The Ultimate Family Guide to Utica, NY: What to Do Between Hockey Games

Your weekend trip to the Utica Comets Cup doesn't have to be all boards and breakaways. Here's everything your family needs to know about making the most of tournament weekend in one of Upstate New York's most underrated cities.

You know the drill. You've packed the car with hockey bags that somehow weigh more than your child, loaded a cooler full of snacks that will be gone by the second rest stop, and triple-checked the game schedule. Your kid's team is headed to the Utica Comets Cup, and you're about to spend a weekend in a city you might not know much about.

Here's what nobody told you: Utica is about to surprise you.

Tucked into the Mohawk Valley at the gateway to the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, this small city in the heart of New York State has a food scene that rivals places ten times its size, a world-class zoo, a brewery that's been pouring since 1888, a jaw-dropping historic theater, and enough family-friendly attractions to fill every gap between faceoffs. By the time your tournament weekend is over, don't be surprised if your kids are begging to come back and not just for the hockey.

At Nickel City Hockey, we strive to not only provide a weekend filled with great hockey and competitive matchups, but also the ideal location for families to enjoy the city during their downtime.

First Things First: The Rinks Are Incredible

Let's start with the facilities, because they deserve their own moment. This isn't a "we rented out the local rink and set up folding tables" kind of tournament.

The Utica University Nexus Center is a state-of-the-art, $64 million, 170,000-square-foot sports complex featuring three full-sized playing surfaces that can switch between ice and turf. It's connected by a covered walkway to the Adirondack Bank Center, known to locals simply as "the Aud,"a historic 3,999-seat arena that has been the home of the AHL's Utica Comets for years. Between the two buildings, tournament teams have access to four ice surfaces, 20 locker rooms, luxury boxes, a Jumbotron, and all the professional-grade amenities you'd expect from a complex that hosted the 2024 IIHF Women's World Championship and the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships.

A fun fact for the movie buffs in your crew: scenes from the 1977 Paul Newman classic Slap Shot were filmed right here at the Aud.

The Nexus Center also houses a coffee shop, a restaurant and bar, a fitness track, and retail space so parents who want to stay close during games have options that go beyond cold bleachers and vending machine coffee. The facilities are located at 300 Oriskany Street West, right off NYS Thruway Exit 31.

Tournament details: The Utica Comets Cup is organized by Nickel City Hockey and runs multiple weekends throughout the season. Divisions are available for Tier I, II, and III teams at the 9U–18U levels. Games are hosted at both the Nexus Center and the Adirondack Bank Center. Visit nickelcityhockey.com to see the full schedule and register your team.

Additional Utica tournaments, including the Utica Fall Frenzy, Utica Winter Classic, and the Utica Jr Comets Spring Classic, are also available.

Eat Like a Local: Utica's One-of-a-Kind Food Scene

Here's the thing that will catch you completely off guard: Utica's food is extraordinary. This city has deep Italian-American roots stretching back generations, and it has produced a handful of regional dishes that you literally cannot get anywhere else in the country. Hockey families who've been here before know the food is half the reason to come back. Make it a mission to try as many of these as you can.

Tomato Pie — The Must-Try

This is the dish that defines Utica, and it's non-negotiable eating for visiting families. Tomato pie isn't pizza, even though it looks like a distant cousin. It's a thick, rectangular slab of chewy dough, spread with a tangy-sweet tomato sauce, and finished with a light dusting of grated Pecorino Romano cheese. There's no mozzarella. No toppings. It's served at room temperature, it's sold by the sheet, and it is absolutely, maddeningly delicious.

Even better for hockey families? It's the perfect tournament food. It travels well, it tastes great at any temperature, it feeds a crowd for almost nothing, and it can sit in a hotel room without needing a microwave. Pick up a full sheet, bring it to the rink, and you'll be the most popular parent on the team.

Where to get it:

• Roma Sausage & Deli (Bleecker Street) — A perennial favorite and the winner of Utica's Tomato Pie Day competition. Their sauce hits a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the crust is chewy perfection. They have two locations (East Utica and Washington Mills). Pro tip: call ahead to order, especially on tournament weekends.

• Napoli's Italian Bakery & Deli (Culver Avenue) — Run by the Zenzillo family, Napoli's is beloved by locals and widely considered one of the best tomato pies in all of New York State. While you're there, their fresh bread and Italian pastries are outstanding.

• O'Scugnizzo Pizzeria (Bleecker Street) — Famous for their upside-down pizza (cheese on the bottom, sauce on top), this is a Utica institution. If your family wants to try something unique beyond the tomato pie, this is the spot.

• Daniele's — A cozy, old-school Italian spot that feels like eating at someone's grandmother's house. Their tomato pie has a devoted following, and the homemade pasta is the real deal.

Chicken Riggies

Utica's signature pasta dish, and something you absolutely will not find on menus back home. Chicken riggies are rigatoni tossed in a creamy, spicy tomato-vodka sauce with tender chicken and tangy hot cherry peppers. Every restaurant in town has their own version, and locals have strong opinions about whose is best. Chesterfield's and Georgio's are both reliable, much-loved options. Order it after a long day of early morning games, and it'll feel like a warm hug.

Utica Greens

Sautéed escarole with hot cherry peppers, breadcrumbs, Pecorino Romano, and prosciutto. It sounds simple. It's not, the combination of bitter greens, salty cheese, crunchy breadcrumbs, and a kick of heat is addictive. It shows up as an appetizer on just about every Italian menu in town. Georgio's is the spot most locals point to first, and Daniele's earns consistently glowing reviews. Order it for the table, and don't be surprised when it disappears before the entrees arrive.

Half Moon Cookies (and Holland Farms Everything)

Every hockey trip needs a bakery stop, and Holland Farms Bakery & Deli is the one. Their half moon cookies, large, cake-like rounds frosted half chocolate, half vanilla, are a Utica icon. But honestly, everything here is worth trying. Locals rave about their apple cider donut holes (several visitors have claimed they're better than anything you'll find in New England), and their deli sandwiches make an excellent grab-and-go lunch between games.

Quick Eats Near the Rink

If you've only got 30 minutes between games and need something fast, nearby New Hartford (just a short drive from the Nexus Center) has a strip of familiar chain restaurants including Panera Bread and Chipotle. But if you can spare even a few extra minutes, the local options are so much better.

One More Local Specialty: Pusties

If you spot "pusties" (also spelled "pastries") on a bakery menu, grab a few. These filled Italian pastries come in varieties like ricotta, custard, and fruit, and places like Café CaNole and Florentine Pastry Shop are known for excellent versions. They're the perfect rink snack, portable, not too heavy, and sweet enough to keep the kids happy.

For the Adventurous: Beyond Italian

Utica's food scene extends well beyond its Italian-American roots. Symeon's Greek Restaurant is a local institution for Greek food (the calamari and subs are standouts), and Karam's in nearby Yorkville serves some of the best Lebanese food in the region. Utica has a growing refugee community that has brought incredible Bosnian, Burmese, and Vietnamese restaurants to the area, ask a local for their current favorites.

The Utica Zoo: Your Best Between-Games Adventure

Got a two- to three-hour window between games? The Utica Zoo is the move.

Located on over 80 acres within scenic Roscoe Conkling Park, this accredited zoo is just minutes from downtown hotels and the rink area. It's home to more than 200 animals representing 99 species, and despite its modest size, it punches well above its weight. The collection includes crowd-pleasers like red pandas, California sea lions, African lions, Mexican wolves, bald eagles, Chinese alligators, and camels, and visitors frequently say it compares favorably to zoos in much larger cities.

The zoo is laid out along walking trails through the park's wooded hillside, so it feels more like a nature walk than a concrete-and-cages experience. Most families can see everything in about two to two and a half hours at a leisurely pace. Daily keeper talks at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. give kids a chance to learn about specific animals from the people who care for them, ask about the schedule at the admissions window when you arrive.

For younger siblings: The Children's Zoo lets kids get up close with goats, sheep, alpacas, zebu, and chickens. Bring extra quarters (or get them at the gift shop) for the feed dispensers. The brand-new Wadas' Wild Play Park, a playground located between the Rotary Pavilion and the Children's Zoo, is a perfect spot for little ones to burn off energy.

Winter visitors: The zoo is open year-round. During the colder months, you can rent snowshoes and explore the North Trek nature trail. It's a totally different experience from a summer visit, and kids who just played a hockey game will love having a reason to stay active outdoors.

Summer bonus: On Thursday evenings from July through late August, the zoo hosts Sunset Sips, extended hours until 7 p.m. with live music, food and drink from the concession stand (including adult beverages for those 21+), and a chance to see the animals in a quieter, golden-hour setting. It's family-friendly with no age restrictions.

The Brewery District: F.X. Matt Brewing Company & Saranac

This is the place where hockey parents finally get to relax, but there's also plenty here for the whole family.

The F.X. Matt Brewing Company, located at 830 Varick Street, is the fourth-oldest family-owned brewery in the United States. It's been operating continuously since 1888, when German immigrant Francis Xavier Matt reorganized the old Charles Bierbauer Brewery as the West End Brewing Company. It survived Prohibition by pivoting to soft drinks — and famously became the first brewery in the nation to sell beer again after Prohibition ended in 1933.

Today the brewery produces the popular Saranac line of beers (over 65 recipes per year, from their flagship Pale Ale and Adirondack Lager to seasonal specialties), as well as root beer, ginger beer, and other soft drinks that kids love. It's run by the fourth generation of the Matt family and is the largest American-owned brewery in New York State. The name "Saranac," by the way, is an Iroquois word meaning "Cluster of Stars" — chosen to honor the Native American people of the Adirondack foothills.

Brewery tours run Fridays and Saturdays at 1, 2, 3, and 4 p.m. They cost $5 per person, and children 12 and under are free. The tour is part working brewery, part history museum — you'll see Victorian-era artifacts, the signature copper boil kettles, and the modern bottling operation. It lasts about an hour and ends in the tasting room. No reservations needed for groups under 15.

After the tour (or anytime — it's open to the public), head to the 1888 Biergarten & Tavern, the on-site restaurant. The menu features pub favorites like bacon cheddar tater tots, Bavarian pretzels with beer cheese and pub mustard, burgers, and fried chicken sandwiches. The beer list features Saranac brews on tap, and the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.

Gift Shop & Tavern Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 12–6 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

The brewery's influence extends beyond its own walls. The surrounding stretch of Varick Street has grown into what locals call the Brewery District, with new restaurants, bars, and live music venues that have transformed the neighborhood in recent years. During the summer, the brewery hosts Saranac Thursdays, a weekly outdoor concert series that draws thousands to Varick Street for live music, food, and beer. The entry fee goes to support the United Way of Greater Utica, and it's one of the city's most beloved traditions.

Downtown Utica: More to See Than You'd Expect

While you're in town, Utica's downtown corridor along Genesee Street has a few genuine gems that are worth a detour, especially if you have a free evening or a late-afternoon window.

The Stanley Theatre

Even if you don't catch a show, the Stanley Theatre at 259 Genesee Street is worth walking past — and if you can arrange a tour (available by appointment), it's absolutely worth stepping inside.

Built in 1928 as a grand movie palace and constructed in just 13 months, the Stanley was designed by renowned architect Thomas W. Lamb, who created over 300 theaters worldwide. The interior is a showstopper: gold leaf Baroque detailing, Habsburg lions, angel and cherub sculptures, Moorish twisted columns, and a star-splashed ceiling that feels like stepping into another century. The design style is described as "Mexican Baroque" because of its unique blend of influences, the terra cotta and tiled mosaic exterior shows the Mexican influence, while the lavish interior draws from Baroque, Moorish, and Byzantine traditions.

The Stanley is one of only a few remaining Lamb-designed movie palaces left in the country, and one of three in Upstate New York (alongside Proctor's in Schenectady and the Landmark in Syracuse). Over the decades, it's hosted performers ranging from Frank Sinatra and the Rolling Stones to Diana Ross, B.B. King, and Jerry Seinfeld. Today it's home to Broadway Utica touring productions, the Utica Symphony Orchestra, and the Mohawk Valley Ballet. The theater underwent a $20 million restoration, and it regularly hosts family-friendly performances alongside bigger headliners.

Check their calendar at thestanley.org — you might luck into a show during tournament weekend. Recent family-friendly offerings have included cirque-style performances and Magic School Bus kids' shows.

Munson (Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute)

Hockey families looking for something a little different, or parents who need a calm, quiet escape from rink noise, should check out Munson at 310 Genesee Street. This internationally recognized arts institute houses a permanent collection of over 25,000 works spanning three centuries, including pieces by Picasso, Dali, Pollock, O'Keeffe, Kandinsky, Mondrian, and Whistler. The Thomas Cole Voyage of Life series, four large-scale allegorical paintings from the 1840s, is a highlight that even non-art-lovers tend to find captivating.

The Museum of Art building itself was designed by Philip Johnson (the same architect behind the New York State Pavilion at the 1964 World's Fair) and opened in 1960. Its central sculpture court, lit by a skylight, is a stunning space. Next door, the restored 1858 Victorian mansion Fountain Elms showcases 19th-century decorative arts and furniture — a different kind of visual experience that older kids often enjoy.

Munson hosts a For Kids and Families performance series during school breaks, family Art Alive! days with hands-on crafts, live music, and interactive activities, and community art classes year-round. They also run a weekly film series and concerts in the sculpture court.

Best part: Admission to the Museum of Art is free year-round. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, 1–5 p.m. Free parking in the lot on State Street.

Union Station & The Oneida County Public Market

Utica's Union Station (321 Main Street) is a beautiful transportation hub with real architectural character. During the summer, the Oneida County Public Market sets up here on Saturdays with fresh produce, meats, crafts, flowers, and local food trucks, a fun way to soak up the local vibe between games.

Walking Genesee Street

Utica's main downtown corridor is full of interesting architecture, from the gold-domed M&T Bank building (originally the Savings Bank of Utica, with a roof covered in 23-karat gold leaf) to the beautiful Grace Episcopal Church designed by Richard Upjohn, architect of Trinity Church in New York City. It's not a polished tourist strip, it's a real working downtown with character, and worth a stroll if you have 30 spare minutes.

All Aboard: The Adirondack Railroad

If your tournament schedule gives you a full free day (or even a half day), the Adirondack Scenic Railroad is one of the most unique family experiences in the region, and it departs right from Utica's Union Station.

The railroad operates scenic train excursions along a historic line first built in 1891 by railroad magnate Dr. William Seward Webb. The most popular route runs from Utica to Old Forge/Thendara, passing through remote forests, over bridges, past sparkling rivers, and deep into the six-million-acre Adirondack Park. Shorter winter excursions run from Utica north to the Remsen Depot, about two hours round trip and perfect for a tournament weekend window.

The railroad draws over 70,000 riders per year and is one of the top tourist attractions in Oneida County. Throughout the year, they run an impressive slate of themed excursions that kids and families love:

• Cabin Fever Trains (Winter) — Ride from Utica to Remsen, where you'll warm up by a fire with hot chocolate and s'mores. Every ticket holder gets a souvenir campfire mug.

• Easter Bunny Express (Spring) — A round trip from Holland Patent Station along the base of the Adirondack Mountains.

• Polar Express™ (November–December) — The marquee event. Depart from Union Station in pajamas, sip hot chocolate and cookies, and meet Santa at the "North Pole" who gives every child the Silver Bell. This sells out every year — book early.

• Pumpkin Train & Halloween Train (Fall) — Kids in costume get a free pumpkin.

• Princess & Super Hero Trains — Themed excursions for the younger crowd.

• Beer & Wine Trains (21+ only) — For parents who want their own adventure. Live entertainment and local beverages.

• Mad Hatter Tea Party Trains — A whimsical two-hour Alice in Wonderland-themed ride with teas and treats.

For the full experience, the Utica to Old Forge trip is an all-day adventure (about 11 hours round trip from Utica), but it includes time in the charming Adirondack village of Old Forge for shopping, dining, and exploring. The Thendara round trips are shorter (about 1–4.5 hours) and still offer gorgeous Adirondack scenery.

Tickets and schedules at adirondackrr.com.

Day Trip Options (If You've Got Extra Time)

Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo — Rome, NY (~20 minutes)

An interactive zoo designed specifically for kids. Feed, pet, and hold animals, visit the goat nursery, and watch peacock displays. A perfect half-day activity for younger siblings.

Sylvan Beach Amusement Park — (~30 minutes south)

A classic Upstate New York summer getaway with a lakefront beach, vintage amusement rides, arcade games, and waterfront dining. Best for warmer-month tournaments, but worth the drive if the weather cooperates.

Turning Stone Resort Casino — Verona, NY (~30 minutes west)

Beyond the casino floor, Turning Stone offers bowling, an indoor golf dome, a spa, and multiple restaurants. A solid option if parents need a change of scenery or the team wants to organize a group bowling outing.

Fort Stanwix National Monument — Rome, NY (~20 minutes)

A reconstructed 18th-century fort where kids can explore the grounds, watch live reenactments, and participate in hands-on history programs. Free admission.

Old Forge & The Adirondacks — (~60 minutes north)

If you have a full free day, the drive north into the Adirondacks is spectacular at any time of year. Old Forge is a charming mountain village with shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. In winter, there's snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. In warmer months: kayaking, hiking, and lazy afternoons on the lake.

Practical Tips for Tournament Weekend

Getting there: Utica is right off the New York State Thruway (I-90), Exit 31. Driving times: about 4 hours from New York City and Boston, 2.5 hours from Syracuse, 1.5 hours from Albany, and 4.5 hours from Toronto.

Hotels: Official tournament hotels are typically 10–25 minutes from the rinks. Book through the tournament registration portal for group rates when possible.

Weather reality check: Utica gets serious Upstate New York winter weather. Pack warm layers, waterproof boots, and hand warmers. Even inside the rinks, it's cold, bring blankets for the bleachers and a puffy jacket you don't mind sitting in for hours. If you're visiting outside of winter, spring and fall can be unpredictable, so layers are always smart.

Team dinner ideas:

• Pick up sheets of tomato pie from Roma's or Napoli's and feed the whole team at the hotel for almost nothing.

• Order catering trays of meatballs, sausage and peppers, or antipasto from Roma Sausage & Deli, easy, affordable, and wildly better than hotel pizza delivery.

• Take the team out for chicken riggies at a sit-down restaurant for a real Utica experience.

• Hit Holland Farms for half moons and donut holes for dessert, the kids will remember this long after they've forgotten the scores.

  
  

Catch a Comets game: If the AHL's Utica Comets (the New Jersey Devils' top minor league affiliate) have a home game during your tournament weekend, grab tickets. The atmosphere at the Aud is electric, the games are fast and physical, and it's an incredible experience for young hockey players to watch live professional hockey in the same building they're competing in.

Don't skip Bleecker Street: If you have time to explore one neighborhood, make it Bleecker Street. This stretch of East Utica is the heart of the city's Italian-American food tradition. Within a short walk you'll find O'Scugnizzo Pizzeria, Grimaldi's, Roma Sausage & Deli, and other authentic spots. Park once and eat your way down the block.

Your Tournament Weekend Cheat Sheet

Time Window	What to Do
30 minutes between games	Grab tomato pie from Roma's or Napoli's and eat at the rink
1–2 hours	Holland Farms for half moons and donuts, or browse the Brewery District
2–3 hours	Utica Zoo — perfect length, affordable, and kids love it
Half day	F.X. Matt Brewery tour + 1888 Biergarten lunch, then stroll Genesee Street
Full free day	Adirondack Railroad excursion, or drive to Old Forge for an Adirondack adventure
Evening (parents)	Brewery District restaurants and live music on Varick Street
Evening (family)	Check the Stanley Theatre calendar, or catch a Utica Comets AHL game

Utica isn't just a place to play hockey. It's a city with world-class food, genuine character, and more to do than you'd ever expect from a small city in Upstate New York. Whether you've got 30 minutes between games or a full free afternoon, there's something here for every member of the family. By the time the final buzzer sounds, don't be surprised if you're already planning your next trip back — and not just for the tournament.

Ready to register? Visit nickelcityhockey.com to sign up for the next Utica Comets Cup.