state.

Another reason to renovate is to attract new and diverse business to Syracuse.

Affect on Ticket Sales

The increase of one to two dollars should not affect ticket sales all that much. "I think in general people are coming in, for example I'll use Phish again as a concert. The ticket was 50 dollars. I don't think it would make a difference in the world that the concert was going to sell out if it was 50 dollars or 52 dollars," said Sandy Baker, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Oncenter Complex.

If you are interested in seeing an event at the Oncenter, as long as you do not mind spending an extra dollar or two, the facility fee will not have a serious affect.

WATCH STORY HERE:

Halloween Around the World

President Obama Honors Fallen Troops

President Obama made an unannouced trip to attend the Return of 18 fallen troops from Afganistan

by Haifa Jedea

Syracuse, NY- President Obama traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware where the bodies of 18 fallen sodldeirs were returned home from Adganistan. This was the President's first trip to the air base.

Also in attendance were U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Michele Leonhart, acting DEA administrator. Three of the bodies at the ceremony were of Drug Enforcement Administraion special agents and 15 of U.S. troops.

Watch a clip of the President at the ceremony here

Gas Prices On The Rise... Again

Drivers Get Ready To Bear A Heavy Burden

By John Jastremski

Syracuse, NY

For the first time this year, consumers are paying more for a gallon of gas than they did last year at this time. Why is this case. Well, part of the reason is that prices are going up now and they were falling last year at this time when Wall Street was falling apart. The price of gas right now is on par for what consumers were paying this Summer. According to http://www.gasbuddy.com/, Central New York prices range from $ 2.73 to $2.93. One year ago gas averaged around $2.65 a gallon.

The good news for consumers is that a report is out that says gas supplies are actually up this week, which may slow up this week which could slow down the rapid raising prices.

Washginton Unveils Helthcare Bill

Pelosi unveiled the house democrat's new $894 billion health care bill

by Haifa Jedea

Syracuse, NY- Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi of California, unveiled a $894 billion health care package that would provide insurance to up to 36 million uncovered Americans.

The new plans guarantees coverage to 96 percent of Americans by subsidizing insurance for poorer Americans and creating health insurance exchanges that will allow small groups and individuals to purchase coverage.

The 2,000 page plan would cut the federal deficit by roughly $30 billion over the next decade. The measure would be financed through a combination of a tax surcharge on wealthy American and spending constraints in Medicare and Medicaid. Individuals with incomes over $500,000 and families earning more than $1 million would face a 5.4 percent income tax surcharge.

Watch a clip of Nancy Pelosi's Speech here

Gov. Paterson Declares Swine Fly State Emergency

State Emergency leads to more Swine Flu vaccines

by Haifa Jedea

Syracuse, NY-New York Governor David Paterson has declared a state-wide emergency because of the rise in swine flue cases. This order allows more health care professionals to administer H1N1 vaccines with only brief training.

The federal government is also increasing the availability of the vaccine which allows NY state to double its order from last week. This announcement also comes after the state reported 75 deaths attributed to swine fly.

The Center for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) recommends washing hands thoroughly, using hand sanitizer, and keeping a distance from people with the flu as the best way to prevent from getting swine flu. For more information on vaccines and treatment visit the CDC's website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ .

College Enrollment On The Rise

More American Choose College

By John Jastremski

Syracuse, NY

More Americans than ever are in college, especially Community College according a new report. A study of Census data by the Pew Research Center released today, shows the number of Americans between the ages of 18-24 attending college hit a record high in October 2008 at just under 40 percent. The study says greatest gains in enrollment were at two year Community Colleges.

The study's authors say due to tough economic times, is pushing students to choose Community College which are usually less expensive. Community Colleges saw increases again in 2009 though final figures are not avalaible yet.